EHD Star Journal - 24th November 2020

ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON

Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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Aziz’s IBAC ‘kick’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A property investor offered Casey ex-mayor Sam Aziz a “bit of a kick” during discussions over a land sale in Narre Warren, an IBAC inquiry has heard.

In a secret phone tap on 21 December 2018, Mr Aziz asks his “friend” and Action Group Australia director Andrew Nehme for a personal loan of about $500,000.

Mr Nehme offers to contact a potential private lender ‘Kevin’.

He then requests Mr Aziz to “have a look” at the council providing “comfort” to Action Group’s hopes to sell Casey Lifestyle Centre and nearby offices in Regency Drive.

“Nothing’s going to happen between now and the obvious time but you know where I’m coming from where I’m thinking you could get a bit of a kick out of (the) deposit on the house,” Mr Nehme says.

The purchaser was a “very wealthy mob” Newmark who wanted to relocate Bunnings “out the back”, he says.

There were also plans to open a Kaufland supermarket on the Regency Drive office site.

Three weeks later on a covertly-recorded phone call, Mr Aziz arranges for Casey planning director Peter Fitchett to meet with Newmark.

“I’ve been approached by Andrew (Nehme) because the entire sale is contingent on what might happen in the future in terms of what Council’s contemplation might be.”

Mr Aziz says he wants to “stay at complete arm’s length” but offered to support the proposal with a notice of motion on what’s the best future use of the site.

On the same day, Mr Aziz tells Mr Nehme on a surveilled phone call that Mr Fitchett appeared a “lot more receptive” to the idea of “giving some sort of comfort”.

“It’s probably because of the fact that we’ve

DANDENONG 9794 0010

Casey Lifestyle Centre currently got a planning review ... (we are) putting on hold the renewal of employment contracts for many of our senior planning officers.

“So we’re using this opportunity basically to get the right outcome.”

Mr Aziz says he’s keeping at “arms length” but would be “in the background fighting for the right outcome all the way through”.

“I just want everything to happen in a very clinical fashion as everything that’s happened before.”

At the IBAC Operation Sandon hearing on 18 November, Mr Aziz said he wasn’t sure what the “kick” was.

“I think he was referring to the deposit that he wanted to arrange to help my private refinance go through a lot quicker.

“It was something that was never pursued ... I wasn’t comfortable with the whole process of how it’s going.”

Mr Aziz said he instead secured finance from a public lender.

IBAC heard that finance was secured on 11 January 2019 - two days after the tapped calls with Mr Fitchett and Mr Nehme.

IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich asked if Mr Aziz regarded Mr Nehme’s approach as an “improper inducement”.

“The answer is no,” Mr Aziz replied.

“And the reason it’s no is because there was no decision making in my hands. Why would someone offer someone a bribe...”

There was no conflict of interest representing Mr Nehme’s request because he was conducting “advocacy” to council officers who make the decision, Mr Aziz said.

He said that he was highlighting “job creation” as an objective to Mr Fitchett.

“Nobody was going to lose their job” in the planning review - “and that’s not a decision for a councillor to make”.

He knew Mr Fitchett was months from retiring at the time, he told the inquiry.

Mr Aziz was not ‘fighting in the back-

Sam Aziz at the IBAC hearing on 18 November. ground’ for comfort given to the purchaser, but for “global issues to do with the future of planning and strategic planning in the City of Casey”, he said.

Continued page 6

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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Cheers for budget boost $49 million “vision” to upgrade the campus.

Building for stage one was hoped to start in mid-2021.

The school is raising funds for stage two - a gymnasium so Physical Education classes are no longer held in rain.

Emerson School is also lobbying for a pedestrian crossing and traffic lights on Heatherton Road.

It is the only Melbourne metropolitan school without a pedestrian crossing or traffic light management, Ms Norman said.

Mr Mooney was hopeful that the dangerous situation would soon be rectified - at about the same time as the school’s upgrade commenced.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams is advocating to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Jaala Pulford for funding.

The project was a “high priority” for Ms Williams, she said.

Across Victoria, the State Government has started a $7.2 billion school building blitz across 1460 Victorian campuses.

It will create 7500 local jobs, the State Government says.

In recent months, St Mary’s Primary School in Dandenong received $2 million for an upgrade.

A builder has been appointed to create the new Endeavour Hills Specialist School set to open in 2022.

Dandenong West Primary School’s $5.2 million upgrade was also recently completed.

Education James Merlino said the program

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A stunning $14 million announcement was greeted with euphoric cheers across Emerson School.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams got on the school’s PA to announce the State Budget funding for the school’s long-overdue major upgrade on Friday 20 November.

The funding for a new office, learning areas and library is the Heatherton Road campus’s first major infrastructure since it opened in 1973.

It comes on top of a recent $1.56 million to plan the school’s masterplan.

“There’s been a vision for the future that we’ve always had,” principal John Mooney said.

“Now we can make it a reality.”

Emerson School is one of three schools in the region sharing more than $24 million in upgrades in a big-spending Victorian Budget on 24 November.

Carwatha P-12 College has been granted $4.214 million to upgrade its VCE Centre, Building F and soccer field.

Kingswood Primary School in Dingley Village meanwhile gets a $6.249 million upgrade.

Emerson School had well outgrown its 47-year-old campus, resorting to teach students in foyers and some of the oldest portables in Victoria.

It was using nine shipping containers for storage.

Mr Mooney said the school has a four-year,

Emerson School principal John Mooney, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Lynn Carland and Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS David Walsh. 221758 was an “investment in our kids and their future”.

“Because every child, no matter where they go to school, deserves access to state-of-theart facilities.

“Schools are the heart of our communities, so it makes sense that we’re investing in upgrades to support local jobs to drive our economic recovery.”

Protestors stride out against family violence scourge Walkers took to Greater Dandenong’s streets separately but unified by a cause on Friday 20 November.

The eighth annual Walk Against Family Violence - usually an inspiring group march in central Dandenong - went virtual due to Covid restrictions.

This White Ribbon Day, walkers shared photos of themselves wearing orange or a Walk Against Family Violence T-shirt striding out in their neighbourhoods..

Photos were sent to Greater Dandenong City Council on Facebook and Instagram and using the hashtag #walkwithus.

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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Driver jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A suspended, ice-using truck-driver who ran red lights and catastrophically injured a 17-year-old student on a school crossing on Police Road, Mulgrave has been jailed.

Chas Nicholson, 51, of Officer, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious injury, driving while suspended and drug-driving at the Victorian County Court.

His conduct was a “gross breach” of his responsibilities as a truck driver. It must be “unequivocably denounced”, sentencing judge Mark Dean said on 20 November.

On 6 February about 3pm, Nicholson’s fully-laden tip-truck ran two red lights as it entered the supervised crossing outside Nazareth College.

The traffic lights were red for at least five seconds.

Nicholson didn’t attempt to brake, his truck’s speed was an estimated 40-47km/h in the 40km/h school zone.

A high-vis crossing supervisor was able to push two students out of harm’s way.

But student Willow Griffiths was struck by the truck despite her efforts to avoid it. She was thrown 12 metres by the impact.

Watched on by school-mates, an unconscious Ms Griffiths was resuscitated by paramedics.

She remained in The Alfred hospital’s intensive care unit for five months with an “extremely serious” brain injury as well as chest, spinal and skull fractures.

She will likely suffer life-long cognitive impairment, and remain in hospital through 2021.

Ms Griffiths’ recorded victim impact statement attests to her “enormous courage and resilience”, Judge Dean said.

“It also graphically underlines the devastat-

ing consequences to her of your offending.”

Impact statements also told of a “devastating”, “profound” impact on Ms Griffiths’ immediate family and wide circle of friends.

At the time, Nicholson was suspended from driving due to demerit points. He’d been previously convicted for suspended driving in 2009 and 2010.

He had amphetamine and methamphetamine in his system, which he admitted was due to smoking ice two days earlier, Judge Dean said.

The judge accepted Nicholson, a regular ice user, didn’t know the drugs were still in his system.

“What is clear is that it was prohibited for you to drive a vehicle with any amount of illicit drugs in your system because it was not safe to do so.”

Judge Dean rejected a defence submission for a combined jail-and-community-corrections-order for the former student at Beaconhills Christian College, Pakenham.

“A clear message must be sent by this court to truck drivers and operators of heavy vehicles that offending of this nature will be met by the imposition of a significant term of imprisonment on conviction.”

Nicholson’s deep remorse, “good” rehabilitation prospects and depressive disorder were noted.

Born in the UK, he had lived in Australia for nearly 40 years but was not an Australian citizen.

He faced mandatory visa cancellation and a possible risk of deportation, which would weigh heavily on him, Judge Dean said.

Nicholson was jailed for up to two-yearsand-nine-months - including an 18-month non-parole period.

He was disqualified from driving for three years, starting from 1 April 2022.

The former Commonwealth Bank Building, which is the site of a proposed electronic billboard.

Picture: VCAT

VCAT rejects billboard

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A proposed 40-square-metre electronic billboard in central Dandenong has been rejected by the state’s planning tribunal.

VCAT found that the sign at the top of the three-storey former Commonwealth Bank building at 260-264 Lonsdale Street would be too “dominant”.

The north-facing sign would be “clearly visible” to pedestrians, particularly approaching from Clow Street, VCAT member Michelle Blackburn stated on 17 November.

“I disagree with the suggestion of the applicant that it will be on the periphery of their views ... In addition, there is a small area of open space just to the north of the site and seating within the boulevard which the proposed sign will, in my view, be a relatively dominant feature.”

The site was particularly prominent due to Lonsdale Street’s bend and the relatively low-rise buildings, she stated.

“The scale, form and location of the proposed sign is such that it will have a dominating visual presence, particularly to those entering the activity centre from the north.

“I consider this will detract from, rather than complement the streetscape.”

Ms Blackburn said the sign would “draw attention away” from the coloured light poles feature in Lonsdale Street’s median strip near Drum Theatre.

Greater Dandenong Council had earlier rejected the sign due to its visual impact on the revitalised Lonsdale Street boulevard.

The council’s ‘gateways strategy’ states advertising such as billboards, A-frames, inflatables, flags and banners are to be avoided at “key corner sites”.

The applicant 260 Lonsdale Street Pty Ltd argued the sign would complement the boulevard, with the sign on the “periphery” of the light pole feature.

The billboard was part of a history of signs fronting the main street, it argued.

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Sheik ‘bribe’ denial

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Casey ex-mayor Sam Aziz has been accused of taking a bribe linked to the council’s $20 million sell off of the Casey Lifestyle Centre in the Fountain Gate precinct.

Mr Aziz was grilled at the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry over his support for the sale over several years and an alleged “sham” $251,000 loan from his “friend” Andrew Nehme.

Mr Nehme is director of property investor company Action Group Australia - a subsidiary of a Kuwait-based firm controlled by Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah.

After some resistance, the council sold the 4-hectare Casey Lifestyle Centre to Action Group for $28 million in 2016.

Counsel assisting IBAC Michael Tovey said Mr Aziz was given the $251,000 “corrupt” payment for assisting Mr Nehme with the sale.

Mr Aziz replied: “Totally incorrect, and the removal that I had from the (tender) process proves that in itself.

“It is a process that you do not want to understand because you want to incriminate me no matter what.

“I had no involvement in the sale process.

There was no corrupt payment from Mr Nehme.”

In 2013, Mr Aziz first raised a council motion initiating the sell-off of the lifestyle centre site by public tender.

In June that year, Mr Nehme wrote to Sheik Mubarak telling him that then-deputy mayor Aziz would pursue the sale in a “timely manner”.

“I mentioned to him that the market review was in August 2013 and he responded with ‘let’s try and get this finalised before then’.”

Mr Aziz “feels compelled to respond with a favour to me” due to Mr Nehme helping Mr Aziz’s then wife and dentist.

Casey Lifestyle Centre was sold for $20 million to Action Group in 2016.

Mr Nehme had put her in contact with a health insurance provider, helping her become a Medibank-preferred provider, the inquiry heard.

“So let’s put him to the test”, Mr Nehme wrote.

Mr Aziz told the inquiry the “favour” was “definitely an overstatement”. He said he had no relationship with Mr Nehme at the time.

“There was no expectation that there will be a return favour.

“The process was going to be a long and highly regulated exercise on the part of the City of Casey and I have no power to compel or force the sale of the property.”

At the inquiry, Mr Aziz said he didn’t know that Action Group had applied to buy the site until the “secretive” tender process ended.

“Because the process was done through a competitive tender I wasn’t sure if he was going to be a participant.

“I had a suspicion he would be because he told me that that’s what they wanted to do.

“It was done at total arm’s length from the political council, for obvious reasons.”

Mr Aziz didn’t become friends with Mr Nehme until 2017, after the sale, he said.

On 29 September 2016, two months after the sale’s approval, Mr Nehme transferred $21,000 into Mr Aziz’s then-wife’s account.

Mr Aziz said he couldn’t recall the transfer.

“The $21,000 is a total mystery to me.”

In October and November, a $230,000 loan from Mr Nehme was paid into the same account in three instalments - according to an affidavit signed by Mr Nehme as part of Mr Aziz’s divorce proceedings.

The funds were to pay off a loan for dental surgery equipment, as well as share market losses and completion costs of a property development, Mr Aziz said.

Mr Tovey asserted $214,000 was instead paid on a mortgage against the Aziz family home in Moondarra Drive, Berwick, $10,000 on his then-wife’s credit card and $3000 on a mortgage for a property in Officer.

He accused Mr Aziz that it was part of a “total fabrication to defraud your wife of $230,000” “That $230,000 had been paid to you as a bribe?”

Mr Aziz said: “Absolutely not. That is the most ridiculous assertion I’ve heard so far.”

He said the loan restored the mortgages, which had been drawn down to pay off the debts such as dental equipment.

He told the inquiry he had been in “dire financial straits” with $18,000 of monthly commitments.

Mr Tovey said the $230,000 amount corresponded to the amount missing from the $600,000 cash that Mr Aziz lent to developer John Woodman.

Mr Aziz had told IBAC under oath that he lent Mr Woodman only $370,000.

Aziz’s IBAC ‘kick’ From page 1 Action Group bought the lifestyle centre and nearby offices in Regency Drive from Casey Council for $28 million in 2016.

The sell-off was supported by Mr Aziz through council motions over several years.

He denies that he assisted Mr Nehme because councillors were kept away from the sale tender process.

Mr Aziz told the IBAC inquiry he became friends with Mr Neime after the sale in July 2016.

In September that year, Mr Nehme transferred $21,000 into Mr Aziz’s thenwife’s account.

Mr Nehme allegedly lent a further $230,000 to Mr Aziz via his wife’s account in October and November - what IBAC’s counsel-assisting claimed was a “fabrication” to defraud his ex-wife in divorce proceedings.

In 2013, Mr Nehme wrote to Action Group’s Kuwait parent company’s Sheik Mubarak Al-Sabah that Mr Aziz “feels compelled to respond with a favour to me”.

Mr Aziz told the inquiry the “favour” was “definitely an overstatement”. He said he had no relationship with Mr Nehme at the time.

“There was no expectation that there will be a return favour.

“The process was going to be a long and highly regulated exercise on the part of the City of Casey and I have no power to compel or force the sale of the property.”

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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Council ‘take over’ plot

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Ex-Casey mayor Sam Aziz has revealed an attempt with Jim’s Mowing founder Jim Penman to “take over” Yarra Ranges Council with a likeminded group of councillors.

The aim was to install a predominantly Liberal “working majority” - “good people” to replicate the “success” of Casey Council, he told an IBAC inquiry on 16 November.

They would be community servants with skills in business and “good governance”, Mr Aziz said.

Mr Aziz said he had been in talks with Mr Penman, Jim’s Group chief executive Tino Grossi as well as members of Mr Aziz’s “political circle” about the “project”.

Mr Penman had expressed “great frustration” about Yarra Ranges councillors, Mr Aziz said.

Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey, asked if Mr Aziz wanted to export a “model of corruption” from Casey to Yarra Ranges.

Mr Aziz, who is under investigation over allegedly corrupt land deals at the Operation Sandon inquiry, dismissed the “ridiculous question”.

“There’s no corruption or behaviour traits, as you describe, Mr Tovey, in relation to Casey Council.”

It achieved a “majority of hard-working individuals” delivering “one of the best local governments this country has ever seen”, he said.

“Our financial position speaks for it in terms of the council budget.

“The achievements we’ve made speaks for it, and I was trying to deliver that model to another council.

“As it turned out that was a very short-lived aspiration because of the commencement of the IBAC inquiry.”

Mr Aziz said he’d become an “expert” in getting candidates elected onto council. He dis-

Jim Penman, founder of Jim’s Group, had consulted with Casey ex-mayor Sam Aziz on taking over Yarra Ranges Council, IBAC heard.

Sam Aziz at the IBAC hearing on 16 November.

cussed with former Casey mayor Janet Halsall with helping the Yarra Ranges push.

In the 2016 Casey council election, Mr Aziz enlisted Ms Halsall as campaign manager for about 20 candidates that “we wanted to support”.

He said he had no knowledge about developer John Woodman funding their campaigns.

Substantial fundraisers had been held for candidates, including Cr Aziz himself.

The inquiry had earlier heard Mr Woodman bankrolled the effort with between $50,000$98,000.

False invoices for the campaign were allegedly funnelled through Ms Halsall’s mattress shop.

Mr Aziz told the inquiry that he may have

“So to actually financially fund a campaign to even put one brochure out is quite expensive.”

Mr Aziz’s campaign may not have received any of the Woodman funding, she told the inquiry.

Mr Woodman had told the inquiry that he paid about $50,000.

Prior to the election, candidates were rated

by Mr Woodman’s associates as either “friendly”, opponents or unknown in their attitude towards Amendment C219.

The amendment was proposed to rezone a large tract of industrial land in Cranbourne West to residential use - a push that was being driven by Mr Woodman and developer Leighton.

spoken to Mr Woodman and Woodman lobbyist Lorraine Wreford.

But they weren’t “decision makers” in Mr Aziz’s strategy.

Ms Wreford was told to “keep her nose out”, Mr Aziz said.

According to Ms Wreford, Mr Aziz pitched the scheme to Mr Woodman over lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Dandenong.

Ms Wreford said her own part was to ensure “invoices got paid, nothing else”.

Mr Aziz had pitched the idea on the basis of helping candidates “who don’t have the means to run for council”, Ms Wreford said.

“If you have a ward in the City of Casey, it’s almost as big as a state electorate.

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STAR JOURNAL 7

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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Free parking bonus

By Gabriella Payne With Christmas in the air, the City of Greater Dandenong is spreading the good cheer by implementing a range of changes to parking fees in central Dandenong, as a road to recovery for the local community.

All on-street parking fees will be waived in central Dandenong until Thursday 31 December 2020, to encourage shoppers to buy from local businesses and support the retail precinct.

Chief executive officer Mr John Bennie said it was hoped that with the offer of free parking, more people would shop local.

“This will help Greater Dandenong businesses recover from the challenging events of 2020 sooner, particularly as we lead up to the festive season,“ he said.

The council will also introduce free parking before 10am at the Dandenong Market, in order to spread out crowds on site.

From Friday 13 November, free parking will be available until 10am on market days (Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays), in addition to the current all-day free parking available on Sundays.

“We hope this will attract people in the early morning, and even out the numbers across the day,“ Mr Bennie said.

Dandenong market general manager, Jennifer Hibbs, said: “with only five weeks to Christmas, the market will get very busy and we know some customers want to avoid those peak times between 10am and 2pm. Free parking before 10am every market day is a wonderful initiative.”

Although free, time limits still apply and will be enforced, so that all shoppers maintain easy access to the retail precinct.

Ms Hibbs encouraged market-goers to visit in the morning and make use of the free parking.

The car was impounded.

Hoons are pulled up

The free parking initiative is hoped to encourage people to shop in the heart of Dandenong.

“Now that the weather is warmer, it’s easier to get up earlier,” she said. “It’s my favourite time to shop at the market anyway, when it first opens and the early morning sun shines through the market windows and doors and everything is fresh.”

The City of Greater Dandenong Council stated that the offer of free parking does not include off-street car parks in central Dandenong or the market car parks after 10am.

While the council hopes to see more people out and about supporting the local community in coming weeks, they reiterated the im-

portance of maintaining Covid safe measures.

“While it’s important to attract more people back to local business, it’s also vital to make sure we all stay safe so we can stay open,” Mr Bennie said.

A marquee has been set up at the Dandenong market by the DHHS and council staff, to offer assistance with Covid safe practices to traders and hand out free masks and information to the general public.

For more information about the free parking announcement, visit the City of Greater Dandenong website: https://greaterdandenong.com/

Over 50 cars were discovered by police in an illegal hoon gathering doing burnouts, drifting and other dangerous driving in the heavy rain at night on Wednesday 11 November.

Officers from the Frontline Tactical Unit were out patrolling the area when they came across the gathering on Remington Drive in Dandenong South.

As soon as police arrived at the scene the cars began to scatter, with some almost hitting the police vehicle.

While many offenders got away, police were able to identify the registration of a silver Holden Commodore that performed a burnout and failed to stop when directed.

The vehicle was located and stopped by police a short time after, where the male driver was apprehended and his car impounded.

The alleged culprit faces a fee of $938 for the impounding, and will receive a summons to attend court and explain his actions to a Magistrate at a later date.

Anyone with information about the illegal gathering is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Going for goal in the world game

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

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Property Lift out

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

His life for others

By Casey Neill

Lee Tarlamis.

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

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

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

“I didn’t do it to get acknowledgement.

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

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

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

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

throughout those two years,” he said.

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

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

Initially that was through the Keysborough Learning Centre.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I really enjoyed the community stuff.

“Politics became that vehicle to do it.”

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Happy 100th An ever-active Fred Kilby celebrated 100 years with family face-to-face and online on Monday 16 November.

When he was born, the world faced the post World War I rebuild, the Spanish Flu epidemic and his beloved Richmond Tigers won their first premiership.

A century on, there must be a sense of life coming full circle.

The World War II naval veteran and Keysborough Bowls Club life member keeps up a regular exercise regime including quoits, hookey and carpet bowls at Belvedere Aged Care in Noble Park.

He is still known to regale stories of his wartime service on the “Stella” to Carwatha Secondary College students for their VCAL history assignments.

Born in 1920 in Richmond, Fred was brought up in a single-parent home in Collingwood.

“Life was hard then and was going to get worse with the looming depression and WWII rapidly approaching,” a Belvedere spokesperson said.

Mr Kilby enlisted in the Royal Australian

Navy as a stoker - just 16 days after marrying his 17-year-old bride Shirley.

Their loving, happy marriage continued for almost 50 years.

Mr Kilby was discharged from naval service after the Second World War, in May 1946.

The Kilbys settled in Hamilton, Victoria where Fred maintained the power station. So began a long career as a linesman for the State Electrical Commission of Victoria (SEC).

The family moved to Mordialloc in the early 1950’s, where Mr Kilby single-handedly built their home over many years.

It was in keeping with his values of “living within your means” and “doing it yourself”.

Mr Kilby celebrated his 100-year milestone in touch with his two children, six grandchildren and six great-children.

He received letters, cards and well wishes from the Queen, the Governor-General, Victorian Governor, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and local MPs. Belvedere presented him with a framed montage of photos from his times at Keysborough Bowling Club.

Fred Kilby with memorabilia from his naval service.

Fred Kilby displays his fellowship with AFL premiership team Richmond.

Plaza Black Friday sale

Fred Kilby cuts the cake on his 100th birthday.

Fred Kilby and wife Shirley.

Pictures: THE KILBY FAMILY

Black Friday sales are back at Armada Dandenong Plaza on Friday 27 November.

Last year’s popular discount item was the Nintendo Switch, while this year’s hot prediction is the Xbox series X, says centre manager Mark Tannahill.

Other discounted items have yet to be announced.

They include small and big screen Smart TVs, fitness tech, active wear, gaming laptops, Air pods pros, noise-reducing headphones and wireless buds, all season fashions, multisport watches and smart watches.

Homewares and electricals such as Dyson stick vacs and air purifiers are also on special.

Mr Tannahill said shoppers should start checking early for clues on items for sale.

Some sales will start up to two days early and will be extended all week, he said.

“November Black Friday Sales are always a much anticipated event annually however this year you can expect to see some really amazing deals from retailers across the board.

“It is the ideal time to search for preChristmas bargains.”

Shoppers will have the chance to win one of five $300 centre gift cards on 27 November.

For terms and conditions, visit armadadandenongplaza.com.au For more information visit: www.armadadandenongplaza.com.au

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 11

LOOKING BACK 100 years ago November 25 1920 Returned Sailors & Soldiers League To the Editor Official attention has been called to a letter which appeared in your issue of November 18, containing grave reflections on a respected member of this council, Mr W W Marriott; in the form of a specious suggestion relative to his war service. It is difficult to conceive, at this stage in our history, anything more contemptible than that of unjustifiably calling in question the War Service of the men who have proved by their ready response to the call of Empire, the highest virtue that citizens of any country can be called upon to put into practice. Your correspondent asks - “what is the war record of this mighty warrior?” and proceeds with the words “rumour hath it” but

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

is not courageous enough to publish the rumour. Your readers will I feel sure, be glad to learn the answer to “one of the ungrateful public’s” question. Mr Marriott has furnished his war record: 1899 to 1901 Boer War; 1906 Zulu war; the Great War, enlisted 19/8/1914 discharged 10/9/1916 for medical unfitness not due to misconduct.

50 years ago 19 November 1970 Big stadium to open The Dandenong City Council Youth Stadium on Mills Reserve in Cleeland St will be opened by the Mayor Cr Arthur Gatley at 3pm on Friday November 27. The Lions Club contributed $15,000 to the project which cost council more than $110,000. The stadium was designed and built by council employees with the assistance of sub-contractors. It

comprises a main 120ft by 60ft hall, change and store rooms, a kitchen and toilets. Future projects at Mills Reserve include: a major oval, a ground to serve for hockey and soccer, and swimming pool complex of four or five pools.

such an impact that the streets in Springvale were the “quietest” he’d seen them in years.

“We were aiming to have a long term impact on the street drug trade and on the 1010 Amusement Centre in Springvale Road.

20 year ago

23 November 2015 Attitudes under pressure in family violence hotspot The Dandenong region has one of the highest family violence rates in Victoria. So Dandenong MP Gabriel Williams is joining the 16 day Victoria Against Violence campaign. It starts on 25 November and will engage and educate people about the links between family violence and gender inequality. “One in three Australian women experience physical or sexual assault from a male in their lifetime” Ms Williams said.

20 November 2000 Drugs Win Police operation reclaims streets of Springvale. Police have won a decisive victory in the fight to win back the streets of Springvale and to free a community living in fear of drugs. Only nine days into the three-month Operation Alliance, local police, and members from the force response unity last week arrested 43 people for 70 offences. Detective Inspector John Noonan of Dandenong police headquarters said the operation had had

5 years ago

NEWS

A divine Christmas

By Reverend Berlin Guerrero from Dandenong Uniting Church Christmas is coming around again but this time in a pandemic situation.

The COVID-19 virus is still beyond total control and new clusters of infection are sprouting in other parts of the country.

This places our traditional way of celebrating Christmas hanging in the balance and leaves us wondering how this Season of Hope can truly be a source of inspiration and strength as we go forward as a multicultural community into a post-COVID or so-called COVID-normal future.

Christmas, for Christians, is the belief that God came in the form of a human being through Jesus the Christ.

God knew that something was not going right in how humankind, given its free will, was conducting themselves in accordance to God’s law of love and justice.

The Divine had to intervene into human affairs by becoming a human person capable of feeling and experiencing human sufferings.

This was the only way to journey with them in the path towards redemption and reconciliation with God and with each other.

Hope came into the world through the God en-fleshed (Incarnation) and the God with us (Emmanuel) thus there is hope for human

change, social transformation and reconciliation.

This same hope is in operation in the human situation we are in and God is showing us the way.

Many say that the pandemic and other disasters and afflictions that have come and gone, have demonstrated the good in the humanity.

There’s the courage of our front liners, the dedication of vaccine researchers, the patience and discipline of the ordinary citizens, the determined leadership of those in government - and in the countless acts of individual and collective compassion by members of our society.

There are lessons to be drawn as well.

Humankind, as God’s co-maker of history, has to learn to survive not at the expense of others but for the well-being of those who are weak and marginalised.

Placing the need of the temporary migrant workers, international students, and vulnerable sectors of society in government and community responses, teaches us that we should be there for each other.

Perhaps this is the message of the Hope that has in-dwelled in us that we can draw from as we move forward into the future?

With this hope, can we also re-imagine a new and better world we can built and sustain together.

MESSAGE OF

HOPE

Berlin Guerrero from Dandenong Uniting Picture: GARY SISSONS Church. 200173

starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

Pandemic planting

By Gabriella Payne A program implemented by the City of Greater Dandenong has seen 54,000 native seedlings planted throughout the city by council staff whose work was affected by the pandemic.

Not wanting time in lockdown to go to waste, this program kick-started the council’s vision for a greener future, whilst simultaneously providing work for staff during a tough and unprecedented year.

After declaring a ’Climate and Ecological Emergency’ at the beginning of 2020, this initiative aims to pave the way for more biodiversity in the local community that everyone can enjoy.

By protecting and bettering the native environment, the council believes that the City of Greater Dandenong will benefit in the long run.

“The healthier and more diverse each ecosystem or environment is, the more it can withstand the pressures of climate change and pollution,” the council said in a statement.

It’s hoped that this move will help create “a better future for all” and there are already promising signs that past efforts to improve local biodiversity are working.

The blue-billed duck, a near threatened species, was recently spotted by residents at wetlands in Tatterson Park, having returned after not being seen for some time.

Biodiversity is not just a project for parklands though, and the council is encouraging locals to go green in their own backyards and nature strips.

A new Biodiversity Action Plan is currently being developed by the council, and staff want to hear from the community to help create a strong, healthy environment together.

A survey is now open for residents to share their input on the City of Greater Dandenong Council website, and will run until Wednesday 9 December.

Each completed survey will go into the running to win a selection of native wildflowers to the value of $50.

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information.

com.au

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 13

FOCUS ON … DISABILITY

Fast and efficient Participants receive monthly budget reports to show the financial status of their plan.

Custodia Plan Management cover participants throughout Victoria and beyond with its online portal generating an immediate email notification as soon as an invoice is received by a member of the team.

The professional team are available to discuss any aspects of your claims face-to-face.

If you have your NDIS Plan and you are plan managed, then phone Custodia on 1800 002 062 for quick and easy set up with face-to-face appointments available.

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Students with disabilities are set to be big winners thanks to a funding boost in the upcoming State budget.

The budget, due to be handed down on Tuesday 24 November, will provide nearly $1.6 billion to make sure students with disability are supported in the classroom through an Australian-first Disability Inclusion package.

The funding will double the number of students receiving extra support in the classroom to 55,000.

It’s also expected to create up to 1,730 jobs across the state by 2025.

All schools will benefit from the change, enabling them to better support students who may have previously been ineligible for targeted support - such as those with autism, dyslexia or complex behaviours.

A world-leading pilot in more than 100 schools will now be rolled out across the state,

to identify and respond to the needs of students with disability.

The funding is slated to shift the focus to what students can achieve, rather than what they can’t.

For students, this will mean more opportunities to promote their own strengths, interests and learning needs, and the support they need at school.

With additional funding, schools will be able to better plan and adjust support for students throughout all stages of their schooling.

New facilitator roles will be established to help schools and families work together through this new approach.

Included in the amount is $102.8 million to deliver new resources and support to build the skills and knowledge of school staff in delivering inclusive education for every student.

Di Slayford and Davyd Reid form part of the friendly Custodia Plan Management team available to assist with all aspects of management of your NDIS Plan. (Pre-Covid photo).

Passionate At DVJS we are passionate about promoting the Ability in Disability. We believe that the International Day of People with Disability is an important opportunity for us to celebrate the skills and resilience that people living with disability have to offer.

DVJS is a not-for-profit Disability employment service (DES) that has been operating since 1993. We are proud to work with our job seekers to assist them in reaching their full potential and achieving their life and employment goals . We have an amazing network of over 1000 supportive employers proving meaningful ongoing employment opportunities. The possibilities are endless!

Once employment is achieved DVJS continue to provide tailored support to both the worker and the employer.

Let’s celebrate International Day of Disability Thursday December 3 2020 If you would like to know more about our service, please give us a call on 1300 385 738 .

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Plan management is a type of disability service funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The overarching function of plan management is to assist and support NDIS participants to manage their NDIS plan funding.

Plan management can support participants by managing and monitoring a participant’s budget and claims, dispersing funds to providers for services delivered.

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And its celebrations are twofold. We have now added a new location at 52 Main Street in Pakenham to our existing locations in Warragul and Bairnsdale.

International Day of People with a Disability celebrates empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality, goals which align with Custodia Plan Management’s values as a registered service provider under the NDIS.

NDIS Plan Management

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14 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 15

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16 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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Keysborough Gardens Primary School Two days per week to commence late January 2021

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Details: https://keysboroughgardensps.vic.edu.au

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To apply send CV to: philip.anthony@education.vic.gov.au By 4pm Wednesday 2nd December

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STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

Future is in their hands

By Lance Jenkinson Sasa Ognenovski will overhaul Dandenong City’s philosophy in the National Premier League after being re-appointed coach for 2021.

The former Socceroo outlined his vision to the club’s board during the Melbourne lockdown and got the seal of approval to bring about significant change to the way the Endeavour Hills-based City operates.

At the crux of Ognenovski’s plan was to end City’s tendency for quick fix players in favour of building with youth for a more sustainable future.

The 41-year-old has been a vocal critic of Australian clubs who have far too often taken the easy option of one-and-done deals with veterans, over putting in the work to develop promising young players.

Ognenovski believes it is an issue on a national scale, with youngsters not being presented with enough opportunities to play senior football.

So this is his chance to not only shape Dandenong City as a club, but show other clubs that it can be done.

Ognenovski is aware of the potential of short term pain, but he is adamant Dandenong City will benefit in the longer term from the new path he is taking the club.

“Successful clubs aren’t built in a day,” he said.

Sasa Ognenovski is looking to youth to build a sustainable future for Dandenong City.

“It takes a matter of time to build a culture, to train and educate these younger players, so when they do step into a senior team they’re ready to go.

“You look at Liverpool for instance, it was three years before Jurgen Klopp’s system and culture really kicked in and now they’re probably the most powerful team in Europe and they were an amazing team last year.

“It shows it does take time to build something special and with discussions that I’ve had with the club, there will be that amount of time to build a culture and build a squad.”

Three key areas of Ognenovski’s focus squad build, culture and playing style - are heavily dependent on promoting youth within or into the senior squad.

His player acquisition and retention strat-

egy is centred around young, talented and hungry players.

A rebuild of the club’s culture can only be done with young impressionable minds.

The implementation of a new, faster game style will be better served by fit, fresh legs.

It meant that City had to part ways with some of its veterans from last season.

“Do I respect what they’ve done at the club?

100 per cent,” Ognenovski said.

“They’re always welcome back to the club.

“At the end of the day, I needed to look after the best interests of the club and that goes beyond any individual player that has been at the club.

“If we’re looking at doing what we’re looking to do, tough decisions have to be made.

“We released some senior players to give the younger ones an opportunity.”

It is not just youth that Ognenovski wants at Dandenong City - he wants local youth.

The 2010 Asian Footballer of the Year aims to leave no stone unturned to identify talent in the surrounding regions and make City a destination for the best young talent.

“It’s a massive catchment area and a massive talent pool,” he said.

“It just needs to be tapped into and we need to start identifying some of the talent that’s in and around the area.

“Not everyone in this area can be seen, but we’ll try our utmost to try and bring the best

talent and nurture and capture the best talent in and around the area.”

A part of the pitch to prospective youngsters joining Dandenong City is the club’s appointment of former Melbourne Victory defender Rodrigo Vargas in the role of technical director.

Vargas was pin-pointed because of his passion for the game, his leadership, his respect among the Victorian football community and, above all, his want to nurture the next generation of players.

“First and foremost, he has an impeccable character and his football knowledge is second to none in Victoria, in this country really,” Ognenovski said.

“He’s as passionate as me about giving the young kids, particularly from our region, from in and around Dandenong and further, an opportunity and a pathway to senior football.

“That has been missing for a very long time in Australian football and if we can play our small part in finding potentially the next Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell or Tony Popovic, we’re going to give it our all and try our best to do that.”

In other appointments, goalkeeper coach Sam Frangos will work closely with Vargas to identify and nurture young players, while Semi Sivic will be Ognenovski’s right hand man on match-days as senior assistant.

Frangos has coaching experience in the A-League system with Melbourne City, while Sivic has a strong knowledge of the NPL and with opposition analysis.

Opportunity awaits Panthers in new Premier season

By Nick Creely VICTORIAN PREMIER CRICKET MEN’S SEASON PREVIEW - DANDENONG Nickname: Panthers President: Gary Davidson Coach: Warren Ayres Assistant Coaches: Craig Slocombe, David Newman, Brett Forsyth, James Nanopoulos Captain: Tom Donnell Last Year: 9th Most Runs: Brett Forsyth (577 runs at 33.94); Comrey Edgeworth (369 runs at 26.36) Most Wickets: James Nanopoulos (46 wickets at 12.50); Suraj Randiv (34 wickets at 17.71) Ins: Jack Fowler (Kingston Hawthorn), Adam McMaster (Melbourne), Aaron Fernando (Casey-South Melbourne), James Maxwell (Casey-South Melbourne), Braden Taeuber (Monbulk) Outs: Akshat Buch (Springvale South) Home Base: Shepley Oval, Dandenong First Five Games: Round 1: vs Frankston Peninsula, Saturday 28 November, AH Butler Oval, 11.00am Round 2: vs Melbourne, Saturday 5 December, Beaumaris Secondary College, 11.00am Round 3: vs Monash Tigers, Saturday 12 December, Shepley Oval, 11.00am Round 4: vs Kingston Hawthorn, Saturday 19 December, Shepley Oval, 11.00am Round 5: vs Casey South Melbourne, Saturday 9 January, Casey Fields, 11.00am What the captain says: On finishing just outside the finals last season...

“We were around the mark last year, we just had some bad losses in games that could have gone either way, but that’s the way it goes.

“It’s an incredibly tight competition, and sometimes that’s the way it goes. You have to be on your game each week to perform well.”

On the challenge of pushing back into the top-eight...

“Hopefully we push back in (to finals), and with a few new players it’ll be interesting to see - the season will be all one-day, so you need to get off to a fast start with a short season.

“The aim is obviously always to play finals and see what happens from there, but it’ll be interesting, we’ve got a few new players, bowlers, which is good.

· · · · ·

18 STAR JOURNAL

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Tom Donnell will once again lead the Dandenong side. 204936 The abundance of pace options after recruiting in that area...

“If you look at the quicks that have come and gone from the club in the last few years, the turnover has been huge, so we needed to get some depth in and some consistency in those blokes to support the veterans and guys that you can count on, like (James) Nanopoulos and (Peter) Cassidy.

“We wanted to get some guys with a bit more pace, and even if they were a little bit more raw that’s something we’re after.

“We feel like we can control things pretty well with those guys like Nano and Cassidy, but we want some unpredictability I suppose and that’s what we’re looking for.

“There’s plenty of spots up for grabs, so hopefully these new guys can push and perform well.”

Why there will be selection pressure at the

Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

club this season...

“There are a lot of options, and I reckon we’re going to play a lot of players. I think spots are going to be keenly challenged, and I think we’ll look to get both young batters and bowlers through.

“Playing some of those young guys is just as important, we need to be looking to the future too when the older guys move on.

“We’ve got a great group of young players, so now it’s just about giving them games and opportunities to get used to the standard and know the game a bit better.”

More: One of the most admirable qualities about a club like Dandenong is that they’re always around the mark, and always competing hard.

And with names such as Brett Forsyth, skipper Tom Donnell, James Nanopoulos and Suraj Randiv still going strong and a host of

others playing a brand of cricket that stands up at this level, there is reason to believe the Panthers can well and truly put some of the disappointment behind them of last year and rise back into finals.

For large parts of last season, the Panthers were around the mark, well-drilled and with plenty of players emerging to complement their stars, but the cut-throat nature of the competition meant that just a few untimely losses saw them just miss out on the eight.

But under new coach Warren Ayres - a man who really does not need any introduction in Victorian cricket circles - the Panthers will be bouncing into 2020/21, in a season like no other, with plenty of excitement.

The club will be unpredictable when it comes to selection and structure, something that it will use to its advantage, with indomitable depth being built after bringing in a host of new recruits, including the return of Adam McMaster, who is a quality fast bowler.

A key area of focus through the off-season has been to continue building its fast bowling stocks after a large turnover in recent years hence the recruitments of McMaster, James Maxwell, Jack Fowler and Braden Taeuber and with that will come selection pressure, an element of any sporting club that instantly results in higher standards at training and on match day.

Tom Donnell will once again captain the side as he nears 250 first XI games, and anticipates plenty of youngsters to get a chance at some stage this season, as the club looks to stay contending but also keep an eye on developing the next generation of Dandenong players.

The Panthers are a settled club, they have plenty of this youth developing strongly, but its core group remains steady, and will lead them into another season. The storied careers of opening duo Donnell and Brett Forsyth will continue, while James Nanopoulos will once again loom large after his most dominant season yet.

But in what is a tough competition, and in a season where depth, leadership and consistency will be as important as ever, the Panthers will be hoping it can put a tough year behind them last year and return to finals where it has been a force for many years across all formats. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Star Berwick all-rounder Ruwantha Kellepotha goes bang! 221905

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Bears off to perfect start

By Nick Creely Berwick’s Turf 1 title defence couldn’t have got off to a better start.

The reigning Dandenong District champions have had to wait what has felt like an eternity to get back on the field, but the Bears showed no signs they’ll slow down this season, and in fact fired a warning shot to their rivals after an impressive opening round victory against a quality Narre South side.

Both sides played finals last season, and both looked primed and ready to go for an early-season blockbuster.

But Matthew Chasemore’s well-drilled group was on-song from the outset after the Lions won the toss and elected to bat at Strathaird Reserve on Saturday.

Quick James Wilcock (3/17) was completely dominant early for the Bears, snaring openers Jawed Hussaini and Wookey Medal winner Morteza Ali in the early exchanges, before the ever-reliable Jarrod Goodes (1/37) prized out Ashan Wijayakumara to leave the home side reeling at 3/27.

Despite some consolidation, the Lions fell to 4/43, bringing highly-touted recruit Kaushayla Weeraratne and skipper Scott Phillips to the crease.

The pair were solid, providing some much needed counter attack, finding the boundaries and getting the scoreboard ticking along.

But enter spinner Ruwantha Kellepotha.

Kellepotha - in his second season for the club - tore through the middle order and eventually ripped through the gate of Phillips for 38 to have the home side on the ropes, with the leggie snaring 4/36 from his 12 overs to steal the show.

A late flurry from Joel Zietsman (19 not out) and Tim Phillips (20), however, saw the home side lift to a competitive 155.

But with what looked underpar from the outset loomed as potentially defendable when recruit Josh Dowling (2/36) trapped the dangerous Nathan Pilon in front second ball.

Despite Dowling impressing in his opening spell with another wicket, the Bears - courtesy of an entertaining and flashy knock from Brodie Emmett - took the game away in one foul swoop.

Combining with skipper Chasemore (42 not out), Emmett took the game on, crunching a brilliant 59 from 48 balls, a knock featuring 10 fours and a maximum.

While he was eventually prized out from Morteza Ali (1/20), there was no Bear stumble, with Chasemore linking up with Kellepotha dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Joel Zietsman sends one down for Narre South.

Brodie Emmett on the drive during his half-century. 221905

221905

(37 not out) to guide the visitors home with seven wickets and over 10 overs left to play.

At Alex Nelson Reserve, Springvale South got off to a strong start to the season despite some shaky moments with the bat, brushing aside Heinz Southern Districts.

It was a horror start for the Bloods with the bat, with skipper Nathan King run out second ball of the match, and after Tim Ford and Ryan Quirk quickly found themselves in the sheds, the home side were struggling at 3/14 and with the Cobras applying plenty of heat.

It was slow and steady, but the Bloods worked their way back into the contest through Jack Sketcher and recruit Paul Hill, who saw off the pressure before getting the scoreboard ticking along.

The pair notched up a game-defining 88run partnership, with Sketcher compiling a vital 53, while Hill provided plenty of support with an impressive, and gritty 37.

Despite the pair getting the Bloods back on track, the visitors battled manfully with the ball, in particular Udara Hettige (3/41).

Another of the Bloods’ high-profile recruits, ex-Dandenong spinner Akshat Buch (32 not out) was then able to provide a valuable cameo, finding the boundaries and helping lift the home side to 8/157.

But the Bloods gave the Cobras no chance

in the chase, rolling the visitors for just 62.

Emerging star Sam Wetering (3/4) was incredibly impressive with the ball, while Buch also chimed in with 2/12 in his debut, including a wicket with his first ball for the club.

Buckley Ridges also got its season off to a strong start, with the 2019/20 runners-up defeating a competitive North Dandenong unit at Park Oval.

With gun recruits Ian Cockbain and Benny Howell still in quarantine and not available, the Bucks’ depth was on show, with the pair expected to be lining up for the club in the coming weeks in ominous signs.

A blistering 54 from 45 balls from champion all-rounder DJ Watson set the scene for the Bucks, and despite a wobble through the middle, valuable hands from recruit Michael Davies (42), Matt Goodwright (37), and coach Chanaka Welegedera (43 not out from 26 balls) saw the home side set an imposing 9/260 from 45 overs.

The Maroons set the challenge of becoming an incredibly hard side to play against, and certainly proved they won’t be pushovers by any stretch this season, competing hard in the chase but falling short in the end.

It was skipper Clayton McCartney (61) who led the way with a classy half-century, but the Bucks eventually overwhelmed the visi-

tors with tweaker Wes Nicholas (4/43) the star with the ball, while coach Chanaka Welegedaa (2/38) completed an impressive debut with the club with a pair of wickets.

Hallam Kalora Park and St Mary’s also battled out a tough opening round clash, but the Hawks came out on top at Frawley Road.

The Saints looked to be in a strong position after winning the toss and batting, with opener Wendyl Pires (30) and Kusan Niranjana (35) battling hard to see the visitors reach 1/76.

But it was the slow bowlers that made a statement for the Hawks, with recruit Lee Brown (3/35) and Sachith Jayasingha (4/22) completely taking over the show.

The pair bogged the Saints down and took regular wickets with the visitors eventually bowled out for 123 in the final over of the innings.

Despite a small stumble, which involved an incredible few minutes from Ashan Anthony (3/24) that saw Ryan Hillard, Jagveer Hayer and skipper Jordan Hammond dismissed, the Hawks got the runs with four wickets left in the shed.

All-rounder Leigh Booth (44) started his season off solidly at the top of the order, while Steve Gilmour (21 not out) and Ryan Hillard (22) made valuable contributions.

Tuesday, 24 November, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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