Dandenong Star Journal - 17th December 2018

DANDENONG

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Monday, 17 December, 2018

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Monday, 17 December, 2018

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Tough for the needy

Waste a power of good

Council peek at parking

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property

Property Lift out

Shock for Team 11

By Nick Creely and Cam Lucadou-Wells

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The A-League will officially expand to 12 teams by 2020/21, however Team 11 will not be joining the national competition after Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced last Thursday that the south-east bid would not be part of the initial expansion process.

In what is a major shock, the Western Melbourne Group - which will based in Tarneit in the Melbourne's west - has been chosen as the third Melbourne-based club to join the competition in 2019/20, as well as MacarthurSouth West Sydney in what appears to be an 11th hour decision by the FFA board at their meeting last Wednesday night in Sydney.

Up until at least last Wednesday, Team 11 the bid comprising of a joint initiative of the Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Cardinia Shire councils - was tipped to be the Melbourne-based bid to join the competition, ahead of Western Melbourne and South Melbourne.

Team 11 had garnered support from over 55 local sporting clubs and 12 different local councils in the south-east of Victoria, with affiliated clubs from Knox to Traralgon, Aspendale to Mornington and elsewhere all putting their support behind the bid.

Supporters of the Team 11 bid were shattered.

Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti, as one of the driving forces, said it was a "missed opportunity".

"It's really disappointing. There's a lot of hard work put into this.

"We've been talking about this for the last two-three years, how good it would be to have a community club in the A-League.

"There's no professional football code in this area - whether it's AFL, rugby or soccer.

"This area is screaming out for something like this."

Cr Memeti wasn't sure if the region would mount a repeat "grass-roots" campaign if more licences open up.

"Will the investors be still around? Will the other councils be on board? There will be a lot of questions.

Fit for The King Joe Piastrino, of Endeavour Hills, is set to compete in Australia's biggest Elvis tribute-artist competition in Parkes, NSW in January. Turn to p22 for more on the story.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

"I think we've lost the opportunity now."

The "deal breaker" was the State Government not committing funds for the team's boutique stadium, he said.

He was surprised that Casey Fields boosted with temporary seating was also rejected as an interim venue.

"When they came to Casey Fields they were very, very impressed."

He said he'd be interested to know much

West Melbourne bid for its licence. Team 11 had offered about $13.5 million.

Mal Suleman is a board member of NPL side Dandenong Thunder who "lives and breathes football.

He was set to buy shares and apply for a board position with the proposed club.

The many people, who worked so hard on the bid were "really down at the moment", he said.

"We thought it was one of the best bids going around.

"It's very crushing.

"The team would have done wonders for the community - it would have lit up the area."

The 'world game' would have brought the community together, Mr Suleman said.

"There was a huge buzz around with Team 11."

Story continues in sport

NEWS

IN BRIEF BMW bandits commit drive-by robbery

Needy left in lurch

A 40-year-old man has been mugged at knifepoint by three males in a dark BMW just south of Hemmings Park, Dandenong.

The victim had been waiting for a friend to pick him up on Weller Street about 4am on Sunday 9 December.

The BMW drove past and did a U-turn.

The man has been followed by the BMW as he turned and walked down Berry Lane.

The armed robbers got out of the car, assaulted the victim and produced a knife.

They stole the man’s phone and fled the scene.

The robbers were described as Islander appearance, stocky builds and aged in their early-mid twenties.

The BMW driver was 165-170 centimetres and wearing a white hat and light brown top.

A man in the front passenger seat was described as 180 centimetres and wearing a black ‘rappers top’ with grey writing.

The other robber was 170 centimetres with a goatie beard and wearing a white or grey hat.

Any information to Greater Dandenong CIU on 9767 7444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Financial counselling services in the South East have had their funding cut just ahead of the busy post-Christmas peak-season.

Clients at The Salvation Army in Dandenong and Lifeline Australia in Narre Warren have been given just a few weeks' notice of the defundings effective after 31 December.

To add to the chaos, the two services were left out from an extended funding roll-out for defunded services to help smooth the transition over the next 12 months.

John Farquharson, manager at The Salvation Army Dandenong, said the situation put his service's "desperate" clients and counsellors' jobs in jeopardy.

The Salvation Army was forced to continue to support its "large case load" of clients - with a "huge waiting list" - out of its own funds, he said.

"The needs of the people of the Outer South East are first and foremost in our view and we could not abandon the people in need of financial counselling.

"We believe that because of the great needs in this area - the most disadvantaged in Victoria - we should have been offered another twelve months of funding by the Department of Social Services as they have done for other agencies who lost funding in other regions.

"This seems most unfair to the people of this region."

The service had topped all benchmarks set by the Federal Department of Social Services, he said.

Instead, The Salvation Army lost out to Good Shepherd Microfinance after the tender process for reasons that remain unclear.

Casey North Community Information and Support Service, and South East Community Links also received funding.

"We have the greatest respect for other agencies in this area that have received funding, but the demand is far greater than what

John Farquharson says clients in financial counselling have been put at risk. 188745 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Dandy mum hits the jackpot

can be provided by the funding available."

The situation had caused immense stress for staff and their clients just weeks before Christmas, Bruce MP Julian Hill said.

"Labor is calling on the Minister to come clean on these cuts and ensure that services won't be disrupted at Christmas.

"It's frankly unbelievable that this miserable government would make cuts to the Salvation Army in Dandenong right before Christmas."

Sandy Ross, executive officer for Financial and Consumer Rights Council, said it was an "ill-run tender process".

"DSS has purely bureaucratic and technical arguments why these services cannot have their funding extended, unlike every other financial counsellor defunded by DSS."

A DSS spokesperson said there were no overall cuts to "vital" financial counselling funding in the South East.

"Where there is a transition to new providers, DSS will ensure it is a smooth process."

He said The Salvation Army's Dandenong service was deemed unsuccessful after a "rigorous and competitive tender process".

The Salvation Army received an extra $100,000 for its financial counselling across the state, he said.

The Salvation Army is seeking cash donations to hand out vouchers as part of its annual Christmas charity drive.

Donations can be made at 55 James Street, Dandenong.

·

Crash follows pursuit of alleged car-jacking thief

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A male that police wish to speak to in relation to a restaurant burglary in Springvale.

Burglars seen Police have released images of alleged burglars inside a Springvale restaurant.

A male and three females forced open the front door of Moon Diem Hen Restaurant about 2.30am on Tuesday 27 November.

They then cut a power cord connected to a printer and stole $190 from the till of the Vietnamese restaurant at 246 Springvale Road.

Any information to Greater Dandenong CIU on 9767 7444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

A homeless man has been charged over an alleged car jacking and a police pursuit that ended in a car smash in Dandenong.

The 35-year-old had earlier driven away from a two-car crash on Eastlink near Bangholme Road about 3.20pm on 11 December, police say.

The driver of the other car was assessed by paramedics at the scene. The 19-year-old man didn't require hospitalisation.

Shortly after, the fleeing man forced his way into a stranger's car stuck in traffic at Greens Road, Dandenong South.

He sat in as a passenger until he exited the car at Metcalf Drive, Dandenong South.

There he allegedly car-jacked a van, which led to a 40-year-old man being hospitalised with head and leg injuries, police say.

Police say they pursued the stolen van - which failed to stop on their request - on Frankston-Dandenong Road shortly before 8pm.

The van allegedly crashed with a silver hatchback at the corner of Clow and Lonsdale streets in Dandenong just after 8pm.

No one was injured in the crash.

The arrested man had no fixed address.

He was charged by Greater Dandenong CIU detectives with traffic offences including three counts of reckless conduct endangering life.

Other charges included aggravated car jacking, car theft, failing to stop after an accident, failing to stop on police request and refusing to accompany for an oral fluid test.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 12 December.

A Dandenong mother is celebrating "the best Christmas present ever" after winning $200,000 in a Lucky Lotteries draw.

The anonymous winner now has plans to take her kids on an overseas holiday after taking out first prize in the 12 December Mega Jackpot draw.

"Thank you, this is the best Christmas present ever," she said.

"And we will certainly be celebrating this Christmas."

She said she'd been entering the lottery for just a month - and it had "paid off quickly".

"Oh my God, I've never won that much before."

Cab chases down alleged armed robber A cab driver has struck down a male and a female fleeing on a scooter after they had robbed the driver at knifepoint, police say.

The man had allegedly threatened the male taxi driver with a knife on Bamwine Court, Dandenong South just before 3.30am on Thursday 13 December.

The man and a female passenger in the taxi then fled on the scooter, taking with them the cabbie’s phone and cash, police say.

The taxi has followed and allegedly struck the pair on Hammond Road - between Dandenong Bypass and Greens Road.

A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene. He is being treated for serious, non-lifethreatening injuries in hospital while under police guard.

The taxi driver is speaking to police.

The female fled the scene and “remains outstanding at this stage”, police say.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Police bag up evidence at the crash site. 188777 Picture: GARY SISSONS

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Monday, 17 December, 2018

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Peulich and Springle out

Pokies policy flips

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council has watered down a proposed gambling policy that would have barred the council holding events at pokies venues.

During a meeting on 10 December, it was revealed that the proposed clause had been removed due to a “majority consensus” by councillors at an earlier briefing.

Chief executive John Bennie said councillors had “strong discussion around that clause”. It was then “accordingly” amended by council officers.

Cr Maria Sampey said the removal of the clause exposed the council as “hypocrites”.

The council should have followed Monash Council’s stronger anti-pokies stance, she said.

But it also baulked at Monash’s prohibitions on pokies in council buildings and council land.

This would have directly impacted Club Noble, run by Noble Park Football Club at a council reserve under a 27-year-lease.

Poker machines reaped more than $121 million in Greater Dandenong in 2017-18, creating domestic violence, rent arrears and children going without food, Cr Sampey said.

The council area was one of the most affected by gambling in Victoria.

Cr Sean O’Reilly said the clause would have been the “worst blunt signal this council could send”.

“Why would we as a council seek to demonise venues ... by saying we are not going to set foot in these venues because they have EGMs?” Cr O’Reilly said it was better to work with the venues as part of the council’s harm minimisation policy.

“These venues pay rates. These venues comply with the law.

“And it so happens that these venues have

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong councillors Youhorn Chea and Matthew Kirwan at the launch of an anti-pokies campaign this year. electronic gaming machines and are subject to all the relevant regulations around that including controlling problem gambling.”

Cr Jim Memeti said if it was up to him he’d completely ban pokies, but Noble Park Football Club - which runs pokies venue Club Noble - was “the heart and soul of the community”.

He noted that the council was a member of the Alliance for Gambling Reform. There’d been no new poker machines recently introduced in Greater Dandenong, he said.

The new gambling policy advocates for less poker machines in the disadvantaged region and harm-minimising measures such as lower bet limits and shorter operating hours.

It was approved by a majority of councillors, except Cr Tim Dark.

Cr Dark said the council should be supporting many of the venues who “bend over back-

wards” to do “valuable work in the community”.

He cited RSLs as well as Club Noble, which made $542,699 in community contributions including to struggling sports clubs and other groups.

“This is otherwise what the council will be funding.”

Cr Matthew Kirwan was ambivalent whether to support the “bland” “unambitious” policy, which lagged behind Monash and other councils.

He said clubs usually donated just 2 per cent of their pokies takings - small compared to the damage caused by problem gambling.

“Cr Dark is effectively arguing we should have more pokies in the City of Greater Dandenong.

“So if we have more pokies we can give more to volunteer organisations, which is a big reversal of council policy.”

Incumbent State upper house MPs Inga Peulich and Nina Springle have lost their seats in official provisional results released more than three weeks after the State Election.

In figures released on 11 December, the ALP claimed a rare three seats in the South East Metro region.

Labor cabinet ministers Gavin Jennings and Adem Somyurek have been joined by physics professor Tien Dung Kieu.

The sole Liberal MP in the region is Gordon Rich-Phillips, who has stood down as opposition deputy upper house leader since the election.

Liberal Democrat candidate David Limbrick, whose party attracted less than 1 per cent of the vote, was the fifth successful candidate.

He narrowly won the battle of the microparties, pipping Transport Matters for the last seat.

Ms Peulich, the Opposition multicultural affairs spokesperson, has been in the Upper House for the past 12 years.

She also served in the Legislative Assembly from 1992-2002.

23-year Parliament stalwart Inga Peulich has lost her Upper House seat.

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Monday, 17 December, 2018

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NEWS

Velodrome fate sealed as council orders demolition

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The Maurice Kirby Velodrome is set for demolition - but not for at least another six months.

At a Greater Dandenong Council meeting on 10 December, councillors quashed a motion to give cyclists until March to establish a club at the Noble Park cycling track.

This gave the green light for the $11 million Parkfield Reserve masterplan, in which the track makes way for an extended cricket oval and a second soccer pitch.

The council will now investigate the feasibility of a regional-scale velodrome at another site.

Just like debate has raged in recent months, mayor Roz Blades tried to hose down a barrage of heckling, jeers and applause from the public gallery.

The sides were divided between pro-velodrome cyclists and members of Parkfield Reserve's cricket, soccer and tennis clubs in favour of the masterplan.

Cr Matthew Kirwan, who had proposed a delay on deciding the velodrome's fate, said the decision was "illogical".

"No demolishing of the track would happen this financial year - (so) why the rush then?"

According to the council, demolition works for the five-year project cannot be funded until the 2019-20 financial year.

Cr Kirwan noted the recent re-formation of Noble Park Dandenong Cycling Club, with a submitted list of 87 members as well as the backing of Cycling Victoria.

"In the end a sport - cycling - and 87 participants have been ignored despite only having one facility for them in Greater Dandenong.

"It is only fair in my mind that we hold off until the end of March next year and give the new club ... decent time to produce a plan with targets outlining how they plan to grow."

Cr Tim Dark noted the lack of locals on the membership list - one living as far away as Bacchus Marsh.

According to the list, 43 of the 87 members were from Greater Dandenong - though Cr Kirwan noted many local clubs were in a similar situation.

Cr Dark produced letters from Cricket Victoria, Dandenong District Cricket Association and Football Victoria in support of the masterplan.

He said the council shouldn't "hold up" the needs of the expanding Parkfield Cricket Club and Noble Park United Soccer Club.

Noble Park Tennis Club was also in need of

a new pavilion, Cr Dark said.

"The masterplan is something that's been going for so long.

"We just need to get it done and finalised so the people of Noble Park can get the best facilities possible."

Cr Sean O'Reilly said the masterplan offered the "largest community benefit", supporting the three existing clubs at Parkfield Reserve.

In comparison, there was "no concrete evidence" of cycling activity at the track, he said.

"That is the evidence and our default view should be therefore to support those sports that are growing.

"I'll be the first to support cyclists in Greater Dandenong if and when they can show the real numbers."

Agony, ecstasy at Parkfield Reserve for the sport crowd

By Cam Lucadou-Wells In sport, we speak of winners and losers, and the cliched "agony versus the ecstasy".

The contrasts were writ large in the wake of the Maurice Kirby Velodrome decision on 10 December.

For Parkfield Reserve's cricket, soccer and tennis clubs, they can now dream of a rosier future on expanded fields and a roomy, modern pavilion.

Meanwhile cyclists have vowed to defy the looming demolition of the cycling track. They

say they will continue to fight to save the velodrome.

The re-formed Noble Park Dandenong Cycling Club has renewed its call for recruits, set up a website and got a sponsor on board.

"The fight's not over," spokesperson Boyd Fraser said.

"The club will continue. I hope the club will go from strength to strength."

He said the Greater Dandenong Council decision was "disappointing but exactly what I expected" despite the group's vigorous campaign across radio, print and social media over

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secretary David Swiezbiolek felt relief that the five-year project was endorsed.

Within that estimated timeline, he's not yet sure when the long-awaited extended oval will be unveiled.

Nor when they can move from cramped changerooms to a larger, female-friendly pavilion.

However the club can now plan for a bigger juniors and female program, as well as more school clinics.

"At least we know (the decision) is now done," Mr Swiezbiolek said.

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several months.

"If the whole process was done in an evenhanded and thorough manner, we wouldn't have to go to such extraordinary lengths to be heard."

Mr Fraser said it was an "injustice" that the new club wasn't given three extra months to prove its viability.

"I think it is grossly unfair.

"I would have thought that when Cycling Victoria gave their support to the club that was a game-changer. But clearly not!"

On the other side, Parkfield Cricket Club

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Fireworks notice to residents There will be a fireworks display at 9.20pm for approximately 8 minutes on Monday 31 December 2018.

The fireworks display is part of the New Year’s Eve in the Square being held at Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.

If you have any animals that may be affected by this noise, it is advised that you secure them during this time.

If you have any enquiries, please contact the City of Greater Dandenong on 8571 1000. greaterdandenong.com/newyearseve

Fireworks notice

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STAR JOURNAL 5

NEWS DANDENONG

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Cleanaway chief executive Vik Bansal, Cr Matthew Kirwan and Solid Waste Services Victoria general manager Clete Elms at the official opening of the facility.

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A state-of-the-art Dandenong South facility that processes food scraps and green waste for high-grade compost has been labelled a "game changer".

Cleanaway recently opened South East Organics Facility, which has capacity to sort, decontaminate and shred over 100,000 tonnes of organic matter.

It will divert waste otherwise dumped in landfill, servicing eight council areas across the South East including Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.

For the first time, residents could now put food scraps into their garden waste bin, Greater Dandenong's Cr Matthew Kirwan said.

"On average 40 per cent of rubbish currently sent to landfill is food waste so this would make a massive environmental and financial difference."

The facility joins a similar organic recycling facility run by Veolia in Dandenong South.

Sacyr is set to open another in 2019, Cr Kirwan said.

The processed material is transferred for off-site composting at Dutson Downs in East Gippsland.

The high-grade compost will be re-used in agricultural production.

Cleanaway chief executive Vik Bansal said the facility played an important role as part of the "changing face of waste management in Victoria".

"This facility will play a significant role in helping to lift our state's landfill diversion rates with a more sustainable way to manage FOGO (Food Organics and Green Organics) waste. " The facility is expected to start receiving waste on 17 December. It will be fully operational in January.

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Monday, 17 December, 2018

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

By Brendan Rees The problem of motorists using their mobile phone while behind the wheel “is not going away,” according to police.

Alarming new figures showed officers issued 1770 for drivers using their phone in the years 2016 and 2017 in Greater Dandenong.

It’s one of the highest detection numbers in the South East, 50 per cent higher than in neighbouring Casey.

Victoria Police Highway Patrol Sergeant Pat McGavigan said too often police saw drivers stopping at traffic lights where the “first thing they do is pick up their mobile.”

“It is a contributor to road trauma and that cost cannot be put into a price,” he said. “The problem is not going away.”

“A good way for motorists not to donate to road trauma is to concentrate.”

The fine for using a mobile phone is $484 and four demerit points.

Victoria Police road policing operations Superintendent John Fitzpatrick said driver distraction was one of the five leading causes of death on the roads.

“It’s very concerning to still be catching people running the risk of killing or seriously

injuring themselves or another person for the sake of a phone call or text that can wait till later,” he said.

“Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds when driving at only 50km/h means you are travelling effectively blind for 27 metres.

“It’s a no-brainer, when you’re behind the wheel, your eyes should be on the road. Our message is simple - switch off your phone before you switch on the engine.”

TAC research has found almost half of all Victorians under the age of 30 have used their phone when driving, while the demographic also see the habit as more socially acceptable than pushing into a queue.

“Looking at and using a mobile phone while driving is extremely dangerous, because it means we are taking our eyes and focus off the road,” TAC spokesperson Nic McGay said.

Operation Roadwise starts on Friday 1 December and continues through to 6 January, 2019.

“This operation is designed to let everyone celebrate the festive season and see 2019 arrive,” Sgt McGavigan said.

“Victoria Police will deploy as many resources as possible targeting road safety including speed, impaired driving, occupant safety and driver distraction.”

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With the support of sponsors, donor businesses and golfers, the event on 16 November raised more than $11,400.

All proceeds have been allocated to charity.

The beneficiaries include The Andrews Centre, Windermere, Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Endeavour Hills Mens Shed and an upcoming program that teams police and Sudanese youth on the golf course.

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•฀CARPETS฀•฀VINYLS฀•฀RUGS฀•฀TIMBER฀•฀LAMINATES Monday, 17 December, 2018

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STAR JOURNAL 9

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

Owing to the Christmas holidays, the next issue of the "Journal "will be published on Tuesday morning December 24 and advertisers, correspondents and subscribers are notified accordingly in another column. We will be pleased, therefore to receive all advertisements etc, not later than Monday next. In the following week, there will be no issue of the "Journal." The first issue in the New Year will be on January 9.

district. Dandenong CIB is investigating three thefts which occurred in the last fortnight. The Postmaster General Department has reported that the receiver and the A_B coin mechanism was torn out of a booth at the corner of Ash St and Laurel Ave Doveton. The handset mechanism valued at $100 was carried off and having been prised from the wall of the booth. The cash container is believed to have been holding $5. The department also reported a second receiver and cash mechanism valued at $100 was torn from a booth in Laburnum Dr Doveton. It is not known how much the coin box contained.

50 years ago 19 December 1968

20 years ago 21 December 1998

100 years ago 19 December 1918 The Christmas Holidays

Phone Boxes Raided

Market closes

Doveton thieves have been picking up spending silver by ripping telephone receivers and coin boxes from public telephone booths in the

Tomorrow (Tuesday) will mark the end of an era when the Dandenong Stock Market closes.

Greater Dandenong council last year decided to

close the stockyards, making way for a new facility at Pakenham, which is due to open next month. The stockyards are among Dandenong's oldest institutions. Until 1958 stock and produce markets were one. There are different accounts as to when the market started, however the official opening is generally acknowledged as happening in 1866. Greater Dandenong's chief executive officer Mr Warwick Heine said the council had not yet decided what it would do with the land. "There have been a lot of ideas such as using it for a residential development, a station for the Very Fast Train, or a commercial leisure facility. But there has been no decision at this stage" he said. Greater Dandenong celebrated tis 132 year history as a market town with a series of spectacular events on September 4&5 including a heritage parade.

5 years ago 16 December 2013 Students are polished performers Dandenong High School students polished up their employment skills recently. Year 10's spread across five one day workshops at the Comfort Inn in Dandenong learnt about issues relating to the world of work through the Beacon foundation's Polish program. Representatives from the not for profit provided information about work ethics, deportment, grooming, employer's expectations, interview manners and etiquette.

The students also took part in a sit down lunch with people from local businesses to test out their new communication and dining skills, and make valuable contacts. They walked away with better communication skills, increased confidence and self-respect and a better understanding of employers expectations, Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society

Pods cast a cool school A bit of welcome shade has been unveiled at Doveton College.

The two wooden shaded ‘seating pods’ at the school’s sports oval are the work of enterprising students.

As part of a Hands on Learning program, students went to work one hour a week out of the classroom.

The aim was to work on authentic meaningful projects for the benefit of the school.

“A key part of the HoL program is giving back and making valuable contributions to the community,” a spokesperson said.

“The team wanted to create something special for their school - and came up with something really needed in summer.

“It has been a huge hit at the school.”

The program builds teamwork, problem solving and communication skills as well as self-esteem, belonging and contentment at school.

The HoL runs in 80 schools, supported by

Brian Foley and Trina Williams from Rotary Mordialloc cut the ribbon with Doveton College HoL student Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Connor Hudson to open the shade pods on 11 December. 188513 Save the Children.

It was recently judged as one of the top 100 education programs in the world by Finnish

group HundrED. The materials were funded by Mordialloc Rotary Club.

A solid piece of shade.

Picture: SUPPLIED

PLAN AND PREPARE The reasons are black and white

It’s your responsibility to be fire ready this summer, so prepare your property, fire plan and emergency kit now. When hot, dry, windy days are forecast, check Fire Danger Ratings in your district daily and monitor conditions via local radio, the VicEmergency website and app.

On high-risk fire days, leaving early, before a fire starts, is always the safest option.

emergency.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Download the VicEmergency app 12408649-CB51-18

10 STAR JOURNAL

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Monday, 17 December, 2018

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Council’s re-think on parking meters

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council is set to investigate ways to resuscitate Dandenong's declining CBD. The report into The State of the Dandenong Activity Centre will look at changes to the parking regime, including the introduction of free parking, to attract businesses and shoppers.

Other options include peak and off-peak rates, altered parking times and seasonal charging.

Report proponent Cr Jim Memeti said the Lonsdale Street retail area had been recently rocked by the exodus of the 'Big Four' major banks plus Bank of Melbourne and Bank of Queensland.

As well, several real estate agents are on the move, with the Jim Dandy Hotel put up for sale as a vacant possession.

Many of the vacated sites have been yet to be filled, leaving pockets of the main street resembling a ghost town.

"A lot of people in central Dandenong are putting their hands up saying they need help," Cr Memeti said.

"They say why do Springvale and Noble Park get free parking and we have to pay in central Dandenong?

"We've got to balance what is fair for everybody."

The failed A-League bid for Team 11 and a stadium in central Dandenong had been hoped to provide a boost to the traders.

There was a promise of 1000 jobs and

Jim Memeti surveys empty parking bays in Lonsdale Street. 188586 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS 465,000 visitors to stimulate new hotels, cafes, restaurants as well as the existing attractions such as Dandenong Market.

"We won't be sitting on our laurels," Cr Memeti said in the wake of Football Federation Australia's rejection of the licence bid.

"We'll be coming up with new ideas - and

BOOK NOW

I think this report becomes more important now."

The struggles come after $800 million has been ploughed into the CBD from governments and private developers as part of Revitalising Central Dandenong.

Cr Memeti said it had proved a "half-job".

The district was in better shape a decade earlier but RCD hadn't yet done what it was meant to do.

He called for the State Government to scrap the area's 5 per cent development levy, which deterred construction.

Real estate agent Ashton Ashokkumar said free parking was required to lure shoppers back to the vacant shopfronts near Boyd Lane.

He also called for action on the seagull plague, arsons and putrid overflowing rubbish that was a blight on the area.

"It's a good outcome that the council are doing something.

"We need to make sure that after the review they then take action."

Meanwhile the council has unveiled a new temporary artwork in Boyd Lane, which connects Lonsdale Street and Palm Plaza.

'Cube Lane' by contemporary artist Brett Ashby is an installation of carefully-placed blocks on the lane's façade and ground.

It was painted with the help of local primary school students.

It is part of Greater Dandenong's Transformed temporary public art program.

Holy Family Primary School students Tamia and David inspect the park model. 188448 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Model of a parklands welcomes all Designing an inclusive park isn't exactly child's play.

But Years 3 and 4 students at Holy Family Primary School in Doveton put on their design hats and built a 3D model of an inclusive playspace.

They had studied and explored shopping precincts, a library and play parks, as well as features such as Braille signage and tactile paving.

A visit to Livvi's Place accessible playground in Lyndhurst was also instructive.

Then over term 4, the spectacular parkland model was built.

"We believe all children have the right to play and have fun which was at the forefront of our design," a school spokesperson said.

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Monday, 17 December, 2018

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STAR JOURNAL 11

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Hippy new year to all!

It will be a hippy new year for orthopaedic patients in Melbourne's south-east.

Orthopaedic care is expanding in Berwick with St John of God Berwick Hospital set to open a brand new unit specialising in treating injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system.

A first for the hospital, the new orthopaedic unit will open in February and is currently recruiting compassionate caregivers to join its growing team.

The fourth-floor ward has been left empty since the opening of the new hospital in January 2018 to accommodate future growth. It was not anticipated to be needed for the first few years of operation; however, local demand has seen it necessary to offer further orthopaedic services to the residents of Melbourne's southeast.

The ward has the capacity for 28 beds and will primarily focus on orthopaedic and neurosurgical patients.

The new unit sees the beginning of an emphasis on orthopaedic services. The hospital's MAKO robot, currently used for partial knee replacements, will be utilised for full knee replacements in 2019.

"It is reassuring for local patients to know that not only do they have access to this technology so close to home, but they can access rehabilitation under the same roof," a St John of God spokesperson said.

"The hospital celebrates the launch of complete orthopaedic care and rehabilitation of-

Orthopaedic care is expanding in Berwick with St John of God Berwick Hospital set to open a brand new unit specialising in treating injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. fering convenience for both patients and their families. Hip, hip, hooray!"

To find an orthopaedic surgeon, visit www. sjog.org.au/find-a-doctor.

Care centres on patients Associate Professor and Consultant Urologist at Casey Hospital Dr Philip McCahy believes that the Casey Cardinia Region is blessed to have “dedicated health professionals who practise patient centred care“.

Despite his confidence in the region’s health care system, Dr McCahy says that “out-patient services are struggling to see all the referred patients and the emergency department is (and will remain) too small“.

“The new St. John of God Hospital in Berwick has been a significant upgrade on the private facilities in the area but private health costs continue to outstrip inflation with many people questioning their value,” Dr McCahy said.

“Unjustifiable gap fees charged by some surgeons do not help and there will probably be some significant changes in this space in the next year or two, not necessarily to the patient’s benefit.”

Dr McCahy has taken on an additional role this year as the Clinical Director of the Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality - in effect the auditor general for all surgery in the state.

“Most surgery is well performed and extremely safe, with very few preventable adverse events, but bad things do rarely happen and it is always worth discussing potential complications with your surgeon before any planned procedure,” he said.

“In some cases, non-operative treatment may be as good as or better than having an operation. If in doubt, ask for a second opinion.”

Philip McCahy is also a consultant Urologist at Casey Hospital in Berwick. For more information, visit www.worldvasectomyday.org or sevasectomy.com.au.

Associate Professor and Consultant Urologist at Casey Hospital, Dr Philip McCahy.

DANDENONG Dermatology Centre E X C E L L E N C E

I N

D E R M AT O L O G Y

&

L A S E R

Kicking of in Feb

12408439-RA52-18

Dandenong Dermatology Centre Practice Nurse and Laser Practitioner, Marie Lebrasse now operates as Vitalase Skin and Laser Clinic for Dandenong Dermatology Centre. Marie has been practice Nurse at Dandenong Dermatology Centre since 2001 and over that time has regularly studied, upgraded and updated her nursing and laser skills. Most recently she has achieved her Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing whilst continuing as our caring Practice Nurse and trusted Laser practitioner.

WHAT’S NEW? Anti wrinkle injections: The role of anti wrinkle injections is to relax wrinkle causing muscles, thereby softening and preventing the development of expression lines, creating a smooth and rejuvenated appearance. Wrinkles often appear around the forehead and eyes when we smile or frown and these areas can be treated along with crow’s feet, using a well studied safe medication that suits all skin types, administered only by our qualified medical professional.

Orthopaedic & Spinal unit opening February 2019 Getting people moving for over 100 years.

Experience maters.

p: 8784 5000

sjog.org.au/berwick

Skin Needling: Skin needling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that helps stimulate collagen and elastin to promote smoother, healthier skin through a natural healing process. This treatment is suitable for all skin types and is designed to support skin regeneration to help conditions including acne scars, surgical scars/scarring, stretch marks, fine lines, pigmentation, enlarged pores, blackheads and mild textural irregularities and is suitable for treatment during the summer months.

Laser, radio frequency and intense pulse light: Laser, radio frequency and intense pulse light is used to treat conditions related to skin damage and premature aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, redness, acne scars, broken capillaries, pigmentation, melasma, age spots and general photo rejuvenation. Non ablative skin rejuvenation uses radio frequencies to improve the appearance of wrinkles, brown spots and minor scars by creating heat in the skin with out injuring the surface of the skin. The heat generated promotes collagen production which results in tighter, healthier, younger Iooking skin. Treatments are suitable to most skin types.

The first consultation is complimentary (free) by appointment only with cosmetic Nurse, Marie Lebrasse@ Vitalase Skin and Laser Clinic at Dandenong Dermatology Centre, 1/110 David Street, Dandenong 3175 Tel: 9791 3455 201808156702_1-DJ35-18

12 STAR JOURNAL

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Monday, 17 December, 2018

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

property

A TIDY BUY PAGE 14

Monday, 17 December, 2018 5 February, 2018

DANDENONG, NOBLE PARK, SPRINGVALE, KEYSBOROUGH, HALLAM, DOVETON, ENDEAVOUR HILLS

12405904-RA48-18

realestate.starcommunity.com.au

com.au

Monday, 17 December, 2018

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STAR REAL ESTATE

13

ON THE COVER

SEJ

T 16P_

Real Estate

A VALUABLE COUNTRY ESTATE..

425 DROUiN-KORUmBURRA RD DROUiN SOUTH Rural luxury is right here on this lovely 5 acre property. Over 40sq url this home will certainly impress & the shed built specially to suit for trucks is a serious advantage! The hostess Kitchen is open to a large dining area with raised ceilings with the clean modern lines carried through to the extensive alfresco area. There are 3 spacious living areas & huge master suite being one of the 4 spacious Bedrooms. High ceilings throughout & storage is incredible.

Imagine this magniicent lifestyle being your own! $900,000 - $990,000 internet iD: 8849538 View property and more details at www.sej.com.au

5622 3800 Cnr Smith & Queen St, Warragul

www.sej.com.au

MODERN, WELL-BUILT HOME LOCATED on the border of Noble Park and Keysborough, this amazing seven-yearold dwelling boasts a unique and modern design.

Only a short drive to Noble Park train station, Parkmore Shopping Centre, schools and all amenities, this residence ticks all the boxes!

Open the door to a spacious entrance and a semi-formal lounge which blends right into the open plan kitchen, living area and dining area. Complemented by the high ceilings, this property is sure to impress.

Featuring stoned bench tops and stainlesssteel appliances, the kitchen overlooks a generously spaced dining area which leads to

an outdoor alfresco area with an entertaining deck, private courtyard and an electric remote sunshade for the hottest of days.

All bedrooms come with a wardrobe and the master features an en-suite and a

central bathroom.

Additional features include ducted heated, central cooling, remote double car garage, security alarm system and security window shutters. â—?

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 2/11 Rutherglen Street, NOBLE PARK, VIC 3174 Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $525,000 - $569,000 Inspect: Contact Agent Auction: Private Sale Contact: Art Sudharm - 0403 571 245, OBRIEN REAL ESTATE

HOME FOCUS

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

To all our valued clients and friends, Thank you for your support throughout 2018 and we look forward to celebrating future success for many years to come.

From The Management & Staff at Harvest Realty 22 Enterprise Ave HAMPTON PARK Vic 3976 | Tel: 8787 8498 admin@harvestrealty.com.au | www.harvestrealty.com.au

SPACE, PRIVACY AND EASY CARE LIVING FIRST home buyers, busy families and investors will be delighted by this neat and tidy Noble Park townhouse.

Providing space, privacy and easy-care living, the home overlooks parklands and is located within walking distance to Greaves

Reserve, Railway Parade shops, Yarraman Oaks Primary School and Noble Park Secondary College.

This central location also offers easy transport options with nearby Yarraman Train Station, Eastlink and Princes Highway access. â—?

HOME ESSENTIALS 12408169-LB52-18

14

STAR REAL ESTATE

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Monday, 17 December, 2018

Address: 2/141 Chandler Road, NOBLE PARK, VIC 3174 Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: Contact agent Inspect: By appointment Contact: Jaymee Le 0416 336 902 and Leonard Widjaja 0430 355 225, AREA SPECIALIST com.au

realestate.starcommunity.com.au

35 galos Place, noble Park north

14 FergUson coUrt, eUMeMMerrIng

AUCTION THIS SATURDAY

HUGE LIVING AREA

LARGE 3 BED BV

located in quiet court very close to Waverley gardens shopping centre, schools & freeway access this immaculate home is sure to impress. offers spacious lounge with split system air conditioning, large family room and adjacent quality timber kitchen fitted with Wo & gas hotplates. large bedrooms with bIr’s, updated tiled bathroom & separate toilet.

Features neutral décor, stunning polished hardwood floors, ducted heating & ducted vacuum. Private rear garden with large shed & double car accommodation. terrific 1st home or investment.

AUCTION

set on a private secluded lot this terrific family home offers a huge open living area with lounge, modern kitchen with Wo & hP & separate rumpus that opens to a large timber deck. large bedrooms with bIr’s , renovated bathroom with spa & 2nd toilet complete the package. Features polished floors, as new carpet to bedrooms, ducted heating & cooling throughout. Double carport plus garage converted to “Man cave”. added bonus of potential for dual occupancy (stP). genuine seller – Don’t MIss thIs!

SATURDAY 22ND DECEMBER AT 11AM PRICE $650,000-$715,000 INSPECT Wednesday 6-6.30pm saturday from 10.30am CONTACT neil butler 0411 637 088

PRIVATE PRICE INSPECT CONTACT

$520,000-$572,000 by appointment neil butler 0411 637 088

9791 3177 shop 1, 11 langhorne street,

SALES & RENTALS

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

Merry Christmas

Our management and staff wish our loyal clients a Safe and Happy Festive Season and a Prosperous New Year.

Dandenong

Live a comfy life when you buy this young ground level home. Located close to the train station, Dandenong Plaza, Market, Schools and Princes Highway and Freeway access. Offering spacious lounge/dining, two large bedrooms with built in robes, bathroom with double size shower, concealed laundry, powder room, modern kitchen with gas cooker, rangehood, dishwasher, breakfast bar and ample cupboard space. Other features include split system air conditioner, instant gas hot water service, tiled wet areas, carpeted living areas and a large garage with auto door plus rear roller door. Currently tenanted at $345.00 per week.

For sale: $385,000 to $415,000 oPen: Wed 6:00pm to 6:20pm & sat 12:00pm to 12:20pm

realestate.starcommunity.com.au

28 thomas street

LARGER THAN IT LOOKS!

This three bedroom home fights above its weight and has a load of space that is quite unexpected. Three large bedrooms, a lounge with gas space heater, dining/family room plus a kitchen/meals area. The kitchen has been updated with plenty of bench space and a gas upright oven while the bathroom has had a partial upgrade and should provide you with hassle free living for quite a few years.

Garage and shed on an easy to maintain block. Located close to schools, shops and transport. This property makes an ideal first home or a great investment. Currently let on a month to month basis at $335.00 per week. WORTH CHECKING OUT!

For sale: $630,000 to $680,000 oPen: Wed 5:00pm to 5:20pm

Dandenong

95 Keneally street

MODERN METRO LIVING!

Daryl Rayner Director 0411 537 820

Noble Park

108/80 Cheltenham road

STYLISH APARTMENT LIVING!

This well located apartment is ideally situated with both a North facing balcony off the living area and a covered Southern patio area.

There are two bedrooms, a well designed modern bathroom and kitchen with gas cooktop, underbench oven, dishwasher and microwave space. Carpeted living area, double opening doors walk out to the balcony which is sheltered in summer and sunny in winter. Includes a carpark under and secure entry. Mosaic is a futuristic development set close to railway station, shops, schools and employment. Currenlty let via NRAS on a month to month basis or Vacant Possession available if preferred. LIVE THE LIFESTYLE!

For sale: $345,000 to $380,000 oPen: sat 11:40am to 12:00pm

Mick Whelan Sales Manager 0416 003 505

John Ratnam Sales Consultant 0414 556 517 com.au

9791 5922

mclennanrealestate.com.au

Monday, 17 December, 2018

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STAR REAL ESTATE

15

OVERSTOCKED HUGE LAND SALE •฀BUY฀NEW฀RESIDENTIAL฀BLOCKS฀OF฀LAND฀AT฀2015฀PRICES •฀BLOCKS฀AVAILABLE฀IN฀CLYDE,฀CLYDE฀NORTH,฀OFFICER฀฀ ฀PRICES฀FROM฀$249,000฀FOR฀350฀SQM. •฀฀LAND฀AVAILALE฀IN฀LONGWARRY฀PRICED฀ ฀FROM฀$219,000฀FOR฀325฀SQM 12407654-DJ52-18

•฀฀UP฀TO฀$50,000฀DISCOUNT •฀PRICES฀AVAILABLE฀UNTIL฀31ST฀DECEMBER฀2018 •฀฀ALL฀REASONABLE฀OFFERS฀WILL฀BE฀CONSIDERED •฀4฀BEDROOM฀HOUSE฀&฀LAND฀PACKAGES฀ALSO฀AVAILABLE฀฀ ฀AT฀MELBOURNE’S฀BEST฀PRICES฀FROM฀$479,000฀IN฀CLYDE,฀ ฀CLYDE฀NORTH,฀OFFICER฀–฀FIXED฀PRICE •฀LONGWARRY฀4฀BEDROOM฀HOUSE฀&฀LAND฀PACKAGES฀ ฀AVAILABLE฀FROM฀$452,000฀FIXED฀PRICE

Contact Kelvin Gough or Clyde Greene at Safe Super Homes on 9702 2595 for details and blocks available.

16

STAR REAL ESTATE

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Monday, 17 December, 2018

com.au

realestate.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON ‌ MEDICALLY SPEAKING

NEWS

Expert care in Doveton The Doveton Medical Centre has been part of the local community since 1963 and continues to support patients with expert care from experienced doctors, nurses and support staff.

Doveton Medical Centre prides itself on providing a warm and friendly environment and personalized care for all patients.

The centre welcomes nurses Kylie and Karen to the Doveton Medical Centre family. Both Kylie and Karen are very experienced and are available for care planning, health assessments, immunisations or any other care needs.

Doveton Medical Centre now has an online appointment system available through their website; www.dovetonmedicalcentre.com.au.

Call 9792 4064 or book online to see Dr Priyanthi or Dr Ravi. Walk-ins are most welcome.

Maurice Blackburn Dandenong staff Sharna Pashen, Shannan Mu, Will Tucker, Roxanne Dyer, Aleks Calic and Fiona George ''adopted'' a family for Christmas.

Some of the donated items for the Adopt a Family program.

Dr Ravi Wijesekara Dr Priyanthi Gunawardana Opening Hours: Mon-Frid 8.30am-7pm Sat 8.30am-1pm Bulk Billing/Walk Ins Welcome

Doveton Medical Centre 80 Power Road Doveton 3177 03 9792 4060 Philip McCahy @ Melbourne Urology Centre, 55 Kangan Drive, Berwick

12376822-CB3-18

A leading kidney stone surgeon and the only urologist practicing and living in the local area Specialising in: All aspects of kidney stone disease with extended consultations Local Anaesthetic vasectomy in Berwick

Also as Sevasectomy providing the only urologist delivered vasectomy service in Berwick Appointments: 1300 307 876 or 0481 307468 Fax: 8691 1710 http://seurology.simpl.com/ http://sevasectomy.com.au/

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

12397649-SN39-18

Dr Priyanthi Gunawardana of Doveton Medical Centre.

Staff apply law of kindness Staff at a Dandenong law firm have dug deep to 'adopt' a family of six for Christmas.

It's the fourth consecutive year that the Maurice Blackburn Lawyers office has pitched into the Adopt A Family program and bought gifts for an anonymous family.

This Christmas, the beneficiaries were a family including four children ranging from 10 years old to a newborn.

Armed with a fact sheet on the family's ages and interests, the staff put in some thought for gifts.

One staff member donated $190 of Village Cinema vouchers, another donated a $75 Myer voucher.

Other gifts included a bunch of toys, clothes and toiletries, all wrapped or parceled into gift boxes.

Maurice Blackburn Dandenong principal Gino Andrieri said the personal injury lawyers often helped people in extremely stressful situations every day.

"So this was a really fun and joyful way for the office to get together and channel our energy into helping others.

"There's a real sense of pride about it. Seeing all the gifts collected together, and knowing that the whole office pitched in, it was a real feel-good moment.

"Over the years people with injuries do it really tough over Christmas and this was a small way we felt we could give back to our community."

The Adopt A Family charity program is run

by Launch Housing, which collected the gifts on behalf of the family.

Probe on outsourced costs

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council is set to investigate the value-for-money of outsourcing work to consultants.

Councillors narrowly voted for a report on whether some of the outsourced services were better performed 'in-house'.

Proponent Cr Maria Sampey said in her preamble that consultants were "repeatedly" hired for community engagement "when it could be cheaper to employ more staff".

"This would also build skills in-house among our own staff".

Councillor Matthew Kirwan, in support, there were needs for consultants with unique skills such as occasionally hiring a hydrologist for a drainage project or a specialist in aquatic centres.

However there was ongoing and expensive outsourcing of community engagement, such as surveys on the A-League stadium, Parkfield Reserve Masterplan and other plans and strategies.

It was worth investigating whether the council could save money by employing staff for that function, he said.

Cr Jim Memeti said the report was a "health check", a chance to benchmark the council

against other municipalities.

He put up the case of hiring a consultant for $50,000 for two weeks versus employing a staff member for $70,000 a year.

"I'm not saying one is better than the other," he said.

"All this is asking for is a report."

Cr Sean O'Reilly, in opposition, said concerns about consultant hire could be raised on a case-by-case basis.

A report examining out-sourcing "acrossthe-board" would cost "tens of thousands of dollars" and was unwarranted, he argued.

He said the council's administration was best placed to make those judgements. They were used for unique skill-sets as well as to fill a gap when staff were busy.

Cr O'Reilly raised the possibility that the report could be written by a consultant. "How silly would that be?"

Cr Tim Dark noted the Federal Government spent $520 million on consultants, a figure much more than Greater Dandenong.

Hiring consultants was being "more efficient with ratepayers' money" than hiring hundreds more staff, he said.

The report deadline is prior to councillor briefings for the 2019-20 council budget.

Monday, 17 December, 2018

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STAR JOURNAL 17

ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON Market murals At Dandenong Market, street artist Dan Wenn from 90 Degrees Graffiti is creating a mural of a bird family with a number of quirky elements. Such as mother bird with hair rollers and a chick with a Mohawk.

A second mural is taking shape on the wall of The Bazaar. It includes worldly artefacts such as a 'Kendama' Japanese wooden game, a vintage phone, Gummi Bear lolly and Humpty Dumpty.

Meanwhile the Market is open for Christmas Eve trading for last-minute shoppers.

· Summer Reading Club Australian children's author Patrick Guest, pictured, launched this year's Summer Reading Club at Greater Dandenong libraries. This year's theme is based around 'curious creatures'.

The national program is aimed at children aged 5 to 13. It has averaged 1000 participants in Greater Dandenong in recent years.

Registration forms available at Springvale and Dandenong libraries. Entries close at 9pm Tuesday 29 January, with prizes presented on 2 February at Dandenong Library.

and Windsor avenues and Saturdays at St Gerard's Community Centre, 71 Gladstone Road, Dandenong North.

Details: 1300 252 666 or visit www.al-anon.org.au

3 year old pre-kinder Endeavour Hills Neighbourhood Centre is taking enrolments for 2019 for its 3-year-old pre-kinder.

Details: 9700 3789 or www.ehillsnc.org.au.

·

·History break

New Year's fireworks

The Dandenong & District Historical Society will be in recess from 12 noon Wednesday 5 December 2018. It will resume on Wednesday 6 February 2019.

Free fireworks, entertainment and activities with food stalls, children's rides at Harmony Square and Halpin Way on New Years' Eve. Up to 10,000 are expected to watch the fireworks at the family-friendly time of 9.25pm.

Free parking at Walker Street and Thomas Street multi-deck car parks from 6pm.

The event is at Harmony Square on 31 December from 6pm.

·

Al-Anon Family Groups This group offers help and support to family and friends of problem drinkers. Meetings are weekly at Endeavour Hills, Dandenong, Springvale and Dandenong North.

Mondays from 10a.m at the Andrews Centre, corner Hanna Drive and Heatherton Road .

Endeavour Hills, Wednesdays from 8.15pm at Seminar room 2 at Dandenong Hospital, David Street, Fridays from 10.30am at Springvale Church of Christ, corner Buckingham

·

Livin the dream Artist Jon Campbell celebrates the Australian vernacular with a series of installations at Dandenong Civic Centre. The 24-hour displays feature paintings of expressions like "blah blah blah", "bewdy", "dunno", "snot block" and "livin' the dream".

The paintings are in Garnar Lane, Dandenong.

·Christmas dinner

About 120 guests are expected to dine and share company for the 11th annual Christmas lunch at Hampton Park Uniting Church.

Uniting Place is seeking volunteers to help lavish its guests with a traditional two-course meal.

11.30am on Christmas Day, 25 December.

To volunteer or be part of the lunch, contact Hampton Park Uniting Church's Facebook page, email narrehamptonparkuc@bigpond. com or call 9799 7994.

·

Elvis always on Joe’s side

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An Endeavour Hills tribute artist will be getting 'all shook up' with international performers at the upcoming iconic Parkes Elvis Festival.

The highly credentialed Joe Piastrino has made the cut of 20 for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition on 11 and 12 January.

He'd placed top three at the same event last year, as well as making top 10 at the "massive" contest in Ontario, Canada.

Everything has to be right - the jumpsuits and wigs, the dance moves and the smooth Elvis Presley voice, Mr Piastrino says.

"It's a big deal. The judges really get into the nitty gritty."

Each are competing to win a spot at the Elvis tribute 'world titles' at Memphis. There, the judges are none other than Prescilla and LisaMarie Presley.

To win the world title is to be the certified Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, Mr Piastrino said.

The competition is hot and precocious. A lot of young Elvises with the shaking moves are rising through the ranks, he says.

Rather, he inhabits the more sedentary, balladeering 1970s Elvis for his few minutes on stage.

"It's a great feeling but there's always just one Elvis.

"We just carry the torch for him."

He was always a fan of the 'The King', ever since hearing his mother play the songs at home.

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She crafted him a jumpsuit with high collars for him. People were calling him 'Elvis' from a young age.

"He was just a great singer.

"You listen to all his tones. Elvis had a real smooth voice but when he wanted to, he had that sort of rough, sexy voice in his songs."

The versatile performer also puts on regular shows inhabiting stars such as Roy Orbison, Elvis and Buddy Holly with a five-piece band.

But Elvis is the big drawcard, the one who gets the loudest applause.

"Two people are talked about most in the world - that's Elvis and Jesus Christ.

"Elvis was just a phenomenon. It never dies, it keeps on and on and on.

"Parkes is still getting bigger every year."

For more details go to joe piastino.com.

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Bid falls at final hurdle

By Nick Creely and Cam Lucadou-Wells

Project officer Matt Windley and the rest of Team 11 will not give up until an A-League side is delivered to the south-east. 183931 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS FFA CEO David Gallop said that the decision was difficult, but ultimately came down to potential growth, and that the potential facilities from day dot of the successful two bids outweighed that of the unsuccessful four bids.

"This has been a game of snakes and ladders - every bid had some plusses and minuses, and we arrived at our recommendation, and the board accepted it.," he said.

"We had to look at the impact of existing clubs, and the footprint - we picked high population, growth areas, and we took all of this into account.

"It was important that we got into facilities that have good playing surfaces on day one there were bids that missed out that had to be in interim facilities which would not have presented how we wanted it to look on day one."

Gallop confirmed that the uncertainty surrounding building Team 11's boutique, 15,000-capacity stadium in Dandenong played a major part in the decision, with the expected cost of around $150 million needing the support of the Victorian government , while the Western Melbourne Group have pledged to fund their very own boutique stadium without any government assistance. He also said that

the interim facilities at Casey Fields weren't "ideal" in the short-term.

"They (the Victorian government) were open to the conversation, but it wouldn't have solved the problem in the interim, we would have found ourselves in a less than ideal facility in the short term," he said.

"I think that the Team 11 people understand that - we've spoken to the Victorian government, and we certainly want to keep that conversation going (in the future)."

The second successful bid, MacarthurSouth West Sydney, will join the competition the following season, and was always at the top of favouritism, partly due to the fact that they will be playing their home games at the already established Campbelltown Stadium.

There is, however, an opportunity for Team 11 to join the A-League in the future, with the FFA expected to further expand the national competition in the coming years, as confirmed

by Gallop.

The other unsuccessful bids were Canberra, Southern Expansion and South Melbourne, which never really had enough momentum to sway the FFA board to bring them into the competition.

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Continued from the front page A "very disappointed" Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the bid organisers remained committed to our community "which has always been at the heart of the Team 11 bid".

"It was our defining characteristic and we remain very proud of that.

"Personally, I will continue to pursue opportunities for economic uplift in Dandenong, opportunities for community building, and pathways for local kids to have their talents recognised so they can carve out exciting futures."

In a statement issued only hours after the FFA decision, Team 11 expressed their disappointment, but said they wouldn't giving up until a professional football club is brought into the south-east region.

"It's not the end of the story, just another chapter in the book," the statement read.

"Team 11 is bitterly disappointed not to have been awarded a licence into an expanded A-League competition, but is adamant that one day the south-east of Victoria will house a professional football club.

"The bid team is also immensely proud of the work that has been done in the past two years to build what we believe was a compelling case for A-League entry.

"The Team 11 Pty Ltd board expresses its sincere gratitude to the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Cardinia Shire councils for their foresight and determination to drive this bid from day one.

"To also have the support of surrounding councils in Latrobe, Frankston, Mornington, Knox, Monash, Baw Baw, Wellington, Bass Coast and South Gippsland demonstrates that this was a bid that truly represented an entire region.

"The support of local politicians, both State and Federal, has been a key factor in the preparation of the bid, led with passion by local member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams MP. "Our ambassadors have been crucial to building knowledge of the bid and garnering support, so heartfelt thanks must go to Vince Grella, Theresa Deas, Debbie Nichols, Clint Bolton and Paul Wade, as well as prominent bid supporters Jackson Irvine, Bailey Wright and Scott McDonald."

FFA chairman Chris Nikou explained at a press conference it was a long-winded process, but believes that the decision accepted by the FFA board is the right one for football in the country.

"We've been involved in a comprehensive process to identify teams for the expansion of the A-League - I'm pleased to be able to confirm that we have made a decision on expansion, and there will be two new teams joining going forward," he said.

"We think the opportunity and market is right now to expand the A-League - I can confirm that that two successful bidders are Western Melbourne and Macarthur-South West Sydney, and they give us a wonderful footprint into growth corridors in the Australian market place.

"All the bids had redeeming features, but we've settled on these two."

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STAR JOURNAL 23