Dandenong Star Journal - 26th November 2019

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Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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An early photo of the school's administrative building.

Emeline Nkondogoro and a school choir sang Never Enough at the centenary celebration. 200964 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Together for 100 Dandenong High School's past and present students, staff and parents have celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the school in grand style. Turn inside for more.

Dandenong High School students Andy Nguyen and Kathleen Faalavaau with school council president Alan Collier unveil a Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS centenary plaque. 200964

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BuxWear made for school

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Dandenong-based BuxWear has been clothing Dandenong High School students since the early 2000s.

It offers the full uniform range in its “onestop shop” in Cheltenham Road, including baseball cap, hijab, skirt, full-length dress, shorts, slacks, pullovers, shirt, blouse, waterproof jacket and tie.

Its sports range includes polo, top, shorts, track jacket and track pants.

BuxWear won the supply contract after the merger of Cleeland and Doveton high schools with Dandenong in 2008-09.

Its in-house design team gave it the edge, as well as the design of the fabrics and its ability to redesign completely the sports uniform, managing director David Loewy said.

“And they’ve stuck with us all this time.”

Many of the garments are made by hand, some drafted bespoke and tailor-made for the customer, Mr Loewy said.

“We can source the fabrics, make the garments, design the garments - we do all aspects of the school uniform.”

As a tradition, BuxWear make a Year 12 windcheater for Dandenong High from the winner of an in-school design competition.

BuxWear was founded by Norman W Buck as a ladies fashion store in Flinders Lane Melbourne in 1947.

It responded to the demand for school wear for Baby Boomers in the 1950s, catering for schools all over Australia.

Its 45-strong staff at Dandenong include tailors, production staff, designers, shop staff and admin employees.

Through the years, uniforms have adapted to the changing size and shape of generations of children, Mr Loewy said.

The school’s needs have changed too, with orders for sports, camps and ski trips apparel.

BuxWear's Dandenong outlet and factory.

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Sporting garments have advanced noticeably with high-tech fabrics that stretch and better absorb perspiration.

Fabrics are required to be Sun Smart.

There’s also a more common tendency to use recycled materials such as plastics in modern fabrics, Mr Loewy says.

BuxWear has gained an international and interstate market along the way, supplying wholesalers, retailers and schools in New South Wales, ACT and Tasmania.

“It’s developed with technology and we’ve tried to compete with the best of them,” Mr Loewy says.

BuxWear Dandenong is at 8/169 Cheltenham Road Dandenong. Details: 9792 0424 or buxwear.com.au.

Sam cuts the uniforms to size. 200591

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Rich history celebrated

Buxwear congratulates

Dandenong High School on reaching this milestone

Hundreds have flocked to the culminating celebrations of Dandenong High School's centenary on 21-24 November.

On 21 November the school community unveiled a plaque to mark 100 years since the school's foundation stone was laid.

This was followed by an expansive open day on 23 November that celebrated old and new.

It featured displays of historical photos and artefacts, as well as a launch of the Cleeland sundial and the debut screening of the school's commemorative film.

Among the visitors were ex-students Irene Gunn, Margaret O'Brien, Alison Atkinson, Marie Thorkildsen and Daisy Arnold who were photographed for a Dandenong Journal story on the school's 70th anniversary in 1989.

Missing from that original story by our late and great Marg Stork was ex-student Judith Douglas, who has since passed away.

Other guests included ex-1970s Bronwyn Mutton and her 92-year-old mother Audrey

Ex-students Irene Gunn, Margaret O'Brien, Alison Atkinson, Marie Thorkildsen, Daisy Arnold who featured in the 1989 Journal story.

200805 Picture: ROB CAREW Wigg, who was there between 1940-'42.

Finally, about 300 ex-students from across the decades were reacquainted for a centenary reunion lunch at Mulgrave Country Club on 24 November.

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Congratulations to Dandenong High and reaching their 100 year Milestone.

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NEWS

Principal reflects on it all

By Nadine Medina (Year 11) and Timothy Ivaschenko (Year 12) As an English teacher for 30 years and Principal for seven, Mrs Susan Ogden has witnessed the re development of our community over the last 10 years.

In the year of our centenary, we spoke to Mrs Ogden about the successes, challenges and the future of Dandenong High School.

The first question we asked Mrs Ogden, was why she chose to work in Dandenong all those years ago. She said she wanted to make a difference in the world through learning. She chose Dandenong High School because it was a community that valued learning and where she could make that difference.

"A complex place, but also an incredibly rewarding community to work in.

"A community that is constantly evolving and changing as the people who come into it change. Aspirational, one of the most culturally diverse in Australia and unique. That's what makes it so special".

Her highlight has been the "courageous" decision to merge three schools to create a "new educational entity".

"I think the enormity of that challenge and what we have achieved as a school, really hit me at the Year 12 Celebration assembly this year in October.

"The morning was an occasion to reflect on the history of the original school with members of the Ex-Students association and parents, who were former students, present. Given we were seated in the innovative Melaleuca building it reminded me of how we, through our re development, have achieved a balance between tradition and innovation".

The new school's strength was the house system, Ms Ogden said.

"Grouping students in House groups, not in

Dandenong High School principal Susan Ogden at the 100-year commemoration of the school's Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS foundation stone. 200964 sub schools, is not just innovative but incredibly powerful.

"I think it encourages a sense of belonging and connection for students, but also for

families and for teachers as well. A community within a community."

We then moved to talking about the school's amazing building design and the "state of the

art facilities" including the new STEM Centre, Senior Visual Arts and LRC, which all opened this year.

"They provide students with the opportunity to develop critical 21st century skills, not just robotics and ICT, but with problem solving, creativity, and developing curiosity that will enable them to be successful beyond school.''

She was enthusiastic about the new Learning Resource Centre.

"I think that the library is a beautiful space.

I love the way the books are around the students, encasing them.

"The environment encourages you to read, I think it's magic. It is a student-centered space and truly the 'heart' of the school'."Even more exciting is news this year that the Andrews Government has funded the final stage of our building project, starting in June next year.

As for the future, the staff have been working on all year in light of the School Review.

"It is clear the school is on the right track.

"Our key focus in the new Strategic plan sits around making sure we have a really strong curriculum.

"Two, that we have high quality teaching practice in every classroom and we're well on the way to achieving both those things.

"Three, that we develop student agency in the classroom and the voice of students in their learning.

"And four, we really focus on positive education at this school.''

Mrs Ogden said that ''for me, the students here are incredible. They are why I come to work every day, and they do amazing things.

"Things that win awards, get recognition and significance outside of the school, and sometimes they do amazing things, in simple ways because they are caring, compassionate, and intelligent young people."

DANDENONG HIGH SCHOOL Dandenong High School recognises recognises that the world our students are entering has changed dramatically because dramatically because of technology. Students now need to be be innovators, innovators, entrepreneurs entrepreneurs and creators creatorswho whocan canleverage leverage technology technology to to achieve success. achieve success.

At Dandenong High School we offer a At Dandenong High School we offer a diverse diverse range of learning programs aimed range of learning programs aimed to enable to enable students to develop the skills students to develop the skills required in the required in the future, part of this is our future, part of this is our STEM program. STEM STEM program. STEM is embedded in Years is embedded in our Years 7 andBased 8 through our 7 and 8 through Project Learning Project Based Learning and a specialised STEM and a specialised STEM subject at Year 9 subject atauthentic Year 9 provides authentic and rich provides and rich STEM learning STEM learning experiences. experiences.

For more information regarding our innovative STEM program, please contact the school on 9792 0561 or visit our website, www.dandenong-hs.vic.edu.au

DESIGN - INNOVATE - CREATE dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

www.dandenong-hs.vic.edu.au Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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Our senior pathways include Our senior pathway optionsoptions include Robotics Robotics, Systems Engineering and in 2020 and Systems Engineering ensuring success abeyond new their STEMschool Innovators years. subject ensuring success beyond school years.

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Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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Developer’s ‘puppets’

New artists

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March for change Greater Dandenong councillors Angela Long and Sophie Tan led the council's seventh annual Walk Against Family Violence event on Tuesday 19 November.

More on page 9.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Brotherly crimes 12428591-FA41-19

A pair of drug-addicted, homeless brothers went on an "out of control" two-month spree of servo armed robberies, petrol drive-offs and thefts in a stolen station-wagon, the County Court of Victoria has heard.

Andrew and Billy Dunlop, aged 23 and 27 respectively, were each jailed on 15 November for up to four years for their criminal rampage in late 2018.

The spree was said to be sparked by Billy

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finding his then-girl friend in bed with his best friend.

He used drugs to "numb" his emotions and joined up with Andrew, who was just released from jail.

While "basically homeless", they stole cash for drugs, food and accommodation, Judge Liz Gaynor noted.

"Your offending, your drug use, your lifestyle was spiralling out of control."

Along the way, they disguised the stolen sil-

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Within eight days in early October 2018, the pair were involved with holding up a Hallam service station with a knife, a Hallam 7-11 with a firearm and a Noble Park servo with a metal rod.

On each occasion, they cleaned out the tills, taking more than $2000 in total.

On 7 October, the pair were involved in a drive-by robbery of a dog walker in Noble Park.

Andrew later used the victim's stolen debit card to buy cigarettes and fast food.

On 12 October, Billy opportunistically stolen the station wagon at an Oakleigh servo. The owner had left his keys in the ignition and his wallet in the car as he stopped to buy cigarettes.

Also inside were the owner's sports Certificate III study materials for the past seven years, work power-tools, Workcover report, work skateboards, and camping gear.

Continued page 3

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NEWS

A harvest for all Two of Dandenong Market's popular fruit and vegetable traders have won the City of Greater Dandenong Sustainable Industry Award for their regular work with OzHarvest.

Abdul Ghani and Gary Taylor, owners of S and G Fresh and Taylors Orchards, were presented with the award at the Dandenong Civic Centre on Monday 18 November.

OzHarvest is Australia's leading food rescue service that aims to reduce the amount of waste in the hospitality industry. The organisation collects excess food from commercial kitchens, supermarkets and other retailers and delivers more than 180 tonnes of food to over 1300 charities across the country.

Abdul and Gary are both regular suppliers to OzHarvest and are happy to put in the extra effort to ensure that there is fresh produce available for those in need. The traders place a high importance on supporting the cause to help give back to their local community.

Over the past six months, Abdul and Gary have provided 11,451kgs of produce. This is the equivalent of 34,353 meals that OzHarvest

Abdul Ghani, owner of S and G Fresh and Taylors Orchards, was presented with the Sustainable Industry Award. has delivered to those in need.

"We congratulate Abdul, Gary and their teams for all the hard work they consistently put in to supporting sustainability in our community," Ms Jennifer Hibbs, general manager of Dandenong Market said.

"This award isn't about Dandenong Market: we simply facilitate the relationship between our traders and OzHarvest and others.

Ultimately it's about the good work they do for our community."

Silverton Primary School was also announced as the winner of the Sustainable Community Award.

Grade 5 and 6 students at Silverton Primary School have been reviewing the school's electricity bills to monitor energy use and reduce overall energy consumption.

From 2017-18 the school reduced energy use by 6.4 per cent, exceeding their target. In addition to this Silverton Primary School also hosted a Kids Teaching Kids Conference, inviting students from other school to present workshops on environmental issues.

Special commendation was also given to Athol Road Primary School for being the longest running applicant and to Pianos Recycled for the work they do in restoring and recycling pre-loved pianos.

The event showcased and celebrated the dedication and creativity of the Greater Dandenong community and their role in creating a more sustainable community.

Police find guns, drugs Firearms, ammunition, cash, and a large quantity of drugs have been seized and a man arrested after police raided a Narre Warren house on Wednesday 13 November.

Detectives of Dandenong Criminal Investigation Unit applied for the search warrant at the house after Highway Patrol intercepted a driver with an outstanding warrant.

An Endeavour Hills divisional van attended to assist with processing the 30-year-old man and a large quantity of illicit drugs was located, police say.

Southern Divisional Response Unit and the Narre Warren uniform members then attended the man’s Narre Warren address where a large number of firearms, ammunition, cash, and illicit drugs were allegedly seized.

The man was interviewed will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday 14 November.

Weapons and cash seized in raid

By Brendan Rees Imitation firearms, cash, and weapons have been seized at a property in Cranbourne East on Wednesday 13 November.

Members of the Southern Division 3 Divisional Response Unit executed the search warrant in Butterwick Terrace in relation to alleged drug offending.

Police allegedly found imitation firearms and scopes, a large amount of cash, prohibited weapons including a taser, flick knives, knuckle dusters and a laser pointer.

Also located was a large amount of ecstasy

Police arrest a 26-year-old man.

Police take a man into custody.

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tablets, LSD strips, magic mushrooms and prescription medication, police say.

"Officers seized a large quantity of several alleged drugs of dependence as well as alleged imitation firearms and restricted weapons," Victoria Police spokesman Sam Bidey said.

A 26-year-old Cranbourne man has been charged with several offences including trafficking drug of dependence, possess drug of dependence and possess imitation firearms.

He was remanded to face Dandenong Magistrates Court on 2 December.

A 22-year-old Cranbourne East woman was arrested and released pending summons.

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Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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NEWS

Two brothers in crime

‘Vulnerable’ boy refused bail at 14

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An allegedly violent but "vulnerable" 14-yearold living in state care has been refused bail in a children's court.

With an extremely low IQ in the 40s, the boy was accused of robbing a victim walking in a park in Mons Parade, Noble Park on 18 November.

He was arrested with the victim's phone by a PSO a short time later, the court heard on 19 November.

At the time he was on bail for charges of violence against his residential care workers.

In moments of rage, he allegedly bit, spat, threatened to harm, threw a brick at a worker in her car and struck out with a mop handle.

He was also accused of breaking into the unit's office with a butter knife and stealing car keys and the unit's car. He intended to sell the car on the street for cash, police alleged.

In opposing bail, police argued the boy was a risk of re-offending, continuing to use drugs as well as running away from the residential care facility.

However, the teen had no prior convictions, his defence lawyer argued.

In a "very vulnerable" position, he was burdened with a "huge history of trauma". He'd lived in 23 different locations in the past five years, the court heard.

The boy was on a behavioural support plan funded by the NDIS as well as having a youth case worker and being supervised 24-7 in "stable" and "therapeutic" residential care.

A case manager said the "hyper-vigilant"

boy got "scared easily when there's other residents being aggressive".

"In the end he'll get scared and abscond."

He had recently made progress such as engaging in school.

"We've definitely seen a difference. All the staff (at the unit) are really dedicated to him."

Locking up the boy in youth detention would be "distressing" and "extremely detrimental" for him, the manager said.

"Though he can present older than he is, he can seem to have a mind like a seven-year-old child."

The children's court magistrate found the boy met the exceptional circumstances test due to his "vulnerability".

However the boy was an "unacceptable risk" of absconding and re-offending, the judge said.

His "violent" and "serious" offending had extended against "ordinary members of the public". To release him would be to put the "community as a whole at risk", the judge said.

The boy was remanded to appear at a children's court at a later date.

Space to dream large on the outer limits

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Nicky's Cafe's outer wall in Menzies Avenue, Dandenong has become a portal into an interior 'dimension'.

Emerson College VCAL art students dub the galaxies and the inner worlds portrayed so spectacularly as 'The Dimension Mural'.

For the past six months, they have worked diligently on the colossal mural panels. VCAL building and construction students installed the panels proudly into place.

On 19 November, the piece was unveiled fittingly with a generous spread from Nicky's Cafe.

From front page The thefts cost the owner an "enormous amount of inconvenience, time and money", Judge Gaynor said.

It was dumped four days later at the back of a bowls club in Blackburn North after Billy crashed in the Melba Tunnel, Eastlink. A supply of amphetamine pills was seized from the vehicle.

He was arrested and remanded in custody in mid-October.

Meanwhile Andrew stole items including a debit card from a couple's two cars parked at their Bayswater home.

He used the debit card to buy three cab fares, supermarket items and fast food. As he sought to fraudulently buy a $10 set of headphones from a 7-11, police arrested him.

The court heard of the brothers' extensive criminal histories and despairing childhoods.

Rejected by their prostitute mother, they grew up separately with different fathers and in teenage homelessness.

As a teenager, Billy was abandoned by his mother alone in a Housing Commission building in Yarrawonga. In between stints on the streets, he discovered his father hanged at home.

He wasted the payout received for his father's death on his "massive" drug addiction.

Billy abused a variety of substances, injecting about 3.5 grams of ice every two days. Heroin became a major addiction three years ago.

He'd breached several community corrections orders and served a three-month jail term in the past.

"You've been living in a cycle of despair and drugs and hopelessness for many, many years," Judge Gaynor said.

"Your drug addiction has become so severe that you've caused yourself permanent brain damage."

"Unfortunately" the Dunlops had responded well to structure and abstinence while in custody, Judge Gaynor said.

Long term drug rehab was "absolutely essential" for the pair on their release - "both for your sake and the community's sake as well".

"Simply, this ruinous cycle has to end."

The Dunlops were eligible for parole after serving two-and-a-half years in jail.

Air-con a con

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Emerson College student Nikita with her part of the mural art work. 200689

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Emerson School VCAL art students and the mural of their inner “dimensions”. 200689 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Police are warning of a series of scams targeting plumbing and bathroom suppliers in Greater Dandenong.

The scammers have used stolen credit cards to purchase “substantial” amounts of air conditioning and hot water units, Greater Dandenong CIU detectives say.

Multiple businesses were targeted.

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

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Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 3

IBAC HEARING

Developer’s ‘puppets’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A property developer allegedly paid cash to Casey councillors and treated them as his “puppets” as part of a campaign to rezone Cranbourne West land, an anti-corruption hearing has heard.

It was alleged that the developer John Woodman paid $80,000 in cash deposits to Cr Sam Aziz and $17,500 to Cr Geoff Ablett in the lead-up to Amendment C219 deliberations in 2014, the IBAC Operation Sandon hearings on 19 November was told.

In response, Mr Woodman said Cr Ablett’s payments were a “coincidence” and didn’t know of the payments to Cr Aziz.

Mr Woodman and his associates had been lobbying councillors to rezone the land from industrial to residential - a move that would create a windfall profit of tens of millions of dollars.

On 3 February 2014, Mr Woodman sent a ‘briefing note’ of arguments for the rezoning in an email to Crs Aziz, Ablett and Amanda Stapledon’s private email accounts.

The next day, Cr Aziz introduced an urgent motion for Amendment C219 during a closed council meeting.

“You would forgive people who have read the document we’ve just been looking at as thinking that you were treating councillors just like puppets,” counsel assisting Michael Tovey told Mr Woodman.

Mr Woodman denied Mr Tovey’s allegation that it was because “Mr Aziz was in your pocket and you considered Mr Ablett to be in your pocket and you thought Ms Stapledon would at least follow them”.

“I’m attempting to outline to them the reason why the Cranbourne West land zoned industrial should be changed to residential,” Mr Woodman said.

Casey councillor Geoff Ablett's arrangements with developer John Woodman are being examined by IBAC. “Sir, this is the first time I have ever witnessed a document that I have prepared where I have suggested a motion.”

He agreed that such a move was “improper”.

Commissioner Robert Redlich foreshadowed that the ‘briefing note’ fitted the pattern of later correspondence sent to councillors by other persons on Mr Woodman’s behalf.

Mr Woodman was confronted with evidence he’d deposited $5000 cash under a false name into Cr Ablett’s account in late 2013.

“I cannot recall doing that, sir,” Mr Woodman said.

“No, I have no explanation for that.”

Also on day two of the hearings, Mr Woodman defended $5500 monthly payments to the

Three-time Casey mayor Sam Aziz has come under fire for his relationship with developer John Woodman.

Save Cranbourne West Residents Action Group (SCWRAG) leader Ray Walker.

SCWRAG leader Mr Walker was purportedly hired to drive around noting real estate signs on property, to provide “feedback” on real estate sales in the region.

Mr Woodman denied that the payments presented a conflict of interest for Mr Walker, whose group supported the developer Leighton’s wishes.

The IBAC investigation will focus on corruption involving Casey councillors and property developers, particularly three planning issues.

They are the Amendment C219 rezoning of land in Cranbourne West, the H3 intersection in Hall Road, Cranbourne West, and the Pavilion Estate.

The hearings continue for an expected three weeks.

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Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 5

LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 27 November 1919 Soldiers Memorial at Pakenham A reply has been received from the Railways Commissioners by Mr Sutton secretary of the Pakenham Soldiers' Memorial committee, to the effect that the Commissioners are prepared to lease, at peppercorn rental, land at Pakenham for the formation of an ornamental reserve and the erection of a soldiers memorial, on condition that the said reserve is fenced, planted and maintained, free of expense to the department, and to its satisfaction. The matter was discussed at a meeting of the local committee on Wednesday evening.

50 years ago 20 November 1969 Public Premiere December

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

The $250,000 Gala Cinema in Thomas Street Dandenong should be open to the public on Boxing Day after a premiere earlier in December. It is built on the site of the old 10 pin bowling alley, and has many modern features, including the wide screen, stereophonic sound, and Australia's first fully automatic projector. The Projector which is worked by a $30,000 computer can be left to its own devices for more than two hours and in that time will automatically adjust sound level and screen focussing. It has inbuilt safety devices in the event of any thing going wrong. Local dignitaries will see the Australian firm premier of 'Magus' when the cinema is opened to an invitation only audience early in December. The film which stars Anthony Quinn, Michael Caine and Candice Bergan is adapted from a book by John Fowles, author of the Collector. It is directed by Guy Green, who directed

the award winning film Patch of Blue. The audience will sit in comfortable chairs their feet resting on thick carpets, and surrounded by teak timbered feature walls, and a colour scheme throughout of soft soothing blues.

the demolition contract highlighted the finality of the stock yards.

20 years ago

Nightmare Park

5 years ago 24 November 2014 Never sleep in Dandenong Park

29 November 1999 End for historic market The old Dandenong Stock Market site will soon go on the market. Greater Dandenong council on Monday selected a contractor to demolish the historic landmark. The buildings and accessories will be sold at a public auction. The council awarded a contract for the work to M&E Douglas at a cost of $114,450. Councillor John Kelly said "it was a sad day" for Dandenong and the end of a 140 year era. He said although the site had been closed for a year, the awarding of

A Dandenong welfare worker issued the warning after an off-duty protective services officer found a body while walking his dog through the park about 4.30 am on 19 November. The 43yrs homeless man, previously of Narre Warren, had suffered injuries to his upper body. Homicide Squad detectives said the death was suspicious. The victim had eaten his last hot meal at Cornerstone Contact Centre in central Dandenong just hours earlier.

IBAC HEARING

Aziz paid for equine effort

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Casey councillor Sam Aziz was paid a $5000-amonth “sham” commission for sourcing wealthy Chinese investors for equine firm Spicer Thoroughbreds, it was alleged at an anti-corruption hearing.

The prinicipal of Spicer Thoroughbreds was unaware of the “unauthorised” arrangement paid for by property developer John Woodman, the IBAC hearing was told on 19 November.

Mr Woodman agreed with counsel assisting Michael Tovey’s assertion that the payments were “funnelled” through Spicer Thoroughbreds - which had provided horses to Mr Woodman over the past decade.

Under questioning from Mr Tovey, Mr Woodman said the payments were “in hindsight” a conflict of interest.

“The contracts that you had for these people with Mr Aziz for consultancies were really just an excuse to pay money that he was insisting on getting because of his role as a councillor,” Mr Tovey said.

“Yes, sir,” Mr Woodman said.

“But I was advised by (part-owner Bernard Lee) that there was in fact an agreement and that Mr Aziz was in fact seeking people to participate in the purchase of race horses.”

He’d never seen evidence of Cr Aziz communicating with a “potential client“, Mr Woodman conceded.

Spicer Thoroughbreds was part-owned by Bernard Lee, the boyfriend of Woodman “lobbyist” Lorraine Wreford, the hearing was told.

Ms Wreford took up the posting after being on Casey Council and losing her Liberal MP seat, Mr Woodman said.

Her job was to “communicate” with Liberalaligned councillors for $5000 a month.

She also couriered cash to Cr Aziz, including $2000 out of a $25,000-a-month payment to Cr Aziz on a Little River project.

That was withdrawn recently after Mr Woodman learned that Cr Aziz didn’t gain entry to his planned PhD on Smart Cities.

Former ALP federal candidate Phil Staindl was hired to target Labor councillors - Tim

Jackson being the only one lobbied in Casey, according to Mr Woodman.

Mr Staindl was being paid $3000 a month, with his $250,000 “success fee” withdrawn after the Cranbourne West rezoning was refused by the State Government.

Then Casey mayor Sam Aziz spruiks Smart Cities at a Casey Business Leaders Dinner, having just returned from a trip to China.

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Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

IBAC HEARING

Aziz to fly back for IBAC?

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Brendan Rees Casey councillor and former mayor Sam Aziz may return to Australia before the end of the IBAC hearings.

On 20 November, he told 3AW Radio that he would fly back from overseas work in Egypt "possibly in the seven to 10 days".

The IBAC hearings are expected to run until 6 December.

"This is certainly nothing unusual," Cr Aziz said of his overseas flight.

"And it is an absolute travesty of justice that the media seems to have made an issue out of it when, clearly, I have a return ticket and IBAC was aware I was travelling and didn't stop me from travelling."

On the hearing's opening day, Counsel assisting Michael Tovey QC said that Cr Aziz would not appear.

He had allegedly put his house on the market and sold it soon after being served a search warrant, the hearing was told.

The 'mayor emeritus' had not yet returned since flying out to Egypt "some four or five weeks ago", Mr Tovey said.

"And we are unaware as to if and when he might be returning."

IBAC has since placed a restraining order on the proceeds of that house sale, Mr Tovey said.

On 3AW, Cr Aziz said that "two thirds" of the alleged $900,000 received from property developer John Woodman was the councillor's own money.

He said he'd withdrawn the cash to stop his former wife from "quarantining or shutting down" money in his accounts.

He delivered it in a suitcase to Mr Woodman as an investment in mezzanine finance at

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Sam Aziz, as Casey Mayor in 2017, says he's never taken bribes. 174279 a five per cent interest rate.

"I would never accept any money simply because I'm a councillor."

Cr Aziz said he didn't declare a conflict of interest in a council vote on the Woodmanlinked Pavilion Estate because the loan arrangement ended two months beforehand.

"If I had my time again I would've made exactly the same decisions because I am sure that the decisions that I made were very, very good for the community."

Mr Aziz denied ever accepting a 'bribe' describing the allegations as "absolute nonsense."

"I have never ever in my entire career of 35 years of public service to receive a bribe for anything.

"I would never accept it upon myself to receive a bribe.

"What I have done is acted in the best interests of my community."

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Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Violent dad gets barred

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Mentors help kids to try TRY Australia knows first hand that mentoring changes lives. Mentoring through TRY successfully connects at-risk and vulnerable young people aged 7-20 years old with a positive adult role model, and supports volunteers to empower, guide and listen to young people as a fully trained mentor.

A volunteer mentor can: develop a mutually cooperative supportive and fun friendship act as a positive role model and encourage new experiences and opportunities encourage a young person to recognise their own personal qualities.

TRY Australia's one-to-one mentor program involves matching one volunteer mentor with a young person on a one-to-one basis.

Each match meets weekly to enjoy a shared activity over the course of 12 months.

"Becoming a mentor in our one-to-one match is a powerful way to make a difference to the life of a young person, as well as guide and empower them to make positive choices - not to mention a great opportunity to enjoy and share your passions, and learn new experiences," one mentor says.

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young people with the volunteer mentors and the TRY program coordinators in shared activities such as sport, performing arts, and cooking.

Programs are facilitated in schools or community centres for one hour per week over a period of three to 12 months during school terms.

The group mentoring programs are ideal for volunteer mentors who prefer a group setting and mentoring within a team environment.

It's not just mentees who benefit from the programs - being a mentor is also a richly rewarding experience.

"Becoming a mentor has changed my life just as much as it has changed Harrison's.

His teacher actually contacted me and said she has noticed a clear shift in his behaviour and attitude at school. As for me, I have found my calling, and plan on going back to school to study youth work," says Frankston mentor Aaron.

TRY Australia offers information sessions for those who are interested in participating in its youth programs. Call to book in to one of the monthly Information sessions or come and speak to TRY staff and current volunteers at Clip 'n Climb Berwick, 39-51 Intrepid Street, Berwick, on Saturday 7 December from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm.

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A 42-year-old man terrifyingly erupted, throttled and threw around his wife 'Tracey' and grabbed his son by the throat after his son leapt to her defence.

Aside from the physical bruises, Tracey still feels she's being punished by her estranged husband who she describes as "arrogant" and a "law to himself".

The harm is mainly financial. He's starved them of funds and cut off services like Netflix.

They've relied on the support of welfare agency WAYSS. "He is the type of person who won't be told what to do."

Two days after being convicted in Dandenong Magistrates' Court, he wants to see his kids again.

A judge has barred him from any contact with the family for two years under an intervention order. So he's made the request legally - via a solicitor's letter.

All had been fine in their 10-year-plus marriage until she caught her husband having an affair 12 months ago.

He then turned abusive and violent.

"He blamed me for it because I couldn't get over it. He doesn't like it, he thinks he can do whatever he wants.

"He doesn't like women standing up for themselves."

The man has breached intervention orders before. He's been in front of court twice.

The first time, Tracey got an apprehended violence order in 2018. That was after he assaulted her, smashed her phone, flyscreen, glass panel and a hole in the wall.

He threatened to burn her and other family members in the house.

A magistrate put the man on a good behaviour bond.

On the second attack, Tracey remembers being held by the throat against the fridge. He was in a "psychotic rage".

"I was bracing myself to be punched in the face.

"His arm was pulled back and his fist was clenched.

"I thought he's going to knock me out."

The worst part was when he throttled their teenage son, she says.

"If you hurt my son I'll kill you," she told him.

At his second appearance at court on 27 October, the man's lawyer argued against a conviction.

"Your client is looking at a jail term," the magistrate retorted.

"A conviction is the least of his problems."

The man's offending was the "absolute upper end of family violence", the judge said.

"I can tell you that your children look to you on how to behave - and this type of behaviour

sends some pretty horrifying messages.

"But the way your son acted to protect his mother indicates that he knew how you were behaving was very, very wrong.

"That's why he rang the police - that's a terrible, terrible position to put a young man in."

The judge said it was "really sad listening" to the victim impact statements of the children.

"There's been a lot of damage done and you've a great deal of repair work to do."

Despite coming "very, very close" to jail, the man was given an 18-month community corrections order .

It includes 200 hours of unpaid work, supervision, mental health treatment, anger management and a mens behaviour course to "challenge the way you think and act".

After presenting himself as remorseful, the man later commented supportively to a Facebook post on One Nation leader Pauline Hanson decrying the 'lack' of father's rights.

According to Tracey, he said: "Spot on, Pauline".

"I thought you're a d***head to say that after what you've done," she said.

"He's the boy who cried wolf."

A sobering fact remains that there were 2391 reported family-violence incidents in the last 12-month recording period in Greater Dandeong.

Nearly 200 a month, and more than six a day. And much more than the number of reported assaults (1725) and burglaries (1268).

Tracey says penalties need to be beefed up so "men know they have to toe the line".

"Why are they getting away with it?

"Why are they getting a slap on the wrist? No wonder so many women are dying each day.

"By the time they're on their third or fourth charge, some men have killed before then."

Tracey stayed with him longer than she should have, she says. She left because she could no longer be a "punching bag" - even though the kids wanted to be with him.

But after his last outbreak of violence against her traumatised son, that's changed.

"At the end of the day, the kids don't want to see him anymore."

Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

The community show their support of ending violence against women and children.

Dandy unites for the fight Greater Dandenong Council is continuing its fight to put an end to family violence and break the cycle.

Now in its seventh year council hosted its annual 'Walk Against Family Violence' as part of White Ribbon Week on Tuesday, 19 November.

Hundreds of people joined the walk from Dandenong Market to Harmony Square at Dandenong Civic Centre in support of ending violence against women and children.

This event included a performance from the With One Voice Choir, and speeches by Carrum MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education Sonya Kilkenny, and family violence survivor Susan Berg.

Member for Narre Warren South MP Gary also joined supporters on the day which aimed to further change attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate the cycle of family violence, and to promote respect and equality for women and children.

Greater Dandenong Council chief executive officer John Bennie said the event continued to go from strength to strength each year.

"To see our community come together in this way in opposing family violence sends a powerful message," he said.

"The issue of family violence is one that can affect anyone in our community. It does not discriminate. No matter where you live, where you work, how much money you have family

violence affects everyone."

Mr Bennie said the recent decision by White Ribbon Australia to close its doors makes this year's event even more poignant.

"As a council we are incredibly passionate about continuing the advocacy work of White Ribbon in preventing family violence and promoting equality and respect towards women," he said.

The Victorian State Budget 2019-20 builds on the previous $2.7 billion investment, including $3.1 million to continue to strengthen the family violence workforce and $20.9 million to ensure that survivors of family violence and sexual assault have the support they need to rebuild their lives.

The Budget also delivered $23.9 million to better meet the needs of survivors in emergency accommodation and $28.7 million for family violence support services for Indigenous Australia.

The State Government is implementing all 227 recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Family Violence, as it is dedicated to ending family violence.

Mr Maas said ending family violence was the community's "collective responsibility."

"It's up to us to build a culture that not only has a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of violence, but also believes and supports survivors," he said.

Members of the public walk against family violence.

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Hail the king

By Brendan Rees Two Casey sisters were excited to discuss their first published book about a great Sri Lankan king when they visited Bunjil Place Library this month.

Amenda, 20, and Emerald, 19 - both of Sri Lankan heritage - took two-and-half years to write their book, ’The Uprising’, which follows the epic tale of King Gemunu, the ruler of Sri Lanka from 161-137 BC who led with “so much intensity and passion“.

“The novel also talks about the battle which took place, which King Gemunu had instigated in order to unify Sri Lanka, which was probably the most fun part for us to write,” Amenda says.

They say they were inspired by the stories their parents used to share with them as chil-

dren.

“My sister and I would often discuss about the different exotic and exciting stories our parents taught us about Sri Lanka and the various kings that ruled the country,” Amenda says.

The pair of Hampton Park say they had felt so lucky to have been brought up in Australia, and a chance to “live our lives to the fullest,“ that they wanted to help those less fortunate.

They hope through the sales of the book they can raise enough money to help children in remote villages in Sri Lanka to assist with their education - “so that they too can have an opportunity to explore their dreams and pursue them”.

“The book we have written is completely self-published and all costs involving it have been funded by us,“ they say.

Albert from Watch City is one of many stall holders at Dandenong Market.

A treasure trove of wishes

Sisters of Hampton Park Amenda and Emerald with their new book, The Uprising.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Dandenong Market will be a one-stop shop under one roof for everything on your Christmas wish list.

The Black Friday Weekend Sale will be more competitive than many of the online offers and certainly better value than the larger retailers, general manager of Dandenong Market Jennifer Hibbs says.

Already known as a bargain mecca, market traders are offering an insane variety creating some crazy doorbuster offers over the entire weekend from 29 November to 1 December with $1500 in shopping spree vouchers to win.

"This is not a clearance sale," Ms Hibbs explained. "Although we are on sale all year round, with fabulous offers, this is our first ever 'sale' with genuine discounts up to 40 per cent off already fabulous prices. Some of our participating traders are even offering 50 per cent across the whole store. This represents

less than wholesale prices in the Bazaar which is already a treasure trove of hidden gems.

"To be honest, we expect savvy shoppers won't be able to help themselves, impulsively buying to keep for themselves as well as stock up for Christmas.

"Every time you walk through the Bazaar, you see something new and at a fabulous price.

"Don't forget too that when you shop local you're supporting small businesses that nurture our community," Ms Hibbs said.

Many of the best Black Friday deals can be found just about anywhere you look online but if you are looking to go into a physical store to maximise your shopping potential, Dandenong Market is the place to be.

To enter to win a share of $1500 in Dandenong Market shopping vouchers, log onto the website at www.dandenongmarket.com.au.

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Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

Students graduating from a pre-employment course in Lynbrook were shocked to be offered a job right away.

The Kickstart Your Career in Call Centre Operations course is a four week pre-employment course run by Hallam Community Learning Centre with employer partner Aussie Broadband. As students graduated on Wednesday 13 November, Aussie Broadband offered them all positions with the company.

Jordan Mizzi from Narre Warren, who has severe tendonitis and ADHD, said he was shocked and delighted at the news of his new job.

"I'm just thrilled to be offered a job. I wasn't expecting such a quick response."For a long time, I didn't have anything to do. So I found myself staying up late and getting into bad habits. This course has helped me develop essential life skills," he said.

"Over the past few weeks I've noticed that I have a much better routine. This is very important for me, especially with my ADHD. I'm now able to focus better."

Students learned a range of different skills related to the call centre industry, including telephone etiquette and IT skills such as touch typing.

Amanda Wright, Hallam Community Learning Centre trainer said it's been amazing watching the students grow during the course.

"They've been working really hard and it's been lovely to see how passionate they are about learning new skills. I'm so proud of them."

Catherine White, people and culture officer at Aussie Broadband, said the company was impressed by the quality and input of the students.

"Everyone has worked really hard and the feedback from the trainers has been really positive," she said.

"As a result we decided to offer employment to all seven trainees who completed the course."

"Since January, we've already hired 12 people through the program, all of whom are still employees."

The course was originally developed by Gippsland Employment Skills Training (GEST) and Aussie Broadband to open up work opportunities for unemployed people in the Latrobe Valley.

It was so successful, it was expanded to Aussie Broadband's new call centre in Lynbrook.

Scott Mitchell, GEST Trainer, said the standard of students was very high with this intake.

"It's been a real pleasure to teach this group.

It was surprising to see that everyone was offered a role with Aussie Broadband. That's the first time this has happened. But it really does prove that hard work pays off." dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS IN DANDENONG

Santa Claus is coming Members of the Cornerstone community. Back row, left to right: Farideh, CEO Naomi Paterson, Kerry. Front row, left to right: Ahmad, Alex, An. 201357

Cornerstone for cuisine loneliness by bringing people together in a safe and understanding environment.

“These sorts of times which are really family-centred are difficult for a community who don’t necessarily have family or good family relationships, so it’s about being empathetic and putting in place as much support as we can,” she says.

With a big move to new premises on the cards for Cornerstone early in the new year, Ms Paterson says there are few things on Cornerstone’s Christmas wish list, including new partners who can join with them on long-term projects and programs in 2020. They are also seeking tradespeople to help finalise their new office space in 2020.

Cornerstone’s annual Christmas lunch will be held on Friday 20 December at Cornerstone, 139 David St, Dandenong, from 11.30am. Anyone interested in donating their time or materials to the day, or to Cornerstone’s move in the New Year, can get in touch with staff via the Cornerstone Contact Centre Facebook page or call 0481 186 323.

By Danielle Kutchel Volunteers will stage a Christmas lunch on Friday 20 December, bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to some of Dandenong’s most marginalised communities.

The lunch, to be held at Cornerstone on David Street, will see bellies filled with delicious food and hearts overflowing with Christmas spirit.

“It will be a beautiful big Christmas celebration,” says new chief executive officer of Cornerstone, Naomi Paterson, “with lots of decorations and Christmas fare.”

The organisation is expecting to see around 70 people take a seat on the day, and is asking for support to help deliver the festive feast.

“People who wish to help are very welcome to get in touch with donations of food, volunteer support, or any funding offers as well.

Anything and everything is very welcome,” says Ms Paterson.

Christmas is one of the most difficult times of the year for many people in the community, she adds, so Cornerstone aims to alleviate the

Bring the kids to Armada Dandenong Plaza for Santa’s official arrival!

Kids can take part in the celebrations and join in a special morning tea with Santa, Mrs Claus, cheeky elves and Rudolph.

Santa will arrive with Mrs Claus on his arm, some cheeky elves and Rudolph in tow at 11.00am on Sunday 1 December, on Level 2 near Daiso.

This will be followed by a free morning tea for all to enjoy.

There will be free Christmas themed activities to entertain the kids until 2.00pm, including Santa hat decorating and face painting.

Kids will be able to get a free photo with Santa right up until 2.00pm on Tuesday 24 December. Bring your own smartphone or camera for your ’Elfies’ with Santa. The Centre will also offer Sensitive Santa photo sessions for

local kids with special needs; bookings can be made by calling the information desk on 9767 2000. Please check Santa’s hours on www.armadadandeongplaza.com.au.

“We welcome local families to celebrate the start of the festive season with us at our Santa’s arrival event,“ Monica Jenkins, centre manager at Armada Dandenong Plaza said.

Christmas gift wrapping for a gold coin donation to the Salvation Army will be available on Level 2, Centre Court from Monday 16 November to 24 December 2019, excluding Sundays.

Visit www.armadadandenongplaza.com. au for Armada Dandenong Plaza’s extended Christmas trading hours.

Armada Dandenong Plaza will be open on New Year’s Day from 12 noon to 5.00pm for customer’s convenience.

VALLEY VILLAGE MEWS RETIREMENT VILLAGE 112 STUD ROAD DANDENONG Wishing the Dandenong Community a Very Merry Christmas

One of Santa’s helpers an elf who wanted an “Elfie” with Santa at Dandenong Plaza. Get your own “Elfie” when shopping at the Plaza.

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Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

PROPERTY NEWS

GIVE THE KIDS A GREAT HEAD START LAUDERS Group has recently launched another quality development in Officer Scholar’s Row. This development is less than 50 kilometres south-east of Melbourne and consists of 56 boutique home sites that are ideally positioned on the fringe of the urban centre.

Sales manager Paul Archibald said lot sizes range from 350 to 475 square metres, prices start from an average of $299,000 and there was also a selection of quality house and land packages available from some of Victoria’s leading builders. “We have an estate with level land, which makes building quick and easy,� Mr Archibald said. “Scholar’s Row is ideally located extremely close to some of the region’s best schools including Berwick Grammar, which is virtually next door and Minaret College, so it’s ideal for families looking to provide children with a great start in life,� he said.

Scholar’s Row is also only minutes from several major amenities and facilities. These include several sporting facilities such as football ovals, basketball courts, netball courts, golf courses and tennis courts. There are also excellent walking and cycling trails nearby.

As far as connectivity is concerned, Scholar’s Row has two nearby railway stations and offers direct access to the Monash Freeway and Princes Highway. “Scholar’s Row genuinely offers the convenience of a thriving suburb with a beautiful Australian setting. “We’re excited to be bringing it to market at a time when buyers are looking for location, amenity and affordable prices.

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ENTERTAINMENT

New artists set to shine

By Brendan Rees Four emerging south east artists are set to perform their new music in Melbourne thanks to help of a national mentoring program.

The four selected participants have spent a day song writing with established artists, followed by a day in a professional studio with an esteemed producer to record their song as part of the GRID series, which stands for Grass Roots Indie Development.

They have also had one-on-one career development sessions with a music industry professional offering tips, guidance and knowledge to help them further their careers.

The quartet, who were lucky enough to work on their songs with Ecca Vandall x Kid Not and Arik Blum, will perform on Tuesday, 3 December at 229 Queensberry Street Carlton, Melbourne from 8pm-11pm.

Emerging hip hop sensation Mimi Melb,rapper Manny Lado, neo soul singersongwriter ELAURA and RnB artist Jacki Tut will launch their newly created singles as part of GRID. Mimi Melb artistry embodies her driven ambition to be a voice that is heard. As a first generation female Vietnamese-Australian, she is proudly determined to being a fresh face to the Melbourne music scene. She brings unlimited energy ferocity and charisma, leaving audiences breathless in her wake.

Jacki Tut is a South Sudanese Australian artist. Jacki's often sombre textured songs are guided by her blunt lyrical prowess, drawing inspiration from her experiences of navigating young adulthood.

Many Lado was raised in the Outer South East who came up during a time when the region was buzzing with the next wave of Melbourne rappers. With twisting flows and an

Artists Manny Lado.

Artist Mimi Melb. extremely versatile style, it's easy to see while Manny Lado is quickly growing his name within the Hip-Hop scene.

ELAURA, is a Chilean/Australian songstress, calling the green forest of Gembrook, Victoria her home. The 22-year-old sings of identity, humanness and how to find a place in the world. Accompanied by her electric guitar, ELAURA's sound is heavily influenced by jazz, soul and RnB while remaining connected to her Chilean roots.

ELAURA is a Chilean/ Australian songstress.

Artist Jacki Tut.

WHAT’S ON Free Christmas Day Lunch Do you have nothing planned on Christmas Day? Are you perhaps alone this Christmas? Come to lunch at Hampton Park Uniting Church 1 Coral Drive Hampton Park.

Doors open at 11.30am. Must book, as places are limited. Ph: 9799 7994 or email narrehamptonparkuc@bigpond.com. Proudly supported by the City of Casey

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With a touch of Christmas thrown in for good measure, hear fabulous show tunes, familiar classical music and even a few pop songs as The Two Piano Men, Shannon Whitelock and Matthew Hadgraft, put their comical twist on everything from the old masters to pop piano players. We Love a Piano is a snazzy double act that is a perfect blend of music, mayhem and laughter. Morning tea and free parking voucher included in the ticket price of all encore programs.

Thursday 5 December, 10.30am. Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Tickets from $16. Book at drumtheatre.com.au/event.

Picture, left to right: Ken, Cathy, Shiranthi, Bill and Rose.

Women organisation.Bookings can be made on Trybookings.com or call the club on 9582 4600 or visit the website, www.mulgravecc. com.au.

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Dinner with a VIEW Dandenong Evening VIEW Club will meet on Tuesday 3 December, for dinner at the Dandenong RSL, 44-50 Clow Street, at 7.00pm. Our Christmas meeting has an Australian theme, dress accordingly.

VIEW stands for voice, interests and education for women and the Club supports the Smith Family's Learning for Life Program. New members and guests are always welcome.

Bookings essential. Call 9795 1222.

·Seven Women fundraiser

The Mulgrave Country Club is holding a fundraiser to raise money for Seven Women, an organisation that works to empower women in Nepal through training and education. The night will include beverages, canapes and a film screening of "Bringing to Light the Seven Women Story", which follows a group of Nepali women involved with the organisation over a period of four years.

Founder of Seven Women, Stephanie Woollard OAM, will be the guest speaker on the night.

Tuesday 26 November from 6.00 to 8.30pm at Mulgrave Country Club. Tickets are $50 per head with all proceeds going to the Seven

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Get organised for festive season at the Christmas Market hosted by Uniting AgeWell’s Noble Park Community, 1312 Heatherton Road.

There’ll be plenty of gift ideas, cards, candles, bric-a-brac, plants and more from 11am to 4pm, Wednesday 4 December.

Café will also be open with tea/coffee/soft drinks/ snacks. Details: 9554 0700.

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We Love a Piano at Christmas

Christmas Hopper Night Presented by the Aussie Rhythm and Jazz Association Inc., all age groups are welcome to enjoy an evening of rock n roll, reggae, pop, Jazz, latin, waltzes, and much more. Featuring Matrix for an evening of music and dance. Tickets must be purchased in advance for catering purposes.

The Keysborough Seniors Club, 352 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough on Saturday 7 Dec 2019, from 8pm to late. Tickets: $25, children 6 to 12 at $20 (all tickets non-refundable).

Dress Code: Smart Casual. BYO Drinks & Dancing Shoes! For tickets contact: Brian David: 8759 0747 / 0421 983 862, Lew Geer: 9558 1898 / 043 7950 550, Bernard Barr 0412 372 566 or Jon Alvares 0403 962 718.

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Art exhibition and book launch Come and celebrate the talent of The Open Door's Art of Soul and Creative Writing Groups at our annual community event. The day will include a launch of The Writing Group's latest publication 'Stories to the moon and back', signings by the authors, the Art of Soul Artwork Exhibition and finger food/champagne. Original artwork, copies of 'Stories to the moon and back', handmade cards,

month, and for other activities.

Southern Community Centre, Southern Reserve, 27 Rupert Dr Mulgrave. Just off Police Road! Call 9560 6046 or 0484 337 105 for more information.

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Are you ready for Christmas?

Christmas raffle tickets, 'Lucky bottle' competitions and jelly bean count competition will be available. Raffle tickets for our major prize - an original painting 'Brushgrove West' by Peter J Hill.

All proceeds to TaskForce. Please call Jo 9791 8664 for more details. Thursday 28 November 2018, 11am - 2pm, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong.

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Open Up Free Community Lunch Every Thursday during school term at 12 noon.

Hampton Park Uniting Church. 1 Coral Drive Hampton Park. Ph: 9799 7994.

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Probus Endeavour Hills Club The Endeavour Hills Probus Club is seeking retirees and semi - retirees to join an active and friendly group. Activities include a walking group, coffee mornings, ten-pin bowling, excursions and trivia nights.

Meet third Monday of each month (except December) at 10.00am at the Dandenong Club, corner of Heatherton Rd and Stud Rd, Dandenong North. Contact Chris 0423432878 or email: hart.chris64@yahoo.com.au.

Probus Sandown The Combined Probus Club of Sandown meets on the second Monday of each month, from 9.45-noon at the Noble Park Football Club. New members are welcome.

Call Ian on 0438363000.

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Patchwork quilting classes Patchwork Quilting classes at the Hallam Community Learning Centre have vacancies for term 4. $12 for a 3 hour class on Tuesday mornings with our experienced tutor. Call us 9703 1688 for further details.

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Ross Noble - Humournoid What happens when pure comedy takes human form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up? Nobody knows because that isn't a thing. What is a thing is Ross Noble doing a show. You can come and see it. This is it. If you are looking for a good laugh, don't miss out this international comedy show that presented by famous English standup comedian and actor.

Saturday 29 February, 8.00pm. Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Tickets from $46.40. Book at drumtheatre.com.au/event.

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Looking for company and activity?

Fun for retirees

The Dandenong Over 60's Club, a SubClub of the Dandenong Club, corner of Heatherton and Stud roads, meet every Monday at 12.30pm until 4pm. You can play Rumikin, cards or indoor bowls in a relaxed, jovial atmosphere and partake of afternoon tea with your fellow players.

Come and join our very friendly group.

For more information ring Tess Moss on 0427594051 or just come along and check us out.

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

Members meet for coffee and a guest speaker from 9.45am to noon on the last Tuesday of the

Dandenong chess club seeks players! Check them out at The Albion Hotel.

Wednesday evenings from 7pm. Contact Paul for more information on 0406786242.

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Check out chess

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Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 17

NEWS

Back to school for NBL

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Students from St Paul Apostle North Primary School shared the court with their heroes during a visit from Melbourne United basketballers on 20 November.

The NBL stars showed off their slam-dunking skills - and a sizeable height advantage during a friendly game against students at the Endeavour Hills school.

Students held their own, and displayed their fleet-footedness also in an impressive dance competition.

A slam dunk from Melbourne United's Mitch McCarron. 201018

Students and Melbourne United's basketballers took part in a friendly game. 201018 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Melbourne United player Tohi Smith-Milner keeps the ball out of reach. 201018

Students make moves in a dance competition. 201018

St Paul Apostle North student Giana with the ball. 201018

General Classifieds

ALL HOURS, On site computer repairs, upgrades, software, internet and networks. For small businesses and home users.

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

Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

The great Warren Ayres racked up runs at each level he played at.

Picture: COURTESY OF CRICKET VICTORIA

The art of making runs

By Tyler Lewis He's made 15,277 runs at 43.42, with a highest score of 218; 73 half-centuries; 41 centuries; two double-centuries and 166 bat raises in the middle.

Warren Ayres' numbers speak for themselves.

Having been involved in a handful of premierships, it seemed whenever Ayres opened his mouth to shed wisdom, or swung his blade, success was the ultimate outcome.

The current Carlton batting coach returned to Shepley Oval recently, the scene of some of his finest cricketing moments. But it didn't all begin there for the right-handed superstar, but less than a kilometre down the road as a youngster with mighty dreams to wear the baggy green.

"I had a drive to try and play for Australia; it was as simple as that," he said.

"I suppose as any young kid who starts their journey, you hope you're good at it, you try really hard when you are a junior and I suppose I tried really hard, I trained really hard and got to be pretty good at it.

"You start ticking off some of the goals you want to achieve and obviously playing Premier Cricket, cricket for your state and then cricket for Australia is the goal of any boys dream.

"I think anyone in my age bracket all loved Greg Chappell when I was really young, so many people tried to emulate the way he batted because he looked so majestic. There is no doubt he was a person I looked at the most.

"I made it very early in life, I played at Springvale South until I was 14-years-of-age, then I started playing for Melbourne."

Despite scoring a mountain of runs at Victorian Premier Cricket level for both Melbourne and Dandenong, then the additional time at Victoria where Ayres notched seven centuries and averaged 33.9, he still feels that he did a lot of things wrong that cost him more appearances at state and international level.

"When you look back on it, there were so 22 STAR JOURNAL

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many things I did well and so many things I did wrong," he said.

"There were so many good players in that era, probably the strongest era in Australian cricket during that time.

"I could've done things better, I think I thought it was going to happen when I was young and I didn't learn quickly enough.

"People say to me 'you had a good career', but it could've been better if I did things a bit better, and a lot of people could say that.

I didn't do things badly, but I could've done things a bit better.

"In hindsight I should've moved state, but I suppose I had confidence that Victoria would pick me through weight of runs and for any other state I would have been being picked, but Victoria didn't want to, simple as that.

"That was probably the learning curve I talk about. I got picked for Victoria as a 20-year-old, and I would've been better off being picked as a 25-year-old, because mentally I probably wasn't up to it as well as I should've been."

In the lead-up to the 2002/03 season, Ayres decided to jump to a different red and navy club, one closer to where it all began and one that could offer him more than what Melbourne could, that of the Dandenong Cricket Club.

His time there was still impressive, crunching 11 centuries and bringing home that elusive piece of silverware back to Shepley Oval in the 2006/07 season.

"The reason (I moved) was to be coach," he said.

"At the time I was being interviewed by both Melbourne and Dandenong. I could read the small print between the lines that Melbourne was going to go in a different direction, so I decided to go to Dandenong.

"I found playing against Melbourne every time to be a difficult mental thing for me. Because of the time I spent there, I found it difficult playing against my mates every time we played against them."

Bowlers dreaded bowling to Ayres, with

Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

many of his former teammates believing if he was to be dismissed it had to be first ball, or it wouldn't happen at all.

Despite the match situation, Ayres would bat his own way, with swagger and intent - a method that set him apart from most.

Against St Kilda at Junction Oval in 2005, big quick Adam Warren had the early wicket of Matt Chasemore and his tail up. He dropped short to Ayres, who rocked back and deposited him well over the fence, which was followed by a cheeky comment mid-pitch. "(I said) bye-bye Mr.Kookaburra," he laughed.

"Generally I wouldn't have gone looking for that banter, I would've been tight lipped and quiet.

"But if somebody was willing to have a go at me, I wouldn't take that - I would banter back or knuckle down, whatever it was."

While Adam Warren was sending them down fairly quickly that day, he certainly wasn't the fastest Ayres faced over his long career. Instead there was a name that sent shivers down the spine of any top order batsman.

"I opened the batting so I am always facing the fastest, generally," he said.

"When you play against the West Indies or Pakistan, those teams there are always fast bowlers.

"Any of those guys, their reputation precedes them. But Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, they bowled pretty quick, they certainly got my heart rate up.

"But every team has got one, even in Shield Cricket back then there were two or three at each state that had the same pace.

"Guys like Carl Rackemann and Craig McDermott, they certainly weren't easy opposition I can tell you that."

Ayres is the only Dandenong player to make three successive centuries and is also among the small group of players who have registered five centuries in one season - the art of making centuries he felt he learned later in his career.

"Every day is different, but there was probably some days in there I walked off and thought it was pretty easy," he said.

"The year I made five hundreds, I must admit, I was seeing the ball pretty well that year.

"I have a saying 'when you get in, the next time you get in if you are having a bad trot, make them pay, instead of making a 30 or a 50, you make a big score'.

"Most of those (centuries) I would've been older, I wouldn't have done that when I was younger, when I got older and I missed out in a game or two, I knew that if I got in and the next time I got to 30 the other team would have to do something pretty good to get me out.

"Everyone I talk to is about making the most of the opportunities when you are going well because cricket is a great leveller, it doesn't matter how well you are going.

"Steve Smith could come here and play for Dandenong and get a duck next week, it is just the game, a great leveller."

After a monstrous career where runs and centuries seemed synonymous with his name, Ayres decided it was time for him to give the game away, not because of his passion towards it, but the battle he had won so many times, that between his bat and the brand new Kookaburra ball.

"My version, I don't know if it has changed since that day but I couldn't be bothered with the bowlers and creating that competition anymore, I had done it," he said.

"I just didn't have the desire to fight anymore and I just wanted to give it away. I think my days were done and I didn't want to do it anymore.

"I think I was only going to go backwards, I had doubts of continuing, whether I would lose form or whatever it might be, I just thought I wanted to get out of it.

"I have always loved the game, it can be challenging at times, as a player particularly, but I have never fallen out of love for the game for any reason." dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

He is powering on to glory Ruwan Paul is making a serious name for himself in the south-east powerlifting scene, recently walking away with an eye-catching haul from the Australian Masters Games in Adelaide.

Paul, from Dandenong, is still relatively new to the sport of powerlifting but - thanks to the tireless support of his wife Lidia - has already achieved the incredible.

In his first time competing at the Masters Games, Paul won a gold medal in the bench press, and the next day followed that up with a silver medal while also establishing a new Australian record in the squat. The previous record was 219 kilograms, which he bettered to record 220kg.

Paul participated in the 120-kilogram, 5054 year old male Master 3 class after training for the event without a coach or support staff - a truly astonishing achievement.

Following his breakthrough performance in Adelaide, Paul has been selected to represent Australia at the World Masters Games and the New Zealand Masters games, from which he hopes to bring home gold.

He's also been selected in Australia's Masters powerlifting team to participate in the Asia Pacific competition in Hong Kong from 13 to 15 December, where - again - he hopes to medal.

His achievements are all the more remarkable given he's been involved in the sport for less than six months, doesn't have a coach, and has received much of his training inspiration from YouTube videos and information sourced from the internet.

"I have always been passionate about lifting weights since I was very young," he explained. "(And) apart from powerlifting I used to play soccer and compete in martial arts."

Paul trains at Noble Park's In2Performance

Ruwan Paul's achievements over such a brief period of time in the sport of powerlifting have been nothing short of incredible.

gym but said he never expected to break the Australian record.

"But my sacrifices, training, and discipline gave me those wonderful results," he said.

Paul will compete in New Zealand in February, where he's set himself the ultimate goal of bringing home gold.

He also has eyes firmly on another couple of international events in 2020 and 2021, while

his biggest dream is to participate in the World powerlifting event in Japan in 2021.

Paul's lofty ambitions mean that his powerlifting journey isn't a cheap one. Not only does he need to link up with a coach, but he's spending a significant amount of money on equipment, nutrition, and physiotherapy.

Anyone who would like to sponsor him on his journey could email him on ruwanpaul@hotmail.com.

New star has the greyhound world hooked

By Russell Bennett New Sandown Park track record holder 'Hooked On Scotch' has drawn ideally for Friday night's $630,000 TAB Melbourne Cup final, and will start as the short-priced favourite for the world's greatest greyhound race.

Widely-regarded as the fastest greyhound on the planet, the Jason Thompson-trained flyer will jump from Box 8 - the same box from which he set the new time standard at the track last Friday night.

He ran a blistering time of 28.939 in last Friday's heat, leading to the TAB installing him as the $1.90 favourite for the big race this week.

"We definitely wanted Box 8," said kennel representative Seona Thompson.

"When we were leaving this morning Sophie (Thompson's daughter) went out and gave him a cuddle and he told her he wanted that, and that's what we got, so we're very happy with that."

On Friday night, Hooked On Scotch put the

greyhound world on notice with a stunning track record gallop in his heat.

Heavily-backed from $2.40 into $1.70 with tab.com.au fixed odds, he began cleanly in his first career start from Box 8 to sweep around the field through the first turn.

From there he was never headed, extending his margin out to eight lengths at the line to establish a new time standard.

Ominously, Jason Thompson believes the son of champion sire Barcia Bale can go even faster still.

"He didn't begin as good as we would have liked to see him begin - he's only run 5.11 (to the first split)," he said.

"If you're talking about what he can do, well he can run a length quicker.

"I just wanted to see him put on the show I knew he could do. The dog is a freak - I've said it for a long time that he's a freak.

"I had faith in the dog that he could break the record and he's done it, and done it on a

night where it really counts, on Cup heats night, and I couldn't be more proud of the dog."

From just 15 career starts, Hooked On Scotch already has 10 wins - including seven in the best time of the night - with four Group race titles and over $205,000 in prizemoney. Still a month shy of his second birthday, Hooked On Scotch will become the youngest winner of the TAB Melbourne Cup since Kantarn Bale claimed the 1999 edition of the race if he's successful on Friday night.

The best-supported greyhound in the wake of the box draw is star West Australian sprinter, Campini. The keen railer drew the coveted red box, and after opening at $8 has already firmed into a $5 chance.

The results of the TAB Melbourne Cup box draw were: 5. Western Envoy 1. Campini 6. Jaro Bale 2. Get It Gizmo 7. Oakvale Beauty 3. Whiskey Riot 8. Hooked On Scotch 4. Flynn

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WHAT’S ON at the Dandenong Stadium

Paul has an incredible amount of raw power, which is yet to be fully harnessed.

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By Russell Bennett

Dandenong Stadium - 270 Stud Road Dandenong 3175 Phone: 9794 7192 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Open Mon – Sun 9am – 11pm Tuesday, 26 November, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 23