Dandenong Star Journal - 04th February 2020

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Tuesday, 4 February, 2020

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Weeding out truth on spray

Justice with a difference

White’s stunning knock

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Looking forward to tales from the past

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong's 2020 citizen of the year Christine Keys - also the Star Journal's Looking Back contributor - reveals her passion for keeping our local history alive and breathing.

Turn to page 6 for more Picture: GARY SISSONS

Riots on the roof

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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Residents say they are under siege from "outof-control" children in a child-protection home in a Greater Dandenong neighbourhood.

They report being intimidated and tormented by young people, seemingly unsupervised, noisily running riot on the home's roof and in the street into all hours of the night.

From the rooftop, the juveniles allegedly sniff aerosols, yell abuse and hurl projectiles such as a bedhead, road-sign pole, TV and cof-

fee table into neighbouring yards.

Police and paramedics are reportedly being often called to break up the loud late-night gatherings.

"They are like terrorist vampires - quiet during the day and running amok at night," a neighbour says.

Despite the sleepless nights and complaints, the home's manager Anglicare Victoria states that it has been running the home "successfully for many years".

It has "enjoyed" a "positive" relationship

with the local neighbours, the care-provider stated.

"We are aware, and appreciate the recent concerns raised by local residents and it is important to Anglicare Victoria that we continue our relationship and working with the neighbourhood in the successful running of this home."

An elderly couple tell of the young people imperiously overlooking their front door and driveway from atop of the home's roof.

One of the couple, a cancer sufferer, is too

afraid to venture outdoors.

"They're calling her names and saying what are you looking at while she's in her own back yard," a resident told Star Journal.

"It's now been five months - and they've been going through hell every day."

Aside from the verbal abuse, they've had their windows broken and front iron fence kicked in. Their grandchildren were outside playing when a roadside pole was propelled into their yard.

Continued page 8

NEWS

Weapons wielded in home invasion

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Keysborough chef has been jailed for joining a "terrifying" home invasion in which a resident was bashed to the head with a hammer.

Loui Tzatzakis, now 27, had arranged to drop off some owed cash to one of the occupants of the house in Narre Warren South, the Victorian County Court heard.

Instead he arrived at the front door, wielding a baseball bat with two unknown males just after midnight on 14 July 2018.

One of Tzatzakis's accomplices, armed with a knife, chased a 25-year-old resident down the street.

In the living room, Tzatzakis and the other accomplice repeatedly punched a visitor to the ribs, head and hands. The victim suffered two broken fingers that caused him to miss nine weeks work.

The two intruders then barged into the bathroom where another defenceless 25-yearold resident had been showering.

Tzatzakis's co-offender struck the man to the head with a hammer while he lay on the bathroom floor.

Tzatzakis demanded cash and money. He told the victim that this was for telling Tzatzakis's family about the debt, and stomped on his back.

The resident suffered a fractured skull, lacerations to his face and concussion. His skull was reconstructed with titanium mesh, and missed three months work due to seizures that prevented him driving.

In sentencing on 30 January, County Court judge Kevin Doyle said it was only "good luck" that the hammer victim's injuries didn't have long-term impact. They could have been potentially more catastrophic or deadly, Judge Doyle said.

The victims' injuries "speak for themselves" of the "terrifying" experience, Judge Doyle said.

During the "extremely serious" offending, Tzatzakis was angry that his family had been

told of the debt. He was also motivated by a desire for drugs and cash, Judge Doyle said.

He inferred that Tzatzakis had intended to inflict serious harm due to the immediacy and seriousness of the assaults.

Judge Doyle noted Tzatzakis's hard-working, decent family continued to support him.

At the time of offending, he'd been kicked out of the Keysborough family home due to his drug abuse - including daily meth use.

In custody, his attitude was said to be "transformed". He'd expressed remorse for his conduct, and insight into his drug use and lifestyle, Judge Doyle noted.

"Absence from drugs will be the key to your rehabilitation."

Tzatzakis pleaded guilty to aggravated home invasion, recklessly causing serious injury, recklessly causing injury and possession of cannabis.

He was jailed for up to seven years, with a four-year non-parole period. He had served 557 days in pre-sentence custody.

Man critical after street assault A man is fighting for life after being attacked by a group of men on Hammond Road Dandenong.

Police were told that the victim was assaulted just after 3.30pm on Wednesday 29 January.

The man in his thirties was taken to Dandenong Hospital with serious upper-body injuries, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.

Police have described the injuries as lifethreatening.

No arrests have yet been made in what police say is an ongoing investigation.

Any information or dash-cam footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.

2 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 4 February, 2020

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A man was been allegedly assaulted during an argument with up to 10 youths on a Smartbus in Springvale.

The 40-year-old and the group of between 6 to 10 youths were on a bus travelling along Springvale Road about 6.30pm on Wednesday 29 January, police say.

The man was assaulted by one of the youths. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries, according to police.

The group fled the scene before police arrived at the bus, which parked near Ash Grove.

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

Police and paramdics aboard the bus after the alleged assault. 203873 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Police positive on crime

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Police at the investigation scene on Hammond Road, Dandenong. 203872

Man bashed by bus group

By Danielle Kutchel

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Greater Dandenong experienced its second lowest crime rate in five years in the 12 months to September 2019 - and Victoria Police say that's not the only good news to come out of the latest crime statistics.

Despite the headline increase in offences in Greater Dandenong last quarter, Victoria Police have stressed that the overall trend is positive.

Greater Dandenong experienced a 3.2 per cent increase in offences over the previous 12 months - but a spokesperson for Victoria Police said that when population growth is taken into account, the increase is even lower with crime increasing by 1.4 per cent per 100,000 people.

Burglaries are down 12.1 per cent, the lowest offence count for the past decade.

Similarly, sexual offences are down 10.1 per cent, the lowest offence count in eight years.

Seemingly negative results can in fact be positive, the spokesperson explained. For example, drug use and possession offences increased to their highest figure in the past decade, but given such crimes are considered "detected crimes" the increase means police are identifying the cases more than previously.

And while the number of family incidents increased slightly by 2 per cent, the spokesperson said this showed that the public had confidence to report these issues to police and trusted they would be treated seriously.

The spokesperson added that Greater Dandenong police work closely with neighbouring police service areas Casey and Cardinia to share resources and intelligence.

"We want to reassure the community that we deploy our resources to where they're needed most and we want to be clear that policing is not bound by borders," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson cited Operation Tidal as an example, which uses resources from Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong as well as the Frontline Tactical Unit and the Operations Response Unit.

"We've achieved some really positive results since the operation commenced with police making more than 900 arrests however we know there's still a lot of work to be done."

Residents who witness any crime are urged to report the incident to police or Crime Stoppers. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Emergency declared

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong has declared a “climate emergency” and now needs to take action such as the mandatory requirement of zeroemission buildings, says councillor Matthew Kirwan.

He and nine other councillors endorsed the declaration at a meeting on 29 January.

It calls for an “emergency response” from all tiers of government to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

About 85 other local councils in Australia, including Shire of Cardinia, have taken a similar declaration.

As part of the motion, the council will spread the word among its diverse multicultural communities as well as support measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Cr Sean O’Reilly, who moved the declaration, argued that local councils should not be “silent” on the “potential existential risks” of climate change and increased climate volatility.

The council faced increased risk to community assets such as more stress on drain net-

works and more water purchases to maintain parks and gardens.

Its “young, old and infirm” residents were also more at risk of heat stress, Cr O’Reilly said.

Cr Kirwan said the council needed to back its words with “emergency action”.

“No longer can we take the attitude we’re going to take action in a business plan in 18 months’ time.

“We need to take action now”.

With perhaps a 10-year window to cap global warming, Cr Kirwan said the council should revisit its decision to dump its urban forest strategy in December 2019.

The strategy would aim for greater tree canopy on public and private land in the council region. More trees would help cool down streets as well as absorb carbon dioxide, Cr Kirwan said.

At the moment, Greater Dandenong is one of the most denuded Melbourne councils.

Councils could also exert a “huge role” through building standards in its planning scheme, Cr Kirwan said.

Greater Dandenong was one of 17 metro Melbourne councils that places mandatory ef-

ficiency standards on new buildings.

It is also helping fund research driven by City of Moreland into stricter ‘zero-emission’ building standards.

The council was also moving towards sourcing its power from solar and wind farms.

Cr Kirwan added that the council should aim for a zero-emission vehicle fleet.

After the meeting, Cr Kirwan denied the declaration was “tokenistic”.

“There’s a huge amount we can do as a local government if we back it up with climate emergency action.”

In opposition, Cr Tim Dark said he was taking a phone call outside the chamber during the vote.

“I think the role of tackling of the climate emergency is not a role of local government,” he said after the meeting.

“It’s a joke and a waste of ratepayer resources.”

Cr Dark said such action would increase cost-of-living pressures such as energy bills on the “most vulnerable” in the community.

“It goes against what we should be voting for in a low socio-economic area.”

‘Caught out’: toxic playground claim

Antique violins recovered A bounty of irreplaceable string instruments have been found in a stolen car in Dandenong.

Monash Crime Investigation Unit detectives say the instruments were in the boot of a Mitsubishi Outlander found about 9am on 9 January.

Two days beforehand, they had been stolen during a burglary in Hughesdale.

A man was reported fleeing the area at the time in the Outlander, police say.

Police say they expect to lay charges "in the near future".

Detective Senior Constable Ethan Hamill said he was glad to be able to return the irreplaceable items to their rightful owner.

"The owner feared that she would never see her instruments again, so I think she's feeling extremely happy and relieved to have them back.

"While these instruments are worth a lot of money, they are priceless to their owner so it's a great result to get them back to her in perfect condition."

The returned items included: An A E Smith 1908 antique violin; Roderich Paesold goldmounted violin bow; J S Tubbs silver-mounted antique bow; 2002 KG Instruments 15-inch handmade viola; 2002 KG instruments (full size) handmade cello; Two German Trade threequarter size violins; Black Chines bow case, containing six iolin bows; Carbon-fibre cello bow; and Mother-of-pearl mounted wooden cello bow.

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

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Waste-to-energy VCAT appeal

Greater Dandenong staff have been "caught out" flouting a council directive not to spray Roundup weed-killer near a playground and a school yard in Noble Park North.

But the council insists that staff are following the rules.

Councillors Peter Brown and Maria Sampey told a council meeting they witnessed the council's parks and gardens staff spraying the glyphosate-based herbicide during a recent visit to WJ Turner Reserve.

"You have caught us out," one of the staff allegedly told Cr Brown.

The councilors say the weedkiller was being used around the reserve's playground, against council policy to not use it at any of its children's play areas.

"When questioned, one of the staff said it was OK because students were on holidays," Cr Brown said.

Council staff had apparently sprayed the reserve's adjoining boundary with Silverton Primary School, he said.

The school's passionfruit vine along the perimeter was showing signs of dying off. Its vegetable garden and chicken enclosure were also in the vicinity, Cr Brown said.

"I'm confident that independent testing of the soil (at the school) would find Roundup."

Cr Sampey said she was told by a "horrified" school administrator that "the Education Department has banned the use of Roundup because it's dangerous and schools therefore don't use Roundup anymore."

It was the second time Cr Sampey says she discovered Roundup spray at council playgrounds in recent months.

A permit decision on a waste-to-energy plant in Dandenong South is now "out of the hands" of Greater Dandenong Council.

The proponent Great Southern Waste has appealed the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), city planning director Jody Bosman told a council meeting on 28 January.

"Now VCAT is responsible for the processing and decision making," Mr Bosman said. "The application is longer in the hands of the council. It's an application that will now be decided

by VCAT." Great Southern Waste appealed to VCAT on the grounds of the council failing to make a decision within the legislated timeframe.

On 11 November, Greater Dandenong councillors deferred its decision until a community consultation, an Environment Protection Authority approval and a councillor briefing by the EPA. The EPA briefing and community consultation were not likely to proceed, Mr Bosman said. Greater Dandenong will be a party to a 'practice day' hearing at VCAT on 28 February.

Mr Bosman said an EPA briefing to councillors was "unlikely". The council had no plans for a community consultation, as a result of the appeal.

The plant would be expected to incinerate 100,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste a year.

About 3 per cent of ash byproduct is expected to be emitted from its 55-metre smoke stack.

It would generate 9.3 Megawatt hours of electricity, enough to power the plant (1.4 MWh) as well as about 7000 homes, according to Great Southern.

The project is currently being assessed by the EPA.

Greater Dandenong councillor Maria Sampey says Roundup was used on the edges of WJ Turner Picture: GARY SISSONS Reserve's playground. 203852

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growth could be related to when the spraying was taking place prior to that time.

"There is now a review of all reserves underway which are adjacent to schools to ensure that we are consistent with our approach to spraying sensitive boundaries."

There is conjecture on Roundup's links to cancer, with the State Government launching a review into the impact of glyphosate.

Mr Kearsley said the council kept abreast of advice from peak bodies such as Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority and WorkSafe Victoria.

"Both advise that glyphosate is safe to use in accordance with the material safety sheets and label instructions."

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"Obviously it seems to me that maybe managers are telling their staff to use Roundup but just don't get caught."

Greater Dandenong engineering director Paul Kearsley said spraying of glyphosatebased herbicides did not occur on soft-fall areas of council playgrounds.

It was however allowed along reserve fence lines and playground edging, he said.

"The playground soft fall areas are weeded by hand in order to allay any fears people may have about the use of chemicals."

Mr Kearsley said a direction to staff was given not to spray near the school fence lines in early January.

"Any impact on these fence lines with dead

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Tuesday, 4 February, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 3

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 5 February 1920 New Band at Dandenong Dandenong is to have another band, which is to be comprised of trainees belonging to the local Military training area. The instruments have arrived from Wonthaggi, where they were used by the Citizens Forces there, and already about twenty members practice at the Drill Hall under the direction of bandmaster Forbes. The band should be an acquisition to the town in regard to supplying music, and will provide a channel for providing musicians for the Dandenong brass band in the future.

50 years ago 5 February 1970 Myer Plan ‘up in air’ Two events have occurred in the past seven

days which further cloud the Myer Emporium plans for a $7m shopping complex in Dandenong. The Town Planning Appeals Tribunal has heard and reserved a decision based on an objection to the Dandenong Council's determination to permit an extensive car parking area adjacent to Myer's projected three story retail store. The Board of Works has placed on public display its intention to rezone the entire McCrae , Walker-Clow Sts block for business purposes - a plan which council does not support. An outcome of the first issue is scheduled to be announced 14 days from the time of last Friday's hearing, at which Myer's council and the objectors, Mr and Mrs G Pigdon of Walker St, gave evidence to the non-judicial tribunal. With the exception of Woolworth's corner the remainder of the McCrae - Walker - Clow st block is presently zoned residential. Coincidental with

these moves, Myer's have lodged an application with the Board of Works to have the block re-zoned as "business purpose."

20 years ago

Springvale but the pleasing aspect is that we have been able to put a lid on crime. Operation Belgrade has been running on a full time basis since February 1998.

5 years ago

7 February 2000 Drug fight wanes Springvale's successful operation to bust drug dealers has been scaled down. Detective Inspector John Noonan said staffing operation Belgrade was a 'major problem' despite its outstanding results. "The fact that the arrest rate is lower shows that our work is having a big impact on the area." He said.

"Belgrade was created as a determined effort to make the public feel safer to shop and live their lives without having to worry about their safety and we are achieving that." "The critics will say there is still a lot of dealing in

2 February 2015 Parks Pride Dandenong Park welcomed up to 15,000 people to Australia Day celebrations last Monday. "I've never seen that many people in Dandenong Park before," Councillor Jim Memeti said. Some attendees clutched both Australian and Aboriginal flags as they enjoyed the Australiana themed festivities on 26 January. Aunty Di Kerr congratulated the City of Greater Dandenong for the event saying the festivities fostered reconciliation and allowed people to "Come together as many faiths without any fear of harm"

NEWS

Keys of local history

By Cam Lucadou-Wells It's not only important to preserve the stories of Dandenong's past, says local historian Christine Keys. History only lives when the stories are shared.

Ms Keys, the president of Dandenong and District Historical Society, was recently named as Greater Dandenong's 2020 citizen of the year.

She intially felt embarrassed, though delighted by the honour. But she hopes to use it as a chance to kick-start a project to collect the stories of new arrivals and their communities the next wave of Dandenong's rich history.

She's emboldened by the success of the society's exhibition last year that portrayed settlers of Irish, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese and Afghan descent.

"It is an opportunity for people who come to live here to record their history and make sure it's retained. I want to make sure we don't stop collecting history. The news of today is the history of tomorrow."

Her handiwork - and that of the historical society - is apparent in the interpretive signs throughout Greater Dandenong laneways.

There's also the photos adoring real estate agencies, as well as the Looking Back weekly columns in the Star Journal.

"One of the things I do with Looking Back is I pick a story that people can compare to today, such as talking about the currency before decimalisation. I always try to think what would appeal to people today."

Her passion for local history was kindled af-

ter exploring her ancestry. The Keys family - after whom Keysborough is named - has stayed in the area for generations.

Her lineage is intrinsically linked to the pioneer families and many of the street names in the region. Such as the Ordish, Corrigan and Foster families. Being a small country town, these families inter-married.

"Everyone jokes here that when someone gets their local history that they're related to Chris Keys."

Ms Keys has lived her whole life locally, experienced its seismic changes.

Even the small details tell so much. She remembers the 1950s when people took a saucepan to collect takeaway from Dandenong's two Chinese restaurants.

She recalls that on Sundays, her family visited Steve De George's Place cafe, home to Dandenong's first cappuccino machine.

And yet most days in the historical society's offices, Ms Keys will still learn something surprising. Someone recently asked about the origin of Ross Street - sparking an enquiry into Captain Ross who sailed into Port Phillip and lived in The Grange. Streets have been in turn named after his children James, Ann, Herbert and David.

"I love delving into each individual family and finding out what they did, where did they travel.

"If I can recognise the name of a person or the place that someone's talking about, that thrills me."

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Tuesday, 4 February, 2020

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NEWS

Citizenship hands-off call

By Cam Lucadou-Wells In the wake of coronavirus concerns, a Greater Dandenong councillor has called for the ending of "obligatory" handshaking during citizenship ceremonies.

At a council meeting on 28 January, Cr Peter Brown questioned the "wisdom" of lining up new citizens to "squeeze" hands with up to 10 councillors and dignitaries.

Describing the ritual as an "artificial construct" of the council's making, Cr Brown said he doubted citizens were keen to line up for 15 minutes to hold "Peter Brown's sweaty hand".

The hundreds of "human contacts" were needlessly putting people at risk of catching an infectious virus, he said.

"The cultural or religious practice of some

citizenship recipients in not shaking hands, but bowing or some such, from a public health view makes a lot of sense," Cr Brown explained in an email to councillors.

"It to me would make common sense from a public health perspective in not contriving a situation where everyone has to physically come into contact with everyone else.

"I am sure some recipients when they see what is happening think 'yuk'."

It was at odds with formally ruling out handshakes in China to stop handshakes to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus, Cr Brown said.

Other citizenship ceremonies televised on Australia Day did not appear to include handshakes, he said.

Cr Sophie Tan said handshaking was not compulsory at the ceremonies.

She said councillors could choose to hand out "merchandise" such as flags, badges and posters rather than shake hands.

Greater Dandenong corporate services director Mick Jaensch said the form of ceremony was in the councillors' hands.

He noted he had yet to hear the view of the majority of councillors.

"Officers will certainly design a citizenship ceremony that suits the needs of councillors."

At the time of writing, there had been two confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in Victoria.

The virus has been attributed to more than 100 deaths out of more than 4000 cases in

China, where it was first detected in late December.

Its range of symptoms include a mild fever to a significant respiratory infection, according to a Department of Health and Human Services fact sheet.

It has been confirmed to have been spread by human to human contact.

Good hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene are recommended, such as covering one's mouth and nose with a tissue while sneezing or coughing, and washing hands afterwards.

Hands should be washed after toileting and before eating.

The Department does not recommend the wearing of face masks by the general public to prevent infection.

RSL launches African club

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Labelled as an "historic" move, Dandenong Cranbourne RSL has launched its African Champion Social Association 'day club'.

President John Wells said the social group, open to anyone of African background, started with a chance encounter during an Anzac Day march.

He had overheard two women speaking about how they wished they could join the RSL. To their surprise, Mr Wells told them that they can. "Anyone can," he said.

"I asked them why they wanted to join.

"They said they wanted to get into the mainstream part of the Australian community."

One of those women Muna Elamin launched the day club at the RSL on 30 January.

Also on hand were RSL state president Rob Webster, federal MP Julian Hill and Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti.

"It's almost a historic step - and Dandenong is one of the places that it can happen.

"We've got some very strong African people who are not looking for special treatment, but just for inclusion."

Though the RSL hosts and sponsors the day club, it would not interfere in shaping it, Mr Wells said.

"We want them to feel free to run their own show."

The sub-branch's Vietnamese and Whirlybird day clubs had offered help in getting the African Champions up and running.

Mr Wells hoped all three would eventually merge into one.

At the launch, Ms Elamin was presented with replica medals awarded to her father, who

RSL state president Dr Robert Webster and Muna Elamin presenting replica World War II medals Picture: GARY SISSONS awarded to Ms Elamin's father. 203803 fought for the British Army in North Africa in World War II. The original medals were lost in the process

of her family becoming refugees, Mr Wells said.

Ms Elamin's daughter Danya was also presented with a laptop donated by the RSL.

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NEWS

Doing justice differently

By Danielle Kutchel Dandenong Magistrates' Court has become the 12th location in Victoria to host an Adult Koori Court, after its official opening in an emotional and uplifting ceremony on Friday 24 January.

The launch event incorporated aspects of Aboriginal culture, including a smoking ceremony, and acknowledged the many years of work involved to get Koori Court up and running in Dandenong.

Local Elders Aunty Pat and Aunty Elaine welcomed those assembled and highlighted the importance of the court to Aboriginal people.

Koori Court, which is a division of the Magistrates' Court, aims to address and reduce offending behaviour by including the Koori community in the court process.

The hearings operate according to the principles of therapeutic jurisprudence.

They are less formal than regular Magistrates' Court sittings, using plain English rather than legal terminology.

The parties sit around a table, with the magistrate leading a conversation about sentencing that includes input from the accused's family, a Koori Court officer, and an Elder or Respected Person who provides cultural advice.

In a speech at the launch, Joanne Atkinson of the Koori Court described it as "a tough word with a soft hand".

She told the Journal that Koori Court is "a healing court".

"Our mob come in broken, they come in feeling voiceless, and the Koori Court is about giving them a voice.

"It's a place where, maybe for the first time, a community member walks through the door and they hear an Elder speak to them.

"It's about making court a culturally safe space for our mob," she said.

The court has already sat five times since commencing in May 2019.

To have a matter dealt with in the Koori Court a person must be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, plead guilty and take responsibility for their offending.

The court does not hear matters that involve a sexual offence or breach of an intervention order.

DJ Arrin Wilson from the Barkinji Tribe plays the didgeridoo. 203614 Magistrates' Court of Victoria's Chief Magistrate, Judge Lisa Hannan, said the Koori Court had led the way in improving justice outcomes for Indigenous Victorians.

"Koori Courts are successful in encouraging defendants to fully participate in the justice system and their own rehabilitation, deterring many from re-offending and helping them to turn their lives around," she said.

"The south-east metropolitan region accounts for 23 per cent of Victoria's Koori population, so it was important that MCV bring a Koori Court to Dandenong."

Over its years of operation elsewhere, Koori Court has brought about improved relationships between the Koori community and the police.

Koori Court will also work closely with community organisations that can provide services to the accused person as they embark on their healing journey.

Aunty Pat used to work as an Elder at the Koori Court table, and said she had witnessed first-hand how it had changed lives in other

parts of the state.

"I kept telling them, don't go down the crooked road - turn the other way," she recalled.

Lead Magistrate for Koori Courts, Rose Falla, called Elders like Aunty Pat "the jewel in the Koori Court crown".

"Without them, the court is simply another sentencing court," she said.

"A lot of Elders - and Aunty Pat is one of them - have always seen serving the community as a duty, but it's not a negative duty. It's our cultural obligation.

"Our notion of families ... is extended in a sense to the Koori Court. But it's also the firm words and recognising that the way a person's behaved is contrary to Aboriginal law as well as the law that applies to us all equally. It's the Elders reminding you of your obligations, and it's so moving."

"It's the same sentencing act that applies in Koori Court as in any other court; it's just taking the opportunity to do things differently," Ms Falla added.

Magistrate Rose Falla, Victoria's first Indigenous Magistrate (in the blue and pink dress) and MCV's Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan (right, in black) watch the smoking ceremony. 203614

Jesse Rotumah-Gardiner, from the Wurundjeri Tribe, during the smoking ceremony. 203614

Bail refused for driver who claims he was ‘drugged’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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A man has claimed he had been drugged after being charged with trafficking and 'exposing police officers to risk by driving' near Eden Rise shopping centre in Berwick on 27 January, a court has heard.

Karim Hallaby, 29, of Keysborough, had been spotted driving erratically and falling asleep behind the wheel of a Ford sedan about 2pm, police told a Dandenong Magistrates' Court bail hearing.

When two police officers approached, Hallaby drove forward into a light pole.

He then reversed towards the officers and again drove into the same pole, police alleged.

Police chased Hallaby on foot as he ran from the car and crossed Clyde Road. He allegedly resisted arrest in a nearby residential court.

He was taken to Casey Hospital due to his "drug-affected" state, the court heard.

Police claimed they seized methampheta-

mine, cannabis and prescription drugs as well as stolen number plates from the unregistered Ford.

At the time, Hallaby was on two corrections orders and was an unlicensed driver, the court was told.

Police listed prior offences including "multiple" drug and traffic offences as well as correction-order breach offences.

Hallaby, who represented himself, told the court that he may have been drugged and his car stolen.

"I'm pretty sure there's another person involved who took advantage of me," he said.

"That's not me, that's not my character."

Magistrate Tony Burns noted that the new charges didn't appear "out of character" with "troubling" priors such as illegally possessing a handgun as well as drug-driving.

Mr Burns said Hallaby failed to provide compelling reasons for being released on bail.

Hallaby was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 28 February.

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Tuesday, 4 February, 2020

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Couple’s rocky court-ship

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A man who pleaded guilty to punching his partner in the face at a protest rally has proposed to the same victim from the dock of Dandenong Magistrates' Court.

"You're my heart and soul," the 39-year-old Dandenong man told the woman as he was led back to the police cells on 28 January.

"Will you marry me?"

Sobbing in the courtroom gallery, his partner for the past 12 years replied resoundingly.

"Yes!" she shot back.

Two days earlier, the couple had been drinking together at an Invasion Day protest

in Melbourne, police prosecutor Senior Constable Tess Holmes told the court.

An argument flared when the man accused his partner of looking at other men, the court heard.

CCTV footage showed them yelling at each other, and then him punching her to the side of her face, Sen Const Holmes said.

She suffered a laceration to her ear, and bruising to her head, police told the court.

In the gallery, the woman denied police claims that her ear was surgically repaired at St Vincent's hospital. She told the court she was taken to The Alfred for three hours.

Sen Const Holmes said police found the

man hiding under a bed in a neighbouring caravan.

He told police that he was positive that he hadn't hit his partner.

A defence lawyer said the man's "recollection of events is quite vague".

Magistrate Tony Burns said he noted that the man's partner wanted him released from custody.

"It's because of the attitude of your partner, the victim in the matter, that I'm prepared to not sentence you to jail," Mr Burns said.

"Anyone who strikes a woman in such a way deserves to rot in a cell."

He indicated that he'd sentence the ac-

cused to a community corrections order.

However Corrections Victoria told the court that the man was unsuitable for a CCO due to being possibly extradited to face charges in Queensland.

The man was remanded in custody until "more details" on his extradition were known.

If extradited, the man would be fined instead, Mr Burns said.

The accused will appear for sentencing at Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 7 February.

In the meantime, Mr Burns issued a personal safety intervention order. If alcohol affected, the man is barred from within five metres of his partner and 200 metres from their home.

Neighbours powerless as youths run riot ... on the roof From page 1 After months of escalating incidents, an exasperated neighbour met with Anglicare and was given assurances that his concerns were being taken "seriously".

The young residents were moved on. However they were replaced by another group equally misbehaving, he told Star Journal.

"There's a whole bunch of new girls come in. And every day, they've still been on the roof."

He says they attacked him and damaged his car after he photographed them drinking a wine cask and sniffing aerosols outdoors.

"Why are they allowed to do that? There's no law, no curfew, no supervision.

"Their carers say they can't take (the substances) off them. They tell us to call the police.

"You've got to be responsible for this you're putting the burden on the community."

Another resident says that the facility is failing in its aim to mentor "wayward" children to

lead a "normal life" in the community.

"There seems to be no mentoring, no supervision and no adult guidance."

Child Protection opposition spokesperson Nick Wakeling said it was "another sign that child protection is in crisis".

"Abuse and behavioural issues involving child protection clients are on the increase, and the Andrews Government has no plan to deal with it.

"The Liberals want to see more done to stamp out abuse and anti-social behaviour involving children in care, so we can all have a safer, brighter future."

The State Government did not respond before deadline.

An iron fence after being allegedly kicked in by neighbouring youngsters.

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St Paul Apostle North Primary School offers a variety of learning opportunities, including outdoors, to engage all students. vironment- encourage stewardship for God's creation There are also fantastic links to wellbeing such as learning how to solve problems, development of resilience and team work skills, increasing a sense of calm and decreasing stress and anxiety. It provides different opportunities for children to excel in hands on learning and to demonstrate a variety of strengths and intelligences.St Paul Apostle North Primary School welcomes you to visit the school.

St Paul Apostle North Primary School is at 76 Mossgiel Park Drive, Endeavour Hills and can be contacted on 97006068 or principal@ spanhills.catholic.edu.au.

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

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

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

Research has shown that outdoor learning experiences can: improve vocabulary; develop skills in listening and following directions enhance descriptive writing; develop spatial awareness; prove opportunities for STEM in a real life context; and develop a love of the en-

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Tuesday, 4 February, 2020

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT

New Year with gift Springvale Asian Business Association's annual Lunar New Year Festival attracted huge crowds as well as raising funds for bushfire relief.

Celebrating the Year of the Rat, about 70,000 visitors enjoyed the choice of live entertainment and 85 food and other stalls.

The program of traditional lion dances, hiphop, magic acts and bands was topped by fireworks at night.

Luckily, the event was spared the brunt of fierce hail storms that battered southern and eastern suburbs on the day.

The strong turnout has been built on the 28-year-history of the event in Springvale, SABA president Daniel Cheng said.

"We consider ourselves to be one of the biggest Lunar New Year festivals in Melbourne, with the longest history after Chinatown in Melbourne CBD. There was also an emphasis on bushfire appeal awareness, SABA secretary-general Vincent Golf said.

On the day, SABA presented more than $90,000 to The Salvation Army for national bushfire relief.

The monies had been raised by 19 Chinese, Vietnamese and Cambodian groups.

The next Springvale Lunar New Year Festival is scheduled for Sunday 7 February 2021.

Details: Daniel Cheng, 0466 021 916 and Vincent Golf, 0404 036 123.

New courts at Dandy North school Rosewood Downs Primary School is set to upgrade and resurface its multi-sport court.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams announced a $25,000 State Government contribution to the project during a visit on 31 January.

"These works are about more than giving Rosewood Downs students the school facilities they deserve - it's about helping build community pride in a great local school."

Lion dancers during the Springvale Lunar New Year Festival on 19 January.

WHAT’S ON

MP Gabrielle Williams, MP Julian Hill, school principal Julian Growcott with students Ollie and Andrea at Rosewood Downs Primary Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS School. 203788

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

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

·

500 Club at The Open Door Enjoy playing cards? Want to learn a new card game or pick up a new hobby? Join us at The Open Door where you can play the popular Five Hundred card game. The aim of the game is to make bids and take tricks. Learn how to win by being the first player to score 500.

When: Thursday 6th February, 1.30pm 2.30pm. Where: The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. For more details contact Jo or Tayla on 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg. org.au

·

A Centre for Creative Spirituality The Open Door offers a place to explore your creativity/inner life without fear or judgement.

The exploration is carried out in a variety of activities: Meditations: Awareness/Centering Prayer/Guided Imagery/Day long Retreats; Art of Soul; Tai Chi; Book club (afternoon and evening session); Creative Writing Group; 500 Club; Gospel Workshop; Cooking workshops (Trish's Table); Sing-a-long; 'Talks on' ... Spirituality; Card Making; A Pilgrim's Walk. Our workshops re-commence on Tuesday 29 January and we invite you to join us to enjoy time for yourself.

Call Trish or Jo on 9791 8664 for more information. The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong 3175. Most workshops are a suggested gold coin donation.

·

University of the Third Age U3ADandenong is looking for new members who wish to participate in a range of over 40 educational, cultural and physical activity programmes.

For further information phone 9546 2779, or look up our website www.dandenongu3a.org/

·

Voices of Casey Voices of Casey are looking forward to an exciting program of Song for 2020. We are a nonauditioned mixed community choir and have an eclectic range of music. Our Artistic Music Director is Dr. Jonathon Welch, AM. We welcome 14 STAR JOURNAL

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all singers. Our rehearsals for 2020 start on Monday February 3 at 7.00pm at Fiddlers Green Retirement Village, 57 Gloucester Ave., Berwick.

Why not come and have a look and try us out.

Further details from Paulien 0412 741 195 or maritimes.1@hotmail.com

·

Dinner with a VIEW Dandenong Evening VIEW Club will meet on Tuesday, 4 February, for dinner at the Dandenong RSL, 44-50 Clow Street, at 7pm. Guest speaker Anne Catchpole will speak about "Cottage by the sea". 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.

Support for seniors’ shop Michael's Fresh Food Market is supporting seniors and pensioners in the Keysborough area.

Last November, Michael's Fresh Food Market Keysborough opened in the Home Co centre, a first of its kind supermarket for Melbourne.

With a strong customer focus delivering low prices, the freshest fruit and vegetables, and an in-store cafe, Michael's supports seniors and pensioners in the Keysborough area.

Seniors and pensioners can now receive a 5 per cent discount on their groceries every Wednesday.

"We aim to be a genuine part of the Keysborough community, and we want to help," explains store manager Mario Dell'Oste.

"We know that the cost of living is high, so our specials, locked-down prices and now the

5 per cent discount together help seniors and pensioners in the Keysborough area.

"I would like to welcome Keysborough seniors and pensioners to visit our store, to come and experience our fresh food market, liquor store, supermarket and enjoy a coffee at the cafe.

"Plus, we have the convenience of wide trading hours, from 7:30am to 9pm each day."

Mr Dell'Oste says that low prices are a focus for his team, where customers benefit from locked-down prices across the store and weekly specials that help customers lower the cost of their weekly shop.

To receive a 5 per cent discount, customers simply need to present their seniors or pensioners card at the checkout.

·The March Charge

Cancer Council is encouraging Victorians to get moving this March by taking part in The March Charge and setting themselves a walking, running or moving challenge for the month. Participants can Charge as an individual or compete in a team by setting a kilometre or hour goal and moving toward it throughout the month while fundraising for Cancer Council.

Head online to join the Charge at www.themarchcharge.com.au

·

Al-Anon Family Groups 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

·

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.

·

Tuesday, 4 February, 2020

Michael’s Fresh Food Market Keysborough has a strong customer focus and offers low prices, the freshest fruit and vegetables, and an instore café. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

White thrills once again

By Nick Creely

Buckley Ridges star Jerome Jones sends one down during his outstanding spell. 203725 Picture: ROB CAREW Susa Pradeep was also in vintage touch, crunching a 27-ball 66 in the win, providing the perfect foil for the rampaging skipper.

The win sees the Bucks shoot for an eighth Twenty20 title in the association from just 13 tournaments, but there's plenty of competition in the remaining three spots.

Down at Alex Nelson Reserve, batsmen found it a bit more difficult with the whiteball as Springvale South and St Mary's went to battle.

The Bloods were dented early when Dandenong champ Brett Forsyth fell first ball of the game, but youngster Ryan Quirk (54 not out)

Adrian Scott named new Sandown CEO The Sandown Greyhound Racing Club has announced Adrian Scott as the club's new chief executive officer.

Sandown chairman Neil Brown said the club was delighted to secure Scott in the new role.

"As a club we were blown away with the level of candidates and interest in the role, and we are delighted to welcome Adrian to our team," he said.

"He brings a tremendous level of expertise having looked after the busiest greyhound club in Victoria, as well as a high level of business acumen.

"Above all, Adrian brings a passion for greyhound racing which in our sport is hard to hide.

"Adrian follows a succession of brilliant CEO's who have excelled in the job, and we feel very confident he will continue that tradition."

Mr Scott, who used to frequent Sandown

Park as a youngster, said he was excited by the opportunity offered by the club.

"Sandown Park was my introduction to the sport when I was a kid," he said.

"The opportunity to manage what I consider the greatest greyhound club in the world was irresistible.

"I'm looking forward to working with the team at Sandown Park to build on the outstanding work the club has done over many years."

Mr Scott comes to Sandown Park having managed the Warragul Greyhound Racing Club since 2014.

Prior to that, he spent 13 years in the private sector after serving in the Victorian Police with distinction for 20 years.

"I will always be indebted to the Warragul club for the opportunities they have given me," he said.

Mr Scott will commence his new role on 2 March 2020.

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David White has a serious love affair with Park Oval.

And the Buckley Ridges' superstar captain's latest blazing knock has lifted his team into the Dandenong District Cricket Association's Twenty20 semi-finals.

White's latest stunner, an unbeaten 118 off 38 deliveries on Tuesday 28 January against Heinz Southern District at Park needs to almost be seen to be believed.

In the same fixture last season, White crunched 150 off 59 balls against the same side, and this one had the same brutality.

The skipper - in the middle chasing the excellent 201 set by the Cobras - slapped 15 sixes in his freakish knock, having the crowd ducking for cover.

The visitors put in an excellent effort with the bat after winning the toss, with Trevor Davies (43) and the in-form Chandima Abeykoon (66) putting the home side right under the pump.

But West Indian seamer Jerome Jones (2/13) was absolutely stellar, and largely responsible for holding back a score that threatened to be over 220 at one point.

During the home side's chase, the Bucks were incredibly 1/116 off seven overs, with only the dangerous Daniel Watson back in the sheds.

As a result of his latest century, the Bucks skipper has moved past 1000 runs at the venue at an average of 100 as side continue to figure out a way to combat his power and shot placement on the small surrounds.

The Bucks took just 12 overs to race down the target, going at 16.9 runs per over, with White also slapping 36 off Josh Dinger in the second over of the chase and later on another 33 off Robert Davies.

played an assured knock to guide the home side to a competitive, but potentially underpar 5/123. Andrew Staude also provided a quick-fire 31 for the Bloods.

With dangerous MPCA superstar Bobby Wilson opening up for the Saints, the Bloods proved its overriding class with the ball, with Akshay Ballal (3/12) and Jarryd Straker (4/10) combining superbly to help roll the visitors for just 78.

Narre South also held off a fierce challenge from North Dandenong down at Lois Twohig Reserve.

The Lions were set 159 for victory with all-rounder Matin Sultani lighting it up with a brilliant 83 off 63 balls, but the bowling of Dale Vaughan (2/10) was vital for the visitors in keeping the total within reach.

It was a horrible start for the visitors, with Morteza Ali and Rumesh Rangana back in the sheds early, but the Lions recovered through the class of Jonty Jenner (40 off 24 balls) who helped change the game in his own aggressive style.

Joe Thomas (49 not out) helped finish it off despite some late wickets from the Maroons, with the Lions winning by four wickets and with nine balls to spare.

And in the final game, Berwick eased past Parkfield.

The Bears bowled superbly to roll the visitors for 69, with young spinner Isaiah Jassal (3/6) once again prominent, while the experience of Jarrod Goodes (3/11) was on show.

The home side had a little hiccup in the chase, but ultimately got the job done six wickets down.

The semi-finals are locked in for 11 February, with the final four - also the top-four in the Turf 1 competition - set to battle it out.

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Adrian Scott is the new CEO of Sandown Greyhound Racing Club.

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

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STAR JOURNAL 15