Casts of characters
Children’s Book Week came to life as school students dressed up as their favourite literary characters across Australia last week. Dandenong North Primary School student Nyla embodied Ariel the ‘Little Mermaid’, high fiving students during an upbeat book week parade on 22 August.
More pictures, turn to page 14
(Stewart Chambers: 497259)
Pokies backlash
In further backlash, a controversial cardless poker-machine trial in Greater Dandenong has lost support from a key gambling-reform body.
The Alliance for Gambling Reform announced its withdrawal of support from the State Government trial, citing the lack of a timeline, ongoing delays and the absence of mandatory pre-committed loss limits.
Meanwhile, Greater Dandenong Council was set to debate on 25 August on whether to follow the Alliance’s stance.
Councillor Rhonda Garad, who authored the
motion, stated that removing mandatory precommitment undermined the trial’s harm-minimisation purpose and offered no meaningful new protection.
Recently, deputy mayor Sophie Tan indicated the council would state its disappointment to the Government about the lack of mandatory precommitment.
Monash Council – which is also part of the trial’s rollout - is reportedly doing the same.
The alliance’s chief advocate Tim Costello agreed that the trial, in its present form, was a
“complete waste of time”.
“We believe the current approach simply reflects a strategy that panders to the gambling industry and is all designed to delay, delay, delay.”
Costello said a recent Government report showed the escalating cost of gambling on the community.
The $14.1 billion in costs to the community outstripped the $7.2 billion in revenue to industry, and $2.28 billion in tax revenue in the same year.
In July, the State Government announced the trial in all 43 venues with gaming machines in Monash, Greater Dandenong and Ballarat from September to November.
People gambling at these venues will need to use a YourPlay card to play electronic gaming machines and can set loss limits – which Gaming Minister Enver Erdogan said would help “people take control of their gambling and make better choices”.
More on the story, turn to page 4
Inara’s generosity
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Two decades ago, Inara Taylor gifted a popular art show to Noble Park.
Now the 82-year-old Traralgon-based painter is bearing more gifts to help raise funds for Noble Park Community Centre.
In a grand act of generosity, Taylor is donating 40 works from her art collection for a dance, dinner and auction fundraiser for the NPCC next month. It’s about giving back to a community that supported her, she says.
“I thought I’ve got to start decluttering my walls at home. There’s no more space, so I’ll auction off what I take down.
“I just wanted to say thank you very much to all of theNobleParkpeoplewhosupportedmewhenIran a takeaway shop on the main street.”
ThedonationsincludesomeofTaylor’spaintings, some of her father’s as well as creations from other artists.
“I’m hoping it will go really well and there will be money raised for the community centre. “There’s a lot of things happening at the centre - they help peopleinNobleParktremendously,particularlynow with its food drive.
“The cost of living has caused so many problems for so many people.”
In 2004, she and Hugh Kilgower co-founded Noble Park’s award-winning community art show that’s now held annually at the NPCC.
“IwasaskedbyHughwhatwecouldtogiveNoble Park a lift. And I said we could do an art show – I’ve done them before.”
Held in the senior citizens hall, the first art show was driven by a motto of being ‘proud to participate’.
Two decades on, the art show has flourished at the NPCC. Last year, more than 1500 visitors enjoyed hundreds of paintings, photography and mixed media from students, aged-care residents and all-abilities artists. At the 2024 art show, Taylor was invited back and recognised for her founding contribution.
She reunited with Hotham MP and Federal MinisterClareO’Neil,whowasGreaterDandenongmayor at the time of the first art show.
“I was blown away by the quality of the exhibits ranging from primary school right through to the open section,” Taylor says. “For me, it was gratifying thattheartshowdidn’tdie.Sometimesyoudosomething and it doesn’t catch on. But this kept going and going.”
Taylor is looking forward to returning for the fundraising dinner dance.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
“They’vegotagreatteamofpeopleworkingatthe community centre.
“They’re all volunteers – their hearts are very much in what they’re doing, and accordingly the residents respond. “There’s a really nice vibe to the place.”
Noble Park Community Centre Fundraising Dinner Dance is at the NPCC, Memorial Drive, Noble Park on Saturday 6 September, 6.30pm; $45pp or $320 for table of 8.
Details: 9547 5801 or socialplanet.com.au/activity/ view?id=36150
Developer donates home for homeless
By Sahar Foladi
Dandenong South-based Alapont Development has donated a brandnew house in Pakenham to homelessness agency WAYSS for families in need.
This is a partnership between the State Government, local council, private developers and community organisations like WAYSS to help secure families in stable permanent housing.
Alapont Development director Miguel Alapont’s family migrated to Greater Dandenong from Spain in the 80’s where he attended Lyndale Primary School and Lyndale Secondary College. His father, who had to choose to open his bakery either on Chapel Street or Dandenong, chose the latter due to its diversity and it prospered for 30 years.
Mr Alapont says he always wanted to give back to the community now that he’s thriving in life as a builder and developer.
“I always wanted to do something but have been sceptical of a lot of the non-for-profits as to how much money get to the actual people.
“I’ve got three boys, and I can’t imagine if they didn’t have somewhere to sleep, or they didn’t know where their next meal was coming from, or if they had the right stuff for school.
“I had the opportunity to do something, and I did.
“This option was a win-win for both me and WAYSS.”
WAYSS homelessness and housing support manager Shari McPahil says they are pleased to be the recipient and look forward to similar projects.
“It’s a terrific partnership. We need partnerships in order to grow the amount of stock that we have that’s affordable for people on low incomes and are disadvantaged.
“We can’t do it on our own. We need to be working with all levels of government including local council and very, very generous developers.”
The unique partnership from community to the government level and private sector sees developers benefit from tax incentives and land tax discounts for eligible projects.
In July this year, 74 people was homeless in Greater Dandenong, a rise of 21 per cent since February (61).
Of them, 46 were ‘sleeping rough’ this winter.
City of Greater Dandenong was ranked the highest homelessness rate in Victoria in the 2023 census with lack of social and affordable housing a major contributing factor.
Previously, in 2016 Dandenong ranked second out of the 88 electorates in Victoria, with 1118 people without a home.
In 2023, this rose to 1719 people without a home on any given night, the majority housed in overcrowded dwellings, boarding houses and hotels, according to a Council to Homeless Persons report.
An arrested man has been accused of a 32-offence, three-week crime spree across the South East.
The 28-year-old from Carrum Downs was allegedly in a stolen vehicle driven dangerously to evade pursuing police in Pakenham on 12 August and Skye on 18 August.
He was also allegedly part of a spate of burglaries and thefts between 3-23 August.
Police say the offences occurred in Dandenong South, Cranbourne, Noble Park, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Clyde, Skye, Officer and other suburbs.
The man was arrested with the assistance of the Dog Squad, Air Wing and Southern Metro Region Crime Squad in Frankston on Saturday 23 August.
Moorabbin and Frankston CIU detectives charged him with 32 offences including burglaries, car thefts, conduct endangering serious injury and driving dangerously whilst pursued by police.
He was allegedly wanted on a warrant for failing to appear at court for similar offending.
The man was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 27 August.
32 charges for accused car thief $80K gold heist
By Sahar Foladi
A devastated Springvale family have been robbed of their dream to buy land for a house after a home robbery wiped out almost $80,000 of gold, jewellery and cash.
Two gold bars, three gold wedding jewellery necklaces, pair of gold bangles, gold chains, diamond rings and almost $2000 cash were stolen leaving the young family in complete shock.
Victoria Police say they are investigating the burglary in Birmingham Street Springvale on Friday 15 August between 10am and 12.50pm.
According to the resident Kamran Durrani, he was merely days away from transferring the cash and gold to the bank.
“My wife is still not able to sleep. She wakes up crying and screaming, she goes down and checks the doors.
“We are devastated. That’s everything we had, he took it all.
“We have lots of sentiment attached to the jewellery.”
Mr Durrani had recently bought the gold bars to invest in potentially buy a land and build their own house together.
CCTV has captured a car drive past, park in front of the house with a single male enter the house about 15 minutes after Mr Durrani left to drop off his 13-month-old to childcare and wife at work.
The orange-hooded male was wearing a face mask.
The break-in took place just after 10am on Friday 15 August with the front door kicked open.
While Victoria Police is investigating the matter, Mr Durrani is suspicious that this was a well-planned robbery.
He recounts his front door open 10 days before the incident, on an early morning, although the couple are cautious.
Victoria Police urges anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Miguel Alapont at the Pakenham home. (Stewart Chambers: 97869)
Inara Taylor, centre, with Heather Duggan, Clare O’Neil, Lana Formoso, Grissel Walmaggia and Terry Blades at the 2024 Noble Park Community Centre Art Show. (Noble Park Community Centre)
Hoon-meet cars fail test
By Ava Cashmore
More than 150 drivers accused of taking part in illegal hoon gatherings across Greater Dandenong were requested by police to surrender their cars for roadworthy checks at Dandenong Showgrounds on Thursday 21 August.
The large-scale police operation follows a car meet on July 21 in a Dandenong industrial estate, where burnouts were allegedly performed just metres from spectators.
Officers said the group dispersed when police arrived, but Automatic Numberplate Recognition Technology recorded dozens of licence plates.
Investigators also tracked down several drivers after some allegedly posted footage of their stunts on social media.
Acting Senior Sergeant Shaun Tolliday from Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol said, “that intelligence and those videos have formed a big part of our investigation, and getting these people before the courts.”
Police then issued official defect notices, ordering owners to present their vehicles for inspection.
“We want to tell these hoon drivers, the organisers, participants and spectators of these events not to attend them, and if they do attend these locations and these events, that they will be spoken to by police,” said Sergeant Tolliday.
He warned the behaviour placed lives at risk.
“Some of the intel and footage that we’ve seen have shown some really dangerous and high-risk driving…and this is just putting themselves, the drivers and the rest of the public in serious danger of serious injury or even death,” he said.
“At this stage, we’ve already had one vehicle
that will be taken on a tow truck because the deficiencies of the vehicle … were that unsafe to be driven at all from this area,” Acting Sen-Sgt Tolliday said.
The vehicle referenced had a multitude of defects including a cracked windscreen, no back brake pads, and a differential deemed unfit for Victorian roads.
But the driver whose vehicle was grounded today said the crackdown unfairly targeted car enthusiasts.
“The amount of effort I’m going to have to put into putting this back on the road is a joke. More than double what the car’s worth.”
The man, a mechanic, who said cars had long been his hobby, described the loss as devastating.
“I’m not even wasting my time putting it back on the road at this point. I’ll lose motivation on it now,” he said.
“It’s my pride and joy but is it worth spending three or four grand on it, just to have the same thing happen again?”
He said his girlfriend’s car was also defected for being too low, something he believed was unfair.
“The ground where they measured it was uneven. Where my wheel stopped, it was in a ditch, so of course it was going to hit my car.”
The man said he understood the need for safety but insisted he would never drive an unsafe car.
“I wouldn’t drive a car that’s not safe. That’s my life, even if no one’s in my car. I’m not going to risk my own life and potentially others at the same time,” he said.
Police warned that anyone failing to comply with defect notices will have their vehicle impounded.
Keeping in style while staying safe and sound on roads
By Sahar Foladi
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has enlisted the support of local barbers and stylists to inspire talks on road safety.
As part of a novel new initiative to reduce road trauma, Tamadon Barbers in Dandenong has become an ambassador for road safety in his community as part of the Cut, Colour, Click, initiative. The focus is on the importance of wearing a seatbelt.
Owner, Mohammad Mosa Mohammadi says wearing seatbelts is important for everyone.
“People from culturally diverse backgrounds need to pay closer attention to this because wearing seatbelts can save lives.”
Mr Mohammed’s own seven-month pregnant daughter and baby was saved by the seatbelt when she was in a crash.
He has operated at the Tamadon Barbers for more than a decade now, has built a strong and reputable connections within his Afghan community.
Sonny Singh from Soul Barbers in Dandenong is another ambassador.
Mr Singh’s family member was in a severe road accident years ago so he understands the
lifelong impacts one crash can have on a person.
These local voices are equipped with critical messages and supporting resources to start meaningful conversations with their clients on how buckling up on every journey can be the difference between life and death.
TAC Head of Community, Jacqui Sampson, said an everyday conversation in a salon chair was an opportunity to save a life, and the campaign would create community champions for a safety-first culture on the roads.
“The TAC is always looking for new and innovative ways to engage with all corners of the community on the actions we can all take to keep ourselves and others safe – like wearing a seatbelt.
“Barbershops and salons are often local social hubs and a natural place where people are relaxed and receptive to important conversations and have trusted relationships – so we are proud to recruit these community champions as road safety ambassadors.
“We need to come from all angles and have full community commitment if we are to turn around the unacceptable level of road trauma we are seeing – everyone needs to be a road safety hero.”
City of Greater Dandenong and City of Casey is listed among the top local government areas with the highest road fatality at 9 and 13 for Casey for the 12 months to 31 December 2024, according to TAC Road Safety Statistics report.
The Cut, Colour, Click campaign has been translated into 10 languages with tailored messaging to ensure it is highly visible in Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities, engaging with people whose home countries may have different or non-existent seatbelt laws.
The campaign features barber smocks emblazoned with a seatbelt sash and campaign tagline ‘Seatbelts keep us together’ and a digital content series, while educational materials and fact sheets are available online.
The initiative comes as the number of people killed on Victorian roads is at the highest level for this time of year in a decade.
Last year, Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong were some of the highest risk areas for road-related injuries across Victoria, totalling 508 people hospitalised from road accidents in these areas (Casey 234 people, Greater Dandenong 171 people, Cardinia 103 people).
In the past five years, around one-in-four drivers and passengers who have died on the state’s roads were not wearing a seatbelt (where seatbelt status was known).
A recent TAC survey of more than 2500 road users found that while most people wore a seatbelt all the time, the minority that don’t was growing.
Dandenong South’s South Gippsland Highway is one of the locations with a mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera is installed since March 2025 due to its history of road trauma.
Hair salons are helping to turn salon chairs into spaces for lifesaving seatbelt conversations.
(Gary Sissons: 497209)
A vehicle assessed as unroadworthy during the Dandenong Showgrounds operation. (Ava Cashmore: 497900)
Alliance withdraws support
A leading gambling-reform body has withdrawn support for a State Government trial of poker machine carded play in Greater Dandenong.
The Alliance for Gambling Reform cited the lack of a timeline, ongoing delays as well as the lack of mandatory pre-commitment of loss limits for card users.
The Alliance’s chief advocate Tim Costello, said there are now fears that industry pressure was stymying real reform.
It had been hoped Victoria could be the first state in Australia to implement mandatory, carded play with pre-commitment in all its pubs and clubs, he said.
“This technology has been implemented at Crown for over 18 months; there is no need for a trial and certainly it is a complete waste of time to have a trial where the pre-commitment feature that could cap your losses is not mandatory,” Costello said.
“The loopholes in this proposed Victorian
Municipal monitors in
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Kingston Council is set to be under the watch of two Municipal Monitors – though the reason for the intervention appears to be a mystery.
The State Government announced on 22 August it was installing John Tanner AM and a yet-to-be-announced second person as monitors for the rest of 2025.
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos said the monitors would provide “good governance and support for council’s decision-making procedures”.
“Victorians expect their councils to maintain a high standard of processes and practices, and these monitors will help the council best serve the Kingston community.”
Staikos’s Bentleigh electorate is based in Kingston.
His cousin Steve Staikos was also a fourtime Kingston mayor before being appointed as Labor state secretary in 2024.
In a statement, Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley said they “look forward to better understanding the Victorian Government’s concerns”.
“(We look forward to) working closely with the monitors to share our strong processes, governance oversight and transparent decision-making.
“Our focus remains on serving the people of Kingston and I will continue to lead with independence and integrity, with decision-making that is guided by what is best for our community.”
Kingston chief executive Peter Bean said councillors, the executive team and staff were “keen to assist however we can to support them in the role”.
“Council remains committed to delivering excellent services to our community, built on a foundation of good governance and strong customer service.”
Mr Tanner has previously chaired a panel of administrators appointed to Moira Shire Council and is currently a monitor at City of Hobsons Bay.
The monitors will serve from Monday 25 August until 31 December.
trial now almost guarantee low rates of uptake and thus limited or even useless data in relation to limit setting.
“We don’t even feel we know what they’re actually trialling or why.”
It comes after Greater Dandenong Council expressed disappointment at the trial’s non-mandatory commitment.
It was poised to consider whether also to withdraw support from the trial, rolling out in all 43 venues with gaming machines in Monash, Greater Dandenong and Ballarat from September to November.
People gambling at these venues will need to use a YourPlay card to play electronic gaming machines and can set loss limits – which Gaming Minister Enver Erdogan said would help “people take control of their gambling and make better choices”.
Costello said there was no longer a clear, planned timeline for the rollout to be completed
Victoria-wide.
“Since the cabinet reshuffle in December, the previous timelines have been dropped and the new minister, Enver Erdogan MP is not making any firm commitments to the timeline to get this all done,” he said.
Other concerns include that the Government has not published either a design scope for the trial, or an evaluation framework.
They also have not committed to publishing the evaluation report.
“These reforms were announced over two years ago, and Premier Daniel Andrews stood next to a grandmother who had lost just about everything because of pokies, and he announced these ‘landmark reforms’,” Costello said.
“I wonder if anyone who had anything to do with these wretched machines would feel like Victoria is implementing ‘landmark reforms’?
“Last year’s losses were another new record,
Curtain call for Trendy Interiors
By Sahar Foladi
The Dandenong Hub Arcade’s Trendy Interiors store will draw its curtains in a bittersweet move after 35 years in the area.
Daughter and mother duo Carmen Jenner and Rosa Masip established their interior retail shop at a “scary time” after Dandenong Square (formerly Dandenong Plaza) was established in 1989, which many retailers say was the Hub’s downfall.
“When we bought it, it was a very big decision to buy this, because it (the Hub) was empty.
“This used to be the main shopping centre. If you weren’t local to Dandenong, you wouldn’t know there’s a shopping centre (Dandenong Plaza) there.
“They built a shopping centre and then as they do, they poached a lot of people from here and took a lot of the cream out of the Hub.
“So, we bought it at a scary time because it was like rock bottom.
“I don’t know what possessed me but I remember feeling sick that night in bed thinking, what have I done?”
The decision to buy came after years of renting, moving around to bazaars and stalls around Greater Dandenong and other areas.
During her time at Trendy Interiors, Ms Jenner got married, started a family, saw her three infants become adults, attended her mother Ms Masip’s funeral and will now bid Trendy Interiors goodbye.
“Everyone knows my mum - she was the matrix of the arcade.
“We lived together, we opened our business together, a lot of our clients know us as a family business.
“This is my work family, all the people here.
“I’d like to thank all these patrons for supporting our business, because they’re the foundation of the business.”
A huge people person, she will miss the daily interaction with her clients and work family, from whom she learnt a lot including many languages like Dari, different cuisines and cultures.
Her loyal customers are already missing her, asking who they’d turn to for a nice chat.
“There’s a lot of lonely people as well, and not that I can entertain it, but sometimes people like to share their problems.
“Besides that, it’s the support that they’ve given me through the years as well.”
The shop has now items reduced down to sell off as much stock as possible.
Whilst the store will close, Ms Jenner will continue the original business established 55 years ago by her mother, Made to Measure by appointment.
This will allow her the freedom to choose her work hours after more than 30 years of hard work and sweat.
“I go to people’s homes.
“I bring my iPad with a gallery of different window treatments, I measure, show samples, choose colours, provide a quote which includes installation, and they normally order whatever they want.”
Originally from Spain, the family is among many who have helped to shape Greater Dandenong’s diverse character, also meaning they’ve experienced demanding times and have firsthand seen the area evolve.
Most recently, the Hub has attracted ongoing anti-social behaviour with rough sleepers turning it into a hotel, housed in the fire hydrant exits even sometimes during the day and making the hallways their spot to sleep.
As previously reported by Star Journal, retailers have been up in arms as many had their shop glass smashed multiple times.
Trendy Interiors has also been broken into two years ago but none of this is the reason for its closure.
Ms Jenner says the drugs and troubles are everywhere, as has been the case in the past. What has changed is its frequency and intensity paired with a lack of police presence.
“It’s like a bank here. Every morning I’m trying to open up locks on the outside - just for bloody fabric, I mean seriously! But I’ve got to protect.
“Have there been fights here? Have there been overdoses? Absolutely.
“People have overdosed many times, but not recently.
“We’ve got Orange Door, we’ve got Headspace (upper floors), we’ve got all the services which are important, but it doesn’t bring the right sort of people.”
In future, Made to Measure will be available on digital platforms.
$3.14 billion. They’re just letting it go on, unabated.”
Costello said the Government’s recent report, ‘The Social Cost of Gambling to Victoria 2023’ clearly demonstrated the escalating cost to government, communities, families, business.
The $14.1 billion in costs to the community outstripped the $7.2 billion in revenue to industry, and $2.28 billion in tax revenue in the same year.
“We believe the current approach simply reflects a strategy that panders to the gambling industry and is all designed to delay, delay, delay,” Costellos said.
“And if the Premier and Minister won’t make a commitment right now to a date in the very near future to see the whole system with mandatory pre-commitment switched on across the state, every Victorian should be asking themselves, ‘Why?’
“Who benefits from that?”
Pokies trial debate
By Sahar Foladi
A proposal to withdraw support for the state government’s pokies gambling card trial is set to be considered by Greater Dandenong councillors. It comes after the council expressed surprise and disappointment that the YourPlay card trial for Dandenong, Monash and Ballarat would not require mandatory pre-commitment of loss limits by gamblers.
A motion set to be tabled by councillor Rhonda Garad on 25 August also seeks for the council to stop promoting and providing non-statutory data to the trial.
And to work with Alliance for Gambling tor push for the “reinstatement” of mandatory pre-commitment on the trial.
The trial is a mandatory account-based carded play but it will be optional for gamblers to set set loss limits, according to a government media release on 23 July.
“Removing the mandatory component undermines the trial’s harm-minimisation purpose and offers no meaningful new protection, making it inconsistent with Council’s policy and community expectations,” Cr Garad wrote in support of her motion.
The switch to a voluntary loss limit on the YourPlay card play sent shockwaves across anti-gambling advocates. Chief advocate at the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Tim Costello has told Star Journal they are chasing up answers from the Minister for Casino, Gambling and Liquor Regulation.
“We’re worried that they haven’t published the trial parameters and how they are testing it.
“We worried it could end up like the NSW trial-total flop because they allowed people to gamble and not have to use the card.
“We have lots of questions, trying to sort out what’s going on with this trial.”
The exclusion of mandatory pre-commitment information was communicated to councillors at a Councillors Briefing Session (CBS) meeting on Monday 4 August.
Greater Dandenong Council deputy mayor Sophie Tan previously told Star Journal they have drafted a letter to the Minister for Casino, Gambling and Liquor Regulation expressing their disappointment that pre-set loss limits are optional.
Carmen Jenner started the business Trendy Interiors with her mother. (Sahar Foladi: 498057)
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos. ((AAP Image/Diego Fedele)
Greater Dandenong councillors are set to vote on whether or not to pull out of a State Government pokies card trial after it was revealed the trial that excludes mandatory pre-commitment. (Gary Sissons: 442319)
Battin defends death presser
By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Afraa Kori
Opposition leader Brad Battin has doubledowned on controversially addressing media at a homicide investigation in Dandenong on Tuesday 19 August.
Upon hearing about the incident on radio, Battin reportedly dropped by and spoke on Victoria’s crime woes.
Metres away, a 39-year-old man’s covered body lay behind police tape on the corner of Princes Highway and Potter Street.
Police later confirmed the man had been stabbed in a nearby flat, fled on to the street where he collapsed in front of a passing police patrol about 5am.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene.
Battin has since reportedly vowed to keep attending crime scenes to drive his message, claimingtheGovernment“ignoresrisingviolentcrime”.
“You’ve got to do it respectfully and we made sure of that,” he told Star News.
“All the press wasn’t done directly looking at the crime scene itself.
We’d spoken to the police there. We were in the public area. So I’d say I’m very comfortable with what happened.”
On social media, Battin has posted audio of an ABC interview under the title of ‘Why I went to Dandenong to discuss Labor’s knife crime epidemic’.
“I think it’s about time that we start highlighting the fact that this government needs to be held to account,” he told ABC.
“People are being stabbed in the street, we’re seeing people being stabbed in their homes.”
The next day, an adamant Battin spruiked his ‘break bail – face jail’ policy outside other crime scenes, including supermarkets targeted by armed robbers.
He’s also held press conferences at a Berwick marketplace, at the scene of two stabbings, he says.
Government MPs, including Dandenong MP
Williams, lambasted Battin for the Dandenong presser.
“Let me be clear, any politician who visits an active crime scene in order to conduct a political stunt risks disrupting and perhaps even compromising a police investigation,” Williams posted.
“The consequences of this could be profound.
“To put it bluntly, politicians who do this are putting themselves, and their own desire for media attention, ahead of the community’s desire for justice.
“They are putting themselves ahead of the important work of Victoria Police.
“And they are putting politics ahead of a family’s pain.”
Williams listed the Government’s initiatives including “introducing the toughest bail laws in the country”, Australia’s “first-ever machete ban” and a trial of electronic monitoring of youth offenders.
In response, Battin said: “If the Dandenong MP was worried about crime in her area, she would be fighting harder to get the police resources that they desperately need at Dandenong Police Station to ensure that they can have the proactive patrols to stop crime before it happens.”
Homicide probe as man, 39, is stabbed
A 39-year-old man has died after being found with stab wounds in Dandenong on Tuesday 19 August.
Homicide Squad detectives say “at this early stage” that the incident may have occurred inside a neighbouring unit on Potter Street before the man fled on foot. They also believe it was a targeted attack.
A local police patrol saw the man collapse on the street about 4.50am, Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, of the Homicide Squad, said.
Paramedics were summoned and treated the man but he died at the scene on the corner of Princes Highway and Potter Street.
The man was conscious when assisted by police officers, but Det Insp Thomas didn’t confirm if he said anything to police.
He said police were trying to work out the man’s connection to the nearby dwelling where the stabbing may have occurred.
The man had yet to be formally identified, the weapon was yet to be found.
Det Insp Thomas said police were seeking information on any suspicious people, vehicle or activity in the area between 4.30am-5am.
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Battin said he’d not received any concerns from the victim’s family.
“The only uproar was the Labor government and their ministers.
“Every single message I’ve seen and had sent to me was people saying that it’s about time we stand up and hold this government to account for the crime crisis that’s happening in Victoria.” Police were seeking information on any suspicious people, vehicle or activity in the Potter Street area between 4.30am-5am on Tuesday 19 August.
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.
A Dandenong man has been charged over the death of a woman in Cobram on Tuesday 19 August.
Homicide Squad detectives charged the 45-year-old with murdering a 32-yearold Cobram woman.
Emergency services were initially called to a Christie Street address about 5am and located the woman.
Two young children inside the address were not physically injured during the incident, police say.
The accused man did not apply for bail at a Shepparton Magistrates’ Court hearing on 20 August. He was remanded to re-appear at court on 10 December.
Gabrielle
Brad Battin speaks to the media. (Gary Sissons: 497109)
Forensics at the scene along Potter Street. (497109)
Police at the crime scene on the corner of Potter Street and Princes Highway Dandenong. (Gary Sissons: 497109)
Forensics at the scene along Potter Street. (497109)
Praise for WHISE strategy
By Sahar Foladi
A four-year strategy led by Women’s Health in the South East has been hailed for taking steps towards a more gender-equitable, violence-free region.
WHISE’s Promoting Respect and Equity Together strategy 2021-’25 partnered more than 30 groups and equipped hundreds of practitioners to prevent gender-based violence.
It brought together diverse sectors, including housing, legal services, Aboriginal services, disability advocacy, and local government, to address the systemic drivers of violence and promote lasting change.
Wellsprings for Women, The Orange Door, South East Community Links, South East Monash Legal Service, Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre are among the partner groups.
WHISE, chief executive officer, Kit McMahon says the PRET has “shown that when we work together across sectors, we can create deep and lasting change”.
“This strategy has strengthened relationships, built skills, and inspired action across our communities, proving that prevention is not just possible, it’s powerful.”
The PRET aims to embed gender equality and respectful relationships from early years education, into primary and secondary schools and lately into sports clubs.
It also connects tertiary institutions to share strategies to prevent sexual violence, and advocates for workplaces to proactively prevent sexual harassment.
It’s working to reach new partners such as sports clubs, leisure centres, neighbourhood houses, community groups and others.
WHISE’s prevention of violence against wom-
“The partners have built their own knowledge and skills in doing this initiative. Now it’s just about the evidence out in the community, finding out what works and what doesn’t with different groups of people.
“It’s so diverse - councils are already working with sports clubs around Fair Access Roadmap, which is increasing gender equality for women and girls in sports clubs.
“This is fairly new. We’re looking at talking to volunteers in those sports clubs about how they can take action in their own organisations - not overwhelming them with lots of things policies and procedures, but thinking about embedding kindness, respect and safety.
“Simple messages of making sure they’re taking care of their community as well as young people having fun.”
The strategy will continue to work with men and boys to understand how to take action to prevent violence against women as improve their own mental wellbeing.
PRET partners will also support parents to model equality at home, teach emotional regulation, and engage confidently with their children on consent, relationships and sexuality.
Chief executive officer of Wellsprings for Women, Dalal Smiley says funding and time go hand in hand to make the change.
“We are building a momentum across a number of community settings by tackling and deep diving into complex aspects of gender based abuse and oppression.
“We know in working with communities from migrant and refugee backgrounds, that effecting change takes time as communities adjust to settlement needs, understanding new systems, laws and cultural norms,” she said.
“Taking the communities along with us on this journey means working from where they are at, being respectful, and collaborating together to define the problems and design solutions.
“We need to keep going, and to keep going we need governments to commit to long term funding and to be patient as we are in what outcomes to expect and by when.”
An innovative PRET initiative was the Preventing Family Violence First Aid training, a practical, skills-based program designed to equip non-specialist staff with the knowledge and confidence to respond to, prevent, and refer cases of family and gender-based violence.
Evaluation results showed significant gains in participants’ understanding and confidence and inspired a ripple effect of leadership, with nearly half of participants expressing interest in a “train the trainer” model to expand the program’s reach.
The strategy has already added 28 new organisations and 37 new practitioners into the prevention network, delivered 14 learning forums over 1000 participants on topics from affirmative consent to healthy masculinities, supported 42 school-based leaders to embed Respectful Relationships education and expanded collaboration with bi-monthly working group attendance growing from 58 to 137 participants.
The strategy is turning the page to its next chapter 2025-2030, focusing on building on their key achievements, expanding into new settings, strengthening leadership commitments and trialling innovative tools to drive a safer more equitable region.
If any organisations in the South East are interested in joining the partnership, WHISE can be contacted on whise@whise.org.au.
MP Payne fires up debate on incinerators
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A South East MP is seeking to reignite debate on the growing role of waste-to-energy incinerators in Victoria, including in Dandenong South.
This week, Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne will move for a State Parliament inquiry, questioning why there’s a move to burning waste instead of recycling and the ‘circular economy’.
“We all know that our recycling situation in Victoria is a complete shambles.
“Even at the most basic level, people don’t know what to put in which bin and where it’s going.
“Let’s fix this before we throw our hands in the air and burn rubbish.”
The proposed inquiry would examine the proximity of waste-to-energy to residents and roads, as well as its environmental, social and economic impacts.
It would also examine alternative waste management technologies.
to waste-to-energy incinerators, such as an approved plant in Dandenong South. (Supplied)
back in August 2026 – shortly before the next state election.
“The Government would hate to talk about this during an election year, but it’s important to give the community and experts an opportunity to talk about it.”
Payne noted that NSW had banned such plants in residential areas, and Public Health Association of Australia called for a “precautionary approach”.
She says this is in contrast to Victoria’s proposed “ring of fire” – with six waste-to-energy plants proposed in response to diminishing landfill space.
enormous amount of waste taking up valuable space at landfills and in the process stop the production of 120,000 tonnes of harmful greenhouse gas emissions per annum,” chief executive Craig Gilbert said in 2023.
The GSWT plant, approved by VCAT and Environment Protection Authority Victoria, was said to be fully sealed, ensuring no odours.
However it was opposed by Greater Dandenong councillors as well as residents and schools in neighbouring suburbs on human health and environment grounds.
The incinerator was expected to be built by late 2025.
“They are clearly not confident that these incinerators are safe or welcome where they live and work,” Payne said.
“If it’s OK to truck in rubbish from all over Melbourne to Dandenong and burn it, it’s OK to do so in more affluent areas.”
The inquiry would be scheduled to report
Payne questioned why Climate Action Minister Lily D’Ambrosio championed waste-to-energy but opposed an incinerator in her electorate in Mill Park.
One of the facilities is slated for Ordish Road, Dandenong South, burning 100,000 tonnes of commercial and domestic waste a year.
The approved plant was touted to generate about 11 megawatts of “baseload, renewable electricity” from combusting the waste.
It was enough to “power 8000 homes and businesses in the area”, according to proponent Great Southern Waste Technologies.
“But just as importantly, it will also stop an
Meanwhile, Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire councils have signed up with six other councils to offload 95 per cent of household waste to a waste-to-energy facility in Maryvale for the next 25 years.
It is in response to Hampton Park landfill, currently used by many South East councils, nearing the end of life.
The nearest alternative tips are further away across Melbourne.
Rachel Payne wants an inquiry into alternatives
en lead, Danielle McCaffrey says she’s excited and grateful to work with the PRET partners for what’s to come next.
Danielle McCaffrey is WHISE’s Prevention of Violence Against Women Lead.
Order to shut down depot
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A landowner has been ordered by VCAT to clean up and cease an unauthorized truck depot and dumping ground in Springvale.
VCAT member Dalia Cook granted Greater Dandenong Council an enforcement order, ruling there had been numerous unauthorized uses at 26A Westall Road in the past 15 years.
The industrial land is sandwiched between Newcomen Road, VicTrack property, a concrete batching plant and homes.
Ms Cook stated the site was substantively used as transport and skip bin depots without planning permission, with numerous trucks being stored on the land.
Up until early 2025, it was also used as a materials recycling business and transfer station, both of which were prohibited, Ms Cook found.
Videos showed trucks dumping waste including furniture, wood, broken bricks, plaster, broken glass and household waste. There was evidence of earthworks to bury the waste.
A long-standing permit to use the site for trade supplies, namely second-hand building materi-
als, had expired in 2022.
But after the expiry, timber and brick piles were found stored on the land.
Two approved warehouses to store the supplies were never built – also putting it in breach of its permit, Ms Cook found.
However, the site’s shipping container storage was found to be lawful.
Ms Cook stated at least seven or eight skip bin operators, truck drivers, friends and collagues were given rights by the respondents Down Town Entertainment Pty Ltd to use parts of the sites.
Tom Jenkins of Downtown Entertainment blamed unauthorized operators for dumping waste, Ms Cook stated.
“In fact, Mr Jenkins was frustrated that these unauthorized operators were not prosecuted by Council.”
Greater Dandenong Council sought an order for the operators to cease using the site for a ‘store’, materials recycling, transfer station, industry, junkyard/refuse disposal and a contractors depot.
The council had been trying to bring the site into compliance since 2009, the member stated.
Ms Cook stated that the materials recycling and transfer station were prohibited uses on the site, and the store use lacked the required permit.
“Despite Mr Jenkins’ claims that an officer of Council permitted the use of the land before a permit was issued, there is no evidence of this claim.”
Tan responds to complaint against Garad
By Sahar Foladi
Greater Dandenong Council’s acting mayor, Sophie Tan has steered clear of councillor Rhonda Garad’s “personal” social media activity after a recent complaint.
The most recent complaint comes from City of Casey Transparency Advocate Facebook page admin Amanjit Gill who alleged that Cr Garad “targets Israeli people in general, everyday Jews and Jewish public figures” over her Palestine activism.
Ms Gill formally lodged a complaint and sought an apology from Cr Garad on behalf of the community.
Cr Tan replied to Ms Gill’s complaint saying the X profile is used in a “personal capacity not in her capacity as a councillor.”
“As such, these are matters that are beyond me and Council’s scope to manage or respond to.
“In any case, I have raised your concerns with Cr Garad.
“I wish to reiterate that individual Councillors do not speak for Council, and that Council
remains committed to fostering and supporting a tolerant and respectful environment for everyone who lives in and visits the City of Greater Dandenong.”
Ms Gill says the response is disappointing.
“As a Sikh, I’d expect a better response than Cr Tan’s if a councillor had made offensive suggestions about the Sikh community.
“A person who represents or works for the community has a responsibility to be fair and approachable.
“In fact, it’s not enough to be fair and approachable - they need to appear fair and approachable too.”
According to Ms Gill, Cr Garad has blocked her after sending a private message and after she posted on Ms Gill’s Facebook post.
She is of the view that Cr Garad’s social media re-posts and posts are antisemitic or might be considered antisemitic.
Councillor Garad, subjected to scrutiny over her social media (particularly X platform) activity in support of Palestine, told Star Journal that she is “over” being called antisemitic.
Recently, she said she was exploring her legal options after the Greater Dandenong Council released a statement that her social-media retweets “support anti-semitic language”.
This was in response to an enquiry from another media outlet.
A Greens Party member, she exited the party after seven years to stay away from the “pretty cooked” politics, which was no shade to the Greens party whom she praised.
Councillor Garad has publicly attended proPalestinian protests including outside the Dandenong South manufacturer AW Bell, which was accused of providing military-production supply to Israel. The company had rejected those claims.
This has placed her in the centre of criticism in the ongoing war against Palestinians at the hands of Israel which forced her to leave her position as a researcher at the Monash University after prolonged pressure.
Councillor Garad says she will continue to speak out against the genocide, especially when babies are being slaughtered.
Ms Cook also found that there were numerous other non-compliances, such as breaching approved operating hours and breaking up materials onsite.
There was also impact on adjoining residents, who complained of noise, dust, tall grass and vermin.
United Energy was concerned about potential damage and access to its electricity assets on the site - including high-voltage transmission lines and substations.
Ms Cook said this was a significant reason behind issuing an enforcement order.
“It is entirely appropriate to require the respondents to ensure that all uses of the land must cease, noting there are no validly claimed existing use rights.”
Down Town Entertainment Pty Ltd and Tom Jenkins were ordered to cease all unauthorized uses and to restore parts of the land to “natural ground level”.
If it doesn’t comply, Greater Dandenong has the right to carry out the work itself and recover the cost from Down Town and Mr Jenkins.
Sandon ex-mayors call for no IBAC public hearings
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Former Casey mayors grilled in the Operation Sandon investigation have called for IBAC to cease holding examinations in public “under any circumstances”.
A joint submission from former Casey mayors Sam Aziz, Lorraine Wreford and Janet Halsall as well as Bob Halsall and Bernard Lee to a State Parliament inquiry states public examinations – and media access to transcripts - make it “impossible for IBAC to avoid inflicting reputational damage” on witnesses.
However, a former IBAC commissioner who oversaw the Operation Sandon inquiry has submitted to the Parliament inquiry for wider powers for public examinations.
Robert Redlich argued to remove the “exceptional circumstances” requirement for public examinations.
“Public hearings serve the public good.”
Some of the benefits listed by Redlich include transparency, deterring corruption, increasing the public’s faith in IBAC and increasing IBAC’s accountability to fairly treat witnesses.
“One need look no further than the secrecy surrounding IBAC’s large number of private examinations over the last decade to see how it has provoked continuous public criticism and distrust over its hidden processes.”
Redlich argued it was “highly unlikely” that an IBAC witness’s reputation would be “unreasonably damaged” in public inquiries.
This was because IBAC had to be satisfied that the evidence likely established the witness’s alleged misconduct.
reputations.
Aziz and Wreford were among several councillors, MPs and developers publicly interrogated during Sandon’s examination of serious corruption allegations involving planning and development decisions in Casey.
Adverse findings were made against some witnesses. As yet, none of them have been charged.
Meanwhile Janet Halsall resigned from her staffer role in Federal MP Jason Wood’s office after being named in evidence heard during Sandon.
“Each time IBAC holds a public hearing they are contravening their own Act which states that they must not hold public examinations if this will result in reputational damage for witnesses,” the submission stated to the Adequacy of the Legislative Framework for the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) inquiry.
Former mayor Amanda Stapledon took her
own life while believing she was headed for jail over corruption allegations raised at Operation Sandon, a State Coroner found.
IBAC subsequently confirmed it was not contemplating charges against Stapledon nor referring her for prosecution.
During Sandon, then-Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek sacked Casey’s councillors and installed a panel of administrators to oversee the council in 2020.
According to Aziz and Wreford’s submission, witnesses suffered “catastrophic outcomes” such as severe mental health issues due to not being told when “stringent confidentiality requirements” were lifted.
Resulting media coverage had caused “innocent bystanders” - not under investigation, but referred to in the investigation - losing jobs, livelihoods, health and relationships, the submission stated.
IBAC had presented a report to Parliament after the examination of “innocent witnesses” but hadn’t provided updates on the witnesses’ “fate for literally years”, the ex-mayors claimed.
“This has had huge impacts on the welfare of witnesses, as they cannot move on and rebuild their shattered lives until they have final confirmation from IBAC that no further action is to be taken.”
Public examinations also “(render) it impossible to find an unbiased jury” if there’s a formal prosecution, the ex-mayors argue.
Redlich, in his submission, also called for broader investigation powers to explore ‘grey’ or “soft” corruption.
He submitted that IBAC was limited to examin-
ing misconduct that could be deemed as criminal, such as for financial gain.
But many forms of misconduct were not for financial gain but for political party interest or political power or favour which “serves an interest at the expense of the public interest”, he argued.
It leaves an increasing band of “grey” misconduct due to the changing nature of executive government – in which ministers were surrounded by “political” advisers.
The ALP-branch stacking inquiry Operation Watts – which had a strong focus on the South East - didn’t uncover any crime but instead “serious misconduct designed to favour political interests which corroded decision making in the public interest”, Redlich argued in his submission.
“The public response from the primary person of interest was that there were no findings of corruption.
“As the Ombudsman and I stated, this grey corruption has precisely the same deleterious effects on the public good as a crime, but it is far more prevalent.”
Local government opposition spokesperson Beverley McArthur recently called for answers as to why there has not been a single charge against Sandon witnesses given the scale and severity of the allegations.
Currently, the Operation Sandon report and documents are not available on IBAC’s website.
“Sandon sullied the reputations of many individuals – who deserve to know whether they will be charged or not.”
The State Government was contacted for comment.
Councillor Rhonda Garad ran as a Greens candidate for the seat of Bruce at the federal election, but has now left politics over her humanitarian advocacy on Gaza. (Stewart Chambers: 473402)
Former Casey mayor Sam Aziz says no IBAC inquiries should be made in public due to the damage to witnesses’
The 26A Westall Road, Springvale site, highlighted, was found to house an unauthorised truck depot and transfer station. It is sandwiched between a concrete batching plant, VicTrack land and homes.
Have a say on ‘new’ Eumemmering Creek
Pop-up sessions are set to reveal more on the revival of a section of Eumemmerring Creek into a more natural state.
Melbourne Water is planning to convert two kilometres of underground drain and concrete channels into a vegetated, meandering waterway.
The $28 million Reimagining Eumemmerring Creek Project will transform the ‘hidden’ channel running from Doveton Avenue, Doveton to Lace Street, Eumemmerring.
“We view this project as an invitation to breathe new life and purpose into an often-overlooked waterway,” Melbourne Water service and asset lifestyle acting executive general manager Sean Hanrahan said.
“By uncovering Eumemmerring Creek, we’re not just improving stormwater management, we’re creating a dynamic green corridor where local schools can host outdoor lessons, wildlife can find a habitat corridor, and community art and cultural heritage can come alive through interpretive spaces.
“We look forward to working with Doveton and Eumemmerring residents, council partners and Traditional Owners to co-design features that reflect local stories, foster environmental stewardship and strengthen social connections.
“Together, we’ll deliver a resilient, multifunctional waterway that serves both people and nature for generations to come.”
The project is jointly funded by the Federal Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and Melbourne Water.
The pop-up information sessions are:
Wednesday 27 August, 4pm to 6pm, inside Olive Road sporting complex, Frawley Road
Saturday 6 September, 10am to 1pm, Robin-
son Reserve (near Doveton Tennis Club), Frawley Road. This session will include creek walks where you can show our project team how you use the area and share your ideas for improvements.
Melbourne Water is also calling on commu-
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nity members to express their interest to join a Community Advisory Group to give feedback on design ideas.
Details: letstalk.melbournewater.com.au/eumemmerring
Sex abuse charges laid
A support staff member at Endeavour Hills Specialist School has been charged with child sexual abuse offences.
Police confirmed that a 34-year-old Berwick woman was charged over alleged assaults against a teenager in Endeavour Hills between May and August this year. She was charged with sexual assault of a child under 16 and involving a child in the production of child abuse material.
The woman was named in a letter to parents and carers by school principal Karen Hunt, informing them of the charges.
“I’m so sorry to have to be writing to you about this deeply troubling news.” The staff member had worked at the school since January, the letter stated. “I acknowledge that this notification may trigger a range of emotions, and that it will impact people in different ways,” Ms Hunt wrote.
“In terms of support for our students, our student wellbeing team, is available if your child is impacted by this news or any possible conversations about it by students on or outside of school grounds.”
The charged woman was bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 10 December.
Stunning win of $100,000
A Noble Park man was left feeling dizzy and experiencing heart palpitations after discovering he’d scored $100,000 in yesterday’s Lucky Lotteries draw.
The resident held the first prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 11035, drawn Monday 18 August 2025.
He looks forward to a total prize of $100,000
The winning man initially dodged multiple phone calls from lottery officials, confessing he was in sheer disbelief.
“I thought it was a joke at first!
“I was having heart palpitations as I logged into my online account and checked my ticket.
“I couldn’t believe it.
“I woke up this morning, and I thought it might’ve all been a dream.”
With $100,000 soon to boost his bank account, the stunned winner was still wrapping his head around the enormity of his win.
“I haven’t really processed the news yet. I think I’ll need some time to think of what I want
to do,” he shared.
“There’s so many things the prize could help with.”
His winning entry of seven consecutive numbers was purchased via The Lott app – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.
In 2024, 147 Lucky Lotteries 1st Prize and Jackpot winning entries across Australia won more than $52.2 million.
Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot and Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot are raffle-style games, which means there is a set number of tickets in each draw.
As each ticket number is unique there is no sharing of prizes.
Each game has two draws – one that determines the winning numbers and one that determines the jackpot number.
If the jackpot number matches one of the winning numbers, then the Jackpot Prize is won. If the jackpot number does not match one of the winning numbers, the Jackpot Prize will climb for the next draw.
Noble Park man wins $100,000.
An education support worker at Endeavour Hills Specialist School has been charged with child sexual abuse offenses. (Supplied)
A concrete channel of Eumemmerring Creek at corner of Laurel Avenue and Doveton Avenue, which will be replaced with a more natural waterway. (Melbourne Water)
Discover Japan through food
FOODLOVERS make up some of the most dedicated travellers in the world - and why not?
While so many cuisines and recipes have travelled the world and are now available here in Australia, there is nothing better than visiting the country and region that your favourite comes from.
Imagine enjoying the fresh tomatoes and Bistecca alla Fiorentina in Tuscany, Bouillabaisse in France or a proper English pub meal in, well, a proper English pub.
For those who love sushi, ramen and tempur and want to know more about Japanese cuisinethe Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has created the perfect list of where to go to try your favourites at their best.
While certain dishes can be found across Japan, each region also has its own unique delicacies based upon the local ecology, seasonal produce and the daily catch, with many areas renowned for a single iconic dish, perfected by chefs who hone their craft over generations.
From time-honoured fermentation techniques and seasoning staples such as miso paste, soy sauce, pickles and mirin which vary from region to region, to preparing meals which are both nutritionally balanced and beautiful to look at, the art of Japanese cuisine – washoku – is officially recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Property, yet many of the country’s fascinating food regions and flavours are still largely undiscovered by visitors.
To shine a light on the diversity and delicacy of Japanese cuisine, here are just some of the JNTO must-try dishes for Australian travellers keen to delve deeper into the flavours of Japan and the prefectures they can be found in.
Sweet octopus and eel (Aichi Prefecture)
Head to Himaka Island, locally known as ‘octopus (tako) island’ to sample super soft octopus with a sweeter flavour. From boiled octopus to octopus sashimi, deep-fried tentacles to octopus shabu, there are myriad ways to enjoy it…including off the plate, with octopus characters displayed throughout the town. Another Aichi favourite during the summer months is hitsumabushi, a
dish of grilled eel (unagi) atop white rice with an eel glaze. Add an extra splash of flavour by pouring a broth of dashi and tea over the bowl.
Wonderful wagyu (Mie Prefecture)
Whilst less globally renowned than its wagyu rival Kobe beef, many Japanese locals consider Matsusaka beef as the country’s best. The product of cattle who are raised in stress-free environment which contributes to the meat’s ultra-soft texture and marbling, the area around Matsusaka Sta-
tion is home to a plethora of restaurants dishing up the local specialty in every manner imaginable, from sukiyaki (thinly sliced beef simmered in a soy-based broth and dipped in raw egg) and yakiniku (grilled with mixed dipping sauces) to shabu-shabu, teppanyaki and sashimi, this meltin-your-mouth meat is a must for visitors to Matsusaka.
Remarkable ramen (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Famous for its Hakata ramen, a tonkotsu-style
version with a milky pork bone broth and firm, thin noodles, Fukuoka is a haven for gourmet travellers, who can enjoy some of the region’s signature delights at its bustling yatai food stalls. Set up every evening in the Tenjin and Nakasu areas, these street stalls are beloved by locals for both the flavoursome food and the chance to connect over a quick bowl of steaming broth or sizzling seafood. Popular picks to try include Hakata ramen (of course), grilled chicken yakitori, goma saba (a mackerel dish with sesame), or local oden hot pot. Remember not to overstay your welcome, yatai stalls aren’t the spot for slow dining and you should only stay whilst eating then pass your seat to the next diner.
Citrus delights (Ehime Prefecture)
While Australians take mandarins and oranges for granted, in Ehime Prefecture, they are elevated to a whole new level. Ehime is Japan’s top producer of mikan citrus fruits, a unique variety of satsuma mandarin, typically sweet and seedless, which are trending on TikTok for their jelly-like texture. Visitors can pick their own in the Yawatahama area, enjoy fresh mikan juice direct from taps around Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen, or try them in everything from fruit sandwiches to parfaits.
Unbelievable Udon (Kagawa Prefecture) No visit to Kagawa Prefecture is complete without slurping down a bowl of Sanuki udon noodles, named after the former Sanuki Province. Made from wheat with a square shape, flat edges and chewy texture, Kagawa is home to more than 700 specialist Sanuki udon restaurants. Simple and heartwarming, the dish is usually served with egg yolk or niboshi (dried sardines). Another iconic dish to dive into in Kagawa is hone-tsuki dori, a juicy, spicy version of our retro chicken Maryland.
Unagi. Grilled Eel rice.
Sanuki Udon noodles.
Katsuo no tataki.
Noto-don seafood bowl. Hakata ramen.
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Stop pulling racism card
By Dr Jamel Kaur-Singh and Dya Singh
A few days ago, I received a heartfelt call from a friend - let’s just say not from the “white tribe”distressed about her daughter being benched during finals by a netball coach.
Her voice trembled, her spirit tired.
“It’s racism,” she said.
“It’s happening to my daughter now, and I’m done.”
Assomeonewhohasplayed,umpired,coached and lived netball for over 40 years, and someone who’s dealt with every possible scenario on the court, I paused.
I asked gently, “Does your daughter put in 110 per cent? Is she genuinely better than those who were subbed in instead?”
It was a difficult conversation.
But when I showed up for the grand final at a local stadium this week, what I saw was a coach making tough calls based on skill, not skin.
Finals are not charity matches.
They are won on grit, performance and strategy.
The entire team walks away with a medal, or no one does.
And yet, this incident sparked something deeper.
Why is it that we are so quick to play the racism card?
And why are we also so quick to dismiss it?
My father, Dya Singh, has played cricket and hockey across Malaysia (15 years), the UK (10 years), and Australia (over 40 years) – always exemplifying true sportsmanship against all odds.
In all those years, he was often the only person from an ethnic background on an otherwise allwhite team.
And he never sat back.
LOOKING BACK
100 years ago
27 August 1925
New Head
Mr. J. Hilliard, head master of Noble Park State School, has been appointed to the charge of the new school at Dandenong West. He has been warmly congratulated on being the first headmaster of such a fine school. Mr Hilliard has obtained first-class results from the Noble Park and other schools. Noble Park is very unfortunate to lose Mr. Hilliard, and Dandenong West is extremely lucky to secure him.
50 years ago
25 August 1975
Phar Lap stables to be saved
The historic Telford horse stables – once the home of Phar Lap – have been reprieved from
He never let prejudice be an excuse.
He simply let his game speak.
If three players marked him or roughed him up, it wasn’t racism.
It was because he was that good.
I, too, grew up with this grit.
Thanks to Dad, I could call things as they were.
Not let the pain fester.
Not internalise alienation.
Just get on the court, play my heart out, and speak up when I had to.
Today, I coach for Dasmesh Sports Club and deliver Netball Victoria school programs, introducing young people – especially from ethnic backgrounds – to a sport that has shaped my life.
Coaching, to me, is both a privilege and a responsibility.
But let’s be honest. Prejudice still exists.
And sports, which should be the great equaliser, often mirror the ever-present inequities of our society.
In our local stadiums, I continuously see Pacific Islander, African, South Asian and Middle Eastern girls playing phenomenal netball.
Girls who could give the Vixens a run for their money.
the wrecker. As reported exclusively in the Journal earlier this year, the Board of Works, which owns the land, planned to demolish the stable in Old Dandenong Road, Braeside. The Board’s move brought strong protests from Springvale Jaycees, which immediately began a campaign to preserve the old buildings. The Board of Works has bowed to the Jaycee’s efforts and will allow the stables to be restored as a racing museum.
20 years ago
22 August 2005
Residents demand action
Call to sack council
Community watchdogs and residents have called for Casey Council to be sacked. The call follows political infighting, allegations of travel
But they rarely make it beyond local level.
Not because they lack skill.
But because they don’t have the visibility. Or the mentors. Or the belief.
As someone who has coached in extensively for the last decade, I am currently mentoring three 13-year-old girls that should all be playing at rep level.
They all have the raw power, the presence, and the passion.
One is a six-footer. One is a little rough around the edges, but if we don’t support her now, we’ll lose her.
Just another talent swallowed by a system that was not ready for her.
There are cultural hurdles too.
I’ve coached girls whose families would not allow them to wear short netball dresses.
But competition organisers would not allow leggings.
What do we do then? Exclude them?
That is a clash of cultures we are failing to address.
So here is the real talk:
Playing the racism card too quickly weakens its impact.
But ignoring systemic bias is equally dangerous.
Not every bad call is racism. Sometimes it is favouritism. Sometimes incompetence. Sometimes sheer bad luck.
But when patterns emerge, when it is always the same faces missing out, when bias goes unchecked – that is when racism becomes embedded, invisible, and insidious. Here is what we need:
• Clubs and venues need ongoing (Cultural Intelligence) CQ training. Understanding uncon-
rorts, litigation, email leaks and scandals which have plagued the council for three years. Community watchdog Paul Richardson said residents were angry the council had done nothing for them. “If Casey Council was a circus, then the councillors would be the clowns. You’ve got scandals, continual political infighting, ratepayer booze ups and free feeds et cetera.” Casey mayor Neil Lucas scoffed at the suggestion. “I haven’t seen or heard of the reasons why they are making such a comment.”
5 years ago
25 August 2020
DBA chief walks
In the midst of a Covid crisis, Dandenong Basketball chief executive Stephen Walter has quit
scious bias, cultural nuance, and the impact of exclusion must be baked into the system.
• Transparent policies. Finals eligibility should be based on clear guidelines, like requiring a player to play at least five matches during the season. Injury exceptions? Sure. But not a full team overhaul for finals.
• Complaint processes that are independent and clear. Players and parents must know where to turn when they feel unfairly treated. That needs to go beyond club and even sporting complex at times. Accountability at every level is imperative.
• Mentorship programs. Let us get elite coaches and former players to mentor girls from CALD backgrounds.
• More pathways, more visibility. Talent exists. We just need to create channels that don’t rely on who knows who or the colour of the skin.
Above all, we need to bring back the spirit of Aussie sportsmanship - fair go, grit, equity, camaraderie, and respect.
Let coaches and parents talk openly. Let kids hear the tough truths in a supportive way.
Let clubs and communities be transparent and inclusive.
Let us teach players not just how to pass, pivot and shoot – but how to win with grace, lose with dignity, and never give up.
We want to inspire you to start playing again. To not let the past – or politics – steal your passion.
Whether you’re 13 or 73, sport is for you. Play. Coach. Umpire. Support. Just show up. Truth be told... It is time we stop calling it racism every time things don’t go our way. But it is also time the system gave everyone a real shot to shine.
– just 15 months after being hired to rescue the sporting giant. Citing differences with the Board, Mr Walter said he submitted his resignation effective from mid-August. The sport’s frozen in indefinite Covid-19 lockdowns, with no income flowing. But Mr Walter says he has left the DBA in a better place. He says he rebuilt strong relations with clubs and cut costs like its Rowville-based canteen business and WBNL side Dandenong Rangers. The renamed side Southside Flyers, now owned by Jayco’s Gerry Ryan, still works closely with the DBA, Mr Walter says. He inherited an association bleeding with heavy annual losses – including more than $400,00 in 2018–19 – and limited cash reserves.
Finding common ground to embrace people of all faiths
By Paris Sard,
community education
officer
at Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong
The Interfaith Network is about creating spaces where people are seen, heard, and embraced for who they are, no matter their faith background. It’s about connection, understanding, and the small moments that quietly build trust between people and communities.
For the 37th Signing of the Common Statement on Wednesday 20 August, our theme is “Growing Our Interfaith Community Together”.
This is something I see happening all the time. Our city is one of the most culturally and religiously diverse in Australia.
That diversity is our strength but like any strength, it needs care and attention to flourish.
Communities don’t grow on their own.
They’re like gardens you can’t plant the seeds and walk away.
You have to water them, tend them, and keep planting new things so they continue to thrive.
Just like seeds, our interfaith community grows when we nurture it with care, attention, and small acts of connection.
Every conversation, every new friendship, every moment of understanding is like planting a seed.
And just like a garden, we have to keep showing up to see it flourish.
Growth in our interfaith community doesn’t always come from big events.
Often, it comes from quiet, personal exchanges, when someone feels safe enough to share their story, or to ask a question they’ve been holding back.
Those moments matter.
The Interfaith Network, together with the City of Greater Dandenong, politicians, faith leaders, members of the IFN, reflected on and recommited to the Common Statement and we are not just acknowledging the work that has been done.
We’re making a promise to keep doing the work that still lies ahead.
We’re saying that we will continue to stand side by side, even when the world outside feels divided.
We’re saying that difference doesn’t have to mean division, and here in the City of Greater Dandenong, difference is something to celebrate.
It is our hope we all take a moment to think about what we can do to help our interfaith community grow.
Maybe it’s starting a conversation with someone new.
Maybe it’s visiting a place of worship you’ve never been to.
Or maybe it’s just listening with the intention to understand, rather than to reply.
And just like with little seeds, our actions can grow into something beautiful if we nurture them. Every conversation, every connection, every step toward understanding is a seed that helps our community flourish.
Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. Visit - interfaithnetwork.org.au
Greater Dandenong chief executive Jacqui Weatherill and interfaith executive officer Livia Carusi. (Gary Sissons: 497187)
NEWS CEO powers slashed
By Violet Li
Casey councillors have cut back a proposal to give the CEO authority to sign off on contracts worth up to $15 million, with councillors voting instead to cap the delegation at $5 million.
In a heated debate at a 19 August council meeting, councillors exchanged their perspectives on the transparency of decision-making, the organisational efficiency, and the legacy of Operation Sandon.
The Instrument of Delegation to Chief Executive Officer, a long-standing governance policy at the centre of the debate, allows councillors to delegate certain powers and functions to the CEO, without requiring direct approval from the councillors.
The original proposed version by council officers recommended a $15 million contract threshold, which means Mr Patterson can sign off on a contract under $15 million without referring to councillors.
According to the council officer report, the delegation only empowers the CEO to authorise the expenditure and delivery of projects that have already been approved through the councillors’ budget decision-making process.
The justification for the significant sum of $15 million is the City of Casey’s large population, and accordingly, expansive capital works programs.
To ensure transparency, all contracts awarded over $5 million and signed by the CEO under delegation are currently listed in quarterly reports.
As a result of this week’s council decision, the council will now implement monthly reporting of decisions made over $1 million under the delegation.
The $15 million delegation threshold has been around for about four years.
Back in 2019, before the then-councillors were dismissed during an IBAC Operation Sandon investigation, the delegation threshold was $1 million, a fairly common number endorsed at many of the councils in Victoria.
In 2020, the state-appointed administrators increased it to $5 million in the first year they took over, and to $15 million in the second year in 2021.
The increase in the delegation threshold is said to be one of the reasons the Casey Council Meetings have been shorter than the ones in the pre-administration era. Many items in regard to the contracts have been signed off on without coming to the meetings.
The $15 million number sparked controversy in the community before the August council meeting started.
Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association (CRRA) vice president Anthony Tassone told Star News that the delegation to the CEO of allowing expenditure of up to $15 million without prior approval of Councillors was excessive when compared to other Councils.
For example, the City of Melbourne only has a delegation of up to $1 million, and the City of Wyndham, which has a higher capital works budget than Casey, has a delegation of only $2.5 million.
“The officer report in the council papers does not give any compelling reasons why this level of delegation is necessary and how a lower threshold would impede senior management from carrying out their duties,” he said.
Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said councillors were aware of resident concerns that the previous $15 million threshold was “too high and inconsistent” with other councils.
“As a Council, we’ve listened to the community and believe we have struck the right balance between accountability and efficiency.
“By reducing the CEO’s delegation from $15 million to $5 million, we’re ensuring stronger oversight of major contracts.
“We’re also introducing monthly reporting on all contracts over $1 million, so the community can see where money is being spent.
“This is about keeping things transparent, responsive and in line with what our residents expect.”
At the meeting, Councillor Scott Dowling was the only one supporting the original $15 million delegation.
Cr Anthony Walter soon raised an alternative motion to lower the delegation to $5 million.
Cr Walter first explained that the CEO delegation is a mechanism that allows the organisation to operate efficiently and deliver on the priorities they have set as a council.
Casey
mayor Stefan Koomen and councillor Anthony Walter, who introduced an alternative motion to cap delegation powers to $5 million.
(Ethan Benedicto: 459478)
“It ensures the contracts for capital works such as community centres, roads and recreation reserves can be awarded quickly, securing price certainty and avoiding delays that would otherwise cost the community more,” he said.
He then said it was a reasonable reduction. He would not suggest going below $5 million.
“Every contract awarded under delegation is subject to rigorous checks, including probity audits for procurements over $10 million. These controls ensure that decisions are made transparently and in alignment with our strategic objectives,” he said.
“Reducing the delegation drastically would not only slow down project timelines but also shift more decisions into closed council meetings. This would limit public visibility and increase the risk of conflicts of interest.
“It would also burden our meeting agendas, taking time away from strategic discussions and increasing administrative overheads.”
Cr Gary Rowe seconded the motion and brought up that the previous limit was set following Operation Sandon with a clear intent to strengthen governance and reduce risks.
He pointed out that a reduction to $5 million would add one contract-related item per meeting, and a reduction to $1.1 million would add three to four per meeting, which he said would significantly increase the workload of councillors and council officers.
Cr Dave Perry pushed for a lower $2 million cap, warning the higher figure “undermines financial accountability by allowing major decisions without council review” and noting most other growth councils set the limit at $1 million to $2 million.
“It contradicts best practice in public sector governance, where large contracts require select collective scrutiny,” he said.
He said that the increase to $15 million was huge and unprecedented in the sector.
“Administrators were not elected and weren’t perceived to be accountable to our ratepayers. Now we are here. It is our duty to rebuild community trust in local government,” he said.
“Operation Sandon, which was based in Casey, showed the dangers of leaving big contracts unchecked…
“I agree, yes, spending is guided by budget, but it’s a high-level document showing what money should be spent on. Lowering the threshold means everyone knows who gets council contracts, and we can check any conflicts of interest when they come into the chamber.
“The $2 million delegation is sensible. The CEO still has plenty of scope to handle day-to-day work, and we keep important decisions in front of the council and, by extension, the Casey community.”
Cr Lynette Pereira, who was also a councillor in 2008-2012, was the only one backing up Cr Perry’s $2 million delegation stance.
“We’ve been elected. We’re not Monitors. Monitors have different guidelines that they follow. We’ve been elected by our residents to actually provide proper oversight. The higher the delegation, the less the oversight, because things just don’t come to us,” she said.
“When something goes wrong, the public’s not going to say where the CEO was. They’re going to say where the councillors were. It does fall with us at the end of the day…
“We might have some extra reports coming
in. The level of reports we get with this council is nothing like what I used to get in my last term.”
Cr Kim Ross pointed out that the CEO delegation document was reviewed every 12 months.
In the end, the alternative motion was passed 10 to 2, with councillors agreeing the CEO can approve contracts up to $5 million.
CRRA vice president Mr Tassone said they believe the amended $5 million motion is far more reasonable than the excessive $15 million level, but must be underpinned by clear, regular and transparent reporting.
“The S5 instrument should be explicit that the delegation is only to be used against approved budget items,” he said.
“There has not been a justification to residents as to why the delegation threshold was increased from $1m to $5m in 2020, let alone $5m to $15m in 2021. We also believe there must be an annual review of the delegation going forward, which the administrators failed to do after 2021.
“The administrators were installed amid allegations of corruption and backroom deals by some elected councillors and were meant to help safeguard our public interest. Instead, they handed over the chequebook and more power to the bureaucracy with fewer questions asked.”
Jill Nambu, a concerned local, said the high delegation gave the CEO too much power.
She also said people here just know very little about all the contractors that have been doing roadworks in the area.
“They can choose contractors that we don’t like. If people are deciding everything together, we may know more about the contractors, their previous history, or just to make a better decision that the community wants,” she said.
“Councillors are supposed to represent our voice so that this way, things are chosen based on what the community wants, not what some CEO thinks is appropriate.”
Amanjit Gill, who runs the Facebook vigilante account City of Casey Transparency Advocate, said registering contracts over $1 million in the monthly council meeting is welcomed, but that doesn’t reduce all the corruption risks associated with procurement.
“IBAC specifically singled out procurement as a risk area for corruption in local government. And, increasing the frequency of reporting is helpful, but it’s not a complete solution,” she said.
“And neither are the other things they do, which are a register of tenders and a procurement policy, but none of those is a solution.
“In fact, there’s no solution to corruption. All we have is a collection of measures.
“If we have the opportunity to add an additional layer of protection by having a lower delegation limit, then why not do that?”
Ms Gill also pointed out that a New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption newsletter from May 2017, titled ’Delegations of authority: know the pitfalls’, said high levels of discretion assigned to a single individual can result in an end-to-end controlling process, which can create an unacceptable risk of partiality, bribery, or other corruption.
“It also points out that if the delegation limit is too low, it’s onerous because it creates too many things that need to be removed, so the need is balance, to have a limit that’s high enough for the council to be able to do its job, but not so high that that it moves transparency and accountability,” she said.
When inquired, City of Casey Manager Communications and Corporate Governance Chloe Casey explained the reasons why the organisation initially recommended a $15 million delegation in a more detailed manner.
“The $15 million contract delegation threshold was introduced during the administration period and was retained throughout that time. This threshold was determined based on operational efficiency needs, the volume and scale of capital works in growth areas, and the need to avoid delays in delivering projects such as large community hubs and recreation reserve developments,“ she said.
“Benchmarking was undertaken during the current delegation review, but it was ultimately determined that Casey’s unique growth profile and infrastructure delivery demands warranted a tailored approach. While some other Victorian Councils may operate with lower thresholds, Casey’s scale and complexity necessitate a higher delegation to maintain service delivery and avoid delays.”
Seven attendees, full security
By Violet Li
Welcome to the new era of attending a Casey Council Meeting.
Walking from the carpark to Bunjil Place, the first thing I noticed was a Victoria Police vehicle.
Then, the white wooden waist-high fences at the entrance, which reminded me of the ones I bought to fend off my dinosaur-like puppy from wrecking my room.
More than four guards were stationed outside, each with a different role: one asked if I was attending, another checked my ID, a third just stood by, and a fourth pointed the way. Inside, two council staff pointed the way again, while four to five police officers sat around a table in front of the cafe.
There were only two people in the gallery, with more than 40 empty seats around them.
I came straight to the first row and greeted one of them, then the other - the lady who was sitting very close to the exit/entrance door, only to find out she was from the Herald Sun.
The meeting began within two minutes. Four more attendees trickled in, bringing the total to seven.
We, like attentive islanders, listened closely.
The white wooden waist-high fences at the entrance.
The Victoria Police car outside the Bunjil Place. (Violet Li)
Characters come to life
It’s that time of year when our favourite book characters take new life.
Students at Spring Parks and Dandenong North primary schools dressed up as the casts from popular series such as Harry Potter and Where’s Wally last week.
Costume parades and other activities celebrating books were part of Childrens Book Week events across Australia last week.
The week has been a fixture organised by the Childrens Book Council of Australia for the past 80 years.
The 2025 theme is Book an Adventure, with award-winning picture book illustrator Jess McGeachin as the feature artist.
Ananyah with Grade 3 teacher Abby at Dandenong North primary. (497259)
Dandenong North Primary teacher Cindy. (497259)
Spring Parks valley campus student Rayziel. (496795)
Spring Parks Primary School west campus student Anastasia pays homage to Dr Suess’s Green Eggs and Ham. (496795)
Dandenong North Primary School student Charlotte as Stitch. (497259)
Where’s Wally impersonators Dania and Sienna at Dandenong North Primary School. (497259)
Dandenong North Primary’s Marcela, Amy, Raghavi, Kanmani, Abinisha and Jess. (497259)
Dandenong North Primary office staff Suz, Josie, Kristie and Alia had the Where’s Wally theme covered. (497259)
Spring Parks valley campus students Adam and Rocky as Mario and Luigi. (496795)
Spring Parks valley campus students Athena, Kylie and Ny as The Chipmunks. (496795)
Spring Parks Primary’s valley campus staff dressed up for Book Week. (496795)
Leutara and Miji at Dandenong North Primary’s book parade. (497259)
Spring Parks west campus students Vatey and Mila. (496795)
B1 and B2 Louise and Xander at Spring Parks west campus. (496795)
Spring Parks valley campus students Maaki, Bopha, Eknoor and Valentina. (496795)
Ashlan as Where’s Wally at Spring Parks Primary School west campus. (496795)
Spring Parks valley campus students Chloe, Isha, Nemo, Shane, Chelsea, Ella, Tanish and Ryzo. (496795)
Harry Potter fans Maali, Daniah and Haniya at Dandenong North Primary. (Stewart Chambers: 497259)
NEWS Controversial permit out
By Violet Li
Casey Council has removed a controversial clause that regulates vehicle repair and unregistered vehicles on private properties in its draft Local Law 2025.
Matters relating to excess unregistered vehicles on private land will be managed through the unsightly clause, the draft suggests.
The unsightly clause states that “an owner or occupier of private land must not allow that private land to become unsightly”, and “to be used in a manner so as to be detrimental to the amenity of the immediate area in which it is located”.
The old clause, which has been removed now in the draft, stipulated that a person must not, except with a permit, use private land to dismantle, repair, or service vehicles or machinery in circumstances where the activity or use is detrimental to the amenity of the area in which the private land is located. It also stipulated that an owner or occupier of private land must not, except with a permit, keep on that private land more than two unregistered vehicles.
The old clause, along with some others that regulate private land use, sparked a nationwide backlash earlier this year, after inconsistent wording was published on the council’s own website.
After the wording was corrected, residents remained concerned as they suddenly found out the requirement to purchase permits to use recreational vehicles, store shipping containers and more than two unregistered vehicles, and put up temporary dwellings.
Apetitiontoabolishthepermitswaslaunched. YouTube videos by big car accounts were made to criticise the permits. Politicians also joined the chorus, with local MPs condemning the Local Law as an overreach into residents’ rights to use their own land.
The controversy came to a head when council officers impounded several vehicles from a Hampton Park resident’s property under the disputed clause. Tensions spilled over at the fol-
lowing February council meeting, where angry residents packed the chamber in protest. The meeting was ultimately dismissed after repeated disruptions from the crowd.
In the wake of the uproar, councillors agreed to undertake a full review of the draft Local Law 2025.
Neighbourhood policing forum at Bunjil Place
By Ethan Benedicto
A neighbourhood crime forum was held in Bunjil Place on Thursday, 21 August, as residents expressed their concern about different levels of crime.
Likewise, it was an opportunity for Victoria Police to provide a comprehensive overview of key topics, such as family violence, youth crime, road safety, and key statistics in the City of Casey.
Stuart Richards, Casey’s local area commander inspector, said that holding these forums, where open conversations are encouraged and where local residents become part of the solution, “is absolutely important”.
“We see ourselves as servants of the community, and the issue we have is that a lot of the time, when people are involved with the police, they are actually victims of crime and are impacted on a personal level.
“So it’s helpful to have the people here when they could have been a victim in the past, but also to just bring things up that might have occurred then.”
Richards further emphasised the fact that open forums provide key information for residents who may not be entirely aware of what crime in their area looks like.
At the same time, officers encouraged residents throughout the night that, either during intermissions or in the final hour of the forum, to mingle, “grab a blue shirt” and have a chat.
“We know we’re not perfect, we get that, and I think the community to a certain extent accepts that as well,” Richards said.
“But we also rely on the community to make us better.”
There were just over 100 people in the gallery, consisting of residents and community organisation representatives, all eager for their voices to be heard and their questions answered.
Casey’s councillors were also in attendance, hearing questions from Cr Kim Ross on youth crime and statistics, and questions from Cr Scott Dowling on property damage, as well as burglaries and break-ins.
The draft was revealed at the August Council Meeting, where all controversial clauses had proposed changes.
Apart from the removal of the unregistered vehicles clause, major changes have included the permit exemption for properties over four hect-
ares to store shipping containers, the extended permit duration from 14 days to two months for temporary dwellings and requiring permits for recreational vehicle use only outside EPA-approved timeframes.
Cranbourne Gardens Ward Councillor Michelle Crowther said at the August Council Meeting that she welcomed the change to the recreational vehicle clause to a noise-based restricted process rather than a permit-based system.
“Many community members contacted me about the excessive fees associated with permits providing recreational vehicles on their property, and I welcome the proposed changes,” she said.
“I urge community members, especially in the rural and semi-rural areas, to contribute feedback about the proposed shipping container changes.
“The draft local laws currently accept properties greater than four hectares, which is approximately 10 acres, from needing a permit, so that means that people on one-, two- and five-acre properties still need a permit to have a shipping container.
“Anyone, who is passionate about that topic, I strongly encourage you to provide feedback about that clause.”
At the same meeting, Kowan Ward Cr Shane Taylor raised his concern about the high penalties, the daily fines, and the powers of entry.
“These sorts of powers need to be within clear limits and strong justification. Right now, I don’t think the draft gives enough certainty to the property owners,” he said.
“This is why the execution period is so important. It’s a chance for residents to look at these laws closely and tell us if they go too far or if they strike the right balance.”
The draft Casey Community Local Law will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days, from 21 August to 18 September.
To read the draft and submit your opinions: conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/llreview_25
Mayor Stefan Koomen, alongside deputy mayor Melinda Ambros, both said that not only was the turnout amazing, but also the fact that “it’s great to give residents the opportunity to speak directly with police”.
“To talk about community, because we know it’s one of the top priorities for our local residents,” Koomen said.
Ambros added that being present, and “showing that we’re all working together is key when individual guest stakeholders come together, from the residents, to the police, to the council and members of parliament, having that sense of awareness”.
“Even some of the groups that have those connections in local communities have that chance to hear what’s going on, to get the right advice, and to know how best we can support one another,” she said.
Reflecting on the topics covered and the conversations that were had, Koomen said that working together remains a priority, and is how the “best results” can be achieved in terms of safety, cohesiveness, awareness and more.
“We have to put our resident issues forward, and that’s what we’re here to do; we also want to work with the police to see if there are opportunities for the council to be involved,” he said.
Gifting policy updated
By Ethan Benedicto
A new threshold for disclosable gifts for councillors has been set at $50, aligning it with the overall staff gift policy, following a swift unanimous agreement from the council during the Tuesday meeting.
This new amount is up from the previous $20 limit, with the revised Councillor Gift Policy aimed at improving clarity, transparency, and consistency in how gifts, benefits and hospitality are managed for elected representatives.
Chloe Casey, the manager of communications and corporate governance, first spoke on the report, adding that the policy was initially reviewed before the return of an elected council.
Cr Gary Rowe moved the motion and was seconded by Cr Kim Ross; the vote was passed unanimously, and it was the only officer report that passed without debate during the meeting.
Cr Rowe spoke on the new policy, saying that “it’s a worthy project for maintaining the upright and visible temptations”.
“I’m thinking of this in relation to getting us as new councillors, on the basis on which to judge what we’re doing and how we’re doing it with a degree of assurance for the community, knowing that things will be done the right way,” he said.
Other changes to the policy, in addition to the gift amount increase, include example gift scenarios and future plans to manage the gift register.
Council will also be strengthening the advice for when and how to disclose gifts, with further clarification around gifts and hospitality associated with partnership agreements. Definitions were also enhanced for certain terms, such as token gift, non-token gift, official role, sponsored travel, and corporate hospitality.
The neighbourhood policing forum at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren, saw conversations about family violence, burglaries and more take place, as residents spoke eagerly to officers. (Ethan Benedicto: 498016)
The City of Casey’s gifting policy has been revised and updated in the most recent meeting, with the threshold increased from $20 to $50. (Supplied)
Cranbourne Gardens Ward Councillor Michelle Crowther urges community members, especially in the rural and semi-rural areas, to contribute feedback about the proposed shipping container changes, given that the proposed change would only give exemptions to properties over four hectares. (Supplied)
HOME 25 lunchtime tour
Take a tour of the unique exhibition HOME 25: Invisible Cities through Dandenong’s streets and spaces. Tour starts at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, and spans Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, Drum Theatre, Dandenong Library, Harmony Square, Garnar Lane Lightboxes, Drum Facade and Palm Plaza.
• Thursday 28 August, 12pm-1pm. Free event. Register at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net. au/#!/event-detail/ev_6e8333331fc84626a33 a2a89aa2e8cdd
Reworlding Dandenong
Join artist and academic Troy Innocent for an immersive role-playing game on the streets of Dandenong in 2050. Join a three-hour guided, interactive experience in public spaces, culminating in a collective world building workshop. Part of the HOME 25 Invisible Cities roving exhibition. Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.
• Saturday 30 August, 10am-1pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free event, register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/reworlding-dandenong-troyinnocent Dandenong VIEW Club
Dinner, plus fashion show run by U&I Designs Mobile Ladies Fashion. We’d love to welcome you.
• Tuesday 2 September 7pm-9pm at Dandenong RSL. Meal bookings: Rose, 0430 443 065. Heritage Hill tour
Take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens with our expert heritage staff. Includes two historic houses, Laurel Lodge and Benga and the surrounding gardens. Tea and coffee provided. Numbers limited.
• first Thursday of each month (next 4 September), 10am-12pm at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; $5pp. Bookings required at greaterdandenong-events. bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_b2f59a112 335431fb258216bb51fe327
Lexington Gardens Market Day
Indoors market of homemade baked goods, jams and relishes, jewellery, knitwear, wooden toys made by our own men’s shed, handstitched items, bags and purses and more. Cash only stalls, free entry.
– Friday 5 September, 10am-1pm at Lexington Gar-
dens Retirement Village, 114 Westall Road, Springvale.
Hub celebration
Celebrate the opening of Keysborough Community Hub. Live performances, arts and craft activities, stalls, sport games, food trucks, circus skills workshop.
• Saturday 6 September, 10am-2pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event.
Question card workshop
Enter a reimagined living room installation and participatory workshop by artist Ka Yan So. You’ll make your own question cards using provided materials to take home as gentle prompts for reflection or conversation with loved ones. No experience needed—just curiosity. Part of HOME 25: Invisible Cities exhibition.
• Saturday 6 September, 2pm-4pm at Drum Theatre Foyer, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Free event, registrations required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/ event-detail/ev_4938989eb8b543d1a4dbab10 5dc81b02
Dinner dance
Fundraising dinner dance for Noble Park Community Centre. Features silent and live auctions, performances, music, food and dancing.
• Saturday 6 September, 6.30pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park $45pp/$320 table of 8. Details: socialplanet. com.au/activity/view?id=36150
Alex Wilkie Reserve Spring Thing
Celebrate the spring reopening of the Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve at our annual Spring Thing event. Nature play activities on the Sense Trail, guided tours of the reserve, plant seedlings, learn to create a Garden for Wildlife at home, live music, wildlife presentations, free barbecue, plus Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
• Sunday 7 September, 11am-3pm at Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South. Free entry.
Sports Club at the Hub
Join in small-sided soccer games at Springvale Community Hub. Make new friends and practise your skills in a fun and casual environment. For young people 12+.
• Fridays until 12 September at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details:
Greater Dandenong Libraries, 1300 630 920 or cgdlibraries@cgd.vic.gov.au
Enchanting Kirtan
A sacred world music and meditation experience, weaving together melody, music and mantra. A special feature of the evening will be a guided “Journey to Forgiveness” meditation, designed to open the heart and foster healing. Hosted by The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga, and The Mantra Room
• Friday 12 September 7pm-9pm at Menzies Hall, 41 Menzies Ave, Dandenong North. Free event. Donations welcome. Bookings: collections.humanitix.com/enchanting-kirtan-victoria-tour Noble Park playgroup
Spend time with other parents, grandparents and guardians for social interaction as your children play. All families with children aged 0-5 are welcome no matter your circumstances, background or cultural identity. Please bring along a piece of fruit to share for afternoon tea, and watch as the kids enjoy our jumping castle, craft, library and numerous other toys.
• Wednesdays 9.30am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $4 per session.
Laps & Lattes
Walk with a group around Ross Reserve to talk, stay fit, and enjoy a coffee and chat back at the Community Centre every Friday morning, a fun and social way to start the weekend.
• Fridays 9.30am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; free event.
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 Market memoirs
HOME 25: Invisible Cities stand at Dandenong Market features a weekly series of intimate interviews telling personal stories of migration, and the food,
culture, and traditions they’ve carried with them.
• Saturdays 10am-2pm until 20 September at Dandenong Market, cnr Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov. au/greater-dandenong-council/events/marketmemoirs
Free mental health support
Mental Health and Wellbeing Local are offering free support at the Springvale Community Hub if you would like to talk to someone about your mental health and wellbeing. For people aged 26 years and over. You don’t need a referral, Medicare card or visa. Interpreters available. Walk-ins welcome.
• Mondays, 10am to 2pm at Springvale Community Hub (Meeting Room 2), 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: 8908 1800 or dandenonglocal@mindaustralia.org.au
“WE” - Women’s Empowerment Workshops
Developed for disadvantaged women in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in Dandenong. The workshops are designed to enhance social cohesion and self-advocacy in a fun and supportive environment. Topics around personal welbeing such as fitness, nutrition, finance, mindfulness, and creative art.
• Wednesdays 10.30am-12.30pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Free event. Details: Rachel, 0491 144 836 or rachelw@adec.org.au
• Register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greaterdandenong-council/events/we-womens-empowerment-workshops
Multicultural Anxiety Support Group
Inclusive and confidential space for people of varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds who experience persistent anxiety. Regular meetings held online on Zoom, with friendly volunteers.
• First Monday of each month, 6pm-7.30pm. Free event, register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ greater-dandenong-council/events/multiculturalanxiety-support-group
Conversation Corner
The Conversation Corner is a safe space to share stories and build new connections. Anyone is welcome to join, no bookings required, and newcomers are welcome anytime.
• Wednesdays 1pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive. Free event.
Redbacks lock in Bull
By Blair Burns
Hampton Park coach Luke Bull signed on the dotted line last September; now 12 months on the Redbacks have re-appointed the two-time Noble Park premiership player for 2026 after leading the team to the minor premiership.
In his first year as a senior coach, the Redbacks have gone 14-4 and are firming as one of the hot flag favourites when Southern Division 2 finals commence this weekend.
Bull brought along plenty of recruits and a sense of professionalism, making it clear from the beginning that the goal was to advance to Southern Division 1 – a goal that remains well and truly alive.
He was a legend at the Bulls, playing 230 games, winning two flags and serving as vice-captain for six years – experiences which set him up for success.
“It has been really good, I have to give credit to my team who make coaching a lot easier,” Bull said.
“This was my first coaching role, so I went straight into it, I was thrown right in the deep end.” Bull said one of the most important things this
season has been building strong connections with the players.
“You can have as much knowledge about the game as you want, but being personable and having good relationships with your players helps more than anything,” he said.
“If you have their backs, it will go a long way to building camaraderie and that is probably my biggest learning out of it all.
“Especially being a playing coach, you have the opportunity to lead from the front and do what you are asking the players to do, that definitely helps.”
Despite it being his first senior coaching role, Bull quickly earned the respect of the players and everyone at the club and was grateful for the support behind him.
“My coaching mentor Brad Coller has been awesome and super helpful, he has 15 years of coaching experience, so I have learned a lot from him,” Bull said.
“I was also pretty lucky with my coaches at Noble Park, Mick Fogarty and Steve Hughes are great coaches and I listened to them very closely.”
The Redback rise has continued steadily for a number of years now and Bull was hoping he
could continue that into 2026.
“Back in the day, 10 plus years ago, Hampton Park used to get smashed against those clubs (like Cranbourne) by more than 200 points,” Bull said.
“Hampton Park has slowly come back up and once the club won that Division 3 flag in 2019, it started bringing more players in.
“We are not necessarily a powerhouse club right now, but we are on the right track to becoming a really solid club with the netball and footy both thriving.”
When he signed on with the Hampton Park last year, Bull said “I’m not looking too far ahead, but I’ve got the aspiration of getting them to Division 1”.
He wanted to earn respect through “having a good club and winning” and he has completely stuck to his word thus far.
“Despite having the week off, we will have a hard week on the track and hopefully next week we can win and go straight through to the grand final,” Bull said.
The Redbacks will play the winner of Chelsea Heights and Highett in the second semi-final next week.
Gibbs and Richardson in battle for the ages
By David Nagel
Dean Gibbs and Chris Richardson provided one of the great showdowns of the Mountain Dart League Division 1 season on Friday night with a three-leg battle for the ages.
Gibbs, playing for High 5’s, began the match with a 180 before pegging out on 40 for the opening leg of the contest.
Richardson, playing for Noble Park 1, then fired back, throwing 125, 100, 60, 140 and 44 with her first her first five visits to the oche for an impressive 17-dart leg.
Gibbs then ramped things up even further, throwing 45, 100, 140 and 180 before knocking down a double-18 finish for a magnificent 13-dart leg.
Gibbs and his High 5’s teammates got across the line, with Gibbs adding to his two 180s with a 125-pegout and Mick Cloutter also throwing a maximum.
The Chiefs remain in second place after a highly-entertaining victory over Redbacks 1.
The Chiefs were well served by Josh Pollock, who nailed four 140s on the night, while Harry Pearce kept things rolling for the winners with a quality 91 pegout.
In other games in Division 1, Jacob Webb scored a game-high 162, and James Johnson an 89-peg in Bullseyes win over Rebels, while a 114peg from Jason Sandham wasn’t enough to save Out Casts, who lost on the night to Check Out.
Shane Taylor provided the highlight in Division 2, throwing a maximum 180 in The Black Bulls win over The Bandits, while Aaron and David Kirkmoe threw two 140s each in The Night Trawlers victory over Redbacks 2.
In Division 3, some brilliant darts from Michael Stanton led The Goodies to a strong win over Madarras.
Stanton knocked in a high-score of 174, then finished with an 80-peg to give The Goodies the edge.
And Nga Tutera and Junior Upokokeu provided the fireworks in a big win for Vales
City secure finals with 3-0 victory
By Justin Schwarze
Dandenong City punched its ticket to the NPL finals with a 3-0 win away at Melbourne Victory in round 26.
City came through when it mattered most down the business stretch of the season, thrashing Melbourne Knights 7-1 in round 25 and winning 3-0 this week to move from seventh to sixth on the table and pinch the final postseason spot.
At the Home of the Matildas, both teams went scoreless for the first 41 minutes before Dandenong found a breakthrough.
A long cross came into the box that found Jamie Latham free, but he decided to cleverly head the ball into a centreing position, allowing Will Bower to bury the ball into the bottom left corner and put the visitors in front.
As the game moved into stoppage time before the intermission, City forced a turnover in the midfield and launched onto the attack.
The ball was skied to allow speedster Jamie Latham to run into space, blowing past his defender with just the keeper to beat.
The goalkeeper desperately scrambled out of goal to meet Latham early, but the tricky winger dribbled around his outstretched hand and ran it in for a second on the cusp of halftime.
Latham’s kick became the last of the first half and Dandenong entered the break having fired 17 shots at goal with four being on target, a dominant start.
City wasted absolutely no time grabbing a third with Bower being played in on the left wing via a textbook through ball.
Bower squared it to the dangerous Kenjok Athiu, who calmly placed the ball into the back of the net in just the 47th minute.
Dandenong saw out the 3-0 win with a total of 27 shots for the match, including nine on target.
The visitors also recorded nine corners in a prolific offensive threat under Nick Tolios.
City has scored 10 goals in its past two games to qualify for the finals for the second straight year.
The elimination final will be massive, with City set to face long-time enemies and bitter rivals Dandenong Thunder in the first round of the postseason.
3 over Stingers.
Tutera threw a high score of 133, while Upokokeu had a 70-pegout to keep Stingers at bay.
MOUNTAIN DART LEAGUE
DIVISION 1
Results R6: MDDA Bullseyes def Rebels, High 5’s def Noble Park (1), The Chiefs def Redbacks (1), Check Out def Out Casts.
Ladder: High 5’s 24, The Chiefs 16, MDDA Bullseyes 16, Check Out 12, Rebels 12, Noble Park (1) 8, Out Casts 4, Redbacks (1) 4.
Fixture R7: High 5’s v Out Casts, Redbacks (1) v Rebels, Check Out v Noble Park (1), MDDA Bullseyes v The Chiefs.
DIVISION 2
Results R6: The Night Trawlers def Redbacks (2), MDDA Black Bulls def The Bandits. Bye: Spectrum.
Ladder: The Bandits 16, MDDA Black Bulls 12, The Night Trawlers 12, Spectrum 8, Redbacks (2)
0.
Fixture R7: The Night Trawlers v MDDA Black Bulls, Spectrum v Redbacks (2). Bye: The Bandits.
DIVISION 3
Results R6: The Goodies def Madarras, Vales (3) def Stingers. Bye: Stingrays.
Ladder: The Goodies 20, Madarras 12, Stingrays 8, Vales (3) 8, Stingers 0.
Fixture R7: The Goodies v Stingers, Stingrays v Madarras. Bye: Vales (3).
Will Bower and Kenjok Athiu were both on the scoresheet in the 3-0 win for Dandenong City. (Supplied)
Dean Gibbs and Chris Richardson went head-tohead in a magnificent three-leg battle on Friday night. (Supplied: 461231)
Hampton Park has re-appointed coach Luke Bull to lead the side next year. (Gary Sissons: 469873)
Magpies finish with a bang
By Blair Burns
The final five will remain the same for finals in Southern Division 1 despite Narre Warren pulling off an upset victory against fourth-placed Springvale Districts by 49 points.
The Magpies won three of their last four games to finish the year with an improved 7-10-1 record, with Will Howe (four goals) and Tom Toner (two goals) leading the way.
Narre Warren had a 14-point lead at the main break but accelerated in the second half to kick 12.8 (76) to 6.5 (41) and win comfortably – Ky Allcock kicked four majors and was Springy’s best.
East Brighton also finished its season on a high as it defeated St Paul’s McKinnon, one of the flag favourites, in a five-point thriller.
It was an even contest for most of the day with only two goals scored in the first term, as both sides started slow, but the Vampires prevailed with Sonny Moore (three goals) leading the way.
While Cranbourne was playing a young side, its final two games produced a combined losing margin of 195 points, including a 94-point thumping against Cheltenham on the weekend –relegation now a reality.
Nicholas Darbyshire (four goals) was a shining light for the Eagles, while Max Davis (seven goals) and Sam Lonie (four goals) were dominant for the Rosellas.
Springvale Reserve, and it was the story of the underdogs.
Accurate kicking in front of goal was non-existent during the qualifying final between Chelsea Heights and Highett, with a combined 12.28 scored for the match.
Highett secured the double chance, but it wasn’t required as the Bulldogs won by six points against the Demons, progressing to the second semi-final against Hampton Park.
Will Straford was Highett’s best player in the win, while livewire Rhys Wilkinson kicked two goals.
East Malvern sat in the top two for most of the year and led Mordialloc by six points at the 20-minute mark of the fourth term, but the Bloods surged to cause a big upset and win by four points.
The Panthers had some chances to win the game late, registering two behinds in the dying stages, but they fell narrowly short.
Scanlan Lynch has kicked nine goals in his past two outings, including four on the weekend, as he looks to make an impact in the finals.
Murrumbeena made light work of Port Melbourne to win by 51 points in a brilliant team
A strong first half from Dingley set up its 17th win of the season, as the Dingoes feasted on Bentleigh early in the match.
Hawks soar and Bulls flop as finals shaped in Eastern
By David Nagel
Rowville will take great confidence into this Sunday’s elimination final against South Croydon after the Hawks proved too good for second-placed East Ringwood in Eastern Premier Division on Saturday.
The Hawks rode a fast start to a 21-point lead at quarter time, and maintained that advantage to the final siren; winning 12.7(79) to 8.10(58) on their home deck at Seebeck Oval.
Maverick Taylor kicked three goals for Rowville, and Matt Davey two, while key forward Kyle Stainthorpe also kicked a couple in just his second game back since round five.
Jack Gaudion, Anthony Brolic, Nik Schoenmakers, Brock Coleclough and Josh Clarke joined Taylor on an impressive list of best players.
It was a big turnaround for the Hawks, who narrowly escaped a one-point thriller against bottom-placed Mitcham last week; and lost to East Ringwood by 61 points when they last met back in round five.
The 2023 champions now take on South Croydon, who they defeated by 51 points at the first semi-final stage last year.
The two teams have split their meetings this season, with Rowville defeating South Croydon by 41 points back in round four before the Bulldogs bounced back with a 13-point success in round 13.
A win for Rowville would see the Hawks take on the loser of Saturday’s qualifying final between East Ringwood and Balwyn in the first semi-final in week two.
The news was not so good for Noble Park on the weekend, with the Bulls succumbing meekly - 12.12(84) to 6.9(45) - in a do-or-die clash against South Croydon.
The Bulls entered the round-18 fixture in fifth place, but by quarter time had slipped outside the top five and never recovered from there.
The Bulldogs piled on 5.3 to 1.3 in the opening stanza and were never challenged from that point forward in the match.
The Bulls had no answer to Bulldogs’ forward Tom Sheridan, who kicked five goals to take his tally to 33 six-pointers from his last seven outings.
On the other hand, the Bulls had no multiple goal-kickers on a disappointing day at the office.
The Bulls slipped to sixth, missing finals by one position, however, Harry Broderick, Matt Nelson and Brad Crouch were serviceable contributors for four quarters.
In other games this week, Toby Wooler kicked seven goals and Mackenzie Doreian four in Blackburn’s 73-point demolition of Doncaster
East, while Balwyn finished in third place after Josh Pollocks booted six majors in a 12-point victory over Vermont.
And Berwick is celebrating its fifth win for the season after a 27-point victory over Mitcham in the bottom-of-the-table clash at Edwin Flack Reserve.
The Wickers took control of proceedings with a three-goal-to-one second term, and failed to capitalise in the third, kicking 5.9 in a wasteful display up forward.
Exciting youngster Jai Neal slotted three goals for the winners, while imposing key-forward Jordy Andrews booted two goals in just his second game since round seven.
Daniel Pinter, Tom Brennan and Caleb Van Oostveen were also terrific for Berwick, who improved greatly this season under new coach Andrew Williams.
After winning just two games last year, with a percentage of 47.29, Berwick banked five wins this year with a percentage of 82.16.
EASTERN PREMIER
Results R18: South Croydon 12.12(84) def Noble Park 6.9(45), Berwick 10.20(80) def Mitcham 7.11(53), Doncaster East 12.9(81) def by Blackburn 23.16(154), Rowville 12.7(79) def East Ringwood 8.10(58), Vermont 13.10(88) def by Balwyn 15.10(100).
Ladder: Blackburn 64, East Ringwood 52, Balwyn 48, Rowville 40, South Croydon 36/ Noble Park 36, Vermont 32, Doncaster East 28, Berwick 20, Mitcham 4. Finals Fixture Week 1
• Saturday - Qualifying Final at Beaconsfield: East Ringwood (2) v Balwyn (3).
• Sunday – Elimination Final at Ringwood: Rowville (4) v South Croydon (5).
performance which saw 11 players hit the scoreboard.
However, forwards Ed Standish and Dareo Rogers both failed to register a score, while Tom Smith played a great game for the Colts in the loss.
Southern Division 2 finals kicked off with entertaining matches on Saturday and Sunday at
After missing the double chance by just 0.6 per cent, East Malvern’s strong 2025 season came to a premature ending.
Meanwhile Mordialloc came into the clash with a 9-9 season record, sneaking into fifth spot, having also lost to the Panthers by 30 and 37 points during the year.
The Bloods will advance to a semi-final with a big challenge ahead of them in Chelsea Heights, but they will dare to dream.
Thunder no match for Lions
By Justin Schwarze
Dandenong Thunder ended its fantastic regular season on a sour note by losing to fifthplaced Preston Lions 2-0 in round 26 of the NPL.
At Genis Steel Stadium, the hosts went ahead in the 42nd minute through a set piece after a corner came in and Matt Bozinovski got a free run at a header.
The 195-centimetre centre-back leapt through the air and fired it into the net to give Preston the momentum heading towards the main break.
However, Dandenong turned the ball over almost immediately off the kick-off and the Lions pushed forward.
Luke Francis used a brilliant flick to gain an advantage with the ball and get past his man before he lasered a pinpoint cross to Gian Albano at the back post.
Albano made no mistakes putting it away and in a matter of two minutes, Preston was 2-0 up.
The Lions managed six shots in the first half with four on target while Thunder had one on target from three attempts.
Despite many chances, neither team hit the scoresheet in the second half to give Preston the four ladder points heading into the finals.
Dandenong finished third at the conclusion of the regular season with 16 wins, five draws and five losses.
The season has been a massive success for Thunder to date after finishing 10th and missing the postseason in 2024.
Now, the biggest test awaits in the finals with the Dandenong Derby to decide who moves on.
Thunder will face off with arch rivals Dandenong City in the elimination final.
Dandenong Thunder will square off with arch enemies City in the NPL elimination final. (Supplied)
Rowville play finals and Noble Park will watch on from the sidelines after an intriguing last round in Eastern Premier Division. (Rob Carew: 486765)
Narre Warren’s Jett Kearney kicked three goals in the victory over Springvale Districts. (Rob Carew: 490837)
