Dandenong Star Journal - 28th September 2021

DANDENONG

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Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

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Council twigs to leaf loss

Family’s pain remains

Lions take sporting lead

Zaaki set for Cox Plate

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One of a kind

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Merle Valma Mitchell 15.07.1934 - 20.09.2021 Merle Mitchell AM, 87, is being remembered as a “true leader” – one who nurtured Greater Dandenong’s community and was a voice for thousands otherwise unheard.

Mayors and community leaders reacted with shock, grief and admiration for our ‘living treasure’ who died peacefully on Monday 20 September.

To them, the Dandenong-born trailblazer for social justice, community cohesion and diversity on the national stage was their loyal, approachable friend.

A mentor and inspiration – who from her aged care room decried unfairness up to the last.

A kindergarten teacher who grew into a Greater Dandenong Living Treasure and a Member of the Order of Australia.

As a leader, she was the CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), an advocate of the Council of the Ageing and founder of Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau (SCAAB).

Ms Mitchell inspired many like organisations, such as Springvale Neighbourhood House, the Family Mediation Centre and Springvale Indo-Chinese Mutual Assistance Association (SICMAA).

“Strong communities don’t just happen.

They have to be worked at,” she once wrote.

In retirement, Ms Mitchell was far from retiring.

She remained a patron of ACOSS and South East Community Links (formerly SCAAB), an adviser for SICMAA and active in Greater Dandenong’s positive ageing advisory committee.

From the 1970s, through SCAAB she was an active part of the remarkable Springvale community effort to befriend and support 30,000 refugees at the Enterprise hostel.

In the past decade, she helped retell the story in an ongoing internationally-acclaimed

Merle Mitchell at a tribute garden on the site of the former Enterprise Hostel in Springvale in Picture: GARY SISSONS 2014. 126005 history project, Spirit of Enterprise.

Often she cited the story as an example of how to welcome Australia’s new arrivals.

“People felt welcomed. It was a welcome that told people that everyone was pleased you’re here,” Ms Mitchell told Star Journal in 2018.

“Keep your language, keep your tradition, keep your faith - you are part of the whole.”

From that story bloomed a rose garden including the ‘Enterprise rose’ and a living-histo-

ry trail in Springvale as well as an Immigration Museum exhibition.

In 2018, Spirit of Enterprise was singled out for its outstanding contribution to culture by the international United Cities and Local Government Awards.

Be Ha, a refugee and former Enterprise hostel resident, was befriended and inspired

by Ms Mitchell.

One of Ms Mitchell’s initiatives was ‘The Friendship Scheme’ in which Enterprise resi-

dents connected with local Springvale families.

Ms Ha remembers she, her parents and brother and sister sharing Christmas dinner at their local family Nina and Robert Saul’s home.

She worked as a volunteer with Ms Mitchell at SCAAB. Now she is president of SICMAA, a social welfare group run by the Vietnamese community for the Vietnamese community.

She said Ms Mitchell was instrumental in setting up and advising the group.

“She said never sit there and expect all this funding from the government. You have to go out and sell it – let the people know who you are.”

Ms Mitchell taught her the power of listening to people, and not to take sides.

“We should remember Merle as a community leader, as a community friend, as a community partner.

“She was a true friend you can rely on – a friend for life.

“I love her for the rest of my life.”

When recently asked when she would retire, Ms Ha said she couldn’t.

“Merle Mitchell is still going, so why should I retire before her?”

In 2019, Ms Mitchell’s testimony about living in aged care blazed into national headlines at a national Royal Commission.

“An aged care facility is not a home. It is an institution,” her submission stated.

She spoke out on understaffing, undertraining, the lack of challenging activities and a lack of empathy.

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

She welcomed the interim report when it was handed down, but knew the work wasn’t over.

“He’s exposed the problems, we know what the solutions are and we have to make sure that the Governments make the money available for that to happen,” she told Star Journal.

Continued page 8

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Ex-mayor driving reform

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Former Greater Dandenong mayor Roz Blades has described being overwhelmed by chronic pain in her final weeks as mayor as well as her recovery with the help of medicinal cannabis.

Ms Blades suddenly retired as mayor in a shock announcement in October 2019.

She says she suffered a nervous breakdown after the high levels of nerve pain became “neurological” and “unmanageable”.

“The pain goes into your brain, and your brain can’t cope with it.”

She starved due to losing any urge to eat.

She uncharacteristically forgot things as some people speculated she had dementia.

“I couldn’t go to a council meeting, I couldn’t read a meeting agenda and I couldn’t add up.

“You’re someone else and you don’t really know it.”

She has been on the road to recovery since swapping to medicinal cannabis oil about 18 months ago.

“The change in me is remarkable. I have more of a life now.”

However, Ms Blades is banned from driving while taking the medicine – even though it has no THC or hallucinogenic effects.

In a recent submission to a State Parliament inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria, she urged law-makers to drop the driving ban.

For more than 50 years, Ms Blades had managed chronic pain with medications such as Mersyndol, Forte, Tramal, Pallexia, Lyrica and Gabapentin – and driven without incident.

However, medical cannabis didn’t cause the side-effects of some of the pharmaceuticals, such as “brain fog” and other life-long issues, she stated.

“I would strongly suggest that driving whilst taking these drugs is more dangerous and injurious than taking plant based medical cannabis, which is approved by the (Ther-

Former mayor Roz Blades is calling for medicinal cannabis patients to be allowed to drive. 198699 apeutic Goods Administration).”

Ms Blades said the driving ban was deterring others from taking medicinal cannabis and so they continued to endure pain.

“A young woman I know with fibromyalgia will not take medical cannabis because she cannot get to work.

“If you have to take approved medical cannabis and don’t live near public transport and work, you don’t have a choice but to drive illegally.

“If you live in pain, alone with no family to drive you and have to work, you have the choice of living and driving in agony, driving on drugs which are legal (and) may or may not impair your on-road abilities or taking a plant based TGA approved medication and risk being drug tested.”

Ms Blades suggests authorities trial patients driving limited distances to prove her case.

“It will help people get off the barbituates and opiates and onto clean medication.”

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Obtaining medicinal cannabis was a threemonth period. Ms Blades saw a doctor, who applied for government approval before providing her a prescription.

Medicinal cannabis oil, being not on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. So patients must bear the full $232 cost for a 10-week course.

“You’ve got to have the money to go on it.

This will push people onto the black market and onto the ‘wrong stuff.”

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Tree strategy watered down

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong’s sparse tree canopy coverage is receding, despite being a key part of council’s climate change strategy.

Since 2016, it has lost a further 0.9 per cent of canopy since 2016 – down from 9.9 per cent to 9.0 per cent.

“Whilst this appears to be a small amount, it is lost from an already small baseline and therefore any loss of canopy cover is concerning and must be addressed to mitigate the severe health and wellbeing consequences of urban heat,” a council report to be tabled on 27 September stated.

Greater Dandenong has eastern Melbourne’s lowest rate of canopy cover.

The lack of trees, high levels of concrete in private gardens and dark surfaces have made Greater Dandenong the seventh hottest region in Melbourne, the report stated.

It had recently set a target of increasing its canopy coverage to 15 per cent by 2028. In doing so, it would help greater Melbourne’s rate rise to 30 per cent.

Most suburbs except Bangholme and Dandenong South have become sparser in the past five years.

The most severe drops were in Dandenong (down 4.6 per cent), Noble Park (4 per cent), Springvale (3.9 per cent), Lyndhurst (3.8 per cent) and Noble Park North (2.9 per cent).

Most of the loss was attributed to rail corridor upgrades such as the Sky Rail project.

The council, which has declared a climate change emergency, has identified trees as key to mitigating rising local temperatures and heat stress.

Canopy trees can reduce the ‘urban heat island’ effect, cooling daytime surface temperatures by between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius.

“Evidence shows that planting canopy trees is a strong and effective response to these risks,” a council urban forest report stated.

“Not only do trees significantly cool our urban environment, they also provide us with a sense of calmness and improved aesthetic

Brian Congues with concerned residents and tall lilly-pillies overlooking his back yard. 251002 values for our streets and gardens.”

The most significant factor identified was the “very low canopy cover” on private land, which comprises 73 per cent of the municipality.

There was just 7 per cent canopy cover on private land.

In 2020, the council reported that it must introduce local laws requiring permits to remove mature trees on private land or it couldn’t meet the 15 per cent target However in its latest proposed strategy, the council has deferred discussion of a local law.

On 27 September, councillors will vote on the strategy, which would be to significantly plant on public land and to educate private landowners.

Dandenong resident Brian Congues said the vote should include the inclusion of a local law. A vast majority of the 114 public submissions were in favour of the local law, he said.

“Because it’s not recommended (in the agenda), they will never talk about it further.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“It will never go ahead.”

In the wake, he expected his neighbourhood’s “rapidly diminishing” canopy to worsen.

Since moving into the area 30 years ago, he’s seen big yards and gardens disappear under rows of units and townhouses.

“These people have got old, they’ve moved out and the developers have moved in.

“I’m not anti-development. Development has to happen but with consideration of trees and vegetation.

“We can’t live in a world devoid of trees and vegetation.”

Mr Congues said advocacy and education alone of private landowners was also inadequate.

Councillors needed to act further on a “duty of care” to protect its residents from the harms of climate change, he said.

“Unless they introduce a local law, their policy means nothing.

“They acknowledge the problem they’ve got but they don’t have the will and backbone

to do it.”

The issue has split councilors in the past.

Opposing councillors have argued for landowners’ rights to manage vegetation on their own land.

The council has identified canopy loss being driven by a growth in affordable housing such as apartments and townhouses.

Also, residents had less time to devote to gardening and were opting for lawn or paving instead.

Tree canopy coverage in 2021 (compared to 2016) Bangholme 4.7% (+0.2%) Dandenong 9.3% (-4.6%) Dandenong North 13.7% (-1.6%) Dandenong South 7.7% (+1.2%) Keysborough 7.7% (-1.6%) Lyndhurst 2.7 % (-3.8%) Noble Park 14% (-4.0%) Noble Park North 10.7% (-2.9%) Springvale 13.7% (-3.9%) Springvale South 9.7% (-1.2%) Source: City of Greater Dandenong

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Quaking at the altar: ‘God speaks’ with a tremor

By Cam Lucadou-Wells St Mary’s Parish priest Brendan Lane was just commenting on the online service’s “technical” difficulties when earth tremors started.

Then the camera’s jitters became a shudder and Fr Lane’s image blurred as the 5.8 magnitude quake took hold for more than 20 seconds about 9.15am on Wednesday 22 September.

As the rumble subsides, an unruffled Fr Lane says: “Wow! How’s that!

“We’ve just had an earth tremor here.”

He goes on to say that “in the old days God used to speak through theophany, thunder and lightning and tremors and all this”.

“He must be speaking to us today.

“I don’t think I’ve said anything wrong.”

Fr Brendan Lane’s online service was interrupted by earth tremors on 22 September.

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Ken’s bus odyssey rolls on

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Dandenong-based bus driver Ken Hansen has been a fixture behind the wheel for 45 years.

Ventura Bus Lines recently recognised the 67-year-old Warranwood driver’s remarkable service, comprising 31 years on charter coaches and 14 on routes.

He remembers driving buses without air conditioning, where every window was opened to try to keep cool on hot days.

And other vehicles with front-mounted engines that could be used to warm his lunch.

“You could put your lunch bag on the engine cover and by lunch it would be hot.”

In the decades, ticketing has advanced from rotary-dial paper ink machines, hole-punch tickets, the early cardboard Metcards to the present myki cards.

“What I like about the job is the friendships I have made, with drivers and passengers on tours,” Mr Hansen says.

“And having the opportunity to travel to most parts of Australia in our 5-star luxury coaches.

“If you enjoy driving, then the job is so much easier.”

Some of the corners of the country include long trips from Port Augusta in South Australia to Perth, or the Snowy Mountains.

On one trip to Thredbo Village, a passenger tripped and suffered a serious head wound.

First Aid was administered and an ambulance was called.

“Then just off the phone, another passenger fell. Also a head injury and a second ambulance was called.”

After a night in Cooma Hospital, the pair rejoined the tour.

“The doctor told me the right thing was done by sending them to hospital as the bleeding was hard to stop.”

Ken Hansen during his early days with Ventura Bus Lines.

Ken Hansen with the replica of the 1924 Reo. Mr Hansen first got his bus licence as an assistant Cub leader at 7th Ringwood Scout Group in 1975.

It was in order to drive Cubs and Scouts to outdoor activities.

Ventura’s then general manager Ken Cornwall, who had three children in Cubs, had donated three buses to the group.

Mr Cornwall arranged for Mr Hansen and another Cub leader to train at the Oakleigh depot to get a licence. After five Sunday lessons, Mr Hansen booked in for a test at Oakleigh police station.

“After doing a three-point turn and a handbrake start on the hill at the entrance to Chadstone shops off Warragal Road. I passed the test.

“Thankfully that hill is no longer there.”

Mr Cornwall soon afterwards offered Mr Hansen a job.

Five weeks later, Mr Hansen started on the Boronia 16-week rolling roster.

These days, he does the school run from Mt Evelyn to Monbulk College – though it’s been disrupted by Covid of late.

“Covid has impacted greatly on the bus and coach Industry.

“No overseas passengers, No local day trips.

No school sports. Camps not on.

“There’s just a handful of students attending state and secondary schools.

“2022 has to be hopefully somewhat normal.”

Ken Hansen, left, is presented with a certificate marking 45 years of service by Ventura general manager Andrew Cornwall.

worksafe.vic.gov.au/itsneverok

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Too many workers face this every day It’s never ok

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NEWS

Moderna jabs in Palm Plaza

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A pop-up Covid vaccination clinic in Palm Plaza, Dandenong will offer free Moderna vaccines from Tuesday 28 September.

The State Government stated that the South East will be the focus of its first 32,000 doses of Moderna due to surging infection numbers and strong vaccine demand.

The Palm Plaza clinic has been among the most popular of the state pop-up hubs in priority postcodes.

In its first 10 days, more than 6000 people had been dosed with Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

The clinic is open for walk-ups. No booking is required.

People aged 12 to 59 years are eligible for Moderna.

Other pop-ups briefly opened in Springvale, as well as places of worship in Hallam and Doveton.

As of 23 September, an overwhelming 77 per cent of Covid hospitalisations were unvaccinated, plus 19 per cent partially vaccinated.

Of the 4 per cent fully vaccinated, several were aged care-residents isolating in hospital.

The most recent Tier 1 exposure sites include Mount Hira College at 185 Perry Road Keysborough on Friday 17 September between 8.10am-3.45pm.

Anyone at the school between those times is urged to get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days.

Another Tier 1 site is Dandenong Hospital’s emergency department waiting room on Wednesday 8 September 9.35pm-10.59pm,

Covid vandalism filmed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Police are investigating film of a vandal spray-painting a Covid protest message on Premier Daniel Andrews’s electorate office in Noble Park.

The video posted on social media shows a man who calls himself ‘Jamie’ tagging the office’s front window in what he calls a “peaceful protest” on Sunday 26 September.

In a high-vis top and broad-brimmed hat, Jamie is seated in a blue car as he tells the camera that “we’re currently in the longest lockdown in the world”.

“Now I’m not happy about this so I’m going to make a peaceful protest.”

Then there’s the sound of a spray can being shook as he exits the vehicle. He then walks up to the office and tags: ‘SUICIDE IS THE REAL PANDEMIC’.

According to the Coroners Court of Victoria, reported suicide numbers in the state were down 11 per cent in the 12 months up to August 2021.

Suicides were up 3 per cent between September 2019-August 2020.

Mr Andrews’s office has been vandalised several times as well as visited by protestors since the Covid pandemic began more than 18 months ago.

A State Government spokesperson was contacted for comment.

Greater Dandenong CIU detectives are investigating the incident.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au If you need help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days), or chat online at www.lifeline.org.au (7pm – midnight, 7 nights).

Thousands have lined up for Covid vaccines at Palm Plaza clinic, which offers Moderna from Tuesday 28 September. 251071 Friday 10 September 6.20pm-9.55pm, Friday 17 September 9.51pm-11.43pm and Monday 20 September 1pm-3.10pm.

As of 26 September, there were 29 new cases in Casey, 18 in Greater Dandenong, 13 in Cardinia Shire, seven in Knox, seven in Kingston and five in Monash.

There are 206 active cases in Casey, 107 in Greater Dandenong and 102 in Cardinia Shire.

Postcode hotspots include Cranbourne (77), Dandenong (66), Narre Warren (32), Keysborough (19), Noble Park (17), Endeavour Hills (14) and Hampton Park (14).

Vaccine appointments can also be made at Sandown Racecourse and participating GP clinics and pharmacists.

Bookings: portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/ or health. gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/aboutimmunisation/where-can-i-get-immunised

The graffiti on Daniel Andrews’ office window on Sunday 26 September. It was removed hours later.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Positive Ageing Advisory Committee and Disability Advisory Committee The City of Greater Dandenong is seeking expressions of interest from members of the community to fill vacant positions on either the Positive Ageing Advisory Committee or the Disability Advisory Committee.

The Positive Ageing Advisory Committee provides advice to Council in relation to effective policy and service provision for older people in the community and strategic issues regarding positive ageing.

ONLINE AUCTION Mortgagee in Possession Unit 3 @ 3 Apple court Doveton

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9792 5333 www.century21.com.au/dandenong Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

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The Disability Advisory Committee provides advice to Council in relation to access and inclusion for people with a disability in the community and at a broad policy and strategic level.

STAR JOURNAL 5

LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 29 September 1921 Street seats and rest home At Monday’s meeting of the Dandenong council a communication was read from the Progress Association pointing out the need for seats in the Dandenong street, particularly on Market Day. The remarks of the president (Cr Russell) were decidedly in support of the proposal, which he contended was a necessity. His remarks were supported by Cr Harris, who strongly urged the erection of the street seats. He further pointed out the need for a building of some sort for women with children on Market Days. Cr Abbott suggested fixing up a room at the Town Hall for such a purpose. Cr W Keys thought there should be a building of some sort in the main street – a

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

place where women could rest. Cr Abbott – Where are you going to get the money from?

50 years ago 28 September 1971 Thomas St for one stop shopping “I can remember when houses dominated Thomas Street and those houses were lived in,” said Mr Col Gardner proprietor of Brighter Homes Paint and Wallpaper. “We’ve come a long way in the ten years it has been my pleasure to be associated with Thomas St. I feel traders here are as competitive as elsewhere and we offer as much, if not more, than any suburb in Melbourne. Dandenong is no longer a country town and a one-shopping street. We are a progressive shop community now and all Thomas St traders are proud of ‘our street’ and are obliging and try hard to

please customers. We have an excellent ‘atmosphere’ and perhaps the most important factor of all for busy people, longer and easier parking. I’m not only proud of Dandenong but of Thomas St in particular.”

20 years ago 24 September 2001 United we stand Muslim leaders have rallied in Greater Dandenong to condemn terrorist attacks on America and to offer the hand of friendship and peace to the city’s 140 nationalities. In an unprecedented display of solidarity and nationalistic pride, Islamic Society regional president Hesham Mobarek said people had nothing to fear from peace-loving Muslims. He said the attacks had no moral, legal or religious justification, and appealed to the community not

to judge all Muslims on the “evil actions of a lunatic fringe”.

5 years ago 26 September 2016 Residents’ safety fear over new bus routes’ The new Keysborough South bus route has some residents scared for their safety. Dhani, who did not want here surname published, lives off Keylana Drive and is worried about buses on the 709-route using the road between Lake View Boulevard and Chapel Road.

“It is a very narrow road, even for two cars to pass through,” she said. Dhani said that since the route started on Sunday 25 August, neighbours had reported getting stuck behind buses during peak hour and impatient drivers entering the wrong side of the road to pass them.

NEWS

Light between the cracks

By Helen Heath OAM, executive officer of Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong Little green weeds growing through cracks in the concrete pavement are considered unsightly, a nuisance, needing to be pulled out or even worse, sprayed, to be obliterated.

However, as a source of amazement, and more like frustration to many, they return and often at the same spot.

Recently we were all shaken, literally, by an earthquake.

Through my feet I felt the concrete base of the garage ripple and saw the car next to me shake before it registered what was happening.

Thankfully it seems there has been little damage – at least to physical structures. But the timing of this unsought event came when, as a community, we are already enduring the ongoing daily stress of Covid and all its upheaval.

Yet another ‘thing’ to cope with!

How do we endure, if we can, survive and work with any added stresses that come without warning while we all feel so fragile?

That little green weed gives me pause for thought as it struggles through sometimes the smallest fissure in the concrete.

Even a hefty slab of cement does not prevent the littlest, softest sprig from weaving its way upwards to the light from a scrappy fragment of soil underneath and rupturing upwards to announce its presence to all passers-by.

While for many finding this weedy fault is irksome, the resilience of such an obscure anomaly is admirable.

How does this tiny piece of life force continue to grow against all odds?

It has been said that “big breaks come from small fractures” (John Kapelso).

Maybe the way we reframe what has happened and continues to happen is how we become more able to withstand some of the cracks that erupt in our lives and in community.

A break or pause from our usual way of thinking and feeling about things provides a breathing space to reconsider.

Deliberately seeking the smallest, worth-

MESSAGE OF

HOPE

Walking group members Pam and Gordon keep exercising with a home-based weights Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS program. 251135

Helen Heath marvels at the “little” joys. while thing that brings joy - even mingled with fatigue - can revive our wilted spirits somewhat.

Leonard Cohen in his song Anthem has these lines: “Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack, a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in” Let us work towards the light, of not finding fault with everything and everyone, tempting as this is under such sustained stress. Let us purposefully seek to focus on what brings us together rather than what pulls us apart.

Let us imagine, and believe, that encircling each other with friendship does indeed offer a light for dwindling spirits to blossom. May you be blessed with peace and hope amid whatever weeds are present in your daily lives.

Keeping ‘Pace’ with fitness A Doveton couple are keeping pace with their daily exercise despite their walking group going into lockdown hibernation.

Pam, 84, and Gordon, 74, are part of the Plaza Pacers group which normally walks three laps inside Armada Dandenong Plaza each week.

Founding member Pam said she was looking forward to reunite with the 20-strong group after Covid lockdown.

“It’s been difficult to stay motivated but I do my best to move around.

“We often have a coffee and catch up after walking.”

Her husband Gordon said he’s keeping fit by tending the orchids in his garden, and using weights.

Fourteen years ago, he joined the Plaza Pacers to build fitness before embarking on the Kokoda Trail.

“Back then I was working as a shift worker so I could only fit in every second week with Pam and the rest of the Plaza Pacers.”

The free group is open for men and women of all ages to walk under the shopping centre’s roof in all weathers.

It includes stretching exercises with a YMCA instructor at the start of each session.

The group will resume, pending State Government’s Covid-19 restrictions.

To register go to armadadandenongplaza.com.au

Financial incentives for kinder teachers.

Teachers not currently working in the sector: Join or re-join the sector and be financially rewarded with $9,000.

All qualified teachers: Get up to $50,000* on top of your salary for positions at high-priority services.

Search and apply for a position that suits you via the new Jobs Board at vic.gov.au/kinder

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Giving Victorian children the best start means more qualified teachers are needed across the state.

*Terms and conditions apply, visit vic.gov.au/kinder

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Family’s pain remains

By Cam Lucadou-Wells It was just a few weeks after Sean Millane won the 1991 VFA premiership with Dandenong.

It should have been the best time of his life, he says.

But life changed terribly for him and his family when his brother and Collingwood premiership player Darren Millane tragically died in an alcohol-fuelled crash.

In the early hours of 7 October 1991, Darren’s car collided with a B-double truck at a St Kilda intersection. He died at the scene.

In an enormous outpouring, up to 10,000 mourners flocked to Darren’s funeral at Dandenong Town Hall. The crowds overflowed across Lonsdale Street.

For the family, that time of year is forever a hard time, Mr Millane says.

“It’s something you never get over. You have to learn to live with it.”

On the 30th anniversary, Mr Millane joined Victoria Police to launch Operation Scoreboard in a bid to reduce drink-driving and road fatalities over the AFL Grand Final weekend.

He urged people to heed the drink-drive warnings and do “the right thing”.

“It’s a ripple effect. It’s unfortunate that we can’t take those decisions back.

“When you get in that situation, don’t think about yourself.

“Think about your family and friends because it’s not about just you anymore - it’s that lasting legacy.”

Retired Victoria Police Sergeant Harry Van Rossum attended the crash scene 30 years ago. He still can’t help remembering the crash when he passes the intersection.

“It’s the type of incident that remains with me forever.”

For police, the “worst job of all” was “going to someone’s house and telling them a loved

Sean Millane with his brother Darren’s jumper, Acting Commissioner Glenn Weir and retired Sergeant Harry Van Rossum at Victoria Park. one’s passed away”.

“The message is if you’re going to have a drink, don’t drive. It’s as simple as that.

“The trauma it causes for the community is great. It effects everybody.”

As is the case this year, Melbourne was in Covid lockdown during last year’s AFL Grand Final long weekend.

But still more than 110 drivers were detected for drink- and drug driving over that period in 2020. Five Victorians died on the road.

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said Operation Scoreboard would be targeting speeding, distracted and impaired drivers.

“I implore drivers to make good choices.

“Don’t let this be a day your loved ones re-

member for all the wrong reasons.”

The statewide Operation Scoreboard runs from Thursday 23 September-Sunday 26 September.

It will involve general duties police, State Highway Patrol, Heavy Vehicle Unit, Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section and Public Order Response Team.

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Selba Luka, centre, receives her award from Mayor Angela Long and Deputy Mayor Sophie Tan.

Pictures: HAS MEDIA

Selba (front) and volunteer Veronica in the Afri Aus-Care veggie garden.

The organisation provides cooking classes for vulnerable members of the community. 213664

By Danielle Kutchel A tireless champion for African and CALD communities has been named Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year.

Selba Luka, founder of Afri-Aus Care, received the award at an invite-only event at Springvale City Hall on Tuesday 26 January.

She admitted the award was a total shock, but a welcome one, and dedicated it to the community, staff, volunteers, supporters and

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Born in Malawi, Ms Luka often says her heart is in South Sudan as she works closely with the south-eastern South Sudanese community.

Afri-Aus Care was born of her experiences when she arrived in Australia, where she experienced difficulties and hardship in her first years in the country.

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African women who are new to Australia and need assistance to find employment and learn English. Many of these women are survivors of domestic abuse, and Afri-Aus Care provides mental health support too as they build a new life.

Speaking at the Australia Day ceremony, Ms Luka said she was honoured to have received such a prestigious award.

“May we continue to be united. Dandenong is a great city to be,“ she said.

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

‘There’ll be none like Merle’ From page 1 During Covid lockdowns – including this one – Ms Mitchell’s friends and family were barred from visiting. Her isolation was agonising, and the toll on staff and residents was heavy inside the home.

Last year she said: “The impact on mental health is something that will live in the community for a very, very long time.”

Some of the Royal Commission’s damning findings were a direct result of Ms Mitchell’s evidence, former Greater Dandenong mayor Roz Blades said.

“She was Merle Mitchell to the end, even while in aged care.

“There will never be another one.

“I’m really sad today but also pleased for the life that she had and that she shared it with us.

“We as a community should be forever grateful to Merle. She may have had influence on the national stage but she was our Merle.”

Ever since Ms Blades was elected as a Springvale councillor in 1987, Ms Mitchell became a “role model in what you can do in the community”.

She continued to learn much from Ms Mitchell, even when they spoke days before her passing.

“I’m a bit lost without her.

“The way she brought everybody into SCAAB, that was the start of social policy for people who come over from other countries.

She gave everyone a voice.

“We had someone in Greater Dandenong who on the national stage made life better for people.

“We were fortunate to have someone who did that. You took that for granted but she was there for us to learn from.”

A community, multicultural festival would be a fitting celebration of Ms Mitchell’s life, Ms Blades said.

“We have to repay her, we have to carry on that legacy for Merle.”

Mayor Angela Long said Ms Mitchell for decades had been a “kind, approachable, lovely lady” who “helped anyone who came in contact with her”.

“If she had a bee in her bonnet, you couldn’t shift that bee out. She advocated for the things she believed in.”

Ms Mitchell and her late husband and former Springvale mayor Eric donated a tree from their garden to Greater Dandenong, Cr Long said.

It had been stored and planted with a plaque at Springvale Community Hub last December.

The council would now look at how best to pay tribute to her, including donating an Enterprise rose to her bereaved family.

“It’s a tragic loss to the City of Greater Dandenong.”

Springvale Neighbourhood House co-ordinator Heather Duggan said Ms Mitchell was her mentor for decades, and one who inspired people. Took them along with her.

“The memories are enormous. There’s a

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8 STAR JOURNAL

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sense of pride in what she’s achieved for the community.

“She could see what needed to be done and did it.”

And there was much that she did quietly and humbly behind the scenes, Ms Duggan said.

“She didn’t want the glory for herself. She’d get quite cross when you acknowledged her.

“When she got her AM (Member of the Order of Australia) she was really cross about all the fuss.

“Anything that she achieved she always said it was a team effort.”

For 13 years, they also worked together on the Spirit of Enterprise.

Recently, Ms Mitchell had been writing a history on the project as a model for “community development”, Ms Duggan said.

It showed how you can bring the community together with all levels of government, she said.

“She leaves a big hole in my heart.

“A wonderful woman – her tentacles go far and wide and will be felt in the community for a long time.”

Former Greater Dandenong councillor

From left: Heather Duggan, Betty Wilderman, Federal Minister Marise Payne, Joyce Rebeiro, Merle Mitchell, Sean O’Reilly, Jan Tresize, Roz Blades and Rosemary McLeod at an Enterprise history launch in 2015.

143177 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Matthew Kirwan said he could not have had a better mentor in “true community development” than Ms Mitchell.

“While Merle was often the smartest person in the room she never made anyone feel like it as she genuinely saw everyone as equals.

“I am reminded of the last page of Finlay Crisp’s biography of Ben Chifley when he said that it may be that no one is truly irreplaceable but some get very close by the gaping hole they leave for others to fill.

“If that hole gets filled it is because they inspire other people to do it. Merle was one of those people.”

ACOSS paid tribute to their former chief executive and “cherished patron” and her “long lasting” legacy.

“As a lifelong advocate for equality, community and diversity, Merle was well-known by many people in our local community and far beyond for her grace, courage and tireless advocacy.

“She was a voice for thousands of people whose voices were unheard.”

Ms Mitchell’s funeral service is limited to an attendance of 10 due to Covid restrictions. It will be streamed online on Wednesday 29 September 10am.

Merle Mitchell and former Enterprise Hostel ‘house mother’ Isabel Stix in 2014. 126005

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Federal Minister Marise Payne, left, and Merle Mitchell. 143177

Merle Mitchell promoting a Multiculturalism Award in 2012. 88291

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Merle Mitchell at the unveiling of a plaque in her honour in Springvale in December 2020. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Lions take a sporting lead

Sandown Lions FC has received $15,000 funding for youth competitions. 167977 Picture: ROB CAREW

Greater Dandenong residents and businesses are getting behind newly-arrived refugees from Afghanistan, AMES Australia reports.

Chief executive Cath Scarth said the agency’s Dandenong office had received hundreds of “culturally familiar” meals for the new arrivals from Dandenong Market and businesses.

Meanwhile, residents and community groups have donated clothing and items for children and babies.

“The City of Greater Dandenong has been eager to help and is preparing to offer services and support to the Afghanis who ultimately choose to settle in Dandenong.

“We are building on our partnerships with local health and education providers and with community groups to be able to support them.”

The new arrivals were recently evacuated from Afghanistan’s capital Kabul with “literally nothing”, Ms Scarth said.

“So all of the offers of help are appreciated.

“They will continue to need support as they settle so offers of volunteer mentoring support, friendship and jobs will be important into the future.”

Meanwhile, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre has launched a pro bono legal clinic to help people from Afghanistan in Australia apply for visas for loved ones stranded overseas.

The ASRC said it had been overwhelmed by hundreds of calls seeking information and help to bring their family members to safety.

The clinic is supported by pro bono law firms and lawyer volunteers, including Maurice Blackburn and Gadens law firms.

ASRC principal solicitor Dr Carolyn Graydon said Australian Afghanistan community members faced a “morass of red tape”.

This included visa processing times of several years, costly visa application fees and cumbersome processes.

“We continue to hear tragic stories of preventable deaths of wives or children who have died in Afghanistan while their husband and father in Australia has been helpless to assist them, due to the cruelty of the temporary visa regime designed to permanently split families apart.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The funding was part of a $110,000 package shared with five other African Australian sports clubs.

Crime Prevention Minister Natalie Hutchins said African-Australian sports clubs had a “unique role in bringing together families and communities, but they often need a little more support to build their teams”.

“This funding will see communities benefit from the power of sport, which can help keep young people away from offending and create brighter futures for themselves.”

Since 2020, the State Government has invested $1.5 million in activities for more than 480 at-risk youth through the Sports Alliance for Crime Prevention.

It is part of its Crime Prevention Strategy that takes a “long-term, evidence-based approach to addressing the causes of offending to keep our communities safe”.

Supportive welcome for Afghan arrivals

By Danielle Kutchel As the flow-on effects of the resurgence of the Taliban continue to be felt around the world, the Bakhtar Cultural Association has sprung into action to help newly arrived evacuees from Afghanistan to navigate their settlement in Victoria.

The Association has provided interpreters to the Covid-19 Quarantine Victoria (CQV) program to help ease the refugees into their new country.

Eight to 10 interpreters are on site day and night, with several more available over the phone, to speak to Afghan families in their own language and provide essential information about Victoria and the quarantine process.

Around six people are available to provide cultural awareness and social support over the phone to the new arrivals, who headed straight into the isolation of hotel quarantine.

“If they want to talk to someone in this country to find out how it looks when they get out, or any information they need, that’s something we’ve been providing over the phone,” explained association chairperson Bassir Qadiri.

He said hearing words of welcome spoken in their mother tongue brought smiles to the evacuees’ faces.

“It’s something positive for the community. We’re ready to provide whatever support is needed and whatever support we can provide,” Mr Qadiri said.

Bakhtar has also provided care packages including things like warm clothing to donate to the evacuees too, and is collecting funds to help the refugees to settle into their new life in Australia.

To donate, visit bakhtar.org.au/campaigns/ fundraising-nonprofit-platform/

Bassir Qadiri with some of the care packages being supplied to newly-arrived Afghan families.

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Support for Kabul refugees

Sandown Lions FC has been awarded in $15,000 State funds to keep at-risk youth connected.

South East Metropolitan MP Lee Talarmis said the Sports Alliance for Crime Prevention funding would support the club create positive pathways and give young African-Australians the skills to manage challenges.

“The work Sandown Lions does to connect with new migrants and at-risk youth is so important, and we’ll continue to support them to give our African-Australians a sense of community and pride in their team.”

Mr Talarmis, who chairs the Noble Park Revitalisation Board, said the funds would support soccer competitions, practice sessions, drills and games for players aged 12-24.

It includes $3,000 for sporting equipment, $4,000 for team uniforms, $5,000 for off season games and training and $3,000 for player registration subsidies.

68 Menzies Avenue, Dandenong North 3175 Ph: 9792 1789 | Fax: 9793 9782

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS In 2020, Star News Group journalist DANIELLE KUTCHEL received funding from the Melbourne Press Club’s Michael Gordon Fellowship to explore mental health in asylum seeker and refugee communities.

Below is part two of the story.

Journey’s barriers When *Sam realised he was experiencing mental health issues, he knew he had to get help.

It was 2013, and he’d just had his first major anxiety attack.

On the outside, Sam had it all; he’d made it to a senior management level at his job and had settled down to life in Australia with his wife and family.

But the anxiety attack shook him deeply.

He felt foggy and experienced a loss of identity, and worried he was losing his mind.

He felt trapped, out of control, worthless, angry – and guilty.

“I didn’t know what it was all about – although I had studied bits and pieces [about mental health], I had never experienced such a thing personally,” he said.

“I was always a bright kid at school, always funny with friends…always cracking jokes, a full-of-life kind of guy.

“So when the anxiety happened, I was in denial. I didn’t know what had happened to me. The world became dark and my stressors kept building up.”

Sam visited his GP to find out what was wrong, and was referred to a psychiatrist.

It wasn’t long before the professionals had traced his mental health issues to their roots, and found that they were at least partly derived from his traumatic experience in leaving a war zone in Afghanistan with his family as a child.

The stress of his adult life had compounded that trauma.

“It was a combination of leaving Afghanistan, resettling into another country with a different language and culture…then coming to another country, and again the culture shock and financial stresses and some mild relationship issues,” Sam explained.

His condition deteriorated in 2013 and 2014 and he was hospitalised for five weeks.

After being discharged, he attended a recovery class at the hospital, a day a week for almost two years.

But a second anxiety attack hit Sam in 2018 that was even worse than the first.

This time round, he received ECT – electroconvulsive therapy.

To this day he is still struggling, he said, trying hard to recover fully and get back into work. Of course, the pandemic hasn’t helped things.

“Once you get anxiety and depression, you live in your mind; you don’t live life as it used to be,” he explained.

But he knew he had to get help.

“I had to do something about it; that much I knew,” Sam said.

Sam was lucky, in a way, given he knew which people to approach for help with his mental health.

But not all new Australians are so fortunate.

When you’re unfamiliar with the health system of your new home, you may find it difficult to know where to go.

Dr Judy Tang, clinical neuropsychologist and a commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), said there was often no set pathway for refugees and asylum seekers to access support when it was needed.

“Ideally, they get set up with services to support them in other areas, like housing or job seeking, making sure they’re attending English classes and helping them understand the medical or health system itself,” Dr Tang explained.

“Ideally those people like the GPs or other support services are able to link them in with mental health and support services if they feel that’s needed.”

Viv Nguyen AM, commissioner and chairperson at the VMC, added that many newcomers might be unfamiliar with the idea of getting help with their mental health.

“Accessing things like mental health support and other services that refugees aren’t familiar with in their country - they might not know where to go, might not think it’s a mental health issue and might let it sit for so long and 10 STAR JOURNAL

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VMC commissioner and chairperson Viv Nguyen AM. by the time they access or realise that they can access or are able to access help, it might be a bigger challenge for them and our society than if we had identified it in the early days and supported them to settle and integrate.”

But improvements can be made to this system, Dr Tang said – like better pathways, so that people don’t have to wait until they get to “the end of their tether” to access support.

“What usually happens…is because there’s no clear understanding or a more direct pathway to access mental health support or wellbeing, the individual or family member might feel quite isolated and not seek that help until it’s much further down the track.”

In Australia, if a person has Medicare, they can access a mental health treatment plan of subsidised or free psychological services.

But there are many in the community without access to Medicare, Dr Tang said, and for those with visa issues or other barriers to the nation-wide medical cover, they don’t get access to those treatment plans.

In those cases, they can turn to support or advocacy services who will be able to point

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

them in the direction of medical help.

Though, as Dr Tang cautions, accessing support often comes down to being able to afford it.

In Sam’s case, his GP and psychologist were able to provide him with the help he needed.

His journey is ongoing; he said he always knew in the back of his mind that his feelings were only temporary, and tried to be there for himself first and foremost.

But professional medical guidance and medication have also been integral to his treatment.

Sam believes that another barrier to accessing mental health support in refugee and asylum seeker communities is a lack of culturally appropriate resources.

He was fortunate to have the support of his immediate family, but mental health is still subject to dark stigmas and many people don’t share the truth of their condition with their wider social circle, he said.

He said more awareness of mental health resources is needed for the whole community.

“If I had come across even a small flyer that

talked about mental health and had a [support phone] number in there, at the time when I had this attack with the symptoms, I would probably not have panicked about my condition,” he said.

“I think it would be a fantastic idea to bring more awareness to the community, and to have some key points for people to know, something as little as ‘if you’re feeling XYZ, please make sure you speak to people’, and provide another resource. That way, they can go there and be reassured.

“But I learned a lot, the hard way.”

Part three of this story will explore the stigmas that still dog discussion of mental health, and how these are being countered by various community groups. *Not his real name. Sam wanted to withhold his name as he does not want to add to the worry of his community.

If you need to talk to someone, please reach out to: Lifeline - 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue. org.au

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FOCUS ON … SENIORS WEEK

Time dancing for older Australians: give it a whirl

By Elle Cecil

Picture: LOGAN WEAVER ON UNSPLASH

Ageing well is fest focus The City of Casey 2021 Ageing Positively Festival is an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate older generations and the many ways our seniors contribute to our diverse community.

The City of Casey invites seniors to join it throughout October to explore new skills and hobbies, get active, reconnect with friends— and make new ones too!

Held each year in conjunction with the Victorian Seniors Festival, the 2020 Ageing Positively Festival was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid-19.

However, the good news is that it is back this year in a modified format reflecting the ongoing pandemic situation.

The 2021 Festival has been redesigned to ensure the safety of all community members and to comply with State Government restrictions.

In October, the council, community groups and organisations across Casey will host a variety of events and activities, mostly online.

The program includes exhibitions and theatre, wellness, art and music classes, a gardening forum and other opportunities to connect socially and there’s even competitions— in-

cluding storytelling and art.

This means that a significant number of events have moved to an online format accessible from the comfort and safety of your home, regardless of restrictions, with fewer inperson activities.

However, it has been re-designed without compromising the opportunity to find enjoyment and connection with others – for example the ukulele, tai-chi, and Zumba classes have pivoted from live events to online but still look to be great fun.

To help attendees participate online, the City of Casey is offering technology support.

To enquire call 9705 5200 and ask to speak to an access and inclusion officer.

There will also be Getting to Know Zoom’ sessions running from 27 to 29 September, details in the festival program.

Be sure to grab your copy of the festival brochure online and register free to join the festival on Friday 1 October for a special online premiere screening of the Bunjil Place edition of Truth to Power Cafe, which will launch the 2021 festival.

For more information, visit casey.vic.gov. au/ageing-positively-festival

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The health benefits of dancing for seniors range from improving your physical health to creating strong social connections that increase your sense of wellbeing.

A 2018 study by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) showed a positive relationship between dancing and the physical and emotional health of older Australians.

Participants in the study experienced improved flexibility, boosted energy levels and better posture. Further studies have found that dancing can slow or even reverse the signs of ageing in the brain.

Among these benefits, older Australians are likely to experience an improvement in balance, coordination and spatial awareness, which in turn could reduce their likelihood of falls.

Dancing also provides an increase in heart rate, encouraging the movement of oxygen throughout the body. This has shown positive effects on heart and lung condition, and has the potential to lessen the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease.

Regular dance also assists in weight management, toning muscle, improving strength and reducing joint pain.

The benefits of dancing aren’t just physical. Regular dancing has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain responsible for spatial navigation and memory formation.

Not only did study participants enjoy a range of physical and mental progress, they also experienced a shift in overall mood, self-esteem and confidence.

This is attributed to a combination of the effects of physical exercise and the social interactions and connections formed during the dance classes.

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Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 15

NEWS

Grants give relief The Dyson Group of Companies has launched the next round of the Dysons Community Grants.

The program has been established to provide grants in support of the many community groups and organisations around Victoria.

Program manager Grant Deacon said the program aims to help support community groups at grass roots level.

“We live in challenging times and these grants aim to assist community-based groups.

“There were fourteen grants given in the

previous round, all great community-based projects.

“The number of applications demonstrates how much need there is in the community and we will continue to help where we can.”

There are two rounds of grants annually, each with $10,000 available (maximum grant of $1000).

Eligible organisations include schools, sporting clubs, not-for-profit groups, charities, local societies and emergency services.

“Dysons is happy to be able to give back

to the community. Last round saw grants go to sporting clubs, primary and secondary schools, scouts and local society groups,” Mr Deacon said.

“We hope our grants help these organisations support their communities and look forward to helping further with this next round.”

The grants round closes on Monday 11 October.

All details, including an online application form, can be found at http://dysongroup.com. au/about/community-grants

A sign on the fence explains the reasoning for the ribbons. 250372 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Ribbons of Humans can help save our beloved bears recognition

By Danielle Kutchel

By Danielle Kutchel It’s Save the Koala Month, and Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale is marking the occasion by raising awareness on social media about our native bears.

Michael Johnson, founder of the sanctuary, said koalas were now regarded as vulnerable throughout Australia thanks to habitat loss and increased human activity.

Being listed as ‘vulnerable’ is one step from being endangered, he added – and unfortunately, the population continues to decline.

If koalas were to be listed as endangered, it would be likely they would go extinct within five years, Mr Johnson said.

Koalas are internationally renowned and loved; the majority of international visitors want to meet koalas when they’re in the country, according to the sanctuary founder.

“They’re probably our most economically important animal!” he said.

At Moonlit Sanctuary, staff try to encourage visitors to learn about koalas and understand them better.

Mr Johnson said breeding the animals in

Hampton Park Secondary College is standing in solidarity with the Afghan community, with students and staff tying ribbons to the school’s fence in recognition of the situation in Afghanistan.

In a series of posts on its Facebook page, the school explained that it is placing ribbons in the colours of the Afghan and Australian flags on its fence, to show support and compassion for the wider Afghan community.

Members of the school community are invited to tie their own ribbons on the fence too.

Victor the koala (age four) at Moonlit Sanctuary.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

captivity was a last-ditch attempt to save them; helping them in their natural habitat is best.

The key to saving koalas will be preserving their habitat and increasing planting of eucalypts, he said.

Humans will also need to stop domestic animals like dogs and cats from roaming and attacking the bears or spreading diseases to them.

It’s important too to let politicians know about the support for koalas and their habitats, he added.

“It’s getting that message across to politicians that this is important, we need to have habitat preserved.”

He also recommended that motorists also slow down when driving through koala habitat.

The ribbons are a touching symbol of solidarity. 250372

SPRING 2021

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The importance

OF BIRTH ORDER Inside Olivia’s

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16 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

New home building boom The State Government is ramping up delivery of the Big Housing Build across the state with the first allocation of funds to community housing projects.

The Government is providing $23 million in funding for the Casey and Cardinia Council areas, delivering 71 new social housing homes across six projects.

This is in partnership with community housing providers who with their contribution bring the total funding amount to $32.9 million.

In Casey, 42 homes worth $14.1 million in government funding will be built, creating 183 jobs.

The breakdown of homes includes: Five homes in Clyde North delivered in partnership with WAYYS (Family Violence & Housing Support). Total project cost of $2,110,574.

19 homes in Cranbourne delivered in partnership with EACH Housing. Total project cost of $8,331,000.

10 homes in Doveton delivered in partner-

· · ·

Government funding will see a community housing boom across Casey. 248344

·

ship with Affordable Rentals Victoria. Total project cost of $5,002,137.

Eight homes in Endeavour Hills delivered in

partnership with Common Equity Housing Limited. Total project cost of $4,962,718.

The projects are part of almost $740 million

Council boosts Covid grants

Council continues rates interest freeze

By Danielle Kutchel The City of Casey will continue its interest freeze on council rates until the end of the year, after recognising the hardship the community continues to face due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

At its council meeting on Tuesday 21 September, the three administrators unanimously supported the motion to continue to implement freezes on interest on outstanding rates until 31 December 2021, and to not pursue legal action to recover outstanding rates during this period.

The administrators also resolved to approve the updated Rate Payment and Financial Hardship Policy – which has an expanded customer-centric focus – with a further review to come in June 2022.

The decision on rates comes after a public consultation period on the policy, during which four submissions and comments were made on the need for relief on interest on rates.

The Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association also made a submission on the policy, in which they called for the policy to be updated to show “compassion, flexibility, leniency and [ensure] that ratepayers experiencing genuine financial hardship are adequately protected from inequitable treatment”.

Speaking at the council meeting, administrator Miguel Belmar said the rates policy was “sensible” and gave it his full support.

Administrator Cameron Boardman said the council would continue to review the issue “very deeply and thoughtfully into the future”.

Since March 2020, the City of Casey has opted not to impose penalty interest or pur-

By Danielle Kutchel

The administrators resolved unanimously to support the new rates policy. 238145 Picture: DANIELLE KUTCHEL sue outstanding rates in arrears balances through legal action.

The council currently has a gross bal-

ance of rates in arrears owing of $23.8 million, comprising more than 11,000 properties.

Families invited to Casey Camp Out The City of Casey is inviting families to the second Casey Camp Out. Get the household together, set up camp in your backyard or lounge room and join the community online for laughs, music, creativity and competitions.

There will be plenty of activities on offer and many prizes up for grabs during the 3-hour session.

Get the little tackers’ wriggles out with a fun Kids’ Bootcamp, then see how effective remote learning has been with a Kahoot trivia quiz for kids.

There’ll be music, a scavenger hunt and, then once the youngsters are off to bed, an adult’s trivia quiz and soothing live music by local performers, playing all your favourite hits.

Last year’s first ever Camp Out was a smash hit, with participants reporting that it reduced the impact of isolation caused by Covid-19 restrictions, giving people a chance to safely indandenong.starcommunity.com.au

the State Government is putting in to 89 community housing projects across regional and metropolitan areas.

The homes will be made available to those in the most need of housing including people living with mental illness or disability, people escaping family violence, Victoria’s First Peoples and individuals experiencing homelessness.

“These Big Housing Build projects will change lives as they will provide the stability and security of a home for those in our community that need it most,“ said Bass MP Jordan Crugnale.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all our community housing provider partners; their commitment to providing a home, improving lives, their ongoing work and connections with our community members doing it tough, is what makes this happen.

“It will also create jobs right here in our area with construction expected to be in underway this year.”

Camp out in the backyard and connect with other Casey families in the Casey Camp Out. Picture: JOSH CAMPBELL, UNSPLASH teract with neighbours, friends and family.

This happy, free event is happening on Saturday 2 October, with the online entertain-

ment starting from 6pm to 9pm. To register your household, book at trybooking.com/ events/landing?eid=808397&

A council grants program designed to help community organisations assist those struggling during the pandemic has received a boost to its coffers.

The City of Casey’s Quick Response Grants program will be boosted by $250,000, allocated from the 2020/21 year end surplus.

The decision to allocate the funding was made at the council meeting on Tuesday 21 September and carried unanimously.

It’s expected the money will help at least 50 organisations with $5000 each.

The Quick Response Grants program is open year-round, however, the funds will be distributed within the next three months, meaning applications will be assessed against eligibility and funding priorities as soon as they are received.

The program formed part of the council’s response to the first Covid lockdown in 2020, when it injected $100,000 into scheme to help residents impacted by the pandemic.

Community organisations were able to apply for two grants of $2000 each, with 45 organisations receiving funding.

In the 2020/21 financial year, the City of Casey distributed $80,748 in Quick Response Grants, again of up to $2000 each, to local community groups and organisations to provide food, social support, and emergency relief.

According to a council officers’ report on the matter, 18 groups in Casey are now actively providing emergency food relief, along with some social enterprises.

The report recognised that these groups are experiencing their highest levels of demand yet for food relief.

In moving the motion, Administrator Cameron Boardman said there was a need to continue supporting the community through the pandemic while the state moves through the reopening road map.

“It is an indication of where we have a direct role to assist the community,” he said.

Administrator Miguel Belmar said the grants program demonstrated the partnership between the council and social organisations.

“These are trying times; the support that will be provided through these grants includes very fundamental needs that people in the community have,” he said.

“I want to encourage those community groups that need these funds to apply for them.”

For more information about the Quick Response Grants, visit casey.vic.gov.au/quickresponse-grants

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 17

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Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

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NEWS

Skylar gives Augustus the thumbs up. 250572

Decisions, decisions! 250572

Big scoops of gelato joy

By Danielle Kutchel I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

So the old saying goes, and there were certainly squeals and gasps of delight at Augustus Gelatery in Cranbourne West on opening day.

The store opened to the public on Friday 17 September, and with the sun shining, families flocked to the store for a treat to sweeten lockdown.

With dozens of flavours to choose from, many kids struggled to pick just one.

Star News Group photographer STEWART CHAMBERS was there to watch as they made the hard choices.

Big smiles from staff. 250572

So many flavours to choose from! 250572

Bonnie picks her favourite flavour. 250572

A family outing for Steven, Kym, Hailey, baby Natalia and Liam. 250572

The team behind the counter: Emily, Georgia, David and Taylah. 250572

Elisabeth and Sharna enjoy their gelati. 250572

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

A plan for cricket’s return

By Nick Creely Cricket Victoria (CV) has encouraged local cricket associations to target a season start date of the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 November after releasing its roadmap last week.

CV has developed its roadmap - which has been shared with the State Government to confirm that it aligns with the recent roadmap announcement from Premier Daniel Andrews.

While this cricket roadmap is being developed on the basis of vaccination rate, here’s what CV has communicated with associations: (80 per cent single dose (expected in coming days) Metro No matches No organised training Use of cricket ovals/nets if all vaccinated.

Multiple groups of five can gather to exercise (including cricket) If not all vaccinated, you can have a hit of cricket with dependants and one other person A coach can instruct two people with single/ no dose vaccination status Regional Vic No matches v other opponents Organised training permitted (no group size limit) No spectators allowed Change rooms to remain closed Centre wicket training and match simulations training permitted 70 per cent double dose (26 October) Metro No matches v other opponents Organised training permitted (no group size limit but small groups recommended) No spectators allowed Change rooms to remain closed Centre wicket training and match simulations training permitted Regional Vic No matches v other opponents Organised training permitted (up to 100 people max) Woolworths Cricket Blast possible (in line with density limits) Canteen/bars can be open in line with food, drink and liquor licence rules - outdoor consumption

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Get excited! Cricket’s around the corner after CV’s roadmap was released. 232575 80 per cent double dose (5 November) Statewide Matches permitted Training permitted (no group size limit) Spectators permitted (max 150) Metro maximum travel distance removed Indoor training and matches allowed Changerooms, social rooms and canteens open in line with density rules In regards to the season start dates, Cricket Victoria’s Paul Milo said that 13 and 14 November - the weekend after Melbourne Cup week - was the best possible scenario for clubs and associations to begin preparation, however there will be more information in regards to Premier Cricket, as there are different guidelines for expected pre-season preparation.

CV also stated that one-day and Twenty20

· · · · · · ·

matches should be scheduled again this season.

“Cricket Victoria acknowledges that each Association will set their specific starting date based on the position of their Clubs/Executive based on their local needs,” he stated.

“Given the season delay, potential for localised lockdowns and the expected wetter than normal summer ahead, delaying the season too far will erode the chance of maximising the number of matches played yet this date should allow adequate notice for confirming the season start after reach the 80 per cent double dose target.

“For most comps, a November 13/14 start will allow 14 rounds that sees everyone play each opponent home and away through the year before March finals.” Milo reiterated that the most important thing right now is reaching

Picture: ROB CAREW those vaccination milestones.

“The vaccination trigger targets are the critical milestones, not the estimated dates cricket matches cannot start until at least after we reach 80 per cent double dose vaccination.”

It is now expected each individual association will begin making their own assessments on the season start date, however Star News understands that the West Gippsland Cricket Association is planning on start on Saturday 6 November instead, and reverting back to twoday cricket after Christmas.

The Dandenong District Cricket Association is yet to make any official announcements, the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association is preparing for the 13 November start, while it is more likely that the Premier Cricket competition will begin the following week to allow for a longer block of pre-season training.

Comeback kid’s devastating display thrills Sandown

By Jason Adams Comeback kid McCooly’s Lad produced a devastating win at Sandown Park on Thursday making him one of the top contenders for the world’s greatest greyhound race.

Romance surrounded the win given it was his third start back and first at city level since an injury that kept him away from racing for the bulk of this year.

It’s been a monumental training achievement to not only get him back racing but winning so impressively on the big stage of city class racing.

“Incredible mate, incredible. He’s a champion,” said an emotional Anthony Azzopardi.

The Azzopardi family plus owners and breeders Darren and Michael Puleio have gone to great lengths to get ‘Ralph’ back to full health. The continuation of his racing career has been nothing but a bonus.

“It’s special. A lot of work and time has gone into this dog by our whole team - it’s very emotional.”

Back winning at Sandown Park is one thing but his time of 29.11 is the fifth fastest of the year and half a length better than his previous best set in November last year.

He was a baby coming through the ranks leading into last year’s TAB Melbourne Cup series but now has maturity on his side to tackle the world’s greatest greyhound race.

“The Melbourne Cup is the main aim but 22 STAR JOURNAL

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Five Star produced one of the more complete staying performances in recent times.

I’m still going to take my time. We’ve got a plan for him, we’ll probably come back in a fortnight but he’ll be racing sparingly. When we get to the Melbourne Cup it’s obviously full bore from there.”

The road to the TAB Melbourne Cup hits full throttle on Thursday October 7 with the ‘50 Day Countdown’ special event - the winner will be exempt into Cup heats on Friday November 19.

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

Earlier in the night gun stayer Five Star produced one of the more complete staying performances to win in a romp.

He was expected to win comfortably but stunned fans with his time of 41.32 - the quickest time of the year over 715m and the seventh fastest ever.

“It surprised me a little. He went 41.50 when he won at Speed Star but these are better conditions for it with the warmer weath-

er,” said trainer Paul Abela.

Abela has eyes on the Topgun Stayers at The Meadows in early November then the Bold Trease at Sandown Park later that month.

“We’re hoping to get a start in the Topgun.

We’re bypassing Sydney with the border restrictions. I’ll pick and choose when he races leading up to the features.”

Not only have border restrictions halted ambition to race interstate but also past experience which didn’t go to plan. Five Star travelled to Brisbane in June and didn’t handle the experience.

“It was a disaster and it knocked him around. To be honest we’re pretty lucky to have got his confidence back. Peter (Lagogiane) did a great job but the dog just didn’t handle being away from home.”

“I’m not doing it again. He’s not going anywhere now.”

The bond Abela has with Five Star, or ‘Jarman’ as he’s known to those closest to him, is strong and obvious when seeing them together at the track.

“I let him out for a gallop the other day and he didn’t take off, he just stood there and preferred to be by my side so I had to get moving myself. I’ll be kicking the missus out soon,” he joked.

“He’s a funny dog, he loves the attention and gets plenty of it.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Zaaki shoots for the stars

By David Nagel He’s a big, strong and imposing thoroughbred beast – and Zaaki has stamped himself as the horse to beat for this year’s Cox Plate with a dominant victory in the $1million Group-1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Sandown on Saturday.

The former English seven-year-old gelding will now look to break an eight-year drought of Underwood Stakes winners in the weight-forage championship of Australasia - with Ocean Park the last to complete the Underwood-Cox Plate double in 2012.

And the Annabel Neasham-trained import would appear perfectly placed to break the drought after toying with a small but classy field in the first Group-1 held at Sandown since 1996.

Zaaki sat outside the lead of Fifty Stars in the early stages of the race before dictating terms as the field turned for home.

Jockey Craig Williams then gradually released his stranglehold on the $1.30-favourite, controlling the concluding stages of the race to score a two-length victory over Probabeel, with Superstorm a length-and-a-half away back in third.

Zaaki was a Listed and Group winner in England before making his way to the Neasham stable in September last year.

His first two runs in Australia were inauspicious, running sixth in the Group-1 Doncaster (1600m) in April before being disqualified for returning a positive test for meloxicam – an anti-inflammatory - after running second in the Group-3 JRA Plate at Randwick on April 24.

But Zaaki has put together a perfect record since, with Saturday’s win his fifth consecutive victory at Group-1 or Group-2 level.

He won the Group-2 Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast before taking out the Group-1 Doomben Cup. He then defeated Homesman and Paths of Glory in the $1million Q22 at Eagle Farm in June before having a short break in the paddock.

Zaaki returned to the track with a soft win in the Group-2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick in early September before having a threeweek break into the Underwood.

Williams said Neasham’s meticulous planning had Zaaki ready to take on the Caulfield Stakes before heading to his grand final at Moonee Valley on October 16.

“I just love the preparation, the planning that Annabel has got for Zaaki,” Williams told Racing.com after the race.

“Not only am I blessed to ride him, but it’s great to see him here in Victoria for three group-ones, and of course the target is the Cox Plate.

“I would say that after his gallop, and today, that Anabel has got this horse right where she wants him to be for his target run in two more starts.”

Williams said Zaaki stacked up well when comparing him to some of the best horses he had ridden.

“Oh yeah, he’s good…and the thing for me that makes him feel so good is he knows he’s good,” Williams said.

“He pumps his chest up and when the jockey gets on and when it gets to race-day he is a real racehorse.

“In the morning, when he’s on his own, he just floats around and covers the ground so well. He’s that athletic…you don’t actually realise what he’s doing to his opposition.

“The four that lined up today, they’re all group-one winners. He’s really exciting and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Todd Pollard, the stable representative for Neasham, said the pressure was on with Zaaki starting a short-priced favourite in his first career start in Melbourne.

“It was quite nerve wracking going into this,” Pollard said.

“You wait two weeks and it ends up being a five-horse field. He was odds-on favourite and the pressure was really on. But once the saddle was on and he perks up, it’s just good to see him out there doing his business.”

Pollard said he was looking forward to being more hands on with Zaaki after he was forced to quarantine after making his way south for the spring riches. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Zaaki firms as favourite for the Cox Plate with a dominant win in the Underwood Stakes at Sandown. 251907

Pictures: PAT SCALA/RACING PHOTOS

Elephant kicks clear of his opposition to win the Group-3 Sandown Sakes. 251907

Craig Williams with the Underwood Stakes trophy. 251907

Zaaki and Craig Williams head back to scale after a great win in the Underwood Stakes. 251907

Jockey Josh Richards completes a winning double on Thought Of That at Sandown. 251907

Pollard only ended his quarantine period on Friday, with the Neasham camp relying on some local knowledge to make sure there were no early hiccups in his Melbourne campaign.

“There’s been a lot of work that has gone into this,” Pollard said.

“He (Zaaki) came down on Sunday night.

(Local trainer) Nick Ryan has been a huge asset to us, he’s been extra helpful and done everything we could possibly ask for.”

Pollard said he was happy that Fifty Stars – who led but finished last – had set the early tempo.

“It was always a concern that it was going to be a tactical affair, Pollard said.

“There wasn’t a lot of speed in the race. It was interesting to see Fifty Stars take them up because we thought we might have to do all the leg work and be wary of something coming over the top of us late.

“He’s just such a good horse, he tries every time and he’s a marvel to have in the stable.”

Pollard said it was now onwards and upwards to Zaaki’s main spring mission.

“Absolutely, it’s on to the Caulfield Stakes then the Cox Plate, that’s the grand final, but it’s pretty exciting, he’s two from two this

prep,” he said.

“We talk about the Cox Plate being the grand final but when he’s winning first up over 1400 and doing it again second up, it’s exciting and we just want to see him keep the ball rolling.”

Zaaki’s victory gave Williams a winning double, an honour he shared on Saturday with fellow jockey Josh Richards and the training partnership of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

Group-1 racing continues this Saturday with the running of the $1million Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 23

DANDENONG HIGH SCHOOL Design Engineering Academy

DESIGN ENGINEERING ACADEMY OPENING 2022

COMMENCING

2022

In response to a considerable, demonstrable increase in global demand for STEM-related workforce skills, Dandenong High School is launching a Design Engineering Academy.

The Academy program will be taught in the new Design Centre, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art and future-focused learning precinct opening at Dandenong High School in 2022.

The Academy will provide students with a deeply immersive and full-faceted STEM program and a clear learning pathway to an extensive array of tertiary courses and career opportunities.

Initially opening to Year 9 students, for further information please contact Dandenong High School on 9792 0561.

92-106 Princes Hwy Dandenong VIC 3175 T (+613) 9792 0561 E dandenong.hs@education.vic.gov.au www.dandenong-hs.vic.edu.au

12512236-BL38-21

24 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 28 September, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au