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PPP

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A cash-strapped Greater Dandenong Council may explore a public-private partnership to co-fund a potentially scaled-down Dandenong Community Hub project.

In front of a hostile public gallery, councillors emphatically voted on 8 December to halve the “oversized” proposed facility to keep it within its $30 million budget.

They also endorsed the exploration of a possible PPP including “any air rights” above the site.

Council officers estimated the current onestorey design for DCH would balloon to $65 mil-

We Care Community Services volunteers PJ, Innocent and Lara were among dozens who were giving families a helping hand on Friday 12 December.

About 1000 self-care hamper packs as well as kids activities, entertainment and a barbecue were staged at the centre in Dandenong North.

More pictures, turn to page 12

‘air rights’

lion, plus up to $15 million for a basement car park.

Cr Bob Milkovic said it made “economic sense” to utilise the highly-valuable site at Clow and Stuart streets and Sleeth Avenue with a potential PPP, to help deliver a “first-class” hub but “not at the expense of the whole municipality”.

“Do we keep promising our community something which can’t be delivered?”

Meanwhile, Cr Rhonda Garad, in opposition, has lodged a rescission motion so the decision will be reconsidered at the next council meeting in 2026.

She rejected the “complete cutting and gutting” of the Hub design, which was co-designed with community members at a cost of about $750,000.

It was the third time that the council had sought a redesign.

The Hub needed to be large enough to cater for relocated childhood services, as well as a high intake of humanitarian arrivals and high-need residents, Cr Garad said.

The council’s city futures director Sanjay Manivasagasivam said Dandenong’s population was well served by other community spaces such as

Drum Theatre, DNA Gallery and Dandenong Wellbeing Centre pool.

Greater Dandenong expects to go into underlying deficit for the first time in 2025-’26 as it commits to its $122 million Dandenong Wellbeing Centre.

The council expects to take on significant debt and draw down on reserves for the DWC, borrowing $68 million in the next two years and spending $16.6 million from reserves next year. It will be spending up to $7.2 million a year to service the loans.

Conquering mountains

By Violet Li

At just 26, Hallam runner Ejaz Ahmed completed the Great Southern Endurance Run (GSER) 100mile (162 kilometres) ultramarathon for the very first time, finishing seventh in the male category and earning respect across the state and the community.

At 160 kilometres, he started to sprint.

“I was trying to get to the finish line. Some of the family members who had come to Mount Hotham were all cheering me. I felt all their energy, took it in, and then just started sprinting at the very end,” he recalled.

“Even when I’m doing normal runs in training, I always like to finish strong at the end, no matter how I’m feeling.

“I just started sprinting and finished those last two kilometres at a six-minute pace.

“I think that took me 30 minutes to finish those 5.5 kilometres, which was right under 30 hours.”

He didn’t cry. He didn’t collapse. What was on his mind?

“I’ve read a few of David Goggins’ books. During one of his races, where he was doing a 200mile, I think, or 250-mile, he had finished the race, and as soon as he crossed the finish line, he did about 10 push-ups,” Ejaz said.

“In my head, I was thinking, I’m gonna cross the finish line. I’m gonna give them 10 push-ups to show them how much more I’ve got in it.

“I could’ve done that, but I just didn’t do that. I was like, no. That would be too much.”

For Ejaz, a construction worker who only started running four years ago and now trains after long days on job sites, the ultramarathon was a challenge.

“My idea of doing things is that you have to choose things that are that seem a bit unachievable for you,” he said.

“There are a lot of things that are easy and achievable. There are some things they really have to work hard for and put a lot of hours in just by themselves. There should be a bit of a challenge in it.

“There has to be a factor of unknown in it, whether you can do it or not, and find out.”

Held in Victoria’s Mount Hotham alpine region, the GSER is regarded as one of Australia’s most demanding trail events. The 100-mile course begins and finishes at The Moth, a windswept starting point perched about 1,600 metres above sea level, before sending runners through remote single-track, steep ridgelines and long ascents toward peaks like Mount Feathertop.

Aid stations are spaced widely, some more than 20 kilometres apart, requiring competitors to manage their own nutrition, hydration and pacing for long stretches.

Ejaz’s path to sign up for GSER gave the impression that it hadn’t followed the usual script.

He said he signed up two months before the

November competition, and that was also when he first made up his mind to run.

Before that, his longest distance was 100 kilometres.

“The reason why I chose it was that I had already done a 100 km in March 2024. I didn’t have much fun in it,” Ejaz said.

“Half was good. Around 80 km, I felt like my legs were short and I couldn’t continue running. As much as I tried, I couldn’t muster more than just a walk. I pretty much dragged myself to the finish line.

“I felt good at the end, which was the last km over there. But other than that, I was pretty much relying on my poles.

“But this time around, I knew that I could do it because I had trained a bit better.”

“A bit better” meant “smarter”.

He trained longer and more deliberately, tailoring sessions to the conditions he would face and strengthening his mindset as much as his legs. On weekdays, he runs 10 to 12 kilometres, and on weekends 20 to 30, averaging 50 to 70 kilometres a week.

But for someone with that weekly workload, jumping to a 162-kilometre race was anything but typical. There must be some stories behind.

“I was going to go for redemption for the 100 km race in March 2025, but I was getting married a week before that, so I couldn’t do the race,” Ejaz shared.

“Last time when I did the 100 km, I wasn’t able to walk for two weeks. I really wanted to do it, but my wife wouldn’t let me because she would say, I

don’t want you limping on the wedding day.

“So, I couldn’t do that, and I had all that energy built up in me, and I wanted to do something really challenging.

“Maybe I’ll do that in 2026, but before it, let me go and do something that would really be challenging and something scary.”

At 6am on Friday 21 November, in temperatures close to freezing, Ejaz stood at The Moth, the starting point of GSER 100 miles, about 1600 points above the sea level at Mount Hotham, feeling nothing but a strong urge to start.

The course would take him across some of Victoria’s highest and harshest terrain, including brutal descents, endless climbs, and a final ridgeline section that he described as “the worst moment” of the entire 30-hour ordeal.

Ejaz’s brother joined him as a pacer after 26km, guiding him through the night until the 112 km aid station at Alpine Getaway. That was the lowest point of the race.

“I thought I’d reached my limit. I lay there for 10 minutes. I told myself I’m going to sleep there for a few hours, and then I heard people talking around me not to let me sleep,” Ejaz recalled.

“I heard them. I was like, I’m not sleeping. I’m up. Don’t worry. I won’t be sleeping. I just changed my mind at that point.”

He forced himself upright and walked back into the darkness—alone.

What happened next stunned even him.

On the long downhill after Alpine Getaway, his legs came back to life.

“I felt good again. I started jogging downhill

and slowly picked people off one by one.” One runner looked at him and said, “You’ve woken up from the dead.”

Later, he began climbing again, towards Mount Feathertop, one of Australia’s highest and steepest peaks.

The climb went on for hours, but Ejaz knew he couldn’t stop.

“I knew that there were going to be hungry forces behind me,” he said.

“They will always want to chase that, get your position. They just have to keep going. I remember there was one point I was thinking, if anybody’s going to catch up to me, they’re going to have to feel the same pain I’m feeling or more.

“You can’t sit down. If you sit down, people are going to catch up. And you’ve gone through all that, and you can’t let that happen.

“I’ll start running, I’ll jog, yell at the mountains, swear at the mountains sometimes. There are a lot of beautiful views, but at that point, I was sick of the views. I don’t want views at the very end. I just want to go downhill again. But there was no downhill. My mind was getting distorted because I had been up for so long.”

When Ejaz reached the final aid station, his brother ran up to meet him. The two hugged and got emotional.

“He just told me to be strong. Don’t show any emotions because it’s just going to bring the morale down,” he said.

Five and a half kilometres remained. Ejaz wanted to finish under 30 hours. That was all that mattered now.

Later, in a hot shower, he just sat there, feeling everything.

“As if I hadn’t felt enough,” he joked.

“It was a feeling to cherish even though it was painful.

“I couldn’t really walk up afterwards. My left knee had swollen up like a balloon, but I just hadn’t noticed at all.”

Eja is already planning his “redemption run” at the Buffalo Stampede 100 km next March and is eyeing another 100-mile event in the Grampians.

But his bigger goal is to inspire others to try running.

“I always encourage them because I find that running really does build character,” Ejaz said.

“It’s nothing like other sports. You’re going out there by yourself on a heat of summer day, or a cold morning or when it’s raining or when you don’t want to do it.

“I think running to the point where you’re feeling pain and pushing your boundaries is just teaching you life lessons.

“Even when those times do come, adversity, you would at least be ready for it to a point where you can sit back and see what it is and then try to solve it from there or try to see what’s the best way you can go about it.”

Hit-run driver to face sentence later this month

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Prosecutors have dropped the most serious of 13 charges against an alleged hit-run driver who crashed into a Pakenham cyclist in Noble Park.

Leanne Danielle De Baize, 43, of Dandenong, pleaded guilty at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to dangerous driving as well as to failing to stop and render assistance to the injured rider on 13 April 2023.

During months of negotiations, De Baize’s lawyers disputed that the collision was intentional.

Ultimately, prosecutors dropped what they’d previously termed “bottom line” charges - reckless conduct endangering death, intentionally causing injury and intentionally damaging property.

A Coles delivery driver’s dash cam captured the collision in front of his truck on Douglas Street about 6.40am, the court heard on 10 December.

The coupe was ahead of the 59-year-old cyclist Robert Clarke, then slowed down to a stop, a police prosecutor told the court.

After Clarke passed on the left, the Lancer then accelerated, veered left partially over the kerb and struck the bike from behind.

Clarke was propelled into the air, landing

on the car’s windscreen and tumbling onto the roadway.

The car continued to accelerate, dragging the mangled bike under the vehicle’s front left wheel for about 120 metres and exited onto Heatherton Road.

The Coles driver assisted a badly bruised and grazed Clarke, who was treated in Dandenong Hospital.

Later that afternoon, an “erratic” and “rambling” De Baize presented to Dandenong police station’s reception, mentioning she was involved in a car accident without giving a date or location.

She was taken by ambulance to Dandenong Hospital under the Mental Health Act. She later spoke of not sleeping for two days at the time after smoking ice, the court heard.

On 27 April that year, Dandenong Highway Patrol police made an appeal for public assistance to find the hit-run driver.

That day, De Baize again went to the police station reception and declared she was the wanted driver, and was arrested.

During a police interview, she said she didn’t know what she had struck due to being highlydrug affected at the time of the collision.

“To me, I didn’t hit anyone,” she allegedly said.

Her coupe’s damaged windscreen had since been replaced.

Clarke read his victim-impact statement in court, telling of the immediate trauma, the ongoing pain and life-altering limitations since the crash.

As an avid rider, he’d had “countless close calls” including harassment and projectiles from cars. “But nothing prepared me for this”, he said.

He’d since required shoulder tendon surgery, which led to a staph infection and a difficult, painful recovery.

His $12,472 custom-made mountain bike –just a few months old – was damaged beyond repair.

A defence lawyer said De Baize was serving up to six-and-a-half months in jail after being recently sentenced in the Victorian County Court on charges including intentionally causing serious injury and making a threat to kill.

The context for De Baize’s offending was “largely inexplicable” and at odds with her values and morals, the lawyer said.

At the time, De Baize was in a “deteriorating” mental state, having endured years of traumatic domestic abuse and drug use.

The lawyer submitted that a jail term was appropriate, with a degree of concurrency.

Magistrate Jacinta Studham questioned the prosecution how she could take into account the rider’s injuries in sentencing, given the withdrawal of the “intentionally” and “recklessly” charges.

Ms Studham noted De Baize had limited priors and extensive work history until her rapid decline through substance use in the past five years.

De Baize was set to be sentenced at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 18 December.

Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.

“High-risk offending”

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A woman who fled from her care home, stole a cleaver from a shopping strip and deeply slashed a woman’s arm has been denied bail.

The woman appeared on a prison video-link at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 10 December on charges including intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault with a weapon, breaching an intervention order and threatening to inflict serious injury.

Bare-footed and aggressive, the woman allegedly threatened to harm a care worker at her unit and stormed out towards Autumn Place shops in Doveton about 9am on Tuesday 2 December, the court heard.

She stole a $9.99 meat cleaver at a bargain shop, pushed over a sunglasses stand and threatened to stab a worker, informant Senior Constable J Gamble told the hearing.

Outside the shop, she threw a rock barely missing a staff member’s head, the informant said.

A shop worker barricaded the door and wielded a broom in self-defence as the woman allegedly leaned over the barricade and swung the cleaver at her.

Police alleged that she also swung the weapon at a female shopper near the pharmacy, deeply wounding the victim in the upper arm.

The victim ran inside the pharmacy and

was hospitalised.

The bail applicant was arrested outside her home that morning. She told police to take away the cleaver, which was under her mattress, Sen Const Gamble said.

She allegedly said she didn’t want bail because she was scared she would stab someone, the informant said. She was declared unfit for a police interview.

Her victims told police they were opposed to bail, the court heard. Members of the public who had dealt with the woman in the past said such an incident had been “inevitable”, Sen Const Gamble said.

At the time, she was allegedly subject to a personal intervention order that barred her from being within 200 metres of the Autumn Place pharmacy and its owner.

Sen Const Gamble said her carers, who followed from a distance, were “scared” and felt “powerless” to stop the alleged stabbing.

The woman, who has an intellectual disability and complex mental health issues including borderline personality disorder, was being intensively supervised 24-7 by two carers at a time and a multi-disciplinary team as part of an NDIS plan.

A Department of Families Fairness and Housing manager told the court that the Government was applying to vary her non-custodial supervision order to a custodial order due to raised com-

munity safety concerns.

If the order was varied, the only custodial setting was prison or possibly Thomas Embling Hospital – due to there being no other suitable female facilities.

A defence lawyer said the “vulnerable” woman was likely to be found unfit to face trial, and that this was the first time she’d offended with a weapon.

She was a victim from what she suffered as a child, as well as being subject to strict supervision for the rest of her life, the lawyer said.

In refusing bail, magistrate Jacinta Studham noted the woman had five other criminal matters since late 2024.

Each time, she had been released by police on summons. At no point had a court decided to release her on bail, Ms Studham noted.

It was clear that her NDIS-funded support and multi-disciplinary team was unable to prevent the bail applicant’s “high-risk offending with high-impact harm”, she said.

Nor was there evidence of increasing supervision or altering the plan to “alleviate the concerns of the court”.

There were no compelling reasons for bail, while releasing the woman posed an unacceptable risk to public safety, Ms Studham ruled.

She was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court next month.

Firies battle two factory infernos

Two more factories in Dandenong South have been destroyed by fire on Saturday morning (13 December).

Firefighters were called to a suspicious fire at a 300-square-metre factory in Rhur Street about 1.30am.

When they arrived, smoke and flames were already issuing from the building, an FRV spokesperson said.

Crews with breathing apparatus battled to bring the fire under control by 2.55am, as well as to limit its impact on neighbouring properties.

Several cars were damaged, including one that reportedly was driven into the building and set ablaze.

Police were treating the fire as suspicious. A community advice message was issued for smoke in the area.

Later that morning, at 6.11am, firefighters were called to a Lanyon Street factory – which was ablaze when they arrived.

Up to 21 fire appliances battled the fire, which extensively damaged the factory and two neighbouring properties.

The three properties were unoccupied at the time, a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“The exact circumstances and cause of the fire are yet to be determined.”

It follows a factory containing lighter fluids in Kimberly Road, Dandenong South being destroyed in a non-suspicious inferno days earlier on Tuesday 9 December.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

There will be a fireworks display for approximately 7 minutes at 9.25pm on Wednesday 31 December 2025. The fireworks display is part of the New Year’s Eve Event being held at Wilson Oval, 95 Putney Street, Dandenong. If you have any animals that may be affected by this noise, it is advised that you secure them during this time. If you have any enquiries, please contact Greater Dandenong Council on 8571 1000 or council@cgd.vic.gov.au.

$500k cost

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Council could be slugged an estimated $500,000-plus a year for banking services, as part of a new contract with Commonwealth Bank (CBA).

In a tender process, the bank offered the cheapest price - $531,379 a year – compared to NAB ($555,651) and Westpac ($533,100).

The estimate far exceeds Greater Dandenong’s budgeted $342,000 a year, with the shortfall managed through “future financial planning”, a council report stated.

The actual cost is based on usage and expected to be less than the estimate, according to the report.

Bank charges have risen over the past three years, driven by changed “transaction volumes and service requirements” including more credit-card transactions.

In 2025-’26, the charges are estimated at $410,000, up from $370,000 the previous year.

This was partially offset by decreased Australia Post transaction costs, the report stated.

At an 8 December council meeting, Cr Rhonda Garad asked why the new contract’s estimated 40 per cent rise from 2025-’26 was not itemised.

Acting chief financial officer Kirsten Geri said tender estimates were based on “projected transaction volumes and fee structures, which can vary depending on usage patterns”.

The figure allowed for increases in “highvolume” transactions such as credit card, which have grown steeply in the past five years, Geri said.

CBA is the council’s current banking service provider. Its renewed contract ensured “minimal disruption and continuity”, according to the council report.

Thenewtwo-year-and-nine-monthcontract begins on 1 January, with a two-year extension option from 30 September 2028. The contract includes banking transaction services, customer payment services as well as expanding customer payment facilities and identifying “innovative solutions” for ratepayers and service users.

A banking analyst assisted the tender evaluation process. The winning tenderer was endorsed by councillors on 8 December.

Aside pricing, CBA also scored highly for product offering, relationship management, innovation, implementation and local engagement.

Star Journal will be the final edition for 2025.

Our office will be closed over the Christmas-New Year holiday season, re-opening on 5 January 2026.

The next print edition will be published on Tuesday 13 January.

We wish our readers a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

A burnt-out 4WD wedged inside the Rhur Street premises. (Gary Sissons: 524497)

The hosing-down of the Rhur Street factory. (524497)

Smoke billows from the Lanyon Street factory on 13 December. (524498)

NEWS Fairer future

Social cohesion workshop registrations are open for residents in the South East.

It comes after various Afghan-Australian and Hazara communities clashed over a proposed renaming of the precinct to Little Bamiyan earlier this year.

As part of a two-part consultation, there will be a series of community engagement sessions on social cohesion and community resilience, prior to a separate Council-run consultation on the Thomas Street precinct.

The first workshop rolled out on Friday 12 December at the Springvale Rise Primary School from 9am-12pm and the other at Bunjil Place on Monday 22 December. Registrations are essential.

They are organised by a working group established in partnership with City of Greater Dandenong Council, City of Casey, Cardinia Shire Council, the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Victorian Multicultural Commission supported by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs’ Office for Social Cohesion.

Dr Tania Miletic is tasked with the important role as independent facilitator for the workshops, who promotes building trust through mentorship opportunities, public awareness campaigns on inclusion and respect, as well as cultural and social activities to strengthen community bonds.

An experienced peace and conflict studies academic and practitioner, Dr Miletic has previously worked in government and non-government organsiations such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Victorian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet, Australian Multicultural Foundation and international peacebuilding organisations including the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies and Conciliation Resources.

The second part of the consultation will be a shortlist of names by the council, community feedback on the shortlisted names would be sought before the council reaches a final deci-

Social cohesion workshops are set out over the Thomas St nickname dispute. (Stewart Chambers: 247859)

sion, as previously reported by Star Journal.

There are no details on the number of participants in the workshops or the dialogue and how the shortlisted names will be chosen.

Greater Dandenong Council’s strategy and corporate services director, Dr Marjan Hajjari says, “Communities in our region are wonderfully diverse places where everyone is welcome to live together peacefully even when times are challenging. “

“These workshops are a great opportunity to come together and explore the role each of us plays in shaping a stronger, fairer future.”

Tuesday afternoon’s workshop in Springvale marked the half-way point in the Connections That Matter series which provides safe spaces to define and discuss what social cohesion means for the community.

• Bunjil Place level 1 (Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri rooms) on Monday 22 December at 2 Patrick North East Drive, Narre Warren

• https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/connections-that-matter-social-cohesion-workshoptickets-1975370883488

Husband, wife sentenced

An alleged e-scooter dispute has sparked a series of threats, violence and a vengeful, drug-fueled shooting, a court has heard.

David Graham, 34, and his partner Jacinta Love, 33, pleaded guilty to recklessly causing serious injury after a sentence indication at the Victorian County Court.

The victim had sold an electric scooter to Graham’s sister’s partner, who took it and refused to pay in November 2023.

It led to several “threatening and violent exchanges” in Springvale - the victim damaging the sister’s home security camera, the victim being shot at and then the victim reversing into a car with Graham’s sister inside.

The victim returned to the sister’s home in a truck. After a heated argument, the victim drove off and clipped the mirror of Love’s Jeep.

Love followed the victim on Springvale Road to an abandoned factory, texting Graham – presumably to tell him the victim’s location.

That day Graham had been using ‘ice’ and cocaine. He arrived with a sawn-off rifle, and he and Love went inside the factory after the victim.

“Don’t f*** with my sister,” Graham yelled before he shot the victim twice - once in each leg.

During a raid of Graham’s gazebo home in Braybrook, police seized a .22 calibre handgun, ammunition, 12 deal bags of meth and a deal bag of MDMA, an ASP baton and $2110 of cash.

Further ammo, knuckle dusters, throwing knives and fireworks were seized from his car.

Graham pleaded guilty to recklessly causing serious injury and being a prohibited person with a firearm.

Love also pleaded guilty to recklessly causing serious injury on the basis of inten-

tionally assisting, encouraging and directing the shooter.

In sentencing on 5 December, Judge Andrew Palmer said the shooting was apparently “motivated by a desire to take vengeance” for the victim’s behaviour toward Graham’s sister.

He said such “violent vigilante justice” called for substantial jail time.

The impact on the victim, who endured four major operations to repair the damage, was “life destroying”, Judge Palmer said.

“He survived, but the life he knew is gone.”

The victim spent five months in a wheelchair, was stricken with pain each day and needed a stick to walk.

He’d also lost two businesses – the one given to him by his father and one he built himself.

Graham was unable to control his anger on the day of the incident, due to a combination of drug use and mental-health issues.

He endured a difficult, abusive childhood. His significant criminal history began from a young age.

Judge Palmer noted Love’s similarly difficult childhood, several mental health conditions, drug abuse while living with her three high-needs children in government-housing accomodation.

To jail her would cause “exceptional” hardship to her children, he said.

“Your lack of a criminal record and devotion to your children also suggest that you have good prospects for rehabilitation.”

Graham was jailed for up to six-and-a-half years, with a four-and-a-half year non-parole period.

His term included 723 days of pre-sentence detention.

Love was sentenced to a three-year community correction order.

Co-fund hub

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A public-private partnership may be explored to co-fund a scaled-down Dandenong Community Hub project.

Greater Dandenong councillors voted on 8 December to halve the “oversized” proposed facility to keep it within its $30 million budget, as well as a possible PPP including “any air rights” above the site.

However Cr Rhonda Garad, in opposition, later lodged a rescission motion so the decision will be reconsidered at the next council meeting in 2026.

Cr Bob Milkovic said it made “economic sense” to utilise the highly-valuable site at Clow and Stuart streets and Sleeth Avenue, to help deliver a “first-class” hub but “not at the expense of the whole municipality”.

“Do we keep promising our community something which can’t be delivered?” Cr Milkovic said, citing councillors who had made “empty promises” in the past.

Cr Jim Memeti, who had pledged the DCH since 2020, was absent as an “apology” at the 8 December vote.

In favour, Cr Sean O’Reilly said the scaleddown Hub put the council “back on track” for what can be “feasibly delivered”.

Meanwhile, Cr Rhonda Garad opposed the “complete cutting and gutting” of the Hub design, which was co-designed with community members at a cost of about $750,000.

It was the third time that the council had sought a redesign.

The Hub needed to be large enough to cater for relocated childhood services, as well as a high intake of humanitarian arrivals and high-need residents, Cr Garad said.

“We have no meeting spaces in (this) ward. There are no cultural meeting spaces .... we have one hall.

“This area which is the oldest and the biggest, and with the highest need and we have zero community facilities.”

Residents, who were part of the original community co-design process, attacked the cuts in public question time on 8 December.

Dandenong Community Association president Silvia Mastrogiovanni asked why a larger, growing Dandenong was getting the same-sized hub as Keysborough South.

“Downsizing the hub is not planning for the future of Dandenong as a big place where a lot of people live in high-density housing without much indoor space or green space.”

The council’s city futures director Sanjay Manivasagasivam said Dandenong’s population was greater but was also well served by other community spaces such as Drum Theatre, DNA Gallery and Dandenong Wellbeing Centre pool.

“The Dandenong Hub must be designed in complement with existing facilities and be financially sustainable for the future as well.”

Greater Dandenong expects to go into underlying deficit for the first time in 2025-’26 as it commits to its $122 million Dandenong Wellbeing Centre.

The council expects to take on significant debt and draw down on reserves for the DWC , borrowing $68 million in the next two years and spending $16.6 million from reserves next year.

It will be spending up to $7.2 million a year to service the loans.

Council officers estimated the previous onestorey design for DCH had ballooned to $65 million, plus up to $15 million for a basement car park.

It plans to halve the building from 3950 square metres to about 1800 square metres – the same size as the recently-opened Keysborough Community Hub.

It might also be redrawn as a multi-storey structure, with possible ground-level parking.

Former cafe operators penalised $29K

The former operators of a Dandenong South take-away food outlet have been penalised nearly $30,000 over a failure to backpay an underpaid kitchenhand.

The Carers Portland Inc and its secretary Thi Hai Duong Luong (known as Amy Luong), which operated the HCM Cafe Fresh Q Lunch, were sentenced at the Federal Circuit and Family Court.

The kitchenhand had been working at the cafe between January and May 2021. The cafe has since closed.

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after a request for assistance from the worker.

The regulator issued a compliance notice to The Carers Portland in December 2021 after forming a belief the worker was underpaid minimum wages, annual leave on termination and pay-in-lieu-of-notice.

The company and Ms Luong failed to comply with the compliance notice requiring them to calculate and back-pay the worker’s entitlements.

Judge Karl Blake found there was a need to impose the penalties to deter The Carers Portland and Ms Luong from future breaches.

Judge Blake also found there was a need to signal to other employers that non-compliance with Compliance Notices will not be tolerated.

“The Compliance Notice framework provides a mechanism for efficient and cost-effective identification and rectification of potential breaches of the Act. It provides an alternative to litigation,” Judge Blake said.

“The effect of this framework will be hindered if recipients of Compliance Notices perceive that there is no meaningful consequence for a failure to comply with a

Compliance Notice.”

The Carers Portland was penalised $24,974 and Luong $4950.

An appeal of the case resulted in no change of penalties.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said employers that failed to act on Compliance Notices needed to be aware they could face court-imposed penalties.

“When Compliance Notices are not followed, we will continue to take legal action,” Ms Booth said.

“Employers should be aware that improving compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafes sector is a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman.

“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.”

Dr Jiang is a female GP who has consulted in Melbourne’s Western suburbs since 2019. She is passionate about clinical problem solving and is dedicated to building lasting patient relationships to improve their health and wellbeing.

Top achievers

By Sahar Foladi

The Victorian Afghan Associations Network successfully celebrated great female talents and role models in the Hazara and Afghan communities.

Eight females were chosen to be celebrated from a competitive selection pool of 75 nominations ranging from a flight instructor, a Taekwondo champion and medical students who have either founded or served organisations helping the less fortunate.

Fatima Mozaffari, a Medicine PhD student at Monash University, founded Faraj Academics, a non-profit organisation providing academic support to hundreds of young Afghan and Hazara students newly arrived to the country.

“Faraj was founded on the belief that dreams deserve to live — and that when one girl is taught, the future of her family, her community, and her country is rewritten.

“Today, Faraj is building a hybrid model of online and in-person education, connecting mentors across the world with girls quietly learning in Afghanistan, often at great personal risk.

“It is not charity, but connection. Not pity, but partnership.”

While supporting VCE students through tutoring, all proceeds support the disadvantaged in Afghanistan.

As a young medical student, Ms Mozaffari’s medical training took her to Uganda and Nepal where she was surprised even amid extreme poverty, the communities protected and encouraged education.

This took her directly to the state of her homeland where girls education is banned in Afghanistan.

Faraj was born out of the heartbreak following deadly, violent attacks on Kaaj Educational Centre and other learning spaces.

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

17 December 1925

Wireless at the Show

One of the most interesting exhibits at the recent Dandenong Show was the wireless display by Mr. F. Robert, radio expert of Springvale. Mr Robert had his stand alongside that of Mr H.R. Edwards and musical numbers, songs, the Ballarat race results etc. were clearly given through a loudspeaker. Interested listeners were around the stand all afternoon, and were delighted with the free entertainment provided. What is more to the point, Mr Robert received several orders for radio sets, speakers, headphones and other parts. Mr Robert is the inventor of the “Rocolaphone” a most ingenious attachment which adds greatly to the convenience of wireless outfits, and should be in

“For many in the Afghan diaspora, these moments reopened old wounds — stories of sacrifice, displacement, and parents who gave up everything so their children could grow up in peace,” Ms Mozaffari says.

“Faraj was founded in honour of those sacrifices, and in response to a painful question: what can be done when you have no power, no platform, and no protection — only conviction?”

The team of 15 tutor and provide career counselling alongside their roles within the non-for-profit organisation.

What started online grew into a community, supporting more than 200 students with free academic support, mentorship, career guidance and VCE guidance.

The eight VAAN award winners were honoured in the presence of Dr Sima Samar, a doctor, humanitarian and strong advocate for girls education.

Other special guests were Afghanistan’s first and only Olympic medallist Rohullah Nikpai and Dr Homira Rezai from the UK.

VAAN vice-president Zabi Mazoori said the selection of award winners was made internally and externally of VAAN for a fair and balanced selection.

“All eight are exceptional achieving and supporting our Victorian Afghan community.

“Our goal was to honour Dr Sima Samar as well as celebrate the achievement of the women in our community in the south east.

“We chose a committee from VAAN and external committee made up of credible and distinguished people because we didn’t want the selection process to be purely made by VAAN.

“Their input was very valuable for us.”

high demand. 50 years ago 15 December 1975

Shock for Labor LIBS. WIN HOLT!

Former English Parliamentarian Mr Bill Yates is the new Member for Holt following last Saturday’s landslide Liberal Party win in the Federal elections.

Mr Yates defeated the sitting Member, Mr Max Oldmeadow, who was elected in the Labor Party’s burst to power in 1972. At the close of counting on Saturday night, the figures were:

• Fidler (DLP) 3876

• Oldmeadow (ALP) 35,342

• Yates (Liberal) 36,406

• Informal 1,138

Considering the enormous Australia-wide swing

How we must choose light

Australia wakes heavier than it did on Sunday (14 December).

Sixteen lives lost so far. Dozens injured. Families shattered. A community grieving. A nation searching for answers that no longer sit comfortablyintheoryorplatitudes.

We extend our deepest condolences to every victim, every family, every first responder, every witness, and every person carrying shock, fear, and sorrow in their body today. No words can undo this trauma. But silence is no longer an option.This attack occurred as Hanukkah begins, a time when Jewish families around the world light candlesnotbecausetheworldissafe,butbecause itisnot.Hanukkahteachesusthateventhesmallest light matters. That darkness is real, but it does notgetthefinalword.

We ask Australians to light a candle in solidarity with our Jewish community, whose celebration of light was met with unspeakable violence in broad daylight on one of our nation’s most iconic beaches. Australia does not want this to become our history. We do not want to be known for shootings, terror attacks, machete violence, or ideologicallydrivenhate.

We do not want suburbia to become a place of fear. We do not want our children growing up believingthisis“normal”.

Yet we must confront an uncomfortable truth: we are not immune .We are seeing antisemitism rise.WeareseeingIslamophobiarise.Weareseeingonlineradicalisationaccelerate.Weareseeing the growth of Neo-Nazis. We are seeing hatred movefromwordstoaction.Ifwekeeptreatingthis as isolated incidents or someone else’s problem, itwilldefineus.

What still gives us hope is that amid horror, Australians still showed up. Strangers helped strangers regardless of colour / title / faith. First responders ran towards danger. One man, seeing a moment to act, intervened and prevented further loss of life. That instinct - mateship, courage, responsibility - is Australia at its best. That is worth defending. Australia is a young nation with an ancient land and one of the most diverse

TRUTH BE TOLD

populations on earth. Diversity and immigration itself is not the problem. Ambiguity is. When sharedcivicvaluesareunclear,peopleretreatinto tribes. When belonging feels fragile, ideology fills the gap. When leadership avoids hard decisions, extremismfindsspacetogrow.

This is not about one faith. It is not about one community. It is about any belief system - religious,political,orcultural-thatteachessuperiority,exclusion,orjustifiesharm.

That cannot coexist with a safe, democratic Australia. If Australia is serious about safety and unity,wemustactdecisively:

1. Stricter firearm controls

No home-based gun stockpiling in suburbia. Secure, centralised storage only. Guns stay on the range.

2. Algorithmic accountability

Mandatory monitoring and rapid shutdown of content promoting hate, violence, or extremist ideology.

3. Early intervention over surveillance theatre

When warning signs appear, act. Prevention must outweigh intelligence accumulation and monitoring.

4. Cultural Intelligence (CQ) as national infrastructure

Teach empathy, critical thinking, shared responsibility, and civic values early - not after tragedy.

5. Clear Australian civic standards

Respect for life. Equality before the law. Freedomwithoutharm.Mateshipwithoutexception.

by Dandenong and District Historical Society

against the Lobor Party, Mr Oldmeadow polled extraordinarily well. In his victory, Mr Yates made Australian political history – he is the first former member of the House of Commons to be elected to the House of Representatives.

20 years ago

19 December 2005

Santa comes early with free parking in Dandenong

Parking meter were “killing” businesses in Dandenong said mayor Peter Brown, behind a move to allow free parking during Christmas. Cr Brown also backed the removal of all meters in the future.

The council supported Cr Brown’s move to abolish parking fees in central Dandenong until the end of January. If the trial is successful free parking may be introduced permanently. Cr Brown said parking

meters were deterring motorists from shopping in Dandenong.

5 years ago

15 December 2020

A-League dream

The South-East’s A-league dream has been revived, with Melbourne City set to relocate its ALeague, W-league and Academy teams to an elite training facility at Casey Fields. The City move was “incredible reward” for four years of hard work by people in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire. Melbourne City’s training base is already part-built at the 84-hectare Casey Fields precinct in Cranbourne East. It features four full-sized floodlight pitches, clubrooms and offices that will be home to the Etihad City Football Academy as well as the club’s school and community work.

Light never just physical: It’s spiritual, emotional, communal

By Kathy Kaplan OAM, Jewish faith

Despite what Hallmark cards would have us be lieve, December in Australia doesn’t come with long nights, cold winds and snow.

Our days stretch late, our air hums with warmth and sometimes with too much heat, and light fills our skies.

Yet this is exactly when Australian Jewish families gather to kindle more light: not because we lack it but because light is never just physical.

Light is also spiritual, emotional and communal. Each evening for the eight nights of Chanukah, as we light our eight-branched menorahs (plus the shammas, the ‘servant’ candle) we recall an ancient event. When the Maccabees recaptured the Temple in Jerusalem more than 2000 years ago, they found it desecrated.

As they set about cleansing and restoring it as a place of holiness and community, they discovered just one vial of pure oil; barely enough to keep the

MESSAGE OF HOPE

great seven-branched menorah alight for a single night let alone for the week till more could be obtained.

Yet rather than wait until more oil was sourced, they chose to light the menorah and rededicate the Temple.

That was a bold act of faith and hope.

Against all expectation, that little vial kept the menorah burning for eight nights.

December in Melbourne sees our streets shine with Christmas lights.

Carols ring out in shopping centres and every-

one everywhere feels happier, friendlier and lighter (sorry, not sorry, about the pun).

For some Jewish families, this season presents something of a “December Dilemma” as they maintain their own identity during a season dominated by other faith traditions.

But I don’t see this season as a dilemma: I see it as a gift and as an opportunity.

The lights of Chanukah are not in competition with other lights. Together, they speak of something deeply human: our yearning for joy, connection and hope.

The menorah in a Jewish home, the twinkling lights on a Christmas tree, the lanterns of other cultures; they don’t cancel one another out.

Rather, they enrich the world with their diversity. Chanukah teaches that even the smallest spark can overcome despair.

Light shared is never diminished.

My candle doesn’t burn less brightly when it ignites yours.

What does happen, though, is that the world grows brighter and more beautiful.

The Festive Season invites us to look at the many ways people kindle light.

It allows us to celebrate the resilience of traditions that carry hope from one generation to the next and to believe that every flame, no matter how small, can brighten the lives around it.

How powerful is that in a world that feels fractured, divided and shadowed by uncertainty?

This December, let’s not see dilemmas but radiance. May our lights shine side by side: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, secular. And, as a result, may we discover that, together, we can illuminate a path of hope strong enough to guide us all.

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

DR. JAMEL KAUR SINGH & DYA SINGH

Compiled

Appeal lost

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An obsessively jealous bodybuilder who violently stabbed to death his ex-partner in front of her children and her mother in Endeavour Hills has lost his bid for appeal.

Sven Lindemann, 53, pleaded guilty to murdering 39-year-old Monique Anita Lezsak, as well as recklessly causing injury to Ms Lezsak’s daughter in 2023.

He had used six knives in total, breaking two of them, in the “frenzied”, “brutal and protracted” attack to Ms Lezsak’s head, neck and chest.

Her 10-year-old daughter, who tried to desperately defend her mum, also suffered five knife wounds to her hands and arm.

Last year, Lindemann was jailed by the Victorian Supreme Court for 31 years with a 25-year non-parole period.

On 8 December, the Victorian Court of Appeal refused his leave to appeal.

Justices Kristen Walker, Rowena Orr and Peter Kidd rejected Lindemann’s claim that his jail term and non-parole period was “manifestly excessive”.

“This was a very serious example of murder. Ms Lezsak died in her own home at the hands of an enraged and jealous partner, from whom she was attempting to separate.

“The applicant’s attack on Ms Lezsak was brutal and protracted…

“While the judge made favourable findings about the applicant’s prospects of rehabilitation, this remained grave and unprovoked offending in which the applicant took the life of his intimate partner, physically harmed her child, and forever changed the lives of her family and others close to her.”

Lindemann argued his term far exceeded other sentences for intimate-partner murders, even for those with a non-guilty plea and went to trial.

But such a submission was “too simplistic”, the judges ruled.

The judges also dismissed Lindemann’s claim that the original judge erred in their approach to applying his previous good character and to the burdens he’d face in jail due to his concerns for family.

This year, State Coroner John Cain – in examining Ms Lezsak’s murder - recommended a public campaign to better inform people of the risks of controlling, coercive ex-partners.

He also recommended that Victoria funds a support service specifically for the “invisible” children bereaved by domestic homicide.

Currently, families were accessing specialist services interstate because they had no other option.

This month, the Government pledged to create a new crime for coercive controlling behaviour against partners – soon after voting against a similar bill introduced by the State Opposition.

Calls to abolish begging laws

By Jensy Callimootoo

Rachel Payne, a South Eastern Metropolitan MP, introduced a bill to the Upper House last week that would decriminalise the act of begging.

Currently in Victoria, begging is a criminal offence that can carry 12 months of prison time and associated fines — an offence that has been abolished elsewhere in Australia, including NSW, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

Speaking to Parliament on 3 December, the Legalise Cannabis MP spoke about Endeavour Hills resident Jessica Geddes, who was forced by her abusive partner to beg.

The same partner fatally bashed Mrs Geddes in November 2020.

According to Payne, Geddes’ situation of domestic violence was known to Victoria Police during May 2019 to 2020.

As 36 reports were made during this time due to the breaching of public order from begging, but rather than providing support to Geddes, she was further punished by Victoria’ s laws.

Similarly to the coroner who investigated Mrs Geddes’ case, Payne is calling for greater reforms that ensure begging is no longer legally punishable.

“Jessica died needlessly,” said Payne in a media statement.

“If her begging was seen for what it was, a poor and abused young woman trying to survive, she could have been linked in with support services.”

Payne also said that begging was a last resort of poverty and homelessness.

“As the cost-of-living crisis escalates and our health system remains woefully underfunded, more people will be forced to beg,” she said.

“Out of sight, in prisons and/or “not in my

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025

back yard/cbd”, doesn’t mean the suffering ends.

“Being poor is not an individual crime, it is a social and systems failure.”

Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) have also championed this call, urging the government to support this private member bill.

CHP’s CEO, Deborah Di Natale, said that homelessness and poverty should not be considered as criminal offences.

“We don’t want to live in a society that criminalises vulnerable people pushed to the edge,” said the CEO.

“We need to address the root causes , a dire shortage of social housing and homelessness services stretched to their limits.“

Rather, Di Natale called for greater social and welfare support and investment in housing as well as preventative measures to homelessness.

“When someone is forced to beg for survival, the last thing they need is criminal charges, fines they can’t pay, or unnecessary interactions with the justice system.

“I think most Victorians would be shocked we’re lagging behind when it comes to treating people experiencing homelessness with basic dignity.

“Victorian MPs from across the political divide should unite to support this bill and send a clear signal that tackling homelessness needs a compassionate, evidence-based approach.”

Over the last few years, many have advocated for abolishment of the outdated laws, including a 2021 parliamentary inquiry.

Following pressure from the Legalise Cannabis Party, Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny, has also taken up the suggestion, requesting advice from Department of Justice and Community Safety

The motion has been adjourned and will be debated in the following weeks.

Lyndale Secondary College is proud to celebrate the outstanding results of our Class of 2025.

We are thrilled to see our school’s median ATAR continue to rise, with a 9% increase in student scores in 2025. Our 2025 DUX is Eric Cheung, who achieved an exceptional ATAR of 95.1.

We also congratulate the four students who achieved an ATAR above 90, a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

We commend all our students for their achievements and look forward to seeing what their futures hold.

Sven Lindemann (left) arrives at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne on Friday, 3 May, 2024. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele)

Looking for local bulk billing health support?

Pharmacy 777 Springvale are welcoming a GP and Nurse Practitioner Clinic to their pharmacy in January 2026.

Open 7 days a week the clinic offers FULLY BULK-BILLED general medical consultations, treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, chronic disease management, preventative health checks as well as mental health support and ongoing care planning.

Families will benefit from paediatric consultations, childhood immunisations, growth and development checks and support for common childhood concerns.

The clinic will provide vaccinations, wound care, minor procedures and Diabetes management.

The clinic will also offer bulk billed counselling as well as CBT and DBT therapy, improving the accessibility of much needed mental health support in the community.

Located inside Pharmacy 777, the practitioners will be taking a collaborative approach to improving health care in the community.

Walk-ins are welcome, appointments are available and with clinicians on site and extended hours, locals can receive care quickly, comfortably and close to home.

Senior Pharmacist from Pharmacy 777 Springvale Ms Heba Marcos welcomes the new initiative acknowledging the gap in accessing affordable health care for the Springvale community.

“We look forward to not having patients going without their Blood Pressure tablets because they cannot get an appointment with their regular GP or cannot afford to make one”- Ms Marcos said.

To be the first to find out more, contact Pharmacy 777 Springvale directly by calling 03 9457 6687.

Honouring the press

By Sahar Foladi

A vigil and art installation was held at Harmony Square, Dandenong in solidarity with journalists killed across Palestine and Sudan.

The art installation featured more than 300 press vests, laid carefully on the ground covered in red for blood, representing more than 300 journalists killed in the 26 months of war.

This equates to 12 journalists per month.

Hallam resident and Dandenong South business owner, Muayad Ali is a long-time activist and member of the Free Palestine Melbourne group. His parents became refugees in Iraq from a young age when they were forced out of Palestine after the 1948 British Mandate for Palestine ended. This sparked the first nakba, the mass dis-

placements of Palestinians.

“I was engaged with the Palestinian cause since a child because I was born as a refugee in Iraq.

“I opened my eyes to the Lebanese war when Israel invaded Lebanon.

“I witnessed the first intifada (Palestinian uprising), my people - refugees in Iraq and elsewhere - suffer by the consequences of nakba and being Palestinian.

“Therefore, I find myself advocating for my people, justice, our cause and also other oppressed people around the world.”

Now with his family of three in the south east, Mr Ali works at the Red Cross Blood service, his eldest son as a nurse providing care to senior Aus-

tralians and his other two children continue their studies.

“I have the moral duty to educate people to advocate for the right cause, to educate the people who were never exposed to this cause, and they still have little information to stand on the right side of history. I do my best to represent the Palestinian community in Australia.

“It’s so painful to see innocent people massacred in Palestine and around the world.

“They (journalists) have done nothing wrong but to expose the truth and atrocities that occurred on their people.”

Many journalists are said and reported to have been killed alongside their families, in their homes, or while wearing clearly

marked press vests.

Among other guest speakers were international community development researcher Elmardi Abdelrasoul and independent journalist Renee, who is focused on media literacy, online verification, addressing misleading narratives in Australian media coverage of Palestine and the broader Middle East.

Local speakers shared reflections on the essential role of journalis, the human cost of truthtelling, and the need for public resistance against efforts to silence those who speak out.

The vigil was organised by the Free Palestine Dandenong, an informal group of people from the South East communities formed two years ago.

Muayad Ali is a long-time activist, a Palestinian refugee born in Iraq whose family was displaced in 1948. (Gary Sissons: 522750)

A journalist ID and QR code were listed with each press jacket. (522750)

A sea of bloodied press jackets in Harmony Square. (522750)

A festive feed for families

An abundance of smiles lit up the annual Helping Hand Day in Dandenong North last Friday 12 December.

Up to 1000 families in need received free poultry, fresh produce, pantry items, self-care hampeers, clothing, as well as a barbecue, entertainment and family-friendly activities.

We Care Community Services stages the event to support local families, encourage community connection, and provide essential resources to those in need.

In the lead-up, volunteers assembled 1000 self-care hampers to give away – after more than 900 people attended last year’s event.

The not-for-profit group was formed in 1997 to help families in hardship, including many asylum

seekers and refugees without income.

Among its great deeds are free clothes and food on Thursdays and Fridays – a service that has supported more than 2800 people in the past year.

We Care also provides a weekly playgroup, bringing together disadvantaged families and children who have struggled for connection due to language and cultural barriers.

Its high-school financial support program has also helped more than 12,000 students in the past year.

We Care also stages motivational visits at 15 schools, with positive rappers and topics such as living your best life, supporting friends and mental health.

Volunteer Aidan handing out fruit and veg. (Stewart Chambers: 520667)

Local families arrived in droves for the Helping Hand Day. (520667)

Top traders of the year

This year Dandenong Market celebrated the incredible traders that make the Market so special with the 2025 Trader Awards. The traders are the heart and soul of the Market, and these awards provided the opportunity to recognise their passion, talent, and hard work. From mouth-watering street food and fresh local produce to one-ofa-kind treasures and warm, welcoming service, Dandenong Market invited the community to have their say and vote for their favourite stalls, shops, and team members across various award categories.

Congratulations to all the winners who were awarded their trophies at the annual Trader’s End of Year celebration:

• Shop of the Year Winner

• Saccha Sugarcane Juice

• People’s Choice Winners

• Fruit & Vegetable Hall

• 5 Rivers Fruit & Vegetables

• Meat, Fish & Deli Hall

• Dandy Free Range

• The Pantry

• Peanut Market

• Market Square & The Terrace

• Dandee Donuts

• The Bazaar & Cleeland Street Shops

• Louise’s Pet Supplies

• Speciality Category Winners

• Best Food Experience

• NZ Street Food (Hangi)

• Hidden Gem Award

• Nesh’s Corner Deli (Squid Ink & Truffle Salami)

• Best Customer Service

• Rahila from Orchid Fresh Flowers

*Photo is of the winners with the Dandenong Market Management team at the End of Year Trader celebration. Missing from the photo are People’s Choice Winners 5 Rivers Fruit & Vegetables, Dandy Free Range and Louise’s Pet Supplies.

Nativity tradition tells the inspiring Christmas story

One of Christmas’s enduring stories is the Australian Nativity Scene, which returns for its 22nd year in Dandenong North.

Its creator Wilson Fernandez has handcrafted the more than 1000 figurines, buildings and landscapes as part of what he says is Australia’s largest and most detailed nativity display.

The scenery and narrative changes each week as the journey towards the birth of Jesus unfolds.

During week 2 that just passed, Mary, pregnant, travelling on a donkey and accompanied by Joseph, arrived in Bethlehem in search of shelter.

The most popular display is the Three Wise Men’s visit of the newborn Jesus, which coincides with the lead-up to Christmas Day.

Fernandez says the display attracts families, parishioners, schools and multicultural communities.

“Many express how closely the scene resembles ancient Bethlehem and how meaningful the experience is for them,” he says.

more than two decades in the making. (Stewart Chambers: 524279)

The Australian Nativity Scene is on until Friday 9 January 10.30am-8pm (Strictly by appointments only) at St. Elizabeth’s Parish, 107 Bakers Road, Dandenong North; free event. Details: Wilson Fernandez, 0428 927 110.

Please note the display will not open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Wilson Fernandez with his intricate nativity display,

Dandenong Market celebrates its top traders of 2025.

Christmas Messages Christmas Messages

GRADE6 CLASSOF2025

Congratulationsonyourgraduation!Weareallsoproud ofthepeopleyouhavebecomeandtherespectyou’ve shownthroughoutyourtimeatSpringParks.You’ve grown,takenonchallenges,andshownrealcharacter.

Wehavenodoubtyou’llgoontodogreatthingsin secondaryschoolandbeyond.Keepbeingkind,keep beingcurious,andkeepbeingyourselves.

Onbehalfofeveryoneattheschool, congratulationsandgoodluck

Scan

Making

Any

•be

•include the reasons for the objections, and •state how the objector would be affected

If you object, the Responsible Authority will notify you of the decision when it is issued.

Submissions

The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application

WHAT’S ON

Festive mini-wreaths

Learn how to make a small Christmas wreath embellished with dried ﬂowers to decorate your home for the holidays, with Domenica from Lupin Botanical. Ages 16-plus.

• Tuesday 16 December, 6pm-7.30pm at Keysborough Community Hub, Community Room 1, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Bookings required at greaterdandenong-events. bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_e27ae3e4b54f40688d0802cfb3dc3604

Illustrated ephemera workshop

Using Japanese and French papers, make a small hand-bound book with your own printed illustration.

• Tuesday 16 December, 6.30pm-8pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ ev_f179aca3a4f8496cb7b7d1b671cc3179

Storytime at the Gallery

Join this family storytime experience inspired by the book Stellar Stories for Boys of the Future by Francesca Cavallo. Stories, songs, and craft activities designed to spark imagination and creativity and foster early literacy skills. Suitable for ages 2-5. Children must be supervised by a parent or carer.

• Wednesday 17 December, 10.30am-11am at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets Dandenong; free event. Christmas Entertainment - Dandenong

Roving, multi-skilled musicians spread festive cheer as they perform three, 45 minutes sets.

• Wednesday 17 December, 11am-2pm and Saturday 20 December, 11am-2pm at Harmony Square and Palm Plaza, Dandenong; free events.

Christmas Entertainment - Noble Park

Multi skilled musicians perform three, 45 minutes sets.

• Friday 19 December, 3pm-6pm and Monday 22 December, 11am-2pm at Douglas and Ian streets, Noble Park; free events.

Afghan Culture Day

Afghan Youth Association presents a family-friendly event with live music, food, kids activities, market stalls.

• Saturday 20 December 1pm-8pm at Dande-

nong Park, 174 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free entry.

Alex Wilkie Reserve open day

Take a ranger-guided or self-guided tour along the Nature Trail following the interpretive signage that meanders through stunning bushland.

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

Social Cohesion workshop

A facilitated, safe space to help deﬁne what social cohesion means for our community today – and the role each of us plays in shaping a stronger, fairer future. Open to residents in Melbourne’s South East. Part of a social cohesion initiative being developed by Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia councils, the Australian Government’s Ofﬁce for Social Cohesion, the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

• Monday 22 December, 9.30am-12.30pm at Bunjil Place (Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Rooms), 2 Patrick North East Drive, Narre Warren. Register at eventbrite.com.au/e/connections-that-matter-social-cohesion-workshoptickets-1975370883488?aff=oddtdtcreator

Christmas entertainment - Springvale

Multi skilled musicians spread festive cheer as they perform three, 45 minutes sets

• Tuesday 23 December, 2pm-5pm at Multicultural Place, Buckingham Avenue, Springvale; free event.

New Years Eve at Wilson Oval

Live entertainment, multicultural performances, local up-and-coming artists, roving entertainers, food and market stalls followed by a ﬁrework display at 9.25pm.

• Wednesday 31 December, 6pm-9.30pm at Wilson Oval, Dandenong Park, 95 Pultney Street, Dandenong; free event.

Australian Nativity Scene

Australia’s largest and most renowned traditional nativity scene, now in its 22nd year, at St. Elizabeth’s Parish. Please note the display will not open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

• until Friday 9 January 10.30am-8pm (Strictly by appointments only) at St. Elizabeth’s Parish, 107 Bakers Road, Dandenong North; free event. Details: Wilson Fernandez, 0428 927 110.

12 Days of Christmas

Free workshops and entertainment for kids of all ages. Christmas crafts and card making, cookie decorating, face painting and hair braiding, music circles and sing-alongs as well as online DIY tutorials for at-home fun. Meet Santa for photos.

• until Sunday 21 December (market days only) 10am-2pm at Dandenong Market, cnr Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong; free event.

History of Dandenong Town Hall

The Place To Be: Dandenong Town Hall exhibition is celebrating 135 years of the iconic venue —now cherished as the Drum Theatre— which has stood as a cornerstone of local life. Explore its remarkable journey through photographs, fashion, stories, and shared memories.

• Mondays to Fridays, 10am-4pm until 20 February at Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong and Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am-2pm at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens (Benga), 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; free event.

Indoor Pickleball

Casual, indoor pickleball sessions. All equipment provided during this coach-free session.

• Mondays 7pm-8pm and Wednesdays 10am11am at Olive Road Sporting Complex, 2 Frawley Road, Eumemmerring; free cost, or Sundays 12.30pm-2.30pm at Vickerman Building, Casey Stadium, Cranbourne; $6.20 for two hours. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/ landing/1343237 (Olive Road) or 5996 6052 (Casey Stadium).

“WE”

- Women’s Empowerment Workshops

Workshops designed to uplift and empower women from all backgrounds in a fun and supportive environment. Topics around personal welbeing such as Self Defence, Financial Independence, Bollywood dancing, Psychology and Japanese Ink Art.

• Wednesdays 10.30am-12.30pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Free event. Details: 0490 059 026 or kerry@adec.org.au

Noble Park playgroup

Spend time with other parents, grandparents and guardians for social interaction as your children

play. All families with children aged 0-5 are welcome no matter your circumstances, background or cultural identity. Please bring along a piece of fruit to share for afternoon tea, and watch as the kids enjoy our jumping castle, craft, library and numerous other toys.

• Wednesdays 9.30am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $4 per session.

Laps & Lattes

Walk with a group around Ross Reserve to talk, stay ﬁt, and enjoy a coffee and chat back at the Community Centre every Friday morning, a fun and social way to start the weekend.

• Fridays 9.30am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; free event. Free mental health support

Mental Health and Wellbeing Local are offering free support at the Springvale Community Hub if you would like to talk to someone about your mental health and wellbeing. For people aged 26 years and over. You don’t need a referral, Medicare card or visa. Interpreters available. Walk-ins welcome.

• Mondays, 10am to 2pm at Springvale Community Hub (Meeting Room 2), 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: 8908 1800 or dandenonglocal@mindaustralia.org.au

Multicultural Anxiety Support Group

Inclusive and conﬁdential space for people of varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds who experience persistent anxiety. Regular meetings held online on Zoom, with friendly volunteers.

• First Monday of each month, 6pm-7.30pm. Free event, register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ greater-dandenong-council/events/multicultural-anxiety-support-group

Conversation Corner

The Conversation Corner is a safe space to share stories and build new connections. Anyone is welcome to join, no bookings required, and newcomers are welcome anytime.

• Wednesdays 1pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive. Free event.

Quirk ton sparks up Bloods

By Blair Burns

All teams took the field against familiar opposition on the weekend in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) completing the second of consecutive one-day matches against the same opposition for round seven of the Turf 1 competition.

It was a similar story to last week for most teams, with Buckley Ridges making it 2-0 against Berwick, Springvale South banking back-to-back wins over Parkmore and Hallam Kalora Park finding form with consecutive victories against Dandenong West.

A Ryan Quirk century was the highlight of the weekend, with the Bloods opener finishing on 123 to guide his side to a commanding total of 281.

Contributions from Mitch Forsyth (24), Cam Forsyth (35), Chathuranga De Silva (36) and Dasun Opanayaka (38 not out) helped Springvale South cruise to victory.

In reply, Parkmore struggled, with skipper Niranjen Kumar (47 not out) and Harmanpreet Singh (34) the only top-order batters to reach double figures, alongside Dilum Sasantha (18).

The Pirates fell 136 runs short as Jarryd Straker produced another outstanding spell, claiming 3/1 off six overs, while Blade Baxter took 3/12 from five.

Hallam Kalora Park continued their resurgence with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Dandenong West.

After a narrow final-over win last week, this contest was far more one-sided.

The Jordan Hammond-led Hawks bowled first and reduced the Bulls to 82 after an opening stand of 34, with the remaining nine wickets falling for just 48.

Shaun Weir (14) and Mohit Mandora (28) fought hard early, but four ducks and a dominant spell from Shaveen Ranawaka followed and sealed Dandenong West’s fate.

Playing just his second Turf 1 match of the season, Ranawaka claimed 6/25 off nine overs, before Hallam Kalora Park’s Jawid Khan (30) and Damith Perera (26 not out) chased the target inside 15 overs.

Dale Tormey again led from the front for Buckley Ridges, scoring 68 as his side posted 190, with Cooper Gray adding 30 not out - Lachlan Brown and Elliot Matthews each took three wickets. Berwick needed 191 to win but was bowled out for 182 despite five batters making starts between 20 and 40 - Ishan Jayarathna (4/33) and

Ashen Hettinayaka (3/31) defended the total well.

After a washout last weekend, Beaconsfield returned to action and defeated Narre South despite losing captain Andrey Fernando (1) and Jake Cronin (golden duck) early in the innings.

Sam Read top-scored with 75, supported by Mitch Tielen (44) and Alex Nice (32), as the Ti-

gers reached a healthy total of 223 from 45 overs. Narre South’s chase began poorly with Kyle Hardy dismissed first ball.

Tielen backed up his batting performance with a five-wicket haul, including three of the top five, while Tom Arnold (2/33 and 41) and skipper Jeevan Mendis (28) were solid contributors in defeat.

Top-order bats lead Noble Park to strong win over Tigers

By David Nagel

A professional performance from its top order has guided Noble Park (7/213) to a one-day victory over Werribee (173) at Chirnside Park on Saturday.

The win consolidates Noble as a top-three team after seven rounds and came via the Duckworth Lewis System (DLS) after rain intervened during the Werribee innings after tea.

The Tigers had a revised total of 197 to make from 38 overs, but were bowled out in the 35th over of their run chase.

The Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association (VSDCA) clash reverted to a one-dayer after rain caused the abandonment of day-one of the scheduled two-day contest.

Noble skipper Janaka Liyanabadalge had no hesitation in batting first after calling correctly at the toss.

Noble lost Archie Stefan (6) early before Liyanabadalge (33) and Nischaya Thapa (64) steadied the ship with a 66-run stand for the second wicket.

The skipper was next to go, before Thapa and Sahan Perera (43) kept the momentum rolling with a brisk 63-run partnership.

Thapa and Perera then fell in quick succession, with Pawan Dias (25), Yehan Gunasingha (19 not out) and Mahesh Kumara (11 not out) forced to take the lead hand and guide the visitors to a competitive total.

Werribee had two mainstays in reply, with Ryan Alifraco (58) and captain Tim O’Brien (52) making valuable contributions, but Noble had all the answers.

Much like its batting, Noble had a widerange of players chipping in with the ball, with Dias (3/5) and Jermaine Levy (3/56) taking bowling honours on the day.

Dias took three of the last four wickets to have a major say in proceedings.

Perera (2/47), Gunasingha (1/8) and Thapa

520678)

(1/22) all took wickets at crucial times for the winners.

Noble finishes off its 2025 campaign with a home game against Box Hill (15th) this Saturday.

Endeavour Hills (199), meanwhile, has fallen short in its home clash against top-team Spotswood (8/203).

Batting first, the Falcons had many players get starts, but none kicking on to a match-defining innings.

Assadollah Vala (37), Damien Ravu (28), Usman Alvi (25), Tyrell Panditharatne (24) and Ashwanth Nagendran (20) all threatened for the home side, but got out at crucial junctures.

The Falcons made a great start after the dinner break, having Spotswood 3/31 in reply,

but a classy partnership of 81 between Jakson Knight (72) and Mac Short (30) kept the visitors in the hunt.

The Falcons were still in contention late; Spotswood 8/181, before Sandeep Mandalika (10 not out) and Ranjodh Smagh (13 not out) knocked in an undefeated 22-run stand.

Vala (3/36) and Ravu (2/41) kept Spotswood honest until the winning run had been scored.

Things don’t get any easier for Endeavour Hills, who head to fourth-placed Balwyn this Saturday.

VSDCA SUMMARY

Results R7 (One Day): Werribee 173 def by Noble Park 7/213, Endeavour Hills 199 def by Spotswood 8/203, Bayswater 9/221 def Melton 4/218, Donvale 163 def by Croydon 8/242, Mt

Waverley 140 def by Hoppers Crossing 1/141, Yarraville 7/191 def by Taylors Lakes 4/193. (Day Two): Box Hill 164 def by Williamstown 209, Altona 7/221d def Balwyn 72 and 137. Ladder: Spotswood 36, Altona 34, Noble Park 33, Balwyn 33, Hoppers Crossing 30, Bayswater 27, Melton 24, Croydon 21, Werribee 21, Taylors Lakes 18, Endeavour Hills 15, W/town 15, Yarraville 12, Mt Waverley 12, Box Hill 9,

Donvale 0. Fixture R8 ( 1 Day) Sat 20 December: Noble Park (3) v Box Hill (15), Balwyn (4) v Endeavour Hills (11), Croydon (8) v Mt Waverley (14), Melton (7) v Hoppers Crossing (5), Spotswood (1) v Werribee (9), Taylors Lakes (10) v Altona (2), Williamstown (12) v Yarraville (13), Bayswater (6) v Donvale (16).

Jermaine Levy took 3/56 in an important spell for Noble Park on Saturday. (Gary Sissons: 519204)

Sahan Perera made a valuable contribution of 43 in Noble Park’s win over Werribee. (Rob Carew:

Springvale South opener Ryan Quirk made 123 in the one-day match against Dandenong West. (Rob Carew: 385391)

Lindsay Park keeps revs up

By David Nagel

Super-consistent five-year-old gelding Arkansaw Kid will be a popular favourite at Lindsay Park Racing after winning Ben, Will and JD Hayes a brand-new Ford Ranger Black for his efforts in The Meteorite and Supernova over the last three weeks.

The two $1million races - ran on Cranbourne and Pakenham Cup days – formed the Southside Slot Series; Australia’s first-ever thoroughbred Slot Racing Series ran for the second time this year.

Each of the 14 slot holders were represented by a runner in both races, with flexibility to nominate the same or different horses across the two events.

The slot holder with the highest combined points across both races won the new car, supplied by long-term Southside Racing partner Freeway Ford.

Some of the biggest organisations in racing secured slots in this year’s series, with Yulong, OTI Racing, Moody Racing, Lindsay Park Racing and the Moonee Valley Racing Club among the contenders.

Arkansaw Kid represented Lindsay Park Racing in both events, securing 13 points for running second in The Meteorite and 12 points for his third-place finish in The Supernova on Saturday.

Moonee Valley Racing finished one point back on 24, with Jigsaw (14 points) and Pinstriped (10) representing the slot holder well.

Unfortunately for the host club, Southside Racing, their representatives finished last in both races to see them tailed off from the field.

But that result failed to diminish the club’s en-

thusiasm for the series.

“The Slot Series has quickly become a highlight of Victoria’s racing calendar, bringing together an extraordinary mix of competition, innovation, and community spirit,” Southside Racing CEO Neil Bainbridge said.

Beyond the track, the Southside Slot Series continues to champion local causes, donating $20,000 to grassroots organisations and community groups that share Southside Racing’s values of connection, inclusion, and support.

This year’s beneficiaries were: Ace Foundation, Backpacks 4 VIC Kids, Beyond Racing, Cran-

bourne Community House, Devon Meadows FNC, Equine Pathways Australia, Kooweerup Cricket Club, Kooweerup Senior Citizens Club, Ladies of the Swamp Charity Quilting Group, Lakeside Pakenham Scout Group, Lillico and District Pony Club, Lyndhurst Football Netball Club, Pakenham Rotary and Upper Beaconsfield RSL Sub Branch.

“The Slot Series isn’t just about racing,” Bainbridge added.

“It’s about giving back to the communities that make the Southside what it is.

“Supporting these fantastic organisations is something we’re extremely proud of.”

SOUTHSIDE SLOT SERIES

• Winner: Lindsay Park Racing (Arkansaw Kid 13 + 12).

• Others: Moonee Valley Racing Club (Jigsaw 14, Pinstriped 10). OTI Racing (Zou Sensation 12 + 11). Ciaron Maher Racing (Nadal 9, Warnie 14). Ladbrokes (Need Some Luck 5, Private Eye 13). Thoroughbred Group (Watchme Win 10 + 6). Moody Racing (Sought After 7, Lim’s Kosciuszko 8). Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (Klabel 6, Gumdrops 9). Cape Schanck Racing (Jenni The Fox 11 + 3). Yulong (Soft Love 4, Roll On High 7). Carl Holt (Hedged 8, Taken 1.5). Cavallo Park (Extratwo 3, Here To Shock 5). The 308 Group (Beauty Charge 2, Hughes 4). Southside Racing (Stretan Angel 1, Proved 1.5).

COMMUNITY GROUP WINNERS

• THE METEORITE: 1st: Kooweerup Cricket Club (Jigsaw). 2nd: Ace Foundation (Arkansaw Kid). 3rd: Beyond Racing (Zou Sensation).

• SUPERNOVA: 1st: Backpacks 4 VIC Kids (Warnie). 2nd: Equine Pathways Australia (Private Eye). 3rd: Beyond Racing (Arkansaw Kid).

Dandenong falls down the table after pair of defeats

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong suffered back-to-back losses on the weekend in the Vic Premier Cricket competition and now falls to 16th on the 18-team table with a game to play until Christmas.

Richmond won the first game on Saturday by 45 runs after setting 7/143.

Captain James Nanopoulos and Nathan Whitford combined for five wickets and went at just over six an over to give the Panthers a sniff after they chose to bowl first.

The run chase never gained any steam, with Richmond able to keep the run rate modest and no-one scoring more than Matthew Wilson’s 20 in a score of 7/98.

Later in the day, Wilson and Nanopoulos combined for a 61-run stand to steer Dandenong to 6/112, which was chased down with 35

balls to spare.

Melbourne Stars BBL batter Tom Rogers led the run chase, smashing eight boundaries in a knock of 51 off 33, as Dandenong took regular wickets at the other end.

Noah Hurley was the pick of the bowlers with 1/26.

A 37-ball 55 to Dhanusa Gamage helped the Second XI chase down Richmond’s 6/147, while Tom Morrison’s 75 off 52 was in vein later in the day as Ringwood chased down Dandenong’s 8/180.

Shehzad Singh scored 46 off 38 to help Dandenong to a six wicket victory in the Third XI, while the Fourth XI put just 9/64 on the board which was comfortably chased down in 6.2 overs.

The Panthers will finish the year with a clash against 13th-placed Frankston Peninsula.

Cobras and Blues double up with consecutive victories

By Blair Burns

In DDCA Turf 2, HSD held off another gallant effort from North Dandenong to move to 4-2 for the season and sit third on the ladder.

It hasn’t been easy for the Cobras over the past fortnight, but they have secured two crucial wins. HSD’s damaging bowling attack again led the way, spearheaded by Sakuntha Liyanage, who now has 24 wickets for the season at an average of 8.83.

He took 3/23 to prevent any North Dandenong batter from pushing on, while Brett Hookey (3/30) and Luke Grady (2/31) also contributed strongly.

Imran Laghmani top-scored for the Maroons with 36 as the side was bowled out for 131, before backing it up with the ball to claim 3/43 off his nine overs.

Despite regular wickets falling, the Cobras dug deep to chase down the total in the 40th over, with Brayden Lambden (18 not out) and Hans Bell (10 not out) guiding them home - the top five all chipped in with scores between 10 and 25.

Narre Warren cemented its place in second on the ladder with an important win over Coomoora after last week’s washout.

Batting first, the Roos were lifted by an unbeaten 61 from number eight Liam Hard, finishing with 164, while Mark Radhakrishnan was the pick

of the Magpies bowlers with 4/23 off nine overs.

Ted Kahandawala (37) set the tone in the chase despite losing Dulanja Silva for a duck, before Ben Swift starred with 67 off 60 balls, striking 10 boundaries as Narre Warren won by four wickets.

Silverton edged Lyndale in a thriller, winning by just one run after bowling them out in the final over.

Anmol Zakhmi’s 74 carried the Bakers to 155, with Aditya Hettiarachchi taking two wickets.

Lyndale found itself in trouble before a lowerorder fightback, with Girish Chopra (36), Manroop Singh (49) and Puyush Kant Banotra (10 not out) combining for 95 runs of the team’s 154.

Despite the surge, they fell short by just one run, as Rajeev Dhankar ripped through the batting order to take 3/31.

Parkfield remained undefeated on top of the ladder after another tight win over Cranbourne.

Batting first, the premiership favourites posted 172 thanks to Sam Beadsworth (43) and Sahan Jayawardana (41), with the Eagles bowlers sharing the workload. Bailey Paroissien’s 70 gave Cranbourne hope in the chase, but once he fell, the Eagles lost their final three wickets for one run to fall 12 runs short.

Jayawardana (3/22) and Dishan Malalasekera (3/34) led the way with the ball.

Nathan Whitford bowled well for Dandenong on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 457974)

Cranbourne’s Bailey Paroissien was a standout performer with 70 runs in the narrow loss against Parkfield. (Rob Carew: 511081)

Arkansaw Kid has delivered Ben, JD and Will Hayes with a new Ford Ranger Black to drive at Lindsay Park Racing. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)