Dandenong Star Journal - 28th April 2020

DANDENONG

Tuesday, 28 April, 2020

/DandenongJournal

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40¢ Inc. GST

Tributes to the Anzacs

Care during Covid crisis

Call and collect

Arryn’s American dream

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SPORT

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Together in dark time Dandenong police station flags at half mast 207864 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Dandenong's Drum Theatre flag at half-mast. 207864

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Drum Theatre was lit a sombre blue while flags fluttered at half-mast outside Dandenong police station in tribute to four police officers killed on Eastern Freeway on 22 April.

Police allege that Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Josh Prestney and Constable Glen Humphris were fatally struck by a refrigerated truck after a Porsche was intercepted near Chandler Highway in Kew. A 47-year-old truck driver from Cranbourne was charged with four counts of culpable driving. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 27 April.

Clubs ‘dumped’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

12389128-CG24-18

Furious sports clubs say they have been "ambushed" by Greater Dandenong Council's decision to abandon a major upgrade and investigate the clubs' removal from Wal Turner Reserve.

After spending $100,000, the council scuppered its fourth draft masterplan for the Dandenong North ground on 14 April.

The reserve - being a diminutive 2.66 hectares - was deemed more suitable as a "neighbourhood park" than a sports ground.

In a statement, a "distressed" and "ex-

tremely disappointed" Silverton Cricket Club committee said it had "at no stage" been consulted by the council.

"Nor have we seen any of the now alleged and rejected four master plans proposed for this site."

After 41 years at the ground, the club opposed moves to relocate from its "spiritual home".

The council is investigating the possible relocation of the cricket club and South East United soccer club to an upgraded Barry J Powell Reserve with a new three-storey pavil-

ion about 550 metres away.

Silverton Cricket Club stated it was instead seeking "well overdue minor upgrades" to stay and "prosper" at Turner Reserve.

Its cricket training nets in a "serious state of decline" had not received a major upgrade in 41 years.

The centre wicket pitch, which had flooded "at least nine times" in the past season, needed to be raised.

The pavilion required expansion, including female changerooms and improved social facilities.

"Our ultimate goal is to continue creating a spiritual home for those in the (City of Greater Dandenong) community, for our 100-plus juniors and 60 seniors, as we have the last 41 seasons," Silverton Cricket Club stated.

"We are asking Council and mayor (Jim) Memeti to help us shape the future of our club, the community and the many young people within our care."

The club was "extremely let down" by the council's assertion that the existing oval didn't meet standards and regulations.

Continued page 4

NEWS

Safety in low numbers Star Journal photographer STEWART CHAMBERS recorded the eerie emptiness around Dandenong's central business district due to Covid-19 safety directions. While parks and many retailers are closed, shoppers still flocked for ‘essential’ supplies at Dandenong Market’s fresh produce stalls.

Shoppers flocked for fruit and veg at Dandenong Market. 207864

A quiet corner at Kadak Chai stall in Dandenong Market. 207864

St James' Anglican Church suspends all services. 207864

Drum Theatre closed during Covid-19. 207864

Anytime Fitness...except in a pandemic. 207864

Dandenong Market's non-food stalls were closed. 207864

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Dandenong Market: Alex and his wife Nicole from Alexander's Fruit Market. 207864

Raelene and Lee from Dandee Donuts. 207864

Masked shoppers stock up at Dandenong Market. 207864 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Red Gum Rest playground is locked down. 207864 Tuesday, 28 April, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Sports clubs dumped Principal Susan Ogden places a wreath.

Dandenong High School associate principal Mark Dewar, principal Susan Ogden and school council president Alan Collier lay wreathes in a modest Anzac Day ceremony.

Springvale RSL's memorial on Anzac Day.

Together to honour the Anzac tradition

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Anzac Day commemorations shifted from war memorials and shrines to homes and driveways, due to the coronavirus lockdown.

At Dandenong High School, its annual service took more modest proportions.

It was left to principal Susan Ogden, associ-

ate principal Mark Dewar and school council president Alan Collier to lay wreaths on behalf of the students, parents, staff and the school's ex-students association on the day before Anzac Day. Ms Ogden said the school retained a proud link to its first headmaster P C Langford, a re-

turned World War I member of the 4th Light Horse Regiment.

The school's colours of dark blue, light blue and red derive from the regiment.

Small delegations also undertook Anzac Day ceremonies at Noble Park and Springvale war memorials.

From page 1 "Why is our ground deemed too small repeatedly in Council's last meeting when year after year it is the league choice to host senior grand finals without incident?"

South East United president Sinan Akkurt said his club and the cricket club were like a "big family" at Turner Reserve.

The club had no desire to relocate from its "safe family environment" to a shared pavilion in Powell Reserve.

"What we are doing isn't about winning pennants but making memories and saving kids off the streets."

South East United, which had requested upgraded ground lighting and female-friendly changerooms, had "no idea" that the council would "dump the masterplan".

A "shocked" and "angered" Silverton life member, former president, and foundation player coach Phil McLeod slammed the "hamfisted" waste of $100,000 - which would have gone a "long way" to fixing the degraded nets.

"This is the third or fourth so called masterplan that the council has tried to implement in our 40 year history.

"And in every case they have tried to relocate us, and in every case we've managed to fight them off.

"We've had a gutful. All we want to do is to be left alone so that we continue our job of promoting the sport and serving the community."

A former reporter on DDCA cricket at The Journal, Mr McLeod questioned why every one of the club's applications for ground upgrades were "rejected with no reasonable, logical explanation".

"Why after 40 years and four failed master plans is the council still determined to see us gone? Cynics might argue that there may be a hidden agenda."

An important message from the Victorian Government

STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS ARE NOW IN PLACE. That means there are only four reasons to be out.

Exercise.

Medical care and caregiving.

Work and education – if necessary.

Stay informed at coronavirus.vic.gov.au

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Shopping for food and supplies that you need.

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF Cyclist critical in Dandenong hit-run

Holding Covid line

A cyclist has been critically injured in an alleged hit-run crash in central Dandenong on Tuesday 21 April.

The 46-year-old Dandenong North man was struck by a silver Holden Astra hatch with a registration plate partially comprising letters WXE about 1.10pm on the corner of Langhorne and Lonsdale streets.

The driver didn't stop to help the cyclist and fled in the citybound lanes of Princes Highway, police say.

The cyclist was taken to The Alfred hospital with a lower body injury. Police say he was in a critical condition.

Police are urging the Astra driver to contact them. They're also seeking dashcam and CCTV footage, as well as anyone who had seen the car in the Dandenong area.

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

By Cam Lucadou-Wells No new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in Greater Dandenong in the past week, according to state health department figures.

In a sign of an extinguishing curve, only 21 new cases were reported in Victoria in the seven days up until 26 April.

Greater Dandenong's tally remains at 14.

Statewide, one new case was recorded on 26 April - which was 'offset' by a former case being assigned to NSW. Since January, there have been 1349 cases in Victoria - of which at least 1265 cases are listed as recovered.

That means less than 90 active infections known in the community.

Seventeen Victorians have died from the virus. In Australia, 83 have succumbed, out of more than 6700 reported infected people.

Meanwhile, Victoria Police officers reported fining several groups gathering at private residences as well as a party at a private hotel on ANZAC Day. There were also several examples of people not from the same residence being found in a car together without a reason for their travel.

On 25 April, police members conducted 688 spot checks at homes, businesses and non-essential services as part of Operation Sentinel.

They issued 87 fines for breaches of selfisolation and social distancing rules.

House gutted by fire

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton indicated that the rules won't be revisited until 11 May, despite an Opposition call for the reopening of schools with new restrictions.

"Our daily case numbers are still low which is encouraging," Professor Sutton said.

"They prove that our physical distancing measures are working but this is not a time to relax our strong approach - this disease can get away from you very quickly as we have seen in cities overseas.

"We thank Victorians who overwhelmingly are doing the right thing by staying at home, but we must keep at it to save lives."

On 27 April, the Federal Government reported more than 1.1 million downloads of its COVIDSafe app.

The voluntary app traces contact of at least 15 minutes with other app users who may be exposed to Covid-19.

Details: www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app

No Covid-19 allowance for refugees

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Asylum-seeker families are at crisis point due to being deprived from the Federal Government's $130 billion JobKeeper coronavirus relief package.

Since the Covid-19 lockdown, Friends of Refugees chief executive Sri Samy has been facing a deluge of desperate people in need of food and material aid - including Australian citizens laid off from work since March.

Faced with greater need, FoR's food stocks and donations had dwindled to nothing.

The charity was saved by material aid packages from Greater Dandenong Council's $330,000 Covid-19 relief response on 9 April.

"Normally we have two weeks of stock available.

"We were seeing a lot more young families and we weren't getting financial donations everyone was tightening their belts because of the financial uncertainty.

"We were in a very bad situation until fortunately the council came in. We hadn't been able to help families for two weeks - we ran out of everything."

The council's packages put "food on the table" for 100 FoR families in the past week but the outlook was "really scary". Families in need of food had surged 50 per cent - up to 150 a week.

"We hope things will get back to normality soon."

The JobKeeper allowance, designed to help corona-struck businesses and about 6 million workers, has also stemmed the tide to some extent, Ms Samy said.

But it provides nothing for so many asylum seekers on bridging visas and refugees on temporary visas who have lost their jobs.

Some were even denied the meagre Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) payments - tied to 89 per cent of NewStart.

"It's really sad. We try to do what we can to help."

Those who arrive on temporary work visas have also been excluded, but at least they have a choice, Ms Samy said.

"These people who seek asylum don't have a country to go back to.

"Even though there's a lot of desperation, they understand the situation. They want to work but they know we need to bunker down."

The Federal Government's position has been to prioritise Australians and permanent residents with Covid-19 welfare support.

Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge recently said of the plight of "temporary visitors": "If you cannot support yourself over the next six months, then you should consider leaving the country and going home to a place where you can be supported."

To donate food and money, go to friendsofrefugees.org.au/

Sri Samy says Friends of Refugee's food relief stocks aren't keeping up with masses of destitute families. 195119 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Fire crews mop up at the scene of the destroyed house. 207868 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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A house was gutted by a fierce fire at 7 Laschelles Street, Springvale on Friday 24 April.

Witnesses saw flames rising through the roof at the rear of the single-storey weatherboard building shortly after 7am.

No occupants were inside the building at the time, a CFA spokesperson said.

A local smoke warning was issued for the Springvale community, advising those sensitive to smoke to close windows and doors.

An MFB and two CFA crews contained the blaze to the fully-immolated building.

They were expected to be on site for two hours to fully extinguish the ruins.

Laschelles Street was closed to traffic during the fire-fighting effort.

STAR JOURNAL 5

NEWS

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Domains are their gift

Local manufacturing can play a vital role beyond essential medical equipment and pharmaceuticals during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vonda Fenwick, chief executive of South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA), seized on Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s comments on ensuring Australia wasn’t again exposed to medical supply shortages.

In response to the crisis, Australian manufacturers were producing thousands of lifesaving ventilators for intensive-care patients as well as personal protective equipment (PPE).

“The focus however must be much broader than essential medical equipment and pharmaceuticals,” Ms Fenwick said.

“In the short term we need governments at federal and state levels to focus on their policy settings and procurement processes to ensure support for onshore manufacturing and robust supply-chains.”

Import supply chains of other products have also been under threat during lockdown.

Springvale feminine-hygiene product maker Asaleo Care recently told Star Journal of using a 3D printer to replace vital assembly-line parts usually sourced from Italy.

Ms Fenwick called on identifying what imports could be made onshore for the greatest short-term employment and economic benefit.

“Meaningful” local-content percentages for “all government procurement” and 100 per cent Australian steel in all major Government projects should be mandated, she said.

Victoria’s unemployment is forecast to double from its current 5.2 per cent rate due to corona’s crippling impact.

Ms Fenwick said manufacturing was a key to the most rapid economic recovery because of its high “multiplier effect” in creating jobs in other sectors.

Narre Warren based VentraIP Australia, the largest privately owned provider of web hosting and domain name registrar services in Australia, has announced that it will give away 10,000 domain names to help local businesses get started online during the Covid-19 crisis.

In what will be known as The Great Australian Domain Name Giveaway, local business owners and entrepreneurs who do not currently have an online presence will be able to register a free Australian domain name for one year in what the company says is the largest ever giveaway of its kind.

Angelo Giuffrida, the 29 year old CEO of the company, said he was proud to be able to help the community get through such a challenging time.

“Getting your existing business or your new idea online is now more important than ever, and if we can do something to help people achieve this then that’s a win for everybody”, he said.

The company will fund the offer using the cashflow assistance package announced by the Federal Government last month.

“We’ve been extremely fortunate that our revenue has not suffered a major downturn since the crisis began but we will still receive that funding, so in good faith we decided to use that money to assist other businesses transition to working online and to help people who may have lost their jobs and may have a great idea that they can build a business from.”

The company employs more than 60 staff members in its Narre Warren officer servicing to more than 200,000 customers.

For more information and to claim a free domain name, head to www.yourfreedomain. com.au

Cure for shortages

Vonda Fenwick, pictured with SEMMA member Peter Angelico, is calling for a manufacturing-led recovery.

“We are not promoting protectionism, denying the benefits of globalization, seeking to wind back Free Trade Agreements or asking for government handouts.”

In the long term, policies on R&D incentives, inexpensive energy and STEM education and skills were required.

Manufacturing was the “engine room” of the economy, which would drive strong growth and creation of well-paid, high-value jobs, Ms Fenwick said.

“A thriving manufacturing sector is essential to our economic prosperity, our quality of life and our national security.”

A time for practical goals

CLAYTON 104/90 Wellington Rd

1 1 1 BED BATH CAR

MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION Live in or investors alike will love this 1st floor apartment opposite Clayton’s Monash University campus that will always be in demand.

Features a living area with split system heater/air conditioner, balcony and a kitchen with stone benches and Blanco appliances. The bedroom features an ensuite with laundry connections and there’s also a titled car space and storage locker in the secure ground level carport.

ARI OINONEN

Price

$290,000 9792 5333

SILVANA LAKIC

0402 349 644 0412 241 888

FOR SALE

www.century21.com.au/dandenong

Without doubt, the single most common challenge that SME business owners and leaders expressed to me prior to the start of the coronavirus pandemic was a lack of time.

Whenever I run my Time Management training course, I ask at the outset how many people have enough time to do everything they want to and without exception no hands go up.

With so much apparently needing to get done, how is it that people like Sir Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Bill Gates etc seem to be able to pack so much in when we all have the same 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week?

I believe there are three fundamental reasons why some succeed whilst others do not: 1. Focus – crystal clear clarity on what needs to be achieved; 2. Ability to prioritise – what actions or activities are the most important and 3. The documentation of well-defined business goals.

I may return to the first two later, but for now I would like to focus on the last item.

By “well-defined” business goals, I mean creation of a set of goals that each adhere to the SMART principle, namely: Specific – a very well specified (documented) outcome that you specifically require Measurable – a quantifiable result which can be used to monitor and track progress along the way Achievable – a realistic outcome given the resources available and possible constraints Relevant – the objective has to align the overall business intent with the assigned owner Time-specific – a very specific date and time by when the goal should be achieved Doing the above will greatly improve your chances of achieving success and whilst many businesses already know about SMART, a key reason cited for often not applying this in the past has been a ‘lack of time’.

With the “pause” imposed upon us now by Covid-19, we really do have an opportunity to take a step back and examine what is important for our business to achieve over the coming months.

· ·

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MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION Directly opposite Monash University, this top floor apartment isperfect to live in or a natural investment that will always be in high demand.

Features living area with split system heater/air conditioner, balcony, well equipped kitchen,bedroom with built in robe, a bathroom/laundry, car space and storage locker in the secure ground level carport.

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SILVANA LAKIC

0402 349 644 0412 241 888 6 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 28 April, 2020

FOR SALE Price

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CLAYTON

· · ·

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH Whilst SMART goals dramatically improve results, a study by Brigham Young University in 1993 found that this would on average still only lead to a 40 per cent success rate.

Three other key actions are required to get to a 95 per cent chance of achieving the defined goal and are as follows: 1. Define a Plan – assign an owner for each goal and put in place the specific measurable milestones and targets that will be reviewed at regular intervals to track and report progress. Identify key dependencies and constraints and pull this together in a visual representation of all the tasks and timelines that make up the goal itself.

2. Commit your goal and plan to another party – find someone else that will hold you accountable. This person does not need to have a vested interest in the outcome but should be someone whom you respect and will not let you off the hook.

3. Share your progress against your plan regularly with the person identified in 2. above.

The reason New Year’s Resolutions don’t work is that they are typically not framed as SMART goals and nor are they supported by the three principles stated above.

Covid-19 has undoubtedly had a major impact on business operations But we can use this impost positively to our advantage by using the additional time available to focus on what we specifically want to achieve and defining this in such a way that enables success, especially when things pick up as they surely will.

Ian Ash is the Managing Director of OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago

tickets still unsold and buy one yourself.

Dandenong Anzac Day sports

50 years ago

The Anzac Day sports meeting held in the Dandenong Agricultural Ground on Saturday passed off successfully, and although early in the day the sky seemed to indicate rain, the weather improved and the afternoon was bright and sunny. Doubtless many from a distance, were kept away from putting in an appearance, but the townspeople attended fairly well with about 1000 present. A brisk trade was done at the Refreshment stall on the ground and the ladies netted about ÂŁ17. The gate taking reached ÂŁ42. However there is room for those who were absent to help. There is barely a week in which to buy union tickets, to help build the Memorial Hall. Tickets are going off well, but there are still many who have not bought. Help to sell the

30 April 1970 "No" by council to mall scheme The city's shopping centre will not be transformed into a mall as suggested by the Dandenong Chamber of Commerce. Instead, council will institute a scheme to change the traffic flow in the Thomas - Foster - Walker Sts area. At a special conference in the council offices on Tuesday morning top officials of the chamber were given copies of a 20 page survey conducted by council into proposals initiated by the chamber some months ago.

A safe injecting clinic looks set for a trial in Springvale without public consultation. The State Government's Drug Policy Expert Committee, chaired by Professer David Penington was to release the findings of a five-month investigation into talking the state's heroin problem when the Journal went to print. It was expected the report would support five clinics across Melbourne in Springvale, Collingwood, St Kilda, Footscray and the CBD. The report followed Greater Dandenong's decision last week to host a public forum on the issue at the Springvale Town Hall on May 11.

5 years ago

20 years ago

27 April 2015 Doctor's in the house

24 April 2000 Trial for Springvale

Former patients still stop Doctor Norval Yeaman in the street and beg him to return to work. He'll

turn 90 this year and hung up his stethoscope more than 18 months ago due to failing eyesight. It was his second attempt at retirement and he is trying to make it stick. Norval stepped away from a group practice on Robinson Street Dandenong in 1993 and took a trip around Australia with wife Alma, a nurse. But upon coming home they set up a makeshift clinic in their Narre Warren North home. "People starting turning up here wanting to see me so we ended up carrying on." Dr Yeaman said. Alma who turns 87 this year said "many patients were sad to see them close their doors for good."

The Yeamon's married and moved to Dandenong in 1953 after meeting at work at the Royal Women's Hospital. The Yeoman's both shrug of praise, but conceded they had done lot for the community over the years.

NEWS

Knitted in isolation Nests of woolly chooks have brought smiles to the faces of Dandenong Hospital nurses.

A Dandenong craft group Crafty Connections knitted the clucky Easter hampers as part of a productive social isolation project during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Due to the pandemic, the cute chooks went into quarantine for a week before being gratefully received by the nurses.

The all-abilities support craft group has stayed connected through chats and photos, and working on group projects from home.

A Wellsprings for Women spokesperson said the "vibrant and often hilariously noisy" group had been missing their weekly catchups at the community centre.

"They are a very community minded group and are always busy making things to be auctioned for charity or to be donated to the latest cause.

"They made cooling neck ties for the firefighters over summer.

Despite social isolation, Crafty Connections presented woolly chick hampers to Dandenong Hospital nurses.

12447787-LN18-20

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NEWS

Call ‘n’ collect A call-and-collect service will be introduced at Dandenong Market in response to coronavirus concerns.

A trial of the service starts on Friday 1 May, enabling customers to pre-order from multiple traders and pick up their order in a priority queue.

Dandenong Market general manager Jennifer Hibbs said the "fast, fresh and free" service was part of adapting to "our customers' needs for the times we live in."

"Our customers have been asking for it and the response from our traders so far has been overwhelmingly positive."

As an 'essential service', Dandenong Markets fresh produce section of meat, fish, deli, bakery, fruit and vegies remains open.

Customers phone or email their order through to their favourite trader on Wednesday or Thursday, pre-pay over the phone, then head to a priority queue to pick it up anytime on Friday.

Details: dandenongmarket.com.au/news/ call-and-collect

Hero treat for mum Want to give your community-minded mum an extra treat this Mother's Day? If your mum is an essential worker, volunteer or helps others in the Greater Dandenong community, Armada Dandenong Plaza wants to hear about it.

In 25 words or less, write about 'why your mum is a Community Mum' to be in the run-

ning for one of five $100 plaza gift cards.

Centre manager Mark Tannahill said it was the chance to show gratitude to our mums.

"Right now local mums are doing it all, cooking, cleaning, home schooling and many are also working in the front line as essential workers, so we want to take this opportunity

to thank them and show them our gratitude."

To enter, write your 25-word submission on a piece of paper, photograph it and email it to dandenongplaza@retprogroup.com.au by Wednesday 6 May. Details, terms and conditions at armadadandenongplaza.com.au

Abdul Ghani from S&G Fresh is taking part in the new Call-and-Collect service at Dandenong Market.

FOCUS ON … MOTHER’S DAY

Brekkie’s the way to mum’s heart

JMC QUALITY MEATS

To get your brownie points this Mother’s Day cook your lovely wife or mum a breakfast in bed.

For the perfect breakfast you can go no further then Rob’s, sausage and bacon (can add black pudding etc on request!) and of course there’s pork pies, Cornish pasties and scotch eggs for later on in the day.

Don’t forget the packet of Thornton’s chocolates and Eccles cakes with a cup of tea at night.

Must place your orders as there are only a handful of Thornton’s chocolates available $70 to spoil the one we love most this Mother’s Day. At Rob’s, when you taste you will know.

Rob’s British Butcher shop is at 177 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Call on 9792 5188.

The shop is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm; Saturday from 8am to 1pm; and closed Sundays.

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Mother’s Day pack consists of: •฀500g฀English฀pork฀chipolatas •฀1฀packet฀British฀short฀back฀bacon •฀2฀Cornish฀pasties,฀2฀scotch฀eggs •฀2฀pork฀pies,฀2฀eccles฀cakes •฀1฀box฀of฀Thornton’s฀classic฀chocolates฀ $

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I’m Thinking of You Contents:

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Social housing scrapped

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A social housing project in central Dandenong has been quashed by Greater Dandenong councillors amid concerns of entrenching a crime-ridden "ghetto".

The council proposed to sell its 2-4 Hemmings Street car park at a discount to Housing Choices Australia (HCA) to build and manage 43 affordable-housing units.

The $15 million proposal was a response to Greater Dandenong's state-high homelessness rate and paucity of affordable housing.

The project would have prioritised those fleeing family violence, the elderly and young families who are homeless, and disabled tenants.

It would be next door to HCA's 19-apartment social housing project at 6 Hemmings Street, sharing open space, a community garden and support services.

Cr Tim Dark said the project was an "absolute buster" in the "wrong location", citing murder, stabbings, drug-dealing, burglary and

Housing Choices Australia social-housing apartments next to the proposed site. 207592 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS assaults within the "unsafe" crime-prone precinct.

It was better suited to a "salt-and-pepper" location among private homes, rather than an area dense with public housing, he said.

Cr Dark said the locale would "gentrify" when people with "good incomes", who were

"working hard" and had "ambition and drive" moved in.

"They are the people we should be looking towards having."

Also in opposition, Cr Peter Brown cited people "shooting up", "cops chasing people" and "hookers" in the "disaster area".

However, Cr Matthew Kirwan said the "well managed" social housing proposal wouldn't feed crime but was "part of the solution".

Crime in the precinct wasn't linked to HCA's existing social housing units but instead caused by "poorly managed rooming houses, squats and overcrowded private rentals", he said.

"Well managed affordable housing with a diverse range of tenants alleviates social problems not increases them."

Despite 5000 on the public housing waiting list, the council area ranked 23rd in the state for social housing ratios, Cr Kirwan noted.

"With Greater Dandenong becoming ever increasingly unaffordable, we need to take action.

"Our excellent work feeding people (via the material aid initiative) needs to be partnered with putting a roof over their head."

Cr Angela Long said the extra social housing was needed for "our people".

Unemployed people and pensioners couldn't afford a home on their own, and were forced to share with other families, sleep in cars, parks or couch-surf, she said.

Cr Sean O'Reilly said people who required social housing "weren't bad people". The Covid-19 pandemic "should remind us that people's luck can change pretty quickly".

Under the plan, Greater Dandenong would sell the 60-space car park for $350,000 - about 25 per cent of the site's value, according to a council report.

A 30-space car park would have been leased back to the council at a peppercorn rate.

After the meeting, Cr Kirwan said he'd introduce an alternative notice-of-motion to alleviate opposing councillors' concerns.

"A well managed social housing opportunity is too good an opportunity to pass up."

Middleman ‘star student’ spirals into jail DV thugs on police radar

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A former apprentice-of-the-year rapidly graduated into a "higher echelon" of drug traffickers, a Victorian County Court judge has observed.

Jacob Bentley, 28, of Dandenong, was jailed on 21 April for his "middle-man" role in helping to supply 277 grams of methamphetamine.

The drugs were sold to an undercover police officer who paid $37,000 in marked notes.

Bentley, who had been on bail at the time, was arrested at his home five days after the drug deal on 17 April 2018.

During the raid, police seized nine of the marked $100 bills, as well as $2600 of other cash, a Taser, ammunition, MDMA, ice and pharmaceutical drugs.

He pleaded guilty to offences such as trafficking a commercial amount of illicit drugs, weapon charges and refusing to supply police with his phone's password.

In sentencing, Judge Scott Johns accepted

Bentley had been paid a "commission" rather than being a "major shareholder" in the drug deal.

"But you were a very useful soldier in this enterprise".

At the time, a drug-addicted Bentley was stressed and depressed over being unemployed after a stint in jail as well as a "problematic" relationship with a co-accused woman, Judge Johns noted.

Bentley had been a talented student - despite a "disjointed, tumultuous" upbringing and undiagnosed ADHD, the judge said.

He was unable to accept a Haileybury College scholarship due to his family moving out of the area.

But he successfully completed a VCAL plumbing apprenticeship, winning an apprentice-of-the-year award at 21.

By that stage, his teenage alcohol and cannabis use elevated to ice abuse. Drugs became the centre of the accused's social life and relationships, Judge Johns said.

"Like many before you, meth use sent you in a steady decline.

"The destruction and misery wrecked on our community due to this pernicious drug is widespread.

"You know the consequences of addiction, yet like so many other addicts, you peddle the misery down the line."

Bentley's "relatively brief" criminal history started at 24 and escalated to being in a "higher echelon" of drug traffickers. Since then, he had not been drug free in the community for more than a few months.

Judge Johns took into account that Bentley's remand had been more onerous due to the Covid-19 lockdown. This included not being allowed visits for weeks, as well as the anxiety caused by the pandemic.

Bentley was jailed for up to five years and eight months, including 735 days already served in pre-sentence custody.

He will be eligible for parole after three years and 10 months.

School’s sports precinct up and running St John's Regional College students got a brief but exciting chance to try out the school's new multi-million dollar sports precinct at the end of first term before home schooling became the norm.

As the second part of its stage one upgrade, the college has installed a FIFA accredited soccer pitch as well as three new basketball/ netball courts with an all weather roof, a 100 metre synthetic running track and an irrigated football oval and softball diamond.

Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade was due to visit his former school in March and open the new sports precinct.

However, Covid-19 put an end to those plans.

Principal Tim Hogan said Wade had agreed to come back later in the year to present the inaugural Paul Wade Cup to the winning primary school teams involved a round robin soccer event to be held on the new pitch.

Mr Hogan said the Paul Wade Cup would become an annual tournament involving 8 Catholic primary schools in the Dandenong region.

The new sports precinct has also been embraced by the wider community. The college has entered into a partnership with the Melbourne Chinese Soccer Association which will play matches there on a Sunday.

The pitch will also be used by the Greek Olympiacos Soccer Academy for training on Saturday mornings, while the basketball court is used as an overflow facility for the Dandenong Basketball Association.

"This is a fantastic facility which generates opportunities for our students and the wider community," Mr Hogan said, The sporting precinct is part of a master 12 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 28 April, 2020

Xavier tries out the new soccer pitch. 206801 plan which has been in development since 2017. Stage one involved the construction of a new administration building.

Stag two will involve a new $5 million junior STEM building, which will commence construction at the end of the year and be ready

for learning in late 2021.

The college has also applied for grants for a new senior STEM and art centre.

When all stages have been completed, the college will have invested between $25 and $30 million in new facilities and buildings.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Victoria Police have arrested nearly 44 known family-violence offenders in a week as part of a Covid-19 pandemic operation.

Operation Ribbon started mid last week targeting family violence perpetrators and victims during the "high-risk" time coronavirus lockdown period.

So far, family-violence call-outs had slightly increased - but not offences, Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said on 21 April.

However, police expect a spike as victims find safe ways of reporting the crimes to family and friends while in isolation.

"Hopefully we're wrong but we have to prepare and plan for the worst."

As of 21 April, specialist family-violence police detectives had visited 106 known familyviolence perpetrators identified as the most "high-risk".

Of them, 13 were remanded, 17 bailed and four charged on summons for offences including assaults and intervention order breaches.

Officers also "reached out" to 241 of the most at-risk family-violence victims, Dep Comm Patton said.

"We are sending a strong and clear warning to perpetrators; closed doors will not protect you from being held to account.

"Police will be knocking on doors of those known to us to ensure they are not committing harm.

"There is never an excuse to abuse a family member."

Dep Comm Patton said family violence remained a "significant issue" in Victoria, with 84,400 police call-outs in 2019. That's equivalent to one every six minutes.

In recent weeks, about 14 per cent of complainants attributed the Covid-19 situation as the cause of "dispute and animosity in the family home", he said.

In a further coronavirus safety measure, those on bail will not have to attend police stations as part of their bail conditions from Friday 24 April.

This protects frontline police as well as the community from 40,000 "non-essential" trips by bail recipients each month, Dep Comm Patton said.

New bail applicants would be subject to the "arguably more stringent" Covid-19 restrictions as part of their bail conditions. A breach of the restrictions would be a breach of bail.

Those of the highest flight risk will be on an offender management plan.

On 23 April, the State Government will introduce a Bill to allow police to use Skype and "other" technology to monitor bail recipients.

Support for family violence victims is available 24 hours a day on 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au In an emergency call triple-0. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Sports clubs can stay: council

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council has moved to hose down Turner Reserve clubs' fury after dumping the venue's masterplan.

In a statement, it assured tenant clubs that they could "continue using the reserve if that is what they choose".

After spending $100,000, the council scuppered its fourth draft masterplan for the Dandenong North ground on 14 April.

The reserve - being a diminutive 2.66 hectares - was deemed more suitable as a "neighbourhood park" than a sports ground.

Silverton Cricket Club and South East United soccer club have told Star Journal they weren't consulted by the council.

They were also opposed to moving the clubs to Barry Powell Reserve - an option that the council is currently investigating.

In a statement, the council said it had engaged in an "extensive consultation process".

It had decided to consider Turner Reserve together with Powell Reserve as a "precinct", rather than as separate masterplans, it stated.

Mayor Jim Memeti said Turner Reserve's size limited the "opportunity for expansion".

"Wal Turner Reserve has a character and charm that the community wanted to retain and we can achieve this by leaving the reserve essentially as it is," Cr Memeti said.

"Sporting clubs that currently use the reserve will continue using the reserve if that is what they choose."

The council acknowledged the need to upgrade Turner Reserve's pavilion while leaving the reserve "substantially unchanged".

"Council will begin planning and implementing these upgrades including improved facilities and much-needed change rooms for women at Turner Pavilion," Cr Memeti said.

"Council will also investigate the opportunity for more junior focused and women's sports in the future."

Powell Reserve was "better placed to accommodate a sports expansion", he said.

The council would "work with" clubs, sportspeople and the broader community to "investigate" how to meet their needs at an "enhanced" Powell Reserve.

During the council debate on 14 April, chief executive John Bennie advised that the

The Mango Tree staff Rukshi, Sheron and Arunci serve up free lunch packs for international students.

Meals for the forgotten

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A council sign advertising for feedback on the future of Turner Reserve. 207593 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS dumped masterplan would come as "no surprise" to the two clubs.

The clubs were "not completely enamoured with the idea", Mr Bennie told the meeting.

They were however "understanding" and "accepting" of the idea that Powell Reserve had more scope for expansion and was a "better long-term option".

Cr Maria Sampey, who tabled the 14 April report, said that $1 million was earmarked to upgrade Turner Reserve within 12 months.

The clubs' requests for upgraded pavilion, lighting, pitch area and nets could be completed in that time, she said.

"The money is there, and I'll ensure it's done."

After attracting the ire of sports clubs on the issue, Cr Sampey said she felt like a "scapegoat".

She'd been told council officers extensively consulted with the clubs on the decision, she said.

Cr Sampey said the masterplan had been dumped because it tried to fit too many elements into the reserve - including a basketball half-court, a walking track with exercise stations and three cricket nets relocated in "the middle of the park".

"It's like cooking a cake for eight people and trying to serve 1000 people."

There is such a thing as a free lunch.

A Dandenong eatery The Mango Tree is giving away 300 lunch packs every Wednesday for stranded international students without income.

Many of the students have lost their jobs due the Covid-19 pandemic but are ruled ineligible for government welfare programs, including the $130 billion Jobkeeper package.

Normally, The Mango Tree is shut on Wednesdays. But in a great act of generosity, it has opened its kitchens on its day off, serving up free vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries and dahls for the students.

Staff member Rajeev Elangeswaran said restaurant staff had noticed many of its regular international-student diners were doing it tough.

"We heard what was happening on the news, and we talked about what we can do to help.

"We decided to open on Wednesday just for the students."

Praise has flooded on the restaurant's Facebook page.

A poster wrote: "You are great. What the community fails to do you are doing."

The Mango Tree has been cooking up Sri Lankan and Indian curries in Clow Street, Dandenong for more than nine years.

The lunch pack giveaway is on Wednesdays, 12pm-3pm.

Twin double-storeys now OK Community news suffering

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The state's planning tribunal has overruled Greater Dandenong Council's refusal of a double-storey development at a former public housing estate at Dandenong North.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal member Vicki Davies approved twin doublestorey homes to replace a single-storey weatherboard dwelling and outbuildings at 57 Boyd Street.

She rejected the council's desire to preserve the predominantly single-storey neighbourhood character.

"My principal finding is that the proposed development is suitably respectful of neighbourhood character," Ms Davies stated in her 16 April decision.

"Indeed, it would make a positive contribution to the area, in terms of built form and landscaping."

Ms Davies noted that many original "modest" dwellings from a former public housing estate remained, such as at 57 Boyd Street, but the estate was at the "beginnings of regeneration".

While some homes had "sparse landscaping" and were "neglected", many of the original dwellings were "refurbished", "extended" and in "well-established gardens".

The proposal on the 750 square-metre block complied with garden, private open space and on-site car parking requirements, Ms Davies stated. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The present dwelling at 57 Boyd Street, Dandenong North will make way for two doublestorey homes.

With two canopy trees proposed at the front, the "landscaping outcome would be far superior to the existing conditions of the review site and the neighbouring properties".

She noted the council accepted the site was in an "incremental change area", suitable for "some form of medium density development".

However, Greater Dandenong had argued the double-storey rear unit and its inadequate landscaping would "overpower the sense of open space".

Ms Davies ordered a "relatively minor" change to the rear unit's top storey to protect neighbours from "unreasonable impacts".

She noted that the two small canopy trees and other planned vegetation at the rear setback improved the site's current appearance.

Newspaper publishers have again called on the federal government to urgently unlock funds to assist regional and community newspapers, amid fears of further stand downs and closures.

Publishers are concerned that the federal government’s recent Public Interest News Gathering program (PING), announced last week, could potentially hand funds allocated to small and regional publishers to large and powerful commercial television and radio networks and media conglomerates such as News Corporation.

Country Press Australia, on behalf its 140 independent regional and local newspaper members, has been in discussions with the Federal Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, to prevent the allocation guidelines for the PING program producing unintended outcomes.

CPA president Bruce Ellen said: “It has become clear that regional and small publishers could be sacrificed to the more powerful voices of the commercial television and radio networks and media conglomerates such as News Corporation unless careful consideration is given to the funding framework.

“It is unfortunate that the conglomerates seem to have the ear of government, yet regional and small publishers have the ears of 140 communities across Australia in the case of CPA, that they continue to serve.

“That News Limited could now share in a funding program specifically targeted to re-

gional and small publishers, concocted to push through changes to Media Ownership rules of massive benefit to them and other media conglomerates to the further detriment of regional and small publishers will only be to the detriment of society and the varied media voices in this country.”

Star News Group managing director Paul Thomas said: “The Federal Government’s recent announcement to provide $50 million to regional media looks great as a headline but looking at the detail it appears the government is more interested in placating the large media players once again by taking a fund specifically for small independent media organisations and handing it out to the largest in the country.

“The funds were specifically allocated to small and regional publishers in a deal done in 2017 to enable the media reform legislation. News Corporation were heavily involved in negotiating the establishment of the fund benefiting smaller publishers and ensuring the small independent publishers as the voice of their communities were not impacted.

“News Corporation wanted the media reform laws changed but the cross benches insisted on the establishment of the fund. Now News Corporation and other large public media companies are likely to be by far the biggest beneficiaries of these same funds.

“At a time when small independent media organisations and the communities that rely on them need this funding most, it’s now being handed to the rich and powerful.“ Tuesday, 28 April, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

A snapshot of older days During these days of lockdown, the Star Journal delved back through the files to find a snapshot of Dandenong's early years, which have been published courtesy of the Dandenong Historical Society.

The old Albion Hotel.

Dandenong Market in the early days.

A Grendas Bus Services original.

The market appealled to young and old.

The old saleyards.

14 STAR JOURNAL

Staff outside the office of Alex Scott and Co.

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Tuesday, 28 April, 2020

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Floods and fuel.

An old Ford dealership.

The old Dandenong Journal office.

Kingsburys was a retail institution in Dandenong. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tharle Brothers Butchers.

Tuesday, 28 April, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 15

SPORT

From a Tiger, to a Lion By sports editor Russell Bennett Arryn Siposs was still in his early 20s when he was delisted by St Kilda, and now he's about to start a whole new chapter of his professional sporting career - with the Detroit Lions in the NFL. In 2015, the Hallam and Beaconsfield product had played 28 games since making his AFL debut in 2011, and the last thing he wanted to do was give up on his dream of forging a lasting professional football career.

Little did the former Dandenong Stingray know the opportunities that would await him in a different football code entirely.

Long known for his booming kick, Siposs now has the chance of a lifetime in the NFL after an eye-catching punting stint at US collegiate powerhouse, the Auburn Tigers.

He made international headlines last November after a stunning play in the 'Iron Bowl' against Alabama, which netted the Tigers a stunning 48-45 win - one of the most famous triumphs in the history of their illustrious program. Siposs, who was still in Auburn as the NFL draft was held over the weekend, explained the incredible turn of events that led to him and Tigers quarterback Bo Nix embracing in the middle of the stadium following the heart-stopping win.

"It was something we practiced going into the game," he said.

"Alabama had a really good punt and kickoff returner so we had to come up with a plan to keep him off the field.

"Our plan originally was for me to line up in the wide receiver position and then swap with the quarterback (Nix) and then get the ball snapped to me and I would punt it.

"We hoped that Alabama's defence would be on the field and their returner wouldn't be.

In the end, we confused them and they had 12 players on the field, which resulted in us keeping the football and winning the game."

It also led to a famous post-match outburst from Nick Saban - one of the biggest name coaches in US football history - and caused headlines right across the world.

It's a far cry from Siposs' VFL stint with Williamstown when he was searching for a way back into the AFL. "After my time was finished at St Kilda, I still thought I could play in the AFL," he said.

"I was 22 at the time and wanted to get back into the AFL, so I signed with Williamstown. I thought this would give me the best opportunity to get back in.

"I was in my second year there but I saw how well other guys were going (punting) in the college system in America and thought I could do the same thing, so I contacted (Australian former NFL punter) Nathan Chapman at Prokick and went down for a training session. He told me I could do it, and maybe even get to the NFL."

Hallam product, and former Dandenong Stingrays and St Kilda footballer Arryn Siposs signed with Detroit in the NFL. Picture: COURTESY OF TODD VAN EMST/AU ATHLETICS Siposs ultimately declared for this year's draft still with a season of eligibility left at Auburn. While he ultimately went undrafted, his decision reaped serious rewards as he signed with the Lions soon after - with a chance to compete for their starting punting spot.

Blitzing the Maiden field

By Jason Adams David Crawford is on the verge of a period of real success after the promising 'He Shall Blitz' took out the Maiden final at the Sandown Park greyhounds on Friday night.

He Shall Blitz began cleanly and soon settled on the tail of early leader Wise Thunder.

He took control in the home straight and highlighted his strength to win by two-and-a-half lengths.

"Obviously Jamie's (Ennis-trained Koko Kardash) was the fastest in the race, but I did give him a chance even though he can be a bit tardy early," Crawford said.

Crawford's run throughout April has been particularly hot so far. His team has had 17 starts and finished out of the placings in just four of those.

It looks to be a strike rate that may remain consistent for 2020. He Shall Blitz is one of three from his litter who have made a start to their racing careers, and so far they've combined for 35 starts with nine wins and 12 placings.

"They've always been able to run time on their own, especially that one (Blitz). I'm hop18 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 28 April, 2020

For him, the time to make his new dream a reality is now.

"I didn't expect this to happen in my wildest dreams," Siposs admitted.

"It has been an amazing journey so far and

Tauwitchere is ready for a real step up in distance

By Mick Floyd

He Shall Blitz was outstanding at Sandown Park on Friday night.

Picture: SUPPLIED ing they'll eventually race over 600 or even 700 metres. Their mother (Shall She Rock) was a good stayer and their sire (Dundee Osprey) could stay too."

He said having raced the mother and seen the litter grow, it does make success more satisfying.

"I had them in my hand when they were pups, it is pretty special," Crawford explained.

"I don't have as many (greyhounds) as I used to, I only intend on breeding one litter a year. My wife wants to go travelling but I like being with the dogs. I've had a crook leg for a while and they keep me moving."

it really is just the beginning of it.

"I just wanted to play AFL for 10 to 12 years and have a great career doing that, but that didn't work out, so having the opportunity to do this is amazing and hopefully I can have decent career in the NFL."

Tauwitchere made it five wins in a row at Sandown Park on Sunday night and a step up to the 715-metre trip is on the cards.

Sent to the boxes an unbackable $1.04 favourite, she began well but was forced to work hard early with Come On Eleanor pouring on the early pressure. However, the 2018 Launching Pad winner proved too strong in the concluding stages, powering to the line to win by four-and-a-half lengths in 33.23.

The win has continued her resurgence as one of the sport's top staying prospects. Since stepping back up to the middle distance at The Meadows on 4 April, Tauwitchere has not been headed in any of her four starts and has won by a combined margin of 18 lengths.

"She's going real good at the moment, she's got that spark back again and is flying the lids," said her very happy trainer, Steve White.

"About 10 starts ago she didn't have it.

She was hitting a flat spot but she's turned it around after I gave them all three to four weeks off while that canine virus was going around.

She's come back and is going really good."

The win was her third in as many starts over the distance since January, and while it wasn't the fastest time she's recorded, the manner of the victory gives White confidence as he plans to step her up in distance with the RSN Sandown Cup just a month away.

"I don't think conditions were great (tonight) and we've had plenty of rain so I though the run was really good," White said.

"I was a little bit worried early with the 3 right on her hammer, which I wasn't really expecting, but as they came to the corner she took off and in the end she won by four-and-ahalf so I'm happy."

Tauwitchere is currently rated an $18 chance to win the RSN Sandown Cup which will be run on Thursday, 28 May. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Frosty brought the magic In these sport starved times, the Star Journal has delved back into the archives to a time when one Jim 'Frosty' Miller wowed the sporting public with his exploits at Dandenong's iconic Shepley Oval, as DAVE NAGEL reports.

Dandenong Football Club’s home ground at Shepley Oval was a magical place to be in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s - and there was one good reason for that.

A man called ‘Frosty’.

The club, formed in 1874, joined the Victorian Football Association (VFA) in 1958 from the Federal Football League, playing at the Dandenong Showgrounds until 1961, before moving to Shepley for the 1962 season.

But it wasn’t until the kid from Garfield, Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller, arrived in 1967 that the famous navy blue and red had its halcyon days.

Seriously, ‘Frosty’ was a hero in these parts - and beyond.

Many of the faces that you see in a packed grandstand at Punt Road for the 1969 VFA grand final against Preston were from our neck of the woods.

From Garfield to Keysborough, from Pakenham to Dandenong, most of them were there to cheer on one man ... ’Frosty’, who needed just one goal to kick his first century of goals in the VFA. The Redlegs went down to the Bullants by 12 points, but ‘Frosty’ kicked seven - and a star, which had been glowing since his debut for the Redlegs - well, it had arrived with the impact of Halley’s Comet.

Over the next seven years, ‘Frosty’ drew people to Dandenong’s home ground like bees to a honey-pot.

And he delivered, kicking 883 goals, in a 183-game career that had many highs, the occasional low, and eventually, a medal named in its honour.

Frosty played in six premierships - two with Garfield, two with Dandenong, and two with Berwick.

He kicked 29 goals in 11 games for Carlton and in 1978 he slammed home a remarkable 201 goals as the Wickers made it back-to-back flags.

It’s easy to get carried away in these instances, but ‘Frosty’ really was a hero to football lovers in our region.

“They were great days, I liked it, but the main thing was to forget about the other stuff and just play football,” Frosty said.

“Winning premierships is what it’s all about so they were the best years but I loved all my time at Dandenong.”

Of course the Dandenong Football Club is bigger than one man, winning a premiership in 1962 to be promoted to the top-flight of the VFA for the following season.

In a 10-year period from 1967 to 1976, the Redlegs played in six grand finals for two premierships, defeating Port Melbourne (1967) and Preston (1971).

But the glory days haven’t always been forthcoming.

By 1983 the club was $100,000 in debt - and was in the wilderness - before fighting back, raising $140,000 and recruiting high-class players like Tony Elshaug, who led the Redlegs to a nine-point grand final victory over Werribee in 1991.

But previous lessons had not been learnt and the club became insolvent in 1993, owing more than $220,000. A new club, the Dandenong Redlegs, was formed and played two seasons before folding as an entity in 1994.

Dandenong’s footballing identity has carried on since 1995 through the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup. Players like Jeff White (Fremantle - 1994), Travis Johnstone (Melbourne - 1997), Tom Scully (Melbourne - 2009) and Lachie Whitfield (GWS - 2012), all number one draft picks in the AFL; all forged their careers from Shepley.

But a man called ‘Frosty’ - he made it a magical place to be. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Frosty takes a mark in front of the iconic grandstand at Shepley Park during the halcyon years of Dandenong in the VFA.

Frosty Miller was a special guest speaker at Garfield's reunion of the 1966 premiership side in 2016, where he obviously tickled the funnybone of MC John Barnes and guest Colin Hobson.

Tuesday, 28 April, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 19