Dandenong Star Journal - 7th July 2026 by Star News Group

The rallying call is getting louder against Springvale’s Needle and Syringe Program.

A chorus of traders say they want the NSP moved to an “appropriate location” that’s far from the suburb’s CBD, claiming it’s done damage to businesses, schools and the community.

“We don’t want to be another Victoria Street,” said a local leader – referring to the troubled shopping area near the state’s only medicallysupervised injection facility in North Richmond.

Traders tell tales of rubbish set alight in su-

permarket trolleys at night, human faeces and syringes on the footpaths, rough sleepers, assaults, robberies, brazen drug-dealers and public toilets visited by injecting users.

Monash Health, which runs the facility in Buckingham Avenue, says it has security personnel, checks daily for dangerous objects and has sharps disposal bins.

Local ward councillor Sean O’Reilly says relocating the NSP was “classic nimbyism”

He said a “more reasonable proposition” was

to expand NSPs to other sites outside the Springvale catchment such as Notting Hill and Syndal.

“Springvale is willing to bear its fair share of impacts from this service, but we’re overburdened with these problems,” Cr O’Reilly said.

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) president Chris Christoforou said spreading more NSPs over multiple locations would be a benefit.

He said NSP’s location was chosen because parts of Springvale had high levels of injecting

Tips for feline friendliness

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drug use for a long time.

“NSPs need to be readily accessible to people who would benefit from the service.

“If the NSP is moved, it’s unlikely that the people who use the service would move on.”

A State Government spokesperson said the NSP was an important public health service, with state-funded safety measures such as syringe disposal services.

TURN INSIDE FOR MORE ON THE STORY

RSPCA community outreach team leader Jess, with Shabira and toy animal Woody, gave kids the lowdown on how to relate to their pet cats. The cat safety session designed for families was held in Springvale last Friday.

PHOTOS (Stewart Chambers: 563391)

Jess (Community Outreach Team Leader RSPCA) with Woody the toy cat and Shabira (563391)

‘Out of character’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The disappearance of Dandenong woman Yun last week was out of character but not suspicious, say Victoria Police.

The 39-year-old accountant, also known as Michelle, was reported missing on Friday, 3 July, with her “heartbroken” parents making a public plea for help on Sunday 5 July.

Yun was last seen on the Wednesday before when she parked her vehicle in the foreshore carpark on the corner of Rennison Street and Beach Road in Parkdale.

She was seen walking towards the beach about 5.45pm.

Police located her parked vehicle with phone, keys and wallet inside on Friday night, sparking a “large-scale” search on the foreshore and beach, Acting Sergeant Sam McPhillips of Dandenong police said.

“There’s nothing as part of our investigation that indicates any foul play or any other person involved.”

Distraught father Jingyi said via an interpreter that he and Yun’s mother were “heartbroken”

They were having disturbed sleep, especially after Yun’s vehicle and belongings were found by police, he said.

Yun is usually in regular contact with her Sunbury parents, who have not heard from her since 1 July.

They had just flown back from China on 30 June, and contacted Yun on WeChat that day.

The same night, Jingyi’s younger brother told Jingyi he had received a “very weird message” from Yun, in which she told him: “Don’t be sad”

But Jingyi reassured his brother that Yun was all right.

He messaged her on WeChat on 1 July – the day of her last sighting – in which she replied and “everything looked normal”

According to WeChat records, Yun had also taken a few hundred steps that day.

The following morning, Jingyi messaged her but received no reply. There were zero steps.

“I realised something went wrong,” he said.

“This happened very suddenly. She normally has very regular contact with me and my wife … (we) can’t understand this.”

Air Wing, Water Police, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and uniform officers searched the foreshore and Port Phillip waters on Friday (3 July) and Saturday morning (4 July).

Police and State Emergency Service volunteers conducted a line search of the area surrounding the Parkdale car park.

Yun is Asian in appearance, about 170 centimetres with dark brown hair and no tattoos.

Police released CCTV footage of Yun filling

Yun, also known as Michelle, was filling up her car at a Glen Waverley service station on the morning of her disappearance on 1 July.

(Supplied/Victoria Police) Yun, also known as Michelle, was filling up her car at a Glen Waverley service station on the morning of her disappearance on 1 July.

(Supplied/Victoria Police)

her vehicle at a Glen Waverley service station bowser on the morning of 1 July.

She was wearing dark clothing and white sneakers at the time. It was also the last time that her bank cards had been used, Act Sgt

Kids get the lowdown

on cat behaviour

Police investigate fatal bedroom

in Springvale South

Police are investigating a fatal house-fire in Springvale South late on Friday 3 July.

Fire Rescue Victoria reported that firefighters removed an unconscious man in his 70s from a burning bedroom in Montclair Close about 10.40pm.

He taken to hospital with significant burns, FRV stated.

Victoria Police confirmed that the man later succumbed to his injuries.

Police established a crime scene, with an arson chemist and detectives at the property the following day.

About 20 firefighters and six appliances attended the single-storey brick dwelling. They were said to have responded within minutes of the emergency call, containing the blaze to the bedroom.

The fire’s cause was yet to be determined, police stated.

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

McPhillips said. Investigations are ongoing. Anyone who sights Yun is urged to call Tri-

ple Zero (000).

Any information on her whereabouts, call Dandenong police station on (03) 9767 7444.

Yun, also known as Michelle, was last seen at a Parkdale foreshore car park on Wednesday 1 July. (Victoria Police)

As part of the fun, the attendees also made fun woollen playthings for their pets.

RSPCA community outreach team leader Jess shows the kids how to pat a cat with Woody the toy feline. (Stewart Chambers: 563391)

Evelyn, Mary and Harry making a cat wand. (Stewart Chambers: 563391)

Syringe relocation call

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A chorus of frustrated traders is calling for the relocation of Springvale’s controversial Needle and Syringe Program (NSP), saying it’s doing damage to businesses and the community.

A shopping centre manager, along with business owners, real estate agents and community leaders, told Star Journal that they don’t want drug abuse “normalised” in Springvale.

“We don’t want to be another Victoria Street,” said a local leader – referring to the troubled shopping area near the state’s only safe-injection facility in North Richmond.

Springvale’s problems are in your face, as you walk through a bustling laneway that’s home to two acclaimed teahouses but blighted by footpath peddlers and unsightly garbage.

Traders tell tales of rubbish set alight in supermarket trolleys at night, human faeces and syringes on the footpaths, rough sleepers, assaults, robberies, brazen drug-dealers and public toilets visited by injecting users.

The Monash Health-run NSP is housed in a community health centre, as recommended by State Government guidelines.

“To keep the community safe, the Monash Health Community Springvale site has security personnel, is checked daily for dangerous objects, and has appropriate sharps disposal bins,” a Monash Health spokesperson said.

But critics say it needs to be moved further from the shopping district and a neighbouring primary school to an “appropriate location”

“Its operation at the current site has damaged our community, our children and placed an unnecessary burden on local businesses,” says a shopping centre manager, who didn’t wish to be named.

“The community strongly urges the authorities to relocate the NSP to an appropriate location where it can support those in need while safeguarding public health and community safety.”

A real estate agent says many residents are moving out due to safety concerns.

“This perception, whether fully justified or not, is having a real impact on community confidence.”

The NSP became a magnet for public criticism more than 12 months ago, especially after it installed an outdoor, 24/7 syringe dispensing machine.

Recently, in response to opposition, Monash Health moved the machine about 20 metres to the side of the building.

Among the critics of the 24/7 dispenser was local ward councillor Sean O’Reilly.

He says the State Government needs to come up with a “long-term solution” , but dismisses talk of relocating the NSP as “classic nimbyism”

A “more reasonable proposition” was to expand NSPs to other sites outside the Springvale

catchment such as Notting Hill and Syndal, he said.

Currently there’s also an NSP in central Dandenong.

“Springvale is willing to bear its fair share of impacts from this service, but we’re overburdened with these problems,” Cr O’Reilly said.

“There are not enough services in other suburbs, meaning more drug addicts come to Springvale.”

He noted that the “overwhelming” majority of people using the NSP were not causing public disturbance.

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) president Chris Christoforou said spreading more NSPs over multiple locations was more likely to engage people where they live and reduce the burden on ‘hotspot’ locations.

“This undoubtedly would be a benefit.”

He said NSP’s location was chosen because parts of Springvale had high levels of injecting drug use for a long time.

“NSPs need to be readily accessible to people who would benefit from the service.

“If the NSP is moved, it’s unlikely that the people who use the service would move on.”

He suggested increasing the capacity of outreach programs to engage people with substance-use issues in public spaces.

“Through health-based outreach programs, over time, people can be connected with appro-

priate services, including for alcohol and other drugs when relevant.

“Sadly for many, it is often easier to procure illicit drugs than access a treatment program.”

Medically supervised injecting centres should also be prioritised in areas with high levels of harm, he said.

Such as in Greater Dandenong, which had the fifth-highest number of heroin-related fatal overdoses in the past decade.

In that period, 114 people died from heroin in the council area.

“This is deeply concerning, aligning with a broader upward trend in fatal overdoses for all of Victoria,” Mr Christoforou said.

“There is an immediate need to address the soaring overdose rate.

“An increase in medically supervised injecting capacity in areas with high levels of harm should be prioritised.”

A State Government spokesperson said the NSP provided an important public health service, with the Department of Health funding safety measures, such as syringe-disposal services.

“We’re getting on with the job of addressing and reducing drug harms in our community.”

The Government said it had “no plans” to add a medically supervised injecting room in

The only site allowed under State legislation is at North Richmond, the spokesperson said.

Springvale.

A discarded syringe in a public toilet in central Springvale. (Supplied)

Rubbish, including a shopping trolley, is a regular eyesore in a busy Springvale laneway. (Supplied)

A rough sleeper lies in a doorway outside Springvale Shopping Centre. (Cam LucadouWells)

A man injects himself in the entrance to a Springvale public toilet. (Supplied)

Housing crisis reality

By Sahar Foladi

A makeshift shelter, within sight of state MPs’ offices in Dandenong, has become a beacon for the city’s rising drug use and homelessness.

Located on privately owned vacant land next door to KFC and other businesses on a Princes Highway service lane, the shelter was propped up by a fence, and covered with material.

Inside was a makeshift bed, kitchen pans, oil tins, shoes, blanket and piles of junk.

Businesses said around three to four people would gather inside to use drugs, seek shelter, but kept to themselves and were harmless.

Victoria Police were called, who reportedly moved on the homeless people.

This brings Greater Dandenong’s homelessness issue back on the radar, as the state’s highest levels of people experiencing homelessness (2366, according to 2021 Census data).

The now-dismantled shelter was located on the opposite side of the highway to the offices of Labor MPs Gabrielle Williams and Lee Tarlamis, as well as homelessness agency Wayss.

Simon Ruth, who is chief executive of Wayss, says while local services are playing an important role, the challenges they are seeing are broader than any one local government.

“The increase in makeshift shelters is a visible sign of deeper housing stress in our community.

“We’re seeing more people who are being pushed out of the private rental market due to rising costs and limited availability,” he says.

“We have a housing system that isn’t keeping up with demand, and cost of living pressures are compounding this.

“What’s needed is a sustained increase in the supply and diversity of housing options –including social housing, affordable rentals and pathways into secure long-term housing – so people have real alternatives to living in unsafe conditions.”

Located a few doors away from the shelter site is the office of Liberal upper house MP Ann-Marie Hermans, who first brought this issue to the Victorian Parliament, She criticised the Government for failing “to deliver public housing and homes and Victorians are paying the price.”

Referencing the south-east, she said there are many people sleeping out in cardboard boxes.

“Precincts Structure Planning (PSP) has too much red tape, causing excessive delays.

“We will build homes on the underutilised urban renewal precincts in key strategic areas, including central Dandenong and Monash University, and support existing Council structure plans, with community consultation.”

City of Greater Dandenong has confirmed that a development application is before the De-

partment of Transport and Planning for the vacant land. The plan is for an 18-storey building comprising of 95 dwellings and a ground-floor

retail premises. For a video on the story, go to youtube.com/ shorts/Sj3nrozbWCU

Councils ‘blindsided’ by anti-racism motion

By Sahar Foladi

A Greater Dandenong councillor has raised concerns over a motion on antisemitism and racism passed unanimously by councils at a national conference in Canberra last month.

Multiple councils including Melbourne City Council, Glen Eira, Port Phillip as well as Waverley Council in NSW put forward the motion at the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly of Councils to ask the Australian Government to take action against antisemitism and racism.

This motion was also supported by Greater Dandenong Council.

According to Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad, who was in attendance, said voters didn’t realise the motion also called for the Government to “initiate and fund” a national framework.

Any attempts to remove the call for a new national framework was unsuccessful, she said.

Cr Garad says a duplication of the current Anti-Racism National framework is unnecessary, instead an effective implementation is needed.

“Most of us were under the assumption that the motion would operate within the existing framework, not replace it with a new one.

“When other councils tried to amend the motion from the floor to reflect that, they were refused.

“Many left feeling they had been misled and were understandably upset.”

The current framework by the Australian Human Rights Commission took five years of work,

including many consultations to create a 10-year roadmap and 63 recommendations to be implemented by the Australian Government.

“A good framework should work for every group and be effective,” Cr Garad says.

“We don’t need a new framework or separate frameworks for different groups; we simply need the existing framework to be fully implemented.”

Greens Councillor of Melbourne City Council, Olivia Ball had authored the antisemitism and racism motion to be presented at the ALGA conference.

The motion called for the government to implement the existing recommendations of the National Anti-Racism Framework to address antisemitism and racism.

She didn’t attend the ALGA Conference but when she heard about the final motion, she was “dismayed” that it would delay meaningful action as communities continue to experience rising antisemitism, Islamophobia, hatred and racism.

“It can only mean delay. I’m exasperated by the whole thing and I don’t know why ALGA appears, despite my objections, to have misunderstood (the motion).

“It’s a great misfortune. The problem is very urgent. We have Nazis marching on the streets of Melbourne and bashing people up, increasingly emboldened. We had the Bondi beach incident, so many incidents of racism, the rise of One Nation - to delay any further is inexcusable.

“If the Australian Government accepted this consolidated motion, adopted by ALGA, and didn’t use the existing framework in which they invested a significant amount of money and ef-

(Gary Sissons: 432339_02)

fort, and started again - there would obviously be a delay in taking a necessary action to combat antisemitism.

“We have the framework ready to go, to say forget that and let’s start again - it’s crazy and very concerning.”

How was this confusion caused?

While each council put forth their own motions, the ALGA introduced a final consolidated version, which included calling on the Australian Government for a new national framework.

ALGA says it is responsible for hosting the process but councils have the lead “on whether they would like to speak about motions they initiate.”

It’s unclear what the process of this consolidation was however. Only one council in Victoria, Glen Eira, had called for a national framework, which was passed at its council meeting on 24

February, as well as Waverley Council in NSW.

Port Phillip Council had called for a social cohesion toolkit across local governments, and Melbourne City called for the implementation of the recommendations by the Australian Human Right’s Commission as part of the Anti-Racism National Framework.

Glen Eira mayor Dr Simone Zmood says the ALGA motion is to ensure the objectives of the current framework “can be translated into practical, place-based action through local government.”

“We are seeking a nationally coordinated framework that provides consistent guidance, partnerships, civic education and funding so local governments can play their role effectively alongside state and federal governments.

“So much has happened since the National Anti-Racism Framework was adopted in November 2024, including Bondi and the Royal Commission.

“Councils are increasingly responding to the impacts of antisemitism, racism and social division in our communities.”

What does this mean?

The Australian Local Government Association Board will endorse each motion by the end of July after which the endorsed motions will be sent through to the relevant Federal Ministers.

The motions are non-binding. Motions are published on the ALGA website along with a tracking of the Federal Ministers responses.

This will be available from early August for the 2026 conference.

The makeshift shelter is now dismantled.(Sahar Foladi: 563582_01)

The shelter was located opposite the offices of MP’s Gabrielle Williams and Lee Tarlamis.(Sahar Foladi: 563582_04)

A makeshift shelter on Dandenong vacant land became a shelter for drug users.(Ann-Marie Hermans)

Opposition MP Ann-Marie Herman visited the shelter, and raised the matter in State Parliament. (Ann-Marie Hermans Supplied)

Cr Rhonda Garad raises concerns over the call for a new national coordinated framework to tackle antisemitism and racism at the ALGA Conference.

No charges

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and AAP

Police have withdrawn charges against two teenagers who were accused of abducting a 17-yearold girl from near a school in Springvale South on 26 June.

“Victoria Police can confirm that the Armed Crime Squad has withdrawn charges,” according to a police statement on 3 July.

“All parties have subsequently been contacted to advise them of this development.

“Any new information provided to police will be thoroughly assessed.”

It came two days after Ayom Deng, 18, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on charges of abduction, kidnapping, false imprisonment and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

According to court documents released on 2 July, police alleged that he was intending to marry the girl without her consent and detaining her

Pair charged

Two teenage boys have been charged after three teens were allegedly robbed at knifepoint during a crime spree that moved from Frankston to Cranbourne on the morning of Sunday 28 June. Police allege two males first approached a teenage boy at a bus stop on Young Street, Frankston, about 9.50am after pulling up in a stolen Toyota.

One of the males allegedly showed the victim a knife before making demands for his puffer jacket. The boy handed over the jacket, and the pair allegedly fled in the car.

Police say the same males then travelled to Cranbourne, where they allegedly stopped at a bus stop on High Street a short time later. The pair allegedly got out of the Toyota wearing ski masks, with one holding a knife, before approaching two teens and demanding their shoes and clothing.

The victims handed over their belongings, police said. A third person, allegedly seated in the back of the Toyota, then told the two males to demand one of the victim’s jumpers, which was also handed over.

None of the victims was physically injured. Officers later spotted the Toyota travelling through Cranbourne about 11am, before it was followed to Dandenong with assistance from Victoria Police’s State Command Control Centre.

Protective Services Officers saw the vehicle pass Dandenong Railway Station before it pulled into a nearby shopping centre car park. Detectives, highway patrol officers and uniform police then moved in and arrested three teenage boys nearby.

Police recovered the Toyota, which investigators allege had been stolen from a Noble Park address over the weekend.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with three counts of armed robbery and theft of a motor vehicle.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with three counts of armed robbery, theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving.

Both have been remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

A 13-year-old boy was interviewed by detectives and released pending further investigation.

Man bailed

A Cranbourne West man has been charged after a fatal crash in Dandenong South last month.

The 21-year-old driver was interviewed and charged by Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives with culpable driving and dangerous driving causing death.

The charges follow a single-vehicle crash on South Gippsland Highway on Friday 26 June about 1.50am.

One of the passengers, a 21-year-old man from Cranbourne, died at the scene.

The other passenger, a 20-year-old man from Narre Warren South, was taken to hospital at the time with non-life-threatening injuries.

The charged man has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday 3 July.

“against her will”

He was arrested in Melbourne’s west, about 10am on 1 July, over the alleged abduction near Keysborough Secondary College’s Banksia campus.

Police said a 17-year-old girl was entering the school when she was approached by a male about 8.30am on Friday 26 July. He then allegedly forced her into a vehicle and fled.

Deng was remanded in custody and was to reappear for a committal mention on September 23.

His co-accused, a 15-year-old boy, had been charged with abduction and was to face a children’s court at a later date.

Remote custody court

Dandenong has become home to a remote custody court (RCC), in what the State Government says is a sign that “tougher bail laws” are working.

On 3 July, the Government announced an expansion of RCCs to Geelong, Broadmeadows, Ringwood and Dandenong.

The RCCs hear bail applications and guilty plea matters online, allowing the accused parties to appear via video-link from police cells or prison.

It is expected to speed up hearings and to free up physical courtrooms and their backlogs.

An additional Bail and Remand Court (BaRC) has also been established at Mel-

bourne Magistrates’ Court.

The BaRC operates seven days a week until 9pm with increased capacity on Saturdays and public holidays.

Seven additional magistrates were announced late last year and more registry staff for the expanded courts.

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the Government’s “tougher bail laws are working”

“We’re backing our courts with more resources to make sure offenders are held to account sooner.

“Victorians expect community safety to come first — that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”

Working with hands tied

Just one week before my own car had its windows smashed, I attended a community crime information evening in Narre Warren.

The event, presented by Casey Council in partnership with Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers, wasn’t political, sensational or designed to scare people.

It was practical.

Ironically, I only found out about it because I bumped into a friend from Casey Neighbourhood Residents the day before.

It struck me afterwards that every resident in Casey should have known this event was happening.

The evening focused on simple but powerful messages: how criminals operate, how to better secure our homes and vehicles, and why reporting suspicious behaviour matters.

Police explained that every phone call, every piece of CCTV footage and every seemingly insignificant report helps build intelligence.

One small piece of information may mean very little on its own, but together those pieces often become the evidence needed to identify offenders and prevent future crimes.

We have all heard people say, “Why bother reporting it? Nothing ever happens.”

I walked away thinking exactly the opposite.

A week later, I became the victim.

Returning to my car in a secure underground car park on Queen Street in Melbourne’s CBD, I found the passenger and rear windows smashed.

Three vehicles had been broken into that morning, prompting police to send out the Crime Investigation Unit.

The officers who attended were professional, compassionate and clearly frustrated themselves.

One policewoman made a comment that has stayed with me ever since.

“Jamel, we’ll do everything we can to find the offender,” she said, “but I can’t guarantee they won’t be back on the streets next week doing it again.”

Think about that for a moment.

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

8 July 1926

WEST DANDENONG

The new bridge over Yarraman Creek on Railway Parade was officially opened on Saturday. The weather conditions were very disappointing for those who had spent so much time making the day enjoyable for the children. The prize for the best fancy dress was well competed for, and the various races for girls and boys were duly decided, as were all the other sports events. The Chandler’s Road and District Progress desires to thank the business people of Dandenong and Noble Park and residents of Dandenong West and District, who willingly donated cash, food etc. Thanks are also extended to Mr Waldon and members of the Dandenong Brass Band and the services of Mr Leo Morgan, who conducted the auction sales of cakes, etc. at the close of the day.

The very people charged with protecting our communities are openly acknowledging the limitations of the system they work within.

Later that day I realised my AirPods had also been stolen.

Fortunately, Apple’s tracking technology began showing their location.

For the next three days they continued to ping from the same address in Braybrook.

Every morning I contacted police. Every day I provided the live location.

At one point I was advised to call Triple Zero so that a patrol car could be authorised to attend while the tracking remained active.

I did exactly that and waited hopefully for a call back.

Several hours later a police officer rang to explain that the location was a block of units.

Without further evidence or the appropriate legal authority, police could not simply enter the premises.

Now let me be very clear. I am not suggesting police should be kicking down doors without due process.

Warrants, legal safeguards and the rule of law exist for very good reasons.

But when stolen property continues to broadcast its location for days and victims are left watching a blinking dot on a map while feeling completely powerless, something inside us begins to change.

If I’m completely honest, there were moments when I felt like driving to Braybrook myself.

Not because I wanted revenge.

50 years ago 5 July 1976

Library critic’s stand hit ‘Porn’ claim rejected

Criticism of the Dandenong Municipal Library by a minister had been a “narrow view”, Dandenong Council was told last week. Commenting on a report by the Public Libraries Division of the Library Council of Victoria, Councillor Warren Titcher said: “The Rev. Rob Issacchsen was not in a sufficiently educated position to make an effective and accurate assessment of the library stock.” Councillor Titcher said the report showed that the claims were groundless.

Regarding the alleged bias against religion, the library service had a total of 1050 books on religion, a “quite significant” percentage of the library stock of 137,000 volumes. Claims of high pornographic content of the collection are

But because inside that building wasn’t simply a pair of AirPods.

My diary was gone. Months of notes, personal reflections and work I cannot replace with an insurance claim.

For the first time I understood why otherwise law-abiding people begin thinking about taking matters into their own hands.

That frightened me.

Not because I intended to become a vigilante, but because no democracy should ever leave ordinary citizens feeling that recovering their own property depends more on their courage than on the justice system.

The more I spoke with police, the more another reality emerged.

One officer shared that she had arrested a young offender the previous day and, as required, contacted the child’s parent.

The response was heartbreaking.

“You can keep him,” the mother reportedly said.

“Maybe it’ll teach him a lesson.”

She hung up.

Three hours later, because the legal requirements could not be met, the young person had to be released.

Who failed in that situation?

The police?

The parent?

The young offender?

Or have we, as a society, simply stopped expecting accountability from one another?

This is why I believe the conversation about youth crime has become far too simplistic.

Every election we hear promises of tougher bail laws, harsher penalties and more police.

Those discussions have their place, but they only deal with what happens after the damage has already been done.

Surely the better question is: how do we stop young people getting there in the first place?

Over recent months I have been developing

absolutely groundless and would appear to be based on one or two items from a collection of 137,000 volumes.

20 years ago

3 July 2006

Arrivederci, mate

Italian soccer supporter Peter Maddafferi was almost red-carded out of the house by his teary-eyed Socceroo fan wife Karen after Australia lost its qualifying World Cup match 1 – 0 against the Auzzurri in Germany. The couple and their two sons were among the 100-strong fans to watch the televised crunch game at Dandenong South’s Italo-Australian Club last Tuesday morning. Mr Maddafferi said he almost had to move back in with his parents after Italy’s win.

5 years ago

6 July 2021

Arts vision for old church

Negotiations to save one of Keysborough’s old-

what I call the Youth Reset concept - not as political policy, but as a conversation starter.

The idea is simple.

If a young person repeatedly offends, the answer should not simply be detention or another diversion program.

It should be a structured reset that combines discipline, education, mentoring, physical activity, financial literacy, employment pathways, family accountability and personal responsibility.

Young people need consequences, but they also need direction, routine and genuine opportunities to change.

Parents, too, must become part of the solution rather than bystanders to the problem.

None of this diminishes the extraordinary work Victoria Police are already doing.

If anything, my experience has given me an even greater respect for the men and women in uniform.

They are often expected to solve problems created by failing systems in education, family support, mental health and youth intervention. We continue asking them to carry the weight of societywhilerestrictingthetoolsavailabletothem.

Perhaps that is where the real conversation should begin.

We should continue reporting suspicious behaviour because intelligence saves communities. We should continue supporting our police because they cannot do this alone.

We should continue expecting consequences for those who repeatedly offend, while also investing in earlier intervention that prevents young peopleenteringthejusticesysteminthefirstplace. Victorians deserve to feel safe in their homes, in their streets and in their workplaces.

Our police deserve the resources, support and legislative framework to do the job we ask of them. Truth be told... the greatest threat to law and order is not crime itself.

It is when good people begin losing faith that the system can protect them.

est standing buildings have taken a promising turn, Dandenong councillors say. Residents and councillors have lobbied to save the 144-yearold Keysborough Methodist Church in Chapel Road. In the meantime, Greater Dandenong Council and the Uniting Church, which owns the building, have been in talks about a possible handover for a peppercorn rent. Gaye Guest, who is part of the community campaign, was hopeful that it could be secured, similarly to the historic Masonic Lodge in Mason Street. The Dandenong Gallery of Art is soon to open on the Mason Street site. “Almost all of Keysborough South is brand-new, which makes saving the precious remnants of history so much more important,” Ms Guest said. The gothic-style building with coloured stained-glass windows, historic honour boards and shingle roof is a rare remnant of the area’s 19th-century history.

assembly in Canberra.

Seventy-five per cent voted for a smaller delegation, 25 per cent for no delegation at all.

Meanwhile, in response to Keysborough Gardens primary students protesting for safer traffic conditions outside their school, we asked: ‘Are your school roads safe?’

MP recounts abuse

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus has detailed the antisemitic abuse he’s faced as a prominent Jewish Australian.

The former Attorney-General described the “painful” impact of antisemitism in what he termed a “personal” submission to the federal Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

“This submission is personal because antisemitism is personal.”

His first experience of such personal abuse as a Parliamentarian was in April 2024. He was confronted by a man at a protest rally near the State Library in Melbourne, who said: “You’re a genocidal Zionist. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

It had continued since then, including an “explosion” of online antisemitic abuse. He listed more than 30 examples of the comments in his submission.

Vandals smeared his electorate office in red paint, with a message on the footpath: “Who does AG Mark Dreyfus serve?”

“It deliberately invokes one of the most persistent antisemitic ideas: that a Jewish person in public life has dual loyalty, a hidden allegiance, and that their service to Australia is open to suspicion because they are Jewish,” Mr Dreyfus stated.

A “Sky News ‘reporter’” called him a ‘Kapo’ - a term derived from Nazi Germany that “casts me as a betrayer of the dead, of millions of murdered Jews”

“It is an attempt to take the deepest wound in Jewish history and use it as an instrument of abuse.”

Mr Dreyfus is the son of a refugee who fled from the Nazi regime in Germany at the age of 11. His great-grandfather and great-grandmother were captured and perished in the Holocaust.

The Holocaust was the “clearest and most terrible warning of where antisemitism can lead”

“But the hatred that made it possible was older than the Third Reich”

He says Australia should be free to debate foreign policy, human rights and war, but it crossed the line of political criticism to hold Jewish Australians collectively responsible for the Israeli government in Gaza.

In his submission, he sought actions to tackle antisemitism, including the strengthening of hate speech laws that presently only cover speeches

inciting violence or threatening force.

He stated groups were operating below that threshold - in the “grey zone” - to “recruit, socialise and normalise extremist beliefs”

Mr Dreyfus also called for online platforms to be required to remove offensive posts under a Digital Duty of Care, as well as a National Firearms Register and tighter restrictions on firearm ownership.

He also sought for the Holocaust to be included in the national education curriculum, so “no Australian should end their formal education

Assault leaves father of three shaken

By Jensy Callimootoo

A father of three has been praised for his courage and resilience after surviving a brutal assault and attempted stabbing by two strangers near a local mosque in Hampton Park on Wednesday 24 June.

Samir, says he feared for his life as he laid on the ground following the attack by two men in a Hampton Park parking lot about 7pm.

The 43-year-old was heading to evening prayer and to collect his children from the Hampton Park mosque when he noticed a vehicle parked nearby.

CCTV footage shown to Star News reveals the men yelling out to Samir as he drove into the car park, passing the offenders’ car.

The yelling persisted and the offenders exited their car. A third man was also present but was not involved in the physical altercation.

Samir also stopped his car and approached the offenders, telling Star News that they were yelling and swearing at him.

“I went down and I said, ‘What happened, what’s wrong with you guys?’” he explained.

‘And they just kept going, saying the F word and saying ‘with the way you look at us in our car park’

“I said ‘I’m saying nothing to you, what’s wrong with you?’

“And the second one asked me if I was Muslim. And he showed his hand and when I said, yes I am Muslim, I saw the second person throw a hook in my face.”

The second offender also began to kick Samir.

Samir says he was repeatedly punched, kicked and choked, and that two of the men were carrying ice picks. He said the group also shouted threats to kill him.

“I thought that was the end,” he said.

Samir says his insulated puffer jacket inhibited him from getting stabbed, but a kick to his neck caused him respiratory distress.

“I couldn’t breathe. I thought I was going to die,” he said.

Despite suffering injuries to his face, neck and back after the offenders fled in their vehicle, Samir managed to drive to the mosque, where community members called emergency services.

Mosque president Firzy, said that Samir had to wait an hour and 10 minutes for the police to arrive after the first emergency call was made.

“When they came, they did their job, but it just took too long,” he said.

“Someone was badly beaten and there was a weapon involved.”

The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) released a statement following the incident condemning the “violent attack”

“While we will not pre-empt the police investigation, it is essential that authorities examine whether this man was targeted because of his faith,” said Dr Mohamed Mohideen, President of the ICV.

“Muslim hatred is real, it is rising, and it has consequences for people’s safety in their own neighbourhoods.”

Mosque president Firzy said incidents of this nature had not previously occurred at the mosque and no additional security measures had been introduced.

The incident has left Samir and his family shaken, with the father of three saying he is particularly worried about his children as his concerns on rising crime rises.

But amid the shock and distress, Samir has been praised for his strength.

“Samir is the toughest one that we have, if it happened to someone else, I don’t know what would have happened,” Mr Firzy said.

Police say that investigations into the assault are ongoing and that the offenders are yet to be located.

“Investigators have been told a man confronted two men about dropping rubbish out of their car, when he was set upon and assaulted,” Victoria Police stated.

Samir says he is lucky to be alive and that his children and his wife have been by his side in his recovery.

“I am lucky. After the attack, I thought of my children and my wife,” he said.

“I thought when I was scared, ‘I want to stay for them’”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

without knowledge of the Holocaust and its consequences”

In representing one of Australia’s most culturally diverse communities in his South East seat, Mr Dreyfus extolled the “accomplishments” of multiculturalism.

“When I think about the world’s religious traditions and communities, I am struck less by their differences than by their shared reverence for the dignity of every human being.

“No one has the right to strip another person of dignity because of who they are.

“No one should presume the right to deny a people their equal place because of who they are.

“These are not ideals but obligations that belong to all of us. Opposing antisemitism is part of what that demands. And so too is opposing all forms of prejudice and hate.”

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is conducting hearings in Sydney and Melbourne in June and July.

Mark Dreyfus, with Bruce MP Julian Hill, at Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre in Dandenong in 2025. (Stewart Chambers: 470422)

Mark Dreyfus’s electorate office smeared in red paint during a vandalism attack in 2024.

Samir suffered injuries to his face, neck and back. (Supplied)

He says the offenders yelled out they were going to “kill him” during the assault.

Oasis springs into shape

Giant beams of timber are spanning the future Oasis Aquatics and Wellbeing centre, as construction on the $122 million facility continues.

The 11 sustainably-sourced timber beams –each 35 metres long - extend across what will become the main pool hall.

Greater Dandenong mayor Sophie Tan said the site was “now starting to look like a real building, giving the community a glimpse of what they can look forward to”

“These beams provide a sense of the scale of the centre and will be an important sustainability and architectural feature.”

The Oasis is expected to open in Mills Reserve, Dandenong in 2027.

The new two-storey facility includes two separate pool halls, a range of dry health and fitness areas, allied health services, social rooms and an integrated sports pavilion.

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=L4UBASHdTrc

INTERFAITH

Conquering inner struggle

MESSAGE OF HOPE

By Reverend David Moffat of Swedenborg Community Victoria

Do you ever struggle to get up in the morning?

Some days, I can bounce out of bed, full of the joys of life.

But other days just seem much more difficult.

And I dare say that feeling doesn’t just coincide with the morning alarm clock.

It might be doing the shopping, going to work, the journey home after a break away, exercise, the difficult conversation you know you need to have with someone.

For me, it’s those last two that always seem so insurmountable, but we’re all different.

There’s often a physical aspect to these challenges, but that’s not the hardest part.

The most troublesome obstacle is usually the resistance that exists in our minds.

When I lived in Canberra, my wife and I used to cycle to work.

At first, the temptation just to hop in the car was strong.

But after a few months (or maybe it was years) of telling myself all the benefits of doing so (losing weight, saving money), I got to the point of quite enjoying that 40 minutes on my bicycle: arriving at school in time for a hot shower and a hearty breakfast, energised and ready to teach.

Until September, that is.

For cyclists, September isn’t the beginning of spring: it’s magpie season.

For about six weeks you can guarantee that, at certain points on the daily ride (you learn exactly where they are, too) you’re going to hear a distant cry, the woosh of wings, and possibly several firm

strikes on the back of your helmet.

I learned a few truths from that annual experience.

There aren’t many things that could tempt me back into my car like magpie season can.

But I also learned that the anticipation is often worse than the thing itself.

As we move through the experiences of life, there will always be things that test our resolve.

This is common to all people, of every culture and religion. It’s no wonder that all faiths speak to our need to master the mind.

Self-discipline isn’t about the physical exertion, it’s about the decision to start.

Once we have learned that, it really is remarkable what we are capable of.

Of course, we won’t always be kicking goals, striving for personal bests, or running at capacity.

Very few machines are capable of running constantly without breaking down.

We do need to rest. But another thing I learned: the mental weight of anticipation often corrupts the rest we tell ourselves we need.

Some things are easier (and better) faced sooner, rather than later.

So, what are you facing today? Perhaps, dreading today? Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au Visit - interfaithnetwork.org.au

The new Oasis is taking shape at Mills Reserve. (City of Greater Dandenong)

Some of the 11 sustainably-sourced timber beams.

The 35-metre timber beams span the future main pool hall at the Oasis Aquatics and Wellbeing site.

David Moffat.

Monitors extended

Municipal Monitors at Kingston Council have been extended for a second time, until 14 August, when they are expected to submit their final report.

The council was advised of the extension in the late afternoon (30 June) by the Minister for Local Government, Paul Hamer.

The monitors John Watson and John Tanner will remain in place through the upcoming Melaleuca Ward by-election before their term concludes.

The pair were previously extended in December for another six months, leading to an outcry on their cost to ratepayers.

Both monitors can charge up to $1375 to $1540 each day including 12 per cent superannuation, as they observe council and report to the Minister.

Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley said the council remained focused on serving the Kingston community.

“Our priority continues to be delivering the services, infrastructure and advocacy our community relies on every day,” Cr Oxley said.

“We will continue to work constructively with the Municipal Monitors throughout the extended appointment while maintaining our focus on strong governance and delivering positive out-

comes for our community.”

Mr Tanner (August 2025) and Mr Watson (October 2025) were appointed by the Victorian Government to observe the council’s governance and decision-making and to work collaboratively with councillors and council officers over the past 10 months.

Kingston chief executive Peter Bean said the council would continue to support the Monitors in their role while delivering for the Kingston community.

“Our organisation has worked openly and constructively with the Monitors throughout their appointment while continuing to deliver

more than 100 services to our community.

“We remain committed to strong governance, transparency and accountability, while ensuring our community continues to receive the high-quality services, facilities and support they expect from their council.”

A monitor was first announced in August last year, days after a large public gathering against development at Rossdale golf course – a development opposed by Kingston Council.

As reported previously, Kingston has opposed a 941-dwelling proposal on the former Kingswood golf course – which has since been approved by the Government.

Winter Food Drive Appeal launched by ASRC

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is calling on the local community to choose hope, compassion and togetherness rather than “fear, division and hostility” by taking part in the third annual ASRC Dandenong Winter Food Drive.

The food drive will be held on Saturday 11 July 2026, from 10am to 2pm at ASRC Dandenong, Oldham Lane, Dandenong, with community members invited to donate essential food and hygiene items to help stock the ASRC Foodbank.

The ASRC is inviting community members to not only drop off essential items, but to step inside, connect with the work of the centre and learn more about the ASRC’s campaign for work and study rights for people seeking asylum.

Kon Karapanagiotidis, CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, says people seeking asylum are forced to survive without any of their basic rights to work, study or support themselves.

“No one should be left without food, toiletries or the essentials they need to live with dignity.

“This winter, we are asking people to choose hope and togetherness. Every jar of peanut butter, every bottle of shampoo and every bag of

groceries is a reminder that people seeking asylum are not alone.

“When some voices are trying to divide our

communities, this is a chance to show that our communities are better than that. We can come together, look after each other and show that

compassion is stronger than fear.”

Every month, around 1,000 people seeking asylum rely on the ASRC for essentials such as food and toiletries.

Many are denied the right to work and study while they wait years for visa decisions, leaving people unable to afford the basics they need to live safely and with dignity.

On the day, visitors will be able to sign a petition, learn more about the campaign and take a tour of its Dandenong foodbank.

More Australians are choosing life beyond the big cities

Australiansaremovingtoregionalcommunities in record numbers , with new data showing the shift away from capital cities continues to gather pace.

The latest Regional Movers Index found the number of people moving from capital cities to regional Australia reached its highest level since the index began. In the March 2026 quarter, people moving to the regions outnumbered those heading back to the cities by almost 30 per cent.

Regional Australia Institute chief executive Liz Ritchie said the result reflected the growing appeal of regional living.

“This is the highest level of capital to regional movement the RMI has ever recorded,” she said. “Australians are continuing to choose regional life in greater numbers, even as economic conditions shift.”

While Sydney and Melbourne continue to account for most people leaving capital cities, the trend is becoming more widespread, with increasing numbers of movers also coming from Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

The Sunshine Coast remained the most popular destinationforcitymovers,whileGreaterGeelong, Fraser Coast, Moorabool and Lake Macquarie were also among the leading destinations.

Thedataalsoshowsgrowthisspreadingbeyond established regional hotspots.

Toowoomba recorded the strongest year-onyear increase in people moving from capital cities of any local government area in Australia. Other locations attracting growing numbers of residents included Broome, Townsville and the Mid-Coast region of New South Wales.

Ritchie said the data helps identify emerging growth areas and gives communities an opportunity to plan for future housing, infrastructure and services.

For regional businesses, population growth can create new opportunities as communities expand and local economies grow.

Read the full story at CommBank Newsroom.

The ASRC Winter Food Drive team behind the hard work from last year.(Supplied)

Some of the most needed items are coffee, ketchup, shampoo and conditioner, toiletries and more.(Supplied)

SPONSORED CONTENT

Last bastion of connection

By Dr Dalal Smiley, chief executive of Wellsprings for Women

I am prompted to write this piece following my own experience recently as CEO at Wellsprings for Women in trying to connect with a government department.

Not long ago, we used to be able to call people relevant to our funded programs either by phone or direct email.

But these connections are increasingly disappearing.

Email and telephone contacts provided are generic rather than personal, and one would be quite lucky to even receive a response to an email inquiry.

We are living through a profound social experiment.

As governments, banks, retailers, health providers and essential services move increasingly online, face-to-face interaction is quietly disappearing from everyday life.

What is often presented as efficiency, convenience and cost-saving has a hidden social cost: the erosion of human connection.

For many people, particularly older adults, people living alone, carers, newly arrived migrants, unemployed people and those experiencing disadvantage, human interactions were never merely transactional. Speaking to a receptionist, chatting with a librarian, visiting a bank branch or attending a community program created opportunities for meaningful human contact.

As these interactions are replaced by apps, chatbots, self-service portals and automated phone systems, many people are finding themselves increasingly disconnected from their communities.

Recent research suggests this is not simply a matter of nostalgia.

Social connection is a critical determinant of mental health and wellbeing.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare identifies loneliness and social isolation as significant public health concerns linked to depression, psychological distress, poorer health outcomes, dementia risk and reduced wellbeing.

The AIHW notes that more frequent social contact is associated with better overall health and wellbeing.

Similarly, the 2023 report Social Connection in Australia by Ending Loneliness Together

found that nearly one in three Australians experiences loneliness, with stigma and social disconnection preventing many people from seeking support.

The implications are significant.

As society becomes increasingly digitised, we risk creating communities that are more connected technically but less connected socially.

At a time when many traditional community gathering places have disappeared, Victoria’s neighbourhood houses stand out as one of the few remaining pieces of social infrastructure deliberately designed to bring people together.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria represents almost 400 community-based neighbourhood houses and community centres across the state.

These organisations provide welcoming, accessible and inclusive spaces where people can connect, learn, volunteer, seek support and participate in community life.

They explicitly work to combat social isolation and loneliness by providing safe, nonthreatening environments that welcome people from all walks of life.

Unlike many services that increasingly direct people online, neighbourhood houses remain fundamentally human.

They offer a friendly conversation, a shared activity, a community meal, a learning opportunity or simply a place where somebody knows your name.

These seemingly small interactions are often the building blocks of belonging.

In Greater Dandenong, for example, we have seven neighbourhood houses, which have over time become the frontline support system for people seeking to connect and belong.

They help residents to access online govern-

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

ment services, apply for support programs, connect with services, access food relief and material aid, volunteer, and participate in a range of educational and recreational activities.

They are filling gaps left by the withdrawal of face-to-face services.

They are the traditional informal drop-in spaces that have perfected the art of welcoming “strangers”.

You don’t need an appointment, nor do you have to meet an eligibility criteria.

You just need to be human. You can drop in to chill out and have a cuppa and chat.

Yet despite their growing importance, many neighbourhood houses operate under significant financial pressure.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria has repeatedly highlighted that current funding levels are insufficient to meet rising demand and escalating operating costs. It is calling for increased investment to maintain and strengthen services.

As more services move online and artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in our daily lives, the value of genuine human connection will only become more important.

Neighbourhood houses are among the last bastions of accessible, face-to-face community life.

They are where strangers become neighbours, where isolation gives way to belonging, and where vulnerable Victorians find the support and connection they need.

In an increasingly digital society, supporting neighbourhood houses is not about resisting the future.

It is about ensuring that the future still has room for humanity.

Food relief demand doubles

By Jensy Callimootoo

The number of families seeking food relief in some areas of Casey has doubled in the past year, with local charities warning that the rising cost of living is pushing more residents into food insecurity and financial distress.

Volunteer-run organisation Find a Penny, which operates a food relief hub and three mobile soup kitchens across Melbourne’s southeast, now provides assistance to nearly 6,000 Victorians every week.

Their assistance is supported by OzHarvest which distributes food through their major hubs including one in Hallam.

Founder Bebe Stednik said the profile of people seeking help had changed dramatically.

“It’s not just low-income families anymore,” she said.

“We’re seeing people with mortgages, jobs and children who simply have no money left at the end of the week for healthy food.”

Operating from the Hampton Park Junior Football Club, the charity distributes fresh produce, pantry items, milk and meat to around 350 families every Thursday.

Many leave with several hundred dollars’ worth of groceries.

Among them is Pakenham resident Donita, a mother of 10 whose family relies on the service to help make ends meet. Donita and her family currently live in public housing and relies on OzHarvest to receive a weekly food parcel.

With one son living with severe autism and her husband working part-time, she said rising expenses had made everyday life increasingly difficult.

“Paying the rent and bills, there is not much left for groceries,” she said.

“It’s a great help, especially for fresh fruit and vegetables.”

Donita first connected with Find a Penny as a client before becoming a volunteer during the 2020 lockdowns.

She now helps at the food hub up to two days a week whenever family commitments allow.

From both sides of the service, she has witnessed the growing need in the community.

“Every week there are more and more new people,” she said.

“There are big families, people in shared accommodation, people with disabilities and families with children with special needs. More people need help.”

Volunteering has also given her a deeper appreciation for the effort required to support hundreds of households each week.

“You can see how much effort everyone puts in,” she said.

“To have so much food for so many families, there’s a lot of work behind it.”

Bebe says the organisation’s greatest chal-

lenge has been securing enough food to keep pace with demand, despite large quantities of edible food continuing to go to waste.

She said the financial strain was also taking a heavy emotional toll on families.

“Depression and anxiety are super high now because people are having to choose between paying bills and buying food,” she said.

“Some people cry when they see the food we

provide because they know they could never afford it.”

Victoria now leads the nation in food insecurity demand with 80&percnt; of charities overwhelmed by demand and nearly six in 10 running out of food. And a third of Victorians are now accessing help for the first time.

Christine Crowley, OzHarvest’s Victorian State Manager said that currently children

Warriors take Pride in their jumper

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Helen Tuton says she would rather renovate the turf at Eastern Warriors’ oval than design a jumper. However, for the cause of Pride Round, the Warriors player and cemetery horticulture manager was prepared to go outside her comfort zone. Tuton’s triumphant jumper design imbues the club’s Spartan-helmet logo – and its themes of strength, courage and unity – with the Pride rainbow colours.

It sits proudly on her Womens Over 35’s teammates for the Vic Metro AFL Masters League Pride Round – which celebrates diversity, inclusion and shows support for the LGBTIQA+ community.

“We don’t come to AFL because we’re LGBTIQ,” Tuton says.

“We come here because we love footy.”

Tuton said it was particularly exciting to see the club wear a Pride Round guernsey for the first time.

“This feels like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

“The sport wasn’t always a welcoming place for the LGBTIQA+ community.

“Seeing all these different clubs, including ours, get around it – it’s a way of saying you belong here.”

The Pride Round jumper was launched at a special training night at Edinburgh Reserve, Springvale on Wednesday 24 June.

for the night was

put the Warriors players through training drills.

Warriors member Kenny Johnston, through his business KJ Solutions, generously produced the jumper and sponsored the launch event.

Tuton says she only started playing Aussie Rules when she joined the Warriors in March.

“I’d wanted to be involved in Australian Rules for a long time. But seeing how the club got around me in March – I wish I did it a lot earlier.”

To her the club feels like “coming home”

“Local clubs are the hearts of our community, where we are active and make friends.

“Some people look at (Pride Round) as ‘polit-

are the biggest group seeking food relief with schools becoming the last safety net with kids increasingly arriving hungry. In turn, this impacts classroom behaviour and educational outcomes.

As demand continues to rise, Find a Penny is calling for more volunteers and community support to ensure vulnerable families do not go hungry.

ical’ . They say I’m just here to play footy, why do I care?

“Being an inclusive club isn’t about politics, but ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate. Everyone feels safe and welcomed.

“The footy club is saying we get it – it’s not about who you’re partners with. It’s about whether you feel respected in that space.”

Donita and Bebe Stednik. (Gary Sissons: 562592)

Guest coach

Port Melbourne Womens coach and Pride advocate Belinda Bowey, who

VFLW coach Belinda Bowey and Warriors president Gerard De Filippis.

Players sporting the Pride Round jumper at the launch.

Eastern Warriors players in the Pride Round jumpers. (Supplied)

Dance studio’s history

Dancers kicked up their heels for a 40th anniversary concert for a Keysborough dance studio on Saturday 27 June.

Since 1986, CarDee Dance Studio has taught

more than 2000 students at Noble Park Public Hall, Springvale City Hall and more recently at its centre in Keysborough. At the event, children and adult students

presented their showcase routines and gave a demonstration examination class to give an insight into their training and hard work. It was a step down memory lane for many for-

students – many of whom now bring their children to the studio. Its current teachers were all formerly taught at the studio as young children.

Diversity and Inclusion thrown in the mix of Aus Day Awards

By Sahar Foladi

Greater Dandenong Council has added a new Diversity and Inclusion category to its Australia Day Awards.

The category is introduced after an independent strategic review of the annual community awards, one of the council’s major events.

The introduction of the new category was made to “reflect council and community priorities.”

A council report, along with officer recommendations, was endorsed at the council meeting on Monday 25 June.

The review also made minor tweaks such as renaming categories:

•Sportsperson of the Year to Sports and Active Living, Sustainability Award to the Environmental Sustainability

• Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award to the Arts and Creativity Award.

Also, the Corporate Citizen of the Year was shifted to be part of the annual Greater Dandenong Business Awards.

The first independent strategic review of the program since 2023 also reported low nomination rates this year for the Sustainability award category (three nominees - down by five last year) and Outstanding contributions to the Arts (two) and Sportsperson of the Year (2).

It also depicts extremely low nomination rates in the years 2023-’25 with each category recording less than 10 nominees.

This year was a resurgence, with 10-plus nominations for each of the Volunteer of the Year Award, Community Group of the Year, Community Leadership Award and Young Leader of the Year Award

As part of the recommendations, the council will seek to expand the program to support broader participation through multilingual information, and increasing awareness in under-represented communities

It will also rewrite the award criteria and guidance to make them clearer for nominators and the assessment panel.

mer

CarDee Dance Studio principal Carole Fleming was presented with balloons at the 40th anniversary concert. (Gary Sissons: 561499_03)

Ajla, Mya and Keira perform a showcase routine for the celebration. (Gary Sissons: 561499)

CarDee students Katie, Arya, Aleksandra, Katie and Summer. (Gary Sissons: 561499)

Advanced students Jacqui, Deena, Mia and Amy perform tap dancing. (Gary Sissons: 561499)

Alexia, Maya, Kiara, Chloe, Sophie and Sophia bounce into a routine. (Gary Sissons: 561499)

with Greater Dandenong mayor, Sophie Tan.(Supplied)

Hands-on performance

A team of Fusion artists and performers have created a new, interactive and multi-sensory bush camping adventure, which will be performed inside the theatre.

Young audience participants will take on the role of Junior Park Rangers while exploring sensory play, music, creative movement and puppetry.

The 45-minute immersive performance experience is designed for neurodiverse children and their families and carers.

Artistic Director Jo Raphael says the performance was co-developed with young people with disability, and with neurodiversity actors on the team it contributes to a successful performance.

“Fusion’s ensemble has been creating original theatre for audiences in Dandenong for over 25 years, but this is the first time we have created a performance especially for children with disabilities and neurodiversity.

Director Liliana Dalton says the project is an “accessible” opportunity for neurodiverse children and young people to experience theatre and play in a relaxed environment.

“We are passionate about building an exciting world that participants can have agency to explore on their own terms and creating an imaginative experience that families can be part of together.”

Sensory theatre is highly interactive, participant-led, and engages multiple senses throughout.

There are lots of elements including things to touch, smell, look at and listen to.

A team of Fusion artists and performers have created a new, interactive and multi-sensory bush camping adventure.(Supplied)

It focuses on creating an imaginative world that audiences actively explore in their own way and has less of a focus on words and narrative than traditional theatre.

Sensory theatre encourages imaginative play, connection and communication in an inclusive environment.

Audiences for each performance are kept very small, to help ensure the performances are accessible and lots of fun.

This project began development in 2024, with workshops with local children with disability to try out ideas, and trial performances for young audiences at Walker St Gallery and Arts Centre.

The performance is supported by the Greater Dandenong Council’s strategic projects grants.

The performance will run from 8 July until 11 July from 11am-2pm.

Parents and carers enter for free, with $5 cost per child.

Dinner dance for the ages as NPCC turns 70

Noble Park Community Centre has been the town’s hub of activity for 70 years.

This Saturday (11 July), it welcomes all-comers to celebrate at its 70th anniversary dinner dance. It features delicious food, lively music and captivating performances as well as a chance to look back on the history and vitality of the NPCC.

In 1956, local residents banded together to organise a youth club in the rapidly-growing suburb.

At the time, there was concern that teens were gathering at milk bars and the train station, as well as rising levels of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

The club initially held weekly social dances, girls calistenics and boys gymnasium. The range of activities grew over the decades. Bythe1970s,ithadoutgrownitshomeatHarry

Creating civic life and democracy

A unique community-art exhibition at Noble Park has put democracy under a creative microscope.

Our Place in Democracy: Community Voices Through Art was launched on 3 July at Noble Park Community Centre (NPCC) with state MPs Shaun Leane and Ann-Marie Hermans.

The project brought together local artists of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds in creative workshops and conversations with MPs.

They explored how individuals can contribute to positive local change, take part in civic life and how art can inspire dialogue, connection and a stronger sense of belonging.

One of the artworks was a collaboration between a Kids Art Class aged 6-8 and All-Abilities Art Projects.

Inspired by the Federal Parliament, the ‘Kids’ class depicted the Senate and the ‘All Abilities’ group depicted the House of Representatives on a giant canvas of Australia. NPCC manager Grissel Walmaggia said the project highlighted the importance of ensuring every voice in the community has the opportunity to be heard.

“Our Place in Democracy demonstrates how art can bring people together, encourage meaningful conversations and strengthen community participation.

“The exhibition reflects the diverse voices, experiences and aspirations that help shape our community.”

The project was supported by the Parliament of Victoria Civic Partnership Projects 2026 Grants.

ages – and so then became known as Noble Park Community Centre.

These days, the NPCC is a social hive for about 1000 people a week and a multitude of activities such as gardening, cooking, technology, seniors groups, languages, callisthenics, and arts.

It has hosted groups such as Country Women’s Association, Australian Air League, Noble Park T-Birds Basketball Club and the Hungarian Senior Citizens Club and Italian Elderly Citizens Club of Noble Park

The centre also hosts a free food pantry at 12pm Fridays, and a popular annual art show for the past 20 years.

The 70th Anniversary Dinner Dance is on Saturday 11 July, 6.30pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $45pp. Tickets: trybooking.com/DLLHA

Fusion Theatre is Dandenong’s very own inclusive theatre company made up of adult actors with and without disability. (Supplied)

Noble Park Community Centre has been a hive of food, warmth and activity, such as this Christmas lunch in 2024. (Gary Sissons: 451018)

Art Instructor Steve Ranasinghe with artist Chelsea and her work. (Stewart Chambers: 561711) Artist and MC Phil Martin at the Our Place in Democracy launch on 3 July. (Stewart Chambers: 561711)

Young artist Olivia with her work ‘Parliament House’. (Stewart Chambers: 561711)

Grissel Walmaggia, Verne Krastins, Darren Bodey, MP Shaun Leane and Roz Blades, in front of the Australian Parliament artwork. (Stewart Chambers: 561711)

New estate coming

More businesses could soon move into Cranbourne West, with Salta launching the second stage of its Industrial Quarter precinct after selling out the first stage within 12 months.

The privately owned property group said Stage 1 of iQ Cranbourne West had generated almost $60 million in gross revenue, with more than 6.4 hectares of industrial land sold.

Stage 2 has now been released to market, with a limited number of land lots ranging from 1472 square metres to 6408 square metres available for builders, investors and owner-occupiers.

Located at 690 Western Port Highway, the industrial precinct is positioned near the South Gippsland Freeway, Princes Highway and Monash Freeway, linking it to major freight and logistics routes.

Salta said demand for the first stage came from a mix of small businesses, major industrial operators, manufacturers and builders, drawn by the precinct’s lot sizes, location and longterm growth prospects.

Capital V Group was among the purchasers.

Salta director of commercial and industrial development Owen Smith said the result exceeded expectations.

“To achieve this result in the current market environment demonstrates the strength of the

iQ Cranbourne West proposition and reinforces the confidence businesses have in Melbourne’s South East as a place to invest and grow,” he said.

Sales agent Andrew O’Connell, director of GO Commercial Industrial Real Estate, said opportunities of this kind were becoming harder to find, with limited supply expected to drive fur-

projects

Vote to upgrade your favourite park

Dandenong and Casey residents can vote for upgrades for their favourite parks. The two councils have

Lake View

the Hallam Valley-Great

- Wilson Botanic Park playground. The $30 million State Government-funded program includes 124 projects competing for funding.

The projects with the most public votes will receive between $20,000 and $250,000. Voting closes Monday 3 August. Details: engage.vic.gov.au/pick-my-park

ther interest in Stage 2. Stage 1 construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with Stage 2 construction anticipated to start in early 2027.

Families connect through art and culture

By Jensy Callimootoo

Families from across Melbourne came together during the school holidays for a special community event designed to promote creativity, mindfulness and positive wellbeing through art.

The Sketch & Sip workshop, hosted by the AustralianFilipinoCommunityServices(AFCS)atMaharlika Lodge, welcomed 19 participants, most of them children under 12 years old.

The free event encouraged parents and children to share a creative experience while building social connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Held in AFCS’ respite house, Maharlika Lodge, the session took place among Filipino artworks andculturaldisplays,creatingawarm“homeaway from home” atmosphere for participants of all backgrounds.

Melbourne-based Filipino artist Mar Jefferson Go, who creates under the name BoatPaperPlane, led the workshop.

Go drew on themes of memory, home and identity and invited participants to explore what ‘home’ means to them through art.

Childrenfilledtheirsketchbookswithcolourful depictions of Philippine Christmas lanterns, rice fields, sunsets and family homes.

While participants were encouraged to put away their phones and rely on memory and observation, fostering creativity and meaningful interaction.

Throughout the session, attendees exchanged drawing tips, shared ideas and helped one another withtheirartworks,demonstratingthepowerofart to bring people together.

Theindooractivitywascomplementedbytime outdoors, where children enjoyed feeding and interacting with Maharlika Lodge’s resident sheep.

A concept image of the iQ Cranbourne West, an industrial precinct at 690 Western Port Highway. The Stage 1 sale has finished with Stage 2 being launched. (Supplied)

Casey mayor Stefan Koomen at the start of the Hallam Valley/Great Casey Trail in Hampton Park - one of the council’s shortlisted

for Pick My Park. (City of Casey)

Artist Mar Jefferson Go also known as BoatPaperPlane, led the workshop. (Gary Sissons: 561994)

Elder’s wisdom inspires students

First Nations elder Uncle Steve Ulula Parker has led a profound cultural experience for students at Lyndale Secondary College.

His visit, as part of NAIDOC celebrations, included a talk on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ living connection to land, sea and sky over tens of thousands of years.

The Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta and Erub descendant spoke on the concept of treading lightly and caring for Country.

Lyndale’s First Nations students joined Uncle Steve for a yarning circle and art session, exploring cultural artefacts and elements of Lore.

All Year 7 and 8 students also part in a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony.

School principal Pam Robinson said the college had an ongoing commitment to treaty, self-determination and truth-telling.

The visit aimed to ensure the next generation grew up with an honest, informed understanding of the past, and a commitment to walking forward together.

“Having a connection with Uncle Steve improves our understanding and appreciation for First Nations culture,” Robinson said.

“This sharing of knowledge is vital.”

Casey unveils new strategy to tackle graﬃti

The City of Casey is taking a fresh approach to graffiti management, combining rapid removal of illegal tagging with new opportunities for creative expression.

Council has adopted its Graffiti Management Program 2026-30, a four-year strategy aimed at keeping public spaces clean and welcoming while addressing the causes of graffiti vandalism.

The plan continues Council’s focus on quickly removing graffiti from public property, improving enforcement measures and encouraging residents to report incidents when they occur.

However, the strategy also introduces several new initiatives designed to engage the community, particularly young people, through creative programs and education.

Among the proposals being explored is the introduction of legal graffiti walls, providing designated areas where artists can showcase their talents in a positive and constructive way.

The plan also recognises that the way public

spaces are designed can influence graffiti activity. Consideration will be given to elements such as building materials, lighting, landscaping and the management of public spaces to help discourage

New study to understand experiences

La Trobe University has launched a threeyear project, Out In Suburbia, to advance inclusion for outer suburban LGBTQ communities.

With funding from the Australian Research Council, La Trobe’s Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) will deliver the project in partnership with Western Sydney University.

Recruitment for the study launched on 2 July and is open now.

The research comes at a critical time for outer suburban LGBTQ communities, which have faced:

-Increasing instances of targeting by anti-LGBTQ movements focused on drag queen story time and other youth events.

-Higher levels of opposition to marriage equality in the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey.

-Higher levels of psychological distress and lower levels of community connectedness.

The project will interview LGBTQ adults in outer suburban areas to understand their experiences of wellbeing, belonging, and connection, with an aim to create outer suburban environments that are safe and inclusive for all.

This research will be informed by a project advisory committee featuring specialised LGBTQ organisations, including ACON, Thorne Harbour Health, and Equality Tasmania, and mainstream local government peak bodies, including the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Local Government Association of Tasmania.

Each organisation will bring its own expertise and links with the broader community.

ARCSHS Senior Research Fellow and Chief Investigator Dr Ruby Grant said that community organisations and local councils could create powerful change for LGBTQ people through working together.

“This research will explore the unique strengths and challenges of LGBTQ communities in outer suburbia and what local councils can do to support their communities,” Dr Grant said.

“This project is founded on a vision for a future where all LGBTQ people can feel welcome, included, and connected, regardless of where they live.”

vandalism before it occurs.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said the strategy offered a long-term vision for managing graffiti while creating opportunities for community involvement.

“This plan gives us a clear program for dealing with graffiti and also provides an opportunity to work with the community in a creative and positive way,” Cr Koomen said.

He said the strategy aimed to enrich the urban environment, build pride in public spaces and reduce vandalism through proactive measures.

Cr Koomen added that while Council remained committed to combating illegal graffiti, it also recognised there was a place for legal street art projects and was investigating how these could be delivered across the municipality.

Residents can report graffiti on Council property through the Snap, Send, Solve app.

The full Graffiti Management Program 202630 is available on the City of Casey’s website.

Jan Farrell, a member of the project advisory committee and co-lead of the Rainbow Local Government campaign, said, “This project is all about supporting local councils to deliver programs and policies that support LGBTQ residents and improve wellbeing and community connection.

“LGBTQ communities across the outer suburbs should always feel equal and included. Whether through infrastructure, community programs, or cultural celebrations, outer suburbs should be places where everyone truly belongs and feels respected and equal.”

LGBTQ adults who lived in the outer suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne, or Hobart can express interest in participating in a confidential interview at redcap.link/outinsuburbia

Uncle Steve Ulula Parker presents an artefact to student Zaiden.

Lyndale Secondary College student Chloe takes part in an art session on the day.

La Trobe University has started a new study on LGBTQ experiences in the outer suburbs. (File)

WHAT’S ON

Kids Microscope

Plastic Detective workshop - search for tiny plastic samples. Then, take a closer look using a microscope to discover what type of plastic it is, and what it might have come from. For ages 5+ (children under 5 are welcome with a helper).

• Tuesday 7 July, 10am-2pm at Bazaar playground, Dandenong Market, cnr Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong; free entry. No registration required.

National Rugby League Holiday Clinic

A non-contact introduction to Rugby League for boys and girls aged 5-12 years.

• Tuesday 7 July, 10.30am-12pm at Alan Carter Pavilion, Greaves Reserve, Sinclair Road, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at surveymonkey.com/r/9FMGM6B

Rush HQ

Two hours of high-energy fun at Rush HQ, with trampolines, slides and bouldering to enjoy. Bus pick up and drop off points at Dandenong, Noble Park and Springvale. For ages 12-25.

• Tuesday 7 July, 12pm-2pm at Rush HQ, 39 S Corporate Ave, Rowville; $25. Registrations required at events.humanitix.com/winter-chillsjuly-school-holidays

Plaster Painting Workshop

Every child can design and paint their own unique plaster ﬁgurine to proudly take home. Presented by Jelly Bean Entertainment. For ages 6-12.

• Tuesday 7 July, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ ev_67b2e2c7369e4e08bf041316c90ad298

Fusion Theatre - Let’s Go Exploring Interactive and multi-sensory bush camping adventure - inside the theatre. Participants will take on the role of junior park rangers while exploring sensory play, music, creative movement and puppetry. Designed for neurodiverse children and their families and carers.

• Wednesday 8 July-Saturday 11 July at various times at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong ; children $5 / parents/carers free. Registrations required at events.humanitix.com/fusiontheatre-s-let-s-go-exploring

Extraordinary Stories school-holiday activities

A series of short, self-guided activities as part of the Extraordinary Stories exhibition. For children up to 12 years old and families.

• Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8-9 July, drop in between 10am-2pm at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; free, event. No registrations required. Soccer Clinic

Learn new skills, have some fun and play a game with Reclink Australia. Suitable for young people, all skill levels.

• Wednesday 8 July, 12pm-2pm at Ross Reserve Soccer Pitch, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park; free event. Registrations essential at events. humanitix.com/winter-chills-july-school-holidays

Pixel Pathways

Design and build your own maze runner game using retro 8-bit assets. Work in block coding, Python or JavaScript. Presented by Chisholm Institute. For ages 8-12.

• Wednesday 8 July, 2.30pm-4pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ ev_9fc94ae3431d429f8ceda0ed28499060

The Maths Show

Lively, interactive performance blends mathematical history, puzzles, magic and fun. Bring your own calculator. For ages 5-12.

• Thursday 9 July, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net. au/#!/event-detail/ev_1a0284ea0ad34689b 7a81f73341050c6

Dandy’s Got Talent

See young performers hit the stage, plus a headline performance from Hailey J from The Voice. For ages 12-25, and their family and friends. Free barbecue, snacks and treats.

• Thursday 9 July, 2.30pm-7pm at The Castle, 61 Princes Highway, Dandenong; $5 (early bird tix) / $10 at the door. Bookings: events.humanitix. com/dandys-got-talent

Watercolour Painting Workshop

Jun, a self-taught artist with many years of painting experience, hosts a relaxed beginner-friendly session. For ages 16-plus.

• Thursday 9 July, 6pm-7.30pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/ event-detail/ev_be73be5a4d4a4449bec647cf3332edc5

Snowy Storytime at the Shops

Warm up with a cozy, wintry storytime. Create your own playdough snowman to take home. Siblings and warm drinks welcome. For ages 3-5.

• Friday 10 July, 11am at Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, cnr Heatherton Road and Matthew Flinders Avenue, Endeavour Hills; free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries. org.au/event?id=217676

Crochet Workshop

Get cosy this winter with crocheting and hot chocolate. Suitable for all skill levels, with all materials provided. For ages 12-25 years.

• Friday 10 July, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; $5. Registrations required at events.humanitix.com/winterchills-july-school-holidays

FIFA World Cup screenings

Screened 24/7 at Harmony Square, Dandenong and selected games live on the Bunjil Place outdoor screen in all weather. Bring your own seating, rugs, and/or picnic. No alcohol.

• daily until Sunday 19 July; free entry. No registration required. Details: bunjilplace.com.au/ news/ﬁfa-world-cup-on-big-screen

Winter Food Drive

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is holding its third annual ASRC Dandenong Winter Food Drive. Donate essential food and hygiene items to help stock the ASRC foodbank.

• - Saturday 11 July, 10am-2pm at ASRC Dandenong, Oldham Lane, Dandenong.

Heritage Hill Open Day Tour

Aligned with the exhibition Extraordinary Stories: Collection Highlights, this Open Day explores signiﬁcant objects of people, places and events from the Greater Dandenong Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection.

• Saturday 11 July, 10am-2pm at Heritage Hill

Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; free event. Bookings recommended. Drop-ins welcome. Details: greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/ event-detail/ev_ab3aa0526a204cc090204fb1a8d4a151

Make a Moss Pole

Join local author and plant lover Nora Mutalima (Author of Plant Parenting for Busy People) as she guides you on how to make your very own takehome moss pole (a climbing aid for indoor plants). All materials provided. For ages 16+

• Saturday 11 July, 11am at Endeavour Hills Library, 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard, Endeavour Hills;$15. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=218826

Springvale Urban Harvest

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

• Saturday 11 July, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.

Clothes swap

Community members are invited to contribute up to 10 items of clothing, shoes and/or accessories. All items must be clean, in good condition and ready to display on the day.

• Saturday 11 July, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: Zoe, mohlz@icloud.com

Pimp My Tee

Does your favourite T-shirt have stains on it, or are your jeans so well-worn that they have holes in them, but you don’t want to part with them? Learn how to personalise your tees with slashing and braiding and how to create fun and crazy patches.

• Saturday 11 July, 2pm-4pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Bookings required at greaterdandenongevents.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_ c0d2017569d6438fa58ffc5eadaf29f0

With a proud history of delivering trusted local news across print, digital, newsletters and social media platforms, Star News Group connects businesses with highly engaged audiences throughout Melbourne’s south-east and regional Victoria.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to manage an established client portfolio while actively developing new business opportunities across our diverse media platforms. The successful applicant will work with local businesses to create effective advertising campaigns incorporating:

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• Digital Newsletter

Key Responsibilities :

• Maintain and grow an existing client base.

• Identify and secure new business opportunities.

• Develop tailored advertising and marketing solutions for clients.

• Prepare proposals, presentations and campaign recommendations.

• Work collaboratively with editorial, design and digital teams to deliver outstanding client outcomes.

About You: You will possess:

• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.

• Strong organisational and time management abilities.

• A positive attitude and a passion for helping local businesses succeed.

• A current driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

What We Offer :

• An established territory with existing clients.

• Competitive salary package including base salary and commission.

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• The opportunity to work with a respected and trusted community media

Bulls bring heat for Hughes

By David Nagel

Bottom-placed Noble Park threatened to cause a massive upset for its outgoing coach Steve Hughes before a late rally from ladder-leaders East Ringwood led to a 28-point defeat in Eastern Premier Division on Saturday.

Hughes informed the playing group that he would step down from his role at the end of the season after training on Thursday night, after seven years at the helm; a journey which included a first senior premiership in 11 years in 2022.

Hughes was brought up at Moodemere Street and has deep heritage at the club, with his mum Helen being the daughter of Pat Wright Snr, who the Bulls’ home ground is named after.

“I’ve had a really good run here, seven consecutive years on the back of five at Bonbeach; I’m a little bit worn down to be honest, so I think it’s the right time for me to pull the pin on coaching and look at some other areas of life,” Hughes explained to his squad.

“It’s been one of the biggest privileges of my life, to come back and coach the club that I grew up at. “It’s been an incredible journey, obviously with the flag, which was the pinnacle for me here, one of the best days of my life.

“We’ve had some rough times this year, but I know the effort is there and I’m always proud of this group.

“I feel lucky to have coached the club that I grew up at; it’s genuinely been a dream come true for me.”

A dream result didn’t look likely for the Bulls on Saturday after East Ringwood kicked the opening two goals of the contest.

Both goals came via quick transition from half back; an area the Bulls tidied up on as the afternoon unfolded.

A late-goal to co-captain Lachie McDonnell cut the margin to just seven points at quarter time, and began a three-goal streak for the Bulls that caught the Kangaroos on the hop.

Noble Park’s midfield and forward-half pressure was elite, with early second-quarter goals to Kevin Kean and Jordan Marson the result of com-

Hungry Hawks dine out in milestone match for Davey

By David Nagel

Rowville has celebrated the 250th game of twotime premiership player Matt Davey in grand style with a 35-point defeat of Vermont at Seebeck Oval on Sunday.

Davey was chaired from the field by teammates Anthony Brolic and Nik Schoenmakers after a fast-starting 15.11(101) to 9.12(66) victory that maintains a one-game buffer for the Hawks in second place on the ladder.

Rowville effectively won the game in the opening term, kicking eight goals to one to open up a 41-point lead at quarter time.

Skipper Brolic and midfield counterpart Lachie Stapleton played key roles in the first-quarter surge; the Hawks riding a dominant clearance count to superiority on the scoreboard.

Stapleton found Lachie Wynd on the lead to open the Sunday scoring, before Brolic finished off a one-two connection with Will Verrell to open up an early two-goal lead.

Wynd then delivered quick hands to Nashua Wood and the Hawks were well on their way.

A goal to Vermont gave the Eagles brief respite, before the Hawks kicked five in seven minutes in a brilliant display of free-flowing football.

Mav Taylor landed two blows inside 60 seconds, before Seth Macdonald and Wynd kept the pressure fully applied.

A superb running goal from the powerfully built Mitchell Sruk then capped off a scintillating opening stanza.

But Vermont is a proud club and responded during the second and third quarters in front of big crowd at the standalone game at Seebeck.

The Eagles kicked four goals to three, to narrow the margin to 30 points at the major interval, and snuck to within 11 points at the final break after a 4.2 to 1.1 third term.

It was now Rowville who needed a response, and it came from Taylor who kicked the opening two goals of the final quarter to lock away victory for the hosts.

Rowville star Matt Davey celebrated his 250th game with a big win over Vermont. (Rob Carew: 475447)

Jonte Duffy then ensured Davey and the Hawks would be celebrating with the final sixpointer of the contest.

Taylor finished with five, and Wynd four for the Hawks, while Cal and Will Verrell joined Brolic and Stapleton on an impressive list of best players.

The Hawks have a day off this week, courtesy of a split-round of matches in Eastern Premier, before returning to the fold with a road trip to South Belgrave on Saturday 18 July.

squared things away, 13 minutes into the third.

Marson then answered after a strong mark and goal from tall Roos’ forward Remy Maclean; the scores still locked away with just minutes remaining until three-quarter time.

The Bulls then conceded late goals to Blake Pearson, and another to the dangerous Maclean; who kicked a goal after the siren to give the Kangaroos a 12-point lead at the final change.

The Bulls never gave up the fight, but consecutive goals to Josh Fox, skipper James Belo, Ryan Webster and Riley Weatherill ensured the Roos would bank the points and remain a game clear at the top of the table.

Marson ended the day with three goals for Noble, his team’s only multiple contributor, while defenders Tom Taborsky, Jacob Noble, Tom Bower, Callum Morgan and Anthony Marson did well to repel a steady stream of supply.

Under-19 player Cooper Morrison also did some nice things on debut.

Despite the brave performance, the Bulls remain at the bottom of the ladder and currently face relegation to Easter Division 1.

Their quest for survival continues with a home game against third-placed Doncaster East this Saturday.

• EASTERNPREMIER

RESULTS R12: Berwick 9.7(61) def Balwyn 7.9(51), South Croydon 11.13(79) def by Blackburn 15.8(98), East Ringwood 12.14(86) def Noble Park 8.10(58), Doncaster East 16.11(107) def South Belgrave 12.13(85). Sunday: Rowville 15.11(101) def Vermont 9.12(66).

LADDER: East Ringwood 44, Rowville 40, Doncaster East 36, Blackburn 28, Berwick 24/ Vermont 24, Balwyn 22, South Croydon 14, South Belgrave 4, Noble Park 4.

mitted tackling.

The home side led by nine points at the major break, but goals to Oliver Nockles and Marson;

FIXTURE R13 SPLIT-ROUND (Saturday 11 July): Noble Park v Doncaster East, Berwick v South Croydon, Blackburn v East Ringwood. (Saturday 18 July): South Belgrave v Rowville, Vermont v Balwyn.

Airport theme with arrivals and departures at Thunder

By Justin Schwarze

The mid-season transfer window saw a mass exodus at Dandenong Thunder with 17 senior players departing the club.

Dandenong is currently in a battle to stave off relegation, sitting second-bottom and seven points away from safety with just seven matches left in the season.

The mass departures come just two months after the club parted ways with head coach and head of football Adam Piddick.

It started with star forward Wade Dekker making the move to crosstown rivals Dandenong City, a move that was quickly followed by attacking midfielder Jackson CourtneyPerkins.

Gun striker Hassan Jalloh signed on the dotted line for Caroline Springs George Cross, while utility Jay Romanovski joined Preston.

Star central midfielder and A-League veteran George Mells also left, putting pen to paper with Bentleigh Greens.

Other players leaving included Andrew Withers, Tobi Obani, Daniel Alessi, Jack Morton, Joe Nyahwema, Dylan Thomas, Ben Djiba, Harry Phillips, Dante Avian, Oliver Jankulovski, Kaelan Majekodunmi and Woohyeok Lee.

Due to the high number of departures, the club was forced to get busy in the window and aim to quickly replace the talent lost.

Thunder signed 14 new players, including strikers Edon Ajrovski, Anthony Lynn and Sanih Zijai, while also picking up goalkeeper Lewis Alvarez.

The new-look midfield will be led by the incoming signings of Fillipo Gioffre and Lucas Alessi, with Favour Akuete set to feature in defence.

(Supplied)

Dandenong also signed rising youngster Frank Busasa from Hume City, as the 20-yearold former Adelaide United youth player will look to have an impact at George Andrews Reserve. The club also announced Ilir Qaniu would be taking the reins as interim senior coach for the remainder of the season.

Qaniu is a former player and long-time supporter of the club and has been in the head position for the past month. He will be supported by lead assistant coach Andy Elderton and team manager Semir Zekiri.

Star striker Hassan Jalloh left Dandenong Thunder for Caroline Springs George Cross and was amongst

departures for the club.

Noble Park senior coach Steve Hughes will step down from the role at the end of the 2026 season. (Rob Carew: 234453)

JOCs knocked off by Pies

By Justin Schwarze

Ashwood handed St John’s Old Collegians its first loss of the season in a nailbiter at Essex Heights Reserve in round 13 of Southern Division 4.

For the first three quarters, neither team had a lead larger than three goals, with the JOCs holding 15-point buffers at two different stages of the contest.

Despite this, there wasn’t much separating the two sides, with the quality on full display and the scores being knotted at 7.4 (46) apiece at halftime.

Both teams kicked two goals in the third, setting up a classic finish as the visitors held a slender one-point advantage at the final change.

The Magpies booted the first of the last term to set the tone, before the JOCs responded almost immediately and hit the front again.

The rest of the term was an arm-wrestle as both teams traded behinds, followed by Ashwood kicking back-to-back majors to regain the lead for good.

The hosts came out on top 12.11 (83) to 10.11 (71).

Andrew Kaldawi booted four for the Magpies, while four players managed a pair of goals for the defeated Collegians.

Dandenong West stood firm on top of the ladder with a convincing 20.14 (134) to 12.1 (73) thrashing of Clayton at Meade Reserve after a destructive second half.

The hosts actually led by two points at the main break, before the Westerners booted four goals to one in the third.

This completely opened up the game, as the visitors piled on 10 majors in the fourth to cruise to the huge result.

Coren Giliam’s huge year continued as he booted six, while Remmi Faulkner-Wood and Josh Lawrence slotted four each.

Doveton Eagles erased an early deficit to post their second win of the season against Moorabbin.

At Power Reserve, the Kangaroos got off to a hot start and led by three goals at quarter time before the Eagles responded with seven goals in the second to swing in front at halftime.

The hosts rode the momentum to put through nine goals to two across the final two quarters to win 18.17 (125) to 9.12 (66).

Skipper Joshua Johns led the charge with a four-goal effort.

In an emotional day for the club, former skipper and club stalwart Jack Salan played his final game before retiring.

He booted three goals in his farewell game as he’s set to take on an assistant coaching role for the rest of the season.

Narre South put together a four-quarter performance to down Lyndale 10.10 (70) to 5.11 (41) on the road.

The Saints allowed just two goals in the first three quarters to coast to the victory and remain in the top four.

Nicholas Green slotted three goals for Narre South.

• SOUTHERN4

RESULTSR13: Ashwood 12.11 (83) def St John’s Old Collegians 10.11 (71), Clayton 12.1 (73) def by Dandenong West 20.14 (134), Doveton Eagles 18.17 (125) def Moorabbin 9.12 (66), Lyndale 5.11 (41) def by Narre South 10.10 (70).

LADDER: Dandenong West 46, St John’s Old Collegians 42, Ashwood 36, Narre South 30, Clayton 28, Lyndale 14, Doveton Eagles 8, Moorabbin 4.

FIXTURE R14: Dandenong West (1) v Lyndale (6), Doveton Eagles (7) v Clayton (5), Moorabbin (8) v St John’s Old Collegians (2), Narre South (4) v Ashwood (3).

City secures point as pain increases for cross-town rival

By Justin Schwarze

A dreary game at Nasiol Stadium on Saturday afternoon saw Dandenong City and Hume City offer very little entertainment factor in a 0-0 draw in round 19 of the NPL.

Both teams looked to control possession and didn’t offer anything at all going forward, with both sides registering just one shot on target for the entire 90 minutes.

Dandenong had its fair share of shots with 11, but only one was on target, while Hume fired eight attempts.

There were also only nine fouls for the match - with Dandenong’s Wade Dekker being booked for the only yellow of the match for a poor challenge in the 70th minute.

The result sees Dandenong still sit six points clear of the drop in ninth; unbeaten in four out of its last five games.

Dandenong returns to Frank Holohan Soccer Complex in round 20 and rolls out the welcome mat for seventh-placed South Melbourne.

Dandenong Thunder’s season is at the cross-

roads as another defeat, this time at the hands of South Melbourne, means it sits seven points from safety with seven matches to play.

Thunder have picked up just one point in their last nine games with Sunday’s loss being the club’s sixth defeat in a row.

Dandenong defended well in the first half but didn’t produce much going forward, settling for a 0-0 scoreline at the main break.

Thunder’s only shot was an accurate one but came up empty, while South Melbourne had fired two on target from nine attempts.

The resistance at Lakeside Stadium finally broke in the 49th minute, when Arran Cocks turned in a set piece from a throw-in.

The ball came and was deflected off a header, where Cocks was waiting at the back post, meaning he had enough space to flick it in with his right boot.

And the goal proved to be the difference as the hosts went on to secure the 1-0 victory.

Dandenong is still second-bottom but will hope to regroup ahead of Saturday’s clash with Bentleigh, who is also fighting relegation.

Froling posts triple-double

By Justin Schwarze

Three quarters of brilliance and some Harry Froling magic boosted the Dandenong Rangers Men to a pivotal win over Ballarat in round 13 of NBL1 South.

With the competition so close and finals spots up for grabs, every game is essentially an elimination test until the postseason - a test that Dandenong passed with flying colours on Sunday.

At home, the Rangers set the tone with a dominant offensive quarter, going 8/10 inside the key for 16 points in the paint while also knocking down 3/6 threes to take a 34-22 lead into the quarter-time huddle.

Froling started hot, going 3/3 and scoring seven points in the opening term, before the Miners hit back in the second.

Dandenong’s shooting cooled off and the visitors took advantage, going plus-six in the quarter to trim the deficit to six at the main intermission.

But the Rangers found their range and blew it open on the other side of halftime, connecting on six triples in the third to take the term 30-14 and build an imposing 22-point buffer at three-quarter time.

And again the hosts shot over 60 percent from the field in the last, registering their third 30-plus point quarter to steamroll Ballarat 3022 in the fourth and win emphatically 111-81.

Froling had the game on his terms, finishing with a triple-double of 31 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists on efficient 9/12 shooting.

Joe Palmer was also outstanding, pouring in 36 points and eight rebounds on 54.5 percent shooting.

The win sees Dandenong still cling on to eighth spot with a record of 11-9.

The Rangers Women have been left wondering ‘what if’ after they picked up yet another win to add to their impressive second half of the season.

Dandenong was able to hold off a valiant Ballarat 89-82 at home, holding the Miners at arm’s length and withstanding any comeback attempts.

A back-and-forth first half saw the Rang-

ers lead by four at the half, before the visitors pulled within two at three-quarter time.

Despite Dandenong’s lead never growing any bigger than eight for the majority of the fourth, Ballarat could never tie the game or hit the front as the Rangers had all the answers offensively.

A clutch block from Manuela Puoch sealed the result, with Dandenong hanging on. Puoch starred in the victory, posting 21 points, five rebounds and three steals. The Rangers have won four out of their last five games to move up to 11th, but a record of 9-11 as the season winds down won’t be enough to make finals.

Both Dandenong outfits will face local rivals Casey at Casey Stadium in round 14, with a finals spot potentially on the line in the men’s matchup.

Doveton Eagles legend Jack Salan salutes after booting a goal in his final ever game for the club. (Gary Sissons: 563427)

Dandenong City secured a point in a scrap against Hume City. (Supplied)

Harry Froling’s triple-double led Dandenong in a massive win over Ballarat. (Ruffy Sport)

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Dandenong Star Journal - 7th July 2026

Tips for feline friendliness

‘Out of character’

Kids get the lowdown

on cat behaviour

in Springvale South

Syringe relocation call

Housing crisis reality

Councils ‘blindsided’ by anti-racism motion

No charges

Pair charged

Man bailed

Remote custody court

Working with hands tied

LOOKING BACK

MP recounts abuse

Assault leaves father of three shaken

Oasis springs into shape

INTERFAITH

Conquering inner struggle

MESSAGE OF HOPE

Monitors extended

Winter Food Drive Appeal launched by ASRC

More Australians are choosing life beyond the big cities

Last bastion of connection

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

More police the answer

Food relief demand doubles

Warriors take Pride in their jumper

Dance studio’s history

Diversity and Inclusion thrown in the mix of Aus Day Awards

Hands-on performance

Dinner dance for the ages as NPCC turns 70

Creating civic life and democracy

New estate coming

Vote to upgrade your favourite park

Families connect through art and culture

Elder’s wisdom inspires students

Casey unveils new strategy to tackle graﬃti

New study to understand experiences

WHAT’S ON

Bulls bring heat for Hughes

Hungry Hawks dine out in milestone match for Davey

Airport theme with arrivals and departures at Thunder

JOCs knocked off by Pies

City secures point as pain increases for cross-town rival

Froling posts triple-double