16 Februaryy 2015
A Star Ne News Group Publication tion
Future is in tow
FFV at Wolves’ door
Property liftout
PAGE 49
SPORT
INSIDE
LIFE ON A GR AND SCALE
Monday, 16 Februar y
2015
PAGE 2
■ Mosque takes tough line as congregation booms...
Parking prayers By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS WORSHIPPERS clogging up nearby streets with illegal parking face being named, shamed and possibly banned from their mosque if they don’t mend their ways. The threat comes as the mosque, in a congested part of Cleeland Street, Dandenong, has been allowed to double its Friday congregation despite a 200-plus car parking shortfall.
The Dandenong Turkish Islamic and Cultural Society has said it will do what it can to knock its congregation into line to minimise the disruption caused by the increase. In a heated meeting last Monday, divided Greater Dandenong councillors approved the centre’s request to increase maximum on-site worshipper numbers from 150 to 300 on Fridays between noon and 2pm. Its numbers have also been permit-
ted to swell from 300 to 500 during the month-long Ramadan and the end of the Kurban period. Parking comes under acute stress in the area which is surrounded by houses, Chisholm TAFE, Dandenong Hospital, clinics and Dandenong North Primary School. The Islamic society, which has no plans to increase its 41-space off-street car park, has pledged “zero tolerance” for illegal parking by its congregation.
Mosque vice-president Suleyman Sahingoz said members monitored nearby streets and would be “naming and shaming” repeat culprits in front of the congregation. “If it happens two or three times, that person will be banned from the mosque.” He said the inconvenience caused was brief because the Friday service lasted only 20 minutes. A sizeable number of worshippers
walked to the service and drivers were invited to use the TAFE’s car park during that time, he said. “The problems are overstated, to be honest. But it doesn’t mean we don’t take it seriously.” Mr Sahingoz disputed claims that the mosque’s numbers would continue to climb. He said the mosque had open communication with its neighbours.
New year’s a go for the Goat THOUSANDS welcomed in the Year of the Goat at Springvale’s Lunar Festival on Sunday, under clear skies and with the mercury nudging 33 degrees. Among those soaking up the atmosphere and adding a touch of drama with a lot of noise were the Cambodian Lion Dance group, seen weaving their spell through the streets of Springvale. For more pictures turn to page 47. 134564
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Picture: ROB CAREW
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