Dandenong Star Journal - 19th January 2021

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Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

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Learn local awards

Driving down pollution

Bowling up diversity

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Market bounty As the long, balmy summer stretches out before us, with the tantalising prospect of sunny days before us, now is the time to visit Dandenong Market for the best of the season’s produce.

The market’s producers, growers and makers are hard at work, bringing only the best to shoppers seeking to spice up their dinners, create pleasing party platters or fill picnic baskets with colourful surprises.

Pictured here is Eliza, six, holding some of the last cherries of the season - these delicious delights will only be around for another three weeks!

For more information about the Dandenong Market’s Picnic in the Park promotion, and for a sample of what the market has to offer, check out page 12.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Solvent surprise In an announcement that took many by surprise, the State Government has declared that Dandenong could soon be home to a solvent recycling plant that would process a third of the state’s solvent waste each year.

The proposed facility, run by global recycling giant Remondis, would transform solvent-based products at a time when Victoria’s

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capacity to recycle and treat them is limited.

The products would then be able to be reused, reducing pressure on the environment from what would otherwise be a dangerous waste product.

The plant is the recipient of a Recycling Victoria Infrastructure Fund grant to the tune of $1.34 million.

The announcement was made without

“The announcement relates to a grant that has been provided to a Dandenong South business by Sustainability Victoria (SV) for the treatment of hazardous liquid wastes,” she said.

“At this stage the recipient firm has not yet made application to the City of Greater Dandenong for a planning permit and they understand that this is a statutory requirement and process to be completed.

Continued page 4

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warning on Sunday 10 January by Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, and Facebook lit up with outrage from residents.

However, the proposed plant is not yet a done deal, with Remondis yet to make an application for a planning permit to allow them to proceed.

City of Greater Dandenong mayor Angela Long released a statement the following day clarifying the nature of the proposal.

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Racing through lockdown

By Gabriella Payne Last year’s lockdown gave many people time to relax at home, catching up on their favourite TV shows and getting comfy on the couch - but for two teenage sisters, lockdown sparked another, more physical idea.

Instead of taking some time out, the two students from Springvale’s Killester College, Jade and Eden Gundry, decided to challenge themselves to race their way through lockdown by entering as many virtual races as they could and covered a staggering distance in the process.

Between the two of them, the girls entered and completed a mammoth 49 races during lockdown last year, which saw them run and walk a total of 1,883 kilometres across 13 ‘virtual’ countries.

Not only did these races provide a positive distraction for the girls during a tumultuous year, but they also helped keep them fit, healthy and active whilst raising money and awareness for many different charities and groups along the way.

Together, Jade and Eden competed in virtual events all over the world, including countries like Germany, England, America, Australia and New Zealand to name a few.

The girls didn’t let the pandemic dampen their adventurous sides either, virtually trekking their way along iconic routes such as the Inca Trail (Peru), the Ring of Kerry (Ireland), Hadrian’s Wall (England) and the Great Ocean Road (Australia).

Jade and Eden’s mother Sandy said that she was incredibly proud of her daughters’ remarkable achievements.

“These events gave them something to work towards,” she said.

“I hope when they’re older, they’ll look back at this pandemic and be proud of what they achieved.”

Jade with reminders of her achievements.

Eden with the reminders of her achievements.

Together, the sisters’ efforts saw 55 trees donated and planted on their behalf and they were able to support charitable causes such as breast cancer awareness through a Mother’s Day walk and Heart Kids Australia through a 180 kilometre virtual challenge at Shark Bay in which Jade finished first in the world.

Despite the difficulties the girls faced along the way, these sisters showed grit and determination and found a meaningful way to channel their energy during a difficult year.

With many trophies, medals and certificates lining the walls of their home, Jade said her favourite event had to have been the Shark Bay challenge, in which she finished first and loved “raising money for kids” - not to mention the cool “shark medal”.

Her sister Eden had a different favourite, for a more personal reason.

“My favourite was the Mother’s Day walk because we were raising money (for breast cancer awareness) and my Aunty was going through breast cancer at the time,” she said.

On the other hand, Jade said the toughest of all was the Great Ocean Road challenge, because “it was really cold and wet on a lot of the days” and she “really wanted to finish as quickly as possible”.

Killester College’s principal, Sally Buick said that Jade and Eden’s incredible accomplishments were inspiring for one and all and the school community were very proud.

“The Gundry sisters are a living embodiment of the college motto of strength and kindliness,” Ms Buick said.

“We are very proud of their achievements in 2020 and can’t wait to see what challenges they set themselves in 2021.”

Jade, left with sister Eden, displaying some of their medals.

Urban grassfires can spread at 25km/h.

Urban fringe grassfires move very quickly. You’ll want to leave, but don’t drive. The smoke is blinding and you can block roads for emergency vehicles. Grassfires aren’t known to spread into built-up areas, so just walk two streets back and check the VicEmergency app for warnings. If you already live more than two streets away, just stay safely inside.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

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IN BRIEF Warning on phone sales

Hallam next to go

By Gabriella Payne

Member for Narre Warren North, Luke Donnellan, observes the progress on the removal of the crossing. and cycling connections around the station precinct.

Minister for transport infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, said that for Melbourne’s growing south east population, the removal of the level crossing will be beneficial to the local community and ensure that Hallam Road remains a key, flowing pathway between the South Gippsland Highway, Princes Highway and Monash Freeway for years to come.”The Hallam Road upgrade and level crossing removals at Evans Road and Hallam Road are great examples of how we are getting on with the job and unlocking congestion in Melbourne’s booming south eastern suburbs,” Ms Allan said.

Construction will begin on the $248 million project in January 2021 through an alliance of Laing O’Rourke, Jacobs, Metro Trains Melbourne and the Level Crossing Removal project, creating 900 local full-time jobs at peak construction.

The Hallam Road level crossing removal and

train station upgrades are set to be completed by 2022 and are part of the Victorian government’s $15 billion plans to improve the Pakenham line.

These improvements, together with the Metro Tunnel project and bigger trains, will allow room for an extra 121,000 passengers to commute via train each week during peak periods on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, in a 45 percent boost.

This latest crossing removal and new elevated station will be complemented by the already completed Hallam Road upgrade and the removal of the Evans Road level crossing and reopening of the road, which reconnected the communities of Lyndhurst, Lynbrook and Cranbourne West for the first time in 15 years.

To learn more about the proposed works and upgrades for the Hallam Road level crossing, or any of Victoria’s other transport infrastructure projects, visit www.bigbuild.vic.gov. au

Road wisdom lacking over Christmas

By Danielle Kutchel More than 100 drivers in Greater Dandenong were picked up for speeding over the festive season, as part of Victoria Police’s Operation Roadwise.

Police netted 147 drivers for speeding offences between Friday 18 December and Wednesday 6 January.

This was by far the most prevalent offence throughout that period.

Police also detected 44 unregistered vehicles over the operation - not far behind neighbouring Casey, where 48 unregistered vehicles were picked up.

There were also 26 unlicensed drivers in Greater Dandenong over Operation Roadwise.

Operation Roadwise saw police maintain a highly visible presence to try and prevent dangerous behaviour and encourage people to observe the basics of road safety to prevent tragic outcomes.

Using an intelligence-based approach, police targeted busy periods, locations and

In times of crisis, you can give

Speeding far outstripped other offences in Greater Dandenong. major arterials where law-breaking drivers were expected to be.

There was a particular focus on drug and alcohol testing across the state, with police testing as many people as possible for the substances.

Every single police vehicle out during

the operation was able to conduct preliminary breath tests.

Police in Greater Dandenong pulled up 11 drink drivers, 14 drug drivers and 11 disqualified drivers.

And it seems the message on mobile phones still isn’t getting through to some, with 11 mobile phone offences detected.

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Search for missing motorcyclist Detectives from the major collision investigation unit are appealing for a mystery motorcyclist, who may be a key witness in a major crash that happened on the Monash Freeway last month, to come forward and assist them in their ongoing investigation.

The incident happened on Monday 28 December, when it is alleged two cars that were seen travelling city bound on the Monash began racing one another, weaving in and out of traffic and changing lanes before one of the vehicles crashed.

The driver, a 20-year-old Dandenong man, was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries while his 18-year-old passenger, also from Dandenong, was taken to hospital as well but with non-life threatening injuries.

Police investigators are hoping to identify a motorcyclist who was on the freeway at the time and may have witnessed the incident, and could potentially shed some new light on the situation.

A 20-year-old Narre Warren South man was arrested on Wednesday 30 December in relation to the incident and a vehicle was seized by police.

The man was charged with negligently causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury, conduct endangering life and conduct endangering a person.

He is set to face court again on Thursday 6 May.

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Thousands of residents in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs can expect faster and safer commuter journeys in the not-too-distant future, as the Victorian government is set to award a contract to remove the Hallam Road level crossing and build a new, upgraded Hallam station.

Each morning, the boom gates at the hazardous Hallam Road level crossing are down for almost a third of the two-hour morning peak period, delaying approximately 20,000 vehicles each day.

On top of that, there have been 14 nearmiss collisions at the crossing over the past 10 years.

The proposed changes will see a rail bridge built in place of the level crossing, allowing traffic to continue to flow under the busy train line, improving safety and congestion for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Member for Narre Warren North, Luke Donnellan, said that the new elevated station was a fantastic project that would help ease traffic, provide better public transport facilities for locals and improve pedestrian connections between Cranbourne, Spring Square and Hampton Park Town Centre.

“With a contract set to be awarded this month we are not wasting a minute to get on with major construction to remove the dangerous level crossing and build a new Hallam Station for the growing community,” Mr Donnellan said.

The new station will feature many modern facilities for Hallam’s 2200 daily passengers to enjoy and after listening to community feedback, a dual entrance will be incorporated into the build, allowing for improved pedestrian

Police are again reminding people to take extra precautions when selling items online after a man was robbed of his mobile phone in Officer.

The victim advertised his i-Phone 11 on Facebook Marketplace and organised for the unknown male purchaser to meet him at Brownfield Drive around 4:50pm on Wednesday 13 January.

The male offender asked the victim to reset the phone before pushing him and snatching the phone from his hand.

The offender then left the scene in a green sedan.

The offender is described as of African appearance, aged in his early 20s, approximately 180cm tall, slim to medium build, wearing a black face mask, black hoodie with white print on the front, black tracksuit pants and silver/ diamond stud earrings.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Police have provided these tips to keep in mind to avoid being placed in a dangerous situation when buying or selling items online:Look into the buyer/seller before meeting up.

Social media pages that have recently been created or only have a few followers may be indications they are fake.

Instead of meeting at your house, meet in a public place where there are a lot of people around and plenty of CCTV. Don’t go alone - if possible, take a friend or family member with you.

Communicate with the person verbally rather than via text/messaging so you can gauge if there is any suspicious behaviour going on (you can generally judge that by the way people speak to you).

Do not accept screenshots as proof of payment.

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Solvent plan a surprise From page 1 “It’s important to note that even though a grant has been awarded, this does not presume that a planning permit will be.

“When and if a planning permit application for this facility is submitted, council will undertake a very comprehensive assessment of it.

“Council will seek to engage with SV as soon as possible to get a more comprehensive understanding of their position.”

The State Government’s announcement follows significant community opposition to a waste-to-energy plant in Dandenong South, which consumed much of 2020. Ultimately that facility, run by Great Southern Waste Technologies, was granted a works approval by the EPA however Greater Dandenong Council will appeal the decision in VCAT. Remondis first applied for the grant for the solvent recycling facility in August 2020, with the plant scheduled to be operational from early 2024 if licencing and permits are received.

It would create 20 full time jobs across the planning, design and construction phase and longer-term employment.

A spokesperson for Remondis said the company would engage in community consultation once reaching the planning application phase, expected to be in around mid-2023.

“We will welcome all aspects of the facility being open to scrutiny,” the spokesperson said.

“Given that we are a world leader in operating such facilities around the world, and the enormous environmental and economic benefits this facility would bring to Victoria, we look forward to making our case.”

The spokesperson added that the “facility would be safe”, using leading-edge technology.

In fact, the spokesperson said, the recycled solvents would benefit the environment by “reducing reliance on virgin materials being

A concept image of the solvent recycling plant used in solvent manufacture” and avoiding illegal dumping of solvent sludge, as well as a reduction in solvent waste being sent to landfill.

The recycled products would also benefit the economy by providing cheaper solvents for businesses to purchase.

Bangholme resident Alan Hood, who has long followed environmental issues within the City of Greater Dandenong, holds grave concerns for the plant, should it go ahead.

While he said he is “sympathetic” with the need to “get rid of the massive tonnage” of solvent waste, he doesn’t believe it should be done within Dandenong.

“It’s quite immoral to say the solution to these matters - fire outbreaks, and massive dumps in the northern and western parts of the city - should be solved by carting all that

Picture: SUPPLIED material to Dandenong and building a plant there,” he told the Journal.

“It’s also immoral to build these plants in urban areas. We have areas in Victoria that are virtually absent of human habitation. We have areas where the prevailing wind blows offshore, where we can blow this out to sea and it doesn’t harm anyone - so that’s what they should do.”

Mr Hood is worried that the process of converting the waste could release particulates and dioxins that are harmful to human health.

A fire at the plant could also carry dangerous fumes across residential areas, he added.

“The government has betrayed the people of Dandenong,” he said.

“The council should definitely refuse the permit.”

A State Government spokesperson said the funding was conditional on Remondis meeting all planning and EPA approvals through the normal process, and continuing to meet all required regulations.

“This funding was allocated based on a competitive process and assessed on its merits by an Interdepartmental Panel. This included a detailed assessment of environmental safeguards and strict conditions at the Remondis site,” the government spokesperson said.

The State Government can withhold payment or terminate funding if Remondis does not meet the conditions outlined in the funding agreement.

An estimated 15,000-29,000 tonnes liquid waste containing recyclable solvent need to be managed in Victoria each year.

PLANNING ON TRAVELLING INTERSTATE ?

ALL VICTORIANS RE-ENTERING VICTORIA WILL NEED A PERMIT

To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), all Victorians travelling interstate must apply for a permit to re-enter Victoria.

Do not travel to a red zone.

To find out whether your destination is in a red, orange, or green zone, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

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A Wellspring of success

By Gabriella Payne Dandenong not-for-profit Wellsprings for Women has been recognised with not one, but two awards at the annual learn local awards ceremony, held virtually by Neighbourhood House Victoria at the end of last year.

Winning both the publicly voted ‘people’s choice award’ and the ‘innovation in a time of Covid acknowledgement award’, the team at Wellsprings were commended for their dedication and outstanding work throughout the year, despite all the challenges they faced.

The chief executive officer of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, Nicole Battle, said that despite celebrating virtually, it was fantastic to take a moment to reflect on the incredible community work that many had done throughout the state.

“Congratulations to all the neighbourhood houses who were honoured at this year’s learn local awards,” Ms Battle said.

“I’m so proud of the impact our sector continues to have in this space.”Ms Battle said that after one of the toughest years many had faced in recent times, it was inspirational to see organisations such as Wellsprings adapt and persevere with their work, despite all the challenges.

“Keeping already vulnerable learners engaged throughout the lockdowns hasn’t been easy, especially when one of the main benefits that separates ‘learn locals’ from the big institutions is their friendly and personalised approach to learning,” Ms Battle said.

“For many learners where technology and language are already big barriers, learning online can be daunting and understandably in some cases, not feasible.”

Indeed, for many of Wellsprings’ clientele, the majority of whom are disadvantaged migrant and refugee women, learning online posed new challenges as many did not have internet access or computer literacy skills.

Dalal Smiley, chief executive officer at Wellsprings for Women, said that she was proud of the way her staff acted quickly and used initiative, gaining funds to ensure that their services were accessible and could continue during Melbourne’s lockdown.

“It was easy for us to get online, but if none of the women are able to access their classes, then what’s the point?” Ms Smiley said.

“So we were able to get funding to get computers, laptops, webcams, internet access and an IT help desk and we helped a lot of the women learn how to connect online and how to use Zoom, and we managed to engage with almost 90 percent of our women by doing that.”

Ms Smiley said the team at Wellsprings were “thrilled” by the news of their award wins, stating that after such a hard year, it came as a lovely surprise to know that the efforts they’d made to help vulnerable women had been noticed by the community.

“We don’t do it to be recognised, we do it to help women, but when someone notices and gives us a pat on the back, that encourages everyone to keep going,” Ms Smiley said.

She noted that these awards would not

Wellsprings’ Mental Health First Aid training group. 225623 have been possible if it weren’t for the incredible work by the “amazing group of staff and volunteers”, who were “always willing to help” on any job, no matter how big or small.

Minister for Training, Skills and Higher Education, Gayle Tierney, said that organisations such as Wellsprings had a crucial role to play in the post Covid recovery phase and were to be congratulated for their hard work.

“In this year of challenge and change, first through bushfires and then coronavirus, ‘learn locals’ are also playing a vital role in Victoria’s economic and social recovery - whether it be building community capacity and resilience, or helping grow our skilled workforce,” Ms Tierney said.

“By being embedded in their communities, ‘learn locals’ draw upon the skills and knowledge of local trainers with industry experience who are committed to helping learners build new, real-world skills and improve their lives.”

Ms Smiley was excited about the upcoming projects Wellsprings has planned for 2021, including a cultural cuisine social enterprise which aims to purchase a food truck in order to get some of the women cooking and catering for different local events, providing income to them in the long run.

“We are looking for funding to get a food truck, so that some of the women will be able to get an income to provide for their families,” Ms Smiley said.

“The level of unemployment in Dandenong is going to be quite high, more than ever - it’s

Gladys Torres, education coordinator. 225623

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

predicted around 20 percent - and migrant and refugee women will be the most affected by unemployment. So we’re hoping that if we get a food truck and get the catering and social enterprise going, that will be a big help to some of the women.”

As well as the food truck plan, Wellsprings are looking to build a ‘women’s shed’ this year,

GET 2021 started!

where women will be able to train in “nontraditional areas”, such as trades, plumbing, electricity, doing woodwork and using power tools.

To learn more or get involved with the centre, visit https://www.wellspringsforwomen. com/ or visit the team at 79 Langhorne Street, Dandenong.

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Bus-ting down emissions

By Gabriella Payne Two new hybrid buses made in Dandenong hit Melbourne’s streets in December, as the Victorian government continues to work towards a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable future, transforming the city’s bus fleet and creating more jobs in the process.

The addition of these two new vehicles will see the number of hybrid buses on Victorian roads grow to 50, with plans for 10 more to join them in the next two years - a move which the government hopes will help pave the way to a greener future.

On Friday 11 December the Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams visited Volgren’s Dandenong facility, to unveil the newest additions to Melbourne’s bus fleet.

With Ventura set to operate these buses on several routes between Brighton and Pakenham, Mr Carroll said it was a fantastic move in the right direction and would help reduce exhaust emissions by up to 25 per cent.

“The smell and smoke of diesel from a passing bus will eventually become a thing of the past in Victoria - and another two hybrid buses joining our state’s fleet is another step towards a more sustainable transport future,” Mr Carroll said.

A key feature of these new buses is that they “run in ‘silent’ electric mode when slowing down”, resulting in less noise and air pollution, benefiting both the environment, bus commuters and any pedestrian in the vicinity of a bus stop, school or outdoor dining precinct.

Ms Williams said it was not only great to see these new hybrid vehicles help create a sustainable future, but also that they were providing jobs for locals, with 80 Victorian suppliers contributing parts to the new buses, which feature “85 per cent local content” and were built in Dandenong.

Dean Haverkamp (right Volgren site manager Victoria) speaks to Ben Carroll MP (left) and Gabrielle Williams MP (middle). 223828

From left, Ben Carroll MP, managing director of Ventura Andrew Cornwall, managing director of Scania Mikael Jansson, Nick Foa of the Department of Transport, CEO of Volgren Australia Thiago Pictures: ROB CAREW Deiro and Gabrielle Williams MP. 223828 “Victoria is becoming a leader in smart, sustainable transport solutions - and many of these low-emissions vehicles are being built right here in Dandenong, skilling up our workers in the technology of the future,” Ms Williams said.

Ventura is also ensuring that this sustainable transport model will be continued on for years to come, taking in a new round of first year apprentice technicians in 2021 who will

learn about the diesel-electric powertrain system and stand them in good stead as the world continues to work towards cutting carbon emissions.

But environmentally-friendly features are not the only thing these new buses offer; they will also be more accessible for people of all abilities, with new technologies implemented for elderly members of the community and people with disabilities.

Visual and audio ‘next stop’ announcement technology is aimed at helping passengers with sight and hearing impairments, while panels with extra holding points will hopefully prevent slips and falls, particularly among elderly passengers.

The Victorian government assigned $20 million in this year’s Budget to “investigate solutions to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet” and create “a pipeline of local job opportunities in sustainable technology and manufacturing”, but for now these hybrid buses will be a step in the right direction.

The Department of Transport head of transport services, Nick Foa, said that it was great to be implementing more environmentally conscious schemes in Victoria’s vast transport network and would be beneficial to everyone in the long run.

“These low emissions buses will play an important role in Victoria’s future public transport network as we continue to invest in safe, reliable and comfortable transport options,” Mr Foa said.

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

So even if your symptoms are mild,

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And keeps us doing the things we love.

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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The community mourns those killed in Quetta.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Saied Rezawi, an activist and social worker from the Melbourne Hazara community, speaks at the Bunjil Place vigil.

Hazaras mourn victims

By Danielle Kutchel and Gabriella Payne The south eastern Hazara community came together over the weekend to show solidarity with their loved ones in Pakistan following a spate of murders in the country.

More than 100 people joined in a candlelight vigil at Bunjil Place on Saturday 9 January, as well as an inner city demonstration at Victoria’s Parliament House on the same day, where many held aloft signs calling for justice for the Hazara people.

It follows the brutal murders of ten Hazara coal miners in Quetta, Pakistan, on Sunday 3 January.

The miners were bound hand and foot and taken into the nearby hills where some were beheaded and others had their throats slit.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which set off a wave of protests among the Hazara community in Pakistan, calling for the killers to be brought to justice.

The families of those killed refused to bury their dead until the Prime Minister of Pakistan visited and offered them protection from ongoing attacks.

Saied Rezawi, an activist and social worker from the Melbourne Hazara community who helped organise Saturday’s demonstrations with Shia Hazaras of Melbourne, said that this terrible news had struck a chord with many people all over the world.

“Everyone was concerned about hearing the news of the recent killings of these ten people and there’s a demand for the government of Pakistan to take some serious action in regards to the killing of Hazaras,” Mr Rezawi said.

Since the year 2000, Mr Rezawi said that 3,000 Hazara people had been killed “by unknown people” in Pakistan, yet there had still been no arrests made.

“The demand of Hazara people in Melbourne is that they (Pakistani government) should capture whoever committed these terrorist attacks or whoever is involved with these brutal attacks, so that they can be punished,” Mr Rezawi said.

Despite this terrible news, Mr Rezawi said that the vigil went well and was an important opportunity for Melbourne’s Hazara community to come together, to show their solidarity and express their sadness.

One of the mourners in attendance at the Bunjil place vigil said that he hoped this event would help raise awareness amongst the Australian community of the persecution faced by the Hazara minority in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“In the past 22 years there have been 16 bomb blasts on our people,” the man said. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Young and old joined the vigil at Bunjil Place.

“There is a threat everywhere. At the start it was targeted killing, then bomb blasts, and now we are being slaughtered.”

He said many of the Hazara people now living in the south east had come to Australia to escape the threat in their homeland.

Reja, a young Hazara from Dandenong, arrived in Australia in July 2018 from Afghanistan, escaping that persecution.

“Back in Afghanistan … if they know you’re a Hazara, they won’t give you your rights. They see you from another perspective,” he explained.

He said news of the killings in Quetta had been “heartbreaking”.

“It’s not the first time and sadly it won’t be the last time. Hazara people have been targeted and faced genocide for a long time.

“If you see the history of Hazara people over the last two centuries, the conflict started like 100 or 200 years ago. So I don’t know if these protests will work, because it’s not the first time and it won’t be the last time for us Hazara people to be targeted.

“Because every time it happens, either in Pakistan or Afghanistan, the government just send a social media message condemning the attack and they will send their condolences – but that’s it. That’s the only thing they do, as a reaction.”

The Bunjil Place mourner echoed Reja’s

sentiment on Saturday at the vigil.

“What we are demanding is, we don’t want you just saying you’ll do it, we want action.

Don’t just say it, actually do it,” he said.

Reja said the vigil would help remember those who had been lost to violence.

“It’s important for our community to honour our sisters and brothers back in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to have a candlelight vigil to let them know that we are with them no matter how far away we are and no matter where we live. We will remember them in any situation and share our feelings.”

Mr Rezawi also thanked the City of Casey giving them permission to hold the vigil.

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A diverse display on Australia Day Refugees and members of multicultural groups will take part in an important sporting match to celebrate diversity on Australia Day. The Australia Day Cricket Cup will take place in Springvale on Tuesday 26 January, as part of the City of Greater Dandenong’s Australia Day Summer Festival 2021.

Played in a short T2 format, the match will bring together members from a range of clubs, including the All Nations Social Cricket team, which is made up of members from many countries - including asylum seekers.

“The City of Greater Dandenong is a place where people from all cultures and nations are welcomed, involved and recognised. This event provides us with an opportunity to come together and celebrate what connects us,” Mayor, Angela Long said.

“We will have men’s and women’s teams playing on the day, as well as entertainment and roving performers for spectators to enjoy.”

Abdul Razzaq from All Nations Social Cricket said the game was a great way to unite cultures and celebrate diversity.

“We are a non-for-profit organisation that uses cricket and other sports to foster community, love, peace and harmony in communities with vulnerable people. Our motto is ‘Don’t Give Up Give Back!’

“We live in a world where there is a lot of uncertainly, anxiety and stress. It affects us all but can be particularly acute for those living away from home, and for asylum seekers and refugees.

“We welcome people from all backgrounds, seeking to create more social inclusion and bring different communities together through

Works start Construction on the Pound Road West Upgrade is slated to begin in the second half of 2021.

A bridge will be built over the Cranbourne rail line to connect Pound Road West with Remington Drive.

Site investigations will start in January on Pound Road West, Remington Drive and surrounding roads.

These investigations will include digging to locate underground utility services and surveying to get a better understanding of road and ground conditions, and are set to take place during the day from Monday to Saturday, subject to weather conditions.

The Frankston-Dandenong Road bridge over the Cranbourne and Pakenham rail lines is also slated to be upgraded.

Site investigations around this bridge will take place during January.

In both areas, temporary lane closures and reduced speed limits will be in place to allow for the investigations.

Some parking may be removed along Pound Road West and Remington Drive while works take place. Parking will be reinstated as soon as possible.There may also be minor noise disruptions as workers dig small holes to find the exact location of water, gas, electricity and telephone services.

From bottom left: Shaber Ayobi, Yama KhalilGuru Prasad. Standing from left: Hoshang Khalil, Laheeb Khahil, Huzefa Ezzi, Addul Razzaq. sport, and we are really pleased to partner with Council for this significant event.”

The City of Greater Dandenong will also host a Make Your Move Fun Run at Dandenong Park from 8am, and a hub for free children’s activities at the Drum Theatre throughout the day.

All Covid Safe guidelines will be fully met to ensure public safety on the day. Registrations are required and attendees are encouraged to visit www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/australiaday for more information and to check for updates closer to the day.

Site investigations will start this month.

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LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 20 January 1921 Prime Minister at Dandenong On Friday evening about 250 prominent residents from all parts of the electrate of Flinders attended at the Dandenong Town Hall in response to invitations issued by Capt Bruce MC MP to meet the Right Hon Wm Hughes, Prime Minster. Capt Bruce in the course of an excellent speech, said they had come there to-night to pass a cheery evening, to eat much and (he trusted) to drink more, they had not come to listen to speeches by loquacious politicians. He wished however to propose the toast of the “Prime Minister”, when they would have an opportunity of honouring a man of the highest patriotism and of marked ability ... Mr Cook in proposing the health of the host

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

Capt Bruce; referred to the pleasant nature of the gathering, which all had enjoyed.

They all felt grateful to Capt Bruce for his generous hospitality, ant the opportunity this offered them of listening to the Prime Minister’s address. Mr Maxwell MP, in supporting the toast expressed the pleasure he had enjoyed that evening saying. “Soon after Capt Bruce had entered politics he had “spotted” him as an up and coming man.”

Mr Maxwell was decidedly humorous in his subsequent reference to the farming activities of both Capt Bruce (at Frankston) and the Prime Minister (at Sassafras), and his remarks caused roars of laughter.

50 years ago 21 January 1971 New Shops Plan; many object Nine objections have been received against a

proposal to build a shopping centre and carpark on the south west corner of Gladstone and Police Rds Dandenong North. A tenth objection is being lodged in writing by the Dandenong Chamber of Commerce. A proposal

by Timbertop Developments Co to Board of Works also includes a hotel/motel and a petrol station. This is the third similar project announced in recent weeks in the Dandenong Area- the others being on the corner of Stud and Heatherton and Stud and Brady Rds. Also before the Board is an application

by Mr Harold Weeden to build a hotel/motel on the south west corner of Police and Bakers Rds about half a mile from the Timbertop scheme.

20 years ago 15 January 2001 I got Lara in a spin

West Indian batsman, Brian Lara, was in doubt for the Boxing Day Test showdown and the The Journal can reveal why - it was a Dandenong teenager’s fault.

5 years ago 25 January 2016 Safety at Last Stacey Brown cried when the news finally come through that the speed limit outside Dandenong high school was to be reduced to 60 kilometres per hour. Ms Brown’s 13 year old daughter Shaye died when she was struck by a car crossing the Princes Highway near the James Street intersection in March 2013. At the time the speed limit was 80 KMH. Amid her grief Ms Brown mounted her wipe off 20 campaign involving a petition and a protest at the site of her daughter’s death.

OPINION

Safe place to call home

By Wicki Wickiramasingham For the past seven years, Australian governments have enacted harmful policies against people seeking asylum, including the indefinite detention of everyone who arrived by boat after July 19, 2013.

Currently, there are still 290 people being held against their will in Papua New Guinea and Nauru.

More than 1000 women, men and children have been transferred to Australia for critical medical treatment and now live in ‘transitory visa’ limbo.

They are brought in for treatment, unknowing of whether they will be sent back to their country or to a detention centre, a high-

ly stressful and taxing situation that affects their wellbeing.

More than 200 of these people are held in locked immigration detention centres and socalled alternative places of detention such as the Mantra and Kangaroo Point hotel prisons.

Countless parliamentary and departmental inquires, UN Investigators and reports by the numerous whistle-blowers, including the governments very own doctors, have repeatedly discovered and told the story of systemic abuse, violence and medical neglect of women, men and even children who are held in detention facilities.

Tragically, 13 detainees have died in these centres.

So far, many of them have been due to depression, a leading issue for detainees and ref-

ugees that is often overlooked and dismissed, despite its devastating consequences.

These innocent refugees and detainees have attempted to flee war-stricken countries to survive and start a new life, only to be locked up and met with hostility.

The situation of Australia’s economy also plays an important role in this issue, especially regarding the negative effects of COVID-19 on it.

In order to contain the spread of the virus, the Australian government has closed the border to all but citizens and permanent residents.

This is likely to have had a significant impact on several industries, specifically those in regional areas which have traditionally relied on temporary migration to provide much needed labour.

While Australia may be managing the pandemic well within our borders, they are subsequently preventing other migrants from entering the country to fulfill labour needs.

However, refugees who are already in Australia can help address these shortcomings in terms of a lack of labour workers.

I believe it is important to highlight that there are 17,000 people who are on either a temporary protection visa (TPV) or a safe haven enterprise visa (SHEV) who can fill labour shortage across Australia.

Hence, if the Australian government gave this opportunity to detainees, it would not only serve as paving the way for a permanent home in Australia for them but would also benefit the economy and Australia’s journey out of the pandemic.

Additionally, detainees would become eligible to be considered for work rights, consequently freeing them and thus enabling them to start a new life in regional areas and feel protected in our country.

After serving seven years of continued detention at immigration detention centre and suburban hotels here in Melbourne, Brisbane and Darwin, these innocent detainees must be released and resettled in our community with open arms, especially as we near the Christmas and New Year festive season.

So, this holiday season, the communities of Melbourne’s south east region, refugee advocacy groups, as well as a large proportion of city councils are calling our government to act; free the refugees and detained children, reunite them with their families and make Australia a safe place for refugees and detainees to finally call home.

-Wicki Wickiramasingham is deputy chairperson at Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre, a City of Greater Dandenong Living Treasure and refugee advocate.

Make Your Move Fun Run, Dandenong Park 8am-9.30am Australia Day Cricket Cup, Springvale Reserve 10am-5pm Australia Day Kids Hub, Drum Theatre 10am, 1pm, 4pm All COVIDSafe guidelines will be fully met to ensure public safety on the day.

Visit our website to view COVIDSafe checklists for the events.

Wicki Wickramasingham 202268

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Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Website minaret.vic.edu.au

Facebook fb.com/minaretcollege

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Doveton Campus from 2021 03 9238 4200 Enrolments enrol@minaret.vic.edu.au

MIN GE FAI A RE T CO LL E CE TH TI K NOWLE DGE P RAC

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NEWS

Eliza with watermelon from Qandi. 225465

Erin Mallinder and her kids Eliza and Freddie with their bounty of food from the Dandenong Market, ready for their picnic.

225465 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Freddie (3) at Nesh’s Corner Deli getting a cheesy look into what’s on the menu for the Picnic in the Park. 225465

Pick your summer picnic Nothing beats the feeling of grass between your toes, a plate in your hand and the sun beaming down on your back.

There are some things that are just uniquely Aussie and, over summer, Dandenong Market is going to share with you some of the best places to find these true-blue experiences to enjoy a fresh, abundant picnic basket around the City of Greater Dandenong.

This summer Dandenong Market is introducing Picnic in the Park - your opportunity to pair the best of Dandenong’s delights.

With most restrictions now eased, it’s the time to perfect the ultimate picnic hamper platter perfect olives, fresh bread, cured meats, cheeses, nuts, summer fruits. With more than 80 delis, fruit and veggie growers, bakers and butchers, Dandenong Market has everything you need.

Invite your favourite people to Dandenong Market to craft a delicious picnic hamper, pile into your car and meet at one of City of Greater Dandenong’s 45 parks or reserves.

Dandenong Market offers a range of produce that is seasonal, fresh and in abundance.

Best of all, many traders can pre-prepare orders, so customers just need to pop their hamper into the car and go!

What’s on the menu? For inspiration this summer, look for Picnic in the Park signs around the Market to create your best ever picnic hamper.

To get the celebrations started, Dandenong Market has put together three picnic hampers for customers to win to share with three friends up to the value of $100. Between the months of January and March, go into the draw to be the envy of your Instagram followers with this de-

licious handcrafted hamper that will tantalise your tastebuds while you soak up the summer sun.

It’s almost too easy to enter! Simply tag three friends in either one of Dandenong Market’s Picnic in the Park social posts on Facebook or Instagram and follow to see the announcement of our lucky winner.

For more information, a map of Dandenong’s parks and terms and conditions, visit www.dandenongmarket.com.au/news/picnic-in-the-park-this-summer-with-dandenong-market/

Star Journal photographer STEWART CHAMBERS was on hand to capture the hustle and bustle of Dandenong Market, as customers pick up the best and freshest produce of the season.

Out and about at the bountiful Dandenong Market

Customer Janet from Guys Hill at Sam’s Spices. Sam stocks more than 200 freshly ground spices as well as a large variety of mixes (dry rubs, marinades etc) and salts.

225825

Jessica Schwarze, a 4th generation fishmonger with Australian Rock Lobsters. These muchloved crustaceans are currently cheaper than they were before Christmas and have more than a 50 percent saving from this time last year. 225825

Cooking up a storm at Shish Delish. 225825 Joza Hart from Hart’s Honey with honeycomb, produced from his bee keeping property in Lilydale and perfect for desserts or as an addition to grazing platters or picnics. 225825

Shoppers brave the rain to gather their goods. 225825

Anna from Keysborough and Edith from Geelong, catching up amidst fresh blooms.

Shaukat and Karim, new owners of Fayez Fruit and Vegetables, go bananas. 225825

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Ali from Kabul Kitchen, who sells a whopping 7000 pieces of his delicious Afghan flat bread per week. 225825

Anna from M and C Sweet Treats adds some colour to the grey day. 225825 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Weapons seized in police crackdown

Reform to drunk laws

By Gabriella Payne

By Gabriella Payne Sixteen people were arrested and charged for multiple offences over three days last week, as police seized weapons, drugs and cash during a south eastern operation which targeted public transport hubs in Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong.

The OMNI operation, which ran between Thursday 7 January and Saturday 9 January, saw police check more than 160 people and 20 different vehicles in a bid to target crime in the area - and was an overall success, with many dangerous weapons found and taken off the streets in the process.

A handgun, knuckle duster, knives, extendable baton and a taser were all among the items seized by police during the operation, as well as a quantity of drugs and cash.

The sixteen people arrested were charged with offences including firearm possession, assault, theft, drug and other weapon-related offences and five drug cautions were also issued.

A 31-year-old Dandenong woman was among those arrested, for six outstanding warrants for past offences, including burglary, theft and recklessly causing injury.

Acting Inspector Graeme Stanley said that the operation had been an overall success and had helped to improve public safety in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs.

“Local and transit police worked together as part of the OMNI operation in an effort to identify those carrying illegal weapons and get them off the streets before they could cause any harm in our community,” Inspector Stanley said.

Police at Dandenong railway station for a firearms blitz.

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

OMNI operations are specially designed, giving police “additional powers to detect weapon offences within a designated search area”, aimed at enhancing public safety and curbing crime simultaneously.

Inspector Stanley said that Victoria police would continue to monitor public transport hubs in the area as well as other busy locations, ensuring a high level of community safety at all times.

“We will continue to have a highly visible presence in the community and patrol high risk locations to prevent crime and hold offenders to account,” he said.

Slash to jobless support will cut deep

By Gabriella Payne Areas of suburban Melbourne are set to face economic woes - with Dandenong being the worst hit of all - as tens of thousands of JobSeeker recipients face drastic cuts to their coronavirus supplement before it is ultimately phased out in 2021.

Almost 10,600 people or 3 percent of Victoria’s JobSeeker recipients live in the Dandenong region, according to information from the Department of Social Services released in November 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic pushed many out of work and reliant on government support.

The figures revealed that in mid-November 2020 across Victoria, 365,276 people were receiving JobSeeker, with an extra 98,422 people receiving Youth Allowance - meaning the postChristmas cut will see hundreds of thousands of Victorians struggle to get by.

The cut came into effect on Friday 1 January 2021 and saw the fortnightly coronavirus supplement for those on the $565.70 a fortnight JobSeeker payment slashed from $250 to $150.

It will be stopped altogether on Wednesday 31 March 2021.

Project services manager at the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Moore, said that for many people with a strong employment history who were forced out of work during the pandemic, the JobSeeker scheme was not providing enough support and would “barely cover the increased cost of groceries ... let alone many of the maintenance requirements of life”.

“The additional stimulus has helped keep some families afloat, with many in survival mode, however the crisis is not over,” Ms Moore said.

“Chamber members tell us that the full crisis is set to hit in early 2021.”

Ms Moore said that many struggling people had placed a “mortgage pause” on their business and/or home during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in Melbourne, but this payment delay would come to an end in January, leaving many mortgage payers with “less dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

equity than pre-Covid and more to repay per instalment, to cover the debt accrued during the pause”.

She said that “people have held on as long as they can” and added that for many small businesses, it would take one to two years “to fully recover financially”.

According to Ms Moore, the high number of JobSeeker recipients in Dandenong and across Victoria was not because of a lack of skilled, motivated workers but rather down to the unstable economy.

“People are motivated to look for work because of a sense of hope about having a different and better future than the one they currently see. They usually have strong selfefficacy and a history of being successfully employed when the economy is stable,” Ms Moore said.

“However, the economy is not stable. It is more than likely that many of these JobSeekers have experienced at least one or possibly several of the impacts of Covid such as grief, trauma, and a decline in mental health, family violence, and financial hardship for the best part of a year.

“What they need more than anything is to experience success again, to feel in control of their livelihood, their lives, and to be able to support their families.”

Daniel Cheng, the president of the Springvale Asian Business Association (SABA), said that the coronavirus supplement cuts to JobSeeker would see many people in the area struggle, as families such as his own relied on this support at the moment.

“It will definitely have a big, big impact and people will suffer a lot, across many industries,” Mr Cheng said.

“At the moment there are not many jobs out there, and people can’t actually find jobs at this moment in time because everywhere people are being cut.”

As a real estate agent himself, Mr Cheng said it would “take a long time” for his, and many other industries “to return back to normal” and the cuts would prove challenging to many people post-holiday season.

However, the chief executive officer of the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance Inc. (SEMMA), Vonda Fenwick, said that with impacted industries such as hospitality, tourism and retail set to “rebound” over summer and the continuation of low Covid-19 case numbers, it was only a matter of time before the coronavirus supplement was phased out altogether.

“The Covid supplement may have tempted some to stay in bed, but for many it just meant a bit less financial pressure and once the supplement has gone it will certainly be a lot less attractive after March 21,” Ms Fenwick said.

From a manufacturing perspective, Ms Fenwick said that things were looking promising and starting to improve in terms of employment and job availability in Melbourne’s south east region once again.

“SEMMA’s most recent Covid impact survey, after months of negative feedback in terms of jobs, hours worked and revenue losses, is showing more positive results, particularly on the employment front,” she said.

“Manufacturers have reported hiring and looking to the future, one reported 22 per cent growth and several who had moved to three to four day weeks are now back to five days.”

Ms Fenwick agreed that there was no shortage of people looking for work and said that the most significant factor in a local economic recovery post-Covid would be “the number and quality of jobs available”.

“During the pandemic it was clear that many people would have loved to be working, but the jobs were simply not there,” she explained.

“As the economy recovers the employment situation will improve.”

For more information on the changes to the coronavirus supplement for JobSeeker recipients visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

People who become publicly drunk and disorderly in Victoria will no longer be ‘thrown in the slammer’ under new laws that were introduced to parliament last month that will instead see them receive the “health response and help they need”.

The Summary Offences Amendment (Decriminalisation of Public Drunkenness) Bill 2020 was brought to State Parliament on Tuesday 8 December and will decriminalise public drunkenness in Victoria, hoping to “save lives” and “better protect vulnerable people” in the community.

Former Attorney-General Jill Hennessy - who resigned on Wednesday 16 December - said that the current legislation surrounding public drunkenness was outdated and had had a negative impact on many people across the state.

“Current public drunkenness laws have devastated too many families that’s why we’re delivering reforms that focus on support and safety, not punishment,” Ms Hennessy said.

In the government’s pursuit to decriminalise public drunkenness and introduce this bill, an expert reference group (ERG) was appointed to provide advice and ensure that the new legislation was done right - consulting with Aboriginal communities, Victoria Police, health services and alcohol and drug experts.

On Saturday 28 November 2020, the ERG released its report, strongly advising that a health-based response be implemented to address the problem, providing detailed recommendations including the development of more social service and prevention strategies, improving first response services and ensuring that offenders are transported to a safe place.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, said that the reformed laws had been developed in collaboration with Aboriginal communities and would build a culturally safe and appropriate model that prioritised the health and safety of all people who became intoxicated in public.

“It’s clear the current laws have had a profound and disproportionate impact on Aboriginal communities,” Ms Williams said.

“These reforms will save lives and ensure those who need support have access to culturally appropriate care.”

The Victorian Budget for 2020/21 will provide $16 million to “kickstart” work on these reforms, aiming to provide safer pathways to help those who are drunk on our streets, particularly those impacted among our Indigenous communities.

One of the key findings from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991 recommended that the offence of public drunkenness be abolished, and these outdated laws were brought to light yet again after the tragic death of Yorta Yorta woman Tanya Day in 2017.

Ms Day, who was arrested for public drunkenness and later hit her head, dying in police custody, was the subject of a coronial inquest earlier this year, where Victorian coroner Caitlin English stated in her findings that “Ms Day’s death was clearly preventable had she not been arrested and taken into custody.“ The bill is set to come into effect in two years time, while the Government continues to consult with communities and experts, developing, trialling and implementing a health-based response to public drunkenness that will not only help offenders, but also the wider community.

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NEWS

Ensuring more get a vote

By Gabriella Payne For the first time ever, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has launched a new multicultural inclusion plan which will span the next three years, aimed at improving electoral participation of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds across the state and ensuring everyone’s voices are heard.

This new commitment from the VEC aims to improve electoral information and services and ultimately, make voting more accessible for Victoria’s growing multicultural community, many of whom live in Dandenong and Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs.

Having launched late last year on Monday 14 December, the VEC is excited to see the plan now already underway, with electoral commissioner Warwick Gately thanking all those involved and stating the plan was an exciting step forward for accessibility in the voting system.

“The plan has been developed following extensive consultation with staff, the VEC’s advisory groups, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and broader culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Victoria,” Mr Gately said.

“This plan cements our commitment to ensuring that more Victorians from our culturally and linguistically diverse communities can vote.”

The multicultural inclusion plan will focus on four key priorities, including accessible information and services, recruiting diverse, multicultural staff, engaging with Victoria’s many communities and ensuring all staff and services are capable of catering to each and every Victorian.

Being the most culturally diverse municipality in the state, the Greater Dandenong region is set to benefit greatly from this new plan, with approximately 60 percent of Greater Dandenong’s population being born overseas and 14 percent having a limited fluency in English.

Dalal Smiley, the chief executive officer at Wellsprings for Women, a nonprofit organisation for migrant and refugee women in Dandenong, said she believed the plan was “a great initiative” and would help multicultural communities participate in Victoria’s democracy in an “informed way”.

“These strategies will lead to better outcomes for multicultural communities because we know that people relate to people who are like them,” Ms Smiley said.

“So for example, if there is a Vietnamese speaking staff member in the electoral commission who is able to engage and connect with the Vietnamese community and explain to them about the electoral system, how to

The plan will ensure all Victorians understand their role in the electoral system. vote and why it’s important and all that ... then we know that the message will be delivered in a culturally appropriate and accessible way.”

Ms Smiley said she believed it was a promising step in the right direction, but ultimately that “the proof would be in the pudding”.

“I believe that if this is implemented well, then participation from multicultural communities will increase and then their needs will be better reflected as well,” Ms Smiley said.

“It’s about engaging communities and really building their confidence and teaching them that it is a worthwhile process to be participating in.”

Peter Harrison, the general manager for employment at AMES Australia said that through their work with refugees, AMES found that many immigrants were keen to be more involved with their local communities, and having the “right to vote and choose our political leaders” is something that many Victorians “take for granted”.

Grants for fishing wishes A new category of Recreational Fishing Grants will give fishing clubs and community groups access to more funds to improve fishing in their local area.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the new intermediate category of grants was funded by fishing licence fees and complements the State Government’s $35 million Target One Million plan, to get more people fishing, more often, in more places.

The new intermediate grants category will be open year-round for applications from fishing clubs and not-for-profit community groups.

Grants will be available for projects valued between $5,000 and $50,000 will be run alongside the existing small and large grants programs.

Examples of projects which could qualify for funding include improving habitat in local waterways, getting new access tracks, a fishing platform to allow for all abilities and fencing stiles to allow better access along a stretch of water where the best fish are.

The new grants program is for local clubs and groups to make a difference and improve recreational fishing for everyone to enjoy.

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“One of the things that we find with refugees coming to this country is that they work so hard to escape and leave the places where they’re moving from because they don’t have freedom and one of the things they’re keen to do is set down roots and engage in local communities and civic life,” Mr Harrison said.

“Having fair, transparent elections and the right to vote is something that they haven’t had the opportunity to do in their own countries,” Mr Harrison noted, saying that even without language barriers, Australia has “a complex electoral system” that “just takes time to understand”.

It’s not only older culturally diverse generations who will benefit from the VEC’s multicultural inclusion plan, but many multicultural young people as well.

Minh Nguyen, the senior manager for the south east regions at the Centre for Multicultural Youth said that when given the opportunity to voice their opinions and actively par-

ticipate in civic duties, young people had “a lot to say”.

“Multicultural young people are really keen to participate, they’re really keen to become active citizens and they’re really hungry to express how they would like to see society reflect their aspirations and the future,” Ms Nguyen said.

Ms Nguyen believes that the multicultural inclusion plan is “a great start” and will help work towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce, hopefully engaging with more community members, young and old, and assisting them to become more voter literate.

“I think that it’s a really good thing for the local community, because one: they’re going to have a workforce that represents the community and also, hopefully it kick starts some job creation for local people as well,” she said.

If you would like to find out more, the Victorian Electoral Commission’s multicultural inclusion plan is available to download from their website at www.vec.vic.gov.au

Personal safety alarms give victims greater confidence

By Danielle Kutchel

Grants will keep clubs fishing. be open all year round and complement the Large Grants Program, which is currently open. The Large Grants program offers funding of up to $100,000 to a wide range of organisations.

Applications for large grants close on 28 February 2021, while small grants of up to $5,000 are available year-round.

For more information about the Recreational Fishing Grants Program, or to apply online, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants

Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

Another tool is being added to the local crimefighting arsenal, with victims of crime in Casey being provided with personal alarms to help them regain their confidence.

The initiative is a joint one between local police and Casey Neighbourhood Watch, which sells the alarms to the public.

In this case however, the alarms are being donated to victims of crime who are getting back out into the world after their ordeal.

Leading Senior Constable Frank Bailey of the Casey Cardinia Proactive Unit said the small, handheld alarms are seen as a good way of helping to protect people, as they quickly draw attention from the public with a squealing noise when activated.

“It was the best idea for the victims themselves, as part of reassurance and trying to build up their confidence again,” Mr Bailey said.

The alarms have a keyring to enable them to be strapped to a handbag or belt loop, as well as a small torch.

Neighbourhood Watch Casey’s acting president, Peter Cueto, explained that the alarms

Jo Ann Fitzgerald, volunteer at Neighbourhood Watch Casey, with LSC Frank Bailey. 223908 are being donated to local police to be given at their discretion to people who have been victims of street robberies.

“Our intent is to give the victims some measure of personal safety as they would be feeling vulnerable after an attack,” he said.

“We will continue to partner with Victoria Police to raise awareness of street robberies in the lead-up to the holiday season.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Festive spirit on a plate

By Danielle Kutchel Families in need were given the gift of a Christmas lunch to round out 2020 on a positive note.

Cornerstone Church held its annual Christmas lunch on Tuesday 22 December, offering its community the chance to come together and make the best of what has, for many, been an exceptionally cruel year.

CEO of Cornerstone, Naomi Paterson, said the church saw a “broader community“ than usual attend the event, including families with young children and refugee families - people who had been hit hard by the closures, job losses, stretched services and lack of financial assistance associated with Covid shutdowns.

But for a couple of hours on that Tuesday afternoon, the 90 attendees were able to forget their troubles and fill their bellies with Christmas fare, and their hearts with festive joy.

Members of the Rotary Club of Greater Dan-

denong and Endeavour Hills, the local Lions Club and Friends of the Children all chipped in to provide cooked meals for guests.Music and bon-bons added to the Christmas feel.

After the event, attendees were given food hampers to take home, to get them through the season.

The hampers were filled by the three service organisations and contained goodies from The Pudding Lady and Magic Moments Basket Brigade.

Friends of the Children president and founder Shashi Kochhar said his organisation’s help at the event was a continuation of their service to Cornerstone.

Friends of the Children has been providing staple foods to Cornerstone for some time now.

He said it was all about teamwork, for the good of the whole community.

“From community, to community, by community,“ he said.

Naomi Paterson, Neil and Barb at the Christmas lunch. 224672

Sarita and Adelina from Friends of the Children Foundation. 224672

Carol with volunteer elf Barb enjoying the festive cheer. 224672

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Leanne from the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills. 224672

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Cultures celebrated

P C O MBerwick's C A L Park Primary School O Brentwood M U L ThasI Fcelebrated S richness in diversity S E their G L AwithSa spectacular show of cultural perfor-

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Eden Rise Optical "Students rotated through some amazPh: 03 8786 8088 & Clyde Rds, by their class 9, Cnr O’shea provided Shopactivities Address:ing teach3806in multi-age groups," she Berwick ers said.

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By Brendan Rees hit flying in the air and I was thinking 'God, I Ms Dzedins said: "It was very frightening, I counts of obtain property by deception haven't been killed and hope no one behind A Casey resident has described the moment and was very lucky." a eight counts of theft. driver "hurtled" towards her after an alleged me is killed.'"

"I could see bits of car flying up into the air, A 22-year-old Pakenham man was charged stolen car wound its way through Hampton It came as police were led on a two-hour like I think mirrors or I don't know; door han- with aggravated Park on Monday 1 April. carjacking, four counts of wild pursuit which began about 12.30pm after dles, something like that," she added. theft of a motor vehicle, arson, two counts Robin Dzedins of Lynbrook said she was a four-wheel-drive was allegedly stolen of "There must have been so people just af- burglary, obtain from property by deception, two turning left into Camms Road from South Cranbourne. fected literally by the accident." counts of theft.

Gippsland Highway about 2.30pm when The vehicle was later set alight, police say, she Cardinia Highway Patrol arrested two men Both men were remanded to appear at the saw a car "swerving like a maniac." before the speedsters fled in a station wagon and a woman who attempted to flee on foot af- Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 2 "I could only see it head on hurtling straight and later hijacked a ute ter their ute crashed into a truck on the South April. in Hampton Park. at me. e. Luckily I was turning left, had I been goThe ute crashed where police say the driver Gippsland Highway.

A 21-year21-year-old Dandenong woman was ing straight ahead I would've been hit," The driver, a 26-year-old male from Chel- charged with ttwo counts Ms was seen getting out carrying a rifle, which was of theft of a motor Dzedins said. tenham, tested positive to methamphet- vehicle. used to carjack a Ford ute in Carrum Downs.

"I thought he was going to hit the side of my amine and had his licence disqualified disqualified. He Witnesses say they saw the vehicle driv She was bail bailed to appear at Frankston Magdrivcar. iing on the wrong side of the South Gippsland was charged with aggravated carjacking; istrates' s' Court on 3 September.

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lucky; had “It was very frightening, I was very commuDue to the immediate threat to the ahead I would’ve been hit. to give chase, pursu- I been going straight nity, police were authorisedMassive car he had “I looked behind and saw bits of ing the offenders into Cranbourne. the hit flying in the air, and I was thinking ‘God, I police, evade to clash kick In a further attempt to wrong side of High haven’t been killed and hope no one behind me speedsters crossed onto the things com.au real estate off headsplitting is killed.“ Street, disobeying red lights and Highway.

20 to 30 cars would on traffic on the South Gippsland SPORT with three Robin believes around Property Lift out The car was involved in a collision by the reckless driving. the Cardinia have been impacted vehicles, after which members of people just “There must have been so many males and one Highway Patrol apprehended two probably 20foot. affected by the accident; there were female, who attempted to flee on 30 cars at the intersection.

A rifle was found in the stolen Ford. the interthe “He must’ve been in the middle of Robin Dzedins of Lynbrook, witnessed the traffic. He section because there was a gap in dramatic pursuit. going to“I was on South Gippy Highway was swerving like a maniac. at Settlement Continued on page 12 wards Cranbourne, turning left Hotel in Camms Road,“ she said. ✃ By ✃Brendan Rees ✃ L E T E

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Civil Contractor looking for an enthusiastic casual labourer who has some experience laying drainage pipes and conduits.

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Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

Tough outing for Panthers

By Lance Jenkinson There has been little New Year cheer for Dandenong in the Victorian Premier Cricket.

The Panthers are licking their wounds after suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time this summer.

While it is not yet cause for alarm, it has undoubtedly been a deflating period in the season for the Panthers, who went into the Christmas break cock-a-hoop on the back of three wins from their opening four games.

The Panthers have tumbled from their lofty top four spot to seventh on the ladder and are in desperate need of a form reversal to avoid falling out of the top eight altogether.

Dandenong’s ledger is square at 3-3 after six games.

The Panthers are one of four teams between seventh and 10th on the ladder to hold 17 points, which shows just how vulnerable their position in the upper echelon has become in a short space of time.

Their latest defeat came at the hands of ninth-placed Ringwood at Shepley Oval on Saturday.

The warning signs came early for the Panthers.

A below-par batting performance - all out for 137 in 36 overs - was a big reason behind the four-wicket home loss.

Panthers openers Brett Forsyth (20), who recently brought up 8000 Premier Cricket runs, and captain Tom Donnell (9) got the Panthers off to a solid start with 31 for the first wicket.

But a pair of golden ducks to Aaron Fernando and Comrey Edgeworth proved a major setback for the Panthers.

Those wickets were part of a rare hat-trick for Ringwood opening bowler Ian Holland.

Dandenong showed some fight through the middle order.

Lincoln Edwards played his part in steadying the ship with 19 off 37.

Then James Nanopoulos re-discovered the middle of his bat in the most positive development of the day for the Panthers.

Nanopoulos was both the saviour of the innings and the entertainer en route to a fine 70 off 76 balls, including five fours and a six.

In his previous five games, the all-rounder had taken more wickets than scored runs, so if he can start wielding the willow like he did last season, it will be invaluable for the Panthers.

The only trouble on this occasion is that Nanopoulos had no help from the tail-enders.

The last five Panthers batsmen combined for a measly 13 runs.

Ringwood’s run chase got off to a shaky start, largely due to the continuation of Nanopoulos’s white hot form with the ball.

Nanopoulos, who has a league-equalling best 19 wickets, snared the first two wickets of the innings to have the Rams 2/5.

James Nanopoulos made 70 on Saturday for Dandenong. 225949 The Rams would be 4/37 before their No. 4 batsmen David King slowly wrestled back the momentum of the game with 50 off 88 balls.

The difference in the game was the lower order sparkled for the Rams.

Jackson Freeman knuckled down for 22 off 55 balls before Arjun Dhull (23no off 17) and Jake Toohey (26no off 20) guided the Rams to victory.

Jakeb Thomas was Dandenong’s second multiple wicket taker with 2/35 off seven overs, while Suraj Randiv returned an economical 1/12 off eight overs.

The recent form dip has created extra pressure on Dandenong heading into the most important week of the season for all clubs.

The Panthers have a hectic three games in seven days, including a trip to Footscray on Saturday, an away game against Camberwell Magpies on Australia Day and home game against St Kilda on 30 January.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Ringwood snagged a crucial victory against the Panthers. 225949

The ‘Russian Sub’ continues Goss’ Sandown success

By Jason Adams Harrison Goss’ venture into greyhound racing continued its success last Thursday night with Russian Sub dominant in the final event at Sandown Park.

The victory was Goss’ second for the week following Dash Of Reyne’s win at Horsham on Tuesday.

Russian Sub, ‘The Sub’ or ‘Harold’ as he’s known, virtually led all of the way from box 1 much to the delight of a big group of connections and supporters on-course.

Not only was it another city success for Goss but also for close friends being the first greyhound they’ve been involved with.

“They’re four of my mates, they were keen and I offered them the opportunity to be a part of it. They’re loving it!,” he said.

Goss, 22, first got involved in the sport through ownership in a syndicate via Lindray Park led by prominent participant Ray Henness.

From that experience and watching 18 STAR JOURNAL

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countless greyhound videos on YouTube, Goss’ passion grew to a point of wanting to get further invested.

“It was good fun and after a while I wanted to do more, having a small share in a syndicate was good but I felt ready to take full ownership of my own greyhounds. It was a big jump, but it’s been a few exciting years,” he said.

“It’s a great sport to be a part of.”

Not only has he successfully transitioned into greyhound training but he is also a kennel hand with one of the country’s leading teams of Jeff Britton and Angela Langton.

“A while ago Angela contacted me to see if I was interested. I took it up and it’s been a great experience,” he said.

“I’m able to have some kennels there and that’s where I train mine from.”

Goss’ interest in the dogs doesn’t stop with training, he is also planning on whelping down a litter of Fernando Bale’s to his broody Pictor Lucy who was recently inseminated.

Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

Russian Sub with his team at Sandown Park. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Great’s remarkable feat

By Nick Creely Few players in Victorian Sub-District cricket are held in higher esteem than Noble Park great Marasinghe ‘Issy’ Perera.

He’s a cricketer that commands respect one in which can drag his team off the canvas and inspire those around him, as well as completely dominate the opposition.

“He’s probably one of the best players I’ve ever seen around Subbies to be honest , and I’ve been involved in Subbies for 22 years,” Noble Park coach Matt Crozier declared.

“He’s just an absolute superstar.”

Last Tuesday evening in the VSDCA’s opening round of Twenty20s, Issy put in one of the more memorable performances - snaffling mind-boggling figures of 7/13 from four overs to completely stun Box Hill.

It is in fact not a scoreboard error - he claimed a wicket almost every three deliveries in an effort likely to be spoken about for some time to come.

It’s also certain to be some sort of record with hauls of that magnitude very rarely seen in that format.

The spell included a double-wicket maiden in his first over, one wicket in his second over, three in his third and one in his fourth.

In fact, Issy actually took himself off after his first over before bringing himself back on to spin his side to victory.

Crozier said that it was not just the number of wickets that were impressive, it was the fact that he came on and completely changed the course of the match after setting Box Hill 102 for victory.

“Box Hill were 0/40 odd and he came on and just completely broke the game open,” he said.

“But the fielding really did back him up.

“There was some decent catches taken, whether it was on the boundary or at cover.”

His career at the club has been nothing short of remarkable.

In 155 games (including Twenty20s) since arriving at the club in 2010/11 he has done it all - premierships, club champion, VSDCA awards, and a mountain of wickets and runs.

From a statistical point of view, he has belted 4546 runs at an average of 32.94 which includes five centuries and 36 half-centuries, and jagged 307 wickets at 16.04 - quite telling numbers.

But its really no surprise to Crozier that Issy has added yet another remarkable tale to his Noble Park career on Tuesday night, praising him for his skill in all formats of the game.

“If there is going to be a guy, especially at our club to do it (taken seven in a Twenty20) it’s go-

Noble Park champion Issy Perera snared the incredible figures of 7/13 in a Twenty20. ing to be him,” he said.

“It is a surprise to get seven in 24 balls, it is pretty rare but when he’s on song, he can do anything.

“His flight, his spin, his wrong-uns, his natural thinking about how to get the bloke out is amazing.

“In two day cricket, he’s the guy that comes on to stop the rot and put the brakes on and get the crucial wicket.

Picture: NOBLE PARK CRICKET CLUB

“This year with the one-day cricket its been a bit different, he bowls late, gets hit around a bit, but he’ll still take three or four wickets.”

Crozier said that Issy couldn’t be held in higher regard at the club, describing him as a guy that just wants to help everyone improve their game, and admits that sometimes you can’t help but watch him go about his business.

“The guys at the club just look up to him all the juniors at the club know who he is, our

thirds and fourths all know him too,” he said.

“There’s times where he’s batting in the nets and we’re all just standing around and watching him.

“As a person, I’ve played with him and now I’m coaching him - you can just stand their sometimes and be in amazement about what he can do on the ground.

“When he gets going, especially with the bat, he’s unbelievable to watch.”

Noble Park to turn to youth for long term success

By Lance Jenkinson The youth policy is in full swing at Noble Park Soccer Club in the Football Victoria men’s state league 4 east.

The Parkers are hoping the 2021 season can be a catalyst for long term success at the club.

Club president Slavco Gareski has earmarked the Parkers reserves team as the breeding ground for the next generation.

However, if a youngster is ready to make the step up to the seniors, age will be no barrier.

“Long term, my vision is that the ressies should be about player development for the boys who are 16, 17, 18,” Gareski said.

“It’s not that I don’t want a bunch of older blokes running around in the reserves, but if you’re going to be looking at long term success, you need those younger players coming through.

“We just didn’t have that under 18s and under 20s set up previously.

“The youth policy is what we’re pushing for the reserves and the seniors for that matter.”

Noble Park has introduced two key figures to aid its vision of discovering and developing talented young players.

Marko Gluscevic has taken on the senior dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Marko Gluscevic is taking charge as senior coach of Noble Park Soccer Club in 2021.

Picture: NOBLE PARK SOCCER CLUB coaching role, while Jim Memet was appointed reserves coach.

Gluscevic is an exciting young coach, ready to rip into his first head coaching position.

Sure, he is inexperienced, but he has come from good systems as a player and has done his apprenticeship as an assistant coach.

“He’s played in higher leagues, a former NPL player,” Gareski said.

“He had an assistant gig with Ashburton in state league 3.

“He’s sort of stepping up to senior coach, but he’s done his apprenticeship.

“I dare say that although he’ll have his own stamp on things, but the influence that he would’ve had from all these high level coaches will filter through to our level as well.”

Memet is the more experienced of the pair.

He had a decorated career as a player and loads of experience as a coach, particularly in youth development, which will be invaluable.

“He represented Macedonia back in the day at youth level and played senior football professionally,” Gareski said.

“He’s been involved in junior coaching.

“Having appointed an inexperienced coach in Marko, he’ll be a good compliment.

“He’ll be a good sounding board.”

While it is full steam ahead for the Noble Park seniors, the off-season has sputtered along when it comes to junior signings.

The Parkers will be trying everything in

their powers to boost numbers in the coming weeks after a slower than usual uptake of registrations on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Normally this time of the year we’d be getting bucket loads of enquiries regarding the juniors, but they’re not exactly coming through as thick and fast as we would like to,” Gareski said.

“When we first came out of lockdown, I was taking some decent enquiries.

“All of a sudden, we broke our run of Covid free days and it’s not been the same since.”

Gareski is adamant that Noble Park has the cheapest junior soccer fees in the local area.

However, he understands the parents’ reluctance to commit with the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, particularly with some still out of work.

Gareski is hopeful there will be spurt of junior re-signings and new faces in the coming weeks.

It is the club’s No. 1 mission between now and the start of the season to bolster junior numbers.

“We had a meeting before the Christmas and new year period and that was the key focus,” Gareski said.

“We’ll be trying everything we possibly can.”

Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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20 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

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