Dandenong Star Journal - 18th October 2022

SOUTH EAST BUSINESS AWARDS 2022

Mates’ chill blast

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A stunned pair of old school mates have ac cepted the main trophy at the South East Busi ness Awards on 13 October.

Jeremy Cayford and Paul Culverwell from ASM Chilltech have known each other since they were 10 year old students in Rowville.

They were lost for words as they beat a stellar field of 30 finalists for the Overall Excel lence Award at Palmyra Hall in Dandenong.

They also claimed the Building & Construction Award.

“We’re not men of many words to be honest,” a humble but proud Mr Cayford said.

“(Coming up on stage) is not something we often do or what we enjoy.”

He spoke of the “sacrifices” that the self-described tradies have made in building a formidable, cutting-edge business since 1996.

The men started out by fitting “split systems” in homes. Now the company boasts massive clients such as City of Casey and La Trobe University, and staff who have stayed for more than 20 years.

This year, the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce awards expanded across 14 local government areas in the South East for the first time.

“We have extended our awards categories

this year – and have a greater diversity of business types – than ever before,” chamber chief executive Lisa Moore said.

The new, expanded award categories also revealed a depth of worthy winners.

They were Infinite Automation (Business Innovation Award), Brick Lane Brewery (Environmental Sustainability Award and Leisure, Hospitality and Wellbeing Award), Personalised Support Services (Community Impact Award), After-Care Australasia (Business Citizen of the Year), iEnergi (Employer Engagement Award), Big Little Brush (Microbusiness Award), Wagalot (Retail/Wholesale Services Award) and Roofing & Sheetmetal Centre (Advanced Manufacturing Award).

Medical Edge Australia and Ultra Heath Medical were joint-winners of the Professional Services Award.

The inaugural South East Business Awards’ judging panel also boasted a wealth and breadth of experience.

The six judges include former Grenda Family Group director David Willersdorf, Wellsprings for Women chief executive Dalal Smiley and Chisholm workplace trainer Michele Tocci.

They were also joined by corporate leadership mentor Louise Thomson, Victorian Rail Advocate Jill Walsh and South East Water local government manager Chris Ransom.

ASM

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Moore.

Top-class

By Sahar Foladi Business Innovation award Infinite Automation Award Sponsor: Ashfords

Infinite Automation is the only Melbourne automation company that exports Australian made automation products to overseas mar kets.

The company has taken out the Business Innovation Award for its world class technol ogy which automates and saves energy in homes, golf courses, schools and commercial buildings.

Directors Fenil Mangukiya and Colin Peterson hatched the idea for the business while watching New Year’s Eve fireworks from a bal cony several years ago.

Mr Mangukiya, a new arrival to Australia, was looking for a business to get into. And over the next few hours, the men chatted about sunrise industries and soon partnered in Infi nite Automation.

The business supports Australians from different walks of life with its reliable, logical energy saving automation, with emphasis on quality and affordability.

Homeowners can automate their properties for between $2000 and $10,000 without any complex programming or hard wiring, the company states.

“When Infinite Automation was founded, we scoured the world for affordable automa tion products that were high quality and reli able.

“Our experience was that quality reliable products were not what we considered afford able and the products we considered afford

able were almost always of poor or inferior quality.

“(We aim) to make reliable, logical energy

saving automation affordable for all homeowners in Australia.”

Not only that, the automation company is

NDIS accredited and also supports the SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) sector where affordability is a major concern.

Ted Turner (Ashfords) with Business Innovation Award winners Fenil Mangukiya and Colin Peterson (Infinite Automation).

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Retrofitting for the future

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Overall Excellence Award / Building and Construction Award ASM Chilltech Award Sponsors: NAB / KLM Spatial

ASM Chilltech, which recently moved from Hallam to CranbourneWest, has made a name out of“future proofing” buildings with retrofit ted sustainable, energy-saving solutions.

In 2020, it replaced the Casey RACE aquatic

centre’s costly and inefficient heating, cooling and ventilation system.

Among the innovations was a new effective, energy-efficient heat recovery system that utilised the heat rejected from the air-con to warm the pool water.

ASM Chilltech is also assisting in La Trobe University’s $75 million ‘net zero’ plan. It hopes to make its regional campuses carbonneutral by 2022 and its Bundoora campus ‘net zero’ by 2029.

Other clients includeVentia – Defence, Aus-

tin Health, Jewish Care, Ambulance Victoria, Yarra City Council, Eastern Health and Facey Commercial Real Estate as well as manufacturing and industrial firms.

While living by the credos of sustainability and decarbonisation, ASM Chilltech has continued to grow “organically”.

It’s never been just for the profit, director Jeremy Cayford said.

“We do it because we’re passionate about it.”

At the same time, ASM Chilltech is developing career pathways for its workforce including A-Grade electricians, mechanical plumbers, refrigeration and chiller technicians.

It employs seven full-time apprentices working across maintenance to project installation.

Its recycling program has recovered 68 tonnes of steel, 905 kilograms of cardboard, 188 kilograms of refrigerant and 1100 litres of oil from reclaimed customer equipment in the past two years.

Overall Excellence winners Paul Culverwell and Jeremy Cayford (ASM Chilltech), with Aron Whillans (NAB), centre. 296149 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Building and Construction Award winners Paul Culverwell and Jeremy Cayford (ASM Chilltech) with Aaron Goodall (KLM Spatial), centre. 296149

By Sahar Foladi Community Impact award Personalised Support Services Sponsor: City of Greater Dandenong

The Covid-19 pandemic did not deter Person alised Support Services from helping its com munity.

The NDIS-registered disability, aged care and home services provider was established in December 2020, in the midst of the pan demic.

Its managing director Ibrahim Hussan only graduated from City of Greater Dandenong’s Young Leaders program several years ago.

Straight out of school, he founded the business.

And almost two years and more than 150 staff later, Personalised Support Services has won the Community Impact award for 2022.

Based in multicultural Dandenong, the service provider also attempts to support and employ individuals from non-English speak ing backgrounds.

It’s built a workforce that speaks the languages of most of their clients, and built an understanding of their “cultural needs, wants and requirements”.

In Greater Dandenong, about 60 per cent of residents are born overseas and almost two thirds speak languages other than English at home.

Residents from over 150 nationalities call Greater Dandenong home.

“We offer a range of tailored quality sup port services such as core supports, support coordination, household tasks and respite services to all of the metro Melbourne re

gion,” the company stated.

“Our mission is to… offer independence to our participants with our personalised supports.

“We want to be a provider of choice in the sector and perceived as a great one amongst the community with the work which our

front line employees produce and the reviews which are left by those receiving services from us.”

Community Impact Award winner Ibrahim Hussan (Personalised Support Services) and Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti. 296149

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Client care comes first

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Business Citizen of the Year Award After-Care Australasia Sponsor: Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce

The No.1 criteria for working at After-Care Aus tralasia is “compassion, kindness and empa thy”. The Rosebud-based family-run company provides in-home, community-based support for more than 600 clients. Its 90 staff give about 8500 hours of support a month.

After-Care has successfully operated in Mornington Peninsula and the wider South East since 1999. It prides itself with putting the client first, and a focus on well-being, social in clusion and community belonging.

Culturally-appropriate services are delivered for LGBTI, residents with disabilities and Torres Strait Islander community members. Manager Adam Kelly celebrated the Business Citizen of the Year win with mother Maxine and father Shane, who founded the business 23 years ago.

It was a business that had not been seen on the Peninsula before, which aimed to allow people to live at home as independently and as long as possible, Mr Kelly said. All team mem bers are paid above award wages, have access to EAP, mental health first aid and are trained at a minimum in Cert 3 Individualised Support.

“Our team are trained over and above mini mum requirements and their number one cri teria for employment is compassion, kindness and empathy,” the company stated.

Its home aged care packages aim to support people to stay their own home for as long as possible. Under a recent technological update, staff can have immediate access to clients’ files – which ensures information is ‘live’ and up to date.

Business Citizen of the Year winners Shane Kelly, Adam Kelly and Maxine Kelly (After-Care Australasia) with Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce president Ross Raymond. 296149 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Learning culture at work

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Employer Engagement Award iEnergi Australia

Award Sponsor: Chisholm

Dandenong heating-and-cooling expert iE nergi has helped bring comfort to South East homeowners for eight years.

Along the way, it has also fostered a culture of learning at its workplace. As director Mi chael Faulkner said on receiving the Employer Engagement Award, the award is “all about people”.

Engineering and estimations directorVatsal Desai said the firm “keep things as fun as pos sible, so it’s a level playing-field.”

Directors and team members have access to a year-round business coach. Staff are en couraged to enrol in company-funded courses to help their roles, such as in book keeping, project management and product installation. Employees are also supported in working from home for its staff, and apprentices are provid ed fuel cards to help with cost of living.

iEnergi is also a proud supporter of local charity HALT (Hope Assistance Local Tradies), which supports tradies’ mental health. As a business, iEnergi provides sustainable and efficient solutions for new built homes, reno vations and extensions. Its offerings include air-con, hydronic heating, solar PV, battery storage and ventilator.

iEnergi has become the nominated contractor for home builders and suppliers. In the meantime, its turn-over has soared to $5 mil lion in 2021-’22. Being paperless has meant iEnergi could navigate Covid-19 better than other contractors, it stated. It has used dropbox and cloud-based software Simpro to store project documentation. This helps with accu rate quoting, scheduling and to track and plan onsite work.

11:30AM - 3:00PM

COME FOR THE FOOD, STAY FOR THE EXPERIENCE!

Dandenong Pavilion, or ‘The Pav’ as we are known has been established for 17 years as a premier restaurant destination in South-East Melbourne, serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. We have function rooms, a modern bar with amazing cocktails, and a large Alfresco dining area set in gardens. We cater for all dietary requirements and have an extensive menu with a set of specials that change each month.

Responding to the demand, we also operate Burger Stop, our late night burger bar from 9.30pm to 1:00am Wednesdays-Sundays, serving our award-winning burgers.

The Pav has won numerous awards for Excellent Customer Service, and we are proud of our on-going involvement in the community, sponsoring local sports clubs as well as raising funds for the recent fire relief efforts in Gippsland. There is little doubt the recent Covid-related lockdowns severely impacted the hospitality industry, and we take this opportunity to thank our dedicated and hard-working staff for their commitment, our very valued customers for their continued support and our suppliers for their reliability and consistency. Finally, we would sincerely like to thank those on the front-line, the health workers, the teachers, the emergency services and the police for their dedication and commitment without which we, and countless others, would have endured a far greater struggle than we did.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Pav for your next meal, function or casual catch-up, and remind you of our mantra: come for the food, stay for the experience

Employer Engagement Award winners Michael Faulkner, Vatsal Desai and Alan Fitzsimons (iEnergi) with Paul Konig (Chisholm). 296149

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Brewer hops to success

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Environmental Sustainability Award / Leisure, Hospitality & Wellbeing Award

Brick Lane Brewery

Award Sponsor: Hilton Manufacturing / Peninsula Hot Springs

Dandenong South brewer Brick Lane Brewery was a dual winner at the South East Business Awards 2022. It took out a rare combination of

the Environment & Sustainability Award and the Hospitality & Leisure award.

In four years, Brick Lane Brewery has forged a formidable reputation in craft brewing, sustainability and world-leading technology.

Recently, Brick Lane received B Corp certification by meeting high environmental standards. It aims to be ‘True Zero’ by 2025.

Among its sustainable achievements is Australia’s first carbon-dioxide vaporiser – which converts liquid carbon-dioxide into gas that’s

used in the brewing process.

The bulk of its spent grain waste (99.3 per cent) is directed to farm animal feed in the Dandenong region.

Since 2019, Brick Lane has also reduced electricity usage by more than half and water usage by 40 per cent.

The brewer has also started installing a 375 kilo-Watt solar project at its site. It will supply 27 per cent of the brewery’s energy requirements and save 374 tonnes of annual carbon-

dioxide emissions.

In hospitality, Brick Lane has created an “on-premise environment” to show off its products and plant.

Customers can come along to its on-site ‘Brewhouse’ to enjoy fresh-poured beers and see how they are made.

It includes a food truck on site, happy hours and caters for functions and events.

With a large outdoor area, the brewhouse is designed to be child and dog friendly.

A new-look chamber

with a new-look awards,

a new

Leisure, Hospitality and Wellbeing winners Hannah Buckland and David Coates (Brick Lane Brewery) with Yuki Davidson (Peninsula Hot Springs).

Environmental Sustainability winners David Coates and Hannah Buckland (Brick Lane Brewery) with Jasur Singh (Hilton Manufacturing).

Dog treats have their day

By Sahar Foladi Retail/Wholesale Services Award Wagalot Award Sponsor: Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce

A Carrum Downs dog-treat producer has taken out the 2022 retail/wholesale business award.

From small beginnings in Brighton, Waga lot has grown to an industry leader with 400 outlets Australia wide.

The company has grown so much that they are looking to invest in new equipment to increase productivity to cope with the in creased amount of orders.

The equipment will include auto mated packaging and sealing machines, new baking equipment and dehydration machines.

“Some of this new equipment will come in conjunction with relocation to larger prem ises due to the space and power limitations at our existing factory,” director Alice Needham said.

Wagalot is the first to have produced the DIY birthday cake for dogs which is micro wavable in two minutes.

They have cookies inspired by Vegemite and ready-to-eat birthday-in-a-box cakes.

“As the founders of Wagalot we have al ways held the core belief that dogs should be a significant part of the family,” Ms Need ham said.

“Wagalot’s purpose is to help all dog own ers to bond with their dog through quality treats and food.”

At the awards, Ms Neeham revealed that her six-year-old Golden Retriever ‘Cliffy’ was

the chief taste-tester for Wagalot’s treats.

As well as looking after treats for dogs, Wagalot has also established a Lord Mayor’s

charitable trust fund which they donate to as a company through sales and individuals.

The trust fund also supports organisations

such as Golden Retriever Rescue, Animals Australia, World Wildlife Fund, Animal Wel fare League of Australia and Pet Rescue.

Call to invest in local jobs

By Shelby Brooks

Eight shire mayors have come together under one voice to seek support from all levels of government in developing a regional jobs and skills plan.

The call to ensure the region has the right mix of skills to ensure jobs for residents into the future comes from advocacy group Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM).

It follows the release of a new report revealing parts of the region have significant gaps in skills, jobs and education levels.

At a summit held at Pakenham’s Cardinia Cultural Centre on Friday 7 October, GSEM officially called for a tailored jobs and skills plan.

GSEM is comprised of Cardinia and Mornington Peninsula shires, and the cities of Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Knox and Monash.

GSEM chair Simon McKeon urged State and Federal Governments to take the call seriously.

“For all the wrong reasons we have statistics around employment that we can’t be proud of,” Mr McKeon said.

“The data and statistics say we don’t do the right thing in offering training and the right employment opportunities.

“We want government support to actually put together a plan for once which is real and achievable which will actually change the lives of many of our residents.”

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Jeff Springfield said the region was the fastest growing and the most important economic centre in the country.

“Greater south east Melbourne is a seriously impressive region that continues to punch well above its weight,” he said.

“We represent 1.5 million residents, almost 30 per cent of Melbourne’s total population, making us bigger than both Adelaide andWestern Sydney.”

Greater south east Melbourne is home to world-class research, development and education institutions, is a national leader

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

in manufacturing and agricultural, and a number of national and global corporations’ Australian headquarters are based in the area, Mayor Springfield said.

Despite this, Mayor Springfield said the area had serious gaps in skills, jobs and education levels.

From GSEM’s Melbourne Skills and Employment Analysis, six of the eight GSEM LGAs have fewer local jobs per local resident than Greater Melbourne.

Male, female and youth unemployment rates have been higher in the region than the Greater Melbourne average, particularly for Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.

Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) chief executive Kit McMahon spoke about the challenges local women face in accessing skills, training and improved employment opportunities.

“Women’s experience of workforce participation is influenced by systemic, structural and cultural norms and barriers which impact their ability to work, to learn, to make choice,” Ms McMahon said.

“We know that the rates of women’s participation in the workplace are lower. Our skills system invests more money, more capital into male-dominated skills than feminised skills streams.

“More women stop learning because of personal reasons than men - men stop learning because they get a job.”

Cardinia Mayor Jeff Springfield addresses the summit.

Retail/Wholesale Services Award winner Alice Needham (Wagalot), right, with Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Lisa Moore. 296149

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Building a top business

By Sahar Foladi

Advanced Manufacturing Award Roofing & Sheetmetal Centre

Award Sponsor: Macpherson Kelley

Roofing & Sheetmetal Centre (RSC) quite literally helps us to make Melbourne.

The 2022 Advanced Manufacturing Award winner has a long history in the City of Dandenong, located in Noble Park as a custom fabricator of high quality sheetmetal products.

It provides products to qualified tradesmen for projects ranging from commercial to residential roofing and building projects.

“Our ability to customise our products is our key strength,” the company stated.

“What our customers most value is the time that we take to listen to them, to work through ideas, give them advice and make their products exactly to their needs.”

Impressively RSC is diversifying its work force, with women comprising half of its re cruits in 2022.

It provides flexible hours of work to ac commodate the challenges of childcare for working parents and work from home where possible and leaders undertaking mental health training and employee wellbeing.

“In a staff survey, 100 per cent responded that they feel a sense of pride in the quality of the work they produce,” the company stated.

“Ninety-five per cent state they are aware of the company values, and what it means in relation to their role.”

It has also done a lot for its community such as a massive $8,000 donation during the month of Movember to support men’s health.

Staff also voluntarily donated funds to the Victoria Bushfire Relief and Salvation Army Christmas appeals.

A brush with success

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Micro Business Award

Big Little Brush

Award Sponsor: Star News Group

A social enterprise selling eco-friendly toothbrushes is donating half its profits towards health programs in remote indigenous communities.

Big Little Brush, based in Cranbourne West, took out the Micro Business Award for 2022 with its positive pro-social and pro-environment program.

Its bamboo toothbrushes bio-degrade in 12 months, compared to plastic ones that can linger for between 600 to 1000 years.

“We’ve so far saved over 15,000 plastic toothbrushes from entering landfill or our oceans,” co-founder Joel Hanna says.

“Our quick maths says conservatively we’ve stopped those plastic brushes from creating around nine million years of plas tic waste.”

Most are sold directly and delivered in

multi-packs, plastic-free, in Australia and New Zealand. Shipping is free in Australia.

It also supports charities Red Dust and Children’s Ground, which provide health and hygiene programs in remote indig enous communities.

In those parts, the community shop would typically sell toothbrushes for up to $15 and toothpaste for $12.

Big Little Brush, by providing its tooth brushes, helped to put dental hygiene in reach.

Established in 2017, Big Little Brush has achieved much after being founded by two part-timers.

But its size means “we constantly need to decide what we’re not going to do rather than what we will do”.

Its guided by values such as “beauty where it counts”, “having fun is funner” and “we’re positive ‘cos why be negative?”.

Big Little Brush was recently certified as a B Corp - which recognises high standards of social, ethical and environmental perfor mance.

Microbusiness Award winner Joel Hanna (Big Little Brush) and Richard Sherman (Star News Group). 296149 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Advanced Manufacturing winner Andrew Kerr (Roofing & Sheetmetal Centre) with Jason Ashton (Macpherson Kelley). 296149 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Firms with a healthy edge

By Sahar Foladi Professional Services Award Medical Edge Australia Ultra Health Medical

Award Sponsor: Founders

Ultra Health Medical and Medical Edge Aus tralia are joint winners of the Professional Services Award 2022. An Australian family owned and operated importer of 30 years, Ul tra Health sells personal protective equipment with a focus on industrial health.

During Covid-19, they also adapted quickly to produce medical PPE for professionals and the public.

“Our abilities as a family run business al lowed us to excel where most failed,” Ultra Health marketing and product development manager Ree Jasotharan said.

“(It allowed) us not only to significantly in crease our contracted items with the Australian government hospital and health system but we were able to also supply other products directly requested to us due to large holes in the mar ketplace during the pandemic.”

Ultra Health kept up with demand for medi cal PPE such as medical gown, surgical masks, gloves and sterilisation wraps during Covid’s tough times. This was done through their de cades-long relationships with manufacturers worldwide.

“We are very thankful for having the rela tionships and the ability to support our entire country not just our state, with the personal protective equipment our front-line workers in health and aged care required when it was most needed,” Mr Jasotharan said.

The importer is also implementing ethical sourcing, and on the lookout for environmen tally-friendly biodegradable nitrile gloves and disposable towels.

It has plans to pursue its Indigenous par ticipation policy and environmental policy in the near future.

Meanwhile, Medical Edge Australia has grown massively since it was established in Tasmania by certified paramedic Brodie White in 2009.

It now employs more than 500 staff across most Australian states.

An industry leader, MEA sets high stan

Quality Healthcare Consumables

dards for patient care and flow of information to clients, patients and ambulance services.

“When we ask our people what MEA’s‘draw card’ is, they tell us that our commitment to professional development sets us apart from competitors,” Mr White said.

MEA also provides a variety of nationwide services such as, first aid and medical servic es, Covid 19 services, first aid training, nonemergency patient transport and first aid and medical equipment.

“We are passionate about ensuring our team has every opportunity to grow and find success in their careers,” MrWhite said.

“Through professional development days, ongoing training, mentoring and ‘transition to practice’ schemes, our people feel supported to reach their potential.

“We support our staff through our Employee Assistance Program and encourage them to use this resource for work or personal matters.”

With over 20 years of experience and acquired knowledge, Ultra Health services clients ranging from small business through to large corporations and government entities including our Public & Private Hospitals. Our service delivery strategy, business knowledge and acumen, combined with our experience, drive our customer satisfaction and the longevity of our customer relationships.

Ultra Health prides itself on its ability to offer our customers off the shelf products as well as custom made items specifically designed for a particular requirement of our customers and hospitals. Flexibility in design & manufacture is a key to our ongoing success. This is only made possible as we have key personal based at all our major manufacturing sites who can stipulate and detail the requirement directly with the factory design departments.

Ultra Health has partnerships with a number of state of the art factories in various countries that are all leaders in their particular fields from Disposable Exam Gloves, Disposable Garments, Hygiene to Protective Eyewear and more.

All Ultra Health products are subject to rigorous testing by the most respected authorities such as SGS, FDA, SAI Global and many others. All products are comply to all relevant international standards such as AS/NZA, HACCP, AAMI, CE, NIOSH etc.

Ultra Health Products are all listed with the Therapeutic Goods Association where applicable.

Ultra Health products are primarily warehoused in Melbourne with back up warehouses in other states that can provide emergency deliveries over 24 hours 7 days a week 365 days of the year. A specialist contact is provided for this service. This service was originally established to assist with the emergency requirements of our major Hospitals.

Ultra Health is a certified company to international quality management systems ISO 9001:2015, Ultra Health & safety standards and systems have been developed to ensure that our service is conducted in accordance with ISO 9001.

Ultra Health Medical Pty Ltd specialises in high quality Medical Consumable Products.

South East Business Awards 2022 Professional Services Award Ultra Health Service, award accepted by Nicholas Anderson.

Medical Edge Australia celebrates its win in the Professional Services category. 296149

Picture: GARY SISSONS Professional Services Award winner Nicholas Anderson (Ultra Health Medical) with Nic Bolto (Founders).

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Council appoints

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SES sends SOS

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

With flood emergencies on the rise, Greater Dandenong VICSES is making an election pitch for new $11 million headquarters.

Unit controller Michael Prior has written to state MPs ahead of the November election to urgently replace its cramped Mills Road site with a “fit-for-purpose” facility.

Last week, the unit filled more than 1000 sandbags for locals and across the state ahead of anticipated floods.

A contingent travelled to help at inundated towns in northVictoria.

Mr Prior argues that the unit’s current site is too small to expand its 46-strong crew, which responded to 577 requests for help in 2021-’22.

Call-outs have more than doubled in the past four years.

In 2021-’22, the members toiled for a staggering 7500 volunteer hours, including at 410 storm events.

There’s not room for an urgently-needed boat for rescues in the flood-prone outerSouth East, Mr Prior says.

“The current site does not provide for expansion to meet future expected extreme events caused by climate change and increasing community expectations.

“A greater building size (would) allow for an increased number of volunteers in order to relieve the extra pressure put on existing volunteers.”

Women and volunteers from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds are deterred from joined due to a lack of changerooms and toilets, Mr Prior argues.

“I wanted to run a community flood information session for residents … but I couldn’t fit more than 20 into our current building

“More than 50 people collected sandbags from us today alone.”

The unit is also hindered by none of the gates and roller doors being automated.

And the motor pool layout is a “danger”, re-

quiring two right-angle turns to reverse park three vehicles and a trailer into place.

Mr Prior said the $6.2 million facility would require a high-visibility, 4500 square-metre block worth about $4.5 million. He suggests vacant land near Dandenong railway station.

With the unit providing $1 million of service a year, Mr Prior says the return on investment would occur within 15 years.

“However the return on investment may be as little as one day depending on what happens with flooding events like that predicted inVictoria.”

Opposition emergency services spokesper-

son Brad Battin toured the unit onThursday 13 October.

“During weeks like we have at the moment, with floods and storms, we know we can always rely on and we thank our SES volunteers,” Mr Battin said.

“Volunteers need support including facilities to ensure they can train and work to protect us.

“We were pleased to meet with local volunteers, and I committed to working with them in the future as they plan for a new space.”

The State Government stated its 2022-’23 budget allocated a record $28.5 million fund

ing for VICSES facilities, vehicles and train ing.

A government spokesperson said Greater Dandenong SES volunteers “go above and beyond to protect communities and save lives”.

“We thank them for their significant work.

“We’re currently delivering state-of-theart VICSES facilities at numerous locations throughout Victoria, a number of which are already complete.

“We will continue to work closely with VICSES to determine priority infrastructure upgrades and projects.”

Greater Dandenong VICSES members David Colgan, David Tropea, Han-Qing Tan, Michael Prior, Sharon Doolan, Sanjeev Paul, Maeo Liu, Chris Potts and Daniel Pastean. 303261 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Crossing guard saves lives

By Sahar Foladi

School crossing supervisor Frank D’Arcy is seen as a hero without a cape, but he thinks otherwise.

Mr D’Arcy saved the lives of school students when a truck driver failed to stop at a cross ing on Police Road in Dandenong North on 6 February 2020.

As the truck neared, Mr D’Arcy pulled two young boys back to safety. But a third student was out of his reach and was struck by the truck.

Seventeen-year-old Willow Griffiths spent 10 months in a coma and faces lifelong health issues.

“I yelled at her to run, I noticed her legs start to pump and she started to run. Unfortu nately she got past the truck but the mirror of the truck hit her on the head,” Mr D’Arcy said.

Police have told Mr D’Arcy he only had 0.4 seconds to react.

“It’s a bit of a blank. I only know what I’m told. I did something, I can’t remember doing it,” he said.

After the tragedy with Ms Griffiths, her school Nazareth College created the Willow Griffiths Award forYear 12 students.

This award was presented by the school on Wednesday 12 October, with Ms Griffiths and Mr D’Arcy invited.

Mr D’Arcy’s actions were also recognised with a Victoria Police Citizen’s Commendation in May this year.

“I’m pleased that people can get recognised,” Mr D’Arcy said, however, he also em phasised that his actions were normal in the situation.

Greater Dandenong City Council has more than 90 supervisors who look after 79 school crossings for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon.

They are trained to protect pedestrians, an important service for our local community.

“What they squeeze into two hours is actually for many people what they call an eighthour day,” says PaulWinnell previously the su-

pervisor for the school crossing program.

There’s a new police taskforce that is involved to ensure the safety around schools.

“They are pretty responsive I must say,” Mr Winnell said.

More than 30,000 students attend schools in Greater Dandenong every day.

Peak times around schools can be chaotic and many families rely on school crossing supervisors to help them get to and from school safely.

Mr D’Arcy has become an active member of the society through volunteering.

He is a volunteer at the Noble Park RSL welfare and has also volunteered in L2P, which helps young learner drivers from less privileged backgrounds to complete their required 120 hours and achieve their P plates.

Mr D’Arcy has another upcoming award from the council to recognise and celebrate his 10-year anniversary as a volunteer for Meals onWheels.

“I love Dandenong. I think it’s a magnificent place and if I can do anything to help anybody in Dandenong I’m happy,” he said.

Council encourages motorists to remain vigilant around schools, and for pedestrians and motorists to follow the directions of school crossing supervisors at all times.

Details on becoming a crossing supervisor: regservadmin@cgd.vic.gov.au or 8571 1000.

Spine-chilling sounds incoming for the spooky season

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

City of Greater Dandenong Band will be staging a ‘frightful’ act this Halloween.

After two years’ hiatus, the audience and performers will be invoking their creepiest tunes for a Brass Spooktacular cabaret in Springvale City Hall.

Singers, soloists and the band will perform popular songs from Wicked, Harry Potter, Thriller, Ghostbusters, Cruella De Ville, along with chilling classics like Toccata and Fugue.

As in previous years, the event is a BYO cabaret set-up, with prizes and raffles on offer.

Band president Cass de Lacy-Vawdon says it’s been good to finally get the 35 members back together face-to-face after months of ZOOM rehearsals in Covid lockdown.

“I love it. There’s something about the richness and sweetness and depth of the brass ensemble playing.

“Brass most resembles the human voice –

it’s like a brass choir. You know when you’re playing well, it’s when you hear it singing.”

Under its current structure, City of Greater Dandenong Band has played for 65 years.

It traditionally performs at Christmas markets, Anzac Day, other military settings and Australia Day services, as well as competing in state competitions.

“It’s part of our mantra – we exist to play good music and serve the community,” Ms de Lacy-Vawdon says.

As part of that, a youth band with free tutelage is also organised. In some cases, instruments are provided to members.

The band rehearses on Wednesdays at FrederickWachter Reserve, Keysborough.

Brass Spooktacular! - Spooky Tunes for your Afternoon is on Sunday 30 October, 2pm (doors open 1.30pm) at SpringvaleTown Hall, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale; $30/$22 (concession) / free for 5’s and under.

Bookings: 0423 925 192 or trybooking. com/ccqwh

City of Greater Dandenong Band members Alan Collard, Rachelle Thom and Todd O’Shea prepare for their Spooktacular cabaret.

Crossing supervisor Frank D’Arcy.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Paul Winnell, Georgia and Frank D’Arcy 303278

Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

New council chief named

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Council is set to be led by its first female chief executive.

Jacqui Weatherill has officially accepted the role on 14 October, days after councillors voted for her installment in a closed council meeting.

She will start as CEO on Monday 19 December.

Ms Weatherill’s 10 years at a chief executive level includes currently leading the inner-Melbourne council of Stonnington, and previously the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.

She has also worked in senior roles at City of Boroondara and Benalla Rural City coun cils.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said councillors agreed Ms Weatherill was the “stand-out” choice after “gruelling interviews”

with three shortlisted candidates.

In all, there were 50 applicants for the vacancy, he said.

“It was important to councillors that we achieved the very best possible outcome for our organization, city and community.

“Jacqui is looking forward to joining CGD and making a difference to our wonderfully diverse community.

“She has a long background in working at a

senior level and especially enjoys the opportunities and challenges of working with a variety of diverse stakeholders.”

Ms Weatherill replaces outgoing chief executive John Bennie, who leaves after 16 years in the role on 30 November.

Cr Memeti said further details on the interim arrangements between Mr Bennie’s departure and Ms Weatherill’s commencement will be soon announced.

Dandenong man saved by Jehovah’s Witnesses

We have always seen members of Jehovah’s Witness door knock people’s houses, but rarely as dramatic as this one.

A resident of Keneally Street Dandenong was awoken by the bangs on the door when a fire broke out at his house on Saturday 10 October.

Jehovah ’s Witness Keysborough congregation member Jeff Barclay recounts that he and other members could smell smoke and reached a house where the smoke alarm was going off about 11.30am.

Concerned that someone might be inside and unable to hear the alarm, his companion Peter Hutton began “really banging” on the door, while Mr Barclay called 000.

Finally a man stumbled out of the house just as two fire engines arrived.

Another member of the group, Teresa Lobo, is a registered nurse and was able to check the man’s health.

“Smoke poured out after him, he was coughing and disorientated, asking us what was going on,” Mr Barclay said.

The fire-fighters quickly found that the smoke was from a smouldering fire.

& Wilhelmina, Residents

The brigade captain thanked the group for their concern and quick actions, Mr Barclay said.

“He told us that if we hadn’t kept banging on the door and woken the man, he would have died from smoke inhalation.

“Also, the fire could have fully ignited and spread next door, where a family lives.”

Mr Barclay says that although they feel that their preaching work is helpful to the community, literally saving someone’s life takes it to a whole new level.

“Now everyone will want Jehovah’s Witnesses calling!” he said with a laugh.

Great retirement living is not a destination, it’s a discovery. It all starts with taking the First Step to finding a community where you can feel at home.

love to welcome you to explore what retirement living is like in a community near you. With villages

nearby Croydon to Cheltenham,

booking a tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet the residents and chat with our friendly team. We’ll help you take the First Step with confidence, and find a community where you can belong.

Firefighters outside the Keneally Street house on 8 October.

Teresa Lobo and Jeff Barclay.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Pleas for Hazara action

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

More than 5000 filled Harmony Square in Dandenong as a stand of support for victims of the recent deadly bombing of Kaaj Academic Learning Centre in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The vigil on Sunday 9 October in Australia’s largestHazaraheartlandwaspartofnationwide ‘Stop Hazara Genocide’ events that weekend.

Organisers called for the Federal Government to condemn the latest attack, which killed 54 and injured 112 people, mainly chil dren and women.

They want Australia to accept an extra 20,000 Hazara and others at-risk from Afghani stan on emergency humanitarian grounds.

They also called for the Government to offer permanent protection for Hazara refugees on temporary protection visas, and to convene an emergency round-table with Hazara Aus tralians.

One of the organisers ‘Jawad’ said the bombing was part of a targeted attack against Hazara people in Afghanistan since the Tali ban takeover in 2021.

This has included deadly bombings against innocents at mosques in Afghanistan in April and last October, maternity wards, schools and other “non-military targets”.

“I think the community is very upset and quite devastated by this escalation of violence against the Hazara people.

“Unfortunately, Hazaras have been historically and disproportionately the target of ter rorist attacks in Afghanistan.

“It’s an ongoing genocide.”

At Harmony Square, federal MPs Julian Hill, Zoe Daniel and Monique Ryan were joined by a long list of community groups.

As well as state MPs and candidates such as Lee Tarlamis, Cassandra Fernando, Belinda Wilson, Matthew Kirwan, Alex Breskin and Mi chael Galea.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti, deputy mayor Eden Foster and councillor Rhonda Garad were also in support.

Bruce federal MP Julian Hill condemned the “barbaric” attack on Hazara women and school children at the educational centre.

“These attacks deliberately target Hazara people in Afghanistan.

“An atrocity like this reverberates across the world and affects everyone, including here in Australia.

“We stand in solidarity with Hazara people everywhere.”

The Government was committed to its promise for permanent protection “as soon as possible” to “genuine refugees”, Mr Hill said.

It was fixing a near 1-million backlog of visa applications as well as a “broken” Department of Home Affairs, he said.

“It can’t happen overnight … but we are making process.”

There were expected to be up to 300,000 humanitarian visa applications from Afghanistan.

Currently there are 31,500 places for Afghanistan nationals available over four years

under Australia’s humanitarian and family reunification programs.

Mr Hill said he agreed there was a need for more spots, particularly women and children from at-risk minorities.

Mr Kirwan, the Greens state election candidate for Dandenong, said his party fully supported the organisers’ calls for Government action.

“I have had a decade-long connection to the Hazara community of the South-East and particularly Dandenong so it was an emotional experience for me.”

Free Kinder: the best start for

Politicians, including Kooyong MP Michelle Ryan, Bruce MP Julian Hill, Higgins ALP candidate Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah and Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel, at the vigil.

About 5000 crowded into Harmony Square, Dandenong for the Stop Hazara Genocide vigil.

Pictures: NAYAB STUDIO AU

Calls for action at the Dandenong vigil.

Dangerous driver jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A disqualified ice-high driver in a stolen BMW X6 wagon who sped dangerously across the South East and inner suburbs for more an hour before ramming two police cars has been jailed.

Jonathon Cushieri, 31, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to offences including conduct endangering life and intentionally ex posing an emergency worker to risk by driving.

He reached speeds of up to 240 km/h, dodged two sets of stop sticks and ran numer ous red lights as he tried to evade police from Fountain Gate shopping centre to South Yarra on the night of 8 February.

Sentencing judge Trevor Wraight on 5 Oc tober described the father’s conduct as “very serious and very dangerous” over an extended time and distance.

It was only by fortune no one was injured or killed, the judge noted.

There was no regard for other road-users, police officers or his passenger. His only mo tivation was to avoid police capture, Judge Wraight said.

It was all the more dangerous because ‘ice’ was influencing his “already erratic conduct”.

After a series of U-turns at Fountain Gate, Cushieri drove around police and avoided stop sticks at a car wash at Thompsons Road, Carn bourne.

Police Air Wing then followed him through Dandenong, Hampton Park, Noble Park, Row ville, Mulgrave, Glen Waverley and Burwood.

In response to an unmarked police car, he drove head-on into traffic down the wrong side of Springvale Road, Glen Waverley for about 600 metres.

After avoiding further stop sticks, police de clared a pursuit due to the nature of his driv ing.

He reportedly travelled between 200-240 km/h on the Eastern Freeway city-bound lanes.

Just before midnight, stop-sticks took out all four tyres on Wellington Street, Colling wood.

Cushieri then turned off his headlights and accelerated onto Punt Road, running red lights and swerving in and out of traffic at up to 90 km/h.

He narrowly missed a civilian’s vehicle as he ran a red light without braking at Flinders and Exhibition streets.

Despite his wheels losing traction, he con tinued at speed down St Kilda Road until he hit a dead-end at Domain Road metro-tunnel works.

He U-turned, clipped an unmarked police car and accelerated heavily and front-on into a marked police car. The $120,000 BMW wedged into the front end of the police car.

A resisting Cushieri was OC-sprayed and extracted from the wagon by police. In his car was about 6 grams of meth and 1 gram of her oin as well as suspected stolen goods.

He’d been smoking ice around the time of his driving spree.

In this case, Judge Wraight said Cushieri ex pressed remorse but no “meaningful insight” into the impact on his victims and the “enor mous risk” inflicted on the community.

Cushieri has been medicated for ADHD since he was 5 years old.

He’d never had a regular job nor a drivers’ licence, but an extensive criminal history in cluding car thefts, burglaries, drugs and dan gerous driving while pursued by police.

Since 18 years of age, Cushieri had been in and out of custody. He was “to an extent insti tutionalised” and unable to break the cycle of drugs and re-offending.

His rehabilitation prospects were “poor” but “not hopeless”.

Cushieri was jailed for up to four years and three months. He will be eligible for parole af ter serving two-and-a-half years.

His term includes 239 days already served in pre-sentence detention.

New mural in Noble Park

Noble Park has been brightened with a new mural by Melbourne-based artist and illus trator Sasha Heath.

The mural titled The Noble Commu nity is inspired by the area and features a colourful illustration of much-loved local landmarks to express the heart and soul of Noble Park.

“I did have a lot of people from the com munity say how calming the colours were in Noble Park and how it made them feel a lot calmer walking to work,” Ms Heath said.

Traders in Noble Park will distribute over 4000 free one-of-a-kind re-usable tote bags and postcards as giveaways to their cus tomers this month to highlight the new lo cal mural design of Ms Heath.

“I love it, I think it’s a great incentive,” she said.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the council was also asking the local community to share what they love most about Noble Park via social media.

“We are running a fun social media com petition with great prizes up for grabs, in cluding 10 swim passes to the Noble Park Aquatic Centre and limited edition re-us able coffee cups designed by Ms Heath.”

The mural, tote bag and postcards give away has been commissioned as part of the Noble Park Revitalisation Initiative sup ported by the Victorian Government.

“This project aims to celebrate the re vitalisation of Noble Park and celebrate the wonderful traders who contribute to the life and vitality of this great activity centre,” Cr Memeti said.

Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ noble-community-sasha-heath

Mayor Cr Jim Memeti with Lee Tarlamis MLC for South Eastern Metropolitan, artist Sasha Heath and Noble Park traders holding the free tote bag. 302904 Picture: SUPPLIED

100 years ago

19 October 1922

Random Notes

It is well known that agricultural and horticul tural societies, in their desire to make the show ring events attractive, at times get right away from the chief object of which such soci eties exist, viz, the encouragement of primary production.

In this connection the Ballarat Agricultural Society had surely gone from the sublime to the ridiculous. It having decided to introduce goat racing at the next show.

This is making a circus of the agricultural show business; and the sooner executive of ficers and committees of the agricultural so cieties in the State wake up to the fact that their special province is to promote a healthy competitive rivalry in the staple industries of the State, instead of allocating prize money for “circus” events, the better it will be for those societies and interest they are sup posed to represent.

50 years ago

19 October 1972

New Home on the Market

A brick veneer home with many attractive features is for sale in Griffith St Endeavour Hills. Nearing completion, the home is priced at $15,950.

The home is within walking distance of shops, schools, and public transport. It has three bedrooms, all with built-in robes.

Features in the lounge include an archway, draw drapes and concealed lighting.

The kitchen/dinette has an electric wall oven and hot plates. There are good quality light fittings throughout the home.

The bathroom has a separate shower and there is a broom cupboard in the laundry. Another feature is the attractive wall to wall carpet throughout the home.

It also has screen doors and a double driveway with paths leading to front and back doors.

Denis Walter was a singer and host of Dandenong Carols in 2018 and 2019, after it was moved to Harmony Square. 188317

20 years ago 21 October 2002

One of 3 to stand up from the bar after blast.

Endeavour Hills resident Travis Barton is lucky to be alive – he was drinking at the Sari Club when the Bali bomb went off. Suffering a perforated eardrum, stitches and serious burns

Mr Barton was on the first Hercules aircraft to Darwin and arrived in Melbourne last Monday.

Mr Barton, 20 was drinking at the night-

club with his friend Dale Atkins. “We looked outside and saw a car explode, next thing we knew we were blown backwards off our chairs,” he said. Mr Barton, Mr Atkins and one other person were the only three who stood up from the bar area.

5 years ago 16 October 2017 Hallelujah, Christmas carols are back on Dandenong’s Carols By Candlelight event has

received a reprieve.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Meneti announced that the council would run the event in Harmony Square, at the Monday 9 council meeting. “The Carols by Candlelight will continue,” Cr Memeti said.

The Journal was inundated with community feedback on the decision made by the Dandenong Chamber of Commerce, expressing disappointment.

Vicki Collier said the decision was an absolute disgrace.

Faith shown in journeys

Spend and Win

About 30 ‘interfaith tourists’ were welcomed into five places of worship across Greater Dandenong and wider Melbourne on 12 Oc tober.

With Greater Dandenong former mayor Roz Blades as the tour guide, the party visited the St Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church in Dandenong, a Khmer Buddhist Temple in Springvale South as well as a Hebrew congregation in St Kilda and Hare Krishna temple in Albert Park.

Interfaith Network of Greater Dandenong has staged the public tours since 1991. Other than the Covid interruptions, they are staged every second month.

They have included participants from Victoria Police, the CFA and SES.

Executive officer Helen Heath says the tours provide a chance to see the multicultural region’s diversity of religions and faiths.

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

The Interfaith Network aims to promote understanding across faiths to break down the barriers of fear and ignorance between people – and as an antidote to racial and religious stereotyping.

On request, special tours have been staged for local and interstate schools, teachers, council staff, councillors, a Thai government delegation, Victorian Multicultural Commissioners, and Rotary Group exchange teams from France and the UK.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also taken part, as well as the Austra-

lia-Thailand Institute, the Australia-Indonesia Young Muslim Leaders Exchange Program, the Australia-Malaysia Institute and the International MediaVisits Program.

The next tour on 14 December will visit an Islamic mosque, a Sikh gurdwara, a German Lutheran church and a Taoist temple.

Bookings: Stacey Odwazny, education@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. Payments of $25 must be made at least a week before to confirm your booking.

The Abbott Venerable Then at the Khmer Buddhist temple in Springvale South. 302013

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

HAPPY DIWALI!

Arthurs Seat Eagle invites everyone to come together to soar and celebrate the ‘Festival of Lights’!

Located at the highest point of the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat Eagle is the perfect place to spend time with friends and family during this community celebration, with gondolas taking you to the best views of the Mornington Peninsula and beyond. The Eagle has always had a community focus, but post-covid they’ve been actively showcasing their magnificent attraction with events and activities for all ages.

The Arthurs Seat Eagle Spring Festival launched at the start of the school holidays and has been an instant hit with visitors.

The Eagle will celebrate Diwali from Saturday 22nd October until Monday 24th October and the Eagle has planned cultural celebrations, activities for the kids and delicious food - because what’s

Deepavali without sweets?!

“There’s always something happening at the Eagle!” enthuses marketing manager, Sarah Cottrill “and Diwali is such a special time of year that you can’t help but be excited! We’re thrilled to have it featured in our Spring Festival this year.”

The Arthurs Seat Eagle is popular all year round and locals have been flocking to the Eagle during spring to participate in the many events and activities on offer.

“We came out of lockdown with a bang” Sarah explains “and we’ve filled the year with celebrations: we celebrated our Millionth Visitor in April, launched a vibrant Winter festival, and our current Spring Festival has been our most popular event to date. It’s been wonderful to be able to open up our world class facilities for the community to come together to enjoy!”

The gondola ride itself is, of course, always

magnificent. When you ride in one of the world class gondolas you will feel on top of the world. Whether you start at the Base Station or soar from the Summit, you can expect a 15 minute journey each way in your own gondola.

The Spring Festival will run with events and celebrations from Diwali through until the Melbourne Cup Carnival Weekend, then the month-long Christmas festival will launch on December 1st and their events packed Summer Festival will welcome in the New Year.

The Arthurs Seat Eagle is open every day except Christmas Day, so there’s plenty of time to spend enjoying all of the amazing events. Visit www.aseagle.com.au for a full schedule of events and to book your tickets.

Arthurs Seat Eagle – there’s always something on!

FOCUS ON … SENIORS

Relax in style

Oak Tree Retirement Villages: Redefining Retirement in Australia

With humble country upbringings, the Found ers and Directors of the OakTree Group under stand the importance of being able to thrive in the community you know and love.

WhenMarkBindonandFrancoDePasquale founded the company in 2004, they didn’t set out to be‘the biggest’, but to be the very best in boutique, independent senior living.

Almost 20 years later and 31 locations, the motivation is the same: to provide Australian seniors with relaxed, secure, lower mainte nance retirement options.

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Keysborough South school wins cash from both sides

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The Coalition has matched a $5.34 million Labor pledge to upgrade a school in rapidly-growing Keysborough South.

It means urgently-needed improvements should go ahead at Keysborough Gardens Primary School, regardless of who wins Government in the November state election.

The school had been dealing with issues from “day one” since it opened in 2020, opposition education spokesperson David Hodgett said on 12 October.

“Sensible planning accounts for growth and the needs of both teachers and students and Daniel Andrews has failed on all accounts.”

Under the Liberals and Nationals plan, the school will get improved play areas with shade sails, outdoor seating and play equipment, as well as outdoor staging and landscaping.

A bike shed, a school canteen, a car park extension and new sports facilities are also part of the upgrade.

Mr Hodgett also pledged to fix “planning failures” such as rectifying the irrigation and water tank systems.

The playground and sandpits would also be expanded, blinds and carpets installed, the staffroom extended and turf laid where grass had failed.

Mordialloc Liberal candidate Phillip Pease said the upgrades would help deliver a“world-class education” and“the very best opportunities” to the school’s students.

In September, Premier Daniel Andrews and Labor MP Tim Richardson pledged

$5.34 million – if the Government was reelected.

The ALP stated it would help the growing school cater for 150 extra students and create an Indigenous Friendship Garden.

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

Principal Sherri Jenkins recently said the school is growing rapidly among burgeoning housing estates.

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

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

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

Assistant principal Steve Gammon, Liberal South Eastern Metro candidate Ann-Marie Hermans, David Hodgett, principal Sherri Jenkins, Phillip Pease, and departing MP Gordon Rich-Phillips, with school captains Mya and Ryan.

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School proposal shut down

By Eleanor Wilson

Plans to build a Catholic school in the Casey Foothills were this week rejected, after Casey Council’s decision to deny a permit for the site was affirmed by the state’s planning tri bunal.

ParedVictoria proposed to develop land for a faith-based boys school of 239 students and 22 staff in grazing land on Horswood Road in NarreWarren North.

But in an order on 4 October, Victorian Civil AdministrativeTribunal member Michael Nelthorpe denied a permit for Lysterfield Lake College, stating the building plans would not be suitable for the topography of the site.

“This school is too large for its site and that the site’s topography cannot accommodate the proposed earthworks without compromis ing the landscape values of the Zone and the Significant Landscape Overlay,” he said.

Mr Nelthorpe said the school would be acceptable if the site was flat or significantly larger.

“Ultimately, this proposal fails on its site selection. The earthworks required to build this school on this sloping site are contrary to the planning policies and controls that seek to preserve the hilly terrain of the Casey Foot hills.”

It is a major set back for the school, which opened in January this year for boys in Year 3 toYear 6.

The school currently rents classrooms at its sister campus, Harkaway Hills College, a girls school also run by ParedVictoria.

As of 30 August, Lysterfield Lake College operated with 54 students and four full time staff.

In a statement, the college said it was disappointed byVCAT’s decision.

“We are currently considering the decision and will investigate what options may now be available to us,” the college said.

“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time as we are yet to fully consider the decision and our options.”

The site is a vacant eight-hectare grazing property at the end of Horswood Road, bordering on Lysterfield Lake Park.

Located in a Green Wedge Zone, the school would provide primary and secondary school

education to boys betweenYear 3 andYear 12.

The two-stage proposal for Lysterfield Lake College was initially opposed by both Casey Council and the Green Wedges Guardian Alliance (GWGA), who argued it was “another inappropriate urban use in the GreenWedge”.

Casey Council said the “more isolated location, scale of the school proposed and the ap-

parent lack of any meaningful connection to the green wedge” were main contributors to their objection.

The Pared education philosophy teaches the Catholic faith and believes that parents are the primary educators of their children. It includes one-on-one mentoring of students by staff and has a focus on outdoor education.

Five charged after bust

drug affected drivers.”

An array of drugs, nine stolen mountain bikes and bladed weapons were seized by Dandenong Divisional Response Unit detectives at Cranbourne North on Friday 7 October and Dandenong South on Tuesday 11 October.

Four men and a woman were charged with drug trafficking, weapons offences and handling stolen items.

During the raids, police allegedly seized about 180 grams of methylamphetamine with a $36,000 street value.

Traffickable quantities of alleged heroin, ecstasy, 1-4 butanediol, cannabis and ketamine was also seized.

Five prohibited weapons including a machete, samurai sword, a knife and a compound bow as well as more than $4,000 cash were also found.

Police say they also seized a laser pointer, locked safe, four stolen bank cards, two stolen e-scooters and electronic devices.

Dandenong DRU Sergeant James Frost said removing illicit drugs and edged weapons made “our community a safer place”.

“The ripple effect drugs and weapons can cause is devastating, contributing to assaults, theft to support addiction and in nocent people dying on our roads due to

On 7 October, a 33-year-old Cranbourne North man was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of meth.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 9 January.

A 43-year-old Endeavour Hills man was charged with six charges of drug possession and handling stolen goods.

He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 9 March.

A 36-year-old man was charged with obstructing police, drug possession and failing to appear on bail.

He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 9 December.

On 11 October, a 39-year-old Dandenong South man was charged with trafficking meth and cocaine as well as possessing drugs and prohibited weapons, car theft, dealing in suspected proceeds of crime and handling stolen goods.

He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 25 October.

A 39-year-old Dandenong South woman was charged with drug possession and dealing in suspected proceeds of crime.

She was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 18 October.

A 45-year-old Dandenong South man was arrested and released pending summons.

Police say they’ve busted two crime rings during drug and weapons raids in the South East.

The

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It’s well known that stress can take its toll on your wellbeing. When your body is under stress, you may suffer from tense muscles, mood swings and poor sleep. Stress can also negatively affect your smile.

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healthy meals, and turn to sugary snacks for comfort.

Stressful times can also lead one to skip their daily self-care routine, possibly showering less - which in turn leads to skipping out on your oral hygiene routine. Neglecting your oral self-care habits will have dire conse-

quences for your health. Bacteria will thrive, which leads to multiple issues like tooth decay, gum disease and chronic bad breath.

There´snoreasonforyoutosufferinsilence. Book an appointment with Endeavour Smiles Group, so they can help you, telephone 8772 2053 or info@endeavoursmilesgroup.com.au

STRESSED OR ANXIOUS?

I offer online counselling to women around Australia who are experiencing stress, anxiety or work and career issues. As a Registered Nurse and counsellor, I bring experience and genuine warmth to sessions.

If you are affected by something that is impacting your work or home life, or need

in

Jasmine Hurly is a registered nurse and counsellor.

WHAT’S ON

Sunday Jazz

Enjoy

Cafe Vita deck at Springvale Botanical Cem etery.

· 12pm-3pm on 16 October, 27 November, 29 January, 26 February, 26 March at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, 600 Princes Highway, Springvale. Details: 8558 8238 or info@cafevita.org.au

Trish’s Table

You are invited to join us for a cooking work shop where our guest cook, Tayla, will demon

her favourite chicken and rice dish. We will share the spoils and a few laughs along the way and take home the recipe for this delicious meal!

· Thursday 20 October 10am-2.30pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. Suggested donation: $15. Bookings: Jo or Tayla,9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Carols in the Park

Greater Dandenong Carols returns in 2022. If your community or school choir is interested in performing, submit expression of interest by 5pm on Monday 24 October to events@cgd.vic. gov.au

Also opportunities for food and market stalls. To apply, go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/majorevents-and-celebrations/greater-dandenongcarols

·

7pm Friday 9 December at Dandenong Park, Pultney Street, Dandenong.

Sparrows of Kabul

As part of The Boite Spring Festival, Fred Smith, his band and a group of local Afghanistan musi cians The Kabul Birds Band perform the Spar rows 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 Green thumbs

The Springvale Garden Club’s next guest speak er is Rex Ande who will be talking on Geraniums and Pelargoniums.

· Wednesday 19 October 8pm (doors open 7.30pm) at the Senior Citizens Hall, The Cres-

cent, Springvale; $3 entry includes a chance to win a door prize plus a cuppa. Details: Cheryl Johnson, 9551-3197.

Dandenong West festival

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 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.

Brass Spooktacular

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

Harley ‘Thunder Ride’

One of the largest congregations of Harley Davidson® motorbikes ever seen in Victoria will descend on Dandenong Market, Organised by the Dandenong Chapter of the Harley Owners Group, the Thunder Ride is expected to attract between 300 and 500 Harley owners. Live music from Eagles cover band, The Screamin’ Eagles. The market is also running a competition to win a one-hour Harley ride.

· 11am-4pm, Sunday 9 November at Dandenong Market, cnr Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong. Details: dandenongmarket.com.au

Road, Springvale; $30/$22 (concession) / free for 5’s and under. Bookings: 0423 925 192 or trybooking.com/ccqwh

Wellness Circle

You are invited to join us for an invigorating morning focusing on our mental health and wellness led by the Dandenong Community Learning Centre (DCLC) at The Open Door. Activities for self-development include gratitude and gratitude journals, ‘emotional cup’ activity, and mindfulness 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.

Surveyed show

Artist Harley Manifold records ordinary scenes and reactions on the streets of Greater Dandenong, while Giordano Biondi offers clay models 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. Details: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/victorian-seniorsfestival

Men’s Shed

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

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

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

Fun for retirees

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

· From 9.45am to noon on the last Tuesday of 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.

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

Jobs Victoria Advocate Drop-in employment information.

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

· Contact Ali Abd Ali. Phone: 0452 647 522.

Email: pathways@springvalelac.org.au

Mini parks in Dandy South

Dandenong South has been brought to life by mini parks established at Greens Road and Ab botts Rd, marking the end of the level crossing replacements.

The Level Crossing Removal Project unveiled the mini parks, which feature land scaping, tree planting and sculptures of the First Nations with their stories shared by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corpora tion.

First Peoples’ engagement advisor Kat Rodwell said the mini parks will provide an opportunity for the community to learn about the rich history of the area.

“By walking through these spaces, the hope is the community can see the artwork and hear Bunurong stories and imagine Bunurong women collecting food such as berries and

nuts, singing, laughing and sharing stories –that’s the experience we want people to have,”

Ms Rodwell said.

The design of the artwork was also inspired by the stories of the First Nations, which was created by the husband and wife duo, Jackie and Gary Roberts, from Mara MetalWork.

“I think it’s fantastic to see Aboriginal work in public places, it’s great for Aboriginal people and it’s great for the public to see our work as well,” Ms Roberts said.

Committed to a healthy environment, the level crossing removal project planted 650 semi-mature trees, 40,000 tube-stock trees and 220,000 shrubs in these mini parks and, further south, along the new 4.25km shared-use path that connects Lynbrook, Merinda Park and Cranbourne stations.

‘I will give you a go’: champion boss rewarded

A Dandenong South business has been lauded for its support for disadvantaged workers.

A & A Electroplaters was named as a finalist in the Champion Employer of the Year category at the National Employment Services Association.

The Ordish Road business was recog nised for its excellence in providing op portunities for disadvantaged workers to thrive in sustained employment.

“My philosophy is simple - if you want to work, I’ll give you a go,” its owner-oper ator Mark McHale said.

A & A Electroplaters had sourced about 80 per cent of his workers from local gov ernment employment service Jobfind.

Jobfind chief executive Karena Newland said Mr McHale put “inclusive recruitment and retention practices at the heart of his business”.

“The employment opportunities he has provided our participants has literally changed their lives.”

Presenting the awards on 6 October, So cial Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said: “Everyone deserves the opportunity and dignity of a career and meaningful work.”

The National Employment Services As sociation is the peak industry body repre senting contracted employment service providers.

They include not-for-profit and pri vate organisations providing services for people with disability, youth, Indig enous communities, people with mental health issues, migrants and other disad

vantaged job seekers.

NESA chief executive Sally Sinclair said the awards set a “benchmark of excel lence”.

Mark McHale of A & A Electroplating, Finalist, NESA Champion Employer of the Year 2022.

Mara Metal artists Jackie and Gary Roberts.

Picture: SUPPLIED

• Dandenong Coles Express 61-65 Cheltenham Road

• Dandenong United Service Station (Pie Face) 100 Cheltenham Road

• Dandenong Dandy Mart 17 Cleeland Street

• Dandenong Dandenong Market 40 Cleeland Street

• Dandenong Dandenong RSL 44-50 Clow Street

• Dandenong India Bazaar 77 Foster Street

• Dandenong Dandenong Oasis Heatherton Road & Cleeland Street

• Dandenong Dandenong IGA 78-84 Hemmings Street

• Dandenong Dandenong Neighbourhood House 34 King Street

• Dandenong Well Springs for Women 79 Langhorne Street

• Dandenong Remax Real Estate Shop 14, 30-32 Langhorne Street

• Dandenong Bestway Supermarket 200-208

Dandenong City of

Dandenong

Dandenong

Dandenong

Dandenong

Dandenong

Dandenong

Dandenong

•

Dandenong

Dandenong North Coles Express

Road

Road

Dandenong North BP Service Station

Road & Stud Road

Dandenong North Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club 41a Latham Crescent

Dandenong North FoodWorks Menzies Cellars 52 Menzies Avenue

Dandenong North Menzies Milkbar 64 Menzies Avenue

Dandenong North IGA Friendly 54 Outlook drive

Dandenong North Liberty Fuel 182 Stud Road

Dandenong South Georges Lunch Box 22a Amberley Crescent

Dandenong South BP Service Station 175-187 Greens Road

Dandenong South Lunchmaster 3/491 Hammond Road

Dandenong South Kirkham Road Milk Bar 102 Kirkham Road

Dandenong South Woolworths Supermarket 81-125 Princes Highway

Dandenong South Shell Service Station 50 South Gippsland Highway

• Dandenong South United Petroleum 314 South Gippsland Highway

• Dandenong South Caltex Service Station 275-295 South Gippsland Highway

• Dingley Village Dingley Village Newsagency Shop 2/79 Centre Dandenong Road

• Doveton Doveton News and Lotto 7 Autumn Place

Doveton Bottle O 2-Apr Linden Place

Doveton Shell Service Station 48 Princes Highway

Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre

Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue

Endeavour Hills Woolworths Service Station Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre)

• Endeavour Hills O’Brien Real Estate Shop

Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre)

• Endeavour Hills Coles Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre

• Endeavour Hills Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre

• Endeavour Hills 7 Eleven Endeavour Hills

Heatherton Road & Power Road

• Endeavour

McMahon

Eumemmerring Atura Hotel

Avenue

• Eumemmerring Caltex Woolworths Service Station

Princes Highway

• Eumemmerring BP Service Station 60-64 Princes Highway

• Hampton Park Hampton Park Library 26 Stuart Avenue

Keysborough Caltex Keysborough 248 Cheltenham Road

Keysborough Parkmore Shopping Centre 317 Cheltenham Road

Keysborough Barry Plant Real Estate Shop

Cheltenham Road

Keysborough 7 Eleven Keysborough 309 Cheltenham Road & Cnr Kingsclere Road

Keysborough Woolworths Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

Keysborough Coles Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

Keysborough O’Briens Real Estate Shop 6, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

• Keysborough City of Greater Dandenong Shop A07, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

Keysborough Michaels IGA 466 Cheltenham Road

• Keysborough Keysborough Learning Centre 402 Corrigan Road

• Keysborough Foodworks Keysborough 285-289 Corrigan Road

• Mulgrave Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre

Police Road

Noble Park Sandown Park Hotel Corrigan Road

Noble Park Coles Supermarket 1 Douglas Street

Noble Park Noble Park Newsagency

Springvale KFL Supermarket

Avenue

Springvale Springvale Learning &

Avenue

Centre

Springvale Springvale RSL 23 Osborne Avenue

Springvale Caltex Woolworths Springvale

Police Road

Springvale Aobao Milk Bar

Springvale Savemore Supermarket

Springvale Coles Supermarket

Springvale Sundowner

Springvale Springvale Neighbourhood

Avenue

Springvale Biggin Scott Real Estate

Springvale Raine and

Springvale Road

Springvale Woolworths Supermarket

Springvale Springvale Newsagency

Springvale Springvale

Springvale City of Greater Dandenong

Gilliganto“pronouncemysurnamecorrectly”.

Photos

Placing

World cricket in Cranbourne

The eyes of the indoor cricket world have descended on Cranbourne for the 2022 Indoor Cricket World Cup, held at Casey Stadium

last Saturday and running until 15 October, men’s and women’s teams from eight nations are battling it out for the title of best in the world. The tournament kicked-off with a Trans-Tasman showdown triple-header between the Australian and New Zealand men’s, women’s and women’s Under 22s sides. Photographer GARY SISSONS was there to capture the fast-paced action.

CASHIER

Australian

Cleland in charge of Bears

By Tyler Lewis

Newly appointed Berwick Cricket Club captain Jordan Cleland is flattered to be listed amongst those who have led before him.

The opening-bat cross wicket-keeper has sat behind spearhead James Wilcock during the last two seasons as the Bears vice-captain.

The request to be captain left Cleland cajoled, who intended on continuing his secondin-charge role this summer.

“I suppose the privilege and honour of following the footsteps of the people that have gone before me,” he said, as the most exciting aspect of being captain.

“Your Jarrod Goodes, Ryan Crawford, Matt Chasemore in recent years… I would never put myself in the same sort of players as they have been.

“It’s quite flattering to be given the opportunity to captain Berwick.

“The immediate reaction was a bit of shock

to be fair, I wasn’t aware that James (Wilcock) was stepping down.

“We had discussion in the previous weeks about team selection and how we wanted the team to look with him as captain and me resuming as vice-captain.

“I was a little bit shocked and taken aback by it.”

While there’s a plethora of experience coming from the likes of Jake Hancock, Andrew Perrin and Cleland himself, the new skipper admits his side will resemble a Gabba wicket on Day 1 of a Test match: a sprinkling of green with a rock solid foundation.

“We set up a little bit differently this year,” he announced.

“The biggest challenge for me this year will be to just work out how the team will work and function.

“I am aiming to bleed a bit of youth through the side with Jarrod Goodes being out until

Christmas and Matty Chasemore wanting to play with his son while he still can.

“We have the opportunity to play a few of the younger boys that have played really well in our twos the last few years and give them a good run at it.”

The DNA of Cleland’s unit won’t be too dissimilar to the successful Berwick outfits of the past, but he has confessed to peaking over the fence of the recently triumphant neighbour.

“I think it’ll be something similar to what Springy South brought to the table last year, they were incredibly hard to score against,” he explained.

“They had great game plans and they fielded really well, so this year we will aim to get back to basics and be one of the stronger sides in the field.

“We’ve got a really good bowling line-up, so we will try and utilise that as best as we can and chase as little as target as we can each week in, week out.”

Dandenong RSL wins Australian title

Bedford heads north to become a Giant

Former Dandenong Stingray and Casey De mons premiership player Toby Bedford has been traded from Melbourne to the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

Bedford requested a trade to the Giants early last week and has since been delivered north of the border for pick 44 in this season’s National Draft.

The Demons used the pick in the deal that sees Luke Jackson head to Fremantle.

GIANTS General Manager of Football Jason McCartney welcomed Bedford to the club.

“We’re excited to welcome Toby to the Giants,” he said.

“We identified Toby as a player who could come in and add to our small-forward stocks, so we were thrilled he saw an opportunity at our club and pleased we could come to an agreement with Melbourne.

“He’s a young and exciting player with a lot of potential, and we look forward to watching him continue to grow and develop over the coming years.”

Bedford played 16 matches this season for the Dees, but was listed as the medical sub on a regular basis.

El Donado storms into Cup heats

By Jason Adams

Powerful sprinter El Dorado secured his place in Sportsbet Melbourne Cup heats with a come-from-behind win in the opening round of Preludes at Sandown Park last night.

He began fairly but used his wide draw to perfection to settle behind gun sprinter Paddy Wants Pants. It took him until the final few strides to pass Paddy Wants Pats to win by less than a length.

“It was his third race in a row from box 7 but I think he’s learning to handle it better,” said trainer Daryl Holmes.

Having now won a Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Prelude El Dorado has secured a spot in heats of the Cup on Saturday November 19.

“It’s a great thrill, to win in top grade is good anytime but especially with the big races coming up. It certainly helps getting out of bed quicker in the morning.”

Holmes is hopeful that El Dorado can gain a start in the upcoming Topgun at The Meadows on Saturday November 5. The selection panel will meet Sunday October 23.

“Anything can happen in racing, he’s in a good spot now and getting in the groove.”

He owns El Dorado with long time friend Rob Le Sueur.

“We’ve been mates for about 20 years. It’s been good fun and he’s a great bloke. He sent me Gold Vein to breed with and we split the ownership in her pups.”

Earlier in the night Amron Dan won the opening Prelude in fine style after he settled in a far more positive position than usual.

Wharfie was an all-the-way winner in the other Prelude run on the night for trainer Shane Richer.

The Dandenong RSL team took out the Australian RSL Snooker Championships at the Morwell RSL over the weekend. The winning team, from left; Ahmad Alikhail, Masoud Alikhail, Ray Rogers and Jarrod Ing. 303653

Picture: DAVID NAGEL

Jordan Cleland on the charge. 229792

Picture: ROB CAREW

Toby Bedford in action for the Dandy Stingrays.

SPORT

Mates run for Rossy

By Jonty Ralphsmith

He will always remember the numbness and shock.

Like most Australians, Dandenong North resident Josh Webster was familiar with the Motor Neurone Disease (MND), having seen the effects it has had on 2019 Victorian of the Year Neale Daniher.

But seeing close mate and then colleague Chris Ross’ diagnosis at age 31, in April last year caused him to take more notice.

The pair worked together at the Frankston (VFL) Football Club where Webster was the football analyst and assistant strength and conditioning coach and Ross was head of high performance.

Webster, with then Dolphins captain Josh Newman, co-founded the ‘Run for Rossy’ (R4R), to raise funds for a mate.

“We just wanted to do something for him to let him know‘we’re here to support you’,”Web ster said.

“He went from having a couple of jobs and a future in physical thereapy in high perfor mance sport to nothing and no income so we thought ‘çrap, what can we do to help?’”

“Lockdowns kept hitting so I had another chat to ‘Newy’ saying we could wait, but this is going to get him soon – that’s where ‘Run 4 Rossy’ was born.”

“It went from a quick conversation to get something done to having the run within a month,”Webster explained.

A major caveat in spreading awareness in 2021 was the ‘Run for Rossy’ Instagram page whichWebster and Newman set up.

That was the first many had heard of his diagnosis and helped them raise so much money.

“He was open to us doing it, so we did a post tagging a couple of people encouraging them to do it, and within 24 hours, we didn’t even need to nominate people, they were nominat ing themselves and saying they would run and how far, it just exploded and I couldn’t believe how many people found out,“Webster said.

Among those were Carlton players Nic Newman, Patrick Cripps, Eddie Betts (former), Harry McKay, Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering who each sent the keen Blues supporter a mes sage.

Covid-19 restrictions meant last year’s event was a virtual one. People ran in different locations and varying distances.

A keen runner himself, Webster ran a full

marathon, with Ross cycling alongside him.

Initially, Webster thought $5000 was a realistic target. That was doubled within 48 hours. Twenty-four more hours passed and they were up to $20,000.

By the end of the weekend, more than $120,000 was raised.

Frankston players Jackson Voss, Blake O’Leary and Joe Lloyd were among the major contributors with $3400 collectively. K2 Kinematics Strength and Recovery, Ross’ former workplace, led the about 1500 donors with $6285.

That money went towards helping Ross directly as he was not yet eligible for NDIS, with the proceeds from this year’s event to go directly towards ‘Fight MND’.

The event will be held this Sunday 23 October at Collingwood Harriers Athletics Club, Clifton Hill, with the target being $100,000 and 2700 collective kilometres between the participants. More than $40,000 has already been raised.

The 27 challenge encourages people to set a physical challenge involving that number between September and November 27.

That number is chosen because the average life expectancy for someone living with MND is 27 months.

‘Rossy’ was diagnosed 18 months ago.

In a video posted to the ’Run for Rossy’ Instagram page earlier this month, he said: “the days are becoming more difficult and challenging, losing the ability to walk and care for myself.

“All of these things slowly take their toll physically and mentally, but in the darkness of a terminal illness, being surrounded by loving and caring family and friends make the daily battle with the beast more bearable.

“We are striving to create a future filled with hope for all people who are diagnosed with MND - but we need your help.”

To donate or register, click the following link: hub.fightmnd.org.au/run-for-rossy/tickets

Zach Horsley takes the reigns at Dingoes

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Southern Division One club Dingley has locked in Zach Horsley as its next senior coach.

Horsley has spent the last six seasons at Frankston Bombers in the MPNFL as a senior assistant, reserves coach and under 19s coach. He has also coached St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy.

President Clint Brooks said Horsley interviewed most impressively despite there being several more experienced candidates vying for the position.

The club lauded his “one club” approach when announcing him as coach.

“This guy just seems like he’ll go real far, VFL level sort of thing, so we’ll give him the first crack,” Brooks said.

“He’s right up with the modern game and he’s a very present guy, very much about culture and through the interview process you could see he was well planned, and hav ing Beau Muston as his right hand man at Frankston Bombers would’ve been beneficial.

“He was probably one of those coaches that just needed an opportunity and we thought a young coach would suit our group well.

“He’s very big on his reviews and the feedback from players is they want more feedback on performances, and Zach’s right into footage and stats.”

The appointment came just before last week’s best and fairest dinner, which was taken out by league medalist LucasWalmsley.

Running halfback Lachie Lamble, captain Jordan Peet, pressure forward Rory Gold

smith and defender Kristian Feehan rounded out the top five.

He did not attend that event, allowing 2022 coach Danny Ades, who has since signed as coach of Rosebud, to properly farewell the club, but he has spoken to several players Glenn Goldsmith will take over as coach of the reserves.

Goldsmith, the father of Rory, was an as-

sistant under Ades in 2021 and may still play a role in the seniors coaching.

The club is close to locking in its under-19s coach.

The Dingoes have already locked away many of their top-liners for 2023 including Walmsley, Lamble, Peet, Goldsmith, winger Josh Ferguson, forward Manny Dolan and youngster Cam Dickie.

Parkfield go two for two

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Parkfield’s ladies are two from two and the Bears haven’t even had meaningful contribution from their international import in a potent start to the season.

Harjivan Bhullar has played 22 twenty-20 internationals as a middle order batter for Austria - a developing cricketing nation - and she is in Melbourne studying international law at Monash on exchange, so will be available to Parkfield until the end of January

She is an aggressive player that likes to feel bat on ball and advance the game forward which has seen her installed as opener so far.

While the 22-year-old has so far scored only 11 and 5, people around the club have seen promising signs that she can give her side momentum within games at different points of the season.

“If you saw her down on the bowling machine, you’d be really bullish,” president David Swierzbiolek said.

“She was facing balls over 100 kilometres an hour and it looked (like she was having) no problems.

“It was just when the ball started to swing around at that higher pace that she obviously has got a few deficiencies there.

“She speaks fluent English, German and Punjabi – because her parents are Indian – so she has fitted in really well around the group.

“We want to get her as immersed into cricket as possible so she can take it back to Austria and add it to their training over there – any help developing that nation is a bonus.”

There are also plans to give her exposure in the men’s competition to expedite her development.

As much as possible, Parkfield will accommodate Bhullar’s schedule to play shorter formats – either in men’s or women’s - given Austria play only twenty-20s.

Parkfield’s two wins have come against Essendon and Frankston, bowling first on each occasion and keeping its opponents to 70 and 74 respectively.

The side is led by Australian indoor cricketer Brodie Whitmore, who has moved down to number three thanks to the inclusion of Bhullar.

Whitmore has been excellent in the first two games, with scores of 17 not out and 32 not out including the match-winning six last week.

That’s the quality coach Daniel Ferguson and co. expect Bhullar to bring in the coming weeks.

“Even when she made that 11 you could tell she understood cricket because she knew that Hasini (Perera-Jayatunga) at the other end was going (well) so let her do her thing,” Swierzbiolek said.

“There will be a game soon enough where she goes ‘it’s on me today’. That’s where we’ll see the best of her.”

Harjivan Bhullar is ready to take off for Parkfield this season.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Zach Horsley will take over as coach of the young Dingoes. 289933

Picture: ROB CAREW

Josh Webster with Chris Ross (right) and Run for Rossy co-founder Josh Newman. Picture: SUPPLIED

Footy, faith and a family

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The interview time has just ticked over an hour when it wraps up.

One could speak to Dandenong Stingray Ziggy Toledo-Glasman and Dad, Simon, for double that time and still feel like they haven’t captured everything, such is the appeal to his on-field journey and draw of his off-field un dertakings.

Ziggy is engaged and attentive, in tune with each element of his life, and Dad speaks with pride and love.

The initial video conference call is capped at 40 minutes and cuts off the pair at their Mount Martha home as they discuss the fam ily’s Judaism.

Whilst not Jewish herself, Mum, Tully, now divorced from Simon, is supportive of the faith, so Ziggy and his five siblings have had a Jewish upbringing.

For as long as he can remember, weekends with Dad have always started with a Sabbath Dinner, usually at Ziggy’s grandparents’ house in Caulfield.

“I am always promoting (Judaism) even though (Ziggy) doesn’t go to a Jewish school, I hope he has a strong sense of what it is to be Jewish and understands we do believe in God,” Simon said, Ziggy’s heeding nod affirming his belief.

“We should just treat people how we want to be treated and we should follow a basic code of humanitarian ethics that you do the right thing by people and good things will happen to you which he has been terrific with.”

There is a clan of 15 at the family catchups: grandparents, Dad, Ziggy, his five siblings, aunties, uncles and cousins.

Grandfather, Mordechai, is a Holocaust survivor and moved to Australia in 1962 with wife, Sara.

His grandfather’s ordeal forms part of the impetus for Ziggy’s desire to carry the ’Glasman’ name on - he is soon to legally add the name to his surname, after a mutual family decision was made several years ago to legally change his and his siblings name to ’Toledo’.

Simon says Ziggy is numero uno with the grandparents.

“It’s something I enjoy doing, there’s lots of calling throughout the week (plus the catch ups) and it’s cool to know they’re interested in what I do,” Ziggy said.

“They do their best efforts to get to as many games as they can, they don’t really under stand it but they’re always asking when I’m getting drafted and if they’ll get tickets.”

When he was 13, Ziggy had a ‘Bar Mitzvah’, a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony, where he performed prayers in front of about 200 fam ily and friends, after spending close to a year learning Hebrew and connecting with his Jew ish identity.

In observing their faith, the family attend Temple Beth Israel Synagogue, St Kilda, on high-holidays including Yom Kippur, Jewish New Year and Passover, something Ziggy en joys.

There, he gets to experience a world his grandparents are well accustomed to, and at tributes much of his success to his support network including non-blood ‘cousins’.

“Each time, there is a Rabbi Sermen,” Ziggy explains.

“They talk about topics in life and you sit there and listen and try and relate it to what is going on in your life.

“That’s my favourite part because I under stand it and it puts into perspective what your life is, and what your issues are compared to what other people’s issues are across the world.

“For me it is the most beneficial part because you get an insight into what a wise and knowledgeable person is thinking, we sit there together in one corner and all listen so it is a pretty cute experience.”

PERSONAL GROWTH NOMINATION

Dandenong wellbeing co-ordinator Adele White knew it early in the year.

When she heard about Toledo-Glasman’s volunteering, her first instinct was to nomi nate him for the NAB Personal Growth Award - one which celebrates players who demon strate outstanding leadership and contribu tion to their communities.

While Toledo-Glasman did not win the

award, he was recognised as a finalist on Morrish Medal night.

Ziggy’s family co-founded the Wonder Woman Walk, an annual walk since 2016 from Safety Beach to Portsea which raises awareness and funds for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF).

It came after close family friend Helen Powell was diagnosed with the disease in 2013, leading to her death onValentine’s Day, 2020.

What started as a walk between Ms Powell and those closest to her, including Ziggy’s mum, in 2016 grew to a convoy of 200 in 2019 and, recognising the success of the event, the OCRF made it an annual part of their calendar and it has since been rebranded the ‘Walk with Woman’.

The walk this year, on 6 February, was the first Ziggy took part in but he has always supported the cause.

“I help Mum create all the advertisements and banners and do a lot of the behind the scenes stuff organising the day,“ he said.

“In year six, I ran a white shirt day to represent ovarian cancer and raise a bit of money there. It’s a bit of an emotional topic because she was a second mum to me and I miss her very much.

“It is a disease that impacted my family pretty massively and theirs as well, so just to be able to support that and provide money for research which was going a long way for families, it was good to know that we were helping.

Helping to coach an under-14s team at his community club with Stingrays teammates Billy Taylor and Owen Williams also formed part of his nomination.

CURIOSITY SURROUNDS DRAFT ENIGMA

Dandenong coach Nick Cox says ToledoGlasman is currently the player most discussed on the phone with AFL recruiters.

There is an intrigue about him.

The developing key forward, who has grown to 195 centimetres this year, missed the first half of the season with an ankle injury.

It denied clubs the opportunity to see him push for Vic Country selection, but he has shown glimpses in his eight NAB League games.

In his debut against GWV, the 18-year-old had a couple of moments.

One goal was a remarkable bender tucked up on the boundary line with his momentum going away from the goal face; another saw him grab the ball from a ruck contest and snap the sealer.

Itstartedarunoffivegameswherehekicked multiple goals, finishing with 14.9 for the year, as he showed an ability to create something from nothing with his size or follow-up.

AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan noted his agility and opportunism on commen-

tary in his debut game.

“The Greater Western game, I just wanted to enjoy my footy and see where I sat in the pecking order of the NAB League, and I felt the game against Bendigo was a little sneak peek of what I was able to do,”Toledo-Glasman said.

“My self-belief grew after that, I felt like I belonged and was capable of competing. I didn’t have the run home I would’ve liked, but it was an enjoyable season and I’m looking forward to next season.”

He was part of the Stingrays grand final side, with success seeming to follow ToledoGlasman, who won five premierships and played in another three grand finals as a junior.

Dad coached three of them, in his formative years, before ex-St Kilda player Kain Taylor took over and recognised his talent.

“In about under 12s I was probably the most unfit player in the team and Kain saw I had skill and potential to be a decent player, but that was holding me back, so he had me doing running sessions and working hard during training to improve that, and it became a strength of my game.”

In an under 12s grand final, ToledoGlasman kicked four of his club’s five goals to lead it to a premiership over perennial rivals Edithvale-Aspendale at Lloyd Park.

“I remember thinking on the day that maybe I can do something with my footy and it can be a bit more than just a hobby.

“That day was a big milestone even with what I have achieved now.”

His read of the ball and forward craft have always been traits and he got well involved as a wingman in the second half of the NAB League grand final, a position he had hoped to play earlier in the season but for the injury limiting his aerobic capacity.

Will a club be willing to take a punt based on his limited exposure?

He’s yet to have a formal interview but his state combine invite, plus what he hears from Cox and his management at Mac Sports, affirms some interest, believed to come from at least four clubs.

Maybe, for grandparents Mordechai and Sara, those AFL tickets aren’t as far-fetched as they once seemed.

Ziggy with his Dad, Simon, and five siblings at Temple Beth Israel Synagogue, earlier this year.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Ziggy Toledo-Glasman kicked 14 goals from eight NAB League games in 2022.

Picture: JAZZ BENNETT