Something Big Pakenham

🎄 COUNCIL CANCELLED THE PAKENHAM CHRISTMAS CAROLS — BUT ONE LOCAL REFUSED TO GIVE UP! When Cardinia Shire Council cancelled Pakenham's much-loved Christmas Carols, independent candidate Raymond French decided to find a solution. And with Gumbuya World stepping in, could this Christmas tradition have a new future? 🎙️ SOMETHING BIG PODCAST | SEASON 2, EPISODE 5 (S2E5) *INDEPENDENT. LOCAL. TOUGH.* David Farrelly and Stephanie Davies welcome **RAYMOND FRENCH**, independent candidate for Pakenham in the 2026 Victorian State Election. A passionate local, businessman and community advocate, Raymond believes governments need greater accountability and less political interference. With a background in construction, his own building inspection business and experience with Master Builders Victoria, Raymond brings a practical approach to politics. 🔥 *IN THIS EPISODE:* 🎄 How Raymond and Gumbuya World are working to bring Christmas Carols back to Pakenham. 🏛️ Why Cardinia Shire Council cancelled its traditional community event. 🇦🇺 Why Raymond is standing as an independent, free from political party obligations. 🏗️ His construction background and views on government accountability. 🗳️ What Raymond hopes to achieve for Pakenham if elected. *AND DAVID & STEPH ASK — WHY DID COUNCIL LET THE CHRISTMAS CAROLS GO?* They discuss the community's disappointment and whether Council should have done more to protect one of Pakenham's favourite family traditions. 💥 *CAN ONE INDEPENDENT MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE?* Hear Raymond's story, his ideas and his plans for Pakenham. Then make up your own mind! 💬 *WHAT DO YOU THINK?* Should Council have continued hosting the Christmas Carols? Could an independent candidate deliver better outcomes for Pakenham? 👇 Tell us in the comments! 👍 LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE for more honest conversations and local stories. #RaymondFrench #PakenhamCarols #GumbuyaWorld #VictorianElection2026 --- 📩 GET IN TOUCH For guest appearances, story suggestions, advertising or sponsorship enquiries: 📧 studio@craigholowell.com.au --- SOMETHING BIG PODCAST Something Big is a Pakenham-based podcast hosted by David Farrelly and Stephanie Davies, bringing you real conversations about local issues, politics, community and the people making a difference. From Pakenham and Melbourne's south-east to the issues shaping Victoria and Australia, we ask questions, challenge ideas and give our guests a chance to have their say. 🎙️ Real conversations. No scripts. No spin. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes and conversations.

🔥 20 YEARS IN PAKENHAM. A MUM. A COMMUNITY ADVOCATE. AND NOW SHE WANTS YOUR VOTE! But who is Kate Hands, and what does the Libertarian Party really stand for? 🎙️ SOMETHING BIG PODCAST | SEASON 2, EPISODE 4 Kate Hands, the Libertarian Party candidate for Pakenham in the 2026 Victorian State Election, joins host David Farrelly and co-host Stephanie Davies for an honest, open and refreshingly down-to-earth conversation about politics, community, personal freedoms and the future of Victoria. LOCAL. DEVOTED. PASSIONATE. INDEPENDENT-MINDED. Kate isn't someone who has suddenly discovered Pakenham because there's an election coming! She's called Pakenham home for more than 20 years. She's a mum, a passionate advocate for mental health and young people, and someone who has spent years contributing to her local community. In fact, David and Kate have worked together on community safety and crime prevention initiatives designed to make Pakenham a safer place to live. But now Kate has entered the political arena. Standing for the Libertarian Party in Victoria, led by David Limbrick MP, Kate believes in smaller government, greater personal freedoms and the right of individuals to live their lives and express themselves without unnecessary government interference. So what does that actually mean for Pakenham? And what has Kate got to offer voters at this year's state election? 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE GET TO KNOW KATE HANDS: 🔹 What drives a local mum and community advocate to enter politics? 🔹 Why did she choose the Libertarian Party? 🔹 What does smaller government and greater personal freedom really mean? 🔹 Why are mental health, youth opportunities and community safety so important to her? 🔹 What would she change for Pakenham if elected? 🔹 And can a smaller political party make a big difference in Victoria? No carefully rehearsed political speeches. No party-controlled soundbites. Just a genuine opportunity to hear from someone asking for your vote. Whether you support the Libertarians, disagree with their policies or simply want to understand the alternatives at this election, this is a conversation worth watching. 👀 YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE WITH KATE. BUT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT SHE STANDS FOR! 🚨 PAKENHAM EAST RENAMING – WHEN DOES SILENCE BECOME CONSENT? And before we meet Kate, David and Steph tackle another controversial local issue that's raising serious questions about community consultation and democracy. Cardinia Shire Council's push to rename Pakenham East to Honora Fields. In the latest consultation, more people explicitly opposed the proposed name than supported it. Yet Council has relied on the controversial concept of "implied consent", treating certain non-responses as support under the naming process. David and Steph question whether this genuinely reflects the wishes of the community. 🤔 If someone doesn't respond to a survey, does that mean they agree? 🤔 Should implied consent outweigh the expressed objections of residents? 🤔 And what's the point of community consultation if those who actually vote NO feel they're being ignored? SILENCE IS NOT NECESSARILY SUPPORT! It's a robust conversation about local democracy, community voices and whether our elected representatives are genuinely listening. 💬 NOW WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! What do you think of Kate Hands and the Libertarian Party? Could smaller government and greater personal freedom be the answer to some of Victoria's challenges? And what do you think about Cardinia Shire Council's approach to the Pakenham East renaming? 👇 Let us know in the comments. We welcome respectful debate, different opinions and genuine conversations. 👍 LIKE this episode if you enjoyed the conversation. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Something Big Podcast and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. 📢 SHARE this interview with someone who wants to know more about the candidates and issues shaping our community. 🎧 ABOUT SOMETHING BIG PODCAST Real conversations. Local voices. Big issues. Recorded in Pakenham, in Melbourne's southeast, Something Big Podcast brings you open and engaging conversations about politics, community issues, local personalities and the stories that matter. Hosted by David Farrelly and co-host Stephanie Davies, we're giving people a platform to speak openly, share their stories and discuss the issues that affect our communities. From community leaders to candidates in the 2026 Victorian State Election, our aim is simple: meaningful conversations where people can make up their own minds. No party control. No political spin. Just conversations worth having. 📩 GET IN TOUCH Have a story to share? Want to appear on Something Big, suggest a guest, or discuss advertising and sponsorship opportunities? We'd love to hear from you! 📧 Email: studio@craigholowellphotography.com.au 📍 Pakenham | Cardinia Shire | Melbourne, Victoria #KateHands #LibertarianParty #SomethingBigPakenham #Pakenham #VictorianElection2026

🎙️ Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Season 2, Episode 3 | Special Guest: Warren Pickering 🔥 A HUGE EPISODE THIS WEEK – Warren Pickering, One Nation Victoria Leader This week on the Something Big Pakenham Podcast , we’re joined by a very special guest: Warren Pickering, One Nation Victoria Leader and candidate for the Pakenham area! In this fascinating and wide ranging interview, we get to know the man behind the politics. Who is Warren Pickering? What drives him? What does he stand for? And what would he do for our local community if elected? Warren opens up about his views, his priorities, and his vision for the future. We go beyond the headlines to have a genuine conversation and give Warren the opportunity to speak directly to our listeners about the issues that matter. The mainstream media often presents a particular picture of political figures, but we believe it’s important to have open conversations, ask questions, and let people form their own opinions. So, sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy this fantastic interview! 💬 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! What do you think of Warren Pickering and his vision for the Pakenham area? Do you agree with his views? What questions would you like answered? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. We welcome your opinions, questions, and feedback! 👍 If you enjoy the show, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND HIT THE NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode of Something Big Pakenham Podcast. 🎧 Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Real conversations, local voices, and big topics that matter to our community. 📩 Want to get involved or discuss sponsorship opportunities? Email: studio@craigholowellphotography.com.au #SomethingBigPakenham #WarrenPickering #OneNationVictoria #Pakenham #CardiniaShire #AustralianPolitics #CommunityPodcast #Season2Episode3

🎙️ Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Series 2, Episode 2 🎙️ Welcome back to Something Big Pakenham Podcast! We’re back with Series 2, Episode 2, bringing you more conversations, stories, community news and everything happening in and around Pakenham and the Cardinia Shire. Hosted by David Farrelly and Stephanie Davies former Councillor of Cardinia Shire 2020–24, the podcast brings together interesting people, local stories and the issues that matter to our community. 💧 A VERY SPECIAL GUEST – HARRY JENSEN This week we welcome Harry Jensen from the Save the Beaconsfield Reservoir Action Group. Harry brings us all the latest news on the campaign to save the magnificent and important Beaconsfield Reservoir, including why this water resource is so important to our local community and the wider region. Harry talks about what is happening with the reservoir, the latest developments in the campaign and, most importantly, what we can all do to help support the fight to save it. If you care about our local environment, our water resources and the future of the Cardinia Shire, this is an episode you won't want to miss! 📍 In This Episode: ✅ Meet Harry Jensen from the Save the Beaconsfield Reservoir Action Group ✅ The latest news on the campaign to save Beaconsfield Reservoir ✅ Why the reservoir is such an important water resource ✅ What the future could hold for Beaconsfield Reservoir ✅ What local residents can do to help ✅ What's happening around Pakenham and the Cardinia Shire ✅ Local community news, stories and events ✅ Plenty of laughs and local conversation 🎙️ Something Big Pakenham Podcast is a lighthearted, informative and family-friendly podcast that celebrates our community while tackling topics that matter. A huge thank you to everyone who supported Series 1 and helped make Something Big Pakenham Podcast part of the local community. We’re excited about what’s ahead in Series 2, with some fantastic guests, stories and conversations lined up. 🤝 Proudly Supported By: Douglas from Adaptive Fire and Electrical 📞 PH: 1300 437 917 For all your electrical needs, call Douglas. He can help with any electrical job, large or small. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, COMMENT 💬 and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to stay up to date with everything happening in Pakenham, Cardinia Shire and beyond! #SomethingBigPakenham #Pakenham #CardiniaShire #BeaconsfieldReservoir #SaveBeaconsfieldReservoir #HarryJensen #PakenhamPodcast #CardiniaShireCommunity #LocalCommunity #SomethingBig #PodcastAustralia

Hosted by David Farrelly and Stephanie Davies – former Councillor of Cardinia Shire 2020–24. Welcome back to Something Big Pakenham Podcast! We’re excited to kick off Series 2 with another season of conversations, stories, community news and everything happening in and around Pakenham and the Cardinia Shire . Hosted by David Farrelly and Stephanie Davies , former Councillor of Cardinia Shire (2020–24), the podcast brings together interesting people, local stories and the issues that matter to our community. In this episode, we chat about what’s happening around Pakenham, the latest local news, upcoming events and some of the big things happening across our community. But that’s not all! This series will continue to shine a spotlight on the people, businesses, organisations and community groups that help make Pakenham such a great place to live. 🎙️ Something Big Pakenham Podcast is a lighthearted, informative and family-friendly podcast that celebrates our community while tackling topics that matter. 📍 In This Episode: ✅ Welcome to Series 2 ✅ Meet Stephanie Davies ✅ The latest news and events happening around Pakenham ✅ What's happening across the Cardinia Shire ✅ Local people, businesses and community stories ✅ Plenty of laughs and local conversation A huge thank you to everyone who supported Series 1 and helped make Something Big Pakenham Podcast part of the local community. We’re excited about what’s ahead in Series 2 and have some fantastic guests, stories and conversations lined up. 🤝 Proudly Supported By: Douglas from Adaptive Fire and Electrical 📞 PH: 1300 437 917 For all your electrical needs, call Douglas. He can help with any electrical job, large or small. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, COMMENT 💬 and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to stay up to date with everything happening in Pakenham, Cardinia Shire and beyond!

🎙 Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Episode 9🎙 Hosted by David Farrelly. In our latest episode, we sit down with Bozica (Bobo) Davis who has been helping people, along with her loyal team of volunteers, under the name of “Have a Little Hope” since losing her eldest son to suicide on 13th April 2016. Since then Bobo and her team have worked tirelessly to provide welfare by providing food, goods, and support to people who have suffered the effects of suicide, hardship from domestic violence, trauma, financial hardship, and illness. They really need our help at the moment and if you are in a position to donate please do. The link to their website is below. https://www.havealittlehope.org/donate-to-have-hope-inc If we can give a little hope to the people suffering hardship in our community then at least we can make a difference. But that’s not all this episode also includes: ✅ The latest news & events happening around Pakenham This is a lighthearted, informative, and family-friendly podcast that shines a spotlight on our community while tackling topics that matter. From the whole team at Big Podcast, we want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has tuned in and supported us throughout the year. A special shout-out to our amazing sponsor, Douglas from Adaptive Fire and Electrical — we couldn’t do this without you. What an incredible year it’s been! We’re already gearing up for a massive 2026, so keep an eye out for some exciting things to come. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. Take care on the roads, and remember if you’re planning to have a drink, make sure you’ve got a mate to drive you home or grab a cab or Uber. Stay safe, and we’ll see you in 2026! 🎄✨ 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all things Pakenham and beyond! Supporters: Douglas from Adaptive Fire and Electrical PH: 1300 437 917 For all your electrical needs call Douglas, he will help with any electrical job large or small.

🎙 Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Episode 8🎙 Hosted by David Farrelly. In our latest episode, we sit down with Meagan Schouten the President and Robyn May General Committee of the Pakenham Yakkerboo Festival. We chat about the incredible festival and how long it been running, what is a Yakkerboo and what we can expect from next years festival in February. But that’s not all this episode also includes: ✅ The latest news & events happening around Pakenham This is a lighthearted, informative, and family-friendly podcast that shines a spotlight on our community while tackling topics that matter. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all things Pakenham and beyond! Supporters: Douglas from Adaptive Fire and Electrical PH: 1300 437 917 For all your electrical needs call Douglas, he will help with any electrical job large or small.

🎙 Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Episode 7🎙 Hosted by David Farrelly. In our latest episode, we sit down with Alwyn Williams the President of Inner Wheel club of Pakenham. Inner Wheel is a United Nations organization dedicated to helping victims of family violence. They are running a 16 days of activism and the Cardinia Cultural center will be lit up in orange during the campaign. Its a great chat and a great cause. But that’s not all this episode also includes: ✅ The latest news & events happening around Pakenham This is a lighthearted, informative, and family-friendly podcast that shines a spotlight on our community while tackling topics that matter. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all things Pakenham and beyond! Supporters: Douglas from Adaptive Fire and Electrical PH: 1300 437 917 For all your electrical needs call Douglas, he will help with any electrical job large or small.

🎙 Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Episode 6🎙 Hosted by David Farrelly & Stacey Woodfield. In our latest episode, we sit down with Wendy Andrews from the Lakeside residence group to discuss the upcoming Halloween event at the Dragon Park Lakeside. We also go on the road to chat to Mark who has been having issues with council taking away his sons basket ball ring. An incredible story of how the council just wont work with the residents to fix a simple problem. He has a petition linked below if you would like to sign it. But that’s not all this episode also includes: ✅ The latest news & events happening around Pakenham This is a lighthearted, informative, and family-friendly podcast that shines a spotlight on our community while tackling topics that matter. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all things Pakenham and beyond! Supporters: Douglas from Adaptive Fire and Electrical PH: 1300 437 917 Let The Kids Play Petition https://www.change.org/p/let-the-kids-play-fc40319d-f9ee-48ff-8656-adbe2c904ad6?source_location=search

🎙 Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Episode 5🎙 Hosted by David Farrelly & Stacey Woodfield. In our latest episode, we sit down with Alex and Lilly from Lilin & Co Cafe in Pakenham. David gets to talk about his real passion Coffee. A great business run by great people. But that’s not all this episode also includes: ✅ The latest news & events happening around Pakenham This is a lighthearted, informative, and family-friendly podcast that shines a spotlight on our community while tackling topics that matter. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all things Pakenham and beyond!

🎙 Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Episode 4🎙 Hosted by David Farrelly & Stacey Woodfield. In our latest episode, we sit down with Leanne the President of the Pakenham show to get her insights on how she became President, The History and what we can expect from the 2026 show. But that’s not all—this episode also includes: ✅ The latest news & events happening around Pakenham This is a lighthearted, informative, and family-friendly podcast that shines a spotlight on our community while tackling topics that matter. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all things Pakenham and beyond!

🎙 Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Episode 3 🎙 Hosted by David Farrelly & Stacey Woodfield In our latest episode, we sit down with Wayne Farnham MP for an interesting chat on how his path to Parliament has be anything but normal. Wayne is passionate about making a positive change in the Gippsland and surrounding areas. But that’s not all—this episode also includes: ✅ The latest news & events happening around Pakenham This is a lighthearted, informative, and family-friendly podcast that shines a spotlight on our community while tackling topics that matter. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all things Pakenham and beyond! #SomethingBigPakenham #Podcast #DrReneeHeathMP #PakenhamCommunity

🎙 Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Episode 2 🎙 Hosted by David Farrelly & Stacey Woodfield In our second episode, we sit down for part 2 of the interview with the inspiring Dr Renee Heath MP for an inspiring and insightful conversation. Renee opens up about her background, the challenges of being a female in Victorian Parliament, and what it really takes to become a politician in Australia. This will be a two part interview with the remaining airing next Sunday. But that’s not all—this episode also includes: ✅ The latest news & events happening around Pakenham ✅ Our on the scenes interviews at the STOP THE TAX meeting in Pakenham. ✅ The Ballet is coming to Pakenham This is a lighthearted, informative, and family-friendly podcast that shines a spotlight on our community while tackling topics that matter. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all things Pakenham and beyond! #SomethingBigPakenham #Podcast #DrReneeHeathMP #PakenhamCommunity

🎙 Something Big Pakenham Podcast – Episode 1 🎙 Hosted by David Farrelly & Stacey Woodfield In our very first episode, we sit down with Dr Renee Heath MP for an inspiring and insightful conversation. Renee opens up about her background, the challenges of being a female in Victorian Parliament, and what it really takes to become a politician in Australia. This will be a two part interview with the remaining airing next Sunday. But that’s not all—this episode also includes: ✅ The latest news & events happening around Pakenham ✅ A fun "get to know the hosts" segment ✅ A lively discussion on the controversial Machete bins in Victoria This is a lighthearted, informative, and family-friendly podcast that shines a spotlight on our community while tackling topics that matter. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with all things Pakenham and beyond! #SomethingBigPakenham #Podcast #DrReneeHeathMP #PakenhamCommunity