Dandenong Star Journal - 18th August 2020

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Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

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Education choices Whether you’re looking for a religious-based education, a super STEM focus or access to excellent sporting opportunities, the Star Journal’s special Education Choices feature will help point you in the right direction. All of these schools - like Rosewood Downs Primary School, pictured here - offer caring, supportive environments and can provide you with further information to help you make the decision. Step inside and start your new school journey!

Enrol ONLINE here https://tinyurl.com/yxoqzdxv 12456780-CG34-20

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

A proudly diverse school

By Daniel Riley, principal, Dandenong Primary School Dandenong Primary School proudly serves Australia’s number one most culturally diverse community.

The school has a significant focus on the provision of world class literacy and numeracy learning and teaching and a strong sense of inclusiveness, respect and belonging for everyone.

The Dandenong Primary School curriculum is responsive to the needs of every student and is delivered by highly dedicated teachers and support staff through explicit, high-impact approaches to learning and teaching.

Learning areas include English, mathematics, science, humanities, health and physical education, visual arts, French and design technologies.

We offer a highly specialised ‘English as an Additional Language’ program. Early intervention and learning extension are provided across the school to maximise success for all.

Our curriculum is further strengthened by the voice, leadership and agency that Dandenong Primary School students bring to their own learning.

The school has an integrated approach to student and family health, wellbeing, inclusion and engagement that is focussed on providing support, information and specialised services.

In order to maximise engagement and wellbeing, we offer: Program for students with disabilities A highly dedicated Student Wellbeing Team KidsMatter, Play is the Way and eSmart approaches eSmart Accredited approaches to online technology

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Dandenong Primary School offers programs to maximise the wellbeing and engagement of every student.

We also offer a school breakfast club, after school sports, choir and performing arts, a multimedia ‘School TV News’ production, student leadership development, camps and excursions as well as state-of-the-art facilities

Follow Dandenong Primary School on Facebook.com/DandenongPrimarySchool and on Instragram.com/DandenongPS You can enrol your child online at http:// tinyurl.com/yxoqzdxv or download a hard-

copy at www.dandenongps.vic.edu.au We look forward to bringing about the best possible learning outcomes for your child in 2021.

Please visit our website to find more about our school or call either campus to book a tour.

www.keysboroughsc.vic.edu.au

ACACIA CAMPUS 28 Isaac Road, Keysborough (03) 9798 1877

BANKSIA CAMPUS 8-20 Janine Road, Springvale South (03) 9546 4144

Email: keysborough.sc@education.vic.gov.au www.keysboroughsc.vic.edu.au CRICOS provider code 00861K 12451564-FA26-20

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Going from good to great The Minaret College community are excitedly preparing to open their third campus in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

With existing campuses in Springvale and Officer, including early learning centres as well as primary and secondary schools, the third campus in Doveton will be dedicated to primary students.

Doveton Campus will be led by a longstanding member of staff and trusted member of the community, Fairooza Gaffar.

Minaret College was established in 1992 by Mohamed Hassan OAM. Mr Hassan saw the need for young Muslim Australians to be surrounded in an environment which caters for their academic, emotional and religious development.

The college continues to be inspired by Mr Hassan’s legacy - to produce students with a healthy Australian Muslim identity, which is connected, conscious, sincere to its traditions and committed to excellence, good citizenship and compassionate service to humanity.

Since its humble beginnings of 20 student enrolments and one classroom teacher, the college now serves the educational needs of over 2000 students and employs approximately 300 dedicated staff.

The college has grown thanks to the ongoing support of the local community, continued sense of family and outstanding academic results.

In 2019, 14 of the 92 VCE graduates achieved an ATAR above 80 percent - five of those students above 90 percent. The Dux of the college, Nour Refae achieved an ATAR of 97.65, which included the prestigious achievement of a perfect study score for one subject.

Ninety-eight percent of graduates who submitted an application for tertiary education received an offer.

College alumni include inspiring entrepreneurs, hard-working doctors and engineers, inspirational teachers, aspiring scholars and more.

Minaret College has grown to over 2000 students and employs approximately 300 dedicated staff across its campuses.

The third campus of Minaret College, in Doveton, will be dedicated to primary students.

The Minaret team celebrate the personal achievements of each of their students.

College alumni include inspiring entrepreneurs, hard-working doctors and engineers, caring teachers, aspiring scholars and more.

Testament to the vision of service to others, many alumni return to the college to share their personal experiences and inspire existing students.

Putting the student at the heart of their decisions, the college continues to make significant investments to upgrade infrastructure and facilities at both campuses. Like many

Victorian schools, Minaret College has found itself needing to transform the way learning is facilitated during Covid-19.

“It’s certainly been a time of change for all of us”, said Executive Principal Mohammed Taksim.

“The college has adapted and worked collaboratively with our families.

“We have a philosophy of continual improvement - we’re constantly seeking ways to improve what we offer.

“We are here to serve our students and families in the best way possible. My team work

tirelessly and I know our students appreciate our efforts,” he said.

Recent investments to upgrade technology at the college enabled a smooth transition to online learning for students.

The years ahead certainly seem bright for the Minaret College community.

Doveton Campus will open in 2021 and the following year will see them celebrate their 30th anniversary.

The college is now accepting enrolment applications for families wanting to join their ever-growing ‘Minaret Family’.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

2021 ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN Doveton P-6 Officer ELC-12 Springvale ELC-12 Register Now enrol@minaret.vic.edu.au HEAD OFFICE SPRINGVALE 36-38 Lewis Street, Springvale VIC 3171 T 03 9574 0567 OFFICER CAMPUS 67 Tivendale Road, Officer VIC 3809 T 03 5943 2058 DOVETON PRIMARY CAMPUS COMMENCING 2021 146 Kidds Road, Doveton VIC 3177 T 03 9574 0567

www.minaret.vic.edu.au

enrol@minaret.vic.edu.au

fb.com/minaretcollege

#GOODTOGREAT dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Keeping your kids active

By Danielle Kutchel As we once again switch to online learning, it can be difficult to balance the range of subjects that kids are exposed to each day.

And with so much to fit into one day, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important aspects of the curriculum: physical education.

But PE at home doesn’t have to be stuffy and regulated. Consider slipping it in as part of the day and you’ll be well on your way to ticking those education boxes!

MAKE IT FUN We hear often from people who say they ‘hated PE at school’, with many looking to drop it the moment they could. Meanwhile, the mean PE teacher has become a movie trope. The answer? Make PE great again by injecting a bit of fun into the routine. PE doesn’t just have to be a class game of cricket or following the provided curriculum in regimented steps.

Homeschooling allows for a certain amount of creativity (especially the second time around!)

Invent games for your kids or make it competitive: who can jump the highest? Who can run the furthest? What’s the latest crazy TikTok dance routine - see what the kids can do with it! Think about what games and sports your kids prefer and encourage them to keep those up. Older children, for example, might like to go for a bike ride or run. For younger kids, break out the chalk and draw some hopscotch on the pavement outside for an outside-thebox activity. Don’t forget to use what the school has provided. They will have ideas and suggestions for you and there will, of course, be certain tasks the students need to complete, but that’s no excuse for a boring lesson.

MAKE IT INCIDENTAL Your kids are used to going out at lunch and burning off some steam. Don’t let them become couch potatoes just because they’re

Think outside the box when it comes to PE. learning from home. Schedule lunch time in for a consistent o’clock each day and make that the time you head outside. If there’s nothing prepared for lunch, get the kids to jump on their scooters or bikes and head to the shops - not only does this ensure they get their physi-

cal activity quote up for the day, but it doubles as an excuse to get some chores done! You can even use PE to break up the day. Finished that maths task? Celebrate with 20 star jumps to get the blood pumping before you get back into the books.

MAKE IT REAL Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you’re struggling, get in touch with your child’s PE teacher and ask for advice. They’re there to support you and they’d probably be grateful to hear from you and get an update on their students.

Maranatha Christian School

2020 OPEN MORNING Friday 9 October 10am-12pm

Passionate about student wellbeing and academic growth

Endeavour Hills Book a tour today

Officer maranatha.vic.edu.au

ELC - Year 12 12452392-NG26-20 12458153-SN34-20

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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Embracing Finnish ideals “HEI Schools values a child’s An early education centre based on the internationally renowned Finnish model of perspective, creativity and play, exploration, curriculum is scheduled to open in Dandenong encouragement, social and emotional skills.

North in November/December.

Dr Yu has postgraduate degrees in the Construction of the HEI Schools Arts, Science, Social Science and Education Dandenong North Early Education Centre is fields. He is a former lecturer at universities due to be completed next month. in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the The centre is now encouraging expressions United States. He currently operates education services in Australia, New Zealand and Hong of interest.

The new centre will focus on early education Kong.

“The HEI Schools mission is to enrich the and care for up to 72 children aged 12 weeks to six years (school age), supporting them as child’s experience and understanding of their world,” he continued. active participants in their own learning.

“We do this by providing a safe, caring An integrated four-year kindergarten program is planned for 2021, with flexible and stimulating environment; developing hours to support the needs of working parents. confidence intellectually, socially, emotionally A three-year kindergarten program is and physically; building secure relationships; and enabling hands-on learning. expected to follow in 2022.

“We are also focused on striving for HEI Schools is an international preschool concept originating from Finland, co-founded excellence, nurturing creativity and finding joy by the University of Helsinki, experienced in each other and the world we share.”

Amanda Patris, director of the Dandenong educational and design experts. Embracing Nordic values of accessibility and openness, North and Emerald centres, has 30 years’ HEI Schools intends to bring the excellence experience delivering early learning education. of Finnish early childhood education - widely She has previously worked in the Dandenong regarded as one of the best in the world - to area and is excited to be returning to support local families.

Dandenong North.

“As well as being a beautiful facility the The centre will promote holistic growth, learning, development and the well-being unique concepts of our program, combined of the children. Centre owners, a private with our connectivity to our sister schools stakeholder group Finnish Early Childhood around the globe, our solid Finnish Education (Australia) PTY LTD, also have foundations and our celebration of childhood, centres in Emerald and Lara, with a further will make this a special place for any child’s two coming soon in Geelong - joining more long-term learning journey,” she says. than 10 HEI Schools around the world.

HEI Schools Dandenong North Early HEI Schools managing director Dr Ken Yu Education Centre is located at 1-3 Mulgoa HEI Schools-Dandenong North adver-final(contactus).pdf 1 14/08/2020 10:20:17Dandenong AM North. explained HEI Schools’ vision: “It is to nurture Avenue, creative minds and raise children who will Inquiries can be directed to 5968 5820; not only adapt to the changing world, but email amandap@heischools.com.au; or visit changing the world themselves. www.heischools.com.au.

The new centre is based on the internationally renowned Finnish model of curriculum.

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Strong supportive team

By Julie Fisher, principal, Spring Parks Primary School

Learning at Spring Parks Primary School is underpinned by the school’s core values.

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Spring Parks Primary School is a dual campus, multicultural primary school in Springvale with a current enrolment of 300 students.

We are proud of our school and would welcome enquiries for a school tour.

Our teaching staff are supported by a significant number of education support staff including teacher aides, multi-cultural aides, a speech pathologist and welfare officers.

Together, we work as a strong team to support the needs of our diverse community.

Our community partnerships include the local Chinese school; Officeworks - who volunteer at our breakfast clubs; and Ardoch, who support volunteers to work at our school, as well as investing in our robotics program.

Adult English classes, computer classes and a playgroup are also conducted on our sites to further engage with the wider community.

As with most Victorian schools, we are implementing the Victorian curriculum and we continue to have a focus on inquiry through our developmental approach to curriculum delivery.

Our priorities include a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy which is also reflected in our staffing allocation to support students with their learning needs. In reading and numeracy we are a high performing school, as evidenced by our 2018 and 2019 NAPLAN results. We are very proud of the way we support our students to achieve their potential and this includes a proactive approach to building student leadership.

Specialist classes enhance our core curriculum in visual arts, physical education and Spanish.

All school programs and interactions are

underpinned by the school’s core values of respect, engagement, achievement, community and hope. The wellbeing and safety of all children is at the forefront of all we do and every decision we make and we are committed to using a Restorative Practices approach, which focuses on developing positive relationships between students, teachers and students. The school’s welfare officers have implemented social skills and self-regulation programs for targeted students and they liaise with various organisations to provide relevant and up-to-date information for our families. To complement this work a partnership has been established with the Resilience Project which focuses on gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.

Our school recognises the importance of academic opportunity and excellence as a gateway to a positive future for its students and promotes thinking skills and goal setting as a way of scaffolding and articulating learning.

Every aspect of our school’s programs support the wellbeing of students, staff and families.The school has in place excellent protocols for identifying and monitoring the wellbeing of students, through weekly meetings of the Wellbeing Team. Interventions include liaison with allied health staff, speech therapists, cccupational therapists and community partnerships.

Our school has strong relationships with its feeder kindergartens, which we visit regularly so that we can continue to forge close relationships to enhance the transition to school.

2021 Foundation Information

Evening

pus am C t es W r u o at st 1 2 er b o ct Wednesday, O t 7 P.M. A e al gv n ri p S t, ee tr S ca ri E 4 2

education.vic.gov.au s@ s.p rk pa g. rin sp : ail Em | 02 Call: 9546 64 edu.au Website: www.springparksps.vic.

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Where children flourish

By Mary Lucas, principal, St Paul Apostle North Primary School St Paul Apostle North Primary School is one of two Catholic primary schools serving the St Paul Apostle Parish in Endeavour Hills.

The North school is not located on the church site, but rather is nestled in a picturesque green wedge between Churchill Park Reserve and Barry Simons Reserve on the north side of Heatherton Rd. St Paul Apostle North is a modern, well appointed school with excellent facilities and dynamic programs.

Our open learning studios create a lovely, calm learning environment where all children can be curious, creative and challenged.

At St Paul Apostle North we believe that the child is the centre of all we do and that the wellbeing of every child is central to their learning.

We also believe that the partnership between the school and the family is vital to the happiness and success of all children and we welcome and encourage families to be involved in whatever way they feel comfortable.

Every child is known and valued for their unique gifts and talents and our expert teachers personalise the learning to allow every child to flourish and achieve their best.

Our Outdoor Learning Program, our Kitchen Garden Program, our innovative Leadership Program and our commitment to the Walker Learning Approach are just a few of the reasons why our children are so engaged and eager to learn.

The students at St Paul Apostle North are encouraged to be problem solvers and to strive to make a difference in their world.

Please come and visit us when you can, or visit our website and take a virtual tour to see what we can offer your child.

St Paul Apostle North Primary School values each child for their unique gifts.

St Paul Apostle North Primary School is located at 76 Mossgiel Park Drive, Endeavour Hills. Call 9700 6068 for more information.

Preparing students for a bright future

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Now taking enrolments for 2021 & 2022

Call 9700 6068 or visit spanhills.catholic.edu.au for more information A St Paul Apostle North take on Spoonville: “Spanville’’. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Stimulating environment

By Julian Growcott, principal, Rosewood Downs Primary School Welcome to Rosewood Downs Primary School, a school that is committed to providing a stimulating learning environment and educational programs that will motivate, challenge and support students to become resilient life-long learners.

The school aims to maximise student potential in a safe and caring community in which academic achievement, positive selfesteem, cultural diversity and the rights of all are highly valued, respected and celebrated.

Tucked away in a quiet pocket of Dandenong North, we offer a wide variety of programs within a caring and vibrant environment that ensures all our students are supported to grow to their full potential.

Students learn in engaging and dynamic flexible classroom spaces and we have large, landscaped school grounds which feature a wide range of exciting play spaces and garden areas.

Our buildings and grounds also feature indoor/outdoor classroom areas for stories, play readings, investigations and craft activities; a performing arts/dance studio; quiet areas for eating, contemplation and non-physical activity; and internal courtyards that create a sense of light and openness, and bring our gardens indoors.

For our nearly 300 students, we provide a comprehensive and rigorous school curriculum and have a strong emphasis on the overall health and wellbeing of all our children.

We are a Be You school and teach social and emotional learning as part of our curriculum.

We are also very proud to be a partner school of The Resilience Project. We offer a full specialist program including music, physical edu-

Rosewood Downs Primary School aims to maximise student potential in a safe and caring community. cation, STEM and art.

Rosewood Downs has created a friendly, caring and inclusive school environment where children, teachers and parents work together to achieve shared successes.

Find out more and take a virtual school tour at www.rosewooddownsps.vic.edu.au or call 9795 3744.

Students at Rosewood Downs Primary School have access to a full range of specialist subjects.

& Creative rts ing A Perform Innovation

VET Spe ciali se Aca dem d ies

VCAL

Year 10

VCE

Sports

Rosewood Downs Primary School

A young adult learning environment A wide range of quality programs within Year 10, VCE, VET, VCAL University links - Federation University Applications for 2021 are open!

Take a ‘Vitrual Tour’ on our website

Tucked away in a quiet pocket of Dandenong North, Rosewood Downs PS offers a wide variety of programs within a caring and vibrant environment that ensures all our students are supported to grow to their full potential.

For our nearly 300 students, we provide a comprehensive and rigorous school curriculum and have a strong emphasis on the overall health and wellbeing of all our children. We offer a full specialist program including Music, Physical Education, STEM and Art. Rosewood Downs has created a friendly, caring and inclusive school environment where children, teachers and parents work together to achieve success.

Taking enrolments for Prep 2021 now!

Take a ‘Virtual Tour’ of Rosewood Downs To see our school in action, open the camera app on your phone and point it at the QR code opposite. This will load a video showing some highlights from our school. Alternatively, visit our school website to view the video. We will be running our usual Term 4 Prep Transition Program beginning in November.

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Hallam Senior College 12458116-JW34-20

Rosewood Downs Primary School Murray Road Dandenong North Phone: 9795 3744 Email: rosewood.downs.ps@education.vic.gov.au www.rosewooddownsps.vic.edu.au

Frawley Road, Hallam, Victoria 3803 P: 9703 1266 E: hallam.senior.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au facebook.com/hallamsc

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Taking enrolments now

By Noble Park Secondary College Principal Pam Dyson Noble Park Secondary College is a Year 7-12 Secondary School with a culturally diverse population that boasts extensive opportunities for all students.

We proudly get to know our students well, with teacher student relationships a high priority to enhance excellence in learning. Noble Park Secondary College offers exceptional educational opportunities for students to thrive academically, socially and creatively.

Our Student Opinion Survey results indi-

cate that our students have a very strong sense of connectedness and confidence, and they feel that their learning is stimulating amongst a settled classroom environment allowing for effective learning.

Our college is committed to developing a high level of academic and creative excellence by providing practical and relevant experiences, to help students achieve high VCE results for university entry, or to be enrolled in practical based careers according to their career aspirations.

In 2020, we introduced a very successful Year 7 “Galileo Enhancement Program”, to

Year 10 mentors and Year 7 students with their robotic creations.

meet the strong demand for high achieving students. Students undertake in-depth studies in English, Mathematics, Humanities, Science and Technology with an emphasis upon self-regulated and independent learning.

After listening to our student voice, the college has introduced more electives, encouraging extension programs and diversity. These include such programs which encourage creativity, personal leadership, and interest in high level technology, using coding in robotics as well as specialised instructions in instrumental music. Our students are also keen participants in chess and mathematics competi-

tions at the national level.

We are most proud of our 2019 Year 7 to Year 9 NAPLAN Literacy Growth results which achieved 46% score against the State score of 24%, as well as our Numeracy Growth scores gaining outstanding results of 35% relative growth against the State score of 23%.

New enrolments are now available at all year levels for 2021. Please contact the college on 9546 9066 for more information.

We are hopeful that personalised tours will be available once Covid-19 restrictions are eased.

Zainab and her classmates are part of the Galileo Enhancement Program. 209745

Mental health support for kids is vital amid pandemic

By Danielle Kutchel As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, mental health is moving into focus as an equally important health issue.

Children and young people aren’t immune to the mental health impact of the pandemic.

According to Victoria’s Department of Education and Training website, it’s normal for our kids to show signs of distress.

The website lists common reactions, including: fear and anxiety anger and frustration

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· confusion · sadness · denial.

The Education Department provides a number of resources for parents including information on how to have a conversation with your child about the virus.

Tips provided come from the Raising Children website and include finding a time to share with your child where you can give them your full attention, and explaining the facts to them clearly and in a way that they can understand.

Parents can feel stressed too and resources are available to help. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The website also recommends paying attention to how your child is feeling, and provides reassurance that it’s OK to switch off the news and have a break.

There are external support services that you can reach out to if you need help.Headspace provides targeted support for young people on a range of issues their website, headspace.org.au For parents themselves, who may also feel overwhelmed, the Department recommends contacting: Parentline: 13 22 89 Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

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· Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 or beyondblue.

org.au For more on the Department of Education and Training’s mental health resources, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/ teachingresources/Pages/mental-healthsupport.aspx If you or your loved one needs to speak to someone urgently, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

Lifeline also offers an online chat service at lifeline.org.au In an emergency, call 000.

Set aside time to talk to your kids about how they are feeling.

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Preparing for school life

By Melissa Grant Starting school is a momentous occasion in a child’s life.

It’s a major milestone for children and their parents, and one that’s filled with a mix of emotions.

To help make the transition as smooth as possible, there are many things mums and dads can do to prepare their child.

Emeritus Professor Bob Perry is an education expert in transitions, having developed a guide featuring multiple case studies experienced by parents, teachers and kids during the transition to school.

Prof Perry says while beginning primary school can be a challenge, most children find it enjoyable.“Children of that age want to grow up - they see excitement in growing up and they want school to be different. So we shouldn’t worry that it is different as the kids want it that way,” he explains.

The move from kindergarten to primary school, he says, is all more about a child’s social and emotional development, rather than academic.

Here, Prof Perry shares his top tips to help a child prepare for primary school.

TALK: Start talking to your children about school. This includes talking about the school itself, what it was like when you went to school, what’s changed since you went to school and what it will be like for your child to go to school. Ask your child about what’s concerning them and what are they looking forward to?

Like most people, children will bottle things up unless they are specifically asked about them.

For example, the child may be particularly worried about the playground - sometimes playgrounds can be a bit daunting.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS: The key is being honest, even if you didn’t particularly like school. Parents can talk about some of the positive things that did happen when they were at school. Be honest about it, but make sure you know what will happen when they go to school. For example, I know some parents who talk about children lining up before going into classroom - this doesn’t happen at some schools anymore. If child sees that doesn’t happen then the parent loses some credibility with the child. It’s important for parents to talk to the principal or teacher about what happens in that particular school.

Another thing is many children wish they’d known before their first day is that everyone wears a school uniform. We often make a big deal about getting their uniform but forget to tell them everyone will be dressed the same.

LUNCH BOXES: Buy a lunch box and check your child can open it. There seems to be a tendency to buy the latest superhero lunchbox or whatever the trend is, but the critical thing is that your child can actually open it. Talk to your child about having lunch at school and be sure to tell them that you don’t eat everything at once! Also make sure you can pack lunches that don’t require wrap or foil, so that the kids don’t have trouble unwrapping their food.

TOILETS: Going to public toilets is critical for both boys and girls. School toilets are different to home toilets and preschool toilets. While school toilets have improved a great deal, they aren’t as sparkling clean as the toilet at home or at kindy. And, for the first time, kids will have to make a choice about whether they go to the boys toilets or girls toilets - they need to know about that. For boys it is important they know that there are different ways of going to toilet other than standing over a bowl. These are the practical things.

PLAYGROUND PRACTICE: Take your child to big public spaces. Take them to the park and let them play on the playground equipment.

Schools have playgrounds that are bigger than they are used to with more people in them and less adults per child. The children need to have experience around these things. While you are there take them to the toilet!

MEET AND GREET: Before the school year begins, every parent should take their child to the school to meet the principal and the potential teacher. It’s important to take your child with you as you want them to feel a sense of belonging. You need to know the teacher, so you don’t 10W STAR JOURNAL

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have to get on the phone and start introducing yourself if there’s a problem.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE: This is something that tends to be forgotten. After school care is another transition that can be challenging. Certainly at prep level you go there to play, but you have to get there. For some kids that means walking across the playground, but for others it will involve getting a bus. The child needs to be prepared for that. They need to go and visit the after school care place. Sometimes it’s not a bad idea for kids to go to vacation care for a couple of days to get used to that transition. However this only works if the actual after school place they will be going to offers vacation care.

SPECIAL NEEDS: Often with children who have special needs, there will have been a very extensive transition to school program. This is generally instigated by the parent or kindy

Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

teacher. Providing the child is identified as having special needs, there is usually meetings between school representatives, principals, the teacher, kindy teacher and therapists of various sorts. They work out an individual plan for these children. Parents need to make sure this happens. If they know child has additional needs, the school has to be aware about it before they can do anything about it.

WHAT TO DO AT HOME: Don’t organise a big party to celebrate starting school in first week.

Your child will be too tired - it’s a big change.

Like many people, kids are not necessarily going to be ready to talk about their day as soon as they walk in the door or get in the car.

Sometimes there needs to be tricks played to get the kids talking. Sometimes it’s worth parents just talking with teacher at end of the day and asking them how things are going. At least that gives the parent a way in by saying ‘Ms So and So said you enjoyed doing such and such

today, would you like doing more of that at home?’ It’s all about communicating when you know more about what’s going on. Sometimes the child won’t want to talk and that’s OK. However, if they spend the first six months not wanting to talk you may want to have a yarn to the teacher about it.

WHAT IF MY CHILD COMES HOME UPSET: Before your child comes home upset, you need to know the teacher so you don’t have to get on the phone and start introducing yourself. You want to get straight down to the business and say ‘we have a problem’. It is a problem that everyone - the teacher, parent, school and child will have to work out together. It’s possible your child will come home and throw their bag down and say ‘I’m not going back there’ because of an incident. The parent needs to get straight onto the teacher. The big problem is if a parent tries to solve problem themselves as they only know part of the story. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Unique pathway offered Hallam Senior College provides outstanding opportunities for senior students in Years 10 to 12. The senior learning environment exists within a framework of specialisms, high expectations and pathways support.

The college offers quality teaching and learning across Yr 10, VCE, VET &and VCAL in a young adult learning environment and provides pathway opportunities not available at other schools.

The college ethos balances the need for structure and processes with the understanding that students need to make decisions about their future by taking on challenges and opportunities.

Hallam Senior College provides a comprehensive senior school educational program with a focus on personalising specialisms in learning. A focus is linking learning to life and preparing young adults to confidently and successfully embrace their future by developing skills and attributes that set students up to be productive members of society and the wider community.

Success comes in a myriad of forms. To ensure success, students need to be well organised and develop a structured pathway. The small steps of learning lead to the completion of the larger picture. At Hallam Senior College

each student is encouraged to not only dream of the larger picture of success but to develop a plan where the smaller steps are clearly identified.

Staff are proud of the results students have achieved over many years. This has come about by developing an exceptional educational framework which shapes pathway provision for each student and sets expectations for student success.

Hallam Senior College is on Frawley Road.

Phone 9703 1266 to book a tour.

Hallam Senior College provides pathway opportunities not available at other schools.

Helping kids cope through a year of extremes With drought, bushfires and now Covid-19, many parents and carers might need some extra information and advice to support children and young people through a year of extremes.

“Dealing with such an unprecedented disaster season and now Covid-19 is putting pressure on all of us, and knowing how to read the signs and support our children will help us all cope better,” says Red Cross consultant psychologist Natalie Fraser.

“If your children are suffering sleeping

problems, feeling stressed with changes, or are generally low, there are things you can do as a parent to help them.

“It’s as simple as knowing what to look out for, and giving kids helpful tips to better cope with stress, and focus on what they can control, in what might be the first major disruption in their life.”

Red Cross National Resilience Adviser John Richardson agrees.

“Recovery from a bushfire, flood and even Covid-19, so that we live the lives we value,

takes time but anything we can do to support each other is helpful long term,” Mr Richardson said.

“Red Cross has many resources for parents and carers for emergency situations and this webinar is another step to help Australian communities support their loved ones, in a crisis.”

Supporting young people to cope is a free Red Cross webinar to help communities cope with the challenging circumstances the country has faced in 2020, from drought, to bushfires, floods to Covid-19. Natalie Fraser

is a psychologist with more than 25 years’ experience working with families and children in crisis contexts.

The webinar will beheld on Wednesday 26 August 6:30pm – 7:30pm and Thursday 27 August 12:30pm – 1:30pm RSVP ONLINE: redcross.org.au/bushfirerecovery. If you can’t make it, recordings will be available on Red Cross’ website.

Access a range of parent and child resources to help families cope with emergencies at redcross.org.au/recover

· · ·

Introducing your

School Principals Established in 1919, Dandenong High School is one of the oldest and most culturally diverse Secondary Schools in the State. Our vision is simply to create an environment where every student achieves success and realises their potential, and we enact this in all we do.

Principal: Susan Ogden Associate Principals: Mark Dewar and Katie Watmough 92-106 Princes Hwy, Dandenong VIC 3175 Phone: (03) 9792 0561 Website: www.dandenong-hs.vic.edu.au Email: dandenong.hs@education.vic.gov.au

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

In the Senior years (10-12) our College offers a broad range of subject choices and extensive careers counselling, with expert advice. We are proud that our College has managed to have 100% pathway options for our year 12 students for the past 3 years.

VCE and VCAL Certificates are both offered at Killester with a determined focus on Pathways preparation beyond life at school.

Students at Killester choose from a wide range of subjects in VCE and VCAL; from VET courses to senior Chemistry, Maths and Philosophy. At Killester College we ensure that every young woman has the opportunity to pursue excellence in her chosen passion and take these learnings into the wider world with a determination to bring positive changes to society at large.

We invite you to meet our Principal online (please contact the Registrar, Sue Douglas) or visit our website to watch our virtual tour.

Our College adopts a consistent approach to teaching with a “Teaching and Learning Framework” for staff and students, which define clear expectations.

Our school motto is “Our Best Always” and we encourage participation and excellence in all aspects of our College life.

Our Student and Parent Opinion surveys indicate strong confidence in our College, with maximum student and parent participation in decision making.

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Our Senior Studies Program and our strong partnerships with tertiary providers and community organisations provides students with an individualised senior pathway and the essential entrepreneurship and other 21st Century skills necessary for success once they leave school.

Dandenong High School

In the Junior years (7-9) we have a strong emphasis upon student centred learning ensuring strong NAPLAN growth through explicit teaching.

The curriculum designed and delivered at Killester is progressive, sustainability-focussed, student-centred and demands of students to continuously extend themselves beyond their current capabilities and capacities. Project based learning that integrates the essential skills of teamwork, collaboration and problem solving are fundamental to the development of all skills necessary for a 21st century education. Killester has ensured such skills can be enhanced with the development of dynamic and student-focused learning facilities, including our brand new Tullow Performing Arts Centre, a flexible learning centre for Years 7 and 8, an open learning centre of Year 9 and a re-developed resource centre for students.

In Years 7-9 students learn in a collaborative model in their House with teams of teachers. Learning is personalised, technology embedded and differentiated to meet individual needs and ensure every student is engaged and challenged.

I am incredibly proud to be the leader of such a unique and dynamic learning community and would encourage you to visit our website or contact the school.

Noble Park Secondary College is a single 7-12 College offering VCE, VCAL and VET subjects.

Killester College is a Year 7-12 Kildare Ministries school for young women, guided and inspired by our Brigidine tradition.

Our motto, “Strength and Kindliness”, challenges our students to develop in strength of intellect, mind, body and spirit. In our community, we continually strive for these qualities and witness them in our relationships with each other. As a Catholic school, the faith development of all students is central to our mission.

The invitation for all is to ‘Come and See’.

Our unique House structure and state of the art facilities ensure students’ develop a deep connection and strong pride in their school.

We offer an extensive STEM pathway and SEAL Program and our emphasis on student agency and leadership empowers our students to exact positive change and be responsible community members both inside and outside the school.

Pam Dyson

Sally Buick

Our greatest asset is our proud and happy students!

We invite you to visit our College for a tour, to witness the wonderful opportunities that our students are sharing in receiving the BEST education.

Killester College

Noble Park Secondary College

433 Springvale Road, SPRINGVALE Phone 9547 5000 www.killester.vic.edu.au

3 Callaghan Street NOBLE PARK Phone 9546 9066 Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

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Height limit halt

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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A plan to allow towers up to eight storeys in Noble Park’s “village” business district has been put on hold.

The proposed Noble Park Major Activity Centre Structure Plan would allow eight-storey buildings at eight key redevelopment sites.

They included a “landmark” gateway development at the Coles site, a site opposite the train station on Douglas Street and the Noble Park RSL site.

City planning director Jody Bosman told a council meeting on 10 August there was currently no height limits in the area.

The plan was needed to give “clear guidance” on preferred height, setbacks and building design - particularly with the elevation of the rail corridor, a council report stated.

The report also recognised the predominantly “low rise” “village character” of one to two storeys.

“However, the construction of the Noble Park Train Station (at 20 metres/six storeys) has made this the focal point for the centre.

“Well-designed taller buildings can contribute to the ‘village’ feel of the centre.”

It argued that an “increase in density is both expected and supported” in the designated Major Activity Centre.

“Supporting greater heights on larger sites across the centre (which include the eight key redevelopment sites) allow for more moderate or low changes (heights) across the rest of the centre.”

It also proposed to rezone 10 residential sites to commercial use.

The structure plan’s key outcomes included building a “strong sense of arrival” into the area.

The removal of the Heatherton Road/Douglas Street roundabout received highly positive feedback, the report stated.

The plan would also identify ‘pedestrianoriented’ and landscaped streets and preserve “key view lines” into the centre.

Twenty-six submissions from 24 people were received during an “extensive” community consultation period in April-June, according to the report.

It included a mailout to 1200 owners and occupiers within and adjoining the centre.

Resident Gaye Guest said the online survey was “structured to give the answers the officers want to support their designs”.

“In the online survey nowhere was there a place to voice our disappointment against high-rise development in a suburban setting or to oppose rezoning residential land to commercial.”

Cr Peter Brown successfully moved for the plan to be deferred for consideration until February 2021.

He said there was no need to “rush through” a highly significant report brought to councillors at “short notice”. There had been “almost no debate” on the plan for the past six months, he said.

“I’d be surprised if local residents would be aware of what’s being proposed, much less be happy with what’s being proposed.

“From my reading of the economy there won’t be too many people putting in applications for eight-storey buildings.”

In opposition to the deferral, Cr Sean O’Reilly called for no further delays to a plan three years in the making.

“We’ll kick the can down the road again.

There’s nothing to stop a developer building a Taj Mahal right in the middle of Noble Park.”

Cr Melhem tried the park last week with Rue and Gigi. 213144 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

New pooch park Dogs need their one hour of freedom and excercise as much as their human owners, which is why the opening of new dog park at Dandenong North has been welcomed by local canine lovers including Greater Dandenong councillor Zaynoun Melhem.

Full story page 10

NEWS

Hobby fliers up in the air

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Model plane flyers are among a host of outdoor hobbyists cooling their jets during at least six weeks of stage 4 lockdown.

Scott Baker is one of the grounded aviators, who regularly flies on weekends at Peninsula Aeronautical Radio Control Society (PARCS) flying field in Carrum Downs.

His grey-and-fluro-yellow Carf Mephisto 3D model jet with a 2.5-metre wing span is a substantial machine.

Powered by A1 jet fuel, it soars up to 321 km/h, hovering and winding through cartwheels, pinwheels and flat turns.

His Carf Ultra Flash jet blurs the senses at 450km/h.

In the past six years, he’s progressed from modest contraptions to these ultra machines.

“When you get into it first, you buy little foam planes.

“Obviously you go through a few models in the learning process because you stuff up and crash.

“As you get better and progress, you’re crashing a lot less. And you get to the stage of jets.”

Mr Baker said tricks could be practised on flight simulators on a home laptop. Crashing on the simulator is a much less costly exercise than writing off a $15,000 plane.

Due to Covid, the club has postponed its regular visits to regional airports such as Wangaratta - a roomier field where “you can open them up and get them flying fast”.

Under stage 3, the Bangholme club was still open to restricted numbers. From 2 August, the club shut under the stricter lockdown across Melbourne.

Being a builder, Mr Baker has been able to busy himself with work.

So no need to find another hobby while his planes rest in the hangar.

Coming into land at the PARCS model aircraft field. 212612

Scott Baker with his Carf Mephisto jet at the PARCS club during stage-3 restrictions. 212612

The tail of a Carf Mephisto jet. 212612

The Carf Mephisto launches skyward, reaching speeds of more than 300km/h. 212612

A Viper jet at PARCS flying field, Carrum Downs. 212612 2 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Scott Baker’s Carf Mephisto in flight. 212612 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

New claim in I Cook saga

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council has denied “many of the assertions” in an incendiary letter from I Cook Foods accusing the council of misleading a Parliamentary inquiry.

At the recent hearings into the closure of ICF, the council listed a “history” of 13 foodsafety complaints against the Dandenong South catering business since 2016.

But in a letter to council CEO John Bennie, Mr Cook has demanded a correction of the “misleading and dishonest” claims.

Mr Cook stated the council had omitted significant exonerating evidence that explained why ICF had never been prosecuted.

Food relief doubles in stage-4

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Calls for food relief have surged since the stage-4 lockdown, says Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti.

In recent weeks, the council’s Covid material aid food-box deliveries had nearly doubled from 1900 a week to 3500, he said.

Since April, the program has distributed 120 tonnes of food, 5550 disposable masks and other necessities since April.

The council contributed $250,000 with a further $50,000 of donations, but has nearly exhausted the program’s funds.

Greater Dandenong will seek a state or federal grant to extend the program at least until the end of the year, if not longer.

Cr Memeti said the council was prepared to “top up” the grant if required - as businesses and workers suffer stage-4 lockdowns.

Eleven local aid organisations, community groups and several neighbourhood houses are distributing the material aid.

As of 12 August, the council had received 722 rates hardship and Jobseeker rebate applications as part of its Covid-19 relief package.

It had also provided $100 waivers to 10,728 pensioners on their 2019-’20 rate notices.

Greater Dandenong corporate services director Mick Jaensch said council staff handdelivered 13,220 disposable masks to about 2640 people in a week.

“We prioritised rooming houses, boarding houses, caravan parks, state resolution support service recipients and aged care centres.”

The council delivered a further 1000 disposable masks to a church group supporting homeless people in Greater Dandenong, Mr Jaensch said.

More than 21,000 masks have been donated to Greater Dandenong Council for distribution to the community.

The council is still awaiting its share of the State Government’s pledged 2.1 million free reusable masks for people in need.

In the meantime, the council had received 6000 disposable masks from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The incidents listed include a Kingston Council complaint of a fragment of glass being allegedly found in ICF-made soup.

Upon investigation it was found the glass may have come from a domestic container, and there was no evidence it originated from the soup, Mr Cook said.

Similarly, ICF was cleared of responsibility for complaints such as a stone found in jasmine rice, a bread clip in a pre-packaged food item and a foreign object in a lamington, he wrote.

Mixed sandwiches in 2017, as well as Asian noodles with egg garnish and a sample of baked fish and fennel sauce in 2018 tested positive to listeria.

But the council omitted to add that the listeria growth was within safe legislated limits, Mr Cook said.

In response, Mr Bennie stated that the council “disagrees with many of the assertions” made by Mr Cook.

“Given that Mr Cook has provided ongoing commentary in respect to future litigation against Council, we are unable to comment further.

“We encourage any further correspondence on the matter through Council’s legal representatives.”

ICF was closed for more than a month in early 2019 as part of an investigation into a hospital patient’s death.

The business was effectively destroyed, with 41 employees losing their jobs.

The inquiry found ICF’s forced closure was valid but the business was “not properly dealt with by the City of Greater Dandenong”.

Mr Bennie said the “council maintains that it treated I Cook Foods in a fair and consistent manner throughout”.

Mr Cook says he is not “rolling away” from two Supreme Court actions over what he says was the “illegal” closure and destruction of his 34-year-old family business.

ICF has also submitted a brief of evidence to Victoria Police to investigate alleged corruption.

Motorcyclist killed in Kingsclere Avenue A male motorcyclist has died in a crash at Kingsclere Avenue Keysborough.

The 49-year-old Noble Park man was travelling on Marouba Avenue on a 2009 silver-and-black Triumph about 6am on Monday 17 August.

He crashed into a pole at the intersection of Kingsclere Avenue, police say.

Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol officers are investigating.

The state’s road toll rose to 139 for the year so far.

Any information, CCTV and dash cam footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au Police investigate the death of a motorcyclist in Kingsclere Avenue, Keysborough on 17 Picture: GARY SISSONS August. 213292

Keysborough South hub to stay put Eleventh-hour bids have failed to sway Greater Dandenong Council on the location of Keysborough South Community Hub. Despite divided community opinion, the hub will go ahead at the corner of Villiers and Chapel roads in Tatterson Park, with features added to its draft design.

Cr Peter Brown’s motion to re-open community consultation was defeated in a narrow 6-5 vote at a 10 August council meeting.

After the vote, Cr Brown moved a rescission motion for a community plebiscite.

It was withdrawn due to the council going into caretaker mode in September ahead of local government elections.

After 91 submissions on the draft design, the hub will offer an expanded community lounge, extra library services and a ‘makers space’ for arts and crafts.

The building will have at least 5 Star Green Star certification with zero net emissions, as well as electric-vehicle charging stations.

The council found a commercial café was

not viable at this stage.

About $2.58 million of council reserve funds are budgeted for building stage 1 of the hub in 2020-’21.

A $2.1 million access road between Villiers Road and Crystal Waters estate will also be built. However, Villiers Road neighbours, such as Dom Boccari, say they haven’t been “fairly” heard by the council.

They are concerned by extra traffic on narrow surrounding streets, and the proposed ‘solution’ of no-right turn into Villiers Road.

Late-night noise from after-hours and weekend users was also an issue.

They have preferred the less costly alternative location, north of Springers Leisure Centre.

“We want a community hub built with the correct consulation process ... by all residents involved. After the true location is decided and ‘if’ it is Villiers Road ... I will personally help council cut the ribbon.”

The Villiers Road site was unanimously

backed by councillors in November 2019 despite Springers being narrowly preferred 269 votes to 264 in a community survey.

Cr Matthew Kirwan, in favour of the original site, said the go-ahead ended the long wait - “six years of heartbreak” - for the project.

Community feedback was overall “very positive” for the draft design, Cr Kirwan said.

“GSA Architects have created an exciting design that blends into the natural environment of the site, is light filled and welcoming.”

He said the facility’s after-hours and weekend use was “particularly important” for residents who mainly worked full-time.

Other residents in Keysborough have posted on social media in support of the “fabulous result. Looking forward to having a place to take my children to and it seems with the library, playground and study areas, my children will be catered for many years to come.”

“We’ve been waiting something like a decade for this facility,” another resident posted.

“Let’s hope there are no more delays.”

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Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Mayors send election SOS

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The State Government is under mounting pressure from a “vocal” minority of councils to postpone October’s local government elections.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the stage-4 Covid ban on pamphlet letter-box drops was a severe impediment to election candidates.

Few candidates would afford the expensive

alternative of pamphlet mailouts, Cr Memeti said.

It comes on top of stage 3 prohibitions on candidates’ door-knocking.

“Without letterboxing, it’s very difficult if you’re looking to get a message out for voters,” Cr Memeti said.

He said there was still a window for two or three letter-box drops if the six-week stage-4 period is lifted by 13 September.

“When it was stage 3, I thought it was no

problem - but if it’s still stage 4 (up until the election) I might have a problem.”

In a recent meeting with mayors, recentlyinstalled Local Government Minister Shaun Leane stood firm on the October postal elections, Cr Memeti said.

Candidates’ mandatory induction training will however be shifted online.

“A lot of mayors raised their voices and wanted the elections stopped.

“I wouldn’t say it was a majority of mayors.

The ones who opposed it were very vocal.

For the first time, Greater Dandenong voters will take part in postal council elections rather than lining up at election stations.

In line with social distancing, they can vote at home and post their ballots at their convenience.

From October, Greater Dandenong will shift from multi-member wards to 11 singlemember wards.

Fashion store masks up A Dandenong fashion store is providing thousands of free reuseable protective masks while its shopfront is closed under stage-4 Covid restrictions.

Libas by Perfect Scissors owner Manmeet Kaur and her family have hand-made and donated 4500 masks to Victoria Police, health authorities, Greater Dandenong Council, charities and individuals since March.

The elastic-loop design is customised, including a larger size for wearers with beards, hearing aids and turbans.

There’s also a choice of colours, and a choice of two or three layers of fabric.

Her masks are being ordered across Australia - with a nominal charge to cover costs such as shipping and materials.

“We’re doing the best we can,” Ms Kaur said.

“Once the Covid hit, we had no business and we thought what would we do next.

“People are struggling with job losses so we thought why don’t we do something to serve the community?”

Working up to 10 hour days, Ms Kaur has

had to limit giveaways to two per person.

Some unscrupulous people were taking up to 25 each to re-sell for personal gain.

Ms Kaur is unperturbed by the economic shutdown.

A decade ago, her business was closed when Revitalising Central Dandenong works shut down the Foster Street precinct for years.

Several businesses didn’t survive, but Libas revived.

A former university lecturer in India, Ms Kaur arrived in Australia in 2006 with her family, five suitcases and no money.

She worked unsatisfying factory-shifts before starting her business.

“This country has given us a lot,” Ms Kaur said.

“I’m enjoying it and it’s our way of showing our appreciation.”

Details: www.facebook.com/Libas.aus/

·

Manmeet Kaur is making free reuseable masks for the community.

STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS ARE NOW IN PLACE FOR MELBOURNE

5KM

8PM 5AM

Exercise is limited to once a day for 1 hour

Shopping is limited to 1 person once a day

You must stay within 5kms of your home when exercising or shopping

Stay home between 8pm and 5am

For all current restrictions go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12458198-DL34-20

4 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Outbreaks widen

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Covid-19 has infected 13 residents and four staff at a second nursing home in Greater Dandenong.

At least 19 cases - including at least two contacts - have been linked to Mercy Place Dandenong since 28 July.

They include four residents testing positive on Saturday 15 August.

The residents, all from the same unit, are in a quarantined area of the home. They are being cared for a dedicated team of staff, a Mercy Place Dandenong spokesperson said.

As of 14 August, the outbreak at Outlook Gardens aged-care home had spread to 40 residents. Of the 108 infected, there were 56 staff and 12 contacts.

The Outlook Gardens cluster grew by 15 in the past week.

There are 2075 infections and 195 deaths linked to more than 140 Victorian aged care facilities, as of 16 August.

Most of the state’s 309-and-climbing death toll have been aged care residents.

In the week up to 16 August, Greater Dandenong’s Covid cases rose by 69 to 373.

Its active cases were 204 for the council area, up by eight in the past week.

The cluster at Jayco’s factory in Dandenong South has grown by one in the past seven days to 21.

On 16 August, the Department of Health and Human Services announced it was investigating new cases linked to Monash Health.

In neighbouring Casey, there were 109 new weekly cases for a cumulative total of 756. Its active cases were 356, up by just two in a week.

Statewide, Victoria recorded 279 new cases and 16 deaths, including 11 aged-care residents.

A Mercy Place spokesperson said all relevant health and aged care authorities, staff, residents and families were immediately informed after the first positive case.

The home was deep cleaned, residents and staff promptly Covid-tested and re-tested which uncovered the further positive cases, the spokesperson said.

Stringent infection control processes were put in place, including staff wearing full personal protection equipment (PPE) and more frequent, intensive cleans.

Visitors have been banned, except in exceptional circumstances.

Residents confined to their rooms except those with dementia in the home’s Memory Support Unit. They are regularly visited by pastoral carers and staff wearing full PPE with activities and conversation.

They are kept in touch with loved ones with phone and Zoom video calls.

“Our residents also have multiple daily physical health and emotional wellbeing checks so we can detect any physical or behavioural changes early,” the spokesperson said.

A “conservative” approach was taken for the return-to-work timing of Covid-positive staff.

“We will continue this cycle of testing and retesting until there is no trace of the virus in our home and we are cleared by health and aged care authorities to stand down from our outbreak response.

“This is an anxious time for residents and families but we are doing all we can to minimise the risk of further infection and, importantly, to provide the best possible care - both physical and emotional - for all residents in our home.”

Merle Mitchell, pictured in 2015, has told a Royal Commission of the isolation of aged care residents during Covid-19. 126005 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Insider’s view of aged-care lockdown

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Greater Dandenong Living Treasure has given powerful testimony that she is simply waiting to die in aged care.

Merle Mitchell - a community services leader in Springvale and nationally - appeared for the second time at the Federal Royal Commission into Aged Care on 10 August.

The 85-year-old was asked about her experience of Covid-19 lockdown in Waverley Aged Care - where visitors have been banned due to health precautions.

The Commission heard Ms Mitchell had only seen her daughter only twice since February - and only from behind glass.

“I was lucky enough to have a birthday a couple of weeks ago and I saw her then, and that was only through an open window that was two inches open.

“But that’s the last time.”

They keep in contact over the phone but Ms Mitchell prefers to encounter people face-to-face.

“But I understand why we’re in this situation and that we’ve got to put up with it until things change.”

Under lockdown, she looks out through a window at a brick wall. Her therapeutic masdandenong.starcommunity.com.au

seuse and hairdresser have been banned from visiting.

She said residents are discouraged from visiting GPs outside the home. On Ms Mitchell’s return from a doctor’s appointment, she went into isolation into a “very small room without a window”.

“And I don’t see anybody except the people who bring the food in to me. So ... it’s a real lockdown, yes.”

Ms Mitchell leaves her room four times a week for physio sessions, she tells the Royal Commission.

“Otherwise, from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep, I’m sitting in my own room in my one chair.”

She’d got to the stage of “accepting” the pandemic sweeping through more than 140 Victorian aged care homes.

“I know I’m here until I die, so every morning when I wake up I think ‘Damn, I’ve woken up’.

“But I’m here until I die, so I’ve got to make the best of it and that’s what I try to do.

“Which is not to say that I’m not being cared for, but I am sure if you really asked most people here they would all say they would rather be dead rather than living here, if they’re honest, that is.”

Aged-care staff “growl” at Ms Mitchell for saying such things.

“You must not say that. You mustn’t have negative thoughts,” they tell her.

“Well, they’re my thoughts and I, you know, I own my thoughts,” Ms Mitchell told the Commission.

At an earlier hearing in May 2019, Ms Mitchell gave a lucid description of the “shock” of moving into aged care.

“There’s the shock of loss because what happens is it is so quick. There’s not the recognition of loss because loss is not just death. Loss is loss of your way of life.”

A Greater Dandenong Living Treasure, Ms Mitchell is an aged-care advocate for Council On The Ageing (COTA).

She is involved in a new RMIT-developed training course for care workers.

Ms Mitchell is a past director and founder of the Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau (now South East Community Links), as well as setting up Springvale Neighbourhood House and the Family Mediation Centre.

She is also a former president of the Australian Council of Social Service.

If you need help, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.

Market stall Covid scare

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A fruit and vegie stall at Dandenong Market has temporarily closed after a person tested Covid-positive.

Margheriti Fresh immediately closed, leaving produce on the shelves, after the diagnosis on Thursday 6 August.

The person, who is self-isolating, last visited the market on Tuesday 28 July.

Dandenong Market stated the stall’s staff were tested for Covid-19, revealing no further cases linked to the stall.

Worksafe and the Department of Health and Human Services were immediately notified by the market’s management, the market stated.

“Market Management was commended for being proactive and organising a thorough market clean as a precaution only,” a market spokesperson said.

“This was not a government directive.”

“These extra precautions were taken to ensure traders continue to work in an environment that is clean, safe and fully compliant with government regulations.”

The stall’s remaining stock was a “matter for the trader”.

“As the family member did not come into contact with the stock, there are no issues regarding safety.”

The market, under a regime of “strict cleaning and sanitisation procedures”, has remained open.

Dandenong Market general manager Jennifer Hibbs assured customers that the Market remained “open, safe and welcoming.”

“We are incredibly proud of our small businesses for their ongoing commitment to serve our community during these difficult times.

“We ask our community to support them so that the Market remains open and welcoming.

Together, we can get through this.”

Meanwhile in the 24 hours up to 13 August, Greater Dandenong Covid-19 cases rose by four to a total of 332.

In a further sign of a slowing Covid-19 spread, active cases rose by one. The council’s total active infections are 198 - down from a recent peak of 205.

Outlook Gardens nursing home recorded a further new case, with 108 residents, staff and contacts infected.

The cluster at Woolworths distribution facility in Mulgrave rose by one case to a total of 61.

In neighbouring Casey, there were an extra 12 cases. Its active infections dropped by two to 354.

Victoria recorded its lowest daily increase for more than a week with 278 new cases and eight deaths.

Four of the most recent deceased were in aged care facilities. The death toll has risen to 275 people. There are 7866 active cases, including 1140 health care workers and 664 hospital patients.

Plaza’s plan Under the stage-4 shutdown, retailers at Armada Dandenong Plaza have converted to click-and-collect services.

JB Hi Fi, Kmart, Rebel Sport and Target are among the stores to have made the switch.

Woolworths supermarket has halted normal service, operating as a temporary online delivery hub only.

Other supermarkets, fresh food outlets, allied health providers, a medical clinic, dry cleaners and other defined ‘essential services’ are still open.

Cafes, restaurants and bakeries provide takeways and deliveries only.

As a condition of entry to the plaza, maskwearing is compulsory for adults and children over 12.

Shoppers are advised to wash their hands before and after visiting, as well as to use the free hand-sanitiser stations at the centre.

Mark Tannahill, the centre’s manager, said it was important to follow social distancing guidelines in the centre.

Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 5

NEWS

Response to rising need Help is being delivered to Red Cross as it reports a “significant spike” in families asking for support for the first time during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The charity has sent more than 765 relief boxes - equivalent to 6000-plus meals - to households in Dandenong and other parts of Melbourne, thanks to the help of Amazon deliverers.

Over the past month, Amazon and its partners collected the food and made ‘non-contact’ deliveries of about 210 boxes a week.

It has saved Red Cross caseworkers more than 30 hours a week, allowing them to focus that time in helping households in need.

Amazon, which has based ‘fulfillment centre’ warehouse in Dandenong, also made a “financial contribution” to the charity.

“We’ve seen a significant spike in the number of people coming to Red Cross for support for the first time,” Red Cross migration support program officer Jane Lazzari said.

“The need to assist our more vulnerable community members has never been greater.

“Through the partnership with Amazon and the great work of the Amazon Flex delivery team, we’ve been able to extend our reach to many more people in need, and offer a little relief and respite during these tough times.”

A Red Cross food relief box.

A worker with a food box set for delivery.

IN BRIEF Bus ‘flasher’ arrested A man who allegedly flashed a female passenger on a bus in Dandenong has been arrested by police.

The 29-year-old Nunawading man is accused of exposing himself on a bus travelling from a Dandenong train station to Brandon Park about 12.50pm on 9 July.

He was arrested by Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives.

The man is expected to appear at a magistrates’ court on two charges of sexual activity directed at another.

OFFICIAL MEDICAL ADVICE

Don’t risk it.

Always follow the health advice.

Midnight walker carries sawn-off A male out walking late at night with a sawnoff shot gun, ammunition and meth has been arrested in Noble Park.

While on patrol, Frontline Tactical Unit police stopped to speak to the man on Buckley Street about 12am on Tuesday 11 August.

The male immediately ran away along Knox Street, police say.

He was arrested a short time later.

During a search of the male’s backpack, police seized the gun, ammunition and drug.

Police later raided his home, allegedly seizing further prohibited weapons.

The male was charged and remanded in custody.

Car vandals’ spree in Endeavour Hills At least seven parked vehicles have been damaged in a night of vandalism across Endeavour Hills.

Unknown vandals slashed the cars’ tyres and smashed windows during their rampage between 9pm on Wednesday 12 August and 5am on Thursday 13 August, police say.

The cars were on Mossgiel Park Drive, Ensay Court, Chiswick Street, Redhill Court and Eildon Road.

Arrest ends Airwing backyard chase Police officers chased down a man fleeing from an allegedly stolen vehicle into backyards near Glenwood Road, Springvale.

The vehicle was followed from Corrigan Road, Noble Park by the police’s Airwing about 12.30am on Tuesday 11 August.

Police say they used stop sticks to bring the vehicle to a halt in Glenwood Road.

The 36-year-old man ran from the vehicle into nearby backyards.

During a “systematic search”, police heard a noise and found him trying to climb on a roof.

He was remanded in custody on several charges relating to the stolen car.

It’s up to all of us to keep each other safe.

You must continue to practise good hygiene, physical distancing, and if you’re even slightly unwell, get tested and stay at home. Don’t risk it.

Man injured in highway crash

The sooner we all do it, the sooner we’ll get through it.

Have the App Visit australia.gov.au

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra 6 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

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A driver was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash into a tree beside South Gippsland Highway, Dandenong South.

Victoria Police officers gave first aid to the man after being alerted to the crash near Pound Road about 4.30am on Wednesday 12 August.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said paramedics were called about 6.15am.

The man was taken to The Alfred hospital with upper-body injuries. His condition was unknown, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.

Northbound lanes on the highway were closed for two hours at Pound Road while police investigated the crash. Police say the crash circumstances are unclear. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Devastating ‘driver error’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A driver’s “momentary inattention” on Frankston-Dandenong Road has taken a devastating life-long toll on another motorist, a Victorian County Court judge has said.

John Henry Patrick Wilson, 30, of Berwick, was spared jail for his dangerous driving at the Jayco Drive intersection in Dandenong South on 16 July, 2018.

The billboard installer was driving a Nissan Navara work ute when the car in front of him slowed for amber lights, Judge Frances Dalziel said in sentencing on 7 July.

Keen for pole position at the lights, Wilson checked his mirrors, indicated and steered over solid white lines into the right-hand lane.

But Wilson had failed to turn his head, not noticing a white Commodore in his right-hand ‘blind spot’.

The Commodore driver swerved to avoid the ute.

Despite braking hard, her car ploughed under the rear of a truck with such force that the truck jolted forward.

Unconscious and in a coma, the victim was given first-aid and treatment by bystanders and paramedics at the scene.

She was airlifted in a life-threatening condition to The Alfred hospital.

In the ICU for 14 days, she was treated for severe, traumatic brain injuries, collapsed lungs and facial fractures.

Once independent, employed and a devout church goer, the victim’s life has been profoundly impacted, Judge Dalziel noted.

She endures ongoing treatment such as anti-psychotic medication, occupational and speech therapies.

She has no work, little social life, can no longer drive, and has limited short-term memory. Having lost the senses of taste and smell, she is deprived of “simple pleasures” such as

enjoying good food.

Her “truly commendable” mother has sacrificially devoted herself to her daughter’s care, Judge Dalziel said.

At first, Wilson’s passenger concocted a story that Wilson had veered to avoid another car.

Wilson adopted the story before later coming clean in a police interview, Judge Dalziel noted.

He told police he was unable to easily turn his head because of an injury.

Wilson a devout Catholic, was said to pray nightly for his victim. He has been treated for “extremely severe” stress, anxiety and depression since the crash.

Judge Dalziel took into account Wilson’s remorse, otherwise good character, early guilty plea and glowing references from his employer and friends.

Wilson kept two rescued pets, donated to the RSPCA and had applied to volunteer at the CFA and SES. He had committed to educate

others with the example of his mistake.

“All the evidence indicates that but for this incident you’re a generous, hard-working member of the community who does more than many to contribute to the community ... in a positive way,” Judge Dalziel said.

“This case brings home all too clearly how a simple mistake can lead to tragic consequences.”

In sentencing, Judge Dalziel said community correction orders were “not infrequently imposed” in cases of dangerous driving inflicting serious injury.

She noted that the incident lacked the regular “aggravating” factors. Jail terms also carried an extra burden due to Covid-19 prison lockdowns.

Wilson was sentenced to a two-year CCO with 300 hours of community work.

He was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Wild chase ends in crash and two teens arrested an unmarked police car, causing the police vehicle to hit a concrete barrier and injuring a female senior constable in the vehicle, requiring her to be hospitalised, a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

A police helicopter followed the vehicle and stop sticks were deployed on Clyde Road after the vehicle exited the freeway and travelled south, a police spokesperson said.

It’s alleged the vehicle came to a stop after crashing into a number of parked cars at Eden Rise Shopping Centre at the intersection of Clyde Road and O’Shea Road before the male occupants fled on foot.

One of the males, an 18-year-old man from Doveton, was arrested nearby after a police dog bit him on the arm.

The other boy, a 17-year-old boy from Clyde North was arrested about 200 metres away on Clyde Road after a “conducted energy device” was deployed, a police spokesperson said.

The alleged stolen Holden wagon crashed into parked cars at Eden Rise Shopping Centre.

Picture: GOLDEN HOUR NEWS

Naming of the Pavilion at Thomas Carroll Reserve

Naming of the Pavilion at Ross Reserve

Greater Dandenong City Council is seeking community feedback on a proposed name for the Pavilion to be redeveloped at Thomas Carroll Reserve, Dandenong.

Greater Dandenong City Council is seeking community feedback on a proposed name for the new Pavilion at Ross Reserve, Noble Park.

This new facility will be used for a variety of sport, recreation and community purposes.

This new facility will be used for a variety of sport, recreation and education purposes.

Council proposes the Pavilion be named the “Ross Reserve Sports Pavilion”.

Council invites the community to provide name proposals for the pavilion, including why the pavilion should be called your nominated name.

Council is now accepting written submissions for a proposed name. Please send to:

• PO Box 200, Dandenong VIC 3175

•฀ PO Box 200, Dandenong VIC 3175 •฀ Email to communityconsultation@cgd.vic.gov.au

• Email to communityconsultation@cgd.vic.gov.au For enquiries, please phone:

For enquiries, please phone:

• Tom Cullen - Project Officer, Sport and Recreation on 8571 5501

All submissions must be received by 5pm, 17th September for consideration by Council prior to official naming.

All submissions must be received by 5pm, 17th September 2020 for consideration by Council prior to official naming.

12458220-JV34-20

•฀ Tom Cullen - Project Officer, Sport and Recreation on 8571 5501

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

12433060-SG48-19

Council is now accepting written submissions on the proposed name. Please send to:

Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

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Two teenagers have been arrested after being chased and tasered following a police pursuit that ended in car crash at a Berwick shopping centre on Thursday 6 August.

The incident unfolded after the teens allegedly stole a black Holden wagon after breaking into a Malmsbury Road home in Cranbourne North about 10.10am.

Victoria Police say the allege the victim, a 37-year-old woman and her two children were home at the time and one of the males threatened her with a knife.

A short time later the vehicle was travelling on the Princes Freeway when it struck

STAR JOURNAL 7

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago

50 years ago

20 years ago

5 years ago

19 August 1920

20 August 1970 Take-Over of Fire Brigade saved Thirteen telegrams from Dandenong City Council to other outer suburban municipalities last week probably saved Dandenong ratepayers about $60,000 per year. A meeting in Melbourne was to vote on transferring outer suburbs from Country Fire Authority control to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

“We are more than satisfied with the present set up,” said Cr Miller when alerting his colleagues to what was proposed. “If we allow this to go through we are in trouble.” Cr Maurice Jarvis said: “We don’t want to face up to extra expenses for something that couldn’t be any better than what we’re got now. Our fire protection is second-to-none.”

21 August 2000 Ali to visit Boxing legend Muhammad Ali will visit Dandenong on September 11. He will meet staff and youths at Visy Cares Centre in Clow St between 10-11am. Visy Cares manager Mr Dave Glazebrook said all at the centre were “ecstatic” with the news. “It’s a case of the world’s greatest boxer to visit the world’s greatest youth centre,” he said. He said Ali’s visit came about because Visy Industries was one of the major partners in raising capital for the $1million Visy Cares Centre, at the rear of the municipal offices. He said Mr Anthony Pratt, was bringing Ali to Melbourne after the pair became close friends. Group public affairs manager for Visy Industries Mr Tony Gray said Ali’s visit was to be a “low-key private” one.

17 August 2015 SABA slams leaked emails dirty tricks Springvale Asian Business Association spokesman Stan Chang has lashed out at Greater Dandenong council after a leaked email suggested his organisation was unopposed to on street parking meters. The email sent by Mr Chang to council officers in late 2013 comprises “notes re our meeting” on a “confidential” draft parking management plan for Springvale. The email is in apparent conflict with SABA’s fierce opposition to the council’s plans to install parking meters this year, include. Councillor Peter Brown, who has been singled out for his pro-meters stance, said the email suggested SABA had been in support of parking meters and that there had been proper consultation.

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WANTED - Experienced 2 horse driver must be a capable man. A Kingsbury Dandenong.

LOST - Sunday evening between Hemmings Street and Methodist Church. Next of Kin Badge with bar. Kindly return to Mrs Heywood Hemmings Street.

NEWS

The Dhamma way forward

By Venerable Ol Sam, of Wat Buddharangsi & Cambodian Buddhist Association of Victoria, Springvale South The coronavirus has hit many people around the world with people in fear of the pandemic.

With the practice of mindfulness, they can avoid touching the face and washing hands.

The Buddhist teaching that can help people in current times of fear, anxiety and isolation is to chant these passages for frequent recollection: We are continually driven to old age, there being no way to resist it; We are continually driven to sickness, there being no way to resist it; We are continually driven to death, there being no way to resist it;

We are destined to lose and leave our beloved ones and things.

I am owner of my deed, I am the heir to my deed: I am born of my deed, I am related to my deed; I abide supported by my deed, whatever deed I shall do; For good or for evil, of that I shall be the heir.

Thus, these subjects are recollected every day, together with the Buddha teachings for three characteristics.

The first characteristic, Anicca Lakkhana, means the mark of impermanence.

Everything is ever changing, subject to destruction, and quite unstable and unreliable.

Things are constantly decaying.

No matter how much we may try to hold it, no single thing is the same at this present moment, as it was one moment ago.

For example, when we closely observe and analyze in our mind the flame of a burning candle, we take note of the flame and its five unique features. The features are: momentarily arising, constantly developing, continuing in its normal state, dying down and dying

away. This is the nature of things - growth, continuance, decay and death.

The second characteristic, Dukkha Lakkhana, means dissatisfaction experienced by human and animals. Both human beings and animals suffer. Dukkha Lakkhana is the mark of suffering, stress, frustration, pain, illness, unhappiness, instability. The characteristic of impermanence may also be called the mark of suffering or dissatisfaction.

Thirdly, Anatta Lakkhana or ‘Selflessness’ is the last common mark of everything that exists. Everything is selfless because we cannot find a part in anything which can be called the self. Therefore, there is nothing to possess or control. Mindfulness, meditation and chanting provides spiritual relief.

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.

It’s not over yet.

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

12456703-NG34-20

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

A screenshot from the horse-themed film beamed into aged care homes and retirement villages.

Light relief in aged care homes

Zaynoun Melhem with Rue and Gigi in the new dog park in Tirhatuan Park. 213144

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

A safe space for dogs to roam free Dog walking has become one of the most popular leisure exercise activities during the Covid pandemic.

Which makes the opening of a new dog park a case of perfect timing, says Greater Dandenong councillor Zaynoun Melhem.

The dog park is a space for smaller dogs to

run freely and safely, segregated from the popular off-leash all-dog area in Tirhatuan Park, Dandenong North.

The park includes new water fountains, with seating and shelters to come.

Cr Melhem, whose family keeps two small dogs Rue and Gigi, says residents had called

for a smaller-dog park for years.

“There’s been a lot of incidents with the little dogs pestering the big dogs, or with big dogs hurting the little dogs while playing.”

Tirhatuan Park is home to one of the biggest dog parks in the South East, he said.

Paul serves up nourishing kindness

By Brendan Rees For Paul Furlong, deciding to cook free soup for the needy was an easy one.

“From what I understand there’s about 30 people living in their cars or sleeping on the streets in the Narre Warren itself,” the owner of Driftwood Cafe in Narre Warren said.

Mr Furlong said many people had also been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and he and his wife were happy to do their part by offering free takeaway soup and bread every night to the community from Wednesday to Saturday at 6pm to 7pm.

On the menu will be three mouth-watering varieties of soup including pumpkin; cauliflower, cheese and broccoli; and chicken and vegetable.

“It’ll be really good soup; I’m cooking the whole thing. I wouldn’t call myself a chef or anything but I love cooking,” Mr Furlong said, whose Victor Crescent cafe has been restricted to takeaway since the first round of lockdown.

“I’ve been stuck home now for quite a few months so I thought I need to put my energy into helping.

“There’s a lot of people doing it hard for sure. At least we could something and you can’t beat a good soup.

“We’ve just somehow got to get the word out there. It will build of course I’m sure.”

Mr Furlong, who is also a pastor at The Revival church in Narre Warren, said he would also be open to offering counselling to people doing it tough.

“A big message is that there is hope. If there is hope, there is a future.”

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Paul Furlong of Driftwood Cafe in Narre Warren is ready to serve up soup to the needy. 212979 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

A Dandenong funeral home is beaming in live entertainment to locked-down aged care residents.

Le Pine and White Lady Funerals will stream a horse-themed film and a music concert into a number of aged care homes and retirement villages.

Dandenong Le Pine funeral services manager Peter Sharry said it would bring relief to residents, many of whom were unable to leave their rooms due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“We just wanted to do something nice, create a couple of fun events that would bring a smile to faces during this difficult time,” Mr Sharry said.

The Le Pine Virtual Horse Day replaces the funeral home’s annual horse therapy activity - which was cancelled due to the pandemic.

A pre-recorded 10-minute film was organised to give an update on the horses and a behind-the-scenes look at their stables and homes.

“Our annual horse therapy activity is a highly anticipated event on the calendar of many retirement and aged care homes,” Mr Sharry said.

“We get regular comments from facilities that it is a memorable highlight of the residents’ year.

“The film is designed to be lighthearted and fun, encouraging residents to have a few laughs in a safe environment.”

Music in the Chapel - a pre-recorded live musical session held at Dandenong Le Pine Funerals - was also streamed.

Mr Sharry’s sister and professional singer Annemarie and musicians performed nostalgic hits from the 1950s and 60s.

“In the past we have invited local aged care residents for a morning melodies live session in our chapel,” Mr Sharry said.

“This is the next best thing and can reach even more people.

“Music brings back a lot of positive memories for the older generation and it just a nice, feel good thing to do.”

Music in the Chapel was expected to become a regular event.

“Our chapel has great acoustics and holds 200 people and hopefully once COVID is over we can hold a concert with various local choirs and community church groups.”

A screenshot from Music in the Chapel. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Gardener’s job mown down

By Brendan Rees An out of work gardener is dumbfounded after spotting council workers carrying out maintenance work at Banjo Paterson Park in Lynbrook.

Kyri Matziaris, who has been forced to shut down his gardening business due to the stage-4 restrictions, said he watched on with perplexity as workers carried out lawn mowing and other maintenance at the park on Monday 10 August.

“I do understand and everyone’s got to do their bit. I’m happy to do mine but it’s like a slap in the face when you look at it,” the sole trader said.

Mr Matziaris said prior to the second round of lockdown he had set up his business so he did not “have any contact with clients whatsoever” to serve his 100 clients, many of whom were elderly.

“We go in, get the job done; we lock up, we leave,” he said.

“Social distancing isn’t an issue at all.”

He said he was understanding that the council needed to maintain their grounds but watching them carrying out gardening work was hard and confusing.

“I get what they’re trying to do and it’s not the workers fault.

“People need to walk and I understand that but the council wants you to maintain your natures trips and if someone trips and falls the homeowner is liable.

The father-of-four said he also had a mortgage as well as bills to pay. He said the six-week

lockdown would make money tight.

His partner, who works in child care, has also had her hours slashed to just four hours once a week.

Mr Matziaris, who has been running his business Sparkling Gardens for 15 years, said he was grateful of the State Government’s lockdown stance but wished businesses had some notice.

“It’s easy to say go get a mower but not everyone can do that. It’s just one of those things.

“We do Dandenong Superclinic so there’s a lot of patients there that do suffer different allegories and things.

“It’s hard to understand but it is what it is.”

Casey Council manager of city presentation David Richardson said council was continuing public garden maintenance during Covid-19 Stage 4 restrictions as a permitted industry, as defined by the State Government.

“The health and safety of our staff and the community is our first priority, and in accordance with the State Government’s requirements, council has undertaken a comprehensive Covid Safe Plan which outlines guidelines for hygiene, cleaning, physical distancing, limiting workplace attendance and record keeping,” he said.

“All of our employees have been provided with the appropriate permits to continue working as a permitted industry.”

A council worker at Banjo Paterson Park in Lynbrook.

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Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Sky Rail manager jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A highly-paid former manager on the Sky Rail project has been jailed for his part in work rorts worth more than $160,000.

Kory Oxley, from Berwick, was on a $185,000 salary as a 35-year-old Land Lease foreman on the Caulfield-Dandenong leg of the Level Crossings Removal project in 2017-’18.

He pleaded guilty to orchestrating a timesheets rort in which workers were paid on non-entitled days off - or what the conspirators called “cheese days”.

Over 12 months, he pocketed about half of the $90,328 racket.

Oxley used the proceeds to buy a $24,000 caravan and an $11,500 boat and trailer.

In sentencing on 13 August, County Court

judge Kevin Doyle noted that some workers felt pressured to join the ‘cheese’ scheme.

They were told that “you’re either part of the ship or you’ll be thrown off”, Judge Doyle said.

“You were managing these workers and you had power over them. You roped them into your criminal conduct.

“You were spreading a culture of dishonesty in that workplace.”

Oxley also organised 26 project laborers to do work on his co-offender and boss Steven Winter’s home in Selby over a two-day weekend in August 2018.

Among their multitude of tasks were painting an outbuilding, building a large fence and moving a pile of wood.

Oxley authorised for the team to be paid on

the company dollar.

Though Oxley didn’t reap the benefit, the rort wouldn’t have occurred without his abuse of power, Judge Doyle said.

“I don’t accept that you were somehow prevailed upon to offend in this way by Mr Winter.”

Oxley’s “serious” offending was aggravated by repeatedly breaching his position of trust over an extended period.

At the time he was not complying with a community corrections order designed to address his drug use.

Oxley partly blamed his meth use for his offending, Judge Doyle said.

He noted Oxley’s early guilty plea and lack of previous criminal deceptions. If Oxley could

stop using meth, his rehabilitation prospects were “reasonably good”, Judge Doyle said.

The New Zealand citizen grew up amid family violence, drugs, crime and alcohol, and being “shuffled” among relatives’ homes.

Jail would weigh heavily on Oxley, who was likely to suffer high levels of separation anxiety. So too the possibility of deportation under the Commonwealth Migration Act’s ‘character test’.

Oxley was jailed for nine months, followed by a 15-month community corrections order.

The supervised order included 100 hours of unpaid work as well as mental health, drug and alcohol treatment.

The boat, trailer and caravan were forfeited, and Oxley was ordered to pay back the remainder of the money.

Two unsafe, potholed cricket nets will be replaced by three new, synthetic nets. The works will expand into part of the car park on the left, the tree on the right will be spared.

Silverton Cricket Club snares an extra wicket

By Cam Lucadou-Wells After a public outcry, Silverton Cricket Club has won its bid for new and expanded practice wickets at WJ Turner Reserve.

Greater Dandenong Council agreed to install three new, synthetic nets in an email to the club on 12 August.

The council had opposed extra nets because it would require the $150,000 relocation of a mature gum tree.

In its revised plan, the expanded nets will be built across the “bowl” of the adjacent car park - without any loss of car spaces and with the retention of the tree.

In recent weeks, Silverton Cricket Club, with the backing of a 500-strong petition, had protested against the council reneging on a promise of extra nets.

The growing club, with more than 300 junior players, had long endured dilapidated facilities including unsafe, potholed nets and a floodprone centre wicket.

The cricket amenities hadn’t been upgraded in 40 years, the club said. It had been the only club without at least three practice nets.

In a statement on its Facebook site, the club announced it was “excited” by the council’s latest reversal.

“Never give up, you never know who is counting on you to be strong for them,“ it stated.

The new wickets would “mirror the huge 12 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

investments and gains being made by the club for the community”.

“This is a win for the Noble Park North and City of Greater Dandenong community, for those who travel past multiple grounds to play for us, for every past, current & future junior/senior player, for every parent, supporter and volunteer.

“We now look forward to training for the next 40 years at WJ Turner Reserve with great optimism.” .Mayor Jim Memeti said the solution was a “win-win” for the cricket club and the council.

The new nets would cost up to $60,000 extra on top of a $550,000 upgrade of the pavilion and raising the flood-prone centre wicket.

“The club has been there for 40 years.

They’ve done all the right things.

“And with a bit of consultation, forward and back, we’ve reached a better outcome for the club.”

Cr Zaynoun Melhem said he was confident a solution could be found - even after the council abandoned its fourth attempt of a reserve masterplan in April.

“The club has been a really good community ambassador.

“There was enough community support for the club to make enough of my councillor colleagues realise they required three nets.”

The nets and the centre wicket upgrades

A drain next to the present practice nets at WJ Turner Reserve. The mature gum tree is on the right. would be completed by cricket season, Cr Melhem said.

Cr Maria Sampey said a “workable solution“ had finally been achieved.

A previously proposed location for the nets on the opposite side of the oval would have been an “eyesore“ for neighbouring residents, she said.

The abandoned masterplan concept was

also flawed by cramming in too many elements such as four exercise stations on a 2.5 metre wide footpath around the small reserve, and a basketball court next to a children’s playground.

She said the long-sought pavilion upgrade would provide new and female friendly changerooms and a new equipped kitchen. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

New chapter for the blind

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Challenges are nothing new for Twanny Farrugia.

But the Covid-19 lockdown presents something “really frightening” to the 66-year-old Springvale transplant survivor.

“I’m vulnerable due to my health and my age, but I’m very lucky to be living here in Lexington Retirement Village.

“It’s a beautiful place to go for a walk in the gardens.

“I’m living in my own home so I don’t consider it too bad.”

Legally blind, Mr Farrugia is adept with assistive technology. It helps him connect with friends by video and social media.

But technology also fosters his highly-valued independence, and opens up the world of books.

A remarkable gadget is an OrCam MyEye 2.0 device that reads text into speech.

It allows Mr Farrugia who just sees “blobs and shapes” to enjoy action blockbuster novellists such as Matthew Reilly and Tom Clancy and ballad poets such as ‘Banjo’ Paterson.

Mr Farrugia rates the device as 80 per cent effective. It doesn’t properly read italics or scan tables of data, but he manages to extrapolate the gaps.

After all, it’s 80 per cent effectiveness that he didn’t have before, Mr Farrugia says.

“It’s the joy of having a book in your hand again.

“I like fiction and more fiction. And I have

the time now I have retired.

“When they retire, people say they want to go on a cruise. I wanted time to sit down and have a cup of tea. And I’m achieving that beautifully.”

The device, which attaches to his glasses, also recognizes up to 120 different faces, money denominations, bar codes and colours.

Mr Farrugia looks forward to future versions, which are said to be able to recognise objects such as chairs and doors “I’m lucky I’m not scared of technology. I call them my toys.”

On the other end of the technology scale is his companion and Guide puppy, Annabelle.

“You can’t get depressed in isolation with a puppy. She’s so silly, she keeps me entertained.”

Mr Farrugia felt more isolated when he spent time in hospital quarantine rooms in the 1970s.

He underwent a kidney transplant in 1971, and is now Australia’s second-longest surviving kidney transplant survivor.

He has since endured several chronic health conditions as well as open heart surgery.

“We do live in a ‘lucky country’,” Mr Farrugia said.

“If you’re going to get sick, get sick in Australia.

“If it wasn’t for NDIS funding, I’d be in a nursing home or a group home.”

Twanny Farrugia with his OrCam reading device fixed to his glasses.

FOCUS ON … TAX TIME

Top tips for students to take the stress out of tax time come with tax consequences so it’s best to get advice if you’re unsure.

“You might also find that you have had tax withheld from payments to you, so you’ll need to lodge a tax return to get any amounts that should be refunded back to you.”

Top 10 tax tips for students: If you have had tax withheld from your salary or interest and your taxable income is below the tax-free threshold, lodge a return to get those amounts refunded back to you.

Set up your myGov account to access government services and get your income statement and superannuation information from your employer.

Identify all your sources of income, such as

·

·

·

· ·

·

income from work including tips, investment returns, certain government payments, non-government scholarships, grants and awards, as well as distributions from family trusts or partnerships.

Report income and claim expenses from gig economy jobs. This can include income from running social media accounts or selling goods and services online.

Know your deductions, including work related expenses or self-education expenses.

Remember self-education must be directly related to your work and that HELP debt repayments are not deductible.

Remember that income can include payments you receive in tips, cryptocurrency

and through barter transactions. any gains or losses from cryptocur· Report rencies, especially because the ATO is data-

· · ·

matching information received from digital exchanges.

Get your residency for tax purposes right as the tax rules are different to those used for immigration.

Check that you are getting your superannuation entitlements if you earn more than $450 per month or, if you are under 18 and you work more than 30 hours per week.

Consider the special rules related to tax if you are under 18, for income such as trust distributions, interest, dividends, rent and royalties.

Individual Tax Returns Property Investors Companies & Trusts Self Managed Super Funds Tax Returns Online

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If you are a student, lodging an income tax return may seem a bit daunting. Parents who may be helping can also find it challenging.

JobKeeper brought a boost to many casual workers by increasing their income to $750 per week and students should remember that this income is subject to tax.

CPA Australia’s tax policy adviser Elinor Kasapidis said that “while studying is probably your highest priority, many students take on part-time work, including small cash jobs, or might receive government payments or scholarships to assist during their studies.

You might be more entrepreneurial and have started selling products or investing in financial assets on the side. Many forms of income

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 13

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

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 facade.

What many don’t know is that St John of God Healthcare (SJGHC) is a not-for-profit 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 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

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14 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Leadership under stress Do you have a role model, someone you look up to who sets the standard and embodies how you would like to be? I have two in particular: one is my grandfather (a highly intelligent, yet modest man who was the essence of honesty and integrity) and the other is Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, a famous polar explorer of the early 1900s who has become immortalised through his expeditions to the South Pole.

For me, Shackleton epitomises all the characteristics you would look for in an outstanding leader so let me share with you a bit about the story which first sparked my interest.

Shackleton first accompanied the famous British polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott on a tough trek to the South Pole in 1901 and got closer to the pole than anyone else previously before becoming ill and having to return to the UK. His dreams of becoming the first person to reach the South Pole were shattered when Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen achieved this in 1911, so he resolved to be the first person to cross Antarctica via the South Pole instead and set off on 1st August 2014 on board the ice capable ship Endurance with his team of 28 men and one cat.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH In January 1915, the Endurance became locked in ice and Shackleton and his men had to leave the ship and establish a camp on the floating ice. When the ship sank later that year, Shackleton decided to use the three small lifeboats they had to row to Elephant Island off the southern tip of Cape Horn.

They made it after seven days on the freezing sea but because the island was uninhabited and outside of normal shipping lanes, their chance of getting rescued was slim. Knowing that his team could not survive there for very long and that there was a whaling station at Stromness on South Georgia island, Shackleton chose five of the team and the best lifeboat and somehow made the 1,500km destination through perilous seas sixteen days later de-

spite having to continuously bale water out of the tiny craft.

Huge south-westerly gales forced the crew to set course for the uninhabited south-west side of the island but hurricane winds meant they were unable to land for 24 hours. Everyone was exhausted. Further, Shackleton realised that the boat would not make it to the whaling station and resolved to cross the mountainous island on foot with two of his men (the other three were in poor physical shape), something which had never been done before especially in threadbare clothing and boots.

The three crew members who stayed on the other side of the island were rescued the following morning and on August 25, 1916, Shackleton returned to Elephant Island to rescue the remaining crew members. It is thanks to Shackleton’s leadership that not a single member of his 28-men team died.

This remains one of the most incredible rescues ever and is a testament to Shackleton’s remarkable leadership. The key attributes that shine through for me include: an unfailing belief in his ability to achieve his goal of rescuing his team (in total they were stranded for the better part of two years), persistence and personal resilience (the sailing to Elephant Island and South Georgia must have been incredibly tough and frightening), resourcefulness, planning and organisation (they carefully eked out their supplies of seal meat, blubber and dried milk to keep warm and fed over an extended period). A couple of typical quotes from the great man himself: “Superhuman effort isn’t worth a damn unless it achieves results.”

“Through endurance we conquer.”

Ian Ash is the Managing Director of OrgMent Business Solutions

Youth views encouraged for Mission Australia survey Young people in Dandenong are being asked to share their views and experiences in Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2020.

Mission Australia is urging young people aged 15-19 in Dandenong to participate in the survey before it closes on Friday 14 August.

The survey provides an opportunity for young people to share their personal aspirations and concerns and express the issues they think are important in Australia today.

This year, the survey will continue to have a

This year’s survey comes off the back of a number of challenges faced by the nation, including an unprecedented bushfire season and the Covid-19 pandemic, Mission Australia state leader Michele Leonard said.

“As you would expect, early responses to Youth Survey 2020 so far show that COVID-19 is coming up as a major national issue affecting young people,” she said.

She added early responses also gave insights into how experiences of the pandemic

had impacted on young people’s mental health, as well as their other concerns.

“This year’s Youth Survey results will provide up to date evidence to ensure young people are adequately supported through services and broader policy changes,” she said.

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2020 is open to all young people aged 15-19 yearsold who are living in Australia until 14 August.

To take part in the survey, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey.

Where to pick up a printed copy o your FREE Dandenon Star Journal!

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FREE EVERY TUESDAY

focus on mental health and wellbeing, with a further look into how young people seek help.

The Youth Survey asks new questions around discrimination and transition to employment, along with financial concerns and exclusion.

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey Report 2019 showed young Victorians nominated mental health, the environment and equity and discrimination as the most important issues facing Australia today.

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 15

NEWS

Sketches from the past In the late 1940s the Journal published a series of cartoons by Alec Brierly under the heading ‘Looking Back on The Good Old Days’.

The detailed sketches are humorous vignettes of Dandenong’s early history accompanied by a short yarn explaining the historical context of the moment captured in ink.

One of the cartoons titled ‘Local industry 1866’ shows people holding their noses in disgust as they pass Dandenong Tannery.

In his accompanying text Brierly wrote “A TANNERY, one of the first outside Melbourne, was established on a slope in Gordon Park, facing Kidd’s Rd. It was a doubtful boon to the community, as up till that time it had been generally believed there were no blow-flies in the district!”

Alec Brierly began putting his own interpretation on Dandenong’s early history after reading George F. Roulston’s book, Dandenong’s Early History.

Another cartoon shows Dandenong’s first school as a tent beneath a tree. The headmaster rings a small bell watched by four students ready to start their lessons.

In the caption Brierly wrote - “1851 - The First School Established - The school was started in a tent situated in Langhorne St. on the Church of England grant of land between the present church and Laurel Lodge. There were seven pupils at first, three of whom, being late on this particular morning, were naturally left out of the sketch.”

The Dandenong and District Historical Society holds many of Brierly’s original sketches.

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STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

Will Hamill has made a strong contribution for Adelaide this season. 182660

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Zac Foot (right) is the latest Dandenong Stingray to make his AFL debut.

Picture: ROB CAREW

183170

Former Stingrays shine

By Nick Creely It’s been one incredible season of AFL football for graduates of the Dandenong Stingrays.

The NAB League club out of Shepley Oval in Dandenong has produced many quality league footballers, such as Justin Leppitsch, Aussie Jones, Jeff White, Stephen Milne, Trent Croad, Brendan Fevola, Chris Newman, Matthew Boyd, Nathan Jones, Tom Scully, Luke Parker and Tom Lynch, but its latest batch of youngsters coming through the AFL system is making some serious noise.

Stingray premiership star Zac Foot became the latest player drafted from the NAB League club to make his AFL debut, with the speedster

showing his wares in an impressive game for the Sydney Swans in a memorable win against the GWS in Perth last Thursday evening.

It means from the past two drafts, eight Stingrays graduates have made their AFL debuts in 2020, with Hayden Young (Fremantle), Cody Weightman (Western Bulldogs), Ned Cahill (Essendon), Sam Sturt (Fremantle), Will Hamill (Adelaide), Toby Bedford (Melbourne), Matt Cottrell (Carlton) and now Foot all getting the chance to impress on the big stage.

Foot - a vital part of the Stingrays’ first NAB League premiership in 2018, which has now seen several players go on to establish themselves at AFL level - was energetic around the forward half in the Swans’ dominant victory,

snagging a goal after a strong contested mark in the third, before cooly slotting the set-shot.

The exciting youngster told SwansTV of his excitement after being told he would be making his debut by senior coach John Longmire.

“I rang mum and dad straight away, mum was over the moon and they were probably more excited than I am,” he said.

“It was a dream of my old man’s to play AFL footy and he didn’t quite get there, so I guess I’ve followed in his footsteps.”

He spoke of the areas of his game he had to work on to put his hand up for an AFL debut, with the youngster drafted with pick 51 in the 2018 AFL draft.

“A big thing for me working on was my running patterns, and working up and down the ground,” he said.

“When a few of the boys were starting to debut, it was probably my pressure side that needed to improve, and be at that level.

“And the last few games I guess it’s been at that level, and it’s paid off for me.”

There’s just a handful of Stingray graduates on AFL lists yet to make their AFL debut, with Oscar Clavarino (St Kilda, 2017 draft), Bailey Williams (West Coast, 2018), Sam Fletcher (Gold Coast, 2018), Mitch Riordan (Gold Coast, 2019), Sam De Koning (Geelong, 2019), and Bigoa Nyuon (Richmond, 2019) all looking to make a splash throughout the 2020 season.

Shooting star is soaring to impressive new heights By sports editor Russell Bennett Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, and its associated challenges, Basketball Australia has announced the most recent group of athletes to receive scholarships to the Centre of Excellence at the world-renowned Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Among them is Cranbourne West product Nyadiew Puoch, who plays at Dandenong.

She was selected in the Victorian High Performance Program for 2019-20, and was also chosen earlier this year to represent the Vic Metro under-18 girls team.

She’d previously been selected in the Vic Metro under-16 girls side, which claimed the gold medal at the 2019 Australian Junior Championships in Darwin.

Puoch was announced as a new Centre of Excellence scholarship athlete for 2020, and will start once she’s given the approval to travel from Victoria.

The Centre of Excellence brings together the best young basketballers from around Australia to live and train together in a highperformance training environment - with the assistance of elite coaches.

Puoch is expected to join the program in Term 4, while South Australian Isobel Borlase is expected to join in late January when the program starts up in 2021.

Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence women’s head coach Kristen Veal spoke about the opportunity awaiting Puoch and Borlase.

“Despite these uncertain and challenging times for many, we are fortunate to be able to provide two very promising athletes the amazing opportunity of a Centre of Excellence scholarship at the world-renowned 18 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

Nyadiew Puoch is a rising star of Victorian basketball.

Puoch was a picture of concentration at the Australian Championships in Darwin last year.

Pictures: COURTESY OF BASKETBALL VICTORIA

Australian Institute of Sport,” she said.

“Through extensive talent identification pre-Covid, we are excited about Nyadiew and Isobel’s international athleticism, skillsets, and enthusiasm for the game - which have clearly shown through in their high perfor-

mance programs, at National Championships, and at Australian camps.

“We believe they will embrace and excel in the daily training environment.

“We look forward to both young ladies joining the current cohort and believe they

will be great additions to the group and program.”

Another Dandenong Rangers product Emily Sewell - has also received a six-month extension to her own Centre of Excellence scholarship. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

‘Toby’ aces the Vic sprint

By Jason Adams Weblec Ace was victorious in last Thursday night’s Victorian Sprint Championship final.

He began well, while race favourite Simon Told Helen showcased his brutal acceleration to lead clearly. Weblec Ace was left with a mission, though unlike recent starts had room to gather early momentum. He finished hard and passed Simon Told Helen late to win by oneand-a-half lengths.

“Once he settled where he did I knew he was going to be hard to hold out. His run home times have always been sensational,” said Jason Ireland, handler and representative for trainer Jeff Britton.

This time last year Weblec Ace, or ‘Toby’ as he’s known at home, started favourite in the Warragul St Leger with no luck, and then went on to win the Cranbourne Classic. At a heat of the Ballarat Cup in December he went amiss and spent the early part of 2020 on the sidelines.

Since returning in June, he’s reminded everyone why he was held in such high regard. In July he stepped up to 600 metres and, although not claiming a scalp, his strength was clear.

“He took it right up to Hooked On Scotch in his last start over ‘600’ - he was also super in his heat and final of the McKenna Memorial,” Ireland said.

“He defeated Get It Gizmo in the Cranbourne Classic last year. Gizmo went on to win the Topgun, while ‘Toby’ spent a lot of that time at home.

“He needs his confidence up and he’s got that now - we could see him get on a roll from here.”

Traditionally, he would go on to represent

Weblec Ace after taking out last week’s Victorian Sprint Championship final. the ‘Big V’ at the National Sprint final, however it was cancelled due to the pandemic. Though he does earn a spot in semi-finals of New

South Wales’ Million Dollar Chase.

“It’s an option for Jeff but as we know it’s quite tough at the moment with closed bor-

ders,” Ireland added.

“The team will weigh up (all) options and decide on what’s best.”

The mighty Hooked On Scotch has been retired to stud

By Adam Dobbin The career of once in a lifetime sprinter Hooked On Scotch has drawn to a close with a fresh injury curtailing the son of Barcia Bale’s much-hyped comeback to racing.

The Jason Thompson-trained megastar retires to stud as the winner at 16 of his 27 race starts, with five of those victories at Group race level, including two at Group 1.

“I said to Jason that if he injured himself again we’d pull the pin, and that’s what happened at his last start at Sandown,” said partowners Darren and Michael Puleio recently.

“He hurt his stopper again and we always said that we wouldn’t race the guts out of him so it’s just the right time. He’ll stand at stud now for $2,200. He’s given us some fantastic memories - the dog is one in a million.”

It was only July last year when a wet behind the ears Hooked On Scotch, a regally bred son of Barcia Bale and Nicki Fields, began his racing career.

And it didn’t take long for the blueblood to show the racing world what he was capable of - running a spectacular 29.09 at Sandown Park at just his fifth race start.

“In pre-training he was running times faster than his older half-brothers Poke The Bear and Out Of Range at the same stage so we knew we had something pretty special,” Puleio added.

After just eight racetrack appearances, the fashionably bred sprinter downed the likes of Sennachie and Feral Franky to claim the Group 3 Speed Star at Sandown in 29.11, a performance that paved the way for a tilt at the Group 1 Adelaide Cup at Angle Park last October.

“For me it was his win in the Adelaide Cup Final that will always stand out the most,” Puleio said.

“To give champion greyhounds like Sennachie and Whiskey Riot a start and a beating the way he did was just unbelievable. It still makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.”

Following Hooked On Scotch’s remarkable Adelaide Cup triumph, the boom chaser went on to claim wins in the Group 2 Geelong Cup, Group 3 Shootout and Group 1 Hobart dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Hooked On Scotch captured the attention of greyhound racing fans across the country.

Thousand, rubber-stamping his standing as one of the fastest greyhounds to grace a racetrack.

And this was all before he turned two years-of-age.

But in early January things went amiss for the prodigious talent after pulling up injured following a near record heat win of the Group 2 Warragul Cup - the final seemingly at his mercy.

“I could count on one hand the number of dogs that have come back to race after injuring the stopper tendon the way he did,” offered Thompson.

“We were always up against it getting him back to the track, and to spend five months on the sidelines and still return to run the times he did just shows what kind of dog he is.”

Returning to the track in May on Warrnambool on Cup night, Hooked On Scotch carved

out a slick 24.94 for victory before going on to race another seven times for three wins, including a sizzling 33.81 at his Sandown Park 595-metre debut.

Wedged in between those efforts was a sizzling 29.55 heat win of the Group 1 Brisbane Cup at Albion Park.

“Even though he was winning you could just tell the injury was limiting his ability to really let go like we came to expect,” Puleio said.

“But to even come back and race the way he did shows the type of dog he is. Things went pear shaped in January at Warragul and it’s easy to stop and think what might have been had he not been injured but that’s racing.”

A son of undisputed king of the siring ranks Barcia Bale out of Nicki Fields whose progeny is responsible for almost 200 race wins and $1.5 million in earnings, Hooked

Picture: SUPPLIED On Scotch has all the ingredients to be a huge hit at stud.

Boasting the Sandown track record at a rampaging 28.94, other times beside the star galloper’s name include a 29.19 romp at Angle Park, a 25.34 run at Warragul, and a 25.49 performance at Hobart.

“It didn’t matter where you took him, or over what distance, he’d just run time and break records,” Thompson said.

“Had it not been for the injury in January his record could have been just about anything.

“The dog is an absolute freak and I’ve got no doubt he’ll go on to throw just as successfully.”

This article first appeared on thegreyhoundrecorder.com.au and has been republished with permission.

Tuesday, 18 August, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 19