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Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
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Aziz quits the Libs, not Casey
No traction to fix CBD trouble
Powerhouse clubs advance through
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A ‘dire’ defence By Cam Lucadou-Wells
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Dandenong South bus manufacturer Volgren is appealing against a workplace safety conviction that it says could potentially put its future business at risk. Volgren pleaded guilty at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 11 February to failing to provide adequate supervision for employees to safely perform work. On 5 October 2018, a gantry crane was brought to a sudden halt in the factory, the court heard. This caused the crane’s cargo - a 100-kilogram bus side-wall - to collapse in two pieces and land on a boiler-maker below, a WorkSafe lawyer told the court. The female worker, who was welding part of the chassis, crouched down and covered her head. A falling pillar fell across her knees and entrapped her, the court heard. Her right thigh was bruised. But she remained in the same job at the company without long-term damage. After the incident, Volgren spent about $40,000 complying with a WorkSafe improvement notice to change the factory’s design, training and procedures. One of Volgren’s arguments against conviction was “serious economic consequences”. The business with 280 staff and a turnover of 380 buses a year highly depended on government tenders, it told the court.
During future tender bids, Volgren would be scored lower than rivals without convictions. Its ability to compete would be “limited, if not totally evaporate”, Volgren’s barrister Duncan Chisholm said. This year, it would likely lose its NSW contract that represented 50 per cent of Volgren’s business, he told the court. “The result would be dire for Volgren - 70 per cent of its staff rely on this contract.” Mr Chisholm said the seriousness of the breach was at the “low-to-medium end”. It occurred as a result of a “gap” in its “extensively documented” safety procedures. There was a means to barricade and exclude the work area, and an informal understanding between the employees. But this wasn’t heeded on the day, Mr Chisholm said. Magistrate Rodney Crisp questioned whether Volgren’s financial future was so “tenuous”. After a second company CoxmaxNBT later offered a similar mitigating argument in court, Mr Crisp retorted: “Apparently I’m being asked not to plunge half of Dandenong into unemployment.” “It would be a sad day in the world of occupational health and safety if the workers effectively carried the baton.” Continued page 6
Paris Marie's singing has been a hit on the basketball court. 204584 Picture: GARY SISSONS
Singer’s Kobe tribute From carols at the Music Bowl to national anthems at Melbourne Arena, 15-year-old singer-songwriter Paris Marie’s career arc has been nothing short of spectacular. Paris, of Endeavour Hills, sang Advance
Australia Fair in front of 10,000-plus fans at NBL side Melbourne United’s final home game on 13 February and dedicated the performance to NBA star, the late Kobe Bryant. Turn to page 4 for the full story.
NEWS
Worker mangled in unguarded roller By Cam Lucadou-Wells A South Korean-owned health-food manufacturer in Dandenong South has been convicted after a worker’s hand was crushed in an unguarded roller-machine. The labour-hired worker at Cosmax NBT had tried to uncrease a gel sheet that was manually fed into rollers on 20 September 2018, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court heard. His hand became stuck on the sheet and was dragged into the machine. With no emergency ‘stop’ button within reach, he screamed for co-workers to halt the machine. The man was trapped for up to 15 minutes as colleagues dismantled the equipment to free him. He was taken to The Alfred hospital, and endured three operations to his arm. Receiving physiotherapy thrice a week, he was not capable of going back to work, a WorkSafe lawyer said. During a WorkSafe inspection, it was found five other similar machines were also unguarded. After being issued WorkSafe improvement notices, Cosmax installed guards on the six machines and relocated emergency stop buttons closer to the machines at the cost of $72,000. Magistrate Rodney Crisp, of Dandenong Magistrates’ Court, expressed disbelief that unguarded machines were still running in “this day and age“. Unguarded machinery was the bane of process workers’ lives in the 1960s and 1970s, he said. “I can’t believe still seeing it happening in this day and age. “The failure to fence that roller machine was gross negligence. “It was obviously easy to avoid. It’s a standard feature on rolling machines.”
Cosmax pleaded guilty to the workplace safety breach. A defence lawyer told the court that the factory’s general manager expressed “profound regret” at the company’s “failure”, and apologised to the victim for the harm caused. He said the company had earlier identified the risk with the brand-new machinery, sourced from South Korea. But it had used “woefully inadequate” measures to manage the risk, he conceded. Rather than installing guards, the company used administrative controls and instructions, the lawyer said. “It was a risk appreciated by the duty controller but just not adequately controlled.” The lawyer said the company had a profound impact on the local economy, supporting 100 workers. Many of them were new arrivals with “relatively low skill”, he said. Cosmax had amassed “significant losses” while creating its Australian subsidiary over the past two years. “The Korean parent company is absolutely invested in Australia and prepared to continue investing in Australia and employing locals
in the area.” The lawyer argued against conviction, given it was the company’s first offence. The majority of WorkSafe’s 43 guard-related prosecutions in the past year resulted in nonconvictions, he said. A conviction would impact on Cosmax’s ability to meet “ethical” and highly-regulated product standards of its large clients such as Swisse and Amway. The factory, which opened six months prior to the injury, had no prior offences. Magistrate Crisp said the worker was subject to an “unsafe regime of work without the merest reflection by the people in charge of it”. “All I’ll say for commercial considerations is they’re not relevant to safety at all, but relevant to the bottom line.” He said a non-conviction would be a “positive insult to the WorkSafe initiative”. Mr Crisp convicted and fined Cosmax $40,000 - a fine that seemed “barely adequate” but was in the range of previous case decisions. Cosmax was ordered to pay $1875 costs to WorkSafe.
Asbestos scare at park By Cam Lucadou-Wells The state's pollution watchdog has investigated a finding of asbestos in soil mounds in Spring Valley Park in Springvale South. Asbestos fragments have also been recently removed from the under-construction Springvale Community Hub. Environment Protection Authority Victoria requested the hiring of an environmental hygienist to inspect the mounds in Spring Valley, just behind temples on Springvale Road, Greater Dandenong Council's engineering director Paul Kearsley told a council meeting on 10 February. The "small quantity" of asbestos was believed to come from unauthorised dumping as well as council-sourced fill materials from Parkfield Reserve's former bike track base and Tatterson Park, Mr Kearsley said. The council-sourced fills had been certified "clean" at the time, he said. After inspection, the hygienist removed the asbestos from the park, declaring the area as "clean" and "safe". The council applied new top-dressing to the former landfill site and the area near the eastern car parks from 6 February, Mr Kearsley said. "The EPA have advised that they're happy with the way it was managed and given the allclear." The fill had been brought in as part of improvement and levelling works for the park's "very rough" grass surface, he told Star Journal. Asbestos cement product "pieces" at the Springvale Community Hub construction site was removed to a licensed facility. "The soil was treated in line with approved processes," Mr Kearsley said. "Clean soil was then brought in to replace what was removed. "Construction works ceased during this period and access to the site was stopped."
Waitangi Day a treat with music and feast of culture A feast of Maori and Pacific Islander culture was celebrated at Dandenong Market on Sunday 9 February. The Waitangi Day event drew 34,349 visitors, who were treated to hakas, singing, bands and Kiwi foods in what the market’s general manager Jennifer Hibbs described as a “wonderful celebration of culture and ceremony”. The day’s entertainment kicked off with a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony, Powhiri. It was followed by haka moves by the group Nga Uri Whaioranga as well as band Soul Purpose and Australian Idol contestant Lavina Williams. In the culinary section, NZ Street Food offered traditional hangi - a hearty offering of chicken, lamb, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato, cabbage, stuffing and fried bread. Polynesian foods, long cream donuts and barbecue meats were offered from other stalls.
Nga Uri Whaioranga get animated.
Members of the Nga Uri Whaioranga troupe.
A crowd enjoys Waitangi Day's non-stop concert.
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Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
A young visitor sports temporary markings. Pictures: AUDREY SVOBODA dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
IN BRIEF Cars and tools stolen
Aziz resigns from Libs, not Casey
Burglars have jack-knifed a work truck and trailer while stealing two cars and $40,000 of tools from a mechanic’s shop in Egan Road, Dandenong. Police believe the thieves jemmied the front door locks, rummaged through the office and took two sets of car keys between Saturday 1 February and Sunday 2 February. They used the keys to drive away a Nissan Patrol and a 2010 black Audi sedan from the garage, police say. In the meantime, the offenders moved the work truck and trailer that was parked in front of the garage roller door. While reversing, the trailer jack-knived and was left in the street. Police recovered the Nissan Patrol on 4 February. The Audi is still to be found. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au, or Greater Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Brendan Rees
Brothers charged Two brothers have been charged over a group robbery of two cyclists on the Djerring Trail in Springvale. A 58-year-old man from Keysborough and a 64-year-old man from Dandenong were riding 300 metres west of Westall railway station when the path was blocked by four males on Sunday 9 February, police say. The group allegedly refused to let the cyclists past and demanded property. They searched the riders’ pockets, taking $5 from one of the victims’ wallets, according to police. After being allowed to leave, the cyclists alerted PSOs at Springvale railway station. Two of the alleged offenders were later arrested at the station. The pair were remanded in custody. They are set to attend a mention hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 14 March.
Driver dies, girl injured on Monash
Then-Casey mayor Sam Aziz officially opens Bunjil Place in October 2017. 174129 Picture: ROB CAREW
An IBAC-sourced image of former Casey mayors Lorraine Wreford and Sam Aziz meeting in Melbourne on 1 February 2019. had yet to be publicly released nor viewed by Casey. “Whilst I appreciate the need for the extra scrutiny of councillors, especially following the revelations at the IBAC at the end of last year, the ongoing speculation and backdoor briefing of journalists has continued to undermine the credibility of councillors and the commitment with which we have turned up
A male driver has been killed after his vehicle crashed on the Monash Freeway in Endeavour Hills on Saturday 15 February. Police say the driver lost control of the outbound car just before the Heatherton Road off-ramp about 1.20pm. The vehicle left the freeway, crashed into a tree and burst into flames. The driver died at the scene. A young girl, who was a passenger, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.
every day to represent our communities in extremely challenging circumstances. “Throughout the monitor’s tenure, City of Casey had no indication that the monitor would be recommending the dismissal of all councillors.” Cr Serey called for the State Government to dismiss “individual” councillors rather than the whole of council, as well as the release of the report to Casey. A State Government spokesperson said the Government was “considering” the Monitor’s final report’s findings. The report would be released “in due course”. Casey Council issued a statement that it was awaiting the Victorian Electoral Commission to start countback proceedings to replace Mr Jackson and Mr Flannery on the council. Casey Ratepayers and Residents Association spokesman Brendan Browne welcomed the resignations saying the “writing’s on the wall” for council to be dismissed. “Assuming they will be sacked there will be some very happy ratepayers,” he said. “They’ve lacked transparency all along”.
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Former Casey mayor Sam Aziz has fired a broadside at a State shadow cabinet member while resigning from the Liberal Party. Cr Aziz, who is facing serious corruption allegations at the state IBAC Operation Inquiry, stated opposition local government spokesperson Tim Smith was “riding the wave of media-driven crucifixion”. The Kew MP had “effectively convicted me and another councillor, even before a single charge has been laid”, Cr Aziz stated on 15 February. “He has also been recklessly calling for the entire council to be sacked.” In November, IBAC heard that Cr Aziz and Cr Geoff Ablett allegedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars from property developer John Woodman for favourable planning decisions. Cr Aziz said “the subjects of that enquiry have not yet even begun to provide their explanations and defence”. “The latest tirade from the irrelevant Smith calls for my dismissal, along with Cr Ablett, from the Liberal Party. “If this is the intellectual calibre of individuals that the Liberal Party selects for parliamentary roles, then it is not a party with which I want to continue membership.” Cr Aziz listed Casey’s “remarkable achievements” including Bunjil Place and other community infrastructure without council debt. Mr Smith responded on Twitter that “I’ve never been attacked from Cairo (before)”. “But I’m genuinely delighted that Aziz has resigned from the Liberal Party. “Whilst he’s at it he should resign from Casey Council. “Let’s hope he has the ticker to return to Melbourne to answer serious questions from the anti-corruption commission.” Cr Aziz did not follow the lead of Rex Flannery and Tim Jackson, who resigned as Casey councillors on 14 February in the wake of media reports that a State-appointed Monitor at the council recommended the council’s sacking. It throws into turmoil Casey’s special planning committee that was to be headed by Mr Flannery and two appointed members. The committee was scheduled to meet on 25 February. Mr Flannery told Star News he hoped Cr Aziz - “a loser in exile” - was found guilty and jailed. “City of Casey is probably the best council in Australia and now it’s gone down the gurgler, and the brand name is being destroyed by one man.” On 14 February, mayor Susan Serey meanwhile issued a statement decrying “unfair” media coverage on the Monitor’s report that
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Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
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STAR JOURNAL 3
NEWS
Paris rocks Kobe tribute By Cam Lucadou-Wells From carols at the Music Bowl to national anthems at Melbourne Arena, 15-year-old singer-songwriter Paris Marie’s career arc has been nothing short of spectacular. Paris, of Endeavour Hills, sang Advance Australia Fair in front of 10,000-plus fans at NBL side Melbourne United’s final home game on 13 February. She has been regularly invited to perform the well-worn ritual ever since being talentspotted by United’s chief executive Vince Crivelli when she sung at a ‘friendly’ against Wisconsin University in Cranbourne. Since then she’s sung more than 20 NBL, WNBL and NBL1 games, including flying to Sydney as guest of the Sydney Kings as well as the debut home game for South East Melbourne Phoenix. Singing the pre-game anthem never ceases being an honour, Paris says. With thousands of fans “dead silent”, she hears her heels clatter as she walks onto centre court. She sings a traditional rendition with the crowd on their feet, before they erupt in an ovation at the anthem’s crescendo. She wore an LA Lakers top in tribute to the late, great Kobe Bryant. A keen Lakers fan, she remains a great admirer of Kobe’s mentality, hard work and generosity. “He wanted everyone to be the best they could be. “He was an amazing family man whose legacy can be carried beyond basketball.” Paris considers herself lucky to have shared the same room as Kobe, hearing him talk about his life at an event at Crown Casino 12 months ago. She imbibed his positivity, his mantra to
Paris Marie's singing has been a hit on the basketball court. 204584 work harder than everyone else and caring for family. “You could tell how much family meant to him.” Meanwhile Paris, an accomplished pianist and guitarist as well as vocalist, is blazing her own story. She hasn’t looked back since her first gig as a seven-year-old - Carols by Candlelight at the
Pictures: GARY SISSONS
Myer Music Bowl. The sight of hundreds of candles in the darkness as she sang Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas remains a profound memory. As was the limousine that delivered her and her family from their doorstep to King’s Domain. Besides regularly performing at corporate
Paris Marie paid tribute to the inspirational Kobe Bryant while singing the national anthem at an NBL game on 13 February. 204584 events and carols, she’s collaborated with celebrated artists such as Andrew de Silva, Katie Underwood and Joe Cammilleri. This year, she plans to release an EP of her original “pop-RnB” songs. “I want my music to reach as many people as possible. I hope that they will be songs that everyone can sing along to.”
NBA star Bryant immortalised on stadium wall By Cam Lucadou-Wells In a tribute from the heart, artists have emblazoned the image of the late, great Kobe Bryant onto a Dandenong South basketball centre’s wall. For hours the pair of muralists - who wish to remain anonymous - painted inside HOOPS 24/7 indoor sports centre. At 4.30am on Saturday 8 February, the spectacular mural was complete. An enduring inspiration for the region’s young basketballers, one of the artist duo told Star Journal. He was a big fan of Kobe and his ‘mamba’ mentality to “strive for what we want to achieve”, he said. “If we want to achieve something, don’t go just half-way. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.” Meanwhile, the artists have other possible commissions to brighten walls in Greater Dandenong this year.
The Kobe Bryant tribute mural at HOOPS 24/7 indoor sports centre, Dandenong South.
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NEWS
No traction to fix trouble By Cam Lucadou-Wells
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Pleas to fix a "failed" bus stop interchange in central Dandenong appear to have stalled between Greater Dandenong Council and the State Government. Stockdale & Leggo director Neil Butler's business overlooks the bus interchange 'trouble spot'. Since its introduction in 2011, Mr Butler has seen the western end of Langhorne Street transformed from the busiest trading area in central Dandenong to a ghetto. It had been blighted by young gangs punching-on at the bus stops, shop windows being smashed, drug-taking and public urination, as well as the street closed to public parking. Police and paramedics were regularly called into the area, Mr Butler says. In the meantime, decades-old businesses such as Moore's Pharmacy had moved, as well as the post office, Suncorp and the Arab Bank. "The biggest issue is the area feels unsafe and has a negative image to the public," Mr Butler says. "People won't go there unless the bus stops are relocated." For years, an increasingly frustrated Mr Butler has pressed Greater Dandenong Council to support the bus interchange's relocation. He says as far back as May, chief executive John Bennie had promised to set up talks with the Department of Transport. However the council states it had not been granted a meeting with the department on the issue. "How can it be that it's 10 months down the track and you still don't have a meeting?" Mr Butler says. "If the Department of Transport is not responding there should be representation to the Public Transport Minister." Mr Bennie, reaffirming his undertaking to
Neil Butler in the once-thriving retail strip in Langhorne Street. 204578 Mr Butler, said the Department had not been "agreeable" to meeting the council. "Short of camping on their doorstep I don't know if there's much more I can do at the moment." Council officers recommended distributing the bus stops over a wider area. It would take "a lot of" time and money, Mr Bennie said. "The State Government should be party to funding those options." Mr Kearsley said "we are incredibly disappointed with the lack of action and the lack of response from the Department of Transport". "We haven't found someone in the chair who will be prepared to give us the time of day. "We asked last week and we'll ask again this week."
Pictures: GARY SISSONS
Mr Butler's solution is to move the bus stops into one of the tracts of empty public land in central Dandenong, and to replace them with free car parking. The intersection with Lonsdale Street should be re-opened to cars. It would allow better access and reduced congestion on Lonsdale Street, Mr Butler said. This would cater for the adjoining Drum Theatre's patrons as well as provide access to shoppers in the precinct, including the nowdeserted Hub Arcade. "When you have anti-social behaviour in an area, the most effective action is to attract the general public into the area. "Then the drug taking, the fighting and the urinating on the street will go."
A damaged shop window overlooking the bus stops. 204578 A Victoria Police spokesperson said police regularly run operations in Dandenong to "address any anti-social or criminal behaviour" including on bus lines. "Local police have not seen an increase in reported crime or calls for assistance on Langhorne Street, Dandenong. "We want to reassure everyone that police will not tolerate any criminal or disruptive behaviour." Victoria Police declined to comment on the location of the bus interchange. That was a matter for "the local council and PTV". A spokesperson for Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne was contacted for comment.
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Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
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STAR JOURNAL 5
LOOKING BACK
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
100 years ago
Woolworth Store Closes
26 February 1920 Returned Soldiers' Pictures
The sale has been completed of Woolworths Ltd apparel store in Lonsdale St Dandenong. A spokesman for Woolworths said "legally the contracts have not been exchanged so we can't say yet." On the reasons for the closure of the store which finished trading last Saturday, the spokesman said: "The action in closing the Dandenong apparel store is a result of regular reviews of store operations whereby new stores are planned as local and older stores no longer provide adequate local service"
The soldier's pictures at the Town Hall last week were very well patronised and they had a "full house." The pictures were very good, and great interest was manifested in the serial "19 fight for Million" which seems to have gripped with excitement those who have seen it, and the screening of each part is anxiously awaited. Next Wednesday evening's programme : 4th episode of the Fight for Millions; The Precipice Horror; The White Heather, 6,000 all-star cast; Gazette and Comic. The company has been granted permission to show every Wednesday night.
50 years ago 26 February 1970
20 years ago 28 February 2000 Home Price boom Dandenong has finally felt the property boom which has been sweeping Melbourne for the past two years. The president of the Dande-
nong Branch of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) Ms Margaret Chisholm said "there had been more activity in the past few months than there had been in many years." "Dandenong was a late starter probably one of the last suburbs to feel the effect of the boom, but we are certainly feeling it now and it is wonderful", she said.
5 years ago The final end Dandenong's longest continuous sports club is soon to be no more. On Saturday Dandenong Bowling Club played its final home matches at its picturesque site in Dandenong Park - its home since it started in 1882. The club predates the town's historic town hall, and has faced down threats such as floods, the widening of Princes Highway and a clubhouse fire. But with a membership at an unbefitting low
of 14, there was no way to go on, president Greg Payne said. Its players were now planning moves to other clubs or straight out retirement, the clubhouse and greens are set to be demolished by Greater Dandenong Council. Greater Dandenong community services director Mark Doubleday said the club had been consulted on its future over the past eight years. "While we agree it's sad to see the closure of the club, we are very pleased to know that the remaining members will continue to play at other bowls clubs. The master plan proposes that the space will become more open and will facilitate further public use on a day to day basis as well as for special events and festivals." Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society
NEWS
‘Dire’ conviction for Greater Dandenong bus maker From page 1 Bringing the bus side-frames into production would be one of the “most hazardous” tasks at the factory, with a “very high” risk of significant injury, Mr Crisp said. It was “definitely not a lower-order offence I would find it impossible to utter those words”. “I’ve never seen a case when it’s not obvious and easy to rectify a problem that comes before the court - (this case) is not an exception.” Mr Crisp said the victim should have been positioned “out of the way” before the sideframe was put in position, but wasn’t. “That’s a bad practice on any analysis. An expectation of non-conviction in this case is nil.” He said the aim of OH&S was to “insulate workers from bottom-line decisions or nondecisions in favour of illusory productivity”. “It’s illusory to think it’s more productive to ignore these things.”
He noted Volgren’s prior offence in 2003, though this predated Brazilian firm Marco Polo’s take-over of the company in 2012. The company has been making buses since 1979. Volgren was convicted and fined $30,000. It was ordered to pay $4,250 costs to WorkSafe. Volgren chief financial officer Jaco Breytenbach told Star Journal that the conviction didn’t pose an “immediate” risk to the company. “It’s not immediate, it doesn’t mean 70 per cent (of workers) will be without a job,” Mr Breytenbach said. “Because it’s a tender-based business, the scoring of the business (during tender bids) could be affected in the long term. “That’s why we thought the conviction was harsh.” Volgren stated it would appeal to the Victorian County Court.
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Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
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NEWS
‘Caveman-style’ attack By Cam Lucadou-Wells An Endeavour Hills man has been refused bail after allegedly king-hitting his ex-partner, slinging her unconscious body over his shoulder in “caveman” fashion and bundling her into a car. Prior to his arrest, the 22-year-old factory worker was accused of attacking a female police officer and was then bitten by a police dog. He sported a large bandage on his arm as he sat in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court dock on 11 February. The ex-partner had started driving the man back to his home after a party in Beaconsfield about 2.20am on Sunday 9 February, the court heard. He sat in the car behind her seat. After a short distance, the man got angry and forced the driver’s seat forward, causing her to stop abruptly, police told the court.
They got out of the car. He allegedly pushed her forcibly to her chest, causing her to fall to ground. He picked her up and shoved her down again, police alleged. The man drove them to Hampton Park, and dragged her out of the car. After she stood up, a witness allegedly saw the accused “king hit” her with a right fist that knocked her out. “I hate you,” the accused yelled into the victim’s face - according to police. He allegedly picked her up over her shoulder and placed her in the car. He closed the door on her foot, causing her to yell in pain. A dog from Victoria Police’s Canine Unit located the accused in Bride Avenue, Hampton Park. The man allegedly “rose from long grass” to attack the dog’s female handler, striking her to the chest and grabbing her upper body. In response, a police dog mauled the man’s arm.
He allegedly continued to resist arrest when other police officers arrived. He was taken to hospital for surgery. In December, the man had thrown a cigarette lighter into the partner’s face during a drive in Endeavour Hills. He was convicted, put on a good behaviour bond with an order to attend a men’s behaviour course. An intervention order was issued to protect the woman. In opposing bail, Victoria Police remand liaison officer Sergeant Will Harvey told the court that the man committed family violence “time after time”. Even after conviction, the man’s offending had escalated, he said. The accused showed “no fear” of potentially causing the ex-partner serious injury, Sgt Harvey said. He’d failed to render assistance for the woman after she was struck unconscious.
“He picked up her limp body and put it in the back of the car.” A defence lawyer said the man had depression, anxiety and a limited criminal history, with little access to treatment and offenderbehaviour programs. He lived with family, who would help ensure he complied with bail and the intervention order. Magistrate Costa Kilias found no compelling reasons for bail after the man’s “abominable” behaviour. He described his picking up of the knocked-out victim as “caveman-like”. “It’s my view that his propensity for violence, to females in particular, makes him an unacceptable risk to the community.” He ordered medical attention for the man’s possible head injury due to a skateboarding accident on 9 February. The man was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 10 March.
Police dog sniffs out drugs By Brendan Rees K9 Victoria Police officer “Kevin” has followed his nose to sniff out a huge stash of drugs and a prohibited weapon at a Narre Warren property. Kevin was deployed to search through the house, garden and cars as members of the Southern Metropolitan Division 3 Divisional Response Unit and Dog Squad executed a search warrant at the residential address on Wednesday morning, 12 February. In a statement, a Victoria Police spokesperson said “Kevin located a commercial quantity of methyl-amphetamine as well as GHB, prescription medication, laptops, mobile phones and an extendable baton”.
A man is arrested at the scene.
A 37-year-old man was arrested and taken to Dandenong Police Station for interview. He has been charged with traffick/possess commercial quantity of methyl amphetamine, possess methyl amphetamine, possess GHB, possess prescription medication, possess prohibited weapon and possess proceeds of crime. The man has been remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 12 February. Kevin has been employed with Victoria Police for four years and his skills of detecting drugs, cash and firearms was required at this premises.
K9 member Kevin helped tracked down cash, drugs, and a weapon.
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Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
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STAR JOURNAL 7
NEWS
Loved-up to the letter By Danielle Kutchel Love is in the air at Australia Post’s Dandenong Letters Centre - and not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day. There are around 25 married couples working together in the facility, with 13 of them having met while working for Australia Post or at the facility. Of the couples, 10 wives work in the video coding department while their husbands work in other departments, and six couples work on the same 6am shift. Romance blossomed early for Niki and Francois Leclair, who first met when she did work experience at Australia Post as a 16-year-old. At the time, she bragged to her friends about how good-looking he was. She returned in a full-time capacity five years later, and Francois remembered her. “We met at the clock cards again - I was clocking out, he was clocking in, and it kicked off from there!” she laughs. “He said, ‘we have to catch up and do something, definitely, definitely, definitely’, and we have not looked back since!” They’ve now been together for 20 years and married for 14. It’s almost a family tradition: Niki’s parents also worked together at Australia Post. For nearly 18 years Niki worked the night shift, so the couple only got to see each other for a few hours a day. “It was 22 hours apart, and I missed my husband all the time,” she says. Now they work the same shift, which Niki says works well for their relationship. “It’s not only given us a great job and a good life, but also a lifetime partner. Each day I’m happier than the one before,” she says. Asked what the secret to a happy marriage is, they say in unison: “communication and trust”.
Love is in the air for couples working together at Dandenong Letters Centre. 204751 Ping and KC are also happily in love, after 35 years of marriage. Although they met and married overseas, they have shared several decades at Australia Post. Having children meant taking on different shifts so that there was always someone to look after the babies, but now that the kids are grown, Ping says they can work the same shifts again.
“It’s time for us now,” she says. KC jokes that they are “lucky” to work in different areas of the letters centre, but they agree that working together has helped them grow as a couple and has provided many hours of topics to talk about, as they share the same workplace and colleagues. Having the same cultural background and language has also helped.
KC says they’ve had a “wonderful time” together. Their secret, Ping adds, is to “forget and forgive”. “We had a lot of arguments about the children and their education, all the time. But we remember the good things and what we’ve done for the family, then forget what’s not good and forgive.”
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8 STAR JOURNAL
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Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Shooting victim had gun By Cam Lucadou-Wells An alleged shooting victim in October has been charged with firearms and drug trafficking offences, a court has heard. Zoran Djukic faced two counts of being a prohibited person with a gun during a hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 4 February. On Christmas Eve, police officers from the Armed Crime Squad seized a loaded silvercoloured revolver and a gold-coloured firearm while visiting Djukic for a statement on his shooting, his defence lawyer said in describing a police summary to the court. Djukic and two others were sitting in a home’s car port at the time. One of the other men stepped up to leave, took the silver revolver out of a bum bag and threw it to Djukic.
The gun hit Djukic in the chest and bounced onto the bonnet of a car, the lawyer said. He was also charged with carrying a goldcoloured firearm - though there was no evidence on whether it was loaded or capable of firing, the lawyer told the court. Both Djukic and the other man were charged with possessing the gun, the court was told. During the visit, Djukic declined to give a statement on his alleged shooting on 6 October. On a later search warrant of Djukic’s home on New Years’ Eve, police allegedly seized an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine and charged him with trafficking. Djukic claimed the drugs were up to four grams, and for his personal pain management, the defence lawyer said.
Police applied for the case to be heard in the County Court due to the type and level of offending and relevant prior convictions. The magistrates’ court may not be able to hand down a sufficient sentence, police argued. Djukic had been sentenced in 2016 to up to three years’ jail for drug trafficking. He was released early on parole, the court heard. His defence lawyer opposed the move, saying the trafficking charge was likely to resolve to merely drug possession. There was no corroborative evidence of trafficking at the house, such as cash, the lawyer said. The co-offender in the car port had also been charged with possessing the two firearms. Djukic had no weapons priors, the lawyer told the court.
Magistrate Tony Burns said he had to take the prosecution case at its highest, noting Djukic had faced 10 matters in court in the past three years. He said he was unsure if a magistrates’ court had the sentencing range to deal with the matter, if Djukic was guilty. A magistrate can hand down a maximum of five years’ jail for multiple offences. Had the charges been drug possession and fire arms only, Mr Burns said he would have heard the matter. “If the trafficking charges are withdrawn you can apply for this court to hear this matter again,” Mr Burns told the lawyer. Djukic was remanded for a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 10 February. He was set to appear on other matters at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 17 April.
Decor Drive safety boost A busy industrial-estate intersection in Hallam is set to gain an extended right-turn lane and new street lighting as part of a $779,000 upgrade. Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan announced the safety improvements at the Decor Drive and Princes Highway intersection. Other works include a rebuilt centre median, reprogrammed traffic signals and safety barriers to prevent head-on and runoff-road crashes. "This is a very busy intersection servic-
ing important businesses in the community, which is why I'm proud to announce we'll be making it safer and easier for people to use," Mr Donnellan said. "These upgrades are about making drivers more comfortable using this intersection and getting safely to wherever they need to go." Works are set to begin in late February, taking place between 9.30am and 3.30pm to avoid peak periods. They are expected to be finished in mid2020.
Lucky Cat is scratched By Cam Lucadou-Wells The $50-million-plus Springvale library and community precinct will not be named Lucky Cat Square. Nor other public suggestions such as Spring Centre, Springvale Relaxation Centre, Star of Knowledge Inclusion Community Hub and Together Space. The Hon. Robert Hawke Springvale Community Civic Building - in honour of the late Prime Minister - will not come to fruition. Instead, councillors endorsed the recommended moniker Springvale Community Hub at a council meeting on 10 February. Feedback from 220 community surveys found strong support for naming the precinct as a whole but a roughly 50-50 split for naming the new library-exhibition-and-meeting-room building individually. Of five options, Springvale Community Hub gained 52 per cent support from the public. The respondents' preferred name for the building was Springvale Library - which will be identified on way-finding signage and library publicity material. No "large signage" will be placed on the
The Springvale Community Hub building under construction. 198616 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS building's exterior to indicate a building name, a council report stated. There was some public support for the use of an indigenous-cultural name, as an alternative. Council officers will consult with Aboriginal Land Councils on a possible indigenous name for a significant exhibition space or hall in the building. The hub, which includes a landscaped park and recreation space at the front of Springvale Town Hall, is expected to open in mid-2020.
Luke Donnellan at the soon-to-be upgraded Hallam intersection.
Extra bus stops, services for Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills bus routes will be extended to Dandenong landmarks, as well as the introduction of new weekend services. From 31 May, five routes will be connected directly to Dandenong Hospital, Chisholm TAFE or Fountain Gate shopping centre. Extra services, as well as greater frequency and 43 new bus stops, has been announced by the State Government. Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne said the changes would mean less waiting time and better access to bus services. Route 861 will be extended along David Collins Drive to connect with Dandenong Hospital and Chisholm TAFE, providing bus coverage for residents for the first time. Route 842 will be rerouted along Memorial Drive and Heatherton Road to operate direct to Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre. Upgrades to weekday and weekend services have been announced for Routes 843, 845 and 861.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan, Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams announce expanded bus routes. Route 849 will be removed, with its passengers to be serviced by the upgraded routes 843 and 845. Details available from May at ptv.vic.gov.au
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STAR JOURNAL 9
FOCUS ON … CHELTENHAM ROAD
Patterson Cheney Toyota is a family business.
Staff at Patterson Cheney Toyota are proud of their environmentally friendly achievements.
Saving the environment Patterson Cheney Toyota is proud to have jumped on an environmentally friendly journey to make a difference. The company is pleased to share some major milestones. Working alongside Simply Cups Australia, they have saved over 1500 cups from going to landfill. They have also partnered up with Mobile Muster and are now officially a drop off centre for mobile phones and batteries. If you have a phone that you no longer use and
don't know what to do with, drop it at Patterson Cheney Toyota and they will give it to the experts. Patterson Cheney also recycles hybrid vehicle batteries with the Toyota Australia recycling program. Toyota Australia achieved a milestone with hybrid-electric sales during 2019. Toyota Hybrids combine the power of petrol engine and the fuel savings of an electric motor to you give you lower emissions without waiting for the
battery to be charged. On a Dealer level, Patterson Cheney's service facility recycles 4000 litres of oil a month. All waste products are collected and sent to an accredited facility to either re-purpose or recycle to avoid contaminating landfill. All 12 volt batteries are sent to preferred metal recyclers to extract lead and all waste water is treated by a triple interceptor that is serviced in accordance with the appropriate authorities. Patterson Cheney is proud to be leading the
small classes
way with their Toyota Hybrid technology for a cleaner, greener future for all Australians. Patterson Cheney Toyota is a family business that has been providing sales, service, accessories and parts distributions to Victorians for over 30 years. They are located at 200 Cheltenham Road, Dandenong, just minutes off Eastlink. Call Patterson Cheney Toyota on 9215 2200, or visit pattersoncheneytoyota.com.au. You can also find them on Facebook or Instagram!
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Michael’s on seniors’ side Michael's Fresh Food Market is supporting seniors and pensioners in the Keysborough area. Last November, Michael's Fresh Food Market Keysborough opened in the Home Co centre, a first of its kind supermarket for Melbourne. With a strong customer focus delivering low prices, the freshest fruit and vegetables, and an in-store cafe, Michael's supports seniors and pensioners in the Keysborough area. Seniors and pensioners can now receive a 5 per cent discount on their groceries every Wednesday. "We aim to be a genuine part of the Keysborough community, and we want to help," explains store manager Mario Dell'Oste. "We know that the cost of living is high, so our specials, locked-down prices and now the dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
5 per cent discount together help seniors and pensioners in the Keysborough area. "I would like to welcome Keysborough seniors and pensioners to visit our store, to come and experience our fresh food market, liquor store, supermarket and enjoy a coffee at the cafe. "Plus, we have the convenience of wide trading hours, from 7:30am to 9pm each day." Mr Dell'Oste says that low prices are a focus for his team, where customers benefit from locked-down prices across the store and weekly specials that help customers lower the cost of their weekly shop. To receive a 5 per cent discount, customers simply need to present their seniors or pensioners card at the checkout.
LEARN TO SWIM Call to book on 0430 143 772 keysborough@jumpswimschools.com.au 2/481-485 Cheltenham Rd, Keysborough VIC 3173 (Next to Oficeworks) www.jumpswimschools.com.au/ keysborough
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STAR JOURNAL 11
WHAT’S ON 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.
Boomers’ Jukebox play Noble Park RSL
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Popular Local 8 piece band Boomers’ Jukebox are again playing Noble Park RSL on Saturday 22nd February from 7.30pm. Always popular with their mix of 50’s, 60’s & 70’s Rock & Roll and Country Rock favourites. Details RSL 9548 3750.
Fun for retirees
·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, 8pm. Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Tickets from $46.40. Book at drumtheatre.com.au/event.
Ever wished you had more recipes in your repertoire? Ever hoped to learn some tips from a brilliant home cook? Why not bring those dreams to life by attending Trish’s Table. We invite you to join the fun and learn a new recipe or two to share with your family and friends. We will enjoy the spoils (and a few laughs) along the way. No skills required, B.Y.O appetite. When: Thursday 27th February 10.30am-2pm. Where: 110 Ann Street, Dandenong 3175. Suggested donation: $15. For more details contact Jo or Tayla on 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au
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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 who wish to participate in a range of over 40 educational, cultural and physical activity programmes.
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Trish's Table at The Open Door
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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.
For further information phone 9546 2997, or look up our website www.dandenongu3a.org/
Voices of Casey
while fundraising for Cancer Council. Head online to join the Charge at www.themarchcharge.com.au
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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
Al-Anon Family Groups
The March Charge
Every Thursday during school term at 12 noon. Hampton Park Uniting Church. 1 Coral Drive Hampton Park. Ph: 9799 7994.
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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
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
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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
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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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 (18-35yrs) 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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Playgroup A Friday morning playgroup is held at Hampton Park Uniting Church. Includes morning tea. Fridays, 9.30am-11.30am (during school terms) at 1 Coral Drive Hampton Park. $3 child, $5 family. Details: 9799 7994
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NEWS
Stories to fill the room Young readers dived into more than 3850 books over the summer holidays, as part of Greater Dandenong Libraries’ annual Summer Reading Club. Under the theme of A Roomful of Stories, more than 380 primary-school aged children signed up to celebrate stories from all over the world. They created their own books and book reviews, as well as encouraging parents to write reviews. The event ended with a finale with entertaining MC Senor Suave at Dandenong Library on Saturday 1 February. Prizes were awarded, including to each child who read at least 10 books.
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12 STAR JOURNAL
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Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
Senor Suave, the MC at the Summer Reading Club finale in Dandenong Library. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE
BUNYIP BEAUTY ON A’BECKETT ’WYNGROVE’ is a fabulously positioned, timeless brick unit in sought after Bunyip. Just a hop skip and a jump into the main street of Bunyip for Vline trains, a medical clinic, supermarket, cafes, restaurants and so much more! Also a quick trip onto the Princes Highway and you can reach Melbourne in a little over an hour. This wonderful brick veneer unit on 324sqm offers a large master with ensuite and built-in robe. There are a further 2 bedrooms with robes and main bathroom comprising shower, bath, vanity and separate toilet. There is a family lounge at the front of the home with central kitchen featuring a gas stove, electric oven, dishwasher and breakfast bar open to the tiled dining / living space with access through to the spacious yard and covered alfresco area through glass slider. Ducted heating and reverse cycle split system offer year round comfort. Ther is also a double remote control garage with internal access. One of only 5 units on this immaculately kept complex, the property has been well maintained with just the one owner since purchase. Opportunities to secure units like this in popular Bunyip don’t come around often so act quickly! ●
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One of just 4 well spaced units all on large individual titles, quiet & solid as can be this sound BV 2 BR unit is a perfect retirement plan & clever investment. Complete with spacious enclosed backyard & beautiful shade provided by the well planned trees this home is sure to tick a lot of boxes. Bring your own personality & update if desired though be assured you’ll be comfortable & have a secure, private feel here from day 1. If convenience is important - it doesn’t get better than this! View: Saturday 22nd Feb 10:00-10:30am $320,000 - $345,000 Internet ID: 21819719 View property and more details at www.sej.com.au
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Over 55s resort-style living Discover a vibrant community at Lexington Gardens
Choose your way to retire Lendlease ofers a range of choices so that you can live a remarkable retirement, your way.
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Consider the various social clubs and activities on ofer including water aerobics, Tai Chi, line dancing and more.
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Lexington Gardens - 114 Westall Road, Springvale 1-2 bedroom apartments from $225,000 www.lexingtongardens.com.au *Pricing and availability correct at time of printing but subject to change without notice. Information about services and facilities is correct at time of printing. Photographs are for illustrative purposes and may depict items not provided by Lendlease, like furniture. January 2020. Published by Lendlease RL Realty (VIC) Pty Ltd ABN 55 124 646 484.
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com.au
Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
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STAR REAL ESTATE
13
SPORT
DDCA rivals to do battle By Nick Creely Dandenong District Cricket Association powerhouses Springvale South and Buckley Ridges will once again face off for some silverware after advancing through to the decider from the Twenty20 semi-finals on Tuesday 11 February. The Bloods and Bucks - who also played off in a classic Turf 1 grand final last season - will now do battle on Tuesday, 25 February at Shepley Oval, the home of the Dandenong Cricket Club in Victorian Premier Cricket. In two tense, low scoring affairs, both sides' bowling attacks were superb away from home. Down at Arch Brown Reserve, Springvale South won the toss and elected to bat against the genuine Premier Cricket-quality attack of Berwick, featuring names such as James Wilcock, Brendan Rose, Ruwantha Kellepotha, Isaiah Jassal, marquee Blade Baxter and veteran Jarrod Goodes. But the Bloods had their own starpower, with Dandenong great and reigning Ryder Medal winner Brett Forsyth partnering at the top with Bloods run-machine and overseas pro Ateeq Javid. The pair combined for a typically elegant 107-run stand to kick off the match, with Javid crossing past his eighth score of 50 and above for the season with an assured 58 off 51 balls, while Forsyth fell one shy of a half-century, crunching five fours and a six in his vital hand. But the Bears were never going to just allow the Bloods to steal the game away. They fought back brilliantly - largely through the efforts of impressive tweaker Isaiah Jassal (3/16) - who snared the scalps of Forsyth, Tim Ford and Ryan Quirk to help bring the final total down to 5/133. Fellow spinner Kellepotha (1/22) also kept things tidy in a strong four-over spell, while Goodes (1/24) was typically important through the middle. It was a horror start to the chase with gun all-rounder Blade Baxter run out in the first over, and the Bloods simply didn't relent, with the slower bowlers doing some fine work to cut off boundaries and force the home side into errant strokes.
Springvale South stars Brett Forsyth and Ateeq Javid were crucial in the victory. 204118 In the midst of a superb season, spinner Jarryd Straker (2/18) was once again hard to get away, and Akshay Ballal (2/21) delivered a timely spell, while seamer Tim Ford (3/29) continued some strong form with three vital scalps. Despite a late charge from Josh Holden (20), the Bloods ultimately rolled the home side for 107 with five balls to spare to set up the grand final berth. It was a somewhat similar tale down at Strathaird Reserve with Narre South playing host to Buckley Ridges. On an up-and-down wicket, the Bucks won the toss and elected to bat.
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
But Tim Phillips provided arguably the biggest scalp in the association, with skipper David White chopping on from the third ball of the match and giving the Lions an early boost. Daniel Watson (24) and Susa Pradeep (20) helped rebuild the innings nicely, but some wickets - combined with some smart bowling from the Lions - helped keep the visitors to 6/124 from their 20 overs, with Jerome Jones (25) and Greg Todd (26 not out) also providing some much-needed runs late after the visitors were at one point 5/78. But it was the 'DJ' Watson show with the ball, with the star all-rounder dismantling the Lions' top order, including key men Jonty Jenner, marquee Jayde Herrick and Morteza
Ali, with the home side slumping to 5/14, and eventually 6/27 when spinner Wes Nicholas snared Joe Thomas. Despite the game seemingly out of reach, Jawed Hussaini (35) and Matthew Brooks (39) combined beautifully to slam on 61 runs and take it to the final over, before another crucial spell from Watson saw the home side bundled out for 108. Watson finished with 5/25 off 3.5 overs, and also ran out Hussaini late, to be the star of the show, with the DDCA champion overcoming injury earlier this season to be in menacing form as finals draw near.
Eagles drop to Southern’s third tier, and at a cost By Nick Creely The Doveton Eagles Football Netball Club has officially been repositioned into Division 3 for 2020, but the Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) has imposed heavy sanctions on the club. The SFNL Division 2 reigning premier put in an official request to be re-positioned out of Division 1 in 2020, with the club continuing to battle through a rough time in its history, and after a mass exodus of premiership players indicated to the league that it would not be able to field a competitive Division 1 side. The league's board held a club presidents meeting on 5 February at RSEA Park in Moorabbin to discuss the request with mem-
ber clubs, and made the decision to move the club into Division 3, but determined the outcome for the club due to "breaches of proper governance and reporting". The Eagles have been imposed the following sanctions: Season 2020 - Doveton Eagles to be placed in Division 3 starting the 2020 season on minus 16 premiership points under By-law 13.1.5 (iii) Season 2021 - Doveton Eagles to play in no division higher than Division 3 regardless of their season performance, starting the 2021 season on minus 8 premiership points under By-law 13.1.5 (iv) if still in Division 3 Season 2022 - Doveton Eagles to play in no division higher than Division 3 starting the
2022 season on zero (0) premiership points under By-law 13.1.5 (iv) The league to receive monthly financial reports from the Doveton Eagles throughout the 2020 and 2021 calendar years. In a statement issued by the league on Tuesday 11 February, several changes have been confirmed to cater for the repositioning of the Eagles. "Due to this repositioning, Oakleigh Districts FNC will remain in Division 1 for season 2020 and Heatherton FNC will remain in Division 2 for season 2020," the statement read. "A revised fixture for Division 1, 2 and 3 will be released shortly with Oakleigh Districts replacing Doveton in the Division 1 Fixture, Heatherton replacing Oakleigh Districts in
the Division 2 fixture and Doveton replacing Heatherton in the Division 3 fixture. "The Board and Executive now consider this matter closed and will ensure the above sanctions are fully adhered to by the Doveton FNC." The Eagles have also already made several off-field moves as they now look to rebuild the club in Division 3, with Jenny Davis and Chris Sephton jumping on-board as co-presidents in an extraordinary meeting held by the club on 29 January. The SFNL Division 3 season - which also features new clubs South Mornington and the Narre South Saints - is set to kick off on Saturday 4 April.
Zipping Zarbo locked in for the Launching Pad series By Mick Floyd Zipping Zarbo booked her place in the Launching Pad series after her eye-catching win on Sandown Park debut last Thursday night. The $2.60 favourite speared straight to the front from Box 2 and was never headed to record a 2.25 lengths victory in 29.67, a time all the more impressive given the track renovations earlier in the week. Still two months shy of her second birthday, it was Zipping Zarbo's fifth win from just six career starts. "I've got to be careful now," said Coleman, acknowledging the 1-6 win conditions of the Launching Pad. "She'll have a go at it. (Part owner) Cam Hallinan has already bought a ticket for it." The Launching Pad is Australia's only sweepstakes event, with connections required to purchase one of 64 slots at $2000 per slot. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
The three week series carries $420,000 in prize money with the overall winner pocketing $150,000. Zipping Zarbo also brought up a winning double for Coleman following Zipping Magda's victory two races prior (pictured above). It continued her sensational month of February, the Lara trainer now boasts a phenomenal 145-2 record from 23 starters this month. Coleman's partner Robert Camilleri will be hoping her winning run can rub off on Saturday night at The Meadows when their kennel stars Rajasthan and Slingshot Hammer line up in the Group 1 Rookie Rebel and Temlee respectively. Zipping Zarbo booked her place in the Launching Pad series after her eye win on Sandown Park. Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
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STAR JOURNAL 17
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Brilliant Barnes seals victory Who else but Brandon Barnes? In an absolute thrilling start to the NPL season for 2020, the superstar Dandenong Thunder striker broke the deadlock in the Jim Memeti Cup against Dandenong City in the Dandy Derby on Saturday night at George Andrews Reserve. It took until extra time for a result to be secured, with Barnes producing a spectacular header - a moment of pure magic - to secure the three points and the get home side off to a perfect start to the season. Barnes has scored goals at will in the NPL since joining the Thunder, but this goal - one that could be the catalyst to get the Thunder into a strong early position in the season - was just as important as any. The champion captain was at his devastating best in a game that see-sawed in momentum from both teams in front of a monster crowd. But it was a game of catch-up for City, who quickly found themselves in a spot of bother after leaking two early goals in the form of Giuseppe Marafioti and Barnes within the first 20 minutes. But City responded strongly, with Brayden Mann finding the back of the net before halftime to help the visitors into the main break
with a 2-1 deficit. In the 70th minute after an even start to the second half, Luke Eyles once again provided a timely response in a game that looked to slowly be fading away, equalizing the contest. But a late red card to City’s Nicholas Kalmar in the dying moments before extra time proved crucial in the end, with the Thunder seemingly with all the momentum. Enter Brandon Barnes, already sky-high with confidence after an earlier goal. With just seconds left to play and with the crowd on the edge of their seats, Barnes emerged from seemingly nowhere after a setup to header the ball into the left-hand side of the net, producing an epic celebration as the crowd rose with delight. Round two will see Thunder travel to Knights Stadium to take on Melbourne Knights FC on Friday night, while Dandenong City - who largely played some terrific football throughout the night - will be hoping to get on the board when they host St Albans Saints.
The great Brandon Barnes secured Dandenong Thunder a thrilling Round 1 victory on Saturday Picture: ROB CAREW night. 17075
Burden Park bowlers enjoy social night The Burden Park Bowls Club conducted a social night on Saturday 15 February to launch a new sponsored uniform. It took the form of a Steak and Prawn night and was enjoyed by all who attended. In attendance were the sponsors of the shirt, Springvale RSL, Greyhounds Entertainment and Club donors. The shirt incorporates a dragon in its design, to embrace the multicultural Springvale area and features the words Burden Park and Springvale indicating the location. There has been very positive feedback from members and visiting teams on the new look uniform. The new designed uniform is the culmination of many months of hard work by the uniform committee while obtaining input from the members and deciding the final design. The uniform committee worked in conjunction with the sponsorship committee to obtain sufficient funds so that each member and any
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Councillor Youhorn Chea, Don Dodds and councillor Sean O’Reilly future new members will receive a free shirt. Also in attendance were local councillors, Youhorn Chea and Sean O’Reilly to recognize the work that the council have completed around the club in the past year. The club hopes that this new uniform will be the start of a new era of the club, expanding its use by locals within the community. At present around 250 children from local schools
are being taught the game of lawn bowls. Work and school groups are most welcome to come and try the great game. As well the club is used by a dance group on Mondays, and the Club would welcome other clubs or organizations to come and use the facilities for meetings or activities. The club’s facilities are available for social and corporate functions. Ring 9546 8851 for details.
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•Engineoilchange5Ltr • Oil filter change • Inspect Spark Plugs •Oililterchange • New contact points •InspectSparkPlugs • New wiper blades • Check hoses and clamps •Newcontactpoints • Pressure test cooling system • Check & adjust all fan belts •Newwiperblades • Check PVC Valves •Checkhosesandclamps • Inspect battery • Inspect charging system •Pressuretestcoolingsystem • Check clutch operation •Check&adjustallfanbelts • Full mechanical & electrical report •CheckPVCValves •Inspectbattery •Inspectchargingsystem •Checkclutchoperation •Fullmechanical&electricalreport
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Tuesday, 18 February, 2020
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