Dandenong Star Journal - 11th October 2022

DANDENONG

Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

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Aloma’s poetry debut a big success

Doctors warn against PSOs in hospitals

Faltum to lead Stars

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SPORT

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Mystery surrounds principal’s departure

40¢ Inc. GST

Fines slashed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Dandenong magistrate has downgraded a series of “unjust” Covid fines of more than $20,000 against local businesses.

Among the cases on 7 October were a husband and wife slapped with a $27,261 infringement while cleaning up their severely flooded business in Keysborough in late 2021.

Industry Engagement and Enforcement Operation (IEEO) inspectors fined the pair for being unvaccinated in their Kosmos Carpets warehouse on 24 November. Another facing a $20,000-plus fine was a Noble Park pizza shop which didn’t have a formal CovidSafe plan, and a Dandenong South timber yard which disputed allegations it didn’t have proof of workers’ vaccination statuses.

Kosmos Carpets pleaded guilty to what its lawyer described as a “technical breach”.

The husband and wife were the only ones in the warehouse, had no other staff and their insurers wouldn’t provide cleaners to mop up the flood damage. At that stage, Kosmos wasn’t operating due to Covid lockdown – so no subcontractors were on site.

Magistrate Greg Connellan noted the cleanup was arguably grounds for a “reasonable excuse”. It would have been “dangerous” to have not removed the damaged carpet, he said.

Noting the “extraordinary circumstances”, he said the “substantial” $27,261 infringement would not be a just penalty even though it was set by the State. He imposed a $1000 fine without conviction. Meanwhile, Lumber Softwoods Timber Sales successfully argued for its charges to be dropped.

Its director told the court he had photos of

his workers’ vaccination certificates on a phone but IEEO inspectors “didn’t want to look at it”.

Lei & Min Pty Ltd had its $21,800 infringement on 8 November downgraded to $1000 without conviction. Its director argued that he mistakenly thought his takeaway pizza shop with two masked, vaccinated staff and a QR entry code was exempt from having a CovidSafe plan.

Mr Connellan said it would be “unjust” to impose the full infringement on a small takeaway business. He also dismissed the State prosecutor’s argument to add a further $5632 legal costs against it. As of June 2022, more than 1100 Covid fines totalling $10.96 million were issued to businesses – an average of $9657. Of them, just 125 – or less than 10 per cent - had been paid.

There were still 543 fines outstanding as of 6 June, 232 fines withdrawn and 235 being heard at court. Most were for breaches of CovidSafe plan requirements (364), followed by vaccination-related breaches (328), face masks (60), electronic record keeping (37) and 289 other breaches.

A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said Covid infringements for breaching public health orders remained active. “(They) played an important role in keeping Victorian businesses, their workers and the community safe, and stopping the spread during the pandemic. We encourage people with outstanding fines to contact Fines Victoria”.

The options include requesting a review, applying for a Work and Development Permit, having the matter heard in court and applying for a special circumstance review.

MULGRAVE COUNTRY CLUB

Oaks Day

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Snooze with the pooches Australian Animal Protection Society staff are going above and beyond to raise money for their four-legged friends.

Megan Seccull, Enya Harris, Tahnaeya Dearsley and Carol McQueen, pictured with dogs Cosmo and Sunny, will be among 40 staff sleeping over at the Keysborough shelter in the Snores for Paws 2022 fundraiser.

The 5 November event will hopefully raise $100,000 to help cover the shelter’s annual veterinary costs for surrendered animals.

“Snores for Paws has a two-fold benefit – raise awareness of AAPS and much needed funds – but more importantly find out how our loveable pet residents cope during the night-time when we aren’t here to look after them,” general manager Megan Seccull said.

“It will give us great insight into their behaviour and nocturnal needs.”

To donate go to aaps.org.au or snores-for-paws-2022.raisely.com

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NEWS

Hoon faces 300 charges

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 22-year-old South East man is facing more than 300 charges relating to an alleged spree of catalytic converter thefts and hoon driving.

Bailey Keenan Devlin, 22, of Dandenong North, Rowville and Clyde North, appeared at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 30 September on charges of damaging 34 cars while stealing catalytic converters.

The alleged thefts spanned Cranbourne West, Mordialloc, Cheltenham, Clayton, Keysborough, Springvale, Noble Park, Noble Park North, Dandenong and Dandenong South in May, June and July.

Devlin was also charged with dealing in

more than $32,000 cash suspected to be proceeds of crime, as well as stealing a Commodore and a pressure washer.

He also faced an array of driving charges from Victoria Police’s High Risk Driving Crew formed as part of Operation Achilles.

The most serious were of reckless dangerous driving putting people in danger of death by performing ‘burnouts’ and ‘donuts’ in Dandenong South in 2020 and 2022.

His loss of traction also put others in serious injury in three other incidents in Dandenong South and Keysborough in July, according to police charge sheets.

The ‘hooning’ allegedly occurred in spots such as Atlas Boulevard, Licola Drive and Port-

The CCTV mobile trailer has scared away illegal dumpers at Stud Road, Dandenong.

link Drive in Dandenong South as well as Cambria Road, Keysborough.

Devlin was also accused of inciting others by sending Snapchat messages of his driving, intentionally damaging property, driving a probationary prohibited vehicle while on P plates, and committing indictable offences on bail.

He’d also allegedly breached bail conditions not to drive, to obey a night curfew and not to attend an organised ‘high-risk driving’ event.

Devlin was charged with retaining seven stolen street signs from Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire – including one of his name-sake ‘Devlin Place’ in Cranbourne North.

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Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

There were also charges over an affray, assault with a weapon, and recklessly causing injury at Rosebud on 4 November 2020.

Devlin was also charged with using a false engine identification number, cutting two registration plates to create a false plate, and possessing four stolen plates.

Defence lawyer Bernard Keating requested more time from Magistrate Jason Ong to process the allegations.

Devlin has been remanded in custody since 19 August, Mr Keating told the court.

His case was adjourned for mention at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 25 October.

The corner of Corrigan Road and Henry Street, Noble Park. 301953 Picture: GARY SISSONS

CCTV deployed in effort to reduce dumping at hot spot lecting illegal rubbish at the site most Mondays as part of its weekly proactive ‘dumped rubbish hot spots program’.

“Our Locals Laws officers have investigated this site and have been unable to find anything with identification that leads to a specific unit or address responsible for the illegal dumping in this location,” engineering director Paul Kearsley said.

“Council has placed a hard waste bro-

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A CCTV trailer will be moved into a garbagedumping ‘hot spot’ in front of a block of flats in Noble Park.

Greater Dandenong Council stated it will move the mobile CCTV camera to the notorious corner of Corrigan Road and Henry Street in mid-October.

It comes after the council had been col-

chure in each of the unit letterboxes and our Cleansing ‘Hot Spots’ crew removed the dumped rubbish in the location.

Keysborough resident Gaye Guest said no sooner was the mess cleaned up, then more rubbish appears.

“These residents have cost the rateayers a lot of money.

“They dump, people like me report and the council cleans up – (and) repeat. It’s a vi-

cious circle as it has been happening weekly.”

The CCTV trailer will be relocated to Henry Street from another dumping hot spot at 32 Stud Road, Dandenong.

After agitation from councillor Lana Formoso, the CTTV had immediate success in stopping illegal dumping at the Stud Road site.

Mr Kearsley recently stated that the council was considering moving the CCTV trailer to several hot spots over the next 12 months.

Bedford to take significant steps in Walk To Fight Cancer

By Marcus Uhe Hampton Park’s Darren Bedford is paying tribute to his late father by signing up for the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation’s Walk To Fight Cancer.

The challenge will see Mr Bedford walk 100 kilometres between 13 and 22 October around the vivid scenery and parklands of Casey including Wilson Botanic Park and the Hampton Park Wetlands.

All money raised will go towards funding cancer research at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Richie Bedford passed away in July this year aged 76 after a short battle with brain cancer.

“We found out he had a brain tumour and then six weeks later he died,” Mr Bedford said.

“It’s been hard. You try not to dwell on it, but each day is hard. You just try to keep moving forward.”

The Dandenong factory manager’s training program is well underway, spending an hour walking after work each night for the last week, with the goal to cover 10 kilometres per day during the challenge.

Rather than listen to music or podcasts, the avid photographer will use the opportunity to get some snaps of local flora and fauna.

To contribute to his total, head to my.walktofightcancer.org.au/darren-bedford 2 STAR JOURNAL

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Darren Bedford is planning to walk 100 kilometres in October to raise vital funds for cancer Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS research. 301651

Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

Darren prepares for his walking challenge at River Gum Creek Reserve. 301651 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Trotter mystery remains

By Cam Lucadou-Wells There are still no answers on the mysterious departures of Wooranna Park Primary School leaders Ray Trotter and Janet Whittle in June 2021.

Mr Trotter had been the school’s high-profile principal for more than 30 years.

Last year, he and deputy principal Ms Whittle were suspended from duty on an interim basis by the Victorian Institute of Training.

The reasons have still not been disclosed by the VIT and the Department of Education and Training.

Last month, the VIT’s disciplinary register was quietly updated. Ms Whittle’s status had changed from interim suspended to ‘suspended’.

Mr Trotter’s name was removed from the register. Now in his early 80s, the retired Mr Trotter is also not registered as a teacher.

According to parents, in 2020, the school council re-appointed Mr Trotter for three further years.

However, a groundswell of parents and staff reportedly wanted him to retire.

Greater Dandenong councillor and former school parent Rhonda Garad slammed the “unacceptable” lack of communication to parents.

“The members of the school community spent a great deal of time to advocate about their concerns and issues about Ray Trotter.

They’ve raised these issues for years “For the department not to give any response to the lengthy and numerous issues that the school community canvassed, it suggests our input is not valued.”

Cr Garad said Mr Trotter seemed “terribly good at promotion and extremely poor in leadership and implementation”.

There is still no findings on the list of allegations including unwise financial and resourcing decisions, bullying and not

responding to complaints.

“Why has Ray just retired without any announced outcome?” Cr Garad said.

“Is it because it reflects poorly on the lack of response from the education department over the years?”

Star Journal has been told there’s no suggestion of “criminal offending” against children by either Mr Trotter or Ms Whittle.

VIT and the Department of Education and Training did not comment on the allegations against the pair.

According to the DET, their employment did not cease as a result of findings against them by the department.

There was no detail behind the reasons for Ms Whittle’s suspension, the length of her suspension or when the suspension may be revoked.

A DET spokesperson said: “We take any complaints about staff seriously and take action where appropriate.”

Interim suspensions are imposed if the VIT “reasonably believes that the person poses an unacceptable risk of harm to children, and the suspension of their registration is necessary to protect children,” a VIT spokesperson said.

“The VIT is responsible for ensuring only qualified and suitable persons are registered to teach in a Victorian school or early childhood service.”

The 80-year-old Mr Trotter had retired after more than 30 years as a reputedly forwardthinking principal of a reputedly cutting-edge school.

Its lofty reputation was built on a progressive STEM program and a student-centred learning model.

In 2007, Mr Trotter received a Monash University excellence in research award. A Deakin University flexible learning centre has been named after him.

Long-standing principal Ray Trotter had been suspended on an interim basis for undisclosed reasons.

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NEWS

Painter avoids jail

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A painter has avoided jail after being found with $707,800 cash in his luggage at Melbourne Airport.

Dejan Tomic, 28, of Hampton Park, pleaded guilty to dealing with more than $100,000 cash suspected as proceeds of crime in the Victorian County Court.

He showed a lack of criminal sophistication if not “naivety” after being stopped by investigators at Melbourne Airport in June 2019, sentencing judge Michael O’Connell said on 29 September.

After being found with $7850 cash in a backpack, Tomic told officers he was still awaiting a suitcase on the airport’s carousel.

“There’s nothing in there, mate – clothes,” he told police.

On inspection, $699,950 cash in nine vacuum-sealed bags was found in the suitcase.

He later claimed he had returned from a friend’s wedding at Brisbane, where he was offered $5000 to courier the suitcase. On the known facts, this was “not entirely implausible”, Judge O’Connell noted.

Tomic said he was aware there was money inside, but not how much.

Authorities suspected the cash was out of proportion with Tomic’s income of about $1000 a week, Judge O’Connell noted.

Tomic owned three assets – a Range Rover, Holden Cruze and Ford Transit, and lived with his parents.

The Bosnian-born refugee and his family migrated to Springvale in 1998, later moving to Hampton Park.

The talented soccer player had escalated into ice addiction after a relationship breakdown.

Judge O’Connell noted the amount of cash was more than seven times the threshold re-

Dandenong Station. 235584 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Weapons seized in police blitz Dejan Tomic, 28, pleaded guilty to dealing with more than $100,000 cash suspected as proceeds of crime in the Victorian County Court. quirement, which was “almost invariably” punished by jail.

Assisting in money laundering played an important role in organised crime, he said.

However, Tomic’s role was “limited”, and there was no evidence of pre-planning before he left for Brisbane, the court heard.

Tomic had no prior convictions, with much of his life in front of him, Judge O’Connell said.

The judge was impressed by Tomic’s “exceptional” and sustained rehabilitation since his arrest, relying on a depth of family and friend support.

Since his arrest, Tomic had been reportedly committed to drug rehabilitation counselling.

His treatment recently intensified after a relapse – a positive test to cocaine in June.

Tomic regularly attended and volunteered a Serbian Orthodox church in Keysborough, returned to assist at Noble Park United Football Club and bought into a gym franchise, the judge noted.

Jail would “risk undermining if not destroying” his reformation and “more importantly, the community’s long-term interests”.

“It’s not a risk that’s worth taking.”

Tomic was jailed for 14 months but immediately released on a recognizance release order – a $5000 good-behaviour bond for 14 months.

Police have seized four weapons and arrested several people in Dandenong during an Operation Omni blitz on Thursday 29 September.

Officers searched 150 people, seizing two knives, knuckledusters and a sword.

Eighteen offenders were arrested or booked for theft, drug possession, breach of bail, assaulting police and weapons charges.

During the operation, police were given powers to search people for weapons in an area designated by the Chief Commissioner.

It included Dandenong’s transport hubs and the CBD. “With the increase in people carrying illegal weapons, these operations will continue across the division with community safety being our priority,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

REVITALISING CENTRAL DANDENONG 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.

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 – 225 Lonsdale St Dandenong VIC 3175 Registration: Via email

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: rcd.capitalalliancegroup.com Email: rcd@capitalalliance.com.au *COVID compliance apply in line with any requirement/s mandated by Government.

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NEWS

Rentals hit ‘crunch point’

By Eleanor Wilson and Cam Lucadou-Wells Less than 100 affordable rental properties are available in Greater Dandenong, according to the latest State Government statistics.

The June Quarter 2022 Rental Report indicates affordable rental stocks have plunged 29.5 per cent - down from 139 in the June 2021 quarter to 98 in June 2022. There were zero affordable one-bedroom rentals.

The median rental price has increased from $350 to $380 in the same period, up by 8.6 per cent.

The rise in rental stress is a concerning constant across the state, with peak bodies and local governments calling for urgent action.

Ahead of the state election, the City of Casey called for an “urgent investment” to stem the shortfall of 6000 affordable and social housing dwellings, with priority projects for women and families experiencing family violence and/or homelessness.

Greater Dandenong Council is lobbying for the same, plus increased welfare payments and a bespoke crisis accommodation facility.

Chief executive officer of housing support service WAYSS, Wayne Merritt, said the South East is at a “crunch point” when it comes to affordable accomodation for residents.

“There’s a huge demand and we just don’t have the housing stock to fill that demand at the moment,” he said.

“We are 100 per cent supportive of the call out for more social housing and we would also like to see a dedicated allocation for the South East and on top of that an allocation for young people in the South East as we know they are often a missed out group when it comes to affordable housing.”

Mr Merritt said many residents who approach WAYSS are currently spending up to 75 or 80 per cent of their fortnightly income on

Rental stress remains a significant problem for Victorians. housing, leaving very little for other living expenses.

“Most of the people we see are on some type of government benefit which then makes it harder to get into property because they might be seen as a less attractive applicant in the pool of 30 to 40 applicants, which is the numbers we are seeing now” he said.

“We support the Government’s $5.3 million investment for 12,000 new homes through Victoria’s Big Housing Build, but we know we

Picture: UNSPLASH

need thousands more homes just in the South East to meeting the demand.”

Peak body Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) has called for all political parties to commit to 6000 new social housing properties each year for a decade.

CHP chief executive officer Jenny Smith agreed renters are on the front line of Victoria’s cost of living crisis.

“More renters are being pushed into home-

lessness because they can’t find a rental they can afford,” she said.

“Homelessness services are overwhelmed with people desperate for a home, and too many Victorians in urgent need of homelessness support are missing out.’’

“Government can end homelessness by providing more support to respond to people needing help, and by fixing the fundamental problem of lack of affordable rentals.’’

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NEWS

Debut poetry in motion

By Marcus Uhe Dandenong poet Aloma Davis’ first foray into competitive poetry has won her a place at the Victorian State Final of the Australian Slam Poetry Championships on Wednesday 12 October.

The English and English Literature teacher first developed a love for the style at primary school and has kept at in the background of her other pursuits ever since. She now teaches the style as part of the school curriculum and decided this year to enter into a competition.

“I’ve been teaching Slam poetry for year nine students and I thought this year, why not?

What am I waiting for?” Ms Davis said.

The state final will see her and the other finalists from across the state compete in two rounds, where they will be required to perform an original poem in under two minutes to a live audience, who score them out of 10.

Rather than simply read the poem wordfor-word, competitors are required to perform the written piece. However, the audience aren’t given specific criteria to score them on, making planning and preparing that extra bit difficult.

“Some base their scores on writing quality, some base it on quality of performance,” Ms Davis said.

“They have to hold up their scorecard at the end.

“It’s nerve-wracking because you’ve got no idea.”

She takes inspiration from poets like Charles Bukowski and Ada Limon, appreciating their conversational style that doesn’t rely on rhyme or rhythm but mastering the ability to generate vivid, evocative imagery.

Aloma Davis will compete at the Victorian State Final of the Australian Slam Poetry Championships on Wednesday. 301002 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Her poems follow a similar style, beginning with humour early in the text before taking a dark, serious twist later in the piece. Residents of Dandenong may be familiar with Ms Davis’ prior publications, having had work displayed publicly in the municipality before.

In 2019, fascinated by Dandenong landmarks such as the big golf ball at Drummond Golf and the big bike above One Big Bike, she wrote a series of Haiku’s and displayed them at the Dandenong Theatre, before they were moved to an exhibit at the Walker Street Gallery.

Success in Wednesday’s State Championships would see her qualify for the national finals at the Sydney Opera House later in the month, which would cap an incredible year.

“It would be amazing a dream come true,” Ms Davis said, of the thought of performing at the Opera House.

“I’ve always wanted to write and loved perfuming, and I didn’t know you could combine it until this year.”

Shahan, Fifan, Imal and Imran enjoying a sausage in bread. 300572 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Great day out in Doveton

By Marcus Uhe Friday 30 September saw families and the community in Doveton come together for the Celebrate Doveton festival.

Held at the Autumn Place Community Hub, the festival was run as a collaborative event between the Hub, Doveton Library, Doveton College, and the Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre.

Centre Manager at Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Paula Correia, estimated that roughly 400 people attended the festival which was extremely well-received, based on feedback given.

“Today I was going through the surveys and we’ve not had any negative feedback from 135 responses,” Ms Correia said.

“The idea was for people to find out as much as they can, and what services are available in Doveton. We’re trying to connect groups and community and services together.”

Run during school holidays, kids were kept entertained with a Virtual Reality gaming exhibit, a reptile enclosure, an animal farm, and were spellbound by the roving magician.

Officers from the Endeavour Hills Police Station offered the opportunity to sit in a police car and the Cranbourne Lions kept everyone fed with a sausage sizzle.

The event had been held prior to Covid-19 but not as collaboration between the organisations.

Ms Correia said the success of the festival meant they will look to make it an annual event going forward.

“We wanted to offer something that was fun for whole family.

“I think we achieved that. It was fantastic.”

Daniel and Fred from Cranbourne Lions kept everyone fed. 300572

Senior Constable Amy Holden with Manager from Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Paula Correia. 300572

Senior Constable Amy Holden with Tobey and Jeremy in the police car. 300572

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.

Attendees lining up for a snag. 300572

Make a difference.

Visit jobsthatmatter.vic.gov.au

Volunteers Geraldine, Wataa and Asunoion.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Snakes alive! Jasrah makes a new friend with Ryan from Lizard Wizard. 300572

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NEWS

Road bridge proposed A road bridge has been proposed to replace a level crossing in Progress Street, Dandenong South.

Community feedback is being sought by the State Government on the proposed bridge, which will connect Progress Street and Fowler Road in the busy industrial precinct.

According to the Level Crossing Removal Project, the new design creates safer access for businesses to Princes Highway via an upgraded, signalised intersection at South Gippsland Highway.

Access across the rail line at Progress Street would be closed permanently.

Traffic from south of the existing level crossing would instead link directly to Fowler Road via the new road bridge over Eumemmerring Creek.

The 1-kilometre detour will take about 4 minutes for drivers, according to the project report.

The road bridge was considered the best option because it allowed for future developments and rail duplications, and minimised impacts to utilities, local community infrastructure, commuters and drivers.

“Other designs would have required a longer construction time and extensive shut down periods, with impacts to passengers on the entire Pakenham Line.”

An image of the road bridge is expected to be publicly released in early 2023.

The State Government is aiming to remove all level crossings on the Pakenham line by 2025.

So far, 13 crossings on the line have been re-

The ‘investigation area’ for the level crossing removal at Progress Street, Dandenong South.

Picture: LEVEL CROSSING REMOVAL PROJECT moved – with another nine to come.

“We have nine more level crossings to remove to make Melbourne’s busiest rail line level crossing free, delivering huge benefits for locals, as well as the state’s largest manufacturing hub in Dandenong South,” Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said.

“Removing these level crossings is a great win for businesses in this important industrial area, easing congestion and improving safety for all road users.”

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said “we’re excited to see the back of these level crossings for good”. “(It’s) giving thriving local businesses safer local connections and easier access to Princes Highway via South Gippsland Highway.”

Feedback on the level-crossing removal is open until 11.59pm on Sunday 30 October.

Details: engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-progress-street

Docs warn hospital PSOs could ‘decrease safety’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An emergency-doctors’ peak body says more hospital security guards are needed, but not armed PSOs. The latter has been proposed by the State Opposition as a trial at five Victorian hospitals including Dandenong.

Australasian College of Emergency Medicine state chair Belinda Hibble welcomed the Coalition’s recognition of rising levels of aggression and violence in emergency departments. “(But) instead of making emergency departments safer, the presence of PSOs could potentially decrease safety in Victoria’s EDs for patients, staff, and carers.”

Dr Hibble said specially-trained 24-7 security guards should be embedded in EDs. They should “practice in a trauma-informed manner and be experts in calm and empathic de-escalation”.

“When you see these security guards in action, as I have, it is inspiring: they know when to step in, and when to step back.

“They know their communities intimately, and their communities trust them.

“They can read each situation and are adept at compassionately managing patients under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, or who are experiencing mental health issues.”

If elected, the Liberal-Nationals Coalition pledged to trial 75 Protective Services Officers at external mobile stations at five major hospitals.

The PSOs would be available to immediately support hospital staff and police with mental health patients or those influenced

A two-year trial of PSOs has been proposed for Dandenong Hospital. 296906 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS by drugs and alcohol.

Opposition health spokesperson Georgie Crozier said it would mean a safer workplace for hospital staff.

“As a former nurse and midwife, I have experienced and seen what can happen, and it is not okay,” Ms Crozier said.

The move is also designed to free up police resources, and has been backed by The Police Association Victoria.

A State Government spokesperson said the Coalition was “going back to their failed and discredited PSOs policy from 2010”.

“Expert witnesses told a parliamentary committee in 2011 that this policy would actually make hospitals more dangerous.

“After they dropped the policy, Matthew Guy’s Liberals promised to use the money to make hospitals safer - but they broke that promise, too.”

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“...Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

(Hebrews 12:26-28 Bible).

Let’s not be an ostrich & stick our heads in the sand & pretend there is nothing wrong! The facts are, there is much wrong, & it starts with our gross ungodliness & arrogance, turning away from acknowledging the truth. “God’s Word”....

Yes it is His word alone that gives freedom, life, blessing, healing, deliverance & peace. It is in the Gospel that we have the knowledge of God’s purpose, way & salvation. For it is the power of God expressed unto us. Christian & non Christian alike, it is time to look closely at what motivates you, what is the strongest desire in your life? What are you spending your time, effort, strength & money & achieving in this life. Is it is to acquire the best & “keep up with the Jones’s”. Is it about gathering wealth & satisfying your own desires, over the hurt & rejection of others, even the ones you love? Is it work, sport, travel, hobbies.... the list goes on. All these are not necessarily bad in themselves, but when they become our prime desire, then we have missed the mark & are speedily heading for disaster. “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world & lose his own soul? (Math 16:26).

What foundation are we laying? What seeds are we sowing? because we will reap what we sow! If we sow ungodliness we will indeed be counted amongst the ungodly in the day of the Lord. If we sow righteousness (endeavour to live in right standing with God, by submitting to His guidance, blessing & love) then we will inherit salvation, blessing & the favour of God in our lives & for eternity. God sends a great shaking that will reveal the purposes & attitudes of our hearts.

We all will be layed bare & stripped naked leaving only what is good, righteous & Holy.

When’s the last time YOU went to CHURCH?

Pastor Paul Furlong

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

YOU ARE INVITED

Awesome music & powerful teaching from God’s Word

“REAR” 94 Victor Cres Narre Warren (Behind Aquarium)

www.therevival.com.au Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 7

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society

12 October 1922 The Federal Elections Now that Mr Hughes has, as we are told, make himself safe for North Sydney, and can afford to laugh at the certainty that he would have had a sharp tussle to retain the Bendigo seat, with a strong possibility of defeat it has become abundantly clear that a general election is a thing of the near future. Members, one and all, proclaim themselves ready for the battle, and with one or two exceptions state they are confident of victory. Still, that this has to come is evident, and on all sides the breaking up feeling is very noticeable. That it will be a compete break up in many cases is tolerably certain, and the public can only hope that the new Parliament will be composed of members with more regard for the community and less for the party than the House that is now daily chanting “Dulce Domum”. Of course the great question is who will lead?

50 years ago 12 October 1972 Parking at premium, so…….

Parking in Lonsdale St is at a premium and the provision of a taxi rank instead of parking bays would not be in the best interests of the community as a whole. This was stated in Dandenong council on Monday Night by the City Engineer, Mr Gordon Wright. He gave a four-point comment to a request by Sandown Taxi asking why council refused to shift a taxi rank from Walker to Lonsdale Street.

The through carriageways and service roads on Lonsdale Street from, Clow to Foster Sts had very nearly reached maximum capacity.

When the taxi rank was in front of the National Bank a large number of taxis were making U turns.

The existing taxi rank in Walker Street is convenient and causes less confusion to movement.

The congestion which occurs on occasions in Walker Street will disappear when the one-way traffic movement is introduced in Walker Street.

· · · ·

Members of the ‘With One Voice’ Choir at the Christmas carols event in Harmony Square in 2016. 162644

20years ago 14 October 2002 Barry back to blackboard for day Former TV quiz kid Barry Jones jumped at the chance to return to Dandenong High School where he used to teach. The former Pick A Box quiz champ returned to his old school last Thursday as part of the State Government ‘principal for a day’ program. Mr Jones said while computers had been the biggest change he had seen in education, he supported the move by his old school to retain subjects such as Latin. “It gives people a degree of mental agility.” He said a major change he

POP IN POP UP 5 Star Café, 2/20 Remington Drive, Dandenong South

5002

Food and drink provided.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12570698-MS41-22

8 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

9 October 2017 Carols Cancelled Dandenong’s Carols by Candlelight event will not go ahead his year, because a viable location has not been found. For the past two years the chamber of commerce has used Harmony Square to host the event but a lack of community support and lower than expected attendance has the location scrapped this year.

By Bill Kean from The Baha’i Community of Greater Dandenong

Drop in anytime, no RSVP required. The project team will be available to answer any questions.

Dandenong Market Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong

5 years ago

Singer Emma-Kate Tobia and MC Justin Peters sing carols in Harmony Square in 2016. 162644

Oneness the ultimate goal

You’re invited to come and chat with us about the Pound Road West Upgrade.

Wednesday 26 October 10.30am to 2pm

noticed at his old school was the high proportion of students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

NEWS

Pound Road West Upgrade

Saturday 22 October 9am to 1pm

Pictures: ROB CAREW

There is a growing realisation permeating societies the world over, that the decades ahead are set to bring with them greater challenges, the likes of which have never before been witnessed.

Yet, despite this there is an understanding that amidst the disruptions, a new kind of awareness is being felt, one that recognises the fact that we are all One species living in One home (Planet Earth) and that what affects One, affects All. There is no doubt that we are entering a new phase in human history.

God, who leaves not his children comfortless, has guided human society through the stages of Unity of family, of tribe, of city-state, of nation building and is now steering us towards the final goal, of World Unity.

The age of maturity is upon us.

However, a harassed and ‘adolescent’ humanity is putting up resistance and thereby delaying the inevitable.

“World Order!” - the constant cry from all corners of the globe by a despairing and disheartened community, appear to be unaware, it would seem, of the fact that it can only be founded on the oneness of mankind.

“The well-being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.” (Baha’i Writings) The attainment of any objective is dependent upon three conditions: intention, will and action. Unless these three conditions are present the goal will not be realised.

MESSAGE OF

HOPE

Bill Kean from The Baha’i Community of Greater Dandenong.

I may add that ‘Hope’, according to the definition in the Collins English Dictionary, “is a feeling of desire for something, and confidence in the possibility of its fulfillment”.

Rely then on God and let us go forward, with trust and confidence in His Divine Plan and with the lines from the poet, Robert Browning, ringing in our ears.

“God is in His Heaven – All’s right with the world!” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Celebrate New Season Fashion With Top Model Australia!

Saturday 22 October 12pm & 1.30pm Sunday 23 October 1pm Level 2, Centre Court

JOIN US FOR THE FASHION EVENT OF THE YEAR!

LEARN MORE www.armadadandenongplaza.com.au

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 9

VICTORIAN HOMEBUYER FUND It could be the key to owning your own home sooner.

To make owning your own home more affordable, the Victorian Government has introduced the Homebuyer Fund.

If you have a 5% deposit, the Victorian Government will contribute up to 25% of the purchase price, in exchange for an equivalent share in the property. This can help you reduce your mortgage.

Find out if you’re eligible at vic.gov.au/homebuyer

Stamp duty and other costs are payable in addition to the deposit. Eligibility and lending criteria apply with selected banks and restrictions and obligations apply after purchase.

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

12571487-MS41-22

10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Lynbrook lights up

$8K bill for brutal dog attack

By Marcus Uhe

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Ashira admires the lanterns. 300437

Lotus flower candles in the evening. 300437

Floating lotus candles on the lake lit up the night. 300437

Families by the lake wait to release their floating lotus candle onto the lake while the sun sets.

300437

No jail for ‘deplorable’ hit-run driver

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A speeding, disqualified driver who ran away after striking a man on O’Shea Road in Berwick has been spared jail.

Michael John Cashen, 31, of Highett, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to dangerous driving causing serious injury as well as driving disqualified and failing to stop and render assistance to the victim.

Sentencing judge Angela Ellis said the father of two had been speeding at an estimated 100km/h on the wrong side of the road while passing a traffic island and another car about 6.40am on 18 June 2018.

Ahead, the victim was pushing his friend’s car, which was turning right from Riviera Drive onto O’Shea Road.

Cashen steered back onto the correct side of the road, hitting the victim who was thrown up to 25 metres into roadside bushes.

With his car now “inoperable”, Cashen briefly approached his seriously injured victim then ran from the scene with his front passenger.

The victim was helped by his friend and another eyewitness. He was transported to The Alfred hospital with a broken shinbone and damaged knees.

Meanwhile, an “upset and crying” Cashen rang an associate, telling them he’d “f***ed dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

up”, Judge Ellis said.

In an initial police interview, he denied driving the car involved in the crash.

Cashen’s “deplorable conduct” had shown “utter disregard” for other road users, Judge Ellis said.

“Your conduct, driving on the wrong side of the road for approximately 50 – 60 metres, travelling at well in excess of the designated speed of 70km/h, was incredibly dangerous.

“It’s not clear why you were in such a hurry, that you drove on the wrong side of the road, passing the incorrect side of the traffic island.”

At the time, he was said to be abusing illegal drugs to cope with a relationship breakdown.

His long-term addiction had been a coping mechanism, likely due to his untreated ADHD, Judge Ellis said.

Cashen’s “extensive” criminal history included priors for driving while disqualified and driving dangerously, the judge noted.

A year before the crash, he’d pleaded guilty to reckless conduct endangering serious injury, while trying to evade a police pursuit.

He’d also been to court five times for further offending since the crash, including three jail terms in 2018 and 2019.

Cashen had also previously breached two

community corrections orders and a drug treatment order.

Judge Ellis however noted Cashen’s “marked” improvement since being last released from jail. She rated his rehabilitation prospects as “good”.

For the first time, he successfully completed a CCO in May 2022. He had also “kept busy” as a concreting foreman.

“I am told that you have been drug free for over two years, and have committed no further offences since your release from custody in November 2020.

“You can continue with the path … or you can return to the lifestyle you were living chaotic, erratic and beholden to whatever drugs you were taking.”

Judge Ellis said ordinarily Cashen would have been jailed, but it was in the community’s interest to have him rehabilitated.

“Whilst you shouldn’t be rewarded for being a law abiding and hardworking citizen, it’s not easy for people with a history of drug use and criminal offending to change their lives in the way that you have.”

Cashen was sentenced to a three-year CCO, including 350 hours of unpaid work as well as drug and mental health treatment and a roadtrauma awareness program.

A dog-owner gave up his Staffordshire terrier for dead as they were mauled by an escaped American Staffordshire bull terrier-brindle cross in Springvale, a court has heard.

Proseuratank Thin, 28, pleaded guilty to the attack by his brother-inlaw’s dog ‘Junior’, which had leapt out of an open window and over a front-yard fence in View Road about 6.50pm on 21 August.

Both victims, a Staffie ‘Tyson’ and his owner, were passing by on a dog-walk.

They were left bleeding profusely from the attack, council prosecutor Bec Goddard told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 6 October.

The dog-owner victim picked up Tyson as Junior ran “full speed” at them.

But he was savaged by Junior to the forearm and had to put his dog to ground.

Junior then clamped onto Tyson’s neck, refusing to let go as he threw his head back-and-forth.

After minutes of struggle, the owner resigned himself to not being able to save his dog and waited for Junior to “finish”, Ms Goddard said.

Fortunately, an unknown man came to the rescue, flinging a leather jacket over Junior’s head and then chasing the dog down the street.

Both Tyson and his owner underwent surgery.

After a City of Greater Dandenong investigation, Junior was euthanized.

Thin took responsibility for the attack, given he’d been the last to leave the house and had inadvertently left the escape window open that day.

A Commerce Masters student, Thin was at work at the time of the attack.

Junior had never attacked before, and been usually confined to the house and rear yard, Thin told the court.

Thin was ordered to repay the victims’ medical and veterinary expenses totalling $6374, plus $1355 pound fees to the City of Greater Dandenong.

He was fined $400 plus $131.50 statutory costs.

In sentencing, magistrate Greg Connellan said the fine was much less than normal due to the large compensation bill.

Other factors were Thin’s clean record, his cooperation with council officers as well as the fact he didn’t own the dog.

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Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

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12452271-SN26-20

A warm Saturday evening provided a special setting for the return of the Lynbrook Lantern Festival on 1 October.

Organised by the Lynbrook Residents Association, the annual event had taken a backseat in recent years due to the pandemic, but returned in style with estimated crowd of roughly 6000 people, a significant increase on previous numbers, according to association president Carlton Vaz. “We were super pleased (with the event),” Mr Vaz said.

“We do it every year but this was unbelievable.

“The crowd was fantastic and everybody was happy, very family-friendly event. All the rides, food and things were reasonably priced.”

The event was highlighted by the floating of the self-decorated lanterns across Banjo Paterson Lake.

Kids were entertained by a number of VIPs, including Mickey Mouse, Mermaid Tarielle, Spider-Man and Charlie SillyPants, along with pony rides, a reptile demonstration and carnival rides.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to cater to a crowd of over 5000,” Mr Vaz said.

“I would like to specially mention Vanessa Watson, our event manager, for all her hard work and sleepless nights.”

Photographer ROB CAREW captured the best of the action on the day.

STAR JOURNAL 11

AFL PUZZLES cROSSWORD

SUPERQUIZ

0–10 Bottom of the ladder

Which team beat Carlton in a nail-biting one-point win in Round 23?

2

Who won the 2015 Brownlow Medal?

3

Which South Australian club has recently introduced their AFLW team?

4

And which decorated player will take on the role as captain?

AcROSS

DOWN

7

1, 2-down South Sudanborn Gold Coast Suns player who debuted with Richmond (6,4) 2 See 1-down 3 St Kilda’s leading goalkicker in 2016, 2017 and 2019, Tim — (7) 4 2021 Coleman Medallist, Harry — (5) 5 This team formed in 1996 after a merger, — Lions (8) 6 Sydney Swans AFLW coach, Scott — (6) 12 St Kilda wingman who first played for West Perth (4,4) 14 Colloquial term for the field (7) 16 Won the AFLW 2020 Geelong best and fairest award and now plays for Melbourne, — Purcell (6) 18 Melbourne midfielder who won the Keith Bluey Truscott Medal in 2017, 2019 and 2021, Clayton — (6) 19 Collingwood defender and son of Peter, Darcy — (5) 21 Alternative nickname for the Crows that stemmed from a typo (4)

9 10 11 13 15 17 20 21 22 23

2020 Brownlow Medallist, — Neale (6) Carlton key forward who debuted in 2016, Charlie — (6) Fremantle midfielder and older brother of 12-down, Stephen — (4) 2022’s AFLPA MVP, Andrew — (8) Low, hard kick, also known as a ‘daisy cutter’ (7) Carlton midfielder and 2019 AFL Rising Star, Sam — (5) North Melbourne’s uniform is white and — blue (5) GWS’ leading goalkicker, Jeremy — (7) This team is nicknamed the Tigers (8) Essendon AFLW captain, Stephanie — (4) Gold Coast midfielder and co-captain, Touk — (6) Fremantle AFLW coach who replaced Michelle Cowan, Trent — (6)

5

How many AFL players have kicked 1000 goals?

7

Which club is facing disarray after the sacking of their coach and resignation of multiple board members?

|

15 Sunrise host David Koch is also the chairman of which club?

28 Which team had 2022’s biggest winning margin with a 112 point victory over North Melbourne?

16 Who won the 2021 Brownlow Medal?

29 Who was named captain of the 2022 All-Australian side?

30 The season’s lowest crowd of 4014 was recorded in a game featuring which two sides?

19 Who won the 2021 Coleman Medal?

20 Which two teams has Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin played for?

Which Brisbane player has the Frozen song Let it Go play after he kicks a goal?

21 Which team won the wooden spoon in 2022 for the second year in a row?

9

Who has been recently been announced as GWS’ new coach?

22 How many AFL head coaches resigned or were sacked in 2022?

10 Which assistant coach recently joined his former club?

23 Who won the 2022 Coleman Medal with 64 goals?

11 Which two teams have won the most AFL premiership cups?

24 Which team kicked a season-high score of 165 points against West Coast in Round 7?

12 Who was the coach of the Brisbane Lions for their three premiership wins in 2001, 2002 and 2003?

25 Which stadium or oval is the home ground for the most AFL clubs?

SOLUTIONS

2. How many goals did he score in his playing career?

A. 895 B. 915 C. 935 D. 985

4. By what iconic nickname was he known?

A. Lucky Leigh B. Loyal Leigh C. Lethal Leigh D. Lawless Leigh

3. For which Australian TV network is he an AFL commentator?

A. Seven B. 10 C. Nine D. SBS

5. In which year was he elevated to the Australian Football Hall of Fame?

A. 1990 B. 1992 C. 1994 D. 1996

Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

27 Which two players reached the 350 games played milestone in 2022?

8

SOLUTIONS: 1C, 2B, 3A, 4C, 5D 12 STAR JOURNAL

14 Who is the current AFL CEO?

18 Which team did Adam Treloar get traded from in 2020?

6

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW? LEIGH MATTHEWS 1. In which Victorian suburb was Matthews born?

A. Cragieburn B. Collingwood C. Frankston D. Hawthorn

26 Who won this year’s AFL Rising Star award?

17 Who was the number one draft pick in 2021, and which team selected him?

Buddy Franklin reached a milestone of 1000 career goals against which club?

0 % * & 8 5 1 2 : . , : $ < 6 + $ : < % 1 : $ / 6 + 3 1 $ 0 ( 5 2 1 ' / ' & $ , 1 2 5 9 & 2 2 3 ( 5 .

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13 Which AFL team is the newest to the league?

EDGEWORD

WORD STEP

PARKS

_____ _____ _____ _____ AS

ED

HO

AP

SI

AT

ST

RE

SOLUTION: ASSIST, ASHORE, STATED, REAPED

1

FOOTY

SOLUTION: PARKS, PARTS, PORTS, FORTS, FORTY, FOOTY

8

21–30 Premiership winner

1. Collingwood 2. Nat Fyfe 3. Port Adelaide 4. Erin Phillips 5. Geelong 6. Six 7. Essendon 8. Joe Daniher 9. Adam Kingsley 10. Lenny Hayes (St Kilda) 11. Essendon and Carlton with 16 12. Leigh Matthews 13. GWS Giants, joined in 2012 14. Gillon McLachlan 15. Port Adelaide 16. Ollie Wines 17. Jason Horne-Francis, North Melbourne 18. Collingwood 19. Harry McKay 20. Hawthorn and Sydney 21. North Melbourne 22. Three (Ben Rutten, David Noble and Leon Cameron) 23. Charlie Curnow 24. Richmond 25. Docklands Stadium 26. Nick Daicos 27. Scott Pendlebury and Joel Selwood 28. Geelong 29. Tom Hawkins 30. Greater Western Sydney Giants and Gold Coast Suns

11–20 Qualified for finals

0 & 0 / $ & + , ( % 2 0 + , / / % 5 2 5 * 5 8 % % ( 5 5 < 5 2 < $ / & / ' 0 5 , & + 0 2 1 9 , 2 0 , / / ( 5 $ / (

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

No detail on high-rise plans In response to the Dandenong Star Journal article “Questions remain after Little India Consultation” (p7, Tuesday 4 October), the Dandenong Community Association have the following comments to make.

Firstly the key engagement survey of 12 people. That amount of people makes the results pretty meaningless.

We don’t even know whether any of these 12 people are residents of Dandenong or even Greater Dandenong.

What has been announced so far by the State Government is not a 15-year transformational plan - it is a developer sales brochure.

A resident who is a member of our asso-

ciation was told in the consultation earlier this year by Capital Alliance that only Stage 1 of 7 would definitely happen.

And that the proposed educational facility, community hub, incubator/co-working space was all just speculation and would need to be funded by local or State government.

As for Little India, they were told that current traders would be offered tenancies but at market rents.

Given that Little India came into being and continues to survive because of cheap rents that does not bode well for its continued existence Another resident that attended was told that this would be it for consultation

on the project.

When the real detail emerges of what will be built there would be no community consultation.

Permit approvals would be done by the Minister of Planning’s office with no community input. As for this new consultation we have heard that only the same few streets on the border of the Dandenong activity centre have been letterboxed about the sessions coming up.

Dandenong has low rates of digital literacy so letterboxing is very important.

Also sessions are only on Tuesdays and the in-person sessions are only at the Dandenong Civic Centre on Lonsdale St which residents

find inconvenient due to lack of parking.

Bad planning? Making the same mistakes in the same year seems a very deliberate token consultation by design.

Then once this is out of the way it will be open slather for the developer with approvals by the State Government behind closed doors.

If we are wrong we are happy for any of these questions and concerns to be responded to by the State Government. However, so far we have had no answers from them as they have outsourced that role to the property developer!

Silvia Mastrogiovanni, Dandenong Community Association

NEWS

Inquiry wants Victorian watchdog witness reforms

By Callum Godde, AAP, and Cam Lucadou-Wells

by process limitations.

“Throughout the course of this inquiry, opposition members have become aware of Labor government members being directed by operatives within the premier’s private office (PPO),” they wrote in a 14-page minority report.

“Opposition members of this committee believe that the work of the IOC should be removed from party politics, as the work of this committee is undertaken on behalf of the Victorian parliament and people.”

Premier Daniel Andrews wouldn’t be drawn on the accusation.

“I’m not really interested in getting into a political game,” he told reporters.

IBAC chief executive Marlo Baragwanath said witness welfare was a “primary consider-

ation for IBAC in all its work”.

He said IBAC had made improvements, including a new dedicated witness liaison team.

The team works with investigators, lawyers and IBAC officers to ensure appropriate communication with witnesses. It also ensures witnesses are aware of available supports.

“It is reassuring to see that the Committee’s report identifies IBAC’s current approach to witness welfare management is comprehensive and robust, and that our policies, procedures and practices reflect our serious commitment to identifying potential risks to the health, safety and welfare of witnesses,” Mr Baragwanath said.

Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636

FSA/DETS1029

A parliamentary inquiry has called on the Victorian government to change laws to allow corruption watchdog witnesses to disclosure confidential information to helplines.

In a report tabled in a state parliament on Thursday, the Integrity and Oversight Committee made 16 recommendations as part of its inquiry into integrity agencies’ witness welfare management.

“While the committee has identified important areas for improvement, the agencies’ policies, procedures and practices nevertheless reflect a serious commitment to ensuring the welfare of persons involved in their investigations,” chair Gary Maas wrote.

Chief among the recommendations is for

the Victorian government to seek to amend the Independent Broad based Anti corruption Commission Act to let witnesses subject to an IBAC confidentiality notice to disclose restricted matters to a telephone or online helpline providing mental health crisis support services.

However, IBAC would still retain the ability to direct a restricted matter must not be disclosed in that circumstance.

The inquiry was sparked by the suspected suicide in January of former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon, who was under investigation as part of IBAC’s probe into alleged corruption at the council.

Dissenting Liberal committee members Brad Rowswell and Kim Wells criticised how the Labor-dominated inquiry was run, declaring the full report was “unreservedly affected”

Free Kinder: the best start for 2023.

Enrolments are now open for Free Kinder.

Free Kinder will be available for all Victorian three and four-year-old children at participating services in 2023. Free Kinder will be available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings across the state, saving families up to $2,500 per year, per child.

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

Find your local kindergarten services at vic.gov.au/kinder

12565186-JW41-22

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Brewery breaking ground Independently owned Dandenong-based Brick Lane Brewing has announced it has become B Corp Certified, making it one of the few brewing companies in Australia to hold the global standard.

B Corp Certification is a designation made by the US-based not-for-profit B Lab to applicant organisations that can demonstrate high standards of positive social and environmental impact.

Becoming a B Corp is an important milestone in Brick Lane’s strategy to drive leadership in sustainable beer production among independent brewers in Australia, and to make its operations carbon-free by 2025.

The company’s $50 million investment into a state-of-the-art facility in Dandenong was purpose- designed to minimise the environmental footprint in an industry that has traditionally been highly water and energy intensive.

Initiatives undertaken by Brick Lane in recent years, and acknowledged in the B Corp Certification process, include reducing the ratio of water used to beer produced by 40 per cent, using only fully recyclable packaging across all Brick Lane and partner brands, and reducing both the electricity and natural gas consumed per unit of beer produced by more than half since 2019.

Brick Lane also directs spent grain – the largest waste product in brewing – to farmers in the Greater Melbourne area for use as animal feed.

Brick Lane Managing Director, Paul Bowker, said B Corp Certification validated the sustainability path Brick Lane had pursued since producing its first can of beer in 2018.

“Sustainability is no longer a negotiable for any organisation that wants to be taken seriously and, from day one, Brick Lane has benchmarked itself against the highest standards of environmental and social impact,” Mr Bowker said.

“Becoming a B Corp shows we are on the right track.

“Embedding sustainability throughout brewing operations is a journey of continuous

Brick Lane Managing Director Paul Bowker and Jon Seltin at the Dandenong Brewery. 302172 improvement and our ambitions go above and beyond the rigorous requirements of B Corp Certification.

“Ultimately we’re working toward eliminating carbon emissions entirely from beer production by 2025 and by doing so, leading the way for other independent brewers.”

Mr Bowker acknowledged the team at Brick Lane and credited their ingenuity for the Certification, but said it was all part of a larger process.

“We’re now focused squarely on eliminating carbon emissions from our operations and the electricity we consume to achieve ‘true zero’ brewing,“ he said.

“Among other things, that will be supported by significant investment in renewable energy to drive production.”

This year, Brick Lane commenced installation of a 375kW solar project at the Dandenong site, the largest of any independent brewer in Australia. The system will supply 27 per cent of Brick Lane’s energy requirements and save 374 tonnes of annual CO2 emissions – the equivalent of 81 cars off the road.

By the end of 2023, Brick Lane expects to be using 100 per cent renewable electricity, to have reduced fugitive CO2 emissions by 50 per cent and to be certified carbon neutral.

To become a B Corp, applicant organisations must exceed benchmarks for social and envi-

Picture: SUPPLIED ronmental performance, make a legal commitment to changing their governance structure to be accountable to a wide range of stakeholders, and agree to report publicly on their ongoing performance against B Corp benchmarks.

Brick Lane has recently launched a warehouse and logistics business in a new 5000 square metre facility allowing it to store and deliver beers direct from its site to customers and consumers, creating a vertically integrated brewing production, distribution, wholesale and hospitality business.

The investment in direct trucking of finished beer will eliminate an estimated 880 truck movements per year from Brick Lane’s supply chain.

Weapons, ammunition seized in Clyde North Two Clyde North men who hid from police during a search warrant are facing a number of weapons-related charges after detectives seized imitation firearms, a baton and ammunition at a Clyde North address.

Police cordoned off a residential property at Balmoor Terrace, Clyde North after which two men peacefully exited the premises at roughly 5.45am on 4 October.

Dandenong Divisional Response Unit (DRU) detectives executed a search warrant on the address and located a 49-yearold Clyde North man in a roof cavity and a 37-year-old Clyde North man in a garden shed, police say.

Once all suspects were in custody, a search of the premises located Five imitation firearms 13 rounds of ammunition, two expended ammunition shells, a stolen car, an electronic safe, several mobile phones, various medications and an extendable baton.

Dandenong DRU Sergeant James Frost said that despite being imitations, the weapons are still extremely dangerous.

“Let me be very clear, the possession of imitation firearms is illegal, and police will not hesitate in targeting and arresting those who think they can flout the law,” Mr Frost said.

“Imitation firearms are almost identical in appearance of legitimate firearms and are often utilised in serious and violent offending.

“This can leave people within the community can be left feeling vulnerable, insecure, and scared in their own neighbourhood.

“Any illegal weapon on our streets is a threat to our community and police will continue to use every power we have in order to prevent harm to our communities.”

The 37-year-old has been charged with prohibited person possessing imitation firearms, possessing ammunition without a license, possessing prohibited weapons without an exemption, theft of motor vehicle, failure to give passcodes and commit an indictable offence while on bail.

He was remanded to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates Court on the 5 Octo14 STAR JOURNAL

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Abid from Qandi Fresh, Jason from Dandenong Market Lotto and Will from Peanut Market celebrate the market’s 156th birthday.

Iconic market turns 156

Police executed the search warrant on 4 October. 206998 ber, where he was sentenced to a 12-month Community Corrections Order.

The 49-year-old is expected to be charged on summons with prohibited person possessing imitation firearms, possessing ammunition without a license, possessing prohibited

Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

weapons without an exemption and theft of motor vehicle.

A 27-year-old Rosebud man was charged with breaching bail conditions, while a fourth man was arrested at the time and subsequently released.

Dandenong Market has marked its 156th birthday with donuts.

As part of the celebrations, the market gave away a free Dandee Donut to the first 156 customers on Saturday 8 October.

On that day in 1866, its market yards welcomed auctioneers selling cattle, horses, pigs and rams.

It looks a bit different these days but remains a community meeting place, general manager Jennifer Hibbs says.

“Now boasting more than 200 small businesses, we’re proud to be the jewel in the crown that is Greater Dandenong.

“Many of our much-loved traders have grown up within the Market; reminiscing on the site which was eventually redeveloped between 2005 and 2010.

“For those living in the south-eastern suburbs, the Market stands as an icon.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

A breadth of offerings Lyndale Secondary College offers great advantages in the breadth of curriculum offerings.

There is provision for specialist learning areas and facilities, extensive staff professional development and a wide range of co-curricular programs which contribute so much to the fullest development of the student’s academic, cultural, artistic, social and sporting achievements, while still maintaining a sense of belonging essential in all great schools.

Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program Lyndale Secondary College is one of a small number of Department of Education Schools in the state which is accredited to provide Select Entry programs for gifted students.

The acceleration process is designed to cater for the needs of the highly academically talented student. The program also emphasises the college’s strong belief in pastoral care and ensures that all students are effectively guided through their secondary years of schooling.

The Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program (SEAL) course involves: An intensive and fast paced curriculum Focus on complex and abstract material Emphasis on higher thought processes (problem solving and analysis) Opportunities to participate in a variety of academic competitions Visit https://lyndale.vic.edu.au/accelerated-learning/ for more information.

· · · ·

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

Lyndale Secondary College offers great advantages in the breadth of curriculum offerings.

This program provides educational advantage to our students by strengthening their academic skills to move forward through the commencement of next year’s coursework in the last few weeks of the school year. Headstart benefits Senior School students as they will be better prepared for the rigours of VCE require-

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

forming Arts centre, STEM building, Library building and Administration building. We are currently completing our new Arts and Materials Technology building and Senior School building.

We welcome your interest in our college and contact us on 9795 2366.

Building Program Our new and engaging spaces connect and support our students to improve learning outcomes. We have completed building our Per-

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

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

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

12559715-JC33-22

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

(03) 9795 2366

www.lyndale.vic.edu.au

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North VIC 3175

CRICOS 00861K Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 15

WHAT’S ON Sparrows of Kabul As part of The Boite Spring Festival, Fred Smith, his band and a group of local Afghanistan musicians The Kabul Birds Band perform the Sparrows of Kabul.

Thursday 10 November, 7.30pm at Kingston Arts Centre. Free entry, but bookings essential. Details: kingstonarts.com.au/PERFORMANCE/MUSIC/Sparrows-of-Kabul

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

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Noble Park Art Show Noble Park Community Centre Art Show is back.

See the bumper collection of works from local artists. No admission fees.

14 October 9.30am-3.30pm, 15 October 10am-6pm and 16 October 10am-4pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park, Details: npccartshow.org

·

Green thumbs Noble Park Community Centre Art Show is back.

See the bumper collection of works from local artists. No admission fees.

Wednesday 19 October 8pm (doors open 7.30pm) at the Senior Citizens Hall, The Crescent, Springvale; $3 entry includes a chance to win a door prize plus a cuppa. Details: Cheryl Johnson, 9551-3197.

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Sandown Craft Show Passionate crafters from across the state will descend on Sandown for the ’From Picture to Page and Beyond Papercraft Show’. The threeday 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. Details: Michelle Brown on 0448 417 400 or michelle@FromPicturetoPageandBeyond.com.au

students from Dandenong West Primary School, Emerson School and Dandenong High School.

Also face painting, jumping castle, animal farm, Bollywood dancing workshop, African drumming workshop, free sausage sizzle, popcorn and fairy floss.

Friday November 11, 2–6pm at Dandenong West Primary School, 32 Birdwood Ave, Dandenong. Free event.

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Brass Spooktacular

Learningness techniques.

Tuesday 18 October 10am-12pm (followed by a cuppa/BYO lunch) at Art Studio/Pomegranate Room at The Open Door; suggested donation $5. Bookings: Jo or Tayla on 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au.

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Tai Chi & Awareness Meditation Join us for a 20-minute Tai Chi session followed by a one-hour awareness meditation. Meditation brings stillness, and harmonises the body and soul in conjunction with Tai Chi which aids our health and brings balance.

Mondays 2pm-3.30pm (followed by a cuppa) at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong.

Gold coin donation welcome. Both workshops also offered zia ZOOM. Details: Jo/Tayla, 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Dandenong West festival

The City of Greater Dandenong Band are excited to bring back our ever popular and always spectacular Annual Cabaret. Falling on the eve of Halloween, we are gearing up to present ‘Brass Spooktacular! - Spooky Tunes for your Afternoon!” featuring amazing local musical and vocal talent. This event is a BYO Cabaret seating setup, and there will be prizes, raffles, and a whole lot of frightening fun. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their finest fright-wear.

Sunday 30 October, 2pm (doors open 1.30pm) at Springvale Town Hall, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale; $30/$22 (concession) / free for 5’s and under. Bookings: 0423 925 192 or trybooking.com/ccqwh

Dandenong West Primary School’s free community festival has a full performance line-up including Mitch Tambo, Bolly Dazzlers, Mariache Trio, Kaya Sun, Ze Mesquita, The Connie’s and

Wellness Circle

Surveyed show

You are invited to join us for an invigorating morning focusing on our mental health and wellness led by the Dandenong Community

Artist Harley Manifold records ordinary scenes and reactions on the streets of Greater Dandenong, while Giordano Biondi offers clay models

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of imagined cities and Amaya Iturri’s bold palette shows the transformation of colour.

Tuesday 11 October - Friday 18 November at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets Dandenong.

Free.

·

Victorian Seniors Festival Karaoke, singing, knitting and an afternoon of jiving are among the nearby events as part of Victorian Seniors Festival. One of the highlights is Grow Old Gloriously Dance at Rowville Community Centre, 29 October 2pm-3pm.

The festival runs during October, including free public transport for Victorian Seniors Card holders from 2-9 October. Details: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/victorian-seniors-festival

·

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.

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Fun for retirees

Children’s art exhibition

·

Artist Phoebe Thompson and Yarraman Oaks primary school students bring Nature to life in this exhibition Nature Making: Things We Found.x xxx 19 September-17 October at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale.

Free.

·

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

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

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.

Every Thursday during school terms 6-7.30pm.

·

NEWS

Standing up

By Sakina Amani It was Friday evening at our staff gathering in a Melbourne hotel, when CNN broke the news: an education centre is attacked by a suicide bomber in Kabul, causalities are growing.

With this news, I was totally frozen and about to scream.

Thanks to social media, reports after reports surfaced about the personal stories of lost girls and the heartbreaking mourning of their loved-ones.

As a journalist and Hazara girl, any news about Hazaras specifically women in Afghanistan are killing me in that moment.

This was yet another suicide attack occurred on 30 September 2022 inside the Kaaj Educational Centre in the Dasht-e-Barchi district of West Kabul, Afghanistan.

According to Aljazeera, the death toll raised over 35, mostly girls and injured at least 82 other students. But a local media, Etilaat Roz reported 49 so far dead and 97 wounded. Among them 43 girls have been killed and 61 girls are wounded.

It is said that students were taking tests in preparation for their university exams at this centre when the suicide bombing occurred.

Ali Irfani, who escaped the carnage told AFP that not many boys were hit because they were at the rear end of the classroom. The bomber entered from the front door where girls were sitting.

Soon after this horrific incident dozens of women rushed to the hospital chanting to stop Hazara genocide. According to local media, Taliban has beaten and arrested 20 of them.

We as Hazaras haven’t recovered from past wounds implemented by dictatorial Pashtun governments of Afghanistan through the course of history. Yet still new tragedies arise.

Hazaras have experienced persecution, genocide, ethnic cleansing, target killing, discrimination and so on by terrorists and then Afghanistan governments.

Now, Hazaras are in a worse situation than 16 STAR JOURNAL

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ever and at “serious risk of genocide at the hands of IS-K and the Taliban”, according to the UK Parliament’s Hazara Inquiry.

Since August 2021, IS-K has claimed responsibility for 13 attacks against Hazaras and has been linked to at least 3 more, killing and injuring at least 700 people.

“There are reports of arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment, summary executions and enforced disappearances,” a U.N. Special Rapporteur stated last month.

“In addition, an increase in inflammatory speech is being reported, both online and in some mosques during Friday prayers, including calling for Hazaras to be killed.”

Since Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, under their Sharia law, women’s basic human rights are in question.

Women across Afghanistan, especially in Kabul, lost their freedom of choice in dress, education and employment.

The Taliban has banned female students from high schools.

Hazara girls preparing for a university entrance exam at Kaaj Educational Centre were in defiance of Taliban’s policies.

As of now, in Afghanistan every Hazara women at different ages, especially professionals and students are more vulnerable under the Taliban leadership.

Hazara women can’t accept Sharia Law, as it is totally against their every belief.

Before another suicide bombing against Hazaras, the international community should fully protect them under the UN’s Genocide Convention and customary international law.

The international community should hold Taliban accountable by not recognising their government and implementing hard economic sanctions.

Hazara women and girls have the right to speak freely, get education, gain a professional profile and seek independence..

International groups across the world should stand with them.

Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

Nilofar Samedi, South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis, Aviva White, Rowena Macapagal, Catherine Harris (GIVIT), Emelda Matiuku, Max Visser, Lata Dsouza, Sandra Maudier (Wellsprings for Women), Jasmine Robbins and Robyn Erwin at the campaign launch.

GIVIT to a worthy cause Donation platform GIVIT is continuing to provide essential items to women from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds in the South East.

The not-for-profit relaunched its campaign with Dandenong charity Wellsprings for Women and South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis.

The GIVIT website matches vulnerable Victorians with donors across Australia.

In the past 12 months, GIVIT has donated more than 2000 laptops, grocery vouchers, school uniforms and furniture to Wellsprings’ women in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.

“Many of the women supported by Wellsprings for Women struggle to pay for everyday essentials for themselves and their children,” GIVIT state manager Catherine Harris said.

“We see many requests for migrant and refugee women facing situations of family violence and trying to overcome challenges due to visa restrictions, language barriers and cultural differences.

“GIVIT is proud to have assisted Wellsprings for Women with the donation of

thousands of items for the people they support.”

Mr Tarlamis said the GIVIT platform, supported by the State Government, ensured “people get exactly what they need, when they need it”.

Wellsprings was established by women for women, to address education, health, safety, wellbeing and employment needs for women impacted by family violence, poverty and social isolation. It supports about 300 women weekly, including many from refugee backgrounds.

Wellsprings spokesperson Sandra Maudier says GIVIT provided vital items for a family of five, including a husband who is vision-impaired.

“They were struggling financially after fleeing violence in their home country so through GIVIT we were able to provide them with a washing machine, fridge and grocery vouchers.”

Another was a woman on a Women at Risk Visa and with weakening eyesight.

GIVIT donors provided her with two pairs of glasses. To help, visit www.givit.org.au/ refugee-and-asylum-seeker-support dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Renewed bid for upgrade

By Eleanor Wilson, Shelby Brooks and Marcus Uhe Extending Thompsons Road to Pakenham would be a $58 billion economic bonanza for the region, creating 140,000 jobs and significantly cutting travel time.

The figures, detailed in a newly-released report, make the case for the extension ahead of the November State Election.

Thompsons Road currently ends at a single-lane T-intersection at Smiths Lane in Clyde North, neighbouring an important jobs precinct on the border of the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council.

When complete, the road would connect Carrum to Pakenham.

It was also a key advocacy point for the Greater South Eastern Melbourne group, which includes Greater Dandenong, Cardinia and Casey, during the Federal Election in May. Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the road was a “key link” for thousands of Casey and Cardinia residents travelling to work in Dandenong and Dandenong South.

“Upgrades to Thompsons Road will both improve access to jobs in Greater Dandenong and provide an additional link for freight travelling to and from the Dandenong South Industrial Precinct.”

The REMPLAN report said more than 80,000 jobs would be created directly as a result of investment facilitated by the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road.

If started in 2024, the project would deliver a $90 billion net benefit over a 30-year period, according to the report commissioned by Cardinia Shire Council and the City of Casey.

In a joint statement, Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Jeff Springfield and City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said they considered the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road as one of the region’s

City of Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti, Cardinia Shire Mayor Jeff Springfield, Cardinia CEO Carol Jeffs, Casey CEO Glenn Patterson, Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff and Pakenham business owner Tim Leed at the end of Thompsons Road. 301266 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS highest transport priorities.

“It is clear from the REMPLAN study – with the project starting in 2024 and returning $4.40 in benefit for every $1 spent – that there are compelling economic, employment and social cases for the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road,” Cr Springfield said.

The report points out that about 110,000 residents currently leave the region for employment and many spend up to 90 minutes commuting on congested roads each day, Ms Duff said.

“The future of work is to have a shorter commute time. This is better for workers’ health, better for families, better for employers

– whose workers will be less stressed – better for the environment and better for the economy,” she said.

The total cost of the upgrade and extension, excluding land acquisition costs, is estimated at $785 million.

The proposed extension would impact two seats in this year’s election, beginning in Berwick and finishing in Pakenham.

Current Gembook MP Brad Battin, who is contesting the seat of Berwick, said he and Pakenham Liberal candidate David Farrelly look forward to ensuring Casey and Cardinia get their “fair share” of funding allocations.

“The Liberal Party are committed to road and rail projects in the local area and look forward to releasing our policies and projects for our local communities as we approach the election on 26 November,” Mr Battin said.

Pakenham’s Labor candidate Emma Vulin said Labor is committed to improving roads and infrastructure across Pakenham.

“We understand the importance of Thompsons Road to the local community which is why the Labor Government duplicated it to improve safety and ease congestion,“ Ms Vulin said.

Greens candidate for Berwick Hayley Perry said she approved of the proposal, but believed it should be one of many mechanisms to improve traffic flow in the South East.

“I support the extension of Thompsons Rd to Pakenham,” Ms Perry said.

“However, these sort of projects won’t help reduce congestion, except in the short-term, without significant public transport improvements.“ Other election candidates, including Malik Zaveer (Labor for Berwick), Brett Owen (Independent for Pakenham) and Michelle Maibaum (Greens for Pakenham) were contacted for comment.

It is understood the Department of Transport has completed a business case for the project, including costings, timeframe and route, which would support project planning and enable expedited delivery.

Suggested stages of the project include Berwick-Cranbourne Road to Cardinia Road and Cardinia Creek bridge at a cost of $525 million, Cardinia Road to McGregor Road costing $200 million and McGregor Road to Kooweerup Road amounting to $60 million.

Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) is an advocacy body for jobs, infrastructure, investment, liveability, sustainability and wellbeing for the South East.

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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.

The not-for-profit provides mental health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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STAR JOURNAL 17

NEWS

Council’s library backflip

By Eleanor Wilson and Shelby Brooks Casey Council has back-flipped on its decision to dissolve its community library service provider, Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL).

On 4 October the council announced it would remain with CCL into the future, despite announcements in October last year that the service would be dissolved at the end of 2022 in favour of a new service provider.

Throughout 2022, both Casey Council and Cardinia Shire participated in a joint expression of interest process to assess what public library service providers were available in the market.

After an extensive assessment and community consultation, Casey Council said it identified that CCL was best placed to continue being the community’s library service provider.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said council was pleased to be remaining with CCL, which would continue to run a number of libraries throughout the municipality, including Bunjil Place, Cranbourne, Doveton, Endeavour Hills and Hampton Park Libraries.

“Council is committed to providing a highquality library service for our community and from our market testing process, CCL is best placed to provide this service,” she said.

“While the transition will mean some changes behind the scenes, we would like to reassure the community that there is no intention to reduce our library services, but rather improve and enhance our much-loved and valued library services into the future.

“We will ensure Casey’s library services continue to meet the needs of the community.”

Contrastingly, Cardinia Shire has opted for a different path, selecting Myli - My Community Library to take over from CCL as its new library service provider.

In a special meeting held Monday 3 October, it was voted unanimously that Cardinia

Bunjil Place Library is one library that will remain under Casey Cardinia Libraries. 191565 Shire would undergo the transition to Myli, which is the current library model for Bass Coast, South Gippsland and Baw Baw Shire Councils, from December this year.

Deputy Mayor Tammy Radford said the CCL model didn’t fit the shire’s needs anymore.

“Within Cardinia Shire there has been a

huge growth, a change in our diversity and changing needs to our community so the model doesn’t fit anymore,” Ms Radford said.

The decision for the councils to pursue separate providers was also influenced by new legislation in the Local Government Act 2020, which requires the current regional library

model to be changed in the coming decade.

CCL said current staff who work in Cardinia Shire Council libraries would be offered positions with Myli.

Existing CCL members would be able to use their current library cards to borrow books at both CCL and Myli branches.

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Council ‘soap op era’

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

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

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STAR JOURNAL 19

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Deadline

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20 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Trades & Services

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

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Employment section of Network Classifieds.

PART-TIME CASHIER POSITION

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

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Motoring V Motor Vehicles

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NISSAN TIIDA, Sedan, 2008, Grey, 1.8L engine, 195,000kms, $4,800, reg WOI 177. Please call 0477 876 648 or 5987 0538

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CALL 1300 666 808 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

|

STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

Time to land for Eagles After rain withheld the commence of the Dandenong District Cricket Association season, proceedings will be kicked off this Saturday.

STAR NEWS GROUP reporter JONTY RALPHSMITH has taken a deep dive into how each and every Turf 2 club will compete this summer…

TURF 2 DOVETON 2021-22 result: premiers of turf three. Without being the out-and-out dominant team of the competition, Doveton was in the upper echelon and won through to the grand final after beating Coomoora. Led by a century to opener Mitchell Daley, Doveton made an imposing 6/271 batting first before bowling first-placed Springvale out for 82 to earn promotion to turf two.

2021-22 leading run-scorer: Ryan Hendy (385 runs at 48, three 50s) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Nathan Wilson (23 wickets at 16, ER: 3.29) Preview: Doveton’s competitiveness in turf two will be intriguing this season, given their jump to the next level coincides with the return to two-day cricket, where experience and skill-level will shine through. Mitch Daley will captain the team and is one of five players Doveton had in the top 20 run-scorers of turf three last season - the club will hope at least a couple of those can carry their form into this season. Former Emerald opening bowler and late-order hitter Trent Rolfs has jumped on board for the season to add potency to the bowling line-up. Nathan Wilson – who will captain the side in 2022-23 – and Hendy, offer handy spin, Adam Read is a rapid bowler that can bowl scary spells and Kenny Smart is a workhorse medium pacer that adds variation to the attack, alongside Rolfs. There are some other potential post-Christmas recruits which will strengthen Doveton, but the weeks before Christmas may prove a grind - and put a premium on early season success if they are to challenge for the top four.

PARKFIELD 2021-22 result: convincingly defeated in the semi-final by premiers Parkmore after finishing second and taking by far the most wickets in the league.

2021-22 leading run-scorer: Matthew Goodier (447 runs at 34, three 50s) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Matthew Goodier (28 wickets at 13, ER: 3.49) Preview: It has been the little things that Parkfield have sought to address in preseason, backing in its proven talent to again perform in turf two but equipping them with little skills to be better prepared in pressure situations.

Chiefly among those have been high performance and mindfulness sessions so players are more likely to perform in big moments, while scenario-based training also formed part of preseason. Hansika Kodikara is the only inclusion, an opening bowler from Buckley Ridges who would have been handy in the final last season when just one wicket was taken. Matt Acocks is the sole departure.

NARRE WARREN 2021-22 season result: it was a season to forget in turf one for Narre Warren, failing to win a game and earning relegation by all metrics.

2021-22 leading run-scorer: Ben Swift (265 runs at 22, zero 50s) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Josh Dinger (13 wickets at 25, ER: 4.30) Preview: Narre will hope that a return to turf two will rejuvenate the group and give it a chance to regain some confidence, momentum and positivity around the club. The return to two-day cricket may prove beneficial for Narre if it can use the experience gained against stiffer opponents to propel the game forward, arrest momentum swings and keep the game on their terms during pressure situations throughout the season.

KEYSBOROUGH 2021-22 result: fifth on the ladder with five wins. The luck of the draw hurt the Knights; the weekend that was called off last season saw them against cellar-dwellers Dandenong West and fourth-placed HSD had Cranbourne and an Eagles win would have propelled Keysborough into the four. Nevertheless, fifth was probably a just finish as Keysborough tended

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rounder from Parkmore will slot into the middle order and Brett Hookey will add a medium-pace option. On a bowling front, the club will again be reliant on Jordan Margenberg to shoulder much of the spin-bowling load and remains confident in its strike quick bowlers.

BEACONSFIELD 2021-22 result: seventh on the ladder with a 5-7 record. Beaconsfield’s season started with some promise, winning three of its five games before Christmas, before dropping away and out of finals contention. The wins tended to rely on keeping the opposition to low totals, as the bowling throughout the season was disciplined whereas the batting struggled for consistency. Took the second-fewest wickets in the season but conceded the fewest runs – admittedly, partially due to opponents often chasing lower scores.

2021-22 leading runscorer: Ashan Madushanka (251 runs at 36, one 50) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Ashan Madushanka (21 wickets at 10, ER 2.58) Preview: The mightily successful Mark Cooper comes in as the new captain-coach of Beaconsfield, headlining four inclusions. Tyler Clark returns to the club and younger brother, Riley, also comes in, with Cooper optimistic those additions will help bolster the batting.

Discipline and endurance with the willow have been focuses of preseason and Cooper is optimistic those inclusions will add stability to the top-order. Development of good habits in the longer format is something people can expect to see as Cooper hopes the likes of Michael Dunstan, Brad Miles and Mitch Tielen can turn intermittent glimpses into stable output. It will be important that progression occurs quickly given the departure of second top runscorer Michael Vandort - 225 runs last season. Left arm orthodox spinner Ashan Madushanka has shown he can shoulder the bulk of the slow bowling load and will be heavily relied upon by Beaconsfield, but will be well complemented by quicks Jake Cutting (11 wickets last season) and Luke Stow and Callan Tout. Consistency throughout the season is another source of improvement Beaconsfield will be seeking under Cooper given the club’s inability to capitalise on a promising start to last season.

LYNDALE 2021-22 result: sixth on the ladder with five wins in an up-and-down season. By beating runners-up Heinz Southern Districts in the final round of the home and away season and also getting over the top of Parkmore earlier in the season, Lyndale showed it could compete well on its day, but disappointing performances, such as losses to Keysborough and Beaconsfield punctuated the promise.

2021-22 leading runscorer: Himesh Don Galhenage (249 runs at 21, one 50) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Rajika Fernando (22 wickets at 18, ER 3.39) Preview: Despite last season’s result, Lyndale is bullish about some emerging talent after winning the reserves premiership from fourth position. With many of the club’s toporder batters from last season being aggressive strokemakers, captain Ben Montgomery has the task of rejigging the order to suit twoday cricket. Rohan Dixit (236 runs at 35 in turf two reserves) is a player whose patience in the middle could see him play turf two. A key focus of preseason was instilling discipline and technique into the batters as Lyndale looks to bat out its overs consistently. From a bowling perspective, much of the spinning workload will fall onto young Sri Lankan recruit Suranga Wijewardena after the departure of namesake Chanaka. The club also lacks an opening bowler with firepower as it was reliant and will again be reliant on medium pacers getting movement off the pitch and remaining disciplined to keep games under control.

PREDICTED LADDER TURF 2 Cranbourne Parkfield Beaconsfield HSD Narre Warren Keysborough Doveton Lyndale

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Peter Sweeney is always an important player and will be hoping Cranbourne can finally break through this season. 271955 to beat the lower sides and struggle against the top echelon.

2021-22 leading run-scorer: Christo Otto (322 runs at 32, four 50s) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Hennadige Fernando (27 wickets at 14, ER: 3.35) Preview: Continuity in the squad is what Keysborough hopes will hold it in good stead for 2022/23. Crucially, Christo Otto and Hennadige Fernando, both whom were the two leading wicket-takers and run-scorers have been retained, with the club inevitably optimistic that pair can back up strong campaigns.

Outside of that pair, just Jacob Hennigan got more than 150 runs last season and no-one else claimed more than 10 scalps. The return of two-day cricket will expose sides overly reliant on too few, so the level of internal development will have a large say in Keysborough’s success next season.

CRANBOURNE 2021-22 result: semi-finalists. Cranbourne has been the pacesetters in DDCA’s turf two for the last two years, winning 22 of 28 matches, scoring the most runs and conceding the fewest, but as player-coach Mick Sweeney said to Star Journal in August, sometimes you have to concede you were out-played by a better side on the day. Playing against Heinz Southern Districts, Cranbourne was kept to 184, thanks in large part to Triyan De Silva’s five-wicket haul not allowing Sweeney’s men to capitalize on a big start. De Silva then did it with the bat, scoring a century to see his team home.

Cranbourne lost just two of its 14 matches in a dominant home and away season up to that point.

2021-22 leading run-scorer: Peter Sweeney (554 runs at 79, six 50s) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Peter Sweeney (24 wickets at 11, ER 2.46) Preview: Bolstered by the inclusions of bowlers Jakeb Thomas, who has 46 Premier First XI matches under his belt, and Jayden Scotland

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from Casey-South Melbourne and with no significant departures, Cranbourne will enter the season as firm favourites. Mick Sweeney has said the club’s goal is to return to turf one.

While the renowned Sweeney boys shouldered much of the batting load last season, Mick is confident there has been internal development. Others play less recognised roles, such as Tim Fathers whose wickets in the first half of last season were not indicative of his value in tying up an end. The coach highlighted middle-order wicketkeeper-batter Matt Collett as a player to watch.

HEINZ SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 2021-22 result: runners-up. HSD came within one shot of lifting the turf two trophy and going up to the next level after a stunning finals series. Led by Triyan de Silva’s century and five-wicket-haul, HSD upset Cranbourne in the semi-final and then Ethan French’s half century nearly saw his side over the line in the final. Despite that run, it was still an upand-down season for HSD which finished with more losses than wins.

2021-22 leading run-scorer: Triyan de Silva (455 runs at 35, one 100, two 50s) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Jordan Margenberg (26 wickets at 18, ER: 3.22)/ Triyan de Silva (26 wickets at 18, ER: 3.66).

Preview: How will Triyan go? That’s the question on everyone’s lips with his success inexorably coming up in conversations about HSD. The club say he is hitting the ball crisply and has plenty more to give but is keen to separate itself from the narrative that they are a oneman band. The only player from the grand final team not returning is ‘keeper Dasun Weeraratne who will be replaced by Thisuraka Akmeemana, and Maheesha Gamage - who was part of the reserves grand final team - also departs. HSD’s batting against spin bowling is an area it needs to tidy up if it wants to compete again, and Akmeemana’s inclusion, along with Kevin Seth’s availability for the full season, will help that cause. Jude Johnstone, a batting all-

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Depth a key for hopefuls After rain withheld the commence of the Dandenong District Cricket Association season, proceedings will be kicked off this Saturday.

STAR NEWS GROUP reporter JONTY RALPHSMITH has taken a deep dive into how each and every Turf 3 club will compete this summer…

COOMOORA 2021-22 result: a nine-win season got the club into third position, before losing in the semifinal for the second consecutive season. Lost just 70 wickets for 2021-22, 15 wickets fewer than the next best, indicating the reliability of the batting lineup.

2021-22 leading runscorer: Nick Suppree (508 runs at 46, two 50s) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Malan Madusanka (38 wickets at 9, ER 3.56) Preview: Continuity in the squad is what the club hopes carries it to success, with players having established a tight culture and understanding of each other’s games. Led by skipper Liam Hard and coach Andrew O’Meara, Coomoora has lost Avisha Wilwalaarachchi to Parkmore and gained opening bowlers Tim White and Nick Lloyd, but otherwise remained steady. The club has an even spread of talent, led by Supree and Madusanka, and discipline it hopes will shine through in two-day cricket.

SPRINGVALE 2021-22 result: it was another season of dominance for Springvale in turf three last season, but yet again came up short in a final - thanks to some outstanding individual brilliance from opponents Doveton. Topped the ladder with just three losses and scored more runs than anyone else.

2021-22 leading runscorer: Nuwan Mendis (581 runs at 45, three 100s, two 50s) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Harmandip Sahota (25 wickets at 14, ER: 3.55) Preview: The inclusion of playing-coach Pasindu Madushan will add crucial stability and tempo to Springvale’s middle order, with the Sri Lankan averaging 34.7 during a stint in England earlier in the year. That, along with the retention of Nuwan Mendis who has been turf three’s leading run-scorer for the last two seasons will help ensure Springvale bat the overs and get an imposing target on the board. On a bowling front, Madushan’s inclusion counters the loss of reliable spinners Michael de Kauwe and Hasindu Waduge as the playing-coach has 80 wickets from his 20 first class matches as an aggressive offie. Meanwhile, the return of Sachintha Rajapakse will make Springy more potent with the new ball. The benchmark team look set for another strong season.

BERWICK SPRINGS 2021-22 result: Finished top of the table and smashed Narre Warren by 112 runs in the semi-final before losing a low-scoring final to Springvale South, the other dominant force all year. Plenty of individuals demonstrated they were in the top echelon of turf four cricket: six players scored more than 200 runs, and the club had six of turf four’s top 13 wicket-takers 2021-22 leading runscorer: Archit Vora (477 runs at 43, five 50s) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Harry Bell (19 wickets at 15, ER: 2.85) Preview: Berwick Springs has been unable to bolster its best XI ahead of a jump to turf three

leading runscorer: James Kellett · 2021-22 (359 runs at 36, three 50s) leading wicket-taker: Asadullah Khil · 2021-22 (16 wickets at 22, ER: 4.42)

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Preview: There will be lots of pressure on captain-coach James Kellett to replicate his career-best batting form from last season following the retirement of Thor Nancarrow. Travis Lacey will hope he can have a more consistent season and the club is also optimistic that players from the reserves grand final side can perform in the firsts this season. Gurbir Gill will slot into the middle order and Vijaypal Dandiwal will bat at the top of the order. Whilst the only immediate firsts inclusion - there are multiple recruits aimed at the turf three reserves side - is wicket-keeper Gurshanpreet Brar, the development of players on the precipice in the strong reserves program will add more accountability at selection. Asadullah Khil will miss the majority of the season which hurts the bowling stocks of a team that was already lacking a strike bowler, however brother Faridullah will have greater availability and can help Daniel Redfern and co.

FOUNTAIN GATE 2021-22 season result: fifth with six wins. In beating Coomoora and Springvale and seriously challenging Doveton in one of their bouts, Fountain Gate proved its top four credentials, but lapses throughout the season proved costly, particularly when the opportunity to beat a winless and relegated Narre North was taken away. Win that, and the club would have sneaked into fourth position.

2021-22 leading run-scorer: Jahanzeb Mirranay (323 runs at 27, one 50) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Jadeep Singh (26 wickets at 15, ER: 3.83) Preview: A spread of contributors is suggestive of a strong club and that tends to shine through in two-day cricket. Four players average between 20 and 28 with the bat and a further three average between 15 and 20, so teams know they have to get right through Fountain Gate before anything is guaranteed.

If just one or two of those players can take the next step in their development while the others continue chipping away, Fountain Gate will tend to put a strong score on the board.

On a bowling front, there was less continuity: outside of Singh and Shammi Dissanayake (19 wickets at 17), the others who claimed more than 10 scalps last season did not play full seasons and those who did were not bowling bulk overs, so more continuity on a bowling front will be sought.

LYNBROOK 2021-22 season result: it was an in-between season for Lynbrook, which was clearly superior to the bottom two teams in turf three, but a rung below seriously challenging for finals.

Finished with five wins. Wins over Fountain Gate and Silverton demonstrated that there will be something to work with going forward but the club could not put it together for the full season and, as the cliche goes, consistency will be the key going forward.

2021-22 leading run-scorer: (Jay Walia 395 runs at 30, three 50s) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Ryan Lowe (23 wickets at 16, ER: 4.28) Preview: Three players averaged more than 25 last season and there was six 50s, while

Dylan Diacono will turn out for Dandenong West this season. 229048 so will be reliant on internal development and those within the club to elevate to the next level if they are to compete. Coming up to the next level in the same season that two-day cricket returns will present the challenge of batting out the overs which will require discipline and application to the task. The strength of the top end guys in turf four last season reduced opportunity for fringe players, meaning the depth of the squad may also be tested if some struggle to adapt. The experience of Josh Amsterdam will be leant on throughout the season, and the club is optimistic captain Braydon Hillman and brother Riley have scope for improvement, alongside young fast bowlers Harry Bell and Jashan Grewal.

HAMPTON PARK 2021-22 result: seventh on the ladder with three wins. It was not the season the club was hoping for as Hampton Park conceded the most runs in turf three and could not get any momentum going nor could it capitalise on positive positions it would occasionally find itself in. That was most telling during a game against Springvale, when the grand-finalists were seven down and still more than 40 runs short of the target but found a way to win.

Those are the sort of situations where James Kellett’s men will hope they can stand up in 2022.

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the four frontline bowlers each got at least 16 wickets so there is enough to work with from an individual perspective. However, too often were the Lakers bowled out last season when they faced stiffer opposition and they were unable to put an imposing score on the board frequently enough given the bowling attack conceded 200 runs three times – just the now relegated Narre North conceded more runs across the season, so improving their discipline will be key.

SILVERTON 2021-22 result: Silverton finished fourth, showing throughout the season that its best was at the top end of turf three, but was outdone in the semi-final by Springvale, which bowled Silverton out for 77.

2021-22 leading run-scorer: Selva Tharaka (441 runs at 63, two 50s, one 100) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Dilum Weerarathna (24 wickets at 15, ER 4.02) Preview: The loss of Silverton’s leading runscorer (Tharaka) and wicket-taker (Weerarathna) will be hard to replace but Silverton has recruited smartly, looking to spread the load of contributors this season. Tharaka will be replaced by Sri Lankan Ashin Gilman who will also contribute valuable offspin, alongside Jesse McCarthy. The club has flagged Rob North (280 runs last season) as one to watch this season while Varinder Singh also comes in to stabilise the middle order as they look to bat 80 overs. On a bowling front, Gagan Sohail will attempt to compensate the loss of Weerarathna, while Ravy Isdikhar comes from Parkmore Pirates and adds plenty of experience and Gill Kuljinder also comes in.

DANDENONG WEST 2021-22 result: finished eighth in turf two with two wins, resulting in relegation. Took the fewest number of wickets of any team and lost the most wickets while also conceding the greatest number of runs: it was a season to forget.

2021-22 leading run-scorer: Adam Reid (23 wickets at 19, ER: 4.11) 2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Anthony Brannan (382 runs at 38, one 50) Preview: In Reid and Shaun Weir, Dandenong West had sufficient potency upfront with the ball, but teams knew that it was only a matter of seeing off those top-enders before the lack of depth was exposed. In retaining that pair and bringing in former Sri Lankan quickie Nuwan Kulasakera and leggie Malinga Bandara who spent several years playing for Springvale South the bowling stocks look far stronger. On a batting front, the club expects Nathan Power to have a strong season given how he’s been training, while Brad Sheean and Bailey Howarth are among a cluster of players in their mid-20s entering their prime that improvement may come from. The inclusions will affirm the club’s favouritism in the turf three competition.

LADDER PREDICTION Dandenong West Springvale Silverton Fountain Gate Coomoora Hampton Park Lynbrook Berwick Springs

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Dandenong double: Faltum to skipper Melbourne Stars The Melbourne Stars have appointed Dandenong skipper Nicole Faltum as captain for the WBBL08 season.

Faltum replaces former Australian skipper Meg Lanning who will continue her period of indefinite leave from the game.

The 22-year-old wicket-keeper bat becomes the fifth captain of the Melbourne Stars WBBL Team.

While she is the fifth, she will be the youngest to wear the captaincy armband.

Having been developed through the Victorian system after making her WBBL debut at just 17, Faltum has worked hard to climb the ranks and this is her first full time leaderdandenong.starcommunity.com.au

ship position at the elite level.

“It’s an honour to be named captain of the Melbourne Stars for WBBL08,” she said in a Melbourne Stars statement.

“This club means a lot to me and I’m so grateful to be given this opportunity.

“The WBBL is always an exciting time of year and I’m looking forward to leading our young group this season, especially back in Victoria in front of our members and fans.”

The journey will be extra special for Faltum, having grown up in Moe, where the Stars will play their final two games of the home and away fixture at Ted Summerton Reserve.

“To be able to not only play but also to captain the Stars around the corner from where I grew up playing cricket will be an absolute highlight of my career so far.”

Last year, Faltum captained the Victorian WNCL side in Lanning’s absence and will be looking to use that valuable experience this season.

“In recent years, to be able to lean on the experience of seasoned cricketers like Meg Lanning and Glenn Maxwell, both within the Victorian and Stars setup has been invaluable,” she said.

General Manager Blair Crouch said Nicole’s journey was something for aspiring cricketers to look up to.

“Nicole is a product of both the Melbourne Stars and Victorian cricket systems, and we have every confidence in her leading our young squad in WBBL08,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing Nicole grow into the role throughout the season and her teammates and coaching staff are right behind her.”

By captaining the Stars, Dandenong Cricket Club now has the double, with fellow Panther – and Gippsland graduate – Sophie Molineux captaining the Stars’ cross-town rivals, the Melbourne Renegades.

The first ball of the WBBL season will be bowled on Thursday 13 October.

Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 23

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Tuesday, 11 October, 2022

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