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Monday, 4 December, 2017

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Carols to get city singing By Casey Neill

Chris McKenna and Roy Best get into the Christmas spirit. 175736

“This year, Santa sings.” That’s not all this year’s Carols in Harmony Square has in store on Friday 15 December, says master of ceremonies Chris McKenna. “We’ve really pulled out the A-team for the Dandenong carols,” he said. He said the cast of Shrek the Musical would be making an appearance, as would the City of Greater Dandenong Band. “It’s going to be a great family-fun night,” he said. “I get the joy of telling the audience and crowd about all the wonderful acts that are on and doing all the intros and outros and maybe leading the odd congregational singing. “I really enjoy that. “Roy is our star tenor.” Roy Best chimed in: “I sing a lot.” Chris said: “He’s one of the best tenors in Australia today.” “Roy will be joined by Michelle Fitzmaurice. “She’s an award-winning singer/actress from the West Australian Academy of Perform-

ing Arts and a great versatile-type performer. “Our musical director for Roy and Michelle is David Cameron, who is currently Marina Prior’s musical director.” Roy will sing The Holy City, Oh Holy Night, The Christmas Song, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Mary’s Boy Child and more. “There’s a beautiful Nat King Cole song that Michelle sings called Cradle in Bethlehem,” Chris said. “There’s a great mix of songs.” The 70th annual Greater Dandenong carols event will feature free activities for kids from 6pm, including a story time session, face painting, arts and crafts and balloon animals. The carols start at 6.30pm and also include performances from Bethany Fisher and dancers, the Dandenong Primary School choir and the Tongan Upper Room Worship Team. There’ll be food for sale and market stalls for last-minute Christmas gifts. On-street and multi-deck car parking is free after 6pm. The Salvation Army will be selling LED candles for a gold coin donation. Guests can bring along picnic rugs and deck chairs.

Season trashed By Casey Neill Don’t dump - donate. That’s the message from Greater Dandenong Council and local charities this festive season. The council’s residential amenity co-ordinator, Daniel Maltar, said removing dumped rubbish was costing Vinnies Springvale about $700 each month. “Council would be spending even more,” he said. “It’s an issue that many people like Vinnies have. “A lot of people are dumping sometimes usable things, but a lot of the time non-usable

things in front and at the rear of their shop. “From our perspective it’s litter. “A large portion of the people probably think they’re doing the right thing. “They can face fines and even prosecution.” Those fines are issued under the Environmental Protection Act and start at $317 for a “general deposit litter offence”. Mr Maltar said the council had been working with Vinnies to combat the issue. The opportunity shop provides CCTV footage following dumps and the council investigates. “We generally rely on a registration plate or something in the rubbish itself, a letter or

something,” he said. “We’ve had some impact. “But one dumping a week is one too many. “We want to stop litter from happening but we still want people to donate to Vinnies because they offer a critical community service. “It’s more about changing that behaviour.” Mr Maltar said people should donate items in good condition during business hours or call Vinnies to organise a pick-up time for bulky items. The council offers free hard waste collections and other disposal services for rubbish. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information.

Vinnies Springvale's Gavin Paulokat inspects a "donation" with Greater Dandenong Council's Picture: GARY SISSONS Mel White. 175413

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Dark slams lack of action By Casey Neill “Now we’re going to open a tent city in Harmony Square?“ Greater Dandenong councillor Tim Dark slammed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as “wishy washy”, lacking in action and too expensive during a heated exchange at the Monday 27 November meeting. “It doesn’t go to the true issues facing the indigenous population,” he said. “It beats around the bush.” But Councillor Angela Long said: “He’s opposing anything that’s indigenous.” “I’m flabbergasted that this has happened again,” she said.

“I’m just so upset that you are once again against our indigenous people.” It followed Cr Dark arguing for a motion about flying the Torres Strait Islander flag at the Dandenong Civic centre to be deferred, and then abstaining from voting on the matter when it returned to council. Cr Maria Sampey quietly said “what’s wrong with it?” when Cr Dark indicated his opposition this time around. Cr Long was much louder in questioning his motives. “I don’t understand opposition to this,” she said. “It’s a RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) that

has three key themes - relationships, respect, and opportunities for our indigenous people. “I believe it’s his personal opinion and not anything else. “Everyone had the opportunity to attend the first reconciliation forum. “Why did you not attend if you had so many things that you wanted to explore? “You didn’t say anything.” She suggested that his abstention on the flag issue equated to a no vote, sparking calls from Cr Dark for an apology and withdrawal of the “derogatory” comment. He asked CEO John Bennie to review what was said and to clarify his abstention.

Cr Dark said “there wasn’t much in terms of substance offered by Cr Long in that debate” and also accused the document itself of lacking substance. “This action plan is all words. There’s no action,” he said. Cr Sean O’Reilly said: “I don’t know how you have more action without increasing an alleged cost blowout. Those seem kind of opposite.” He said this was the first time Cr Dark had raised objections to the plan, despite attending workshops on its production. “We shouldn’t try to stop the whole thing right at the last point,” he said.

Their duty of care crosses all borders of age and race By Casey Neill Young veterans and their families can find friends and support at the Dandenong RSL. RSL volunteer and ex-Navy member Anita Hogan recently ran a family fun day to kickstart a concerted effort to encourage the next generation of service men and women to come together. The Sunday 19 November event was a welfare department initiative supported by Dandenong RSL president John Wells. “The day was about bringing young vets and their families together and showing them that the RSL is a place for them,” Ms Hogan said. “We’re planning to have more family-focused events in the future on a regular basis. “They’re looking at a fishing charter early next year. “We had feedback forms to see what people would like to do. “We’re an RSL for all veterans regardless of their age.” The event included chats from the R U OK? movement and the Quilts of Valour project, lunch, raffles and more. “If it helps to prevent one person thinking about suicide, that’s what it’s all about,” Ms Hogan said. “It’s just imperative that they don’t feel isolated ,that they feel like they can catch up for a beer and they can do it in a relaxed environment.” She said the younger vets needed to learn from older ones “and educate them about us at the same time”. “We can’t do that unless we actually attend the RSL, events and parades,” she said. “We need to break the cycle. “I want veterans to remember the resilience and courage that they learnt in the ADF and apply that once they get out as best as they can, in overcoming adversities that they encounter in civvy street.” Ms Hogan also hosts a coffee morning on the last Tuesday of the month open to women who are serving, have served, or are the partner of a current or former service person.

Anita Hogan checks out a Dandenong Fire Brigade vehicle with son Urijah.

Australian National Veteran Arts Museum's Tanja Johnston with Dandenong RSL welfare officer Vladimir Nagorny.

“I became a volunteer because when I needed the RSL, nobody told me anything about what they could offer,” she said. “I became a volunteer to give back and be-

have a purpose. “We’re lost.” Call Dandenong RSL on 9792 1535 for more information.

cause I know what other veterans need from the inside. “I think that’s the difficulty with a lot of us ex-service people, we don’t feel like we

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STAR JOURNAL 3

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Every year they roll around, as regular as Christmas - you know who I’m talking about. Yep, it’s the ever-growing clan of Christmas grinches. A new one’s born every minute, and an old one dies every year. And I should know - I was one, back in the day. And it begs the question - do you grow out of, or into, being a grinch? As a younger man, I “bah, humbug“ged with the best of them. “Ho-frickin’ho“ was another well-used classic. I decried the commercial face of Christmas. I sneered mightily at its alleged goodwill to all men. But now I have a little grey snow on the temples of my Christmas roof, I have put away my childish views. Every year can afford just a little time for merriment - a time in which we put away the calculator and leave our cares to one side for a little. So a council should be able to find, in its heart and in its coffers, a little love and a little cash to spread some Christmas joy on its main streets - and so should we all. And let me be cheeky enough to point out that we seem to find public time and space for just about every other “day“ - up to and including International Groundhog Day - so a little love for the festive season from our council burghers shouldn’t go astray. The point is often made that we should be this way all year round - but I think maybe that’s asking a little much. So let’s focus on the joy of the festive season in this lucky country - and let’s do it with a smile in our hearts and some Christmas decorations in our streets. Let freedom ring! - Jason Beck

AFTER THE FALL The impending summer deluge had Greater Dandenong SES warning residents to clear the back yard, clean the gutters and stay inside. Read about how the three-day storm event affected the area.

FIREWORKS RAIDS Police made arrests and seized fireworks in Dandenong, Dandenong South and Springvale. Watch vision from the South-East sweep and read about the three-tonne haul.

WHAT MEAT DO YOU EAT... ON CHRISTMAS DAY? It's now December so all minds across our region are turning to one thing... What meat do you eat... on Christmas Day? Star News Group wants to find out what the most popular choice is among our readers who sit down with the family for a feast on Christmas Day. Take our poll, have some fun and for one lucky voter we will provide a $100 gift voucher for the meat of their choice from Australian Butchers Store, 342 Hammond Road, Dandenong - your choice for Christmas! Don't let ham win if you love Turkey... enter our poll at starcommunity.com.au/ competitions Voting ends on Tuesday 12 December at 3pm.

TURNING COFFEE INTO WATER A Hallam drive-through is doing more than providing a caffein fix for customers. People in need in Africa benefit from every cup. Find out how.

FUTURE ON THE MENU The SEBN Christmas Industry Breakfast will celebrate Australian manufacturing and look to the future. The guest speakers will cover aerospace and leadership - read all about them.

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NEWS

Black days know no cultural boundaries By Casey Neill Afaf Alfawwal thought her three-month-old son would be better off without her. The Dandenong mum even considered running away. She couldn’t stop crying, couldn’t sleep and had vivid visions of horrible things happening to Zach. Things that should have come easily like brushing her hair and eating became nearimpossible tasks. Postnatal depression had taken hold. “After I made my recovery I was shocked this topic wasn’t discussed as widely as it should be,” Ms Alfawwal said. “I want to let women and men know that they’re not alone, that there is help out there and light at the end of the tunnel.” The 25-year-old said that the first three months after Zach was born were a “whirlwind”. Ms Alfawwal went from working 40 hours a week to staying at home “with someone completely reliant on me” and her husband was finding his feet in Australia following a move from overseas. “I was loving it, though, because I was wanting to be a mum,” she said. Then one night Zach wanted her to hold him. “I went into a full-blown anxiety attack. I couldn’t pick him up. I was too scared,” Ms Alfawwal said. “It seemed it was literally a switch that had happened overnight. “Now that I look at it, it was developing slowly.” She endured the symptoms for about a month before she broke down in front of her

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Oh brother, it’s a gallery Afaf Alfawwal with a photograph of her son, Zach. 175368 aunt, who immediately recognised the problem. Ms Alfawwal went to the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia PANDA website. “I ticked off 90 per cent of the symptoms,” she said. “It was a massive relief knowing what it was. “It got rid of that fear factor.” She saw a psychologist and a GP, received help from family members, used the PANDA hotline and was prescribed anti-depressants. “Slowly but surely I started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. It took Ms Alfawwal eight months to recover.

“It’s just made me so much more grateful for my son,” she said. “I’m so much more present. “It was a really rocky road but I’m a better person now than I was before. “I learnt so much through that struggle.” More than one in seven new mums and up to one in 10 new dads experience postnatal depression in Australia each year. “Prior to having my child I had suffered anxiety when I was 18,” Ms Alfawwal said. “I wasn’t told that having anxiety or having a mental illness put you at greater risk.”

IN BRIEF The victim spent a week in hospital recovering from his injuries. He reported the incident to police three weeks later.

Police hunt bungling thief Police are renewing an appeal for information about a bungled robbery in Noble Park. Greater Dandenong CIU detectives have released images of a man they believe might be able to assist with their inquiries. They said a man entered a Princes Highway business, about 6.30pm on Saturday 4 November. He purchased several items before allegedly demanding cash. A staff member ran into a back room and the would-be thief fled empty-handed. Police believe he travelled south on Princes Highway toward Dandenong. He’s described as Caucasian, aged in his late forties and about 185cm tall. They urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Pool ball punch A Dandenong pub patron allegedly hit another

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Police are searching for this man. man in the face with a pool ball, knocking him unconscious and breaking his nose. Police are appealing for witnesses to the alleged assault on Thursday 2 November. They said the 62-year-old victim was playing pool at the Jim Dandy Hotel on Lonsdale Street about 6pm. A man described as African in appearance picked up a ball and hit him in the face with it. Police said the victim woke up a short time later and left the pub. He went to a doctor, who discovered eight broken ribs and a broken nose.

Thieves stole iPads and laptops from a Noble Park primary school and returned to the crime scene a week later. Greater Dandenong CIU is investigating a burglary at Harrisfield Primary School on Princes Highway on Monday 20 November, and an attempted burglary on Monday 27 November. Detectives said a group of males broke into the school, about 10.30pm on 20 November, and stole 20 Apple iPad minis and 14 Lenovo laptops. On 27 November about 12.20am there was an attempted burglary and a group of males were seen on bicycles. Police are appealing for anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au to file a confidential report.

Greater Dandenong residents can shape the Dandenong Masonic Hall’s transformation into an art gallery. The council’s vision is to extend and refurbish the 1923 building in Mason Street. Walker Street Gallery would be relocated to the site and the Masonic Hall would become the new home to Greater Dandenong’s public art gallery. Greater Dandenong Mayor Youhorn Chea said the proposed redevelopment was based on celebrating art and culture in Dandenong. “The project aims to create an art gallery that is an exceptional cultural facility,” he said. “The design offers the opportunity to host high-calibre touring exhibitions, as well as inclusive community programs where local artists can showcase their work. “The vision is to create a new public icon within central Dandenong that fosters participation and inclusivity among Dandenong’s diverse community.” In September 1922, the Lodge of Sincerity was struggling for space due to a large increase in memberships and held a meeting to discuss the possibility of building. It entered a contract with Brother G. Snell to have plans and specifications drawn up for the cost of 2800 pounds. Tenders were called and a building contract was signed with Brother N.A. Taylor for 2530 pounds. The lodge held its first meeting in the new building on 22 December 1923. It amalgamated with several local lodges in 1991 and moved out. The Recycle Workshop used the building in 1992 and by September 1996, Mick and Rosa Valenti had acquired the building. They leased it to the Spanish Christian Church for three years. Greater Dandenong Council announced plans to redevelop the site last year. The plans and some architectural drawings are available for viewing at www.greaterdandenong.com/masonichall. Email comments to business@cgd.vic.gov. au or call Kevin van Boxtel on 8571 1570 to discuss the project in more detail.

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Video clue for cop hunt Police hope CCTV images will identify those responsible for an assault and robbery in Dandenong. Greater Dandenong CIU detectives are investigating the Thursday 2 November incident. They believe a number of people were at an address on Langhorne Street when a man was assaulted, about 7am. The attacker then robbed the 45-year-old from Greenvale of cash and fled on foot. The victim was taken to hospital with a serious head injury. Investigators released still images and CCTV footage of a man they believe might be able to assist with their inquiries. They urged anyone who was able to identify the man or had any other information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au https://youtu.be/ABfDnMh-h40

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STAR JOURNAL 7

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 6 December 1917 Glorious Australian soldiers Describing the Australian soldier with the one word “magnificent”, Mr J Henry Lang, national general secretary of the YMCA for Australia, who has just returned from a visit to the western front, says: It is difficult to conceive a more soul-stirring experience for an Australian than a visit to the Somme Battle area where our men fought long in the freezing cold, and finally beat and drove back the Germans. No description could adequately convey to the mind the actual conditions, or do justice to the heroism, resourcefulness, patience and courage of our men who faced this herculean task amid the frosts, biting cold, rain and mud of the worst winters of France, there is much to make one sad for everywhere there

are lonely little wooden crosses, and at less but all too frequently intervals, smaller and larger cemeteries that mark the last resting place of our heroes. The longer one is in this region, however, the more one becomes conscious of its triumphs rather than its tragedies.

50 years ago 5 December 1967 And so we say ... The city’s town hall was a hive of activity over the past few days as the various council departments organised their transfers to the spacious municipal office site in Clow Street. The move began in earnest on Thursday when building sections under the city engineer’s jurisdiction were transferred to the new site. The ground floor section at the new centre houses all the municipal offices.

The first floor incorporates the mayoral chambers, mayor’s and councillors’ rooms, and an outdoor terrace. New office hours are between 9.30am and 4pm. Previously they were from 10am to 4pm.

20 years ago 1 December 1997 Road to milestone Five years age, one of Dandenong’s biggest and oldest manufacturing companies, International Trucks, was rescued from near death by Iveco, the commercial arm of Fiat. Last Tuesday it celebrated survival and a new lease of life at the official handover of its 200,000th truck. Speaking at the ceremony, the Premier, Mr Kennett, congratulated International for producing “world-class trucks“. “The key to prospering is this industry is to think local and act global,“ he said.

5 years ago 3 December 2012 Win for people power A people-power campaign against three-storey apartments in a predominantly one-storey residential street of Dandenong has won support from Greater Dandenong Council. Neighbours to the proposed 12-apartment building at 30 Macpherson Street have claimed it is incompatible to the precinct’s character, a number of historic homes are nearby. Council officers and councillors agreed, rejecting the proposed planning application on Monday last week. The site is a residential two zone, and if the council had approved the proposal neighbours would have had no right of appeal. However the developer may yet appeal against the council’s decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Finding a difficult path COMMUNITY

VOICE THAY HORN YIM IMMIGRATION SERVICE DIRECTOR

Immigration matters are very complex, even for a partner visa application. I have never seen anything like this in my experience working in public and private sectors in the migration field for more than 25 years. I’ve volunteered for the Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre (RILC) for more than 10 years. The City of Greater Dandenong is among the very few council areas that have the highest NESBs (Non-English Speaking Background) in

Australia and speak 120 languages other than English. Most residents are settled and become Australian citizens. Many have become involved in loving relationships from their similar ethnic backgrounds. The Australian Government has made regulations and policies administered by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) harder and harder for sponsors to get their loved ones a visa to live in Australia. The partner application fee is exorbitant, in excess of $7000 (paying to DIBP alone). The processing time is much longer: for onshore (first-stage) up to 21 months and for its second stage, up to 35 months. That is an awful long time for love! Many may know there is a dramatic in-

crease of refusals for its second stage due to the accessibility available through social media where the department can easily check. Earlier this month at the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) National Conference, Assistant Minister for DIBP Alex Hawke, and his senior department assistant secretary Damien Kilner from Canberra announced that from 18 November 2017 there is a mandatory e-lodgement for partner applications. Secondly, all partner applications must be lodged with full supporting documents, or be subject to refusal without further request. Thirdly, fraudulent documents/identities, and faulty statements of claims including family composition and life story events have an extended backdate from one year to 10 years. These fraudulent documents are assessed regardless of who submitted it, either by individuals or friends.

The applicants for visa or citizenship will be responsible for any mistake and attract a heavy penalty. For example, their first stage partner visa could be refused and barred from being lodged again for a certain period of time. While the government’s intention is to make it easy and user-friendly, it is a minefield for those partner applications to be able to lodge them online successfully without getting immigration assistance from a registered migration agent (RMA). People who are thinking about lodging partner applications are wise to seek immigration advice from an RMA before lodging. My clients come from various backgrounds and countries, ranging from a peasant who could not write a word to a church minister with a PhD who used to help his own church followers.

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Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and former Bruce MP Alan Griffin exhange marriage vows on Sunday.

Friday 15 December 2017 6.30pm-9.30pm, Harmony Square 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

All ages Christmas Carols sing-along Roving performances Food and market stalls

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MPs tie the knot Two big names in Dandenong politics have tied the knot. Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams married former Bruce MP Alan Griffin on Sunday 26 November. “It’s a good day when you get to marry your best friend!” Ms Williams said. In her maiden speech to parliament back in 2014, she listed Mr Griffin among her mentors. “Alan tells it how it is but is always constructive,” she said.

Getting into the spirit Free kids' activities from 6pm Carols Storytime Face painting Arts and crafts

Performances by Chris McKenna Michelle Fitzmaurice Roy Best David Cameron Bethany Fisher Greater Dandenong Band Tongan Upper Room Worship Team Special appearances by Santa and Shrek

Councillor Jim Memeti wants to boost Greater Dandenong’s Christmas spirit. At the Monday 27 November meeting he asked if a competition could be set up to reward the best-dressed store windows and houses. “We want to get everybody involved in doing their bit,” he said. He also reminisced about CFA firefighters throwing lollies from their trucks in residential streets in times gone by, and asked if the council could approach crews to do the rounds this year.

Lights cull the gulls smoke-free event

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A $60,000 light system is having a noticeable impact on seagull numbers in the Dandenong CBD. City planning, design and amenity director Jody Bosman said the UV exclusion systems had reduced seagull activity by 80 per cent in

some areas since they were installed in September. The reflectors emit intense ultraviolet light that birds see as fire or danger and avoid. “Anecdotally, two businesses have signed up for the systems,” Mr Bosman said.

The numbers add up Dandenong-based accounting firm RJ Sanderson and Associates is among the country’s best, according to the Australian Financial Review. The company was in 40th place on the top 100 list released on Tuesday 21 November. The list said revenue was at $11.59 million and had grown by 13.4 per cent.

Not a good look Greater Dandenong Councillor Maria Sampey took a swipe at renters who let their grass grow too long at the Monday 27 November council meeting. “Some of them just rent the properties for 12 months and just move on,” she said. “Some of them don’t even own a lawnmower. They just cut it with a whipper snipper and leave it on the footpath so that residents can slip.” She said home owners had complained that this was devaluing their properties, and asked if the council could do anything. City planning, design and amenity director Jody Bosman said the council could ask owners to bring their properties into good condition.

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Monday, 4 December, 2017

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THE LOWDOWN with Daniel Margariti, Young Adult Cancer Support founder

Who are you? I am a 26-year-old two times cancer survivor, first diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 18, and diagnosed again at 24 with secondary testicular cancer in the abdomen, liver and lungs. I’m taking part in the 2018 Casey Relay for Life, which is aiming to raise an incredible total of $4 million in its short 10-year history. What is something people don’t know about you? I wanted to be a photographer for National Geographic when I was a child, and on a three-month trip travelling overland through southern Africa I got to live out that childhood fantasy going on safari and taking around 5000 photos. What was your most memorable moment? On my gap year after graduating from Monash University, I went to volunteer in an orphanage in Tanzania. I brought with me 40 children’s books which were so appreciated by the kids, having them calling out one after the other to read with them. Also seeing the joy on the kids’ faces when I organised on my last day to take them to the beach. Even though they lived not far from the coast, it was the first time most of them had seen the sea, and their expressions of joy were priceless and extremely memorable. What would your last meal be? My Nonna’s pasta with eggplant meatballs and for dessert the strawberry trifle my other Nonna makes, along with my mother’s famous cholate mousse. What event, past, present or future, would you like to witness? I would like to have the ability to go back in time to see the day that World War II ended and to experience the pure joy and relief the entire world would have felt. What is your favourite TV show? My favourite TV show would be the BBC ‘Planet Earth’ series by David Attenbourgh, as I love documentaries.

THREE … ways to get a dose of Christmas cheer.

The Springvale Benevolent Society and other charities need cash, food and gifts to brighten the festive season for those doing it tough in Greater Dandenong. Contact Joe Rechichi on 0409 249 881 to lend a hand.

The Australian nativity scene at St Elizabeth’s in Dandenong North is in its 14th year and will be on show from 11 December to 12 January. Creator Wilson Fernandez adds to the display each year. Call the parish office on 9795 6217 or Wilson on 0428 927 110 to arrange a viewing, or check it out after mass on weekends. Visit stelizabethsparish.org.au for details.

Greater Dandenong Carols in Harmony Square will kick off at 6.30pm on Friday 15 December. Santa will pop in from the North Pole and there’ll be face painting, arts and crafts, market stalls and performances from the City of Greater Dandenong Band and more.

Daniel Margariti 174523 What is your favourite book? My favourite book is the Reality Slap by Russ Harris. The author is an expert in dealing with serious events in a person’s life and it provides a lot of useful ‘mindfulness’ approaches . Which six guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party? David Attenbourgh, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michael Jordan, Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Al Gore. What has been your most embarrassing moment? At school I ... was quite fat and not very co-or-

dinated between the ages of 8 and 14 years old. One day while playing soccer I fell on top of another primary school boy and broke his leg with my fat unco-ordinated 10-year-old bum, I felt so terrible about it that I picked up and carried the injured schoolmate to the sick bay, it was very embarrassing explaining that I sat on someone’s leg and broke it. What was your first or best concert? I have never really been to a concert or music festival but I would love to see Bruno Mars live if I was to go to a concert, as I love that he has brought funk and soul music back to popular culture.

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NEWS

Their help comes in by the busload By Casey Neill A seemingly-endless stream of Keysborough students carried armfuls of donations into Bob’s Place in Dandenong. The Launch Housing homeless support service gratefully received baked beans, noodles, clothes, sleeping bags, blankets, books, toiletries and more on Thursday 16 November. Year 8 students from Minaret College were behind the haul. It took two buses to transport all the students and donations to the centre. Samirah, 13, explained that a committee of about 15 students spoke to other year levels about Bob’s Place and its work. “We motivated them to bring in donations,” she said. They were inundated over a two-week collection period. “For the junior kids, we put boxes in their classrooms,” Samirah said. Monitors kept an eye on the boxes to ensure they didn’t overflow. “Nearly every day we had to go and empty them,” she said. Students in Years 7 to 12 placed their donations in a chemistry lab. Sama, 14, said the project has made her feel grateful for what she had. “You just want to help them,” she said. “We just want to make sure everyone has what we have.” A Launch Housing staff member said the donation was amazing and would “make a massive difference”.

Police want to speak to this man.

Man sought over theft

Helping the Homeless Committee members Samirah and Sama with the donation. “We’ll go through it all and hand out suitable items,” she said. “It also highlights homelessness in this community. “They’re so young but have that drive already to help people.” This is the school’s fourth or fifth donation to Launch Housing, which provided guidance on the best items to collect. Bob’s Place has 15 rooms and can support up to 260 people each year.

The centre helps with crisis accommodation and support to attain and hold onto longer-term housing. Numan, 14, said: “It feels really satisfying that we can actually provide for the unfortunate. It’s good to set a good example.” He said the donation was about human decency as well as an aspect of the Islamic faith. Mobeen, 14, explained: “As Muslims we’re taught to share and to be generous. It’s one of the pillars of Islam.”

A tradie is believed to have burgled a house under construction in Noble Park. Greater Dandenong CIU detectives are appealing for public help to track him down and have released an image of a man that might be able to assist with their inquiries. They said the man forced entry to the Joffre Street home about 3pm on Sunday 12 November. The house’s owner was driving by, stopped to talk to the man inside the house and noticed the air-conditioner had been removed and property damaged. The man said he worked for an air-conditioning company and picked his tools up before leaving in a white 1998 Nissan Stagea sedan with registration AEA 020. The man is described as Caucasian in appearance and aged in his early twenties with short, dark hair. He was wearing a yellow high-visibility shortsleeved top, white HyFlex brand gloves, dark blue cargo pants and dark-coloured boots. Police urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Community Walk and New Hospital Open Day

WAREHOUSE SALE 6th - 10th December 9am - 4pm

Sunday January 7th 2018 Community Walk Registration from 8am. Walk 9am from Gibb Street Berwick Join in a symbolic walk from the Gibb St hospital to our brand new hospital at Kangan Drive. We will symbolically transfer over 100 years of memories, history and culture to our new home.

RRP

Following the walk, join in our 10am - 2pm at 75 Kangan Drive Your irst chance to see inside the new hospital. All welcome! Mix 101.1 FM onsite, entertainment, food, giveaways, music and more!

For details, more information and to book: www.sjog.org.au/berwickredevelopment

12374051-LN49-17

New Hospital Open Day

For more information: info.berwick@sjog.org.au 12368514-CB49-17

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Monday, 4 December, 2017

STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Their donut secret By Casey Neill Two youngsters who needed a break are among the secret ingredients to the success of Daniel’s Donuts. The Springvale business hosted Industry and Employment Minister Ben Carroll on Wednesday 22 November to highlight the Jobs Victoria program and partner organisation The Bridge. Daniel’s employs Hallam 20-year-old Kahlia Teteo, who has a Tongan background, and Noble Park’s Alisha Neemia, 19, from Samoan heritage. Ms Teteo was unemployed for 18 months before The Bridge helped her to land the sales role about six or seven months ago. Ms Neemia started about the same time, following six months of unemployment. “This was my first job,” she said. Since October last year, The Bridge has helped about 50 long-term unemployed Victorians into sustainable jobs using Jobs Victoria funding. Jobs Victoria has helped to place more than 2400 long-term jobseekers into work since the program started a year ago. The goal is 5000. “Daniel’s Donuts has a reputation that precedes it,” Mr Carroll said. “Having just had one of their Nutella donuts, I can see why they have such a following.” He said Daniel’s had strong family roots through brothers Daniel and Dominic Bartalotta and was a “wonderful success story”. “They are everything the Jobs Victoria employment network is about,” he said. Daniel said: “Alisha took a bit of work but now she’s one of our strongest team members. Kahlia - she knows more than she’s meant to know.” Dominic said: “We’re proud to have them on our team.” The Bridge CEO Phillip Toovey said Jobs Victoria had “re-written the books on employment” and it was a two-way and very positive partnership.

Councillor Heang Tak during his mayoral term. 156854

Tak’s eyes on a state seat By Casey Neill A Greater Dandenong councillor will vie for a seat in the Victorian Parliament at next year’s State Election. Cr Heang Tak announced that the Labor Party had formally endorsed him as its candidate for Clarinda at the Monday 27 November council meeting. “I intend to stay in council as long as the nomination is for, at which case I will advise my councillor colleagues and council,” he said. The Cambodian-born lawyer has called Greater Dandenong home for more than 19 years, was elected to council in 2012 and served as mayor in 2015-’16. Incumbent Clarinda MP Hong Lim announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking re-election. He was the first person of Chinese and Cambodian heritage elected to the Victorian Parliament, in 1996. The Clarinda electorate covers a small area of Springvale.

Kahlia Teteo, Alisha Neemia, and Daniel and Dominic Bartalotta.

Alisha Neemia serves up donuts. 12351228-EPJ19-17

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VERSATILITY AND OPTIONS PAGE 2 021'$< '(&(0%(5

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12373713-KC49-17

ON THE COVER

VERSATILITY AND OPTIONS OFFERING the space that families need, the layout tailored for entertainers and the flexibility seldom found, this brilliant property will perfectly suit extended families or those who are looking to reap a rewarding rental return while also securing a comfortable home of their own. Combining two properties in one, the total accommodation delivers four bedrooms and two bathrooms split into two completely self-contained dwellings. To the front, the larger three bedroom, one bathroom home offers a generous living room which flows to a relaxed meals area, the fresh kitchen and laundry while a stylish alfresco deck complete with gas fireplace and ceiling fan provides a fabulous social hub for both properties. Boasting bi-folds windows to the entertaining deck, the rear dwelling comprises a spacious living zone with kitchenette plus queen-sized bedroom with walk-in wardrobes and ensuite. Both homes benefit from split system heating and cooling and ample parking, along with generous manicured gardens with a 3000-litre water tank. Just an easy stroll to Parkmore Shopping Centre and a choice of reserves, this freshly refurbished proposition is also moments to transport and EastLink. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 7 Gymea Court, Keysborough, 3173 Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car Inspect: By appointment Auction Details: Saturday 16 December, 3.30pm Contact: Leonard Widjaja, 0430 355 225 Agent: AREA SPECIALIST, 8586 6411

PROPERTY NEWS

FRANK FACEY REAL ESTATE CELEBRATES BACK to the future....... Back in February this year we started a series of monthly editorials to highlight the major influencing factors in the success of Frank Facey Real Estate and the subsequent growth of First National Neilson Partners, First National Hall and Partners, Facey Industrial-Commercial and Parklea. We saw how the intuitive decision of Francis P. Facey in 1917 led to the purchase of his first real estate agency in Dandenong which, over the ensuing decades, expanded into Narre Warren, Endeavour Hills, Mulgrave, Berwick and Pakenham. Post-war Australia saw a boom in car ownerships and we went from horses and carts to helicopters and fast cars, internet technology and smart phones ... people now had the means and ability to move out further and take advantage of the beautiful countryside. The South-East grew in popularity as vast expanses of broadacre farmlands were transformed into thriving towns and cities with exciting shopping and entertainment precincts plus world-class 2 DANDENONG JOURNAL

medical and educational facilities. Frank P. Facey and his son Angus could have never imagined just how far the area would develop. He would, no doubt, be extremely proud of the positive impact which the company he started in 1917 has had on the ever-increasing development of the south-eastern corridor. Through challenging times and boom times, with careful management and the enthusiastic commitment of experienced and dedicated staff; the companies first started by Frank Facey succeeded beyond all expectation. Andrew Facey, the third generation in the family business, effectively led the company into the last half of the century and now heads Facey IndustrialCommercial and Parklea in Officer. Ross Neilson, Peter Watson, Todd McKenna, Nyall Greene and Allison Holzer, (all early recruits to the team with decades of experience), are now at the helm of First National Neilson Partners and continue to drive it successfully forward. Over the years, First National Neilson Partners have been responsible for selling vast amounts of subdivisional land,

Monday, 4 December, 2017

Nyall Greene, Todd McKenna, Allison Holzer, Ross Neilson and Peter Watson. 175537 residential and commercial properties, and have management of a large residential and commercial rent roll. They are totally committed to the progress of the district and with predictions being that the City of Casey will reach a population of 459,000 by 2036 and Cardinia will increase to over 175,500 by 2036, it’s abundantly clear that the next 100 years will be as productive as the last. Plans are well underway for the next office of First National Neilson Partners which will be opened in Officer. ● com.au

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

HOME FOCUS

PERFECT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT HOME THE new owners will be able to enjoy this outstandingly large family home situated in one of the most popular and prestigious pockets of Endeavour Hills. The executive home has been designed for a lifetime of enjoyment for the whole family. Situated on a spacious parcel of land of 698 square metres, this well maintained five-bedroom residence is perfect for a large or growing family. Upon entry visitors will be greeted by a spacious formal lounge area, which is perfect for some adult time away. The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and full ensuite, plus all of the other double bedrooms have built-in wardrobes. The beautiful kitchen has been recently refurbished and features a custom wood laminate benchtop and new appliances where there’s plenty of room to cook up a storm and show off MasterChef skills. Throughout the home there are magnificent wooden floors and two roomy living areas, complete with split system air conditioners in addition to solar panels to keep costs down. The large outdoor entertainment area is perfect to cater for the largest of family gatherings with a fire place for warmth and gorgeous café blinds, ideal for both winter and summer weather. The superb pool area comes complete with spa and solar heating. The back yard backs onto a natural reserve making it a peaceful area to relax and enjoy a sunset. Surrounded by parks, schools and transport, this home is just the Christmas present new home buyers need.●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 2 Stacey Court, Endeavour Hills Price: $770,000 - $840,000 Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car View: Saturday as advertised or by appointment Auction: Sale by set date: Monday, 18 December, 5pm (unless sold prior) Agent: BARRY PLANT DANDENONG SALES, 9706 7455 Contact: Katya O'Byrne, 0467 283 902 and Andrew Ward, 0403 411 348

HOME FOCUS

IMPECCABLY PRESENTED - TOP QUALITY BUYERS can forget everything they’ve seen up until now! This property exudes quality and was built to the owners’ own discerning standard. It includes three spacious bedrooms with an ensuite to the master and a centrally located bathroom to cater for everyone else. It has an open welcoming kitchen with top quality appliances and space to sit around and discuss the day’s issues. The large living area overlooks both the kitchen and the sensational outdoor living areas. There is a fully enclosed alfresco with removable panels for year-round entertaining, built in benches/ storage cupboards and then more decking for when the grandkids come to visit so they can be kept out of the house while still being a part of their lives. More? What about a garage with direct access and remote door, electric gates and brick fencing at the front for total security plus electric shutters all round which can be locked up for extra holiday security. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1/44 Ann Street, Dandenong Price: $565,000 to $620,000 Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 car View: Wednesday, 6 December, 3.15pm to 3.45pm and Saturday, 9 December, 12noon-12.30pm Agent: MCLENNAN REAL ESTATE PTY LTD, DANDENONG, 9791 5922 Contact: Mick Whelan, 0416 003 505 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

com.au

Monday, 4 December, 2017

DANDENONG JOURNAL 3

AREASPECIALIST

Springvale South 1/10 Coniston Court

534

Noble Park 10 Birrong Avenue

Price Contact Agent

Price $670,000-$710,000

Inspect By Appointment

Inspect By Appointment Jaymee Le 0416 336 902

Jaymee Le 0416 336 902

538

Keysborough 7 Gymea Court Flexible Family Space

Auction 16 December 3:30pm

Offering the space families need, the layout tailored for entertainers and the flexibility seldom found, this brilliant property will perfectly suit extended families or those looking to reap a rewarding rental return while also securing a comfortable home of their own.

Price Contact Agent Inspect By Appointment

Leonard Widjaja 0430 355 225

Monday, 4 December, 2017

Jaymee Le 0416 336 902

AREASPECIALIST.COM.AU

Aspendale Gardens Shop 13 Narelle Drive | Keysborough 2/43-47 Cheltenham Road 4 DANDENONG JOURNAL

com.au

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

AREASPECIALIST

3 Auction 16 December 11:00am Price Contact Agent Inspect By Appointment

Price Contact Agent

878

Noble Park 150 Buckley Street Exciting Opportunity in Heart of Noble Park Occupying an oversized corner in a popular locale, this comfortable home offers massive potential for those looking for either an investment opportunity or a promising start on the property ladder. Adding up to an 878sqm allotment, this is a stunning chance to create a multi-dwelling development maximising the broad north-facing boundary and dual street frontage (STCA).

2 Auction 16 December 2:00pm

Jaymee Le 0416 336 902

876

Noble Park 152 Buckley Street Exciting Opportunity with Options Galore! Occupying a position which allows you to make the most of amenities at both Parkmore Shopping Centre and Noble Parkâ€™s vibrant hub, this fabulous development opportunity offers a brilliant 876sqm (approx.) of coveted land along with the rare and exciting option to double it!

Inspect By Appointment

Jaymee Le 0416 336 902

AREASPECIALIST.COM.AU

Aspendale Gardens Shop 13 Narelle Drive | Keysborough 2/43-47 Cheltenham Road

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

com.au

Monday, 4 December, 2017

DANDENONG JOURNAL 5

PROPERTY NEWS

TIMBERTOP LIGHTS UP FOR CHRISTMAS

Noble Park 3/28 David Street

TIMBERTOP Estate will be transformed into a world of lights this Christmas as residents light up their homes for the Timbertop Christmas Lights Competition. This year’s light displays are set to be the best yet, showing that the Timbertop neighbourhood spirit is strong and festive. Each year the Timbertop Christmas Lights build’s social connection and spread’s some Christmas cheer for those within the Officer area.

SEJ

Timbertop’s developer Parklea has arranged for a councillor from the Cardinia Shire to judge the best light displays. Deputy Mayor of Cardinia Shire Council Brett Owen was impressed by last year’s efforts of local residents and is excited to see the displays this year. Parklea Sales and Marketing Manager Jarod Mills said each year the enthusiasm the Christmas lights competition brings creates a stronger Timbertop community. ●

T 16P_

Real Estate

OF I

A beAutiful stArter or retirement

For auction.

8794 0500

Saturday 16 December at 2:30pm $480,000 - $528,000 • 2 bedrooms with built in robes • Spacious kitchen with plenty of storage • 2 living areas, one upstairs and one downstairs plus the separate dining area • Single carport with remote access • Gas ducted heating, split system

32 Overland Drive, Narre Warren obrienrealestate.com.au Rachhpal Singh 0430 081 021

LOCATION! Short stroll to the shops, train, pool, bowls, schools, doctors & church. 765m2, enclosed backyard separated into 2 sections, the shed with workshop, power & concrete loor. The home is neat with polished boards throughout enticing dining room & kitchen & a stunning merbeau deck. Good sized lounge with air con and gas heating. 2 bedrooms both with BIR. A corner spa and waterfall shower head are great inclusions in the bathroom and a separate w/c is practical.

MORE SOLD? 33% more homes sold when advertised through newsapers and online instead of online alone.

View: saturday 9th December 9-9.30am $275,000-299,000 internet iD: 18271192 View property and more details at www.sej.com.au

F2 G1 H1

5622 3800 Cnr smith & Queen st, warragul

www.sej.com.au

Raine&Horne Keysborough

1 Maxield Road, Keysborough

Spacious & Comfortable Living Awaits!

Auction

This generous sized single level, brick veneer family home ofers comfortable living for buyers wanting expansive living for the growing family. Comprising formal lounge, master with ensuite & WIR, 3 bedrooms each with BIRs & study, central bathroom, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and stone bench tops. Open plan dining & family area, a sizable rumpus / theatre room, plus a large enclosed Al fresco room will provide freedom to enjoy year-round entertaining. Situated a short distance to Parkmore & Springvale Shopping Centre’s, primary & secondary schools. Call to inspect!

16 Dec 2017 @ 11:00am

com.au Core Logic Australia – Media Maximiser January 2015. Based on sales of houses and units.

Connecting people and communities

Experience the Diference!

Parkmore Shopping Centre

12373720-LN49-17

7 brown street trAfAlGAr

OFI Sat 9 Dec 2017 @ 11:00am – 11:30am Sat 16 Dec 2017 @ 10:30am – 11:00am

Price Contact Agent

Lot 38, Bentley Park Estate 21-31 Bend Road, Keysborough Land of Opportunity in Bentley!

Price:

Opportunity awaits buyers wishing to create their own masterpiece on this fantastic corner allotment of 448m2 with a 16m frontage (approx) and directly opposite parklands. Situated in the up and coming ‘Bentley Park Estate’ and within close proximity of Parkmore Shopping Centre, primary & secondary schools and major arterials this is deinitely worth considering as your future home site or as an investment. Call now to discuss your interest!

$670,000-720,000

Dimensions 16x28 = 448m2 (Approx)

Contact Agent Bety Weereratne 0437 673 111

Contact Person Bety Weereratne 0437 673 111 or 03 9769 1888

Raine&Horne Keysborough 9769 1888 | rh.com.au/keysborough

SALES & RENTALS

118 walker st dandenong P: 9791 5922 F: 9792 2536

N IO T C AU

N IORDAY T C TU ATUHIS SA

Dandenong

Dandenong North

1/73 clow street

OWN STREET FRONTAGE & DRIVEWAY!

Walk to Dandenong Plaza & Market in around 5 minutes from this fully renovated home offering a formal lounge/dining, family/meals area, two bedrooms with mirrored built in robes, stunning full bathroom, separate laundry, new kitchen with stone benchtops, glass splashback and stainless steel appliances including dishwasher. Features ducted heating, air conditioning, downlights, security doors, low maintenance front and back yards and garage with remote and offstreet parking. THE PERFECT DOWNSIZER!

auction: saturday, 9th december, 2017 @ 11:00am (if not sold prior) oPen: wed 4:30pm to 5:00pm & sat 10:30am to 11:00am

102 Bakers road

LOCATION + PRESENTATION =IDEAL HOME!

This home is an absolute credit to the house proud owners. Three bedrooms plus study or fourth bedroom, two separate living areas and a superb central kitchen to cater for all the family. The full length family room will accommodate a huge table with space to spare and leads out onto a massive covered and enclosed patio where sensational entertaining can be had at any time of the day as it can be sealed or open depending on the weather. The formal lounge with polished floors is set aside for quiet time and is positioned to take advantage of the morning sun. The corner block provides off street car parking, meticulously kept gardens and a secure rear yard for the family. Located close to transport, freeway access, Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, schools, college and more!

auction: saturday, 16th december, 2017 @ 11:00am (if not sold prior) oPen: wed 5:00pm to 5:30pm & sat 10:00am to 10:30am

N IO T C AU

Dandenong

18 & 20 Jesson crescent

2 HOUSES - 2 TITLES - 892m2!

1/44 ann street

IMPECCABLY PRESENTED TOP QUALITY RESIDENCE!

This says it all! Buy one for you and one for your family and either renovate and move in or leave rented to good tenants and look at developing at a future stage. This area is currently undergoing a huge transformation and here is your opportunity to cash in on the activity. 18 Jesson Crescent is 461.27m2 with a 3 bedroom home. 20 Jesson Cresent is 430.54m2 with a 2 bedroom home. Close to all amenities including transport, schools, Dandenong Market and the Plaza. DOUBLE THE CHANCE TO PROFIT!

Forget everything you’ve seen up until now! This property exudes quality. Comprising three spacious bedrooms with an ensuite to the master and a centrally located bathroom to cater for everyone else. An open welcoming kitchen with top quality appliances and space to sit around and discuss the day’s issues. The large living area overlooks both the kitchen and the sensational outdoor living areas. A fully enclosed alfresco with removable panels for year round entertaining, built in benches/storage cupboards and then more decking. More? What about a garage with direct access and remote door, electric gates and brick fencing at the front for total security plus electric shutters all round so you can lock up and go on holidays any time you want. This list just goes on. YOU NEED TO SEE THIS HOME!

Mulgrave

Dandenong

auction: saturday, 16th december, 2017 @ 2:00pm (if not sold prior) oPen: wed 4:00pm to 4:30pm & sat 1:00pm to 1:30pm

8/443-445 Police road

HOW CONVENIENT IS THIS?

For sale: $565,000 to $620,000 oPen: wed 3:15pm to 3:45pm & sat 12:00pm to 12:30pm

14/3 market street

SPACIOUS APARTMENT WITH GREAT RETURN!

Situated in a private spot to the rear of the complex, you’ll find this spacious, very appealing unit. Featuring two bedrooms both with built-in robes, a good size lounge room which leads through the sliding door to the ‘open plan’ kitchen/dining/family area. The spacious kitchen has a gas cooktop, electric wall oven, plenty of bench and cupboard space and a sky-light. There’s a family bathroom with shower and bath, separate toilet, laundry with plenty of shelving, ducted heating, down lights and high ceilings throughout. Outside you have a single lock-up garage with enough room to park the car in front, a rear courtyard and single door access from the garage. Close to the Police Road Medical Precinct, Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, Monash and Eastlink Freeways, Valley Hospital, schools and more!

This second floor single bedroom apartment has loads of light coming through large windows and a balcony that overlooks the street. It is spacious with open plan and a good use of the space for living and kitchen cooking requirements. Almost next door to the amazing Dandenong Market and close to shops, transport and Dandenong Hospital. Currently NRAS rented property which gives great tax concessions or should you want to live there, Vacant Possession is available. A GREAT ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO LIVE!

Dandenong North

Dandenong

For sale: $540,000 to $570,000 oPen: wed 4:45pm to 5:15pm & sat 1:15pm to 1:45pm

1/145 carlton road

SEPARATE ENTRY & DRIVEWAY!

Spacious and renovated unit in a quiet location, yet within minutes of Freeway access and Central Dandenong amenities. It offers two large bedrooms with built in robes, separate lounge, full family bathroom, renovated kitchen with gas cooking, rangehood, dishwasher and plenty of cupboard space, separate laundry, separate toilet and a private backyard with carport behind lockable gates. Other notable features include glistening polished floors boards, window blinds, ducted heating, gas hot water service and a garden shed. NO OWNERS CORPORATION FEES!

For sale: $415,000 to $456,500 oPen: sat 12:00pm to 12:30pm

For sale: $295,000 oPen: wed 3:30pm to 3:50pm & sat 12:00pm to 12:20pm

17/40-42 Hemmings street

QUIETLY TUCKED AWAY!

Quietly situated at the end of the complex you’ll find this roomy first floor apartment. Conveniently located close to the Dandenong CBD, the accommodation offers two spacious bedrooms with built in robes, a lounge with gas heating and a good size kitchen with gas cooking. The bathroom has a shower over the bath, a toilet and the facility for a washing machine. There’s also on-site parking for resident’s vehicles. With a secure tenant until 31st October, 2018 paying $255.00 per week, this is a good investment opportunity. CONVENIENT LOCATION!

For sale: $245,000 oPen: wed 4:00pm to 4:20pm & sat 12:30pm to 12:50pm 12374035

Daryl Rayner Director 0411 537 820

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Mick Whelan Sales Manager 0416 003 505

John Ratnam Sales Consultant 0414 556 517

Stephen Lamb Sales Consultant 0421 045 460 com.au

Frank Holohan Senior Consultant

Monday, 4 December, 2017

9791 5922

mclennanrealestate.com.au

DANDENONG JOURNAL 7

WE DELIVER...

GREATER DANDENONG

KEYSBOROUGH 8 NIcHOLAS STREET

W G E N TIN S I L

YOUR LUCKY NEW HOME Grow the family with all you could need for today, then add a luxury ﬁnish for all you could want tomorrow… this one has perfect presentation, prestige potential and a lifestyle position in a fantastic family pocket! • Spacious light-illed open plan kitchen/living/ dining • Master w/ ensuite • Tiled family bathroom • Huge outdoor rear deck w/ private backyard • Undercover driveway suitable for numerous vehicles • Electric remote front security gate • Ducted heating/evaporative cooling • 533m2 (approx)

A3 B2 E2 C2 AUCTION (UNLESS SOLD PRIOR) Saturday 16th December @ 11:30am 10% Deposit, Balance 30/60/90 Days ESR $690,000-$755,000 VIEW Saturday 11:00am - 11:30am Thursday 5:30pm - 6:00pm Photo ID Required CONTACT Ozan Kanbur 0403 644 379 Alex Khun 0438 443 846 OFFICE 363 Springvale Road, Springvale Tel: 03 8581 0999

CRANBOURNE EAST 4 BENEDETTO cREScENT

W G E N TIN S I L

TAKE A STEP FORWARD IN STYLE This single-storey “Simonds – New Living 2014 Range” built dream won’t just elevate your home living, it’ll also lift your lifestyle. • Open plan living • Designer kitchen with “TECHNIKA” cooktop/ oven • Laminate island benchtops • Porcelain tiles and glass splash backs to wet areas • High quality Highland Oak timber loorboards • Ducted heating throughout • 4 bedrooms plus study, all w/BIR • A master w/full ensuite and walk-in-robe • Undercoverd entertainment area • A low-maintenance courtyard with a lawn area • Double remote control lockup garage w/ internal entry

A4 B2 E2 C2 PRIVATE SALE $570,000 to $620,000 contact Agent Photo ID Required CONTACT Tommy Nguyen 0431 644 889 corey (Khoi) Le 0417 311 491 OFFICE 363 Springvale Road, Springvale Tel: 03 8581 0999 ESR VIEW

858 10 999

363 Springvale Road, Springvale 8 DANDENONG JOURNAL

Monday, 4 December, 2017

com.au

bigginscott.com.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

WE DELIVER...

KEYSBOROUGH 12 ellsworth drive

A4 B2 E3 C2 D1

CUTTING-EDGE IN THE HEART OF IT ALL

CLOSING DATE SALE (Unless Sold Prior) Tuesday 19th Dec @ 6:00pm

appealing, accommodating and absolutely individual, it’s like nothing else you have seen before! developed by Porter davis, this ground-breaking four bedroom plus home-ofﬁce, 2.5 bathroom sets the standard in this fast-paced slow trafﬁc locale. • Open plan living/dining • Sleek kitchen w/ stone island bench, butler’s & walk-inpantry • Master bedroom w/ dual vanity ensuite & WIR • 34sq/400m2 (approx.)

$970,000-$1,060,000 Wednesday 7:00pm - 7:30pm Saturday 3:00pm - 3:30pm Photo ID Required CONTACT Alex Khun 0438 443 846 Ozan Kanbur 0403 644 379 OFFICE 363 Springvale Road, Springvale Tel: 03 8581 0999 ESR VIEW

NEST OR INVEST – 3 BEDDER!! • Separate dining and living zone • New Carpets • Freshly painted • Single Lock up garage • Kitchen with gas cooking appliances • Private rear courtyard

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

CLOSING DATE SALE: Tues 5th Dec @ 6:00 pm (Unless Sold Prior) ESR $285,000 - $310,000 VIEW Saturday 1:00pm – 1:30pm Wednesday 5:00pm - 5:30pm Photo ID Required CONTACT Roger Nissanka 0406 271 004 Amit Vazirani 0400 088 304 OFFICE 363 Springvale Road, Springvale Tel: 03 8581 0999

A3 B2 E1 C3 D

NOBLE PARK 21 leoNard aveNUe

PARKFRONT LAND – UNINTERRUPTED VIEWS!

363 Springvale Road, Springvale

A3 B1 E1 C1

DANDENONG 30/57 Clow street

KEYSBOROUGH 21 eastBUrY street

one of the very last opportunities left to secure land in a park-front locale to build your dream home! the reserve opposite stretches across 1.003 ha providing the scope for exceptional views from your newly constructed home.

GREATER DANDENONG

AUCTION (Unless sold Prior) 09th dec @ 2:30pm 10% Deposit, Balance 30/60 Days ESR $580,000-$635,000 VIEW saturday 2:00 - 2:30pm wednesday 5:00 - 5:30pm Photo id required CONTACT Ozan Kanbur 0403 644 379 Alex Khun 0438 443 846 OFFICE 363 Springvale Road, Springvale tel: 03 8581 0999

INSIDE-OUT STYLE IN CENTRAL LOCALE step up to light ﬁlled living awash with designer style, this near-new town residence embodies low maintenance luxe in contemporary surrounds. • Master bedroom w/ private ensuite • Open plan family living/dining • Sleek kitchen w/ stone benches & SS appliances • Upstairs kids retreat • Sun-drenched courtyard

PRIVATE SALE ESR Contact agent VIEW vacant land CONTACT ozan Kanbur 0403 644 379 alex Khun 0438 443 846 OFFICE 363 springvale road, springvale tel: 03 8581 0999

858 10 999 com.au

bigginscott.com.au Monday, 4 December, 2017

DANDENONG JOURNAL 9

Hall & Partners EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

com.au

Monday, 4 December, 2017

DANDENONG JOURNAL 11

Your first stop before buying a home. View the whole picture.

THE PROPERTY INSIGHTS SITE 12 DANDENONG JOURNAL

Monday, 4 December, 2017

com.au

com.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Hero Joe’s cheque Springvale Benevolent Society’s president has been recognised for decades of service to the charity. Joe Rechichi was named a Community Superhero at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club’s Community Superhero event at its recent Melbourne Cup night. The 71-year-old has been a part of the society for more than 30 years and has held the president role for the past 15 years. The emergency welfare agency provides food vouchers, furniture, blankets and hampers to those in need within the City of Greater Dandenong. “It was a big surprise,” Mr Rechichi said. “I feel very humble to receive such an award. “A lot of people in the City of Greater Dandenong do a lot of wonderful things. “You don’t do the work to receive something in return, you do it because you love to do it. “To lead the Springvale Benevolent Society is a big job, we took a hit a few years ago but we’ve bounced back to be the most outstanding free service in the community.” Mr Rechichi and his family migrated from Italy to Australia in 1964 after struggling postwar. “When we came to Australia I realised that I was very lucky, that’s what made me want to do more for the community as I know what it’s like to go without,” he said. He was named Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year in 2012. “All these things you can’t do yourself, I have an excellent team,” he said. “To me I try to put others first, I couldn’t do this without my family’s support. “My wife is my rock, without her I couldn’t do it.” The Community Superhero award came with a $2500 travel voucher and $2500 cheque

Students check out the chopper.

Life chopper crew flew in

Premier Daniel Andrews presents Joe Rechichi with his award. for the Springvale Benevolent Society. Mr Rechichi said it was the perfect time of the year to receive such a gift. “The prize could not come at a better time with Christmas around the corner,” he said. “We can now upgrade our budget for the month, which means we can be more generous for our clients.” For almost 30 years he has also been the

Springvale Italian Seniors Club co-ordinator, providing a meeting place for elderly Italians to get together for social outings. The award came from the Greyhound Community Fund. The joint Sandown Greyhound Racing Club and Greyhounds Entertainment program extends financial support to non-profits that support Greater Dandenong in health, recreation and community events.

A life-saving chopper touched down at Haileybury in Keysborough for a water safety lesson. The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter visited on Tuesday 21 November to highlight the role it plays in patrolling Victoria’s coastline and providing back-up support for state emergencies and search and rescue (SAR) operations. The crew talked to students about scheduled aerial coastline patrols that operate on weekends and public holidays from mid-November until Easter Monday. The choppers are equipped to assist in shark patrols, beacon location (EPIRB homing), static line rescues, SAR for lost swimmers, missing boats and fishermen in distress, and inland emergencies. Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter crew members are also lifesaving volunteers and educated children on the importance of water safety as the weather warms up. Life Saving Victoria operations manager Greg Scott said children had all spotted the red chopper in the sky, but to learn about what it offered was a real eye-opener for them. “The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter crew are well placed to share their helicopter rescue stories and highlight the important water safety messages as they do,” he said.

LEVEL CROSSING REMOVAL WORKS DECEMBER 2017 Upcoming changes to the Cranbourne and Pakenham Lines Between December 9-10 and December 16-17, works will continue to remove level crossings along the Cranbourne and Pakenham Lines, which will affect the way you travel. The sooner we get this done, the sooner you’ll be on your way.

Buses will replace Cranbourne and Pakenham Line trains • Between Caulfield and Dandenong stations from 12:30am Saturday 9 December until the last service on Sunday 10 December. Please plan ahead and allow up to an extra 55 minutes travel time. • Between Oakleigh and Dandenong stations from 12:30am Saturday 16 December until the last service on Sunday 17 December. Please plan ahead and allow up to an extra 45 minutes travel time.

contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au 1800 762 667 levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

Translation service – For languages other than English, please call 9280 0780. Please contact us if you would like this information in an accessible format.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

CTD344 AP0024

Local traders will be open for business during this time, so please support businesses in the area.

12373898-CB49-17

28 STAR JOURNAL

Monday, 4 December, 2017

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

BUSINESS SOUTH-EAST

Mobile parts guru By Casey Neill George Greig has notched up 40 years with Patterson Cheney. He landed a job with the Dandenong-based automotive company after being put out of work at Boyanton Motors. George also interviewed at Preston Motors but liked Patterson Cheney better. He was put onto the front counter at first, and then spent 23 years on the road as a mobile parts representative. The 63-year-old travelled across Victoria and into New South Wales with the role - one he initially turned down. “It was a very big thing back in those days,” he said. “I knocked it back the first time, and they did ask me a second time. They must have had a bit of faith in me. “I was out two nights each week in different areas, covering down as far as Gippsland, Mt Gambier, Mildura, and as far north as Gundagai and Narrandera.” He was responsible for looking after dealerships and government car and truck fleets. George is now a parts interpreter at the Patterson Cheney Isuzu branch in Dandenong and said he’d stuck around because he’d always felt valued. “The company’s been very good to me and the workers, they’re all fantastic - and the office staff,” he said. “Management, they’ve done the right thing by me. “You’re not looking over your shoulder. “They’re allowing you to do what your job expectations are.” George has watched cars and dealerships change immensely during his four decades in the industry. “The showroom here, I was working just be-

Young people in Dandenong will have more access to training and support to get a job thanks to extra funding for early school leavers and the long-term unemployed. Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams announced an extra $969,000 to support the Skills First Reconnect program on Thursday 16 November. The Brotherhood of St Laurence will receive $584,000 to help create pathways to accredited training for 80 high needs learners from disadvantaged backgrounds living in Greater Dandenong and Casey. They will co-locate the program with the Jobs Victoria Employment Network and draw on its network of agency partners. Support workers will work one-on-one with participants from disadvantaged backgrounds and marginalised groups with low levels of literacy and numeracy to identify their aspirations, skills, capabilities and any barriers stopping them from getting more training or jobs.

Dandy scoop

George Greig with an award recognising his 40 years of service to Patterson Cheney. 175087 side it in that little used car area and watched every day as the showroom went up,” he said. “Showrooms back in those days were normally just car lots, cars sitting outside.” He experienced the introduction of the

first computer system, and “had a little bit of a hand in that sort of thing”. In terms of the cars themselves, “I like the luxuries of the new ones, but I like the old ones, too.”

Dandenong plant is a solid performer Nissan’s Dandenong casting plant is still producing parts 35 years after it opened its doors. The automotive manufacturer celebrated the milestone on Thursday 16 November. The plant sits on 90,000 square metres, employs 192 skilled workers and runs three shifts every day. It annually produces about 2.6 million diecast aluminium parts and more than 16,000 tow bars with an export value of $82.5 million. Nissan Casting Australia managing director Peter Jones said the plant’s work was critical to the global business. “We have exclusive supply contracts awarded by Nissan Global that will keep the plant operating well into the next decade,” he said. “Nissan Casting Australia is defying the belief that automotive manufacturing doesn’t have a place in our country. “If you want evidence of Made in Australia you’ll find it here.” Nissan has worked with the CSIRO to de-

A cash train

velop precision technology and invested $11 million in new tooling and other equipment. “Our quality department uses the same kind of measuring machines and granite tables used by Formula One teams,” Mr Jones said. “These parts are so precise that they match up exactly with parts made in Japan to a tolerance of 15 microns, less than the diameter of a human hair. “And it’s this precision and quality that has earned us exclusive contracts for the supply of specific parts.” The plant creates 60 different parts specific to oil pans, gearbox and final-drive housing, and electric vehicles through high and lowpressure die casting, precision machining, component assembly and accessories manufacturing. “In addition to this, our parts feature on over 30 different overseas models from a variety of our brands, including Nissan, Infiniti and Renault,” Mr Jones said.

A worker assembles an EV invertor water jacket. “This includes the just-released New Nissan LEAF, which includes an EV water jacket Inverter, Inverter cover, Inverter case and Motor Stator Housing that all come directly out of Dandenong. This is significant for Australian manufacturing.”

Cream produced by Dandenong South’s Chobani is up for a top dairy prize. The Gippsland Dairy Pure Double Cream is among three finalists in the cream category for the Australian Grand Dairy Awards. The annual awards recognise quality, innovation and excellence in all areas of dairy production, and the champions will be announced in February next year. A panel of 24 judges tasted more than 400 dairy products over two days to select the finalists. Renowned dairy educators Russell Smith and Mark Livermore led the panel of technical experts, chefs, retailers and flavour specialists to assess presentation, texture, flavour and aroma. Visit peopleschoiceaward.legendairy.com. au to cast a vote and enter the draw to win a year’s supply of award-winning cheese.

Energy fillip A Dandenong South business will boost productivity and reduce operating costs, thanks to an energy overhaul. BBS Flooring Products received a $6000 Sustainability Victoria Boosting Business Productivity grant to complete a detailed energy assessment. Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the business manufactured hardware for installing floor coverings. She said it had the potential to reduce its energy spend by about one quarter through upgrading heater insulation, recovering heat, using variable speed drives (VSDs) and maintenance improvements. The grant also includes a $3000 implementation bonus to help BBS Flooring Products to realise these savings. Call Sustainability Victoria on 1300 363 744 or visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au for more information.

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30 STAR JOURNAL

Monday, 4 December, 2017

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

WHAT’S ON Centre, corner Police and Jacksons roads, Mulgrave. Tuesday 12 December, 10am to 1pm.

Al-Anon family groups This group offers help and support to family and friends of problem drivers at weekly meetings. Seminar room two at Dandenong Hospital, David Street. Wednesday 8.15pm. Springvale Church of Christ, corner Buckingham and Windsor avenues. Fridays 10.30am. St Gerard’s Community Centre, 71 Gladstone Road, Dandenong North. Saturdays at 2pm. Call 1300 252 666 or visit www.al-anon.org. au.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children aged six to 12 years and free for kids aged 5 years and under. For tickets, call Frank Nicholls on 9706 8212 or 0412 296 902, Brian David on 8759 0747 or 0421 983 862, Lew Geer on 9558 1898 or 0437 950 550, Wayne Collins on 0402 142 291, or Lester Concessio on 0428 954 673.

Human rights on-screen

This year’s Human Rights Oration taking place in Federation Square will appear live on the Dandenong big screen. The keynote speaker is Stan Grant, the indigenous affairs editor for the ABC and special adviser to the Prime Minister on indigenous constitutional recognition. Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Friday 8 December, 11.45am to 1.30pm.

Write to Santa Children can write a letter to Santa and receive a reply in the mail from the man in red himself. At Waverley Gardens, letters need to be posted in Santa’s Mailbox in his workshop opposite Big W. Dandenong Plaza’s letters box is on level two, near Daiso. Children need to write their name and full address clearly on the letter. Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, corner Police and Jacksons roads, Mulgrave. Until Sunday 10 December.

Carols in Harmony Square The 70th annual Greater Dandenong carols event will free activities for kids from 6pm, including a storytime session, face painting, arts and crafts and balloon animals. The carols start at 6.30pm and include performances from Chris McKenna, Roy Best, Michelle Fitzmaurice, Roy Best, pianist David Cameron, Bethany Fisher, the City of Greater Dandenong Band, Dandenong Primary School and the Tongan Upper Room Worship Team. There’ll be a special appearance from Shrek and food and market stalls. Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Friday 15 December, 6pm to 9.30pm. On-street and multi-deck car parking is free after 6pm.

Gift wrapping Professional gift wrapping for a gold coin donation will support the Salvation Army. Level two in the centre court at Dandenong Plaza, McCrae Street, Dandenong. Until Sunday 24 December.

Australian traditional nativity scene This display is in its 14th year and bigger than ever. St Elizabeth’s Parish Church, 107 Bakers Road, Dandenong North. Visitors can make an appointment through the parish office on 9795 6217 or Wilson Fernandez on 0428 927 110.

Festive food fun PlanBuyCook aims to take the stress out of Christmas cooking with this free workshop. It’s designed to help participants to save money through a fuss-free festive meal plan and learning how to use their leftovers. Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North. Monday 11 December, 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Places are limited and bookings are essential. Call 8571 1702.

Wishing tree for special kids Shoppers can pick up a wish card for $5 from the customer service desk and write a Christmas message for a child from Very Special Kids. The wishes and donations will be collected and given to the Very Special Kids hospice. Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, corner Police and Jacksons roads, Mulgrave. Until Sunday 24 December.

Dandenong Rangers match Saturday 9 December, 9.30am to 4pm. Sunday 10 December, 11am to 3pm. Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 December, 9.30am to 4pm. Thursday 14 and Friday 15 December, 9.30am to 7pm. Saturday 16 December, 9.30am to 5pm. Sunday 17 December, 11am to 4pm. Monday 18 to Wednesday 20 December, 9.30am to 6pm. Thursday 21 and Friday 22 December, 9.30am to 8pm. Saturday 23 December, 9am to 5pm. Sunday 24 December, 9am to 4pm.

Photos with Santa Visitors can have a photo taken with Santa. There is a wide range of packages available. Families can get a free 6x8 photo from 5pm to 7pm every Thursday and Friday night excluding 21 and 22 December. Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, corner Police and Jacksons roads, Mulgrave. Saturday 4 December, 9.30am to 4pm. Thursday 7 and Friday 8 December, 9.30am to 7pm.

The Dandenong Rangers boasts some of the most talented female basketballers in the world. Dandenong Stadium, 270 Stud Road, Dandenong. Saturday 9 December, 7pm, Saturday 14 December, 7.30pm, and Saturday 23 December, 6.30pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for children and concession card holders, and $35 for a family of two adults and two children. Call 9794 7192 or email events@dandenongstadium.com.au for more information.

Kids play at the gardens

New Year’s Eve ball

Every second Tuesday during school terms, children and their families are invited to the free Kids Play at the Gardens event. Near Target at Waverley Gardens Shopping

The Anglo Oz Dance Band will provide live music, and there’ll be food for sale from REO Kitchen. St John Vianney’s church hall, 23 Police Road, Mulgrave. Sunday 31 December, 8pm.

Create a snow globe Kids can create their own Christmas snow globe at this free event. Level 3 at Dandenong Plaza, McCrae Street, Dandenong. Saturday 16 December, 11am to 2pm.

Christmas activity pack Kids can get crafty with a free Christmas colouring activity pack. Level 3 at Dandenong Plaza, McCrae Street, Dandenong. Saturday 23 December, 11am to 2pm.

Carols at the Lighthouse This event will include a free petting zoo, jumping castle, nativity scene, Christmas carols and other entertainment. 927 Springvale Road, Keysborough. Sunday 10 December, 4.30pm. Call 8796 7333.

Dinner with a VIEW Dandenong Evening VIEW Club will welcome entertainer Heather to its Christmas dinner. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women and the club supports the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. New members and guests are always welcome. Dandenong RSL, 44-50 Clow Street, Dandenong. Tuesday 5 December, 7pm. Bookings are essential. Call 9795 1222.

Heritage Hill garden tour A tour guide will show participants around the two-acre property, which includes Dandenong Shire’s first two-storey homestead Laurel Lodge and Benga House, which was to be the largest and most expensive house then in the shire. The historical garden features two Moreton bay fig trees planted more than 130 years ago. Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Wednesday 6 December, 10am to 12.30pm. $9 for adults, $6.50 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.

Employment V

Positions Vacant

McDonalds Shift Supervisors and Department Managers NEWS

We seek managers of any skill level to join our team. Maccas experience preferred but not essential.

Duties and Responsibilities ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

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call us today

1300 654 910

MECHANICS

or apply online at WWW.FERMAX.COM.AU

& We fix anything GUARANTEED 0423 661 464 We come to you

About You You are an effective leader with a positive attitude that can inspire a team to deliver exceptional customer service. You thrive in a fast paced environment and are enthusiastic to work to achieve the results the restaurant has set. You must also be available to work shift work in a 24/7 operation.

Experienced concretor required for house slab work in the south eastern suburbs. The role will include the preparation and pouring of house slabs, daily rate negotiable for the successful applicant. Drivers licence and white card essential.

Please phone Steve on 0417 381 816 after 5pm

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Find it in the

Real Estate section of Network Classiﬁeds.

section of Network Classiﬁeds. Call or visit us online! networkclassifi eds.com.au •

Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Boats & Marine

YACHT Walker Bay 10ft sail and rowing yacht, on road trailer. Value $5,925. Sell $4,200ono. 0400 450 874.

General Notices

Caravans & Trailers

FORD Focus, LX 2004, mod auto, low 158,000KM, one owner. Ex Govt vehicle. Exceptional con, in ut full serv hist aval comes with RWC and Rego. great 1st car runabout $4,200. Phone: 0407 505 040

Training And Development

Gov’t Funded Courses in Noble Park Start Immediately…Day & Evening… *Eligibility Criteria applies for the funding

1. CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support 2. CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support 3. HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance 4. CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability

12373345-RA48-17

EXPERIENCED CONCRETOR

Advertise next week in the

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PH: 9356 4646 Mob: 041 437 6163 www.guidestartraining.com.au Training delivered with Victorian & Commonwealth Gov’t Funding

Motor Vehicles

FORD GLXI 1998 Auto, Aircon, one owner car has only travelled 103,000 kms, runs like new, very clean and tidy, near new tyres, 12 months Reg (OMJ-485) and RWC. Nothing to spend $3,450 Ph: 0419 514 200.

Present this coupon for a discount

If you are interested in joining our team who are all about ‘capturing customers; caring ฀ ฀ Email your resume with a cover letter to kimayache@gmail.com.

AUTO ELECS

12327860-PB43-16

฀

MILLARD 14FT POPTOP. Bought new 2004. 2 adults & 1 child, single beds, always kept garaged and undercover. Air con, microwave, 3 way fridge, 4 burner stove & grill, main pressure. Easy to tow, registration (Q51-171). $25,000ono. Phone: 5998 5358

For Any Old Car TODAY

฀ ฀

Caravans & Trailers

Old Cars Removed

Make Extra $$$ in your spare time to support your income or for fitness, by becoming a reliable and enthusiastic independent contractor delivering to household letterboxes in your local neighbourhood.

12373471-EPJ48-17

Skills and Experience ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

OCR

Walkers Wanted

This is an exciting opportunity to join our McDonalds franchise and be a part of a friendly and committed team – we want someone who believes that Maccas is more than just burgers and fries and wants to grow within our business.

Auto Services/ Repair

12321588-DJ36-16

Positions Vacant

12371691-RC46-17

Motoring

RTO NO: 22355

ISLAND STAR 1996 20ft. Sleeps 2 adults & dining converts to 2 single beds, seating for 6. Split system air conditioning, gross vehicle mass 1200, aggregate trailer mass 1900, tare 1200, electric brakes, single axle, under carriage exceptionally good condition, duel electric system ready for solar power, gas bottle, 4 burner gas stove & oven, electric fridge, L shape lounge with opposite lounge, microwave, telephone connection setup, spare tyre. Registered (U76-229) expires 20/4 /2018. Caravan stored at the Port Welsh Pool Boat Storage. $14,599. Phone: 0433 255 705

Monday, 4 December, 2017

HOLDEN RODEO 2008 LX twin cab 4 door, white with grey interior, 2 owner vehicle, complete with full service history, neat & tidy, V6 alloy tech 3.6ltr 6 cylinder motor, Flexiglass canopy, Reece hitch & towbar, air conditioning, reconditioned auto, 9 month old tyres, brakes replaced, 6 month old battery, all receipts for repairs, 9 months registration (WMV-895) with RWC. $6,990. Phone: 0472 727 288.

STAR JOURNAL 35

SPORT

Fate steps in for US trip By Nick Creely Basketball sensation Maighan Hedge describes her newly-signed athletic scholarship to Cameron University as a twist of ‘fate’. Not only will the 18-year-old - originally from Berwick Basketball and currently with the elite Dandenong Rangers jet off to the USA in August 2018 to start a college life - home will always be close by. The head coach of Cameron University is a woman named Emma Andrews, who also originates from Berwick and shares some startling similarities with the star young basketballer, who believes the opportunity will open the door for her entire sporting career. “She has the same birthday as me, and we grew up only 10 minutes away from each other, so it’s pretty cool - I think it’s definitely fate,” she said only a day before heading to the USA for a basketball tour with school, her first taste of the basketball scene. She (Emma Andrews) was also coached by Michael Davies (Maighan’s coach) so there’s that too.” The star point guard - who is another successful product of the renowned Rowville Sports Academy - is counting down the days until she can begin college life, and is excited by all aspects of what stands in front of her after mountains of Skype calls and tapes for the coaching staff at Cameron University to consider. “I’m extremely excited; it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time - for it to be finally over, and for the process to be finished, it’s very exciting,” she said. “They looked at several other recruits as well, but I guess they like me - they also look at

Meighan Hedge will jet off to the USA in 2018 after signing a scholarship with Cameron University. Picture: COURTESY OF DANIEL SPANGLER personality too, so it goes both ways. “I’m looking forward to the professionalism - all the extra training and the way they go about things is exciting. “They have a lot of TV coverage, so there’s

a lot of media interviews so I’m really looking forward to that side of things too. “And the academic side as well is exciting - I can go over there and study and play basketball, and it’s rare you can have that type of

Relays well on track for little athletes The Springvale Little Athletics Club had a wonderful time hosting the Southern Metro Region Relays on Saturday 25 November at Ross Reserve. With over 2000 people in attendance, it was a hot and stormy day at the track, but all the young athletes pushed through to achieve some great results. Springvale had 23 teams competing in running events throughout the day, with the Under 9, 10 and 13’s mixed 4 x 100 and the Under 10 boys 4x 100 metre teams all qualifying for the state relays finals to be held at Lakeside Stadium on 16 December. Springvale Little Athletics had a wonderful day with 23 teams competing at the Southern Metro Relays. Pictures: SUPPLIED

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Monday, 4 December, 2017

experience here.” Maighan currently plays for the Dandenong Rangers in the Victorian Youth Championship, and credits a lot to the coaches who have helped develop her game into a quick player with genuine star qualities. “They (Dandenong Rangers) have done a lot of extra training with me when I’ve asked, and all the coaches have sat down and spoken with me when I’ve had questions, such as stuff that I need to do better,” she said of her current club. “They’re very good personally in developing young athletes and giving them the chance to succeed. “I got a really good coach in Michael Davies, and I kind of went from being a domestic player to developing into a player at Dandenong, and he started off my journey well, and I credit a lot of my stuff to him.” But it’s her family that developed a love for the game early on, after initially being focused on another sport, also with the round ball. “My sister played for Berwick domestically, and my Dad coached Berwick - originally I played soccer, but because they were so heavily involved, I decided to give it a go,” she said. Hard work and a commitment to improve all aspects of her game remain firmly in the mind of Maighan until the time she begins her journey, who is hoping to make a splash in the big leagues when she does return to Australia after a good grounding in the game.. “After college, I’d like to come back and play SEABL or WNBL, and that’s about as far as I’ve thought at the moment, but at college I’d obviously like to do well,” she said.

All soccer abilities welcomed By Nick Creely Soccer5s Centre Manager Jack Gillibrand hopes he can create a safe and open space for the All-Abilities community in Dandenong to become involved with into the future. The centre recently held their first ever Soccer5s All Abilities 5-a-side Cup on 28 October, targeting the All-Abilities community and to increase awareness of programs and access to assist in creating a pathway from grassroots through to excellence. Gillibrand said the event was a resounding success with the help of local schools, government and local organisations, with the event to be now held annually. “We recently partnered with Doveton Special Soccer School, and we wanted to run something for the community towards the end of the year, so we contacted local organisations and presented them the opportunity to get involved,” Gillibrand said. “11 teams participated, and we had MP Gabrielle Williams, Paraoo Benny Roche, and we also had support from the Reagan Milistein Foundation to raise awareness. “Everyone played three games from junior, senior to intermediate level. “The winners received a cup and everyone got a participation medal. “We’ve launched it now as an annual thing.” Soccer5s primarily run weekly tournaments from adults to juniors, and also host pitch hire. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Bears show what’s what By Nick Creely

Berwick dominated Hampton Park in a show of it's class last Wednesday. 175606 young gun Caleb Millman (4/28). A gallant effort down at Sweeney Reserve wasn’t enough for Narre Warren to topple powerhouse Mordialloc, with the Bloodhounds cruising to victory. Batting first, the Bloodhounds notched up an impressive 3/167 off the back of a terrific 62 to Brenan Morris, before restricting the Magpies to 4/103 after their 20 overs. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night’s

Picture: GARY SISSONS

action was down at the clash between Narre North and Hallam Kalora Park, with the North defeating the Turf 1 club by 27 runs. Batting first, the North notched up 6/138 after Josh Henry’s (57) fluent knock at the top, but not even in form batsman Thailvan Xavier (30) could guide the Hawks to victory, with Henry (2/16) starring with the ball to restrict them to just 111 in 18.3 overs. In the night’s other matches, Dandenong West (6/123) defeated St Mary’s, St Brigid’s/

Stingrays’ Murphy made it It proved to be yet another successful draft night for the Dandenong Stingrays in last Monday’s Rookie Draft with top age midfielder Tom Murphy selected by North Melbourne at pick four. Stingrays coach Craig Black acknowledged the relentless work of Murphy to earn a spot on an AFL list after a tough 2016 season meant he had to come back to Shepley Oval as a top age player. “To Tom’s credit, he worked really hard, and he showed he improved - glandular fever really hampered his 2016 season and to his credit he played some VFL games and showcased his talent in a number of roles (this year),” he said. “He got his fitness up to the level, purely through hard work and was lucky enough to be picked up by North Melbourne. “He’s got an AFL body, and his kick is elite, but he just need to keep working and get in a

full pre-season - he’ll give himself every opportunity, whether it be at VFL or AFL level.” While Black is ecstatic at seeing six young men enter the AFL system, it’s always a tough time trying to work out the reasons why others didn’t make it. “I’ve said to a few people that it’s a bit bittersweet - we’re obviously happy but you always think about the boys that just missed out - a few of them didn’t have a lot of luck this year,” he said. “A lot of talent missed out, and they’re good young men - it’s bloody hard to make your way on to an AFL list, and it’s even harder to play AFL, but there are so many different avenues and they just need to ply their trade at VFL level. “But we’re rapt as a club (for the six boys selected). “It’s outstanding - we’re happy for our program, as there are a lot of people that do a lot of work.”

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By Nick Creely

St Louis (7/121) continue to surprise with another victory over Cranbourne (7/120), Heinz Southern (7/188) proved a class above Doveton North (105), Narre South (8/180) toppled Parkfield (8/165) in a high scoring encounter, and Dingley (111) defeated Silverton (87) With just one round left to play, the current quarter finalists are: Buckley Ridges, North Dandenong, Berwick, Narre North, St Brigid’s/ St Louis, Springvale South, Heinz Southern and Dingley.

•฀Engine฀oil฀change฀5฀Ltr • Oil filter change • Inspect Spark Plugs •฀Oil฀ilter฀change • New contact points •฀Inspect฀Spark฀Plugs • New wiper blades • Check hoses and clamps •฀New฀contact฀points • Pressure test cooling system • Check & adjust all fan belts •฀New฀wiper฀blades • Check PVC Valves •฀Check฀hoses฀and฀clamps • Inspect battery • Inspect charging system •฀Pressure฀test฀cooling฀system • Check clutch operation •฀Check฀&฀adjust฀all฀fan฀belts • Full mechanical & electrical report •฀Check฀PVC฀Valves •฀Inspect฀battery •฀Inspect฀charging฀system •฀Check฀clutch฀operation •฀Full฀mechanical฀&฀electrical฀report

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DDCA TWENTY20 CUP REVIEW - ROUND 4 In last Wednesday night’s action packed evening of Twenty20 cricket in sweltering conditions across the Dandenong District, it was Berwick who once again proved their might by disposing of Turf 3 club Hampton Park at Arch Brown Reserve. Batting first, the Redbacks simply had no answers for Bears’ marquee man Brendan Rose (5/8), who tore the visitors to shreds and proved his classy with a stunning spell. Jarrod Armitage (2/9), Cory Bevan (2/15) and veteran Jarrod Goodes (1/9) each did their part as the Bears rolled the Redbacks for just 58. The Bears wasted little time in swiftly chasing the runs down, with Armitage (20) helping guide the home side to victory in just eight overs, making the entire match just 21.2 overs. Down at Marriott Waters, Steven Spoljaric helped push Springvale South to a comfortable victory over a gallant Lynbrook. The champion all-rounder plundered a brutal 66 to guide the Bloods to 8/138 off their allotted 20 overs, before snaring 2/29 as the Lakers scrambled their way to 7/111. Brett Forsyth (2/15) also managed to snare a couple of wickets for the Bloods, while Lakers’ batsman Anurudhdha Foneska (26) top scored for the home side. North Dandenong also continued its winning ways in the short form, belting Berwick Springs away from home. Skipper Asfan Thajudeen (37), Shehan Fernando (31), Adam Amin (24) and Gayantha Wijethilaka (29) all combined brilliantly to guide the Maroons to a formidable 0/168 after batting first. The Springs managed to bat out their overs, finishing on 8/125 after a superb spell by

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STAR JOURNAL 37

MOTORING

More space for families By Ewan Kennedy New Renault Koleos is significantly larger than the model it superseded in August 2016. Increases to cabin space make it well suited to families with children well into their teenage years. Luggage room has also benefited. The topline Renault Koleos Intens diesel 4WD we road tested had genuine leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats (Yippee! seat ventilation always saves the day in Queensland); ambient cabin lighting; an electric panoramic sunroof and a hands-free power tailgate. The Intens also has added safety features (more about this in the Safety segment of this review). Very definitely a Renault, with the prominent diamond sitting in front of a tall bonnet it has chrome trimmed foglight surrounds and door sill plates. French flair is very evident, with chromed strips running from the headlights all the way back to the dummy cooling slots in the front guards. Wide horizontal taillights sit between another Renault diamond at the back. In the Intens the ambient LED lighting can be customised, colour choices are green, blue, sepia, red and violet. Ambience light levels can also be increased or decreased according to your mood. Renault’s latest R-Link 2 multimedia system can be operated by voice control as well as in conventional ways. There’s an Arkamys audio with eight speakers. Koleos Intens uses a larger, 8.7-inch, touchscreen with portrait configuration; a Bose audio system with 12 speakers, subwoofer and digital amplifier. The vertical screen in our review Koleos Intens as the satellite navigation shows a long way ahead. Horizontal screens may look stylish, but they show a shortish distance in front of the car. A 7.0-inch horizontal screen is fitted to the Koleos Life and Zen models. Bluetooth pairing is logical and quick, however neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto are available in Koleos. We feel that too many of the controls operate through the touchscreen including air conditioning temperature and fan speed which takes too much of a driver’s attention from the road. When introduced in 2016 Koleos was powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine. A turbo-diesel became optional in August 2017, the reason for our re-test of the vehicle. The 2.0 diesel is only sold in the topline Intens model. It provides up to 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. Transmission (petrol and diesel) is by a continuously variable unit. All Koleos models have six airbags; ABS brakes with emergency brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution; electronic stability control; IsoFix child seat anchors; reversing camera; rear parking sensors; and tyre pressure monitoring. As the topline model, the Intens has advanced emergency braking; forward collision

Koleos is very definitely a Renault, with the company's prominent diamond logo sitting in front of a tall bonnet. and lane departure warning; side parking sensors; and parking assistance system; front parking sensors; blind spot monitoring; LED headlights; side parking sensors. Added ground clearance of the Koleos compared to many vehicles in this class may prove a bit of a hassle for some people when getting in and out. On a positive side, once you’re in there the view out is excellent. Koleos’ front seats are spacious, soft and comfortable in the French manner. Rear kneeroom and legroom mean that passengers with the same dimensions as myself - I’m a sixfooter in the old money - had no trouble getting comfortable. Three adults can travel in the back without being overly squeezed together, two or three kids makes more sense. When only two back seats are in use the central armrest folds down and has two inbuilt drink containers. The 458-litre luggage area has a floor that sits level with the 60/40 rear seatbacks. These

are easy to use by way of handles located inside the boot. Maximum cargo capacity is 1690 litres. Comfort is a feature of all French cars and the Renault SUV certainly shows others in this Asian dominated class a thing or two on how it can be done. We did a couple of longish country trips over our week of testing and always felt relaxed when we got out of our Koleos. Renault Koleos’ ground clearance is significantly higher than average for this class. Indeed, the Renault’s 210 mm is generally regarded by 4WD people as the minimum for real off-road work. A serious off-roader? No, because the approach and departure angles are quite shallow, but the Koleos certainly has no trouble traversing corrugated dirt backroads. On-road handling is fine, but the leaning towards comfort in the endless comfort/han-

In the middle Mitsubishi By Alistair Kennedy Determined to stay in tune with Australians love for SUVs Mitsubishi has added a third model to its range. Called Eclipse Cross it sits between the compact ASX and the medium-large Outlander. The Eclipse name does have some history for Mitsubishi having been used in a mid-sized sports coupe sold in overseas markets between 1990 and 2012. During much of that period a closely related model called Mitsubishi Galant was built at the company’s Tonsley Park plant in Adelaide. The timing of Mitsubishi’s early preview of the Eclipse Cross is interesting in that it coincided almost to the hour with the launch by Nissan of its latest Qashqai, likely to be one of its closest competitors. No doubt with the hope of having potential buyers holding off for the Eclipse Cross release on 22 December. Eclipse Cross is no shrinking violet with a couple-like styling that’s sure to grab plenty of attention. The front features angular lines with the Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield grille flanked dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

by LED headlamps and daytime running lights. The most striking feature are the deeply recessed foglamps and turn indicators sitting below the headlamps.The rear features double rear screens split by a full width bar with LED brake lights. Such an arrangement can restrict rear visibility, something that we’ll report on when we road test the car early next year. Three variants will be available: LS 2WD; Exceed 2WD; and Exceed AWD. All are powered by a new lightweight 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine with peak power output of 110 kW. There is 250 Nm of torque at 1800 rpm. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight pre-set manual overrides. Fuel consumption is listed at 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres with 2WD and 7.7 L/100 km with AWD. CO2 emissions are 165 and 174 g/km respectively. A diesel 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is available on other markets but unlikely to be added to the Australian range in the foreseeable future, if at all. Standard safety features across the range in-

MODEL RANGE Koleos Life petrol 4x2: $29,990 driveaway Koleos Zen petrol 4x2: $33,990 driveaway Koleos Zen petrol 4x4: $36,990 driveaway Koleos Intens petrol 4x4: $48,490 driveaway Koleos Intens turbo-diesel 4x4: $46,990 rrp (contact your local Renault dealer for drive-away price.)

dling equation may not please those wanting a sporting SUV. Sensible folks will love the ease of travel, especially on long distance trips. Diesel consumption was in the five to six litres per hundred range on motorways and seven to nine litres around town. Renault Koleos SUV has typical French comfort and has very good interior space. Well worth adding to your list of test drives in this hotly contested market. For more information contact Barry Bourke Renault, 755 Princes Highway, Berwick. Phone 9707 2222. MODEL RANGE Eclipse Cross LS 2WD: $30,500 Eclipse Cross Exceed 2WD: $36,000 Eclipse Cross Exceed AWD: $38,500

The New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV has head-turning looks. clude seven airbags; ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, emergency stop signal and automatic emergency braking; two IsoFix child seat mountings; reversing camera; automatic headlights and windscreen wipers; and hill start assist. There are energy absorbing structures around the front of the vehicle for pedestrian protection. The Exceed variants add adaptive cruise control; blind spot warning; lane change assist; rear cross traffic alert; auto dimming inside

mirror; accidental acceleration mitigation; and around view monitor. Eclipse Cross Exceed also has an enhanced head-up display with ten different features that can be displayed. Infotainment is based around the Mitsubishi Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) connectivity system and displayed on a 7.0inch colour touchscreen. The system is compatible with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. There is also a new touchpad controller in the centre console, however it is not compatible with Android Auto. We’ve yet to drive new Eclipse Cross which doesn’t go on sale until just before Christmas but look forward to testing it early in the new year and providing a full review. For further details contact Dandenong Mitsubishi, 41 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, on 9771 9400 or Berwick Mitsubishi, 2032 Kangan Drive, Berwick, on 9709 2999.

Monday, 4 December, 2017

STAR JOURNAL 39