Dandenong Star Journal - 30th November 2021

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Christmas in Dandenong Sierra, Clarence and Markeera basked in some Christmas brightness, aboard the Waterloo Star in Langhorne Place in Dandenong. It’s part of a suite of festive decorations covering Greater Dandenong. Dive into our Christmas in Dandenong wrap for plenty of ideas to cater for the entire family this year. Remember to support the local businesses you love!

Picture: GARY SISSONS

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CHRISTMAS IN DANDENONG

The magic of Christmas Greater Dandenong’s annual Christmas Carols is back again as a special online concert titled, Bringing Christmas Home, on Friday 10 December from 7.30-8.30pm.

The event will feature some of our favourite performers including Denis Walter returning as MC, talented local soloist Vanessa Cox, The Voice contestant Aaron Lee, Viet Charm dance troupe, and barbershop quartet Mixed Signals.

Dress up in your best Christmas outfit and join

us online! For more information visit: greaterdandenong.vic.gov/carols Council is excited to bring back the magic of Christmas to our great city, with plenty of lights and decorations for everyone to marvel at and enjoy with family and friends.

Bright and oversized vibrant Christmas decorations are now installed across the city.

In Dandenong, a festive mural adorns the steps leading up to Harmony Square, where

visitors are delighted with the much-loved giant 7-metre Santa and reindeer by the Civic Centre. The reindeer and tree display appears opposite Dandenong Market, holly and present decorations near Palm Plaza and the Waterloo Star is at Langhorne Place. Dandenong Library’s window display showcases a life-size nativity scene and decorative designs.

Huge Christmas trees, 6-9 metres tall, are at Springvale Community Hub, Multicultural

Place and Noble Park. Metal Christmas trees appear in Springvale and Christmas-themed pole and dove installations are in Noble Park.

Roving performers will appear in each of the activity centres in the week leading up to Christmas, and there is an exciting Sneaky Elf competition to enter, with great prizes to be won!

For more information visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/christmas.

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CHRISTMAS IN DANDENONG

Noble sport club awarded Club Noble has been crowned the best sports club at a state industry awards night.

At the Community Clubs Victoria 2021 awards, Club Noble’s vast support for local sport was recognised.

“We have had it pretty tough the last 18 months and now struggles with staffing, Covid scares and the vaccinated economy,” general manager Mick O’Toole said.

“This award is recognition of the part we have played to bring a wide variety of sports to our local community and continued support.”

Club Noble is renowned for its excellent social facilities at Noble Park Reserve, including its $900,000-plus football and cricket pavilion upgrade.

The well-appointed pavilion is rated the best in the EFL with male and female umpire facilities, a medical/first aid room, gymnasium as well as a second-floor coaches box, media and committee meeting rooms.

Club Noble also supports clubs across Australian rules, cricket, lawn bowls, tennis, netball, golf and angling.

About 1125 adult and junior players as well as 250 volunteers play for those clubs.

Among them is the junior football club comprising 210 boys and girls. It is the largest multicultural club within the league.

Club Noble also hosts a “good for footy” carnival to attract the wider community into the sport, as well as an Auskick program.

In partnership with Reclink, the senior football club fields a composite side to promote health and wellbeing, and provide education and employment opportunities for the disadvantaged.

Its all-inclusive junior cricket club is the largest in Greater Dandenong, the only one offering teams in all age groups from Under-11sUnder 17s.

Marj Gissing, Teena Hull, Mick O’Toole, Graeme Arms, Karen Tse and Craig Ortland. Front Aubrey and Elijah.

It attracts players from a richly diverse range of cultural backgrounds, including for a Blast cricket program on Friday nights for about 30 players 4-to-12.

In 2015, three young girls approached Club Noble about the lack of a single netball club

in Noble Park.

In response, the club launched its netball program in 2015.

The initiative has expanded to seven sides of 70 senior and junior players.

Club Noble’s junior tennis club comprises

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five competition teams. About 60 juniors are involved in coaching, with tennis programs reaching 800 primary school students in the locale.

Two of its members have been selected as ball kids at the Australian Open.

Online Concert Friday 10 December, 7.30pm - 8.30pm The Greater Dandenong Carols will be presented via Zoom, where you can see others and be seen. Denis Walter is back to host the Greater Dandenong Carols, featuring many great acts such as Mixed Signals acapella, Aaron Lee from The Voice, the Greater Dandenong Band and of course our special guest Santa.

Santa will be speaking with children on the night, so dress up in your best Christmas outfit to catch Santa’s eye. To register scan the QR code below.

The Sneaky Elf Competition The Sneaky Elf shows up in the most unexpected places.

Download the Sneaky Elf from the website below. Colour in, cut out and send us a photo of the Sneaky Elf hiding around your home for your chance to win a Christmas gift. Submissions close Sunday 12 December, 11.59pm. Open to all residents of Greater Dandenong.

To pre-register for the online concert and competition visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/carols

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CHRISTMAS IN DANDENONG

Santa arrives in style Santa Claus waved to adoring masses as he sleighed about Keysborough on the back of an old fire truck.

His tour on Friday afternoon 19 November kicked off at Parkmore Shopping Centre, winding through the nearby estate’s parks and reserves in the neighbourhood.

In a sign that Christmas-normal had resumed, Santa’s fans, young and old, grabbed the chance for selfies and a quick hello.

A grown-up grabs a selfie with Santa - with Covid masks. 258406

Erin gives Santa a hug. 258406

Santa rides into Westwood Boulevard, Keysborough on the back of an old fire truck. 258406

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

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CHRISTMAS IN DANDENONG

Santa on a reindeer returns to Harmony Square. 259745

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

The Christmas Tree at Springvale Community Hub. 259274

Streets decked for joy

A mural brings Christmas greetings at Harmony Square. 259745

The Waterloo Star lights the night at Lonsdale Place, Dandenong. 259745 12525149-CG49-21

Christmas decorations are up in the streets and hubs of Greater Dandenong.

The attractions include giant Christmas trees up to nine metres tall at Springvale Community Hub, Multicultural Place Springvale and Aubrey Moss Reserve in Noble Park.

The giant Santa astride a reindeer returns to Harmony Square in Dandenong, with an illuminated Waterloo Star in Langhorne Place and a mural on the steps between Harmony Square and Lonsdale Street.

A life-size Nativity scene and an art installation appear in Dandenong Library’s display windows.

Roving performers will also enliven the business districts ahead of Christmas.

YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE! For more than 60 years, Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm has been delighting customers with that most precious of festive traditions: a real, live Christmas tree.

Customers are invited to visit the farm and take a wander amongst the rows of green until they find their perfect tree.

There is a tree for every family, in different heights to fit any house.

Staff will cut the tree and can net it for easy transportation for a small fee.

They’re easy to take care of too; just keep them watered and your tree will last the whole Christmas season.

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CHRISTMAS IN DANDENONG

Just like a family home Surprise your family with a real Tree from Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm this Christmas!

There is nothing like that fresh smell of a real tree and Star News is giving one lucky reader that experience this Christmas!

The winner will receive an up to 7 foot tree and a stand to suit from our friends at the Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm at 336 Brown Road, Officer Your favourite festive ornaments and wrapped Christmas presents look so much better on a real tree...

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McKenzie Aged Care Group was founded by a family who saw a need to create an environment that truly felt like a family home.

For over 20 years, the creation and growth of 17 homes, that have become warm and welcoming communities, has been based on the foundations of family values. Like the core of any strong family - to put family first - McKenzie has always proudly stated that, “we put people first”.

The McKenzie family vision - to provide aged care homes that they would be proud to live in - started when sisters Sally and MaryAnn McKenzie opened their first home in 2001, in the inner Melbourne suburb of Windsor. Their vision continues today with homes around Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, where the resident’s needs remain the focus at every stage, and where they truly feel like part of the McKenzie family.

Mary-Ann McKenzie Director, says, “In a world where we are all impacted by the effects of COVID-19 and continually experiencing periods of isolation, lockdowns and separation from our loved ones, the family unit has never been more important. When families entrust their loved ones into our care, they will feel happy knowing that we are a family business that will care for their loved one like one of our own.”

Each McKenzie home has its own unique character. Surrounded by beautiful gardens

that offer a place to enjoy a coffee in the sunshine with friends and family. All homes feature a library, activities rooms and welcoming living spaces where you can enjoy the company of others. The light and spacious bedrooms include their own en suite, some feature a private courtyard or balcony. Residents are encouraged to bring personal items, such as pictures and their favourite quilt - important elements that help make the transition into their new home feel more comfortable.

“At a time when family really matters, we want to provide the community with the confidence they need when its time to make a decision to enter aged care. McKenzie is a place where they’ll know that their family will matter,” says Director Sally McKenzie McKenzie understands that the decision to move into a home is a big step. That’s why we have dedicated team members ready to assist at every stage of the family’s journey into care.

“What we say about ourselves is never as important as what families say about us. The letters and messages of gratitude we receive from residents and families confirms to us that we are providing the quality care and support at a time of their lives when they need it most.”

Your nearest McKenzie Aged Care home is Lynbrook Park, Lynbrook. To learn more and discover the quality care that McKenzie can provide for your loved one, call 1300 899 222 today or visit mckenzieacg.com

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CHRISTMAS IN DANDENONG

Have a green Christmas

Make your own wreath using plants from the garden or local park. or bandannas. Again, it’s a beautiful way to incorporate the gift into the wrapping. Add some leaves or flowers from the garden under the ribbon for a simple, cheap decoration.

Old shoeboxes make terrific gift boxes and are a good way to reuse something you would

normally just throw out. Wrap it in newspaper to increase your recycling credentials, or ask the kids to draw their best festive pictures on the box for that personal touch. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can pick up fabric scraps or old clothes from the op shop and

turn them into Santa sacks, ready to fill with presents to gift to the ones you love.

GIFTS When purchasing gifts, look for those with minimal packaging to immediately cut the environmental impact. Hit up local op shops or see if there is anything around the house that you can re-gift to a better home. Steer clear of cheap products that are likely to break before Boxing Day and opt for something sturdier, like gifts made of wood or metal. Farmers and craft markets are great places to pick up unique presents with less packaging and plastic - and best of all, they’re handmade, locally sourced and support small businesses.

You could also try your hand at making your own gifts for loved ones. Everyone loves homecooked treats like jams, brownies, gingerbread or Christmas-themed slices. Decorate jars with a scrap of vintage fabric and twine for that old-fashioned feel.

If you know there is a cause dear to your recipient’s heart, there are plenty of websites that allow you to make donations to causes around the world. From education for girls to goats for villages or tickets to charity lotteries, the options are endless - and it means you’re giving a present to not just one, but two people or potentially a whole village.

Or why not opt for the gift of an experience they’ll never forget? A gift voucher for a delicious dinner out, a hot air balloon ride or a glamping trip is sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face.

If you are keen to buy something new, try websites or local shops offering sustainable options. Some, like the Melbourne Zoo gift shop, donate some of their profits towards charitable causes like conservation or assistance for farmers - so your gift goes even further.

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The festive season is a time for joy, but peak consumerism can have a harsh impact on our planet. Look outside the concrete box this Christmas and opt for sustainable choices that will be easier on your hip pocket, better for the planet and will still elicit gasps of joy on Christmas morning.

DECORATIONS With a bit of creative nous, almost anything around the house can be turned into a decoration.

Used coffee pods, for example, make a creative adornment for presents or even the Christmas tree. Simply clean them, cut a hole in the top and thread through some ribbon or twine, and you’ve got yourself some crafty little Christmas bells, ready for hanging on a tree or decorating a gift. Cut-up soft drink bottles can be arranged into a boot shape and covered with Christmas-themed fabric to create standup stockings, ready for filling with presents.

Create one-of-a-kind wreaths using the leaves and flowers you pick up at your local park or in the garden - the kids are sure to love getting involved in putting it together, and the majority of the materials used will breakdown naturally in the garden or compost after the season is over.

WRAPPING There’s no need to cut corners on your gift wrapping for the sake of the planet, because there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to wrap up a gift in a way that shows your love for both the planet and the recipient.

Thinking about the context of the gift can help. Gifts for the kitchen can be wrapped in a Christmas-themed tea-towel; the wrapping then becomes part of the present and can be used over and over again, rather than being thrown into landfill on Christmas night. Or, try wrapping presents in cloths, like scarves

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Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

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Timber protest

By Cam Lucadou-Wells About 30 workers facing job losses at the Dormit timber mill in Dandenong South have protested outside Premier Daniel Andrews’s electorate office in Noble Park.

The workers handed out ‘double donuts’ symbolizing “zero jobs and zero logs” at the Princes Highway shopping strip on Thursday 25 November.

They say they may be stood down without pay as soon as next week due to a shortage of Victorian timber despite the State Government guaranteeing supply until 2024.

Dormit telecant operator Robert Walerczak says he and his workers face a bleak festive season, with the timber yard “pretty close to empty”.

“From what we’ve been told, the long and short of it is we’re done by next week.

“Coming into Christmas, everyone is supposed to be having a good time celebrating with family and friends.

“But we’re not sure we’ll have anything to come back to. It feels pretty helpless.

“We’ve had ebbs and flows before, but never this bad. We’ve never been facing closure.”

The workers’ union CFMEU says a shutdown would lead to a national pallet “crisis” disrupting delivery of Christmas goods and supermarket supplies such as food, alcohol and toilet paper.

“Without pallets, you can’t move goods.

Pallets are critical for our economy and the transportation of goods,” CFMEU manufacturing national secretary Michael O’Connor said.

He called for the Premier to “urgently” legislate to ensure timber supply as well as to provide financial support to stood-down timber workers.

“Why should our members and their families suffer because the Government is stuffing it up?”

The timber shortage was due to an “unprecedented” number of Supreme Court injunctions lodged against VicForests’ harvesting from timber coupes, Mr O’Connor said.

Recently, environment groups such as Kinglake Friends of the Forest and Environment East Gippsland won injunctions to halt alleged improper logging in 27 Victorian forest areas.

Mr O’Connor called for the Government to legislate next week to prevent legal action against VicForests by third party litigants for “the sake of the Victorian economy”.

He said it should be up to regulators, not “ill-informed activists”, to manage VicForests and harvesters’ compliance.

Meanwhile Mr Walerczak worries also for the timber workers’ long-term futures.

With their unique “niche” skill-sets, it was uncertain where they could find alternative work, he said.

Under the State Government plan to phase out native forest logging, the reskilling of timber workers does not start until 2024.

“I’m going to keep my chin up and hope we have a job before I start looking elsewhere,” Mr Walerczak said.

Continued page 2

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Timber workers protest

Dandenong South sawmill workers protest at Premier Daniel Andrews’s electorate office in Noble Park on 25 November.

Jobs threat

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The owner of a Dandenong South timber mill says its 30 workers are likely to be stood down without pay in the lead-up to Christmas.

Pentarch Forestry, which runs the Dormit sawmill, said its closure was due to “vexatious” legal action by environmental groups against VicForests’ timber harvesting operations.

As a result, hardwood log supply was expected to run out within two weeks, it stated.

Desperate Dormit workers protested at Premier Daniel Andrews’s electorate office in Noble Park, calling for urgent action to break the impasse and for financial support.

Another 30 workers would be stood down at Pentarch’s mill in Swifts Creek, East Gippsland.

The two mills’ production of 70,000 pallets a month would also grind to a halt, which is expected to cause major supply chain issues

for supermarkets and breweries.

“It’s doubtful these self-interested groups have considered the financial and emotional hardship they are placing on our staff,” Pentarch chief executive Paul Heubner said.

“It’s also difficult to comprehend what these groups are hoping to achieve when we are essentially operating in a tightly regulated forest industry.”

Mr Heuber appeared to back the CFMEU’s call for urgent legislation to stop third-party litigants taking legal action against VicForests.

“Our timber is legally and ethically sourced but it appears the authority for policing timber production in Victoria is in the hands of activists bent on destroying our industry,” he said.

“We think it is time the legislation was reviewed to give that level of power back to the rightful authorities.”

From page 1 A State Government spokesperson said forestry contractors affected by the litigation would be supported with stand-down payments.

The litigation was putting “additional strain” on top of world-wide timber supply challenges.

“The Andrews Labor Government is working with industry to ensure there is minimal disruption to production.“ According to the Government, there was unprecedented demand for timber driven by post-Covid activity in housing, renovations, DIY and retail markets.

The shortage in timber pallets was partly attributed to businesses keeping pallets rather than returning them for recirculation.

CFMEU Manufacturing National Secretary Michael O’Connor says goods and supermarket food supplies ahead of Christmas are under threat.

The protest at Premier Daniel Andrews’s office.

Robert Walerczak says he and his Dormit mill colleagues face a tough Christmas.

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Second go at life

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

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Twanny Farrugia has made it his mission to

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

City’s top citizen

complex grieving process for donors’ families.

“Out of one person, you have seven trans-

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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sponsors of Afri-Aus Care.

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.

The not-for-profit provides mental health

support, outreach and skills development for members of the African and CALD communities.

It works closely with youth offenders, providing them with a pathway out of these behaviours and into a more positive contribution to society. During the pandemic for example, ex-offenders helped create food hampers and deliver these to the most vulnerable in society.

Afri-Aus Care also works with “the mamas“,

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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Flood risk at Kingswood

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Neighbourhood flooding will worsen under a controversial housing proposal on the former Kingswood Golf Course, according to a residents group.

Kevin Poulter, of Save Kingswood Group, appeared at a state planning advisory committee hearing opposing a plan for 823 dwellings on the site on 26 November.

He said the developer AustralianSuper Residential planned to fill in two of the dams and a massive underground aquifer on site.

“Building on a flood plain is a deal-breaker.

You can avoid this by not building.”

Downstream residents had recently suffered “shocking floods” including an estimated $500,000 repair bill for a resident in Lee Andy Court.

According to a past golf course captain, the retarding basin was drained and fed into the aquifer if heavy rain was expected, Mr Poulter said.

The dams and aquifer have a current capacity of 251 million litres of water storage, he said.

AustralianSuper’s plan would cut storage to about 25 per cent, Mr Poulter said.

“Expect a class action from Dingley Village residents when flood management is proven wrong.”

According to AustralianSuper’s submission, its flood storage solution would alleviate flooding for 70 properties downstream.

It was matching advice from Melbourne Water that 62 million litres flood storage was required.

AustralianSuper purports to create an inclusive, attractive, high-quality residential development”, with 14 hectares of open space including a ‘central park’ and wetlands.

“When complete, its tree-lined streets and parks will have 10 per cent more trees.”

A Melbourne Water retarding basin is currently Picture: GARY SISSONS on the site. 243203

Save Kingswood Group president Kevin Poulter and Dingley Village Community Association president Leigh Gridley oppose AustralianSuper’s housing plan at the former Kingswood golf Picture: GARY SISSONS course. 258330

A developer’s illustration of the proposed housing estate.

Under its plan, it will remove more than 2400 of the 3284 trees on site. It would replace them with 2685 plantings.

In 2014, the superannuation giant bought the 53-hectare site on Centre Dandenong Road in Dingley Village for $120 million.

It sought to rezone the fairways and get a planning permit for 823 dwellings.

Locals, including Save Kingswood Group, Dingley Village Community Association and 8000 objectors to City of Kingston, have earnestly resisted the plan to “destroy the park”.

The plans were also rejected by City of Kingston, and criticized by local MPs from

Kingston argued that the land should have been offered to government before developers.

“Council knows of no sufficient, if any, efforts to determine whether any government authorities were interested in acquiring the land.”

At the direction of Planning Minister Richard Wynne, the issue is in front of a state planning advisory committee hearing.

The hearings continue until 23 December.

Its findings will then be considered by Mr Wynne.

both major political parties.

Kingston Council submitted that the stormwater and drainage solutions were just a “preliminary assessment” with unanswered questions.

The amount of open space free from water bodies, drainage areas and tree reserves was “unclear if not manifestly inadequate”. Attempts to retain vegetation was “insufficient”, the council argued.

It submitted that the 5 per cent affordable housing was “insufficient” and “uncertain”, and that community consultation was “inadequate”.

Family and connection: A memoir for young and old

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Family and connection lay at the heart of Aunty Pat Ockwell’s life story.

And so it was at the official launch of her richly told biography ‘Aunty Pat Ockwell Tells Her Story’ in front of admiring family, friends and mayors at Abbotsford Convent on 21 November.

The 84-year-old Wurundjeri elder – described as “our eldest elder” – has traced her vast life, deep kinship and shared the lessons for the younger generations.

It’s the product of two-and-a-half years of lockdown-interrupted toil between Aunty Pat and collaborator Pauline Mackinnon.

At the launch, Aunty Pat – flanked by siblings Alice, Patrick and Martha - revealed the emotional ride in compiling the book with her “old mate”.

“I used to cry sometimes, I used to have a go at her and she’d have a cry.

“I’d say what are we howling for? We shouldn’t be doing this.

“We sat down with a coffee. We roughed it for a while – but we got there, Pauline.”

Ms Mackinnon said Aunty Pat’s persistence on the project was driven by a “love and fire” for her elders and the young.

“It was no ego thing,” she said.

“It was something she knew she had to do for everyone’s benefit – for all her family and the community.

“And to cover all that love and courage of her elders.”

Ms Mackinnon said it was an honour to “walk with” Aunty Pat through the project.

“It’s a beautiful, personal and warm record of a critical time for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

“What it takes to survive and to safeguard what’s important so the next generation can do the same.

“What I love about Aunt is not only the love and fire that burns in her belly for her elders. It’s the love and fire that burns for the young ones. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Aunty Pat Ockwell with her siblings Alice, Patrick and Martha. 258932 “She sees the connection of that so well.”

The story starts with Aunty Pat’s mum Martha Terrick and dad Patrick Nicholson, who served with the Royal Australian Air Force.

Then the childhood memories growing up in Healesville, as one of 16 siblings. Her family travelled the countryside by caravan for seasonal farm and orchard work.

The memoir tells of her raising her family with husband and Woori Yallock farmer Ted Ockwell. And inspired by elders before her, how she devoted herself to trying to help her people.

Her Aunty Winnie – a very important Wurundjeri leader – said that when she was gone, Aunty Pat would have to “step up”.

And she did.

She’s served on the board of Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative, as well as the Wurundjeri Tribe Council, Aboriginal

Community Elders Services and Aboriginal Housing Victoria.

She is renowned for getting young lives back on track and out of jail, such as by sitting on the Koori Court as an Elder for 14 years.

At the launch, Uncle Andrew Gardiner, of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, said the book had many “snippets” that few had heard.

One passage brought him vivid recollections of his mother.

“You can see and recognise that personal touch.”

Recent City of Greater Dandenong mayor Angela Long – a friend of Aunty Pat for four decades – was among the attendees.

City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp also paid tribute in a pre-recorded message.

In her Welcome to Country, Aunty Di Kerr said she was glad that ‘Teenie’ told her life

Aunty Pat Ockwell and Greater Dandenong mayor Angela Long at the book launch. 258932 stories, like the ones she used to share in jewellery making.

“I hope you look at the book and appreciate what as a strong matriarch in the Aboriginal community she has shared with us,” she told the audience.

To her friend, she said: “I don’t know what our world would be like without you.”

Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Greens’ South East pitch

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The Greens have taken aim at ALP’s South East heartland ahead of the 2022 federal election.

Former Greater Dandenong councillor Matthew Kirwan, who is standing for the Greens in the Bruce electorate, said the ALP “took for granted” and “neglected” their safe South East seats.

And that Labor “gave up” on tackling inequality since the 1980s.

On the other hand, Mr Kirwan said many in the South East did not understand the Greens.

Nor did they know of his party’s stance on improving health, education, inequality and green jobs.

He said the Greens had to be relevant by pitching “where people are at”.

“They already know that Labor has left them behind but not yet sold that we are the answer.”

He and candidates Louisa Willoughby and Sujit Mathew recently appeared in an online panel ‘Greening the Burbs’.

They discussed how to replicate the party’s inner-city traction in the South East growth corridor.

Mr Mathew, who is standing for the seat of Holt, migrated to Australia in 2013 and lives in the “vibrant, multicultural” estates of Clyde North.

He says many new migrants are young adults, young families who are disconnected from politics. They have no faith or trust in politicians.

Their feedback was “politicians talk too much and they don’t really listen to us.”

Their interests included better universities and employment opportunities, as well as immigration and parent visa issues.

Despite vast experience with the United Nations, Mr Mathew was surprised how hard it was to land a job in Australia.

Green federal candidates Sujit Mathew (Holt), Louisa Willoughby (Hotham) and Matthew Kirwan (Bruce). 257996 The struggle for new, skilled arrivals to find a job had to be listened to, he said.

Ms Willoughby, who is running in Hotham, said she’d observed Greens volunteers starkly outnumbered at election booths.

Labor’s diverse team of volunteers at polling booths were able to speak and connect with voters from a range of cultural backgrounds.

“Having those conversations in their own languages is really key.”

Ms Willoughby, a researcher who has volunteered more than 15 years to help multilingual

students, says the lack of federal funding for public education was doing “long term damage” to local communities.

She said the Greens had policies to tackle disadvantage and inequality in diverse communities.

Also on the panel, Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad said the Greens needed a “different approach” in the South East, tackling broader issues such as schools.

She said without a perceived “viable” alternative, locals tended to “accept” ALP branch-

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

stacking and its “unethical use and abuse” of ethnic groups.

Senator Lidia Thorpe said the Greens had to talk about how they will make Dandenong people’s lives better.

Just speaking about net-zero emissions wouldn’t cut it, she said.

In the coming election, Senator Thorpe held hopes of the Greens holding balance of power in the Senate.

“We’re the only choice left in this country that will take us to a safe future.”

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel, creating space in the City Loop to run more trains to and from the suburbs. We’re also removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 54 already gone.

Buses replace trains in both directions Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

9pm to last train each night, 29 Nov to 2 Dec

Caulfield to Dandenong

8.30pm 3 Dec to 1am 4 Dec

Caulfield to Westall

9pm to last train each night, 6 to 8 Dec

Westall to Cranbourne and Pakenham

8.30pm to last train each night, 13 to 15 Dec

Flinders Street to Oakleigh

From 1am 4 to 5 Dec From 8.30pm 10 to 12 Dec First train to 8.30pm, 15 Dec 16 to 23 Dec

Flinders Street to Caulfield

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes Princes and South Gippsland Highways, Dandenong South

Until late 2021

Road or lanes closed

Clyde Road, Berwick

Until early 2022

Lane closed southbound between Reserve Street and Enterprise Avenue Lane closed northbound between Sir Gustav Nossal Boulevard and Jane Street

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

1397

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au 12525480-NG49-21

4 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

No excuses for brutality

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Victoria Police at the scene of the stabbing in January 2020. 203872

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Near deadly debt ambush

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 23-year-old Cranbourne man has been jailed after repeatedly stabbing a victim during a pack ambush in broad daylight in Hammond Road Dandenong.

Junior Fualausia, with three associates, critically wounded the then-24-year-old victim and left him for dead on the afternoon of 27 January 2020.

“It was pure good fortune for your victim and for you that he survived,” Victorian County Court sentencing judge Michael Tinney told Fualausia on 23 November.

At the time, Fualausia allegedly owed the victim a drug debt.

That day, after being pressed for the money several times, Fualausia texted the victim: “I got your money bro sorry, are you able to swing by?”

When the victim arrived outside the apartments on Hammond Road, he was jumped by four masked males and repeatedly punched, kicked and struck with a light pole.

Fualausia later told an associate he’d stabbed the victim “everywhere”. He was sure that he’d killed him.

With 12 stab wounds to his neck, torso and limbs, the victim stumbled back into his car.

He was struggling to breathe and with blood “bubbling” on his chest, according to one of the by-standers who came to his aid.

His four attackers walked away.

The victim, who suffered significant blood loss and collapsed lungs, was given CPR by

paramedics. He was taken unconscious to Dandenong Hospital, underwent surgery and spent three days in ICU at The Alfred hospital.

His deep stab wounds had punctured lungs, liver capsule, muscles, a jugular vein and broken a rib.

He suffered ongoing issues with his lungs, nerve damage, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

“You’ve changed his life forever,” Judge Tinney said of the “frightening” attack.

“He will never forget the day that you came close to ending his life.”

Fualausia made an early guilty plea and showed “limited” remorse, but there were “not too many” mitigating factors in this case.

At the time of the stabbing, Fualausia was on a community corrections order.

He had long-standing drug issues and a short criminal history of assaults, driving and car theft offences.

“I certainly won’t write you off,” Judge Tinney said.

“I am prepared to accept you do have realistic prospects of rehabilitation.”

But the judge said he also had to consider the seriousness of the “extraordinary act of violence”.

Fualausia was jailed for up to eight-and-ahalf years. He will be eligible for parole after five-and-a-half years.

It includes 417 days already served in presentence custody.

One alleged co-offender has been charged with the attack.

A 39-year-old Cranbourne father has been jailed after horrifically wounding his longterm partner in a sustained, cruel attack.

Fueled by ice, booze and jealousy, Mark Churchus severely beat the victim’s body and head “in a number of different ways over several hours”, despite her persistent pleas to stop on 18 April 2020.

He pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to a string of charges including recklessly causing serious injury.

As part of his brutality, he kicked and broke four of her ribs.

The victim’s lungs collapsed as a result – a potentially life threatening situation. She told him “I can’t breathe. Please stop”.

Churchus replied: “I haven’t finished yet.”

Sentencing judge Daniel Holding on 23 November noted Churchus was “physically dominating” the victim, who was of “small stature”.

The former Berwick Secondary College student had at one point pressed pliers onto both sides of the victim’s big toe.

He threatened to cut off her toes and burn them, power-drill through her hands and feet, and to drag her behind the car and kill her in front of her parents.

She pleaded for Churchus’s dad to help.

Churchus grabbed his dad’s phone to prevent a call to police, warning his father he’d be next.

She was bound and gagged, and Churchus’s father told him to “please stop”.

Churchus aggressively gripped his father’s throat and threatened to punch him.

Among the woman’s “numerous and serious” injuries were significant bruising and swelling “all over”, particularly to her face and temple, Judge Holding said.

Her ribs and an eye socket were broken, requiring surgery. There was bleeding on

her brain. Yet, Churchus didn’t seek medical help for her, arguing later he didn’t know the full extent of her injuries.

Instead when a mate visited the home, Churchus demanded the victim stay in the bedroom. She managed to escape with their infant daughter to a neighbour’s home. She was taken to Dandenong Hospital by ambulance, and later to The Alfred.

Meanwhile Churchus drove the victim’s car in search of her. He crashed into a parked vehicle 120 metres from his home and fled without leaving contact details. His licence was suspended at the time.

Police later seized 12 cannabis plants from a closet and back yard at the home, as well as an air rifle, knuckedusters and flickknife. Judge Holding noted in the lead-up to the attack, Churchus had accused his partner of “cheating” on him on an online app.

Churchus told police he quit his job to ensure that she didn’t “sneak off” – though it was later argued he lost his job for “other reasons”.

He had a problem admitting to police what he inflicted on his partner, describing it as an “accident”, that he was “drunk” and what happened was “disgusting”.

“I want someone to beat the s*** out of me,” he told police.

Churchus’s limited criminal history, solid work history, family support, early guilty plea and “genuine” efforts to reform were noted. His alcohol and meth use at the time weren’t mitigating factors.

Judge Holding said the sentence must be designed to stop other men resorting to physical dominance and violence over their partners. Churchus was jailed for up to five years, seven months, and eligible for parole in three years, nine months.

This included 580 days already served in pre-sentence custody.

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 5

OPINION

NEWS

We deserve better

Noble Park ‘Top 10’

In her letter, in relation to the IBAC inquiry (Dandenong Star Journal, 2 November], Gaye Guest questions - “given the branch stacking inquiry surely this should disqualify those Crs ... However they seem to be wearing it as a badge of honour and believe it entitles them to the top job. Why are bad choices rewarded?

It is simply abhorrent”.

She goes on to say: “It shows how our Council is controlled by higher powers and how corruption has seeped into our council chamber and is not being stamped out or shown the door”.

Yes Gaye, we the residents of Dandenong and the South East definitely deserve better without any shadow of a doubt.

Unfortunately such are the far reaching outcomes of what branch stacking does to a community.

The unfortunate reality is that political branch stacking compromises democratic representation from the word go, as in who gets supported and who doesn’t - which includes even the membership of their own political party.

Our local MPs - Adem Somyurek MLC for the South East, Luke Donnellan MP for Narre Warren North and Anthony Byrne Federal MP for Holt have all by their own admission been guilty of participating and employing this practice.

They have admitted to consciously engaging in this undemocratic, unethical practice of political branch stacking complied with knowingly or unknowingly by others who were either misled or misconceived in their belief that their support and participation would be somewhat rewarded and returned in cash or in personal in-kind favours, as we have been made aware in the reports resulting from the investigation and of course consequently many are unable to speak out being compromised via their association and engagement.

The disappointing reality is that this shameful practice has pretty much been a pandemic of political evil rotting our regional democracy in the South East from the dawn of this millennium to date.

Branch stacking is like a parasite weakening democracy and interfering with democratic governance.

It is a destructive tsunami of inequity, of gut wrenching, soul destroying selective opportunity that floods out of the political party offices of local MPs and compromised bureaucracies in return for their favoured support, robbing everyday citizens and electors of equal opportunities and fair access.

It is discriminating against all who have refused to engage with, or who are not willing participants of this unethical, political, personal power entrenching practice, permeating the lives of many ordinary good folk going about their everyday existence in unfortunate ways, derailing, demeaning and distorting genuine outcomes of the electoral process.

I sincerely hope things can change - ’root and branch’ if not now, via policy and practice - then with each of our personal votes in the forthcoming elections via the pathway of true uncompromised unfettered democracy.

Geraldine Gonsalvez, Dandenong

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6 STAR JOURNAL

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12452271-SN26-20

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Noble Park is set to be activated by a list of 10 community building projects.

The action-packed $360,000 program includes a community garden, pop up sports and activities, a youth festival, and a pedestrian trail with interpretative signage.

The projects have been developed by the Noble Park Revitalisation Board with community partners. It is funded by the State Government.

Reclink Activation and Street Games will introduce at least six months of free, pop-up sport and recreation for young people, particularly females.

The diverse activities include swimming, soccer with Melbourne City FC, basketball, table tennis and skateboarding.

State manager Jason Carter said their free program of five sessions a week removed the biggest barrier to sport and recreation – which is affordability.

They will be staged in the skate park, NPAC, Noble Park Community Centre and other parts of the Ross Reserve precinct, conveniently close to Noble Park railway station.

“We want to bring as many people to the precinct as possible,” Reclink regional coordinator Jack Simcoe added.

Also funded is a proposed multi-stage ‘Our Space’ community garden at AMES Noble Park.

AMES Australia chief executive Cath Scarth said the vision was for an “environmental sustainability precinct” akin to Ceres Community Environment Park in Brunswick.

It would be a place to connect people from different cultural backgrounds with a common interest in gardening.

“Growing numbers of individuals and families are residing in apartments and units as a consequence of the increased cost of housing.

“Access to outdoor spaces for the purposes of growing vegetables or as activity are limited,” Ms Scarth said.

“The broader aim of the precinct is to engage and give a space and voice to the culturally diverse

State MP Lee Tarlamis with Mayor Jim Memeti, Members of the Noble Park Youth Committee and representatives from Reclink at the announcement of funding for Reclink Activations & Street Games communities living in the outer southeast corridor of Melbourne.”

The other eight projects are: The planting of up to 50 new trees in Noble Park activity centre Two decorative seasonal crate displays to brighten the streets of Noble Park Interpretative signage with stories of Noble Park’s evolution on a pedestrian trail connecting Copas Park, JC Mills Park and Noble Park Public Hall.

Temporary public art transforming three sites in the activity centre Youth Festival 2022 at Noble Park Skate Park precinct with free activities and workshops including music, sport, art and skating ‘Boss Your Board’ skateboarding masterclass program for young people 12-25 A six-week Yoga in the Park program to reduce health and wellbeing barriers for women Four community soccer clinics for people 12-25 The projects follow $3.6 million of recent

· · · · · · · ·

State MP Lee Tarlamis and AMES chief executive Cath Scarth. 259866 Picture: BARAT ALI BATOOR State funding in Noble Park, including improved streetscaping in Ian Street and a pocket park in Frank Street.

Their aim is to increase business activity in the village-like retail area.

Board chair and South Eastern Metro MP Lee Tarlamis said the board was “doing great work for Noble Park”. “(It is) making it a green, vibrant, safe, accessible and prosperous place for the community to come together to enjoy and live.”

Landeryou brain-stormed ‘Covid story’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Former ALP powerbroker Adem Somyurek was accused of “brainstorming” a story to explain footage of him withdrawing cash from an ATM to pay for other members’ party memberships.

The IBAC Operation Watts inquiry had heard that the practice was utilised by several Labor MPs as part of a branch-stacking regime.

It played a tapped phone call between Mr Somyurek and Andrew Landeryou discussing the footage screened on 60 Minutes’s expose ‘The Faceless Man’ two days earlier.

Mr Somyurek had been filmed withdrawing cash and handing it to staffer Nick McLennan in a car park.

On 16 June 2020, Mr Landeryou and Mr Somyurek discuss possible explanations, including that Mr Somyurek acted out of “Corona paranoia”.

“There are any number of explanations around that that are quite okay but it boils down to the forms had to be lodged by a certain time and you were lodging them,” Mr Landeryou says.

Mr Somyurek suggests: “Or the gentleman that received the money could not leave his house because of Coronavirus. Yeah, that’s probably (a) better one.

“That’s probably the best one, isn’t it.”

Mr Landeryou said: “You could have gone and visited to collect the cash, but during Corona you’ve been very paranoid about it and you thought it’s much better to go to the ATM.” There was less chance that ATM money would be contaminated, Mr Landeryou mused.

At the inquiry on 12 November 2021, Mr Somyurek had said he got out the cash be-

Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

Adem Somyurek on day three of his evidence at the IBAC inquiry. cause a staffer was anxious about Covid. “(The staffer) rocked up with rubber gloves and she looked all… apprehensive about touching anything.

“So I got it myself… And I did intend to get reimbursed for it.”

Counsel assisting IBAC, Chris Carr asserted the conversation with Mr Landeryou was the “genesis of the Covid story”.

“This is where you are brainstorming what story you are going to give to explain the facts that you apprehend will be publicly known?

“What’s the best explanation we can give?

“What’s the best lie we can come up with.”

Mr Somyurek responded that it was “not a story”. The “critical” issue was he earlier ad-

mitted to the inquiry he paid for the memberships himself.

IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich noted Mr Somyurek had come a long way since the start of his evidence.

“It’s only been in more recent times that you have been willing to acknowledge things that previously you were not prepared to do?”

Mr Somyurek said: “And yeah it’s liberating.”

In his evidence, he’d said he’d “lost perspective” in which taxpayer-funded staffers and MPs were diverted into an inter-factional “war”.

He agreed that staffers rose to the ranks of MPs through branch-stacking and factional patronage.

And that this distorted who gets an opportunity to stand to be MPs. There was a culture to misuse taxpayer resources for factional ends, he agreed.

“It reproduces itself. But the question is how you’re going to fix it.

“I came in, I knew nothing about it, I observed and I was socialized into it, and I continued the practice.”

Mr Somyurek’s four days of evidence concluded on 12 November.

Somali Australian Council of Victoria secretary Dr Hussein Haraco was scheduled to front the hearing on 26 November.

But because of ongoing medical reasons, he did not appear, IBAC stated.

Dr Haraco, an electorate officer for Mr Somyurek, had previously postponed IBAC appearances in late October on medical grounds.

The Operation Watts public hearings have closed for 2021.

IBAC stated that the investigation is ongoing. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Volgren will build the bodies for hundreds of hybrid and electric buses on Melbourne’s roads.

A Stralis AT model being locally-produced at IVECO’s Dandenong South plant in 2017.

IVECO Australia managing director Michael May.

Assembly line goes

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Dandenong South-based IVECO Trucks Australia has announced an end to its full-scale local manufacturing.

In a statement, the company stated it would fully import its heavy duty vehicles from Madrid, Spain.

The transition was expected to start from June 2022.

Meanwhile, IVECO announced the creation of a Customisation and Innovation Centre at Dandenong South.

The new centre would “leverage engineering expertise” by helping customers and vehicle body-builders to customise and specialise their vehicles.

The CIC would also work closely with Eu-

rope and local partners on innovation, such as alternative propulsion solutions, digitisation, connectivity and autonomous driving.

The overall future of the site’s manufacturing plant was yet to be finalised, a spokesperson said.

“IVECO will continue to follow best-practice procedures in managing the workforce as the transition is made.

“We will be working with employees and the unions to keep them fully informed.

“While we won’t be continuing full scale vehicle production in Australia, the CIC will leverage our engineering expertise.”

IVECO Australia managing director Michael May said moving to local customisation of fully imported vehicles was a “natural pro-

gression” of IVECO’s Australia-New Zealand “transformation”.

“Given our brand’s long history of manufacturing in Australia, this next step towards customisation strengthens our ability to remain agile and responsive to demanding regional requirements.”

The new S-WAY model, to be launched in Australia next year, will be tested on local roads and have input from local engineers and select partners.

The CIC would help strengthen one of IVECO’s “key selling points”, Mr May said.

“Historically, our most unique value proposition has been our ability to customise and specialise vehicles for our market, leveraging the expertise of our local engineering team and the local facility.”

Best in business soon to be revealed Finalists have been revealed for Greater Dandenong’s premier business awards next month.

The Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards 2021 recognise outstanding business and student achievements in the region.

In the small business category, the finalists are Snap Printing, TBS Air & Energy and The Footcare Clinic.

ABU Engineering, KLM Spatial, Micro Precision Plastics, Polyfor and Snap Dandenong South have been nominated for the innovation and sustainability award.

Dandenong Club, KLM Spatial, Polyflor, Sandown Greyhound Racing Club, Stucchi Australia and The Footcare Clinic will be vying for the corporate social responsibility award.

In the hospitality and tourism category, the nominees are Classic Grillz, Dandenong Club and Sandown Greyhound Racing Club.

Classic Grillz and TBS Air & Energy are also finalists for new business of the year.

ABU Engineering, Micro Precision Plastics and Stucchi Australia are nominated for the manufacturing and construction award.

For the youth enterprise award, the finalists are Geraldine Bilston, Natalie D’Rozario, Kurt Hoareau and Samantha Krause.

Ms Bilston is studying her Graduate Certificate in Family Violence at Chisholm Institute. She also volunteers to support victim survivors and sits on the Victim Survivors Advisory Board for Family Safety Victoria.

Ms D’Rozario is studying for an Engineering Technology degree at Chisholm. She has been a strong students’ advocate as vice-president of the program’s student committee.

Mr Hoareau is studying a Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade. He is an adult apprentice, offering himself as a mentor for his peers.

Ms Krause has worked at Peninsula Health whilst studying a Bachelor of Community dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The Footcare Clinic’s, back from left, Megan, Pat and Kim, front from left, Alicia , Toby [dog] and Penny in 2018. The business has been nominated for several Dandenong Chamber Business Awards. 178374 Services. She’s also an active volunteer such as at Community Support Frankston for Homelessness Week.

All nominated businesses are eligible for the overall business of the year award 2021.

The winners will be revealed at a presentation dinner at Palmyra Hall, Dandenong on Thursday 2 December.

The awards’ sponsors are Ashfords, Chisholm Institute, City of Greater Dandenong, Hilton Manufacturing, Macpherson Kelley, NAB, SEMMA and Star News Group.

Sandown Greyhound Racing Club is among 10 Greater Dandenong businesses nominated for an award.

Electric-bus jobs boost

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Dandenong bus-body builder Volgren will create 50 jobs in helping supply fleets of electric and hybrid buses on Melbourne’s roads.

It follows operator Kinetic being awarded Melbourne’s franchise publictransport bus fleet by the State Government.

Kinetic will replace 341 of the existing 537-strong diesel fleet with zero or low emission vehicles over the next 10 years.

Production on the Volgren-built fleet begins in January. Five battery electric buses (BEBs) are expected to be ready by June and 36 by mid-2025.

More than 100 Volgren-bodied hybrid buses will also be built.

Volgren uses about 100 Australian suppliers for its electric buses, with nearly 90 per cent local production for the body build.

About 20 of the 50 new jobs will be on board by Christmas.

Volgren, which has been based in the South East for four decades, will also offer 16 traineeships during the contract, chief executive Thiago Deiro said.

“Every manufacturer strives to plan and structure their business based on long-term demand.

“The Metropolitan Bus Franchise helps us to do exactly that.

“Our expectation is that our direct labour resources will increase by 45 to 50 percent, or by around 50 direct new jobs.

“Volgren keeps investing in jobs and in the local supply chain because we want local manufacturing to succeed but we know government backing is essential for that to continue.”

During a two-decade partnership, Volgren has contributed more than 30 buses to Kinetic’s SkyBus and Surfside fleets.

Mr Deiro said Volgren was well placed to deliver high volumes of “tried and tested” BEBs. “All (Volgren) factories are geared-up to start building BEBs at the scale required to meet the needs Australia’s shift to zero-emission technology.”

Australian manufacturing was offering the “highest quality levels I’ve seen in the bus industry”, he said.

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said the franchise would accelerate the State’s plans for all new public transport buses to be zero emissions from 2025.

“We are jump starting our push for a zero-emissions bus fleet in Victoria to benefit the environment and help build our engineering, design and manufacturing expertise in these emerging technologies.

“It will be great to see the electric buses start rolling off Volgren’s production line early next year, kickstarting a program to replace diesel buses with zero and low emission vehicles.”

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said it was creating “employment opportunities for our community”.

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His demons vanquished John Beckwith watched with great delight from his Springvale retirement home as his beloved Demons ran away with the 2021 AFL Grand Final. Journal reporter MARCUS UHE spoke to Beckwith about his career and why the victory carried extra significance for him.

Melbourne’s 2021 AFL Premiership was 67 years in the making for Melbourne Team of the Century member and Springvale resident John Beckwith.

He played in five premierships with the Demons, even captaining two over his 176-game career in the club’s golden era between 1951 and 1960, and earned selection as a back pocket in the club’s Team of the Century in 2000.

But for all the accolades and memorabilia, the loss in the 1954 Grand Final to Footscray (now Western Bulldogs), their only premiership for so long until 2016, was something that Beckwith struggled to escape.

“For 50 years after that we got invited as the Melbourne players of that day to come and celebrate the premiership,” Beckwith said.

“I went to Footscray (events) to listen to how well they played.

“It gets a bit grinding after a while.”

Melbourne embarked on a drought of its own following the 1964 premiership as the club experienced all kinds of tumult and tragedy.

From heartbreaking deaths, like Brownlow medalist and club icon Jim Stynes - and Troy Broadbridge - to catastrophic football dramas like humiliating grand final losses and a near merge with Hawthorn, things had never been the same at the Demons since Beckwith’s era under the great Norm Smith.

“For 57 years I’ve watched things go wrong for Melbourne,” Beckwith said “So in the grand final when we were halfway through the third quarter and we were 19 points behind, I had that terrible sick feeling that it was going to happen again.

“I thought to myself, sitting there alone, ‘gee we need a couple of quick goals and we might get back in the game’ and within seconds, bang bang!, Bailey Fritsch got one, Ben Brown pushed a bloke in the back and kicked a third goal, so suddenly we’re back level.”

Melbourne took what was a close game for the first half and blew it to pieces in the second, kicking 16 of the last 17 goals of the game to put the result beyond any doubt.

“I’ve watched the replay 20 times, and I still can’t believe what happened in a quarter and a half; that they could do everything perfectly, even hitting a bloke’s shin and bouncing off to another player, that sort of stuff.

“We had four or five players, like little Jake Bowey only played four or five games before a grand final, so we had a lot of first year players

John with his Team of the Century jumper. 258868

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“

Norm Smith had a heart attack in 1967 when I was the assistant coach. At half time at Carlton he walked into the rooms, grabbed his heart and said ‘Becky, you take over the last three games of the season’. So I coached the last three games and then I got the coaching job the next year.”

in the side, and a lot of second and third year players who, all of a sudden, developed, almost instantaneously and played their best football.

“It’s a miracle for me.”

As the game evolves, not much remains the same from Beckwith’s days as a player.

When asked who the modern day John Beckwith would be, he posited that the game had changed too much from his era to find a comparison.

But watching the Dees demolish teams as the season went along, he took great delight in seeing players like Charlie Spargo, Alex NealBullen and Kysaiah Pickett harass and stalk their opponents.

“The sides I played with were very fierce

tackling sides, so the opposition never got a chance to do anything with it.

“Melbourne now is just the same; it’s relentless with its pressure.”

When his playing days came to a close, Beckwith took some time away from the club before he returned to join the coaching ranks, and had the unenviable role of replacing Norm Smith in 1968.

Smith was already a revered figure at the club, playing in four premierships in his 210game career before embarking on one of the greatest coaching careers the league has ever seen.

In his 310-game tenure as coach at Melbourne, he won six premierships between

IN BRIEF

20 arrests as drug syndicate ‘dismantled’ Twenty people have been arrested as police “dismantled” a major drug-trafficking syndicate in the South East.

The year-long police sting led by Caulfield Divisional Response Unit targeted the syndicate allegedly trafficking methylamphetamine, cocaine and 1.4-butanediol.

Police seized trafficable amounts of the drugs, including $10 million of methamphetamine.

They also seized prescription medication, about 7900 steroid tablets and 35 steroid vials, a home-made machine gun, imitation firearms, loaded magazines and almost $650,000 cash.

Three vehicles, keys to a stolen HSV and several electronic devices including a frequency jammer were also found.

On Tuesday morning (23 November), police arrested 13 people in raids in Keysborough, Cranbourne, Skye, Frankston, Langwarrin, Clarinda, East Brighton, Port Melbourne and Brighton.

Seven further people have been arrested over alleged drug-trafficking since July.

Southern Metropolitan Region Commander Therese Fitzgerald said by seizing the drugs, police had prevented “untold damage” and the funding of further criminal enterprises. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

“Operations such as these not only destroy the financial foundations that criminals are built upon, but they are equally as damaging in fracturing relationships and social connections between drug distributors in the community.

“We now have a significant number of people with incredibly serious drug charges hanging over their heads.

“These people may have set out with images of easy money in their eyes, but they are now staring at the harsh reality of many years confined to a prison cell.”

Comm Fitzgerald warned those trying to “make a quick dollar dealing drugs” to “think again”.

“We have dedicated teams of detectives across the entire state keeping a close eye on you– whether you’re the head of a syndicate or a lowly drug runner, you will be caught.”

Among the arrests was a 32-year-old Keysborough man charged with trafficking 1,4-butanediol, and possessing ammunition, steroids and the proceeds of crime.

He was arrested on 23 November, and remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 7 December.

A 35-year-old Cranbourne man was charged on 27 August with trafficking me-

1955 and 1964, including all five that Beckwith won, and led the club to every grand final between 1954 and 1960.

Beckwith still remembers the moment he had the job thrust upon him.

“Norm Smith had a heart attack in 1967 when I was the assistant coach.

“At half time at Carlton he walked into the rooms, grabbed his heart and said ‘Becky, you take over the last three games of the season’. So I coached the last three games and then I got the coaching job the next year.”

Despite being the reigning premiership winning coach, Smith had been sacked in 1965 amid tension between he and administrators.

He was quickly reinstated before handing over to Beckwith in 1967 when he suffered health troubles.

Beckwith was not involved at the club when the bombshell dismissal took place but felt the repercussions of the sacking when he returned, as the ‘curse’ of Norm Smith set its foundations during his three seasons in charge.

“My main focus was to try and settle the club down and get them back going again because they were arguing with one-another and criticising one-another. And the club didn’t have a very good recruiting policy at all.

“We had no way of attracting players because all (the club) offered was a university course. Now, how many footballers are intelligent enough to go to university? There was only one in my time and that was (Peter) ‘Crackers’ Keenan.”

Unfortunately Beckwith did not enjoy the same success as a coach that he did during his playing days. He had to navigate the tricky task of coaching players like Harold ‘Hassa’ Mann, Brian Dixon and Robert ‘Tassie’ Johnson who were previously his premiership teammates.

The Demons did not feature in the finals in any of his years as coach winning just eight, three, and six games in 1968, 1969 and 1970, respectively.

These days Beckwith finds himself living in the Lexington Gardens Retirement Village in Springvale with his sister. His sporting activity is reduced to walking, as he no longer plays golf at Victoria Golf Club in Cheltenham, where he joined as a member as a 20-year-old.

His daughter Karen is now a keen golfer and his son Tony played baseball in the United States.

He’s recently been blessed with a greatgrandson, Mack, who can now visit Beckwith at his retirement home with the easing of Covid restrictions.

He can see potential in the four-week-old already.

“He’s got a good grip, I noticed that when I grabbed his hand. He could be a golfer!”

Armed man fronts police

thylamphetamine and cocaine, and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25 January.

Meanwhile, a 26-year-old Clarinda man allegedly connected to the syndicate was charged over possessing a homemade machine gun on 23 November.

He was accused of being subject to a Firearm Prohibition Order at the time.

Police allege they found more than 15 kilograms of ‘ice’ – with a street value of up to $10 million - in a tow-truck intercepted at the NSW border near Wodonga on 20 July.

A 28-year-old Balnarring man and a 36-year-old Frankston man were charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of meth.

Police units involved in the operation were Caulfield DRU, Prahran, Dandenong and Mornington DRUs, Southern Metro Crime Team, Dandenong Frontline Tactical Unit, Bayside Family Violence Investigation Unit and Sexual Offences and Child Investigation Team, Moorabbin Criminal Investigation Team, Criminal Proceeds Squad, Armed Crime Squad, Critical Incident Response Team, Special Operations Group, and Australian Federal Police.

A passer-by has been charged after allegedly wielding weapons and abusing police during a property raid in Noble Park.

DRU police say the 39-year-old man stopped his car and abused them during the raid. He later returned on foot, allegedly with a knife and a screwdriver in hand. The man, though dropping his weapons, resisted arrest, police say. He was charged with assaulting police, resisting police and weapons offences. He was bailed to appear at court at a later date.

Cannabis at home fire A cannabis crop has been found at a fire in a Springvale home garage. A 31-year-old woman and a five-year-old child fled safely from the adjoining house as the rear garage ignited about 1.30am on Monday 29 November. The woman was arrested at the scene of the Large Street property. Greater Dandenong CIU and Arson detectives are investigating.

Crop uncovered A large crop of cannabis has been allegedly seized by police from a Noble Park property.

SD3 Divisional Response Unit police say they discovered 176 cannabis plants and an electrical bypass used to grow the “elaborate hydroponic” crop about 9am on Wednesday 24 November.

No occupants were at the premises at the time.

Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

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LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 1 December 1921 Value of food for warmth Food is the fuel from which the human body derives its heat. If the temperature of the body is lower than 98 degrees (Fahrenheit), it signifies there is some disorder. Our bodies are continually asking for fuel which they require for heat as does an engine, and they require food also for the repair of tissue. Before beginning the day’s work in cold weather, a breakfast of oatmeal porridge with milk and sugar will provide the necessary fuel.

Bread and butter, bacon or fish should follow a bowl of porridge. In the wintertime cheese should form a frequent article of diet. Raisins, dates, and figs are also warming, and

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

nuts are excellent on account of the oil they contain.

50 years ago 25 November 1971 Most shops will stay open Most major stores in Dandenong will open for late night shopping tomorrow (Friday).

Twenty-three shopkeepers in Hanover Arcade will stay open and Dandenong will again take on a bright, pre-war carnival shopping face. An original Chamber of Commerce survey noted 30 businesses were undecided on the matter but revisited their stance following the Chamber’s recommendations. There was no indication from any of the retailers that they wish to open on any other night except Friday. Housewives questioned on the

renewal of Friday night shopping were all in favour citing the social carnival atmosphere pre-war used to be great. Others appreciated more time for window shopping as a family.

Until parking restriction signs are changed, policing of restrictions cannot be affected but parking by laws will be enforced.

20 years ago 26 November 2001 Journal Editorial To see how Greater Dandenong has grown take a drive round some of the industrial areas of Dandenong South. The growth has been substantial, and our city planners tell us more is expected as the area continues to grow. The council has had its fair share of knockers, including this paper at times, but

this time it deserves our praise. It has done a terrific job in bringing the city back to life.

5 years ago 28 November 2016 Asthma storm hits region Thunderstorm asthma caused emergency patient numbers to double at Dandenong Hospital and landed three people in intensive care.

Demand peaked between 6pm on Monday 21 November and 6am on Tuesday 22 November, as it did at hospitals across Melbourne. A Monash Health spokeswomen said that 179 patients presented to the Dandenong Hospital emergency department during the 12-hour period, with 148 patients presenting to the Casey Hospital. More than half were due to thunderstorm asthma.

NEWS

A new house of worship

By Rowena Eghanian* On 13 November 2021, some 3000 people from across Vanuatu gathered in Lenakel on the island of Tanna for the dedication ceremony of the first local Bahá’i House of Worship in the Pacific.

So what is it about this new temple, or any other Bahá’i temple, that offers hope for the transformation of society and paves a pathway towards universal peace?

Baha’i Houses of Worship (or temples, as they are often called) are places of prayer, contributed for and built by Baha’is, but open to people of all faiths, religions and beliefs.

While the House of Worship forms the focal point of worship in a geographical area, its pur-

pose is not solely to provide a place for prayer.

Through the provision of education, healthcare and other services it is also to support the social and economic progress of the community and afford shelter, relief and assistance to all those in need. All Baha’i temples are built with nine entrances; the sides are symbolic of the essential unity underpin-

WHAT’S ON

Sensitive Santa Photos are back in 2021.

Families with children that have autism or special needs can book a 15-minute individually tailored Santa photo at a quieter time of trade.

Sensitive Santa Photos take into consideration noise, crowds and lighting and all other special needs. Bookings are essential.

Details: Armada Dandenong Plaza information desk on 9767 2000 or visit the desk on Level 2.

· Sensitive Santa’s throne at Armada Dandenong Plaza.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Details: Robert, 0455 566 570.

Social-distanced Santa

·

Clothes and toys swap Come enjoy a free second-hand clothing and toys swap event. Bring up to 10 items of clothing, belts, hats and shoes and up to five toys, puzzles and games to trade for new-to-you items.

Clothes must be high-standard - clean, desirable and not wrinkled, stained or damaged. Similarly, toys must be clean, desirable and complete with all pieces.

Saturday 11 December, 1pm-3pm at the Springvale Community Hub.

·

Christmas lunch Hallam Red Cross is holding a Christmas lunch, bistro-style, affordable prices.

8 December, 12pm at Dandenong Workers Club, 52-70 Wedge Street, Dandenong.

·

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

ganisation, drawing people together to build and nurture communities that are havens of unity.

By cultivating environments untainted by prejudices, championing equality and creating programs of education transformative in their effects.

Encompassing both the material and spiritual aspects of life and welcoming all who wish to contribute to the community’s prosperity.

In the stirrings of Divinely inspired social action each person is thereby empowered to become a protagonist in the pathway to universal peace. * Rowena Eghanian is from The Local Spiritual Assembly Of The Baha’i’s Of Greater Dandenong.

Duree won in a canter Sensitive Santa

Families can snap a photo with Santa using their own cameras for a gold coin donation to The Salvation Army and collect a free gift from Santa. A cheeky Christmas elf will be there to help families to take a memorable photo.

Saturday 11 December - Friday 24 December at Armada Dandenong Plaza, level 2 near Daiso. For times, visit www.armadadandenongplaza.com.au

ning the great religions of the world.

Baha’i temples are physical manifestations of two essential and inseparable aspects of Baha’i life: worship and service.

In their very essence, the seeds of a House of Worship exist in every community that comes together in praise and worship of God and in service to others.

We are living in a time where many of the dominant currents throughout society are pushing people apart, not drawing them together.

But the followers of Bahá’u’lláh are focused on patiently refining a model laid out in His spiritual teachings.

They are working with others around them to build up and broaden a system of social or-

Nordic walking Nordic walking is a total-body gentle exercise using specialised poles, popular among seniors in Europe. Australian Multicultural Community Services has launched a Nordic walking group for seniors over 65 to immerse in Nature at parks such as Cardinia Reservoir, Emerald Lake Park, Jells Park and Lysterfield Lake. Bring sunscreen, backpacks, food and raincoats to prepare for all weather. Healthy breakfast, trained instructor, information in preferred languages, and transport to venue included.

Wednesdays 10am-2pm. Meet at James Cook Children’s Centre, 55-63 James Cook Drive, Endeavour Hills for transport to the walking venue. Details: Beata Radloff, beata.radloff@ amcservices.org.au or 0403 165 648.

·

Men’s Shed Keysborough Men’s Shed is open for a chat and a cuppa. The 34-member group welcomes new members for companionship, building projects and gardening. A double-vax digital certificate is required for entry.

Fridays 8am-2pm at Keysborough Men’s Shed, enter via Loxwood Avenue. Details: Geoff Wright, 0415 066 170.

·

Duree Merkel is riding high after her oil painting took out Arcare aged care homes’ national card-design prize.

Ms Merkel’s oil painting of wild, running horses was awarded in the second annual Card Art competition.

The delighted though “shocked” 80-yearold Arcare Keysborough resident says her love of horses inspired her winning design.

A former switchboard operator, Ms Merkel is a regular knitter. She has been doing art as a hobby for the past 40 years.

“I find it incredibly relaxing, and I love being creative.”

About 200 paintings, sketches, watercolours, photos and craft projects were submitted by Arcare residents and art groups across the country.

Prizes were awarded in six categories – all occasion, season’s greetings, birthday, get well, mental health and gratitude.

Winners were voted upon by the public.

Duree Merkel and her winning card-art design.

Glass recycling revolution

By Marcus Uhe Victorians will soon have a fourth bin to put out on bin night with the introduction of a purple bin for recycling glass.

Council areas will gradually make the addition in the coming years with the plan for every council to have them in circulation by 2030.

The glass bin will make for more effective recycling. Broken glass fragments contaminate other recyclable materials such as cardboard and paper, meaning that neither product can be properly recycled and is put into landfill instead.

The City of Casey will be adopting a glass bin by 2027, as will Cardinia and Greater Dandenong, as part of the Recycling Victoria Strategy.

Director of Business, Engineering and Major Projects at Greater Dandenong Paul Kearsley said planning is underway for the intro-

duction of the new bins. “To undertake this change, the City of Greater Dandenong is creating an implementation plan and a tailored education program for our residents, particularly to assist our culturally diverse community,” Kearsley said. “The introduction of new purple glass bins in Greater Dandenong is currently planned for the 2026-2027 financial year.”

All households will have access to services for glass recycling by 2027. In the meantime, the Victorian Government’s container deposit scheme is expected to be introduced in 2023 to further encourage recycling.

The scheme will offer a cash reward for the return of cans, cartons and bottles to collection points. Expressions of interest to run a collection site close on Thursday 23 December.

To register an expression of interest head to tenders.vic.gov.au/tender/view?id=235719

Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 11

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 13

SPORT

Tiana cracks maiden ton

By Tyler Lewis There was no nervous 90s for Tiana Atkinson as she approached her maiden Victorian Premier Cricket century in last weekend’s opening round.

Atkinson faced just two deliveries on 99 – it was all she needed –a textbook forward defence and then a swash-buckling slog-sweep to the Langhorne Street boundary at Shepley Oval to bring up that desired triple-figure figure.

While Atkinson said she didn’t feel the nerves in the 90s due to the amount of time her bowlers had given her to reel in the total, the right-hander did joke that an extra in the 37th over made bringing up the milestone a little less daunting.

“It helps when you get a free hit (on 99), I don’t know if you can be set up any better,” Atkinson joked.

“The girls set it up so well in the first innings, so we had time.

“At that point I thought ‘I am just going to respect the good ball and –because they brought all the fielders up on that side – if they bowl anything short, I am just going to go for it’, it was a low full-toss in the end”.

While it was Atkinson’s first century at Premier Cricket level, it was an innings that was no shock to Premier Cricket onlookers, coming from a player who has been one of the competition’s – and state’s – more promising top order batters for the best part of two seasons.

After crunching a competition leading 499 runs at 33.27 last summer, Atkinson was signed onto the Victorian books and hasn’t looked back since, preparing herself for yet another mammoth season at the crease.

In a scary prospect for bowlers across the competition, Atkinson believes she is walking out to the middle full of confidence.

“I felt really confident,” she said of her game before Sunday’s match.

“I have done a lot of work this off-season on my game and the tactical aspect of building those innings.

“I am just really glad that it paid off and I

It was all smiles for Tiana Atkinson after her maiden century on Sunday. got that opportunity.”

Despite smashing 112 from 128 balls with 16 fours and one six; Atkinson again modestly gave credit to the bowlers in the first innings that set the standard of what the side would achieve on Sunday a week ago.

“I think from the girls setting the standard as well in the first innings, we knew it was a pace on, spinning wicket,” she said.

“I used the knowledge from the first innings to how I was going to approach my batting.

“I just wanted to do my job and the girls set me up beautifully for that,” Atkinson said.

While a very laconic and down-to-earth cricketer, Atkinson still has her dream of playing higher honours cricket in the back of her mind, making sure to pick the brain of those around her that have reached what she aspires to accomplish.

“It is something I have wanted to do since I first ever started playing cricket,” she said.

“When I first started training with Victoria – it has been an unbelievable experience – being around those players has really motivated me to get to that level and put myself out there to become one of them.

“I would probably say all the Dandenong

Picture: SOPHIE STRICKLAND girls (as influences), Kim Garth, Nicole Faltum, Sophie Molineux, Lucy Cripps – all those girls – they’re fantastic to be around.

“They’re fantastic people and all so talented, we (Dandenong) had such a good season last season, (I am) just going off their experiences and knowledge, it’s incredible.

“There are a lot of us there,” Atkinson joked of Dandenong girls filling six of the 20 list spots for Victoria.

After the booming stroke to bring up her century, Atkinson didn’t hang around, hitting single then back-to-back boundaries to wrap the game up.

King Koblenz reigns in a Melbourne Cup for the ages

By Gerard Guthrie Superstar speedster Koblenz was born to win a Group 1 TAB Melbourne Cup and Australia’s – make that the world’s – best bred greyhound did just that with a sensational front-running exhibition at Sandown Park on Friday night.

Koblenz is a son of 2015 Melbourne Cup runner-up turned champion sire Fernando Bale and Up Hill Jill, a dual G1 winner and 2017 Melbourne Cup finalist, trained by David Geall and bred by wife Rose.

It was Lara-based Geall’s second Melbourne Cup triumph in four years, having won the world’s greatest race in 2018 with My Redeemer.

Koblenz’s memorable all-the-way victory was a Geall family celebration, with the blueblood raced by the Geall Gals syndicate, which also includes David’s brother Jeff and his wife Marie.

“Such a relief – really special because we bred this guy,” David Geall said to Jason Adams post-race.

“I’m just so happy. Jeff, my brother, partowns him and I know at home Mum and Dad would’ve leapt off the couch, gone through the lounge room window and over to the racecourse!

“I’m very grateful – winning two Melbourne Cups in four years. It’s just unheard of from where I’ve come from.

“My dream was to try and win one Melbourne Cup, but to win two is just sensational. I’m over the moon.”

Koblenz had to survive a drama-charged and unprecedented dead heat as the $1.30 favourite in his heat one week earlier to qualify for the 66th running of the Cup. Drawn in Box 3 in the $500,000 to-the14 STAR JOURNAL

|

Koblenz and the Geall family with Melbourne Storm superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen.

Part-owner Jeff Geall was a happy man after Koblenz scored a memorable victory in the Melbourne Cup. 259963

winner final, Koblenz was the $4.30 second elect, with superstar Aston Rupee the $2.10 favourite from Box 4.

Much interest centred on what Aussie Secret ($10.40) would do from Box 1, but Koblenz took care of any potential trouble with a blistering start, leading easily with a 5.04sec first split.

Koblenz opened up what would be a decisive advantage in the back straight and while Lala Kiwi ($7.10) emerged from the pursuing pack as a threat, he kept kicking to score by .96 of a length in 29.40sec, with Kinson Bale ($13.20) running third ahead of Aston Rupee.

Geall reserved special praise for Koblenz’s mother Up Hill Jill, winner of the G1 Topgun in 2017 and G1 Golden Easter Egg in 2018, who has dispelled the theory of champion females rarely producing top class talent, on the sport’s greatest stage.

“I love her,” Geall said.

“What she has done for us. I thought of her as her son crossed the line.

“We owe her everything, she owes us nothing.”

Earlier in the night Gypsy Wyong won the G1 Bold Trease for the stayers.

Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

“When he was still leading by a couple … you’re never sure in this game,” said Geall.

“He is a front-runner but he’s a strong front-runner!

“Just the relief when he hit the line – sensational.”

Koblenz’s second Group victory, following the G2 Cranbourne Cup last month, improved his imposing record to 26 from 39, he’s won nine of his last 10, with his next appearance almost certain to come in the inaugural Phoenix at The Meadows on Saturday, December 18.

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Panthers slow start rolls on

By Tyler Lewis

Judson Clarke, Mac Andrew and Miller Bergman. 259753

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Draft delight

By Tyler Lewis Four of the Dandenong Stingrays’ best realised a childhood dream across Wednesday and Thursday’s AFL Draft.

Stingrays head-coach Nick Cox spoke to Star News Group ahead of the draft and outlined what each of his best prospects can bring to AFL level.

Mac Andrew was the first Ray to hear his name called, selected at Pick 5 to the Gold Coast Suns.

“He’s got the ability to get the ball back with his marking power that is only going to improve when he puts on a bit of size as well,” Cox said.

“He could be one of the better players in the draft, longevity wise.

“Once it’s on the deck he can become that extra midfielder.

“Not many people like that come around too often.”

Connor MacDonald was the second Stingray to be selected, going to the Hawthorn Football Club at Pick 26.

Cox praised MacDonald’s improvement in his weaknesses this year, while also revealing what makes him so appealing to the Hawks.

“He just keeps turning up wherever he plays,” Cox said.

“Whether that bet at Vic Country, Haileybury or the Stingrays, he just keeps turning up and performing.

“If you said to me ‘what is his trait that separates him from someone else?’ it is quite simplistic, but it’s that.

“His inside work is pretty good, his ability to read hands is great as well, and he has the next string to his bow as well, by going forward. He will be a great asset wherever he goes.

“He makes others look better”.

Small-forward Judson ‘Juddy’ Clarke was the third Stingray to be selected and the second Berwick-listed player (Andrew the first), going to Richmond at Pick 30.

Clarke had the ability to roll into the midfield for the Dandenong side this year, but

at AFL level Cox believes his ability to hit the scoreboard and weave his way out of trouble that will hold him in good stead.

“His agility is top notch, his ability to use the ball and hurt teams with his kicking (as well),” Cox said.

“He has pure pace too, he adds another dynamic with his pace.

“He has been touted as a small forward, but he can pinch-hit in the midfield which he’s worked really hard on.

“There are a few assets (that appeal to AFL clubs), not just one, that’s the pleasing thing for Judson.”

Miller Bergman became the third Berwick Football Club product to be selected and the penultimate Stingray when North Melbourne selected the beaming half-back with Pick 38.

Cox described him in one word as “class”, but he had a lot more praise for the prospect likened to Lachie Whitfield and Bailey Dale.

“You can’t buy talent, (and) he’s got it,” Cox said.

“His ability to hurt sides is something that will be pivotal going forward for AFL sides.

“There is a lot like him (at AFL level). He competes well enough to get the ball back and when he gets the ball on the outside, he hurts teams with his kicking, like Bailey Dale does.”

The final Stingray to go was Josiah Kyle – the Next Generation Academy prospect with St Kilda – going through to the Saints in the final day of the draft.

While he was a player that didn’t benefit from the break at all after a slow start, Cox is fully aware of Kyle’s potential and ability to fill a highlight reel.

“He probably has the most talent on our list; he just needs to put it together more consistently,” Cox said.

“He has some traits that are just, unbelievable.

“I think in a full-time system, he will definitely develop.”

Many Stingrays missed out on being selected, but some will return for a mature age year and others will pursue the state league avenue.

Dandenong have continued its slow start to the season, suffering a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of a classy Footscray side.

The Panthers were sent in and were coasting along at a good rate with stalwarts Brett Forsyth (23) and Tom Donnell (21) at the crease, before a collection of steady wickets shifted the home side from 0/39, to 5/81.

While gloveman Sam Newell (21) threatened to be the saviour once again, it was twin-all-rounders Aaron Fernando (30) and more specifically Gehan Seneviratne (44 not out from 37 balls) who pushed the Panthers to a competitive 8/185.

Un-ironically for the Dandenong outfit, the batting innings appeared to be a carbon copy from the week before, where the Panthers posted 7/189.

Young Footscray opener Dylan Brasher got away to a flying start with 26 from 12 balls, a cameo that seems faint on paper, but one that released the early run rate required valve.

The Panthers etched themselves back into the contest with the wickets of both openers, leaving the Dogs 2/31.

But it was the next stand the Dandenong side couldn’t break until it was too late, with the in-form Travis Dean (51 from 100) and the ever-reliable Dean Russ (79 not out from 116) combining for a crucial 109 run – match-winning – partnership.

Footscray wicket-keeper Dylan Kight joined Russ in the middle – after Tom Donnell dismissed Dean – to finish the job, nudging an unbeaten 21 from 34 balls.

The Dogs passed the total in the 45th over with seven wickets in the shed.

Despite a difficult fortnight of cricket for the Panthers, leg-spinning all-rounder Gehan Seneviratne has been a shining light.

In the opening game, Seneviratne crunched 19 not out and claimed 1/22 from

his ten overs and in the second match he finished with 44 not out with the bat and 0/34 from his ten overs with the ball.

In fact, of all the players to have bowled the maximum overs across the competition, Seneviratne has the best economy (2.60) of all of them.

And it’s been a strong fortnight that has his skipper Brett Forsyth calling for an opportunity at a higher-level.

“He has clearly been our best player the last couple of games,” he said.

“Scoring runs, playing with freedom, hitting them well and running well between the wickets, but yeah, his leg-spin has been incredible.

“He’s bowled extremely well and without luck.

“I would hope to think he is in the thoughts for playing some Second XI cricket (for Victoria), because he has worked hard at Premier level.

“And if he keeps on the trajectory he is on at the moment, I don’t think there is too many better leg-spinners going around.

“He is just finding his feet at Premier level, but he extremely determined and skilful; we are really confident with his trajectory and where he is going.

“If he keeps bowling the way he is, I would like to see some state selectors having a look at him, he’s troubled some really good batters in the last couple of weeks.

“Everything you want from a leg-spinner, he’s got. Control, variation, competitiveness and he is a really good fielder and a batter as well.

“I know they (Victoria Second XI) have picked a leg-spinner, but it would be nice to get some people out to watch Gehan, because from our point of view – he is that good.”

After two matches on its home deck, the Panthers will travel to Frankston to take on the Heat and their old friend – new Heat skipper – James Nanopoulos.

The Panthers are going to need some more Tom Donnell class next week if its to join the Picture: TYLER LEWIS winners circle. 259910

Hawks flex muscles in great return for reigning champs

By Nick Creely DANDENONG DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION TURF 1 REVIEW - ROUND 2 It felt like an eternity ago that Hallam Kalora Park reigned supreme over the DDCA Turf 1 competition and clinched the 2020/21 premiership on that golden grand final day in March.

But considering all that has been endured since then, there would be a lot of question marks about just how this season would play out, especially with rampant weather almost playing its part to ruin the season opening round of cricket again.

But one thing is for certain - these premiership Hawks are looking primed for another big Turf 1 campaign, overcoming Berwick in the grand final rematch at the same Frawley Road venue that they lifted the cup up only months earlier.

The Bears batted first after winning the toss, with a number of changes from its grand final lineup last season, with three class cricketers Andrew Perrin, Damith Mapa Ralage and Riley Siwes - bolstering the group. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

But seamer Will Whyte (2/13) had the early say on proceedings, weaving some magic with the new ball to leave the visitors struggling at 2/12.

While the Bears struggled to counter the new-ball and tick the scoreboard over, Lachie Brown and Matt Chasemore fought hard to wrestle back some momentum, It wasn’t exactly fluent, more gritty batting that got the visitors on track, but two quick strikes, Brown for a well-made 35 and Chasemore for 22 - both LBW - had the Hawks ready to swoop.

Mapa Ralage in his first game since crossing over from Mordialloc - where he enjoyed a stellar career - showcased his experience, absorbing the pressure to get the Bears going.

His 39 from 64 balls proved crucial, combining with Matt Robertson (21) and skipper James Wilcock (33 from 27 balls) to lift the Bears to 8/168.

Leigh Booth (3/69) was expensive but snared vital wickets, Whyte was the catalyst early, while skipper Jordan Hammond (2/22) was typically stump-to-stump and gave nothing away.

While the Bears found themselves in a strong position - removing the Hawks’ top three to leave the home side 3/32 - class and experience came to the fore.

In a match-defining partnership, Matt Cox (58) and Jordan Hammond (57) grinded out 101 runs between them, setting up the Hawks to find the runs with four balls to spare, and the perfect start to their premiership defence.

It was a thriller at Strathaird Recreation Reserve as Vineth Jayasuriya Arachchige (61) proved the hero in Narre South’s one-wicket win against North Dandenong.

The Lions were set 145 after a lone-hand from star Maroons skipper Clay McCartney (78), with McCartney spanking seven fours and three sixes despite wickets tumbling around him.

The classy Maroons batter faced 92 balls in his brilliant half-century.

Tim Phillips (4/17) and Kirk Dickson (3/41) were superb for the Lions with the ball, while Jayasuriya Arachchige (2/21) also chimed in with a few wickets.

The Maroons looked almost certain for victory after bundling out the Lions’ top order

and leaving them 5/44 and with Javed Khan (4/29) absolutely dominating.

But Jayasuriya Arachchige kept his head, compiling a class half-century despite the pressure mounting.

He eventually fell with 15 runs still in hand, but the Lions held on with Tim Phillips striking the winning runs with just a wicket left in the shed.

And Akshat Buch has starred for Springvale South in a comfortable opening round win against Narre Warren.

The left-arm tweaker spun the Bloods to victory with a haul of 5/33 as he crossed 30 wickets in just his first 14 games for the club.

The Bloods earlier set the reigning Turf 2 premiers 186 for victory after fine knocks from Jack Sketcher (50) and recruit Blade Baxter (42).

Buch proved almost unplayable in his 12 overs as the Magpies were bundled out for 110 but showed promising signs with bat and ball.

In the remaining match, Buckley Ridges (7/176) overcame a late scare to bank an opening round win against St Mary’s (7/164), with champion all-rounder Michael Davies proving the difference with 30 and 3/49.

Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

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Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

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