Dandenong Star Journal - 19th April 2022

DANDENONG

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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Parties’ major social housing pledge

Joe’s a real living treasure

Clarke’s league honour

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SPORT

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ANZAC Day service shift averted

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Leave our trees

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Furious community backlash has halted Greater Dandenong Council’s plan to “moonscape” Hemmings and Weller streets, Dandenong by felling 71 street trees in a matter of weeks.

Residents were first told of what the council described as “tree planting works” in a letter in late March.

The trees were to be removed and replaced with 102 plantings from late April to end of May to improve perceived safety as part of the Hemmings Street Precinct Action Plan.

Resident Peter O’Loughlin said the neighbourhood’s reaction ranged from shock, surprise to outright fury.

It also led to blind-sided residents in the council’s Hemmings Street Community Action Group feeling “burnt”.

Councillor Rhonda Garad said the “paternalistic” move would have effectively turned the streets to a “moonscape”.

“It’s an area that needs beautification. It would devastate the environment, take away all the bird life and with no canopy cover to protect against heat effects.

“It would be appalling. Residents would have to wait for years for the replacement trees to grow up (to the same maturity).”

Cr Garad questioned the link between community safety and wholesale tree removal. The works also ran counter to the council’s strategy to increase the municipality’s paltry tree canopy coverage.

“For (council officers) to think they can do this in a low socio-economic area and say you can live in a moonscape for five or 10 years until the trees mature.

“A lot of people don’t have back yards. And those trees are important to them.”

In the council’s public question time on 11 April, a resident said no one asked for trees to be removed during consultation on the Hemmings Street Action Plan.

Residents had sought more police patrols, less rooming houses, less vacant properties

Greater Dandenong Council has held off on plans to replace 71 street trees in Hemmings and Weller streets. 276871 and better lighting, he said.

“How was the leap made from improving lighting to cutting every tree down? There appears to be no literature to support this.”

Acting community services director Tilla Buden said the paperbark trees blocked sightlines, turned nature strips to “scorched earth”, created trip hazards and obscured street lighting.

Tree replacement was not detailed in the action plan but was “a result of determining the best strategies to address perceptions of safety”, Ms Buden said.

The trees were also identified as part of a city-wide tree replacement program under the Greening Our City strategy, she said.

The strategy identifies certain tree species being replaced across Greater Dandenong, including a species of paperbark that grows in the Hemmings Street area.

Mr O’Loughlin says the proposed removals go beyond that - extending to another paperbark species, acacias and a liquid amber tree.

Ms Buden told Star Journal that the tree works were “on hold for further consideration and consulation” due to concerns by stakeholders.

“Council is working in partnership with the Hemmings Street precinct residents and businesses.

“Council will continue to listen to our community and review their feedback in a considered way before undergoing any further works

Picture: GARY SISSONS

in the precinct.

“The proposal for tree replacement in Hemmings Street is to take a long-term approach to achieve a consistent tree canopy cover, with street tree species that align with the Greening Our City – Urban Tree Strategy.”

The $160,000 works were co-funded with a $80,000 grant from the state Department of Justice and Community Safety.

The Hemmings Street Precinct Action Plan was created to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

The State Government has granted $620,000 towards improved shopping strip streetscaping, a car park upgrade, CCTV cameras, lighting and community engagement events.

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NEWS

Hammered ‘ex’ sentenced

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A jealous ex-partner on a “two-day bender” who terrifyingly smashed his way into a woman’s unit and threatened her with a hammer has been jailed.

Daniel Lloyd, 48, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to aggravated burglary, threatening to kill, criminal damage and persistently breaching an intervention order.

After a relationship break-up, Lloyd repeatedly defied an intervention order by sending 82 “vile” abusive Facebook messages to the expartner who lived in a neighbouring unit.

It culminated in a torrent of abuse including a threat to kill the victim and smash her windows during daytime on 15 November 2020.

Soon after, Lloyd smashed her living-room window with a hammer while shouting abuse.

CCTV footage of the incident made for “terrifying viewing and listening”, sentencing judge Paul Lacava said on 13 April.

“It could only have been a terrifying experience for the victim.”

Lloyd lifted himself into the unit through the broken window and raised the hammer – leading the woman to think he’d either throw it at her or attack her with it.

“She was terrified that you were there to kill her.

“You went into the sanctity of her home armed with a weapon and for the purpose of assaulting her while she was alone.

“The only reason you did not inflict injury on the victim is she managed to flee from the unit.”

Lloyd approached the arriving police, telling them they would “have to do it the hard way”.

He was subdued with capsicum spray and handcuffed on the ground due to resisting arrest.

Lloyd later told police he hadn’t slept all day due to drinking beer stubbies all night, and described the victim as a “c***”.

During Covid, he reported drinking up to a slab a day to keep himself occupied.

He’d stopped taking his anti-psychotic medication but there was no evidence that schizophrenia was a factor in his offending.

The now-traumatised victim’s lawful attempt to protect herself with an intervention order “could not protect her from you”.

“You proceeded to treat her in a way that no

woman should have to endure.”

Lloyd’s claims that the victim had been goading him were “delusional”, the judge said.

Judge Lacava said a clear message had to be sent to others that such behaviour would likely lead to jail.

It was Lloyd’s first time in custody. His solid work history as a chef and security guard, and lack of relevant criminal history were noted.

His rehabilitation prospects were “guarded”, depending on him staying on prescription medication and off alcohol and illicit drugs, Judge Lacava said.

Lloyd was jailed for up to four-and-a-half years with a non-parole period of three years.

His term included 514 days in pre-sentence detention.

Plastic company committed to building a green future

By Jonty Ralphsmith A Dandenong-based manufacturer is bucking the negative reputation associated with plastic through its commitment to repurposing and recycling.

Garden City Plastics is showing that plastic polypropylene (PP5) can be repurposed continually after its first use so it does not contribute to litter.

In an initiative started about 18 months ago, domestic and commercial consumers can drop their plastic into one of the company’s 47 bin locations around Australia.

The company also has 500 bins in commercial nurseries and farms.

There are 13 retail bins in Victoria including at Berwick Potteries, Officer and Braeside Garden World, and seven wholesale bins including at Dingley Din San. Before being dropped off, people are asked to tap, check, stack: tap out excess soil, check it is a PP5 container and stack the containers as densely as possible.

“When the bin is full, we get an email from the nursery and within 2-3 weeks it will be made back into a product here,” sales and marketing manager Greg Carrick explained.

Whether that’s a plastic flower pot, carry tray or anything we make that’s black which is predominantly PP5.

Products are sent to polymer processes as part of the recycling process and then sold back to Garden City Plastics who will repurpose it.

Mr Carrick also highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the strategy: “a grower who grows in a black container is paying 30% less for their pot than what they would if they put it in a new coloured pot because the material is

Garden City Plastics are committed to recycling. more expensive for new pots.”

Seventy per cent of pots and carry trays Garden City Plastics make come from recycled black material.

After repurposing four tonnes of material it provided to the public in May 2021, it has lifted to 46 tonnes in February and Sales and Marketing Manager Greg Carrick said the business is striving for even better.

“We’d love to think by the end of 2022 we can collect 100 tonne a month and grow it

from there. 100 tonne very achievable and we work every day recycling – it is probably a third of my job now.

“We’re doing plenty at the moment but we know the market’s a lot broader than what we’re collecting currently so we hope to fill some part of that.”

Consumers are asked to stack their PP5 as densely as possible.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Park boost No jail for possessing child abuse material

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Yarraman railway station’s car park is set to expand, the State Government has announced.

Construction has started on the upgrade includes 55 extra car spaces, new accessible parking bays, bicycle parking, lighting, CCTV and a secured Parkiteer bike cage.

Extra trees, shrubs and grasses are also being planted. The new car park is expected to open later this year.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams called it a “great win for our community”.

“We’re making sure locals can get a park at Yarraman train station and get where they need to go.”

Keysborough MP Martin Pakula said: ““I know the community is thrilled to get the extra car parking at Yarraman Station, making it easier to find a car space and catch the train.”

The works are part of the Level Crossing Removal Project, with Nar Nar Goon, Drouin and Upper Ferntree Gully’s station car parks also being expanded.

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A Lysterfield executive has been spared jail after pleading guilty to three charges involving child abuse material.

Paul Clifford Bradley, 58, had used a Kik messaging app to receive and share the exploitative pornography across 18 days in early 2021, County Court of Victoria judge Kellie Blair said in sentencing on 31 March.

Purporting to be a female ‘Rach B’, Bradley obtained images and videos involved girls as possibly as young as six.

At times they were being sexually abused by men.

On Kik, Bradley was asked by another user if he liked “young porn”.

“Luv it,” Bradley replied.

He told another Kik user that “I luv other young girls”.

Judge Blair said Bradley’s “world forever changed” on his arrest at home by Australian Federal Police investigators on 12 February 2021.

It was a “huge fall from grace” for the married “family man” who had otherwise led an “exemplary” life.

His 38-year career, including as a “highly accomplished” state manager of a large insurance firm, was as a result brought to an “early retirement”.

“You will probably be unable to work in this field again – or any other.”

On his arrest, Bradley told police he knew it was wrong but “it was a thrill because it was taboo”.

He joined Kik in mid-2020 to look for adult pornography, but was “sucked in” after being sent attachments of child abuse material.

“You did not stop and exit the group at this time,” Judge Blair said.

“Rather you continued and agreed that you transmitted child abuse material that you had received and had conversations with various chat group members.”

Child abuse material exploits and profits from the vulnerability and innocence of children – who were incapable of consent or protecting themselves, Judge Blair told Bradley.

It leads to immediate and long-lasting harm to children, with the images accessible indefinitely.

The offending was “inherently serious” but there were “exceptional circumstances” to spare Bradley from jail, Judge Blair said.

She noted the relatively low quantity of abuse material, the short duration of offending as well as his progress during sex offender counselling.

He had suffered “extensive extra-curial punishment” including adverse publicity.

Bradley’s offending lacked sophistication, and was easily detected by police.

He was assessed as of low risk of re-offending, with excellent rehabilitation prospects and deep remorse.

He’d expressed insight into the shame and embarrassment wrought on his family.

Bradley was sentenced to a recognisance release order – a 12-month jail term suspended for three years with a $2000 fine.

Under the order, Bradley must complete sex offenders’ counselling. He will be supervised by Community Corrections for three years.

He must report as a sex offender for the rest of his life. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

‘We’ve got lots to offer’

for Games

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Noble Park RSL manager Mark Wilkinson at the traditional cenotaph at Mons Parade and Heatherton Road. 276875

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

ANZAC shift averted

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The Noble Park RSL car park, where commemorative services were held in 2021.

A plaque marking the opening of the Noble Park memorial. 276875

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to fund and organise traffic management, subject to Victoria Police’s approval each year.

He said the council now agreed to fund the security arrangements, with police coordinating it on an ongoing basis.

This year, police had advised that the RSL had to install cordons of safety barriers and bollards.

As a result, Mr Wilkinson initially “pulled the pin” on the cenotaph service because he was “sick of going through the rigmarole”.

“The main thing is to ensure everyone’s safety,” Mr Wilkinson said after the resolution.

“Which is unfortunately a sign of the times.”

Security at Anzac and Remembrance Day services has been tightened since foiled plans for a terrorism attack at an Anzac Day service in Dandenong in 2015.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said police

provided general safety advice on “traffic and other security issues” each year.

“This year is no different.”

Springvale police would support the Anzac Day service at the Noble Park RSL, the spokesperson said.

“Local police units including traffic management units will be assisting on the day and will not impact the service.

“Police will also attend the service to lay wreaths.”

Regardless of venue, Mr Wilkinson expected a strong crowd of veterans and others paying respects.

Noble Park RSL will hold its service at the memorial park, corner of Mons Parade and Heatherton Road on Thursday 21 April. The march starts on Mons Parade at 10.45am, followed by a service at 11am.

ALP pledges funds for Albanian hub

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Federal Labor has pledged $750,000 towards a new Albanian cultural centre in Dandenong South. The cultural centre would be based at Albanian Islamic Centre of Dandenong mosque.

Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus said the cultural centre would be a place to “bring the Albanian community together and will greatly benefit our local community”.

“I am a great supporter of the Albanian community, and that solidarity continues with this election commitment.

“The Albanian community has made a significant contribution to Australia, and this election commitment under a Labor Albanese Government will help deliver a new Albanian Cultural Centre.”

Bruce MP Julian Hill said the Albanian community were “incredibly hard-working Australians who have never previously asked for government support”.

“I am glad that they now have, as this new cultural centre will transform the existing building to serve the entire Albanian community, with a special focus on engaging young people, which is terrific.”

Australian Albanian Community Association of Dandenong - Keshava president Riza dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Albanian Sakie Islamic Society of Dandenong president Fatmir Ibraimi, City of Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti, ASISD former president Nejo Azemi and Mark Dreyfus.

Kaupi said the cultural centre was “essential to the Albanian community”. “Mark and Julian are long-time supporters of my community and many multicultural cultural groups across their electorates of Isaacs and Bruce.

“The announcement highlights this commitment to the Albanian community.

“We have been working very hard to bring this cultural centre to life.

“When finished, the new centre will transform the Albanian Islamic Centre Mosque into a significant cultural meeting place for my community.”

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Australian Albanian Community Dandenong Kesheva president Riza Jaupi, federal MP Mark Dreyfus and Dandenong Thunder president Driton Maliku.

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A crisis meeting has averted plans to shift this year’s Anzac Day service from Noble Park’s traditional cenotaph.

The Noble Park RSL sub-branch had planned to stage the event in the RSL’s enclosed car park because security requirements were too onerous.

An onsite meeting between the RSL, City of Greater Dandenong and Victoria Police on 14 April however resolved the issue.

“Memorial Park has been confirmed as the location for this event,” Greater Dandenong community services acting director Tilla Buden said.

“Council is assisting with road closures and traffic management support in partnership with Victoria Police and other local authorities.”

A similar arrangement will be put in place at the Dandenong RSL’s Anzac Day dawn service at the Pillars of Freedom on 25 April.

The Noble Park memorial park on the corner of Heatherton Road and Mons Parade has been the scene for commemorations since 1995 – with the exception of the past two Covid years.

However the site’s proximity to busy traffic, particularly on Heatherton Road, was deemed a safety risk especially in the wake of terrorism plots targeting Anzac services.

A relieved Noble Park RSL manager Mark Wilkinson said the RSL was no longer required

Victoria will host the 2026 Commonwealth games! The Games will be held across multiple regions with hubs to be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athletes’ village and sport program. The hubs will host athletes, officials and fans after the opening ceremony is held at the MCG. Shepparton will also have a presence with sporting and cultural events and a strong para-program.

Premier Daniel Andrews expressed his pride at Victoria being chose as the host of the event. “The Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria is great for jobs, hospitality and our economy,” the Premier said.

The door has been left ajar for other areas to host events particularly if additional sports are included in the program.

Mayor Jim Memeti remains hopeful that Dandenong will play a part.

He has led the Greater Dandenong Council’s charge for a stadium to be built on council-owned land next to the Dandenong Train Station, with the feasibility study to be ready in June. Proposed to be a 20,000 seat rectangular stadium, he said it could host Rugby Sevens and would bring enormous economic benefit to the region.

“They would be staying at the hotels and using our cafes and restaurants and having it here would create jobs so I think it is important that Dandenong is considered as a prospect in the Commonwealth Games,” Cr Memeti said.

“We’ve got lots to offer, we’re a very culturally diverse city and I think that many, many of the nations that are coming to Victoria would love to visit Greater Dandenong and see what we have to offer here so I think it’s extremely important that you look at Dandenong.

Cr Memeti also referenced the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, which will be constructed in time for the games, and Tatterson Park as other facilities that could support the event.

“It’s a great opportunity to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games and I want to work closely with the government to make Dandenong a viable place to to hold events,” the Mayor added.

“I think it’s going to be great for Victoria and hopefully Greater Dandenong can be part of it.”

STAR JOURNAL 5

NEWS

Major pledge

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Labor and the Greens have pledged billions for social and affordable housing ahead of the 21 May Federal Election.

Star Journal reported on a deepening “housing crisis” in the South East, with rentals increasingly unaffordable for low-income people.

Homelessness services provider Wayss recently reported 42 families with 100 children being housed in hotels as emergency accommodation in Greater Dandenong.

Bruce MP Julian Hill said Labor would build 30,000 social and affordable housing properties in five years as part of a $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund.

“Scott Morrison’s policies have made housing affordability worse,” Mr Hill said.

“Deliberate government policy has seen wages fall in real terms while house prices and rents have skyrocketed, making housing increasingly unaffordable.

“Sexy sounding cash handout schemes pour petrol on the fire of demand, pushing up prices and rents while pretending to help.

“The Liberals have racked up nearly $1 trillion of debt yet have left no legacy of new social housing.”

Matthew Kirwan, the Greens candidate for Bruce, said a proposed ‘billionaires tax’ could help pay for a million new public housing homes in 20 years.

The Greens also propose offering “new, good quality” homes for $300,000 to renters, first home buyers and people “locked out” of housing.

The homes would be built in “areas people want to live in,” Mr Kirwan said.

“In my lifetime living in the outer SouthEast it has gone from a place where almost anyone could afford to buy to one where some people can’t even afford to pay the rent.

Candidate Matthew Kirwan says the Greens has pledged funding for $300,000 homes in area that “people want to live in”. 203336 Picture: ROB CAREW “Decades of governments have rigged the private housing market with tax breaks that favour big developers and rich property speculators. It’s time to think differently.

“Liberal and Labor back giving billions of dollars in handouts to people who own multiple properties, which just pushes up prices and locks people out of housing.

“Housing should be for all, not just the few.”

Ahead of the 2022 federal and state elections, City of Greater Dandenong has nominated affordable and social housing as a key advocacy issue.

It states that the council area has the highest rate rate of homelessness and rental stress in the state, with the challenges of low-income levels, high unemployment, substantial refugee settlement and lower mental and physical health outcomes.

Liberal candidate James Moody and United Australia Party candidate Matt Babet were also contacted for comment.

Welfare pay ‘not enough’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Labor will have ‘more to say’ on income support ahead of federal election day, says Bruce MP Julian Hill.

Australian Council of Social Services and City of Greater Dandenong are among those lobbying for a hike in welfare payments.

The ALP has so far resisted calls to increase the JobSeeker rate.

“Liberal cuts to income support have hit our community hard, leaving local charities and councils to give food to those who fall through the cracks,” Mr Hill said.

“Council is right to campaign on this, and Labor will have more policies released before election day.”

Meanwhile, the Greens have proposed a ‘Liveable Income Guarantee’ to raise all income-support payments above the poverty line.

Bruce candidate Matthew Kirwan said the policy would raise payments to $88 a day from July 2023 – the current poverty line. The rate would be benchmarked against the Henderson Poverty Line biannually.

It was to “ensure that everyone has the means to cover their basic essential needs, including rising rents”.

“In Bruce I see the struggle for survival of low-income individuals and families first hand.

“In such a wealthy country as Australia such poverty should not exist.”

The Greens would reverse the Federal Government’s cuts to Status Resolution Support Service (SRSS) payments to people seeking asylum.

“Of particular relevance to Bruce, is the plight of people seeking asylum ekeing out a living, while awaiting finalisation of their asylum cases. Bruce has the highest num-

A queue outside Centrelink Dandenong in 2020. 207585 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS bers of people seeking asylum in Victoria.

“Cutting this program has shifted the costs from the Federal government to charity, community, and health sectors that were already struggling before Covid-19, and are now dealing with increased demand and decreased donations.”

City of Greater Dandenong is also calling for an increase in Commonwealth rent assistance, JobSeeker payments and income support for asylum seekers – which aren’t keeping pace with rent hikes.

“An increase in (Commonwealth rent assistance) is necessary so that families and individuals are not pushed out of the private rental market or forced into overcrowded living conditions,” the council states in its election advocacy document.

In the South East, the average weekly rent of a one-bedroom apartment costs at least three-quarters of a JobSeeker recipient’s meagre income.

Nearly nine out of 10 clients supported

by Wayss are on government benefits. They are being squeezed out by “fierce competition” in the rental market.

Liberal candidate James Moody and United Australia Party candidate Matt Babet were contacted for comment.

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Samantha Sharpe’s pandemic song, Home, was inspired by the Phillip Island penguin parade. Pictures: ANDREA RADFORD

Samantha Sharpe dreams of travelling the world performing.

Sharpe’s winding journey

By Jonty Ralphsmith There are 315 kilometres between Phillip Island and Portland as the crow flies and many more as the penguin waddles.

The penguins at Phillip Island have been known to travel to the far southwest coast of Victoria, but always make their way back to a tourist destination they have iconised.

As the world turned digital to stay connected across 2020-21, Dandenong North musician Samantha Sharpe was among the thousands that tuned in to the penguin parade’s virtual events.

That is when inspiration struck for her most recent song, ‘Home’.

“It was about how much I missed family who lived far away and how I couldn’t wait to see them,” Sharpe explained.

“Penguins travel so far they get to see family in burrows and I got really sad that we couldn’t do that.

“I made it about people being apart and how I couldn’t wait to see my family and how lucky I was to have people that I missed.”

An excerpt of that song is as follows: “I’d travel near; I’d travel far; just to be where you are; I’d travel far; I’d travel wide; just to be right by your side.”

Sharpe’s lockdown story was the archetypal Melburnian’s struggle: family members – her sister and six-year-old niece – lived too far away to visit and she yearned for their company as she watched the penguin broadcast with them.

That single followed her first EP, Gilded Cage, a series of five songs that tell a story of an the emotions of love and navigating a relationship.

Like Home, making her Gilded Cage songs relatable to her audience was forefront of mind.

“It was about being believable, I want to feel the music and what’s being said so it means something to my audience,” Sharpe said.

To write her songs, she leverages off a love of storytelling that saw her initially dreaming to be a librarian as a kid to allow her to read books all day.

Something musical can spark a brainwave for a new song, or it might be a word, phrase or piece of poetry: the notes section on Sharpe’s phone are full of phrases and drafted stories, some that need refining, others that might support another song or perhaps will never be publicised.

It did not take long before it became obvious that music was the best way for Sharpe to express her stories.

“Anything that was elevated was a stage so I was going to own that, that was my space,” she recalled.

“I always had that innate need to jump up and be centre of attention – I would perform to my 89-year-old Grandpa and he would be like dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Samantha Sharpe has performed many gigs but is scaling back now as she seeks to elevate her career. ‘what is happening’ but I didn’t care because I loved it.”

By the age of 11, she had written her first song, Play it Cool, which dealt with themes beyond her age including being in a a relationship.

Affirming her confidence and passion, she performed the song at Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre.

She took a couple of breaks from music between her performance at Waverley at 11 and present, even reinventing her reputation when

she went to Lyndale Secondary College where no one knew her but always knew music was her destiny.

Despite the warmth it brought to Sharpe, she could never stick with instruments for more than a few lessons, if that, trying guitar, piano and ukulele.

It leads to her occasionally feeling like a novice and has caused one disaster – her first gig with a guitar in hand.

While she knew she was underprepared when she accepted the gig, the opportunity

sounded exciting.

But playing at Young and Jacksons in Melbourne, she felt like all the eyeballs were on her, foot traffic and a pub full of patrons drinking compounding her stress.

She recalled feeling like the sweaty girl in the corner, trying to entertain the audience via her performing rather than through an embarrassing, awkward struggle between out-ofsync guitar and microphone.

Yet to master playing and singing at the same time, she gave up on the guitar as the sound crew packed up while she continued to sing.

Sharpe reflects on the event as a vehicle for growth rather than a source of lingering embarrassment and she is now confident and competent with the guitar after hundreds of subsequent successful performances and much practice.

“Looking back it was the right thing to do because it forced me to get better a lot quicker if I wanted to play at a gig again,” she said.

“I think it made me stronger knowing it can go that badly and I survived nothing really scares me anymore.”

There have been plenty of gigs either side of the pandemic but they will be scaled down going forward as she seeks to move to the next level, turning her attention to private functions and other events.

She closes by saying that she has at least one song in the works and perhaps more coming as she works full-time performing her own songs in between the 80 covers she knows, to support her career.

“The idea of working a 9-5, I can’t do it, I really enjoy being out of the ordinary and not having to rely on other people.

“I’m very big on if you want something, go get it.

“Having the option to fall back on would mean I would fall back on it because I would have the mindset that it’s okay, I can fall back on it instead and I can’t do that - I have to devote everything to this so it has to work out, the universe has to help me out here.”

And like the penguins at Phillip Island, she too wants to expand her wings into a wider ocean of opportunity.

“I’m working on mindset training with my mentor to stop playing small because I want to take this as far as I possibly can.

“I’m really serious about it, and it is the only job I’ve ever had that’s been the right fit so I’d like to do it forever but I can’t stay still for too long – if ever contented I wouldn’t be me so I have to keep pushing.

“I dream of playing at Rod Laver and travelling the world and going to the Grammys that’s where I want to be so it’s about making sure every day I’m doing something that moves me forward.”

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NEWS

Sustainability fest a hit

By Jonty Ralphsmith Approximately 1150 people attended the Sustainability Festival on Saturday 9 April at Springvale Community Hub. The setting was recently crowned a 6-star green designed Springvale Community Hub and was opened by Mayor Jim Memeti with junior mayor Mya Durakovic.

Greater Dandenong Council director city planning, design and amenity Jody Bosman said the feedback from the community was positive.

“The positive and friendly interaction among the community and stallholders was a highlight of the festival for many,” Ms Bosman said.

“The interactive activities and live demonstrations were greatly appreciated.

“Overall, the community came away with inspiration and tips on ‘ways we can be sustainable’.”

Workshops covered themes including horticulture, textiles, staying safe in heatwaves and more, all underpinned by sustainability.

“The workshops focused on small, simple changes that people can make in their everyday lives that collectively make a big difference for our environment,” Ms Bosman said.

Local produce from Maralinga Community Garden Keysborough was available for purchase, while food trucks served vegetarian and vegan options and the Naked Asian Grocer brought plastic-packaging free Asian ingredients. Dr Greg Moore was in attendance and highlighted the significance of expanding tree canopy.

“Attendees were empowered with knowledge about the importance of trees and provided with simple tips to make a difference, as well as the opportunity to connect with likeminded fellow residents,” Ms Bosman said.

The event is the first Sustainability Festival held properly since 2019.

Zoe from the Springvale Clothes Swap taught people that in Australia, most of our clothes are used for somewhere between two and three years, often because we get sick of them and decide to buy something else.

The 2022 festival is the first one properly held since 2019.

1150 people attended the festival.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Tamara from Kahrina Textiles ran a drop-in style workshop to teach the community how to mend damaged clothing, therefore extending the life of the item and preventing it from going to landfill.

Mayor Jim Memeti and Deputy Mayor Eden Foster in attendance.

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Second go at life

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

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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

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

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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NEWS

Joe’s a real living treasure

By Jonty Ralphsmith It was fitting that 2022 would be the year Joe Rechichi was awarded a Living Treasure for his work at the Springvale Benevolent Society.

Mayor Jim Memeti presented him with the award earlier in the year at Dandenong Town Hall which comes after he won an Order of Australia Medal in 2021.

Mr Rechichi’s formal recognition for making a lasting impact to the City of Greater Dandenong came after a 2021 that he describes as his busiest.

There were asylum seekers, schoolchildren, people who had lost their job. That is before you include the usual 60-70 clients per month that the society typically assists with nonperishables and food vouchers to provide residents with bare essentials.

The council provided a loan to the society to ensure that asylum seekers could seek as-

Joe Rechichi was awarded a Living Treasure at the beginning of 2022. 276970.

Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH sistance – that meant another 50 parcels per week. Then there was the school runs. He fielded phone calls from schools in the region

asking him to deliver boxes of food and even schoolwork, and of course Joe said yes. That was another 20 deliveries to families most in need. “You don’t know how much the schools appreciate it – I would deliver the boxes of food once a week,” Joe said.

“A lot of those kids were at home so the teachers organised a backpack of schoolwork.

The children appreciate it, particularly when you turn up there with a little parcel.”

Having volunteers absent throughout 2021 due to hospitalisation, age and other Covid-19 related reasons added another layer of difficulty – Joe said he was the only volunteer consistently in the office.

So many people were requiring assistance that the passionate volunteer who has been president for more than 20 years and contributed for many more needed a break. Never had the society previously closed such has been his, and other volunteers’, commitment – but

Mr Rechichi needed to recharge his batteries.

“Covid tested in the sense to see how far we can stretch the elastic band before it broke,” Joe said.

“I could not function anymore – I needed a rest.”

Wife, Theresa, is also part of the society and won a Living Treasure in 2021. She highlights that if volunteering is in your nature, expecting praise for your efforts generally is not: “You don’t do voluntary work unless you’re prepared to commit yourself,” she said.

Joe echoes his wife’s sentiment. He is driven by a care to improve the lives of others. “It’s an achievement and it’s a great acknowledgements but I have not worked all these years for that.

“You do accept nominations but it’s never about me, it’s about the community out there.

You always appreciate your recognition, but you don’t do the work because of that.”

Dandenong to build hydrogen-fuelled bus A Dandenong manufacturer is set to build Australia’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric bus.Volgren will build two prototype vehicles for demonstration and on-road testing from mid-2023.Negotiations with a suitable chassis manufacturer are underway, the company stated.

Volgren CEO Thiago Deiro said the project was an exciting opportunity to design a hydrogen bus for local conditions and work towards continuous production of hydrogen vehicles.“Volgren has always been at the vanguard of adopting new technologies.

“We’ve proven that with the development of our Battery Electric Buses and now we

have the opportunity to do the same with our first hydrogen prototype.”

The Optimus-bodied, hydrogen prototype will reduce emissions by an estimated 30 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year compared to a diesel bus. A key part of the project was ensuring safety measures for flammable gases, the high voltage system and the battery storage system, Mr Deiro said.

“Volgren is committed to contributing to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the transportation system and believe both electric and hydrogen buses have a place in a zero-carbon world.”

By developing a local manufacturing “ca-

pability”, there was less dependency on imported hydrogen buses, Mr Deiro said.

A local supply chain and training to service and maintain hydrogen technology would also be created. “It also means operators and governments can be confident that their vehicle will be on the road for 15 years or more.”

The project is being supported by a grant from the State Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund.

It is expected to give insights on the performance and commercialisation of hydrogen buses in Victoria. “This valuable investment from the Victorian Government prioritises renewable transport options and

Volgren is set to build prototype hydrogen buses in an Australian-first trial. supports Victorian jobs,” Mr Deiro said.

“It also contributes to the Victorian Government’s clean energy transition and will help support Victoria’s long-term target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

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Active Families – Star Journal, Dandenong Council received $50,000 from the Department of Health to run a physical activity and wellbeing project in local schools for migrant and refugee families.

The aim of the Active Families project was to create behavioural change, teach skills and provide opportunities for local families to embed new habits into their daily life at low cost.

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Council engaged the Bluearth Foundation to run the six-week physical activity and wellbeing program with between 80-100 participants from Rosewood Downs Primary School, Dandenong North, St Anthony’s Primary School, Noble Park, Dandenong West Primary School, Dandenong, and Woorana Park Primary School, Dandenong North.

Students and their families were invited to participate in activities they sometimes helped co-design to get active and to have fun. They played touch tag (rated the most fun by all participants), completed movement challenges, played games involving outdoor equipment, and took part in opportunities for reflection to promote mindfulness and connection.

“The Active Families program is really fun. The games are so fun, I now play them with my sisters at home after school and on the weekends,” said Grade 5 student Laura, age 10, from Rosewood Downs Primary School.

“I have really enjoyed this program as its meant running away your worries at the end of the day and having fun with friends and family” said student, Xander, age 9, from Dandenong West Primary School.

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Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Students plant the seeds for change at the CERES summit.

Students at the CERES Student Environment Leadership Summit in Springvale.

A demonstration at the environment summit.

Leading sustainable lives Eco-friendly ideas were top of the agenda at a CERES Student Environment Leadership Summit at Springvale Town Hall.

Students from five Greater Dandenong primary and secondary schools showcased their schools’ sustainability initiatives at the 5 April event.

City of Greater Dandenong and CERES

facilitated the summit.

Guest speaker was clothes-and-toy-swapevent coordinator Zoe Mohl.

Some of the discussions and demos included the harm to marine life due to litter in waterways, making paper pot plants, biodiversity, climate change, water conservation, tree planting, composting and recycling.

CERES student programs coordinator Kat Young aimed to impart the “knowledge, skills and confidence to lead positive change in their personal life and wider community”.

“During the summit, we talked about the urban heat island effect, the importance of green space and looked at their school audits to identify sustainability solutions.

“We equipped students with important climate communication and behaviour change skills to take back to their school and community.”

The summit created awareness on the “climate and ecological crisis”, Ms Young said.

“We value the opportunity to inspire the young leaders of Greater Dandenong.”

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NEWS

Ready for the challenge

By Garry Howe When Adrian Scott pivoted towards the greyhound racing industry a few years back, a cliched response would be to say that his career had gone to the dogs.

In reality, it was more like he was thrown to the wolves... twice!

Adrian was first coaxed into the manager’s role at Warragul Greyhound Racing Club just as the industry descended into the turmoil of the live baiting scandal that threatened its very existence.

Having helped lead industry reform to weather that storm, Adrian accepted a similar role at Sandown, renowned as the world’s biggest greyhound operation.

Then the global Covid-19 pandemic hit.

Fortunately, the former cop who cut his career teeth on the mean streets of Richmond in the 1980s and once single-handedly foiled an armed robbery was up for the challenge.

Adrian grew up in Mirboo North and spent 10 of his formative years in suburban Boronia before settling in Nar Nar Goon.

“I consider myself a Gippsland boy,” he says.

Sports mad and a talented athlete, when he finished school he had aspirations of becoming a physical education teacher.

Unfortunately his marks weren’t high enough for that and primary school teaching was the only option, so the police force became a focus instead.

Adrian graduated from the academy with not only a career, but a life partner as well, later marrying fellow recruit Christine O’Shea.

After short rounds at Russell Street headquarters and Prahan, his first posting was a five-year stint in Richmond, where criminal matriarch Kath Pettingall and her eldest son Dennis ‘Mr Death’ Allen ruled the same streets notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor frequented a generation or two before.

“The place was full of history - not all of it that savoury - and being a keen Richmond supporter it was great,” Adrian recalls.

Not all the time though.

Adrian and a few of his colleagues used to frequent the Olympic Park greyhounds on a Monday night, before a memo circulated the station warning that underworld thugs - believed to be headed by Alphonse Gangitano of Underbelly fame - were targeting off duty cops there.

That was the end of the Monday night dogs for a while.

While based at Richmond, Adrian struck up a friendship with Tigers premiership player Emmett Dunne and they’ve stayed connected through greyhounds, with Emmett on the board of Greyhound Racing Victoria.

Living in the police barracks in Russell Street, those years had a profound impact on Adrian developing an acute social conscience.

“Those years gave me a wonderful education in life,” he recalls.

Mick Miller was the Police Chief Commissioner at the time and he had a big focus on returning police to streets. Those regular foot patrols through the commission flats in Elizabeth Street - an “ugly environment” resembling a war zone - provided the 20-year-old a lesson in empathy.

Adrian Scott, wife Christine and his father Bob, 91, with daughter Bridget and her new husband Phil Johnson at their recent San Remo wedding.

Adrian Scott heads up one of the world’s biggest and best greyhound racing operations at Sandown.

“There was a really high presence of Vietnamese migrants - on the back of the war who had a real appreciation of what they had and they had nothing,” he recalled. “They had a fruit box as a coffee table, yet they were so appreciative.”

One memory that sticks out is the murder of a little Vietnamese girl, who was missing for three days and her body eventually found in a garbage bin chute, having been murdered by a cleaner.

Another was the day Adrian became an accidental hero.

He was working the divisional van with a young colleague who was sporting a shocking hangover and asked to pull over in Lennox Street to find a chemist.

While his mate was being medicated, Adrian thought he would duck into a nearby TAB to have a bet and came across an armed robbery in progress.

The offender was wielding a machete and when she saw Adrian in uniform the TAB attendant was furiously pointing at him.

“I said ‘what do you think you’re doing mate’, he dropped the machete and I arrested him. Turns out he was an escapee from Footscray who had been charged with 15 armed robberies.”

Adrian earned a commendation for that arrest.

He went on to serve in stations at Glen Waverley, Warragul and Drouin but, after 20 years in the force, the shiftwork started to take a toll and Adrian retired.

Keen to try his own thing, he dabbled in the seed business, working for a couple of different companies and then purchasing Gippsland company Graham Seeds.

“It was a great industry to work in,” Adrian said. “I enjoyed working with farmers and in

the country environment. It took me all over Victoria and to New Zealand and Tassie, which was great. But I didn’t really have a sales mentality.”

That lasted six years when he had a sabbatical driving buses for a while before he was approached by good friend Ron Matthews, who said there was a manager’s job going at the Warragul Greyhound Racing Club that would suit Adrian down to the ground.

Within three weeks, he had been appointed.

Adrian was no stranger to the racing industry.

One of the big motivators of moving to Nar Nar Goon in the late 1980s was to have a few acres to condition a racehorse or two.

Adrian trained out of Pakenham for 10 years, long enough to realise young daughter Bridget was not going to be his trackwork rider.

“It was a bit of fun,” Adrian said.

“I got a good picnic horse, Wakanda, who won five or six in a row around the picnics.

“On the back of that got a few others and trained for a few mates. For a while there I thought about having a go at it professionally, but thankfully didn’t go on with it.”

He made a few good friends at the track including fellow trainers Tom Scanlon and Ron Matthews and champion picnic jockey Gavin Brady, but the training regimen ended up getting too time consuming combined with a regular job.

“Ron was spot on,” Adrian said of the headsup on the Warragul job. “I did like it, particularly the combination of racing and community involvement.”

Within weeks ABC program Four Corners ran a graphic account of live baiting - an outlawed practice where live animals are used as bait to condition greyhounds to follow the lure.

Then New South Wales Premier Mike Baird shut the greyhound industry down in that state; a move that was later overturned and cost him the top job.

Similar pressures were applied in Victoria, but the industry responded with wide ranging reforms.

“The industry came under a fair bit of scrutiny,” Adrian recalls. “Some aspects of animal welfare hadn’t evolved to meet community expectations.”

Although tumultuous, in hindsight he says it was a good time to join the industry.

“To GRV’s credit, there has been a lot of analysis and they’ve done a pretty good job around animal welfare,” he said.

“There’s still a way to go but we’re in a lot better spot and it has been nice to be a part of that change too.”

One of the initiatives - the GAP greyhound adoption program - is considered one of the most successful animal welfare programs in the country.

“Animal welfare is paramount to our future,” Adrian says. “These dogs love to race.

That’s what they’ve been bred to do. So we need to make sure they are well looked after their racing career. It has to be a major focus.”

As part of the reform measures, Greyhound Clubs Victoria was set up as a representative body of the state’s 13 greyhound clubs and Adrian became its first chairman.

After five years at Warragul, Adrian was presented with an opportunity to take over as CEO at Sandown Greyhound Racing Club, right as the global pandemic hit.

He took on one of the most demanding roles in the industry at a very demanding time for the sports and entertainment industry.

Sandown is one of the biggest greyhound racing operations in the world and its best race, the Melbourne Cup, one of the most prestigious.

The club also manages a large syndication business and at the time was in the throes of establishing a greyhound breeding facility in the small Gippsland town of Toongabbie - out of which dogs will not only be bred and raced, but rehomed after their careers.

Sandown has also undergone a significant staff restructure and actively supports the Two Hearts and Reaching Out Because We Can charities, providing up to 200 meals per week for the needy.

“It is a fairly challenging role and I came into it at a fairly challenging time, but we are really lucky that we were able to keep racing through Covid-19,” he said.

“We’re getting back on track.”

Scott’s unlucky break in time honoured race Not many people can say they’ve faced the starter in a Stawell Gift, let alone been prepost favourite for the time honoured event.

Adrian Scott can.

Back in 1982 the talented athlete took out the first semi-final but lost it on a protest that he had gained an unfair start on the field (judge for yourself - search it on YouTube).

Despite being a warm favourite, Adrian lost the re-run and didn’t make the final, which was won in impressive style by Chris Perry.

“It was disappointing but, as it turned out, I don’t think I would have beaten the winner anyway.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Adrian loved sport as a kid. A mad Richmond supporter, his dream of an AFL career was snuffed out pretty early when a junior coach took him aside and told him he was not much chop at the caper and to concentrate on his running.

He showed some real talent there and competed at state and national level as a junior over 100 and 200 metres.

Adrian was approached to turn professional by someone who said he could win a Stawell Gift. That didn’t quite happen, but there are a few other Gift trophies in the cabinet - the likes of Rye, Northcote, Waverley, Fitzroy and Broadford to name a few.

Adrian remembers competing in the world professional sprint championships at Waverley against highly rated US sprinter Keiper Bell, who he remembers as a beautifully put together athlete.

Bell won, as expected and Adrian finished fourth. He wishes now he made the podium because a sash with ‘world professional sprint championship’ would have been a nice keepsake.

Adrian competed in a Police and Emergency Games and held the 100 metre record there for 20 years.

A few of his fellow competitors went on to the World Olympics in America but he de-

cided not to join them, which he now regrets.

Adrian’s passion for sport has driven a lot of his community involvement at Nar Nar Goon.

He is a life member of the Nar Nar Goon Football Club, having served on the committee for several years and had a two-year stint as president.

He was assistant coach for four successive thirds premierships and served as secretary of the recreation reserve committee of management for over 10 years.

“Footy clubs are a cornerstone of a community,” Adrian said. “And I loved the involvement with the kids.”

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 11

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

redevelopment of Dandenong Town Hall into a regional performing arts centre has been put on hold for two weeks. The council at its last meeting voted to delay a recommendation to instruct its project managers to call for tenders, until next Monday night’s meeting so councillors could again be briefed on the matter. The project, which will receive co-funding of $5m from the state government, has been plagued by deferments and appeals to VCAT since the council initially sought a permit in April 2001.

100 years ago 20 April 1922 South Pole Relics A big plain cooking pot, whose interior has been scraped clean and bare by men at the point of death by starvation; an empty provision bag, a shovel, the inner lining of the tent in which the remains of Captain Scott and his companions were found by the search party, and a much thumbed sixpenny edition of Harry Johnston’s story of old Virginia, “By order of the company”, which, when picked up in Captain Scott’s tent was curiously enough open at a chapter headed “We go out into the night”- these are among the relics of the great Antarctic tragedy which we brought back by the Terra Nova, and which are now attracting thousands of people to the Earl’s Court Exhibition where they are being shown. For seven months the party lived in the cave of snow and ice, on rations sufficient for only one month. There were six men altogether, under Lieutenant Campbell, and they used blubber for everything – food, light and fuel.

50 years ago 20 April 1972 Chamber probe on shopping The Dandenong Chamber of Commerce and Industry has distributed 230 questionnaires to retailers and business house owners in

5 years ago 17 April 2017 Double – storey ‘disaster’

Tendering for the $14 million redevelopment of Dandenong Town Hall into what became Drum Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Theatre began 20 years. 207864

the central business zone seeking views on the vital Friday night and Saturday morning shopping in Dandenong. Results of the questionnaires, still being collated, will be discussed at a meeting of traders in the Dandenong Town Hall on Monday, May 8 at 2.30pm.

Have you opened so far, each Friday night?

Have you opened so far, each Saturday morn-

ing? Do you intend to open each Friday night or each Saturday morning? If yes to Friday, will you continue in adverse winter weather?

20 years ago 15 April 2002 Delay on hall tenders Tendering for work on the proposed $13.9 m

Approving a Dandenong townhouse development was the council’s “worst, most illogical“ planning decision in more than four years, said councillor Matthew Kirwan. He lodged a motion to rescind the resolution for four double-storey homes on 16 Wedge Street following the Monday 10 April Greater Dandenong Council meeting. The matter will now be considered again at the Monday 24 April meeting. “This very poorly designed development with inadequate setbacks, lack of private open space and excessive visual bulk failed our planning scheme in many ways,“Cr Kirwan said.

NEWS

In life there is always hope

By Mona Mobarek When I was asked to write a message of hope from the Islamic point of view I paused for a moment and thought it is going to be a difficult task with all the chaos and challenges that we as an international community are facing.

Luckily, I am not one to immerse myself in negativity for too long and reflected on how faith is the cure for hopelessness and vulnerability and that there is always light at the end of the rainbow.

In fact, from the Islamic perspective, it is an intrinsic part of our faith to understand that within hardships there is always ease and that we as imperfect humans often discover what we perceived as bad or negative in fact tuns out to be positive and good.

This is what faith gives us.

When we believe in God and trust in His Wisdom, we are at peace with whatever happens around us and to us.

This is not to say we do not struggle at times, because we do.

We are human and are subject to all sorts of vulnerabilities.

What it means is that we understand the world is not perfect and is not our final destination, so we view life with hope and positivity.

In fact, our strong and unwavering belief in the hereafter reinforces that whatever difficul-

MESSAGE OF

HOPE ties we endure in this life is not only temporary but an ultimate act of mercy.

For the believer, life is a test, and struggles and hardships are inherently part of the journey.

When we fully understand that God’s mercy is coming, we are overcome with peace, contentment and of course hope.

I believe the world has lost this sense of hope and that a relationship with God will restore this.

Finally, our connection with our creator is what gives us the will and desire to face our struggles.

As we move away from this connection in this “so called“ advanced world we see very clearly the devastating repercussions on individuals and society as a whole.

My connection with Allah is what has seen me through some very dark moments that could have been totally crippling.

I truly believe where there is life there is hope.

Mona Mobarek finds hope within her connection with Allah.

Frankston-Dandenong Road closure The Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge will be closed for five weeks from Tuesday 26 April until Monday 30 May as part of the Pound Road West upgrade.

The works will take place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week between Princes Highway and Kirkham Road.

Implementing a full closure of the road in both directions will enable Major Roads Project Victoria to complete the works safely and efficiently and with less long-term disruptions to motorists.

“These works on the Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge are part of the Pound Road West Upgrade – which will better connect road users to the freeway network, reducing traffic pressure on Abbotts Road and South Gippsland Highway,” acting project director Will Hogarth-Scott said.

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Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

bourne and Pakenham rail lines that will support access to local businesses in Dandenong and Dandenong South.

The Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge was built in the 1950s and services 31,000 vehicles per day.

During the full bridge closure, traffic detours will be in place during the closure via South Gippsland Highway, Greens Road and Dandenong Bypass.

Meanwhile, major works are progressing at the Pound Road West upgrade site to prepare for the new bridge over the Cranbourne rail line, connecting Remington Drive and Pound Road West.

The new bridge will provide better connections between the Dandenong South employment hub and freeway network, improving access in and around the area and reduce growing traffic pressure on Abbotts Road and the South Gippsland Highway.

By 2031, it’s expected more than 40,000 vehicles will use this new connection every day.

The bridge will feed into two lanes each way, bordered by new shared walking and cycling paths to improve access and safety for pedestrians and bike users.

Once complete, the Pound Road West Upgrade will deliver improved traffic flow and travel times, new safety barriers to lower the risk and severity of crashes and improve access to the Dandenong South employment hub.

Traffic lights will also be installed at Hydrive Close and Ventura Place, and intersections will be upgraded at Abbotts Road and the South Gippsland Highway to improve safety for all road users.

The project forms part of a joint $2.27 billion package funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments to upgrade suburban

Frankston - Dandenong Road will be closed from Tuesday 26 April until Monday 30 May. roads across the south eastern and northern parts of the Melbourne, which includes upgrades to Lathams Road, Hallam North and Heatherton Road, Pound Road West, Golf Links Road, Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road and Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.

The Pound Road West Upgrade is scheduled for completion in 2023.

Motorists can keep up to date with planned traffic disruptions and detours at www.bigbuild.vig.gov.au. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EASTER HOLIDAY GUIDE

Hop in for a fresh feed Get all your eggs in one basket at Dandenong Market on Thursday 14 April.

It’s an extra trading day to make Easter easy for shoppers.

“Our three seafood shops will be fully stocked with calamari, prawns, crayfish, whole snapper, cuttlefish, flake, flathead and rockling,” Dandenong Market general manager Jennifer Hibbs said.

“With three fishmongers open from 7am next Thursday, you won’t find fresher or cheaper seafood anywhere else.”

Food is central to all Easter celebrations, regardless of ethnicity, and Dandenong Market is a one stop food destination for Easter delicacies, treats and gifts with a great range and prices.

“Not only do we have the freshest seafood,” Ms Hibbs said.

“We have a large selection of local and imported chocolates, plush toys, delicious hot cross buns straight from the oven, spring lamb, an abundance of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, a new outfit, and so much more.

“By opening an extra day next Thursday, shopping for Easter traditions, egg hunts, decorations and treats means you can relax and enjoy this Easter long weekend.

“Of course, must-not-forget items include those tasty hot cross buns, thoughtful Easter gifts and cute baskets for the kids’ Easter egg hunt.”

To help customers beat the busy Easter

Egg-cellent Easter crafts When it comes to Easter, egg decorating is somewhat of a tradition.

And if you haven’t given it a go, here’s a how-to on dyeing, painting and marbling hard boiled eggs.

The first step may be simple but place the eggs in a pot of water and bring to the boil on the stove. Then let them simmer for ten minutes and cool.

Now it gets to the creative part.

Let’s start with dyeing eggs. Fill some cups halfway with hot water, a teaspoon of vinegar and a teaspoon of food colouring repeat with all the colours you want to use.

Carefully place the egg in the coloured water and leave for five minutes - when it’s done, you’ll have one completely coloured egg.

If you want to go one step further, use string, tape or elastic bands to create patterns.

Should marbling your eggs take your fancy, here’s two ways to try.

Using shaving cream or whipped cream (if you’d like to eat your eggs).

Place the eggs in a bowl of vinegar and leave for 20 minutes.

Using a large dish, fill with a layer of shaving cream and add some drops of food dye - even divide the dish into two to four sections and do multiple colours.

Using a skewer, swirl and marble the colours together, then roll the egg gently over the surface of the shaving cream and once covered, place on some paper towel for 20 minutes.

Wash off excess shaving cream using a bowl of water.

Using oil In a glass bowl, add one cup of hot wa-

· ·

Father and daughter fishmongers Michael and Makayla from MC Quality Seafoods at Dandenong Market. rush, or for those planning on going away this Easter, the Market will be open next Thursday from 7am to 4pm.

Parking is free until 10am then just $1 for three hours.

The Market will be closed on Good Friday then reopens again on Saturday and Sunday.

· · ·

ter, a teaspoon of white vinegar and five to ten drops of food colouring (be sure to use a light colour for the base of the egg).

In another bowl, one cup of water with about 20 drops of food colouring and a tablespoon of vegetable oil.

When the egg is completely dry, place it into the bowl of oil mixture with a spoon and gently roll.

Take it out when marbled and dry on paper towel.

Other options include using watercolour paint or acrylic paint to make patterns and designs of all sorts.

Don’t forget to wear old clothes or an apron and maybe gloves too, it can get messy.

· · ·

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STAR JOURNAL 13

WHAT’S ON Lantern festival concert

Skateboarding classes

Australian Chinese Band presents multicultural celebration with Chinese, English, Indonesian and ‘popular Aussie’ songs using Chinese musical instruments. Also features Indian dances, Teochew classical songs, Afghan performances.

Special guests from 7 Melody Indoor Band and Lantern Riddles.

Saturday 23 April, 10.30am-12.30pm at The Castle, Hemmings Park, 61 Princes Highway, Dandenong. Details: Kim Tai, 0419 519 187 or kimctai@hotmail.com. Free admission.

Join a Skateboarding Masterclass, run in conjunction with Shredability, at the world-class Noble Park Skate Park. Bring your own skateboard and helmet, or skateboards will be provided for those who don’t have one. Classes for beginners as well as for experienced skate park skateboarders. Funded by the State Government through the Noble Park Revitalisation Board.

21 April-12 May at Noble Park Skate Park, Ross Reserve. Free. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/skateboarding-masterclasses

·

Interfaith breakfast City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network hosts a breakfast with guest speaker Nyadol Nyuen on the topic of ‘Taking Stock Of What Life Is Missing: The Conversational Nature of Reality’. The free event celebrates United Nations’ World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Saturday 7 May, 7am-9am at the Supper Room, Springvale Town Hall, 397-405 Springvale Road. Registrations essential by 29 April on Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com. au/o/interfaith-network-city-of-greater-dandenong-39399417773

·

·

Yoga sessions A six-week yoga program will run in conjunction with the YMCA at the Noble Park Community Centre. Participants at the twice-weekly Keep Calm and Yoga sessions will receive a start-up kit which includes a yoga mat, sweat towel and drink bottle. Funded by the State Government through the Noble Park Revitalisation Board.

Tuesdays and Thursdays starting 26 April at 6pm at the Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive. Details: greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au/keep-calm-and-yoga

·

Community Garden open day The new Maralinga Community Garden is taking shape, with its Biofilta cubes planted with vegetable seedlings. Pop in and find out more at an upcoming informal open day.

· ·

Thursday 21 April 10am-11am and 4.30pm-5.30pm at Chandler Road Reserve, Keysborough.

Details: Maralinga Community Garden’s Facebook page.

NEWS

Drivers warned after ‘shocking’ run on roads Victoria Police is warning motorists to take care this Easter after a shocking start to the April school holidays with five fatalities on the weekend of 9-10 April.

Operation Compass, launched at midnight Wednesday 13 April, will see police flood roads and highways across the state in a major effort to reduce road trauma. The operation will be extended to coincide with Easter and Anzac Day public holidays, which fall over consecutive weekends this year. Following the lowest number of lives lost for March on record last month, police are warning motorists not to be complacent during April.

Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing

Glenn Weir said last weekend’s deaths show how “easily” trauma can occur if road safety is not made a priority.

“Easter is a high-risk period on our roads – it’s a major holiday weekend that attracts significant travel across the state,” Assistant Commissioner Weir said. “We cannot be complacent.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to prevent more lives being lost. “Expect to see lots of police, lots of police vehicles and plenty of alcohol and drug testing during this period.”

There have been 11 lives lost already this month, including five fatalities which occurred over the first weekend of the Victorian school

holidays. Police are anticipating widespread travel across the state and will be targeting areas deemed high-risk.

Motorists travelling to regional areas will be a focus, with fatalities on regional roads up almost 40 per cent on last year.

Police issued more than 9000 infringements over a five-day Easter operation in 2021 and will again be on the lookout for speeding and impaired drivers.

Motorists are encouraged to use VICSES Driver Reviver sites across the state to manage fatigue on longer trips.

Operation Compass commences at 12:01am

Police will run operation Compass from Thursday 14 April until midnight Monday 25 April. 253041 Thursday 14 April and will conclude at 23:59pm on Monday 25 April 2022.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads visit police.vic.gov.au/roadsafety-0

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NEWS

Fusion delivers a sell-out resenting the increased note that people took of their natural surroundings due to the fivekilometre restriction; in another, their liberty juxtaposed the constrains of human existence during the script writing period.

“The meaning is in there deeply – it’s like a mirror that reflects what people are thinking,” Ms Raphael said.

“We wanted people to be able to relate to so much of it – it’s healing to hear these stories, it tells people they weren’t alone in experiencing these things.”

Fusion is an inclusive theatre company that accepts neurodiverse people, for whom the lockdowns added another barrier to an already isolated life.

For actor Alex Litsoudis, the social and wider media reporting was a challenge which was reflected in a scene.

“I had enough of social media and news – what is true, what’s not, I was confused,” he said.

“It was all bad and death – I wanted them to give us positive not negative.”

Andy McKinnon, another actor, initially wanted to be “seen but not heard”, in the background of the greater performance and more involved in production, but ended up being a vital cog.

“At one point a few of us probably didn’t think we could get this far with the whole show up but to see the final thing and how successful it was makes me feel pretty happy, and sad we may not perform it again.

“I think we made something that’s very relatable and I want more people to see it.”

By Jonty Ralphsmith Fusion Theatre’s ‘Down But Not Out’ was sold out and successful on the weekend of 8-9 April.

The ensemble of 20 had worked since the end of 2019 towards a show which reflected the themes of loss, longing, resilience and hope.

An original script generated by ideas the actors exchanged during many zoom calls during the lockdowns meant that Covid-19 related concepts of longing for what was lost were inexorably present in the storyline.

However, Jo Raphael, artistic director, was at pains to emphasise that the show carried more positivity than merely a pandemic recount.

“It was about connection and belonging and beauty and hope – we found hope in working together,” she said.

“Arts took a big hit during Covid-19, particularly performing arts.

“Through art we found meaningful ways to connect, we collaborated, and we were also able to process what happened during these times.

“It was a triumph over adversity and reminded us all how important theatre is because all our audience members we have spoken to were able to leave here uplifted.”

The most common description of the show according to Raphael was ‘beautiful’.

Part of the beauty was the different perceptions that audience members could take from the same moment as the script was deliberately left open for interpretation.

In one scene, an actor pulls out a model

The ensemble share a love of theatre and performing.

The ensemble of 20 worked at the performance for over two years.

Jo Raphael said many people left feeling uplifted.

Titanic and sombrely reflects on her own cancelled birthday holiday plans to USA as restrictions prevented her from overseas travel.

One person may draw a parallel between the deaths caused by each event, while another person may see comparisons between

neither being able to reach their final destination.

Birds were another notion explored as several members spoke about them during the virtual meetings.

In one sense, they could be viewed as rep-

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Amelia and Marwa adorned in national costumes. 273855

Year 3/4 student Layne dons the Irish flag. 273855

Staff and teachers parade for Harmony Day. 273855

Staff and teachers parade for Harmony Day. 273855

Harmony Day celebrations A fashion parade and photo shoots were part of a glamorous Harmony Day celebration at Southern Cross Primary School.

Students and teachers adorned national costumes as they paraded outside the Endeavour Hills campus on 29 March.

Then memories were made with a stop at a decorated photo booth.

The event marked Harmony Week, which celebrates multiculturalism across Australia.

Lawrence and Amy during the celebrations.

A student photographs teachers during Harmony Day celebrations at Southern Cross Primary. 273855

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

273855

Charging ahead with electric vehicle components The State Government is supporting the creation of dozens of new advanced manufacturing jobs in Victoria’s electric vehicle industry.

The government is supporting Nissan Casting Australia’s $15.5 million expansion of its Dandenong South facility, which will design and manufacture electric vehicle components for carmaker Nissan.

A government spokesperson was unable to release specifics of what the support will entail, saying that the information was “commercial in confidence”.

The locally made parts will be used at assembly plants around the world, including in Japan, Thailand and the United States.

Nissan Casting Australia’s Dandenong South facility produces aluminium die-cast components used in Nissan’s electric vehicle models sold around the world, including the Leaf.

The investment will create 41 local jobs dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

in engineering, management and production, and allow the company to boost its automation and robotic operations – building Victoria’s skills base. The facility can produce around 2.6 million metal castings each year.

Minister for Industry, Support and Recovery, Martin Pakula, highlighted the importance of the government’s support.

“We’re backing companies like Nissan Casting to expand their operations and make more products for export,” Mr Pakula said.

“Victoria is Australia’s leading advanced manufacturing state, and we’ll keep investing in the sector to grow the economy and create local jobs.”

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and Keysborough MP Martin Pakula at Nissan Castings, Dandenong South.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 17

NEWS

Players from two of the teams pose for a photo.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Dandenong City hosted the event.

Soccer gala day a success

By Jonty Ralphsmith There were 500 participants at Dandenong City Soccer Club’s tournament of U9s-13s children on Saturday 9 April.

Clubs from across Melbourne participated at the daylong event and it achieved its aim of attracting people back outdoors and playing

local sport after the lockdowns of the past two years.

“The kids absolutely had a ball,” committee member Natalie Klafuric said.

“Their comments were that it’s fantastic to play soccer because they’re able to enjoy life again and they’re able to play with their team-

mates so it’s a massive success to get them out and about.

Another 2000 people were in attendance and Ms Klafuric noted the positive vibe at the event.

“It was really hard to get motivated at the beginning the year and things like this get

them very excited and they’re very appreciative that their parents encourage them to get involved in sport.

“The kids are happier, energetic, and more motivated to get back into sport which is an absolute positive influence to get kids to do these tournaments.”

Bringing bowls to schools Lyndale students on song

By Jonty Ralphsmith

At the end of 2021 it was decided that Wallarano Primary School in Noble Park would take part in regular Lawn Bowls competition as part of their inter-school sport program.

To try and develop students in preparation for the program, the school sourced funding through the Sporting Schools federal grant, allowing a coach to come out and the purchase of some modified lawn bowls equipment to use at school.

At the beginning of 2022, a member of the school attended a professional development session at the Noble Park Bowls Club (NPBC) and proposed that these clinics for the students could take part at the bowls club rather than the school.

Graeme Arms from the club was more than happy to explore this option and the school worked with the club and its member to make the facilities available.

The school provided a couple of sessions using tennis balls and cricket balls as a ways

to introduce the students to the main concepts of the game.

After two weeks, there were 24 students who gave up their lunch times to head to NPBC for a roll with Penny Lindeman from Bowls Victoria.

Penny introduced the kids to the vocabulary and skills of bowls and the students quickly took to it.

NPBC also supplied a number of volunteers to come and support these lunch time coaching sessions.

After a 4 week program with Penny and Paul from Bowls Victoria, both the club and school came together to showcase the skills that the students had gained by having an open night.

Members of the schools staff, family members and children could celebrate what they had learnt and achieved.

It is hoped that this will create more community connections between the school and club.

Marj Gissing (Vice President) with Darren and his son Liam.

Liam bowling. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Lyndale Secondary College hosted Wonthaggi Secondary College for a day of musical collaboration on Tuesday 5 April.

The 80 students from across the two schools had never met each other at the start of the day, but by the end they were well integrated and sung Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’.

Lyndale Performing Arts Director Steve Rault noted that while academia could move online, performing arts could not do so as easily, and therefore took a massive hit during the pandemic, giving cause for the collaboration.

“The initial idea was to try and get our students and students from another school to get together to do something fun in a safe and supportive way given pretty much everything has been cancelled and there has not been opportunities to do anything outside of strict and controlled environments,” Mr Rault said.

“It was also important to celebrate we’re still music lovers and we can still do great things together.”

The whole day was dedicated to the musical pursuits, to boost the students’ confidence and build a sense of community that may have been lost during the repeated lockdowns of 2020-21.

There was no pre-rehearsal with all the students’ performances at the end of the day based on what they had practiced and learned throughout the collaboration.

“Ultimately, the sentiment that was taken from the day was that we were all, staff and students alike, reminded about how in love with making music we are,” the Performing Arts Director said.

“It takes that intensity and sharing of the same feeling and goals and love for music to reignite and inspire your own passion so I think that was the intent but there was also a euphoric feeling at the conclusion of the performance and they all went ‘wow, I’m so glad we did this’.”

Tom (Wonthaggi), with Ciya and Ai (Lyndale).

The students did not know each other at the beginning of the day. 275580

Ethan (Lyndale). 275580

Ethan (Lyndale) with Georgia (Wonthaggi).

275580 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Marj Gissing (Vice President) teaching Ace to bowl. 275377 Pharrell Williams’ Happy was the signature performance.

18 STAR JOURNAL

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• Endeavour Hills Ocean Blue Milk Bar 90/92 John Fawker Drive • Endeavour Hills Nicholls Gledhill Real Estate 2 Raymond McMahon Boulevard • Eumemmerring Atura Hotel May-17 Doveton Avenue • Eumemmerring Caltex Woolworths Service Station 40/44 Princes Highway • Eumemmerring BP Service Station 60-64 Princes Highway • Hampton Park Hampton Park Library 26 Stuart Avenue • Keysborough Caltex Keysborough 248 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Parkmore Shopping Centre 317 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Barry Plant Real Estate Shop 1,320 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough 7 Eleven Keysborough 309 Cheltenham Road & Cnr Kingsclere Road • Keysborough Woolworths Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough Coles Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough O’Briens Real Estate Shop 6, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough City of Greater Dandenong Shop A07, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough Michaels IGA 466 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Keysborough Learning Centre 402 Corrigan Road • Keysborough Foodworks Keysborough 285-289 Corrigan Road • Mulgrave Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre 271 Police Road • Noble Park Sandown Park Hotel Corrigan Road • Noble Park Coles Supermarket 1 Douglas Street • Noble Park Noble Park Newsagency 22 Douglas Street • Noble Park Harvey Real Estate 26 Douglas Street • Noble Park Century 21 Real Estate 38 Douglas Street • Noble Park Ray White Real Estate 42 Douglas Street • Noble Park Caltex Woolworths Heatherton Rd & Chandler Highway • Noble Park Noble Park RSL 1128 Heatherton Road • Noble Park Lucky Star Lotto 1268 Heatherton Road • Noble Park Cellarbrations 3 Leonard Ave • Noble Park Noble Park Aquatic Centre 9 Memorial Drive • Noble Park Noble Park Community Centre Memorial Drive (Ross Reserve) • Noble Park Noble Park Bowls Club 56 Moodemere Street • Noble Park Barry Plant Real Estate 390 Princes Highway • Noble Park Harrisfield Milkbar 519 Princes Highway

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

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Planning and Environment Act 1987 GREATER DANDENONG PLANNING SCHEME Notice of the Preparation of an Amendment Amendment C228gdan The Greater Dandenong City Council has prepared Amendment C228gdan to the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme.

The amendment proposes to change the public open space contribution rates for new subdivisions of nonexempt land and buildings intended to be used for residential and commercial purposes.

The amendment will: • Amend Clause 21.06 (Open Space and Natural Environment) of the Local Planning Policy Framework to reference the Greater Dandenong Open Space Strategy 2020-2030 (City of Greater Dandenong, 2020).

• Replace the Schedule to Clause 53.01 (Public Open Space Contributions and Subdivision) with a revised schedule that clarifies the wording and specifies the following public open space contribution rates: • Non-exempt residential subdivisions will be required to pay 6.3 per cent of the site value of the land in the subdivision.

• Non-exempt commercial subdivisions will be required to pay 2 per cent of the site value of the land in the subdivision.

• Non-exempt mixed-use subdivisions will be required to pay a combination of the above percentage rates of the site value of the land in the subdivision in accordance with the calculation method included in the Greater Dandenong Public Open Space Contributions and Subdivision Calculations Plan 2021 (City of Greater Dandenong, 2021).

• Amend the Schedule to Clause 72.08 Background Documents to include the Greater Dandenong Open Space Strategy 2020-2030 (City of Greater Dandenong, 2020) and the Greater Dandenong Open Space Strategy Open Space Contributions Assessment (Urban Enterprise, December 2020).

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

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

The closing date for submissions is Friday 20 May 2022.

A submission must be sent to council by: • Email: council@cgd.vic.gov.au (preferred method) or • Post: Strategic Planning Amendment C228, City of Greater Dandenong, PO Box 200, DANDENONG VIC 3175 The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office for any person to inspect free of charge for two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.

MR. JODY BOSMAN DIRECTOR CITY PLANNING, DESIGN AND AMENITY

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

Perspective for Pednekar

By Tyler Lewis Expand strike rate and improve mentality.

Those are the focuses for Yash Pednekar this winter, as he jetted off to the United Kingdom to play for North Leeds Cricket Club.

The North Dandenong junior and current Richmond CC opener enjoyed a career best season to date, as the Tigers made it to the penultimate game of the Vic Premier Cricket season.

It isn’t the first time Pednekar is avoiding the spoils of the Victorian winter, last off-season he made the trip north to play in the Darwin competition for Waratah.

That competition was back of mind for Pednekar as the VPC season came to a close, before an offer to play overseas surfaced.

“I sort of planned on going to the NT (Northern Territory) again,” Pednekar said.

“I had in the back of my mind to go to the UK (United Kingdom) with everything opening up, there were a few offers, clubs contacted me, I thought ‘why not’.

“Go to the UK, play in some different conditions, challenge myself in a different way, (I am) leaving on the 12th, come back in September.”

As just a young man, a trip away from home in a foreign country would’ve been quite daunting, but the trip to Darwin prior assisted in the decision, while also teaching him a valuable lesson.

“If I didn’t go to Darwin initially, going to the UK would’ve been a big jump,” he said.

“Having that experience is definitely going to help me go to the UK, I think not just for my cricket as well… being away from home gives you that perspective that you know cricket is not everything.

“I think sometimes we put a lot on cricket and focus on cricket all the time, so having that balance sort of helped me this season as well, just getting that perspective on life and cricket I think.

“Cricket was the main focus I went up there, to improve my game, which I thought I did.

“Being around some good people probably helped, a few older guys, some my age as well from Victoria.

“Playing and training together, then enjoying off field as well helped me find that balance.”

Pednekar played in each of the 18 matches for Richmond this summer, accumulating 444 runs @ 27.25, with two half-centuries and two scores in the 40s.

Yash Pednekar is ready to hit his straps in England.

While he admitted a period in Darwin certainly helped him play a more potent role for the Tigers, he was also quite critical of his year.

“I think this season was definitely a big learning curve,” he said of the 2021/22 season.

“My first full season in the ones which was nice, I had a good opportunity there at the top of the order.

“It was a good season, not a great season, but definitely one I take a lot of confidence from and I think Darwin played a major role.

“Just playing more cricket through the whole year, I feel like in the pre season in Melbourne you get a bit stuck with technique and things like that, whereas you play more you learn way more about your game.”

Pednekar played 18 matches in Darwin, and then had a brief cameo for Port Adelaide in South Australia before the full season with the Tigers.

And though some would be eyeing off a break from the game, Pednekar is envisioning

nothing of the sort, in fact, looking to improve further.

“I think for me it is to expand my game a bit more,” he said.

“For me this year – the role I played – I was pretty happy with a few of the starts I got, but I didn’t show the gears I have.

“So to improve that strike rate and expand my game a bit more, I feel I have it in me, I played a bit within myself this season. “(I am) going to the UK to take those risks that I probably wouldn’t have taken in Victoria with the expectations, (I am going to) go there with a bit of freedom and try and bring that back to Victoria.

“The biggest thing for me (as well) is my mental side of the game, (and) my tactical side.

“Finding that consistency in which I can go into each game with the same mindset and same perspective no matter what has been in the previous game.

Picture: CHRIS THOMAS “That’s one of the biggest things I found this season, when I can go into a game with no baggage and just treat each game as it comes.

“Judging form on the process rather than the outcomes of how many runs I have scored, how many bombs I hit, I think that is when I am playing my best cricket and that’s what I want to keep working on.”

With what will be effectively a fourth successive season, Pednekar is going chips in on higher honours.

Revealing playing at a higher level is front of mind.

“I think that has always been the goal and the dream; to play at the next level,” he said.

“There are a lot of guys out there that want to do that, but I think if you put your best foot forward and give it your all… I get the opportunity to do it (play during winter), so why not chase that dream.”

Pednekar flew off to England on Tuesday 12 April.

Eagles sign superstar as Gayle force hits the suburbs

By Lachlan Mitchell Endeavour Hills Cricket Club has bolstered its line up once again with the inclusion of master-blaster Chris Gayle.

The West-Indian brings a reputation of being a destructive batter with over 7000 test runs at an average of 42.

Gayle has also featured in Melbourne before, a part of Big-Bash franchise the Melbourne Renegades.

The Power-blaster was at his devastating best against the Adelaide Strikers at what is now known as Marvel Stadium.

Gayle smashed his way to a 12-ball 50, to equal the record set by Indian Yuvraj Singh for the fast T20 50.

Fellow West-Indian Fidel Edwards is also set to call Endeavour Hills home.

The right-arm quick made 55-test appearances for the West-Indies taking 165 wickets.

The Eagles have added Gayle alongside fellow West Indian Edwards as well as current Sri Lankan Lahiru Thirimanne and former Sri Lankan captain Tilkaratne Dilshan.

The players are all part of the Global Talent Entertainment which facilitates the travel arrangements.

Thirimanne is fresh off a tour of India where he faced up against the likes of Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.

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Endeavour Hills president Arun Rajendran is optimistic for the future of the club with Gayle.

“Gayle is an all-star player with the quality to bring fans to the ground,” he said.

The move to bring these stars to the club is set to re-assure the junior players.

“We have a lot of youth at the club and with the help of these players; we can hopefully inspire and provide knowledge to the future of the club,” Rajendran said.

The move will hopefully bring success and strengthen the side in sub-district cricket for the upcoming season.

“The vision for the club is to strengthen our playing 11 in sub-districts,” he said.

“We are looking at promoting our juniors all the way through. We are looking to strengthen the club as well as the players in the club.

“That included the members, the sponsors, and to get some additional support from the council to upgrade facilities.”

Endeavour Hills finished second on the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association table behind Kew who were the eventual premiers.

The Eagles were successful in the second and fourth eleven for the 21/22 season.

Gayle is expected to land at Endeavour Hills in November for the T20 competition.

West Indian master-blaster Chris Gayle is the latest big name to sign with Endeavour Hills Picture: AAP IMAGES Cricket Club. 276822 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Clarke takes top award

By Tyler Lewis The accolades keep coming for Amber Clarke.

At the NAB League Girls awards night, Clarke was adjudged the competitions best and fairest player after a superb season.

Clarke stormed home with a best afield in the final game to win the award by a solitary vote.

Without the Eastern Ranges game where Clarke left the field early, the dynamic midforward averaged 19 disposals and two goals per game.

Rays coach Nick Cox was over the moon for his best player, but wasn’t surprised by the output from Clarke this season.

And though Clarke has now concluded arguably the greatest individual NAB League season ever, Cox still believes the Narre North Foxes junior has room to grow.

“The expectations of Amber have been quite high for a long time now,” he said.

“Playing as a 15 year old, she is still only 17, she is born December 22… her expectations have always been high, but that is just because of the things she has done, not only in our program but back at local level.

“The hype around her has always been big, but the reason for that is because she has things other girls don’t have.

“That’s power; speed; she kicks the ball better than most; her marking ability is unbelievable, and I actually think she has a lot of improvement in basic areas that when she gets to an AFL program will make her even more consistent… I look forward to that when it happens.”

In each of the nine games (excluding Eastern), Clarke kicked at least one major. While he said the aforementioned bar for Clarke is higher than most, Cox believes her consistency has been the best part of her year.

“Her consistency across the board,” he said of what impressed him the most this season.

Amber Clarke in pursuit of the footy.

“We keep forgetting – and we do it a lot with the better players – Amber’s level is so high, that sometimes when they have 20 disposals and a goal that we look at it and go ‘jeez she was quiet’, when it was still a better game than most.

“Her ability to hit the scoreboard then go

Picture: AFL MEDIA into the midfield is second to none.”

Cox and his Rays are feeling humbled and privileged to having had Clarke in their program; not only as a player, but – more importantly – as a person.

“She is a once in a generation player, we are lucky to have had her in our program for the

amount of years we have,” he said.

“She realises there is a lot of work to be done if and when she gets to an AFL club, but I know she will do that and continue to improve.

“She is one of the most respectful, humble, young athletes I have ever seen come through the Stingrays.

“Everything she does, she just wants to continue to get better, I know she hasn’t talked how good she is, she just knows it and everyone else knows it, she just goes about her business.”

In the space of five days, Clarke has achieved more than many accomplished footballers can hang their hat on.

Cox believes her week of individual honours will be highlighted in coming days, while also still ruing the chance she could’ve bagged the Dusty Martin 2017 trio of medals.

“I reckon it will be highlighted in the next few days and a few hours,” he said.

“It would’ve been a great day to win the comp best and fairest, she has won the best on ground (in the grand final) and a premiership would’ve capped it right off.

“We fell one short there, but I think she will realise it down the track when she sits down and ponders her year.”

AMBER CLARKE’S SEASON R1: 23 disposals, five goals.

R2: 23 disposals, four goals.

R3: 17 disposals, one goal.

R4: 16 disposals, two goals.

R6: three disposals, zero goals – injured R7: 15 disposals, one goal.

R8: 12 disposals, one goal.

R10: 18 disposals, one goal.

PF: 19 disposals, one goal.

GF: 28 disposals, two goals.

· · · · · · · · · ·

Wow...this potential sizzling superstar really is fast!

By Gerard Guthrie Potential superstar Wow She’s Fast lived up to what race caller Daniel Hibberd termed “the bravest name in racing” once again on Thursday night, with a scintillating victory in the Group 3 Launching Pad (515m) at Sandown Park.

Trained by Jackie Greenough, whose husband Kel won the Launching Pad in 2004 with Legends; Wow She’s Fast clocked an airborne 28.93sec, joining the exclusive sub-29 seconds club and becoming the ‘fastest’ female ever over the 515m course.

Only recently retired superstar course record holder Aston Rupee and 2020 Melbourne Cup winner Hard Style Rico have run quicker.

Wow She’s Fast burst onto the scene at the same venue last September with a jawdropping debut, scoring by a staggering 27 lengths in 29.09sec.

The daughter of three-time G1 winner My Bro Fabio then etched her name in the history books in December at The Meadows, winning the inaugural TAB Phoenix and its massive $750,000 winner’s purse at just her seventh start.

The Greenoughs then opted to wait for the rich Launching Pad series, restricted to greyhounds with 1 – 6 wins and no more than 30 starts, and the decision paid off handsomely.

After flying 29.15sec and 29.29sec victories in her heat and semi-final respectively, Wow She’s Fast started an easing $3 favourite from Box 7 in the decider, ahead of Plaintiff (Box 2) at $3.40 and Dusty Bourbski (Box 1) at $3.90.

The wide draw was the question mark surrounding Wow She’s Fast, but it proved to be no concern whatsoever as she exploded out of the boxes and found the front with a blinding 5.04sec first split.

It was a matter of time and margin from that point, and both were ultra-impressive, as Wow She’s Fast romped to a 6.63L victory over Plaintiff, with outsider Samona dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Wow She’s Fast is regularly lighting up Sandown Park... ($56) running third.

“I suppose when you’re starting off low 29s, you certainly hope you get there (breaking 29 seconds) and perfect conditions tonight probably helped,” Kel Greenough told Sandown’s Jason Adams post-race.

“It has been a bit of a challenge, to be honest, waiting all that time and trying to get the fitness right and try to have her peak on the right night.

“There’s been a few headaches trying to

get it right but fortunately it worked out.

“We had such a long wait, we had to try to balance it out, so we had her peaking coming into the 500s.

“If I’d given her a number of harder runs, I probably would’ve had her flat by now, so I had to go to Warragul and do 400s and things like that, just to keep her fitness and try to get the speed up and gradually build the strength back and get the timing right.”

Wow She’s Fast has now won nine of her 12

starts, including seven from nine at Sandown.

The Launching Pad’s $150,000 bounty boosted her earnings to $938,070 and a place in the sport’s all-time top ten prizemoney earners, incredibly having only turned two on February 13.

Considering her obvious affinity with Sandown, it’s no surprise Greenough identified next month’s female-only Group 1 Sapphire Crown as Wow She’s Fast’s next feature race target.

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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