Furry duo delight for cavy show
Junior exhibitors Ben and Jorja showed off their prize-winning guinea pigs Jack and Evangeline at an international cavy event in Dandenong North on Sunday 5 October.
Surrounded with trophies and ribbons, Jack is a Pink Eye Golden Crested cavy and Evangeline is a Tri Colour Rex.
They were among 43 breeds and more than 300 cavies from across Australia exhibited at Cavy Council of Victoria’s Eurofest 2025 event.
More pictures on page 4.
(Rob Carew: 506799)
Sound barriers
Long-suffering residents say they are getting little joy from authorities in their fight against highrevving noise from Springvale Business Park. Etuners Motorsport and an associated Kamikazi Cafe are attracting regular bursts of intense noise from car meet-ups and testing at the Centre Road site, according to nearby neighbours. The revs are said to happen day or night, as late as 5am.
The tuning business reportedly gets noisy as it tests the loudness of the exhausts of cars as well as speeds on a dynamometer.
There are also high-end luxury cars revving at large meet-ups at the cafe or while entering and exiting the site.
Distressed residents in Clive Street such as David Gurr, Desmond De Monti and a 92-year-old neighbour live just across the Mile Creek drain from the business park.
“We get the ones (leaving) after 11pm - they drive home making terrible noises late at night,” Mr Gurr says.
“The groups that come to visit the mechanic with their fast cars, between 8pm-11pm.”
However, according to Greater Dandenong Council, the tuning business didn’t require a mechanical engineering planning permit due to being more than 30 metres from residents.
Residents had opposed recent new stages to the business park due to the noise. A permit was granted on condition of noise mitigation measures and speed humps – which residents say have not been installed.
The cafe had a valid council permit, though Greater Dandenong says it will investigate the need for a ‘place of assembly’ permit for the meet-ups.
After complaints in 2021, Environment Protection Authority Victoria found noise levels were compliant with regulations.
EPA says it attended again this year, reminding Etuners to ensure garage doors were closed during dyno-testing vehicles.
Business park developer Oscar Ledlin, who is a car enthusiast, was contacted for comment.
A marathon effort
By Sahar Foladi
City of Greater Dandenong councillor Lana Formoso has set herself up for an extraordinary 42.1995-kilometre Nike Melbourne Marathon to help raise funds for My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.
It’s a charity close to heart for Cr Formoso and her family who have first-hand experienced the work and the “remarkable” impacts the charity makes in the lives of young kids battling cancer and their families.
“I won’t be going for any world record that’s for sure,” Cr Formoso says speaking on her training efforts ahead of the big day.
“Let’s say if I cross that line, that’s more than enough and I can tick off another one of my bucket list.
“I’ll cross the line if my body allows me to do it, I know psychologically I’ll be able to push myself.”
The Formoso family have been with the volunteer-led charity ever since her son Luka was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Good Friday 2022.
He endured chemotherapy for two and half years and is in remission today, supported by the charity who made a massive impact on their lives.
Out of the 192 fundraisers for the My Room charity, Cr Formoso is second on the ladder sitting on $5694, just $1800 from claiming the top fundraiser title.
Using the distressing memories as motivation, she says her children will be waiting at the finish line for her.
“I’m very much looking forward for that moment, they have ben motivating and pushing me
saying they have full faith.”
Being a physical education teacher at a high school and a former runner, she says she is now more focused to raise as much as she can for the charity close at heart.
“The fact that it’s a purely volunteer led organisation, with only one paid staff -the CEO - it’s unheard of. That just doesn’t exist.
“This will be my first and last marathon, that is guaranteed.
“I just wanted to challenge myself in a way that kids are challenging themselves going through this horrendous disease.
Lana Formooso with her son Luka, whose diagnosis with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia has inspired her to raise funds for My Room charity.
“The 42.1 kilometres is a very small price to pay. I’ll be thinking of them every single step of that race.”
The grateful family received immense support during their tough times and has since worked to pay that forward in the form of donations, promoting the charity, raising awareness, supporting events such as the charity’s telethon and now through Melbourne Marathon.
The family effort which saw Hugo and Luka swap birthday presents for donations to the charity in 2022, has now raised more than $100,000.
Cr Formoso is committed saying any opportunity to raise awareness or funds, she will “do it forever.”
The race starts in Melbourne on at 6.30am on Sunday October 12.
To donate to the cause, go to melbmara2025. grassrootz.com/my-room/lana-formoso
No escape for soilworks operator: EPA
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The operator of an asbestos-riddled soil mound in Bangholme will be compelled to clean up even if they collapse into insolvency, says the state’s pollution watchdog EPA Victoria.
This month, VCAT affirmed an EPA order against soilworks operator ESI Projects Pty Ltd to clean up the contaminated soil at 576 Dandenong-Frankston Road.
A clean-up deadline of 29 December applies to the site, which features a mountainous pile of soil behind Jakupi Flowers.
It stands within the Green Wedge zone, just 400 metres away from worried residents at Willow Lodge retirement village.
At the tribunal, ESI submitted that remediation could cost up to $6 million and cause its insolvency.
The operator recorded a $382,000 operating loss for the ten months up to 30 April.
EPA southern metropolitan regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said “alternative pathways” were available if ESI wound up.
“Victoria’s strong environmental laws provide alternative pathways to ensure that the liability of cleaning up pollution is borne by parties responsible for causing or permitting that pollution.
Companies
A soil mound has towered over 576 FrankstonDandenong Road Bangholme since last year.
(Gary Sissons: 498736)
“EPA will continue to consider these alternative pathways as the need arises. the EPA wouldn’t comment on ESI’s financial circumstances.”
The soil comprised category B contamination – the second-highest level of hazardousness – including asbestos fragments.
EPA’s health advice to the community was “unchanged”, Abeywickrema said.
“The risk to neighbours remains low.
“EPA maintains regular contact with the community to provide up-to-date advice.”
ESI had a council-issued 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.
Last year, Greater Dandenong Council alleged ESI breached its permit. Last week, it declined to go into details.
“Greater Dandenong City Council is continuing to work with the EPA and the landowners to resolve this issue,” acting chief executive Sanjay Manivasagasivam said.
“As this remains an active investigation, we are unable to provide further comment.”
ESI had sought a VCAT review of the Environment Protection Authority notice to cleanup by 28 February this year, arguing it was “not the appropriate person” to receive the 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.
VCAT found that the notices can be served on people in management and control of the land, regardless of whether they caused or permitted the contamination.
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 Authority should be set aside.
WorkSafe forum for industry
WorkSafe is set to visit Dandenong to offer work safety tips to manufacturers during its Health and Safety Month.
The workplace safety authority will host a breakfast and forum on Thursday 9 October, including expert-led demonstrations, tips on handling dangerous goods, and supporting recovery and return to work after an injury.
Manufacturing is among the five priority industries WorkSafe is targeting in 2025’26, as part of a strategic approach to reducing workplace harm.
The sector employs approximately eight percent of Victoria’s workforce but accounted for more than 14 per cent of all workplace injury claims in the last five years, with manual handling being the largest contributor.
More than one in five workplace fatalities in manufacturing occurs in the Greater Dandenong area.
Targeted discussion topics will include automation and robotics, working with health safety representatives, support services for injured workers, managing hazardous sites, and the importance of pre-incident planning and emergency response when managing dangerous goods.
WorkSafe chief health and safety officer Sam Jenkin said the event would give employers and workers a chance to hear expert advice while trading stories and experiences of health and safety in the sector.
“Workers in manufacturing use a wide variety of machinery and tools, each with its own risks and hazards, and this session has the potential to help employers avoid serious injuries and even save lives,” Mr Jenkin said.
“With Greater Dandenong being home to more than 23,000 workers in an industry worth around $30 billion to the Victorian economy each year, it’s vital that manufacturers in the area are staying up to date with the latest health and safety advice.”
The breakfast event is at the Holiday Inn’s Dandenong Room on Thursday 9 October. Registrations at worksafe.vic.gov.au/ events/hs-month-2025 dandenong
fined total of $65,000 over fall risks at sites
A builder and a metal fabricator have been fined a total of $65,000 for failing to control fall risks on home building sites in Boronia and Noble Park.
WAM Homes Pty Ltd and Wanjia Metal Works Pty Ltd were sentenced in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Friday 19 September after pleading guilty to seven workplace safety charges.
In July 2023, WorkSafe inspectors allegedly observed multiple workers on the balcony of a townhouse without perimeter guard rails or scaffolding, the court heard.
The unprotected balcony edge was about three metres above the ground.
Inspectors were revisiting the site at the time, having already issued WAM Homes a prohibition notice for fall risks.
In April 2024, inspectors attended a worksite in Noble Park, where WAM Homes had contracted Wanjia to supply and install structural steel.
One worker was observed standing on an Aframe ladder on the upper floor of a townhouse near an unprotected edge more than three metres from the ground, and another worker was at the base of the ladder with his back to the live edge. No fall protection devices or guard rails were in place.
One of the workers did not have a construction induction card, which is required to access and perform work on construction sites.
The court heard WAM Homes was previously fined $15,000 without conviction over the fall risks identified in WorkSafe’s original visit to the Boronia worksite in 2022.
Additionally, WorkSafe issued the company with 11 improvement notices relating to working at height between December 2021 and July 2022.
WAM Homes, the principal contractor of both construction projects, was convicted and fined $45,000 for four charges of failing to ensure a workplace under its management and control was safe and without risks to health.
Wanjia, which was subcontracted by WAM Homes for the Noble Park project, was fined $15,000 without conviction for failing to reduce fall risks by using a passive fall prevention device.
Both WAM Homes and Wanjia were each
fined $2,500 without conviction for failing to ensure construction work was performed by someone with a current construction induction card.
The companies were also ordered to each pay $3,266 in costs.
WorkSafe chief health and safety officer Sam Jenkin said WorkSafe had no tolerance for employers who repeatedly ignored fall risks.
“Seeing a company who has previously faced enforcement action and been made aware of its safety failures show the same careless attitude over and over is simply inexcusable,” Mr Jenkin said.
“Fall prevention measures aren’t a box ticking exercise to satisfy WorkSafe after a visit – they are often the difference between life and death.
“Employers who don’t bother implementing them are not only breaking the law but showing a complete disregard for the safety of their workers.”
Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. (Gary Sissons: 244718)
Lana Formoso to run the Nike Marathon on October 12 to raise funds for My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.
No noise issues, they say
By Sahar Foladi
Springvale residents say years of complaints about noise emitted from a motorsport’s businesses at Springvale Business Park on Centre Road have fallen on deaf ears.
Long-term Clive Street residents of almost 20 years, David Gurr and Desmond De Monti say they are just a few complaining of the intense vehicle noise from Etuners Motorsport.
However Greater Dandenong Council and Environment Protection Authority say that the relevant permits have been issued and complied with.
Mr Gurr, who is a retired commercial property developer at Golden Peaks, is now selling and moving out of his unit.
He had installed smart CCTV cameras at his balcony looking out to the Etuners business.
“My neighbour is 92 years old, lives in a unit, his backdoor faces directly opposite of the Etuners garage where they have their machine that tests the loudness of the exhaust and speed of the cars with dynamometer.”
Engine noises during the day, night and even 5am early mornings has ruined their peaceful sleep for years now, he says.
They had protested against stage three and four permits for the business park development due to the noise during initial stages from Etuners, which was the biggest culprit according to Mr Gurr.
But the permit was granted along with a promise to install noise mitigation and speed humps
by its developer Oscar Ledlin, something neighbours say are yet to be fulfilled.
Etuners customises the tuning of the vehicles adjusting its engine fuel ignition to achieve a higher horsepower or specific driving characteristics.
Mr Gurr says there are a number of issues in the area including the noise of cars being tested after works are completed by Etuners and some vehicles not adhering to the site’s 20 km/h speed limit.
“We get the ones (leaving) after 11pm - they drive home making terrible noises late at night,” according to Mr Gurr.
“The groups that come to visit the mechanic with their fast cars, between 8pm-11pm.”
Since stages three and four of the development were completed, it has housed more businesses
such as Kamikazi cafe, a car enthusiast themed cafe, which attracts luxury, high-powered cars revving their engine, residents say.
The cafe also hosts car meetups of up to 400 which are promoted over social media, Mr Gurr claims.
Videos of the meetup shows cafe goers and car enthusiasts gather to socialise and admire the parked luxury cars.
Whilst no hooning activity can be confirmed, Mr Gurr says these meetups all cause intense revving noise as they drive in and out of the area, sometimes late at night or early morning.
Little India demolitions set to begin
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Demolition preparations are set to begin in Dandenong’s Little India precinct as part of a $600 million Capital Alliance redevelopment.
Nervous traders fear they will be squeezed out of the new Little India in Foster Street and surrounding streets, with several given notice to vacate by 30 November.
Long-term clothing retailer Sudesh Singh says traders on the high side of the street between Mason and Thomas streets are the first being told to vacate.
Some were not offered a new location in the precinct, while others are subject to further relocation at six months’ notice, Singh says.
“There’s no certainty.”
During the works, she’s been asked to consolidate her two businesses into one shop, Singh says.
Another trader with three shops has not been offered a new temporary site.
Singh says traders who leave now were unlikely to return. Traders will only survive in the new Little India if the rent is “reasonable”, she says.
“The new developer is saying we’ll be given a place in the new building, but not saying how much it will cost us.”
Currently the traders pay a discount rent to the State Government’s Development Victoria.
However, Housing and Building Minister Harriet Shing has stated they will be paying “market
no certainty for Little India traders as demolition preparations are set to begin. (Stewart Chambers: 427430)
value” in the new development.
Most vacating traders had been offered relocation options, but some weren’t relocating due to “commercial considerations”, Shing said.
Traders relocating to other parts of Little India are being offered one month’s free rent but bearing costs such as moving, fittings and fixtures.
A Development Victoria spokesperson said early works to secure the site and prepare it for demolition are likely to start in early-mid 2026.
“We’re working with tenants to support them through the relocation process.
“We cannot comment on individual arrangements.”
Last year, the State Government approved the
precinct’s masterplan, including 470 new homes, 2500 square metres of community space, a new supermarket and food market hall
The first stage will be building the Little India, retail and entertainment areas as well as residential apartments between Thomas and Mason streets.
Building all seven stages, including potentially a hotel, dwellings, offices, education and health services and cinema, will take up to 16 years.
Part of the Capital Alliance plan is to bring in “mini-majors” such as a supermarket chain to attract more shoppers, as well as family-friendly entertainment activities.
“We want to make it as vibrant as possible. It won’t be exclusively Indian traders,” Capital Alliance chief executive Mohan Du recently said.
He expected to start offering new tenancy agreements by early 2026, with existing traders given “first right” to occupy the revitalized precinct.
“We don’t want to see Little India disappear.”
Du’s vision is for a “new, modern and safe” precinct that’s active with office workers and businesses, not just “towers and towers of housing”.
“We think you also need to create a vibrant retail and entertainment precinct.”
The redevelopment is a giant progression in the State Government’s $290 million Revitalising Central Dandenong project, which began in 2006.
City of Greater Dandenong Council acting chief executive officer, Sanjay Manivasagasivam says the tuning business and motor repairs don’t require a mechanical engineering planning permit as it’s 30 metres away from a residential zone.
He says the Kamikazi cafe operates with a valid permit, but council will investigate whether the business is required a permit for ‘place of assembly’ use for the meetups.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) had investigated the noise levels from the vehicle tuning business back in 2021, after many community demands.
The noise levels were found to be compliant and within the noise limits.
An EPA spokesperson says it attended the business site earlier this year and reminded them of managing the noise from dyno-testing vehicles by ensuring their garage doors are closed.
“EPA used a noise logger in 2021 to test noise in the area over a seven-day period, and found the business did not exceed the noise compliance limit.
“We don’t regulate noise from traffic, car meets or hoon behaviour, but community members can report such activity to police.”
Mr Ledlin made it onto the Financial Review Young Rich List for the first time in October last year ranked 67 with a $72 million fortune.
The article mentioned the car enthusiast drives his BMW on weekdays, and a bright purple Nissan GT-R sports car on weekends.
He was contacted for comment.
$650k ‘fraud’
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Noble Park-based physiotherapist has been accused of fraudulently billing more than $650,000 of purported services to injured workers.
Joshua Vivian Braganza, 36, of Clarinda, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 October on four charges of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.
The registered WorkSafe service provider allegedly billed four WorkSafe agents for services to injured workers that were not provided, according to charge sheets tendered to the court.
WorkSafe alleged that Braganza defrauded $38,915 from EML Vic Pty Ltd, $154,259 from Gallagher Bassett Services Pty Ltd, $193,683 from Allianz Australia Workers Compensation (Victoria) Ltd and $263,516 from DXC Claims Management Services.
The offending was stated to have spanned January 2023 to April 2025.
Branganza is scheduled to appear at a committal mention at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 16 December.
Sudesh Singh says there’s
KamiKazi car enthusiast and anime cafe, where luxury car meetups take place. (508204)
The view of Etuners, with Mile Creek running alongside, from David Gurr’s balcony. (Sahar Foladi: 508204)
Alcohol-fueled man set fire to home
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A recidivist arsonist who had fallen out with a Hallam couple and set fire to their home has been jailed for up to eight years.
Father-of-four Jagath Mallikarachichi, 52, formerly of Clyde North, was sentenced at the Victorian County Court on 2 October after pleading guilty to arson.
A hoodie-clad and heavily drunk Mallikarachichi broke into his sister-in-law and husband’s rental house, pouring petrol in two bedrooms and setting it alight about 9.10am on 15 April 2024.
He destroyed most of their possessions, valued at $174,516, including irreplaceable items such as a wedding dress, valuable jewellery and cricket trophies.
About $90,000 of cricket gear, imported from India in order to sell, perished in the blaze.
The uninsured couple’s finances and plans to buy a house were scuttled.
The brother-in-law stated to the court that he didn’t understand why someone would want to take everything away from them.
The property’s landlord submitted it would cost nearly $42,000 to demolish the dwelling and another $407,000 to rebuild.
In sentencing, judge Gabriele Cannon commended a passer-by who bravely burst into the
flaming house, yelled out to anyone who might have been trapped inside and called triple-0.
At the time of the arson, the home was vacant due to the couple holidaying in Sri Lanka - as Mallikarachichi well knew.
He had argued with them after they declined his request to take certain items to Sri Lanka on his behalf.
He was said to be jealous of the husband’s cricketing achievements. A violent outburst had forced his sister-in-law to move out of the family home and he was snubbed from the couple’s wedding invitations.
When arrested, Mallikarachichi was living in a motel.
He lied to police that he was possibly at a doctor’s appointment or restaurant during the fire.
His guilty plea came at a late stage, after Judge Cannon ruled his previous arsons were admissible evidence in front of a yet-to-be empaneled jury.
Mallikarachichi had been convicted for starting a diesel fire outside his ex-partner’s bedroom window, causing it to explode in 2009.
After drinking heavily, he set fire to a Lilydale shopping centre in 2014 after losing his job as a cleaner.
Breaching intervention orders, thefts, unlawful assault and handling stolen goods were
Best guinea pigs on show
More than 300 guinea pigs - otherwise known as cavies - were on show for an international event in Dandenong North on Sunday 5 October.
Cavy Council of Victoria hosted the Eurofest 2025, attracting exhibitors from across Australia and judges Campbell Mitchell from Scotland and Minna Thome from Sweden.
“A wide variety of breeds were showcased which kept the judges busy,” CCV spokesperson Michael Carter said.
“The judges remarked that the quality of the Australian animals being presented was of a very high standard.”
Among the winners was Best in Show in the Scottish section – a Lemon Agouti named Shuri Dolly Be Dancing.
CCV holds monthly shows at Menzies Hall, Dandenong North on the first Sunday of the month between March-December.
among his other past offending.
Judge Cannon said Mallikarachichi’s arsons were part of a pattern of “extremely concerning behaviour”.
She rated his rehabilitation prospects as “guarded”, with drinking a continual problem.
He’d since shown little remorse for his victims, she said.
Judge Cannon dismissed a defence submission that his latest arson was an “impulsive” act fuelled by drunkenness and his ADHD.
He had pre-meditated committing a criminal offence, she stated.
As shown by parking his car some distance away from the couple’s home and covering his face with a hoodie before breaking in. It was unclear whether he’d brought the petrol used in the fire.
His behaviour was disinhibited due to his intoxication, but he was aware of his tendency to commit such offences when drunk, Judge Cannon said.
In future, his intoxication could be considered an aggravating factor if it was part of any further offending.
Mallikarachichi was jailed for eight years, with a five-year-and-three-month non-parole period.
His term includes 484 days of pre-sentence detention.
New service
A Little Library service has been installed outside Noble Park railway station.
The pink cube with 35 lockers allows Greater Dandenong Libraries members to collect and return items 24/7.
Deputy mayor and Noble Park Ward councillor Sophie Tan said it was a “new level of convenience for Noble Park locals”, including 40,000 people passing through the station precinct each month.
“All you need is a library card and access to the library website to put items on hold.
“It’s a fantastic way to bring our libraries to the community.”
It follows the installation of a Little Library at Menzies Avenue, Dandenong North in late 2023, which attracts about 100 loans a week.
A new Little Library service visited by deputy mayor Sophie Tan and Greater Dandenong Libraries staff. (City of Greater Dandenong)
A Lemon Agouti cavy judged Best in Show in the Scottish Showcase. (Supplied)
Judge Campbell Mitchell from Glasgow, Scotland examines an English Crested Lilac. (Rob Carew: 506799)
Judge Minna Thome from Stockholm Sweden examines a Black and White Bi-Colour guinea pig. (Rob Carew: 506799)
A Pink Eye Golden Dutch on the judging table. (Rob Carew: 506799)
Addict jailed after attack
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Dandenong woman who brutalised a relative, including trying to slit her throat with a blunt knife, has been jailed.
Leanne De Baize, 43, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to intentionally causing serious injury, making threats to kill, theft and unlicensed driving.
De Baize’s attack occurred in the relative’s home in the South East in February last year.
She was under a drug-induced psychosis at the time – which showed the tragic impact of drugs on families and vulnerable elders, Judge Patricia Riddell said in sentencing on 25 September.
De Baize had told police something on the phone or TV told her to keep the victim hostage and her ex-partner was telling her to make a beheading video.
She believed other people were killing the
victim’s other family, that the country was being taken over by other nationalities and that her own phone and brain were hacked.
At one point, she made the victim get on her knees in front of the TV, making her repeat words as part of a threatening act
She tried to cut the victim’s neck with what appeared to be a bread knife and later used a smaller knife from a kitchen drawer and stabbed the screaming, crying victim to the shoulder/neck area and body.
“It’s enough, I’m dying Leanne,” the victim said at one point.
During the ordeal, De Baize struck her relative to the head with a heavy marble placemat, and tried to suffocate her as well as trying to strangle her.
She tied up the victim’s hands, and twisted and broke one of the victim’s fingers.
Family members knocked on the locked front door. They heard the victim screaming for help,
A night of horror by
By Sahar Foladi
Supernatural thriller film, ‘Sunny’s Mansion’ is set to premiere at the Drum Theatre on Sunday 19 October making its Dandenong creator’s childhood dream come true.
Herman Perera’s drama script was banned by the Sri Lankan Government before he migrated, but he remained determined to chase his dreams.
Since living in Australia in 2008, Mr Perera was driven by his passion making a switch from a professional hotelier role to train and dedicate himself to creative arts.
“I sacrificed my profession to get into this, did some research and thought I’ll start from scratch and do short films.
“As an individual, I liked to create all the time.
“So when I was in the hotel business, I thought about doing something different every time no matter what role, especially in the food and beverage section.
“My creative thoughts always clashed with my hotel work.”
The script took two years of perfecting, shooting the film in 27 days and post-production another two years.
He even shared his script to a few top Hollywood script developers WeScreenplay, Bulletproof, and Script Reader Pro, who gave him the green light calling it a “unique story.”
“Most horror films, they go for jump scares. In mine, I didn’t touch that at all.
“My wife and two daughters are too excited than me.
“I feel very lucky to have known the people I had associated during my lifetime because, especially the rejections helped me a lot.”
and saw De Baize escape out of the side gate.
The relative was taken to The Alfred hospital with multiple bruises, a penetrative cut to her neck, concussion and PTSD.
For more than a year since the incident, she continues to suffer vertigo and dizziness, memory loss, panic attacks and nightmares, depression, and pain to her shoulder, back and wrist.
She no longer feels safe at home, she told the court. Meanwhile, the two, once-close families had become estranged.
Soon after the attack, De Baize returned and stole the relative’s car. She was spotted by the victim’s son driving in Dandenong North.
“Tell your mum to drop the charges,” De Baize told him.
“Just say she attacked me and I went for her.”
He told her she needed to give herself up. She was arrested that morning.
De Baize was unfit for a police interview due
Dandenong filmmaker
As someone who thinks outside the box, his horror film, Sunny’s Mansion is the first big breakthrough for the passionate filmmaker after he worked tirelessly on three short drama fiction films.
He directed, produced and wrote, Deeper (2019), Unpredictable (2016), and Flat Grey Sky (2013).
His ‘The Owl’ script earned the Script of
the Festival award at the Catharsis Film Festival, Belgium in 2020, and the Best Short Script award at the Indo Global International Film festival, India in 2019. The script was written during his last semes-
to auditory hallucinations, coming down from the drug ‘ice’ and agitation.
While on remand, she told her sister in a phone call that it was an “impulsive” act and “wasn’t because I was on drugs”.
In sentencing, Judge Riddell said that De Baize’s drug-induced psychosis at the time was not mitigatory. This was because there was no underlying mental illness.
It had been an “enormous breach of trust” on a close relative who had loved De Baise and only ever been kind to her, the judge said.
She noted De Baize’s lack of relevant priors, her remorse as well as long-term impacts from childhood abuse and a violent ex-partner.
De Baize was jailed for six-and-a-half years with a four-year non-parole period.
She is scheduled to face a contest mention at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 21 October over an alleged hit-run crash into a cyclist in Noble Park.
ter at the Deakin University in Bachelor of Creative Arts in Film.
Tickets are available at greaterdandenongevents.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_30f6 4f9918fe4285ac9bcb5adace8784
The Sri Lankan-born Australian filmmaker in the course of filming Sunny’s Mansion. (Supplied)
Sunny’s Mansion is a chilling supernatural movie set to premier at the Drum Theatre Dandenong on Sunday 12 October.
A scene from thriller Sunny’s Manision, the first breakthrough for passionate filmmaker Herman Perera.
Safety net or spider web?
We said it last time - truth be told - and it needs to be said again: the problem isn’t immigration. It’s entitlement without accountability.
In our previous article, we coined the term “generational Centrelinkers” - not to insult, but to confront a painful truth.
There is a growing segment in Australia where families have been on government support for two, three, sometimes four generations.
It has become normalised. Expected. Even strategised.
Let’s be real: the system is broken when working full-time, pays barely more than Centrelink –and working hard comes with less support than doing nothing.
Where’s the incentive to contribute?
We have nurtured countless young single mothers, through our community service.
One common example, with four children all under 10, all from different fathers.
Most of these women are kind, intelligent, and could thrive with the right support and guidance.
But when you ask about their life, it is a reflection of what they saw growing up:
“Mum was a single parent too. We all lived in housing. It’s just what who we are.”
With four kids, a single parent can earn up to $2000 per fortnight, receive subsidised housing, discounted utilities, free or heavily subsidised childcare, school support, and a range of local council grants.
In contrast, someone earning $100,000 a year only takes home about $2400 per fortnight after tax.
Then pays full price for everything.
LOOKING BACK
100 years ago
8 October 1925
Prime Minister at Dandenong
EXTRAORDINARY ENTHUSIASM
Mr Bruce, Prime Minister of Australia, opened his campaign for Flinders in the coming Federal elections in the Dandenong Town Hall on Monday night. The meeting was timed for 8 o’clock, but before 7 o’clock, cars and pedestrians were arriving at the hall. The building was crowded by 7.30pm, hundreds were even then unable to gain admission. Several climbed to the windows and held risky positions, there was a tremendous overflow in Lonsdale Street, and numbers assembled round the wireless at Messrs Blain Bros’ garage, the speech being broadcast from the hall throughout Victoria and New South Wales, and was clearly heard in Sydney, King Island, Port Darwin, New Zealand
INTERFAITH
Rent or mortgage. $70+ per child per day in childcare. Health insurance. Rego. Petrol. Bills. And no handouts.
So the question is: why bother working?
We’re not here to judge every Centrelink recipient.
Support should exist for those in genuine need - single parents, elderly, displaced, injured.
But when generations are born into learned helplessness, it’s a national crisis.
We are now rewarding disengagement and raising children without a model of contribution, resilience, or responsibility.
When role modelling is missing, children mirror what they see.
If they see Centrelink as the norm, they will aspire to Centrelink.
Monkey see, monkey do. But who’s holding the mirror?
Meanwhile… we blame immigrants?
We turn around and blame immigrants for housing prices, health delays, job shortages - yet they are the ones:
• Working the jobs no one else wants (hospitality, aged care, farming).
and Rabaul. The broadcasting was from 3LO station, Braybrook. 50 years ago
6 October 1975
FIRE, BUT THE MEN BAKED ON
A fire did not deter employees of Tip Top Bakeries last Thursday night …. They kept baking on. As firemen from Dandenong and Doveton Brigades tore off asbestos sheets on the roof of the bakehouse in Cranbourne Road Dandenong to get to the seat of the blaze, the employees went on with their work of turning out thousands of loaves of bread below them. The alarm was registered at the Brigade switchboard from an automatic alarm at the factory. The outbreak could have started through a spark from maintenance work being carried out on the premises. Station officer Ron Fawcett and crew of 25 men from the Dandenong Brigade and 10 firemen from Doveton stayed at
• Paying $10,000+ in visa fees, often no access to Medicare or Centrelink.
• Buying homes with hard-earned savings, not handouts.
• Role modelling values of family, education, and perseverance.
We call them “queue jumpers” while they’re picking our fruit, cleaning our hospitals, serving our meals, and paying taxes without accessing public safety nets. Most can’t. Their visas don’t allow it.
So how are they the problem?
Let’s be blunt - Australia is becoming a land of double standards.
We talk about fairness. But how fair is it that an immigrant working three jobs can’t afford childcare, while someone on benefits for five years pays nothing and gets bonus payments?
We talk about values. But what values are we teaching when choosing not to work comes with more perks than pulling your weight?
We talk about equality. But what does that mean when immigrants face stricter rules, more scrutiny, and fewer benefits - while contributing more?
Truth be told, here’s what needs to change:
1. Audit and reform Centrelink dependency Identify and intervene where generational dependency exists. Support must be a bridge - not a bed. Time limits. Work, study or volunteer requirements. Accountability.
2. Mandatory community contribution
If you’re receiving full benefits and physically capable, you should be giving back: local clean-ups, aged care assistance, tutor-
the scene cleaning up water and attending to mopping up operations for 80 minutes.…
20 years ago
3 October 2005
More than $92 million to be invested in Dandenong Vision of prosperity
The State Government will pump $92.8 million into redeveloping Dandenong in Victoria’s biggest urban renewal project since the Docklands. Major Projects Minister John Lenders said the work could take up to 15 years to complete. “The project will kickstart the regeneration of Dandenong, and unlock the city’s potential to become a thriving city centre in Melbourne’s growing south-east corridor.” The funding package comprises $50.3 million to buy and redevelop land in a declared area in central Dandenong, $17.5 million to build the George Street Bridge linking southern Dande-
ing, training, something. Not to punish - to rewire purpose. We can talk about National Service, but that’s a whole other topic!
3. Values-based education and role modelling Schools should embed civic pride, financial literacy, resilience, and contribution into every year level. Let’s teach kids what it means to be a responsible citizens, and not just Centrelink numbers.
4. Stop penalising working Australians Raise thresholds, adjust tax scales. It shouldn’t feel like you are being penalised for trying to do the right thing.
5. Don’t let fear silence the truth Stop pandering to headlines and unions. Australia needs leaders with backbone - not those chasing votes through handouts. A strong nation is built on shared values, not shared victimhood.
We are Australians – let’s act like it.
We’re not from England, Malaysia, India or China. This is our home. Our only home. And we’re tired of watching it slide into mediocrity propped up by slogans and spin.
We want Australia to be a land of:
• Equal opportunity, not equal handouts.
• Mateship, not manipulation.
• Pride, not pity.
It starts with stopping the rise of ‘generational Centrelinkers.’
We’re not here to judge - we are here to push a redesigning of a system that supports contribution, not one that gets exploited.
nong with the central business district and $25 million for a residential development of the former Dandenong saleyards.
5 years ago
6 October 2020
Lifeline for CBD
Free parking would be expanded through most of the CBD to help spark business recovery, says Greater Dandenong incumbent mayor, Jim Memeti. In a survey by Star Journal, Dandenong Ward candidates were asked for their ideas of revitalising the town’s struggling ‘dead centre’ that’s fallen on harder times during the Covid-19 lockdown. The council has plans to convert parking bays into dining areas in restaurant precincts such as Thomas Street. It will allow eateries to serve more diners under the State’s recovery roadmap, which allows only small numbers of indoor customers.
World peace really begins in the home
By Rowena Eghanian
It would be easy to be overcome and completely disheartened by events happening in the world right now,and truthfully writing a Message of Hope from the comforts of my home may seem rather negligible at this moment.
But imagine if more mothers were in charge of world affairs!
In reflecting on where, and how, I – a local mother in the neighbourhood - can constructively contribute to international peace building efforts, I turn to the guidance offered through the Baha’i Teachings.
In the teachings, I’m reminded that it is within the family that the individual is born and nurtured, and within the family that individuals begin to learn how to live together with others.
The family unit is the basic building block of community, and beyond, of the entire social order.
“A family is a nation in miniature. The conditions surrounding the family surround the nation.”
A Baha’i pattern of family life calls for each individual member of a family, referring to the framework of principals, virtues and practises
MESSAGE OF HOPE
outlined in the sacred teachings of the Faith, to contribute to and advance, both the spiritual and material conditions of the world through community building efforts.
It is characterized by a balance of individual prayer, meditation and devotion, alongside collective acts of service and consultation: aimed at fostering unity, justice, and the overall prosperity of humanity.
A society fashioned to meet the requirements of the age of the maturity of the human race requires both a mature conception of family and an ability to extend the insights derived from that conception to the relationships that shape the nation and the world.
World peace really does begin in the home.
The part to be played by families will be increasingly necessary and impactful in the years
and decades ahead.
All families have a vital contribution to make to strengthen the peace building efforts of their communities and societies.
Bahá’i Writings state: “My home is the home of peace. My home is the home of joy and delight. My home is the home of laughter and exultation.
“Whosoever enters through the portals of this home, must go out with gladsome heart.
“This is the home of light; whosoever enters here must become illumined.
“This is the home of knowledge: the one who enters it must receive knowledge.
“This is the home of love: those who come in must learn the lessons of love; thus may they know how to love each other.”
Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.
Visit interfaithnetwork.org.au
Rowena Eghanian from the City of Greater Dandenong Baha’i Community.
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
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Tributes for fallen police
service at the
at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Monday 29 September carried ever-greater poignancy this year.
Victoria Police members, veterans, MPs, councillors, family members, friends gathered at the stone monument, paying their respects to those who died in the line of duty at the annual service on National Police Remembrance Day and Blue Ribbon Day.
It was soon after the still-raw tragic loss of Detective Leading Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who were shot and killed while executing a search warrant in Pokepunyah in August.
In total, 11 police, protective services officers, police custody officers, Victorian Public Service employees and police chaplains who died in the past year were added to the memorial honour roll.
They were among 178 Victoria Police officers who have died during service since 1853 and were recognised in the ceremony.
Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust chief executive Ingrid Harvey said the legacy of the lost children, partners, friends and colleagues “live on in the stories we share, the values we uphold, and the community they protected.”
“Today … we are reminded of the courage and sacrifice that define the Victoria Police community,” Harvey said.
“This years’ service carries a particular weight. We gather in remembrance and mourning.
“The recent loss of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart has deeply affected us all.”
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, who attended the main memorial service on St Kilda Road that day, said “the bravery, service and commitment of our police to wear the uniform despite the daily risks of the job can never be underestimated”.
“When a police officer is killed in the line of duty the impact is felt across every force in Australia.”
Dandenong Market stalwart’s future goes to seed
By Sahar Foladi
A Dandenong Market florist of 35 years says her retirement plans are in upheaval due to being forced out of her site by the market’s managers.
The florist widely known as Jenny has been told her site Jenny’s Flowers will be replaced by a food stall, as a part of the market’s new strategic direction.
A new location may be found for her, as her licence closes toward expiry on 30 April next year, she has been told.
According to her daughter Arzu Refikoglu, everything had been smooth sailing for more than three decades.
After migration from Turkey to Australia, Jenny worked hard alongside a florist and soon launched her first and only business at Dandenong Market.
She raised both her son and Arzu at the market, juggling the roles of mother and businesswoman.
Arzu recalls herself as young as 3, holding plastic bags while helping her mother sell flowers.
“She has a lot of friends despite her lack of English. She’s always been able to relate to people and they’ve always been really friendly,” Arzu says.
“Customers have known me since I was a baby so they’ve always been involved.
“She’s always had good relations and never had any issues really.”
But recently, Arzu accuses the market’s management of “bullying tactics” and harassment in a bid to force Jenny out from the market.
Her hopes of selling her business prior to retirement are hence up in the air.
A “file” has been built against Jenny including alleged complaints about handing out Tulip Festival flyers and Jenny’s tone with the man-
agement, Arzu says.
“In different situations we’ve seen them kick people out of the market, but they’ve done obviously a lot worse like physical assault.
“In our situation, it’s deemed the whole business may be kicked out based on our response to these customer complaints.
“They’ve claimed there’s additional complaints but when you read them, they sound like it’s associated with the same complaint. That’s when I pushed back asking for the original complaints.”
The original complaints were withheld by the market management. They only provided summaries of the complaints, date and time, citing privacy reasons.
It’s led Arzu to questioning their authenticity.
She says the management team snatched flyers of a Turkish Weekend event at the Tesselaar
Tulip Festival out of Jenny’s hands. This is despite being allowed to hand out the flyers for the past decade.
“They claim that she can’t hand out these pamphlets as it’s against market policy to promote a different business.
“My mum came home distraught, frantic, crying questioning what’s going on, why are they targeting her?”
A Dandenong Market spokesperson says internal processes are in place “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.”
Greater Dandenong ex-mayor Maria Sampey criticised the council and its CEO Jacqui Weatherill for not wanting to get involved in the market’s “operational matters”.
“If someone is being mistreated someone has to step up and say, no you can’t do that,” Ms Sampey said.
“When I was on the (market) board there was an agreed procedure. If someone was accused, there was a mediation process.
“The way Jenny is being treated it’s a kangaroo court. They’re condemning and accusing her of all sorts of things and what rights has she got?”
The market operates as a proprietary private company and complete subsidiary of Greater Dandenong Council.
While it cannot interfere in the market’s governance or operation, acting CEO Sanjay Manivasagasivam said at a recent council meeting that it will communicate the concerns to the market’s board.
Cleeland Ward councillor and non-voting market board member Rhonda Garad says numerous traders share their issues with the market management with her.
But her powers to provide relief are zero, she says.
Cr Garad says she is advocating for a transparent communication body for the traders to raise issues.
“I think there’s fear sometimes that if a trader raises an issue, either it won’t turn much weight ortheremightbenegativerepercussions-which the management assured me there wouldn’t be.
“The consistent message has been they don’t feel heard. The perception is that not all traders are treated equally.
“Because there’s a lack of transparency, people get these ideas and a transparent process would eliminate this.”
“The community really value the market. We want traders to feel that they have certainty and are being treated fairly and consistently.”
Jenny says her hopes of selling her business prior to retirement are in jeopardy. (Stewart Chambers: 504095)
A remembrance
Victoria Police Memorial
Acting Commander Damian Jackson and Assistant Commissioner David Clayton. (504780)
Paying respects at the National Police Remembrance Day memorial. (04780)
Acting Assistant Commissioner Karen Nyholm. (Stewart Chambers: 504780)
MP slams genocide pub talk
By Sahar Foladi
A Politics in Pub forum is planned for Saturday
4 October posing the provocative question ‘why Labor supports genocide in Gaza’.
Organised by the Victorian Socialists Dandenong, the event at BoJak Brewing features Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad as a guest speaker as well as Jack McMahon, a Dandenong-based activist and a Victorian Socialists member.
In response to the forum, Bruce MP and assistant minister for citizenship Julian Hill says any idea of the government supporting genocide as “offensive” and “wrong”.
“This sort of inflammatory rhetoric from political fringe dwellers is ridiculous and does nothing to advance the cause of peace in the Middle East.
“Australians want two things above all else. They want the killing to stop and they do not want foreign conflicts weaponised to divide our multicultural society.
“At every point the Australian government has used Australia’s limited influence in that part of the world to act collectively with other like-minded countries in support of peace and a two state solution, while providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza.”
He says the recognition of Palestine is a step towards “ending the decades-long cycles of violence”.
However, Mr McMahon says Australia’s historic recognition of the state of Palestine just in September is only due to the “sustained pressure” of more than 900 pro-Palestine protests over the past two years according to SBS News.
“After marching for Palestine with hundreds of locals through the streets of Dandenong in August, it’s clear there’s plenty of outrage in our community with our Labor government’s approach to the ongoing genocide.
“We want to bring everyone together in Dandenong who stands against Israel’s genocide and build a grassroots movement that can challenge Labor’s complicity.
“These historic protests and other actions in Australia led to the recognition of Palestine, not Albanese’s small heart growing three sizes in one day.”
Globally, Australia is reportedly ranked ninth for pro-Palestine protests and the fourth among non-Muslim majority countries.
Some of the protests have been staged outside Dandenong based manufacturer AW Bell supplies parts for Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, one of the most highly advanced and sophisticated fighter jets in the world.
However, the company denies it sells any parts directly to Israel.
It is the only approved casting supplier of F-35 electronic warfare countermeasure magazines in the world.
“Some of Australia’s direct ties to the genocide include the exclusive manufacturing of parts for F-35 jets right here in Dandenong that are used by the IDF in their ongoing terror campaign,” Mr McMahon says.
“We have all been made complicit in genocide due to the inaction of our politicans and now we are motivated and angry because there is a bit of Dandenong in every act of genocide”
Cr Garad, an ex-Greens member who has
been consistently advocating for Palestine during the conflict, says she welcomes anything that can bring the community together and “build political and civil literacy.”
“As a councillor, I think this is my job to have conversations about politics with the community.
“If we’re only getting information from biased media, that’s where we start to have a lot of division and hatred.
“But when I think everyone is in one room, there’s open flowing information. That builds political and civil literacy and a safer community in my opinion.
“Anything that gets people thinking and talking about what’s happening, I’m all for.”
The Socialists demand the Labor government to sanction Israel, cut ties with the United States and scrap the AUKUS-a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to enhance their defence and security capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
They urge the billons of AUKUS dollars to be diverted to housing, healthcare, education and the environment.
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We extend a warm invitation for you to explore Lyndale Secondary College by contactingusat 9795 2366 tobookatour.Join us in shaping a future of excellencefor your child.
Greater Dandenong councillor and forum speaker Rhonda Garad says open, flowing information leads to a safer community. (Gary Sissons: 486640)
Gunlom Falls reopens: A timeless Kakadu treasure
AFTER six years, Gunlom Falls is back on the tourist trail.
The falls - one of the Northern Territory’s most iconic travel destinations - reopened earlier this year, marking the first time the tourism drawcard has been accessible to the public since 2019.
Located on Jawoyn Country in the southern region of the UNESCO World Heritage dual-listed Kakadu National Park and a much-loved location featured in classic Australian film Crocodile Dundee, Gunlom Falls offers iconic cascading falls, a breathtaking natural infinity pool with sweeping views across the escarpment, crystalclear plunge pools and shaded picnic areas.
As the jewel in the crown of Kakadu National Park, Gunlom Falls’ reopening is being welcomed by visitors from around Australia and around the world.
Gunlom Falls’ campground is also operational again and works on a first-come, first-served basis. For many, camping is a highlight when visiting the area with relaxing walks in nature, incredible birdwatching, swimming in cooling plunge pools and opportunities to share stories around the campfire beneath endless starry skies.
The journey to Gunlom Falls is all part of the adventure. To get there, it’s about a four-hour drive from Darwin or two hours from Jabiru, with sealed roads leading to the turn-off and an unsealed stretch into the campground and falls. The drive itself sets the scene: wide skies, red earth, and the changing colours of the Territory landscape.
Visitors can also choose to witness the full magnitude of Kakadu National Park from above with a scenic helicopter flight during the wet
season, when waterfalls cascade at full force against ancient landscapes below.
Gunlom Falls also sit within a landscape rich in Aboriginal culture, where stories stretch back tens of thousands of years. Visitors are reminded
they are on Jawoyn Country, and taking time to understand this cultural context adds invaluable depth to the experience.
For those who remember Gunlom Falls from yearsgoneby,thechancetoreturnfeelslikerecon-
necting with an old friend. For first-time visitors, it’s an opportunity to discover one of the Northern Territory’s most magical places. Either way, a visit to
of experience that stays with the
Gunlom Falls is the kind
visitor forever.
Gunlom Falls. (Tourism Australia, James Fisher)
Getaway to Gunlom. (Tourism Australia, James Fisher)
Relaxing at Gunlom Falls (Credit Tourism NT)
Enjoying the Gunlom Falls Top Pool. (NT, Jonathon Clayton)
Nature’s infinity pool at Gunlom. (Tourism NT, Jewels Lynch)
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Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation on entry)
Sunnydale Woolshed Show
Sunnydale Native Wildlife Shelter
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Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park tour
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Hotel Stay
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Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Genocide not forgotten
By Sahar Foladi
The prominent Hazara community in the south east gathered to mark the 133rd Hazara genocide at the Drum Theatre in Dandenong.
Organised by the newly established Hazara Cultural Association, the first of its kind memorial in Greater Dandenong received an overwhelming positive response.
It served a crucial reminder and historical education into the bloodbath of one of the largest ethnic groups, the Hazara people in Afghanistan (1888-93) at the hands of 19th century Pashtun leader Abdur Rahman Khan.
The 1888-93 genocide erased 2.4 million Hazara population (60 per cent) to ethnic cleaning and even resulted in enslavement, land pillaging and forced migration.
The Hazara community and the president of the organisation Barat Batoor urged the importance of educating the younger generations and wider community of the Hazara genocide, which he and many others advocates consider to be “one of the longest-running genocides.”
“Events like this also raise awareness beyond our community, especially among policymakers, service providers, and human rights organisations,” Mr Batoor says.
“Hazaras have sought refuge in Australia after generations of oppression and persecution.
“It is vital for the younger generation to learn about their history - not only the experiences of their parents but also the struggle of their ancestors dating back to the 1880s.
“These continuing human rights violations make events like this all the more important.
“They serve not only as a form of remembrance but also as a platform for advocacy—to bring attention to the plight of the Hazara people and to push for action to end the ongoing atrocities in Afghanistan.”
Hazara people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Afghanistan, a minority Shia Muslim living within a Sunni-Muslim majority.
They have historically faced severe persecution and discrimination due to their ethnic and religious identity, forcing them to flee the country.
The significance of the event was shown by a filled Drum Theatre auditorium of 360 people. Many others watched live on a small TV screen at the foyer.
Along with Hazara families, youth, community leaders and elders were international guest speaker Mohammed J Gulzari from United King-
dom, an author, archivist and historian, founder of Hazara Archives and Grace Sultani a social worker and researcher from Newcastle, New South Wales.
A renowned figure in the Hazara community worldwide, Mr Gulzari presented facts from the Hazara Archives after spending 37 years researching and preserving the past.
Quiz winner on the night, Najibullah Mukhlis shared the story of his wife Basira Naibi who worked at the hospital in Kabul’s Dasht e Barchi on the day when terrorists attacked the hospital in May 2020 killing at least 24 new mothers, nurses and two newborn babies.
Basira Naibi worked at the laboratory within the maternity ward, recalling the day of the attack which led to her being wheelchair bound today. She hid behind a cupboard which saved her life. She called the hospital owner, letting them know of her location and the attack before she
passed out for at least three hours amidst the violent mayhem.
“The hospital gates were locked with security guards inspecting everyone coming in. No one would be allowed without inspection.
“Two terrorists threw a bomb inside the courtyard of the hospital from outside the gate and as the guards fled shouting for everyone to run for their lives, the gate was left unoccupied.
“They entered running straight for the maternity ward.”
Dasht e Barchi is a location made up of majority Hazara people and it’s hospital was a facility supported by Doctors Without Borders who were forced to withdraw after the militant attack.
“There was nothing left of the hospital.
“One of our colleagues Maryam, hid inside an ambulance, they threw bombs, and she was martyred.
“They reported 24 people killed on that day, but a lot more passed away after that day from their injuries.”
Six-months in Australia, she can see a bright future for her small family somewhat moving on from the trauma.
Supported by 14 community organisations and groups, Bolaq Analyst Network showcased long banners which displayed the names and photographs of the Hazaras martyred in Afghanistan and Pakistan from the 1990s to 2025.
The data included the dates and locations, which have been compiled over decades by the analyst group and also portrays the photo and name of Maryam-Ms Naibi’s colleague at the hospital.
Based in New South Wales, Huma Media contributed emotionally moving documentary films on the Hazara genocides screened at the program which saw many in tears.
Hazaras pushing for a future ‘without fear’
BySahar Foladi
The Hazara Genocide Memorial event was organised by the Hazara Cultural Association, whose members controversially proposed to rename Afghan Bazaar precinct in Thomas Street, Dandenong as Little Bamiyan.
HCA president Barat Batoor says it’s crucial for the wider community to learn of the history of the Hazara genocide and ongoing severe persecution in Afghanistan.
The group claim the term ‘Afghan’ translates to Pashtuns and symbolises the oppression to the Hazara community.
This caused a strong backlash from the wider Afghan community, who defended the Afghan Bazaar marketing name as an inclusive term.
In their collective letter to the council, they called the HCA proposal “divisive,” “self-serving” and “dangerous”.
It argues the term ‘Afghan’ is a nationality not an ethnic identity, as claimed by the Hazara petitioners.
Mr Batoor says the Hazara community in Australia has felt underrepresented for many years.
“But since the launch of the Little Bamiyan campaign, there has been a renewed sense of hope and visibility,” Mr Batoor says.
“The history of Afghanistan is often misrepresented or misunderstood, and without context. Even well-meaning actions can unintentionally cause harm.
“For example, the broad use of the term “Afghan” can be distressing for many in our community, as it erases their specific Hazara iden-
tity and lived experiences.”
Batoor says the organisation’s vision is for a future where Hazaras “can live without fear of persecution or discrimination—whether in Afghanistan or elsewhere in the world.”
New South Wales social worker and researcher Grace Sultani says unity cannot be sought without acknowledgment of the Hazara genocide.
“I often hear of calls from other communities of Afghanistan for there to be unity, for Hazaras to not divide themselves from others by calling themselves Hazaras, but instead to identify through a term that carries historical and intergenerational trauma.
“The problem with this is that unity cannot be built on the silencing or denial of persecution.
“It can be built on justice, on truth, and on recognition of the persecution as Hazara people have experienced and how they continue to suffer today.”
She attended the memorial event in Dandenong, sharing some of her PhD research into the post-traumatic growth (PTG) among Hazara refugees at the University of Newcastle.
Seeking participants for her research, her social media posts were flooded with Hazara genocide deniers, creating what she calls a “secondary wound” - the first being the genocide and the latter the ongoing denial of it.
She only hopes that the remarks come from a place of lack of education.
“The evidence of the Hazara genocide is just overwhelming and when you know that, you can’t deny it.
“Despite the numerous systematic attacks of ethnic and cultural erasure, Hazara people are here today and are thriving.
“Then once that education is sought out, hopefully they can better understand the historical and intergenerational trauma that that term carries for the Hazara community.”
Her research found those levels of PTG were higher among Hazara refugees than any other population ever recorded in any literature.
In her interviews of the participants involved in the research, she identified historically located aspirations, meaning their goals and future motivations weren’t limited by individual capacity but more on a community level.
“PTG is important because it acknowledges that suffering and growth can co-exist,” Ms Sultani says.
“From what I’d seen and heard firsthand, this concept felt essential to better understanding Hazara experiences in Australia.
“That’s why I felt it was so important to ex-
plore it—both to fill an important research gap, and to help tell a more complete and empowering story.”
Whilst Afghanistan suffers under Taliban rulers carrying out human rights violations against girls and women, the concerns and fears for the long-persecuted Hazara people are much greater.
This has been advocated by former Hazara refugees Sitarah Mohammadi and Sajjad Askary, who are lawyers and co-founders of the Australian Hazara Legal Network in the south east.
They were quick to act after the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021, expressing grave concerns for Afghans and the Hazara minority.
Their opinion piece to Al Jazeera stated the Hazara people were at “risk of ethnic cleansing and even genocide” and urged human rights organisations internationally to take action.
“All Afghans face precarious and dangerous circumstances in their country, but the situation is particularly desperate for the Hazaras, who have been historically marginalised, dispossessed and massacred.”
The organisation is said to remain dedicated to celebrating Hazaragi culture, language, traditions, and identity, while advocating for the safety and rights of Hazaras globally.
In September, Greens senator Steph Hodgins-May raised a recent incident in Federal Parliament where 25 Hazara families were forcibly evicted from their ancestral homes by Pashtun nomads, with the support of the Taliban.
President of the Hazara Cultural Association Barat Batoor together with guest speakers Grace Sultani and Mohammed J Gulzari. (Jan Shafaie)
Renowned Hazara author, historian and archivist founder of the Hazara Archives presented a slideshow of history from the archives. (Jan Shafaie)
A series of emotionally moving short films were presented by Huma Media. (Sumitra Vignaendra)
Lunar celebrations
Mid-Autumn Festival lit up one of Doveton’s halls with pageantry, dance, lanterns and Chinese foods.
The lunar calendar tradition was celebrated by Casey Friendship Association at John Pandazopoulos Hall on Friday 3 October.
It featured offerings of the round-pastry mooncakes alongside a sumptuous lunch and a spectacular costumed performance from Casey Gigi Dancers.
Meanwhile in another part of the hall, South Eastern Chinese Senior Citizen Association members put their table tennis, karaoke and rummikub skills to the test.
The Weathering storms into Melbourne Fringe Festival
In a historic move, Dandenong-based Fusion Theatre is set to launch a season of its landmark original play The Weathering as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Fusion’s diverse ensemble of 24 actors –most of whom identify as people with disability - will grace the Theatre Works stage in St Kilda on 16-18 October.
The Weathering director Darcy McGaw calls it a “real breakthrough moment”.
“It’s the culmination of 18 months of creative work that has birthed a really timely, important and urgent piece of contemporary theatre.”
The physical and sound spectacle is said to be the meeting of science and story – confronting the dire climate crisis and extreme weather events.
McGaw said audiences can expect a show that “packs all the punches”.
“It’s dark, and funny, and raw, and thought provoking all at the same time.
“It has movement, puppets, and original songs. It’s a show that refuses to fit into one box, just like us as a company.”
In the words of actor Biz, the production will “fill you with the awe of a storm and the surprise of a sun shower.”
Marina Zaman, another Fusion actor, said
that “in a turbulent world, this performance is a gentle protest”.
Artistic director Jo Raphael co-founded Fusion with disabled artist Alex Litsoudis in 1997.
It’s provided a stage for diverse actors who might not otherwise access the arts, including CALD, low socio-economic and disability backgrounds.
It has also included support workers into the art collective.
“It’s a huge leap for us to perform at a venue like Theatre Works for the Melbourne Fringe Festival and I’m so proud of the ways that the ensemble has stepped up to the challenge,” Raphael said.
“Together we have created a performance truly worthy of a wider audience.”
• The Weathering is at Theatre Works, St Kilda on 16-18 October, 7.30pm; $25-$35. Booking: melbournefringe.com.au or theatreworks.org. au
Looking back and looking ahead: Twenty years of art show
This year, the Noble Park Community Centre Art Show is marking two decades of community-driven creativity, connection and artistic achievement.
Founded in 2004 with a state grant, the art show was the brainchild of Hugh Kilgower and local business owner Inara Taylor.
In 2006, the show found its permanent home at the Noble Park Community Centre and has since grown from strength to strength under a dedicated team of volunteers.
A defining feature of the show has always been its inclusivity, welcoming entries from school stu-
dents, aged care residents, and all-abilities artists.
With record-breaking attendance in 2024, drawing over 1,500 visitors, the art show won the inaugural ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Arts’ award at the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards.
The 2025 exhibition will continue its proud tradition of showcasing 2D works such as painting, photography,and mixed media by both emerging and established artists.
With no commissions taken on sales, the show supports artists directly while fostering a vibrant local arts scene.
Major prizes, including a $750 award, are on offer.
Entries were open until Monday 6 October.
The Noble Park Community Centre Art Show runs from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October.
To become a sponsor, email events@nobleparkcc.org.au or contact the Centre directly at 9547 5801 to receive a sponsorship
Elizabeth Thomson with her True Love watercolour at last year’s Noble Park Community Centre Art Show. (Rob Carew: 435471)
Fusion Theatre presents The Weathering, a nopunches-barred look at the climate change crisis.
Fusion Theatre presents The Weathering, a no-punches-barred look at the climate change crisis. (Darren Gill)
Tina and Ben enjoying table tennis with South Eastern Chinese Senior Citizen Association. (507687)
Wendy, leader of the Casey Gigi Dancers. (507687)
Casey Gigi Dancers in spectacular formation at the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Stewart Chambers: 507687)
Karaoke in the South Eastern Chinese Senior Citizen Association room. (507687)
Tina in action at the table tennis. (507687)
WHAT’S ON
GLXY sports trials
Free trials on offer for gymnastics, soccer, basketball, netball and pickleball. Spaces are limited so book now to avoid disappointment. For ages 1-12 years.
•Monday 6 October-Saturday 11 October at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough; free events. Bookings essential. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/glxy-sports-free-trials
Dancing in the Reminiscing Garden.
Get active and moving, dancing and singing in the Reminiscing Garden. We will have a yummy lunch, and grab some herbs and harvest before you go. Bookings essential.
•Tuesday 7 October, 11am-1pm at 34 Power Road, Doveton; 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-day-seniors-festival
Deckchair movies - Scooby-Doo (G)
•Wednesday 8 October, 6pm-8.30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event.
Health and Safety breakfast
Free event promoting health and safety in the workplace and inspiring return to work outcomes for injured Victorians. Includes info on OHS essentials for manufacturers and small business, sup-
porting recovery and return for work, and getting dangerous goods right.
•Thursday 9 October, 7am-12.30pm at Holiday Inn, 50–52 McCrae Street, Dandenong; free event. Bookings essential at eventbrite.com. au/e/dandenong-health-and-safety-month-registration-1550050024349
Story Time
Stories that show how we can help keep our community safe, with special guests from Victoria Police.
•Thursday 9 October, 10.30am-11am at Dandenong and Springvale libraries.
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.
•Thursday 9 October and Wednesday 22 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Keysborough Community Hub,; Friday 10 October and 31 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Dandenong Library and Friday 17 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Springvale Community Hub. Free events, registration required. Details: libraries.greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/lib-seniors-festival
Living Well expo
Connect with services and agencies supporting the health and wellbeing of our senior community. Also chat with Victoria Police about community safety.
•Friday 10 October, 10am-2.30pm at Springvale City Hall, 18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale; free event. Details/registration: 8571 5556.
Deckchair movies - The Wild Robot (PG)
•Friday 10 October, 6pm-8.30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event.
Perc.U.lations
A regular poetry and spoken word event including an open mic and a featured poet. Committed to featuring at least 50 per cent poets who identify as women or gender-diverse throughout the year.
•Second Saturday of the month (next 11 October), 2pm- 3pm (poetry workshop), 3pm-5pm (open mic) at Kafe on Hemmings, 86 Hemmings
Street, Dandenong; pay as you feel. Details: thesandandthefrog@gmail.com
Work ready skills
Free two-hour session to help you prepare for the workplace and thrive in your career. Learn to succeed in job interviews, build confidence and resilience, create a positive workplace, tackle bullying, set a growth mindset and change workplace culture for the better. Guest presenter is corporate consultant, CEO and author Dr Jamel Kaur Singh.
•Saturday 11 October, 5pm-7pm at House of Refuge, 25 Melverton Drive Hallam. Bookings: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/work-ready-skills-cq-tickets1740583033709?aff=oddtdtcreator Details: 0426 254 647 or info@CulturalEducation.com. au
Deckchair Movies - Despicable Me 4 (PG)
•Saturday 11 October, 6pm-8.30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale.
Recycling tour
Come and visit the new Recycling Education Centre based at Cleanaway in Hallam. Learn what happens to your recycling once it leaves the kerb, and what goes into which bins at home. No parking at the site, shuttle bus running from Hallam Senior Citizens Centre.
•Monday 13 October 10am-1pm at Cleanaway Education Centre, 2 Princes Domain Drive, Hallam. Free event, bookings essential. Details: casey.vic.gov.au/ageing-positively-festival
Walking group
A relaxed, self-paced walk indoors, and a great way to stay active and social – rain or shine!
•Tuesday 14 October, 7.45am-8.45am at Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, Matthew Flinders Avenue, Endeavour Hills (meet at Kmart entrance); free event. Details: casey.vic. gov.au/ageing-positively-festival
Laughing yoga
Boost your mood, relax your body and share a laugh in this workshop designed for seniors.
•Tuesday 14 October, 10.30am-11.30am at 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Details: libraries.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ lib-seniors-festival
Creative mosaics
Create a beautiful mosaic tile for your home or garden over a three-week period. Learn essential techniques including design, glass cutting, tiling, and grouting. Participants must attend all three sessions.
•Wednesdays 15, 22 and 29 October, 9.30am12pm at Endeavour Hills Neighbourhood Centre, 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard, Endeavour Hills; free event. Bookings at casey.vic.gov. au/ageing-positively-festival
Slot-car racing
Relive childhood memories, share laughs, and enjoy the thrill of the track with fellow enthusiasts.
•Thursday 16 October, 10am-12pm at Mr Slot Car, 3/42-46 Hallam South Road, Hallam; free event. Details: casey.vic.gov.au/ageing-positively-festival
Start a vegie garden
Do you have a back yard that needs bit of tender care? Do you like home grown veggies on your plate? Learn how to start a vegetable garden at home and explore the beautiful plant display organised by the City of Greater Dandenong Horticulture team.
•Thursday 16 October, 10.30am-11.30am at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Details: libraries.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/lib-seniors-festival
Noble Park Community Centre Art Show
A vibrant, multi-day exhibition featuring paintings, photography, and mixed media works by local artists. Our exhibition offers something for everyone: from casual browsers and art lovers to collectors and supporters of emerging talent. Accessible for people with disability.
•Friday 17 October 10am-4pm, Saturday 18 October 10am-6pm and Sunday 19 October 10am-4pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Ross Reserve, Noble Park; free event. Details: npccartshow.org
Spring Fair
Ferris wheel, fun activities, live performances, food and beverage trucks, and plenty of lawn. Feel free to bring picnic gear. Note: no BYO alcohol or glass.
•Saturday 18 October, 10am-4pm at Keeley Park, Main Road, Clayton South; free event. Details: kingston.vic.gov.au/spring-fair
Consistent Cobras contend
By Blair Burns
Heartbreak has been a common feeling inside the HSD camp in years gone by but coach Craig Hookey is hoping that can all change this season in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 2 competition.
HSD will be expected to take care of Silverton in their round one encounter this weekend; the Bakers coming up to Turf 2 after a grand final win saw them promoted last season.
Despite finishing on top of the ladder with a strong 10-2 season record, the Cobras fell short against Parkmore in the grand final.
Hookey has stepped down from the captaincy and will play in the team’s 2nd XI, however, he will remain as coach of the side and was excited about what the new-look team could achieve this year. While the club lost Triyan De Silva to Turf 1 powerhouse Buckley Ridges, it has welcomed in plenty of Victorian Premier Cricket experience.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results – we have obviously made finals the past four years and played in two grand finals, but we haven’t quite got the job done,” Hookey said.
“Instead of having two or three blokes who can score 350 plus runs for the year, I wanted to get 6-8 blokes who could make 250 runs or so.
“We tried to create a squad that we think is going to be very even and I personally think we’ve done quite well, but time will tell.”
Fast bowler Ryan Patterson will step into the captaincy this season in what Hookey said was “a great selection”.
“No one loves competing more than Ryan and I think when times get tough, he will put the team on his back,” he said.
Some big recruits from Premier Cricket level include Liam O’Connor, Luke Grady, Brayden Lambden and Jude Owen – Kevin Seth is another recruit who last played with Beaconsfield in Turf 1. In the footy season, we had the great rivalry between Narre Warren and Cranbourne back for this year in Southern Division 1, and the Turf 2 competition has treated us to the same opening game this weekend.
Cranbourne and Narre Warren will battle it out at Casey Fields this Saturday, and while the
Eagles will go into this clash as favourites after their strong 2024-25 campaign, the Magpies are looking to fly high.
Cranbourne finished third on the ladder last season and bowed out to eventual premier Parkmore in a semi-final, but with the Pirates now gone, they will be eyeing off premiership glory.
Narre Warren is looking to rise up the ladder under the guidance of new captain-coach Chanaka “Ted” Kahandawala, who hopes his side can produce some scintillating cricket.
“If we want to climb up the ladder, we have to play fearless and positive cricket,” he said.
“We have introduced a lot of young talent into our First XI and I am very excited about it.”
Narre Warren only managed three wins last year, but the club is hoping to start its campaign with an upset victory over Cranbourne.
“We are feeling very confident heading into the first game, because our team and the whole club have put in a lot of preparation,” Kahandawala said.
And you would feel confident if you’d scored 641 runs in 16 hits last season for Keysborough in Turf 3, with the new coach also claiming 21 wickets. Amila Ratnaike, who scored 635 runs for the Magpies last season, also put pen to paper, along with many other new recruits.
Coomoora will be hoping to make finals this season after narrowly missing out by net run rate
in 2024-25, the Kangaroos will take on Parkfield this weekend in what could be the match of the round. North Dandenong is fresh off relegation and the only way this season will be a success is if they can win the whole thing and get back into Turf 1 – that will be the goal.
The Maroons have had some big signings and will look to overcome Lyndale, who will also be looking to start the season well after falling short in last year’s semi-final against HSD. TURF 2 FIXTURE
Round 1 (One-dayers): Coomoora v Parkfield at Coomoora Turf, Cranbourne v Narre Warren at Casey Fields 2, Silverton v HSD at Springvale Reserve, North Dandenong v Lois Twohig Turf.
New leader striving to take Berwick Springs to the top
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Berwick Springs will go into the 2025-26 Dandenong District Cricket Association season with a new senior coach at the helm.
The Titans have welcomed Channa Gunnawardana, who takes over from Shalika Karunanayake.
The club has featured in the past two Turf 3 finals campaigns, following up a 2023-24 grand final loss to Coomoora with a semi-final defeat to Keysborough last season.
First XI captain Braydon Hillman said Gunnawardana had made an instant impact..
“He works with the players really well and I know a lot of the younger boys are getting a lot out of it and the older boys have noticed that he knows what he’s talking about,” Hillman said.
“His advice is being well received.
“It’s a lot more structured this year and he’s getting us more switched on rather than going through the motions.
“He’s setting goals in place whatever they may be.”
Daniel Guzzardi, Tom Brennan, Stephen Law and Bailey Maranic are among the preseason standouts who could be pushing for increased opportunities in the First XI.
Berwick Springs has had a long pre-season to hit the early season in strong form and, with some additions that Gunnawardana has brought across, have maintained a consistent squad.
Hillman highlighted the benefit of the sustained selection continuity.
“I feel like we’re more prepared and ready to go this year,” Hillman said.
“We’re a good group of mates and we play together really well; on those long hot days we pull together well.
“We’re driving a friendly environment and I think that’s what we do really well.
“When things get tough, you need to pull together.
“We play to win but we play to have fun as well.”
The competition kicks off this Saturday, with Berwick Springs to take on Narre North.
Lynbrook Lakers keen to make a splash in DDCA Turf 3
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Lynbrook Cricket Club will be captained in 2025-26 by Sithara Perera.
Perera takes over a Lakers side which last season finished fifth in the Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 3 competition.
Perera was recruited to Lynbrook from Tasmania Premier Cricket ahead of the 2023-24 season.
President Shayne Loughnan is confident he’ll bring his best this season.
“He’s looking to bleed a whole heap of new kids who he sees with potential and is working
closely with them alongside his role as captain,” Loughnan said.
“To have him as our skills coach for juniors is very positive for the club as a whole and I’m looking forward to seeing what he brings with the bat.”
Perera takes over from Jesse Walia.
The Lakers will be hunting greater contributions across the board to offset the loss of star allrounder Jatinder Singh.
“We’re looking for consistent cricket,” Loughnan said.
“We’ve struggled with that in the last couple of
years.
“Our best is good enough.
“We need to work well as a team and if we can do that then we’ll get improved results across the board.
“We’re not looking for stars, we’re looking for consistency.”
The competition kicks off this Saturday, with Lynbrook taking on Buckley Ridges.
Lynbrook’s season kicks off on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 462198)
Tom Brennan could be set for some increased responsibility. (Rob Carew: 382051)
Ryan Patterson will take over the captaincy for HSD in Turf 2 this season. (Rob Carew: 440832)
Bucks hunting threepeat
DDCA
By Blair Burns
Dust off the cricket pads and find the wide brim hat that hasn’t worn in six months because cricket is back in a big way this weekend.
The Dandenong District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) Turf 1 competition kicks off on Saturday with plenty of exciting clashes, headlined by Springvale South taking on Hallam Kalora Park. Both teams made finals last season and were genuine contenders, but it was the Hawks who got the better of the Bloods both times they met in the regular season.
This trend continued in the finals as Hallam Kalora Park posted a huge score of 359 in the preliminary final, thanks to Mahela Udawatte (92), Jagveer Hayer (82), Damith Perera (71) and Leigh Booth (57), showcasing their scoring power.
Springvale South will be looking to get redemption after not being given a chance to chase the runs as the second week of the two-day match was washed out – Hallam Kalora Park advanced due to finishing higher on the ladder.
The Bloods will also be without Jack Sketcher this year after deciding to take the year off cricket, but Cam Forsyth will still hope his side can go all the way with inclusions like Ryan Quirk, who is returning from injury.
The Hawks have added some talented players including Jawid Khan (Dandenong) and are looking to play “Coxball”, but they have also lost former Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Udawatte, who scored 681 runs at 52.38 last season.
Buckley Ridges will again take some beating this season and has clearly made its name known as the benchmark team of the competition over the past four years in particular, going back-toback last season and defeating the Hawks in the big dance.
Bucks captain Jayson Hobbs will lead his troops into battle for a round-one clash against Beaconsfield, who is looking to rise up the ladder after going 3-9 last season and finishing sixth.
Despite scoring 291 in the elimination final and a strong third-place finish, Berwick didn’t manage to progress any further than the first week of finals, coming undone against the Bloods.
Dandenong West is hoping some big signings can help bridge the gap between the finalists and push them into premiership contention this season as they kick off their season against Berwick.
After a third-place finish in 2023-24, Narre South disappointingly fell down the ladder last season to finish in seventh position on just four wins, avoiding relegation by just percentage.
If they want to remain in the Turf 1 competition, then rapid improvement is a must, as too are some recruits.
Parkmore Pirates are the challengers of the 2025-26 season, having won the Turf 2 premiership under the captaincy of Niranjen Kumar, who will once again lead the charge for his team.
Despite losing their leading run scorer Satheesh Fernandu, the Pirates have picked up a few English imports and will be hoping to make an impact at the top level.
BEACONSFIELD
Coach: Mick Cronin
Captain: Andrey Fernando
Last year’s finish: Sixth
Most Runs: Tyler Clark (395 runs)
Most Wickets: Ashan Madhushanka (Walgamage) (27 wickets)
Brand of cricket: As a club, we understand the need to change certain aspects of how we approach cricket. Over the last season, we made significant adjustments to our game strategy and
DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION
have learned a lot from past experiences. We’ve worked hard during the off-season to find players who not only fit into the team, but also align with our culture. This season, we aim to play attacking cricket, while also slowing things down when necessary. We have also focused on the coaching side of the club and are excited to have Michael “Dunny” Dunstan join us as an assistant coach, along with a strong leadership group to support players and uphold standards.
Key player to watch: Jake Cronin, Andrey Fernando, Ashan Madushanka.
Surprise packet to watch: Mitch Kidd, Hayden Southgate, Salid Malik and Zack Watson.
Ins: Jake Cronin (opening bat/wicketkeeper –Buckley Ridges), Alex Nice (bowling all-rounder – Ashington CC), Sam Read (middle-order batsman/off-spin bowler – Exeter CC), Jas and Karan Singh (Fountain Gate).
Outs: Susantha Pradeep (Collegians), Michael Dunstan (retired), Charlie Johnson (Casey-South Melbourne).
Jake Cronin comes across to join the Tigers and will be a key player at the top of the order after winning back-to-back flags with Buckley Ridges. Beaconsfield has picked up some quality international players and will need to build on last year’s three-win season if the side wants to lock in a spot at Turf 1 level. The club has lost Susantha Pradeep, who has made the move to Collegians Cricket Club as the team’s playing coach for season 2025-26. Pradeep was the third-highest run scorer for the Tigers last year in the top-middle order. Beaconsfield started the season well to win two of its first three games last year, but only added one more for the year (two of those wins came against North Dandenong, who have now been relegated). The two English imports, Alex Nice and Sam Read should add some strong bowling options to the side and also bolster the middle order.
BERWICK
Coach: Brad James
Captain: Michael Wallace
Last year’s finish: Third
Most Runs: Jake Hancock (579 runs)
Most Wickets: James Trodd (21 wickets)
Brand of cricket: Relentless and brave.
Key player to watch: Jake Hancock
Surprise packet to watch: Toby Wills
Ins: Vinuda Liyanage, Chad Imbulagoda, Tom Davis, Devon Willard.
Outs: Mitchell Shirt, Matthew Hague. Berwick has been building in the right direction for a couple of seasons now and captain Michael Wallace will be hoping this is the year where they turn the tide and win a final. The Bears had missed finals for two consecutive years prior to last season and while they fell short to Springy in the elimination final, the season was definitely a pass. Berwick has not only kept nearly all of its stars from last season, but has also added in some new faces who are set to make the team even stronger. Wallace, Jake Hancock and James Trodd will again be the key players to watch throughout the year for the Bears. The test is to make finals again, and win one this time.
BUCKLEY RIDGES
Coach: Roshene Silva
Captain: Jayson Hobbs
Last year’s finish: First (Premiers)
Most Runs: Ben Wright (531 runs)
Most Wickets: Ishan Jayarathna (37 wickets)
Key player to watch: Dale Tormey
Surprise packet to watch: Ayush Patel
Ins: Ayush Patel, Triyan De Silva, Harry Snowden. Outs: Jake Cronin (Beaconsfield), Prav Chahal. Buckley Ridges is in the midst of a DDCA dynasty and will come into the 2025-26 season as the hot premiership favourite once again. The Bucks have made the Turf 1 grand final for the past four years, and it has been a whole decade since they last missed out on playing finals. They have locked away Wookey Medallist Ishan Jayarathna for another year, alongside Roshene Silva, who both averaged more than 50 with the bat last season. Not to mention the huge signing of Triyan De Silva from HSD. De Silva spent four seasons at HSD in the Turf 2 competition, amassing 1740 runs and taking 123 wickets in that time
– also winning the Gartside Medal back in 202324. While they lost Englishman Prav Chahal who dominated in the grand final, they gained opening batter Ayush Patel to replace Jake Cronin after his departure to Beaconsfield. The club also lost long-time coach Manjula Munasinghe, who departed the club after 10 years of service, with Roshene Silva to take over the coaching duties.
DANDENONG WEST
Coach: Anthony Brannan
Captain: Riley Siwes
Last year’s finish: Fifth
Most Runs: Venuk Hemachandra (376 runs)
Most Wickets: (Dinesh) Nuwan Kulasekara (28 wickets)
Brand of cricket: Looking to continually improve off a positive first year in Turf 1 last season. Going to be a younger side this year, which is exciting and the direction we want to go in the future. Expect our cricket to be fun to watch, more enjoyable as a team, and always playing the overs, staying in games up until the final wicket/run. Key player to watch: Joel Zietsman – his first full cricket pre-season in a long time. He is a natural leader and winner, a fresh start at the West will bring out the best in him. A competitive beast who will have a fantastic year with the new ball. Surprise packet to watch: Don Kavi Pulukkuttiarachchi – Kavi really came out of his shell after Christmas last season and made some classy runs in that time. Hits the ball super hard and has been the hardest worker this off-season. He will make some big scores this year.
Ins: Joel Zietsman (opening bowler – Narre South), Madushanka Perera (wicketkeeper/batsman – Dromana), Nipunka Fonseka (batsman – Sri Lankan student), Brad Sheehan (bowler – back from injury), Jayden Camilleri (medium pacer – Springvale South).
Outs: Adam Reid (Officer), Venuk Hemachandra (Dandenong Premier), Amrith Sri Mahan (Main Ridge).
Buckley Ridges has won two flags in a row, will anyone be able to dethrone the Bucks this season? (Gary Sissons: 466739)
Riley Siwes will take the sole captaincy for the first time in a bid to push Dandenong West into finals contention with some important recruits. After winning the Turf 2 premiership back in 2023-24, the Bulls pushed into the top grade and did well to finish fifth, but the gap between fourth and fifth was significant, trailing Springvale South by 22 points on the ladder – they will need to win more than four games to call this season a success. The side started last season beautifully, chasing down 201 against Berwick to start the season one from one. But a big loss the following game against now-relegated North Dandenong wasn’t the way they hoped to back up the impressive start. Football teammate of Siwes at Narre Warren, Joel Zietsman has come across from Narre South and will look to set the tone with the new ball, expect to see him taking some poles this year.
HALLAM KALORA PARK
Coach: Matt Cox
Captain: Jordan Hammond
Last year’s finish: Second
Most Runs: Damith Perera (716 runs)
Most Wickets: William Whyte (39 wickets)
Brand of cricket: ‘Coxball’ – aggressive in the one-day format with change in batting order, but more traditional in the two-day format with a more wickets-in-hand mindset. More options with the ball this year, not relying on just four bowlers like we did last season.
Key player to watch: Jawid Khan
Surprise packet to watch: Austin Fardell
Ins: Jawid Khan (Dandenong), Joshua Bethune (Iona), Ryan Hillard (returning), Jakeb McVicar (Devon Meadows).
Outs: Mahela Udawatte (Dingley).
We’ve heard of “Bazball”, but Hallam Kalora Park is bringing “Coxball” to the forefront in 2025-26, under the guidance of coach Matt Cox. They will be aggressive in the one-day format and conservative in the two-day game. New recruit Jawid Khan, who played 10 games with Dandenong’s Premier Firsts last season, will be a crucial part of Coxball. Khan also played DDCA Turf 1 for North Dandenong in 2023-24, hitting 605 runs at 46.54, also taking 22 wickets to finish second in the Wookey Medal. Replacing superstar Mahela Udawatte will be hard, but if there is a guy to fill that void, it is Khan. He is also a fast bowler and will give Hammond another bowling option, having taken 10 wickets at Premier level last season.
NARRE SOUTH
Coach: Matt Brooks
Captain: Jeevan Mendis
Last year’s finish: Seventh
Most Runs: Kyle Hardy (373 runs)
Most Wickets: Jeevan Mendis (24 wickets)
Brand of cricket: Competitive. We want to get back to our form from season 23-24 when we ever so closely lost the prelim against Buckley Ridges.
Key player to watch: Tom Arnold – heard some pretty good things about him and he’s had a really good year with both bat and ball back home
Most Wickets: Ankit Saxena (31 wickets)
Brand of cricket: Energy.
Key player to watch: Ankit Saxena, Kyle Gwynne, Surya Pratap.
Surprise packet to watch: Harmanpreet Singh Ins: Jack Farrington (spin-bowling all-rounder – Checkley, UK), Charlie Lewis (fast bowler –Checkley, UK), Harmanpreet Singh (all-rounder – Diamond), Mayank Verma (top order batsman – Diamond), Amila Gunaratne (top order batsman – Knox City), Lochy Premarathna (top order batsman/off-spin – Knox City), Surya Pratap (spin bowler – Fountain Gate), Jordan Gwynne (wicketkeeper/batsman – Lysterfield), Jas Abooj (wicketkeeper/batsman – Richmond City).
Outs: Ammar Bajwa (retired), Johann Brohier, Satheesh Fernandu.
Parkmore won the Turf 2 premiership last season and has jumped up into Turf 1 once again. You can’t help but notice the outs of Ammar Bajwa (retired) and Satheesh Fernandu (departing) – the team’s leading run-scorer and wicket-taker. Bajwa took six wickets in the grand final to earn man of the match honours, while Fernandu belted 74 not out and put every car at Thomas Carroll Reserve in serious danger. The loss of this pair will be felt, especially going up into Turf 1, but captain Niranjen Kumar is hoping that the void can be filled with a plethora of recruits. When the Pirates won the Turf 2 flag in 2021-22 and were promoted to Turf 1, they only managed to win one game for the entire season and found themselves back in Turf 2 in the blink of an eye. That story has already been written for the club, but can they re-write it and find a way to avoid the bottom spot on the ladder? Kumar believes they can.
SPRINGVALE SOUTH
Captain/Coach: Cam Forsyth
in England.
Surprise packet to watch: Kyle Hardy – he’s been building his run tally the last two seasons and I think he’ll have a standout year.
Ins: Deeshan Vimukthi, Oshada Ariyadasa, Josh Gibbs, Jawed Hussaini, Tom Arnold (England).
Outs: Zac Wilson, Vikai Kelley (both England), Joel Zietsman (Dandenong West), Morteza Ali.
Narre South skipper Jeevan Mendis did everything he could last season, scoring 371 runs and taking 24 wickets for the side, but he needed a few more teammates to come along with him. He scored single figures just twice for the Turf 1 season, with the season highlight as unbeaten century against Berwick in round 7. While there are a few key outs, including fast bowler Joel Zietsman who has found a new home at Dandenong West, the Lions have also brought in some exciting players who will look to have an impact with both bat and ball.
Captain: Niranjen Kumar
Last year’s finish: Second (Premiers Turf 2) Most Runs: Satheesh Fernandu (509 runs)
Last year’s finish: Fourth
Most Runs: Cam Forsyth (488 runs)
Most Wickets: Josh Dowling (32 wickets)
Brand of cricket: Positive.
Key player to watch: Blade Baxter and Jordy Wyatt.
Surprise packet to watch: Ryan Quirk back after a year out.
Ins: Ryan Quirk, Chris Diston, Dasun Opanayaka, Chaturanga De Silva.
Outs: Jack Sketcher, Paul Hill.
For the first time in more than three years, Springvale South didn’t make the grand final last year after Hallam Kalora Park went through to the big dance due to rain. But you can guarantee that Cam Forsyth and his team will be out to make amends this season, starting with the Hawks this weekend. Ryan Quirk almost missed the entire last season with a wrist injury, but will be a big inclusion when he lines up for the Bloods this weekend. Throughout 2024-25, Quirk made just three appearances, playing two games in Turf 4, scoring 108 and 23, and one game in Turf 1, scoring 64 against the Bucks – he is an opening batsman and could make all the difference in Springy’s search for a flag. Forsyth will lead the team from the front once again, looking to go deep into finals.
Predicted Ladder:
1. Hallam Kalora Park
2. Buckley Ridges
3. Berwick
4. Springvale South
5. Beaconsfield
6. Dandenong West
7. Narre South
8. Parkmore
TURF 1 FIXTURE
Round 1 (One-dayers): Berwick v Narre South at Arch Brown Reserve, Dandenong West v Parkmore at Greaves Reserve 1, Springvale South v Hallam Kalora Park at Alex Nelson Reserve, Beaconsfield v Buckley Ridges at Perc Allison Ovalall matches to start at 12.30pm.
PARKMORE
Parkmore captain Niranjen Kumar will be aiming to lead his side to a successful season after being promoted from Turf 2. (Stewart Chambers: 466722)
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