Dandenong Star Journal - 03rd December 2019

DANDENONG

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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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Aziz ‘offers help’ to sue

50 years of local aths

Draft dreams are realised

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Woodman axed?

Noble Park Community Centre’s long-term manager Brian Woodman and its volunteer committee of management have resigned under a veil of secrecy after an internal financial audit.

The centre’s interim committee, in a statement, said it had “now resolved outstanding issues” with Mr Woodman.

“All issues and concerns stakeholders and community members have raised previously have been, or are being, addressed.”

New committee member Heather Duggan declined to explain the circumstances of Mr Woodman’s resignation.

She wouldn’t comment on the findings of the completed internal audit.

It was not confirmed whether the matter was reported to Victoria Police.

The centre was set to advertise for Mr Woodman’s replacement in coming weeks, Ms Duggan said.

Noble Park Community Centre receives

public funding from Greater Dandenong Council, the Department of Health and Human Services and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria.

The independent, incorporated body is based in a council-owned property on Memorial Drive.

It has been the long-time home of an annual community art show, a community garden and a meeting point for scores of ethnic, sports, hobby and seniors groups.

Meanwhile, Greater Dandenong has launched a review of the centre’s governance structure, including whether the council should manage the centre ‘in-house’.

The review’s proponent Cr Tim Dark stated there were “significant concerns around governance, financial mismanagement and operations” at the centre.

“This has caused serious detriment to the council and local community.”

The review’s findings may be applied to other community centres in Greater Dande-

nong that also operate under volunteer committees of management, Cr Dark said.

The council had so far refused to release the centre’s audit report to councillors, he told Star Journal.

“It’s in the public interest that it is released.”

The centre’s interim committee stated it would “ensure that the excellent work and community support being delivered continues and expands”.

“The new committee and staff are extremely positive and excited by the opportunity to grow and develop the community support, development and capacity building of the centre.”

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson confirmed the centre had a new committee.

“We will continue to work closely with Noble Park Community Centre Committee of Management to deliver neighbourhood house programs and activities for the local community.”

Brian Woodman has mysteriously resigned as manager of Noble Park Community Centre.

Greater Dandenong Council declined to comment.

Mr Woodman did not return Star Journal’s calls before deadline.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

Mayor IBAC ‘shock’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti has described revelations at an IBAC hearing into alleged corruption with Casey Council and property developer John Woodman as "unbelievable".

He said he was "shocked" by allegations that Casey councillors Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett received $1.2 million from the property developer, in return for support of large developments in Cranbourne West.

The IBAC hearing was also told of a $100,000 slush fund for eight Casey councillors during the 2016 election, in which none of them allegedly declared the donation.

Cr Memeti also received a donated helicopter ride from Mr Woodman, which was auctioned off for $3500 at a 2016 election fundraiser. By contrast, Cr Memeti declared the gift a week later.

Earlier in the same year, Cr Memeti and the council backed Mr Woodman's push to rezone a Green Wedge area in Keysborough South for housing estates.

Mr Woodman was representing Antonio Madafferi, who owned a large tract of land in question.

As an owner of several properties in Greater Dandenong, Cr Memeti said he always declared a conflict of interest if he was in doubt.

"The best bit of advice I've had was from (ex-councillor) John Kelly who said if you're ever in doubt, get out."

He told Star Journal that he hadn't met or spoken to Mr Woodman about the donation but received it via a third party.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti is confident that the council is "above board".

200886 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS He hadn't since been contacted by Mr Woodman with any expectations as a result of the gift, he said.

"At the time, I actually just thought he was promoting his helicopter business."

Cr Memeti said he'd been contacted by developers about planning applications to "give you their point of view, to see it through their eyes".

"I also like to hear from my colleague councillors as well. You shouldn't make up your mind without hearing both sides of the story."

Cr Memeti said he'd only ever met Mr Woodman at the Noble Park Community Art Show, where the property developer was the major sponsor.

He is the brother of Brian Woodman, the former manager of Noble Park Community Centre and host of the art show who recently resigned.

Cr Memeti said the State Government should wait for the IBAC report before looking at law changes governing property developer donations.

"I'm more than confident that Greater Dandenong is well above board due to having so many experienced councillors there to get through the (decision-making) process."

Cr Peter Brown, who also backed the Keysborough South rezoning, said he'd declined any donations from property developers.

"It seems that Casey has developed a very unsavoury culture over a number of years.

"I haven't taken money from anyone. I've got enough of my own.

"I don't want for the sake of a few thousand dollars to destroy all of my hard work.

"I might add that notwithstanding the allegations at Casey that property developers are legitimate businessmen who have the right to advocate for the interest of their clients."

Cr Brown has met with developers, including an "amicable" discussion with Mr Woodman.

He said he'd at times rejected their arguments. But he was supportive of "inequity" arguments by Green Wedge landowners not having the same development opportunities as others nearby.

"No one had to coerce me to a point of view.

"If you're being offered brown paper bags of cash to buy that decision, then common sense should tell you it's unlawful."

Cr Brown added that he is a distant relative of the Keys family that has owned large tracts of land in Keysborough South.

"There's not one red cent in it for me."

Sleeping rough - a story of our times

By Cam Lucadou-Wells From living rough in a cold, leaky tent by a Dandenong South creek, Trevor now has a roof over his head and a story to tell.

Trevor is one of 67 people who have been supported in Launch Housing's Rough Sleeper Initiative program in Dandenong since February.

After a family tragedy, he had spiralled into "hard drugs" and alcohol abuse.

He lived in a tent for about a year in "the middle of nowhere", cooking basics on a portable gas stove.

At his factory workplace, he showered and washed his clothes.

He was at the point of absolute despair when approached by Launch Housing workers at his makeshift home.

"I don't know how they found me.

"I was just so relieved I wasn't going to spend a third winter in the rain."

With Launch Housing's help, Trevor started to get his life on track from the days he was offered crisis accommodation at Bob's Place, Dandenong.

Since then, he has found stability at longterm accommodation and given up drugs and

Trevor with Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and Launch Housing's Jeni Burns. 201583 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS booze for seven months.

He's been helped with drug and alcohol rehab, counselling, driver licence renewal and a job with The Big Issue Classroom travelling to schools and telling students about homelessness.

"The staff members are so loving here. That was why I was able to open up and it helped me on my journey."

With gratitude, he tells of living in a "nice place" that's fully furnished.

"Now I've got a fridge and I can buy food for a week or two or whatever.

"I can't be more happy. It means the world to me."

On his speaking tours, Trevor tells students that there are options for them other than living on the streets.

"You can tell they're listening. Hopefully I can change their ways of thinking and help them reach out to people.

"I don't want them to down the same path as I did."

Launch Housing general manager of 'Getting Housing', Andrew D'Arcy, says it's not just the roof over the head but the supports that help rough sleepers thrive.

Supports such as a specialist clinician from Monash Health, specialist nurses, youth and Aboriginal workers as well as hooking up with other services.

"To end homelessness we need a collaborative approach," Mr D'Arcy says.

"There is a shortage of good quality social housing and affordable housing stock.

"Not just in Dandenong but across metropolitan Melbourne, there's nothing affordable.

"It's a real crisis."

Trespasser bashed, injured An alleged trespasser has been injured in a fight at a home in Gladstone Road, Dandenong North.

A resident spotted the man acting suspiciously in her home's front yard about 5am on Monday 2 December.

Her male partner confronted the alleged intruder. The encounter escalated into a fight, police say.

The trespasser was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, police say. Ambulance Victoria assessed his condition as serious, rather than critical.

The other male sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Police investigations are ongoing.

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

Handbag stolen in home invasion A woman has forced entry into a Dandenong home through the front bedroom window and stolen a handbag while occupants lay asleep inside.

A Caucasian female was observed gaining entry through the front bedroom window to a Scott Street premises at about 6:30pm on Tuesday 19 November before fleeing on foot with a handbag.

Most of the contents of the handbag have been located however a credit card has been retained by the offender and used to make a number of fraudulent purchases.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Greater Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.vic.gov.au

Man bashed, robbed in Springvale A 21-year old male has been repeatedly kicked and punched during a robbery by four males in Victoria Street, Springvale.

The man was walking down Victoria Street at approximately 9.00pm on Monday 25 November when he turned and saw four males following him. The victim attempted to run away but was kicked to the ground before the offenders made demands for his mobile phone.

The victim threw his phone onto the road which one of the offenders retrieved, while the other continued to assault him with repeated blows.

The four males then ran off towards Windsor Avenue. The offenders were described as being of African appearance.

Police are appealing for any members of the public with information to contact Greater Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.vic.gov.au

Police operation nets bad drivers A man caught driving down the wrong side of the Princes Freeway with a blood alcohol reading of .175 was among 23 drink drivers and six drug drivers that were intercepted by Southern Metro police over the weekend.

During the two-day operation, booze buses and random breath-testing sites were set up between 7.00pm and 3.00am on Springvale Road, Princes Highway, Police Road and Centre Road on the nights of Friday 22 and Saturday 23 November.

The operation resulted in two arrests and four vehicles being impounded. Police found 11 people driving disqualified or unlicensed, 21 driving unregistered vehicles and 9 people behind the wheel of unroadworthy cars.

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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Creating the pathways

By Danielle Kutchel Ashir Ahmed is on a mission to bring knowledge to everyone in the community.

His new job preparedness program is smashing through the financial, social, cultural or geographical constraints that might hold some people back.

The Casey resident was struck with the idea after speaking with an acquaintance that was job hunting.

The acquaintance mentioned he had had his resume prepared by an external organisation, which had charged him $200 for a single printed copy.

"There was no soft copy provided and they did not teach him the skills to change it if required," Mr Ahmed says.

"When I heard that, I said, 'that's not on'. I thought I should do something."

Driven by that experience, Mr Ahmed began Pathway to Employment, offering short courses to people looking to upskill.

The courses cover basic to advanced levels of various skills, from job searching to preparing a resume and cover letter, to more advanced topics like data analytics and managing social impact projects.

The majority of the courses are held around Casey or Dandenong. Most are taught by Mr Ahmed himself, as well as volunteers drawn from his students at Swinburne, where he is a senior lecturer in media data analytics.

"If I can't offer one on a certain topic, I have a few contacts and like-minded people who are willing to step up and contribute," he says.

After researching other job-readiness programs available in the City of Casey and nearby areas he found a gap in the market, with competitors setting strict criteria as to who could participate, or offering generic content.

"I tried to tackle those problems," he says.

Firstly, he offers an inclusive curriculum

with personalised, customised programs designed specifically for participants.

Secondly, there is no financial, social or other criteria for people to fulfil to join the program.

In fact, Mr Ahmed doesn't even charge a fee.

"There is a different model here, where people can pay as much as they like, if they like," he explains.

He nominates a fee that people could contribute, however it is up to participants how much they put in, if anything. A donation box in the room invites contributions from participants.

Some of his connections doubted the sustainability of the project and urged Mr Ahmed to charge a mandatory fee for each course but he resisted the pressure.

"I don't want to do that. I want to do a social experiment. My philosophy is if I help people to learn something for free, hopefully they will teach someone else for free, whereas if I charge, they will see what the financial benefit is before offering expertise.

"It's more about creating that environment where people are willing to help each other without worrying about the dollar thing. Financial is not the only return or benefit to do-

ing something," he says.

Currently, he has huge support from people who would love to volunteer, ensuring the viability of the program. He hopes to be able to find a way to pay his volunteers in future.

So far about eight sessions have been run, but the demand is there for more.

"The main objective is to give them some kind of new skill, and the ultimate objective is to help them get a job. Everything we're offering is driven by that concept - to get a job or upskill," he says.

More information can be found on Mr Ahmed's website, www. ashirahmed.com.

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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Chicken and coke combo

By Taylah Eastwell A chicken shop manager has pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine and possessing an unregistered firearm.

Prparim Rustemovski, 33, was charged with dropping off two grams of cocaine into a man's letterbox on two occasions in September 2017.

On a third occasion, the recipient had arranged to onsell the quantity of cocaine he re-

ceived to undercover police.

Telephone calls intercepted by police confirmed the dealings between Rustemovski and the man who arranged to onsell the drug to covert operatives, the County Court heard on 15 November.

A search warrant executed at the home of Rustemovski also resulted in police finding an unregistered Beretta 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun.

In sentencing, Judge Sandra Davis accepted that Rustemovski was introduced to cocaine by his cousin when he was overwhelmed by the failure of a butchery business venture.

"You trafficked at a low level to a friend at his request when he could not get supplies elsewhere," she said.

Judge Davis imposed a 53-day prison sentence, which had already been served in re-

mand custody.

Rustemovski must also complete an 18-month community corrections order and pay a $500 fine.

"I remind you that you are being given an opportunity by this order to address your mental health and drug use problems which are clearly connected to your offending," Judge Davis said.

Speedy delivery now sorted in Dandenong centre

By Danielle Kutchel Customers around Australia could soon be getting their parcels delivered more quickly, thanks to a new machine at Australia Post's Dandenong Letters Centre.

The ribbon was officially cut on the new sorting machine at the Dandenong South facility on Wednesday 27 November, in front of hundreds of excited employees.

The machine will expedite the sorting and delivery of satchels and large letters.

It comes just a few weeks after the centre celebrated its 20th anniversary, and extends the centre's capability beyond sorting just letters.

It is equipped with tracking capabilities to offer customers increased visibility on their mail, as well as character recognition technology to read the addresses on parcel labels and recognise barcodes from ecommerce stores.

Facility manager Rod Hoober said in its second day of operation, the machine sorted 120,000 items - but is expected to run through up to 200,000 on peak days.

"It's built capability within the network.

We've now got more processing power," he said.

"We weren't sorting parcels within this

The ribbon is cut to officially open the new machine. 201705

Working at the induction area of the new sorting machine: Tilak Gunasekera and Demitrio Terante. 201705

facility; it was a letters facility for the first 20 years of its life. With the decline in letters we're moving to parcels, so it's created opportunity within Dandenong," he added.

Bob Black, group chief operating officer of Australia Post, said the Dandenong facility was a natural fit for the new investment as the decline in letters had freed up space.

"It's also five minutes from Amazon, we've got some big ecommerce players around, there's a lot of work that comes in here, and Melbourne's growing in this direction so this was an ideal location," he added.

He said the Dandenong Letters Centre is the largest letter facility in Victoria and will continue processing around 15 million articles of mail every week.

Bob Black, left and Rod Hoober stand in front of the new machine. 201705

CLEARING SALE A/C GEOFF TAAFE 21 Inverloch - Kongwak Rd, Kongwak

Friday 13th December 2019, 10:00am Ford Performance Vehicles, Engineering Plant & Equipment.

Items include but not limited to: Vehicles: Ford PV GT, 5th anniversary, 2010, 25,000km (GT-5200); Ford PV GTF, 2015, 24,000km (GTF105); Ford PV GTF 351, 2015, 26,000km (GTF351); Ford GTP BA2, 2005, 30,000km (GT-548); Ford PV GT Rspec, 2014, 48,000km (ZGA592); BMW X5, 6cyl petrol (ZDK499); Ford Fairlane, 230,000km, 6cl, gas (SET630); BMW X1, 2012, 39,000km (1HX1KG); Ford Sedan 6GF, 2017, low km (IFG2CL); Ford Falcon Ute; Haines Hunter 580 SF boat & trailer 6mt, 140hp Evinrude motor, safety gear, fish finder, depth sounder, compass radio, cover; Linde 2.5 ton fork lift; Clark bobcat, 4in1 bucket, 3 augers, smudging bar, 950hrs; JD 1020 tractor, 2wd (fully reconditioned), 5096 hrs; Suzuki 125L motorbike; Suzuki JR motorbike: Kawasaki KFX50 4 wheel motorbike; Honda CRF 70F motorbike

Note: Motor vehicles, boat, bikes, forklift & bobcat will be sold at 12:30pm Inspection available on Thursday 12th December 9:00am – 5:00pm Photos available on website Terms: Strictly Cash, Cheque or Eftpos on day of sale.

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Plant & Equipment: Grillo diesel powered rotary hoe; McCulloch ride on lawn mower, 16 ½ hp, 48” cut (new); Honda push mower; Honda GX 160 QP firefighting pump (new); Weldmatic 205-S Mig welder on extensive travelling arm; 2 x inverter welders (Uni Mig); 3 x 275 CIG Mig welders; 2 x Pioneer H/Duty welders; H/Duty 6x8 tandem trailer; 2 6x4 trailers; 2 x H/Duty Gentech 8 generators; 50hz generator; All trade 52 industrial air compressor, 2 stage Honda powered, elec start; electric hydraulic pipe bender ½ - 2 ½ “; Dawn pipe bender; magnetic drill; 2 way Tran metal cutting band saw; ass concrete tools & equipment; Wacker (Honda powered); 3 x helicopters (Master Finish); power screed 1500x3mx4.5m; large qty form work (some laminated); Nib wall boxing (various sizes); display fuel pump with transformers (collector’s item); large kiln 3ph 480 power plus accessories; 100lb elec jack hammer; 2 x compressors; jack hammer; 10lt pot air paint sprayer; 3 x grinders; 3 x drop saws; 3 x angle grinders; Triton steel cutter (new); wood thickener (new); battery chargers (large & small); Hitachi RP 30Y industrial Vac cleaner; qty car jacks; 2 x laser levels; Echo chainsaw, 18” bar; 4 x Husqvarna & Stihl chainsaw, various sizes; H/Duty tester & charger; various electric motors (including geared); twin v compressor; 3 ton trolley jack; ass electric tools; 4 x vices, pipe vice; 3 x bag trolley; 6 x wheel barrows; 8 x jerry can; 44 gal drum; trewella jack; 2x large SP tool boxes; Fire Hose 600 KPA (new); 3 x McMillan pedestal drill; 4 x drill sets; qty socket sets; grease nipples; 2 x Sidchrome tool sets; trolley jack; 12 x steel adjustable stands; various tool boxes; creeper trolley; 100mtr H/Duty power cable; elec door motor; 3 x 3qt drive ratchets; lge qty shifter spanners; qty H/Duty pullers; voltage tester; 10 x clamps; qty dyes (metric & imp); various water pumps; 2 x ext. ladders; 5 x step ladders; shovels; crow bars; 30 boxes roof screws (timber & steel); gun cabinet; large 2 door tool box; qty rolls S.S cable; qty rolls high pressure air hose; large qty plastic storage containers; 10 box speed deck fixing clips; pallet tiles; tile cutter; feed system parts & bearings; elec leads; 2 x ¾ drive socket set; 3 x trailer sets (new); 2 x pipe notches; various steel boxing; 2 x Stanley work horses; 4 x Spinaway work benches; 2 x new axle sets & hubs (suit Ford wheels); jockey wheel, anvil; 8 x steel tables; 2 draw steel cabinet; concrete sealer; qty power leads; qty paint; steel gun cabinet; gutter guard; 8 x fishing rods; large qty class 12 65,80,100 PVC; 8 x Falcon performance tyres; 2 x antique tables with chairs; large wooden desk; bbq with rotisserie (new); toilets & pans; wall oven; fire place guard; 6 x house doors; 2 door storage unit (new); antique Singer sewing machine (complete); sundry items too numerous to mention

LANDMARK LEONGATHA Stuart Jenkin 0447 602 302 Glenn Wright 0439 622 245 Vendor: Geoff Taafe 0409 688 247

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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

|

STAR JOURNAL 5

NEWS

Aziz ‘offers help’ to sue

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Casey councillor Sam Aziz pledged to support property developer John Woodman’s intention to sue Casey Council, according to a secret recording revealed in an IBAC hearing.

“Whatever I can do to help him,” Cr Aziz told Mr Woodman’s lobbyist Lorraine Wreford in a central Melbourne cafe on 1 February.

At the time, Mr Woodman was considering a defamation suit against the council over media allegations that he’d bullied council staff.

Cr Aziz appeared to offer to get hold of council documents if Mr Woodman was unable to subpoena them.

At the IBAC Operation Sandon hearing on 27 November, Ms Wreford agreed with Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey, that it was “pretty shocking in terms of ... appropriate allegiance”.

“I think Mr Aziz wanted his payments from Mr Woodman,” Ms Wreford said.

“So I think he was prepared to do anything.”

In the same cafe sitting, Cr Aziz was recorded saying that “we have taken over Casey” and had plans to do the same at Yarra Ranges Council.

Fellow councillor Amanda Stapledon intended to meet with property John Woodman to discuss the plan, he told Ms Wreford.

“Basically, Yarra Ranges we want to take it over it over the same way we’ve taken over Casey.

“And there’s another businessman we are working with closely to make that happen.”

With six out of nine councillors set to retire before the next election, “we only really need to get two elected to get a majority,” Cr Aziz said.

Ms Wreford told the IBAC hearing that she thought Cr Aziz at the time was just “big-noting himself”.

“He might have thought he had taken over

Sam Aziz and Lorraine Wreford at the Little Billy cafe in William Street on 1 February of 2019. the City of Casey but I don’t think other people thought that was the case.”

She said that at times she thought Cr Aziz, who was going through a divorce, had been drinking during his text messages to her.

He was “mentally unstable” - at times his “normal intelligent self”, at other times threatening to suicide.

“He was up and down like a yo-yo and saying all sorts of almost hysterical things to me at times.”

During the meeting, Cr Aziz was being de-

livered cash by Ms Wreford, purportedly part of a monthly $25,000 fee as a Smart Cities consultant with Mr Woodman.

Ms Wreford conceded the monthly $2000-cash-delivered component couriered to him looked “corrupt”.

“How are you going to present it to me without it looking like a drug deal?” Cr Aziz says as they sit in the cafe.

They walk outside, and the transaction is done in Cr Aziz’s car.

She agreed with Counsel assisting IBAC,

Michael Tovey, that Cr Aziz seemed to see Mr Woodman as a “bottomless ATM”.

Ms Wreford told the hearing that Cr Aziz had told her that he was owed $600,000 by Mr Woodman though she said she wasn’t aware of why this was so.

Cr Aziz kept coming up with “wild ideas” for Mr Woodman - who he dubbed ‘Blood Donor’ - to pay him the money, she said.

In a tapped Whats App message, Cr Aziz suggests that Mr Woodman buys Cr Aziz’s Barak Avenue house for $750,000, paying out the $490,000 mortgage, allowing Cr Aziz to live in it rent free and transferring the property back to Cr Aziz in August 2020.

“He seemed very desperate for money,” Ms Wreford said.

“My jaw dropped when I saw the text. I couldn’t believe that he had even thought of it.”

Mr Woodman stalled on the transaction, citing pressure from allegations in The Age newspaper regarding his association with Cr Aziz.

During the delays, Cr Aziz acted “irrational”, “demanding” and “said things that don’t make sense”, Cr Wreford said.

In a text in November 2018, he threatened to reverse the Hall Road H3 intersection motion - which Mr Woodman had lobbied for.

“You have placed me in a corner where I have nothing to lose and I’ll be seeing a lawyer at 3pm today.”

Ms Wreford told the hearing: “I was quite convinced he had been drinking, but anyway.”

Cr Aziz also received up to $5000 a month as a consultant to source rich Chinese buyers of steeds for Spicer Thoroughbreds.

Ms Wreford - whose partner Bernard Lee worked at the business - agreed that it was “a vehicle being used to explain away funds going to Mr Aziz”.

12356665-RC27-17

State appoints monitor to City of Casey The State Government has appointed a monitor to examine governance at the City of Casey.

Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek on Wednesday 27 November announced the appointment of Ms Laurinda Gardner until 31 January 2020, effective immediately.

The monitor will advise the Minister: If councillors, individually or as a group, are behaving in a manner that does not accord with the role of Councillor.

Of any impact on the integrity and/or functioning of council decision-making and the orderly governance of the City of Casey arising from Operation Sandon.

Ms Gardner is an experienced board director with over 20 years of experience as both a member and chair of a variety of government and not for profit boards.

She has a background in town planning, and currently sits on the Victorian Planning Authority and Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission boards.

· ·

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6 STAR JOURNAL

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NEWS

Wood staffer’s IBAC link

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Federal MP Jason Wood’s office has become linked to a property-developer funded Casey Council election campaign.

Developer John Woodman paid nearly $100,000 to bank-roll nine core candidates plus support candidates in the 2016 campaign, an IBAC Operation Sandon hearing was told.

The campaign was conceived by Cr Sam Aziz, and managed by former Casey mayor Janet Halsall and her husband Bob - also an exCasey councillor.

Ms Halsall was also a staffer in Mr Wood’s La Trobe electorate office. She reportedly has stood down after the revelations on 27 November.

In a covert operation to disguise Mr Woodman’s involvement, at least one false invoice was used through Chelsea-based business The Mattress Shop to Spicer Thoroughbreds.

The mattress store was owned by Robert Halsall, son of Janet and Bob. Woodman lobbyist Lorraine Wreford was also a former Casey mayor. She told the IBAC hearing that she ensured the campaign invoices were paid - and in a “covert” fashion.

“It was definitely designed that the candidates didn’t know where the money was coming from ... apart from Cr Aziz.”

The false invoice for more than $4000 was found among election campaign materials in Ms Wreford’s home during an IBAC raid.

Another invoice to Spicer Thoroughbreds detailed $4500 of leaflet deliveries in October 2016 on behalf of candidates Wayne Smith, Damien Rosario, Amanda Stapledon, Rob Ward, Sam Aziz, Louise Berkelmans and Geoff Ablett.

Janet Halsall, whilst mayor of City of Casey. 21305 Ms Wreford also identified candidates Shar Balmes and Mick Morland as beneficiaries.

She wasn’t sure if councillor Milla Gilic was also funded.

None of the elected councillors declared the funding, the hearing was told.

“I still would have expected those council-

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS lors who received funding to either make enquiries or put in the register that they received funds but they are unsure who the benefactor was,” Ms Wreford said.

Ms Wreford was couriering thousands of dollars of cash to Sam Aziz from Mr Woodman - which admittedly seemed illegitimate, she

told the hearing.

She was also the conduit as Cr Aziz sought Mr Woodman to pay off his $30,000 tax bill.

Mr Tovey asserted: “Didn’t you owe it to (Mr Woodman) then to say to him if you realised that this was a crooked arrangement that he really needed to think about his position?”

“I think in hindsight I should have absolutely said that to him,” Ms Wreford said.

“It wasn’t until 2018 that I really started feeling uncomfortable about it all.

“But everything was explained to me in a legitimate way.”

Ms Wreford said she thought at the time that Cr Aziz was trying to hide assets from the Family Court as part of his divorce. Cr Aziz had told him that his ex-wife knew of the payments, she said.

“Didn’t you ask yourself ‘How can I involve myself in what is an attempt to pervert the course of justice’?” Mr Tovey asked her.

“I just felt myself trapped in the middle between these two people,” Ms Wreford said.

“My understanding was it was just the repayment of the loan. That’s what I was told.

Maybe I was not told accurate information.”

In the lead-up to a Casey mayoral election in 2018. Ms Wreford told Cr Aziz in a tapped phone call that Mr Woodman’s payments would stop if Cr Gary Rowe was voted in by councillors.

“If Gary gets in everything is off the table I am telling you now,” Ms Wreford told Cr Aziz.

Cr Amanda Stapledon - who has also been linked to Mr Woodman during the hearing was ultimately elected.

Cr bloc election funding ‘undeclared’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells None of a bloc of candidates declared their 2016 Casey Council election campaigns were funded by property developer John Woodman, an IBAC inquiry was told.

For nearly $100,000, Mr Woodman paid for the design, printing and delivery of 188,000 brochures, 113,000 direct leaflets as well as nomination costs.

Mr Woodman implicitly expected the support of those candidates for his interests, his lobbyist Lorraine Wreford told the Operation Sandon inquiry.

“But he was very explicit in saying that he didn’t want to directly fund it because he didn’t want to be linked to other councillors, firstly, and, secondly, he didn’t even want them to know where the funds were coming from.”

According to the campaign budget tabled at IBAC, his company Watsons paid for photo portraits for nine candidates plus 14 “supporting candidates”.

The document lists initials of elected councillors Sam Aziz, Amanda Stapledon, Geoff Ablett, Wayne Smith and Damien Rosario, as well as unsuccessful candidates Rob Ward, Mick Morland and Louise Berkelmans.

None of the elected councillors declared the funding, Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey, said.

“I’m disappointed,” Ms Wreford replied.

Cr Sam Aziz pitched the scheme to Mr Woodman over lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Dandenong.

The councillor organised for former Casey mayor Janet Halsall to manage the “gigantic” campaign.

Ms Wreford’s part was to ensure “invoices got paid, nothing else”, she told the hearing.

She said she was “a little bit shocked” by the idea.

“Because I have not ever heard of a concept of a group of councillors or people running as a group, apart from in a political party, in a council election ... where they are all funded basically together.”

Ms Wreford said the $98,202 cost may have been less, believing that Cr Aziz paid for his own printing.

Cr Aziz had pitched the idea on the basis of helping candidates “who don’t have the means to run for council”, Ms Wreford said.

“If you have a ward in the City of Casey, it’s almost as big as a state electorate.

“So to actually financially fund a campaign to even put one brochure out is quite expensive.”

Ms Wreford said donations by developers or businesses were a “bit of a free-for-all” at local council elections.

Mr Woodman had told the inquiry that he paid about $50,000.

Prior to the election, candidates were rated

by Mr Woodman’s associates as either “friendly”, opponents or unknown in their attitude towards Amendment C219.

The amendment was proposed to rezone a large tract of industrial land in Cranbourne West to residential use - a push that was being driven by Mr Woodman and developer Leighton.

The ‘friendly’ elected councillors, as rated

by Mr Woodman’s group, were Crs Geoff Ablett, Susan Serey, Milla Gilic, Amanda Stapledon, Steve Beardon (who was later replaced in a by-election by another friendly Gary Rowe), Damien Rosario, Wayne Smith and Sam Aziz.

Those in the unknown or opponent categories were councillor Rex Flannery, Rosalie Crestani and Tim Jackson.

Sam Aziz, left, John Woodman, Lorraine Wreford and Megan Schutz at Sandhurst Golf Club.

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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 7

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

struction that lies ahead of us.

Advance Australia W M Hughes

100 years ago 11 December 1919 Soldiers of Australia

50 years ago

An appeal by the Prime Minister

On Saturday you will decide by your votes the future of that country for whose liberty and safety you fought. The issues at stake are vital, not only to the welfare of yourselves and your fellow citizens, but to future generations. Australia stands at the crossroads.

Throughout this war I have striven for those things for which you fought - for the safety, the honour, and the greatness of Australia.

Soldiers - I have led Australia during the war.

I represented Australia at the Peace Conference. I ask you to give me a mandate to lead the country during the trying period of recon-

4 December 1969 Two minds with but a single thought!

Within a few days of each other, the two main candidates in Saturday's by-election for the seat of Dandenong in the Legislative Assembly have visited the site for the proposed Yarraman railway station. First to inspect the area was Liberal Wal Werrett with the Minister for Railways Mr Wilcox.

Yesterday labor's candidate Alan Lind visited the site with top labor officials including the party's leader Mr Whitlam. Mr Werrett said he had been told by Mr Wilcox that Yarraman Park is the next railway station to be built on an established metropolitan railway line. While supporting the Yarraman Park station Mr Lind said it had been "first

Priority" since 1958. Mr Lind said it was "foolish economics as well as very bad for the district" that a railway station had not been built between Noble Park and Dandenong.

5 years ago

20 years ago

More than 700 people took a united stand against family violence in central Dandenong last Friday. They came to Dandenong Market from across the south east to make the walk Against Family Violence to Dandenong Civic Square, women, men and children donned black T Shirts emblazed with "I say NO to family violence" to support the White Ribbon cause. The Mayor Cr Sean O'Reilly told the crowd to refuse to stay silent. "No women should live in fear of a husband or partner and no child should live in fear of a parent" he said. "Our challenge is to change the way people think and how they behave."

6 December 1999 Highest number

1 December 2014 Walk the right way

Greater Dandenong has the highest number of non-fatal heroin overdoses in Melbourne. The accident and emergency unit at Dandenong and District hospital treats over three doses a day.

Drug and alcohol overdose is the third largest cause of death in Greater Dandenong. And a study involving Vietnamese injection drug users showed 79% had been infected with the deadly hepatitis C virus. These are some of the facts on drugs contained in a draft research paper by Greater Dandenong Council which will be tabled at the next meeting on December 13.

Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society.

Educator of the Year Lucia Poretti with student winners at the awards night.

Hair and Beauty Industry Association's Educator of the Year, Lucia Poretti.

Encouragement award: Caitlin Weller (Berwick campus) Barbering Apprentice Stage 2 Winner: Jamie Wills (Frankston campus) Encouragement Award : Xavier Csuka-Knight (Berwick campus) Winner of the award for the Certificate III in

Hairdressing (Fulltime), Kylie Jackson said she felt blessed that her hard work and determination had been recognised.

"This award will give me the courage and confidence I need to believe in me, to further my studies and to work harder to fulfil my career and future goals," she said.

NEWS

Chisholm sets beauty mark

By Taylah Eastwell The south-east has set the standard in beauty education, with staff and students of Chisholm Institute experiencing success at the Statewide Hair and Beauty Industry Awards.

Chisholm Institute received more recognition than any other organisation at the awards, with nine students recognised for their outstanding work and Chisholms Hair, Beauty and Wellness teacher, Lucia Poretti, taking out the Hair and Beauty Industry Association's Educator of the Year award.

Lucia has taught at Chisholm for over a decade, having co-ordinated the make-up department for the past six years and leading a team of professionals across Berwick, Dandenong and Frankston campuses.

"After 10 years of service at Chisholm, I have been honoured to receive this award.

My passion in teaching, motivating and keep-

ing students engaged to reach their goals, is a highlight when seeing our students work in industry. It is a true humbling moment and one that allows me to reflect on what I have accomplished," Lucy said.

Other awards included: Certificate III in Makeup Winner: Hailey Domanski (Frankston campus) Encouragement award: Isabella Scarvo (Berwick campus) Certificate IV Screen and Media Winner Winner: Shams Nazma (Dandenong campus) Diploma Screen and Media Winner: Georgia Thomas (Dandenong campus) Certificate III in Beauty Winner: Simone Porianko (Dandenong campus) Certificate III in Hairdressing Fulltime Winner: Kylie Jackson (Dandenong campus) Certificate III in Hairdressing Apprentice Stage 1

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Going for goal in the world game

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

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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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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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NEWS

Fares unfair, fined $95k A tradie has been convicted for illegally demolishing three houses in Noble Park and Springvale.

Badaoui Fares, 46, purported to be a registered demolisher when he was hired to demolish two houses in Springvale in 2013, Dandenong Magistrates' Court heard.

He instead applied for building permits by forging the property owner's signature and using the name and business details of a registered building demolisher he'd worked with.

Fares was ineligible from obtaining building insurance due to being unregistered.

He also pleaded guilty to demolishing a house without a permit in Noble Park in 2017.

Fares argued in court that he was working as a subcontractor for the registered demolisher, and didn't need to be registered or to have insurance.

Magistrate Leonard Brear found Fares guilty of all seven charges.

Fares acted against the community interest

in a very serious way, Mr Brear said.

Fares had been previously convicted in 2010 for similar offending, resulting in a $10,000 fine with costs for one of the illegal demolitions.

His employer company was fined $8000 plus costs for the other illegal demolition.

Fares seemed to consider fines as "an occupational cost of doing illegal business", Mr Brear said.

Fares was convicted and fined $95,000 with costs.

Victorian Building Authority acting operations executive director Darryl O'Brien said Fares showed "complete disregard" for the strict building regulatory system.

"His actions are fraudulent and unacceptable.

"The Victorian Building Authority will not stand by and allow people such as Mr Fares place the reputation of Victoria's building industry at risk."

Icy relief from fires with cool change for a good cause

By Taylah Eastwell As most of Victoria sweltered through a recordequalling November temperature of 40 degrees last Thursday, St Anthony's Primary School in Noble Park utilised their intense icypole trade for a worthy cause, with all proceeds from icypole sales donated to New South Wales and Queensland bushfire relief agencies.

With both states continuing to battle fierce bushfires, the students at St Anthony's Primary hope the money they raised will assist those who have lost their homes and businesses, as well as the animals that are suffering.

St Anthony's Primary School's performing arts and mindfulness teacher Victoria Gelberg felt that the icypole sale was a great way to cultivate compassion and kindness and connect the children to real events affecting our country.

Students in Years 5 and 6 assisted staff to get the event up and running with just 24 hours notice.

On a day of catastrophic fire danger, the 50 cent icypoles were undoubtedly in high demand with the school managing to raise over $250.00 from sales with donations still coming in.

Tania and Levi. 201229

Sarah, Felicia and Tamia. 201229

Caitlyn, Patrika Rowley (Principal), Leandro and Victoria Gelberg (teacher). 201229

Did you know bushfires kill from 300m away?

Bushires can reach temperatures of up to 1100°C. Long before the lames reach you, the wave of radiant heat can kill you from up to 300 metres away - the distance of two football ovals. Planning and preparing for bushire is the only way to survive it.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to vic.gov.au/knowfire

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12430902-LN50-19

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Cornerstone home

By Danielle Kutchel Dandenong's Cornerstone Centre has found a new permanent home to continue its work for the city's disadvantaged.

From February 2020, Cornerstone will operate out of new premises on James Street, Dandenong.

The new location will include an office space for staff to use. All meals will operate from the Dandenong Baptist Church hall at 25-27 James Street, adjacent to the new office.

Cornerstone has been leasing the Dandenong Church of Christ's premises for several years.

Cornerstone's chief executive officer, Naomi Paterson, said it was the start of an exciting new chapter for the organisation.

"Having a space that's more permanent and that also has an office means we'll be able to start up some of those programs that we want to do, and put down some roots," she explained.

The groups that partner with Cornerstone to provide much-needed services, including Clean as Casper and Orange Sky, will also make the shift to continue assisting patrons.

Ms Paterson estimates a core group of around 100 people regularly attend Cornerstone, including members of the street community, people with mental health issues or those struggling with substance abuse.

Cornerstone provides visitors with a safe space to talk about their problems and receive assistance, whether that is a warm meal or a referral to another service provider.

"One thing we try to do at Cornerstone, which I think is key for building up this community, is building and nurturing people's sense of identity and purpose," Ms Paterson explained.

"These guys are marginalised and to have some programs in place where people can

Betty Keen receives her medal and certificate from Heather Perrott, with Josephine Thompson, Helen Buczak, Joy Cappadona, Elizabeth Russell and Beryl Smith. 201737 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

Years of Red Cross marked

By Taylah Eastwell

Naomi Paterson, Cornerstone's new CEO, is excited about the organisation's move in 2020. 201477 connect in regularly and be involved in something that gives them a sense of purpose really helps.

"But there is a need for a bit more."

Ms Paterson said she hoped Cornerstone would be able to extend its opening hours in future thanks to its new drop in space.

The move isn't the only big change at Cornerstone. Ms Paterson has only recently commenced as CEO. With a background in working with the homeless community, Ms Paterson is passionate about seeing people connect with the community and grow in confidence, purpose and skills.

Although she is new to the role at Corner-

stone, she already has high hopes for the future.

"I would like to see the lives of the community full of a sense of purpose and worth," she said.

"I'd like to see people who have substance dependencies actually being supported in getting themselves to a different place.

"I'd like to see the street community of Dandenong actually be in housing."

Cornerstone will be holding a working bee to clean up their old premises before the move, with members of the community invited to get in touch via Facebook if they can assist.

Tradespeople who can help finish the new office space are also invited to get in touch via Cornerstone's Facebook page.

Long-time Red Cross members have had their commitment to the local community recognised at a recent meeting of the Hallam Friends of Red Cross.

Metropolitan Zone 1 Chairperson, Heather Perrott attended the meeting on Monday 18th November where she presented member of 26 years, Betty Keen with a certificate of appreciation for her outstanding voluntary commitment to the local community.

Ms Perrott has worked alongside Ms Keen during their years with Red Cross and thanked her for her ongoing commitments.

Heather was also on the receiving end of the awards, taking home an outstanding service medal.

The Hallam Friends of Red Cross successfully run two stalls a year in Doveton and various other fundraisers in the local area.

The club welcomes new members to their meetings which are held once a month at the Hallam Community Learning Centre.

12434659-CG50-19

Don’t wait for somebody else to do the right thing

It’s easy to tune out during rush hour. But it’s good to stay present and be aware of other commuters. We all have a role to play in calling out sexual harassment.

Respect women: call it out.

www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au 10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON ‌ HARVEY NORMAN

A massive range of indoor and outdoor furniture is available, all at great prices. 201577

Browse the range and view different setups to get an idea of what might work in your backyard.

Big range and low prices Located in the Springvale Homemaker Centre, Harvey Norman Springvale has a range to impress even the most discerning of furniture and homewares buyers.

Whether you're looking for furniture, electrical or outdoor accessories, Harvey Norman Springvale has the range to cater to your requirements.

That's thanks to its almost-inconceivable size. In fact, you could fit two MCGs on the Springvale Homemaker Centre's roof - now that's impressive!

Harvey Norman Springvale is the biggest Harvey Norman showroom in Victoria. That's more bedding, more lounge suites, more computers and audio, more kitchen appliances and more!

But what makes this store unique is that it is the only dedicated outdoor Harvey Norman store in Victoria. While other Harvey Norman showrooms have outdoor sections, the stock available is limited and changes depending on the time of year, with a wider range of products on show during the peak season of summer.

Springvale, however, has a dedicated outdoor area all year round, constantly stocked with the latest in-season products.

This area is also separate from the main Harvey Norman shop, with its own entrance and exit - so customers can find what they need more quickly.

The outdoor store has dedicated staff who specialise in selling only outdoor furniture, meaning they have the product knowledge required to answer any tricky questions. They also understand the need to think before buying; customers are welcome to visit the store, browse the range, embrace the atmosphere and consider their many choices without being chased by a pushy salesperson.

Harvey Norman Springvale's outdoor store specialises in outdoor kitchen barbecues. They offer outdoor kitchens which can be custom designed to suit any outdoor space, and staff are on hand to assist customers with the design process. This is where the massive range comes in to play: customers are able to wander through the store and pick their favourite pieces, mixing and matching different elements to build their dream outdoor kitchen setting. Staff can also help customers to navigate planning requirements and regulations. For example, Harvey Norman Springvale stocks barbecue kitchen range hoods, which are compulsory for closed areas according to regulations.

Harvey Norman Springvale has the largest display of outdoor furniture of any Harvey Norman store. With so much space available, they can display multiple modes of each product, giving customers a better idea of the scale of their potential purchases and the different setups available.

All products available are current and ontrend, from the latest in lounge settings to charcoal smokers - a growing trend in Australia.

Displays are set up to mimic real condidandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The welcoming team has dedicated product knowledge to answer any tricky question. 201577 tions, complete with foliage to create atmosphere and allow customers to visualise what their backyard could look like.

To complete the look Harvey Norman Springvale also offers a huge range of accessories, including barbecue covers, trays, aprons, charcoal buckets and more.

With Christmas and peak season on the way, the store holds a large amount of stock and most of the range on display is ready for pre-Christmas delivery. A delivery service runs six days per week to most suburbs around Melbourne. An assembly service is also available for a small fee.

To match the massive range, Harvey Norman is currently offering massive deals on all products. Ask staff about the Price Blitz promotion, on now until 15 December. Plus, get in now for 50 months interest free until 24 December - perfect for those last-minute items for Christmas!

Visit Harvey Norman Springvale and experience the difference - it's like no other Harvey Norman store.

Harvey Norman Springvale is located at the Springvale Homemakers Centre, Corner Princess Highway and Westall Road, Springvale. Visit harveynorman.com.au for opening hours.

Harvey Norman Springvale's outdoor store is separate to the main store, with its own entrance.

Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 11

FOCUS ON ‌ CHRISTMAS IN DANDENONG

How do Indians celebrate?

By Danielle Kutchel In Aanchal Meshram's house, the excitement is building. Christmas is coming and preparations are well underway for a big day.

But the Australian summer celebration will be a little different from those that Ms Meshram once knew, back home in India.

That's not to say Christmas isn't celebrated on the subcontinent.

In fact, Ms Meshram, the founder of Indian Australian Community Cooperative Inc which operates across Casey and Cardinia, says Christmas is celebrated in most regions of India.

"I used to go to a Catholic school, so Christmas became an important part of our celebrations. We would put up a tree and exchange gifts," she said.

"More traditionally, we used to cut a cake and invite everybody around on the night of 24 December for a midnight celebration."

In North India where Ms Meshram lived, there were even white Christmas' - a very special occurrence.

Exchanging sweets and cakes also form prominent parts of the festivities, but she says nowadays more people are "getting into" Santa and inviting people to come round and have Christmas lunch or dinner while exchanging gifts.

After moving to Australia, Ms Meshram says she kept the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree. The decorations go up strictly on 1 December every year, and the kids leave carrots and milk out for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. And while they don't have extended family here in Australia, she says they can still celebrate.

"We've got friends who come over for

The Meshram family can't wait for Christmas. Left to right: Mayur, Aura, Fluffy, Aanchal and Mayush. 201142 Christmas lunch. Everybody will bring a dish and we have a party and exchange gifts for the kids. It's still a celebration."

The dishes are a delicious mix of cuisines - not just Indian, but anything the guests feel

like eating, from roast chicken to salad or pie.

Ms Meshram and her family also enjoy the City of Casey's celebrations at Bunjil Place, which have become a feature of their festive season.

Christmas, she says, is definitely the most wonderful time of the year.

"It's about the best people and the best food. And everyone is so relaxed, that's the best part."

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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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FOCUS ON … GREATER DANDY CHRISTMAS

More for Christmas

By Danielle Kutchel Don't forget to create beautiful family memories with Santa at Parkmore Shopping Centre this festive season.

Santa photos are now on all day, every day, from now until Christmas Eve. Booking your spot online is easy, or simply walk in on the day.

Plus, all children receive a free gift from Santa!

You can even bring your favourite pet along for a photo with Santa - but hurry as spots are limited and sure to fill up fast!

There are now less than four weeks until Christmas, but shopping has never been more

convenient. With the option of click and collect and pre-ordering, your fresh food, Christmas Day seafood or hot roast are even easier to prepare!Visit parkmoreshopping.com.au for more gift ideas, Santa photo booking and extra trading hours.

Create magical memories with Santa photos at Parkmore.

Longer hours for Christmas post With a month until Christmas, Australia Post is keeping its doors open longer at over 190 locations as it moves into its busiest festive period in history.

Residents in Dandenong South can visit their local outlet weekdays during the extended retail hours of 8.00am - 5.00pm until Sunday 22 December.

Australia Post general manager post office network David McNamara said extended trading hours gives customers more choice and convenience in time for the big day.

“We know Christmas is a busy time of the

year, so the Dandenong South Business Hub will remain open for longer this festive season,” Mr McNamara said.

“Extended opening times provide our customers greater flexibility to send, and receive, their Christmas gifts and cards, and with our exciting new range of products available instore there is more opportunity to spread the merry this Christmas.”

Mr McNamara said Australians continue to shop up a storm, with online purchases growing over 20 percent last year.

“The online shopping boom continues, in

fact last year Australians spent $27.5 billion online. Last Christmas we delivered 40 million parcels in December alone and we’re expecting to exceed that number this year.”

Along with extended trading hours, Australia Post customers also can collect their Christmas gifts at a free 24/7 parcel locker in over 350 locations across the country, and can track their deliveries online.

For more information visit www.auspost. com.au/Christmas

Australia Post will extend its trading hours in the lead up to Christmas. 182296 12435357-CG50-19

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Free entry

Friday 13 December 2019 7pm-9.30pm, Harmony Square 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Hosted by Guest Star: Denis Walter

Come to see Santa

Free face painting and kids’ activities

Carols sing-along

Christmas market and food trucks

Bring your own picnic blanket and chairs

FRESH. LOCAL. ORGANIC. SEASONAL. EXOTIC. The best of everything.

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This is a smoke and alcohol free event

OPEN TUESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 17

FOCUS ON ‌ CHRISTMAS IN DANDENONG

The Christmas of giving Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) has again partnered with several local charities to help reach those members of our community who may otherwise be left out this festive season.

From Monday 18 November to Tuesday 24 December, each library branch will be welcoming monetary, gift and food donations to help vulnerable and less fortunate members of our community enjoy this time of year.

Members of our community who return lost or damaged library books when they deliver their donations will have their fines waived.

CCL permanently removed fines for overdue books at the beginning of 2019.

A special feature of the libraries' Christmas charity campaign this year is that gift wrapped, "pre-loved" books will be available in exchange for donations.

"There are people doing it pretty tough in our community and Christmas is often a time when things get even harder. Casey Cardinia Libraries is always keen to pay it forward and support our charity partners to make things better for the vulnerable", said CCL CEO Chris Buckingham.

"This year, we think that our surplus books will make great, recycled gifts for friends or family," said Mr Buckingham. "The recycled books, as well as the removal of fines for lost and damaged books, is our way of saying 'thank you' to our community who support those in need so generously."

All CCL branches will accept non-perishable food with intact packaging and best before dates in 2020. Christmas gifts should be new and unwrapped.

Left to right: Susan Magee with CCL CEO Chris Buckingham, Naomi Woodward and Verona Atalla, showcasing the campaign. 200641 12434532-CG50-19

Santa photos Make your way to Parkmore Shopping Centre for your Santa Photos.

Plus save time using Click & Collect at all our majors!

Including: Coles, Safeway, Big W & Kmart.

Visit parkmoreshopping.com.au 18 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT

Unicorn love

By Taylah Eastwell Unicorn lovers sparkled their way through a magical glittery wonderland at Dandenong Market's Unicorn Party last Sunday.

More than 38,000 fairy princesses and unicorn enthusiasts turned out for a fun-filled day in the sun, complete with free unicorn makeovers and mane-overs, rides, fairy-dance parties and breath-taking performances.

Children also enjoyed craft workshops that allowed them to hand-craft their very own unicorn horns, adding that necessary extra sparkle to their outfits.

Local traders also came to the party, offering unicorn fairy-floss, rainbow unicorn coffee, unicorn shaped cupcakes and even rainbow coloured parmas!

Five-year old Pakenham unicorn lover Thea won the Dandenong Market's Unicorn Party VIP Competition and was treated to a VIP shimmery makeup session, a mane-over fit for a unicorn and a VIP unicorn ride.

She also had her photo professionally taken with a real life unicorn, before taking home a unicorn-themed prize pack valued at over $400.00.

Talent from Musicians Making a Difference preparing for next Friday's concert.

Locals got talent

By Taylah Eastwell Locals will have the opportunity to experience the talent of local singers, musicians and dance groups next Friday when Armada Dandenong Plaza hosts a free concert.

The concert, titled Plaza Live, will showcase local singers, musicians and dance groups from both FreeZA and Musicians Making a Dif-

ference in their live end of year performances.

FreeZA is a Victorian Government initiative providing youth aged 12-25 with the opportunity to increase their event management skills, learn transferable skills, broaden community connectedness and build self-confidence. The young people involved with FreeZA undertake fundamental roles during their events, such as event and stage management and

sound tech roles.

Musicians Making a Difference is an Australian charity that works with young people overcoming adversity and is mentor-focused, aiming to break negative cycles and overcome the challenges young people face.

The concert will take place on Friday 6 December from 4.30pm - 6.30pm on Level 2, near Daiso.

5-year old Thea from Pakenham won the Unicorn Party VIP Competition and got her photo taken with a real life unicorn.

WHAT’S ON

· Al-Anon Family Groups ·

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.

This group offers help and support to family and friends of problem drinkers at weekly meetings.

Seminar room 4 at Dandenong Hospital, David Street, Wednesdays 8.15pm, or St Gerard's Community Centre, 71 Gladstone Road, Dandenong North, Saturdays 2pm, or Springvale Church of Christ, corner Buckingham and Windsor avenues. Fridays 10.30am.

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

·

·Are you ready for Christmas? ·

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.

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. Cafe will also be open with tea/coffee/soft drinks/snacks.

Details: 9554 0700.

·

Probus Endeavour Hills Club Music speaks louder than words The Melbourne 7-Melody String is a unique string orchestra that blends Chinese music with Western music in order to better integrate into the Australian multicultural society. It is truly “music without borders”.

Come along and enjoy this fabulous string and song event, featuring Christmas Carols and Chinese classical music performed by 7-Melody String together with the Victoria Art Troupe Choir and the Cantonese Choir group.

Saturday 21 December 2019 2.00pm-4.30 pm.

Cost: Gold coin donation (Light refreshments served). At The Castle, Hemmings Park, Princes Highway, Dandenong For bookings and more information contact Richard Ng 0433 966 251 or email erhusoul@gmail.com

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.

·

·

Day time 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 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

·

·· ·

We Love a Piano at Christmas 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.

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.

before, and make new friends along the way.

Thursday 5 December 11.00am-12.00 midday. 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Ph: 9791 8664 E: Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au. Suggested donation: gold coin. Current book: 'Boy Swallows Universe' by Trent Dalton.

·

500 Card Game Workshop Five Hundred is a popular card game in which the object is to make bids and take tricks. Learn how to win by being the first player to score 500.

Join us as we play this fun game, challenge our minds and make new friends.

Thursday 5 December 1.30-2.30pm. The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. A gold coin donation is welcome. Please call Jo on 9791 8664 to book your spot at the table.

·

Fun for retirees

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.

·

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 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.

·

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.

·

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.

·

Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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STAR REAL ESTATE

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NEWS

Fifty years of local aths

By Taylah Eastwell The Dandenong Little Athletics Centre hope to see club members both past and present hop, skip and jump through their doors this Saturday as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their little athletic competitions being held at Robert Booth Reserve.

Founded just four years after the Little Athletics movement was first ever initiated in Geelong, the Dandenong Little Athletics Centre held their foundational meeting on 18th December 1968. Now in its 52nd season, the centre began with a short stint of track and field competitions at Greaves Reserve before jumping over to their current Robert Booth Reserve location at the beginning of the 197071 season.

After suffering due to the poor state of the ground at Robert Booth in late 1973, the club was relieved when council and Little Athletics Victoria constructed a specifically-designed Little Athletics track at the rear northern end of the reserve in 1985.

The improvements which are still utlilised today included a new grass track, an eight lane 400m long circular running track, a 100 metre sprint track, four discus rings, four shotput rings, two high jump arenas, a javelin arena and six long and triple jump pits.

Greg Farley has worked with Dandenong Little Athletics for over 30 years and has witnessed both his children and grandchildren compete in the athletics competitions.

"The grass track is a lot easier on the younger kids that are just learning. It's not as hard on the Achilles and calves. Our kids enjoy it," he said.

The parents who devote their time to helping out at the track can now spend less time judging and more time watching their child, after the club received a grant for electronic finishing gates three years ago.

"They have been a big help in relieving

Dandenong Little Athletics at training for their regional relays. parents from being timers at the end of the straights and we don't need as many officials as we did years ago. We used to have to have timekeepers and judges but now we don't need

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as many for results. Now it's all done through electronic timing and uploaded straight away so parent's can see their children's results," Mr Farley said.

"It's a lot easier now than it used to be five years ago."

The centre has grown up alongside some champions, with past little aths including AFL Footballers, Stawell Gift Winners, Australian High Jump Champions and school sport record holders. The centre can boast so much more than its various sporting greats however, having earned its place in the heart of Dandenong community life through community involvement and fundraising initiatives for the Dandenong Hospital, the Commonwealth Games Association and the Royal Children's Hospital.

Champions or not, the centre provides a platform for kids to get active and involved while making life-long friends.

"The biggest benefit for the kids is that they can do any type of sport they like, from sprint racing to hurdles, and can focus specifically on that. We like them to try everything, but as they get older they tend to focus on a particular event," Mr Farley explained.

"They have the chance here to compete in teams in relays or to just focus on beating their own personal best in running and field events.

"Its also about the friends that they make.

Just last weekend at our relay event there were kids from Dandenong competing with kids from Narre Warren. Each Saturday they compete against each other but for the regional championships they teamed up together," he added.

The centre is celebrating their 52nd season and 50th year at Robert Booth Reserve with a sausage sizzle and children's entertainment this Saturday at Robert Booth Reserve from 9.00am until 12.00pm.

"I have been able to contact a lot of the life members and a few of them are a bit unwell but hope to be able to come down on Saturday which we are looking forward to," Mr Farley said.

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STAR JOURNAL 25

SPORT

Exciting prospect Bigoa Nyuon is headed for Punt Road after he was drafted by the reigning premier. 195934

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Hayden Young will head west after being selected by Fremantle. 195934

Draft dreams are realised

By Tyler Lewis Four Dandenong Stingrays youngsters have fulfilled their childhood dreams of moving into the AFL, after hearing their names called over three nerve-wracking draft days last week.

Stingray Hayden Young was the first to hear his name called it at pick 7 to Fremantle.

He slid further down than many would have expected, but the left-footed backman clearly wouldn’t mind as he has already set up an early surf in Perth with two-time Brownlow Medallist, and his now captain, Nat Fyfe.

Dandenong Stingrays coach Nick Cox said it was little surprise to see Young snared in the top 10.

“He has always been touted as the best player in our region and there is a reason for it

- he is a professional, he does everything right, not just with his footy but with his off-field stuff, he just a really solid sure bet,” he said.

“You always knew he was touted to get to this level, but he is just a true, hard competitor in everything he does and that is just the greatest trait he has, he competes hard and the execution isn’t bad either.”

It came as no surprise that the Western Bulldogs snatched Beaconsfield product Cody Weightman at pick 15. The small forward toured Whitten Oval last week and was evidently the only player the Dogs had their sights on.

Cox said that the Bulldogs fans can expect a player who’s bound to excite.

“He has bobbed up out of nowhere and is

that small forward everyone loves at the moment,” he said.

“He kicks some amazing goals, and marks the ball well for his size. A loveable kid who we are really happy he has become what he has become.

“I could see the Western Bulldogs supporters really falling in love with him.”

At the tail-end of the first round, key defender Sam De Koning was called at Geelong’s pick 19. De Koning joins a strong club in Geelong, which no doubt has future plans of him joined at the hip of backline coach Matthew Scarlett.

De Koning has become the second sibling to join the AFL after brother Tom went at pick 30 to the Blues in 2017.

At pick 54 Richmond made a play for St Kilda NGA (Next Generation Academy) player Bigoa Nyuon. The Saints didn’t match the bid, which meant the Dandenong Stingray became a Tiger.

Nyuon will indisputably be a strong project for the Tigers with the backline set for the next couple of years. Expect him to be bouncing out of the back half of the MCG with elegance and a roar from the Tiger faithful at some stage next year for a taste of the big time.

At pick 56, Essendon brought in small forward Ned Cahill. Cahill was likened to Tom Papley by Stingrays coach Nick Cox and will join a strong brigade of small forwards at the Bombers after a strong year, kicking the most majors for the Rays.

Parkfield storms to a famous, breakthrough premiership

By Nick Creely For all associated with the Parkfield Cricket Club, Sunday 24 November is a date that will be etched into its history with real significance.

From humble beginnings just two and a half years ago, the club's women's side has come on in leaps and bounds.

And now the Bandits have added a special piece of silverware to the cabinets - knocking off Officer to clinch the Cricket Victoria Women's Community Cricket Twenty20 premiership in the South section.

An extremely proud club president, David Swierzbiolek, told the Journal just what it means for his club to see the women not only lift the trophy after a brilliant season, but lift the club for what could be yet to come this year.

"The whole club is ecstatic, it's a really proud moment for everybody involved - it's great to see the success the ladies had on the weekend," he said.

"Everyone was part of the celebrations, and the vibe at the club was brilliant on Sunday night - I reckon its given real motivation for the men to say 'that's one, how many more trophies can we get?'."

The Bandits sent the Bullants into bat at Heatherbrae Recreation Reserve, restricting them to just 6/87 after a stellar team bowling performance.

Tasnim Ziard capped off a tremendous campaign with mind-boggling figures of 2/5 from four overs, while fellow new-ball bowler Katelyn Jones (2/19) also weaved some magic with the ball.

Despite losing an early wicket in the chase, the Bandits stormed to victory by nine wickets, with Nimnadi Dahanayake (41 not out) and Mollie Devine (22 not out) cooly guiding them 26 STAR JOURNAL

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The Parkfield Cricket Club defeated Officer to clinch the South division Twenty20 flag. home.

Swierzbiolek praised the group - led brilliantly by Ruvini Perera - for its ability to lift for the big moments against a quality opposition.

"It probably didn't show Officer's performance, they're really well led by their captain Fern Brady, but the girls learnt a lot playing them throughout the season, and sort of put the tactics in place," he said.

"The great thing about this team is there's 11 players that can contribute in some way, whether it's with bat, ball or in the field so it doesn't matter if someone has a bad day.

"It was amazing that they all stood up on grand final and step up when challenged."

The club - part of the Dandenong District Cricket Association - kick-started its women's program almost three years ago, and since then has grown into two strong, and ever-

Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

growing sides.

Swierzbiolek said that this was not possible without the dedicated volunteers who have put so much time into the development of women's cricket.

"Shane Cooray and Ruvini Perera are the two driving forces behind it - Shane has worked hard with building relationships with females from other sports and local girls from the community, and from there it's grown," he said.

"The first training session they put on there was only three people there, and now there's been 41 girls that have played for the club, so they've worked really hard through recruiting and getting the message out there that girls can play cricket.

"Shane had that plan, and with a lot of support from former committee members and such it took off."

With the women's side set to now kick its one-day campaign on 8 December against Brighton District, Swierzbiolek isn't putting a limit on just how many women's teams the club can put together, but is confident with the momentum gained that anything is possible.

"It'll probably be two (sides), but the premiership should help with growth and put us into Shield next year, but there's no guarantees," he said.

"We'll see how it builds from there - we've had a couple more enquiries in the last week about playing, so if it builds so we can go into three, but if not, we're happy to retain the two."

Parkfield premiership side: Ruvini Perera (capt, wk) - 9 matches, 35 runs at 11.7, 7 catches, 1 stumping Nimnadi Dahanayake - 4 matches, 159 runs at 79.5 Carly Mittermair - 9 matches, 132 runs at 16.5 Mollie Devine - 9 matches, 159 runs at 53, 1 wicket at 71 Yelani Perera - 6 matches, 14 runs at 14, 6 wickets at 15.8 Katelyn Jones - 6 matches, 89 runs at 22.3, 7 wickets at 13.9 Tasnim Ziard - 9 matches, 6 runs, 15 wickets at 8.7 Mebal Kadian - 9 matches, DNB, 1 wicket at 112 Nilakshi Perera - 9 matches, 5 runs at 2.5, 7 wickets at 16.4 Thilini Wimalaratne - 9 matches, 62 runs at 10.3, 5 wickets at 22.8 Rongxin Huang - 9 matches, 14 runs at 14 Hadini Perera-Jayatunga - 8 matches, 5 runs at 5 Coaches: Shane Cooray and Rory Williams Final score: Parkfield 1/88 defeated Officer 6/87 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

‘Red’ reigns in a classic for the ages at Sandown

By Mick Floyd

Whiskey Riot claimed a thrilling 2019 TAB Melbourne Cup at Sandown on Friday night.

Picture: COURTESY OF SANDOWN GREYHOUNDS Azzopardi dedicated the victory to his late father who introduced him to the sport of greyhound racing, and to his entire family - many of whom travelled from New South Wales to be there.

"I wish he was here but I know he'll be watching down. My mum at home in Sydney, my missus Kylee, my daughter Kayla - it's a whole family thing, a team thing," Azzopardi said.

For owner Sandra Camden-Bermingham and her husband Colin, the win continues a remarkable run of success. Just over 12 months earlier, Whiskey Riot's half-sister Mystic Riot

took out the TAB Million Dollar Chase, with their dam Ready To Riot's progeny now combing to win over $2 million in prize money.

"We are over the moon! My husband and I are thrilled beyond belief, this is a dream come true. We're so excited, it's really amazing we just couldn't be happier," said Sandra.

"When that number showed up we were screaming like crazy people. We're so happy and so thrilled to be here."

The win was the 17th of Whiskey Riot's career and took his prize money beyond $619,000.

Race favourite and track record holder

A touch of Sri Lanka comes to Shepley

By Tyler Lewis Springvale South legend Craig Slocombe is changing the world - one cricket bat at a time.

This Wednesday (4 December), the Dandenong Cricket Club is hosting a 'Sri Lanka comes to Shepley' event for its Super Slam match against Prahran.

The Panthers are encouraging all participants of the match to bring along any used or unwanted cricket gear - whether it is a bat, ball or clothing, for the Aus Lanka Cricket Tour to take overseas and distribute to the rural communities in Sri Lanka.

Slocombe has been a pioneer in the relationship with the Sri Lankan communities, running many successful cricket drives and tours for the best part of a decade.

In addition to the cricket drive, the Panthers have organised a Sri Lankan buffet at $12 per head and will have Sri Lankan dancers and music playing throughout the evening while

the bar will also be open.

Along with Slocombe, former Sri Lankan spinner Suraj Randiv will also be spearheading the evening. Randiv played exactly 50 matches at international level for Sri Lanka.

A win for the Panthers on a monstrous night for the club would secure a finals berth in the Victorian Super Slam and give them the best opportunity to defend their inaugural title.

With cricket gear less accessible in rural areas of Sri Lanka than in Australia, Slocombe is working hard to assist developing young cricketers in the sub-continent.

For more information, head to Dandenong Cricket Club's Facebook page or website, http://dandenong.vic.cricket.com.au/.

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Anthony Azzopardi experienced the greatest moment of his training career when Whiskey Riot scored a courageous victory in the TAB Melbourne Cup at Sandown on Friday night.

Whiskey Riot stepped well from Box 3 - a box from which no greyhound had won the Cup since 1995 - and led the field through the first turn with Western Envoy camped on his outer.

The pair went stride for stride down the back straight before Western Envoy inched his way in front and looked the winner turning for home, however Whiskey Riot responded again, pulling out all of his reserves to drive through and take the victory by a head in 29.44.

"It's just unbelievable," said a jubilant Azzopardi.

"Since I was a kid I've watched this race and watched the trainers behind the boxes get interviewed and now I know how they feel. It's just a feeling you can't describe, it's unbelievable."

Whiskey Riot - 'Red' as he's known at home - had twice been nabbed on the line in Group race finals previously, and despite a nervous few moments while judges confirmed the numbers, Azzopardi was confident his charge had finally broken through at the sport's highest level.

"I had a feeling he got the photo but being your own dog you might see a little more than others, but when the number came up I didn't know what to do," Azzopardi said.

"It's something I've dreamed of and worked hard for. This is the race that I've wanted to win my entire life."

Hooked On Scotch flew home for third - beaten half-a-length - while ranked outside Oakvale Beauty was the unlucky runner in the race, finishing fourth just a length from the winner.

Later in the evening, Tornado Tears reminded everyone that a champion should never be written off, winning his fifth Group 1 title in the Bold Trease.

Tornado Tears stepped cleanly from Box 4 but was soon shuffled back beyond midfield as reigning RSN Sandown Cup winner Rajasthan assumed control of the race. He improved to third position with a lap to go and loomed ominously behind the leaders down the back straight.

To the delight of his legion of fans, 'Batman' drove through a split when it presented and quickly put paid to the race, racing to a twoand-a-half length victory in 41.86.

The win improved his superlative record over the Sandown Park 715-metre journey to 10 wins from 11 starts, including three Group 1 victories. Despite that record, Tornado Tears did not start favourite for the race - the first time that had occurred in 40 starts, dating back to March 2018.

"A lot of the punters weren't too happy the last few weeks but if they buttered up and kept going the odds tonight were pretty good," said his relieved trainer Robert Britton.

"I thought he was over the odds. All things being equal I thought he was the best dog in the race, and I don't say that bragging, I think he is. But if you go off your last few runs and they weren't that great."

It was Britton's third consecutive victory in the Bold Trease after Fanta Bale's success in 2017 and Barcali in 2018.

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Former Sri Lankan spinner Suraj Randiv will star on a huge night for Dandenong on Wednesday at Shepley. 201522 Picture: ROB CAREW

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