Dandenong Star Journal - 20th May 2019

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Education Week 2019 This week marks the 75th year of Education Week, with the theme Celebrating Careers.

The week-long celebration is all about highlighting careers and pathways that will

make students’ dream jobs come true. It is an opportunity for schools, TAFEs and Tech Schools to showcase the work they are doing to support students as they prepare to enter the 21st Century workforce.

Education Week showcases and celebrates excellence in education through open days, exhibitions and special events.

Among those celebrating Education Week

will be the staff and students at Nazareth College in Noble Park North.

This special 8 page wrap showcases some of the exciting things happening in the area’s most innovative schools.

RESPECT - ENGAGEMENT - ACHIEVEMENT - COMMUNITY - HOPE Spring Parks Primary School delivers every child, every opportunity for learning and excelling. We are proud of our Literacy and Numeracy programs which are our key priority areas. These aim to provide children with the best learning outcomes.

Our School is equipped with and focussed on: •฀Accessing฀robotics฀and฀STEM฀programs฀•฀Delivering,฀on฀average,฀more฀than฀a฀year’s฀growth฀in฀English฀and฀Maths •฀Supporting฀parents฀and฀families฀with฀needs฀based฀programs฀•฀Extending฀children’s฀social฀and฀emotional฀development ฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀•฀Providing฀small฀class฀sizes฀with฀extra฀support฀staff฀in฀all฀learning฀spaces Spring Parks Primary School has demonstrated well above average gains for Numeracy in NAPLAN over the past 3 years

Email:฀spring.parks.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au฀฀•฀฀www.springparksps.vic.edu.au WEST CAMPUS: 24฀Erica฀Street,฀Springvale฀VIC฀3171฀•฀T:฀9546 6402฀•฀F:฀9547 2763 VALLEY CAMPUS: 27-39 Clarke Road, Springvale VIC 3172 •฀T:฀9547 3222฀•฀F:฀9558 4891

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SPRING PARKS PRIMARY SCHOOL

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION WEEK

Pathways to success Established in 1919, Dandenong High School is one of the oldest and most culturally diverse secondary schools in the state.

The school’s vision is to create an environment where every student achieves success and realises their potential.

Principal Susan Ogden explained that the school’s unique house structure and state of the art facilities ensure students’ develop a deep connection and strong pride in their school.

“In Years 7-9, students learn in a collaborative model in their house with teams of teachers. Learning is personalised, technology embedded and differentiated to meet individual needs and ensure every student is engaged and challenged,“ Ms Ogden said.

“Our senior studies program and our strong partnerships with tertiary providers and community organisations provide students with an

individualised senior pathway and the essential entrepreneurship and other 21st century skills necessary for success once they leave school.“ Dandenong High School offers an extensive STEM pathway and SEAL program and encourages students to contribute positively to their community.

“Our emphasis on student agency and leadership empowers our students to exact positive change and be responsible community members both inside and outside the school,“ Ms Ogden said.

“I am incredibly proud to be the leader of such a unique and dynamic learning community and would encourage you to visit our website or contact the school to arrange a tour.“ For more information about Dandenong High School, phone 9792 0561 or visit www. dandenong-hs.vic.edu.au.

Dandenong High School offers an extensive STEM pathway.

Call to ban phones in the classroom Of those surveyed, 86 per cent believed schools play a key role in teaching kids information technology skills.

Key findings of the survey include: 66% of adults agree that digital technologies make a positive contribution to Australian schools 37% of adults believe ‘Big Tech’ companies cannot be trusted to play a role in school technology 44% of adults are happy to see online exams; 34% want blended learning opportunities 46% of adults would like facial recognition technology (computerised video tracking in schools to monitor attendance and ensure

· · · ·

safety) incorporated into classrooms over the next 10 years Just 21% of adults believe that parents should pay for their child’s ‘BYOD’ laptop or digital tablet if schools do not give them a choice of device Professor Selwyn said he was surprised to find a high level of support for classroom phone bans from adults who otherwise endorsed the need for increased use of digital technology in schools.

“But despite the strong sentiment for a classroom phone ban, a large majority of adults in the survey (68 per cent) said it was OK for students to bring a mobile phone to school - mainly for safety and security purposes,” he said.

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Nearly 80 per cent of Australian adults in a new survey support the idea of banning mobile phones in classrooms.

A national survey out of Monash University found while most Australians believe that technology has a place in the classroom, there are still a number of concerns.

The survey showed 79 per cent surveyed supported the idea of classroom bans on phones, and just under one-third support a total schoolwide ban.

Professor Neil Selwyn from Monash University’s Faculty of Education conducted the national survey of 2052 Australian adults to gauge public opinions on digital technology use in schools.

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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION WEEK

21st Century teaching Hampton Park Secondary College delivers 21st Century teaching and learning within a dynamic, diverse and multicultural community.

Principal Wayne Haworth said the school integrates future-focussed skills into the curricular and co-curricular program including critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, problem solving and digital technologies to prepare our students for their own futures and as future leaders.

"We encourage positive learning behaviours, using Growth Mindset, which ensures student success and growth in their learning."

Mr Haworth said Hampton Park Secondary College provided a safe, secure, friendly and stimulating school environment.

"Our school and learning environment centres around the college values of Respect, Learning and Working Together. We are committed to supporting all students.

"Through an integrated well-being approach which includes Student Learning Leaders, student counsellors, teacher aides, multicultural education aides, small EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes and teaching teams, we are able to provide addi-

tional help to students with specific literacy and numeracy needs.

"Our staff and programs (Students Access Monash; RMIT, Federation University) also provide extension activities to enhance the learning experiences for all students.

"We empower students through Student Voice to have a direct influence on their learning and environment. Additional opportunities for personal and learning growth are offered to students across all year levels including a variety of leadership positions and involvement in programs and partner-

ships with community agencies such as Burrong-AIMES, SEAAC-Refugee backgrounds, Foundation House, YouthWorks, Centre for Multicultural Youth, TriTactics, and our local Primary School Network.

Mr Haworth invited prospective students and their parents to vist and see our school “in action”.

Hampton Park Secondary College is on Fordholm Road, Hampton Park. Phone 8795 9400 or email hampton.park.sc@edumail.vic. gov.au

Hampton Park Secondary College delivers 21st Century teaching and learning.

We are rich in diversity and wholehearted in our pursuit of excellence.

We aim to develop skills that will prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

•฀ICT฀rich฀learning฀environment •฀Literacy฀and฀Numeracy฀intervention฀programs •฀VCE฀accelerated฀programs฀for฀high฀achievers •฀Wide฀ranging฀co-curricular฀programs฀including฀ ฀ STEM฀Initiatives,฀sport฀and฀instrumental฀music

•฀Numerous฀opportunities฀for฀leadership฀ •฀Strong฀community฀partnerships฀with฀local฀ primary฀schools฀including฀Sports฀Peer฀Mentoring •฀Culturally฀speciic฀programs฀including฀AIMES฀ and฀Le฀Manna

Hampton Park Secondary College Fordholm Road, Hampton Park, 3976 For more information or a tour of the College, please contact the College on 8795 9400 www.hpsc.vic.edu.au฀•฀email:฀hampton.park.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au Principal:฀Mr฀Wayne฀Haworth 12418484-FA22-19

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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION WEEK

School fee help An increasing number of families in Victoria are choosing to send their kids to private schools with enrolments at independent schools rising over the past five years.

The latest research from education payment provider Edstart found that independent school enrolments have grown year-on-year and outpaced other school sectors. The fiveyear change in real enrolment at independent schools, which factors in the impact of population growth, was 3.6 per cent. Victorian public school enrolments rose 1.6per cent over the same period.

With the cost of private schools continuing to rise in recent years, Edstart CEO Jack Stevens said higher fees are not deterring parents from choosing an independent school.

“Families generally look at a range of factors when deciding where to send their kids.

If people think they have the capacity to pay something for education, they will make that choice,” Mr Stevens said.

He highlighted that the independent school sector was a broad category with schools that cater to different family budgets.

“They range from schools with fees over $40,000 per year to schools that charge only a few thousand. Parents are able to make a choice on what is affordable for them.

“Regardless of the amount, the important thing is to make sure education is a manageable expense.

“The way we’ve been able to help is by enabling families to spread large upfront fees into smaller payments, which makes a huge difference to their cash flow.”

More and more families are choosing independent schools.

Put feet first Children across Australia put their feet first, and journeyed towards a healthier future by participating in the 20th National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday17 May. The annual event raises awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long-term well-being of children. Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking also has a favourable impact on their cognitive and academic performance.

The day also encourages children to build walking into their daily routine, by walking to and from school every day.

Harold Scruby, Chairman and CEO of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, said that physical inactivity was a major risk factor for so many chronic diseases that can affect our kids at different stages of their life, including mental illness, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

“Primary school aged children across Australia – it’s time to get walking! One in 4 children in Australia is overweight or obese, and it is expected that numbers will reach 1 in 3 by next year,” he said.

“We really need teachers, parents, carers and the community at large to get behind this event and its objectives, the best exercise for all of us is regular walking. Children require at least 60 minutes huff and puff physical activity every day. We should encourage them to include walking at the beginning, during and end of each day – if you can’t walk all the way, use public transport and get off the bus, train, tram or ferry a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way to school.”

National Walk Safely to School Day also encourages parents to walk more, reducing dangerous traffic congestion around schools.

Challenge develops good digital citizens Education

matters ROB KELLY multimedia teacher at Berwick Lodge Primary School

Have you heard of the Student Blogging Challenge?

The program is about children embracing all of the benefits of blogging - from learning digital writing skills, and digital citizenship, to developing an authentic audience and connecting with others around the globe.

Since 2008, the Student Blogging Challenge has run twice yearly, beginning each March and October. It’s a great way for children to safely develop their voice and agency to communicate their ideas, beliefs and learning experiences to the world.

Kathleen Morris, an Australian primary school teacher and edublogger, is one of the leading forces behind the challenge.

“The Student Blogging Challenge founder Sue Wyatt ran the challenge for 10 years before deciding to step back in 2018. I was a big fan of using blogging and global collaboration in the classroom and I’ve always enjoyed supporting students and teachers with blogging and connecting. I felt like leading the Student Blogging Challenge was a natural extension of this so I happily put my hand up,“ Kathleen explained.

Some of the topics that the challenge focuses on include; digital literacy skills, copyright, global collaboration, problem solving and agency.

Kathleen also acknowledges that “some topics simply focus on fun and creativity too, like emojis and music. Digital citizenship is interwoven into all of the topics; students develop their understanding of how to be a safe and responsible member of an online community throughout the challenge“.

As the Student Blogging Challenge is a global experience, one question that it raises is how safe it is for children to participate in.

“One of the fantastic things about the Student Blogging Challenge is it allows students to develop important digital citizenship skills

in an authentic way. Rather than learning about the theory of digital citizenship or publishing on a closed platform, our students get real world practise. With the support of teachers and commenters, students learn about publishing online and interacting with others safely and positively.”

Kathleen and the Student Blogging Challenge team work to recruit volunteer commenters who are allocated student blogs each week to ensure students are interacting with a safe and trustworthy audience.

“These commenters are screened to ensure they are involved in education. Some of our commenters are teachers, retired teachers, pre-service teachers, librarians, school administrators, students who have taken part in the challenge in the past, and others who work in education.”

As the Student Blogging Challenge moves into the next decade of our ever changing digital landscape, what will the future hold for Kathleen and the future of the Student Blogging Challenge?

“In order to thrive in our rapidly changing world, global competency is a must for all stu-

dents. So, I hope to keep spreading the word about the challenge to encourage participants from a diverse range of countries and communities. The challenge will always be about publishing online safely and positively while learning about the world and forming global connections. As our digital world continues to evolve, so will the challenge. It’s exciting to see where the challenge will go in the years to come!”

You can learn more about the Student Blogging Challenge by visiting studentchallenge. edublogs.org/about/ or connect with Kathleen Morris on Twitter @kathleen_morris.

School fees due?

Try Edstart.

At Edstart, we believe education is the world’s most powerful investment. Our mission is to help people pay for it.

We ofer payment plans you can control, so that school fees don’t hold back your family’s inances.

Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You can even lower your annual school fee spend.

To ind out more, visit edstart.com.au Edstart Australia Pty Ltd ABN 48 611 024 205 holds Australian credit licence number 485096.

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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION WEEK

Extensive study options At Hallam Senior College staff aim to provide all students with the maximum opportunity for personal and academic growth in a supportive environment, one specially designed for students in their later years of secondary education.

Hallam Senior College offers an extensive range of study options in Year 10, VCE, VET and VCAL that enable teachers to personalise a student’s timetable through a focused program approach.

"Students are at the centre of our thinking, planning and actions. We aim to ensure that we provide positive learning experiences for every student in a young adult environment," said college principal David Caughey.

Mr Caughey said with highly experienced staff ensuring quality of delivery across all subjects, students are treated as young adults with staff-student relationships based on mutual respect, cooperation and a focus on the common goal - learning. In a young adult learning environment students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their learning.

"The relationships we forge with students and their families are critical elements of a student’s success at this important stage of their learning.

"Hallam Senior College values relationships built on respect and responsibility where the relationships between people, learning and the environment frame our actions."

Contact Hallam Senior College on 9703 1266 for more information or to book a tour of the college.

Right: Hallam Senior College students in a woodwork class.

Exam stress can damage Headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, has warned parents to be alert to stress and anxiety faced by teenagers during exam time.

Headspace Senior Clinical Advisor, Nick Duigan said young people face many life challenges, one of them being school, and particularly exam periods.

These can be stressful.

Mr Duigan said it was important to note that stress was different to anxiety.

“Many young people are able to manage stressful life events and stressful periods in their life without experiencing a mental illness.“ Current statistics show that: 75% of mental health difficulties first onset is before the age of 25.

Anxiety disorders first onset is predominant-

· ·

ly younger in age, under 16 years old.

“When a young person is supported by their school and family to work through times of difficulty, this can build resilience,“ Mr Duigan said.

“A supportive school and family environment provides information and resources that help young people feel in control, and help young people build a range of strategies that support them to do the things they want to do, even in times of stress and difficulty.

“It is important to make sure young people have access to the information they need to recognise the early warning signs and symptoms of mental health difficulties. This can help them to intervene early and can also help them to put in place healthy habits to support their mental health and prevent a mental illness from developing.“

Easier way to find schools It is now easier for parents to find out what school zone they live in with the launch of a new interactive website.

The state government has created a simple and clear website so, for the first time, Victorian parents will be able to enter their home address online and see their local school zone.

A number of anomalies in school zoning have also been addressed.

Previously, some homes were excluded from a school zone, and in some cases, school boundaries overlapped.

The Find My School website also includes zones for the new schools opening in 2020.

The website allows parents to search for their closest school as well as find other nearby government schools.

Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or suburb or searching by school name or categories such as primary, secondary, or specialist school. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Hallam Senior College We value and promote all pathways through a broad range of Year 10, VCE, VET and VCAL options

Tours Available Phone 9703 1266 for bookings Hallam Senior College The new website will provide parents with clarity and consistency on what their government school options are.

Parents can look up school zones online at: findmyschool.vic.gov.au

Frawley Road, Hallam, Victoria 3803 P: 9703 1266 E: hallam.senior.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au facebook.com/hallamsc

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FOCUS ON … CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Inspired by the Gospel

Students rehearse for the upcoming Nazareth College production of the Addams Family.

Classic on the stage Nazareth College Performing Arts Department is proud to present the musical comedy production, ‘The Addams Family.’

The show will be performed on Thursday 30 May, Friday 31 May and Saturday 1 June, from 7pm in the college’s Wheeler Auditorium.

Join us at Nazareth College as a very talented cast of over 40 energetic and enthusiastic students from Years 7-12 bring these bizarre and ghoulish characters to life.

Not only do students perform on-stage, but also participate behind the scenes in many different ways. There are over 25 students involved in live music performances, lighting and sound, stage and prop management, as well as costume, hair and make-up. Many hours have been invested by staff and students in preparation for a gala opening night.

‘The Addams Family’ is a beloved classic from the dark comedy genre that has been reimagined and reshaped for every generation since its inception as a cartoon by Charles Addams in the New Yorker in 1938. This 2011 musical comedy version, with music and lyrics composed by Andrew Lipa and script by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, updates the family’s story through a modern lens. In keeping with the musical comedy genre, this production views favourite characters in a more light-hearted and playful manner.

Book your tickets now before they sell out!

Tickets can be purchased online at www.trybooking.com/456406 or visit the college website for further details, www.nazareth.vic.edu. au.

St Elizabeth’s school is a vibrant learning community where teachers and students aspire to instil the Gospel values in all that is said and done.

Principal Christina Ferguson said St Elizabeth’s was an inclusive school, where all are welcome to be apart of the faith based community.

“At our school, the social and emotional wellbeing of every student is paramount in our children achieving success. We recognise that every child is unique; each having special needs, abilities and preferred learning styles. It is our aim to help children grow and develop their special abilities, self-confidence and selfesteem,“ Ms Ferguson said.

“As a school, we are committed to the excellence of the whole child, where our vision is one that is visible and enacted in all that we do and is driven through various wellbeing and curriculum initiatives.

“Our pursuit of academic excellence for each child is achieved through a dedicated

staff, who use a contemporary, relevant and collaborative approach to learning. Our staff provide all our students with a wide range of opportunities to engage in rich, learning experiences in and beyond the classroom, where the needs and interests of our students are at the forefront.

She said students were encouraged to be risk takers; be leaders; be inquisitive; be creative; be innovative; be compassionate change makers and to be themselves.

“We believe that for each of our children to flourish - to be engaged in their learning, to be independent, to be resilient, to take responsibility for their choices and learning - requires all within our school and parish community to have this same vision, dedication and commitment, which we continually strive for.

“As a faith based community we continue to build on our outstanding work that has been achieved in all curriculum areas through our contemporary approach, which we invite all to be a part of.“

Principal Christina Ferguson engages with students in the reading nook.

Be Known at Nazareth College

Enrolments open for 2020 & 2021 Catholic Co-education for Years 7 -12

Select places available for 2019

Manning Drive, Noble Park North VIC 3174 | (03) 9795 8100 | www.nazareth.vic.edu.au 12418077-CB21-19

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St John's Regional College principal Tim Hogan with students.

Taking pride

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At St John’s Regional College students have access to a full range of academic, artistic, sporting and other co-curricular pursuits.

As a college, we are inspired by the work of our founders the De La Salle Brothers and Presentation Sisters who emphasised God’s unconditional love in their work with young people. It is this love and belief in the dignity of each child that motivates us to provide an environment of both high support and high challenge; a place where students will learn to value both excellence and the work ethic that is required to achieve their full potential.

Our Vertical House System allows families

Preparing students for a bright future

and students to journey through their six years at St John’s with the same teachers as House Coordinator and Homeroom Mentor. We learn much about the needs of students through this partnership between home and school and encourage parents to participate in their child's learning at every opportunity.

St John’s provides students with a range of subject offerings and pathways including Vocational Education & Training (VET), the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and the Victorian Certificate of Education. In providing for all pathways we ensure that students develop the skills that will be essential for their success in a rapidly changing world.

Enrol now for 2020-2021 Call to book a tour

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By Tim Hogan, Prinicpal at St John's

Igniting the mind & spirit...

9700 6068

St Eliza eth’s S hool Dandenong North

Open Evening

at St John’s Regional College will be held on Thursday the 27th of June at 6pm.

Families will have the opportunity to take an interactive tour of the college along with an information session on all the opportunities at the school

www.trybooking.com/BALBU 5-11 Caroline Street, Dandenong 12417800-FA22-19

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Flood of thefts

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Next man up for Rays

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Battlers ignored Labor MPs in the Greater Dandenong area were emphatically returned while their party crushingly lost the ‘unloseable’ 18 May federal election.

ALP incumbent MPs Julian Hill (in the seat of Bruce), Clare O’Neil (Hotham) and Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs) were re-elected with greater margins than 2016.

This was in defiance of what appeared a national swing to the Coalition Government.

Mr Hill, while “delighted”and “humbled” by the local result, said constituents were “devastated” that Labor didn’t ascend to power.

“People in Dandenong and Casey are facing the prospect of three more years of being forgotten.”

The Liberal Party had “promised nothing” in the area, Mr Hill said.

“They ran on tax cuts yet no one earning under $45,000 gets a dollar from the Liberals, and that’s a hell of a lot of people in our com-

munity who don’t feature in their world.”

He said it would “take some time” to reflect on why the national battle was lost and who would be the best to lead after Bill Shorten’s resignation.

“We were upfront with people about our view and the change that was needed. That of course runs a political risk of giving ammunition for fear and lies, and that was part of the story.”

He said but for the donkey vote, Fraser Anning’s candidate in Bruce and his “xenophobic racist fear” campaign was “roundly rejected”.

He added “all Australians will need to reflect on the fake news that was spread”.

“Just one example was the complete lie and nonsense that Labor was considering an inheritance or death tax. It simply wasn’t true.”

Locally, the Liberal campaign barely got out of the blocks. Its Isaacs tilt derailed when candidate Jeremy Hearn was disendorsed for antiMuslim social media posts.

Merle fights on for rights

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Springvale community trailblazer Merle Mitchell expects “things are going to change” after delivering a powerful public condemnation of her experience in aged care.

Ms Mitchell, 84, appeared via video at

the Federal Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety on 7 May. She spoke out on understaffing, undertraining, the lack of challenging activities and a lack of empathy since moving to Waverley Valley Aged Care in 2016.

Continued page 4

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Merle Mitchell, pictured in 2014, gave a searing insight on aged care to a Royal Picture: GARY SISSONS Commission. 126005

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By Cam Lucadou-Wells

NEWS

The fine art of survival

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Multi-talented Narre Warren artist Mirwais Janbaz makes for an extraordinary chapter in a newly-released book Refugee Stories: In Their Own Words.

Author Laurie Nowell, who launched the book in Dandenong on 10 May, has told the story of 48 refugees living in Australia, including Mirwais.

It was a chance to show refugees are resilient and ingenious people who have overcome challenges and dangers just to get here, Mr Nowell said.

They bring with them hopes, dreams and ambitions for their children.

"Refugees have always, and still, have a lot to offer this country," Mr Nowell said.

Speaking six languages, Mirwais is an exponent of arts, martial arts and has a pre-apprenticeship in plumbing.

His unique art adorns a Canadian peacepoetry anthology Love Poems To the World.

At the Australian Migrant Employment Services (AMES), he's voluntarily teaching new arrivals on the basics such as Centrelink, the housing market, as well as local geography and culture.

He's considering a short course in security work or trying out for Victoria Police. He's also looking to create an art gallery in his home garage.

He's literally come far from early life in Afghanistan. At 7, he was nearly killed while out on an errand to buy bread.

As he neared the bakery, it was struck by a rocket that killed everyone inside.

The dangers amplified as the Taliban sought to abduct Mirwais's sister. The family took exile, living in a form of legal limbo in Pakistan for 20 years, unable to officially work or even open a bank account.

Mirwais's talent as a painter and calligra-

Mirwais Janbaz with his searing artwork. 193021 pher shone early. He taught art, calligraphy and the martial art Capoeira at refugee schools run by the UN while in Pakistan.

At the same time, he worked as a commissioned artist and an interpreter of six languages for the UN-run International Organisation for Migration.

"As a refugee you have to do different things," Mirwais says.

'It's difficult to rely on just one thing."

In Australia, refugee life has been relatively comfortable.

Mirwais gained an identity, he could open a

Picture: GARY SISSONS bank account and do post-school training as a pre-apprentice plumber.

He is determined to gain ongoing paid work.

"I don't want to take Centrelink money anymore," he says. "I'm willing to take any type of job.

"Most of the refugees want to work and they have the energy to do something.

"How to accommodate them in work is the challenge."

As life settles for Mirwais and his family, the trauma, anxiety and depression has started to surface.

They are still grief-struck by the death of older brother Waleed who was electrocuted in their badly-wired apartment in Islamabad.

"Dark things come in your mind. We are not facing those problems so we now have time to think about our feelings."

His father has been hospitalised with posttraumatic stress and now lives in aged care.

Readers can find inspiration from Refugee Stories, which lays bare the problems that new arrivals have faced, Mirwais says.

"They can be confident and thankful for whatever they have. They can look at these people in a different way."

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IN BRIEF Three teens arrested

A flood of thefts

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Thieves have swiped 17 large water meters during a weekend stealing binge in Dandenong South’s industrial estate.

Factories and offices in Brindley Street, Oppenheim Way, Frankston-Dandenong Road and Monash Drive were among the targets over the weekend of 10-12 May. According to police, the brazen thievery occurred at varying times of day and night, presumably to convert the devices into scrap metal.

As a result, premises were flooded over the weekend.

Water supplies and business operations were disrupted while costly repairs and reinstallations were carried out the following Monday.

A worker at Kingseng Aluminium Australia noticed a neighbour’s factory being flooded by water about 1pm on 11 May. He had assumed that there was a water leak.

“It wasn’t until Monday morning that we found out that the water meter had been stolen, as well as the neighbours and several others in the area,” a Kingseng spokesperson said.

Another Brindley Street worker said “water gushing up into the sky”.

South East Water customer service delivery manager Terry Schubach said the theft of large water meters was an ongoing issue.

“Thieves often target them due to their scrap metal value.

“This also includes any metals that are associated with plumbing fittings.”

In the 2018-‘19 financial year, South East Water had suffered 40 thefts of similar larger industrial water meters, Mr Schubach said.

Two years ago there was a spate of 57 reported thefts in the Dandenong and Cran-

A 50-millimetre water meter, much like the industrial-size meters stolen in Dandenong South. bourne industrial areas.

In the past, the water utility, police and the scrap metal industry had tracked stolen me-

ters using serial numbers, Mr Schubach said.

As a result, devices have been recovered and offenders successfully prosecuted.

The 17 meters have cost South East Water more than $8000 to replace.

The potentially expensive cost of reinstallation works is billed to the customers.

“We usually supply their preferred licensed plumber or contractor with the replacement meter as soon as possible so we can get their water supply back on quickly,” Mr Schubach said.

“Unfortunately this can also be an expensive job as there’s often been damage done to the customer’s pipes, backflow devices or even the property itself.”

John Bolch of Commercial Plumbing Maintenance who carried out several repairs in Brindley Street said businesses shut down temporarily due to the water outage.

It cost the victims plenty in terms of lost production, lost wages as well as the repair bills.

“It’s more the damage they’ve done in removing them.

“They break it out of the ground, they break the copper tubes off, they break the copper pipe upstands.”

Often a considerable amount of water escapes due to the removal of stop valves, Mr Bolch said.

“They don’t get much money for the scrap but the cost of replacing them is quite a lot.”

He was taking orders from victims for meter cages to deter future thieves.

Greater Dandenong CIU is investigating the thefts.

Any information to South East Water on 13 28 12, Greater Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487 and Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Rescue pony enjoys second chance

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A rescued Welsh pony has got a 'second life' as a popular figure at Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) Doveton.

Late last year, Olivia had been saved from a neglectful home by RSPCA and passed on for months of rehabilitation with Project Hope.

The charity then offered her to the RDA, where she is the horse of choice for eight young special-needs riders.

RDA Doveton coach Barbara Caulfield said it was rare for them to gain a horse of such small stature.

Apparently, Olivia quickly established herself as the 'boss' among taller horses in the RDA paddock.

She is also known to be fond of her own collection of 'soft toys'.

"From day one, she's taken to it like a fish to water. She's been happy to work, she's been really great.

"Kids love her because she's got that princess-pony look."

Three children were arrested by police soon after allegedly bashing a 24-year-old man at Dandenong railway station.

They reportedly held, punched and kicked the man near the station's footbridge about 2pm on Wednesday 8 May. Police soon intercepted them at the railway station.

The victim was taken to Dandenong Hospital with a non-life threatening injury to his face.

The three arrested were aged between 16 and 17 years.

They have been released, pending summons.

Woman arrested after man dies Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) detectives are investigating an incident which occurred in Springvale South on Sunday 12 May. Investigators have been told a 24-yearold man fell from the roof of a vehicle in the driveway of a Heatherton Road property about 9.25pm.

The Springvale man died in hospital late this morning.

A 26-year-old Springvale South woman was arrested at the scene.

She is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

The parties are believed to be known to each other.

MCIU detectives will work together with local detectives to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Students robbed A pair of teenage students have been robbed of their phones during a mid-afternoon hold-up on Titcher Road, Noble Park North.

The 16-year-old and 17-year-old international students were walking home from school about 3.30pm on Thursday 9 May. They were approached from behind and put in headlocks by two unknown males.

The robbers demanded the students to unlock their phones and to disable i-Cloud. The males then fled with the phones.

Any information to Greater Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Driver dies in Springvale smash A driver has died after a head-on crash involving three cars in Springvale.

Police say a car driven along Rosalie Street is believed to have struck a vehicle heading south on Springvale Road about 7.10am on Tuesday 14 May. The struck car spun as a result, crashing head-on with a van also travelling south.

An unidentified female in the struck car died at the scene.

Her male passenger was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A 34-year-old van driver was also hospitalised with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the first car, a 20-year-old man, was taken to hospital for observation.

Police say he is assisting them with their enquiries. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances of the crashes.

Olivia with Elishia on board and instructor Barbara Caulfield. 193286 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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NEWS

Boys in blue who saved purple baby

By Danielle Kutchel A choking baby was saved by the boys in blue last week, in a case of right place, right time for everyone.

First Constable Luke Bull, an officer in the Dandenong Frontline Tactical Unit, said he and his partner First Constable Callum Nathan

were flagged down on Plunkett Road on the afternoon of Wednesday 15 May by a distressed mother who was holding her baby.

“The baby was visibly purple in the face and struggling to breathe,” Mr Bull said.

He and his partner leaped into action, with Mr Nathan performing back taps on the child and Mr Bull calling an ambulance.

It was a whirlwind 90 seconds, and fortunately the baby spat out a mouthful of cucumber and began to breathe normally again.

“It went quickly but it’s lucky we were there,” Mr Bull said.

“It’s good to go home knowing you’ve helped a young mum and her baby.”

Merle fights on for aged-care change From front page Speaking out is what she has done all her life, she later told Star News.

“Advocating for change is part of what I’ve done for a long time.

“We’ve got to make sure all sides of politics take up the recommendations that the Commissioner is going to make.”

She has had to learn to accept the regimentation of meals and showers, and the loss of contact with Nature.

“An aged care facility is not a home. It is an institution,” her submission stated.

Ms Mitchell says it was a “terrible shock” to move into aged care. There was the sudden loss of her way of life and independence. She couldn’t retain all the precious items that he had in her former home.

“It’s traumatic for me to not have those things that were part of my regular life.

“I can no longer reach out and grab an atlas if I hear something on the news.

“I can no longer reach out and get my favourite book.

“You lose your choice totally when you come into aged care. And that’s one of the things that needs to change.”

She told how there was no grief counselling offered when her husband and former City of Springvale mayor Eric Mitchell died. Instead there was an awkward lack of empathy from staff.

On another occasion, she suffered in agony for days yet staff repeatedly told her there was nothing wrong with her.

She was eventually hospitalised for three weeks with crushed discs.

The main problem is staff ratios - just one registered nurse for every 170 residents.

“There are just not enough staff for what needs to be done,” she told Star News.

“The number of falls in these facilities is just enormous.”

More funding and training is required, as well as better payment of staff.

“If you’re a child-care or an aged care worker - both ends of the life cycle - you don’t get properly paid.”

Ms Mitchell pays an extra $50 a day for “special services” such as a 30-minute exercise class, soup with her meal, and a newspaper.

“It’s all about money.

“One of the bad things that we did was to turn all this care into a private industry so it’s all about profit.

“Until we stop that we won’t get the change we need.”

A Greater Dandenong Living Treasure, Ms Mitchell is an aged-care advocate for Council On The Ageing (COTA).

She is involved in a new RMIT-developed training course for care workers.

She is a past director and founder of the Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau (now South East Community Links), as well as setting up Springvale Neighbourhood House and the Family Mediation Centre.

She is also a former president of the Australian Council of Social Service.

Worshipful Master Giorgio Migliaccio and Brother Andrew Gleeson from Spring Vale Lodge with Springvale Park Special Developmental School students Vanessa, Blake and Emina 192905 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Freemasons swing behind school effort

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Therapeutic play equipment is on its way for a Springvale school, thanks to a giant cheque from The Freemasons Foundation.

Springvale Park Special Developmental School will spend the $5000 donation on a high-backed swirl swing for junior students, a hammock swing and a gliding rocker.

The equipment will complement the school’s ever-popular swings, which bring a regulating, calming sensation to students.

Freemasons group Spring Vale Lodge made the successful application for the grant to the foundation.

The foundation had approved $900,000 community grants across 180 lodges in Victoria this year.

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NEWS

‘Cooked-up’ report claim

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A City of Greater Dandenong health inspector has explosively claimed she was pressured by council management to fabricate evidence against a Dandenong South commercial caterer.

Kim Rogerson, an inspector at the council for seven years, has filed an affidavit of her claims to the state’s anti-corruption watchdog Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).

Ms Rogerson ‘blew the whistle’ as the caterer iCook Foods is demanding $26 million compensation from the Department of Health and Human Services for its ruined business.

The company claims it was wrongfully blamed for a fatal listeria case and shut down by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for 35 days in February.

“It really infuriated me because I knew this company didn’t deserve it,” Ms Rogerson said.

“I just couldn’t stand by. It’s just horrible that they’ve decimated this multi-million-dollar company for no real reason.

“It’s not how we normally operate.”

Greater Dandenong Council states that it doesn’t believe Ms Rogerson’s claims are true but is taking them “extremely seriously”.

“Council has reported the matter to IBAC in accordance with its mandatory notification requirements and looks forward to an independent and external investigation,” a council spokesperson said.

The council didn’t detail the timing of its reporting to IBAC, whether it was before or after Ms Rogerson lodged her complaint.

Ms Rogerson had taken samples from the iCook Foods factory in early February after the death of an elderly patient at a private hospital.

On 21 February, the department ordered the factory’s shutdown, citing a strong link between iCook food samples and the patient’s

What types of open space are most important to you?

iCook Foods director Ian Cook and general manager Benjamin Cook in the empty factory kitchens in Dandenong South. 191789 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS listeriosis via “genomic sequencing”.

A major supplier of Meals on Wheels, aged end of her report. It stated that she’d verbally In March, Ms Rogerson says she was or- warned the iCook Foods general manager that car homes and hospitals, every one of its condered by the council to file a report on her visit the factory didn’t comply with food standards. tracts has been severed, director Ian Cook said. to the factory.

“That didn’t take place. We didn’t have that It has ruined the 35-year-old business, with She says she was “harassed” by council man- conversation,” Ms Rogerson said. a $6-million-plus turnover, and put 41 staff out agers to inflate her two-page report to 11 pages, “I was so disgusted I just deleted it. of work. which she refused to sign off on.

Meanwhile, the family-run caterer iCook “We didn’t do anything wrong,” Mr Cook The last straw for her was a “blatantly incor- Foods insists the scientific tests clear the facrect” passage which she says was added to the tory of blame. said.

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Open space includes sporting ields, nature reserves, gardens, playgrounds, trails and civic squares such as Harmony Square in Dandenong.

HAVE YOUR SAY Your feedback will help Council to prepare a new Open Space Strategy to improve the quality of open space in Greater Dandenong.

Submissions close Friday 28 June.

Complete the survey via OurSay at greaterdandenong.com/ futureofopenspace

Pick up a survey from any of Council’s Customer Service Centres

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NEWS

Witnesses halt assault Four passers-by have halted a sexual assault of a man in a central Dandenong alcove.

The victim had earlier met three unknown men at the corner of Clow Street and Princes Highway on 12 April, police say.

He went to an unknown address with the men. When he left, he was followed by one of them.

The man grabbed the victim on Robinson Street about 2am on 13 April, sexually assaulting him in a secluded alcove.

Four passers-by intervened, stopping the attack and causing the offender to flee on foot, according to police.

The attacker was described as having a dark complexion, aged in his mid-thirties, with short hair and a heavy accent.

He wore jeans, a zip-up jumper with white stripes on the arms, and a black T-shirt.

Dandenong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives are seeking to speak to the man and the four witnesses.

Police have released images and CCTV of the incident.

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

A man, front, who police want to speak to in relation to a sexual assault in Robinson Street, Dandenong. One of the passers-by, hooded, is standing behind him.

Hunt for hit-run driver A hit-run driver has fled a two-vehicle crash that injured two teenage pedestrians in Dandenong.

A Toyota Camry had stopped to give way to the pedestrians crossing at Herbert Street near a roundabout at the corner of Cleeland Street about 3.40pm on Friday 26 April.

Police have been told a black Ford Territory struck the Camry from behind, causing it to strike the pedestrians.

A woman driving the Territory allegedly reversed and drove away, west on Cleeland

A black Ford Territory was believed to have been involved in a hit-run crash in Dandenong on Friday 26 April.

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12413008-HM12-19

Street. Police say she may have had children in the backseat.

The front of the Territory was likely to have been significantly damaged, police say.

The pedestrians, a 16-year-old Dandenong South girl and a 17-year-old Dandenong girl, received minor injuries.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident. No arrests have yet been made.

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

6 STAR JOURNAL

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Monday, 20 May, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Bitter blow for terminally-ill mum

By Cam Lucadou-Wells No one needs to have their car stolen - least of all, Hampton Park terminally-ill mother Lisa Hart.

She spent Mother’s Day driving around Cranbourne in a forlorn attempt to find her 18-year-old Nissan Pulsar.

The reliable ‘second car’ was stolen from Fountain Gate shopping centre’s outside car park near the south-east bus stops on Friday 10 May between 6-8pm.

Three days later, it was found as an incinerated wreck in Kirkham Road Dandenong.

The loss was a cruel blow for an exhausted Ms Hart, a 51-year-old breast cancer survivor diagnosed with terminal secondary cancer in her lymph nodes in November.

Her family have been hit by thousands in out-of-pocket expenses as she pursues trial drugs to prolong her life.

There’s $2200 for a machine to drain fluid from Ms Hart’s arm, $500 for an arm compression sleeve as well physio treatments.

“There’s no justice,” she says.

“Sometimes you think you run out of tears but I haven’t.

“Cancer makes you sick and it makes you broke. It financially destroys you. I just think to the universe - can I have a break?”

The worst thing is now fearing for her family’s safety, Ms Hart says. She hopes the thieves don’t track down and break into the family address.

“I’ve never laid in bed at night before, thinking someone could drive up and steal the other

Lisa Hart with spare keys to the stolen and burnt-out Pulsar. 193552 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS car and car keys - but now I do.“ The family will now have to dig deep for another car to help shuttle two children to school and university.

There’s also the youngest daughter Isabeau’s state softball training around Melbourne, netball in Cranbourne and Ms Hart’s visits to Peter Mac cancer centre in the CBD. The Pulsar had been used by Ms Hart’s husband to get to the train station for work and by her daughter Samara to study at Deakin University, Burwood.

Samara now faces two-hour commutes on public transport to get to uni, while Dad takes the bus to Narre Warren train station.

The car had run with little problem, and

was likely to last another five years, Ms Hart said. She’d planned to give it to her youngest daughter next year.

Ms Hart is otherwise fighting on as she undergoes medical trial after trial.

“The treatments get worse and worse until you can’t stand them anymore.

“I’m desperate not to die while my kid is at VCE. I don’t want to stuff up my kid’s future.

“They don’t deserve that.”

If you can help the Hart family with a replacement vehicle, contact lisaghart@bigpond.com Any information on the car theft to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic. com.au

The search for leaders The call is out for aspiring leaders from new and emerging communities who want to make a positive difference.

A free leadership skills program for young adults in Greater Dandenong will be held over eight days between June and October.

It is open to people aged 18 to 25 who live, study or work in City of Greater Dandenong.

Applicants from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Greater Dandenong Young & Emerging Community Leaders Program is run by Victoria Police, Leadership Victoria, City of Greater Dandenong and the Department of Justice.

For more information, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZSBSBYG or contact DANCOMMUNITYENGAGEME@police.vic.gov.au or 9767 1169.

Abandoned house ablaze

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An abandoned house has been suspiciously set alight on the corner of Hutton and Pickett streets, Dandenong.

Fire and police crews were called to the blaze about 2.35pm on Friday 10 May. A mattress in a rear bedroom was the point of ignition, police say.

The fire was contained to the bedroom. The empty building was scheduled for demolition.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au or Greater Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487.

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Monday, 20 May, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Picture: GARY SISSONS

SICMAA in cash pledge

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Labor, if elected to Federal Government, has pledged to provide $74,000 over four years to Springvale Indo-Chinese Mutual Assistance Association.

Hotham MP Clare O'Neil said it was part of a $40 million national program to reverse the Coalition Government's "heartless cuts" to emergency relief organisations at the end of the year.

She said such services provided food and financial support to vulnerable people with nowhere else to turn.

The ALP also pledged to double the num-

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Clare O'Neil and Be Ha at the funding pledge announcement. 193574

ber of financial counsellors and expand the alternatives to pay-day loans for people on low incomes.

"I am so pleased to be able to announce this funding for SICMAA to undo the heartless cuts made by the Liberals," Ms O'Neil said.

"I've seen first-hand the incredible work that SICMAA does in the Springvale community."

SICMAA president Be Ha said there was a high demand for help, including people escaping family violence or starving families ruined by problem gambling.

Liberal candidate George Hua did not respond to Star News's enquiry.

SRSS cuts start to bite

By Cam Lucadou-Wells At least 148 asylum seekers in Greater Dandenong have been made "destitute" after being cut from the Status Resolution Support Services program, says Greater Dandenong councillor Matthew Kirwan.

Another 350 further recipients in the council area were also facing the possible loss of their $35-a-day SRSS payments, pending assessment by the Department of Home Affairs, Cr Kirwan told a council meeting on 13 May. Most of the former recipients were single adults - 72 per cent of whom were male.

"There are even more who consist of families with parents and children under 6 years old who exiting from the program is only for the time-being on hold."

Cr Kirwan said the cuts have caused increased demand for housing, infant needs, education, food and groceries, utility costs, medical treatment, transport costs and medication.

"The sector (has) estimated that even if the SRSS program was reinstated in full tomorrow there would be a lingering after effect in Australia of 6-12 months due to the damage that the cuts to the program have caused."

Greater Dandenong Council has led a national campaign to reverse the cuts, nominating it as part of its Federal Election wishlist.

It was set to move at a Municipal Association of Victoria state council meeting on 17 May to lobby the State Government for increased emergency relief for asylum seekers in the meantime.

Federal Labor, if elected to Government, has vowed to reverse the stripping of welfare payments from asylum seekers living in the community.

It has not offered a clear time-frame for action.

The Coalition Government has stood firm on the cuts.

A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs recently told Star News that the SRSS program "is not a social welfare program".

"It is designed to provide short-term, tailored support to those who have demonstrated barriers to resolving their immigration status.

"Individuals on a bridging visa with work rights, and who have the capacity to work, are expected to support themselves while their immigration status is being resolved."

Bruce MP Julian Hill, Wicki Vikramasingham, Mayor Roz Blades, opposition home affairs spokesperson Shayne Neumann, Cr Matthew Kirwan, Cr Youhorn Chea and Labor Aston candidate Kadira Pethiyagoda in February. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Monday, 20 May, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 9

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 15 May 1919 Influenza Influenza - pneumonic - still claims many victims in and around Dandenong and doctors and chemists are consequently having what is commonly termed as a strenuous time - as much so that one would imagine that at least the former will be pleased when the epidemic once more subsiders. There is such a thing as being too busy. And the patients, well, will be pleased to see the doctor "in the street" - yes, and just as pleased as they were to see him in the sickroom when they had the flue

50 years 15 May 1969 Report sought on big parking plan

The Dandenong Chamber of Commerce plan for parking and re-routing of Princes Hwy traffic around Dandenong will be "thoroughly examined" by the city council. And council expects to spend an entire meeting discussing the project, a report on which will be made by the city engineer, Mr Gordon Wright. Moving for the report from Mr Wright, Cr W Titchier told council the plan had aroused "tremendous interest" among residents of Dandenong and from many places outside Dandenong. "We even had inquiries from a former Lord Mayor of Melbourne asking for details.

Cr Titchier said that although much interest had been shown, the plan had not been universally accepted because many people were concerned with property acquisitions. Cr Peter Aubin said he has been "bombarded "with adverse criticism at the plans untimely presentation adding "The Chamber of Commerce has acted like a school

boy pushing its barrow at this stage.

from this year's CIP

20 years

5 years

17 May 1999 Roads Standstill

19 May 2014 Swags - not housing

Projects to improve safety at several dangerous intersections in Greater Dandenong have been delayed because the council failed to fully investigate Vic Roads requirements. Addressing Monday night's council meeting the chief executives officer Mr Warwick Heine, said the lack of progress on some projects was "embarrassing". Only $3.32 million of the council's $8 million capital improvements program (CIP) budget for 1998-99 has been spent. Mr Heine said some of the problems were due to Vic Roads, but the council should have done a better job of investigating the "scope of projects". Some of the projects have had to have been withdrawn

Swags rather than rooming houses and motels could be the "new face of homelessness" according to a housing support services manager in Dandenong. Jen Kelly of WAYSS said her service was nearly out of funds until the end of June due to a "fast and furious demand" for crisis accommodation. She said the service was facing the distressing reality of suggesting that homeless people sleep rough in swags. "We had a look at swags and I told my staff this is the new face of homelessness. "It's not really part of my morality and the staff aren't really happy that we've provided it as an option. We attempt to give people the respect they are due".

NEWS

‘Active citizen’ remembered

Plastic fight What do you do with the mountain of plastic bags in our homes, streets and tips?

Springvale Neighbourhood House is seeking answers in a program for environmental action among CALD communities.

Backed by a $3500 grant from waste operator SUEZ, the project will raise awareness on the damage caused by plastic bag litter, promote plastic recycling and encourage reusable shopping bag use.

The grant will help employ a project worker to lead the initiative and inspire community leaders to spread the word in their communities.

The project will include multicultural sewing groups making shopping bags from recycled and donated materials. A working bee will clean up and examine the amount of trash dumped on walking pathways near the railway line.

A mindfulness workshop series will focus

on mindful use and disposal of plastic bags.

"We will raise awareness in our community of the need to dispose of plastic bags mindfully and to use alternative bags wherever possible," Springvale Neighbourhood House manager Melanie Virtue said.

SUEZ state general manager Nathaniel Bryant said it was a wonderful community-led initiative.

"We believe that when they come together to take action, communities have real power to make a significant difference to their local environment.

"We're pleased to be able to support this important project to remove barriers to participation."

Now in its fifth year, the SUEZ Community Grants program has donated more than $740,000 in funding across Australia.

Tribute has been made to a late and "passionate" Dandenong community activist Janet Cox. Ms Cox was remembered as a long-time Dandenong resident who lived in a "petite weatherboard" in New Street during a tribute

by Greater Dandenong councillor Matthew Kirwan at a council meeting on 13 May. She ran as an independent in the seat of Dandenong in the 2002 State Election as well as being an outspoken secretary of the Dandenong Resident and Ratepayers Association.

Cr Kirwan said Ms Cox was a nurse and passionate feminist who was active in recognizing the history of women getting the vote in Victoria.

She helped form a statewide group LOCAL to encourage women to be active in local politics.

"She held passionate views about Dandenong whether it was via personal contact to elected representatives or writing letters to the editor.

"She was a great example of an active citizen."

Before her decline in health, she was a regular letter writer to the Dandenong Journal.

One of them was a stinging send-off to former Greater Dandenong chief executive Carl Wulff in 2008.

"The CEO and council officers are public servants, and are not, as some of them seem to think, the city's leaders!

"It's now time for the councilors to resume proper control of their staff and get Greater Dandenong back on track to ensure that it really is a 'city of opportunity' for the entire community, not just for entrepreneurs and developers."

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Going for goal in the world game

Going for goal in the world game A soccer showcase in Dandenong will kick things up a notch in the race for an A-League team. Gach Chuol, Greater Dandenong Councillor Jim Memeti and Sukart Alex got in some practice ahead of the Saturday 16 June event. See page 7 for the full story. 181655 Picture: GARY SISSONS

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Property Lift out

A soccer showcase in Dandenong will kick things up a notch in the race for an A-League team. Gach Chuol, Greater Dandenong Councillor Jim Memeti and Sukart Alex got in some practice ahead of the Saturday 16 June event. See page 7 for the full story. 181655 Picture: GARY SISSONS

His life for others

By Casey Neill

Lee Tarlamis.

Lee Tarlamis says his older brother’s cancer battle inspired him to spend his life helping those less fortunate.

His service culminated in a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, announced on Monday 11 June.

The Noble Park man and former state Upper House MP received the nod for service to the people and Parliament of Victoria “I’m extremely humbled. It’s not something that I’d expected,” he said.

“I didn’t do it to get acknowledgement.

“It was about wanting to provide assistance and help to people.

“It’s a view that I formed very early on.”

Mr Tarlamis said his brother fought cancer for two years before dying at age 17.

“The trouble and the stress that the family went through, I saw how positive he was

throughout those two years,” he said.

“It instilled in me that as tough as I think I have things, there are always people out there who are doing it a lot worse than me.

“That’s why I got involved in the local community.”

Initially that was through the Keysborough Learning Centre.

“The centre loaned me a computer for me to do my school work,” he said.

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“I wanted to repay the favour so I was volunteering time with them.”

There he met then-politician Eddie Micallef and became his electorate officer.

“That’s how I got into the politics world,” Mr Tarlamis said.

“That opened up a lot of opportunities to provide assistance to community groups.”

He never intended to run for parliament, but “one thing lead to another which lead to another” and he was a South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP from 2010 to 2014.

“That was such an honour as well, when you consider the fact that very few people get to hold that position and represent that large number of people,” he said.

Mr Tarlamis was a Springvale Benevolent Society volunteer from 2002 to 2012, a Noble Park Community Action Forum member for many years, a founding Springvale Multicultural Men’s Shed committee member, and more.

He’s now a senior advisor to Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings.

The world of politics is not where he thought he’d end up.

The Tarlamis family moved from Oakleigh to Keysborough when he was eight months old.

He went to Wallarano Primary School in Noble Park and to Chandler Secondary College, where Keysborough College’s Acacia campus now stands.

Mr Tarlamis went on to study an associate diploma of business.

“I grew up working with dad in the family businesses,” he said.

“I thought it would be logical that I would go into the business world and maybe into management or something like that.

“I really enjoyed the community stuff.

“Politics became that vehicle to do it.”

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10 STAR JOURNAL

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Monday, 20 May, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

property

TOWNHOUSE ON ITS OWN TITLE

LOCATED in the Eve Estate is this beautiful townhouse.

Complete with its own title - no owner’s corporation - this property offers easy and convenient living.

Facing parkland, the new owner will have plenty of space for loved ones. There are three bedrooms, the master with two built-in robes and full ensuite. The second and third bedrooms both have built-in robes.

There is a central bathroom and laundry while the open plan living has gas ducted heating and overlooks a private courtyard.

The kitchen has gas cooking, oven and pantry.

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Monday, 20 May, 2019

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STAR REAL ESTATE

11

PROPERTY NEWS

BIDDING WAR OVER 16 APARTMENTS A BIDDING war broke out between three bidders as 16 in-one-line two-bedroom apartments in Dandenong sold for $3.62 million after successful post-auction negotiations at 29 Stud Road.

The property, that sat on a 2,013sq m* land, was offered under a RGZ2 zoning opened the door to a medium density development to 13.5 metres, subject to council approval.

The asset was marketed and sold by Ray White Commercial Glen Waverley managing director Ryan Trickey and Commercial Sales agent Ben Ainsworth.

The marketing campaign included extensive advertising in Star Journal Property, including a front page splash in the lead-up to the auction.

Mr Trickey said there was mixed interest as the property, on the market for the first time in 45 years, appealed to several buyer groups.

“Investors looked at yield, developers looked at highest and best use, and groups (like the buyer) looked at value add. This ranged from the high $2 million to low-to-mid $3 million,” he said.

“There was a genuine buzz around the auction, and it took 24 bids before the property was in a position to be sold, and it went to a commercial ‘re-conditioner’ who'll renovate the units and add value to the site.

“The property provides a strong reliable income and offered financial security and at fully-leased rental, the property produces $218,140 p.a. with only one vacancy on-site right now.

“Being so close to amenities like Dandenong Plaza, Dandenong Market and the train station means there’ll always be a strong tenant demand for young families and professionals alike.”

Mr Ainsworth said Dandenong was a proven re-development precinct with existing permitted construction underway in

the local area.

“Being just 30km* south-east of the Melbourne CBD, the property is within walking distance to all central Dandenong infrastructure,” he said.

“It offers excellent access to the Eastern

Freeway, Monash Freeway and benefits from Dandenong train line and buses.

“Dandenong has become such a large residential and commercial hub and a strong future is being created for the suburb.

“Healthy population growth, commercial

developments, State Government backing and favourable development zoning changes means the Dandenong economy is booming, there is so much activity locally that the future looks very positive.” ● * Approximately

OVERSTOCKED – HUGE LAND SALE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS OF LAND AVAILABLE IN CLYDE NORTH, OFFICER – PRICES FROM $290,000.

LAND IN LONGWARRY PRICED FROM $200,000 UP TO $75,000 DISCOUNT ALL REASONABLE OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED 4 BEDROOM HOUSE & LAND PACKAGES AT MELBOURNE’S BEST PRICES IN CLYDE NORTH, OFFICER – Under $500,000 LONGWARRY 4 BEDROOM HOUSE & LAND PACKAGES AVAILABLE FROM $420,000

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

STAR REAL ESTATE

|

Monday, 20 May, 2019

WHY have 1 tenant when you can have 150!

This modern, low maintenance and centrally located storage complex in the heart of Warragul’s industrial area provides a variety of sized storage units to cater for all markets and budgets and all in a convenient and popular location.

Warragul’s booming residential market and growing business precinct has created incredible demand for storage facilities and enabled this relatively new complex to reach high occupancy rates very quickly.

The facility is a popular choice amongst tenants due to its variety of sizes, easy and secure electronic access system and clean, fully concreted yard.

With typical investment properties you are left with all your eggs in one basket and the loss of a tenant means loss of income!

This impressive property provides better

security of income with its return provided across the multiple units.

The 12 month income forecasts are Assumed Vacancy of 0% $288,379.20, Assumed Vacancy of 5% ($14,418.96) $273,960.24 and Assumed Vacancy of 10% ($28,837.92) $259,541.28. Tenancies have been issued increase in rents of 8% and the forecast is based on an entire 12 month period at the recently increased rental rates.

Costs are estimated to total $19,903.00 *Please note, despite all care being taken to provide accurate information, the forecast figures above are indicative only and Clark NextRE cannot guarantee exact income, occupancy or vacancy rates, or associated costs. Income and costs can vary greatly year to year dependent upon market conditions and trends. This information should not be relied upon alone and is an estimate only. ●

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STAR REAL ESTATE

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WIN

NEWS

First step taken on steps

By Brendan Rees A disused Narre Warren tip is in the final stages of being transformed into a $1 million '1001 Steps' tourist attraction.

The Bayview Park site includes views across Casey and out to Port Phillip and Western Port bay.

Unlike the Thousand Steps in the Dandenongs, the walk near Kurll Park nature reserve is hoped to cater for different fitness levels and abilities.

Casey councillor Rosalie Crestani, who has spear-headed the project at the old Bayview quarry since 2016, said an official opening would be held in June.

She said while the track was open to walkers, car access to Quarry Road was limited due to final stages of completion.

"This is a testament how something special can be created out of nothing and everyone benefits," she said.

"Casey always does one better, or we strive to so the design team produced a beauty.

"The sweeping views of two bays will make this a place of destination; perhaps even encourage tourism.

"Already sporting groups and individual athletes have mentioned training regimes, and local scout groups are earmarking it for a badge achievement."

She added: "My dream became a reality and I have so many to thank. Cr Gilic, as all my councillor colleagues, has been an amazing support to the project."

Cr Crestani said further vegetation was needed, with a possible cafe and amenities in store.

"It's a beautiful start and is a little easier to complete than our counterpart, where the steps undulate up and down," she said.

"This place will be a blessing to all who come; to find health and a place of reflection and peace."

Councillor Rosalie Crestani, centre, with walkers Fiona and Jackie. 193362 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cr Crestani, centre, tests out the 1001 steps with Jackie and Fiona. 193362

Cancer tests at discount

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Now is the time to take a potentially life-saving test for bowel cancer.

The Rotary Club of Dandenong is supplying discounted Bowelscan kits in participating pharmacies during May. The stool tests can be performed at home, with the results sent back within weeks.

Free kits are supplied by the Federal Government to eligible people between the ages of 50-74 but many more outside this age bracket should do the test, says Rotarian Trevor Harding.

His 39-year-old niece Debbie Greer succumbed to the disease 20 years ago.

“I’ve never received a free kit and I’m 82,” Mr Harding said.

“I’ve always bought my kit every year.”

In the past two years, the program has detected at least six local cases of bowel cancer.

Melbourne’s South East is among the most reluctant areas to take bowel tests. It ranks be-

low the state average for take-up of the free kits.

It’s extraordinary - considering the test is free, conveniently done at home and so effective in detecting what is Australia’s second most deadly cancer.

Bowel cancer claims 100 lives a week. Yet in 90 per cent of early-detection cases, treatment is successful.

Even, pre-cancerous polyps can be discovered by the test and eliminated easily.

Mr Harding has seen first-hand how reluctant fellow Rotarians are to take up the test since he started the discount program in 2004.

“A lot of men don’t do it. They think she’ll be right mate.

“But early detection leads to high survival.”

Kits are available from Terry White Chemists in Dandenong Plaza, Dandenong Central Pharmacy on the corner of Walker and Langhorne streets and Berwick Pharmacy in High Street, Berwick.

Details: Mr Harding on 0428 797 730.

12418367-CB21-19

Trevor Harding with a BowelScan kit in 2014. 118940 Picture: ROB CAREW

14 STAR JOURNAL

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Monday, 20 May, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

WHAT’S ON Winter gifts for the soul

Help is at hand

The winter solstice is when the dark part of the day is longest. It is a time of invitation to enter our own inner world, the seedbed of creativity and change.

Pat Long presents a three week series exploring this time for personal reflection, sharing with the group and honouring the gifts of darkness, imagination and emerging light.

Tuesdays June 11, 18 and 25, 1.30pm2.30pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Suggested donation $5. Bookings: Trish or Jo, 9791 8664.

Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch hosts a Q&A and information session with local police. They will be joined by David Mann - known as the Mann About Town roving reporter for radio stations 3AW and Magic.

Wednesday 19 June, 7.30pm at Paddy O`Donoghue Centre, 18 Buckley St Noble Park.

¡

Potters' offerings

¡

Fun for retirees The Waverley Gardens Combined Probus Club is seeking new members from the Dandenong North, Noble Park and Springvale North areas.

Members meet for coffee and a guest speaker from 9.45am to noon on the last Tuesday of the month, and for other activities.

Vegas Club, Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, corner Jacksons and Police roads, Mulgrave. Call 9560 6046 or 9801 4049 for more information.

¡

¡

Learn everyday English This free conversational English class is ideal for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, 34 Oak Avenue, Doveton. Tuesdays, 10am to noon. Call 9791 1449 for more information.

¡

Finding friendship

¡

Film-making workshops Are you an aspiring film maker who is keen to learn more about film production?

Be a part of Greater Dandenong Council's inaugural Short Cuts Film Production Program.

The seven-week mentorship course in June and July is designed for young people aged 15 to 25, who live, work or study in the City of Greater Dandenong.

The films created will premiere as part of Shorter Cuts 2019 program in October.

Details: hanann.aldaqqa@cgd.vic.gov.au or 8571 5147.

Volunteers needed New volunteers are welcome at The Bridge disability service in Cranbourne, Berwick, Narre Warren and Dandenong. They support staff and adult participants in fun activities one day a week or fortnight.

Details: Margaret, 8710 8520 or MCampion@ thebridgeinc.org.au.

¡

Al-Anon family groups

Playgroup

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 10am 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 and Windsor avenues and Saturdays from 2pm at St Gerard's Community Centre, 71 Gladstone Road, Dandenong North.

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

A Friday morning playgroup is held at Hampton Park Uniting Church. Includes morning tea.

Fridays, 9.30am-11.30am (during school terms) at 1 Coral Drive Hampton Park. $3 child, $5 family. Details: 9799 7994

Free community lunch

Check out chess

A weekly two-course lunch is provided by Hampton Park United Church, with the support of City of Casey. All welcome.

Thursdays, 12noon at 1 Coral Drive Hampton Park. Details: 9799 7994

The Dandenong Chess club welcomes players of all ages, from novices to grand masters.

16 Balmoral Avenue, Dandenong. Wednesdays, 7pm. Call Paul on 0406 786 242 for more information.

¡

¡

¡

Learn to sew Men and women can learn to use a sewing machine to insert zips, cut patterns and how to hem.

Free childcare is available for parents who attend the class.

Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46-50 Queens Avenue, Springvale. Tuesdays during school terms, 12.30pm to 2.30pm. $3 per class. No bookings required. Call 9548 3972 for more information.

¡

¡

Employment

Place your ad in print and online

Positions Vacant

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Wednesday, 3 April, 2019

Silver lining for Hillview anniversary

Call to arms for Blaze Aid effort

Gumbuya joins push for new airport

Cardinia Mens Shed members Geoff Fluck, CFA's Lisa Hicks, Vin and Nichols,Roy Orman Ken Hordern John Buckley with Levi Mountney, giving the truck a spin. 191696

Pakenham based RV manufacturer requires production workers who can: - Use power and hand tools.

- Maintain a safe work area.

- Must be a team player who is punctual, reliable and flexible.

- Show attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Previous caravan or production line experience is an advantage, though is not essential.

Contact: Ian Jow ianj@willowrv.com.au

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Truck to reel in more fireys

By Kyra Gillespie

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Trees ‘need to go’

$3m sports windfall

PAGE 3

PAGE 5

lucky; had “It was very frightening, I was very commuDue to the immediate threat to the ahead I would’ve been hit. to give chase, pursu- I been going straight nity, police were authorisedMassive car he had “I looked behind and saw bits of ing the offenders into Cranbourne. the hit flying in the air, and I was thinking ‘God, I police, evade to clash kick In a further attempt to wrong side of High haven’t been killed and hope no one behind me speedsters crossed onto the things com.au real estate off headsplitting is killed.“ Street, disobeying red lights and Highway.

20 to 30 cars would on traffic on the South Gippsland SPORT with three Robin believes around Property Lift out The car was involved in a collision by the reckless driving. the Cardinia have been impacted vehicles, after which members of people just “There must have been so many males and one Highway Patrol apprehended two probably 20foot. affected by the accident; there were female, who attempted to flee on 30 cars at the intersection.

A rifle was found in the stolen Ford. the interof the “He must’ve been in the middle Robin Dzedins of Lynbrook, witnessed the traffic. He section because there was a gap in dramatic pursuit. going to“I was on South Gippy Highway was swerving like a maniac. at Settlement Continued on page 12 wards Cranbourne, turning left Hotel in Camms Road,“ she said. ✃ By ✃Brendan Rees ✃ L E T E

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Casey Optometrist Fun activities included a Chinese shadPh: 03 9705 2058 ow puppetry and calligraphy Cranbourne Rd, class, African Address: Shop 105 Casey Central,400 3805 and Scottish South VICGreek weaving, Narre Warren dancing, Japanese origami, Egyptian masks, Maori Poi balls, Venetian masks, Spanish pinatas, IndiPicture: STEWART CHAMBERS an henna hand designs, robotics and more.

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back of the car.

Cops’ wild chase

By Brendan Rees

A Casey resident has described the moment a driver "hurtled" towards her after an alleged stolen car wound its way through Hampton Park on Monday 1 April.

hit flying in the air and I was thinking 'God, I haven't been killed and hope no one behind me is killed.'"

Ms Dzedins said: "It was very frightening, I counts of obtain property by deception and was very lucky." eight counts of theft.

"I could see bits of car flying up into the air, A 22-year-old Pakenham man was charged like I think mirrors or I don't know; door hanwith aggravated carjacking, four counts of dles, something like that," she added. theft of a motor vehicle, arson, two counts of "There must have been so people just af- burglary, obtain property by deception, two fected literally by the accident." counts of theft.

Cardinia Highway Patrol arrested two men Both men were remanded to appear at the and a woman who attempted to flee on foot af- Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 2 ter their ute crashed into a truck on the South April.

Gippsland Highway.

A 21-year21-year-old Dandenong woman was The driver, a 26-year-old male from Chel- charged with ttwo counts of theft of a motor tenham, tested positive to methamphet- vehicle. amine and had his licence disqualified. disqualified He She was bail bailed to appear at Frankston Magwas charged with aggravated carjacking; istrates' s' Court on 3 September.

Anyone one with information is urged to contact Crime ime Stop Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

It came as police were led on a two-hour wild pursuit which began about 12.30pm after a four-wheel-drive was allegedly stolen from Cranbourne.

The vehicle was later set alight, police say, before the speedsters fled in a station wagon and later hijacked a ute in Hampton Park.

The ute crashed where police say the driver was seen getting out carrying a rifle, which was used to carjack a Ford ute in Carrum Downs.

Witnesses say they saw the vehicle drivdriv ing i on the wrong side of the South Gippsland Highway in Cranbourne.

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Robin Dzedins of Lynbrook said she was turning left into Camms Road from South Gippsland Highway about 2.30pm when she saw a car "swerving like a maniac."

"I could only see it head on hurtling straight at me. e. Luckily I was turning left, had I been going straight ahead I would've been hit," Ms Dzedins said.

"I thought he was going to hit the side of my car.

"I llooked behind and saw bits of car he had

Star News Group seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star News Group is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Sales skills/experience: â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent listening skills â&#x20AC;˘ Accuracy and attention to detail â&#x20AC;˘ Effective time management to meet deadlines â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to operate in a team â&#x20AC;˘ Demonstrates initiative and flexibility â&#x20AC;˘ Effective oral and written communication Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark salescareers@starnewsgroup.com.au

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18 STAR JOURNAL

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Monday, 20 May, 2019

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Family fun at the library Children and their carers can enjoy Lego, chess, puzzles and games.

Playing games together can improve literacy, numeracy, spatial awareness, socially appropriate behaviour and fair play.

This event is free and no booking is required.

Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale. Saturdays during school terms, 11am. Call 1300 630 920 for more information.

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Positions Vacant

The Burmese Women's Alliance Friendship Group meets every Thursday to socialise and make new friends.

The meetings involve mentoring, cancer screening workshops, and fabric painting.

Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Thursdays during school terms, noon to 2pm. New members are welcome. A $2 donation applies to fabric painting. Call Chaw on 0432 021 888 or the Noble Park Community Centre on 9547 5801 for more information.

The Abbeyfield Society (Mauritian Golden Age) Incorporated wants to appoint a temporary live-in cook/housekeeper for our Abbeyfield House. Our house is a large, family style home which offers supportive group housing to ten adults. The position attracts a salary package of approximately $826.10 per week, including a comfortable furnished bedroom with ensuite. For full information about this rewarding role, please download the Candidate Information Pack available on the Publications page of the Abbeyfield Australia web site: www.abbeyfield.org.au Thereafter applications including a resume and addressing the selection criteria close at 5pm on 24/05/2019.

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Positions Vacant

LABOURER/ FABRICATOR/ INSTALLER Required for aluminum window company. Full time position.

Phone: 9794 6040

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.

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Valley Potters is a ceramic art group that first emerged 40 years ago as the Dandenong Ceramic Group. The group grew out of a TAFE ceramic program and is celebrating 40 years of fraternity and ceramic art.

The exhibition will feature a diverse range of works from 18 member artists with thrown pieces, hand-built sculptures, wall pieces and mixed media work.

Free event. All welcome.

Until Saturday 1 June at Gallery One, Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong.

Free meals, showers and laundry services are available.

Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, 34 Oak Avenue, Doveton. Tuesdays, 6pm to 8pm.

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SPORT

It’s next man up for Rays

By Hayley Wildes

Dandenong's Jai Nanscawen (#42) and Ned Cahill (right) have been in fine form early in the NAB League season. 192826 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Jack Toner, Jai Nanscawen, Luca Goonan, Lachlan Williams and Mitch Riordan have all been consistent contributors across the ground and with depth at every line, the Rays don't have a major weakness that teams can attack.

Riordan, who has returned to the Rays as an over-age player is showcasing he is still a force to be reckoned with.

He has nominated for the upcoming AFL mid-season draft and teams have clearly shown an interest as he is one of 22 players to

have been asked to attend an AFL-run medical screening day - a sign that clubs are serious and want to learn more about him. The first ever AFL mid-season draft takes place on 27 May. In further Dandenong news, six Rays have been named to the AFLW under-18 Vic Country squad of 29 players.

Tyanna Smith, Molly McDonald, Brooke Vernon, Zoe Hill, Isabella Shannon and Georgia Howes have all made the squad after im-

Any questions about Tornado Tears' fitness were put to rest after he made a brilliant return to the track in a heat of the Sandown Cup at Sandown Park on Thursday night.

Despite spending four weeks away from the track recovering from an injured pad, punters sent Tornado Tears to the boxes as the $1.04 favourite for the second time in his career and he didn't disappoint those who took the short quote.

He began cleanly from Box 5 and found his way to the rail despite being put under early pressure. Improving to second place past the post the first time, Tornado Tears set off in pursuit of leader 'It's A Frenzy' entering the back straight and quickly assumed the lead before racing to a nine-length victory over 'Two Times Twice', clocking a slick time of 41.37 seconds.

While the crowd - and social media - was abuzz with the remarkable performance, trainer Robert Britton was more relieved his charge had progressed through to the final.

"Terrific relief really," Britton said.

"Even though the dog has healed, he hasn't been able to put in the work that we really wanted to, so I was going in knowing we were a little underdone.

"But he got a great clear run in the race and that's exactly what we need at this time. He's blowing a lot more than he normally does, but as long as he has a nice easy week he should strip fitter next week."

The win improved his record over the Sandown Park 715-metre journey to seven wins from as many starts, and his winning margin was his biggest since making his staying debut in April 2018 - a race he won by 11.14 lengths.

His winning time was the ninth fastest ever

run; giving Tornado Tears four of the 10 fastest times recorded.

Tornado Tears will meet a hot field in his attempt to become the sixth greyhound to defend his Sandown Cup title on Friday.

'Ella Enchanted', having her second start over the stayer's journey and first since running fourth to Tornado Tears at Group 3 level last September, was brilliant in winning her heat, running a time of 41.54 seconds. She was clearly ready for the half-mile trip, unleashing a stunning finishing burst to run down 15-time 700-metre race winner Poco Dorado.

Queenslander 'Bago Bye Bye' won his heat by three-quarters of a length in 41.84 seconds, with runner up 'Blue Moon Rising' joining litter-mates 'Poco Dorado' and 'Two Times Twice' in the final of the world's richest race for stayers. 'Rajasthan' defeated 'Peppertide' in their heat in 41.99 to round out the field.

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Tornado Tears storms into Sandown Cup

By Mick Floyd

pressive NAB League seasons for the Rays.

The national championships take place over June and July. Vic Country kicks off their campaign against Vic Metro on 22 June at Avalon Airport Oval, before heading to the Gold Coast in early July to play Western Australia, Queensland and the Eastern Allies (NSW/Tasmania).

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After the high of last season's maiden premiership and having a long list of stars drafted into the AFL system, many thought the Dandenong Stingrays would struggle to maintain their place at the very top of the NAB League, formerly TAC Cup, in 2019.

That thought has been put to bed, with the Rays absolutely flying out of the gates this season to be the form team of the competition.

While the likes of premiership superstars Sam Sturt, Will Hamill, Bailey Williams, Toby Bedford and skipper Campbell Hustwaite have all moved on, the next generation of Dandenong guns have already proven they know how to continue on the tradition of tough and wellexecuted football.

Two names standout as having been absolute keys to Dandenong's fine start to the 2019 season; Hayden Young and Ned Cahill, and both will be massive as the Rays look to defend their crown.

Young is a likely top-five draft pick and his form has only solidified his name among the top under-18 players in the land. Averaging 23 disposals a game, Young is a key link between the arcs with his ability to hit targets with precision.

Cahill is an excitement machine who can impact the game in the forward line and midfield. He knows where the goals are and showed that as an under-age player last season, booting 13 goals in 10 games.

This year, he has taken on more responsibility and his game has risen to a new level. His time spent in the midfield sees him rack up disposals and bullock his way through packs, and when he heads forward, opposition defences are immediately put on notice with his speed, clean hands and smarts.

Young and Cahill have been on fire, but as is so often the case with Stingrays sides, it's their depth that shines through and more often than not leads them to victory.

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STAR JOURNAL 19