Dandenong Star Journal - 16th January 2024

DANDENONG

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

@StarJournal_SE

/DandenongJournal

New top cop on the block

Fred ready to celebrate 100

Tastes of the world delight all

Matt Nelson ready for VFL glory

PAGE 4

PAGE 6

PAGE 11

SPORT

40¢ Inc. GST

Palestine protesters out in force Hundreds of people from the South-East poured out to Harmony Square in protest for Palestine as City of Greater Dandenong came to a standstill last week.

Organised by the Free Palestine Dandenong Action, the south-east communities marched to Bruce MP Julian Hill’s office from Harmony Square on Wednesday 10 January.

Story pages 9-10

Tanya and her son Damon. 383033 Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Multiple arrests

By Matthew Sims Police have arrested and charged an 17-yearold Doveton man, a 16-year-old Dandenong male and three other males with a string of offences following a lengthy car chase involving two stolen vehicles throughout the Endeavour Hills area on Thursday 11 January.

The two stolen vehicles, a BMW and a Mercedes, were observed in Endeavour Hills at around 8.20am and were monitored by police.

The vehicles travelled through multiple

LORETTA LYNN PATSY CLINE CONWAY TWITTY

suburbs, with police using stop sticks in Camberwell and Glen Waverley.

The occupants allegedly dumped the BMW on Sanday Street in Glen Waverley before getting into the Mercedes and fleeing.

Police followed the Mercedes to Heathmere Crescent in Endeavour Hills, with all five occupants exiting the car, which had blown its front driver-side tyre, and attempting to flee on foot.

Officers quickly arrested all five occupants, who were assisting police with enquiries.

Police arrested an 18-year-old Doveton man

and a 16-year-old Dandenong male, a 20-yearold Frankston man, a 17-year-old Narre Warren male and a 17-year-old Cranbourne North male.

Police have charged all five males with a string of offences in relation to evading police in two stolen vehicles on Thursday 11 January.

Police charged a 16-year-old Dandenong male with one count of aggravated burglary, five counts of theft of motor vehicle and one count of handling stolen goods.

Police charged a 17-year-old Doveton male

with one count of home invasion and two counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

Police charged a 17-year-old Cranbourne North male with robbery and four counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

Police charged a 17-year-old Narre Warren male with two counts of theft of motor vehicle, bail offences, one count of unlicensed driving, one count of reckless conduct endangering serious injury, one count of driving in a dangerous manner and other driving offences.

Continued page 2

“THE BEST COUNTRY MUSIC THEATRE SHOW IN AUSTRALIA”

A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO LORETTA LYNN & FRIENDS THROUGH MEGA-HITS & STORIES

FRIDAY, 2ND FEBRUARY DRUM THEATRE - DANDENONG 12661109-JC02-24

WWW.COALMINERSDAUGHTER.COM.AU - 8571 1666

NEWS

Emergency services with the Ford ute that stopped at the crash scene on Stud Road Dandenong North on 18 December. 380241

Elizabeth and mayor Lana Formoso talk about the dangers of the Stud Rd for pedestrians. 382752

Stud Road needs solution

By Sahar Foladi Residents of Dandenong are still taking a chance on life crossing over the perilous Stud Road where a toddler was tragically struck last year.

The news of the toddler’s death on Monday 18 December sent waves of shock and sorrow over the Greater Dandenong community and beyond.

An 85-year-old resident, Elizabeth Weber, has to cross the busy six-lane, 80km/h road to catch the bus on the other side as the only way to travel into central Dandenong twice a week.

“We need the crossing to get to the bus stops otherwise more people will get killed.

“It’s just going on and on, it’s horrible.

“How do they all cross to the bus stop? They all have to take a chance not to get killed.”

She has to take the bus into Dandenong for her dentist appointments, visit the chemist, do the shopping and other needs.

She opts to walk for GP appointments but on the days she’s unable to, she has to take the public transport.

Ms Weber has lived on Stud Road for almost 60 years in one of the first houses established in the area she claims.

She says crossing the already dangerous road has worsened since the installation of guardrails in the median strip.

It’s almost impossible for pedestrians to cross the six-lane in one go as cars zoom by forcing them to wait in the middle of the road.

“Young people can jump over the rails but I can’t jump with the walker, people with prams can’t.

“I have to wait on the road (on the median strip) because I can’t cross with the walker.

“If the grass is long or wet the walker gets stuck so I have to wait on the road and get abused by the drivers.”

According to Ms Weber, she’s heard of two elderly sisters living in the neighbourhood who don’t know how to get into central Dandenong anymore due to the rails causing a barrier to catch the bus.

Elizabeth Weber and mayor Lana Formoso. 382752 Her daughter, Erica Weber said she’s worried for her mother who lives by herself.

“She has a great support worker, a good network of support around her but I’m worried for her safety. It’s a crazy road.

“All she hears is ambulances and screeching tires. There have been too many fatalities there.”

Located in Gippsland, Ms Weber makes sure to call her mother daily.

“I was in regional Victoria in a tiny little town, I wouldn’t cross the road, and we had so many pedestrian crossings.

“Last time I visited my mother, I was terrified trying to cross the road,” she said.

“It’s an aging population there too so a lot of the elderly rely on the bus.”

Children and various age groups regularly bolt across the six-lane to access the basketball

2 STAR JOURNAL

|

12651767-RR48-23

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

stadium playground and floodplains parkland besides the bus stop.

“If there were traffic lights at McFees Road, that would be a great opportunity for residents to go to the basketball stadium, on the other side,” Ms Weber said.

“They have a beautiful barbecue area, but people are too scared to cross the road.”

In her statement after the tragic loss of the toddler in December, City of Greater Dandenong mayor, Lana Formoso said a meeting with Minister for Roads, Melissa Horne would be sought however, no meetings have been scheduled so far.

“Council has worked with the Department of Transport and Planning to produce a welladvanced design for traffic signals and muchneeded pedestrian crossing facilities at the intersection of Stud Road and McFees Road.

“We’ve been calling for a safer pedestrian

crossing here for many years, but we don’t feel the State Government has shared our sense of urgency.

A Victorian Government spokesperson said, “Any death on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted.”

“We’ll work with Victoria Police to understand the circumstances and to provide support to the investigation where required.”

As reported on 18 December by Star Journal, VicRoads has pledged to install pedestrian lights and review the speed limit back in 2018.

The State Government still hasn’t set a timeframe for the project.

The toddler’s “preventable death” comes after a pedestrian in her 50s was fatally struck in an attempt to cross to a nearby bus stop in 2018.

Multiple arrests after police pursuit

starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

From page 1 All teenagers will face a children’s court at a later date.

Police also charged a 20-year-old Frankston man with two counts of theft of a motor vehicle and remanded him to face Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Friday 12 January.

No one was injured during the pursuit.

Police have been investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incidents.

Endeavour Hills resident Michael Quaremba said he had been a resident of the area since 1980 and crime had been on the rise lately.

“There seems to be reoccurring crime relating to car thefts and burglaries in the area,“ he said.

Police have charged five males with a string of offences following the car chase throughout the Endeavour Hills area.

Picture: MICHAEL QUAREMBA “Every time there is an incident like this, the locals become frustrated because Endeavour Hills is actually a beautiful suburb,

generally speaking it is quite safe.

“Sadly, these crimes shine a bad light on the area.“ dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Lunar festival to delight

By Sahar Foladi

Lion dance at last year’s festival. 315598 upon our meeting where it was fully supported by the Greater Dandenong Council and the Victorian Government.

“Currently, we’re in the design process, after that we will work with the council to gain a permit to get the works started.”

Picture: GARY SISSONS The statues of the 12 zodiac signs will be rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

It’s estimated that works may commence just before April this year.

The widely celebrated and anticipated

event will see the celebration of the dragon, associated with this year’s animal, the fifth in the Chinese zodiac.

The year of the dragon symbolises power, nobleness, honour, luck and success in the traditional Chinese culture.

12627298-ET03-24

Springvale is ready to be transformed at this year’s annual Lunar New Year festival.

The Springvale Asian Business Association (SABA) has everything in motion for the community to enjoy on Sunday 4 February.

SABA’s secretary general, Vincent Golf said they look forward to another year of hosting the second largest festival in Victoria.

“We have the dragon prepared and imported from Malaysia as part of the dragon parade on the day.

“It’s 60 metres long and will take 40 of the Hung Hing Cultural Association lion dance performance crew to operate the dragon.”

The festival will see lion dances, non-stop performances, firecrackers, firework to mark the end of the festival, rides for different age groups and 80 different cuisine stalls to choose from.

Greater Dandenong deputy mayor Mr Lim said he’d love to see increased participation on the day.

“I have high hopes for this year’s festival. I came to the council for that reason to support diversity and multiculturalism in our community.

“As a diverse community we must support community organisations and events that demonstrate who we are.”

In preparation for the event, discussions and a tour of Springvale was held on Wednesday 20 December with Eltham MP Vicki Ward Minister for Employment, Mulgrave MP Eden Foster along with councillors Jim Memeti and Richard Lim and Springvale traders.

President of SABA, Daniel Cheng said the organisation is working on a new project of erecting the 12 zodiac signs and four lions at the Springvale Asian Gateway.

“The details of the project were discussed

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

|

STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Development fuels fears

By Sahar Foladi A former City of Greater Dandenong councillor fears a proposal for a major sports hub to be built near Keysborough Golf Club could be used to spread the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) into Green Wedge sites.

Spokesperson for Defenders of South-East Green Wedge, Matthew Kirwan made the claim after Matilda’s vice-captain Steph Catley ‘officially endorsed’ the proposed South-East Sports Hub (SESH).

“Community sports clubs and stars are being used as pawns to move the Urban Growth Boundary. This is no simple rezoning of one piece of land from one type of land to another which councils do all the time.

“It’s about the State Government making the massive decision about moving where the edge of development in Melbourne can take place.”

Meanwhile, Ms Catley, a ‘local product’ of Seaford, was unveiled as the SESH ambassador who said the plans “look amazing” and it can have a “huge impact” on the community.

The SESH is a 71 ha, modern multi-sports hub built adjacent to the proposed Keysborough Golf Club facility, which will be managed by the City of Greater Dandenong Council.

As reported previously by Star Journal, Intrapac and Keysborough Golf Club have proposed rezoning the Hutton Road course, which is on Green Wedge land just outside the UGB. Under the plan, the golf club would relocate to Pillars Road alongside a proposed South East Sports Hub. The existing site would be developed into an estate of up to 1100 dwellings.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Keysborough Golf Club. 337260

General manager of the club Darren Eckhart.

337260

“The sports hub is a sweetener for this deal: Intrapac will fund its development only if the state government moves the Urban Growth Boundary of Melbourne, a boundary designed to prevent urban sprawl. A goal of the Urban Growth Boundary is also preserving the green wedges, ‘the lungs of Melbourne’,” Mr Kirwan said.

The ex-councillor for City of Greater Dandenong fears this may become the “standard trade” offer if Intrapac succeeds, saying there will be “no end to urban sprawl in Melbourne.”

“Moving the Urban Growth Boundary for one purpose in one part of Melbourne will lead to countless other bids around the whole edge of Melbourne.”

Stage one of the design, at $30 million, is ready once approved by the state government.

According to the SESH site, stage one will include two cricket grounds, six football, one AFL, eight netball, two pavilions, four cricket nets, playgrounds and sports hub carpark.

Stage two is said to have a cricket field, five football fields, two AFL, three pavilions, terrain

bike track, family reserve and recreational facilities and much more.

Captain Darrell Swindells from Keysborough Golf Club had previously told Star Journal that “like the government, we accept there’s a Green Wedge but we think our site is an anomaly”.

“It’s an infill site in a middle-ring suburb, surrounded by existing housing and major roads.

“Listening to what the government wants, the best way to solve our housing shortage is infill.”

New top cop on the block brings decades of experience

By Sahar Foladi The new Southern Metro Region Assistant Commissioner is set to further his extensive years in Victoria Police.

Chris Gilbert just started off in Greater Dandenong as the new Assistant Commissioner for the Southern region, after he spent more than 33 years of service in a handful of roles.

“I’m still finding my way around the area and I’m very impressed with what I see particularly with police personnel here.

“I’ve encountered very happy and committed staff working in this area,” he said.

“I’m encouraged that they have very strong relationship with the community, and we’ve seen that through recent community events.”

As anti-social behaviours and hoon events became the frustration of residents throughout 2023, there’s a hope that operations such as Achilles and operation Hades will help to bring some peace to residents.

“What we’ve seen through that is significant reduction in high risk driving events particularly hooning events, so we know that Operation Achilles has worked very well.

“We have a very keen eye on hoon driving behaviour because road trauma is incredibly important for us to reduce.”

There were 289 lives lost on Victorian roads last year, as Victoria Police raised alarms over the holiday period.

As reported previously by Star Journal in November 2023, Operation Hades saw a crackdown on hooning activities along with high risk driving among others.

Over the two-day operation 345 issues were identified, including 79 defective vehicles, more than $50,000 fines issues and rows of impounded cars.

“We run these kinds of operations very frequently not just in Dandenong but the whole region, so that’s a very good example just to demonstrate that we are out there listening and focusing on the risks to road safety from hoons.

“We’re very clear that road trauma is completely avoidable, so our focus is helping people understand when they drive, that their decision making will largely be the difference between a road trauma or not.”

Although Operations Achilles was 4 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

Southern Metro Region Assistant Commissioner, Chris Gilbert. launched in February 2021 in response to increased hooning activities, the issue remained at large.

The Springvale Mega Mart shopping centre was brought under the police radar just after a year of the operation in progress.

As reported previously in March by Star Journal, nearby sleepless neighbours complained of the “shotgun” like noises.

“Overall, people do a very god job but it’s

Picture: SUPPLIED

really up to everybody to try and contribute.

“For those who don’t want to do that, we’ll continue with the operations we have people out there enforcing road rules.”

Anti-social behaviours such as robbery, house break-ins are also of major concerns to the Greater Dandenong community however, Mr Gilbert says there have been reductions in offences of that kind.

“We look at some other indicators in what

that looks like, and we know in the Greater Dandenong area included, we’ve seen some very good drop-offs in offending types such as robbery over the last few months.

“We’ve also seen a reduction in burglary of businesses,” he said.

“We’re seeing reductions in offences and I think that’s actually from understanding where some of those behaviours are occurring.”

Businesses finding it challenging in Dandenong CBD are also advised to flag any ongoing issues with the Neighbourhood Policing program.

“It’s very important for council and local business concerned about ongoing issues to raise the issue with the register,” Mr Gilbert said.

“That can help us to be more focused on where we do our patrolling.

“We work in a large area but we have sufficient resources to be able to respond.

“While we may not get to everything immediately, the community should be reasonably confident that we will respond to serious incidents in all occasions and if there’s no immediate result these do go to other investigations which may take longer to resolve but there’s certainly no lack of attention to those.”

As summer rolls out, residents are strongly advised to play their part and ensure cars and homes are locked.

“One of our important messages currently is for people to ensure not to leave valuables in the car and their car is locked.

“We’re seeing far too many incidents where cars are stolen, the cars are not locked, and valuables are visible in the car,” he said.

“Generally, we find that if residents take those steps, they won’t have their houses broken into.

“That’s something we’d like the community to work with us on.”

Along with the experiences and awards that come with his extensive career in Victoria Police, Mr Gilbert added a King’s Birthday honour in 2023 to his list of achievements as one of the six officers recognised.

The award recognised his contribution to community safety, intelligence and covert policing among a few as he led the Victoria Police’s Intelligence and Covert Support Command. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

12660650-HC03-24

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

|

STAR JOURNAL 5

NEWS

Frederick Menzies will celebrate his centenary on 17 January.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Fred last year when he turned 99. 315219

Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Fred had some of his most memorable years during his service in the navy.

Happy 100th birthday, Fred

By Sahar Foladi Long-time resident of Greater Dandenong, Frederick Menzies will celebrate 100 years around the world with his large family on 17 January.

Now living at the Lexington Garden Aged Care in Springvale, the former naval officer born in 1924 has a large loving family of four children, 12 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.

The Star Journal previously wrote about the 99 years of Fred’s life last year, since then his dementia has worsened, and his health has declined.

“Now he doesn’t remember names, gets us confused but it’s a win for all of us, he thinks we’re much younger,” his daughter Diana Bredt joked.

His children remember a much younger, stern, regimented and traditionalist Fred compared to the soft side he’s revealed with his grand and great-grandchildren.

“He wasn’t a cuddling father, I can’t remember.

“As he got older, he gave himself permission to demonstrate his softer side.

“By the time he had grandchildren he was hugging and cuddling babies. He loves his grandchildren.”

Mr Menzies married in 1952 with Louise Philomena Lennon and had two boys and two girls named David, Diana, Debbie and Dean.

Although it was a love marriage, Mr Menzies couldn’t remember how they met.

“He wasn’t one to cook, wash dishes, he was very old fashioned where daughters only grew to marry and take care of her husband,” Ms Bredt said.

As reported previously by Star Journal, Mr

Fred and Louise’s wedding day from his memoir compiled by his family.

Menzies migrated to Australia from India after he retired from service as a commander, sailed for 42 days with his family and arrived in Melbourne in 1968.

“The navy was his life and also it’s how he

identified himself, the rules, the way he led his life was all influenced by the navy,” Ms Bredt recalls.

“At 3pm he would have scotch, at 7pm he would have his dinner even if not hungry be-

cause everything was navy timing so it was interesting growing up.

“I remember ceremonies, being on the naval base in very nice surroundings.

“There were parades, being little, we were pushed out in white party frocks and shoes to present any visiting dignitaries flowers and gifts.”

The Boxing Day cricket test match was like a family tradition where everyone gathered to watch the game.

“My dad always had a way of saying something.

“I remember he told my five-year-old daughter once while watching cricket, when the ball is moving your mouth shouldn’t be, and she still remembers that.”

Although Mr Menzies forgets he’s turning 100, he gets very excited at the jolt of his memory.

Last year, he had told Star Journal he did nothing to reach at this age despite the dangerous career he chose before he retired from the navy.

“I feel nothing, it’s a phase in my life, it’s not an achievement. It just happened.”

One of his most memorable experiences was the Coronation Naval Review of Queen Elizabeth where 156 warships and 76 others from foreign navies were assembled.

Mr Menzies was on one of those ships representing India. This also led him to attend the Coronation Naval ball where the royalty, captains and other officers were invited. He met Queen Elizabeth, and danced with Princess Margaret which he described as beautiful.

Mr Menzies will be celebrating his centenary at the “second home” with the majority of his family, their cousins, and the friends he made at the aged care.

Students’ efforts recognised at annual awards night

By Irasha White An evening of excitement and celebration unfolded as Community College Gippsland (CCG) hosted its 2023 Award ceremony, shining a spotlight on the success achieved by the students at ECG Secondary College Dandenong campus among many.

This annual event was a testament to the power of collaboration between education and industry, fostering growth and community spirit.

The ECG Secondary College celebrated the success from its campuses in Warragul, Leongatha and Pakenham, students of RTO and Learn Local as well as Industry partners.

The evening was dedicated to recognising and commending individuals and organisations who have made significant improvements to themselves and contributions to the community.

Among the distinguished awards presented were 12 donor awards spanning Warragul, Leongatha, Pakenham and Dandenong campuses, 3 RTO awards, 2 Learn Local Awards, the Industry Partner award, and the prestigious Community Builder Award.

ECG Secondary College Dandenong students spotlighted were Diamond Sopha6 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

Greater Dandenong award recipients at Community College Gippsland awards night.

Picture: SUPPLIED phone who received the Overall Achievement Award presented by Skillinvest, Khrystall Smith receiving the Most Improved Award and Malachi Leiataua receiving the Excellence in Attendance and Engagement Award, both presented by Fonterra.

The Industry Partner Award was rightfully bestowed upon Woorayl Lodge Inc. Leongatha, recognising their collaborative work done to enhance opportunities for learners to grow and achieve.

The Community Builder Award was pre-

sented to Tony Bundock, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to community development and spirit.

The Community Builder Award recognises educators, students, community members and business leaders who understand the power of education in developing and sustaining social equity. This prestigious award was established to honour the memory of former Board Member Terrylene Marks.

Terry, who passed away in 2021, will forever be remembered for her outstanding community-building work and tireless promotion of education for all in her community.

Each year, the award will pay tribute to Terry’s contagious passion, continuous contribution to positive change and dedication to supporting her community.

The success of the 2023 Awards ceremony was attributed to the generous support of Fonterra, Battery Zone Warragul, Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN, TAFE Gippsland, BD Legal, Commonwealth Bank Warragul, Leongatha, Gippsland Water, Maree McPherson, McFarlane Criminal Lawyers, Saputo, Skillinvest, South Gippsland Bass Coast LLEN, and Warragul City Motors.

To find out more info@ccg.asn.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion by building better roads in Melbourne’s south east. While we work this summer, road disruptions may affect your travel.

What we’ve done Built new lanes and upgraded intersections on Narre Warren North Road Built a second connection to South Gippsland Highway as part of the Pound Road West Upgrade Built new lanes, new traffic signals and a new bridge over Peninsula Link to improve traffic flow and travel times on Lathams Road

Works in progress Over summer, we’re finishing new lanes on Hall Road.

In Cranbourne, we’re working to build new lanes and upgrade key intersections along Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road. Works are continuing at the intersection of Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Sladen and Cameron streets and South Gippsland Highway.

We’re starting the first stage of works to build the new Princes Freeway interchanges on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road. We’re also upgrading McGregor Road.

There are ongoing works in Beaconsfield as part of the Station Street Level Crossing Removal Project.

While we work, disruptions could affect your travel McCormicks Road and Hall Road, Skye

Until 19 Jan

Closed at the intersection

Hall, Evans and Cranbourne-Frankston roads, Cranbourne West

Until 22 Jan

Closed at the intersection

Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham

Until 25 Jan

Road closed between Southeast Boulevard and northern Princes Freeway roundabout

Princes Freeway, Pakenham

Until 25 Jan

Closed inbound entry and exit ramps at Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road

Cameron Street, Cranbourne

Until Closed south of Berwickearly 2024 Cranbourne Road

McGregor Road, Pakenham

29 Jan to Mar

Closed between Webster Way/ Henry Road and southern Princes Freeway roundabout

Princes Freeway, Pakenham

29 Jan to Mar

Closed outbound exit ramp at McGregor Road

Kenilworth Avenue, Beaconsfield

Until early Feb

Westbound detour between Station Street and Soldiers Road

Until Mar

Access to and from Brunt Road closed. Detour via Just Joey Drive or Wattle Crescent

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

|

12660717-FC03-24

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

STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Support on the way

By Emma Xerri Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) are moving forward with cautious optimism after good news that the CMHA has welcomed the recommendation for foundational community-based mental health and psychosocial support outside of the NDIS, which will be implemented with 50:50 funding from the National Cabinet.

These recommendations will come as a relief to Dandenong residents, who have long struggled with psychosocial support shortages.

“In Dandenong we are very aware of the needs for additional psychosocial support services that are required outside the NDIS services,” Dandenong Community & Learning Centre general manager Merina Ashdown said.

“Because of the current shortage of these there are significant ongoing social and personal costs occurring and this impacts the community at large.”

These recommendations for increased support follow recent data from the SA Report on Unmet Need for Psychosocial Support, which indicates that per capita around 275,000 people in Australia are living with severe mental health issues and currently have no support from the NDIS, or any existing Commonwealth or state and territory psychosocial programs.

And the number of people in the NDIS with a psychological disability has also accelerated at a rate of 25 per cent per annum, increasing from 39,637 in June 2020 to a staggering 62,011 in June 2023, far surpassing the intended 8 per cent growth target announced in the Federal Budget this year.

Bill Gye the CEO of CMHA said, “Numerous less costly psychosocial services existed previously but these were cut when funding was shifted to the NDIS. In the interim, the unmet need outside the NDIS has grown.”

“Clearly alternative pathways are needed to channel future demand and to help meet the massive gap that is being revealed in the cur-

The Asian black-spined toad located in Huntingdale.

Picture: SUPPLIED

CMHA CEO Bill Gye believes alternative pathways to support are needed outside of the NDIS. rent national assessment of unmet need being commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Some of these alternatives already exist in effective state and territory community mental health programs, they just need to be expanded,” says Mr Gye. The CMHA coalition has already been advocating strongly for an evidence-based, effective and transformative alternative that is recovery-oriented and adapted to local needs and the existing service ecology.

Most importantly this alternative will prioritise input from and co-design with people

who have experienced mental ill-health, together with community-based providers, advocacy, and commissioning bodies.

“These future services and support can be both effective and more economical while returning significant wellbeing and social benefits,” says Mr Gye. This will require all stakeholders to work together carefully to take advantage of this arising opportunity to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of some of the most disadvantaged people in Australia outside the NDIS while supporting the sustainability of the NDIS.

L-R: Lyndhurst Secondary College students Cindy Phao, Janelle Bias, Olivia Argaet and Michelle Prak.

Students drive anti youth vaping initiative

By Emma Xerri More than 80 students from Fountain Gate Secondary College, St Francis Xavier College and Lyndhurst Secondary College took part part in this last year’s Safer Cities Project.

The project aims to empower young people to become agents for change on safety issues that affect them, their peers and their community.

The latest issue on that list: youth vaping.

Hoping to educate the local community on the rising physical, mental and environmental safety impacts of vaping, the students have joined forces with the City of Casey to deliver a series of community safety initiatives that centre around the growing dangers and risks of youth vaping.

“It is so important that our youth have an active voice and role in sharing the real dan8 STAR JOURNAL

|

gers of this growing issue in our country,” said the City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff.

“This initiative is all about engaging Casey’s young people to get involved and become the voice of change on various safety issues.”

The first phase of the Safer Cities Project saw the council deliver a school conference in July, in partnership with Vic Police, VicHealth and Quit VIC. With funding from VicHealth, the event included a series of information sessions and presentations, followed by a competition where students were invited to create an educational video to help inform their peers on the topic of vaping.

The three schools were the award winners, selected by a judging panel consisting of members from Council, VicHealth and Vic Police,

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

based on their creativity and informative content.

“Through the City of Casey’s Innovation Fund, we are proud to support this student-led project with a $25,000 grant to activate their winning ideas. We thoroughly look forward to seeing the creative pieces that come out of next year’s project,” Ms Duff added Phase two of the project is currently underway, with the winning students working alongside the council, sector professionals and Monash Health to determine how best to share their messaging, and provide information on where young people can get help with quitting.

The project is set to conclude mid 2024 with the group looking at developing an informative video resource for distribution online, in schools and the community.

Poisonous toad sparks warning Agriculture Victoria has urged people in the South East to report any suspected exotic pest animal sightings after a poisonous toad from south-east Asia was found in the South East on Boxing Day. Agriculture Victoria biosecurity manager Adam Kay said the Asian blackspined toad (also known as duttaphrynus melanostictus) was poisonous and was known to compete with native species for food and habitat.

“These toads are widespread and abundant throughout south-east Asia, including Bali, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea,” he said.

“They do not naturally occur in the wild within Australia, however, the species is frequently intercepted at Australian borders in shipping containers and in personal luggage as stowaways.”

“This is a serious biosecurity threat, and we are seeking help from Huntingdale area residents and business owners who may have information on how this toad came to be in the community.”

The 18th Asian black-spined toad discovery reported to Agriculture Victoria since 1999, the toad was in poor condition when it was discovered and has since died and been appropriately disposed of to minimise biosecurity risks.

Asian black-spined toads can breed up to twice a year, with females producing up to 40,000 eggs per cycle.

They produce a poisonous milky substance which can cause serious illness or death in native species and domestic pets.

The milky toxin has a pungent odour and may cause itching in the nose and eyes when handled by humans, with the consumption of any skin or eggs from the toads able to cause serious illness or death in humans.

To report any exotic vertebrate pest animal found or sighted in Victoria, contact highrisk.invasiveanimals@agriculture.vic.gov.au, or visit go.vic.gov.au/ WmmQ21

The key features of the Asian blackspined toad. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Protesters in front of Bruce MP Julian Hill’s office.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Protesters in the hundreds

By Sahar Foladi Hundreds of people from the South-East poured out to Harmony Square in protest for Palestine as City of Greater Dandenong came to a standstill.

Organised by the Free Palestine Dandenong Action, the south-east communities marched to Bruce MP Julian Hill’s office from Harmony Square on Wednesday 10 January.

Police were scattered all around Harmony Square, Dandenong Afghan Market and all the way to the Bruce MP’s office with temporary road closures.

One of the speakers from the event, Afaf Alfawwal said they demand Mr Hill take a firm stand on this major issue.

“UN calling for a ceasefire is fantastic, South Africa taking Israel to court of justice is wonderful, unfortunately people close at home aren’t making big enough stand, one of those being Julian Hill.

“We’re here to tell him, that’s enough, it’s time to make a stand.”

It’s the second protest held in Greater Dandenong, the first being on Wednesday 13 December.

The protesters demanded for local and Federal Government end their support for “war crimes and genocide in Gaza” and urged Parliamentarians to sign the letter, organised by NSW Greens MP Jenny Leong and NSW Labor upper house member Anthony D’Adam.

The letter has gained more than 300 signatories calling for a ceasefire.

“It tells me the lives of Palestinians do not matter to him. If it did, he would be making a firm stance, but he is afraid to make his stance known,” Ms Alfawwal said.

However, Mr Hill has called out suggestions about him in support of a genocide as “personally offensive and frankly ridiculous.”

“I have a firm and consistent policy of not signing any open letters or petitions or statements directed at the Parliament or Government I’m a member of.

“That’s a consistent position across all manner of domestic and international issues regardless of the issue over many years.

“It’s a bit weird to write letters to yourself. I suspect that’s why most MPs don’t sign open letters and statements. Some choose to, which is their right of course though a bit strange, but I don’t.”

He stated he’s been a longstanding vocal supporter of Palestinian rights and has been “engaging with community leaders and groups throughout the current crisis.”

“Australia has vocally and repeatedly expressed concern about the unacceptable loss of civilian lives and the need to observe international humanitarian law.

“The current humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire.

“Suffering is widespread and unacceptable with a harrowing number of civilian deaths, including children.

“This must not continue.”

While the Federal Government is “working with partners toward a just and enduring solution in the form of a two-state solution” Mr Hill says he will continue to speak up for peace and “just resolution.”

“We must all work to ensure that the distress dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

People from all background, race, religion and location attended. 383033

Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Police road blocks almost everywhere from the Harmony Square to Julian Picture: SAHAR FOLADI Hill’s office. 383033

The community turn-out was huge as more and more started making Picture: SAHAR FOLADI their way. 383033

Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Local activist gave speeches including Cr Rhonda Garad. 383033 Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

so many of us feel in Australia watching this awful conflict does not turn to hate or anger in our proudly multicultural nation.”

The protest saw 500 people from all walks of lives, neighbouring suburbs to as far as Gippsland attended to show their solidarity

with the Palestinians suffering in Gaza.

Councillor Rhonda Garad and Jim Memeti also attended the event.

“I’m very pleased so many people are still showing up. It’s hard and exhausting but the

numbers are going strong and I’m very grateful to them,” Cr Garad said.

Both councillors have displayed their support for the Palestinians suffering in Gaza and the communities affected in Greater Dandenong and beyond.

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

|

STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Picture: SUPPLIED

The March began with protesters chanting slogans.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Road closure coming off of Princess Highway towards Harmony Square. 383033 Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Protesters marched to Julian Hill’s office and back to the Harmony Square. 383033 Picture: SAHAR

Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Picture: SUPPLIED

People started pouring out on the footpaths with tight security from the Police. Picture: SUPPLIED

10 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Global flavours on offer The Dandenong Market’s World Fare Night kicked off on Thursday 11 January to a huge crowd of more than 7,500.

The sun was shining and attendees enjoyed many flavours from around the world including Spanish Paella, Tibetan Momo’s , Italian Panzerotto and the very unique squid on a stick!

Entertainment ranged from Scottish Highland dancing, Bollywood dance, Japanese pop and finished with the crowd pumping DJ Ash. The next date will be on Thursday 18 January with extra food choices, special performance from the energetic African dance music band - Seben Brother’s and an amazing Huka dance.

Pictures: NICOLE PASPALIARIS

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

|

STAR JOURNAL 11

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Deadline

V Trades Business Profile

V Handy Persons

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

DANNY THE HANDYMAN local handyman NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

TRADES & SERVICES

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

24 HOUR SE Rec: 17824

SAME DAY TV ANTENNA SERVICE

0488 816 557

12619662-RR29-23

FAST FRIENDLY EFFICIENT Phone 7am-8pm | installmyantenna.com.au

all Specialising in efurbishment s • Entensions/R ations y Switches Electrical Install Upgrades /Safet S • Switchboard OTE FREE QU small • House Rewires CC TV No Job too big or & TV ta/ /Da • Phone ical.com.au te Repairs ww w.jlhuttelectr • Oven & Hot Pla ce Repairs • Hot Water Servi s • Security Alarm s • AC Installation

Jason 1300 64

AA & F&D UNITED PAINTING SERVICES

“Since advertising in the local Dandenong Journal our enquiries have increased immensely and we continue to get great results” ă 'DPLDQ

• Interior & Exterior • Domestic & Commercial Over 30 years experience • Honest and reasonable prices

Call Frank on 0411 370 252 V Roofing

ROOF RESTORATION ★★Replace CleaningRoofs/Gutters/Downpipes Roofs/Gutters/Downpipes ReplaceBroken BrokenTiles Tiles ★★Cleaning ★ Re-Bedding & Pointing ★ Roof Spraying (3 coats acrylic paint) & Pointing ★★Roof ★★10Re-Bedding Year Guarantee FreeSpraying Quote (3 coats acrylic paint) For a free★quote Free phone Quote Carlos ★ 10 Year Guarantee 10% discount

Chris:9700 0410 584 435 Mob: • Carlos:0414 0414 393 393 700 Ph: 7098 700

4 698

V Tiling

ECONOMY TILING

V Concrete Products & Services

No job too big or too small Free quote • Compare our prices!

Support your local tradesman for ALL your concreting needs!

DANDENONG ELECTRICIAN Local, Honest and Reliable • Senior Discounts • Upfront Pricing • All Electrical Work

฀

฀

12438941-CG04-20

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

★

฀

Jason 1300 644 698

฀

• 9791 9877 • 0411 636 400

฀

All Types of Domestic & Commercial Work ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

• Automatic & Sliding • Ballustrading • Pool & Garden Fencing FREE QUOTES

L&L ELECTRICS

฀ ฀

฀

ALL TYPES OF GATES & FENCES

0480 022 406

Rec: 34611

J.L. Hutt Electrical

$55 OFF

CALL JACKSON

V Electricians

24 HOUR SERVICE ฀

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

฀

฀

฀★

Call Chris: 0416 079 689 - 5940 7264

STAR STAR

Pakenham Gazette Berwick / Cranbourne / Pakenham Star News

Pakenham Gazette Dandenong Star Journal Endeavour Hills Doveton Star Journal Berwick / Cranbourne / Pakenham Star news

SAXON FENCING Palings, Pickets, Colorbond Fences & Gates Prompt and Reliable Service

Phone 0419 775 259 or 8751 4016

ADVERTISE UNTIL SOLD*

C316291-KK18-5

C1085227-JO32-13

t 6OJU 4JUFT t (BSBHFT t %SJWFXBZT t 1FSHPMBT t 1MBJO $PMPVSFE t 4MBUF *NQSFTTJPO t 'BVY #SJDL t &YQPTFE "HHSFHBUF

Call 0432 550 066 or 8707 5522

V Fencing & Gates

12481388-NG07-21

Andrew Craven Concreting www.andrewcravenconcreting.com.au Phone Andrew on

Free Quotes

V Electricians

12622963-JB30-23

9795 4247 0407 324 768

0408 585 508, 5998 1127

All Bathroom Renovations • Bathrooms • Toilets • Kitchens • Decks • Water proofing • Walls and Floors

12463529-LB40-20

1198421-ACM37-15

G5790601AA-dc18Feb

Call 1300 666 808

QUALITY HOME CONCRETING

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

0470 472 850

V Painters/Decorators

Reg No 082 1317E

trical J.L. Hutt ERVleICcE

V Antennas

1152285-PB36-14

12435758-CG03-20

Deadline for all classifications is 3:30pm Friday.

CALL DANNY

12535782-JC07-22

(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office)

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

DRYWALL REPAIR GUTTER REPAIRS GUTTER CLEANING TILING INSTALL/REMOVE BLINDS INSTALL TOWEL RACK INSTALL TV WALL MOUNT HANG PICTURES, MIRRORS PROMPT & RELIABLE

12475470-JW51-20 G6032580AA-dc24Jun

We accept payment by:

FULLY INSURED

12643213-AA42-23

Grow your business with

(include your name, address and phone number)

• 40 Years Family FR Owned & Operated QUO EE TES • 25 Year Warranty • Senior/Pensioner Discount #1 in DANDENONG

FREE QUOTES

CARPENTRY DECKING, PERGOLA DOORS, WINDOWS, LOCKS ALL REPAIRS WOOD ROT REPAIR REPLACE PERGOLA POST GENERAL REPAIRS PAINTING EXTERIOR/ INTERIOR PLASTER, WATER DAMAGE

C1072232-JJ4-13

Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

Oakfern Tree Care P/L Pruning Removal Stump Grinding

Phone Geoff 0418 340 825 Fully Insured

Find work locally in the

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

C1101420-JO46-13

$

29 .00

• All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.

• After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

Run my advert in: 2 papers - $7 extra 3 papers - $14 extra 4 papers - $21 extra 6 papers - $30 extra

ADD A PHOTO FOR AN ADDITIONAL $8.00.

12593772-AA11-23

12 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Bears now a headline act

By Marcus Uhe Berwick’s revival to prominence in Turf 1 has seen them rewarded with a competition-high three selections in our Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 midway Team of the Season.

Jarrod Goodes and Jake Hancock have been standouts with their respective disciplines to date, with Goodes sitting equal second for wickets taken and Hanock third for runs scored, while Jordan Cleland has been the pick of the wicketkeepers so far.

Nearly every team from the competition is represented in the XI, such is the spread of talent in Turf 1, aside from Buckley Ridges, arguably the most well-balanced side in the field.

Two Hallam Kalora Park Hawks bolster the middle order, while a pair of back-to-back premiership players from Springvale South strengthen both the batting and bowling side of the card.

The veteran pair of Jawid Khan and Mark Cooper will see off the new ball, as two of the competition’s leading runscorers at the halfway point of the season.

Both put a high price on their wickets and have shouldered a mountain of responsibility for North Dandenong and Beaconsfield respectively.

Between them, they can also offer handy overs to take the pressure off the bowling attack, Cooper’s leg spin a point of difference to the remainder of the bowling group.

Former first-class cricketer Hancock slots in at three, a position he earned in the official Team of the Year in 2022/23, thanks to big scores against likely finalists Springvale South and North Dandenong.

Mahela Udewatte sits at four, a former Sri Lankan international who has hardly missed a beat in his first season at Hallam Recreation Reserve since crossing from Buckley Ridges,

Jordan Cleland will wear the gloves in the Turf 1 midway Team of the Year. 226241 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS and hit an impressive hundred in the face of a rampant Springvale South early in the season.

He’s joined by Hawks captain Jordan Hammond at six, who despite not reaching his own lofty capabilities with the bat, has been at his best with the ball.

At five is Jordan Wyatt, who can play an aggressive counter-punching role in the middle order in a Travis Head-type mould, having belted the excellent Berwick bowling attack for

V

Livestock

General Classifieds V

Public Notices and Event

V

Public Notices and Event

General Notices Public Notices and Event

Tuesday, 30th January issue of the Dandenong Star Journal

Thursday 25th January at 2:30pm

Need cash?

Sell it local

12663497-AP04-24

CLASSIFIEDS EARLY DEADLINES Classified deadlines for

MR JODY BOSMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CITY FUTURES

48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 0468 693 833 V

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

V

STR

ESS EET ADDR

HAVING A CLEAN UP OR DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME? Advertise your GARAGE SALE here

$

CALL 1300 666 808

6cm (H) x 3cm (W)

Only 33.00

Employment

Motoring V

Motor Vehicles

TOYOTA Corolla Accent, 2016, auto, sedan, white, 42,000kms, reg until June 2024, factory alloy mags, one owner, RWC, VGC. AID-526. $21,995 ono.

0452 275 593 or 5996 3006.

Find it in the

Garage Sales

SUBURB

Accommodation

ROOMS AVAILABLE, Single rooms. Gents only. 48 Hammond Road/45 Hemmings Street, Dandenong.

Ph Daniel 0417 336 906.

V

General Classifieds V

Massage Therapists

Real Estate

A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, at the Department of Transport and Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386; and free of charge, at the Greater Dandenong City Council website at www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au; or during office hours, at the offices of the Greater Dandenong City Council, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong VIC 3175.

MR JODY BOSMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CITY FUTURES

Open 7 days

12423634-SN31-19

The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment C240gdan to the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme. The Amendment came into operation on 11 January 2024, the date the notice was published in the Victoria Government Gazette. The Amendment rezones the site from Public Use Zone Schedule 2 (Education) to the General Residential Zone Schedule 1, applies a new Development Plan Overlay schedule and the Environmental Audit Overlay, and makes the Minister for Planning the responsible authority for the site.

A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, at the Department of Transport and Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386; and free of charge, at the Greater Dandenong City Council website at www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au; or during office hours, at the offices of the Greater Dandenong City Council, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong VIC 3175.

section of Network Classifieds.

Australia Day

The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment C224gdan to the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme.

The Amendment came into operation on 21 December 2023, the date the notice was published in the Victoria Government Gazette. The Amendment implements the findings of the Noble Park Activity Centre Structure Plan (2022) by amending Clause 22.08 Noble Park Local Planning Policy, amending Schedule 5 to Clause 43.02 Design and Development Overlay and making other associated changes to the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme.

12663192-SN04-24

Motoring

Planning and Environment Act 1987 GREATER DANDENONG PLANNING SCHEME Notice of Approval of Amendment Amendment C240gdan

Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $600 for all complete cars dead or alive!

0422 108 512 Also Towing Service Available

Celebrations

12493026-AV19-21

LMCT 10268W

section of Network Classifieds.

12644936-SM44-23

Buy & Sell in the

Planning and Environment Act 1987 GREATER DANDENONG PLANNING SCHEME Notice of Approval of Amendment Amendment C224gdan

12662214-JD04-24

12661905-JD03-24

$100 per Goat

V

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

SWA6566B

For Sale

Pets & Services

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

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

$110/ 30mins

12652832-AI48-23

Goats

PICK UP COLDSTREAM PH 0410 994 993

V

Adult Services

Rainbow Club

Live Meat

Male, 30kg+ Good condition Can cater to most order quantities.

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

General Notices

Rural V

a captivating century back in round five, to go with two bludgeoning half-centuries against Hallam Kalora Park.

Cleland takes the gloves at seven, before a bowling attack that will strike fear in any batting lineup.

Alex Cruickshank is in the running for recruit of the year, the spearhead the Narre South bowling attack with his pace and accuracy troubling some of the competition’s

premier sides and batters, falling agonisingly short of bowling the Lions to an unlikely victory against Buckley Ridges.

Goodes will captain the side at number nine, likely taking the new ball, with St Mary’s quick Deeshan Umagiliyage, a shining light for the Saints in a bleak season, completing a quintet of seam-bowling options at Goodes’ disposal, along with all rounders Hammond and Khan.

Jarryd Straker, the leading wicket taker in Turf 1, will offer the primary spin bowling option with his left arm orthodox’s, which will be complemented by the leg spin of Cooper, should Goodes opt to deploy both tweakers.

The hard-luck story is Lachlan Brown, the Berwick tweaker, the competition’s third leading wicket taker column with 18.

But Straker’s dominance for the Bloods sees Brown relegated to 12th man, the two forming a dynamic with shades of that between the late Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill, when Warne’s once-in-a-lifetime talent kept MacGill out of the side, despite being a very accomplished spinner himself. .

Only Wyatt, Hancock and Straker remain in the XI from the official team selected for the 2022/23 season, while Hammond was named 12th man of that side.

DDCA TURF 1 MIDWAY TEAM OF THE YEAR Jawid Khan - North Dandenong Mark Cooper - Beaconsfield Jake Hancock - Berwick Mahela Udewatte - Hallam Kalora Park Jordan Wyatt - Springvale South Jordan Hammond - Hallam Kalora Park Jordan Cleland - Berwick Alex Cruickshank - Narre South Jarrod Goodes - Berwick Jarryd Straker - Springvale South Deeshan Umagiliyage - St Mary’s 12th man: Lachlan Brown - Berwick

Buy, Rent & Sell in the

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

or email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

|

STAR JOURNAL 13

SPORT The youngest of five football-loving brothers has signed his first VFL contract, with Frankston hoping the Noble Park local and Berwick Springs junior is the beginning of a trend in the South East region.

Brotherly bond drives Matt

By Jonty Ralphsmith Noble Park’s Matt Nelson was running around in a diaper and going to kindergarten while his eldest brother Daniel was getting his licence.

14 years separate youngest to oldest, their love for each other outweighed by their competitive spirit when in their Narre South backyard.

There was always a seasonal buffet of sports on the menu.

“As soon as there’s some sort of talentmeasured competition, everyone wants to be the alpha and get one up on the other,” said middle brother Luke, who also has 53 games of VFL experience with Coburg and Richmond and plays at powerhouse Noble Park.

“We would split up (second-eldest) Aidan and myself, and Tom and Matt who were pretty little to be honest, and we probably set the bar pretty high for those two, but I think it really does set you up to deal with people being better than you sometimes.

“There’s always going to be guys who are taller, stronger, more athletic, even more naturally gifted - they might just have a better toolkit than you.”

After having Daniel and Aidan to guide him through his childhood, Luke, 26, has been an important asset in Matt’s footballing journey.

By age 15, the 2023 Dandenong Stingrays graduate was joining in with the former VFLlisted player’s sessions.

“I would do the running sessions and nearly die!” Matt exclaimed.

“Learning at that young age taught me how difficult it really is to get to the next stage - it doesn’t just come, it’s really, really hard mentally and physically.

“It was surreal seeing listed AFL players playing beside my brother, but from a young age doing the training and hard work with him, I think I grew into it a little bit.

“Seeing how good he was and his achievements throughout VFL level and local really pushed me to thrive, and whenever I now train or do the running or gym work, I feel like mentally I’m getting stronger.”

In between his Stingrays commitments in 2022, Matt was a prominent player for Berwick Springs’ seniors before crossing to the Bullring ahead of last season to play a higher standard of footy.

Both Matt and Noble Park coach Steve Hughes expected him to have to work his way into the senior line-up, but after just one full session with the seniors, he pushed his case to debut at the first available opportunity.

That work ethic stood out to the seasoned Bulls coach immediately.

“What strikes me about Matt is he has excellent training habits,” Hughes said.

“I’d go so far as to say it’s some of the best training habits I’ve seen for an 18-year-old his intensity, enthusiasm and professionalism leads the way.

“The way he trained got him his first game - it was so impressive we decided to pull the trigger and give him a go even though I’d never seen him before.

“I encourage some of our other players to watch the young fella train.

“At Eastern Premier level 18-year-olds don’t generally have a massive influence, but Matty well and truly held his own, so I’m really pleased to see him pursue the VFL path.”

After being presented with his jumper by Luke at Arch Brown Reserve, Berwick - ironically where Luke’s senior career started - Matt would play all nine of his Bulls games in the ones.

That included three games with brother, Luke, after playing with Tom and Aidan the previous year at the Titans.

“You’re in the game and in the mode of playing your best footy but sometimes the realisation comes in that your brother’s on the same field, and you know he’s going to compete and you look upon that and you learn off it,” Matt said.

14 STAR JOURNAL

|

Noble Park’s Matt Nelson is ready to embrace his VFL shot. 383346 Luke: “I remember the first time we linked up, Matty got a one-two from (Jackson Sketcher) and hit me up on the wing.

“I was in the moment but once I took the mark and kicked the ball further down I thought ‘that was pretty awesome to get the ball kicked to you from your brother’.

“Even though we hadn’t played together, we had done so much work together in preseasons ever since Matt was about 14.”

For a family who grew up recording backyard sporting battles to settle inevitable arguments, the big question still looms: which brother will finish their career as the best footballer?

“I used to watch him at about under-13 and thought he might be coming for the number one spot, I’ll have to keep an eye on him,” Luke quipped with a chuckle.

Matt is motivated by the carrot of an AFL list spot, pointing to the 2022 Talent League grand final as a turning point for his confidence.

While it was a baptism of fire on Harry Sheezel, who went on to dominate the match, given the task of shutting down the would-be AFL rising star winner was something he held on to.

“There was the disappointment at not being talked about - I really wish I was there and got my name read out and family around me but at the same time it’s not the only way of getting in there,” Nelson noted.

“It’s probably the best way, but I was just thinking to myself, ‘I’ve improved from last year, I look across my game play and stats - not just football ability wise, but as a character’.

“Mentally I’ve improved significantly from my 17s year, because I looked at some players in my 17th year and would think ‘maybe I wasn’t good enough’ but when I got put on Harry Sheezel, I realised they trust me, they must think I’ve got some ability defensively.”

Two of Matt’s three strongest performances of his 2023 Stingrays campaign were fittingly at Frankston Park.

Having played across each line during his time at the Stingrays and at local level, Frankston coach Jackson Kornberg sees a clear role for the versatile teen in 2024.

“His ball use is his strength, he’s able to accumulate the ball, he’s got no trouble in knowing where to run and find the footy,” the Dolphins coach says.

“His foot skills have really impressed me

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

Pictures: JONTY RALPHSMITH

Matt with brother, Luke (left), who has shown him the way through his upbringing. and I think the wing/halfback is where I see him settling this year.”

FRANKSTON SEEKING TO BECOME SOUTH EAST “CLUB OF CHOICE” Recently appointed Frankston chief executive Fraser Bayne says Frankston will put an increasing currency on signing talent from the region.

Bayne and Kornberg have replaced Adrian Lloyd and Danny Ryan as chief executive and coach respectively in the off-season.

“In essence, we want to become the VFL club of choice for people who live in the AFL South East region so we look at Dandenong Stingrays as an acute part of that,” Bayne said.

“That (includes) kids who play in the Mornington Peninsula juniors, South East juniors and Frankston District juniors.

“Nick Cox and Toby (Jedwab) have got a great program going through the Stingrays.

“Those players that don’t get drafted, we’d like them to think that Frankston is the club they want to come to when they’re thinking

about their next step in the footballing journey and hopefully get the grounding that hopefully they still can be drafted.”

Bayne put forward several ideas of how to sustain connection with the Stingrays, including inviting the Stingrays to train at Kinetic, having VFL players attend Stingrays sessions and increasing the Dolphins’ presence in interleague programs.

“As a semi-professional program, it makes sense if you’re living in the area to come to Frankston rather than travelling to other clubs,” he said.

Aligning with that vision, the club is keen to position its Academy as a centre of excellence for talent in the region, particularly the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League, benefiting clubs including Devon Meadows and Pearcedale.

Alongside Nelson, Beaconsfield goal kicker Matt Johnson and Cranbourne’s George Grey are other locals who will line up for Frankston in 2024, while 2022 Rays graduate Taj Campbell-Farrell has also joined the club from Williamstown. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Hancock the hero as Panthers no match for Berwick turns North Melbourne

By Marcus Uhe A low-scoring thriller between North Dandenong and Berwick saw the Bears move into outright third on the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 ladder, thanks to a two-wicket win at Lois Twohig Reserve.

With both sides tied on points, in second place, heading into the match-up, the result was going to prove critical in the race to put themselves in the best-possible position to secure a finals birth, as the season enters the home stretch.

Where the last contest between the two sides saw Berwick plunder 364 runs in a day at Arch Brown Reserve, just 145 runs in total were scored in the return one-day contest, Berwick successfully chasing 73 with just two wickets in hand.

Jake Hancock anchored the chase with an unbeaten 36, having survived a chaotic opening spell from Maroons’ all-rounder Javid Khan.

Khan’s dismissal of Mitch Shirt in the 15th ball of the innings reduced the visitors to 4/6, with Jordan Cleland, Jarryd Wills, Matt Robertson and Shirt all back in the pavilion early.

Khan, the all-rounder with claims to favouritism on the Wookey medal at this point in the season, got through the defences of Robertson and Cleland, had Wills caught by Imran Laghmani and Shirt judged LBW in a brilliant start to his side’s defence.

Hancock, the man who cashed-in last time the two sides met with an unbeaten 141, was the wicket North Dandenong would have wanted the most, but he remained resolute in the face of a crisis.

He formed short but important partnerships with Ash Henry, Toby Wills and Jarrod Goodes as the Maroons breached Berwick’s tail-end.

When Goodes departed for eight, 17 runs shy of the target, North Dandenong looked on the precipice of scoring an important and unlikely victory, having been dismissed for just 72 earlier in the day.

Elliot Matthews joined Hancock in the 18th over, and offered a pivotal anchoring role with sturdy defence.

Hancock unsurprisingly assumed the role of aggressor as the senior batter, hitting the dangerous Khan for six in the 20th over to inch the Bears closer.

The 21st over from left-arm quick Randeep Sahota saw Hancock defend the first five, before running a crucial three on the last ball of the over to ensure he maintained the strike for the beginning of the next over, with victory

By Marcus Uhe

Jake Hancock was the steady head in Berwick’s run chase against North Dandenong. 374101 Picture: ROB CAREW now just one stroke away.

The third ball from spinner Laghmani’s next over clattered into the fence for four, securing the Bears the six points.

Hancock and Matthews added 17 for the final wicket partnership, of which Hancock contributed 16 runs.

Khan finished with 5/30 from eight overs in a marvellous bowling performance.

The Maroons will rue their performance with the bat, having shown limited resistance against the Berwick bowling attack.

Corey Bevan led the way with the ball, taking 5/31 from his 10 overs, including the first four of the innings to reduce the hosts to 4/44.

Only two of the home side’s batters in Khan (19) and Tahsinullah Sultani (16) reached double figures, the middle and lower order falling away rapidly.

Mitch Shirt finished the innings with three wickets in his only over.

At Springvale South, Beaconsfield became the third consecutive side to be dismissed for under 100 runs by the Bloods’ imposing bowling attack in a nine-wicket loss to the reigning champions.

A loss of four wickets with the score stuck on 47 in a withering 13-ball period, beginning with captain Mark Cooper, wiped out the Tigers’ middle order after a steady start.

Tyler Clark hit 20 off 23 but ducks to Jesse Busacca and Kevin Seth meant the opener’s score was a stand out on the batting card.

The Bloods shared the wickets, as has become their trademark in these recent nearflawless displays, Jackson Sketcher leading the way with 3/10 from three overs.

Springvale South wrapped-up the chase in the 20th over, thanks in large part to 45 from returning captain Ryan Quirk.

Narre South’s contest with Hallam Kalora Park at Strathaird Reserve was abandoned after 28 overs into the Lions’ first innings, due to rain.

The pause came at a good time for the Lions, battling at 5/99 with young pair Callum Nicholls and Riley McDonald leading a fightback.

The Hawks, led by 3/9 from Lauchlan Gregson, reduced the hosts to 5/47 in the 15th over before Nicholls and McDonald steadied the ship with an unbeaten 52-run stand.

Super six from ‘Slick’ guides Bucks to victory

By Marcus Uhe A six off the final ball of the innings from Buckley Ridges veteran Michael Davies ensured his side’s undefeated streak remains intact, despite a spirited performance from bottomplaced St Mary’s on their home deck.

Scores were tied with one ball remaining and with the Bucks nine wickets down, after a rain delay reduced the contest to a 25-over per side match.

Having secured three points for a tie, at the very least, Davies, a former Wookey medal winner at Heinz Southern Districts, ensured his side walked a way with the six points to move into third on the Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 1 ladder.

The Saints reached 6/91 before rain forced both sides from the field after 25 overs.

Four of the seven Saints batters reached double figures, led by Safaras Moahomad’s 28, having moved down the order to number four.

Ishan Jayarathna and Hussain Ali each took two wickets while two run outs didn’t help the home side’s cause.

Rain forced a lengthy delay that brought St Mary’s’ innings to a close, and reduced the available number of overs for Buckley dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Michael Davies blasted a six off the final ball of his side’s innings to secure a win for Buckley Ridges over St Mary’s. 316267 Picture: ROB CAREW Ridges to face.

Openers Ben Wright and Jake Cronin made a solid start to the chase, but wickets fell rapidly once those two departed.

Davies was promoted to number three, and the decision appeared a master stroke as he watched eight teammates come and go from the other end.

Five combined runs from Roshane Silva (3), captain Jayson Hobbs (2), Jayarathna (0) and Troy Aust (0) ripped the heart out of Buckley Ridges’ middle order with Susantha Pradeep and Saveen Nanayakkara the architects of the demise.

But with the experienced Davies at the other end, the Bucks remained not-without hope.

Wickets fell around him but he kept his composure for much of the innings, the scores eventually locked on 91 with one delivery remaining and one Buckley Ridges wicket in hand.

Thankfully for the visitors, it was ‘Slick’ on strike, who belted a six to ensure a famous result.

Davies finished unbeaten on 49, one short of a half-century, but his contribution ensured pocketing the full quota of all-important match points.

Both Pradeep and Nanayyakara finished with three wickets each for St Mary’s, which has pushed two likely finals aspirants in the opening two weeks post the Christmas break, after a much-improved performance against Berwick in round nine.

Dandenong has fallen to 10th on the Victorian Premier Cricket ladder following a 37-run rain-affected loss to Melbourne at home on Saturday.

Chasing 189 in 37 overs, the Panthers reached 8-151 when the innings was declared closed on Saturday evening.

A ninety-run stand between highprofile Melbourne pair Will Pucovski (48) and Blake Thomson (55) did much of the damage for the visitors, who were beginning to wobble when the rain intervened.

Pucovski and Thomson lifted Melbourne from 1/40 to 2/130, but both departed in quick succession as the Panthers mounted a fightback, led by seamer Ben Allison.

Allison removed both players in consecutive overs to begin the charge, supported by wickets to Oliver Jenkins and Matthew Wilson, as Melbourne fell to 5/155.

It reached 188 when the innings came to an end, with Dandenong granted 37 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

Allison was the standout Dandenong bowler, taking 3/31 as the only multiple wicket-taker.

The Panthers’ reply could hardly have made a worse start, after Matthew Wilson was caught behind on the second ball of the innings for a golden duck.

Brett Forsyth and Dhanusha Gamage then added 51 for the second wicket, offering stability until Forsyth was caught on the boundary for an attacking 26.

Regular wickets fell there-after in the push for quick runs with a shortened allocation of overs.

Following Forsyth’s departure, the next seven wickets fell for just 81 runs, a series of single figures and scores in the teens doing little to challenge the Melbourne attack.

Gamage top scored for Melbourne with 32, closely followed by 26 from Forsyth.

Melbourne’s outfit boasted a handful of both current and former first-class cricketers, not to mention Pucovski, who owns a Baggy Green.

David Moody, the nephew of Australian World Cup winner Tom, starred with the ball for Melbourne, taking 4/31 from his eight overs.

Jack Prestwidge, meanwhile, has played professional limited overs cricket for a handful of sides in Australia, while Campbell Kellaway is a star on the rise in the Victorian setup.

The Panthers head to Melbourne University next week to battle the Students in a one-day match, before twoday games return the following round.

Dhanusha Gamage top-scored for Dandenong with 32. 383174 Picture: ROB CAREW

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

|

STAR JOURNAL 15

Make the most of your retirement...

ON THE COAST. “We followed the kids down the Surf Coast after our friends told us about Armstrong Green. To our surprise, over a quarter of the community in our beautiful new village also came from the Eastern suburbs. So join us in 2024.”

722-742 Barwon Heads Road, Armstrong Creek

armstronggreen.com.au

Availability and pricing correct as of 01.2024

Call Jodie and Linda on 1800 777 898 to book a tour or scan the QR code below to learn more about our $25k Cashback Offer* on the boutique Duneed Villa, already built from $660K.

12660838-ET03-24

16 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au