Dandenong Star Journal - 25th October 2022

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

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In honour of the Mackays

Battle for compensation

Move the making of Finn

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Beautiful bundle of joy

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CEO returns ‘home’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The incoming Greater Dandenong CEO is no stranger to the region.

Jacqui Weatherill grew up in Clayton North, regularly visited Dandenong Market and long coached gymnastics in Springvale.

“I love the rich multicultural community and the diversity that’s out here,” Ms Weatherill says.

“It’s a real powerhouse for the Victorian economy, especially with the manufacturing.

“At the end of the day it’s got an amazing workforce and there’s so much need in the Dandenong community.”

Ms Weatherill recently resigned as chief executive at City of Stonnington to take up the role.

She has worked in local governments in Boroondara, Brimbank and Benalla since starting off as a graduate, as well as being CEO of the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.

In a narrow 6-4 vote in a closed council meeting on 17 October, Greater Dandenong councillors chose Ms Weatherill from a shortlist of two.

The lengthy recruitment process had sifted through 50 applicants to replace CEO John Bennie, who leaves on 30 November after 16 years at the helm.

Ms Weatherill said she’d be guided by the mayor and councillors on the city’s future direction.

“It’s my job to deliver on the strategies and plans, and goals and objectives of the council.

And I’ll work with them to lead the city and build on all the good work that’s been done already.

“Leadership drives culture, and culture drives performance.

“Having a really great leadership team and having good leadership between the council and the senior executives is what leads to a really beautiful culture.

“And from what I’ve seen the culture here is fantastic. And that delivers great performance

Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti and incoming chief executive Jacqui Weatherill. 304495 to the community.”

Her former workplace Stonnington Council has been blighted by councillor infighting.

Most recently, The Age reported that a group of councillors was boycotting special council meetings.

“I’ve learned to be a lot more resilient as a leader,” she says of her experience at the innersouth council.

“Certainly after the last election there was a lot of diversity in the political views of the councillor cohort in Stonnington. And that’s created some conflict between that group.

“It’s been well publicised.”

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Ms Weatherill was impressed by the highquality and variety of community facilities, such as aquatic centres, The Drum, early-years facilities, aged care and libraries.

She was keen about the “exciting” $90 million Dandenong Oasis redevelopment as well as the upcoming community hubs in Keysborough South and Dandenong.

“I’m looking forward to developing and growing the broad range of services that the council runs already.”

On Dandenong’s high unemployment rate, Ms Weatherill says: “The jobs are out there but it’s a matter of some of those people aren’t

skilled for the jobs.

“It’s matching them and building their confidence up so they’re job-ready.”

Mayor Jim Memeti said Ms Weatherill’s vast experience in local government and as a leader made her the best fit of the job.

“With her Dutch background, Jacqui will fit in perfectly within our community – the most diverse community in Australia.

“Jacqui’s appointment is a fantastic outcome for our organisation, city and community.”

Ms Weatherill starts as Greater Dandenong chief executive on 19 December.

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NEWS

Bundle of joy arrives

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Weary but elated, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams can count on extra family support in her bid for re-election.

Her newly-arrived baby Ruairí, who is the fairy-tale ending after five years of IVF, is set to join the hustings in his ‘Vote 1 Mum’ onesie.

The party’s slogan for Ms Williams – ‘Delivering for Dandenong’ – has some special meaning.

Ms Williams has described her IVF journey as a “roller-coaster of hope and despair”.

Ruairí was her “last shot” – as a result of an anonymous sperm donor.

On announcing Ruairí’s arrival, Ms Williams posted: “Four kilograms of perfection, and so much love my heart is fit to burst”.

“He’s been a dream. He’s healthy and well.

I couldn’t be happier despite the exhaustion.

“I look forward to telling him the journey.”

The timing on the eve of the November state election was “interesting”, she says.

Her campaign is being run from home, while she changes, feeds and tends to Ruairí, sneaks in naps and recovers from a Caesarian section.

She intends to rejoin the hustings next month.

“It’s one foot in front of the other. We did a lot of work setting up the campaign in the lead-up to the birth.

“We haven’t stopped our campaign work and continue to advocate on the important subjects.”

Over years of publicly telling her IVF story, Ms Williams played a role in reforming fertility care in Victoria following the Gordon review.

She describes the launch of an accessible, public IVF service as “one of the most important things our Government will do”.

“Many couples and individuals had to

MP’s signs repeatedly defaced

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Ruairí Williams arrived safely shortly before the 2022 State Election. make the call that it was something they could not afford. It never sat comfortably with me that it was for only those with a certain earning capacity.

“Fertility should not just be available to the wealthy.”

The Government also changed donor consent laws – meaning donors could no longer withdraw consent for their eggs or sperm even

after embryos were created.

In the past, embryos on ice would then have to be destroyed.

“I think quite rightly it becomes the material of the IVF consumer.

“It was always a great fear for me.

“For anyone in my situation that’s devastating after what you’ve gone through, the costs … and often that’s the last shot.”

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams’s election signs have been targeted in repeated vandalism attacks.

Images of Ms Williams’s face have been obliterated on up to nine signs, including three real estate boards, in home front yards.

Within 24 hours of being replaced, the signs were graffitied again in what appeared to be a “deliberate and coordinated” attack, according to Ms Williams’ campaign team.

Following a “blitz” on the night of Friday 21 October, the destruction has been reported to police. Many of the attacks involve trespassing on private property.

“Politics can be dirty, but it needn’t be,” Ms Williams said.

“Everyone gets to have their say at the ballot box, and whether you vote for me or not, I’ll defend your right to have your voice heard.

“But the destruction of property is just that - destructive. Not just to the property concerned, but to our democracy.

“All candidates have the right to put their case respectfully, to be heard, and the voters have a right to make their decision come polling day.

“If you’ve witnessed this graffitiing taking place, please let us know.”

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New gym ode to stalwarts

By Sahar Foladi Dandenong North Primary School (DNPS) has named its new gymnasium in honour of its legendary former leaders.

The husband and wife duo principal, Kevin Mackay and assistant principal Jenny Mackay spent a combination of more than 70 years at the school. In recognition of their combined service to the school and community, the ‘Mackay Gymnasium’ has been named after them.

While Ms Mackay felt amazing, Mr Mackay had different emotions.

“I do feel a little bit embarrassed because it’s never just one person who’s responsible for anything, never.

“It’s all the students themselves who have made the school a good school and the teachers made the students so that they can make it a good school and I was lucky enough to be able to help our teachers become the best teachers they could be.

“So for me and Mrs Mackay to have the whole gym named as the Mackay gymnasium sort of forgets a little bit about all the people who have contributed to it,” Mr Mackay said.

The new gym is scheduled for completion early next year. In the meantine, the school has been using the neighbour the neighbouring facilities at Dandenong High School.

“In sports our students for the last 13 maybe 17 years have won the cross country events of all the schools, that’s because they’ve been very fit. Fit children have the oxygen through their body where they’re motivated to learn.

“This facility will help them to stay fit at that level and will continue the good learning,” Mr Mackay said.

Established in the heart of a diverse suburb, the school is surrounded by residents who come from overseas as refugees and migrants.

The couple has helped the school bring out the best in kids from more than 50 diverse backgrounds.

Mr Mackay said he has learned so much throughout his career from people with different backgrounds and it has been a privilege.

Manonith and Shivesh looking up to the new roof of the Mackay Gymnasium. 304005

Mackays and MP Hutchins had a look at the new Gymnasium which will be completed early next year. 304005 “It helps our society become a more inclusive society if more and more people can work in environments we have been lucky enough to be able to work in,” Mr Mackay said.

For the most part, the school is the first choice for overseas parents in the area to enrol their children, given its reputable past and progress in teaching.

The school runs groups and programs to help parents from non-English speaking backgrounds to integrate into society and be active members of the community. One of those groups is the Afghan Mothers group.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher Rosemary Abboud has worked at DNPS since 2006.

“It’s very exciting to see the new building that’s going to benefit other students for many many years to come. They’re just brilliant, the new building, and the gymnasium in particu-

lar is going to give the students the new opportunity to play sport in all sorts of weather and access many different types of activities within that,” Ms Abboud said.

There’s a real sense of inclusiveness and pride in the teachers, students and principals to call DNPS their school.

“I’m really proud to be able to say I work in Dandenong North. I can’t think of working anywhere else,” Ms Abboud said.

Out of the lifetime that the Mackays have been in the school, Mr Mackay said he misses the kids the most, especially when they run up and give him a hug, and the student visitors who used to come to his office and have informal conversations.

“I want our students to keep giving back… because from generation to generation more of our people who feel empowered to give back to others, to make a better society, that’s what I

hope will be the legacy,” Mr Mackay said.

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins came down to the school and paid tribute to the retired principals.

“Can I just say how wonderful it has been to have Kevin and Jenny in today to celebrate the 75 years of their achievements to this beautiful school and to see a plaque that’s going to be placed here on the gym in their name and memory,” Ms Hutchins said.

The new gym is being delivered as part of Andrews Labor Government’s school modernisation and upgrades program.

“Twenty years that the former principal has been lobbying to see this gym come out of the ground, it’s been an absolute pleasure that it’s our government that’s delivering funding to make this happen,” Ms Hutchins said.

In the last eight years, the Labor government has invested $12.8 billion to establish new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades, created around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries.

After almost a lifetime of responsibilities, challenges, joyful moments and immense growth, the Mackays can rest knowing they’ve changed lives of so many at DNPS. “We’ve got a motor home that we’d like to travel around Australia in, but I want to hear about the success of Dandenong North Primary School too, so I will remain connected, because we think of it as family and I am part of the family.”

Revisiting my old home at Dandenong North Primary After 12 years, I walked through the gates of my childhood school as a journalist to cover a story, but as I walked inside I became a child again as memories flooded my mind.

I first came to Dandenong North Primary School (DNPS) in Grade 3 in 2007 along with my two elder sisters and my younger brother who was in prep at that time.

Everything was so alien to me, not being able to speak a word of English, I looked at my teacher confused as I tried to make sense of what she was saying.

There were other students the same as me who would attend Transition, not knowing what it was back then, but now I understand it was a program to help newcomers with non-

English speaking backgrounds to settle in and teach them basic English.

In no time I attended English as Secondary Language (ESL), which extends the purpose of Transition, and with the curriculum I was able to read, write and speak English at a faster pace.

Now 12 years later, it was recess time when I arrived and just as always, the Mackays were standing outside talking to students.

I made my way to introduce myself as a journalist, there to write a story on the new ‘Mackay Gymnasium.’

When I told Mr Mackay I was a former student and was returning to cover this story he burst into laughter of pure joy and pride.

Mr Mackay is just as he used to be when I

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was a student there. Extremely friendly, gentle, kind, always smiling and making students laugh too. The Mackays always visited classrooms along with their dog Pepper, who the kids loved and I used to be terribly afraid of.

We were famously referred to as the Foladis since there were four of us at that school and upon our graduation, three of my little brothers started school at DNPS. I shook Mrs Mackay’s hand and introduced myself and she looked at me in an attempt to figure me out.

That’s when I told her I was a former student and her face transformed from confusion to pure joy. She said my name did sound familiar.

While we were standing and having a chat, students could not pass by Mrs Mackay with-

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Shivesh (School Captain), Natalie Hutchins (Minister), Jenny Mackay, Kevin Mackay, MP Lee Tarlamis OAM, Manonith (School Captain) and Paul Hilton (Principal). 304005 Picture: GARY SISSONS dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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out hugs, hellos and would ask if she is back to the school permanently. And with a look of disappointment after she’d replied: No, she is only there for an event.

The school has changed immensely since my time there. I remembered it with heaps of new buildings, but it still continues to support not just students but also parents from diverse backgrounds.

I became Peer Mediator at the school and also played netball in interschool sport competitions, such was the impact DNPS had on me.

After my interview with Mr Mackay he told me how proud he was to see me as a journalist.

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

‘Slug’ coach launch

By Cam Lucadou-Wells State election independent candidate Ian Cook says horns are tooting for his cause.

The Mulgrave candidate has launched a new campaign bus, emblazoned with slogans such as ‘Honk if you hate corruption’.

The toots are part of a wave of support, including traditional Labor voters who “want to get rid of (Premier) Daniel Andrews”, he says.

“I can’t tell you the number of people who have wanted to stop and talk to us.”

This election, Mr Cook is facing off against Mr Andrews in the Mulgrave seat. He’s adopted a catch-cry that, “I didn’t choose politics, but politics chose me”.

Buoyed by more than $150,000 in donations, Mr Cook has also launched a campaign office in Springvale Road, Mulgrave.

Aside from the roads, he’s also finding support from traders in Springvale’s shopping precinct.

“They are extremely worried about land tax because they say the landlords will pass the cost onto us.

“They actually say thank you for what you’re doing for us.

“I’m not just doing it for Ian Cook – I don’t need this for a job. But I’m doing it for the people of Mulgrave and the wider Victoria.”

Mr Cook is director of I Cook Foods, which

Ian Cook and his bus outside City of Greater Dandenong Civic Centre. 303753 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS is suing the State Government and Greater Dandenong Council over the business’s controversial shut-down in 2019.

In what has been dubbed ‘slug-gate’, Mr Cook has accused authories of wrongly shutting down and destroying his business as part of a fatal food-poisoning investigation.

The matter has been examined by two Parliamentary inquiries as well as several police investigations. No charges have been laid against public officials.

He called for supporters to keep donating on his website to keep his campaign in the public eye.

Brawl after fatal shot A man has been charged over an alleged brawl following a fatal shooting in Noble Park three months ago.

The 38-year-old man was arrested by Homicide Squad detectives in Springvale on 21 October.

He was charged with affray and intentionally causing injury.

A 36-year-old Noble Park North man had been reportedly shot at a unit on Corrigan Road about 6am on Monday 11 July.

He died at the scene.

After the shooting, two people ran from the unit and were chased by four others, police said.

A fight allegedly erupted between the six on Corrigan Road.

Police say at this stage the people are believed to have known each other.

The arrested man was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 24 March 2023.

Homicide Squad detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting.

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

Driver arrested after South East chase A driver has been arrested after fleeing from police across the South East on Friday 24 October.

Police say they tried to intercept a silver Nissan Pulsar believed to be linked to a recent attempted armed robbery in Dandenong North.

The Nissan allegedly sped off on Western Port Highway at Hastings about 10.25am.

Followed by the Air Wing, the car was driven erratically in Cranbourne and Dandenong, police said.

It continued despite striking stop sticks at

South Gippsland Highway and Pound Road in Dandenong South. The car stopped at the corner of Wellington and Stud roads, Rowville.

The 19-year-old driver from Dandenong fled on foot and was arrested nearby. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading roads and freeways in Melbourne’s south to reduce congestion and improve travel times to make your journey safer and easier.

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TAC limbo for struck man

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Life changed forever for Yacoub Alfakay when he crossed at pedestrian lights in central Dandenong three years ago.

Mr Alfakay, of Dandenong, was struck down by a car on Lonsdale Street in the late afternoon of 14 July 2019. He was concussed, and his leg and shoulder were broken.

As a result, the 29-year-old self-described soccer-holic’s playing days are over. He suffers ongoing agony in his knees as he walks down stairs.

Despite surgery, his dislocated shoulder can’t bear heavy loads, be slept on or stretch overhead without pain.

And the accident repeats in his mind.

Three years on, he is fighting a “frustrating” and “stressful” battle for compo from the Transport Accident Corporation – who claim that he disobeyed the traffic signals.

The TAC provides common-law compensation for people seriously injured in transport accidents through no fault of their own.

Mr Alfakay is adamant he was in no rush that day, and crossed as the pedestrian lights’ “man turned green”.

He recalls the driver stopping to check on him and allegedly admitting he was to blame.

He says the TAC has produced no CCTV evidence to refute his claim.

The driver has since denied that he’s run a red light. But Mr Alfakay’s counsel at Shine Lawyers claim that the driver was negligent.

Shine Lawyers’ Sunshine legal practice manager Catie Norman says the accident could have been avoided if “the defendant had obeyed the traffic signals, slowed down, and given way to Yacoub”.

“Yacoub escaped civil war in Somalia and came to Australia seeking safety, only to be run over by a driver we allege was negligent.

“Before the accident, Yacoub wanted to work

Yacoub Alfakay at the Lonsdale Street crossing in Dandenong where he was struck by a car. 302006

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

fortune for Mr Alfakay, who arrived in Australia only a few months before the collision.

He had fled civil war in Somalia, where his father was killed in a mortar attack.

Then spent five years detained as an asylumseeker on Nauru where he worked as a security officer and supermarket storekeeper.

Since arriving in Australia four years ago, he remains on a bridging visa that bans him from working and studying. All because he ‘arrived by boat’.

“I’m waiting for a long time for the TAC. It’s frustrating and stressful because it’s not my fault.

“I’m in the right.”

Though denying compo, the TAC has paid for some of Mr Alfakay’s medical expenses such as shoulder surgery.

A TAC spokesperson said the TAC “cannot provide details on individual claims for privacy reasons, or if a matter is currently the subject of legal proceedings”.

as a warehouse supervisor in the Dandenong region and contribute to society.”

Ms Norman says the Transport Accident Commission response is “making matters worse”.

“The TAC is prolonging Yacoub’s suffering by denying him the compensation he deserves.

“I would urge the TAC to reconsider its position, come back to the negotiating table, and treat Yacoub with dignity and respect.”

The legal battle is the latest of a saga of mis-

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Impact has positive reward

By Sahar Foladi

Ibrahim Hassan was a young achiever of the South East Business Awards 2022. 303515 win the prizes, but the build-up of that and the planning process of that played a big part.

I remember the organisers saying that this is probably the most engaged outcome that we’ve had in the whole program of the history,” Mr Hassan said.

To establish a business at such a young age is one thing, but to establish a business in a support services sector at a young age is another. Mr Hassan said he had something major happen to him seven years ago which is very

personal to him.

“I probably wouldn’t share it, but again it was something that was very personal that’s happened and from there I see life a lot different today. Gratitude, giving back and being the best version of yourself and doing your best every day, something I really believe in.” Mr Hassan said.

What started off as 10 to 12 clients now sit at about 155 clients and Mr Hassan said there’s more he has planned for the future of Person-

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS alised Support Services, but the vision is to be a care provider and employer of choice which will be carried throughout.

“The next year we also want to expand interstate as well,” Mr Hassan said.

“I’m looking most forward to what’s built from ground up, literally reach for the stars because if you reach for the stars and it doesn’t happen at least you land on the clouds. Really see the name, the company logo on the big screen really talked about and again.”

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Ibrahim Hassan has achieved much since kicking off a business at just 19 years of age in 2020. Within two years his business, Personalised support services has earned the community impact award in the South East Business Awards 2022.

“It was the first major award that we’ve got since coming into existence and to actually go up there, it was new for me. It was amazing,” Mr Hassan said.

South-East born and raised by migrant parents, Mr Hassan has worked his charms in Dandenong to become an organisation and employer of choice.

“Instead of actually targeting all of Melbourne I’m actually targeting all of South East, particularly why I say that is because I understand the South East a lot better.”

“I graduated on Friday and I remember on Sunday I got to work,” Mr Hassan said.

But it was not as smooth as it sounds. To establish a business at a young age can have its negatives. “Age. At this age unless I actually help people with what I do, they don’t actually take me seriously,” Mr Hassan said.

“We started off with 10-12 clients and ever since we have become the fastest growing providers, thankfully, of course in respective to that is the operations, the setup, quality of service, the care and more of the tailored personalised service that we have going on. I guess that’s the biggest point of difference of my company compared to other very large organisations.”

Mr Hassan was in the City of Greater Dandenong’s Young Leaders Program where he learned a lot of the skills that would later on help him on the road to entrepreneurship.

“I remember there was an activity which we were working on throughout the whole program. I used to approach people, it was something about spinning the wheel and they

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NEWS

Tackling unemployment

By Sahar Foladi The unemployment rate has been hitting younger people hard in the City of Greater Dandenong with youth facing especially challenging times.

Award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise, Ability Works, in partnership with RMIT has recently launched a research paper to identify the best ways to reach different communities in the area as it has a high multicultural population with a range of barriers to employment.

Being culturally diverse comes with great advantages and its own challenges.

CEO of Ability Works Sue Boyce said the unemployment rate in Greater Dandenong was astronomically high, particularly among the migrant communities.

“There’s a lot of lack of trust between the migrant community and employers because of the very big differences, compared to the country they’ve come from the employment environment is very different,” Ms Boyce said.

As such, people born overseas, especially women, face great challenges to find employment.

Data from the City of Greater Dandenong shows that women aged 25-44 who have settled in Australia are less likely to be in a paid employment, while 57 per cent of men with Year 11 completion are employed. Those with limited fluency in English language are the most affected with only 31 per cent in paid work.

The organisation has moved its office to Dandenong in hopes of understanding and tackling the issue of unemployment among young people, with 17 per cent of 20-24 year olds unemployed. Ms Boyce said that figure could increase to 20 per cent.

“We are aware that in Dandenong there’s a very high unemployment among the people

Mark, employee of Ability Works. that we would normally employ,” Ms Boyce said. She said the research conducted by RMIT would provide her with information that could inform the best way to cater for people with barriers and work to minimise those barriers.

“We need to know, for example, do we need to have a psychologist for our staff because people come from family violence and traumatic backgrounds. We just need to understand exactly what we can do so that we can

Pictures: SUPPLIED get people fully productive, Ms Boyce said.

Ability Works has 175 employees, the majority of which are from significantly disadvantaged backgrounds.

“City of Dandenong is very active, they’ve actually set up a game changer program, and they have a series of breakfast where they invite employers and organisations that can provide services to the people who are unemployed,” Ms Boyce said.

James works with Ability Works.

However, she thinks there’s a lack of knowledge about how it’s done properly.

The City of Greater Dandenong has its own research about unemployment issues in the areas, however, Ability Works has extended that through its partnership with RMIT. This research has also engaged with different organisations such as, Indian Care, Friends of Refugees and Ozcare to be on the advisory community for the research.

$1m in emergency relief

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Mayor, Cr Jim Memeti at the launch of the Strategy at the Anti Poverty Week in Dandenong Pictures: GARY SISSONS Harmony Square. 304403

Poverty ‘everyone’s business’ Greater Dandenong City Councillors have endorsed the Anti-Poverty Strategy 2022-25, which sought to address the complex issues of poverty in the community.

The Strategy was designed in partnership with organisations that support vulnerable members of the community including consultation with more than 120 community members who spoke about their own lived experience.

The Strategy was launched at an Anti-Poverty Week event in Harmony Square, Dandenong, on 19 October.

Mayor, Cr Jim Memeti said poverty was a shared responsibility.

“Poverty is everyone’s business. It will take time and a whole of community approach to tackle.”

The Strategy acknowledged many vulnerable residents in the community and addressed their needs to make a lasting change.

“We will advocate for resources needed in our community and for better co-ordination across all levels of government and services,” the Mayor said.

The event brought together key community support organisations who share their work, services and encouraged wider community advocacy to reduce poverty in Greater Dandenong.

Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/antipoverty-strategy-2022-25 to view the endorsed Strategy. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The Dandenong community had a browse at different information stalls. 304403

A support service has had to dip deep into its own funds in the face of growing levels of poverty in the South East.

At the South East Community Links AGM, chief executive Peter McNamara said the service provided more than $1 million in emergency relief in 2021-’22.

This comprised food parcels, food vouchers, transportation and mobile phones to 10,000 individuals and families in “financial crisis”.

The relief amount has more than tripled from $363,689 two years ago.

In 2022, SECL was forced to dip into $200,000 of its own funds – despite a growing team of volunteers.

The “unsustainable” challenge was caused by “policy-designed poverty issues”, Mr McNamara said.

“For small and medium organisations such as SECL to be put in significant money into the community, there has to be a question of why is this?

“Why isn’t government filling this gap?”

He told the AGM that SECL would continue to advocate against “structural inequality”.

“While SECL never turns its back on the

most vulnerable members of our community, this level of investment is unsustainable over the long term and we continue to advocate for increased funding,” Mr McNamara reported.

SECL also recorded a growing trend of financial abuse related to family violence.

Mr McNamara said one of three of its financial-counselling clients identified as a victim or survivor of financial abuse.

Four-hundred women were directly supported or referred to services for their own safety, he said.

In the meantime, SECL’s financial counsellors resolved more than $7.2 million in client debts – up from $5.8 million the previous year.

SECL had also helped refugees fleeing from Afghanistan last year, as well as others “stuck in limbo” waiting for visa and settlement outcomes for many years, Mr McNamara said.

At the AGM, an ‘Every Person Counts’ video campaign was launched in response to young people being challenged by the ongoing Covid pandemic.

Led by Melbourne comedian Diana Nguyen, the videos suggest ways to improve mental health and wellbeing including exercise, positive relationships, and sleep.

Cr Richard Lim was also at the event. 304403

Volunteers from the Wellsprings for Women Organisation provided food for the public. 304403

A South East Community Links stall at an Anti-Poverty Week event at Harmony Square, Picture: GARY SISSONS Dandenong on 19 October. 304273 Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

MP checked for ‘pitch’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Clarinda Labor MP Meng Heang Tak has reportedly offended Springvale monks for “hijacking” a solemn festival with a pre-election pitch.

Mr Tak is accused of displaying a giant $250,000 cheque and politically spruiking on a microphone during the Pchum Ben Festival at the Cambodian Buddhist temple Wat Buddharangsi on 25 September.

It was the culmination of the two-week festival, which pays respects to dead family members.

The cheque referred to a State Budget announcement in May for a $250,000 grant to Cambodian Buddhist Association to upgrade a playground at the temple.

At the time, Mr Tak was accompanied by former Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea and Labor South-Eastern Metropolitan candidate Michael Galea - two months out from the November state election.

Wat Buddharangsi abbot chief adviser Thayhorn Yim wrote to Mr Tak, seeking an apology to the temple’s senior monk or abbot for “rocking” and “hijacking” the festival.

“It was culturally and religiously inappropriate for Tak to conduct himself in this manner,” Mr Yim told Star Journal.

“In particular he failed to seek approval from The Most Venerable Sudhep Nan, the abbot of the monastery… who is in charge.”

Traditionally, no VIPs or official guests were to be formally invited or to make a speech during the ceremony, subject to the abbot’s discretion.

“This protocol has been practiced for a few decades at this monastery,” Mr Yim said.

“We would urge any candidates or politicians to sensitively respect our religious worship monastery and to avoid using our religious monastery as their political football.

The Most Venerable Sudhep Nan (abbot). 300896

The Most Venerable Sudhep Nan, The Most Venerable Sovann Srey and Thay-Horn Yim at Wat Pictures: GARY SISSONS Buddharangsi. 300896

The Most Venerable Sudhep Nan and The Most Venerable Sovann Srey. 300896

“The funding is a fantastic outcome for the community.

“The playground will encourage families to attend the temple more often and stay longer.”

Mr Tak said that he was invited to the gathering by Cambodian Buddhist Association of Victoria treasurer Than Thong.

On the day, Mr Thong reportedly took the microphone from the MC and handed

it to Mr Tak. Mr Thong dismissed the complaint against Mr Tak – suggesting there was a split in opinion between the monks council and the CBAV based at the temple.

“I’ve looked after the temple for 40 years.

And the (CBAV) president was very happy because we had received a big cheque from the Government.”

“We would also urge them not engage in community religious political powerplay.”

The Most Ven Nan told Star Journal that Mr Tak contacted him and “gave me an apology for the incident which was insensitive”.

Mr Tak said he later rang The Most Ven Nan, though stopped short of saying that he apologised.

“It was a great celebration,” Mr Tak said.

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8 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Groups score grants The State Government has unveiled more than $363,000 of Living Local grants for Greater Dandenong on the eve of the State election.

Heading the list of nine projects was $200,000 towards Greater Dandenong Council’s streetscaping project at Railway Parade shopping strip in Noble Park.

The $800,000 project includes replacing the degraded paving, and installing street trees, landscaped seating and outdoor dining areas as well as public art.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams announced the funding, adding it ensured “local shopping centres continue to thrive”.

South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis said it would “enliven the precinct” with “new spaces for people to come together”.

Greater Dandenong city planning director Jody Bosman said the streetscaping would “significantly improve” the precinct.

“The project underwent extensive commu-

nity consultation and engagement with the retail traders during March- April 2022.”

The works are expected to begin in February 2023 and be completed by September.

One of the Living Local grants was also awarded to the freshly-created Maralinga Community Garden in Keysborough was granted $41,650 for accessible pathways, garden plots, shelter and lockable storage.

Wellsprings for Women received $17,100 to upgrade a classroom’s ageing fittings, cupboards and carpets.

Other recipients were Dandenong Community and Learning Centre ($19,965), Family Life in Dandenong ($11,998), and Victorian Men’s Shed Association in Dandenong South ($19,264).

Friends of Refugees in Springvale ($19,217), Springvale Neighbourhood House ($18,038) and Keysborough Learning Centre ($18,136) also won funding.

Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti and South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis at Railway Parade, Noble Park.

Pop-up food markets as food relief The State Government has delivered muchneeded food relief to some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable through suburban pop-up food markets.

The pop-up markets provided a mix of nutritious fresh food, hot meals and cooking demonstrations and workshops to show people how to choose, prepare and make healthy meals.

The Labor Government has announced $1.24 million in grants for almost 30 community organisations across metropolitan Melbourne, ensuring everyone in need has access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for free or at low cost.

Member for Dandenong, MP Gabrielle Williams announced that St Anthony’s School would receive a grant of $25,000, and Cornerstone Contact Centre would receive $19,360.

“With rising household costs, the Labor Government, in partnership with vital community organisations, is making sure people in need can access nutritious and culturally appropriate food,” Ms Williams said.

The fund will set four to six fortnightly food markets run by Cornerstone in Dandenong West, providing fruit, vegetables, bread, and non-perishable pantry items.

Participants will also be provided with information about existing community programs, including the community gardening club, cooking classes, community meals, and local youth programs.

St Anthony’s school in Noble Park will run fourteen markets targeted to vulnerable local families, offering cooking demonstrations, recipe cards, community garden sessions and a box of fruit, vegetables, milk and bread.

The State Government has provided more than $43 million to expand community food relief since February 2020, including a $6 million Food Relief Financial Reserve, which provided 3.4 million meals to Victorians.

The markets would support Victorians of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, social housing communities and people experiencing home-

Police blitz sees cars impounded Two Clyde North drivers had their cars impounded in Greater Dandenong on the night of Friday 14 October as part of an ongoing police operation targeting hoons.

About 10.57pm, Operation Sumatra police allegedly detected a 19-year-old driver speeding at 127km/h in a 80km/h speed zone on Princes Highway, Springvale.

Police said the probationary driver, who held his licence for less than a month, was leaving a hoon gathering at the time.

His VW Polo GTI was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $969.80.

His driver’s licence was immediatedly suspended, and was expected to be charged.

About 12.30am, a 28-year-old disqualified driver was allegedly intercepted in her friend’s BMW in Noble Park.

The car’s registered owner was a passenger at the time. He was also disqualified from driving, allegedly found with a flick-knife and arrested over an “outstanding matter”.

The BMW was impounded for 30 days.

The driver was expected to be charged.

Yarraman upgrade all wrapped up

MP Gabrille Williams at a previous event in Cornerstone Contact Centre. lessness to connect over food and to share knowledge about cooking and growing nutritious food.

“Nobody in Dandenong should have to worry about having enough to eat. These popup markets are an innovative way to help people who need it most put food on their table,” Ms Williams said.

Picture: SUPPLIED

A $5 million Community Food Relief Fund has helped ensure 93 community food relief organisations deliver more food relief to Victorians.

Every year, the government also provides $3.7 million to Foodbank Victoria to provide food to 140,000 Victorians in partnership with more than 470 charities each month.

Commuters are happy now that the completion of railway upgrade works has finally come to an end for Yarraman Station.

Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region, MP Lee Tarlamis had a chat with the commuters about the new facilities made available to them and thanked them for their patience during the construction phase and it’s impacts on their journey to and from home.

The upgrades are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Car parks for Commuters Program which included 55 new car spaces, a brand new parkiteer and 26 bike hoops with new lighting and CCTV. All these new upgrades have made it more convenient for people to use public transport.

“Catching the train is now a whole lot easier and safer at Yarraman Station now that we’ve delivered these improvements and it will also ease pressure on car parking in neighbouring streets,” Mr Tarlamis said.

$959K boost for Noble Park is music to their ears

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The rare chance to write and record songs with Mushroom Group is among the latest $959,000 round of Noble Park Suburban Revitalisation projects.

The eight projects include a $500,000 Leonard Avenue streetscape, with lighting, paving, tree canopies and a link from Noble Park station to Buckley’s Laneway car park.

There’s also $68,000 for indigenous artwork on the newly-named Muderra Way link road between Ian Street and Douglas Street, and $50,000 for reprising Big Day Out in 2023.

Also to come is $85,000 to activate laneways, $60,000 for arts and celebratory events, $25,000 to continue the Students Connect homework club and $17,000 for stage two of dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

MP Lee Tarlamis, South East Community Link’s Marlena Kupczyk, Mushroom’s Rebecca Schaefer and Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti. 30454 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS a Ukrainian ‘peace and harmony’ mural in Frank Street car park.

South Eastern Metropolitan MP and revitalization board chair Lee Tarlamis launched the funding round with Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti, Mushroom project director Rebecca Schaefer and SECL head of

youth Marlena Kupczyk.

The $394,000 Mushroom group music project – including $154,000 State funding – would include song-writing and recording workshops with young people.

Participants would express themselves through music, creating a collaborative song telling their journeys in Noble Park, Ms Schaefer said. SECL’s Ms Kybczyk said the Students Connect homework club helped young people who couldn’t afford extra tuition. SECL was seeking to base a ‘youth hub’ in Noble Park, filling a long-awaited need in the suburb, she said.

In total, the State Government has funded $3.5 million on 32 projects as part of the revitalisation project since 2021.

Partners such as Sports Recreation Victo-

ria, City of Greater Dandenong, South East Community Links and Mushroom have contributed a further $4.7 million.

“I think Noble Park is going ahead in leaps and bounds,” Mr Tarlamis said as he surveyed the transformed railway station and Muderra Way parkland.

“The community is building up confidence. It’s giving this sense of ownership and pride.

“These targeted investments will make Noble Park better connected and support key community-building activities for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Past revitalization projects included upgrades to Noble Park Community Centre, Frank Street Open Space, playgrounds and streetscaping of Douglas and Ian streets.

Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 9

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 26 October 1922 Senior Constable Hill takes charge Senior Constable Hill, who has been promoted from Avoca police station to the charge of Dandenong police district, took up his new duties last week. Our new police officer was cordially welcomed at court on Monday by the chairman of the bench (Mr A W Pearson) Mr J Macpherson and Mr Williams . The references to Senior Constable Hill were very complimentary and cordial, the Chairman of the Bench remarking that he hoped the anticipated promotion to sergeant would soon take place. Senior Constable Hill, in responding said he was pleased to know that he would have the support of the Bench, the assistance of the Clerk of Courts, and a fair deal from the legal profession in the carrying out of his duties. He wished it to be clearly understood that he had not come to Dandenong to be a nuisance to people, but to prevent others from being a nuisance.

50 years ago 26 October 1972 No drains no build No building permits will be issued for new subdivisions in Dandenong unless sewerage is connected. This was stated by Dandenong’s City Engineer Mr Gordon Wright, in council on Monday night. Mr Wright said “Some 18 months ago sewerage on new subdivision became an MMBW requirement. So far, we have not had the possibility of land being freed for subdivision which has not been sewered. We have now reached that stage.

Subdivisions are going in at Bakers Rd and Gladstone Road and sewerage is not there.

We will not issue a building permit for any lot which may be sold and where the purpose is to build immediately until sewerage is on.”

20 years ago 21 October 2002 Bali victim stable Bali bomb victim Dale Atkins of Hallam is still in the Alfred hospital, two weeks after surviv-

Ali Adam, with Hidir Aydin, criticised restrictions on shisha smoking. 149764

ing the blast which ravaged the Sari Club. A spokesperson said Mr Atkins was out of intensive care and in a stable condition. Two services were held in the Dandenong area last week to commemorate the victims of the Bali attacks. More than 200 people gathered at the Dandenong North Uniting Church on Sunday October 20. A large peace candle was lit at St James Anglican Church Dandenong

as part of the National Day of Mourning

5 years ago 21 October 2017 No smoke without ire New Tobacco Act restrictions have cut a Springvale cafe’s business in half. Ali Adam from Cafe Asmara told the Journal that he’ll probably change business, get into some-

Picture: GARY SISSONS

thing else following the 1 August changes.

The amendments to the Tobacco Act banned smoking in outdoor dining areas and included regulation of shisha tobacco and e- cigarettes in the same way as other tobacco products.

Shisha now can’t be smoked anywhere that is smoke free. Mr Adam said that he was not providing tobacco shisha, but only the herbs because herbs were exempt.

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10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2022 It’s been a wonderful year for all our Year 12 students. With just a few weeks of exams left to go, we’d like to congratulate all Year 12 students for their commitment, perseverance and passion.

We hope you are as proud of your achievements as we are!

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 11

Noble Park

Secondary College noble.park.sc

noble.park.sc

3 Callaghan St, Noble Park, Victoria 3174 noble.park.sc@education.vic.gov.au www.nobleparksc.vic.edu.au

Noble Park Secondary College

Noble Park Secondary College

Congratulations to our Graduating Class of 2022.

Behind every one of our students is a unique story.

Noble Park Secondary is like a big family.

Students, staff, and admin make up this family and 2022 has seen us become even more mindful of each other with increased levels of compassion and kindness.

I cherished every moment we spent together.

Mary Soumplis Year 12 Coordinator

“Our Best Always” As you now move on from secondary schooling, please take this motto with you and remember to always be positive and put in your best effort in whatever you do.

Pam Dyson College Principal

I feel particularly privileged having known and observed many of you. Class of 2022, just know how proud we are of all your accomplishments and sincerely wish you well with your future endeavours.

Helen Karagounis Assistant Principal

For enrolment information please call us on 9546 9066

- Our 2022 Graduates -

12574693-AV43-22

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

12573794-ET43-22

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 13

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14 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Refugees’ road to safety

By Sahar Foladi Heart-wrenching and inspirational stories of refugees are told in a compelling book ‘Refugee Stories: In their own words,’ by Laurie Nowell.

The book includes hair-raising stories of refugee struggles, journeys of people who had to leave behind everything they had built throughout their lives and flee their country, and it reveals hopes and dreams for their future.

A journalist and a writer for 25 years, Mr Nowell said: “Many of the refugees who settle in Australia have experienced trauma, torture or the loss of loved ones. They bring with them memories, traditions, culture and history.

“They also bring with them hopes, dreams and ambitions for their children.

“They are, by definition, resilient and ingenious people who have overcome challenges and dangers just to get here.”

Amina’s story is just one of many.

After the takeover of the capital of Kabul, the world watched in disbelief as thousands of Afghans rushed to the city’s airport, most of them without any documents, in a desperate attempt to escape life under the Taliban rule.

Amina and her three children were among them.

Like many, the family survived suicide bombing attacks, tear gas bombardment and human stampedes to make it to the safety of the airport terminal.

“It was very disheartening and difficult when the Taliban took over, everything fell apart very quickly,” Amina said.

“Everything we had hoped and dream of vanished. The Taliban were going door to door looking for people who had worked for western governments or military, and people with ties overseas.”

Amina showed documents that her husband Baqir was living in Australia as a citizen, and was able to get her family onto a military flight to freedom without an update from their visa application.

Baqir with his wife Amina and children reunited after 12 years.

“We had no option but to leave, no matter how difficult it was. Life under the Taliban was impossible for us. As a woman I had no rights, I could not even go out shopping or do anything,” Amina said.

Her story’s happy denouement came two weeks ago when the family arrived in Australia and was reunited in emotional scenes in Melbourne after 12 long, painful years.

Their names have been changed to protect their identities over safety concerns for loved ones still in Afghanistan.

Amina’s son, Hussain, 19, said he and his sisters are desperate to start school.

He recalled how they missed out on school in Afghanistan.

“Many times we were told not to go to school. Most of the students were Hazara so it was a target and also it taught English. I was learning English because I was hoping to go to

Picture: SUPPLIED

Australia,” he said.

The family is looking forward to a better future and education for their children and contributing to the Australian society.

“I have been away from my family for 12 years and now we are reunited and will remain so and build a new life together,” Baqir said.

That’s one of the many reunion stories of refugees here in Australia.

The book also celebrates the achievements of refugees, the hopes for the future and recognises the contribution of refugees to Australian society.

Refugees like Mustafa Ayobi and Barat Ali Batoor make a real contribution to the Australian society and its future.

Mr Ayobi fled his homeland, Afghanistan with his family and arrived in Australia in 2008.

He’s an example of the thousands of refugees who’ve started from scratch, without knowing

a single word of English.

It took Mr Ayobi 12 tough years to make his dream of being an electrical engineer come true.

Being the first person to attend University, Mr Ayobi graduated from La Trobe University and just four weeks ago landed himself a job with Melbourne’s Metro Trains to design and build electrical substations in what he calls his “dream job”.

“I wanted to become an engineer to help make things better and be part of the country’s future development, especially in technological aspects,” Mr Ayobi said.

He’s married with two children and loves his job despite the 50km drive from Noble Park to West Sunshine.

Barat Ali Batoor is a professional freelance photographer from Afghanistan and a former refugee. He made his way to Australia by boat and arrived in 2013 and has been making a living for himself here in Australia as the program coordinator at Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

The Afghan filmmaker and photojournalist also won the 2013 ‘Photo of the Year’ in the prestigious Nikon-Walkley Press Photography awards for his still image taken on the voyage from Indonesia to Australia.

“I’m pleased to have been able to show the real story behind these journeys – to show how people are risking their lives and enduring perils to escape persecution and the threat of death in their home countries,” Mr Batoor said.

Mr Nowell, the book’s author, has long worked as a media adviser with refugee settlement agency AMES Australia.

AMES chief executive Cath Scarth said the book was a reminder of the contributions refugees made to Australia.

“Refugees bring with them resilience, optimism and a deep work ethic. Australia is fortunate to have people with these qualities,” Ms Scarth said.

Chilling out at high tea

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An enchanting high-tea was staged for impressed VIPs by Emerson School students on 20 October.

As part of a ‘winter wonderland’ theme, Essential Foods VCAL students set a dramatically-lit table full of delectable treats and a giant wisteria floral arrangement.

Guests dined out on the array of exquisite cakes, pastries, dumplings and punch while admiring the rich adornments including a giant wintery mural by VCAT Visual Arts students.

Principal John Mooney said students at the specialist school “learned to aspire and be ambitious”. One of those examples was

the luscious, annual high tea.

He told of the late paediatric surgeon Dr Bob Dickens who said he’d been to high teas at the Savoy and Emerson.

“He’d say I can tell you what’s best – head to Dandenong.”

On a similar note, Greater Dandenong’s retiring chief executive John Bennie said the free high tea was of such quality, it could be a potentially lucrative school fundraiser.

He suggested it could be staged at the council’s venues Drum Theatre or Springvale City Hall, he said.

Other guests included project managers and architects involved in the long-awaited first-stage redevelopment works at the Heatherton Road campus.

Emerson School principal John Mooney, parent Kern and Department of Education and Training assistant deputy secretary Lee Watts. 304533

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 15

NEWS

Community creativity flows

By Shelby Brooks A selection of the best handmade and home grown local items were on display in Cranbourne over the weekend.

The annual Creative Arts Exhibition, run by the CWA West Gippsland Group, was held at the Cranbourne Public Hall on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 October.

Roughly 700 entries were on display across hand and home industry categories.

West Gippsland Group secretary Gael Napier said everyone was thrilled to hold the event after two years of delays due to Covid-19.

“It was really good to have an exhibition again after so long,” she said.

“We were down to the wire last year before we had to cancel due to Covid-19 lockdown.”

Ms Napier said the quality of all the items was high.

“There were more cut flowers and pot plants than usual because the spring weather is better this year.”

There were entries from Pakenham, Noble Park, Cranbourne, Kooweerup and Casey Dinner branches.

A special presentation was made on Saturday for the winner of the inaugural Carol Clay trophy, given to the exhibitor with the highest number of entries.

Ms Clay had been involved for many years in the Pakenham CWA before she went missing in early 2020.

Following confirmation of her passing, the Pakenham branch wanted to start a perpetual trophy in her honour, as a way to remember all the hard work she put into the group over the years.

The trophy was presented to Dianne Divola from the Kooweerup branch, who presented an impressive 74 entries.

“Carol was very good at cooking - that was her forte,” Pakenham CWA president Vicky

vidual Member with the Highest Aggregate in Home Industries - Antoinette Daniel of Noble Park Branch.

The inaugural Brenda Hopkins Trophy for the Best piece of Patchwork and /or Applique with Embroidery, presented by Brenda’s daughter Louisa Anderson - Vicky Birch of Pakenham Branch.

The inaugural Yvonne Smith Trophy for the Best Article of Knitting - Gina Gardenal of Casey Dinner Branch.

The inaugural Carol Clay Award - Dianne Divola of Kooweerup Branch.

Branch trophies Colles Cup, theme: ’a quotation or saying’ four distinct craft techniques, for branches of 16 members or more- 1st Cranbourne, 2nd Casey Dinner and 3rd Noble Park.

Bruce Trophy, theme: ‘A quotation or saying’ three distinct craft techniques, for branches under 16 members - 1st Pakenham and 2nd Kooweerup.

Noblet Cup, theme: ’Teddy Bears Picnic’ set up on card table to encourage non-crafty members to enter - Pakenham Branch.

Beryl Trophy for a floral tray theme for 2022, five colours in the shape of a rainbow - Pakenham Branch.

Margaret Campbell Trophy in Home Industries, theme: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” - Casey Dinner Branch.

Branch Aggregate Trophies, for the branch winning the most points.

Dawson Trophy (Home Industries) 1st Noble Park Branch, 2nd Kooweerup Branch and 3rd Cranbourne Branch.

Dixon Trophy (Flowers and Floral Art) 1st Kooweerup Branch and 2nd Noble Park Branch.

Joan Treharne Trophy (Handcrafts) 1st Kooweerup Branch, 2nd Noble Park Branch and 3rd Cranbourne Branch.

· · · · ·

Noble Park CWA members Jean Taylor, Barbara Wellman, Gael Napier and Ute Gerrard show their Picture: ROB CAREW excellent works. 303095 Birch said of the award.

“But she was also a very accomplished knitter.

“She always encouraged people to have a go so we came up with the idea that the trophy would go to the person with the most entries in the hope it would encourage more people to put in more entries.”

Other major winners were: Maffat Trophy for the Best Piece of Needle Work - Alice Needs for Gold Work.

Dover Trophy for the Best Exhibit in the Exhibition - Alice Needs of Cranbourne Branch.

Mae/Scadden Trophy for the Best Article of Canvas Work - Susan Cooper of Casey Dinner Branch.

Lia Trophy for Something New Made from Something Old - Dianne Divola

· · · ·

of Kooweerup Branch.

·

McIntyre Trophy also known as One · · Betty Woman’s Work featuring four distinctly dif-

· · · · · ·

ferent types of handcrafts - Alice Needs of Cranbourne Branch.

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Olive Rae Trophy for the Best Exhibit in Home Industries - Vicky Birch of Pakenham Branch.

Esdaille Cup for the Best Piece of Patchwork - Gladys Ireland of Casey Dinner Branch.

Maggs Trophy for the Best Photograph Overall - Amy Quinn of Kooweerup Branch.

Nell Reynolds Trophy for the Best Exhibit in Flowers and Floral Art - Gladys Ireland of Casey Dinner Branch.

Edna Bromley Trophy awarded to the Indi-

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Art show goes gangbusters

By Sahar Foladi The Noble Park Community Centre annual art show was a success over the three days, Friday to Sunday.

Over 900 people attended the exhibition compared to last year’s 460 people.

Events and Promotions Coordinator Shelly Kemp said there’s nothing like this within the city of Greater Dandenong as a community art show.

The art show exhibition is for everyone of different ages from kindergarten to high school students and from adults to the elderly.

Ms Kemp said they’ve had entry from a 91-year-old participant and the event has become successful over the years. Over 580 individual entries for the art show exhibition were received.

“It’s grown exponentially this year, the year before we had 660 (entries) and the year before that we had 480,” Ms Kemp said.

The community centre stages events like this to celebrate diversity within the community and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can socialise and learn.

Ms Kemp said, “The show has continued to grow and we’re almost running out of space which is amazing.”

However, the centre has to wait for funds to expand the building to carry out more activities without any limitations.

“We would love to be able to fit more artwork in the hall,” Ms Kemp said.

This year, the art show opened up an extra day for the public, which the community loved.

“Hopefully in the next few years we might be able to run over a couple more days to allow more access for those in the community to art, that’s what it’s all about, it’s about participation and making art accessible for everyone,”

Shelly Kemp, Art Show Coordinator and Noble Park Community Staff Member, with her favourite work by Artist Arpad Plander called Break in oil.

Picture: ROB CAREW First place winner, Adrian Olguin’s artwork, ‘Imminent Eviction’.

Picture: SUPPLIED Ms Kemp said.

Regarding future plans for the exhibition, the centre plans to increase the winning prize for artists. It is sitting at $500 for first prize winners.

“The future looks really really great and we’re very excited about what could happen potentially in the next few years for the art show,” Ms Kemp said.

This year’s winner was a local Keysborough resident Adrian Olguin for his artwork, Imminent Eviction.

Heather Duggan with her Quail Egg work in Pastel Dust. She is a former Chair person of NPCC and has been showing for 17 years.

Angela Holl, Noble Park Community Centre Governance Committee Member with her favorite work by Artist Van Thanh Dat Dao called Sue and the Yellow Cat in acrylic.

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

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

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

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

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

The not-for-profit provides mental health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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STAR JOURNAL 17

WHAT’S ON Walker and Robinson streets Dandenong. Free.

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

Dandenong West festival

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-seniors-festival

Book Club

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.

·

·

Join us for a Monday morning Book Club. We come together to discuss questions and review the novel in a safe space over a cuppa. All welcome, even if you haven’t read or finished the book.

Fourth Monday of the month: 10.30am11.30am at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. Gold coin donation welcome.

Bookings: Jo/Tayla on 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

·

Dinner with a VIEW Dandenong Evening VIEW Club’s next dinner features a Box and Bottle Auction. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education for Women and the Club supports The SMITH Family’s Learning for Life Program.

Tuesday 8 November, 7pm at Dandenong RSL, cnr Clow and Foster streets, Dandenong.

Bookings essential. Details: Brigitte, 0491 626 527.

·

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

·

Christmas Keysie Festival

Carols in the Park

The next Keysie Festival - Christmas Edition features live music, food trucks, homemade goods, flowers and plants, upcycle and pre-loved goods.

Applications are open for stallholders.

Sunday 18 December, 2022 at Springers Leisure Centre, Keysborough. Details: keysiemarket.com.au

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.

·

Lunch dance Knox Italian Senior Citizens Club is holding a three-course lunch dance with a live, one-piece band.

Thursday, 24 November 12.30pm at 99 Karoo Road, Rowville; $30pp. Bookings: Zina 0415 276 132, Lina 0405 571 832 and Angela 0422 917 228.

·

Sunday Jazz Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon filled with great food, coffee and the smooth sounds of the Jennifer Salisbury Jazz Duo performing on the Cafe Vita deck at Springvale Botanical Cemetery.

12pm-3pm on 27 November, 29 January, 26 February, 26 March at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, 600 Princes Highway, Springvale.

Details: 8558 8238 or info@cafevita.org.au

·

·

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

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

·

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

·

·

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

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

McDonald joins the Bulls

By Tyler Lewis Steve Hughes has coached some captivating local footballers in his time, but there are two that stand out for the Noble Park premiership coach: Kyle Martin and Shane McDonald.

Martin recently held the Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division cup aloft with him and as for McDonald, well, he’s departed Mornington Peninsula Nepean League (MPNFL) club Bonbeach to do the same in 2023.

“I think that’s the right word: exciting,” Hughes said.

“You’ve got two of the better players at local level over the last decade or 20 years or so, both of those names would be up there.

“To have them both out on the same ground brings a pretty exciting prospect.”

McDonald has governed the MPNFL for almost two decades, collecting eight club – and two league – best and fairest awards, but there is one accolade missing from his highly decorated football resume.

“He’s coming across very simply for one reason and that’s to win a premiership,” Hughes said.

“We’re obviously pretty close, we’re good mates and we talk often, he’s mentioned to me a number of times that off the back of us winning a premiership, that he feels like he’s got an opportunity to cap what is an absolutely stellar career with a flag.

“It’s the one thing he doesn’t have, he’s lost four, so that’s pretty much the reason he’s coming across – hopefully we can help him reach his goal.”

As for what he brings to the Bulls, Hughes is confident McDonald comes with a deep bag of tricks – particularly when it matters most.

“He brings a lot of things… he’s got a few tricks, Macca” he joked.

“As they say: ‘you can’t buy experience’, and Shane has plenty of that, he’s a big-game player, he performs on the big stage – always has.”

While ‘Macca’ is closer to the end of his career than the beginning, Hughes trusts there’s plenty left in the damaging midfielder’s tank.

“There’s not an ounce of fat on him, he

Shane McDonald will wear blue and gold in 2023.

Picture: CM THOMAS PHOTOGRPAHY

He’s coming across very simply for one reason and that’s to win a premiership.” Noble Park coach, STEVE HUGHES looks after his body as well as anyone I have ever coached,” he revealed.

“It’s difficult to say, he’s still pretty quick off the mark… probably when he loses that 10 or

15 metres of burst speed is when he will probably come back to the pack a bit.

“At this stage he’s still got that… I went and watched Bonbeach in the preliminary final

and he split the game open for them, I think he kicked four in the first quarter and a bit on a wet day.

“I only watched the grand final from the comfort of the back bar on the Sunday (the day after winning his own flag), but he dragged them back into the grand final against (Frankston) YCW as well.

“He’s got a bit of footy left in him… he’s still a very dangerous footballer.”

McDonald has joined the Bulls on a oneyear deal.

Kellapotha jumps from Berwick Inn to the Shield stage

By Tyler Lewis It all started at the Berwick Inn. Current Casey-South Melbourne coach Will Carr organised a catch up with then Berwick star Ruwantha Kellapotha and on the conversational agenda: proper cricket!

Kellapotha quizzed Carr on whether he felt he was good enough to play ‘proper cricket’, after years of demolishing sides in the Dandenong District Cricket Association.

Carr squashed Kellapotha’s doubts and encouraged him to join Victorian Premier Cricket club Casey-South Melbourne.

Fast-forward to Monday morning, Carr – who played six First-Class matches himself – fittingly presented Kellapotha with cap number 869 ahead of his Victorian debut.

Carr kept the advice for Kellapotha brief; suggesting the leggie stick to what has been the foundation of his meteoric rise from local cricket to a Sheffield Shield debut.

“I mean because of our relationship we speak all the time, so it was nothing new… it’s just the same, it’s another game of cricket,” Carr said.

“Just enjoy the moment, embrace and enjoy it, trust your skillset and trust the work that he’s done.”

The crafty leg-spinner sent 37 Premier Cricket batters packing last summer at an average of just 15.59.

He faced few challenges in the step up to Victoria’s strongest competition and was prepared for the challenges that Shield cricket had to offer.

“The challenges will be as you go up levels you’re playing against higher quality opposition for longer,” Carr explained of his stars challenges.

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“The margin for error reduces and diminishes, you need to be on your game to play and succeed against the best.

“I think that’s the challenge for any player that goes up and plays at the next level that you’ve got to be consistently better because the margin for error is smaller.”

Making a Sheffield Shield debut at (age) 31 is rare air in modern cricket, but Carr is hopeful it’s the beginning of a continued trend at Cricket Victoria, urging the state he once represented to play those who are good enough irrespective of age.

“I think that’s a bit of a shift Victorian Cricket is making at the moment, they’re putting more emphasis on Premier Cricket,” he said.

“They’re acknowledging the performances and that a good player is a good player, if they’ve got the skillset they (Victoria) feel is going to win those games of cricket, then they’ll choose them.

“Premier Cricket is a stepping stone for state cricket; state cricket is a stepping stone for the national selection, so they’ve got one eye on that to see if they can develop the next national player.

“But at the same time, why can’t you play at the highest level regardless of the age you are.

“Maybe not in recent times, but certainly, you look at the Mike Hussey’s of the world… debuting for Australia at 30 or thereabouts, there’s other examples.

“You can still have a fair time in the game at 30 plus in cricket, why not… why not!”

The state representation for Kellapotha won’t stop at a Shield debut, with the leggie being selected in the Victorian squad for the Marsh One Day Cup on Saturday and Tuesday.

Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

A Shield cap and a hug from Casey South Melbourne coach Will Carr. Picture: CRICKET VICTORIA dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Move the making of Finn

By Jonty Ralphsmith It’s proven to be a coaching masterstroke.

With some uncertainty hanging over Dandenong Stingray Finn Emile-Brennan’s list spot in preseason after two underwhelming under-17 games in 2021, midfield coach Josh Moore proposed a positional move.

Having coached him as a junior at Rye, and always seen him flourish as an outside midfielder, trying him as a defender was a gamble.

But in those two games, the nature of the wing position stunted his in-game rhythm, so Emile-Brennan embraced the move, spending the preseason training as a halfback.

“I just thought with that elite kick coming out of the back half, we could showcase his talent – he had never played there in his life and it was really good for him because he caught the eye of a lot of people early in the season using his weapons,” Moore said.

But to get to that point, there was craft that needed to be learned with defensive coach Leigh Stewart, who has also had several years of involvement with Emile-Brennan. Back then, Stewart highlights that ‘defence’ was a foreign concept for Emile-Brennan and Rye teammates Jesse Davidson-Lopo and Taj Campbell-Farrell as their team monopolised the junior league.

“We got them (as 15-year-olds) and they were the worst defensive group of all time because they never did it, so (Emile-Brennan’s) mindset around the way the game needs to be played has completely changed,” Stewart said.

“He understands that even when he shoots up the ground, there are two parts not one, not just get it and take the game on. Playing behind the footy has given him the understanding of what it needs to look like when he goes up the ground.”

As well as those improvements, one area to address was his slight stature, something he had always previously overcome.

“It’s just putting himself in positions before the ball gets to that contest to give himself the biggest advantage when the ball does get there,” Stewart added.

“It was just trying to utilise his strengths, and taking away the advantage his opponents might have from a pure weight point of view.

“People will see the huge weight advantage as a deterrent, but if the positioning of your hips and legs, and centre of gravity is low enough to make you as strong as possible, no matter how big you are, you’re still hard to move.

“The message was that if that occurs, let’s not be overawed by the situation, be confident that we have something in place to win those

situations and back yourself in.”

Emile-Brennan accepted the positional change, learned it, trained it and executed it.

He showed his ability to cleanly gather, slice teams apart with his ball use and run opponents ragged with his speed.

An individually dominant performance in a preseason match against Sandringham affirmed his confidence in defence, and he carried that form forward. Throughout the NAB League season, he averaged 22 disposals and seven rebound 50s, with his early season form resulting in Vic Country selection where he looked comfortable enough to earn him a state combine invite, confirming some interest.

Having seen his kicking’s progression, Stewart said: “He was able to get the ball from A to B competently early on, but he kicks the ball so hard now.

“It’s not just about getting it to a position anymore, it’s get it and back yourself to hurt opposition teams.

“As much as it has always been a strong point, it’s improved out of sight.

“If he gets drafted it will be on the back of how well he kicks the footy and the damage clubs think he can do with it and he definitely hasn’t maxed out.”

Viewed as a 50-50, whether he gets selected at the AFL draft largely depends on clubs’ willingness to take a long-term approach.

Would they prefer to give him time to condition for senior footy, or to reassess at the mid-season draft in nine months?

Melbourne has first dibs on him as he is a member of its next-generation academy, meaning one of three things will happen to Emile Brennan: he will end up a Dee, either as a rookie or via a matched bid; he gets listed at another club as Melbourne don’t match the bid; or he doesn’t get picked up.

While it has been heavily interrupted due to the pandemic, Emile-Brennan notes the benefit of the academy, of which he is eligible for due to his Mum’s birth in Mauritius.

He also highlights Moore’s impact on his career. “’Moorey’ has been really good for me, it’s good that he lives on the same street, so I can just go straight to him when I need advice,” he said.

“He’s always there to help out whenever I’ve needed it, from Rye to preseason sessions and as midfield coach so I’m really grateful to him for that.”

It might just be the move to halfback, though, which is Moore’s most important contribution.

Finn Emile-Brennan collected the most rebound 50s of any player in the NAB League in 2022 after being cast off halfback.

Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Dandy gun raises WBBL half-century Dandenong’s Kim Garth is no stranger to raising the bat.

And on Thursday, the dangerous allrounder did it for the Melbourne Stars.

The beloved Panther played her 50th career match for the Stars, when her side took on the Perth Scorchers at the WACA. “Yeah (I am) really excited, I can’t quite believe I have played 50 games,” Garth said in the pre-game press conference.

“What better way to do it than against the defending champs and some of the best players in the world. “The Scorchers are a really strong side, myself and the girls are really looking forward to it.”

Unfortunately for Garth, her Stars side was unable to deliver her the perfect milestone game, going down to the clinical Scorchers outfit.

Kim Garth spoke to the media alongside Australian superstar Beth Mooney ahead of her 50th game. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 23

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24 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 25 October, 2022

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