Fun is rising at a giant inflatable obstacle course unveilled at the South East Winter Festival these school holidays. The inaugural event combines gourmet food, rides and entertainment at Caribbean Gardens on 17-20 July. More pictures, turn to page 8 (Ljubica Vrankovic: 488275)
Illegal rubbish dumping is costing City of Greater Dandenong a pile of money – more than $1 million a year.
Since February, the council has been getting nearly 800 reports of illegal waste a month, according to its new customer request dashboard.
Overall, council spends $1.1 million a year, picking up 1000 tonnes of dumped rubbish.
The cost includes the State Government’s landfill gate fee and landfill levy of about $200,000 per year, city futures executive director Sanjay Manivasagasivam says.
These numbers are where the council arranges for the dumped rubbish to be collected and excludes incidents where there’s a chance of prosecution.
“However, this doesn’t factor in the additional costs of our staff and vehicles to pick up the rubbish, and extra costs for disposing of mattresses, e-waste, tyres, asbestos, gas bottles and other dangerous materials.
“The cost to our community of dumped rubbish is very high.
“We could be spending this money on other useful services, programs or amenities for our residents.”
In April, Star Journal previously reported on Greater Dandenong and Victoria’s illegal dumping reports to the Environment Protection Authority. Since 2023, there had been 1,655 reports in Greater Dandenong alone. More on the story, turn to page 3
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad has demanded a public apology from the council over its media statement that her social-media retweets “support anti-semitic language”.
Cr Garad says she will otherwise seek legal redress over the council’s “false” and “defamatory” statement that she was stoking “vilification, abuse or inciting hatred”.
She says the council should have issued a “no comment” over her “right to free speech”.
“It is deeply shocking they are taking this position.”
It comes days after Cr Garad resigned from the Greens. She says she will continue her councillor term as an independent.
Greater Dandenong’s statement was in response to an enquiry from another media outlet.
At issue were several of Cr Garad’s retweets on X such as one supporting chants of ‘Death, death to the IDF’ (Israel Defence Forces) at a recent Melbourne protest.
“Go Melbourne!,” Cr Garad posted.
She also retweeted a post that asked why “Jews need a homeland in the Middle East when they already own America”.
Cr Garad told Star News that the latter post was “ironic” and “sarcastic” reference over “how much control Israel has over America”.
Her posts were “not about race or religion” but the IDF, Israel or Zionism – which meant they were not anti-semitic, she said.
In response to the other media outlet’s enquiry, a council spokesperson stated that the council did not endorse Cr Garad’s retweets “in relation to the IDF, Israel or Zionism”.
“Some of her retweets support anti-semitic language and are likely to cause pain, offense and harm to the Jewish community.”
The council stated the Middle East conflicts were a “source of great stress and pain” to many in its culturally and faith-diverse community.
“Genuine political comment should never cross into vilification, abuse or inciting hatred against people on the basis of their faith, race or other protected characteristics.”
Cr Garad was concerned that the council was adopting an International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition, which she said potentially conflated criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
According to the IHRA website, anti-semitism “might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity”.
“However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic,” the website states.
The same definition has been adopted by Jillian Segal, Australia’s special envoy to combat antisemitism.
After the release of Ms Segal’s report last week, debate sparked on what defined antisemitism.
Cr Garad posted that “this is a very dangerous moment for our democracy”.
“One unelected woman has written a ‘plan to tackle all the determinants of Australian culture such as education, and reinforce them for social cohesion, while removing elements driving hatred’.”
Greater Dandenong Council did not respond to Star News prior to deadline, including whether it deemed Cr Garad breached the council’s Councillor Media Policy.
As Melbourne woke to news of an arson attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue - one of Australia’s oldest Jewish places of worship - we were reminded just how fragile peace and cohesion can be.
It was not just an attack on bricks and stained glass. It was an attack on belonging.
Whether it is Islamophobia, anti-semitism, anti-Black sentiment, or oblivious racism in everyday life, it is clear that Australia is hurting.
And beneath the surface, we are dividing, not uniting.
In all this, the question we keep coming back to is: What does it really mean to belong in Australia today?
As a father–daughter duo from a proud Australian but Sikh–Anglo–English–Malaysian–Indian–Pakistani background, we know what it feels like to be “othered” - to be asked, “Where are you really from?” even though we have lived here for decades.
We have also experienced the quiet pride of contributing - through sport, music, cultural work, teaching, mentoring, writing, and building bridges between communities.
But still, when fires are lit, literally and metaphorically, it feels like our multicultural story is being tested.
We recently spoke with respected First Nations elders Uncle Gene Blow and Rachel Shields. One question came up:
“When do we, as non–First Nations people, truly belong?”
Their response:
Belonging is not a place. It is a practice. It is about showing up. Listening. Respecting. Contributing.
It is about knowing that this land holds stories older than time - and that all of us now share a duty to care for it, and for each other.
The Root Cause: Fear and Unreadiness
At the heart of these cultural clashes is fearfear of being replaced, of being misunderstood, of losing identity or tradition. But also, it is the lack of readiness - we are not equipping people with the skills to respectfully navigate our multicultural society.
While we legislate for anti-discrimination, we do very little to teach Cultural Intelligence (CQ), the ability to function effectively across cultures with empathy, self-awareness, and humility. Instead, we rely on quick-fix training, polarising headlines, legislation and reactive politics. And when real issues arise - from antisemitism to anti-Muslim rhetoric, from refugee fearmongering to inter-community conflict - we lack the shared language to respond with unity.
Solutions: What We Can Do
If belonging is a practice, then here is where we start:
1. Mandate CQ Training Across Sectors
Especially in schools, councils, law enforcement, and sport. We must go beyond diversity checklists to teach empathy, humility, and real cultural literacy.
2. Invest in Multicultural Mentorship Programs
Help youth from all backgrounds see leader-
ship and belonging as accessible to them. Role models matter.
3. Support Local Cultural Ambassadors Community-led programs with lived experience should be prioritised. We do not need outsiders speaking for us - we need insiders guiding from within.
4. Strengthen Hate Speech Response Units
Hate speech is on the rise. Reporting must be easy. Consequences must be clear. Support services must be robust.
5. Build Belonging Through Shared Rituals Schools and workplaces must create space for shared storytelling, multicultural celebrations, and moments of national unity that honour both ancient and emerging narratives.
Because we are either First Nations, or we are a nation of migrants. This is the Australia we are. We must stop acting as if multiculturalism is a threat. It’s a strength. It’s our reality. It’s our future.
So when a synagogue is firebombed, when a mosque is targeted, when a student is bullied for wearing a turban, kippah or hijab, when a Welcome to Country is booed, we must respond not just with laws, but with leadership. In homes. In schools. In sports clubs. In politics.
Belonging does not mean everyone agrees. But it does mean everyone matters.
Australia does not need more performative unity. It needs real conversations. Real courage. Real change.
Let’s stop asking, “Where are you from?” And instead ask, “What are you contributing? What are you teaching? Who are you uplifting?”
Because when all of us feel seen, safe, and valued - that is when we will be the Australia we are meant to be.
- What do you think? Let us know at dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au
Dandenong is sprawling with art for 14 weeks as part of the HOME 25: Invisible Cities exhibition.
Sixteen artists are showcasing the stories of refugee, asylum seeker, First Nations, and migrant artists in Dandenong’s streets, public spaces, galleries and theatres until 27 September.
The multi-sensory interactive exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, sitespecific experimental and multimedia and sound installations.
It spans Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, the Drum Theatre, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens and Dandenong Market.
Artists featured are Vernon Ah Kee, Alee Afzali, Barat Ali Batoor, Rushdi Anwar, Atong Atem, Belinda Farinaccia, Carla Gottgens, Emily Jacir, Soyoun Kim, Karo Moret Miranda, Kent Morris, Adrian Olguin, Maroulla Radisavic, Hayden Ryan, Joseph Williams (Tennant Creek Brio), Ka Yan So.
Curator Miriam La Rosa from City of Greater Dandenong says the exhibition provides an intimate look at how the concept of “home” shapes our lives and connections.
“Named after Italo Calvino’s acclaimed 1972 book, Invisible Cities, the exhibition blurs the lines between reality and fiction, memory and desire, and past and present.”
Upcoming highlights include Reworlding Dandy, developed with RMIT Play Lab, which proposes speculative urban futures on Saturdays in August.
In September, Home 25 Forum convenes artists and thought-leaders in critical dialogue on displacement, belonging, connection to place and Country.
Currently on Saturdays, there are free acoustic music concerts at Drum Theatre or Dandenong Library, as well as stalls at Dandenong Market.
The exhibition is part of HOME, an ongoing program presented by City of Greater Dandenong since 2016.
Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ greater-dandenong-council/events/ home-25-invisible-cities-exhibition
By Sahar Foladi
City of Greater Dandenong’s new customer request dashboard has revealed an astonishing pile of hundreds of illegal rubbish dumping reports - which is costing the council more than $1 million a year to clean up.
Council received 692 dumping requests for the month of June on top of an existing 391 requests at the start of the month.
Since February, there has been an average call-out of 797 a month.
These numbers are where the council arranges for the dumped rubbish to be collected and excludes incidents where there’s a chance of prosecution.
Overall, council spends $1.1 million a year, picking up 1000 tonnes of dumped rubbish.
“The landfill gate fee and landfill levy is $202.94 per tonne which will both increase again this financial year, so that cost (alone) is around $200,000 per year,“ city futures executive director Sanjay Manivasagasivam says.
“However, this doesn’t factor in the additional costs of our staff and vehicles to pick up the rubbish, and extra costs for disposing of mattresses, e-waste, tyres, asbestos, gas bottles and other dangerous materials.
“The cost to our community of dumped rubbish is very high.
“We could be spending this money on other useful services, programs or amenities for our residents.
“If people witness rubbish dumping, we encourage them to note the registration number of vehicles and any other information that would help identify the dumpers, and to report it to Council.
“We investigate and pursue infringements and prosecutions against rubbish dumpers whenever possible.”
According to the dashboard, the council is meeting its 10-business-day service standard to action the requests.
During April and May, there were dips in the number of requests actioned as new requests poured in.
In June the council cleared the majority of the backlog, collecting more than 800 reported dumpings.
The month ended with only 277 requests - the lowest since February this year.
The surge in illegal dumping is associated with cost-of-living pressures as many are unable to pay the fees for a proper disposal.
As mentioned in the article, Stud Road is a well-known dumping spot due to the high turnover of rental and social housing in the area.
Reports of illegal dumping to be made via EPA’s 24-hour hotline at 1300 372 842.
In April, Star Journal previously reported on Greater Dandenong and Victoria’s illegal dumping reports to the Environment Protection Authority. Since 2023, there had been 1,655 reports in Greater Dandenong alone.
By Sahar Foladi
Greater Dandenong Council’s responses to customer service requests are being reported in a new digital dashboard.
It covers five types of service requests, with dumped rubbish topping the list as the most requested service at a staggering 700-plus a month.
The other featured categories are illegally parked vehicles, tree branches, graffiti and blocked drains.
The digital reporting platform will publish monthly reports on the volume of requests, the median time taken to action those requests, and number of requests remaining by the end of the month.
It’s paired with a performance over time graph for a clear understanding on the progress of requests and it also covers the percentage of how many people were notified of the outcome of their requests.
The move is a result of a notice of motion put forward by councillor Sean O’Reilly on a 10 Feb-
ruary council meeting calling out for better transparency.
Seeing his motion come to fruition, he’s happy with the dashboard and looking to receive community feedback.
“I think what the dashboard provides is an update on how we’re progressing with some of the key deliverables that the community expects from council.
“It shows importantly that we’re responding to requests.
“It shows we’re getting back to the residents
with resolution which I think is very important in customer service.
“Residents have the effort to put in the request through emails, calls and Snap, Send and Solve and they deserve to get a response back.”
By Violet Li
It is choppier than forecasted in the English Channel, and it is colder than usual at this time of the year, but the French coastline finally comes into view – there is hope.
Bethany Forster speeds up.
The reality soon creeps in. She has been staring at a piece of land for too long.
“I’d forgotten about the whole S shape. I forgot we’re kind of going parallel to the coastline in a way,” she later recalls.
“I was like, man, I’m not getting any closer.”
The doomed destiny comes down to one thing: fuelling. The swimmer accidentally bought low-sugar gels, giving her far less energy than planned.
As her speed drops, she misses the tidal window. With no food left on board to fuel another several hours of swimming, her team has no choice.
The pilots, who are closely monitoring Bethany on a support boat nearby, pull the plug. They tell the swimmer to get out of the water. It’s over.
The Lyndhurst local’s first English Channel attempt: 3 kilometres short of the shore. 48.6 kilometres swum, through hundreds of jellyfish, but avoided being stung. 11.5 hours in the ocean. An odyssey that starts at 2am in the dark water.
It was all fine at the time, but the afterthoughts hurt, Bethany admitted.
“I’m tired. I’m cold, and we’ve been going for a long time. I swam through heaps of jellyfish, so at that point, I had been pretty over it for a long time.
“It was afterwards. It wasn’t really a little bit the same day, but it wasn’t really until the next day that I was like, oh, damn.
“I just cried.”
But she’s far from defeated. She already has her second attempt booked for next year.
Second attempt at the English Channel seems to follow a proud legacy, as nearly a century ago, Gertrude Ederle, the first woman ever to swim the English Channel, succeeded not on her first try, but on her second.
Stories of women undertaking long-distance swims have dominated public eyes in recent years, from iconic crossings like the English Channel to record-breaking swims in remote and challenging waters.
This time, the 23-year-old local swimmer is not hesitant to share her story, a story of failing, she would say, but never mind.
“The thing is, failing this time means that it makes for a better story in the long run,” she said. The decision came around about two years ago when the swimmer realised it was actually not worth it to climb Mount Everest.
“I went down a Mount Everest rabbit hole. Maybe I can do that. And then I went, the only reason I would do it is to satisfy curiosity. It’s not worth it. I’m not a mountaineer. That’s stupid,” she said when she thought of how this all started.
“Well, what’s my thing? My thing’s swimming. I’ve been swimming competitively for 15 years.”
What’s equivalent to climbing Mount Everest in the swimming field? That’s a question for Bethany.
She had been hearing about channel swimming for a long time. Of course, she wanted to do it, but initially, she was really scared of jellyfish. She got over that and learned to deal with whatever animals were out there.
Two associations organise channel swims. Bethany sent out emails in early April this year to ask for a spot in 2026.
“One got back to me, and he goes, I’ve got no space for 2026, but I have a spot in June 2025, if you would like it, let me know quickly because I’m going to offer it to other people,” she recalled.
“I went, well, I was going to do it, but, like, why not do it earlier?
“For the crew, because it was earlier than I’d planned, the people who were originally going to come with me couldn’t.
“I was lucky that my best friend could come and her boyfriend. My mom’s cousin drove down from Nottingham.”
The narrowest point of the channel, if you just go directly across, is 32 kilometres.
When swimmers cross the English Channel, they don’t swim in a straight line from England to France because of strong tidal currents. These currents push swimmers sideways, so the actual path taken looks like a stretched-out “S” on a map. It can end up being over 50 kilometres of swimming.
Bethany put aside a window of three weeks
for the endeavour, at the mercy of weather conditions, but she got lucky. She swam the very first day of her swim window.
Looking back, she would say the most challenging part is the prolonged cold, and it does kinda get boring.
“I’m definitely ready for the channel because I know how to manage the cold. It was colder in the channel than it would even be normally at that time of the year. But because the temperature stayed the same the whole time, you get used to it,” Bethany said.
“Once I got into French waters, for some reason, it got really patchy, so some bits would be warm, some bits would be cold, which made it so much more uncomfortable…
“Frankly, you look down and you can’t see the bottom. It’s too deep. You’ve just got water in front of you. And when you’re right in the middle, you can’t see England and you can’t see France.
“It’s hard to hear from the boat. Conversation is not going to happen…It gets really boring because you’re all on your own in the middle, and
nothing to look at. Sometimes a ship would pass, and that would be fun. Otherwise, it’s like there’s nothing.”
That mental solitude did turn out to be as challenging as the cold.
“In the past, I’ve been really good at zoning out,” Bethany said.
“But this time, I couldn’t switch off.”
She found herself unusually alert the whole way, hyperaware of her body, the cold, the jellyfish, and how long everything was taking.
“It makes it a lot harder when you’re aware of how much it sucks, how much it hurts, and how cold you are,” she said.
So what keeps her coming back to something that she freely admits is, at times, cold, painful, and yes, boring?
“Well, for starters, I’ve got to finish it and tick the box,” Bethany said.
But it runs deeper than just unfinished business.
“It’s a hard thing to explain. When you work for something and you achieve it, that feeling is
so good. It’s almost addictive,” she said.
“It’s satisfying. It’s like that moment of, I did that thing, and just being proud of yourself.
“Competitive swimming and ultra marathon swimming are hard in different ways, but the thing with the channel swimming is I can just keep going until it’s done, and it doesn’t matter how fast I go.”
She cited British open-water legend Ross Edgley, who became the first person to swim all the way around mainland Great Britain in 2018, covering 2860 kilometres in 157 days.
“His thing was naive enough to start, stubborn enough to finish, and that pretty much was me,” she said.
“If I decide I’m doing something, I’m going to do it. No one’s going to stop me. It’s a weird thing, it kind of sucked, but it was kind of fun, and at the end it’s worth it.
“I didn’t get that feeling so much this time around because I didn’t get that moment.
“I’ll go back and do it again, hit land, and I’ll feel good for doing that.”
Police have made 210 arrests in a three-month drug-detection operation in Dandenong, Noble Park and Springvale CBDs.
Among the arrests are alleged drug dealers trafficking heroin and methylamphetamine.
“In Springvale alone in the past 12 months, we have seen double the amount of drug trafficking offences detected compared to the previous year,” Sergeant James Frost from Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Policing Unit said.
“That is due to the tireless work of our members who are targeting those who choose to prey on vulnerable members of the community with a drug addiction.
“The number of alleged drug offenders who we came into contact with police declined towards the end of this operation, purely because they were aware of our ongoing presence in the area.
“It was enough to deter a lot of people from making the wrong decision twice.”
However a man was arrested 11 times during the three-month operation.
The 54-year-old was charged with possessing methylamphetamine, failing to answer bail, and eight counts of contravening bail conditions.
He was remanded in custody.
Other arrests include:
On 2 April, a 22-year-old man was allegedly found with heroin in Springvale. He was charged with possessing a drug of dependence and was granted bail.
On 9 May, a 39-year-old man was arrested in Dandenong and charged with trafficking methylamphetamine. He was granted bail.
On 15 May, a 21-year-old woman was spoken to by police in Noble Park, before they uncovered quantities of methylamphetamine, GHB and cannabis, as well as a knife in her pocket/handbag.
She was charged with possessing a drug of dependence and possessing a controlled weapon, and was granted bail.
On 23 May, a 34-year-old man from Caulfield was arrested in Springvale, and was allegedly found with cocaine. He was charged with trafficking a drug of dependence, and remanded in custody.
On 17 June, police arrested a 44-year-old man over the alleged possession of heroin in Springvale. He was charged and bailed.
All will face Dandenong Magistrates’ Court at later dates.
There were 114 penalty infringement notices and 45 cautions issued to people with small quantities of drugs, as well as contravening their bail conditions.
Police also provided referrals to local outreach services to support those experiencing homelessness, mental health or drug related issues.
There were several arrests for car theft, burglary, theft, assault, possess prohibited weapon,
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
VCAT has approved a large tower crane for training purposes in an industrial area in Dandenong South, despite a council’s safety concerns.
“The visual appearance of a tall crane in the middle of a long-established industrial area is perhaps an item that could be expected in such an area,” VCAT member Joel Templar stated in his decision on 27 June.
“Rhetorically, if not here, then where.”
Go Workplace Training Pty Ltd had applied for a permit for a crane, forklift and scissor lifts training facility on a four-hectare site in 16 Kitchen Road.
Greater Dandenong Council approved the centre permit but banned the use of a tower crane.
It also decreed to relocate a mobile crane, so
no part of it was within 5 metres of the site boundaries.
In the VCAT matter, Mr Templar said one of the key issues for the council was reducing the risk of crane booms and loads swinging over adjoining properties.
Go Workplace Training Pty Ltd argued that if it swung the tower crane across site boundaries, it would be breaching workplace safety laws – and potentially lose its registered-training-organisation certification.
It would have safeguards such as setting alarms and programming parameters to ensure cranes don’t operate beyond the site.
Students would be supervised by a qualified trainer as well as being directed by a qualified rigger on the ground.
Mr Templar also found there was no need for a permit to regulate the mobile crane – because it
was not a permanent structure.
He instead amended the permit conditions to ensuring no cranes and loads extend beyond the property boundaries.
The council also took issue with the visual impact of the proposed 24-metre high tower crane with an 18-metre horizontal beam.
In dismissing this argument, Mr Templar stated that “somewhat rudimentary” features were consistent with industrial areas.
In Kitchen Road precinct, there were tall elements such as rooftop antennas, light-poles and exhaust flues, he noted.
“Such protrusions are not uncommon, and in a municipality that encourages the facilitation of industrial uses, one must wonder that if a tower crane for the purposes proposed were not able to locate here, then where else could it be appropriate.”
By Sahar Foladi
International giant IKEA in Springvale has made a drive to employ refugees and new arrivals who face greater barriers to work.
Twenty-six individuals from seven different cultural backgrounds, speaking 11 languages and aged between 18 to 57 years have got a job at the store as part of a Refugee Workforce Inclusion pilot program.
Ziba Rahimi arrived in Australia with basic English in 2019. She worked in several shops in Dandenong with people from the same background as hers.
An opportunity to secure employment in the Sales team at IKEA’s Springvale location so soon was not something she fathomed as she tried to wrap her head around the new environment.
“I was thinking if I secure a job amongst English speaking people it would be difficult because of the differences, given they were born or grew up here.
“But I realised there’s more people just like me, with the same level of English as mine.
“After that I gained confidence that it cannot be such a huge deal.
“They were so excited to work with me, know a lot about me. One of them was studying about human rights so she had some knowledge about people from my background and culture.”
After four years she says IKEA’s diversity tops as the company’s “biggest achievement” in comparison to other workplaces in her experience and the sense of belonging everyone shares in the workplace.
The program nears its fifth anniversary, and that number is set to be increased to 40 recruitments per year across the country.
The pilot program, launched in 2020 in part-
nership with Community Corporate provided paid work placements to refugees and asylum seekers in a bid to fast-track their confidence, breakdown of barriers such as English language, knowledge of the Australian workforce and most importantly to build their resume work experience making it easier to find employment.
However, 84 per cent of those in the pilot program secured ongoing employment and created a permanent pathway to IKEA’s recruitment process globally.
Leading the program is Harriet Pope who says the program is a “big part of investment” at IKEA.
“This is really an untapped talent pathway for us.
“These are candidates we wouldn’t meet through our normal traditional recruitment channels and we are all about trying to be inclusive and removing barriers but reality is these are people we normally wouldn’t meet through that process.
“It’s just been an incredibly beneficially investment for us in a tight labour market but also for everyone else involved in the program.”
She shares hiring managers speak highly of the individuals for their fresh perspectives, new ideas and experiences into the team.
“They bring with themselves different attributes starting with their diversity.
“Springvale’s local demography is incredibly culturally diverse this is such a huge benefit to us,
drive whilst suspended, criminal damage and handling stolen goods.
Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Policing Unit, officers from Springvale, Dandenong and the Greater Dandenong Divisional Response Unit, Transit Safety Division – with assistance from the Dog Squad, the Public Order Response Team (PORT), and Mounted Branch took part in the operation.
Similar operations will be undertaken in the future, police say.
and big part of investment is that we have people join us who have those shared cultural connection and languages meaning it has positive impact on our customer experience too.
“When refugees and asylums seekers arrive, they bring all of their skills, capability and motivation with them but unfortunately too often that talent and potential goes unrealised due to a lot of barriers and only 22 per cent are in paid employment even after two years of arriving in Australia.
“We really believe that employers, especially large employer like us, play a role in actively welcoming refugee and people seeking asylum to welcome them in our workplace and to let them demonstrate their capabilities and reach their full potential in Australia.”
The international giant has employed 250 people across Australia’s 13 different location.
Community Corporate, a refugee and migrant employment specialist organisation were able to attend different locations to engage with the community and raise awareness of the program.
Potential employees also underwent three days of pre-employment training process and were buddied up for at least four to five-weeks postemployment as a “soft landing” to support their learning and growth.
Whilst IKEA’s recruitment process is open once a year, hiring managers have the freedom to employ throughout the year.
To mark 160 years of Dandenong Star Journal, PHILIP SALAMA-WEST is taking a then-and-now look at the people, places and events that have formed Dandenong’s modern history.
This week, it’s the emotive issue of felling the area’s endemic, emblematic River Red Gums when they ‘stand in the way of progress’. In several projects, the State Government has brushed aside the local council’s opposition to razing these specimens. But in 1965, Dandenong councillors stepped in to save “a beautiful tree”.
An extract of the Tuesday June 22 1965 appears below:
Council not to touch ‘beautiful red gum’ … REQUEST BY ASSOCIATION REFUSED DANDENONG - A request by South Dandenong Progress and Welfare Association that a large red gum tree near the Progress Hall be lopped “or other drastic action taken” was refused by the Dandenong Council last week.
The City Engineer, Mr Gordon Wright, said: “I have always been opposed to lopping this beautiful specimen of red gum.
“This type of tree cannot be lopped successfully and if anything is done it will have to be removed altogether. It is a beautiful tree.”
The Progress Association had written to council asking that lopping “or other drastic action” be taken to remove the nuisance of leaves blocking guttering and spouting at the Progress Hall, and Cr. W. Schoon moved that the matter be referred to the engineer for action.
His motion was defeated.
Cr. A. C. Downard said: “I oppose this suggestion. I feel that the words ‘or other drastic action’ are an indication of what the engineer fears - the removal of the tree.
“Trouble is caused only about twice a year and it should not be difficult to clear guttering and spouting twice a year.”
Cr. Ian Fotheringham: “I feel there are better methods of dealing with the problem than the ‘drastic action’ suggested.
“I wonder if the progress association has considered putting fine wire mesh over the spouting?”
“We have all seen this beautiful tree near the hall. It would be a crime to cut it down. I have trees near my house and clear the guttering twice a year. I have no trouble with blocked spouting.”
Cr. Schoon: “The progress association has been asking for something to be done about this tree for two years or more. I feel I have as much experience with trees as anyone and think the tree could be pruned without detriment. Only small branches are involved.”
Cr. Downard moved that the association be asked to consider cleaning out the guttering of the hall twice a year.
He added: “I see no advantage in lopping over-
100
hanging branches. The wind does not blow leaves and twigs straight down - it carries them for some distance.”
Cr. K. Meehan: “The guttering has been cleaned out at least five times already this year. There have been quite a lot of leaves there and already they have caused flooding in the kitchen of the hall.”
Cr. Downard’s motion was adopted and the progress association will be asked to clean out the guttering in spite of Cr. Meehan’s comment that its members “are getting on in years.”
SINCE THEN:
The cutting down of red gums has continued to be a controversial subject in Greater Dandenong. River red gums (Eucalyptus Camaldulensis), are considered by many to be iconic symbols of Australiana, and according to a number of polls
wages etc., during the 12 months ended 30 June was over £200 are required to send in returns to the State Income Tax Office, Elizabeth House, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, by 31st inst. Those whose incomes were derived from business should send in their returns no later than 31st August. Forms for returns may be obtained at all post offices.
50 years ago 14 July 1975
NEW PATH REQUEST DEFERRED
A request from Darren Road Kindergarten committee to install a concrete drive at the front of the infant welfare centre has been referred to estimates by Springvale Council. The committee told council that in wet weather the area became muddy and the situation would not improve. The City Engineer, Mr Roy Boyd, said it would cost $900 to concrete the area. The committee has also found the entrance creates a wind-tunnel effect making it impracticable to use the door. Council will act on that complaint.
20 years ago 11 July 2005
PAY RISE SPARKS FURY
The Dandenong Residents and Ratepayers Association has slammed the proposed pay rise for Greater Dandenong councillors, saying they don’t deserve it. Association secretary, Janet Cox, told the Journal “I don’t think a pay rise is warranted, and I don’t think they deserve it.” As revealed in last week’s Journal, the State Govern-
cil and the public.
The incident highlighted the fact that protections set by local councils were often insufficient to stop state-level entities such as VicRoads from ordering that protected trees be cut down.
“An integrated state-wide strategy will be essential to ensure these great and distinctive trees are retained as an essential part of Victoria’s landscape for the next 1000 years,” said a council representative.
In 2016, Greater Dandenong councillors said they were blindsided when the Level Crossing Removal Authority announced an entire stand of 66 River Red Gums on Mons Parade, Noble Park were on the chopping block.
The 200-year-old gum trees made way for the ‘Sky Rail’ project including a new railway station. The LXRA promised to harvest the seeds to replant new red gums in nearby community spaces.
conducted over the years, are the favourite tree of Australians.
The trees have long been a focal point of Australian art, with Hans Heysen and members of the Heidelberg School often depicting them as the centerpieces of their Australian landscapes.
Red gums are capable of living over a thousand years, and as such old red gums are often considered valuable historical landmarks, evoking long memories within members of communities where they are present.
For these reasons, attempts to fell red gums are generally met with significant grassroots and political pushback, with emotive campaigns started to save trees from destruction.
In 2008, the construction of the Dandenong Bypass led to the felling of a more-than 400-yearold red gum despite pressure from the local coun-
Compiled by
ment has granted pay rises of up to $9,000 for Greater Dandenong Mayor, and $3,000 for other councillors. The mayor’s salary will increase from $45,000 to $54,000, and the councillor’s salary from $15,000 to $18,000. Ms Cox said the community would be angry with the proposed pay increases that followed the recent rate rise, and the decision to send two council officers and three councillors on a rate-payer funded trip to England. “They get trips, IT equipment, mobile phones and all the fringe benefits, but they don’t represent the community the way they are supposed to”. said Ms Cox.
5 years ago
14 July 2020
$26K COVID FINES
Sixteen people have been fined $26,000 for breaking Covid 19 restrictions while holding a surprise birthday party at a Dandenong home. Paramedics raised the alarm when they noticed two people order 20 meals from a KFC outlet in Dandenong about 1.30am on 10 July. Victorian Police members visited a townhouse where they allegedly found 16 people trying to hide in the backyard, garage and under beds, with the fresh take-away meals. “This is absolutely ridiculous behaviour,” Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said. “It’s a very expensive night, apart from the KFC…. That’s $26,000 (in fines) that birthday party is costing them. That is a heck of a birthday party to recall and they’ll remember that one for a long time.”
Most recently, an 80-year-old red gum on Douglas Street in Noble Park was felled in May 2025 as part of an initiative by the Victorian Government to build an apartment tower with 97 ‘affordable-housing’ units.
Public opposition to the measure was strong, with a petition demanding that the area’s ‘last remaining River Red Gum’ be preserved receiving more than 1900 signatures, but this was ultimately unsuccessful.
“Hearing the sound of the mulcher is just horrific,” Greater Dandenong Environment Group member Isabelle Nash said.
“It’s a complete disregard for natural life and the life of trees. It would have been of benefit to the residents. How beautiful would it be looking out of your fourth-storey unit and seeing the branches of this tree outside the window.” By agreement with the council, the developer paid an $155,000 offset for 180 new street trees.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
An Officer man has indicated he’ll contest charges of threatening “serious harm” and making a “menacing” social-media post towards Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Dale Byrne, 42, who faces potential jail time if found guilty, appeared briefly at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 10 July.
His defence lawyer Dimitri Osianlis requested a date for a contest mention hearing.
According to charge sheets, Byrne made a post
on social-media platform X towards Mr Albanese in “a manner that a reasonable person would regard as menacing” on 7 February.
He was also charged with “threatening to cause serious harm” to a Commonwealth official, namely Mr Albanese on the same day.
The latter charge, laid by an Australian Federal Police officer in Sydney, was “punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment”, according to charge sheets.
In an earlier hearing in June, AAP reported that magistrate Fran Medina approved the charge
sheets’ release under the Opens Courts Act and noted the charges were only allegations at this stage.
She asked media to state the two offences were the “subject of negotiation”.
Byrne was bailed to appear at a contest mention at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 4 September.
His bail terms remained, which included that he can’t come within 100 metres of state or federal politicians including Mr Albanese, according to an AAP report in June.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A historically-significant site previously earmarked for a council project to rejuvenate Dandenong’s CBD is being proposed for sale.
On 25 June, Greater Dandenong councillors approved the former pharmacy site at 275 Lonsdale Street was surplus to requirements.
Funds from the sale were needed for other council projects, according to a council report.
In 2019, Greater Dandenong bought the fireravaged building with plans to demolish and consolidate the site with the adjoining Vanity Lane for a pedestrian link.
But last year, the seemingly cash-strapped council voted to abandon the project, which faced a $1 million-plus shortfall.
Instead the funds were to be diverted towards the long-stymied Dandenong New Art gallery –which had blown out by five years and $6.2 million.
The sell-off – for no less than the market rateis subject to a four-week community engagement process. It has yet to be advertised on the council’s website.
A council website describes 275 Lonsdale
Street as a “site of historic significance” – the home of pharmacies run by the notable Couve and McKeon families as well as a state-significant botanical collection.
A pair of boys from the Couve family were among the first from Dandenong killed at Gallipoli in World War I.
Meanwhile,DNAgallery’sopeninghaspushed out to at least the end of 2026.
The troubled project was originally due to open as a “state-of-the art” attraction in mid-2021 but has been at a standstill with a dispute with builder Harris HMC as well as with Covid-related supply, labour and cost issues.
Last year, there were further delays as the adjoining Precinct Energy Plant building was slated for demolition due to “structural deficiencies”.
The PEP had been hoped to become a community arts studio and performance space.
The council’s city futures executive director Sanjay Manivasagasivam recently said the DNA project was “on pause” until the PEP building was removed by August-September.
“We will continue to work on the procurement process for the new art gallery.
“Our expected time for completion of the project is around 18 to 24 months.”
According to council figures, the gallery was originally estimated to cost $9.49 milion. Last year, the project was estimated to have blown out by up to $6.24 million.
The council has budgeted $4.26 million for the project in the 2025-’26 financial year.
Meanwhile, Greater Dandenong expects to go into underlying deficit for the first time in 2025-’26 as it commits to its most expensive-ever project the $122.2 million Dandenong Wellbeing Centre (DWC).
On average, $3.5 million deficits per year are projected to continue for three years.
The council expects to take on significant debt and draw down on reserves for the DWC next financial year, borrowing $68 million in the next two years and spending $16.6 million from reserves next year.
It will be spending up to $7.2 million a year to service the loans.
A council report warned that it will need to assess the future of its current services, and to consider asset sales.
By Sahar Foladi
A new south-east district Rotary Governor has been chosen for the 2025-26 term from the Noble Park-Dingley Club.
Peter Behm was chosen as the new governor of District 9815 at a changeover event on Saturday 12 July.
He has spent 24 years of his life with Rotary and will lead over 2000 Rotarians in his district with a focus on “bringing the district together.”
“I think it’s a great honour,” he says.
Mr Behm will lead District 9815 a product of two districts merged into one just last year under the previous governor Colin Byron.
Whilst governors may have changed, Rotary’s mission to work for the local communities remains.
The district will also stay focused on expanding its volunteers and young generations in the clubs.
“Colin was an outstanding leader. We had two districts that needed to be brought together, he was able to bring those together with the help of the district committee.
“He was able to do many of the projects there, which I think were outstanding projects such as fundraising for Monash Health Children’s Cancer Centre.
“We’re looking at continuing to support Monash Health in the longer term because they’re terrific people doing a great job.”
“One of the other things which Colin just started, and we’ll be continuing is relief for the farmers in Gippsland, where we’re looking at how we can best assist them.
“There’s a number of areas there in which they need assistance, so it’s not just food and water but also there’s all sorts of mental health issues too that we’re looking at.”
A number of grants are being explored to support this aim.
Another major project Mr Behm is passionate about is the partnership with primary schools.
A range of activities including setting up playgrounds locally.
“It makes you feel good to also actually help people who are underprivileged.
“It makes me feel good that we can provide something on value to others that perhaps are doing a little bit tougher or developing as people.
“So, that’s the motivation from myself and I know that’s the motivation for many of us who give up our time as volunteers because we care about people.”
Rotary International has more than 1.4 million members across more than 200 countries, including members across Rotaract clubs for students and young professionals, Interact clubs for young leaders aged 12 to 18 in high schools and Earlyact clubs for primary school students.
A giant 300-metre inflatable obstacle course dubbed the Monster is the highlight of an indoor fun festival at Caribbean Gardens, Scoresby. The inaugural South East Winter Festival includes a sideshow alley, rides, food trucks, market stalls and entertainers at day and night. The event runs Thursday-Sunday until 20 July. Bookings: southeastwinterfestival.com.au
By Rev. Peter Demuth, a Lutheran pastor in Springvale
Hope travels light.
It carries a small suitcase, a few cherished photos, and a quiet prayer: “May this be the place where I am safe and welcome to grow.”
When I first arrived in Australia as a migrant from Europe, that hope wasn’t as clear as I can articulate it now.
It was more a feeling, an intuition.
I never truly thought of myself as a migrant, though looking back, of course, I am – even twice over. I moved to Austria two years ago to live there and have now come to Australia a second time.
Starting over in a new country is like taking the first step into an unknown city without GPS — a new language, new streets, new customs.
Many of us living here in the City of Greater Dandenong are making or have made this very experience.
Perhaps you share this insight I’ve learned along the way: hope isn’t just something we bring with us.
It’s something we build together.
In my work as a pastor in the German Lutheran Parish in Springvale and beyond, I’ve seen first-hand how people from all walks of life — Filipino carers, Tamil grandparents, Vietnamese shopkeepers, Sudanese families, and elderly Germans — find something sacred in the everyday: a shared meal, a neighbour’s smile, a nurse who listens.
These are all different forms of the same hope.
Dandenong is one of the most diverse cities in Australia, and that is truly its strength.
Everyhandshakebetweenstrangers,everyshared laugh across languages, and every welcome offered without suspicion is an act of courage and hope.
It’s in these moments that we truly live out the profound truth, often found in our faith traditions,
of embracing those who are new among us, and extending a hand of belonging.
My hope is that Dandenong — this vibrant city of contrasts — keeps choosing welcome and opportunity over fear.
That we become a place where no one is left behind. Where violence or hardship is a memory, not a future. Where dignity isn’t earned but assumed.
Where every person, no matter their story, has what they need to live — and room to dream.
That’s not only my personal hope but my “message of hope,” and something my community and I are actively working towards.
Because hope, ultimately, is not just a feeling.
It’s a choice. And when a city full of strangers decides to live like neighbours, the future begins to shine a little brighter. We are all strangers at some point. But hope begins the moment someone says: You’re safe here. You belong. Welcome!
Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. Visit interfaithnetwork.org.au/
•Letter to the editor
In the past week, US President Donald Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
But I can’t see anyone else who deserves it more than Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The reason is because Mr Albanese is not involved in any political wars or conflicts against any country. To receive the award, you have to be free from bloodshed and war.
We’re lucky to have Mr Albanese as an Australian leader. We as Australians should step up, be proud of him and nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Dr Peter Jabbour, Dandenong North
BY LEE MCCARTHY
NOOSA-BASED Olivier Miller is owner and principal of four Laguna real estate offices on theSunshineCoastandGympieandspecialises in prestige and waterfront properties.
She and her husband Ian have travelled extensively by sea and land throughout Olivier’s 40year real estate career.
They have recently returned from the 23-day Viking ‘European Sojourn’ sailing three rivers and eight countries and said she would absolutely recommend it.
Olivier and Ian added an extension option before and after the Sojourn, so they spent an extra two nights in Amsterdam prior to catching the cruise and two days after they embarked to explore Transylvania.
The cruise included nineteen guided tours across Amsterdam, Vienna, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania and more, cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers through eight unique countries.
Olivier said they flew into Amsterdam and were met at airport and transported to accommodation by Viking staff and spent a couple of fabulous days sightseeing including a trip to the impressive Van Gogh museum.
“The accommodation was five stars, right in heart of the tourist spot and the Viking representative was based at the hotel to serve all clients needs which was great for new travellers and older travellers especially,” she said.
“We had a lovely room with food and breakfast included and it was fantastic.”
“We were transferred to the ship after two days touring the city and had booked a suite and I would definitely recommend doing the same again, however if you do all the tours, you don’t spend a lot of time in their room.
“The embarkation was really good, and they have two dining situations; sit down waiter service in the dining room with excellent service and the other option is the al fresco dining which was
my preference.”
The couple met up with Noosa friends on the boat and although they sat and dined with them, dining was a wonderful way of mingling.
There were only one hundred and eighty guests on board, around fifty were Australian and two dozen of mixed cultures the rest were from America and Canada. She said most were retirees of mixed fitness.
“I would highly recommend the tours, but many people choose not to and just relax,“ she said.
“Every day two or three tours were offered and rated by mobility so you can still go out and enjoy
tours or more vigorous tours.
“They had it all covered. I enjoyed some of the leisurely tours which for me was perfect for this trip while my husband and his friend hired bikes on a few occasions and really enjoyed that.”
“The food and people in Germany were very hospitable. We did visit the war camps on our own, which was actually quite awful. We hired a car, and it was just something we wanted to do and see the museum where you really get a sense of what happened to these poor people.
“We hopped off the boat for tours in Cologne, Miltenberger, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Passau, and Melk in Germany and we made sure we saw the most and the best of it.
“We decided we only wanted to do a morning or afternoon tour so we could do a bit of relaxing, and we found that worked really well so we would have a morning or afternoon off each day.
“Sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau was beautiful with castles on the river and lovely to see.
“We loved Vienna, we had a lot of fun. The buildings were absolutely amazing and had a look at those – you just don’t see anything like it in Australia and there were lots of offerings in regard to various tours.”
* The second part of the story will be published in next week’s Travel Today feature.
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A South East respite program for multicultural women who are carers has secured State funding.
The Wellsprings for Women program annually helps 54 unpaid carers for family members or friends with a disability, chronic illness, mental health condition, or age-related needs.
The Dandenong-based program provides a culturally safe, women-only space for carers to connect with others, share experiences and take a much-needed break from caring responsibilities.
It includes wellbeing sessions, coping strategies, and group excursions designed to reduce isolation, improve emotional health, and affirm the identity of women carers.
“Carers are the silent backbone of our communities, and many women from culturally diverse backgrounds are doing this work without recognition or support,” Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smiley said.
“This program offers not just respite, but connection, validation and empowerment.
“We are deeply grateful to (Carers and Volunteers) Minister Ros Spence for recognising this need and enabling us to continue this essential support.”
Many of the carers come from migrant, refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds and face additional challenges such as language barriers, social isolation, trauma, or a lack of knowledge about available support services, Ms Smiley said.
Rising from the ashes of a devastating fire, a Buddhist temple in Springvale South has received a $333,333 grant from the State Government.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt announced the grant during a visit to Bright Moon Buddhist Temple which was destroyed by a fire in 2023.
ground car park at Avalokitesvara Yuan Tong Monastery in Deer Park, lighting upgrades at the Museum of Chinese Australian History and courtyard improvements at the Chinese Association of Victoria in Wantirna.
In the past, a group of carers recently completed the nationally recognised 12-hour Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course at Wellsprings. They are now certified Mental Health First Aiders, equipped to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in their families and communities.
Ms Smiley says the initiative reflected Wellsprings’ commitment to building capacity, leadership, and mental health literacy among multicultural women who are often underrepresented in mainstream service access.
People suffering from sleep apnoea can learn more about the condition and get their machines and equipment checked when Pharmacy 777 Springvale holds its service days on Tuesday 12 August.
Sleep apnoea is a disorder characterised by shortness of breath or pauses in breathing while a person is asleep, with snoring as one of the most common symptoms.
Pharmacy 777 pharmacist Heba labelled the condition a “silent killer”, with eight out of 10 people not realising they have the condition.
“What happens is your body actually stops breathing overnight — it puts an incredible amount of pressure on your heart,” he said.
“A patient with untreated sleep apnoea, not only are they tired, fatigued and at a higher risk of workplace accidents, they’re at a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.”
Ms Heba said anyone with concerns over energy levels, fatigue or who had diabetes could have sleep apnoea. The risks of sleep apnoea are also present when it is inadequately treated.
At their service days on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th of September, patients will be able to get their sleep apnoea machines and equipment checked to ensure it is it functioning correctly and as effectively as possible.
“Often people buy machines to treat sleep apnoea but they never have them checked,” Ms Heba said.
“It’s really important to get machines checked to ensure they are on the correct settings so they’re working as therapeutically intended, that the mask is well fitted and overall the patient is comfortable.”
The service day will include full checks on machines and masks to ensure commonly encountered issues can be rectified. This includes a full data download, motor function check, filters, humidifier function, mask and hosing seals.
“We commonly encounter minor issues which can really impact on the quality of the therapy and sleep of our patients, which can
be easily fixed”
Ms Heba stresses that, “Often patients will go years without a review of the data or a service and this can mean optimal therapy is not being provided, and the patient may find that they aren’t feeling as good as they did at the start of therapy. It’s important to note, as your body changes, so does the required therapy provided by your cpap machine”
Pharmacy 777 will have all the newest and latest machines and masks on display and available for at home trial. There have been some advancements in therapy and changes to mask design over the last few years which have led to quieter, more efficient machines and more comfortable masks for sufferers, making treatment more user friendly.
Anyone who is unhappy with their sleep quality or wants to find out more about the condition are also encouraged to attend.
The service day is by booking only with limited time slots available between 10am and 5pm. To book call 9547 6687.
The Chinese Community Infrastructure Fund grant will help build traditional-style walls and gate as part of the temple restoration project.
Bright Moon was among nine recipients sharing more than $2 million from the fundwhich is part of a larger $40 million Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund.
Other funded projects were an under-
Ms Stitt said Victoria’s diversity was one of our greatest strengths. The fund ensured multicultural communities had places to come together, she said.
“Having culturally appropriate places to gather, celebrate and preserve traditions is also about making sure people have safe and accessible places to celebrate and preserve their traditions.”
State Labor MPs Meng Heang Tak, Tim Richardson, Eden Foster and Lee Tarlamis were also at the event.
By Ann-Marie Hermans, MP
Hundreds of emails sent to my inbox. Thousands of people rallying at the steps of Parliament. Millions of property owners set to be smashed. There are few issues that have galvanised Victorians like the Allan Labor Government’s ‘Emergency Services Volunteers Fund’.
But don’t be deceived, this isn’t a fund. It’s a brand-new property tax.
Even the United Firefighters Union - affiliated with the Labor Party - has demanded that this tax not be imposed in their name. Why? Because they know it’s a sham.
If you own a home, you’ll be slugged with this new charge when your local council sends out your rates notice.
But don’t blame your them – they’ve been forced to collect this tax on the state’s behalf without their consent or consultation, and they won’t see a single cent of it.
The food you buy at the supermarket will go up because farmers will be paying 150 per cent more on than the original fire levy.
If your small business owns a commercial
property, that’ll also be hit, meaning less profits to be paid out.
Your local CFA and SES stations won’t be the beneficiaries of this tax as there’s no guarantee that it’ll go towards funding new equipment and vehicles or facilitating training.
Having worked closely with our emergency services, I can tell you first-hand that their organisations are becoming increasingly unsustainable, and frontline crews aren’t given the updated resources that they need to keep us safe.
Adding insult to injury, many of our farmers are also unpaid, emergency services volunteers, and often fund equipment out of their own pocket.
This government is a fiscal arson, burning through cash and borrowing like there’s no tomorrow. If they continue down this path, they’ll only have two choices – cut essential services or tax the living daylights out of you. Right now, they’re doing both, and you’re paying the price.
We must scrap this tax, reinstate the fairer, simpler fire levy, and ensure that our emergency services are funded by existing revenue not some dodgy tax.
More than 20 students from South East schools have been named among Victoria’s top VCE performers in 2024.
The students were presented with trophies by Premier Jacinta Allan and Education Minister Ben Carroll at the Premiers’ VCE Awards ceremony at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Haileybury and Nossal High School students were prolific awardees.
Joshua Ong from Haileybury and Ruiqi Yao from Nossal High School were among 23 Top All-Round VCE High Achievers who scored 46 or higher out of 50 in at least five VCE subjects.
FifteenHaileyburystudentsandfourNossalHigh studentsalsotookoutindividualsubjectawards.
Among the 276 study award recipients were the following from South-East schools:
• Australian History: Lucinda Poole, Haileybury; Nina Cummins, Haileybury
• English: Darius Song, Haileybury; Caleb Nah, Haileybury; Jing Ru Zhang, Haileybury; Aarial Wrigley, Haileybury; Charli Cowan, Haileybury; Jacqueline Soon-Legaspi, Haileybury
• English Language: Tashiya Seneviratne, Nossal High School
• Chinese First Language: Yicong Liu, Haileybury
• Chinese Second Language: Chloe Fan, Haileybury
• Chinese Second Language Advanced: Siyuan Chen, Haileybury
• Hospitality (VCE VET): Ayva Herman, Haileybury
• Legal Studies: Ishika Bhadauria, Haileybury
• Media: Charlotte Moseley, Beaconhills College
- Berwick
• Philosophy: Eric Wang, Nossal High School
• Physical Education: Arjun Girotra, Nossal High School
• Sociology: Lauren Billings, Cornish College; Kiara Rampal, Haileybury; Darshanna Umakhanthan, Haileybury
• Systems Engineering: Chang Xu, Nossal High School
• Tamil: Neha Basu, Victorian Tamil Association; Kanika Puvaneswaran, Bharathi Academy
By Damian Morgan, President Country Press Australia
This week, I step up as President of Country Press Australia (CPA), ostensibly to represent the best interests of independent regional newspaper publishers. But the responsibility is far greater than that.
The future of regional news publishing is inextricably linked to whether regional communities will continue to have a say in shaping the future of regional Australia.
In fact, regional newspapers are the metaphorical canary in the coal mine - their health signals the health of the voice of the communities they serve.
And both are under threat.
The toxic combination of ever-expanding corporations and surging city populations dominating our politics is reducing regional communities to branch office status, with their futures determined by powerful elites in our CBDs.
With every small business that’s bought out and “rolled up” into a corporate machine - or shut down to make way for a big-box competitor - a local business owner is replaced by a corporate manager. The profits are siphoned off in the first electronic transfer back to the city, and a small part of the soul of our communities dies.
As our capital cities grow, the weight of our democracy and decision-making drifts further away from the regions - away from where much of our nation’s wealth is generated, by the way.
Even local government is losing its voice.
Many locally elected councillors now fear speaking out on behalf of their communities, worried they’ll be reported by bureaucratic staff to increasingly powerful, city-based governance bodies. When this happens, our democracy is weakened.
Kids microscope mission: Plastic portal
Hands-on workshop to investigate plastic samples in the environment. Use a microscope to identify what kind of plastic it is and what item it may have come from. Find practical sustainable solutions to plastic waste. For ages 5+.
• Tuesday 15 July, 10am-1pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event, no bookings required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/kids-microscope-mission-plastic-patrol Movie mania
Join Youth and Family Services for a movie session at Reading Cinema, where we will catch the latest film and enjoy a fun-filled experience together. For ages 12-25.
• Tuesday 15 July, 12.30pm-3.15pm (times may vary). Meet at Youth Services offices, 39 Clow Street, Dandenong; $5. Registrations required at events.humanitix.com/july-school-holidayprogram
Volleyball tournament
The July Volleyball Tournament is for young people aged 12-25 years who live, work, study or have a significant connection to the City of Greater Dandenong. Four divisions - Under 16
Regional news publishers are among the last lines of defence against these forces.
At our best, we rally and amplify the collective voice of our communities. We stand up to power and fight for a fair go.
There’s a saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease - but in regional Australia, it’s mostly the silent, hardworking wheels that keep the whole country moving.
That’s why regional newspapers promote local communities and give those doing the heavy lifting a voice.
We unapologetically champion independent regional businesses - the ones who make, grow, and fix things. The ones who only sell what they believe in and are proud of.
We’re also here for the bush cops and single-teacher schools, the nurses and doctors who are always on duty, and the junior sports coaches who drive the bus three hours each way so kids can get a game on the weekend.
We’re up for the fight. But it’s getting harder.
A decade ago, regional newspapers were thriving. Classifieds, display ads, and community notices funded large local newsrooms filled with trained journalists.
But the landscape has changed.
When news went online - and we’re online
too - global tech giants like Facebook quickly came to dominate the advertising market, using their monopolistic power to take an overwhelming share of digital ad revenue.
Yet these platforms don’t produce news. They don’t employ journalists.
And they certainly don’t hire anyone in regional communities where they glean enormous profits from the attention of local people while contributing nothing back to local newsrooms or communities.
In fact, they profit from our content, created by local journalists, without paying fairly for it - undermining the very business model that sustains local news.
And big box retail corporations making huge profits from our regional communities are now choosing to advertise with these global tech giants, not with local publishers.
Like frogs in warming water, too many Australians are unaware of the growing danger of letting corporatism control our communitiesand the new media platforms and AI systems that (mis)inform them.
My top priority as president of CPA is to fight for the publishers who, in turn, are fighting for their communities.
We’ll be wearing out the boot leather lobbying governments to protect our people from exploitation by tech platforms that profit from harmful content and put our children and democracy at risk.
We’ll push back against bureaucracy that strips power from local leaders.
We’ll shine a light on the creeping reach of corporatism.
We’re proud to take on these battles.
All we ask in return is that you keep buying your local paper — or subscribe online — and support the local businesses that advertise with us.
Imagine gliding through Europe’s most iconic landscapes, surrounded by history, culture, and luxury. Thanks to Viking and your local newspaper, one lucky reader will have the chance to do just that – by winning an eight-day “Rhine Getaway” river voyage for two, valued at $16,190, including return airfares.
Departing Basel, Switzerland on 22 November 2026, this unforgettable voyage visits four beautiful countries – Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Enjoy six guided tours, all onboard meals with beer and wine, and a host of cultural experiences, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You’ll relax in a stylish Category F Stateroom, with all port charges, Wi-Fi and gratuities included – making this a truly seamless and elegant European escape.
Whether you dream of exploring medieval castles, strolling cobbled streets, or indulging in regional cuisine, this is more than a holiday – it’s a journey of a lifetime.
Have you entered yet?
Entries close at noon, Thursday 14 August 2025.
• For details and to enter, go to starnewsgroup.secondstreetapp.com/Win-a-European-river-voyage-with-Viking
Whether you dream of exploring medieval castles, strolling cobbled streets, or indulging in regional cuisine, this is more than a holiday – it’s a journey of a lifetime.
Male, Under 16 Female, Under 25 Male, Under 25 Female. Register as a team or individual. Limited registrations available on the day.
• Wednesday 16 July, 8.30am-5pm at Dandenong Stadium, 270 Stud Road, Dandenong. Free event, register at forms.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/public-forms/volleyball-tournament
Watercolours workshop
Make your own watercolour artwork creations. Art supplies provided. For ages 12-25.
• Thursday 17 July, 12pm-1.30pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event, registrations required at events.humanitix.com/july-school-holiday-program
Punjabi Hip-Hop Cypher
A high-energy cultural fusion event that celebrates the vibrant intersection of Punjabi music and global hip-hop culture. Live performances, DJ sets, freestyle dance, graffiti art showcases, and open mic cypher sessions. Part of the HOME 25: Invisible Cities roving exhibition. Age recommendation: 18+
• Saturday 19 July, 6pm-9pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong; $15pp. Bookings essential at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/
greater-dandenong-council/events/punjabihip-hop-cypher
Acoustic Afternoons
Andrew and Anke MacLean form the theatrical, witty, atypical and experimental neo-folk musical duo Awkward Strangers.
• Saturday 19 July, 11.30am–1.30pm at Dandenong Library. Free event.
South East Winter Festival
Indoor festival of rides, activities, food trucks, performers, DJ nights, glow light sessions and the ‘Monster’ 300-metre-plus inflatable playground. Fun for all ages.
• Thursdays-Sundays until 20 July, 11am-late at Caribbean Gardens, 1280 Ferntree Gully Road Scoresby. Details/bookings: southeastwinterfestival.com.au
Tirhatuan Park tree planting
Plant seedlings as part of National Tree Day weekend. Includes Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, wildlife presentations, planting activities, a free barbecue lunch and native plant giveaways. Bring drinking water, warm clothes, suitable footwear, a pair of gloves and a hand towel to wipe your hands with.
• Saturday 26 July, 10am-1pm at Tirhatuan Park, 4 Kriegel Way, Dandenong North. Free event,
register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/planting-daytirhatuan
Somerfield Reserve tree planting
Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, planting activities, native plant giveaways, a wildlife presentation, a free barbecue lunch. Bring drinking water, warm clothes, suitable footwear, a pair of gloves and a hand towel to wipe your hands with.
• Sunday 27 July, 10am-1pm at Somerfield Reserve, Eastbury Street, Keysborough. Free event, register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov. au/national-tree-day
HOME 25: Invisible Cities
HOME 25: Invisible Cities is a new roving exhibition in the streets and sites of Dandenong, showcasing works of a selection of refugee, asylum seeker, First Nations and migrant artists. Public art sites at Dandenong Library, Harmony Square, Garnar Lane, Walker Street, Palm Plaza as well as HOME stand at Dandenong Market. Also exhibitions and shows at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Cenre, Drum Theatre and Heritage Hill Museum.
• Runs until 27 September. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/home-25-invisible-cities-exhibition
GREENER
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Police are calling for vehicle owners to fit antitheft screws to dampen a record number of number plate thefts across the state.
Casey is No.1 in Victoria for number plate thefts (2,139) and Greater Dandenong third (1581) in the 12 months up to March 2025, according to Crime Statistics Agency data.
Across the state, thefts had surged by 50 per cent to the highest number recorded – 29,790 in the past year, 83 a day or one every 17 minutes.
Number plate thefts account for over a third of all items stolen from cars across the state, which continues to be the most common and fastest growing crime in Victoria.
Police say the stolen numberplates are often used by offenders to hide the identity of a vehicle when committing other crimes such as burglaries, ram raids, petrol drive offs and to evade police.
They are often seized using Automatic Numberplate Recognition Technology, which rapidly scans and identifies cars carrying false or stolen number plates.
“Number plate theft is often at the centre of more serious offending, which is why we want the
community to take preventative steps to protect their plates,” Acting Sergeant Sam Romano said. “Installing a simple measure such as an antitheft screw can be the difference between having your numberplate stolen or not.”
Safe Plate Days are regularly run by police across the state.
All vehicle owners are urged to install antitheft screws, which are also available from hardware stores, automotive parts stores and petrol stations.
Police are also advising people to blur number plate details when advertising vehicles online, or when sharing photos on social media to avoid the likelihood of a vehicle’s numberplate being cloned.
Victims of a number plate theft or suspected cloning activity can call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Acting Sergeant Sam Romano installing anti-theft screws - a deterrent to a rise in number plate thefts. (Damjan Janevski: 487805)
By Ethan Benedicto
Ward in the City of Casey will soon be the recipient of a swathe of new names for its many facilities, reserves and landmarks ahead of a new naming program put forward by the council.
Scheduled for the 2025/2026 financial year, a total of five combined community facilities, recreation reserves and future council-owned reserves will take on new names, with the community able to partake in the decisionmaking process.
Called the Forward Works Program for Naming and Registration of Council-owned Reserves and Community Facilities, the council, if endorsing it following the 15 July meeting, will look to name nine places this financial year throughout the LGA.
For the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 periods, an additional nine, respectively, will also be named.
Looking back at Dillwynia Ward, the first category of community facilities and recreation reserves includes Hardys Road Family and Community Centre, Springleaf Ave Recreation Reserve, and the Alexander Boulevard Recreation Reserve.
These three, like others included in the category, include reserves and facilities that are part of the council’s capital works program, meaning the naming will commence once said capital works program is endorsed.
Under the second category of future passive reserves, this includes St Germain State with a proposed name of Gill Park, and Minta Estate with a proposed name of Fantasy Park.
These names don’t refer to the estate itself, but rather future parcels of open space that will become council-owned and will have
Dillwynia Ward will see five of its reserves, facilities and other landmarks named in this financial year, among many others throughout Casey if the works program is endorsed by council during the July meeting.
(Gary Sissons: 429633)
amenities accessible to the public.
Name selection considerations are stated on the agenda to have a preference for Indigenous female and female names in general, aligning with a Geographic Names Victoria campaign that addresses gender imbalance in place names.
In terms of priority, requests from emergency services and GNV are to be considered, alongside the frequency and scale of public use, the size and extent of the land, existing infrastructure, and newer facilities.
Building on community engagement, this will include letters and emails, as well as online consultations; it was also stated that a single naming process could take anywhere between one and six months.
This story is developing and will be followed up once the 15 July council meeting passes.
The Bin it Right app is available for download in the App Store and Google Play, with the City of Casey inviting residents in a way to help them easily find out their bin night and which bin to put out.
The app is free, and works by users entering their address, with the user’s future bin collections listed.
Users are also able to schedule a reminder on the day prior to the day of bin collection.
No account is needed for the app, and once active, it also has features that detail what items belong in what bin, a 12-month bin calendar, service changes notifications and waste services near the user’s address.
For more information, visit www.casey. vic.gov.au/bin-it-right-app
As temperatures drop and wood heaters roar back to life, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria is reminding residents to burn wisely — or risk health hazards, pollution complaints, and wasted energy.
EPA Victoria says the condition of the heater, the flue, and the fuel you’re using all contribute to seeing more or less smoke from your chimney.
EPA’s chief environmental scientist Dr Jen Martin said you would get less smoke and more heat for your money if you do it right.
“Have your chimney professionally cleaned every year, only burn dry, clean wood, and extinguish your fire before going to bed or leaving the house,” she said.
“Don’t leave it smouldering, it’s inefficient, generates more smoke and creates a fire hazard.
According to EPA Victoria, wood heater owners have an obligation, under the Environment Protection Act’s General Environment Duty, to minimise the smoke from their wood heater.
EPA urges anyone burning wood to consider their neighbours’ health and seek alternative heat sources, especially on calm days with not much wind.
The people most sensitive to smoke from wood heaters are those with heart or lung conditions such as asthma, pregnant women, young children, those aged 65 years and over, people with diabetes and smokers.
“If you suffer from heart or lung disease and you notice symptoms of smoke exposure, take your regular medications, rest and seek medical advice if the symptoms persist,” Dr Martin said.
Another important tip is to avoid burning the wrong things, including coal, coke, driftwood, household rubbish, painted wood, chemically treated timber or the greencoloured pine logs used at parks and playgrounds.
The EPA website has more information for anyone who wants to be a good neighbour and create more heat and less smoke from their wood heater (epa.vic.gov.au/manage-smokewood-heaters).
Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or visiting What pollution and waste you can report (epa.vic.gov.au/what-pollutionand-waste-you-can-report).
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Dandenong forward Kiara Triep has continued her strong form in the Stingrays 16.7(103) to 0.2(2) thumping of Sandringham at Belvedere Reserve, Seaford, on Saturday.
Having showcased her positional flexibility early in the season, Triep has kicked multiples in five of her past six matches, with her effort of 3.2 from 16 disposals arguably her most complete of the season.
She has settled in attack and looked comfortable, with her forward craft shining through to consistently hit the scoreboard and link up in offensive chains at critical times.
Alice Cunnington also kicked three goals, while Evelyn Connolly and Lily Snow managed two apiece, with Matilda Argus the leading possession winner with 26.
The ‘Rays broke the back of the Dragons with three goals in the last five minutes off the first quarter to open up a handy buffer, and never surrendered ascendancy thereafter. Meanwhile, the boys were upstaged 12.11(83) to 9.9(63) against the same opponent.
In his return game from a repeat hand injury, highly-rated inside midfielder Sam Lewis gathered 22 possessions and was well-aided by tenacious bottom-ager Gus Kennedy who continues to look comfortable at the level.
Run-and-gun player Jasper Russell backed up his maiden Vic Country appearance with 32 disposals, while skipper Max Lee had 14 touches as he vies for a return for Vic Country’s last game of the National Championships on Sunday against Vic Metro.
Marcus Prasad (two goals, 17 disposals), JayDe Varlet (16 disposals) and Toby Sinnema were other Vic Country squad members in action for the hosts.
Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves and Tairon Ah-Mu were both rested ahead of that clash, while Jack Lawrence and Louis Hodder each had important moments.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Berwick has pulled off the upset of the Eastern League Premier season, upstaging ladders leaders East Ringwood for its third win of the season.
The Wickes won 11.7(73) to 8.19(67), holding off the premiership favourites in a frantic final 10 minutes where the hosts owned territory at East Ringwood Reserve.
Led by young midfielder-forward Tahj De La Rue, Berwick had the early running in the last quarter to give itself an important 20-point buffer, having worked tirelessly throughout the day to stay with the hosts.
Missing first choice ruck Jesse Cirilus to injury and backup option Dan Pinter through unavailability, Jordan Roberts stepped up and competed well against Hawthorn AFL-listed Jaime UhrHenry, who has been given clearance to develop his ruck craft at local footy.
Fellow youngsters Sam Frangalas and Ben Todd also played significant roles in the victory.
The win lifts Berwick two games clear of bottom-placed Mitcham, with another tough assignment, third-placed Balwyn, awaiting on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Noble Park’s four-game winning streak was brought to a close by a rampant Blackburn, which won 21.12(138) to 6.9(45), providing a stark reminder of the gulf between the upper and middle rungs of the table.
Young Frankston VFL-listed utility Jacob Noble was named best afield, but a Blackburn side full of state league talent was far too strong for the regenerating Bulls.
Rowville jumped Vermont in the second quarter to record an 11.14(80) to 9.4(58) victory, led by Cooper MacDonald and Seth MacDonald.
Cooper is Sydney VFL-listed and got 11 games for an often under-siege Collingwood backline last season and he has led the way every time he has returned to the Hawks in 2025.
The high-flying Seth, meanwhile, kicked three goals as he looks to break back into Richmond’s VFL outfit, having played four consecutive games as 23rd player prior to the weekend.
Rowville also had access to teenaged talent Blake Chambers, Mitch Gamel and Sullivan Robey with Eastern Ranges having a bye in the Coates League.
The Hawks will be favoured to defeat South Croydon this Saturday.
By Justin Schwarze
Dandenong Rangers are aiming to finish their NBL1 South season strong after knocking off Geelong for their third straight win on Friday night.
At Dandenong Basketball Stadium, the Rangers trailed for most of the first half and entered the main break in a six-point deficit, 47-53.
A massive third quarter saw Dandenong take the lead and complete control of the contest, shooting a scorching 63 percent from three in the term to swing the score to 81-66 in favour of the hosts at three quarter time.
The Rangers were steady in the fourth and extended their buffer to as many as 31, seeing out a 106-84 victory at home.
Guard Ryan Rapp led the way for Dandenong, scoring 33 points on 13/18 shooting, paired with nine assists and five rebounds.
Ruot Monyyong was efficient on the interior, going 10/12 from two-point range to finish with 23 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
2025 NBL Champion Mason Peatling contributed well with a solid double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
On the second leg of their double-header, the Rangers couldn’t continue their strong offence, as seventh-placed Ballarat snapped their win streak and won 93-73 at the Minerdome.
Peatling provided yet another doubledouble of 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Sam Davidson scored 18.
After 19 games, Dandenong sits in 17th on the table with a record of six wins and 13 losses.
It’s been a difficult season for the Rangers after making a semi final in 2024, with the club set to miss finals this year.
Elsewhere, South Croydon defeated Doncaster East 18.8(116) to 14.10(94) and Balwyn piled the pain on Mitcham in a 21.18(144) to 6.12(48) thumping.
Ladder: East Ringwood 40, Blackburn 40, Balwyn 36, Rowville 28, Noble Park 24, Doncaster East 20, Vermont 20, South Croydon 16, Berwick 12, Mitcham 4
Fixture: Mitcham v Noble Park, Doncaster East v East Ringwood, Rowville v South Croydon, Blackburn v Vermont, Balwyn v Berwick
By Blair Burns
Hampton Park has reclaimed its spot at the top of the ladder after a 77-point victory over Doveton in the only Southern League match played on the weekend.
The round-nine clash between the Redbacks and Doves had been rescheduled for this weekend after both teams came to an agreement earlier in the season to not play it on the June long weekend.
There were no other matches across Divisions 1 and 2 last weekend, due to a league-wide bye as all teams prepare for the final six rounds of the 2025 season.
It was the second time Hampton Park has pumped the Doves this season, following a similar theme to the 120-point victory back in Round 1.
The Redbacks kicked three goals in the first seven minutes of the match, adding another two later in the first term before the home side could even register its first major.
After establishing a 28-point lead at quarter time, it was going to take a big surge from the Doves if they were to turn things around.
But Hampton Park made a statement and continued to put the helpless Doves to the sword as Makaio Haywood and Jye King dominated in the midfield.
The Redbacks were far too strong for Doveton, winning 15.19 (109) to 4.8 (32) at the final siren, as Trent Thomas (four goals) led the way in the forward line.
Tristan Fernandez-Phillips was named best on ground for Hampton Park, while Doveton defender Jake Ingaliso continued his brilliant form.
Doveton sits second-last on the ladder with five wins this season, a big slide from its 2024 campaign where the side finished second with a 14-4 record.
The Redbacks, coached by Luke Bull, will take some real confidence into this weekend’s huge top-of-the-table clash against East Malvern.
Other divisions of Southern will return this weekend with plenty of crucial clashes, which could shape the finals. Jake Ingaliso was named Doveton’s best, but it wasn’t enough as
By David Nagel
With the best teams in the Mountain Dart League (MDL) crowned a week earlier it was time for individuals to stand tall and shine bright at the MDL Divisional Singles Championships on Friday 11 July.
Elliott Road in Dandenong was jam-packed with high-end darts talent with an incredible 15 180s thrown in the Division 1 competition alone.
Jamie Wolff led the way with a superb effort, scoring five 180s in masterclass at the oche. But Wolff was this time the hunted, with James Johnson throwing four 180s on his way to this year’s title.
Johnson defeated Brendon Simmonds in a thrilling Division 1 final, with Simmonds also filling the treble 20 on one occasion.
Shane Taylor was in terrific touch in Division 2, throwing a magical 180 on his way to a powerful victory over runner up Bernie Vaughan.
Damien Hammond also provided some superb highlights in Division 3, hitting a telling 180 on his way to this year’s victory.
Brent Wright also had a great night, finishing
runner up to Hammond in the final.
Attention now turns to this Friday 18 July, where a new season of the MDL kicks off at the Elliott Road facility.
It promises to be a spectacular season of darts; with so many great players lifting their levels to extraordinary new heights in recent times.
MDL SEASON SUMMARY
DIVISION 1
• Premiers High 5’s
• Runners Up Bad Boys
• Champion James Johnson
• Runner Up Brendon Simmonds
DIVISION 2
• Premiers Outcasts
• Runners Up Spectrum
• Champion Shane Taylor
• Runner Up Bernie Vaughan
DIVISION 3
• Premiers Redbacks 2
• Runners Up Madarras
• Champion Damien Hammond
• Runner Up Brent Wright
