Dandenong Star Journal - 9th August 2022

DANDENONG

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

/DandenongJournal

@StarJournal_SE

Cops seize hundreds of cannabis plants

Hazaras reclaim their identity

Rangers search for answers

PAGE 2

PAGE 4

PAGE 9

SPORT

12496498-DL22-21

Fresh faces at Lyndale Secondary

40¢ Inc. GST

The end of an era

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Husband and wife, principal and assistant principal.

For nearly four decades, Kevin and Jenny Mackay have acted for the better as leaders at Dandenong North Primary School.

One of them is the enduring tradition of Ms Mackay hand-making birthday cards for each of the 200 Year 1 and Year 2 students.

The assistant principal started giving out the cards when she noticed some children didn’t know or celebrate their birthdays.

Students now start telling her in advance it’s their birthday, and what they want on their card.

“It’s a big deal. They really love it,” she says.

“Everyone needs to be acknowledged at least one day a year.”

Her husband and principal Kevin says it goes to how much the school’s team cares.

Next term, the couple will face their own special day – their last day at the school that they have served for such an extraordinary time.

Mr and Ms Mackay have been there for 39 years and 36 years, respectively.

All up, their teaching careers have spanned 60 years and 45 years.

On 4 October, they will mark their retirement with a massive ‘general assembly’ at Dandenong High School hall.

Mr Mackay OAM said it would be the first assembly since the Covid pandemic’s start.

“It’s been an enormous part, where I get to teach all the kids for half an hour. We’ve missed that, so it will be good to have a last one.

“It’s going to be hard to avoid tears.”

In their time, the school has built an enviable reputation to bringing out the best in kids from more than 50 diverse backgrounds.

Its cutting-edge programs have been documented in award-winning films.

What makes the school special is its “warmth”, Ms Mackay says. The school ensures the families get what they need – whether it’s

Kevin and Jenny Mackay have served Dandenong North Primary School as principal and assistant principal for nearly four decades. 292591 Picture: GARY SISSONS food parcels or writing to government agencies on their behalf.

“And that kids know that you like them. You have staff here that care about them – they’ll ask the kids to ‘tell me more’. They go that extra mile.

“I think all the Dandenong schools do a terrific job at that.”

While deputy principal at Clayton Primary School in the 1980’s, Mr Mackay met a firstyear teacher Jenny.

They of course later married, and were to

follow each other to Dandenong North Primary School.

Alarm bells rang for the newly-appointed principal Mr Mackay when his wife was appointed to join the school.

Mr Mackay worried about how to handle the potential conflicts of interest and staff disharmony.

“We made it work,” he said. “And thank God she was appointed here.

“My job is to get the best teachers I possibly can to work with the children. Jenny is one of

the best teachers I’ve met.

“As the school became more complex over many years, Jenny’s experience has helped address the complexities.

“From the synergies of effort you get more bang for your buck than just two people. We’re more like two-and-a-half.”

Meanwhile, Ms Mackay describes the principal as an “incredibly creative and lateral thinker” who will always look for a better way of doing things.

Continued page 10

We’re open to keep your car running.

PURCHASE ONLINE OR CONTACT US ON 9792 5835 & COLLECT AT STORE

DANDENONG Cnr Frankston-Dandenong Rd & Zenith Rd PH: 9792 5835 autobarn.com.au 12532456-HC04-22

NEWS

Financial abuse on the rise

By Jonty Ralphsmith One in three people that presented to a southeastern financial counselling service in the last financial year had been the victim of financial abuse.

South East Community Links (SECL), which has offices at Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park, has seen an increase in the number of victim-survivors presenting after the Victorian Royal Commission into family violence brought the issue into public conversation, with 15 of the recommendations relating to financial abuse.

That changed the way financial abuse was addressed by organisations such as SECL and shone a light on the omnipresence of the issue.

SECL has developed a seven principle framework for financial institutions to combat financial abuse.

The principles are proactive in trying to prevent financial abuse at its source rather than being responsive to victim-survivors after they have suffered.

Women were the biggest cohort which suffered and were therefore the focus, with many women trapped in relationships as a result of financial abuse.

The principles took six months to develop and involved liaison with several key financial and telecommunications stakeholders and drew on the safety by design fundamental framework.

“We ask that financial institutions consider and continually reflect on how the products you’re designing could be used,” Kay Dilger, SECL’s head of wellbeing said.

Kay Dilger and SECL created the guide. 258271 Picture: GARY SISSONS “Financial institutions are starting to do this work well, to support victim survivors when abuse is identified but there are some barriers to supporting them based on how the system is currently built.

“The research and principles are very much about progression and continual improvement in financial service providers in working with victim survivors around financial abuse

and preventing it in the long-term.”

The principles, announced publicly by the office for women last month, are backed by the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s office Each principle has a continuum off which institutions can measure their performance off and use as a tool for progress.

Initially, institutions embark on the process of change, before supporting women’s financial safety, embedding processes for change and then building upon current practices to reduce organisational barriers for change.

“We’re working with victim-survivors to minimise future harm,” Ms Dilger added.

“Training front line staff is important so they have an awareness of what financial abuse is and what it looks like. With the nature of any workplace that training needs to refreshed and ongoing because you have turnover of staff.

Financial institutions need to look at what they can do to support victim-survivors efficiently and with compassion when financial abuse is identified and at the other end of the spectrum, start to think about product design piece and how it could be misused and put things in place to prevent or minimise harm.”

Financial abuse can include withholding money, controlling household spending and/ or excluding someone from financial decisionmaking.

Anyone experiencing financial abuse can call SECL financial counselling service on 9529 5288.

The principles are outlined below.

Principles: Build empathy and awareness – by listening to victim-survivors of financial abuse

·

Teacher recruits respond to calling

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A new crop of student teachers are bringing zest and unique skills to Lyndale Secondary College.

The four paid “paraprofessionals” have joined the Lyndale staff ranks while studying Masters-degrees in teaching at Deakin University.

Between them, they hold an array of qualifications such as radiation science, psychology and journalism.

It’s part of the State Government’s Innovative Initial Teacher Education (IITE) program, which aims to boost teacher numbers in outer-metro schools and priority subjects such as science and maths.

It offers student incentives like an accelerated 18-month teaching qualification, a teacher mentor at the school, lower course fees and a “teacher’s wage” while they study.

Lyndale Secondary principal Pam Robinson says the trainee teachers “re-energise” the school. It has also been rewarding to see existing staff mentor the recruits.

“They’re energetic, they’re enthusiastic, they want to work with kids and they’re committed to make a difference.

“The skill-sets they bring and the way they engage with the kids is phenomenal.”

Former arts-journalism student Emilia Megroz, of Mulgrave, is teaching English, geography and media classes at Lyndale.

The IITE program means she is “hitting the ground running” as a teacher.

“We’re respected as teachers and we’re paid a teacher’s wage whilst studying, which is really gratifying.”

Ms Megroz opted for teaching as a more secure, long-term career. But she can still bring her journalism skills like interviewing, communication and research to the classroom.

Behavioural management is one of the key skills that teachers can only refine on the job, she says.

“It’s not something you can learn from a textbook.”

Like any trainee teachers, the initial steps feel like being “thrown in the deep end a bit” – despite the mentorship and support of seasoned colleagues.

“There is that overwhelming nature of it, but when we’re fully-fledged teachers it’s not going to be a shock.

2 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

Diana Nguyen, Emilia Megroz and Liam Heurtau are graduates drawn to teaching by the IITE Pictures: GARY SISSONS program. 292293

Diana Nguyen, Liam Heurtau, Emilia Megroz with Lyndale Secondary College students Saren, Christainpaul and Nish. 292293 “It’s a challenging industry and each day we face obstacles we can overcome. It can be really exhausting as well.”

Liam Heurtau, of Drouin, was looking for a career change from radiation therapy when drawn to the IITE teaching program.

He’s teaching five science classes as well as the Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) program at Lyndale Secondary.

Of course, there’s a widely-reported shortage of trained STEM teachers.

With his science background, Mr Heurtau is keen to activate students with “applied learning”.

Which means lots of practical experiments, such as the ‘flame test’, in which burning chlo-

rides and fluorides elicit an array of colours.

Psychology and criminology graduate Diana Nguyen, of Doveton, has diverted into teaching science, maths and VCAL leadership.

The role makes rich use of her psychological expertise, with her ambition to work with teenagers.

While exhausting, the job has great rewards such as helping a disengaged student realise they’re “smart” and can do the work.

“I try to connect with them and understand why they’re disengaged.

“Even when I was that age, I had other priorities like just caring about boys, hair, how we looked, sport, Netflix and TikTok. “I feel like I can relate to them at their level.”

and providing training and education to employees to build compassion and understanding.

Be inclusive and accessible – so that people with different levels of English, financial and technological literacy can understand the service.

Prioritise safety – pre-empting how the product could be abused to facilitate harm and combatting any risks, continually reviewing systems and its safety features t ensure they are safe and change abusive behaviour at the source.

Act with integrity – using a set of ethical principles to guide employees and strategic practice, always responding to reports of abuse Operate holistically – assuming customers don’t know what financial abuse looks like as they may view it as normal. Partnerships with specialist services should be promoted to illustrate the financial institution is a safe space Take responsibility – operate proactively, assuming systems will be misused and acting accordingly.

Champion for change – through lobbying and working with other stakeholders.

The full ‘Supporting women’s financial safety’ report, produced in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, RMIT University and Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand and supported by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Office for Women, is available via the following link: pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/ supporting-womens-financial-safety-accessible.pdf

· ·

· ·

· ·

Mental health centre facelift A more welcoming, home-like redesign has been unveiled for a youth mental health service in Dandenong.

The refurbished Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre designs include lounge and living areas, kitchen and outdoor areas with barbecues and a sensory courtyard.

Mental Health Minister and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the facilities were designed to create a “welcoming, safe and therapeutic environment”.

They will promote communal living in a home-like environment – as well as family visits - while young people 16-25 receive care and treatment.

YPARC redesigns in Bendigo and Frankston have also been unveiled.

Construction is expected to start in late 2022 and be complete by early 2024.

The Government is also creating five YPARC services in Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton, Heidleberg and Traralgon.

The recent Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommended YPARC services to provide early intervention care as an alternative to hospital admission.

Ms Williams said the Government was rebuilding the mental health system “from the ground up to make sure all Victorians in crisis get the support they need”.

An artist impression of the outdoor barbecue area at the refurbished YPARC in Dandenong. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Residents have their say

By Jonty Ralphsmith Community consultation and engagement was highlighted as an area Greater Dandenong City Council should prioritise moving forward.

While rating above the state average in every measurement, the council rates lowest in this area and it is the second consecutive year that council’s performance has decreased, putting it at the lowest point it has been in this area since 2014.

Fifty-one per cent of people contacted council in the last 12 months – a decrease of nine per cent from 2021 and 12 per cent below the state average.

Councillor Tim Dark asked at a council meeting on Monday 25 July whether ward meetings could be re-introduced, attracting agreeance from councillor Lana Formoso who said councillors have become “non-existent”.

“People generally do not have an idea of what (the) council is doing at the moment,” Cr Dark said.

The survey found that the most common

Locals have had their say in the annual community satisfaction survey.

Picture: GENERIC form of communication residents identified was via the monthly newsletter that gets delivered (47 per cent) or emailed (24 per cent).

Tying into the issue of consultation, Cr Dark added that there was a breakdown between what the council delivers and what ratepayers

find out about, given the limited communication forms.

“We need to sell our message a bit better,” Cr Dark said.

“Whilst millennials can be hit through social media means, the older generation and multicultural communities don’t know where to go – simply sharing things on (social media) is not sufficient.”

“What I’ve found is we have plans and strategies for every bloody thing under the sun but it is clearly not being conveyed to our residents who in survey are showing there are issues.”

Outspoken Keysborough resident Gaye Guest praised the council’s responsiveness but opined that accessibility needs to be improved.

“When I write to directors I do get answers most times and almost instantly on some issues,” Ms Guest said.

“They’ve got to go out and meet the groups. I’m not going for a coffee and chat at the plaza.

“I was (somewhere) where there was an

exercise workshop earlier – that’s where they need to be.”

Satisfaction with sealed roads decreased from 69 to 66 in the municipality and the issue is rated as the third most important service area in the municipality, up from equal fifth last year. It was rated by participants as the top area for improvement in 2022 (10 per cent).

The gap between individual service area importance area for local roads (83) compared to performance 66) further suggests it needs to be a council priority area.

Ms Guest highlighted Chandler and Corrigan Roads as the thoroughfares that need to be improved given their current condition.

“Major roads almost need a daily inspection especially after we have rain. It’s like riding a rollercoaster.

“Our roads can’t deal with the traffic.”

Cr Dark, however, wondered whether many of the issues that led to the outcome was a result of the condition of VicRoads roads such as the Dandenong Bypass, which the council has no control over.

Council disenchantment grows for Noble Park, Keysy locals

By Jonty Ralphsmith Greater Dandenong City Council has suffered a decline in satisfaction among Keysborough and Noble Park residents across multiple categories, according to the latest official community survey. Responsible for the Keysborough ward, Cr Dark is addressing the result, having requested the raw data to find out the vicinity and specifics of the issues raised.

“I think it is surprising given the capital investment into the area over recent years but it is a clear sign council needs to do better across many different services,” Cr Dark said.

“I’m having conversations at the moment about how we need to improve and in which angles we need to improve but if there is a perception that we’re not functioning to the highest standard that needs to be investigated.”

In the 2021-22 proposed budget, $10.2 million was committed to the Keysborough South Community Hub with Tatterson Park’s Community Sports Complex being recently completed prior to that budget.

Resident Gaye Guest, however, raised the

The condition of roads was one issue raised in Cr Dark’s ward. 210323 Picture: STAR NEWS lack of activity centre and dog parks, and the state of footpaths and nature strips as other areas that could be improved to increase value for money. Noble Park ward councillor Sophie Tan was contacted multiple times for comment but could not be reached.

Noble Park and Keysborough residents are

less positive than the municipality’s average in most areas: value for money for infrastructure services (a reduction of six index scores but still well above the state average), overall council direction (a reduction of four index scores to a record low), community consultation and engagement performance (down two index scores to an equal record low), decisions made in the interest of community performance (two index scores down), sealed local roads performance (seven index scores down), waste management performance (three index points down).

Customer service ratings among Noble Park and Keysborough residents experienced an 11-point decline – a record high rating to a record low rating while the municipality declined just one index point.

Lobbying on behalf of community importance was up four index points, however, among Noble Park and Keysborough residents suggesting issues were dealt with appropriately. Although Noble Park and Keysborough lag behind the rest of the municipality, it is still generally on par with the metro average.

Residents in those suburbs also had significantly less contact with council than in 2021.

Generally, overall community satisfaction has remained relatively steady across the board. As per previous years, the municipality scored highly in the state-wide survey which assesses each council’s performance across a range of measures including value for money, consultation, engagement, community decisions and more. For overall performance, council’s score of 68 was well above the state average of 59 and there were no areas where council performed significantly lower than the state average.

The municipality is known for its value for money and it ranked 11 points higher in this area than the state average with overall council direction also well above the state average. Waste management was also highlighted as an area the council is taking positive action and is rated the most important individual service area for council to address for the third consecutive year. Parks and gardens (11 per cent), customer service (11 per cent) and diversity (10 per cent) were labelled the best things about the council.

IN BRIEF Teen charged after Doveton pursuit A Springvale South man has been arrested in an allegedly stolen vehicle after a police pursuit in Doveton. The 18-year-old is one of three men charged with almost 50 offences relating to alleged vehicle thefts and break-ins in the East and South East. The spate of crime spanned suburbs such as Keysborough, Springvale and Clarinda between 7-17 July, police say. Monash CIU detectives arrested the teen on Thursday 21 July. He was remanded to face Dandenong Magistrate’s Court on 26 August. The other two alleged offenders include a 24-year-old Ashwood man in Chadstone on 28 July who was arrested after crashing a stolen vehicle into a parked car, police say. A 29-year-old Richmond man was arrested in Oakleigh on the same day.

Police say all stolen vehicles have been located. The arrests are part of Operation Leopard, which targets vehicle theft and break-ins in Melbourne’s East. Sergeant Jack Russell from Monash Crime Investigation Unit said stolen vehicles were often involved in further offending.

“Police have zero tolerance for offenders who scour the streets looking for any opportunity to steal.

“As part of Operation Leopard, local police are sharing intelligence on known persons of interest, intercepting vehicles, and regularly patrolling local streets to detect and deter offending.

“We will simply not sit and wait for offending to occur. Police will continue to target thieves in our community and put them before a court.”

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

A man is wanted over an armed robbery at a Carrum Downs supermarket in September 2020.

Picture: VICTORIA POLICE

Cop charged with assault A Victorian Police leading senior constable has been charged with an alleged assault while onduty in Noble Park. The 61-year-old male officer from the Southern Metro police region was charged with one count each of unlawful assault and assault with a weapon. The alleged incident occurred on 4 August 2021.He was summonsed to appear before court at a later date.

P-plater allegedly blows 0.230 after crash A 21-year-old P-plater has allegedly blown 0.230 on a breath-test after crashing into two parked vehicles in Doveton. The man’s black BMW X6 wagon crashed while driving east on a residential street about 7.10pm on Sunday 31 July, police say. The probationary driver, who is required to have a zero blood-alcohol concentration while driving, had his license suspended on the spot. His breath test reading was more than four times the 0.05 limit. He is expected to

be charged with careless driving, driving under the influence and driving whilst exceeding 0.00.

Boys charged over BMW thefts Five teens from the South East have been charged after an alleged series of car thefts and aggravated burglaries. A pair of 16-year-old boys from Noble Park and Wheelers Hill were arrested in a BMW, which had been stolen from Mt Evelyn, police say. Southern Metro Crime Team detectives followed the car at Benghazi Avenue, Ashburton about 11.30am on Tuesday 2 August. The boys were arrested after driving to a fast-food outlet in Warrigal Road. Later that day, police conducted surveillance and found a second BMW, which was allegedly stolen from Mt Martha. Three 17-year-olds from Carrum Downs, Ferntree Gully and Dandenong North parked the vehicle in Tobruk Avenue, Ashburton about 2.15pm. They were arrested in an apartment on Lancaster Street A 16-year-old boy from Noble Park has been

charged with aggravated burglary and theft of motor vehicle. A 16-year-old boy from Wheelers Hill has been charged with theft of motor car and commit indictable offence whilst on bail. He has been remanded to appear at a Children’s Court. A 17-year-old from Carrum Downs has been charged with aggravated burglary, attempted aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and unlicensed driving.

He has been remanded to appear at a Children’s Court. A 17-year-old from Ferntree Gully has been charged with aggravated burglary, attempted aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and unlicensed driving. He has been remanded to appear at a Children’s Court. A 17-year-old from Dandenong North has been charged with theft of motor vehicle and was bailed to appear at a Children’s Court.

Masked man wanted over supermarket robbery Police have released images of a masked man wanted over an armed robbery at a Carrum Downs supermarket two years ago. Frankston CIU detectives say a man armed with a gun approached a store attendant outside the supermarket on Frankston-Dandenong Road about 12.30pm on Tuesday 15 September 2020. The man allegedly handed a bag to the staff member and demanded that it was filled with cash.

He followed the victim to the register and ran from the scene with the bag of cash, police say.

No one was injured. The man was described as Caucasian appearance, in his 20’s and wearing a black face mask and orange high-vis top.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Cops seize huge dope crop Up to 400 marijuana plants have been seized by police during a raid in Doveton.

Springvale Divisional Response Unit officers entered a former milk bar on the corner of Chestnut Road and Cassia Street about 7am on Wednesday 3 August.

They estimated the crop comprised between 300-400 plants.

The premises were unoccupied at the time, police say.

The investigation is ongoing.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A police officer seizes some of the marijuana plants. 292658

Police collect cannabis plants found at the former milk bar in Doveton. 292658

Police with some of the 400 plants seized.

The plants were hauled from the rear of the former milk bar at Chestnut Road, Doveton. 292658

292658

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Cannabis plants were collected in hessian sacks by police at the rear of the former milk bar. 292658

We’re backing you.

If you’re looking for work, or you need staff, Jobs Victoria is ready to back you with personalised support, wage subsidies, job search and more.

Learn more at jobs.vic.gov.au or call 1300 208 575.

Backing Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Check coronavirus.vic.gov.au for the latest COVIDSafe Settings.

12561904-AV32-22

4 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

DNA delayed until 2023

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Pictures: ROB CAREW

The Precinct Energy Plant site from Settlers Square. 196079 The council allocated $260,000 towards the detailed design process in its 2022-’23 budget.

The cost of construction was “yet to be confirmed”, Mr Davine said.

The PEP project would include “large open industrial spaces” supporting a range of “art forms” with connection to the DNA. “Meeting accessibility requirements will also be considered to ensure fair access for all.

“Currently the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre is unable to provide the creative industry with the same options the PEP and new DNA will provide, as it is currently limited by size, accessibility and heritage overlays.”

Role-model Elvis chases NFL dream

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A First Nations support group has got behind a Dandenong man’s dream of becoming a gridiron star in the US. Elvis Carter, 20, flies out to Missouri Valley College this month to start a four-year program in college football with the hope of being drafted into the NFL. Ahead of his trip, he was presented with a $10,000 cheque from South East Metro Aboriginal Suicide Prevention and Healing Network (SEMASPAHN) at Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place in Doveton on 29 July.

SEMASPAHN chair Debbie Clifford said her network began about five years ago to “make a difference”.

“We are happy to support our community and believe in doing this we are all healing.

“Great role models are crucial so we are happy to support Elvis on his journey.”

Elvis Carter prior to flying out to chase his NFL dream. 291160 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Mr Carter, a two metre-plus tall offensive lineman and left tackle, has plied his craft at Monash Warriors.

He’s been in rigorous training up to six times a week while working full time ahead of his US college football debut.

“I will be in the program for four years and then hopefully make my way to a tier-

one college to then find the pathway to the NFL,” he recently told Star Journal.

“The dream is to be drafted by a division one college side like Alabama where Jesse Williams went and then, hopefully be drafted by the Los Angeles Rams.”

Meanwhile, Ms Clifford said SEMASPAHN looked forward to formally launching as a vital community support in 2023.

Some of its work was educating “our community” on pre-suicidal warning signs.

“Our Aboriginal community is strong, but even the strongest people need support.

“Sometimes we lose our way and guidance is important to find our way through life’s challenges.

“Our aim is to provide opportunities for community to access that support and guidance to maintain those important connections.”

The Precinct Energy Plant site, left, and the historic Masonic Lodge, which will be the site for the Dandenong New Art gallery. 196079

starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au com.au

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

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

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

12452271-SN26-20

tenants “until DNA is completed”, Mr Davine said.

The Walker Street Gallery is also expected to be superseded by a “creative arts production hub” at the former Precinct Energy Plant (PEP) next door to the DNA. “Council is still actively working through the details to determine the future of the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre site and will continue to keep key user groups updated,” Mr Davine said The PEP – also known as the ‘Creative Industry Project’ - is expected to complete its ‘detailed design phase’ by the end of June 2023.

NEW RELEASE

introducing

Archie’s High TeA

Resoftables 25cm Plush Winnie the Pooh

SUNDAY 14 aUGUST 2022 1.00pm-3.00pm

Winnie the Pooh Resoftables, is super soft plush toy using 100% household plastic waste!

Each Plush is made from approximately 7 recycled plastic bottles!

12545435-AV16-22

Covid and a contract dispute appear to have delayed the completion of Greater Dandenong Council’s contemporary art gallery in Mason Street.

Originally hoped to open in mid-2021, the regional gallery dubbed Dandenong New Art (DNA) is now being pushed into 2023.

The DNA Gallery is being built at a former 1920’s Masonic Hall at 5 Mason Street. It will include state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, workshop spaces, cafe and retail, active outdoor spaces and public art.

The council cites “Covid-19 construction delays”, namely the supply of steel works, for the stalling.

Further, the council reported in June that works were delayed due to a “contract dispute” In an update to the council in June 2021, the DNA project was described as “on target” for a “late September/October 2021” opening.

It claimed the project was “72 per cent” constructed.

The building tender had been awarded to Harris HMC for $5.25 million in mid-2020 – well under estimates of $8 million several years before, then councillor Matthew Kirwan observed at the time.

As at June 2021, the project budget of $6.44 million had blown out to $7.2 million.

The council didn’t respond to Star Journal’s question on the project’s cost.

DNA’s first-year program is expected to host the council’s “celebrated HOME exhibition” and a touring First Nations exhibition, acting community services director Jim Davine said.

It would be finalised closer to opening.

Meanwhile, Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre – which will be replaced by DNA – will remain open for exhibitions, programs and art

indulge IN A SELECTION OF DELIcATE SWEETS AND SAVOURY TREATS $70 ADULTS | $60 SeniorS | $35 ChildREN

$24.95

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL T: (03) 4137 1234 E: caribbeanpark.archies@hyatt.com Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park 38 Dalmore Drive, Scoresby VIC 3179 www.hyattplacemelbournecaribbeanpark.com

SCAN TO BOOK

Order now on aussietoysonline.com.au

12561068-JW32-22

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 5

NEWS

Townhouse project rejected

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A five double-storey town-house proposal in Springvale has been shot down by the state’s planning tribunal.

Spektor Developments Pty Ltd had appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a permit on a 772 square metre block at 19 Wattle Street.

There is currently a single-storey dwelling on the lot.

City of Greater Dandenong had also earlier refused a permit.

VCAT Senior Member John Bennett stated on 1 August that future development of the area was expected to become more intensive.

“However I consider the initial starting point of seeking to construct five double-storey dwellings is too ambitious given the shortcomings that I have identified.”

They included a “narrow” and “impracticable” living area in the rear dwelling, whose layout was “constrained, convoluted, unacceptable and unworthy of support”.

“It is symptomatic of a development that is trying to fit too many dwellings on the site.”

Other issues were a lack of a rear boundary setback to allow for landscaping and canopy trees.

Mr Bennett however also noted the current concept was “in principle, a reasonable proposition” under the General Residential Zone 3 controls and policies.

In the neighbourhood, single dwellings were making way for up to four or more dwellings a lot, Mr Bennett noted.

One example was a lot of four double-storey homes approved by Greater Dandenong Council.

The General Residential Zone 3 area was an incremental future change area that allows townhouses up to three storeys.

It provides an exemption from the minimum garden requirement, site coverage of up to 70 per cent and a smaller front setback of 5 metres.

But this was at tension with respecting existing neighbourhood character, of which “makes no sense”, Mr Bennett stated.

“Put simple, existing character is incompatible with the future character being encouraged or facilitated by the GRZ3.”

Suspended sentence for historic child-sex offender

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A former Keysborough man has received a suspended jail term over historical sexual offences with a 15-year-old girl more than two decades ago.

Glenn McArdle, now 47, was found guilty by a County Court of Victoria jury of sexual penetration, attempted sexual penetration and an indecent act with a child under 16.

He was found not guilty of rape, attempted rape and causing a child to take part in prostitution.

In 2001, McArdle was 26 when he met the girl on a web messaging service ‘Teen Friend Finding Australia’, sentencing judge Kellie Blair said on 29 July.

The pair met at the horse paddocks on the corner of Stud and Brady roads, Dandenong North, and were boyfriend-girlfriend for several years.

Judge Blair said the jury was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that McArdle knew

the girl was under 16 at the time of offending.

Maximum penalties were more lenient at the time of offending, compared to the current day, the judge noted.

“It must, however, be recognised that the courts now have a greater understanding of the devastating impact sexual offending has upon child victims.”

In 2018, the matter was reported by a recent ex-partner of McArdle’s, leading to his arrest and charges.

The victim had been caused “significant harm”, testifying to “terrible nightmares” and fears for her children’s safety, Judge Blair stated.

“I accept the victim’s evidence that the relationship was flawed and at times toxic and this led to her leaving you…”

McCardle’s offending was not characterised as “purely predatory and exploitative”.

Witnesses described the relationship as a “normal boyfriend girlfriend type relationship except for the difference in age”.

Despite the significant age gap, Judge Blair found there was not a significant power imbalance in the relationship.

“Although you were 26 years old you presented as somewhat younger and immature.

“On the other hand, the victim presented as more mature for her age.”

McCardle, who grew up in Keysborough, and was schooled at St John’s College in Dandenong, had no relevant convictions. He had not reoffended for more than two decades.

He was assessed as a low risk of reoffending sexually, and diagnosed as not having a paedophilic disorder.

The only sentence that could be imposed for the “serious offending” was imprisonment, Judge Blair found.

McArdle was jailed for two years and nine months, which was wholly suspended for three years.

He must report as a registered sex offender for 15 years.

CHOOSE TO GET TOGETHER IN

WELL VENTILATED

Go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au/winter 12562368-JW32-22

SPACES

We can keep ourselves, our family and friends well this winter, by always meeting in well ventilated spaces.

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

6 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Councils under cyber threat

By Eleanor Wilson and Cam Lucadou-Wells A leading cyber-security firm says local councils need greater data security training to keep user information safe, after the City of Casey’s Bunjil Place e-newsletter service fell victim to a cyber attack last month.

International cyber-security firm Varonis said attacks on public service organisations show how important it is for companies to have tight control over their data.

It comes after the service provider of City of Casey’s Bunjil Place e-newsletter, WordFly, endured a security incident on 16 July, potentially compromising the names and email addresses of thousands of users.

In a statement to email subscribers, the City of Casey clarified that the incident did not affect any other council e-newsletters, which are sent via different email providers.

“On Saturday 16 July, WordFly confirmed that names and email addresses of those subscribed to the Bunjil Place e-newsletter may have been impacted,” the council stated.

“There is currently no evidence that any of this data has been misused.”

The council added that users’ Bunjil Place accounts, which contain more sensitive information, are not stored in WordFly and were not affected by the incident.

“While we are awaiting further information from WordFly, please be extra vigilant of potential phishing or spam emails you might receive.”

City of Greater Dandenong IT executive manager Michelle Hansen said the council had an “ongoing education program” to improve staff awareness of cyber security issues and threats to reduce the risk.

“Council invests in network security monitoring tools and undertakes regular security audits to ensure the protection of its data which is also governed by security protocols.”

Scott Leach, vice president of Asia Pacific-

Bunjil Place was tangled up in a cyber security incident last month, potentially exposing the names and email addresses of subscribers to its e-newsletter service. 238145 Japan at Varonis said hackers, particularly those developed by foreign nation-states, are becoming more sophisticated.

“It is becoming more difficult for organisations to even detect breaches when they do happen,” he said.

“Many of the attacks that we are observing at Varonis contain “intelligent” malware that is capable of side-stepping even some of the most advanced defence tools in the market.”

Varonis research shows 53 per cent of companies have at least 1000 sensitive files open

to all employees, meaning it takes just one employee’s account to be compromised for hoardes of sensitive information to be reached.

But there is a solution, according to Mr Leach.

“Councils and other public sector organisations, especially those with high numbers of contractors, should restrict access to their most sensitive files, ensuring only those who really need them have access,” he said.

“This process ensures that if a data breach ever does occur, the risk of attackers stealing these sensitive files and moving laterally throughout the network is significantly reduced.

“With little or no access to sensitive files, ransomware is significantly less effective, saving organisations thousands of dollars, if not millions in some cases, and also severe reputational damage.”

Jon Lang, chief executive officer of DDLS, Australia’s largest cybersecurity training provider, said 92 per cent of Australian organisations experienced a phishing attack in 2021.

Phishing describes a type of scam, in which the scammer disguises themselves as a trusted sender in order to obtain private information, such as login credentials or credit card information.

“While organisations might have security tools and technologies to detect and block ransomware, this is an increasingly-penetrable line of defence against highly-sophisticated hackers,” Mr Lang said.

“The first line of defence must be ensuring staff don’t fall for the deception - and the way to do this is by raising the level of cyber-security understanding throughout the general workforce.

“We desperately need to boost the level of cyber education in our local councils, and the wider public sector.”

Take the first step toward a vibrant retirement lifestyle Fountain Court, 100 Station Street, Burwood

Great retirement living is not a destination, it’s a

30+ Retirement Communities across Melbourne

discovery. It all starts with taking the First Step to finding a community where you can feel at home.

We’d love to welcome you to explore what retirement living is like in a community near you. With villages from nearby Croydon to Cheltenham, and everywhere in between, Aveo communities offer a various number of unique activities and events to help you live well.

By booking a tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet the residents and chat with our friendly team.

We’ll help you take the First Step with confidence, and find a community where you can belong.

Domaine, 37-43 Victoria Street, Doncaster

Take the first step! Book a discovery tour today.

Call (03) 9133 8788 or visit aveo.com.au 12561946-ET32-22

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 7

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 3 August 1922 Dandenong High School On Friday last a team from Warragul High School visited Dandenong to play matches in connection with the Gippsland Secondary School. Three well fought contests were witnessed, Dandenong proving victors with two wins and a draw.

Hockey – Warragul nil, Dandenong nil Basketball – Dandenong 11 goals, Warragul 10 goals Football – Dandenong 8.13, Warragul 5.6 As a result of the matches Dandenong has won the premiership of the Western Sub association in football and basketball and for the premiership of the whole association and have to play St Patricks Collage Sale (football) and Bairnsdale High School (basketball).

Leongatha High School having won the hockey minor premiership play the final against Bairnsdale.

· · ·

Suki with daughter Kavia in a ‘snow globe’.

171059

50 years ago

A dragon winds its way through the festival crowd. 171059

1 August 1972 Petrol Stations Shut Several petrol stations in the Dandenong, Springvale, Clayton, and Oakleigh areas were forced to close at the weekend because they ran out of petrol.

Several other stations scraped through the weekend, but don’t know where their next supply of petrol is coming from. A spokesman for the BP depot in Greens Rd, Dandenong said local petrol stations had been receiving somewhat rationed supplies of petrol.

The Shell service station in Corrigan and Noble St Noble Park closed at the weekend.

The Manger of the Ampol station in Springvale Rd Springvale, said he would be right for another week. Bob Borland, manager of a Shell service station in Dandenong Rd Oakleigh said the situation was “grim.” He had to reduce his 24-hour service by nine hours and put off nine casual staff.

20years ago 5 August 2002 Bus Service the smart way Springvale’s long awaited Smart Bus system starts today (Monday) with the promise of more reliable, efficient, and accessible service.

Transport Minister, Peter Batchelor said the system featured ‘real time’ tracking technology that would give delayed buses priority at traffic lights to allow them to run on schedule. Smart Bus was a “pilot, cross town service” with connections between railway stations, shopping centres and other community centres. “Buses are a key part of public transport, providing excellent links between the spokes of our train network that can easily be adapted to meet changing passenger needs.”

The Smart Bus system will be on routes 888 and 889, operated by Dandenong-based

Arts Centre Melbourne and PYT Fairfield present

Dorr-e Dari A poetic crash course in the language of love

2 – 3 September Fairfax Theatre Arts Centre Melbourne 100 St Kilda Rd Melbourne, Vic, 3004.

‫ ;ﻠﻮبﻫﺎی‬،‫ﺪ‬8‫ﮕﺬار‬5 ‫ را ﮐﻨﺎر‬/0‫ﺎ‬.-‫ﺑﺮﻧﺎﻣﻪﻫﺎی دوﺳ‬ ‫@ﺎی ﻫﺰار‬8‫ﺎی ز‬.‫ﻪ دﻧ‬5 ‫ﺪ و‬.‫ﺷ@ﺎﻧﻪ را ﻓﺮاﻣﻮش ﮐﻨ‬ .‫ﺪ‬8‫ﮕﺬار‬5 ‫ ﻗﺪم‬H‫ﺳﺎﻟﻪای ﺷﻌﺮ ﻓﺎر‬

Switch off the dating apps, forget the nightclubs and tune in to a thousand-year strong tradition of courtly Persian love poetry.

FLINDERS ST STATION

HAMER HALL

D OA Y R ARTS CENTRE

D OA AR ILD

CIT

Friday 2 September 7.30pm Saturday 3 September 1.30pm and 7.30pm

‫ﻫﺎی‬/M‫ا‬S‫ﻫﺎی ﺟﺎﻧ@ﺨﺶ و ﺣﻤﺎﺳﻪ‬/M‫ﺎ ﻗﺼﻪﮔﻮ‬5 ‫ ﺳﻪ‬،‫ﺘﻪ‬8Y‫ ﺗﻬﺮان و ﮐ‬،‫ﻞ‬5‫@ﺎ از ﺟﺎدەﻫﺎی ;ﺎ‬8‫ز‬ ‫ ﺟﻮاد و ﻣﻬﺪی ﺷﻤﺎ‬،‫ ﺣﺴ^@ﻪ‬،‫ﻫ\[ﻣﻨﺪ ﺗﻮاﻧﺎ‬ ‫ﻪ ﺟﺎدەﻫﺎی ﭘﺮ ﺧﻢ‬5 /0‫ ﻏﺮ‬/\‫ﺪ‬.‫را از ﺳ‬ .‫ ﺧﻮاﻫﺪ ﮐﺮد‬/M‫و ﭘﯿﭻ ﻋﺸﻖ راﻫﻨﻤﺎ‬

ST K

Through intimate storytelling and epic ballads from the streets of Kabul, Tehran and Quetta, via Western Sydney, your hosts Hasiba, Jawad and Mahdi will guide you on the path to love.

MELBOURNE

SOU

THB ANK

BOU L

EVA

RD

SCAN HERE LIMITED TICKETS FOR $10

First Time in Melbourne!

12561832-DL32-22

8 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Grenda’s bus service between Nunawading and Chelsea railway stations via Forest Hill, Brandon Park, and Springvale shopping centres.

5 years ago 7 August 2017 Gotta show for snow Snow Fest brought a winter wonderland into Springvale, delighting tens of thousands of people as they stepped onto a piece of Mr Buller in the middle of Springvale. Early estimates are that more than 40,000 people enjoyed playing in 80 tons of snow fresh from the mountain at the Springvale Snow Fest on Sunday 31 July.

The event in Buckingham and Balmoral avenues gave visitors a chance to slide and snowboard on real and created snow. They also enjoyed rides, entertainment, fireworks and more.

Jason having a sled ride on Mt Buller snow in Springvale Snow Fest in 2017. 171059

Family fun in the snow. 171059

NEWS

Traffic lights saving time A traffic lights review has helped drivers save time on Cheltenham Road, Dandenong, the State Government claims.

More than 400 intersections have been “optimized” in Melbourne’s suburbs as part of the Smarter Roads Program.

On Cheltenham Road, city-bound delays have reduced by 6 per cent in morning peak and outbound delays reduced by 7 per cent in afternoon peak. This is despite a 10 per cent rise in traffic.

The Government has announced the next stage of the program at nearly 3000 remaining intersections across Melbourne by 2026.

Roads Minister Ben Carroll said the project means “less time waiting at intersections, smoother traffic flows and improved safety for every road user”.

“The program is already delivering results with motorists across the city’s west, east and south-east already reaping the benefits of reduced delays – getting to where they need to go more quickly and safely.”

Under the review, public transport is prioritized by traffic lights, with the help of real-time GPS tracking to cross-check timetables.

Work is underway to install 600 traffic monitoring cameras and 43 travel-time sensors across intersections.

An extra 49 dynamic pedestrian crossings will automatically extend crossing times during high pedestrian demand and shorten red lights when only small groups need to cross.

The traffic lights review is touted as the most extensive in Melbourne since the lights were introduced nearly 100 years ago.

Roads Minister Ben Carroll announced the next stage of an extensive review of Melbourne’s traffic lights. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Hazaras reclaim identity

By Barat Ali Batoor The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its report on the 2021 Census in early July.

For the Australian Hazara community, who are originally from Afghanistan, the report is of great importance.

That’s because in this census the number of people identified as Hazara is four times greater than the census in 2016.

In the 2016 Census the number of people identified as Hazara was 11,146 and in the census in 2021, 41,766 people identified as Hazara.

It was a significant jump but it is estimated that the actual population of Hazaras is at least 65,000 if not more.

Just a couple of weeks prior to the census, a few groups of Hazara youth in different states started a campaign to motivate the Hazara community to write in the ancestry section of the census questionnaire ‘Hazara’ and the language ‘Hazaragi’.

The Hazaras in Australia make up the fourth largest population of the Hazaras in the world and the largest in the western world but the previous and current census don’t reflect the actual population.

“In the short term this campaign might create some issues but in the long run it will solve a lot of the problems,” says Mehdi Sina, one of the organisers of the campaign.

“The issue we are trying to solve is not just the way Census data is reported, it is about our identity as Hazaras. The Afghan identity has been imposed on us for so long.”

The Hazaras first settled in Australia in the late 1990’s during the first rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan when they were subjected to mass atrocities in Mazar-e-Sharif, Kabul and Bamyan.

The Hazaras are a long persecuted ethnic group.

In the 1880’s more than 65 per cent of our

Mehdi Sina led a campaign for Hazara Australians to reclaim their cultural identity in the 2021 Census. population were brutally massacred by King Abdul Rahman. Since then they have been considered as second-class citizens.

Hazaras are considered to be the most vulnerable ethnic group since the fall of Kabul last August.

They have been targeted at educational institutions, mosques, on public transport and, most recently, the Taliban attacked the Balkhab district of the Sari Pul province which resulted in the displacement of thousands of Hazara

families who took refuge in the mountains.

There are reports that many civilians including women and children were killed in the attack.

Our community believes that they are often overshadowed by the term ‘Afghan’ and on many occasions they are not correctly represented.

For example, according to this census the number of people who speak Hazaragi at home is 41,678, those who speak Pashto is 12,654 and

those who speak Dari is 29,828.

Both Dari and Pashto have radio programs on the SBS radio service - but the Hazaragi doesn’t.

The generalisation of the communities from Afghanistan as ‘Afghan’ has been another issue which many people have been vocal about lately.

A vast number of the people from nonPashtun backgrounds don’t identify with ‘Afghan’ as it is considered to be the second name of the Pashtun people and that this has been imposed on them.

“Most of the Australian officials, 95 per cent of the time, don’t understand the ethnic differences in Afghanistan,” Mr Sina said.

“Let me tell you a story. It was in 2019, after the big bushfires we sent a number of people to volunteer to fix fences and other stuff.

“On January 26 which was Australia Day, some of those government officials and MPs in that area wanted to thank us and said ‘we thank the Afghan community’ and all of a sudden half of the people split away and said ‘we are not Afghans and that is not inclusive’.”

Communities such as the Hazaras have traumatic experiences associated with the word ‘Afghan’ as they have been subjected to a long history of oppression by the same people.

“I did an interview with the SBS a few days ago and I asked the journalist to introduce me as a Hazara but when the story was published I was identified as Afghan,” Mr Sina said.

“It made me upset that they didn’t pay attention to the most important part, which was my identity, and I feel disrespected that despite educating them, my identity was not correctly quoted and it hurts me.”

The census results clearly show that the Australian Hazaras have said ‘no’ to an imposed identity and have embraced the identity for which they have been shamed and bullied in the past.

LYNDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE At Lyndale Secondary College, we aim to have each student move towards a successful and meaningful future, irrespective of where or what that might be.

Congratulations to our 2021 College Dux, Visothpong Chhoam who received an outstanding ATAR score of 98.15. Some other amazing results achieved by our Class of 21 are: • SUCCESSFULLY qualifying for the VCE: 99.5% of the enrolled students • SUCCESSFULLY qualifying for the Senior VCAL: 100% of the enrolled students • SUCESSFULLY progressing to positive postsecondary school destinations in University, TAFE, Apprenticeships, Employment: 99.5% of all Year 12 students

Building Program This is an exciting time at Lyndale Secondary College as we are in the middle of a building program that will develop the facilities to support our students in their learning.

NOW ENROLLING FOR YEAR 7, 2023 For more information, we invite you to contact the School Office on 9795 2366.

(03) 9795 2366

www.lyndale.vic.edu.au

14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North VIC 3175

CRICOS 00861K 12559696-MS32-22

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

The beloved principal who ‘hated school’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Ironically, the enduring Dandenong North Primary School principal Kevin Mackay OAM hated school as a kid, and “wasn’t much of a student”.

“I used to think school shouldn’t have been like this.

“It’s lovely now to be able to influence how our school operates.

“I often think I would have loved to have been a kid at this school (Dandenong North Primary School).”

He readily admits he was a “trouble-maker”.

And when asked by his technical school principal Marcus Beresford what he wanted to do with his life, Mr Mackay said he wanted to be a teacher.

“I was being a smart arse. I thought it was an impossibility.”

Mr Beresford told him that “if you pull your head in, I’ll make sure you get into teacher’s college”.

He was true to his word. It showed Mr Mackay the profound impact that a teacher can have.

In term 4, Mr Mackay’s remarkable 60-year teaching career across 10 schools comes to an end.

By some quirk, two of his former schools in Jeparit and Ballarat had taught former Prime Minister Robert Menzies.

His first far-flung posting was Jeparit Primary School. Mr Mackay would travel nearly 800 kilometres between the remote town to Melbourne each weekend.

He then taught at a 70-student school at Patchewollock in the Mallee, where some families lived on dirt floors.

At Musk Vale, Mr Mackay was the sole teacher of 17 pupils. He also presided over a school for inmates at Langi Kal Kal youth training centre.

Meanwhile his soon-to-retire assistant principal and wife Jenny Mackay says teaching has been in her blood.

It’s a vocation that’s drawn her since organising games in the street as a child.

Her father, a farmer who grew up in poverty in the Mallee, pushed for her to get an education.

“He’d say you’ve got to get a decent education to go forward.

“I can’t think of a better vocation. When you work with children, it’s a joy.

“When kids come up and give you a hug or tell you a silly joke, you can’t stay glum.”

The school has built an enviable reputation to bringing out the best in kids from more than

Kevin Mackay OAM reflects on a teaching career spanning 10 schools.

292591

Picture: GARY SISSONS 50 diverse backgrounds.

According to a recent official review, the school excelled across all five measured categories - teaching and learning, leadership, assessment, support and resources, and student engagement.

Its cutting-edge programs have been documented in award-winning films.

Mr Mackay says the key is to get teachers who “want to teach”.

They must be committed to it as a vocation,

not a job. They must have high aspirations and be able to work out the “next step” for each child.

Great teachers at work are like watching an orchestra’s conductor, Mr Mackay says.

“It’s a joy to watch. We’ve got stacks in this school.”

One of the questions he asks aspiring recruits is if they actually like kids.

“You’d be surprised how many teachers don’t,” he says.

End of an era From page 1 “I’ve never seen him get angry.

“He’s a very kind person. He’s always somebody who puts himself in someone else’s shoes. “He takes being a public servant very seriously. It’s strongly instilled in him that we’re here to serve, to make people’s lives easier.”

The best way of resolving any ‘conflict of interest’ was being focused on what was best for the students.

“You overhear staff saying the same thing – what’s the best for the kids rather than what’s in it for you. That’s been a huge change in the last 20 years at the school,” Ms Mackay says.

“If everyone has that mindset then there’s no conflict.”

The couple make a rule not to bring work home. On their drive to school from their Cranbourne home, they don’t talk shop until they reach a certain gum tree.

On the return home, that same gum tree marks the end of school talk.

“If you can’t work with your partner, what’s going on in the relationship?” Ms Mackay says.

Their departure will largely coincide with the near-realisation of Mr Mackay’s long ambition to rebuild the school.

After several delays, the “final piece of the puzzle” of gymnasium, music room and canteen is now under construction.

“We were hoping to hold off our retirements until the hall was completed,” Mr Mackay says.

“But we’ll be going in the knowledge that we’ve left the school in a really good position as a modernised and fit-forpurpose establishment.

“I’m not getting any younger and the work is getting more demanding. The workload is huge and getting greater.

“I’ve found myself looking at screens all day long rather than talking to students and teachers.

“I got into school teaching to work with people not to stare at panes of glass.”

Meanwhile, for assistant principal Ms Mackay, the job had become a doubleedged sword.

“I love the job, the work and the community – but it’s so hard, I’m so tired.”

Post-retirement, Mr Mackay says the couple will finally travel in their underused campervan. He still hopes to work as relief teacher.

“We don’t stop because of a number on a calendar.”

Ms Mackay says there’ll be more time for friends and family. She will still be making the birthday cards behind the scenes, allowing others to hand them out and continue the tradition.

“We’re leaving the school but we’re not leaving the community.”

From Dandenong to the world: School celebrated in film

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Dandenong North Primary School’s vast, unique achievements have been celebrated in award-winning films.

Principal Kevin Mackay, who is set to retire at the end of 2022, met with film-maker Amel Tresnjic at the 2017 premiere of a doco Singfest, which featured the school and eight others in the region.

The film earned 18 international film awards.

Since then, they have collaborated on heart-affirming films set at the school such as The Reading Factory, Talk for Life and the upcoming Giving Back.

“Amel has been lucky to have us, to access the subject matter that goes to people’s hearts,” Mr Mackay says.

“And we’ve been lucky to have him – Amel is a genius, he’s a fantastic film-maker.”

Mr Mackay had approached the film-maker to make a blueprint of the school’s “bespoke” programs that targeted its disadvantaged communities.

Such as its “reading factory” literacy intervention program, which inspired variations at 10 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

Dandenong North Primary School students Aleira, Mahdiya, Athia, Beryl and Farzana with Kevin and Jenny Mackay. 292591 Picture: GARY SISSONS other schools in Australia and the world.

The program churned through 180 kids a day in 20 minute bursts, leading Mr Mackay to label it as a “reading factory” – the name of one of the films.

“It was like shift work.”

Talk for Life documented the school’s English As An Additional Language program – the only three-phase program of its type in Australia.

It was conceived by assistant principal Jenny Mackay, who is married to Kevin and also retiring this year.

The EAL program has also led to an Afghanistan mothers group, which is extending to Dandenong High School families.

It provides sessions on hand-writing, creating picture books, mathematics and advice on how to navigate life and processes in Australia.

The school includes families from 50 diverse backgrounds. Of the 790 students, 250 have Afghanistan-based backgrounds.

Many had fled Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan last year.

“It’s a great thing that your school can make a great difference to people who had had a shocking start to life,” Ms Mackay says.

“They get their childhood back.”

For newly arrived families – whose kin are mainly thousands of miles away – the school is like a “second family”, Ms Mackay says.

The school employs liaison officers for Afghanistan and African communities.

“Parents view the school as a hub for them,” Ms Mackay says.

“It’s not just education but a connection to a community.”

Mr Tresnjic’s upcoming film Getting Back features some of the 13 former students that have been inspired to return to Dandenong North Primary as teachers.

Several credit Mr Mackay as the reason that they became teachers.

“It’s all us, not just me,” Mr Mackay says.

“We’re just a fabulous team.”

Mr Tresnjic recently told Star News that the returned teachers recognised the “strong impact their own teachers had in becoming who they are”.

His films on the school “remind us that helping others generates a strong sense of inner happiness.

“We have had a few viewers express how the films inspired them to pursue teaching, which is amazing.”

Mr Mackay is a “hero”, a “visionary who truly understand the needs, not only of students, but also their staff and overall community”, Mr Tresnjic says.

He dedicated his life to “helping the disadvantaged build successful careers, and most importantly set a high standard for virtues in the community.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Life without them In 2021, more than 53,000 missing persons reports were made to Australian police.

Thankfully, about 98 per cent of missing people are found - mostly safe and well.

But around 2600 Australians are classed as long-term missing persons, meaning they have been missing for more than three months.

This National Missing Persons Week (NMPW), the AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) is urging Australians to think of the people they love and ask what their life would be like without them.

AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Specialist Protective Command Jason Kennedy said NMPW (31 July - 6 August) is an annual week of action to raise awareness of the significant issues surrounding missing persons.

“Young, old, family members, and loved ones all from a range of cultures have one thing in common – the daily fears, hopes and endless questions they leave behind,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Kennedy said.

“NMPW is supported throughout the missing persons sector and within the broader community to bring much-needed awareness and hopefully answers for those left behind.

“I encourage all Australians to take a look at the profiles of our long-term missing, share the posts and keep the families of those missing in your thoughts,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Kennedy said.

Cardinia CIU Detective Sergeant Amanda Dean said she hoped National Missing Persons Week would help prompt a significant memo-

ry for members of the public.

“It might prompt someone to recall something; they might have some information that might be valuable to assist in locating missing persons,” she said.

She added the week was also about providing closure for families of missing people.

“That’s what this week’s really all about, is the families who have loved ones who are still missing - they never get that closure,” Detective Sergeant Dean said.

“It’s always good if we can solve one to get some answers for the family.”

If you have information that may assist police to locate a missing person, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing but not forgotten: Region’s missing people Li Bing Di Last seen: Dandenong Missing since: Sunday, 4 February, 2001 Age now: 44 Gender: Male Height: 168cm Build: Slim Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Li Bing Di was 22 when he was last seen leaving his father’s house in Dandenong South, on or around 4 February 2001.

Li’s father Suo Fan Di was the last person to see Li. It is not known why Li was leaving the house on that day.

Enquiries made by police established Li had been staying on occasion at an address on Jesson Crescent, Dandenong in the year leading up to his disappearance which is where his ex-partner was living.

Li didn’t have a car, he had very little money and did not take any of his personal belongings with him.

Mahalingam Sinnathamby Last Seen: Noble Park Missing since: Thursday, 25 August, 2005 Age now: 84 Gender: Male Height: 175cm Build: Slim Hair: Grey Noble Park man Mahalingham Sinnathamby was 68 years old when he went missing in 2005.

He had lived alone in Noble Park for 10 years and had irregular contact with his family.

In 2013, investigators identified a person of interest in the case and released an composite image of a man they wished to speak to in relation to Sinnathamby’s disappearance.

They also revealed that Sinnathamby’s bank account had not been accessed

since July 2005.

Apparently he was known to withdraw his pension every fortnight to purchase groceries.

His disappearance is considered suspicious.

Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Kane Taylor said in 2013 police had received anonymous information through Crime Stoppers and urged the caller to make contact again.

In February 2014, Detective Senior Constable Kane Taylor – then in the Greater Dandenong CIU told a Coroner’s Court direction hearing that police believed Sinnathamby to be deceased.

Richard Hadwick Last seen: Belgrave South Missing since: Saturday, 19 May, 1990 Age now: 53 Gender: Male Height: 182cm Build: Thin Hair: Blonde Eyes: Blue Richard Hadwick was last seen leaving his Belgrave South home, heading out to celebrate his 21st birthday on Saturday 19 May, 1990.

Last seen by his parents at 12.30am, he had returned home to change his clothes, and said a taxi was waiting in the driveway to take him to Foster’s Disco in Dandenong.

He had little money on him and did not take any spare clothes or belongings.

He worked at Bayswater Joinery, but has not turned up to work since his disappearance.

Bailed to Dandenong Magistrates Court on burglary charges on 24 May 1990, reports indicate he may have been afraid he would be sent to prison.

Sadly, Richard has not been seen since.

Li Bing Di.

Mahalingam Sinnathamby.

Richard Hadwick.

Changing the young people narrative

By Jonty Ralphsmith Mary Tresize-Brown gets an insight into the true characters of young parents and pregnant people.

Through her work with South East Local Learning and Employment Network running young parents education programs, she is opening doors for 15-21 year-olds – and trying to change society’s negative stigmatisation.

There are about 1100 parents aged between 15-21 years old in the southeast region.

Their prospects of providing a prosperous life for themselves and their children are greatly increased with the opportunity to dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

complete their education.

“The young parents education programs really gives young parents that don’t have great family support or good role modelling, this gives them a safe, secure trustworthy place where they can not only study but be assisted in learning about becoming a parent and all the parts of being a parent.”

A parent and grandparent, Ms TresizeBrown has a long history working in the field including being on a ministerial advisory group for the federal government and representing young parents in other groups fighting for more acknowledgment.

She feels passionately about increasing equality between them and other young people.

This program gives young parents that might not have a great support network a safe, secure trustworthy place where they can not only study but be assisted in learning about becoming a parent and all the parts of being a paren,” Ms Tresize-Brown said.

“I understand all the complexities for young people and then you add into the mix becoming a parent whilst they’re still in developmental stages themselves - they will need lots of support.

“They’re highly aspirational and what we’re trying to do is change the perception in the community about young parents.

“We shouldn’t be judging them, we should be supporting them to achieve the best they possibly can.”

Missing Owen for 30 years

By Marcus Uhe Pakenham’s Dylan Redman describes the bond between him and his older brother Owen as “typical” of male siblings.

Five years his junior, Dylan, the “annoying little brother”, wanted to go wherever Owen did, and followed him into the world of music, where he has made a living as a drummer and drum teacher, influenced by a love of bands like Led Zeppelin and The Police.

He’d love to see a live band with his brother at one of Melbourne’s iconic live music venues one day, such as Richmond’s Corner Hotel or the Hotel Esplanade in St Kilda.

But Dylan hasn’t seen Owen for 31 years, since he and his father reported him as missing on Thursday 21 February, 1991.

Although not entirely out-of-character for Owen to make the occasional solo trip for a hike or music festival without much communication to his family or loved ones, it was Owen’s wife who raised the alarm, after he was off the grid for a month, which was considered longer than usual.

From there, Dylan and his family swung into action.

“I was a fair bit younger and didn’t have the resources like Facebook back then,” he said.

“It’s literally boots on the ground.

“We went to his house, places he frequented, cafes, venues, and tried to connect with his housemates.”

Various tips from members of the public have proven unsuccessful over the years and as time goes by, Dylan has learnt to deal with the emotions and the reality of situation. But landmarks, such as Owen’s birthday, old streets he used to live, or seeing old friends are difficult reminders.

He has learnt to deal with a concept described to him as “ambiguous loss”, and struggles with the concept of achieving closure.

“The person who’s missing hasn’t passed away as far as you’re aware, but in a sense they have. It’s like a social passing away, because you can’t contact them. It’s frustrating.

“Closure is a misnomer; even if he did come back, there’d still be a sense of, why did he take so long, and what did we do that was so wrong that made us disconnect.”

On the 30th anniversary of Owen’s disappearance last year, Dylan, his wife and Owen’s ex-wife spent a couple of hours together at Owen’s old Brunswick West house, promoting the event on social media in the hopes that Owen would see it, and present an opportunity to reconnect.

“It was for our own benefit, just to put it out there.

“Even he didn’t see it, we wanted him to know that we love him, we care for him and he will not be forgotten.”

This National Missing Persons Week, Dylan is taking the opportunity to tell the story of his brother, and raise awareness of the plight of other missing people, for the sake of their families.

“It’s a complex thing because it’s not cool, and there’s no cuteness about it,” Dylan said.

“It’s just hard and it’s a harsh reality that people do disappear.”

When asked what he would say to his brother if they had the chance to reunite, Dylan kept it simple, and heartfelt.

“I’d just want him to know that it’s OK to reconnect. There’d be no hard feelings, no judgement, I’d happily accept him back into our lives.

“I’d love to shout him a coffee or a beer at a pub with no expectations or complications.

“I hope that one day I can get a chance to chat to him again.”

Owen Redman is listed at 176 centimetres tall, with light brown hair, a slim build, a fair complexion and blue eyes.

He was last seen in Brunswick, where he lived at the time.

He failed to show to work at Green Peace and took none of his personal belongings or money at the time of his disappearance.

Police believe that Owen may have changed his surname to Moore.

If you have information that may assist police to locate Owen, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 11

12561953-AV32-22

ADJUSTABLE MASSAGE BED by

12 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Family affair for tribute act It will be a family affair at Bunjil Place on Saturday 20 August, as a real life married couple hit the stage as iconic country duo Johnny Cash and June Carter.

Mark and Joanne Caligiuri, who married in 2016, star in Get Rhythm - A Tribute to Johnny Cash & June Carter - performing crowd favourites like I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson and A Boy Named Sue. Coinciding with the close-knit spirit of many other classic country acts, they are accompanied by Mark’s sons Chris (double bass) and Lucas (drums) and his cousin, Adam Prozzo (lead guitar).

The Caligiuris have toured Cash shows across Australia for fifteen years.

“I was actually a fan of the Carter family when I was in high school!” Joanne explained.

“I used to like old country music and I was also very familiar with Johnny Cash and I even remember the exact moment of learning of his death on TV when I was in high school.

“When the movie [Walk the Line] came out in Australia 2006 I was so excited and told Mark we had to go as I was a fan of Cash.

and a year later we started it 2007.”

Years of touring helped shape what they wanted to express through their shows.

“We want people to get excited,” Mark said. “[We perform] an energetic show and to . . . feel the connection with each other too as that was an important part to John and June.

“Getting everybody together and having a good time to some of the greatest country songs ever written and to take them on a Journey throughout the night.”

Outside of live performances, they are also building a sizeable online presence.

Their cover of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s “‘Cause I Love You” has racked up over 52,000 views on YouTube.

The show, which sold out when it played at Frankston Arts Centre on 30 April, will be taking place at Bunjil Place on Saturday 20 August at 8 pm.

Audiences can expect a fun-filled, high-energy show—with some audience participation.

Tickets are available at the venue, by phone (9709 9700) or can be purchased online at tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/7253

The tribute show features family members Adam Prozzo (lead guitar), Joanne Caligiuri (lead vocals), Mark Caligiuri (lead vocals, lead guitar), Lucas Caligiuri (drums) and Chris Caligiuri (double bass).

Picture: ROCK IMAGES/ROCK ZAMPAGLIONE Joanne said it was after watching the movie together that Mark also became a fan of the music, after which they began to create their own Johnny Cash show.

“I actually already had some Cash CDs that I shared with Mark and he was hooked,” she said.

“That’s when we started to form the show

Music opportunity beckons youngsters

By Jonty Ralphsmith Local students with a passion for music are being encouraged to join ON TRACK – a hands-on school holiday music program.

Developed by Mushroom Group, the free program funded by the department of education fosters a dynamic music experience that celebrates music, collaboration and creativity.

No musical experience is required to take

part in the experience from Monday September 19 until Thursday September 22 at St Johns Regional College, Dandenong.

Music industry specialists and artists will mentor and train the students, instilling confidence in an inclusive, warm, fun environment.

Students will experience specialised song writing workshops, learning to story tell through lyrics, beat-make, rap, produce film clips and perform their own music.

Aimed at upper primary and secondary school aged students, the program starts off with participants writing a collaborative chorus and individual verses as students come up with the basis for the song they will perform on the final day.

Demo recording, tips about performance technique from coaches and the creation of a music video will also form part of the program before there is an opportunity to perform in front of peers.

On Track offers an excellent opportunity for students to learn about music in a fun environment.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Subscribe to the

Dandenong Star Journal NEW

Digital Edition

and

FREE

sports balls that float

DANDENONG

Tuesday, 26 October, 2021

DANDENONG

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

@StarJournal_SE

/DandenongJournal

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Home grown Halloween park

Sri Lankan cricket star signs

PAGE 3

PAGE 5

PAGE 10

SPORT

/DandenongJournal

@StarJournal_SE

Living treasures named

Oasis marks 30 years

The Dry actor in profile

City’s historic clash

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

PAGE 11

SPORT

40¢ Inc. GST

SIGN UP NOW!

12476975-LB02-21

Residents objections dismissed

12496498-DL22-21

Beloved egg farm folds

Tuesday, 2 February, 2021

40¢ Inc. GST

Second go at life

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

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

Pictures: HAS MEDIA

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

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

City’s top citizen

complex grieving process for donors’ families.

“Out of one person, you have seven trans-

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

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

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

NOW OPEN

sponsors of Afri-Aus Care.

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

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

The not-for-profit provides mental health

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOBLE PARK LAUNDROMAT 5 AM - 11:30 PM 7 DAYS • CARD • COIN • MOBILE PAY

Affordable and Compassionate

12520897-BL46-21

DANDENONG

Scan this QR code to subscribe We’re here to keep your car running.

Or visit dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/subscribe 12554690-ET25-22

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 13

WHAT’S ON Noble Park Art Show We invite artists of all ages and experience to enter our October 2022 show! This years Open 1st Prize is $500 and our Junior 1st Prize is $200. It’s only $5 per artwork for open artists to enter and for junior artists the entry is FREE. Noble Park Community Centre Art Show will take place from 14-16 October.

Entries close Friday 30 September 2022, 4pm! To enter click the link: npccartshow. org/2022-show/enter

Join ABC TV’s Q+A audience

·

Men’s Shed Keysborough Men’s Shed is a group based on old-fashioned mateship. It provides a place where men can feel included and safe, and is a tonic for their health and wellbeing. Activities include woodwork projects, cooking for lunches, welding, maintenance around the place and assistance to the community.

It’s in the reserve outside the rear of Resurrection Primary School, 402 Corrigan Road, Keysborough (enter driveway opposite 16 Loxwood Avenue).

Fridays 9am to 2pm. Details: Michael Howlett, 0408 545 196.

·

Dandenong residents are being given the opportunity to be part of the Q and A audience.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Fun for retirees Waverley Gardens Combined Probus Club is seeking new members from Dandenong North, Noble Park and Springvale North. In addition to other activities, members meet for coffee and listen to a guest speaker.

From 9.45am to noon on the last Tuesday of the month at Southern Community Centre, 27 Rupert Dr, Mulgrave. Details: Don, 9560 6046.

·

Photography competition Every year Greater Dandenong City Council produces a Community Calendar for residents which features photos taken in our municipality.

Residents can submit photos taken in their local community to win cash prizes and feature in the 2023 calendar. All photos chosen to appear in the calendar will also feature in an exhibition at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre later this year. Photos can be of architecture, outdoor space or something different that captures your imagination.

Prizes are $1000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.

·

Submissions close on Friday 16 September.

Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/photography-competition

Conversation circle

ABC will be running a free return bus service for Q+A audience members from Dandenong to ABC Southbank Studios on Thursday 11 August, live from 8.30pm.

A panel of decision makers and commentators will be discussing and debating national issues. Bus departs about 6.30pm and returns, departing Melbourne CBD about 9.40pm.

To hop on the bus and be part of the audience register your interest via the following link and in response to Q.15 write: City of Greater Dandenong.

ABC will be in touch with details if you are successful.

Details: www.abc.net.au/qanda/studio-audience/

·

Email: pathways@springvalelac.org.au

Winter warmers: neurographic art workshop

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.

·

This winter take a deep exhale, make a cup of tea and lose yourself in an abstract art piece using chalk pastels facilitated by Artist and Educator Yaz Gate. This relaxing abstract technique (neurographic art) was coined by Russian psychologist Pavel Piskarev in 2014. Workshop suitable for all artistic abilities.

Tuesday 9 August 2022, 7:00pm -8:30pm, online via zoom.

Jobs Victoria Advocate

Neighbourhood Watch public forum

Drop-in employment information.

Monday from 10am–4pm at Springvale Library; Wednesday from 10am–4pm at Dandenong Library; every Thursday fortnight at CoCO’S, 2-3/48 McCrae Street Dandenong; Tuesday and Friday from 10am–4pm at Springvale Learning & Activities Centre.

Contact Ali Abd Ali. Phone: 0452 647 522.

·

·

Q&A and information session with guest speaker Inspector Peter Koger from Victoria Police.

Wednesday 28 September 7.30pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park

·

Miniature Crystal Sculpture Workshop Join Melbourne artist Emme Orbach and learn

how to create unique miniature crystal sculptures using recycled materials from Greater Dandenong’s industrial area. Orbach will teach you how to hand-build small-scale sculptures using recycled metal, wire, wood, and plastic. Take home your own science crystal kit with special instructions on how to grow crystal geodes for your newly built sculptural creation.

Thursday 25 August 2022, 10:00am -12:00pm, Walker Street Gallery.

·

Creative Writing Group at The Open Door: You are invited to an organic creative writing group where we awaken our inner writer and spark our imagination in this encouraging workshop. We will share creative writing prompts, stories and ideas, and do a couple of fun writing activities together. New writers welcome.

When: Thursday 11 August 10am-12pm.

Where: The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. A gold coin donation is welcome.

Please contact Jo or Tayla on 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au to book in or for more info.

·

Dandenong Wetlands Planting Day Bring the family and join us at Dandenong Wetlands to plant some seedlings. One of the best ways we can assist in protecting the natural biodiversity of Bunurong Country is by replacing non-native vegetation with local native species.

You can assist by participating in our community planting days. Come along and discover local open spaces and enjoy a free lunch.

Saturday 13 August 10am-1pm at Dandenong Wetlands, 270 Stud Road, Dandenong North

·

Captured Exhibition In the exhibition Captured, three contemporary artists: Steven Cybulka, Emme Orbach and Noah Spivak will explore the materiality of industry. As artists, they are all process driven and allow their respective mediums to determine the outcome of their works. Prompting a series of possible questions for the audience to consider and playing with time to be Captured now.

Exhibition Dates Tuesday 16 August - Thursday 29 September Walker Street Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 12pm-4pm.

- By Jonty Ralphsmith

· ·

Need local staff?

Then give us the job...

Star News

Need local staff?

12544970-HC15-22

Then give us the job... we will advertise it in our employment section and attract local staff

14 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FREE Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Dandenong Star Journal or Endeavour Hills Doveton Hallam Star Journal from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

ONG FEBRUARY

10, Tues 2021 \ day, STARWEEKLY 22 Marc h, 2022 .COM.AU

dandenong

.starcom

12477071 -CG03-21

Little Ind ia masterpla n reveal JA ed f £ PAGE 3

munity.c

om.au

/Dandenon

gJournal

Celebratin Harmony g Day

fn¹Ǥ

@StarJo

Vale Alfr ed ‘Alf’ Goldburg

8-DL22-21

PAGE 7

urnal_SE 40¢ Inc.

GST

Local sta rs set for VFL season

PAGE 11

1249649

EVERY WEEK

DANDEN

SPORT

Photos te your stor ll ies

Valour r ewarded

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

By Cam Luca

dou-Wells

her durin how local A quick-thin s came Non-profi g the COVID-19 driver out king hero who pulled a for Australast group, Bridge Buildpandemic. nong Southof her burning vehicle in dazed Wyndham ia (BBFA), is runn ers tion for Bravehas been awar ing the ded a Com DandeConduct.

Stronger 2020 & Beyond, You, mendaChris Wilto Together Me, n, from comp

by Manor his way to Rowville, Lakes Com etition, supported had been initia 2015 - “halfwork about 6.20a muni tive ty Fund, on of the m on asleep and an BBFA presi Dennis Family needing 3 September When the Corporatio dent Melb the group car crash mechanical engin coffee”. n. a Waug eer saw a Hammon on Dandenong document organised the phot h said multid Bypass o contest how Wynd went from Road intersectio near the a community to ham stood n, thing “zero to s quickly 100”.

He spott The comp during the pand strong as ed a wom that had residents etition, for Wynd emic. slammed an, ‘Emily’, still aged 18 ham in and moun into to images and older ted the medi the back of anothher car , whic is open er car an strip.

“I saw flame hope, coura h tell a visua l story of s coming Mr Wilto or patience ge, innovation, resili out of the n said. and must ence bonnet,” “I This between was photo Marbie, taken yellingofout January 2020have been taken get out of of my wind in a Hopp No digita the car.” and Marc ers Cross ow for her l phot Emily was to ing backyard, Cash prize o editing is allow h 2021. shocked, has been vated airba on March s are on offer. Entried. submitted g as fire spreafrozen under to the comp 31. an acties close Mr Wilto d under etition. (Suppl Details: the vehic was jamm n tried to open ied) wixsite.co https://bbfaustralas the car door le. ed. m/mysite ia. but it The car Australas , ia on Face Bridge Builders for presence was in drive. Mr wynd book of mind Wilton had ham@gmai or email to to pull on bbfa. l.com the the hand lean through the brake. window “Come on, we’ve got he By Ales urged to get out theha Cap drive of the car,” r. one He mana ged to unco herSome undeWyn “is behaving r herdham counuple her seatb fire elt, grab and lift like cillor fortestheirarms Minu hersfree haveofcome Others liken a petulant child behathe later, viour the car. at as.publi flame under show ”. ed the meet cardurin Just cbefor meeteing wasg aengu heate .

“Som ing d last on the the emer to deba lfed eone Coun their Tuesd acquisitio genc scene in te pass the popc cillor favourite ay. y servi . s have been The deba like governmen n of the site for orn”. te Mr Wilto childnren describedces arrived reme and as behaving Szatkowski attemerupted when cars mber byaroun Education t school; and for couna future state being viewe ed there Cr Robe a “petu pted drs motion, put splitt Mini at the watch werelant other time. ing The a lotchild broad It also stated ster James Merl cil to write to Cr ing the motion forward by to split a notic rt the drive cars of ” five cast meetrsing were live stand ino. and e separ on Faceb Szatkowsk of as it the bypa ing ook. two At one on the other the was ChrisThe ate motions for Cr Josh Gilligan, of support for the that council shou ss, havin i has “receraised concerns that dollars point into g amayo ld reiterate councillor site Wilto chat.r moti force “No d n on conc one its Tarn of donations from ived thousands s to vote on. that council shou to remain a site Adele Hege side of to inter the inters else ject.

Road, whicnear erned land was awar for a eit linked of the car,” the state dich ld remain the over relian n’sat 203 h was earm ectio The he member of debat said. “concernedschool; e Woo of atofutur medids e deterioratee that Emily was inwas have Cr Szatk to this motion”. think arked for centr ce of the priva “I was the e abou landwhere abou non-gover owsk pron constructi an strip t it – Inmen d and tryin into uncia Trug just “It deliv he g bicke to tion rescu acted anina wave outaccus er schools te sector to acqu t a matter of publii stated the dona ring over hope was likePreci t schoo of a down the fire, . l unde on to consi I saw councillor ire Gillig ationbut nctsome tions are work’s utes in Wyn der how ed a dazed Strucone driverdham of abusi no one r the stage nameto, and would tureneed an to “pron c record. He then from ”;a and this may Rega pulled over.” ve langu Mr“I’m putan haveAsit repor Plan. tedbebywhat rdles ed help.

Wiltoappa burni s of age s, relate ounc ng asked n’s the Star the the being done car. clear e my surna After Schools4W lled by Weekone saved 272006 event was to any futur Victo in rian thinkbeha trying to ging for Mr the same some comm ly inelse woulI’d chanThe Emily ing may used. me corre Cr yndham persp ents’s made motion Wilto Civil life. posit It turne mber d , Pictu advocacy. ion.”AdmSepte ective- e twice, Cr Gillig say Cr Szatk and naldhas also n. re: owsk tone and Tribu by some viour,well “It just “As soon GARYi’sSISS ctly”. viewe out given unde called the the rtake r stated an make people tonig have a large inistr as I .saw some crash for brave to divid ONS first the had the coun ative happ a sstrate you think part me ry. comm instead addressed surna develbeen name e the fallin ht”, lookenatat how oper cause one in the “Communi site endation. that ing g from any point gic plann permdission him by his into 227 anything cil to “Speaking road. the the resid car, I didn’one the by CathAs it could backentia .” canto was As the farEduc olic He’s ing to conti deba like adults” ty are interested plann of a ltruck as Mr kept contr put in placereview over lots, after Wilto ation indthe rightteher in touch in adults behav t and its drive agree on her the, years raise wrote anoth nued n know Offic mentrtohave not ols with a point place Cr Saha stron e pulle , it’sna forwelfa s, d around er, and that the just like I Emilsites non-regover ing of order at the right in the been ident outtruck y, checking ger ofMr a schoo of an they Cr Gillig build Wilto one councillor mon “usin esh nmen accus time. Ram l thereified. g nabusi was ve infratext on for Austr t ths nated schoo after the desig onelangu each struc of 46 peoping Cr ”Gilligan Sarah Connan’s motion called . chamber”. crash alian Brave sary each ture.other on the ls and comm, and age inle anno for unity olly to be Cr ry decoration year. the coun unced Two asked to publiTarneit MP origi Gillig an She nominaterescue’s anniverThe mayo bravery cil s this mon lists r said Gove nal notic described cly support Mr Wilto thed chan th. sheare was rnordidrecomhear said,Gene mend “but ral tofor He quest e of motion as “ridic ges n ed ly by the not his Deco exact if there towhat ration the you Austr ioned Cr ulous was s pleas Coun alian any languBrave ”. e refraincil Szatkowsk each year. ry from age, can i’s moti Coun using

Council ‘soap op era’

We’re op it again en to ke ves for separatecillor s on Cr Szatk ”. ep your motions.voted owski’s five All were passe PURCHA car ru SE ONLIN nnind. g.

E OR CO ON 9792 NO W OP NTA 583 CT EN CT AT STO US YOUR FIN RE STORE FOERASIAN FOOD GROCERY ALL YOUR NEEDS.

5 & COLLE

12480371

-DL06-21

455 Balla

Shop T3A, Manor Lake Manor Lakes Cent ral E: lawule@g s (Next to Man or Lakes mail.com Medical P: 0433 Centre) 572 664

n Road,

DANDEN Cnr Franks ton-Dande ONG nong Rd PH: 9792 STOCK THA & Zenith 583WE 5 aut I, FILIPINO, ob arn BURMESRd CHIN E, ESE .co AND m.a MANYuMOR KOREAN, E!

12532456

-HC04-22

Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets...

• Dandenong Coles Express 61-65 Cheltenham Road • Dandenong United Service Station (Pie Face) 100 Cheltenham Road • Dandenong Dandy Mart 17 Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong Market 40 Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong RSL 44-50 Clow Street • Dandenong India Bazaar 77 Foster Street • Dandenong Dandenong Oasis Heatherton Road & Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong IGA 78-84 Hemmings Street • Dandenong Dandenong Neighbourhood House 34 King Street • Dandenong Well Springs for Women 79 Langhorne Street • Dandenong Remax Real Estate Shop 14, 30-32 Langhorne Street • Dandenong Bestway Supermarket 200-208 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong City of Greater Dandenong 225 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Creston Real Estate 264 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Hall & Partners First National 254 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Drum Theatre Lonsdale Street & Walker Street • Dandenong Dandenong Plaza 23-55 McCrae Street • Dandenong Coles Supermarket 23-55 McCrae Street (Dandenong Plaza) • Dandenong Rockyz Mini Mart 10 Princes Highway • Dandenong LH Fresh Supermarket 169 Princes Highway • Dandenong Caltex Dandenong 154-156 Princes Highway • Dandenong Coles Supermarket Dandenong 23-26 Princes Highway • Dandenong Genesis Fitness Club Dandenong 63 Scott Street • Dandenong Valley Village Mews 112 Stud Road • Dandenong Dandenong Basketball Stadium 270 Stud Road • Dandenong Caltex Star Mart Stud Road & Heatherton Road • Dandenong Dandenong Lotto 308 Thomas Street • Dandenong Gulistan Supermarket 187-189 Thomas Street • Dandenong Quest Hotel 2-Oct Walker Street • Dandenong McLennan Real Estate First floor, 126 Walker Street • Dandenong North Foodworks Dandenong North 42-44 Brady Road

• Dandenong North Dunearn Pharmacy 11a Dunearn Road • Dandenong North Coles Express 166 Heatherton Road & Stud Road • Dandenong North BP Service Station Heatherton Road & Stud Road • Dandenong North Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club 41a Latham Crescent • Dandenong North FoodWorks Menzies Cellars 52 Menzies Avenue • Dandenong North Menzies Milkbar 64 Menzies Avenue • Dandenong North IGA Friendly 54 Outlook drive • Dandenong North Liberty Fuel 182 Stud Road • Dandenong South Georges Lunch Box 22a Amberley Crescent • Dandenong South BP Service Station 175-187 Greens Road • Dandenong South Lunchmaster 3/491 Hammond Road • Dandenong South Kirkham Road Milk Bar 102 Kirkham Road • Dandenong South Woolworths Supermarket 81-125 Princes Highway • Dandenong South Shell Service Station 50 South Gippsland Highway • Dandenong South United Petroleum 314 South Gippsland Highway • Dandenong South Caltex Service Station 275-295 South Gippsland Highway • Dingley Village Dingley Village Newsagency Shop 2/79 Centre Dandenong Road • Doveton Doveton News and Lotto 7 Autumn Place • Doveton Bottle O 2-Apr Linden Place • Doveton Shell Service Station 48 Princes Highway • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue • Endeavour Hills Woolworths Service Station Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) • Endeavour Hills O’Brien Real Estate Shop PS 5A Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) • Endeavour Hills Coles Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre • Endeavour Hills Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre • Endeavour Hills 7 Eleven Endeavour Hills Cnr Heatherton Road & Power Road • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Milk Bar 13 Gleneagles Drive • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Medical Centre 61 Heatherton Road • Endeavour Hills Liberty Service Station 13-17 Heatherton Road

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

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

Scan this QR code to Subscribe for FREE now!

Or visit: starcommunity.com.au/subscribe 12542625-JW13-22

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 15

networkclassifieds.com.au

V Handy Persons

garages and carports.

Phone BARRY 9704 0148 After 6pm

V Electricians

L&L ELECTRICS

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

฀

(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office)

All Types of Domestic & Commercial Work ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

฀

★

• Deckings • Pergolas • Renovations • Bathrooms • Small Excavation Work • Repairs • All aspects of building

฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

Jason 1300 644 698

฀

9702 4410

REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

V Fencing & Gates

www.fairbairns.com.au

V Painters/Decorators

• Automatic & Sliding • Ballustrading • Pool & Garden Fencing FREE QUOTES

Real Estate

• 9791 9877 • 0411 636 400

section of Network Classifieds.

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

Oakfern Tree Care P/L Pruning Removal Stump Grinding

SAXON FENCING Palings, Pickets, Colorbond Fences & Gates

G5790601AA-dc18Feb

A & F CONCRETING • SPECIALISING IN ALL TYPES OF CONCRETING/ CONCRETE PATTERN, SLABS • FOUNDATIONS ETC. • ALL DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL FREE QUOTE ANY TIME RING 9700 4378 C63804-BG25-8

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

l Specia on Pricesers Sleep

A H FENCING & TIMBER PTY LTD ฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

SEWER BLOCKAGES – MACHINE CLEANED฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS ฀ ฀ STANDARD RATES ON WEEKENDS ฀ ฀ ฀฀฀ ฀ ฀ gjlawplumbing.com.au 7 DAYS 0419 136 181 - 0419 136 151

• No Fuss • No Mess • No Stress

฀ • Blockages • Burst Pipes • Hot Water Servicing or Replacements • General Plumbing Call 0433 292 013 for all your plumbing needs

V Furniture Removals

LEIGH HUNTER REMOVALS

Licensed Tradesmen LIC 46397

☎ 9720 5111

Pensioner discounts available Contactless Quotes & Services Available!

UÊ/ÀiiÊ- >« }Ê UÊ i`} } UÊ-ÌÕ «Ê,i Û> UÊ Õ ÞÊ+Õ> wi`Ê « Þi` UÊ Õ ÞÊ ÃÕÀi`ÊUÊ ÀiiÊ+Õ Ìià GIPPSLAND UÊ ««Ã > `Ê V> Êv À UÊ/ÀiiÊ,i Û> ÊUÊ/ÀiiÊ*ÀÕ } ÊÊÊ ÛiÀÊÓÇÊÞi>ÀÃ

Contact us 1300 301 678 ÜÜÜ°ÌÀii >Ã °V °>Õ

12560668-JW31-22

AND STORAGE • Local, Country & Interstate • Antiques & Pianos a speciality • Cartons & Porta-robes for hire or sale • Full packing available PHONE FOR OBLIGATION FREE QUOTATION

9707 5700, 9768 9153

V Rubbish Removal

SUPER SERVICE BIN HIRE 12386255-DJ19-18

฀ ฀

฀

9795 4247 0407 324 768

฀ ฀ ฀

1167287-PB50-14

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

12390512-ACM24-18

No job too big or too small Free quote • Compare our prices!

1 HOUR EMERGENCY PLUMBING

Unbeatable Prices on:

Ring Jim for a free quote 0417 054 198

QUALITY HOME CONCRETING

V Plumbing

SUPPLY ONLY TRADE & DIRECT TO PUBLIC

TREE SERVICES

• LARGE TREE SPECIALISTS • HEDGE TRIMMING EXPERTS • STUMP GRINDING • MULCH AVAILABLE • CONSULTING ARBORIST

฀

www.proudpainting.com.au

C1101420-JO46-13

C62885-BG24-8

Footings, garages, v crossings, drives, paths & patios.

In plain, colour, slate or stencil. Also drainage, saw cutting, 3T excavator, bobcat & tip trucks.

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

$20 MILLION INSURANCE

Commercial/Domestic Decking/pergola/driveways ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Interior/ext High quality Free quote

M: 0 4 3 0 3 5 3 0 8 0 Ben

Phone 0419 775 259 or 8751 4016

C1085227-JO32-13

MEB & SON CONCRETING

Fully Insured

DAWSONS

Prompt and Reliable Service

t 6OJU 4JUFT t (BSBHFT t %SJWFXBZT t 1FSHPMBT t 1MBJO $PMPVSFE t 4MBUF *NQSFTTJPO t 'BVY #SJDL t &YQPTFE "HHSFHBUF

Phone Geoff 0418 340 825

12449547-FA21-20

Andrew Craven Concreting www.andrewcravenconcreting.com.au

Call Frank on 0411 370 252

1158529-PB42-14

V Concrete Products & Services

12535782-JC07-22

ALL TYPES OF GATES & FENCES

• Interior & Exterior • Domestic & Commercial Over 30 years experience • Honest and reasonable prices

12367795-LB41-17

12481388-NG07-21

644 780

0408 585 508, 5998 1127

Free Quotes

Call 0432 550 066 or 8707 5522

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

12511858-CG36-21

Discounts apply

Support your local tradesman for ALL your concreting needs!

All Bathroom Renovations • Bathrooms • Toilets • Kitchens • Decks • Water proofing • Walls and Floors

AA & F&D UNITED PAINTING SERVICES

ON TIME, EVERY TIME

Phone Andrew on

ECONOMY TILING

12438941-CG04-20

12435758-CG03-20

Fully Licenced Builder/Carpenter

฀

24 HOUR SERVICE ฀

12469374-CG46-20

V Tiling

• Brivis Gas Ducted Heaters • Daikin & Rinnai Splits • Installs - Service - Repairs • Duct inspections & Repairs

฀★

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228

Pensioner Discounts

฀

J.L. Hutt Electrical ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

Hot Winter Specials

Call Chris: 0416 079 689 - 5940 7264

V Carpenters

Contact Trevor: 0403

1198421-ACM37-15

We accept payment by:

SAME DAY SERVICE

V Heating

(include your name, address and phone number)

12541726-HC12-22

Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

ANTENNA MAN

Specialising in Kitchen & Bathroom Renovation, Carpentry, Rubbish Removal, Pergolas, Tiling, Painting

12496966-LB23-21

G6102263AA-dc17Jun

DRAFTING All residential houses, extensions,

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

V Television/Video/Audio

12450356-LB27-20

V Drafting

C316291-KK18-5

V Deadline

Deadline for all classifications is 3:30pm Friday.

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online

C1072232-JJ4-13

Trades & Services

2 CUBIC METRE BINS FROM $180 BIN SIZES 2-3-4-5 AND 6 CUBIC METRES UNWANTED CARS REMOVED FREE FAST FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT SERVICE

Need cash?

Sell it local

9793 9970 - 0419 514 977

with us and get better results

12514849-JW40-21

ADVERTISE CALL 1300 666 808 16 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Non-verbal students receive a digital helping hand

By Eleanor Wilson

Southeast water provided a water tank to the Lighthouse Foundation.

Communication can be a daily struggle for non-verbal students, which is why notfor-profit State Schools’ Relief is hoping an investment in technology will make all the difference.

The Dandenong South based charity has partnered with Bank First and ASCA to secure $90,000 funding to invest in 423 iPads for non-verbal students at more than 90 specialist schools throughout Victoria.

Narre Warren’s Dandenong Valley Special Developmental School (SDS) is one school to benefit from the initiative, with 10 of its students receiving iPads to help them communicate both at school and at home.

Sue Karzis, CEO of State Schools’ Relief, explained that providing non-verbal children with an iPad enables them to have their own voice at all times.

“The iPads for non-verbal students is one of the most impactful programs that we run at State Schools’ Relief; to be able to provide a young person with the means to communicate their wants and needs is transformational,” she said. “iPads give these students a voice, something that many of us take for granted.”

Dandenong Valley SDS speech pathologist Geraldine, who works closely with students at the school, agreed the iPads would have a profound impact on the students.

“If [the students] don’t have a communication system, it results in frustration and students can become withdrawn from learning,” she said.

“Every child has something to say or a contribution to make and without the iPads to allow them to express themselves, we can’t be sure what they need.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Big tanks for the donation South East Water has donated and installed a rainwater tank for young women and children affected by long-term neglect, abuse and homelessness.

The donation to the Lighthouse Foundation, which provides care for the young people, comes ahead of national homelessness week, marked from 1-7 August.

The rainwater tank is helping residents to learn about water efficiency and enjoy the health benefits of gardening.

It’s also expected to help keep water bills stable at the property for Lighthouse Foundation, with outdoor water use accounting for up to 25 per cent of the average home’s water use.

Installation of the rainwater tank at the sixbedroom Lighthouse home was donated by South East Water’s plumbing division, Priority Plumbing.

South East Water Managing Director, Lara Olsen said South East Water was fortunate to partner with organisations that closely support the health, liveability and affordability of community members within its service area.

“Lighthouse Foundation homes are more than just a roof for people in need, they’re family homes that provide comfortable and safe spaces for residents, helping them to heal and thrive,” Ms Olsen said.

“This has a practical element, as a space to grow fruit, vegetables and plants and for children to play. But it also has a healing element, given the physical, mental and emotional health benefits associated with gardening.”

The tank has a capacity of 2400 litres - an average water tap supplies 18-20 litres per minute Homelessness Week (1-7 August) raises awareness of the 116,000 people experiencing homelessness in Australia on any given night.

Professional Services Taxation/ Accounting

V

ELITE TAX PRACTITIONERS

0479 181 177

Sewing machines, cabinet, materials, laces, everything you need, all below cost, dolls and dolls clothes.

Special price for the lot. No time wasters.

Email:lilliangrinter @gmail.com

34 BURDEN STREET SPRINGVALE VIC 3171

General Classifieds Adult Services

Rainbow Club 12561969-JC32-22

$110/ 30mins Open 7 days 48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

V

Massage Therapists

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

V

Pets & Services

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

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

V

Positions Vacant

• Animal handling • Petting Zoo • Micro-business • Fish tank maintenance $25 p/h equiv.

Please note these are supported jobs and internships offered to young Victorians with neurodiverse barriers.

Neurodiverse and intellectual disability applicants encouraged to apply at: www.neurodiversity.org.au/careers Or phone (03) 5261 4172 Neurodiversity Victoria

Buy & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE! networkclassifieds.com.au

section of Network Classifieds.

Professional

CEO/General Manager Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre is seeking a CEO/GM to lead, develop & manage all strategic & business aspects of SMRC. Lead an organisation dedicated to enabling refugees & migrants to achieve their goals and aspirations.

NEED

Accommodation

ROOMS AVAILABLE, Single rooms. Gents only. 48 Hammond Road/45 Hemmings Street, Dandenong.

Ph Daniel 0417 336 906.

NEW STAFF?

Find your Local Specialist in our

Professional Services section of Network Classifieds.

Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC

Fill your position online ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

Find it in the

Celebrations

V

SUPPORTED JOBS and sponsored internships in:

Real Estate

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

12423634-SN31-19

V

V

Sewing/ Sewing Machines

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS

12559183-DL29-22

• Bookkeeping • Accounting • Tax returns

“What the iPad does is it adds to whatever communication the child already has; it’s a supportive tool to add to allow them to get message across and participate.”

She said communication skills should be a human right, regardless of intellectual ability.

“It all comes down to accessibility. Ultimately, communication isn’t just about their education, it’s an important life skill and something we try to teach them so they can be as independent as possible once they leave school,” Geraldine said.

“A lot of the time families with children with disabilities are faced with a lot of medical fees and they often can’t afford expensive electronics like iPads, which is why State Schools’ Relief is such an important initiative.”

Once the students receive the iPads, an app created to assist non-verbal individuals communicate will be downloaded, with hopes it can transform the students’ school and home lives.

Employment

12400545-LB38-19

V

General Classifieds

12557528-NG28-22

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Back row, Kim Lipari (assistant principal), Sue Karvis (State Schools’ Relief) and Geraldine (speech pathologist); front, Ashton, Sethmi, Sophie and Noah. 290166 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

Buy, Rent & Sell in the

Closing date 15th August

Real Estate

Contact: Patricia Matthes 97671900 www.smrc.org.au V

section of Network Classifieds.

Professional

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.

Your local paper has brought together local employers and local employees for generations...

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

12550336-AV20-22

Call our Network Classifieds team on 1300 666 808 or email us sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

Doveton on the rise

By Jonty Ralphsmith It’s been a quick ascent for Doveton Cricket Club.

In 2018/19, the famous club was in Turf 5 and now the once mighty Turf 1 competitor is back in Turf 2, among the best 16 clubs in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA), having won two premierships in three years.

President and all-rounder Kaine Bundy says there is great excitement which Doveton will look to embrace.

“There is plenty of buzz around the joint, I’m always talking to someone about the future, which hasn’t been going on around the club for a while,” Bundy said.

“It used to be...we rock up to play, and then go home, but people want to talk behind the scenes when the club is improving.

“We definitely aren’t there to just make up the numbers, I hope we play finals in our first year in turf two and give it a crack.

“It’s a good place to be again.”

New coach Mitch Daley takes over from Troy Hancock and is the perfect person to complement the anticipation according to Bundy.

Daley scored 351 runs from 14 hits as an opener last season, including a century in the final when he formed a big partnership with Simon Mackie, and has an excellent grounding in leadership.

“He’s a likeable lad,” Bundy said.

“You always want a firmness with the coach but when people are excited and want to be there, you don’t have much else go wrong.

“He’s a wealth of knowledge having captained Emerald for five years so I think he’s going to be really good for a few of the younger boys to help them take the next step.

“Everyone expects them to be to be really good quality turf one cricketers by the time they’re done.”

Doveton had five batters in the top 20 turf three run-scorers last season – Ryan Hendy (385) Simon Mackie (379 runs), Mitch Daley, Troy Hancock (305), Adam Read (268) – and have retained the quintet.

By David Nagel

Kaine Bundy is confident that the Doves can carry their momentum into the higher competition.

277862 Picture: ROB CAREW Hendy has long monopolised the top-order runs for Doveton, but Bundy is keen to see how some others perform at turf two level.

“Talent is definitely there it is just about applying ourselves for longer periods than the opposition,” Bundy said.

“We need to be a lot better at adapting week to week from two-day cricket to one-day cricket as we will play the two mixed this season.

“I think that has been our one downfall in the past. At times, we didn’t adapt well to the circumstances of the game at times – we would lose a couple of wickets and try to hit our way out rather than using our 40 overs.”

Former Emerald opening bowler and late-

order hitter Trent Rolfs has jumped on board for the season to add potency to the bowling line-up.

Rolfs captured five wickets from four games last season and has averaged 22 with the ball in his past three seasons.

Nathan Wilson – who will captain the side in 2022-23 - and Hendy, offer handy spin, Adam Read is a rapid bowler that can bowl scary spells and Kenny Smart is a workhorse medium pacer that adds variation to the attack, alongside Rolfs.

Bundy also indicated there may be some other recruits the club is circling which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Soaring Hawks deliver the great escape

From 46 points and a man down late in the second term to all but minor premiers.... what a ride this season has been for Rowville. The Hawks Picture: ROB CAREW pulled off a stunning escape to defeat Noble Park on Saturday. 292964 18 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

Rangers go searching for the answers The Dandenong Rangers men’s team will still have plenty to play for this weekend despite sitting at the bottom of the NBL-1 South ladder.

The Rangers close out their season with a massive double header against Waverley (12th) and Eltham (17th) …with the pride and motivation that has driven the Rangers to their most successful seasons over the years sure to be on full display.

The penultimate weekend of the homeand-away season saw the Rangers head to Casey Stadium on Saturday night to take on NBL newcomers the Cavaliers.

The Cavs made a statement from the start, leading by nine points at quarter time before extending their lead to 54-38 half way through the contest.

The Rangers had no answer to the scoring power of the Cavs, with Jordan Bell, William Hickey, Matt Donlan and Mitchell Riggs doing as they pleased at the offensive end of the court.

The Cavs continued their form in the third period, scoring 25-20 to lead 79-58 at the final break.

Scoring was proving difficult for the Rangers, who did show character to bounce strongly in the final period of play.

The Rangers outscored the Cavs 22-14 to reduce the margin to 93-80 at the final buzzer.

Bell (28 points, 13 rebounds) was unstoppable for the Cavs, with great support coming from Hickey (24 points), Donlan (18) and Riggs (14).

The Rangers showed great resilience in the final term and will need to draw on that quality when they look to extricate themselves from the bottom of the table this weekend.

Jacob Davison (21 points) led the scoring for the Rangers, with Nicolas Tata (14), Calvin Enge (13) and Deng Puoch (10) providing the back up.

The Rangers host Waverley at 8pm this Saturday, before finishing off a frustrating season with a road-trip to Eltham for a 2.30pm tip-off on Sunday.

Dandenong was also outclassed in the women’s contest on Saturday night with the home-court Cavaliers running out comprehensive 85-60 winners.

In an exciting first quarter, both teams came out firing with the Cavs leading 30-25 after a helter-skelter stanza of high-quality basketball.

But the Cavs really lifted their defensive focus after quarter time, scoring 55 points for the remainder of the match but keeping the Rangers to a modest 35.

The second quarter was particularly dominant for the Cavs, who rattled in 24 points while keeping the Rangers to just 10.

That second term set the scene for the remainder of the match.

Despite being defeated the Rangers fought the game out strongly with Gemma Potter (15 points, 8 rebounds) and Luisa Fakalata (13 points, 4 rebounds) proving the standouts.

Dandenong, currently 15th on the table, host seventh-place Waverley at 6.30pm on Saturday before heading to Eltham on Sunday to take on the 14th-placed Wildcats.

The Sunday game begins at 12.30pm.

Rangers’ star Deng Puoch searches for answers against the Casey Cavaliers. 293134 Picture: DANDENONG RANGERS FACEBOOK dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Dingley’s very best

By Jonty Ralphsmith Dingley’s Team of the Decade is chock-full of premiership talent.

The 26 was named at a function at Marine Hotel, Brighton, in late July, with Shane Morwood - having coached for nine of the 10 years - selecting the side.

Now assistant coach Tony Lavars was named in the back pocket and Morwood named him as the skipper.

Lavars had some stints as skipper, and Morwood praised both him and vice-captain Lee Wonnacott as strong communicators who were important for the culture of the club during the premiership years.

Jack Ades was also named in the back pocket with Morwood admiring his journey through the club “I’m super proud of how he’s developed over the years, some may have seen him as a bit of a battler,” Morwood said.

“He was a defensive on-baller, and then when Tony Lavars retired we put Jack into a back pocket and he became a great back pocket player.

“But if we were in trouble in the midfield and getting beaten in clearances, we could put Jack in there to get control back.”

The defence was harmonious and parsimonious during the premiership years with its strength allowing them to be successful with fast ball movement and set up confidently offensively.

Kristen Feehan, Trav La Rocca, Matt Morwood, Andrew Frost, Wonnacott and Jack

Zippy Tesla shines in sprint heats

By Luke Corda

Dingley has named its Team of the Decade.

Clausen all formed part of that backline.

Danny Ades, the inspirational hard-at-it midfielder who took over from Morwood as coach, was named in the midfield alongside Chris Horton-Milne, Chris Milne and Josh Boyle.

Former Casey Scorpion and Frankston Dolphin, running machine Lucas Walmsley, and Josh Ferguson were named on the wings.

Calhan McQueen and Dan Farmer, barom-

Former Stingray Josh Battle will be a Saint until at least the end of the 2024 AFL season. 292969

Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH eters up forward with Farmer winning the league goalkicking in 2019, were named as the pillars in attack, with Marcus Freeman, Robert Rusan, Jackson Beet and James Ball.

Brett Lavers, Luke Bartholomew, Kane Davidson and Daniel Turcareli were named on the bench.

Clausen, Frost and Darren Andrews and were all inducted into the Hall of Fame on the night.

Powerhouse sprinter Zippy Tesla showcased his incredible strength and desire to win as the Dailly family cleaned up the Victorian National Sprint Heats on Thursday night at Sandown.

Away fairly from Box 4, Zippy Tesla managed to squeeze his way to the fence and muscle-out Big Opal Rocks and Riccarton Rick to settle in fourth.

Trapped in a pocket behind Usman Bale and Compliance coming into the home straight, Zippy Tesla used his large 37.7kg frame to force an opening between the leading pair before kicking away to win by 1.5 lengths in 29.42s The run was one of the most powerful seen in recent times and trainer Tom Dailly was highly impressed.

“It was a top run,” he said.

“He had to work hard for it and wasn’t afraid to push them around – his will to win is enormous.”

Zippy Tesla’s triumph made it victories in three out of the four Heats for the Dailly family.

Dusty Bourbski continued his outstanding form in the opening Heat with a gutsy 29.38s win over Kinrock Star. He makes it two wins in a row after his gallant second-place finish behind Wow She’s Fast in the Group 1 Maturity Classic.

Zara’s Ivan led all the way to win the second Heat from the inside draw, narrowly holding out a fast-finishing Photo Man. Much to the delight of Tom Dailly, Zippy Tesla and Dusty Bourbski have drawn Boxes 1 and 2, respectively, for next week’s Final with Zara’s Ivan in Box 5.

“All three of them are going really well at the moment. I think Zippy Tesla is the best drawn of them, being on the inside is a good thing for him.”

Vayda Bale was a brilliant winner in the third Heat, recording back-to-back Sandown wins for the first time in her career with a signature 5.04s first split before holding on to win over Who Told Shorty at long odds.

Later in the evening, Hector Fawley stunned fans on course with a superb track debut in Race 9. His 29.33s effort at just his fourth career start was the fastest time recorded on a night filled with plenty of starpower.

Picture: AAP IMAGES

Battle lines drawn as Josh inks new deal

By Tyler Lewis Josh Battle has put pen to paper, keeping him in the red, white and black for another two seasons.

The former Dandenong Stingrays product will remain at St Kilda Football Club until at least the end of 2024.

The versatile defender has chalked up 19 games this season, the equal most of any of his six seasons to date.

Battle, 23, has earned the praise of St Kilda Head of List Management James Gallagher in the midst of a career-best season. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

“We’re proud to have Josh sign with us for the next two seasons,” Gallagher said in a St Kilda media release.

“Josh is a hard-working, dedicated young man who plays his role for the team week-in week-out.

“He’s a fierce competitor on-field who is willing to put his body on the line, which has earned him a great deal of respect from his teammates.

“Since joining the club at 17-years-old, Josh’s commitment to improve as a footballer and a person has been unwavering.

“His performances are a reflection of that

commitment, plus a growing maturity that we have seen in Josh and a number of his teammates.

“We look forward to seeing more of Josh in the years ahead and hope to see his development continue to have an influence on those around him.”

After making his debut – while still a student at Haileybury College – in 2017, Battle has played 76 senior matches.

Battle is one of seven St Kilda players to have been selected in the starting 22 in all appearances this season.

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 19

12559266-DL32-22

e r i t e R IN WHEELERS HILL A COMMUNITY WITH HEART Nellie Melba Village offers living choices to suit everyone, so residents can live the way they want and blaze their own trails. Our apartments are light and spacious with well-considered layouts, and have balcony or patio options.

For year-round comfort, all apartments have split system heating and cooling.

If down the track you need more support, we offer assisted living apartments and a full range of residential aged care options.

That freedom and flexibility is empowering for residents and knowing care can be dialed up as needed means, quite simply, ‘no worries’. It's all part of what we like to call the Ryman Difference.

There has never been a better time to enjoy our village within your local community.

One and two bedroom independent apartments are available from $780,000, an apartment can be secured with just a $10,000 deposit.

Independent apartments available now Call Morag or Lina on 03 8513 1930.

Alternatively you can scan the QR code below to request a tour.

NELLIE MELBA VILLAGE 2 Collegium Avenue, Wheelers HiIl 03 8513 1930

3899

rymanhealthcare.com.au

20 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 August, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au