Dandenong Star Journal - 11th February 2020

DANDENONG

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Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

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Too many close shaves, says barber

Final chapter for book fines

Hazaras dig deep again

Dean’s commitment recognised

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Shot at stardom

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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It couldn't be real.

While setting up his Christmas barbecue, Teny Puot got a long text message from NBA Los Angeles Laker and Hall of Famer, Luol Deng.

"It was out of nowhere," Teny says. "I thought it was probably one of my friends."

But before long, Luol Deng was on the phone, offering the 28-year-old Dandenongbased point guard the chance of a lifetime.

He'd hand-picked a stunned Teny to captain South Sudan in a FIBA AfroBasket qualifying round in Nairobi, Kenya.

"I didn't believe it until I met him later."

"Not many people can say they've represented and led South Sudan in any sport," Teny grins.

"It's amazing. It's a big-time achievement to represent your people.

"It means you're doing something right" And so in January, Teny led this all-star South Sudanese team gathered from all over the planet, including six from Australia.

They topped the table and Teny starred.

His team qualified to the next stage with flair, skill and passion in front of packed stadiums, fever-pitched singing and stomping crowds. An atmosphere Teny had never encountered.

And South Sudan are on the path for a June qualification round, then to meet Africa's best basketballing nations in AfroBasket 2021. The top two make the World Cup - and the 2024 Olympics.

First hand he saw the unifying power of basketball - that transcended mere 'sport'. Back in Melbourne, the community were filling up cafes, cheering on the games as early as 4am.

It's reward for effort for Teny, a private, selfmotivated disciple who shoots 800 baskets a day and hits the gym up to three times a day.

Along the way he's met like-minded souls like businessman James Kerr, who bankrolled and formed the Red Roo basketball club in Dandenong.

Continued page 2

NEWS

Students flock to school

By Cam Lucadou-Wells In a win for people power, Keysborough Gardens Primary School formally opened on 31 January.

Principal Phil Anthony said 160 students were settling into the unique two-storey school in the new Keysborough estates.

"It's been built to meet the needs of a growing Keysborough South area.

"We've had an excellent start. The children have settled in quickly, the teachers have established their flexible learning spaces very creatively."

The 'vertical' building was a point of difference. It was set up for a focus on collaborative learning - allowing students to learn from other classes' teachers and schoolmates, Mr Anthony said.

There would also be enquiry-based learning to extend the school's high-capability students.

The full curriculum includes physical education, music, visual art and Chinese Mandarin.

It was a proud day for parents such as Nina Kelly who had lobbied for a state school in the estates since 2015.

With a 1000-strong petition, the "group of mums" got the backing of local media, MPs and Greater Dandenong Council. And eventually their will won through.

"It's come too late for my eldest child but it's perfect timing for my youngest," Ms Kelly said.

Tellingly, most of the students are from Year 1 to Year 6. They have transferred from afar schools to the more conveniently-sited Keysborough Gardens.

The question arises - why did residents have to wait? Why wasn't a school ready to go when residents moved into their sparkling new estates?

It wasn't until 2017 that the Government identified and purchased a site for the school.

"The Government needs to be forward thinking in their planning so residents have access to public education facilities from the moment they move in," Ms Kelly said.

Principal Phil Anthony, Keysborough MP Martin Pakula and Nina Kelly and students cut the ribbon to open the new school.

Pensioner’s trike swiped twice

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Mitchell Clarke Thieves have devastatingly robbed a Dandenong disability pensioner of his main means of transport twice in a matter of months.

On both occasions, Denis Papko had his bright-red electric tricycle secured with a heavy locked chain and displaying a large DISABILITY sign on the back.

Each cost $2500 and were essential to Mr Papko, whose mobility is impaired. He can't afford to replace or insure the tricycles.

"It gets on my nerves that they don't look at the (disability) sign and think 'what if he can't walk?'"

About 11.45pm on a night last June, a male and female on a red motorcycle entered a basement car park under Mr Papko's apartment on Cheltenham Road, Dandenong.

CCTV footage showed that the tricycle's chainlock was broken, and it was wheeled out of the building, Mr Papko says.

The loss brought him to tears and shock.

"I couldn't sleep, I couldn't do anything," Mr Papko said.

"I went to (his carer) Gerry's place and stayed at his place."

Two months ago, that carer Gerry de Groot kindly bought a replacement.

That tricycle was stolen despite being securely chained outside Sandown Park Hotel on Tuesday 28 January about 6.45pm.

Mr Papko had gone inside the hotel to play cards. Within 15 minutes, two males had nicked the trike - with one of them observed to be struggling to ride it away.

Mr Papko and his carer spent many fruitless hours searching for the trike.

They scoured up and down Corrigan Road

Teny Puot is making his mark on the world.

204015 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Shooting star Gerry de Groot and Denis Papko at Sandown Park Hotel, where Mr Papko's second tricycle was Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS stolen. 204085 and throughout Noble Park and Springvale, as well as trawling online trading websites.

"I had the last one for only two months - it was brand new," Mr Papko said.

"I've got nothing now.

"I'm sad. I don't know why these sort of people do this."

His carer Mr de Groot added: "He has a travel card and a taxi card - he can get around.

"But it's important for his wellbeing and his recreation.

"It's his independence."

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

The stolen red electric tricycles looked similar to this.

Barber salon suffers too many close shaves

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Car bingles and worse are said to have become the norm at a recently modified intersection in central Noble Park.

The most dramatic incident at the intersection of Douglas Street, Leonard Avenue and the recently extended Ian Street was a car mounting the kerb and crashing head-on with a barber salon's window-shutters on Saturday 25 January.

About 6pm, the car had been travelling east on Douglas Street when struck to the side by Ian Street traffic. It came to rest in 2A Leonard Avenue.

Rez Ghiyasi, whose father runs the barber business, said no one was harmed - but only by good fortune.

"If the shop was open and the shutters were up, the car would have been in the shop."

Customers regularly wait outside the salon, with their backs to the road.

Resident Geoffrey Wachter said near misses are a daily occurrence - ever since Ian Street 2 STAR JOURNAL

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The crash scene on 25 January.

Picture: REZ GHIYASI was extended under Sky Rail last year.

On 29 January, a car from Ian Street "literally flew across" the intersection. It hit four cars about 100 metres up Leonard Avenue, Mr Wachter said.

He said drivers were confused by the uncontrolled intersection. Some drivers assumed the green pedestrian lights were traffic signals and gave them right-of-way.

"There's no indication as to who has right-

Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

of-way and the normal road rules are ignored.

"Traffic lights and moving the pedestrian lights away from the corner are the obvious solution.

"Possibly only a fatality will activate a positive response."

Greater Dandenong business, engineering and major projects director Paul Kearsley said the council was investigating traffic lights to improve the intersection's visibility.

The change would depend on discussions with other stakeholders including the Department of Transport, Metro Trains, VicTrack and the Level Crossing Removal Authority.

"Any change to the road network requires some period of adjustment for motorists and pedestrians," Mr Kearsley said.

"The changes to this intersection in Noble Park however should not pose any additional safety risk as long as motorists are following the road rules and adhering to the speed limit."

In the meantime, standard road rules applied at the intersection.

From page 1 It's a place where players can chase their dreams, says Teny - who will be assistant coach on a Red Roo trip to an international comp in Orlando, USA. "James is a hell of a person, his heart is in the right place. He's one of those guys that keeps me honest.

"I tell him everyday I appreciate everything you do.

"All people need is an opportunity - and I don't want to take it for granted. Hard work that's what God has blessed me with.

"I expect myself to give 110 per cent."

Teny's sport took him from Melbourne to Boston on a scholarship as a 13-year-old.

Then there was Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Perth and back to Melbourne - where he is trialling for Dandenong's NBL1 team.

In January, he paid his first ever visit to South Sudan's capital Juba, and a meeting with president Salva Kiir. He expected harsh desert, he discovered a "green, beautiful" land full of life.

He saw "my people smiling, living their lives".

It filled him with a longing to see South Sudan reach its potential.

"There's nothing compared to it. There's no word - I hope I'm alive to see it.

Basketball was always a means to further study, in the hope that he could help South Sudan rebuild.

His trip sharpened that yearning - following in the altruistic steps of Luol Deng who now heads basketball in South Sudan.

Teny also draws motivation from his 14 siblings.

His younger ones look up to him, ask him the "serious questions" about how to train and give him honest answers. He's faced crossroads, but doesn't want to "fall off" the path.

He won't let people down.

"Everybody in front of me fell off and they never came to me, saying they could help me.

They had so much talent, and they might have started hanging with the wrong crowd.

"I want to be better than that.

"Coming from my background, knowing the lifestyle I left behind ... I do it for the entire next generation so the next kid gets a better opportunity than I did." dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Armed robber’s hill to climb

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

David Willersdorf (Grenda Group), Quintin Prince (Erntec), Cr Angela Long (City of Greater Dandenong), Ben Mott (Wadeson IP), Danny Alcock (Taskforce), Nirad Shah (KPJ Group) and Ryan Picture: ROB CAREW Murphy (Clublinks) launch Take A Swing 2020. 204010

Swing into bushfire relief Organisers are hoping to break the $500,000mark in the 11th annual charity golf day Take A Swing.

This year’s event, hosted by Greater Dandenong Council and businesses, will raise money for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and social enterprise Taskforce.

The latter plans to launch a coffee van supporting local job seekers.

Since its inception, Take A Swing has raised

more than $430,000 for local charities.

Sponsors for this year’s day include KPJ Group, Grenda Group, Erntec, Norden Group, Future Recycling, Wadeson IP and Telstra Business Centre Dandenong.

Take A Swing will be held at the recently renovated Victoria Golf Club, Cheltenham on Wednesday 26 February from 12pm.

To register or sponsor, go to greaterdandenong.com/sebn. RSVP by 14 February.

An armed, heavily drug-addicted man who held up a Subway outlet and servo in Dandenong has been sentenced to a combination of jail and a corrections order by the Victorian County Court.

James Riding-Hill, 23, pleaded guilty to pointing an imitation handgun at a 56-yearold supervisor at Subway on 6 February 2019 as well as holding up a Shell Express outlet at knifepoint on 7 February 2019.

In both cases, he took cash from the tills - a total of between $350 and $450.

Riding-Hill was arrested by police, while they surveilled near the servo after the armed robberies. At the time, he’d been on bail for four previous offences.

In a police interview, he said the handgun was plastic - though the “scared” and “shocked” victim had perceived it as real, Judge Howard Mason said on 7 February.

In sentencing, Judge Mason noted RidingHill’s “extensive” criminal history including thefts, assault and criminal damage - as well as a “disadvantaged” childhood. He’d been sentenced to fines, a good behaviour bond and justice plans in the past, as well as drug withdrawal programs. Diagnosed with epilepsy, ADHD, intellectual disability and conduct disorder, he’d left school by Year 9 due to behavioural difficulties and never worked.

Tributes flow for a community treasure A listed Greater Dandenong ‘living treasure’ Valmont David Wilson has died.

Mr Wilson, 88, was renowned for his voluntary community service, particularly after retirement.

One of Greater Dandenong’s inaugural Living Treasures, Mr Wilson’s strong faith was said to be his motivation.

“While many people retire and see this an ending, Val saw retirement as a new beginning, an opportunity to help others who were less fortunate,” his citation on the council website states.

“It is the quiet dedication of people like Val, which supports the fabric of our community.”

His service included being an Elder at the Church of Christ, who supported the minister as well as the congregation’s spiritual needs.

He also served as treasurer for the Churches of Christ Overseas Mission and Sandown Park Kindergarten.

The accused’s intellectual disability and mental health challenges were “not assisted” by his “deep” drug abuse, Judge Mason said.

Riding-Hill experimented with “dangerous drugs” as young as 13, leading to addiction to methamphetamine.

He’d been admitted to Dandenong Hospital with drug-induced psychosis.

Now eligible for the NDIS, Riding-Hill may have access to more intensive services such as violence rehabilitation, one-on-one skillbuilding and mentorship, day programs and occupational therapy.

Judge Mason noted a victim’s impact statement, which showed the harm from the accused’s “serious” offending.

In mitigation, he noted Riding-Hill’s early guilty plea, remorse, youthfulness long-term drug addiction and intellectual and behavioural challenges.

But Riding-Hill also lacked complete insight. If unresolved, his drug taking and mental health put him at risk of reoffending, Judge Mason said.

He was jailed for 18 months - 12 months of which had been served in pre-sentence remand.

It will be followed by a two-year community corrections order, including supervision, judicial monitoring, drug and mental health treatment, and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Charged over hit schoolgirl

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Val Wilson, third left, with Living Treasures and councillors Colin Robinson, Angela Long, Roz Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Blades, Mary Borg and Maria Erdeg in February 2019. 190262 Mr Wilson also volunteered as an ‘honorary chaplain’ at Southern Cross and HL Williams aged care facilities, conducting Ecumenical services, memorial services and hospital visits.

He and his late wife Norma ran a long-running playgroup for more than 40 children in

the church hall.

The eldest child of Scottish immigrants, he and his parents and siblings moved into Springvale in World War II. He and Norma raised two children.

A 50-year-old driver has been charged with critically injuring a teenage pedestrian on Police Road Mulgrave on 6 February.

The victim, a 17-year-old schoolgirl, was taken to The Alfred Hospital with life-threatening injuries after being allegedly struck down about 3.15pm.

The man, from Bunyip, fronted Melbourne Magistrates' Court on a charge of dangerous driving causing serious injury.

He was bailed to appear at court for a filing hearing on 10 February.

A hospital spokesperson said on Monday morning, 10 February, that the schoolgirl was in a critical condition.

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Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Final chapter for fines

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Borrowers will no longer cop fines for overdue books at Greater Dandenong Libraries.

In a bid to encourage more library users, Greater Dandenong Council voted to remove its 20-cents-a-day fine system and run a finefree amnesty during February.

"Our libraries want to encourage literacy and lifelong learning in our community," mayor Jim Memeti said.

"By removing this small barrier I hope more people will make use of our wonderful libraries.

"Now is the ideal time to return any late books that you have at home. We will wipe any overdue fines, no questions asked."

Greater Dandenong has recorded an 8.6

per cent decrease in library borrowings since 2017-'18.

Its libraries impose fines of 20-cents per overdue item per day - with a borrower barred from borrowing if the fines accrue to $10 or more.

Despite the accruing fines system, two thirds of overdue items had not been returned within 35 days or more.

"It is evident that applying overdue fines is not an effective incentive to return items," a council report stated.

"Library users can be reluctant to return overdue items due to needing to pay fines.

"The outcome is a community member who disengages from using the library service."

In a 2019 survey, up to 44 per cent of library members said they'd use the library more if there was no risk of overdue fines.

International studies have reported the same borrower-boosting effect.

In neighbouring Casey-Cardinia libraries, the removal of fines led to more loans, higher customer satisfaction and no increase in overdue items.

To encourage overdue items' return, Greater Dandenong will still restrict library members' ability to borrow, and charge them the cost of the item if unreturned in 35 days.

There's also an option to call in debt collectors after 50 days.

When the item is returned, the charges are wiped and borrowing privileges are restored.

Greater Dandenong Libraries are now a finePicture: ROB CAREW free zone. 143694

Sport for all aims to connect and to give back

By Danielle Kutchel More than just a bat and ball game, the recent 'Don't Give Up, Give Back' T20 Cricket Tournament was a hit with a diverse cross section of the community.

The tournament's name is also the motto of the All Nations Social Cricket club which runs it.

Founder Abdul Razzaq said the club aimed to inspire a positive mindset among new members of the community.

He and his wife set it up in 2014 to encourage other asylum seekers to engage with the community to counter the social isolation that many experience. By extension, they hope this will reduce instances of mental health problems, drug use and suicide.

"Rather than stay home and get anxiety and depression, we decided to go and give back as

Exhibition game players: Victorian Police CC vs International Stars. volunteers and run this program," he said "It's all about letting others know that mental health is very important."

Local and international teams took to the

pitch in the tournament, which also included an exhibition match involving members of Victoria Police.

"It was wonderful, very successful," Mr

Razzaq said.

"We achieved our goal to bring the community together.

"Yes we're just playing cricket, but it's not just cricket, it's a cause."

All Nations also plays social cricket every Sunday where asylum seekers and other socially isolated members of the community are able to find their place and meet friends.

Mr Razzaq and his team hope to bring in other sports in future and reach more socially isolated people.

"They just need people to reach them and get them out from that red zone," Mr Razzaq explained.

"Sport is a wonderful tool to use for many purposes. Many people, migrants and locals alike, need this."

Find out more about All Nations Social Cricket club on their Facebook page.

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Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

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NEWS

Rivals eye Dandy derby

‘No answers’ for public drunk case

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Dandenong magistrate has questioned police over why they opposed bail for a 22-yearold mother charged with public drunkenness and breaching bail.

"Are you serious about this, prosecutor?" magistrate Doug Bolster said at the 4 February hearing.

"If she's refused bail today, how long will she be in custody?"

It would be seven weeks until she could be referred into a suitable alcohol treatment program, defence lawyer Siva Kandasamy told the court.

"She won't get anything like that (as a sentence) for being drunk in a public place and contravening bail," Mr Bolger replied.

"I thought common sense might have prevailed," he told a police prosecutor. "If you want to proceed with it and waste everyone's time, then just keep it brief."

The accused had been charged with public drunkenness 15 times since 2017.

She was arrested after "aggressively" resisting police attempts to move on 10 "African people" drinking cask wine and punching windows on Lonsdale Street Dandenong about 10.30pm on 3 February, the prosecutor said.

She was observed to be "unsteady on her feet", with slurred speech, a smell of liquor and "abusive" to police, the court heard.

She was then locked up overnight at Dandenong police cells before fronting court.

At the time, she was on bail on a charge of public drunkenness on 20 December. She had breached her bail condition not to be in Dan-

denong CBD while alcohol-affected, the court was told.

In opposing bail, police argued that she would be endangering public safety and at risk of further breaches.

Instead of applying for bail, the woman opted to plead guilty to the charges.

Her lawyer Mr Kandasamy said she'd started drinking at 16 due to family and relationship problems. She lived at home with her mother and her daughter.

Magistrate Bolster said his dilemma was what happened to the accused prior to the March alcohol program.

"I don't know what the answer is immediately.

"Given what I've heard, she's likely to be consuming alcohol between now and when you can arrange for her to be on this program.

"For people like her, prison isn't the right place for them. They seem to fall through the gap."

The woman was discharged with conviction, with the magistrate imploring that "every effort should be done to assist her immediately".

"You've got to get off the alcohol," Mr Bolger told her.

"You better accept all the help you can get."

Dandenong City and Dandenong Thunder are both ambitious for success ahead of a local blockbuster to kick off the 2020 National Premier Leagues Victoria season on 15 February.

Dubbed the Dandy Derby, the two teams square off for the Jim Memeti Cup - a trophy named after and donated by the Greater Dandenong mayor and soccer enthusiast.

After a disappointing 2019, the Thunder have made wholesale changes to storm back into the finals.

Star recruits include Afghan international Zelfy Nazary, Brisbane NPL player Alain Papi, ex-Central Coast A-Leaguer Harry Ascroft and three-time 'golden boot' Brandon Barnes.

Thunder president Miron Mustafai was confident that the historically-successful Thunder would bounce back this year.

He's expecting a fervent 3000-plus fans at the Round 1 kick-off.

"With the new players, there's new energy.

"We've had a strong pre-season and we're expecting a good turnout (for Round 1)."

Fierce rival Dandenong City has never grabbed hold of the Jim Memeti Cup. Last season, it was up 3-0 at half-time before Thunder rattled home with four unanswered goals.

"There's a big rivalry," City assistant coach Semi Sivic says. "This is a huge game for us."

City are determined to reverse last season's tardy start, which cost the club its inaugural NPL finals appearance.

With six quality NPL recruits, City has finals in its sights.

"We have to start off well. We want to aim high."

Dandenong Thunder v Dandenong City is at George Andrews Reserve, Deepdale Street, Dandenong South on Saturday 15 February, 7pm.

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We love serving the local Dandenong community.

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STAR JOURNAL 5

NEWS

No extra jail for scammer

By Cam Lucadou-Wells It may be a long wait for compensation for a Gumtree scam victim in Queensland.

She had been scammed by Nathan Russell, 34, who posted an ad to sell a set of Holden wheels for $800 in April 2018, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court heard.

Since then, the victim has neither received the wheels nor her money back.

Meanwhile that month, Russell was taken into custody on another matter, and released in January 2019.

Russell pleaded guilty to a deception charge as well as breaching his community correction

order via a prison video link at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 4 February.

Police applied for a restitution order for $800 against Russell but it may have to wait until 2026 at the earliest.

Last November, he was sentenced in the County Court of Victoria to eight years and nine months in jail for attempted aggravated carjacking and several counts of reckless conduct endangering life.

It was described by County Court judge Michael McInerney as “the worst driving I have observed in my time as a Judge of over 20 years”.

“How no one was killed is an absolute mir-

acle.”

Using the ‘totality’ principle, a defence lawyer argued for a concurrent sentence on the grounds of Russell’s already “excessive” jail stint. He won’t be eligible for parole until 2026.

It was unlikely that the offences would have extended his 276-days in custody in 2018-19, the lawyer argued.

“Any sentence would delay his availability for parole.”

The lawyer said the $800 restitution order would “bring undue hardship.”

Magistrate Doug Bolster said he wasn’t swayed by the ‘hardship’ argument. “He’s the one who put himself in that situation.”

But he noted that Russell was already serving a “significant sentence”.

Russell, a former mechanic, suffered posttraumatic stress disorder due to being stabbed during an aggravated burglary, the court heard.

He was also diagnosed with anxiety, depression and ADHD, his lawyer said.

Russell had “battled” with drug use such as ice, cannabis and speed since he was 15 years old.

Mr Bolger jailed Russell for five months, served concurrently with his current prison stint. He was convicted and fined $1000.

Role of a lifetime trackside Applications are now open to be an official at this year’s Superbike World Championship on 28 February to 1 March.

Apply now to be a track marshal and you will be assigned to an amazing location trackside close to the action.

Learn how to assist with bike recovery in a safe environment under the direction of a senior official. There is no prior experience required with new officials being trained and supported by experienced officials.

All officials receive a three-day pass, a lunch bag each day, evening refreshments and an invitation to the Saturday night officials’ barbecue. Free camping for all officials and up to two guests is available. You will also receive an official's cap, a souvenir program and the opportunity to purchase event merchandise at a 10% discount.

Also included are two complimentary threeday general admission passes for your family or friends which includes access to the SBK paddock and the Saturday night officials' barbecue.

One long-time volunteer official and local Rob Davison, who has dedicated his time to 16 MotoGPs and 15 World Superbikes, said he had made life-long friends through getting involved.

“My favourite event is the World Superbikes without doubt. It’s so friendly and relaxed and the racing is brilliant, it would be a great way to start as an official,“ Rob said.

“I have managed to recruit quite a few officials over the years and now it’s very pleasing to see a lot of females volunteering as well. I would recommend becoming an official, it’s a great way to see racing up close and a great way to meet people with the same interests.“ For further details and to apply go to www. worldsbk.com.au/officials application or phone 5952 2710.

Apply now to be a track marshal and you will be assigned to an amazing location trackside.

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LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 12 February 1920 News and Notes Boys and Billiards From the "Oakleigh Times" it appears that exception has been taken to the practice of boys playing billiards at the local Mechanics Institute, several of the older members contending that the lads referred to would be better engaged in their homes attending their studies. However at a recent meeting, the trouble was overcome by the amendment of the rules and in future boys must be 16 years of age before they'll be allowed to play billiards on the table at the institute mentioned.

50 years ago 10 February 1970 Out to beat 'Dullsville' A young dance promoter is out to disprove

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

teenagers' claims that Dandenong is "dullsville" by opening a weekly dance. The dance Midnight Haze Disco will open in Doveton Public Hall in Power Rd next Friday. Peter Pinch, Gary Hanrahan decided to open the Doveton dance after reading teenagers claims in the Journal that Dandenong "is dullsville."

"Ever since 54321 closed kids haven't had anywhere to go. I thought I would take advantage of the opportunity and fill a much needed vacancy." "Kids have told me they don't like going to the other Saturday night dance because there are too many fights."

Will try to keep out louts, or keep them under control, Peter said. Six 'bouncers 'will be on duty throughout the night and police will make regular patrols. The line-up for the night includes the Town Criers and Raspberry Jungle, and the Candy Blues. Admission is $1 and dress is casual.

20 years ago

5 years ago

14 February 2000

9 February 2015

Expansion Plans

Tourist splash

A Noble Park company's $30 million expansion plan will create 100 new jobs for locals and boost Victoria's export market. Optical Fibre manufacturer Corning Incorporated last week announced plans to double the capacity of the Summit Road plant. The Mayor of Greater Dandenong Councillor Naim Melhem said he was delighted the company had chosen to invest in the Noble Park site. "It is a great opportunity for the people of Greater Dandenong, and the result of hard work by our economic development unit. " The council has been involved all the way and I'm glad to see this come to fruition.

A cable water-ski centre could bring 90,000 people to Bangholme each year. This month Activ will apply for permits to build the $5million Melbourne Cable Park (MCP) in Riverend Road, adjacent to the National Water Ski Centre (NWSC) on Patterson River. The company has leased a grassed area that the State Government declared surplus to its needs and plans to build lakes for a variety of events including water-skiing, wake boarding, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.

"It's the orphan that everybody forgot about," Activ managing director Ian Clark said. "For 20 years this has just been grass." By the end of the year it could be home to two full lake systems.

NEWS

OPINION

Yes by VCAT

INFLATION

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A state planning tribunal has approved a multitownhouse project in Springvale despite Greater Dandenong Council's objections.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) member Tracy Watson said the seven double-storey attached dwellings at 7 Kelvin Grove were consistent with the neighbourhood character.

The Residential Growth zone allowed for buildings up to four storeys, and more intense development near Springvale Activity Centre and railway station, Ms Watson said in her decision on 30 January.

"The subject site is also located in the mid-

section of a small no-through road which is already relatively intensely developed."

Currently, a single dwelling occupies the 858-square-metre site. But two-storey buildings were "commonplace", with just one other property used as a single dwelling, Ms Watson noted.

Greater Dandenong objected that the project would have an unacceptable impact on neighbourhood character.

Ms Watson said it was reasonable, in context with the surrounds, to "confine the canopy tree planting to the front garden". Greater Dandenong was ordered to reimburse the applicant $2162 for failing to decide upon the permit application within a 60-day timeframe.

The above is being caused by all levels of Government!

The Local Council at the instruction of our State Government has, belatedly, decided to take action to ensure pool safety in the home environment! However they have decided that the 8000 pool owners in the Casey area can pay $632,000 to register what the Casey Council should already know about!

Then pool owners will have to supply an inspection certificate by a licenced building inspector at approximately $375 each for the 8000 Casey located pools which is about $3 million!

Should your pool be non-compliant here will be a further fee for re-inspection once remediation work is completed! Once that is done you will have issued by the Council a certificate at $31.84 each, equaling $25,472!

If you have to have a remediation inspection done they are approximately $200 each.

So at a minimum it will cost pool owners

$632,000 plus $3,000,000 plus $254,720 totaling $3,886,720 which the State Government has decided ratepayers can pay. The services we pay our local councils for are not being supplied!

I appreciate that having even one child drown is to be avoided at all costs however the pool next to me which was Council approved (so they know of its existence) has not had any inspections carried out in the last eight years

by Council or State Government! Why have the State Government decided to further cause inflation when Local Government has the expertise (or should have) given that the VBA advise me that there are NO pool inspectors!

If you are wondering about the inflation being caused by all Governments, this is one example. Council rate increases cause increased rental fees as landlords have to increase rents to remain viable in supplying properties for rental! Also local councils value properties so State government can calculate Land Tax. Gazza, Endeavour Hills

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New Community Funding and Sponsorships The City of Greater Dandenong has opened a new suite of funding and sponsorship programs for applications for eligible not-for-profit organisations from small volunteer groups and

your

clubs to community service agencies.

Council will hold a series of information sessions for interested organisations during February and March.

Applications for Community Partnership and Sponsorship are now open and close Tuesday 10 March 2020.

Community Support Grants Round 1 opens for applications from

Expressions of interest for Community Representatives for

snap a photo at our

assessment panels are open and close Monday 2 March 2020.

Valentine’s Day Flower Wall Tag @dandenongmarket to go into the draw to win your share of $300 in Market Vouchers!

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For more details of the new program including information sessions, guidelines, applications and support can be found at greaterdandenong.com/grants.

For further questions or to rsvp to information sessions please contact the Community Funding Team on

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8 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

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Tuesday 10 March and closes on Monday 20 April.

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NEWS

Hazaras dig deep again

By Danielle Kutchel Following a mammoth donation to the bushfire relief effort in January, the Hazara community have opened their hearts again with yet another donation to help those who've lost everything.

On Saturday 1 February, representatives of the Afghan Australian Civil Society Organisation (AACSO) presented a cheque for $18,000 to CFA District 8 headquarters.

The money poured in online from the Hazara community both within and outside of Australia.

It followed a donation of approximately $160,000 in mid January.

"We acknowledge this amount is nothing

to respond to the tragic bushfires we all have been dealing with," said Reza Andesha, chairperson of AACSO and the Volleyball Association of the Hazara in Victoria.

"However, through this initiative we would like to show our respect, solidarity and sympathy to those who have been affected by this tragic occurrence, and to support our life-saving firefighters tirelessly working on the front line to keep us safe."

The presentation was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Member for Bruce, Julian Hill; Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams; Member for Scullin, Andrew Giles; Mayor of Greater Dandenong, Jim Memeti; and Greater Dandenong councillor Angela Long.

Reza Andesha presents a cheque to the operational manager of CFA District 8 Headquarters.

The cheque presentation.

Industry leader Catalano joins realestateview.com.au

Real Estate

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ue immensely by becoming part of Antony’s cross-platform media network.”

Mr Catalano’s appointment to the board follows the launch realestateview.com.au and

T 16P_

OF I

BIG BLOCK, BIG pOSSIBILITIES

“Antony has an impressive track record of rapidly growing media businesses, particularly in the real estate category. I feel confident that realestateview.com.au will grow its market val-

CoreLogic’s price estimator late last year.

Mr Catalano said realestateview.com.au had a range of industry attractions but its most valuable asset was it’s highly engaged audience.

“This audience, coupled with the ability to deliver advertising solutions at speed, presents a compelling opportunity to create a multipronged media group inclusive of a property portal,“ he said.

Star News Group, publisher of this title, has been an investor in REV since 2017 along with a number of other independent media publishers.

Star News Group managing director Paul Thomas said: “This is a business with a significant audience and high growth.

“Antony Catalano and his 170 plus regional titles involvement will assist that rapid expansion. It will be a win for agents, vendors and buyers.“

www.sej.com.au

starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

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SEJ

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New Real Estate View board member Antony Catalano.

com.au

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

12379952-RC08-18

The rapid growth of realestateview.com.au (REV) has continued, with the expanding property portal appointing Antony Catalano as a board member.

Mr Catalano and his business partner, billionaire investor Alex Waislitz, who acquired Australia Community Media (ACM) last year, now hold the largest interest in realestateview. com.au, with an economic stake of 26 per cent.

REV is the third largest property portal in Australia. Its audience has grown by more than 40 per cent over the last 12 months.

Realestateview.com.au chief executive Tony Balazs said the business had undergone a period of rapid transformation.

“The opportunity to work with ACM and extend our brand through their network is a clear vote of confidence for the work we’ve been doing. The opportunity will allow us to further grow our audience and deliver improved results for our customers,” he said.

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

|

STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Govt moves to quell strife

By Cam Lucadou-Wells State authorities have stepped in to help resolve an "out of control" child-protection home in a Greater Dandenong neighbourhood.

As reported by the Star Journal, frightened neighbours have been subjected to assaults, abuse and projectiles flung by children living at the Anglicare Victoria-run home.

A spokesperson for Child Protection Minister Luke Donnellan said the government was working with Anglicare to "make sure these concerns are resolved".

"People have the right to be safe and secure in their own home.

"The department has robust policies and procedures in place to make sure any complaints are dealt with swiftly and effectively."

Residents say they have been complaining for months about the youngsters reportedly setting up camp on the home's roof and run

amok into all hours of the night.

Police and paramedics have reportedly been called to break up the gatherings.

Anglicare Victoria stated it had run the home "successfully for many years" and enjoyed "positive" relations with neighbours.

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."

Meanwhile residents, while reporting relative calm in recent days, say they are awaiting authorities to repair cars and fences allegedly kicked in by the young people.

A neighbour's iron fence allegedly kicked in by children at a child-protection home in Greater Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS Dandenong. 203986

Bail denied as Mum rejects accused teen driver

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An 18-year-old's bail application spectacularly collapsed in Dandenong Magistrates' Court after his mother refused to take him back home.

Maxwell Gany, of Dandenong North, covered his head with his hands and T-shirt in the dock, as his defence lawyer announced the "late development" at the 28 January hearing.

Gany had been accused of intentionally putting police at risk and endangering life while he drove a stolen Ford Falcon with two passengers in Springvale South the day before.

He pulled a U-turn while followed by a police car into a no-through street near Coomoora Road about 3.40pm, police told the court.

Police activated their vehicle's lights and sirens. An officer stepped out onto the street and ordered the Falcon driver to stop.

Gany allegedly drove towards the police car, causing the officer to take evasive action, the court was told.

The Falcon veered out of control into two parked cars. Gany fled on foot and was captured by police on Northgate Drive.

Two unopened liquor bottles, believed to be stolen, were seized from the Falcon.

During a police interview, Gany denied he was driving. He claimed he swapped seats with the driver after the Falcon crashed.

In opposing bail, police told the court that

Gany was on youth probation for alleged robbery and attempted robbery.

He was also awaiting trial for earlier offences such as driving unlicensed and negligently handling proceeds of crime.

Gany's lawyer argued there were 'exceptional circumstances' for the accused's release.

A custodial sentence "wasn't necessarily in play", given Gany's age and the nature of the charges, the lawyer said.

It was uncertain whether Gany faced charges of intentionally or recklessly putting police at risk. He faced more time in remand than his likely sentence, the lawyer told the court.

With "strong" rehabilitation prospects,

Gany was keen to continue his studies and a possible career in boxing or basketball, the lawyer said.

In custody, he was more likely to encounter "bad influences".

Magistrate Tony Burns said some of the defence arguments were persuasive.

On the other hand, Youth Justice had not yet assessed Gany's suitability for supervised bail, and that a suggested bail address in Lynbrook had not been verified, he noted.

Mr Burns refused bail, declaring Gany an unacceptable risk of continuing to offend.

Gany was remanded to face a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 20 April.

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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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Introducing your

RIS E

ALB AN Y

School Principals EDUCATION IS OUR FUTURE

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Judy Drew

Avril Howard

Mary Lucas

Albany Rise Primary School

Lighthouse Cristian College

74-82 Albany Drive, Mulgrave VIC 3170 Phone : 9547 1146 Email : albany.rise.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au www.albanyrise-ps.vic.edu.au

927 Springvale Rd, Keysborough VIC 3173 Phone: 8796 7373 Website: www.lighthouse.vic.edu.au Email: school.office@lighthouse.vic.edu.au

St Paul Apostle North Primary School

Susan Ogden

Bankasia Campus 8-20 Janine Road, Springvale South

Phone 9798 1877

Phone 9546 4144

www.keysboroughsc.vic.edu.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Yarraman Oaks Primary School is a small, friendly school community where diversity is embraced, opportunities are explored and all are welcome and valued. Situated on 3 hectares, we have plenty of space for our students to play and explore and have designated Junior and Senior learning communities and playground areas. We also have our own Before and After School Care programs and a Kindergarten on site! At Yarraman Oaks Primary School, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful both at school and in life. We provide differentiated learning experiences that cater for the individual needs of each student. We strive to develop strong literacy and numeracy skills in our students and also understand the importance of building their social skills.

All students from Foundation to Grade 6 learn the skills of being persistent, resilient, confident, organised and getting along with others through the You Can Do It! Program. The curriculum at Yarraman Oaks Primary School also includes Digital Technologies, French, Art, Physical Education and Performing Arts lessons. Please ring to arrange a school tour or drop in to see our wonderful school. I look forward to welcoming you and your family to our school community.

Our unique House structure and state of the art facilities ensure students’ develop a deep connection and strong pride in their school.

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

Our Senior Studies Program and our strong partnerships with tertiary providers and community organisations provides students with an individualised senior pathway and the essential entrepreneurship and other 21st Century skills necessary for success once they leave school.

We offer an extensive STEM pathway and SEAL Program and our emphasis on student agency and leadership empowers our students to exact positive change and be responsible community members both inside and outside the school.

I am incredibly proud to be the leader of such a unique and dynamic learning community and would encourage you to visit our website or contact the school to arrange a tour.

Dandenong High School Principal: Susan Ogden Associate Principals: Mark Dewar and Katie Watmough 92-106 Princes Hwy, Dandenong VIC 3175 Phone: (03) 9792 0561 Fax: (03) 9706 8028 Website: www.dandenong-hs.vic.edu.au Email: dandenong.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au

Yarraman Oaks Primary School 12411443-SN08-19

Keysborough College Acasia Campus 28 Isaac Road, Keyborough

Tina Ersch

Established in 1919, Dandenong High School is one of the oldest and most culturally diverse Secondary Schools in the State. Our vision is simply to create an environment where every student achieves success and realises their potential, and we enact this in all we do.

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To all families who are considering enrolling their children at Keysborough College I say that I believe you are making an excellent choice!

We aim to provide the very best for every student. From their first day, our students enjoy a supportive and secure learning environment. We provide a positive student learning experience for all students through the creation of a personalised learning environment, via shared effective learning and a culture of high expectation and high achievement across the College. We cater to individual students’ learning styles and the rate at which they learn to improve their results in the classroom.

The wellbeing of each student is fostered through a teaching and learning culture founded on positive relationships that encourages and supports students to take responsibility for their own learning. We provide transition programs and pathways for students as they move through the College and beyond. This occurs through the development of authentic learning pathways that respond to the varying values, needs and interests of our students, and building a significant social and academic working relationship with the College’s associated Primary Schools.

The benchmark in planning the future direction of our College is to ensure the best possible outcomes for all students, and to provide students, parents, staff and the wider community with the opportunity to be involved in creating our future. At Keysborough College we truly live our values in all aspects of school life: Respect, Excellence and Diversity. I look forward to you visiting our school.

76 Mossgiel Park Dr, Endeavour Hills 9700 6068 www.spanhills.catholic.edu.au

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John Baston

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St Paul Apostle North is a small but vibrant community school attached to the Parish of St Paul Apostle in Endeavour Hills. We say that when we enrol a student in our school community, we enrol the whole family.

We encourage families to be involved in our school in whatever way they feel comfortable.

Our school has a strong focus on Wellbeing.

Meditation and mindfulness are practised throughout the school. We specifically teach social and emotional skills to enable our children to develop and practice empathy, resilience, compassion and respect. Our Wellbeing Program has many facets, all designed to meet the individual needs of our children and their families.

Their curriculum programs are also designed to cater for individual needs and differences. We challenge our students to embrace their creativity and curiosity and to engage in the deep questions that help them make sense of the world and our place in that world. We challenge ourselves to make a difference every day.

At St Paul Apostle North we expect and encourage the pursuit of excellence in whatever form that may take for each child. Our students know that we believe in them and that we are there to support them to reach their highest potential.

I feel very privileged that our families have chosen to entrust their children to our care and I take that trust very seriously. Please ring to book a tour.

Mary Lucas

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Welcome to Lighthouse Christian College (Keysborough) a top relational school as recognised by the Relational Schools Foundation (UK and Australia).

Our vision is to raise young leaders who are equipped to enter the 21st century workforce with confidence, hope and purpose.

Lighthouse (est.1989) is a multi-campus environment (ELC- Year 12) and has earned the reputation of being the Christian choice for excellence in education. Our dedicated and world class staff apply a pedagogy that is student-focused and fosters skills such as, critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.

We are a dynamic future-oriented Christian learning community where students flourish.

Our holistic approach to learning means that we have Chaplains, counselling services and cocurricular programs to ensure students feel safe, engaged, and enjoy learning. In preparing students for a world that is rapidly changing and jobs that will require not just academic rigour, but soft skills such as flexibility and adaptability, Lighthouse integrates STEM across Prep to Year 10. STEM together with a pathways program engages students in a dynamic ‘Maker Space’, where they use cutting edge technology.

Lighthouse Christian College (Keysborough) provides world class education and we welcome you to our beautiful Christian College.

Avril Howard Executive Principal

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At Albany Rise Primary School, students are equipped with skills to pursue their passions and to seek opportunities to help others, effecting change in ways that show ‘anyone can make a difference’. Students at Albany Rise are selfmotivated and encouraged to lead ‘big picture’ initiatives whilst following personal passions at all year levels, such as leading fundraisers to support the homeless, or campaigning for environmental issues. Recently, the whole school community rallied to support the needs of other children in the bushfire affected areas of Victoria.

At Albany Rise Primary School, our staff, students and families develop strong community connections, ensuring all of our students build positive relationships in a culture of inclusion and high expectations. Our Values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience are embedded in all of the teaching and learning practices across the school, and demonstrated by students everyday.

Situated in the heart of Mulgrave, our school provides a safe and inviting environment with small class sizes and a comprehensive academic curriculum. At Albany Rise, every child is focused on achieving targeted and individualised learning goals, whilst developing their distinct personalities and following their passions. Our school’s superior facilities include a play-based learning centre, large gymnasium, newly refurbished oval and running track, which are enjoyed by students when instructed by our awarding winning Physical Education teacher (winner of Victorian Education Excellence Award 2019).

27 Liege Avenue, NOBLE PARK Phone 9792 4406 www.yarramanoaksps.vic.edu.au Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

|

STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Fire hazard fears

By Danielle Kutchel They say the grass is greener on the other side, but in Dandenong South it's just tall, dry and a potential fire hazard.

Tenants in Venture Court in Dandenong South are fed up with an overgrown, messy patch of land along their street, saying it attracts negative attention and is ripe for a fire.

The land, which runs behind the factories and along the train line, is owned by VicTrack and appears to be used as a holding yard for materials for the rail line upgrade.

Grass ringing the block is, in some places, more than waist high.

It's a similar situation at a block across the road, which the Dandenong Journal understands is owned by Metro Trains.

Declan Kirkham, owner of Vurgel Precision Automotive which backs on to the VicTrack land, said he has been trying since November to have the grass cut before the worst happens.

After contacting the council multiple times, he was told that the owners would be given notice to clean up their act.

Nothing was done however, and he's been watching the grass grow steadily taller and drier ever since.

"I was nervous over the string of hot days because I don't want to lose my workshop," he said.

"It wouldn't take much to start a fire. It's fuel that doesn't need to be there."

He said the grass also attracts unwanted attention, with looters and thieves driving by to steal the leftover materials and copper wire.

The grass also provides perfect cover for

By Brendan Rees

Overgrown grass at the site. vermin and stray cats.

Mark, owner of a nearby gym which overlooks the block, said the grass was a serious concern for himself and his clients - at one point growing to well over head height.

"Now it's just a fire hazard," he said.

In response to enquiries, Greater Dandenong Council was unable to confirm whether VicTrack had been presented with a clean-up notice.

"Council will investigate and take appro-

priate action if the property is considered a hazard or safety issue," Greater Dandenong Council's city planning, design and amenity director Jody Bosman said.

But Mr Kirkham said he's sick of waiting and wondering.

"How long do we wait, do we have to wait for a fire?" he said.

VicTrack was approached for comment but did not respond before deadline.

Preps take charge Prep students cheerily settled into their first day of school at St Anthony's Primary on 31 January. Photographer Stewart Chambers captured the new students at play.

Prep students Daniel and Steveland meet the dinosaurs. 203729 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

'Dinosaur Jr' Scarlet lifts a stegosaurus.

Nicola, Rollvin and Ruth in the Prep classroom. 203729

Prep students Hoa and Aiden settle in for their first day. 203729

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Sam stays overseas

St Anthony's Primary School Prep students Hoa and Aiden get cooking. 203729

Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

A key figure in an IBAC corruption investigation and a former Casey mayor has taken aim at his fellow councillors after they reluctantly granted a request for extended paid leave.

At a public council meeting on Tuesday 4 February, councillors voted for embattled councillor Sam Aziz a leave of absence until 31 March citing medical grounds.

Cr Aziz is one of the keys players in the Casey land scandal where it's alleged he pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars from a developer in exchange for favourable planning decisions.

Cr Aziz made a dash to Egypt last November before the Independent Broad-based Anticorruption Commission (IBAC) conducted its hearings.

Casey mayor Susan Serey said at the meeting the decision to grant Cr Aziz had "not been made lightly," and "the situation is less than ideal".

She said council was bound by their obligations under the Local Government Act, which fell "far short from what I know our community expects.

"Councillors around the table feel the same way," Cr Serey said.

"Having considered the medical advice provided by Cr Aziz in support of his application, as well as the legal advice which has reiterated our obligation to not unreasonably refuse leave, believe we had no alternative to do otherwise.

"I want to stress that my councillor colleagues sitting around this table wouldn't have voted for this motion unless it had potentially other serious legal implications for the city of Casey and its ratepayers," Cr Serey said.

In a Facebook message, Cr Aziz hit back at the mayor, labelling her statement as "denigrating".

"Tonight council approved a further leave of absence for me after I submitted a detailed medical report explaining why I am not able to return to duty at this stage," Cr Aziz's statement said.

"That was a report and not just a 'medical certificate'.

"I have remained deliberately silent since this ordeal started in November last year, in what has become a media circus, and a savage feeding frenzy by certain fringe groups and keyboard warriors, who have always had an axe to grind," his statement read.

"It appears that sober and fair assessment has completely gone out the window, despite the undeniable success of the City of Casey, and our obvious record in delivering world class infrastructure and excellent services for our residents, supported by a very efficient and financially lean administration".

But Cr Aziz stated he had "every intention of returning to duty, and as soon as I can," adding councillors were aware of his medical condition which he says was diagnosed in May last year.

In the statement, he said he did finish the "work I have been doing overseas" and changed a return flight home from 8 December to 19 November last year, and had "paid a significant non-refundable fare difference to do so."

"However, I was prevented from boarding the aircraft at check-in due to a very serious cardiac health condition.

"The mayor was given documentary evidence of this flight change, as well as detailed medical evidence of the progress of my health condition," Cr Aziz stated.

Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek said he expected councillors "to turn up to meetings and do their job".

"Under the Local Government Act, the office of a councillor becomes vacant if they are absent from four ordinary meetings of the council without obtaining leave," Mr Somyurek said.

This week, the State Government announced it would extend the tenure of Casey monitor Laurinda Gardner until 11 February.

Ms Garner was originally due to provide her report on councillor governance and decisionmaking to the Minister by 31 January, following her appointment on 27 November last year.

IBAC examinations will restart on 2 March and are open to the public. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Bloodied in ugly brawl

By Brendan Rees A brave woman has told of the moment she tried to break up a brawl at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre where a teen was left bloodied in what's believed to be a scissor attack.

Amanda, who asked her surname not to be published, was shopping at Myer about 4pm on Saturday, 1 February, when a row broke out between a group of teenage boys.

Amanda said she tried to intervene by putting her hand out in front of one of the boys, telling him to "just stop it, just stop it" while another shopper shouted at the boys to get out.

According to Amanda, the boy she tried to hold back "kept antagonising" the group and "going back" to help his brother. "What they were after them for I don't know," she said.

At this stage, the fight between the group aged between 15 and 18 years of age, had escalated and spilled outside near the Shingle Inn cafe and Amanda called police.

"The next minute I saw them picking the sign up from Myer, and running at the boy with the sign, and then things were getting smashed," Amanda said.

"One of the Myer staff said: 'One of the boys' been stabbed in the neck with scissors'.

"Someone else shouted: 'He's been stabbed'," Amanda said, as dozens of onlookers videoed the fallout of the incident before police arrived and taped off the area.

Amanda said one of the boys injured in the fight was given first aid by Myer staff members.

"They're trying to mop him up and there's blood all over the floor," she said.

Victoria Police spokesman Sergeant Cam-

Valentine’s Day a real treat Dandenong's retail hubs are getting romantic with special offers and competitions in the lead-up to Valentine's Day. Armada Dandenong Plaza has five dinner date packages up for grabs in its Friday Freebies competition on its Facebook page.

The packages include a Readings Cinema double-pass and a $50 dining voucher.

The plaza will also give away red roses to shoppers that spend a minimum of $20 at any of its dining and entertainment retailers on

Valentine's Day. Dandenong Market will invite lovers to snap photos at its flower wall in Market Square between 14-16 February.

Images uploaded to Facebook or Instagram and tagging @dandenongmarket have the chance to win market vouchers.

Discounts are also offered for the market's street food tours until 28 February. Enter the code LOVE50 at its website checkout.

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

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eron Scott said two boys had been charged "following an assault at a Narre Warren shopping centre". He said a 15-year-old from Dandenong was charged with affray and intentionally cause injury and was remanded in custody to appear at a children's court at a later date.

The second boy, a 14-year-old from Frankston, was charged with affray and bailed to appear at a children's court later this month.

Police could not confirm whether a pair of scissors had been used in the assault, saying the "injuries are non-life threatening".

Paramedics treated a teenage boy at the scene and taken to Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition with an upper body injury.

Sunil, a staff member at Shingle Inn, said he was in the kitchen when he heard screaming and fighting.

He said panic-stricken customers stayed in the cafe between half-an-hour and 45 minutes.

"It is very dangerous these young people fighting," he said. "I've got the metal signs outside - they may use sometime. I have seen on the news what happens".

Gembrook MP Brad Battin said violence at the shopping centre was "only increasing" and called on the State Government to take action.

"The safety of staff and shoppers should not be placed under risk," he said.

"Daniel Andrews must act immediately in providing the adequate resources to assist police in in restoring a safe shopping and work environment for Casey residents."

Westfield's Scentre group said the incident was reported to police and could not comment any further.

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 13

ENTERTAINMENT

Art ‘for the fun of it’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Enter the endlessly inventive world of Noble Park painter and sculptor Martin Heatherich.

It's hard to believe the diverse array of found-object sculptures, giant cosmos paintings and local landscapes are the product of one mind.

But there it all is - in a whimsical and wondrous exhibition '65 years of making art' at Walker Street Gallery.

On display are a bright aeroplane with jar lid wheels, a 'Frankenstein' GM-chook, a giant moth as well as Nature scenes carved from polystyrene packaging.

There's a striking representation of bigbank greed. A multi-headed crocodile - carved from cork - chewing on a human leg.

The victim represents the "99 per cent of us being eaten by the 1 per cent".

A former auto-parts sorter, Heatherich says he has no formal art training, and little preplanning.

He just makes use of objects that are easy to cut and put together - and then "something comes out of it by chance".

"I just like to do it," he says.

"There is a lot of mystery about the whole idea of creativity - where does it come from, how does it develop? I don't know.

"Some of these ideas just pop up in your mind and the result is a painting."

This collection starts just before he migrated from Holland as a 21-year-old, along with his parents, in 1955.

His early works are landscapes in homage to Vincent van Gogh, progressing to the stunning explosions of colour captured by the Hubble telescope.

"The Hubble made it possible to look past the little we knew of the Milky Way," he marvels.

Martin Heatherich with his painting of a corona in outer-space. 204196 He's influenced by Vincent van Gogh, M C Escher, surrealists and German expressionists, but unlike them he didn't settle into one style.

"If we look at the artists that are world-fa-

mous, we can always recognise their work. It's either all they can do or all they want to do.

"I do art for the fun of it. I can't be anything other than what I am."

Picture: GARY SISSONS Martin Heatherich: 65 years of making art is at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong until 22 February.

WHAT’S ON The Open Door's Creative Writing Group

Library Lovers’ Day: Queen of Hearts Tea Party

Join us for the first Writing Group workshop of 2020! Welcome to an organic group offering writers an opportunity to share their work and brainstorm ideas in a fun and relaxed manner.

New writers welcome.

When: Thursday 13th February 10am-12pm.

Where: 110 Ann Street, Dandenong 3175. A gold coin is welcome. For more details contact Jo or Tayla on 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au.

By royal decree you are invited to join the Queen of Hearts to celebrate Library Lovers’ Day! Do not be late for this very important date. Jump down the rabbit hole to Wonderland for a mad tea party filled with songs, croquet and a Caucus-race or two! In partnership with the Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre. All ages welcome, bookings required.

Friday 14th February 2020 10:00am 11:00am at Doveton Library. More details at https://www.cclc.vic.gov.au/event/library-lovers-day-queen-of-hearts-tea-party/

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Sunday rock at the bowls Local 8 piece rock & roll and country rock band Boomers' Jukebox are again performing at Clayton Bowls Club, Springs Road Clayton South on Sunday 16th February from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

Bar and Bistro open. Come along and enjoy the songs you love from the 50's, 60's and 70's.

Huge dancefloor for your enjoyment.

Further information from Bowls Club 9544 9929.

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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.

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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.

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University of the Third Age U3ADandenong is looking for new members 14 STAR JOURNAL

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who wish to participate in a range of over 40 educational, cultural and physical activity programmes.

For further information phone 9546 2997, or look up our website www.dandenongu3a.org/

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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 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

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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

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Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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Fun for retirees 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.

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

Call Ian on 0438363000.

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

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

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Looking for company and activity?

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

Come and join our very friendly group.

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

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Mental health support Depressed? Anxious? Grow offers support.

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

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

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

The Lions bank a vital win

By Nick Creely The win couldn't have come at a better time for Narre South.

Under some pressure from a late charge at fourth spot from both Heinz Southern Districts and Hallam Kalora Park, the Lions needed to find some touch and respond after three losses on the trot.

And they did - in the process moving one step further to cementing their spot in the Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 1 finals.

Taking on St Mary's at Carroll Reserve, the home side won the toss and elected to bat, and after a bright start with the blade it seemed that the Lions would have a chase on their hands.

That was until Morteza Ali stepped in with a decisive spell of bowling, continuing on his golden season in the DDCA's top grade.

Snaring 4/22 off his eight overs - taking his tally of wickets up to 20 for the season - Ali rattled through the middle order after snaring opener Wendyl Pires (31), with the home side rolling over for just 103 in just under 36 overs.

Tim Phillips (2/26) and Michael Ritchie (2/10) were also excellent for the Lions with the ball, while skipper Scott Phillips kept things tight with 1/18 off six overs.

The Lions made little error in running down the target, with Ali (22) and Rumesh Rangana (57) getting off to a strong start, with the visitors ultimately finding the runs with eight wickets still left in the shed.

Just down the road at Park Oval, Buckley Ridges also found some much-needed form as the Bucks gear up for a premiership defence.

Coming off two losses in a row, the Bucks were greeted by the formidable Springvale South, a side seething after a shock loss to St Mary's last round at home.

But it was the Bucks who just had all the answers.

After the Bloods elected to have a bat first, openers Nathan King (44 off 38) and Ateeq Javid (20) got off to a brisk start notching up 66 for the first wicket.

With a monster score potentially looming, some class from Adrian Neill (2/12) and Greg Todd (2/13) got the home side back on track, and suddenly the Bloods were 4/74.

It was then tweaker Wes Nicholas' (4/26) time to shine, producing his best figures since the grand final against the Bloods last season, rummaging through the middle and lower orders to roll the visitors for 166, with Tim Ford (36 not out) once again providing a vital hand with the bat.

Ford carried on the momentum by removing Susa Pradeep early in the chase, but skipper David White (53) once again flayed them everywhere, and combining with Jayson Hobbs (58) for a match-defining 88-run stand, took the game away from the Bloods.

Jerome Jones (31 off 24 balls) put the rubber stamp on the contest with a late cameo as the Bucks ran away winners by five wickets and with eight overs still to play with.

Heinz Southern Districts, meanwhile, kept its faint finals hopes alive with a dominant win against North Dandenong in a high-scoring affair at Lois Twohig Reserve.

The Maroons did some fine work with the bat, with Clayton McCartney (75) keeping his brilliant form going by carrying the first dig as the home side rattled along to 6/225 off its 40

Buckley Ridges all-rounder Daniel Watson sends one down. 204256 overs.

With runs coming quite easily for the home side, Chandima Abeykoon's 2/28 off eight overs proved vital in keeping the run rate under six per over.

The Maroons were looking the goods for the win when Jamie Selvaraj's (2/46) double strike saw the Cobras 3/44, but skipper Kaushalya Weeraratne and opener Udara Hettige had other ideas.

In a devastating, match-winning partnership of 133 runs, the pair completely took the game away to help move the Cobras within nine points of fourth spot.

Weeraratne - who crunched 89 in the win - ended a rare run of starts for the club. In 10 innings prior to Saturday, the champion allrounder had scored seven scores between 30 and 49, and had yet to score a fifty for the season despite scoring well in excess of 300 runs.

Hettige was also outstanding, carrying the bat to finish unbeaten on 73, a knock featuring five fours and two sixes.

In the final game of the Turf 1 round, Berwick eased past Hallam Kalora Park at Frawley Road. Off the back of a stellar spell from quick James Wilcock (3/3 off eight overs), the Hawks were held to 8/115 off 40 overs, with Ciaron Connolly's 35 helping the home side to something to bowl at.

The Bears took just 27.5 overs to get the job done, with champ and skipper Matt Chasemore (41) continuing to find plenty of runs, while all-rounder Ruwantha Kellepotha struck an unbeaten 31.

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Nathan King on the drive for the Bloods. 204256 Chasemore's side is firming towards the minor premiership, continuing an absolute stellar run of form heading into finals.

Round 13 - the second last matches before finals - once again loom as key.

Heinz Southern Districts will be hoping to

keep pace when it hosts St Mary's at home, Narre South will want to bank a win against Buckley Ridges, North Dandenong travel out to Berwick, while Springvale South and Hallam Kalora Park go to battle at Alex Nelson Reserve.

It was a day to remember for Dandeong’s Tom Donnell

By Tyler Lewis Bowling short to Tom Donnell is a crime, and it very rarely goes unpunished.

Sunday's stylish innings was no exception.

Chasing Monash's 247 from the day before, when the ball landed half-way down to the elegant left-hander, there was a brief silence after the crunching noise of leather on willow, before the eruption of his team mates as the ball raced across the boundary rope.

It didn't take long for him to bring the trademark pull stroke out. On the third ball of the day he sent one half-way to the rope, before making sure the fifth ball went all the way.

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A back-foot cut brought up his 34th run of the day and 8000 Victorian Premier Cricket first XI runs, but it wasn't the milestone the cricket gods had in mind for Donnell, who raced to 50 before the lunch interval.

Separating the trademark pull strokes and nudging was a touch of class, a late cut through a barely vacant gully region when he was in the 60s made the time the ball flew across the 22 yards feel like an eternity.

When Donnell lost his great mate Brett Forsyth (43) after yet another opening stand of three figures (128), an energetic Comrey Edgeworth came to the crease.

Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

While Edgeworth was finding the gaps with ease, Donnell was compiling a collection of dot balls. But a swift swing of his Kookaburra blade sent leg-spinner Wil Parker over the rope into the breeze - assuring everyone, he was still in control.

After the tea break, which Donnell sat through unbeaten on 95, he punched a single into the off-side and one into the leg-side, before pouncing on yet another short ball, punishing it to the boundary to bring up his 12th Victorian Premier Cricket century.

While there were 11 before it, some in big finals, some off 60 deliveries - none have been

more special than Sunday.

A little wave of his bat upon the milestone almost suggested he was embarrassed to be in the spotlight after such a sublime innings.

Dandenong chased Monash's total of 247 with over 20 overs to spare and nine wickets in the shed - Donnell unbeaten on 141 from 220 balls a knock that included 16 fours and one six.

Comrey Edgeworth also finished with red ink, with 54 not out, his third half-century for the year.

Dandenong needs to win its final two games of the year against Melbourne and St Kilda, both at Shepley Oval, to make the finals. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Jones is proud as punch

By Nick Creely

Dean Jones (left) with City of Greater Dandenong mayor, Cr Jim Memeti at the Australia Day Awards. gram, have created a winter school holiday program, ran a clinic for Year 7s and 8s at Dandenong High School, are continuing to build on a strong relationship with Premier club Dandenong, and are launching a multicultural program in the off-season, which aims to raise funds to help underprivileged children in the community participate in sport.

"About six months ago I wanted to created a multicultural program," he said.

"It will be released and create funds and opportunities for those in the community.

"We'll be working with Cricket Victoria, (the) Council, and aiming for those communities who need a bit of a pickup and see what we can offer.

"We want to embrace who we are, and get them to join the club, and make them feel connected."

Dean said that while starting his role and helping build the junior program was a challenge, it is all worth it seeing kids involved in the sport and being part of a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Lorne stars on a memorable night

By Mick Floyd Owner Lorne Starr was ecstatic when $24.90 chance Mr. Bar Wicked gave him his first Sandown city win.

So it's not hard to imagine his reaction when Starry's Lad made it a winning double in the very next race.

"My heart's going at 100 miles an hour!" he said after Starry's Lad won for the first time in 13 starts over the trip.

"I can't wipe the smile off my face! I'm getting a bit emotional, and I'm not normally an emotional person to be honest."

Trained by Paul Gabriel, the littermates were the product of Starr's first venture into breeding.

"I owned the mother (Miss Bo Wicked), and David Geall said to me make sure you breed with her because she'll throw something so I did it," he said.

"I knew stuff all about breeding so I sat

down and cross-referenced a few things and I came up with Barcia Bale. There were a few with similar bloodlines getting around so I thought I'll have a crack at this. And well, when you win it's not as hard as you think it is!"

While delighted with his first city win at Sandown Park as an owner and first city wins as a breeder, Starr was equally happy for his trainer and his family who did a power of work to get them to the track.

"The Gabriels look after them well," he continued.

"If they have a toenail out of place they won't run them so you know they're well looked after. For the time Paul, Peter and Freida put in I'm glad they get a payoff the same I do as an owner, it's much appreciated the work they do."

Starr first got involved in the sport about eight years ago and now owns four racing greyhounds, as well as Miss Bo Wicked at home as a pet (she rules the house). While he has no im-

Picture: FACEBOOK "I'm just a dad who loves his club and community, and whilst I have the ability to do this I want to make sure I influence the next generation and help balance out that mental and physical well-being," he said.

"I think if you have genuine care for people it makes it a lot easier, but it's a relentless effort.

"It' not all about the wins and losses as such, I'd rather them learn how to be part of a team, a community and grow as a person."

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It was a memorable night for Lorne Starr at Sandown. mediate plans to increase those numbers, he is dreaming of more success.

"I probably won't get more while these ones are racing, but I'm hooked into the sport now and I really enjoy it. The people you meet, there's good people in the sport.

"Hopefully these ones turn into stayers - I love watching them over the 700m. We'll have a crack one day."

• Check transmission oil level ••฀Check฀transmission฀oil฀level Check differential oil level ••฀Check฀differential฀oil฀level Inspect fuel lines • Grease front end ••฀Inspect฀fuel฀lines Check all tyres ••฀Grease฀front฀end Inspect brake pads and discs • Inspect front & rear suspension ••฀Check฀all฀tyres Inspect steering system • Inspect exhaust system ••฀Inspect฀brake฀pads฀and฀discs Inspect all seat belts ••฀Inspect฀front฀&฀rear฀suspension Check all lights • Road test

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•฀Engine฀oil฀change฀5฀Ltr • Oil filter change • Inspect Spark Plugs •฀Oil฀ilter฀change • New contact points •฀Inspect฀Spark฀Plugs • New wiper blades • Check hoses and clamps •฀New฀contact฀points • Pressure test cooling system • Check & adjust all fan belts •฀New฀wiper฀blades • Check PVC Valves •฀Check฀hoses฀and฀clamps • Inspect battery • Inspect charging system •฀Pressure฀test฀cooling฀system • Check clutch operation •฀Check฀&฀adjust฀all฀fan฀belts • Full mechanical & electrical report •฀Check฀PVC฀Valves •฀Inspect฀battery •฀Inspect฀charging฀system •฀Check฀clutch฀operation •฀Full฀mechanical฀&฀electrical฀report

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Dean Jones' influence on junior cricketers has been monumental.

He has created a safe and inclusive environment and provided opportunities for those less fortunate within the community and for the Silverton Cricket Club to participate in sport.

Considering the challenges that can be presented in attracting juniors into the sport within the region, Dean - and his ability to turn the club's junior program around - shouldn't go unnoticed.

And it hasn't.

Dean was recently named the City of Greater Dandenong Sports Person of the Year at the Australia Day Awards for his contribution to his club and community, which has seen him expand the junior ranks from one team in 2015/16, to seven sides this season, including two girls' teams and over 100 kids participating.

Reflecting on his award, and just how much has gone into revamping the juniors at the club, his selfless attitude - one that has seen him pour hours of work into the cause - was evident.

To Dean, it was all about the club, and the kids, and helping them along their journey.

"I'm very humbled to be in the position to influence young people positively," he said.

"For a long time it's been about trying to connect, inspire and feel part of it, and we feel like, as a club, it's a safe spot to develop kids physically and mentally.

"But one of the biggest kicks is the parents and them seeing the kids going through the grades.

"It's all about developing relationships - we want to assure the senior club for the longterm."

This season, aside from seven strong junior teams, the Bakers have a junior blaster pro-

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

Open Mon – Sun 9am – 11pm Tuesday, 11 February, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 19