Dandenong Star Journal - 20th September 2022

DANDENONG

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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‘Super-site’ for sale

Premier’s $5.3m promise

Singing the night away

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Tribute to Her Majesty

40¢ Inc. GST

‘Incredi-Bull’ Noble Park has climbed the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) mountain in emphatic fashion, downing close-town rival Rowville on a drenched Bayswater Oval.

Although the score line illustrates a contest that was never in doubt, the Bulls could finally breathe easy when wingman Lachie McDonnell converted his second goal for the afternoon and saluted to the Noble Park faithful.

See Sport for more on Noble Park’s triumph.

The Bulls are premiers! 299102 Picture: ROB CAREW

Sold for a ‘profit’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A man accused of being part of a syndicate stealing 80 catalytic converters in three months around Dandenong and Cranbourne has faced court.

Jeremy Caruana, 26, of Noble Park, sought a sentence indication at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing the exhaustsystem parts from six cars in Dandenong and Keysborough in July and August 2021.

A police prosecutor told the court on 13 September that Caruana and three other men had cut catalytic converters from vehicles to be on sold for a “large profit”.

Twenty-eight victims had submitted out-of-

pocket losses of more than $85,000.

Police estimated the syndicate caused almost $300,000 worth of damages to about 90 vehicles.

In what is a worldwide crime spate, stolen catalytic converters are melted down to extract precious metals platinum, palladium and rhodium, the prosecutor said.

“The precious metals are worth between $1000 and $2300 depending how much metal is in each.”

According to bank statements, the ringleader received $51,140 from the sales between January and August. He paid Caruana $5600.

Caruana was also charged with multiple speeding offences and with assisting a pink-

smoke ‘gender-reveal’ burnout in an industrial estate in Cambria Road, Keysborough about noon on Saturday 10 July, 2022.

According to police, Caruana had helped prepare the vehicle’s pink tyres prior to his “close friend” dropping the burnout “surprise”.

The vehicle was owned by the friend’s pregnant partner, who was among the spectators.

The driver told police that he wouldn’t miss the gender reveal, the court heard.

He was obliged to drop the burnout due to the event being “organised and everything going into it” and that the tyres cost him $300, the court heard.

Caruana was on bail at the time.

Since his arrest on 18 August, Caruana has

been remanded in custody – where he spent his recent 26th birthday.

A defence lawyer told the court that Caruana was the first of the syndicate to make admissions, saving time for prosecutors.

In his sentence indication, magistrate Greg Connellan said Caruana would be jailed – and not released until at least next year.

“It will take some persuading” that a combination sentence of up to 12 months’ jail plus a community corrections order would be suffice, he said.

“I can be persuaded but I’m not persuaded yet.”

Caruano was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 3 October.

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NEWS

Celebrating all cultures

By Jonty Ralphsmith A smoking ceremony, African drumming classes and Bollywood classes were all part of Dandenong High School’s Cultural Celebration Week to close out term three.

With 89 nationalities currently making up the school’s enrolments, the student leaders expressed a desire to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry on a leadership camp on Phillip Island in April.

They have since spent many hours throughout the years planning the week’s events, with meetings and preparation well in advance crucial to ensure the leaders still had time to study for final VCE exams.

Speaking to the backdrop of international music that replaced bells during the week, president Anna Olsen said the week had been embraced by everyone involved.

“We want to celebrate students as individuals and in previous years (before Covid-19) we have had Cultural Week and Harmony Week

but it wasn’t a celebration of everyone – people would perform and everyone else would just sit and watch,” she said.

“We want everyone to get involved, and everyone seems to have loved it, so many people have dressed up.”

The week started off with a smoking ceremony on Monday, African drumming on Tuesday, and Bollywood Dancing on Wednesday, before Thursday’s Cultural Dress Day which also saw students dancing to music throughout lunchtime.

The canteen even got involved, serving specialty food to highlight different cuisines throughout the week, and each house displayed different countries’ flags.

The proceeds of the cultural dress day will go to the Save the Children Foundation.

While the week promoted fun and symbols of different cultures such as board games, music and food, the sentiment was emblematic of an inclusive school culture.

“Seeing people dressed up like that not only brings joy but also inclusiveness within ourselves and others and also knowing more about others culture, it feels like we are finally at that point where we know more about other cultures besides just my own,” said house captain Ina Ibrahim.

Many years ago, the school had an International Week for several years where similar celebrations occurred, before that eventually died.

The students this year, however, hope their efforts are built upon: they want 2022’s celebration to be part of something far bigger for their school.

“We need to learn to each other’s culture and things that we don’t share but need to so we can overcome discrimination,” Ms Ibrahim said.

“Sometimes people say it is OK but it might not be OK so we want to continue our efforts beyond this year.”

Positive play from ‘All Nations’ cricket

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Inspirational leader Abdul Razzaq lives by a powerful motto, ‘Don’t Give Up, Give Back’.

Putting behind his personal hardship, the asylum seeker leads a free, social cricket program to give heart to socially-isolated people in the South East.

For years, Mr Razzaq has staged All Nations ‘tape ball’ cricket on Sundays. It’s an outlet for impoverished refugees and asylum seekers, many who battle depression and the lack of work rights.

But Mr Razzaq stresses that people from ‘all nations’ and backgrounds are welcome.

The games involves taping up one side of a tennis ball, which makes it sharply veer in the air.

The softer ball means players don’t need expensive bats, pads and gear. Registration fees are also not required, saving players about $1000 in fees and equipment.

“Many people are not playing cricket because they can’t afford it.”

Arriving in Australia in 2010, Mr Razzaq started up the cricket soon after his wife was admitted to hospital with severe mental illness.

“I said to her, we have to have a purpose. We went from victim to victor.”

And he tells others not to give up but to give back.

At the last All Nations game, he took aside a struggling man to “give him the strength to keep going”.

“It’s very important to stay positive. If we’re not allowed as asylum seekers to call Australia home, we can’t be a victim.

“Many are socially isolated in our community and they are not confident to speak up – not just asylum seekers and refugees, but also local people.

“Cricket is a good tool. It brings community together.”

Abdul Razzaq leads the All Nations social cricket movement. 299084 2 STAR JOURNAL

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Mr Razzaq has the backing of Cricket Australia as a community ambassador. He also volunteers with Monash Health and Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

He says in return, the community has supported him and his family especially during Covid lockdowns.

“We are not just me and you. But we’re part of the community.

“We all have to be more active and work together to make this world more beautiful.”

On 23 September, the social cricket gets more competitive with a tournament for six teams across Melbourne.

There are plans for further events down the track.

The All Nations Tape Ball Cricket Tournament is at Dandenong West Cricket Club, Bennet Street, Dandenong on Friday 23 September 9am.

Details: All Nations Social Cricket page on Facebook

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

President Anna Olsen is dressed in a Polish outfit, with vice-president Suchara Wathiyage and house captain Ina Ibrahim.

Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH

Costs cut More than 5000 households across the City of Greater Dandenong have installed a solar PV system thanks to the State Government’s Solar Homes program.

The program, the government said, is aimed at driving down emissions and saving Victorians thousands of dollars on their new houses and energy bills.

The government has expanded the eligibility for the solar panel rebate to new homes under construction, enabling Victorians to save on installation costs and electricity bills from the moment they move into their newly built home.

The changes will save homeowners up to $800 on installation costs by fitting panels as they wire the electricity to their new homes, as well as an average of $1073 each year in energy costs, the government said.

The expansion paves the way for the increasing electrification of homes, while opening the program to tens of thousands of additional households each year – with around 40,000 new homes built in Victoria annually.

Under the changes, eligible Victorians building homes will be able to apply for a rebate of $1400 as well as being able to access a $1400 interest-free loan to install solar panels during construction.

“We know energy prices are putting pressure on households - expanding Solar Homes to new builds will help tens of thousands of Victorians save thousands on electricity costs and help us cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2030,” Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said.

“We’re putting power back into the hands of Victorian households - driving down energy costs and boosting supply, creating thousands of jobs and cutting solar installation costs for new builds by hundreds.”

Since it began in 2018, the State Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program has helped more than 195,000 Victorian households install solar PV systems.

This investment has already cut Victoria’s carbon emissions by 1.6 million tonnes – equivalent to the emissions produced by 500,000 cars each year – while supporting 5500 clean energy jobs.

Household solar is expected to generate 12.5 per cent of Victoria’s 40 per cent renewable energy target by 2025.

This financial year, there are 64,000 government rebates available for solar PV systems.

Applicants must use a Solar Victoria authorised retailer and install a product included on the approved products list to qualify for the rebate.

For further information, including eligibility criteria, visit solar.vic.gov.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Protecting trees on private land

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Rob and Jill Boyle pay unique tribute with their pork pie dubbed the ‘Queen Lizzie’. 299222

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Pie a fitting tribute

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on 19 September, Dandenong’s famously British butcher Rob Boyle was torn on how to give a fitting tribute.

The normally ebullient Mr Boyle had recently celebrated the late Queen’s Silver Jubilee with an elaborate window display.

This past week, he has been reticent to look like he was cashing in on the death of a monarch he’s long admired.

While London shops darkened their windows, Mr Boyle opted to quietly rename his one-kilogram pork pie ‘the Queen Lizzie’ as a “mark of respect”.

“There’ll be no promotions, no specials.”

Like many, Mr Boyle has known no other British monarch before Queen Elizabeth II. She’s been a role model for all of us, he said.

“She’s been the rock, the glue that’s held the Royal Family together. She just seemed to always do the right thing and say the right thing.”

He fondly recalls the story about how Her Majesty pranked American tourists as she picnicked in the grounds of her Scottish holiday home, Balmoral Castle.

When asked if she’d ever bumped into the Queen, she replied that she hadn’t but her bodyguard had.

The tourists asked the bodyguard what she was like, and the Queen agreed to take a photo with them and the bodyguard.

“It just showed her terrific sense of humour.”

House sale opens Dandenong Hub options

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The proposed Dandenong Community Hub may expand due to the purchase of a house next to the site.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the council now had options after buying the adjoining private house at 2 Stuart Street for $1 million-plus.

The hub’s footprint at the corner of Stuart and Clow Streets and Sleeth Avenue had been constrained by the house and a council-owned off-street car park to the north.

“This gives us more room as we plan for the community hub. We don’t have to build around (the adjoining house).”

In 2021, the council released a double-storey hub proposal, which was roundly criticised

by Dandenong Community Association.

On 19 September, councillors will consider the costings for a more sprawling, single-storey hub.

A $400,000 detailed design would be released during the 2022-’23 financial year, Cr Memeti said.

Works would start in 2023-’24.

The council currently owns all the land on Stuart Street, which includes parkland and car parks for Dandenong Market and a councilowned office building.

An elated Dandenong Community Association member Silvia Mastrogiavanni said the purchase allowed “plenty of space for a large single storey hub for the current and future population of Dandenong”.

“The car park can be moved north towards the corner of Stuart and King Streets, which would allow space for both children’s services and general community facilities on one floor”.

“The previous idea of children’s services on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Greater Dandenong Council has unveiled its proposed local law to protect large trees on private land.

Under the much-debated law, a permit would be required to remove or lop ‘protected trees’ with a diameter of 40 centimetres or more measured at 1.4 metres above the ground.

“It is trees of this size and above that create the most benefit in terms of canopy coverage, carbon capture and reduction in the urban heat island effect,” a council report stated.

“Often significant trees are removed for new developments, or for other purposes, with little consideration given to how the tree could be retained.”

Exemptions include trees that are a declared noxious weed or that pose immediate risk to people and property.

Those who breach the law would be served a notice to plant a replacement tree or trees, or fined up to $3698.

Mayor Jim Memeti said the law was required to increase the municipality’s dire 9 per cent canopy coverage to 15 per cent by 2028.

“It’s good for the environment, it’s good for cooling down the place. The feedback we’re getting is we need to do something.

“After the community consultation we’ve had so far, I expect it will be received very well.”

He conceded that developers could easily afford to cut down significant trees and pay the relatively low fines.

Ideally, permit applications should be free for residents to encourage them to “talk to council before they do anything (to their trees)”.

The council argues that planting more trees on public land alone is not enough to meet the target. The draft law would help educate landowners on the issue.

Councillor Rhonda Garad noted 66 per cent of surveyed residents in 2021 were strongly supportive of the laws.

She said it was needed to help protect Greater Dandenong from the world’s “climate emergency”.

Trees were the “best known way” to store carbon and protect residents from extreme weather.

“We’re losing more trees than we’re planting.” it was important not to “encourage” and not “scare” people from looking after trees and planting new ones.

In opposition, councillor Tim Dark said the laws restrained residents’ rights over their private property.

Cr Bob Milkovic also was concerned by the “level of government interference”, as well as the expense of permits and arborist reports for residents.

The fines would not deter developers but only the “everyday” residents and pensioners.

Public submissions on the draft law are open.

Silvia Mastrogiavanni and mayor Jim Memeti at the Stuart Street house. 298986 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS the top floor made no sense.

“Residents told me they wouldn’t take their children to a facility that had children playing on balconies.

“Older people don’t want to be on a top floor either, away from any community lounge or cafe or public playground where their grandchildren could be playing.”

Ms Mastrogiavanni said research showed a single-storey community facility with children’s services was the best outcome.

“It takes a village to raise a child, and chil-

dren want communities that are strong, supportive and fair.”

Resident and former councillor Geraldine Gonsalvez said the plan for a community hub had been “juggled with for far too long”.

“Over two decades it has sat rotting on planning back-burners and has been switched on and off for far too long.”

In the meantime, Springvale and Keysborough South community hubs were built or on their way.

“It is Dandenong’s time now.”

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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NEWS

Crack down on gambling

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council plans to discourage residents and staff from organising events at pokies venues, as part of its latest draft gambling policy.

The council also proposes to stop funding clubs or hotels with poker machines, as well as to no longer accept money from the gambling industry.

It would also ban gambling promotion in council-owned venues - except ones that are already gaming venues.

Council-supported clubs would also be discouraged from accepting money from the gambling industry.

The council bases its strong anti-pokie stance on the high gambling losses sustained by its vulnerable population.

Gamblers lost $103 million on gaming machines in Greater Dandenong in 2021-’22 – equivalent to $280,000 a day, a council report stated. Councillor Sean O’Reilly unsuccessfully argued to strike out the “counter-productive” and “ideological” changes.

The council should instead aim for a more “nuanced” approach to reduce gambling harms, rather than marginalise Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park RSLs who otherwise do “good things”, Cr O’Reilly said.

He said it was hypocritical for the council to receive funding from the State Government, which derives vast gambling revenue.

In favour of the policy, Cr Rhonda Garad said the council can’t “support or align ourselves with a predatory industry”.

“There is no way any part of the gambling sector is contributing to the health and welfare of our community.”

She noted that RSL and AFL clubs were “begging” the State Government to be weaned

off pokies revenue.

“We need to read the room.”

In what is the second-lowest income area in Melbourne, pokies losses in Greater Dandenong are the state’s second highest per adult.

The losses were equivalent to feeding nearly 40,000 children for a year.

Problem gambling leads to poverty, personal distress, social isolation, family conflict, unproductivity at work and crime to obtain

money, the report stated.

The rise of online and sports betting was luring a younger cohort.

“Low incomes and high rates of unemployment, aggravated by rising food, housing and utility costs, make gambling-related problems and their impact upon residents an issue of acute concern for our community,” the report stated.

The council will provide $75,000 to the Alli-

ance for Gambling Reform over the next three years. Greater Dandenong has been an alliance member and part of a leadership group of 21 Victorian councils.

The alliance is pressing for AFL clubs and Woolworths to relinquish their pokies interests.

It is lobbying for political candidates not to accept donations from the gambling industry, reduced opening hours at pokies venues and more restrictions on gambling advertising.

Spelling whizz finds the right words to meet PM Words fail to deceive Haileybury College student and national champion Zachary Cheng.

The 13-year-old Keysborough student has been crowned the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee 2022 champion in the Years 7-8 group, navigating linguistic trip-hazards such as ‘astrakhan’, ‘psephology, ‘bourgeois’ and ‘vacillate’.

He scored 28 out of 30 tricky words, answered in a rapid-fire 1 minute and 39 seconds.

“I guessed one or two of the words and didn’t expect to get them correct.

“But they were educated guesses because I read a lot. I read almost every day for an hour at least and that helps with my vocabulary.”

The competition attracted a record

61,224 students across Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the winners they had faced tough competition and “not to mention some of the curlier words the English language has to offer”.

“What you’ve done is no small feat, so you can take great pride in your achievement.

“Spelling is one of the great keys that can open up the world, and you’ve shown that you can handle that key with aplomb.”

Zachary is the second consecutive national champion from Haileybury. He follows Year 7 student Theekshitha Karthik’s national title in 2021.

Zachary and the other winners will travel to Canberra to meet the Prime Minister this year.

He also won an iPad and books plus a $1000 prize for his school.

Zachery Cheng, 13, won a national title at the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.

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NEWS

Police pursuit

750kg intercepted

A man and woman have been arrested after a three-hour police pursuit spanning Melton to Greater Dandenong.

The red Volkswagen Golf with false plates was allegedly spotted travelling at 180km/h in an 80km/h zone in Kurunjang about 11.45pm on 11 September.

Despite stop sticks taking out two tyres, the car continued to be driven on front wheel rims through Melton, the Western Highway, West Gate Freeway, Monash Freeway and Heatherton Road.

It turned around and ran over stop sticks at Domain Tunnel. The car stopped near Montague Street in South Melbourne just before 3am.

A 27-year-old Fawkner man and a 23-yearold Maryborough woman were arrested by police at the scene.

No one was injured.

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

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Man dead large amounts” of butanediol, the court heard.

It was an ongoing enterprise, with no indication of a syndicate and with “some sophistication” including attempts to disguise the cargo.

His prior history included family violence, driving offences and reckless conduct endangering life.

Torossian’s long-standing mental health and drug issues were noted, including being admitted as an involuntary patient two days prior to his initial sentencing in August.

Drug use was used as a coping mechanism,

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A computer consultant who tried to import nearly 750 kilograms of a precursor chemical used to make GHB has avoided further jail.

Simon Torossian, 37, of Endeavour Hills, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to nine counts of attempting to possess 1,4-butanediol in late 2018.

At the time, border protection officials intercepted nine air-cargo parcels addressed to Torossian containing a total of 733 kilograms of the clear liquid, sentencing judge Wendy Wilmoth noted.

The parcels were sourced from China, variously disguised with fake labels for chemicals such as ‘hydroxyethyl methacrylate’ and ‘ethyl cinnamate’.

In a raid of his Hallam factory space, police found he had emailed at least five Chinese companies to order the butanediol, instructing them to affix the misleading labels.

In a psychological report, Torossian denied the contents were being used to make illicit drugs.

Instead, he claimed he intended to on-sell them to computer companies to make ‘solder flux’, Judge Wilmoth said.

Torossian was also charged over a hydroponic cannabis crop with electrical bypass in Sanctuary Rise Narre Warren.

It was discovered by police in November 2018 after he reported being a victim of an aggravated burglary.

Police seized 28 cannabis plants as well as 460 grams of dried cannabis, a bag of meth and a police ballistic vest.

At the time, he denied knowing about several bottles of butanediol seized by police.

He told police he “hated it” and “didn’t want anything to do with it”, Judge Wilmoth noted.

Though found with relatively small quantities, Torossian attempted to possess “extremely

and heightened his high-risk behaviour and mental health issues, a psychologist submitted.

Judge Wilmoth said his rehabilitation was served by treatment and support in the community.

Torossian was jailed for two-and-a-half years – which had been already served during 921 days in remand.

He was put on an immediate 12-month community corrections order including 100 hours of unpaid work, treatment and judicial monitoring.

A man has been charged after a 25-yearold man died in an assault in Noble Park.

Emergency services were called to a home in Lesley Grove about 1.10am on Friday 16 September. Paramedics worked on an injured Springvale man at the property, but he died at the scene.

A 30-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested by Homicide Squad detectives and charged with murder. He appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that night. A 24-year-old Officer man was released without charge. Police said the parties were known to each other.

REVITALISING CENTRAL DANDENONG

1871-2022

MASTERPLAN UPDATE Capital Alliance, in partnership with Development Victoria, will provide an update on our Revitalising Central Dandenong Masterplan (Sites 11-15) at our upcoming community information sessions.

12th-13th November 2022

DANDENONG SHOWGROUNDS Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong

These sessions will address feedback received from the initial community information sessions held in March and, we welcome continued feedback as we evolve our precinct and project planning.

We invite local residents, business owners and stakeholders to attend our information sessions. Sessions will be held in person and online.

ONLINE BRIEFING SESSION

IN-PERSON BRIEFING SESSIONS*

Tuesday, 11th October 2022 Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm Registration: Via email

Tuesday, 18th October 2022 Session 1: 2:00pm – 4:00pm Session 2: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Location: City of Greater Dandenong Civic Centre – 255 Lonsdale St Dandenong VIC 3157 Registration: Via email

COMING TO TOWN

Should you wish to receive further information and/or submit your feedback to us, please contact us via email or our website as follows: Website: rcdcapitalalliancegroup.com Email: rcd@capitalalliance.com.au *COVID compliance apply in line with any requirement/s mandated by Government.

WASTE WISE EVENT

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NEWS

Signage at the Peet-owned site, with the next-door historic Keysborough Methodist Church in the background. 299569 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

The vacant site now up for sale with a 101-lot permit. 299569 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

‘Super-site’ on the market

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A four-hectare site at 182 Chapel Road Keysborough is up for sale – weeks after 101 housing lots were approved.

Developer Peet declined to comment on why it was selling off the former farmland, which it reportedly bought for $25 million in 2020.

According to its real-estate listing, the site is “exceptionally situated with permit approval in place for 101 residential lots including the approved development of 64 dwellings”.

Expressions of interest close 6 October, 12pm.

Greater Dandenong councillors and residents have raised concerns about traffic congestion from the ‘Keysborough Townhouses’

project as well as another 330 dwellings planned at three other super sites at 185, 199209 and 220 Chapel Road.

The site is opposite the rapidly-growing Keysborough Gardens Primary School - which is gridlocked with traffic around student pickup and drop-off times.

Premier Daniel Andrews, who visited the school on 16 September, said planning at that level was a local council matter.

It was up to the council to “strike that right balance” between affordable housing options and traffic management.

“We recognise that’s an issue. We of course are always working with local councils to strike that right balance.”

Mr Andrews said the State Government had provided record funding for school crossing

supervisors to help students get in and out of school as safely as possible.

Keysborough resident Gaye Guest said the Peet site’s “fine homestead and mature garden” was “demolished for nothing”.

“Here is a perfect example of why residents are frustrated at overdevelopment and the world is run by greedy developers.

“With any sale, permits should be null and void and new owners must apply and comply with new policies around trees and open space.”

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the buyer would have to comply with the permit conditions.

Any amendments would have to be submitted to council planning officers, as is the usual planning process, he said.

In August, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal granted the permit despite Greater Dandenong Council’s opposition.

VCAT member Cindy Wilson stated the estate of medium density two-storey townhouses was not an over-development.

She was satisfied with the 40-plus metre setback from the historic Keysborough Methodist Church next door.

Arguments about the lack of plans for stormwater drainage and earthworks were also dismissed.

Prior to gaining approval, Peet had demolished the former house, market gardens and most vegetation.

Ms Wilson barred Peet’s attempts to remove further “high-value” River Red Gums.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – SAFER DIRECTIONS

Temporary Public Art opportunity

What makes you feel safe?

Greater Dandenong City Council is seeking artists to explore the theme of safety for a new exhibition at the Walker Street Carpark.

Six finalists will each receive a $250 Visa voucher and have their work displayed throughout the carpark as part of the Safer Directions exhibition.

This project is funded through the Victorian Government’s Community Safety Infrastructure Grant Program.

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Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600

Applications close Wednesday 12 October.

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

The old church buildings next door to the cleared site in 2021. 228101 Picture: GARY SISSONS

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

More information: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/safer-directions

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Council expects the exhibition to engage with visitors to the carpark and improve perceptions of safety. Artwork needs to be submitted digitally and can be in any medium, including (but not limited to) illustration, photography, painting or collage.

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Demolition work on the site last year. 228101

The site at 282 Chapel Road, Keysborough is up for sale. 299569 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Four youth charged

Some of the 600 fireys who took part in the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb Challenge.

Wayne Aumann of Keysborough CFA crosses the line.

Climb for a cause

By Cam Lucadou-Wells For the eighth time, Keysborough CFA’s Wayne Aumann has completed the gruelling Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb Challenge.

Again, he hauled 25 kilograms of kit up 28 flights of stairs and raised dollars for fighting depression, post-traumatic stress and suicide in the emergency services.

He joined 600 other firefighters on the ascent of Crown Metrapol Hotel on 10 September. Together they raised $500,000 for Lifeline, Fortem and the 000 Foundation.

Since 2015, Third Lieut Aumann has raised more than $6500 for the cause - $1650 this year alone.

A 37-year veteran with CFA, he says the sev-

en-minute climb with full breathing apparatus isn’t getting easier.

“It takes a lot of effort, the heart gets racing.

But I got to the top.”

He’s known many in the emergency services who’ve been unable to cope with the stress.

Some who have taken their lives.

He says it’s so important for fireys to open up and talk, to relieve the immense stress from “what we come across day to day”.

Especially volunteers, who tend to go straight home after a job rather than debrief at the station.

Support has improved vastly since when he started 35 years ago. It was a culture of “toughen up, it’ll be OK”.

“These days people are more accepting of what needs to be done.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it was great for emergency service personnel to come together and take the challenge head-on for a worthy cause.

“This is a fantastic physical event that our CFA volunteers have been enthusiastically participating in for nine years running now,” he said.

“We’re coming out of an incredibly tough few years which no doubt have taken their toll on people’s mental health in many ways, so it’s great to support these issues by finally coming together for some friendly competition and exercise.”

Details: firefighterclimb.org.au

Southern Metro Region Crime Team detectives have arrested and charged four young offenders from the South East after approximately $2000 of cigarettes were allegedly stolen in a string of commercial burglaries in the southern suburbs this week.

Police will allege an Audi and approximately $4600 cash were stolen from a residential address in Officer early on Tuesday 13 September.

According to police, at approximately 9.20am that morning, the vehicle was allegedly connected to offenders in a robbery in Windsor Street, Hallam where a 14-year-old victim was approached by four males who demanded his mobile phone.

Between 14 and 15 September, the stolen Audi was also identified at four alleged commercial burglaries in Cranbourne North and Baxter, Clayton.

It is alleged the offenders stole cigarettes, vapes, and approximately $450 cash, police said.

The alleged crime spree came to an abrupt halt when police intercepted a stolen Audi in Paxton Drive, Cranbourne North on Thursday 15 September.

At approximately 2pm, police located the stolen Audi parked in Paxford Drive, Cranbourne North, and observed four males walking towards the vehicle.

Assisted by local police and the Divisional Response Unit, detectives arrested the four suspects and transported them to the Dandenong Police Station for interview.

Local crime down 15%

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Crime in Greater Dandenong has continued to drop, according to the latest official statistics.

In the 2021-’22 financial year, breaching family violence orders rose to the No.1 offence in Greater Dandenong, Crime Statistics Agency reported.

There were 1722 breaches during the reporting period – up from 1646 the previous year.

At the same time, family violence assaults, stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour offences were lower.

Overall, recorded offences dropped 15 per cent – with falls across Dandenong, Noble Park, Springvale, Keysborough and Dandenong North.

It also mirrored a 10 per cent drop across Victoria – and the state’s lowest offence numbers since 2014.

Theft from vehicles dropped to No.2 – down 7 per cent. Other major categories such as criminal damage and drug possession also fell.

Sexual offences dropped 24 per cent, dan-

gerous driving was down 11 per cent, as was car thefts down 18 per cent.

On the rise were homicides, up from 5 in 2020-’21 to 10 in 2021-’22, as well as non-family violence related assaults and assaults on police officers.

Robberies, graffiti offences, residential aggravated burglaries and prohibited/controlled weapon offences were also up.

Bail order breaches also doubled to 548 for the financial year.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said police would keep an “intense focus on those causing the most harm”.

He nominated taskforces hitting organised crime, youth gangs and dangerous driving.

The continued low crime rates were a “positive sign as we move further away from the restrictions imposed during the pandemic, which we know impacted the ability for criminals to offend”.

Relating to the pandemic, public health order offences in Greater Dandenong plummeted from more than 1700 in 2020-’21 to 314 in 2021-‘22.

Right now, there are community services jobs available where you can make a difference, helping people who have a disability, families fleeing violence, and children and families who need care and support. Plus, there is a jobs guarantee for new graduates in priority areas.

Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent says the crime statistics are a “positive sign”. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Make a difference.

Visit jobsthatmatter.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Premier bears $5.3m gift

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Premier Daniel Andrews has pledged $5.34 million to upgrade Keysborough Gardens Primary School – if his Government is re-elected.

It will help the growing school cater for 150 more students and create an Indigenous Friendship Garden.

The playground, canteen, sports facilities and car park will also be upgraded.

Mr Andrews, who visited the campus with Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson on 16 September, thanked teachers for going “above and beyond” during an “incredibly challenging” two years.

He said the Government was ahead of schedule of its $12.8 million school-building program - including 100 new schools by 2026 as well as more than 1850 school upgrades.

Principal Sherri Jenkins said the school, which opened in 2020, is growing rapidly among burgeoning housing estates.

Another 400 houses are planned to be built within a kilometre of the campus.

In October, two-storey portable classrooms arrive to accommodate 100 students – with the campus expected to grow from 330 to 400 next year.

The school’s forecast population will peak at 550-600 students.

“I’m beyond excited. The community deserves it and our kids deserve it,” Ms Jenkins said of the funding.

“There will be more facilities to promote active play and social interaction.

“It will go a long way to further expand and develop our facilities.”

Keysborough South Action Group member Nina Kelly said the election promise was “welcome reassurance after years of community campaigning for the master school facilities plan to be realised”.

“It will benefit our community for many decades to come.”

Premier Daniel Andrews and Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson were presented with souvenir teddy bears. 299467

Premier Daniel Andrews and Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson meet the students. 299467 Prior to announcing the funds, Mr Andrews mixed with students in their footy team colours on the last day of Term 3.

Pictures: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

Assistant principal Steve Gammon, principal Sherri Jenkins, school captain Ryan, Premier Daniel Andrews, school captain Mya and Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson. 299467

“There are more Essendon supporters than I thought there might be,” the high-profile Bombers fan noted.

“All I want is for my team to be on the back page of the paper and spend a bit less time on the front page.”

Campaign takes flight

By Eleanor Wilson

Book Your FREE Whitening Consultation Today!

8772 2053 1 Joseph Banks Crescent Endeavour Hills www.endeavoursmilesgroup.com.au info@endeavoursmilesgroup.com.au

Narre Warren North Liberal candidate Timothy Dragan wants to speak for the forgotten people, the battlers, and the quiet Australians. That’s what he told Star News after the Liberal Party endorsed him as its Narre Warren North candidate late last month.

Dandenong born Dragan, who hails from a large Romanian family, will attempt to break Labor’s 20-year stronghold of the Narre Warren North electorate in the State election later this year.

With a professional background in business and consultancy, Dragan has been a Liberal Party member for three years and Liberal chairman for Narre Warren North for 18 months.

Living locally his whole life, he believes he knows what his electorate needs.

“We have seen our healthcare in decline even though Dan promised to fix it in 2014.

“Instead, he’s pulled out money from healthcare and redistributed it for infrastructure.

“Infrastructure is great, but health is a priority. As the cliche goes, ‘your health is your wealth’.”

Aside from tackling the health crisis, the 26-year-old said decreasing the cost of living would be another main focus should he be successful at the election.

“As a person who comes from a large family and commutes to work, I can truly understand the difficulty of cost of living,” he said.

“I think that releasing our natural gas potential will help lower energy prices and give people tangible relief.”

Since its inception in 2002, the seat of Narre Warren North has been held consistently by Labor’s Luke Donnellan.

But the MP will exit his role at the November election, with Belinda Wilson to take his place.

Regardless, Dragan believes Labor’s hold over the electorate, which includes Lysterfield South, Endeavour Hills, Narre Warren

Timothy Dragan will run as Liberal candidate for the seat of Narre Warren North in the State election.

Picture: SUPPLIED North, Hallam and Narre Warren, may have passed its halcyon days.

“With the health crises that we are facing because of the cut of spending in healthcare by the Andrews’ Government, I think people are worried about what we are seeing, and want to see that priorities like health are taken care of.”

Dragan said he plans to platform integrity as part of his campaign, something he believes the Andrews Government has been incapable of displaying in recent years.

“Our incumbent representative was caught up with the red shirt scandal in the IBAC hearings. And taxpayer dollars wasted for partisan politics,” he said.

“How can we trust a government that is systematically corrupt, as IBAC has reported?”

A strong critic of the “arbitrary rules” enforced by the Labor Government during Covid lockdowns, Mr Dragan advocated for local businesses during Covid lockdowns and also holds a position as secretary of suicide-prevention charity Life! Central, which he says has shown him the urgent need for mental healthcare.

“Unlike many who are parachuted in by parties, politicians and unions, I come with real-world experience, and believe I can represent businesses, families and individuals,” he said.

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Jailed for child grooming

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A former building director has been jailed after pleading guilty to grooming a 14-year-old child for sex.

Andrio Torcasio, now 47, of Clyde, discussed sex, sent explicit pics of himself and persistently asked for graphic photos from ‘Lucy’ via online apps over three months in late 2020.

The Dandenong-based builder requested to meet with her at a Cranbourne McDonald’s outlet, his house or her home.

During that time, ‘Lucy’ was in fact an undercover police officer.

In sentencing on 14 September, Victorian County Court judge Marcus Dempsey dismissed Torcasio’s “fanciful” and “fantastical” reasons for his “frankly vile” offending.

Such as Torcasio claiming he knew Lucy was an officer and played along. Or that he’d thought Lucy was his wife trying to entrap him.

Judge Dempsey said he was concerned by Torcasio’s “lack of candour” in his police interview after arrest.

He’d admitted that it was a thrill to talk to someone younger and what he’d done was “wrong”.

“It was never going to happen … never eventuated anyway,” Torcasio told police about the attempted meeting.

Judge Dempsey said he was also troubled

by Torcasio’s varied depictions of when he’d used or given up ice and cocaine.

Why Torcasio was disqualified as a builder for two years was also unclear, the judge noted.

“It was unusually difficult for me to get a clear, consistent or coherent account of your life from the materials in front of me.”

On 5 September 2020, the then-45-year-old Torcasio with the display name ‘Andy Cassa’ contacted ‘Lucy’ on a KIK private messenger app.

Early in the exchange, he asked “how many

kids do you have”.

She replied: “Kids (wide-eyed emoji). Lol im 14 in yr9.”

“Hot for 14,” Torcasio wrote back.

He asked for more pics including a “cheeky” one. Days later he sent an explicit, naked one of himself.

Over the following months, he pursued Lucy with more sexualised discussions and pic requests.

At one stage, he invited her to meet him at McDonald’s car park for a frozen Coke.

He waited in vain in a champagne-coloured Mercedes roadster with the top down, while watched by two undercover police officers.

On 4 November 2020, he again arranged to meet ‘Lucy’ at McDonald’s.

The same day, Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team police raided Torcasio’s home and arrested him.

Judge Dempsey noted Torcasio had no relevant prior convictions, a solid work history and had since lost his family, house and business in part because of his offending.

He’d also complied with strict bail conditions for two years.

There were no exceptional reasons to spare him jail, however.

Judge Dempsey rejected Torcasio’s arguments that ice use or mental health struggles

reduced his culpability.

“You groomed a person you thought was a child for sex because it interested you at the time.

“The seriousness of the offence is not to be underestimated.”

Torcasio was convicted and jailed for three years, but will be released after 14 months on a supervised recognisance release order.

During the two-year RRO, he is subject to a $2000 good-behaviour bond as well as rehabilitation programs.

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

Aveo Seniors Festival

Launch Celebration Aveo Domainé 31 - 43 Victoria Street, Doncaster Friday, 7 October Seniors Festival Launch celebration morning tea with resident Q&A panel 10am - 12pm Domainé Spring Open Day and Community Tours 12pm - 2pm Creative Connections Art Show Judging, Presentation and Afternoon Tea 1pm - 3pm

Open Day 7 October

RSVP ESSENTIAL Call us on (03) 9133 8788 or visit aveo.com.au/domaine-events

To ensure the health and wellbeing of residents and staff, we are conducting the Open Home in accordance with the required COVIDSafe plan.

Aveo are requesting that all attendees to Aveo events are vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect the residents and staff in our communities.

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 9

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago

Hospital worry: lack of beds

20 years ago

5 years ago

14 September 1922 Physical Culture Demonstration

The bed shortage at Dandenong and District Hospital is at a critical level. Several suggestions have been made in an attempt to ease the situation – such as putting temporary prefabricated accommodation in the hospital grounds and buying a private hospital to use for convalescent accommodation. The lack of beds was highlighted in Matron Shelia Ewen’s month report with 5971 surgical operations performed in the year ended June 30 - an increase of 1200 over the previous highest total. These together with increased road and football trauma, contributed to the shortage of beds and an extra workload in casualty. Dr G Jeffrey stressed that the bed shortage was very serious and the position acute. He said “the nature of this hospital is rapidly changing from a community to an accident hospital”.

16 September 2002 Mayoral threat to stop meeting Greater Dandenong mayor Paul Donovan threatened to adjourn last week’s council meeting because of a councillor’s unruly behaviour. The mayor issued the ultimatum to Cr Geraldine Gonsalvez after he had to reprimand her several times for constantly interrupting debate and disrupting the meeting. It was during a debate over issues concerning a report and petition initiated by Cr Maria Sampey about the operations of the Jan Wilson Centre in Dandenong North. The 323-signature petition requested the council to intervene in the running of the Halton Road centre. Cr Roz Blades told the council comments made by Cr Gonsalvez during debate were personal matters relating to Cr Sampey and Cr Gonsalvez was “seriously out of order”.

18 September 2017 New-borns missing out

There was a large and enthusiastic audience at the second annual physical and culture demonstration of the Dandenong Methodist Girls Guild, held in the Dandenong Town Hall on Thursday September 7. The Rev H. S. Heath, BA presided, and in opening the proceedings spoke in eulogistic terms of the splendid work being done by these physical culture classes. The patrons were treated to a graceful and pretty display in skipping, running, free exercises, dumbbells, and Australian march hoop drill, under the supervision of their capable instructor Miss Bruhm, each item being warmly applauded.

50 years ago 21 September 1972

There are not enough maternal child health nurses to cope with a baby boom in Keysborough. Parents are having scheduled visits delayed by months, causing concerns about monitoring their child’s development.

Richelle McClelland has an 18 month old son and a daughter aged four months. “I found with my little boy, the nurse had been sick a few times – which isn’t their fault – but then they weren’t able to reschedule appointment for us until three months later,” she said.

Community Services Director Martin Fidler said there’d been a 5 per cent increase in birth notifications in Keysborough over the past 12 months and “if we had the nurses we could provide additional services”.

CHURCH

Good intentions, goodwill and for the greater good

By Sister Seema Sharma Of Brahma Kumaris Centre For Spiritual Learning

MESSAGE OF

HOPE Intention needs attention before doing, just like goodwill needs goodness and the will before doing. Greater Good needs the greatness of thoughts, words, and actions before delivering the goods (actions).

For there to be hope we have to have good intentions as hope is a powerful and positive energy that is reinforced with good actions.

It is difficult to maintain hope when my ac-

· · · ·

facing a difficult situation, we came out a winner.

How did we do that?

Reminisce, remember, and invoke that hope.

Emerge the strength and resilience we know we have, to win again.

Always try and have plans; most times we have a plan but don’t have a backup.

However, above all, never let the hope die.

There is always a next time if we keep hope alive; we can keep trying until we get it right or until we have no interest in it anymore.

In which case we can move on.

We can ask ourselves: “What will happen when I consciously keep thoughts of hope and goodness as my intention?”

FSA/DETS1029

What we love most about this column of hope is the unlimited way it enables us to reconcile that there is an imperishable pool of goodwill in every human being that allows the energy of spirit to emerge and overcome obstacles that come our way.

However, it does fall back on intention.

Whilst good intentions, goodwill and ‘for the greater good’ may sometimes seem mythical and unachievable when we have the right mindset with an intention, a method and determination, we can achieve our aim.

“Intention” is a word that we hear every day - “I did not intend to”, “that was not my intention” …

tions are not aligned with my thoughts/intentions.

Consider these few simple steps: Recognise the action before doing it; question how you would carry it out, the right words and the actions that would accompany it.

Do the reality check – is it possible; is it worth it.

Calculate the opportunity cost – what will be gained and what will be a loss.

Check and change – be flexible when carrying out the act; check if your actions are still aligned with your intentions.

Mostly we have good intentions and sometimes when we lose hope it is helpful to remind ourselves of a past event where, when

Giving Victorian children the best start in life Free Kinder from 2023 will give Victorian children the best start in life.

Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder will be FREE across the state at participating services.

In 2022, funded Three-Year-Old Kinder continues to roll out across the state.

And over the decade, we’ll transition Four-Year-Old Kinder to Pre-Prep and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres.

Learn more at vic.gov.au/kinder

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

$20,000 for charity

By Eleanor Wilson Not-for-profit food relief organisation We Care Community Services Shed will commence work to upgrade its storage shed, after receiving a $20,000 grant from Westfield Fountain Gate.

The Dandenong North based charity provides more than a tonne of groceries and toiletries to more than 200 local unemployed and elderly people each week.

The shed was previously used to store donated goods from local food banks, but chief executive officer Franca Heins says the grant will allow them to install shelving and use the shed to provide for a growing customer base.

“During Covid we were serving around 1000 people a month…but in the last month of August we’ve fed over 2000 people,” she said.

“The demand is a lot greater now. I think it has to do with interest rates rising, people aren’t working or they’re dealing with mental health issues. A lot more people are coming through who are struggling.”

Several years ago the organisation received a grant from the State Government’s Pick My Project initiative, which allowed them to build the shed, but it has only been suitable for storage since.

The grant was awarded to Ms Heins as part of Westfield’s Local Heroes program, which celebrates community role models whose work benefits others across a broad range of sectors, including family and youth support, health and wellbeing, inclusion and equity, community resilience and environmental sustainability.

For Ms Heins, becoming CEO of We Care Community Services Shed is a full circle mo-

Man injured A Cranbourne East driver has been charged after a pedestrian was critically injured in Dingley Village.

Major Collision Investigation Unit investigators said a Toyota Yaris crashed into the rear of a parked car which then struck a pedestrian on Mornington Peninsula Freeway about 8.30am on Monday 12 September.

The pedestrian, a 23-year-old Cranbourne man, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said.

Police charged a 50-year-old man with dangerous driving causing serious injury.

He was remanded to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 20 September.

Two intercepts We Care Community Services Shed chief executive officer Franca Heins was announced as the winner of the Westfield Fountain gate division of the competition.

Picture: SUPPLIED ment. Growing up with a single mother as one of five children, Ms Heins says the family often had to rely on family and friends for food support.

“Back then there wasn’t a community service to help [my mum] and we had nothing, so for me I just want to help people in similar situations to what I was in,” she said.

“I usually like to stay behind the scenes so its been different being nominated...we’ve got a great team at We Care and we’re very pleased to receive the grant” Two other finalists were also recognised with smaller $5000 grants, including Mary Tresize-Brown from South East Local Learning

& Employment Network and Kay Taranto from Wild Days Wildlife Shelter.

Scentre Group National Community Experience Manager, Pam Wilson congratulated the recipients, which are awarded to finalists from each Westfield centre.

“As we celebrate our fifth year of the Westfield Local Heroes program, we are once again overwhelmed by the inspiring nominations this year,” she said.

“Through the success of the program, we are proud to be able to continue to recognise and reward everyday people doing extraordinary work in our communities.”

A 52-year-old suspended driver was intercepted behind the wheel of a car twice on Friday 16 September.

Transit Police in Dandenong first intercepted the male driver whose license was suspended in August, around 1am, and informed him he would receive a summons to attend court, police said.

Within half an hour the driver was intercepted again in Hallam by Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol.

He had continued driving after the initial interception and subsequent roadside interview by police. The driver returned a positive roadside drug test and refused to accompany the highway patrol officers for an evidentiary oral fluid test, police said.

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Applications now open for Hallam SC Sports Academy

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The Sports Academy is a select entry program. Students interested in becoming a student of the Academy must go through an interview and screening process and adhere to their academic studies, individual learning plans and strict criteria set by the College.

Students must provide an academic history, sporting background and references to ensure that this is the right program for them before being selected.

Students are also required to attend Selection Trials on Thursday 13 October. Note students must be enrolled as full-time Hallam Senior College students before being accepted into the Sports Academy.

2023 applications are now open for students in Years 10-12. Please see the website for more information. Note places are limited.

Hallam Senior College values relationships built on respect and responsibility where the relationships between people, learning and the environment frame our actions.

The school aimsto provide all students with the maximum opportunity for personal and academic growth in a supportive environment, one specially designed for students in their later years of secondary education.

The college provides a comprehensive school educational program with a focus on personalising specialisms in learning. A focus is linking learning to life and preparing young adults to confidently and successfully embrace their future by developing skills and attributes that set students up to be productive members of society and the wider community.

Hallam Secondary College offers an extensive range of study options that enables them to personalise a student’s timetable through a focused program approach.

Come see the College in operation and speak with College Leadership. Tours now available; call 9703 1266 for more information.

12568522-JW38-22

The Hallam Secondary College Sports Academy is one of the longest running and most successful programs of its type in Victoria.

While many graduating students have had successful careers either as professional athletes or in associated sports-related occupations, our program has helped numerous athletes get drafted into the AFL/AFLW and NRL while also providing opportunities for students to enrol in several US College sporting programs.

Our number one focus is academic performance and excellence.

We provide an extensive range of educational options under the new VCE model, including a range of exciting pathway options whilst assisting students in pursuing a career in the sports industry.

The new VCE model is underpinned by applied, hands-on learning in HPE, Year 10 sports science and more than 15 unique offerings in vocational education and training.

We have strong links with universities, tafes, apprenticeships, registered training organisations, state sports organisations, community and elite sporting clubs, organisations, and various talent pathways.

Our sports have a range of external elite coaches, focusing on athlete development and developing good people in our community.

We are a leader in sports science and performance, which includes access to elite sports science equipment, sports scientists, and elite development coaches.

This allows us to focus on athlete development and educating students on sports science principles while improving performance and lowering the risk of injury.

We are very proud of our relationship with Deakin University and our unique pathways that link academic excellence and career aspirations with opportunities in both school and our community.

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Singing the night away

By Shelby Brooks Growing up in the South East suburbs hasn’t hindered singer and drag performer Brenda Bressed.

Brenda, aka Bryce Gibson, was born and bred in Endeavour Hills and credits a creative childhood in the South East suburbs to sparking their journey into the art of drag.

That journey is being showcased in Brenda’s first solo cabaret night, hosted as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival next month.

“I always wanted to do a night where it’s just me and I get to sing a whole bunch of songs I love,” Brenda said.

An Evening with Brenda will be performed in a theatrette at the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda 14 to the 16 October.

“I am a singer, so the night is filled with music, laughs, comedy, magic, puppetry and more,” Brenda said.

“The show tells the story of little old me, growing up in the South East suburb of Endeavour Hills, and highlights the ins and outs of a little gay boy trying to navigate his artist’s brain.”

Brenda said once she started writing the show, all the facets of her childhood started to appear.

“I found myself writing about growing up and all of the things I did as a creative individual in Endeavour Hills,” she said.

“I had so many different hobbies and instruments and things I would fixate on for a period of time and then move onto the next thing.

“Things like I had a phase I was obsessed with magic, then I was obsessed with puppets and making puppets, then the piano

accordion and yodelling.”

Brenda said she used to be embarrassed when her family brought up her strange childhood phases.

“But all those things I did really gave me the skills to be the performer I am today, so I wrote the show to be more of a celebration of what I’ve done,” Brenda said.

“Each of those phases I’ve revisited in the show and presenting them from a much more refined perspective.

“It’s a celebration of music, of individuality and all those random things I did growing up.”

Singing has been the one constant hobby that Bryce has always participated in, even studying voice in VCE. It was with Cardinia-based performing group CPAC Musical Theatre using those vocal talents, that the Brenda persona first appeared in Bryce.

“The first time I ever did drag was in CPAC’s production of Kinky Boots in 2019,” she said.

“When I finished Kinky Boots I was sad I wasn’t going to be able to do drag anymore.

“And then I was like, yes I can, I can keep going.”

Since then, Brenda has evolved into a fullyfledged character and has performed across Melbourne at various events and gigs.

“It was only really at the start of this year that I started incorporating my singing into my drag,” Brenda said.

“Ever since I started doing that I’ve found in myself my brand is flourishing and I’m really getting to know who Brenda is.”

To get tickets to An Evening with Brenda, head to melbournefringe.com.au

Brenda Bressed is a drag performer from Endeavour Hills.

Picture: SUPPLIED

WHAT’S ON Children’s Festival Enjoy wild arts and crafts, writing workshops, theatre, music, dance, circus, native wildlife displays, science and conservation, and sports at this year’s Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival.

Public movie screenings are on at Harmony Square during first week of school holidays and Springvale Community Hub in the second week.

Saturday 17 September to Sunday 2 October.

Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/childrens-festival

Garden opening Maralinga Community Garden is staging its grand opening. Plants and vegies for sale, kid’s activities and raffle prizes. Visitors and interested people welcome to join in.

1 October, 10 am12noon at Chandler Reserve, 327 Chandler Road, Keysborough.

Details: Bryan, 0409 003 652 or Maralinga Community Garden page on Facebook.

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Fierce YouthFest Free, low-cost activities for young people aged 12-25 years. Organised by City of Greater Dandenong Youth and Family Services.

Thursday 22 September, 11am-2pm at Noble Park Skate Park and surrounding area, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Details: youth.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

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Street soccer A street style soccer tournament for under 14s male, under 16s male, under 25s male and under 25s female.

Friday 30 September, 9am-5pm at Soccer5s, 29 Brindley St, Dandenong South. Bookings required. Details: youth.greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au

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Stamps The Dandenong Philatelic Society founded in 1972 is seeking new members. The club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Church of Christ Hall, 139 David Street, Dandenong, with meetings commencing at 7pm. It provides a place to meet with like-minded people to discuss all aspects of the philatelic spectrum.

The club offers circuit sheets and a small auction where members can purchase stamps or sell their excess material. Each May the club holds an auction with a smaller one in November.

To find out more, ring Dennis 0429 236 382 or Peter 0409 985 636.

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Green Thumbs The Springvale Garden Club will be meeting on Wednesday the 21st September where the guest speaker will be Janet Matthews, a Botanic Artist. We meet at the Senior Citizens Hall, The Crescent, Springvale. Doors open 7.30 pm for an 8 pm start. Your $3 entry covers a chance to win a door prize plus a light supper.

For further information contact Cheryl John-

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Tickets can be purchased as a single ticket ($129), half table (6 seats, $695) or a full table (12 seats, $1350). Ticket price includes a two course luncheon and beverages. Book via the following link: greaterdandenongchamber. com.au/gdcc-events/grand-final-charity-lunchsingle-ticket.

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.

On display at Walker St Arts Gallery until 29 September.

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Neighbourhood Watch AGM son on 9551-3197 or 0425 758 278.

the month at Southern Community Centre, 27 Rupert Dr, Mulgrave. Details: Don, 9560 6046.

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 to 16 October.

Entries close Friday 30 September at 4pm.

To enter, go to npccartshow.org/2022-show/ enter

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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.

·

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

·

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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

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

·

Jobs Victoria Advocate Drop-in employment information.

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

Contact Ali Abd Ali. Phone: 0452 647 522.

Email: pathways@springvalelac.org.au

·

Grand Final Lunch with Jason Akermanis and Darcy Vescio Both players will be talking all things footy, individually and together and we can’t wait to hear and discuss their viewpoints. Wednesday 21 September 2022, 12pm - 3pm, Southern Golf Club - Lower Dandenong Rd, Keysborough. Run

by Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce, with the two charity beneficiaries being Make-AWish and WAYSS.

Hope to see everyone at our Big Public Forum Wed 28th Sept! 8 Buckley St Noble Park 7.30pm, where you can talk to the police and Neighbourhood Watch Greater Dandenong. We also have our guest speaker Inspector Peter Koger (Q&A). Light supper provided. This is our AGM too where all positions become vacant.

We are so lucky each year our committee of 10 people still want to help.

If you know anyone who is interested at all helping in any small way eg committee, newsletters in shops etc, events, please phone Dawn on the following number: 0407325030 or email president@nhwgreaterdandenong. org

·

Sandown Craft Show Passionate crafters from across the state are set to descend on Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway in October, for the first time in three years, with the return of the ’From Picture to Page and Beyond Papercraft Show’. The three-day expo includes card making, scrapbooking, art journaling and a range of other crafts, with stalls from more than 30 specialty retailers from across the country.

The three-day ’From Picture to Page and Beyond Papercraft Show’ runs at Sandown Raceway from Friday October 14 to Sunday October 16.

Entry is $15, with multi-day passes available, and admission is free for spouses and children under 16.

For information, images and interviews, contact Michelle Brown on 0448 417 400 or michelle@FromPicturetoPageandBeyond.com.au

·

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Welcoming new retailers A fresh shopping experience awaits at Dingley Village Shopping Centre this spring, with new retailers and a revamped Woolworths supermarket able to meet all shoppers’ needs for the barbecue and backyard party season.

Footy finals, school holidays and sunny days are just around the corner and shoppers can get all the supplies they need to feed their family and friends at the one shopping centre.

The new-look Woolworths Dingley Village, unveiled in May, features a new bakery, delicatessen, fresh fruit and vegetable departments.

The bakery features artisan-style breads and crusty loaves, while the new deli has a broad range of cured meats and seafood as well as Australian and imported cheese.

New retailers that have opened at Dingley Village Shopping Centre include Ritzy, which offers delicious bagel delights, and Busy Burgers, which features popular and gourmet burger combinations such as pulled pork, grilled chicken and vegan burgers. Baker’s Delight also recently unveiled their new look, providing its range of bread, sweets, pastries and scrolls.

Meanwhile, national brand Connect Hearing has moved into the Centre, providing its state-of-the-art hearing services to customers.

Centre Manager Christina Wong is encouraging the community to visit soon to see for themselves the new range of fresh food options and retailers.

“Dingley Village Shopping Centre has ample parking for shoppers to explore our expanded fresh food and convenience services,” she says.

“Our retailers offer plenty of fresh fruit and vegie options, a great range of locally sourced fresh seafood, delicious breads and all the delicious accompaniments for their spring-tosummer festivities.”

For more information, visit dingleyvillageshoppingcentre.com.au

Peter from Ritzy. 295717

Ali from Busy Burgers. 295717

Zachary and Frank from Woolies. 295717

New Stores and New Looks at Dingley Village Check out new retailers including: Ritzy, Busy Burgers and Connect Hearing.

PLUS a new look Woolworths and Bakers Delight!

Stay updated on our website: www.dingleyvillageshoppingcentre.com.au

79 -109 Centre Dandenong Rd, Dingley Village VIC, Australia 12564767-MS38-22

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 13

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Top tips for roadtrips More and more Aussies are choosing to take their dogs on road trips – and Dogs Australia urges dog owners to heed some key tips for a safe and stress-free adventure.

“There are four key considerations when travelling and holidaying with your dogs: comfort, safety, health and happiness,” explains Hugh Gent, Dogs Australia president.

“When you’re taking your family dog with you these school holidays, it’s crucial to plan ahead – for the travel itself and for the holiday destination. When your dog is happy and healthy, they cope better with travel and you’ll all have a great time.”

Dogs Australia’s top 8 tips for calmer car trips 1. Explore and book pet-friendly accommodation, caravan parks or campsites.

2.Exercise your dog before the trip: it’ll help get rid of any pent-up energy.

3.Carry plenty of water and food for the trip.

4.Ensure your dog is microchipped and your contact details are up to date, to help with identification should they get lost.

5.Take the necessities: dog bedding, snacks/ treats, food and water bowls, toys, collar with ID and leash, tick prevention treatment, medications, first-aid kit, dog shampoo, towels/mats/blankets to sit on and to protect the car, poo bags. (And if your dog suffers from motion sickness, ask your vet for the best remedies, and remember to pack wet wipes and plastic bags… just in case!).

6. When travelling by car Give them a dedicated, comfortable space in

·

the car. They should be able to stand up, turn around comfortably and lie down in their space in the car.

Secure your dog in the car (e.g., use harnesses, a pet seat belt or crate). You’re legally required to ensure they’re secured while in the car.

Provide mental stimulation for the journey (e.g., toys and chews that will keep them occupied) Make regular pit stops, generally every 2-3 hours. It gives your dog (and you) a chance to stretch your legs, eat/have a drink, and go to the loo.

Never leave a dog inside a warm vehicle, even with the windows open.

7.When you arrive at your destination, take your dog to a local park or beach to let off steam and let them explore their holiday destination. They’ll be bursting with energy after the car journey.

8.Familiarise your dog with the holiday property so they can get acquainted with its layout and boundaries. And if there are gates, check they’re closed and there are no gaps they can escape through.

Dogs Australia is the consumer face of the Australian National Kennel Council, which was founded in 1958. It advocates for the preservation of purebred dogs through ethical breeding. It also promotes responsible ownership, funds research into canine diseases, supports conformation shows and community sports for dogs that fulfill a breed’s natural instincts.

More information at dogsaustralia.org.au

· · · ·

Dogs Australia is the consumer face of the Australian National Kennel Council, which was founded in 1958.

Peace of mind when travelling over the holidays

Greater Dandenong

The school holidays are once again upon us, and road trips are proving to be a great way to experience a cost-effective holiday and support regional economies.

The RACV has some expert tips on family road trips so you can get to your destination safely and protect your home while you are away.

RACV general manager mobility Elizabeth Kim recommends downloading the arevo app before you set out.

“For real-time trip time estimates, fuel pricing along the way, and parking rates when you arrive, download the arevo app,” Ms Kim said.

“The app also gives you great offers and discounts at attractions across Australia.

Arevo is free to download and provides you with the information you will need to plan that successful road trip.

“The last thing you want on a family road trip is for something to go wrong with the car and having no solution in sight. Ensure your car is up to date with its service requirements and everything is in good working order.

“Also ensure you have adequate car insurance and emergency roadside assistance so you can get help as quickly as possible in case the unexpected happens.

“Before a road trip is a good time to review your car insurance. Pay particular attention to the coverage you have for a hire car, windscreen damage and towing of your vehicle. For insurance advice and Victoria’s most trusted emergency roadside assistance visit the RACV website.”

Returning home from a trip to find your most treasured belongings missing can be devastating.

RACV head of home insurance Kirsty Hayes says a few simple things can be done to give you peace of mind when travelling.

If time allows, think about breaking up your trip with stops along the way.

“If you have a trusted neighbour make them aware that you will be away and ask them if they can keep any mail or deliveries safe until you return,” Ms Hayes said.

“Set a timer for some lights to come on at night and double check that every single door and window is locked properly.

“The How Safe is My Place app is full of tips and resources to help safeguard your home from burglary.

“The app was developed in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch to help you identify risks and get you thinking about easy things you can do which have a significant impact on how secure your home is.”

“It is also essential to check that your home insurance is up to date, with an adequate level of cover.”

The RACV also recommends packing a Survival Car Kit, containing wet wipes, nappies (if needed), toilet paper, jumpers or coats, bathers and towels, a torch, cash, socks, a first aid kit, extra water, jumper leads, a phone charger, and a backup paper map.

If time allows, also think about breaking up your trips with stops along the way that you’ve planned out in advance for eating, toilet breaks, stretching your legs and having a scenic tour. It’s a fantastic way to support the local communities, learn about the area – and just might help you survive that road trip.

12567996-HC37-22

14 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Judith Sise and Principal Ryan Forte with students and school girl guides. 298079 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

School girl guides Amira and Nasma.

Johms with a plant.

Outdoor classroom focus Lyndale Greens Primary School has adopted Booth Reserve, Dandenong North.

The principal, Ryan Forte, believes that parks are wonderful outdoor classrooms that provide a natural learning environment and ‘an alternative place to learn’ where children can be engaged in their environment and care for it.

Learning how plants grow and the animals they attract and about environmental issues such as litter are fundamental lessons for young children.

The Grade 4 students, school guides and science and environment leaders joined the parks and reserve officers last week to start the adaptation with planting of 800 indigenous grasses, shrubs and small trees.

The school guide leader, Tammy Culpit, is planning monthly surveys of the litter and the science teacher, Judith Sise, is eager to begin biodiversity surveys of the school’s new park, a short walk away.

Lyndale Greens Primary school students Zara and Amaya.

Sajid and Tevan. 298079

12563069-AV37-22

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 15

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Celebrating our seniors Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre is celebrating Seniors Month this October.

We will be running a number of events and activities throughout the month, as well as a spend and receive campaign. In addition, many of our retailers will be offering discounts and special deals exclusive for seniors.

The spend and receive campaign will run from the 6 to 27 October. Seniors must spend $40* in one day from selected stores to receive a branded tote bag with goodies valued over $30.

Morning Melodies concerts will be returning due to popular demand.

The Tony Pantano show will be held on 6 October and The Rob Orbison Tribute will be held on 26 October.

Morning Melodies is a free event with no bookings required. It will be located near Big W from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Every customer will receive a voucher for $2 off their morning coffee.

There will be multiple activities running throughout the centre including a Snap Fitness information session, Ambulance Victoria CPR session, Waverley Gardens walking group and much more!

More details can be found on our website or visit our friendly customer service desk. 271 Police Road, Mulgrave, 3170.

MAKE A BEAR THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Mon 26 - Fri 30 Sept | 9.30am - 4pm Kids will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of bear designs.

The magical experience involves stuffing the bear with fluff using a mobile stuffing machine, choosing a love insert to put inside and a naming ceremony complete with a birth certificate.

The kids take something home that they will treasure way past the event day.

LOCATED NEAR BIG W

* 8 $ Cost t

e firs per child for th ld.

260 bears so eafter.

Cost $13 ther RRP $25

*While stocks last. Spaces limited in workshop. Parental supervision required. $8 per child limited to the first 260 bears, then cost is $13 per child thereafter until 4pm. Cost includes teddy bear & birth certificate.

Clothing & accessories are available at an extra cost.

Let us entertain you.

Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre Corner Police & Jacksons Road, Mulgrave VIC 3170 12566322-HC38-22

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STAR JOURNAL 17

NEWS

Wellsprings’ top honours A widely-admired Dandenong service for vulnerable women has been awarded the state’s top community training provider.

Wellsprings for Women took out the category at this year’s 67th Victorian Training Awards.

The service provides 50 English, computer literacy and vocational pathway programs and support for 500 women and children each week.

This includes case management for women enduring mental illness, isolation, family violence, poverty and homelessness to overcome barriers to study.

Material aid, emergency relief and supported referrals are also provided.

Executive officer Dalal Smiley said the award was a “significant and profound act recognising the value of holistic adult education, especially for women”.

“Education that does not just focus on the acquisition of knowledge and skills but also incorporates deliberate interventions for enhancing women’s safety and wellbeing.

“Working at the grass roots of our community is in itself rewarding as we witness directly the impact of our programs on the lives of our participants.”

The Victorian Training Awards awarded the top vocational and training providers in a gala ceremony on 10 September.

Interfaith Network of Greater Dandenong stages public tours of places of worship.

Dandenong diversity tours Greater Dandenong’s spiritual diversity is on show during public tours of places of worship in October and December.

The Interfaith Network of Greater Dandenong tours include being welcomed by leaders and members of each faith.

“These tours provide an opportunity to see the diversity within the local area, focusing on the religious and faith dimension of multiculturalism,” IFN executive officer Helen Heath said.

“They also provide an opportunity to be welcomed by a leader or member of each faith, to learn from them something of their belief, practices and community here in Australia.”

Wellsprings for Women celebrates its Victorian Training Award 2022.

On October 12, the tour visits a Greek Orthodox church, a Jewish synagogue, a Buddhist temple and a Hindu (Hare Krishna) temple where a vegetarian lunch is provided for a donation.

On 14 December, an Islamic mosque, a Sikh gurdwara, a German Lutheran church and a Taoist temple are visited.

Tours depart 8.45am from 39 Clow Street, Dandenong and return at 3pm.

To book, payments of $25 per person must be received at least a week before the tour date.

Details: Stacey Odwazny, education@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.

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Second go at life

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

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

Pictures: HAS MEDIA

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

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

City’s top citizen

complex grieving process for donors’ families.

“Out of one person, you have seven trans-

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

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

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

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sponsors of Afri-Aus Care.

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

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

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

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

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

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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“,

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NEWS

No more jail for Roberts

By Karen Sweeney, AAP As a 17-year-old boy Jason Roberts came under the sinister influence of hardened crook Bandali Debs.

There was a cult-like personality around Debs who seemed to have some way of exercising adverse influence over young adolescents in his family circle, Victorian Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kaye said on Monday.

Roberts, who was dating Debs’ daughter Nicole, wasn’t the first teen boy Debs had recruited to assist in a series of armed robberies.

But he was the last. While staking out a series of potential targets for the pair of robbers, Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller were murdered in Moorabbin in 1998.

Debs was jailed for life. Roberts was jailed for a minimum of 35 years until his conviction was overturned and he was acquitted in a retrial.

During that trial, Roberts pleaded guilty to 10 armed robberies committed with Debs in the lead-up to the murders.

He was sentenced on Monday to six years and six months behind bars. With almost 22 years - 8001 days - of time served for the murders he was acquitted of, Roberts will not return to prison.

“I would accept if you had not come under Debs’ sinister influence you would not have become involved in this offending,” Justice Kaye said.

But on the other hand, Roberts had quite frankly conceded he was a willing participant in the crimes, Justice Kaye said.

Still, Roberts was very much under the toxic influence of Bandali Debs, he said.

Debs seemed to have a methodology of recruiting young teenagers to assist him to commit serious and violent armed robberies.

The crimes involved Roberts and Debs

After spending almost 22 years in prison Jason Roberts won’t serve any more time. pointing loaded weapons at customers and staff in restaurants, forcing them to lie face down and to have their hands and feet bound.

Jewellery and other personal possessions were taken, as well as restaurants’ hard-earned takings.

Victims’ lives had been significantly and profoundly adversely affected, Justice Kaye said.

Picture: JOEL CARRETT, AAP

He found Roberts was remorseful for his actions and had been deeply affected by the more than two decades he spent in prison.

Roberts is suffering anxiety and major depression. He leaves his home only when absolutely necessary and only with a close relative.

He has limited capacity for employment or any other activity, Justice Kaye said.

Time in prison, including in protection for his own safety, had a substantial detrimental effect on his psychological wellbeing, the court heard.

But his prospects for rehabilitation are good.

Roberts, who had been on bail pending sentencing, is now free.

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STAR JOURNAL 19

NEWS

Stars join charity lunch Aussie Rules stars Jason Akermanis and Darcy Vescio will headline an annual AFL Grand Final Charity Lunch in Keysborough.

Brownlow Medallist and triple-premiership player Akermanis and AFLW marquee player Vescio will be guest speakers during the lunch at Southern Golf Club on 21 September.

The lunch with an impressive charity auction has been staged by Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce for more than 25 years.

This year, all proceeds will support charities Make-A-Wish and Wayss.

“I believe to date we have managed to raise more than $170,000 to give to charity over 25 years,” Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Megan Petty said.

“Or more to the point the amazing Dandenong and beyond business community have kindly raised these funds – either by donated products and services to auction or actually parting with their cash on the day.

“I can also confirm that 100 per cent of the money raised at the lunch is donated to charity. None of those funds are used to cover any costs on the day.”

The charity auction will offer the chance to have Akermanis sit at your table during the lunch.

Other items include Herald Sun premiership posters of Melbourne 2021, Richmond back-to-back 2019-’20 and Collingwood 2010, a signed and framed Brisbane Lions guernsey, a VIP tour of The Block and a table for four at a race meet at Sandown Greyhounds.

Also on offer is a six-month health and fitness membership from South East Leisure,

Steven Cybulka uses art as his form of self-expression.

Carpentry inspires Steven

By Jonty Ralphsmith

A post-AFL Jason Akermanis playing for Albury North in 2016. lunch for two with Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, a Graham Hickmott painting, electronic goods from Amazon, a video doorbell and security floodlight cam from Telco Independent, and a half-page ad in Dandenong Star Journal.

The lunch is on Wednesday 21 September 12pm-3pm at Southern Golf Club, Lower Dandenong Road, Keysborough.

Tickets can be purchased as a single ticket, half-table (6 seats) or a full table (12 seats).

Details: greaterdandenongchamber.com. au/events/upcoming-events

·

Sculptor Steven Cybulka is among the artists displaying work at the Seen Exhibition in the Walker Street Art Gallery.

With a background in carpentry, Mr Cybulka is displaying three pieces of art all made from building materials and sundries.

He uses art as a form of self-expression, and is hoping to use timber to evoke emotion in his viewers.

“I’ve always had this understanding of how we experience space and how changes can affect us physically, emotionally, spiritually, emotionally so that has led on to me doing an art course and honours,” he said.

But it was always sculpture that he felt connected to, able to use as a vehicle for artistic voice.

“Can you get someone to feel something or alter their state a little bit,” he considers as he does his work.

“I want to dig deep into myself.

“I really enjoy that I have my skillset because I can be organic with these artistic timber materials that are normally planned with set dimensions: I can back myself to freestyle and create an element of surprise.”

Steven Cybulka at the Captured exhibition.

297892 Pictures: SUPPLIED

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STAR JOURNAL 21

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STAR JOURNAL 23

SPORT

Bulls create eternal bond

By Tyler Lewis

EASTERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

Noble Park wielded the words of its club legends to win Saturday’s Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) Premier Division title.

Less than 48 hours before its fourth bout of the season with Rowville, the Bulls welcomed the club’s ‘Mount Rushmore’ to training, to explain just what it means to be premiership heroes.

“The whole theme about today was we had Peter O’Brien, Denis Knight and Craig Meade come and talk to the group on Thursday night,” premiership coach Steve Hughes revealed.

“They’re legends of our club, we call them ‘The Mount Rushmore of Noble Park’.

“Peter O’Brien mentioned that premierships create a bond between players that lasts a lifetime.

“That’s what we talked about in the pregame, that today was a special day for two champions of the club retiring, so it meant more today, without a doubt.

“But it was more about the players creating a memory that lasts until the day they die; we’re now connected with that bond and we played like it.”

The memory the Bulls won’t forget came as a result of unrelenting pressure, smothering the Hawks at every opportunity in the 9.16 (70) to 2.12 (24) triumph.

Rowville’s Mav Taylor booted the opener, before the Bulls kicked the proceeding seven – keeping their opposition goalless from the six-minute mark of the first term, to the 15-minute mark of the third.

Although he felt the tempestuous conditions suited his side, Hughes couldn’t fault the performance.

“That was our best performance of the year, 100 per cent, and it’s daylight second – we were outstanding” he said.

“The boys were amazing, our pressure around the footy, our ability to defend, our tenacity at the ball, I haven’t seen much more of that at local footy – we were outstanding today.

“Credit to the 22 that played, we stuck our nose over it, when we lost control of the footy, we hunted in numbers – it was the perfect game for me.

“When the rain came, it probably suited us, because I think Rowville’s one-wood is their efficiency, they’re amazing ball users.

“So for the heavens to open up and be bit windy, it probably eliminates that a little bit, I think the conditions were in our favour.”

Though trailing by five goals at the main break, the Rowville faithful remained hopeful, as they’d seen this film before and most certainly enjoyed the ending.

The Bulls were toppled by the Hawks in round 16, coughing up a near-10 goal headstart to lose by less than a kick.

With that match in mind, Hughes employed the words of the champions once more, all while knowing his side wasn’t going to let it slip.

“We used Denis Knight’s message from Thursday night, so I am really glad we got these boys down during the week because I copied and paste a fair bit of it to be honest,” he joked.

“He spoke about that exact game and used the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Champion) analogy… ‘when they’re down, you go and give them another one’.

“That was the message at half time… we were never going to let it slip today.”

Hughes – a seasoned leader – is now a two-time premiership coach, after pairing his maiden premiership at Springvale Districts almost two decades ago with one at his home club.

And while he didn’t get to raise the silverware at Bonbeach, he is proud that he has piloted all three clubs he’s held the reins at to grand finals.

“I try not to be self-entitled, but it’s been a personal goal of mine to coach all clubs I have coached to grand finals,” he revealed.

“You’re not going to win every one… I said to my wife during the week that I am a bit proud of that I have been able to take all three 24 STAR JOURNAL

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PREMIER DIVISION REVIEW - GRAND FINAL

2022 EFNL Premier Division Premiers: Noble Park. 299102

Pictures: ROB CAREW

GOAL BY GOAL TIMELINE TIME PLAYER (CLUB) ROWVILLE V NOBLE PARK FIRST QUARTER

MARGIN

06.27 M Taylor (Rowville) Hawks by 6 08.40 K Byers (Noble Park) Scores level 23.25 B O”Leary (Noble Park) Bulls by 6 25.25 B Lambert (Noble Park) Bulls by 13 End of quarter: Rowville 1.3 (9) v Noble Park 3.3 (21) SECOND QUARTER

07.40 B Lambert (Noble Park) Bulls by 20 22.00 J Marson (Noble Park) Bulls by 25 26.20 J Stern (Noble Park) Bulls by 32 End of quarter: Rowville 1.6 (12) v Noble Park 6.9 (45) THIRD QUARTER

02.30 L McDonnell (Noble Park) Bulls by 40 15.30 N Schoenmakers (Rowville) Bulls by 35 End of quarter: Rowville 2.8 (20) v Noble Park 7.12 (54)

Final Siren. Blake O’Leary (left) and Harley Fairbank embrace. 299102

FOURTH QUARTER

07.05 L McDonnell (Noble Park) Bulls by 39 20.10 B O’Leary (Noble Park) Bulls by 47 End of game: Rowville 2.12 (24) to Noble Park 9.16 (70)

SCOREBOARD ROWVILLE 1.3 1.6 2.8 2.12(24) NOBLE PARK 3.3 6.9 7.12 9.16(70) Rowville Goals: N Schoenmakers, M Taylor. Best: M. Sruk, T. Barlow, A. Brolic, K. Young, N. Schoenmakers, C. MacDonald.

Noble Park Goals: B O’Leary 2, B Lambert 2, L McDonnell 2, J Stern, K Byers, J Marson. Best: K Martin, C. Horton-Milne, B. O’’Leary, L. Scott, L. McDonnell, J. Sketcher.

NOBLE PARK PREMIERSHIP SIDE

Captain Kyle Martin (left) and coach Steve Hughes have waited to do this for some time. 299102 clubs to grand finals.

“To win this one at my home club where I grew up, I don’t usually get emotional, but I got emotional today and I will be for the next

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

couple of days.

“It means a lot, this place is my heart and soul, I am just so proud of the boys to deliver what they did today – they deserve it.”

Lachie McDonnell, Blake O’Leary, Bailey Lambert, Kieren Byers, Jordan Marson, Josh Stern, Jackson Sketcher, Liam Scott, Chris Horton-Milne, Jack Beech, Ziggy Alwan, Shayne Allan, Jack Francis, Josh Tour, Luke Bull, Anthony Marson, Tommy Glen, Ryan Morrison, Ben Marson, Jake Gains, Harley Fairbank.

Captain: Kyle Martin Coach: Steve Hughes

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Allan and Alwan salute to Bulls fans as they leave the field for the last time. 299102

Pictures: ROB CAREW

A moment Shayne Allan will never forget. 299102

A ‘Noble’ fairy-tale finish

By Tyler Lewis Noble Park’s grand final victory is a fairy-tale finish for two of its everlasting champions.

Forwards Shayne Allan and Ziggie Alwan will ride off into the sunset together, after calling time on two incredible careers.

The pair announced ahead of the preliminary final that this season would be their last, wary of upcoming opponent South Croydon.

But the Bulls were far from finished, pushing out eight more quarters of brilliant football to see Allan and Alwan finish their careers fittingly.

While he’s now a three-time premiership player, Allan was left pinching himself with a premiership medallion draped around his neck on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s still trying to sink in,” he said.

“It was the same sort of feeling coming into the game (as previous grand finals); I am just a bit shocked with how it has ended and how we have both scripted it.”

Alwan was in less shock than his great mate, but was still extremely grateful of the voyage that has seen a memory or two created.

“It’s been amazing, it’s been a journey,” he reflected.

“It’s been a bit of an up and down 10-year period for the club, but since we have come back it’s been amazing.

“Hughesy (Steve Hughes) has done an amazing job with the group, hence us being where we are today.”

Allan finishes with 263 games to his name, after chalking up game 250 in round 8 against Balwyn.

He surged past his own expectations by playing each and every game in 2022.

“Yeah come back this year and gave myself the goal to play eight games and potentially finals,” Allan revealed.

“I didn’t think it would be scripted like this; this moment is massive.”

As for Alwan, well he couldn’t have written a better ending himself.

“You can’t ask for much more than that,” he said.

“Your last game at the club that you’ve played so much football at, grand final, I mean it’s just a cherry on top really.”

When the game was well and truly in the bag, the Noble Park faithful were insistent on coach Steve Hughes putting the pair in a position that would see them kick a goal.

Alwan had his opportunity, while Allan was deprived of his chance.

With a sense of unwarranted shame, Allan revealed 40-goal season came from just the 18 home and away outings.

“I didn’t kick a goal in the finals,” he joked.

“Yeah, three games… I was sniffing around late, but it doesn’t matter.

“I just wanted to win today; I didn’t care if I got a touch.”

The Bulls’ number 5 couldn’t have asked for a better crack at it, lined up in front of the three busloads of Noble Park supporters that braved the rain.

But it wasn’t to be, as his experienced legs checked out in the difficult conditions.

“What happened was… I was cramping,” Alwan explained.

“I marked it and as I marked it, I said to Marto (Kyle Martin), “mate I can’t shoot this, I am cramping in my calves and hammys’.

“I just tried and as I kicked I cramped up and couldn’t get the journey, it is what it is.”

As for the best part of the day, Allan’s answer is simple: “To spend it with him to be honest with

you,” he said.

“I might tear up a bit… if there’s a Noble Park person I have a connection with most on field and off it as well it’s probably Zig. “We’ve experienced a lot across the journey, so to experience this, it’s just a fairy tale, literally, in every sense of the word.”

After playing alongside each other in multiple jumpers across, across multiple decades, Alwan will always look back on what his great mate has achieved with an overwhelming sense of pride.

“He’s amazing,” Alwan said.

“As he said, we’ve been on such a long journey together; I have played probably the most football with Shayne, all in the same position.

“We’ve done a lot of things together, state footy, rep footy, it’s all been together.

“I am so proud of him and what he’s done, he came back to the club with a purpose to get through and we’re premiership players.

“We didn’t think we’d get this opportunity; it’s been 10, 11 years, we’ve both stuck at it and done the job.”

The dynamic duo combined for 53 majors this season, but more importantly, one almighty premiership.

Mess with the bull... get the horns: O’Leary claims BOG

By Tyler Lewis When teammate Lachie McDonnell kicked truly from just inside the arc, Blake O’Leary knew he was soon to be a Noble Park premiership player.

The exciting forward was crowned Cliff Tomkins Medallist for best afield in the Bulls emphatic grand final win over Rowville.

O’Leary played nine games for the Frankston Dolphins, before returning to his home club in the preliminary final.

He slotted a brace of goals last week and another two this week, proving to be an edge the Bulls needed to surge past the Hawks.

“I just thought: we’re here,” O’Leary said of his thoughts when McDonnell converted.

His first quarter was divine, kicking his first major and unselfishly setting up Bailey Lambert for another in the low-scoring slog.

While season 2022 was one where O’Leary proved capable at a higher level, he was eager to return to the Bulls come September.

“I knew we had something special brewing,” he revealed.

“It’s just unreal to be able to play a role in that and to do what we just did.

“When I saw the radar and what was going to come, I felt it was going to suit us.

“It just all seemed to fall our way a little bit, it was the work the midfielders were doing pressure wise, they made our job easy.”

Despite being involved in majority of the Bulls nine goals, O’Leary felt those aforementioned midfielders were poised to take best afield honours. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Blake O’Leary is the 2022 Cliff Tomkins Medallist. 299102

A pair of medals to go with his pair of goals.

299102

“I had no idea, I thought I butchered a few and missed a few,” he said with a grin.

“There were probably a few other boys, especially the midfielders that probably could’ve got it.

“I am just happy to have a premiership medal hanging around my neck.

“It’s just such a good club to be a part of… it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Blake O’Leary showed the Noble faithful the blue and gold jumper when he kicked the last of Pictures: ROB CAREW the game. 299102 Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 25

SPORT

Dandenong finished the season with a 12-4 record.

Pictures: JAZZ BENNETT

Dandy down but not out

By Jonty Ralphsmith NAB League programs are not defined by premierships.

Some would say that is an oversimplification of any football club’s aspirations.

But it’s a certainty in the talent-promoting pathway program where clubs’ draftees are more celebrated than team success – even if the pair are not mutually exclusive.

Individual player development and personal growth within the Stingrays’ squad is where Nick Cox’s coaching staff can hold great pride.

One poor game might have lost the Stingrays a premiership, but they have at least five in draft contention including likely top-20 picks Mitch Szybkowski and Henry Hustwaite.

The big-bodied inside midfielders have different skillsets and will end up on AFL lists, but wherever they go they will always share Rays 2022 memories with all their teammates.

Their top-age year at the Rays Cave was defined by exciting, quick footy where they were backed in to get the ball forward and attack bravely.

It got them a 12-4 win-loss record, including six wins by two goals or less, and plenty of highlights.

Dandenong have set themselves up well for next year too, with a tight-knit group of 17-year-olds who all still have at least one more NAB League season left and already have three finals to their names.

With the result sealed, Cox threw 17-yearolds threw Harry de Mattia, Kade De La Rue and Cooper Simpson into the first centre bounce of the final quarter, giving them opportunity against hot opposition to help their development.

Sam Frangalas kicked a clutch goal from outside 50 when Dandenong was still holding on in the second quarter. He finished with 17 disposals and five inside 50s.

Kobe Shipp was a shining light in a backline that had to defend 56 inside 50s.

The polished Simpson (15 disposals, one goal) came into the game in the second half even if the returnees stifled his momentum somewhat.

Likewise Kade De La Rue, who has 16 games of NAB League experience under his belt, including a 16 disposal, four tackle slog in the grand final.

“We wanted to get the 17-year-olds playing against some pretty good players (in the last quarter) and they have done well but the expectation now is they will go up another level which I am sure that they will.”

The Stingrays were never in the contest against a hotter and more skilful Sandringham, going down by 43 points.

On a wet Friday night at Ikon Park, Sandringham were cleaner from the outset, flattening the Rays in an ominous first quarter display.

The Dragons piled on five goals and the 26 STAR JOURNAL

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Even the return of Mitch Szybkowski was not enough for Nick Cox’s men.

Stingrays were kept scoreless and with no front-half opportunities after 25 minutes of footy.

“We were pretty ordinary early with our fundamentals, we didn’t do things well, wheth-

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

er that has to do with the occasion, it was a disappointing part of the night,” Cox said.

Will Ashcroft, who was named best-onground with 39 disposals, had 14 touches up to quarter time. The Rays were unable to shut

down any of Sandringham’s top prospects, and those players proved matchwinners.

Cam McKenzie’s inside work and speed (26 disposals, six tackles and two goals), Olli Hotton’s work-rate (25 and a goal) and Harry Sheezel’s 10 score involvements including four goals, was too much for Dandenong to overcome.

Despite Jess McManus’ game-high 23 hitouts, the Stingrays could not stop Sandringham in the engine room.

In his first game back after a nine-week injury layoff, Taj Campbell-Farrell did not even go in there, playing instead off half-forward.

“I think we would’ve played him, he still had good moments and showed a little bit, he’s a had a pretty good year so it was a roll of the dice,” Cox said reflecting on the decision. “(It was) nothing to do with winning or losing, we wanted to improve his draft prospects and he showed some okay signs and if (he’s) not (drafted) he will come back as a 19-year-old.”

Dandenong won the first centre clearance of the second quarter and that led to an immediate Hugo Nosiara major on the goal line.

There was more fight and territory for the Stingrays in that quarter, but they could not put it on the scoreboard, nor could they resist when Sandringham went the other way.

By halftime, the 26-point quarter time margin had extended to 45 points and at threequarter-time it was at 62.

“We weren’t brave with our ball movement like we have been all year and that had a bit to do with the pressure Sandy put on us, so it is good for their development going forward good players adapt quickly and we didn’t do that.”

“On the night the better team won but what I will say about our group is we lost and we were very respectful and humble – not sure whether they were.”

It was game over when Dandenong put on four final quarter goals to trim the final margin.

Cox thought Jaxon Binns was clearly the Stingrays best, and his run was typically relentless, and Finn Emile-Brennan had his moments using his foot skills to rebound.

But losing the possession count by 66 and still being out-tackled was indicative of the opposition’s supremacy and heat on the night.

“We thought it was a bonus to get where we got, but in saying that, it was disappointing to finish the year off with our worst performance,” he said.

“Overall the amount of development and betterment of players is something we’re pretty proud of as a coaching group.”

Dandenong’s loss on Friday comes after it lost the girls’ grand final against Wester Jets earlier in 2022.

The club’s sole boys’ premiership came in 2018. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Stanton to steer Redbacks

By Jonty Ralphsmith They went out and targeted him, and now the Hampton Park Football Club has secured Hayden Stanton as its senior coach for the next three seasons.

Stanton most recently was at the helm at Garfield from 2018-21, and also has senior coaching experience at Officer, Mulgrave, Doveton Doves, the Monash Blues and South Belgrave.

The 2021 season was the first in two decades that Stanton has not been coaching, as he opted to pursue opportunities in real estate and take a breather from local footy.

He takes over from Nathan Wilson who stepped away for family reasons with a 15-121 record after two seasons.

Football manager Paul McGowan, and Wilson were part of the process of finding a new coach and were rapt to get Stanton.

“We’re looking for someone who can take us to the next level and his record is that,” McGowan said.

“Everyone speaks highly of him, he’s a player’s coach and structure-wise he’s brilliant.

“He’s very clear on the way he thinks the game should be played. Everyone will understand their role, and structurally we’ll be set up better.”

The club spoke to one other candidate, a player-coach, who ultimately pulled out of the race.

Wilson played under Stanton at Doveton for one season, more than 10 years ago, with Stanton recasting ‘Nanga’ from the defence to the forward-line which delivered an excellent season.

“He was one of the best tacticians I played under,” Wilson said.

“He is exactly what the group needs – someone with more experience, direction and a strong game plan.

“He was very impressive when we sat down with him because it was all upstairs, there was no notepad - his way is built in and he could talk about it for hours and hours.”

The coach-elect has spoken to players and people at the club individually and seen some of the Redbacks’ footy in the second half of the season, including the reserves team’s grand final defeat to East Brighton last weekend.

He will address the whole club for the first time next Thursday to outline expectations and map out preseason.

Stanton said the club’s direction appealed to him and working with people he knew and respected in the local footy landscape helped allure him to the club.

The pandemic evolved and streamlined Stanton’s perception of coaching.

“As head coach of a local footy club, you are a figurehead to lead people which was most pointed during Covid-19 when the players were all going through their own little demons,” Stanton said.

“What I learnt from that is that clubs are a great sounding board for life, so you have to make sure your time there is enjoyable, and training has to be interactive and fun, and it gets away from the daily grind of work life.

“We need to reward them for playing their role and executing, and provide them the data for why that will lead to team success.”

Like Wilson said at the beginning of his tenure ahead of 2021, Stanton too wants to get Hampton Park to division one.

“I have always been a coach that likes to be more offensive and score, I want to make our brand attractive for members and supporters and players to be involved with,” he said.

“I am trying to sharpen up our ball movement and ability to score and as a team we want to be able to defend. If we do that, I think we have the capacity to get into division one.

“There are some really experienced guys, but I am looking forward to getting my teeth into some younger guys who plateaued a bit with football development.

“I have a strong focused plan with what I want to do to fit those guys inside a structure that will stand up in local football.

“I really have missed upskilling and turning a young talented junior player into a senior adult footballer.”

A key component of elevating the club to dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Hayden Stanton will coach the Redbacks in 2023.

Picture: SUPPLIED

He was one of the best tacticians I played under” - outgoing Hampton Park coach Nathan Wilson on successor Hayden Stanton. the next level is improving the pathway program.

The club currently has no under-19s team meaning it is heavily reliant on recruits, making it difficult to remain competitive under the player points system.

The Redbacks will be without their home ground next year while the facilities are redeveloped, but Stanton has put an under-19s team on the agenda as an important early focus.

“We need to become a destination club more than (we have) been in the last few years,” Stanton said.

“My philosophy in the short term is that we won’t get one up with no ground next year, but all we do next year will be building towards having an under-19s team in 2024.

“Otherwise, I think player points will be an issue and we will be pushing uphill, competing against teams like Dingley who have a plethora of kids to pick from.”

From his time around the club so far, Stanton has observed Hampton Park’s loyal fanbase.

Prior to winning the division three premiership in 2019, the Redbacks endured several tough years, yet the members have remained supportive.

With a refreshed focus on field, Stanton highlighted the importance of taking the supporters with them on the journey.

“I want to make sure we connect the past players a lot better. I want us to embrace the history of the club and while we’re writing our own history, we need to remember where we’ve come from.”

“I want to have some days in preseason where we can get past players involved in training or have corporate days to build that connection to the club.

“It is so important because guys might retire and have kids after 15-20 years and then their whole connection to the club dies.”

Stanton echoed the common sentiment around the club that a big ruckman is a desperately needed commodity if the Redbacks

Hayden Stanton has more than two decades of premiership experience under his belt. are to take the next step.

He is also hopeful that senior heads can complement the youth focus that drove 2022.

“We would be looking down the angle of experience to come in now to work with our kids and show us the way to improve,” Stanton said.

“Mid 20-year-old range guys who have played 100 plus games at various levels and have something to bring to the table from a leadership point-of-view.”

The club currently has verbal agreements with several potential recruits and expects to be able to announce its first batch within the first two weeks.

Hampton Park also need to confirm a replacement assistant coach after Matthew Cox stepped down.

The Redbacks will replace him with a playing-assistant.

Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 27

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28 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022

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