EHD Star Journal - 14th March 2023

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Pull-out surprise The proponent of a controversial waste-to-energy plant in Taylors Road, Dandenong South has pulled out, seemingly waiting for new regulations.

In a surprise move on 2 March, Equis Environmental Solutions withdrew its EPA development licence application for its South East Energy Recovery Facility (SEERF) which would burn 240,000 tonnes of rubbish a year.

It was less than two weeks since public submissions opened on the project.

An Equis spokesperson said it decided to withdraw “at this time” due to the “local regulatory framework for waste-to-energy facilities (being) still under development in Australia”.

“This technology is playing a critical role in energy transitions in developed countries seeking a solution to landfill.

“Equis is confident that this will occur in Australia in time too.”

The project is being opposed by Willow Lodge retirement village residents about 1 kilometre west of the site, as well as several Greater Dandenong councillors.

Willow Lodge Village Residents Associa-

tion had written to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny, arguing their health issues would be compounded by the emissions, truck traffic, 24/7 noise and hazards.

Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad questioned whether Equis was holding off for more “watered-down” regulations.

“Something smells here. It’s extraordinary that they appear to have a problem with the EPA’s pollution standards.

“What are they bending here? What concessions do they want the Minister to make?”

Last year, a smaller-scale waste-to-energy plant in Ordish Road, Dandenong South was approved under existing regulations.

It was granted a development licence permit from the EPA as well as a planning permit

by VCAT. Meanwhile, the State Government is working on a waste-to-energy licensing scheme to be issued and overseen by Recycling Victoria, starting this year.

It would “enable these projects to progress with certainty”, a Government spokesperson said.

Continued page 5

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Sega showtime at festival In spectacular ruffling costume, performers from Sonik Waves showed a Dandenong Market crowd how to do Sega, the national dance of the island of Mauritius. It was part

of Mauritius Independence Day celebrations stock full of traditional foods, music and loud tropical shirts.

For more, turn to page 10

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By Cam Lucadou-Wells

NEWS

Let’s clean up together

By Sahar Foladi It was another sizzling hot day on Clean up Australia day as a group of volunteers scavenged through 26 parks of Noble Park for litter.

The group of 25 volunteers led by deputy mayor Lana Formoso and her family enjoyed the halal sausage sizzle at the end of their quest.

“It was really ridiculously hot but I’m really glad I did it and setting example for my kids and the community,” Cr Formoso said.

However, she was disappointed residents who lived next to the parks didn’t make efforts to help out on the day.

“I was surprised so many people live close to the park but no one bothered to help out.”

Eighteen tyres, two rugs, one carpet, eight bags of single use plastic items and heaps of disposable vapes and take-away wrappers were collected by the group.

“It’s interesting with tyres we can recycle it for running tracks. It’s not something people should be dumping in our parks for god sake.

“Vaping is another issue that I’m seeing in the school and across the state.

“They’re selling vapes to students in school uniforms. That’s massive problem. The environmental and health impact it creates is huge,” Cr Formoso said.

As a High School teacher, Cr Formoso said she would love to start work with local schools to educate new generations.

“I don’t think we’re reaching out to school as much as we could. I know a few schools that have good strategy and some that don’t even care at all.

“If the kids go home and teach their parents and siblings that’s when we will make the biggest amount of change. We need to have everyone on board especially the next generation kids.”

Cr Formoso’s son Luka was diagnosed with Leukaemia last year and participated in clean-

Although houses were so close to the park, Cr Formoso was surprised that no one came to help out.

Clean up day initiative by deputy mayor Lana Formoso of the 26 parks in Noble Park.

Pictures: SUPPLIED ing out all 26 parks with his family- oblivious to his sickness.

This year he managed to clean out eight parks and although very triggering for his mother, together with his brother they convinced her to take on the Clean-up Australia day initiative again.

Motivated to set an example Cr Formoso plans ahead for 2024 Clean-up day.

“It would’ve been better to have more volunteers than we can have it done quicker. So I’m going to promote that a lot better.”

Cr Formoso finished with 22,300 steps equivalent to 18km.

Supported by passionate community

groups, 10 sites acorss Greater Dandenong saw a clwan up including, Barry J Powell Reserve, Police Paddocks Reserve, Dandenong Rotary Park, Dandenong Basketball Stadium surrounds, Greaves Reserve, Tirhatuan Park, Shepley Oval, Dandenong Creek and other neighbourhood parks and streets.

City of Greter Dandenong Mayor Eden Foster said, “Everyone wants to live in a clean and vibrant city.

“The many Clean Up Australia Day events that took place throughout Greater Dandenong brought our wonderful community together on Sunday 5 March, as we all strive to minimise litter.

Cr Formoso with some of the volunteers on Clean up day.

“We must ensure we clean up after ourselves at all times, not just on Clean Up Australia Day each year, otherwise there is great risk to our open spaces and waterways.

“Council thanks everyone for their dedicated participation on the day.”

The Cambodian Association of Victoria Inc., SEWA Australia and Wurth Australia also dedicated time to clean up their local area in Greater Dandenong.

Approximately 130 bags of litter were collected during the day which equates to 800 kilograms.

The most common litter items found included plastic bags, bottles and cans.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

Trucker Tuteru free The boss of a Cranbourne truck-driver who fatally struck down four police officers has been granted a permanent stay from prosecution in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

On 3 March, judge Lex Lasry granted the stay after what he termed a “glaring and oppressive misuse of the court process” by prosecutors against the accused Simiona Tuteru.

A supervisor at Lyndhurst-based Connect Logistics, Mr Tuteru had been initially facing four manslaughter charges – as well as 72 charges under the Heavy Vehicle National Law – over driver Mohinder Singh’s fatal crash on 22 April 2020.

That evening, Singh’s heavy vehicle crashed into two parked police cars and an intercepted Porsche on the side of the Eastern Freeway, killing police officers Lynette Taylor, Glen Humphris, Kevin King, and Joshua Prestney.

Two-and-a-half years on, the Director of Public Prosecution dropped the manslaughter charges against Mr Tuteru after Justice Lasry raised questions about its case.

“I was informed that no explanation would be provided to the court and that the (DPP) did not feel that one was called for,” Justice Lasry stated.

“The indifference to, and lack of respect for, the court that attitude expresses is significant.”

The DPP went ahead with new charges under Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) that were “fundamentally altered on several occasions”, Justice Lasry stated.

Mr Tuteru’s barrister David Hallowes SC submitted the prosecution was a “constantly evolving, moveable feast”.

After three years of “relentless deviations and variations” to his case, his client was still not informed on the “nature and substance of the criminal charges he faces”.

Justice Lasry ruled that it was “unfair” to proceed with a fourth attempted indictment against Mr Tuteru.

He described the prosecution’s pursuit of manslaughter charges for more than a year “when it must have known there was no viable case” as a “glaring and oppressive misuse of the court process”.

“In my opinion, the court’s processes have been, at a minimum, used oppressively and unfairly by the Director of Public Prosecutions at various stages of this case.”

Justice Lasry said this outweighed the considerable public interest in proceeding to trial.

“At some point, the court must draw a line in order to protect its process from the prospect of ongoing abuse.”

He said if not for the DPP’s handling of the case, the charges could have been heard in a magistrates’ court two years ago.

Asked if the DPP would appeal, a spokesperson stated after the hearing: “We are considering our position with respect to that matter, and have no further comment to make at this time.”

In 2021, Singh pleaded guilty to culpable driving while under the influence of drugs, as well as to trafficking cannabis, methylamphetamine and 1,4-butanediol and possessing diazepam.

After he appealed against his initial sentence, Singh was jailed for 18-and-a-half years, with a non-parole period of 14-and-a-half years.

Matt’s mighty makeover for Myositis A Hallam man has ceremoniously cut ties with his long locks, giving them the chop to raise awareness for Myositis.

Matt Catterson made the brave commitment at the Mulgrave Country Club on Tuesday 28 February, supported by friends and family.

The inspiration for the brave act was his cousin Rachel Simmons, who was diagnosed with Polymyositis in 2019.

Myositis is a group of rare conditions where the body’s immune system turns against itself and destroys healthy muscle tissue instead of building new muscle tissue.

It’s estimated about five in 100,000 Australians suffer from the group of Myositis conditions.

For Rachel, her condition means she struggles with daily symptoms like debilitating muscle weakness, severe bone, joint and muscle pain, muscle twitches, tremors and cramps, chest pain and palpitations, migraines, neuropathy, swollen glands, cardiopulmonary complications, dizziness, difficulty breathing, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing/eating/drinking), difficulty talking, arthritis/degeneration, brain fog, whole system inflammation, vascular complications, insomnia due to pain and medications and significant fatigue and exhaustion.

Rachel now relies on Australian blood donations for immunoglobulin therapy every few weeks in hospital for the rest of her life.

Emergency hospital visits still happen as well and she regularly uses disability aides such as a wheelchair, walking sticks, shower chairs and neck braces.

Matt said it wasn’t until he embarked on

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Matt Catterson prepares to have his long hair chopped off to raise money for Myositis.

Picture: SUPPLIED a family trip to Queensland, where he stayed with Rachel, that he realised the impact Myositis can have on the body.

“At times I wasn’t even aware because she did such a good job at masking the pain and the misery,” he recalled.

“The next day she was bedridden and I couldn’t understand but think like the flip of a switch, how different today was for her.“ After growing his hair to the longest length it has ever been, Matt decided he could do his part in supporting the cause.

“I decided I could do my part in supporting three great causes by raising awareness through having a fundraising event where my hair is cut, with the proceeds and his hair to the Cancer Council of Victoria.

Local hairdresser Simone Riley, along with her associate Tony, prepared Matt’s hair

and assisted a number of successful bidders to cut the ponytail before giving him a final haircut.

Matt and his supporters managed to raise over $3000 through the event.

Donations to Matt’s mighty makeover are still being accepted; head to myositis.org. au/matts-mighty-makeover-for-myositisdonations-page/ Myositis Association Australia is seeking to raise awareness that will lead to support and research into treatment and possibly some form of cure.

People do not have to have the disease to be a member and the association is grateful for any donation, it said.

Membership to the Myositis Association Australia is just $15 a year, for more information visit myositis.org.au.

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The Casey community is being sought out to tell Council how we prefer to be engaged with.

The Community Engagement Survey offers local residents the opportunity to give input into how Council reaches out to ask for community response.

“Over the last few years, we have heard that as a community, Casey residents would like us to share more information about the issues that affect them and be provided with greater opportunities to provide input into Council’s decision-making processes,” Council said.

“We have developed a short survey to help us understand what is important to you and how we can best share information with you in future. The City of Casey would now like to hear from you on how we can improve the way we reach out to you to seek your opinion on a range of important issues and decisions.”

The survey allows locals to rate Council’s effectiveness in these areas and provide feedback about community engagement in the past.

Council has offered an incentive to complete the survey, with participants going in the draw to win one of two $250 EFTPOS vouchers.

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Girls charged after pursuit Dandenong has witnessed the arrest of two young girls following a car theft.

Officers responded after a silver Toyota sedan was allegedly stolen in Melbourne CBD just before 11pm, Thursday 9 March. The car was fitted with a GPS tracker and Air Wing picked up the Toyota on the Monash Freeway.

Ground units followed the sedan at a distance while Air Wing continued to follow overhead. The stolen car pulled into a service station on Heatherton Road, Dandenong and Police attempted to intercept but the Toyota took off. Stop sticks were successfully deployed further along Heatherton Road.

The offenders dumped the car in the middle of the road before fleeing on foot. Officers took chase and two youths were arrested.

A 14-year-old Lalor girl was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, and a 15-year-old Thomastown girl was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, unlicenced driving and possession of a drug of dependence. Both were bailed to attend a children’s court at a later date.

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Two men from Dandenong North have been charged after police intercepted a ute allegedly laden with weapons and drugs early on Wednesday 8 March.

Southern Metro Divisional Response Unit officers observed the Toyota on Princes Highway just after midnight. It was intercepted in Gardiner Avenue, Dandenong North soon after. During a search, police allegedly found three guns, a taser device, methylamphetamine, heroin, cash and bank cards. The two men were arrested at the scene.

The 40-year-old driver was charged with offences including possessing a general category handgun and an unregistered A or B longarm, failing to store firearms in a secure manner and possessing ammunition without a licence.

He was also charged with possessing heroin and meth, possessing a prohibited weapon without an exemption and dealing in property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.

The man was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 25 May. A 31-year-old man was issued a drug diversion notice for allegedly possessing methylamphetamine.

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24/7 cat curfew mooted

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 24-7 cat curfew making it illegal for cats to stray out of people’s yards is being floated by Greater Dandenong Council.

An online survey is asking respondents whether they support a curfew that either 24/7 or night only.

It’s in response to an “overpopulation” of feral and stray cats creating a nuisance and slaying wildlife, with 700 felines impounded by the council each year.

Only about 7 per cent of the impounds are reclaimed by the owner.

Mayor Eden Foster said the council is left responsible for the costs of caring for the unclaimed 93 per cent, equating to about $216,000 a year.

“We need to look at other ways to decrease this cost to Council and protect our environment.”

Other councils with a cat curfew include Bayside, Darebin, Knox, Monash, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges.

Cr Rhonda Garad, a cat owner herself, said anything less than a 24-7 curfew was not effective.

But the council should provide information on how to confine cats at home, she said.

Many owners could not afford to build outdoor enclosures for their pet to roam. And locking outdoor-loving cats inside seemed “cruel”.

“The council has a responsibility to help. I’d like to see practical support for people.”

A 2022 report stated the council’s dismal cat registration rate was a barrier to the cat curfew being effective, it stated.

But Cr Garad said a “carrot and stick” ap-

Sandy the cat in the Australian Animal Protection Society shelter. 244246 proach could lead to more registrations and microchipping.

“We can say if we pick your cat up, we need it microchipped to identify it and get it back.”

As of January 2021, there were about 3500 registered cats – but that’s estimated to be only 15 per cent of the cat population in Greater Dandenong.

“Council records clearly indicate that there is an overpopulation of cats and that in the main these are un-owned ‘wild’ animals that can never be domesticated,” the council report stated.

In the past four years, cat registrations have increased by 7 per cent.

But complaints about wandering cats have risen 10 per cent since 2017, to more than 600 last year. They make up 46 per cent of complaints to the council’s rangers.

According to the council, more than half of the trapped cats are euthanized due to their “wild or semi-wild temperaments”.

Australian Animal Protection Society’s shelter in Keysborough took in about 500 stray cats last year.

A spokesperson said the vast majority were

successfully rehomed. Just 10 were euthanised, mainly due to illness rather than behaviour.

“This is a fantastic outcome, as euthanasia is only used for illness and animals that put staff and the community at risk. And there is not many of those.”

Based on the council’s survey findings, a cat curfew could be introduced this year.

The online survey closes on Friday 31 March, 5pm.

Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/haveyour-say

Fears that public’s tree-protection support is wavering

By Cam Lucadou-Wells There are fears of wavering public support for Greater Dandenong Council’s proposed tree-protection law, with key environmentalists refusing to back the measure. The council has recently launched an online survey as well as pop-up consultation sessions to gauge public opinion.

Under the law, a permit would be required to remove large trees on private property. It applies to trees with a diameter of at least 40 centimetres at 1.4 metres above the ground.

No permit is required if the tree has been approved for pruning, is a safety risk or a declared noxious weed. Those who breach the law would be served a notice to plant a replacement tree or trees, or fined up to $3698.

The law’s aim is to increase the woeful lack of tree canopy coverage in Greater Dandenong. At less than 10 per cent, it is one of the lowest in metropolitan Melbourne. The council argues that it won’t achieve a target of 15 per cent by 2028 without the law.

However, the negotiated trigger-point of

40-centimetres has disappointed environmentally-minded supporters.

Greens councillor Rhonda Garad said several believed the threshold was too high to protect enough trees.

She urged a “pragmatic” approach, with council officers fearing public support has collapsed. This is despite a 2021 Greater Dandenong survey finding 66 per cent of respondents in favour of a tree protection law.

Cr Garad acknowledged the proposal was “very, very conservative relative to plans in neighbouring municipalities”.

“People I’m speaking to are very unhappy.

It’s an emotive issue.

“I’m a little pragmatic. It’s better to start with something and build on it, rather than no protection at all.

“This is about recognising the trees in our environment. We desperately need to hang onto our trees.”

Some councillors have opposed the proposal due to the restraint of private property rights. There were also concerns over resi-

dents being slugged for costly permits and arborist reports.

Cr Garad said contrary to “misinformation” posted on social media, a permit wasn’t required for diseased or dangerous trees.

The change would not apply for the majority of homes, she said.

Former councillor Matthew Kirwan, who initially pushed for the reform, declined to comment to Star Journal on the law.

As did Dandenong Environment Group secretary Judith Sise.

Dandenong resident Brian Congues, who prominently pushed for private tree protection, also declined to give public support.

Greater Dandenong Council did not comment on how many trees would be protected above the trigger point.

According to a council report in 2022, the trigger point was set at 40 centimetres because “trees of this size and above … create the most benefit in terms on canopy coverage, carbon capture and reduction in the urban heat island effect”.

“Often significant trees are removed for new developments, or for other purposes, with little consideration given to how the tree could be retained, even when it could be possible to do so.”

According to the council, trees in Greater Dandenong store 510 tonnes of carbon annually, remove 11 tonnes of other air pollution and produce 1300 tonnes of oxygen.

They also counter the ‘heat island effect’, absorb stormwater runoff and shelter native animals. Pop-in consultation sessions will be held on the proposed law as well as a proposed cat curfew.

The sessions are at Tatterson Pavilion, Keysborough on Tuesday 14 March 6pm7.30pm, Springvale Town Hall supper room on Wednesday 15 March 6pm-7.30pm and Dandenong Civic Centre on Wednesday 22 March 6pm-7.30pm.

Online surveys on the cat curfew and tree protection proposals close on Friday 31 March.

Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ tree-protection-cat-curfew-pop-in-session

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NEWS

Councils unite on pokies

By Sahar Foladi City of Greater Dandenong and other councils grappling with the worst pokies losses in the state have united in an urgent plea for gambling reforms.

The council has signed a joint letter to Premier Daniel Andrews along with six other municipalities - Hume, Monash, Whittlesea, Darebin, Casey and Wyndham - to demand mandatory cashless precomitment cards and tough laws to reduce the billions of dollars lost each year.

The letter urged the State Government to follow NSW and Tasmania both of which have announced similar reforms. $102 million was lost to 924 electronic gaming machines at 14 clubs and pubs in Greater Dandenong in 2021-’22.

This is the second highest rate of gambling losses per adult in Victoria, twice the state average and equates to the cost of feeding 39,000 children for an entire year.

More recently, losses to electronic gaming machines surged after the Covid lockdowns rising last year by $10 million and projected to increase to $120 million in 2022-’23.

Greater Dandenong community services acting director Marcus Forster said, “For Council the key challenge is resistance by the state and federal governments to any reforms that would lower gambling losses, as the burden and accompanying tax revenue for our

community continues to increase.

“Shorter venue opening hours, less gambling advertising and a ban on donations by the gambling industry to political parties are also topics we continue to advocate for, in collaboration often with the Alliance for Gambling Reform (of which Council is a founding and financial member).”

Furthermore, the council advocates for reforms such as lower bet limits on electronic gaming machines, reduced caps and limits on machine numbers.

City of Greater Dandenong is one of the most disadvantaged and low socio-economic ranking municipalities with 12 per cent of residents on Health Care cards in June 2020 making it the third highest dependency.

“Greater Dandenong is a community with the lowest income levels in metropolitan Melbourne, which results in lower standards of living for families already struggling to sometimes make their rent and provide adequate food,” Mr Forster said.

“Family conflict and violence can increase with these pressures and sometimes homelessness is the ultimate result for some families.

“As most gambling losses are incurred by lower income earners, these burdens are felt largely by those least able to bear them.”

Noble Park RSL manager Mark Wilkinson said mandatory pre-commitment cards are

“inevitable the way its heading.”

“I think there’s going to be tighter controls as we get to cashless gaming,” Mr Wilkinson said.

He also mentioned that the voluntary YourPlay tool is there for customers if they want to embrace it.

“The situation is that it’s based around the actual patron’s involvement. We’re pretty much the same as others. We don’t see a lot of activity in that area.

“That’s the future of it. We’ve got to comply with the legislation and we’ll do that.”

A Victorian Government spokesperson said, “Victoria was the first state to provide people the power to track and limit their betting on any electronic gaming machine through the state-wide pre-commitment system, YourPlay.

“We have accepted all recommendations from the YourPlay evaluation report to strengthen the YourPlay scheme, with all recommendations actively underway or delivered.

“We note the various motions moved by respective councils. We will continue to monitor the arrangements for hotels and clubs across the state to ensure we have the appropriate regulatory settings and reserve the right to make further changes.”

The YourPlay pre-commitment tool is voluntary and free for players to use to keep track of their time or money spent gambling.

Commencing in December 2015, it be-

came mandatory for gaming venues to make YourPlay available in every venue across Victoria.

Greater Dandenong Council stated it would continue to educate and inform residents of the hazards of gambling and sources of support available to them locally.

“Community initiatives such as alternative recreation and social outlets are regularly promoted and we continue to oppose applications for more electronic gaming machines in vulnerable locations within Greater Dandenong,” Mr Forster said.

According to Australian Institute of Family Services (AIFS), culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD) participate in gambling less than the overall population of Australia.

However, if they do gamble they’ll be at a higher risk of developing problems ‘due to different beliefs about luck and chance, factors related to migration and issues around stigma and shame.

This places Greater Dandenong in a vulnerable position as one of Australia’s most culturally diverse localities with residents from 157 different birthplaces and one of the top municipalities for refugees.

“Council hopes that state and federal governments are responsive to our ongoing advocacy efforts made on behalf of our Greater Dandenong community, whom are very vulnerable to gambling harm,” Mr Forster said.

Wheels of change about bike awareness at college

By Sahar Foladi Keysborough Secondary College have many plans under way for Ride2School Day on 24 March to promote much-needed bike awareness in the municipality.

The school conducted surveys and promotional works last year and will apply their findings in this year’s event.

“This is the first year we’ll be doing more in depth with National Ride2School Day,” Physical Education (PE) teacher Mitchell Wood said.

After a survey asking students how they arrived to school, the day will kick off with lunch time activities and competitions for those who rode to school with prizes up for grabs.

“We’ll do a lot of promotional work before the day that will consist of posters and emails to students and me sitting on the bike riding around the school handing out flyers,” Mr Wood said.

The competitions consists of a bicycle slow race, the opposite of a speed race to test the students balance, a pit stop where students will compete to fix a flat tyre and a smoothie bike.

Mr Wood said, “We’ll get the kids peddling away and eventually blend their smoothie.

The smoothie bike will also be a hit. Everyone loves free food!”

This year the school community will work together to not just step up their cycling but also their facilities with a grant from ACPHER- a peak body for physical education to improve their active transport.

“We’ll use the data from the survey to look at barriers the students are facing to see what the needs of students are and use that grant to minimise the barriers such as to supply bike locks, helmets or provide education on how to ride the bikes safely.

“Sometimes student chain their bikes to

Keysborough College students Shivom, Andy Rae, Amy, Blake and PE teacher Mitchell Wood.

322602 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS the school fence so we also hope to build our refurbish a bike storage area to promote facilitation of students riding to school. Cycles will be safer locked up behind proper shed and it’s under cover so their bike is protected as well.”

To ensure students are educated in all aspects of cycling, Mr Wood said if necessary the school will deliver a bike education unit

where PE teachers will teach students how to ride the bike safely and perform basic maintenance.

City of Greater Dandenong has 98 kilometres of off and on-road cycling paths including the EastLink and Dandenong Creek trails With all the initiatives from the school however, Mr Wood recognises that there’s not many bikes lanes or road safety for cyclists

around the school area to put parents’ and school safety concerns aside.

“There are not as many bike lanes around the college as I would like for our students.

A couple of major roads like Corrigan Road should have bike lanes but don’t.”

More improvements also include speed humps and more crossings to supervise students riding to school.

As someone who rides his bike to school every day, he has had first-hand experience when it comes to safety.

“I have been actually hit near the school on my bike but I think it is about more awareness of cyclists in the area. The community is not aware of cyclists and cycling.“ Mr Wood said one of his goals is a ride to school bus in the next five years.

“The idea would be that I cycle to school, pick up students along the way and ride as a group to promote that ride to school bus but there is a lot of legal red tape around that.”

Amy from Year 7 first rode her bike to school with her sister and she enjoyed it so much she continued riding it to school as much as possible.

“Riding to school is fun and it means you can have a bit of a sleep in as riding is quicker than walking,” she said.

Cricket and football player Blake from Year 8 is active and participates in interschool sports.

He rides to school out of fun while Shivom from Year 10 wants to encourage more people to ride to school, especially his friendship circle.

“Find a family member or a friend from school to ride to school with. This will boost your confidence and make it more enjoyable,” Shivom advises.

Blake said, “I ride my bike to school every day and attempt to increase my speed every time.”

Plans on the back-burner after surprise pull-out From page 1 “As Victoria shifts towards a circular economy, waste to energy facilities can play a role in diverting waste from landfill and creating valuable energy that can be used by industry or exported to the electricity grid.

“Significant investment is underway for several large-scale waste to energy projects in Victoria, to address waste that cannot be redandenong.starcommunity.com.au

cycled from homes and businesses across the state.”

The licensing scheme would include a cap of 1 million tonnes of waste burnt a year across Victoria.

The Government claims the cap will ensure the state doesn’t burn more waste than required, while it increases avoidance, reuse and recycling of waste.

The SEERF was touted to annually burn 242,000 tonnes of mainly commercial and industrial waste otherwise headed for landfill.

According to Equis, the plant would emit an estimated 168,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year, but it would lead to a net reduction in greenhouse gases by displacing fossil-fuel-derived electricity and landfill emissions.

Operating 24/7, the SEERF was claimed to

generate 25 MWe in power a year, equivalent to powering 35,000 homes.

The flue gases were said to be treated with “advanced air pollution control systems” and comply with current EPA and European Commission emission standards.

Public consultation on the new cap licence regulations will be in coming months, according to the Government.

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 5

NEWS

Brewing Afghan wellbeing

By Sahar Foladi Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) and Better Place Australia have partnered to support migrant and refugees wellbeing in the South-East.

Together, they’ve initiated ‘Chay Khanna’ which translates to home (made) tea - to support Afghan men in Dandenong every Friday.

The program facilitated by bicultural program worker Mirwais Janbaz, targets Afghan men especially the elderly to help them not only integrate in the community but at the same time look after their mental wellbeing.

“Chay Khanna started for the sake of Afghan men because most of them, especially the elderly, can’t speak English,” Mr Janbaz said.

“This is a good platform for them to come together make friends from the same community and same background. They come and enjoy tea, food and play games.”

Mr Janbaz’s dad, who is treated for mental health issues, also attends the program. Just like other men his dad has a good time and always looks forward to Fridays.

“I have noticed lots of changes in his mental well-being. He likes it very much, he has a lot of friends and he loves to talk to his friends.”

Last year the program ran monthly but the barrage of phone calls that Mr Janbaz received forced him to get the program to run weekly again.

“I received plenty of calls from the members saying they miss ‘chay khanna’ and their friends.“ As one of the top most welcoming cities for refugees and migrants, Greater Dandenong is regarded as nation’s most diverse municipality with 157 nationalities according to the 2021 Census data.

In Dandenong, Doveton, Hallam and Eumemmerring, about one in 10 are born in Afghanistan.

Enjoying the company of tea drinkers at the Chay Khanna Afghan Men’s group in Dandenong each Friday. 321092 As newly arrived Afghan refugees continue to settle in Greater Dandenong, organisations such as SMRC and Bakhtar Community Organisation try their best to cover their needs.

Mr Janbaz said numbers of participants increase every week.

“There are a lot of new Afghan arrivals so

when they find out about it they contact me and some participants bring new arrivals to this program too.”

SMRC also provide a range of different services and programs from family support to settlement, wellbeing and employment.

Similarly Bakhtar Community Organisation

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

provides services such as interpretation, legal help, and settlement assistance.

Through its distribution centres in Noble Park and Hallam, basic items such as kitchen utensils, house items, laptops and food packages are provided to the community.

Chay Khanna runs every Friday from 3pm to 7pm.

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Second go at life

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

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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Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Dandy rental gloom Homeless

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Dandenong can no longer be seen as a place for affordable rentals, according to a South East homelessness service.

Andrew Hollows, Launch Housing’s general manager of its Getting Housing program, described the housing crisis as “pretty sharp at the moment” due to soaring rental prices and cost-of-living pressures.

There were fewer affordable dwellings for low-income earners and greater competition for tenancies.

“The big gap is singles accommodation, particularly apartments.”

Singles comprised the majority of Launch Housing’s latest By-Name List of 73 “actively homeless” people in Greater Dandenong.

Fifty-one of them were still sleeping rough due to a lack of interim, affordable housing, Launch Housing recently told Star News.

There were just two affordable one-bedroom rentals available in Greater Dandenong in December 2022, according to the latest official Rental Report.

Overall, total affordable rentals in the area dwindled from 162 to just 90 in the December 2022 quarter.

Meanwhile, median rental prices were up from $360 to $400, while available rental stocks thinned from 1204 to 967.

More prospective tenants were seeking homes in Greater Dandenong and surrounds, due to its reputation for affordable accommodation, Mr Hollows said.

“But Dandenong’s reputation as a place to get a cheaper rental is probably not true anymore.”

Consecutive official interest rates rises – the 10th was announced this week – and pressures on rental stocks was driving up prices, Mr Hollows said.

The Federal Government’s proposed $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund for new social and affordable homes would help.

It would hopefully be augmented by greater investment in affordable housing by superannuation funds, he said.

The issues are the “time lag” for the new stock to be built, and how much of that stock will go to the Dandenong region, Mr Hollows said.

A “range of housing types” needed to be considered, including “affordable” one-bedroom rooming houses that had “safety” and “amenity”.

Launch Housing is a partner in the Dandenong Zero program to end rough-sleeping homelessness in Greater Dandenong.

It also runs the Bob’s Place crisis accommodation service in Dandenong.

Police push continues after offences spate More than 3000 traffic offences have been detected in just two days as Victoria Police’s long weekend enforcement effort surpasses its halfway point.

Speeding, distraction and unauthorised driving have emerged as key issues during Operation Arid, which continues until the end of Monday 13 March.

A total 73 lives have been lost on Victoria’s roads since January, up from 51 at the same time last year.

There has been 10 deaths in the first 11 days of March.

Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing, Glenn Weir said police will continue to patrol right across the long weekend, targeting behaviours that are costing lives.

Operation Arid is targeting the major contributors of road trauma including speeding, impaired drivers, distraction, fatigue, seatbelts and unauthorised driving.

“That’s speed, that’s distraction, that’s fatigue and that’s not wearing a seatbelt,“ he said.

“We are doing all we can and we’re pleading with the community to take responsibility behind the wheel.“ Police are focusing on both major arterials and rural roads as part of Operation Arid, which began on Friday 10 March.

The operation is targeting the major contributors of road trauma including speeding, impaired drivers, distraction, fatigue, seatbelts and unauthorised driving.

March is historically the highest-risk month on Victoria’s roads with collisions in both rural and metropolitan areas peaking during the month over the last five years.

Provisional results from the first two days of Operation Arid show 3273 traffic offences have been detected so far.

funding ‘black hole’

Dandenong-based homelessness services Wayss Ltd and Launch Housing have joined a call for the Federal Government to plug a $65 million funding “black hole”.

In an open letter, 230 charities and homelessness services argue that 650plus support workers will be cut if funding isn’t restored. With services under “immense pressure”, more people in need of help including women and children fleeing domestic violence would be turned away. The $65 million in Equal Remuneration Order supplements, which has been federally funded since 2012 to cover wage costs, is set to expire in June, the agencies state.

Homelessness Australia chief executive Kate Colvin said demand for homelessness services was surging, saying: “Families with full time breadwinners can’t find a rental and are living in tents.

Homelessness services are turning away women and children fleeing violence who desperately need help because they don’t have enough workers to respond.”

The open letter acknowledges the Federal Government’s commitments for new social and affordable housing. Wayss reports a sharp increase in people presenting to its homelessness access point in Dandenong. “The options available to those people are limited because of the lack of housing and the rental market,“ Wayss chief executive Wayne Merritt said.

Kicking goals for 30 years, academy is honoured

By Sahar Foladi An inclusive soccer academy in Dandenong has reached new heights as it took out a prestigious award on its 30th anniversary.

All Abilities Soccer Academy (AASA) has been recognised by the Office of the Public Advocate with an‘Outstanding service to people with disability’ award for its vital role in the community .

Founded by Juan Carlos Loyola OAM and his wife Cristina Loyola in 1993, the academy provides opportunity for people with special needs to be involved in soccer and practice at the academy once a week.

“For us the main driving force would be to see the player’s happy faces as they play soccer. The proud and sometimes happy tears on their parents’ faces are what motivate us to keep going and continue to do the best for players and their families,” Mr Loyola said.

Originally from Argentina Mr Loyola migrated to Australia in 1977 and started work in the disability sector in 1989.

By 1990 he worked with the Special Olympics as the State Coach and played in the state soccer league for Brunswick.

“It is very comforting to help people who really have the right to enjoy soccer like everyone else. It is an honour and privilege to teach them how to enjoy life in sports.”

In 2019, players from the academy went on a Goodwill China soccer trip which saw them play in Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai.

This year a player from the club will represent Australia in the Futsal World Cup in France.

“The future of the organisation is bright with NDIS support for our players. We will continue to be the number-one special needs soccer club in Victoria and do our best for these players so they can enjoy sports and have pride in being able to achieve something for the community.”

There are 32 players registered throughout the year in the academy. The organisation not only benefits those with special needs but it also provides parents a platform 8 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

All-Abilities Soccer Academy president Ionela Termure and founder Jaun Carlos Loyola OAM. 321143 Picture: ROB CAREW

AASA co-founders Juan Carlos Loyola OAM and Cristina Loyola with Victoria Police Soccer Club members and their Office of the Public Advocate community award.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Tanie with his mother Tatiana. 321143 Picture: ROB CAREW

to make friends.

Tatiana and her son Tanie have been with the academy for more than 15 years where she’s on the committee to liaise with the families and the community.

“Being part of the soccer academy was very important to me because when you have a child with a disability it makes you socially isolated.

“At the academy I have had the opportunity to be with other parents who have the same or similar experiences and we’re able to talk about our lives, exchange information about Centrelink, or other disability, medical services and to make friends.”

Tanie has autism, intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

“The academy has given Meagan opportunities that she probably wouldn’t be part of including playing interstate, travelling to China and playing in three different cities as well as enjoying the attractions.“ Meagan has played in many cup events and has even played against Victoria Police in an annual game.

“Meagan will continue with the academy for as long as she can, it’s a beautiful and important part of her life,” Glenis said.

Mr Loyola and AASA has received many awards throughout his service to the community including Casey Sportsperson of the Year, a recognition trophy from a China-Australia game in 2019, a Centenary Medal and an award from University of Xi’an.

(ADHD) and epilepsy. He joined the academy between the ages of 12-13, and now as a 29 year old he continues to love soccer.

“He talks about soccer all the time gets ready straight away on Saturday mornings and can’t wait to go to soccer,” Tatiana said.

The calendar is packed for the year ahead but the most exciting event is said to be in Tasmania for a championship in September.

Another academy member Meagan will also participate in all the events for the year. Meagan has moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder and gross/ fine motor skills issues and first started playing in mainstream soccer at the age of 11.

However, her mother Glenis had to pull her out in her mid-teens as she couldn’t play to the expected level.

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Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Band members accompanying the Sonik Waves dancers. 323343

Mauritian tunes filled the market hall. 323343

A dancer from the group Sonik Waves. 323343

Tropical, loud and proud Exotic tropical foods and culture were sizzling at Dandenong Market on Sunday 12 March.

Mauritius Independence Day celebrated the tiny Indian Ocean island with a program of sega music and dance as well as authentic flavours from popular trader La Caze Mama..

A packed crowd savoured food and culture blends African, south Asian and European influences, with the ‘dress code’ for the day described as “tropical loud”.

The event marked the anniversary of Mauritius’s independence from French colonial rule in 1968 and the formation of a republic in 1992

Musicians during the Sega dancing. 323343

Mauritian dancers Sonik Waves attract an enraptured audience at Dandenong Market. 323343

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Shakira, 5, and Sophia, 4, from Pakenham. 323343

A tropical-themed La Caze Mama staff served authentic Mauritian flavours. 323343

A dancer’s ruffle-dress ripples at Dandenong Market. 323343

Najlaa and Majid, from Avondale Heights, enjoying the activities. 323343

Drazic from Trafalgar checking out the loud shirts at Daily Casual Clothing. 323343

Dancer Bryony was among the flurry of entertainment. 323343

10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Skim-scam scuttled

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Dandenong man who was part of an international ATM-card skimming fraud has faced sentence.

Diresh Kulothungam, 38, pleaded guilty after a sentencing indication at the Victorian County Court to conspiring to defraud bank ATM customers in Berwick, Narre Warren and towns across Victoria, NSW and South Australia..

On 3 March, sentencing judge Gerard Mullaly said Kulothungam was part of an organised syndicate that installed card readers and pinhole cameras at the ATMs between December 2016-January 2018.

The card readers would skim the card’s account details. The camera would film the PIN as the unsuspecting victim typed into the ATM keypad.

The “advanced” and “modern” equipment was imported from overseas senders in Canada, France and Switzerland.

Other ring-members in Australia, India, Indonesia and the UK used the details to withdraw money from the victims’ accounts.

Kulothungam was a “key organising link” in Victoria, who received the equipment and communicated with members installing and retrieving the devices at ATMs.

However he was “far from a high-ranking conspirator” in the operation.

He was linked to $39,000 withdrawn by others from victims’ accounts. There was another $99,000 in unsuccessful transactions.

Judge Mullaly said the overall amount stolen and Kulothungam’s share of the takings were “quite small”.

But the attack on the banking system was “criminality of great concern”.

“It undermines the services that banks can

provide. So much of modern life does depend on cards and PIN numbers.”

The Tamil refugee fled persecution in Sri Lanka in 2008, leaving behind his parents and six siblings.

He met two of his co-conspirators Tharany Ramasamy, of Dandenong, and Ravishanth Raveendran, of Noble Park, in refugee camps.

Since 2018, Kulothungam was unable to continue cleaning and factory work due to his physical injuries.

A psychologist assessed him as an “anxious” and “socially isolated” man, who would find prison more onerous.

His generosity in helping other refugees, lack of prior criminal history and the long delay in his court case were also noted.

Ramasamy and Raveendran were more minor participants in the fraud. They had been sentenced to time already served in jail and a community corrections order on the basis of undertaking to give evidence against Kulothungam.

Kulothungam was jailed for nine months followed by a three-year supervised community corrections order.

The CCO includes 100 hours of unpaid work and mental health treatment.

Tradies’ hard yakka has no gender

By Tanya Faulkner Steamrollers, diggers and high-viz were the theme of International Women’s Day for local Dandenong secondary students.\ More than 30 students from Maranatha Christian School and Dandenong High School took part in the third annual Women in Construction ‘Behind the Barriers’ event where they learned about life as a female tradie and the potential opportunities available to them across the field.

They were also treated to a site tour of the upcoming Pound Road West Upgrade.

Among the students were Dandenong High School’s Muheyra Noor and Ruba Tivendale, who are enrolled in the schools’ design and engineering specialist program through STEM. “I have an interest in environmental engineering and helping the environment, and today will help me to know what subjects to take in school or university, and what jobs I can go into,” Ruba said.

For Muheyra, it was good to hear from the different panelists to gain extra insight into the career pathways, and what she can do to get there too.

The event was hosted by Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) and civil engineering firm Seymour Whyte who have partnered with and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

NAWIC is an Australian not-for-profit organisation formed in 1995 to champion and empower women in construction and related industries to reach their full potential.

The students heard from speakers including NAWIC Equality Committee member Melanie Anderson, a panel selected from the Pound Road West Upgrade project team and surrounding projects featuring MRPV’s senior project engineer Eva Sun and civil engineering intern Artemis Capa, and select women from Seymour Whiteto provide a wide range of insight to the students.

MRPV program director Marc Peterson said they were delighted to partner with NAWIC on their third annual International Women’s Day event.

“The event is a great opportunity to highlight the many and varied career paths that are available for women in construction, and will hopefully get some of the students who attended today seriously considering a career in the industry,” he said.

The panel members outlined their career experiences, including highlights, careershaping decisions, travel opportunities and career progression pathways.

During their visit, the students also enjoyed a tour of the Pound Road West Updandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The ‘Behind the Barriers’ panel, which addressed students from Dandenong about life as a female tradie. 321720 grade project site, as a way to understand just what life of a tradesperson can look like in Dandenong.

The Pound Road West Upgrade is building a new bridge over the Cranbourne railway line to remove the dead ends at Remington Drive and Pound Road West with aims to reduce growing traffic pressure on the South Gippsland Highway and Abbotts Road, improve access in and around the Dandenong South employment hub and lower the risk and severity of crashes by adding safety barriers.

Superintendent Steve Ryan explained to the students the progress of the Pound Road upgrades, the process that goes behind building new roads, and shared some of the travel and career opportunities in roading and construction, as the students observed the crews at work.

For Dandenong High School’s head of art, design and digital technology Ffion Bowles, it is a great way for the students to learn about the different opportunities available in a predominantly male-dominated industry, and see that women can do anything they want to.

“I love supporting the underprivileged groups and allowing them to see the opportunities they can have in our community.

Dandenong is a very manufacturing-based region with plenty of jobs available, it’s about showing them what they can do,” she said.

She said the Women’s Day event allows the students to see the real world connection

Pound Road to open soon Motorists can look forward to safer and smoother trips through Dandenong South with the new bridge over the Cranbourne rail line fast taking shape as the Pound Road West Upgrade nears completion.

The new bridge is approximately 125 metres long and, once complete, will remove the dead ends at Pound Road West and Remington Drive.

It will also provide a second connection between Abbotts Road and South Gippsland Highway, improving access to the freeway network and reducing travel times for businesses.

The bridge will feed into two lanes in each direction, with the Pound Road West Upgrade adding an extra lane each way between Abbotts Road and South Gippsland Highway. It will be bordered by new shared walking and cycling paths to improve access and safety for pedestrians and bike users.

By 2031, it’s expected more than 40,000 vehicles will use this new connection every day.

Meanwhile, the project team is well underway with final intersection upgrade works at Pound Road West.

Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) Program Director Marc Peterson said the new bridge will significantly improve the connection to Dandenong South by removing the dead ends at Pound Road West and Remington road, and thanked the community for working with them on this project.

“We thank locals for their patience as we undertake final works on the bridge and approach completion of the Pound Road West Upgrade in the coming months,” he said.

Pound Road West will remain closed at South Gippsland Highway until 18 March, as crews work from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday to complete these works and minimise disruptions to road users.

Detours for local traffic are in place via Abbotts Road and Remington Drive.

MRPV are also currently completing asphalting works along Remington Drive between Abbotts Road, Ventura Place and Pelson Court, with works being undertaken during weekend and weekday nights, and closures only until mid April.

Access to properties and businesses will be maintained during trading hours.

The Pound Road West Upgrade is also being used to install new traffic signals at Ventura Place and at Hydrive Close, improve the existing Pound Road West intersection at South Gippsland Highway, build a new shared use walking and cycling paths and install safety barriers along the road.

People can keep up to date with planned traffic disruptions and detours at bigbuild.vic. gov.au

Superintendent Steven Ryan during a tour of the Pound Road West works site. 321720 between what they do in school and their potential careers.

MRPV senior project engineer Eva Sun shared her story of resilience and confidence as a female working in the trades, highlighting the importance of female representation in the construction industry.

“I wanted to demonstrate to the students today that girls can do anything and have hopefully inspired some of them to follow their dreams in construction,” she said.

Overall the day was a success, with the students walking away with a new curiosity and excitement about their journeys ahead of them, and seeing the potential that the Dandenong trades industry has to offer.

Pound Road bridge updates are set for completion in the coming months for motorists to use.

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 11

LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 8 March 1923 Pea Rifle Accident An unfortunate accident happened to a lad named Roy Close, at Cranbourne, on Friday evening last. A lad named Roy Kemp had a pea rifle near Mr W Close’s gate, and he was under the impression it was not loaded. Roy Close, 17 years of age and a son of Mr W Close, was riding towards the gate on a bicycle, when the weapon was accidently discharged, the bullet entering young Close’s stomach. The injured lad was motored into Dandenong by Mr Ash and admitted into Nurse Fink’s hospital, where he was attended to by Dr Langley. Although the injuries were of a serious nature, it is gratifying to report that the lad is making satisfactory progress towards recovery.

50 years ago 6 March 1973 Council ‘Heading for Bankruptcy’ Springvale Council was heading for bank-

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

ruptcy if it continued to spend its money so extravagantly, Councillor Tom Rose claimed last week. Speaking in council, Councillor Rose was commenting on council’s decision to spend $1700 on a float for the pageant of progress being organised for May 19 to celebrate Dandenong’s centenary. Councillor Rose said “It is downright ridiculous to spend so much money on something that will be used for only a few hours and then scrapped.

I am in favour of holding a referendum to see what the ratepayers would think of this ridiculous waste of money.” Councillor Rose was a lone voice in the council. All other councillors agreed with the proposal regarding the float.

20 years ago 10 March 2003 Heritage gates for renewal The heritage listed gates at Shepley Oval were removed last week to be refurbished.

The gates will be sandblasted and repainted with an anti-graffiti coating as part of Greater Dandenong Council’s capital improvement

program. Imported from Staffordshire in England in 1871 the gates were installed at a private home in Toorak until their removal in 1901 to the Springvale Necropolis, where they remained until 1957. The Dandenong Shire bought them for Shepley Oval in 1961.

5 years ago 12 March 2018 Walker’s Way Dandenong’s Walker Street will soon have a fresh new look. Greater Dandenong Councillors awarded the construction contract for stage one of a streetscape upgrade at the Monday 26 February council meeting. Blue Peak Holding is to complete the $951,935 project, which will include a full-width granite paved surface similar to Lonsdale Street.

The upgrade will also include new Street Furniture, street lights, street trees, planted garden beds and utility pit lids to match the style used in Lonsdale Street and throughout the central Dandenong activity centre.

Cr Mathew Kirwan told the Journal “It’s great

Walker Street, Dandenong was set for a makePicture: GARY SISSONS over in 2018. 144741

we are going ahead with the construction of stage one, Walker Street is now a significant spine around which much of the Revitalising Central Dandenong project is based so this will make a big difference to the experience of pedestrians using this street and to the retail businesses fronting it.”

INTERFAITH

Hopefulness is so important, it can alter life’s course

By Ursula Aruma Of The Sri Sathya Sai Organisation The nights of ignorance will end the moment the light of truth is ignited in our hearts, if we offer a prayer to God to slowly release the pressures that delude us.

We must endeavour to alleviate the mind to gain inner strength.

Hope is a feeling of expectation that better things will happen.

Hope is crucial during times of suffering.

We know that suffering is temporary, it is like a passing cloud.

No one can escape suffering; it is part and parcel of life.

These things too will pass.

MESSAGE OF

HOPE Being hopeful is a powerful force that can alter the course of your life when in strife.

Confidence is very important; if you can get through what you are facing right now.

Suffering is a state of undergoing pain or hardship or ill health; suffering is anything that is unbearable.

Suffering cleanses our thoughts and gives

us inner strength.

Nothing big can be achieved without your inner strength and hope for a better tomorrow.

So, no matter what difficulties you are facing in life, try to remain happy and cheerful and confident about the future.

If you find that things get hard, try to overcome the heat of the mind and gain strength from hope.

May our hearts be open to one and all; may no one be ever lonely; may we be patient with those who hurt and may we be good friends to each other.

It is important to be faithful to our inner voice.

May we cultivate divine virtues of sacrifice, forbearance and forgiveness.

From sacrifice comes doing for others and not considering yourself first.

Such selflessness will give us a constant awareness of the true inner self.

From forbearance comes patience. Patience will let us experience the joy of self-knowledge.

From forgiveness comes ego-lessness. Egolessness will let us experience never ending bliss.

Being in this self-awareness alone will end the nights of ignorance.

May all beings in all worlds be happy.

For enquiries about the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network, contact executive@ interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.

NEWS

Diversifying police ranks

By Sahar Foladi Victoria Police is seeking to broaden its ranks with its Diversity Recruitment Program for the South-East.

The recruitment program is a partnership between Victoria Police, Jesuits Social Services and Victoria University, with new round of applications now open.

Applicants will take part in a 15-week course at Victoria University in Policing and Recruitment Pathways to build their skills and capabilities for a higher chance of being recruited.

The program specifically targets diverse communities of the South-East in efforts to not just create awareness in those communities but also to guide participants through each stage of the recruitment process.

Mella Opiew was one of the first to be recruited through this program.

“I recall when I accepted the offer from Victoria Police my siblings were there, all of them were happy. They are more concerned about my safety but they’re happy for me.

“I was really happy that day, it was one of my best days.”

Eldest of four siblings, Mr Opiew migrated from Sudan with his family in 2004. With English as a second language, he attended Noble Park English Language School to get himself up to speed.

Now a police constable, he says the program provides a lot of support for those ready to take up the challenges.

“I’m really happy just being in Victoria Police. Not one day is the same.”

Now a few months into his career, Mr Opiew wants to give back to the community.

“I would love to get involved in community engagement to build the trust with the community.”

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Constable Mella Opiew, one of the first recruits of the program.

In the 15 week course, participants are provided with theoretical and fitness training to make sure they meet the high standards of the recruitment process.

The program also seeks to increase the numbers of recruits from under-represented cultural communities.

Senior Sergeant Robbie Colcott, who is also officer in charge of the Southern Metro Region Multicultural Liaison unit, said it’s essential for Victoria Police to represent different communities.

“Victoria is made up of diverse communities. For the communities to be able to look at their local police and see their community

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

Picture: SUPPLIED

represented that comes back to the issue of removing barriers.

“Their cultural background shouldn’t be a barrier as long as they share the values that we do here in Victoria Police.”

Snr Sgt Colcott said individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds possess skills that can be of value as a police officer.

“People from diverse communities are creative and resourceful. I think they bring an understanding and wisdom and we value that.

“They have an understanding of how people from certain community can comfortably communicate.”

Diverse members of the public can also

help with issues surrounding cultural issues “that others might otherwise struggle with.”

Unfortunately, despite all the benefits, barriers still exist like a steel wall for the diverse communities to even consider a career in the police force.

“Some challenges (of breaking the barriers) are simple like many haven’t considered a police career as an option. Part of that is they haven’t seen their community represented.

“Some are sophisticated in the sense that they come from other countries where the police don’t live up to the value that is expected of us in Victoria Police.“ As of late last year, 132 participants had completed the 15 week course, 56 participants had successfully passed the Victoria Police Entrance Exam and 22 participants have been offered places at the academy in Police, PSO or PCO roles. A total of 47 cultures were represented by participants.

“When people see the selection criteria they might think the career is not for them. What I would like to say is that we are there to support those people who have the value and drive in overcoming the hurdles,,” Mr Colcott said.

“We can assist, coach them they can apply and be successful. It’s not just in the application process, but right through the training academy phase.

“I encourage people who are considering career in Vic police to come to info session and check the social media pages.“ Applications for residents in City of Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia are open until 27 March.

The program begins on 2 May with a mixture of online and face-to-face classes with no cost to participants. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Stroke ambulance sought A fundraising appeal has started for a key element for a purpose-built stroke amblance in the South East.

Stroke Foundation is seeking to raise $100,000 for a CT brain scanner as part of the vehicle.

The State Government committed $12 million in the 2022 State Budget towards the Mobile Stroke Unit, which will be the second in the state.

It will be staffed by a neuorologist, nurse, radiographer and two paramedics.

The brain scanner would allow for a diagnosis of a stroke and treatment to being in the field rather than waiting vital minutes to arrive at hospital.

Launched in 2017, the initial Mobile Stroke Unit has assessed more than 2800 patients.

Among them was Chadstone stroke survivor Warren Wheatley, who was found on the floor at home by his son Arron.

“I began to bang feebly on the wall of the bathroom. I was on the floor and could just raise my hand,” Mr Wheatley said.

Arron suspected a stroke and called for an ambulance straightaway.

The Mobile Stroke Unit’s on-board CT scanner found a clot, and he was given clot-busting drugs immediately.

“Right there, in front of the house, I was given life-saving treatment. It was incredible.”

After the stroke, Mr Wheatley was paralysed on his left side, could not lift a spoon to his mouth, and experienced incontinence but in nine weeks, he was back on his feet.

“With the world-class treatment that I received in such a quick timeframe, I was able to recover well.

“Four years later, my life is 95 per cent back to what it was. The highlight was that I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding.”

Stroke Foundation interim chief executive officer Lisa Murphy says the speed of treatment was crucial for Mr Wheatley’s recovery.

“When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells a minute so it’s critical to act fast and get emergency treatment as quickly as possible.

“The stroke ambulance does exactly that and, as a result, saves lives and improves outcomes for patients.”

Another crucial factor is recognizing stroke symptoms and immediately calling an ambulance.

The three most common signs are summed up by the FAST acronym – Facial droop, Arms unable to be lifted, Speech slurred plus Time being critical, to call an ambulance immediately.

Stroke Foundation is calling on the Victorian Government to invest $250,000 per annum for four years to deliver a FAST community education campaign.

Warren Wheatley, who was treated at home by a Mobile Stroke Unit after suffering a stroke.

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Kick the cavity causes Even if you brush your teeth twice and floss once daily, many habits could still be putting you at high risk for cavities.

Cavities form when bacteria, sugar and acid combine inside your mouth. Bacteria feed on sugar, causing sugar to break down into acid.

This acid damages tooth enamel in a process known as demineralisation.

If untreated, cavities will grow through your tooth’s outer enamel layer. If this happens, it can´t be reversed.

Some common factors (and habits) that put one at high risk for cavities include Consuming alcohol, the acidity levels are highly prejudicial for tooth enamel. As well as the development of dry mouth - which creates a favourable environment for plaque-causing bacteria to thrive. Tobacco use is another common cause of dry mouth, also leading to

stained, yellowish, discoloured teeth.

Having a poor diet deprives you of key nutrients (like phosphorus and calcium) that are integral to keeping strong, healthy teeth.

Age (and some medications) weakens tooth enamel, thus increasing the risk for cavities.

Also, older patients tend to suffer from gum recession, which leaves teeth more exposed and vulnerable to bacteria attacks.

Other than following a thorough daily oral health routine, you can reduce the risk of cavities by keeping up with regular dental checkups.

If you´re unsure about whether or not you’re at high risk for cavities, give the team at Endeavour Smiles Group a call - they will gladly assess your case and develop a customised treatment plan, to help reduce your risk for cavities.

Servicing Endeavour Hills & Surrounding Community

New Patients Welcome!

(03) 8772 2053 12562614-JW33-22

1 Joseph Banks Crescent Endeavour Hills www.endeavoursmilesgroup.com.au Give the team at Endeavour Smiles Group a call - they will gladly assess your case. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 13

14 STAR JOURNAL |

2023 TIPPING CHART

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

NAME

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

ROUND

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1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14 15

16

17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 TOTAL

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Second

ROUND 1 MARCH 16–19 Richmond vs. Carlton MCG Geelong Cats vs. Collingwood MCG Nth Melbourne vs West Coast Eagles MRVL Port Adelaide vs. Brisbane Lions AO Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs MCG Gold Coast Suns vs. Sydney Swans MS GWS Giants vs. Adelaide Crows GS Hawthorn vs. Essedon MCG St Kilda vs. Fremantle MRVL

ROUND 2 MARCH 23–26 Carlton vs. Geelong Cats Brisbane Lions vs. Melbourne Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide Adelaide Crows vs. Richmond Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda Fremantle vs. North Melbourne Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn Essendon vs. Gold Coast Suns West Coast Eagles vs. GWS Giants

MCG G MCG AO MRVL OS SCG MRVL OS

ROUND 3 MARCH 30–APRIL 2 Western Bulldogs vs. Brisbane Lions MRVL Collingwood vs. Richmond MCG Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne UTAS GWS Giants vs. Carlton GS St Kilda vs. Essendon MCG Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide Crows AO Gold Coast Suns vs. Geelong Cats MS Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans MCG Fremantle vs. West Coast Eagles OS

ROUND 4 APRIL 6–10 Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood

G

North Melbourne vs. Carlton Adelaide Crows vs. Fremantle Richmond vs. Western Bulldogs St Kilda vs. Gold Coast Suns Sydney Swans vs. Port Adelaide Essendon vs. GWS Giants West Coast Eagles vs. Melbourne Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn

MRVL AO MCG MRVL SCG MRVL OS MCG

ROUND 5 APRIL 13–16 Adelaide Crows vs. Carlton Fremantle vs. Gold Coast Suns Richmond vs. Sydney Swans Brisbane Lions vs. North Melbourne Essendon vs. Melbourne Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs Geelong Cats vs. West Coast Eagles GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn Collingwood vs. St Kilda

AO NO AO AH AO AO AO NO AO

ROUND 6 APRIL 21–25 Fremantle vs. Western Bulldogs OS Port Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles AO GWS Giants vs. Brisbane Lions MO Geelong Cats vs. Sydney Swans GMHBA Hawthorn vs. Adelaide Crows UTAS Carlton vs. St Kilda MRVL Gold Coast Suns vs. North Melbourne MS Melbourne vs. Richmond MCG Collingwood vs. Essendon MCG

ROUND 7 APRIL 28–30 St Kilda vs. Port Adelaide Brisbane Lions vs. Fremantle Sydney Swans vs. GWS Giants Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn Melbourne vs. North Melbourne

MRVL G SCG MRVL MCG

West Coast Eagles vs. Carlton Essendon vs. Geelong Cats Richmond vs. Gold Coast Suns Adelaide Crows vs. Collingwood

OS MCG MRVL AO

ROUND 8 MAY 5–7 Carlton vs. Brisbane Lions Richmond vs. West Coast Eagles Geelong Cats vs. Adelaide Crows Gold Coast Suns vs. Melbourne GWS Giants vs. Western Bulldogs Fremantle vs. Hawthorn Port Adelaide vs. Essendon Collingwood vs. Sydney Swans North Melbourne vs. St Kilda

MRVL MCG GMHBA MS MO OS AO MCG MRVL

ROUND 9 MAY 12–14 Richmond vs. Geelong Cats MCG West Coast Eagles vs. Gold Coast Suns OS Sydney Swans vs. Fremantle SCG North Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide BA Hawthorn vs. Melbourne MCG Brisbane Lions vs. Essendon G Carlton vs. Western Bulldogs MRVL Adelaide Crows vs. St Kilda AO Collingwood vs. GWS Giants MCG

ROUND 10 MAY 19–21 Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne AO North Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans MRVL Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide Crows MARS Fremantle vs. Geelong Cats OS Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast Suns G Essendon vs. Richmond MCG Hawthorn vs. West Coast Eagles UTAS Carlton vs. Collingwood MCG GWS Giants vs. St Kilda GS

Third

ROUND 11 MAY 26–28 Sydney Swans vs. Carlton SCG St Kilda vs. Hawthorn MRVL Melbourne vs. Fremantle MCG Geelong Cats vs. GWS Giants GMHBA Gold Coast Suns vs. Western Bulldogs TIO West Coast Eagles vs. Essendon OS Richmond vs. Port Adelaide MCG Collingwood vs. North Melbourne MRVL Adelaide Crows vs. Brisbane Lions AO

ROUND 12 JUNE 2–4 Melbourne vs. Carlton MCG Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn AO West Coast Eagles vs. Collingwood OS Western Bulldogs vs. Geelong Cats MRVL Gold Coast Suns vs. Adelaide Crows TIO GWS Giants vs. Richmond GS Essendon vs. North Melbourne MRVL

ROUND 13 JUNE 8–12 Sydney Swans vs. St Kilda SCG Western Bulldogs vs. Port Adelaide MRVL Hawthorn vs. Brisbane Lions MCG Adelaide Crows vs. West Coast Eagles AO Fremantle vs. Richmond OS North Melbourne vs. GWS Giants BA Carlton vs. Essendon MCG Melbourne vs. Collingwood MCG

ROUND 14 JUNE 15–18 Port Adelaide vs. Geelong Cats Brisbane Lions vs. Sydney Swans GWS Giants vs. Fremantle Richmond vs. St Kilda

AO G GS MCG

Carlton vs. Gold Coast Suns MCG Nth Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs MRVL

ROUND 15 JUNE 22–25 Geelong Cats vs. Melbourne GMHBA St Kilda vs. Brisbane Lions MRVL Sydney Swans vs. West Coast Eagles SCG Fremantle vs. Essendon OS Collingwood vs. Adelaide Crows MCG Gold Coast Suns vs. Hawthorn MS

ROUND 16 JUNE 29–JULY 2 Adelaide Crows vs. North Melbourne AO Brisbane Lions vs. Richmond G Essendon vs. Port Adelaide MCG Gold Coast Suns vs. Collingwood MS Hawthorn vs. Carlton MCG Melbourne vs. GWS Giants TP Sydney Swans vs. Geelong Cats SCG West Coast Eagles vs. St Kilda OS Western Bulldogs vs. Fremantle MRVL

ROUND 17 JULY 6–9 Brisbane Lions vs. West Coast Eagles G Essendon vs. Adelaide Crows MRVL Fremantle vs. Carlton OS Geelong Cats vs. North Melbourne GMHBA GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn GS Port Adelaide vs. Gold Coast Suns AO Richmond vs. Sydney Swans MCG St Kilda vs. Melbourne MRVL Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood MRVL

ROUND 18 JULY 13–16 Adelaide Crows vs. GWS Giants Carlton vs. Port Adelaide

AO MRVL

Collingwood vs. Fremantle MCG Geelong Cats vs. Essendon GMHBA Gold Coast Suns vs. St Kilda MS Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions MCG North Melbourne vs. Hawthorn MRVL Sydney Swans vs. Western Bulldogs SCG West Coast Eagles vs. Richmond OS

ROUND 19 JULY 21–23 Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats Carlton vs. West Coast Eagles Essendon vs. Western Bulldogs Fremantle vs. Sydney Swans GWS Giants vs. Gold Coast Suns Melbourne vs. Adelaide Crows Port Adelaide vs. Collingwood Richmond vs. Hawthorn St Kilda vs. North Melbourne

G MRVL MRVL OS MO MCG AO MCG MRVL

ROUND 20 JULY 28–30 Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide AO Collingwood vs. Carlton MCG Essendon vs. Sydney Swans MRVL Geelong Cats vs. Fremantle GMHBA Gold Coast Suns vs. Brisbane Lions MS Hawthorn vs. St Kilda MRVL Richmond vs. Melbourne MCG West Coast Eagles vs. Nth Melbourne OS Western Bulldogs vs. GWS Giants MARS

ROUND 21 AUGUST 4–6 Adelaide Crows vs. Gold Coast Suns AO Essendon vs. West Coast Eagles MRVL Fremantle vs. Brisbane Lions OS Geelong Cats vs. Port Adelaide GMHBA GWS Giants vs. Sydney Swans GS Hawthorn vs. Collingwood MCG

North Melbourne vs. Melbourne St Kilda vs. Carlton Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond

BA MRVL MRVL

ROUND 22 AUGUST 11–13 Carlton vs. Melbourne Brisbane Lions vs. Adelaide Crows Collingwood vs. Geelong Cats Hawthorn vs. Western Bulldogs North Melbourne vs. Essendon Port Adelaide vs. GWS Giants St Kilda vs. Richmond Sydney Swans vs. Gold Coast Suns West Coast Eagles vs. Fremantle

MCG G MCG UTAS MRVL AO MRVL SCG OS

ROUND 23 AUGUST 18–20 Adelaide Crows vs. Sydney Swans AO Collingwood vs. Brisbane Lions MRVL Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide OS Gold Coast Suns vs. Carlton MS GWS Giants vs. Essendon GS Melbourne vs. Hawthorn MCG Richmond vs. North Melbourne MCG St Kilda vs. Geelong Cats MRVL Wstrn Bulldogs vs. Wst Coast Eagles MRVL

ROUND 24 AUGUST 25–27 Brisbane Lions vs. St Kilda G Carlton vs. GWS Giants MRVL Essendon vs. Collingwood MCG Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs GMHBA Hawthorn vs. Fremantle MCG North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast Suns BA Port Adelaide vs. Richmond AO Sydney Swans vs. Melbourne SCG West Coast Eagles vs. Adelaide Crows OS

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 |

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

First

STAR JOURNAL 15

NEWS

The Kaushik family. 322573

Dyes let fly at the Holi Festival of Colours. 322573

Khristeen from Doveton at Dandenong Park.

322573

Holi Hai festival of colour South-east communities had a taste of India and its culture at the famous Holi festival celebrations in Dandenong Park on Sunday March 12.

Australian Indian Innovations Inc. (AIII) staged what was their 15th year of Holi, also known as ’festival of colours’.

Yogen Lakshman, the AIII trustee and vice president, said: “The association was formed to portray the festivals of India. The two main ones are Holi Festival of Colours and Diwali Festival of Lights.

“We wanted to put together a concept of a group or community that would portray Indian culture to the public.”

The family event saw a day out filled with colours where people literally applied gulal (coloured powder) on one another.

Entertainment proceeded with Bollywood dance and songs, stalls, Indian food, camel rides and other rides for kids.

Since 2002, AIII has hosted many successful festivals.

“Twenty years ago this was something new and well embraced by the public in the southeast. Seven years ago we brought Indian idol and singer Mika Singh. That was one of our biggest events we’ve ever done. We had 17,000 people in that event,” Mr Lakshman said.

However, the aim of the organisation is to make these family fun events free of charge for the wider community to participate.

“The concept is to be family friendly and invite people from diverse backgrounds. We see more and more non-Indian people come to our events and that is pleasing.

“As long as they come and participate we have done our bit in the Australian multicultural society.“ Prior to the association an event like this would be at a religious setting in Carrum Downs, limiting the involvement of people from diverse communities.

“That’s the change we have made - from a religious to a cultural aspect where people from all cultures, races and groups could come forward.

“That is why we are successful because once we started doing this, it was great - 15,000 to 20,000 people would turn up in festivals never heard of in Melbourne.”

Political figures such as Premiers have joined in the fun.

Holi is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season where people get together to celebrate while the religious aspect is about the victory of good over evil.

Since its existence AIII has inspired many other organisations scattered in Melbourne’s North and West such as, ‘Celebrate India.’

The loading terminal for camel rides. 322573

Riders at ground and upper-storey levels. 322573

Savi in front of the DJ. 322573

The Rewal family from Narre Warren. 322573

By Sahar Foladi

16 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

Young riders on a train of camels from Peter Hodge Camel Hire. 322573

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Girls just want to have fun. 322573 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Cuts put a dampener on council

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Maria Sampey

Joyce Rebeiro

Larra Juab

The great unnoticed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An exhibition of 10 inspirational migrant women in Greater Dandenong brings to light Australia’s “missing history“, according to its curator.

Know My Story, which was recently exhibited in Harmony Square windows, is soon to be displayed at Springvale Community Hub. Work has also begun on a documentary film and book featuring their stories.

Curator Lella Cariddi says the immense deeds of migrant women go “largely unrecognised”.

“As creative, intelligent people who come to Australia from a non-Anglo-Celtic heritage, we are the missing pieces in the annals of Australian history, still.”

The 10 stories show that “migrant women did not arrive in Dandenong as empty vessels”.

“On the contrary, the majority had brought with them tertiary qualifications, only to find that Australia did not recognise either their previously gained skills, nor their tertiary qualifications.

“Undaunted, they returned to tertiary studies, and gained new qualifications, which enabled them to stand tall, and advocate for the betterment of all.”

The 10 women include Iranian-born artist Leila Astiani, whose asylum-seeker boat sank with 80 adults and children perishing in 2013.

“We were in the sea for 28-hours when water started to get inside the boat, forcing us all to continuously empty the water from the boat for 15 hours before an Australian Navy Ship sailed past us, and refused to come to our rescue,” she writes.

“I heard the families’ cry in despair, saying farewells to loved ones, begging for forgiveness from their innocent children.”

Leila, her husband and son survived, clinging to a “small inflatable swim ring”.

In Dandenong, she created a public mural for Wellsprings for Women and taught art classes at Brand New Day community centre.

Mmaskepe Sejoe

Su Sullivan

Zakia Baig

She’s also volunteered as an art teacher at Melbourne Artist for Asylum Seekers.

Others featured are Australian Hazara Women’s Friendship Network founder Zakia Baig, migrant womens support group founder Hayat Doughan and artist Larra Juab.

There’s also Liseby Lapierre, who helped create Play-Spot – a mobile playgroup to reach isolated new migrant families, Greater Dandenong’s first equity and access officer Joyce Rebeiro and former Greater Dandenong

mayor Maria Sampey.

Friends of Refugees chief executive and founder Sri Samy, human rights and womens health advocate Mmaskepe Sejoe and family violence counsellor Su Sullivan also share their stories.

A special morning tea and exhibition featuring the women reading parts of their stories is at Sp ringvale Community Hub on Friday 31 March, 10:30am – 11:30am. Bookings: greaterdandenong.com

Farewell to Ross Reserve’s rough track

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Springvale Little Athletics has farewelled the much-lamented rubber running track at Ross Reserve in style.

Recently, the club staged a three-hour, 112lap relayathon in its final meet before the start of long-awaited re-surfacing works.

Their efforts raised $350 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

“Lots of fun was had with slime and colour to commemorate this big occasion,” club spokesperson Teresa Rumpf said..

Over the next 12 months, the club will temporarily relocate to a grass track at Davies Reserve, Oakleigh.

The Ross Reserve track is expected to reopen in early 2024.

“Interestingly Knox Little Athletics is refurbishing their track this year too, so school groups won’t have many choices of synthetic tracks to go to this year,” Ms Rumpf said.

“An inconvenience but with the state of our crumbling track, something that has to be done and we will have an awesome new track.”

The club and other sports groups had long reported the 40-year-old synthetic rubberised track was a safety hazard, with two Masters dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Little athletes ran 112 laps on their final night on Ross Reserve’s old track, raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. runners breaking their arms after tripping on loose flapping sections in 2021.

Despite concerns of a cost blowout, Greater Dandenong Council approved a $6.7 million upgrade of the venue to regional standard, including a new running track, hammer throw, pole vault and steeplechase facilities.

Within weeks, works have begun and the old track’s surface has been peeled from the ground.

Meanwhile, Springvale Little Athletics came home with a truckload of medals at a recent regional track-and-field meet.

Ms Rumpf said its athletes won 13 gold medals, seven silver, seven bronze as well as many top-10 finishes and personal bests.

Fourteen members progressed to state championships at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park on 11-12 March.

Short-staffing and budget cuts are hampering City of Greater Dandenong’s environmental agenda, according to a council report.

At current resource levels, the council would not meet its target of net zero emissions by 2025, as set in its Climate Emergency Strategy, it stated.

A long list of biodiversity, waste and sustainability initiatives would also be delayed or abandoned.

The report found that Greater Dandenong’s sustainability and its waste education teams were about a third of the size of those in surrounding councils.

“The impacts of this, along with reductions in budgets, is resulting in a large number of environmental projects being delayed or unable to be pursued.”

At current resource levels, only six of the council’s 44 sustainability action items in the next three years will be completed, the report stated.

Most of the six were “regulatory” such as ESD and native vegetation statutory planning referrals, and annual sustainability reporting.

The 38 delayed or abandoned projects included an annual Sustainability Festival, implementing the council’s Climate Emergency Strategy and its Sustainable Buildings and Plastic Use policies.

Efforts to increase electric vehicle charging stations and to apply for grants for more efficient public lighting would also be impacted.

There were also expected delays in parks projects such as the Greening Our City tree planting program, peri-urban weed management, One Tree One Child and implementing a Biodiversity Action Plan.

More resources were also required to implement waste projects on-time such as a Food and Garden Organics program at multi-unit sites, a container deposit scheme and a glass waste collection service.

It also needed to resolve the urgent need for advanced waste alternatives to landfill.

The report recommended $330,000 a year for four extra permanent full-time sustainability officers.

Up to two extra parks officers were also expected to be required, as well as more waste officers on at least a shortterm basis.

Greater Dandenong employs three ongoing, full-time equivalent staff in the sustainability area, and 1.6 in waste education.

On average, eight similar councils employed 8.5 and 5.2 full-time equivalent staff respectively.

However, Greater Dandenong hires 7.5 full-time equivalent ongoing staff in the parks department – much higher than the 4.3 average in other councils.

At a 27 February meeting, Cr Rhonda Garad paid tribute to staff doing an “extraordinary job” but “clearly they’re under-resourced”.

“Compared to similar councils in surrounding areas, our council (staff) are doing it tough.

“I do hope we consider it as required when the budget comes around.”

Cr Tim Dark said the report showed how having a lot of policies as well as “green tape” and “red tape” impacted on the council’s “bottom line”.

“There’s a key saying that’s being published a lot on social media – ‘Go Woke, Go Broke’. So we’ll see how we go in budget deliberations.”

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 17

NEWS

Fun day of dance, frivolity Hundreds basked in dazzling free entertainment at Noble Park Community Fun Day on Saturday 4 March.

Photographer ROB CAREW captured the hive of dance, frivolity and activities at the Ross Reserve precinct, which featured a rockclimbing wall, skateboarding, rollerblading, circus workshops, petting zoo and live performances.

As was the case for the Big Day Out last year, the Noble Park Youth Committee helped the council organise the show.

A multitude of community groups set up stalls, including Noble Park Community Centre, Noble Park Junior Football Club, South East Leisure – Noble Park Aquatic Centre, Noble Park 3rd Scouts, Moodemere Scouts, Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre, South East Community Links, Reclink, AfriAus Care, Reclink and Maralinga Community Garden.

The event was supported by the State Government’s $2 million Noble Park Revitalisation Project.

Daniel tries his hand at Australian Rules football. 321457

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Moana “Princess on Skates”. 321457

Matt Legg and Sci Westwood from “Creative Faire”. 321457

Heather and Nesh from South East Leisure led exercise classes. 321457

Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster with one of the Sea Creatures from “ExtraVaGanda”.

321457

Prakalpa Samskruti performers during an Indian classical dance. 321457

Victoria Police officers with a Sea Creature from “ExtraVaGanda”. 321457

Elizabeth on the climbing wall. 321457

BUSINESS PROFILE

Lifestyle Communities honoured in its first year We are thrilled to announce that Lifestyle Communities has just been awarded Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation (EOCGE) by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) in our first year of application.

The citation highlights the meaningful programs and initiatives that Lifestyle Communities has created and imbedded within the organisation and throughout our communities enabling our team and homeowners to thrive.

With over 67% of our team identifying as female, we are proud to be recognised for our commitment in leading the way and accelerating change for gender equality in the property/ construction industry.

Simone de la Harpe, Head of People Experience reflected on our journey toward the citation: “Prior to going through the application process, it was clear from my first day that Lifestyle Communities was truly committed to creating a workplace and environment that supports and recognises team members, future team members, homeowners and suppliers. We have led the way in creating development opportunities, career growth, support programs and flexible ways of working that support the needs of our team. The citation is also a wonderful acknowledgement of the commitment to date from our Leadership team, Board and wider team to foster an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that has a positive impact 18 STAR JOURNAL

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and paternity leave (8 weeks) options whilst continuing to deliver amazing experiences for homeowners.

Tailored training and development programs to support inclusion, diversity and leadership.

Strong results from our citation driven ‘lived experience check in’ with our team Partnering on a paid research project focusing on Dad’s and partner leave pre-and-post pandemic.

A direct quote from our Managing Director, James Kelly, upon receiving the news that we had been successful in our EOCGE application: “24th February marks the 20th anniversary since I started Lifestyle Communities with Dael and Bruce - this just could not have come at a better time! I feel so delighted that we have been able to create an organisation that is deserved of such recognition. It’s been a lifelong passion of mine, incubated through university, to ensure that any company that I lead can make a difference to gender equality in Australia. This means a lot!”

The WGEA framework is the gold standard towards creating meaningful, positive change and Lifestyle Communities is proud to hold ourselves to the highest standards. We will continue to evolve our programs to deliver key gender equality practices that have a positive impact.

· · ·

Lifestyle Communities has been awarded Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation. on the lives our homeowners and continues to drive change within our industry and beyond”.

Coinciding with Lifestyle Communities 20year anniversary milestone, this citation further solidifies our focus on gender equality, particularly emphasising the amazing outcomes from our various programs and initiatives: A 50/50 gender split on our Board with 40/40/20 targets across our team. Our de-

·

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

· ·

sign and construction team is over 60% female which is a great achievement within a male dominated industry.

A higher percentage of both full-time and part-time females in both Emerging Leader roles and subsequent Emerging Leader program.

Flexible working programs that support all team members across various carer journeys including increased maternity (18 weeks)

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Enjoy music, comedy and family fun at Dandenong’s iconic Drum Theatre.

Catch Jimeoin.

Join the beat of the Drum of the song and dance men, of years gone by through the artistry of Luke Alleva. All Encore tickets include complimentary morning tea and a parking voucher.

If it’s laugh’s you’re after, then the Drum is the place to be this April. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Neighbourhood Sessions return with a handpicked line-up of festival favourites and some of the country’s best new talent ahead of their performances at the 2023 Comedy Festival. Australia’s fa-

vourite Irishman Jimeoin will bring his show The Craic to the stage, and the always hilarious Stephen K Amos will perform his hit show Before & Laughter.

Circus, magic and puppetry will entertain the whole family in the April school holidays with quality family performances Bunkasaurus and The Quizzical Mr Jeff.

Our Beat and Makers Market returns for 2023 to showcase the best of the south-east

in a street celebration in Crump Lane, Dandenong. Join the block party and meet local talents including Mr Congo, Sizwe Manaka, Shen N.Body, Srirachi, Zito and many more.

If you have a talent to share, then sign up and perform in front of a welcoming audience.

Discover more in the recently launched Season One Program which covers shows up to July 2023. Visit drum.greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au to see a full list of shows and to book your seat today.

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Have a top-notch theatre experience in your own backyard this Autumn. Enjoy music, comedy and family fun at Dandenong’s iconic Drum Theatre.

World-renowned musicians The Shuffle Club will make you want to dance when they bring their playful blend of jazz, swing, blues and boogie-infused tunes to the stage.

Don’t miss our Encore program show The Dancin’ Man featuring the class and elegance

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 19

NEWS

Planting in the plastic age

By Emily Chapman Laing Lyndhurst locals Neesh and Amanda are saving the world, one bamboo plant at a time.

Their business The Little Big Bamboo is a sustainable bamboo based store, with a “passion to make earth-saving, compostable, zerowaste products”.

After starting 10 years ago with an idea to sell non-invasive bamboo plants, primarily for garden screening purposes, The Little Big Bamboo has grown into a business dedicated to plastic elimination.

“We were at this moment in time where [we decided] we’re going to do something about elimination of plastics,” Neesh said.

“We thought bamboo as a material is an environmentally friendly, soulful material that we can use.

Plastic is one of the most invasive materials affecting our environment.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is headlined by the saddening reality that ‘Our planet is choking on plastic’.

And the effects will stay with us as markers of who we are at this point in time.

“Plastics, including microplastics are now ubiquitous in our natural environment,” the UNEP reports.

“They are becoming part of the Earth’s fossil record and a marker of the Anthropocene, our current geological era.

“They have even given their name to a new marine microbial habitat called the ‘plastisphere’.”

With 400 million tonnes of plastic waste being produced every year, and up to 199 million tonnes of that winding up in our oceans, it’s clear that some big changes need to be made.

Especially since 80 per cent of what we recycle is rejected at landfill.

Households are responsible for 47 per cent of plastic waste in Australia.

Even more staggering is that only 9 per cent

The Little Big Bamboo plants one bamboo plant for every purchase. So far over 16,000 plants have been planted.

Picture: GENERIC

Amanda and Neesh are passionate about eliminating plastics. of plastic waste actually ends up getting recycled, according to 2018-2019 statistics.

Eighty-four per cent of plastic waste ends up in a landfill.

“Anything plastic basically cannot be recycled,” Neesh said.

“It’s a bit of marketing and greenwashing that’s been out there in the market for the last few years.”

Neesh and Amanda are offering their consumers a sustainable way to approach home living.

Picture: SUPPLIED

With products such as toilet paper, laundry detergent, sheets, straws, toothbrushes and underwear, all created using compostable bamboo, consumers now have the choice to work towards eliminating their share of plastic waste from our lands and oceans.

They also ensure the sustainability tracks from the products all the way back up to the manufacturers. Moreover, all of their products are shipped in 100 per cent compostable packaging.

“If you’re sending 100,000 products every month, that’s 100,000 plastic mailers that

would go out normally.

“And that would end up in the recycling bin, but can’t be recycled.

“And while it’s a cost to us, [there are] a lot of benefits to the environment [to use compostable mailers].”

The business was a finalist for the Casey Business Award for Sustainability in 2022, and has been recognised by Cassandra Fernando MP, who sat down with Neesh last month.

“We need to start thinking about the longterm impact of our choices on the environment,” Ms Fernando said.

“The Little Big Bamboo provides a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic and paper products, which have a devastating effect on our environment, oceans and wildlife.

“By supporting innovative and eco-friendly businesses, we can reduce our carbon footprint and protect our planet for future generations.

“As policymakers, it’s our duty to create an environment that encourages sustainable practices and supports those who make environmentally-friendly choices.

“By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for all.”

Get snap-happy and bookmark piece of Casey history time,” she said.

“It tells our community story in much more detail than you will ever find in state or national archives.”

CCL local history librarian Kate Davis said CCL aims to record what is important to the community in 2023, for future reference.

“The Casey Community are best placed to document their local communities now, [such as] what’s important to them in their neighbourhood.

“We want to document what’s happening and expand the libraries rich resources, so future generations can enjoy looking back.”

The competition is open to children and young adults, with a number of priz-

By Eleanor Wilson Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) is inviting young photography fans to get snap happy and capture a piece of Casey history.

CCL’s Landscapes of Casey Photography Competition is looking for photos of the Casey region in all its autumn glory this year to keep in the library’s local history archive and use for historical projects.

CCL chief executive Beth Luppino said collecting local history is an important part of the libraries’ function.

“The collection and preservation of our local history gives us an important perspective on how Casey has changed over

es up for the grabs for the best photo in each age category.

First prize in each of the two categories, which are split into a young adults and children under 16 category, will receive a $75 gift VISA gift card.

The runners-up and third place getters will cash in on a $50 and $25 visa gift card, respectively.

Submissions into the Landscapes of Casey Photography Competition opened on 1 March and will close on 31 May at 5pm.

To make a submission, head to cclc.vic. gov.au/landscapes-of-casey-photographycompetition

Local history librarian Kate with photos of Wilson Botanic Park from 1989. 322142 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Fed Uni welcomes a new year of forging professionalism

By Corey Everitt Federation University in Berwick has welcomed students to their first O-week of another year of creating young local professionals.

Food, music, art and sports capped off a fortnight of student orientation events.

The Berwick campus will be attended by 2300 students this year, including 900 new enrollments and 200 international students.

Fjolla Mucaj, a young woman from Springvale, is starting her first year at Berwick and is excited to begin studying IT and business.

“I’m looking forward to learning more about IT in detail,” she said.

“There are a lot of different pathways and jobs you can do, not just general IT, you can do architectural IT, anything.”

Through IT, Fjolla hopes to make a strong career while pursuing her passion for design and architecture.

Fjolla, being a South East local, finds the Berwick campus the most convenient for her.

She finds inspiration from her father who works in architecture solutions for Amazon.

20 STAR JOURNAL

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First-year student Fjolla Mucaj and head of campus at Berwick, Kathy Racunica.

Picture: STEPHANIE CHARALAMBOUS “I was going to do architecture, but my Dad influenced me to do IT because it’s a better pathway and it’s growing, I can still pursue architecture in IT,” she said.

“Maybe I can work for my Dad.” IT is one of the largest programs Federation University runs, which includes the university’s strong “co-op” model where education mixes with business to train and employ students more directly.

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

Kathy Racunica, the head of campus for the Berwick site, wants to deepen the links the university has with local industry and business.

“The opportunity for employment in our region is huge, so we facilitate the ballooning need for professional employment,” she said.

“Our strike rate is very high for employment of graduates, as well as a really high salary rate.”

As the pandemic has subsided, the demand for professional employment has grown and Kathy sees the campus as a key pillar to rebuild local industries.

“For example, the region is desperately needing more teachers, from primary to secondary, and we’ve got all the courses there to feed into the growing demand,” she said.

“Same with healthcare workers, we have a huge population of nurses and health professionals.”

The university’s links with locals continue to grow.

This year they begin their business accelerator, where local industry can work with the university to establish short courses designed

to upskill students in the ever-changing needs of industry.

Kathy takes pride in her university being ranked first in Victoria for undergraduate starting salaries in studies run by The Good University Guide, an indicator that the campus is integral to local and state industries.

Another key part of Federation University’s education is providing local young men and women equal opportunity to tertiary education.

Federation University has been number one in the country for most ‘first in family’ students for five years in a row.

Kathy believes it’s essential to provide this for the area.

“It’s a really fantastic achievement,” she said.

“Because with a huge multi-cultural, migrant population to be able to support higher education access in the region is just stunning.”

Federation University’s new year back on campus starts this week, with two weeks of orientations to begin the semester. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

WHAT’S ON Wachter Reserve, 133-155 Kingsclere Avenue, Keysborough.

Harmony Festival Free family activities, including international dress parade, concert, community stalls, cultural activities and foods. Stallholders can email expressions of interest to socialprescribing@snh.org.au Presented by Springvale Neighbourhood House.

- Sunday 19 March 11am-4pm at the Springvale Town Hall, 397-405 Springvale Road. Details: 9548 3972 or manager@snh.org.au

Easter bunny The Easter Bunny will be hopping into Dandenong Plaza giving out free Easter Eggs at Easter time. BYO your phone for a fun social media ‘selfie’ with the Easter Bunny.

Thursday, 6 April to Monday, 10 April (excluding Good Friday, 7 April), 11am-2pm at Dandenong Plaza. No bookings required, free.

·

CommSafe forum Victoria Police invites the public to talk about topics such as current crime trends, crime prevention, young people, family violence, road policing, drugs and drug-related crime. The forum will be run by a Victoria Police panel, with questions taken from the audience. Registration is a must, send your details and any dietary requirements to DANCOMMUNITYENGAGEME@ police.vic.gov.au Wednesday 22 March 9am-12.30pm at Tatterson Park Pavilion, 62 Chapel Road, Keysborough

Thai Chi and Awareness Meditation Tai Chi is a form of physical exercise aiding health and relaxation, following Shibashi DVDs to stretch the body and move into a state of calmness followed by Awareness Meditation.

Meditation harmonises the body, brings stillness and connects the soul to meaning. All welcome to join us for one or both of these workshops.

Mondays, 2pm-2.20pm (Tai Chi) and 2.30pm3.30pm (Awareness Meditation) at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong (excluding public and school holidays). Gold coin donation is welcome. Bookings: Jo or Tayla, 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au.

·

·

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

From 12pm-3pm on 26 March at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, 600 Princes Highway, Springvale. Details: 8558 8238 or info@ cafevita.org.au

Places of worship tours Bookings are open for Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network’s 2023 public tours to places of worship on Wednesdays 14 June, 9 August, 11 October, and 13 December 2023. Each tour features trips to four diverse places of worship for $25, plus a lunch for a $10-15 donation.

Payment of $25 is required prior to the tour to confirm your booking. Details via the Interfaith Network’s Community Education Officer, Stacey Odwazny at education@interfaithnetwork.org. au or 8774 7662.

·

Neighbourhood Watch public forum Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch is holding a public forum including safety information and a Q&A with guest speaker Sergeant Andrew Nisbet from the Victoria Police Forensic Unit. Andrew has worked on many major crime scenes, his presentation is not to be missed.

All residents welcome from Springvale, Noble Park, Keysborough , Bangholme and Dandenong.

Wednesday 29 March 2023, 7.30pm at Paddy O`Doughue Centre, 18 -34 Buckley Street Noble Park. Details: president@nhwgreaterdandenong.org or visit nhwgreaterdandenong.org

·

Magical market The Magical Getaway Foundation Market has relocated indoors. A wide variety of vendors will sell everything from fresh produce and baked goods to handmade crafts and jewellery. All stall holder fees and gold coin entry

Keysborough’s Big Picinic Bring your picnic blankets, chairs and snacks for a day of free activities for all ages. Join in at the annual Easter egg hunt, animal nursery, pet

donations will go to the Foundation.

Sunday 19 March, 10am to 3pm at Menzies Hall, 41 Menzies Ave, Dandenong North.

Details: rosemaryteed@magicalgetawayfoundation.org

· ·

Yoga Classes

photo booth, fun library activities, face painting, sports and games. Food stalls and trucks available.

Sunday 2 April, 11am-4pm at Frederick

·

For all ages, experience and abilities. Mats and other equipment available. No Booking required.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am-10.30am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $5 per class or $40 for 10 classes. Details: programs@nobleparkcc. org.au or 9547 5801

·

Become a foster carer

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Play a part

Play a part today. Call 1800 013 088 fosteringconnections.com.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

|

STAR JOURNAL 21

FREE Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Dandenong Star Journal or Endeavour Hills Doveton Hallam Star Journal from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

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• Dandenong North Dunearn Pharmacy 11a Dunearn Road • Dandenong North Coles Express 166 Heatherton Road & Stud Road • Dandenong North BP Service Station Heatherton Road & Stud Road • Dandenong North Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club 41a Latham Crescent • Dandenong North FoodWorks Menzies Cellars 52 Menzies Avenue • Dandenong North Menzies Milkbar 64 Menzies Avenue • Dandenong North IGA Friendly 54 Outlook drive • Dandenong North Liberty Fuel 182 Stud Road • Dandenong South Georges Lunch Box 22a Amberley Crescent • Dandenong South BP Service Station 175-187 Greens Road • Dandenong South Lunchmaster 3/491 Hammond Road • Dandenong South Kirkham Road Milk Bar 102 Kirkham Road • Dandenong South Woolworths Supermarket 81-125 Princes Highway • Dandenong South Shell Service Station 50 South Gippsland Highway • Dandenong South United Petroleum 314 South Gippsland Highway • Dandenong South Caltex Service Station 275-295 South Gippsland Highway • Dingley Village Dingley Village Newsagency Shop 2/79 Centre Dandenong Road • Doveton Doveton News and Lotto 7 Autumn Place • Doveton Bottle O 2-Apr Linden Place • Doveton Shell Service Station 48 Princes Highway • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue • Endeavour Hills Woolworths Service Station Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) • Endeavour Hills O’Brien Real Estate Shop PS 5A Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) • Endeavour Hills Coles Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre • Endeavour Hills Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre • Endeavour Hills 7 Eleven Endeavour Hills Cnr Heatherton Road & Power Road • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Milk Bar 13 Gleneagles Drive • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Medical Centre 61 Heatherton Road • Endeavour Hills Liberty Service Station 13-17 Heatherton Road

• Endeavour Hills Ocean Blue Milk Bar 90/92 John Fawker Drive • Endeavour Hills Nicholls Gledhill Real Estate 2 Raymond McMahon Boulevard • Eumemmerring Atura Hotel May-17 Doveton Avenue • Eumemmerring Caltex Woolworths Service Station 40/44 Princes Highway • Eumemmerring BP Service Station 60-64 Princes Highway • Hampton Park Hampton Park Library 26 Stuart Avenue • Keysborough Caltex Keysborough 248 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Parkmore Shopping Centre 317 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Barry Plant Real Estate Shop 1,320 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough 7 Eleven Keysborough 309 Cheltenham Road & Cnr Kingsclere Road • Keysborough Woolworths Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough Coles Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough O’Briens Real Estate Shop 6, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough City of Greater Dandenong Shop A07, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough Michaels IGA 466 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Keysborough Learning Centre 402 Corrigan Road • Keysborough Foodworks Keysborough 285-289 Corrigan Road • Mulgrave Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre 271 Police Road • Noble Park Sandown Park Hotel Corrigan Road • Noble Park Coles Supermarket 1 Douglas Street • Noble Park Noble Park Newsagency 22 Douglas Street • Noble Park Harvey Real Estate 26 Douglas Street • Noble Park Century 21 Real Estate 38 Douglas Street • Noble Park Ray White Real Estate 42 Douglas Street • Noble Park Caltex Woolworths Heatherton Rd & Chandler Highway • Noble Park Noble Park RSL 1128 Heatherton Road • Noble Park Lucky Star Lotto 1268 Heatherton Road • Noble Park Cellarbrations 3 Leonard Ave • Noble Park Noble Park Aquatic Centre 9 Memorial Drive • Noble Park Noble Park Community Centre Memorial Drive (Ross Reserve) • Noble Park Noble Park Bowls Club 56 Moodemere Street • Noble Park Barry Plant Real Estate 390 Princes Highway • Noble Park Harrisfield Milkbar 519 Princes Highway

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

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When it comes to renovations in the bathroom (or wet rooms in general) it’s often assumed that you’re best to leave it to the professionals.

After all, the idea of laying new tiles, grouting from scratch, or replacing outdated cabinetry can be intimidating and time consuming for many, even for someone who has done their fair share of DIYs. However, easy-to-use products such as the Dulux Renovation Range can make even the most daunting of tasks seem straightforward.

It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for areas like the laundry and bathroom, and a concept that your hip pocket will thank you for! Instead of replacing your old cabinetry, use products from the Dulux Renovation Range to brighten and refresh the room, and replace the old handles or knobs with some new bling from your local hardware store.

There’s no need to fork out and retile your wet areas, you can simply freshen them up with a few coats of your favorite on-trend colour. Even the grout can be refreshed and will work wonders to change the look and feel of your space.

The Dulux Renovation Range can be used to update everything from tiled flooring and walls, plastic and vinyl cabinet doors, through to stone or laminate benchtops to look brand new.

Dulux Colour and Communications Manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr, says colour choice should always be based on the final look you are trying to achieve in the room, taking into consideration the ambience, lighting and how you intend to use the space.

“White is often a popular choice for the bathroom, particularly on the walls and vanity tiles, as it’s flattering on the skin under both natural and artificial lighting – important where mirrors are frequently used – and can make a space appear bigger than it actually is,” Andrea says.

“To add personality to the space, look to deep-sea blues and charcoals like Dulux Ticking for your cabinetry. Adding texture and subtle pops of colour throughout with towels, bathroom mats and benchtop accessories like soap dishes, toothbrush holders and plant pots is also a fantastic way to liven up the space for a fresh look and feel,” Andrea adds.

So, whether you are tackling a full room makeover or just want to jazz up certain areas of your laundry or bathroom, the Renovation Range caters to all needs, offering an afford-

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PAGE 8

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ham,” Mr Staindl said. closer to “You can travel into Berwick or as much but the city and you’re paying twice here in Pakenham, you can get four-bedroom for around houses under 10 years of age of first home $600,000 to $650,000, so for a lot

buyers it’s quite appealing.” increase, With interest rates continuing to to borrow as first home buyers won’t be able much as they would have previously.

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said preventing dog attacks from occurring “has to start with education”.

He said the wave of ‘pandemic pets’ who had not been socialised as puppies was an issue that couldn’t be ignored by owners or council.

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“We all know people who bought dogs during Covid who couldn’t be socialised due to restrictions, yet our council properly does noth“They provide no education whatsoever, yet they have thousands of dollars in pet regMr Cini, who started his dog training ness after noticing the need for specialisedbusiservices for his dog Sasha, said he had personally offered to provide free training for dog owners to prevent dog attacks in the municipality, but

@StarNews_SE /Cranbournestarnews “Most people see a wagging tail munity.com.au and they Power Pooches’ Jake Cini and Sasha, cranbournenews.starcom think of a happy dog, but that who are advocating for increased is not the case at

40¢ Inc. GST

education for dog owners. 240150

Exciting Gracious to walk down the street sustained in the attack. when dogs are not contained were also used for education programs Successful Eagles to their property,” he said. on reOlympian and not have a fear of dogs rushing us or ownThe school girl and her parents Grigson sponsible pet ownership, including are underroad shows “Dogs that have not been adequately crackdown stood to be mentally shaken by add pace so- and events, the Maternal and Child the attack, but inspires Tooradin backcialised with It comes after a series of dog attacks gives Health other animals are also more likely Centre’s in the are grateful their dog and daughter We Are Family program and education on hoons are alive. to demonstrate aggression students “I want to be able

Two dogs were seized by Casey

Council7ofPAGE

PAGE 2

underwent a six-hour operation

for injuries he

City of Casey manager of safer communi10 PAGE ties Daniel Osborne said the matter remains

dog rushes occur

if they find themSPORT selves not contained to their property, which can lead to instances of dog attacks.

12496498-DL22-21

“Keeping your dogs securely confined to your property, and ensuring they are always under effective control when out, are key measures to keep your pets and the community He said pet registration fees help council provide a number of services, including reuniting lost pets with owners, investigating dog attacks, puppy farms, and prosecuting of-

in schools on safety around animals.

But Mr Cini said he remained sceptical about council’s investment in education for dog owners.

“A lot of people are misinformed about the reasons their dog might have social issues,” he said.

“We have to have proper education programs...why not give [owners] a quick online test or a copy of the legal requirement of owning a dog when they register their pets?”

In 2020/21, there was a total of 237 reported dog attacks in the City of Casey, 151 of the attacks on dogs and 51 attacks on humans.

GP Run cancelled Mr Osborne added that registrations

fees

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on the fivethe same period in 2021, and seven year average.

Speaking on those events, Superintendent John Road Policing Operations & Investigation as a “worryFitzpatrick described the increase of the vulnering trend” and issued a reminder abilities of motorcycle riders. some of the “These figures are alarming and coming is that AUTOBARN anecdotal evidence that we see to sitting out of Covid-19, people aren’t used NARRE WARREN and they’re Cnr Narre Warren in traffic for long periods of time Cranbourne Nth & maybe alHigh Street shopping precinct in choosing a mode of transport that Lauderdale Rds Gippsland Tuesday, 9 August, 2022 Fitzpatrick before proceeding down the South lows them to (avoid) that,” Supt Highway for the big race. said on Saturday 23 July.

Patteron motorpeople more City of Casey chief executive Glenn many seeing “We’re a number of son said the council attributed bikes than we’ve seen ever before. was not made a bike, it’s factors to their decision, which “Driving a motorcar and riding lightly. a shared responsibility about understanding the signifiwhat’s around “Council has taken into account where you are on the road and the disruption about cant costs of running the event, you. We ask people to please be sensible moaware of the they ride to local traffic and we are also the way they drive and the way of Cranfrustration experienced by a number torbikes.” disof bourne businesses, who face considerable President of the Cranbourne Chamber to seeing decision ruption due to the road closure, without Commerce Jeremy Dart said the said. given the an increase in patronage,” Mr Patterson cancel the event was “short-sighted”, dandenong.starcommun budget and to take ity.com.au “We will be retaining this event missed opportunity for local traders /DandenongJournal com@StarJournal_SE of the increased patronage. are investigating options for another advantage 40¢ Inc. GST area that offeedback munity event in the Cranbourne While the Chamber has received benefits to aligning with fers greater enjoyment and more from some retailers in the region to be anto the residents and ratepayers, with details 199533 Casey’s hypothesis that the disruption The last Cranbourne GP Run in 2019. problematic, nounced at a future date.” roads and their businesses was 60 per options relationship between riders and The City of Casey said approximately and they’ll be spend- ness of the he was disappointed that alternative was required will be at Phillip Island, vehicles. approved. cent of the $93,000 event budget money down there instead.” to see how had not been to the of the PAGE “We need to encourage people 2 South Gippsland ing their to manage the closure “It does bring significant numbers that4Casey would have PAGE He said he hoped a valid form of transport. arePAGE Highway for the event. the specific precinct,” Mr Dart said. too late, allowing the two-wheelers 9 road-user region and Motorcycle a “re-think” before it’s SPORT would “We’re the most vulnerable John Eacott from the Victorian “To allow a different model to exist pathto proceed after a two-year absence. with event “extremely protected was of are council plenty the are Victo- group. Pedestrians Council (VMC) said better option. There decision.

“It’s not just locals and people within cyclist have bike lanes. be a much the back (of High Street) that disappointed” with the City of Casey’s thing. Peo- ways and crossings; facilities out constantly ria who attend - it’s a nation-wideSouth Wales, We’re out there in the middle of the traffic but festival still.

“The VMC had years of working would allow them to still have a road congestion).” ple come from Queensland, New said. get-to- we are such a solution (to some foresight, it would annual been an with the City of Casey,” Mr Eacott is there GP “Had The re in Australia.

South The issue has come into sharp focus

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Husband and wife, principal and assistant principal.

WINTER “It’s a big deal. They really love it,” she says.

2022 “Everyone needs to be acknowledged at least one day a year.”

Her husband and principal Kevin says it goes to how much the school’s team cares.

Next term, the couple will face their own special day – their last day at the school that they have served for such an extraordinary time.

Mr and Ms Mackay have been there for 39 years and 36 years, respectively.

All up, their teaching careers have spanned 60 years and 45 years.

On 4 October, they will mark their retirement with a massive ‘general assembly’ at Dandenong High School hall.

Kevin and Jenny Mackay have served Mr Mackay OAM said it would Dandenong North Primary School be the first as principal and assistant principal assembly since the Covid pandemic’s for nearly four decades. 292591 start.

“It’s been an enormous part, where Picture: GARY SISSONS I get to food parcels or writing to government teach all the kids for half an hour. agen- follow each other to Dandenong We’ve missed cies on their behalf.

North Pri- the best teachers I’ve that, so it will be good to have a met. mary School. last one.

“And that kids know that you like “As the school became more complex “It’s going to be hard to avoid tears.” them. You Alarm bells rang for over have staff here that care about them – they’ll principal Mr Mackay the newly-appointed many years, Jenny’s experience has helped In their time, the school has built adwhen his wife was ap- dress an envi- ask the kids to ‘tell me more’. They go that the complexities. able reputation to bringing out the extra pointed to join the school. mile. best in from more than 50 diverse backgrounds. kids “From the synergies of effort you Mr Mackay worried about how get more “I think all the Dandenong schools to handle bang for your buck do a ter- the potential conflicts Its cutting-edge programs have than just two people. We’re of interest and staff dis- more been docu- rific job at that.” like two-and-a-half.” mented in award-winning films. harmony.

While deputy principal at Clayton Meanwhile, Ms Mackay Primary What makes the school special “We made it work,” he said. “And School in the 1980’s, Mr Mackay thank God cipal as an “incredibly describes the prinmet a first- she was appointed “warmth”, Ms Mackay says. The school is its creative and lateral here. ensures year teacher Jenny. thinker” who will always look for the families get what they need a better way “My job is to get the best teachers – whether it’s They of course later married, and I possibly of doing things. were to can to work with the children. Jenny is one of Continued page 10

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art galIn late June, plans to build a $50 million art - alongside lery - with $500 million worth of in the semia restaurant and function centre approved by rural suburb of Harkaway were the State Government. opposed But local residents, who have long say they the development of Rosemaur Gallery, the decision. are “surprised and saddened” by resThe approved plans for the gallery, cater for a taurant and function centre will with up to maximum of 300 patrons at a time, quarterly 580 patrons permitted during large events.

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STAR JOURNAL 25

SPORT

Cooper proves his class

By Jonty Ralphsmith There have been four components of Beaconsfield’s monopoly in the Turf 2 competition this season: Tyler Clark, the growth of young role players, Mark Cooper and increased unity.

The common denominator that binds each is Cooper.

Clark, the opening batter who has provided ubiquitous contributions all season, played a season with the 33-year-old at Kooweerup prior to arriving at the Tigers.

The left-hand-right-hand opening pairing has worked wonders for Beaconsfield as their off-field friendship filters into on-field chemistry.

Each has the instinct to know when to go and when to play second-fiddle.

Part of Clark’s development this season has been the increased expanse in his stroke-play, something for which Cooper’s coaching is directly attributed.

With so much experience and cricket nous to his name, he judges the state of the game and bats accordingly.

In a grand final against a perennially strong team, he assessed early and never lost patience nor got bogged down in scoring 60 off 109 balls.

Intertwined with that philosophy at the crease is that he never plays beyond his means.

A foundation-setter who can play an anchor role, rarely this season did he play a lowpercentage shot.

At Perc Allison Reserve, players having a clear understanding of their roles has been crucial, given how tricky it has proven to play in the past.

Jesse Busacca’s twin quickfire cameos in each of the finals this season has been a perfect example of a player developing into their ability.

Meanwhile, just to qualify for the final re-

If there was a photo that encapsulated Beaconsfield’s dominance, this from Tigers snapper Tim Renwick would be it. 323729 quired a herculean effort from a middle-order player with Cooper and Tyler Clark out cheaply.

Riley Clark’s 72 last week is one that has come on the back of technical work with Cooper in the nets.

Tielen’s is another story of growth under the tutelage of Cooper after being a bowler opposition team’s might target as a weak link earlier in the season.

Cooper’s experience breathes an air of calm

and confidence which had a young squad firing for the right two weeks of the season.

The success of the Tigers in this, their 100th season, extended beyond the First XI with all five senior teams reaching the semis.

While it was only Cooper’s men that reached the big dance, many attribute the holistic growth of the club to a newfound unity at Perc Allison.

The club completed the premiership with an 87-run win over Cranbourne, humble in

defeat but never in the contest after leaking 187.

Cooper’s 60 and Busacca’s quickfire late cameo set up the Tigers before opening bowlers Cal Tout and Tielen kept it quiet upfront.

While the seamers were economical, the tweakers got all 10 wickets, led by five to Cooper.

A premiership built on everyone playing their roles: the Cooper way.

Dandy West turn dominance into a dream premiership

By Jonty Ralphsmith It was the day of Nuwan and season of improvement for Dandenong West.

In the Bulls’ first season down in Turf 3 of the Dandenong District Cricket Association, they had the former Sri Lankan international heralding a deep side with a mix of youth and experience.

Kulasekara got 88 not out and 2/25 in the grand final.

Opponents Coomoora, the clear next-best all season, was on the back foot either side of a well-constructed 105-run fifth wicket partnership between skipper Liam Hard and Charith Fernando.

Dandy West’s ascendancy got off on the foot of controversy.

Opener Lance Baptist left a ball alone before lackadaisically wandering out of his crease for the briefest of moments, when ‘keeper Dyl Diacono pounced with a stumping.

It cued questions about whether the ball was dead, given Diacono didn’t immediately release the ball.

Kulasekara struck twice the following over, removing Coomoora’s two best batters, Rahoul Pankhania looking to clear the infield and Dean Krelle with an in-swinging yorker.

Coach Andy O’Meara’s confidence on the sidelines when Nick Suppree fell shortly thereafter illustrated the faith the club has in its deep batting order.

After stemming the loss of wickets and seeing off the quick bowlers, Hard and Fernando really got going against spinners Malinga Bandara and Shaun Weir.

Fernando looked to come down the wicket when possible and Hard was beaten and struck on the pad several times.

In between, he crashed one off the back foot that just about went into nearby backyards and, interspersed with his slot balls, he increasingly pushed his defensive prods into gaps.

The highlight of Fernando’s innings, 26 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

The Bulls celebrate the premiership. 323335

Dyl Diacono was alert enough to execute a magnificent momentum-asserting stumping. 323348 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Malinga Bandara and Nuwan Kulasekara have been so important for the Bulls in 202223. 323335

meanwhile, was an off-drive onto the Lois Twohig Reserve clubrooms which would have gone 90 metres.

The pair was each dismissed virtually immediately after reaching 50 with the death overs still to come.

Their premature dismissals wiped at least 20 runs off what they at one stage looked like getting – ultimately, Kulasekara’s masterclass meant it would have mattered little regardless.

In response, Diacono saw the shine off the new ball before Nathan Power batted through with Nuwan Kulasekara He’s smashed runs, taken wickets, kept it tight but arguably more importantly, Kulasekara’s taught.

Lankan international Bandara.

Perhaps the only question mark in a season that’s had just one loss is the sustainability of Kulasekara getting the Bulls out of jail.

For all the maturity of Dandy West as a team, they would likely have lost all three clashes with Coomoora if not for the 40-yearold whose return remains unclear.

Regardless, Dandy West is back amongst it in Turf 2, where they probably feel as though they belong and at a level more cognisant with the standard of cricket their individuals are capable of.

Brannan has seen the maturity of batters Diacono, Bailey Howarth and Nathan Power.

In preseason, Brannan lauded Kualsekara opening himself up as a resource for others to tap into.

He’s brought in drills and added leadership which has allowed for the advent of more individualised coaching within the group.

Left-armer Noman Khan, who has opened the bowling in recent weeks for the Bulls, is another magnificent storyline of a diamond in the rough.

As well as Kulasekara, the club has leveraged off the experience of Brannan, Shaun Weir, Peter Atkinson, and fellow former Sri

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SPORT

Bloods survive off Rays ready to Sting the the blade of Baxter opposition

By Marcus Uhe History will repeat itself in Saturday’s DDCA Turf 1 Grand Final after Springvale South earned the right to defend its premiership against Buckley Ridges with a four-wicket preliminary final win over Hallam Kalora Park.

The Bloods survived a middle-order collapse, and a Hawks side feeling that they had nothing to lose, to secure a spot in the decider against the team they defeated in last year’s big dance.

All-rounder Blade Baxter was sensational in both disciplines, taking 4/46 from his 12 overs and finishing 55 not out, striking the winning runs with a lofted drive in the second-last over amid fading sunlight at Alex Nelson Reserve.

Having not been utilised until the 21st over in last week’s semi final, stand-in skipper Jordan Wyatt threw the veteran left-armer the ball in the ninth over as the Bloods looked to break another sturdy Hawks’ opening partnership.

Wyatt was given captaincy duties due to Ryan Quirk’s unavailability, who suffered a fractured foot at football training on Monday night and watched the game on crutches from the sidelines.

Barring a miraculous recovery, he is unlikely to be available for this week’s grand final.

While Leigh Booth and Jagveer Hayer were not scoring freely, both looked comfortable at the crease as the Springvale South seamers struggled for discipline and impact on the docile wicket.

No boundaries came from the blade until a Booth on-drive at the end of the 10th over, but the opening bowling pair of Yoshan Kumara and Josh Dowling bowled 13 extras in the first six overs.

Baxter’s introduction to the crease caused instant issues for the batters, with Booth struck on the pads twice in one of Baxter’s early overs.

The partnership was broken on 67 when Kumara and Paul Hill combined for a run-out after some indecision from batters left Booth short of his ground on 31.

Hayer departed two overs later for 21 as Hill’s excellent day behind the stumps began to take shape, grasping a sharp catch while standing-up to the stumps off the bowling of Jackson Sketcher.

Hill soon had Matthew Cox sensationally stumped off a leg-side wide from Sketcher in the 27th over, and took another close catch off Baxter to remove Ryan Hillard as the Hawks had ground to a halt at 4/87 in the 31st over.

Sketcher (2/17 off seven) and finger spinner Jarryd Straker (0/8 from seven with four maidens) had the Hawks in a middle-overs chokehold, with no boundaries struck between the 19th and 31st overs as Hallam scored at just over one run per over during that stretch.

Following Ben Hillard’s dismissal at 5/95, Jordan Hammond began to free his arms to

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Springvale South wicketkeeper Paul Hill performs a miraculous leg-side stumping to remove Picture: GARY SISSONS Hawks’ coach Matthew Cox. 323332 ensure he and his fellow bowlers had something to defend in the second innings.

The final 10 overs elicited 67 runs, with the captain top-scoring with 40 off 66 to set Springvale South 161 for victory.

Needing early wickets, Hammond turned to his leading wicket taker in Sachith Jayasingha to partner William Whyte with the new ball, and immediately his variations troubled Mitch Forysth, who survived multiple appeals for LBW off the spinner’s bowling.

But in spite of the slow surface, it was the Hallam’s seamers who had the most success.

Hammond got through the defences of Forsyth in the 11th over to ignite his side and spark a rapid swing in momentum.

The captain had Quirk’s replacement in Jordan Mackenzie out in his next over, for a boundary-laden 27, before the wickets of Wyatt and Sketcher in consecutive Lauchlan Gregson deliveries sent the Hawks into raptures.

Suddenly, the star-studded ladder leaders, the only undefeated side in the home-andaway season, had lost 4/13 in four overs and were on the back foot at 4/52.

When Cam Forysth chopped-on off Whyte, on the first ball after drinks at 5/79, the prospect of bombing-out in straight sets was becoming more and more real for the defending champions.

It was time for another Baxter late-innings fightback, having dug his side out of trouble against Narre South and Buckley Ridges in critical contests earlier in the year.

With the game in the balance, Hammond turned to Booth in a decision that would prove costly, as Kumara and Baxter wrestled-back some control.

Much like the first innings, the Bloods didn’t

find the boundary rope between the 20th and 30th over, as the colourful bowling pair of Whyte and Lee Brown seized the opportunity to apply a sleeper-hold of their own.

But Booth’s 10-ball over, which featured a knee-high full toss dispatched for four, two wides and two no-balls, relieved some pressure on the home side.

Hammond was forced to bring himself back on, and had Kumara given out LBW in his first over back, to grab his third in what was becoming an incredible performance from the former Wookey medalist.

The Hawks were now four wickets away from an unlikely grand final berth as the run rate drew nearer to a run-a-ball.

Had Cox held-on to a difficult catch off Hill at first slip from the spin of Jayasingha, the challenge may well have been too much for the Bloods to overcome.

But Baxter’s cool head was the major wicket remaining.

In Hammond’s final over, he struck a glorious lofted drive that hung in the air with a fielder circling underneath.

Cries of “caaaaaaaaatch” punctuated the Springvale surrounds, before an uncomfortable silence, punctured by the clang of leather on aluminum as the ball crashed into the roof of the bench behind the bowler’s arm.

It reduced the equation to just 15 required off the final four overs, which they reached in the penultimate set of six.

It sets-up a mouth-watering replay of the 2021/22 decider, and the epic semi final from last week against their rivals from Park Oval.

The DDCA Turf 1 Grand Final will begin at 11am on Saturday at Berwick’s Arch Brown Reserve.

Southside all square in semi-final series

By Marcus Uhe It’s crunchtime for the Southside Flyers in their WNBL best of three semi-final series against the Melbourne Boomers, with the series locked at one win apiece.

The Flyers won the opening contest at Rowville’s State Basketball Centre on Wednesday night 84-76, before the Boomers answered back on Saturday in a convincing 96-77 result to square the ledger.

Southside sorely missed their All WNBL First Team forward Kayla Thornton in Saturday’s loss, who was unavailable after rolling her ankle in game one.

The U.S import became entangled with an opponent while navigating a screen early in the fourth quarter and was substituted out of the contest shortly after, not returning to the court in the final eight minutes of the game.

It adds to an already weakened front court for the Flyers who are missing superstar Lauren Jackson, who succumbed to a foot injury dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Maddison Rocci filled the box score for the Flyers in game two.

Picture: SUPPLIED and an Achilles tendon tear in February.

Thornton had once again shown her class up until the incident, scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds as part of a balanced scoring effort by her side, with all starters scoring in double figures, led by Rebecca Cole’s 17.

Her status ahead of game three is yet to be determined.

Both teams jumped to early leads in the two contests that would prove crucial in determining victory.

Abby Bishop free-throws gave the Flyers the lead with 3.23 left in the first quarter of game one, sparking a 13-3 run to close the opening period for a 25-15 lead, an ascendancy that was never relinquished.

While in the return bout, the Boomers scored the opening nine points of the contest to bounce to a 27-13 lead at the end of the first quarter, and never looked back.

League MVP Cayla George responded from the loss with 28 points, six rebounds and four assists in a dominant performance for Melbourne.

Sara Blicavs led the Boomers in scoring in the second outing with 15 points and Maddison Rocci (11 points, nine rebounds, eight assists) fell just shy of a triple-double.

The series will be decided on Wednesday night at the State Basketball Centre.

Dandenong Stingrays kick off their season this weekend against the Sydney Swans academy at Bluescope Recreation Centre in Hastings.

The 2023 season will be the first fulllength season for the girls, bringing them in line with the boys program.

A change of sponsor has seen the name change to the Coates Talent League for 2023.

First-year senior coach Josh Moore possesses one of the strongest squads in the league and is bullish about the potential development.

“We’re fairly quick and fit so we want the girls to take the game on and run, take risks and showcase their talent,” he said.

“The girls have never had such a long preseason so we’ve broken it down into different blocks: technique of fundamentals, conditioning, game-sense, structure and how to set up offensively and defensively.

“We want them to have confidence taking a risk.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH JEMMA RAMSDALE: Berwick’s Ramsdale will skipper the Rays in 2023. An excellent season as a high defender in 2022 gives her a strong base to work off.

MIKAYLA WILLIAMSON: A natural athlete and excellent runner, Williamson is perfectly suited to modern AFLW football. Turns 18 next August, yet already has 16 games of experience under her belt across two seasons, showing she can do damage on the outside with her endurance. The Pines prospect is part of the AFLW academy and Vic Country hub.

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. It is not believed that is where she will play if she makes it to the top level. Thus, the Dandenong coaching staff are keen to tap into her skill-set and competitive edge and trial her in other areas of the ground.

Is another one who has exposed form across two NAB League seasons already.

Ran an impressive yo-yo test in the Talent League preseason testing day last week and is part of the Vic Country hub.

MEG ROBERTSON: A genuine inside midfielder who was part of the Vic Country hub, the Berwick prospect can push forward and hit the scoreboard and will be given the chance in the Rays engine room this season. Averaged 12 possessions and three tackles last season. Has a basketball background which helps her read the play, make sound decisions and get out of tight situations. One of the better performed players in match-simulation recently, and also showed her clearing ability in a practice match against Eastern last week. The most likely currently outside Vic Country to push in.

JEMMA REYNOLDS: A small forward who can pinch through midfield, the Langwarrin prospect’s pace and skill-set will be looked upon favourably by those that matter.

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.

Tuesday, 14 March, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 27

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242 Jells Road, Wheelers Hill 28 STAR JOURNAL

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