Clean-up order
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A soil-works operator has been ordered by the state’s planning tribunal to clean up a controversial, contaminated dirt mound in Bangholme’s Green Wedge.
ESI Projects Pty Ltd must remove the contaminated soil at 576 Frankston Dandenong Road by 29 December, as a result of the VCAT decision. Its category B contamination – the secondhighest level of hazardousness – includes asbestos fragments.
The stockpile stands behind a flower farm and 400 metres away from worried residents at Willow Lodge retirement village.
According to ESI’s submissions, the remediation will cost between $4-6 million.
ESI had a permit to accept ‘clean fill’ only on the site as well as an exclusive contract with landowner Jakupi Flowers to accept a minimum 400,000 cubic metres of soil over three years.
ESI was paid by customers who deposited their soil, and in turn paid Jakupi $4 plus GST per cubic metre.
It sought a VCAT review of an Environment Protection Authority notice to clean-up by 28 February this year, arguing it was “not the appropriate person” to receive the Environmental Action Notice.
It submitted it did not know of the importing of contaminated material, and had went “above and beyond” required protocols in order to prevent it.
ESI also identified the category B waste was
sourced mainly from soil recycler Renex in Ordish Road, Dandenong South, as well as a rail crossing works site in West Parkdale, the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade project and the Kananook Stabling yards.
It relied on testing results supplied from Renex that “misrepresented” the soil was ‘clean fill’.
ESI argued it would be “irrational”, “impractical” and “inefficient” for it to undertake its own sampling and independent analysis of all soil brought onto the premises.
However, EPA said Renex was licenced to process Category A soil and was hence a “high risk” of contamination requiring ESI to do additional testing.
In a finding on 24 September, VCAT senior members SM Dhojan and Ian Potts noted that it
was “common ground” between ESI and EPA that the site was not authorized to receive the “priority industrial waste”.
They found that there was a “paramount duty to minimize the risk of harm”.
“Nothing that has been submitted or put to the Tribunal by ESI persuades us that the action of the (EPA) should be set aside.”
ESI submitted that the cease-and-clean-up order would risk insolvency, after recording a $382,000 operating loss for the ten months up to 30 April.
VCAT stated that it was open to ESI, in a later action, to seek to costs from others who were responsible for the contamination.
ESI Projects has lost its attempt to set aside an order to clean-up contaminated soil in Bangholme’s Green Wedge. (Gary Sissons: 498736)
Koomen could be up again
By Ethan Benedicto and Cam Lucadou-Wells
After a “transition” year, Casey mayor Stefan Koomen is considering a tilt at re-election for a second consecutive mayoral term in November.
Cr Koomen was elected as Casey’s first mayor since councillors were sacked and the council placed under administration during an IBAC inquiry in 2020.
“This year has been one of transition, with monitors overseeing the new council for our first 12 months.
“I believe the continuity of leadership and experience could benefit the group moving forward into our second year.
“While the decision about future leadership rests with councillors, it’s certainly something I will consider as we approach November.”
Cr Koomen said it had been an “incredible honour” to lead at the start of “this new chapter” for the council and to help “restore democracy and rebuild trust in our community”.
Good governance and transparency were key priorities, with residents telling councillors prior to last year’s elections that trust in the council had been eroded, Koomen said.
Residents had also said during the five-year period without elected councillors that they felt they had “no voice or outlet” to engage with Casey, he said.
“That absence was deeply felt, and I’ve made it a priority to be visible, accessible, and responsive.
“Whether it’s attending community events, hosting forums, or simply chatting with residents at a local cafe, I’ve genuinely enjoyed hearing directly from the people we serve.”
The promises of transparency, community voice and good governance were tested quickly.
The first public council meeting in February was cut short after heated behaviour in the gallery spilled into the chamber.
Acting on police advice, Koomen shifted subsequent meetings online to “preserve safety and
CITY OF CASEY
order”, a move criticised by some residents but one he said upheld good governance.
Cr Koomen conceded “this term has not been without its challenges, with many bumps along the way”.
He was proud how councillors had bonded and tackled historical issues “head-on”, such as the Local Law controversy that sparked the February meeting shutdown.
“It was the first time we were tested as a new Council and we rose to the challenge.”
Casey faced unique pressures, such as its urgent need for infrastructure to keep pace with a rapidly-expanding population, Cr Koomen said.
He highlighted the “vital” need for a “reliable transport network” to connect Casey residents.
“I’m proud of the record funding commitments secured for the City of Casey through the Federal election, for major road upgrades and city defining infrastructure like the Women’s Centre of Excellence.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Need help finding local support services in Casey?
There’s a tool to help – and it’s completely free.
Our Community Service Organisation (CSO) Directory is an online resource that makes it easy to connect with local non-profit organisations offering a wide range of community, health, and social support services.
Whether you’re a service provider referring clients or a resident seeking help, the CSO Directory makes it easy to connect with the right support.
Scan the QR code to explore the directory online.
Nominations for the 2026 Casey Community Awards are now open to all Casey residents.
There are multiple awards for individuals and groups acknowledging their contribution to the community. Nominations close Monday 20 October.
Who will you nominate?
“We continue to advocate strongly to the State Government for investment in roads, public transport, and essential services.”
He also took public stands on wider issues, where, when the State introduced its new emergency services levy, Koomen called the charge “unfair” but acknowledged the city had no choice but to collect it.
In August, Koomen condemned extremist rhetoric at anti-immigration rallies, framing Casey’s diversity as its strength.
Casey mayor Stefan Koomen says he’s considering a tilt at being reelected as mayor in November. (City of Casey)
‘Win-win’ for parking
By Sahar Foladi
Greater Dandenong Council has opted for a 50-50 split in coin-operated and cashless parking meters as part of a $2 million upgrade program.
The contract was awarded to Duncan Solutions Australia at a council meeting on Monday 22 September for the supply, installation and maintenance program.
Under the contract, 50 per cent of the council’s 135 parking meters will go cashless at three of the locations, central Dandenong, Dandenong Market and number 8 Balmoral car park Springvale whilst the other half will be upgraded but still accept cash.
Whilst timelines have not been given for these changes, the council’s acting chief executive officer Sanjay Manivasagasivam indicates it’ll be implemented by the end of this year.
He has also confirmed the modern look won’t
lead to parking fee spikes, but it’ll be reviewed as usual in its 2026-27 budget process.
“You will be able to pay in new ways — by app and online. We’re also upgrading some existing meters so you can still pay with cash if you prefer and will provide clear signage to these meters.
“No matter how you pay, you will no longer need to keep track of a paper ticket – just type in your registration number and away you go.”
This is known as pay by plate as paper tickets will no longer be issued.
The parking meters have reached the end of its life with the card reader component no longer supported.
A council staff at the council meeting also added issues with data and security as another reason for the upgrade.
The new technology is considered to save both money and time by paying via app or online. Its benefits include:
• Only pay for what you need – if you head back to your car early, you can cancel the remainder of your parking session and save money.
• Top up your parking without returning to your car (within signed time limits). This is great if you are stuck in a meeting or need a few extra minutes shopping or running errands.
A proposal earlier this year for solely cashless meters was strongly opposed by councillors Rhonda Garad and Bob Milkovic.
This was due to a council report stating 60 per cent of parking-meter customers in the municipality use cash.
Modern parking meters, as currently manufactured by most suppliers, is known to provide a range of benefits to users, operators and councils.
They are said to have reduced operational costs, improved payment security, language options, digital interface, reduced faults and resilience to damage.
Police target ‘unacceptable’ crime rate
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Victoria Police has set a target of reducing serious and violent crime by 5 per cent, in the face of an “unacceptable” crime rate.
In Greater Dandenong, recorded offences soared 16 per cent in the year ending June 2025, according to official crime stats. This was higher than the statewide 13.8 per cent rise.
The biggest spikes were in Dandenong (up 24 per cent) and Dandenong North (27 per cent).
There were huge jumps in car theft (up 34 per cent), family violence serious assaults (up 52 per cent) and arsons (up 56 per cent).
Meanwhile, family violence incidents hit a statewide record high of more than 106,000 for
the 12 months. More than 8600 family violence offenders were arrested a total of 16,148 times.
Victoria Police deputy commissioner Bob Hill said police were working on new approaches to deter repeat offenders, including getting more police on the streets.
He urged the community to take simple crime-prevention steps such as locking doors and anti-theft devices in cars.
“As a society, we simply cannot allow the level of crime we are seeing to become normalised and accepted – every Victorian deserves to feel safe in their home, within the community and on the roads,”
“Our members are doing exceptional work to resolve these crimes. But it must be said - the number of arrests we are seeing reflects an un-
acceptable level of offending.
“Victoria Police has set an ambitious target of reducing serious and violent crime by five per cent each year. There is no doubt this will be a challenge, but it is a fight we are up for to ensure our community remains as safe as possible.”
Aggravated home burglaries in Greater Dandenong dropped by 24 per cent but non-aggravated home burgs were up 25 per cent. Offences at houses were up 12 per cent.
The most common offence in the region was thefts from vehicles (up 30 per cent) – which includes number plates.
Also in the top 5 are retail theft (up 13 per cent), family-violence intervention order breaches (up 10 per cent) and criminal damage (up 24 per cent).
Aziz and Woodman face court
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey three-time ex-mayor Sam Aziz and property developer John Charles Woodman have briefly faced court via video link on charges laid by the state’s anti-corruption body.
Aziz, 52, faces five offences alleged by the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission, including one count of receiving secret commissions from Woodman between 10 May 2017 and 31 October 2019.
This was allegedly in order to show favour to the developer, as week as Woodman’s company Watsons Pty Ltd and Watson’s associates in their dealings with Casey Council, according to charge sheets.
Aziz has also been charged with two counts each of wilful misconduct in public office and misuse of position.
This includes Aziz allegedly failing to declare his financial dealings with Woodman and failing to declare a conflict of interest during council votes on The Pavilion housing estate in Clyde and an intersection at Hall Road, Cranbourne West.
Woodman was charged with giving secret commissions to Aziz between 10 May 2017 and 31 October 2019.
During the filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25 September, Aziz and Woodman appeared in separate video links while represented by separate lawyers in court.
A fidgeting and furrow-browed Aziz wore a beige T-shirt. He leaned forward, occasionally rubbing his face and sighing.
Woodman, in a black suit, white shirt and long black tie, sat upright and motionless as he listened on headphones.
The pair were scheduled to appear at a committal mention at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 2 February.
IBAC has stated the charges arise from its Operation Sandon inquiry into 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.
In the midst of the early public hearings, then-Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek sacked Casey’s councillors and installed a panel of administrators to oversee the council in 2020. Several months ago, IBAC “temporarily” removed the report from its website through an “abundance of caution“, it stated at the time.
Councillors Bob Milkovic and Rhonda Garad opposed a proposal for only cashless parking meters in February.(Gary Sissons: 457708_01)
Still waiting for payment
By Afraa Kori
One would assume a breakthrough moment for subcontractors came in August, when an adjudicator ruled the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) must pay the subbies $4.3 million for completed works at Coburg High, Hallam Secondary and John Fawkner College.
But months on, Aaron Lafranchi, Pakenham plumber and member of Subcontractors for Accountability (SFA), says nothing has changed.
He is owed $210,000 for his work at Coburg High, along with a further $100,000 in retention and unpaid debts across four other government projects.
“The collapse coincided with the birth of my second daughter — what should have been a joyful time turned into months of stress and sleepless nights,” Mr Lafranchi said.
“Covering wages for 12 staff, loans, and materials without reimbursement has forced me into constant financial juggling.”
Metarom Steel’s director Alex Gheorghiu, also took on the Coburg High project thinking it was a financially “safe” decision, but instead it was the first time in eight years he had never been paid for a job.
“I never imagined seeing something like this happen in Australia … and it happened on a government job,” he told Herald Sun.
A legal notice served on 12 September makes the VSBA directly liable under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act (SOPA).
The ruling came after months of lobbying by Subcontractors for Accountability (SFA), a volunteer-led campaign made up of tradies and small business owners across Melbourne, including south east.
Rather than complying with the decision, VSBA is spending taxpayer money on lawyers to dispute the ruling in the Supreme Court, while penalty interest has already topped
$45,000 and is climbing at more than $1,000 a day.
“The cruel irony is that we’ve already won, but the government chooses to burn taxpayer money on lawyers and delay rather than pay us,” Mr Lafranchi said.
“This is bigger than construction. If the government can ignore a legal ruling and leave families unpaid while wasting taxpayer money, then it’s a failure of integrity at the highest level.
“Children are also missing out on the school facilities they desperately need while our population is growing at a rapid rate.”
Ironically, the legal battle unfolds just as the Victorian Government rolls out new legislation aimed at ensuring subcontractors are paid.
“All workers - including subcontractors - de-
serve to be paid fairly and promptly,” Housing and Building Minister Harriet Shing said while announcing the new Fairer Payments on Jobsites Bill.
“This legislation is focussed on providing more certainty and confidence to subcontractors, which will in turn boost productivity across the industry.”
Mr Lafranchi warned that the ongoing delays and non-payment could deter subcontractors from taking on future government projects.
“Who will want to keep working on these jobs in the future under those conditions?”
“If this is how subcontractors are treated on taxpayer-funded projects, what chance does anyone in the housing industry have on private jobs especially when they have promised 2.24
million homes by 2051?”
“Every tradesperson in Victoria needs to understand this could happen to them tomorrow without warning, and right now the government won’t even do the right thing when the law is on our side.”
Mr Lafranchi said the ruling gave people confidence to come forward, but their hope is being crushed again by the VSBA’s refusal to act and the government’s wall of silence.
“Many in SFA say they feel numb, some talking about leaving the industry all together, some taking second mortgages, some have admitted to suicidal thoughts.
“Many subcontractors are so disillusioned they don’t believe anyone in power will help, no matter how much evidence we show.”
Grieving mum asks doctors to ‘truly listen’ to parents
By Emily Woods, AAP
A grieving mother watched her toddler die in front of her after pleading with doctors to save the three-year-old’s life for days.
“I will never forget the desperate attempts to resuscitate her tiny body,” Miranda Jowett said on Thursday 25 September, between tears.
“Parents know when their child is gravely ill. I urge doctors to set aside assumptions and truly listen to parents.”
Ms Jowett took her daughter, Dio Kemp, to Monash Medical Centre with a rash or fever four times and twice to a family GP, before she died from sepsis in November 2019.
But medical professionals told her the toddler, who had Down syndrome and was non-verbal, had a virus or fever, should be given pain medication and to wait for the child’s fever to break.
“Children with an intellectual disability must be given the highest priority in emergency care,” she said.
“Many cannot communicate their symptoms
like neurotypical children can and that makes them especially vulnerable.”
A coroner on Thursday found better medical investigation of Dio’s symptoms by doctors and clinicians in the three days before she died could have “potentially” saved her life.
Victorian Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos found a GP and two Monash clinicians did not provide sufficient care to Dio and her mother.
She said an emergency department clinician and a rapid review clinic clinician at the hospital, who saw Dio between November 22 and 23, provided clinical management and care that was “not reasonable by current standards”.
She said the ED clinician failed to consider the possibility of a bacterial infection and did not comply with Monash Health guidelines.
Ms Spanos said the clinician failed to recognise Ms Jowett had indicated a level of parental concern “requiring an escalation in Dio’s management” by closer monitoring, frequent observations or further investigation.
The rapid review clinic doctor on November 23 failed to give due weight to Dio’s overall clinical picture, on day five of a febrile illness, and her plan for a GP review in two days was “not safe enough” as no clear guidance was given, the coroner said.
And she said a GP’s management and care of Dio, on November 26 and 28, was also “not reasonable by current standards”.
While Ms Spanos could not determine a time Dio’s bacterial infection would have been detectable, she said “as a matter of logic there must have been a time within the last three days of Dio’s life when there was a potential to prevent her death”.
“This would have required competent examination by a GP or hospital clinician, recognition of the possibility of a bacterial infection, urgent investigations and the timely initiation of treatment,” Mr Spanos said.
The coroner said Monash had undertaken a review after the toddler’s death and made changes to its care guidelines already.
Outside court, Ms Jowett’s lawyer Samuel Pearce said the findings stressed the importance for clinicians to take parental or caregiver concerns into account with sick children.
“We welcome the findings from the coroner, and we welcome the changes that have been implemented since Dio’s death,” he said.
“But we urge that those changes be accompanied by rigorous training and cultural change to ensure that this does not happen to another family.”
Dio’s uncle Paul Oliver asked Monash Health to listen to parents, because Ms Jowett “knew instinctively” how unwell her daughter was before her health began to deteriorate.
“Unless the culture within pediatric emergency medicine starts starts to change at Monash, more children will die,” he said.
A Monash Health spokesperson said it would review the coroner’s findings and consider “any learnings or recommendations to ensure our patients receive the best care possible”.
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We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 87 already gone. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel and upgrading roads to reduce congestion and improve travel times.
Train disruptions:
Cranbourne and Pakenham lines
8.50pm to last train, 2 October
1am 4 October to 5 October
From 8.30pm 10 October to 15 October
16 October to 8.30pm 17 October
From 8.30pm 17 October to 23 October
Buses replace trains between Caulfield and Westall
Passengers change at Caulfield Station for Frankston Line trains to and from the city
Buses replace trains between Dandenong, East Pakenham and Cranbourne
Buses replace trains between Dandenong, Berwick and Cranbourne
Buses replace trains between Westall, Berwick and Cranbourne
Road disruptions: Closed roads and ramps
Bald Hill Road, Pakenham
Princes Freeway, Berwick
Clyde Road, Berwick
Thompsons Road, Clyde North
Kangan Drive, Berwick
Racecourse Road, Pakenham
Until 6 October In both directions west of Racecourse/ Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road
6 October to February 2026
In both directions east of Racecourse/ Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road
Until mid November Citybound exit ramp to Clyde Road
Until late November Warragul-bound entry ramp from Clyde Road
Until late December Westbound between Matterhorn Drive and Berwick-Cranbourne Road
30 September to early October at times
30 September to late December
Racecourse and Bald Hill roads, Pakenham 3 to 6 October 10 to 13 October
Webster Street, Dandenong
Between Chisholm Berwick pedestrian crossing and Clyde Road
In both directions between Henry Street and Cameron Way
Closed at the intersection
From 11 OctoberPermanently at the level crossing
Immigration not the enemy
TRUTH BE TOLD
Is immigration really the villain? Let’s get real!
• Everyday Australians are angry.
• We hear it loud and clear.
• Healthcare queues are growing.
• Housing is out of reach.
• Jobs feel harder to secure.
And as the pressure builds, the finger is being pointed – again and again - at immigration. But truth be told, scapegoating immigration isn’t just unfair. It’s inaccurate. And it’s dangerous.
What do the numbers actually say?
Let’s break down the equation:
• Net Overseas Migration (NOM) = Permanent migrants + Long-term visa holders (like skilled workers & parents) + Student visa holders.
• It’s complex - but not sinister.
• Yes, NOM added around 446,000 people in 2023–24.
That’s actually down from the previous year’s peak of 536,000 (but let’s also be mindful there was a two-year gap in immigration
because of Covid).
The media calls it “mass immigration.”
But when you dig into the numbers, you realise we’re counting:
• Skilled workers we invite to fill shortages (who pay around $10,000 for their visa).
• Students who can only work limited hours and fill roles many Australians won’t.
• Parents of citizens who pay up to $50,000 in visa fees and still don’t qualify for Medicare.
These aren’t queue jumpers. They’re not burdening the system. They’re paying into it.
In fact, most long-term and student visa holders are not eligible for Medicare or Centrelink.
So when hospitals and services are overwhelmed - is it really because of them?
Let’s get one thing straight on the housing crisis in the cities: most migrant visas are mandated regional placement conditions.
From skilled migrant pathways (subclass 491) to parent and student visas, many arrivals are required to live and work in regional areas for at least two years. And that scheme is working. But it is still not enough.
Regional towns are growing, prospering and revitalising.
Newcomers are picking fruit, working in aged care, rebuilding main streets, and reopening businesses that would otherwise shut.
Meanwhile, in metropolitan cities - where housing costs are driven by developers, zoning delays, investor demand, and a lack of social
Subscribe, for facts’ sake
On World News Day (28 September) we are reminded of a truth that cannot be ignored and this is that facts matter.
In an era where misinformation and mistruths are constantly amplified on social media, and where even the President of the United States routinely distorts reality, the role of trusted, independent journalism is more critical than ever. Local media in Australia is a necessity. We are the eyes and ears of our communities, telling the stories that matter most, celebrating our achievements, challenging injustice, and documenting the everyday triumphs and struggles that define us.
Just as importantly, we act as a watchdog. We hold governments, corporations, and institutions accountable. We ask the questions that others would prefer to avoid. We shine light into dark corners. When misinformation and halftruths circulate unchecked, the consequences are profound. Communities lose trust. Division deepens. People act on falsehoods rather than facts. At such times, local newspapers and news sites play a stabilising role, cutting through the noise and confusion with careful reporting, rigorous standards, and a commitment to truth and balanced reporting.
At Today and Star, we believe that journalism is not just a business, it is a vital piece of public infrastructure, a cornerstone of our de-
mocracy, and a shared responsibility.
Every story we publish carries the weight of trust our readers place in us, and every headline we write reaffirms our promise to serve the public interest above all else.
Without strong, independent local media, communities risk losing not only their voice but also their connection to one another. The threads that bind us fray when truth is undermined.
That is why, on World News Day, we join with newsrooms across the globe to say clearly: Choose truth, choose facts, choose balance and choose journalism.
PaulThomas, ManagingDirector, StarNewsGroup/TodayGroup.
housing - we blame immigration. Why?
A broken housing system isn’t fixed by blaming migrants.
It’s fixed by investing in infrastructure - where it is actually needed.
Let’s be honest. Many Australians don’t want to work in the roles immigrants take up.
• Fruit won’t pick itself.
• Aged care centres and health care need carers.
• Restaurants, hotels, farms, and retail outlets are short-staffed. Many of these jobs are filled by students and skilled migrants - not citizens on JobSeeker/Centrelink.
So maybe it’s time to consider something bold: If unemployment persists, and jobs remain vacant - perhaps it’s time we ask everyone receiving support to contribute through volunteering or community service, as apposed to creating “generational Centrelinkers”
The system does need fixing - but we can’t fix it by blaming the wrong people.
We need:
• Clearer reporting on visa types, contributions, and capacity.
• Civic participation and English education pathways that build belonging. No more astronomical taxpayer-funded interpreter services.
• Political leadership that speaks plainly and honestly - not in fearmongering headlines or say what you need to get votes – enough already! The public needs to demand this to stop. We need to see through the rhetoric.
INTERFAITH
• National values education for all - so “being Australian” means something more than just a passport. We need to clearly identify what it means to be Australian and create pride in everyone that wants to call this amazing country home.
Let’s build a society based on contribution, fairness, and shared identity - not one divided by fear, race, or resentment.
We are proud Australians of colour. We don’t fit into boxes. We are not Aboriginal, not Anglo, and tired of being tagged as “diverse” or “other.”
We don’t want to be tokenised, tolerated or told we’re lucky to be here.
We are here. We contribute. We belong. And we’re not going anywhere.
We cheer for the Matildas.
We celebrate Australia Day (about time we settled that debate which recurs in January every year)!
We raise our families here. We pay our taxes. And we’re just as invested in this country as anyone else.
Our Final Word:
Let’s stop letting the loudest voices hijack the conversation.
Let’s start listening - and leading - with truth, accountability and courage.
It’s not un-Australian to ask questions. It is unAustralian to spread blame and division.
Immigration is not the enemy. The systemand our response to it … is.
How are you with waiting?
By Lillian Poke of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network
We are all familiar with waiting.
Waiting for the results of an exam – this will be reality for many students in the near future.
Waiting to hear from a doctor and to receive those test results.
Waiting for a loved one who’s late in coming asking, “Where are they?” and “Are they safe?”
Waiting to hear about a job when you feel it’s the right fit for your skills.
Waiting for an offer to be accepted – it may be a business venture … or a relationship offer.
Waiting for the weekend – you know it’s Friday and the coming weekend is teasing you.
Waiting for a car ride – you are standing outside your home, waiting and watching.
Waiting for dessert – for me, the best part of the meal.
Waiting for Christmas – my daughters are adults and still get excited in September when the hint of Christmas coming.
Yes, we are all familiar with waiting.
Perhaps much of our lives are spent in that uncomfortable spot.
While we all have to wait at some stage or other, waiting can be a great place to exercise
MESSAGE OF HOPE
faith muscles.
When we are helpless, when we can do nothing to move forward, when we have no way to climb upward, when it seems we have nothing but time to pass, time to wait on others, we can put on our spiritual workout clothes and exercise.
We can!
We can pray. We can hope.
We can look with faith’s eyes and know that we really aren’t waiting for others to determine our fate, we are ultimately waiting on God.
In His timing, the answers will come.
We can use our time waiting to deepen and strengthen our faith.
We could pray: Heavenly Father, I know that all things work together for good for those who love You. Help me to willingly wait on You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Lilian Poke.
DR. JAMEL KAUR SINGH & DYA SINGH
$1.4m fine for company
A Keysborough company and its sole director have been convicted and fined $1.43 million following the fatigue-related death of a delivery driver.
Onkar Group Pty Ltd, trading as Bakeology, pleaded guilty at Wangaratta County Court to recklessly placing a person at a workplace in danger of serious injury.
In August 2022, the 27-year-old driver’s van drifted into the path of an oncoming truck at Kialla West, south of Shepparton.
He had been 12 hours into an overnight shift delivering baked goods to Albury and other locations in Victoria’s north.
Prior to the incident, he’d performed the same 796-kilometre delivery run for 17 consecutive nights, according to WorkSafe investigators.
Most of the shifts exceeded 12 hours, without adequate breaks of time between shifts, WorkSafe told the court.
The company and its director Maninder Singh Nagi, 48 also both pleaded guilty to failing to provide a safe workplace and failing to ensure people other than employees weren’t exposed to risk.
WorkSafe argued that it was reasonably practicable to reduce the deadly risk posed by slower reaction times, attention lapses or falling asleep.
A safer system of work would have ensured the driver did not work:
- More than 10 hours in any 11 hour period without rest breaks of at least 15 continuous minutes.
- More than 12 hours in any 24 hour period
without a minimum break of seven continuous hours out of a vehicle.
- More than 72 hours in any seven-day period without a 24-hour continuous break.
- More than 144 hours in a fortnight without a minimum two-consecutive nights off between 10pm-8am.
WorkSafe argued that Onkar Group and Nagi should have provided the driver with training and instructions on fatigue-prevention including the need for breaks.
On 22 September, Onkar Group was fined a total of $1.35 million and Nagi was fined $80,000.
The court also made an adverse publicity order, requiring Onkar Group and Nagi to publicise the offence, its consequences and penalty in an
industry publication.
WorkSafe chief health and safety officer Sam Jenkin said every motorist should be able to trust that those working behind the wheel weren’t being pushed beyond their mental and physical limits.
“Driver fatigue puts workers and the general public at serious risk, and the consequences can be even more devastating when vehicles collide with other motorists or dwellings,” Mr Jenkin said.
“This incident is a tragic example that shows how setting realistic workloads and safe policies can be the difference between a worker going home at the end of the day or tragically losing their life.”
Five arrested after stolen car chase across suburbs
Five teenagers have been arrested following a lengthy pursuit across the southeastern and eastern suburbs last week.
The chase followed several incidents believed to be linked:
- An alleged aggravated burglary on Cluden Street, Brighton East at 2am, where a handbag and a 2025 Porsche Cayenne wagon were stolen.
- An alleged attempted home invasion on Dendy Street, Brighton at 2.15am.
- An alleged attempted home invasion on Thomas Street, Hampton. A police vehicle was used to stop the Porsche, with two people fleeing on foot just after 2.30am.
- An alleged aggravated burglary at a home on Sargood Street, Hampton at 3.35am, where a red MG was stolen.
The MG was tracked through several suburbs, including Hampton, Brighton and Noble Park before continuing onto Eastlink and the Monash Freeway, allegedly clocking speeds of up to 145km/h.
It was followed back to Bentleigh, where it was dumped on Patterson Road still running, before coming to a stop on the nature strip.
The trio jumped fences, with one climbing onto a roof, before the alleged offenders hid inside the house.
Police gained access to the property, where three people were arrested:
- A 15-year-old boy from the Greater Dandenong area.
- Two 16-year-old boys from the Casey area. One 16-year-old from the Casey area was charged with theft of motor vehicle. He was remanded to appear in appear in a children’s court at a later date.
During a subsequent search warrant at the Bentleigh address, police executed search warrant where they arrested a further two people – an 18-year-old man from Bentleigh and a 17-yearold boy from the Casey area. All four boys were released with intent to summons.
The arrests were part of Operation Trinity taskings, which is dedicated operation targeting burglars and car thieves from dusk to dawn across Melbourne.
On top of standard patrols, there are large numbers of additional police including members of the Dog Squad, Public Order Response and Air Wing, specifically tasked with preventing and responding to burglaries and car thefts each night.
As a result of this intense focus, police arrested 654 burglars and car thieves almost 1,700 times in the twelve months to the end of August 2025. That equates to almost five burglars and car thieves arrested every single day.
Operation Trinity is Victoria Police’s most well-resourced operation, with over 140,000 policing hours dedicated solely to this operation last year.
On top of standard patrols, there are large numbers of additional police including members of the Dog Squad, Public Order Response and Air Wing, specifically tasked with preventing and responding to burglaries and car thefts each night.
Latest police intelligence indicates that as many as 65 per cent of all aggravated burglaries in key hotspots are through unlocked doors/windows or unsuccessful attempts when the offender has discovered the property is locked.
As such, police implore the community to take simple steps such as locking all doors and windows on your home and car.
Air Wing vision of the pursuit.
Tragedies reflected on
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Ahead of Blue Ribbon Day, Acting Superintendent Scott Dwyer’s thoughts turn to fresh tragedy – the 11 police employees who have died in the past 12 months.
Some succumbed to illness, others include the tragic loss of Detective Leading Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, who were killed in Porepunkah last month.
As the manhunt for suspect Desi Freeman continues, the shootings are yet another “reality check” of the ever-present dangers of duty.
“When you think on tragedy, police are there to do a service and to keep the community safe – that’s what really drives us,” Dwyer says.
“Unfortunately those risks are ever paramount in what we do.
“But the desire to help and to secure a better community in which we live is a driving motivation for us.”
On Blue Ribbon Day - which coincides with National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September - Dwyer will visit a memorial march and service in Melbourne’s CBD.
He’ll also check-in on friends and collagues from across his 24-year career, and remember the 178 Victoria Police officers who have tragically died serving the community.
Front of mind will be Constables Steven Tynan and Damian Eyre, and Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller –killed in cold blood in 1988.
Dwyer was formerly working at Prahan police station, which observes an annual memorial for the four fallen officers.
“They - and Neal (Thompson) and Vadim (De Waart) - will be part of what I will reflect upon (on 29 September).”
As police officers “take stock”, it means a lot to see the community pay respects on the day, Dwyer says.
“It’s a reminder that the work we do is of value. It’s a chance for us to reflect on the influence we have on the community.
“It’s a really good leveller. And it reminds you why you joined in the first place.”
In Porepunkah’s aftershock, police were comforted by the warm embrace of the wider community.
Dwyer noted the massive floral tributes at Dandenong police station – which is 350 kilometres from the Porepunkah region.
“That really demonstrates what the community thinks.
“Every time there’s been a tragedy, the
3D printed guns seized in blitz
Police have arrested nine people across the South East as part of a Firearm Prohibition Order blitz.
They include a Springvale man, 27, accused of using a 3D printer to manufacture guns before trafficking them throughout Melbourne.
A large quantity of amphetamines were discovered by police in the loungeroom of the Warwick house, as well as the 3D printer with evidence of recent use.
Several drawers with false bottoms revealed two 3D printed handguns and loaded magazines.
Police also seized almost $50,000 cash, suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
The man was arrested at the property and charged with 26 offences including trafficking firearms, manufacturing firearms, being a prohibited person with a firearm, drug trafficking, proceeds of crime, handling stolen goods and committing an indictable offence on bail.
He was remanded to face Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 6 October.
During the three-day operation, police also seized three imitation firearms, machetes, a karambit knife and crossbows while conducting compliance checks on 16 people subject to an FPO and known to police in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire.
Drugs, including methylamphetamine, 1,4-Butanediol, steroids and prescription medication, were seized.
Police also recovered stolen items worth more than $100,000 and a stolen vehicle.
In other FPO compliance raids, two men aged 27 and 53 were arrested at a home on Duncan Drive, Pakenham.
Officers located two machetes, a knife, a rifle scope, a revolver chamber, mace and cannabis.
At a home in Doveton, police located an allegedly stolen vehicle, as well as a large quantity of items believed to have been stolen in a commercial burglary where more than $100,000 worth of property was stolen.
A 21-year-old Glenroy woman was arrested at the scene.
She was released pending further enquiries.
3D-printed handguns were seized by Victoria Police from a house in Springvale. (Victoria Police)
Acting Senior Sergeant Greg Kahan from Dandenong Tasking Co-Ordination Unit said the FPO compliance checks were conducted to ensure community safety.
“Firearms in the wrong hands have deadly consequences, and any time we can take them off the street, we are reducing the chance of someone getting seriously injured or killed.
“Anyone who is subject to an FPO should be well aware that we conduct these operations regularly, but at random intervals, so expect a knock on your door at any time.”
Local police, including Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia CIUs, the Springvale Divisional Response Unit, and the Dandenong Crime Reduction Team, were supported by the VIPER Taskforce and Dog Squad.
Any information on Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
ment across a vast southern and south-east Melbourne region, including Cardinia Shire, Casey and Greater Dandenong.
Despite the alarming crime rates and footage, Dwyer says the policing environment is different but no more risky.
“We live in a really safe area, when you look at Melbourne and Victoria. The vast majority of the community can walk around and remain safe.”
He says what has changed is the depiction of violence and the crime rate on mainstream media.
“With the interaction of social media and Facebook groups, the public have more ways in which to comment and report on it.
“Media outlets have an ability to attract vision, which is such a popular thing to view... Often the vision when you see it is quite confronting.”
There has been a rise in “displayed weapons”, he says. Such as the frequently-seen footage of young people armed with knives.
But that also might entail an element of perception.
As part of its drive to get weapons off the streets, Victoria Police searched 118 people in Dandenong’s CBD and railway station last month.
In eight hours, officers uncovered no knives or other weapons.
“That should give the community a degree of comfort,” Dwyer says.
“Unfortunately the perception of weapons and the reality of weapons can sometimes be a bit different.
“I can understand from a community point of view when they see the posts and the vision, there’s a concern that it’s prevalent and it’s everywhere.
“But what we find is that’s not the case.”
amount of support you get from the Victorian community is just amazing.”
Across 24 years of policing, Dwyer has worked as a CIU detective, Highway Patrol, as well as managing Box Hill’s Embona armed robbery taskforce and Eastern Region Crime Squad.
In his acting role, Dwyer oversees crime intelligence policing and community engage-
Dwyer assures the public that police are proactively “on the streets” and respond quickly “when you need us”. But that everyday “good stuff” doesn’t make the news or the stats.
“You can’t measure the crime that we’ve prevented.”
Dandenong woman faces gun, explosives charges
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Dandenong woman has applied for bail after police seized high-powered guns and explosive material from an alleged stolen car.
Bee Hong Goh, 32, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 24 September on charges including possessing a traffickable quantity of unregistered firearms, possessing an explosive substance, and car theft.
Police allege that they found seven guns as well as “highly explosive” unmilled titanium in a stolen Nissan X-Trail at a Campbellfield factory on 15 August.
Inside the car were a Remington 30-06 bolt action rifle, a Predator 12-gauge shotgun, a loaded automatic ‘AR’ style rifle, a Remington 30-06 pump action rifle, a loaded .44 calibre revolver handgun, two semi-automatic handguns, and several types of ammunition, according to police. The unmilled titanium was “extremely flammable when exposed to air”, Detective Acting Sergeant Emma Moran of Victoria Police’s Lunar Taskforce told the court.
Ifexploded,itwouldpotentiallycausesignificant damage to a building, she said.
Goh was arrested on 23 September. In a police interview, she allegedly admitted to collecting the X-Trail, being provided the keys and driving it to the Campbellfield warehouse, Det Act Sgt Moran told the court.
Goh also allegedly admitted to collecting large wrapped items – which she said said she thought were possibly knives and sticks - in a Mercedes from another location and depositing them inside the X-Trail, according to police.
Police allege the wrapped items included firearms and explosives.
Goh was transporting and storing the items
on behalf of a serious organised crime group withlinkstooffshoreorganisedentities,according to police.
No one else had so far been arrested on the matter, the court heard.
Goh had no prior convictions, and no bail history. But she was said to be a gambler who couldn’t work because of a back injury and financially supported her sick mother in Malaysia. She had no income but for criminal activities, Det Act Sgt Moran said, adding that police believed Goh would complete “any task” for financial gain, and so was “almost certain” to reoffend on bail.
Goh’s alleged offending was part of a “pattern of behaviour” in committing crime on behalf of “these syndicates”.
Det Act Sgt Moran told the court that Goh had been arrested as a passenger in an interceptedcarwith$1.2millioninasecretcompartment in WA last year.
Shewasnotcharged,butitshowedherassociation with “serious organised-crime figures”, the court heard.
Goh was assessed as unsuitable for an intensive CISP bail program, and suitable for a short-term intervention only, a prosecutor told the court. A defence lawyer argued Goh met the “compelling reasons” bail test, given her absence of priors, her vulnerability in custody and stable accommodation. He said the prosecution case appeared strong, but may turn on Goh’s knowledge of what the wrapped items were.Thelawyerarguedforbailwith“strict”and “stringent” conditions including a curfew, and a banoninterstateandinternationaltravel.
The magistrate adjourned the matter to further consider the submissions as well as a CISP report.
Acting Supt Scott Dwyer reflects on the lives of 178 Victoria Police officers tragically killed on duty.
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025
Discover history
Tracing time, telling stories. Discover
Dandenong’s History at Heritage Hill. Discover the rich cultural heritage of Dandenong with a visit to Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens. This beautifully preserved site offers a rare glimpse into the lives of prominent locals from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Heritage Hill is home to three significant landmarks: Laurel Lodge (1869), Benga House (1936), and St James’ Anglican Church (1864). Each tells its own story of community, family and faith, reflecting the growth of Dandenong through changing times. Inside Benga House, visitors can explore vintage toys, furniture and photographs, while Laurel Lodge reveals the elegance and traditions of a bygone era.
Guided tours, led by expert heritage staff, take in both historic houses and their surrounding gardens. Along the way, you’ll gain fascinating
insights into the families who once called these places home, while also learning more about Dandenong’s cultural and social history. To complete the experience, tea and coffee are served at the end of the tour.
Tours are $5 per person, with bookings essential as places are limited.
A new heritage exhibition opening in midOctober invites audiences to see the personal history of Dandenong unfold. The Place To Be: Dandenong Town Hall celebrates the 135 years of the Dandenong Town Hall – now the beloved Drum Theatre – being at the heart of community life. The exhibition explores the personal history of this landmark through photographs, stories, fashion and memories.
From its early years providing shelter and inspiration to its modern role as a centre for culture and connection, the Town Hall’s story is one of resil-
Introducing Saffron Grove Retirement Village
A welcoming community of 96 architectually designed homes set in manicured gardens with multiple facilities.
Live independently with dignity, joy and meaningful engagement.
Homes for Sale 8795 7380
ience and belonging. Visitors are invited to explore its history not just through displays, but through shared stories, lively discussions and afternoon tea gatherings.
The Place To Be will be presented across both the Drum Theatre and Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate community spirit, and experience the threads of history woven into Dandenong’s cultural fabric.
Whether you are uncovering hidden details in a heritage home or tracing the story of an iconic building, Heritage Hill offers a journey into the heart of Dandenong’s past.
Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens
• Open 10am to 2pm - Wednesday to Thursday
• 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong | 8751 1000
• Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/heritage-hill to learn more
Centre celebrates
Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre is delighted to participate once again in the Victorian Seniors Festival, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the valued seniors who are such an integral part of our community.
Throughout October 2025, we’re showing our appreciation with a special thank-you gift for seniors who present their Seniors Card – a small token of gratitude for their continued loyalty and support.
The celebration extends beyond our centre-wide initiative, with participating retailers joining the festivities to offer exclusive benefits to senior customers. Boutique Hearing Clinic, for example, is providing complimentary hearing assessments typically valued at $150, ensuring our seniors receive both recognition and practical value during their visit.
“At Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, the Victorian Seniors Festival represents more than just a month-long celebration,“ says the Centre Management team.
“It serves as an important reminder of the deep respect and gratitude we hold for our senior community members throughout the entire year.“
The festival reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where seniors feel valued and appreciated as essential members of the Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre family.
For more information about Victorian Seniors Festival activities and participating retailers, visit endeavourhillsshopping.com.au.
Drum Theatre view from Harmony Square.
Dandenong Town Hall.
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025
Celebrating a love story
In 1952, a simple family connection sparked a love story that has lasted nearly seven decades. Frank had just returned from his Army deployment when one evening he crossed paths with Shirley, who was accompanying her brother to pick up Frank’s sister. In that instant, Frank knew. With conviction, he told Shirley, “I can imagine you as my wife.” Shirley, ever practical, responded with a laugh and a gentle, “You’ll get over it.” But Frank didn’t. Over the next six months, he courted Shirley with quiet persistence. He showed up, he listened, and he made his intentions clear. Shirley found herself talking often about him to her mother, who warmly encouraged her daughter to say “yes” to this young man with such a steady heart.
By the time they were 20, Shirley agreed. Three years later, Frank and Shirley were married. Together, they bought a block of land, built their first home, and laid the foundations of a life that would be filled with family, laughter, and countless shared memories.
Now, 69 years on, their love story is woven into the lives of their 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren! Their journey is not only about the home they built with their own hands but also about the values they passed down: resilience, loyalty, humour, and above all, love.
Frank and Shirley’s story remind us that love is not always about grand gestures. It is about standing by each other through time, growing together, and creating a legacy of family. As they
Frank and Shirley have celebrated 69 years of marriage.
celebrate 69 years of marriage, their bond is a shining example of what it means to choose each other, every single day.
Happy Anniversary, Frank and Shirley. Your love continues to inspire us all.
Amongst Friends
At
A kiss to top off the cake-cutting.
‘No more funerals’ call
By Afraa Kori
The South Sudanese Community Association in Victoria (SSCAV) convened two ‘emergency’ meetings to confront recent tragedies and the underlying historical factors that had led to this point.
The first assembly was held at Melbourne University’s Wyndham Campus on September 20, followed by a second meeting in Springvale on September 21.
Titan Debirian, Secretary of Youth at SSCAV, said real change requires broader participation in community decision-making.
“It’s not enough to have two people at the table,” Debirian said. “We all need to be at that table, rolling up our sleeves and doing what is necessary to get our community to where we want it to be.”
He criticized African community leaders for often excluding young people from decision-making spaces.
“A big cohort that hasn’t been involved, that hasn’t been given a voice, that hasn’t been supported to be at this table is the young people,” Debirian said.
“We’ve been ignored, but that has to stop and the only way that stops is if you guys show up.”
At the same time, Titan held young people accountable.
“No more standing on the sidelines—that doesn’t work,” he said.
“Let’s be clear: nothing changes unless we change it. Not the government. Not the police. Not community leaders.
“Without you, the conversation is incomplete. With you, we can start building real, tangible solutions.”
Young people responded to Titan’s call, turning out in force for the meetings.
“This is about transparency, inclusion, and young people realising the power they already hold,” Debirian said.
“We needed to flood those rooms! Young people have to show up because you know what’s going on, you know what you want for your future. If you’re not at the table we won’t find solutions.
“All the influencers within our community - it’s time to have these conversations, use your platform to share, talk about what you want to do.”
One common feeling in the community is exhaustion over “funerals, pain and disorder”.
“We can’t keep repeating the same responses and expecting different results,” Debirian said.
“It can’t be funeral after funeral and we don’t change things. Why are we always here?
“Crime …street culture is not specific to the South Sudanese community, but our young people keep falling to it.”
Chair of SSCAV, Andrew Ohide said the meeting focused on developing a strategy to restore safety.
“Our kids don’t feel safe anywhere. Some don’t want to go out at all, they don’t want to go to school, they don’t want to go to shops, to the park,” Ohide said.
“This problem is happening in the west, in the east, everywhere. We want to work with all councils, different communities, parents, police and other government bodies.”
Community advocate and panel speaker Deng Ajak Chiengkou described these gatherings as “lifelines”.
“In the face of challenges and the deaths of many young South Sudanese, the youth are standing up with remarkable strength,” Chiengkou said.
“They call for forgiveness, for healing, and for resilience in the midst of loss, worsening mental health, and youth violence.
“They are holding conversations many adults avoid, and in doing so, they are teaching us courage.”
On the other hand, Chiengkou urged parents not to “remain absent”.
“They must be in these rooms, not only at funerals but at dialogues. A father who hears his son speak of depression learns more than gossip ever will.
“Healing cannot be left to the youth alone. Dialogue between parents and children is essential. Without it, misunderstanding grows and the distance between generations widens.”
Millions allocated, but grieving families question value
By Afraa Kori
The deaths of young South Sudanese Australians through stabbings, gun violence, or under suspicious circumstances have left grieving families questioning whether existing programs are making a real difference.
Despite millions of dollars allocated to South Sudanese-led organisations under the Department of Justice, community members and youth leaders are increasingly concerned about the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Rumours have circulated about leaders allegedly misusing funds, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency.
Families are seeking clarity on whether funding for youth programs is being properly managed and delivering results for young people.
Over the past three years, the Victorian Government has invested $5 million to establish the South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group, including $1.3 million in grants for local initiatives led by South Sudanese organisations.
East Metro recipients include: Stand Out Youth Empowerment (Dandenong and Clyde), NAS Recovery Centre (Cranbourne), Nextgen Unite (Pakenham), Oyiti Foundation for Multicultural Youth, African Youth Alliance, and the Sudanese Mothers Coalition.
West and South Metro recipients include: Africause, African Youth Initiative, South Sudanese Minds, Multicultural Youth Support Services, Junubi Stars Basketball Club, South Sudanese Christian Welfare Association, and the Australian African Foundation for Retention and Opportunity (AAFRO).
The programs aim to support young people through creative arts, education, mental health support, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation.
In a public statement addressing criticism, Dr Santino Deng, chair of the South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group, defended the east and west community organisations.
“Many of these organisations are doing their best with very limited resources,” Dr Deng said. “Having worked with our community for many years, it is disheartening to see reactions fuelled by assumptions rather than facts.”
Dr Deng warned that ongoing accusations and public attacks could “weaken our collective voice”.
“They risk pushing the government away from working with South Sudanese-led organisations and towards external groups who may not fully understand our community,” Dr Deng said. “Suggesting that leaders and community organisations are responsible for tragedies is not only inaccurate but also disrespectful to the family of the deceased.
“Misinformation and finger-pointing only deepen the wounds and distract from the real issues we need to address together.”
Dr Deng urged those “genuinely concerned” about funding to reach out to organisations or the government for clarity and called for constructive collaboration.
“At a time when families are grieving and young people are living through deep trauma and fear, our focus should be on support and healing,” Dr Deng said. “Those who believe they can do better are encouraged to step forward, establish their own initiatives, and work
with the government in constructive ways. This is a democratic country, and no one is holding anyone back. What will truly help our community is unity, collaboration, and focusing on solutions rather than blame.”
Local youth leader Nyibol Makoi said concerns around funding stem from misunderstanding, not misinformation.
“I personally know the leaders of some of these organisations. Some funds (I cannot vouch for all) were directed towards programs for South Sudanese communities,” Ms Makoi said. “Whether these programs met the priority needs of the community is an entirely different question. The way we are handling all of the issues we are currently facing, makes it evident we don’t truly understand the root issues at hand. This is why programs administered do not address our critical needs.”
Before receiving further funding, Ms Makoi urged leaders to engage directly with everyday South Sudanese-Australians to better understand community needs, and recommended that the community come together to discuss priorities before presenting them to officials.
While community debate focuses on how existing funds are used, the Opposition Leader MP Brad Battin has criticised broader cuts to youth crime prevention funding.
“The Jacinta Allan Labor Government has slashed youth crime prevention grants, awarding just two grants in the past two years despite record-high youth crime,” Mr Battin said. “Worse still, funding has been cut to programs run by 34 African community groups at a time when those very communities are crying out for support. As an ex-cop, I know you can’t just arrest your way out of a crime wave. Prevention and rehabilitation are critical.”
The Victorian Government rejected claims its youth crime prevention funding had been cut or mismanaged.
“We stand with the community in their fight against youth gang crime,” the spokesperson said. “It’s why the Premier has convened and met with the Government’s South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group — to bring local, community-based solutions.
“Crime prevention is a whole of government response, and this year’s Budget invested $135 million to support young people at risk and keep communities safe. We will continue to listen to the community, experts and Victoria Police so that our responses continue to be targeted and effective.”
TheGazettereachedouttoseveralrecipients, but they declined to comment. For more info: https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/SSAYJ/grants?fbclid=IwY2xjawMwOepleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHqD7K8MXRw1MBm69JL7VELQo_eTjaVMlzpGmAZrvG58R9XJ2gxj8r7HPWdwP_aem_ H7Usr96qAXMU9nK5X6ydag
Chair of SSCAV, Andrew Ohide speaking to grieving families and youth. (Garry Sissons: 504803)
Youth leader Riny Kenyang.
Concerns raised at the emergency meeting hosted by South Sudanese association. (Gary Sissons: 504803)
Titan Debirian, Secretary of Youth at SSCAV.
Ex-mayor raises concern
By Sahar Foladi
There are calls for an independent complaints process at the Dandenong Market to handle disputes between traders and market management.
Ex-mayor of Greater Dandenong Maria Sampey raised the concerns during public question time at a council meeting on Monday 22 September.
Ms Sampey said there was no “formal independent grievance or mediation process available to stallholders”, nor did the market’s website list contact details of the market’s board of directors nor Cr Rhonda Garad as the councillor representative on the board.
“When issues arise stallholders have to write directly to the market manager or leasing manger with no assurance their concerns would be referred to the board.
“This lack of transparency and accountability leaves stallholders vulnerable to false allegations, harassment and possible victimisation.
“If the treatment of stallholders were assessed against workplace and fair trading standard, it is unlikely to be considered acceptable practice.”
City of Greater Dandenong Council’s city futures executive director, Sanjay Manivasagasivam responded by saying council staff and councillors
cannot represent the market on lease negotiations between traders and market management as it’s “considered commercial-in-confidence”.
“Council can raise this with the board and they can decide what improvements they need to
change for their processes,” he said.
A Dandenong Market spokesperson says there are existing internal processes “to deal with a range of different complaints and disputes.”
“Where a dispute remains and the trader
wishes to pursue the matter further, the opportunity exists for them to lodge their disputes with the Small Business Commission Victoria for independent resolution.”
Ms Sampey, during her term as a councillor also served as a council representative on the market’s board.
She says she’s well aware that council and councillor powers are limited when it comes to the Market’s operations however she is heavily critical of the council for turning a blind eye to alleged bullying and mistreatment of the management.
The issue raised was also directed towards Cr Garad as the ward councillor and also the council representative on the market board.
Cr Garad says she has been observing for the past 11 months, and shares Ms Sampey’s concerns but doesn’t have the power to rectify stallholders concerns or disputes.
“The role of a councillor is an observer role. It has no status in terms of decision making either at governance or operational level.
“In the 11 months I have been observing on board, I have raised concerns about the lack of independent and transparent complaints process.”
Florists rocked by relocations, shorter leases
By Sahar Foladi
Stallholders at Dandenong Market claim they have little say in forced relocations, rent spikes and shorter leases at the hands of the market’s management.
Affected traders say the cut-back on their lease terms, allegedly without negotiation, proper process or explanation post-Covid, places the future of their businesses in jeopardy.
They include long-term florists who say they have been relocated to make way for food and drink stalls.
Arzu Refikoglu’s mother has been operating as a florist for the past 35 years at the Dandenong Market as Jenny’s Flowers.
She is facing relocation after their license permit expires 30 April next year.
“After decades of trading we’re suddenly told that flowers are now inappropriate within the market square area, with no negotiation and no offer to allow us to continue in the stall under a different category (food).”
She says out of the five florists at the market square, only two remain as the rest had been relocated.
Now, Jenny’s Flowers has been told by management that a food stall will take over their site. Currently, their relocation and long-term status at the market is in limbo, forcing them to work in uncertainty.
According to Arzu, market management has stated it will determine a new location closer to the expiry date next year.
“The least we’d expect from them is to say a year in advance of their relocation plans, hold
discussions, consult with us, get opinion on it before you just make these decisions.
“But we legally have no standing and they know that because of the way they’ve written the license agreement.
“If you went to a lawyer I think you’d have a very hard time justifying yourself so they’re leaning in on that.”
AnotherfloristPaul,whohasownedMrFresh’s Flowers at the market for the past eight years, had already been moved-on from the square to a corner with no foot traffic.
He was eventually offered a small area of a 9-square-metre site in the centre of the market for more than double the rent price than his 25 square metre stall - only 10 metres away from his original spot.
His one-to-two-year license arrangement was changed to a monthly contract.
Paul’s previous site is now occupied by a hot dog stall as part of the market owner Greater Dandenong Council and market management’s plans to install a gas main pipe for food stallholders, he says.
Currently, each food stallholder has their own gas supply, which requires a certain amount of space in between vendors.
“I was told a couple of months ago that I had 30 days to relocate.
“They had some compliance issues to deal with gas lines in the system, the council needed to move some of the food vendors and they decided my location was suitable for what they wanted to do.
“It’s quite confined (in the new site). We get by but we struggle on major days like Mother’s
Day, Valentine’s Day - there’s no room to put anything.”
He says the license term, was changed in his contract without any notification by the management and he also failed to notice as he signed it.
“It was just handed to me (the contract). It was one of those things where I should’ve checked all the fine print but I didn’t.
“They won’t give me anything longer. They can give me notice in 30 days and have me out of there.
“Their justification for the rent increase is the prime location. (But) it’s only 10 metres from my original stand.”
He says the entire arrangement was rushed.
“Legally I had little time to create a solution.
“I had options. I could’ve challenged it go to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.” Coming to know of the other stallholders’ similar stories, Paul says, “I didn’t think there was anybody else, I thought I was the main one they were targeting.”
Speaking to other stallholders, they’ve also “grumbled” about the rent spike at the market.
Some say the management “have been changing over” as part of their strategic plan.
A Dandenong Market spokesperson has said license terms vary from trader to trader, between precincts, categories and other factors.
“The Market offers a variety of license terms, depending on the needs of both the Market and the trader.
“These are specific to each trader and, under the terms of their contract, remain strictly confidential.”
Wellsprings steps up towards reconcillation
Wellsprings for Women have extended their advocacy towards justice and equality through the launch of its very first Reconciliation Action Plan.
The organisation led and ran by women for women, particularly empowering individuals from refugee and migrant backgrounds have formally launched the first stage of RAP which is Reflect.
The milestone event was held at Barton Primary School in Cranbourne which featured a Welcome to Country with smoking ceremony by the Bunurong Land Council.
Wellsprings CEO Dr Dalal Smiley said the RAP reflects the organisation’s long-term commitment to reconciliation Since Wellsprings first opened its doors in 1994, it welcomed women of all walks of life and Sister Ann Halpin worked closely with Aboriginal women, recognising the importance of linking the past history with the present and the future.
“Our RAP formally commits Wellsprings to embedding reconciliation in every part of our work, and ensuring migrant and refugee women connect with and learn from the world’s oldest continuing culture.
“It is important for us to be reminded that
even if as migrant women we were not directly involved in the process of colonisation of this country, nevertheless, we are complicit in living on unprecedented land and we need to do our part in being positive and constructive allies to our First Nations sisters”
The launch was widely attended by MP’s such as Pauline Richards, Belinda Wilson, Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples The Hon Christine Couzens MP, City of Casey councillor Jennifer Dizon and the school’s principal Ben Vevers.
They all commended the organisation for taking on the first step in recognising the significance of reconciliation.
Christine Couzens MP congratulated Wellsprings on its leadership.
“RAPs are a powerful way for organisations to walk alongside First Peoples in respect and partnership.
“Wellsprings’ work with migrant and refugee women adds a unique dimension to reconciliation.”
The Reflect RAP, commits Wellsprings to a series of actions over the next 18 months, including cultural awareness training for staff, partnerships with Aboriginal organisations and businesses,
and programs that strengthen connections between Aboriginal and multicultural communities.
The Reflect stage is considered the “groundwork” of listening, building trust and ensuring respectful and sustained actions are carried throughout.
Robyn Erwin, who chaired the RAP Working Group, outlined the process of developing the plan and the actions Wellsprings is taking.
“Our Reflect RAP focuses on building relationships, showing respect, creating opportunities,
and strengthening governance.
“This is not a tick-box exercise – it is about genuine learning, solidarity, and change.
“Already, we are embedding reconciliation in practical ways, such as a new playgroup that introduces Aboriginal culture and activities for children from multicultural backgrounds.”
Also endorsed by reconciliation Australia, the Reflect stage allows organisations as this one to build foundational relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, develop cultural understanding, reflect meaningfully on Australia’s true history and what reconciliation looks like in practice and much more.
Mr Vevers, principal of Barton Primary School, reinforced the importance of reconciliation in education and community life.
“We can’t really be talking or working with other cultures before we reconcile with our own. I congratulate Wellsprings on the RAP as a very important milestone in their journey of reconciliation.”
Wellsprings also acknowledged Gunditjmara artist Mila Austin, who gifted original artwork for the RAP, symbolising women’s journeys, resilience, and solidarity.
Dandenong Market lacks an independent process to handle disputes between stallholders and management, says former mayor Maria Sampey. (Gary Sissons: 408089)
Stallholders such as Jenny have shared their concerns over unfair license contracts and rent increase at the Market.(Stewart Chambers: 504095_08)
Wellsprings first launch of Reconciliation Action Plan milestone attended by MP’s, Casey councillor. Wellsprings staff and CEO Dalal Smiley.
South-East a powerhouse
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
South-East industry leaders got face-to-face with Federal Industry and Science Minister Tim Ayres during the launch of a report declaring the region as Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse.
The new report by Deloitte Access Economics found that the Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) region supports more manufacturing jobs and businesses per capita than other manufacturing centres.
Per capita, the region had overtaken Western Sydney as the nation’s “leading industrial engine room”.
The report GSEM: Australia’s Manufacturing Powerhouse was launched in Dandenong on 23 September with GSEM, South East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance (SEMMA), councils and industry representatives, as well as Mr Ayres and local federal MPs.
Minister Ayres took questions from the floor from industry leaders such as from Ego Pharmaceuticals and Catten Industries on topics such as high gas costs, as well as being handed a copy of SEMMA’s Australian Manufacturing Blueprint.
SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said the blueprint was “not afraid to set targets - like 10 per cent GDP for manufacturing in five years”.
“If our blueprint is implemented it can be achieved.
“Dandenong and the Greater South East of Melbourne has been at the centre of manufacturing in this state for a very long time – and SEMMA will continue to advocate for manufacturers to ensure this region remains front and centre of all things manufacturing in this state.
“We wear this tag with pride – SEMMA represents Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse.”
The GSEM region comprises eight local government areas including Greater Dandenong, Monash, Casey and Cardinia.
It is home to 3801 manufacturing businesses, employing more than 75,000 – or 27 per cent of Victoria’s manufacturing workforce.
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti says the numbers show that the GSEM region was a “big player in the Australian market”, including being home to 1.5 million residents and 500,000 total jobs.
“We’re bigger than Tasmania or Adelaide - we could be a state. It’s time for the South East to lead Australia now.”
Manufacturing jobs in the GSEM region were projected to have grown 9.3 per cent between 2016 and 2025, defying a shrinkage across Australia (-0.5 per cent) and in western Sydney (-4.7 per cent).
The region benefits from high-tech industries such as advanced materials, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and transport equipment, as well as “world-class industrial clusters” in Clayton and Dandenong.
Greater Dandenong accounts for a third of GSEM’s manufacturing output, including a large transport-equipment sector such as Jayco, Nissan
Casting Australia and Alstom.
In response to the Deloittes report, GSEM chair Simon McKeon called for urgent investment in infrastructure, skills and innovation.
“South East Melbourne is uniquely placed to lead Australia’s economic renaissance, with advanced manufacturing at the core.
“If Australia wants to fix its productivity crisis and continue to power economic growth, it will be the workers and businesses across Melbourne’s south-east leading the charge.”
The region was well placed near key transport corridors connecting to Port of Melbourne and Melbourne Airport for international markets, the
report found.
“GSEM [is] the largest and most important manufacturing hub in Victoria and Australia,” the report stated.
“[It is] distinguished by its scale, advanced manufacturing capabilities, skilled workforce, and proximity to key transport corridors.”
However, the report calls for action on constraints such as limited land availability, skills challenges and freight infrastructure.
It identified available industrial land at Officer South and Port of Hastings but little in “key Inner East and South East regions”.
The limited capacity of Monash Freeway,
Princes Highway and Eastlink connections, as well as a lack of direct rail freight links, were also noted.
Major transport projects were required such as the Thompsons Road upgrade, Dandenong South Intermodal Terminal and the proposed South East Airport.
The report also warned of a low share of young workers in the sector, and skills gaps for advanced manufacturing roles.
“If local training and national migration and skills policy do not keep pace, firms may struggle to scale advanced production lines in the region.”
Search is on for Lone Pine replacement but supply short
By Sahar Foladi
Greater Dandenong Council may replace a removed Lone Pine tree tracing back to the Gallipoli military campaign of 1915 but it’s in short supply.
Nobel Park RSL’s committee is yet to discuss and decide on the proposed solutions to the loss of the tree on council land near the suburb’s war memorial but they are satisfied a replacement is being promised by the council.
Greater Dandenong removed the tree back in June after it was assessed as dead.
A council staff email to the Noble Park RSL provides two solutions, one being to secure and plant the Lone Pine replacement with local provenance from Gallipoli or to secure a Lone Pine with unknown provenance.
The latter species is “readily available.”
Council’s acting chief executive officer Sanjay Manivasagasivam says the replacement will be sourced from a reputable supplier either in Victoria or interstate.
“To support this process we have provided several options to the RSL for consideration, including Turkish Pine (Pinus brutia) and Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis).
The council has since apologised for its lack of communication regarding the removal of the
advised a card was hand delivered to the RSL and a Council Arborist walked in and spoke to a staff member within the RSL.
Notwithstanding, given the significance of the tree, I acknowledge further information, and communications should have occurred with the RSL and the Committee.
Unfortunately clones of the Lone Pine, which are descendants from the Gallipoli tree, are not readily available.”
The tree was first planted at the Noble Park Memorial Garden in 1995, and has provided a significant backdrop to the ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations.
Yarralumla Government Nursery based in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), propagates a number of Lone Pine trees from seed collected seasonally from the tree at the Australian War Memorial. It is currently sold out of the species, as mentioned on their website and is expected to be on sale in mid-2026.
dant of the original Lone Pine tree. Unfortunately, the cones of the Lone Pine tree are often damaged by Cockatoos which impacts the quantity of seed that can be harvested and propagated each year.
“Yarralumla Nursery now have caged individual cones to protect and build up the nursery’s seed collection for propagation.”
The Lone Pine is a single Turkish Pine (Pinus brutia) that stood on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, native to the region.
The sole tree was used as a target practice and said to be obliterated during the battle.
Another species, Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis) not native to Gallipoli was used by Turkish soldiers as overhead cover for their trenches.
Cones from both the Aleppo pine cover and Turkish lone pine were brought back by Australian soldiers to honour their loved ones who died in the battle.
significant Lone Pine within the RSL Memorial located on council-owned land.
“While the specific cause of the tree’s decline could not be conclusively identified, I would like to reassure the Committee that the decline and removal was not the result of Council’s neglect,” the council staff email read. “I have been
An ACT Government spokesperson say cockatoos are the reason behind the shortage of Lone Pine crops.
“Seedlings are in short supply because Yarralumla Nursery only source seed from the Australian War Memorial to ensure each tree sold by the nursery is a direct descen-
Most of the ANZAC Lone Pines in Australia are Aleppo pine, not native to Gallipoli or descendant of Turkish pines. They are found at various memorial sites however, and hold equal significance as a symbol of remembrance.
Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres (right) with SEMMA president Peter Angelico takes questions from the attendees. (Stewart Chambers: 505445)
Markus Spindler (General Manager Nissan Casting Australia) and Peter Angelico (President of the board SEMMA) 505445_02
Ray Keefe (Managing Director Successful Endeavours), Grace Diep (Partnerships Development Manager. Federation University) and Les Zanati (Business Development Manager. A W Bell). (Stewart Chambers: 505445)
Simon McKeon (GSEM), Honi Walker (SEMMA), Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres and Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti. (Stewart Chambers: 505445)
The Lone Pine tree was removed after 30 years as it was assessed dead by the Greater Dandenong Council. Its plaque remains on the site, pictured front.(Stewart Chambers: 505847_01)
Spring is in the air
By Lee Mccarthy
Spring is the season of renewal and the perfect time to plan an unforgettable journey across the waters to new lands and experiences.
As nature reawakens, so too does the desire to explore, reconnect and take time out to try something new and exciting.
With exclusive airfare offers across Viking’s river, ocean and expedition voyages, keen travellers can experience the world in comfort and with more inclusions included and fewer costs.
Designed for curious travellers, Viking’s thoughtfully crafted itineraries created from firsthand personal experiences aboard awardwinning ships offer opportunities to become immersed in the worlds culture.
No matter what trip guests are searching for Paris, Giza, Istanbul, Lisbon of Antarctica there are endless opportunities on the state-of-the-art ships.
With no kids, no casinos, and a focus on cultural enrichment, the trips all promise a refined destination focused experience.
The company’s smaller ships are designed to bring guests closer to their destination aboard Scandinavian inspired elegance that never upstages the destination but does provide an unforgettable experience while onboard.
More is included in Viking fares including a complimentary excursion in every board, all onboard meals with beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, unlimited wi-fi, gratuities, port charges and access to the truly breathtaking and relaxing Nordic Spa.
Guests who book a river voyage before 1 December 2025 receive free flights or for bookings on an ocean or expedition voyage your companion flies free!
This offer is for travels booked for the 2026 to 2028 holidays using the offer code on the Viking website.
River cruises include the Rhine Getaway sailing from Basel to Amsterdam for eight days, visiting four countries and includes four tours from only $5,395.
The Grand European Tour takes travellers from Budapest to Amsterdam for fifteen days,
across four countries and includes twelve tours from $10,395.
Perhaps a Romantic Danube is more appealing taking guests from Budapest to Regensburg over eight days, three countries and five tours from $5,595.
The very popular and much-loved Pharaohs and Pyramids roundtrip Cairo, Egypt is on many travellers’ bucket list and includes twelve days and eleven tours from $11,295.
The beauty of taking a journey on Viking is the extensions available on many of their trips allowing passengers to have a few days either side of the cruise start and finish to chill, relax, explore and take in the essence of the host country.
Another special trip is the Holland and Belgium river cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp
for ten days which includes eight tours over three countries from just $7,695.
Many tourists love the United States and have a deep desire to fully explore the south and the Mississippi Delta Explorer ticks all the boxes visiting New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee.
The eight days, six tour trip allows guests to explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi that preserve the memory of the American South’s early history.
Savour delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine along with the famous Memphis barbecue while celebrating musicals legends in the birthplace of rock and roll.
Honour the memory of a pivotal Civil War battle at the Vicksburg National Park or become
immersed in the blues with Viking’s Privileged Access Mississippi Delta experience.
Enjoy pre and post cruise extensions here with more days to explore the embarkation or disembarkation city or see a new destination altogether.
Travellers can add a two night ‘The Best of New Orleans’ extension to appreciate the inimitable character and charm of the historic French Quarter and enjoy free time to discover the foodie and music scene of ‘The Big Easy’.
The helpful Viking host is available to help plan so guests can make the most of the visit.
The extensions include two nights at the Hotel Monteleone in the centre of New Orleans French Quarter and combines timeless charm with Southern elegance close to Bourbon Street and historical sites and is priced from $1499.
A selection of additional excursions may be available to enhance the extension experience and are able to be booked when the cruise shore excursions open for sale.
For more information on these cruises or the many and varied options Viking delivers, please visit www.viking.com or phone 138 747.
See the magnificent architectural highlights of one of Europe’s most elegant and romantic cultural capitals, Vienna, Austria. (Supplied)
Learn the secrets of making your own Weiss Wurst at a Regensburg institution during the Grand European Tour.
The Rhine Getaway cruise begins at Basel, located where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, and reflects a fascinating blend of traditions.
Enjoy an excursion to the Cairo Citadel and Egyptian Museum with 107 exhibit halls which hold over 120,000 items with its most celebrated collection, the Tutankhamen Gallery which contains the famous gold mask and other artifacts.
Often referred to as “The Big Easy,” the city of New Orleans radiates charm and is renowned for its Southern hospitality.
Spring is a season of renewal and the perfect time to plan your next unforgettable journey. With exclusive airfare offers, you can experience the world The Viking Way —in comfort and with more included.
Book a river voyage and fly free, or book an ocean or expedition voyage and your companion flies free. Be quick, offers end 1 December 2025*.
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Motion chopped down
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater Dandenong councillors have voted down a proposal to preserve 22 trees earmarked to make way for the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre.
This month, the council confirmed it had already removed 21 of 43 doomed trees on the Mills Reserve and Dandenong Oasis car park site on Cleeland Street, Dandenong.
Greens councillor Isabella Do, at a 22 September meeting, called for options to retain the remaining 22 trees as a “practical and precautionary response to escalating climate risks”.
Most of the mature trees were assessed as low retention value but this didn’t account for their biodiversity or ecological function, she said.
Some of the trees in concrete collars in the Oasis car park were reportedly starved of air flow and moisture transfer around their roots.
Cr Do suggested removing concrete collars and waiting to see if the trees thrived.
“Cutting down canopy trees should be a last resort, as their loss cannot be quickly or easily replaced,” her motion stated.
“Canopy trees provide immediate cooling,
shade and air quality benefits that cannot be replicated by new plantings for at least five to 10 years.”
A public online petition has also been logged with the council to “delay the destruction” of the trees.
Council officer David Fice told the meeting that redesigning the DWC to save the trees would lead to construction delay costs of “tens of thousands of dollars a day”.
It could put the project at risk of extending beyond mid-2027, and in breach a $20 million fed-
eral grant deadline, Fice said.
As part of the $122 million DWC project, 143 new trees will be planted and 166 existing trees retained, according to the council.
There will be 25,000 shrubs and ground cover plants added around Mills Reserve.
He said the new trees would flourish in better soil conditions with more natural landscaping and space around them.
In opposition to the motion, Cr Sean O’Reilly urged for “long-term” thinking.
“This notion that no tree can be touched in Greater Dandenong is impracticable … (and) will lead to no progress.
“We should see the wood from the trees and make a balanced decision.”
Cr Phillip Danh said revisiting the tree assessments would be “inefficient and a poor use of ratepayers resources”.
The DWC replaces the decades-old Dandenong Oasis aquatic centre and will focus on allied health, education, fitness and wellness.
The two-storey centre includes two separate pool halls, dry health and fitness facilities and an integrated sports pavilion.
Council condemns ‘extremist Nazi hate’
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater Dandenong councillors have unanimously condemned “extremist Nazi demonstrations” in the wake of March for Australia anti-immigration rallies last month.
Cr Phillip Danh raised the motion on 22 September, labelling the neo-Nazi incidents at March for Australia in Melbourne and other cities on 31 August as “disgraceful” and “downright un-Australian”.
“The events of 31 August were a clear and deliberate attack on my community - the community that I have grown up in and lived all my life.”
The motion denounced “extremist Nazi demonstrations”, “public displays of hate” as well as a violent alleged attack on First Nations’ site Camp Sovereignty on the same day of the protests.
“The motion sends a clear message - our community stands united against hate and division,” Cr Danh said. “We must always stand united against hate because we are stronger together.” He said “the real March for Australia isn’t what we saw on 31 August”.
It was instead embodied by a federal election in May in which voters rejected the “politics of division and hate”.
“The real March for Australia happens every day when millions wake up early to go to work to provide for their families and contribute to our economy. The real March for Australia happens every weekend when thousands and thousands flock to support their footy team and
Cr Phillip Danh has called for Greater
Chambers: 446998)
embrace strangers in celebration regardless of where they come from.”
March for Australia rallies were 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 time to put Australia first’.
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.
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
(Supplied)
CGD Family Day Care tops as National Finalist
By Sahar Foladi
The Greater Dandenong Family Day Care has topped as a National Finalist in this year’s Family Day Care Australia Excellence. Council-owned and operated, the Greater Dandenong Family Day Care is a not for profit home-based child care service, providing quality child care for 53 years.
The Greater Dandenong Family Day Care is one of the four national finalists selected out of the 120 nominated across Australia.
The Greater Dandenong service is recognised for its deep care for educators’ wellbeing and professional development and a playgroup mentoring program for their educators however, these aren’t all that won them the spotlight.
Services were judged on their responses to a series of questions such as their actions to improve the quality of care, examples of fostering supportive relationship between families, staff, educators and the values and visions of the day care as just a few.
The Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) celebrates family day care sector, now in its 14th year in a showcase and recognition of excellence in the care services.
Family Day Care Australia Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Paterson, described the incredible achievements of this year’s Award recipients.
charges of assaulting police, behaving in a riotous manner, attempted robbery, assault, and resisting police.
Cr Danh said Greater Dandenong - home to more than 150 different cultures and 200-plus languages – was a “community that takes pride in its Australian identity”.
It took pride in the “hard work of everyday people who contribute meaningfully to our society and strengthen the social fabric of our country”.
He said he wanted to “show our community that we stand with them and that Australia belongs to everyone”.
“Whether, you arrived yesterday, have family history tracing back to the First Fleet or a connection to this land stretching back over 60,000 years - everyone, regardless of your ethnic, racial or religious background deserve to feel safe and live free of discrimination. Compassion, inclusion and solidarity are not signs of weakness, but are the foundations for a strong, united and resilient multicultural Australia.”
In support, councillor Rhonda Garad said this was a “critical moment in time” when “our democracy is under great threat” and “Nazism and authoritarianism” were on the rise across the world.
She questioned why a “Nazi march” had been allowed in the CBD, labelling the attack on Camp Sovereignty as “not acceptable” and “not random”.
“Events like this that encourage great hate and division must at all times, by everybody, be condemned.”
“This year we received close to 5,000 awards nominations for services, educators and coordinators, highlighting the unique and valuable role that family day care plays in the lives of Australian families, and Greater Dandenong Family Day Care’s selection as a Service National Finalist is a testament to the impact Greater Dandenong Family Day Care has had on educators, children, families and the local community.
“The Awards play a key role in recognising the achievements of services on a national level and provide an opportunity to highlight the unique benefits of family day care to Australian families.”
The national awards program is the only one of its kind dedicated to family day care, recognising family day care services and professionals across Australia who support children’s learning and development in a natural home-based environment.
Each year, the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards shine a spotlight on the vital role family day care educators play in the lives of more than 71,000 children across the country.
The National Service of the Year Winner being announced on 25 October at the FDCA 2025 National Conference Gala Dinner in Melbourne.
The Dandenong Wellbeing Centre will be built south of the superceded Dandenong Oasis, top left. (City of Greater Dandenong)
The entrance to the $122 million Dandenong Wellbeing Centre. (City of Greater Dandenong)
Dandenong Council to make a stand against Nazi extremism. (Stewart
A safe space for youth
By Violet Li
On Friday nights in Lyndhurst, when many young people might otherwise be left to wander the streets or scroll endlessly at home, a group gathers at the Marriott Waters Family and Community Centre.
The laughter of board games, the energy of friendly competition, and the comfort of shared meals fill the space. This is The Commissioned Project, a youth mentoring program led by chaplain Johnny Jordan and his team, including youth mentor Rejoyce Elia.
The project was born out of a gap Johnny saw in his own backyard.
As a high school chaplain in Frankston, he was aware of the support networks available there, but in the City of Casey, he found very little.
“We’ve got so many things that are happening in our community, but we don’t have a lot of spaces and resources to support our young people. A space that’s nonthreatening, a space that’s safe,” Johnny said.
“We don’t have those spaces. We got the public stuff. We got the parks. We’ve got the library. We don’t have anything that’s intentionally set up by our community leaders to target young people in a good way, especially after hours.
“I think this is where the issue is.”
That’s how The Commissioned Project came into being.
The program runs during school terms from 7pm to 9.30 pm, offering a safe and inclusive space for young adults.
Activities are deliberately varied: card games, sports, tech-friendly spaces, and open conversations. The real focus is on connection.
“Literally, we started off by saying, How’s everyone doing? What’s been going on in your weeks? What wins have you had? What are you going through?” Johnny said.
“Literally just chat like, we’re checking with them.”
BUSINESS IN FOCUS
For Rejoyce, joining the project was personal.
“I remember what it was like coming out of high school and just being confused by the adulting world and going into the university,” she said.
“I know for me, it’s a thing of if I can create a space where everyone transitioning into being a young adult can find their space and feel comfortable too.
“Then if I can be a part of that, then that’s easy.
“It’s about giving them a mindset of even your smallest wins are worth celebrating. Your losses are worth talking about so that you can prevent
them from happening again.”
The project extends beyond Friday nights.
The Commissioned Project runs a YouTube channel showcasing positive stories from local youth and businesses, countering the negative headlines often associated with young people.
Still, Johnny is frank about the challenges. Attendance numbers are modest—around 30 at combined events.
Many young people remain isolated at home, a trend exacerbated by Covid.
“There’s youth crime, all of these things that
From scholarships to second chances
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For the past decade, Hoops 247 has been more than just a basketball facility—it has been a facility of opportunity, established in 2015 this facility has a 10-year history including navigating the mandatory closure for a twenty-month period due to Covid19 restrictions. Hoops 247 has helped shape the futures of countless young athletes. More than fifty of its patrons have earned full or partial scholarships to universities in North America and Canada, proving the program’s ability to turn dreams into tangible achievements. But with only six months left on its current lease, the future of Hoops 247 is ending. Despite its proven track record, Hoops247 has received no support from local council. Without a new home, this community facility for local youth is at risk of being lost.
What sets Hoops 247 apart is its self-sufficiency. Bringing their own courts, equipment, and coaching expertise, the current Hoops247 team has the unique ability to transform and revitalize almost any sporting venue. Facilities such as Gloria Pyke Netball and Sports Complex could thrive by partnering with Hoops 247 and its sister program, Red Roo Basketball. The influx of players, events, and community engagement would not only fill the space but energise it. In over four decades nothing to the existing council community model has changed.
Hoops 247 is not alone in recognising its importance. The program has gained support from organizations such as CMY (Centre for Multicultural Youth) who have sponsored players who are unable to afford domestic fees or airfare to attend college. This organization can see firsthand the
vital role it plays in empowering young people from diverse backgrounds. Even local businesses like Domino’s have stepped up to support the program, highlighting the community’s belief in its value. DOMINOES DAY has been in effect every Wednesday for nearly two years.
At a time when youth crime rates are climbing across the country, the importance of programs like Hoops 247 cannot be overstated. They give kids the choice between school, sport, and the potential of international student athlete scholarships—versus the dangers of the street.
Now is the time for action. The community, council, and facility operators must recognise the value of Hoops 247 and ensure it finds a permanent home. Too much good work has been done, and too much potential hangs in the balance, to let this opportunity slip away.
are happening,” Johnny admitted.
“But there’s also a glimmer of hope there. And we try to highlight that hope.
“It’s like teaching. There’s no immediate reward. It’s long-term.
“It’ll be like a decade down the road. We will get the reward.”
To know more about The Commissioned Project, visit its YouTube channel: youtube.com/ channel/UC47yTjxVvk6-4dJdK1MQkXw To join the project, you can email: info@thecommissionedproject.com.au
The Commissioned Project chaplain Johnny Jordan, and partner Rejoyce Elia. (Violet Li)
WHAT’S ON
Let’s Go Exploring
Fusion Theatre presents an interactive and multisensory bush camping adventure - inside the theatre. Participants will take on the role of junior park rangerswhileexploringsensoryplay,music,creative movement and puppetry. This 45-minute immersive performance experience is designed for neurodiverse children aged 5+, their families and carers.
• Tuesday 30 September, 9am-9.45am and 11am-11.45am at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong; $5 child / carers and parents free. Registrations required at events.humanitix.com/let-s-go-exploring
Inflatable fun zone
Giant indoor playground for kids to explore for two-hour sessions. Cafe on site. For ages 3+.
• Monday 29 September-Sunday 5 October, 10am-4pm at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough; $12-$17. Pom pom making
Children will design fluffy pom poms, perfect for accessorising hats or gifting to friends—creativity and fine motor skills take centre stage. For ages 3-12 years.
• Tuesday 30 September, 10am-11am at Noble Park Community Centre, 44 Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Free event, bookings essential at nobleparkcc.org.au
Line dancing
Fun and friendly line dancing workshop for seniors. No experience or partner needed.
• Tuesday 30 September, 10.30am-11.30am at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event, registrations required. Details: libraries.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/libraries/events/line-dancing-feel-good-series Come and try calisthenics
Join Keyzpark Calisthenics Club for an actionpacked hour of fun. No experience needed, no registrations required.
• Wednesday 1 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm and Thursday 2 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event.
Walking netball
Walking netball is a modified version of netball that is slower and more inclusive. Play is at a walk-
ing pace. Running and jumping are not allowed.
• Wednesday 1 October, 11am-12.30pm at Olive Road Sporting Complex, 2-8 Frawley Road, Eumemmerring; free event. Details: 9705 5200 or PositiveAgeing@casey.vic.gov.au
Conversations with Connie Cao
Discover the joy of growing your own veggies, herbs and fruits, with Connie Cao author, of ‘Your Asian Veggie Patch’, from patch to plate.
• Wednesday 1 October, 11.30am-12.30pm at 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Registrations required, details at libraries.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/libraries/events/conversations-connie-cao-seniors-festival
Deckchair movies
Tom & Jerry (G). Enjoy a free movie screening as part of the Children’s Festival school holiday program.
• Wednesday 1 October, 6pm-8.30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Families can enjoy traditional mooncakes, Chinese foods, cultural performances, and lantern displays, fostering connection and cultural appreciation. Presented by the Casey Friendship Association.
• Friday 3 October, 11am-3pm at 76 Power Road, Doveton; free event. Details: 9705 5200 or PositiveAgeing@casey.vic.gov.au
Tea and Tech
Learn about new technology over a cup of tea (or coffee). Learn more about how to use your mobile devices, how to make video calls with your family and how to connect with your friends from around the world through social media.
• Friday 3 October and 17 October, 2.30pm3.30pm at Springvale Community Hub ; Thursday 9 October and Wednesday 22 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Keysborough Community Hub, and Friday 10 October and 31 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Dandenong Library. Free events, registration required. Details: libraries.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/lib-seniorsfestival
Deckchair movies
Wonka (PG). Enjoy a free movie screening as part of the Children’s Festival school holiday program.
• Friday 3 October, 6pm-8.30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Chair yoga
Learn some yoga techniques that can be practiced from the comfort of your own chair. Bookings essential.
• Monday 6 October 2pm-3:pm at Endeavour Hills Library, 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard, Endeavour Hills; free event. Details: casey.vic.gov.au/ageing-positively-festival Meet the Author
Discover the healing power of words in this free bibliotherapy taster session with Sonya Tsakalakis, author of ‘Reading the Seasons’. Through stories and poems, explore wellness, reflection, and the kind of soul-stirring magic only great books can offer.
• Tuesday 7 October, 11.30am-12.30pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registrations required. Details: libraries.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ libraries/events/bibliotherapy-sonya-tsakalakis-feel-good-series
International Games Day
Try out a variety of games from around the world. No experience needed. Part of the Seniors Festival.
• Wednesday 8 October, 3.30pm-5.30pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale St, Dandenong. Free event, registrations required. Details: libraries.greaterdandenong.vic.gov. au/libraries/events/international-games-dayseniors-festival
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. 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 Medallist makes her mark
By David Nagel
Pakenham trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman can tick off the all-important ‘city-winners’ box with their talented four-year-old mare Gold Medallist after her strong win at Sandown on Saturday.
The daughter of Pierata/Olympic Medal is now undefeated after four starts, adding further lustre to her first-up win at Echuca and two subsequent victories at Bendigo; winning the $80,000 Benchmark-70-Handicap over 1400-metres.
Jockey Emily Pozman took full advantage of a favourable draw in gate two, camping Gold Medallist just off the speed in the early stages of the race.
Pozman stayed patient until the 300-metre mark, taking an inside run and surging the mare to the lead.
Gold Medallist held off a strong finish from the Matt Laurie-trained Coco Jen; keeping her perfect record intact.
“She’s doing a really good job this horse; first racing preparation and four from four now, you can’t do much more than that,” Coleman said from the mounting yard.
“She’s a city winner now so very exciting for the Blueblood (Thoroughbred) group of owners here as well.
“Really pleased for them, pleased for her as well, she deserves this.
“Emily Pozman back on board today, she missed out on riding her last start due to a suspension, but back on board today and I know she’ll be thrilled with that to keep her record with this horse going.”
Coleman said Gold Medallist is proving the ultimate professional at the races.
“She’s probably surpassed our expectations this preparation anyway, she’s a very quirky filly to have around at home, and her own worst enemy at times, but she’s turning out to be the most professional little racehorse you could ever ask for and she’s really got that will to win and it’s going to take her a long way.”
Pozman explained that Gold Medallist was quickly becoming one of her favourite horses in the stable.
“She definitely is; her strapper Andy does a lot of work with her at the stables and does a great job, I just hop on come raceday and I’m lucky enough to do so,” she said.
“Unfortunately, at her last start I was suspend-
ed; Luke (Nolen) did a pretty good job but I was glad to take the reins back today.”
Pozman said it was understandable that Gold Medallist became a little wayward at her first try down the lengthy Sandown straight.
“I think we forget it’s only her first preparation at the races today, it’s only her fourth start and it’s such a long straight here,” she said.
“I tried to look after her for as long as I could, but I think late, I was a bit desperate for the win and so was she.
“She was running around a little bit and getting a bit tired, but it’s a credit to this horse, she really digs deep and when she lets down, she has a great turn of foot.”
The partnership of Ben, Will and JD Hayes took training honours on the day, while jockey Blake Shinn also scored a double after wins aboard Farhh Flung and Evaporate.
Racing returns to Sandown this Wednesday 1 October.
Jenni winds back the clock with front-running masterclass
By David Nagel
Champion mare Pride of Jenni provided the first huge roar on a big weekend of Melbourne sport with a magnificent victory in the $500,000 Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Prepared at Cranbourne by master-trainer Ciaron Maher, the eight-year-old wound back the clock; making it back-to-back Feehan’s after rolling Mr Brightside in last year’s edition of the race.
This time around there was new challenger on the horizon, with the Matt Laurie-trained Treasure the Moment starting a pronounced $1.50 favourite.
After being ridden by Craig Newitt at her previous four starts, Pride of Jenni was reconnected with her regular jockey Declan Bates on Friday; with the pair previously sharing some of the most exciting wins on the Australian turf.
Bates took Pride of Jenni to her usual frontrunning position; Treasure the Moment took on the role of stalker…and it was race on!
Pride of Jenni appeared under the pressure at the top of the short Moonee Valley straight, with Treasure the Moment closing; but the pride of the Maher stable showed her typical toughness…fighting off the challenge to win by almost two lengths on the line.
The win sparked emotional scenes from both the huge crowd in attendance and the training and ownership group, with Maher shaking his head in disbelief as he praised Pride of Jenni post-race.
The story of Pride of Jenni is a unique one, with owner Tony Ottobre naming the horse in
memory of his late-daughter Jenni.
“I was just saying to Tony (Ottobre), she actually just amazes me,” said an emotional Maher after the race.
“To do what she can do; Treasure the Moment is such an elite horse, she can test the best of them and she just amazes me.
“I was a little bit reserved coming into tonight; I just can’t thank the team enough; Sammy, Tom, Jack, Tony…and all of his team.
“She’s just an amazing horse, Dec Bates knows her so well and I was rapt to have him back on, she’s phenomenal, and full credit to Tony for having the courage to race her on.
“She’s 100-percent sound, clearly still enjoying her racing and that was absolutely amazing.
“I can’t thank him, my team and Dec enough.
“I remember last year when I was standing here, Jenni raced Mr Brightside and the crowd started roaring 1000 from home…there’s no bet-
ter feeling…it’s so good.”
Ottobre was full of praise for the Maher stable for their preparation of the horse.
“She’s just a champion, we’ve got great people around her to guide her to this; Ciaron is absolutely a superstar and to do this with an eightyear-old mare is unbelievable,” Ottobre said.
“A lot of accolades must go to Ciaron, for keeping the horse in the condition that it is; she’s a marvel…that’s all I can say.”
Owner Tony Ottobre and jockey Declan Bates celebrate the win of Pride of Jenni in Friday night’s Group 2 Feehan Stakes. (George Sal/Racing Photos: 506727)
Pride of Jenni was back to her front-running best; trouncing a quality field at Moonee Valley on Friday night. (506727)
Gold Medallist proves too strong for her rivals in the opening race at Sandown on Saturday. (Scott Barbour/Racing Photos: 506727)
Evaporate storms down the middle of the track to give jockey Blake Shinn a winning double. (506727)
News Journalist BLAIR BURNS
takes a look at the success of Narre Warren and Endeavour Hills who both achieved great things at Under-19 level this year.
Narre’s sweet redemption
By Blair Burns
Feelings of hurt, frustration and disappointment drove Narre Warren’s Under-19 side to a premiership this season, successfully achieving redemption on last year’s heartbreaking finals exit.
While the move to the Southern League turned over a new leaf, memories of going undefeated in 2024 and exiting finals in straight sets sat at the back of the players’ minds.
This made celebrations even sweeter on the weekend as the Magpies defeated Murrumbeena by 14 points to win the Under-19s Division 1 grand final.
After finishing as minor premiers this season with a 15-3 record, the stage was set and it was fourth-placed Murrumbeena who was the challenger.
Coach Mark “Normy” Kristalyn said last year’s finals exit made him and the entire playing group even hungrier this season.
“Personally that drove me and a fair chunk of our group which was good, we didn’t want to let that happen again,” he said.
“The boys worked their asses off to get there, but we weren’t just happy to get there, we wanted to win and fortunately we got the job done.”
Kristalyn said there was no complacency, with a few losses keeping the players grounded.
“Being 15-3, we obviously got beaten a few times this year, Bentleigh (second), Port Melbourne (third) and Frankston (fifth) knocked us over late in the season,” he said.
“It was good to lose that one because it gave us a bit of a reminder that we had to stay on our game.”
Despite the Lions controlling the first half of the opening quarter, Narre Warren made the most of its forward entries to kick three straight goals, establishing a 15-point lead at the first break.
The goals came through Luca Pascuzzi, Toby Griffiths and Austin Fardell, all in the space of seven or eight minutes.
“We steadied and found some composure and once we got one goal, we soon added another two, which was a pleasing way to start the game,” Kristalyn said.
The Lion drew first blood in the second quarter, before ruckman Liam McGuinness, who was playing a blinder; hit the scoreboard to extend the margin back to 15 points.
The arm-wrestle continued with both sides missing chances, until Dakotah Maxwell put the Magpies up by 23 points at the main break.
But Murrumbeena added two goals in the third quarter and it was anyone’s game, with the Lions coming home strong.
“At three quarter time, we might’ve been a couple of goals up, but I wasn’t happy with how we were going,” Kristalyn said.
“We were just going through the motions, so I gave them a fair bit of a spray.”
The game opened up a bit in the fourth quarter and when Narre Warren kicked the first two goals of the quarter, it appeared as though the Magpies were home, leading 51-26 … but Murrumbeena had one last effort.
The Lions piled on the next three goals of the game to bring the margin back to just seven points, making for a tense final 10 minutes.
“We steadied and kicked the next goal (through Austin Fardell) which broke their hearts a bit,” Kristalyn said.
Narre Warren held on to win by 14 points, tasting premiership glory for the second time in three
years after they also won back in 2023.
After a combined 30 senior games throughout the season, captain Jimmy Dwyer, Ethan Kennedy and Julian Goerlitz were instrumental in the victory, Kennedy earning the best on ground medal for his dominant performance.
“Jules and Ethan were among the best in most games they played in the seniors as well, Jules is actually still eligible for 19s next year, but I don’t think we will see much of him,” Kristalyn said.
It was hard work which created the success, with the players hitting the track straight after last year’s devastating preliminary final loss to Officer by three points.
“Within two weeks, led by our co-captains Jimmy Dwyer and Riley Curran, the boys started training one night a week before the seniors even did,” Kristalyn said.
“It was mid-October when we started training, and it was all driven by the leaders which was awesome.
“Jimmy is like another coach, he is a really composed fella and a great footballer who leads from the front – he has a big future.”
From the bottom to the top: Falcons incredible season
By Blair Burns
Endeavour Hills was unbeatable in the second half of the Southern Division 2 Under-19s season, winning 13 consecutive games to taste the ultimate success and return to Division 1.
The Falcons were too strong for Hampton last week to win a thrilling grand final by 15 points, 7.11 (53) to 4.14 (38).
Coach George Kountourogiannis was “ecstatic” with the victory, crediting the players and his coaching staff for their support and commitment throughout the year.
“I was really thrilled for the boys, they have had a huge buy-in … they got together at the last minute and nobody really knew each other as we only had about six or seven players from 2024,” he said.
“It was really pleasing to see all of the effort they put in, and the reward was a premiership at the end of the day.”
It has been a meteoric rise for the Falcons in the space of six short months, who at the start of the year were no certainty to even have a team.
“It was a difficult and challenging period, I wasn’t even sure if we would have an Under19s team, we were trying to negotiate with Narre Warren at that stage, because we knew they had around 60 players,” Kountourogiannis said.
To set the scene a little more, the Falcons had just been relegated from Division 1, they won two games last year and had been smashed with injury.
The culture wasn’t great and there had been issues with player behaviour last season, two
points. (Supplied)
things that Kountourogiannis was determined to fix quickly.
“Priority number one was our behaviour, there were a lot of internal punishments, game suspensions and actual fines as well – we tried to nip that in the bud quickly,” he said.
“We fixed those things up from day one and there was a big tick there. Then we built the bond and connection between the players and coaches, which went a long way.”
The team found players from near, far and everywhere to form a team which would go on to achieve something special.
Kountourogiannis is a big believer in statistics, analytics and video analysis to help the de-
velopment of the players, and when Hampton “flogged” the Falcons by 84 points in round 3, he and his three coaching assistants got to work.
On top of that, they also lost three of their first four matches, before going on a ridiculous 13-game winning streak to finish the year with a flag.
“We started to really gel together, get the buyin, and focus on what we needed to do to bridge the gap against Hampton, looking at things we weren’t getting right,” Kountourogiannis said.
“The mindset was; regardless of where we are on the ladder or scoreboard, let’s have a crack and try to get the best out of each other.
“Hampton hadn’t lost to anyone until we
beat them in round 10, we had them in the last round of the year and got them again.”
Then finals rolled around and the Falcons did it again … winning by two points against the Hammers to advance to the season decider.
After winning the toss, Endeavour Hills elected to kick against the wind with the knowledge that Hampton always outscored them in the final quarters, hoping to rewrite that narrative and come home strong.
But the Falcons were convincingly beaten early and Hampton had seven shots from 16 entries, numbers that concerned the coaches.
“Thank goodness they couldn’t kick straight at first, otherwise it could’ve been a different story – but credit also goes to our boys for the pressure which made their shots on goal challenging,” Kountourogiannis said.
The second term was better for the Falcons, locking down Hampton star Noah Green and getting some good looks at goal thanks to Mitch Grant’s midfield dominance.
At half time, they had taken their chances to lead 3.3 (21) to 0.8 (8), but the Hammers began to surge, kicking three goals in the third and another one in the fourth.
Despite this, Endeavour Hills held on by 15 points with Grant receiving the best on ground medal for a brilliant performance.
Nikolas Christodoulou led the way for the Falcons up forward, booting three goals in the low scoring contest, while the open grade also won the grand final, capping off a brilliant day for the club.
Endeavour Hills won the Under-19 Division 2 premiership, knocking off minor premier Hampton by 15
Narre Warren was too strong for Murrumbeena, winning the Southern Under-19s Division 1 grand final by 14 points. (Supplied)
Narre Warren president Peter Lindsay and coach Mark Kristalyn.
