Heroes at work
Social enterprise SisterWorks was a dual winner at City of Greater Dandenong’s Australia Day Awards 2026.
The not-for-profit received the Community Group of the Year award, as well as its Dandenong-based manager Nika Suwarsih receiving the Community Leadership accolade.
SisterWorks has supported more than 2500 women from 105 countries with skills training and job opportunities.
Often vulnerable and marginalised, the women – termed as ‘Sisters’ – are “empowered” to gain work, and hence confidence and economic independence.
Chief executive Ifrin Fittock says the award is an “endorsement” for the difference they make for women.
“It’s an endorsement that what we do matters.”
Meanwhile, long-time local historian Chris-
tine Keys and Noble Park Junior Football Club’s “heart and soul” volunteer Trish Marson were inducted as Living Treasures.
Committed community volunteers Mohammed Nawed and Atifa Ahmed were jointly bestowed Greater Dandenong’s Young Leader Award.
Meals on Wheels and Planned Activity Group volunteer stalwart Heather Hanratty (Volunteer of the Year), renewable-energy researcher Suraj
Loomba (Sustainability Award), AFL footballer and juniors coach Adam Treloar (Sportsperson of the Year) and theatre-film creator Khelaiya Productions (Arts Award) were the other awardees.
Meanwhile, in the Australia Day Honours List, Jayco Australia founder Gerry Ryan has been named as an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service in sports, tourism and hospitality, business and philanthropy.
More on the stories, turn to pages 2 and 3
Sisterworks’ empowerment hub manager Nika Suwarsih and the volunteer team at Dandenong. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 530527)
Community pride shines at awards
Some of Greater Dandenong’s most community-minded citizens, groups and businesses have been lauded at the council’s Australia Day awards at Springvale.
Greater Dandenong mayor Sophie Tan said the annual awards celebrate the people who contribute to making our city a better place.
“These awards honour the dedication, compassion and outstanding service demonstrated by some remarkable people in our community,” Cr Tan said.
The award winners were:
Nika Suwarsih (Community Leadership): Since arriving in Australia in 2007, Nika has dedicated her time to supporting women and children through volunteer programs.
She works as a training program manager for SisterWorks and continues to volunteer in the Greater Dandenong community, supporting migrant women, people seeking asylum and refugees.
Christine Keys (Living Treasure): As President of the Dandenong and District Historical Society, Christine has devoted many years to preserving, sharing and celebrating local history, including the waves of migration to our city.
In 2020 she was named Greater Dandenong Citizen of the Year in recognition of her outstanding work.
Trish Marson (Living Treasure): Trish has been the heart and soul of the Noble Park Junior Football Club for more than 20 years.
She has overseen the club’s Auskick program, introduced a multicultural officer and removed fees to help make the club more inclusive.
Her values of inclusion, compassion, community and opportunity are widely recognised across the Noble Park community.
Le Mans Entertainment (Corporate Citizen of the Year): Le Mans has created a fully accessible entertainment experience for people of all ages and abilities.
Operating since 2004, the business hosts an annual community day, offers employment opportunities and supports other local small businesses as suppliers for hospitality and events.
Mohammed Nawed (Young Leader joint-winner): Nawed participated in the council’s Young Leader Program in 2023 and continues to mentor and support young people through the council program The Collective.
He volunteers with the Centre for Multicultural Youth and works with YLab, drawing on his own lived experience as a migrant to create positive change.
Atifa Ahmed (Young Leader joint-winner): Atifa has been involved with the council’s Youth and Family Services programs since 2019, including time in the Young Leader’s program in 2024.
She also volunteers with Our Village, which assists social workers and maternal and child health workers to support babies and children
from disadvantaged families.
She studies engineering and science at university and works as an education aid at Mt Hira.
Heather Hanratty (Volunteer of the Year): For more than 30 years Heather has volunteered with Council, including in the Meals on Wheels and Planned Activity Group programs.
Through her volunteer work she has touched countless lives, strengthened community ties and ensured some of our most vulnerable residents receive care, respect and support.
Mohammad Akram Yusofi (Volunteer of the Year – Highly Commended): Since arriving in Australia as a refugee from Afghanistan in 2012, Akram has been volunteering in Greater Dandenong.
He hosts classes to help people prepare for citizenship tests and supports English language studies.
He led a team of 50 volunteers to support bushfire affected farmers in NSW and distributed equipment and aid to vulnerable families during Covid-19 lockdowns.
SisterWorks (Community Group of the Year): SisterWorks believes that work empowers women, and over the past 10 years they have supported more than 2,500 women from 105 different countries to build a better life in Australia through skills training and employment opportunities. Their programs engage vulnerable and marginalised community members to improve their confidence, mental wellbeing, sense of belonging and economic outlook.
Suraj Loomba (Sustainability Award): As a researcher at RMIT University, Suraj focuses on advancing renewable energy solutions.
He won first prize in a national Youth Energy
Competition, positioning our city as a hub for young innovators tackling climate change.
He works closely with schools, universities and local groups to share his knowledge, inspire young people and promote pathways into science and engineering.
Adam Treloar (Sportsperson of the Year): As a current AFL player, Adam continues to support the Noble Park Junior Football Club, where his football journey began.
Adam provides hands-on guidance, leadership and encouragement for junior players and their families and has taken on coaching roles.
He instils values of teamwork, respect and healthy living to reinforce a positive culture at the club.
Khelaiya Productions (Outstanding Contribution to the Arts): Khelaiya Productions has been running for eight years and now boasts more than 125 volunteers.
They present work in Hindu, Urdu and English and are dedicated to creating and sharing high-quality theatre and musical productions that celebrate culture, storytelling and community connection.
In addition to live performances, they have produced three short films, giving local artists valuable opportunities to gain real experience in filmmaking.
The Australia Day awards night at Springvale City Hall also comprised a citizenship ceremony for 100 new citizens.
“Our newest citizens have chosen a great place to live,” Cr Tan said.
“Here in Greater Dandenong, we value our diversity and the harmony that exists here, in this place which welcomes all,” Cr Tan said.
Postive powerhouse for new arrivals
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Community leader and “powerhouse” Nika Suwarsih knows full well how hard it is to build a new life in Australia.
For 19 years, an ebullient, inspired Nika has turned her own struggles into a positive - tirelessly volunteering and supporting other migrant women to “feel at home”.
“If we think easy then everything will be easy. So I choose positive thinking, then positivity comes to us.”
On Australia Day, Nika received City of Greater Dandenong’s Community Leadership Award –its most prestigious award - which makes her feel “blessed” and “grateful”.
The training and placements manager at not-for-profit SisterWorks is proud that she “empowers” migrant women, refugees and asylum-seekers to find work and gain economic independence.
Many of the “sisters” are initially lonely, depressed, impoverished and hampered by language barriers.
But a stunning 84 per cent of the trainees are placed in work with corporate partners such as L’Oreal, which has a warehouse in Dandenong South.
LucadouWells: 530527)
SisterWorks chief executive Ifrin Fittock describes Nika as a “powerhouse” in leading their Dandenong Empowerment Hub.
“Nika puts her heart and soul into the work,” Ifrin says.
“It comes from having an understanding and a feel for the challenges for the women.”
Nika’s greatest inspiration is her late grandma, who looked after her from infancy to adulthood and taught her independence.
Arriving from Indonesia with just her husband in 2007, Nika undauntedly faced the challenge of knowing no one.
She knuckled down to study again and to find work while her psychology degree from Indonesia was unrecognised in Australia.
Enterprise gains twin acclaim
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Social enterprise SisterWorks was a dual winner at City of Greater Dandenong’s Australia Day Awards 2026.
The not-for-profit received the Community Group of the Year award, as well as its Dandenong-based manager Nika Suwarsih receiving the Community Leadership accolade.
Chief executive Ifrin Fittock says the award is an “endorsement” for the difference they make for more than 2500 women from 105 countries with skills training and job opportunities..
“It’s an endorsement that what we do matters.”
For migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker women, paid work can seem an “impossible task”.
Many have never been in paid work, don’t know how to apply and are facing language and cultural barriers.
Often vulnerable and marginalised, the women – termed as ‘Sisters’ – are “empowered” to gain work, and hence confidence and economic independence.
“The struggle for them is real,” Ifrin says.
“The problem isn’t a lack of jobs but it’s a lack of connections between job seekers and the jobs out there.
“We’re into empowerment, with programs that lead to jobs. We’re not just training to given them a certificate, we’re training to get them into work.”
At Dandenong, SisterWorks offers free employment training in retail, small business, hospitality and warehousing, including OH&S, resumes and interview preparation.
It helps to place most of its trainees in jobs at corporate partners such as Priceline, Amazon and L’Oreal’s warehouses in Dandenong South, IKEA in Springvale and the Australian Open.
She worked in factories, took English-language classes, gained a diploma of counselling, and volunteered generously while pregnant and later with two young sons in tow.
She first helped as president of the Indonesian Society of Victoria.
Later she founded the Womens Association South East Melbourne Australia (WASEMA) Friendship Cafe and playgroup in Dandenong North to counter the scourge of loneliness among her peers.
She has organised at volunteer groups such as Multicultural Playgroup Victoria, Indonesian Women’s Friendship Network Australia, and the Mental Health Professional Network Dandenong.
Currently she’s president of Jembatan Poetry Society, in which poems in a variety of languages are read and shared.
She gains joy from Greater Dandenong’s famous multiculturalism – the sharing of languages, cultures and foods.
Nika’s latest award adds to a glittering collection including a 2018 Victorian Premier Volunteer Champion Award and 2020 Indonesian Consul General Award.
But it isn’t the glittering CV that gives her life meaning.
“Helping people makes me happy,” she says.
Unlike most training providers, SisterWorks provides crucial support for Sisters during the first three months of placements.
They help them work with their employers and teams, and clue them up on payslips and superannuation.
Trainees that aren’t ready for placement or are available for limited hours are largely employed at SisterWorks’ manufacturing workshop in Springvale.
Up to 40 Sisters at a time are employed at Springvale to re-upholster tram seats or make wheel shunts for Yarra Trams, as well as sewing labels on sports uniforms and fashion brands.
SisterWorks’ unique service is much in demand, with up to 70 trainees at a time and a waiting list of 180 women.
“We see ourselves as part and parcel of the Greater Dandenong community and that operates for the community,” Ifrin says.
“I wake up to do this in the morning because I believe this will change women’s lives.”
Living Treasure Christine Keys, who is president of Dandenong and Springvale historical societies. (Gary Sissons: 203850)
Sisterworks’ empowerment hub manager Nika Suwarsih has been named Greater Dandenong’s community leader of the year. (Cam
Sisterworks production manager Monica Kikuchi and chief executive Ifrin Fittock at the Springvale manufacturing hub. (530527: Cam Lucadou-Wells)
CFA veteran recognised
By Violet Li
Veteran CFA firefighter Andrew Garth Johnson has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal as part of the Australia Day Honours.
Before moving to Drouin CFA a few months back, Andrew spent much of his 46-year career in emergency services with Langwarrin CFA and is widely recognised for his advocacy for the mental health of emergency service workers.
Based near Cranbourne, Langwarrin CFA serves one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing corridors and has long been a key rescue brigade for the region.
Last year, Andrew shared his lived experience with the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF), shedding light on the self-stigma that still exists within emergency services and how open conversations can help dismantle it.
In 1992, Andrew was called to a car accident, which involved the children of his friend. In the days that followed, Andrew refused counselling, believing that he was fine.
He threw himself deeper into the job, responding to every rescue call he could, often more than 200 a year.
Over time, he was getting cranky, arrogant, and obnoxious without noticing. His business collapsed. His family life suffered.
A year after the crash, the friend died by suicide after a coroner’s finding placed responsibility for the accident on him.
“I can remember lying in bed one night, and for just some stupid reason, I started counting how many fatalities I’ve been to. I got to 130, and I stopped counting. Because I’m thinking this is ridiculous,” Andrew said.
“Why am I counting how many fatalities I’ve been to? And I can remember every one of them. Every one of them, location, the time of day, the day that it was. And it’s just part of having PTSD, I suppose.”
It would take Andrew 23 years to seek proper help.
He remembered that A4 sheet, printed with what was wrong with him: severe depression, severe anxiety, severe stress, PTSD. But he felt the world had been lifted off his shoulders.
“I was on cloud nine, going, wow. This is what’s wrong with me,” Andrew said in his sharing with the ESF.
“This is what’s been happening. But it wasn’t to end there.”
What followed was healing, slow, deliberate and supported by people who understood emergency services. Medication. Therapy. The recovery would not have been possible without the support of his wife, who also works for CFA.
She helped him and pushed him in the right direction.
“The one that triggered me, I have this photo in my brain, and I see it every day. Every day. But I can manage it,” Andrew said.
“I was taught how to manage it through my psychologist.”
Today, Andrew and his family are loving life. They also travel across Victoria to speak with brigades and communities about
mental health.
The real danger of traumatic work was not a single incident, but the way experiences quietly accumulated over time, especially when they were never spoken about, Andrew said, looking back now.
“If you don’t get it off your chest and you bottle it up, which most men do, especially men, females do it as well, but what I find is men, they won’t talk about because there’s a horrible
stigma there.
“They feel like they’re ashamed and they don’t talk about it, and they don’t cry, unless they’re behind closed doors. The cumulative effect was huge with me. I was just getting worse and worse and worse in my mental health. I just denied that there was a problem.
“That’s why I do it now. And it’s just to break down that stigma to get, especially men, to start talking about their mental health. It’s okay not to be okay.”
Despite his mental struggles, Andrew said he never felt fear when responding to emergencies.
When the pager sounded, he would shift into a calm, cool, collected mindset.
“I’m more scared of everyday life than I am of the fire brigade,” he said.
“I see this stuff on the TV, like everybody else, about all the crime and all that in the state, and it frightens living daylights out of me.
“But I can go right into a burning home and extricate somebody out and not think another thing of it.”
Speaking about the medal, Andrew shared that he received a nomination email on an ordinary day in October.
He and his wife were sitting outside a Melbourne cafe, waiting for a doctor’s appointment, when Andrew flicked through his inbox. He got a second email on approval at Christmas time.
“I’m very humbled to get it. I did not see that coming at all. It was a shock,” Andrew said.
“I don’t think I’ll celebrate it. I don’t see it as a celebration.
“I’m very humble about it because a lot of people do a lot of things in CFA, and I just see it as part of my job. It’s what I volunteered to do, and that’s why I did it.
“I don’t do it for accolades or medals, or I just do it because I love doing it. It’s very humbling because there are a lot of people who have done more than me who haven’t got it.”
According to a 2021 research paper on Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, police and emergency service workers report significantly higher rates of suicidal thoughts than the general population.
The research linked increased risk to cumulative trauma and workplace stigma, while highlighting that strong support networks and open conversations can reduce harm.
A story by The Conversation in 2022 noted that between January 2001 and December 2016, there were a recorded 197 suicide deaths of current or former emergency services personnel. Those in need of assistance should call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Pair charged after alleged police car ramming
Two men have been charged with after a police vehicle was allegedly repeatedly rammed at a Dandenong motel on Thursday 22 January.
An 18-year-old man from Seaford was charged with six counts of aggravated intentional exposure of emergency worker to risk by driving, car theft, handling stolen goods, possessing a prohibited weapon, unlicensed driving and dangerous driving.
He was expected to front Melbourne Magistrates’ Court the next day.
A 38-year-old from South Melbourne was charged with car theft, drug possession, handling stolen goods and possessing suspected proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 5 June.
Police say they spotted and monitored a Jeep with alleged stolen plates travelling on Princes Highway about 8.05pm.
The Jeep came to a stop in a motel car park
where it twice crashed head-on into the unmarked police car, injuring the officer in the driver’s seat, according to police.
A police officer exited their vehicle, before the Jeep allegedly drove at speed towards him and continued to crash into the police vehicle several more times.
The detective leading senior constable shot several times into the Jeep.
Numerous other police units arrived at the
scene and took the Jeep’s two occupants into custody uninjured.
One officer was taken to hospital with minor head injuries.
A police spokesperson said Professional Standards Command would have oversight of the ongoing investigation, as is standard practice when a police firearm is discharged.
Any footage or information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Australia Day honour: Jayco founder’s history of service
Jayco’s famous Australian caravan founder, Gerry Ryan has been awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
The award is in recognition of his service to the community, tourism, hospitality and sports governance and business.
A man with many honours and achievements to his name, Mr Ryan is regarded as among the country’s most famous and generous businessmen, who turned his passion for sports into a lifelong support to sportsmen and women.
But before all this, he was a young boy in Bendigo who went on to study accounting before he took a job making caravans in his early twenties.
With a $10,000 loan, he began working on his
caravan business in Springvale in 1976 and it’s been a success story since.
After 50 years, Jayco’s manufacturing facility has been based in Dandenong South and his estimated fortune is reported to be $745 million.
He has quite literally shaped the country’s sports industry including, track and road cycling and owner of WNBL basketball team Southside Melbourne Flyers. horse racing, rugby league and especially for championing women in sports.
With the funding secured by Mr Ryan, Kathy Watt became Australia’s first female cyclist gold medallist in the road race in 1992 Australian Olympic team for Barcelona Games.
Since then, he established Australia’s first pro-
fessional cycling team including gold medallists Dean Woods and Scott McGrory.
He formed Jayco’s own team, to produce what would be world class cyclists by 1995, such as 2007 World number 1 Road Cyclist and 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, going on to produce the next generations of cyclists.
The Australian Olympic Committee awarded him with an Order of Merit in 2013 for his contribution.
He was also awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to the community, sporting and charitable organisations and to youth.
He was the first major sponsor of Dandenong Rangers in 1997 and later took over ownership of the club renamed as Southside Flyers.
of the Order of Australia (AO). (Gary Sissons: 159587)
Sports administrator, businessman and philanthropist Gerry Ryan has been recognised as an Officer
Veteran CFA firefighter Andrew Garth Johnson has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal as part of the Australia Day Honours. (Supplied)
Cr’s alarm on ‘hate speech’ reform
By Sahar Foladi
Greater Dandenong Council has been flooded with emails urging the council to take action against a councillor’s social media activities about the Gaza conflict.
Councillor Rhonda Garad is back on the radar over her ongoing and unapologetic tweets on X, most recently about babies during the Gazan winter with the caption, “Sorry if this is antisemitic but I don’t think one-week old Palestinian babies should freeze to death.”
Reposted over 56 times, with thousands of views and engagements, the post has been flagged with the council.
Critics say Cr Garad “appears” to blame all Jews for the Gazans sufferings but she says the post was “genuinely aimed” at Israel which she sees as “perpetrators.”
A total of 60 emails are said to have been emailed by individuals to Council, councillors and MPs like Minister for Local Government, Nick Staikos and the opposition spokesperson for local government Bev McArthur MP.
One email that appears to be from a Brighton and Caulfield business owner described Cr Garad’s post as “unsubstantiated” and “inflammatory,” urging council to “censure” Cr Garad “in the most robust manner possible.”
“It seems to be a continuation of the antisemitic rhetoric that has been prevalent since the tragic events of October 7 in Israel.
“By making such claims, Cr Garad appears to be blaming all Jews for the suffering in Gaza.
“This type of rhetoric is divisive and undermines the social fabric of our community. As residents, business owners, and fair-minded Australians in Dandenong, we find this completely unacceptable.”
The complainant claims Israeli controlled Gaza has no civilian population and any reported casualties are occurring in Hamas controlled regions, noting the weather in Gaza is “relatively warm.”
Despite her mention of Dandenong, the email writer doesn’t seem to be a resident of Greater Dandenong or have any direct or indirect connections to the area.
She didn’t respond to Star Journal’s enquiries.
Posted just days before new ‘hate speech’ laws were passed in the wake of the Bondi shooting, Cr Garad is concerned about any potential consequences.
“This is designed to silence us all, rob us of what I see, our duty to speak up.
“I don’t know what will happen. Anything we say now that is critical of Israel and genocide, anything that is publicly stated about that is open to being prosecuted and criminalised under this legislation.
“For the crime of not wanting mass slaugh-
ter, mass murder - which is the kindest word you could use for what’s happening in Gaza - we can be criminalised.”
Councillor Jim Memeti who refused to comment on his colleague’s social media activities says he’s yet to catch-up on the new legislation saying some organisations have raised concerns with him.
Last year, Cr Garad filed a complaint at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission against City of Greater Dandenong CEO, Jacqui Weatherill, after the council refused her ‘cease-and-desist’ demand to publicly apologise and retract its media statement on her
retweets.
Cr Garad took issue with the council’s media statement to Herald Sun that some of her social-media retweets “support anti-semitic language” and that “genuine political comment should never cross into vilification, abuse or inciting hatred”. She says the council’s statement was false, defamatory, and an attempt to restrict her social media activity.
She says the council should have instead issued a “no comment” on the grounds of her “right to free speech”.
Greater Dandenong Council declined to comment.
Soil clean-up wait still ongoing
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A giant asbestos-riddled soil mound in Bangholme’s Green Wedge still remains, despite an order for its removal by the end of 2025.
In the latest of a series of delays, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria has granted a six-month extension for operator ESI Projects Pty Ltd to remove the contaminated stockpile at 576 Frankston-Dandenong Road.
The revised deadline is 29 June this year.
“ESI has since provided information to EPA about its plans to remove the soil and applied for a six-month extension to the deadline,” an EPA spokesperson said.
“Due to the scale of the project, EPA approved this request. We will continue to monitor ESI’s progress.”
The supposed ‘clean fill’ mound comprises category B contamination – the second-highest level of hazardousness – including asbestos fragments.
In July 2024, residents at the neighbouring Willow Lodge retirement village and Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad, armed with soil test results, first raised the alarm.
After an investigation, EPA issued an order to clean-up by 28 February 2025, which was appealed by ESI.
In October, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) affirmed the EPA order with a 29 December deadline.
Willow Lodge residents, who live about 400 metres north of the mound, worry about the risk of contaminated soil dust during hot, windy conditions.
An EPA spokesperson said that the health risk to neighbours remained low.
According to ESI, remediation of the site 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, according
MPs pay tribute
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Isaacs Labor MP Mark Dreyfus has paid a moving tribute in Federal Parliament to 15 victims of last year’s Bondi shooting attack.
On 19 January, Mr Dreyfus was among scores of MPs speaking to a condolence motion. It preceded controversial gun law and ‘hate speech’ reforms being passed in response to the Bondi atrocity.
House of Representatives MPs stood in silence as Mr Dreyfus, of Jewish faith and wearing a blue-and-white kippah, closed hisspeechwithaMourners’Kaddishprayer signifying“life,dignityandhopeforpeaceat times of profound loss”.
“You don’t have to be Jewish to feel this in your chest,” he said.
“An attack like this hurts all of us.”
The attack occurred at a Hanukkah celebration by families, children and elders, a gathering of “joy, tradition and community” that had been “shattered by hate”, he said.
He named the victims - “each one was a life full of meaning” - and paid tribute to the “acts of extraordinary courage” by “strangers helping strangers”.
“In minutes, a targeted atrocity against Jewish Australians turned a celebration of light into a moment of darkness.
“Yet, even then, humanity’s most selfless instincts of mutual care emerged, instincts that hold communities together in their most distressing moments.”
He urged that Australians, regardless of faith and background, deserved to live in safety, dignity and peace.
“It was also an attack on the kind of country we strive to be: one that is fair, safe and inclusive. We must not, and we will not, allow those values to be diminished.
“I’m seeing Australians come together not only in grief but in determination—determination to reject hate and to act with unity and care, the values that unite us as a nation.”
La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood, a former police officer, paid tribute also to the first responders who put their “lives on the line”.
He said it really hit home when as a Government MP he saw armed guards at Jewish synagogues, community centres and schools.
“I couldn’t believe the stress those from the Jewish community had back then. Now it’s to a new level.
“We must do everything we can do now to protect our Jewish community.
“They should be able to walk the streets freely, go to school freely, go to community events freely.”
Hotham Labor MP and Minister Clare O’Neil said Hannukah had been formerly celebrated in her electorate with rides, food and delighted children in Packer Park.
But since Bondi, the event was held in a “tiny community hall which was heavily patrolled by Australian Federal Police”.
to evidence at VCAT.
EPA southern metropolitan regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema recently told Star Journal that “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.
“EPA will continue to consider these alternative pathways as the need arises.”
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, but is now silent on any enforcement action.
Greater Dandenong acting chief executive Sanjay Manivasagasivam said the council was “continuing to actively work” with the landowners on compliance with their planning permit for the soil pile.
“Council and the EPA also continue to communicate regarding the land.
“However each regulator has its own process and we aren’t involved with the EPA enforcement decision.”
“Thisisnotthepromiseofmulticulturalism in our country being fulfilled.
“We need to tackle the causes of it, and I hope that we are able to do it together.”
ShedescribedHotham’sJewishcommunity “fill what is such a dark, dark space with love and light, singing together, praying together and choosing connection over fear”.
Bruce Labor MP and Minister Julian Hill said the “worst ever terrorist attack on Australian soil was designed to spread fear and division, with maximum impact at the iconic Bondi Beach”.
“A toxic mix of antisemitism and ISIS inspiredviolentextremismfuelledthisattack.”
Mr Hill described social cohesion as how we live well together, treat one another, debate differences and share a sense of fairness.
“Terrorists seek to spread fear and divide ussothatweturnoneachother.Wemustn’t let them prevail.”
Holt MP Cassandra Fernando said the Jewish community came to Australia like so many others for safety.
“Hatred has no excuse. Violence has no justification. We must do better. We must be better.
“We must do better.”
486640_30Rhonda Garad.
An asbestos-contaminated soil mound in Bangholme remains, with its clean-up deadline extended to late June. (Gary Sissons: 522112)
Federal Minister ‘trolled’
By Sahar Foladi
Online trollers have flooded a Federal Minister’s social media posts with “blatant racism”, targeting posts featuring imam Ismet Purdic and the Pongal Festival in Dandenong.
The Bruce MP and assistant minister for citizenship, customs and multicultural affairs, Julian Hill MP responded defiantly after being called “another fake Australian” under his Facebook post in celebration of the Tamil Pongal festival in Harmony Square on Sunday 18 January.
Ahead of Australia Day on Monday 26 January, some users declared it un-Australian, questioning whether a “hypocritical” Hill celebrated Australia Day and stating that they were “waiting” for an Australia Day post.
In response, Hill stated: “The recent mix of blatant racism and weird ranting about Australia Day on any posts with Australians with non-white skin is pathetic. Australians come in all forms.
“Mutual respect is key to being Australian - many of the idiots trolling social media posts would do well to remember that.”
He later added to Star Journal that “most MPs seem to be experiencing a spike in idiotic racist comments”.
“Examination of these ‘people’ suggests it’s a mix of bots (fake accounts), cookers and One Nation type right wing extremists who are terminally online, and also some real people who hide behind a second account they use to post horribly racist things.
“For what it’s worth also I celebrate Australia Day and post about it on social media every year.”
Some comments read, “In case you haven’t worked it out, Australians don’t celebrate this sunshine,” “What are your plans for Australia Day? Celebrating that also with Australian colours draped around your neck?” and “Do you ever celebrate anything Australian? Muppet.”
The president of the Victorian Tamil Cultural Association (VTCA) Amirthalingam Dhileepan also commented expressing his disappointment at the racist comments.
Wicki Wickiramasingham, the founder and secretary of VTCA, which organised the Pongal Harvest Festival in Dandenong on 18 January, said people were “worried” by the Facebook comments.
“Tamils as well as other Australians are very unhappy by these comments. They’re worried because Australia is a beautiful multicultural country, developed by migrants.
“Dandenong and the South East is where migrants come and start their lives. Australia is best in the world in welcoming of all nationalities.”
Mr Wickiramasingham said harvest festivals were common to many cultures and nations.
“The festival was not to do with India, Pakistan or any particular country or religion. It is not discriminatory.”
The festival is one of the significant events for the Tamil community, giving thanks to nature, the Sun God, farmers and cattle for a successful harvest.
It brings wider communities and families together through food, music, dance performance and shared traditions.
Mr Wickiramasingham says they have always been supported by the diverse Greater Dandenong community and will continue to bridge social cohesion.
“We strongly believe that cultural festivals like Pongal help build understanding, strengthen social cohesion, and enrich Australia’s multicultural fabric.”
Earlier this month, more than 7600 comments were posted on Hill’s post featuring his meeting with Imam Purdic, his wife and Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke.
Hill shared the couple’s optimism and grace despite the alleged assault on the imam along South Gippsland Highway on 10 January.
Comments on the post forced a mere road rage narrative rather than islamophobic driven incident with comments like, “Dress like a Aussie, then I believe it,” and “Change the narrative, it was a road rage incident, they used that to advance. Their victimhood plot.”
Hill was prompted to pin comments in response.
“A core part of being Australian is mutual respect - I’d encourage those who are hate posting to try it,” he stated.
“The violent incident has been widely acknowledged including by the Police as racial and religious abuse.
“I spoke with the police, and later sat and
listened to Sabina who is a beautiful woman recount the horror of what happened.
“Ismet and Sabina fled the Bosnian genocide 30 years ago. They are good Australians and deserve love and respect not idiotic conspiracy theories.”
Messages of condemnation and words of support for the Imam and his wife have been conveyed by various organisations, MPs, Greater Dandenong Council and mayor Sophie Tan.
Bruce MP Julian Hill, pictured at a Pongal festival in Dandenong, became a trolling target. (Supplied)
Julian Hill MP, targeted over his recent posts celebrating the Tamil Pongal festival in Harmony Square Dandenong.(Supplied)(Supplied: Facebook)
Three arrested at airport
Three men from Melbourne’s South East have been accused of allegedly trying to smuggle drugs with a street value of more than $24 million on an international flight into Australia.
A Narre Warren man, 22, a Berwick man, 22, and a Wheelers Hill man, 22, were intercepted by Australian Border Force officers, who X-rayed the group’s luggage on arrival from Thailand into Sydney Airport on Friday afternoon, 23 January.
The officers searched the suitcases and allegedly found dozens of individual shrink-wrapped bricks which contained a white substance.
ABF presumptive testing returned a positive result for methamphetamine and heroin, with an estimated weight of 34kg of heroin and 8kg of methamphetamine detected.
This amount of heroin, had it reached the Australian community, had an estimated street value of about $17 million, with the potential for about 170,000 street-level deals, according to Australian Federal Police.
The methamphetamine had an estimated street value of $7.4 million, with the potential for about 80,000 street-level deals, the AFP stated.
AFP officers arrested the men, who were each charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.
The offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The trio were expected to front a NSW Local Court on 24 January.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said illicit drugs were destructive and harmful to the community, with the AFP and its
Teens flee stolen-car crash on Monash Freeway
Up to eight teen boys fled from a stolen car after a two-vehicle crash in Endeavour Hills on Saturday morning 24 January.
The allegedly stolen white Mazda 3 was spotted by other motorists driving erratically inbound on Monash Freeway.
It collided with a Mercedes SUV, causing it to flip on its roof just east of South Gippsland Highway about 10.25am.
One of the fleeing boys was caught by a member of the public, and held down until police arrived just after 10.25am.
The 15-year-old boy was to be interviewed by police.
The other seven teens fled into nearby bushland.
Air Wing was called to assist with their search but they were unable to be found.
The female driver and sole occupant of the Mercedes sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was conveyed to hospital.
The Mazda was stolen from a car park in Noble Park on 30 December, police say.
While responding to the Endeavour Hills incident, police observed an allegedly stolen Nissan Navara stopped in the emergency lane on the Monash Freeway, Hallam.
As officers attempted to intercept the Nissan, the driver and passenger fled inbound in the vehicle.
A short time later, the Nissan collided into six vehicles on the freeway at the Belgrave Hallam Road off-ramp.
The driver and his passenger fled on foot.
Police say they were not in pursuit of the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Officers are not aware of any injuries as a result of this incident.
No arrests have been made and police do not believe the two incidents are related.
The Nissan was stolen from a car park at the Cranbourne Railway Station on 20 January, police say.
Any information or dashcam/CCTV footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or rimestoppersvic.com.au
law enforcement partners committed to disrupting criminals from attempting to import illicit substances into the country.
“Australian airports are not gateways for drug importations for criminal syndicates – anyone at-
tempting to conceal illicit substances and enter our country will be caught and prosecuted,” Det Supt Blunden said.
“This alleged attempt of not one – but three – alleged drug mules attempting to import illicit substances into our country is brazen.
“These arrests should serve as a serious warning to the organised criminal networks involved, the AFP, together with our law enforcement partners are ready, and waiting, to disrupt your illicit operations.
“We are committed to defending Australia from drug trafficking, and disrupting the criminals attempting to profit at the expense and suffering of the community.”
ABF Acting Superintendent Neil Singh said the brazen nature of criminal syndicates attempting to smuggle multiple consignments at once shows the extreme lengths they will go.
“Criminal syndicates, by their very nature, exploit vulnerable people and will undertake whatever means necessary to import drugs into our country,” Acting Supt Singh said.
“They only care about turning a profit, they turn a blind eye to the damage and harm these substances cause to the community.
“The Australian border is our most critical national asset, and our ABF officers will continue to work around the clock to ensure it remains a hostile environment for those doing the wrong thing.”
Soft-plastics recycling boost in South East
More than 16,000 tonnes of soft and hard-torecycle plastics will be recycled each year at four sites including Pakenham and Dandenong.
The State and Federal governments announced $3.5 million for the four projects through the Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) on Monday 19 January.
They include a soft-plastic infra-red sorting process at APR in Dandenong.
The new process from Norway will improve sorting and recycling capability including for end-of-life soft plastics.
There will also be an upgrade to recycling facilities at Australian Soft Plastics Recycling in Pakenham.
This will improve the recycling of lowdensity polyethylene films such as pallet wrap from supermarket warehouses, including a better quality recycled product.
The RMF will also fund the recycling of bags used to transport seeds, fertilizer, pesticides and stockfeed at Pact Recycling in Cheltenham and an upgrade to recover lowdensity plastics at RE4ORM in Barnawartha to manufacture recycled products.
Combined, the four projects are expected to increase plastics recycling by 16,700 tonnes a year.
“Plastics remain a complex waste challenge,” federal Environment minister Murray Watt said.
“By building recycling capability here in Victoria, we’re making real progress in recov-
ering materials that would otherwise go to landfill.
“The Albanese Government has committed to doubling circularity by 2035. These projects are a strong example of the Recycling Modernisation Fund in action – helping to keep plastic out of landfill and in productive use.”
Victoria’s Environment Minister Steve Dimpoulos said it was an investment in a “cleaner future”.
“We are working together with a reliable partner in Canberra to deliver what matters in Victoria, keeping our environment clean, diverting waste from landfill and creating new jobs throughout Victoria.”
Isaacs federal MP Mark Dreyfus said the funding was a “great step forward” to help Victoria recycle more hard-to-recycle plastics into new products that would otherwise go to landfill.
The RMF is supporting 27 projects in Victoria, including these four projects, with $79 million in joint funding.
They are expected to add 328,000 tonnes of recycling capacity each year and lead to $226.5 million in investment in recycling infrastructure.
Round six of the RMF has opened, offering $4 million in joint funding to businesses, social enterprises, not-for-profit organisations and local government organisations.
Applications close on 1 July or when funding is fully allocated.
Discover the last frontier
By Lee McCarthy
DISCOVER the ‘White Continent’, fabulous Antarctica and sail with Viking’s Antarctic Explorervoyageforthirteenmagnificentdays.
Journey to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, a landscape defined by blue-hued icebergs, immense glaciers and snow-covered shores.
Walk in the footsteps of great explorers and venture into the world’s last truly wild frontier and participate in meaningful science on board Viking’s state-of-the-art expedition vessel.
Each day can bring unexpected wonders as guests embrace the ever-changing Antarctic weather as the ship sails pristine waters in search of epic wildlife.
The embarkation city, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Its splendid setting, tucked between the Beagle Channel and the southernmost slopes of the Andes, lends it an outpost atmosphere, as do the Antarctic explorers readying for the expeditions that depart from here.
Purpose-built for expeditions, Viking’s ships provide superior handling, comfort and stability even in the roughest seas.
Just some of the extra benefits guests receive on joining a Viking cruise include 24 hour room service, king size bed with luxury linens and pillow, floor to ceiling heated drying closets for expedition gear, heated bathroom floor with spacious glass enclosed shower, anti-fog mirrors, premium Freyja toiletries, free Wi-Fi connection, 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas and bottled water, beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Centre, self-service launderettes.
All this and much more including a Viking
Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge, all Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions and one complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call
A fleet of military pro zodiacs, Special Operations Boats, two-seater kayaks and two yellow submarines enhance traveller’s experience, and all the inclusions ensure guests make the most of their expedition without having to keep paying extra.
Antarctica has inspired explorers and adventurers for centuries. In this icy wilderness, guests will marvel at icebergs glimmering in serene bays and mountains cloaked in white rising from the
mainland basalt cliffs.
These stunning landscapes evoke both utter tranquillity as Weddell seals lounge on ice floes, and breathtaking drama as glaciers thunderously calve into the sea.
In these cold and nutrient-rich waters, humpback, fin and minke whales have been known to greet expedition ships that venture into their habitat.
As with all Viking ships, the expedition vessel doubles as a classroom in which travellers can learn more about the next destination by joining the Viking ‘Resident Scientist’ for lunch on board before heading back out to explore.
Guests can choose to get explore with dedi-
cated experts in their field or relax and enjoy from the comfort of the ship. Those who choose to stay onboard can relax amid the luxurious and beautiful appointed surroundings in comfort, with heated couches and lava rock ‘firepits,’ allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors no matter the temperature.
On offer right now and for those who book before 31 March is Vikings “Fly free, flight upgrade credit or save up to $2,500 per couple.” The cruise is priced from $19,795 per person in a Deluxe Nordic Balcony.
For further information please contact Viking on 138 747 or Viking.com.
Enjoy getting close and personal and personal with penguins on board Viking’s Antarctic Explorer.
Enjoy a drink on the Aquavit-Terrace on Viking’s Antarctic Explorer by taking up this incredible offer. (Supplied)
Guests exploring with supplied binoculars on the Finse Terrace of Viking’s stunning Antarctic Explorer.
EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF ADELAIDE & KANGAROO ISLAND ON FULLY ESCORTED TOURS
Full-Board River Cruise
3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing
Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse
Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat
Taste Riverland food and wine
Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour
Hotel Stays
3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast
1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fully Escorted
Barossa Valley Tours
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
Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours
2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Bergen
From
in Veranda Stateroom From $32,295pp in Penthouse Veranda
ICONS OF THE VIKING AGE
Bergen to Copenhagen or vice versa
22 DAYS • 8 COUNTRIES • 17 GUIDED TOURS
From $21,495pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $26,295pp in
BRITISH ISLES & IRELAND
Belfast to London or vice versa
15 DAYS • 4 COUNTRIES • 13 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-MAY, JUL-SEP 2027; APR-SEP 2028
From $13,295pp in Veranda Stateroom From $15,795pp in Penthouse Veranda
*Choose one offer per booking (all guests must select the same): Companion Fly Free (Economy) up to AU$2,500 per couple (code CFE25) OR Business Class Air Credit AU$2,500 per couple (CFB25) OR Cruise-Only Save AU$2,500 per couple (CRX25). Valid on selected 2026–2028 Viking Ocean voyages. New bookings only, prices in AUD per person (twin share), subject to availability, not combinable. Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond based on 28 June 2028 departure. Icons of the Viking Age based on 11 May 2028 departure. British Isles & Ireland based on 17 April 2028 departure. Booking window: 02 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026 (AEDT). Full T&Cs: viking.com.
RIGA, LATVIA
A schools road-safety first
Casey Council has released a national-first road safety guide aimed at reducing child pedestrian injuries around schools.
A Practical Guide to Safer School Precincts was launched at the newly-opened Kala Primary School in Cranbourne North.
It is expected to be rolled out by councils across Australia.
The guide provides strategies and tools to reduce risk in school zones by easing congestion and other safety measures, as well as case-studies
OPINION
of successful initiatives.
According to Department of Transport reaseach,a quarter of all child pedestrian and cyclist injuries in Victoria occur within 300 metres of a school.
More than half happen within 600 metres of a school.
Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said the School Precinct Road Safety Framework and Program Model are the first resources of their kind in Australia and using an evidence-based approach.
“The City of Casey is proud to lead the way in road safety innovation, sharing the learnings from our successful Safe Around Schools program and real-world experience,” Cr Koomen said.
“This initiative, which we are now sharing nationally, is helping to create safer school precincts which in turn encourages active travel such as walking or cycling, further supporting wellbeing in the community.
“Road safety around schools is everyone’s responsibility and at its heart, this program is about
safer streets, healthier children, and stronger communities.”
The model was informed by the council’s Safe Around Schools program, which has been rolled out to more than 100 schools since 2020. It promotes shared responsibility for road safety among councils, schools, parents, and students.
The guide was supported by a $250,000 grant from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
The back-to-school survival guide for working mums
By Krissy Nicholson
So, you survived Christmas and are limping to the finishing line as school holidays come to a close.
You are expected to be ‘refreshed’ as you return to work, yet even if you did manage to go on a holiday – you haven’t actually stopped.
Let’s face it – you can’t put the pause on being a mum just because you’re away.
Siblings don’t just stop fighting, constant snacks are still required, never-ending entertainment is paramount. At home, the “mum taxi” is in overdrive and coordinating your kids’ social calendars feels like you’re the EA to Kim Kardashian when she’s juggling brand launches and photo shoots — except your ‘brands’ are soccer games, play dates and sleepovers.
All while fighting away the guilt of ‘too much’ sugar and ‘too much’ screen time and the inner voice saying ‘you are a bad mum, you should be hanging out more with your kids’.
God only knows how you’re managing to meet the deliverables in your paid job!
LOOKING BACK
100 years ago
28 January 1926
OBSERVATIONS
Dandenong citizens have received strict instructions from the ineffective and irritating Water Commission not to water their gardens with a hose, owing to the alleged and inexcusable scarcity of water. As far as the “Journal” knows, nothing was mentioned about watering cans, tubs, buckets, barrels, demi-johns and so on, and it seemed safe to use these until further orders.
50 years ago
22 January 1976
BIG FIGHT KO’D
The Australian bantamweight title fight planned for Dandenong’s Shepley Oval has been KO’d. Dandenong council has decided against the fight being held at Shepley Oval, saying the ground was needed for cricket. The fight was to beheldbetweentheVictorianchampionGuinea Hillier, Doveton and Australian champion, Brian Roberts, of NSW. Hillier’s trainer and manager, Mr Schofield said he was “amazed at councils’ apathy” toward local charity and sportsmen. Promoters had offered five percent of the takings to a local charity nominated by council. A disgusted and upset Mr Schofield said that after many setbacks and personal financial loss, this was “the last straw.” He talked about quitting his gym at Pot Black Family Amusement Centre in Thomas Street Dandenong and concentrating on his plastering business. As well as training many local teenagers, Schofield is mentor to Stan Bogavic and Tony McNeil who have been invited to train with the Victorian squad with this year’s Olympics in mind.
20 years ago
30 January 2006
City’s finest respond to fires
Volunteer firefighters went above and beyond the call of duty last week, travelling from Dandenong’s CFA headquarters to Gippsland to help fight bushfires that threatened several towns. Up to 60 strike teams from the Dandenong CFA, working on rotation, fought fires at Anakie, Erica and Brisbane Ranges. One of Dandenong’s unsung heroes was 20-year veteran Keith Pakenham. “So far my holidays have
The physical and mental load for women is through the roof over this time and your ‘to do list’ is as long as the number of times your kids says ‘mum’ in one day.
My question to you is - where do you fit yourself into this never-ending list? Has your new year’s resolution of ‘self-care’ already slipped out of sight?
Last year, I facilitated a women’s wellness gathering at Pakenham library where I introduced the analogy of commas and full stops in mindfulness.
Thinking of our mind as a book, and the importance of incorporating pauses and breaks into our non-stop lives, just as punctuation is essential to make a story meaningful.
Commas represent mindful pauses—short moments to focus attention and restore calm.
It could be as simple as taking a couple of deep breaths, making a cup of tea, stretching between meetings, or taking a moment away from screens for reflection and rapid restoration.
Full stops represent more substantial, inten-
been spent fighting fires, but for every volunteer firefighter, it’s about going where and when you are needed,” he said.
5 years ago
26 January 2021
Pillars honoured
This year’s Australia Day honours list includes three pillars of the Greater Dandenong community receiving Order of Australia Medals. Former mayor and councillor Frank Holohan received his honour “for service to the community of Dandenong and to local government”. Joe Rechichi was awarded “for service to the community through charitable initiatives”. Leslie Hughes was awarded “for service to veterans and in the community”. Mr Holohan served as Mayor of Dandenong on two occasions and is known for his work with the City of Dandenong Housing co-operative, the Dandenong Sewerage Authority, Dandenong Valley Authority and is a life governor of the Dandenong Hospital. Mr Hughes is a life member of the Dandenong–Cranbourne sub-branch of the RSL and has served as a volunteer for the ANZAC and Poppy Appeals. Mr Rechichi is well known as the President of the Springvale Benevolent Society, having been its head since 2002.
Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society
tional pauses.
Whether it’s a meditation practice to start your day, a walk in nature, yoga, art, gardening, or writing in a journal.
Something that truly allows you to step out of “I have to do everything” mode, reset and breathe.
After encouraging the group to create their own wellness toolkits - their list of commas and full stops - I ended the session asking the women to choose a word that would guide them in 2026.
An anchor; a quiet encouragement that will help them be present and mindful.
Motivation, confidence, presence, courage, all popped up. Then one woman stood up and said “selfish”.
“I have always prioritised everyone else in my life,” she said. “It’s time for me to be selfish.”
Driving home I listened to ABC’s Yumi Stynes podcast, Ladies, We Need to Talk. Turia Pitt was speaking about her new book Selfish.
Turia spoke of “selfless” being a word associ-
INTERFAITH
ated being ‘a good woman’.
Lack of self. Without self. Invisible.
And this is meant to be a positive attribute for women!
The conversation reinforced exactly what had been discussed in my women’s group.
In order to practice self-care, a woman needs to be selfish..... in a good way!
As you’re frantically ticking things off that list - buying new uniforms, preparing for school lunches, book orders, piano lessons and basketball signups - do yourself a favour.
Put yourself on that list.
Write down your commas and full stops. What will your word for 2026 be?
Note: Some pressures and stress can lead to overwhelm and burnout.
If you feel you need extra support, please see your GP about a mental health plan.
A resolution for a better world
By David Moffat of Swedenborg Community Victoria
As we stand at the threshold of a New Year, the air is usually filled with resolutions about personal improvement—diets, fitness, or career goals.
But as we reflect on the challenges of the past 12 months—challenges felt nationally, within our lo cal communities, and in our private lives—a more profound question emerges: how can we leave a lasting and positive mark upon our world?
In the last year, many of us have faced rejection, frustration, and opposition.
We have seen that people do not always act as we desire, and life rarely follows the scripts we write for it.
When we are met with negativity or even harm, our instinctual “default setting” is to react in kind.
However, there is an idea that could truly change the world, and it begins with a simple but costly promise: “It stops with me”.
Beyond the Golden Rule
Most of us are familiar with the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would like them to do to you.”
Hugh Mackay, in his book The Good Life, suggests that this is a foundation for a functional society.
But there is a step beyond even this.
It is the decision to act out of who you are—or who you aspire to be—rather than allowing circumstances or the behaviour of others to dictate your response.
When someone is unkind, the world expects us to be unkind back.
When we are met with aggression, the “equation” of human interaction suggests we should multiply that aggression.
But the person who decides that their words and actions will be determined by their own character, rather than the character of their opponent, breaks that cycle.
The Cost of Discipline
This approach is undeniably costly.
It takes immense self-discipline to resist the urge to react.
At times, it may even feel unfair—why should
we remain composed when others are not?
Yet, this is the only path that offers the possibility of a truly positive outcome.
It is the promise not to continue the cycle of suffering and violence.
By refusing to pass on the negativity we receive, we become a “circuit breaker” for the pain in our communities.
A Necessary Qualification
Choosing not to react is not the same as being a doormat.
It is important to qualify this: choosing character over reaction does not mean leaving ourselves in harm’s way.
Self-protection and self-care are vital duties.
Maintaining our own health and wellbeing is what preserves our ability to act positively in the world.
True “pay it forward” thinking requires us to be healthy enough to give.
A New Year’s Vision
This year, instead of a resolution that focuses only on the “self,” perhaps we can adopt a resolution that focuses on the “mark” we leave behind. If we can commit to being the point where a cycle of grievance ends, we do more than just improve our own lives.
We create a pocket of peace.
We prove that we are more than just a reaction to our circumstances; we are individuals of character.
That is an idea that doesn’t just change a year— it could change the world.
Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. • Visit interfaithnetwork.org.au
Dandenong former mayor, the now-late Frank Holohan, was recognised with an OAM in 2021. (Stewart Chambers: 142390)
Push for Tuesday council meetings
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Greater Dandenong councillor has called for another change to council meeting dates, citing fatigue and unsustainable workloads.
Cr Alice Phuong Le has listed a notice-of-motion to change meeting days from Mondays to Tuesdays. The issue is set for a vote on 27 January.
Paradoxically, it comes shortly after Greater Dandenong halved the number of council meetings from fortnightly to monthly in 2026.
The rationale was there were insufficient items on the agenda, particularly due to less town planning applications being decided by councillors.
In her motion, Cr Le stated councillors had insufficient time to consider “complex, highly technical and lengthy” meeting reports between the release of agenda papers on Thursday and the meeting on the following Monday.
She cited excessive weekend workloads due to attending community events, meetings with residents and stakeholders, and emergencies.
As a result, the quality of decisions, debates and scrutiny of council reports were at risk, she stated.
“The current timetable contributes to unsustainable workloads, fatigue and reduced performance capacity.
“Effective governance requires Councillors to be well-rested, focused and fully prepared.”
Cr Le argued a move to Tuesdays would bring Greater Dandenong in line with many other councils who meet mid-week.
Councillors have long described heavy workloads, particularly in balancing other work and caring roles.
More than 75 per cent of councillors nominated this as their biggest challenge, according to a 2017 Municipal Association of Victoria census.
In 2019, more than 70 per cent of Victorian
councillors stated they committed at least 16 hours a week to their duties. Nearly 20 per cent put in 32 hours or more.
Greater Dandenong’s councillors are paid $41,992 a year, as set by the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal.
Mayors and deputy mayors are paid $142,661 and $71,329 respectively.
Iranian Diaspora concerned as antigovernment protests continues
By Jensy Callimootoo
As Iran’s anti-government regime continues to escalate, much of the Iranian diaspora in Casey have had no or limited access to their family and friends for over two weeks.
According to Australia’s last census, the City of Casey is home to one of Melbourne’s largest Iranian population, with approximately 1412 Iranians living in the region. In neighbouring Greater Dandenong, there were 746 Iranian-born residents.
Iranian-born local, Dana, who does not want to use her real name, has been living in Melbourne since 2003 and says it’s been a “difficult time”.
She says she hasn’t had any contact with her brother, her friends or her husband’s family for more than two weeks since the protest began.
“They don’t have any internet connection,” she said.
“We cannot get in touch with them.
“And almost every day, several times a day I have my phone looking at the news to see what’s happening and it’s a really emotional time for all of us.
“Our hearts are with our families, parents, everyone. But what can we do?
“You know, we live overseas, most of us Persian people. We came out, we live here, but our mind is there.”
It’s been more than a week with no telecommunication coming out of Iran since the government cut off access to much of its internet.
The harsh crackdowns followed protests beginning in late December, sparked by the country’s economy, soaring cost of living and the collapse of the Iranian currency.
With a lack of access to verify information, estimations surrounding death tolls and arrests are inconsistent but death tolls by human rights organisations are expected to be in the thousands.
Another local source told Star News that after no contact during the last few weeks, they were eventually able to get in contact with their family living in Iran for a short period of time due to Starlink access.
But since then, they have not been able to get back in touch with them.
Iranians living in Melbourne are accustomed to being shut off from the world.
They’re also used to protests; in 2022-23, civil unrest was sparked and protests across the nation made headlines following the death of a woman
who died in police custody after she was arrested for violating Iran’s hijab law.
Shahram Akbarzadeh, Professor of Middle East and Central Asian politics at Deakin University, said that the regime in Iran has faced critical movements for decades.
“Every time there’s a movement in the popu-
Peak-time trains every 3 minutes
By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Violet Li
Dandenong rail commuters will enjoy weekdaypeak-timetrainsasfrequentlyasjustthree minutes apart, as part of the new Big Switch timetable.
But sports and entertainment goers will face some slight delays, being no longer able to travel directly to the MCG and Rod Laver Arena.
From 1 February, the Pakenham and Cranbourne services via Dandenong will be wholly diverted through the Metro Tunnel stations such as Anzac, Town Hall, State Library and Parkville.
It spells more train services, running at least 10 minutes between Dandenong station and the city off-peak on weekdays as well as on weekends.
An analysis of the new timetable shows 38 weekday services from Dandenong-CBD between 6.30am-9.01am – up 32 per cent from the current 29 services.
On average, the waits between weekday peak services will be four minutes in the morning and four-and-a-half minutes in the afternoon-evening.
Some waits will be as short as three minutes.
Dandenong MP and Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said she was excited for Dandenong commuters to benefit from the “biggest change to our rail network in 40 years”.
“The Metro Tunnel means more services, more often – for passengers in Dandenong it meansyou’llbeabletocatchatraintothecity around every four minutes in peak hour and every 10 minutes off peak.”
However,thebiggestcatchwillbeforcommuters who will no longer be able to travel directly to Richmond and South Yarra stations.
The quickest way to the MCG or Rod Laver Arena will be switching trains at Malvern or Caulfield stations – a changeover that may delay trips by five or so minutes on Saturday afternoons.
Another option will be to disembark at Town Hall Station and walk or tram to the ‘G or connect to a train to Richmond from Flinders Street.
Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said Dandenong passengers would clearly benefit from direct access to St Kilda Road and Parkville as well as more frequent services.
“We would like to see further improvements in the coming months and years.
“The tunnel boosts rail capacity on the network - it makes sense to provide more frequent train services across the city, to make it easier for people to get around Melbourne.”
lation, it often starts with a practical grievance, like 2022-23’s women freedom movement,” Prof Akbarzadeh said.
“And now the current uprising was triggered by the economic crisis, but these popular uprisings very quickly take up a political tone.
“They know that it’s the regime as a whole that is imposing these really restrictive measures and repressing society so that they are not going to achieve freedom or economic freedom.
“These movements challenge the authority of the Islamic regime and in fact, the chants we’re hearing in the streets attest to that.
“The chants say, ‘end to dictatorship’... so yes, the regime is facing a very critical challenge. But that doesn’t mean the regime is going to fall.”
And while Prof Akbarzadeh is apprehensive about significant changes to the regime, Dana hopes that this time is different.
“When looking at the news, most of them are young and between 20 and 30,” she said.
“This time when you look at the news, people around the world, Persian people, are going out to protest and we feel maybe this time hopefully positive things will come to us.”
Like many Iranians across Casey, watching on from home, with the news as their only looking glass into their country that they once called home, Dana remains hopeful for the future of Iran.
“Young people, you know, always can change the community like here, if you look at young people, they understand better than us.
“They question a lot, young people don’t care. They want freedom. They want a peaceful life.
“I think they deserve it and hopefully, who knows?”
Mr Bowen said authorities would need to ensure plenty of services for big events such as at the MCG and to clearly communicate options for passengers.
Commuters in outer suburbs beyond Dandenong also get improved services, but at a more modest frequency of no more than 20 minutes. Peaktime frequencies will average eight minutes.
For example, Cranbourne station gains almost 100 extra weekly services, while inner stations such as Caulfield Station receive about 250.
SomeservicesstartorfinishatmiddlesuburbanstationslikeWestallStationandDandenong Station.
Mr Bowen said PTUA would hope to see further improvements in the coming months and years for the commuters in the outer suburbs.
“There is a case for more trains across the day, providing a higher frequency service along the lines, further cutting the 20-minute waits at stations beyond Dandenong,” he said.
“The tunnel has added a lot of capacity to the rail system - it makes sense to use it more extensively, and as the southeast continues to develop, more trains more often - and more connecting buses - will help people get around more easily.”
According to a State Government media release, since the Metro Tunnel partially opened on 30 November to 11 January, passengers have taken 13 million free trips across trains, buses and trams as Victorians make the most of the free weekend travel up to and including 1 February.
Greater Dandenong councillor Alice Phuong Le, pictured right, is calling for a change in council meeting nights. (Gary Sissons: 459947)
The Iranian diaspora around the world are looking on as the country demands a change to the regime.
(Picture: Creative Commons)
Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh, director of Middle East Studies Forum at Deakin University.
Celebrating a good harvest
Basking in sunshine, about 200 celebrated a Pongal harvest festival in Harmony Square, Dandenong on Sunday 18 January.
Victorian Tamil Cultural Association staged the 32nd annual event, featuring drumming, dancing and a ceremonial rice pot. It was the first time it was held in Harmony Square.
VTCA secretary and founder Wicki Wickiramasingham said the festival was an important
WHAT’S ON
Polymer Clay Workshop
This beginner-friendly workshop will guide you through the process of shaping and designing your own unique clay creations. Perfect for earrings, pendants, or keychains. No prior experience needed.
• Tuesday 27 January, 10.30am -12pm, Dandenong Library 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Library membership required. Free event, registration is required at greaterdandenongevents.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_2 97561b3621c483f872e421a15d6a7a7
Twilight tucker & tunes
Live music from kids entertainers to relaxed acoustic, with a variety of food trucks and the cafe. Rabbit nursery, tractor rides, temporary tattoos, paddock feed trail, playground.
• Friday 30 January 5pm-9pm at Myuna Farm, 182 Kidds Road, Doveton; $6pp or $20 per group of 4 people (Babies under 12 months are free). Bookings: trybooking.com/DGVGL
Reuse and Recycle Drop Off Day
The event gives you the opportunity to get rid of any larger unwanted household goods suitable for donating or electronic and household goods suitable for recycling. To avoid missing out, it is highly recommended for resident to attend as early as possible.
• Saturday 31 January 8am-1pm at Greaves Reserve, 20 Bennet Street, Dandenong. Free event. Details: 8571 1000 or greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/recycle-day
Super Cars & Super Humans
Australia’s largest inclusive supercars event returns with 50-plus super cars, music, entertainment, food trucks, rides, activities and prizes.
• Saturday 31 January 11am-2pm at Springers Leisure, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough; free event.
CaseyGirlsCan Tennis at Doveton Free, coached beginner tennis sessions for Casey women, no prior skills or knowledge of tennis required. Follows the Cardio Tennis format. Part of City of Casey’s Summer of Tennis. ll equipment included but if you have your own racquet, please bring it with you.
• Mondays 2 February - 23 February 10am11am at Doveton Tennis Club, Oak Avenue (Robinson Reserve). Bookings: trybooking. com/DIFFV
Exhibition tour
Guided tour of Ibrahim Ahmed’s thought-provoking exhibition, Amidst the Absence, A Present is Felt.
• Thursday 5 February, 12pm-12.30pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong; free event. Bookings required: greaterdandenong-events. bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_3e5d963 971794b2a95de6bd8894e2b9b
Heritage Hill tour
Take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens with our expert heritage staff. Includes a look at the architecture of two historic houses, Laurel Lodge and Benga. Numbers limited.
celebration of successful food harvests, which depend on favourable sun and rains.
Similar harvest festivals were traditionally held in a range of nations and cultures.
Among the VIPs were Bruce MP and Multicultural Affairs Assistant Minister Julian Hill, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Talarmis and Greater Dandenong mayor Sophie Tan.
• first Thursday of each month (next 5 February), 10.30am-11.30pm at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; $5pp. Bookings required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/ event-detail/ev_bb570e95dd5d4379b41c3944a54de742
Beeswax wraps workshop
Reduce plastic waste and dive into the world of sustainability with our two-hour workshop. Informative chat on bee products and learn how to make beeswax wraps. For ages 16-plus.
• Sunday 8 February, 1pm-3pm at Keysborough Community Hub, Community Room 2, Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Bookings required: https://greaterdandenong-events. bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_1c072c3 749f84576a27b28f57ffe5eb2
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 practical self-defence, creative arts and fun dance sessions, mindfulness and wellbeing tips, and friendly group connection and support
• Wednesdays 11 February - 25 March, 9.50am12pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Free event. Details: 0491 144 836 or rachelw@adec.org.au
Springvale Lunar New Year Festival
• Sunday 15 February, 10am-10pm at Buckingham Avenue, Springvale; 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.
Free Pickleball
All equipment supplied.
• Mondays 5.30pm-6.30pm and Wednesdays 10am-11am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring; free event. Bookings via trybooking.com
Casual pickleball
Just turn up early to secure your place. All equipment supplied.
• Fridays 10am-11.30am and Sundays 9am10am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring. All equipment supplied, $5.40 per session.
Keysborough Probus Club
Probus Club invites retired or semi-retired seniors to join the club, offering outings, morning teas, film afternoons and friendships.
• First Thursday of the month, 10am at the South Eastern Masonic Centre, 270 Hutton Road, Keysborough. Contact: Judy Kemp
0429982422 or kempptr@bigpond.net.au
Free Social Knitwork
Come along and make new friends while building on skills, sharing patterns, stories and good times.
• Wednesdays 10am-12.30pm, Dandenong Library 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Registrations not required.
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.
All Abilities Garden
Become a part of the team that cultivates our brand new All Abilities Garden. You will plan, grow, and take care of the wonderful garden designed by members of the disability community for people of all abilities.
• Tuesdays 1pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive. Free event.
Sandown Probus
Are you retired or semi-retired and would like to stay engaged and connected with others? Come along and see if you would like to join Sandown
Probus Club. Enjoy the opportunity to make new friends, expand your interests, participate in the variety of activities and hear guest speakers on a wide range of subjects.
• 2nd Monday of each month at Club Noble, Moodemere Street, Noble Park. Details: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/sandown or Marion, 0458 660 016.
Noble Park Probus
A warm invitation is extended to anyone in the local community who is aged 55 and over, not working full time to visit us with a view to becoming a member at Noble Park Combined Probus Club. Meets monthly for morning tea and an interesting guest speaker. Also special lunches, day trips and extended trips such as to Bright. We make sure we promote the Probus core values of ’Friendship, fellowship and fun’.
• first Monday of the month, 10am at Club Noble. Details: Roslyn, rgrassham07@gmail.com or 0410628249.
Dandenong senior activities
Dandenong over 60’s Club (but over 50s are welcome). Join us for fun and games.
• Mondays 1pm-4pm (except public holidays) at The Dandenong Club, cnr Stud and Heatherton roads. Details: Carol, 0431 755 466
Senior activities Keysborough
Keysborough & District Multicultural Senior Citizens Inc is an over 55s club with bingo on first, second and fourth Tuesday of the month ($3 entry and $1.50 per bingo book), live concerts with professional entertainers on third and fifth Tuesday of the month, line dancing on Wednesdays ($3 entry), Thursday ballroom dancing lessons (12.30pm-1pm) and ballroom dancing (1pm-3pm, $3 entry).
• 1pm-3pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Rowley Allan Reserve 352 Cheltenham Road Keysborough. Tea and coffee provided. Details: Julie, 0428 561 694.
Adult Exercise
Improve fitness and energy levels for good health and wellbeing at this adult exercise group class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a self-paced, gentle aerobics class suitable for all levels.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am at Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North; $5 per session. No registrations required. Details: 8571 1436 or communityfacilities@cgd.vic.gov.au
Meditation and positive thinking
Learn how to make your mind your best friend through open-eyed meditation. Led by Bhavani Padmanabhan, these free sessions are open to all. Presented by Bakhtar Community Organisation and The Brahma Kumaris Organisation.
• Saturdays 2pm at 23-47 Gunns Road, Hallam. Registrations: 9703 2555 or 0403 551 596. Weekly badminton
Adults welcome (Mondays 7pm-9pm) and ladies and retired (Wednesdays 12pm-2.30pm).
• Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.
Ceremonial dancers at the Pongal harvest festival. (Supplied)
Ceremonial dancers at the Pongal harvest festival.
A troupe of drummers at Harmony Square.
Positive day for Panthers
By Justin Schwarze
Dandenong is well and truly in the driver’s seat to secure victory at Geelong after day one of round 15 of Victorian Premier Cricket by making quick work of the hosts’ batting lineup.
Whilst the Panthers are out of the finals race, they bowled with intent after Geelong won the toss and opted for the bat.
James Nanopoulos struck early, removing Nathan Caulfield for a golden duck in the opening over of the match before trapping Lincoln Koliba in front in the third over.
Nanopoulos wasn’t done there as he bowled a beauty, catching the outside edge of Josh Larkin into the safe hands of Noah Hurley at first slip.
The wicket brought the opening pacer to 3/3 and the hosts to 3/14 overall.
By the time Liam Blackford (15) was caught, Geelong was 4/50, but some strong resistance from Lachie Field (28), Ashley Armstrong (47) and Eamonn Vines (39 not out) in the middle order saw their side past the 100 mark.
But Dandenong continued to break partnerships, not allowing a stand of more than 39 all day, eventually knocking over the hosts for 187.
Nanopoulos finished with three poles for the match, while Matthew Wilson and Nathan Whitford also bagged three scalps each.
The Panthers still had 35 overs to bat to round out the day at the Geelong Cricket Ground, and the pursuit started poorly when Ryan Hammel poked at a bouncer from Nathan Harper and was subsequently caught in the gully in the fifth over, leaving
Dandenong 1/6.
However, skipper Brett Forsyth powered through the innings with number three Dhanusha Gamage, seeing out the remaining 30 overs in the day unscathed.
Forsyth reached stumps at 44 not out from 103 deliveries while Gamage sits on 38 from 95 overnight.
The 86-run partnership boosted the Panthers to 1/92 at stumps, requiring 96 runs on day two to bank their fourth win of the season.
Casey South Melbourne rose to the challenge of facing second-placed Footscray as the Swans played out a positive first day.
At Casey Fields, the hosts took to the field after winning the toss and put pressure on the visitors early, picking up two early wickets to have them at 2/10.
A near 100-run partnership was broken when skipper Ash Chandrasinghe ran out Dylan Kight (43).
Dylan Brasher (67) reached his half century before he was dismissed to leave Footscray at 5/139.
But the Swans ensured the tail didn’t wag and kept runs to a minimum despite a handy knock from Jack Prestwidge (30), bowling the visitors out for 206.
Ashvin Adihetty was dangerous for the hosts, posting tidy figures of 3/36 from 20 overs.
Casey South Melbourne took to the crease with seven overs to bat to round out the day, seeing themselves through to stumps unharmed at 0/15 with Chandrasinghe (9 not out) and Finlay Gordon (5 not out) looking to keep the Swans in finals contention.
Hawks face huge chase after Lions roar with twin tons
By Blair Burns
Centuries from Narre South pair Oshadha Ariyadasa (125) and Vineth Jayasuriya (130) have helped the Lions post a big total of 331 against the in-form Hallam Kalora Park in the DDCA Turf 1 competition.
It was a good toss to win for Narre South, who chose to bat as extreme temperatures threatened all round 11 matches, which had to start earlier as a result.
The innings didn’t get off to the perfect start for the Lions as they lost opener Kyle Hardy (1) inside the first five overs, snicking off to third slip off a Jawid Khan delivery.
Jawed Hussaini (23 off 77 balls) dug in and put on 55 runs with Jayasuriya, before he was undone by William Whyte in the 28th over, the score at 2/61.
Over the next 38 overs, Ariyadasa and Jayasuriya did as they pleased, scoring freely and putting together a mammoth 219-run partnership.
Both of them reached triple figures, Ariyadasa for the second time this season with an ag-
gressive 125 off 116 deliveries, while Jayasuriya was a fine anchor with 130 off 198 balls.
At 2/281 with almost 15 overs remaining, a huge score was on the cards but credit to Hawks captain Jordan Hammond who took a 5fa to pull the score back.
While much of the damage was done, Hammond led from the front and gave his side something to smile about.
Narre South passed 300 and thanks to a nice cameo at the end from skipper Cal Tout (31 not out), the Lions reached 9/331 after the 80 overs – their highest score of the season.
It puts the side in a great position to win its first game since round five, as it will hope to defend its strong total this Saturday.
Hammond was the pick of the bowlers with 5/59 off 21 overs, toiling away in the heat for his side, while Whyte took 3/87 off 18 overs.
There were also plenty of runs scored at Greaves Reserve as Dandenong West posted 326 against Beaconsfield thanks to a second Shaun Weir century in the space of two weeks.
There were plenty of contributions, but none better than Weir at the top of the order as he belted 101, batting beautifully with fellow opener Mohit Mandora (67).
There were some other starts for the Bulls, but a highlight later in the day was a classy half century from Joel Zietsman (57) at number seven.
Ashan Walgamage and Abaseen Taniwal took three wickets each as the score ended up
on 326 after day one.
After a couple of 49s and a 43 in recent weeks, Springvale South all-rounder Dasun Opanayaka raised the bat for a half century for the first time this season, leading the Bloods to 267 against Berwick.
Opanayaka, who averages 76.15 this season, top-scored with 71, as Mitch Forsyth (47) and Jordan Wyatt (44) contributed well.
Berwick’s Vinuda Liyanage did a power of work with the ball, taking 4/40 off 22 overs (including six maidens).
Buckley Ridges has its sights set on an outright victory against Parkmore after bowling the Pirates out for 125 on day one and scoring 3/91 in reply.
Young star Ashen Hettinayaka had a day to remember, taking a remarkable 6/20 off 12 overs to rip through the Pirates’ batting order, with only Lochana Premarathna (48) offering any resistance.
The Bucks batted 30 overs on day one and lost Ayush Patel (21), Dale Tormey (14) and Josh Holden (21).
Consistent Kangaroos deliver again to frustrate Maroons
By Blair Burns
Coomoora posted a big score of 268 in a one-day match last week and this round they went 10 better to make 278 off 80 overs against North Dandenong in the DDCA Turf 2 competition.
Roos pair Krishan Alang and Jarrod Munday are the two leading run scorers in the competition and they will not stop there, each adding half centuries to their season tallies.
Alang (73 not out) and Munday (66) both went big, while opener Nick Suppree (69) also made his best score of the season.
Syed Akbar Shah was the Maroons’ best bowler, with 3/78 off 19 overs. North Dandenong will need to bat very well if it is to win this weekend. Silverton kept Cranbourne to just 157 with the bat and the Bakers would’ve been very happy with how the first day had played out, until they lost a couple of costly late wickets.
Both Dean McDonell (5) and Vikram Singh (golden duck) were removed early by Kalapu Gamage, as he made an early impact on the game to leave the Eagles 2/7.
Dylan Hayes also made his mark with the ball to take 3/27 off 10 overs and put the visitors in trouble.
Bailey Paroissen (40 off 127 balls) dug in as we have come to expect and got the side to a much more respectable total of 157.
With 14 overs to bat, Silverton’s wish was to get
through unscathed – that did not happen.
Two of the team’s top three leading run scorers in Anmol Zakhmi and Rohit Sandhu strolled out to bat … both were back in the sheds halfway through the second over for ducks.
This left skipper Robert North (6 not out off 43 balls) and Anhad Gill (7 not out off 31 balls) to see the day out, the scoreboard reading 2/15 off 14 overs at the end of the day’s play.
The game currently hangs in the balance at Springvale Reserve, with the outcome heavily resting on how well the current pair can bat this Saturday.
Lyndale was 6/79 against Parkfield and looked dead and buried, before a clutch innings from Himesh Galhenage Don (70) inspired the team to a total of 176.
The top three fell for a combined 15 runs and Lyndale was in serious trouble, before Rajika Fernando (33) and Don built some solid partnerships.
Ladder leader Parkfield had to navigate 15 overs, doing its best to survive, but there was one casualty.
The Bandits opened up with a pair of batters who normally play Turf 4 in David Ford (3 not out off 44 balls) and Rukshan Muthukuda (1 off 24 balls), but the latter was run out.
The final score sat at 1/19 for Parkfield, who will be confident that it can chase down the required 158 runs for victory.
HSD made serious inroads on day one, with the Cobras well poised for a victory after bowling Narre Warren out for 154 in 51.1 overs.
Cobras captain Ryan Patterson was clinical with the new ball, ripping through the Magpies’ top order to finish with figures of 4/44 off 14 overs – Brett Hookey and Luke Grady also claiming a couple of poles each.
Seven Narre Warren batters reached double figures, but only Hennadige Fernando (37) was able to push on, as regular wickets fell around him.
With 155 needed for victory, HSD finished the day at 2/68 and trails by just 86 runs when play resumes this weekend.
Riley Shaw (21 not out) and Liam O’Connor (30 not out) are the current batters at the crease.
Coomoora’s Krishan Alang is not only dangerous with the ball, but has scored bulk runs in the past two matches. (Rob Carew: 517381)
Narre South batter Oshadha Ariyadasa scored 125 against Hallam Kalora Park. (Gary Sissons: 517376)
Matthew Wilson took three important wickets to put Dandenong in a strong position against Geelong. (Rob Carew: 528966)
Falcons rise as Noble stalls
By David Nagel
Noble Park (8/239) has taken a stunning fall to sixth place in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association (VSDCA) after a brave but failed runchase against Taylors Lakes (7/242).
Fresh off its first loss since round one against Altona last week, Noble made the trip to Lionheart Reserve with some steely resolve to bounce back.
The loss to Altona saw Noble drop from first to second on the ladder; the prime spot enjoyed over the Christmas break.
But with the top seven teams tightly packed; a loss to the Lions would prove costly.
The Lions won the toss and posted a highlycompetitive score, with Noble opener Yehan Gunasingha (3/67) and Sai Sehgal (2/31) the only bowlers to have multiple strikes with the ball.
Noble’s reply started steadily enough, but the loss of openers Nischaya Thapa (7) and Yug Patel (12) saw the visitors sitting at 2/33 after 10.
Noble had the better of the second block of 10 with captain Janaka Liyanabadalge (48) and class-act Sahan Perera (55) consolidating with 64 runs without loss.
Liyanabadalge was the only victim in the fol-
lowing 10 overs with Perera and Mahesh Kumara (29) piloting Noble to 3/148 with 15 overs to play.
Noble required 95 runs at a rate of 6.34 with two hot batters at the crease.
Things looked good for the visitors, with Perera given a serious reprieve on 49 when Lions’ keeper Nilan Fernando misjudged a skied ball than landed midway down the adjacent pitch.
But Perera was soon on his way; his crisply timed reverse sweep heading straight to the hands of Luke Denny at a regulation point.
Noble soon fell behind the required rate; with Kumara and Pawan Dias (53 not out) holding the key to victory with 65 runs required at 8.13 from the final eight overs of the match.
But over 38 would prove vital, with Kumara and Jamie Selvaraj (0) falling in the space of five balls to give the Lions the upper hand.
Two overs of recovery saw Noble require an unlikely 56 runs with four wickets remaining from the final five overs of play.
Some good hitting from Dias and Gunasingha (18) saw that equation narrowed to 35 off three; with 18 required from the final over.
The task became impossible for Noble with two balls left to play; with a four and six from Dias
making the scoreboard more respectable when stumps were pulled.
Noble host Donvale (16th) in a two-day game over the next fortnight in a game where it clearly can’t afford to slip up.
The news was much better for Endeavour Hills (2/150) however; the Falcons ending a five-game losing streak in commanding style with an eightwicket win over Williamstown (8/149).
Falcons’ skipper Zac Perryman made a wise decision at the toss, sending Williamstown into bat.
Tallha Ahmed (3/62) copped some tap but took vital wickets for the Falcons, while more economical spells from Jasmeet Singh (2/14 off 8), Assadollah Vala (2/32 off 8) and Damien Ravu (1/12 off 7) gave the home side the upper hand at the dinner break.
Perryman (41) and Ashwanth Nagendran (63) then set up the successful chase with a 115-run stand for the first wicket.
Nagendran was particularly savage on anything loose, carving seven balls to the boundary and three over the fence.
Both openers fell on the same score, before Vala (24 not out) and Vishal Panditharatne (8 not out) put the finishing touches on a drought-
breaking win for the home side.
Endeavour Hills, who has jumped a cog to 16th on the ladder, heads to Mt Waverley (13th) this week for a winnable game on paper. There are currently four games remaining in the season.
VSDCA SUMMARY
Results R11 (Day 1): Endeavour Hills 2/150 def Williamstown 8/149, Taylors Lakes 7/242 def Noble Park 9/239, Balwyn 170 def by Spotswood 208, Box Hill 120 def by Werribee 131, Mt Waverley 2/135 def Melton 133, Altona 6/174 def Bayswater 170, Hoppers Crossing 8/261 def Croydon 149, Yarraville 5/194 def Donvale 190.
Ladder R11: Balwyn 51, Hoppers Crossing 48, Spotswood 48, Altona 46, Werribee 45, Noble Park 45, Taylors Lakes 42, Croydon 33, Bayswater 33, Melton 30, Williamstown 27, Yarraville 24, Mt Waverley 24, Endeavour Hills 21, Box Hill 15, Donvale 0.
Fixture R12 (Two Day): Noble Park (6) v Donvale (16), Mt Waverley (13) v Endeavour Hills (14), Bayswater (9) v Box Hill (15), Croydon (8) v Balwyn (1), Melton (10) v Altona (4), Spotswood (3) v Yarraville (12), Taylors Lakes (7) v Williamstown (11), Werribee (5) v Hoppers Crossing (2).
Memories and mateship as Bulls celebrate triple flags
It was a special day down at Greaves Reserve on the weekend as Dandenong West welcomed back many past premiership players to celebrate three premiership reunions.
It was warm conditions for the occasion, but the past players stayed cool and enjoyed plenty of refreshments as they reflected on the success of 1985/86 (40 years) when both the Turf 1 and Turf 2 sides tasted the ultimate success.
This year also marks 25 years since the Turf 1 side won the premiership, led by captain Peter Lindsay.
The current Bulls side put on a good show in the heat, scoring 326 against Beaconsfield and giving the former legends of the club plenty to smile about.
Celebrating 25 years was the Turf 1 side from 2001/02.
There was also a strong showing for the Turf 2
premiership team.
The Turf 1 side from 1985/86 celebrated their 40 year reunion.
All of the Dandenong West premiership players cheering the Bulls on from the hill. (Rob Carew: 530018)
1985/86 premiership player, Ken Goodes looks back at the old team photos.
Ashwanth Nagendran was in terrific touch for Endeavour Hills, cracking three mountainous sixes in a drought-breaking win over Williamstown. (Rob Carew: 527661)
Tallha Ahmed was the chief destroyer for Endeavour Hills taking three wickets in a polished eight-wicket win. (527661)
Tuesday 10 March 2026 From 3.30pm – 7.00pm Last tours leave at 6.00pm.
•
•
•
