Dandenong Star Journal - 13th December 2022

DANDENONG

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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DANDENONG JUNCTION

FRESH NEW STORE OPENS WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER AT 9AM

Your new neighbourhood food store Discover a fresh new bakery, delicatessen, fresh fruit & veg department and more at our fresh new Woolworths Dandenong Junction.

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e’re excited to announce the completion of our fresh new store. You’ll find our friendly team and a large fresh food department offering everything from Australian fruit and veg to The Odd Bunch range.

We have a great, convenient range that is easy to shop. You’ll fall in love with our new deli, with cured meats sliced to order. We’ve got everything you need for the perfect platter, plus a fantastic selection of Australian and imported cheeses.

Walk past our in-store bakery and explore the delicious range of bread, including crusty loaves, sliced white and wholemeal rolls. Our artisan-style breads are divine and are made with Australian wheat flour.

place to pick up any beer, wine or spirits while you’re shopping at Woolworths. Ask the BWS team for the latest specials and their recommended picks – there are some fantastic local craft beers and Australian wines available.

There’s so much to see and try at your new Woolworths, we suggest heading over to the seafood counter. Seafood is a big part of our fresh food offering and we have a range of great value, locally sourced favourites.

Check out what’s on offer inside. Just a small taste of what you’ll discover at our fresh new Woolworths Dandenong Junction.

You’ll also find a new BWS store nearby – it’s a great

Find us located on the Cnr Princes Hwy & Gladstone Rd.

DANDENONG JUNCTION

From the deli

Sensational seafood

Bread baked daily for you

Cut fresh for you

We can slice or shave your meats the way you like it – thick, thin or shaved.

Discover your new local seafood market.

Our new bakery offers artisan-style bread and sweet treats every day of the week.

Ask a friendly team member to cut and wrap any heavy fruit or veg.

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A WARM

To everyone in the Dandenong community

e’re excited to announce our fresh new store is complete and we look forward to meeting you, your family and friends.

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OzHarvest to help provide meals to people in need. Last year Woolworths helped OzHarvest provide over 2 million meals. And we’re looking forward to serving up more meals this year.

Our number one focus is freshness, so you’ll find a market full of delicious Australian fruit and veg, as well as food made fresh in store every day by our resident experts.

We understand life is busy in Dandenong. To help we have a new Direct to boot service, where you can order online and pick up your order for free. One of our dedicated team members will even bring your shopping directly to your boot! Same day Pick up is available if you order before 1pm, or you can select a time to suit you.

Being part of the local community is very important to us. If you’re a local business or group in the area, please feel free to use our community noticeboard for your next event or service messages.

We’ve also partnered with local organisations, Foodbank and

Enjoy a little more everyday Collect up to 10 points for every* dollar spent and fast track your savings with point boosters.

See you soon !

Download the Everyday Rewards app now.

You’ll find our number one focus is freshness, so you’ll find a market full of delicious Australian fruit and veg, as well as food made fresh in store every day by our resident experts.

Kris

*Offer only applicable on certain campaigns. Points exclusions, terms and conditions apply. Go to everydayrewards.com.au/boost for more information.

Discover our Indian range

Store Manager

Get your

Woolies worth!

Save at least 20% with The Odd Bunch^

Shop now

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*When compared to the standard shelf price of comparable standard fruit and veg lines at Woolworths. Products may not be available in all stores. Some exclusions apply. See woolworths.com.au/theoddbunch for more information.

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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DANDENONG JUNCTION

FRESH NEW STORE OPENS WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER AT 9AM

From the farm to your table Your new local fresh fruit and vegetable market is here bringing you the best of the country.

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hen it comes to fresh, it doesn’t get any fresher than this. We take great pride in partnering with Australian farmers to bring you fruit and veg – fresh, crisp and full of flavour.

You might also notice that one of our sections has fruit and veg that looks a little bit different. We call this range The Odd Bunch. It’s made up of fresh produce that looks different, but is just as beautiful on the inside, healthy and nutritious and represents great value. Not only does it save you money but it helps our farmers sell more too. There’s nothing odd about that.

Ask any of our friendly experts what’s in season, or if you’d like your heavy fruit or veg cut and wrapped to size, just ask!

For our bread & pastry fans Our new bakery off artisan-style bread a treats every day o

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shining star of our fresh new store, the bakery is your one-stop shop for gourmet loaves, perfect pastries and custom-made cakes. It’s pretty easy to find too, just follow that moreish smell of baked bread.

Orange & Poppy Seed or want to go all out with our Indulgent Chocolate and Caramel Cake.

The team are not just baking the bread but offering to slice it too.

If you love a good loaf, you won’t be disappointed. We use only the finest ingredients in our in-store range with Australian wheat flour.

Our desserts make any day a celebration. There’s a cake for everyone, whether you have a soft spot for Traditional Carrot Cake, prefer

Discover our Middle Eastern range

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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DANDENONG JUNCTION

FRESH NEW STORE OPENS WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER AT 9AM

Your local fish market We’ve got a great variety of fresh seafood, perfect for a light dinner or an indulgent family feast.

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eady to bake, grill, fry or enjoy as is, we have an exceptional array of seafood in our new fish market.

To enjoy the catch of the day be sure to ask our team what they’ve been buying and what they’ll be taking home for dinner. Our range covers everything from juicy prawns to the freshest fish fillets and 100% Tasmanian salmon, packed with omega-3 goodness.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to cook your selection, try our free Bag & Bake options. There’s no easier way to prepare fish, as you simply choose your piece, pick a seasoning or sauce (such as Lime & Chilli) and we bag it for you ready to cook. All you need to do is pop the bag in the oven when you get home.

It’s not just simple and delicious, but is a great option for a healthy diet.

For a convenient way to enjoy seafood every day try our snap-frozen range of fish fillets. Available in single-serve portions, just thaw out what you need and cook.

We supply Woolworths Dandenong Junction with 100% Tasmanian salmon that’s certified sustainable by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

Tassal Salmon Supplying Woolworths since 2004

Direct to boot has arrived $

15 Off

Just choose a time that suits you and we’ll be ready with your groceries – picked, packed and popped in your boot. Try it today and enjoy $15 off on your Direct to boot shop with code DANDENONG15 Shop now at woolworths.com.au or download the Woolworths App.

~Offer valid from 14/12/22 until 23.59 AEDT 27/12/22 and can only be redeemed once on Direct to boot at Dandenong Junction. Discount will be activated when voucher code DANDENONG15 is applied at checkout and all other criteria is met. Min. spend of $150 in a single transaction applies.

Available only at woolworths.com.au (excluding Everyday Market from Woolworths orders) to new Woolworths Online customers on their first shop and existing Woolworths Online customers on their next shop. Subject to available windows, order cut-off times and dates (as applicable).

Reusable bag fees and exclusions apply. Visit woolworths.com.au for full T&Cs for shopping on Woolworths Online.

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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DANDENONG

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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Celebrating school’s rich history

Neighbour loses fight over development

Stingrays to watch in 2023

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PAGE 7

SPORT

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Remembering Jack Rae OAM

Carols magic returns On a perfect summer’s evening on 9 December, children and families were enthralled by a spectacular Greater Dandenong Carols and its host Celia in Dandenong Park.

More pictures on pages 10-11

Picture: GARY SISSONS

‘High-risk’ horror

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Dandenong South paint manufacturer has been fined without conviction after a worker was dragged by the arm into a spinning paintmixer.

Regent Paints Pty Ltd pleaded guilty at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to failing to provide a safe workplace in which its factory-hand Leon Hamer almost lost his arm.

As was the company custom, the 44-yearold worker held sandpaper to the spinning shaft of the 22-kilowatt Onslow Disburser in order to clean off a build-up of paint on 6 October 2020.

He was pulled in by his left arm and entangled around the shaft above the plant’s 40-centimetre blades.

As he screamed for help, his workmates

came to his aid and moved to turn off the electric mains.

Mr Hamer was trapped in the machine for 45 minutes until extracted by emergency services.

There was no emergency shut-off for the machine, nor any formal training regime, a Victorian WorkSafe Authority (VWA) lawyer told the court on 9 December.

Regent Paints trained employees by word

of mouth and demonstrations of the cleaning process, the lawyer said.

Mr Hamer underwent surgery in The Alfred hospital to “reattach” his arm, he told the court in his victim impact statement.

He suffered multiple fractures to his arm, ribs and sternum, had skin grafted from his thigh and multiple plates and screws inserted.

Continued page 5

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NEWS

Third man sentenced

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A panel-beater has been jailed over a violent home invasion and attack against a family of three in Carrum Downs.

Jacque Dalais, 46, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to home invasion with intent to assault with weapons just after midnight on Sunday 18 October 2020.

His friends and co-conspirators Patrick Iaulualo and Daniel Heaven had been recently jailed over the same attack.

Unlike his two friends, Dalais wasn’t armed and didn’t carry out the bashings.

And so he wasn’t charged with assaults or causing injury.

But his limited role in the “violent” and “terrifying” episode remained “very serious” offending against residents who were unknown to the men, Judge John Kelly said on 7 December.

The trio arrived in an Uber while the residents were sleeping.

Iaulualo, who was holding a butane torch, tried the front security screen door and then kicked it in.

At this time, Dalais knocked the house’s CCTV camera off its brackets.

He remained on the front porch as Iaulualo and Heaven entered and were fought off by a male resident wielding a baseball bat.

After being beaten back, Iaulualo and Heaven re-entered the house with Dalais.

The former pair assaulted two male residents including striking one to the head with the torch.

That man suffered a broken nose and bruising to his eye, face, jaw and back.

Judge Kelly said Dalais’s claims of remorse were undercut by his attempts to “sanitise” his involvement.

It was accepted Dalais wasn’t initially aware Iaulualo was armed with a torch.

However the judge rejected Dalais’s claims that he was unaware of the intended home invasion and trespass until Iaulualo kicked in the door, and that he knocked down the CCTV in “panic”.

The accused argued he wore a mask during the home invasion due to Covid health-and-safety protocols.

None of the victims’ statements supported his claim to be the “voice of reason” who remonstrated with his co-offenders to stop their attack, Judge Kelly said.

One of the victims stated his life had changed forever since the attack. He no longer slept well, regularly sought counselling and felt uneasy about life.

His wife, who was hospitalized after falling during the intrusion, had been since diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

She said she could no longer be in the house without locking all the doors.

Dalais, who set up a successful Chelsea panel-beating business Bayview Panels, gave away his motorcycle restoration equipment to cut his associations with certain peers, Judge Kelly said.

Prior to the home invasion, he’d descended into cocaine use and drinking after a series of family tragedies.

Since attending residential rehab for three months, he’d remained abstinent.

The judge rated his rehabilitation prospects as “good”, noted his early guilty plea and his volunteer help for disability clients.

His prior conviction for unlawful assault in 2019 was of “marginal” relevance, Judge Kelly said.

Iaulualo and Heaven, who had relevant and more serious priors, were jailed for up to four-and-a-half years and four years and three months respectively.

Judge Kelly noted that Iaulualo was the instigator of the fateful plan.

Dalais was jailed for up to two and a half years, with an 18-month non-parole period.

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A unique tattoo exhibition is being held at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre to celebrate tattoo as an art form.

The art of tattoos

By Sahar Foladi A unique tattoo exhibition is being held at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre to celebrate tattoo as an art form.

What was once taboo is now a mainstream presence, which signals a cultural shift towards acceptance.

Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster was at the opening of the exhibition on 29 November.

“There was a time when tattoos were hidden, and now tattoo artists and tattoo parlours are found in every suburb,” Cr Foster said.

“They are thriving businesses, and those adorned with tattoos wear them with pride.

“This exhibition celebrates the artistry of tattoos, and highlights the art form’s acceptance in mainstream society.”

The exhibition highlights the fluidity of creative practice as an art form and showcases the people of the community, their tattoos and the local artists through photography.

The exhibition was put together with tattooed models Elyce Morison and Shane Von Dort, who were photographed by Bronwyn Watson and Tommy Kuo. Ms Watson picked up photography in 2014 when she was in university and as a tattooed person herself, she says she’s been obsessed with it since she was a teenager.

“I grew up listening to punk music, playing video games and I have tattoos myself, so it was cool to see what other people had on their skins. I just feel like tattoos don’t make up your personality, but it’s sort of an addition to your personality,” Ms Watson said.

Today, designs are carefully selected to

Photographer Bronwyn Watson, right, at the exhibition opening. symbolise the unique lives of individuals to serve as a running documentary.

Ms Morison said: “I’ve always loved art, and different forms of it. If it wasn’t for the cost (and pain) I’d be covered.

“I often get asked ‘won’t you regret them when you’re older?’ My response (is) there are a lot of other things I can regret, but this won’t be one of them.”

Meanwhile, Ms Watson said she was very happy and satisfied with the results of the exhibition.

“I was really happy with how it all came together. I really like how my style and Tommy’s style are so different you’ve got a contrast of

Pictures: HILTON STONE

different styles.”

The unique art form, presented through new ways, was nerve-racking for Ms Watson and achieving that was the highlight for her.

“We do get a bit nervous when you portraying someone and making it work with their likeness, you want to make sure that you do a good job and they like the finished product,” she said.

“My highlight was seeing my models’ reaction to themselves and their finished artwork, they really liked how they were portrayed.”

Inked is at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner of Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong until Friday 27 January.

Conviction unlikely for choke-hold death

By Karen Sweeney, AAP After his wife spotted a stranger lurking in the front yard of their Dandenong North home, Kristen Gascoyne chased the man down and put him in a choke hold.

He thought he could “put him to sleep” until police arrived, but 37-year-old Ahmet Gezer was unconscious and not breathing when officers arrived.

They began CPR immediately but Mr Gezer could not be revived.

Mr Gascoyne, who held Mr Gezer in the choke hold for 14 minutes after he first fell unconscious, was arrested immediately after the fatal incident.

But police and prosecutors agree there is not enough evidence to support a conviction on any criminal charges he might face.

Mr Gascoyne admitted he had “managed to choke the gentleman out on the ground” after his wife told him of a suspicious man lurking in their neighbourhood on December 2, 2019.

Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

Ashley Gascoyne first spotted Mr Gezer at a bus stop around the corner from their home as she drove to the gym just after 5am.

She became suspicious when he put his thumb out toward her in a hitch-hiking gesture. She drove past and did a U-turn, later telling police Mr Gezer again made the hitchhiking gesture.

She did another U-turn and headed back toward her home “convinced the man was up to no good and that he may try and break into my home”.

Ms Gascoyne saw Mr Gezer in her front yard and called her husband.

CCTV footage showed Mr Gezer spent 40 seconds in the family’s front yard. Mr Gascoyne saw Mr Gezer walk out of the driveway and then pursued him along the street.

There was a physical altercation and Mr Gascoyne wrapped his right arm around Mr Gezer’s neck and held him face-down on the ground.

“The evidence suggests that at this point in time, Mr Gezer lost consciousness,” Victorian State Coroner John Cain said in findings handed down nearly three years to the day after the fatal incident.

“Although Mr Gezer was in an unconscious state, Mr Gascoyne continued to straddle him in this position for a further 14 minutes. Mr Gezer ceased breathing during this time.”

Mr Gascoyne then removed the unconscious man’s shoes so he could not run away.

In findings handed down days after the third anniversary of Mr Gezer’s death, Judge Cain said he accepted the opinion of police and prosecutors about there being no reasonable prospect of a conviction on the basis of available evidence.

But he noted the case could be re-opened if new facts or circumstances arose.

“I have been careful not to compromise any potential future prosecution in the course of my investigation,” Judge Cain said. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Remembering Jack

Gifts ride on a brainwave

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

By Sahar Foladi

John Follett and Jack Rae (right) at the cattle sale yards preserved in Jack Rae Pavilion at Greaves Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Reserve, Dandenong. 197282 nong’s stock markets were closed in 1998.

Similarly, a new building at the Akoonah Park showgrounds in Berwick was also bestowed Mr Rae’s name in 2021.

When Berwick Show moved from Buchanan Park to its present site, Mr Rae was involved in transporting the show’s rotunda. He was also part of setting up the flourishing Akoonah Park Men’s Shed.

He was the Royal Melbourne Agricultural Show ringmaster from 1984 to 1995 and received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to primary industry.

“He’s a man that played an indelible part in my life, and the mateship that happened along the way,” Mr Follett says.

“His memory will be cherished forever.”

Jack with siblings Thelma and Bert.

Williams’ new role in cabinet reshuffle

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams has been tasked with overseeing Victoria’s underperforming ambulance services in the latest State Cabinet reshuffle.

Ms Williams, who claimed Victoria’s safest seat after the recent State Election, also retains the Mental Health and the Treaty and First Peoples portfolios.

As the new Ambulance Services Minister, Ms Williams inherits an ambulance system heavily criticised for critically slow response times during Covid-19.

“Our paramedics do an incredible job serving our community, often in very challenging circumstances,” Ms Williams said.

“We’ll continue to back them, with vital investments that save lives, including 40 new MICA paramedics and an Australian-first Centre for Paramedicine.

“They’ve also asked us to work with them to deliver new targeted approaches to patient care, including Australia’s first paramedic practitioners, to give more people the care they need at home.”

During the election campaign, Premier Daniel Andrews announced a review into potentially deprivatising patient transport.

In the Mental Health portfolio, Ms Williams dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

is also responding to a vast list of recommendations from the Mental Health Royal Commission.

“We know that the mental health system has for too long been too difficult to navigate,” she said.

“That’s why we’re delivering every recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and we’ve invested more than $6 billion in the system.

“And that’s why we’ll deliver 50 local mental health services across the state to ensure mental health support is accessible close to home, no matter where you live.”

Ms Williams is also overseeing a nation-first actions on the Treaty and Truth elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

“We know that with First Peoples in the driver’s seat on the matters that directly affect them, Treaty will deliver better outcomes.

“That’s why Victoria will be the first jurisdiction in the nation to commence negotiations on treaty from 2023.”

Meanwhile, Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson has been assigned parliamentary secretary roles for mental health and suicide prevention and for health infrastructure.

He was previously parliamentary secretary for schools and for mental health and social inclusion.

Bakhtar Community Organisation handed out 30 refurbished bikes for new arrivals from Afghanistan and Ukraine at an event in Noble Park North.

The organisation had received the bikes from their charity partner Brainwave Bikes, which retails second-hand bikes in Melbourne.

Bakhtar Community chief executive Bassir Qadiri said he was incredibly proud of their partners who played a major role in helping the organisation provide better services to those in need.

“We are targeting the newly arrived refugees as most of them do not have driver license and have difficulties in transportation, so this is a perfect opportunity to encourage them to use bikes.

“Through this initiative we aim to promote health and well-being and the culture of using bikes as a transport for short distance which has a huge impact on environment.

“As a not for profit, all proceeds go towards donating bicycles to families in need as well as supporting the charity Brainwave Australia.

The Bakhtar organisation has been a great service for the community of newcomers and provided support for more than 2200 Afghan and Ukrainian refugees.

It looks after refugees from educating them to connecting them to the right services available and providing employment opportunities.

They’ve placed over 100 jobseekers into employment since January 2022.

The organisation’s case manager has also consulted over 500 families and individuals from the new arrivals and connected them to settlement services.

In a major move, the organisation also recently opened a second distribution centre in Hallam.

“It will also be used for regular women focus group, workshops, cultural awareness activities and art classes,” Mr Qadiri said.

Bakhtar Community Organisation gave away 30 second hand refurbished bikes to new arrivals in Noble Park North on 11 December.

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Gabrielle Williams, with baby Ruairí, has added Ambulance Services to her Cabinet duties.

308369 Picture: GARY SISSONS

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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For more than 70 years, Jack Rae OAM was a legend that spanned not just Dandenong Show but the show scene across Australia.

Mr Rae, 94, who died overnight on 7 December, was a good mate sadly missed by many, says Dandenong Show president John Follett.

“He’d be someone you’d never forget for the rest of your life,” Mr Follett said.

“He’s one who’d be able to bring different people together to work for an ultimate aim – for holding shows across Victoria and Australia.

“He was a person you could work with all day. We’d discuss things and resolve any differences. There’d never be any animosity.

“That’s real friendship.”

As the show celebrated 150 years in November, Mr Rae’s involvement spanned more than half of its life span as a president, committee member and steward.

At national show conferences, so many would approach Mr Rae “just to say hello”, Mr Follett said.

He had “exceptional” judgement of animals, and got involved in every section of the show “whether it was horses, sheep, cattle, arts and crafts”.

“He encouraged a lot of young people to be part of the show scene and in the community in general.

“He was known throughout the community. If he didn’t know of the family, they would know of him.”

As a teen, Mr Rae walked droves of cattle to Dandenong Showgrounds from his family’s farm in Narre Warren North, where he lived and looked out across the Dandenong Ranges for most of his life.

He joined the agricultural show society’s committee as an 18-year-old following in the footsteps of his father, George.

And remained there for 70-plus years helping to organise each annual show.

The fourth-generation cattle farmer was a former show president in 1957 and 1985. He is a life member of the Dandenong and Berwick show societies.

At last November’s Dandy Show, he was listed as the deputy chief steward. He sat in at the cattle section and was guest at the show president’s afternoon tea, along with sister Thelma, brother Bert, daughters and nieces.

“In my mind, that was my highlight of the show,” Mr Follett said.

In 2018, the Dandenong Show Society named its heritage cattle sale ring, the Jack Rae OAM Pavilion.

Mr Rae had been instrumental in saving the sale ring, signage and other relics after Dande-

STAR JOURNAL 3

Teaching changes lives in every part of our state.

Are you ready?

Visit vic.gov.au/teachthefuture Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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NEWS

‘High-risk’ work horror

Refguee Hamid Arfany, far right, with his family, says Dandenong has everything he needs.

Dandy welcomes all

By Sahar Foladi Greater Dandenong is listed as one of the most welcoming city for refugees in Australia, according to new research.

The ‘Settlement Cities’ report by Edmund Rice Centre takes a place-based approach to refugee settlement, focusing on the local government areas (LGA) where refugees most frequently settle in Australia “Australia’s settlement cities help refugees to quickly feel at home and find community in Australia,” the report reads.

“Refugees who have this community support find it helps them settle quickly and relatively easily in their new home.”

One of the ‘settlement cities’ Greater Dandenong consists of residents of over 150 nationalities with a population of approximately 169,000 people, more than half of whom were born overseas.

Each year, Greater Dandenong welcomes around 2,700 newly arrived people, many of which are refugees and people seeking asylum.

The report says the multicultural character of such cities is inclusive to newcomers, reducing the feeling of isolation.

The city’s multiculturalism is also evident through its colourful businesses, built on the hard work of migrants. There are Afghan shops, restaurants down Thomas Street, Indian Bazaar on Foster St which also consists of Little India, the Zimbabwean African shop on Lonsdale St and much more.

The report found that the settlement cities are thriving mostly due to the vibrant and supportive ethnic communities refugees have cre-

ated in each area.

Greater Dandenong is also made up of a lot of organisations to help refugees and migrants to not only settle but also be supported whenever they need it.

One such organisation is the Bakhtar Community Organisation - the first Afghan Australian secular organisation - based in Clyde North, which opened in Dandenong in 2021.

By the end of 2022, the organisation opened its new distribution centre in Hallam.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) not only advocates for refugees and asylum seeker rights, but also supports them in the heart of Dandenong with services such as food banks and employment pathways.

However, the report stated those facilities need more support and funding to facilitate better settlement outcomes.

According to the report, community associations receive little to no funding from any level of government and rely entirely on the voluntary works of the refugee communities.

The report recognised the hard work of community organisations and has deemed it both unfair and inefficient.

It stresses the need for settlement expenditure to be expanded to include support specifically for community associations but must be done to track the impact of the funding as well.

It is labelled as the ‘key recommendation’ and other suggestions from the report to be ‘dependent,’ on it, furthering its importance.

Greater Dandenong Council has taken action to help build local migrant communities which were able to build Dandenong into the

area it is now.

Some of the council’s iniatitives include grant programs to refugee communities, annual celebrations of Refugee Week and Cultural Diversity Week, chairing the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum, establishing the Multicultural and People Seeking Asylum Advisory Committee, and supporting youth inclusion projects and multicultural playgroups.

AMES Australia chief executive Cath Scarth said the report showed the importance of harnessing communities in supporting newcomers to Australia to settle.

“Securing employment and housing, like any other Australians, are priorities for newly arrived refugees.

“And we can see from the research that having welcoming cities and communities can help deliver these aspirations.”

Dandenong resident and Afghan refugee Hamid Arfany says he feels welcome and supported in his new community.

“We have everything we need in Dandenong.

“There are other members of our community living nearby, we can buy the food and other things we are familiar with - and the local council has programs that support us.

“We feel comfortable because there are many people from many places across the world. We are not different, in Dandenong being form somewhere else in normal.”

Trucking boss faces new charges

By Karen Sweeney, AAP A Dandenong South-based trucking boss charged over the deaths of four Victoria Police officers will still face trial on the Supreme Court despite the manslaughter charges being dropped.

Connect Logistics manager Simiona Tuteru, 51, was due to stand trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court last month charged over the deaths of the officers in the April 2020 Eastern Freeway collision.

It was alleged he permitted drug-affected driver Mohinder Singh, from Cranbourne, to get behind the wheel of the truck, despite claims he was too tired to drive.

Manslaughter charges were dropped ahead of the trial and replaced with four heavy vehicle charges.

A trial on those charges will go ahead in the Supreme Court, after discussions about whether it should drop back to the County Court.

Prosecutor Matt Fisher was warned by Justice Lex Lasry on Monday about the need to wrap the case up.

“It’s time this matter is brought to a head dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

one way or another,” he said.

Pre-trial hearings are scheduled to begin in mid-February and he urged Mr Fisher to have a final clear version of how the prosecution case has been formulated before then.

“It won’t be a straightforward task. That’s what I said last time and it proved to be insurmountable,” he said.

Tuteru’s barrister David Hallowes SC said there was an application for a permanent stay in the matter. If that is unsuccessful there will be further applications about the content of the prosecution case.

He described the fresh indictment as dramatically different to previous versions and flawed in many ways.

They will argue that the indictment is invalid, or so flawed it will require the prosecutors to once again re-case their argument.

“We’re just not clear at all how the Crown are putting some aspects,” he said.

Justice Lasry urged Mr Fisher to pay attention to some of the issues raised by Mr Hallowes, sooner rather than later.

The case will return to court again on February 8.

Connect Logistics manager Simiona Tuteru.

From page 1 He has continued to receive further surgeries, physio and counselling. The pain, the near-complete loss of strength in his left arm and the flashbacks and night terrors linger.

Since the injuries, he has not gone back to work. He struggles to hold a cup of coffee in his left hand.

“Every aspect of my life has been affected by these injuries,” he told the court.

Regent Paints had operated the mixer and two identical machines for more than 20 years without incident or a near miss.

The 30-year-old company and its director Barrie Allcorn had no prior workplace safety convictions or incidents.

Within six weeks, it rectified the faults by installing guards and automatic switches to prevent workers reaching into the machines to clean them.

Regent Paints argued that the safety risk had been low due to the lack of incidents.

But magistrate Jacinta Studham said the manner of cleaning the plant’s spinning shaft with attached blades was “high risk”.

She found the company had held a “genuine incorrect belief” that the cleaning method didn’t place workers at risk of serious injury.

“I don’t believe the company had a total disregard to safety and training.”

Regent Paints’ offence was a “midrange” example of failing to provide a safe workplace.

The “good corporate citizen” had since the incident shown remorse and “took the matter seriously”.

Ms Studham thanked Mr Hamer for his “genuine and compelling” victim impact statement, which outlined the significant physical and emotional toll on him.

“The consequences to Mr Hamer cannot be disregarded.”

Ms Studham took into account a financial penalty would have a significant impact on the small family-run business.

But it also must reflect the community’s high expectations that no worker should be at risk of serious injury at work.

She fined Regent Paints $20,000 plus $4409 costs. No conviction was imposed as it would be neither “appropriate” or “warranted”.

The maximum penalty is more than $413,000.

Meanwhile, Mr Hamer is sueing Regent Paints for compensation for his pain and suffering, loss of past and future income, loss of enjoyment of life.

In this case, Regent Paints is also indemnified by the VWA – which means the VWA effectively would pay any compensation.

Shine Lawyers legal practice manager Ashleigh Kemp said it was fighting for Mr Hamer in the civil matter for the “compensation and justice he deserves”.

“I was pleased Leon had the chance to read his Victim Impact Statement to the Court about the impact the negligence of the Defendant employer has had on his life.

“A conviction against the Defendant employer would have served as a powerful incentive to improve workplace health and safety practices to ensure this never happens again.”

Thirteen people have died at work and more than 4000 injury claims have been made in Melbourne’s South East in a 12-month period, according to WorkSafe statistics.

The staggering data relates to the council areas of Cardinia, Casey, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula in 2021-‘22.

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NEWS

Living history reunites

By Cam Lucadou-Wells More than 100 ex-Cleeland and Dandenong Girls high school students were on the hunt for history in a ‘last-hurrah’ reunion at their former school on 3 December.

It was the last gathering at the Ann Street campus, prior to the disused classrooms and offices being bulldozed for sports fields in early 2023.

There was a “lot of sadness” as the old boys and girls reminisced and gazed at the honour boards, banners and photos, says ex-student Laurel Cox. Among them were the “girls of 1957” – some of the first intake of Dandenong Girls Secondary School students 65 years ago.

“They’re the special ones,” Ms Cox said.

In 1957, the site opened as one of only two public girls schools in Victoria. A tiny school with only 10 students in Sixth Form but attracting students from as far as Beaconsfield and student-teachers living in a flat on campus, Ms Cox says.

In the spirit of the recent Melbourne Olympics, its houses were named after Australian sports stars Marshall, Landy, Strickland and Cuthbert. And its school magazine The Torch was a nod to the Olympic flame.

Flicking through past editions of The Torch, students’ flair at needlework, art and cookery shine through, with the making of baby clothes and soft toys to donate to hospital, she says.

When it closed in 2007, it was the co-ed Cleeland Secondary College.

“The first boys here were absolute heroes.

We then had males in our drama class and male voices in our choir at long last.

“We started winning at sports.”

Looking up the boarded-up buildings and weedy grounds, Ms Cox said it validated why the proposed sports field was a better option.

At the reunion, she had hoped to unearth long-buried time capsules from 1965 and 1985.

Some of the 100-plus ex-students who returned for the ‘last hurrah’. 308674 They were thought to be under a sundial, which was built from a concept by then-student Carole Matthews (nee Marsh). The sundial will be shifted to Dandenong High School, but the capsules have so far not been found..

The 1985 capsule is thought to include a greeting from the then-principal to readers in 2035.

There were also copies of the curriculum and essays from students about what life in the year 2000 might be like, copies of The Torch, newsletters, school uniforms and photos of the school, staff and students, news clippings and a commemorative wine glass and other artefacts.

Ex-teachers and students like Greta Jungwirth and Margaret Haywood did much to preserve the school’s heritage. It’s hoped that its physical history will be kept in a room at Dandenong High School, Ms Cox said.

“We are their history. They have to look after us.”

Ex-students Rob Jones, Merelin Crow (nee Edwards), Genevieve Kemp (nee Follett), Kaye Hogben (nee Follett), Ralph Halder, Laurel Cox (nee New), teacher Greta Jungwirth, teacher Ros Sloane and Julie Nye (nee Holt) with the girl school’s logo and motto Above Renown.

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Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Kaye Hogben (nee Follett) who was in Dandenong Girls High School’s first intake in 1957, finds her name on the 1960 School Captain Board. 308674

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Neighbour loses fight

Man charged over bus stop stabbing

By Eleanor Wilson A neighbour’s fight to stop the development of three two-storey dwellings in a residential Endeavour Hills street has been thwarted by the state tribunal.

Ranleigh Moldrich, who owns a property south of the proposed site at 10 Haverstock Hill Close, Endeavour Hills, took the development proposal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) after it was initially approved by Casey Council.

Moldrich argued the dwellings would not be in keeping with the area’s character, which comprises mostly single storey homes.

But VCAT member Mary-Anne Taranto ruled on 21 November that the construction would be “respectful of the existing character and would not cause unreasonable amenity impacts”.

“The proposal will bring about some change to this location. However, I have concluded that on balance, the degree of change that this proposal will bring is of an incremental nature,” member Taranto said.

The site sits on more than 800 sqm of land and is currently occupied by a single-storey dwelling, driveway and garage to its south side.

Mr Moldrich argued the dwellings would not be suitable due to the proposed number of dwellings, their 2-storey scale, impacts on vegetation and the site’s 1.1 kilometre distance from the Endeavour Hills Major Activity Centre.

The resident also expressed concern about the perceived impact on pedestrian safety, amenity including noise from cars using the driveway, loss of privacy and loss of views and natural light to the north.

The council and VCAT both refuted these claims.

“I would not refuse this proposal on the basis that it involves a proposal for dwellings that

A man has been charged after a teen was allegedly stabbed at a bus stop in Dandenong.

The teen from Dandenong was allegedly stabbed while trying to stop a fight between his friend and the man in Clow Street on 28 October.

The victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police say.

Transit CIU detectives charged a 38-year-old Frankston North man with intentionally causing injury.

He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 27 February.

The proposed triple unit development sits at 10 Haverstock Hill Close, Endeavour Hills.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS have a two storey scale in this particular context. There are no planning controls or policy directions that seek to limit development in this location to buildings that are single storey in scale,” Member Taranto said.

“In relation to noise from cars and people, any such noise is not an unexpected occurrence in an urban residential environment and is not a reason to refuse a permit.

“In relation to loss of views, there is no legal right to a view.”

Most housing in the surrounding area appears to have originally occurred in the past four or five decades, comprising single storey

detached brick dwellings, the hearing heard.

“The key issues raised in relation to neighbourhood character by the applicant concerns the inclusion of two storey dwellings in an area where single storey development predominates”, member Taranto said.

The triple unit development will continue, with a number of amendments to the planning permit, including changes to the west facing guest-room window to improve acoustic and visual privacy.

Casey Council originally approved the development plans 13 months ago, despite 16 community objections.

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR JOURNAL 7

30 MAR – 02 APR

G N O N E D DAN ADY TO E R U O Y E AR

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NEWS

Leaders unite against arrest

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Community leaders have spoken out against the recent detention of Cambodian union leader Chhim Sithar in an International Human Rights Day event at Springvale.

One of the speakers was Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak, who said the event was to show solidarity and voice their concerns about Ms Sithar’s situation.

“We call on the Cambodian Government to release her.

“Democracy and the fight for workers’ rights should not be treated as a crime.”

This year, Ms Sithar had led strikes against the lay-off of more than 1300 workers at a Malaysian-owned casino NagaWorld in Cambodia.

She had only last month dined and met with Cambodian Australian leaders in Springvale.

On her return to Cambodia late last month, she was arrested at Phnom Penh airport and has been detained since.

“All she asked from me was to continue our work in raising awareness on workers’ rights in Cambodia. NGOs and unions have been constantly targeted by the Hun Sen regime.”

Mr Tak said that Ms Sithar had been jailed previously by the Cambodian Government, including on “trumped-up” Covid restriction breaches.

“She’s well respected for her advocacy and her determination to stand up for her union and her members.

“She has a big heart.”

Former MP Hong Lim and former Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea from the Cambodian Association of Victoria also spoke at the event.

The trio have been outspoken critics against the Hun Sen government in Cambodia, with Mr Chea receiving death threats and

Former Clayton MP Hong Lim. 311950

Meng Heang Tak at the Springvale human rights event. 311950 Mr Lim being charged by the regime for incitement in 2020.

Mr Lim was to be tried even while he lived in Melbourne but was later acquitted.

Bruce MP Julian Hill recently told Federal Parliament he had had coffee with Ms Sithar on her visit to Melbourne and was “personally shocked” by her arrest.

Former state MP Hong Lim, who has been charged with incitement by Cambodian authorities. 311950

Pictures: ROB CAREW

“When we had a chat she wasn’t plotting the overthrow of Hun Sen’s gangster regime and she wasn’t trying to bring down capitalism or end corruption in Cambodia.

“She was simply chatting about being in Melbourne and the challenges that she shares with other trade union organisers worldwide.”

Mr Hill said the worsening human rights

situation in Cambodia bode ill for next year’s elections.

“When she got off the plane in Cambodia she was arrested on the pretext that she was not supposed to travel overseas, as it was a breach of her bail conditions.

“Of course, no-one had ever told her of this condition. It’s nonsense.”

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

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

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

12559715-JC33-22

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

(03) 9795 2366

www.lyndale.vic.edu.au

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North VIC 3175

CRICOS 00861K Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Greater Danenong mayor Eden Foster with Santa and Frosty the Snowman. 310859

The Twelve Days of Christmas and White Christmas were on the Greater Dandenong Band’s program. 310859

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

A Bonapasogit band member performing Batak music. 310859

Join us for some Fun in the Hills

City of Greater Dandenong Band. 310859

Council ambassadors Elvie, Ruth, Ludmila and Margarita. 310859

Come and celebrate the completion of the Hallam North and Heatherton Road Upgrade project. There will be free entertainment, activities, food and more.

Bring your friends and family along, no RSVP required.

Learn more about the project here

5164

Saturday 17 December 10am to 1pm Heatherton Village, 51 Heatherton Road, Endeavour Hills

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12581632-FC50-22

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Sabrina and six-month-old Kaiyana from Narre Warren meet Santa Claus. 310859 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Geraldine Quinn in spectacular song. 310859

Heart Strings ensemble member from Springvale Evangelical Community Church.

Performers from A2D Dance Studio. 310859

Elfis reveals a sidekick. 310859

The conductor of the City of Greater Dandenong Band. 310859

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Carols grace Dandy Park Crowds flocked to a magnificent Dandenong Park for the return of Greater Dandenong Carols.

Hundreds enjoyed the festive repertoire of Greater Dandenong Band and live singers and choirs on the park’s revamped Stan Prior Stage.

There were also roving performers, food trucks, a Christmas market and a visit from Santa Claus.

Community and school choirs joined performers on stage for classic Christmas carols and traditional festive-season songs.

Celia with a Rudolf-masked volunteer on stagen stage. 310859

The Stan Prior Stage lit up in a magical scene in Dandenong Park. 310859

Sasha and Sarah dancing to the carols. 310859

St Mary’s Parishioner’s Choir. 310859

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Dandenong Primary School Choir. 310859 Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 11

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Christmas festivities begin

By Sahar Foladi The Dandenong community had a fun packed Friday evening at the Christmas festival held at the Saint Paul’s Antiochian Orthodox Church.

Christmas is all about uniting family and the community and that’s exactly what this event did with 180 people in attendance on 2 December.

Ms Tomah, the Sunday School Program Coordinator, has been in this role for almost five years.

“We’re a very nice small knit community so it’s nice to bring everybody together, not just at Christmas time but we try and run a number of events throughout the year,” she said.

The event included a play performance from the Sunday school children, singing Christmas carols in Arabic and a visit from Saint Nicholas (Santa) who distributed gifts to the children.

“We started planning for this late September last year, we basically came up with the idea of what we’d do and work towards the event.”

She says they always had a mini festival for the children to celebrate Christmas however, this is the first time they had an event of this scale and it’ll be one of many.

“This was the first time we had all of the community members involved so we had our soccer club committee members, carols were funded by the ladies from our ladies committee and we had a cake stall, where members of the ladies committee donated cakes and sweets that they baked so that we could sell it on the night,” Ms Tomah said.

Father Jean Mawal, President of the Interfaith Network of City of Greater Dandenong and also parish priest at St Paul’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, said it was great to have ev-

Father Jean Mawal, third right, with the organising committee of the Christmas festival.

Picture: SUPPLIED

eryone together after being isolated during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“During Covid it was a difficult experience being segregated. It’s a great opportunity to get back together with a good reason and cause,” Fr Mawal said.

Fr Mawal said his hope for the community in 2023 is, “Appreciation and love for one another through the community,” and his Christmas message is to appreciate simpleness of being together.

Ms Tomah said she’s looking forward to bring people together in 2023.

“We want people to feel at home in their church and community.”

A children’s play was part of the Christmas festival program.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Carol singing in front of an audience of 180.

Picture: SUPPLIED

YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE! For more than 60 years, Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm has been delighting customers with that most precious of festive traditions: a real, live Christmas tree.

Customers are invited to visit the farm and take a wander amongst the rows of green until they find their perfect tree.

There is a tree for every family, in different heights to fit any house.

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1300 655 652 www.dandenongchristmastreefarm.com.au 12 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

Children made Santa crafts as well as being visited by Saint Nicholas. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Christmas deco lookouts

By Sahar Foladi

Huge Christmas trees 6 to 9 metres tall in Harmony Square, Dandenong. Picture: SUPPLIED

Hard to miss the huge Christmas trees 6 to 9 metres tall, brightened the popular public spaces, Harmony Square, Multicultural Place Springvale and near the entrance of Noble Park Railway Station.

Christmas decorations will remain into the New Year. Their removal will occur over 9 to 10 January 2022.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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Greater Dandenong is all bundled up for Christmas decorations, delivering programs in Dandenong, Noble Park and Springvale to support retail activity and visitation to Greater Dandenong over the Christmas and New Year period Here are some of the featured large-scale decorations installed in each centres.

Hard to miss huge Christmas trees 6 to 9 metres tall, brightened the popular public spaces, Harmony Square, Multicultural Place Springvale and near the entrance of Noble Park Railway Station.

A striking Christmas mural with an Australian fauna will cover the steps leading from Lonsdale Street to Harmony Square, and Dandenong Library’s display windows showcase a life-size Nativity Scene and a captivating window art installation.

In Springvale, the giant 7 metres tall Santa and Reindeer will make their debut at the Springvale Community Hub. While the Waterloo Star will take pride of place in Langhorne Place and the Reindeer and Tree awning decoration at the corner of Lonsdale and Clow Streets, opposite Dandenong Market. The decorations are complemented with smaller ones around the activity centres and includes Christmas themed display crates, decorations on public seating, pole guards around street light poles, metal Christmas trees and festive ‘holly and present’ installations in Palm Plaza.

Keep your eyes peeled for the roving performing appearances which will also feature this year, spreading the Christmas cheers with shoppers in each of the activity centres in the week leading up to Christmas.

Christmas decorations will remain into the New Year. Their removal will occur over 9 to 10 January 2022. ‘Til then, enjoy the views!

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STAR JOURNAL 13

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 14 December 1922 The Railway Trouble Reports of the recent meetings of members of the Victorian Railways Union go to show that the militant element is in full control of the organisation. A year or two ago the union’s secretary (Mr W Smith) slipped away quietly to Russia, without permission of his employers and the union members, and as a consequence, he nominally lost his job.

That the punishment inflicted was only nominal, however, is shown by the fact that he is now secretary of the Federal Organisation, in greater feather than ever, and is preaching the Bolshevistic doctrines he learned in Russia, to the great delight of the younger members of the union who think like the railway men of Bendigo, that employment in a State Industry gives the worker freehold rights. The crowd freely advocated strike tactics and job control at Sunday’s meeting, and repeatedly “counted out” one of the older men, who on the strength of a 30 years’ unblemished record in the railways, claimed a right to speak and advise.

50 years ago 7 December 1972 Letters to Santa Dear Father Christmas I would like a billy-cart, screaming Demons, Hot Wheels cars and a nice bucket and any other spare toys that you have in your sleigh. Thank You Paul Sanders aged 6 years.

Dear Father Christmas I saw you the other day in the shop and you know what I want.

Lisa Reed aged 8 years Dear Father Christmas I would love you to bring me a new doll called Carol as my doll Judy would like a friend to talk to when I am at school. Marlene Ford aged 7 years Dear Father Christmas I want a fishing rod because I am going away, love from Ross Gillick aged 7 years.

Dear Father Christmas I would like a motor bike that you ride but I won’t be disappointed

The Dandenong Town Hall lit up in colour. 174450

if I don’t, love from Jamie Saunders aged 7 years.

20 years ago 9 December 2002 Dandenong is ‘set to shine’ Dandenong would have its place “in the sun” as a vibrant community with open spaces and modern housing, under plans outlined by the city’s CEO Warwick Heine. Mr Heine outlined the council’s revitalisation plans for the city when guest speaker at the Dandenong Retail Traders Association annual award night. He

Picture: ROB CAREW

said the city’s revitalisation would take vision and understanding by the community during the next five to 10 years. City living, small town heart, a great place to be, is a catch cry we want people to hear and know about, he said.

5 years ago 11 December 2017 Free Christmas Cheer There’ll be festive music and entertainment around Greater Dandenong throughout December.

Roving performances will take

place in Douglas Street Noble Park, Harmony Square and Lonsdale Street in Dandenong and Multicultural Place in Springvale. There will be bouncing elves, skating baubles and more: Photo with Santa Visitors can have a photo taken with Santa at Waverly Gardens Shopping Centre.

Carols in Harmony Square The 70th annual Greater Dandenong carols event with free activities for kids from 6pm 15 December including a Storytime face painting, arts and crafts, and balloon animals.

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NEWS

Rolling with respect Despite playing under the theme of ‘Respect’, there were no beg-your-pardons at a recent roller derby match at Springers Leisure Centre.

There were inspiring speeches followed by plenty of bruising action as The Sovereigns from Kingston City Rollers took on the Footscray-based Westside Wreckers at the ‘Roll for Respect’ event on 3 December.

The proudly open-gender Rollers donned orange in support of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Guest speakers were Kingston mayor Hadi Saab, ‘Change Our Game’ ambassador and 2017 world champion roller-derby player Lauren Foote and Rollers player Raff.

‘Change Our Game’ is driving for more equality for women and marginalized genders in sport, Foote said.

“Initiatives like Roll for Support amplifies it’s normal to treat everybody with respect.

“I see a lot of people come to roller derby and find their inner power. Where they can be unapologetically aggressive, where they can be strong, can be tough.

“Feeling strong on the track helped me feel strong in my everyday life as well.”

Julian Hill says an open grant round is now available for small-scale projects at schools.

Sin (Wreckers) blocks Skate Pilgrim (Sovereigns). 309489

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Wreckers player Jukebox hits a flat tune. 309489

Raff, who gave a moving speech before the game. 309489

Dynamic action in the Sovereigns v Westside Wreckers game. 309489

Big boost for local schools Nearly $200,000 of federal funding will be rolled out to South East schools in coming weeks.

Among the grants were $50,000 for classroom laptops at Dandenong High School and $30,000 for a climbing structure at Dandenong Primary School.

Dandenong West Primary will receive $35,000 for upgrades to the outdoor learning area, Maramba Primary $48,445 for playground upgrades, and Oatlands Primary $15,000 for roof repairs.

Mossgiel Park Primary was granted $20,000 for its radio station’s equipment and sound proofing materials.

Bruce MP Julian Hill said the commitments were made during the 2022 elections and secured in the new Government’s recent Budget.

“Finally after a decade of being completely ignored by the Liberal Government our community is getting a fair share.

“This is terrific news for these schools – especially for their students.

“It means better equipment and facilities to help them learn and play in a top-class environment.”

The funding is part of the Federal Government’s $270 million School Upgrade Fund to boost infrastructure for students especially to combat the impacts of the pandemic.

Mr Hill said schools could apply for the next open grant round of $32 million.

Grants were available for small-scale projects up to $25,000 such as laptops and iPads, classroom upgrades and outdoor learning areas, Mr Hill said.

“I want our local schools to get their fair share and so I’m encouraging them to apply.”

Droves queue for free food hampers in Dandenong South Almost 1000 cars queued for blocks in Dandenong South for a free food hamper giveaway on Sunday 4 December.

Timed for pre-Christmas, the Foodbank Victoria drive-through gave away nearly 2000 hampers or two per car at Chobani’s warehouse.

Each driver took home a box of pantry essentials and dry goods and a box of fresh fruit and veg as well as cartons of Chobani yoghurt.

Ahead of the 11am start time, drivers queued around the corner from Quality Drive to Frankston-Dandenong Road. None were turned away.

Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara said the emergency relief was in response to unprecedented levels of “severe food insecurity” for Victorians ahead of Christmas.

Households had suffered under surging interest rates as well as food, rent and energy costs, he said.

“In the last 15 years, I have never seen a dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

situation like this.

“Not only are some of our largest charities reporting that they’ve moved from feeding 1,000 people a week to 1,400 people a week, but our distribution has also gone up 21 per cent - which is unheard of in the context of those 15 years.”

About 50 volunteers from Foodbank and Chobani helped at the event.

Chobani general manager Tim Browne said his company had worked together with Foodbank for 10 years.

“Chobani’s purpose is to make a difference using food as a force for good.

“Where they need us to lend a hand – whether it be volunteers or our facilities – we do whatever they need to make magic happen.

“Just hearing some of the stories from those coming through on Sunday paints a challenging picture, so we were thrilled to play even a small part in easing pressure for families in the area this week.”

Chobani and Foodbank volunteers gave out nearly 2000 hampers.

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STAR JOURNAL 15

We’re building big this summer Public transport disruptions

Victoria’s Big Build is building a better road and rail network in December and January while there are fewer people on our trains and less cars on the road.

This includes major works on the Metro Tunnel with crews working around the clock to upgrade tracks at Caufield Station and install new high-tech signalling. We’re also upgrading the City Loop.

We’re also continuing to build the West Gate Tunnel, including new connections into the city and CityLink. Important maintenance is happening on the West Gate Bridge and major road upgrades continue across the south east this summer.

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/summer

16 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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Summer disruptions Train disruptions: City Loop closed City Loop

9pm 2 Jan to last train 15 Jan

Parliament, Flagstaff and Melbourne Central stations closed

Tram and train disruptions: Buses/coaches replace trams and trains in both directions Tram routes 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72

Until 18 Dec

Arts Centre and Commercial Road

Tram route 58

Until 18 Dec

Flinders Street/Market Street and Fawkner Park

Hurstbridge Line

8.30pm 2 Jan to last train 6 Jan 9 Jan to last train 13 Jan

Parliament to Heidelberg

Alamein Line

8.30pm 2 Jan to last train 15 Jan

Camberwell to Alamein

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

1am 4 to last train 13 Jan 8.30pm to last train, 16 Jan

Flinders Street to Dandenong

14 to 27 Jan

Flinders Street to Westall

8.30pm to last train, 8 and 12 Jan

Flinders Street to Cranbourne and Pakenham

4 to 27 Jan

Flinders Street to Moorabbin

6.30am to 7.30pm, 22 Jan

Flinders Street to Mordialloc

Stony Point Line

4 to 27 Jan

Frankston to Stony Point

Sandringham Line

8.30pm each night, 9 to 11 Jan

Parliament to Sandringham

Sunbury Line

9pm 3 Feb to last train 5 Feb

North Melbourne to Watergardens

8:30pm 8 Feb to last train 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Sunshine

Werribee and Williamston lines

Each night 8 to 10 Feb 11 to 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Newport

Geelong Line

14 to 15 Jan 18 to 26 Feb

Geelong to Waurn Ponds

Gippsland Line

4 to 31 Jan

Southern Cross to Bairnsdale

Bendigo and Echuca lines

At night, 3 Feb

Southern Cross to Bendigo

4 to 5 Feb

Southern Cross to Gisborne

Swan Hill Line

4 to 5 Feb

Southern Cross to Bendigo

Warrnambool Line

18 to 26 Feb

Geelong to Warrnambool

Frankston Line

Freeway disruptions: Changed traffic conditions or closed lanes and ramps West Gate Bridge

9pm 26 Dec to 6am 4 Jan

Four outbound lanes closed

Monash Freeway

Some nights in Jan

Closed between Warrigal Road and EastLink

Princes Freeway

Some nights in Jan

Closed between Princes Highway and Cardinia Road

Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps Dynon Road, West Melbourne

Until 21 Dec

Between Dryburgh Street and Dynon Road inbound exit ramp from CityLink

Greensborough Road, Watsonia

Until 22 Dec

Lanes closed and speeds reduced

Narre Warren North Road and Ernst Wanke Road, Narre Warren North

In Jan

Intersection closed

Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and Thompsons Road, Cranbourne

Jan to Feb

Intersection closed

Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn

Jan to Feb

Between Hume Highway and Hanson Road

Lancefield Road, Sunbury

Jan to Feb

At Sunbury Road

Hall Road and McCormicks Road, Carrum Downs

From Jan

Intersection closed

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12580987-JW50-22

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 17

NEWS

To give is to be blessed MESSAGE OF

HOPE

By Rev Fr Jean Mawal, Parish Priest at St Paul’s Antiochian Orthodox Church Cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms has been the feeling for many over this past year.

The street count on homelessness is not improving, financial hardship is on a rapid increase, domestic and family violence rates are still unhealthy, unemployment rates are up, the cost of living is flying, and mental health struggles are universal. History seems to be repeating itself over and over again and is likely to echo into the tomorrow.

Staying afloat today is no easy task and not being consumed by the surroundings is a constant battle.

Many quote that there is light at the end of the tunnel, believe or hope that there is a light.

Let us reflect not on what comes at the end of the tunnel, but rather, what mode of transport I’m travelling on.

This was the message that the Messiah brought on the day of His Nativity more than 2000 years ago.

He brought the message of life, a life shared with those who are around me, those who hate me before those who love me.

This Christmas, no matter your race or your creed, let this simple message of loving your neighbour be life giving and more importantly life transfiguring.

It is said to love our enemies in such a way as to make them our brothers.

For everything around us can more bear-

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Reverend Father Jean Mawal says Christmas is about giving of ourselves. 253264 able when I have another carrying it with me.

For me the greatest lesson throughout this past year is the indispensable value of belonging.

I’ve seen the heavy burdens and struggles of people given respite through the love of another, or the hopelessness being overcome

through small deeds, or solitude and despair being turned to joy through a simple gesture.

This is how we should celebrate Christmas, by fulfilling the meaning of Christmas, that giving is more blessed than receiving.

If each of us looked to give even the smallest part of ourselves to someone who needs it,

then we have given life.

A warm smile, a gentle greeting, a peace offering, an action of forgiveness, an anonymous gift, these hold greater value then gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a fruitful year ahead.

Peter Rabbit

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Second go at life

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

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

Pictures: HAS MEDIA

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

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

City’s top citizen

complex grieving process for donors’ families.

“Out of one person, you have seven trans-

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

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

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

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sponsors of Afri-Aus Care.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NEWS

Skills response rewarded

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An award-winning series of ‘short and sharp’ courses is helping to fill the vast skill gaps in South East manufacturing.

Chisholm Institute was recognised for the initiative with the 2022 Victorian Training and Education – Organisation Award at the Weld Australia’s Excellence Awards on 1 December.

Chisholm engineering manager Matthew Baker said the four-week introductory courses were designed to fill a desperate shortage of welders and computer numerical control (CNC) workers in the South East.

In the Dandenong region alone, despite 20plus per cent youth unemployment, there are 1000 vacancies for entry-level welding jobs.

The federally-funded courses were in close partnership with industry groups South Eastern Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) and Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL).

Both courses were “highly successful” with about 90 per cent of graduates landing a job, Mr Baker said.

During a ‘speed dating’ component, employers selected students for further interviews and placements.

“What we’re looking for is a willingness to learn. Anyone who is open to that lifelong learning process will do well,” Mr Baker said.

“The skills needed can be taught but that willingness and flexibility to undertake different roles and work to achieve their life-long ambition.”

The key to success was the close collaboration between Chisholm and industry, Mr Baker said.

The SEMMA welding course was designed to introduce ‘job-actives’ to basic welding and safety skills, with a view to further training on the job such as certificates and apprenticeships.

Similarly, the AMTIL course covered the ba-

sics of CNC – which uses automated systems to produce parts.

“It’s only beginner level. But it teaches them enough to whet the appetite, with enough safety and prowess to get started.”

Chisholm’s state-funded short courses with the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) were also recognised.

The Ai Group courses were designed to entice an even wider cohort into mechanical engineering, welding and fabrication.

The first year’s intake across the three courses attracted 270 applicants.

Up to 400 could be enrolling in similar Chisholm courses with Ai Group and Jobs Victoria next year.

The Jobs Victoria program termed the Engineering Project will recruit, train and place at least 100 jobseekers in fabrication and mechanical engineering.

Over the 12 months, participants earn an income with a minimum 19 hours a week of work while being trained by experts.

Available roles include production welding,machine/process operator and fabrication or mechanical apprenticeships.

Priority applications are encouraged from women aged 45 and over, parents returning to the workforce, youths aged 25 and under, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from multicultural backgrounds and people with disability.

Employers are provided with a Training Wage Subsidy from Jobs Victoria during the mentoring program.

To register interest, go to chisholm.edu.au/ free-tafe-for-priority-courses/jobs-victoriaengineering-project Matthew Baker (Chisholm) Geoff Crittenden (CEO-Weld Australia), Paul Konig (Chisholm) Avril Switalla (Chisholm) and Sowatt Huynh (Chisholm) with the Weld Australia award.

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STAR JOURNAL 19

NEWS

Woolies at Dandy Junction Shoppers in south east Melbourne can now experience a new Woolworths supermarket in Dandenong, which has an extensive fresh food experience, convenience and value at the heart of its offering.

Dandenong Junction Woolworths showcases an expansive range of fresh produce, featuring Australian fruit and vegetables and a dedicated organic produce section.

Customers can choose from a selection of 100 per cent Australian beef from Aussie farmers and an array of fresh, local seafood from the fish counter.

For added convenience, Bag & Bake is available at the fish counter, offering a no mess, no fuss approach to flavourful baked dinners.

A notable feature of the fresh new Woolworths Dandenong Junction is the bakery, a one-stop shop for artisan loaves, pastries and cakes.

The team is not just baking the bread but offering to slice it for customers too.

Meanwhile, to cater for the local community, customers will find an array of international groceries across the fresh, frozen and dedicated departments in the store, clearly marked for added convenience.

This includes over 750 products ranging from Asian seasons, Middle Eastern meal bases and condiments.

Woolworths Dandenong Junction Store Manager, Kris Tatt said: “We’re thrilled to offer an expanded range of authentic and traditional food that we know the local community will love.

“Being part of the Woolworths team for nearly 27 years, I can confidently say locals will enjoy our new and expanded range of international delicacies throughout the store.

“We’re excited to welcome 80 new team members as the store opens, with many joining us from across the local south

The team at Woolworths Dandenong Junction is dedicated to supporting the local community and proudly partners with OzHarvest, where their driver collects surplus fruit and vegetables to help provide meals to locals in need.

They are looking forward to supporting other community groups over the coming months as residents are encouraged to share their local businesses and activity groups on the community board placed in the store.

Store highlights include: Direct to Boot: Customers can conveniently pull up in designated undercover spaces to pick up their groceries placed via an online order. Customers can pick a dedicated time window that suits their needs and will get a text when their order is ready for pick up.

Bakery: A shining star of our new store, the bakery is a one-stop shop for artisan-style bread, sweet treats, perfect pastries, cookies and ready-made cakes. The team can also slice bread on demand too, to the thickness of your liking.

An expansive International food offering: To cater for the local community, customers will find an array of international groceries across the fresh, frozen and dedicated departments in the store, clearly marked for added convenience.

Seafood - Woolworths have a great variety of fresh seafood, perfect for a light dinner or an indulgent feast, in the fish market. The range covers everything from locally-sourced juicy prawns to the freshest fish fillets and 100 percent; Tasmanian salmon. If you’re looking for ideas on how to cook your selection, try the free Bag & Bake option.

Woolworths Dandenong Junction is located on the corner of Princes Highway and Gladstone Road, in Dandenong North and is open 7am - 10pm, 7 days a week.

·

·

·

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An extensive fresh food selection is on offer at Woolworths Dandenong Junction. east Melbourne region.

“My team and I are looking forward to offering local residents a new shopping experience, a great range of fresh foods and the convenience they are looking for all at our brand new store.”

For those customers shopping online, a large Direct to Boot service is also available.

Customers can conveniently pull up in one of eight dedicated undercover marked bays to pick up their groceries.

After placing their order online, customers simply confirm when they’ve arrived via the Woolworths app or SMS link to notify the store team, who will then pack the order directly in the boot with no additional charge.

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The new Dandenong Junction Woolworths store opens with convenient new Direct to Boot and more than 80 employment opportunities for the local community.

Woolworths Dandenong Junction is located at the corner of Princes Highway & Gladstone Road, in Dandenong North. The new store is open from 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week.

Busy shoppers can access a new Direct To Boot service with dedicated parking bays for online shoppers, a full production bakery offering artisan loaves, pastries and cakes.

PLUS... An array of International groceries with over 750 products ranging from Asian seasons, Middle Eastern meal bases and condiments and a sensational seafood market.

To celebrate, your Star Journal has 5 x $100 Woolworths Supermarket Gift Cards to give away to lucky readers over 5 days!

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NEWS

Lodge marks 75 years Members of the Freemasons Dandenong Lodge have formally celebrated their 75th anniversary .

On 18 November, the charitable organisation marked the anniversary of its formation and consecration on 3 November 1947.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary, members, family and friends held a ceremony, speeches and a hearty meal with music and entertainment, including an operatic performance by acclaimed concert singer Judith Dodsworth.

A range of historic memorabilia, medallions, photographs and masonic items dating back to the foundation of the lodge were on display.

Guest of honour was Marjorie Bennett, the

daughter of lodge founder Bro. Bradley Tharle.

Mrs Bennett was accompanied by her husband Bro. John Bennett.

She was presented with a miniature orchid plant as a gesture of thanks and gratitude.

The Dandenong Lodge continues to uphold the Freemason values and traditions under Lodge Worshipful Master Bro. George Streitberg and Bro. Lindsay Tharle (who is the nephew of the lodge founder).

Members adhere to the ancient masonic values of honour, integrity and charity.

Most recently, members volunteered at the Dandenong Show manning the gates, directing parking and collecting tickets.

Looking to the future, the Lodge is currently actively seeking like-minded men to join and

Bro. John Bennett, Marjorie Bennett, Bro. Lindsay Tharle and Lodge Worshipful Master Bro. George Streitberg at the anniversary event. secure its success for another 75 years.

For details, contact the Lodge secretary, dandenonglodgefmvno635@gmail.com

Memorabilia, such as badges, were on proud display.

Bubs Australia named Exporter of the Year for 2022

By Sahar Foladi

Bubs Australia Founder and CEO, Kristy Carr at the 60th Australian Export Award.

Picture: SUPPLIED tralia feeds infants internationally across 10 markets.

It exports to China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the US. “The win of course represents the enormous efforts of our team who have been cen-

“Operation Fly Formula”.

“Our application was the first to be filed with the US authorities and has seen us airfreight 6 US Government facilitated 747 Aircraft with Bubs Infant formula to the USA,” Ms Carr said.

“We were proud to react quickly to the need to assist American parents access clean infant nutrition. It also underscores the fundamental role of our export market diversification strategy across the business.”

Ms Carr said it continues to be a privilege for her to lead and see the business grow.

“It is my passion and knowing that I have a fantastic team – not only in Australia but across three continents - to be able to deliver on our brand promise and commitment - is just amazing.”

12580180-JW49-22

Founded in 2006 in a Sydney kitchen, Bubs Australia has taken on the world and has been crowned exporter of the Year for 2022.

When mother-of-three Kristy Carr saw a gap in the market for premium organic baby food, she began her researching a way to produce the best quality organic baby food for families like her own.

“It was certainly an honour to be recognised for the work that the Bubs Team put in over the past year,” Ms Carr said.

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell congratulated Bubs Australia on being “one of Australia’s most successful and in-demand exporters of infant nutrition products”.

The company has experienced major success throughout the years and now Bubs Aus-

tral to our success in the export space and who have contributed immensely to our ability to build, transform and grow in the postpandemic period,” Ms Carr said.

Ms Carr said there have been many highlights along the Bubs journey which has shaped the business and team into who they are today, however one of the biggest highlights came earlier this year.

In May, Bubs Australia was approved to import a number of its infant formula products into the US to help relieve national supply shortages from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This sets Bubs aside from other exporters as they became one of the first international manufacturers to receive approval and export 1.25 million tins of the formula as part of the Biden Administration’s

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 21

NEWS

Anger after crystal clear win

By Marcus Uhe The owner of Crystal World Exhibition Centre has lashed out at the City of Casey after winning a planning dispute at VCAT on Wednesday 30 November.

Tamas Kapitany won the right to construct and display two business identification signs and develop land in Devon Meadows as an exhibition centre, in order to display Rosie the Shark on their premises.

The preserved shark carcass came to notoriety in the late ‘90s after it was suspected of being involved in a missing person’s case off the coast of South Australia.

The permit will allow Crystal World to build a permanent shark exhibition, with Rosie to be nestled among shark sustainability information, shark facts and information, and shark artefacts.

In a statement on the Crystal World Facebook page, the business expressed its disappointment with the matter, despite VCAT granting approval for the permit, with approximately seven or eight staff members at risk of losing their jobs.

“After three years of attempting to negotiate with (the) town planning department of the Casey Council, two VCAT court cases, I’ve spent close to $200,000 in expenses trying to get permits to build an exhibition space for Rosie the Shark,” the post said.

“I will now need to spend over $50,000 in the next two months, to comply (with) some questionable requirements as well as let go some staff as a consequence.

“This is before I even start to build the extension to house Rosie the Shark.

“I should be elated that I won, but I’m not, I’m very angry.”

The City of Casey was contacted for comment but did not respond before deadline.

Shane McAlister and Tom Kapitany with Rosie the Shark. 190803 Crystal World’s gallery showrooms showcase Mr Kapitany and his family’s collection of gems, crystals, minerals and more.

VCAT Member Peter Gaschk said he was satisfied the proposal was consistent with key planning policy and green wedge objectives as it helps to diversify the local economy and tourism opportunities, create employment opportunities for 31 staff members, and that the proposal is consistent with the definition of an Exhibition Centre.

The council had refused the proposal on multiple grounds, including that the proposal seeks ‘retrospective approval’ for an existing use, and that it does not aid in facilitating the long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability objectives of the Casey Farm Area.

The council also argued the proposal was not consistent with the objectives of the Green Wedge A zone, and would fail to protect the existing rural living amenity associated with this

part of Devon Meadows.

Under clause 35 of the scheme, Green Wedge’s purposes include to protect, conserve and enhance the cultural heritage significance and the character of rural and scenic non-urban landscapes, and to recognise and protect the amenity of existing rural living areas.

City of Casey submitted that the proposal was not an exhibition centre use, but a continuation of a “retail and storage use” of the review site, that it said was unlawful.

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STAR JOURNAL 23

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

12550336-AV20-22

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NEW OPPORTUNITY AT GREATER DANDENONG CITY COUNCIL PERMANENT FULL TIME (MANDATORY PAID OVERTIME, HYBRID WORKING MODEL) Greater Dandenong City Council is a progressive organisation of exceptional character that offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment to approximately 900 employees. We recognise that our staff are vital to the delivery of excellent service to our community and the achievement of our long-term vision. We invest in the development of our people and we strive to be a workplace that is respectful, engaged, accountable, creative and honest.

The Governance Department at Greater Dandenong Council is seeking a full-time Governance Business Support Officer. This is a newly created position reporting to the Manager of Governance. The primary objective of the position is to assist in a diverse range of administrative duties in the Governance, Records Management and Commercial Property Units within the Governance Department at Council.

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Applicants must adequately meet the requirements of the role and fully address the selection criteria contained in the position description. For more information, the position description and details on how to apply, visit the Jobs Website at www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au Applications close: 5pm, Friday 30 December 2022 12582755-AI50-22

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The Cardinia Foundation was established in 2004 with the vision of building strong, healthy and diverse communities. In partnership with the Cardinia Shire Council, the Foundation primarily supports local NFP groups in the provision of Grants including older persons, disability, disadvantaged, youth, arts, environment and men’s health across the Cardinia Shire region.

Fundraising Manager

Executive Officer

Reporting to the Chair, the Fundraising Manager is a highly influential role and will be the face of the organisation. The appointee will create comprehensive campaigns and build brand awareness across the community.

Reporting to the Chair and working closely with the Fundraising Manager, the Executive Officer will provide administrative and financial stewardship, risk and governance advice, and secretariat service to the Board.

The aim is to generate revenue and a significant corpus through liaising with key stakeholders and leveraging strategic partnerships to produce sustainable contributions for the community.

Responsibilities include policy and procedure compliance,IT and database systems,general administration regular reporting and advising on Foundation outcomes and revenue generating activities.

If you are interested either of these exiting roles, please contact Peter Dakin on 0408 330 046 for a confidential discussion, visit our website www.dakinpartners.com.au/job board for the full job advert and to apply.

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 25

SPORT

South Eastern supremacy

By David Nagel Victorian racing’s power shift to the South East suburbs of Melbourne continued at Sandown Park Hillside on Saturday with seven of the nine winners being trained at Cranbourne or Pakenham.

Cranbourne’s Melbourne Cup winning team of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace landed a double with Detonator Jack and Right You Are, while Cranbourne stalwart Robbie Griffiths was on track to see exciting two-yearold filly Serasana make an impressive racetrack debut.

The beautifully bred daughter of Snitzel/ Twilight Royale – who cost $400,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sales - could hardly have been more impressive.

Serasana sat just off a hot speed before jockey Dean Yendall opened her up and she galloped away in the straight for a three-length victory over the 1000-metre trip.

Griffiths and his training partner Matt de Kock – who is currently in his homeland of South Africa getting married - will now freshen the filly before returning to Sandown for the rich Blue Diamond series early in the new year.

“She delivered today,” Griffiths said postrace.

“She’s a quality filly, she kicked off her career the right way.

“One thing Dean (Yendall) and I said before the race was the best part about her will be the conclusion of the race, she’s very strong at the completion of anything she’s done in her education.”

Serasana is bred in the purple, by winningmachine Snitzel out of a mare that won the Group 2 VRC Sires Stakes as a two-year-old.

Griffiths agreed that the $400,000 purchase now looked a bargain buy with bigger targets

Right You Are gives Cranbourne trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace a winning double at Sandown. 312180 Picture: BRETT HOLBURT/RACING PHOTOS

Exciting two-year-old filly Serasana races clear to win impressively on debut at Sandown Hillside Picture: MORGAN HANCOCK/RACING PHOTOS on Saturday. 312180 on the horizon.

“She’s (Serasana) got a lot of substance behind her, both in genetics and on talent, there’s a lot ahead of her,” he said.

“Possibly the (Blue Diamond) Preludes, we’ll see how she comes through, we won’t jump ahead of ourselves in planning, but it will

be something pretty big.”

Pakenham trainers also had a big day at the office with gun-trainer Peter Moody scoring a winning double, with Life Lessons and Sigh, while Phillip Stokes prepared Savannah Cloud to win race eight on the nine-race program.

But it was the win of eight-year-old gelding

Never Again that held most prominence, continuing the rise of up-and-coming Pakenham trainer Reece Goodwin.

The former picnic-jockey, the son of wellrespected trainer Barry Goodwin, only secured his ticket in the early stages of this year.

Goodwin has mainly purchased tried horses to this point in time, but looks set for a very bright future in the sport.

Goodwin learnt his craft from spending time at some prominent overseas stables before working with his dad for two years.

The weekend provided a great guide to Goodwin’s future prospects, with Never Again becoming his first metropolitan winner and becoming the second-leg of a weekend double after Sarnia scored at Cranbourne on Friday night.

Never Again was formerly trained by Clinton McDonald, and showed enough class to win the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes at Flemington in January 2021.

Racing returns to Sandown Lakeside this Wednesday 14 December.

Fresh off the 2022 AFL National Draft, Star News Sports Journalist JONTY RALPHSMITH takes a look at the Dandenong Stingrays boys and girls that could be capturing our attention in 12 months time.

Youngsters set to emerge as Rays to watch in 2023

By Jonty Ralphsmith Cooper Simpson: A polished midfielder who has already won a Dandenong Stingrays best and fairest and skippered the side in the absence of the big guns, Simpson is the player to watch from the region. As well as holding his own, both in the contest and running away from the stoppage, Simpson demonstrated he could play forward when the stars returned. A match-winning goal against Gippsland in dreadful conditions in Dandenong’s final home-and-away match secured them an important top-three berth and underlined that he is built for the big moments. Was the only Stingray named in the AFL Academy, and one of six in the Vic Country hub.

Sam Frangalas: A strongly built midfielder who has shown he has the physicality to match it at NAB League level, Frangalas is willing to throw himself at the footy to get first hands on it or apply pressure. Has a good balance of feeding to his teammates, while also being able to impact on the outside. Averaged 17 touches and a goal from 14 NAB League games and is part of the Vic Country hub.

Kade De La Rue: The son of former Dandenong player Ben, Kade was another who got a good taste of NAB League footy as both a midfielder and forward in his bottom-aged year. Recruiters look for mere glimpses from younger players in the NAB League, and in kicking the winning goal against Bendigo, he produced just that.

Kobe Shipp: Played in the under-17 all-star game on the MCG with Rays teammates Simpson and Frangalas and started on fire with three intercept marks in the first quarter alone. A key defender who goes for his marks, that level of output essentially matched what 26 STAR JOURNAL

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There’s already lots of hype surrounding Stingray Cooper Simpson. he has been producing in defence for Dandenong all season which saw him named in the Vic Country hub.

Riak Andrew: The younger brother of Gold Coast’s Mac, Riak is another beanpole tall who will take some time to fill out but has the height and skills to breakthrough at NAB League level and beyond. Showed agility and a tidy skillset in an early season practice match for Dandenong this year which gives him a platform to work off, and he’s put on

Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

size since then. Is on a modified work-load at the beginning of preseason as he recovers from knee surgery.

Harry DeMattia: A dual sportsman who is part of both the Vic Country hub and Victoria’s under-19 cricket setup, DeMattia is also among the litany of bottom-agers who played plenty of Stingrays footy last season, including in the grand final. Has played all over the ground after starting as a lockdown defender and looks like he’ll be the latest to

have to make a decision about which sport to pursue.

Mikayla Williamson: A natural athlete and excellent runner, Williamson is the sort of player perfectly suited to modern AFLW football. Turns 18 next August, yet already has 16 NAB League games of experience under her belt across two seasons, showing she can do damage on the outside and will burn teams with her endurance. Is part of the AFLW academy and Vic Country hub, no doubt largely to do with what she showed in the NAB League last season.

Bianca Lyne: Lyne is known for her vertical leap which has seen her play a lot of ruck through her NAB League career to date, averaging 16.5 hitouts in her six NAB League games last year, but it is not believed that is where she will play at the top level if she makes it that far. Thus, the Dandenong coaching staff are keen to tap into her skillset and competitive edge and trial her in other areas of the ground, including perhaps off halfback. Is another one who has exposed form across two NAB League seasons already.

Meg Robertson: A genuine inside midfielder who was part of the Vic Country hub, Robertson can push forward and hit the scoreboard and will be given the chance to come into her own in the Rays engine room this season. Averaged 12 possessions and three tackles last season.

Sophie Butterworth: A natural footballer that oozes talent, Butterworth has a knack of hitting the scoreboard, kicking nine goals in her six 2022 NAB League games. The growth area that could elevate her to the next level in 2023 will be showing her ability to work up the ground and impact there and pushing back inside 50. Was part of the Vic Country hub for the Rays and will roam their forward half in 2023. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Captain Quirk dominates

By David Nagel Overworked and showing signs of much needed repair…that’s the life of the highlight reel in the Dandenong and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 competition after stunning individual performances rubber stamped an enthralling round six on Saturday.

A brilliant all-round performance from Narre South recruit Jeevan Mendis propelled the Lions to their first win, while Springvale South skipper Ryan Quirk continued his incredible run of form to see the Bloods remain undefeated with just one round to go before the half-way point of the season.

And the heroics didn’t end there with the willow, with Michael Davies and Sachith Jayasinghe capturing six and five wicket hauls respectively to guide Buckley Ridges and Hallam Kalora Park to big wins.

But it was at Wachter Reserve where the sublime skills of Mendis were displayed, with lights glistening and bells ringing, after the former Sri Lankan international produced a masterclass against Parkmore.

Playing just his third game for the season, Mendis took the game away from the Pirates with a dashing 116 before mesmerising the home-side with 6/27 off 11.1 overs of leg-spin.

Mendis cracked nine fours and seven towering sixes as he kicked on to a century in just his third game for the Lions this season.

His previous scores of 50 not out and 31 gave a hint that the 39-year-old still has plenty to offer as the Lions look to re-book a place in the top-four.

Mendis, who shared an innings-shaping 80-run third-wicket stand with Jonty Jenner (52), batted right to the death as a spluttering mid-to-lower order fell around him.

No batter from positions six to 11 scored more than five runs as Mendis catapulted the Lions to an imposing 9/238 from their 45 overs.

Viejay Muruhesapillai claimed four wickets to be the pick of the Pirates’ bowlers.

The Lions opening bowlers then struggled to break through, before Mendis ran riot and destroyed the Pirates in a heartbeat.

Jawed Hussaini (2/25 off 7) provided great support as the Lions rolled the Pirates for 160 to celebrate their first win of this campaign.

Amazingly, the Lions could be knocking right on the door of the top-four if they can complete a successful visit to bottom-of-thetable St Mary’s this Saturday.

Parkmore, meanwhile, face a tough test at home against Springvale South, who were led brilliantly by their Captain Quirk against Berwick on the weekend.

Quirk played a starring role, opening the batting and compiling a classy 107 off 134 balls that included eight boundaries and four sixes.

The Bloods’ skipper has been in serious form of late, making 64 against North Dandenong and 74 against Buckley Ridges ahead of Saturday’s devasting display.

Quirk shared a 68-run partnership with Jordy Wyatt (59) and 138-run stand with Cam

Mitch Shirt and the Berwick bowlers had no answer to Cam Forsyth and non-striker Ryan Quirk on Saturday. 311884

Springvale South skipper Ryan Quirk was at his brilliant best on Saturday with a dazzling century Pictures: ROB CAREW against Berwick. 311884 Forsyth (56) to lead the Bloods to 4/269 on their home deck.

Harkanwal Singh was the best of the Berwick toilers, taking 3/48 off 12.

In reply the Bears had many players get starts, with Mason Binns (30) and Lachy Brown (26) the best of four players to enter the twenties, but a highest partnership of 34 gives harsh evidence that the Bloods were always in control of the contest.

The Bears were 7/147 at the close of play.

Josh Dowling (4/37 off 11) made light work of the Bears’ middle order, while Jackson Sketcher (2/28 off 7) was also handy with the ball as the Bloods banked their fourth win for the season.

A trip to Parkmore awaits, while the Bears will look to bounce back to the winners’ list with a home game against North Dandenong at the picturesque Arch Brown Reserve.

A superb spell of bowling from Michael Davies (6/20 off 8.2) has guided Buckley Ridges (1/71) to an important bounce-back victory over cellar-dwellers St Mary’s (71) at Park Oval on Saturday.

The old saying goes that a week is a long time in sport – particularly cricket – and Davies epitomised that statement with a rollicking display against the disappointing Saints.

A week after being spanked for 1/57 by Springvale South, Davies produced the best bowling figures of the DDCA Turf 1 season to

bank the Bucks the six points.

Hadigallage Jayaratne (3/16 off 8) was also impressive for the Bucks, being frugal but damaging at the same time.

Junaid Kuri (24) and Ravi Nanayakkara (16) were the only Saints to trudge their way to double figures.

In reply, the Bucks wasted no time in stamping their authority on the contest with Mahela Udawatte (38 not out) and Daniel Watson (20) crunching six fours and four sixes between them.

The Bucks will face a much tougher game this week, heading to Hallam Kalora Park for a top-three shootout, while the Saints will need to lift their game when they host last-start winners Narre South.

And North Dandenong (207) has come perilously close to pulling off one of the upsets of the season against ladder-leading Hallam Kalora Park (8/212).

High on confidence after last week’s impressive win over Narre South, the Maroons came out firing at Lois Twohig Reserve after being sent in to bat.

Opener Ramneet Dhindsa (65) took care of the early exchanges, while Tahsin Sultani (26), Javed Khan (24) and Austin Heldt (23) made solid contributions as the Marrons ticked past the accepted 200-run barrier.

Sultani and Khan put on a valuable 39-run stand for the sixth wicket just as the Hawks ap-

peared to be getting on top.

The Hawks had two damaging figures with the ball, with Sachith Jayasingha (5/41 off 11) and Leigh Booth (3/58 off 11) both conceding runs but taking wickets at vital times.

The Hawks appeared to be in all sorts of trouble in reply, with Heldt (3/70 off 11.1) and Alam Raza (3/36 off 9) doing some early damage to have the visitors on the ropes at 5/65.

Skipper Jordy Hammond (29) and Jayasingha (23) then edged the Hawks back into the contest, before a stunning 83-run partnership between keeper Ciaron Connolly (29 not out) and Sayed Rihan (50) brought the visitors into contention.

Despite the partnership the Hawks still looked on shaky ground at 8/184, still requiring 24 runs for victory.

With Connolly resolute and remaining unbeaten, it was left to number-10 Lauchlan Gregson (24 not out) to unleash fury in the dying moments of the match.

Gregson made his 24 off just 11 balls...and finished the match with a huge six off Heldt with the first ball of the last over of the match.

The Hawks host Buckley Ridges in an absolute corker at Frawley Road this week, while the improving Maroons head to Berwick.

DDCA TURF 1 RESULTS – ROUND 6 North Dandenong207 (R Dhindsa 65, T Sultani 26, S Jayasingha 5/41, LG Booth 3/58) def

by Hallam Kalora Park 8/212 (S Rihan 50, CP Connolly 29*, J Hammond 29, AA Raza 3/36, AN Heldt 3/70). Buckley Ridges 1/71 (ML Udawatte 38*) def St Mary’s 67 (MD Davies 6/20, HI Jayaratne 3/16). Springvale South 4/269(cc) (R Quirk 107, JN Wyatt 59, CP Forsyth 56, H Singh 3/48) def Berwick 7/147(cc) (M Binns 30, LJ Brown 26, J Dowling 4/37, JR Sketcher 2/28). Parkmore Pirates 160 (J Mendis 6/27, J Hussaini 2/25) def by Narre South9/238(cc) (J Mendis 116, JW Jenner 52).

LADDER Hallam Kalora Park 33, Springvale South 30, Buckley Ridges 24, Berwick 15, Parkmore 12, North Dandenong 12, Narre South 12, St Mary’s 6.

FIXTURE – ROUND 7 Parkmore (5) v Springvale South (2), Hallam Kalora Park (1) v Buckley Ridges (3), Berwick (4) v North Dandenong (6), St Mary’s (8) v Narre South (7).

Tough as nails Jaycee digs in for the fight of her life

By Luke Corda Some of the brightest female sprinters took to the track on Thursday night as Sandown Park hosted six heats of the famous Group 2 Laurels Classic series.

There were a number of eye-catching performances, but none were better than Baby Jaycee who launched her way into this week’s final with a brilliant 29.35 win – the fastest heat win of the night.

Trainer Bob Douglas was holding his breath right until the finish as Baby Jaycee and Ailee Bale went stride-for-stride in the run home.

“I thought the Delbridge’s girl (Ailee Bale) was all over her,” he said.

“She ran home in 10.45 the week before and I said to myself ‘we’ll finish second, bad luck’.

“Then Lisa (Delbridge) said to me ‘you’ve hung on’ and I couldn’t believe it.

“She just kept on fighting…even into the dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Baby Jaycee (3) holds off Ailee Bale (2) in a thrilling battle in their heat of the Laurels.

312177 Picture: SUPPLIED pen she wouldn’t give up her lead!”

Baby Jaycee overcame two knocks in a congested first split and managed to find her way to the rail.

“I was really happy, she just never surrenders,” Douglas said.

“When it comes down to it, she’s in it for the fight.”

Her record improves to an imposing 11 wins from 19 starts and on Thursday she’ll run in her first Group race.

At just one year and 11 months old, Doug-

las holds Baby Jaycee in high regard.

“I’ve trained a few good ones over the years but she has traits that you can’t train, she’s just born with it,” he said.

“She’s not the fastest I’ve ever had, but definitely one of the toughest.

“She only weighs 28kg but 26 of that is her motor and heart.

“She’s a little beauty with a special will to win.”

Baby Jaycee has drawn Box 5 in Thursday night’s final where the winner will take home a $50,000 first prize.

“She’s going to have to bring her A-game next week,” Douglas said.

“It’s a good field – there’s a lot of speed inside and outside.

“The box isn’t ideal and she is going to have to handle it on the night.”

Later in the night Fur Pyjamas extended her flawless record at Sandown with the second-fastest heat win, reeling in Little Critter

who exploded out of the boxes in just 2.02 (fastest of the meeting).

Series favourite Kelsey Bale was a noselength short of victory behind Cash It In but advances to the final with the second-fastest second-place finish.

Guelph returned from a two-month spell and was a dominant winner in Heat 4 for the Ennis camp.

Jackpot Joan and Mirabella Bale were also victorious in their Heats. $50,000 Laurels Classic Final (515m) Thursday 15 December, 2022 Box Draw 1. Ailee Bale 2. Guelph 3. Kelsey Bale 4. Mirabella Bale 5. Baby Jaycee 6. Fur Pyjamas 7. Cash It In 8. Jackpot Joan

Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 27

NEWS

Adam Halas from Slovakia rests between drills. 311970

Jakub Poliacik from Slovakia in the NPAC outdoor pool. 311970

A world-class swim camp International swimmers took the plunge at Noble Park Aquatic Centre in preparation for the upcoming FINA World Swimming Championships (25 metres).

Up until 11 December, swimmers from Denmark, Slovenia, Iceland, Slovakia, Norway and Sweden based themselves at NPAC ahead of the short-course world titles.

The 50-metre outdoor pool at NPAC was divided into two 25-metre pools for the training sessions.

The championships are staged at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre from 13-18 December.

Jakub Poliacik from Slovakia. 311970

A swimmer in peak condition, warming up in sunshine. 311970

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Adam Halas from Slovakia. 311970

Freestyle swimmer Hanna Rosuall from Sweden. 311970

The swim team from Norway on deck at Noble Park. 311970

Lilian Slusna from Slovakia backstrokes in the shortened NPAC pool. 311970

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

Jakub Poliacik from Slovakia. 311970

Adam Halas from Slovakia in butterfly-mode. 311970 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au