Dandenong Star Journal - 12th January 2021

DANDENONG

Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

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W-League set to kick off

Looking back at 2020

Aged care art

Sporting year in review

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PAGES 4-10, 12-14

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SPORT

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Our Covid heroes 2020 PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Monash Health staff Anika Stone, Kate Malloch, Lizzie Fulco and Dasunika Tennakoon at Dandenong Hospital. 223727

Picture: ROB CAREW

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This is for the frontline workers.

In our hospitals, clinics and testing stations, they risked their health to care for others during Covid-19’s wave after wave.

The unstinting nurses, doctors, surgeons, cleaners, counsellors, specialists, receptionists and the myriad of health care workers are the Star News Group’s People of the Year.

Kate Malloch is a specialist clinical nurse at Dandenong Hospital’s emergency unit and registered midwife in the maternity unit.

“It’s up there with the toughest year I’ve had,” she says.

“Adjusting to all the changes and knowing the risks involved ... You were scared of what if you potentially bring it home. You don’t want to give it to your partner or mum.

“I wouldn’t say our lives were on the line but our health, definitely.”

In emergency, the new normal workwear is the cloying N95 filtered masks, goggles, face screens and gloves.

During a shift of up to 12 hours, the face coverings stay on. And they fog up and sweat.

Continued page 2

2020 - THE YEAR THAT WAS …

NEWSMAKERS

Covid heroes stepped up From page 1 The masks bruise skin, smother fresh air and muffle speeches and smiles.

Hot and thirsty, workers ploughed on without water bottles on the floor.

At the end of the shift, workers’ faces are rimmed with “pressure marks”. Some of the marks seem permanent, Ms Malloch says.

For frontline workers, there was the everpresent fear of Covid infection. This year, more than 3500 Victorian health care workers tested positive.

Ms Malloch says fortunately she knew of no Monash Health workers infected - something she puts down to the hospital’s education, PPE, testing and hygiene protocols.

To keep others safe, she’d pack a fresh set of clothes to wear when she left the hospital.

She’d never go to the shops straight after work. She showered first thing before seeing anyone when she got home.

The pandemic’s spread and the social lockdowns were constantly changing. New hospital protocols had to be clearly communicated, quickly absorbed.

As second-wave new cases doubled by the day, it was hard to see light at the end of the tunnel, Ms Malloch said.

“There was so much doom and gloom. I felt it might be just the beginning.”

She remembers often gathering in the tearoom to find out “today’s numbers”.

“Everyone held on to the numbers - it was all about the numbers.”

Meanwhile, nervous patients needed more reassurance.

Ms Malloch was testing any emergency inpatient with symptoms like sniffles, loss of taste, breathlessness.

Dandenong Hospital midwife and emergency nurse Kate Malloch. 223727

Extended-stay mental health nursing manager Pictures: ROB CAREW Lizzie Fulco. 223727

“We swab them not knowing if they’re (Covid) positive or negative.

“You treated everyone as if they have Covid - better to be safe than sorry.”

New mums in hospital were isolated.

They were unable to be visited by their children, grandparents and siblings - and in some cases, their husbands were stranded overseas.

All the while, Ms Malloch was frustrated by some of the public who didn’t take Covid seriously. Such as supermarket shoppers who didn’t socially distance.

“Seeing people struggling with their health - including people normally well and becoming really unwell ... it’s an eye-opener.

“Anyone of us can get it at any point of time, not just in a hospital setting.

“You can get over it but what’s the long term effects of Covid on people?”

It was a “mental game” for workers not to “get ahead of ourselves”. Colleagues relied on one another to debrief, especially while isolated from most of their families.

“Colleagues became family.”

For the first time, Ms Malloch turned to self-care methods like meditation, music, yoga and ‘upcycling’ an outdoor table and chairs.

And the random thanks from others, such as care-pack gifts, really helped.

“That kind of thing really got you though those really tough days. To know people were thinking of you.

“You have to think of the positives.”

Dandenong Hospital’s extended-stay mental health unit nursing manager Lizzie Fulco paid tribute to her colleagues’ resilience.

At times, the workforce in Ms Fulco’s unit was halved for weeks on end as staff tested and self-isolated.

They pushed on even while pushed out of their comfort zones, she says.

“There’s nothing like a crisis to bring people together.”

All the while, more people than ever were isolated, depressed and needed the unit’s help, Ms Fulco said.

There was an effort to keep staff spirits buoyant. Sharing positive news, shining a spotlight on any patient’s improvements.

One of the silver linings from this pandemic is the fast-tracking of Telehealth online communications. It is here to stay and will improve access to treatment for patients and carers at home, Ms Fulco says.

Mental health-unit staff - often confronted by aggression - are also receiving a “reinvigorated appreciation” from the public.

For some, this year may recede into just a dim memory, like a bad dream.

But Ms Malloch is not one of them.

“I still have a very vivid picture of what it was like.”

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NEWS

IN BRIEF Unhappy New Year for driver

Central makeover To minimise disruptions to the existing traders and maintain the site’s strong cultural identity, the development’s first stage will deliver a new Little India precinct.

Community and industry consultation will start on the project’s masterplan next year, with construction on the first stage of the development expected to kick off in 2023 - delivering a supermarket, food market hall and residential development alongside Little India.

Greater Dandenong City Council Mayor, Angela Long, welcomed the news.

“We look forward to the community and stakeholder engagement process for the proposed masterplan in 2021, and the commencement of construction anticipated for 2023 which will be inclusive of the retention of the Little India cultural precinct,“ she said.

“This news complements the recent announcement by the Melbourne City Football Club that our region will be their new home, adding further support to the proposed Dandenong Sports and Events Centre proposal.

“These projects will provide a significant

post-pandemic stimulus to enhanced business activity and job creation in Greater Dandenong and Greater South East Melbourne.“ The State Government first announced the Revitalising Central Dandenong project in 2006, with $290 million in funding to restore the economic prominence of the region.

The project has already attracted almost $700 million in private investment and created local jobs in central Dandenong at the Australian Taxation Office, State Government Services Hub, Quest Apartments and a new Council Civic Centre.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the project would turn the vision for Dandenong into reality while delivering the jobs, housing, entertainment and retail spaces that the community needs.

Capital Alliance founder and chief executive Mohan Du said: “We are extremely proud to be partnering with Development Victoria to deliver this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rejuvenate central Dandenong into the future, cementing its status as the capital of the south east of Melbourne.”

W-League soon to be welcomed

Nissan goes missing Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward as the search continues for a stolen black Nissan which disappeared from a Keysborough home late last year.

The stolen vehicle, a Nissan 180SX was taken from the driveway of a Cottongum Avenue home in Keysborough at approximately 4.30am on Friday 18 December 2020 and has not been seen since.

Police investigators have released an image of the stolen vehicle, which is distinctively modified with large black five spoke wheels fitted, as well as another image of a man they wish to speak to in regards to the robbery.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

By Danielle Kutchel

In times of crisis, you can give

where it’s needed most Please donate now 1 3 S A LV O S S A LV O S . O R G . A U dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Driver at double the limit A young male driver had his car impounded on the last day of the year after he was caught travelling at an alleged speed of 120 kilometres per hour in a 60 kilometre zone by the Dandenong Highway Patrol.

The police airwing first detected the speeding vehicle, a black AMG C63 driving along Power Road, Eumemmerring at approximately 4.15pm on Thursday 31 December.

After monitoring the vehicle from the air as it travelled along the Princess Highway, police apprehended the driver in Scott Street, Dandenong where the young man was found to be breaching multiple road rules.

The 24-year-old Narre Warren South man was found to be using a mobile phone whilst driving, not displaying his P plates and is expected to be charged on summons for driving in a dangerous manner.

The culprit’s vehicle was impounded by police for 30 days at a fee of $983 - a costly end to 2020 for the young driver.

L-R: Jenna McCormick, Gabrielle Williams MP, Cr Angela Long, Pauline Richards MP, and Samantha Johnson.

“You are what you see, so for us to be able to have so many really extraordinary footballers there, we’re going to have so many little ones wearing the City colours,” she said.

The deal has revived talk of a new soccer stadium in Dandenong, however this was not part of the negotiations with Melbourne City.

Nevertheless, Cr Long said she hoped the

team and the state government would “come to the table” to provide backing to build the long-rumoured stadium in the heart of Dandenong.

“The land is ready and waiting,” she said.

For the season fixture and to book tickets to the games, visit www.melbournecityfc. com.au

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W-League football is set to begin in the south east this year with several of the season’s games taking place at Dandenong City Soccer Club.

Initially the club had been slated to play the first games of the year at Dandenong, however the games were moved following damage to the local pitch.

Dates for the local games are yet to be confirmed however it kicks off a gamechanging new era for soccer in the region.

It follows the signing of a Heads of Agreement with the City of Casey and the City of Greater Dandenong in December 2020 that has seen Melbourne City Football Club relocate its A-League, W-League and Academy teams to an elite training facility at Casey Fields.

At the signing on Tuesday 22 December, Mayor Angela Long was joined by Melbourne City FC W-League players Samantha Johnson and Jenna McCormick, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards.

Ms Williams said the relocation of the teams would be a boost for sport in the Dandenong community.

“We have one of the most multicultural populations in the country,” she said.

“One thing in common that they love is football.”

Ms Richards said it was especially exciting to see the successful Melbourne City women’s team land in the area, providing inspiration and encouragement for the next generation of female athletes.

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The next stage of the Revitalising Central Dandenong project is set to transform the city into a vibrant retail, commercial and residential hub, creating thousands of local jobs in the process.

The development agreement has now been signed for this next stage, with Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan announcing on Monday 21 December that Melbourne developer Capital Alliance will provide $600 million to develop a two-hectare site in central Dandenong, near the Dandenong transport hub - creating more than 2600 jobs during construction and close to 5000 ongoing positions when the development is complete.

Capital Alliance’s proposal will deliver amenities for the whole community - with at least 500 new dwellings, community spaces, offices, a hotel and conference centre, an urban brewery entertainment district, education facility, retail, medical, a cinema and a contemporary Indian retail and dining precinct.

The site currently houses Dandenong’s existing Little India, Melbourne’s oldest hub of Indian culture and commerce.

As Melbournians celebrated the end of a lessthan-perfect 2020 at New Year’s Eve festivities across the city, the year brought more bad news for one law-breaking P-plater, who was caught breaching multiple road rules as the clock struck midnight.

Police officers from the Dandenong frontline tactical unit were patrolling Hallam Road in Hampton Park on Thursday 31 December 2020, close to midnight, when they witnessed a vehicle driving erratically.

After intercepting the vehicle on Bethune drive in Hampton Park, the officers discovered the male driver, who provided police with his P1 drivers licence, was breaking multiple road rules and probationary driver regulations.

The young driver was caught with three friends in his vehicle and was not displaying P plates, breaching the terms of his P1 licence and when breath tested, was found to be under the influence of alcohol, returning a positive result of 0.069.

The male driver from Craigieburn was issued three penalty notices by police shortly after midnight for overloading his car, not displaying P plates and for drink driving - which came with the added penalty of a six month licence disqualification.

While the male driver experienced a notso-happy start to the new year, the streets were made a bit safer by police who will continue to be out breath testing and patrolling in the coming months.

STAR JOURNAL 3

2020 - THE YEAR THAT WAS

The year in front pages

1 September

15 December

24 November

28 January

9 June

4 August

16 June

14 July

6 October

EVERY TEST HELPS US KEEP DOING THE THINGS WE LOVE Every test keeps us on top of this virus.

And keeps us doing the things we love.

So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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2020 - THE YEAR THAT WAS …

NEWSMAKERS

Slug-gate’s lengthy trail

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The long legal fight will drag on for Dandenong South commercial caterer I Cook Foods - perhaps for more than 12 months.

Its director Ian Cook is pressing ahead with a $50 million lawsuit against the state’s health department for ICF’s “illegal” shutdown in February 2019.

It was part of an investigation into the death of a listeria-infected 86-year-old hospital patient.

Mr Cook has argued that the six-week closure was a “stitch up” that effectively destroyed his 34-year-old family business.

Forty-one employees lost their jobs.

The affair has been widely labelled as ‘slug gate’ due to the alleged planting of a live slug on the factory floor by a council inspector.

ICF is also suing an independent auditor who signed off on a food-safety report into ICF - for alleged collusion with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Due to the court’s backlog, the cases may not be heard until 2022, Mr Cook says.

In 2020, a Parliamentary inquiry found the closure was “valid” but “not fair”.

The Upper House inquiry criticised Greater Dandenong Council for not subjecting ICF to a “sound and proper process, or fair and consistent treatment” - including the pressing of 96 charges against ICF that were eventually dropped.

Inquiry chair Fiona Patten said at the time that the DHHS was also at fault for an “outdated” Food Act that was “not fit-for-purpose”.

The council’s CEO John Bennie at the time told the Star Journal that ICF was treated in a “fair and consistent manner throughout”.

Mr Bennie said the “abrupt” escalation in

Ian Cook expects his compensation fight to extend into 2022. 202497 the council’s dealings with I Cook Foods “reflects the intense investigation DHHS required Council to carry out on its behalf in response to the listeria occurrence and subsequent death of a member of the public”.

“Various matters of concern were discovered during Council’s series of inspections, some of which the company had taken steps to rectify and satisfied Council at the time.”

The council stated that it had dropped the 96 charges to avoid a potential legal bill of up to $1.2 million.

The inquiry didn’t make a finding on accusations of council inspectors planting evidence.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Victoria Police is investigating those claims.

Mr Cook criticised the inquiry’s finding of “extensive evidence” provided to the DHHS by the council of “long-standing” food safety issues at the commercial kitchen.

Mr Cook said the issues including problems with the floor, a large oven’s placement, configurations of walkways, rusted or damaged equipment, and deficiencies in ICF’s food safety plan were based on “blatant lies”.

The Labor-majority report appeared to throw all blame onto the council while shielding the State Government - namely the DHHS

and Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton, he said.

During the past 12 months, ICF has waged further fights in the courts on the issue.

Prior to the inquiry, ICF won a Supreme Court case to obtain the state health department’s withheld report for the basis for the closure.

In December 2020, ICF sought a magistrate’s court injunction to halt Greater Dandenong Council’s alleged stymying of ICF’s reopening.

The matter was settled out of court.

Meanwhile, Mr Cook expects to reopen production in early 2021.

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STAR JOURNAL 5

2020 - THE YEAR THAT WAS…

NEWSMAKERS

Incinerator creates a stir The controversial waste-to-energy plant mooted for Dandenong South created news throughout 2020.

On 25 February the Star Journal reported that the proposal had been met by an overwhelming public backlash from hundreds of residents over air quality and health concerns.

Residents - as close as 1.4 kilometres from the plant - wrote letters and signed petitions, decrying the 70 Ordish Road site’s proximity to Dandenong Creek, schools, colleges, kindergartens, places of worship and homes.

A 280-signature petition’s covering letter stated homes were already impacted by two waste-related facilities, an organics garden and a commercial and industrial waste facility.

“Local residents have already made numerous complaints and reports to local council and EPA regarding the weird smells around our area.

“This (waste-to-energy plant) will definitely make the situation worse.”

A Keysborough South resident wrote that the proposal would “literally shatter mine and so many other families’ dreams”.

“How can our kids still go to the local parks where there is air pollution, weird smells?”

In May Greater Dandenong councillors voted to oppose a VCAT planning permit application for the incinerator.

They unanimously rejected a council planning officer’s report recommending support for the Great Southern Waste Technologies proposal at the VCAT hearing on 27 July.

In a motion at a 11 May council meeting, Cr Matthew Kirwan said it was the “only responsible decision” given public concerns and that the Environment Protection Authority had not yet assessed the human health and environmental impacts.

On 21 May the state’s pollution watchdog

Great Southern Waste Technologies executive general manager Stuart Gilbert and chief operating officer Bill Keating with the proposed waste-toenergy plant.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria publicly released the further information.

As requested, proponent Great Southern Waste Technologies provided more information including emissions rates, odour impacts and accidental or emergency emission releases.

The incinerator would annually process 100,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste and commercial and industrial waste.

It would generate about 7.9 MegaWatts of power into the grid - suffice for about 7000 homes and businesses.

GSWT submitted that the plant’s “clean” gasification technology met European Union standards and would have negligible impact on human health.

On 28 July the Journal reported that the plant

had been granted works approval by the EPA. The applicant Great Southern Waste Technologies was granted approval for the 70 Ordish Road gasificiation incinerator with “stringent conditions”, according to an EPA statement on 21 July.

The project still required planning approval - a matter which will be heard at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on 27 July.

In its findings, the EPA stated the “potential air emissions ... pose negligible risk to human health”.

Greater Dandenong Council then sought to defer the VCAT hearing. VCAT refused the council’s request, but granted the council two weeks to submit further opposing arguments against the plant.

Mayor Jim Memeti said the council “vigorously” opposed the plant on behalf of residents during the four-day VCAT hearing.

Just weeks later, VCAT granted a planning permit on 15 September.

VCAT members Jeanette Rickards and Greg Sharpley stated the proposed waste-to-energy facility will “go some way to reducing waste to go to landfill”.

“We do not consider that the use will impact on the amenity of the nearby local community,” they stated - noting the Environment Protection Authority Victoria had granted works approval.

Greater Dandenong appealed the approval with a hearing expected in February.

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps

Cranbourne Line

17 to 21 Jan 15 to 17 Feb

Dandenong to Cranbourne

Greens Road, Dandenong South

17 to 21 Jan

One lane closed in each direction

Pakenham Line

20 to 21 Feb 22 to 25 Feb

Westall to Pakenham Dandenong to Pakenham

Wells Road, Chelsea Heights

Until 27 Jan

Roundabout closed at Thames Promenade and Wells Road intersection

Keep in mind there are other transport disruptions across summer.

Find a detailed list at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

MTIA4902

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 75 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 44 already gone. We’re also easing congestion by building better roads and bridges across our suburbs.

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

2020 - THE YEAR THAT WAS…

IBAC

Casey ‘corruption’ probe

By Cam Lucadou-Wells One month.

That was the original scope of IBAC’s examination into alleged corruption involving Casey councillors and developers starting November 2019.

In the end, the Operation Sandon inquiry grew to 45 days of hearings over 13 months.

It delivered blow after blow of jaw-dropping accusations at state and council political figures.

The epic grilling extended to more than 20 witnesses including state MPs, council administrators and political party fundraising chiefs.

On the witness stand were a string of former Casey mayors Geoff Ablett, Sam Aziz, Amanda Stapledon and Lorraine Wreford.

Former and current Labor state MPs Judith Graley, Jude Perera and Pauline Richards were interrogated.

At issue were their ties to developer John Woodman who stood to gain from several lucrative projects and rezonings in Casey such as Brompton Lodge estate, Hall Road H3 intersection, Pavilion Estate and Amendment C219 in Cranbourne West.

Mr Woodman was a major donor to Casey Council candidates as well as to Labor and Liberal coffers, the inquiry heard.

He gave $150,000-plus to Labor’s 2018 state election tilt and $70,000 as a top-tier member of the Liberal’s corporate fundraising arm in 2019.

He also dined for lunch with Premier Daniel Andrews at the Flower Drum restaurant in 2017 - though no planning matters were discussed, according to Mr Andrews.

More than $90,000 was said to be spent on about 20 main and support candidates in the

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards at the IBAC inquiry on 30 November.

Sam Aziz takes the oath, 16 November.

Lorraine Wreford and Sam Aziz at Higher Ground cafe, Little Bourke Street, Melbourne on 25 October 2018.

Picture: IBAC

2016 Casey Council election.

The campaign was allegedly organised by mayor Aziz, who denies he was aware of Mr Woodman’s donations.

In November 2020, Mr Aziz finally took the stand after staying in Egypt with health issues for Operation Sandon’s opening rounds.

Mr Aziz was accused by IBAC of failing to disclose more than $1 million of “private benefits” received while a councillor.

IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich indicated that he was giving “due deliberation” into whether the payments were corrupt.

“What is clear is that you have in the most profound way failed to meet your integrity obligations as a councillor in terms of your obligations to disclose the private benefits that you were receiving.”

An at-times combative Mr Aziz denied many of the inquiry’s allegations including of lying under oath, saying it was “trashing my reputation”.

“Sure I failed to declare a conflict of interest

on a few occasions.

“But my intention was not malicious nor was it intended to profit from my job.”

He was accused of taking $660,000 of “benefits” from Mr Woodman and associated entities.

Mr Aziz said about $600,000 was his own money being returned to him, plus interest from a “legitimate” mezzanine financial arrangement.

But more side-deals were alleged, involving parties with commercial relationships with Casey Council.

They included a purported loan of $250,000 from property group director Andrew Nehme, whose Kuwait-sheik owned company bought the Casey Lifestyle Centre site from the council.

Mr Aziz was also allegedly paid about $45,000 from developer Vlad Kostic, and a $150,000 discount in shares from tech company Lodex, which pitched a digital payment platform to Casey Council.

Tech firm IPsoft allegedly paid him $30,800 soon after it signed a contract with Casey to trial an AI robot, Amelia.

Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey added there was also about $250,000 cash that Mr Aziz “can’t explain”.

IBAC also alleged former mayor and Liberal state candidate Geoff Ablett received $330,000 from Mr Woodman, as well as a donation to his 2014 state election campaign.

The benefits included part shares in racehorses, buying part of Cr Ablett’s rural property and fees for looking after Mr Woodman’s racehorses.

Another mayor Amanda Stapledon conceded she was “sloppy with my paperwork” in not declaring Mr Woodman’s $25,000 donation to her 2014 state election campaign.

IBAC is due to report on its investigation this year.

It is expected to also recommend ways to prevent corruption risks in the planning system.

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STAR JOURNAL 7

2020 - THE YEAR THAT WAS …

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Papparazzi and fans climb trees and fences to try and get a pic of actor Liam Neeson filming a movie in Noble Park. 220995 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Caleb, 3, enjoys a re-opened Noble Park Skate Picture: GARY SISSONS Park. 218842

Dandenong and District Historical Society president Christine Keys was named Greater Dandenong’s 2020 citizen of the year. 203850 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Matt Pollard and Jeoff Cuberes from Dandenong South solar lighting manufacturer Picture: GARY SISSONS Leadsun. 217627

An eerily deserted Dandenong railway station during lockdown in late September. 217064 Picture: GARY SISSONS

A cleaner at the front door of Outlook Gardens aged care facility linked to 13 Covid-19 deaths and 116 cases. 212209

Renowned actor Liam Neeson spotted at a film set in Noble Park. 220995 Picture: GARY SISSONS

A masked man basks at Dandenong Park.

219735 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Australia Day

IN PICTURES

SUMMER

FESTIVAL 2021 Celebrate our City

Tuesday 26 January, 8am–5pm Exciting activities at different locations around the City of Greater Dandenong

To find out more and register go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/australiaday

Grace and Jack from Keysborough at Springvale Community Hub. 216275

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Picture: GARY SISSONS

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STAR JOURNAL 9

2020 - THE YEAR THAT WAS …

NEWSMAKERS

History making election In a moment of history, Angela Long and Sophie Tan were elected as Greater Dandenong Council’s first mayor-deputy mayor team in November.

The Long-Tan team was elected unopposed by colleagues to lead a fresh-faced council at a public meeting on Thursday 19 November.

Cr Long, who last served as mayor in 2000 and 2012, said the result was “a bit of a shock”.

She will lead a fresh-faced council - with five out of 11 councillors being first timers.

The five new faces regenerated nearly half of City of Greater Dandenong’s council after results were finalised on 6 November.

Politically, the council looked similar - a slightly reduced Labor majority of eight councillors, with a Green, a Liberal and a ‘blue-andyellow’ independent.

In were Bob Milkovic (independent, Dande-

nong North), Rhonda Garad (Greens, Keysborough South), Lana Formoso (ALP, Noble Park North), Richard Lim (ALP, Springvale Central) and Eden Foster (ALP, Yarraman).

Incumbents Zaynoun Melhem (ALP) and Maria Sampey (ALP) were defeated in the 2020 poll.

Peter Brown (ALP), who was deemed ineligible to stand, and the retired Matthew Kirwan (Greens) and Youhorn Chea (ALP) also departed.

Sitting councillors Tim Dark (Liberal, Keysborough) and Loi Truong (ALP, Springvale South) were narrowly re-elected by 70 votes and 90 votes respectively.

Angela Long (ALP, Cleeland), Jim Memeti (ALP, Dandenong), Sophie Tan (ALP, Noble Park) and Sean O’Reilly (ALP, Springvale North) were also returned.

Sophie Tan and Angela Long after their election on 19 November.

Achievers honoured on Australia Day Respected dairy industry figurehead Dr Anne Astin added another accolade to her list of achievements after being made a Member of the Order of Australia, for her significant service to the dairy industry and to food safety regulations.

Also honoured in January were former mayor and councillor of Greater Dandenong, Naim Melhem, who received an OAM for his service to the community in a number of roles.

Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL Sub-Branch board member Simon Bloomer also received an OAM, for his service to veterans and their families.

industry, where she has largely remained.

Throughout her career, Dr Astin’s desire to make a difference continued to drive her - whether it be simply creating a better workplace for her staff, or as board member at Wellsprings for Women in Dandenong.

“For me what drives me is making a difference and influencing change but not for change’s sake; it’s about change for good and change to make people’s lives better.”

Dr Anne Austin.

Where to pick up a printed copy of your FREE Dandenong Star Journal!

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Y R E V E E FRE TUESDAY

Dr Astin’s highly decorated and respected career has spanned a range of organisations and industries, allowing her to pursue multiple different passions.

After studying biochemistry at university, the Endeavour Hills resident tutored at Monash University for a few years before joining the Victorian public service as a forensic scientist.

She subsequently moved into public health, where she became more familiar with food standards.

The opportunity to set up a new dairy regulatory authority brought her to the dairy

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Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago

50 years ago

13 January 1921 Country Roads Board The Country Roads Board intend to lay the first experimental concrete road in Australia on a section of about half a mile on the main Dandenong roads, in the Oakleigh shire, just before its intersection with the Ferntree Gully Road. The test will indicate whether a concrete road is more suitable than macadam for horse drawn as well as motor traffic. The work will commence shortly. The chairman of the Board (Mr W Calder) said that, while concrete roads were ideal as motor highways, he did not think them entirely suitable for heavy horse traffic, as the concrete was chipped and worn by the tyres and hoofs of the horses. The section chosen was well situated for the purpose, as fairly heavy volume of both classes of traffic passed over it.

12 January 1971 Chamber, Council oppose $5½m project The Dandenong Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry will object to a proposed shopping complex at the corner of Stud and Heatherton Rds. Hooker Projects Pty Ltd plan a 5½m hotel/motel and shopping complex including a 120,000 sq. ft. retail store on the 21 acre site. Chamber president Mr Rocco Surace said yesterday. “The site is only about one mile from the existing shopping centre. If we let this one go, others will come and we will be surrounded by shopping centres. Hooker’s project executive Mr N E Smith described the objection as “par for the course.” However he was surprised at the council’s objection as recently Dandenong council approached Waverley Council when

Waverley was considering a shopping centre at the corner of Police and Jackson Rds. Mr Smith said it appeared inconsistent for council to now oppose the complex.

20 years ago 8 January 2001 Scoresby update Greater Dandenong council believes the Scoresby Freeway moved a step closer to reality last week following a meeting between Federal Transport Minister and his Victorian counterpart. The Mayor Councillor Angela Long said there was never a better time for the Federal Government to commit itself to the project after announcing it had $4 billion surplus.

5 years ago 18 January 2016 Run it up the Flagpole

A Vietnamese woman with tears spilling from her eyes approaches the media table at the 14 December Greater Dandenong Council meeting. “Thank you, please pass my sincere thanks to all of them,” she says. But not everyone welcomed the decision to fly the CoVang - the yellow and red striped Vietnamese heritage flag- alongside the community flags.

In a letter to Council, the Australian Embassy of Socialist Republic of Vietnam said that recognising the Co Vang “not only offends Vietnamese people’s self-respect but also goes against the development tendency of Vietnam and Australian relations, especially in the area of trade and education.” Cr Loi Truong introduced the motion and said the council should act on the wishes of the people.

The motion passed to cheering tears and the large gallery wavering hundreds of Co Vang flags.

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Race in for family summer fun at the Grand Prix Circuit Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is the destination for the whole family with many hours of entertainment and enjoyment on offer and over these school holidays is the ideal time to visit.

Go Karts and Tandems Strap yourself into the all-new Sodi Go Karts for an exhilarating session on the 750-meter track - a replica of the world-renowned Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Push out a series of hot laps and try to set the fastest time.

With 9 horsepower Honda GX 270cc engines, the French-made karts provides an ultimate karting sensation and are tested to meet the stringent Australian standards.

The RT8 Evo2 single karts can reach up to 65k/mph and feature a high front blade for greater safety and a roll bar with all-round protection to avoid wheel-to-wheel contact.

While the harness seatbelt and easy to use seat adjusters allow for greater comfort and custom fitting.

The 2Drive tandem karts allow the whole family to get involved as the twin seats provide children the thrill of go karting. The dual steering allows children to get involved while under the safety and supervision of an adult driver.

Bookings are recommended.

Grand Prix Motorcycle Collection at the Circuit The star exhibit in the History of Motorsport Display is the superb collection of 25 Grand Prix winning motorcycles from the two famous Italian marques, Aprilia and Cagiva, with the two-wheel treasures permanently installed in the display at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre.

In total these sleek racing machines have won 9 World Championships, 51 Grand Prix wins and 106 Podiums. Make the time these holidays to take in these magnificent pieces of racing history.

Slot Cars - The Best Fun for all Ages Race your family or your mates and experience

Strap yourself in for all the fun at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. the fun on Australia’s largest four-lane GP Slot Car Track - an exact replica of the circuit.

Racing Simulators Test your skills or challenge your mates to a simulated race on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Go flat out down Gardner Straight, through ultra-fast Doohan Corner, slide through Stoner Corner, thread your way through Siberia and slip stream up the back straight. Watch out for the hairpin at the bottom of Lukey Heights.

Who will get the bragging rights?

Champions Cafe After all the excitement, the Champions Licenced Cafe delivers with its fresh menu with plenty of choices. Fantastic coffee and delicious scones, cakes, slices, muffins, pastries, sausage rolls and pies hit the spot. Our gift shop at the Visitor Centre has a wide selection of stylish apparel, merchandise and souvenirs to choose from so you can take a memento

home with you.

COVID-19 Operating Conditions Due to current restrictions Guided Circuit Tours and Hot Laps will not be available. Push Bike Ride Days will also not be running over the Summer. We are aiming to have these days return for the Easter School Holidays. For further information call 03 5952 9400 or visit www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au and www. phillipislandgokarts.com.au

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2020 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ....

COVID-19

Virus took centre stage Coronavirus first made headlines in the Star Journal on 24 March as councillors tossed up options to cushion ratepayers from an anticipated economic recession during the Covid-19 pandemic emergency.

Cr Peter Brown raised the idea of freezing rates in 2020-21, saving households from a rise of about $35.

Cr Brown said the world faced an “economic downturn“ not seen for a generation, with jobs, businesses and property values falling by the wayside.

“We cannot plan to spend what we know we will not be able to receive.

“Long after the virus has gone and the funerals have diminished, residents will have lost jobs, landlords will be unable to retrieve rents, small businesses will have closed and people will be cash and credit poor.“ SERVICES CLOSE In March Greater Dandenong Council moved to close customer service centres, public pools, libraries, sports stadiums and art galleries in an attempt to quell the spread of coronavirus.

Its community events such as citizenship ceremonies, Drum Theatre shows, Keysborough’s Big Picnic and Cinema in the Square have also been cancelled until the end of April, the council announced.

“Council has not taken these decisions lightly but has done so in the interests of the health and wellbeing of our community, which is paramount ,“ the council stated.

The shut-down venues included Dandenong and Springvale libraries, Drum Theatre, Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, Dandenong Oasis, Noble Park Aquatic Centre, Springers Leisure Centre, Dandenong Basketball Stadium and Gloria Pyke Netball Stadium.

BUSINESSES HIT By the end of March businesses throughout Greater Dandenong were either flooded with buyers panic buying or struggling.

Butchers, grocers, fishmongers, pharmacies, bakeries and Chinese medicine outlets were flooded by buyers stocking up for the escalating coronavirus pandemic, said Springvale Asian Business Association president Daniel Cheng.

Those same outlets are still selling the essentials - but with few customers in line, Mr Cheng says. He estimates trade has plunged about 70 per cent.

“This is the time they need your support. At the local grocer, they keep their stock fresh and top-quality and don’t want to throw it out. If you think about it, now you can pick up things at a bargain price.

“Keep your visits short - just think carefully about you want to buy before you go in. It should take no more than 10 minutes - there’s no one in the queue.“ Chinese medicine outlets remained popular as buyers go for immunity-builders like ginseng, jin chong cau as well as cough suppressants, Mr Cheng said.

Meanwhile, some eateries such as the popular Gold Leaf restaurant closed due to Covid-19 bans on dining-in.

Other outlets such as Andy Wong, of ChaHErE bubble-tea shop, were repurposing to take-aways or deliveries only.

Mr Wong was also creatively branching into a side-trade of surgical, cloth face masks - an item in hot demand throughout the world.

“There’s not much we can do so I change my business direction,” he said.

“No one knows when this will end. I hope it ends by the end of winter.“ MARKET FREEZE In April City of Greater Dandenong put a freeze on rents for Dandenong Market traders to ensure they could keep operating and the market could remain open during the pandemic.

Greater Dandenong Council supported a stimulus package totalling $1.5 million to help keep the market open.

HOSPITAL DEATH A 55-year-old disability nurse became one of the first victims to die of Covid-19 in Dandenong Hospital on Sunday 5 April.

Sumith Premachandra - a “frontline health care worker“ who “loved his work“ - died with 12 STAR JOURNAL

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By July a Springvale South milk bar had given away thousands of free protective face masks. Greater Dandenong councillor Loi Truong, pictured front centre and the owner of the shop in Darren Road, has handed out 4000-plus reuseable, washable cotton masks in the past two months - and has more on order. his family by his side, his daughter Sharyn posted on Facebook.

“For those of you that aren’t taking Covid-19 seriously, it may be hard not to see your friends and family at the moment but you can chose to isolate now or potentially live with the heartbreak of losing them forever.“ A week earlier, Mr Premachandra had posted from self-isolation about being heartbroken and missing his two grandsons.

At the time, Mr Premachandra, who had an underlying chronic illness, was the youngest to succumb to Covid-19 in the state.

As of 7 April, Greater Dandenong had 14 recorded cases of Covid-19.

COVID RELIEF Covid relief began to hit the streets when the first boxes of food were distributed in April as part of Greater Dandenong’s $4 million Covid-19 response package.

The relief included $330,000 extra funds for material aid providers such as Wellsprings for Women.

The council also announced $100 rates waivers for pensioners and $200 for unemployed ratepayers.

Hardship payments of up to $500 were also be available to people outside these two categories.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the council would “help support those in our community being hit hardest“.

“We want them to know Council cares and is here for them during this health crisis.”

WORKERS REDEPLOYED In May council redeployed 67 staff rather than stand them down during the pandemic.

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

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

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

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

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

FINES SOAR In June Victoria Police denied targeting its Covid19-related Operation Sentinel on Greater Dandenong, despite the council area record-

Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

By early June, with the first wave under control, the Journal published pictures of playgrounds and skate parks reopening. Kobe, Daz, Lara and Lucy were snapped at Red Gum Rest playgound in Dandenong. ing the second-highest fines in the state.

There were 333 social-distancing fines each worth $1652 - enforced in the municipality since mid-March, according to a recent police submission to a State Parliament inquiry into the pandemic response.

It was second to only City of Melbourne which had more than 590 infringements.

As of 14 June, 20 Greater Dandenong residents had been infected by Covid-19.

SHOW CANCELLED The 2020 Dandenong Show was another casualty of the virus. The Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society announced that the event on 14 and 15 November had been cancelled.

Now in its 149th year, the society stated the decision had to be made now for the sake of sponsors, exhibitors and competitors who spend months getting their entries ready.

“The society will now turn its attention to planning and presenting the 150th Year of Dandenong Show on 13 and 14 November 2021.”

DRIVE-THROUGH TESTING A drive-through Covid-19 testing station was opened in Dandenong as parts of the South East were declared no-go zones.

With the threat of a ‘second wave’ of the pandemic, the testing station in a Carroll Lane car park was hoped to lift sub-par testing rates in Greater Dandenong.

Since opening on 15 June, the station was reporting 300 visitors a day, Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said.

Many of the initial batch were linked to a Pakenham coronavirus outbreak, he said.

EXPENSIVE KFC In July 16 people were fined $26,000 for breaching Covid-19 restrictions while holding a surprise birthday party at a Dandenong home.

Paramedics raised the alarm on the illegal party when they noticed two people order 20 meals from a KFC outlet in Dandenong about 1.30am on 10 July.

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

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

LOCKDOWN 2.0 Greater Dandenong announced libraries, community centres, playgrounds, pools and sports pavilions would close for six weeks as a result of stage 3 restrictions.

As of midnight on 8 July, community facilities and businesses were closed until 11.59pm on 19 August as residents are ordered to ‘stay at home’ across greater Melbourne. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

2020 - THE YEAR THAT WAS ....

Black Rhinos basketballers swapped dunking baskets for packing food parcels during the pandemic. Under the umbrella of Afri-Aus Care, the players delivered food and hygiene products for families in the organisation’s women’s groups in the South East.

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

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

MANDATORY MASKS Mask wearing became mandatory on Wednesday 22 July as Melbourne’s alarming Covid-19 spike spread into Greater Dandenong and the South East.

After weeks of little infection, Greater Dandenong gained 31 in the seven days up to 19 July. Its active cases rose from four to 33.

Recent clusters have been reported at Endeavour Hills shopping centre, TD Cabinets in Dandenong South and Australian Pharmaceuticals Industries in Dandenong.

AGED CARE OUTBREAK A Covid-19 outbreak at Dandenong North aged care centre Outlook Gardens was among an alarming spike of cases in Greater Dandenong.

As of 26 July, 11 cases had been linked to the facility.

They were among a rapidly rising 560 active cases linked to Victorian aged care facilities.

Dandenong High School was also temporarily closed after a student tested positive on 22 July forcing its VCE and VCAL students to resume remote learning.

The school’s initial 72-hour shutdown for deep cleaning was extended due to the “very complex” contact tracing process.

Gleneagles Secondary College in Endeavour Hills was closed on 23 July after at least three cases have been linked to the school, according to the DHHS. Other outbreaks occurred at Woolworths Distribution Centre in Mulgrave (21), TD Cabinets in Dandenong South (7), Australian Pharmaceutical Industries in Dandenong South (6), Keysborough Egg Farm (4) and Endeavour Hills shopping centre (3).

HEARTBREAK In July a relieved Helen Anderson shed tears as her mother Noreen Winterton was evacuated from a growing Covid-19 cluster at Outlook Gardens aged-care home in Dandenong North.

She and other anxious families were powerless as the deadly virus swept through a dementia ward in the 95-bed facility.

Fortunately for mother-of-eight Noreen, her high-care ward was not infected.

The Outlook Gardens cluster started with an asymptomatic nurse whose last shift was Sunday 19 July, Ms Anderson said.

The nurse came down sick two days later and got tested for Covid-19.

In the meantime, visitors were locked out, staff movements minimised and residents confined to their quarters.

On 24 July, the worker’s positive test result was announced. Within a week, the virus “snowballed”, spreading to 49 residents, staff and other contacts.

After testing negative, Noreen and at least 20 others were transferred to the strictly-quarantined South Eastern Private Hospital in Mulgrave.

SPOTLESS OUTBREAK In late July a third worker at a Dandenong South commercial laundry tested positive as employees refused to go back to work due to health concerns. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

On 12 October Melbourne school children final returned to face to face teaching after a term of remote learning. Nihal and Hasti were among the hundreds of Dandenong Primary School students glad to be back at school.

COVID-19

A cleaner at the front door of Outlook Gardens Aged care facility, which was the site of a Covid cluster in July.

Sumith Premachandra, pictured with family.

Frontline workers at Dandenong Hospital, from left, Mandi Brearley (admin), Lisa Schliefert (support services), Beck Yates (registered nurse), Anton Musiienko (Emergency Department registrar) and Kayla de Silva (registered nurse).

Cleaners Lucas Gonzalaz and Martial David helped keep Coronavirus at bay in May. They were among a taskforce of 50 workers who lost their jobs, recruited to disinfect public areas.

Spotless had directed reluctant employees to work on Tuesday 28 July and Wednesday 29 July despite a colleague testing positive to coronavirus days earlier.

The infected worker tested positive on Saturday 25 July after being on-site that day and the day before.

At least 147 workers were present at the factory at the same time, according to the workers’ union.

A second worker tested positive on Wednesday 29 July, and a third on Thursday 30 July.

“No one should be put in this position where we have been made to choose between the health and safety of our families, and being able to put food on the table,” an employee told the Journal.

INSIDE AGED CARE In August Dandenong Living Treasure Merle Mitchell gave powerful testimony about living in aged care during the pandemic to the Royal Commission into Aged Care.

The Commission heard Ms Mitchell had

Anti-lockdown protestors clash with police at the intersection of Morwell Avenue and Kirkham Road in late August.

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.”

Her therapeutic masseuse and hairdresser had 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.”

PROTESTS In late August as tensions over the strick lockdown grew, protestors took to the streets of Dandenong.

Police arrested 10 people and issued 72 fines as they cracked down on the mass 5pm walks in George Andrews Reserve, Kirkham

Viranga Nilaweera at MCN Little Foods created a ‘doctor cake’ on request from a family of health-care orkers. The business in Armada Dandenong Plaza then posted a photo of the cake on its Facebook page as a tribute to those on the medical ‘front line’.

Road and surrounds.

Numbers peaked at more than 80 on one of the nights, as streams of walkers marched with the national anthem played over speakers.

Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 13

2020 - THE YEAR THAT WAS...

IN PICTURES

A man is taken to ground by police before he was arrested during anti-lockdown protests in Dandenong South in late August. 214056 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Tom, Pastor Josh, Damian, Wojtek, Jozef and Andrew from Dandenong Polish-Australian Seventh Day Adventist Church’s soup kitchen.

215121 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Not quite every ‘man and his dog’ were in Douglas street Noble Park during stage 4 lockdown.

212746 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Dandenong Creek at Police Paddocks was among the walking areas rediscovered during lockdown.

215643 Picture: GARY SISSONS

A lone stage 4 shopper walks at Springvale Road Springvale. 212746 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Afri-Aus Care’s Goch flexes some muscle in the vegie garden. 213664 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Artist Humaira Fayazi.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

The first days of temperature checks at Springvale’s shopping centre in May. 208050 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Anti-lockdown protestors walk past a police blockade on Kirkham Road, Dandenong South.

214056 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Emergency crews at a car crash on Cheltenham Road, Keysborough in February. 204821 Picture: GARY SISSONS Masks voluntarily began to come into vogue in Springvale in May. Picture: GARY SISSONS

A queue of jobseekers at Centrelink Dandenong during early lockdown in April. 207585 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Endeavour Hills singer Paris Marie sang a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant at an NBL game in Melbourne.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Councillor Loi Truong gives away thousands of cloth masks at his milk bar. 209156 Picture: GARY SISSONS

GET 2021 started!

Lucas Gonzalaz and Martial David joined a taskforce of street cleaning in Greater Dandenong.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

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Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Elderly take to the easel

By Gabriella Payne and Danielle Kutchel Residents from five aged care facilities throughout Dandenong are proving that it’s never too late to learn a new skill as they channel their inner artist for a new exhibition.

The residents’ artwork is now on display as part of the ‘9 by 5’ art exhibition at Dandenong’s Walker St Gallery and Arts Centre.

During Melbourne’s tough lockdown, the Greater Dandenong City Council delivered a number of art packages to Dandenong’s aged care facilities, encouraging one and all to pick up some paintbrushes and let their artistic side shine.

These gifted art packs included videos of art workshops and many nine by five inch blank boards, ready for residents to paint, draw, sketch or collage and ultimately enter in the annual ‘9 by 5’ community art exhibition.

Over the last few years the ‘9 by 5’ exhibition has become a nationally recognised art event which celebrates the rich diversity of the community.

An open entry event, artists from around Australia are invited to submit their work - providing it fits the ‘9 by 5’ frame - in all sorts of different styles, and this year over 270 artworks are being displayed on the gallery walls.

Now in its 15th year, the exhibition is a celebration of local creativity and pays homage to the original ‘9 by 5’ exhibition held in Melbourne in 1889, which featured notable artists such as Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin, whose ‘9 by 5’ artworks were painted on cigar box lids.

More than 130 years later, the exhibition is still going strong and is now open to the public for viewing - featuring the works of Dandenong’s aged care residents and other entrants, young and old, from far and wide.

Mayor Angela Long said the artistic initiative was a fantastic way to spread some posi-

Mary Cramer’s works, currently on display at the Walker Street Gallery. tivity to local aged care residents, many of whom were stuck inside without visitors during the peak of the pandemic.

“We were thrilled to be able to bring our exhibition to residents in aged care,” Cr Long said.

“Feedback received from the services indicated the gesture put a bit of a spark in the lives of residents who hadn’t been able to go out and have visitors.”

88-year-old Mary Cramer, a resident at Regis Dandenong North, relished the opportunity to get involved.

She’s been painting since she was a child and said she likes to focus on capturing the landscapes of the places she has travelled to.

She also enjoys painting animals, with both those themes on display through her works in the exhibition.

Painting has brought her solace throughout her life, she said, helping her to escape a bad childhood and filling her days while she lived on base with her army officer husband.

“I feel no problems, no worries. It’s so relaxing,” she said.

“I think every painting has to tell you something, you’ve got to get something out of it. It’s got to tell you a story.”

The exhibition also includes pieces by firsttimers Alicia Li Santi and her daughter Nerea.

The mother-daughter duo say they inspire each other, with a passion for art and craft threading through their lives.

Alicia specialises in watercolours, and this year is the first time she has “gathered the courage” to show her work in public.

“I never thought I had the talent to be

worthy of showing anything in public,” she laughed.

Her painting represents one of her favourite trees, a ghost gum.

“Even though they are dead trees, they are full of life,” she explained.

Nerea, a silversmith by trade, has been learning print-making and has exhibited her print of a blackbird singing in the night.

Both artists are grateful for the opportunities afforded by the Walker Street Gallery, to exhibit and to visit and view the creations of others.

“We’re really representing our local community in these 200-plus artworks - how special is that!” Nerea said.

Whether participants were seasoned artists or first-time entrants, Cr Long said the exhibition was an exciting opportunity.

“What is so special about this exhibition is that many people who just like to make art but wouldn’t necessarily call themselves artists can participate. We have young kids and people who have never exhibited a work in a gallery who participate,” she said.

“We are proud to share these innovative works with you and excited to welcome you back to the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre.”

Visitors are encouraged to visit the exhibition and vote for their favourite artwork as part of the people’s choice award, which will see a few lucky winners receive art packs and a free ticket to an Arts in Greater Dandenong workshop of their choice in 2021.

The ‘9 by 5’ exhibition is open now and will run until Saturday 23 January. Opening hours are Tuesdays to Fridays, 12pm to 3pm and Covid safe practices such as mask wearing and social distancing apply.

Exhibited works will also be available for sale to support the artists. For more information, visit www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

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Going for goal in the world game

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

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

His life for others

By Casey Neill

Lee Tarlamis.

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

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

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

“I didn’t do it to get acknowledgement.

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

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

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

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

throughout those two years,” he said.

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

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

Initially that was through the Keysborough Learning Centre.

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

SERVICE QUALITY ADVICE

“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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Volunteers are sought to assist with packing relief goods to be sent to Fiji, to help residents struggling after a devastating cyclone.

Cyclone Yasa pummelled Fiji with 345 km/h winds a week before Christmas on Thursday 17 December, destroying homes, levelling crops and causing heavy rain and flooding.

Four people were killed and the recovery is estimated to cost billions, with many people’s livelihoods ruined with the loss of crops.

Mission Liaison Group - Second Life Pasifika is contributing to the relief effort by packing goods to be sent to Fiji.

On Saturday January 16 from 8am til 1pm, or earlier, a ‘flash mob’ of volunteers are needed to help pack unboxed and

boxed goods into a container.

Donations of goods and funds will also be accepted on the day.

Due to the expected six-to-nine month recovery time for food crops, non-perishable goods are needed, including canned food, rice, pasta and noodles.

The groups also recommends donations of hand tools, toiletries, nappies and baby cleaning products, bowls for washing clothes, detergent and washing powder, rope, pegs, tents, bedding, household linen, large plastic water containers, rubbish bins, airtight biscuit tins, and plastic food containers.

Anyone interested in volunteering, especially if in a large group, should notify Rev. John Connan on 0419572936, 97812636, or jconnan@hotmail.com, so enough morning tea can be provided.

/DandenongStarJournal

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By Danielle Kutchel

DANDENONG

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Fiji volunteers needed

Monday, 11 June, 2018

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GRACE REMOVALS Group A Division of Grace Worldwide (Australia) Pty Ltd A.B.N 90 070 345 845 of Tucks Road, Seven Hills NSW hereby gives notice under the Victoria Warehousemen's Liens Act 1958 that storage charges are overdue for the undermentioned accounts. Unless payment in full is received on or before 22nd January, 2021 goods will be offered for sale by Public Auction at the premises named; Abbeys Auctions, 480-482a Station St, Box Hill VIC 3128. Goods to be Auctioned online from the 15th August, 2020. PACE ref 276140 H/H items stored at Hallam 5/5/13 owes $1234.08 to 30/11 /20. KOPKE - 304853 H/H stored at Mt Waverley 25/8/17 owes $2985.76 to 31/10/20.

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STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

Kellepotha stars in win

By Nick Creely What a welcome to 2021.

It was a round of stunning fightbacks and brilliant individual performances in the DDCA’s Turf 1 competition on Saturday, with no other than a thrilling blockbuster at Park Oval between Buckley Ridges and Berwick capturing the attention.

The Bears looked down and out and the Bucks a class above, but never doubt a champion side - Matt Chasemore’s premiership winning group simply keeps getting the job done.

The Bears managed to bowl the home side out for 192, with overseas recruit Benny Howell - fresh off a stint with the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL - fighting hard for his 37 while Daniel Watson continued his strong form with 34 at the top of the order and Hussain Ali (38) blasted some vital runs late in the piece.

Leggie Ruwantha Kellepotha was once again impressive, snaring 3/21 from his nine overs, while quicks Brendan Rose (2/65) and James Wilcock (2/36) were also multiple wicket takers.

But it was a disastrous start to the chase, with Jordan Cleland out first ball and the visitors slumping to 4/12 and Chasemore back in the sheds after a stunning early spell from Michael Davies (4/41) and strong support from Howell (2/55).

While the Bears managed to claw its way back through Ruwantha Kellepotha and emerging star Jaxon Binns (36), who was showing great poise and terrific strokeplay, the Bucks made further inroads on the way to what seemed a likely victory, with the visitors falling further to 6/93 after the crucial scalp of Nathan Pilon.

But slowly, and surely, with the run rate never really an issue, Kellepotha began turning the tide.

Combining with Jarrod Armitage (27) for a 58-run stand, the Bears found life, with Kellepotha finding the boundaries at a steady pace despite the Bucks pushing hard for the remaining wickets.

James Wilcock (29 not out) then played a massive cameo, helping guide the Bears home to victory by three wickets with Kellepotha still going strongly in what is sure to be the first of many blockbuster between the two powerhouses this season.

Kellepotha finished with an unbeaten 82 from 74 balls, slapping eight fours and four sixes after coming in at 4/12 in one of the most

Morteza Ali celebrates a wicket on what was an incredible day for the Narre South all-rounder. 225295 brilliant individual displays of the season.

It was also a classy display from a DDCA star down at Strathaird Reserve, with reigning Turf 1 Wookey winner Morteza Ali saving his side from what appeared to be a likely loss against North Dandenong It’s been a somewhat quiet start to the season for the gun all-rounder, but he found form exactly when his team needed it, snaring 5/44 from his 12 overs as the Maroons posted 157 from 39 overs.

Similar to down at Park Oval, it was a horror

start to the chase for the Lions, with the home side losing a wicket first ball and slumping to 2/1, and eventually 5/35 as new ball pair Matin Sultani (3/38) and Nimesh Kariyawasam (2/27) bowled brilliantly.

But Ali, who opened the batting and was a bystander as the wickets tumbled, simply couldn’t just roll over, showcasing class, experience and dare to turn the game on its head.

The all-rounder blasted an unbeaten 77 from 109 balls to then completely take the game away from the Maroons, combining in a

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS brilliant stand with Jawed Hussaini (34) as the Lions didn’t lose another wicket as it ran down the total.

Ali’s stunning knock featured four boundaries and two sixes and saw the Lions leapfrog the Bucks in fourth spot.

In the remaining matches, Hallam Kalora Park (5/166) eased past Springvale South (7/164) in a huge result off the back of a 93 from Leigh Booth, while HSD (173) got on the winners board with an impressive win against St Mary’s (154).

Panthers fall short but still in a strong position

By Nick Creely What an impressive showing from CaseySouth Melbourne.

From a strong bowling display led brilliantly by an array of spinners, to a customary flashy display from a highly-anticipated debutant and classy hands from the club’s youth and leaders, it was a performance worth sitting up and taking notice of.

And Michael Wallace’s side is well and truly in the hunt, now sitting just ninth on the table The Swans moved to a 3-2 record after a comprehensive win against Dandenong, and from the outset it was obvious that the home side were switched on and searching for a statement win to bring in the New Year.

Welcoming in two debutants - one who needs no introduction, a man with over 15,000 international runs for Sri Lankan in Tillakaratne Dilshan and emerging teenager Harrish Kannan - the Panthers were sent in to bat at Casey Fields.

Dilshan - who was a more than handy offie during his international career - opened the bowling with left-arm quick Jackson Fry, and despite not jagging a wicket early, applied terrific pressure as the Panthers looked to get off to a brisk start.

He finished with tidy figures of 0/32 from 10 overs and proved to be a hard obstacle to get away.

Fry (2/43)- who was bowling sharply 18 STAR JOURNAL

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Dandenong champion Brett Forsyth struck his 8000th Premier Cricket run on Saturday. 225296 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS trapped Panthers champion Tom Donnell in front to register the game’s first wicket, and from there the visitors struggled to settle.

Brilliant spells by left-arm spinners Ash Adihetty (1/25) and Lachie Sperling (3/29) saw the home side make significant in-roads, in particular in snaring champion batsman Brett Forsyth (30) who was beginning to loom large as he also crossed past 8,000 Premier Cricket runs on the day.

At 5/94, ex-Swan Aaron Fernando and Comrey Edgeworth (35) weathered the storm and eventually began ticking the scoreboard

Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

over, with Fernando striking a classy 56 not out to help guide the visitors to a competitive 6/182.

But all-in-all the Swans bowled with terrific discipline with only two quicks and four spinners in the line-up.

It then became the Tillakaratne Dilshan show, with the champion Sri Lankan star striding to the middle with emerging star Ash Chandrasinghe, in what would have been a thrill for the emerging young opener to bat with a great of the game.

The sheer class and power of Dilshan was

obvious when he immediately got himself off the mark on his first ball, and cracked six fours and a six, including his famous ‘Dilscoop’ amidst some brutal strokeplay as young Chandrasinghe remained solid on the other end to frustrate the visitors.

The pair racked up 77 for the first wicket before young quick Braeden Taeuber picked up a memorable wicket in Dilshan, caught on the boundary.

But it was a memorable debut for the flashy right-hander, finishing with 53 off just the 42 balls.

While Chandrasinghe eventually fell for 33, skipper Michael Wallace and the experienced Jordan Wyatt consolidated the innings, with Wallace in particular looking in complete control and playing some crisp shots to race away.

The stylish left-hander crunched a run-aball half-century as the Swans ran away with an eight-wicket win, finishing 63 not out off 60 balls, and capped the win with a boundary. Right-hander Jordan Wyatt also found some runs, blasting 31 not out off 25 balls in his 78-run stand with his captain.

It was largely a tough outing for the Panthers, but James Nanopoulos toiled hard to take 1/42 off eight overs.

The Panthers will look to bounce back against Ringwood at Shepley Oval on Saturday, while the Swans travel to take on Melbourne Uni. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT YEAR IN REVIEW

Big league football coup

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The South-East’s A-League dream was revived in December, with Melbourne City set to relocate its A-League, W-League and Academy teams to an elite training facility at Casey Fields.

In what’s been labelled a “game-changer” for the region, Melbourne City’s relocation from Bundoora will be sealed by a signed Heads of Agreement with the cities of Casey and Greater Dandenong.

From 2 January, the club’s W-League side will play the first of four home games for 2020‘21 at Dandenong City Soccer Club.

A W-League derby clash with Melbourne Victory is set for 28 January.

The news comes two years after Team 11’s A-League and W-League license bid was rejected by Football Federation Australia.

Greater Dandenong mayor Angela Long says it reignites the push for a stadium in Dandenong’s CBD. “The Dandenong Sports and Events Centre was an important part of (the Team 11) bid and today’s announcement marks a step forward in bringing that idea to life.” The City move was “incredible reward” for four years of hard work by people in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire, Cr Long said.

“In Melbourne City FC we have found an established and well-loved partner with the same long-term and sustainable approach to development, a deep-rooted passion for community and a global network through its owners City Football Group.

“To be able to welcome Melbourne City’s extraordinary W-League team within a matter of weeks makes today’s announcement all the more exciting and will serve as a huge inspiration to young girls across Greater Dandenong and the region.”

Melbourne City’s training base is already part-built at the 84-hectare Casey Fields precinct in Cranbourne East.

It features four full-size floodlit pitches, clubrooms and offices that will be home to the Etihad City Football Academy as well as the club’s schools and community work.

An elite training tablet pitch and a twostorey elite performance and HQ building are expected by early 2022.

There is space for a future 4000-capacity mini stadium as part of Stage Three.

Melbourne City’s charitable arm City in the Community will also be based at Casey Fields.

The precinct is already home to Melbourne Demons’ AFL, AFLW and VFL teams, the Casey-South Melbourne Premier Cricket Club and grassroots sports clubs.

City of Casey CEO Glenn Patterson and Melbourne City FC chief executive Brad Rowse at Casey Fields on Wednesday morning. Picture: ROB CAREW

Jim Memeti and Angela Long with the Melbourne City FC colours City of Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson said the move was a “game changer” for the region.

“Melbourne City is a club that shares our community-first ethos and will be a wonderful

addition to our growing and diverse region,” he said.

“Thanks to Melbourne City, we will be able to co-develop world class facilities that the community will also be able to enjoy.

“But just as importantly, we will be introducing amazing male and female role models into our community, who will not only inspire a new generation of potential Matildas and Socceroos stars but who will also encourage our residents to be active and lead healthy and happy lives.”

Mr Patterson said welcoming 250 players and more than 100 staff would have “wideranging economic and social benefits” as well creating much-needed construction jobs.

Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti has lobbied for a south-east based national league team since raising the issue in the Journal News in early 2016.

He urged South East Melbourne to get behind Melbourne City with “equal enthusiasm”.

“We must take this moment to thank everyone who supported the Team 11 bid - our board, our investors, local members of parliament, ambassadors, council staff and all of the grassroots football players and volunteers,” Cr Memeti said.

“We are now looking forward to watching Melbourne City’s men’s, women’s and junior teams represent us all with pride for many years to come.”

Bears crowned the kings of the DDCA

By Nick Creely Dandenong District Cricket Association powerhouse Berwick was crowned king of the DDCA after being awarded the Turf 1 premiership in 2019/20 after a standout season.

The Bears were the benchmark side of the Turf 1 season, with the team - captained by the great Matt Chasemore and coached by ex-Victorian quick Will Carr - finishing top of the table and were preparing for a showdown with the reigning premiers in Buckley Ridges before the Covid-19 pandemic ultimately intervened.

It was a particularly sweet moment for Carr - who after signing with Premier Cricket club Casey-South Melbourne as the successor to Brian Keogh as senior assistant coach was leaving his home club with many special memories.

He told the Journal of the journey from a two-time premiership player for the Bears to a Turf 1 premiership coach, and the emotions that came with it.

“When I came back (to coach), we had a reasonable squad and team, but there was a few things that were lacking,” he explained.

“I suppose we didn’t have the depth there, and a couple of stars and top-end players dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

would probably admit they weren’t playing at their best at the time, so the challenge was to get the best out of them, and all the players.

“We had some plans in place, Cheeks (Matt Chasemore) and I worked really closely to set some stuff up and it’s a bit of a cliche, but it’s a credit to the guys, they embraced it.

“The ultimate prize was achieved as a result.”

The Turf 2 and Turf 3 grand finals, however, were able to get a finish the week prior to the scheduled Turf 1 decider.

Parkmore Pirates played out one of the great Turf 2 grand finals against Dingley at Lois Twohig Reserve, but it was the Dingoes that prevailed in a classic, run-soaked match in front of a massive crowd.

On day one, the Dingoes racked up an imposing 263, with Calvin Barlow (79) and Corey Booth (69) among the stars.

But the Pirates gave it an almighty shake, bowled out for 256, but ultimately outdone by the utter brilliance of spearhead Milan Rathnayaka (6/84).

The Turf 3 grand final was also battled hard in tough conditions, but Parkfield prevailed against Silverton at Rowley Allan Reserve to be promoted to Turf 2 for the 2020/21 season.

Will Carr coached Berwick to the DDCA Turf 1 flag earlier in 2020. 204550 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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Tuesday, 12 January, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au