EHD Star Journal - 14th July 2020

ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON

/DandenongJournal

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Extend HK offer: mayor

Doors closed again

Christo claims the McKenna

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SPORT

Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

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Words for the times The ‘Respect Protect Connect’ slogan has never been more apt while Melburnians revert to Covid-19 lockdown. The message running for 12 months at Armada Dandenong Plaza has the backing of Security guard Sam Fili and retailers Connie Stylionou and Sineth Sar. For details, turn to page 13. 210934 Picture: GARY SISSONS

$26k Covid fines

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Sixteen people have been fined $26,000 for breaching Covid-19 restrictions while holding a surprise birthday party at a Dandenong home.

In the meantime, Victoria has reported an alarming 1263 new cases in the past week up to 12 July, leading to a resumed stage-3 ‘stay-athome’ lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne.

In that time, four people died from the virus - taking the state’s total to 24.

Fifty-seven people with the virus are in hospital, with 16 in intensive-care units.

Paramedics raised the alarm on the illegal party when they noticed two people order 20 meals from a KFC outlet in Dandenong about

1.30am on 10 July.

Victoria Police members visited a townhouse where they allegedly found 16 people trying to hide in the backyard, garage and under beds with their fresh takeaway meals.

“That is absolutely ridiculous that type of behaviour,” Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said. “It’s a very expensive night. Apart from the KFC ... that’s $26,000 (in fines) that birthday party’s costing them. That is a heck of a birthday party to recall and they’ll remember that one for a long time.”

Meanwhile, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton is recommending the wearing of protective masks when leaving home in met-

WIN

ropolitan Melbourne - if in situations where social-distancing can’t be maintained.

The recommendations apply to adults, but not to schools and early childhood settings.

Premier Daniel Andrews stressed that maskwearing was health advice only, and not enforced by fines.

The Victorian Government will order more than two-million reusable masks and one million more single-use masks.

Most students from Prep to Year 10 will also resume “remote learning” from home.

Onsite supervision will be available for students when they are not able to be supervised at home, according to the State Government.

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Meanwhile Liberal Democrats MP David Limbrick has called for Covid-free suburbs in the south-east to be let out of lockdown early.

“The latest maps show that Covid cases are overwhelmingly to the north and north west of Melbourne.

“In the meantime, this is devastating hundreds of businesses in areas like Kingston that are relatively free of the disease. We still need to look after the most vulnerable, but we can’t lock down the whole of Melbourne every time there is a break-out in a particular suburb.”

Greater Dandenong’s active cases rose from three to four, Casey up from 19 to 22, and Cardinia zero to four.

Individual Tax Returns Property Investors Companies & Trusts Self Managed Super Funds Tax Returns Online www.rjsanderson.com.au 12391302-CG26-18

NEWS

‘Best mayor’ we never had

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Departing councillor Matthew Kirwan could have been “the best mayor we ever had”, according to Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch president Dawn Vernon.

In a shock announcement, the Greens councillor will not re-contest at October’s Greater Dandenong Council elections.

Despite a wide impact during his eight-year tenure, Cr Kirwan was never elected mayor.

“He’s really for the people, for everyone,” Ms Vernon said.

“I’m not a greenie but I praise him for his involvement. He’s attended our meetings, forums and social dinners - what other councillor would do that?

“He’s a wonderful man, I hold in high esteem.”

Friends of Refugees chief executive Sri Samy praised the “detailed, intelligent and empathetic” Cr Kirwan for always responding to her charity’s concerns.

“He always delivers more than you’d expect.

“And I could see the amount of sacrifice he and his family were making through his commitment to the community.”

Ms Samy said she felt a similar sadness when former mayor Roz Blades resigned last year.

“Without Roz and Matthew, I fear all the progress of work that they contributed could be undone.

“They weren’t there for just one cohort, they were there for everyone in the community.

“Unless we elect sincere and communityminded people, there’ll be a huge gap in this council area.”

Springvale community trailblazer Merle Mitchell said Cr Kirwan was a “real community person who really listens to what the community actually wants”.

“He not only listens, he does his best to do what people want.

“I’m very sad that he’s not going to stand the next election.”

Dandenong Community Association spokesperson Silvia Mastrogiovanni said Cr Kirwan played a prominent role in halting high-rise developments in residential areas.

He had lobbied with the DCA to shrink the residential-growth zone - shifting it away from suburban streets in Dandenong West and Dandenong.

“I don’t think we’ll see the likes of Matthew again. He has made a huge difference for good in Dandenong.

“He was an advocate for his people and he did so without fear.

Kurnda Seiyit and Cr Matthew Kirwan inside the Woogle Box at Harmony Square. 203336 Picture: ROB CAREW

Cr Matthew Kirwan campaigns against being “gagged” by question-time limits. 194583 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Matthew Kirwan at the launch of the art network The Hive in 2014. 122447 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Matthew Kirwan with his supporters at Harmony Square. 199168 “Matthew’s very unique - he was born for this role. He was in it for all the right reasons, an honest person, easy to talk to, he listens and he’ll do something.

Mayor Jim Memeti said Cr Kirwan was an “exceptional councillor” who went “100 per cent” - “he doesn’t go half-hearted on anything”.

“The guy works 16 hours a day ... sending

Picture: GARY SISSONS

emails at two in the morning.”

Cr Kirwan had a “fantastic working relationship” with Red Gum Ward colleagues Angela Long and Cr Memeti.

As a team, they had “got things done” for their ward residents, Cr Memeti said.

“The council will sorely miss him. But he still lives in the area, so I’m sure he’ll still keep the council on its toes.”

Matthew Kirwan with his twin daughters Sylvia Picture: GARY SISSONS and Eloise. 209813

Caring in the crisis: Sikh community keeps on giving

By Brendan Rees Casey’s selfless Sikh volunteers are being praised yet again after bringing much-needed food to those in ‘hard lockdown’ at public housing towers.

The dedicated team, who run a free food service out of Devon Meadows, have been working tirelessly packing their vans with home-cooked meals and water for the thousands of housing commission residents in Flemington and Kensington currently under lockdown for at least five days.

Undeterred by the surging transmission rate of coronavirus in Melbourne, they arrived at the base of the towers on Sunday afternoon, 5 July where they served 650 vegetarian curries to residents until 10pm.

The charity’s vice-president Manpreet Singh said it was the least they could do for the residents who were “so thankful for the hot food” after many raised concerns about a lack of access to food and crucial supplies.

The Sikh volunteers have become renowned as unsung heroes after delivering 72,000 free home cooked meals to the vulnerable since the pandemic began. They also rallied to deliver free meals to those in fireravaged towns in Victoria earlier this year.

And their efforts were garnering heartfelt admiration on the Australian Sikh Volun2 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

Sikh volunteers prepare to deliver meals to residents in Flemington.

Casey’s Sikh volunteers spring into action at the commission housing towers. teers Facebook page for their “true community spirit”.

“Thank you for your amazing contributions to communities in need. You are truly exceptional,” one posted.

“I am so impressed by you! Bushfires and now Covid. You deserve all the praise and recognition for what you do - thank you,” another said.

The residents of the commission flats will be forced to stay inside until the state’s health

department tests every single resident. The lifting of this restriction will be determined by the success in testing and tracking the virus.

The State Government said it had ramped up its services to the tenants with thousands of meals, supplies and personal care packs delivered.

To help address medical needs, two field emergency management units have been established - staffed by medical workers,

GPs and nurses, with pharmacotherapy and medicines available on site. This includes mental health and drug and alcohol support.

Meanwhile, the Sikh Volunteers Australia have began a donation drive on their Facebook page with an urgent request for fresh vegetables.

Food donations can be dropped off at: 1734 South Gippsland Highway, Devon meadows.For those wanting to donate by bank deposit please use the details below: Account name: Sikh volunteers Australia.

BSB: 063595. Account number: 10732130.

Commonwealth Bank.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

HK help is a start

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The Federal Government’s recently-expressed compassion for Hong Kong refugees should be extended to asylum seekers struggling without work and income, Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti says.

“I welcome the Federal Government’s help for people from Hong Kong.

“And they should do the same for people here as well.”

On 8 July, Cr Memeti and 36 other Australian mayors sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison seeking Covid-19 support payments for asylum seekers - of which about 2000 live in Greater Dandenong.

They also called for Medicare access and the renewal of temporary visas before expiry.

Despite being “uniquely vulnerable”, asylum seekers have been excluded from JobKeeper and JobSeeker support during the pandemic.

They have been left “destitute with zero income to survive on,” the letter stated.

“Without an adequate safety-net in place, it is not possible for people to protect themselves from infection and self-isolate themselves.

“To prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the Government needs to ensure basic support to all members of the community facing destitution, as we are all in this together.”

The Federal Government’s stated position on income support during Covid-19 has been to look after its country’s citizens first. It urged temporary visa holders to return to their countries of origin.

Cr Memeti chairs the nationwide Mayoral

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti has signed a joint-letter calling on the Prime Minister to Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS help asylum seekers in the community. 209879 Taskforce for People Seeking Asylum, which was established by Greater Dandenong in 2018.

He said in many cases, asylum seekers faced harm if they returned to their homelands.

During Covid-19, it was nearly impossible to catch a plane to return home even if people wanted to.

Cr Memeti said that the council, volunteers and charities were “doing our bit” with material aid for asylum seekers in need.

“A lot of people are donating food. But you still have to pay your rent, your electricity, your gas.

“Without getting any money, it gets impossible to keep on living. Where else are they going to get money from?

“The community has been so generous but the people helping are probably under pressure with their jobs and finances too.”

Cr Matthew Kirwan, who has been closely involved with the taskforce and its Back Your Neighbour campaign, said demand was growing as Melbourne went into a second pandemic lockdown.

“A lot of casual jobs that asylum seekers lost in the first wave of Covid-19, such as cafe work, haven’t been recovered.”

He said a surge in unemployment was expected before Christmas.

Out of concern about Hong Kong’s new security laws, the Australian Government extended temporary visas for Hong Kong asylum seekers to five years.

It also suspended its extradition agreement with Hong Kong.

This was due to concerns about new national security laws imposed in Hong Kong, Mr Morrison said.

Covid-19: Council rates relief extended

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Libraries, community centres, indoor sports centres, gyms, pools, indoor and drive-in cinemas, gaming venues, and cultural and entertainment venues will be closed.

Community sport and training will be halted. Outdoor sports facilities will close, except for sports in which people can exercise with no more than one other person 1.5 metres apart.

Personal training outdoors will be restricted to two participants and an instructor at each session.

Restaurants and cafes will only serve takeaway and home deliveries. Pubs and clubs will only offer takeaway food and alcohol.

Beauty and personal care services are closed, but for hairdressers.

Weddings will be restricted to five people, funerals to 10 attendees. Religious ceremonies can only occur online, with a maximum of five people conducting the ceremony.

More information at www.dhhs.vic.gov. au/coronavirus

A male who allegedly made threats to kill a security guard in Springvale is being sought by police.

He and two other males entered a supermarket on Springvale Road on Tuesday 23 June about 5.15pm, police say.

They verbally abused a staff member who denied them the purchase of cigarettes due to not producing proof-of-age identification.

One of the males threatened to kill a security guard who intervened in the exchange.

The trio then ran away.

The wanted male was of African appearance with a slim build, police say.

He was wearing a blue-and-white hoodie, black beanie, beige pants and black shoes at the time.

Police released an image of a male that may be able to assist with their enquiries.

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

Man charged over ‘hit-run’ death A man has been charged over an alleged hitrun death on Princes Highway Dandenong on 3 June.

The victim, a 35-year-old Noble Park man, was found lying on the highway between Airlie Avenue and Adelaide Street by a motorist just after 8pm. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and later died.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives arrested a 32-year-old Wantirna man on 7 July.

He was charged with dangerous driving causing death, failing to remain at the scene of an accident, failing to render assistance, disqualified driving and car theft.

He has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 15 September.

Walker held up at knife-point A woman has been slashed with a knife by an armed robber in Endeavour Hills early on Tuesday morning, 7 July.

The victim was out walking when she was approached by a man who threatened her with a knife near Matthew Flinders Avenue about 4.15am.

The robber, who is still at-large, stole her credit cards during the hold-up, police say.

She suffered a minor laceration to her stomach.

Victoria Police are investigating the attack.

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

Drink driver blows 0.313 A Dandenong North drink-driver has allegedly blown a blood-alcohol reading of more than six times the legal limit.

The 38-year-old man was pulled over by Victoria Police officers after his red Hyundai was seen swerving within its lane about 12.15am on Monday 13 July, police say.

The car was also allegedly observed sitting at green lights for a period of time before slowly driving off.

According to an evidentiary breath test, his blood-alcohol reading was 0.313.

His licence was immediately suspended, his car was impounded for 30 days and the man was fined $1652 for breaching Covid-19 restrictions.

The man is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving and other traffic matters.

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Greater Dandenong Council may extend its $200 waiver for unemployed ratepayers in response to the six-week Covid-19 shutdown from 9 July.

Mayor Jim Memeti said under the proposal, the council’s rate relief package for JobSeeker recipients in 2019-’20 would be “rolled over” for this financial year.

This time, the waiver wouldn’t be rolled over for pensioners, who received $100 off in April, he said.

The proposal is subject to being approved by a council meeting this month.

In April, the council announced a $4 million relief package during the onset of the pandemic, including $330,000 in material aid, commercial rent waivers, rates waivers and rental rebates for sports clubs.

The material-aid relief would continue over coming weeks, according to a council spokesperson.

Cr Memeti said many in the community were worried about the prospect of “going back to square one”.

He urged people to stay home and “do the right thing”, given the aggressive spread of the coronavirus.

“It’s not a good feeling.

“A lot of small businesses have to go through it all over again, just as they were starting to get on their feet again.

“School holidays have been extended another week, which is going to put pressure on parents.

“It’s back to no more visiting family and friends.”

Under the stage-3 shutdown, residents in metro Melbourne will be compelled to stay home except for four reasons.

The exemptions are shopping for essentials, care-giving or seeking medical care, work and study if it can’t be done at home, and exercise.

People will not be allowed to visit friends and family living in a different residence, except for intimate partners.

Home visits will be permitted for caregiving, compassionate reasons or providing services.

Man wanted over kill threat

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Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

‘Random’ lotto win

An archway sign - unlit - has been approved at Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib temple’s exit on Perry Road, Keysborough.

An illustration of the proposed Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib sign design.

Refusal: Lights out on temple signs

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Where possible, signage should be consolidated into one sign and should be placed on buildings, the policy states.

“It is considered appropriate to permit the erection of two signs, provided the signs are of an appropriate size to ensure they are ‘low scale and low impact’,” a council report on the application stated.

“Business identification signage is appropriate, however the size and illumination of the sign would be visually dominant and not respect the sensitive nature of the green wedge.”

The temple building was found to be set back too far from Perry Road to be a visible site for the signage.

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Greater Dandenong Council has dimmed the lights on two proposed signs at a temple in Keysborough’s green wedge.

The 28-square-metre internally-illuminated signs were proposed at the entry and exit points of the Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib temple at 198-206 Perry Road.

The temple’s 2-hectare site - which currently has little signage - neighbours Mt Hira College, a horse stud and pastoral properties.

Two neighbours objected to the Sikh group’s archway-shaped signs, which featured ‘Gurudwara Sahib Keysborough’ in blue and red writing on a yellow background.

At a meeting on 22 June, Greater Dandenong councillors approved scaled-down 15-square-metre versions without lighting.

City planning director Jody Bosman said the original excessive size and illumination was not appropriate for the Green Wedge A zone.

The council’s recommended modifications would help protect the area’s amenity, he said.

According to the applicants, the signs required lighting because the temple opens on Thursday evenings as well as special days of celebration.

However, the council’s Green Wedge policy states signage should be minimized particularly with “internally illuminated signs”.

A Waterways woman has ‘drawn’ the winning numbers for a $1.5 million TattsLotto windfall.

As was her habit, she had followed her “fun” system of choosing random numbers by drawing a picture or pattern on the coupon.

“My husband and I started doing it a little while ago as a bit of fun and the system just stuck!

“He’s just said he is so excited he is going to throw up!”

The victor held one of three divisionone winning entries in the 4 July draw.

Each entry scored $1,536,277.70.

She intends to use the spoils for buying a house.

“We’ve only ever been able to rent so being able to buy a house outright will be amazing.

“We are also going to go on an amazing holiday too. My husband and I always wanted to go to Mexico on our honeymoon, but it just wasn’t possible.

“So a trip to Mexico is definitely on the cards when we can travel again.”

The winning numbers were 33, 31, 42, 17, 39 and 35, while the supplementary numbers were 36 and 41.

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NEWS

Hemmings Park skate park, pictured, and Noble Park skate park are also shutdown. 207585 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Noble Park Aquatic Centre, pictured, and Dandenong Oasis have re-closed under Covid-19 Picture: GARY SISSONS restrictions. 210326

Dandenong Library has been re-closed for six Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS weeks. 207585

Playgrounds are once again closed. 207864 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Covid: doors closed again

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong’s library, community centres, playgrounds, pools and sports pavilions will close for six weeks as a result of stage 3 restrictions.

As of midnight on 8 July, community facilities and businesses will close until 11.59pm on 19 August as residents are ordered to ‘stay at home’ across greater Melbourne.

Dandenong Library will close from 6pm on 8 July. Its return chute will stay open “for the time being”.

The council’s customer service centres at Dandenong and Parkmore, and the Build-

· ·

ing and Planning counter at Dandenong will close to walk-in customers at 5pm on Thursday 9 July.

The service will be still available by phone on 8571 1000 and online at greaterdandenong. com.

Community centres, sports centres, public swimming pools and sport pavilions will close on 8 July (today).

Parks are open for exercise with appropriate social distancing. Playgrounds, skate parks, barbecues and outdoor exercise equipment will be closed.

Council meetings will be closed to the public and broadcast on the council’s website.

· · ·

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the council would continue to deliver essential services such as bin collections, immunisation and animal management.

Planning permits, customer service, graffit removal, pothole repairs, dumped rubbish responses and parks and gardens maintenance will continue, he said.

“It is a shame to have to roll back many of the services we were restarting, but the health and wellbeing of our community is a priority,” Cr Memeti said.

Of 131 new Covid-cases recorded in Victoria on 8 July, one of them was in Greater Dandenong.

There are four active cases in the council area - among a staggering 860 in Victoria.

The neighbouring Casey municipality has 21 active cases, Monash 12, Knox four, and Frankston and Kingston two each.

“Our community has shown over the past few months that they are looking out for each other and we encourage you all to continue the good work to help reduce the spread of coronavirus,” Cr Memeti said.

“By following the stay at home directives we will help protect our most vulnerable residents and slow the spread of this virus.”

Details: greaterdandenong.com

This court ruling: an open-shut case

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The indoor facilities can’t be accessed except for use of a toilet. No social or other competition can take place.

Clubs will also have to comply with requirements for cleaning, signage and keeping records of visitors.

A relieved Noble Park Tennis Club president Susanne Lawrence said that the club would re-open from 10 July after the council’s reversal.

Visitors were liable to be fined $1652 and the club $9913 for infringements, Ms Lawrence said.

Matthew Lawrence and Alexander Thiphasouda at a “social distance” at Noble Park Tennis Picture: GARY SISSONS Club. 208584

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After an initial scare, tennis clubs in Greater Dandenong have been given the green light during the six-week Covid-19 lockdown.

Under Victorian guidelines, tennis, as well as golf and fishing, had been among the few sports activities allowed to continue in metropolitan Melbourne from midnight on Wednesday 8 July.

However, tennis clubs were shocked by a City of Greater Dandenong email on 8 July advising them their courts had to close.

Within 24 hours, the council reversed its

order. A spokesperson said after reviewing the State Government directions in detail, the council allowed tennis clubs to operate under restrictions such as 1.5-metre social distancing.

Clubs are limited to 10 people at a facility at a time, including supervising parents and guardians, spectators and coaches.

No more than two persons can play on a court, unless they are from the same household.

No shared equipment such as racquets and balls will be available for hire or communal use.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE AND OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT 130 THEWLIS RD, PAKENHAM VIC 3810

12452314-AM27-20

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

1. The proposed upgrade to the existing facility involves: •฀Installation฀of฀three฀new฀5G฀panel฀antennas฀on฀new฀mounts; •฀Replacement฀of฀existing฀panel฀antennas฀on฀new฀mounts; •฀Installation,฀relocation฀and฀reconiguration฀of฀ancillary฀equipment,฀including฀RRUs,฀ cabling,฀a฀GPS฀antenna฀and฀other฀items฀associated฀with฀safety฀and฀operation฀of฀ the฀facility;฀and฀ •฀Reconiguration฀and฀installation฀of฀equipment฀within฀the฀existing equipment฀shelter.

2.฀Vodafone฀regards฀the฀proposed฀installation฀as฀a฀Low-impact฀Facility฀under฀ the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”)฀based฀on฀the฀description฀above.฀ 3.฀In฀accordance฀with฀Section฀7฀of฀C564:2018฀Mobile฀Phone฀Base฀Station฀Deployment฀ Code,฀we฀invite฀you฀to฀provide฀feedback฀about฀the฀proposal.฀Further฀information฀ and/or฀comments฀should฀be฀directed฀to:฀Jodie฀Leeds฀at฀Nokia฀Solutions฀&฀Networks฀ on฀0420฀310฀857฀or฀at฀communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com

by Wednesday 29 July 2020.฀Further฀information฀may฀also฀be฀obtained฀from www.rfnsa.com.au/3810026 Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 5

MELBOURNE AND MITCHELL SHIRE STAY HOME

Stay at Home restrictions are now in place for Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.

There are only 4 reasons to leave home.

Shopping for food and supplies that you need

Care and caregiving

Exercise

Work and study if you can’t do it from home

And if you have symptoms, get tested For all current restrictions go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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NEWS

Pothole date sealed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Tim Dark at the gravel verge on Chandler Road, with signage for a nearby pedestrian crossing.

210323 Picture: GARY SISSONS They included accident-prone sections of Dandenong Bypass, Police Road and Stud Road.

“The Vic Roads network in Greater Dandenong is a huge problem.

“It’s getting to a point that every single time we make a representation, nothing happens.

“I get the feeling that every time they get an email from us, it’s put in the shredder.”

A department spokesperson told Star Journal that the works were Greater Dandenong’s responsibility.

The bumps and potholes. 210323

‘Gross irresponsibility’: jail for injuries

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A drug-and-booze-addled Keysborough driver who crashed his car onto a tilt-tray of a tow-truck and seriously injured two men has been jailed for up to four years.

Brandon Ng, now 40 years old, turned the corner of Kingston Road and Clayton Road, Clayton South about 9.20am on 28 May, 2018, the Victorian County Court has heard.

He travelled 80 metres before crashing into the tray-truck, parked in the left lane with its hazard lights on.

Ng’s vehicle ascended the tilted tray, rebounded off the top, and bounced and rolled down the tray onto the road.

Four men at the time unloading a heavy industrial work-bench were knocked off the tray.

Two of the workers were taken to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries.

At the time, Ng was impaired by alcohol, meth, cocaine, Valium and two other pharmaceutical sedatives.

In sentencing on 6 July, Judge Richard Smith said Ng was thus incapable of properly controlling a motor vehicle - an act of “gross irresponsibility” at a time of day when roads were “relatively busy”.

The judge noted “with some surprise” that at the time Ng had drink-driving, dis-

qualified driving, criminal damage and drug possession charges from 2017 hanging over his head.

His criminal record including heroin trafficking, assaulting police and multiple acts of irresponsible driving.

One of his victims suffered extensive injuries, including bleeding on the brain, a fractured skull, back, legs and feet, a punctured lung and tears to his bowel and spleen.

He underwent surgery and intensive-care for several days, and remained in hospital for three months.

The “terrible injuries” had a “devastating” impact on the victim and wife and were likely to endure for the rest of his life, Judge Smith said.

A former state 10-pin bowling champion, he has ceased the sport. He receives ongoing rehab and therapy several days a week, and suffers constant frustration, stress and pain.

The man was unlikely to reclaim a drivers licence or his license to drive heavy vehicles.

The second victim’s broken leg was affixed with a rod and nails for 15 months.

Judge Smith noted the man recently regained his ability to walk without assistance but suffers daily.

He is also unable to drive and continues a regime of exercise-based rehab.

Judge Smith took into account Ng’s dys-

functional early childhood, guilty plea and the burdens of imprisonment during Covid-19.

At the time of the crash, Ng’s relationship with his partner had broken down, he was drinking excessively, effectively stopped working as a baker and was in chronic unmanaged depression and anxiety, Judge Smith noted.

That year, Ng was admitted to hospital in a critical condition with illnesses including renal and liver failure, pneumonia and hepatitis C. He had since recovered, resumed fulltime work at his aunt’s bakery and fulfilled a 12-month community corrections order for the 2017 offences.

Ng was jailed for up to four years, with a minimum non-parole period of two-and-ahalf years.

He was disqualified from driving for three-and-a-half years.

Judge Smith said Ng was “fortunate” to have been charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury, which carry maximum jail terms of five years.

He could have faced the more serious charges of reckless driving causing serious injury or negligently causing serious injury.

The maximum jail terms are respectively 15 years and 10 years.

Police have used special weapon-search powers in an operation around Dandenong’s railway precinct on Saturday, 11 July.

As part of Operation Omni, the area bordered by Halpin Way, Carroll Lane, Cheltenham Road and Thomas Street was declared a designated search area between 2pm and 10pm.

Under the order, police officers and Protective Services Officers had powers to conduct limited searches for people and vehicles for weapons.

It included pat-down searches and scans with electronic wands.

They also had the power to request people remove outer clothing such as headwear, scarves and jackets, and for people to remove items from bags and pockets.

Police said it was an offence to hinder them in the course of these searches.

People could also have been charged with failing to comply with directions to remove a face covering or leave the designated area.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said operations aimed to “enhance public safety, reduce crime and detect any weapons coming into the designated area”.

“While the number of searches under the Control of Weapons Act has remained relatively steady in recent years, more weapons are being found.

“Our first priority is community safety.

“Police will not tolerate those who break the law or engage in anti-social and violent behaviour that puts the safety of others at risk.”

The operation came after two recent public stabbings that killed a Springvale teenager in central Oakleigh and a teenage boy in Deer Park.

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After a four-year bureaucratic impasse, a dangerously-potholed roadside verge in Keysborough is set to be fixed.

Greater Dandenong Council will seal the gravel verge on the Chandler Road section south of Cheltenham Road - despite believing that the works are the state Department of Transport’s responsibility.

The works have been given approval by the department.

The DoT and the council have long bickered on who should fix the roadside lip that extends several hundred metres.

In the meantime, motorists have driven over a series of puddles and bumps to turn left from Chandler Road onto the westbound lanes of Cheltenham Road.

Cr Tim Dark says the hazard could cause vehicles to veer out-of-control, putting drivers and walkers at a nearby pedestrian crossing at risk.

“The council is 100 per cent certain that it’s the department’s responsibility.

“But now it’s left to the council to pay to fix VicRoads’ roads. And VicRoads is saying go for your life.”

At a 22 June council meeting, Cr Dark called for the council to meet with senior department managers to discuss unresolved safety issues on its arterial.

Police target weapons

2.฀Vodafone฀and฀Optus฀regard฀the฀proposed฀installation฀as฀a฀Low-impact฀Facility฀under฀the฀ Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

3.฀In฀accordance฀with฀Section฀7฀of฀C564:2018฀Mobile฀Phone฀Base฀Station฀Deployment฀ Code,฀we฀invite฀you฀to฀provide฀feedback฀about฀the฀proposal.฀Further฀information฀and/or฀ comments฀should฀be฀directed฀to:฀Vanessa฀Wan฀at฀Nokia฀Solutions฀&฀Networks฀on฀0406฀001฀ 832฀or฀at฀communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com฀by Tuesday 28 July 2020. Further฀ information฀may฀also฀be฀obtained฀from฀the฀RFNSA฀website฀at:฀www.rfnsa.com.au/3175038.

Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Respect and trust needed

By Danielle Kutchel

Andrew Gardiner

In the wake of nation-wide protests against Aboriginal deaths in custody, Andrew Gardiner, chief executive officer of Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative Limited, has suggested police culture needs to change - and is changing - from the top.

While policy may change at the top, it’s at the level of each individual, police station or division that change needs to be seen, he said.

There is historical context to Mr Gardiner’s comments, dating back to 1991’s Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC). There were 339 Recommendations made in the Royal Commission’s report, with around 70 of those attributed to the police service in each state and territory jurisdiction.

The Aboriginal Justice Agreement with government incudes engagement with police, courts and corrections and was developed in response to the outcomes of the RCIADIC, with signatories committing to working together to improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“It should be noted that not all police officers are bad; most are good, and some are better than others and given the diversity and multicultural representation in sworn members today, police are scrutinized more nowadays,” he said.

“Critical incidents in recent years have forced police to change their training and practice as society requires a fairer treatment.

“After all, they are sworn to “protect and serve”, not treat people badly and engage in poor behaviour.”

Mr Gardiner decided not to attend the Black Lives Matter protest in Melbourne on Saturday 6 June, out of concern for the health of his community so he could avoid possible transfer.

He said he has heard the organisers had put in as much planning as possible to ensure masks were worn, social distancing was observed, and hand sanitizer was distributed.

However, he has attended similar protests in the past because, he said, “we have to contribute our time and energy to get social change.”

While Mr Gardiner believes police brutality in Australia is not as bad as in the United States, he said we should “expect better” from our police and hold them to a higher standard.

Mr Gardiner knows of police incidents involving Aboriginal people which have escalated in the past.

Where police have the opportunity to deescalate situations, they should, he said.

Often, both parties go into situations with

a perception of how things will be, based on their prior experience.

“You know, ‘expect the unexpected and react’,” Mr Gardiner explained.

“There’s got to be trust on both sides.”

Fortunately, various programs and practises are increasing the positive bond between the Aboriginal community and police.

The annual Darren Knowles Memorial cricket match, jointly organised by Victoria Police and the Aboriginal community around Dandenong, sees the two groups take part in a friendly cricket match whilst building bonds of trust and rapport.

Similarly, there is the Massive Murray Paddle (Blues and Brothers), another large scale event that attracts Aboriginal communities from around the state as well as various police members, who come together to paddle downstream from Cobram to Swan Hill over a week with several nights camping on the river bank.

Over the campfire the participants tell stories and form better relations and respect for each other.

Mr Gardiner said everyone comes away from that event with very different perceptions and understandings of how police are viewed by the Aboriginal community and, importantly, how the Aboriginal community is viewed by police.

The Koori bootcamp is another activity where police take Aboriginal youth to participate in physical fitness activities.

In the Dandenong region, the local Aborigi-

nal Community Justice Panel (ACJP) has been very successful working with police.

Once a person identifies as being Aboriginal the ACJP is contacted and whoever is on duty that day attends the police station to engage with the person to check on their welfare and contact family if necessary.

“The Dandenong police are particularly active with and within our community because they have an Aboriginal Community Liaison officer stationed there who creates those relationships and gives community perspective where necessary,” Mr Gardiner said.

“Events like our Community BBQ, Christmas tree for our community’s children and Back to School Day, along with NAIDOC week activities and Reconciliation Week including Sorry Day and the National Apology all significant events in our annual calendar, and local police attend these because they have made the effort to connect and are accepted.”

Koori Court, an initiative of the Magistrates Court of Victoria, is providing more culturally responsive justice to Aboriginal offenders who have taken responsibility for and pleaded guilty to a criminal offence.

Multicultural awareness programs at the Police Academy are helping to shape more positive attitudes towards different community groups too.

But, Mr Gardiner said, “unfortunately, 45 minutes in a 13-week training program does not make experts in Aboriginal cultural awareness, so it is vitally important that police members coming out of the academy are given the right on-the-job guidance that will produce better

police, again to better “protect and serve”.”

Mr Gardiner believes multicultural awareness training should be increased and police should spend time getting to know local community to create trusting and respectful relationships.

“This is being done in the Pacific Islander, Afghan and Sudanese communities,” he said.

“A new Aboriginal Youth Cautioning program that was launched earlier this year is being trialled in the Southern suburbs.”

As the police force becomes more diverse, police members should also listen to their multicultural colleagues to get a better understanding of other cultures, he said.

He stressed he’s not looking for special treatment for Aboriginal people, but rather, fair treatment.

“The BLM protest was there to make a point,” he said.

“People need to be treated fairly and police need to put protocols in place that must be followed.

“Here is an opportunity to make things right; rather than escalating issues, how can they do better?

“It was evident that police were not creating conflict at the BLM protest so it is not true to say that there was police brutality, [though] at a point later as people were making their way home, it has been reported that police used pepper spray on some people at an underground train station.

“We need to continue to build those bridges.”

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STAR JOURNAL 9

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 15 July 1920 An appreciation of Cr W Brunt To the Editor

Sir - The ratepayers of the Cranbourne shire are fortunate in having such a true representative as Cr Brunt. His energetic action, in waiting upon the Railway Commissioners and seeing the continuance of the 3.20 train from Melbourne, for a month’s trial, is worthy of every commendation. Apparently Cr Brunt is the only councillor who realises his responsibilities to the public, and recognises that a satisfactory train service is a great factor in improving any district. As far as I know no other councillors troubled about the train and had it not been for Cr Brunt’s foresight and energetic action, we would have been

deprived of the most convenient train (as far as Cranbourne shire is concerned) running on the South Eastern line. The residents do not forget that it was owing to the tireless and persistent efforts of Cr Brunt that we see the Cranbourne car on the early morning train.

Yours etc. ‘Ratepayer’

50 years ago 2 July 1970 No! Say the majority Cr Barry Powell suggested to Dandenong Council last week that the Dandenong Town Hall could be demolished and replaced with a car park. Strongest supporter for Cr Powell’s suggestion was new Chamber of Commerce president Mr Rocco Suracee, who said “The sooner it’s pulled down the better”, stressing he was speaking personally and not on behalf of the chamber. “I think

it would be an ideal place for a multi-storeyed car parking building” he said. “I am not the sentimental type, but feel the town hall is old and too expensive to maintain.” These remarks, published in the Journal last Thursday, this week brought cries of protest from the majority of district residents interviewed by the Journal.

20 years ago 17 July 2000 Gridlock after rail accident Traffic congestion caused by the derailment of a train at Springvale has been described as the worst in the area for years. Traffic ground to a halt when the train, on its way to Dandenong, slipped off the rails near Springvale Station, and the boom gates lowered. Traffic was banked up from Springvale Rd to Heatherton Rd and from Springvale Station to the Junction for over one hour.

5 years ago 13 July 2015 Words ease culture clash It’s late at a public park where a group of 30 to 40 young people from overseas background are drinking and descending into “argy - bargy.” Police arrive and they make a heightened risk assessment. Sometimes by their side is Willy Busari a Sudanese leader and community worker.

He has seen police handle these scenarios with varying degrees of success. His advice to police is for calm, not to approach young people as if they’ve committed a crime. Not to say “What are you guys doing here?” Mr Busari said police had a hard job - especially because some young people “come from different countries where they don’t trust the law”.

Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society

NEWS

Supermarket rations hit Supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths have re-introduced temporary purchase limits in greater Melbourne on the eve of a stage-3 lockdown.

As Victoria’s Covid-19 daily infection rate has soared to up to 191 on 7 July, there are reports of widespread panic buying re-emerging.

Coles has restricted metro Melbourne customers to pack limits of two for eggs, flour, fresh and long-life milk, hand sanitiser, liquid soaps, tissues and toilet paper.

The same restrictions apply to mince meat, chicken breast, chicken thigh, dry and chilled pastas, rice, sugar, frozen chips, frozen desserts and frozen fruit and vegetables.

Coles chief executive Steven Cain said the limits were needed to “help manage demand for staple items at a critical time for many customers in Victoria”.

“We would ask that customers continue to treat our team members with respect, observe social distancing in stores, make use of the sanitising stations at the entrance, and plan their visit so they can be ‘speedy shoppers’.”

Coles Click&Collect online and home delivery services are continuing.

Woolworths has reinstated its purchase limits across the state of Victoria.

Limits of two packs are set for 27 product types such as frozen vegetables, frozen fruit, frozen fish, frozen poultry, frozen pizza, frozen meals and pre-packed mince, sausages, bacon, burgers, rissoles and meatballs.

Other rationed items are pre-packed carrots and potatoes, fresh and long-life milk, sliced Woolworths-bakery bread, chilled juice, tissues, paper towel, dry pasta, eggs, flour, rice, sugar, hand sanitiser and toilet rolls.

ANY SYMPTOMS GET TESTED It’s important to get tested for coronavirus at the first sign of any symptom and stay home until you get your result. Getting tested means you keep yourself, your friends, family, workplace and your community safe.

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Find out where to get tested visit vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

I Cook rival briefed early shutdown and linked to a listeria-related death of an elderly hospital patient.

Among the claims was that Greater Dandenong Council and the Department of Health and Human Services were motivated to close I Cook due to their financial ties to Community Chef.

The council and the department have justified their actions on the grounds of protecting the public from a potential listeria outbreak.

According to the board meeting minutes, Community Chef’s “tight” cash position was discussed on the same day of I Cook’s closure, along with the seeking of advance payments from councils.

The State Government’s possible buying into the business was also discussed.

“I wouldn’t say (Community Chef was under) financial difficulty ... these were manageable matters,” Mr Bennie told the inquiry.

Declining meal numbers was putting “stress” on Community Chef at the time, he said.

Since I Cook’s closure, Western Health had offered to buy out Community Chef, the inquiry heard.

Mr Ciccarone declined to reveal the purchase price, nor to confirm it was a peppercorn price of $1 for each of the 17 council shares.

He cited “commercial-in-confidence”.

Mr Bennie told the inquiry that I Cook Foods was a competitor. But Mr Ciccarone didn’t agree, they were only offering “more choice in the marketplace”, he said.

He declined to discuss Community Chef’s broader food service strategy in the wake of I Cook Foods’ closure. The report was discussed in an April 2019 board meeting and was to be presented to the Health Minister.

The board also discussed Community Chef’s “transition strategy” at the same time.

At the inquiry, Mr Ciccarone declined to elaborate due to “commercial in confidence”.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A cash-strapped council-owned business Community Chef acted swiftly after the shutdown of its commercial rival I Cook Foods by health authorities, a Parliamentary inquiry heard.

Hours after the closure, Greater Dandenong chief executive and Community Chef director John Bennie addressed the Community Chef board on the “emerging issue”, according to Community Chef meeting minutes on 22 February 2019.

Community Chef then decided to reach out to “assist” I Cook Foods’ clients, including council Meals on Wheels services, hospitals and aged care centres.

At 4am that morning, Greater Dandenong Council officers had served a closure notice on I Cook.

Mr Bennie told the Parliamentary inquiry he briefed the board at the scheduled “strategic planning meeting” about 10.30am or 11am.

At that stage, I Cook’s closure was already in the “public domain” via an ABC broadcast, he said.

“I have a recollection that it was raised by officers of Community Chef that a news announcement had been made in relation to I Cook Foods.

He briefed the meeting because “I thought it was relevant in the context of all things we were talking about in the sector”.

“I thought it was then relevant and appropriate that I indicate what I understood about the situation.”

Community Chef CEO Joe Ciccarone also told the inquiry that Mr Bennie briefed the board after the closure was “public knowledge”. He thought it was in the morning but was unsure of the time.

The briefing details were “no more ... than what was public knowledge”, Mr Ciccarone said.

I Cook Foods soon after it was closed by health authorities in February 2019. 190890 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS However, Liberal MP Wendy Lovell told Mr Ciccarone that this information “seems to be incorrect”.

She said that Mr Bennie briefed the meeting when it reconvened at 12.45pm but the news was only made public by The Age at 2pm - 30 minutes before Mr Sutton’s press conference.

“I’m not absolutely certain of those timelines,” Mr Ciccarone said.

“I have a vague recollection of the sequence of events ... that’s all I can really offer.”

Inquiry members noted there was no mention in the meeting’s minutes of Mr Bennie’s conflict-of-interest.

Mr Bennie told the inquiry he had declared a “standing” conflict-of-interest due to being Greater Dandenong CEO. Due to the conflict, he’d stood aside from the Community Chef board during the ongoing I Cook Foods dispute.

Mr Bennie told the inquiry that he’d been unable to sign I Cook Foods’ closure order due to his conflict. Instead, it was signed by Acting Chief Health Officer at the time, Brett Sutton, and served by the council’s officers.

“I knew that Community Chef’s agenda had

extended beyond the provision of meals to councils and included the provision of meals to hospitals.

“I therefore knew the closure of I Cook Foods for any period would create a vacuum that Community Chef may fill.

“I therefore recognised I had a conflict of interest.”

Mr Ciccarone said nearly every council shareholder in Community Chef had a food manufacturer in its council area.

“By that logic every council would be conflicted and I don’t believe that’s the case.”

At the meeting on the day of the closure, Community Chef’s board decided to offer “assistance” to I Cook’s customers.

The arrangements were short-term, and only to ensure vulnerable customers to go without food, Mr Ciccarone said.

The business gained a “marginal” benefit from I Cook’s closure, he told the inquiry.

Out of I Cook’s former customers, only one council and an aged care home became an ongoing client, Mr Ciccarone said.

The Upper House inquiry is investigating I Cook Foods’ claims that it was wrongfully

Conflict managed: Bennie

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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Going for goal in the world game

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

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

His life for others

By Casey Neill

Lee Tarlamis.

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

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

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

“I didn’t do it to get acknowledgement.

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

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

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

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

throughout those two years,” he said.

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

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

Initially that was through the Keysborough Learning Centre.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I really enjoyed the community stuff.

“Politics became that vehicle to do it.”

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12389421-SN23-18

missioned audit found that there were “fundamentally no issues for us to be concerned about”.

Though I Cook Foods had not been prosecuted for food-safety breaches, there was a history of “complaints” including the detection of listeria between 2016-18, Mr Bennie said.

In each instance, the company - under the watch of environmental health inspector and whistleblower Kim Rogerson - was directed to take “corrective action”.

He tabled an Ombudsman’s report that he said found “no substance” to claims that Ms Rogerson was intimidated by the council to sign an altered version of her report on I Cook Foods and allegations about Mr Bennie’s conflict of interest.

The changes made to Ms Rogerson’s report were a “natural progression from first draft to final format”, the Ombudsman’s report stated.

“I have been unable to identify evidence to suggest that the expansion of your statement was as a result of council officers falsifying your statement.”

I Cook Foods alleges that it was wrongfully shut down on a number of bases, including alleged fabricated claims of an unsafe, unclean premises by Greater Dandenong environmental health inspectors.

The inquiry is scheduled to report back on the matter by the end of July.

12389127-RC23-18

Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie told a Parliamentary inquiry that hhe appropriately handled his conflict-of-interest.

12327237-ACM42-16

Greater Dandenong chief executive John Bennie has defended his actions in managing his and the council’s conflict of interest in the I Cook Foods shutdown.

Mr Bennie told a Parliamentary inquiry on 24 June that he couldn’t sign the closure order due the council’s part-ownership and his directorship of I Cook’s rival Community Chef.

On the evening of 21 February 2019, he was informed by council staff that the Acting Chief Health Officer requested the council to serve a closure notice on I Cook Foods by the following morning.

Under the Food Act, Mr Bennie couldn’t delegate the function to other council managers, he said. Even if legally permissible, the criticism would be that he was delegating to somebody “answerable and accountable to me”.

The Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton, instead signed the order, and council staff served the order early the next morning.

I Cook Foods director Ian Cook’s assertion that the council had an agenda to target and close down I Cook Foods was “completely untrue”, Mr Bennie said.

“There is and was no premeditated attempt to regulate I Cook Foods out of business and somehow give Community Chef a commercial advantage. Council’s investigation of I Cook Foods commenced after notification from the Department of Health and Human Services that an elderly woman had died with evidence suggesting a possible link to I Cook Foods.”

The council’s investigation was conducted “professionally” and “ethically”.

“Council and its staff have acted with integrity throughout.

“The suggestion that council’s involvement in Community Chef created a conflict of interest for all council staff and tainted what they did is ill-founded.

“Those performing regulatory functions on Council’s staff including (the environmental health inspectors) had no role to play in Council’s interface with Community Chef.”

He told the inquiry that a council-comdandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Market in half-shutdown Dandenong Market’s food outlets remain open as an essential service during the stage-3 Covid-19 lockdown.

Vendors with fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and deli items, pantry goods as well as the market’s bakeries are trading to the public, the market announced.

Ready-to-eat traders, restaurants and cafes will sell take-away only.

However, all non-food stalls have closed as part of the six-week shutdown.

This includes stalls in The Bazaar, plant and flower sellers, key cutters, pet supplies sellers, tools and garden suppliers and the outdoors auction. The market’s playground will remain closed.

To help comply with social distancing, the market is monitoring foot traffic and increasing security patrols.

Dandenong Market food outlets remain open. 207864 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The Bazaar, non-food stalls and the market’s auction have closed under the six-week lockdown. 207864

In a challenging world, good health is a blessing

By Imam Muhammed Sezgin of Keysborough Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre & Mosque This year has been a challenging year with extraordinary circumstances that affected the whole world.

We, as a Turkish Islamic Community, were also affected.

We have not been able to use our mosques to pray for the whole month of Ramadan, Friday prayers, Eid prayers and participate in Iftar dinners with the wider community.

The Coronavirus pandemic was a big test for us, which required us to change our lifestyles to manage the pandemic as a community. Throughout history, people were tested with diseases and illnesses. With the help of Allah (God), through medical research and dedicated doctors were able to overcome these circumstances.

Let us ensure that we have taken every measure to protect ourselves against the Coronavirus pandemic.

Let us pay attention to the principles of cleanliness more than ever.

Let us wash our hands with soap and water several times a day.

MESSAGE OF

HOPE Let us not touch our eyes, nose, or mouth if our hands are not clean.

Let us stay hydrated for our body not to get weak.

Let us follow a balanced diet and take enough sleep.

Let us cover our mouth with a piece of tissue while sneezing or coughing, or use the inside of our elbow otherwise.

Let us keep well ventilated the indoors we live in.

Let us stay away from alcohol, drugs or other harmful substances that are not only considered haram (forbidden) by the religion but also make our body prone to several diseases.

Health is a blessing entrusted to us by Allah.

Imam Muhammed Sezgin of Keysborough Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre and Mosque.

What falls upon human beings is to preserve what is entrusted to them and do their best to look after their health.

This way, we attain peace thanks to Allah the Almighty. We also find solutions to our problems and cure to our illnesses.

So, let us be cautious to look after our health and that of the people around us in the face of this pandemic.

Let us not forget that, otherwise, we endanger both our health and that of others,

which means a violation of their rights.

Without a doubt, Allah has a decree in this regard.

The responsibility of human beings is to take precautions.

Humans are moderate and balanced in all situations.

It is a duty upon all of us to protect the community, in a calm manner and using our reason and knowledge, from this pandemic.

That is, without downplaying it or overreacting to it.

Let’s try our best to help one another during these difficult times.

The value of people’s deeds and actions are measured by their intentions.

Everybody gets the reward of their deeds depending on their intentions.

Deeds performed without sincerity have no value.

Let us not forget that only through good intentions and sincerity can people attain the deliciousness of faith, the awe of worship and the peace of good deeds.

We pray to Allah that a cure will be found soon to eliminate this pandemic.

FOCUS ON … TAX TIME

Accounting body releases tax tips for small business afterthought, but it is important, especially this year, to make time to look at your books, make sure you are up to date on your tax obligations and, most importantly, access any tax concessions that are available to help your business.

Individual Tax Returns Property Investors Companies & Trusts Self Managed Super Funds Tax Returns Online 12453168-LB27-20

12 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

12419694-SN27-19

CPA Australia has released a list of top tips for small business this tax time.

Running a small business is always a challenge and COVID-19 has created significant new challenges for many. Tax can often be an

A visit to your tax agent can also give you the opportunity to step back, evaluate your business performance and prepare for the next financial year. Many small businesses are struggling right now and it is important to undertake cash flow analysis and develop a business recovery plan.

CPA Australia’s tax policy adviser Elinor Kasapidis said that “When it comes to your tax return, COVID-19 impacts may have created a range of new tax issues for many businesses and a tax agent can help navigate the range of concessions and specific tax impacts. Small businesses should ensure their bookkeeping, JobKeeper records and lodgments are correct and up to date”.

“It’s also important for taxpayers to be upfront and honest with their tax agent and the ATO. Even with COVID-19 placing pressure on business cash flow, the onus remains on business owners to correctly report their income, claim their expenses and have the appropriate records. Payment plans are also available to manage your tax debts with the ATO,” Ms Kasapidis said.

Your tax agent is required to take reasonable care when preparing your return which means they may ask you detailed questions about your cashflow, business performance, personal use of assets and records.

If you have made errors or need to correct your business records, speak with a CPA Australia-registered tax agent who can work with

you and the ATO to get things right.

Ms Kasapidis also advised that taxpayers should “obtain professional tax advice, especially in areas where more complex tax issues arise. This includes losses, restructures, capital gains tax, personal services income, trust declarations and distributions, and private company loans.”

Top tax tips for small business Do a business health-check and develop a recovery plan or exit strategy Report any assessable government grants or assistance you have received Understand the tax impacts of renegotiated or restructured debts Check if you are entitled to the $150,000 instant asset write-off for equipment first used or installed ready for use by 30 June 2020 Make trust resolutions and document the streaming of trust capital gains and franked dividends Review private company loans and debt forgiveness Review your losses to ensure they satisfy the business continuity test Write-off bad debts Maintain good records including for JobKeeper, accurate account codes and properly account for private use.

· · · · · · · · ·

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Work skills in place

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Women seeking to rejoin the workforce will be helped in an innovative pilot employment program in Dandenong.

Find Your Place has been set up by charity The Placement Circle to overcome barriers to mature-aged students finding a meaningful job and financial autonomy.

The pilot scheme works on a peer-support model, with at least 15 women studying together and supporting each other in a Certificate III aged care course at Chisholm Institute.

Within six months, they’re qualified and job-ready in a high-demand vocation.

They also receive mentoring from community service organisations, referral to support services, social activities and closed Facebook pages.

The first group of graduates will then help the next group of women on the program.

The program will be evaluated by Victoria University, with hopes for ongoing Federal funding.

“Here at The Placement Circle, we believe that Respect Matters,” founder and chief executive Mikaela Straface said.

“That means every woman who enters our programs feels respected, cared for and listened to, and they pass those qualities onto the other women they support.”

Dandenong was chosen for the pilot because of its diverse multicultural population, accessibility to Chisholm and accredited aged care providers for placements.

“There is a high demand for qualified aged-

care workers in the areas, especially those with community languages and cultural understanding that participants will bring to the workplace.”

She hopes that Find Your Place will expand into other high-demand industries such as NDIS, dexterous trades such as carpentry, transport such as heavy-vehicle, train and tram driving, and cybersecurity.

Ms Straface says there’s a “poverty crisis” facing women in Australia.

Many were failing to find work due to balancing family duties, being unable to study in a second language or not previously studying at a higher level.

Studies show that many women were on low incomes, with little superannuation, did not own their homes and were at risk of homelessness due to not having their own “nesteggs”.

Women’s homelessness was up 9.5 per cent in the 2016 national census, with many suffering mental health distress and domestic violence.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the council was committed to work with The Placement Circle on the pilot.

“The education and employment of women and girls provides the single strongest pathway out of poverty and into financial independence.”

Spaces are still open for the first intake of Find Your Place.

Details: theplacementcircle.org

The Placement Circle case worker Indira Burekovic will be part of an innovative employment program for women in Dandenong.

Plaza asks for respect A zero-tolerance campaign against bad behaviour has been hailed a success by Armada Dandenong Plaza.

‘Respect Protect Connect’ (RPC) was introduced in July 2019 to send a strong message against people displaying inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour in the shopping centre.

Twelve months on, centre manager Mark Tannahill said retailers and customers had sent “numerous messages of support”.

The campaign has been recently tailored to include Covid-19 public health guidelines.

The centre’s retail staff, contractors and management wear lanyards promoting the RPC message.

Retailers display RPC posters in their stores. Taxi Design store manager Connie Styllianou said the campaign had been a “unifiying experience for me as a retailer”.

“When I see other retailers wearing the RPC lanyards I feel like we are part of a team working together for the same outcome.”

Palm Plaza Lotto retailer Sineth Sar said RPC “strengthened our connection with my own staff, customers and centre management”.

“It has helped connect all of us.”

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING The heart of healthcare in Melbourne’s south east

St John of God Healthcare is a not-for-profit organisation that operates 24 facilities.

It’s healthcare with heart Residents of Casey and Cardinia will be familiar with St John of God Berwick Hospital, with its lengthy 110 year history and distinctive blue façade. What many don’t know is that St John of God Healthcare (SJGHC) is a not-forprofit organisation that operates 24 facilities comprising more than 3,400 hospital beds in Australia and New Zealand, as well as home nursing, disability services and social outreach programs.

Closer to home, SJGHC offers a full suite of healthcare solutions right on the doorstep of Melbourne’s south eastern corridor. With three hospitals located in the region, patients are able to access all of their health needs without travelling long distances into the Melbourne CBD. St John of God Berwick Hospital is an acute hospital offering surgery, maternity, day procedures, intensive care, cardiac care, medical services, consulting, day oncology and infusion, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and robotics. Berwick is also home to St John of God Raphael Services- a no out-of-pocket expense, personalised counselling and group support for mums, dads and families suffering dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

from perinatal mental health issues.

Just down the road in Dandenong, St John of God Pinelodge Clinic is a mental health and addiction hospital. Here, patients can access compassionate inpatient and outpatient care along with rTMS, ECT, day therapy and consulting.

Nearby, St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital are experts in specialised Parkinson’s rehabilitation offering LSVT BIG and LOUD® as well as more general rehabilitation including hydrotherapy, inpatient and outpatient care, speech pathology and treatment for movement disorders.

While each of these facilities offer different clinical services, patients and visitors will be impressed by the consistency of care closer to home which is based on a strong mission and supported by meaningful organisational values. This foundation sees all three hospitals providing exceptional care with a compassionate touch, allowing St John of Health Care to function at the very heart of healthcare in Melbourne’s south east.

For more information on St John of God Health Care visit www.sjog.org.au

St John of God Berwick Hospital | St John of God Pinelodge Clinic St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital

sjog.org.au 12454228-SN29-20

Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Octogenarian artist Patti Hall.

Experienced hand at art

By Tania Phillips Melbourne landscape artist Patti Hall, 86, hasn’t let lock-down keep her from painting or trying new things - just the opposite.

While practicing self-isolation, Patti resorted to using Google Maps and TV news bulletins to lay the foundation of her latest masterpiece: Melbourne After Corona - a departure from her usual bushland paintings.

The former commercial airline worker has travelled the world both solo and in groups, seeing the world through an optimistic lens, but since the Covid-19 outbreak, her view has become somewhat distorted.

“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, my family has become more concerned about my health, safety and mental wellbeing, but with the help of online art supplies and the wonderful village staff here at Stockland Donvale, I’ve been coping just fine,” Patti said.

“I’ve had some success with previous projects through the Rotary Art Exhibitions - particularly with paintings of local scenes captured in a distorted fashion. You could say that was the inspiration behind Melbourne After Corona.”

Captured on a 125 x 60 centimetre canvas and taking six weeks to create, Patti, had to get creative in a time of self-isolation to be able to visualise the end painting.

“Each building had to be viewed through Google searches and then sketched onto the canvas in a distorted fashion,” she said.

“I even resorted to photographing the evening news just for the background viewing of Melbourne CBD. Of course, every channel showed a different colour of the buildings and I could not travel into the city to verify the correct colour - hence why the canvas is 14 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

so bright and unusual.

“You’re taking the image for what it’s worth and immediately imprinting it onto the canvas. The background buildings in images are always difficult, but you’re left with something quite like me - a little whacky. And I wouldn’t want it to be easy or straightforward, it’s great to play around with the architecture,” said Patti.

A resident at Stockland’s Donvale Retirement Village for the past 16 years, Patti is used to being social and is a member of many groups including Probus Club, the local Historical Society and Koonung Bushwalking, as well as being a Manna Care volunteer for 26 years (Australia Day Menzies Award) and office bearer for Heidelberg Artists Society.

Eighteen-months ago, Patti headed out on a tour of Africa, visiting Namibia and Botswana. Her travels have also brought her through Cambodia and Malta.

“I like to experiment with my painting when I go travelling, particularly in Cambodia where artists leave impressions in the streets. It’s very inspiring,” she said.

Patti chose to channel her creativity into her arts during her time of self-isolation: “This painting has helped keep me busy and given me something mentally challenging to work on, as I have not left the village for over seven weeks now,” said Patti.

Having lived in Melbourne since 1955, Patti, originally from North Queensland, is optimistic about Melbourne after Covid-19: “You’ll see that there is a water-skier on the Yarra River and there are a few cyclists in the painting - so, yes, I am confident that Melbourne will return to some level of normality after Coronavirus, but it will take time,” she said.

Patti and some of her other works.

Melbourne After Corona by Patti Hall. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Ian Moss.

Picture: DAVID BOUD.

Mossy live

By Tania Phillips

90 Second Passionfruit Mug Cake.

QUICK, DECADENT AND DELICIOUS

By Tania Phillips Quick, decadent and delicious - mug cakes are all the rage at the moment and with farmers expecting a bumper year for passionfruit - this little gem will also be economical.

90 SECOND PASSIONFRUIT MUG CAKE Ingredients

· 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter · 1 tsp vegetable or canola oil juicy passionfruit, halved, plus extra to serve if · 1desired - I always do! · 1/2 tsp vanilla extract · 1 egg yolk · 2 tbsp white sugar · 4 tbsp plain flour (all purpose) · 1/2 tsp baking powder · 2 tbsp white choc chips

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Method 1. Place butter in mug - melt in microwave (15 - 20 sec).

2. Add oil, passionfruit pulp, vanilla extract & yolk, mix with a fork.

3. Add sugar, flour and baking powder, mix until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes or until top is just set and skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean - it overcooks quickly, so it’s better to take it out slightly early and pop back in for 10 sec increments if needed.

5. Serve with ice-cream & more fresh passionfruit!

He is one of Australia’s top guitarists - part of the rock and roll juggernaut that was Cold Chisel - so when Ian Moss releases anything it’s an occasion.

The Aussie rock and guitar legend, who started and had to postpone a national tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his Aria award-winning Matchbook album when the Pandemic hit, instead is releasing a 16-track live concert album.

Due out on July 24, the music for the album Ian Moss Live was recorded at The Playhouse in Canberra as well as Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on July 13 and 14.

Often considered Australia’s best guitarists “Mossy” has been on the road for more than 40 years, thrilling crowds with music icons Cold Chisel and as a solo performer.

“It was great to be back out and touring Australia with a big band full of extraordinary talent and exceptional musicians and playing to some of the best audiences I’ve ever played to,” he said of the tour he started.

“The crew we had on the road with us were some of the best in the business and of course, having the new studio album, Ian Moss, full of songs, with me at the helm of songwriting to play was fantastic.”

He said while a lot of his shows were played - the remaining dates which are mainly in regional NSW - have been rescheduled for February.

We may not be able to go out to see much in the way of life music but music legend Ian Moss has ensured we have the next best thing - a new live album.

In the meantime the new album is a chance to hear Mossy’s songs new and old recorded live because while he is impressive in a studio - his performance has always lifted to another level live.

As well as more recent songs Mossy brings classics Tuckers Daughter (from Matchbox), Telephone Booth, Bow River and the muchloved Choir Girl and beautifully gritty My Baby.

With live music still a week to week prospect it’s nice to be reminded that over the years Australia’s have had some sensational live performers and none better than Ian Moss.

Debut novel a crime thriller

By Tania Phillips Described as “Scrublands meets Picnic at Hanging Rock” first-time Kyle Perry has produced a haunting Australian rural crime novel set in the wilds of Tasmania.

The Bluffs Is atmospheric and gripping from it’s first page to it’s jaw-dropping climax.

Perry combines his love of the Tasmanian wilderness with his work in mental health and drug and alcohol counselling, deftly weaving it into a tense thriller which explores everything from the affect of social media on society to mental health, multi-generational trauma and the affects of living in a small town.

When a school group of teenage girls go missing in the remote wilderness of Tasmania’s Great Western Tiers, the people of Limestone Creek are immediately on alert.

The five young girls are missing in the area of the dangerous bluffs, and the legends of ‘the Hungry Man’ still haunt locals to this day.

Now, authorities can determine that the teacher, Eliza Ellis, was knocked unconscious, so there was foul play.

Jordan Murphy, father of missing student Jasmine and the town’s local dealer, instantly becomes prime suspect, but Detective Con Badenhorst knows that in a town this size with corrupt cops, small-town politics, and a teenage YouTube sensation - anyone could be hiding something, and bluffing comes second nature. And when a body is found, mauled, at the bottom of a cliff, suspicion turns to a wild animal - but that can’t explain why she, like all

Author Kyle Perry’s love of the Tasmanian bush and work in drug and alcohol counselling combine in his first novel. victims past and present, was discovered barefoot, with her shoes found nearby, laces neatly tied. What happened up there on the bluffs?

Somebody knows ... unless the local legends are true.

Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 15

NEWS

Together in song, dance

By Danielle Kutchel Migrant and refugees are being encouraged to get their groove on thanks to a new initiative that’s set to rock the south-eastern suburbs.

The initiative, called Dance Up! Australia, is funded by the Department of Health’s Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity grant and will be hosted by the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC).

The program will engage with newly-arrived migrants, refugees and women to encourage them to take part in physical activity through learning and sharing cultural dances.

It’s free, recreational and open to anyone from the targeted communities who is fit and able to take part.

Community cultural dance celebrations are expected to be held where possible.

Dancing has multiple benefits, according to Ramesh Kumar, chief executive officer of SMRC. “We are living through a very interesting, difficult period and I don’t know how we will emerge at the end of it, but we want people to be healthy, active and be inspired, and we want to create social connectedness - we want them to make friends,” he said.

Initially, the plan was to hold the dances indoors in local gyms and other venues, however the Covid-19 lockdown and gathering restrictions have changed those plans and the dance program will be held online for now instead.

“We will remotely deliver and as soon as we are able to get into a physical space, we will do that,” Mr Kumar said.

“We have already made arrangements with several gyms and recreation centres and other venues. We are ready to go, but for the moment will do it digitally.”

For many participants, attendance at the dance sessions is likely to be their first expe-

rience of accessing local exercise facilities and it is hoped that this positive exposure to local gyms will facilitate some participants to engage with other exercise classes offered through these council facilities.

The program will be run across platforms people are familiar with, such as WhatsApp, and is expected to engage participants from across the City of Greater Dandenong, City of

Casey and Shire of Cardinia.

SMRC will invite participants from within refugee and migrant communities across the south-east, including partners within its networks.

“One of the worst impacts of Covid-19 is social isolation. People were already sociallyisolated and we don’t want that to impact on people’s health and wellbeing, so we need to

Indonesian Society of Victoria cultural dancers. make sure we connect with clients,” Mr Kumar said.

The dances will also be culturally respectful, with separate activities for women who would like to dance without men.

Anyone interested in joining Dance Up! Australia can contact Sue Brown, general manager strategy and communications at SMRC, at susanb@smrc.org.au

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Afghan Youth Cultural Runway Unity in Diversity Festival.

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A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/publicinspection and at the offices of the Greater Dandenong City Council, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.

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The Amendment applies to 1626-1638 Centre Road, Springvale and proposes to amend Planning Scheme Zone Map 1 by amending the boundaries of the Urban Floodway Zone (UFZ) and Industrial 1 Zone (INZ1) which currently apply to the site.

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Following “in principle” adoption of draft Governance Rules, a Council Expenses, Support and Accountability Policy and a Public Transparency Policy at its Council Meeting of 13 July 2020, Council is seeking feedback and comments on these documents from members of the public during the period 14 July - 11 August 2020.

The Governance Rules, Council Expenses, Support and Accountability Policy and Public Transparency Policy are required to be developed and adopted by Council by 1 September 2020 under the new Local Government Act 2020.

If you would like to provide feedback and/or comments on these documents, you can do so by one of the following methods: ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Public Notices) and completing the online form available in relation to each document. ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ governance@cgd.vic.gov.au to request a copy of the documents and submitting your feedback/comments via email to council@cgd.vic.gov.au ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 8571 5216 to request a copy of the documents and submitting your feedback/comments via mail to the Manager Governance, Greater Dandenong City Council, PO Box 200, Dandenong VIC 3175 Feedback and comments must be received by Council no later than 5.00pm on Tuesday 11 August 2020.

Any person who wishes to be heard by Council in support of their feedback and/or comments will be given the opportunity to do so during an on-line meeting. This meeting is likely to be held on Thursday 13 August 2020 at 6.00pm. A wish to be heard must be indicated within your feedback/comments submission.

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NEWS

WHAT’S ON

School holiday fun

By Brendan Rees Families have enjoyed a hive of activity at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne on Tuesday 7 July.

Children made the most of their school holidays as they took a ride on the Kids Explorer bus - taking in the curious sights, sounds and smells and wonders of the native bush as they cruised through the gardens.

Children learned about the importance of plants for the planet as they toured through the Rockpool Waterway, before crossing the Waterhole Bridge at the River Bend and peering across the expanse of the Red Sand Garden.

It comes just as residents were getting a taste of ‘normal’ - but now face a six-week lockdown for the second time.

At the time of going to press an announcement regarding the Gardens’ gates remaining open had not been announced.

Bike-theft prevention Victoria Police transit officers, with the support of Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch, will be out to inform the public about the need to secure and engrave bikes.

Dandenong railway station, 3pm-5pm on Tuesday, 21 July

·

Spirituality online Harry, Reuben and Ellie enjoy their school holidays. 210957

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The Open Door has moved its workshops onto the online platform Zoom from Monday 13 July. The workshops are Meditations: Awareness/Centering Prayer/Guided Imagery, Art of Soul, Book Club, Matthew’s Gospel and Talks on Spirituality. The centre offers a place to explore your creativity and inner life without fear or judgement.

Workshops run Mondays-Thursdays; suggested donation $1 or $2. Details: Jo, Trish or Tayla at Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

·

Virtual library storytime Join the Greater Dandenong Libraries team for a free virtual storytime. These sessions also help carers to learn songs, finger plays and nursery rhymes that can be enjoyed with children at home. This free activity happens at 10.30am on Thursdays. We invite everyone to join the fun.

This program will be delivered online via YouTube. For assistance call the Online Library Tech Assist on 1300 630 920 Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm.

· Liz with her granddaughters Eden and Lexi. 210957

Natacha and Ron from Berwick with their kids Emmerson and Marcus. 210957

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

Running the Bulls through their paces

By Russell Bennett

By sports editor Russell Bennett Star Essendon defender and former All-Australian Cale Hooker took the stars of tomorrow from the Noble Park juniors into a ‘Virtual Huddle’ recently as part of Toyota’s ‘Good For Footy’ program.

The program, facilitated locally by Patterson Cheney Toyota, has long been a regular fixture on the Noble Park calendar, but this year - due to the Covid-19 pandemic - the Bulls got involved from a distance.

“The Toyota Good for Footy program is an annual event in partnership with Noble Park Football club,” explained David Haines, the general manager of Patterson Cheney Toyota. ‘’It is an opportunity to give back to the local community by providing financial support to local football, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the kids to get up close with AFL stars.

“This year’s event was online via Good For Footy Virtual Huddles and we had the opportunity to bring the personal experience to the club members and we are now working on the Good For Footy raffle, which is a national Toyota initiative.”

Trish Marson, the junior vice president at Noble Park, explained just how valuable the Good For Footy program had been for the Bulls over the years.

“We’ve had a great relationship with Patterson Cheney for well over a decade now and they originally got us involved with the Good For Footy program,” she explained.

“Normally we run a big gala day with lots of rides and activities for the kids in the community, but this year - with the Covid situation we’re all dealing with - we did things slightly differently.

“The kids love the Good For Footy program, and look forward to it every year. They’re always asking who the player involved will be, and what sort of activities we’ve got planned.

“It’s a real celebration - a celebration of the season ahead, and it’s a beautiful way for us to give back to our volunteers and our members, and our kids.”

Essendon gun Cale Hooker (bottom right) joined a group of players from the Noble Park juniors for a “virtual huddle’’.

Trish said the Bulls wouldn’t be in the position to be able to offer that kind of experience without the support of Patterson Cheney.

“The beauty of this year being a virtual program - although we would have loved to have done what we normally do - is that it was a little bit more personalised,” she explained.

“We picked potential up-and-coming leaders of the club - kids who had shown different traits that show they’ll be leaders of the future - and it allowed them the opportunity to have a bit more of a personal, one-on-one contact.

“Although it wasn’t the big event we normally have, it was really nice and the kids loved it. The parents thought it was fantastic too, and they thought Cale was just brilliant with the kids. We’ve now created a school ambassador program - one of the boys who was in on the interview got up and spoke to every class in his school about his experiences playing football,

and why he plays and why he enjoys it.”

Trish said the financial support the Good For Footy program provided the Bulls had allowed the club to pay the fees of its junior players this year.

“The financial support from the Good For Footy program has allowed us this year, with Covid-19 and the pressure it’s put on the community, to be able to offer every player in the club to be able to play for free,” she explained.

“The money we raised last year from the Good For Footy program, that’s supported every player in our club this year - 174 registered kids.

“We wanted to be able to give back to our members in this really trying time.

“If it wasn’t for the support and the financial assistance that Good For Footy gives us, we wouldn’t have had the ability to be able to do it.”

Christo cuts loose in McKenna Memorial

By Jason Adams Christo Bale is one of the most exciting greyhounds in the sport and on Thursday night claimed the first big scalp of his career with a stunning win in the Group 2 McKenna Memorial final.

He began well and settled at the pointyend of the field, outside of Last Hurrah.

As caller James Van de Maat said, he “turned up the heat” down the back straight and extended the margin to five lengths as they hit the line. His time was a race record 33.86.

“We’re very proud,” said co-trainer Lisa Delbridge.

“He’s improved with leaps and bounds in the past eight weeks since he came back from illness.

“We were worried about True Detective on his inside, but fortunately for us he didn’t begin that well so he (Christo) was able to settle close and, in the end, prove too strong.”

Throughout his 26 starts, Christo’s always shown ability and strength but it’s been his past seven where he’s put it all together.

Delbridge said they realised his potential early and had high hopes for what he could achieve.

“We always pre-train them at The Meadows and from very early on he was setting fast times,” she said.

“We knew he was talented though hoped he would go on further to run ‘500’ (metres) 22 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

Aquanita case hits home tracks

Christo Bale, pictured here with Mark and Myles Delbridge, stormed home to win the McKenna Memorial at Sandown Park.

Picture: SUPPLIED and as well produce it in a field.”

Team Delbridge has history in the McKenna, having taken out the race a decade ago.

“In 2010 we won it with Flash of Light and that was the first time it was held over 595 metres,” Delbridge explained.

“It’s great to be able to win it again and in

honour of such an influential person of the sport.”

Christo Bale is eligible for the upcoming heats of the age-restricted Maturity series at The Meadows. Following discussion between Mark and Lisa Delbridge on Thursday night, it was confirmed Christo will be heading that way.

More than a dozen runners in races across the Sandown, Cranbourne, and Pakenham racecourses have been determined to be considered for disqualification in the wake of the Aquanita case.

Last Tuesday, Racing Victoria stewards released their determinations on whether horses implicated in the case should be subject to disqualification.

A release from Racing Victoria (RV) stated that the determinations take into account the decisions of the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RAD Board) on 8 May 2018 and, or the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on 13 September last year.

“Licensed trainers Robert Smerdon, Stuart Webb and Tony Vasil, and registered stablehands Greg and Denise Nelligan, Trent Pennuto and Daniel Garland - all of whom were employed by Aquanita - were each disqualified for improper or dishonourable action(s) or practice(s) in connection with racing,” according to Racing Victoria.

“Following the 30 January 2020 closure of the VCAT appeals window, RV stewards were required to give careful consideration under the Australian Rules of Racing as to whether they would exercise their powers to disqualify any implicated horses.”

The stewards analysed the available evidence in regards to 395 incidences and reached, according to Racing Victoria: “A preliminary determination that 81 starters should be considered for disqualification from the race in question, based on the finding of an actual administration by VCAT and/or the available evidence/information, including it being obvious within text messages that the horse was the subject of a prohibited administration at the relevant track on the relevant date”.

Of those 81 starters, there were 14 runners at local south-east tracks including Sandown, Cranbourne, and Pakenham.

The stewards have written to the managing owners of the 81 runners, or their representative, as registered on the date of the race with a Show Cause notice - advising them of their preliminary decision.

Each owner, or their representatives, now has the chance to submit a written response as to why their horse shouldn’t be disqualified from the race in question. That window of opportunity closes on 10 August.

Following the conclusion of the Show Cause period for the 81 starters on 10 August, the stewards will then make a final determination as to whether a horse is disqualified or not.

Racing Victoria executive general manager of integrity services Jamie Stier spoke about the matter, stating: “This is a unique and complex case which required the stewards to consider tribunal findings and available evidence to them in cases which ultimately saw people disqualified for improper practice not swab samples.

“Having considered all the facts, the stewards are satisfied that they can clearly identify 81 starters that were the subject of a prohibited administration and thus they have today (last Tuesday) written to the managing owners of these horses at the time of the relevant races, or their representatives, to afford them the opportunity to state why their horse ought not be disqualified from the race in question.

“The stewards are not satisfied that the other 313 starters ought be considered for disqualification as the available evidence did not definitively demonstrate that those horses were the subject of a prohibited administration on the given day.”

Stier made it clear that, in reaching their decisions, the stewards considered the RAD Board and VCAT findings and available evidence only, and gave no consideration to the status of each race, the prizemoney won by an individual horse, or the finishing position of the horse in the race.

The 14 local runners ran at Sandown, Cranbourne, or Pakenham from 2011 to 2016. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Jake Aarts (near left) ventures off the MCG with a win in his debut game.

Picture: COURTESY OF AFL PHOTOS

A debut to remember...

By Nick Creely Ex-Noble Park listed player and Beaconsfield boy Jake Aarts has never left a stone unturned in his pursuit to make it to the highest level.

From Holm Park, to the VFL, and now to the AFL, the tenacious small forward with an infectious energy has certainly done it the hard way - making his AFL debut in Round 5 for Richmond all the more memorable.

It was only fitting that the 25-year-old was able to share his debut experience with twotime premiership Tiger Kane Lambert (100 games), another footballer who never gave up on his AFL dream, despite the obstacles that were seemingly in his way.

As the Tigers saluted a much-needed victory against Melbourne as they prepared to enter the Queensland hub for at least the next month, Aarts ventured off an empty MCG with Lambert after a workmanlike performance almost fitting for a man who’s given so much to chase his dream, and chase his opponents into the ground on a weekly basis.

Aarts previously told Star News in 2018 that his playing style of running, chasing and tackling hasn’t changed since his early days.

“The way I play my footy, it’s not really changed since my junior days,” he said.

“I love bringing energy and tackling, and you’ve got to defend as well, it’s not all offense, and being a small forward at Richmond, they need that in our team defence.

“It helps the midfield and backline with our forward pressure, so that’s what we work on.

“Nothing’s really changed for me, it’s just how I play.”

That was certainly the case in an impressive debut showing.

Aarts’ debut was almost a carbon-copy of his playing style - tenacious, energetic, composed and hungry for the football - traits that will hold him in good stead as he looks to keep his spot in the reigning premier’s line-up in the months ahead.

Against the Dees, the small-forward was buzzing, registering 15 disposals and very nearly a freakish maiden goal; three score involvements; a handful of tackles; and plenty of pressure acts as the side won by 27 points.

For the Eagles product, who last played a game for his local club in 2017 and was listed

by Eastern powerhouse Noble Park prior to

being rookie-listed by the Tigers after six solid seasons of state-league football for the Bendigo Gold and eventually Richmond’s VFL side, it was a dream come true in what has been one incredible journey.

“Once Dimma announced it (the debut game), I was a bit speechless, I was just trying to get my thoughts around it,” he told Richmond FC media prior to the game. “it was good to just enjoy that moment with them, but after that I was able to settle and get into training.

“I’ve been in the squad a few times, and for whatever reason I haven’t got in.”

Aarts praised the impact of an ex-St Kilda star, Beaconsfield coach and Bendigo Gold coach for his inspiration to push forward with his football.

“I started back at Beacy playing senior footy there, and my coach and one of my mentors Aussie Jones, he’s a good mate of mine, and he got the coaching role down at Bendigo,” he said.

“Between him and all the boys, I didn’t really get a choice, they pushed me to go do it - so I played down there for two years, and unfortu-

nately the club went under, so I was fortunate enough to be on the radar of Richmond VFL.” And playing for the Tigers, the club he grew up supporting and one that has had a strong history with the Beaconsfield Football Club, Aarts continued to bang down the door, juggling work with VFL football commitments despite the struggles and moments of doubt within himself.

“Growing up, I was a Richmond supporter, so it was really a no-brainer coming here,” he said.

“I was playing VFL for about five or six years, and while I was still working as a chippy - I didn’t think I was going to continue, I got to my fourth year, and was really questioning what I was doing.

“It was really hard work, but something kept me going - I spoke to a lot of people about what I was doing, and my gut-feeling was keeping me playing at the highest level I could, but for some reason I knew I wasn’t too far away.”

The Tigers took on Sydney at the Gabba on Sunday at 3.35pm in the first game the club will play in the Queensland hub.

All junior football and netball cancelled for 2020

By Nick Creely The Eastern Football Netball League - in conjunction with the Northern Football Netball League, Essendon District Football League, Western Region Football League and South East Juniors - has cancelled all junior football and netball competitions for the 2020 season.

Following the State Government announcement of a return to Stage 3 restrictions in Metropolitan Melbourne for six weeks, all the leagues collectively decided that cancelling all competitions in 2020 was the only viable option.

In a joint statement, the leagues said the health and wellbeing of the community was at the forefront and, based off the current situation facing Melbourne, that community sport was simply not possible.

“The common view was that cancelling dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

all competitions for the 2020 season was the only viable decision in the best interest of all clubs, participants, and the wider community,” the statement read.

“All leagues and their member clubs have a clear obligation to prioritise the health and safety of all participants and their families during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as a duty to minimise the burden on all club volunteers during this unprecedented time.

“The leagues are committed to working closely with their member clubs, AFL Victoria, and Netball Victoria to manage the associated issues related to the cancellation of all 2020 competitions and working towards a return to play next season.

“We wish to take this opportunity to thank all clubs, players, parents, volunteers, officials, umpires and league partners for their patience, support and understanding throughout these challenging times.

“Please stay safe and we urge all associated with our respective communities to heed the advice and regulations in place by order of the State Government.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring our community remains safe and healthy and that we can all return to football and netball next season.”

The AFL’s head of south eastern Victoria, Richard Black, said that while the decision would be disappointing for many, a reduction of Covid-19 cases in Victoria was clearly the number one priority.

“Whilst we are disappointed to cancel junior football this year, the health and wellbeing of the community has always been our top priority, he said.

“Covid-19 has presented a very unique set of circumstances and we need to ensure that our participants and volunteers emerge from this pandemic in a healthy state.

“We look forward to working with our clubs to create a safe and healthy environment for all members and volunteers as we put plans in place for 2021.”

AFL South East chief operating officer Shaun Connell thanked all junior clubs for the important role they have played throughout the challenging Covid-19 journey.

“The last few months have been unprecedented in terms of managing community sport and I would like to thank the leaders of our clubs for being engaged in the process,” Connell said.

“All clubs understand the associated challenges and impact that Covid-19 has had and were very open and balanced with their views. Both AFLSE and the clubs have a clear obligation to protect participants, volunteers, officials, umpires, supporters, and their families during these times.”

Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 23

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Tuesday, 14 July, 2020

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