Dandenong Star Journal - 11th January 2022

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Tuesday, 11 January, 2022

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No charges from I Cook review

Fire ban period declared

Panthers square ledger

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70 years of bliss

For these times

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Danielle Kutchel

2021 PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

Selba-Gondoza Luka has supported Ubuntu ‘Mamas’, lockdown-struck families and at-risk youth.

256278 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Dr Hung The Nguyen with his GP of the Year state award in October. 250888

Torres Strait Islander health and multicultural health, Dr Nguyen has worked at the Dandenong health service for about 18 years.

“I don’t think of myself so much as a GP, but also as a social worker with a strong passion for helping disadvantaged communities,” Dr Nguyen said.

“Being a GP is not just about treating conditions that a patient presents with on any given day.

“It is about ensuring patient health literacy and health systems literacy, and having an impact on people lives through teaching them how to improve their wellbeing.”

Ms Luka has been helping at-risk youth at Afri-Aus Care and Black Rhinos basketball club as well as their families for many years.

tribes Neur, Dinka, Chollo, Anuak as well as other parts of the continent – Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia and Ethiopia.

Through their pain, they find a way to help others who are suffering, says Ms Luka – who in the past endured depression and homelessness after her marriage broke down.

The ‘Mamas’ had “opened their hearts for me to help them because we share the same struggles”, Ms Luka recently told Star Journal.

“I was once vulnerable myself; I see myself in them and they see me in them, that’s what Ubuntu is all about.

“I would like the Mamas one day to walk in my footsteps because they deserve the best.”

She sees the urgent need to grow the Ubuntu in Practice program, in which ‘Mamas’ practise ‘Ubuntu’ in caring for themselves, their children and overcome social isolation and unemployment.

It creates a safe place for women to share their most heart-breaking stories about taboo topics such as marriage breakdown, depression, anxiety and family violence.

They also grow organic African vegetables, cook and share meals at the community village in Springvale South.

Within a year, the project has supported more than 75 mothers and their families in Melbourne’s South East as well as the West via phone hook-up.

They hail from diverse South Sudanese

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In a Covid-challenging year – make that 21 months and rising - our community has needed leaders to stand up.

Star Journal salutes two of them, SelbaGondoza Luka and Dr Hung The Nguyen, as our joint Persons of the Year 2021.

Both have been at the frontline of community support, and both independently recognised for their tireless deeds.

Ms Luka founded the Springvale South based Afri-Aus Care as well as co-founding Black Rhinos Basketball Club and the Empowering African Woman Ubuntu in Practice program.

Afri-Aus Care was among several groups in Greater Dandenong who have been distributing material aid since the first Covid outbreak in early 2020.

Workers toiled 10am-9pm days to supply large, desperate families of up to 10 with little income during lockdown and isolation.

Their supplies were furnished from City of Greater Dandenong’s generous Covid material relief program.

During the year, Ms Luka was named the 2021 Greater Dandenong Citizen of the Year and added to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

Meanwhile, Dr Nguyen from the Dandenong District Aborigines Co-operative Limited’s Bunurong Health Service was crowned the national GP of the Year by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

He was also awarded the state GP of the Year in September.

Dr Nguyen was part of the service’s efforts to combat Covid vaccine hesitancy among its vulnerable and at-risk community with online forums, Facebook and other community engagement.

It has also created video games with youth and elders at DDACL to promote health literacy.

With a long commitment to Aboriginal and

NEWS

Bergmans’ 70 years

By Marcus Uhe Noble Park couple Audrey and Donald Bergman celebrated their 70 years of marriage with their wedding anniversary late last year.

They marked the occasion with a meal at Highways in Springvale on the momentous day before gathering with their six children, Ian, Kerry, Susan, David, Phillip and Trevor, at the Noble Park RSL for lunch, where Don has been a member for 20 years and a significant contributor of military memorabilia.

The Bergman’s met at a dance in Noble Park when Audrey was 21.

Audrey remembers being immediately impressed by Donald – and his outfit - on the night.

“I went to this dance and when I went home I said ‘I’ve met this marvellous man and he was wearing a skirt!’ Audrey said. “He was in his Scottish uniform.”

While Don couldn’t recall the exact circumstances around their first meeting, he remembered being taken by Audrey’s looks on the night.

“She looked very very nice,” Donald said.

Three years after their first meeting they married in East Malvern.

Donald’s military service meant that he spent long period of time away from the family whilst the children were growing up.

His service in Vietnam and in the Papuan regiment, along with working in the for the army reserves and the Victorian Police Force post his periods of duty, meant that much of the hands-on activities when it came to raising their children was left to Audrey.

“When I was working with the police I could be away for almost 24 hours a day,” Donald said.

“Being in the army I was away quite a bit of the time. To carry out tasks properly you had to be there a fair amount of time, including three-four nights a week and practically every weekend.”

“Audrey did most of the hard work bringing the family up.”

In 2017 he was awarded an Order of Australia medal for his service to veterans and their families, and to the wider community. He has previously volunteered at the Shrine of Remembrance in the city and created a coastal navigation training aide during his time in the Commando Unit, which is still used by navy cadets and continues to keep him occupied as he makes modifications to it.

Audrey said that communication is the key

By Marcus Uhe

Donald and Audrey Bergman celebrating 70 years of marriage. 263792 in a long-lasting relationship like theirs.

“Working together; If he annoys me when he’s doing something then I can easily sort it out.

When reflecting on the milestone, Donald

Picture: TREVOR BERGMAN

laughed; “You’ve got 70 years of being able to get used to it.”

The Dandenong Journal hopes for many more happy years of marriage for the Bergman’s.

Welcome: Gift boxes help Afghan families Refugee families who fled Afghanistan through Kabul’s besieged Hamid Karzai airport four months ago were delighted to receive new sports and arts packs through a partnership between Reclink Australia and Spectrum.

The Welcome Packs, delivered in time for the holiday season last year, included a variety of items, such as sport and craft equipment sourced through Reclink Sports Share – an initiative encouraging the sharing of sporting equipment to enhance accessibility for people.

Reclink Victoria State Manager Jason Carter says the Welcome Packs will have a positive impact on 60 families resettling in Melbourne who have been through a difficult and lifechanging experience.

“These families, who had to up and leave their country so suddenly in August with nothing but the clothes on their backs, have been through so much, so being able to share sports equipment with them as they find their feet in Melbourne is something Reclink is proud to be part of,” Mr Carter said.

One Welcome Pack recipient, Wali, was delighted when Reclink sports coordinators David Marsh and Lynda Madams delivered a gift box to his family, with his four children eager to play with a variety of new equipment, including a soccer ball, tennis balls, an AFL football, netball and beachballs.

During the visit, Wali reflected on the challenges his family face as they rebuild their lives in a new country.

He says he is keen to participate in a Reclink facilitated soccer program in the Dandenong 2 STAR JOURNAL

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Missing Mila reunited for New Year’s

Reclink’s David Marsh delivering a Welcome Pack. 263645 area and he is looking forward to playing sport and meeting people in his new community.

Reclink’s David Marsh says the visit was a wonderful way to connect with some refugee families and extend an invitation to participate in Reclink sporting programs across Melbourne.

Reclink Australia uses sport and recreation programs to create ways for social inclusion and connection, to help improve life outcomes for those experiencing unemployment, so-

Tuesday, 11 January, 2022

Picture: SUPPLIED

cial isolation, mental illness, family violence, homelessness, gambling harm, and drug and alcohol harm.

Reclink Australia and Spectrum plan to deliver more Welcome Packs throughout 2022.

Members of the public can make a financial donation or contribute new or used sporting equipment in good condition.

To donate to the program, visit https://reclink.org/programs/sports-recreation/sportsshare.

Andrea Samardzic and her family celebrated the arrival of the New Year with more reason than most after the return of their stolen dog, Mila, on New Years Eve. The American Staffordshire Terrier (Staffie) went missing outside Ms Samardzic’s Dandenong North home on Saturday 18 December after sneaking through the front gate whilst Andrea’s Father was reversing a truck into the driveway.

It meant that the family, who had raised the dog from the age of just three weeks old after she was neglected by her mother, spent Christmas without their beloved four-legged friend.

“We felt guilty celebrating anything because it was like a family member was not there,” Ms Samardzic said. “We were literally in tears the entire 13 days.”

“Every worst possibility comes to mind, especially because of her breed, being an American staffie, and because she’s a female.”

CCTV footage from the Samardzic’s home shows that the dog followed a couple down the street after waiting outside the property to be allowed back in, as the family had not noticed that she had escaped.

Attempts to confront the alleged thieves on multiple occasions were met with hostility by the accused, prompting the Samardzic family to contact the police once again, where a stolen dog report was filed.

After close to two weeks of uncertainty and suspected sightings by friends and family in the community, a combined effort by members of Greater Dandenong Council, the RSPCA and the Dandenong Police Station resulted in Ms Samardzic receiving the news she had almost thought would never come.

Within 24 hours of filing the report, Mila was back in the arms of her overwhelmed family.

The dog was brought to the Dandenong Police Station by an associate of the alleged thief.

After scanning Mila for a microchip she was returned to the Samardzic’s who were overcome with emotion.

“The bond between my Dad and her was especially strong, and he struggled the most,” Ms Samardzic said. “He was in tears every day until we found her.”

“When we got to the police station, he fell down to his knees and started crying.

He was so thankful to the police officers and without them we don’t know where she would have gone or what they could have done with her.”

A 41-year-old male was arrested after an investigation into the theft.

Since being reunited with her grateful owners, Mila has been living like a Queen.

“She’s had peanut butter for breakfast, she’s had her favourite fruit and vegies to eat,” Ms Samardzic said.

“She’s been sleeping on the couch the entire time, she’s been getting cuddles, we went to the beach with her yesterday and she’s been loving life.”

Ms Samardzic expressed extreme gratitude to the police force and all involved for the prompt return of the family’s dog.

“I know that usually the police deal with humans rather than animals but the fact that they took the theft of an animal quite seriously and sorted it out really quickly for us, it was the greatest Christmas gift.

“We were all saying for Christmas that all we wanted was our dog back.

“Thank you to everyone but especially everyone at the Dandenong Police Station.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF ‘Forest of protection’ for child vaccinations

Cook blasts police probe’s conclusion

By Marcus Uhe I Cook Foods founder Ian Cook has slammed Victoria Police’s decision to not lay charges against the Victorian Department of Health or Greater Dandenong City Council after concluding the criminal investigation into the ‘Slug Gate’ case involving his Dandenong South catering business.

It was reported on Friday 7 January by another media outlet that Victoria Police declared that no crimes had been detected after an extensive investigation into allegations of sabotage and evidence tampering.

Mr Cook told Star News that the decision is a reflection on the wider problem with authority in Victoria.

“I’m not happy with it but I’m not surprised,” Mr Cook said. “There’s no separation of powers in Victoria anymore between the Police and Parliament. “(Daniel) Andrews tells everybody what they will or won’t do, who they’ll prosecute and who they won’t.

“Every Victorian needs to be very concerned, and very very nervous about what they are doing.“ ICF was closed in February 2019 by Acting Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton as part of an inquiry into the death of 86-year-old patient Jean Painter at Knox Private hospital, who suffered listeriosis.

The hospital was catered by ICF at the time.

41 employees lost their jobs and the business was forced to close due to the shutdown, according to Mr Cook.

Listeria was detected at I Cook Foods after a member of Greater Dandenong City Council collected samples from the premises in February 2019, which was linked to the death of the patient in 2019 through genomic sequencing, according to a parliamentary enquiry.

The enquiry heard that on Monday 18 February 2019 Elizabeth Garlick from Greater Dandenong City Council observed several health and safety issues at I Cook Foods in-

Ian Cook from I Cook Foods. 202497 cluding finding a live slug on the floor.

ICF management alleged that the slug was planted in the business’ kitchen by a member of the City of Greater Dandenong Council and that evidence, including bodycam footage, was tampered with by council officials.

Greater Dandenong City Council Chief Executive John Bennie welcomed the decision by police, claiming that the council conducted themselves professionally at all times.

“We’ve now had the Ombudsman, two Parliamentary inquiries, and the Victoria Police, review and interrogate every aspect of this matter and, on every occasion, without exception, Council has been cleared of any wrongdoing,” Mr Bennie said.

“There has been no cover-up, no false information, no misleading documentation.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “How many more investigations are needed before we call this out for what it really is - nothing more than a series of baseless claims centred on a nasty, hurtful, conspiracy theory.”

This was the second investigation into the closure of ICF, after Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton called for a review in April of the initial probe, where no persons of interest or witnesses were interviewed.

Detective Sergeant Ash Perry of Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit wrote that he formed the opinion the shutdown of ICF was “unlawful” and the prosecution of the catering business was “malicious” in a leaked police briefing note.

Mr Cook said that ICF will continue to pursue a civil case against the City of Greater Dandenong and the Victorian Government.

‘Probable’ contacts, density rules change

By Marcus Uhe Changes to testing protocols and density quotients were introduced from 11.59pm on Thursday 6 January under new pandemic orders introduced by the State Government.

People who test positive to Covid-19 on a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will now considered probable cases and be subject to the same requirements as confirmed cases from a PCR test, requiring immediate isolation for seven days and to notify their household and household-like contacts.

It will be mandatory to report the result of a positive RAT to the Department of Health through an online form or by phone, which went live on Friday 7 January.

The change means that Victorians will no longer require a positive PCR test to be diagnosed with Covid-19, and that PCR testing can increasingly be reserved for confirmation of clinical diagnoses in vulnerable settings and critical workforce testing.

Minister for Health Martin Foley said that this change will allow for shorter wait times for test results.

“Rapid Antigen Tests will be the way most Victorians can confirm they have Covid-19,” Minister Foley said. “They are very accurate among contacts and people with symptoms, and there’ll be no queuing for hours or waiting for days for a result.”

Quotients of one person per two square metres were introduced indoors at hospitality and entertainment venues across Victoria including restaurants, cafes, arcades and amusement parks.

It is also recommended that these venues and their patrons opt for seated service only dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

and avoid indoor dancefloors.

“Now is the right time to introduce these sensible density quotients in high-risk indoor entertainment and hospitality settings, to reduce the risk of superspreader events that can infect hundreds,” Minister Foley said.

Once a probable case has reported their positive RAT result, they will be asked questions about their symptoms and provided critical information about their next steps, such as how long they must isolate for and how they can get care and advice, as they would if they tested positive on a PCR test.

The nine questions they will be asked include: 1. Have you been told you have recently been in contact with someone who has Covid-19?

2. Have you been recently unwell with Covid-19 symptoms?

3. Do you need any support to stay home?

4. Have you received at least two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine?

5. How many doses of the vaccine have you received, if any?

6. Have you had any symptoms in the past five days?

7. If you have symptoms how sick do you feel?

8. Do you have the following conditions (including currently pregnant or cancer treatment, blood disorder, psychiatric condition or lung, heart, kidney, or liver disease)?

9. Are you happy to contact your GP for your clinical care?

People who answer no to both question

one and two are recommended to get a PCR test to confirm their positive RAT result.

Probable cases will be reported alongside confirmed cases in Victoria’s daily Covid-19 numbers.

Those who have symptoms, or asymptomatic household contacts required to use RATs, can still get a PCR test if they can’t access any RATs. A PCR test continues to be recommended for people who test positive on a RAT but don’t have symptoms and who aren’t contacts.

Due to the increased accuracy of RATs in higher-risk groups, PCR tests will be discouraged for contacts or people with symptoms.

It is strongly recommended to undertake a RAT prior to visiting aged care facilities or hospitals, and to work and study from home if you can until Australia Day, Wednesday 26 January.

Non-urgent elective surgery will temporarily be reduced for public and private hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne and major regional cities across Victoria, to help hospitals respond to the increasing number of Covid-19 patients.

Information on updated Covid-safe settings can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov. au/how-we-live To book your third dose, or your child’s first dose, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine To report your positive RAT head to dhvicgovau.powerappsportals.com/rapid-antigen-test/ or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

Sandown Racecourse is one of eight state-run vaccination sites across Victoria being transformed into an Australian-themed ‘forest of protection’ to creating a friendly environment for children to receive their vaccination.

These centres will feature entertainers, activities, fun imagery of native Australian animals, and showbags designed to help make the vaccination experience positive for children and their families, as well as visual distractions, virtual reality headsets and the Buzzy Bees ice pack for children who need additional support.

The child-friendly vaccination hubs also provide low-sensory booths and are able to cater for specific needs.

From 1pm Wednesday 5 January, parents and guardians can book at one of the 18 staterun vaccination centres online offering vaccinations for children aged five to 11, or through the coronavirus hotline.

Online bookings require a unique email address, which can be the child’s address or another one belonging to a parent or guardian.

Children who get vaccinated at one of the eight chosen sites will receive a show-bag with items that can help provide a distraction, including coloured pencils, stickers and fidget spinners and a colouring-in book by First Nations artist Emma Bamblett. Children will also be able to place a leaf with their name on it on the ‘eucalyptus vaccination tree’ that grows with every child vaccinated.

Parents and guardians of children between five and 11 are recommended to book in their child’s first dose in the lead up to the program commencing Monday 10 January.

For more information and to book your children’s first dose,visit coronavirus.vic.gov. au/vaccine Bookings can also be made via the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or via your local pharmacy or GP. The forest-themed sites will also be located at Cranbourne Turf Club and Frankston Community Vaccination Hub, among others across Victoria.

Six arrested after car stolen Six offenders were arrested on January 1 after dumping a stolen vehicle on a suburban street in Cranbourne South.

Car keys were stolen from a bag at Casey Race Recreation Centre on Friday 31 December and a vehicle was subsequently taken from the carpark.

The stolen vehicle initially evaded Dandenong Highway Patrol in Dandenong on New Year’s Day. It was later picked up on police monitored cameras in Dandenong CBD, with the Air Wing, highway patrol and local units combining to track the vehicle to Waterdale Drive, Cranbourne South.

The six 14-17 year-olds, some of which were already on bail for similar offending, then dumped the vehicle and scattered into a vacant block of land where they were arrested.

Pop-up vaccination clinic moving to Dandenong Plaza Monash Health’s Dandenong ‘Pop-up’ Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic has relocated to level three of the Dandenong Plaza, just 100 metres away from the previous Palm Plaza location.

The clinic is reopening Friday 7 January for those aged 12 years and older, 9am to 5pm, seven days a week for a limited time.

The line for the clinic may close earlier than 5pm due to demand.

Covid-19 vaccinations will be available for children aged five to 11 years at the Dandenong Clinic at a later date.

Local residents can attend the vaccination clinic at Dandenong Plaza without a booking to receive their free vaccination. The clinic will provide anyone eligible with their first, second or third (booster) dose. The Dandenong Vaccination Clinic has interpreters and interpreter services available. Dandenong Plaza is lat 2355 McCrae Street, Dandenong.

All aboard the vaccine bus Monash Health’s Vaccination Bus will be offering walk-in Covid-19 vaccinations in Springvale in the coming weekends.

The bus will be located outside Springvale City Hall at 405 Springvale Road on Saturday 8 January and Sunday 16 January between 12pm and 4pm on both days.

Bookings are not required, with residents encouraged to turn up and board the bus for a Pfizer dose.

Tuesday, 11 January, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 3

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 5 January 1922 Letters to the Editor Sir – I desire to explain my position regarding the picture matinee which I presented as a Christmas treat to the children of the State School on Thursday 22 December. No doubt parents will have some idea, from the remarks of their children, as to the style of pictures put on, and I, who am supposed to have the welfare of the young people at heart, will not be too severely blamed. I feel that I am deserving of some blame, but only for placing too much trust in the suppliers of the films. I got in communication with one of these firms, and the person whose business it is to consider the wants of customers said he would send 8000ft of film “just to suit the kiddies.” It was explained to him that it was for a free Christmas show for school children.

I say that besides a most uninteresting (to children) news film, there were two comics, certainly not above the average decency, and one picture of 2000ft, which can be described in words -drinking, saloon scene, expert gunman, murder, revenge – it will be noticed what warped ideas of children’s’ Christmas treats some people have. After the last picture had run for a while, and a few murders had been committed, and revenge became the dominant theme I called the picture “off,” sent the children home, and went home myself, feeling wretched at having been the means of bringing such a subject before the juveniles. Revenge foretold at the time when “peace and goodwill“ should reign! I feel that an apology is due to the parents, which perhaps they will accept when I say that never again will I take the same risk of putting such a picture show before those under by charge.

Yours, H B Williamson HT

50 years ago 20 January 1972 Firemen spectacular More than 600 firemen from 37 brigades will compete at the annual Eastern District Brigades Association Fire demonstration during the Australia Day weekend. The demonstration will start on Saturday Jan 29th and background music will be provided by the Victorian Police Band. Teams will be judged by Army judges and the contest is for display marching. The Mayor of Dandenong will welcome visitors at 3pm.

is bringing new ideas to Dandenong all the time.

He has been connected with numerous organisations and charities in the area during his lifetime.

He has lived here all his life with the exception of the years he spent in the RAAF during WWII. Mr Taylor attended Dandenong Primary School and later Dandenong High School.

Laurie Taylor of the Hugh Murray Harrow works has devoted a lifetime to community work.

5 years ago 20 years ago 14 January 2002 Local Heroes Laurie Taylor 78, born in the private hospital Merlin in Langhorne Street Dandenong

16 January 2017 Car Parking From central Dandenong to Springvale to Noble Park, parking issues were never far from the Journal pages in 2016.

NEWS

Roundabout works ahead The Hallam North Road and Heatherton Road roundabout will be closed until 6pm Sunday 30 January 2022 to set up the work areas for the new through and turning lanes.

The closure will allow the construction of a new, smaller temporary roundabout that will be in place for most of 2022 and will allow Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) to open new work areas and enable future works to rebuild the intersection with new traffic signals and turning lanes in late 2022.

The closure will also allow for the removal of existing asphalt from the intersection, bulk earthworks to raise the ground level, installation of stormwater drainage and underground cables, new pavement layers and laying new kerb and asphalt.

Before and after shots (artist’s impression) of the completed upgrade in 2023. 263665 Picture: SUPPLIED Major Road Projects Victoria Project Director Marc Peterson said that road users will experience the benefit once the upgrade is complete.

“We’re getting on with this next phase of works as part of the Hallam North and Heatherton Road Upgrade, to improve traffic flow and safety for motorists as they travel throughout the area,” Mr Peterson said.

In addition to the reduced traffic, the Hallam North and Heatherton Road Upgrade will make it easier for commuters to access the freeway networks, for people to walk and cycle around the area and lower the risk and severity of crashes by adding safety barriers.

The Hallam North and Heatherton Road Upgrade will be completed in 2023.

Works will also be occurring north of the roundabout on Hallam North Road and east of the roundabout on Heatherton Road between

Fairmont Crescent and Carolyn Close.

Detours will be in place throughout the four-week closure.

Road users travelling from the Monash Freeway who wish to access areas to the south and east of the Hallam North and Heatherton Road roundabout are encouraged to take the Hallam North Road exit from the freeway.

Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys and visit www.bigbuild.vic.gov.au for more information.

Bus routes 842 and 863 will also be closed throughout these works.

More information about these services can be found online at: ptv.vic.gov.au.

Fire ban period declared

By Jamie Salter

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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

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.

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

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

Tuesday, 11 January, 2022

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.

NOBLE PARK LAUNDROMAT

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City’s top citizen

complex grieving process for donors’ families.

“Out of one person, you have seven trans-

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The City of Greater Dandenong will the Fire Danger Period (FDP) at 1am on Monday 10 January.

The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Victoria released in November 2021 identified potential for increased grassfire conditions for the 2021/22 fire season, as much of Victoria has experienced average to above average rainfall during winter and spring, leading to above normal pasture growth across paddocks and an abundance of high grass.

Grassland and drier forests including woodlands and heathlands have been assessed as normal, however shorter-duration fires are still likely to occur on hot, dry and windy days.

Deputy chief officer Trevor Owen said even an average fire season can still be a dangerous one.

“Once again we’ve had plenty of winter and spring rainfall which delayed the introduction of fire restrictions across the South East Region,” he said.

“Conditions through the last fire season were similar to what we’re expecting this year, and during those months we saw significant grass fires in the north and west of the state.

“Grassland fuels are abundant this season and in many locations over waist height, further increasing the potential grassfire risk over the summer period.

“The grass and bush has very rapidly dried out over the Christmas and New Year period with little rainfall and some hot weather.

“Any additional rainfall we do experience will only produce more growth, which could very easily result in an even higher fuel load throughout the summer season if not properly managed.”

Mr Owen said property owners needed to do their bit to reduce the risk of fires this summer.

“Some grassland fuels in paddocks that

The Fire Danger Period begins on January 10. 247174 has an annual cycle life have fully cured and will burn readily on the smallest ignition source,” he said.

“Reducing fuel loads in these areas is critical to ensuring if a fire does break out, it has less chance of taking hold or spreading.

“While CFA and our partner agencies Fire Rescue Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria are doing everything we can to prepare for the bushfire season, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.”

People using fire to clean up around their properties should register the burn at the Fire Permits Website, firepermits.vic. gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.

Mr Owen said once the FDP comes into effect, CFA has a zero tolerance approach to negligent behaviour that causes fire.

“Expect any escaped or uncontrolled fire you start to be investigated by CFA and Victoria Police,” he said.

The Fire Danger Period applies to the municipalities in CFA’s South West Region including the Cardinia Shire, Bass Coast Shire, City of Frankston, City of Casey, City of Kingston, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Baw Baw Shire, South Gippsland Shire, Wellington Shire, Latrobe City and French Island. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

‘Slug’ court action

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Three years, four police inquiries and two Parliamentary probes on, ‘Slug Gate’ keeps sliding forward.

In February, Dandenong South commercial caterer I Cook Foods’s $50 million civil lawsuit is finally expected to land in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

QC barrister Robert Richter has been hired

by ICF for its fight for damages against the state’s Department of Health and City of Greater Dandenong for what it says was its wrongful shutdown.

Ahead of what has become a very public battle, ICF has launched a crowdfunding website sluggate.com.au.

ICF director Ian Cook says his business was corruptly destroyed, as well as the livelihoods of 41 employees and his family.

With the help of retired police detectives Paul Brady and Rod Porter, he has alleged that officials tampered with evidence, such as editing bodycam footage and planting a slug on the factory floor.

Greater Dandenong Council has consistently denied any alleged wrong-doing.

In February 2019 Acting Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton ordered ICF’s closure as part of an inquiry into the death of a Knox Private Hospital patient.

In 2021, a Parliamentary inquiry and a police investigation into the matter re-opened on the back of fresh evidence.

Professor Sutton told the Parliamentary inquiry that he made the right call despite not seeing a Knox Council officer’s report casting doubt on whether the patient ate ICF sandwiches.

There was “no other reasonable explana-

iCook Foods director Ian Cook and general manager Benjamin Cook in the empty factory kitchens in Dandenong South soon after its closure in 2019. 191789 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS tion” for where the listeria infection came from, he said.

The evidence was “overwhelming” – a “strong” but “not exact” genetic match between four food samples at the ICF factory and the deceased patient’s listeria strain.

The Knox officer’s report also contradicted the department’s evidence that ICF was the hospital’s sole caterer. None of the other six food suppliers were investigated by the department.

The patient’s daughters told the inquiry that their 86-year-old mother had been on a normal diet, including sandwiches, for part of her hospital stay.

Mr Cook told the inquiry “we didn’t kill anybody”.

“The Department of Health and Human Services knew this before they closed us.”

Mr Cook said ICF was treated differently

ALP probed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

because it was a commercial rival of Community Chef, a caterer co-funded by the health department and several councils including Greater Dandenong.

“How can a council be allowed to regulate a commercial rival? As I have said before it would be like giving Hungry Jacks the power to close down McDonald’s and take all their customers.”

Community Chef were “going broke” and were “advantaged” by getting ICF “out of the way”, he said.

Inquiry chair Fiona Patten said the officials’ “omissions” of evidence in the first inquiry in 2020 led to “unnecessary confusion”. They were cleared of deliberately misleading the inquiry.

Opposition health spokesperson Georgie Crozier said in Parliament that the Health Department provided “selective reports”.

Ms Crozier said she was still fighting for FOI documents in VCAT, as well as 400 pages of redacted pages from Knox Council that weren’t provided to the inquiry.

“I think it is shameful that they did not come and give us all the information.”

The inquiry report found that police were better placed to investigate alleged corruption.

Three separate investigations by Casey, Greater Dandenong and Moorabbin CIU detectives had previously closed without any charges laid nor any council officials questioned.

However, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton intervened after a leaked police brief recommended further investigation “to identify alleged corruption or misuse of office”.

Police concluded their investigation last week - with no charges pending.

“There are no good guys in the Labor Party”, former factional powerbroker Adem Somyurek told an IBAC inquiry into ALP branch-stacking late in 2021.

Mr Somyurek is the central person-ofinterest in the Operation Watts inquiry into the use of publicly-funded electorate officers for ALP factional activities.

His Dandenong office allegedly spent about $1 million in four years on staff, yet former employees testified they had little work to do, the inquiry heard.

Instead there were spikes of intense factional activity.

Workers were paid while not showing up to the office or even logging onto computers to work at home. Some were employed as “factional patronage” or “nepotism”, the inquiry heard.

Mr Somyurek told the inquiry it had been “liberating” to concede his role, in which staffers and MPs were diverted in an inter-factional “war”.

He was at pains to point out that it was not just him and his ‘Moderate Labor’ allies, but also the party’s Socialist Left who were “turning up a lot of people”.

It was a culture across the party, he argued. “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.”

IBAC is expected to hand down its report ahead of this year’s state election.

Mr Somyurek, who says he’s been working on a tell-all book, is unlikely to be re-elected – having been banned for life from the ALP.

OPEN DAILY 10AM - 5PM info@boneodiscoverypark.com.au / 695 Limestone Rd, Fingal 3939 12523893-BL02-22

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 11 January, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 5

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

A colourful explosion during a fun run at Athol Road Primary School. 230372

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Dave Thomson in his soundscape Lost Few at Walker Street Gallery.

231383 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Snapshots of our times

Dandenong resident Sharon Harris in a stinking fight with South East Water after a burst sewerage mains flooded her home. 229398 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Mosa, Kuranda Seyit, Aamir and Nurali will revisit panic buying in the local play Love in the Time of Corona. 231943

After a Covid 2020 hiatus, a proud legion of Anzac Day marchers resume Pictures: GARY SISSONS the tradition at Noble Park RSL. 234575

A cot on the nature strip after a boy was killed in a house fire in Leonard Avenue, Dandenong on 25 July. 245076

Fusion Theatre rehearsal. 260433

Matthew Carnelley is mobbed by his Keysborough teammates after kicking his 1000th career goal. 241981

Lucy and Lanu at Harmony Day celebrations at Southern Cross Primary School. 231322 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Residents and councillors band together to preserve Keysborough’s historic church. 241985 6 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 11 January, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

Fire engulfs a flower supplier’s sheds in Lyndhurst. 244261

Water streams out of the large bucket at NPAC.

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Fatimah aboard a giant ant in Tatterson Park’s insect playground. 239414

226286

A car wrapped around a pole in Abbotts Road Dandenong South late on 24 June. 241969

A truck driver has been taken to hospital after being struck by flying wood in a multi-vehicle crash on Thompson Road, Bangholme. 244815

Photographer Vinny Nguyen in Harmony Square.

Grace and Sophie at Noble Park Aquatic Centre. 226286

Battle for the ball during a Big Chill Winter Classic clash at Dandenong Stadium. 243205

238777

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Prep student Amooshah on her first day at Dandenong Primary School. 227074 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Afri-Aus Care’s Selba-Gondoza Luka and Rita Padang. 256278

Vivaan and Shivaan in their Fijian wear at Harmony Day celebrations at Southern Cross Primary School. 231322

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

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Tuesday, 11 January, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

Leading the news in 2021 Here is a selection of top news stories that have made the front page in the past year - some stirring, some troubling, all unforgettable.

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 11 January, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 9

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

Caught in the act 2021 proved challenging for many industries, including those who work in the media.

Although lockdown saw the journalists confined indoors more than usual, our reporters still had opportunity to connect with local communities.

Whether that was visiting small businesses, schools or community events, our journalists loved meeting people from all walks of life.

Here’s a few behind the scenes photos of our journalists out and about on jobs this year.

Shelby learns about asparagus. It was a cold day. 243431

Dani holds her own among the press scrum. 243086

Stew makes friends with Betty the bulldog in Kooweerup. 259860

Shelby and Dani speak at Lakeside College about being journalists. 237494

Gabi has fun interviewing prep students. 259860

Parker enjoys the smell of pine as he learns about Christmas tree farming. 256595

Marcus stops by Burden Park Bowling Club.

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STAR JOURNAL 11

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NEWS

Sandown mourns legend

By Marcus Uhe The Sandown Greyhound Racing Club is mourning the death of former director Ray Byron, who passed away on Monday 27 December aged 95.

Byron was Sandown’s longest living life member and was elected to the Board as a director in 1980, serving until retired from the position in 1998.

He was awarded life membership in 1995, having first joined the club in the 1960s. He began training greyhounds in 1958 with revered greyhound breeder Paul Hogan, before he started operating on his own between the 1960s and until the late 1990s.

Prior to his association at Sandown, Byron worked at the former Napier Park Greyhound Track in Melbourne’s north, where he cleaned the catching pen.

His top-performing dogs included 1980 Sandown National Distance Final winner All Promise, and Welcome Girl.

Chairman of Sandown Greyhounds Neil Brown described ‘Biro’, as he was affectionately known, as a “larger-than-life character”.

“It was for me a privilege to have known Ray after becoming great friends in the early 1980’s,” Mr Brown said.

“He was a wonderful family man, extremely good company and had a profound knowledge

of our sport.”

“He could be a funny man, loved a bet and people of all walks of life.”

“On behalf of the Sandown Club we send our condolences to Joan and Ray’s extended family, we will miss him.”

A funeral for Mr Byron will be held at Sandown Greyhounds on Wednesday 5 January at 2.30pm. All attendees are required to be fully

Vale Ray Byron. 263722

Picture: UNSPLASH

WHAT’S ON Fun for retirees: Attention residents of North Dandenong, Noble Park & Springvale North.

Movie night at Dandenong Library

The Combined Probus Club of Waverley Gardens are re-commencing holding its club general meetings for 2022, at the Southern Community Centre at Southern Reserve on Rupert Drive, Mulgrave.

New members & visitors are welcome to attend, have a coffee & listen to a guest speaker at the club’s General Meetings.

These will be held between 9.45 am – noon on the last Tuesday of each month (except December) at the Southern Community Centre.

There are also other organised activities!

Special interests groups at the club include gardening, theatre, cards, and caravanning.

So come along and join the fun!

·

Dandenong Library. 210016

Picture: GARY SISSONS

School holiday program – make your magic beach Magic Beach author Alison Lester will be at the Dandenong Library co-create an artwork to be displayed at the Drum Theatre, to celebrate the

on-stage production of Magic Beach.

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The event with Ms Lester is on Thursday 13

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Libraries After Dark will be screening selected independent short films from around the world at the Dandenong Library as part of the Summer Shorts program.

Babakiueria (1986) turns the tables on white settlement in a light-hearted manner, Beach Flags (2014) follows an Iranian lifeguard swimmer fighting for a place on the international team to compete in Australia, and Facing Mecca (2017) looks at a Syrian refu-

gee navigating Swiss bureaucracy.

All films will be shown from 7.30pm on Thursday 13 January at the Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.

Libraries After Dark events are designed for attendees aged 16+.

Registrations will close 9am on the day of the event unless fully booked.

To register for the event head to trybooking.com/events/ landing?eid=843980& or telephone the library during opening hours on 1300 630 920.

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, 11 January, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 13

SPORT

Panthers square ledger

By Tyler Lewis “I am sure he will get six Ryder Medal votes.”

Dandenong captain Brett Forsyth couldn’t have been happier with his star all-rounder Matt Wilson, after a complete performance with both bat and ball.

Once being forced to bowl first on a dark and gloomy day at Shepley Oval, Wilson was terrific with the ball, claiming three sharp wickets, including two in successive deliveries.

A spell in hindsight that changed the trajectory of the match.

Ringwood were 9/99 before the final wicket partnership of 24 – the second highest of the Rams innings – added some valuable runs to the tally.

But it was Wilson again who broke through, claiming his fourth wicket in the early stages of his second spell.

The zippy right-armer walked off Shepley Oval at the innings break with 4/20 from 8.5.

Despite poising his side in a dazzling position, Wilson’s time in the pavilion was brief.

He was back in the middle after an early collapse forced him to step up to the plate once again.

At 4/31, the task was oh so simple, yet oh so difficult: stay with skipper Brett Forsyth, who appeared once again to be the key in the Panthers run chase.

Forsyth lost his partners Tom Donell, Josh Slater, brother Cam Forsyth and gloveman Sam Newell in quick succession, and needed someone to go with him.

Wilson proactively obliged, pairing with his skipper to add 54 in quick-time, in what was evidently tough conditions to bat.

When Wilson departed (37 from 38 balls), Forsyth needed to reset, and did so, guiding his side to a valuable win, and an even more valuable bonus point after looking so far from victory in the early stages of its run chase.

Ringwood and Dandenong respectively have been so stable in there XI’s over the best part of the last decade, but with several outs due to Covid, Ringwood blooded some exciting debutants.

Forsyth commended those debutants, stating they tested his side.

“I thought it was a weird lead up to the game, knowing some of their players were missing,” he said.

“Ideally we would be happy to take on their most credentialed XI, but for us it was a little bit strange, but we gave full respect to Ringwood because we know they’re a strong club.

“They have strong depth and they showed that yesterday, there was probably more pressure on us yesterday, maybe externally being expected to win.

“I thought the way Ringwood played was exceptional, they had five debutants and supported each other well.

“We did have to encounter a completely different bowling line-up and to their credit, they got the ball swinging early and put it in the right places and put us under pressure,” Forsyth said.

Wilson had one of his strongest performances to date for the Panthers in a low scoring game and Forsyth was hopeful for his allrounder playing higher honours.

“I thought he bowled incredibly well and

Wilson’s performance guided the Panthers to their third win. 264087 it was a perfect follow to our opening bowlers… with the bat he strikes the ball incredibly cleanly and he is loving the opportunity to bat a bit higher,” he said.

“He is compiling a very, very productive season and we have loved having him come across to the club.

“He is playing some really strong cricket and I am sure he is on the radar for Second XI or futures league, because he is a wonderful fielder, can bowl different lengths, his bouncer gets on quicker and is incredibly accurate.

“I can see him improving a lot with the bat; he was the best player afield yesterday,” Forsyth said.

If Wilson was certain to get the six according to the Panthers skipper, he himself is likely to get the next best after a mature innings of 51 not out guided the home side to another win.

For Forsyth, 73 runs in five hits heading into the holidays break is rare, so he was relieved to get some runs in his column in a win.

“From a personal point of view, the situation of the game meant I needed to bat time and anchor in, getting back to a few of the things you enjoy doing as a batter,” he said.

“I was lucky to get through that new ball and then try and make sure I was there at the end.

“It is a bit different getting to Christmas and not being as productive with the bat as I would’ve liked, but for me that was a challenge to have a break and get back to basics.

Pictures: TYLER LEWIS

It wasn’t a friendly welcome to Shepley Oval.

“It was a bit of a relief I guess, to get to 50 and walk off with the win.”

The Panthers currently sit just outside the

eight and will take on Essendon next week at Windy Hill with the intent to join the finals race.

Passion and enthusiasm prove golden for training team

By Jason Adams The boutique training team of Andrew Broadley and Steve Smullen claimed their first city race at Sandown Park on Thursday night.

“It’s unbelievable really, considering we only started about four years ago. We’re pretty clueless so to get a city win is super exciting,” laughed Broadley.

It came courtesy of Golden Ratio, or ‘London’ as she’s known at home, who surged late to win at healthy odds.

The team have trained a handful of greyhounds in the past but the experience with 14 STAR JOURNAL

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Golden Ratio has further fuelled the passion of them and their families.

“Lady Bang Bang did really well for us but Golden Ratio is about six lengths quicker. I’m at Healesville today for a Tier 3 meeting and we have Kalbarri running, I’ll probably get just as excited if he wins as I was last night.”

Their acquisition of Golden Ratio was unplanned. They visited a greyhound who they were thinking of training however wasn’t the one they went home with.

“Emma (daughter) and I went to look at a greyhound that was advertised, while we were there one in the yard next door took our

Tuesday, 11 January, 2022

eye and it was London. Emma always wanted a fawn greyhound, so we took her.

“Before we got her she wasn’t showing much interest in chasing and wasn’t too far away from being adopted to a home. She’s really come out of her shell and loves it.”

Broadley and Smullen are neighbours and both have residential properties in Aspendale.

“I’ve got London and two of Lady Bang Bang’s pups, Steve has Kalbarri and two Lady’s pups as well. It’s not a conventional training set up, they’re around the kids all of the time and we’ve got an Irish Terrier that plays with them.

“They get taken on a lot of walks around the local area and go to the cafe. The pups have completely trashed the back garden but they’re going well.”

Broadley is a school teacher but has reduced his commitment to put more time into training greyhounds.

“I’ve gone down to three days per week and that’s made a big difference. If my wife and I both worked full time it would be difficult to do what we do.”

Back in 2019 Lady Bang Bang produced the team with their first win as trainers – click here for the story. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Tim Phillips has bowled beautifully this year, he is poised well to make the Team of the Year.

Picture: ROB CAREW

The best XI at half-way

By Tyler Lewis and Nick Creely The Dandenong District Cricket Association is starting to heat up.

The competition is in full swing and as a result, Star News Group reporters NICK CREELY and TYLER LEWIS have pieced together their rolling Turf 1 Team of the Year...

RUNS AVE W AVE 1. Leigh Booth (Hallam KP) 174 43.5 3 39.67 Booth has been an integral part of the Hawks top order and has been more than handy with the ball. The all-rounder has crunched two half centuries so far this season and is second in the competitions run tally.

RUNS AVE W AVE 2. Ryan Quirk (Springvale South) 169 56.33 2 20.5 Quirk is third in the competition for runs, behind Booth, but has been more proactive with the ball. The Bloods superstar has had a similar season to his Team of the Year opening partner, with both of them making two half centuries.

3. Jordan Cleland (Berwick, keeper)

RUNS AVE W AVE 121 40.33 N/A N/A

Usually at the top of the order, but as is his versatility, he slots into the number three position.

Cleland is yet to make a half-century this season, but he has made just one score below 26.

He will also take the gloves for this side, after his seven dismissals in his few outings this year.

4. Kyle Hardy RUNS AVE W AVE 32 (Narre South, captain) 181 60.33 1 The Narre South captain is a key factor in the Lions success thus far this summer. Hardy’s 181 runs tops the competition so far and he will captain this side as well as bat at four after his scintillating start to the season.

5. Ashan Anthony RUNS AVE W AVE (St Mary’s) 169 56.33 4 19.25 The St. Mary’s all-rounder has no doubt been a feature in the Wookey Medal votes thus far. As an all-rounder in a one-day season, the numbers aren’t always as flattering as they would be in a two-day season, but with an average over 50 with the willow and under 20 with the ball, Anthony is squashing that theory…

6. Blade Baxter (Springvale South)

RUNS AVE W 90 30 10

AVE 14.3

The middle of this side offers plenty with both bat and ball, and Baxter is no exception. The Bloods gun is striking the ball at 83 this year in his 90 runs. His season is highlighted by a spell of 5/24 from 12 overs against the competitions reigning premiers.

7. Michael Davies (Buckley Ridges)

RUNS AVE W 70 35 10

AVE 18.6

Davies has already claimed a Wookey Medal, but will undoubtedly feature in the votes in the early rounds of the season after his strong start.

With the strength of this side, he is unlikely to bat in a one-day game when listed at seven.

8. Kusan Niranjana (St Mary’s)

RUNS AVE W AVE 97 24.25 11 15.27

Niranjana is one of the in-form bowlers in the competition and it warrants his selection in this side. The St.Mary’s spearhead has a brilliant average, but a just as good strike rate (22.91), if it wasn’t for the prowess of another bowler in this side, he would be being discussed a lot more.

9. Akshat Buch (Springvale South)

RUNS AVE W AVE 47 47 7 14.29

Akshat Buch is a class operator and has been nothing short of tremendous since his arrival at the Bloods. His left-arm tweakers are tight and relentless, but he is also handy with the bat. While he is in this side, Buch in two-day cricket is going to be a joy to watch.

10. Tim Phillips RUNS AVE W AVE (Narre South)

9

9

9

15.22

A Phillips dominating in the DDCA? Never! No surprise the Lions quick is in the talks as one of the best players in the competition, he is having a sublime year.

11. Andrew Perrin (Berwick)

RUNS AVE W N/A N/A 12

AVE 8.83

N/A is listed in Perrin’s batting column and that’s because his side has bowled first regularly this year and his bowling has meant he is rarely required with the bat. Sliding into the Bears outfit from Victorian Premier Cricket club Prahran, Perrin has been – an will likely continue to be – a nightmare for batters in the DDCA.

Eagles add to riches by signing another star duo

By Nick Creely Endeavour Hills is at it again, with another incredible haul of signings set to bolster the club in the second half of the Victorian SubDistrict Cricket Association season.

The Eagles - who have been one of the most talked about cricket clubs in Victoria this season with a number of high-profile recruits and cameos - have landed West Indian quick Fidel Edwards for the second half of the season in huge news for the club, but less so the batters around the competition.

The 39-year-old lands at the Eagles - well known as having one of the most iconic bowling actions of all time - was once clocked at 157.7kmh in an international match and has played 55 Tests for the West Indies, claiming 165 wickets, as well as 50 ODIs and 26 Twenty20 Internationals.

Despite not playing a Test since 2012 and an ODI since 2009, he played for the West Indies against Australia in a Twenty20 in July of last year, taking 1/8. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

His signing is once again one of the most significant in the history of the competition, with the Eagles currently captained by Sri Lankan legend Tillakaratne Dilshan.

The Eagles have also enjoyed the services of current Sri Lankan top-order batter Lahiru Thirmanne, while former Indian Under 19 World Cup captain Unmukut Chand - currently listed by the Melbourne Renegades - has also played a few games with the club.

The club has also swiftly moved to bolster their bowling with former BBL and Victorian quick Jayde Herrick crossing over after a brief stint with Springvale South in the DDCA. Incredibly enough, the right-arm paceman returns to the Eagles as a one-pointer having played just three matches with the Bloods.

Despite being predominantly known as a bowler at the elite level, since retiring from professional career the 36-year-old has become a prominent local cricket all-rounder.

The Subbies season commences for the Eagles on Saturday 15 January, with Dilshan’s group set to take on Bayswater at home.

Jayde Herrick is on the move to Endeavour Hills.

Tuesday, 11 January, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 15

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