Dandenong Star Journal - 30th July 2019

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Shannen, Dre (10 months) and Laila (2) are excited to be attending a show at the Drum Theatre - one of many fun things to do with the family in the Greater Dandenong area.

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For tickets head to https://www.monash.edu/mlive/st-johns-regional-college/

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FOCUS ON … FAMILIES

Insects and snow all part Families are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment in the City of Greater Dandenong. Here are a few suggestions to keep the whole family entertained.

SNOWFEST Each winter snow draws tens of thousands of people to Springvale, when the City of Greater Dandenong hosts its award winning winter carnival and street food festival.

Highlights include two free snow areas with real snow from Mt Buller. There are also over 300 food stalls, live ice sculpting, music and performances, photoshoots with huskies, a Snow Princess meet and greet, rides and fireworks.

This year’s SnowFest didn’t disappoint, with crowds flocking to the festival on Sunday 28 July. Mark SnowFest in the family diary for the last weekend of July 2020.

WORLD OF INSECTS Tatterson Park is a 48 hectare park located on Cheltenham Road in Keysborough, and includes Springers Leisure Centre. The park has a 20 hectare woodland in the centre, three sportsgrounds, a regional playground, and extensive wetlands and walking tracks.

Tatterson Park’s regional playground, a World of Insects, features ladybugs, ants, beehives and a giant magnifying glass. The design for the playground was chosen by the community for the community. The themed playground has a strong environmental focus which will build on the natural feel of Tatterson Park.

Enjoy the picnic facilities while the kids play on the insect themed playground. Go for a stroll or a bike ride through the woodland and wetlands. Have a game of bocce in one of the gravelled areas.

Snowfest provides family winter fun each July.

Picture: HILTON STONE, COURTESY OF THE CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG In the evenings, listen to the frogs around the wetlands.

NOBLE PARK AQUATIC CENTRE The Noble Park Aquatic Centre features a 50 metre heated outdoor pool with ramp access and water features. It also features Melbourne’s biggest water slide, a heated indoor program/ leisure pool and a large water splash play area with tipping buckets and fountains to add to children’s fun and excitement.

This equipment is designed to meet the needs of children with all abilities. The ample

shade structure provides a great area for patrons to sit under and there are BBQ facilities for those who are there for the long haul.

During colder months, families can enjoy the 50m indoor heated pool.

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL Experience fun that’s out of this world in the September school holidays at the 8th annual Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival Activities and workshops will be held at venues across the city, including Harmony Square, Drum Theatre, Heritage Hill, Parkmore

Tenzim enjoys a ride at Dandenong Park.

Shopping Centre, Dandenong Market, Ikea and sporting complexes.

This year’s theme is Space Adventure and the festival promises fun for the whole family.

The festival will launch on Saturday 21 September and runs right through the school holidays culminating in the Little Day Out on Sunday 6 October.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/childrensfestival for the full range of activities, or drop into a customer service centre or Dandenong or Springvale library for a festival booklet.

VALLEY VILLAGE MEWS RETIREMENT VILLAGE 112 STUD ROAD DANDENONG •฀Units฀available฀for฀sale฀now,฀ from฀$250,000 •฀Purchase฀your฀unit฀by฀Strata฀Title •฀Join฀in฀with฀Social฀Activities •฀Keep฀it฀with฀exercise฀programs •฀Superb฀Parklands฀to฀take฀your฀pet฀ and meet residents •฀Emergency฀Call฀pendant •฀Community฀Bus฀for฀shopping •฀A฀village฀built฀around beautiful฀parkland villagemews@iinet.net.au

Fax: 9793 7154

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Call in to meet our friendly staff to show you why you should make Valley Village Mews your home.

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of the fun DECKCHAIR MOVIES Grab a picnic rug and some movie snacks and enjoy the return of the popular Deckchair Movies in Harmony Square during the September school holidays.

Each weekday from 12pm the Urban Screen will show a new family-friendly film with a space theme.

The program includes: Monday 23 September – E.T (G) Tuesday 24 September – Astro Boy (PG) Wednesday 25 September – Zathura (PG) Thursday 26 September – Wall E (G) Friday no film due to public holiday Monday 30 September – Jetsons: The Movie (G) Tuesday 1 October – Escape From Planet Earth (PG) Wednesday 2 October – Muppets from Space (G) Thursday 3 October – Tomorrowland (PG) Friday 4 October – The Iron Giant (PG) EASTLINK BIKE TRAIL The City of Greater Dandenong has a bicycle network of 98 kilometres of off and on-road cycling paths including the Eastlink and Dandenong Creek trails.

The 35km EastLink Trail is provided for cyclists, runners and pedestrians. Along its length, the EastLink Trail connects with many other pathways, open spaces, parks and reserves.

Winding its way through the Mullum Mullum valley, the EastLink Trail heads south to connect with the Dandenong Creek Trail before crossing Greens Road in Melbourne’s south-east. The Dandenong Creek Trail leads directly to Port Phillip Bay at Carrum.

DRUM THEATRE Opened in February 2006, Drum Theatre is a 521 seat state-of-the-art, purpose built performing arts theatre within the heritage facade

The Unicorn Festival is one of the many family friendly festivals at the Dandenong Market throughout the year. 187339 of the former Dandenong Town Hall, and situated in the heart of the Dandenong CBD. Drum Theatre hosts more than 170 performances for over 85,500 patrons each year including a range of shows suitable for children.

Upcoming performances include the Victorian State Ballet performing Beauty and the Beast on 4 August and Dr Seuss’s The Cat in The Hat - Live on Stage on Sunday 22 September.

DANDENONG MARKET The Dandenong market is a great day out for the whole family. Stock up on fresh meat, fish, fruit vegetables, deli goods and bread. Enjoy lunch or a snack from all corners of the earth in the food hall.

The market also runs a series of festivals throughout the year, including the phenomenally popular Unicorn Festival. Children can dress up as a unicorn with face paint and a mane makeover.

There are also movies in the market, World Food Fare, donut eating competitions and special family events at Christmas and Easter.

The market is on the corner of Clow and Cleeland streets. It is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

FOUNTAIN GATE BINGO

15 YEARS in Brechin Drive

The Noble Park Aquatic Centre splash area is a family favourite.

Come along and experience the City of Greater Dandenong’s Textiles Celebration 1 – 31 August 2019

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AUGUST 5 to AUGUST 11

0 0 0 , 0 5 1 $ ER Y

E OV N O M E Z I R P N I D I A P

Workshops Exhibitions Installations Events

SPECIALS ALL WEEK! tel: 9796-7011 facebook.com/fgbingo fountaingatebingo.com.au

For a full program and details on how you can get involved visit greaterdandenong.com/culturalthreads 8571 1000 Cultural Threads is presented by the City of Greater Dandenong and is a satellite event of Craft Victoria’s Craft Cubed Festival 2019

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Ready to rock

Cash for schools Parkmore Shopping Centre’s School Rewards program has launched once again, offering shoppers a chance to help local schools win a share in community grants totalling $10,000.

Ten schools in Melbourne’s East have signed up to participate in the program, with a first place community grant of $5,000 on offer for one lucky local school, a second place grant of $3,000 and third place taking $2,000.

During the promotional period, shoppers can register their receipts online or in centre and every dollar spent is converted to points for their chosen school.

The school with the most points at the end of the promotion wins a prize. Customers who shop at any food retailer or supermarket will be eligible to receive double bonus points, as well as those who shop between 5pm - 9pm on Thursday and or Friday.

Parkmore Shopping Centre’s Regional General Manager Rachel Duggan said the partnership was a great way to help local schools.

“We are so excited to offer these community grants to schools in our local community, and give shoppers a chance to turn their purchases into a reward for a school of their choice,” said Ms Duggan.

The School Rewards competition runs over six weeks until September 15, with customers making their nominations through the website’s online portal, or by visiting the Guest Services Desk.

“The program gives the centre a chance to give back, and give the local community a small reward for shopping at Parkmore,” said Ms Duggan.

“We were thrilled to win First Prize in the 2018 School Rewards program offered by Parkmore Shopping Centre,” said Jane Dunstone, Principal at Resurrection School.

“The $5000 grant was used for developing educational, physical activities outside the classroom environment. These have provided truly positive experiences for the students at Resurrection School. We are looking forward to participating in the program in 2019 as it’s a rewarding community initiative.”

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s St John’s Regional College Musical 'School of Rock'.

The story of down-on-his-luck rocker Dewey Finn, turning a bunch of stuck-up rich kids into the most rockin’ band to enter Battle of the Bands is told like never before!

The students of St John’s Regional College have been rehearsing day-in and day-out to bring you a fantastic performance.

Featuring the star of the future student Dion Zapantis in the lead role, once made famous by Jack Black. Dion brings his own style of humour and panache that will leave the house rolling in stitches. It’s a rare musical that deftly balances comedic moments, soaring musical numbers and heartfelt moments providing fun for the whole family.

Tickets are on sale now, so get in fast to secure the best seats. Concession and family discount tickets are available. The show will run over 3 nights: Thursday 22 August, Friday 23 August and Saturday 24 August at the impressive Alexander Theatre.

Bring the whole family for a great value night out.

Tickets available at www.monash.edu/ mlive/st-johns-regional-college/

In addition to the major prizes for schools, there is a chance for shoppers to bag their own prize with a $100 gift card up for grabs each week, and a $500 gift card grand prize for the customer who collects the most points over six weeks.

BOOK NOW

Parkmore Shopping Centre

School Rewards

1st Prize $5,000

2nd Prize $3,000

$25 SHOW ONLY THURSDAY 22ND AUGUST, 2019 Bistro meals available. Show starts at 8.30pm.

29 July - 15 September 2019 Shop at Parkmore Shopping Centre and earn points for your school to win a share in $10,000*!

THE BEATLEZ

3rd Prize $2,000

Bookings essenial

PLUS win a share of $1,200* in customer prizes!

Full details at parkmoreshopping.com.au

Corner of Wellington & Jells Roads, Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150

(03) 9582 4600 | mulgravecc.com.au

*Terms and Conditions apply.

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FOCUS ON … FAMILIES

The friendly village feel When the time comes for older members of a family to downsize, the choice of retirement village is crucial.

In Dandenong, families can be assured that their loved ones will enjoy happy, independent lives at Valley Village Mews Retirement Village.

The spacious village, with magnificent views to the Dandenong Ranges, is close to public transport, shopping, entertainment and medical services.

Although the village is located only moments from the bustling centre of Dandenong, once you step inside the front gates a sense of calm and tranquility descends.

Village manager Cynthia Mack said families were welcome to walk around the village, see the facilities and chat to residents.

“Everyone is welcome here,“ Cynthia said.

“We like to think of our community at Valley Village Mews as one big family.“ Independence is the key to enjoying an active life at Valley Village Mews. Residents are

encouraged to pursue their personal interests both outside and within the village. Special events, tours, fashion parades, movies, luncheons, picnics, barbecues, carpet bowls, billiards, bingo, line dancing, gentle exercises and walking groups are just a few of the activities at Valley Village.

There is also a courtesy bus that runs frequently to central Dandenong.

Security is assured thanks to the 24 hour emergency call service, portable emergency pagers within all homes and night security patrols.

There is a medical complex adjacent to the village and major hospitals and health centres nearby.

However, Valley Village Mews’ best asset is its people.

“You can feel the community spirit whether you join in the many social activities or just say hello to a neighbour. All it takes is a smile,“ Cynthia said.

St Paul Apostle North Primary School offers a variety of learning opportunities, including outdoors, to engage all students.

Learning in great outdoors St Paul Apostle North Primary School is a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages positive relationships by developing interpersonal skills, self-confidence and respect for all. It is a welcoming Catholic school where the Gospel values of Jesus Christ are lived and celebrated.

St Paul Apostle North Primary School is enriched by the cultural and spiritual diversity within our local community. It offers a variety of learning opportunities to engage all students; one being outdoor experiences as staff recognise the benefits for wellbeing and learning.All year levels are participating in more outdoor learning in different ways. Juniors have been investigating mini beasts - what's hiding beneath rocks, in the grass and dirt.

The year 3/4s have been learning about the life cycle of plants, how to grow, harvest and cook herbs and vegetables through the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program. The Senior students have learnt about what life was like on the goldfields in the 1800s by immersing themselves in nature and having to build shelters with only their bare hands and the

resources around them. Research has shown that outdoor learning experiences can: improve vocabulary develop skills in listening and following directions - enhance descriptive writing develop spatial awareness prove opportunities for STEM in a real life context develop a love of the environment- encourage stewardship for God's creation There are also fantastic links to wellbeing such as learning how to solve problems, development of resilience and team work skills, increasing a sense of calm and decreasing stress and anxiety. It provides different opportunities for children to excel in hands on learning and to demonstrate a variety of strengths and intelligences.St Paul Apostle North Primary School welcomes you to visit the school where Every Day is Open Day! St Paul Apostle North Primary School is located at 76 Mossgiel Park Drive, Endeavour Hills and can be contacted on 97006068 or principal@spanhills.catholic.edu.au.

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ST PAUL APOSTLE NORTH FOLLOWS THE WALKER LEARNING PHILOSOPHY WHICH EMBRACES STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Maths) Come and chat with our engaged and inspired students

ST. PAUL APOSTLE NORTH

ENROL ENROL NOW FOR NOW 2020-2021 FOR 2019

St Paul Apostle North is an active and inclusive community focusing on the respect of human dignity for all.

We are committed to your child’s wellbeing

What we offer: • A rich curriculum that supports individual learning needs • A safe and welcoming environment • Exciting and stimulating flexible learning spaces • An outstanding student leadership program

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Action urged Parent advocacy group, Parents’ Voice has joined a coalition of health organisations and experts in calling for increased government action on obesity.

The eight recommendations featured in A Healthier Start for Victorians, provide a comprehensive guide for action.

The recommendations include: Protect children from unhealthy food and drink marketing. This includes prohibiting advertising, promotion and sponsorship in publicly owned and managed places. Priority should be given to areas around schools, children’s sporting events and activities, and public transport.

Implement a statewide public education campaign to encourage healthy eating. This should focus on population groups with the highest rates of overweight and obesity.

Implement initiatives to improve family diets, particularly in children’s early years This should focus on increasing food litera-

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cy and prioritising specific population groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Develop and implement a strategy to get Victorians walking more Parents’ Voice Campaigns Manager: Alice Pryor, is urging the Victorian Government to act to protect Victorian children.

“Almost 1 in 4 Victorian children are above a healthy weight, putting them at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and 13 types of cancer. This a community-wide problem, that needs a whole of government response," Ms Pryor said.

“The report shows childhood obesity has largely been ignored by government and underline why we need urgent action.

“Currently parents would need to cover their children’s eyes to avoid them being exposed to junk food ads. Kids are targeted on public transport, around their schools, on digital platforms and on TV.

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Nominate a great dad 15 years rolls around for Fountain Gate Bingo Fountain Gate Bingo, which is one of Victoria's leading bingo centres, celebrates its 15th anniversary in August. From 5 August until 11 August, the popular entertainment venue is offering super specials all week. Pop in and celebrate with staff, from left, Kellie Morris, Carolyn Burge, James Rooney, Tracey Vanette, Madison Bass and Rowena Hill. 193871

The Father’s Day Council and YMCA Victoria are on the hunt for the 63rd Victorian Father of the Year, an honorary award to celebrate the important role dads and father figures have in their community and for the young people in their lives.

Nominations are free and open for everyone and can be made through the online form found at fathersdaycouncil.org.au until Sunday 11 August.

The award is a prestigious recognition and acknowledgment at the state’s highest level.

The winner of this award will also join a long list of past top dads including: Bob Hawke, Andrew Faze, Bert Newton and more. In recent years, the focus has been on ordinary dads with extraordinary stories.

Melbourne dad Sandeep ‘Sunny’ Jadhev was awarded the Victorian Father of the Year in 2018 after his daughter shared how proud she was of her dad’s outstanding volunteer and mentoring commitments to young people in STEM subjects. He encourages other young people to nominate a dad or father figure, such as a mentor or teacher.

Baby bundles of joy First-time parents can expect to receive a special package when their little bundle of joy arrives.

The state government has begun distributing free ’baby bundles’ that include essentials to help guide mums and dads through the first few months and years of their firstborn’s life.

Valued at $150, the bundle comes with a teething ring, nappy bag, safe sleeping bag, a cotton wrap, first aid kit, baby sunhat, toothbrush and a grow suit.

They also include four picture books by Victorian authors: Baby Days by Nicola Philp, Ten Little Owls by Renee Treml, Puddle Hunters by Kirsty Murray and Karen Blair, and Gumtree Buddies, a soft pram book produced by Tiger Tribe.

A booklet developed in collaboration with Raising Children Network provides vital information on child health, safety and learning and emergency contacts.

The State Government funded bundles are designed to assist first-time parents build safe sleeping practices and support their child’s learning and development through regular reading and playtime.

Around 35,000 new parents will receive the bundles each year at all Victorian maternity hospitals.

“Bringing your bundle of joy home for the first time is life changing but we also know it can be challenging. We are making this precious moment that little bit easier and ensuring our youngest Victorians have everything they need to thrive,” Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said.

“Not only are we giving parents the help they need, we’re also giving some of Victoria’s emerging authors their big break.

“Reading with children is one of the most powerful things families can do to help their kids get the best start in life.”

BISTRO OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH AND DINNER EVERYONE IS WELCOME 44-50 Clow St, Dandenong PH 9792 1535 201907256253_1-CG32-19

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Get your craft on Unleash your inner creativity thanks to the City of Greater Dandenong’s Cultural Threads program, an exciting month-long celebration of textiles.

The program includes a range of Get Creative workshops throughout August.

This is your chance to learn and get creative with some of Melbourne’s best craft artists.

Workshops include: - Jewellery Masterclass Series on Thursday 1, 8, 15 August. Price from $17. Upcycling never looked so good! Join jeweller Emma Grace for a three-part workshop on how to make bespoke wearable pieces to take home using recycled materials such as fabric, plastics and vintage jewellery. No previous experience required. Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Ages 15+ - Native Botanical Fabric Dyeing, Saturday 10 August and Saturday 17 August. Price from $40. Price covers both workshop days.

Join Yindjibarndi artist Katie West and learn the meditative skills of native botanical dyeing using native flora and fauna. In this twoday workshop, participants of all ages to learn the techniques of textiles dyeing using native leaves, flowers and bark. Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, 11.30am - 1.30pm, All ages - Raise Your Voice! Craftivist Stitching Workshop, Tuesday 13 August. Price from $17. Melbourne based artist Tal Fitzpatrick invites you to participate in this craftivism workshop.

Come together with like-minded souls and learn how to use basic craft skills to create something that matters. Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Ages 15+ - My Pinata Heart! Tuesday 20 August. Price from $17 Join artist Kitiya Palaskas for a colourful piñata workshop. Participants will learn how to make a decorative heart or

Cat Rabbit, How to Make a Plush Toy, 2019. Image courtesy of the artist. trophy piñata that can be filled with inspirational words, good vibes, and powerful messages. Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Ages 15+ - How to Make a Plush Toy with Cat Rabbit, Saturday 24 August and Sunday 25 August.

Price from $40. Price covers both workshop days. From drafting a design to sewing, learn

how to make your very own plush character with artist Cat Rabbit at this two-day workshop. Accessorise your creation with handmade items to give it a unique personality.

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 2pm - 6pm, Ages 15+ For more information or to book go to greaterdandenong.com/getcreative

Catch The Cat on stage Dr Seuss's The Cat in The Hat is coming to the Drum Theatre, live on stage on Sunday 22 September at 10.30am and 1pm.

Two bored kids. One rainy day. And one crazy cat wearing a red-striped hat.

In 1957, Theodor Seuss Geisel used this formula and only 200 words to write his second children's book as Dr. Seuss. More than 50 years later, The Cat in the Hat is a much-loved children's phenomenon.

The play was adapted for the stage in 2009 by the National Theatre of Great Britain, but tells the story consistent with the book, of a brother and sister, bored at home on a rainy day...(without their Mother!) when they are visited by none other than ‘The Cat’ in his red and white striped Hat....(which they let in the door!). Their outspoken and outraged pet Fish (yip the fish talks... and is the babysitter!) is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred.

He will teach us all to make our own fun with nothing but a little imagination.

"It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how."

Along with his friends, Thing One and Thing Two (hey we all have those types of friends), they turn the house upside down leaving mess everywhere but have no fear because The Cat brings in his red ‘Picker-Up Machine’ and all is back to normal before Mum walks back in the door.

Over 2 years in the planning, The Cat in the Hat, features a full scale set of the house and over 70 props that the cast use to bring to life every detail of the well-known book.

The Drum Theatre, is on the corner of Lonsdale and Walker streets. Tickets from $20.

Bookings: 8571 1666 or drumtheatre.com.au

A Catholic co-educational school focused on personalised learning for all students.

ENROL FOR 2021 Act now! Enrolments for Year 7 2021 close 23 August 2019

TASTER DAYS Experience a day at Nazareth on one of our Taster Days Mon 9, Mon 16, Tue 17 & Wed 18 September

Book online at nazareth.vic.edu.au Phone: (03) 9795 8100

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Rock the classroom Dion Zapantis, as Dewey Finn, and Guy Mehegan, as Zack Mooneyham, will be leading a 45-member cast, live band and crew in St John's Regional College's production of School of Rock.

The musical about a wannabe rock star who poses as a substitute teacher has been a hit on stage and film.

Scored by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical is fun for all ages.

It is on at Alexander Theatre, Monash University on 22-24 August.

Bookings: www.monash.edu/mlive/ whats-on Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Feud fuels attack

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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Fuming over a family property feud, two brothers launched a frightening home invasion on their Keysborough cousin, wife and children, a court has heard.

Javed Shamshir, 25, and Mohammad Shamshir, 22, pleaded guilty to home invasion, criminal damage and unlawful assault at the address late at night in May 2018.

About 11pm, they and three unknown males forced their way through the front door and window using a wooden garden stake found on the nature strip outside.

His wife, who had been asleep with her three children, shut herself in the upstairs bedroom.

Javed, demanding to know where his cousin was, pulled the bedroom door off its hinges.

He searched the bedroom, taking documents pertaining to the disputed piece of Pakenham land.

The cousin was found hiding in the garage.

He was felled by a punch to the face from Mohammad, and then struck from "numerous angles" by the intruders.

He suffered minor injuries.

The five offenders left before police arrived.

When later arrested, the brothers initially denied involvement.

The feud involved land jointly purchased by the Shamshirs and their cousins. An offer had

been made to buy out the cousin's share which was rejected.

Earlier in the night of the home invasion, both sides had lodged complaints and enquired about intervention orders with Dandenong police.

"There the matter should have rested," County Court of Victoria judge Paul Higham said during sentencing on 24 July.

"However it did not."

Judge Higham said he had to send a message to deter others as well as the Shamshirs of repeating the offence.

"Home invasion is a most serious offence ...

People are entitled to feel safe within their own

homes and the courts will do everything they can do to ensure the safety of the community."

Judge Higham said regardless of who was right and wrong in the dispute, Javed took the law into his own hands.

But the judge found that the home invasion itself was spontanenous, rather than planned.

The group brought no disguises and weapons.

Javed was jailed for 18 months, followed by a three-year community corrections order including 350 hours of unpaid work and offencereduction programs. Mohammad was jailed for 17 months, followed by a two-year CCO with 300 hours of unpaid work, drug and mental health treatment and other programs.

NEWS

New life through the pen

By Danielle Kutchel The final hour of December 2008 was lifechanging for Bashir Bakhtiari.

In the dying moments of that year, he was granted a new life as a refugee in Australia, landing at Sydney Airport for his new start.

It capped off a tumultuous few decades for the Afghani reporter and artist.

Speaking through his son Marty who acted as an interpreter, Mr Bakhtiari said he hadn't wanted to leave Afghanistan and the work he loved.

He was a reporter filing stories for Voice of America about "the truth about politicians and the government" in Afghanistan. He also made documentaries for news agencies including the BBC, focusing on war and conflict in Afghanistan.

Unfortunately his reporting for Voice of America drew the ire of politicians and the Taliban. Another reporter was murdered by the fundamentalist organisation and Mr Bakhtiari began receiving anonymous calls from people threatening to kidnap his family and children; desperate to save his family, that was when he

Bashir Bakhtiari, right, and his son Marty. 196093 knew he needed to leave the country.

A caricaturist of some renown back home, once in Australia he threw himself into work

writing scripts for theatres and taking part in cartoon exhibitions.

Some of Mr Bakhtiari's works were on dis-

play at the Heartlands Exhibition at Walker Street Gallery in Dandenong throughout July.

Mr Bakhtiari's art focuses on politics and social issues. He said he enjoys cartoons because they are a language that people all over the world can understand and communicate through - "It's like talking to people I don't know," he said.

He has participated in international competitions too and his caricatures have been exhibited in galleries in Turkey, Iran, Belgium and Japan.

His dream is to one day get his own cartoon exhibition in Melbourne.

He is currently also writing a series of memoirs about his experiences, as well as short stories for Afghan magazines and comedic poetry on Facebook which he hopes to publish in English one day.

Mr Bakhtiari said Australia and its people had been supportive of him from the moment he touched down.

"I'm very thankful to the people and government of Australia. I will be all the best I can be for the country," he said.

‘Brain snap’ in Plaza car park caused run-in with police

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A man has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after a furious, tyre-squealing "brain snap" in front of police in the Dandenong Plaza car park.

Nathan Richards, 40, had driven to the shopping centre about 7pm on 11 March after his wife rang him to say she had been assaulted.

Police in attendance saw him arrive "fast" at the McCrae Street side, losing rear traction during a U-turn.

He narrowly missed a police car while he parked directly behind it, a police prosecutor told Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 23 July.

Richards was said to have approached two police officers in an "aggressive" manner, declaring himself as the victim's partner.

After the exchange, he is said to have revved his car's engine with his two children on board.

He then deliberately accelerated so that his rear tyres lost traction, police told the court.

At a roundabout, his car slid left to right near pedestrians and commuters at a bus shel-

ter.

He drove north on Foster Street, re-entering the multi-deck car park. Police reported that they could hear wheels squealing inside the structure.

Richards parked his car in a 'police-only' parking bay, ignoring police officers' demands for him to move.

He got out of the car, shouting abuse at the officers as they spoke to witnesses about the assault.

Ignoring requests to "move on", he was

sprayed with capsicum foam and arrested.

Defence lawyer Nick Power said Richards, a truck driver with no prior convictions, disputed several aspects of the police account.

Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said Richards's "long brain snap" seemed out of character, noting his admissions and remorse.

"On multiple occasions the police called you to back down but it didn't get through."

He was disqualified from driving for six months, and placed on a 12-month good-behaviour bond.

The Metro Tunnel will make your journey easier no matter how you decide to travel Some of Melbourne’s busiest train lines – Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham – will run exclusively through the new Metro Tunnel. It will untangle the City Loop, Melbourne’s biggest bottleneck.

The Metro Tunnel will create room for additional passengers during peak times and cut travel times for commuters by up to 50 minutes a day.

With more frequent trains carrying more people to destinations across Melbourne, the Metro Tunnel will also help take cars off our busy roads.

The Metro Tunnel will help take cars off our busy roads.

From 2 September, Flinders Street eastbound will be closed between Elizabeth Street and Swanston Street for up to three years. Thanks for your patience as we build the Metro Tunnel.

For more information about road disruptions in the CBD, visit metrotunnel.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12422062-CG32-19

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Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Salons from hell

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Two further illegal cosmetic surgery clinics have been uncovered since an illegal cockroach-infested salon in the back of a Springvale jewellery store was revealed.

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton reported that at least 18 people have called its hotline over health concerns about the illegal 'clinic' at Thanh Loi jewellery shop at Shop G23, Springvale shopping centre in Buckingham Avenue.

It traded as Sonoun Kimlee Salon, operated

by Lee Kim Tan since early 2018, the Department of Health states.

Patients are being warned they're at risk of blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV. "Past clients have told us about poor quality treatments and unsafe practices. All have been the advised to see their GP to test for hepatitis and HIV," Dr Sutton said.

As a result of recent tipoffs, another two cosmetic-surgery clinics operated by the unregistered Ms Tan in Springvale have been uncovered - at her own home and a second store at the back of 234 Springvale Road.

The Department of Health and Human Services is continuing its investigation into Ms Tan. Ms Tan performed "high-risk" cosmetic

School’s purple amazement Enter the wondrous world inhabited by the 1986 cult film Labyrinth.

Yasameen Timori and Kristian Edgecumbe star in the Dandenong High School Performing Arts Department's production of the Jim Henson-directed classic that starred David Bowie.

The story is a dark fairy-tale of Sarah who bravely seeks to rescue her brother from the Goblin King and his mischievous goblins in the middle of a magical maze.

About 50 students and five staff rehearsed tirelessly on stage and in the live band for six months, after school and during school holidays.

Tickets for this spectacular singing-dancing musical will be on sale at the box office.

It is at Melaleuca Theatre, Dandenong High School, David Street Dandenong on Friday 9 August and Saturday 10 August, 7pm.

Yasameen Timori and Kristian Edgecumbe are spied upon by other cast on the Labyrinth set. 195911 Picture: GARY SISSONS

procedures such as tattooing, eyelid cutting, skin peels, mole removal and facial filler injections.

"I want to reiterate how important it is to only receive cosmetic services in a registered facility using hygienic processes," Dr Sutton said.

"The risk of infection, injury and permanent damage is very high if premises do not employ suitably qualified staff and practice suitable infection control measures."

The Department had contacted 68 known clients today, with records of 122 patients.

"However record keeping was poor," a spokesperson said.

There could be hundreds from mainly Cambodian and Vietnamese backgrounds, he said.

"It was discovered when Dandenong Council investigated reports of people leaving the jewellery store with blood on their faces," he said.

"They also found cockroaches around injectable bottles."

The Department is yet to receive reports of clients becoming unwell from visiting the salon. The risk of contracting hepatitis B and hepatitis C is rated as "moderate", the risk of HIV as "low".

"The emotional and financial costs associated with restorative work following infections

and poorly performed procedures is considerable," Dr Sutton said.

"We are contacting clients we are aware of.

If you, or someone you know, had cosmetic procedures at this salon, see your doctor as soon as possible to have a blood test."

The Health Complaints Commissioner has issued an interim prohibition order against the salon operator from advertising or providing any cosmetic or medical procedures.

Greater Dandenong Council has closed the salon and removed all equipment and medicines, according to the Department of Health.

It is responsible for prosecuting the operator for breaches of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act. Dr Sutton advised people with concerns to check if a salon is registered with its local council.

"And people should check the online AHPRA database if they think someone is falsely claiming to be a medical practitioner."

A fact sheet on the incident is being issued in English and Khmer at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/ unregistered-beauty-therapist To complain about cosmetic procedures, ring the Health Complaints Commissioner on 1300 582 113 or contact hcc.vic.gov.au/makecomplaint

Man bashed, robbed by four A man has been bashed and robbed of his phone by a group of four males in Buckley Street, Noble Park.

The 19-year-old was approached while walking about 4am on Saturday 20 July, police say.

The robbers demanded his phone, stole it and searched through his belongings.

When he yelled for help he was punched twice in the face.

The robbers, described as African appearance, ran away towards Douglas Street.

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

New Keysy school’s boss revealed The school with an interim name has announced its inaugural principal.

Phillip Anthony has been installed as the head of the temporarily-named Keysborough South Primary School, opening in Homeleigh Road in term 1 2020.

Mr Anthony has been principal of three primary schools in the past 21 years. He recently led Aspendale Primary School for 12 years.

He was installed after a selection process by the Department of Education.

Keysborough MP Martin Pakula said the appointment meant families were "a step closer to having access to a great new local school".

"Every student deserves access to the best facilities and the best teachers close to home, and the new Keysborough South Primary School (Interim Name) will deliver exactly that."

Hallam crash hospitalises driver Police are investigating a crash at a busy Hallam intersection that saw one driver taken to hospital.

Police, the CFA and paramedics were called to a collision between a car and a truck at the intersection of Princess Highway and Belgrave-Hallam Road, Hallam at about 11.00am on July 26.

A 20-year-old Narre Warren woman received minor injuries and was taken to Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition.

The exact circumstances of the collision are unknown and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an anonymous report at CrimeStoppers. com.au.

Pokies losses top $119m Greater Dandenong poker machines continue to reap about $10 million a month, according to official 2018-19 statistics.

In figures released by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, pokies yielded $119.3 million - down from $121 million in 2017-18.

It equates to $907 lost per Greater Dandenong adult.

Greater Dandenong is fourth-highest in pokies losses in metropolitan Melbourne behind Brimbank ($143 million), Casey ($132 million) and Whittlesea ($120 million).

Alliance for Gambling Reform - of which Greater Dandenong is a member - has described gambling harm as a public health issue akin to smoking.

"We call on the Victorian Government to outlaw the predatory and addictive features on poker machines that trick people into believing they are winning when they are actually losing money," spokesperson Tim Costello said.

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

‘Muted’ comment puzzle

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong’s planning director says he’s puzzled by a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal member’s description of the council’s advocacy as “fairly muted”.

VCAT senior member Philip Martin had coined the term while approving a six doublestorey townhouse proposal at 39 Ellt Crescent Noble Park on 9 July.

Mr Martin had waived the need for even one on-site visitor car space, noting the council was “fairly muted” on the issue.

“There was no convincing evidence put to me at the hearing that this local area is fac-

ing any particular on-street car parking pressures.”

City planning director Jody Bosman told a council meeting on 22 July that “I can’t say I agree with the Member’s turn of phrase”.

He said the council was represented by lawyers arguing “all of the grounds for refusal” including over-development, neighbourhood character and “the missing visitor car parking”.

Mr Bosman conceded the council did not present expert evidence such as from a traffic engineer.

“But it certainly formed part of our position and I believe it was argued by our lawyer.

“We still put forward the argument that this reduction would have a negative impact on the surrounding area.”

He added that he wished the council could win every case at VCAT. “Sometimes the decisions at VCAT leave us non-plussed and sometimes the language used is equally puzzling,” Mr Bosman said.

Cr Matthew Kirwan said he found the situation “very disappointing”.

“This is a key aspect our lawyer should have argued as it was the key concern from councillors at the time.

“This development was not near Noble

Park Railway Station - it is in an area with little public transport. It also had one more townhouse than what was needed to trigger a visitor car space.

“I am now concerned whether this occurs in other cases of councillors rejecting applications on the basis of visitor parking.”

In a report in September, council planners said the reduction of one visitor car space was acceptable due to five adjacent on-street car spaces.

Councillors then unanimously rejected the planners’ recommendation to approve the project.

Training for the world game

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A squad of skillful juniors based in Keysborough not only have their eye on the ball but on the global stage.

Under the gaze of The 12th Player soccer academy founder Luis Miguel Gorgulho, his team of under-9s bely their age.

At their training session, their ball control, balance, speed, craft and precision is well beyond their years. The ball zips across the width and length of the pitch at electric speed.

"These players would be among the elite in Australia," Mr Gorgulho says. One of them he points out as the brightest talent he's seen in 24 years of coaching around the world.

His players are hand-picked under a trial system, across a range of ages.

In 2020, The 12th Player is sending up to three of its teams to JSSL, a 400-side international tournament in Singapore.

It is regarded as the largest youth tournament in South-East Asia, watched by talent

EVERY TUESDAY

scouts from Europe.

At a cost of $2450 per child, it's an investment that these talented kids' parents are happy to make.

"We're looking for a bit of good fun and some exposure but you never know.

"Different scouts look for different things some like technical brilliance, others game intelligence, others speed and athleticism.

"It's literally about being in the right place at the right time - and you have to perform."

He expects his under-9s to be worthy of at least a semi-final berth, if not to win at next year's JSSL. A former coach and technical director for Arsenal FC in Europe and the Middle East, Mr Gorgulho says Australian kids are starved of international competition.

"Australia was seen as too far to travel to, or to send the family and kids to Europe."

He and wife Linda landed in Australia two years ago, and fell in love with the place.

Early this year, The 12th Player was

Coaches and players of the under-9s team at training. launched here to help give kids exposure to a greater footballing life - with a dose of fun.

Mr Gorgulho is impressed with football's progression since he first visited Australia in 2005 - the first year of the A-League.

"I don't think there's much of a difference

Picture: LINDA BRUNETTI

in the talent between Australian children and European children.

"The biggest gap is in terms of the coaching. We don't invest in coaches enough."

For more information go to the12thplayer. com.au

Where to pick up a copy of your FREE Dandenong Star Journal!

12421719-SN28-19

4 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Solar farm proposed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A $38 million solar farm with about 68,000 solar panels has been proposed for a 44-hectare former landfill in Springvale South.

The Green Wedge site bounded by Clarke Street and Rowan, Westall and Springvale roads could power 10,000 average homes with about 39,000 megawatt-hours of "secure and stable green energy".

Its proponent Progress Solar claims the project could save 42,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, as well as create 50 jobs during construction and seven ongoing jobs.

The facility includes a 27 megawatt DC solar plant, and a dedicated sub-station to feed power into the Victorian grid.

A provisional battery storage area, central inverters and access roads will also be built.

Progress Solar has lodged a planning application with Greater Dandenong Council, with input from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

The location is mainly vacant, but for a gas extraction facility as part of landfill rehabilitation works.

According to Progress Solar's planning report, the site is not listed as a future proposed park as part of the touted 'Chain of Parks' in the Green Wedge sandbelt.

The site neighbours two former landfills that have turned to parklands.

The landfill closed in 2003.

Progress Solar project manager Wayne Pierce said the site was "perfectly suited" for a solar facility.

In its submissions to the council, Progress Solar has claimed its design would not impede managing risks such as landfill gas explosions and leachate.

It has also pledged to use thick native vegetation to screen the solar panel's reflectivity from neighbouring roads. The panels' maximum height would be four metres.

"The project proponent will also endeav-

our to utilise as low panel racking structures as possible, to minimise the height and visibility of the solar farm from the road."

Progress Solar is holding an information session at Springvale Indoor Sports Centre, 546 Springvale Road, Springvale South between 2pm-7pm on Tuesday 30 July.

EPA representatives will also be there.

A 44-hectare former landfill on Westall Road is the site of the proposed solar farm at Clarke Road, Springvale South.

Uber driver faced ‘lethal’ injection

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The long-term heroin addict had said she'd not been in desperate need for more drugs at the time, Judge Wraight said.

Her motivation to get in the car was unclear.

Judge Wraight found that her "soft target" offence was a "spontaneous" decision made in the cabin.

Atkinson's disadvantaged background, her drug addiction and dislocated, violent childhood were taken into account.

She had started on heroin at 14, and expressed the need to "get off the drugs" and associate with different people.

She was recently diagnosed with an opioid use disorder and a major depressive disorder.

Her risk of recidivism was assessed as moderate. Her rehabilitation was still given weight in sentencing.

"While you have a significant criminal history for someone of your young age, you've also had enormous hardship and difficulty through your young years," Judge Wraight said.

Atkinson's "confronting" appearance before her elders at Koori Court was noted.

She was jailed for nine months, with a twoyear supervised community corrections order of up to 120 hours of unpaid work as well as drug and mental health treatment.

The jail term included 238 days in pre-sentence custody.

12404323-DJ46-18

An Uber driver was threatened with a lethal injection from a syringe during an attempted armed robbery in Dandenong, the County Court of Victoria heard.

The passenger Lynette Atkinson demanded money as the driver conveyed her from Scott Street into Pickett Street about 6pm on 16 May 2018.

Pointing a syringe about 30 centimetres from the driver, Atkinson told him: "If you don't give me money, this will kill you in one minute."

Though he couldn't see whether the syringe

was filled, the driver feared for his life.

He parked at a well-lit shopping strip in Hemmings Street, pushed away Atkinson's arm and ran away with the keys.

Atkinson rummaged through the car, stealing the driver's phone and a multi-tool device.

She was arrested by police near the scene.

Atkinson, 23, pleaded guilty to the attempted armed robbery and theft.

She had gained insight but "limited" remorse for her crime, Judge Trevor Wraight noted during sentencing on 23 July.

Atkinson stated to her psychologist that the offence had been an "accident", that it "wasn't supposed to happen in the way it did".

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•฀CARPETS฀•฀VINYLS฀•฀RUGS฀•฀TIMBER฀•฀LAMINATES Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 5

WIN

NEWS

Choked on way to cops

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 25-year-old man has strangled his ex-partner in the car as she desperately drove to Springvale police station, a court has heard.

The woman arrived at the station on the evening of 5 April, screaming for help and struggling with the man, a police officer reported at the scene.

She bled from where a fingernail was torn from her hand, as well as suffering red bruising around her neck.

During the drive, the man yanked her by the hair and had interfered with the steering wheel veering the car toward oncoming traffic, the court heard.

Earlier that evening, the man had waited for the victim to arrive at her home. She allowed him in the car because she was afraid he'd damage it.

The man was found with 0.195 grams of allegedly heroin, Dandenong Magistrates' Court heard on 23 July.

The attack followed a series of stalking incidents in which he often waited for her to arrive home, would berate her for seeing her with other people and sent threatening messages such as urging her to "neck yourself".

The accused used heroin for the past four years. He had since 'cleaned up' while in custody for the past 109 days, the court heard.

"In the clear light of day he does respond appropriately. He responds with remorse, shame and sadness as to how he's acted," the lawyer said.

"He accepts the relationship is over."

It was conceded that strangulation was a "red flag" signaling a high future risk of homicide.

Born in a refugee camp in Malaysia, the accused moved with his family to Australia at age one.

A distinction-average student, he lost his way after a friend drowned while saving him in the surf during holidays.

He dropped out, started using heroin and never worked a job, the court heard.

"His goal is to live a normal life," the lawyer said.

"Due to his youth, he is not beyond redemption."

The man pleaded guilty to stalking, drug possession, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and assault, as well as two incidents of disqualified driving in Noble Park.

The man was serving a corrections order for assault and criminal damage against the same complainant.

He had done "nothing" on the order tailored with drug and mental health treatment, anger management and mens behaviour change programs, magistrate Tara Hartnett noted.

"He's had his opportunity. Your client needs to realise that this behaviour, this conduct is absolutely serious, inappropriate and in context of breaching a court order."

The man's "extraordinarily serious" offending "extends beyond a person out of control on heroin", she said.

"The matters indicate your client has real issues with his attitude towards his partner."

His attack in the car put the partner and the general partner at risk, Ms Hartnett said.

"In isolation this offending warrants a significant period of imprisonment."

The man was jailed for 18 months - including resentencing for the breached CCO. His non-parole period was set at 10 months.

He was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

He will be subject to a full intervention order for the next five years.

Harmony Square, PEP gained in land swap

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

Greater Dandenong Council has acquired Harmony Square and land next to the future Mason Street art gallery in a property swap with Development Victoria.

The state development authority gains the council's 34-space car park at 2 Mason Street - which will be included as part of the Foster Street precinct currently offered to market in an expression-of-interest process.

The council gains ownership of the public open space Harmony Square at Dandenong Civic Centre as well as the Precinct Energy Plant (PEP) adjoining Settlers Square and the former Masonic Lodge.

As part of the exchange, the council will pay Development Victoria $125,000.

Cr Matthew Kirwan said the "important land swap" allowed the council to obtain the two sites while minimising the cost to $125,000.

The PEP was a key site in central Dandenong, he said.

"When you walk from Dandenong railway station through Settler's Square you immediately have the former Precinct Energy Plant site in front of you.

"With conversion the building would be suitable for a variety of community uses and could be directly or indirectly joined with the Masonic Hall Art Gallery to provide further exhibition space or be used as a blackbox theatre."

Cr Kirwan said the 2 Mason Street shortterm car park would not be developed for "a number of years". It would still be available as a car park in the interim. " In the medium term we will need to build more multi-level car parks (offering much more than 34 car spaces) and officers are cur-

The Precinct Energy Plant site, left, behind the future Masonic Art Gallery.

Harmony Square will be council-owned under a three-way land swap. 141184 Picture: GARY SISSONS rently looking at available sites.

"It makes sense for the Revitalising Central Dandenong project that we give Development Victoria the opportunity to consolidate this site with the neighbouring sites they originally acquired." dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Refugee trauma hidden

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Refugees and asylum seekers are many times higher at risk of mental illness but less likely to access help, the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System has heard.

Kylie Scoullar, general manager of direct services at Foundation House, told the Commission on 18 July of a recent study that found asylum seekers in community detention were 22 times more likely to commit self-harm.

Those in offshore and onshore detention were 46 to 216 times more likely, she said.

Stigma and shame were key factors in not accessing services.Parents, for instance, might feel blamed or judged for their children's prob-

lems. Or they might be fearful and distrustful of doctors - and other authority figures.

"In some cases doctors have actually been part of the trauma that's been perpetuated on them in their country of origin."

Some humanitarian entrants and asylum seekers may not disclose mental illnesses because they fear immigration authorities may find out and hinder their applications.

Ms Scoullar recounted mistreatment in the mental health system due to not being "trauma-informed".

She told of a trauma survivor being treated for an eating disorder in a public mental health facility.

"She refused to eat and was very close to

dying. With our work, it became evident, however, that in fact she did not have an eating disorder, she had been forced to eat terrible things in her country of origin as part of her torture experience.

"Without that key piece of information there is no way that mental health treatment could be effective for her."

She was being forced to eat - which was "the complete opposite" to what was needed for her recovery, Ms Scoullar said.

Asylum seekers were suffering under the effects of long detention and processing times.

"The language of mental health disorders is just insufficient to describe the powerlessness, the sense of hopelessness, the shattering

of assumptions that people have about human decency that occur when people have had protracted and long-term detention."

Ms Scoullar listed solutions such as training support-people from refugee and CALD communities, more outreach services, psychoeducation classes for new arrivals and collaboration between trusted Foundation House counsellors and mental-health clinicians.

Foundation House assists refugees and asylum seekers who have experienced torture and other traumatic events prior to arriving in Australia.

Its five branches in Victoria include an office in Dandenong.

Cheam Street platform a ‘low blow’: residents

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Residents wanted a roundabout at a dangerous Dandenong North intersection but say they instead got a raised platform - raised not far enough.

After numerous car bingles, crashes, failures to give way and corner-cutting, residents petitioned for action at the corner of Cheam Street, Loch Road and Surace Court.

After initial resistance, Greater Dandenong Council responded with a raised platform treatment.

Cr Matthew Kirwan said it was "way too low to have any effect" and "not visible enough".

In a 15-minute observation, he said he saw just one car slow down at the intersection. One sped up, he said.

He also found evidence of a car mounting the nature strip while cutting the corner. A tree on the corner hadn't been removed as promised.

"There is a high degree of dissatisfaction in the neighbourhood as none of the original safety concerns have been addressed by what has been done."

Resident Lana Formoso was "disappointed to say the least".

"It's as if they didn't listen to any of our concerns and issues with this intersection and just did something for the sake of shutting us up."

Greater Dandenong engineering services director Julie Reid said the raised platform was a "recognised road safety treatment which is effective at reducing vehicle speeds".

"It meets all relevant standards and best practice principles and has been used with great success at a number of other locations across the City of Greater Dandenong."

Analysis after six months found the treatments at other sites had reduced speeds and rat-running.

Ms Reid said the intersection works were

The 'raised platform' treatment at Cheam Street, Loch Road and Surace Court, Dandenong North.

Picture: SUPPLIED due to finish by mid August, with lighting, coloured surface treatment and line marking to come.

"Once complete these works will reduce speeds, improve visibility and enhance safety for all road users."

Community Support Grants Program 2019 The City of Greater Dandenong’s Community Support Grants Program provides funding for innovative community projects.

Applications for Round 2 close midnight Sunday 25 August 2019.

Online application forms are available from www.greaterdandenong.com.

Free information sessions/grant application writing workshops Three Council information sessions will be held on: Tuesday 30 July, 1.30pm-3pm Formal

Thursday 8 August 1pm-2.30pm Function

Meeting Room, Dandenong Civic Centre

Room 2, Paddy O’Donoghue Centre

225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

18-32 Buckley Street, Noble Park

Tuesday 20 August, 6pm-7.30pm Formal Meeting Room, Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Evening appointments at the Springvale and Dandenong Libraries are also available: Dandenong Library: Levels 2 and 3, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Springvale Library: 411 Springvale Road, Springvale

•฀฀Thursday฀8฀August,฀5.30pm฀to฀7.30pm฀ •฀฀Tuesday฀6฀August,฀5.30pm฀to฀7.30pm •฀฀Thursday฀15฀August,฀5.30pm฀to฀7.30pm฀ •฀฀Tuesday฀13฀August,฀5.30pm฀to฀7.30pm Key Dates

Further information

Opening Date:฀Monday฀29฀July฀2019฀

Community฀Funding฀Team

Closing Date:฀฀Midnight฀Sunday฀

8571฀1432

25฀August฀2019฀

commgrants@cgd.vic.gov.au

Notification of Outcome:

greaterdandenong.com/grants

December฀2019 Project Period: 1฀January฀2020฀to฀31฀December฀2020 12422766-SN32-19

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

12413008-HM12-19

Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 7

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago

View vary on new estate

Transport of the Future

5 years ago

31 July 1919 The Peace Choir Concert

50 years ago

20 years ago

31 July 1969

2 August 1999

More buses and express trains, and a better road network are the highlights of Greater Dandenong's draft Municipal Transport strategy.

The council's team leader of civil and transport planning Mr Clancy Philippe, said the plan was a blueprint for the next 10 years. The council would examine the final report about September after public submissions had been considered.

"The strategy gives us a direction so the council can start lobbying the governments for specific projects. It is about being proactive rather than reactive," he said. The highlights include.

A 75% increase in bus trips.

More bus stops with electronic displays.

Buses which link with train timetables.

A third railway line between Dandenong and Oakleigh A second station in the Dandenong area.

4 August 2014 The need for work

The second appearance of the Dandenong Peace Choir, at the Town Hall on Monday evening was responsible for attracting a good attendance. The choirists again acquitted themselves creditably, and the audience thoroughly appreciated the rendition of the programme of vocal items, the songs with catchy choruses being specially favoured in regard to encores. In each instance, those who rendered solos received ovations. The proceeds, on this occasion, are to be devoted to the local soldier's memorial building fund, and it should benefit substantially. The taking at the door amounted to £7/7/- .

There have been mixed reactions to the Housing Commission's announcement of a 50 acre housing estate at the corner of Chandler and Cheltenham Rds. The president of Chandler Civic Association Mr Kevin Mc Donald said it was "hard" at this stage to say what the effect of the proposed housing estate would be. He added "if the commission homes are in the $11,000 to $12,000 price range it could be all right. This would put them in much the same price range as existing homes in the area. "Depending on what type of dwelling will go up it is difficult to say what's going to happen. If they build some of them of fibrocement sheeting, these would definitely be detrimental to the area."

LETTERS

· · · · ·

Talk to any charity worker in Greater Dandenong they'll tell you that giving work rights to asylum seekers would solve many problems. Since August 2012 asylum seekers on bridging visas have been banned from work or study by the Federal Government. They're given basic Medicare access and 89% of Newstart to live off or the even less generous Youth Allowance for 18-21 year olds. Migrant service AMES asylum seeker team leader Lesley Eksteen said most of the 1070 Greater Dandenong asylum seekers it continued to support were on bridging visas.

Many were depressed due to combination of isolation, language barriers, unaffordable transport and education and not being able to work.

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

Cost of high energy How many more people in Australia have to die of hypothermia because they can't afford to pay their energy bills?

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) reports wholesale power prices have skyrocketed more than 150% in the last 4 years.

Research into hypothermia cases done by two large Victorian public hospitals - The Alfred and Sandringham - revealed 217 people with hypothermia attended their emergency departments between 2009 and 2016, 11 per cent of whom died.

Dr Amanda-Rajah, a general medicine physician at The Alfred, asked why these people, in particular the vulnerable elderly who stay indoors, are developing this condition. Is it due to inadequate home heating and insulation, and not enough clothing?

In 2015 Victoria's electricity was the cheapest in Australia at $30.35 per megawatt hour.

By 2019 it was the most expensive at $109.81 per MWh, almost identical to SA. During this time the Hazelwood Power Station was closed.

Substantial gas price rises have accompanied electricity price rises, while the Victorian ALP Government has banned onshore gas exploration, making gas shortage worse.

It should be fairly obvious by now to every alert person in our country that Australia cannot survive without base-load power, as it is insanely self-destructive to rely solely on inconsistent wind and solar.

Unless the federal and state governments act urgently to address this crisis, we can be quite sure more poor and elderly people will die of hypothermia.

Peter Phillips, Springvale

On Tuesday 23 July, a story was shared on the Dandenong Star Journal Facebook page about VCAT approving a multi-townhouse development in Noble Park, which was opposed by Greater Dandenong Council.

Our readers reacted with disdain at the decision. This is how they responded online: Alan Hood: This is an appalling decision, but the problem started all the way back with the officers. Alarm bells did ring for some Councillors, but the Council was far too weak, and VCAT will generally favour Planning Officers vs Councillors on the grounds that the Planning Officers are professionals.

Gaye Guest: Weak as water, hope developer goes broke! There is no hope for this area , town planning has been badly managed from all levels of Government through the

decades and now we are paying the hefty price. Underwhelming council reps who promise big things and never deliver. It's about time VCAT was shown the door! Their "senior members " have no idea about residential amenity!

Anthony Anderson: VCAT are bloody idiots allowing this development. As soon as the owners move in they will complain about the noise. Dandenong Council is against any development at Sandown or nearby.

Brad Woodford: And yet the same council removes hundreds of parking spots and a driving lane along Corrigan Road with a ridiculous and unnecessary bike lane.

Wayne Bishop: If you get knocked back on an intending project, VCAT comes to the rescue

FOCUS ON … TAX TIME

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Springvale office manager Cindy Nguyen said the staff at Monash Management were qualified and experienced local accountants and registered tax, BAS and ASIC agents.

“We provide a range of accounting, taxation and business services from tax return preparation, lodgement and associated planning to assistance with establishing and maintaining your business structure and support services,” she said.

“We are specialised in tax and accounting services.”

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She said staff provided individual tailored services with a focus on personal attention to ensure that requirements are met and to ensure success in management of taxation, financial and business affairs.

Monash Management and Taxation Services is at Springvale Travel, 10 Buckingham Avenue, Springvale. It is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm.

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Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

For peace of mind for you and your business, contact Ashfords Accountants & Advisory for tailored financial business solutions.

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NEWS

Urgent hunt for home

By Brendan Rees A South East pensioner who is the carer of her elderly parents says she's running out of options to put a roof over their heads.

Linda Ashworth, 55, has been battling to find a two-bedroom unit and although they've been given priority on the social housing waiting list - that wait could be up to two years.

"We've been staying with friends for a couple of weeks in Cranbourne East but like anything they're elderly; they need their lives back on track," she says.

At the end of March there were 41,677 on the State Government's queue for public housing - with 21,713 being priority cases for people experiencing issues with disability, mental health, family violence or homelessness.

The wait list is under pressure as private rents rise faster than wages, Newstart and Commonwealth rent assistance.

Cranbourne Information and Support Service's executive officer Leanne Petrides, who has been supporting Ms Ashworth, said Victoria's public housing shortfall of 103,800 highlighted a "desperate need" for more public and crisis housing.

Ms Ashworth says they have furniture in storage and live out of plastic bags. And now they are faced with little option but to move into a motel by the end of the week.

"Going into a motel means our pensions have to be used to pay for the motel," she says.

Ms Ashworth said she's looked at many private rental properties but "there isn't a great deal out there that's affordable."

"We've got to look for no stairs, and particular things in a rental property which makes the job that little bit harder.

"It's a no win situation," she says.

Her mother Joyce, 81, and 88-year-old father John, who has a pace maker and is wheelchair bound, were in a retirement village in Pakenham until Ms Ashworth's sister bought her parents a home but when the "funds dried up she evicted them last December."

Extended family in Doreen took them into their home but the commute to the south eastern suburbs for her father's medical appointments became too much.

Ms Ashworth said she also met a "deadend" with WAYSS in Berwick, a service that helps people experiencing homelessness, as they could only offer a one bedroom cabin in Tooradin.

"Because of my father's needs it's got to be a two bedroom cabin," she said.

Ms Ashworth says they've contacted their local members of Parliament "but can't seem to pull a rabbit out of hat."

A Victorian Government spokesperson said the Department of Health and Human Services and emergency housing providers were working closely with the family to help them find short term accommodation until longer term public housing became available.

"Public housing provides safe and secure shelter for Victorians who need it the most and we prioritise people managing health, ageing and disability issues such as these - we'll do everything we can to help," the spokesperson said.

Ms Ashworth believes there should be more help offered for those in a similar situation.

"When you've got a dad whose 88 you think to yourself we deserve a little bit better than this."

Students celebrate their Make a Difference day.

Lending a hand to Vinnies

By Brendan Rees Lynbrook's St Francis De Sales Primary School has collected baskets of food to help the needy.

During term two, students gathered about 800 food items for charity organisation St Vincent de Paul in Hampton Park.

"It was a great achievement," students Alicia and Madison said.

"We helped them load the cars and this food will now be distributed to the people in need within our community," The food was collected in four coloured baskets representing each of the school's house teams.

The initiative was part of the Mini Vinnies program, where students aim to increase social justice awareness and fundraise for those in need.

On the 28th of June St Francis De Sales'

Grade 5/6 Mini Vinnies action team participated in Dandenong's St John's Regional College Make a Difference (MAD) day.

The students walked five kilometres before taking part in a liturgy and announcing they had raised a total of $370.

The money will go towards Wellsprings for Women in Dandenong and the Lasallian Foundation which is developing schools for children in Pakistan.

Students Keava and Isabella said they had much deeper understanding of how they could make a difference to people's lives both in the community and overseas.

"As the Social Justice Action Team it is our responsibility to develop actions that will help as many people as we can and be able to live with dignity and life's essentials such as food, shelter and education," they said.

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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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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

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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Ventura managing director Andrew Cornwall said the company was honoured to make the donation.

Kiribati School spokesperson Alison Crook said the gift was "life-changing" for students.

"Without this transport many of the children simply could not get to school at all. It makes all the difference for them.

"Getting access to schooling is life-changing for many of them, so it is easy to understand the difference this makes."

Victorian parliamentary secretary for early childhood education Sonya Kilkenny launched the bus's departure from Melbourne.

"It is terrific a Victorian business is providing a bus to the children of Kiribati to help get an education," she said.

Ms Kilkenny had previously launched four Ventura buses donated to Port Moresby to improve women's safety.

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Ventura Bus Lines has transported a magnificent life-line to a central Pacific island's special needs school.

Its donated 57-seater Volgren Scania bus will support the Kiribati School and Centre for Children with Special Needs, which had struggled to get students to school.

Most of the 200-plus students at the Republic of Kiribati school struggle to get to class they either cannot walk to school or are unable to access public transport. There was no dedicated school bus.

"The wonderful gift provided by Ventura will enable all students to attend school each day, giving these special kids the chance to thrive, learn and play," Australian volunteer teacher at Kiribati, Ben Clare said.

The donated vehicle was shipped from Melbourne to Kiribati via Brisbane and Suva on 8 July. PDL offered a freight discount for the delivery.

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STAR JOURNAL 9

ENTERTAINMENT

Stitches in our times

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Textile works are on one hand so old school.

However artist Brooke Hyrons invigorates this art form with an infusion of "mercuriality".

Two of her pieces are part of Cultural Threads, a month-long textiles celebration in Greater Dandenong that bridges many times and cultures.

Hyrons, a Monash University fine arts student, says there's much appeal in the patient rhythms of textile creation.

"It's a lengthy process in a world that's so fast and everything is changing.

"It's important to hear these old processes that take a while."

Inspired by sustainability, Hyrons makes use of recycled materials and clothing.

She's also a student of history - of the progression of textiles and womens rights embodied in the roles of domestic women.

Hyrons, of Caulfield North, was introduced to textiles in high school. She moved into abstract painting, but found herself drawn into other art disciplines including textile.

"I definitely see myself as a multi-disciplinary artist."

Hyrons' work will feature in the exhibition Zephyr launched at Walker Street Gallery on 3 August.

Zephyr includes diverse artists such as John Barbour, Jon Campbell, Raquel Ormella, Jane Passehl, Hayley Tan, Kei Takamura, Katie West, Sam Martin and Rubaba Haider.

Other events include an accessible and portable arts space Nebula, held in Harmony Square from 5-9 August.

Greater Dandenong mayor Roz Blades said Cultural Threads workshops, events, exhibi-

tions and activities will run throughout August.

"A love of textiles is shared around the world which is why this event continues to have widespread appeal," Cr Blades said.

"This event encourages members of our vibrant and diverse community to share their stories and connect with others, through a mutual love of textiles."

Cultural Threads closes with an open day

event at Heritage Hill on 31 August, 1pm4pm.

Details: greaterdandenong.com/culturalthreads

WHAT’S ON

·

Mental Health Forum How do we help people we know and love with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety? Join a forum with guest speakers from headspace, The Metanoia Movement and Associate Professor of Psychiatry Greg de Moore.

Presented by the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong.

Wednesday 21 August, 6.30pm at Dandenong High School’s Melaleuca Performing Arts and Sporting Complex, David Street, Dandenong.

Free entry, tea, coffee and light refreshments provided. Bookings: leannebyron59@gmail. com

Spuds on a Stick Twista Bro's has been a foodie favourite at Dandenong Market food festivals. Now it's opening up a permanent stall cooking up its twisted potatoes in a secret-recipe batter and 10 flavours of seasoning.

As an opening weekend offer, buy one Twista and get one free.

2, 3 and 4 August at Dandenong Market, Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong.

·

·

Homelessness Week Wayss and City of Greater Dandenong present a free community event and BBQ on the theme ‘Housing Ends Homelessness’. Wayss and other local organisations will be there to answer questions.

Friday 9 August, 11.30am-1.30pm at Harmony Square, Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street. Details: 9791 6111.

·

World of Robotics The Brainary presents a free robotics event with the EZ Robot, MiRo and the humanoid robot NAO. Kids will learn how to program robots to solve problems and work together, as well as provide comfort like companion pets.

Monday 12 August, 4pm-5pm at Doveton Library, Autumn Place, Doveton. Details: www. scienceweek.net.au/robotics-workshop-withthe-brainary

·

Book Club Join The Open Door Book Club as we discuss our current book over a cuppa. It is a great opportunity to open up to genres you may not have read before, and make new friends along the way.

The current book is The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.

1 August 11am-12noon at 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Suggested gold coin donation.

Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg. org.au.

Services. VIEW stands for voice, interest and education for women. It supports the Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program. New members and guests are always welcome.

Tuesday 6 August, 7am at Dandenong RSL, 44-50 Clow Street. Bookings: 9795 1222.

·

Choral singers welcome Join the Voices of Casey for one of two open rehearsals on 5 and 12 August as part of the Casey Winter Arts Festival. It is a vibrant community choir under the baton of Dr Jonathon Welch AM (of Choir of Hard Knocks fame) and accompanied by Jodie Lockyer.

Monday 5 and 12 August 7pm-9.30pm at Fiddlers Green Retirement Village, 57 Gloucester Ave. Berwick; $5. Bookings essential. Details: Paulien on 0412 741195 or maritimes.1@hotmail.com

·

Open Mike

Dinner with a VIEW

Voices of Casey presents an Open Mike session where you can sing, dance, recite or tell a tale or two. This fun afternoon is hosted by Journey Bound.

Sunday 25 August 2pm-5pm at Blue Hills Retirement Village, 125-135 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East; $10 including afternoon tea. Details: Paulien on 0412 741195 or maritimes.1@hotmail.com

Dandenong Evening VIEW Club will meet for dinner with guest speakers Alan and Margaret Benson from Australian Red Cross Emergency

We will be holding a Holistic Fair at the Burden Park Bowls Club on Sunday August 25th. Our

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10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

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Springvale Mystic Fair

Fairs are about promoting education and awareness of the psychic world, holistic health, natural healing, conscious living and spirituality. A variety of stalls will be on display including crystals, candles, divination, essential oils and hand made products together with readers and healers. Head to our facebook.com/MysticFairs to win a $50 voucher!

When: Saturday August 25, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Entry to the event is $5. Bring cash as most stallholders do not have card facilities.

For more details go to www.facebook.com/ events/2371009323218676/.

·

School of Rock Get ready to rock at St John’s Regional College!

This hilarious musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn some extra cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Can he transform a group of A+ students into rock superstars?

When: Thursday 22 August 7.00 pm, Friday 23 August 7.00 pm and Saturday 24 August 6.00 pm. Where: Alexander Theatre. Tickets: $20.00 - $25.00. To book, visit https://bit. ly/2Y0Qumd.

·

Mental health support Depressed? Anxious? Grow offers support.

Meet weekly with a group of young adults (1835yrs) who have similar experiences and want to help.

When: the group meets weekly Monday 1:00pm at the Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46-50 Queens Ave Springvale. Come along and join or call Dishni on 9528 2977.

Sahaja Meditation Come and try Sahaja Meditation to find peace and experience the feeling of thoughtless awareness. Everyone is welcome, no bookings are necessary - just bring an open mind and an open heart.

When: every Wednesday 7-8pm. Where: Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club, Latham Crescent, Dandenong North. Cost: free. For more information, visit freemeditation.com.au or call 0497783946.

·

Customs and Culture Concert Noble Park Secondary College will be holding its Customs and Culture Concert on Thursday 1 August. There will be a sausage sizzle from 6pm.

Everyone is welcome!

When: Thursday 1 August, 6:45pm - 8:30pm.

Cost: $2 per person.

·

Disco Dolly Bingo Save the date Saturday August 10th! Come to a fun filled night and join the members from Keysborough Fire Brigade. A Disco Dolly Bingo event, with silent auctions, games, prizes and much more. All proceeds will further help the community of Keysborough and surrounding suburbs.

When: 7pm - 11pm, Saturday 10 August.

Cost: $22 per person, inlcudes finger food and bingo games, drinks at bar prices. Where: Keysborough Golf Club, 55 Hutton Road, Keysborough. For more details and to book, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discodolly-bingo-keysborough-golf-club-tickets62401605883?aff=ehomesaved. Bookings close 28 July.

·

Tai Chi Tai Chi is a Chinese system of physical exercise aiding health and relaxation. Join us each Monday for a twenty minute session following the introductory Shibashi DVD. Each Monday 2pm-2.20pm (except public and school holidays) at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. A gold coin donation is welcome. Please call Trish or Jo on 9791 8664 or email Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au for more details.

·

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

property

COURTENAY GARDENS GEM SURE TO IMPRESS

AS the old saying goes it’s all about location, location, location with this great Cranbourne North property.

The neatly presented three bedroom home has a renovated bathroom and a huge garage on a 620m2 block.

The property could be potentially developed into dual occupancy (STCA).

It is within walking distance to schools, shops and public transport.

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HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 21 Courtenay Avenue, Cranbourne North, VIC 3977 Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $460,000-$490,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Harry Syrros 0470 760 699, FINNING FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE Tuesday, 30 July, 2019 5 February, 2018

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HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 16 Centre Avenue, WARRAGUL, VIC 3820 Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $370,000 - $405,000 Contact: MIRANDA PIKE 0404 193 205, SEJ REALESTATE 5622 3800

PROPERTY NEWS

BERWICK’S FINEST 2.5 ACRE BLOCK IS HERE SET in one of Berwick’s finest locations and surrounded by exceptional multi-million dollar homes, exists an amazing opportunity to acquire Berwick’s finest remaining 2.5 acre allotment.

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HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 10 Pagebrook Road, BERWICK, 3806, VIC Contact: Darren Hutchins 0419 304 646 or Daniel Boyle 0488 788 894, O'BRIEN BERWICK

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Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

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STAR REAL ESTATE

13

NEWS

Brazilian coaches inspire

HASA students will access Brazil's former pro soccer players, like World Cup player Mineiro who played for clubs like Chelsea.

Pictures: BRANDON LI WAN PO

HASA students will access Brazil's former pro soccer players, including twice World Cup player Silas Pereira who played for Sao Paolo and Sporting Libson.

fied coaches," said Wood. "They have a strong desire to give hope and improve the lives of young people through the impartation of skills, discipline and resilience".

Meantime two coaches have arrived from Brazil to start training sessions in Waratah Reserve, bringing with them a wealth of experience from training in different cultures. Head coach Lamartine da Silva has played for clubs like Brazil's Portuguesa, Hong Kong's Golden FC and Thailand's Bectero Sasana, and has coached internationally in Thailand, Malaysia, China and the Philippines.

Second coach Joaquim Santos Silva's career has seen him play for Brazilian clubs like Corinthians Alagoano, Bom Jesus and Dinamo, before coaching in India and being a youth

"What the HASA collective offers is unique," says HASA chairman Larry Sebastian. "By introducing virtues such as hope, honour, kindness and respect through a virtues psychology model, we are able to encourage early intervention towards behavioural change. Carefully screened and trained mentors will meet with kids to provide an avenue for course corrections to be implemented towards a life well lived."

HASA is supported by Football Victoria and the City of Casey.

It also works with other partners including Sports Chaplaincy Australia, Berwick Churches Soccer Club and Kids Hope Australia.

For more information about HASA visit www.hasa.soccer or call 03 8592 0173.

leader for war refugees in Cape Town, South Africa.

HASA students will also have access to some of Brazil's most prominent players, including World Cup alumni when they arrive in Melbourne in October as part of the annual charity event Tour of Hope. These include Mineiro (Chelsea, Sao Paulo, Hertha Berlin), Silas Pereira (Sao Paulo, Sporting Libson), And Paulo Sergio (Bayern Munich, AS Roma, Champions League).

In August, students will also receive training from visiting ex-professional Antonio Da Silva, who was Bundesliga Champion with VFB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund, and also played for FC Basel and Flamengo.

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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

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Truck to reel in more fireys

By Kyra Gillespie have been Members of Cardinia Men’s Shed truck for hard at work, building a small fire the CFA. at CFA The bright little truck will be used around open days and recruitment drives the Cardinia catchment. th CFA’s Lisa The craftsmen met with the at PakenHicks for an official handover on Thursham’s Living and Learning Centre day 28 March. it will “They did such a wonderful job; to athelp with volunteering, something we are dotract the families and kids when ampaigns “ Ms Hicks said. ing recruitment campaigns,“ of $300 “We were able to secure a grant project. for the Men’s Shed to complete the in myThursday, 4 April, 2019 “I went down there with a vision it had to fit mind and they made it happen; enough in the back of the Ranger, be light the kids. for two people to carry and safe for and “It has working lights, a little ladder a fire hose. It’s amazing.“ CFA’s the through secured was The grant South East Volunteer Sustainability Team,

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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. of the interthe middle the witnessed in been Lynbrook, of must’ve “He Robin Dzedins 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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Rees hit flying in the air and I was thinking 'God, I Ms Dzedins said: "It was very frightening, I counts of obtain property by deception haven't been killed and hope no one behind A Casey resident has described the moment and was very lucky." a eight counts of theft. driver "hurtled" towards her after an alleged me is killed.'"

"I could see bits of car flying up into the air, A 22-year-old Pakenham man was charged stolen car wound its way through Hampton It came as police were led on a two-hour like I think mirrors or I don't know; door han- with aggravated Park on Monday 1 April. carjacking, four counts of wild pursuit which began about 12.30pm after dles, something like that," she added. theft of a motor vehicle, arson, two counts Robin Dzedins of Lynbrook said she was a four-wheel-drive was allegedly stolen of "There must have been so people just af- burglary, obtain from property by deception, two turning left into Camms Road from South Cranbourne. fected literally by the accident." counts of theft.

Gippsland Highway about 2.30pm when The vehicle was later set alight, police say, she Cardinia Highway Patrol arrested two men Both men were remanded to appear at the saw a car "swerving like a maniac." before the speedsters fled in a station wagon and a woman who attempted to flee on foot af- Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 2 "I could only see it head on hurtling straight and later hijacked a ute ter their ute crashed into a truck on the South April. in Hampton Park. at me. e. Luckily I was turning left, had I been goThe ute crashed where police say the driver Gippsland Highway.

A 21-year21-year-old Dandenong woman was ing straight ahead I would've been hit," The driver, a 26-year-old male from Chel- charged with ttwo counts Ms was seen getting out carrying a rifle, which was of theft of a motor Dzedins said. tenham, tested positive to methamphet- vehicle. used to carjack a Ford ute in Carrum Downs.

"I thought he was going to hit the side of my amine and had his licence disqualified. disqualified He Witnesses say they saw the vehicle drivShe was bail bailed to appear at Frankston Magdriv car. ing i on the wrong side of the South Gippsland was charged with aggravated carjacking; istrates' s' Court on 3 September.

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Casey's young soccer players are about to get a unique opportunity to develop their skills in a way that could game-change their future.

Students are enrolling in a new government-sponsored program that will give them access to training by soccer players who played professionally in Brazil, some of whom have relocated to the city of Casey for this task.

Beginning this Saturday 20 July, Hope Australia Soccer Academy (HASA) will launch its program at Waratah Reserve in Doveton.

The program teaches Brazil's "Joga Bonito" style of soccer which translates to "playing the game beautifully".

Targeted at youth aged 7 to 18, the not-forprofit training involves all aspects of soccer coaching currently used in the training of professional players in Brazil, with additional support through mentoring for the development of life skills.

Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon, who recently hosted a reception for HASA, underlined the importance of an active, engaged community and the social benefits a program like HASA provides across the municipality.

"The City of Casey is home to 140 different cultures, each of which bring unique elements to our collective identity," she said. "More than a quarter of the people who live in Casey were born in another country, creating a diverse mix of languages, traditions and faiths across our community. (With HASA), through the common language of soccer, we can bring communities together."

HASA was made possible through the lobbying of MP for LaTrobe Jason Wood, who announced A$1 million in funding that would see the program supported for at least the first two years.

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SPORT

On the hunt for success

By Tyler Lewis Hunter Clark is emerging as a future star of the AFL, and with his elite skills and pure hunger for success, he is lining up for a long and prolific career at the highest level.

The young Saint and former Dandenong Stingray began his football journey like many draft prospects do - without much knowledge of what the future has in store, while balancing the rigours of his education.

But for Clark, his dominance on the field in the then TAC Cup meant the balance was skewed and the education became an enjoyable social interaction.

"I got an invitation a couple weeks before (the National Draft), saying 'All those invited please come up to Sydney', I think it was about 20 that get invited," he said.

"I had a pretty good idea that I was going to get picked and it was a bit of a stress relief (the invitation) but I was excited to get the underage process done in a way and get into the AFL. "My manager was telling me for a few weeks that the Saints were picking me up at pick seven.

"I had a bit of doubt where I was going to go but he was pretty confident the Saints were going to take me."

After achieving his childhood dream, Clark reflected on the short period of time in which he got to soak it up.

"I got drafted on the Friday and pretty much the Monday morning we started," he said.

"They eased us into it a lot as they don't know what our bodies are like, like our injuries, as we've never been in an AFL environment.

"We started the Monday but it probably took us two weeks to get fully into hard training - it was a nice way to ease into it.

"I was pretty lucky when I got picked up we were still at Seaford so the end of November until the end of March I got to stay home with mum and dad.

"I moved just to be a bit closer so I wouldn't have to have early mornings and as much driving."

While AFL players are often criticised for their actions on the field in the four quarters of the weekend, the 100 minutes on the biggest stage is the tip of the iceberg of the tiring work elite footballers put in.

In his second year of football at the top level, Clark walked the Journal through the weekly rigours of an AFL footballer.

On Sunday 7 July, St Kilda travelled to Tasmania to take on the in-form Kangaroos at their second home ground, Blundstone Arena.

Following the disappointing loss, many supporters would believe when they switch off their television at 6pm that their beloved players do the same, but Clark says that isn't the case.

"If your family and friends come over you get to have an hour to hang with them, but within that hour you have to do recovery so massage and stuff," he said.

"Then it's straight to the airport and we get

Former Dandenong Stingray and now St Kilda midfielder Hunter Clark is an emerging star. there around 7.30 and fly out around 9-9.30.

"Tassie was pretty good because it's not a far flight so we got home around 11pm but when we played Gold Coast the other week we got home really late."

Depending on the day of the game the upcoming week, Monday can be a day that rotates in purpose.

"It depends whether it's a seven or eightday break," he said.

"Monday is usually a small review the day after.

"We will then get into small groups and do recovery.

"Just making sure you tick all the right boxes and that sort of stuff."

Two days after the conclusion of the match, players are assumed to be ready to get into the hard work for the following week, but Clark touched on the long day that is Tuesday before the day off on Wednesday and the unique St Kilda courtesy rule in the weight room.

"Tuesday is usually a main day - we will get in there at 7.30am and leave maybe 4.30pm," he said.

"We will do another review of what happened on the weekend - what went wrong, what went right.

"We then get the footy's out, kick the legs over a bit, and train the things that went wrong in the game.

Picture: COURTESY OF COREY SCICLUNA

"If our entries were poor inside 50 we will work on that, but lightly so it isn't too taxing on your body.

"We then do weights and we have to wait for the older boys so we get stitched up a bit there.

"It is the way it has always been, you work your way up and the older boys have families and kids at school so its fine.

"Wednesday is a full day off to yourself, so Tuesday night into Wednesday is probably the best part of the week besides game day."

With Wednesday off, the players are expected to be raring to go for their final session before selection on Thursday. Clark says it is another long day with the nervous wait in the gym.

"Thursday is a big day - we get in 7-7.30am," he said.

"We usually do weights in the morning (and) then we go over the weekend's game coming.

"What we are going to do individually and as a team, if we are working on controlling the ball and getting our marks up we will do some match simulation working on that.

"You get individual tapes after they have been coded and the line coach, whichever position you played that week, will pick out things they noticed.

"I like to go through and see the things I can improve on and I focus on that for the rest of the week.

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"We will do weights again and some meditation so (it's a) taxing day physically but they make sure we get some recovery in there as well.

"The coach will come around to each player while we are doing weights, he will just tap you on the shoulder and say you are in and what he wants from you - if you aren't he will just say why and what you need to work on to get back in.

"It's always a nervous moment for the boys because you want to play and it is late in the week to find out."

Saturday 13 July was the all-important clash for the Saints against the ladder-leading Cats at their fortress down in Geelong. Clark played out of his skin, recording his personal best disposals while lining up on a childhood hero in Gary Ablett Jr. "Saturday was game day so the day is ours until we are required to be there," he said.

"I like to keep it pretty chill - go for a walk in the morning or sometimes head to the club and shoot some hoops.

"We have to get there no later than an hourand-a-half before the game but I like to get there two hours before, giving myself time in case of traffic.

"I am a little nervous in the car beforehand but once I see a few of the boys I am alright.

"I suppose it depends on how confident I am from the week before."

Dandenong Stadium - 270 Stud Road Dandenong 3175 Phone: 9794 7192 18 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

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SPORT

Standing together as one

By Russell Bennett

Chris Adair, Matt Runnalls, and Leigh Gittens are standing together as one behind the Hampton Park Junior Football Club’s 'Legends Game' this year.

195945 Picture: RUSSELL BENNETT "Mindfull has also been a big part of our club for the past three years so, between that and our past players, it should be a cracking day. They're three things that are really important to our club."

Adair also spoke about the significance of the jumper designs for the upcoming clash.

"The small circles represent the players, and the largest circle and the second largest circle are the captain and the vice-captain, so that's the leadership and these are all the directions people have come from to be here," he said, pointing to the front of the jumper.

"On the back is Bunjil, the creator."

The Hampton Park Junior Football Club 'Legends Game' will be held on 4 August at the Cairns Road Recreation Reserve from 2.30pm, with a dinner and presentation from Mindfull to follow.

Tickets for the dinner and presentation are $40 for adults, and $10 for kids. For more information, contact Mel Adair on 0412 564 547, or email admin@mindfullaus.org.

Anyone needing help can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Mindfull at www. facebook.com/mindfullaus.

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communities - and Hampton Park is a fantastic representation of that.

"We have more of a youth focus on this event this year in the rooms afterwards and we want to really get a lot of the juniors to come in and hear these messages.

"To be able to represent a different culture, but one that's paramount here in the area, is something that'll open up the doors for a lot of people to seek comfort and I think it's a beautiful thing that this club is doing.

"It's an awesome initiative, and I can't wait to see everyone in these jumpers.

"We've seen the rates of indigenous youth suicide, and it's about getting the kids back to culture, remembering their heritage, and connecting back to their roots.

"That's why this club does such a fantastic job. This is a fantastic initiative and one that Mindfull Aus is rapt to be supportive of, and be a part of."

Adair spoke about the Redbacks providing a constant source of support to all their members - regardless of background or culture.

"We've always been big on looking after our indigenous families, and we're really proud of their contribution to our club," he said.

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"When all seems lost, it's about understanding that there is light at the end of the tunnel - even if you can't necessarily see it right now."

That is one of the clear messages to take on-board from Hampton Park Junior Football Club's third ever running of its 'Legends Game', which welcomes a host of the club's favourite sons back to the fold.

This year, on 4 August, the beloved community event - run in conjunction with Matt Runnalls' Mindfull Aus - has a real emphasis on cultural diversity, in addition to its usual mental health focus.

The last 'Legends Game', in 2017, came almost exactly six months after the sudden passing of former Hampton Park junior Shaun Ross - who had ongoing mental health struggles.

He had a heart of gold, but lived a troubled life from a young age. Yet through the darkness of his passing, there is a light that constantly shines in his honour - to help, along with the likes of Mindfull and the Hampton Park JFC, people in their own mental health struggles.

Mindfull Australia is a suicide prevention charity founded by Runnalls - Shaun's great friend, and former club-mate at the Cora Lynn Football Netball Club.

Mindfull's purpose is to encourage those affected by mental health battles to come out of the shadows of stigma through self-acceptance, and education of the wider community.

At the time he founded Mindfull, Runnalls was a 24-year-old tradie who played country footy. He had no real financial worries, his professional life was in order, and he had a strong network of family and friends. But since the age of 17 he's battled severe anxiety and depression, which led to several suicide attempts.

This year, Hampton Park's 'Legends Game' will expand its focus to those in the local Indigenous community facing their own mental health battles.

The Hampton Park Junior Football Club is home to a large number of members from the Indigenous community, and the jumpers to be worn in the upcoming clash in August have been specially-designed by one such member - Leigh Gittens.

"I've been involved with the club for the past nine years and Chris (club president Chris Adair) has asked me for the past couple of years to design a guernsey, and we've finally got one," Gittens said.

"We've got a very multicultural club here one that's very friendly and family-oriented.

No one is left out."

Runnalls expanded even further.

"I've only been involved with the club for three or so years through Chris, but just the way the whole club, not only Chris, has opened its doors to me and the concept of these conversations with the community is really comforting to see," he said.

"To change the concept of the 'Legends Game' this year just slightly to involve a different demographic and background is a really beautiful thing.

"It's something that I want to get behind, and it's something we'd like to do more work with at Mindfull - involving a diverse range of

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STAR JOURNAL 19