Dandenong Star Journal - 9th September 2025

Premier visits

Jacinta Allan was warmly greeted by Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams during a visit to Wallarano Primary School on Tuesday 2 September.

Earlier that day, her press conference was gatecrashed by a neo-Nazi and a storm brewed over ex-Premier Daniel Andrews’s photo opp at a Beijing military parade. Meeting the school’s breakfast club friendly volunteers, staff and students must have seemed an oasis.

More on the stories, turn to pages 6, 7 and 9

Overdose impact

Drastic action is being urged to curb soaring deaths in drug overdose hotspots such as Greater Dandenong.

Among the possible solutions are medicallysupervised injecting to arrest the devastating death toll across Australia – more than twice the national road toll, experts say.

In the five years 2019-’23, 94 have died in unintended overdoses in Greater Dandenong – the third highest council area in the state behind Geelong and Brimbank, according to a recent Penington Institute paper.

The Greater Dandenong toll had risen 62 per

cent in a decade.

Penington Institute CEO John Ryan said:

“Much like we’ve adopted an ambitious ‘towards zero’ approach to aggressively pushing down the road toll, Australia must now embrace a similarly uncompromising push to stop overdose deaths.”

According to a recent state coroner’s report, more harm-reduction measures were required to curb a 10-year high in overdose deaths involving illegal drugs in 2024.

Greater Dandenong featured the secondmost fatal overdoses involving methamphetamine in the past decade (73), and the fifth most

involving heroin (114).

Turning Point clinical director Shalini Arunogiri said the “devastating numbers reflect significant gaps in our healthcare response”.

Medically supervised injecting rooms were a “really effective, evidence-based way to reduce overdose deaths”.

“Many areas could benefit from services like these.

“It can be a complex decision considering where to situate facilities to achieve the best outcomes for the community, and it depends on

what they’re aiming to achieve.

“These services should be accessible and built to meet community needs, both in terms of location and opening hours.“

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association chief executive Chris Christoforou also called for more medically supervised injecting in high-risk areas.

“The continuing debate on the value of medically supervised injecting led by misinformed and stigmatising narratives has sadly stymied further support.”

More on the story, turn to page 2

(Stewart Chambers: 499654)

Premier

Overdoses’ fatal toll climbs

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Drastic action, including medically-supervised injecting, is required to curb soaring numbers of people dying from unintended drug overdoses, say experts.

In the five years 2019-’23, 94 have died in unintended overdoses in Greater Dandenong – the third highest council area in the state behind Geelong and Brimbank, according to a recent Penington Institute paper.

The Greater Dandenong toll rose 62 per cent in a decade.

Penington Institute is calling for a ‘towards zero’ approach to curb the “full-blown health crisis” claiming more than six Australians a day. It wants a national overdose prevention strategy, to reconvene the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy and for more funding of overdose prevention and less on law enforcement.

In 2023, nearly 500 Victorians died from an unintended overdose – about two-and-a-half times the state annual road toll.

“We’re losing significantly more Australians

to drug overdoses than on our roads,” Penington Institute CEO John Ryan said.

“Much like we’ve adopted an ambitious ‘towards zero’ approach to aggressively pushing down the road toll, Australia must now embrace a similarly uncompromising push to stop overdose deaths.”

According to a recent state coroner’s report, more harm-reduction measures were required to curb a 10-year high in overdose deaths involving illegal drugs in 2024.

At the same time, the involvement of pharmaceutical drugs in Victoria was at a 10-yearlow.

Most overdoses were accidental or unintentional (74.5 per cent) rather than suicide, the Coroner found.

Greater Dandenong featured the second-most fatal overdoses involving methamphetamine in the past decade (73), and the fifth most involving heroin (114).

Turning Point clinical director Shalini Arunogiri said the “devastating numbers reflect significant gaps in our healthcare response”.

For heroin, there were effective medications such as methadone and buprenorphine, but access to treatment was “increasingly difficult”.

“With methamphetamine, the challenge is more complex.

“One issue is that people often use multiple substances simultaneously, which increases overdose risk.”

Assoc Professor Arunogiri said overdose prevention measures needed to match the scale of need.

“We have the evidence and the tools to save lives, but we need more action.

“Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare when they need it, regardless of their location or situation.”

Medically supervised injecting rooms were a “really effective, evidence-based way to reduce overdose deaths”.

“Many areas could benefit from services like these.

“It can be a complex decision considering where to situate facilities to achieve the best outcomes for the community, and it depends

on what they’re aiming to achieve.

“These services should be accessible and built to meet community needs, both in terms of location and opening hours.”

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association chief executive Chris Christoforou said alcohol and other drug treatment services were unable to cope with requests for help, resulting in wait times of up to months.

In response to a surge in heroin-related overdoses, he called for more medically supervised injecting in high-risk areas.

“The continuing debate on the value of medically supervised injecting led by misinformed and stigmatising narratives has sadly stymied further support.”

The Penington paper also found more older people succumbing to drugs - including a 305 per cent rise in people in their 50s.

Opioids featured in nearly half of unintended overdoses.

Stimulants such as amphetamines and MDMA are now the second biggest factor, overtaking benzodiazepines.

Game to win: Primary school students excel in Esports

By Sahar Foladi

Silverton Primary School students in Noble Park are leading the way in online gaming as an extracurricular activity.

The school’s MarioKart and JustDance teams are shortlisted as a finalist for the FUSE Cup Australian Schools Esports Awards, taking place for the first time this year in November.

Both teams will be making their way to Gold Coast to compete in state and national finals in a live tournament in November.

Reyansch is looking forward to compete in state level this year after he won the solo tournament in the JustDance game as well as in a team capacity.

He’s not a gamer but got involved once he joined the JustDance esports club at school.

In his first year in esports, he’ll compete both in team and solo events in the state finals and potentially nationals too.

“My parents were surprised when I won the tournament because there were 64 students participating from semiprivate, private and public schools. I didn’t practise as much as they would’ve thought because I only started this year,” he said.

“I’m just excited to see all my family and friends in the crowd and just have fun.

“I like that there’s a different variety of songs, slow and fast. It’s about being physically fit and not just sitting around.

“You move your right hand at the exact time as on the screen. If you move late you won’t get a point.“

Jason Tang, the coordinator for the school’s esports, is also a finalist for outstanding mentor and esports coach of the year.

“Kids love gaming. They go home, play a lot of games. It has become more of a social activity than what it used to be.

“Esports was the hook to get them involved. Behind it all we’re teaching them digital safety, wellbeing, how to communicate in an effective way, emotional regulation, how we could be mindful of the emotions we’re feeling if we lose or win, what we could do in the moment to move on or stay focused.

“We have changed their mindset from playing this game for fun to being an athlete in this game. Kids begin to develop their own little friendly competitive nature within the team.”

The weekly esports program at the school allows students to not just play the game for fun but to craft their skills for tournaments against other schools.

“A lot of these kids may not be high in academics, some may not be great in physical education,“ Tang says.

“For them to have this as a positive, to represent the school in the tournament whether or not they do well in it, it’s a nice feeling for the

kids.

“Once we pitched the idea of it being linked to digital safety, wellbeing and emotional regulation overall and trying to develop a healthier relationship with gaming, knowing when to take breaks, stretch, eat well, that’s when parents accepted to give it a go.”

What began in 2020 during lockdown with four students has now expanded to 24 students facilitated by Mr Tang.

Silverton’s strong hold on esports has secured them top positions in the recent Melbourne South Division tournament against schools like Mentone Grammer, Haileybury

College and Wesley College.

The tournament included seven schools with about 45 students in the MarioKart section. Hicham Harmon of Grade 6, who was among the victorious MarioKart team, said he had to practise perfecting his moves. He has been playing esports at the school for the past two years.

“We give each other tips on how to win and all the good-item strategy to throw around the course.”

Last year Silverton competed in the national FUSE Cup Tournaments and were Champions in Mario Kart and Runners Up in Just Dance.

Two charged following IBAC’S Operation Sandon inquiry

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Two people, including a former Casey councillor, have been charged from matters arising from the Operation Sandon corruption inquiry.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) announced on 3 September that it had charged the unnamed ex-councillor with five offences, including one count of receiving secret commissions and two counts each of misconduct in public office and misuse of position.

A consultant in the “property development industry“ was charged with giving secret commissions.

Both of the accused are scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25

September.

In July 2023, IBAC released its report on allegations of serious corrupt conduct in relation to planning and property development decisions at City of Casey.

It followed a five-year investigation of property developers, Casey councillors and state MPs, which spanned 40 days of public hearings and seven private examinations.

The report was damning of several key players – with two councillors accused of accepting more than $1.15 million in payments and in-kind support for promoting a developer and his clients’ interests on council.

In the midst of the early public hearings, then-Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek sacked Casey’s councillors and in-

stalled a panel of administrators to oversee the council in 2020.

Casey acting chief executive Jen Bednar said that IBAC informed the council that day of charges being laid.

“The City of Casey has cooperated with IBAC relating to these investigations.

“As this is now a criminal matter, that will be presented to the Magistrates’ Court, we are not able to comment further.“

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association vice-president Anthony Tassone said it was “welcome news for a community that has waited far too long“.

“In June, the (CRRA) wrote to the Victorian Attorney-General expressing the community’s deep frustration with the lack of visible prog-

ress from the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP).

“The laying of charges this week is an important step, but it must only be the beginning.“

Tassone called for the implementation of IBAC’s 34 recommended reforms to “restore integrity to our planning system and rebuild trust in local government“.

“For too long, residents have borne the brunt of decisions tainted by alleged corruption, including having to pay the wages of state appointed monitors overseeing our newly elected councillors.“

Several months ago, IBAC “temporarily“ removed the report from its website through an “abundance of caution“, it stated at the time.

Hicham, whose team took out a MarioKart esports trophy. (Supplied)

Reyansh has won both the solo tournament in JustDance and in a team capacity. They will be headed to Gold Coast for State finals.

Council conflict escalates

By Sahar Foladi

Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad has gone head to head with the council’s chief executive over the council’s response to her social media retweets on Gaza.

Her conflict with CEO Jacqui Weatherill escalated after the council refused her ’cease-anddesist’ demand to publicly apologise and retract its media statement on her retweets.

A GoFundMe page, ’Rhonda vs the CEO,’ has been launched to help with Cr Garad’s legal costs.

She has also filed a complaint at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission against Ms Weatherill, leaving open a possible defamation action if Greater Dandenong does not engage with the Commission.

Cr Garad says the dispute was about protecting councillors’ freedom of speech, and was costing her both financially and psychologically.

“Let’s remember my crime here - my crime was retweets that were standing against the coun-

try that’s committing genocide, about Israel, Netanyahu, IDF. My tweets were all about standing against genocide,” she says.

Cr Garad says the CEO “chose to use all the weight of her office to defame me, and falsely state I was anti-semitic“.

“I must fight to protect the political freedom of speech for all councillors, and to stop unelected CEOs from silencing and defaming elected representatives.“

She claims the council’s July media statement to Herald Sun that some of her social-media retweets “support anti-semitic language” and that “genuine political comment should never cross into vilification, abuse or inciting hatred“ was false, defamatory, and an attempt to restrict her social media activity.

She says the council should have instead issued a “no comment” on the grounds of her “right to free speech”.

In its response to Cr Garad’s cease and desist letter, Greater Dandenong denies that it has made

any false or defamatory statements, but rather made an “observation and opinion”.

It also denies asserting that Cr Garad had engaged in ‘vilification, abuse or inciting hatred’, nor waged an alleged coordinated effort to silence her social media activity and performance as a councillor.

Councillor Garad says it’s “frightening” that the CEO doesn’t see “she has overstepped her role“.

“The CEO is not our boss, her only role is if, for example, I was disparaging the council or critical of her role.

“She speaks as though she gave her opinion on a pretty park, that’s how much she is framing this as absolutely nothing,” she said.

Cr Garad says she doesn’t feel “psychologically safe” in some instances at the workplace.

She’s fearful that the council is “looking for ways” to remove her because she’s “inconvenient and challenges the council on so many things”.

Unique project unearths deaf history

By Sahar Foladi

Greater Dandenong creative artists are diving deep into how deaf-authored knowledge and perspectives have been collected throughout history.

The $15,000 State Library Victoria Fellowship has equipped artists Rebecca and Avni Dauti to create a unique lecture performance in Auslan.

Their project named “Faed” - deaf spelt backwards - engages with deaf history from mid-19 century to early 20th century looking at the impact of Victorian ideas of education on deaf culture.

The fellowship also provides an office at the State Library, just next to the iconic domed reading room for one year, and one-on-one support from a specialist librarian.

“It’s kind of the first really big opportunity we’ve had in Melbourne and it’s really an honour because our project was selected,” Rebecca says.

“It’s just wonderful to know that the State Library of Victoria really acknowledges the importance of the research and the project and that it was an area really warranting attention.“

The unique project looks at the widespread attempt to prevent deaf people from using sign language in favour of speaking, a practice known as oralism.

It also looks at how deaf-authored knowledge is interpreted and missing from the library’s archives.

“It can be difficult to access information, especially history and accounts of history that are authored by deaf people rather than educators or people in the medical profession,“ Rebecca says.

“We just thought it was a really interesting conceptual frame for the project.”

Rebecca and Avni Dauti are exploring deaf history, deaf-authored knowledge within the State Library as part of a $15,000 fellowship. (Gary Sissons: 496121)

Deaf history has been the centre of the couple’s international artistic journey of more than a decade, exploring deaf language and cultural memory through ongoing dialogue with deaf communities internationally.

This fellowship is one of a kind, with Avni possibly the first ever deaf person to receive such a fellowship.

“We’ve been working for many years together and were really looking for the right support at the time.

“And so with the fellowship, it was that automatic support, everything was ready to go. It looked like it was a perfect fit for us.”

Rebecca and Avni will create a videoed lecture performance in Auslan featuring an origi-

nal signed text and images from the Library’s collection.

The project takes its name from Arthur James Wilson - pseudonym ‘Faed’ - a deaf writer, cyclist and inventor credited with inventing the wing mirror.

His invention serves as inspiration for the project’s aim to look forward and backward simultaneously.

They stumbled on the project idea from Mr Wilson’s resource in the state library.

“One kind of little titbit that we learned about him was that he is credited with inventing the wing mirror,“ Rebecca said.

“We thought it was a lovely story and a really apt metaphor for how one is often required

“At the end of the day I know why I’m there. I have enormous support from the community, a lot of people have contacted me about this.

“I know being anti-genocide I’m on the right side of the history, none of what I’ve done is inappropriate.”

A council spokesperson said workplace safety was of “utmost importance.“

“There are no barriers to Cr Garard’s participation in any councillor activities such as attending briefings and council meetings. Council values the participation of all Councillors.

“While Council does not believe any conduct has taken place by officers to negatively impact her safety, it has invited Cr Garad to provide specific details about her concerns about safety.

“She has also been invited to suggest any specific measures or actions she thinks Council should take to create a psychologically safe environment.“

Greater Dandenong confirmed it has not initiated any legal action in relation to Cr Garad.

The international artists are working on their first ever project of its kind in Melbourne. (496121)

to look at deaf history, which is marginalised within big institutions like the State Library in Victoria.

“That was an important time for the deaf community because two really important deaf cultural institutions were first established in the late 1800s.

“They were the first physical brick and mortar spaces designed for the deaf community.“

Their work has been shown at the Welcome Collection (London), National Museum of Art (Lithuania), Federation Square (Naarm/Melbourne) and Garage Museum of Contemporary Art (Moscow), as well as at international film festivals and conferences.

Councillor Rhonda Garad. (442319)

City of Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad, fourth left, has lodged a legal complaint against CEO Jacqui Weatherill, first right. (Gary Sissons: 442319)

Permit standoff frustration

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An industrial landowner says he’s been unfairly targeted by Greater Dandenong Council after being ordered to clean up his storage yard in Springvale.

Last month, Tom Jenkins was ordered by VCAT to clean up and cease using the site at 26A Westall Road as an unauthorised truck depot and dumping ground.

Jenkins says the order – which was sought by Greater Dandenong – took him by surprise, claiming he had no previous issues with the council.

“If I was running a depot from 2007-’23, why hasn’t the council done anything to evict me or taken legal action against me earlier?”

The property, dissected by high-voltage transmission towers, is sandwiched between homes and major industries such as a concrete batching plant and VicTrack property.

According to the VCAT report, adjoining residents complained of noise, dust, tall grass and vermin.

But Jenkins argues “this land has been industrial long before the houses were here”.

He told the Journal he’s being picked on as the “little guy” compared to the neighbouring industrial giants responsible for much of the noise and dust.

Jenkins has been on the site for more than 15 years, with a long-standing permit to store second-hand building supplies in two warehouses. The permit expired in 2022.

He says he sought a new permit – including a hardstand gravel area for trucks and caravans to park.

He claims the council at first stated that if he wanted a hardstand, they’d support him.

“Then they said we can’t decide, we’ll go to VCAT and they can decide for us.

“I’ve picked a use that’s harmonious to the surrounding areas and respects the residents. What better use could I choose?”

VCAT member Dalia Cook stated that the two

approved warehouses were never built, which put Jenkins in breach of the original permit. It also meant supplies were stored out in the open.

She found there had been numerous unauthorised uses, including as a truck depot, materials recycling business, transfer station and skip bin depot – which Jenkins denies.

Ms Cook found the site’s shipping container storage was lawful.

Jenkins also denies Greater Dandenong’s claims at VCAT that he was burying waste such as broken bricks.

He says the piles of broken bricks, sand and gravel were intended to create the hardstand. Now under the VCAT order, the piles have to be removed.

Soil tests also contradict the council’s claim that the site was contaminated, he says.

VCAT backed Jenkins in this regard, rejecting the council’s argument for decontaminating the soil.

However, Ms Cook took into account council-supplied videos of trucks dumping waste including furniture, wood, broken bricks, plaster, broken glass and household waste. There was evidence of earthworks to bury the waste, she said.

Jenkins blamed unauthorised operators for dumping waste, Ms Cook noted.

“In fact, Mr Jenkins was frustrated that these unauthorised operators were not prosecuted by council.”

Ms Cook ordered Jenkins to remove vehicles,

machinery/equipment, goods or waste as well as some of the shipping containers by 17 October.

Until granted a new permit, he was not to recommence using the site for the following: “Refuse disposal/junkyard, Store (including vehicle/ skip bin store), Warehouse, Industry, Depot (of any kind), Trade supplies.”

By 2 February, he had to remove all broken bricks, gravel, rock and concrete unless granted a planning permit to create a hardstand.

Youths charged after alleged aggravated burglary, pursuit

Four youths from the South East have been charged after an aggravated home invasion and police pursuit across several suburbs.

A man and woman barricaded themselves in a bedroom as a group of males allegedly armed with a knife and two guns forced entry into a home in Bilbul Avenue in Rosebud about 2.50am on Thursday 4 September.

The intruders opened the door, threatened them and forced them to hand over about $1000 cash, police say.

The group fled in an allegedly stolen white Mercedes SUV, which was allegedly spotted by police a short time later travelling at about 150 km/h on the Peninsula Link near Moorooduc.

Officers attempted to intercept the vehicle, but it allegedly sped off.

About 5am, the same Mercedes stopped at a property in Ballantyne Street in Thornbury.

Police say the group of male youths got out of the car and forced entry into the property.

No one was inside at the time of the incident,

and it is unclear if anything was stolen, police say.

Operation Trinity units, the Air Wing and uniform officers followed the car through multiple suburbs, including Prahran and Hawthorn, then onto the Monash Freeway.

Four males left the Mercedes on the Princes Freeway in Berwick and got into a waiting Mazda, according to police.

As the Mazda tried to drive off, it collided with a trailer on a civilian vehicle.

Six youths across both vehicles were arrested by Operation Trinity units at the scene.

Police say they found firearm components and ammunition in the possession of one of the males.

Four machetes and a sword were allegedly seized from the Mazda.

A 17-year-old boy from the Casey area was charged with aggravated home invasion, theft (x3), car theft, dealing with suspected proceeds of crime and possessing a prohibited weapon.

He was directly presented for a remand hearing and remains in custody.

A 19-year-old man from the Casey area was charged with burglary, possessing cartridge ammunition, car theft and committing an indictable offence on bail.

He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 7 October.

A 19-year-old man from the Casey area was

charged with burglary, car theft, dealing with suspected proceeds of crime, possessing a prohibited weapon and committing an indictable offence on bail.

He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 23 September.

A 21-year-old Dandenong man was charged with car theft.

He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 23 September.

A 20-year-old Aspendale man and a 21-yearold Beaconsfield man were both released and are expected to be charged on summons.

As part of Operation Trinity, police arrested 661 burglars and car thieves 1,700 times in the

Shipping containers, some of which must be removed from Tom Jenkins’ site as part of a VCAT order.

(Gary Sissons: 498703)

Some of the building rubble collected for hardstand material, according to owner Tom Jenkins. (Gary Sissons: 498703)

The narrow site at 26A Westall Road Springvale is sandwiched between houses, pictured below, and industries, pictured above.

Six young males were arrested after an allegedly stolen car crashes into a trailer during a police pursuit on Monash Freeway. (Victoria Police)

Fined for PM ‘bullet’ tweet

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A truckie who tweeted to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that “you need a bullet, I can do it in person” has been convicted and fined.

Dale Byrne, 42, of Officer, pleaded guilty after a sentence indication at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 4 September to using a carriage service in a manner that a reasonable person would regard as menacing.

In February, Byrne responded to a post on social-media platform X which referred to Albanese and new federal hate-speech laws aiming to “turn down the heat” on social media.

Byrne tagged the PM’s official X account @ AlboMP in his public retort, stating to Albanese: “F*** off I’ll tell you you’re a homosexual c***…”

“You need a bullet I can do it in person c***.”

Australian Federal Police raided Byrne’s home on 18 March, arresting him and seizing his phone.

In a police interview, Byrne explained that he’d directed the tweets at Albanese because “I

just don’t agree with some of the s*** he does”.

“I don’t think he’s running the country real f***ing good”.

Byrne conceded readers of his posts would think that he’s a “f***ing nutcase”, and others had warned him to be careful how he communicates.

Defence lawyer Dimitri Osianlis said the “juvenile” and “extremely poor taste” posts were not intended to be taken seriously.

And that they shouldn’t be prosecuted as a hate crime, he said.

It was arguable whether the tweets were menacing or harassing, given they were against the “most powerful man in Australia” with “some of the greatest security available”, Mr Osianlis said.

At the time, Byrne, a cattle truck driver and operator, was said to be in a lawsuit over a defective truck that cost him $120,000 to repair.

As a result, he was struggling with alcohol abuse at the time, and had since quit drinking.

Since being charged, Byrne was said to have

ed outside court.

Magistrate Jacinta Studham noted that Byrne had escaped conviction for similar offending in 2022.

She said she needed to send a message to him that there are consequences for his offensive and menacing language.

“You’re entitled to your political views. What you’re not entitled to do is make the threats or use the language you did on this platform.

“Courts are becoming concerned about this type of behaviour. You probably wouldn’t walk up to someone and say the things you’ve said, yet you’ve put it online.”

Ms Studham rejected a prosecution submission for a community corrections order due to the damage it would do to Byrne’s livelihood.

A CCO would confine the currently-unemployed interstate truck driver to Victoria.

This would be against the community’s interest given that a gainfully employed Byrne might be distracted from reoffending, Ms Studham said.

Byrne was convicted and fined $2500.

Teens in alleged stolen car charged after police pursuit

Four teens as young as 13 have been charged after an alleged attempted carjacking and police pursuit in the South East.

Police say a family was parked in their home driveway in Ashburton on Sunday 31 August when offenders in a stolen Mercedes parked behind their vehicle.

Two male offenders unsuccessfully tried to open the family vehicle’s doors.

The man, 38, reversed the family vehicle, hitting the Mercedes and fleeing from the scene. He, a 38-year-old woman and a child inside

the car were not physically injured.

In a separate incident, police allege that a group of teens carjacked a Nissan X-trail in Lynbrook on Monday 1 September.

Patrolling police spotted the stolen vehicle on James Cook Drive in Cranbourne about 12.50am the next morning.

Air Wing monitored the car as it travelled at a fast rate of speed on the South Gippsland Highway and Monash Freeway, police say.

Tyre deflation devices were deployed multiple times, however the Nissan allegedly contin-

ued to drive towards Melbourne’s CBD.

The Nissan eventually came to a stop as it reached a dead-end on Davidson Street in South Yarra.

Police arrested three boys and a girl at the scene.

A 13-year-boy from the Dandenong region and a 16-year-old boy from the Horsham area were both charged with offences including attempted carjacking, armed robbery, dangerous driving while pursued by police and car theft.

They were also charged with unlicensed

driving, burglary and reckless conduct.

Southern Metro Region Crime Squad also charged a 15-year-old boy from the Dandenong area with attempted aggravated burglary, theft and car theft.

The three teens were remanded to appear at a children’s court on 2 September.

A 15-year-old girl from the Preston area was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle and reckless conduct.

She was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

been humiliated on social media and confront-

Dale Byrne leaves the Dandenong Magistrates Court in Melbourne, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Senior in rally flashpoint

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A well-known 79-year-old Noble Park resident was shockingly spat upon during clashes between rival protestors at the March for Australia anti-immigration rally in Melbourne’s CBD.

Draped in an Australia-themed scarf and on a walking stick, Dawn copped a gobful from a woman during a confrontation beamed nationally on TV news bulletins on Sunday 31 August.

She says she had told the woman to take off their face mask, to comply with the Victorian ban on masks at protests.

In response, the protestor lowered their mask and spat into Dawn’s face.

A shaken Dawn then shaped to strike the protestor, but says she didn’t connect.

“I thought I better not - if I was taken to the ground, they’d lay their boots into me.

“The guy she was with pulled her back. I was shaken up at the time.”

Dawn says she won’t press charges, due to fear of retribution.

She praised the police for attempting to keep the peace.

“The abuse coming to us was unbelievable. (Other protestors) hurled stones and bottles.

“The police kept moving them back. I was just gobsmacked by the guts that it took, I don’t know how they did it.”

According to Victoria Police, about 5000 people attended the convergence of several rallies, including March for Australia and pro-Palestinian protests.

Two police officers were injured by thrown bottles.

At least six protestors were arrested, facing charges of assaulting police, behaving in a riotous manner, attempted robbery, assault, and resisting police.

time to put Australia first’.

Also at the rally, Victorian Socialists member Sean Stebbings, of Greater Dandenong, said he was proud to stand in solidarity against the “racist” March for Australia rally.

“The day was very chaotic and a number of anti-racist activists were hurt in confrontations with police and neo-Nazis.

“It’s a hopeful sign though that thousands of people from all walks of life came out to make a stand against the far right and their hatred and division.”

March for Australia was widely promoted across the nation’s capital cities, with slogans such as ‘Stop Mass Immigration Now’, ‘it’s time to take our country back’, ‘no foreign flags’ and ‘it’s

Protestors were requested to bring Blue Ensign, Red Ensign or Eureka flags.

Among their ranks were black-shirted neo-Nazis, one of whom addressed the crowd on State Parliament steps.

Seven black-clad men were charged over a violent alleged attack on occupants at the First Nations’ site Camp Sovereignty on King’s Domain.

Dawn distanced herself from the neo-Nazi element, saying she marched with hundreds of “normal citizens” among a “wonderful sea of Australian flags” that day.

“I don’t like that (neo-Nazism) at all and what they did with the Aboriginal camp.

“I didn’t see any of them there. I wasn’t up at

the Parliament steps.”

She says she loves multiculturalism but wants “Australia back to being great again”.

“People say ‘she’s racist’ or ‘she’s anti-immigration’ – but I love people.

“There’s beautiful people from all over the world here, and you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

Dawn is also concerned by a lack of available housing and jobs, as well as people “bringing their problems from their country to our country”.

“I want to see people brought in that have our way of life, not burning our flag.

“Those who are wanting to burn our flag and not respect our flag – why are they here? Why don’t they go back to the country they like?”

Meanwhile, Mr Stebbins says the March for Australia movement unfairly blames migrants for the housing crisis, while Labor and Liberals don’t have a “genuine solution”.

“The cities of Greater Dandenong and Casey are incredibly diverse.

“There is no room in our community for socalled ‘leaders’ that claim to represent us, while also marching with Nazis.”

Why marching against immigration is marching backwards

On 31 August 2025, waves of rallies under the banner March for Australia swept through major cities.

From Melbourne to Hobart, from Canberra to Adelaide.

While they painted themselves as protests against “mass immigration,” reality told a different story.

Counter-protestsfloodedstreets,carryingsigns like “Go home, racists” and “Diversity is strength”. No, the rallies weren’t about policy; they were about division - rooted in fear, not facts.

Australia’s true identity is migration. Consider these statistics:

•31.5 per cent of Australians were born overseas - the highest share since the 1890s

•Nearly 48 per cent have at least one parent born overseas

•More than 30 per cent of doctors and allied health staff are foreign-trained

•50.2 per cent of accountants and nearly double the rate of engineers are overseas-born

•In agriculture, migrant labour is essentialwithout it, produce rots unattended and supermarkets suffer

The immigrant community is not a burden; they are the backbone of our economy, culture, and progress.

So, what exactly was March for Australia marching for - fear, division, or a false narrative?

Politicians and media keep preaching “tolerance,” but tolerance isn’t the goal - it’s the bare minimum.

Tolerance means putting up with each other.

That’s not unity - that’s disconnection.

What we need in Australia is harmony, coexistence, peace, and acceptance - not grudging tolerance.

Neo-Nazism is terrorism - not protest.

We cannot sugarcoat this.

When people show up dressed to intimidate others, against communities who have migrated to participate, contribute, and co-exist peacefully – it is not protest.

It is terrorism.

Terrorism is the use of threats or violence to instil fear for a political or ideological cause.

Racism dressed up in khakis and baseball caps is still hate.

And Australia has no place for it.

The real route forward is Cultural Intelligence (CQ).

Australia is changing, and so must we.

Division only increases prices, disrupts systems, and erodes trust.

Education, empathy, and CQ offer unity.

We should be:

•Teaching what global migration looks likenot myth, but real numbers and realities

•Promote CQ in schools, businesses, and media - where empathy, humility, and critical thinking are taught, not just diversity slogans

•Build inclusive narratives - that acknowledge

migration as core to Australian identity, not something to be fought against

•Expose fear-based politics for what they are: cheap tricks that fracture our society In Melbourne, when heartfelt Muslims and Jews met in four locations - church halls, art galleries, town halls - they modelled peace. They built bridges where banners fell.

That is the vision of multicultural Australianot marching with fear, but standing for connection.

Let’s be clear:

•Migration is not the problem - fear and ignorance are.

•Activism without empathy is activism against ourselves.

•CQ is not optional – it is essential.

Let us become a nation of belonging, not just living side-by-side. Let’s talk. Let’s listen. Let’s lead with intelligence.

Sala’am. Shalom. Peace be with you.

- What do you think? Let us know at dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

Dawn, second left, with other March for Australia protestors at Flinders Street station, Melbourne on 31 August. (Supplied)

A placard held during the March for Australia rally. (Supplied)

A sea of Australian flags outside Flinders Street station. (Supplied)

Praise for club from the top

Food is just the beginning of the story at Wallarano Primary School’s breakfast club, says its coordinator.

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, William Fragiadakis is also one of the friendly faces providing brekkie and smiles for up to 130 students well before the school bell rings.

“For many students, it is a place of certainty, comfort, and joy. It is a space where they can start the morning with a full stomach and a full heart.”

Friendships are forged under the smell of toast, the clink of cereal bowls and happy chatter of children, Fragiadakis says.

Not to mention vital support from Foodbank Victoria, Coles Noble Park and St Aidan’s Anglican Church.

Last Tuesday 2 September, the club was abuzz with a visit from Premier Jacinta Allan and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams as well as Foodbank acting CEO Katie Fisher.

“When Wallarano Primary School wrote to me asking to visit their school, I had to drop by,” Ms Allan later posted.

“Thanks William and the fantastic teachers for all that you do.”

Ms Allan’s appreciation landed deep with Fragiadakis, who was impressed that leaders took time to visit.

“Never underestimate the power of a shared meal,” Fragiadakis said.

“A simple breakfast can change the course of a child’s day—and when you change a day, you begin to change a life.”

Wallarano principal Maree Williams says the much-loved breakfast club is a “cornerstone of support” for students and families.

“We were honoured to showcase our students, programs, and community today, celebrating not only the success of the Breakfast Club but also the many ways the school is empowering every learner to achieve their full potential.”

‘Undeterred’ Premier fronts event after Sewell stunt

By Ethan Benedicto

last week.

Earlier that day, the Premier was interrupted during a press conference in West Melbourne by neo-nazi Thomas Sewell.

The Bring Your Bills event, run by Southeast Community Links (SECL), is known for supporting Casey’s multicultural communities, many of whom are grappling with financial stress.

Speaking to a crowd of SECL volunteers and residents, Allan said that the event is “incredibly powerful”.

“I thank the organisation (SECL) not just for bringing this together, but for creating the space where people can get assistance in their community when they need it the most,” she said.

Earlier that day, Allan was holding a press conference in Eades Park, West Melbourne, with treasurer Jaclyn Symes, when Sewell and an associate approached the group asking, “why don’t Australians have the right to protest?”.

In the video covered by 9News, he can be observed being blocked by plainclothes police, before asking once more, “why do you want to ban us from protesting?”.

The premier left quickly and has since released a statement saying that she is “undeterred”, and has since labelled him and his associates “goons”.

“It comes as no surprise that Nazis oppose me and my government; I wear that with a badge of honour,” she said.

“But this isn’t about me, it’s about all the other people in the community who Nazis target, like multicultural people, LGBTQIA+ people, First Peoples and Jews.

“They’re the Victorians who are on my mind right now, and they’re the Victorians who our anti-hate laws will protect when they come into force later this month.”

Sewell was arrested outside a Melbourne

SECL’s operations coordinator Christina and Premier Jacinta Allan at Hampton Park. (Stewart Chambers: 497373)

court on the same day.

The 32-year-old was later refused bail that week, remanded on charges including violent disorder, affray, assault, discharging a missile and other offences in relation to an alleged group attack on a First Nations sacred site, Camp Sovereignty on Sunday.

Coming just days after anti-immigration rallies in Melbourne where neo-nazi groups led by Sewell were present, the premier’s presence at a multicultural-focused event carried symbolic weight.

“As premier, I’ll always be out and about in public fighting for you, like I am today, I am not afraid,” she said.

“We know how these goons operate; they whip up fear to divide our society, and they will fail.”

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Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Premier Jacinta Allan, William Fragiadakas and students. (Stewart Chambers: 499654)

Thumbs up from Premier Jacinta Allan for Wallarano Breakfast Club. (Stewart Chambers: 499654)

Gabrielle Williams MP, Wallarano Primary School principal Maree Williams and Premier Jacinta Allan. (Stewart Chambers: 499654)

The Bring Your Bills event in Hampton Park had a surprise visit from the Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan,

Share your hall memories

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The grand Dandenong Town Hall has stood 135 years as the town’s elegant epicentre for civic life, deb balls and the arts.

To capture the hall’s role in community life, residents are invited to submit their photo memories for an upcoming exhibition The Place To Be – Dandenong Town Hall.

Exhibition curator Rhonda Diffey says the decades of debutante, mayoral, hospital and celebratory balls, grand dances and other milestone events are a key part.

“We want to put a call out to the public. If they have memories or photos that they have to share, we’ d love to show their stories.”

This will complement already a rich oral history and photo collection from City of Greater Dandenong’s archives that show how the hall remains a “place to be” since its construction in 1890 and its “magnificent transformation” to The Drum theatre in 2006.

“It was always a building for the community,” Diffey says.

Diffey marvels at how the hall was utilized as a social hub last century, with a revolving schedule of functions bumped in and out on the weekends.

After Friday night balls, seats were moved in

INTERFAITH

for movie matinees on Saturday afternoons. And then moved out for the Saturday night dances.

Debutante balls peaked in the 1940s-60s, with an annual Belle of Belles ball dance selecting the best of the “belles of the balls”.

Cabaret balls evolved, filling the expansive dance floor with tables and chairs. This in turn led to a cut in deb balls.

It was also where Dandenong gathered while “under stress” such as a refuge during floods and bushfires, or a vaccine station during a polio epidemic, Diffey says.

Soldiers in world wars were farewelled and welcomed home at the landmark.

In the 1880s, the birth of the town hall was “contentious”, replacing the Mechanics Institute – a cramped single-storey building for the town’s library and council offices.

At the then-princely sum of £12,000 – including £4,500 from the State Government - many said it would be a “white elephant”, Diffey said.

Further, the institute refused to give up the site until a compromise was reached. The institute handed over the site in exchange for accommodating its public library inside the hall.

“Fortunately for Dandenong, (politician) John Keys had the foresight and great character to see the future.”

Designed by renowned architect John Beswicke, the hall was built in just eight months.

“They were laying 10,000 bricks a day,” Diffey says.

It became known as “the old grand lady of Dandenong”, which was reoriented from northsouth to east-west in the 1930s.The Place To Be exhibition includes a site in Benga House at Heritage Hill, which will look deep into the hall’s 19th and 20th century history.

A complementary exhibition will also grace The Drum – which is set to celebrate 20 years. A short film is in train on the award-winning Drum’s design process.

“There is a lot of respect for the Town Hall in the Drum design and it has also become a landmark in itself.

“People often say let’s meet outside The Drum.

“The word Drum is a lovely name chosen from a community survey because it looks like a drum. Drum is so simple to remember. It resonates with people.”

The Drum theatre upgrade kept the site relevant and beautiful for decades, Diffey says.

Photo and story submissions close on 13 September. Send them to Greater Dandenong Council’s heritage team at culturalheritage@cgd.vic. gov.au

Death not a punishment but a natural law of existence

By Rev Bandaraulpatha Gnanawimala Thero, Buddhist Faith

The Buddha, in the Dhammapada, reminds us with striking clarity: “Not in the sky, nor in the middle of the ocean, nor in the cave of a moun tain, nor anywhere else, is there a place where one cannot be oppressed by death”.

This simple yet profound truth points to the universal reality that death is beyond human control and cannot be avoided by escape or concealment.

Throughout history, people have tried in countless ways to deny or delay death by seeking medicines, building fortresses, amassing wealth, or clinging to youth and power.

Yet, no matter how far one travels or how securely one hides, the end of life is certain.

Death is not a punishment, nor is it an accident.

It is a natural law of existence.

For many, this truth is unsettling.

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

10 September 1925

Euchre Party

The euchre party and dance held by the Dandenong Junior Football Club in the Town hall on Thursday evening was a great success, with over 60 taking part in the euchre tournament. The floor was in first class condition for dancing, which was continued till 1am. Mrs Thomas won the ladies euchre prize, a tea set kindly donated by Mrs Howland. The second prize, a glass salad bowl was won by Miss A Petersen and third prize, a pair of vases, by Miss R Carroll. The men’s prize, a silk shirt, donated by Mrs Greenland, was won by Master McVeigh, the second prize, a silver-plated ash tray, by Mr W Kirkham, and the third, a neck tie by Mr C. Hansen.

50 years ago

8 September 1975

Mayoral drama

The new Mayor of Berwick “changed” in only minutes last Wednesday morning from Councillor Jack Thomas to Councillor Ron Irwin. Councillor Thomas was “elected” at an in-camera meeting when councillor Irwin drew a blank piece of paper from a biscuit tin after both he and Councillor Thomas were nominated for the mayoralty. But when councillors gathered minutes later in the open council, both councillors Thomas and Irwin were nominated and councillor Thomas, who would have served his second

MESSAGE OF HOPE

We prefer to live as if life will go on indefinitely, as if tomorrow is guaranteed.

But the Buddha encouraged us not to turn away from the thought of death, but to face it with mindfulness.

Awareness of mortality is not meant to create fear, but rather wisdom.

When we realize that life is short and uncertain, we begin to value it more deeply.

Each moment becomes precious.

Each act of kindness becomes meaningful.

Far from being a pessimistic outlook, the contemplation of death gives life its urgency and di-

rection.

It teaches us not to waste our days in anger, greed, or carelessness, but instead to live with compassion, generosity, and understanding.

In Buddhist practice, mindfulness of death (maran?nussati) is considered a powerful medi-

consecutive term as mayor, withdrew. He said he did not want to see personal division in the council. Councillor Irwin told the Journal that “the councillors” wished to protest against the two-year term of a mayor, not against councillor Thomas as an individual. The only way to do this was nominating another councillor.

20 years ago

5 September 2005

CRICKET

Club wants dedicated players Dandenong Cricket Club’s new president Michael Findlay wants to stop top players such as Victorian captain Cameron White from us-

tation subject that awakens one to the fragility of existence and encourages living in harmony with others.

In today’s world, where people often avoid speaking about death, the Buddha’s words remain as relevant as ever.

Accepting death does not mean despair; it means preparing ourselves with wisdom and peace of mind.

If we live skilfully, when death inevitably comes, it will not be a thief in the night but a natural closing of life’s chapter.

The Buddha’s reminder is timeless: there is no hiding place from death.

What we can do is live each day with awareness, dignity, and compassion—so that when the end arrives, we leave behind not regret, but a legacy of goodness.

Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.

• Visit interfaithnetwork.org.au

ing the club as a “staging post” during their careers. The 22-year-old White, who was recruited to Dandenong from Bairnsdale as a 16-yearold, was cleared to Richmond after an appeal hearing by Premier Cricket’s pennant committee. Findlay was critical of the reasons behind his departure. “We believe that his (White’s) reasons were not sufficient, but at the end of the day he is going and we wish him well. I want the club to be more inclusive and for the players to recognise that it’s their club rather than a staging post in their cricket life.”

5 years ago

8 September 2020

Concern for lost learning

Students won’t only need to catch up on schoolwork, but also recapture school morale, says Dandenong North Primary School’s principal. Kevin Mackay says the second-wave’s classroom lockdown generally has been “devastating” for many children who will begin to return to school from September 28. “From what we are hearing from the kids, they’re struggling because there’s no substitute for teaching in a classroom.” Mr Mackay recently made headlines with his view that some Preppies at the school will need to restart Prep in 2021. That won’t be ‘repeating’ Prep because they never really started it, Mr Mackay says.

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

Dandenong South Primary School principal Kevin Mackay. (Stewart Chambers: 100574)

Rev Bandaraulpatha Gnanawimala Thero.

A blueprint of the original Dandenong Town Hall 1890. (City of Greater Dandenong)

Dan defends parade photo

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Critics have raged over former Mulgrave MP and Premier Daniel Andrews’s front-stage attendance with international dictators at a military parade in Beijing, China last week.

Andrews lined up with leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un for an official photograph marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II.

It drew a divided reaction from his former state and federal colleagues.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the appearance was “good for Victoria’, and warned on the impacts that “divisive“ rhetoric had on Chinese Victorians.

Meanwhile her deputy Ben Carroll criticized whether it was “worth it for self-interested business purposes to be having a photo standing behind Kim Jung-un and Vladamir Putin”.

In the federal sphere, Labor MPs and ministers distanced themselves from Andrews, noting that he was attending as a “private citizen”.

Bruce MP and Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill reportedly told ABC that the photo was “pretty surprising“.

“Mr Andrews is a private citizen and what he chooses to do is up to him,“ he says.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said the Government didn’t send a representative because it “would not have been appropriate”.

“What individuals do, very separate from the government, is a matter for them.”

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong said: “I don’t speak for private individuals, but I would hope that we all should be mindful of the message that our presence and engagement sends, as I certainly am.”

In his own defence, Andrews listed other regional leaders in attendance, such as former New Zealand prime ministers John Key and Helen Clark, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and President Xi.

BUSINESS PROFILE

“I’ve said for years that a constructive relationship with China — our largest trading partner — is in Australia’s national interest and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs depend on it,“ he said.

“That hasn’t changed.

Helping students leap ahead

By Ann-Marie Hermans MP

While the rest of the world races ahead, too many of our students are falling behind. According to the Grattan Institute, one in three cannot read properly. It’s the same story in maths - one in three fail to reach proficiency.

There’s no point in our students worrying about global issues if they can’t first read, write, or calculate. These are the foundations of learning, and they must come first.

For too long, the Allan Labor Government has been captive to education ideologues who put theory before outcomes. While Labor dithered, many of our best educators took matters into their own hands, ditching failed methods and adopting explicit direct instruction.

This approach is clear, structured, and proven. Teachers break down concepts into smaller parts, model exactly what is required, and give students frequent opportunities for practice and feedback. It’s not radical. It’s just common sense.

I’ve seen it in action. At Bentleigh West Primary, students achieving some of the best NAPLAN results in the nation and retaining phenomenal teaching staff using explicit instruction. Locally, Chelsea Heights Primary is seeing a major turnaround in learning outcomes and behaviour using the exact same methods.

As a former educator, these are the methods I used in the classroom because I know it works. But we can’t leave individual schools to clean up Labor’s mess. This crisis is the result of poor government policy, nothing less.

While Labor has reluctantly begun embedding explicit teaching into the curriculum, they still refuse to back a target of 90 per cent student proficiency in reading and numeracy. That’s frankly unacceptable.

As your local Member and Victoria’s Shadow Assistant Education Minister, I’ll continue to champion explicit instruction so our students can achieve more than any generation before them.

“That’s why he banned me from Russia last year.

“Further, my support for Israel and Australia’s Jewish community has been outspoken and unwavering, and I unequivocally condemn Iran for its attacks on Australia, Israel and elsewhere around the world.”

“And just so there’s no confusion — I have condemned Putin and his illegal war in Ukraine from day one.

Opposition treasury spokesperson James Newbury, said the Premier should have condemned Andrews.

“Victorians know the pain of losing 38 Australians in the MH17 tragedy – and Russia’s responsibility for that horrific crime.

“Just as Victorians are alarmed by Iran being implicated in terrorist acts aimed at undermining our social cohesion on Victorian soil.”

Helping students leap ahead: The power of explicit teaching.

The furore over the presence of ex-Victorian Labor premier Daniel Andrews in China continues. (9 News Australia/ AAP)

This exhibition is unmissable

FOR those with a love of all things Viking and historic but without the time to head overseas in the near future comes an amazing new exhibition at the Melbourne Museum - Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard.

The exhibition opened on 29 August and will run through to 26 January giving enthusiasts from around Australia plenty of time to head to Melbourne.

The Galloway Hoard is a rare and unique collection of Viking-age mementos, jewellery and heirlooms and is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the century.

Featuring items buried around AD 900 and discovered by metal detectorists in 2014, The Galloway Hoard brings together materials and treasures from the early medieval kingdoms of Britain and Ireland, mainland Europe and as far away as Central Asia.

The exhibition is being produced in collaboration with National Museums Scotland.

And if you are a museum looking for a partner to help bring such an impressive collection like this to Australia who is at the top of your call list?

The Viking Cruise Line.

“We are very pleased to partner with the museum and help bring one of the world’s most extraordinary Viking-age collections to Melbourne,” Viking ANZ Managing Director Michelle Black said.

“This is a rare and exciting opportunity to connect Viking travel partners with Museums

Victoria’s vision to inspire and enrich visitors through knowledge and experiences.

“We are looking forward to inviting our culturally curious guests to explore the significance of the Viking-age treasures featured in this oncein-a-lifetime exhibition.”

Museums Victoria Chief Executive Officer and Director Lynley Crosswell said they had been creating knowledge, entertaining visitors and building Victoria’s State Collection for 160 years.

“We are delighted to welcome Viking as a sponsor for the Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard exhibition,” she said.

“Melbourne Museum helps people understand and connect with the world around us and view our cultures and history through different perspectives.

“Viking’s contribution reflects our shared ethos of creating engaging and compelling experiences of global relevance.”

Michelle said Viking shared a vision to inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of culture and history through education and immersive experiences respectively.

“Viking offers destination-focused travel experiences For The Thinking Person through onboard cultural insights and enrichment programs, while Museums Victoria brings to life the opportunity for exploration of bold new ideas and smarter ways of doing things,” she concluded.

Conserved bird pin from the Galloway Hoard.

Anglo-Saxon metalwork from inside the lidded vessel from the Galloway Hoard.

The lidded vessel from the Galloway Hoard and the Viking-age treasures it contained.

Gold objects from the Galloway Hoard. (Copyright Museums of Scotland)

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Jailed over ambush

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A group of men have been jailed over fatally shooting Noble Park North standover man Tommy Loulanting with a sawn-off shotgun in 2022.

Zeeshan Mehdi, 37, Moweit Qian, 28, and Dara Chau, 46, were found guilty by a Victorian Supreme Court jury of murder and affray.

They were party to an agreement to shoot and kill Mr Loulanting, Justice Amanda Fox stated in sentencing on 29 August.

Prosecutors did not specify which of them pulled the trigger.

Trung Nguyen, 41, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and affray.

Mr Loulanting, a standover man who used violence and intimidation on others, was ambushed shortly after he entered a Corrigan Road unit just before 6am on 11 July 2022.

He used meth and had a reputation for being “violent, unstable and aggressive” with violent prior convictions.

At the time, he was engaged by a woman Kristina Subu to recover $2000 given to her friend, who was also Mehdi’s wife.

There was a dispute between the women on whether it was a loan or gift.

On 8 July, Mr Loulanting and an associate collected Mehdi and tourtured, beat, tasered and humiliated him. A deadline was set for him to repay the money.

Mehdi was then driven by revenge as well as fear of what Mr Loulanting would do next, Justice Fox stated.

A few hours before the shooting at 2am, Mr Loulanting – armed with a baseball bat - made an “unplanned attendance” at the Corrigan Road unit.

After learning of the visit, Mehdi genuinely believed Mr Loulanting with up to eight others was hunting for him, the judge stated.

Mehdi messaged Ms Subu, misleading her that he was catching an Uber to her address.

“This was never his plan,” Justice Fox stated.

“Instead, the plan was to have Ms Subu attend at (the Corrigan Road unit), which is what occurred.

“Mr Mehdi knew, or expected, that Ms Subu would be accompanied by Mr Loulanting.”

Nguyen covered a nearby unit’s CCTV camera before all four entered and waited for Ms Subu and Mr Loulanting.

Inside, Mr Loulanting was shot in the back of the leg, struck three times with a bladed weapon and then shot again fatally to the face.

The affray charges related to Ms Subu and her boyfriend being chased outside by Mehdi, who was armed with a pole.

Qian had the shotgun, pointing it at Ms Subu. Justice Fox was satisfied that Qian fired at least one of the two shots into Mr Loulanting.

Chau had a machete and Nguyen also some type of weapon.

The four accused left in the car.

“I shot your boy,” Mehdi later told Ms Subu in a phone call.

Two months later, Qian texted ‘Big Jace’: “I knew I shouldve (sic) dropped her too lol. I reloaded for her. But didnt (sic) pull. 6am traffic

in Corrigan.”

After their arrest, neither Mehdi and Qian admitted shooting the victim, or having murderous intent.

In his police interview, Mehdi argued self-defence.

Justice Fox said Mehdi had other options – such as avoiding the victim by remaining in 24-hour pokies venues that night, and arranging to meet Ms Subu in a public place.

“While his desire for revenge was mixed with fear, he had no right to do what he did.”

Chau and Qian’s culpability was also high, with the judge rejecting it was a spontaneous plan.

Chau denied being inside the unit during the shooting or being part of the affray.

Out of the four, Mehdi had the most serious priors, including violence, and was on bail at the time.

The permanent resident visa holder was in protected custody while in remand, and faced the prospect of deportation.

Born in Pakistan, the Afghan Hazara man and his family fled to Australia as refugees.

He was afflicted with complex PTSD and childhood trauma, including having two close family members killed in bombing attacks in Pakistan.

“I accept that prior to arriving in Australia, you faced the type of violence, trauma and fear that many people would never experience in their lifetime.”

Mehdi was jailed for 27 years, with a non-parole period of 21 years.

Qian and Chau were both sentenced to 26 years jail, with 20-year non-parole periods.

Justice Fox accepted that Nguyen was not part of the agreement and unaware of the shotgun – hence he pled to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

Nguyen was jailed for nine-and-a-half years, with a six-and-a-half year non-parole period.

The Conservation Regulator urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward. (Supplied)

Chemicals in corellas

Toxicology testing by the Conservation Regulator has identified the presence of Methomyl and Mevinphos in samples taken from birds after more than 200 were found dead in Springvale in July.

Methomyl and Mevinphos are active ingredients in some agricultural insecticides.

Both Methomyl and Mevinphos are listed as restricted use chemicals and must only be used strictly in line with the label directions.

The Conservation Regulator urges anyone with information about the incident or use of these chemicals in the area to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. You can report anonymously.

Corellas are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and there are significant penalties for unlawfully hunting, taking or destroying protected wildlife, including imprisonment.

Most of the birds killed were Little Corellas (Cacatua sanguinea) as well as some Long-billed Corellas (Cacatua tenuirostris), Crested Pigeons (Ocyphaps lophotes) and non-native pigeons.

County Court of Victoria.

Hub decade in the making

Basking in spring sunshine, Keysborough Community Hub was officially opened in front of a 1500-strong crowd on Saturday 6 September.

The long-awaited $29.5 million multi-purpose facility at Villiers Road provides services and spaces for Greater Dandenong’s fastest-growing suburb.

It features a library lounge with more than 3000 items, maternal and child health, early years education, outdoor play areas and community rooms.

The site had been a long-time coming – originally expected to cost $22 million and open in December 2024.

InJuly,itsplaygroundandcommunitylounge were ‘soft-opened’ to the public, with maternal and child health services starting in August and childcare to follow in coming months.

Kindergarten will begin in 2026.

On a day of fanfare, live entertainment and kids activities, Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said the official opening was an important moment.

“I am excited to see families and neighbours enjoying this space together,” Cr Memeti said.

“The Keysborough Community Hub is more than a building.

“It’s a place where people of all ages can connect, learn and celebrate.

“I am proud of our Council’s commitment to investing in facilities like this, that will serve a growing community for decades to come.”

The building design is inspired by Keysborough’s natural environment, including colours echoing the local River Red Gums.

With a 5-Star Green Star rating, the hub uses

environmentally responsible materials and energy-efficient systems.

“This is a beautifully designed, high quality, sustainable building and our community deserve nothing less,” Cr Memeti said.

The State Government contributed $4 million via a Building Blocks Grant and the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, as well as $5.12 million through the Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme

Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson said the opening was a “real celebration for the community”.

“It provides a space where people of all ages can come together to learn new skills, shoot a hoop, take part in a book club, cook a community meal, enjoy a family BBQ or jump on the trampoline.”

Keysborough South ward councillor Isabella Do said the hub was a much-needed addition to the neighbourhood.

“Growing up, I spent countless hours at Springvale Library, so I know how important spaces like this are - to our neighbours and to everyone who comes together here.

“With its perfect blend of nature, art, and community, I know this space will be appreciated by every single person who walks through its doors.”

After advocating for the Hub for more than a decade, Keysborough South Action Group stated the milestone reflects the community’s “strength, resilience and vision”.

“This is the final major piece of missing infrastructure that now serves the community from cradle to grave,” spokesperson Nina Kelly said.

Gold Coast antisemitism forum labelled a ‘political junket’

By Sahar Foladi

The Jewish Council of Australia has praised Greater Dandenong and Casey councillors for declining invites to an antisemitism forum on the Gold Coast.

The JCA has called for mayors and councillors to boycott what it terms a “pro-Israel political junket” disguised as a “community safety initiative.”

The forum was “designed to push a one-sided political agenda, silencing legitimate criticism of Israel by conflating it with antisemitism,” the JCA claimed.

The Australian Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism forum from 3-5 September is run by the US-based Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM).

Australia’s Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, is one of the summit speakers along with mayor of Gold Coast Tom Tate.

As previously reported by Star Journal, City of Greater Dandenong’s mayor Jim Memeti and councillors such as Melinda Yim and Rhonda Garad have declined the all-expense paid event.

Cr Garad criticised Victoria’s Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos over his lack of con-

demnation of the event.

“He seems to have no concern that this summit is trying to introduce unfair levels of privilege for one group across the whole of local government.

“If it was China having a summit and free trip for every councillors, handing us tools to come back and embed policies that privileged Chinese people, they would jump on this, throw the full force of everything they had at this but because it’s Israel it gets a free pass.

“The level of outrage by people I speak to un-

derstand all this, they are angered.

“Why can’t the local government minister protect the integrity of government?”

In response to her letters to the Minister’s office in July and August, Mr Staikos said it’s not appropriate for him to intervene.

This is because councils have the power to make resolutions on any matter “that they believe affects their communities” if done lawfully and in accordance to their obligation under equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws, he stated.

“As you are aware, the Act requires councillors to submit regular personal interests returns, declare any conflicts of interest regarding council matters and remove themselves from the decision-making process in relation to matters for which they have a conflict of interest.

“I also note each council is required to adopt a councillor gift policy, which councillors are required to comply with.”

In a media statement, the JCA praised “councillors, including in Greater Dandenong and Casey, (who) have already refused to attend” – a move that was “the right thing to do given the blind support for Israel’s genocidal war by conference organisers.”

“While some participants in the conference

may have taken CAM at face value and been unaware of its links to the Israeli and Trump administrations, we are asking anyone of conscience to pull out now,” JCA executive officer Max Kaiser said.

CAM is also well-known for “smearing pro-Palestine academics” and linked to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, said to be complicit in the starvation and murder of Palestinians, the JCA claims. The forum is said to host more than 200 local government leaders and community advocates from across the country in a first of its kind event in Australia.

Belle Oni, from Noble Park business Elemental Aerial, performs outside the hub’s impressive facade. (Rob Carew: 495100)

Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti with the Roaming Bandicoots at the Keysborough Community Hub opening. (Rob Carew: 495100)

Ryan and Monique from the Lizard Wizard with an albino Darwin python, Albi, and a childrens python, Cleo. (Rob Carew: 495100)

The grand tradtion of bubbles always draws a crowd. (Rob Carew: 495100)

Councillor Rhonda Garad has raised major concerns about the impact of the forum on the decision making of councillors in local governments.(Gary Sissons: 442319_04)

City of Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti, front second right, and councillors have confirmed to have declined the antisemitism forum in Gold Coast.(Gary Sissons: 442319_03)

Nod to greyhounds angel

A veterinary nurse who pioneered Australia’s first greyhound adoption program has been recognised at Sandown Greyhound Racing Club’s annual Women in Racing Awards Night.

Mel Tochner, based at Sandown Vet Clinic, took out the prestigious Marg Thompson Award on Thursday, 4 September.

Visiting Los Angeles more than 30 years ago, Tochner first encountered rehoming groups for retired racing-greyhounds.

She saw the great need at home and launched a Greyhound Adoption Program in 1996.

It quickly became a movement, rehoming 75 greyhounds in its first year and tens of thousands over the next 30 years.

Most weekends, Tochner spruiked the cause at pet expos, dog walks, shows, radio and TV. She worked tirelessly to challenge misconceptions about the breed.

This was all on top of organising foster homes, supporting adoptive families, and driving greyhounds around the state.

She’s also raised thousands for the Royal Childrens Hospital and for the GAP, volunteering for a charity Chistmas Day lunch at Sandown and often shown to work with a pack of rescue jobs.

At the awards, opposition racing spokesperson Tim Bull spoke on the Arthur Grassby Foundation – which gives young people an opportuni-

The club’s CEO Adrian Scott said the initiative reflected its “ongoing commitment to supporting women to reach their full potential”.

“The values behind the Kokoda Trek—resil-

ience, courage, and determination—perfectly mirror the spirit of the women we celebrate at our Women in Racing event.

“We are proud to support this journey and continue building pathways for women to achieve their best.”

Mr Bull said the Kokoda Trek was a “transformative experience that builds character, strength, and leadership in young Australians”.

“I commend the club for its commitment to supporting the next generation of strong, resilient women.”

The Marg Thompson Award recognises exceptional women who have made a lasting, dedicated impact on the sport.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre appeal for legal-rights

By Sahar Foladi

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre has launched a September appeal to raise urgent funds for refugee-led advocacies and legal actions stopping deportations.

The independent charity’s appeal is in response to what it says are concerning new deportation laws from the Federal Government.

Donations will fund ASRC’s Human Rights Law Program, which provides legal advice to people seeking asylum and refugees, will help in legal challenges to stop deportations and fund ASRC’s refugee-led advocacy.

“We don’t want to keep having to be people’s grocery, people’s doctors, people’s lawyers because they can’t access those due to policies based on punishment and deterrence,” ASRC deputy chief executive officer Jana Favero says.

“We would love to change those policies so we no longer have to exist in the way we do. We only exist because of failures in government policies,“ she says.

“Not only do we deliver services, but we also advocate.

“That advocacy includes consulting with people seeking asylum and refugees to tell us what are the most important issues to them.

“That includes legal challenges, trips to Canberra so politicians hear directly from people impacted.“

“I think if there ever a time to donate to ASRC’s advocacy, it’s now seeing what has happened in Parliament in the last week with the passing of a bill that attacks the legal rights of people seeking asylum and refugees, paving the way for people

ment introduced the bill to deny a cohort of 354 non-citizens in Australia the ability to legally challenge if the Government decides to send them to Nauru. The cohort have had their visas cancelled on character grounds.

The Government argues that legal challenges were being abused by the cohort to delay their removal “in circumstances where it is neither nec-

Thousands of people are also still in limbo under the Fast Track system which saw some people impacted camp at the doorstep of the Bruce MP Julian Hill’s office last year.

The majority of those remaining have had their visas refused, cancelled or expired. Many of them are seeking a review.

Depending on their visa conditions, many aren’t on Medicare, don’t have the right to work and

don’t receive any social benefits but despite this, many have overcame all the obstacles and have established a successful living.

Rathy Barthlote has lived in limbo for over 12 years and in that time she has worked as a support worker, social support worker volunteer with Red Cross, co-founder of Refugee Women Action for Visa Equality.

She has taken part in many protests across Australia including the numerous asylum and refugee protests in Greater Dandenong.

The mother of two and her first-born daughter is not afforded the same privilege as her second-born who is a citizen.

She recently travelled to Canberra to lobby Parliamentarians and speak directly to Ministers to try to drive change.

“The government needs to hear directly from refugees affected by their policies they need to know who we are, and how their decisions impact on our future and that of our families.

“Through support from ASRC, refugees can access freedom from detention, essential services, and legal support.”

WIN TICKETS WIN TICKETS

ty to take the Kokoda Trek. Sandown Greyhound Racing Club announced the sponsorship of a young woman to take part in next year’s Kokoda Trek, all expenses paid.

Sandown Greyhounds CEO Adrian Scott, opposition racing spokesperson Tim Bull and MC Victoria Shaw with a presentation to the Arthur Grassby Foundation.

Victoria Shaw, Tim Bull, Adrian Scott, Catherine Coleman and Peter Moody at the Women in Racing Awards.

Victims of the Fast Track system protested and camped outside Bruce MP Julian Hill’s office in 2024. (Stewart Chambers: 431560_01)

Rathy Barthlote at one of the many protests she has attended. (Supplied)

WHAT’S ON

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

Springvale Urban Harvest

Come along to swap excess homegrown produce and gardening extras and meet like-minded growers in the area. Supported by The Greater Dandenong Seed Library and the Springvale Community Hub Clothes Swap.

• Second Saturday of the month (next 13 September) 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Clothes swap Community members are invited to contribute up to 10 items of clothing, shoes and/or accessories. All items must be clean, in good condition and ready to display on the day.

• Saturday 13 August, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: Zoe, mohlz@icloud.com

Sustainability Saturdays

Make seed balls and seed paper in this interactive workshop, hosted by Emma Grace. Learn why pollinators are important and how to help them by growing flowers.

• Saturday 13 September, 2pm-3.30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Bookings required at eventbrite.com.au/e/1317080145169?aff=o ddtdtcreator

Perc.U.lations

A regular poetry and spoken word event including an open mic and a featured poet. Committed to featuring at least 50 per cent poets who identify as women or gender-diverse throughout the year.

• Second Saturday of the month (next 13 September), 2pm- 3pm (poetry workshop), 3pm5pm (open mic) at Kafe on Hemmings, 86 Hemmings Street, Dandenong; pay as you feel. Details: thesandandthefrog@gmail.com

Fiesta Latina

From sizzling BBQ meats to sweet treats, Fiesta Latina is a food lover’s paradise. Explore authentic dishes including birria tacos, burritos, nachos, churros, empanadas, Chilean delights, and Brazilian savoury pastries. Latin DJ, Cuban live music and salsa, samba and bachata dancers.

• Sunday 14 September, 10am-3pm at Dandenong Market (southern car park), corner Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong. Free entry.

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.

• Wednesday 10 September, 12pm-1pm and Wednesday 17 September, 12.30pm-1.30pm. Free event, register at greaterdandenongevents.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_6 e8333331fc84626a33a2a89aa2e8cdd

Art, Memory and Desire

Explore ‘home’ at this thought-provoking forum featuring artists from HOME 25: Invisible Cities, alongside local leaders, activists and thinkers. Moderated by Yolngu woman of the Galpu Clan from Northeast Arnhem land, Leila Gurruwiwi, featuring Uncle Mark Brown (Bunurong and Gunditjmara) and Candy Bowers.

• Saturday 20 September, 2pm-5.30pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong; $10. Registrations essential at greaterdandenong-events. bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_370834fe 537b48c682e6c5082d8a0114

Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve open day Take a ranger-guided or self-guided tour along the

Nature Trail through stunning bushland. Bring some food and enjoy the picnic facilities. Open to all ages.

• Sunday 21 September, 10am-5pm at Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South. Free event.

Deckchair movies

Deckchair Movies series, starting with Paddington

In Peru (PG). Bring a picnic blanket, movie snacks and enjoy a free movie screening as part of the Children’s Festival school holiday program.

• Monday 22 September, 6pm-8.30pm at Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event

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/market-memoirs

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/ greater-dandenong-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/ multicultural-anxiety-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.

SPORT Hawks hoist first ever flag

By Justin Schwarze

Hallam Football Club capped off its invincible season by hanging a first-ever seniors flag on the wall of the Hawks’ clubrooms.

Hallam made history by eclipsing the Southern Division 4 premiership, edging out a brave Dandenong West side 11.6(72) to 8.9(57) at Hampton Park.

The Hawks didn’t lose a game all season, entering their names into footy immortality in what is a proud moment for the club.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing at Robert Booth Reserve however, with the big dance being tied at the conclusion of the first term.

Hallam pushed out to a two-goal advantage at the main break before the Westerners slowly clawed back into it, getting within four points in the final period.

But as the Hawks have all season, they closed it out in a professional way with clutch goalkicking sealing the win.

“Even though we were pretty dominant throughout the year, I think the feeling that you’ve earned it on grand final day is probably a bit more rewarding,” Hallam senior coach Tom Dalton said.

“Grand finals are always different, you’ve got to earn it and we bloody earned it, that’s for sure.

“It was a good game, Dandenong kept up with us all day, we had to earn it.

“We were really nervous and it showed in the first quarter.

“It took us a couple of quarters to settle down and Dandenong came at us, they played better than I’ve ever seen them play.

“To Dandenong’s due credit, to come from where they’ve been and just miss in a grand final, good on them, they’ve done well.”

Hallam Football Club was founded in 2012, winning a senior premiership in just the club’s 14th season.

The Hawks have new clubrooms at Hallam Reserve, making it an ideal spot for a brand new flag to hang and to treasure.

“That’s the first one for the club so they can build themselves a trophy cabinet,” Dalton remarked.

“We’ve got brand new rooms so we’ve got no trophy cabinet at the moment, so it was great to see Saturday night, they’ve got the flags pinned up on the wall already.

“We went out into the middle of the ground and put the cups in the middle and sung the song.

“That’s what the footy club is all about, it’s the bonds you make.

“They’ll be old men and they’ll come back to the club and they’ll have their photo on the wall and they’ll look at the flags and say ‘we played in the first ever flag’.”

“That’s something that can’t be taken away from them.

“It’s pretty special to win the first flag for the club.

“It took a lot of work from a lot of good people, it was a lot of people that chipped in and like everything, we did it together.

Rowville move one step closer

By David Nagel

Rowville is just one win away from a place in the Eastern Premier Division grand final after sweeping aside East Ringwood with a barnstorming final term on Sunday.

Leading by 14 points at the final break the Hawks turned on the turbos, kicking 8.5 to 1.0 in the last quarter to put the first semi-final to bed. After defeating South Croydon by seven points in last week’s elimination final, the Hawks are now one step away from the big dance after a commanding 14.12(96) to 4.11(35) triumph.

The Hawks were terrific at Jubilee Park, with the two Lachie’s - McDonald and Wynd - contributing three goals each while the hard-working Matt Davey and Tyler Edwards chimed in with a couple each.

Rowville had winners all over the park with Liam Coghlan, Callum Verrell and Jesse Eickhoff

joining McDonald, Edwards and Davey on an impressive list of best players.

The Hawks will now need to butter up off a sixday break and take on Blackburn at Beaconsfield this Saturday in the preliminary final.

Blackburn - who finished top of the ladderproved no match for Balwyn in the second semifinal, who won 13.13(91) to 6.8(44) to book the home changeroom for this year’s grand final at Bayswater.

Jack Tillig kicked three for the Tigers, while Steven Slimming, Lachie Young and Ben Freeman were among the better players on the ground.

EASTERN PREMIER

Results: Second Semi-Final: Blackburn 6.8(44) def by Balwyn 13.13(91). First Semi-Final: East Ringwood 4.11(35) def by Rowville 14.12(96). Finals Fixture - Week 3 (Saturday 13 September at Beaconsfield). Preliminary Final: Blackburn (1) v Rowville (4).

“That’s how you win them, not by one person, it takes everybody chipping in.”

Dalton was incredibly proud of his playing group to hoist the cup after heartbreakingly going down in last year’s grand final to Hampton.

The fire in the belly never went away and there was one feeling stronger than any other when the final siren went on Saturday.

“The first emotion was relief that we finally got it done,” Dalton recalled.

“The feeling around the club was they just wanted to get that first grand final out of the way and get it done.

“You have to be mentally tough to win a grand final.

“Then the joy comes after it, but I think a lot of the guys have been around for a while and haven’t won a grand final before.

“Sometimes you’ve got to lose one to win one and that’s exactly what happened.

“We haven’t lost a game since last year’s grand final so you’ve got the weight of going the whole

season undefeated going into the grand final but for the boys to get it done, it was really good.

“They’ve worked hard, we did a hard preseason and they don’t miss training, they don’t miss extra sessions so they’ve put in the extra work so they’ve earned it.”

On a brilliant day for the club, the reserves also tasted premiership success, knocking off Lyndale 8.8(56) to 6.6(42).

Hallam has earned promotion and will now compete in Southern Division 3 in 2026 with the win.

Small forward Nathan Jerram was awarded best-on-ground for the seniors, proving to be damaging in the contest and moving the ball forward.

“They put their head over the ball and did the right thing,” Dalton said proudly of his outfit.

“You have to be tough to win grand finals.

“I was pleased for them, there’s a lot of excitement.”

City through to big dance

after upset over Avondale

By Justin Schwarze Grand

final bound.

Dandenong City is through to the NPL big dance after pulling off the stunner of the season, upsetting top-seeded Avondale 1-0 in the preliminary final on the road at Avenger Park.

The first big chance of the match came from the hosts when Stefan Valentini cut back onto his left foot and fired a shot on goal, forcing a good save from Pierce Clark.

The home fans held their breath when Timothy Atherinos got a good look for City, putting his shot just wide of the goal from a long distance attempt.

In the 35th minute, Will Bower played a pinpoint pass into the path of Valli Cesnik, who launched a powerful shot on target but was met with a tremendous save from Avondale keeper Tom Mannos.

Ultimately, neither team could find the back of the net in the first half and the sides entered the main break deadlocked.

In the 72nd minute, Dandenong found a breakthrough from a corner set piece.

The cross came in from Jamie Latham and found Gaku Inaba at the back post, who headed it down to a dangerous area.

Waiting was Jack Webster and the defender managed to get a slight touch on the ball to fool the keeper, sneaking it in for a goal and the lead.

From there, Dandenong defended well and held a clean sheet against the league’s topscoring side, a massive achievement in reaching the final day of the season.

City now will play for the NPL title against fierce opponent Heidelberg on Sunday at Lakeside Stadium.

Workhorse Matt Davey was everywhere for Rowville in its first semi-final win over East Ringwood. (Rob Carew: 475447)

Jack Webster’s goal got Dandenong City through to the grand final. (Supplied)

Hallam is the 2025 Southern Football Netball League Division 4 premiers. (Gary Sissons: 501164)

Dingley chasing its destiny

By Blair Burns

Dingley has booked a spot in the Southern Division 1 grand final after defeating Cheltenham by seven points in Saturday’s second semi-final.

The Dingoes looked too good from the opening bounce, quickly establishing a 16-point lead by quarter time, which they extended to 18 points at the half.

It was the third quarter where Dingley seemingly secured victory as it kicked 3.4 to 1.1, pushing the lead out to 33 points at the final break, a margin which looked too great for the Rosellas, who had only scored 15 points for the day.

But Cheltenham came out in the fourth term and looked a different team, putting pressure on Dingley and scoring four unanswered goals to get back within just six points.

It was game on, and the Dingoes were desperate to hold on as the clock ticked down.

Despite the resurgence from Cheltenham, who kicked five goals to one in the fourth term, Dingley held on 7.13 (55) to 7.6 (48) to advance to the 2025 grand final.

Mitch Gent kicked two goals in a best-onground performance for Dingley, while Jacob Edwards was Cheltenham’s best.

The other semi-final was also a thriller as St Paul’s McKinnon and Springvale Districts fought for a spot in the preliminary final against Cheltenham.

The Bulldogs prevailed by just five points, 11.12 (78) to 11.7 (73).

The Demons came into the clash with a 1-1 record against the Dogs and with Matt Wetering (four goals) firing, they had belief that they could get the job done once again.

with a goal for St Paul’s McKinnon, helping his side take the lead by six points.

But Springvale Districts responded through Matt Wetering and Jeremy Dang who got their side back in front by five points.

When Bulldogs’ Judd Rowell kicked a goal 20 minutes into the last term, the scores were tied once again, this time at 66 apiece.

A goal from Hudson Thomas got the lead back for Springvale with only minutes remaining, but Sam Hilton-Joyce came up clutch for the Bulldogs.

He kicked the final two goals of the game in short succession, to help his side to a preliminary final by just five points.

Jack McCartney (three goals), Liam Purcell and Hilton-Joyce were the best players in the victory.

In Division 2, Chelsea Heights will take on Hampton Park in the 2025 grand final this weekend after beating Highett by 34 points on the weekend.

The Demons were always going to take some beating and while the Bulldogs came in with some belief, they were outclassed from the outset.

Luke Smith (three goals), Declan Lee and Nathan Wright (two goals each) delivered for Chelsea Heights – Rob Macpherson was named the best player.

Mitch Hoar kicked two goals for Highett in the loss and was one of his team’s best alongside Bailey Searle.

Springy got off to a good start to lead by 10 points at quarter time, which had been reduced to six points by the main break.

and everything was on the line as the scoreboard read 53-53.

The game remained close into the second half,

Stingrays into grand final

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong Stingrays girls have progressed to the Coates League grand final with an 8.8(56) to 2.3(15) victory over Oakleigh Chargers.

After back-to-back losses against the same opponent in the preliminary final across the last two years, Dandenong came in with a clear plan and executed it sublimely with their pressure around the contest too much for Oakleigh to handle.

The Chargers kicked the first goal at a windswept Shepley Oval courtesy of bottom-aged goal-kicking gun Bailee Martin but it was all Dandenong after that.

They took a seven point lead into quarter time and dominated the second quarter, for a return of just 1.5, before keeping the foot on the throttle in the third which gave them an unassailable threequarter time lead.

Fittingly, Evelyn Connolly kicked a goal after the siren to cap off the brilliant performance.

It was the goalsneak’s fourth goal in a best on ground performance, with her ability to convert on Dandenong’s dominance ensuring the Sting-

rays got the result they richly deserved.

Ruby Geurts was her partner in crime, kicking three goals, while Marlee Black was important when the game was there to be won.

Gabrielle Mehrmann led the backline with authority, keeping Martin to just her one first quarter goal, while Sophie White gave the mids first look by convincingly winning the ruck contest, and Charlotte Hewitson was as classy as ever.

The Stingrays will take on Eastern Ranges in the grand final this weekend.

Meanwhile, Dandenong’s boys lost a heartbreaker after the siren against GWV Rebels at Mars Stadium, Ballarat.

GWV’s Charlie McKinnon kicked three goals in the last quarter, including his post-siren shot from 35 metres out on a tight angle to lift the plucky Rebels to a 12.10(82) to 11.13(79) victory.

Dandenong played better for most of the game but were never able to shake GWV, despite four goals to Tairon Ah-Mu, and strong performances to Adrian Cole, Cal Smith, Louis Salopek and Louis Hodder.

Brayden O’Toole opened the final quarter

The Demons’ victory sets up an exciting grand final clash between the two best sides in the competition, Chelsea Heights and Hampton Park.

Gunslinger Richardson rolls into town and gets serious

By David Nagel

It was another night of super action in the Mountain Dart League with seven 180s thrown in round eight of the Division 1 competition on Friday.

Chris Richardson was the star of the show, combining a magnificent 180 with a superb 101-pegout in Noble Park 1’s big win over Bullseyes.

Richardson’s teammate David Putt also filledthelipstickasNobleParkmaintainedthird place on the ladder.

Two of the stars from ladder-leading High 5’s was also in red-hot form, with Dean Gibbs scoring a 180 and Mick Cloutter producing an 86-checkout in a strong victory over Redbacks 1.

Stan Christie threw a 180 and scored an 85peg, but it wasn’t enough for Out Casts, who went down to The Chiefs, with Jack Pearce landing a lovely maximum for the winners.

And Leipua Ahotolu was the hot player for Check Out, firing in a 180 and 77 peg in a great win over The Rebels.

Tewerita Tapara kept The Rebels in the hunt with three perfect darts in the treble-20.

High 5’s continues to lead the way, sitting two games clear of The Chiefs in second position on the ladder.

In Division 2, Ashley Canfor landed a 160 in The Bandits win over Redbacks 2, who lost despite Charlie Andrews throwing a lovely 91 checkout.

And 140s were thrown for fun in The Night Trawlers win over Spectrum.

Aaron Kirkmoe landed one for the winners, while Tyde Preis hit two 140s and Chris Riddle one for Spectrum.

And finally, in Division 3, Brent Wright, Steve Clarke and Dave Caddell all threw 140s in Madarras win over Vales 3, despite Poona Kuea scoring a magnificent 114 peg for Vales.

And The Goodies were too strong for Stingrays, with Kevin Johnson leading the way with a rock-solid 140 visit.

MOUNTAINDARTLEAGUE

• DIVISION1

Results R8: Noble Park (1) def MDDA Bullseyes, High 5’s def Redbacks (1), The Chiefs def Out Casts, Check Out def Rebels.

Ladder: High 5’s 32, The Chiefs 24, Noble Park (1) 16, MDDA Bullseyes 16, Check Out 16, Rebels 12, Redbacks (1) 8, Out Casts 4. Fixture R9: High 5’s v Rebels, MDDA Bullseyes v Out Casts, The Chiefs v Noble Park (1), Check Out v Redbacks (1).

• DIVISION2

Results R8: The Bandits def Redbacks (2), The Night Trawlers def Spectrum. Bye: MDDA Black Bulls.

Ladder: The Bandits 24, The Night Trawlers 20, Spectrum 12, MDDA Black Bulls 8, Redbacks (2) 0.

Fixture R9: Redbacks (2) v MDDA Black Bulls, Spectrum v The Bandits. Bye: The Night Trawlers.

• DIVISION3

Results R8: Madarras def Vales (3), The Goodies def Stingrays. Bye: Stingers.

Ladder: The Goodies 28, Madarras 20, Stingrays 8, Vales (3) 8, Stingers 0.

Fixture R9: Madarras v Stingers, Stingrays v Vales (3). Bye: The Goodies.

Evelyn Connolly was brilliant for Dandenong. (Gary Sissons: 489621)

Ashley Canfor fired in a beautiful 160 in The Bandits win over Redbacks in Division 2 of the Mountain Dart League. (Supplied: 501656)

Tom Morecroft was a key contributor in Dingley’s win over Cheltenham, as his side progressed to the grand final. (Gary Sissons: 482705)