Dandenong Star Journal - 22nd November 2022

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Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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Merle Mitchell honoured with hall tribute

Candidates unite to oppose development

Multi-sport star attracts hype

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SPORT

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Labor’s $2m pledge for reserve

Labor volunteers Ian King, Corinne King and Arabella Davies. 308866

‘Team Cook’ supporter Sarah Tehan, from Mansfield, with independent candidate Ian Cook 308866

Anti-Andrews sentiment rife in Premier’s seat ahead of election day

Tensions are rising

By Cam Lucadou-Wells It feels nothing like Labor heartland.

Days out from the State Election, an early voter centre in Noble Park North - normally what would be a sea of Labor red - was a carnival of ‘anti-Dan’ discontent.

Upbeat opponents were tipping a boilover in what was regarded as a very safe seat of Mulgrave held by Premier Daniel Andrews. However Labor volunteers - vastly outnumbered - remained quietly confident.

They were a distance from a hive of opponents hovering at the voter centre doors – Team Cook, Liberal, Freedom Party, Family First, United Australia Party among them. Outside are Liberal roadside signs flash ‘Put Dan Last’ and independent Ian Cook’s bus and van with the slogan ‘Honk if you hate corruption’.

Meanwhile, directly across Princes Highway, Freedom Party supporters have occupied outside Premier Daniel Andrews’s electorate office for ‘High Noon’ protests for more than 30 consecutive days.

The protests have sparked flashpoints, with a supporter reportedly videoed placing a screw under a car’s tyre outside the office on Thursday.

Victoria Police confirmed a 40-year-old Epping man was charged with attempted criminal damage. He was bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 1 May. The man was also being investigated over reportedly threatening another man during a verbal argument at the site the day before.

There were no reported physical injuries, but the investigation remains ongoing, Victoria Police stated. Meanwhile, helpers in ‘Team Cook’ caps have descended from all parts of

the state. A cattle farmer had driven down from Mansfield, a business owner from the western suburbs handed how-to-vote slips.

Mr Cook estimates about 25 per cent of early voters are telling him “I’ll vote for you”.

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to scare (Labor).

I’m not one to say we’re going to win but there’s a lot of positivity.

“We’re in with a chance.”

Mr Cook noted that the betting market for Mulgrave had shortened for him from 50-to-1 to 6-to-1. Mr Andrews’s odds had gone from unbackable $1.01 to a still strong $1.10.

As late as 21 November, one betting market listed Mr Cook as $4 to win and Mr Andrews $1.20.

Though still the underdog, Mr Cook said many were buzzing about Channel 9’s Under

Investigation ‘slug gate’ episode a few nights earlier.

The program investigated the controversial shutdown of Mr Cook’s business I Cook Foods by health authorities in 2019.

The three year fight since had led to his ‘anti-corruption’ election platform.

Mr Cook was buoyed by damning reports about the ‘preference whisperer’ Glenn Dreury’s manipulation of the Group Voting Ticket system in the Upper House.

“Someone might challenge the election result over that,” Mr Cook says.

Indeed the following day, Liberal candidate Michael Piastrino posted that the election should be postponed and the government put into administration due to the invalid ‘group voting tickets’.

Continued page 12

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NEWS

Voters raise issues

By Sahar Foladi Many locals were eager to get a head start on voting on 14 November as early voting centres opened.

Young, senior and adult voters came down to Dandenong Plaza, many of them living in the area for more than 10 years and all of them had something to say about safety and homelessness.

Mr Joshi has been living in Dandenong for 18 years and said locals don’t feel safe due to drug-users in the area.

“A lot of people are begging. It’s really shocking, when the country is doing so well why should people beg? The parking areas are dangerous, there is no safety at all and we are threatened with our lives.”

“Dandenong should change a lot. The police in Dandenong need should be very vigilant.

“The police are very lenient, it’s not fair, and I feel hurt about that,” Mr Joshi said.

Another local resident, Mr Rehani said he’s been attacked and verbally abused by drugaffected homeless people in Dandenong.

Dandenong is ranked second in Victoria out of 88 electorates with the highest number of homeless people according to Council to Homeless Persons (CHP). There are more than 260 young people without a home in Dandenong, that’s 179 young people per 10,000, compared to the Victorian average of 64 per 10,000 (ABS).

“Honestly, a lot of people when I ask them, what is your concern? People have said help the homeless. A lot of people have said that,” Liberal candidate Karen Broadley said.

Ms Broadley has more than 20 years’ experience as youth worker and family violence services.

“It’s interesting to me when a lot of people have raised their concerns to me. Often it’s

Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan, left, and Liberal candidate Karen Broadley, second right, outside the early voting centre. 308026 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS actually not about them it’s about the people around them.

“They’ve got a heart for people in their communities and that’s what they want addressed.”

Ms Broadley has addressed people experiencing a range of life issues including violence, drug and alcohol problems, mental illness, and homelessness.

“I’m hearing people’s concerns are about cost of living, they want to put people first, their health needs, their safety - all of those basic needs,” Ms Broadley said.

Greens candidate for Dandenong Matthew Kirwan was also at the early voting centre.

“Issues I’m hearing about are cost of living, housing affordability which sits very well with the fact that Greens are making a big emphasis on housing affordability at this election,” he said.

“So I can see that younger voters are really looking for an alternative to the major parties.”

Mr Kirwan is a former Greens Councillor for Red Gum Ward, City of Greater Dandenong from 2012 to 2020.

“In terms of local issues, (voters) feel like the Labor party have taken Dandenong for granted for too long. They’re seeing the underinvestment.

“They’ve seen the recent announcement made by the Labor government to upgrade Dandenong Hospital, but they’re only actually upgrading the emergency department after 15 years of no upgrades at all.”

Jasna has lived in Dandenong for 20 years now, ever since she migrated to Australia and she said they need better roads and slow points for the safety of kids.

Locals also voiced their concerns for the $600-million revitalisation of a two hectare central Dandenong area which encompasses Little India, saying the government needs to consider businesses that make up Little India and their 30 years of hard work.

“It’s very unfair for the government to take a stand without consultation with the other side and you’re pushing these people out of business, it’s not fair,” Mr Joshi said.

Development Victoria is partnering with private developer Capital Alliance for the project. Capital Alliance is aiming to fast-track the build of Little India for completion by 2026, meaning business owners would have to temporarily relocate.

“They should have an equal opportunity to speak or give some time, have a negotiation, you cannot just come and kick them out like that,” Mr Joshi said.

Another resident who has been living in the area all her 28 years of life said she doesn’t mind the revitalisation but expressed her outrage over the lack of community consultation.

“That’s absolute nonsense, you have people who’ve been so loyal to try and provide for their family, loyal to the area they live in and you don’t have enough respect to show them by including them in decision making,” she said.

Development Victoria is responsible for establishing a transition plan for Little India traders but did not comment on what it would involve. according to The Age.

$400,000 for Albanian Cultural Centre

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A proposed Albanian Cultural Centre in Dandenong has been promised $400,000 from a re-elected Labor State Government.

The $3 million project at the Albanian Sakie Islamic Society of Dandenong mosque is in its final planning stages, with building hoped to start in Dalgety Street by next year.

Albanian Sakie Islamic Society of Dandenong president Fatmir Ibraimi said the vision was for a hub for youth, mums and the elderly.

It would also provide a library, after-school tuition, IT technology, support, information and a place to grab a coffee. ”The aim is to help the community as much as possible regardless of what country they come from. It’s for everyone.”

The society’s current centre was too small for this purpose, Mr Ibraimi said. ”We want to expand as the community is getting bigger. We’re in the heart of Dande-

nong, close to the train station and in an ideal spot to help people.” ”Any support (for the cultural centre) is good support because it’s for the community.”

The society has so far raised $1.3 million itself towards the centre, on top of $750,000 from the Federal Labor Governmnent this year.

The State Government also recently allocated $200,000 towards upgrading lights at George Andrews Reserve in Dandenong South – the home of Albanian-based soccer club Dandenong Thunder. The upgrade will allow the club to host national-level league and cup events, such as the W-League and Australia Cup. Regarding the cultural centre pledge, Premier Daniel Andrews said “every community deserves great spaces to come together to celebrate and share in culture and tradition”.

“Our Albanian community is no different and this investment will make sure Albanian Victorians remain strong and connected.”

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said ”only a Labor Government will deliver for the Albanian community in Dandenong”.

“This investment reinforces our commitment to support a strong and vibrant multicultural and multifaith Victoria.”

Greens Dandenong candidate Matthew Kirwan said public funds should be prioritised for the City of Greater Dandenong’s proposed Dandenong Community Hub in Clow Street.

“It’s great that the Albanian community are looking to build their own cultural centre.

However with limited public funds in an area of over 150 different nationalities, it’s vital that those limited public funds go to community facilities that serve the broader community.

“A Dandenong Community Hub … will likely cost at least $20 million dollars. Providing funding contributions to the Dandenong Community Hub is where Federal and State governments should provide their funding support.”

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Greens Dandenong candidate Matthew Kirwan proposes to link up Walker Street’s ‘bike lane to nowhere’.

Missing link promised

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The Greens have promised $11 million to build a bike path’s ‘missing link’ between Yarraman train station and central Dandenong.

The Djerring Trail extension has been sought by cyclists and the City of Greater Dandenong for several years, Greens Dandenong candidate Matthew Kirwan said.

“Cyclists (currently) have to navigate the dangerous Railway Parade intersection with Jones Road and Bennet Street.

“Few are prepared to do that.”

The link was originally promised as part of building Eastlink, Mr Kirwan said.

The Djerring Trail was also originally pitched as a Caulfield to Dandenong shared-use path during the ‘Sky Rail’ project. However it only goes as far as Caulfield to Yarraman.

Emblematic of this is a 15-year-old cycle lane in Walker Street that “is almost never used as it connects to nothing”, Mr Kirwan said.

“It is a well built and designed dedicated cycle lane that leads nowhere.

“Increased cycling use is one of the success factors that need to be addressed to make the Revitalising Central Dandenong project work and enable commuter and shopper cycling into central Dandenong, reducing traffic and enabling choice.

“Yet the Victorian Labor Government have not acted on this critical local transport issue for over a decade.”

The project would be part of the Greens’ $2.5 billion Active Transport Fund.

In the lead-up to this year’s federal and state elections, Greater Dandenong Council identified the link as one of three key bicycle trail projects.

“Council is pleased to now see the high level of support for this project at a state level and are very keen to see funding for this critical link provided as soon as possible,” mayor Eden Foster said.

She said it was “disappointing” that the State Government’s promised Djerring Trail stopped at Yarraman.

“The construction of the Djerring Trail has been an outstanding success as evidenced by the number of cyclists and walkers using this route.

“However, it is a poor outcome when users cannot easily and safely continue towards Dandenong when they reach Yarraman railway station.”

The council, with help from the Government and bike groups, had developed designs for the uncompleted link, Cr Foster said.

Its preferred route was through Greaves Reserve and along Railway Parade into Dandenong. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Sandown Racecourse divides election racers

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The Springvale Reserve oval is closed for upcoming fencing work by Greater Dandenong Council.

308798 Picture: GARY SISSONS

$2m pledge for reserve

By Sahar Foladi The Andrews Labor Government has promised to deliver a major $2 million upgrade to the Springvale Reserve if re-elected.

The revamp would include an upgraded football oval and cricket nets.

“We’re proud to be injecting new life into local communities like Springvale – delivering the modern, accessible infrastructure and facilities our community deserves,” Mr Andrews said.

“Springvale Reserve is at the heart of Springvale – this upgrade is an investment in the kids, sports teams and families that use this facility every day.”

The reserve is home to Springvale Cricket Club and Springvale Districts Football and Netball Club.

Springvale Districts president Sean Francis has been with the club since 2012.

“To be considered and talked about in conversation at that level about funding, is awesome. We are hoping that everything works out and we’re able to do that,” Mr Francis said.

“Any funding is good funding, so anything that’ll help us grow and promote the club and bring it up to nice new modern standards we’re excited about.”

Mr Francis said the reserve has a growing netball program and the upgrades would support that growth.

“To be able to host netball games and training at the ground would be a great benefit.

“Netball courts and lighting would be outstanding. Our social rooms need an upgrade, they’re old and need toilets and a touch up.

“Especially with a large female contingent we would like to keep our amenities and social space up to date.”

Greater Dandenong Council recently spent $1.6 million on changing facilities and fire services at the reserve. It’s in the process of completing the oval fencing in upcoming months.

Mayor Eden Foster said: “Council is in the process of completing a concept plan for the long-term development of the Reserve, and will work with the State Government and key users of the Reserve to further upgrade the facilities.”

Springvale North Ward councillor Sean O’Reilly said the club was growing and the funds would be put in a great use.

“The funding could be spent on the social rooms which is about 30 years old, a bit tired and worn.

“Local residents would like to see their local ground supported and the team that play there.”

Cr O’Reilly said the club has grown participation, especially in netball but they’ve got nowhere to train.

“This is great news for the club. As the ward councillor I want to know if other parties like Liberals would commit to same level of funding.”

Mr Francis said the upgrades would support them to achieve growth in the junior ranks.

“By keeping things up to nice modern standards, not only does it look appealing, it’ll be inviting.

“Whether that’s players, families or junior sports, having new facilities makes it a lot more appealing to come to our club as opposed to other ones.

“We work really hard to promote sports and City of Greater Dandenong is a tough area to grow sports but we’ll keep trying and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”

The future of Sandown Racecourse divides Mulgrave State Election candidates – perhaps just like it splits the racing community.

This year, Melbourne Racing Club revealed plans to rezone its 112-hectare horse and motor-racing complex to make way for a suburb of 7500 dwellings and 16,000 residents.

However, the MRC was seemingly rebuffed during recent board elections.

In what was termed a “clear referendum” on the issue, three ‘pro-Sandown’ candidates were elected to fill four board vacancies.

Mulgrave Labor candidate and Premier Daniel Andrews did not offer a preference on the racecourse’s future.

“Decisions to change the planning scheme are made by the Minister for Planning, who would consider any proposal on its merits, with input from the local community.”

In support of rezoning were Greens candidate Robert Lim and independent Andrew King.

“A development here follows the principles of Transit Oriented Development – residents will be able to walk or bike to the station,” Mr Lim said.

“Sandown Park station has aways been wasted on the racecourse.”

Mr Lim said the development must be “closely regulated”, ensuring the housing was “built for the residents, not for profit”.

“New developments are often barren of infrastructure and amenities like schools

and public open space, so that the property developers can make more money.”

Mr King agreed the housing plan seemed a good idea, given the lack of affordable housing.

“Proven up-to-date” planning procedures needed to be followed, with “state-ofthe-art” facilities such as schools, day-care, sports grounds and medical centres, he said.

Other candidates were circumspect.

Independent Ian Cook said he’d listen carefully to advocates and opponents before taking a position on “this important issue”.

“As a local MP it will be my job to listen to everyone and seek common ground where possible.”

Family First candidate Jane Foreman said if the course came up for sale, she would consult the nearby community and “represent the wishes of the local citizens”.

Independent Fotini Theodossopoulou said she wasn’t across all the details.

“Although we do desperately require more housing, we must simultaneously be respectful to open space facilities that go toward the character of the region and our city at large.”

Only independent Joseph Toscano opposed the rezoning.

Mulgrave candidates were presented with the question as part of a Star Journal survey.

The following candidates didn’t respond: Aidan McLindon, David Mould, Michael Piastrino, Maree Wood, Ezra Isma and Anne Moody.

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

No plans for new high school: ALP

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A new high school in Keysborough South has popular support from Mordialloc candidates but not yet from the State Government.

Recently, Greater Dandenong Council chief executive John Bennie said he would be “most certainly happy” to lobby the Government for a school at 182 Chapel Road.

The 4-hectare cleared site – with a permit for 101 housing lots - was recently offered for sale by developer Peet.

It is directly across the road from Keysborough Gardens Primary School.

Residents and councillors have voiced concerns about further housing on the site, given the growing traffic congestion nearby.

Mordialloc Labor MP and education parliamentary secretary Tim Richardson said the Government would “monitor school enrolments and population projections and working with local authorities to ensure every Victorian student has access to a high-quality education”.

“But I want to assure the community there is plenty of capacity at Keysborough Secondary College (Acacia Campus) to support every child in our community into a great local high school.”

Liberal candidate Phillip Pease said if elected, he would “fight hard for an additional high school”.

“I’ve listened to many residents who have raised this issue and I have already brought this matter to the attention of the Shadow Minister for Education.”

The vacant 182 Chapel Road site in Keysborough South has been suggested as a future high Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS school. 299467 Also in support was Greens candidate Daniel Lessa, who said both campuses of Keysborough Secondary College were “kilometres away” from Keysborough South, Dingley Village and Waterways.

“This lack of public secondary education in Keysborough is causing enormous financial stress for families as they have to make a choice to either go to a poorly funded and over capacity school in Keysborough or enrol in one of the nearby private schools.”

Independent candidate Sarah O’Donnell said the high school was an “absolute priority”.

“Access to education is incredibly impor-

tant. Keysborough South is growing rapidly,” she said.

“I will work with the Keysborough residents to begin the process of building a new secondary school.”

Family First Victoria candidate Patrick Lum supported a new school to cut the student and families’ commute.

“Less travel times means less stress on families and hopefully will translate more quality family times at home.”

Candidates Deborah Albrecht, Chi Vo and Phil Reid did not respond to the Star Journal survey, which included the high school issue.

Vote reminder Voters were issued an official reminder that they could control their Upper House preferences by voting below the line.

The Victorian Electoral Commission issued a statement after media reports of widely-condemned preference deals for $55,000 being organised by selfdescribed ‘preference whisperer’ Glenn Dreury.

The group voting ticket system was legal, but only applied if voters voted with a ‘1’ ‘above the line’, VEC electoral commissioner Warwick Gately stated.

“You can control where your preferences flow if you vote below the line instead of above the line.

“To do this, you must number at least 1 to 5 below the line and can continue numbering if you wish.”

Mr Gately noted a Parliamentary review of the Upper House voting system had been deferred.

“We welcome the opportunity to provide our feedback and recommendations on the Upper House voting system, and are ready to make a submission should a reforming EMC schedule an inquiry following this election.”

Premier Daniel Andrews on 17 November said he’d consider possible changes when the review was completed.

The Liberal-National Coalition and the Greens have pledged reform.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy labelled the “Seats for Sale scandal” as an “undemocratic rort”.

“If Daniel Andrews fails to match my commitment then voters will be entitled to conclude that Daniel Andrews is more concerned about the interests of himself and the Labor Party, than the best interests of Victoria.”

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Libs to match Lyndhurst Secondary College pledge

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Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

The Liberal Party have matched Labor’s election promise for an upgrade to Lyndhurst Secondary College in the seat of Narre Warren South.

Shadow Minister for Education David Hodgett announced the $13.6 million commitment on Tuesday 15 November, a dollarfor-dollar match of the Labor party’s promise made in October to upgrade blocks A and E at the school.

“Every family deserves a great local school, and a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver an expanded Lyndhurst Secondary College so local students have the world-class classrooms they deserve,” Narre Warren south MP Gary Maas said.

The Liberal party will also be upgrading classroom blocks but did not specify which.

Mr Hodgett said the investment would provide the school with the infrastructure it

needs now, and for the future.

“Our kids deserve the very best learning facilities, and our teachers deserve the very best teaching spaces,” Mr Hodgett said.

“This is a priority for the Liberals and Nationals, to give our children spaces that spark creativity, nurture learning and encourage healthy physical, emotional and social wellbeing at every stage of their development.”

Liberal Candidate for Narre Warren South, Annette Samuel, said she was proud to be fighting for students, parents, carers and teachers across the community.

“This expansion is for the students – world-class facilities where they can learn and grow is something that these students deserve,” Ms Samuel said.

“It’s no secret that our community has been calling out for thoughtful investment over the years. I am here to answer that call, end the neglect and deliver for the people of Lyndhurst and beyond.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Jail for ‘smiling’ attacker

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A “smiling” man who inflicted horrific injuries by repeatedly “trampolining” on the head of an unconscious taxi driver has been jailed.

Jordyn Delamare, now 23, of Cranbourne, smoked up to eight cones and dropped a tab of LSD prior to his “unprovoked, viscous, and brutal” attack on his victim on Chandler Road Noble Park on 27 November 2020.

He later told police that he saw the man walking and thought “I’ve got to kill that”.

Delamare pleaded guilty at the County Court of Victoria to intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence as well as property damage.

During the attack, a passing driver beeped her horn to distract Delamare.

He smiled, grabbed onto a nearby fence with both hands and jumped three or four times on the motionless victim’s head with both feet “like it was a trampoline”, a witness said.

According to witnesses, Delamare seemed to be enjoying himself – grinning and looking happy and proud, sentencing judge Carolene Gwynn noted on 9 November.

Soon after, another driver saw a naked Delamare singing and dancing on Chandler Road.

After the driver stopped, Delamare shouldercharged and broke the car’s windscreen.

He later charged at police, yelling “Coppers!

Shoot me! Shoot me!”.

After aiming capsicum spray with little effect, police subdued the still nude, “violent” and “aggressive” Delamare. He was sedated by paramedics and taken to hospital with a brain bleed.

The unresponsive victim was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition with a broken jaw, eye socket, teeth and nose.

The right side of his bloodied face was “dented in”. He was treated at The Alfred for

nearly two months.

As a result, he hasn’t worked or driven since, feels alienated from his son and may suffer from his traumatic brain injury for “the rest of his days”.

“Life as he knew it is fundamentally changed,” Judge Gwynn said.

In the lead-up to the attack, Delamare was using five grams of cannabis a day as well as regularly taking psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms.

Under a drug-induced psychosis, he’d heard

‘voices’ when he left the house that night.

He later told a psychologist that he’d thought the victim was “his 17-year-old self” and had to “punish” him. He harboured guilt over not intervening in an assault of his friend when 17 of age.

Delamare was found fit for trial. His psychosis that night was self-inflicted, and he had no diagnosable mental illness but for symptoms of a substance abuse disorder, the judge noted.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Delamare settled in Melbourne with his family when 13 years old.

Still a non-citizen in Australia, he faces possible deportation after his jail term.

Judge Gwynn accepted Delamare was “extremely remorseful”. It was his first offence and “out of character”.

She deemed his rehabilitation prospects were “promising” if he stays drug-free.

Delamare was jailed for up to seven-anda-half years with a four year, 10 month nonparole period.

The term includes 713 days in pre-sentence detention.

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Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 5

LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 23 November 1922 Dandenong Horticultural Society’s - spring flower show “The best show so far held, as regards quantity and quality of exhibits,” was the official verdict regarding the Spring Show held in the Town Hall on Thursday November 16. It was certainly a most creditable display considering the adverse weather conditions that have prevailed here for some weeks. The cut flowers especially, made a splendid show and the roses were well up to Dandenong’s high standard, the champion rose exhibited by Mrs Woodcock. The ladies committee admirably carried out their usual undertaking in connection with the afternoon tea and supper.

50 years ago 23 November 1972

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

The freewheeling freeways The planners dream of a system of multi-laned highways linking rural areas like Cranbourne and Berwick to city suburbs like Waverley and Chadstone is beginning to come true. The day is not far off when the Gippsland ‘çocky ’will be able to drive from his outlying property along a futuristic freeway to his city broker, almost without stopping. In a world not immune from the projections of HG Wells or 1984 – concepts like these have become realities.

Dandenong with four freeways planned within its boundaries will be one of the first cities to feel the effect of this development. On Tuesday, the Governor, Sir Rohan Delacombe, opened the first stage of what will be one of the country’s major motorways. The 3½ miles of four laned highways from Princes Hwy near GMH to Stud Rd Dandenong is but just the beginning.

20 years ago 25 November 2002 Fear Factor Emergency services were kept busy in Dandenong last week after a bomb scare brought the city’s railway station to a standstill. Mindful of the terrorist threats made against Australia, Special Operations Group police were called to Dandenong Railway Station last Thursday morning after what looked like a bomb was found in a toilet. It was found to be a fake and after several hours police declared the area safe. Police later charged a Dandenong youth, 16, with making a bomb hoax.

5 years ago 27 November 2017 ‘Slum’ fight won Dandenong residents have won a four-year

battle to save their streets from becoming “slums”. Planning Minister Richard Wynne announced on Wednesday 22 November that he’d approved Dandenong Planning Scheme Amendment C182. “This is a huge win for the people,” Dandy key campaigner Silvia Mastrogiovanni said. With her neighbour Carmel Puglisi, she founded the Dandenong Community Association to advocate for change. They’d seen too many cramped apartments cropping up in streets surrounding their homes with next to no open space for the people who lived in them. “We started this for Dandy,“ she said. “The smaller the spaces become for people to live on, the more you could see this place becoming a place where people didn’t want to stay and live, they would just be stuck here until they could get somewhere better. It would become a transient slum.”

NEWS

Helping during hard times

By Jasbir Singh Suropada, chairperson of Sikh Interfaith of Victoria You matter, we matter, everyone matters, we all are unique and special in our own little ways.

As long as there is breath in us there is hope and as long as there is hope we can help motivate each other and only looking down at someone when we are giving out a helping hand to pull them up in humility.

As we are over the pandemic, everyone is trying to go back to their routine lifestyles, there are many from various ages still struggling.

The cost of living has gone up with the basic necessities costing more than it use to.

Mother Nature has also been acting up with heavy rains causing floods affecting many.

MESSAGE OF

HOPE But in the midst of all these challenges there is great cause for optimism and hope.

It does not matter the colour of our skin, background, or status, we all feel similar pain and struggles.

The Sikh community places of worship (Gurduara) are open 365 days a year and 7 days a week - everyone is assured of a free vegetar-

123 Cunninghame Street, Sale, VIC

motes this exact type of resilience.

It promotes a determination to continue in the face of adversity, to see things through and to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

This philosophy is grounded in the belief that, with a firm belief in Waheguru (Divine), our worldly worries can be eradicated.

We need to role model resilience so we can become the beacons of hope for our children.

As much as we are always talking about the adults’ issues, we need to focus on our children and youth who are also going through challenges and are struggling.

To promote peace and love for each other will give hope to all. A verse from the Sikh tradition supports that: “No one is my enemy and no one is a stranger, I get along with everyone”.

Hall tribute to Merle Mitchell

Commercial/Residential Zoning - FREEHOLD Fantastic building to establish a restaurant, shop, cafe, bakery with option for residence onsite (STCA) centrally located in large rural town 2.5 hours from Melbourne.

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ian meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Just Google ‘Sikh Temple near you’ in your maps and you will find one.

In this month of November, Sikhs and nonSikhs communities are celebrating the 553rd birth anniversary of the founder of Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message relates to many important aspects of today’s society, including love and caring for one another, service to humanity and helping those in need, justice for all, taking a stand against the oppression of any segment of society, and freedom of expression and practice of one’s religious beliefs.

One of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji’s fundamental messages is the Oneness of all Humanity.

The Sikh philosophy of ‘Chardi Kala’ pro-

Freehold 536m2 block Large kitchen and Shop Upstairs 2 Bedroom unit Coastal location 3 hours from Melbourne

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An exhibition hall in Springvale Community Hub will be named after the late Greater Dandenong Living Treasure Merle Mitchell AM. Mayor Eden Foster announced the naming of the Mitchell Hall at a memorial tribute to Ms Mitchell, who was known as “the beating heart of Springvale”.

“This place meant so much to her, a place where she did so much of her incredible community advocacy,” Cr Foster told the service at Springvale Town Hall on Sunday 13 November.

“After Merle died on 20 September 2021, there was a massive outpouring of grief from the many people whose lives she touched.

“She indeed was a true inspiration to us all.”

The Mitchell Hall honours Ms Mitchell’s community activism for social welfare and older people in aged care, and her work as part of the internationally-acclaimed Spirit of Enterprise history project.

An interpretive sign recognizing Ms Mitchell has also been installed on the Spirit of Enterprise Trail.

The project enshrined the story of the Enterprise Hostel, in which the Springvale community wrapped its arms around more than 30,000 migrants and refugees between 1970 and 1992.

“As an inspiring force, Merle was always striving to improve the lives of the most vulnerable, advocating for those that may not have had a voice,” Cr Foster said.

“She was able to superbly influence the hearts and minds of policy advisors and politicians at local, state and national levels, with the utmost confidence and care. ““The strength and the quality of Merle’s character, reinforced by her wisdom and belief that there was always a better and more inclusive future for Greater Dandenong, promoted diversity, equality, acceptance and opportunity for all residents.”

Grissel Walmaggia, a City of Greater

Merle Mitchell AM who has been recognised by the naming of Mitchell Hall as well as a sign on the Spirit of Enterprise Trail.

Dandenong officer and close friend of Ms Mitchell, was MC at the service.

Other friends who spoke included South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis, Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau former social worker Eileen Sims, Enterprise hostel ex-resident Geraldina Alvarez and former Springvale mayor Jan Trezise.

Joao Goncalves, who was an Enterprise former resident and now adviser to Timor Leste president Jose Ramos-Horta, sent a video message.

Messages from Hotham MP Clare O’Neil and Greater Dandenong chief executive John Bennie were also read out.

Welcome to Country was delivered by Josh from Bunurong Land Council.

The Maya Dancers, a group formed at Springvale Neighbourhood House, performed at the service.

To contribute to an online memorial board for Ms Mitchell, go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/merle-mitchell-memorial-event

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Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

SRL reaches turning point

By Sahar Foladi The Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project has stirred mixed feelings among voters and it could be the golden ticket serving victory for either the Labor or Liberal party this election.

The SRL is a 90km train line project stretching from Cheltenham to Melbourne Airport and Werribee, connecting the south-east to the west.

“The Suburban Rail Loop - one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Australia’s history has not been signed off by Infrastructure Australia,” Independent Dandenong candidate, Caroline White said.

The project was first announced in 2018 before Daniel Andrew was re-elected and consists of six new underground stations from Cheltenham to Box Hill. This will affect thousands of houses and businesses across four municipalities.

It’s the most expensive project in the State’s history and while Andrews Labor government announced the cost to be at $50 billion, the cost is set to be more than $200 billion by the end of the project, according to Victoria’s Parliamentary Budget Office.

“This is not a choice between transport and health. This is a massive $35 billion spend on part of a loop when the State Debt is already heading towards $170B – more than NSW, QLD and SA combined,” Liberal candidate for Dandenong, Anthony Richardson said.

While polls suggest Andrews will be reelected, if Matthew Guy becomes Premier, the project will stop and investments in healthcare will be made a priority instead.

“The Liberal Nationals are proposing to redirect part of this spend towards fixing our broken health system (more than 20 new and upgraded hospitals) and expanding our rail network and delivering cost of living relief through $2 fares,” Mr Richardson said.

Train Stabling facility map in Heatherton.

Communities affected by the train line have raised their concerns, outrage and disapproval of the project.

“This is part of an urban over development plan that our community is not consenting to.

As a Cheltenham resident we have a third train station looming in our area taking away our children’s last bit of space,” Ms White said.

Special control overlays (SCO) have been applied to the 26km tunnel stretch, SCO14 giving the government power to use and develop land for the project and SCO15 which means business and landowners in and around the tunnel will need planning permits for building which they didn’t require prior to this project.

At a time where living costs and housing prices are soaring, landowners are placed under pressure from both sides.

“The Suburban Rail Loop as proposed is not a loop. It is a section of track that runs from Cheltenham to Box Hill with insufficient sta-

tions, detrimental impacts to the local community in Heatherton (building a Train Yard on 54 hectares of protected Green Wedge land) and most importantly, the Auditor General has concluded that the investment does not pay back,” Mr Richardson said.

Councils from the four affected municipalities provided statistics for an article in the Financial Review, and the City of Whitehorse estimated the SCO15 affects 1435 addresses in the municipality.

In Monash, about 1000 properties are affected by SCO14 and 2000 are affected by SCO15. Kingston’s council does not have an estimate, although the maps show hundreds and possibly more properties are affected according to the article and in Bayside, where the tunnel begins a handful of properties are impacted by the SCO. The community in Heatherton suffers the worse blow as it’s located for the open-air train

stabling facility, which also happens to be a Green Wedge land.

“We are in a climate crisis and ambitious projects like SRL are what we need to see to get out of cars and onto public transport. However, the site for the stabling yard is clearly in an inappropriate position and more suitable locations like the Moorabbin industrial area should be investigated instead of developing on precious Green Wedge land,” Greens candidate, Jessamine Moffett said.

The stabling yard will facilitate maintenance for 34 trains and an operations centre.

A website named, “Move the Train Yard,” has also been established and mentions the land was promised to become a parkland by the Kingston Council 25 years ago. The site also mentions that it is estimated 500,000 trucks worth of dirt will be extracted from the site, 150 metres away from hundreds of homes and more than 3000 homes within 1.5km.

“Living within the 1.6km radius means that under the SRL Bill they can do whatever they deem fit for the project to my property,” Ms White said.

“When I was working at the pre polls in Clayton South on Monday November 14 an elderly lady had a fall and it took an ambulance 2.5 hours to arrive. Our money needs to be prioritised on the health and safety of our community and not unnecessary and unscrutinised infrastructure projects,” Ms White said.

In January 2021 during a Kingston Council meeting, councillors unanimously voted to support the motion.

“Council absolutely rejects and expresses its disappointment with the government’s proposed location of the stabling yard,” which was also unanimously voiced by the Glen Eira Council in support of Kingston Council.

Labor candidate Meng Heang Tak was also contacted for comment.

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PLACEMATS RANGE OF SHAPES, COLOURS AND DESIGNS

STAR JOURNAL 7

STATE ELECTION

Candidates for Clarinda CLARINDA Suburbs include: Springvale South, Keysborough, Noble Park Held by Meng Heang Tak (ALP) 67.4% 2-party preferred 1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?

2. Why did you choose to run for the seat?

3. Why are you the best candidate for Clarinda?

4. Biggest three issues in your electorate and how will you tackle them?

5. How would you tackle the shortage of affordable homes in Greater Dandenong?

6. How would you restrict harm from poker machines?

Jessamine Moffett (Greens) Age: 25 Occupation: Student 1. I have lived and been part of the Mentone community for my entire life. My house is just a few metres away from the current boundaries, making Clarinda feel like home.

2. I chose to run for Clarinda because I am passionate about the community here and have grown tired of watching the Labor and the Liberal parties prioritising making profits at the expense of our green spaces, climate action and affordable housing. I wanted to put my hand up so I could do my best to make a positive change and address the concerns the people of Clarinda have.

3. As a young disabled person, I know firsthand what it’s like to deal with the current cost of living pressures. The crisis in our healthcare system is shocking, and needs to be addressed urgently. I will push to improve the standard of living for Victorians with more affordable housing, cheaper energy, education and transport and a stronger health system. The major parties have taken our community for granted, and it’s time for change. I believe I can bring better, more transparent and progressive representation to our state government.

4. I believe the three biggest issues in my electorate are: The Environment Our environment is in crisis and we need to be doing everything we can to protect our wildlife and open spaces. The protection of the Green Wedge is incredibly important to the community of Clarinda. The Greens have boiled down our position to three key values.

One - We must protect the biodiversity on this land Two - The best use of the land is to supply our urban areas with food from agriculture close to where it’s grown Three - We must protect what cultural heritage that remains of this land, un-pilfered by governments past and present.

We believe that the Green Wedge land should not be further fragmented or subdivided.

We also believe a lot of further work with the Suburban Rail Loop is required, in particular an investigation into more suitable sites for the Heatherton Train Stabling Yard.

Sites like the Moorabbin Industrial area.

Sites that don’t sacrifice our green wedge.

Cost of Living The cost of living crisis in Victoria is getting out of hand. The Greens have a plan to tackle this crisis by making billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share of tax.

With the cost of rent at the moment it is becoming increasingly more difficult for many young and disabled people in our community to find secure work and housing.

I personally have had 5 foot surgeries over the past 5 years and struggle daily with the effects of arthritis. This has made it difficult to find consistent work as I need extensive time off and struggle to stand for extended periods of time.

I understand how hard it is to find a rental home right now because I am currently going through that struggle.

It should not be this hard for anyone, let alone our disabled community, to find a decent, affordable rental home in Victoria. It’s time to make renting fair.

The Greens will strengthen renters rights, to give renters affordable, secure and sustainable homes.

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Clarinda Greens candidate Jessamine Moffett.

Clarinda independent Caroline White.

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Clarinda District We will also address the cost of living by making public education genuinely free.

Public schools are grossly underfunded. The Greens plan to invest $1.46 Billion more into Victoria’s public schools over the next 5 years, push for the Federal Government to increase funding and remove out-of-pocket school expenses for families.

Public Transport Public transport is meant to make Victoria more accessible and Clarinda’s current systems leave much to be desired. Bus routes run infrequently with commuters sometimes having to wait for up to 20 minutes in between buses.

We should be making it easier for people to make the switch to more climate-friendly forms of transport. Our plan for public transport includes a solar-powered, high frequency bus network across Melbourne and regional cities.

I also understand how important public transport is to the disabled community and we have a plan to make public transport more accessible. The Greens plan on upgrading train stations across the city to make them accessible, and user-friendly. Reduced wait times will also make it easier for those of us who rely on public transport to get to important medical appointments on time.

5. As my friends and I start to get ready to find our own homes, the harsh reality of how expensive houses are getting is starting to kick in.

One of my closest friends has been working full time, applied for every appropriate loan and yet cannot find a single affordable home in the area. As someone who looks after her grandparents she doesn’t want to have to move further out. The shortage of affordable housing is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. The Greens have a plan to make housing affordable, by putting people before profit.

This plan includes limiting rent increases to stop out of control rent rises, making property developers pay their fair share for affordable homes and banning political donations from property developers. Another huge aspect of the plan is a big build of 200,000 new accessible and sustainable public and affordable homes over the next 20 years, creating 10,000 quality jobs.

Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

6. The prevalence of gambling in Victoria seems to be continuing to grow. I can’t watch TV or scroll on my phone anymore without a barrage of ads encouraging me to gamble. The Greens have a plan for a pokies free Victoria by implementing strong harm minimisation measures at every single gaming venue in the state.

This plan includes $20 load up limits, $500 jackpot limits, and lower the cash withdrawal limit to $200 within 24 hr period and also require all pokies venues to be closed between 12am and 10am.

We will also increase tax on all poker machines to 65%, ban political donations from the gambling industry and bring in a buyback scheme for pokies licences.

20 year licences are far too long and we will Initiate an independent expert panel to develop a licence buyback scheme and implement a $200m fund for smaller clubs and pubs that want to move away from pokies before the buy-back scheme is in place.

Sue Litchfield (Animal Justice Party) Age: 60 Occupation: I work in the mental health and addiction area of a public hospital.

1. Bayside for over 30 years.

2. I am proud to stand for the seat of Clarinda to send a clear message that animals, people and our planet matters and that people care about these issues.

Animal welfare is extremely important to me, as I know it is for a lot of locals.

A vote for me and for the Animal Justice Party is a vote for kindness, equality and a society which considers animals and our environment in all decision-making.

It is important that we tell our politicians that we want to change in these areas, such as strengthening animal welfare laws and enforcing harsher penalties for animal abuse through a dedicated Animal Crime Division.

3. I am the best candidate for Clarinda as I, like many people within the electorate, share a love of animals and don’t want to see animals harmed. If elected, I will implement our Party’s Veticare model which will make veterinary care more affordable and establish specialised wildlife hospitals. I will also work to end duck shooting as well

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as racing cruelty -- including a ban on greyhound racing, jumps racing, ending the use of whips and tongue ties in horse racing, and establishing an industry-wide retirement plan for retired horses.

4. Protecting our pets - improving access, cost and availability of proper healthcare for all pets and wildlife, while ensuring the retention of both vets and nurses within the sector under the Veticare scheme. This is important not only for the welfare of our beloved companion animals, but also to address cost of living pressures and the mental health crisis within the veterinary industry.

Affordable housing - more money needs to spent on public, affordable housing as it is key to improving mental health and overall wellbeing.

Environmental protection - addressing the loss of green space within the electorate and taking meaningful action to address the climate and biodiversity emergency. Of particular concern is the proposed train stabling yard in Heatherton. There will be a loss of amenity for the residents and it will have a disastrous effect on wildlife, particularly the Raptors. The environmental effects statement needs to be considered and the government should relocate the train stabling yard.

5. Housing is at the core of people’s needs.

Working in the mental health and addiction section of a public hospital, I’ve seen first-hand the effect that homelessness can have on an individual, their family and their community. Research has shown that the Greater Dandenong ranks 23rd amongst Victorian councils for the amount of social and affordable housing available, yet has the highest level of homelessness in Victoria. We need serious investment in building affordable community housing as well as providing additional financial support to the welfare groups and public hospitals that support people requiring housing and food services. This can be achieved with sensible, compassionate solutions that put people in the community before profit.

6. The Animal Justice Party recognises that gambling problems cause great distress to many individuals, families and households.

The financial loss and debt from gambling problems, in turn, create difficulties and pressures that can lead to mental health issues, social issues, domestic violence and suicide. There is a link between domestic violence and gambling: problem gamblers are 2.5 times more likely to be a perpetrator or victims of domestic violence. And considering that 3 in 5 Australian households include non-human animals, many animals experience domestic violence. With all this said, I will support reforms into not only poker machine harm but the gambling sector altogether - I believe we can do much better to support health, welllbeing and economic security for those experiencing gambling addiction and to prevent future victims.

Caroline White (independent) Age: 35 Occupation: Dance Studio Owner 1. I live in Cheltenham and have done for over a year, prior to that I was living close by in Black Rock and Beaumaris. I was raised by my grandparents just down the road in Aspendale, so I haven’t moved too far!

2. Despite being a safe place of education for children, dance schools were always the first businesses to shut and last to reopen during the lockdowns. We witnessed horrific things in my industry with regards to the deterioration of children’s mental health and like most small business owners my concerns were ignored by the people elected to represent us. It was when the Victorian Labor government allowed brothels to open, but banned children from going to dance schools that I decided to stand up for what was right. Our area is desperately lacking community focused representation, and I believe we deserve transparent, accountable, and trustworthy leadership.

For too long now Clarinda has become the dumping grounds of the Dan Andrews’ Labor government and our local MP isn’t working to put our health, our homes, our local environment, and our community first.

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STATE ELECTION 3. I’m a local mother and a small business owner, and I am passionate about giving our community in Clarinda a voice in our Parliament this November.

I’ve been actively engaged in politics for some time now and I can tell you I am your last line of defence against what’s happening not only in our electorate but right across the state.

I have no political affiliations, so unlike politicians from the major political parties who need to toe a party line in order to keep their jobs, I promise to always protect the rights of the residents of Clarinda.

I have also owned and operated my own small business for a decade, so I have real life experience and will work to serve and protect hardworking families.

If elected, I promise I will do everything I can to preserve our green wedge and open spaces. I will fight for our money to be prioritised on better education and opportunities for our children, for small businesses to thrive in our communities, to make living more affordable and to fix our broken healthcare system.

I live here and I want to see major changes, for me, my child and my family and you, your children, and your family. You can trust a local mother and small business owner, but you can’t trust the major parties.

4. The Train Stabling Yard in Heatherton has no shortage of issues as to why this is the wrong location for large industrial scale development, the more serious of them being potentially life- threatening outcomes for both local residents and wildlife.

The state government has admitted local residents will lose the livability and their right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes. If elected, I will fight for the train yard to be moved to a more appropriate location such as the Moorabbin Industrial zone because industrial scale development belongs in industrial areas not in our backyards.

The Suburban Rail Loop Project is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Australia’s history – set to cost Victorian’s over $30 billion dollars – yet it has not been assessed or signed off by the independent bodies Infrastructure Victoria or Infrastructure Australia that advises on the state’s future infrastructure needs.

As a Cheltenham resident with a third train station looming in my suburb destroying our open spaces, I want to see legitimate scrutiny from Infrastructure Australia of the Suburban Rail Loop before any further work continues.

If the numbers don’t add up, I will fight to stop the project.

I oppose rezoning the Kingswood Golf Course in Dingley Village and say NO to development of the site and if elected I will do everything I can to safeguard the wishes and best interests of our community. To be really clear, I’m not opposed to transport upgrades or progression.

What I am opposed to however is the overriding of our democratic processes, complete lack of community consultation and inappropriate development we’re witnessing in Clarinda.

It will not only change our home and the way we live forever, but it’s also having a detrimental impact on the health and wellness of our community.

5. I will encourage partnerships between government and community service providers and private businesses to develop more new build residences to increase the supply.

We also need to restrict predatory offshore investment. If we remove stamp duty for first home buyers it will reduce the cost associated with purchasing a home and stimulate demand that encourages the building of new property. Removing stamp duty for downsizes will increase housing stock for redevelopment or for families who need the extra space. For people in retirement this also has the benefit of leaving them with money to help cope with the cost of living.

Allowing first home buyers access to their superannuation as a deposit or having the State government guarantor small deposits would support young people into the property market.

6. We need to fix the liquor and gaming licencing system in this state and cut as much tax out of it as possible. Most of the cost of a pot of beer goes towards the State and Federal government. A business can’t survive on this. Pubs and clubs shouldn’t have to rely on pokie machines in order to survive. Then there’s the entire rort of gaming in the first place – a way for the government to take even more money from us. People are adults and can make adult dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Additional Andrews Labor Government measures to support household budgets include: Power bills $250 Power Saving Bonus for all Victorians; Electricity discounts and winter gas discounts for eligible concession card holders Victorian Default Offer requiring energy retailers to offer a fairer price for energy.

Utility Relief Grants of up to $1,950 Extending the Solar Homes and batteries program into 2022/23, with 64,000 solar rebates and 1,700 battery rebates available Transport: Free L-platle and P-plate licences and online testing Discounted driver licence renewal for safe drivers Short-term vehicle registration Car registration discounts for eligible concession card holders And if re-elected, Labor will make rego fully free for eligible apprentices.

Eligible bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, electricians, plumber, chefs and more will benefit from the saving – worth up to $865 every year.

5. We want more Victorians to have the security and stability of a home. That’s why Victorian first-home buyers are being supported with millions of dollars in grants and concessions each week to help them realise their dreams.

The Government provides first-homebuyer stamp duty exemptions and concessions and First Home Owner Grants of $10,000 –totalling $1.1 billion in support and helping tens of thousands of Victorians buy a home last year.

We also support people into home ownership through the shared-equity Victorian Homebuyer Fund.

The Fund has provided support of more than $300 million, enabling 2,000 Victorians - many of them first home buyers - to move into their properties.

The Andrews Labor Government is also delivering an unprecedented Big Housing Build, delivering 12,000 social and affordable homes to those who need it most.

More than 7,300 homes have been completed or are underway, with more than $3.7 billion of investment funds already poured into new and secure homes under the program.

This is the largest single investment in social and affordable housing by any state or territory government in Australia’s history.

6. Over the last four years, I am proud to have spoken on and supported several pieces of legislation directed at reducing gambling harm.

In Victoria, venues now have to comply with strengthened harm minimisation requirements, and venue operators now have a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to prevent and minimise harm from the operation of gaming machines.

We established the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission to provide stronger, more focused regulation and have oversight of all gambling and gaming activities within Victoria – including pubs and clubs across the state. Reducing gambling harm is a central part and focus of the VGCCC’s core business.

The Victorian Government has accepted all the findings of the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence and has introduced tough new measures to ensure the failures exposed by the Royal Commission never happen again.

The Victorian Government has introduced a suite of reforms to reduce harm from pokies including: Limiting EFTPOS cash withdrawals to $500 per card in 24 hours Capping the number of gaming machines in the state at the current level until 2042 Prohibiting the advertising or operation of cheque cashing services in or around gaming venues Introducing a new code of conduct to strengthen the obligations of venue operators to better respond to suspected problem gambling.

If elected, I will continue this important work alongside the City of Greater Dandenong, to address problem gambling’s real social, emotional, financial and health impacts on our community.

No response: HASTINGS, Karen (Family First Victoria), WOLFE, Steve (Freedom Party of Victoria), VO, Hung, RICHARDSON, Anthony (Liberal)

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Mordialloc Animal Justice candidate Sue Litchield.

Mordialloc Labor MP Meng Heang Tak.

decisions; however, I believe like cigarette packaging pokies should be made as visually unappealing as possible. Perhaps disabling “attract modes” with their vibrant lights and sounds or making the machines entirely monochrome. Studies have shown that pokies flashing lights and other audio cues effect the brain and spur on addictive behaviour. We need campaigns to inform people that the odds of winning a jackpot are heavily stacked against them. We can also use the strategy the ACT has employed – halving the amount people can spend and monitoring their spending as they go. We need creative solutions to tackle this problem.

Meng Heang Tak (Australian Labor Party) Age: 42 Occupation: Member of Victorian Parliament 1. I live in Springvale with my wife and three children and have lived locally for more than 20 years. I migrated to Australia with my family when I was 16 years old, attended Westall Language Centre and completed high school at Keysborough Secondary, formerly Heatherhill Secondary.

2. Growing up in Springvale, as part of a lower socio-economic community, I understand the positive impact that good governments can have on our lives. This drove me to serve as a legal practitioner and later as a councillor and mayor in Australia’s most multicultural locality, the City of Greater Dandenong. I am determined to create opportunities for Clarinda, investing in local jobs and building big – to make sure everyone in our community feels supported and connected.

Caring for Clarinda means delivering quality services such as our amazing local schools, health, and community organisations to set all our residents up for success.

3. As a first term MP, I am proud of my record of delivering for our community.

Locally, I have secured over $60 million to modernise schools and kinders for local kids. At the same time, we’re delivering free kinder from 2023 and 70 free TAFE courses, such as nursing and midwifery – making sure we can continue caring for local patients locally.

The Monash Health Emergency Department redevelopment is also complete, and the Heart Hospital is opening in February.

We’re also rebuilding the aged care facility at the Kingston Centre, so our parents and grandparents will have the dignified care they deserve.

There’s record funding into our health system with an extra 24,000 healthcare workers coming into our workforce.

The Green Wedge commitment for our Chain of Parks is well underway with 83 hectares of new parkland purchased, as well as an upgrade for Braeside Park.

We’re continuing our Big Build – delivering major public transport system improvements, removing level crossings, building new stations, investing in new trains, trams and buses. Construction on projects such as the Metro Tunnel and Suburban Rail Loop are underway, which includes a direct line to the airport.

And in sport, I’ve secured upgrades to lighting at 13 venues, upgraded netball fa-

cilities and a bowling green replacement.

I am seeking your support to keep advocating for our community.

4. Healthcare: Only Labor is doing what matters. And only Labor can be trusted to invest in local healthcare and back our hardworking healthcare staff.

Our south-eastern suburbs are booming, so the local hospitals need to grow too.

Labor’s Hospital Plan will deliver an upgraded Dandenong Hospital, Monash Medical Centre and Casey Hospital – making sure locals get quality care closer to home.

An investment of up to $295 million will upgrade Dandenong Hospital, including an expanded emergency department expected to treat an extra 12,000 patients every year, a new intensive care unit and a new outpatient clinic.

This brings our investment up to $982 million – delivering better care closer to home for locals in Clarinda District.

We will also deliver a bigger and better Monash Medical Centre to provide worldclass care for families, with a massive upgrade valued at up to $560m to build new operating theatres, create a new intensive care unit and deliver extra beds.

And to make sure we have not only the infrastructure but the staff Victorians need, we’re training and recruiting an extra 24,000 healthcare workers into our workforce.

We have also invested more than $8 billion in our ambulance service and hired almost 2,200 paramedics.

Labor is doing what matters – delivering the hospitals, the healthcare and the workforce Victoria needs.

Education: From kinder, to a good local school, all the way to TAFE or uni - education changes lives.

That’s why we’re making kinder free - so our kids get the very best start in life.

It’s why we’re building and upgrading schools including Clayton South Primary School, so families can count on having a quality local school.

And it’s why we introduced Free TAFE so Victorians can get the skills they need for the job they want.

But we’ll do more.

We’ll build 50 new childcare centres in the suburbs that need them most, build 100 new schools and upgrade many more.

Our positive plans will ensure every Victorian can get a great education.

Cost of Living: We know the rising cost of living is making it harder for families to make ends meet – that’s why Labor has a real plan to help with free kinder, the $250 Power Saving Bonus, Free Kinder and Free TAFE. We’ve also introduced the Victorian Default Offer, which can save families hundreds of dollars on annual power bills, and our Utility Relief Grants provide up to $1,950 for households that are doing it tough to pay their bills.

But with bills skyrocketing and privatised coal power plants breaking down – there’s more to do. It’s why Labor will bring back the SEC, re-establishing governmentowned energy and driving down bills.

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Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 9

STATE ELECTION

Candidates for Mordialloc MORDIALLOC Suburbs include Keysborough, Bangholme.

Held by Tim Richardson (ALP) 62.9 per cent 2-party preferred 1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?

2. Why did you choose to run for the seat?

3. Why are you the best candidate for Mordialloc?

4. Biggest three issues in your electorate and how will you tackle them?

5. How would you tackle the shortage of affordable homes in Greater Dandenong?

6. What’s your view on calls for a new high school in Keysborough South?

Phillip Pease (Liberal Party) Age: 32 Occupation: Electorate Officer.

1. I’ve lived in Mentone for the past six years.

2. The people of Mordialloc deserve better local representation and a strong voice in State Parliament. We’ve been denied representation and common sense for far too long on a number of issues, including level crossing removals, dredging of the Mordialloc Creek, upgraded facilities like our local CFA station in Keysborough and poor planning approval. That’s why I’m running – to represent our local community and be their strong voice as part of the Liberal Team that has Real Solutions for all Victorians.

3. I value integrity, hard work and actual community consultation. My experience in community engagement and volunteering over many years has given me the tools and knowledge to deliver for Mordialloc and fight for better outcomes.

4. Mordialloc deserves better health, education and emergency services. With our growing population, we need services to keep up with the demand. That’s why we’ve committed $5.34m to invest in Keysborough Gardens Primary School, $7m into a brand-new, state-of-the-art Keysborough CFA Hub for our amazing local emergency volunteers and have a plan to fix the health system after years of neglect by the current government without raising taxes.

5. An incoming Liberal Government has Real Solutions to address the shortfall of affordable housing. We will help families by cutting stamp duty for first-home buyers for properties up to $1m. Under our changes, families getting into the market will pay zero dollars in stamp duty. To compliment this, If elected later this month, a Matt Guy led Government will unlock 150,000 extra lots of land across Melbourne and regional Victoria as part of our Long-Term Economic Plan.

6. I support the community and their calls for a new high-school in Keysborough South.

I’ve listened to many residents who have raised this issue and I have already brought this matter to the attention of the Shadow Minister for Education and if elected, will fight hard for an additional high school.

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Daniel Lessa (Greens) Age: 45 Occupation: Quality Engineering Architect in IT Consulting 1. I live in Mordialloc since 2021. Before that I used to live in Elwood 2. Politics is the way we decide to coexist as a society, to define our own rules from which we must all follow. Instead of complaining about the status quo, I decided to take a more active role and contribute with my ideas, my time and my effort to improve and serve our community, and started doing so in our Kingston Greens branch, where I play the role of co-convenor and have the pleasure of interacting with other likeminded people, all working extremely hard for free, on their own spare time purely because we believe in our causes. I don’t think politics should be a career for life, but I do believe we all benefit as a society if most of us at some point contribute to our own politics, sharing our ideas and taking initiative from time to time.

3. I believe that the Greens party has the best set of policies for Mordialloc and for the South Eastern region to tackle the urgent issues of climate crisis, increased cost of living and housing affordability and the

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10 STAR JOURNAL

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Mordialloc Liberal candidate Phillip Pease. need to modernize our economy to work for the people, instead of corporations.

I live locally, with my partner and our 3 kids and it is on my best interest that our community thrives economically and socially and that we can build a better and more affordable future for our children, together.

If elected, I will hold frequent consultation sessions with our community to ensure I am working on our communities’ best interests with a high level of transparency and accountability.

Having said that, I don’t believe we should vote for individuals, but for plans and policies.

If you believe, as I do, that the Greens policies are indeed the best option in this election, then I humbly ask for your vote on November 26th for the Mordialloc electoral district and for Alex Breskin as your candidate for the South-Eastern Region.

4. 1) Cost of living The Greens have a plan to improve the standard of living for Victorians with more affordable housing, and cheaper energy, education and transport.

We will invest to provide lower energy prices and build affordable housing, while also creating tens of thousands of new quality jobs in renewable energy, building affordable homes, restoring nature and in the caring professions such as mental and dental healthcare and more teachers and community services.

We will also push for higher wages for teachers, nurses and other workers that provide essential public services, all of whom impacted by the current government’s 1.5 per cent; wages cap for non-executive public sector workers. As a result of increasing inflation, these workers are experiencing a real wages cut.

These initiatives will be funded by making big corporations pay their fair share of taxes, including doubling the royalty rates for coal, gas and oil, and increasing the online betting tax to 20 per cent; 2) Housing affordability Victoria has a housing crisis, with rents rising three to four times faster than wages and too many people are locked out of owning a home of their own.

Our public housing system has been neglected, with more than 100,000 Victorians waiting for a home, and tens of thousands more experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

To tackle the housing crisis, we need to end the special treatment for big property developers. Governments give big property developers tax breaks and special deals, handing them huge profits instead of making sure everyone can have an affordable home.

The Labor Government caved to property developers and scrapped its plan to make

Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

Mordialloc Greens candidate Daniel Lessa. them pay for more affordable housing and has sold off public housing to developers.

The Greens will push to end out-of-control rent rises, make property developers pay their fair share for affordable homes and ban political donations from property developers.

We can make housing affordable. Victoria needs a housing system that puts people before profit.

3) Climate Crisis The Greens have a plan to get Victoria off coal and gas (which are the leading causes of the climate crisis), protect workers and create jobs rolling out renewables.

Labor and the Liberals are pouring more fuel on the fire by backing more coal and gas.

Labor is fast-tracking gas drilling next to the 12 Apostles, in the wild Southern Ocean, and it doesn’t have a plan to get out of coal.

The Greens plan to tackle the climate crisis includes a big build of renewable energy for a 100 per cent; renewable Victoria by 2030, that will create more than 50,000 new jobs and every household will save money on their energy bills. This plan will also protect all gas and cola workers with a guaranteed job.

Our plan also pushes for climate friendly transport policies, such as: More frequent and high-quality public transport services.

More funding for separated bike lanes, safer footpaths and pedestrian crossings.

Making electric vehicles more affordable and installing more charging stations, including up to $15,000 to replace on old petrol car with an electric vehicle and a grant scheme to connect homes to electric vehicles.

Powering our public transport network and our cars with clean renewable energy and powering our homes with batteries on wheels (electric vehicles).

With more Greens in Parliament, we can push the next government to go further and faster on tackling the climate crisis.

5. We have seen no net increase in the amount of public housing for over 10 years. In 2022 there were 63,921 dwellings, a drop from 64,768 in 2012. In that time, the waiting list has ballooned to record levels of over 120,000 people.

Almost one in three Victorians are renters.

But rents are going up three to four times faster than wages, and too many renters are paying more than 30 per cent of their paycheck in rent – the definition of unaffordable housing.

This is due to our current and past governments historically providing special treatment for big property developers, with tax breaks and special deals, focusing on profit, rather than on people in need within our communities.

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Our plan to tackle affordable housing includes: A big build of 200,000 new accessible and sustainable public and affordable homes over the next 20 years, creating 10,000 quality jobs.

Making property developers allocate affordable homes to first time homeowners.

Limiting rent increases in line with wage growth, to stop out of control rent rises Introducing a public and affordable housing levy, so developers have to contribute their fair share to affordable housing.

Addressing the power imbalance between renters and estate agents with a Housing Ombudsman to help enforce renters’ rights.

In addition to the above, we have a plan to end homelessness by 2030 and initiatives to raise the standards of energy efficiency in our state.

6. Every family should have access to a high quality, genuinely free local public school.

However, we can see in the suburbs of Keysborough, Dingley Village and Waterways that when it comes to options for public secondary education, your only option would be the two campuses of Keysborough Secondary College, both are kilometres away near the borders of Springvale and Noble Park, well away from Keysborough South and especially Dingley and Waterways.

The Greens will invest more in our local public schools so everyone can access a genuinely free public education, with quality teaching and with better support for disadvantaged students. We support initiatives to create new schools in population growth areas such as in Keysborough South, which has a clear lack of public secondary schools. Our candidate for Dandenong District, Matthew Kirwan, put forward motions in the City of Greater Dandenong as a Councillor in 2016 calling for the state government to do just that.

This lack of public secondary education in Keysborough is causing enormous financial stress for families as they have to make a choice to either go to a poorly funded and over capacity school in Keysborough or enrol in one of the nearby private schools. Disadvantaged families should not have to make these choices.

We also back increasing frequency of services for the 816 Bus Route as the main public transport link for both of the schools in Keysborough South, so that residents and students can reliably and easily go to and from the area without the need for a car.

We will push the next government to go further on reducing the costs of public education and making it easier to get to school with reliable and energy efficient public transport.

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

STATE ELECTION Sarah O’Donnell (independent) Age: 41 Occupation: Swim School Owner and Instructor.

1. I live in Aspendale with my husband and 3 daughters. I have lived here for 22 years.

2. As I swim school owner, my business, like many other small businesses was heavily impacted by the lockdowns causing it to be closed.

I advocated for the swimming industry to be recognised as education so we could return to teaching the skill of swimming.

No-one in the government listened.

I became frustrated with being told by members of parliament that they ”would look into it” and never did.

It was clear to teachers in the swim industry that the consequences of the shutdowns would be an inevitable increase in drownings. Devastatingly, Victoria’s drowning statistics are now the highest they have ever been.

I am also extremely concerned with the corruption and lack of community consultation that currently exists.

The role of the politician is to listen to, and represent the interests of their constituents.

Instead we have central policy decisions being pushed down with no consultation.

Many people in the community share these concerns and this needs to change.

These are our homes, we all deserve the opportunity to contribute to what takes place around us, it’s where we live.

3. I have been living, working and raising my family in the Mordialloc electorate for over 20 years. I love where I live and have strong ties with the community. I am not affiliated with any party or bound by party politics. I have broad based, real life skills as a business owner, a parent, a volunteer and an active member of my community.

I will not tolerate any level of corruption and will do my best to ensure that all residents in all suburbs are treated fairly.

4. Lack of community consultation. We have large and expensive infrastructure projects announced with no community consultation.

People’s homes, businesses and lives are being affected. Parkdale has had Skyrail thrown on them with zero community consultation. Aspendale and Mordialloc are heading down a similar path. I’m not opposed to development, I am opposed to reckless spending. Community comes first!

Rapidly expanding Keysborough is in desperate need of another secondary school.

All families should have access to high quality education. Distributions of funds to schools is also an issue we have seen in the Mordialloc Electorate.

Integrity, accountability and transparency.

IBAC needs to be strengthened to ensure that corruption is stamped out of parliament. Politicians whose offices take $14,000 of tax funded stamps for their political campaigns, in my view, are not fit to hold office and should be held to account.

5. By removing stamp duty for first home buyers and for downsizers.

Downsizers moving from larger homes to smaller homes free housing stock for redevelopment or for families who need the extra space. For people in retirement this also has the benefit of leaving them with money to help cope with the cost of living Removal of stamp duty for first home buyers reduces the cost associated with purchasing a home and stimulates demand that encourages building of new property.

I will be investigating private rooming houses, unregulated pricing is driving rental costs up. I will encourage government and private business partnerships to develop more new build residence, we have seen very successful outcomes when community service providers team up with private business.

6. This is an absolute priority for the Mordialloc electorate. Access to education is incredibly important. Keysborough South is growing rapidly. I will work with the Keysborough residents to begin the process of building a new Secondary School.

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Patrick Lum (Family First Victoria) Age: 62 Occupation: Retired Financial Controller 1. Waterways, VIC 3195 for 18 years 2. I’m concerned that our children are being

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Mordialloc independent candidate Sarah O’Donnell.

3.

4.

5.

6.

taught radical politically correct ideas instead of the basics.

I will work hard to protect local families from the threat of radical political correctness.

Stopping the teaching of gender queer theory to children without parental consent.

Defend parents’ rights to choose how they want to raise their children without government telling them what to do. I will put forward a new legislation to support parental rights on their children.

I believes there are only two genders, male and female and I am committed to supporting those who are struggling with their gender identity.

I will reverse the Government’s current legislation that forbid helping our children who are experiencing gender dysphoria.

As parents, we don’t want to have male in female toilets, just because someone feel that he is a girl today.

We also do not feel that male should compete in women’s sports as women cannot compete on equal terms due to their biological make up.

I will stop the indoctrination of our children by our schools and education institutions. I will ensure that our public schools should go back to the basic of education, that is, to help our children learn to read and write English, learn Maths and Science, and to teach real history, not creative history as to what it should has happened.

Support small business in my local areas. The longest lockdown in the world has decimated our local business. We need to provide incentive, not handouts to help local business to succeed.

Improved public transportation on weekends.

Getting the State Government to have more affordable housing at new suburbs at the Greater Dandenong area where they are located close to industrial areas and business centres. This means low-income earners who are living in these affordable homes can have easy access to employment.

We support having a new high school in Keysborough South so that local family living in that area does not have to travel far to send their children to school. Less travel times means less stress on families and hopefully will translate more quality family times at home.

Tim Richardson (Australian Labor Party)

· Age: 34 Member of Parliament - Mordi· Occupation: alloc Electorate 1. Chelsea & Chelsea Heights for the previous 9 years with my wife Lauren and our girls, Paisley and Orla.

2. When I first put my hand up to serve you in our local community, my mission was to leave our community in a better place than I found it - and that’s the value I’ve lived by to support our community every day since 2014. For part of my life I was raised by a single mum who instilled in me the importance of working hard and getting a good education. I was fortunate to access a great public education in our south east and be

Mordialloc Family First candidate Patrick Lum.

the first in my family to go on to university.

Having seen and experienced how transformational an excellent public education system can be, it inspired me to step up in our community and work hard to give all kids the very best opportunities, regardless of their postcode. Now as the Parliamentary Secretary for Schools, Mental Health and Social Inclusion, I work hard every day to change and improve our community for the better. I am now also a father to two little girls, and it’s because them I am passionate about making our community the best place to raise a family - somewhere we can access the best education, enjoy beautiful parklands and open spaces and have the very best public services.

3. Having served our community for the past eight years as the Member for Mordialloc, I have a proven track record of working hard each and every day to make our community a better place to live. Together with the community, we’re achieved so much - whether it’s upgrading our schools and kinders, delivering road and rail projects like Level Crossing removals on the Dandenong and Frankston lines, Free TAFE and Free Kinder, and creating thousands of great new local jobs. But there’s always more to do - I’ll keep working with our wonderful residents and community to make Greater Dandenong and Keysborough South even better for the future.

4. Cost of Living: We know families are working hard to make ends meet, and we need to support our local families with the cost of living. That is why Labor is providing Free Kinder for 3 and 4 year olds from next year, which will save families up to $2,500 per year, per child. We’re delivering the Power Saving Bonus, giving every household $250 and making sure they’re getting the best deal on their energy bills - with more than 7 out of 10 households save up to $330 on average, supporting local families.

Supporting our nurses and paramedics: The Andrews Labor Government has already boosted our healthcare workforce by more than 26,000 nurses, paramedics and healthcare workers - and we’ll do more.

We’re making studying nursing and midwifery free to help train the next generation - and for nursing and midwifery graduates who commit to working in our public system, we’ll provide a $5,000 signon bonus to support them.

A re-elected Labor Government will invest more than $500 million to upgrade Monash Medical Centre, delivering a new operating theatre complex, intensive care unit and birthing suites – providing capacity for an extra 7,500 surgeries a year.

Labor will also deliver $295 million for Dandenong Hospital, with upgrades to the emergency department as well as a new intensive care unit, operating theatres and a new outpatient clinic for specialist appointments.

Taking action on climate change: Labor has a plan to keep the lights on – and bills down.

We’re bringing back the SEC to put energy back into Victorians’ hands while

Mordialloc Labor MP Tim Richardson.

Mordialloc District we transition Victoria to cleaner, cheaper renewable electricity by 2035 – creating thousands of jobs.

We’ll step up to 95 per cent renewable electricity by 2035 and reach net zero emissions by 2045. Labor will ensure we have enough renewable energy to keep the lights on and drive household bills down.

5. Having a safe place to live that feels like home is a right - and only Labor has a plan to support Victorians into dignified local housing. We’re delivering the historic $5.3 billion Big Housing Build to construct more than 12,000 new homes throughout Victoria, as well as supporting around 10,000 jobs, per year over the next four years. We are also delivering the Victorian Homebuyer Fund –with $1.1 billion to triple the size of available support and help thousands more Victorians realise their dream of owning a home. So far, the Fund has helped more than 2,000 Victorians buy a home with another 1,000 applicants approved to start house-hunting knowing they have a secure funding partner.

6. We have wonderful schools in our local community - the Labor Government has made record investments in schools in Greater Dandenong, including delivering the new Keysborough Gardens Primary School, which is an incredible school community in Keysborough South. Since coming go Government, we’ve invested more than $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades – and we are now well ahead of schedule on our work to open 100 new schools by 2026.

We will continue to monitor school enrolments and population projections and working with local authorities to ensure every Victorian student has access to a highquality education - but I want to assure the community there is plenty of capacity at Keysborough Secondary College (Acacia Campus) to support every child in our community into a great local high school. response: ALBRECHT, Deborah (Free· No dom Party of Victoria), VO, Chi (Animal Justice Party), REID, Phil.

Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Kingswood estate opposed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells State Election candidates in Clarinda are united in opposition against a developer’s plans for the former Kingswood Golf Course in Dingley Village.

However, the fate of the controversial 823home proposal remains in the hands of the State Planning Minister or her delegate minister.

Save Kingswood Group president Kevin Poulter says the seven-month wait for a decision means “we can only assume the news is not good”.

“What are they hiding? If there was good news about Kingswood, it would have been announced long ago.

“It is hugely wrong that one person decides, despite a (Kingston) Council team reviewing the developer’s various plans for over a year and rejecting them.

“Also 8,000 objections were received. What happened to democracy?”

Mr Poulter said many residents would prefer “no development”.

“However there are a good number in favour of a secondary school, especially if most trees are retained, floods are controlled and there are playing fields.”

Clarinda Labor MP Heang Tak has also opposed the AustralianSuper Residential Properties’ proposed redevelopment.

“If the Standing Advisory Committee rec-

Residents protest against the Kingswood estate. ommends the former golf course be rezoned for housing, my view is that the application by Australian Super be rejected as excessive.

“It would place pressure on local services, create traffic congestion, cause environmental impacts and does not fit with the character of Dingley Village.”

Mr Tak says Kingston and residents were best placed to decide an “acceptable number” of dwellings.

Other candidates would prefer a school on the 54-hectare site.

Liberal candidate Anthony Richardson said he would advocate for a much-needed secondary school.

He said the Coalition, if elected, would oppose the current housing proposal and “negotiate a better outcome for the community”.

It would re-instate neighbourhood residential protection zones in Kingston, set two-

dwelling limits and two-storey limits on each titled site.

“The community is clearly opposed to this development and has been left hanging by the Labor Government for far too long.”

Independent Hung Vo said he’d prefer to maintain the site as a golf course, or a combination of a “hobby farm and wellness gardens”.

It would also be ideal for a technical school, replacing lost TAFEs in Keysborough and Aspendale.

Greens candidate Jessamine Moffett was also against the proposal, which “squeezed” a “huge amount” of homes on “open land which is home to thousands of trees and a multitude of wildlife”.

“It’s disappointing to see how the community’s objections to this development have been ignored leaving them feeling unheard.”

Animal Justice Party candidate Sue Litchfield was also concerned by the loss of habitat, the amount of housing and potential loss of residents’ amenity.

Independent Caroline White said the Government reneged on 2018 election promises to protect the South East open spaces from overdevelopment.

If elected “I will do everything I can to fight against the rezoning of the Kingswood Golf Course”, she said.

“Low density living and open spaces is what makes our Australian way of life desirable and I’m here to defend it.”

Pokies king faces 62 charges for ‘widespread’ breaches A pokies operator is facing 62 charges of allegedly operating machines without mandatory pre-commitment technology.

After a tip-off in December 2021, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission inspectors verified “widespread and significant breaches” at Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) venues in Hallam, Narre Warren, Mulgrave, Sandringham, Laverton and Cheltenham.

ALH then turned off 220 “non-compliant” machines across 62 of its 77 venues, the VGCCC stated.

It’s alleged the machines were operating for up to five weeks without YourPlay technology, which allows gamblers to set time and spending limits.

An ALH executive officer also faces charges of failing to ensure mandatory player

equipment was installed.

“We have decided to prosecute ALH as the alleged breaches constituted serious and significant non-compliance across 80 per cent of all ALH’s Victorian venues,” VGCCC chief executive Annette Kimmitt said.

“Anyone who holds a gambling licence in Victoria is on notice that they must, at a minimum, comply with their legal obligations to protect patrons from gambling harm.

“Having YourPlay installed and available on electronic gaming machines is a mandatory requirement to support safer gambling.”

In Victoria, all electronic gaming machines must have an interactive YourPlay display that allows players to set limits on the time or money they spend and to monitor their gaming machine play across venues.

The YourPlay technology is however only optional for players.

ALH was described by the VGCCC as Australia’s largest poker machine operator.

Endeavour Group chief executive Steve Donohue? said the alleged breaches were an “isolated but regrettable case of process and communication failure”.

The 220 machines in question were part of a 4690 new-machine rollout in November and December 2021, which had been delayed by Covid-19 closures, he said.

“We have since conducted a review of the installation process across our fleet.

“The investigation concluded this was an isolated but regrettable case of process and communication failure in our internal supply chain.”

Mr Donohue said Endeavour Group was “acutely aware of the seriousness of this matter”.

“We are committed to doing all we can to ensure it does not happen again.

“As soon as the matter was raised we deactivated the machines, and proceeded to address the concerns before re-testing the functionality.

“We can confirm YourPlay is active on all Victorian machines that we operate, with ALH also offering Voluntary Pre-Commitment at all venues on the mainland, as part of our national standard.”

The 62 charges attract a total maximum punishment of about $1.35 million.

Each charge is punishable by a $22,190 maximum fine.

Tensions rise in Premier’s seat of Mulgrave ahead of Saturday From page 1 “The election can no longer be deemed valid.”

He posted he would speak on the issue outside Daniel Andrews’s office, alongside Freedom Party’s leader Morgan Jonas and Mulgrave candidate Aidan McLindon.

At the voter centre, Mr Piastrino estimated he had support from 50 per cent of early voters who had “had enough of Dan”. “(This seat) is going to be between myself and Ian (Cook).

“Dan’s really nervous, he’s not even down here.

“He should be a real man, a real leader and not away playing with his golf balls.

The Endeavour Hills hairdresser and boxing promoter joined the hustings because of “the lockdowns and the way they’ve been treated”.

“I’ve had a lot of friends lose a lot. I’m not here for the fame but for the people.

“I’ll never walk behind or in front of any Victorian. I’ll walk side by side with every Victorian.”

A few weeks ago, Mr Piastrino apologised for “inappropriate language” after calling for Mr Andrews to be “brought to justice for the murder of 800 people”.

But that’s just one controversy compared to a stream of scandals on both sides of politics.

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Liberal candidate Michael Piastrino and volunteer Amanda. 308866 IBAC investigations of the Premier, a Liberal donation scandal being referred to IBAC, ‘red mist’ threats against Daniel Andrews, counter-claims of ‘Nazi’ supporters and a Upper House lead candidate being excluded

Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

from the Liberal party room.

About 20 metres from the anti-Dan throng, Labor volunteer Arabella Davies said her party would win “for sure”.

This was because young people were in

favour of Labor’s progressive agenda such as climate change and its renewable-energy SEC response.

“Labor’s policies are for everybody. I don’t know why you’d trash Medicare … all the things that Labor pushes is for the benefit of everyone.”

Labor South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis said the voter centre had been expected to be a “difficult booth to staff”.

“They’re going to get up in our faces and try to get a rise out of you. We bite our tongues for as long as we can.

“Across the booths, I’ve noticed the (other parties) are very close. You get the impression that there’s some sort of collaboration.”

Mr Tarlamis labelled the Freedom Party as a “vehicle for people who have extreme views”.

“Some are quite extreme. They’ve rallied around those anti-lockdown, anti-vax and that ‘we don’t want to be told what to do’ agenda.

“There doesn’t seem to be a positive agenda.”

Mr Tarlamis was tipping Labor would win overall with a reduced majority. In the Upper House, the pathway to 21 seats would be “vexed and require a lot of work”.

He said it was hard to gauge the voter mood in Mulgrave, with many not accepting any how-to-vote cards.

“I haven’t seen any polling. One thing is that people feel pressured going through those gauntlets.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

EARLY LEARNING AND EDUCATION CHOICES

School year overview I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents, carers, students, and our Lyndale Secondary College community members for your support and involvement during this year.

I would like to acknowledge the work of our staff who have provided the much-needed continuity of teaching and learning; wellbeing support and motivation that our young people need at this time. We are delighted with how students have continued to engage in their learning.

The school production of Mamma Mia was an absolute highlight of the year. It played four shows (and a dress rehearsal for our local primary schools) in our stately Performing Arts auditorium. The standard of both the performances and the production elements was extremely high, with many who saw it expressing surprise that it was entirely students!

After overcoming numerous challenges due to COVID, it was particularly special to see it

all come together. A huge thank you to all the families who supported this show, the staff who worked so hard to make it possible, and the students whose commitment, collaboration, and creativity shone through. Performances like these allow students’ talent to be recognised. It also allows our exceptional extensive performing arts program to be celebrated.

An event like Mamma Mia encapsulates Lyndale Secondary College’s values and purpose to provide a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment that focuses on nurturing the whole person to develop active and self-aware contributors to our global community.

We are now enrolling students for 2023 and welcome your interest in our college. I warmly invite you to contact the school on 9795 2366 to book a tour.

Pam Robinson Principal of Lyndale Secondary College

The school production of Mamma Mia was an absolute highlight of the year.

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

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

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

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

(03) 9795 2366

www.lyndale.vic.edu.au

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CRICOS 00861K Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Droves at Dandy West fest

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Hundreds feasted on live music and free food at the revived Dandenong West Primary School Community Festival.

After two years off due to Covid, the 11 November festival attracted a crowd of about 600.

They were treated to rich entertainment including indigenous singer Mitch Tambo and roaming guitarists Mariachi Trio.

“The kids loved Mitch Tambo. He set the tone for the whole day, he got the kids dancing and jumping and singing,” organizer Abby Rezek said.

“The day was absolutely fantastic, way better than I’d even anticipated.

“Everyone seemed to have so much fun.”

Dance troupe Bollydazzlers, reggae group Kaya Sun and African drummer Jose Mesquita also revved the audience.

There were also long queues for free fairy floss, popcorn and sausage sizzle.

Ms Rezek said discussions were already under way for the 2023 festival, which may revert to its traditional Harmony Week date of late March.

Mitch Tambo gets the crowd jumping. 306394

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Jungala from the Bunurong Land Council performs a smoking ceremony. 306394

Wild parks wait for mowing blitz as council flags action

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council is planning a mowing blitz on its overgrown parks and reserves – when the incessant wet weather comes to a halt.

The council’s mowers have been hindered by unprecedented rains that have bogged park soils and fed waist-high grasses this Spring.

Engineering acting director Craig Cinquegrana told a council meeting on 14 November that the council was waiting for dry weather to bring in extra staff and equipment.

“As soon as it dries out enough for us to get on to these parks and reserves without damaging them, we’ll hit them as hard as we can.”

Mr Cinquegrana said staff would work overtime, weekends and additional hours during the blitz.

Lighter hand-held equipment rather than “big tractors” would be used.

Cr Tim Dark noted that large reserves and pocket parks were equally impacted. Cr Bob Milkovic asked about the order of priority.

Mr Cinquegrana said “premium” parks with the highest use would be prioritized, as well as sites hosting major events such as Dandenong Show.

Acting chief executive Paul Kearsley said the work would occur in a “two-to-four week batch”.

A schedule would be soon published on

Wet weather has hindered mowing at parks, including Tirhatuan Reserve. 308330 Pictures: GARY SISSONS the council’s website, he said.

The City of Casey recently apologized for mowing delays in parklands and roadsides.

“The wet conditions make it unsafe to move the machinery through grounds without causing significant damage to the land, and due to the size of our parklands and roadsides, hand mowing is not an option,” it said in a statement.

“The majority of parks are now on a threeweek schedule and the main road reserves on a five-week schedule.

“Parks that are missed in the schedule are prioritised to be cut in the next mowing cycle.”

Data from the Bureau of Meteorology issued on Friday 4 November stated that Victoria had its wettest October on record, doubling the October average between 1961 and 1990 of 64.4 millilitres.

An exercise device stands in a sea of long grass at Tirhatuan Reserve. 308330

BUSINESS PROFILE

$10,000 Gift Card Giveaways on Black Friday at Plaza Retailers at Dandenong Plaza are gearing up for Black Friday 2022 with heavily discounted items on offer store-wide from Monday, November 21 through to the big day itself on Friday, 25 November 2002 Although the exact items and their prices are kept secret by all retailers here are some of the categories and items you can expect to see at bargain prices in 2022 at Dandenong Plaza.

Fitness bargains for your home gym, outdoor workout or back to the gym workout such as sports watches and activity trackers, you’re favourite sporting apparel brands for women, men and kids and treadmills to ellipticals.

Fashion bargains for women, men and kids from jeans, t-shirts, dresses, shirts and skirts for spring or summer. Toys, beach activity and camping gear. Heavily discounted jewellery for men, women and children. It’s the perfect time 14 STAR JOURNAL

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to buy a keepsake jewellery graduation gift for school leavers or graduates.

Dandenong Plaza will help 200 shoppers get a head start on their Christmas shopping at the Black Friday sales event by giving away $10,000 worth of Dandenong Plaza gift cards.

Entry into the competition is free.

Shoppers can collect an entry form from any retailer between 9am Monday, 21 November, and 11am on Friday, 25 November 2022, and submit their form into the Entry Barrel located at Level 2, Centre Court.

The winners of the gift cards valued at $20, $50 and $100 will be drawn and instantly receive their prize at a grand event to be held on Friday, November 25, from 11am in Centre Court.

Visit armadadandenongplaza.com.au for terms and conditions.

Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

$10,000 Gift Card Giveaways on Black Friday at Dandenong Plaza. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE

The true power of pets

By Holly McGuinness It’s no secret that people and pets have a special bond but now a new study will determine whether having a pet around can decrease loneliness and improve wellbeing within atrisk groups.

Led by the National Centre for Healthy Ageing (NCHA) the federally funded study is in partnership with Monash University and Peninsula Health and will inform national approaches to tackle loneliness in ageing Australians.

Monash University researcher Dr Em Bould, has been studying human-animal interactions for six years and this new study will expand to focus on older people, and individuals of migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Highlighting the study’s importance, Dr Bould explained that loneliness and social isolation not only have a detrimental effect on physical health, but can also cause increased incidences of depression and suicide.

“The ultimate aim of the program is to use pets to support social connection and healthy ageing, and we are looking forward to seeing the results from this important research,” Dr Bould said.

Through a pilot study, Dr Bould and their team will focus on the benefits that regular animal centred interactions have between individuals with a shared interest in animals.

Bringing animals into aged care homes has been implemented for a while now, but Dr Bould said there’s little objective research into how the addition of pets actually impacts aged care residents or refugee and migrant groups.

Previous studies by Dr Bould highlighted how pets can help to facilitate human interactions and using a dog as the catalyst, they observed animals do in fact encourage human interactions.

New study will uncover if a shared interest in pets can tackle loneliness and isolation in senior Australians.

This upcoming study will expand on this to explore if encouraged interactions using animals can decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Volunteers will be enrolled from May 2023

to partake in the Pets and People (PaPs) Program, consisting of a low-cost animal activity group in an aged care setting and researchers will also include migrant and refugee communities.

Picture: PEXELS - COTTONBRO STUDIO

The study is one of 13 NCHA Living Labs projects to share in $4.77 million of funding and up to four partner aged care facilities will take part across Melbourne and Queensland with 36 participants in total.

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Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 15

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

NEWS

Hallam gets a new tip The brand new Hallam Future Recycling Waste Transfer Station is now open next door to the original Metal Recycling facility at 57-61 Star Cres, Hallam.

“It’s been a huge effort by all involved to get it up and running,” Managing Director Tyrone Landsman explained, “We are really proud of this great new facility and look forward to servicing the wider community in Hallam.”

The purpose-built indoor tip features a massive undercover area for sorting and recycling and bays for separation of waste. Most waste types are accepted including green waste, general waste, builders’ waste and recyclables such as cardboard, car batteries and metals including white goods and electronics.

The aim of the transfer station is to extract as much recyclable and reusable material as possible from waste streams to avoid landfill.

In fact, up to 70% of waste is diverted each year from landfill. And with a capacity of 60,000 tonnes – that’s a lot of waste diverted.

Scrap and metal recycling is still a part of the facility and business. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be sold, with payments made by direct transfer. Prices are market driven and are based on weight with minimum quantities applicable.

The team at Future Recycling have applied learnings from years in the business and the successful conversion of the Pakenham Waste Transfer Station. At Hallam, there’s a wellplanned traffic flow and computerised public weigh bridge which records volume and type of waste, along with client details.

Overall, it’s a much different experience from the tips of the past. There is even a friendly team to help you unload if required.

Hallam gets a state-of-the-art new tip.

Peter Rabbit

Dandenong Market’s new general manager Ian Sumpter with outgoing general manager Jennifer Hibbs.

Market finds new manager The search for Dandenong Market’s new general manager is over.

Former South Melbourne Market general manager Ian Sumpter will start the role on Monday 12 December.

He has most recently worked as the education and community outreach manager at RSPCA Victoria.

Dandenong Market’s former general manager Jennifer Hibbs resigned on 8 July after nine years at the helm.

She has since stayed on as Dandenong Market’s company secretary.

Dandenong Market chair Donna McMaster said Mr Sumpter’s appointment was a “fantastic outcome for our market, our city and the wider community”.

“Ian is looking forward to joining Dandenong Market and making a difference to our wonderfully diverse marketplace.

“He has a long background in working at a senior level and especially enjoys the opportunities and challenges of working with key stakeholders.”

Ms McMaster said she had “full confidence” in Mr Sumpter’s leadership and business management skills.

“Ian has extensive experience working in government across community partnerships and events and has a strong regulatory and compliance focus.

“Ian has completed a BSc (Honours) Environmental Health as well as numerous other professional development accreditations.”

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Second go at life

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

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

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

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

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

NOW OPEN

sponsors of Afri-Aus Care.

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

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

The not-for-profit provides mental health

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

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

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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Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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NEWS

Golden days for Cooks

By Marcus Uhe Thursday 10 November was a special day on the calendar for David and Norrie Cook, who celebrated 50 years of marriage.

The couple tied the knot in their early 20s at St Mary’s Church in Dandenong in 1972 – a significant location in the narrative of their time together, as it was where they first met as 18 and 17-year-olds respectively.

“That was the main attraction of going to mass on a Sunday,” Norrie recalled.

It took a helping hand from David’s mum to get the ball rolling, but since then they haven’t looked back.

“David’s mum hinted to my mum that David might be interested in me,” Norrie said.

“She was worried I was too tall for him.”

The former hairdresser and business owner raised five children – Shane, Loretta, Alison, Bridget, and Tesse – who have blessed them with 13 grandchildren, however one sadly passed away earlier this year.

Over the years the family enjoyed plenty of time outdoors, with camping trips, visits to Mildura and holidays to the snow regular occasions on the family calendar.

So strong is their love for the Sunraysia region that it quickly became an annual tradition, and has grown to include the extended family for a proper summer celebration, beginning on Boxing Day and lasting into the new year.

“We used to camp but we moved from a tent to caravan and now to a resort,” Ms Cook said.

1972 was a massive year for the family. Not only did they walk down the aisle, but David was in the second year of a historic three-peat during a dominant era for the Pakenham Lions.

But what was more stressful for the midfielder; preparing for a Grand Final or preparing to tie the knot?

David and Norrie Cook celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday 10 November. 307621 “For me, it was the Grand Final,” David said.

Norrie couldn’t help but agree.

“I don’t think he had much to do with the planning.” The two threw themselves wholeheartedly into all kinds of local sports and committees, and attribute their long-lasting

marriage to their desire for involvement, along with having the ability to accept one-another’s faults and being tolerant of each other’s mistakes. Now living in Tooradin, David is a life member at the Tooradin sports club, and is a committee member at the Cranbourne Turf

Picture: ROB CAREW Club, where they attended the Cranbourne Cup on Saturday.

For the Cooks, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

“We still love the same things that we did when we got married,” Norrie said.

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Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 17

WHAT’S ON Food drive Hallam Friends of Red Cross and Hallam Community Learning Centre are working together on a food drive for refugees in our local community.

Anyone can make non-perishable food donations, which will be delivered to needy locals.

Donations can be dropped off Mondays-Fridays 10am-3pm at Hallam Community Learning Centre, 56 Kays Road Hallam. Details: 97031688 or 0455566570

Jobs Victoria Advocate

·

Plant sale The Dandenong U3A Gardening group is selling a large variety of cheap plants at St Anthony’s Community Fair.

Saturday 26 November, 10am-4pm at St Anthony’s, Buckley Street, Noble Park.

·

Art Exhibition & Book Launch Join us for our annual Art Exhibition in collaboration with Cornerstone Contact Centre as we exhibit original artwork from both communities, and launch The Open Door’s first Recipe Book: ‘Wisdom Bites’. The day will be filled with lots of food and drinks, fun games (jelly bean count, lucky bottles), Christmas raffle tickets to purchase and another specialty raffle on the day.

Bring your friends and family along to this wonderful festivity. All welcome.

Thursday 24 November 11am-2pm at 110 Ann St, Dandenong. Parking available at 112 Ann St. Details: Jo/Tayla, 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

·

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.

·

Daughters of Durga Join us for a chapter reading and discussion about the book Daughters of Durga: Dowries, Gender Violence and Family in Australia led by author Professor Manjula Datta O’Connor. This is a partnership event between Indian Care, City of Casey and Wellsprings for Women.

Sunday, 27 November, 2pm–4pm at 79 Langhorne Street Dandenong. Registrations: eventbrite.com.au/e/daughters-of-durga-readingand-discussion-tickets-452376970697

·

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

· Food drive volunteers Jean and Robert Read, Sue Hall and Tracy van Vloten. 306950

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Neighbourhood Watch safety forum

Sunday Jazz

Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch’s next safety information forum and Q&A features two guest speakers - Senior Sergeant Alasdair Gall from Victoria Police’s Domestic Violence Command and Richard Asquith from City of Greater Dandenong’s Animal Management Team. All residents welcome for this chance to catch up with local police and councillors.

Wednesday 30 November, 7.30pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Ample parking rear of centre off Frank Street.

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

·

Christmas Keysie Festival 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

·

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

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

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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

·

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COUNCIL MEETINGS DATES & LOCATIONS 2023 DATE

VENUE

Monday

DAY

23 January 2023

Dandenong

Monday

13 February 2023

Dandenong

Monday

27 February 2023

Dandenong

Tuesday*

14 March 2023

Dandenong

Monday

27 March 2023

Dandenong

Tuesday*

11 April 2023

Dandenong

Monday

24 April 2023

Dandenong

Monday

8 May 2023

Dandenong

Monday

22 May 2023

Dandenong

Tuesday*

13 June 2023

Dandenong

Monday

26 June 2023

Dandenong

Monday

10 July 2023

Dandenong

Monday

24 July 2023

Dandenong

Monday

14 August 2023

Dandenong

Monday

28 August 2023

Dandenong

Monday

11 September 2023

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Monday

25 September 2023

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Monday

9 October 2023

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Monday

23 October 2023

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Monday

13 November 2023

Dandenong

Thursday^

16 November 2023

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Monday

27 November 2023

Dandenong

Monday

11 December 2023

Dandenong

* Tuesday meeting due to Public Holiday on the Monday ^ Meeting to Elect Mayor/Deputy Mayor (commencing at 6pm)

Call 0432 550 066 or 8707 5522

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

• All meetings shall be held in the Council Chambers (Level 2, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong) unless otherwise advised.

• Meetings will commence at 7pm unless otherwise advised.

• All Meetings listed are web cast live at www.greaterdandenong.com/councilmeetings • Council may, by resolution at any Council Meeting, alter the day, time and location when a Council Meeting is proposed to be held.

12578962-DL47-22

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NEWS

Healthy goals for Dandenong’s future

Firearms charges A man in Keysborough has been charged with possessing a loaded shotgun and ammunition in breach of a Firearm Prohibition Order.

Police were called to a home in Welwyn Court after a suspicious vehicle and an armed driver were allegedly spotted in the driveway about 3.15pm on Monday 14 November.

Police cordoned off the property and negotiated with a 39-year-old Clyde North man who refused to leave the property. During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly found a machete, about $300 and a small amount of purported cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis and prescription medication. After two hours, the man surrendered.

Police say they found a loaded single barrel shotgun and six shotgun rounds in the property’s garden shed. The man was also charged with possessing a drug of dependence and possessing a prohibited weapon.

Victoria Police’s Dandenong Local Area Commander Peter Koger said Firearm Prohibition Orders were a “powerful tool to hold certain individuals to account”.

“The safety of our community is our number one priority and make no mistake – we will continue to come down hard on individuals who illegally access, store and use firearms. Any person subject to a FPO and found to be in possession of a firearm or firearm related items face to prospect of 10 years behind bars.”

The man was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 30 November.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong’s Cr Jim Memeti and St Kilda chief executive Simon Lethlean.

A St Kilda Football Club spokesperson said the club will continue delivering its All Nations in-school program, diversity squads for boys and girls, All Nations scholarships and multicultural youth traineeships.

The agreement signified its commitment to promoting health and wellness in Greater Dandenong, the spokesperson said.

“Greater Dandenong will have an elite sporting club have a presence in the region to provide inspiration for the community.

“We’ll have the opportunity to deepen our connection into Melbourne’s south to inspire the next generation of players, members and supporters.”

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2. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a lowimpact facility in accordance with the Telecommunications (Lowimpact Facilities) Determination 2018 (Amendment No.1, 2021) based on the description above.

3. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment.

4. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- Elliot Nelson, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 5:00pm 7 December 2022.

12578601-SN47-22

38404 Heatherton -O: 14 Junction Road, Dingley Village VIC 3172 (RFNSA 3172007) The proposed facility consists of the addition of new equipment and associated works, including 5G, as follows: r Removal of existing Vodafone antennas and equipment r Installation of three (3) Vodafone panel antennas, 2.7m long, on a new headframe r Installation of three (3) Vodafone panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the new headframe r Installation of ancillary equipment including up to twelve (12) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling 38369 Dandenong -O: 25 Wauchope Lane, Dandenong VIC 3175 (RFNSA 3175015) The proposed facility consists of the addition of new equipment and associated works, including 5G, as follows: r Removal of existing Vodafone antennas and equipment r Installation of three (3) Vodafone panel antennas, 2.7m long, on a new headframe r Installation of three (3) Vodafone panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the new headframe r Installation of ancillary equipment including up to twelve (12) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling 1. Vodafone regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), based on the description above.

2. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Vanessa Wan at Axicom, 02 9495 9000, community@axicom.com.au or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Wednesday 7 December 2022. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3172007, and www.rfnsa.com.au/3175015.

12577957-JW47-22

Existing Monopole, Charles Green Reserve, 115-135T James Cook Drive, Endeavour Hills VIC 3802 Optus Vodafone Ref: M1322 / JM9510, www.rfnsa.com.au/3802002 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: r Recovery of three (3) existing panel antennas (2.53m long) r Installation of three (3) new panel antennas (2.1m long) r New ancillary equipment including one (1) GPS antenna and cabling r Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter r The monopole is 18.5 metres high, and the antennas are proposed to be mounted at the top of the pole

General Notices section of Network Classifieds.

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

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St Kilda Football Club has committed to kickstarting a surge of Australian Rules football activity in Greater Dandenong.

The club has signed a 12-month memorandum of understanding with City of Greater Dandenong including for junior footy clinics in schools, modified Auskick programs and appearances by Saints AFL and AFLW stars.

On 5 November, councillor Jim Memeti said the MOU was based on “shared goals to increase the health and wellbeing of our community”.

“St Kilda Football Club has been providing programs in Greater Dandenong for a number of years, and this agreement formalises these arrangements.”

He hoped it may arrest the decline of Aussie Rules in Greater Dandenong, mining a wealth of sporting talent among its diverse communities.

“I remember back in the 1980’s Parkmore used to have about 50 junior teams at one club.

Now we wouldn’t have 50 footy clubs in total.”

Many champion football players have come from a diverse background, and many top-tier players such as Adam Treloar and Shane Savage hail from the Dandenong region, Cr Memeti said.

The programs will be funded by St Kilda with a $30,000 in-kind contribution per year from the council.

“Council will help facilitate these programs by providing access to local facilities and ongoing promotion of the partnership’s programs and activities,” Cr Memeti said.

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

CALL 1300 666 808 Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

A deep love for the game

By Tyler Lewis A transcendent force has pushed Harkirat Bajwa down his cricket pathway.

Despite being born just a stone throw from one of the most famous cricket stadiums in Mohali, India, and living his first seven years in the cricket-obsessed nation, the teenage offspinner was distant from cricket.

It took a move to Australia, more specifically Victoria’s south east, for the sport to finally force its way into his life.

“I personally wasn’t into it, you would think living in India I would be into cricket a lot, I recognised it, but I only fully liked it when I came here,” he recalled.

“When I came here I wanted to blend in with the community, so I started playing a bit of club cricket (in the DDCA).

“That’s when I fell in love with cricket, I started to take a few wickets and make a few runs, cricket just slowly kept progressing.”

At that age, cricket wasn’t something he had great aspirations for, it was just a social avenue.

However that all rapidly changed for Bajwa, when he showed up to a practice game and spun his way into the state squad after its settlement.

“In terms of playing under-age pathway cricket, I wasn’t picked in the under-12s Vic squad and even making the under-15s squad… it was a pretty interesting story,” he explained.

“I got picked up to play for the YPL (Youth Premier League) team – the Pioneers – and we were having a praccy match and Paul Montgomery – who was the coach of the Vics – was just down looking at the praccy game.

“I somehow got Xander (Buxton), Devlin Webb and a few other good players out, so he called my dad and told him to bring me down to Vic Under-15s training.

“I wasn’t in the squad or anything, I just came down to one of their trial matches, the squad was already picked and I somehow took four or five wickets and before I knew I got picked to play for them.

“When I went to the carnival I didn’t play very well, so when I was standing there and they were reading out the teams, I was like ‘oh there’s not a huge chance I get picked here’.

“All of a sudden they called my name up… and from there on I feel I have been lucky to have been picked in all of the squads.”

Since working his way into the pathway system, Bajwa has been a mainstay in regular

Harkirat Bajwa sends one down for Melbourne. 308167 representative sides, including the most recent Under-19 World Cup side as an under-ager.

That experience in South Africa is one he

Picture: CM THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

will never forget, as it prepared him for a potential career at the top.

“You don’t realise until you play, the pres-

sure of playing in a ground where there’s actually people watching and the media and stuff, it’s just so different,” he said.

“You recognise it (before you go), but I feel like playing in that condition you realise that it’s actually there.

“When I played my first game, there was a full crowd and when you’re warming up there is so much media and everyone.

“You can sometimes feel a bit lost, so I feel that was a great experience for me to have, for me to be able to know how to deal with those situations better – that was a great learning experience.”

While others struggled with the unknown atmosphere, Bajwa swiftly found a way to combat the unique picture of playing in front of a crowd.

“I think one of the ways to deal with it was to use the crowd as a motivator,” he said.

“They can either be going with you or against you, you just have to use it as a motivator… if the batter gets a hold of you, the crowd wants to see the batter hit more sixes.

“You just take it as a challenge upon yourself and go ‘okay, next ball I am going to deliver a ball that won’t let the crowd keep going’.

“Or they can be right behind you and want to see you bowl well, which you use as motivation.”

As he prepares for yet another representative tournament – after being selected for Victoria in the Under-19 National Carnival – Bajwa is hoping he can turn some previous form around, all after solidifying himself in Melbourne’s First XI. “I haven’t had the best run at National Carnivals, so I feel like for me it’s about just expressing my natural game – whether that’s with the bat or with the ball,” he said.

“I just want to do my best for the team in any situation I get, there’s not much individual stuff, just more what the team needs at the specific situation.

“I feel like the next step for me is probably cementing my place in the ones at Melbourne.

“I think if I can cement my place there and be a regular in the side – and playing alongside great players like Kyle (Williamson), Jack Prestwidge and all these guys – learning from them.

“I feel like just cementing my place in that team is the next step in my journey.”

The 2022 National Championships will be held in Adelaide between December 14 and 22.

Big boost for the Bloods as star Panther returns home

By Tyler Lewis Springvale South has received an extraordinary boost just a round into the Dandenong District Cricket Association season with Dandenong premiership player Cameron Forsyth returning home.

Forsyth played 101 first XI games for Victorian Premier Cricket club Dandenong – including one of the possible three this season – before making the decision to depart Shepley Oval earlier this week.

“From my perspective, it became apparent that the club wanted to go in a different direction this season” Forsyth explained.

“Although that is the club’s prerogative, I was pretty disappointed with the way things played out.

“Regardless, I played at Dandenong for half my life and I can’t speak highly enough about my experience.

“I was fortunate enough to win a first XI premiership, I made friends that will last a lifetime and I am extremely proud to be a life member.

“I love all the boys and will be cheering on all four XI’s this season. Hopefully, I can return and help the club at some stage in the future.”

“Springvale South has always been very supportive of its players trying their hand at Premier Cricket, which is amazing.

“I have always wanted to go back home 22 STAR JOURNAL

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Cameron Forsyth took five catches in Dandenong’s premiership over Fitzroy Doncaster.

Picture: ARJ GIESE and play for Springvale South when the time was right for me.”

In addition to playing alongside his brother and some of his best mates, Forsyth is looking forward to giving back to his junior club.

“Myself and my family have a deep connection with the club,” he said.

“My dad brought me and my three broth-

Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

ers down to the club when we were starting out. We literally grew up around the corner from Alex Nelson Reserve.

“I have only ever played one senior game of cricket with my younger brother Mitch, which was at Dandenong a few years ago. I am really looking forward to playing with him and with one of my best friends – Jordan

Mackenzie – who also played in Turf 1 on the weekend.

“I am looking forward to enjoying my cricket and playing for the love of it. But more than anything, I am excited to spend more time at the club and to give back to all those who helped me when I was a junior cricketer.”

By beginning his Victorian Premier Cricket career at just (age) 15, Forsyth is yet to make his Turf 1 debut.

And while it has been a perpetual joke at Alex Nelson Reserve, the 30-year-old is looking forward to putting it to bed.

“Growing up, you always idolised the players that played in the Turf 1 team, guys like Danny Law, Craig Slocombe, Jason Quirk and many others,” he recalled.

“All three of my brothers (Ryan, Brett and Mitch) have played Turf 1 at Springvale South. They have held it over me for quite a while, especially after a few drinks.

“Even when I have popped into Springvale South in the past, a few of the boys have been keen to tell me that I haven’t played at the level yet – so it will be really exciting to finally get a cap.”

Forsyth made a brief debut for Springvale South on Saturday against St Mary’s before the game was washed out.

Berwick suffered its second defeat of the season to a red-hot Buckley Ridges, while a Jordy Hammond inspired Hallam Kalora Park defeated Narre South. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Harry setting the bar high

By Jonty Ralphsmith At present, 464 men’s players have worn the baggy green in 145 years of test cricket.

Not many have even played with someone who has represented Australia.

Multi-sports star Harry DeMattia has done that and played in a NAB League grand final before his 18th birthday.

DeMattia didn’t anticipate he’d play as many firsts games as he did last season in Vic Premier Cricket.

Nor did he expect there to be so much media attendance and hype when he made a half-century in a rain-shortened game against Kingston-Hawthorn.

But that was the Will Pucovski effect, with the one-test young gun at the other end: people are attracted to good cricket, which the top-end players provide.

Usually.

“It was wet and green and it didn’t look like we were going to get on at some points of the day (because of rain) but Harry looked like he was batting on the WACA on a day three pitch and ‘Puc’ looked like he was batting on day one at the Gabba on a green seamer,” said coach Ben Vague.

“Harry didn’t miss the middle of the bat and ‘Puc’ was pretty scratchy that day.”

DeMattia finished unbeaten on 48 off 61 balls, while Pucovski was dismissed for 40 off 68 in a rain-shortened match.

DeMattia had heard the whispers during the week that he might open the batting, though expected to slide down to three, but the experienced Blake Thomson was keen to give him the experience.

When he went out there, he said it was a case of rinsing and repeating the skills he knew he had in his arsenal after getting off the mark with a clip off his hip.

Seen long term as a middle-order red-ball player and opener in the shorter format, DeMattia plays a graceful drive through the covers and has an array of shots, which he played in that innings.

“It felt like any other game, I summed it up early, backed myself, played with intent as I like to, and I feel like it was probably one of my best hits last season,” DeMattia said.

“When you’re out there, (Puc’s) like any other bloke, you talk about the wicket, talk about the game, talk about other things to get your mind off it between overs and balls so it was a great experience.

“We were talking about Instagram a little bit, he said if I could get us through to the end of the game, I might just get a cheeky follow back, and I got there, so I got it which was good.”

That expectation-exceeding season was cut short by a stress-related foot injury which saw him miss the end of cricket season.

Harry, standing in the cricket net in his backyard, may be the latest multi-sport talent that needs to make a decision between footy and cricket Since then, he has been improving his skills at the cricket net in the backyard of his Edithvale home with dad, Matthew.

As well, he has had the wisdom of Uncle Michael to tap into, who was a handy bowler in 99 first XI games for Dandenong.

The net is something that has been in the works for a while and was installed last year.

“It’s pretty hi-tech, we’ve got a bowling machine and full net,” he said.

“It’s good, you think we have the net and ovals close you can go there but it is so much easier to just pad up in the loungeroom.

“We use it for footy and do little touch drills as well.”

The likes of Cameron White and Thilan Samaraweera have signed autographs and taken selfies with kids DeMattia’s age, the extent of the advice generally being to “have fun with your mates.”

But DeMattia is cut from a different cloth: under their tutelage, his progression and maturity has been swift and eye-catching.

“They’ve helped me with the mental and tactical side of the game; helping me to assess conditions quickly and mature my game,” DeMattia said, something also heavily referenced

by Vague.

“Technically everything’s pretty sound at the moment but they’re helping me along the way.”

“‘Shippy’ (former IPL and BBL coach Greg Shipperd) tells me one in every four hits you’re going to succeed and be happy with - that helps ease the nerves and allows me to go out there and enjoy my cricket.

“I understand I am playing at a high-level, I’m not going to make runs every week, but I can just take it ball by ball, enjoying who I’m out there with, blokes who are state players, Big Bash players who I aspire to be like one day.

“Having those blokes around you, knowing that whether you make a duck or make a hundred, you’ll hit the track with them and they’ll back you in the next week helps ease the nerves even though it can be mentally challenging.

“Playing with them, though, I did want to show I was good enough to be at the level and was quite proud.”

DeMattia finished last season with 111 first XI runs from five games, after starting the season with a century followed by a half-century in the seconds.

He also scored a century and three half centuries in the under-16’s youth premier league.

The 17-year-old started this season in the seconds, but after a well-made 37 on a tricky wicket, he was promoted to the first XI for round four, making a busy 25 off 23 against an

attack which contained state contracted Mitch Perry and Wil Parker.

DeMattia’s form has also seen him selected selected in both the under 19s and under 17s Vic Metro squads - the ‘19s play in Adelaide from 14-22 December, and ‘17s will compete in Hobart from 16-23 January.

And he’s doing all that while playing regular NAB League football at Dandenong Stingrays.

Alongside his ascension up the cricket ranks, which Vague says is “on-par” with Pucovski and Victorian state contracted Sam Harper and Cam Kellaway (rookie), the 17-year-old played 11 games for the Rays in 2022.

DeMattia started as a lockdown defender, before spending time inside 50 and on the wing for the Rays this season, averaging 10 disposals.

Representing Vic Country in an under17s match earlier in the year indicated he is around the draftable range, with the Stingrays coaches seeing growth each game.

And just to fatten his sack of sporting accolades a little more, he captained Australia to a runners-up trophy at the indoor cricket world cup in under-13s, among a host of other representative teams.

Not bad for someone who just gave it a go after a friend’s dad recommended he play in his off-season down-time to sharpen his skills, improve his leadership and exact his skill execution.

DeMattia was forced to give that away before Covid-19 because there is no downtime that needs occupying anymore.

Less than a week after his NAB League grand final, he was on the plane to Brisbane for an under-19s training camp at the National Cricket Centre.

That was considered his ‘week or two off’ from footy, starting off-season training upon his return.

Even when he is just kicking back with mates, there is generally a footy in his hands if not a golf club being yielded.

As he shows no signs of slowing down in either cricket or footy, he faces the prospect of being the latest multi-sport star to have to make a decision.

Those around him can’t get an accurate read on which way he’ll go and he says he is currently content seeking improvement and having fun.

“I’m just playing both as long as I possibly can and enjoying each opportunity as they come,” DeMattia said.

“I’m not putting too much pressure on myself, I’m going out to each training and game and enjoying the moments and being grateful to have both opportunities and to be where I sit at the moment.

“I’m quite happy doing both at the moment and hopefully I progress in one or the other one day.”

Plaintiff draws the cherry in the world’s richest race The stage is set for a magnificent night of greyhound racing after eight heats of the Sportsbet Melbourne Cup were run and won at Sandown Park on Saturday.

The Dream Chasers Series will now culminate with the final of the World’s Greatest Greyhound Race, which this year carries prize money of $1million for the very first time.

Perennial Group-1 winner Jason Thompson has the favourite for the great race after Plaintiff drew the coveted box one for the final.

Plaintiff ran the slowest of the heat times, clocking 29.662, but is a noted specialist from the inside and will take a power of beating.

El Dorado, who clocked the fastest heat time, running 29.345, has drawn box seven for the final.

The spotlight of the greyhound racing world has been on Sandown Park for the reshaped festival of racing.

First run in 1956 and won by some of the all-time greats of the sport, total prize money for the final of the Melbourne Cup (515m) has increased and will see $650,000 go to the winner. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

A great night of racing action will see the Group-1 Bold Trease Final also be staged for the stayers.

The Bold Trease is this year worth $165,000 with $105,000 going to the winner.

The curtain will fall on the festival of racing when The Meadows hosts the final night of action with the second instalment of The Phoenix (525m), the world’s richest slot race in greyhound racing, which will, for the first time, carry a $1.65 million total prize pool with a cool $1 million to be shared between the connections and the slot holder of the winning greyhound.

GROUP 1 MELBOURNE CUP FINAL (515M) 1. Plaintiff Jason Thompson 29.662 2. Titan Blazer Daniel Gibbons 29.571 3. Vice Grip Adam Smithson 29.625 4. Yachi Bale Mark Delbridge 29.383 5. Fernando Mick David Geall 29.402 6. Zippy Tesla Bradley Keel 29.453 7. El Dorado Daryl Holmes 29.345 8. Paddy Wants Pats Kelly Bravo 29.407 RESERVES 9. Zara’s Ivan Bradley Keel 29.536 10. Amron Boy Brooke Ennis 29.577

El Dorado ran the fastest time in the eight heats of the Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park on Saturday. 309141 Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 23

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24 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 22 November, 2022

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