Dandenong Star Journal - 17th October 2023

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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Hotel charges twist

Voice silenced

Palestinians speak out

Sports clubs robbed

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Moordialloc MP Tim Richardson MP, with Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib temple’s Jaspreet Kaur and president Hermail Singh and Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad. 366660 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Road to turmoil

By Sahar Foladi Greater Dandenong Council has been accused of covering up a lack of transparency over a Keysborough road upgrade that is now drawing safety fears.

The project rebuilds a 850-metre section of Perry Road between Greens Road and Pacific Drive with its stated objective to increase safety and reduce congestion.

But councillor Rhonda Garad called for an immediate halt and an internal inquiry after raising “deeply disturbing” details in a council meeting on Monday 9 October.

This included the council allegedly ignoring a contractor’s recommendation for a slip-lane for traffic to safely access adjoining properties.

Cr Garad said she was falsely reassured by council that consultations had taken place with Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib temple and Mt Hira College located on Perry Road.

“I was told there had been two years of consultation with the temple. This is incorrect.”

Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib president Hermail Singh is demanding answers and proof. He denies the council made any contact with the Sikh temple about the works, to which

they were unaware of up until August this year.

“They say we’ve had communications of two years. That must’ve been a huge log of conversation, we want that produced.

“That is a big lie.

“For a democratic and multicultural country like Australia, that’s a disgrace on the system.”

The temple claims it found out about the upcoming project after a letter dated 25 July of this year from the contractor, AWS Civil warned of the dangers of the final product.

“I just don’t understand how this has hap-

pened and how it wasn’t picked up earlier,” Cr Garad said.

“We’re having this conversation now when works have started. It’s very distressing.”

Just like the temple, Mt Hira College states it was not aware of the upgrade. It had neither seen any plans on the works, nor been communicated with by the council.

Both Mr Singh and Mt Hira College business manager, Muhammad Ali Choudhry say they’re all for upgrades, but necessary road safety measures were necessary.

Continued page 4

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One of the giant River Red Gums on the edge of the site. Greater Dandenong Council argue the trees can co-exist with the apartment Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS project. 352897

An illustrated view of the approved apartments from Douglas Street, Noble Park.

Gum trees’ legal lifeline

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Armed with legal advice, Greater Dandenong Council is “considering its options” on saving giant River Red Gum trees in central Noble Park.

Council chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said the council was looking to “potentially” protect the “significant” trees on the edge of a development site at 51A Douglas Street – at least the ones on Council-owned land.

One of the trees is on council land, and the other is half on private and half on council land.

“Council is strongly committed to enhancing tree canopy in our city and protecting significant historic trees.”

Only recently, the council had claimed it was powerless to reverse Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny’s approval of a six-storey apartment tower on the site.

She had approved the developer’s wish to remove three River Red Gums, despite the council’s opposition.

A “thrilled” councillor Rhonda Garad said legal advice seemed to confirm that the council owned or partially owned two of the remnant trees.

“We’re writing to the Planning Minister and the developer explaining that they can’t proceed because we’re at least partial owners.

They will have to negotiate with us.”

The permit may be illegal because the council’s ownership of the trees wasn’t consid-

ered, Cr Garad said.

“Our hope is that it will be negotiated back to what we wanted in the first place.

“Council has always been pushing to have greater setbacks, and a softer design that’s not so greatly out of sync with Noble Park.”

She said the passionate resident-led campaign helped turn the tide.

“It’s a good outcome for everybody. Sometimes you get a win – it’s rare but it’s nice.”

Resident Gaye Guest paid tribute to resident Mark Dalton, who had written to the then-Premier and Mulgrave MP Daniel Andrews.

The response from Mr Andrews’s office suggested the council had a say in the trees’ fate.

“He opened the door enough for Council to

seek legal advice and now look at the outcome!

“Residents are now standing up and saying they have had enough of their heritage being destroyed because things are done ad hoc and rushed.”

She noted it was too late for 66 River Red Gums that were sawn down along Mons Parade as part of the Government’s sky-rail project in 2016.

The 51A Douglas Street trees were the last remnants of the species in central Noble Park, she said.

“We need to preserve and revere the last remnant stock – the size and majestic aesthetics of these trees will never otherwise be seen in our lifetime.”

Moggy magic

Sharing of food with a large public audience. 366676

Sharing food. 366676

Buddhist festival all about sharing love

Spooky pups and witch cats are gearing up a ‘Howl-oween’ fundraiser at Australian Animal Protection Society.

The creepy theme is part of the Keysborough shelter’s annual drive Snores for Paws.

This year, AAPS staff and volunteers will sleep out with the shelter animals, hoping to raise $10,000 towards a laser therapy machine for its vet clinic.

“A laser therapy machine will improve healing times for AAPS’ medical patients housed at the shelter,” AAPS chief executive Megan Secull said.

“This would enable us to rehome animals sooner, reducing an animal’s length of stay and AAPS’ housing costs, and ultimately enabling AAPS to assist even more animals in need.”

Snores for Paws is on Saturday 28 October.

Details: aaps.org.au

Thousands of worshippers packed the Wot Buddhasangi temple in Springvale South for the annual Pchum Ben festival in Saturday 14 October.

During the ceremonies, prayers and gifts were exchanged with monks including the Buddhist temple’s abbot The Most Venerable Sudhep Nan. The celebration also featured a plentiful feast for the massive gathering.

Food and prayer at the Pchum Ben festival.

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The Most Venerable Sudhep Nan, Abbot of Wat Buddharangsi Melbourne at the Pchum Ben festival. 366676 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

Tiffany Murray from Australian Animal Protection Society with five-year-old cat Little.

364726 Picture: GARY SISSONS dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Farag seeks charges drop

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Dandenong hotel developer may seek to have charges against him thrown out after a diary bungle by the prosecuting law firm.

Emad Farag and his company E & M Farag Pty Ltd are contesting Greater Dandenong Council’s allegations of failing to fix an alleged litany of fire-safety risks at the City Edge apartment hotel at 229 Thomas Street.

The council also charged both Farag and the company of occupying the building’s first-floor offices while it was still allegedly defective and without an occupancy permit.

However in a special mention hearing on 11 October, Farag’s lawyer flagged that he may apply for a ‘permanent stay’ due to the council failing to provide a full brief and submissions by the due date.

The case has dragged on through several adjournments since 2021, with magistrate Jason Ong ordering both parties to file submissions by 9 October.

“The prosecution (Greater Dandenong Council) has not filed any submissions at all so we have not complied,” the defence lawyer said.

Delays were causing escalating costs to Farag, and that they would later “consider his position on making an application for a permanent stay”, the lawyer said.

The council’s prosecuting lawyer Mathew Sherwell apologized for failing to provide a full brief and submissions on time.

“I have to apologise to the court. We have not filed or served a full brief to the accused.

“I can only express the unhappiness about the position I find myself in.”

Sherwell said the error lay with his law firm.

It had omitted to enter the task in its diary after the magisterial orders were made in June.

“That matter got missed and it didn’t get done.”

The oversight wasn’t realised until a meeting

The City Edge hotel at 229 Thomas Street Dandenong is the subject of a long-running prosecution by Greater Dandenong Council. 269928 Picture: ROB CAREW with Farag’s lawyer the day before the meeting, he said.

Late on the same day, the law firm received all the material – “many hundreds of documents” - from Greater Dandenong Council.

It would require another four weeks to complete the brief, Sherwell told the court.

Magistrate Ong noted the contest mention was not until March 2024. The hearing on 11 October was to ensure matters

were progressing.

He said the test for a permanent stay was for Farag to show that prejudice was caused.

The next special mention was listed for 12 February 2024.

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Bid to halt childcare

By Matthew Sims A group of Narre Warren North residents have made a final plea to Casey Council to reconsider its “communistic” approval of a childcare centre to be developed on 154 Drysdale Avenue in Narre Warren North.

Casey Council approved a planning permit for the use and development of a childcare centre on the land on Tuesday 3 October, with the demolition of the $1.9 million house at the property expected soon.

The plans outlined a $2.9 million early childhood education facility at the site, which would accommodate 110 places.

Highgrange Estate resident Sienna Dimarco said the last 12 months of advocating against the development was an “exhausting” battle with Casey Council’s planning department to convince them that the site’s Development Plan Overlay (DPO) should be scrapped.

“This DPO has given residents no rights to notice or appeal and has given us all extreme stress, anger, frustration and depression as town planners advised us that our objections were merely seen as submissions for consideration, and that we cannot appeal to VCAT should an application be approved,” she said.

“This is communistic behaviour and surely can not be legal in Australia.”

Casey Council planning and building manager Tania Asper said there was no requirements for a planning permit or public consultation before the existing house is demolished.

“In August, council was notified of a demolition permit approved by a private building

surveyor,” she said.

“On 3 October, council approved a planning permit for the use and development of a childcare centre on the land.

“The decision was subject to a full assessment of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Casey Planning Scheme.”

Ms Asper said Casey Council notified all submitters of the decision via mail on Wednesday 4 October.

“The application was exempt from public notice requirements and certain decision requirements and review rights under relevant sections of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 as the site is covered by a Development Plan Overlay,” she said.

“Council cannot comment on when and if the project will commence.

“The planning permit allows two years for the development to commence and four years for the development to be completed.”

According to the 2021 Census, there were 356 children aged zero to four years in Narre Warren North.

A newly constructed and operational centre has been operating less than two kilometres away from the proposed planning permit at 1 Capra Court, accommodating more than 130 children aged six weeks to six years, while another centre accommodates more than 100 children at 280-283 Belgrave-Hallam Road, about 3.5 kilometres away from the proposed development.

Other centres were currently operating in Narre Warren, Narre Warren North, Endeavour

Hills, and Hallam, with all centres confirming they were not operating to full capacity and had vacancies available in 2023/2024.

Ms Dimarco said the development would breach several conditions of Casey Council’s Non-Residential Use policy guidelines within the council’s Planning Scheme, including adverse impacts to the residential amenity and the overall character of Highgrange Estate.

“The plan to put a double storey 110-place childcare centre in this location is absolutely absurd and also considering one has also been built less than 300 metres away on the next corner is a lack in duty of care when assessing ‘over-saturation’ of a particular service,” she said.

“The entry to this childcare centre is going to be in Drysdale Avenue as soon as residents turn in to the estate.

“This will detrimentally impact traffic trying to get in or out of the estate.”

During Parliament on Thursday 5 October, South-Eastern MP Ann-Marie Hermans raised a question to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny about why residents were not allowed to seek a review of the application under the DPO. “This raises concerns about the coordination and communication between the council and property owners or developers,” she said.

“With Casey council under this government’s administration, residents want to know why council chose to use the development plan overlay, denying residents a chance to seek review.”

Road to turmoil, says critics of upgrade From page 1 According to Mr Singh if this upgrade goes ahead without a slip lane and a footpath allowing a safe entry into the temple, there will be massive road safety concerns.

“We have a lot of people coming to the temple who use public transport and they have to stop before the Greens Road intersection and walk on the grass on the side of the road. It’s very unsafe.”

The temple and school is surrounded by industrial sites and share the 80km/h single lane road with semi-trailers. Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib serves an extraordinary 500 people daily from the community in a langar, a communal meal for not just Sikhs but visitors from all backgrounds and religions. The langar is from 5am to 9pm every day with over 2,000 served over the weekend. Currently, temple goers are forced to make a hard right-turn off Perry Road to enter the temple site, Mr Singh says.

“We already get a lot of honking. As a single lane, drivers get upset sometimes and we can’t imagine how much worse it can get post-construction. Right now, it’s easier with a single lane considering we don’t have any footpath, or bus lanes but if the road upgrade will see a double lane, it makes it much worse.”

AWS seemingly tried to advocate on behalf

of the temple and approached the council to recommend a slip lane to make the road safer.

“The council came back saying they’ll be fine, they don’t need it,” Mr Singh said.

According to Cr Garad, the contractors were shocked at the council’s response. After endless failed attempts to be in touch with the council to get some answers, the temple representatives reached out to Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson’s office. To their utter disbelief and shock, the council told Mr Richardson’s office that the temple had commissioned their own traffic analyses with the outcome that no slip lane is necessary.

“I thought, that’s me. I’ve never done that.

That letter is the first time I’ve heard about the works,” Mr Singh said. “They must prove it somehow and I’m not sure how they’ll do it or why they thought it was a good idea.

“The great City of Greater Dandenong promote multiculturalism, so we are very disappointed with Council itself,” he said. “To know a place of worship to be left out, that’s one thing, but to be lied about is another matter.”

Councillor Garad has been in touch with the temple since she received a call from Mr Richardson’s office on the matter. She says the council needs to improve its transparency.

“It has made me question other major projects, how they’re being managed and consulted

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with the community. I’ve called for a dashboard where people can see where works are at and details on consultation. We can’t rely on the council to be honest with us. We need a way to monitor works digitally.”

The Perry Road upgrade will include road pavement reconstruction, widening, drainage, streetlights, shared user paths and landscaping according to the council’s webpage. The council hasn’t published any plans for the proposed works, no timeline of the consultation, or engagement with residents but instead listed that stage-one construction was due to commence September 2023.

“Completing this project Council expects to have a safer road environment for motorists, pedestrians, residents, and businesses alike,” the webpage stated. Council’s chief executive officer, Jacqui Weatherill told Cr Garad she’ll be calling on various people to find out what’s happened. Now Cr Garad has made it her mission to ensure the project is carried out appropriately with the key bodies to reach an agreed outcome as well as an internal investigation within the Council.

“There must be an internal investigation into where the accountability lies and who’s responsible. Disciplinary action should be taken.” Greater Dandenong Council did not respond before deadline.

An Afghan Eagles player makes a cross.

366780 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A sporting welcome to new youth Young players unleashed their skills during an AMES multicultural indoor soccer tournament in Dandenong on Friday 13 October.

The ‘Welcome to Melbourne’ Soccer Carnival was part of an ‘Engage’ program which seeks to build the confidence of multicultural youth.

Afghan Eagles also took part in the Welcome to Melbourne comp. 366780

Kabul Eagles 366780

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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No volunteer Reuben Humphries at the Dandenong Stadium voting centre. 365325

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Yes volunteer Brian Oates at the Dandenong early voting centre. 365325

Booths divided on Voice

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Pockets of Greater Dandenong defied the national mood against the proposed Voice to Parliament in the 14 October national referendum.

Nationally, the majority of voters in every Australian state emphatically chose ‘No’ to enshrining an indigenous advisory voice to Parliament in Australia’s Constitution. Overall, 60.5 per cent voted against the proposal.

Victoria recorded the highest ‘Yes’ vote with

45 per cent.

Voters in Bruce voted 42 per cent in favour of the Voice while the more inner-suburban Hotham (49 per cent ‘Yes’) and Isaacs electorates (50 per cent ‘Yes’) were evenly divided.

In Bruce, booths in central Dandenong, Hallam and Doveton were pro-Voice, while booths in Dandenong North, Dandenong South, Endeavour Hills and Narre Warren and the Dandenong early voter centre were against.

In Hotham, the strongest pockets of pro-

Voice support were in Keysborough, Noble Park, Westall, Hughesdale, McKinnon, Oakleigh, Sandown, Springvale, Springvale South, Clayton and Bentleigh East.

Majority ‘No’ votes were at booths in Clarinda, Dandenong North and Mulgrave as well as early voter centres in Noble Park and Mulgrave.

In Isaacs, the most pro-Yes booths were in Aspendale, Bonbeach, Carrum, Chelsea, Cheltenham, Edithvale, Menton, Moorabbin and Keysborough.

The strongest No votes were in Dandenong South, Dandenong North, Dingley Village and Patterson Lakes.

Greater Dandenong Council publicly supported the Voice proposal, including the hosting of a Dandenong Multicultural Communities for the Voice event on 8 October.

Labor MPs Julian Hill, Mark Dreyfus and Clare O’Neil respectively holding Bruce, Isaacs and Hotham also publicly backed the ‘Yes’ campaign.

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Tens and thousands poured out onto the streets in support of Palestinians.

Picture: AHMED BARAKAT

Nasser Mashni, president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN).

Picture: AHMED BARAKAT

Hotham MP Clare O’Neil and Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus at a vigil at Caulfield on 13 August for victims of the recent Hamas terror attacks.

Fears grow for war zone

By Sahar Foladi South East protestors have joined a pro-Palestinian rally of more than 10,000 people, gathered in front of the State Library in Melbourne on Sunday 15 October.

Bukjeh organisation founder, Aseel Tayah was there with a heavy heart as she lost three members from her organisation based in Gaza which had established multiple toy libraries for children.

“They are my family and now they’re dead, gone,” she said as tears flowed down.

“None of them were even 30 years old. They had so much more ahead.”

Ms Tayah is an artist, singer and a performer living in City of Casey, telling stories of ‘Bukjeh’ meaning the small belongings carried by refugees as they escape war-torn countries for a better future.

A Palestinian, her entire family is in Palestine in the occupied West Bank - a situation that keeps her awake day and night.

“I’m worried for my family and whoever of my friends is left in Gaza.

“My brother and sister work with an Israeli organisation and now they’re a target (of Israeli settlers).

“I tell my sibling don’t you dare set a foot outside the house, even for work.”

Israel continues striking Gaza, home to more than 2 million Palestinians, as a reprisal to Hamas’s deadly attacks which killed an estimated 1400 Israelis on Saturday 7 October.

So far, Palestinian health ministry states more than 2600 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 720 children.

According to Ms Tayah, no one is safe anywhere.

“All the Muslims even outside Gaza are a target of the angry Israeli settlers.”

Ms Tayah had sent donations collected by the community for the orphans in Gaza on Saturday morning, which a member of her team went to pick up.

She received the money just as the war broke out.

“She found little electricity to charge her phone to tell me. She’s sorry for failing to fulfill her responsibility as she hasn’t delivered the amount to the orphanage.

“She said, if I live, I’ll deliver the amount but if I die the money will go with me, I will not use it.”

Federal and state MPs attended a community vigil at Caulfield on 13 August for Israeli victims of the Hamas terror attacks.

Among them was Isaacs MP and federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus who posted: “Tonight I stood with my community.

“Together we mourned the greatest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust.

And we stood united against the ongoing atrocities of Hamas.

“Australia stands with Israel. We stand with the Jewish community.

“And we always will.”

Hotham MP and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil posted that it was “an incredible evening at a peaceful and deeply sad vigil for the victims of the Hamas terrorist attack”.

“As one rabbi said to me, the wound is still open.

“My heart goes out to this beautiful community. They are deeply, deeply suffering and

Australians stand with them in their grief.”

Executive Officer for the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA), Helen Heath says the loss of lives is tragic.

“There aren’t any words. We share with them their pain and suffering.

“As people of faith we can hold everybody in our prayers and hope for the best and peace.”

Ms Heath is also a development officer at the City of Greater Dandenong’s Interfaith Network and on the board since 2000.

She wishes for the world leaders to engage in “peaceful talks” for a solution.

“We have so many people from all faiths living in City of Greater Dandenong and everyone is affected.

“It’s just very sad that it’s happening, people here are unsettled, and it has created tensions here.”

Dayla Sabawi, a restaurant owner in Greater Dandenong, has family members in Palestine.

She says the impact on her and her family here is unbearable.

“We’re very frightened and very worried.

“Every day the situation escalates and it’s harder to reach them.”

Ms Sabawi’s husband’s family are impacted directly by the war as his uncle’s house was bombed.

“It’s scary. Gaza has experienced bombings from Israel, but it was never this bad and constant.

“This time it’s the worst ever we’ve all seen especially when Israel has cut off water, food, aid and electricity.

“We are in contact with them every couple of hours whenever we can reach them.”

However, they’re only able to reach out if

the generator or the emergency power box continues. Once it stops it’ll be hard to make get through to them, furthering increasing anxiety for Ms Sabawi’s family.

“We’re not eating well, we’re crying and shaking every time there’s a call from home.

“We’re all on the news and on the phone.”

President of Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Nasser Mashni says the situation in Gaza is the result of 16 years of an air, sea and land blockade.

“We’re hearing from people in Palestine, the most horrible stories of death, survival, children dying, families choosing to huddle together in one room because they want to die together.

“The fact that all this is happening and we’re begging the world to do something for us, stand up for us, speak up for us.

“Our pleas are falling on deaf ears.”

He says the international community are complicit in the atrocities the world is seeing against Palestinians.

“They’ve allowed Israel to get to this point.

“They’ve not pulled Israel out. There’s absolute complicity on behalf of the West in allowing Israel to go unchecked for 75 years and that’s why Israel is like this now and we’re suffering,” he said.

The impact of the war especially on Palestine-Australians has not helped with Israel’s white and blue colours lit across Australian landmarks in solidarity.

“I’m disgusted. I feel completely othered,” Mr Mashni said.

“This is the first time I’ve felt I don’t belong in Australia.

“I’ve experienced racism in my life, but this is the first time I felt like I don’t belong.”

Police arrest 26, weapons seized in youth gang blitz Police have arrested 26 people in the latest blitz on alleged youth gangs and organised crime figures across the South East last week.

Greater Dandenong police targeted persons of interest on its Operation Alliance watchlist which monitors Victoria’s most serious and violent youth gang offenders.

In a series of raids and Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) checks on 2-5 October, people were arrested for alleged burglaries, car thefts, robberies, affray and firearm related offences.

Over the course of the week, police Conducted 34 targeted Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searches and four warrants at different addresses across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.

Arrested 26 people.

Seized nine firearms, including one sawnoff bolt-action rifle, three longarm imitation firearms, and five handgun imitation firearms. Various firearm related parts were also recovered.

Seized a series of weapons, including a taser, extendable baton and OC spray.

Recovered three stolen vehicles.

Seized quantities of illicit substances, including MDMA, methylamphetamine, cannabis and steroids.

Serviced two new FPOs, with an additional two to be completed this week for youth gang members currently in custody.

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Inspector Andrew McKee, from Greater Dandenong Tasking and Coordination, said it was part of Operation Alliance’s continued work in disrupting and dismantling youth gangs.

“Organised crime figures, including OMCG members, have also been in our sights this week.

“This comes as local police have recently observed links young local offenders carrying out crimes, including robberies and car thefts, on behalf of organised crime groups.”

Since Alliance was formed in September 2020, police had reduced the number of known youth gang members in Victoria from 747 to 598, Insp McKee said.

“However, a core group of recidivist offenders, including 84 gang members who police have arrested more than ten times over the past year, remain the ongoing challenge and focus for Operation Alliance.

“These young people have shown a continual disregard for the rest of the community, and we will continue to have no hesitation in holding them accountable.”

Among those arrested last week were An 18-year-old known youth gang member from Hampton Park who was arrested following an FPO check, and charged over an alleged aggravated burglary, and theft of a motor vehicle. He was charged and summonsed and will attend court at

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a later date.

19-year-old known youth gang member · An was arrested at a home in Dandenong in relation to the alleged theft of a motor vehicle and bail offences. He was released pending further enquiries.

A 34-year-old Springvale South man who was arrested following a Firearms Act search at his home. Police seized eight imitation firearms and ammunition, as well as quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis. He was charged with firearm and drug related offences and was to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 5 October.

A 50-year-old known OMCG associate who was arrested after police located an extendable baton inside a car during a search of a Dandenong North home. The woman was charged and summonsed for possess prohibited weapon and will face court at a later date.

In Berwick, a 27-year-old Croydon North man and 21-year-old Healesville woman were arrested, following the use of ANPR technology which detected a blue Subaru bearing allegedly stolen number plates.

The pair allegedly fled from police on foot and were arrested in the yard of a property on Earlsfield Drive.

They were allegedly found in possession of 1,4-Butanediol and MDMA, along with identification documents believed to

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be stolen goods.

It will be further alleged they were involved in a petrol drive-off in Ringwood late last month.

The man was charged with 20 offences including theft of a motor vehicle, theft of petrol, possess 1,4-Butanediol, commit indicatable offence while on bail, drive while disqualified, and display incorrect plates.

He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 16 October.

The woman was charged and summonsed with nine offences, including theft of a motor vehicle and stating a false name.

She will appear before court at a later date.

Local police, including the Greater Dandenong Alliance Taskforce were supported by the VIPER Taskforce, Highway Patrol officers, the Canine Unit, Airwing and Drone Unit during the course of the operation.

“We are using every available avenue and resource to make life as difficult as possible for those looking to reoffend and bring further harm upon our community,” Insp McKee said.

“This week is only a small part of the statewide Operation Alliance, which has led to 440 youth gang members being arrested a combined 1,630 times over the past year.”

Any information on illicit firearms or gang-related crime to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Remorseless rapist jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A remorseless Noble Park man who hurled his headphones at a courtroom jury box after being found guilty of a “truly abhorrent” series of rapes has been jailed.

Che Ashton, 36, laughed as the victim’s impact statement was earlier read out to the Victorian County Court, sentencing judge George Georgiou said on 13 October.

“To you it’s a laughing matter,” she stated.

“To me it’s a nightmare I want to put behind me.”

Judge Georgiou said Ashton’s headphones landed and smashed against the jury box when the jury announced a guilty verdict.

This and his earlier laughing showed a clear lack of remorse and insight, the judge noted.

Ashton was found guilty by the jury of three counts of rape as well as sexual touching and assault with intent to commit sexual assault on a “young woman” in her home’s lounge room one night in November 2019.

He was found not guilty of aggravated burglary and one rape charge.

After arriving in her house, a “fast talking” and “erratic” Ashton told her he had a “good idea” for making lots of money - by making porno videos and uploading them online.

At the time, he was drinking heavily and on cocaine. There were three young children in the home – though they didn’t witness the assaults.

She said she physically resisted his assault.

She repeatedly told him to stop and demanded that he leave.

Ashton had argued that the three acts of rape were consensual.

He claimed that the friendship was more “intricate” and “complex” than the victim portrayed, Judge Georgiou noted.

The judge said Ashton violated a young, vulnerable single mother caring for three children, who had a right to feel safe in her own home.

The County Court of Victoria.

That he didn’t wear a condom was an aggravating feature. His “truly abhorrent” behaviour must be strongly denounced and condemned, Judge Georgiou said.

The Victorian-born Ashton had flown to study Year 11 in Wellington New Zealand to pursue a rugby career before a knee injury derailed his dream.

He worked in steel-fixing for eight years.

In the past, he had been medicated for depression. There were conflicted opinions

Picture: AAP IMAGE/CON CHRONIS on whether he had ADHD but he reportedly blamed others and acted impulsively and inappropriately.

A psychologist reported he continued to make negative, degrading comments about the victim.

There were several behavioural issues that needed to be treated, the judge noted.

Ashton had prior driving and assault offences, but no previous sexual assaults.

He had not reoffended since being bailed in

2020, and had endured a four-year wait for his trial.

Prosecutors didn’t press for Ashton to be registered as a sexual offender, so the judge didn’t make such an order.

Ashton was jailed for up to eight years and eight months, with a five-year, nine-month non-parole period.

His term included 235 days in pre-sentence detention – his first time in custody.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions 19 to 23 Oct

Dandenong to Cranbourne

Western Port Highway, Skye

20 Oct to 8 Nov

Cranbourne Line

Between Hall and Thompsons roads

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

From 8.30pm to last train 29 Oct

Caulfield to Westall

Racecourse Road, Pakenham

23 to 31 Oct

At the level crossing

Cameron Street, Cranbourne

29 Oct to early 2024

South of BerwickCranbourne Road

Rochester Parade, Cranbourne East

Late Oct to late Jan 2024

At Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

Bellarine Drive and Sunbird Avenue, Cranbourne

Late Oct to late Mar 2024

At Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

Hall Road and Western Port Highway, Skye

8 Nov to 20 Dec

At the intersection

Road disruptions: Closed lanes and roads South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne

Until mid Dec

Lane closed near Cameron Street, in each direction

Narre WarrenCranbourne Road, Narre Warren

Each night, until 23 Oct

Between Fullard Road/ Saxonwood Drive and Princes Highway

Camms Road, Cranbourne

From 7pm 18 Oct to late Nov

At the level crossing

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Acting mayor hits airwaves On her first day as Greater Dandenong’s acting mayor, Lana Formoso was in the ‘hot seat’ at Dandenong Market on 10 October.

Cr Formoso took live questions from the floor while also being interviewed by ABC Melbourne Mornings presenter Raf Epstein, who was in town to mark the market’s 157th birthday.

The night before, Eden Foster took leave

as mayor and councillor to stand as Labor’s candidate in the upcoming Mulgrave state byelection.

Cr Formoso, who had served as deputy mayor for the past 11 months, will remain in the top role for at least another four weeks.

Greater Dandenong councillors will elect the council’s next mayor and deputy mayor on Thursday 16 November.

Acting mayor Lana Formoso meets ABC Radio Melbourne presenter Raf Epstein. 365544

A listener raises the topic of parking in Dandenong. 365544

Acting Mayor Lana Formoso and Raf Epstein at Dandenong Market on 10 October. 365544 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Have your say over Casey’s electoral structure

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For more details on the review, visit www. vec.vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/councilreviews/electoral-structure-reviews/casey

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electoral structure online using the public submission tool available on the VEC website as part of their submission.

Online information sessions are being held on Microsoft Teams to find out more about the review from noon on Monday 30 October and 6pm on Tuesday 31 October.

Casey Council is also preparing to host its election of new councillors next October, with an in-person candidate information

*T’s&C’s: Spend Spin & WIN promotion runs from 11am to 3pm Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 October 2023. Promotion excludes purchases from Woolworths, Rivers, Australia Post and Dorevitch. Only receipts showing the date of the current Spend Spin and WIN promotion will be accepted.

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An electoral representation advisory panel is conducting a review of Casey Council’s electoral structure, with all residents encouraged to have their say.

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Jane Rivett-Carnac and publicity officer Lyne McGregor at the unmarked plot of cursed couple Robert and Sarah Auhl. 365856

Narre Warren family history society president Jane Rivett-Carnac and publicity officer Lyne McGregor at the murdered Edward Sangal’s unmarked grave. 365856

Tales of dead unearthed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells In something of a paradox, touring a cemetery can really bring history to life.

More than 30 tales of early settlers in the South East will be revealed in a historical tour at Dandenong Community Cemetery this month.

Tour guides Lyne McGregor and Jane RivettCarnac, from the Narre Warren & District Family History Group, are conducting their 15th tour of the region’s historic graveyards.

As they sit down next to the dead, they pat the gravestones out of respect.

“When you are researching, you get very attached to the people,” Rivett-Carnac says.

She pulls out an apt quote that going to a cemetery is like going to a library, with each grave a book.

“Every one of these people here have a story.”

She talks about the myriad of “rabbit holes” that the pair have explored.

They found the story of a heroic woman who reached into a housefire to save a boy but who succumbed to her injuries.

And the 16-year-old house-keeper found dead in a burnt-out dwelling, with unexplained injuries to her body.

The newspapers of the time told of a community petitioning for an inquest, their suspicions aimed at the girl’s employer.

Ultimately the case “fizzled out” unsolved.

McGregor and Rivett-Carnac didn’t just delve behind the weathered monuments and gravestones in the four-hectare cemetery.

They tell of the magnificent avenue of gnarled sugar gums that were believed to be planted at the site’s inception in 1857.

And also through their intrepid research, they unearth the tales behind the many unmarked graves – the great voids of earth between the headstones.

In an unmarked plot under a gum tree, there lies Edward Sangal whose body was found at a bottom of a well in the Lyndhurst district in 1902.

Sangal’s wife and her boyfriend were later convicted for his murder.

The wife was on death row when her sentence was commuted to life in prison; her lover – a worker on the Sangal’s farm - was executed.

With the Harkaway-born wife indisposed, there was no one to organise a headstone for the late Sangal.

“It would have been a huge scandal at the time,” McGregor says.

“You wouldn’t expect a wife to do in the man with her boyfriend.”

In another empty patch of grass lie the seemingly cursed couple Robert and Sarah Auhl.

While living in Euroa, three of their children die within 10 days from diptheria. He soon loses his business, and then their fourth child dies as a new-born.

They move to the Dandenong Ranges’ town 10 STAR JOURNAL

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Narre Warren family history society president Jane Rivett-Carnac and publicity officer Lyne McGregor at the Mary Sime gravestone in Dandenong Pictures: ROB CAREW Cemetery. 365856 of Cockatoo, where their house burns down.

“How could they keep going after that?”

Rivett-Carnac mused. “But they did. They stayed in Cockatoo and just kept going.”

The cemetery bug started for the two historians in 2011.

They have since researched the 500 World War I soldiers buried in Berwick, Pakenham, Harkaway, Bunyip, Lang Lang and Cranbourne.

“We’ve got a good understanding of the types of people in these communities. You tend to get people with the same religion in the same area,” Rivett-Carnac says.

At Cranbourne, there are a lot of Protestant Scots buried, Pakenham has Irish Catholics, and at Dandenong there’s many Church of England and Protestant burials.

The Dandenong cemetery opened in 1857, around the same time as others in Cranbourne and Berwick.

Interred in this yard are families across

Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

what was the vast West Gippsland farming district, including Koo-wee-rup, Skye, Keysborough, Longwarry and Narre Warren.

Some of the notable family names of CaseyCardinia include Frawley, Hanley, Harbrow, Sime and Weist. “The people who were the foundation of those communities,” RivettCarnac says.

At a pair of monuments, McGregor tells of Mary Sime – whose husband and daughter died a week apart in 1889.

“She never missed putting in a memorial notice in the newspaper for them. She did it every year up to the day she died (in 1913).”

Mary was ultimately buried by their side.

The family had owned 880 acres in Bangholme – now the site of Bunurong Memorial Park cemetery, McGregor adds.

The guides tell of other hard-worn lives, World War I and II soldiers. They also dug into the women, often unheralded, who raised children and took over the farms when

their husbands died.

“While the men get all the notoriety, the women would get just one little line in the local paper,” Rivett Carnac says.

Much of their research was found in old newspapers such as the Dandenong Journal and Pakenham Gazette.

There were a wealth of obituaries – not just for civic leaders but for many in what were smaller, more connected towns.

Rivett-Carnac laments that this research will be harder in future due to the dearth of death notices in newspapers these days.

The Dandenong Community Cemetery Walk is held by Narre Warren & District Family History Group on Sunday, 29 October, 10am at Kirkham Road, Dandenong; $10 adults.

Light refreshments included at the end of the 90-minute walk. A book of the walk is available on the day.

Bookings: cemeterytours@nwfhg.org.au or treasurer@nwfhg.org.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Teaching changes lives in every part of our state.

Are you ready?

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

12637498-JC42-23

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 11

INTERFAITH

Teachings of the Buddha take us on noble pathway the right way to live.

By Venerable Sen (Sopheangphil) Then, abbot at Wat Khmer, Springvale South What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is the teaching of all the Buddhas.

To sum up the teaching of the Buddha in one verse: To cease from all evil To attain virtue.

To cleanse one’s own heart.

This is the religion of the Buddhas. We have the Four Noble Truths - all our Buddhist religion is based on what we call “The Four Noble Truths”.

In plain language they are: All life knows sorrow (unhappiness).

This sorrow has a cause.

Sorrow can be brought to an end.

The way to bring sorrow to an end.

1. Even a baby knows sorrow If the baby is hungry or thirsty or too warm or too cold, it cries. That is its way of expressing unhappiness. Children at play soon find there

· · ·

· · · ·

MESSAGE OF

HOPE is no game that does not have some disappointment.

If there are winners, then there must be losers. No one can be a winner always. Sooner or later, we are all losers in one way or another.

When we are sick, that is sorrow. When we are disappointed, that is sorrow. There are so many ways to be unhappy. Even when we are happy, we know that the happiness will not last forever.

2. Nothing happens by accident There is a reason for everything. The cause of sorrow is our ignorance which leads to stupid desires. By “ignorance” we mean not knowing the true nature of life and not understanding

In fact, it is called “The Noble Eightfold Path”.

Lord Buddha’s Noble Path is for our use every day of our lives. It is called the “Eightfold Path” because we must always remember eight things as we walk on this road of life. Everyone who is trying to follow Lord Buddha’s teaching ought to know these eight points by heart.

They are not hard to memorise. Let us all try to memorise these eight points, to understand them and use them.

Right Understanding.

Right Aims.

Right Speech.

Right Actions.

Right Livelihood.

Right Effort.

Right Mindfulness.

Right Meditation.

Enquiries about the Interfaith Network of Greater Dandenong: executive@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.

· · · · 3. Sorrow (unhappiness) can be brought to · an end · Lord Buddha taught us that whatever has a · beginning must also have an ending. The way to overcome sorrow and find true happiness is ·

Venerable Sen (Sopheangphil) Then, an abbot at Wat Khmer, Springvale South.

Picture: HILTON STONE

found in the fourth point.

4. The way to find happiness is like a road or pathway.

NEWS

AFL-airport team flies high Moorabbin Airport and St Kilda Football Club have teamed together to connect with thousands of students across the South East.

During the partnership’s five years, they have engaged with 15,000 students across more than 160 sport, health and wellbeing programs in the region.

Moorabbin Airport’s chief executive officer, Paul Ferguson believes it is their shared values with St Kilda Football Club that have led to the great success of the partnership so far.

“Moorabbin Airport is delighted to be supporting the delivery of St Kilda Football Club’s engagement programs, which are making a real difference to thousands of young people, primarily in local indigenous and multicultural communities.

“By encouraging children to connect through sport, we’re not only nurturing their health and wellbeing, but their lifelong skills too,” Mr Ferguson said.

The two initially joined forces in 2019, supporting the Saints indigenous and multicultural engagement programs encouraging local youth from diverse communities.

One of their biggest reach programs has been the All-Nations, a school program aimed at five to 12-year old students to improve community health and wellbeing.

Currently it operates in a variety of schools across the City of Kingston and West Dandenong region.

Moorabbin Airport has helped fund sports equipment and sportswear, as well as the delivery of expert-led sports and health lessons, including upskill training sessions for the school teachers.

Students meet AFL players as part of the St Kilda Football Club’s Academy.

Moorabbin Airport CEO Paul Ferguson, a St Kilda Academy inductee, St Kilda player Mitch Owens and Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster.

Pictures: SUPPLIED “Qualities required for football, such as leadership, confidence, and a willingness to learn are directly transferrable to an aviation career.

“Our reach with this partnership has resulted in an increase in interest and enquiries via our airport website, and we’re hopeful that through the continuation of our partnership will generate further aviation career awareness among local youth, families and teachers,” Mr Ferguson said.

Moorabbin Airport also supports the train-

ing of hundreds of young people through the sponsorship of the St Kilda Academy.

The training provided by the academy for ages five to 19 are for those looking for opportunities and friendships in football and life.

St Kilda’s executive general manager of commercial, Chris Larkins said he was thrilled to see the program build not only pathways for future footy stars, but also access to lifechanging training and education.

“Through these programs and academies, we’re making a tangible difference to the lives

LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 18 October 1923 Picnics in Dandenong Park The practice of allowing the use of Dandenong Park for holding public school picnics does not appear to be a wise one, in view of the fact that no matter how careful the committee in charge may be, there is sure to be a certain amount of damage done. The fact that the council have requested the Port Melbourne school committee to put up a bond of £5 as security for damage, if any is done, show there is a danger of the trees, etc, being damaged, and, to be on the safe side, it would be wise in future to refuse requests for the park to be used for school picnic purposes.

50 years ago 18 October 1973 Crs see what’s planned for city 12 STAR JOURNAL

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The St Kilda Academy Squad. of the participants and the broader community. We look forward to seeing this continue to grow in the years to come.”

Moorabbin Airport has supported the St Kilda Academy to award 81 scholarship place to culturally diverse young people in Melbourne’s Southeast region - supporting further football and personal development opportunities, including leadership sessions, AFL Match Day experiences and work placement opportunities.

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

Dandenong councillors were given an insight into the past, present and future development of the city last week. During the three-hour bus trip around the municipality, the councillors were told that:

· Booth Reserve would be in “perfect” condition next year. · Work would start on the Thomas – Foster · · ·

streets roundabout and the railway underpass next February. A pumping system will be installed in the viaduct to prevent the flooding which regrettably occurs in heavy rains.

The dog pound was being extended to cater for the increasing canine population A report would be presented to council next month on the proposed development of Greaves Reserve.

The present municipal tip in the Police Paddocks would be sufficient for the city’s needs for at least the next eight to 10 years.

Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

20 years ago

5 years ago

20 October 2003 Low-income new migrants build poverty Low average incomes and a high number of new arrivals puts the City of Greater Dandenong at “the coalface” of the poverty issue says Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau’s (SCAAB) Kathy Landvogt. Of the 400 people that visit the centre each week, it is estimated that 200 come for emergency relief. SCAAB, the state’s largest aid and advice bureau, alone hands out $77,000 a year in federal relief to the needy in the form of food and petrol vouchers, public transport cards and medical prescriptions. “Almost 50% of people we see earn between $300-$500 per fortnight and 7% have no income,“ Ms Landvogt said. The Henderson Poverty Line for a family of four is $553 net a week.

15 October 2018 Woodman’s delicate art Can you imagine a time when Noble Park was a treasure trove of rare and wonderous orchids, flowers and other native flora? It would be little more than a dim memory if not for the deft watercolours of the late Fred Woodman. Mr Woodman’s family will formally donate more than 300 of his botanical paintings and sketches to the nation Herbarium of Victoria at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne on 16 October. The collection incudes more than 95 portraits of species that have dwelled locally, such as trigger plants, greenhood and tiger orchids, banksias and flax-lilies. The family have generously donated copy-right for the Royal Botanic Gardens to use and share the artworks. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Cups full of discontent

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An environment group has called for ‘last drinks’ on single-use disposable cups at the Springvale Community Hub cafe.

The cafe’s landlord Greater Dandenong Council has been urged to mandate reusable cups to set the standard for other outlets.

Greater Dandenong Environment Group president Isabelle Nash says the Hub should be a “shining” example as a six-star sustainability building.

“We want this cafe to cease serving drinks in single-use disposable cups and instead provide only reusable cups for customers.

“Customers at the cafe/kiosk usually purchase their hot drinks and then stay in the vicinity to enjoy the community facilities, so providing single-use cup use does not make sense.”

A mandatory reusable cup requirement would set an “admirable standard” for other cafes and kiosks, Nash said.

“This small implementation to support sustainability in contracts like this one for the cafe/kiosk, will put the City of Greater Dandenong in a leading position demonstrating a fantastic example of what a council who is dedicated to sustainability action to better our world looks like.”

Meanwhile, the cafe owner Siva Kanteti argues that reuseable cups were not viable at the Hub. Hand-washing and drying porcelain cups cost litres of water and staff time, he said.

“We want to do the right thing. But when you add it all up, I don’t see using a reuseable cup as a benefit.”

His business Frankie & Co instead used biodegradable cardboard cups, which could be disposed in recycling bins, Kanteti said.

It had also offered edible cups, which cost up to $1 a cup extra and were made overseas.

L-R Rear Ethan, Elizabeth, Pam and Gaye. L-R Front Zoe and Isabelle. 363368 “We kept them for two or three months and sold about three or four of them. We’ve moved them over to our Narre Warren cafe.”

Greater Dandenong chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said that under the lease, the tenant had “exclusive rights” to operate the business with interference from the council.

“There is no clause within the current lease

regarding mandatory use of reusable cups however we have had some discussions with the operator to encourage this.

“Council will continue to discuss more sustainable options with the tenant and any future lease that Council negotiates for these premises will have a range of special sustainability conditions included within it.”

The lease is nearing the end of its first term of three years, with two further option terms of three years.

“Sustainability options” would be considered as part of negotiations on continuing the lease, the council’s governance acting manager Dani Trimble told a council meeting last month.

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Nuer school spreads word

By Nyibol Gatluak The Nuer Language School (NLS) is a non-forprofit program founded from growing concerns that the younger generation is out of touch with its cultural roots.

South Sudanese elders are addressing this by promoting their native language through the literacy school.

The NLS, a non-for-profit program designed for South Sudanese youth in Melbourne’s south-east, offers teachings in one of the most common languages in South Sudan.

Thok Naath, commonly known as Nuer, translates into “the people’s language”.

Nuer has two million speakers in South Sudan and the western Ethiopian region of Gambella, with one-and-a-half million speakers.

NLS president David Tut Kuiy, a former treasurer of the Sudanese Community Council which was founded in 1988, also undertakes several committee roles.

He is NLS’s lead tutor, chairperson and secretary.

Mr Kuiy spent most of his childhood in Itang Refugee Camp in Gambella, Ethiopia.

He arrived in Australia in the 1980s and was one of the first South Sudanese people to settle in Australia and obtain Australian citizenship.

“There has always been a demand for the Nuer Language School from the community elders,” Mr Kuiy said.

“There was a lot of disengagement by the youth and a program like this enables us to unify our community.”

When Mr Kuiy first started the program, 60 students had registered but only two had showed up.

Despite his challenges, Mr Kuiy has always been determined to continue NLS. He restarted the program in January this year.

The program not only assists youth in reconnecting with their roots but also offers

Nuer Language School students and teachers.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

David Tut Kuiy teaches students how to write in Nuer at NLS.

adult classes where they aim to improve their literacy skills, so they can read their mother tongue.

NLS operates across three campuses in Cranbourne, Dandenong and Doveton.

There are roughly 25 children and 10 adults that are consistent attendees every week.

“I am doing this so we can preserve the Nuer language because once you learn your language, it gives you an identity,” Mr Kuiy said.

Bichok Gony Guandong, a NLS volunteer tutor, echoed Mr Kuiy’s message.

Mr Guandong’s involvement in the program stems from his motivation to give young people the impetus to stay connected to their cultural roots.

This includes his own children who are all raised in Australia and have not visited his family overseas.

“One day, I want my children to be able to

visit their relatives back home and have the ability to communicate with them — even if they struggle, I want them to at least be able to understand their language,” Mr Guandong said.

All academic staff at NLS believe that the program empowers the broader South Sudanese community.

Pal Deng Pur, a volunteer tutor at the Cranbourne campus, believes that expanding the program creates opportunities for others to learn the Nuer Language outside their tribal diaspora.

Mr Deng Pur is from the Gaatjaak clan of the Nuer tribe.

He was forced to flee his village as a teenager to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya after the Civil War. He resettled again to Australia in 2003 on a humanitarian visa.

“We are doing volunteer work on weekends,” Mr Deng Pur said.

“The funding we get from the government

only covers the renting of the buildings, but we are still struggling for school materials such as textbooks and stationery.”

As the program expands, NLS plans to purchase a bus to encourage students throughout Melbourne’s south-east to attend, particularly if they struggle with transport.

Mr Deng Pur said he aspired to see the program’s future growth.

“We would like to expand in the future, and open more centres because Nuer speakers are not just in Melbourne’s south-east but regional Victoria, including South Gippsland, Geelong and Ballarat,” he said.

All tutors emphasise the importance of maintaining cultural lineage through this program.

“At the end of the day, your language is the epitome of your identity. If you do not revive it then it will be lost forever,” said Mr Kuiy.

Nyibol Gatluak is a student journalist at Monash University

·

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … FAMILY BUSINESS

True community business At 86 Hemmings Street, a tale of family resilience and transformation unfolds, where a once-thriving hardware store has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis into a haven for delectable delights. Welcome to “Kafe on Hemmings,“ the latest culinary gem in Dandenong.

This venture is not just about culinary innovation; it’s a heartfelt return of the Chatgoglou family, whose love affair with this storied street dates back to the swinging 60s. The narrative begins with Nick Chatgoglou, who established himself at 108 Hemming Street as the proprietor of the beloved Dandenong West Fish and Chip shop from 1960 to 1990.

After selling the fish and chip business, Nick joined forces with his son, Chris Chatgoglou, embarking on a 20-year journey as the dedicated custodians of the local hard-

ware store situated at 86 Hemming Street, which is now Kafe On Hemmings - run by third generation family member Leah Chatgoglou.

The Chatgoglou family’s commitment to the community extends to their partnerships, with Bennett Signs Dandenong crafting their distinctive signage and sourcing essential products from other local businesses. They have even formed a partnership with the local IGA, which not only supplies newspapers but also provides a selection of their groceries. The Chatgoglou family consistently seeks out local suppliers As you step into Kafe on Hemmings, you’re not just entering a cafe; you’re stepping into the heart of a family’s enduring love affair with a street, a neighborhood, and a community. With each sip of coffee and every delicious bite, you’re becoming a part of a story that’s been evolving for generations.

Blue Wolf Photography is not just a business; it\’s a family-owned treasure with over 15 years of experience.

Family-owned treasure Blue Wolf Photography is not just a business; it’s a family-owned treasure with over 15 years of experience. In 2012, we, at Blue Wolf Photography, embarked on a journey that would redefine the meaning of hard work and dedication. It all began with the idea to start a family business, born out of sheer passion and a desire to create something special.

Our story may not be widely known, but it is one that embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and tenacity.

To build our business model, I quit my day job as a photographer & spent six months doing a bread run, traveling from Korumburra to Yarram and back, night after night, from midnight until 10 am. It was a grueling routine, but it allowed us to chase our dream during daylight hours. We knew that to build our business, we had to make sacrifices, and those early mornings behind the wheel were just the beginning.

In 2013, we delved into the world of photography. This marked a turning point for Blue Wolf, igniting our creativity and determination. From those initial steps, we’ve come a long way. We’ve captured moments and memories in over 100 centres this year. To date, we have printed over a million photos, all testaments to our unwavering commitment to our craft.

Our family business has grown not only in terms of clients and demand but also in the number of dedicated employees. From a oneperson show, we now have a team of seven

individuals who share our vision and values.

As the world evolved, we didn’t shy away from change. We recognised the potential of the digital age and took the bold step to take our entire business online, making our services more accessible to our cherished customers.

What truly sets Blue Wolf Photography apart is the involvement of our family in every aspect of the business. It’s not just a business; it’s a family affair.

My wife, Kelly, has been instrumental in administration and marketing, and all three of our daughters, Amy, Lucy, and Baylee, have played a part in our journey. We believe in the strength of family bonds and the power of unity in working towards shared goals.

The heartwarming photographs we share here are close to our hearts, showcasing our beautiful daughters you can see on this page.

They are not just pictures; they are a representation of our story – a story of determination, evolution, and achievement.

Our journey with Blue Wolf stands as a testament to the strength of family bonds, the power of dreams, and the potential within us to create something remarkable. We hope that our story serves as an inspiration for others who aspire to turn their passion into a thriving business, showing what can be achieved when determination and family unite.

Further enquiries Leigh Woolford 5678 5165, info@bluewolfphotography.com.au www.bluewolfphotography.au

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The Early Education Photography Specialists

Does your centre need amazing photographers & even better service?

5678 5165 info@bluewolfphotography.com.au • www.bluewolfphotography.au 12642369-AP42-23

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NEWS

Choir strikes right notes

By Violet Li Edelweiss Casey Choir has brightened up the Hallam Community Theatre with a cultural performance to celebrate Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese National Day on Saturday 7 October.

Themed “Mid-Autumn Greetings, Endless Homesickness”, the cultural extravaganza welcomed guests from various backgrounds to mark the unique blend of two big moments for Chinese communities.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is recognised as one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture.

Falling on 29 September this year, it observes traditions of reuniting with the family to worship the moon, savouring moon cakes, and praying for a spouse, beauty, longevity or a good fortune.

Chinese National Day is celebrated annually on 1 October, following the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The event has seen the presence of Song Chong Sheng (who is Consul of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne) and his wife, Xiao Ying (Consul of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne), former State MP Luke Donnellan, Victorian Multicultural Ambassador Zhao Jie Bao, Federation of Chinese Association Victoria former president Qian Heng Yu, and Federation of Chinese Association Victoria executive vice president Zheng Chang Zhen.

Chisholm MP Dr Carina Garland sent a message to extend her best wishes for the choir’s successful performance.

The director of the Edelweiss Casey Choir Dr Emily Hu opened the celebratory performance by expressing her gratitude to the government, sponsors, and the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne.

She emphasized the choir’s essence - elegance, wisdom, practicality, and warmth - and

Singers are performing chorus “As wishes”.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Special guests watched the performance. 364930

Picture: ROB CAREW

The celebratory event opened with the drama: Tale of Mid-Autumn. 364930 Picture: ROB CAREW

their dedication to enriching Victoria’s multiculturalism.

The performance showcased a diverse array of cultural theatrics, including a Mongolian dance, Guzheng solo, Beijing opera singing, and Spanish bullfight dance.

The event reached its zenith with a lavish meal and a raffle event offering prizes, including champagne, face masks, eyelashes, shapewear, and a Hisense air conditioner.

Attendees received a taste of Chinese tra-

dition as they were gifted moon cakes handmade by the choir members.

Over 600 moon cakes were crafted as a symbolisation of the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Before the show ran out, Edelweiss Casey Choir extended their appreciation to all attendees for joining them in the celebration of culture, unity, and a sense of belonging.

Dr Emily said the Edelweiss Casey Choir’s “Mid-Autumn Greetings, Endless Homesick-

ness” cultural performance is not only a celebration of Chinese culture but also a testament to the harmony that can be achieved when diverse communities come together.

“It served as a reminder that regardless of our backgrounds,” she said.

“We all share the universal language of music and the warmth of togetherness, thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of their Music Director Moli Xu, whose dedication and talent made this successful event possible.”

Unity in Diversity event is back to celebrate 30 years

XinJiang province dancers at the John Pandazopoulos Hall celebration on 8 October.

Joy fills Doveton hall It was 25 years since an array of multicultural seniors groups came together to manage John Pandazopoulos Hall in Doveton.

And the resultant committee of management – with 400 attendees - celebrated with bright dance and foods on Sunday 8 October.

Each seniors group shared culture, food and performance, underscored by professional musician Brian Rodriguez.

They hailed from far-flung lands such as Xin Jiang province, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

Committee member Brian Oates said the hall’s clubs formed the “largest, most efficient, longest-happening, most diverse and harmonious organisation in City of Casey”.

“Everybody had a great day sharing tradition entertainment and foods from around the world.”

The annual ‘Unity in Diversity’ Southern Migrant Refugee Centre event is back, this time to celebrate its 30 years of service.

The event on Sunday 22 October, from 10am to 3pm near the Dandenong Market has been organised to also celebrate SMRC’s 30 year anniversary with the community.

SMRC Chairperson,Dr Ponniah Anandajayasekeram said they’re proud to have this event for the community.

“After successful events in 2018 and 2019, we are thrilled to bring back this fun community event as part of our 30th year anniversary celebrations.

“With over 12 cultures represented through our main stage performers, we are embracing the opportunity to reconnect and to celebrate our different cultures, traditions, customs and languages.”

The free family friendly event will see per-

formances, jam-packed day of cultural music, food demonstrations, art and craft activities, roaming performers of magic and music, kids and children’s games and kids and children’s games.

There’ll be more than 30 stallholders including, cultural tents for communities to explore, henna, airbrush tattoos, farmyard animals, interactive sports activities from Fitnessworx and Reclink, Sports clinic delivered by AFL and Melbourne Stars Cricket representatives, pop-up art gallery of SMRC’s Youth Arts and Literature competitions entries.

“Over the last three decades, SMRC has had the privilege of sharing the journeys of thousands of migrants and refugees, and their stories have shaped who we are.

“Join us in celebrating those stories and the wonderful communities who make the southeast such a wonderful place to live and work,” SMRC CEO Rakesh Sharma.

A Filipino group performs.

Picture: SUPPLIED

16 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Putting best foot forward In an era where convenience and specialised healthcare are becoming increasingly important, the founding of The Toe Truck represented a significant leap forward in the field of podiatry.

Established with the vision of providing exceptional foot and lower limb care within the comforts of one’s home, The Toe Truck has consistently set itself apart by upholding a unique set of values, ethics, and unwavering commitment to its community.

One of the distinguishing features of The Toe Truck is its unwavering dedication to the people it serves. The organisation is not merely

focused on offering podiatry services; it seeks to create a lasting impression by going the extra mile. With an experienced team, the client’s satisfaction and well-being are placed at the heart of every service provided, both in clinical and home care settings. This commitment to exceptional service sets The Toe Truck apart from conventional podiatry providers.

The essence of The Toe Truck’s mission is captured in its “Podiatry, but at home” approach. The organisation understands that accessibility to healthcare can often be a challenge, and convenience is a top priority. By offering state-of-the-art podiatry services that

adhere to the latest research, products, and guidelines, The Toe Truck ensures that its clients receive the best care available, right in the comfort of their own homes. This approach caters to individuals who may find it difficult to travel to a clinic or prefer the convenience of receiving care at home.

What truly sets The Toe Truck apart is its commitment to making clients feel genuinely cared for.

The organisation is driven to enhance the overall well-being of the community they serve. This dedication is not merely a business strategy but a genuine reflection of the organ-

isation’s values.

Their dedication to bringing podiatry services to your doorstep with a commitment to client satisfaction is a testament to the positive impact that a patient-centered approach can have in healthcare. The Toe Truck is not just about feet; it’s about making a real difference in the lives of those it serves.

To book - Let us know your preferred day and time for us to visit either online or on the phone.

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Cancer’s mental component

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Dr Charlotte Tottman, clinical psychologist, is Australia’s go-to specialist in cancer-related distress and a popular podcaster.

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common for those with cancer to experience emotional isolation, where you feel like no one else understands what you’re going through.

“Your GP - or therapist if you see one - can help assess where you are in terms of your struggle, ” she said.

An ongoing relationship with a therapist, a psycho-oncologist, or clinical psychologist can offer a safe environment.

Check in on all those affected While someone may look outwardly well, they may still be struggling emotionally, so regularly checking in is important.

“People tend to flock in the early stages of a diagnosis and then vanish down the track,” said Dr Tottman. “That’s when the person who’s been diagnosed may feel the most isolated, so check in and ask how things are really going for them.”

It’s also important for carers to look after themselves. Dr Tottman said carers often feel invisible or put their own needs last.

Stay active and engaged “The silver bullet in all of this is exercise, so I recommend you stay mobile and active,” Dr Tottman said.

Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don’t Know Until You Do Season 2: Unlimited with Dr Tottman focuses on her clinical experience while exploring topics such as anxiety in a cancer context, managing behavioural changes, and the importance of setting boundaries for self-care. The podcast is available to listen to via the resources hub on the BCNA website at bcna.org.au/resource-hub, SoundCloud, Apple podcasts and Spotify.

BCNA’s theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Living Well, Your Way. Those affected by breast cancer are likely to require different types of support at different times, however BCNA offer trusted information and a variety of resources - from a free Helpline (call 1800 500 258), podcasts/webcasts, My Journey, Service Finder, and an Online Network to connect with others - which can all be accessed when and where they are needed via BCNA’s newly refreshed website at bcna.org.au.

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October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Health Month.

Australia’s leading consumer breast cancer organisation Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and Australia’s go-to specialist in cancer-related distress, popular podcaster, and clinical psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman, have collaborated on five top tips for managing your mental health alongside a breast cancer diagnosis, assisting those affected by breast cancer to live well, their way.

Dr Tottman’s podcast Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don’t Know Until You Do has been downloaded over 100,000 times and offers a valuable resource for those with breast cancer, especially amidst the current wait times for mental health and healthcare services. It has had a profound impact on its listeners.

Give yourself time to adjust After a cancer diagnosis, it’s normal to struggle through a period of adjustment as you come to terms with change,” said Dr Tottman. “How you navigate these changes can depend on who you are as a person, your previous experience of adversity, and your resilience.”

Anxiety is worrying about the future and fearing things that haven’t happened. “There are at least 12 different types of anxiety when it comes to a cancer diagnosis,” said Dr Tottman.

“An appropriate level of anxiety can be a good thing because it helps you to develop strategies to deal with the physical, practical, or emotional challenges you’re facing.”

Understand your anxiety to manage it According to Dr Tottman, learning to sit in the discomfort that comes with anxiety is a powerful skill to develop, along with an understanding that it is temporary and will pass.

“Anxiety will peak and then start to dissipate, so once you recognise this and learn how to sit with it, you are back in the driver’s seat,” she said. “The anxiety may still happen, which is normal, but it will no longer destabilise you.”

Seek professional support Cancer treatment itself can affect your normal functioning, so ask yourself whether you are struggling because of your mental health or physical health. According to Dr Tottman, it is

STAR JOURNAL 17

WHAT’S ON Adult Exercise

Awareness Meditation

Improve fitness and energy levels for good health and wellbeing at this adult exercise group class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a self-paced, gentle aerobics class suitable for all levels.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am at Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North; $5 per session. No registrations required. Details: 8571 1436 or communityfacilities@cgd.vic.gov.au

Celebrating Carers expo

Hands on with the Past

·

A free event celebrating all that carers do. Features a guest speaker, a range of service providers, carers supports and programs at Springvale Neighbourhood House.

Free morning tea and coffee, as well as activities.

Wednesday 18 October, 11am-2pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free entry. Details: snh.org.au

·

See Greater Dandenong’s rich history firsthand by viewing and handling special objects from the City’s Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection. We encourage you to interact with and discuss the history of City of Greater Dandenong.

Thursday 19 October, 3.30pm-4.30pm at Dandenong Library. Free event.

·

Citizens talking Climate Change Join for an evening cuppa where you can discuss climate action and solutions for living sustainably now. These are monthly group discussions, attendees are strongly encouraged to engage and join in the chat. This activity is supported by volunteers. Please bring-your-own mug/cup.

Friday 20 October, 7pm-8pm at Springvale Community Hub - Mitchell Hall, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event, bookings recommended. Details: greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/ citizens-talking-climate-change

·

Unity in Diversity Festival Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre brings a free, family friendly festival to celebrate its 30 year anniversary and showcase our multicultural communities here in Melbourne’s South East. Includes live music and performances, sports demonstrations, art and craft activities, face painting and henna, popcorn and Afghan tea cart, free Halal BBQ lunch, cultural food demonstrations, and access to information and services.

Sunday 22 October 10am-3pm at SMRC, 39 Clow Street Dandenong.

·

Create Cool Forests at Home Workshop with experts from Sustainable Gardening Australia. Explore the countless benefits of plants in urban spaces, their cooling effects, and practical ways to make your home both live-

ly and biodiverse. Free native plants or vouchers to a local nursery will be provided, along with a complimentary lunch. BYO reusable water bottle and keep cup/mug, as well as a notepad.

Sunday 22 October, 10.30am-1.30pm at Springvale City Hall, 18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale; free event. Register at conservationvolunteers.info/USFCreateShadeAtHome

·

Scrabble Seniors Come and Try For Seniors month, Dandenong U3A invite seniors to Come and Try a game of Scrabble every Tuesday throughout October. Each week we attempt to complete two games of approximately one hour each, against a different opponent each time. Games are supplied, and a few dictionaries are available for use.

Tuesdays, 2pm-4pm at Gloria Pyke Netball Stadium (Meeting Room), Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Bookings essential: email program@dandenongu3a.org.au or text 0409 850 119

·

Mahjong Seniors Come and Try For Seniors month, Dandenong U3A invites seniors to Come and Try a game of Mahjong every Tuesday throughout October. Players and newcomers are very welcome. We have the playing sets. Just come along to learn/play.

Tuesdays, 11.30am-1.30pm at Gloria Pyke Netball Stadium (Meeting Room), Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Bookings

·

essential: email program@dandenongu3a. org.au or text 0409 850 119

U3A Cycling For Seniors month, Dandenong U3A invite seniors to Come and Try this Cycling session on the first two weeks of October. Cycle along the many paths following the Dandenong Creek and paths that link to it. The paths are mostly flat, sealed and off road. (some paths may be gravel and quiet side streets are often used). Visitors will need to be able to ride an average 15kph over a 30km ride. Note Ebike riders welcome.

BYO spare tube, pump and tools for punctures.

Please wear highly visible clothing.

Wednesday 11 October, 8.30am-noon (including coffee break) at Dandenong Park, Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event, bookings essential. Details: Marge, 0410 304 308.

·

Seniors gentle walking For Seniors month in October, Dandenong U3A are offering visitors to a Come and Try session for their Gentle Walking group. Suitable for different levels of walkers. Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, bring a full water bottle and some change for your coffee at Noble Park RSL. - Wednesdays (11, 18 and 25 October) 8.45am11am at Ross Reserve, Memorial Drive, Noble Park (meet at new soccer pavilion). Free event, bookings essential. Bookings: email program@ dandenongu3a.org.au or text 0409 850 119.

Meditation brings stillness, harmonises body and soul and connects to meaning. Join us each Monday, either via zoom or in person, as we practise the art of Awareness Meditation. No experience is necessary.

Mondays 2.30pm-3.30pm (followed by a cuppa) at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Suggested donation: a gold coin.

Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg. org.au

·

Fun for retirees New members from Dandenong North and Noble Park are sought by the Waverley Gardens Combined Probus Club. In addition to other activities, club members also meet for coffee & listen to a guest speaker. last Tuesday of the month (next on 31 October) 9.45am-noon at Southern Community Centre, 27 Rupert Dr, Mulgrave (near Police Rd). Details: Don, 9560 6046

·

Wellsprings dinner Annual fundraising dinner for Wellsprings for Women. Door prizes, raffles, silent auction and special guest Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams.

Friday 3 November, 6.30pm-10.30pm at Killester College, Kennedy Hall, 433 Springvale Road Springvale; $100 pp (including food and drinks). Book by 13 October at events. humanitix.com/wellsprings-for-women-annualfundraising-dinner

·

Garden open day Maralinga Community Garden’s next open day will be held on the inaugural National Community Gardens Day. 26 November, 10am-12pm at Chandler Road Reserve, Keysborough.

·

Yesteryear: A Glimpse into Greater Dandenong’s Past This exhibition explores our region’s changing landscape and rich historical narratives through selected artworks, images and objects from Council’s Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection and local historical society collections.

Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10am to 2pm (until 24 November) at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Free event.

·

NEWS

Keysborough garden springs into its first anniversary

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Dandenong Star Journal

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Fresh blooms and vegies were in their full Spring glory for a Keysborough community garden’s first anniversary.

Maralinga Community Garden celebrated its birthday at Chandler Road Reserve on Sunday 8 October, with then-mayor Eden Foster and visitors enjoying its already burgeoning garden plots.

The garden had come into being through volunteers’ fundraising, Rotary and Lions clubs as well as grants from South East Water, Greater Dandenong Council and the State Government.

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“Many people who attended the opening last year were blown away at all the new infrastructure that has gone in over the 12 months,” garden member Gaye Guest said.

“We had many interested locals enquiring about membership and we encourage anyone who would like to know more to please get in touch.

“We are always happy to show case our gardens to interested residents.”

The garden’s next open day will be held on the inaugural National Community Gardens Day on 26 November, 10am-12pm.

Second go at life

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

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

Pictures: HAS MEDIA

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

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

City’s top citizen

complex grieving process for donors’ families.

“Out of one person, you have seven trans-

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

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

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

NOW OPEN

sponsors of Afri-Aus Care.

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

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

The not-for-profit provides mental health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Garden members Tania, Bryan and James with then-mayor Eden Foster (second right). dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Sweet moves against killer Award winning actor, playwright and director Candy Bowers has thrown down on a subject that is close to her heart: eradicating Type 2 diabetes.

Her music theatre work Sweet Mama was born to combat an invisible enemy slowly and painfully eradicating her people.

Armed with ancient knowledge, future technology and excellent dance moves, she embarks on the greatest battle of her life; to beat the monster from inside her mother’s body.

Bowers has delved into the medical, scientific and socio-political nature of the greatest disease disproportionately affecting black and brown people globally, in Australia, and in her own family.

Drawing on her childhood love of sci-fi fantasy, 80s video games, afrobeat music and classic theatre training, this production is an imaginative and darkly humorous exploration of what it might take to break the cycle.

“Sweet Mama (Do you believe in destiny?) is the product of significant research and handson care,” Bowers says.

“My mother is at the pointy end of Type 2 diabetes, and family members from Australia and South Africa have been gravely affected by the disease, amplified by Covid-19.

“The heartbreak and fear of this phenomena have moved me to create a piece that opens up dialogue and provokes radical self-love.

“I have pulled together an extraordinary international team of designers and music producers to deliver this highly ambitious vision”.

There’s a power duo of collaborators who’ve grown up between Southern Africa and Australia.

Composition/sound designer Christian Biko will assist Bowers in producing an original score that calls on afrobeat, Amapiano, drum and bass and South African fold music.

Biko is executive producer at creative agen-

Sweet Mama combines sci-fi fantasy, afrobeat music and Candy Bowers’ childhood love of video games. cy Bobb Creative, and simultaneously works internationally as a DJ. He has supported the likes of Mobb Deep, Arrested Development, Coolio and Madison Avenue, cementing his place at the forefront of black music.

Costume designer Ntomi Moyo is best known as Sampa The Great’s personal designer, as well as recently heading the design team on Adele’s ‘I Drink Wine’ (2022) music video.

Moyo has also collaborated with icons such as Rihanna, Rico Nasty, Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion.

Picture: TENIOLA KOMOLAFE

Sweet Mama will be at The Drum theatre, Dandenong on Friday 20 October, 10.30am and 1.30pm for schools only, and Saturday 21 October, 1.30pm for the public. Bookings: drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/drum/ events or 8571 1666

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

Lions claw way to victory

By Marcus Uhe Inclement weather made for a subdued second attempted start to the Turf 1 season for half of the competition, with one game completed, one finishing frustratingly premature and two unable to unfold.

Play was abandoned in North Dandenong’s clash with Springvale South and Hallam Kalora Park’s visit to Buckley Ridges before a ball was bowled in both contests, meaning Narre South’s 33-run win over St Mary’s was the only live action on Saturday afternoon.

An excellent performance with the ball, on a tricky batting wicket, had the Saints in poll-position to claim an important victory early in the season but the heroics could not be matched with the bat.

Narre South could only manage 118 as tight bowling made the scoring extremely challenging.

Englishman Callum Nicholls top scored with 29 off just 73 deliveries, such was the challenge in getting the ball away.

His dismissal shortly after that of captain Kyle Hardy saw the Lions fall to 5/62 in the 26th over, and could have been six down had Riley McDonald not survived an appeal for caught behind off just his second delivery.

His want and his side’s need for boundaries saw him chip a simple return catch to Saveen Nanayakkara, before Brad Parker was dismissed off the next ball off the bowling of Toby Wilson under controversial circumstances.

The Saints’ new wicketkeeper Safaras Moahomad took a catch diving down the leg side but despite the Saints’ celebrations, the umpires were unsure if the ball carried into Moahomad’s gloves.

The two men in charge conferred before sending Parker on his way, to his visible frustration.

The Lions were eventually dismissed on the final ball of the innings as the buoyant Saints left the field of play in great spirits to prepare for the chase.

Wickets were shared among the bowling group as Saveen Nanayakkara (three), Keppler

Kyle Hardy’s Narre South was the only side to score a win in Turf 1 this weekend. 321196 Picture: ROB CAREW Fernandez (two), Resandu Thilakarathna (two) and Deeshan Umagiliyage (two) each grabbed multiples, while five catches to Moahomad behind the stumps made an excellent first impression on his new teammates.

What they could not have prepared for, however, was the quality spell from the new ball pairing of Callan Tout and Alex Cruickshank.

After sharp work in-close from Hardy saw Raveen Nanayakkara run out with a direct hit, Tout and Cruickshank set about running through the remainder of the top order to have the visitors reeling at 7/28 in the 12th over.

Tout went right through Sarfaras and had Wendyl Pires adjudged LBW in consecutive balls to close the seventh over, and came centimetres away from claiming a hat trick on the first ball of his next as he beat the bat of Susantha Pradeep.

Tout brought the energy and hustle to the crease while Cruickshank settled into Australian conditions almost immediately, bowling an immaculate length and challenging the outside edges of the St Mary’s batters as the two bowlers forced a handful of timber rearrangements.

Reprieves came for the Saints when Hardy

rotated his bowlers, but the damage had well and truly been inflicted.

Fernandez top-scored with 31 off 50 balls and provided some frustrating lower order resistance as the men in green and gold crawled to 85 before Cruikshank and Mendis combined to wrap-up the tail.

Cruickshank finished with a five-wicket haul in an ominous warning for opposing sides who would not have seen the English import bowl.

Attention then turned to Sunday’s Battle of the Creek between geographical neighbours in Berwick and Beaconsfield at Perc Allison Reserve.

The contest carried significant weight for both sides, as Berwick welcomed back a handful of former stars and premiership players, while Beaconsfield were making their Turf 1 debut after a Turf 2 premiership.

Like the Saints the day before, the Tigers held the advantage after the first innings, having kept Berwick to just 124.

Only Jarryd Wills (41) made a significant contribution for the Bears, with seven batters dismissed for single-figure scores.

Jake Cutting’s accuracy forced a handful of

rash shots, the most effective bowler to the top order with three scalps in the top four.

Relative stability at 3/70 crumbled to 124 all out after 43 overs as left-arm tweaker Ashan Madhushanka ran through the Bears’ lower order.

A number of Bears will not look back on their dismissals with pride, having tried to force balls through or over the infield unsuccessfully on a number of occasions.

Matthew Hague spooned a catch to mid off from the bowling of Kevin Seth, Jake Hancock was caught off-guard by a Cutting short ball to lob a pull shot straight to square leg, and Matt Robertson skied a pull shot for Cutting to swallow in his follow-through.

Jordan Cleland too offered a high catch to mid off, while Jarryd Wills was visibly shocked at being given out caught behind, thanks to a juggling catch from Michael Dunstan.

Madhushanka finished with 4/23 off his 10 overs and Cutting 3/11 from six as the Bears’ innings came to a close in the 44th over.

Mark Cooper and Tyler Clark made a promising start to the run chase, reaching 32 without loss before a calamitous mix-up between the pair on a single saw Clark run out at the beginning of the 11th over.

Cooper joined Clark back in the sheds for 23 just a few balls later when he edged to Hague at first slip off Corey Bevan’s bowling to leave the home side with two new batters at the crease.

One combined run from Yohan Arumadura, Madhushanka and Seth at three, four and five respectively saw the hosts receive a rude awakening to life in Turf 1.

Jesse Busacca and Riley Clark were forced to occupy time at the crease before Hague took a stunning one-handed catch at slip to remove Clark for just two off 23 deliveries as the hosts fell to 6/47.

When Trishane Silva perished in the 26th over to the spin of Elliot Matthews, the home side had lost 7/22 in 15 overs.

Rain disrupted the contest in the evening, with play eventually called with the Tigers at 7/74 after 30 overs as the points were shared.

Saints supported after steal Panthers in contention and Lambden culls Kangaroos

By Marcus Uhe

St Mary’s Cricket Club President Troy Cashman is confident that his club’s season on-field will not be affected by the stunning and shocking robbery that rocked the club last week.

Shipping containers, used as temporary storage facilities for St Mary’s and St Johns Old Collegians Football Club while the new WJ Crowe Pavilion is being constructed, were stolen from Thomas P Carroll Reserve between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

Brazen CCTV footage shows a truck entering the Reserve under the cover of darkness and removing containers in multiple visits.

Police estimate the total value of the stolen goods in the containers, including memorabilia, honour boards, playing and ground management equipment, kitchenware, tables and chairs to be around $25,000.

“I got a phone call on Tuesday that started with ‘please sit down’ and got told that we’ve been robbed,” Cashman recalled.

“Everything we had, because we don’t have any changerooms, was in the shipping container.

“If you think of anything cricket, and we’re still trying to think of things, it’s all gone.”

Of utmost financial value was the $5000 wicket covers, while it’s difficult to place a value on timeless club artifacts such as honour boards, premiership trophies and photos.

“There’s nothing of value in our (container) for them, but there was for us.

“We were lucky, we took photos of it (the memorabilia) in case something happens, so that’s going to help us replace them… but there’s lots of premiership cups and photos that are going to be hard to replace.

“The premiership cups from all the different grades and photos of life members and things like that, we have family connections and might be able to work it out in the end, but there’s a lot of things in there and it’s very sad.”

Thankfully, through the tremendous sup22 STAR JOURNAL

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By Marcus Uhe

Shipping containers used to store equipment during the construction of WJ Crowe Pavilion were stolen last week.

Picture: SUPPLIED port of rival clubs, apparel company Kookaburra, the City of Greater Dandenong and others, all teams scheduled to take to the field this weekend were able to do so, in Turf 1, Turf 1 Reserves and A Grade, with the fourths in D Grade fortunately having a bye.

While the results weren’t in their favour, the fact they even took to the field at all was the best result for the club.

“We had so much assistance from so many people,” Cashman said.

“So many people, and rivals that I played cricket against, have rung me up and said ‘We want to help out’, or ‘What can we do?’.

“Narre South yesterday, we contacted them on Thursday to say ‘please bring your own chairs, there’ll be no afternoon tea’, and they came and provided afternoon tea for our guys.

“It’s amazing, that side of things.

“We don’t think we’ve lost any players through it, we still think we’ll have four sides next week and it will be the same as normal.

“The best thing that will happen for us is that we can move into our new rooms, even though we’ve got nothing to move in with.”

Police say no arrests had been made as of Sunday evening as the investigation continues.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

257 runs stand between Dandenong and its first win of the Premier Cricket season next week against Prahran thanks to an impressive display with the ball from the Panthers’ new-look bowling attack.

In their first home fixture of the new season, Tom Donnell’s side reined-in an impressive start from one of last year’s finalists to give themselves an achievable target to bank early season points.

Each of the visitor’s top five made starts, scoring 25 or more, albeit at a low strike rate in wintry conditions at Shepley Oval thanks to scattered showers and chilly winds.

But from a position of strength at 4/203 at the beginning of the 67th over, the final six wickets fell for just 53 runs with Matthew Wilson leading the charge.

He had Prahran’s top-scorer Shanogeeth Shanmuganathan caught behind for 44 and later had Nicholas Morrey and Sam Beer removed in back-to-back overs on his way to excellent figures of 4/55 from his 18 overs.

He got the ball rolling for the fielding side, having opening batter James Billington caught by Dhanushua Gamage before spinners Vishwa Ramkumar and Gehan Seneviratne removed Alex Turner and Damon Egan, respectively, before promising partnerships could be further solidified.

Ramkumar finished with the best figures of the spinners, 2/29 from his 10, while Noah Hurley claimed the final two wickets in consecutive deliveries in the 90th over to bring the innings to a close.

At Greenvale, Casey South Melbourne

Matthew Wilson was the pick of the Panthers’ bowlers against Prahran on Picture: ROB CAREW Saturday. 366796 are 23 runs into a chase of 105, following a stunning opening spell from Nathan Lambden.

When wicketkeeper Devin Pollock snared his third catch of the innings at the beginning of the seventh over, Lambden had single-handedly reduced the hosts to 4/7, having sent each of the top four on their way for three ducks and a score of two.

Kalhan Sineth and the lower order offered some resistance for the Kangaroos but they were eventually dismissed in the 52nd over.

Lambden finished with 5/36 in his 16 overs, Ruwantha Kellapotha (3/17 off 15) and Devlin Webb (2/26 from 12) the other major contributors for the Swans.

Yash Pednekar and Ashley Chandrasinghe will resume the chase on 17 and five, respectively. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Plenty happening in SFNL

By Jonty Ralphsmith Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) clubs have wasted no time in looking to bolster their lists ahead of 2024.

Division 2 club Keysborough has locked in former Carlton and St Kilda player Dean Rice in its coaching ranks under Chris Smith for next season to assist Smith with match-day manoeuvres and help develop a transitioning list.

After finishing ninth on the Division 2 table in 2023 with just three wins, the Burras sent off several experienced players at their best-andfairest night, won by Cooper Balic.

The club is on the hunt for some new names, with a goalkicker and midfield starpower prominent on the wish-list following a season where it lacked a game-changer.

The club has made a start on recruiting by picking up the polished Jamie Plumridge from Devon Meadows, who was a key part of Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League club Devon Meadows’ preliminary final team in 2023.

In between a medley of discussions with potential recruits, the flavour of the off-season for many local clubs so far has been locking away established players.

Division 3 premier Endeavour Hills has resigned most of its premiership 22 including best and fairest winner John Rafferty, and will be looking to replicate the feats of the recently promoted Murrumbeena by recruiting well ahead of the club’s first season in Division 2.

Forefront of mind for the Falcons will be a ruck, with dominant big man Sean Van Velsen’s footy status in 2024 currently unclear.

Hampton Park is confident in retaining its current squad and has scope to bring in some big names and big men after towing the line with player points in 2023.

Doveton announced Matt Stapleton as its

Picture: ROB CAREW

Keysborough is looking to transition its list. 341632 new coach last week and he will be assisted by former Australian track and field athlete and Essendon player Barry Besanko, and wellknown club name Steve Henwood junior.

The trio are all familiar names at the club, which has re-signed ruck Dylan Chapman, young gun Brodie Howie and Cam Williamson, among others, but will lose Dan Zajac Troy Allen – and Stapleton – to retirement.

In Division 1, meanwhile, Springvale Dis-

tricts has locked away Kris Thompson for another season, while rivals Dingley will be looking to build on a strong first season under coach Zach Horsley.

Seeking a reliable forward, the club brought in former St Kilda and Sydney Swans player Trent Dennis-Lane, but he will be significantly limited in the games he plays as coach of Talent League club Western Jets.

Plenty of discussions have been had around

Cranbourne players, with forward Kirk Dickson departing for Rosebud, but the Eagles are a club with a strong reputation for retaining home-grown talent and have started announcing key re-signings for another flag tilt.

Division 4 club Dandenong is seeking experienced names, having stripped its list to expose young blood to senior footy this season and get them ready to contend for the premiership.

Stapleton sets Doveton sights on top level of Southern

By Jonty Ralphsmith Southern Football Netball League Division 2 club Doveton has unveiled well-known club figure Matt Stapleton as its coach for the 2024 season.

Stapleton has played more than 200 games for Doveton, captaining the senior side to a premiership, with his playing career also taking in time at Coates League and VFL level, where he learned under a series of coaches including Brett Lovett.

Stapleton initially retired at the end of 2022, before deciding to play the last 12 games of the 2023 season while filling the role as football manager, which he said gave him an insight into some off-field workings.

The first time senior coach succeeds Michael Cardamone, at the helm for the previous two seasons when the Doves made a grand final and preliminary final.

“Our vision as a football club is to play at the top level of the Southern footy league, and there’s a lot of work we have to do before then, but we won’t shy away as a club from the fact that we want to get there,” Stapleton declared.

“We want to play our footy a little bit differently and bring a huge work rate and apply ourselves in everything we do to make sure we’re putting in all our efforts to be there at the pointy end of the year.

“We want to be a much higher scoring team and play a brand of footy that really excites.

“We want to add more leg-speed and take full advantage of who I see as the best ruck in the competition (Dylan Chapman).

“We were only the fifth highest scoring team this year and that’s not good enough for a team that finishes top three so we will make a concerted effort around moving the ball better.

“We’ll get to work on training those things.

“I’ll look to keep things as simple as possible but the players will be really clear on what the expectations are. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Matthew Stapleton will coach Doveton in 2024. 359438 “The most important thing to me is that we’re competitive week-in week-out and that’s something we’ve always prided ourselves on as a footy club and it’s something I want to continue to focus on.”

The club started advertising for the position in mid-August and said it received a strong field of candidates.

Club legend Steve Henwood senior was the chairperson of the coaching subcommittee, with president John Stapleton, the father of Matt, stepping aside to prevent a conflict of interest.

John revealed he pondered stepping down as president with his son assuming the coaching role, but was encouraged to stay in the position.

“It’s a consideration,” John said.

Picture: ROB CAREW

“If you’re going to say that he got it because I’m president, you don’t know what’s going on within the club.

“I’m not going to be able to stop people saying that, neither is Matt.

“It’s not a concern, but people will make their own comments about that and I said to Matt you need to worry about the job at hand and what you want to achieve and the job you do will silence any of the knockers.”

Matt’s genuine passion for the club, esteemed training standards and established respect within the group all stood out during the interview process.

Henwood provided an insight into what the club was looking for in its coach.

While not wedded to a non-playing coach, it was the clear preference.

Cardamone was a playing coach in 2022 and early in 2023 before taking up the role from the sidelines.

Appointing a coach who would put an emphasis on fitness in preseason and have a strong plan for training match-day were considerations.

After being plagued by late omissions between Thursday night training and game-day in 2023, player selection was also a key discussion point during the two-hour meeting last week.

Stapleton found out he got the job on the weekend.

Steve Henwood junior will be part of Stapleton’s panel with further announcements to be made in due course.

Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 23

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Tuesday, 17 October, 2023

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au