Dandenong Star Journal - 05th May 2020

DANDENONG

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Tuesday, 5 May, 2020

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40¢ Inc. GST

Firies save soggy moggy

Riley’s heartfelt plea

Recipes to make Mum’s Day

Dandy star wins the Paisley

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SPORT

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Covid hits budget

By Cam Lucadou-Wells In a period of "great uncertainty", residents face a $46 average rise in their rates and waste charges under Greater Dandenong Council's draft 2020-'21 budget.

Greater Dandenong will not be repeating its recent $4 million Covid-19 relief package, which included rates rebates and rent waivers up to 30 June.

But it has set aside a $5.3 million contingency fund and slashed its capital works investment by $8 million to manage the pandemic's "enormous disruption" into 2020-'21.

"The 2020-21 Budget has been developed during a time of great uncertainty with short and long-term effects of COVID-19 across our community very much unknown at this point," a council report tabled on 27 April stated.

"This Budget is well positioned for recovery when restrictions relax, and that Council can quickly support the return of a strong long economy."

With the challenges, the current year's budget is on track for a $2.1 million deficit.

This would be improved to a "breakeven" result after discretionary spending is deferred and savings identified, the budget report states.

Some of the unanticipated costs included $50,000 more legal costs in the "health department", security measures against rising anti-social behaviour in council car parks, increased utility and cleaning costs at Dandenong Civic Centre and a downturn in fees and fines.

As the Covid-19 impacts unfold, the draft 2020-'21 budget may also undergo "necessary" changes prior to its adoption on 22 June.

"It is anticipated that some financial impacts may very well flow onto the first quarter of 2020-'21 and beyond."

One unknown is whether rental returns from

The under-construction Springvale Community Hub takes shape under the quiet new world brought about by Covid-19 - but other areas of the Greater Dandenong budget haven't fared so well. 208050 Dandenong Market will continue to be hit. The council waived $1.45 million in rents at the market as part of April's stimulus package.

The $42.7 million capital works program down from $69 million in 2019-'20 - includes widening Abbotts Road in the Dandenong South industrial area, stage 1 of the Keysborough South Community Hub and an access road between the hub and Springers Leisure centre.

Other proposed works are a new pavilion and all-abilities playground in Ross Reserve, Noble Park, the final stage of Greater Dandenong Gallery of Art and Parkfield Reserve oval, Noble Park.

Dandenong Park's reconstruction will con-

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tinue, with a concept design for Riverend Park and a detailed design of the new Dandenong Oasis also proposed.

New projects are also planned at Dandenong Market, as well as the completion of Springvale's new community precinct.

The latter precinct is predicted to cost the council an extra $1.6 million a year to operate.

Upcoming capital works also includes $20.5 million on renewing ageing roads, drains and buildings - much of which was built in the 1960's and 1970's, according to the council.

The median residential rates and waste charges bill is expected to rise from $1390 to $1436 - a rise of 3.3 per cent.

The hike includes a proposed $42 rise in the waste charge.

The charge was marginally reduced from $48 due to the State Government deferring its landfill levy rise from July to January 2021.

Under the 2 per cent rates cap, the rates component rose an average of 0.4 per cent - or $4 - for residents, depending on property valuations. The commercial rates rise was 0.03 per cent, industry and farms 4.1 per cent and vacant residential 6.4 per cent.

Public submissions on the council's proposed budget close at 5pm on Tuesday 26 May. Copies of the budget are at greaterdandenong. com/document/34/council-plan-and-annual-budget

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NEWS

Temperature checks at the entrance of Springvale shopping centre. 208050

The new ‘shopping fever’ There's a different kind of shopping 'fever' in Springvale as part of the new Covid-19 normal.

Photographer STEWART CHAMBERS observed customers having their temperature tested prior to entry to Springvale shopping centre. However, the usually bustling business district's car parks and shopping strip are near empty during the pandemic's lockdown. But the human spirit and smiles still shine among the struggling local businesses.

Pho Hung restaurant regretfully closed due to social distancing restrictions. 208050 2 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 5 May, 2020

Plenty of parking available. 208050 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Tia from Yolo Coffee Cafe selling take-away coffees with a note of gratitude. 208050

Kevin Lov and Katie Le at Lim's Pharmacy in Springvale. 208050

A Vietnamese and Chinese restaurant tailors its business to the lockdown. 208050

The under-construction Springvale Community Hub takes shape. 208050

A silenced Springvale train station. 208050

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Tuesday, 5 May, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Car fire stalls freeway commuters

Firies save soggy kitty

Three left inbound lanes on the Monash Freeway have been closed due to a car fire on 30 April.

The car fire just west of the Eastlink ramps at Dandenong North was brought under control by fire crews, according to a traffic alert from the Department of Transport at 7.45am.

Queues of traffic were delayed as the speed limit dropped to 40 km/h.

Drivers are advised to use Princes Highway as an alternative.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A kitten whose meows were heard deep down a storm water drain has been saved by Dandenong CFA's technical rescue crew.

On Thursday 23 April, the CFA was called in to help Greater Dandenong Council and RSPCA officers find the lost pet.

At that stage of the afternoon, heavy rain was forecast in coming hours so "time was of the essence", according to a CFA post.

First step in the mission, the drain's atmosphere was monitored for noxious gases.

Then Leading Firefighter Matt Lawrence was lowered from a 'high directional' frame down the drain's vertical shaft.

He emerged with a slightly soggy young moggy. Via Facebook, the kitten's frantic owner contacted the CFA. She was believed to have been searching for the kitten for a week, and to have reunited with the kitten at Greater Dandenong Council.

Victoria Police and CFA crews from Dandenong and Hallam Hazmat also attended the rescue.

Smoke billows from a car fire on the inbound lanes of the Monash Freeway.

Rescue crews assemble a frame above the drain shaft, from where a lost kitten's meowing was heard.

Dandenong CFA's Leading Firefighter Matt Lawrence hauled a kitten from the deep.

Probus can’t wait to connect

By Danielle Kutchel Keysborough's senior citizens will have a new social hub to look forward to when the Covid-19 pandemic is over, following the formation of a new Probus group.

A foundation meeting was held on 6 February to gauge interest and was well attended.

A presentation about what Probus is about was followed by morning tea, and around 25 foundation members joined on the spot.

Committee positions were also filled: Neil Murdoch was announced as president, assisted by vice president Bill Bell. Anne Bell will hold the position of treasurer with Linda McLellan as secretary.

The new group's first outing was a coffee morning at the 3 Sons Cafe in Keysborough, prior to the social isolation restrictions coming into effect.

New members had a lot to talk about as they got to know each other over a warm cuppa.

While further outings are currently on hold due to the pandemic, the group is looking forward to resuming its activities as soon as it is able.

A monthly newsletter will be sent to all members too, either digitally or physically.

Retired or semi-retired Keysborough residents are invited to join.

Meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month at 10am in the Resurrection Parish little chapel at 402 Corrigan Road, Keysborough.

The committee hopes to feature a guest speaker at each meeting.

For more information on joining, please contact kbprobus@gmail.com or phone 0404066894.

Man sought over ‘lewd’ public act A man is being sought as part of a police investigation into an alleged lewd behaviour incident in Springvale on Tuesday 14 April about 8.20pm.

Victoria Police released images of the unidentified man, described as Caucasian appearance with dark hair and "minor" dark facial hair.

He was wearing a light-coloured 'Lonsdale'brand hoodie, ripped jeans and white runners.

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

Members of Keysborough Probus at their March morning tea catch-up.

Springvale shopper wins Tatts $2 million A Springvale shopper has claimed a TattsLotto division-one prize of nearly $2 million.

The unregistered winner had been unknown for four days after the Saturday 25 April draw.

As one of five winners, the shopper will receive $1,982,957.75.

According to The Lott, the winner has not revealed how they will celebrate or spend the windfall.

The entry was bought at 18 Lucky Lotto in Springvale shopping centre in Buckingham Avenue, Springvale.

18 Lucky Lotto owners Raymond Van and Michelle Nguyen were thrilled to hear of their 20th division-one winner in 20 years.

Their next most recent division-one prize was in January 2019.

"We were happy to hear the good news and

also very proud to give someone the opportunity to win such a great prize," Mr Van said.

"We are excited to tell our customers that we've sold a division one winning entry. They will be happy to know that it's not impossible to win.

"Congratulations to our winner. We wish them all the best with their prize. We hope them and their family enjoy the win."

A man that police wish to identify as part of an investigation into lewd behaviour in Springvale on 14 April.

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NEWS

Covid cases on rise More widespread community testing has likely detected the first new Covid-19 case in Greater Dandenong in two weeks.

The total recorded cases in Greater Dandenong was 15 as at Sunday 3 May, in the most recent figures from the Department of Health and Human Services before going to press.

The total number of Greater Dandenong cases had sat at 14 since 14 April.

Victoria recorded an upswing in reported cases over the weekend under extended community testing, bringing the total to 1406 as at Monday morning 4 May..

Some seven cases were reported across the state on Saturday, 13 on Sunday and 22 on Monday.

DHHS was investigating a cluster of 15 confirmed cases at a meat processing facility in Melbourne. The facility has been closed for cleaning and all staff were to be tested.

A school in Melbourne’s north was also closed for cleaning after a teacher was tested positive for Covid-19 over the weekend.

The increase in recorded cases showed

that while the Covid curve was flattened significantly, the “battle against Covid-19” was far from over, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said on Sunday.

“Victorians have done a remarkable job so far sticking to the coronavirus restrictions and staying at home has saved lives. But now is not the time for complacency,” Dr Sutton said.

Results of the community testing as part of a Victorian Government blitz would help inform decisions about potentially slowly lifting restrictions ahead of the State of Emergency being reviewed on 11 May. “Up to 100,000 Victorians will be tested for coronavirus during these two weeks as part of a major testing blitz across the state,” Dr Sutton said.

“We’ve more than doubled the number of daily tests we’re conducting since the introduction of this blitz and these results will be reflected in coming days.

“The main aim of this increase in testing is to improve access and actively search for cases, allowing us to gain a better picture of this virus

and make informed decisions for Victoria.

“We are asking Victorians to again play their part and get tested if they have symptoms, because the more tests we do, the more data we have about the prevalence of coronavirus in the community.

“People with common symptoms of coronavirus including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of sense of smell – however mild – are encouraged to get tested.”

There are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education.

Victoria Police is enforcing community restrictions under Operation Sentinel, and reported 853 spot checks on Sunday at homes, businesses and non-essential services across the state.

The checks resulted in 46 fines, including to 10 people gathered at a private residence, to four men socialising in a car, and to many people committing criminal offences.

18 animals seized from ‘poor conditions’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Eighteen animals have been seized by RSPCA inspectors due to “poor living conditions” at a Greater Dandenong property.

Several of the animals, of six different species including cats, pocket pets and native animals, were found living in their own excrement and urine during the RSPCA raid on Wednesday 8 April.

RSPCA Victoria states it is investigating the “lack of a basic level of care” for the animals.

Basic care includes provision of food, water,

shelter and veterinary care.

During several RSPCA inspections of the property since last year, animals had been found in “poor welfare condition”, investigation leader Stuart Marchesani said.

Some were found dead and others required euthanasia, he said.

“Despite RSPCA intervention and removal of animals, there was no improvement in welfare conditions for animals at the property, which resulted in the seizure of all remaining animals at the property.

“The owner in this case will be held respon-

sible for their actions and we will continue to work with them on how to better care for and house specific species.”

Mr Marchesani said the case highlighted the need for desexing animals to avoid unplanned litters, which then required responsible rehoming.

“Animal owners need to properly care for their pets before they consider bringing additional pets into their home. This includes providing adequate housing and living conditions.”

RSPCA says the investigation is ongoing.

Police raids Three men have been arrested and large amounts of drugs seized by police in a series of early-morning raids in Noble Park, Noble Park North, Cheltenham and Melbourne’s CBD. Early on 29 April, police raided four premises including an alleged clandestine laboratory in an apartment in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

A 44-year-old man was arrested at the apartment and charged with manufacturing a large commercial quantity of methamphetamine and other drug offences. Police allegedly seized a large amount of meth at the property as well as meth and cocaine in the man’s car. The man was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 April.

A 42-year-old man was arrested at a home in Stuart Street, Noble Park where police seized a large quantity of what was believed to be 1,4 butanediol. He was charged with drug possession and bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 30 July.

In a house in Elwick Court in Noble Park North, a third man was arrested. The 31-yearold was interviewed by police and released pending summons. Police say they located a small quantity of cocaine and cannabis at the house.

A further raid took place at a house on Kylie Street, Cheltenham where police allegedly seized a small amount of amphetamines.

There were no occupants there at the time, police say.

Officers from the Southern Metro Division 3 Divisional Response Unit, as well as the Caulfield Divisional Response Unit, Drug Task Force and Dog Squad took part in the raids They were part of Operation Empire, in which police have been targeting organised icetrafficking and manufacturing for the past three months.

“Police have zero tolerance for drug traffickers and will continue to prevent, detect and disrupt people who bring drugs into the community,” Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Grande said.

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STAR JOURNAL 5

LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 6 May 1920 Improved Railway Facilities It is pleasing to learn that the Railway Commissioners intend, with the introduction of the winter timetable on May 17 to improve the country train service throughout the state, practically in regard to which have already been published.

On the Warragul line, in addition to the present service, an express train will run daily both ways between Warragul and Melbourne, which will relieve the congestion on the existing train, and save 45 minutes in both direction between Melbourne and Warragul and stations beyond.

On the Wonthaggi line, there will be a daily through service between Melbourne and Wonthaggi. This will not only convenience the Wonthaggi line passengers by avoiding the transfer

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

at Nyora, but will also provide a quicker service on both the south eastern and Wonthaggi line.

50 years ago 5 May 1970 It's none of our business but One of our men was covering a search for missing children in Doveton's drains last week when he discovered another reason we are polluting the countryside. Drains described as "Fowl aired" leads from the centre of Doveton directly into the Dandenong Creek. The Abattoir occasionally flushed water down the same drain.

Obviously a legacy from the days when our land was considered a giant sponge capable of sopping up any poisons.

20 years ago 1 May 2000

Motocross threat shatters dreams Plans to build a motocross facility in rural Keysborough have outraged residents; two petitions presented to the Greater Dandenong council at the meeting last Wednesday state the development could destroy residents' lifestyles and devalue their homes. The application by Pichler Developments is for a venue to hold 300 spectators and up to 30 bikes in Perry Road. Mrs Nancy Butterworth of Bangholme said there had been overwhelming opposition. "This threatens to ruin the quiet rural lifestyle that people like us have been used to for the past 30 years." None of us want to see a motorbike course come in and a lot of us are already prepared to fight it" she said. Mrs Butterworth's petition stated that among residents' concerns were unlawful and destructive behaviour, noise and dust pollution and the prospect of death or serious injury. The

council's leader of the building and town planning business unit Mr Gary Gommers, said the council hoped to alleviate residents' concerns at a consultative meeting.

5 years ago 4 May 2015 Redevelopment knocks out croquet club Dandenong Croquet Club hosted its final match last week ending its 90 plus year tenure in Dandenong Park. President Bill Jacobs has been with the club for five years but said others had been members for more than three decades and we all"sadly left" on Tuesday 28 April. The closure followed the neighbouring Dandenong City Bowling Club playing its last end in February this year. City of Greater Dandenong had offered to relocate the clubs so it could demolish the buildings in the redevelopment of the park.

NEWS

Tougher drug-drive laws

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

assumed if drugs are detected in a driver's system, Ms Neville said.

"That's what we need to do to fix this."

To this end, work was being done with Monash University Accident Research Centre towards understanding the nature of drugdriving and impairment.

Ms Neville hoped to introduce the changes within 12 months.

Police Minister Lisa Neville says stronger roadside drug testing and penalties are needed.

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Police Minister Lisa Neville has foreshadowed tougher penalties and more roadside testing to tackle the growing scourge of drug-driving.

Drug-driving is a factor in more than half of Victoria's deaths on the road, she told reporters on 30 April.

"There's no question in my mind that we have a growing issue with ice use on our roads."

Ms Neville noted the "tragic consequences" in which a Cranbourne truck driver was charged with culpable driving for allegedly killing four police officers on 22 April.

She said the government would need to review aspects of trucking, including driving hours but also the broader issue of drug-

driving "settings" to "change behaviour on our roads".

Comparatively, alcohol was now a "small part" in deaths and injuries on the road, she said.

The government had recently raised drugdriving penalties to match drink-driving. It also increased roadside drug tests to 150,000 a year.

Further "significant" uplifts in testing were required, Ms Neville said..

The government was also looking at a new definition of "impairment" - which needs to be proved to jail drug-drivers.

Currently, police were not administering the 'impairment test' on roadsides because it was too time-consuming, Ms Neville said.

In the future, impairment may be simply

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NEWS

Riley’s heartfelt plea

By Brendan Rees A Narre Warren teen has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser for his beloved Nanna who has degenerative eye disease, requiring laser surgery.

Riley's Nanna cannot afford the surgery, and if she doesn't receive it, she will go blind.

According to Riley, the family also isn't in a position to pay for it either.

"Due to Covid-19, my family does not have the financial stability to provide her with the $2200 she desperately needs for the surgery to save her vision," Riley says on the GoFundMe page, which has raised $990.

"With the opportunity to start treatment in a week we have no other option but to turn to others who may be able to help support my Nanna in this time of need."

Riley, 17, who is one of three grandchildren, has a close relationship with his Nanna who he says "has been an active part of my life" and "support's me in everything I do".

Special memories include his Nanna babysitting him as a child while his mum worked part-time; attending his kinder and school events; and watching him play basketball and football.

Riley said the coronavirus lockdown was hard to visit his Nanna in Noble Park often but contends: "We've checked up once or twice and she's saying she's been doing OK".

Once Riley reaches the desired fundraising goal, he has vowed to shave or colour his hair, with the results to be posted on his GoFundMe page.

For those who have donated, Riley said: "Thank you for your support in this campaign - it's much appreciated."

To donate visit: https://www.gofundme. com/f/fundraising-for-medical-bills-forgrandmother

Riley with his Nanna.

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Three teenagers were arrested after speeding in a stolen car at more than 180km/h, crashing into another car and nearly hitting a woman with a pram during a daylight police chase on Sunday 19 April.

Victoria Police officers blocked the path of the white Audi about 11.50am in Cranbourne, police say.

An officer used a baton to smash through the driver's side window. A second officer then sprayed OC foam at the driver.

The driver allegedly escaped - speeding off at a fast speed through red lights and on the wrong side of the road, according to police.

The Audi was later spotted in Dandenong South and followed by the police Air Wing.

It drove a circuit through the back streets of Dandenong and Noble Park before travelling back outbound on the Monash Freeway from the Toorak Road exit.

Police say they observed the car exit at Warrigal Road, driving at high speeds and on the wrong side of the road.

The Audi allegedly crashed into another vehicle at traffic lights, nearly hit a woman pushing a pram and drove on.

Police deployed stop sticks and engaged in a pursuit. The Audi continued speeding at more than 180 km/h on its rims in the Monash Freeway emergency lane, police say.

Police at that stage terminated the pursuit due to the Audi's driver being allegedly unable to control the vehicle.

The Audi was reportedly driven into a ditch on Stud Road, Dandenong. The three 16-yearold youths fled on foot and were arrested nearby.

All three were charged with car theft and refusing to comply with Covid-19 directions.

The teen who drove away in Cranbourne was also charged with dangerous driving, reckless conduct endangering life, failing to stop

on police request and drug possession.

A second teen was charged as the driver during the Warrigal Road and Monash Freeway incidents, and will face offences such as dangerous driving whilst pursued by police, reckless conduct endangering life, failing to stop on police request, drug possession and committing an indictable offence on bail.

The third youth was also charged with cannabis possession and committing an indictable offence on bail.

The trio were all on bail and youth supervision orders at the time, police say.

They have been remanded in custody to appear at a children's court.

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Name of RAP Negotiator 1: Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation Name of RAP Negotiator 2: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Public Comments due: 12 May 2020 NEGOTIATION AREA The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council is seeking comment from interested parties, either in support or objection, as to the proposed boundary variation by the RAP Negotiating parties as indicated in the area shown on this map.

If the boundary is varied, the RAP Negotiator will be responsible for making key decisions about cultural heritage protection and MELBOURNE management under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 within the varied boundary area.

The Council invites written comments on the proposed boundary variation, which can be sent to: Office of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council Level 3, 3 Treasury Place, East Melbourne Vic 3002 vahc@dpc.vic.gov.au I 03 7004 7198 Both RAP Negotiators will be advised of all comments received.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF GHB seized, four arrested in police raids

Drugs no excuse

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An ice-fuelled driver's five-hour rampage across the South East including a carjacking, a police-car ramming and a high-speed crash with a 4WD has been described by a judge as "frankly horrifying".

Jamie Barlow, 36, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to aggravated carjacking, two counts of conduct endangering life as well as running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road.

In the mid-afternoon of 11 December 2018, the unlicensed and speeding Barlow erratically wove between traffic before striking a LandCruiser from behind on Eastlink in Dandenong.

The victim's 4WD stuck a roadside barrier, flipping and rolling three times.

Without stopping to check on the driver, Barlow fled 300 metres from the scene in his damaged car.

On Greens Road, he jumped into the front passenger seat of a van stopped in traffic. He offered the driver $500 to drive him onto the tollway, but the driver refused and pulled over.

Soon after, Barlow ran into a business and stole a van.

During a struggle with the van's owner, Barlow reversed the van causing the owner to fall out. The victim's head struck the ground, rendering him unconscious.

Without concern for the owner's welfare, Barlow drove away.

At 6pm, Barlow drove the van over a nature strip and narrowly avoided crashing through a home's front door in Seaford.

He continued driving recklessly on the wrong side of the road, running a red light as well as entering the wrong side of a roundabout.

About 7.30pm, police tried to intercept on Frankston-Dandenong Road but Barlow accel-

erated away. Soon after, police deployed stopsticks, which punctured the van's two front tyres.

Barlow continued driving on the van's front rims through several red lights, narrowly missing other drivers.

As police followed, he turned onto Princes Highway and Lonsdale Street in Dandenong and rammed in the back of a car stopped at a red light at Clow Street.

He then drove into a police car that blocked his way. Police with batons and dogs swarmed the van. Barlow refused to get out until police broke in with batons and sprayed him with OC spray.

In sentencing on 24 April, Judge Felicity Hampel said that Barlow had not only been meth-affected, but had told police he topped up during the "protracted" course of events.

He tested negative to an alcohol-blood test and refused an oral-fluid drug test. He was deemed unfit for interview at the time due to his state.

Meanwhile, the LandCruiser and the stolen van were both written off, their owners were fortunate to escape serious injury, Judge Hampel noted.

At the time, Barlow was serving a community corrections order following a jail term for dangerous driving whilst pursued by police in 2017.

His "significant" criminal history spanned from 2002, including driving, violence, firearms, property damage, dishonesty, drugs and bail offences.

No type of sentence including a good-behaviour bond, community orders, suspended sentence, jail or parole had deterred him from re-offending, Judge Hampel said.

In mitigation, she noted Barlow's significant childhood disadvantage.

At the time of offending, he told of believing that a cult wanted to hang him and that a taskforce was after him. He'd fled from the first crash due to being in fear of his life, he recalled.

It was unclear whether at the time, Barlow was in a drug-induced psychosis or whether his diagnosed schizophrenia relapsed due to ice use, Judge Hampel said.

Whatever the case, his culpability was not substantially reduced by his mental impairment.

Judge Hampel said Barlow was aware of the correlation of ice abuse and his psychoses. He had been medicated, and ordered to engage in drug rehab and mental health treatment as part of his CCO. Barlow's rehabilitation prospects were "guarded". For the sake of community safety and managing his mental health and drug issues, he required a period of parole supervision, the judge said.

Barlow was jailed for up to six-and-a-half years, and eligible for parole after four. The term included 500 days in pre-sentence detention.

He was disqualified from driving for five years.

Police have seized an estimated $550,000 of the drug GHB in a series of raids in Hallam, Rowville and Seaford in the past fortnight.

Four people were arrested in the operations Cronus and Beaches raids including a warehouse in Wedgewood Road, Hallam on 23 April, police say.

A home in Colorado Crescent, Rowville on 15 April and a property in Milroy Street, Seaford on 28 April were also raided.

A 22-year-old man and a 50-year-old man, both from Rowville, were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 9 July.

A 30-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man, both from Seaford, were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.

Croydon Divisional Tasking Unit police charged the four with trafficking a large commercial quantity of GHB. The GHB, also known as 1-4 butanediol, had an estimated street value of more than $550,000, police say.

Gang of four robs in Boyd Lane A man has been robbed by four male youths while walking in Boyd Lane in Dandenong on the afternoon of Thursday 23 April.

One of the robbers pinned the 54-year-old victim's hands behind his back, while another searched the victim's pockets about 4.30pm.

The group ran from the scene with the victim's wallet containing his personal cards.

The males were described as Afghan appearance and aged about 16-18.

Three of them wore black clothing, one male was clad in a grey jumper.

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

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Mild lu-like symptoms.

Sore throat or runny nose.

Cough or cold.

More information on testing at coronavirus.vic.gov.au

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Tuesday, 5 May, 2020

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Group rallies to show care

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Without Covid-19 welfare support, many community members are in dire need of help, Springvale Benevolent Society president Joe Rechichi says.

Such as the unemployed who hadn't yet received Centrelink help, or asylum seekers and other new arrivals who were ineligible for any official help at all.

They were all at the mercy of charities to provide the basics such as food, Mr Rechichi said.

A Springvale primary school teacher recently forwarded him a list of 10 hungry families.

Among the list was a multi-family household of four adults and 10 children crammed in a three-bedroom home. Mr Rechichi duly left food at their doorstep - keeping a 'social distance' due to Covid-19 restrictions.

"It's sad to see people in that condition in this day and age.

"Organisations across the board are seeing the same thing. We're all doing what we can."

Refugee advocate Wicki Vikramasingham said many unsupported new arrivals had lost factory or restaurant work during the coronavirus lockdown.

"The Government should look at every human equally in this situation.

"This coronavirus is attacking every corner of the world. The Australian Government allow them to stay here so they should also help them live healthily."

Asylum seekers faced an unknown wait on their application for Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) payments, while their cases to

stay in Australia are before the courts.

Others suffering without help are unemployed international students, Mr Vikramasingham said.

"Some of them are really struggling to afford food - some mothers are working casual jobs in factories and can't get any income assistance at this stage."

Mr Rechichi was grateful to community support during the "critical time".

He thanked the owners of Sting Gym, the Rotary clubs of Dandenong and Dingley, Bendigo Bank's Dingley branch as well as "friends and residents" who had donated food parcels, supermarket vouchers and cash.

The charity also received some goods from Greater Dandenong Council's $330,000 Covid-19 material aid package.

Recently, the Rotary Club of Dandenong has made sizeable cash donations to Springvale Benevolent Society and Dandenongbased charity Cornerstone.

Since responding to the Springvale charity's call for help in winter 2019, the Rotary club had regularly dropped off food packages, clothing and toys, including at Christmas.

The club's Leanne Byron said members had been collecting food items at Rotary meetings.

But with social distancing, the meetings had gone on Zoom and so food collections became difficult.

"So the club provided a donation to Joe so can do what he can do.

"He does such a valiant job, with his band of volunteers."

To help, call Mr Rechichi on 0409 249 881.

Joe Rechichi, second left, with Sting Gym representatives who donated food during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Tuesday, 5 May, 2020

Working on heart health The ways we work have changed enormously because of Covid-19.

Working from home brings new challenges.

You may need to work out how to use new technology tools, you might find it difficult to keep in touch with colleagues, or you may find that working from home brings interruptions.

Working from home can also mean challenges to your heart health Sure, the stress of your commute (driving or catching public transport) might be gone. Still, inconveniences may get in the way: technology may not work, you might need to use your personal computer or resources you need are still in the office.

There could be potentially negative impacts on your heart health that relate to working from home.

At home, you will work from a home office, or maybe your computer is set up on the kitchen table. This means you won’t move around as much as you might at work: all your meetings will be over the phone or via meeting software; there’s no need to walk to the coffee shop; you’ll be less likely to take breaks; you possibly won’t take time to go for a walk.

At home, you might be more tempted to snack, or you might eat something quick and unhealthy for lunch, out of guilt over taking a lunchtime break. When you grab a small bite to eat, you might reach for chips, or make yourself an instant soup or nibble on some nuts: these snacks can be high in salt. The sodium in salt is bad for your heart. Eating too much sodium can raise your blood pressure over time, and this means you could be at higher risk of developing heart disease.

Here’s how to look after your heart health when you work from home Stay active Working from home is an opportunity to keep active. More than half of Australian adults don’t do enough exercise, and a lack of physical activity is a risk factor for developing heart disease.

If you have a dog, go for a walk twice a day; once in the morning before work, and then head out for a short, brisk walk at lunchtime or when you get “two-thirty-it is”

Do you have stairs at home? Take a break a few times a day, and walk up and down the stairs Go for a quick run on a treadmill or ride your exercise bike to work up a sweat When you finish a piece of work and want to take a break, crank up your smart speaker or headphones and dance to your favourite song.

Eat well Healthy eating is an important part of looking after your heart. While you are working from home, follow these heart-healthy tips: Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrains: these foods are high in fibre, vitamins and minerals. Eating these foods is linked to having a lower risk of developing heart disease Enjoy healthy proteins, including fish and seafood and legumes (such as beans and lentils) You can also eat smaller amounts of eggs and lean poultry Enjoy unflavoured milk, yoghurt and cheese.

If you have high cholesterol, choose reduced-fat options Snack on unsalted nuts and seeds Instead of adding salt to your meal, boost flavours with spices and herbs Be sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water

· · · · · · ·

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NEWS

Loneliness of covid class

By Cam Lucadou-Wells In this Covid-19 world, students and schools are learning to adapt to the new solitude, say St John’s Regional College captains Tofy Jorissen and Aker Mawith.

“I miss everything about school,” Tofy says of the remote-learning experience.

From the comfort and privacy of his family home, Tofy keeps in instant touch with teachers on the app Microsoft Teams - an interactive app that could become a “permanent” part of learning, he says.

“Teachers are able to help out kids when we are in trouble and do respond to our questions almost instantly, which is good.”

On the negative side, Tofy worries about being unable to submit work if his home internet drops out.

Of course, a big change is being estranged from friends - except through social media.

“I have my family and friends to motivate me to do my work - my goal is still the same, I’m just getting there through a different path.”

Meanwhile, Aker enjoys the increased flexibility and adapting to new technology. But she also misses social interaction and one-to-one teaching.

There’s also an “intense requirement for self-discipline and self-direction”.

“I’ve got motivational quotes that pop up on screen as soon as my alarm rings and consistently through the day to give me a boost and direction.

“Being positive is key, aim for balance, and visualize the outcome.

“Our teachers at St John’s are really putting so much effort into helping all their students especially through this tough time, but it’s up to us to grab it.”

Daily reminders are also set for video-chat classes - in which she interacts with her ‘classmates’.

“I think social apps like Zoom and Teams should be a key part to learning, because it does not only encourage students to interact but it can also boost a level of confidence socially.

“Emailing is not always the best way - especially in this generation, children seek more attention and interaction with one another and hearing someone say something.”

Teachers had also initially found it “very difficult to get our heads around” working from home, St John’s teacher and ICT learning systems leader Maria Nasioulas said.

“During these unprecedented times, the solitude of teaching and learning took us by surprise as our workplace is a busy and active one - routines, timetables and running around to rooms to teach our students.”

She appreciates not travelling to work and the “comforts of home” but misses not being able to interact with students and colleagues, including the “joy of seeing kids learn”.

The school had invested in an online learning management system SEQTA, which helped teachers to effectively apply remote learning, Ms Nasioulas said.

After the pandemic, she expected the continuation of real-time feedback to parents, the use of engaging software, and data-driven learning programs to target students.

Principal Tim Hogan said teachers would

College captain Aker Mawith uses motivational quotes to keep her ontrack with her schoolwork. become better teachers as a result of the experience.

“One huge positive for us is we need to listen really closely to our student voice ... to what students are seeking with the learning environment.”

It also underlined that students learn in different ways. Some were thriving at home due to being able to focus better and take “ownership” of their learning, while others struggled in solitude.

Mr Hogan acknowledged a “stress that doesn’t disappear” during the pandemic.

Working remotely meant that home was no longer your “break from work”.

“You feel like you’re always on.

“That’s why people aren’t sleeping well across the board.

“You finish your day and it’s in your face in terms of the news. It’s difficult to leave it all behind and take a break from it.”

Mr Hogan said the school was pushing to keep people connected - such as prompting students to regularly say ‘hello’ via social media.

Nevertheless, the simple need for companionship couldn’t be replaced.

“People don’t realise how important a community is until it’s gone.”

St John’s Regional College captain Tofy Jorissen misses everything about school.

ICT learning systems leader Maria Nasioulas says new technologies would continue past the Covid-19 pandemic.

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Laughing at adversity

By Cam Lucadou-Wells 2020 was set to be a big year for Springvaleborn actor and comedian Diana Nguyen.

She'd invested heavily in two shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, but also a host venue.

Then came the coronavirus pandemic. The world-renowned festival was scrapped, and indeed all live performance.

"That was when I realised this wasn't just a virus or the flu.

"For an event like the comedy festival to be cancelled - the home of so many artists for a month and which attracts so much tourism.

They wouldn't do it without good reason."

Ms Nguyen lost time and money but also the chance to market her "portfolio" to new live audiences.

It was a moment of "what do we do now?"

The lockdown has flattened artists, with many excluded from the Federal Government's $1500-a-fortnight JobKeeper program.

"Speaking to other artists, it's been a shock to the system.

Diana Nguyen rebounded after the cancellation of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Picture: JACKIE TRAN "When you don't get to show your work you feel an immense stab to the gut. We've all had to process it in our own way."

But a trailblazing Ms Nguyen went into "high creative mode".

She turned to her online fans from all over the world for help - including more than 30,000 followers on LinkedIn, the "weirdest platform for an artist".

She sang a four-hour 'Karaokethon', raising more than $4500 to support her in coming weeks.

She also promoted her recent TED talk about how the arts saved her life, her comedy web series Phi and Me, her viral dancing on TikTok that gained 600,000 views and a Patreon donation site.

Then followed a trough of mourning in which she "shut myself from the world" and "didn't want to get out of bed".

Since mid-April - when the comedy festival would have ended - Ms Nguyen has emerged rejuvenated.

A recent god-send has been the State Government's $16.8 million Covid-19 rescue package for artists and creative organisations, including grants of up to $5000 for individuals.

"Victorians know how the arts drive the economy," Ms Nguyen said.

"When people go out to a show, they go out for dinner. They leave their houses to be entertained."

In the meantime, artists are performing online or exploring new crafts - finding different

ways to stay creative.

Ms Nguyen laughs heartily as she tells of whiling away hours filling a colouring-in book.

It's meditative, she says.

"It's good not to think about anything else."

She looked back on her TED talk in February.

More than ever, her premise of finding different kinds of joy in everyday living rings true now.

"That's one of the 'joys' of Covid-19 - you don't need much to have a fulfilled life.

"I remind myself that being a comedian and an actor is a job but as a human being, I live for joy.

"I don't know what else I'll do to make me happy."

The next project is a podcast of fun - The SnortCast in which Ms Nguyen interviews people from around the world who "make me snort".

And how best can we help artists at the moment?

"Share our work - that's how we're seen."

For more on Ms Nguyen's work, go to www. diananguyen.com.au/patreon

Retirees’ grocery steps up for neighbours

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A trio of Springvale retirement-village residents have helped their neighbours with an in-house grocery service during the coronavirus lockdown.

When the Lexington Gardens mini-bus service was halted due to social distancing rules, Ken and Marg McDonald and Maureen Lawson stepped into the breach.

Their daily and voluntary enterprise helps some of the village's 300 residents who can't get to the shops.

Ms Lawson and Ms McDonald banded to-

gether to run the shop for several hours a day.

They've moved in and stocked a fridge and freezer into the village's former second-hand shop.

Meanwhile Mr McDonald, an 84-year-old retired police officer, does the daily grocery run.

It's in keeping with the motto of Rotary Club of Dandenong - of which he's a member - 'Service Above Self', he says.

"We had to do something," Mr McDonald says. "And while we can, we will - until we're all released from isolation."

Armed with a list of pre-orders, Mr McDon-

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ald combs three supermarkets for provisions, including bread, milk, breakfast cereal, fruit and veg and cleaning products.

No request is too much for Mr McDonald, who hunts for all types of items and special dietary needs. On a recent run, he filled two supermarket trolleys with pre-orders.

As with everyone, it was hard to source toilet paper at the beginning of the pandemic.

Now, Mr McDonald and wife Marg keep an eye out for the current scarcity - hand sanitisers and Glen-20 air fresheners.

"Those products come and go. We keep searching until we find them."

Maureen Lawson and Marg and Ken McDonald in the convenience store at Lexington Gardens retirement village.

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

His life for others

By Casey Neill

Lee Tarlamis.

Lee Tarlamis says his older brother’s cancer battle inspired him to spend his life helping those less fortunate.

His service culminated in a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, announced on Monday 11 June.

The Noble Park man and former state Upper House MP received the nod for service to the people and Parliament of Victoria “I’m extremely humbled. It’s not something that I’d expected,” he said.

“I didn’t do it to get acknowledgement.

“It was about wanting to provide assistance and help to people.

“It’s a view that I formed very early on.”

Mr Tarlamis said his brother fought cancer for two years before dying at age 17.

“The trouble and the stress that the family went through, I saw how positive he was

throughout those two years,” he said.

“It instilled in me that as tough as I think I have things, there are always people out there who are doing it a lot worse than me.

“That’s why I got involved in the local community.”

Initially that was through the Keysborough Learning Centre.

“The centre loaned me a computer for me to do my school work,” he said.

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“I wanted to repay the favour so I was volunteering time with them.”

There he met then-politician Eddie Micallef and became his electorate officer.

“That’s how I got into the politics world,” Mr Tarlamis said.

“That opened up a lot of opportunities to provide assistance to community groups.”

He never intended to run for parliament, but “one thing lead to another which lead to another” and he was a South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP from 2010 to 2014.

“That was such an honour as well, when you consider the fact that very few people get to hold that position and represent that large number of people,” he said.

Mr Tarlamis was a Springvale Benevolent Society volunteer from 2002 to 2012, a Noble Park Community Action Forum member for many years, a founding Springvale Multicultural Men’s Shed committee member, and more.

He’s now a senior advisor to Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings.

The world of politics is not where he thought he’d end up.

The Tarlamis family moved from Oakleigh to Keysborough when he was eight months old.

He went to Wallarano Primary School in Noble Park and to Chandler Secondary College, where Keysborough College’s Acacia campus now stands.

Mr Tarlamis went on to study an associate diploma of business.

“I grew up working with dad in the family businesses,” he said.

“I thought it would be logical that I would go into the business world and maybe into management or something like that.

“I really enjoyed the community stuff.

“Politics became that vehicle to do it.”

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NEWS

Mother’s Day Recipes With Mother’s Day (10 May) fast approaching, we're sharing a selection of recipes from Australian Eggs, perfect for a Sunday brunch at home, to help show appreciation to that special Mum. The recipes are delicious and easy for kids to recreate at home.

RASPBERRY AND PEAR PANCAKES Cook & prep: 25 mins Serves: 5 (makes 10 pancakes) Ingredients 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) wholemeal (whole wheat) plain flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground 1/3 cup (60 grams) brown sugar pinch of salt 4 eggs, separated 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract) 1 cup (150 grams) fresh or frozen raspberries 1 pear, grated Butter (for frying)

BAKED VANILLA CHEESECAKE WITH BERRY COMPOTE Prep: 30 mins (plus 30 minutes and overnight chilling) Cook: 1 hour Serves: 10-12 3.

Ingredients 250g digestive biscuits 125g butter, melted 750g cream cheese, at room temperature 3 tsp vanilla essence 3 eggs ¾ cup caster sugar 300g sour cream 2 tbsp cornflour, sifted Edible flowers such as strawberry flowers, optional, to serve Berry Compote 1/3 cup caster sugar 250g strawberries, hulled and halved 125g raspberries 2 tbsp water Method 1. Release the base from a 23cm (base measurement) springform pan and invert. Secure the base back into the pan and line it with baking paper.

2. Place the biscuits in a food processor and process until finely crushed. Add the butter and process until combined. Transfer to the

4.

5.

6.

prepared pan and using the back of a spoon or a straight-sided glass, spread and press the biscuit mixture firmly over the base. Refrigerate it for 30 minutes to set.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan-forced. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, vanilla and sugar until the mixture is smooth. Beat in the sour cream and flour. Once combined, start to add the eggs one at a time. Continue to beat the mixture until all is combined.

Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared pan. Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour or until almost set in the centre and turn the oven off. Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar until it has cooled as this will prevent the cake from cracking. Refrigerate it overnight.

To make the Berry Compote, place the caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a frying pan and bring it to the boil while swirling the mixture occasionally. Continue this for 2-3 minutes or until the syrup thickens and reduces. Add the strawberries and gently stir to coat them in the syrup. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the syrup turns pale pink and the strawberries are slightly warmed through (do not overcook). Remove the Berry Compote from the heat and stir in the raspberries. Set the mixture aside to cool.

To serve, remove the cheesecake from the pan and decorate the top with the berry compote and edible flowers.

To serve Fresh raspberries Yoghurt Honey Method 1. Place the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, egg yolks, milk and vanilla into a large bowl and whisk to combine.

2. Place the egg whites into a clean bowl of an electric mixer and beat until stiff peaks form.

3. In two batches, add the egg whites to the batter and gently fold to combine.

4. Gently fold through the raspberries and pear.

5. Heat a non-stick fry pan over low-medium heat and grease with a little butter. Ladle 1/4 cup measurements of the batter onto the fry pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles begin to appear on the surface of the pancake. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another minute or two, or until the pancakes are golden and bounce back when touched.

6. Place the cooked pancakes onto a plate lined with kitchen paper and continue frying until no batter remains.

7. Serve pancakes with fresh raspberries, dollop of yoghurt and drizzle of honey.

Tip: Pancakes are freezer friendly once cooled.

SWEET POTATO WAFFLES WITH EGGS AND AVOCADO Cook & prep: 35 mins Serves: 4 Ingredients 1 ½ cups firmly packed grated sweet potato 1 cup milk 1 ½ cups wholemeal self-raising flour 2 eggs, separated 50g fetta, crumbled 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 4 extra eggs 1 cup baby spinach leaves 1 avocado ¼ cup toasted pepitas Harissa yoghurt ½ cup Greek yoghurt 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 teaspoons harissa paste Method 1. Place sweet potato and ½ cup of milk in a large microwave safe bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on High for 6 minutes, or until soft. Roughly mash with a fork. Whisk in remaining milk and egg yolks.

2. Place flour into a large bowl. Stir in sweet potato mixture to a make a thick batter. Add the fetta and season to taste.

3. Whisk egg whites in a large clean bowl to soft dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

MUSHROOM SOUFFLÉ OMELETTE Cook & prep: 30 mins Serves: 2 2. peaks. Fold into batter.

4. Working in batches, pour about 2/3 cups of batter (depending on size of waffle maker) onto a pre-heated non-stick round waffle maker. Cook until golden brown until waffle iron stops steaming, about 5 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium high. Crack eggs one at a time into hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until whites set and are crispy around the edges, but yolk is still runny.

6. To make harissa yoghurt, stir yoghurt and lemon juice together and season to taste.

Swirl in the harissa.

7. Top waffles with spinach leaves, sliced avocado and fried eggs. Dollop over the harissa yoghurt and sprinkle with pepitas.

Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 400g Swiss brown mushrooms, sliced Salt and pepper 4 eggs 2 tablespoons milk ¼ teaspoon table salt 20g melted butter ¼ cup finely grated parmesan ¼ cup crème fraiche Finely grated parmesan, extra, to serve 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

3.

4.

5.

Method 1. Heat oil in a large 25cm non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook for 6-7

minutes or until golden. Remove, cover and keep warn. Wipe out the pan.

Separate eggs, placing egg yolks into a small bowl and egg whites into a large bowl. Add milk to egg yolks and whisk with a fork. Using a hand beater, whisk egg whites and the ¼ teaspoon salt until stiff peaks form.

Heat the frying pan over medium heat. Brush with butter to grease. Using a large metal spoon, gently fold the egg yolks into the egg whites.

Pour half the mixture into the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden and the eggs are just set. Spoon over half the crème fraiche, parmesan and mushrooms and carefully fold the omelette in half. Cook for 1 minute or until almost set.

Transfer to a serving plate (omelette will continue cooking once removed from heat).

Repeat using remaining eggs, crème fraiche, cheese and mushrooms. Sprinkle with chives, extra parmesan and pepper to serve.

Tuesday, 5 May, 2020

|

STAR JOURNAL 15

SPORT

Garth wins the Paisley

By Nick Creely History was made at the Victorian Premier Cricket awards on Friday, 24 April with a tie for both the Una Paisley Medal and Jack Ryder Medal - the first time it had occurred in the competition's illustrious history.

Dandenong star Kim Garth was one to share in the glory, claiming the prestigious Una Paisley Medal after a stellar individual season for the Panthers.

The Irish star has played 34 women's ODI matches and 51 Twenty20s for her country, and struck 568 runs at an astonishing 71 throughout the Premier season, while with the ball Garth was equally as destructive, snaring 22 wickets at 11.6.

Garth snared the award in a tie with Bhavisha Devchand from Ringwood with 34 votes in nine matches, while there was also a tie in the Jack Ryder Medal, with James Seymour and David King taking the top gong from Essendon and Ringwood respectively.

There was also another individual award for the club's women's program, with Kelly Applebee snaring the Sue Woolcock Award for the Premier Seconds One Day Player of the Season.

With Covid-19 restrictions leading to the awards being presented on YouTube, an ecstatic Garth said it was an honour to claim the prestigious award as now one of four Dandenong players to take out the Una Paisley, and

credited the season to a focus on becoming a more rounded cricketer.

"I've been working really hard on my batting and just trying to become a bit more of an all-rounder, so it was nice that it all came together," she said.

"I was able to put a few scores together at the back-end of the season and get a few wins - it was good.

"I've worked closely with Andy Christie and James Nanopoulos as well, who is a fantastic all-rounder - they've both been very influential on my cricket in the last two seasons."

Garth has played all over the world, and said that the Premier Cricket competition is among the best she's been involved in.

"It's a very good standard, it's why I've come back for three years in a row - it's great to see a lot of the state cricketers playing in it," she said.

"Hopefully I can continue to come back over and improve as a cricketer."

Locally, James Nanopoulos was rewarded for his most dominant campaign to date with yet another selection in the men's team of the season, while tweaker Suraj Randiv enjoyed a remarkable first season for the Panthers with selection as the team's front line spinner.

Nanopoulos - after 260 runs and 46 wickets - also polled well in the Ryder Medal, finishing with 27 votes and in second position, while last year's Ryder Medal winner Brett Forsyth was second in the vote tally for the club with 15.

Kim Garth and medals have been synonymous with her time at Dandenong.

Picture: COURTESY OF ARJ GIESE/CRICKET VICTORIA

Rising Lions bolster their list as the DDCA gets stronger

By Nick Creely Narre South is looking to quickly move on from the pain of last year's semi-final loss to Buckley Ridges with some sharp recruiting moves to kick-start the off-season signing frenzy.

The rising Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 club - based out of Strathaird Reserve - has added some serious quality to its playing stocks, with seamer Josh Dowling crossing over after a successful stint with Victorian Premier Cricket outfit, CaseySouth Melbourne.

The right-armer adds a tremendous amount to a talented bowling group, with Dowling only recently taking out Casey's bowling average after a solid season in an otherwise tough season for the club.

Dowling has played most of his local cricket with rival Narre North, and was part of the Turf 2 premiership side that defeated the Lions in 2017/18.

The Lions have also added some vital experience, with the renowned Kaushalya Weeraratne signing on with the club after a superb stint with Heinz Southern Districts (HSD).

Across 75 games for the Cobras, Weeraratne struck 2701 runs at 38.04 with six centuries, while with the ball, the right arm quick snared 104 wickets at 16.61.

An ex-Sri Lankan international who played 15 ODIs and five Twenty20s for his country, he played in the Vic Super Slam with Frankston Peninsula last season, and also played three seasons with Narre Warren.

The major recruitment announcement comes after champion skipper Scott Phillips elected to play on for another season after initially announcing his retirement from the game after a storied career locally.

One of the greatest players in Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association history, Phillips' stint at Narre South so far has included 2227 runs at 48.41 and 148 wickets at 11.97 across 58 matches, and he will be back to help the Lions push for the ultimate glory next season.

The formidable Buckley Ridges has also landed a major coup, with Michael 'Slick' Davies also leaving HSD after an incredible career with the club.

The champion all-rounder and Wookey Medal winner has been one of the constants for the club for well over a decade, but has decided to join the Bucks as the club chases more Turf 1 glory. The club has also confirmed that West Indian Jerome Jones has re-committed, while the Bucks are still on the hunt for one or two more recruits.

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Tuesday, 5 May, 2020

Michael Davies will need to get used to the Park Oval surrounds after signing with Buckley Ridges. 205421 Hallam Kalora Park has welcomed back one of its favourite sons, with all-rounder Jordan Hammond returning after a stint with CaseySouth Melbourne in Premier Cricket.

After breaking into the Swans' first XI in Round 7, Hammond was impressive, taking eight wickets and scoring 86 runs. His return strengthens a Hawks side that was on the brink of Turf 1 finals.

Turf 2 club Narre Warren has also made a key announcement, with Brett Lewis signing on as head coach for the next two seasons.

Lewis - a renowned coach with successful stints at Cranbourne and Narre North to his name, as well as work with Casey-South Melbourne - adds a tremendous amount of experience to the club.

In Turf 3, Fountain Gate has brought in experienced batsman Rumesh Rangana as a playing assistant coach after striking 260 Turf 1 runs for Narre South in 2019/20.

Seamer Josh Dowling has joined Narre South. 202308

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Picture: GARY SISSONS dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Sandown show goes on By sports editor Russell Bennett Those with an appetite for thrilling live sport need look no further than the Sandown Park Greyhounds, with a bumper racing schedule to look forward to over the coming weeks.

While physical distancing measures are in place at the track, preventing all non-essential personnel - such as crowds - from attending, there will be three Group 1 finals over consecutive weeks.

Along with the addition of a number of key support races, that means the best greyhounds in Australia will effectively call Sandown Park home right through until at least the end of June.

"The Sapphire Crown - for female greyhounds only - on 14 May; the Harrison-Dawson - for male greyhounds only - on 21 May; and the RSN Sandown Cup - for the stayers - on 28 May are three of the sport's premier races, so to be able to ensure they can be conducted is a fantastic result for owners, trainers and fans of the sport," Sandown Greyhound Racing Club's racing and media manager Mick Floyd told the Journal.

"The quality of greyhound racing at the moment is outstanding, so I'm really looking forward to an exciting month of racing.

"The current situation has been tough for everyone, and every business or activity that has been able to continue is important.

"That greyhound racing has been able to continue is testament to both GRV (Grey-

The RSN Sandown Cup has retained its place on the sporting calendar, despite the battle against Covid-19.

Picture: SUPPLIED hound Racing Victoria) for implementing strict race-day protocols and procedures, and to the clubs and participants for adapting to the changes that have been made."

Crucially, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Sandown Greyhounds has been able to maintain its weekly schedule and prize-money structure - providing some much needed cer-

tainty for those involved with the sport.

"Everyone I speak to is increasingly optimistic that we'll emerge from the current crisis in good shape," Floyd explained.

"In fact, a number of very good greyhounds have been sent to Victoria - not just for the Group 1 finals, but for the opportunity to participate in our weekly racing.

"One of the great things racing has been able to do through this period is give people something to look forward too. Catching up on movies and Netflix and reflecting on 'best ofs' is great, but nothing beats the build-up and anticipation of a live event and we're fortunate that we're still able to give people that outlet."

Tellingly, Floyd said he'd seen a genuine increase in interest in the sport over recent weeks.

"Being one of the few live events still operating, we've seen a big increase in the amount of interest in the sport, and not just locally," he said.

"There's always been a lot of interest from New Zealand, but we're seeing increased interest from the UK as well.

"There's a passionate group of owners in England who have bought a few greyhounds in Australia. They've found a couple of good ones too, including 'Captain Dynamite', which is among the fancied chances for the RSN Sandown Cup. They've certainly embraced the racing here and have brought along a number of people for the ride."

Hadeel Bale’s incredible win was a real blow for punters

By Mick Floyd Hadeel Bale is a good greyhound on her day.

After all, she's now won 11 races - including four in the city.

But it's been some time since it was her day.

It had been 17 starts since her last win, at a Sandown provincial meeting on 22 December last year. The win before that was her last triumph in town - 31 starts ago - at the Meadows on 28 September 2019.

Hadeel Bale's form had tapered so much that she'd only run a place in five of those starts during her run of outs, and of the 54 Grade 5 greyhounds nominated for the meeting, she was ranked 51st and was only drawn as a reserve.

But with the scratching of Busy Bella that morning, Hadeel Bale came off the reserves bench to jump from Box 6 in the first leg of last Thursday night's quaddie at Sandown - a more difficult mixed grade event than what she had been set for. Trainer Correy Grenfell wasn't exactly thrilled with the result.

"I was more disappointed when she gained a start because she had Box 1 tonight at Geelong!" he said, laughing.

"She can show very good speed at times, but she's not the same as she was a few months ago."

The Watchdog rated her a $41 chance but punters were less confident - she was showing $47.20 by the time the green light was turned on.

But Hadeel Bale can't read a form guide.

When the lids opened, she showed that early speed her trainer said she can show at times to cross the field and lead it through the first turn. She opened a gap as large as four lengths down the back, but as they turned for home that margin had been halved.

Still, the brindle flyer wouldn't be denied, sticking fast to the rail and prevailing by the barest of margins.

Her fixed odds starting price of $81 was the equal fourth-highest Sandown Park winner in the TAB fixed odds era, and the highest-priced winner since Miss Zok Dee broke punters' hearts in November 2019 when she saluted at $101.

With odds-on favourite Squiggle Keeping finding trouble and running last, the trifecta paid a whopping $2977, and the first four $7542. For quaddie players the dividend was $3591 - even with Black Opium winning the last leg at $1.50. Not that it mattered for most... the 80/1 pop had turned most quaddie tickets to confetti long before the last leg.

Those who backed the winner are part of

Hadeel Bale's victory at Sandown Park on Thursday night had to be seen to be believed. an elite - or at least lucky - group that doesn't even include the trainer.

"Nah, I haven't had a bet in a long time," Grenfell said.

And to be fair, he didn't need to. The trainer's share of the winner's cheque is $2800.

A career in the breeding barn is now on the horizon for Hadeel Bale.

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Tuesday, 5 May, 2020

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