EHD Star Journal - 12th May 2020

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Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

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Nurse wins top award

Cardinal ‘should have known’

Snapshots of life under Covid

The fight for the Crown

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PAGE 7

PAGES 10, 14-15

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Covid-19 crews

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council says it has redeployed 67 staff rather than standing down workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Local councils and their workers have however been excluded from the support of the federal JobKeeper program and a similar Victorian public servant scheme.

"While Council has registered its interest in JobKeeper we have so far been advised this payment does not apply to the Local Government sector," Greater Dandenong corporate services director Mick Jaensch said.

The council's redeployed staff were cleansing "high-traffic areas", planting trees and helping distribute material aid.

More than 20 tonnes of food had been distributed to vulnerable community members in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia during the pandemic, he said.

About $25,000 of fresh fruit, vegetables, pantry staples and hygiene materials were also handed out to 10 local agencies.

Treasurer and Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas refused to include local council workers in a scheme for 3000 state public servants redeployed in areas of need such as health care.

"We'd expect councils to step up to the plate and look after their employees."

Ineligible for JobKeeper, the state workers will receive up to $1500 before-tax fortnightly payments from the State Government from 27 April to 30 September.

It would help casuals such as Melbourne Aquatic Centre swimming pool life guards, Melbourne Museum ticket staff and Royal Botanic Gardens park staff.

Municipal Association of Victoria president Coral Ross said council workers were "left high and dry".

Continued page 5

Faith leaders Jasbir Singh Syropaba, Agnes Kean, Bhakta Dasa, Muhammed Sezgin and Venerable Ol Sam. 157863 Picture: GARY SISSONS

The faithful gather together in hope Greater Dandenong's diversity is its strength. During the unsettling Covid-19 pandemic, we have stuck together despite deep blows to our health, livelihoods and lifestyles. In coming weeks, our region's multitude of faith leaders will offer words of reassurance and strength in an exclusive Message of Hope series. Look out for the first column in next week's edition of the Star Journal.

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Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 3

THANK YOU For the way we’ve faced these past few weeks.

With courage. With humility. And with hope.

We’ve kept our distance, we’ve looked out for each other and we’ve kept our cool.

Thank you especially to those who have been tested.

Because of your efforts, we’ve achieved the biggest testing blitz in our state’s history.

Or to use Victoria’s standard unit of measurement – more than one MCG’s worth of Victorians who’ve played their part in protecting our state.

Thanks to you, we are inding out more about the spread of coronavirus in our community.

If you haven’t been tested, and you are feeling unwell, you can still visit one of the regional clinics or speak to your GP. To ind out how and where you can be tested go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Because getting tested keeps us together.

visit vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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NEWS

Bills, jobs add to virus woe Paying the bills and job losses are the chief concerns of about 150 local CALD families during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey of a Greater Dandenong-based welfare agency.

Since March, South East Community Links has gifted more than $54,000 in emergency relief, court funds and critical support grants to its clients.

It has offered a phone-based service during the pandemic, with the aim of getting relief to families within 24 hours.

"Our phones are answered by people who know our local area and with a knowledge of

what's happening in the community," chief executive Rhonda Cumberland said in the service's latest newsletter.

"Person-to-person phone contact made an important difference to clients in distress."

Over the past seven weeks, 58 per cent of its surveyed families were worried about paying future bills. About 40 percent had lost a job or had reduced paid work, with 32 per cent worried about keeping their employment.

Other stresses were greater isolation (43 per cent), children not maintaining their education (26 per cent) and paying rent (21 per cent).

Teenagers were feeling isolation (77 per cent) even more acutely. About 57 per cent expressed

difficulties living with everyone at home.

SECL services general manager Chris Pierson said it was "particularly sad" that surveyed CALD high-school students were struggling to keep up with schoolwork (42 per cent).

"A lot of them would already have really big disruptions to their education because they were either in a (refugee) camp or in a place where they were not allowed to go to school."

In remote learning, the parents - whose first language is often not English - would be unable to help.

"Just running extra homework clubs won't be enough," Mr Pierson said. "We need to think about how we're going to support these kids."

Cleft nurse ‘humbled’ by top award win

IN BRIEF

An Endeavour Hills nurse who has been crowned Australia's best says she has the "best job".

Tania Green was awarded Nurse of the Year at the 2020 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards for her stellar support of more than 500 child patients with cleft and craniofacial conditions.

There were 132 nominations for the award.

As coordinator at Monash Medical Centre's Cleft and Craniofacial Unit, a humble Ms Green was recognised for her efforts to improve the care of cleft-affected babies and families.

She's passionate about helping babies with cleft lip and palate - which are the most common congenital deformities.

"Nursing is more than just a job for me, it is a part of who I am," she says.

"I have the best job in Monash Health and the opportunity to work with the expert health professionals that make up the multidisciplinary team is exciting.

"But it's our cleft patients and families that make my work so rewarding, and I look forward to continually striving to develop the best cleft service."

Ms Green has played a large part in developing protocols to improve the confidence and education of special-care nursery and neonatal staff.

She also set up antenatal consultations for parents expecting a baby with a cleft lip or palate, which reduced the number of hospital visits required.

It saved families, particularly from regional areas, much time and expense.

A mother of two, Ms Green also volunteers for CleftPALS, a not-for-profit group that supports cleft-affected people and their families.

She will use her $10,000 prize money to further improve her unit's service by networking with and exploring cleft services in Australia and aboard.

Man arrested in GHB raids in Berwick, Hallam Police have allegedly seized more than $850,000 worth of the drug GHB during raids in Berwick and Hallam on Monday 4 May. The 85-kilogram haul of the drug, otherwise known as 1,4 butanediol, was part of an ongoing operation into illegal imported drugs.

Croydon Divisional Tasking Unit arrested a 21-year-old Berwick man at a premises at Homestead Road Berwick earlier that morning.

At 1.30pm, police executed a warrant at the Hallam warehouse where 25 kilograms were seized. The drugs had an estimated street value of more than $850,000, police say.

The man was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence and remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 5 May. It follows four people being charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of GHB as part of operations Cronus, Beaches and Leviathan in recent weeks.

Police had raided a home in Rowville on 15 April, a warehouse in Hallam on 23 April and a property in Seaford on 28 April.

The four arrested were charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of GHB. 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 on 29 April.

Speeding drink-driver's car impounded A drink-driver allegedly speeding at nearly 60km/h over the limit has had his car impounded by police in Springvale.

The man blew a 0.104 blood-alcohol reading - more than twice the legal limit - after being intercepted in a Toyota Aurion on Westall Road about 1.20am on Saturday 2 May. Police say they detected the car travelling 138km/h in an 80 km/h zone.

The sedan was impounded for 30 days.

Police say the man will be charged on summons to appear at a magistrates' court.

Tania Green won a national nursing award for her efforts to help more than 500 babies with cleft lips or palates.

Staff on for Covid cleanup

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Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti, centre, with Wellsprings for Women's Jasmine Robbins, second left, receiving food support packages for Covid-19 relief. councils deserved protection.

Mr Jaensch didn't comment on the calls for a rates freeze or council executive pay cuts.

In the council's draft 2020-'21 budget, residents face a $46 average rise in their rates and waste charges.

The median rates component rose an average of 0.4 per cent - or $4. The waste charge would increase by $42.

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From page 1 "First we had the Federal Government dismiss local government as 'creatures of state governments' and now we have the Victorian Government essentially saying to council workers 'you're on your own'. ""It makes no sense that frontline workers employed by a private, not-for-profit or Victorian Government organisation can access tax-payer-funded support payments whereas those performing identical roles for councils are ineligible."

Opposition local government spokesman Tim Smith said the State Government should follow NSW's lead and support council workers during the pandemic.

He also called for a rates freeze, a cut to council executives' "enormous salaries" and for the State Government to cover the shortfall caused by unpaid rates by struggling homeowners and businesses.

Ratepayers Victoria president Dean Hurlston said 50,000 workers in Victorian

In the meantime, as of 10 May, Greater Dandenong recorded its last reported case of coronavirus infection a week earlier.

Its total cases have since remained at 15 with just one of those considered "active".

In recent days, Victoria has recorded a new spike of double-digit numbers of new cases in Covid-19. At least 76 cases have been associated with a cluster at the Cedar Meats factory in Melbourne's west.

As of 10 May, Victoria had recorded 1487 infections, including 1346 recovered, seven in hospital and five in ICU. Eighteen Victorians had died with Covid-19 the last death was on 28 April.

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By Cam Lucadou-Wells

STAR JOURNAL 5

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 13 May 1920 Eradication of noxious weeds On Wednesday 19 May Mr Frank Groves MLA will introduce a deputation to the Minister of Agriculture, at his office, at 10.30am comprising delegates from municipalities who are interested in the important question of eradication of noxious weeds, and who realise that at the present time, and under existing conditions the work referred to is only being "tinkered" with.

50 years ago 12 May 1970 Buses are on the move Buses taking football fans to VFL Park at Waverley from Clayton Station will now have to find

another place to park. Following complaints from councillors and residents, buses have been banned from manoeuvring in Mary and Wright Sts. Use of both streets was only for a trial period. Carinas Rd will now be used as a staging area. The buses have been causing some congestion in the shopping centre on Saturday mornings although not as much as first thought. Westall and Oakleigh stations have been mentioned as possible alternative staging sites.

20 years ago 8 May 2000 Drugs have floor Safe injecting clinics for both Springvale and Dandenong are among the options to solve Greater Dandenong's heroin problem. Stater government's drug expert policy committee

chairman Dr David Penington has confirmed.

Dr Penington told the Journal he had discussed the idea of providing two facilities in Greater Dandenong at a private meeting with councillors last Monday night. "There is no doubt the problem is severe in both suburbs. "It's not something I'm personally pushing but I think it needs to be discussed as just one of many options available to the council." Dr Penington said he hoped Greater Dandenong's public forum would be a 'fair and balanced' meeting. "I just want people to look at the facts and alternatives to the escalating drug problem we are facing in areas like Springvale and Dandenong today. "I've no doubt it will be a lively meeting with people giving their views, but I certainly hope it's not a repeat of a recent forum in Footscray where a group of people set out to gain control and wage war on my team"

5 years ago 11 May 2015 Parks team show that food is good to grow An edible oasis in the heart of Dandenong is more than just a pretty sight. The City of Greater Dandenong parks team has planted and harvested hundreds of lettuces from plots around the water wheel in Dandenong Park in Pultney Street. This month they donated the red and green leafy plants to Dandenong charity Avocare and planted winter vegies. The spring onions , silver beet, kale and broccoli planted in a kidney shaped garden bed near the park's centre will also got to Avocare when they're ready to eat.

The edible garden project aims to show Greater Dandenong residents that vegetables, herbs, and edible plants can be easy to grow and make beautiful gardens to inspire them to follow suit.

NEWS

Please consider safely sharing garden bounty with bats With so many homeowners planting mini-orchards in their backyards, it's understandable that avid gardeners want to protect their crops.

But that protection can come at a cost to wildlife, according to Lawrence Pope, president of Friends of Bats and Bushcare Inc. “When young flying foxes leave mum’s protection for the first time, they face many dangers as they fly into the darkness in search of food,” he explains.

Avoiding predators is just the beginning of a life of urban risk. There are also barbed wire fences that are invisible in the dark and another, innocent-looking, web-of-death – backyard fruit tree netting.

Bats caught in the netting can sustain lifethreatening injuries. Left in the net, they can die in horrible pain.

When mother bats get entangled their pups are often left to starve back at the colony.

Mr Pope says flying is an energy-expensive

A young bat that was found caught in fruit tree netting.

A bat struggles with fruit tree netting.

activity for bats, who must eat a lot each night to stay alive.

Nectar, pollen and fruit form the bulk of that diet.

Australian hardwood gum trees flower at night to attract them because, as long dis-

tance pollinators, they prevent the trees inbreeding. But what happens if you’re a bat in Berwick or Springvale and you can’t find any native flowering trees? The backyard fruit tree might just be your saviour or, if it’s netted, your doom.

Backyard fruit tree nets kill more young flying foxes and mother bats than just about anything else in urban Australia, Mr Pope says.

Often bats are found dead in tree-nets laden with unwanted fruit adding, for bat rescuers, anger to sadness.

This year bat rescuer and Order of Australia recipient Bev Brown finished her 500th bat netting rescue and said she never gets used to seeing young animals suffer.“It’s very stressful, they’re wounded and in pain. Their eyes plead with you to help and we have to take many and have them euthanized. It is heart breaking."

Friends of Bats and Bushcare Inc. recommends people avoid using nets they can put fingers through, and instead cover their lower branches of fruit with zipped washing bags.

The high fruit can then be left for wildlife to enjoy and thrive on, ensuring humans and animals can both share in the backyard bounty.

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NEWS

Pell evidence ‘implausible’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Ribbons tied to a fence outside Holy Family School in 2016. 151051 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Holy Family parish in Doveton, where Father Searson was stationed for more than a decade.

The Journal reported on staff and parent concerns at Holy Family School in 1986.

As Auxiliary-Bishop, he had the capacity to urge Archbiship Little to take action to protect the parish's children, the Commission found.

"We do not accept any qualification that this conclusion is only appreciable in retrospect."

In a statement, Cardinal Pell said he was "surprised by some of the views of the Royal Commission" about his actions.

"These views are not supported by evidence.

"As an Auxiliary Bishop in Melbourne 198796, Bishop Pell met with a delegation from

Doveton Parish in 1989 which did not mention sexual assaults and did not ask for Searson's removal.

"Appointed Archbishop of Melbourne on 16 August 1996, Archbishop Pell placed Fr Searson on administrative leave in March 1997 and removed him from the parish on 15 May 1997."

Fr Searson was the centre of numerous complaints during his tenure from 1984-97 with all but one not followed through by the church or police.

Parents and staff had pushed several times

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Cardinal George Pell's reasons for not acting sooner against Doveton parish priest and accused paedophile Father Peter Searson were "implausible", according to an unredacted Royal Commission report released on 7 May. Cardinal Pell - then the region's Catholic Auxilliary-Bishop - should have acted to remove, or at least sought a thorough investigation, into allegations against Fr Searson in 1989, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse found.

"On the basis of what was known to Bishop Pell in 1989, it ought to have been obvious to him at the time.

"He should have advised the Archbishop to remove Father Searson and he did not do so."

A delegation of teachers from Holy Family School - the Doveton parish where Fr Searson was stationed - had outlined allegations to Cardinal Pell at the time.

The cardinal told the Royal Commission that briefings with the Catholic Education Office (CEO) prior to the meeting gave him the impression that the allegations couldn't be sustained.

"The effect of Cardinal Pell's evidence, which he expressly acknowledged, was that the CEO ... deceived him because they did not tell him what they knew about Father Searson's misbehaviour," the Royal Commission report stated.

"We are satisfied that Cardinal Pell's evidence as to the reasons that the CEO deceived him was implausible.

"We do not accept that Bishop Pell was deceived, intentionally or otherwise."

Cardinal Pell told the Royal Commission that he didn't recall recommending a course of action to Archbishop Frank Little at the time.

In retrospect he might have been "a bit more pushy", he said.

unsuccessfully for his axing, but he was abetted by the church's "culture of secrecy", the Commission found.

Father Searson was accused of showing a dead body in a coffin to students, pointing a gun at parishioners, flinging a cat by its tail to its death, stabbing a bird to death with a screwdriver, frequenting boy's toilets and sexually assaulting students.

Then-Melbourne Archbishop Frank Little had sufficient information to remove Fr Searson from the parish in October 1986, the report stated.

"Each occasion after October 1986 that complaints were made against Fr Searson to Church personnel was a missed opportunity for action by the late Archbishop Little.

"The consequences of his inaction was that children were left at risk of harm, including sexual harm, by Father Searson.

"We are mindful of the fact that only the Archbishop had the authority to remove Fr Searson from ministry.

"However, given the number of individual Church personnel with knowledge of complaints against Father Searson, it is extraordinary that there was such a long period of inaction."

Victoria Police also failed to follow up on sexual abuse allegations made by a 15-yearold girl in 1990.

"The conclusion that (her) statement did not disclose a criminal offence was plainly wrong."

Fr Searson was never charged with child sexual abuse or removed from the clergy.

Prior to arriving at Doveton, he was clouded by misconduct allegations including an alleged rape at a Sunbury parish.

In the same year he departed Doveton in 1997, Fr Searson was released on a good behaviour bond without conviction for assaulting a child.

He died in 2009.

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Covid: rego, fines freeze

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Vehicle rego fees and fines will be frozen, and businesses on the JobKeeper scheme will be given tax exemptions under a further $491 million of State Government Covid-19 relief.

On 5 May, Treasurer Tim Pallas said the Government's priority was on helping people and businesses through the pandemic not on the "economic dollars".

He also defended the Government's cautious approach to relaxing social distancing as Victoria's new spike in coronavirus cases continued on 4 May. Prioritising the health and wellbeing of the community was the best economic strategy, he said.

"The quickest way out of this problem is through it."

New coronavirus cases rose 17 on 4 May - with infections recorded in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia in recent days, though none overnight.

Eleven of them were sourced to the Cedar Tree meat processing factory in Melbourne's West - a cluster that's now grown to 45.

One of the new cases was in mandatory hotel quarantine, two found in drive-through testing and three of the sources were under investigation.

The state's total infections total 1423, with the death toll remaining on 18 and 1311 recovered.

Twelve infected patients are in hospital, including six in ICU. On 5 May, Treasurer Tim Pallas announced $425 million of payroll tax and WorkCover premium exemptions on workers stood down and paid the $1500 JobKeeper fortnightly allowance.

It would mean businesses were free from all state government taxes and charges on these staff.

So far, about 80,000 Victorian businesses had applied for the Commonwealth's Job-

Keeper scheme, which started rolling out payments this week.

Mr Pallas said the latest package was "a work in progress" designed to complement JobKeeper and its unfolding impact.

It was "making things easier for businesses doing the right thing".

All fines and fees will be frozen from a July increase - a $66 million "saving for the community", Mr Pallas said.

These include car rego, traffic infringements, court fines and permit fees.

The Fire Services Property Levy on households will also be frozen at 2019-'20 levels.

Car rego wouldn't be waived, striking a balance between the stress on family budgets and the need to fund services.

"There will be value for the community as economic recovery picks up. And that's why ... a freeze is the fairest way to manage this."

By 1 July Mr Pallas expected to see a "progressive" economic improvement from a "dramatic" downturn.

Downturns had been particularly steep in the hospitality sector (down 60 per cent) and retail (down 17 per cent).

The "first iteration" of social distancing relaxation would not have profound economic impact. "But we're not there yet", he said.

The package is part of $3 billion of State relief during Covid-19, including tax refunds, business grants, landlord and tenant relief, deferred landfill levy and the Working For Victoria jobs scheme.

Meanwhile, Victoria Police fined 26 people for not complying with social distancing restrictions on 4 May. They included a man in a Box Hill home with an escort he sourced from online, several people from different residences travelling in the same vehicle, as well as people charged with drugs, weapons and possessing stolen goods offences.

State Treasurer Tim Pallas says freezing, not waiving car registration fees is a "fair" outcome.

Funding for ‘sensory’ play

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An inclusive 'sensory playscape' area is set to be built at Chalcot Lodge Primary School in Endeavour Hills.

The project extends the library's interior spaces, and includes suspended play nets, a grassy hill, a tunnel and covered teaching space with performance area.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams announced $175,500 from the State Government's Inclusive Schools Fund for the project.

"This new space will make a real difference to students at Chalcot Lodge Primary School,

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who will get the benefits of new inclusive spaces to cater for a wider range of options for teaching and learning.

"As we build the Education State, we're continuing to invest in schools to ensure students of all abilities can access a great education - no matter their circumstances."

Since the fund was set up in 2015, it has assisted more than 232 creative projects such as inclusive learning spaces, outdoor sensory areas and accessible playgrounds.

An additional $10 million was announced in the 2019-'20 State Budget.

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Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

Chalcot Lodge Primary School principal Monica Ghirxi, teacher Tamsin Bearsley, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and assistant principal Paul Poliviou at the site of the future sensory playscape. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Clean set of rules Masks, sanitisers, crowd restrictions and temperature guns are part of the new sets of rules for shopping during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photographer GARY SISSONS visited Dandenong and Springvale's trading districts that were eerily quiet due to the public-health lockdown.

A masked man at Springvale shopping centre. 208305

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Temperature testing for visitors at Lee Pharmacy, Springvale. 208305

Dandenong's Palm Plaza on a Wednesday lunchtime was unusually quiet. 208305

Thomas Araya has his temperature tested by Minh Nguyen outside Lee Pharmacy Springvale, where Mr Araya was to receive a flu vaccination. 208305

No entry for shoppers who have temperatures of 38 degrees and over at Springvale Shopping Centre. 208305 10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

A few workers and even fewer shoppers in Lonsdale Street, Dandenong at noon. 208305

Masks and sanitisers are new lines of trade at this Springvale variety store. 208305

A newly opened Covid-19 screening clinic in Buckingham Avenue, Springvale. 208305

A Dandenong pawnbroker offers hand-sanitiser squirts on entry. 208305 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Life behind bars for killer

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The intruder who murdered a Pakenham mother-of-three and seriously wounded an elderly Endeavour Hills widow in their own homes in 2013 has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a 36-year minimum non-parole period.

Scott Alan Murdoch, 42, will be eligible for parole as a 74-year-old - having served 1491 days in pre-sentence detention.

Supreme Court of Victoria judge Jane Dixon said she would have rejected the possibility of parole if not for Murdoch's "belated" guilty pleas.

The Dandenong-born man pleaded guilty to the "savage" murder of Kylie Blackwood and to inflicting intentional serious injury to 72-year-old Ilona Prohaska.

She noted that parole was not guaranteed at the earliest date. Murdoch may serve every day of the rest of his life behind bars.

The two "cowardly" stabbing attacks occurred within three months in 2013.

At the time, Murdoch was on parole for a similarly brutal stabbing and bashing of Karen Cheeseman in her Berwick home in 2006.

Justice Dixon said Murdoch had targeted women alone at home with no chance to escape. He'd shown no interest in their welfare after the attacks.

He'd also stolen his victims' bank cards, attempting to use them at ATMs soon after the attacks.

Murdoch had tried to cover his tracks, tried to solicit false alibis from third parties and initially denied his involvement to police.

A "brazen" Murdoch attended appointments with his parole officer on the same day as his attack on Ms Prohaska - before and after the event.

His deadly offending during parole pointed to "poor" rehabilitation prospects. It under-

lined the need to protect the community from him, she said.

There was "little evidence" of remorse.

Ms Blackwood's murder had "sent shockwaves through the community", particularly residents in her locale, Justice Dixon said.

Ms Blackwood's family members remain deeply impacted, her daughters "irrevocably scarred" by discovering their mother's body.

Ms Prohaska, now 80, had suffered lifethreatening stab wounds, remained wracked with pain and fear, and had lost capacity to enjoy life.

She'd shown "significant courage" to recover as she had, Justice Dixon said.

Murdoch was sentenced as a "serious violent offender" due to his prior history. So, protection of the community was a prime factor in sentencing, Judge Dixon said.

Defence barrister Jim Shaw expressed Murdoch's remorse for Ms Blackwood's murder during the hearing, but none for Ms Prohaska, Justice Dixon noted.

Kylie Blackwood, who was murdered by Scott Murdoch in her home in 2013.

Murdoch had offered little explanation for his "obscure" motives.

Justice Dixon said he wasn't just motivated by theft. There were elements of pre-planning, loitering near the homes before the attacks and an aim to inflict significant harm on the occupants.

His guilty plea came after Justice Dixon ruled in favour of admitting "coincidence" evidence linking the two attacks.

He'd afterwards tried to withdraw his plea to Ms Prohaska's attack.

In considering the question of parole, Justice Dixon said it was in the public interest to encourage offenders to plead guilty for the gravest crimes.

She noted that only one previous life-without-parole sentence in Victoria had involved an accused who pleaded guilty.

Murdoch was beginning his term while middle-aged and was likely to be relatively isolated as a "protection prisoner, Judge Dixon said.

She noted Murdoch was a child sex abuse victim, and his borderline personality disorder had led to self-harm attempts.

In a statement, the Blackwood and Whitta families thanked the Homicide Squad for their "persistence and efforts to get a result".

"After six-and-a-half years we have some closure but it does not bring our daughter back.

"Kylie was a dearly loved daughter, wife, sister, mother and friend.

"We hope that the parole system will be more accountable for whom they release in the future."

Ms Prohaska's family also thanked Victoria Police's Armed Crime Squad for their "tireless efforts".

"She is happy with the sentence imposed and happy that the matter is now finalised."

Murdoch was sentenced to life imprisonment for Ms Blackwood's murder. He received a 10-year concurrent jail term for his attack on Ms Prohaska.

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Ilona Prohaska during her recovery from the attack in 2013. 107773 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

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NEWS

When home is no longer home Star News reporter Esther Lauaki had to return to New Zealand for a family emergency. She is now in strict quarantine. This is her story.

Auckland at dusk.

Picture: Chris-McLennan/newzealand.com

By Esther Lauaki Home doesn’t feel like home anywhere anymore.

I’ve travelled to New Zealand so many times in the past eight years that I could walk the length of Auckland Airport with my eyes closed.

But COVID-19 has turned our world upside down and governments implore everyone to “embrace a new normal”.

Stay home, save lives.

It’s a simple message – but what happens when your dad is in the final stages of Leukaemia and you live overseas?

My family in New Zealand was told by doctors on New Year’s day that dad had months to live.

“

Warm smiles are hidden behind surgical mask”

Any plans to make the Trans-Tasman trip home as often as possible were shut down in March when COVID-19 sent the nation into lockdown and, for the most part, closed Australia’s borders to the world.

Travel is reserved for healthcare aid workers, diplomats, “urgent personal business” and compassionate reasons.

Living, working and building a future in Australia, like my parents did when they migrated from Samoa to New Zealand, is no easy feat.

Doing that while my dad fights a rare and brutal blood cancer is a burden too heavy for me.

Leaving Australia last week in the thick of a pandemic required a few calls to the Health and Human Services Department, the New Zealand consulate and the airline as well as a letter from the hospital stating my dad’s critical condition.

Melbourne airport is an empty, dark and cold place now.

About 10 border force officers crowd the check-in desk ensuring everyone has filled out a form agreeing to self-isolate in a government managed hotel for 14 days in New Zealand.

Customs officers are relaxed, discussing dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The room at a government-managed hotel where Esther Lauaki is quarantined for 14 days. 208343

Esther Lauaki and her dad Iakopo. 208343

Melbourne Airport is a different place these days. 208343 their favourite pork recipes while processing just 40 passengers for the day.

Duty Free and the retail stores are all closed and only the sound of suitcase wheels on linoleum and murmurs in the distance echo through the staff bypass corridor you have to walk through to get to your gate.

The flight was a speedy three and a half hours with no air traffic and good flying conditions into Auckland where I was born and raised.

An idyllic Kiwi childhood of breakfasts at

the beach, jandals, walking to the corner dairy with a dozen cousins, Jelly-Tips and kina (sea urchin) fishing.

But in this post COVID world, warm smiles are hidden behind surgical masks, there are no handshakes or hugs – just a health check and a sterile, “Welcome home Ma’am”.

Green crosses taped on the floor are two metres apart and the assumption is that everyone is infected.

We are ushered onto a tour bus bound for a hotel that nobody will tell us the name of.

The New Zealand Army, Police, Navy, border patrol and health department are on site at the hotel to help enforce strict isolation, social distance and hygiene measures.

Home for the next two weeks is a compact hotel room with ensuite and a queen-sized bed. Three meals a day are delivered to your door with one hour of supervised exercise allowed each day.

Time is what I have on my hands right now before I can see my dad and, more than anything, that’s all I want.

Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

The Spencer Outlet Centre is likely empty inside.

City streets were noticeably a lot quieter - welcome news to authorities who continue to issue a 'Stay at Home' message.

Docklands.

A lone train.

No better time to perform a hook-turn?

Snapshot of a sleepy city South East artist CAL OSBORNE was lucky enough to tour around Melbourne’s CBD and surrounds recently, capturing the city’s quiet beauty under the Covid-19 shutdown.

Cal Osborne has never likened himself to a “city boy“, stating that Melbourne was never a place he frequented - but he likened his recent tour to seeing an old friend again.

“I can’t begin to tell you how great it felt to escape lockdown for a few hours and be chauffeured around in the sunshine while I took videos for work,“ he said.

“While it was eerie to see the place so quiet, it was still amazing. This will sound weird but, its good to know she’s still there, and not grey and decayed or collapsing like a scene from ’I am Legend’, but bright - warm - welcoming inviting - just waiting to give you a hug again.

“When this Covid thing is over, we will pick ourselves up, fill these streets, dance, party, hug, sing and celebrate again - and wake her back up, and give her life again. That’ll be a good day.“

The usually bustling Luna Park in St Kilda.

14 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

No cars in sight.

No school tours seen at the Royal Exhibition Building or IMAX.

Like many small companies, city businesses aren't immune to the Covid threat.

Melbourne - eerily quiet under Covid-19.

Pictures: CAL OSBORNE via BEFORE WE KICK THE BUCKET dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Usually busy, Cal was alone on the road.

St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne.

A sad sight, as all shows cancelled at the Palais Theatre.

under Covid lockdown A sunny day at Docklands and positively people heeded the advice to stay indoors.

The steps of Southern Cross station.

Public places with no members of the public.

Mr Osborne likened his trip through the city to "seeing an old friend" again.

Usually filled with airport commuters, the photo is a stark reminder of the travel ban.

RMIT building free of students.

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

More emptiness.

Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 15

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Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

The Seona Thompson-trained Black Opium is well-poised to claim a breakthrough Group 1 title.

Within reach of the Crown Black Opium has one paw on that elusive Group 1 title after a scintillating victory in her Sapphire Crown heat at Sandown Park on Thursday night.

The three-time Group 1 runner-up took full advantage of the vacant box either side of her to lead all the way to defeat Origami Angel by nine-and-a-half lengths.

"She did everything right," said handler, the Pearcedale-based Seona Thompson.

"She did everything right last week, but she's even exceeded that and gone a bit better."

Her winning time of 29.204 was one 1000th of a second faster than the time she ran when she was the fastest qualifier for the 2018 TAB Melbourne Cup. "When she was coming back from her spell she was trialling really well and I said to Jason (Seona's husband) I think she might have come back better," Thompson said.

"She's different now, she's a different dog to what she was then, different in herself. She's very mature and knows what racing is all about now."

Black Opium has now won over $450,000 in prize money - an Australian record for a greyhound without a feature race win.

Despite drawing Box 4 for the final, she has been installed the $1.80 favourite to claim the $50,000 first prize with tab.com.au.

The first heat of the night went to Talulah Bale, which powered past Nangar Diva to score by three lengths in 29.52. Trained by Heather Collins, who won the race with Lamia Bale in 2015, Talulah Bale is the daughter of Xylia Allen, which also won the race in 2013.

Madilia Maggie won the second heat in 29.41 for John Connor, defeating Chart Topper.

That will give Robin Moore his first runner in a Group 1 final.

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The Sapphire Crown trophy will be up for grabs on Thursday.

Pictures: COURTESY OF SANDOWN GREYHOUNDS With Black Opium winning the third heat, it was over to Spring Fair to claim the night's final run off for Anthony Azzopardi, leading all of the way to defeat Aston Silk by four-and-ahalf lengths in 29.63 - giving Melbourne Cupwinning trainers Azzopardi and Thompson two runners each in the final.

The $71,000, Group 1 Sapphire Crown will be run this Thursday, 14 May. It's the first of three Group 1 races to be run over three consecutive weeks at Sandown Park,

and the favourites for the two other series also turned in impressive performances.

Harrison-Dawson favourite Tiggerlong Tonk capitalised on drawing Box 1 for just the third time in his 36-start career as the Easter Gift winner was untroubled in recording a three-and-a-half length victory in 29.26, while RSN Sandown Cup favourite Mister Harlewood remains undefeated in four starts over the stayer's journey, winning by one-and-aquarter lengths in 41.66.

Those with an appetite for thrilling live sport need look no further than Sandown Park, with a bumper greyhound racing schedule 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 (Greyhound 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 certainty for those involved with the sport. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

For a laugh, and a cause

By Nick Creely What started out as a bit of cheeky banter between two great mates in isolation over a few 'lemonades' has turned into something much more meaningful.

For great mates Mitch Forsyth and Cody Miller - who met while playing Premier Cricket for Dandenong - they're doing their bit to raise some much needed funds for Beyond Blue, and hopefully create a few laughs along the way with their unique way of bringing to light the issues around mental health, and to bring some happiness to those who may be struggling.

On Friday night, the two mates, who originally came from the Springvale South and Kooweerup cricket clubs respectively, bravely dyed their hair blonde as family and friends rallied around them online to donate to the cause.

The idea arose while bored and in isolation some weeks ago, and initially was treated as a bit of a joke between the two - a bit of banter that at the time wasn't going to go anywhere.

Until it wasn't.

"It was over Easter - we were texting each other, had a few lemonades and we thought it'd be fun to dye our hair for a bit of a laugh, half serious about what it'd look like," Mitch told the Journal.

"We didn't quite have the mental capacity to go through with it, and a couple of weeks after that, we started to think about raising a bit of money out of it.

"The goal initially was about $500 and then we got there very quickly, and then a few of our mates were like 'we'll chip in if you want to do it', so they could take the piss out of us a bit and raise some important money at the same time.

"And we've slowly incremented it which is great."

The pair has blown their initial goal out of the water. As of Saturday morning, $2140 was raised for Beyond Blue on their GoFundMe page - funds that will go directly to addressing issues such as depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other mental health issues.

For Mitch and Cody, the importance of friendship in these unprecedented times has been so incredibly important for the pair - and that can come from a simple text message or phone call.

It can make someone's day and open up some dialogue.

"We became good friends through playing at Dandenong, I've been there the last two years and he's been there four or five," Mitch explained.

"But Cody and I bonded a bit between ourselves by asking a few more deeper questions.

"I wasn't actually that close with him in my first season there (at Dandenong), and in my second season one of us was having a bit of a bad time and one of us just reached out.

"They say it's not very common for men to open the dialogue, but getting rid of that stigma around mental health and talking about it

Cody Miller and Mitch Forsyth went blonde for a great cause. more will be better for everyone.

"In these times as well, so many people are doing it really tough - it's not hard to check up on your family and your friends.

"It could be the loud one, it could be the quiet one, just make sure everyone is alright it's a very stressful time for people with work or not being able to work.

"It's not hard to ask if someone is okay - it's a simple thing you can do to open up some dialogue and make some friends as a result."

With no turning back now after a complete transformation, Mitch said he expected there to be quite a lot of laughs, questions and ribbing - but believes it's all worth it for an incredibly worthwhile cause.

"We want to raise money, but mates and family are definitely going to take the piss out of us," Mitch said with a chuckle.

"Providing a bit of happiness and laughs throughout the day is an easy thing to do for us, and hopefully it can make someone's day.

"We knew it wouldn't turn out too well, but at the back of our minds it could have a bit of Matt Guelfi (Essendon player) about it - he pulled it off very well.

"Reality will set in I'm sure, we'll probably end up chicken blonde and not looking too flash."

There is still time to donate to Mitch and Cody's cause, and those who wish to can visit gofundme.com/f/couple-of-lads-peroxiding-

for-a-good-cause.

But even in these times, where people are doing it tough financially, Mitch said that everyone can do their bit to help each other through.

"We understand financially things can be tough, and some might be strapped for cash and can't donate," he said.

"So we're asking everyone to at least make the effort to check up on each other and stay kind."

For more information on Beyond Blue, head to beyondblue.org.au Anyone needing help can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Basketball’s challenges in the face of the coronavirus

By Russell Bennett The Victorian basketball community is fighting desperately to save the grassroots game, in the wake of the greatest threat to sport in Australian history - Covid-19.

Following the postponement of basketball across the state from 13 March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the game has taken a huge hit - and not just in the professional leagues and international competitions that have been left devastated.

In Victoria alone, about 420,000 basketball participants stopped playing in the space of a day around six weeks ago.

With 240,000 registered members this year, on top of another 180,000 casual participants throughout the state, basketball is the largest community sport in Victoria and the rate it's increasing is actually faster than population growth.

The National Cabinet outlined its 15 principles for the staged return of sport and recreation activities recently and Basketball Victoria dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

is working in tandem with the Victorian State Government to seek clarity on timelines and solutions for potential barriers to the resumption of play.

Basketball Victoria has prepared 'Return to Sport' guidelines in conjunction with local member associations and advice from Basketball Australia and its chief medical officer.

The guidelines refer to various levels of risk management to enable players to get back on the court, including: the flow of traffic in and out of venues, time restrictions, compulsory cleaning, sanitisation and restrictions on players, officials and parents per court.

Basketball Victoria is confident that, given stadiums are large volume spaces where the number of people can be strictly managed, the guidelines the sport has developed can allow for basketball to resume in stadiums at the same time as outdoor sporting activities resume.

Basketball organisations have a large footprint across the state, including the leasing

and hiring of court-space from every Victorian council municipality - with 465 indoor facilities and over 1000 courts being used regularly throughout the year.

As an indoor sport, Basketball has the potential to have longer-term exposure to the economic side-effects of Covid-19, and will be impacted more severely by the specific classification of indoor sporting venues - including community and recreation centres - and restrictions by the State and Federal Governments than any other major sporting code.

Australian Opals' Captain, and star of the WNBL's Southside Flyers, Jenna O'Hea said it's important for teams to get back on the court for social connections and lifting spirits to improve wellbeing.

"I think routine, and having places to be and keeping busy, is good for our mental health, so getting back on the court and into regular trainings and commitments is important whenever it is safe to do so."

O'Hea's motivation has been a bit of a roller

coaster during this social distancing period of Covid-19.

Not knowing when we she will be back training, let alone playing, it has been hard to keep training at a high intensity like she normally would during a season.

O'Hea has been staying active by doing things she enjoys, such as bike riding, and running with her dog, as well as ball handling skills and drills to stay sharp and active. She encourages the community to do the same.

"I'm a mental health advocate (O'Hea won the 2019 AIS Athlete Community Engagement Award as a Lifeline Community Custodian) and situations like this can have serious implications on our mental health," she explained.

"I know that I love basketball and can't wait until I can get back with my teammates, competing and improving our skills together again.

"I would encourage all hoopers to do things you enjoy - keep a ball in your hands during this time and be ready to go whenever we do get the all clear."

Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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Tuesday, 12 May, 2020

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