Dandenong Star Journal - 22nd February 2022

DANDENONG

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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Mr Hurley signs off

A step towards reconciliation

Rivals settle score

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SPORT

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Council backs maternity ward

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Our Games pitch

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong should make a pitch for Rugby 7s matches, if as expected the Commonwealth Games comes to Victoria, says mayor Jim Memeti.

The bid would add impetus to the council’s proposed $110 million Dandenong Sport and Events Centre project.

And it would be the “perfect” stage for the occasion, Cr Memeti says.

The Victorian Government recently announced it was in exclusive negotiations to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

It plans to spread the event across the state, boosting economies, jobs, housing and sports participation in regional Victoria.

“Dandenong ticks all the boxes,” Cr Memeti said.

“We’ve got to ride with this opportunity.”

Cr Memeti said Rugby 7s would be a hit in the South East, including Casey-Cardinia’s growth corridor and its stronghold of Maori and Pasifika communities.

The proposed Dandenong stadium could also host a Games live site in its surrounding green space, as well as matches in the 2027 Rugby World Cup – if Australia secures the bid.

South Eastern Titans Rugby League Club secretary Heather Deery said a growing following would relish the rare chance of seeing international Rugby 7s.

“7s is exciting, it’s fun and fast. It would really excite the kids and the region,” she said.

“We could use it to promote our club and the sport. Rugby is a lifestyle – once they’re into it, they’re into it for life.”

Cr Memeti said it was a chance to “start the conversation again” for State and Federal funding for the proposed stadium.

In June 2021, Deloitte Australia embarked on a $200,000 business case and feasibility review – joint funded by the council and State Government.

The 15,000-seat stadium and events centre is proposed for open space at Cheltenham

South East Titans players Jonah, 6, Levi, 7, Sonny, 9, Aurora, 11, and mayor Jim Memeti. 269278 Road, George Street and Carroll Lane – a short walk from Dandenong railway station.

It has been touted as the future playing home of soccer giant Melbourne City Football

Club as well as rugby, festivals, concerts, conferences, weddings and community outreach.

City of Greater Dandenong has identified it as a key to re-energise the Revitalising

Picture: ROB CAREW Central Dandenong concept.

The project could create about 1000 construction jobs, 350 ongoing jobs and $114 million of annual economic activity from visitors.

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Cemetery ‘unconvincing’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An “unconvinced” Greater Dandenong Council may be largely side-lined in the planning process for a controversial cemetery ‘memorial park’ proposed for the Dandenong Creek floodplains.

As earlier reported, Melbourne Water is “in talks” with Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust about the site at 1564 Heatherton Road – south of Heatherton Road.

Mayor Jim Memeti said the wetlands provided “very important” biodiversity, habitat and flood mitigation for Dandenong and downstream areas.

“At this stage there is no formal application that has been referred to council.

“However, currently council is unconvinced that the site chosen for the proposed memo-

A high-flowing Dandenong Creek under Heatherton Road bridge in July 2021. 244720 Picture: GARY SISSONS rial park is an appropriate one and in the best location for that use.”

There is a possibility that the council could be largely by-passed in the planning approval

process, if a formal application is made by the SMCT. “It is council’s preference that this be lodged with, processed and decided by council, and not under the auspices of the Minister for Planning where council’s role is reduced to providing a referral comment only,” Cr Memeti said.

At a 14 February council meeting, city planning director Jody Bosman said the council as part of making comment - could conduct its own assessments of the “planning and ecological impacts” outside of Melbourne Water’s submissions.

“We are not obliged to accept at face value what we are being given.”

Community groups have been outraged by the plan for the vast flood-prone plains, which are accessible only by a fire track.

It has been identified as a key wildlife cor-

ridor and bird-watching “hot spot” of 77 bird species, according to the Greater Dandenong Environment Group.

Greens candidate for Bruce and former Greater Dandenong councillor Matthew Kirwan said the wetlands were a flood protection “safety valve” set up in response to past floods in central Dandenong and a Royal Commission.

SMCT has been searching for a further site to add to its nine cemeteries in the south east.

Three of its current cemeteries – Springvale, Dandenong and Bunurong - are in Greater Dandenong.

Melbourne Water said there was no formal agreement with SCMT about the site “at this stage”.

SCMT did not respond to Star Journal’s inquiries.

Maternity ward is ‘critical’ for Dandenong: Councillors

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong councillors have voiced support for a maternity health service to remain at Dandenong Hospital.

In a motion, they acknowledged the community’s “concern, if not distress” about Monash Health’s abandoned proposal to temporarily relocate the service to Berwick.

The council urged Monash Health to “publicly clarify its position” as the community had “not yet heard or understood” that the proposal was not occurring.

Cr Tim Dark, who moved the 14 February motion, said Monash Health’s initial plans to close the service were confirmed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.

“Very, very quickly by stealth did they retract and head the other way when they saw the significant media presence and the pressure that was going to come from the community.

“But regardless it was good to see that they have back-tracked and they have publicly clarified their position.”

Cr Dark said maternity services were “critical” in Greater Dandenong, especially with Dandenong Hospital’s specialist care for migrants and people of non-English speaking backgrounds.

Cr Rhonda Garad, who’s had four children at Dandenong Hospital, said access to closeproximity and high-quality maternity service was vital.

The hospital’s “unique” model of maternity care was not replicated in other health settings, she said.

“We need to fight for that and we always will when they suggest they’ll take that from us.”

Meanwhile Cr Richard Lim revealed that he was contacted by Monash Health chief executive Andrew Stripp after publicly criticising the mooted relocation.

A generous benefactor of Monash Health, Cr Lim was allegedly told by Mr Stripp that “the media has misled the public” on the issue and that Dandenong Hospital services were unchanged.

The services’ proposed relocation was

first reported by media outlets on 4 February.

After days of widespread public concern, Monash Health finally ruled out shifting maternity and childrens services from Dandenong Hospital.

“No maternity services have been shut down at Dandenong Hospital and no reconfiguration has commenced,” a spokesperson said on 9 February.

“There are no plans to close maternity services at Dandenong Hospital and it is important that women continue to attend appointments at the hospital.”

The proposal was said to be in response to staff shortages due to Code Brown and Covid’s Omicron variant sweeping through the south east.

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

Mayor backs Bennie

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti has strongly backed the council’s chief executive John Bennie, who was named in a leaked police review’s report into the I Cook Foods ‘slug gate’ saga.

The review – first reported in Herald Sun - found that John Bennie breached the Food Act’s secrecy provisions by disclosing a closure order served on ICF on 22 February 2019.

But the summary offence – punishable by a $10,904 fine - was “now out of statute and so Victoria Police were unable to prosecute”, the review stated.

The statute of limitations on summary offences is 12 months.

The revelation is the latest chapter in a three-year fight by ICF, whose family business in Dandenong South was destroyed after it says it was corruptly closed by health authorities as part of a listeria investigation.

The ‘slug gate’ affair has been examined by two Parliamentary inquiries and several Victoria Police investigations, with no charges laid against public officials.

Greater Dandenong laid 96 food-safety charges against ICF and director Ian Cook after the closure. All charges were later withdrawn.

ICF is suing the Department of Health and City of Greater Dandenong for compensation in the Supreme Court.

ICF general manager Ben Cook said Mr Bennie should stand down or be removed as chief executive and charged with the indictable offence of ‘misconduct in public office’.

“If he’s committed an offence, how can he be in charge of one of the largest councils in Australia?

“He is in an untenable position now.”

Last month, on the basis of the police review, Victoria Police announced that Mr Bennie and council environmental health officers were in the clear.

Cr Memeti stated on 16 February that the police investigations were “conclusive”, their findings “absolute”.

“There was no criminal conduct detected on the part of council’s chief executive officer John Bennie, or any council staff member.

“There was no offence committed at all. Reports to the contrary are misleading.

“And any suggestion that prosecution of any offence was barred due to a timing issue is also wrong.”

Cr Memeti sits on the council’s CEO Employment and Remuneration advisory committee. He said the committee was yet to finalise either Mr Bennie’s re-appointment or the recruitment of the next CEO. Councillor Tim Dark said he gave “whole and unequivocal support” to Mr Bennie, who was entitled to the presumption of innocence.

The alleged breach was based on a report “untested in a court of law”, Cr Dark said.

“Until tested and proven guilty (in court), people are innocent in my eyes.”

Councillor Rhonda Garad said the alleged breach seemed “sloppy” but Mr Bennie and the council had been cleared by two Parliamentary inquiries and the police investigation.

A Parliamentary inquiry made no finding against Mr Bennie about the disclosure of the I Cook Foods closure order at a Community Chef board meeting on 22 February 2019.

The first inquiry into ICF’s closure stated that Mr Bennie made the briefing shortly after 12.45pm, just over an hour before the Acting Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton issued a public health alert.

Mr Bennie told the Parliamentary inquiry he briefed the board after ICF’s closure was already in the “public domain” via an ABC broadcast, he said.

“I have a recollection that it was raised by officers of Community Chef that a news andandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Police detectives have allegedly seized an array of guns and the drug ice during a raid in Hallam.

Southern Metro Regional Crime Team members say they found six firearms including a handgun, 3D-printed pistol, sawn-off shotgun and a longarm rifle at the Empire Way property about 10.45am on Thursday 17 February.

A traffickable amount of methamphetamine and a Ford Ranger that was believed to be stolen from Notting Hill were also seized, police say.

A 23-year-old Narre Warren man, who was allegedly subject to a firearms prohibition order, was arrested at the site.

He was charged with 23 weapons, theft and drug-related charges.

The man was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday 18 February.

Suspicious fire in Mulgrave Thirty firefighters have battled a suspicious house fire in Mulgrave.

Fire Rescue Victoria crews were called to the single-storey residence with one side consumed in smoke and flames about 9.15pm on Thursday 17 February.

Fire fighters in breathing apparatus searched for a reported “sometimes resident” inside the house, which contained a “high fuel load”, FRV stated.

No occupants were found.

Using six pumpers and five other appliances, firefighters brought the blaze under control within an hour.

The scene has been handed to Victoria Police investigators.

Springvale man charged with murder A 20-year-old Springvale man has been charged with murder after a woman found dead in her Glendale Road home on 10 February.

The 41-year-old woman and the man were known to each other, police say.

Homicide Squad detectives arrested the man in the Melbourne CBD on the afternoon of Monday 14 February.

He was interviewed by police and charged with murder.

The man was expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that night.

Shoe robber ‘preyed’ on women

City of Greater Dandenong chief executive John Bennie. 267435 “So there’s three clear outcomes that found the council was not culpable.”

According to the police review, Mr Bennie had received information as Greater Dandenong CEO about the forced shutdown order of ICF. The alleged breach was in then disclosing the information to a Community Chef and Regional Kitchen joint board meeting prior to it being publicly announced by then-acting Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton that afternoon.

Community Chef – which was part-owned by the council at the time - and ICF were direct competitors in providing food for Meals on

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Wheels and like services.

The police review cleared two council environmental officers - who investigated ICF prior to its closure - of criminal conduct.

It identified “two contradictions” in one of the officers’ 40-plus page statement – which were a “mere mistake of fact as opposed to an intent to fabricate evidence in order to pervert the course of justice”.

A Victoria Police spokesperson stated on 16 February that it conducted a “thorough investigation however no criminal action was detected”.

“There is absolutely no truth to the accusation that Victoria Police delayed the investigation.”

No foul in board’s early briefing: Inquiry

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Hallam raid

nouncement had been made in relation to I Cook Foods.”

He briefed the meeting because he “thought it was relevant in the context of all things we were talking about in the sector”.

“I thought it was then relevant and appropriate that I indicate what I understood about the situation.”

Community Chef Joe Ciccarone also told the inquiry that Mr Bennie briefed the board after the closure was “public knowledge”.

However, Liberal MP Wendy Lovell told Mr Ciccarone that this information “seems to be incorrect”.

At the meeting on the day of the closure, Community Chef’s board decided to offer “assistance” to ICF’s customers.

The arrangements were short-term, and

only to ensure vulnerable customers to go without food, Mr Ciccarone said.

The business gained a “marginal” benefit from I Cook’s closure, he told the inquiry.

Out of I Cook’s former customers, only one council and an aged care home became an ongoing client, Mr Ciccarone said.

The inquiry found in 2020 that Community Chef gained additional business following the closure of ICF. But it “could not determine if this was directly due to the position held by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the City of Greater Dandenong on the Community Chef Board, or any untoward behaviour by the CEO or the City of Greater Dandenong, Community Chef or the Department of Health and Human Services,” the inquiry stated.

A man has been charged over a series of alleged robberies in which he attacked and stole shoes from women in Springvale and Clayton.

The 31-year-old had allegedly followed women, assaulted them and stolen their highend shoes, according to Melbourne Embona Taskforce detectives.

He was arrested during a police raid of a Melbourne property on Sunday 26 January.

Police say they seized stolen designer female sneakers and a conducted-energy device.

He was charged with offences including robbery, intentionally cause injury and assault with intent to commit sexual assault.

The alleged robberies occurred at Melton Street, Springvale about 10pm on 19 July, and Springvale Road, Springvale about 9.42pm on 6 October.

Other alleged attacks were in an alley off Djerring Trail on Clayton Road near Clayton railway station about 10.30pm on 14 November and the corner of Thompson Street and Flora Road near Clayton railway station about 12.10am on 10 January.

He was also charged with robbery near Batman Street in Melbourne West about 3.55am on Monday 20 December.

The man is remanded in custody to re-appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 April.

Detectives say the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Judge jails ‘deprived’ pair

By Marcus Uhe Two men have been sentenced to 19 years and seven years in prison, respectively, for a series of offences that led to the death of Abdul Hakim Naurozi in Endeavour Hills in May 2020.

Mr Naurozi died after he was shot in the face with a sawn-off double barrelled shotgun which was discharged after Blake Wynne struck him in the back of the head with the rifle.

Wynne and Jordan Fiscalini intended to rob Mr Naurozi of vials of illicit drug GHB, the court heard, which he refused to hand-over while being threatened with the shotgun and a knife, with Wynne telling Mr Naurozi “give me the juice”.

Justice Christopher Beale noted that the prosecution did not allege that Wynne “deliberately pulled the trigger” of the shotgun, but he “did not check whether it was loaded”.

Police analysis of the gun deemed it an “unsafe firearm” that could be disarmed by means other than applying pressure to the trigger.

Both men carried-out an armed robbery and an attempted armed robbery in South Melbourne, with the same firearm approximately an hour before the Endeavour Hills incident, the court heard.

Wynne, 23, pleaded guilty to constructive murder (death whilst committing another crime), one count of armed robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery and one charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Fiscalini, pleaded guilty to two armed robberies, one charge of attempted armed robbery and one charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Wynne was serving a community corrections order when the incident took place, which was considered a “circumstance of aggravation” by Justice Beale, while Fiscalini was

Calrossie Crescent, where Mr Naurozi died in May 2020. 208507 on bail at the time of offending.

In victim impact statements provided by Mr Naurozi’s family, the court heard that Mr Naurozi’s father felt that the pain experienced by the death of his son “will go on forever,” while his mother spoke of developing physical health issues due to the distress of the event.

In sentencing, Justice Beale noted that both offenders had entered guilty pleas and had “deprived” and “difficult” childhoods.

The court heard had previously spent time in prison due to weapons and drugs offences and had “poor” prospects of rehabilitation, with Wynne considered a “high risk of violently re-offending” based on a psychological report.

Wynne was diagnosed with a “severe stimulant use disorder” having first been introduced to cannabis at 13 and GHB at 16, and character references provided by family members and a former employer stated that drug use “changed” his behaviour.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“You told Dr Barth that these drugs came to dominate your life and that you were heavily intoxicated from these drugs when you committed the current offences,” Justice Beale said.

“You also became addicted to Xanax and benzodiazepines and would supplement your drug use with heavy binge drinking.

“A number of the references refer to the positive impact of your participation in drug rehabilitation in 2017, noting that you became “the real Blake” after completing the programs.

“It is clear your family hope for a similar turnaround once you are released from prison.

“Do not disappoint them. If you can get off drugs and stay off drugs, you could turn your life around, even whilst in custody.”

Two reports written by a psychologist on Fiscalini’s mental health and medical history, including diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at age 12, found that his moral

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culpability was “diminished”.

The judge noted concerns that imprisonment could have a “significant adverse effect” on Fiscalini’s mental health, but believed restricting his access to illicit drugs could “significantly improve” him.

Fiscalini was jailed for seven years, including a five-and-a-half year non-parole period, to be served concurrently with a current jail term.

Wynne’s 19-year jail term includes a 14-year non-parole period.

The standard sentence for constructive murder is 25 years but Justice Beale considered 16 years to be an appropriate sentence due Wynne not deliberately discharged the firearm.

“Although the fatal discharge of the firearm was accidental, the conduct of both of you on both occasions involved a high risk to life and tragically a life was lost and a family is left bereft.”

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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Estate stopped by traffic

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong councillors have voted down a proposed 102-dwelling estate, citing concerns about adding further cars on Chapel Road, Keysborough.

Developer PEET’s submission to subdivide the 4.1 hectares of L-shaped former farmland was rejected, six votes to four, at a council meeting on 15 February.

Under its plans, PEET was to build 58 dwellings at 182 Chapel Road and sell the remaining 44 lots for dwellings built to prescribed guidelines.

Opposing councillors raised concerns including the scale of development, traffic, emergency vehicle access and impact on “sensitive” wetlands to the north.

Keysborough South Ward councillor Rhonda Garad said the estate was “directly opposite” Keysborough Gardens Primary School – already packed with drivers at school pick-up times.

She estimated at least 200 extra vehicles would be added to an “already extremely congested road network”.

Keysborough Ward councillor Tim Dark upped the ante to potentially 400 extra resident vehicles due to the estate’s high number of four-bedroom homes.

It was a “significant amount of townhouses in an area already dense with townhouses”, he said.

The estate’s design, including the single entry point without traffic lights, posed problems for emergency vehicles.

“I’d be significantly worried about how the local fire brigade would get in and out of this development.

“This development … could potentially cause the loss of a life if something were to go drastically wrong.”

In favour, Springvale North Ward councillor Sean O’Reilly said it provided “much-needed housing” but conceded there were “valid” points against the project.

It was unfortunate that under the Planning Code, average traffic movements were assessed, not peak-time traffic, he said.

“However we’re bound by the Planning Code. It’s really futile to make objections to an application that meets the Planning Code.”

Greater Dandenong’s planning department had recommended approving a permit after negotiating amendments over the past two years.

City planning director Jody Bosman said engineers from the council and Department of Transport agreed that the project’s parking and traffic impacts met the “relevant requirements”.

In negotiations, Greater Dandenong planning officers had reduced the proposed lots down from 140, Mr Bosman said.

The proposal had been “vastly improved on what may have been approved by VCAT”.

They “arrived at a suitable balance” between two, three and four-bedroom dwellings.

“Considerable” work had been done to minimise vegetation loss, to protect five of the six remnant large trees on the site’s perimeter, and for a 0.12 hectare park within the estate.

Meanwhile, 338 dwellings are planned in four “super sites” at 182, 185, 199-209 and 220 Chapel Road, Mr Bosman said.

Each estate had been through a “full planning assessment”, including traffic, environment and infrastructure matters. Each of them complied with the planning scheme, he said.

Mr Bosman said it was open to PEET to appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Peak-time traffic on Chapel Road. 184467

Councillors refused a permit for 102 homes at 182 Chapel Road. 268435

A historic 145-year-old chapel in front of the proposed estate. 268435

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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NEWS

School captain Ahdia with a portrait of Mr Hurley. 267378

John Hurley. 267378

The students express their thanks to Mr Hurley on his last day. 267378 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Mr Hurley’s final sign-off

By Marcus Uhe Endeavour Hills’ Thomas Mitchell Primary School has bid farewell to their founding principal, John Hurley, who retired on Friday 11 February.

The school’s founding father was celebrated with a special assembly on Friday morning before the students put on a parade for him with

music and presented him with their artwork.

Mr Hurley was touched by the effort put in by all involved in the festivities.

“It was just absolutely spectacular,” Mr Hurley said. “The amount of work that everyone went to make it a lovely day for me was amazing.

“The fact that everyone was so involved

in it was absolutely fantastic.”

Mr Hurley said that he knew that there would be a ceremony or celebration of some kind to mark the occasion, but he was pleasantly taken aback by the extent of it, culminating in the afternoon as his staff provided him with a guard of honour as he left the school grounds for the final time.

“It (the guard of honour) made it really difficult to wave goodbye.”

Speaking in the following days after his send-off, the former principal said that he was still coming to terms with being retired.

“I have made no plans yet. I’m still wakingup and thinking, ‘I’ve got to get up to do this and that.’”

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Chapel Rd at crisis point

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Congestion woes on Chapel Road, Keysborough South are building into a crisis, say residents and councillors.

The issue hit a “tipping point” with a majority of Greater Dandenong councillors voting down an 102-dwelling estate at 182 Chapel Road on 14 February.

It’s part of a further 338 dwellings planned in four “super sites” at 182, 185, 199-209 and 220 Chapel Road.

The looming crush is being felt at schools such as Keysborough Gardens Primary School.

Acting principal Sherri Jenkins says the school pick-up time was a “daily challenge” for up to 15 staff who must act as traffic cops.

After-school traffic banks up along Homeleigh Road at the Chapel Road lights for an up to 30 minute grind.

“It’s not a sustainable system.

“We are dealing with local residents complaining, they’re trapped in their driveways and sometimes our parents are doubleparked. At the same time we’re trying to make sure our kids are safe.”

Ms Jenkins ponders the impact of not just the ‘super sites’ but 25 townhouses being built on the opposite side of Homeleigh Road.

“We’re a growing school so all of the proposed development around Chapel Road will have a huge impact on traffic flow.”

The campus opened on a compact site two years ago.

It already has growing pains – with little room for the 250-plus extra students expected by 2025.

Not to mention a current parking shortage for staff and parents.

Possible solutions are a second supervised crossing and a stronger push for walking to school.

Keysborough Gardens Primary School off Chapel Road has ‘growing pains’ just two years after Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS opening. 268435 Keysborough resident Gaye Guest said the issue was at a “tipping point”.

“Emergency vehicle and service vehicles access is a huge problem on the narrow roads which are filled with parked cars.

“On Chapel Road there are no more places to park in the 600-metre stretch of road that now has a bus route on it.

“The brakes need to be put on and we all need to take a deep breathe and start thinking about the detrimental effects that these hideous ‘estates’ are having on the area as a whole.”

According to the council, each ‘super site’ estate complied with Greater Dandenong’s planning scheme.

Each had been through a “full planning assessment”, including traffic, environment and infrastructure matters.

City of Greater Dandenong itself has noted “significant” congestion at peak times such as 8am-8.15am on weekdays, as well as increasing traffic volumes and a car parking crush on side streets.

Its recently updated Keysborough South traffic study blames poorly performed traffic

signals at Dandenong Bypass.

It hoped that the newly opened Mordialloc Freeway may divert traffic from Chapel road.

Greater Dandenong councillors agree the area has reached a crunch point.

As a shopper at the area’s shopping centre, Cr Tim Dark said he was “acutely aware” of the traffic congestion.

“There’s going to be significant issues when all the townhouses are built.”

The mounting problem exposed a gap in the state’s planning laws, Cr Dark said. And the council “has to deal with the hand that we’ve been given”.

Cr Rhonda Garad said “conservatively” the four super-sites could lead to an extra 1000 vehicles using the road.

“It’s inconceivable from a traffic management point of view.

“Residents are emailing and texting me – they’re worried that the quality of their lives is becoming compromised.

“It’s going to be extremely difficult to shop, to get educated and to function in Keysborough South.”

The council’s planning powers were “ex-

tremely limited” to curtail developers, Cr Garad says. Akin to a “tick-box exercise”.

“We understand the zoning was decided more than 20 years ago under the former City of Springvale – that’s when it was set in stone.

“But I don’t understand how we went from the big blocks in (nearby) Lake View Boulevard to these extensive dense super developments concentrated in one area.”

She is skeptical about whether each super site’s cumulative impact on traffic was being truly gauged.

“It’s a weakness of the planning scheme that it looks myopically at each application.”

In the meantime, there was little room to widen Chapel Road’s carriageway, Cr Garad said.

A potential solution was more effective public bus services, running every 30 minutes, to encourage less car use, she said.

Mayor Jim Memeti, who voted in favour of the 182 Chapel Road development, concedes that residents are letting council know “they’re not happy with the amount of townhouses”.

“They’re calling it over-development but the Government calls it affordable housing.”

There was a case for upgrading Chapel Road, he said.

“What residents say, and what the council and the Department of Transport say about traffic volumes are two different things.”

Greater Dandenong engineering director Paul Kearsley said large developers’ traffic impact assessment must be prepared by a qualified traffic engineering consultancy.

It must consider the current and future road network’s capacity, including the impact on nearby intersections and known future developments.

Mr Kearsley said it was too early to assess Mordialloc Freeway’s effect until travel patterns “settle”.

Steps for reconciliation

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Koori Youth Will Shake Spears dance group at the launch in Springvale. 267835 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Koori Youth Will Shake Spears dance group.

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A smoking ceremony at the Waa and Bulln Bulln corroboree fire pit. 267835

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

Launched on 14 February, the Greater Dandenong Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan has been hailed a “clear way forward”.

The document had been months in the making, endorsed by councillors, Reconciliation Australia and Bunurong Land Council.

For the past 35,000 years, Bunurong people had occupied the land, as stated by BLC in its introductory message. More than 2000 generations.

After encountering Europeans, they were reduced to “just a handful of individuals by the mid-1800s”, the BLC stated.

“We are still here, and we continue to maintain our cultural obligations to care for the people, the flora and fauna, the lands and the waters within the Bunurong cultural landscape, which is alive with our stories.”

Stories such as the bay flooding with water, asteroids landing in Cranbourne and Arthurs Seat once being an island.

Meanwhile, sacred sites remain “highly significant”. They are the places that provide archaeological evidence of how Bunurong ancestors interacted and adapted.

“In Melbourne especially, so much has been destroyed and lost as the city grew, and so quickly.

“If you lose enough of something, what little you have left becomes so much more important.”

Greater Dandenong is home to about 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, with a further 4000 in the greater south east region.

The plan’s launch at Waa and Bulln Bulln Corroboree Fire Pit at Springvale Community Hub featured Welcome to Country from Bunurong elder Uncle Shane Clarke, a traditional smoking ceremony and a performance

by Koori Youth Will Shake Spears dance group.

Yorta Yorta and Gunai artist Dixon Patten created an artwork for the plan.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti, in his written foreword, to the plan, said it out-

Uncle Shane Clarke delivers Welcome to Country. 267835 lines a “clear way forward”.

“I warmly invite all community members to join us in this journey of reconciliation, helping us to forge a community which celebrates and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as well as their cultures, histories, and knowledge.”

Among the plan’s initiatives is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group to the council.

It also committed to staging National Reconciliation Week events as well as Welcome to Country at six or more significant council events a year.

There will be more interpretive signage and artwork promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

The council will work to increase its First Peoples workforce. Currently, it employs three staff identifying as Aboriginal among a workforce of 931.

Reconciliation, positive race relations and cultural awareness will be promoted within the council’s walls and across the community.

It will also strive to improve health and well-being of Australia’s First Peoples. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

The ‘pared-down’ apartment design refused by Greater Dandenong Council and VCAT in 2021.

The townhouses design approved by Greater Dandenong Council in late 2021.

The original ‘cutting edge’ apartment design that had to be ‘pulled back’.

Townhouses greenlighted

By Cam Lucadou-Wells After a decade of planning battles and redrafts, a developer has won a permit to build threestorey townhouses at 66 Herbert Street Dandenong.

The seven terrace units from WCL Development Pty Ltd come after a VCAT win in 2013, an expired permit, a refusal from Greater Dandenong Council and finally a refusal from VCAT for a three-storey, 13-dwelling apartment block on the site in April 2021.

WCL director William Lay, says he’s a small developer who has lived in Greater Dandenong all of his life.

He had been confident of winning the VCAT hearing given there were several taller apartments nearby.

However he was shocked when VCAT senior

member Bill Sibonis ruled that the “bulky” three-storey apartment block didn’t suit the northern “edge” of central Dandenong’s “substantial change area”.

There was no dispute that increased density housing of up to four storeys was permitted in the Residential Growth Zone 2, Mr Sibonis stated.

However the “large and bulky” structure with shallow setbacks and expanses of “unrelieved wall planes” didn’t fit in with the “incremental change” area on the opposite side of the street.

“A more tempered built form is required,” Mr Sibonis stated.

Two previous applications for a three-storey building on the site were made in 2011 and 2014.

The first was refused by the council, the

second was issued a permit by VCAT but had since expired.

Along the way, he pared down a more “cutting-edge” apartment building design as he sought but didn’t win approval in 2021.

“My family is a migrant family. And I see a lot of migrants just trying to get started, and there’s a lot of crumby old houses around Dandenong.

“I figured that I could make these townhouses and apartments with modern fittings and fixtures.

“We went for a design that you’d see in Glen Iris and Malvern - but it was too cutting edge.”

The ill-fated VCAT hearing - with the hire of barristers and experts in planning, traffic and landscaping - cost about $40,000.

Mr Lay says he expects to make a loss on the site. And that’s even with the hope that “the

market doesn’t crash with the interest rate rise”.

After going back to the drawing board, the latest permit for a similarly bulky but blander townhouse project was quietly granted by a Greater Dandenong planning delegate on 23 December.

When asked why it was decided by councillors at a public meeting, city planning director Jody Bosman said the application “received only one objection, and was determined in accordance with relevant planning legislation and delegations”.

Mr Lay said he expected construction to start by July.

Unlike the stereotypical developer, he’s not greedy, and he’s not after a quick buck, he says.

“I feel that I do want to change things slowly. I’m not going to build the same thing as has been there in the past 5-10 years.”

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 9

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

Sunday trading was taking off at Dandenong Market in 2017. 235584

100 years ago 16 February 1922 Band Rotunda As most of the residents of Dandenong know a start was made on Saturday last to erect a band rotunda in the park. For some considerable time, preparations have been slowly but surely carried on, and a point has now been reached at which all the sympathisers and well wishers can show that they intend to see this carried to a final issue.

We understand through want of sufficient publicity, there were not as many at the beginning as there would have been had more efficient means been taken to notify those who are waiting to do their little towards helping the band in supplying Dandenong with that musical treat, which is worthy of the district.

We therefore appeal to our readers to come

Picture: GARY SISSONS

along on Saturday 18th and bring a hammer, saw, chisel and punch. If they are without these things, let them come along and help erecting the rotunda in the day.

50 years ago 15 February 1972 City Council pays $39,000 for Lodge Dandenong City Council on Saturday paid $39,250 for the 19th-century Laurel Lodge property in Langhorne St Dandenong. The Journal believes the property will be used

by Council as an historical museum. Council decided at a special meeting last Thursday afternoon to bid for the two-storey mansion at an action on Saturday. About 200 people attended the auction, the bidding started at $20,000.

A total of 29 bids were made before Mr Allison knocked Laurel Lodge down to Mr Angus

Facey, acting on behalf of the council.

20 years ago 18 February 2002 Is it Art or Eyesore?

Journal comment – Those who read in the Age on Thursday about the plan to bring ‘With and With Each Other’ to Dandenong can be forgiven for raising an eyebrow, as we did.

Not that we frown on culture – in fact culturally, Dandenong could teach those in the city a lesson or two – but do we need to be the dumping ground for something those in Melbourne have grown tired of?

If that’s to be the case, then surely there are better spots in the city than the corner of Princes Highway and Frankston-Dandenong Rd? Not only will it be a distraction to motorists at one of the busiest intersections, it will also

be hidden away.

Better to put it somewhere where people will be able to get close and appreciate what American sculptor Tom Bills was trying to achieve. That is if ‘With and With Each Other’ comes to Dandenong.

5 years ago 20 February 2017 It’s none of our business but Sunday trading at Dandenong Market is now more popular than the traditional Tuesday Market.

Visitor numbers have grown from 9000 to 21,500 since the market first opened on Sunday two years ago, corporate services director Mick Jaensch told the Monday 13 February Greater Dandenong Council meeting.

The market board is now looking at extending Sunday trading hours.

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Beloved egg farm folds

Tuesday, 2 February, 2021

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

NOW OPEN

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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ists Priyanka Kaur, Michelle Neal and Angharad Neal-Williams. Entertainment performed by singers Leah Vandenberg and Aparna Ananthuni and comedian Amna Bee. Refreshments provided.

Friday 4 March, 5.30pm-7.30pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free event. Registrations required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenongcouncil/events/celebrating-women-international-womens-day-walker-street-gallery

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Outdoor cinema Springvale Community Hub hosts the return of Council’s free Open Air Movies program from 12 February. There will be some seating available at the Hub, however patrons are encouraged to bring a rug or fold up chair and picnic to enjoy.

Under Covid safe guidelines, shared surfaces will be deep cleaned thoroughly and hand sanitiser will be available.

The next screenings are Big on Friday 25 February, 7pm and Bend It Like Beckham on Friday 4 March, 7pm.

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

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Dinner with a View Federal MP Julian Hill will be guest speaker at the next dinner meeting of Dandenong Evening VIEW Club. The club supports the SMITH FAMILY’s Learning for Life program.

New Members and guests are very welcome.

Bookings essential.

Tuesday 1 March, 7pm at Dandenong RSL, 44-50 Clow Street Dandenong. Details: Brigitte, 9795 1222.

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NEWS

$100k scratchie windfall A Noble Park woman has won an instant $100,000 on a scratchie ticket.

She had scratched the prize winning $5 Crosswords ticket over a lunch break.

“At first, I thought I had scratched off nine letters, which I was pretty happy about.

“I checked the ticket over and over, but I still didn’t realise what I’d won.

“A few hours later I checked the ticket again and that’s when I realised I’d won the top prize.”

The winner plans to take a long-dreamt holiday with her family to Bethlehem.

“We haven’t done anything to celebrate just yet, but I’ve asked my children to book a really fancy restaurant in the city for us all on the weekend.

“This prize is going to be used for my family.

I’ve always wanted to take my family to Bethlehem for a big holiday.

“It’s a dream come true.”

The ticket was bought at Noble Park News.

The business’s owner Jianhui Guan said the win marked an exciting milestone for the outlet.

“Our outlet has sold a lot of big prizes over the years, but this is the biggest Instant Scratch-Its win we’ve had since I took ownership in 2020, so it’s a big moment for me.

“My team and I would like to congratulate our winner and wish her all the best with her prize. What a great win.”

Art of familiar faces around Dandenong The faces and people of Greater Dandenong are front and centre of a national portrait competition.

Artists from around Australia are invited to submit portrait works in any medium for the ‘Seen’ exhibition and competition, which is staged by the City of Greater Dandenong Council.

The subjects must live, work or study in Greater Dandenong.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the exhibition and associated prizes were a great way to meaningfully support artists.

“The Seen portrait competition and upcoming exhibition is particularly important given the creative arts has been one of the industries most heavily impacted by Covid-19.

“Seen will showcase the array of people that make up our culturally diverse community and continue to highlight Greater Dandenong as a major player in the creative sector.

“We thank our generous event sponsors Zart Art, the Drum Theatre and the Star News Group.”

All submissions are judged by a panel of industry professionals, with a $4000 cash prize handed to the Open winner.

Secondary and primary school winners, as well as their schools, receive art material packs. The student prizes also include a liveshow gift voucher at the Drum Theatre.

The People’s Choice winner receives art materials, a Drum Theatre voucher and an opportunity to exhibit in a Greater Dandenong public display space.

The Seen exhibition will be held at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong, from Tuesday 5 April-Friday 17 June.

The competition is free to enter. Up to two portraiture works can be submitted.

Complete an online entry form at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/arts-opportunities/ seen by 3pm on Friday 11 March.

To enquire, email arts@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 9706 8441.

Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ arts-opportunities/seen.

Dichotomy series, digital photograph, 2016.

Picture: VONDA KEJI

Entries Now Open

Seen

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Here’s to the real bakers There’s no mistaking what makes a ‘real bread’.

At Dandenong Market’s ‘Real Bread Week’, the choice is Lebanese, Afghan, sourdough, naan, pita, loaves, buns, cakes and pastries from its four distinct bakeries.

Each bakery oven runs from early morning to late evening, producing preservative-free, additive-free breads.

Why Not? Wooden Bakery features authentic Lebanese breads, manoush and pastries from Rhonda Tannous and husband Kamil.

Ms Tannous’s love of traditional cooking was inspired by her grandmother.

Melina’s Bakery and Larder is also a product of family tradition – five generations of bakers.

Their breads range from multigrain sourdough, sunflower rye to white ciabatta.

Kabul Kitchen specialises in hot naan bread, run by friends Ali Haidari and Mohammad Sarwari who met while immigrating to Australia by boat.

The breads are served warm, soon after being baked in a tandoor oven.

Baker Boys bakery cooks up sourdough bread, pizza bread, pies and pastries, sometimes with an Afghan twist.

Its owner Jawad Ali Zaza picked up the skills while working in bakery businesses after fleeing the Taliban more than 20 years ago.

Real Bread Week starts at Dandenong Market from Friday 18 February.

Elaine from Melina’s Bakery, Bash from The Baker Boys Bakery, Jackie from Why Not Wooden Bakery and Ali from Kabul Kitchen. 268212 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Elaine with fresh loaves at Melina’s Bakery. 268212

Bash and his father Jawad in The Baker Boys Bakery. 268212

Everything is united, we are different but share a spirit

By Venerable Thammannagama ShanthaWimala from Dhamma Sarana Keysborough Temple Everything is united The concept of unity: according to the definition, unity is the state of being undivided or joined as a whole.

All Buddhists have faith in the Buddha, his teaching (Dhamma), and the religious community (Sangha).

Moreover, based on the Lord Buddha’s teachings, Buddhists believe that everything in life is united somehow and someway.

Speaking about the concept of unity, GW Leibniz said, “many in body and one in mind”.

This exposition is based on the Buddha teaching that “we are all different but share the same spirit (united)”.

Buddhism is a way of living.

The teachings of Buddha about the noble truths and the moral code of conduct expounded by him are available for all human beings irrespective of their sex, caste, region, and religion.

It helps individuals to understand the true nature of human personality.

It promotes understanding of self along with moral code of conduct that helps all individuals to generate respect for others, honesty and also help them to develop 12 STAR JOURNAL

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MESSAGE OF

HOPE clear and strong mind power.

Buddha realised that peace would come only when the person is happy.

He wanted Man to get rid of all malice, hatred, indulgence in lower desires and evil thoughts.

He wanted to substitute these with good thoughts, worthy desires, feelings of generosity and compassion, and an attitude of serenity and composure.

Let men purify their thoughts and desires and complete happiness will be theirs.

Such a thought-effort will, then, lead to universal peace.

As a social code, Buddhism leads us to peace, understanding and integration.

Buddha tried to inculcate in his followers the sense of service and understanding with love and compassion by separating Man from passion and elevating humanistic tendency in Man with the help of morality, compassion (karuna) and concentration (samatha).

The study has found that the unity or

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

Venerable Thammannagama ShanthaWimala from Dhamma Sarana Keysborough Temple harmony taught in the Therav?da Buddhism starts from being amiable in deed, in word and in thought towards friends and general fellows.

Unity also means one should not consider

oneself greater than others - one should be respectful to them too.

Unity will make people united and go along well which results in the completeness of action. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Dream rises in the East

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A stylish $75 million hotel is the latest dramatic landmark to grace Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs.

The 171-room Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park, which towers next to Eastlink in Wantirna, was officially unveiled on Wednesday 16 February.

The hotel, designed by award-winning Peter Ryan Architects and SJB Interior designers, is aimed for both business guests and leisure travellers.

It takes advantage of being next to the giant Caribbean Park business precinct, as well as golf, wineries and attractions in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

The hotel features spacious guestrooms with separate sleep, work and play spaces, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, meeting spaces and a fitness centre.

Open for lunch and dinner, there’s ‘farm-totable’ a la carte dining at Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar. It was named after the late Archie Spooner who in 1943 bought the 255-acre former farmland for 19 pounds per acre.

His family has since transformed the area to Caribbean Park’s multi-billion-dollar business precinct over the past 30 years.

His grandson Ben Spooner, who is Caribbean Park’s director, said the farm now resembled a “micro city of industrial, office, retail and entertainment precincts” – something that would “exceed Archie’s wildest of dreams”.

Rodney Spooner, Robert Dawson and Ben Spooner at the entrance. 267997 Pictures: GARY SISSONS Mr Spooner declared Caribbean Park was now the “largest and fastest growing business precinct outside of the CBD”.

The hotel was another piece of the family’s incredible vision.

“It is an important milestone in the development of Caribbean Park that today we officially open a new Hyatt Place hotel,’’ he said.

“It’s a big day for our family. We’re incredibly proud of this latest addition to the park.”

After the travails and delays of Covid, Mr Spooner was expecting its hotel to benefit from a “strong bounce back in corporate travel in 2022”.

“We are very proud of the quality of con-

struction of this new Hyatt Place hotel which combines style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveller.”

Hyatt’s Pacific general manager and area vice-president Robert Dawson celebrated what was the second Hyatt Place hotel’s opening in Melbourne. It is the 10th in Australia.

He acknowledged that the Spooner family had “pushed to make things better”, creating a hotel that was “accessible and open”.

“We want to really take our place in the community.”

Mr Dawson welcomed the “opening” borders, though it would take a “few months” for the hotel to kick on.

Caribbean Park director Ben Spooner. 267997 “By the end of the year I think it will be a really successful operation.

“Hyatt congratulates the Spooner family on this significant investment.

“We are proud to partner with Caribbean Park to create this new hotel which will introduce new standards in service and accommodation into this region.”

Mr Spooner’s father and family patriarch Rodney Spooner still remembers the former pastures on the site.

And keeps an image of the original contract signed by his father Archie to buy the land.

“To see them build this building is a dream come true.”

FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE

Age, health and nutrition As we age our nutrition needs also change and it’s important to understand and recognise how a well-balanced diet can help reduce the risk of many age-related health issues and help maintain the best quality of life in our older years. Illness, loss of appetite and reduced independence can all contribute to malnutrition in many older persons. Loss of appetite is common in the elderly and can cause significant weight loss, frailty and exacerbate chronic illnesses.

When requiring aged care services, new residents often present with common health ailments brought on by diet deficiencies, dehydration and food textures that hinder the intake and enjoyment of food. At Belvedere, the seasonal menus are carefully planned by the in-house Chef in collaboration with their Dietician and residents. This ensures nutritionally balanced menu offerings that delight the residents and support their nutritional intake.

At Belvedere Aged Care they celebrate the

culturally rich residence with a menu offering that acknowledges the cultural heritage, customs, and uniqueness of every resident. They proudly source local, fresh ingredients with careful attention to ensure reduced salt and the limited use of processed foods and sugars.

For modified foods textured meals are beautifully presented with rich natural colours, flavours and high nutritional value.

As part of the commitment to continuously improving the menu, all residents and their representative are welcomed to provide direct feedback to the Chef and attend their regular Food Focus meetings. Regular feedback is encouraged and valued to support the residents’ agency and contribution to their menu selections.

Belvedere is proud to be at the forefront of aged care dining. To find out more about Belvedere Aged Care, book a private tour of their home and see how they can best support your care needs. Call Belvedere Aged Care today on 03 9574 1355 or visit belvedere.com.au

For the hard of hearing

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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.

“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.

“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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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

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Station ready for action The new train station at Merinda Park is now ready for passengers a year ahead of schedule as part of the Cranbourne Line Duplication.

The opening coincided with a new train timetable beginning Sunday 13 February, thanks to eight kilometres of track duplication between Cranbourne and Dandenong, meaning trains every 10 minutes on average in the morning peak for passengers travelling from Cranbourne, Lynbrook and Merinda Park stations.

The new station includes a new pedestrian under-pass, allowing locals to safely cross the rail line.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was joined by local MPs Pauline Richards (Cranbourne), Gary Maas (Narre Warren South), Gabrielle Williams (Dandenong), Sonya Kilkenny (Carrum) and Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan on Sunday to mark the occasion.

The new station at Merinda Park in Cranbourne.

268525 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS The Premier said he was thrilled with the progress of work on the Cranbourne line.

“We’ve promised to remove dangerous and congested level crossings, so you can spend less time in traffic and more time with your loved ones, and we’re smashing our targets,”

Mr Andrews said.

“15 level crossings are being removed on the Cranbourne line, with 13 already gone for good, and two more will make the line level crossing-free by 2025, changing the way people live, work and travel.”

More than 22 kilometres of steel, 20,000 tonnes of ballast and 16,000 concrete sleepers have been used to duplicate the single line track between Cranbourne and Dandenong, including building two new rail bridges over Eumemmering Creek and Abbotts Road, with the duplication paving the way for a future rail extension to Clyde.

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said she was excited for local residents to use the new facilities.

“Our community has been counting down for these extra train services, the removal of the level crossing and the new station at Merinda

Park, and I’m thrilled they’re now able to enjoy these tremendous benefits,” Ms Richards said.

It also comes as locals and businesses in Dandenong South celebrate the removal of the boom gates at Greens Road, with trains running over two new 600-metre rail bridges.

South East road users can also look forward to significant road upgrades and improved travel times, with construction progressing on Hallam North and Heatherton Road, Lathams Road, Golf Links Road and Western Port Highway.

The project at Greens Road will complement the nearby Monash Freeway Upgrade, which will offer an additional 36 kilometres of new lanes between Warrigal Road and Cardinia Road, scheduled for completion in 2022.

For more information about the new timetable or projects in the southeast visit bigbuild. vic.gov.au

Inquiry launched into management of witness welfare

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An inquiry has been launched into the management of witnesses’ welfare by IBAC in the wake of the sudden death of former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon.

Victoria Parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee announced on 10 February that it would hold public hearings on the issue.

It will examine IBAC (the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission) and other state integrity watchdogs - the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner, the Victorian Inspectorate and the Victorian Ombudsman.

Committee chair and Labor MP Jill Hennessy said the committee unanimously resolved on 9 February to make the issue its “focus” in its annual review and monitoring of the integrity agencies’ performances.

Ms Stapledon, 58, was said by friends to have been rocked by an IBAC inquiry into alleged corruption by Casey councillors.

She 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.

Her close friend Kerril Burns was among several who said the two-year IBAC inquiry had a deep impact on Ms Stapledon.

She called for a thorough investigation of the treatment of IBAC witnesses.

At the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry in 2020, Ms Stapledon conceded that she’d failed to properly declare a conflict of interest at council – namely a $25,000 state election donation from property developer John Woodman who had a stake in rezoning industrial land in Cranbourne West.

After the 2016 council election, Ms Stapledon also omitted declaring being part of Mr Woodman’s $100,000 campaign for a group of “like-minded” candidates.

She had said she was uncertain whether Mr Woodman had funded the campaign.

The inquiry also examined her meet-

ing with Mr Woodman shortly before being elected as mayor in 2018.

“Mr Woodman has never asked me to do anything for him,” Ms Stapledon told the inquiry.

“I need to be very clear there: he has done nothing improper in that regard.”

An IBAC spokesperson said that IBAC “welcomes the opportunity to participate in the IOC’s regular annual review of integrity agency performance, and answer questions on witness welfare and other aspects of IBAC’s role”.

The inquiry’s report is due to be tabled in Parliament by 23 June.

COSTUMeS Order now: aussietoysonline.com.au 12531136-HC02-22

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Albanian traditions alive

By Cam Lucadou-Wells After a five year hiatus, the Albanian Festival returns to Dandenong.

Featuring three local folk bands, dance, costumes and foods, the celebration aims to keep traditions alive.

Australian Albanian Community Association of Dandenong Keshava president Riza Jaupi is expecting up to 2000 to flock to the festival.

“We just try to get our Albanian community together. We don’t want to lose our culture and our language.

“The more you do things like this for the young generation, the more of these traditions we will keep.”

Plans to revive the event over the past two years had been stalled by Covid.

“We used to have it in Dandenong Park every year. We expect to again make it an annual event on the last Sunday of February.

“It’s an ideal time. As Albanians, we don’t usually do any weddings in February because it’s a short month.”

Folk musicians include teen group Boys from Keshava performing with clarinet, drum, accordian and the double-stringed guitar (cifteli). Traditional foods include cevapi sausages, byrek pies and baklava sweets.

The event includes free children’s rides.

Albanian Festival is at George Andrews Reserve, Trewin Street, Dandenong South on Sunday 6 March, 10am-7pm.

Riza Jaupi, back centre, mayor Jim Memeti, back second right, with Albanian community leaders, musicians and children in traditional Picture: GARY SISSONS costume. 268016

Elective surgery set to resume under State Govt plan Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley has announced that all elective surgery across public and private hospitals can resume by the end of the month, as Covid-19 case numbers due to the Omicron wave stabilise.

From Monday 21 February public hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne will be able to perform Category 2 surgery, while the Minister will also consider further changes to allow all surgery to resume from 28 February, subject to supporting streaming sites, with a focus on treating Category 1 and Category 2 patients within clinically recommended time.

The rolling seven-day average of Covid-19 hospitalisations is 457 patients, decreasing from a peak of more than 1200 patients in mid-January 2022.

The number of staff unavailable due to Covid-19 has dropped by around two-thirds, currently at around 1400 people.

Mr Foley has signed off on a plan that balances the health system response and workforce pressures with ensuring Victorians can access important surgery they’ve been waiting for.

“With hospitalisations steadily declining and staff availability improving, we’re in a strong position to remove the remaining restrictions and ensure delayed appointments can be rescheduled as quickly as possible,” Mr Foley said.

“Our entire healthcare workforce has done an incredible job getting us through the Omicron wave. Our approach needs to be cautious and steady to ensure they’re able to cope without being further affected by fatigue and furloughs.”

“We understand that this has been a difficult time for many people waiting for surgery and we thank them for their patience while we managed the peak of the Omicron variant.”

Each hospital will individually assess their own capacity based on staff availability and Covid-19 demands, with 44 hospitals still operating as Covid-19 streaming hospitals.

Private hospitals will also be able to increase their elective surgery activity as long dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Picture: UNSPLASH

All elective surgery can resume by the end of the month in Victoria. 268970 as they can continue to provide support for public hospitals.

From Monday 21 February, private hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne can undertake up to 75 per cent of any elective surgery

activity, increasing from 50 per cent.

Minister Foley will then consider increasing this on Monday 28 February to up to 100 per cent.

In regional Victoria, the cap for private

hospitals will increase from the current 75 per cent to up to 100 per cent on Monday 21 February, while regional public hospitals continue to deliver any elective surgery based on their individual capacity.

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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Welcome for new arrivals A welcome event for recently-arrived residents from Afghanistan was staged at Harmony Square in Dandenong.

The free event New Beginnings staged by City of Greater Dandenong sought to connect the Afghanistan community in the South East to local arts and culture.

It also provided information on services such as housing, employment, food and material aid.

“Social inclusion and community participation are exceptionally important values Council upholds, and it is imperative that we support our newly arrived Afghan community

members, so they feel welcome and supported,” mayor Jim Memeti said.

“Council is proud that this city is a refugee welcome zone and we hope events like this inspire others to celebrate inclusivity and to extend a helping hand.”

The event included children’s activities, Welcome to Country, live performances by Afghanistan cultural groups and artists, a Halal barbecue and library tours.

It was supported by the Board of Imams Victoria, the Drum Theatre, Multicultural Arts Victoria, South East Community Links and Uniting Victoria and Tasmania.

Noonan’s new radio show is ready to make waves

By Marcus Uhe Michelle Anne Noonan’s new Casey Radio program is bringing her love of poetry to the airwaves in the south east.

Ms Noonan launched ‘Poets Corner’, a Sunday afternoon hour of poetry power, in January, platforming emerging creatives from around the area to showcase their skills, and discuss the art.

Ms Noonan has written poetry since her kinder days, having grown up immersing herself in Shakespeare and the language of Old English, despite the extra research required to find out what it was she was actually reading.

She ran a poetry group called ‘Poetry Pastures’ and has written multiple books, including ‘Silence Speaks Beauty’ and ‘Sensual Whispers’.

“I just adore writing poetry, going outdoors in the middle of the weekend, lying down a picnic rug and just writing,” Ms Noonan said of her relationship to the literacy.

“Throughout high school I wrote poetry so much. I wrote poems for people in relationships when they didn’t know what to say to their partner.”

Ms Noonan coordinates hosting the show as a volunteer around her full-time work commitments in customer relations.

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Each week the show looks to highlight a different topic; Her first show coincided with January 26 and was Australia Day themed, and in the coming weeks her show will spotlight love (20 February), hilarious rhymes (27 February), mental health awareness (6 March) and indie poets (13 March).

One of the aims of the show is to promote the use of poetry as an effective coping mechanism for people struggling with their mental health.

Ms Noonan is hoping that kids and teenagers follow her lead and begin putting pen to paper, as a way to deal with the ups and downs of adolescence which have been compounded by lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions.

“Kids experience frightening things.

“Sitting down with a pen and just getting it onto a piece of paper can really help.”

There are no limitations on the style or genre of the poem, with poets all abilities encouraged to submit their work and grow the community of creative writers in the area.

Poets Corner airs on Sunday afternoons at 5pm on Casey Radio, 97.7FM. If you are interested in having your work shared on the air, simply email poetscorner977fm@gmail.com with an audio recording of your work.

Density requirements will be removed from Friday 18 February under new pandemic orders.

245744

Hospitality venues win in new pandemic measures New pandemic orders to be introduced from 6pm Friday 18 February will see the return of indoor dancefloors and the removal of density quotients at hospitality and entertainment venues, while check-ins and vaccination status checks will be limited to ‘vaccinated economy’ settings.

QR code check-in and vaccination check requirements will no-longer be required at retail venues, schools (including childcare and early childhood) and for employees at many workplaces, but will remain at hospitality and entertainment venues.

The announcements come as hospitalisation numbers and community transmission continues to decrease while the third dose vaccination rate for Victorians aged 18+ reached 53 per cent as of Thursday 17 February.

Health Minister Martin Foley described the changes as “safe and sensible”, balancing the need to support the health system with the benefits of easing restrictions.

“Changes to QR code requirements will still support our focus on the highest-risk settings most likely to generate superspreader events, and we will keep reviewing the system over time in line with the epide-

miological situation,” he said.

Work from home recommendations and office-based mitigation strategies such as face mask requirements will be considered for removal by Minister Foley with consideration to those who have received a third dose of the vaccine.

Requirements for hospital worker ‘bubbles’ and mandatory surveillance testing for key industries including meat processing will be become recommended-only, however but health services may still implement them at their discretion.

International arrivals will no longer be required to obtain an international arrivals permit through Service Victoria and the 14-day hotel quarantine period for international visitors and aircrew who aren’t fully vaccinated or medically exempt will reduce to seven days.

Victoria recorded 8501 new cases of Covid-19 and nine deaths on Thursday.

Further details on the new restrictions coming into place this week will be published online at coronavirus.vic.gov.au from 6pm on 18 February.

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

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 17

NEWS

Tee off for a good cause Take A Swing For Charity golf day is back for its 13th year on the fairways.

The aim of the day is for businesses and industry to have a bit of friendly competition and networking – all while supporting the community.

This year’s event will benefit Dandenongbased Wellsprings for Women.

The funds will help Wellsprings buy a truck and to fit-out a commercial kitchen and servery.

The kitchen will be used by the charity’s Cultural Cuisines program, which trains and empowers local women for roles in the catering industry.

In the past, Take A Swing has raised $500,000 for charities, including school uniforms, books and material aid such as baby

clothes, formula milk and food.

Home medical care and mental health services have also been supported, as well as the purchase of refrigeration vans for food deliveries.

Sensory gardens and lifting equipment for people living with disabilities has also been funded.

Major sponsors for the event include: KPJ Group, Grenda Group, Macpherson Kelley, Telstra Business Technology Centre and Erntec.

The prize of a Kia car from Booran Motors is on offer to anyone that lands a hole-in-one.

The charity golf day is on Wednesday, 23 February at Victoria Golf Club in Cheltenham.

To register, go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov. au/south-east-business-networks-sebn/takeswing-charity-golf-day

Grant Guenther (Macpherson Kelley), Rick Stephenson (Booran Motors), Dalal Smiley and Robyn Erwin (Wellsprings for Women), Quintin Prince (Erntec), Greater Dandenong chief executive John Picture: GARY SISSONS Bennie and Sam Morris (KPJ Group). 267435

Pearcedale produce proves popular at petite pantry

By Marcus Uhe If you’re in need of some fresh home-grown produce and enjoy supporting the local community, be sure to swing by Julieann’s Petite Pantry in Pearcedale.

The pantry stocks a bounty of home grown fruits and vegetables from her abundance of trees and vines, including pears, apples, peaches, passionfruits, nectarines, oranges, figs, tamarillos and cherry tomatoes, along with packaged foods and sanitary products, and welcomes contributions from locals.

Julieann, who asked to not have her surname published, has been a participant in local swap-meets for years and was inspired by other similar projects in her network of swappers.

“We always have excess of everything,” Julieann said. “When I’ve had excess I’ve put some out the front of my place.

“Ladies from swap meet started their own pantries and I thought I might as well give it a go. There’s going to be people who need fresh produce and groceries.

“It’s whatever people can bring and swap; maybe it’s just a packet of pasta and sauce.

“It can be for anyone in the community, it doesn’t have to be for needy families.”

Located at the front fence of Julieann’s farm, the cupboard is discreetly shaded by trees in an effort to ensure that no one feels ashamed or embarrassed about being seen accessing the produce on offer.

What started with just one initial cupboard has expanded to include a shelving unit due the overflow of products, and an old clothing rack to hang herb plants, meticulously labelled to ensure everyone knows what they’re selecting, with pots donated by those accessing the pantry as a way to give back.

The farm that Julieann has called home for the last eight years could act as a greengrocer on its own, such is the scope of the produce on offer.

And what doesn’t get collected becomes used as compost and fertiliser, or is fed to the goats, sheep and chickens that share the property, in order to minimise wastage.

She grew up in Melbourne’s suburbs but was told that she should be living on a farm by people “since I was a kid.”

“I like being able to go into the yard, pick something and eat it. That’s how it is.”

The pantry itself is sporting a fresh design, courtesy of Pearcedale artist Janice Mills, inscribed with the motto “take what you need, leave what you can.”

“What I love most is sharing.

“In a world where a lot of the focus is on money and we’re frequently consumed by the need for money, we make this a cash-free event.

“I’ve had contacts from people thanking me for starting the pantry, who have said ‘I’ve got a friend who pays for the supermarket with afterpay who uses the pantry’.

“I just want other people to be able to enjoy that freshness, and to spread the message 18 STAR JOURNAL

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The pantry sporting a fresh design, courtesy of local artist Janice Mills. 268917 Picture: SUPPLIED

Fresh corn, cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden. 268917

Bromley heritage cooking apples, ideal for cooking. 268917

The pantry also contains packaged goods. 268917

Janice Mills’ artwork. 268917

Spice up your meals with some herbs. 268917

Plenty of tomatoes to go around. 268917

of kindness and sharing without expecting anything back.

“It only takes one person to start some-

thing small like this to make a difference to their community.”

The pantry is free for everyone in the com-

munity to access and contribute to from the outskirts of Julieann’s 10-acre property on East Rd, Pearcedale.

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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• Noble Park Harrisfield Milkbar 519 Princes Highway • Noble Park North Halton Road Milk Bar 65 Coolavin Road • Noble Park North Jan Wilson Community Centre Halton Road (Barry J Powell Reserve) • Noble Park North Jacksons Road Service Station 139 Jacksons Road • Springvale Century 21 Real Estate Shop 5-6/64 Buckingham Avenue • Springvale Springvale Shopping Centre 46-58 Buckingham Avenue • Springvale KFL Supermarket 46-58 Buckingham Avenue (Springvale Shopping Centre) • Springvale Waltzing Matilda Hotel 856 Heatherton Road • Springvale Springvale Learning & Activities Centre 1 Osborne Avenue • Springvale Springvale RSL 23 Osborne Avenue • Springvale Caltex Woolworths Springvale 102 Police Road • Springvale Aobao Milk Bar 106 Police Road • Springvale Savemore Supermarket 774 Princes Highway • Springvale Coles Supermarket 825 Princes Highway • Springvale Sundowner Caravan & Cabin Park 870 Princes Highway • Springvale Springvale Neighbourhood House 46-50 Queens Avenue • Springvale Biggin Scott Real Estate 363 Springvale Road • Springvale Raine and Horne Real Estate 236 Springvale Road • Springvale Woolworths Supermarket 302 Springvale Road • Springvale Springvale Newsagency 321 Springvale Road • Springvale Springvale Library 411 Springvale Road • Springvale City of Greater Dandenong Customer Service Centre 397-405 Springvale Road • Springvale South Southvale Newsagency 565 Springvale Road • Springvale South Koh’s Marketplace 162-170 Athol Road (Athol Road Shopping Centre) • Springvale South BP Service Station Springvale Road & Clarke Road • Springvale South Springvale Plaza Pharmacy and Tattslotto 3/800 Heatherton Road (Springvale Plaza) • Springvale South BP Springvale 974 Heatherton Road • Wheelers Hill Mulgrave Country Club Wellington Road & Jells Road

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

Buckley Ridges and Springvale South have met to iron out previous issues.

Picture: TYLER LEWIS

DDCA rivals settle score

By Tyler Lewis Dandenong District Cricket Association powerhouses Springvale South and Buckley Ridges have met to respectfully settle its indiscretions of recent seasons.

The two clubs have always been competitive and shared a healthy rivalry, but in recent times, the rivalry has toyed with, and then fallen across the line.

The Bloods and the Bucks have had a plethora of differences in the past, but have trickled over the boundary in recent years.

The clubs released a statement via its social media channels on Tuesday morning: “Dear Supporters, on behalf of Buckley Ridges Cricket Club and Springvale South Cricket Club committees, we are addressing all club supporters jointly to advise that we have met together as club representatives to discuss the several issues that have occurred between the two clubs over the past seasons, and how we can move forward together without incidence,” the statement read.

“The two clubs have jointly agreed that it is important that we provide a safer and more inclusive environment without incidents moving forward, and that whilst we respect the competitiveness of the players, that we also ensure that we remain respectful of each other off the ground.

“We are committed to change, and we are asking all supporters and players to adhere to some simple guidelines that will ensure that our club’s games will be competitive but enjoy22 STAR JOURNAL

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able for all involved and that we can build an improved relationship moving forward”.

The requested guidelines are as follows: “Ensure that there are no derogatory comments on social media regarding players and/ or supporters of either clubs,” the statement read.

“Take responsibility for your own actions at the game and ensure that you behave in a respectful manner towards the opposition club, supporters and umpires.

“If you see your mate moving outside the guidelines, take a moment to pull him up and remind him of the required behaviour”.

The statement then concluded by encouraging the clubs to meet in unity after games for a cold drink and celebrate the talent both clubs have to offer on the field.

“We also encourage our supporters and players to support the opposition when you are a guest at their ground by enjoying a cold drink after the game and celebrating the game of cricket and the exciting players that we both have”.

Buckley Ridges president Sonny De Silva spoke to the Gazette after the statement was released on Tuesday morning, admitting it was time the two clubs ironed out its differences.

“Things have not been going well, there were some issues last year and then again this year,” De Silva said.

“At the start of the game (this year), I went up to ‘Quirky’ (Jason Quirk) and wished him well and said ‘let’s move forward’.

·

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

“They contacted us post that game because there was an incident that happened, they said let’s put out a joint statement, they came up with some ideas and we met,” he said.

De Silva was pleased the meeting occurred, and commended Springvale South for taking the first action to smooth things over.

“It should never be anything more than playing hard on the ground,” he said.

“Cricket is just a game, you come off and at the end of the day you have to respect each and every person no matter of what team they represent.

“You have to have fun and it is crazy that some of these boundaries have been crossed, I for one as president of Buckley won’t tolerate it (poor behaviour), there is historical issues and people just lose it.

“I feel I need to lead and take control from our end as much as possible, it was great that Springy South initiated this meeting and we have now joined in this to stand together.

“It’s great for cricket I think,” De Silva said.

Springvale South committee chairman Tim Cockayne also spoke to the Gazette and was in the process for both clubs joining arms in a smoother off-field relationship.

“Over a number of years there have been a number of incidents between more the supporters of the clubs,” he said.

“The relationship had deteriorated over a period of time and we just felt it was time it was corrected.

“They (Buckley Ridges) accepted the ap-

proach gleefully and agreed that it would be a great thing to sit down and correct that behaviour and make it better for all supporters.

“We moved positively together from that moment, it was actually a really simple exercise (because) we all wanted the same thing.

“We have a great respect for each other on the ground and we want to have a better respect for each other off the ground, both clubs are looking for the same thing.

“The guys at Buckley were fantastic, we agreed on a couple actions, one of them was to write that letter, the next was to speak to all our players about it, and the third was to put actions in place of words at the games,” Cockayne said.

Cockayne revealed the games are still ‘highly anticipated’ between the two clubs and – despite the issues – have still been enjoyable, but the clubs are just now working in arms to create a better off-field environment.

“They were always fun, always exciting and highly anticipated,” he said.

“Unfortunately there were always those side comments that were negative around the way those supporters spoke of the other club.

“We want to have a really strong and competitive game every time we play Buckley Ridges, we want to give them no quarter, but we can do that with respect.

“Both our clubs want to welcome families, wives and females to the games and this is just a step we need to take,” Cockayne said.

The Bucks and the Bloods are set to play this Sunday in the rescheduled opening round of the DDCA season. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Batters on high alert at Shepley

By Tyler Lewis

Universal Lady, in the orange silks, is driven to the line by John Allen to give Ciaron Maher and David Eustace a winning treble at Sandown. 269395 Picture: PAT SCALA/RACING PHOTOS

Maher show rolls on

By David Nagel The move of its training base from Caulfield to Cranbourne has not slowed down the dominance of Victoria’s leading training partnership – Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

The pair – who trained 228 winners last season – has continued to take all before it since moving to Cranbourne late last year.

They have trained a total of 150 winners across Victorian tracks since the new racing season began on August 1 last year.

The Maher/Eustace camp added a further three winners to their burgeoning list with a winning treble at Sandown Hillside on Wednesday.

The pair kicked off the day handsomely, scoring in race two with Sir Bailey, then added another when John Allen booted home Rapid Achiever in race five on the card.

The day was then complete when their four-year-old mare, Universal Lady, stormed home, with Allen aboard again, to win a classic finish in the seventh race on the program.

Allen settled the daughter of Exceed and Excel/Bound for Earth at the back end of the seven horse field, before making his move at the 300-metre mark.

Universal Lady never looked the winner until the shadows of the post, catching the leader and then holding off the fast-finishing All Stardom to win by a neck on the line.

It was Universal Lady’s first win since August 21 last year, with top-four finishes in all six subsequent runs.

Eustace spoke post-race, shortly after celebrating with his team.

“They’ve done a great job with her, the team back at home, she’s been up a long time and if ever a filly or mare deserved a win in town it’s her,” Eustace said.

“She’s ran plenty of placings and just missed the mark.”

Eustace then applauded the ride of the Allen, and a very patient ownership group.

“It was a great ride from Johnnie, he pulled his stick through to the left and gave her a

couple of taps and she really stretched, it was a really good ride.

“And the owners have been very patient with her because she used to be called the money muncher in her early days.

“She got beaten at odds-on plenty of times but this one is a good result.”

Eustace said he thought the run of placings was set to continue when Universal Lady still had a length to make up over the last half-furlong.

“I thought we were going to get the same result…good run but not quite get there,” he said.

“It’s taken us a long time to work her out, the big track, short trip, she just seems to take that little bit of time to kick into gear and she’s more explosive ridden that little bit more patiently.”

Universal Lady has now won three of 15 starts and racked up $115,000 in prizemoney.

Racing returns to Sandown this Wednesday 23 February for another twilight meeting.

Potential Launching Pad stars at Sandown

By Luke Corda A collection of the state’s finest young talents were on display at Sandown Park on Thursday night, just weeks out from the $460,000 Launching Pad series.

Highly-promising sprinter Amlin Emperor got the night started with a strong all-the-way victory over Extreme Jewel and Mr Holyfield.

He resumed from a three-month hiatus last week at Warragul and was a dominant eightlength winner before mustering brilliantly to score his first metropolitan win last night.

Owner/trainer Gerrie Sneyders also hit a similar milestone with the victory.

“It’s my first city win as a trainer,” he said.

“I’ve owned a bred a few but as a trainer this is my first. My partner, Pearl (Terry), has had many so it’s nice to get on the board.”

The son of Aston Dee Bee has three wins from his first five starts and looks to be a significant player in next month’s Launching Pad series.

“He’s actually a brother to ‘Photo Man’ who has great ability so it’s very promising,” Sneyders said.

“He’s been brilliant over the 460-metres at Warragul and this was his first 500-metre race so he will get stronger.”

Later on, powerful sprinter Soda Success turned heads with a come-from-behind victory in race 11.

After a slow exit from the boxes, he navigated his way through the field before storming home along the rail to score in a best-of-night 29.40.

Trainer Maxwell Auld is delighted with how his boy is tracking.

“He’ll go straight into the Launching Pad,” he said.

“Once he gets that clear air, he just goes for dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

It was carnage at Shepley Oval on Sunday morning as Dandenong came away victors in one of the more remarkable Victorian Premier Cricket matches to date.

The Panthers obliterated Essendon Maribyrnong Park (EMP), castling through the Bombers for just 52.

The home side needed a victory as a loss – and other pending results – could’ve seen them fall outside of the top four with just one week remaining in the home and away season.

Una Paisley Medallist Kim Garth got the ball rolling for her side and was, quite frankly, unplayable.

The right-arm seamer claimed 4/4 in her opening three overs to force EMP to its knees at 5/7.

The onslaught was prolonged despite Garth having a breather, as Panthers seamers Lucy Cripps and Emma Gallagher kept the momentum flowing.

After Cripps and Gallagher claimed a wicket each, Garth returned in pursuit of a five-wicket haul, but it was the second run out of the innings that held her milestone at bay.

Despite needing only 53 runs for victory, the Panthers were swiftly on the back-foot, as the Bombers had some fun of their own with the ball.

Dandenong itself was 6/10, with off spinner Sam Bates and speedster Milly Illingworth injecting life into the Bombers outfit.

Young Melbourne Renegade Poppy Gardner guided her side out of the pit it was in when she strolled to the crease, by adding 29 not out to go with her wicket in the first dig.

As the Panthers ultimately reached the target in under 80 per cent of the allocated overs, not only did the Dandenong side escape the jaws of defeat, but also came away with a bonus point.

The Panthers win effectively closes the door on the final four, with Melbourne, Carlton, Dandenong and EMP the sides to be in contention comes finals time.

Amlin Emperor was an impressive winner at Sandown on Thursday night. 269382 Picture: SUPPLIED it. He was four or five lengths away coming off the back but I was confident he would chase them down.”

The win improves his Sandown record to three wins and two placing from six starts, including a slashing 29.24 on January 27.

With entry slots selling quickly, the fields for

next month’s $460,000 Launching Pad series are shaping up to be some of the strongest the competition has seen.

Earlier in the night talented Kung Pow Kevin claimed his first Sandown victory and trainer Kate Gorman wasted no time locking in a slot, purchasing just 10 minutes after the race!

Kim Garth was electric early for Dandy.

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Picture: CM THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 23

OPEN DAYS Friday 25 & Saturday 26 February, 10am-4pm Village tours running hourly

WE ARE A COMMUNITY Our village open days are a great opportunity to visit a Ryman village. Experience how easy it is to continue enjoying the lifestyle you’ve always loved while making the most of the endless opportunities available.

It’s a lifestyle Lynette knows well. She starts her day practicing yoga, and since moving to her Ryman apartment, has joined the village walking group. The friendships, camaraderie and support that have blossomed from their regular outings mean that Lynette now sees the village community as family.

“You’ve got facilities, you’ve got activities, and you don’t stop living.”

Lynette, Ryman resident

COME JOIN US Nellie Melba Village is nestled in the vibrant suburb of Wheelers Hill, across the road from Brandon Park Shopping Centre. The location of the village makes it easy to access from Monash, Eastern and Peninsula Link freeways.

There’s so much to see! Our open days are the perfect opportunity to take it all in.

NELLIE MELBA VILLAGE 2 Collegium Ave, Wheelers Hill, 03 8513 1930

3252

Vaccine certificates are required and RSVP is essential – scan the QR code to register or call the number above.

To ensure a COVID safe event we have limited each group to 8 people per hour. With limited spots available don't wait to book your tour. rymanhealthcare.com.au

12536535-DL08-22

24 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au