Dandenong Star Journal - 1st February 2022

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Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

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Police blitz nets 37 arrests

Dandenong’s best honoured on Australia Day

Stingrays impress with resounding win

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PAGES 4, 5 & 7

SPORT

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$3.5m pledge for local parks

40¢ Inc. GST

A selfless legend

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Mayor Jim Memeti and 2022 Citizen of the Year Amanda Meehan. 265589 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Amanda Meehan has been awarded Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year 2022. 265589

“It’s OK to feel all the feelings. A lot of surrogates try to put on this act – I’ve made this choice so I’m not allowed to be sad.

“But if you’ve grown a baby inside you for 10 months, it’s a natural process to grieve.”

While studying for a nursing degree, Ms Meehan is also a foster parent, mother to four young children, president of Darren Reserve Kindergarten in Springvale South and volunteer at Silverton Cricket Club.

She’s been kindergarten president for more than five years, even after her own children left the centre.

With many parents too time-poor to help,

two daughters’ sides and social media poster.

Her children love their time at the club, where they socialise with large ranks of junior players.

“I really believe in junior sport for that reason, especially in the pandemic when school has been online.”

Ms Meehan says there is “always time for the community”.

She achieves it by “bringing altruism into the home”, including her kids into all her “community efforts”.

“Sometimes things have to give, but I really enjoy it.”

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at times the kinder was run by a committee of “one or two”, she says.

“Sometimes it’s the case that if I don’t do it, no one will.”

During her tenure, the centre has won a government award for its transition to school programs. It runs programs for children on the autism spectrum and other special needs.

“We have a little tagline that everyone is welcome. We have such a wonderful staff and they all work really hard to maintain their connection with the children.”

At Silverton Cricket Club, Ms Meehan has been junior coordinator, team manager for her

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She’s a surrogate and advocate, foster parent, and mother of four.

Nursing student, kindergarten president and cricket team manager.

And yet, Amanda Meehan says there is still time to give more to the community.

The selfless powerhouse was announced as Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year 2022 at a ceremony at Springvale Town Hall on 26 January.

“After going to the award ceremony and seeing all the wonderful things that community members are doing, I felt I was not doing enough,” she said.

“I will be exploring more ways to donate my time. Like at Palliative Care Australia - that’s something I could get something out of.

“I will be using this platform (as Citizen of the Year) as much as I can for the community to benefit them.”

Her journey as a surrogate in 2018 begun to help a dear school friend.

At Surrogacy Australia, she has since become an advocate and support for others on what is the “most extreme emotional rollercoaster”.

There’s tears, there’s elation, there’s the fight against natural hormones, the “craving for my baby”.

In Australia, surrogates are not allowed to be paid. For Ms Meehan, the payment is to watch the four-year-old child grow up with her two fathers and be involved with their lives.

The intended parents (IPs) need to be there as support for the surrogate mother who is “giving them this gift”.

Because of that “mutual respect”, she has plans to surrogate again this year to bring this family a second sibling.

“People need a lot of empowerment to stand up for yourselves,” she said.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

Big boost for parks

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Labor has pledged $2.48 million for parks and playgrounds in the south east, if it wins the 2022 Federal election.

Bruce MP Julian Hill and opposition infrastructure spokesperson Catherine King announced the funding as part of a $3.5 million “partnership” with City of Casey.

Included is a $1.5 million district-level play space and car park at Max Pawsey Reserve in Fountain Gate.

More than 10 parks would also be upgraded in Berwick, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Hallam, Lysterfield South, Narre Warren, Narre Warren South and Narre Warren North.

The specific locations are yet to be finalised.

“The City of Casey are responsible for our local parks, but major improvements deserve funding support from state and federal governments, especially given more families have relied on local parks for recreation during the pandemic,” Mr Hill said.

“Great local parks and playgrounds are essential for keeping our kids healthy, our families connected, and are good for our community.”

City of Casey will contribute $1 million to the package.

Chief executive officer Glenn Patterson said Casey was home to one of the highest populations of young people in the state, with 0–4-year-olds making up Casey’s largest cohort - 31,800 in 2021.

Ages 5-9 were set to be the largest population group by 2041.

“It makes sense to plan for our growing youth community, so they have access to the

Car crashes into Lyndhurst home A driver and passengers have fled after a car lost control and crashed into a house in Biscay Grove, Lyndhurst.

The black Holden Commodore sedan was reportedly seen travelling erratically before crashing into a power pole and the house about 6.45am on Sunday 30 January.

“All occupants inside the vehicle fled the scene and no one was injured,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

Casey Highway Patrol police are investigating the incident.

No arrests have been made.

A neighbour told Star News that up to nine people fled from the car after the crash.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Occupants rescued from house fire

Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson, federal opposition infrastructure spokesperson Catherine King and Bruce MP Julian Hill announce $3.5 million for parks and playgrounds. services and infrastructure that will help them to thrive,” Mr Patterson said.

“Our broader community has told us that investing in green spaces and recreation activities is important to them.”

In the lead-up to this year’s federal elections, Casey Council will lobby for a metro rail extension to Clyde, upgrades to Clyde Road and Thompsons Road, a Headspace satellite centre for youth mental health, 100 gigabit fibre internet to commercial precincts and 5G mobile for new estates.

In the seat of Bruce, Labor has also pledged $20 million for the $82.3 million Dandenong Wellbeing Centre (to replace Dandenong Oasis) and stage 2A of the Noble Park Aquatic Centre.

The Federal election is expected in the first half of this year.

Fire-fighters have come to the rescue of occupants in a house fire in Outlook Drive, Dandenong North.

Significant smoke and visible flames were reported by a Triple-0 call about 3.25am on Sunday 30 January, an FRV spokesperson said.

“Firefighters arrived on scene to find a fire in the roof space which was spreading into the house.

“FRV worked on evacuating occupants before transferring them into the care of Ambulance Victoria paramedics.”

CFA crews also supported the fire-fighting effort.

Firefighters handed the scene to Victoria Police, who declared the fire was not suspicious.

Floods hit region Flooding has caused mayhem for residents and drivers in Greater Dandenong.

A heavy storm with more than 48mm of rain fell about 3.30pm on 28 January, leaving people stranded in water in separate incidents on Princes Highway - under Eastlink and near Dandenong High School.

Others were trapped in waters near the corner of Hammond and Cheltenham roads, according to the Emergency Vic website.

Three lanes were closed outbound on the

A police officer at the fire scene. 266585 Picture: GARY SISSONS Princes Highway in Springvale – just after Police Road – due to flooding and a collision between cars, the Department of Transport reported.

Just the right lane was open for emergency services, it stated.

Meanwhile, requests for assistance due to building damage and floods are littered across Dandenong, Noble Park, Springvale and Keysborough.

Springvale weather station reported 48.6 millimetres of rain on 28 January About 2.30pm, Vic Emergency had issued a Watch and Act warning for severe thunderstorms in the south east.

VICSES reported at 5pm that Wheelers Hill was the busiest Melbourne suburb for calls for assistance (39). The SES Monash unit had 61 callouts including for building damage, flooding and downed trees.

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NEWS

Operation OMNI success

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A police blitz targeting illegal weapons in Dandenong Plaza, Dandenong railway station, Fountain Gate and Pakenham CBD and station has netted 37 arrests.

With extraordinary search powers, Operation OMNI police members seized 23 knives and other weapons including a billiard ball in a sock between 20-22 January.

Also seized were 300 grams of illicit drugs such as cannabis and ice.

Among the charges were possession of drugs and prohibited weapons, as well as 11 people wanted on outstanding warrants.

An alleged outlaw motorcycle gang member was charged with possessing steroids.

In total, 105 offenders were identified with 17 cautions and 26 infringement notices issued.

Under the ‘proactive’ operation, police were given extra powers to detect illegal weapons in designated search areas.

Police checked more than 650 people and 800 vehicles, leading to searches of 501 people and 59 vehicles.

Acting Inspector Dean Grande said the aim was to detect illegal weapons in “high-risk locations” and “get them off the streets before they cause any harm in our community”.

“Overall we can say the operation was a success.

“It’s certainly good to get (those knives) out

One of 37 arrests during the three-day Operation OMNI. of the community.

“Those knife offences in particular are a real problem for us and a real strong focus.”

Most OMNI offences were detected at Fountain Gate shopping centre and bus stops, Act Insp Grande said.

The biannual OMNI blitzes were expected to become more frequent and target “priority” locations.

Picture: VICTORIA POLICE

“That’s an area that we will focus more on – at the shopping centre.”

In the main, offenders were youthful – as young as 15 years.

“The other side of the coin is we speak to youth who have zero to limited offending. We want to steer them to the right programs … to stop their recidivism.”

The high-visibility police presence aimed to ensure the public felt safer during school holi-

days and “post-Covid life”.

“We’re seeing a lot more people are going out enjoying life, kids are out and about.

“We want to make sure they’re safe. We know they’re vulnerable and they’re prone to attack by those that are out to commit those offences.

“Our primary role is to make sure that doesn’t happen and to prevent those offences in the first instance.”

Negotiations stall, park’s future uncertain Chandler Park public property

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Negotiations to preserve Chandler Road Reserve have stalled between Greater Dandenong Council and the State Government.

A proposed lease of the Keysborough reserve’s state-owned majority portion to the council had yet to be signed, Greater Dandenong city planning director Jody Bosman told a council meeting on 24 January.

“There’s a bit of information still required and some confirmations from the State Government.

“We’re pushing as hard as we can to get that lease finalised.

“And once done so, we’ll be able to then at least have the confidence that the open space there would be public open space for the longterm use of our residents.”

The lease was revealed at an early 2021 planning hearing on the rezoning of the adjoining ex-Maralinga Primary School site for housing.

At the hearing, the government had initially proposed zero public open space on the school site in exchange for leasing its portion of Chandler Road Reserve to the council.

According to the government, the council suggested a further two-metre-wide reserve on the western side of the school site – as part of a 5 per cent open space requirement.

The government later dropped its push for no public open space, in the face of opposition

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

One of the fitness stations around Chandler Rd reserve. 228288 from the council and residents.

In late 2021, Planning Minister Richard Wynne advised the council that he approved

the school’s rezoning.

Details on the rezoning and the public open space requirement are yet to be released.

Inspector receives top Aus Day honour Inspector Caroline West was recognised as one of Victoria Police’s most outstanding officers in the 2022 Australia Day Honours, receiving an Australian Police Medal.

Inspector West joined Victoria Police in August 1982 and in her 39 years of service has served as the Local Area Commander for Greater Dandenong, among other roles in the southern metro region, including serving as the Senior Constable at Frankston police station, working at the Nepean Sexual Crime and Child Abuse Unit and Mordialloc police station.

After an extensive career providing policing services to the communities within southern metro region, Inspector West transferred to the Health, Safety and Deployment Division, and then in 2015 to the Recruiting Services Branch.

In her recruiting role she has been responsible for driving and leading a number of highprofile recruitment campaigns, most recently the 2017 Community Safety Statement Camdandenong.starcommunity.com.au

paign, with a target to attract an additional 2729 members.

Since 2017 the recruiting campaigns she has driven and led has resulted in the recruitment of more than 4000 people.

After 39 years of exemplary service to Victoria Police, Inspector West still genuinely cares about doing a good job and supporting the community, while ensuring police are recruiting people who will provide public value.

Inspector West was one of nine officers recognised in the 2022 Australia Day Honours.

To see the award winners list in full, head to police.vic.gov.au/victoria-police-officersrecognised-australian-police-medal

Inspector Caroline West received an Australian Police Medal on Australia Day. 253041

Chandler Road Reserve remains a “public space for the community” - for now, says the State Government.

A proposed lease of the reserve’s majority portion to Greater Dandenong Council has yet to be finalised – four years after the government indicated it was safe from development.

The reserve adjoins the former Maralinga Primary School site, which is being rezoned for a housing estate.

“The parkland reserve area continues to be available as a public space for the community,” a Department of Education spokesperson said.

“The department remains in discussion with the City of Greater Dandenong regarding the finalisation of a lease for Chandler Road Reserve.

“These discussions continue in good faith.”

In late 2017, Keysborough MP Martin Pakula announced the park would remain.

He told Star Journal at the time that community members made it clear that “this park was important to people and you wanted it saved”.

“This wasn’t one of those situations where a minister had to have his arm twisted.

“I raised this issue with (Education Minister) James (Merlino) only a couple of weeks ago and he agreed almost immediately that this was a reserve worth saving.”

In 2018, the council and department agreed to “high-level terms” to ensure the reserve remained a public space.

Recently, Greater Dandenong city planning director Jody Bosman said the council was “pushing as hard as we can” to finalise the lease.

“And once done so, we’ll be able to then at least have the confidence that the open space there would be public open space for the long-term use of our residents.”

Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Peter McNamara of South East Community Links, which won Community Group of the Year.

Sandra George accepts the Corporate Citizen of the Year award on behalf of winner James Sturgess. 265589

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A rendition of Advance Australia Fair during the awards ceremony at Springvale Town Hall.

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The Springvale Town Hall audience. 265589

South East Community Links was awarded Community Group of the Year. 265589

Joint Sportsperson of the Year Knowles Tivendale. 265589

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Chantel Brown accepts her joint Sportsperson of the Year award. 265589

Living Treasure Natalie Irvine. 265589

2022 Citizen of the Year Amanda Meehan.

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We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 56 already gone. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel, creating space in the City Loop to run more trains to and from the suburbs.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

Until last train 3 Feb

Westall to Cranbourne and Pakenham

4 Feb to 6 Feb

Dandenong to Cranbourne

From 8.30pm 7 Feb to last train 10 Feb

Caulfield to Westall

8.30pm to last train each night, 27 Feb to 3 Mar

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes Until 7 Feb

Closed between Murray Court and George Street (some local access)

Fairfield Street, Cranbourne

Until 7 Feb

Closed in both directions between Camms Road and Station Street

McGregor Road, Pakenham

9pm to 5am each night, Mon to Thu, until 10 Feb

Closed at the level crossing

Hallam Road, Hallam

9pm to 6am each night, until 12 Feb

Closed at the level crossing

Clyde Road, Berwick

Until 20 Feb

Closed between Enterprise Ave and Mansfield Street

Racecourse Road, Pakenham

9pm to 5am each night, Mon to Sat, 10 to 19 Feb

Closed at the level crossing

MTIA6960

Camms Road, Cranbourne

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

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NEWS

Dandenong’s best

Aunty Patricia Ockwell accepts her Living Treasure award. 265589

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Chantel Brown accepts the joint Sportsperson of the Year Award. 265589

Be Ha accepts her Living Treasure award, watched on by deputy mayor Eden Foster. 265589

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Young Leader of the Year Alice Ho, right, with deputy mayor Eden Foster. 265589

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Amanda Meehan was named Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year. 265589 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Councillor Angela Long, Living Treasure Patricia Ockwell and her daughter Jenny Ockwell. 265589

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Surrogate and advocate Amanda Meehan has been named Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year.

Four living treasures - Be Ha, Natalie Irvine, Patricia Ockwell and Joe Rechichi - were also named at an Australia Day awards ceremony at Springvale Town Hall.

Ms Meehan was recognised for her help for children and families via Surrogacy Australia, as well as volunteering at Darren Reserve Kindergarten and Silverton Cricket Club.

Alice Ho was crowned as Young Leader of the Year.

Locally and nationally, Ms Ho’s voluntary leadership, support and advocacy particularly focused on young people’s health and wellbeing.

Between her work and studies, she also delivered food and goods to people in need during Covid.

Volunteer of the Year was Korb Sao from SK Media who has provided important health information to the Cambodian diaspora.

The well-respected community leader has also volunteered for many local charities.

South East Community Links was awarded Community Group of the Year.

For more than 50 years, SECL had provided support for new arrivals and those in need. Its services include emergency relief, settlement services, financial counselling and support for families subjected to domestic violence.

Greater Dandenong Environmental Group’s long-serving president Ian Kitchen received the Sustainability Award.

Joint winners of Sportsperson of the Year were 14-year-old junior footballer Chantel Brown and Dandenong Park Parkrun founder Knowles Tivendale.

Corporate Citizen of the Year was James Sturgess, who has advocated for Dandenong’s residents and businesses for more than 20 years.

Byron of Byron’s Convenience Store received a special commendation in the same category.

As one of Greater Dandenong’s new living treasures, Be Ha was recognised for her longstanding, tireless work for supporting the Vietnamese community.

She has promoted rights of refugees, women, youth and CALD communities, and fostered community harmony.

Living Treasure Natalie Irvine has supported more than 25 clients with a life-limiting illness as a companion volunteer at Palliative Care South East.

As part of PCSE’s bereavement program, she helps with memorial services and supports those in need.

Wurundjeri elder Aunty Pat Ockwell was recognised as a Living Treasure for her long community work in hostels, housing and the justice system.

In her 80s, she continues to work towards fairness, integrity and reconciliation.

Springvale Benevolent Society president Joe Rechichi has long dedicated himself to help struggling families to not go without a meal.

He is also a long-serving public officer for Springvale Italian Senior Citizens Club.

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STAR JOURNAL 5

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 26 January 1922 About people A unique record in school attendance has been held by Miss Nellie Beazley, daughter of Mr F W Beaszley a farmer of Cardinia. This scholar has performed a remarkable feat of attending the Cardinia school for a period of seven years without the loss of a single day.

Miss Beazley is to be congratulated upon crowning this performance by winning her merit certificate.

Amongst the names of successful candidates of the annual examinations of the Melbourne university appears that of Miss Nancy Heath, daughter of the Rev H S Heath, superintendent of the Dandenong Methodist Circuit. Miss Heath, who is aiming to qualify in bacteriology, passed first year science in all subjects with honours in Botany.

The Rev H S Heath BA is at present enjoying a holiday at Flinders. During his absence on Sunday next, the Rev E Nye, BA will occupy the pulpit morning and evening, at the Dandenong Methodist Church.

Mr K G McAlpin, secretary to the Dandenong Shire Council, is at present on annual leave, and is spending the holiday at Frankston.

50 years ago 25 January 1972 Egg producers future bleak Chairman of the Poultry Committee of the Victorian Farmers Union Mr Bob Seary, of Springvale, claims Victorian poultry farmers and egg producers are facing ruin. He said surplus unsaleable production is crippling the industry.

He urges all poultry farmers and their families to join a demonstration next week against the Victorian Government which has opposed the industry’s marketing proposals.

Mr Seary said, “At the end of this financial year there were 30,000 tons of egg pulp in cold storage.

There is no foreseeable sale of this

Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and Quest Apartment Hotels chief executive Zed Sanjana inspect the Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Quest building site in 2015. 147055

30,000 tons now Britain has joined the Common Market. We’ve lost that market, and Japan our next biggest market is going to be self-sufficient in egg production by 1973.”

20 years ago 4 February 2002 Dandenong Plaza helps youth leadership The youth information centre operating at the Dandenong Plaza is poised for action with the development of a youth action committee.

According to co-ordinator Kelly Vincent, the

aim is to train young people to be leaders, involve themselves in community pursuits and, in general, improve the image of young people at the shopping centre.

“We want to improve safety within the centre through the creation of a better relationships between the retailers, security personnel, police and the broader community in and around the plaza,” she said.

5 years ago 6 February 2017

More to move into city centre More residential development is on its way to Central Dandenong. Quest apartments, Dandenong Civic Centre, the government services building, and the Australian Tax Office have all opened in the Revitalising Central Dandenong precinct in recent years. Last year a new Salvation Army Headquarters was announced, and the State Government selected Foster Street’s little India as the state’s first official Indian cultural precinct.

NEWS

Pfizer approved as booster for 16 and 17-year-olds

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The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine as the first booster for people aged 16 and 17 years old.

The decision follows the approval granted by the TGA for use of Pfizer as a booster in individuals 18 years and older on 26 October 2021.

The advice from the TGA is the first step of a two-stage process, with further advice including the timeframe that a booster should be administered after the second dose to be provided by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

ATAGI is expected to approve the vaccine over the coming week.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said once the ATAGI approves the vaccine, it will be made available immediately.

“A booster dose will make sure the protection from the first two doses is even stronger and longer lasting, helping prevent the virus from spreading and new variants from emerging,” Mr Hunt said.

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Home grown Halloween park

Sri Lankan cricket star signs

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Living treasures named

Oasis marks 30 years

The Dry actor in profile

City’s historic clash

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Residents objections dismissed

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Beloved egg farm folds

Tuesday, 2 February, 2021

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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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“The provision of booster doses for 16 and 17-year-olds will provide further protection and peace of mind for children and their parents.”

The TGA will continue to monitor ongoing trials associated with booster doses for younger children.

Provisional approval of this vaccine is valid for two years and means it can now be legally supplied in Australia.

The decision to provisionally approve the vaccine was also informed by expert advice from the Advisory Committee on Vaccines (ACV), an independent committee with expertise in scientific, medical and clinical fields including consumer representation.

Over 7.1 million Australians have already received a booster dose over recent weeks.

All Australians who are eligible for their booster dose have been urged to make a booking to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

To book a booster shot, visit covid-vaccine. healthdirect.gov.au/booking/

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The TGA has approved Pfizer as a booster vaccine for people aged 16 and 17. 243107 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Irvine recognised as a living treasure

By Marcus Uhe Natalie Irvine has been recognised for her years of volunteering work with a Living Treasures award from the City of Greater Dandenong as part of the council’s Australia Day Awards.

Ms Irvine has volunteered at Palliative Care South East (PCSE) for 18 years and has supported more than 25 clients with a life-limiting illness as a companion volunteer.

She has also provided support in PCSE’s bereavement program by assisting with the memorial services, singing in the choir, reading poems or verses, taking registrations, and providing support to those in need.

She said the occasion was a “magical day” as she was surrounded by her husband, her current client, her best friend who had made the trek from Portland in the state’s far west, and her PCSE coordinator.

“It was an absolute delight, surprise and honour to receive the award,” Ms Irvine said. “It came truly out of the blue.”

In her capacity as a companion volunteer, Ms Irvine fills a variety of roles depending on the needs of the client.

That may involve going to the movies, heading to the local cafe for a coffee, taking them out for a drive, or simply just sitting and chatting.

Ms Irvine’s background in nursing makes her a valuable asset to the PCSE team, drawing on her medical expertise to provide feedback to doctors and nurses responsible for the clients when she notices concerns or changes in their condition.

It’s not the first time the council has recognised Ms Irvine, who was awarded 2015 Volunteer of the Year for her work as a volunteer language tutor with the Dandenong Regional Adult Literacy Group and then as a tutor at the Dandenong Library in English conversation classes, working largely with migrants groups.

“I love volunteering and tutoring. Those people become my friends and they love the fact that you’re helping them.

“It’s an amazing experience.”

Of course, dealing with patients in palliative care comes with the inescapable reality of the patient’s time coming to an end.

But Ms Irvine manages to maintain an even keel and keep a healthy dose of perspective.

“I don’t know what makes you cope with it or not. We all have coping skills, I don’t know where they come from.

“I think I’m fortunate that I’m pretty easy going and don’t get depressed.

She aims to continue her support work for as long as she can.

“I’m not planning on stopping until I need one of my own!”

Living Treasures is a local project where people who have made a lasting impact on the quality and nature of life for all of the City of Greater Dandenong community are named and honoured.

Kitchen a winner

By Marcus Uhe Ian Kitchen has been recognised with the Sustainability Award at the City of Greater Dandenong Awards for his service to the Greater Dandenong Environmental Group.

Mr Kitchen, who recently announced his retirement from the presidency after 25 years, was recognised for continuously advocating for the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.

He and his team of a dozen volunteers at the environmental group undertake tree planting activities, water watch and frog watch across Greater Dandenong, with a focus on Dandenong Creek.

He said that he was pleased that their endeavours were being spotlighted by council.

“You don’t do this thing for awards but it was good to have somebody doing something with the environment recognised by council.

“We need to bring the environment to the forefront because it’s important.”

The group was also recognised in 2020 as the council’s Community Group of the Year.

Having now stepped away from the group, Mr Kitchen, who is a keen photographer, said that he was keen to spend more time behind his camera.

Left to right, Jim Memeti and Ian Kitchen.

265589 Picture: GARY SISSONS City of Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti (left) and Natalie Irvine. 265589

Smile Squad is on its way The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need.

Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Push to vaccinate as school returns Lyndale Greens Primary School was one of 15 schools offering pop-up vaccination clinics over the weekend and Dandenong Plaza will now accept walk-ups for the paediatric vaccine for children aged five to 11, as the State Government aims to ensure families have every opportunity to get their children vaccinated with the return of school this week.

The school pop-up clinics were led by local Public Health Units, with many decorated to support children and their families to access vaccinations in a child-friendly setting.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the decision was all about ensuring a safe return to school.

“If parents haven’t organised to have their kids vaccinated yet, now’s the time,” Mr Andrews said.

“We’ve done everything we can to make school a safe place when kids get back in the classroom – but the best thing families can do to protect their children is get them protected by a vaccine as quickly as possible.”

The government has also had more than 240 applications under a new $4 million grants program to help local doctors and community pharmacies go into schools to deliver the vaccine in a familiar and trusted environment for children, close to home.

Children do not have to attend these schools to be vaccinated at the pop-ups as they are open to the whole community.

Children in this age bracket who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander can already walk-up with their parents, carers or guardians to any site to get vaccinated.

For information about coronavirus visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call 1800 675 398.

Abbotts Rd closure A section of Abbotts Road in Dandenong South will be closed for major works from Monday 7 February.

The industrial hub’s freight link will be shut for about six weeks between National Drive and Cranbourne railway line, according to City of Greater Dandenong.

Traffic detours will be in place, and bus stops will be re-located.

The council has contracted for the widening of Abbotts Road to two lanes each direction, plus a new pedestrian path.

Storm water drains, underground services and street lighting will be upgraded.

Traffic signals at Taylors Road and National Drive will be modified.

The council stated that when completed, the upgrade will improve traffic flow and safety in one of the few east-west connections between City of Casey and Lyndhurst and Keysborough industrial areas.

Road works complete

By Marcus Uhe

Postcards in Springvale A popular lifestyle TV show is set to send a postcard from Springvale.

The Channel 9 show Postcards, with presenter Shane Delia, filmed a segment featuring Springvale Market Square, Bun Bun Bakery and Golden Cake Lake & Roast on Monday 24 January.

City of Greater Dandenong’s food and cultural ambassador Karl Lim acted as guide.

The segment is expected to be flavoured with the precinct’s fresh and unique produce, cheap prices, friendly traders, vibrancy and cultural richness.

It will screen at 5.30pm on Sunday 6 February.

City of Greater Dandenong food and cultural ambassador Karl Lim with Shane Delia in Springvale.

Shane Delia during filming for TV show Postcards on 24 January.

Boom gates levelled at Greens Road Level Crossing Removal Projects staff have removed the boom gates at the Greens Road level crossing in Dandenong South, bringing the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines closer to being level crossing free.

Major construction to build two new 600m rail bridges over the road is nearing completion, with structural works already done, along with the signalling and power system upgrades inside the rail corridor.

Once around the clock works are complete in early February, trains will run on the new rail bridge over Greens Road.

These 24/7 works are part of the massive $1 billion Cranbourne Line Upgrade, which includes building 8km of duplicated track between Cranbourne and Dandenong and a new Merinda Park Station.

A second track between Cranbourne and Dandenong will open close to a year ahead of schedule, enabling trains to run every 10 minutes on average in the morning peak.

A timetable change – which will come into effect shortly after the second track opens – will see more trains run during both morning and afternoon peak periods from Cranbourne, Lynbrook and Merinda Park stations.

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The boom gates at Greens Road have been removed.

The timetable update will see trains that previously terminated at Dandenong extended to Cranbourne.

Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

Picture: DANIELLE KUTCHEL

Once trains are running on dedicated tracks, Cranbourne line commuters will immediately experience far fewer cancellations and delays.

Works at the Hallam North and Heatherton roads intersection have been completed ahead of schedule, allowing it to reopen to road users on Tuesday 25 January.

The three-week closure allowed crews to build the intersection with a temporary roundabout put in place that traffic will use when new works areas open around the intersection.

This will allow for work on the new traffic signalled intersection to be undertaken safely and efficiently later this year.

The January works, including the construction of the temporary roundabout, new asphalt layers, upgraded drainage systems and traffic signal conduits, will minimise the number of prolonged, disruptive closures throughout the year.

Major Road Projects Victoria Project Director Marc Peterson said he was pleased to reopen the intersection earlier than expected.

“The construction of the new intersection allows crews to reopen new work areas and make significant progress on the construction of new lanes and the signalled intersection later this year,” Mr Peterson said.

“I’d like to thank the community for their patience during this closure.”

Drainage works at the northern section of Hallam North Road are continuing and are on schedule to be completed by the end of the month.

Once complete, the Hallam North and Heatherton Road Upgrade will improve traffic flow, ease congestion at the intersection and make it easier for commuters to access the freeway network.

More than 18,000 vehicles will benefit from smoother and safer journeys in the area every day.

A new walking and cycling path will make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle around the area and new safety barriers will be installed to reduce the risk and severity of crashes.

The Hallam North and Heatherton Road Upgrade will be completed in 2023. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

GET FIRE READY - PREPARE, ACT, SURVIVE

Stihl the one for the job The best preparations for fire season require the best equipment - and you’ll find all the best equipment at Stihl Shop Hallam.

Stihl Shop Hallam is a one-stop-shop for all outdoor power equipment needs. As a Stihl elite dealer, they stock the majority of available Stihl products.

As well as stocking the best brands, they offer a full range of service and repair options for most makes a models; from domestic to commercial, they can look after it all. Three Stihl gold-trained technicians are among the staff as well as a gold-trained Husqvarna technician.

The showroom will impress, with plenty of stock on hand to suit everyone’s needs from the smallest home gardens to professional users.

Stihl Shop Hallam is easy to find with direct access to the Princes Highway, and has been in the same spot for over 16 years.

Visit them at 4/261 Princes Hwy, Hallam, Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.30pm and Saturday 8.30am-1pm.

For enquiries, call 9702 4764 or email sales@ stihlshophallam.com.au

The team at Stihl Shop Hallam, from left, Cole, Daniel, Jacob, Darren and Andrew. 264680

Fire danger in full force

By Elle Cecil Everyone in Victoria who lives near dense forest, bush, grassland or coast should be aware of the risks and requirements of living in bushfire prone areas.

The majority of Victorian councils have enacted their Fire Danger Period for the 2021-2022 season. This period is declared by the relevant authorities in each municipality to restrict the use of fire in the community and to help prevent fires from starting. Once a Fire Danger Period has been enacted, fire restrictions come into action.

Here are some of the things you can do to further your family and your home’s safety during bushfire season.

Clear trees and vegetation Reducing the scrub and vegetation around your property and house is one of the most crucial things you can do to maintain a safe environment.

Depending on whether you live in a rural or regional area, you may need to acquire a permit to clear trees, branches and scrub from around your home. It is best to check with your local council to determine whether you need a permit to carry out this work.

Landscaping Similar to the clearing of trees and other vegetation, landscaping for bushfire prevention involves planning, designing, planting and managing the areas around your home and property to help reduce the effects of direct flame contact and radiant heat on your house or other structures on the property.

Create a defendable space, remove flammable materials and objects from around the house, break up fuel continuity (keeping plants and vegetation separate) and carefully select, locate and maintain trees.

It is also important to consider the planting of vegetation with low flammability. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Burning off Make sure you are burning off prior to the Fire Danger Period, as this practice is often banned during this time. You may be able to burn off on your property with permits from the relevant environmental and council authorities - visit the CFA website for further information.

Fortify your home Reduce the amount of areas where embers can lodge or enter your house or other structures. If you have open cavities in your roof, deck, windows, doors or other parts of a structure, embers will more easily get stuck and cause more damage than if your home is sealed and protected.

It is also important to make sure your property number is clearly visible to emergency services should you require their help.

Have a plan in place If you are planning on staying and defending your home, you must have the appropriate safety and firefighting equipment.

Masks, gloves and other protective equipment will help to protect you from burns, while access to water, generators and firefighting equipment will help protect your home and property.

If you are planning on leaving, ensure you leave with your family and vital belongings very early to avoid being caught in a fire.

Download the VicEmergency smartphone app for notifications about fires, floods and other emergency information and warnings.

Local laws and regulations determine when burning off is permitted. Most Victorian councils close their Fire Danger Period on May 1, 2022, however you should visit your local council website to make sure.

Visit the CFA or FRV websites for more information at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or www. frv.vic.gov.au.

Are you ready for Fire Season?

Stihl Shop Hallam have you covered We have a large range of Chainsaws, Brush Cutters, Lawn Mowers and Chipper Shredders. Petrol, electric and battery options to suit every property!

Call in and talk to the team 4/261 Princes Highway Hallam Ph 9702 4764 www.stilhshophallam.com.au Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

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Battery powered equipment also available.

STAR JOURNAL 9

WHAT’S ON Weekly workshops Welcome to The Open Door, a centre for creative spirituality. Our centre offers a place to explore your creativity/inner life without fear or judgement. We run a variety of weekly workshops in person and via Zoom - open to all. They are Tai Chi (Mondays 2pm-2.20pm), Awareness Meditation (Mondays 2.30pm-3.30pm), Centering Prayer Meditation (Tuesdays 2.30pm-3.30pm), Art of Soul (Wednesdays 11.30am-1.30pm) and Guided Imagery Meditation (Wednesdays 2.30pm-3pm). Monthly workshops are Mark’s Gospel (first Monday of month 4.30pm-5.30pm), 500 Card Game Club (first Thursday of month 1.30pm-2.30pm) and Book Club (third Monday of month 7pm-8pm).

The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong.

A gold coin donation is welcome. Details: Jo, 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au.

All patrons must show proof of full vaccination and wear a mask upon entry please.

Gentle exercise class Would you like to get moving? Would you like to be fitter without completing a high-impact workout? Want to get out and spend more time with real people? We have teamed up with Reclink to provide a free program with exercises designed to improve joint and muscle health without putting a lot of strain and weight on your body.

Wednesdays 10:30am11:15am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Free.

To register, contact Elise, 9547 5801 or programs@ nobleparkcc.org.au

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Men’s Shed Keysborough Mens Shed is re-opening on 4 February for weekly chats, coffee and activities.

Bring your own lunch.

Thanks to donors Coles Parkmore, Woolworths Parkmore, Woolworths Keysborough South, Keysborough Hotel and Kingsclere Bakery.

Fridays 8am-2pm behind Keysborough Learning Centre. Enter via the driveway opposite 16 Loxwood Road, Keysborough.

Details: Geoff Wright, 0415 066 170 or geoffnyinny@gmail.com

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Art show entries open Noble Park Community Art Show is calling artists of all ages to submit 2D artworks in any medium, including oils, acrylics, watercolours, gouache and aerosol.

Entries close 24 February. First prize $500, junior first prize $150.

Details: www.npccartshow.com/enter/

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NEWS

Slow down Drivers are urged to take extra care on our roads and be on the lookout for school speed zones, as Victorian students returned to the classroom yesterday.

With school speed zones enforced from 8am Monday, drivers are urged to be patient and should expect an increase in road, pedestrian and bicycle traffic at drop-off and pickup times.

Some school speed zones are permanent, while others operate from 8am to 9.30am, and from 2.30pm to 4.00pm on weekdays, with reduced speeds of 40km/h or 60km/h in school zones until the end of the school term.

School speed zones are designed to keep pedestrians safe by lowering the speed limit at peak times when children are travelling to and from school.

Regardless of whether a school is open or closed, all sign-posted 40km/h zones will still apply.

School bus services will operate as normal, and across the bus network priority is being given to providing drivers for school buses.

However, there is a risk of staff shortages caused by Covid-19 and this may result in some changes and cancellations to school bus services.

Local schools will notify parents and students of changes or cancellations to services as soon as possible.

Up-to-date school bus cancellation information will be added to the Department of Education’s closure website: education.vic.gov. au/about/programs/health/Pages/closures. aspx Parents of children using bus services are encouraged to talk to their children about practising good hand hygiene, social distancing where they can, and respecting the clearance zone around bus drivers.

Cash payments will not be accepted onboard regional bus services including school buses until further notice.

This temporary change is to reduce contact between drivers and passengers where possible.

The Myki bus network permanently removed on-board top ups and Myki sales from 13 July 2020. Passengers should ensure they have a valid Myki, ready for travel ahead of time.

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Hundreds caught during police Operation Amity Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology has helped police detect 424 unauthorised drivers during a two-day road safety blitz.

Operation Amity saw police enforcing on Victorian roads during the high-risk Australia Day period, with ANPR technology fitted to highway patrol vehicles used to detect disqualified, suspended and unlicensed drivers as well as those driving unregistered vehicles.

Police also targeted impaired drivers during the two-day operation, with more than 160 motorists detected for alcohol or drugs offences from 28,950 tests across the state.

There was a fatal collision in Torrumbarry on Tuesday 25 January, bringing the total lives lost to 21 this year - 10 more than at the same time last year (11).

Operation Amity ran from 12.01am on Tuesday 25 January to 23.59pm on Wednesday 26 January.

Assistant commissioner road policing Glenn Weir said it was a busy end to the peak holiday season with Victorians embracing the warm weather and heading to coastal locations, lakes, rivers and visiting regional areas.

School speed zones resumed yesterday. 24884.

Picture: SUPPLIED There are plenty of cashless ways passengers can top up their Myki online, via the PTV app or at their nearest station or stop. People can also now top up instantly using the PTV app.

Cash continues to be accepted at station ticket offices and PTV hubs, however, payment with debit or credit cards is preferred.

When travelling on public transport passengers aged eight years and over must wear a fitted face mask, covering the nose and mouth for the entire journey.

Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTraffic mobile app.

The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.

Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

“Disappointingly, we continue to detect a significant number of motorists flouting the road rules and putting other’s lives at risk – with almost 3000 offences detected in just two days,” Mr Weir said.

“Police patrols have increased on Victorian roads since the end of lockdowns, so motorists should expect to see more police, more often this year. With school resuming next week and more people returning to work now is not the time to be complacent behind the wheel.”

A total of 2838 offences were detected during Operation Amity, including 92 drink driving offences from 27,775 preliminary breath tests and 70 drug driving offences from 1,175 roadside drug tests.

There were 67 disqualified or suspended drivers, 94 unlicensed drivers and 263 unregistered vehicles.

Speeding offences reached 1117 while police recorded 144 mobile phone offences and 68 seatbelt offences.

Police found 179 disobeyed signs and signals and 42 vehicle impoundments were issued.

Local councillor on leave

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong councillor Bob Milkovic has taken leave from 19 January to 6 March.

Councillors approved Cr Milkovic’s request for a leave of absence, which includes council meetings on 24 January, 14 February and 28 February, as well as councillor briefing sessions.

According to a council report, his leave was requested for personal reasons.

Under the Local Government Act, the council must grant any reasonable request for leave.

Cr Milkovic is the ward councillor for Dandenong North.

Councillor Bob Milkovic is on leave until 6 March. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE

Helping one million men

By Elle Cecil Following the launch of its Bins4Blokes campaign in June 2021, the Continence Foundation of Australia has announced that support from businesses, councils and sporting organisations has increased to assist over one million men living with incontinence around Australia.

Many Australian men are fighting a silent battle with incontinence. Over 1.34 million boys and men are living with urinary or faecal incontinence, with approximately 36 percent of these males aged under 50.

Though incontinence among Australian men is not uncommon, there is a distinct lack of sanitary disposal bins installed in male public toilets around the country. This can lead to men having to carry used incontinence products with them, causing them to have lower confidence, feel more anxious and stressed, and feel the need to avoid social situations.

A recent study revealed that 50 percent of Aussie men with urinary incontinence avoided situations where they weren’t able to access a toilet easily, while 27 percent of men stated that they often stay home as a precautionary measure to avoid public accidents. Furthermore, 57 percent of men with incontinence have intentionally kept accidents a secret from those close to them. Installing bins in male public toilets to dispose of incontinence products will help affected Aussies live and work in the community with confidence and certainty.

“Our aim is to make all Australians aware of how common incontinence is in men of all ages, and our hope is to get bins into public toilets Australia-wide,” says Rowan Cockerell, CEO of the Continence Foundation of Australia.

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is the first major venue in Victoria to

Bins4Blokes is encouraging businesses, councils and sporting organisations to install bins in male bathrooms. join Bins4Blokes, having installed permanent bins for disposal of incontinence products in eight male toilets inside the centre.

Incontinence affects over 5 million Australians, ranging from a small leak to complete loss of bladder or bowel control. Help is always

Audiology professionals are urging Victorians to look out for their loved ones during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

With the use of masks now a normal sight across the state due to COVID-19, those that are hard of hearing are continuing to suffer heightened anxiety and struggle to communicate given lip reading is common for the hearing impaired.

One in six Australians is affected by hearing loss and may rely on lip reading.

These people have been left with reduced means to understand and communicate with those around them.

Chief audiologist at Specsavers, Nick Taylor, says that there are many reasons why masks are challenging for those with hearing loss.

“Wearing a face mask can have some unintended consequences for those with hearing loss,” Nick says.

“It may break down the ability to communicate as we know lip reading is a common work around.

“A face mask can also muffle speech, which along with the loss of visuals, can mean extra concentration is needed to listen.

“If you are aware that you may have hearing difficulties and have been putting it off, I would strongly advise that you visit an audiology professional to discuss your options.

“It’s essential to our lives that we communicate, especially when such important health messages are being conveyed.

“We can all work together to make sure this isn’t so anxiety provoking for those that are hard of hearing.”

Nick says the same goes for those that may be noticing they are having trouble hearing for the first time now that masks are on. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

information and advocacy.

To pledge your support for Aussie men living with incontinence or to find out more about the organisation and campaign, visit www.bins4blokes.org.au or www.continence. org.au.

VALLEY VILLAGE MEWS RETIREMENT VILLAGE 112 STUD ROAD DANDENONG

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Masking struggles for hard of hearing people

available, and in most cases, incontinence can be better managed, treated or even cured.

The Continence Foundation of Australia is a not-for-profit organisation and the national peak body for incontinence prevention, management, education, awareness,

Picture: ISTOCK

Keep in mind the struggles that people with hearing problems may face during COVID-19 and mask use.

Picture: ISTOCK “Similarly, if you think a loved one is struggling please speak up and let them know that you think they would benefit from seeing an audiology professional,” he says.

“Hearing loss can be incredibly socially isolating, and we need to look out for everyone in the community, now more than ever.”

Specsavers Audiology remains open as an essential health service, and we are here to help discuss your options with you.

For more information, visit www.specsavers.com.au/hearing.

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Units available for sale now Purchase your unit by Strata Title Join in with social activities Keep fit with exercise programs Superb parklands to take your pet and meet residents Emergency call pendant Community bus for shopping A village built around beautiful parkland

Phone: 9793 3354 villagemews@iinet.net.au

www.valleyvillagemews.com.au

Call in to meet our friendly staff to show you why you should make Valley Village Mews your home.

Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Surgery delays mount up

By Marcus Uhe Cranbourne resident Noelene Nolan is leading a call for the Victorian Government to restart elective surgeries which had been paused due to the pandemic.

Elective surgeries were temporarily suspended on Thursday 6 January to reduce the pressure on the Victorian health system, as a rise in Covid-19 diagnoses saw a spike in hospital admissions and severe shortages in available hospital staff.

Ms Nolan sustained significant injuries as the victim of two terrifying home invasions in Hampton Park in 2017.

She has been waiting since 2019 for facial surgery to treat the wound on the right side of her face, where her patorid gland was slashed during the home invasion. The injury has caused the onset of Freys Syndrome, a condition where saliva leaks from the wound on her face onto her cheek when she eats or drinks.

Delay in receiving treatment for Freys has meant she cannot receive treatment for respiratory issues, sleep apnoea or further surgery for vocal chord dysfunction.

“It started off as a category three, it is (now) category two semi-emergency and soon moving to category one, because I risk permanent disfigurement,” Ms Nolan said.

“I have severe diabetes, I have severe lymphedema, I have the vocal chord dysfunction, and through constant long-term use, because I can’t get into a respiratory clinic, they’ve put me on prednisolone, which is a high-strength steroid which is now starting to cause the early onset of glaucoma, which means I will eventually lose my vision.”

The beating sustained by Ms Nolan during the home invasion resulting in “numerous back fractures” and significant damage to both knees, so much so that she requires a walking frame and limits time spent standing to 10-minute intervals to avoid experiencing substantial pain.

Ms Nolan has also criticised the decision to resume in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures in Victoria, announced on Sunday 23 January, citing double standards.

“How do we justify starting IVF treatment, and putting that above people who have serious medical conditions, which can be critical, and people are dying left right and centre?

“My biggest fear is that I’m scared I’m going to fall through the cracks, because all my other health conditions until my surgery, are being neglected.”

Speaking from Ms Nolan’s Cranbourne home last week, State Opposition leader Matthew Guy said Victorians were experiencing a “health crisis”.

“People are suffering in this state because elective surgery has been stopped,” Mr Guy said.

“It is no longer tenable for the government

Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and Victorian Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier address the media in Cranbourne last week. 266178 Picture: MARCUS UHE to just say ‘we’ll get around to it’.

“You can’t just do this to people. You can’t treat people like this.

“The government’s got to stop treating people like pawns in a political game with Covid-19.

“Restart elective surgery and do it straight away.”

Victorian Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier, also in attendance on Tuesday, warned of potential long-term consequences of the ban.

“Category two and three (surgeries), some of those conditions will become more debilitating, put more pressure on people’s health conditions and they will become life-threaten-

ing,” Ms Crozier said.

“There will be people that sadly succumb because they haven’t been seen to in a timely manner.”

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released on Tuesday 25 January shows the number of patients being treated from Australia’s public hospital elective surgery waiting lists increased during 2020–21 as the hospitals worked to clear a backlog left

by Covid-19-initiated suspensions the previous year.

Non-elective surgeries were temporarily suspended nationally in March 2020, reducing the number of elective surgeries performed in 2019-20 and contributed to creating a backlog

of surgeries that had been delayed, according to AIHW spokesperson Dr. Adrian Webster. “‘Nationally, there were 754,600 admissions to hospital from the public elective surgery waiting lists in 2020–21, up from 688,000 admissions in 2019–20 but slightly lower than the 758,000 admissions in 2018–19,” Dr Webster said.

There were 893,000 patients added to elective surgery waiting lists in 2020–21, up from 838,000 the previous year, and similar to the number added in 2018–19.

The AIHW defines elective surgery as “planned surgery that can be booked in advance as a result of a specialist clinical assessment.”

Funeral for former Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon A public funeral service to celebrate the life of former City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon will be held in Berwick on Wednesday 2 February.

Ms Stapeldon’s family said she “was the artist of her own life, never handing the paintbrush to anyone else”, and they “look forward to celebrating the canvas of her life with you”.

The service will be held at the Berwick Church of Christ, 446 Centre Road, Berwick at 11am. It will also be livestreamed from the Selwyn Allen Funerals website, selwynallenfunerals.com.au/upcoming-services Guests are asked to follow government requirements such as wearing a mask in the church.

The 58-year-old former councillor - who had been rocked by an IBAC inquiry into Casey councillors - was found dead in a car in Stringybark Drive about 12.30pm on Tuesday 18 January.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious, Victoria Police stated.

Ms Stapledon was widely admired as a strong, unstinting community voice, especially for disability and carer issues.

Many also paid tribute to her as a devoted sole carer for her family over decades.

Ms Stapledon’s passion for disability sup12 STAR JOURNAL

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port preceded her council terms between 2008-’20, including two stints as mayor.

She co-founded Casey Kidz Club - an afterschool care program for disabled teenagers - and highlighted the lack of funding support.

Among her major legacies were two 75-kilometre Mayors Walks for Disability - in which she spread the word on service gaps for people with disabilities and their carers.

The initial feat led to her being crowned the Star News Person of the Year 2013.

Ms Stapledon was also a past president of Disability Capability and had held positions on the Blairlogie Living and Learning Board, the Casey Cardinia and ACE (Aiding Casey Education) foundations and Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre.

She was patron of the Cranbourne Football Club All Abilities Team and the YMCA Open Doors Program.

For many years, she hosted Women of Today on Casey Radio 97.7FM and penned a regular column for Star News Group.

She made two unsuccessful tilts at state politics - as an independent in 2010 and a Liberal candidate in 2014.

For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

Amanda Stapledon. 194479 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Car park needs to lift: Cr

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Heat stress has paralysed the elevators in Springvale’s beleaguered 8 Balmoral Avenue car park.

During the recent heatwave, the elevators have been seizing up “almost every day” including at peak-time on weekends, Springvale councillor Richard Lim says.

Prior to that, the lifts in the six-deck, 517-space facility were already breaking down every fortnight, he said.

“If you’re elderly or you have young children, how are you going to walk up the stairs to the fourth or fifth floor in this heat?”

Springvale North councillor Sean O’Reilly recalled the lifts also malfunctioned eight years ago.

“With the amount of usage it gets, you’d have to wonder on its life cycle.”

Engineering director Paul Kearsley said the most recent malfunctions were still under investigation by technicians.

“But it appears that the extreme weather may have been a contributing factor.

“Complete replacement is not expected in the near future but consideration will be given to any improvements recommended at the conclusion of the technicians’ investigations.”

Since built by private developers in 2011, the ‘No.8’ car park has been plagued by a litany of problems including broken ticket machines, broken boom gates and cars being trapped in its tight corners.

The council contributed to the construction for an extra two levels to create more public parking.

It recently allocated $942,793 in its 2021-’22 budget for new one-way ramps to bypass three of the tightest corners.

“The proposed access ramp upgrades … are still in the design development phase,” Mr Kearsley said.

“A timeline will be determined when the

Cr Richard Lim inside the problem-plagued No.8 car park in Springvale. 224778 works are put out for tender.”

Cr Lim says the corner re-design should attract drivers back into the often half-empty car park.

Many had been deterred by the numer-

ous head-on bingles and scrapes on the tight, blind corners between levels, he said.

Cars are regularly wedged at the corners for up to 20 minutes, with long traffic queues behind them. In an emergency, the result could

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS be dire, Cr Lim says.

The project should prove cost-effective for the council in the long-term by attracting an extra $700,000 revenue a year if fully utilized, Cr Lim said.

Festive generosity on show

Cr Sean O’Reilly vaccinated by nurse Falguni Patel at Sandown in May 2021. 237903 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

Don’t play with Covid fire, warns local councillor

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Days before his scheduled booster shot, Greater Dandenong councillor Sean O’Reilly came down with Covid.

“It’s not fun,” the councillor said of the long bout of sapping fatigue, fever, sore throat and headaches on 27 January.

“People are playing with fire if they are planning to deliberately get it. It’s really variable how hard it hits people.”

After about 11 days, he was just getting back to full strength, he said.

The virus “cycled” through his household, requiring weeks of isolation during summer holidays. He was the last member to get infected.

Cr O’Reilly was one of the early adopters of AstraZeneca, baring his arm for a vaccine at the Sandown Racecourse hub in late May. “I was planning to get a triple booster 14 STAR JOURNAL

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but it was hard getting appointments.

“Then I caught Covid a few days before my appointment. I’ll still get my booster once I’m well again.”

Cr O’Reilly is one of more than 18,300 Covid cases in Greater Dandenong since the start of the pandemic.

After a spike in early January, new infections in Greater Dandenong plateaued to about 200 in the week up to 28 January. In that same period, 148 Victorians died with Covid.

As of the day before, 238 patients with Covid were in Monash Health hospitals, including 14 ventilated in ICU. Nearly 13,000 vaccine appointments were available at Monash Health vaccine hubs.

Walk-in appointments are available for 5-and-over years at Dandenong Plaza Vaccination Clinic, 9am to 4pm, 7 days.

Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

The generosity of Casey Cardinia residents was on full display over Christmas with more than $17,000 worth of gifts and non-perishable food items donated to the Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) Deliver Joy campaign, nearly doubling the amount raised in 2020.

Deliver Joy has provided a call to action for people wanting to pay it forward and help those doing it tough over the festive period.

Dot O’Neill is a food support coordinator at Transit, whose brilliant team of 70 volunteers helped to distribute donations of food and gifts in the Narre Warren area.

She said her organisation were blown-away by the extent of the community’s kindness, somuch-so that they struggled for storage space at the Narre Warren Christian Church on Webb Street.

“We didn’t expect this much but we were delighted with it,” Ms O’Neill said.

“We found we had to find space in the church but we found some really delightful people who were able to give presents out for Christmas.

“We had a lot of children’s gifts, like games, and things for teenagers and older people as well. And the food was really really important.

“One person in particular said ‘without you, we would not have had a Christmas’. It makes the whole thing worth it.”

In years past, library members were able

to get their library fines waived in return for donated gifts and food, however, in 2018 CCL permanently removed overdue fines, which changed the focus of the 2021 campaign.

CCL chief executive Beth Luppino said it was inspiring to witness the generosity of library members, even when the waiving of overdue fines was no longer an incentive.

“The removal of overdue fines at CCL has proved a great success.“ Ms Luppino said.

“There has been a relatively small increase in overdue items, more items are being borrowed and there has been a marked reduction in ‘lost items’.

“CCL partnered with seven local charities during the six-week campaign, including Transit Outreach Service, The Andrews Centre, Cranbourne and Casey North Centre for Information and Support Service (CISS), Hampton Park Primary School, Emerald Lions Club and the Salvation Army (Pakenham), to ensure the donations were distributed to those who needed them most.

“Public libraries can contribute to stronger and more resilient communities in so many different ways. Libraries really do change lives.”

Outside of the festive period, Transit provides meals and food to those doing it tough from the Narre Warren Christian Church.

You can donate to Transit by contacting them online at transitoutreach.org.au

Transit volunteers Lisa, Michael, Dot, Alek and Natalina Colmanet from Bunjil Place Library with Picture: MARCUS UHE donations from the community. 265532 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Planning and Environment Act 1987 GREATER DANDENONG PLANNING SCHEME Notice of the Preparation of an Amendment Amendment C234gdan The Greater Dandenong City Council has prepared Amendment C234gdan to the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme.

The amendment rezones land in Dandenong North in accordance with the recommendations supported at the Council meeting of 27 September 2021.

The amendment will: • Rezone the following land from Schedule 1 to Clause 32.08 (General Residential Zone) to Schedule 1 to Clause 32.09 (Neighbourhood Residential Zone1); • 48-78 Prospect Hill Crescent, Dandenong North • 5-13 Balkan Court, Dandenong North • 2-6 Ural Court, Dandenong North • 155-159 Carlton Road, Dandenong North • 1-19 Fair Crescent, Dandenong North • Rezone the following land from Schedule 1 to Clause 32.08 (General Residential Zone) to Schedule 2 to Clause 32.09 (Neighbourhood Residential Zone 2); • 147-157 Brady Road, Dandenong North • 2-26 Cardinia Close, Dandenong North • 1-13 Sylvan Court, Dandenong North • Amend Planning Scheme Map 3 and 6.

You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at the following locations; • during office hours, at the following City of Greater Dandenong Customer Service centres; • 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong • 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale • Shop A7, Parkmore Shopping Centre, Cheltenham Road, Keysborough • at the City of Greater Dandenong website at www.greaterdandenong.com • at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website www.planning.vic.gov.au/publicinspection Any person who may be affected by the amendment may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing, giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

Name and contact details of submitters are required for council to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend council meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 4 March 2022.

A submission must be sent to council by: • Email: council@cgd.vic.gov.au (preferred method), or • Post: Strategic Planning - Amendment C234, City of Greater Dandenong, PO Box 200, Dandenong VIC 3175 The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office for any person to inspect free of charge for two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.

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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.

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STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

Stingrays on song again

By Tyler Lewis It was a Saturday afternoon slaughter at Churchill Football Ground.

The Dandenong Stingrays Girls piled on 15 unanswered goals against Gippsland Power, on its way to a mammoth 22.17 (147) to 2.2 (14) win.

The Rays held the Power goalless until the final term in the scintillating win.

Dandenong kicked three goals in the opening stanza, five in the second, before a blitz of majors in the second half saw the Rays kick 14 after the main break (seven in both quarters).

The Rays have started the NAB League season in electric fashion, and unlike years gone by, it appears to be a wider spread team effort with all of the girls performing well.

“It’s been a good start to the season, I think the big thing about it is that the girls are starting to get a real understanding of how we want to play, what our strengths, and our weaknesses are,” Dandenong Stingrays head coach Nick Cox said on Sunday.

“The first few weeks there has been some pleasing passages of play and some really good developments from the girls.

“The word on the board at the start of the day was ‘selfless’, just (focusing on) caring about a Stingrays person having the ball.

“We shared it around well at times and gave it to girls in better positions, it was executed really well which was pleasing,” he said.

Though it is easy to be pleased with all factors of his group at this stage of the season, after 49-point and 135-point wins, there a few things that are really enjoyable for Cox about his current side.

“Our ball movement and our fundamentals have been pretty good,” he said.

“The things we like to focus on are quite boring at times… our fundamentals, being clean, the ball is on the deck a lot in the girls games so having the ability to be good below knees and execute with clean-ness.”

Amber Clarke stole dropped jaws last week with a stunning five-goal and 23-disposal performance, and while she very well may have done it again this week with another four goals and 23 disposals, it was a fellow Ray that stuffed the stat sheet.

Much to the coaches joy, Charley Ryan kicked five goals straight and collected 26 dis-

Nick Cox couldn’t be more pleased with his group so far. 229039 posals in a display he has expected for some time.

“It hasn’t come out of the blue, Charley (Ryan) is a girl that we know has the ability to do what she’s done for the first couple of rounds,” he said.

“She set a really high bar in the first weeks, so she has to continue to do that, but there is no amazement from it.

“She works really hard on everything she does and she is becoming the modern day AFLW product, she marks the ball well, her

fundamentals are great.

“She can go through the midfield and be really good with her body positioning and ability to win the ball.

“That’s (games) not a surprise, mate,” Cox said.

While it is only early in the season, Cox addressed whether this crop of talent coming through the Stingrays girls system is the best he has seen in his tenure as head coach.

“These girls have been together in an elite program for three to four years,” he said.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “Some of them played as early as (age) 15, so they have an understanding of what is required at the level.

“To answer the question, I think yes, but at the same time it just shows where NAB League and girls footy is going.

“These girls, most of them, have played footy all their lives and the competition is starting to reap the rewards from it,” Cox said.

The Dandenong Stingrays season of long road trips continue next week, when it travels to Craigieburn to ‘host’ the Bendigo Pioneers.

Jarick Bale huge in Sandown Maidment Memorial

By Luke Corda Gun stayer Jarick Bale made headlines on Thursday night at Sandown Park, with a breathtaking win to claim the Maidment Memorial for trainers Mark and Lisa Delbridge.

Jarick Bale begun towards the back of the field as star chasers Invictus Rising and Aston Ulysses hit the front around the first bend. From that point Jarick Bale turned on the afterburners and hunted the pair down to score by two lengths in a fantastic 33.77 run.

His scorching run home earned him a spot in the top 10 fastest times ever recorded at Sandown Park over the 595m.

Trainer Lisa Delbridge was delighted with the result.

“To run down Invictus Rising and Aston Ulysses from where he was is huge,” she said.

“He’s different this one. Christo (Bale) would have hooked around the outside, whereas he wants to get to the fence. He had the brains to go inside of Aston Ulysses then around the outside of Invictus Rising which was pleasing.”

His show-stopping performance adds to a growing resume following his recent Group 1 victory in the Sale Cup on Boxing Day. The Delbridge family have high hopes for Jarick Bale’s immediate future.

“He’s number one now. Compared to before with Christo, Rambo and Gracelyn his sister, Jarick’s the leader,” Delbridge said.

18 STAR JOURNAL

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The golden moment. 266567 “He’ll be entered straight into the Rookie Rebel. It’d be stiff if he didn’t get a start after the Sale Cup and tonight.”

Later in the night Grenfell trained Nikoli Bale was a dominant winner in the evening’s Australian Sprint special event.

He used brilliant track sense to stalk down

Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

Picture: SUPPLIED Tynslee Bale and Carry On Star before bursting away to win by 10 lengths, taking out the $15,000 first prize with a quick 29.25.

Earlier on Aston Rupee was announced as the Sandown GRC 2021 Greyhound of the Year in front of a lively crowd on course.

Aston Rupee was a winner of nine races

from 15 starts at Sandown in 2021, breaking the 29 second barrier on four separate occasions including an unbelievable 28.79 track record.

All meets for Sunday were cancelled Saturday morning, due to the condition of the track after Friday’s rain. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Lucy Dexter (Casey)

Dakota Crichton (Casey)

Ethan Bolton (Casey)

Young guns hit big time

By David Nagel The south east’s two biggest basketball associations – Casey and Dandenong - will be well represented at the upcoming Australian Under-18 Junior Basketball Championships to be held at the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre from 10-17 April.

The championships will run simultaneously with the Kevin Coombs Cup – an event where the best wheelchair athletes from around Australia will also compete at the highest level.

Basketball Victoria has selected the Under-18 State teams representing Victoria Country and Victoria Metropolitan – for boys and girls - as well as athletes in the Kevin Coombs Cup. The five selected sides will tip off the Australian Junior Championships for 2022 - with the Australian Under-20 and Ivor Burge Junior Championships moved from its traditional February start date to 19-24 April in Mackay, Queensland.

Four talented youngsters from Casey Basketball have earned selection, along with two players from the Dandenong Basketball Association.

Selected in the U18-Metroploitan Men’s side are Archer McMenamin and Ethan Bolton from Casey, while Dakota Crichton and Lucy Dexter – also from Casey – will join Dandenong pair Georgie Sewell and Georgia Taylor in the Metropolitan U18 Women’s side.

Victoria Metropolitan U18 Women’s head coach Michael Brookens said the team’s tenacity and energy has him impressed heading towards Ballarat.

“The strength of our team will be the 4 P’s; persistence, pressure, pace and physicality,” Brookens said.

“We will be a fiercely competitive side - this team is full of stars.

“The standard of the tryout group was phenomenal.

“The athletes really took on board what I wanted from them. They all had moments of brilliance, competed hard and made it very difficult to select the team.”

Returning for his fourth time as a state team head coach, U18 Men’s head coach Trevor Lee said the group’s versatility and strength will put them in great stead to succeed.

“We’ve got some great athletes this year that can play in multiple positions – that’s probably our biggest strength,” Lee said.

“This is my ninth preparation with state teams and it’s the toughest and hardest team I’ve had to pick – so many good athletes that didn’t make this team.

“After an extensive process that we started back in November – it was tough to cut all the way through and even tougher to pick the team over the weekend.

“Ultimately we’ve got our eyes on one goal - coming back with a gold medal; that’s the ultimate goal and we want to bring it back home to Victoria where it belongs.”

UNDER-18 METROPOLITAN WOMEN Tabitha Betson (Bulleen), Paige Burrows (Knox), Edie Clarke (Melbourne), Dakodandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Georgia Taylor (Dandenong)

Archer McMenamin (Casey) ta Crichton (Casey), Lucy Dexter (Casey), Amy Kurkowski (Sandringham), Georgia McBean (Kilsyth), Georgia Sewell (Dandenong), Georgia Taylor (Dandenong), Hannah

Georgia Sewell (Dandenong) Wickstrom (Sandringham).

UNDER-18 METROPOLITAN MEN Ethan Bolton (Casey), Carlin Briggs (Knox), Tristan Devers (Nunawading), Luke Fennell

(Knox), Kristian Ferronato (Eltham), Joel Foxwell (Bulleen), Archer McMenamin (Casey), Kynan Philippe (Frankston), Austin Rapp (Knox), Tiernan Stynes (Nunawading).

Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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20 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 1 February, 2022

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