Dandenong Star Journal - 21st June 2022

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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Queen’s Honour for humble Hallam resident

‘People are scared’

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Hall and Partners had their front window smashed on Friday 10 June.

Stockdale and Leggo were among those affected.

Pictures: JONTY RALPHSMITH

Shattered glass of a shopfront.

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Violent crime in broad daylight has workers on the main street of Dandenong terrified.

Employees at Hall and Partners First National Real Estate had their fears heightened when they saw colleague Michael Hall knocked unconscious for 30 minutes on March 2.

He does not remember anything after being pushed onto the tiled floor by the assailant, but CCTV footage reveals the assailant pushed him, causing Mr Hall’s head to hit the tiled floor, before spitting on Mr Hall and walking out.

Mr Hall also suffered a collapsed lung and was hospitalised for five days with the dispute arising because a nearby tenant was well behind in his rent.

“The magistrate said it is the worst thing he has ever seen happen in an office environment – it was really bad, I could have quite easily died,” Mr Hall said.

Since the attack, criminal activity has worsened around Lonsdale Street and Langhorne Streets according to businesses.

Multiple shopfronts had their windows smashed by an assailant on Friday 10 June with property damage – or worse – an increasing occurrence on Lonsdale and Langhorne Streets in recent months.

Hall and Partners First National Real Estate had just had a pane of glass replaced earlier in the same day after smashing.

When employees heard the smashing of glass on at about 12.30pm, they assumed that the new window had not been installed properly, causing an innocuous shattering.

They could not believe another attack would occur so soon.

They were not the only shopfronts hit that day – Good Money next door had a rock thrown through the window, with the those that saw the strike saying the assailant then came in to collect the rock before walking out.

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NEWS

Scott Street fears raised

By Jonty Ralphsmith A member of the community action group for crime prevention says homelessness needs to be addressed to significantly combat the crime fear gripping businesses in Dandenong.

Many rough sleepers seek refuge in the area near Mr Yim’s workplace, causing them to nearly be runover.

“The angle exiting the carpark is very steep so when you are coming up you can’t see in front of you,” explained colleague Zia Hassan.

“The (homeless) girl was just next to the shutter door so lucky she saw her at the last second or she could easily have killed him.”

People nearly being run-over is not an isolated incident.

Others sleep in emergency doorways, making the escape routes inaccessible.

The action group is overseen by council and Thay Horn Yim, who works on Scott Street says there is a sense of angst in his building about crime.

People lurk and walk around the building, making workers uncomfortable.

A pokie machine has long existed next door to them, but he says people spilling on to the street and behaving unruly has become an increasing issue in the last 12 months.

Colleague Luisa Chavz echoes Mr Yim’s observations.

“Going outside even if it is just to have lunch, the people out there will start talking to you and I have seen people right outside the door downstairs doing drugs and it smells really strong.

Given the steep incline, drivers often struggle to see homeless people who seek shelter at the top of this throughfare. 286121 Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH It has led to her using an abstract strategy to avoid trouble when leaving work.

“Sometimes I pretend I am on the phone so they don’t speak to me – but at the same time they could grab my phone.

“I get nervous because you never know what could happen, it could just be someone trying to talk to you but I don’t trust anyone out there because they could be under some influence.”

Greater Dandenong council and other relevant stakeholders in the municipality including WAYSS and Launch Housing are working to reduce homelessness via a functional zero program.

The program follows a model that has been successful around the world which aims to sustainably end homelessness in a population.

Star Journal will provide more information about the program in the coming weeks.

‘People are scared’: Owners From page 1 Employees at one of the affected businesses say they got CCTV footage but the unknown male is yet to be identified.

Two empty shopfronts also had smashed windows and on Langhorne Street, and Biggin and Scott’s luck of remaining unscathed ran out as they were also affected.

In a separate incident, an employee’s car windows were smashed in broad daylight.

“We’ve got 40 staff all scared to go to their car, they’ll only go in groups,” Mr Hall from First National said.

“We’re locked in – the only way people can come in is through an intercom.

“The doors are locked all the time, people are scared.”

One worker even said they ran to their car once after a long day, keys between their sweaty fingers ready to defend themselves, petrified the darkness was providing cover for someone following them and waiting to pounce.

Groups of people congregate at Boyd Lane, the back carpark of First National and have tried to get into the garage, damaging the roller door and littering the area. Despite having four carspaces there, the company has put temporary fencing in front of the garage to preserve safety and instead pay for parking.

Security cameras were promised for the area last August so it could again be used without people feeling the need to rush in and out and lock their doors quickly – the council expects the cameras to be operating by the end of June.

All businesses and shopfronts affected spoken to by Star Journal were within about 250 metres of each other. Each had either directly been affected, changed their behaviour, or knew of several people who had.

First National has spent $20,000 as a di-

The Bus Terminal has attracted trouble, according to a senior estate agent. rect result of the issue and expects to spend close to, if not more than $40,000.

Now, the real estate keeps its shutters down even throughout the day to prevent another smashing preventing promotional opportunity, and an intercom has been installed to add another layer of protection.

Another business that would prefer to remain anonymous does not pay for insurance; given previous incidents, it is cheaper to just pay for the replacements as incidents occur.

Beyond the attacks on shopfronts there have also been several other incidents, prompting discussion in the area about paying for a security guard.

Bakery Kiki Steak and Cheese Pie had its window smashed with a drainage grate in a separate incident on Saturday 28 May, with police arresting a 28-year-old man at the scene charging him with seven counts of criminal damage. The bakery has had drinks stolen on several other occasions and workers are too scared to ask the customers to pay given their behaviour.

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Presence holds key

By Jonty Ralphsmith Police presence is the common denominator when people are asked about how the issue of criminality on Lonsdale and Langhorne Streets could be addressed Employees at bakery Kiki Steak and Cheese Pie say police used to come to get coffees and lunch there, thus deterring would-be criminals. Now, they’re unsighted according to employees and businesses.

“I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a police officer walk the streets of Dandenong,” Cr Bob Milkovic and First National realtor said at a council meeting on Tuesday 14 June.

“Can we send some patrol officers to actually walk the streets because I haven’t seen any and I am in Dandenong every single day, day in day out and I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a police officer apart from stopping someone and issuing a speeding fine.”

“We need to address this and address it fairly quickly before Dandenong starts going back to where it was five years ago will go back to where it was five years ago which was dead.”

The councillor asked if there was a plan regarding safety and homelessness issues which he said was a lingering issue.

Chief executive John Bennie could not comment on the apparent police absence, but reiterated that there was a strategic approach in mind but acknowledged the issue.

“We do acknowledge there are problems in our activity centres that need to be dealt with and dealt with as a matter of urgency,” he said.

Mr Bennie said there had been discussion between relevant agencies and that he and the mayor were hoping to meet with state member Gabrielle Williams and gain her support to add weight to their pleas.

Mr Hall was initially dissatisfied by the police response to last Friday’s attack after failing, but a visit from an officer last Wednesday – five days later – has him grateful. Police have taken responsibility, he said, and intend to put measures in place to address the issue.

Others were more scathing.

“When we reported it, they said police would be in contact with you – that was last Friday and we’ve never heard from them,” Biggin & Scott’s Colin Kitney said.

“We sent them a video of the crime, and

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Stockdale & Leggo were among the shopfronts attacked with many saying there would be benefit from increasing police presence.

Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH never heard from them. You’ve got plenty to write about in Dandenong now.

“The police won’t want to speak to me because I’m a real bad advocate for them – I used to respect them so much and now they show no respect to us whatsoever.”

Greater Dandenong’s crime rate per capita is the lowest it has been in a decade according to the latest official statistics, dropping 18.7 per cent from April 2021-March 2022, exceeding the state-wide decrease of 12 per cent.

However, it is more recently that businesses have observed an increase in criminal behaviour.

Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Ivan Petrunic said people have every reason to feel safe.

“I want to assure the community that every single member of Victoria Police will continue

to work tirelessly to keep the crime rates as low as possible. We will be conducting proactive, intelligence based patrols in neighbourhoods, across shopping precincts and public transport hubs; if you choose to threaten, endanger or victimise members of our community, we will arrest you and hold you to account,” he said.

A state government spokesperson said that 225 of the 3135 new police officers have been allocated to the Dandenong Division, including 33 family violence specialists and highlighted the 25 projects that have been supported to prevent crime in the municipality since 2015.

Investigations remain ongoing into the attack on 10 June and police urge anyone with information relating to the incident to lodge a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.come. au.

Man charged with plaza damage worth $263K

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 31-year-old man has been charged with causing more than $263,000 of criminal damage at Dandenong Plaza and a dozen of its outlets on the night of Sunday 12 June.

Julian Koonwhye, 31, of Dandenong, was not present during the hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 June.

Koonwhye was charged with causing $150,000 damage to three Commonwealth Bank ATMs, $50,000 damage to an ANZ ATM

‘It’s a one off incident’, says mayor

and $20,000 damage to the ANZ’s front window.

He was also accused of damaging the plaza front doors, as well as glass displays at ShareTea, Green Village Poultry and MyFone outlets and a Kids At Play vending machine.

He is also charged with destroying a drink fridge at Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse, and damaging windows at Bloom Hearing Specialists, Foot Locker, Aldi and Angus and Coote outlets.

Koonwhye was charged with committing criminal damage while on bail.

NEW

At the hearing, magistrate Kieran Gilligan noted Koonwhye’s apparent “inability to give instructions” to his lawyer.

A defence lawyer lawyer said Koonwhye was diagnosed with schizophrenia, anti-social personality disorder and autism spectrum disorder. He was also at risk of self-harm, the lawyer said.

There was no application for bail.

Koonwhye is scheduled to appear at a committal mention at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 6 September.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti is adamant that Greater Dandenong has not taken a step backwards despite recent crime activity.

The mayor’s brother-in-law owns Green Village Poultry which was among the businesses damaged by a hammerwielding bandit, with Cr Memeti having worked there for about 20 years.

Julian Koonwhye, 31, of Dandenong was charged with causing $263,000 of criminal damage at Dandenong Plaza on the night of Sunday 12 June, and several businesses on Lonsdale and Langhorne Streets say they have observed increased criminal activity recently.

But the mayor believes Dandenong’s past reputation is causing people to jump to early, inaccurate conclusions “It’s a one off incident that could have happened anywhere, he wasn’t there to try and rob the place, it was just an unfortunate situation.

“There’s been a lot of good things that have happened in Dandenong since the revitalisation of Central Dandenong.

We’ve got a beautiful boulevard, many new buildings so we’ve transformed it to be a great city.

You get the good with the bad in a city where you have so many people come in and out to work every day and lots of services, you get the good and the bad.

“Most of these people who are homeless are residents of Greater Dandenong, they’re people who have come here because it is where the services are. If you have a look at them, they’re aren’t residents of Greater Dandenong.

“We’re still moving forward.”

The mayor expressed sadness on major TV news stations on Monday 13 June about his family business being smashed irritating senior realtor Neil Butler from Stockdale & Leggo.

“I would have said I don’t want to be interviewed, we’ll address it,” Mr Butler said.

“You put that on Channel Nine News, what are you doing for the area?

“I don’t think it achieves anything – my job is to sell property here in Dandenong, do you think it helps?

“People are going ‘I’m too scared to go there’ and then they show the guy going through the ‘plaza’.”

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Clean water drives David

By Jonty Ralphsmith People who win awards for their service are often humble, saying they do their work for an important cause, not recognition.

Others grant their support network a large portion of their award.

For David Langworthy OAM, a winner of the Queen’s Birthday Honour Award, it was actions, not words, that proved his true character.

He was not in the country on Queen’s Birthday, when news broke to the public of his honour, but quietly doing the work that had him recognised in the first place.

Mr Langworthy was using his annual leave from Bevmarks, a family business, to jaunt across the Philippines and Malaysia to check out villages that have been provided with water by his hard work.

Working for the Australian-based Skyjuice foundation, Mr Langworthy has contributed to the 120 water purification installations that have been provided to poor villages around the world.

The units are a “dumbed-down” version of Melbourne’s water purification that can easily be operated by people in less economically developed countries.

Each unit is easy to use and provides sufficient water for 350 families meaning 42,000 families have been provided with water through the foundation’s hard work.

As highlighted by Mr Langworthy, clean water prevents illness, enabling greater employment “We can solve so many problems by giving every child in the world safe water,” he said.

“You can change the world.”

Mr Langworthy believes he will continue his work trying to provide water to people around the world for the foreseeable future, after having worked in emergency relief for much of his younger life.

The Hallam resident won the award for his service to the community through a range of roles, dedicating much of his life to the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills as a member since 1982.

In 2010, he was the inaugural chair of Disaster Aid Australia, where he finished up in 2018.

Prior to that, he was with Shelter Box as chair from 2003-10, a company that provides emergency shelter and aid to people affected by natural disaster or conflict.

Mr Langworthy’s time in emergency relief taught him the importance of valuing local input; after a disaster in 2013, he went to Philippines and found out they did not need the western-tailored assistance that was being provided.

“So we don’t go in there and tell them what they need to be doing, we work with the people,” Mr Langworthy explained.

“We source what they need and get them to do the heavy-lifting, and we just project manage and make sure the money was spent wisely.

“It creates employment and gives them something to do; they’re not just standing around waiting for people to help them, they’re actually helping themselves.”

Speaking specifically about the Queen’s Birthday award, he said it was nice to get some recognition in his home country, having felt valued by the countries that benefit from his work.

Yet, like them all, he remains humble.

Mr Langworthy has a 16 year old car and has lived in the same house for 40 years, “preferring to put any wealth he attains towards his mission.

We were put on this planet for a reason. We can do nothing or do something and make the world a better place when you leave.

“I’m just an ordinary guy,” he said.

“Nothing exciting, just a boring person.”

Access to clean water is David Langworthy’s current passion.

Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH

Queen’s Honour for Nyadol

By Jonty Ralphsmith Former Lynbrook resident, advocate Nyadol Nyuon has been awarded a Queen’s honour for her service to human rights and refugee women.

Ms Nyuon, a refugee herself whose family fled the Sudanese civil war is a lawyer and has been a member of the law institute of Victoria since 2015, having arrived in Melbourne 10 years earlier.

Having gone to Melbourne University and graduated with a law degree, she is grateful for the opportunities that Australia has provided, Ms Nyuon has been a victim of racism in Australia.

Speaking to Star in late 2021, she spoke about how those experiences encouraged her to become a human rights advocate.

“Sometimes hurt so much that you question whether you could belong in this country,” she said of the abuse she copped.

“After about six months it provided me with enough silence and solace to realise that we cannot let our fear win.

“I realised there were far more people who thought they benefited from what I did,” Nyadol said.

“I sort of came back with a different attitude. Now I block really racist or mean comments, I mute often, and I am more of myself.”

The advocacy and professional roles saw her nominated for 2022 Victorian Australian of the year, which ended up going to Dylan Alcott.

Ms Nyuon believes the country has the potential to improve its treatment of refugees which is driving her continual volunteering.

“I have done most of these things because these are things I actually enjoy doing, but also the feeling that things need to change, you cannot keep quiet and need to be involved in it to see what you can contribute,” she explained.

“Later when you have children, that responsibility is heightened - that responsi-

Nyadol Nyuon has been awarded with a Queen’s Honour.

Picture: SUPPLIED bility to create a world they can thrive in.”

Among her human rights advocacy, she has contributed to newspapers including The Guardian and The Age since 2002 and has been a board member of African Think Tank and the New Sudanese Youth Association.

Currently, she is a board member for Career Seekers Australia, the Chair of Harmony Alliance: migrant and refugee women for change and a member of the community refugee sponsorship initiative.

Other awards she has won include: Victorian Premier’s award for Community Harmony in 2019, was one of the Australian Financial Review’s most influential people of the year in 2019, and won the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Racism. It stops with me award.

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NEWS

‘New life’ for Doveton pool

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Cr’s homeless plan

By Jonty Ralphsmith A Greater Dandenong Councillor has sensationally called for homeless people in the municipality to be sent to quarantine centres such as Darwin.

Councillor Richard Lim OAM offered the proposal at a council meeting on Tuesday 15 June to the humour and surprise of other councillors including mayor Jim Memeti.

Greater Dandenong is widely known to have the highest number of homeless people in the state, something people commonly raise as an issue, prompting Cr Lim’s question.

“Could we have any possibility of taking them to a quarantine centre – in Victoria we have a big quarantine centre and also we can send them to Darwin - Darwin have a big, huge quarantine centre… could we send the homeless there?

“Is it possible?”

Council CEO John Bennie shut down the suggestion and said it was a matter council was taking extremely seriously.

“We consider the welfare of the individual homeless people above anything else but we

also recognise these are matters that need to be addressed in all our activity centres not just Springvale so we are strategically and with a degree of urgency seeking to deal with all these matters but doing so in the most sensitive and careful way we possibly can,” Mr Bennie said.

“We hear the councillor’s suggestions but we will always be guided by organisations who are expert in this field.”

Speaking to Star Journal, Cr Lim said that housing the homeless in quarantine facilities with medical professionals would address underlying health conditions that may have led to the predicament.

Under the proposal, they would be rehabitilated and trained in a career of their choice, not moving out until they were back on their feet.

As a Cambodian refugee who fled persecution in his homeland in the 1970s, a time where he was often sleeping in cold, war-like conditions, Cr Lim empathised with those doing it tough.

“I see them in this weather when it is 8-9 degrees and I worry about frostbite and their

health. I feel very sorry for them when I walk passed them, I talk to them almost every day. I ask them why they don’t ask for social security and they always say I don’t have a home to live and I think we have empty quarantine facilities in Broadmeadows and Darwin and they’re very nice.

“If people can use it for a seven day, 14 day quarantine, why can’t they use it for people who are homeless give them food to eat, shelter, showers.”

Another suggestion he put forward was encouraging them and providing them with a means to join the army reserve as it would instil purpose into their life.

“I think it is very good to help them become respected in the community. It is not to torture them, but to change them to become respected in our country so they are protecting our country rather than being looked upon because they’re sleeping on the street.

Despite being asked, Cr Lim was unable to provide a clear explanation for how such a proposal would practically work, instead saying he would rely on funding from different levels of government.

RSL royalty honoured with service medal

By Jonty Ralphsmith Dandenong RSL president John Wells’ 45 years of service to the RSL has been recognised with a meritorious service medal at a lunch in May. To those involved in the RSL, the Vietnam veteran’s name is inexorably linked to its increasing success.

Those that don’t know him likely look fondly on his greatest success when they drive around Dandenong: the establishment of Huey the Helicopter, a Vietnam memorial that sits on a sixmetre pylon above the entrance of the RSL. “He was our major projects officer at the time and he thought outside the square. John and did a lot of refurbishing of the helicopter,” General Manager Greg Betros said.

Mr Wells names loyalty as being central to the Anzac spirit and it is that concept which underpins his fondest achievement at the Dandenong sub-branch.

Employing a full-time welfare officer to preserve relationships with veterans and keep them active and involved citizens is his proudest achievements.

Dandenong is among a small handful of leagues across Victoria with a welfare officer employed full-time; there are also several more who volunteer.

“One of the most important things about welfare is letting people know that they’re not forgotten, they still matter and keeping them in contact and communicating,” Mr Wells said.

Under his presidency, the Dandenong subbranch has also forged a reputation within dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

John Wells has given so much to the Dandenong RSL across his decades of involvement.

Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH Greater Dandenong for its community involvement. The league assists clubs in the area and oversees day clubs for people of different ethnicities.

Through interviews with major media outlets, Mr Wells has also sought to raise awareness about the cause and lift the reputation of the Dandenong RSL. When asked why he got so heavily involved with the RSL, the Vietnam War veteran said: “I came back from Vietnam with all of my fingers and arms and toes and legs and I think that imposed an obligation onto me towards those who didn’t. Among ex-servicemen there is quite a genuine kinship such that we can spend an afternoon drinking beers and tell-

ing stories based on the same thing. There’s a bond – I could knock on doors in half the cities in Australia and find me somewhere to sleep.

It’s a trust thing, once you’ve had that trust in a mate, not just in combat but also in the rigiours of training, it lasts a lifetime.”

Mr Wells is Dandenong RSL’s second recipient of a meritorious service medal in as many years after Les Hughes was honoured last year.

His meritorious award comes as the state government announced announced strengthened support for veterans.

The Victorian Veterans Council will host a summit in Melbourne on Saturday 6 August providing advice to the government on issues impacting the veteran community.

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Councillor Richard Lim is calling for the homeless to be sent to the quarantine facilities, or into the army.

Casey Council has revealed a draft masterplan that aims to “breathe new life” into the retained 50-metre Doveton outdoor pool.

The $21.14 million proposed project would add elements accessible ‘all year round’ - a pool plaza, sandpit beach, water play area, adventure playground, picnic and barbecue area and an events forecourt.

It would also reduce the depth of the 50-metre pool, build a changeroom ‘village’ and increase car parking.

The Gambetta room and three small pools will be demolished.

After a fierce ‘Save Doveton Pool’ public campaign, the council backflipped on its 2021 proposal to replace the pool with parkland.

Doveton-Eumemmerring Township Association chair Sean Balfour welcomed the draft masterplan.

“After 12 months of community campaigning and media coverage we are delighted council removed the proposal to demolish the pool,” Mr Balfour said.

“The plan, if delivered, would restore the original funding intended for the upgrade and secure the pool’s long-term future as the centerpiece of our community.

“We look forward to hearing the feedback from the community consultation.”

Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the masterplan “aims to breathe new life” into the site with a “variety of recreational opportunities for the community that can be accessed throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions”.

Casey has stated that the project depends on receiving $10 million from state and federal governments.

It would then start detailed design in this financial year, with construction over 2023-’25.

“Significant investment will be needed to ensure the pool remains viable,” Ms Duff said.

“While the project is dependent on the State and Federal Governments funding 50 per cent of the project costs, we want to know the draft masterplan meets the needs and expectations of the local community as reflected through previous extensive community engagement.”

Public feedback on the draft masterplan is open until Friday 1 July.

Details: https://conversations.casey.vic. gov.au/doveton-pool-in-the-park-concept-plan

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On the starting block

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong’s ailing health outcomes is in the sights of the area’s new recreation boss.

John Clark is chief executive of South East Leisure Pty Ltd, which was set up by City of Greater Dandenong to run its four councilowned recreation facilities.

From 1 July, SEL takes over Dandenong Oasis, Noble Park Aquatic Centre, Dandenong Stadium and Springers Leisure Centre from long-time operators YMCA and Dandenong Basketball Association.

After eight months in makeshift offices, Mr Clark says he’s “super pumped” to finally get into the facilities.

“I feel like I’ve been almost sitting on the sidelines now for eight months.

“That feels like the start line for us.”

At ‘Day 1’, there will be new uniforms and different colours and branding but “as little disruption to normality” as possible, Mr Clark said. Many of the existing staff at the centres have been retained.

But over time, there will be a number of goals – better community engagement, better health outcomes, financial sustainability and competitive fees and charges.

“We want to ensure the facilities remain accessible to the community.

“Current members can expect very little change to their membership rates, just the typical CPI increase for the new financial year.”

One idea was to remove the door entry fee at the financially-embattled Dandenong Stadium.

“We know the majority of stadiums don’t have a door entry (fee). We hope by removing that, more families will have access to watch basketball.”

Other innovations would be adding virtual fitness classes at NPAC, more heart-rate technology and a more accessible website portal for booking in classes, payments and update membership details.

A key goal was creating community partnerships and boosting dire health outcomes in Greater Dandenong.

SEL will seek to find out what was stopping residents, schools and sports clubs from using the centres.

“It’s well known that Greater Dandenong has huge levels of physical inactivity. South East Leisure certainly wants to address that and get more people active.

“We’re trying to shift the dial to not just how many visits we have through the door, we’re actually going to be working with partners to measure the social impact of our facilities.”

Some of the measures are prevention of drowning, improvements in mental health and prevention of chronic diseases through use of the centres, Mr Clark said.

“We want to see more people become members at our facilities and to stay members for longer.

Centre ready for Refugee Week fun

By Eleanor Wilson

South East Leisure Pty Ltd chief executive John Clark is ‘on his marks’ for 1 July. 284001 Picture: GARY SISSONS “We’ll try to ensure they’re happy and satisfied.”

One challenge is to build community confidence to return to gyms and leisure centres since Covid. About 70-80 per cent of gym members have returned across the industry.

There are also gaps in the workforce, particularly swim school teachers and life guards.

“We’re looking to introduce trainee programs, employment pathways but right now, we’re just keen for people to apply.

“There’s been challenges along the way as you’d expect. It’s been quite a difficult environment to recruit with the ‘Great Resignation’. It’s a competitive job market.”

Despite this, Mr Clark said he’d be leading a “high calibre” team.

The group has more than 100 years of facility management experience at YMCA, Bayside Council, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Life Saving Victoria and an SEL-like subsidiary at Wyndham Council Mr Clark himself has been in the sportsand-recreation industry for 17-plus years, including RACV’s Torquay resort, Tobruk Memorial Pool in Cairns and Brimbank City Council’s leisure centres.

For the first time, the four facilities will have a dedicated SEL support office of about

15 full-time staff.

And then there’s the bottom line. The SEL management model is expected to turn around losses and eventually return financial dividends to the council.

That will be helped by upgrades such as the new NPAC gym this year and the future $82.3 million Dandenong Wellness Centre – which replaces the “out of date” Oasis, Mr Clark says.

“Council is realistic that it’s a challenge to get the four centres to (profitability),” Mr Clark says.

“Traditionally, a lot of aquatic centres lose money. They run at a loss. It’s a challenge to get to the point of making a profit.”

Mr Clark said SEL was “well on track” to spend less than the council’s anticipated $1.6 million start-up costs for software, a new website, staff uniforms, training, IT and operational equipment.

“From Year 1, we’re aiming to operate the facilities at a lower cost than what they’ve previously operated at.

“So council will see a benefit from the first year but that doesn’t mean it will be a profit in year 1.

“We will start turning the tide on how the facilities have been going.”

Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre is gearing up for one of its biggest events post-lockdown.

Later this month, SMRC will be joined by hundreds of migrants, refugees and community members to celebrate Refugee Week.

Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park will be home to a day filled with culture and activities for families to enjoy.

Locals can enjoy a free halal barbecue from The Rotary Club of Berwick, cultural performances to celebrate and highlight diversity and family-friendly activities such as face painting, Henna and a kid’s circus.

The Monash Health Vaccination Bus will also make an appearance, offering free Covid and flu vaccinations.

SMRC acting chief executive officer Colin Solomon said the centre is “thrilled” to be holding the event in the City of Casey.

“The theme of refugee week this year is ‘healing’, something we want to showcase to all members of the community.

We’re hoping to see everyone participating and enjoying themselves to the fullest,” Mr Solomon said.

Event coordinator Jessica Chen said a broad range of groups and corporations offered their help to bring the event together.

“We’ve had great accessibility to staff from the City of Casey, South-East Community Links (SECL) and Melbourne City FC, who’ve contributed time and resources into helping us put the event together,” she said.

“We’re really excited by the performances and activities we’ll have on offer.”

Refugee Week runs from 19-25 June, with SMRC’s event being held on Sunday 26 June from 11am to 3pm at Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park.

Staff at the Southern Migrant Resource Centre are excitedly preparing for the Refugee Week event. Picture: SUPPLIED

Restaurant faces the music after no OK on karaoke

By Jonty Ralphsmith A Springvale restaurant owner has been left disappointed and with a reduced customer base after being refused karaoke in its restaurant.

In a decision dubbed ‘un-Springvalian’ by Greater Dandenong councillor Sean O’Reilly at a meeting on 14 June, Kingvale PHO has been barred from allowing karaoke for special occasions or private bookings.

It comes despite a karaoke bar within 100 metres of the restaurant being recommended by council officers and approved by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday 14 June.

People would ask for karaoke a couple of times per week, which the Vietnamese restaurant on Balmoral avenue granted.

Since February, Kingvale PHO has stopped allowing karaoke after receiving a fine from police for playing music, something not allowed under their liquor licence.

The business subsequently applied for a karaoke licence from council, which was knocked back.

“People want to eat and listen to music and sing so they’re very disappointed when they can’t,” said owner Kim Anh Nguyen. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Kingvale PHO is a moderately sized restaurant with noise emission likely mild compared to a karaoke bar.

The restaurant has also explored the option and intends on installing double glazed glass to preserve the amenity of residents.

Council approved the karaoke bar at a meeting on Tuesday 14 June, with councillor Sean O’Reilly asking later in the meeting why one had been allowed and another refuted given the similar circumstances. “[It] doesn’t make sense that nearby residents in the No 8 complex can warble something like “Summer of 69” by Bryan Adams on their own karaoke machine [in] their own apartment, but a restaurant in Springvale that has done the right thing by apply for karaoke on their permit gets knocked back with no negotiation or compromise from council,” Cr O’Reilly said.

“Mayor, not allowing karaoke in a Springvale restaurant is like having a pub with no beer.

“It’s un-Springvalian.”

Cr O’Reilly was told council would need to have a closer look at the planning application for more specific detail but that council would

The sign to a karaoke bar can be seen in the background of the restaurant frontage. 286123 generally seek to support night-time activity in activity centres.

After Cr O’Reilly addressed the issue at the meeting, council contacted the restaurant to say the decision would be reviewed.

Jody Bosman, director city planning, design and amenity said the initial decision was made on the restaurant’s use as the application did not reference a karaoke bar.

“Now that [the] Council is aware of the request for a karaoke bar, officers are working with the applicant,” he said.

Cr Sean O’Reilly and Kingvale PHO both think the restaurant should be allowed to play karaoke.

Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 9

ADVERTORIAL

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Located at the highest point of the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat Eagle is the perfect place for wintery fun this school holidays, taking you to the best views of the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.

Popular throughout the year, the state-of-the-art gondolas see a fresh surge of popularity during winter with locals rugging up for this quintessential winter experience.

“The idea that the Eagle is only a summer attraction is far from accurate,” explains Eagle CEO, Matthew Mulkearns. “Many of our repeat guests insist that winter is their favourite season to fly with us. The variability of the weather adds a thrilling dynamic to the experience. On a crisp day, our winter views are hands down the clearest you will see, and on a blustery day there’s nothing better than snuggling under one of our complimentary blankets, with a mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine as you soar over Arthurs Seat State Park in comfort!”

The Arthurs Seat Eagle Winter Festival, launched over the Queens Birthday long weekend, has been an instant hit with visitors. With both stations decorated with snowflakes and fairy lights, the winter wonderland feel is cosy and whimsical.

The gondola ride itself is, of course, always magnificent. When you ride in one of the world class gondolas, you will feel on top of the world. Whether you start at the Base Station, or soar from the Summit, you can expect a 15 minute journey each way in your own gondola… and during the Arthurs Seat Eagle Winter Festival your options for warming your ride range from blankets to enjoying the delicious soup of the day!

The Winter Twilight Flights have already proven popular, with guests enjoying in gondola dining with cheese platters and mulled wine, or a hot chocolate, from 4pm until 5 pm on Saturdays.

Live music in the café on Saturdays from 3pm until 5pm creates a festive atmosphere for guests to enjoy a warming winter meal in the café (or the indulge in the decadent limited edition Eagle Blizzard Monster Shake), while school holiday competitions and activities give the kids some out-of-the-ordinary winter fun.

The Arthurs Seat Eagle is open every day from 10-5 over the school holidays.

And what of the snow on Arthurs Seat? Gondolas arriving at the Summit Station are caught in a flurry of faux snowflakes topping off what is a truly unique and unmissable winter experience perfect for the whole family.

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10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … ENROLMENTS FOR 2023

A truly diverse curriculum Noble Park Secondary College, a Year 7 - 12 coeducational College, strives for excellence as a provider of education. They promote an ethos of success for all students and believe that every student can shine in their own special areas of interest at school.

Noble Park Secondary College encourages a culture where all members of the school community value Student Voice and Leadership.

Student voice both within the classroom and the College Community is highly recognised as being a key contributor to the improvement of student performance. They recognise that when students are provided with the opportunity to actively shape their own learning, they remain engaged and excel in their studies.

Students are encouraged to collaborate to problem-solve, develop higher-order questions, and contribute to the creation of a product. They are given the opportunity to speak to the class, conduct experiments, and /or use tools to demonstrate understanding. It is encouraged that students’ writing is for an audience beyond the classroom. Students are prompted to connect what they are learning within the classroom to their lives outside of school.

Noble Park Secondary College offers a diverse, stimulating, and engaging curriculum at all year levels catering for individual needs. In Years 7 and 8 students are offered some elective choices, which are extended in Years 9 and 10 to increase engagements and allow students to start investigating possible career pathways.

The College offers targeted intervention literacy and numeracy classes, allowing students to ‘catch up’ through personalised programs catering for individualised needs.

Noble Park Secondary College invite you to call the College on 9546 9066 to book a school tour or for Enrolment information!

Noble Park Secondary College offers a diverse, stimulating, and engaging curriculum at all year levels.

Start your journey with us...

Enrolments for 2023 Now Open!

Celebrating Success - Ranked top ten secondary school growth in 2022 NAPLAN reading and numeracy - 100% VCE Completion in 2021 - 85% University Entrance in 2021

Please contact us for 2023 Enrolment information.

Call 9546 9066 or Email

noble.park.sc@education. vic.edu.au

3 Callaghan Street, Noble Park, 3174 12554779-AV25-22

12555060-SN25-22

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 11

FOCUS ON … ENROLMENTS FOR 2023

Unique learning offered By working in a learning environment of like minds, students in our Accelerated and Enhanced Learning Program are intellectually stimulated, enriched and challenged at every opportunity.

The program emphasises higher-order thinking skills, problem solving and excellence in academic pursuits.

Dandenong High School students demonstrate independence, self-motivation and self-regulation in their learning, increasingly becoming critical and strategic thinkers. They do this in a creative and collaborative manner, supported by their teachers and peers.

The Accelerated and Enhanced Learning Program (AELP) at Dandenong High School is unique, providing personalised learning that caters for the different strengths of every learner.

A team of teachers work with a group of 50 students allowing for greater flexibility and targeted teaching. More teachers in the classroom means greater opportunities to extend our high achievers in all aspects of their learning.

The high achieving nature of our students in the program are supported with strong links to community partners including RMIT, Swinburne and Monash Universities. These partnerships provide several enrichment experiences that stretch students thinking and enable them to gain recognised micro-credentials and qualifications that better prepare them for University and post-secondary school studies.

To enable students to maximise their ATAR they can commence their VCE studies in Year 10, which allows for a reduced or expanded study load in Year 12, dependant on your child’s needs.

Students joining our AELP for 2023 will be the first to learn in our Design Centre, an in-

The Accelerated and Enhanced Learning Program (AELP) at Dandenong High School is unique. novative learning space where students will be immersed in STEM learning, exploring the engineering process and the power of technology, both existing and emerging.

The school has recently completed construction of our Food Technology Wing and

Cafeteria, in addition to other specialist spaces such as the Melaleuca Performing Arts and Sporting complex, the Senior Science Wing and the Senior Visual Arts and Media space.

These are designed to empower students through discovery and inquiry in a deeply

immersive learning environment.

The school invites you to tour their school, see their learning in action and explore the facilities so that you can understand how your child will reach their potential at Dandenong High School.

To be considered for Dandenong High School’s AELP you need to be enrolled in Dandenong High School for 2023.

12554817-DL25-22

12 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … ENROLMENTS FOR 2023

SEAL applications open Lyndale Secondary College is a traditional, coeducational school with a commitment to academic excellence. The Accelerated Learning Program initiative was implemented in 1996 and is part of the Lyndale Secondary College differentiated education priority which caters for all students, including those with special needs.

Lyndale Secondary College is one of a small number of Department of Education Schools in the state which is accredited to provide Select Entry programs for gifted students. The acceleration process is designed to cater for the needs of the highly academically talented student. The program also emphasises the college’s strong belief in pastoral care and ensures that all students are effectively guided through their secondary years of schooling.

The Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program (SEAL) course involves: An intensive and fast paced curriculum Focus on complex and abstract material Emphasis on higher thought processes (problem solving and analysis) Allow students to pursue in topics of interest arising from their work Opportunities to participate in a variety of academic competitions Visit https://lyndale.vic.edu.au/accelerated-learning/ to apply.

Please note SEAL Applications for 2023 intake close on Monday, 1 August 2022.

Headstart Headstart is an exciting academic program that aims to fully support school students’ transition from one academic year to the next.

This program provides educational advantage to our students by strengthening their academic skills to move forward through the commencement of next year’s coursework in

· · · · ·

Lyndale Secondary College welcomes your interest in their college. the last three weeks of the school year. Headstart benefits Senior School students as they will be better prepared for the rigours of VCE

requirements, which will enable them to undertake senior studies with confidence and success.

Lyndale Secondary College welcomes your interest in their college and warmly invite you to contact them on 9795 2366.

Fighting feelings of stress

By Elle Cecil As many secondary students would be well aware, VCE is a time of stress, uncertainty and hard work. It is important to balance this stress with relief, uncertainty with predictability and hard work with relaxation.

Studies show that small, regular breaks between study sessions can improve mood and productivity. As you approach upcoming SACs and start thinking about the looming exam period, remember that it is not maintainable to be constantly anxious.

You should have time to destress and think about something other than exams and study for a while.

Here are some ways to combat feelings of stress during your VCE studies: Positive self-talk: using negative language with yourself is neither beneficial nor deserved. Make an effort to recognise how much work you’re putting in and allow yourself to see how well you’re doing. You have worked hard to get this far, and you need to maintain your health and wellbeing throughout the year. Try to think of five things that you’re proud of yourself for doing either in or outside of your school life and reiterate that you’re capable of what you want to achieve. Visualise

·

yourself doing well in your studies and receiving positive news when you receive results or feedback.

Use some tangible grounding tools: have a cup of tea, play with your pet or scribble in an adult colouring book. It’s okay to forget about study for a while. In fact, it’s beneficial to spend some time after you study to allow the information to consolidate in your brain, so pick up a book or make yourself a snack and keep your mind occupied for a moment.

Move your body: get the blood flowing!

Whether you put on your favorite dance playlist and boogie around your room for a while, do some yoga or go for a stroll with a friend, getting active will refresh not only your body but your mind as well.

It will also assist in creating and releasing endorphins to improve your mood and relieve feelings of stress.

It’s likely that you’ve heard it plenty of times, but VCE is not the be-all and end-all of life. Despite the outcome you receive on ATAR day, there are always a variety of ways for you to get into your desired career. Life will go on after high school and it is there to be lived, so make sure you make the most of it. Best of luck to all VCE students this year!

·

·

It’s important for VCE students to properly manage their stress during the year.

Picture: ISTOCK 12554730-NG25-22

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 13

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14 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Stats reveal drop in crime

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong’s overall crime rate has plunged across all suburbs and age groups, according to the latest official statistics.

The per capita crime rate is the lowest in Greater Dandenong in the past decade.

Overall, the rate dropped 18.7 per cent in the April 2021-March 2022 period.

The drop exceeded the statewide decrease of 12 per cent.

According to the Crime Statistics Agency, the drops were largely driven by less Covid public health order infringements.

In Greater Dandenong, one of the heaviest Covid-fined areas, breaches dropped 83 per cent.

Some of the other biggest local drops per capita were in family violence incidents (down 8.1 per cent), which also was greater than the 2.4 per cent decrease statewide.

Also down were car theft (21.7 per cent), bike theft (27.4 per cent), burglaries (down 14.3 per cent), drug offences (25.6 per cent) and drunk and disorderly (34 per cent).

However, criminal damage was up 4.8 per cent to 1248 offences. It is the fourth most common offence in Greater Dandenong.

Also on the rise were shoplifting (up 6.9 per cent) and breach of bail orders were (up 48.5 per cent).

Breaches of family violence and intervention orders were largely unchanged per capita, as were family-violence serious assaults.

Weapon offences were also unchanged.

Victoria Police deputy commissioner Rick Nugent said it was “incredibly pleasing” that crime continued to reduce from pre-pandemic levels.

“Importantly, we are seeing a reduction in the number of victims in our community and the number of people offending, particularly in relation to youth.

“This shows our collaboration with external partners to implement early intervention initiatives is making an impact and diverting young people away from crime.”

He said it was positive to see reductions in serious crimes such as home burglaries and robberies.

Jail for IS supporter who incited would-be terrorist

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 24-year-old Hallam woman has been jailed for supporting a would-be overseas fighter for terrorist group Islamic State.

Hadashah Sa’adat Khan pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to providing support or resources to the terrorist organisation and to failing to comply with a police order for her mobile phone passcode.

In sentencing on 10 June, Judge Richard Maidment said Sa’adat Khan, as an 18-yearold, communicated online with an 18-year-old American man for five days in June 2016.

During that time, she advised him on how to enter Syria to join IS’s military fight against the Syrian government.

On 21 June, 2016 the man was intercepted

by FBI agents in the USA prior to his trip.

Eighteen months later, Sa’adat Khan was first arrested by police, made “false denials” about her offending and was released without charge.

On 25 February, 2020, police re-arrested her, raided her home and seized a phone in her bedroom.

She claimed it was her mother’s phone and she didn’t know the passcode.

Videos and images extracted from the phone showed that Sa’adat Khan was supporting IS and its “violent jihad” ideology, Judge Maidment said.

The judge accepted her offending was “towards the lower end of the scale” of a “very serious” crime.

“It is always a very serious offence when anyone dabbles in terrorist activity,” he said.

According to her defence, her advice was “trite” – it was likely common knowledge gathered from third parties. The man had already bought his plane ticket to Morocco by that stage.

Her offending was not as serious as recruiting people, supplying weapons or providing significant funds, expert knowledge or tech support for a terrorist group.

Sa’adat Khan has been in custody since her arrest – while mainly under Covid restrictions.

She spent lengthy spells in solitary confinement and the “protection unit”.

In August 2020, while in custody, Sa’adat Khan exchanged letters with a female prisoner who committed a “terrorist” offence in prison.

Sa’adat Khan was implicated but later exonerated.

Judge Maidment said there was no evidandenong.starcommunity.com.au

dence that she was genuinely remorseful or on the path of deradicalisation.

They were still “live issues”, he said.

Her “guarded but by no means hopeless” rehabilitation prospects depended on her seeking help.

This included psychological treatment, counselling, family therapy, religious mentorship and pro-social networks.

Judge Maidment noted factors led to Sa’adat Khan being susceptible to radicalisation at a young age.

Sa’adat Khan’s defence lawyer argued they stemmed from her isolation.

Born in Afghanistan, her family fled war to settle in Dandenong North when she was 9. She’d been traumatised by events while in Pakistan as a child.

With little English, she had few friends and endured bullying at school.

After Year 10, she stayed home to help her mother and withdrew from her local community.

She found “solace” and “comfort” online from Muslims of similar age, who fueled her support for IS’s “hostile” activities and extremist ideology.

Her defence argued that she assisted the US would-be fighter in order to impress and endear herself to him.

Judge Maidment noted she had no prior criminal record, her early guilty plea, and her age.

She was also at greater risk of harm to her mental health while in prison.

Sa’adat Khan was jailed for up to two-anda-half years with a non-parole period of one year and 11 months.

Her term includes 836 days already served in pre-sentence custody.

FOCUS ON …

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By listening to your individual needs, their team of doctors, specialists and in-house denture technician can inform you of all the treatment options available and guide you through each stage of the process, leading to optimal results.

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 15

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 22 June 1922 Dandenong Police Court Monday June 12, before Messrs J K Freeman, A Lousad, and J W H Wilson JPs Vaccination Cases Richard A Hart and Frederick B Minchin were each fined 10/- for not having their children vaccinated.

Riding bicycle on Footpath Claude Wigg was charged, on the information of Sergt. Hehir, with riding a bicycle on the footpath. He pleaded guilty and was fined 5/-.

50 years ago 20 June 1972 Dianne’s bubble bursts A 13-year-old Doveton girl has been suspended form Hallam High School for wearing blue

coloured “bubbles” to hold her hair in place.

Dianne Burrows of Olive Rd Doveton was suspended for three days last Friday after being told to conform to school regulations. School principal Mr William Hicks told Dianne she would not be allowed to return to school wearing the blue “bubbles.” She could wear only brown or white to conform to school uniform.

The girl’s mother Mrs Anne Burrows is outraged by the suspension. “The whole thing is very unreasonable, and I am not prepared to buckle under. I will fight this to the end. I telephoned the headmaster, only to have him hang up on me. I went down to the school, and he said it was his school and he would make the rules.” Mr Hicks told the Journal he could not make any comment on the matter.

20 years ago 17 June 2002

Toxic site unlikely in Dande Dandenong has been eliminated as a possible site for the State Government’s controversial toxic soil recycling plant. Sources have confirmed to the Journal that the Dandenong bid by Clean Away for its proposed site in Ordish Road, has been rejected by the Hazardous Waste Siting Advisory Committee.

It was believed that Dandenong was in the final three sites along with Deer Park and East Gippsland. The committee is believed to have recommended Deer Park and East Gippsland as potential sites for the proposed recycling plants – they were among 11 sites initially nominated.

5 years ago 19 June 2017 Proposal hosed down Greater Dandenong Councillors voted down

a “pre-emptive” motion to express concern about CFA reforms. At the Tuesday 13 June meeting, former Keysborough CFA volunteer Cr Tim Dark proposed that the council write to all local brigades, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV), United Firefighters Union of Australia (UFU), local MPs, and the victorian ministers and shadow ministers to indicate strong support for volunteers. Matthew Kirwan was the motion’s only other supporter.

“I am concerned that the legislation and the likely outcomes of the review are ambiguous and may lead to the inability of volunteers to successfully operate in integrated stations,” he said. Cr Roz Blades opposed the motion because “it goes without saying that this council supports its volunteers”. “I think the way to do this is to have a discussion or meeting with our local Member of Parliament,“ she said.

Today’s moments become tomorrow’s memories

By Helen Heath OAM, executive officer of the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong Dr Seuss once said: “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

Our lives are lived, some for many, many days, some for less so.

Thousands of ordinary days and moments come and go, often without recognition or distinction.

But there are those days with extraordinary moments which leave us with extraordinary memories.

We usually don’t remember the days, but we do remember the moments.

If the dimness of the last two or so years has revealed anything, it is the magic of remembering those precious and treasured moments.

MESSAGE OF

HOPE Moments come and go but memories last forever.

We can re-member or bring to mind, recollect, and reminisce about those songs, smells, tastes, music, lyrics, words spoken, or poems read – even a certain look someone gave, or time of day or night, or a seasonal light.

All these can evoke deep feelings or images that resonate with the heart.

Our aging population has many families with loved ones who are living with demen-

tia. We can alleviate physical pain, but mental pain - grief, despair, depression, confusion - is less accessible to treatment.

It’s connected to who we are - our personality, our character, to our soul.

Someone has said “please remember the real me when I cannot remember you”.

Dementia is the disappearing slowly, the long goodbye.

It takes someone from you twice: once when you lose them as they were, as you have known them all along - and twice, when you lose them as they are, at their final breath.

People change but memories do not, so making each moment the best it can be, can assist us in creating some memories of importance.

For all of us in just holding on to the good memories “nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it”. (L.M. Montgomery)

And when our loved ones struggle to remember, we re-member with them.

As Vince Lombardi has written: “The darkest moments of our lives are not to be buried and forgotten, rather they are a memory to be called upon for inspiration to remind us of the unrelenting human spirit and our capacity to overcome the intolerable.”

Summoning up compassion to love someone who has forgotten how (or that) they loved you, is painful beyond words but sharing through re-membering of their good moments can assist to bring a sacred connection beyond the present reality – even if momentarily.

If the dimness of the last two or so years has revealed anything, it is the joy of remembering special and unique moments.

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life,” Omar Khayyam notes.

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16 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Woman dies in Dandy Sth caravan fire

The Serbian Orthodox Church.

Government funding will help to bring the facility into the 21st century.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

A woman has been found dead in a caravan fire in Dandenong South.

Emergency services were called to the fire at the caravan park on South Gippsland Highway just after 3am on Tuesday 14 June.

The 59-year-old woman’s body was found after the fire was extinguished.

Victoria Police has established a crime scene and is investigating.

The cause of the fire had yet to be determined, police say.

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

The facility sees up to 600 people per week.

Touch-up for church

By Jonty Ralphsmith Keysborough’s Serbian Orthodox Church has received state government funding under the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund.

The church received $489,000 under the fund which aims to increase the safety and accessibility of infrastructure.

The money will bring the facility into the 21st century, according to committee member Alen Topic.

Standard amenities will be upgraded, there will be improved heating and cooling and other refurbishments such as the installation of ramps and wheelchair-friendly doorways will be among the improvements.

Mr Topic praised the volunteers that deliver services the church provides including a traditional dance group, pensioner luncheon, mother’s group and more.

“These organisations are mostly volunteer run which is just a testament to the community spirit in that area which is great – I’m so proud to be part of it,” Topic said.

“It was a privilege on a personal level to know that by helping and volunteering for an organisation like this, you can receive really big things.

“Your community’s voice is heard by the government of the day who are interested in making life better for the community in general and show the wider community their support.

“To be part of that melting pot of different culture all working together in the City of Greater Dandenong is a fantastic example in the world to show we can live in harmony together and succeed in daily lives.”

Weekly, 500-600 people visit the facility and there are 45-50 volunteers at any given time.

Mr Topic also wished to thank Minister for Multicultural affairs Ros Spence, local member Martin Pakula and federal member for Bruce, Julian Hill.

Ms Spence said: “These facilities are important for multicultural communities to continue delivering essential services that promote diversity, social cohesion and connection.”

Police, fire and ambulance services at the fatal fire scene at Shawlands Caravan Picture: GARY SISSONS Park. 285553

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

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

Pictures: HAS MEDIA

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

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

City’s top citizen

complex grieving process for donors’ families.

“Out of one person, you have seven trans-

By Danielle Kutchel A tireless champion for African and CALD communities has been named Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year.

Selba Luka, founder of Afri-Aus Care, received the award at an invite-only event at Springvale City Hall on Tuesday 26 January.

She admitted the award was a total shock, but a welcome one, and dedicated it to the community, staff, volunteers, supporters and

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sponsors of Afri-Aus Care.

Born in Malawi, Ms Luka often says her heart is in South Sudan as she works closely with the south-eastern South Sudanese community.

Afri-Aus Care was born of her experiences when she arrived in Australia, where she experienced difficulties and hardship in her first years in the country.

The not-for-profit provides mental health

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

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

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

African women who are new to Australia and need assistance to find employment and learn English. Many of these women are survivors of domestic abuse, and Afri-Aus Care provides mental health support too as they build a new life.

Speaking at the Australia Day ceremony, Ms Luka said she was honoured to have received such a prestigious award.

“May we continue to be united. Dandenong is a great city to be,“ she said.

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 17

WHAT’S ON Chisholm

Foost Kids Cooking Classes

Chisholm Institute in Dandenong will be hosting an on-campus Open Day on Thursday 23 June to provide prospective students with the chance to discover what it’s like to study at Chisholm.

“Chisholm can help you gain new skills, a new career and opportunities. You could be job ready in just six months,” said Connor Mullan, chief of education.

Time: 3-6pm with information presentations on different course areas from 4-5pm.

Prospective students will be able to explore the following course areas at Chisholm, Dandenong: automotive, early childhood education and support, engineering, foundation college, hairdressing, beauty and makeup, hairdressing, hospitality, patisserie and commercial cookery, sport and fitness, trades - building and construction, cabinet making, carpentry, electrotechnology, plumbing, VET delivered to secondary school students, business and finance, IT and Cybersecurity, VCE and VCAL, higher education college, community and social services.

A Floral Muse Exhibition An opportunity to admire the beauty of the decorative use of flowers and plants to embellish home furnishings, create amazing public spaces and to learn plant symbolic cultural meanings.

Date and time: weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, starting from Tuesday 10 May, 10:00am. Location: Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens - 66 McCrae St, Dandenong.

·

·

Conversation circle Join the Conversation Circle at Dandenong Library and make new friends whilst practising English in a friendly, relaxed and safe environment. This program is suitable for adults. Low to intermediate levels of English language skills are required.

When: every Thursday during school terms 6-7.30pm.

·

What: Armada Dandenong Plaza is calling all mini master chefs to guess the ingredients and then create a different tasty dish every day on the second week of the school holidays.

Monday 4 July – Learn to make Traffic Light Fruit Salad Crumble Tuesday 5 July – Stack and make a Sandwich on a Stick Wednesday 6 July – Create edible Snowmen and Snow Balls Thursday 7 July – Learn to make a healthy Vegie Bouquet with Corn Dip Friday 8 July – Create delicious Apple Cookies

· · · · ·

English for Work classes at Chisholm Skills Goddess Laksmi sits on an open lotus at the Floral Muse exhibition.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Winter Warming Crafts Every day a new winter themed craft activity will be available for kids to style, decorate and take home and use at Aramada Dan. Monday 27 June – Beanie Decorating – receive a free beanie to decorate and style.

Tuesday 28 June – Ear Muff Art – receive free earmuffs to decorate.

· ·

· · · ·

Wednesday 29 June – Glove Puppets – create your own glove puppets.

Thursday 30 June – Hot Chocolate Mug Art – receive a mug to personalise and decorate.

Friday 1 July – Snowman Making – create your own snowman to take home.

Time: 11am to 2pm daily, free.

Tuesdays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, 311 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.

Phone: 03 9547 2647, more information via the following link: springvalelac.org.au

·

Jobs Victoria Advocate drop in employment information Monday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at Springvale Library; Wednesday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at Dandenong Library; every Thursday fortnight at CoCO’S, 2-3/48 McCrae Street Dandenong; Tuesday and Friday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at Springvale Learning & Activities Centre.

Contact Ali Abd Ali. Phone: 0452 647 522.

Email: pathways@springvalelac.org.au

·

NEWS

Try out a tech trade

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Sushia is set to open in the new Dandenong Plaza precinct.

An all-female ‘Try a Tech Trade program’ will run at Dandenong Chisholm on Saturday 26 June from 10am-3pm.

Run by the Australian Industry Group, in collaboration with other organisations including Chisholm, the program seeks to address staffing shortfalls and gender inequality.

Many trading employers are crying out for staff and often have a disproportionate number of males compared to females, despite the clear benefits, according to AIG’s Sonya Casey.

“Having a woman in a team in your workplace can often improve the decision making skills of the team, they have different methodology by which they will attack problems,” she said.

“It is very healthy to have diversity of gender in work teams as well as diversity of culture and age.”

We desperately need women who are vaguely interested to become very interested.

The purpose of the project is to employ 50 females and apprentices or trainees 30 engi-

Victoria Caskie completed a Certificate III In Engineering Mechanical – Fitter & Turner. 286080 Picture: SUPPLIED neers, 10 IT, 10 industry.

As a hub for industrial activity, Dandenong was selected as the location.

Lunch will be provided and two female

tradies will be involved, with a question and answer session part of the day.

For more information, contact Sonya on 0428 677 445

Plaza Symphony of drummers delights market precinct opens soon

By Jonty Ralphsmith

A new Woolworths Precinct will be launched on level 3 of Armada Dandenong Plaza in the last week of June.

Works started in October to provide more walking space and clearer views to retailers, as well as a new travellator and refurbishment of Woolworths’ supermarket.

New retailers Mr Fruit, Mr Fruit Cafe and Sushia will open in the precinct, and current retailer Degani wil move to a new premises.

“The aim of the Woolworths Precinct Level 3 upgrade development was to create an engaging market-like atmosphere within the centre that also offered easy access for shoppers to this precinct,” RetPro Management managing director Graham Terry said.

“We look forward to welcoming new retailers into this precinct in the coming months.”

18 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

Dandenong Market welcomed 23,500 visitors on Sunday 5 June for its Auscema Beats event.

There was dance, a drumming workshop and live entertainment with Djembi drums handed out to adults and children who joined in the performance.

“It was a joyous celebration of culture and community,” General Manager Jennifer Hibbs said.

“It was wonderful to bring everyone together again after almost two years of very few events. We hope to continue to add more to our calendar too.

People flocked to the Dandenong Market on 5 June for the event.

Live entertainment at the Dandenong Market.

There were plenty of activities on offer.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Mayor Jim Memeti was down to show his support and have fun. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Wyndham to enter an residents are being invited which aims amateur photo comp to showcase etition toget

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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NEWS

Carrum Downs shooting People run after shots were fired at an unmarked police car that drove past the Outlaws building.

A silver VW Golf believed to be linked to the shootings at the Outlaws OMCG clubhouse at Carrum Downs.

“We’re very keen to speak to anyone who might have witnessed the incidents, or who may know the identities of those involved.”

Det Insp Hatt said it was “incredibly fortunate” that the police detectives weren’t physically injured in the shooting.

“This incident continues to resonate with them almost three years later.

“Although the incidents occurred in a largely industrial area, there were other people living and working in close vicinity at the time who could have been impacted by the shootings.”

The two detectives, from Echo Taskforce, said in a statement that the incident was “particularly concerning for us” but they weren’t intimidated by OMCGs. “You don’t expect to be shot at when you come to work – least of all when you’re responding to an initial shooting targeted at the very people now potentially turning their fire-

arms in your direction.

“This type of behaviour puts innocent people’s lives at risk.

“Their use of illicit firearms is both reckless and indiscriminate, and we’re lucky on this occasion that nobody – including innocent members of the public – was injured.

“It is definitely something that stays in the back of your mind, but it only makes us more determined to continue targeting criminal activity associated with OMCGs. “We investigate those responsible for some of the most violent and serious crimes in our state, and it’s work we are very proud to undertake.”

On Saturday, 28 September 2019 – the day after the shootings – a dark-coloured Audi Q7 SUV was found on fire in a laneway at the western end of Hallam Valley Road in Dandenong South.

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Police believe it is the same SUV involved in the drive-by shooting. It had been stolen from Melbourne’s West earlier that month.

CCTV footage from that area shows the SUV and a silver VW Golf both turning right on to Hallam Valley Road from South Gippsland Highway, shortly before the vehicle was set alight.

Police believe that the people who set the SUV on fire left in the Golf hatchback.

In January 2020, detectives from the Armed Crime Squad released CCTV of the two vehicles and appealed for information.

No one has been charged in relation to the matter.

A reward of up to $250,000 will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the incidents.

The Director of Public Prosecutions will also consider granting indemnity to those identifying the principal offender or offenders.

Any information to 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

12554978-AV25-22

A $250,000 reward has been offered over shootings outside an outlaw motorcycle gang clubhouse in Titan Drive, Carrum Downs.

Victoria Police say shots were fired into the Outlaws clubhouse from a dark-coloured SUV driving past about 7.45pm on Friday, 27 September 2019.

About two minutes later, patrolling police detectives in an unmarked car were fired upon by an unidentified male outside the clubhouse.

Armed Crime Squad detectives believe the SUV drive-by was a targeted attack related to increasing tensions between the Outlaws and Comancheros OMCGs. No one was physically injured.

On CCTV footage, several people standing outside the clubhouse are seen ducking for cover after a flash from a gun muzzle inside the SUV. Soon afterwards, the detectives drive past a crowd of people and vehicles outside the clubhouse.

The detectives spot a male – believed by police to be linked to the Outlaws - holding a gun.

They accelerate away, and the man runs onto the road and shoots at the police car.

Later that night, police obtained a warrant to raid the clubhouse. When they arrived, the building’s CCTV footage was already removed.

The Outlaws had been “totally uncooperative” and “refused to speak to us”, Detective Inspector Mark Hatt from the Armed Crime Squad said.

He hoped the reward announcement would entice someone to provide “crucial information”.

“There were numerous people at the clubhouse at the time, all with family, friends and associates.

“It is likely that they have spoken about the incident. Circumstances change and someone who may not have wanted to provide information to police previously may now feel ready to do so.

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

Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

Red-ball cricket returns

By Tyler Lewis Victorian Premier Cricket men’s clubs have been asked to vote on the finer details of a returning red-ball season.

The format of the season for the men’s First XI has been confirmed, with four two-day matches to begin and conclude the season, with seven one-day match’s in-between.

Unlike the last two seasons, where each side plays everyone once, this season will return to a 15-round structure where clubs will not face two opposition sides per year.

The stand-alone twenty20 competition – the Super Slam – will feature during the week.

In order to squeeze in such a long season, the top-flight of the men’s competition will be asked to play two double-headers across Saturday and Sunday.

These double-headers are likely to be in one-day format.

Men’s clubs will be asked to vote on whether the competition – in line with Sheffield Shield cricket – makes a shift to 96 overs per day and commences earlier at 10:30am.

The alternative is 90 overs, commencing at 11:00am.

For the women’s competition, the structure of the season is still yet to be confirmed, as Geelong Cricket Club is making its case to join the First XI. If Geelong is not accepted, the season will consist of 14 one-day matches along with seven twenty-20 matches.

Club’s with efficient lights – like Dandenong – will be given the flexibility to play doubleheader twenty-20s with the men and women

Dandenong skipper Brett Forsyth will enjoy being back in the creams. 187072 on Friday evenings.

There is likely to be a ‘Super Saturday’ round where a women’s twenty-20 is played

Rangers down in thriller

By David Nagel The Dandenong Rangers men’s team has come agonisingly close to pulling off one of the upsets of the season with a heartstopping 72-70 loss to Ballarat Miners at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium.

The Rangers trailed by seven points with just two minutes left on the clock, but a layup and subsequent free-throw from Lawson Eales, and some clutch shooting from Dyson King-Hawea saw the Rangers draw level – 70-70 – inside 60 seconds of play.

Both teams had their chances to break the Sunday NBL-1 South deadlock, and it took a special put-back dunk from Preston Bungei – with just one second left of play – to see the second-placed Miners emerge with a very hard-fought victory.

Bungei was the star for the Miners, with 20 points and eight rebounds, including the game-defining basket, while a double-double to King-Hawea (22 points, 12 rebounds) almost pulled the 16th placed Rangers across the line.

Ellis Biggar (10 points) and Deng Puoch (10 rebounds) were other Rangers to show great fight against one of the competition front-runners this season.

The Rangers men were disappointing on their Saturday travels to Bendigo, with the Braves proving far too strong in a 104-61 scoreline.

The Rangers were never in it from the start with the home-court Braves leading 29-14 at quarter time and blowing that out to 57-26 at half time.

Eales, with 19 points, and Calvin Enge with 10 were the only Rangers to apply an offensive threat to the Braves.

The Rangers are back on the road this week, making the short trip to Knox to take on the sixth-placed Raiders at 8pm on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Rangers women’s team also suffered back-to-back losses on the weekend.

The Rangers were competitive against top-of-the-table Bendigo on Saturday, eventually going down 99-73 in Bendigo.

22 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

ahead of a men’s one-day fixture.

As it stands, the Vic Premier Cricket season will commence on Saturday 1 October, but

Picture: ROB CAREW the general consensus is that the season will be pushed back a week, as the season opener would then conflict with the AFL Grand Final.

Bulls, Hawks surge ahead Rowville has bounced back from its out of character loss before the bye, with a win over Berwick on the road.

The Hawks were clinical out of the middle in the opening term, bursting out to a three goal to one quarter time lead.

The Wickers fought hard in the second term, trimming the lead to just 12 points at the main break.

But with the absence of star forward Harry Money, the Hawks were never going to have trouble conceding a score.

While it was a heavily contested outing for Rowville, the Hawks ultimately overcame the brave Wickers in a canter, 10.12 (72) to 6.6 (42).

Jake Arundell was the difference, with four majors, while Mav Taylor and Anthony Brolic respectively booted two.

The win keeps Rowville a win clear of second.

Noble Park, meanwhile, has solidified that aforementioned second position on the ladder with a brilliant win over South Croydon.

The Bulls were faced with a second successive fight for second position and – led by skipper Kyle Martin – stood up to the challenge.

While known for being a defensively stingy side, the Bulls were incredible offensively, booting seven goals in the first, five in the second, five in the third and two in the last to finish with 19 majors for the match.

Kyle Martin kicked four and was named best afield in the 19.15 (129) to 10.16 (76) victory.

Rowville host Vermont next week, while Noble Park will welcome North Ringwood.

Lawson Eales produced some clutch shooting to almost get the Rangers across the line against Ballarat. 286209 Picture: DANDENONG RANGERS FACEBOOK There were several shining lights for the Rangers, with Emilee Harmon producing a double-double (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Tenaya Sooalo (17 points) and Gemma Potter (10 points) proving creative with ball in hand.

But any positive vibes from Saturday were quickly washed away on Sunday, with the Rangers being handed a 93-48 basketball lesson by the Ballarat Miners.

Harmon was once again outstanding, with a 20-point, 11 rebound double-double, while Clare Camec also dug deep to limit the damage.

The Rangers women, who like their men counterparts also sit 16th on the ladder, take on Knox in the early game this Saturday at 6pm.

“Go long!” The Hawks remain atop of the EFNL Premier ladder. 286032

Picture: TYLER LEWIS

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Big three getting stronger

By Tyler Lewis The strong are getting stronger in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA).

Reigning Turf 1 premiers Springvale South has retained 10 of its 2021/22 premiership XI, losing just Akshat Buch back to Dandenong for another tilt at Vic Premier Cricket.

The Bloods have wasted no time in filling Buch’s shoes however, signing Yoshan Kumara.

Kumara played two seasons with the Bloods across 2013-2015, collecting an impressive 46 wickets.

The right-arm swing bowler famously won the 2013/14 Damien Fleming medal by snaring a dazzling 9/60.

Kumara comes from Deer Park, where he gathered 55 wickets across two seasons.

Buckley Ridges, meanwhile, will undoubtedly be there once again when the whips are cracking.

The Bucks are boosted by the return of club legend DJ Watson and West Indian spearhead Jerome Jones.

At this stage, Nimesh Kariyawasam is the only departure from Park Oval, who will return to previous club North Dandenong.

Kariyawasam played the opening eight rounds in the Turf 1 side, before finishing the year in the Turf 1 Reserves premiership side.

While it appears Buckley Ridges may has concluded its silly season of recruiting, the Bucks are always full of surprises.

The return to red ball cricket will certainly be kind to Berwick, particularly with the signing of Jake Hancock.

Hancock departing Premier Cricket club Prahran to join the Bears was the worst kept secret in local cricket, nonetheless, the righthanded top order bat will add valued stability to the Berwick batting line-up.

The Bears will be without Matt Chasemore,

Mahela Udawatte (Buckley Ridges) will line-up for the Bucks again in ‘22/23. 271959 who is recovering from a torn pectoral.

The champion all-rounder had surgery during the pointy end of last season and while

the recovery period is typically 12 months, the Bears are confident their star player will struggle to stay away from the middle.

Picture: ROB CAREW The DDCA Turf 1 season is set to be 14 rounds, with seven one-day matches and seven two-day matches.

Ruthless Rays

By Lachlan Mitchell

Gun middle-distance runner Aston Ulysses.

Aston Ulysses fine tuning for Memorial

By Luke Corda Gun middle-distance runner Aston Ulysses looks set for a strong McKenna Memorial campaign after prevailing in Thursday night’s opening Gr8 Eight Series special event race at Sandown Park.

The extremely versatile son of Aston Dee Bee led from the inside draw and was never headed as he cruised to a 34.12 triumph over Whatever I Say and Mepunga Warrior. The win was his 26th from 73 starts.

Trainer Paul Abela was a relaxed man once his boy ‘Frankie’ took control.

“I think he’s only been run down once over the 600m and that was in the Rookie Rebel,” he said. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

“Once he hits the front I’m actually pretty confident that they won’t run him down. He’s a big 37kg dog so once he gets to his spot it’s hard to move him out of the way.”

The victory pushes Aston Ulysses’ total winnings over $200,000 and, incredibly, he has never won a Group race – despite making five finals.

With the McKenna Memorial series coming up in two weeks, Aston Ulysses is presented with another opportunity to end his pursuit for Group success.

“The McKenna is the next goal. There’s a few 600m races coming up and he’ll be competing in all of them.”

“It would be great (to win the McKenna Memorial) but it’s not about me or my Mum

and Dad, it’s about the dog. The dog deserves a good race. He’s made every 600m race there is, but he always draws poorly.”

Aston Ulysses has drawn Box 7 in the G3 Gold Cup, Box 6 in the G2 Golden Sands, and Box 6 in the G1 TAB Rookie Rebel.

Abela is hoping that ‘Frankie’ finds some fortune in upcoming box draws.

“We love the red. And we want more of it.”

“He’s the most honest dog I’ve ever trained. He’s a big gentle giant and he deserves some success.”

Heats of the Group 2 McKenna Memorial will run on June 30 with the Final on July 7.

Later in the night, up-and-coming Britton star Scofflaw flew out from Box 8 and set a best-of-night 29.39 in tricky conditions.

After a much-deserved break the Dandenong Stingrays were back in action and required to swim south to face the Tasmanian Devils.

If the Stingrays suffered any sea sickness, they certainly didn’t show it as they rampaged the Devils by 80 points. Jesse Davidson-Lopo showed his power and strength as he kicked an early goal to help the Rays skid out to a 15-point quarter-time margin.

A second-quarter blitz by the Rays saw the Devils restricted to a meagre three behinds as they piled on four goals of their own.

The day got increasingly more and more easy for the Rays as they continued to nullify the Devils attacking prowess.

The goals continued to fly in after the halftime break with Kade De La Rue stretching the Stingrays lead to 62 at three-quarter time.

Harrison Collopy kicked an early goal in the fourth quarter to ensure his sides dominance in the fourth term.

A final-quarter flurry, including DavidsonLopo’s fifth, put the result beyond doubt.

Midfield ace Taj Campbell-Farrell continued to show his class with his fifth consecutive game over 25 disposals.

Campbell-Farrell produced another dominant display with 28 disposals.

The Stingrays next head home to face the Oakleigh Chargers at Warrawee Park on Saturday 25 June.

The Stingrays disposed of the Devils in Tasmania. 286187 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT MEDIA Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 23

OPEN DAYS Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 June 10am-4pm

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

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

Lynette, Ryman resident

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

COME JOIN US- RSVP ESSENTIAL Located in Wheelers Hill, Weary Dunlop Retirement Village offers a range of living and aged care options.

The tranquil setting is set among beautifully landscaped gardens and leafy shrubs.

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

WEARY DUNLOP VILLAGE 242 Jells Road, Wheelers Hill, 03 8545 1403 To ensure a COVID safe event we have limited each group to 20 people per session. RSVPS are essential, and with limited spots available don't wait to book your tour.

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Scan the QR Code or visit rymanhealthcare.com.au/events to book your spot.

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24 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 21 June, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au