Dandenong Star Journal - 14th July 2026

Tuesday, 14 July, 2026

Phone: (03) 5945 0666 Trades & Classifieds: 1300 666 808

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Cheers, protests for Indian PM

Market VCAT stoush

Fallen tree tribute

Rangers rally in vital clash

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SPORT

Singing up a storm Callum Drage, pictured, was among a showcase of the region’s best young entertainers during the return of Dandy’s Got Talent last week. Singers, bands and dancers had the audience at The Castle rocking last Thursday afternoon.

More pictures, turn to page 2 (Hilton Stone)

It’s a cat-astrophe Cat rescuers and welfare groups are calling for change as Greater Dandenong continues to be plagued by thousands of semi-owned and feral cats.

The council introduced a night curfew in 2024.

Since then, cat impounds have soared to 1000plus a year, pound costs have blown out to $1.8 million a year and cat registrations have dropped.

Star Journal visited a block of units in Noble Park, which is said to be home to a colony of 100

12831793-MC01-26

semi-owned cats and kittens, some of which are fed by tenants.

Cat rescuer Cheryl Ingram captured a nondesexed, starving male cat at the colony, so that he could be humanely euthanised.

She says the council and animal welfare agencies have no interest in taking action.

“They say it’s not their problem. They either don’t have the money or can’t be bothered – and so they’re left to breed.”

Ex-mayor Roz Blades says the curfew should be reviewed, with a focus on more affordable desexing and cat traps.

Knox AdvoCats group is calling for a community cats program, which targets hotspots with free desexing, microchipping, registration support, transport assistance, community outreach and engagement with people already feeding cats. It was more cost-effective than “repeatedly trapping, transporting, holding, rehoming or euthanising cats”.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell says a ‘trap, neuter, return’ program could be trialed, along with desexing subsidies, education and direct engagement with cat owners.

Greater Dandenong Council says it is “committed to reducing feral and stray cat numbers”.

“Current benchmarking and insight gathering is in progress to further inform Council’s approach, with results expected later this year.”

More on the story, turn to pages 2 and 3

NEWS

duped Reducing the cat boom Pensioners by $370K bank

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell says cat containment alone is not the answer to Greater Dandenong’s high roaming cat rates.

The figures – 1000-plus cat impounds a year and shrinking registration numbers since the council introduced a cat night curfew in 2024 – were “evidence of what we already knew”, she said.

“Blanket policy must always be coupled with other efforts, including desexing subsidies, education and direct engagement with cat owners.”

She called for a trial of ‘trap, neuter, return’ to “reduce cat populations that are not completely wild, but do not belong to a single household”.

“With cat rescue groups in crisis, I am really concerned that without this issue being ade-

quately addressed, we will continue to see cat impounds soar where they end up in shelters notorious for their high kill rates.”

Ms Purcell said keeping cats indoors was the “safest option for them” and the “best way to protect wildlife.

“Ensuring this happens is not just the responsibility of pet owners, but local government too.

“Cats belong in our lounge rooms, not at risk roaming or on pound kill tables.”

Knox AdvoCats group, which opposed Greater Dandenong’s night curfew for cats in 2024, said a targeted Community Cat Program (CCP) was more effective than a curfew.

“This means using council data to identify the suburbs generating the highest cat complaints and impounds, then delivering intensive barrier free support in those areas.”

This support includes free desexing, micro-

chipping, registration support, transport assistance, community outreach and engagement with people already feeding cats.

It was more effective than the cat curfew, which targets owned cats, but was unlikely to reduce impounds of semi-owned and unowned cats.

The CCP approach is more cost-effective than repeatedly trapping, transporting, holding, rehoming or euthanising cats, it stated.

An RSPCA Victoria spokesperson advised owners to keep their cats safe with a cat enclosure or “catio” and avoid hazards such as busy roads, parasites, diseases and injuries from dogs and other cats.

“Owners of a cat that stays indoors can expect their pet to live up to three times longer and spend four times less at the vet than if their cat is allowed to roam.”

Dandy’s Castle rocked by young talent Our best young live acts rocked The Castle on Thursday 9 July for the annual Dandy’s Got Talent.

Singer-songwriters, cover artists, dancers and bands from Greater Dandenong loudly and proudly displayed their wares, alongside a headline act by Hailey J from The Voice Australia.

The emerging artists had been selected after a competitive audition process.

Winners and runners-up won prizes from sponsors DJ City, The Band Booth, RIDDIM Studios and Sky Music.

Volunteers from the Amplify Youth Committee (formerly FReeZA) helped with staging, backstage, hospitality and audience engagement.

Amplify is a State Government initiative that supports young people staging drug, alcohol and smoke-free events for other young people.

The ‘Crowd Favourite’ prize winners, with the Amplify volunteer MCs. (Hilton Stone)

card scam

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 22-year-old man has been jailed for his role in a bank card scam that fleeced nearly $380,000 from mainly elderly pensioners.

Jashan Ahuja, of Wyndham Vale, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to 13 charges involving deception and proceeds of crime.

Sentencing judge Duncan Allen said it was “shocking” offending that had a “devastating” impact on his victims.

The deceit inflicted not just financial loss – totalling $377,467 - but emotional and psychological harm.

In some cases, the victims lost their entire life savings at an advanced stage of their lives, Judge Allen said on 10 July.

Ahuja and co-accused Sarabjit Kalsi duped nine victims of their bank cards in May-June 2024, including an 88-year-old Springvale woman who lost more than $53,000.

A Queensland retiree was stripped of more than $117,000, an 89-year-old Dromana man with Alzheimer’s lost nearly $20,000 and a 59-year-old woman lost more than $110,000.

Victims would receive a phone call or email, claiming that their bank or PayPal accounts had been hacked.

In some cases, Ahuja posed as a courier who drove to the victim’s address and collected their “compromised” bank card.

In other cases, victims were instructed to mail their cards to an address.

Under instructions of an Indian organised crime syndicate, Ahuja and Kalsi used the stolen bank cards to buy iPhones and prepaid Visa cards from stores across Melbourne.

In sentencing on Friday 10 July, Judge Allen accepted Ahuja was socially isolated and under financial pressure at the time including being unable to afford expensive eczema medication.

Ahuja was paid $300-$400 a day for the offending, with no evidence that he gained any further profit.

The phones were bought for and remitted to “higher-ups” in the syndicate.

Ahuja was a youthful, deferential, firsttime offender, made significant admissions to police, was isolated in protective custody and suffering major depression and PTSD, the judge noted.

The older co-accused Kalsi, who was less cooperative with authorities, had been earlier jailed for 25 months.

Ahuja was sentenced to 20 months’ jail.

He is facing likely deportation when released.

Second man faces court A second man has fronted court after a fatal crash in Dandenong South last month, with police alleging that vehicles were racing on South Gippsland Highway at the time.

A 21-year-old man from Cranbourne died as a result of the crash on South Gippsland Highway on 26 June about 1.50am.

On Wednesday 8 July, a 21-year-old was arrested as Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives executed a warrant at a Hampton Park address.

Police allege that he was racing one of the vehicles involved in the fatality at the time of the crash.

He was charged with culpable driving and dangerous driving.

The man appeared briefly at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 10 July.

A 21-year-old from Cranbourne West has also been charged with culpable driving and dangerous driving causing death in relation to the crash. He appeared in court on 3 July.

The two co-accused have been bailed to appear at committal mentions at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 October.

The Spadez. (Hilton Stone)

Callum Drage. (Hilton Stone)

2 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 14 July, 2026

Maree T. (Hilton Stone)

December. (Hilton Stone)

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Scratch the cat curfew

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Greater Dandenong ex-mayor says the council should review its cat curfew as it faces soaring pound costs and dwindling pet registrations.

The night curfew was introduced in 2024 in response to an overpopulation of ferals and strays.

Since then, cat impounds in Greater Dandenong have soared from 700 in 2023 to more than 1000 a year in 2024 and 2025.

At the same time, cat registrations dropped from about 3500 to 3232 last year.

Roz Blades, who opposed the curfew, said critics predicted this would happen. The curfew was unenforceable and was scaring people from registering their cats.

“It’s deleterious to the health of the cats, it’s stressful to owners trying to do their best and not stopping the feral cat population.”

She called for councils and animal welfare agencies to offer cheaper cat-desexing, cat traps and outdoor enclosures – or ‘cat runs’.

Currently, desexing, microchipping, vaccination and registration can total as much as $640 for female cats and $540 for males.

A local vet can charge up to $300 for desexing males and up to $400 for females. Ms Blades said it should be heavily subsidised to cost owners $30 or $40.

Another deterrent was the $150 deposit fee to hire one of the council’s 10 cat traps. The fee should be slashed to about $10, Ms Blades said.

“The council needs to be less punitive. The cats are not the enemy – it’s not their fault that they’re not neutered, no one asks to be born.

“And it’s not always the owner’s fault if they can’t afford to do it.”

She argues this would be cheaper for the council than paying soaring pound costs.

This year the cost has been revised to $1.82 million - up $736,000 - due to the huge numbers of cat impounds.

It has led Greater Dandenong to consider opening its own pound.

Ms Blades says currently a small fraction are reunited with owners or rehomed.

“The pound costs to the council comes from the feral cats being trapped.

“They are not going to be returned to an owner because there is no registered owner. So the council bears the cost.”

Greater Dandenong’s former mayor Roz Blades says the 12-hour cat curfew has predictably led to soaring pound costs and lower registrations. (Stewart Chambers: 561711) Last month, the council revealed a $736,000 shortfall in its animal pound services contract with Lost Dogs Home due to its significant number of cat impounds.

Its LDH contract hit a revised cost of $2.73 million over 18 months – or $1.82 million over 12 months to the end of the 2026-’27 financial year.

In introducing the curfew, the council stated its dismal 15 per cent cat registration rate was a barrier to the curfew’s effectiveness.

As of January 2021, there were an estimated

20,000 unregistered cats.

A Greater Dandenong spokesperson said the council was committed to reducing feral and stray cat numbers.

“Current benchmarking and insight gathering is in progress to further inform Council’s approach, with results expected later this year.”

Its programs included “targeted and subsidised” desexing initiatives to reduce unwanted litters and future shelter admissions.

The council also promoted “responsible pet

ownership” with community education and awareness.

“In addition, we undertake compliance for microchipping, up-to-date registration records, and processes to reuniting cats with owners.

“In many cases, our data-driven and early intervention approaches have assisted with the prevention of surrender and shelter intakes before they occur.”

The council’s 10 cat traps were “readily accessible to the community”, the spokesperson said.

‘You see all their eyes lit up’: 100-cat colony commonplace

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong is riddled with “colonies” of feral and stray cats, according to cat rescue volunteer Cheryl Ingram.

She estimates there’s about 100 cats and kittens without an owner at a block of public housing units in Noble Street, Noble Park.

Several are seen roaming the grounds during the day.

One of them is a visibly unwell four-year-old male, who has not been desexed. Starved and emaciated, he was likely to die within a week, Cheryl says.

For many people, they are “just f***ing cats”, she says. But not to Cheryl.

Moved to tears by his plight, Cheryl makes a decision on the spot to capture him by hand. She’ll take him to a vet to be humanely euthanised.

“He would have been living here since he was born. One of the residents say he was their favourite but he was starving to death.”

As she struggles to wrap him in a towel and enclose him in a cardboard box, the terrified animal turns savage.

He bites or scratches her hand in three places and draws copious blood.

She later takes medication to ward off infection – having been hospitalised after a cat’s bite in the past.

The colony is fed and enabled by some of the tenants, she says. But competition for food means some are underfed.

When she spoke with other residents about solving the issue, they said they couldn’t afford $150 to hire a cat trap from the council.

When Cheryl set up two traps herself, a tenant would set the captured cats free.

Another cat colony is around the shops at Balmoral Avenue and Springvale Road, Springvale. She says traders put out food scraps, which sustains the colony.

“At night, you see all of the cats’ eyes lit up – it looks like a Christmas tree.”

As a volunteer, Cheryl says rescuing and captur-

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

A male cat, not desexed, was found starving and emaciated in the stray-cat colony in Noble Park. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 565187)

Cheryl Ingram’s bloodied hand during the capture of the stray cat. (Cam LucadouWells: 565187) ing cats takes a toll on her. She and other rescuers’ houses are “bursting at the seams”.

“It’s very distressing. I’ve had emaciated kittens taken into me before and I’ve tried to save their lives.

“A lot of them are neonatals, two came in with

Cheryl Ingram wipes her blood from the lid of a makeshift box as she captures a stray cat. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 565187)

Cheryl Ingram delivers the cat to a local vet.

(Cam Lucadou-Wells: 565187)

umbilical cords still attached.

“It’s a big job – they are all hand reared. You’re effectively their mother. But in one year, I had 11 pass away” She says she’s pleaded with Greater Dandenong

and animal welfare agencies to capture the colonies.

“They say it’s not their problem. They either don’t have the money or can’t be bothered – and so they’re left to breed.”

Tuesday, 14 July, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

Love and protests...

By Sahar Foladi Multiple protest groups and far-right nationalists gathered outside as the Indian-Australian diaspora packed a sold-out ‘Melbourne meets Modi’ event at the Marvel Stadium in Docklands today.

Around 30,000 members of the Indian diaspora throughout Australia were expected at Docklands Stadium on Thursday night for a glimpse of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The three-day trip is part of the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit with Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Modi in bilateral talks on defence, uranium deal, clean energy and fast-tracking Indian student visas.

Vasan Srinivasan, president of the Dandenong-based Federation of Indian Associations in Victoria, was attending the event as well as a lunch with the delegations on Friday 10 July.

He explains the overwhelming celebrity-like response from the Indian diaspora at Modi’s visit while acknowledging the public’s divide over ongoing human rights abuses under Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a prominent rightwing, Hindu nationalist political organisation.

“I was born in 1957. Until 10-15 years ago there was only the Congress Party governing in India. In between there was only one term of the Janata Party.

“We haven’t seen a PM continuing for three terms. PM Modi has put India on the world map, he has made lots of changes in India.

“What happens in India today we wouldn’t

have imagined. Like the cashless economy - once upon a time, Indians kept money under the bed.”

He says trade in “every part of the world has increased by (several) fold”, strengthening the Indian economy “more than ever”.

The streamlining of the democratic voting process and strengthening the GST process in India and stronger ties with European and other nations were also positive initiatives, Srinivasan said.

The event also establishes stronger cultural ties between the nations, as Greater Dandenong is home to over 14,000 of descendants and 12,000 Indian-born residents.

“The population loves to see their own motherland PM,” he said.

“When you see a UK PM or the King on a country visit, people love that. It’s a bondage, bringing community together.

“We come here for reasons. Currently the PM is doing a good job, people love him, he is leading the world’s richest democracy.”

Last year, people born in India became the largest overseas-born group in Australia, narrowly overtaking those born in England, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Of the 8.83 million Australian residents born overseas, 971,020 were born in India as of 30 June 2025.

The event ran into the night, with dance performances, classic musical performances and speeches from the PMs. Mr Srinivasan says multiple dance groups from the south east, like Natya Sudha Dance

group in Dingley Village were performing and more than 400 organisations in attendance.

Public opinion divided on Modi However, Modi’s popularity, even after putting India on the international map, is said to be tainted by reported human rights abuses under his dominant pro-Hindu BJP political party.

Modi’s BJP has governed India’s hyper-diverse nation with 2000 ethnicities and six major religions recognised.

Some groups like the Alliance Against Islamophobia, have raised concerns about the Australian-Indian ties.

The AAI state that anti-minority hate speech is escalating in India and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should question PM Narendra Modi on human rights.

Mr Srinivasan says every nation has issues, even Australia as a multicultural nation of 28 million has its own “pockets of issues and racism”.

But it’s not on as large a scale as the 1.47 billion population of India.

“It’s difficult to bring all religious entities together, we all have our own beliefs. Every country has its own problems at this stage.

“This generation (in India) will see a much stronger economy than any other nation.”

Human rights organisations and international watchdogs continuously report escalating persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, as well as the targeting of minority communities by BJP supporters, suppression of press freedom and criminalisation of dissent.

Amnesty International has called on Albanese to use Modi’s visit to reaffirm mutual commitment to human rights, democratic freedoms and the rule of law.

Despite it all, Mr Srinivasan say’s PM Modi “brought the country together” and that “it’s a peaceful democracy.”

Anti-Immigration Protest Meanwhile a far-right nationalist group, led

by Hugo Lennon (AUSPILL on social media), protested against Indian mass immigration and demanded an end to the “parasitical” Australia-India relationship.

A video posted by AUSPILL shows him shouting expletives at PM Narendra Modi inside a hotel in Melbourne.

He shouted, “This country is for Australians,” “We don’t want any more migration,” “This is Australia,” before police officers escorted him out of the facility.

This is before he posted a reel enjoying butter chicken with Indian music captioned, “Nothing hits better than a butter chicken the night before an anti-India protest,” and “We have the recipes now”.

Protesters and supporters marched to the stadium, where the sold-out Melbourne Meets Modi community event was later that day.

Mr Srinivasan says every wave of immigrants in Australia had their own troubled times of anti-immigration until they were “accepted” and now Indians are going through it as well.

“Now it’s our turn. The community takes time to accommodate and accept you.”

Chalk and slate - the way children used to learn how to write. (Rob Carew: 564681) Cultural heritage program lead Lynette Nilaweera works on a slate with chalk on vintage school desks. (Rob Carew: 564681)

Greater Dandenong community engagement officer Alison Key in the Heritage Hill school room. (Rob Carew: 564681) Alison Key and Lynette Nilaweera with fashions of yesteryear. (Rob Carew: 564681)

Scribing our history’s pages at Heritage Hill Museum Visitors were schooled in the tools of yesteryear during an open day tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens on Saturday 11 July.

In a replica classroom, guests tried their hands at writing with pen and ink bottle, or chalk and slate blackboards.

4 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 14 July, 2026

More than a century ago, these were the tablets and laptops at schools.

On display were the lettering books and florid writing samples, which students had been expected to imitate.

Also among the curios was a tool

from the former Holden factory in Dandenong South, and Victorian-era costumes.

The open day featured significant objects of people, places and events from the Greater Dandenong Council’s civic and cultural heritage collection - which are part of an

exhibition Extraordinary Stories: Collection Highlights.

The exhibition is open Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am-2pm (until 27 August) at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; free event.

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Traders up the action

By Sahar Foladi

MA

A Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) member will visit Dandenong Market’s Bazaar section as a trader seeks an injunction against Bazaar revitalisation works in August.

Long-term trader Leon Buchman has filed at VCAT for an injunction to halt construction on the works. He says he wants compensation for any losses to arise from the redevelopment process, including relocation costs and loss of income.

The injunction hearing on 2 July was adjourned, as VCAT ponders the legal question of whether Mr Buchman’s stall operates under a lease or a license with Dandenong Market.

Mr Buchman’s legal representative, a firstyear law student, Gobi Jegarajasingham, says VCAT’s vice-president is due to come down to the Dandenong Market Bazaar on 17 August to observe Mr Buchman’s stall fit-outs, signage, and lockable shutters to help determine the question before a hearing that afternoon.

Mr Jegrajasingham says the market can call it a license as much as it wants, however he claims there’s substantial evidence that it is a lease and is confident he’ll win the injunction.

“I think that (the market’s management) purposely, through appointed language in legal agreements with Leon, categorised it as a license.

“We know that if VCAT concluded that Leon occupied under a lease rather than a licence, it could significantly affect the parties’ respective rights and obligations.”

This comes after Dandenong Market’s management recently distributed three-month Notice to Vacate orders to Bazaar traders to start the construction.

Traders say they have not been offered compensation. nor guaranteed that they could return to their current trading locations.

Instead, traders were told they could apply to trade again through an Expression of Interest.

Mr Buchman argues that under the Re-

(On file)

Fatal collision in Hallam Leon Buchman, pictured far right, is seeking an injunction, compensation and guaranteed reinstatement after the Dandenong Market Bazaar’s revitalisation. (Stewart Chambers: 513538_04) tail Leases Act, landowners must provide six months’ notice, provide compensation including moving out costs and any damages to the stall while moving out.

He has strongly advocated for himself and on behalf of the other bazaar traders, claiming the management’s conduct is “illegal”.

Dandenong Market argues that Mr Buchman’s stall is a license, not a lease, and therefore the Retail Lease Act doesn’t apply.

Dandenong Market’s management declined to comment to Star Journal on the VCAT case as it relates to a “confidential matter” initiated by a trader.

It stated it was not “appropriate to comment on the details, speculate on the outcome or comment further while the matter is before VCAT”

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Along with compensation, Mr Buchman also seeks a guaranteed reinstatement to continue trading in the revitalised Bazaar for a minimum term of five years.

At least seven other traders are joined applicants in the case. However, outcomes may differ depending on whether their stalls befit a lease or a license.

As part of his terms, Mr Buchman also seeks the market management to characterise his agreement as a retail lease rather than a license.

He also seeks protection of his business, stock and fit-out during the redevelopment process of the Bazaar Revitalisation.

These terms were set to be put forth to the Dandenong Market Pty Ltd for settlement at the compulsory conference on Monday 13 July.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Hallam on the afternoon of Tuesday 7 July.

Emergency services were called to the Princes Highway about 4.40pm after reports of a collision between a car and motorcycle.

A male motorcycle rider was treated at the scene but could not be revived.

The driver of the car involved stayed at the scene and has spoken with police.

Anyone who witness the incident or anyone with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com. au.

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Tuesday, 14 July, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 5

OPINION

Highly visible but unseen Recently, I attended a Filipino community cookup lunch.

It was warm, generous, noisy in the best possible way, and exactly the sort of community gathering Australia needs more of.

Food was shared, stories were told, aunties hovered, and for a few hours people were simply together. But the most powerful part of the day came afterwards, when I found myself speaking with a couple of young women in their early 20s.

I asked one simple question: “What is the biggest issue facing young adults today?”

One answered immediately: “Mental health.”

Not cost of living. Not jobs. Not politics. Then she explained why.

Young women like her are going out less. They do not always feel safe. They are tired of being judged. They are tired of feeling watched. Every moment can be recorded.

Every outfit, every facial expression, every mistake, every dance, every disagreement, every bad angle can end up online.

So they start policing themselves before anyone else does. That should worry us.

We often talk about social media as though it is just about screen time, but young people are describing something deeper.

It is not only the hours spent online. It is the feeling that life itself has become a performance.

You cannot just be at a party. You have to look good at the party.

You cannot just enjoy a moment. You have to wonder who is filming it. You cannot simply make a mistake. You have to worry whether that mistake will follow you forever.

Mission Australia’s 2025 Youth Survey found mental health remains one of the top national concerns for young Australians, alongside cost of living, climate change and housing.

More than 17,000 young people took part, and 29 per cent named mental health as one of the most important issues facing Australia.

The Butterfly Foundation has also reported that more than half of young people aged 12-18 say social media makes them feel dissatisfied with their bodies. But statistics only tell part of the story.

Sitting across from a young woman telling you she does not go out because she feels unsafe and constantly judged tells the rest.

Later, I asked another young woman, around the same age, what she thought the biggest issue was.

LOOKING BACK

Bruno Crestani stands proudly at Gumbaya World, in front of the pheasant statue that he built. It is now aptly named ‘big Bruno. (Stewart Chambers: 242562)

Department’s open planned module schools, a new concept in educational planning. When the school was opened in 1975, we were led to believe that additional modules would be constructed as and when required. Earlier this year a portable classroom arrived and another sometime later to cope with the overflow of enrolments. When I contacted the Department to find out when these portables would be replaced, I was told there was no allocation for further construction at the school, now, or in the future.” He added: “What I am particularly

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6 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 14 July, 2026

concerned about is that as it was the Department’s decision to build a module open plan school at Rosewood Downs, to now introduce portable classrooms can only detract from the original school encompassed and react unfavourably on the children.”

20 years ago 10 July 2006 Council out of its tree Greater Dandenong Council failed to take action that could have saved a 400-year-old river red gum from being cut down to make way for

the Dandenong southern bypass. It has been revealed the council could have had the tree listed on the National Trust’s Register of Significant trees three years ago. Mayor Peter Brown said the peak-heritage body had written last week, indicating it had asked the council in 2003 to protect significant trees. “I hope it will be a catalyst for the council to start actively protecting its heritage assets because the destruction of that tree is evidence where we obviously failed.”

5 years ago 13 July 2021 Gumbuya World’s big bird gets a new name – Bruno After weeks of anticipation and a community vote, the famous giant pheasant statue at the gates of Gumbuya World has been given a new name – and it’s one with a rich history behind it. Having received 2.800 public votes in the competition ‘Bruno’ sat miles ahead and was entered in honour of the man who built and sculptured the 20-metre statue over 40 years ago in 1978. As ‘big Bruno’ stood proudly in the background, the original Bruno (Bruno Crestani) and his family gathered at the base of the bird to celebrate. The Hallam builder said it was a very proud moment for him. Bruno was a family friend of the then-owner, Ron Rado and said that Mr Rado had chased him for months before he finally agreed to build the bird.

POLL: Should Springvale’s syringe service be moved?

Last week, readers in Star Journal’s weekly online poll voted overwhelmingly against Springvale’s Needle and Syringe Program.

Eight-nine per cent voted for the service to be moved out of Springvale, while 5 per cent voted for it to be moved to another location in Springvale.

Another 6 per cent voted for its retention, but with more street outreach workers and cleanup services.

One per cent voted for the facility to stay, but with extra NSPs in neighbouring suburbs.

Add your voice, and visit facebook.com/ DandenongJournal for this week’s poll.

EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

This is where values-based education matters.

We cannot keep outsourcing identity formation to TikTok, Instagram and algorithms, then act shocked when young people feel anxious, isolated and confused.

We need to teach belonging deliberately.

We need to teach respectful communication, digital responsibility, cultural confidence, emotional regulation and civic identity early.

Not as a token wellbeing week. Not as a poster on a classroom wall. As core education.

Programs like Belonging in Casey are trying to do exactly this at the grassroots level: helping young people explore who they are, how they belong and how we build community together.

It is not fluffy. It is prevention. Because when young people feel they belong, they are more likely to participate, contribute and thrive.

We also need to bring back real community.

Cook-up lunches. Sports clubs. Cultural events that invite others in. Neighbourhood gatherings. Mentors. Safe spaces where young people can be offline, imperfect and human.

Because perhaps the crisis is not simply that young people are fragile.

Perhaps the crisis is that we have made the world around them too performative, too unsafe and too disconnected.

Truth be told… our young people do not need more judgement. They need safety, identity and somewhere real to belong.

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 15 July 1926 Novel Extinguisher A fire occurred at the Hallam Hotel on Saturday night or early Sunday morning in rather strange circumstances. The bar was locked at 6pm on Saturday, and the licensee and family did not rise until about 10am on Sunday. When the bar door was opened around 11am, it was immediately noticed that there had been a fire.

A hole, 6 yards square, was burnt in the floor, and the bar counter was burned along for 6 feet and was partially collapsed. The heat caused a number of bottles of ale and some syphons to burst, and the contents fortunately poured on the fire, practically extinguishing it.

A tub used for washing glasses fell to the floor when the counter gave way, and this assisted in the good work of extinguishing the flames.

The whole of the stock in the bar was destroyed or badly damaged. It is supposed that the fire was caused through a lighted cigarette or cigar being thrown on a mat in the bar on Saturday evening.

50 years ago 12 July 1976 School ‘bungle’ claim The Education Department was accused of ‘bungling and mismanagement’ at Rosewood Downs Primary School in Dandenong North. A resident of North Dandenong, Mr Bill Wakeling said: “Rosewood Downs Primary is one of the

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Her answer was different but connected: “Identity crisis.”

“We are not white, but we are generational Australians now. We are Australian, but we are still not always seen as Australian.”

There it was again. The same wound showing up in another form. One young woman feels watched and judged. Another feels unseen and unrecognised. Both are talking about belonging.

This is the part Australia still does not understand. Mental health is not only clinical. It is social. It is cultural. It is relational.

It is shaped by whether people feel safe in public, safe online, safe in their identity, safe in their community and safe in their own skin.

We have built a society where young people are hyper-connected but lonely. Visible but not necessarily seen. Surrounded by people but unsure where they belong.

They are told to be confident, but they are growing up in a world that records, compares and critiques them constantly.

And for young Australians from multicultural backgrounds, there is another layer.

They are often expected to prove their ‘Australian-ness’ again and again.

They cheer for the Socceroos and the Matildas, pay taxes, study, work, volunteer, speak English, contribute, and still get asked, “Where are you really from?”

How exhausting.

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NEWS

Solo patrols could return

By Afraa Kori Highway Patrol police could soon work solo under a proposed change but critics warn the move could prove fatal.

It remains unclear when the proposal could be introduced in the Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol, or whether any local officers have volunteered to participate.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said the proposal was still under consideration and involved ongoing engagement with members, therefore declined to comment on specific work groups at this stage.

Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Hermans said the proposal would first involve consultation with staff, occupational health and safety assessments, and a trial within the State Highway Patrol before any broader rollout.

“Changes would support highway patrol members to work one-up but be deployed in close proximity to another member,” he said.

“This initiative will support greater visibility of members on our roads.

“A highly visible police presence provides a significant general deterrence and will lead to less road trauma.

“Under the current policy, highway patrol members must work two-up, with single-member patrols permitted in limited circumstances.

“The health and safety of our members remains the number one priority of Victoria Police.”

The proposal has drawn strong criticism and anger from the police union, community and the State Opposition.

Former police officer of 12 years, Troy Lacey said having one-up shifts “always” poses a “greater risk” to the member “regardless of their proximity” to other members.

“Double the police presence and possible

Proposed solo shifts by Victoria Police’s Highway Patrol officers are under scrutiny. (File: 544820) deterrence at the expense of member safety,” he said. “A routine traffic stop can turn volatile in seconds.”

nymity) knows firsthand the dangers of working alone, after Big Build projects turned Bald Hill Road into a “playground” for criminals.

A former Detective Leading Senior Constable with 30 years of experience (who requested ano-

Last year he was allegedly assaulted by a group while trying to stop illegal burnouts and

drag racing.

At the time, he called Pakenham Police Station, where an officer advised him to take photos because no units could attend.

“A retired detective stepping in says a lot about the current system,” he said.

“The road closures at night give crooks free rein to commit crime. I went up there at 9pm and I saw it myself.”

Police Association Chief Wayne Gatt said now was the wrong time to return to single-officer patrols.

“Not at the cost of the life of a police officer,” he said.

“They are ramming us, they’re pulling knives on us, they’re shooting at us, and we want to send our officers out there alone?

“On what planet is that a good idea? I get it, there’s a shortage of cops in Victoria. Deal with the issue, don’t gamble with the safety of your people.”

Shadow Minister for Police and Corrections, MP Brad Battin said the proposal risked undoing reforms introduced after the 2005 death of Senior Constable Tony Clarke.

The 2010 coronial inquest found Clarke working alone was one of the contributing factors to his death and recommended abolishing single-officer patrols, particularly in isolated areas at night.

“Every Victorian police officer deserves to know they have the support of their government and the backing of a fellow officer when responding to unpredictable and often dangerous incidents,” Mr Battin said.

“The Allan Labor Government must rule out allowing a return to single-officer patrols as a response to its own failure to recruit and retain police.”

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Tuesday, 14 July, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Unexplained wealth in sight

By Afraa Kori Unexplained wealth investigations have disrupted organised crime, with 11 local offenders having assets restrained.

Launched last week, the “Does it add up?” campaign by Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police, encourages the community to report signs of wealth, assets or lifestyles that appear inconsistent with a person’s known lawful income.

Following legislative changes to Victoria’s Confiscation Act under the Confiscation Amendment (Unexplained Wealth) Act 2024, more than $107 million linked to criminal activity was recovered in Victoria during the 2024-25 financial year.

Under Victoria’s unexplained wealth laws, authorities can apply to the court to recover the value of assets exceeding $200,000 where a person cannot demonstrate they were lawfully obtained.

Detective Acting Superintendent Jennifer Locke from Victoria Police’s Economic Crime Division said the crackdown has already had an impact across Melbourne’s south-east.

She confirmed 11 offenders living in Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong have had a variety of assets restrained, including residential properties and cash, amongst other items.

It is believed that their offence location may not have occurred within the south-east.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith and Detective Acting Superintendent Jennifer Locke. (Supplied) Detective Locke also revealed that one offender charged with drug, firearm and illicit tobacco offences has recently had two properties and a quantity of Australian currency seized during the

investigation.

In a separate matter, another south-east resident charged with sexual offences had their property restrained for the purposes of satisfying victims’ compensation.

Detective Locke clarified there was no typical profile of individuals involved in unexplained wealth but they “typically exhibit high-risk offending behaviours”.

Restraining orders under the Confiscation Act 1997 have been obtained for individuals involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, theft, and firearm trafficking.

She rejected concerns the campaign could unfairly target people with legitimate wealth or reinforce stereotypes about certain communities.

Instead explained that forensic investigators and forensic accountants will examine any information before any action is taken.

Detective Locke said community information plays an important role in identifying unexplained wealth linked to criminal activity.

“We are not asking people to determine whether a crime has occurred. We are asking them to report situations where something simply does not add up,” she said.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith said the campaign is designed to help Vic-

torians recognise when something doesn’t add up and to take action.

“People involved in criminal activity often want others to see the rewards. Expensive cars, luxury goods and lavish lifestyles can sometimes be signs that something isn’t adding up,” she said.

Police are also urging the public to “remain vigilant” about financial fraud, as scammers aggressively exploit changing technology to commit scams.

The warning follows a lengthy investigation in Gembrook, where one alleged thief has been bailed on 443 charges relating to theft, deception and using false documents.

The latest Crime Statistics agency shows the thief appears to be responsible for a 500 per cent reported crime spike in the small town of Gembrook.

Detective Locke said theft and deceptions are Schedule 2 offences under the Confiscation Act, so any charges laid by police officers for these offences “will trigger an automatic assessment of the accused’s wealth”.

Community reporting can play a vital role in supporting police investigations. Crime Stoppers Victoria is urging anyone who notices wealth, assets or lifestyles that do not match a person’s known lawful income to report it anonymously.

OPINION

The 9-to-5 feminist and what it means across cultures

by Dalal Smiley, chief executive of Wellsprings for Women Recently at Wellsprings for Women during a discussion on gender equality, a participant commented: “Oh yeah, I can say I am feminist, but from 9 to 5.

“When I get home, I leave the feminist at the door.”

And she was not alone.

This comment resonated with many of us, not only participants but also staff.

These few words revealed a reality that is often underestimated in mainstream discussions about gender equality.

As women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, feminism is rarely a straightforward identity or political position. Instead, it is something we must constantly negotiate between different worlds.

In workplaces, educational settings, and community organisations, we may be encouraged to advocate for our rights, pursue independence, and challenge traditional gender roles.

Yet at home, we often navigate expectations shaped by culture, religion, family obligation, and intergenerational responsibility.

The assumption that empowerment looks the same for all women can create a new form of exclusion.

Western feminist narratives have historically centred individual freedom, personal autonomy, and independence as the primary markers of liberation.

For many migrant and refugee women, how-

Wellsprings for Women chief executive Dr Dalal Smiley. (Supplied) ever, identity is deeply connected to family and community. Decisions are often made collectively rather than individually.

The challenge is not simply choosing between oppression and freedom, but balancing multiple loyalties, expectations, and cultural values.

This can place us in an impossible position.

If we embrace feminist ideals too openly, we may be perceived as rejecting our culture or family traditions.

If we prioritise family or community expectations, we risk being judged by mainstream society as lacking agency or failing to be sufficiently “empowered”.

In effect, we are asked to prove ourselves in two different worlds, each with its own set of demands.

At Wellsprings, we recently reviewed our vision of All Women Shaping their Own Lives and modified it to A World Where All Women Shape their Own Lives.

The distinction removed the onus we previ-

ously placed solely on the shoulders of women and contextualised the outcome within an enabling of equitable systems that value women’s work, attributes and contributions.

Women from migrant backgrounds are not a small minority in Australia.

They constitute 28.3 per cent of women in Australia, and nearly half have at least one parent born overseas.

One national analysis found migrant women had an unemployment rate of 6.29 per cent, compared with 5.4 per cent for Australian women overall, and a labour force participation rate of 66.95 per cent compared with 78.94 per cent for migrant men. Recent research found that more than 340,000 migrant and refugee women in Australia are working below their skill level, and migrant women are 20 per cent more likely than migrant men to have their skills underutilised.

Our brand of feminism is not absent when we return home; rather, it is adapted, negotiated, and sometimes concealed.

What appears to outsiders as contradiction is often a sophisticated form of resilience.

As migrant and refugee women we become experts at navigating competing expectations, while maintaining important relationships and cultural connections.

Too often, policy makers, service providers, and even feminist movements overlook this complexity. Genuine inclusion requires moving beyond the notion that there is a single pathway to women’s empowerment.

It requires listening to the voices of women who live at the intersection of multiple identities and

recognising that feminism itself must be broad enough to accommodate different cultural realities.

While Western feminism often celebrates workplace participation and individual autonomy, as women we continue to shoulder the majority of family and caregiving responsibilities.

In Australia, women undertake more than nine additional hours of unpaid care work each week compared to men.

For migrant and refugee women, these responsibilities are often compounded by cultural expectations, language barriers, settlement pressures, and economic disadvantage.

When we tried at Wellsprings for Women a few years ago to establish a catering social enterprise, we ended up having to close it down due to the limited availability of women who were able to commit their time before 9am or after 3pm.

Even now, the type of work they look for is constrained by their caring responsibilities.

Our experiences as migrant and refugee women challenge us to rethink what feminism looks like in multicultural societies.

How successful has it been in creating systems that support women’s emancipation.

Empowerment is not always about leaving traditions behind.

Sometimes it is about creating space to question, reshape, and negotiate those traditions on one’s own terms.

For many of us, feminism may only be applicable from “9 to 5,” as we still continue to navigate very different realities once we return home.

INTERFAITH

Embracing religious unity for a peaceful future

By Thurai Vinay of Hindu Temple, Carrum Downs and Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network “All religions are more or less true. All proceed from the same God, but all are imperfect because they have come down through imperfect human instrumentality” – Gandhi.

Most of us inherit our religious faith and practices from our families, shaped by the guidance of elders, local traditions, and the literature available in our native languages.

Few take the time to deeply explore or critically examine the faith we profess.

Yet, we recognise the profound impact of our

8 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 14 July, 2026

MESSAGE OF

HOPE religious upbringing—instilling morality, offering hope, and providing comfort during challenging times.

Over millennia, different religions have evolved across various regions of the world, each with noble intentions for humanity’s well-being.

Acknowledging and respecting the diversity of these faiths is essential in fostering a sense of unity and creating an environment conducive to lasting global peace.

It is crucial to move beyond feelings of division, alienation, and even hatred among followers of different religions.

Instead, we should cultivate a shared sense of oneness.

Our goal is to envision a world where peace prevails, and our environment is preserved for future generations.

In such a world, when we stand before God, we can do so with heads held high in reverence, confident that we have acted responsibly and

compassionately.

We must strive to overcome the irresponsible behaviours currently displayed by humanity and work towards a future where interfaith understanding and respect are the cornerstones of our global society.

Let us join hands in this noble crusade, embracing the common values that all religions share, and together, build a world where peace and respect for all forms of life are the guiding principles.

Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au Visit - https://interfaithnetwork.org.au/

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. (On file)

Murder charge proceeds The reclaimed River Red Gum section in front of the social housing apartments that sealed the tree’s fate last year. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 565020)

By Jensy Callimootoo

The River Red Gum trunk in Muderra Way, Noble Park. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 565020)

The social housing tower at the corner of Douglas Street and Muderra Way. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 565020)

River Red Gum reborn

Two brothers have had their charges upgraded to murder over the death of a 63-year-old Clyde North man in Narre Warren South.

The pair had their cases adjourned after appearing separately via video link at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 8 July.

Connor Harnett, 21, of Frankston, and Liam Harnett, 22, of Narre Warren South remain in custody, both accused of one count of murdering Andre Szep, who died in hospital on 18 June after allegedly being assaulted at Strathaird Reserve, Narre Warren South on 12 June.

Up to eight charges including recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally causing injury, assault-related offences, possessing a dangerous article and affray were formally withdrawn at the hearing.

Police have alleged those involved were known to one another.

During the hearing, the prosecution sought 12 weeks to serve the evidence, telling the court investigators were still gathering key information about the incident including post-mortem findings and completing forensic examinations.

Directions were made requiring police to complete the collection and disclosure of CCTV, body-worn camera footage, DNA material and other forensic evidence by the end of September.

The matter will return to court on 11 November 2026 for a further filing hearing.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A remnant of a controversially-felled River Red Gum has been preserved at Muderra Way in Noble Park.

Despite a public outroar, the 20-metre tree was sawn down last year to make way for a six-storey, 97-unit social housing tower at 51A Douglas Street.

Part of the tree has been recently ‘planted’ opposite the tower and forming a gateway into the award-winning Muderra Way road artwork.

A Greater Dandenong Council spokesperson said the trunk was part of the art installation’s interpretative signage.

“The use of the trunk ensures the timber remains part of the local landscape and community story, and honours our commitment to the local community that timber from the removed tree would be retained and repurposed.”

In 2024, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approved the apartments’ plans, which meant the destruction of several River Red Gums – against the wishes of the council.

The developer offset the trees’ removal with a $155,000 payment, which was used to fund 180 street trees.

According to the council, 400 provenance seeds from the tree were also taken to a nursery for planting.

Resident Gaye Guest said the community was “still grieving the loss of our heritage sentinel River Red Gums”.

“We hope that all that view the new art installation honouring Muderra Way respect the fact that some of the timber has come back to the community as a symbolism of what Noble Park grew up around since 1909. “(And respect) why we have “Park” in our

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Investigation into suspicious fire on Clow Street

The 20-metre giant tree being removed in May 2025. (Supplied) suburb’s name is because of the extensive stand of River Red Gums that filled out railway corridor.”

Muderra Way is the first Indigenous place name in Greater Dandenong.

The new signage tells the story of the murals

on the ‘skyrail’ pillars and roadway.

“The signage shares the cultural significance of this space and reveals the connection-to-Country story of Noble Park and the reasons behind the geographic naming of the street,” a council spokesperson said.

A fire at a property on Clow Street in Dandenong is treated as suspicious and anyone with information is urged to report it.

Emergency services responded to a fire at a property on Clow St yesterday at 8:05pm after calls to Triple Zero reported a building on fire.

Firefighters arrived within five minutes to find a brick building, approximately 10 x 30 metres, on fire.

Fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze at the abandoned property and there were no injuries.

FRV crews wore breathing apparatus and worked to contain the blaze to the rear of the building and it was deemed under control at 8:41pm.

The exact circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to be established and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Tuesday, 14 July, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Anti-racism motion backed

By Violet Li and Sahar Foladi Casey Council has backed a national push for stronger action against antisemitism, racism and religious intolerance.

Casey voted in favour of a strategic motion at the recent Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)’s National General Assembly (NGA), calling on the Federal Government to lead and fund a nationally coordinated framework to combat antisemitism and all forms of racism, hatred and bigotry.

The vote on the motion was close.

The motion called for education and partnerships to strengthen social cohesion, in partnership with local government, recognising councils’ role in fostering safe, inclusive and connected communities.

“We voted in favour of the motion as social cohesion is a priority for Casey and because racism and all forms of prejudice and discrim-

ination have no place in our community,” Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said.

“The City of Casey is one of the most diverse municipalities in Victoria and is home to people from more than 150 cultural backgrounds — it’s this diversity that is one of our greatest strengths.

“While discrimination can affect different communities in different ways, our position is simple — everyone should feel safe, respected and welcome, regardless of their faith, culture, background or identity.”

Cr Koomen said Casey was generally a cohesive and respectful community, but Council had heard concerns from residents and community groups about incidents targeting people because of their religion, culture or identity.

“As Mayor, I am committed to strengthening social cohesion and supporting initiatives that bring people together, build understanding and promote respect across our community,” he said.

However, the motion also sparked debate among some councils over whether the Federal Government should create a new framework or instead implement the existing National Anti-Racism Framework.

Greater Dandenong Cr Rhonda Garad said most councillors supported the intent of addressing antisemitism and other forms of racism, but not the creation of a new national framework.

“Australia doesn’t need a separate framework for every form of racism,” she said.

“The National Anti-Racism Framework already promotes education, prevention and accountability for all communities.

“We need effective implementation to address antisemitism, not duplication.”

Cr Garad said the existing framework had been developed over five years through extensive consultation and should be fully implemented rather than replaced.

She said some councils had tried to amend

the motion from the floor but were refused.

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

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

Melbourne City Cr Olivia Ball also raised concerns that starting again with a new framework could delay action.

“The problem is very urgent,” she said.

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

“It can only mean delay.”

ALGA has advised that motion outcomes from the NGA are not yet being publicly released, as they must first go before the ALGA Board for endorsement at the end of July.

Once endorsed, the motions are expected to be sent to relevant Federal Ministers and published by ALGA.

Casey council has begun their advocacy against the implementation of the State’s kerbside waste reforms. (On file)

Kerbside flexibility push from the City of Casey

By Jensy Callimootoo

Concrete trucks delivering concrete for the road underpass.

Base slab concrete pouring, with waterproofing works in the foreground.

Concrete trucks delivering concrete for the road underpass.

Native trees ready to be planted at the western end of the overpass.

Dandenong underpass to open in September A new road underpass in Dandenong is set to open in late September, as part of the Webster Street level crossing removal project.

The connection will directly link Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street to Cheltenham and Hammond roads for the first time.

Trucks and tall vehicles will be able to use the underpass under the rail bridge, which has a 5.4-metre clearance.

The works include a brand new signalised intersection on Princes Highway–Lonsdale Street.

During the project, crews excavated 13 Olympic-sized swimming pools of dirt and poured more than 10,000 cubic metres of concrete base for the underpass.

10 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 14 July, 2026

The underpass walls will be painted five colours to reflect Dandenong’s vibrant character and diversity, the Level Crossing Removal Project stated.

Thousands of native trees, shrubs and flowering plants will feature in nearby landscaping.

A new walking and cycling path along Webster Street and under the rail line connects to the existing Dandenong Creek Trail.

The Webster Street boom gates – the final set on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines - were dismantled late last year.

Prior to its closure, motorists were delayed by more than 200 trains a day passing through the level crossing, with the boom gates down for more than an hour during the morning peak.

Landscaping works near the western end of the underpass.

The City of Casey has begun lobbying the Victorian Government for greater flexibility in the rollout of the state’s controversial fourbin kerbside recycling system, while continuing to prepare for the reforms to avoid delaying implementation.

Following a council resolution in May, Casey has written to the Victorian Minister for Environment, engaged local members of parliament and joined advocacy being led by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) over concerns about the mandated household glass recycling service.

Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen said the council supported changes that would reduce costs for residents while still achieving the state’s recycling objectives.

“Following the Council resolution in May, Casey has commenced advocacy efforts to raise concerns about the implementation of the State’s kerbside waste reforms, particularly the mandated glass bin service,” Koomen said.

“We are calling on the Victorian Government to provide greater flexibility, including expanding the Container Deposit Scheme to include wine and spirit bottles as a lower-cost alternative.”

The advocacy comes as councils across Victoria continue to raise concerns about the cost and practicality of introducing a separate purple-lidded bin for household glass.

Under the Victorian Government’s waste reforms, councils are required to introduce a four-stream kerbside system comprising separate bins for general rubbish, mixed recycling, food and garden organics, and glass recycling.

All councils are expected to comply with the mandate by July 2027.

Despite the advocacy, Koomen said the council would continue planning for the rollout to protect ratepayers from potential financial risks.

Casey previously endorsed moving ahead with the reforms after entering into contracts required to deliver the new service. New reports reveal that 50 of the 79 Victoria councils are now pushing back against the reforms.

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Yidaki player Ganga Giri backing the dance troupe.

Yidaki player Ganga Giri in front of the Cranbourne gardens’ lake.

Yidaki player Ganga Giri and the Djarlo Dance Group.

The Djarlo Dance Group form a formidable line at the NAIDOC Week festival on 8 July. (Gary Sissons: 564167)

Some of the large crowd admiring Djarlo Dance Group.

Dance moves on point To the drones of a yidaki, world-renowned Djarlo Dance Group thrilled a crowd on Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne’s lawns as part of a threeday NAIDOC Week celebration.

The gardens are hosting a free festival of First Peoples’ art, storytelling, dance, music and bushfoods from 7-9 July.

Some of the highlights were an interactive

hip-hop dance workshop with Indigenous Outreach Projects and art and storytelling from Skyla Lauch from Living Culture.

It concludes on Thursday 9 July with a guid-

ed bushfood walking tour through the Australian garden, and a bushfood truffles cooking workshop for kids.

The traditional Pakistani truck covered in Pakistani art is very common on Pakistan’s roads but will prove to be nostalgic for many here.(Supplied)

Mangoes to go at Sandown

By Sahar Foladi

The most recent People’s Choice Award winner as voted by exhibition attendees.Captured by Daniel Green, it’s an early morning drone image of Sandown Racecourse covered in low lying fog. It appeared in the month of June in the 2026 calendar.(Supplied)

Photography competition kicks off City of Greater Dandenong is calling for community members to photograph the places that make the city unique to enter into the 2027 Community Calendar Photography Competition.

Every year the council produces a community calendar, which holds information about waste and recycling programs and events in the community, along with photos that showcase the city.

The competition opens Wednesday 8 July

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

and closes Friday 31 August.

Community members have a chance to share their favourite views and local discoveries – from iconic cityscapes and green open spaces to hidden suburban treasures and the natural beauty across Greater Dandenong.

Winners will be selected by a panel of council staff, including the Arts Curator.

To support the council’s sustainability efforts from December 2026, residents will be

able to collect their copy from convenient locations, including Council Customer Service Centres, its libraries in Dandenong and Springvale, Keysborough Community Hub and other central locations.

Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/photographycompetition to read the terms and conditions and find out how to submit your entry.

Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au to discover more collection points.

The sweetest, juiciest and most popular Pakistani mangoes are on display at a Mango and Multicultural Food Festival at Sandown Racecourse in Springvale on Saturday 18 July.

Organised in partnership with the wellknown Agha Juice and Agha Mangoes, the festival is the first of its kind in the south east.

It will celebrate food from various cultures such as Afghan, Pakistani and Indian.

Event spokesperson Arif says the aim is to serve the community, spread joy during troubling times and dire international headlines.

Consulate-General of Pakistan, Wajid Hassan, is expected to attend.

The day will also feature fun rides for children, retail stalls, various food stalls, live entertainment, performance, singing, multiple lucky draws throughout the day and free mango testing.

A traditionally-painted, colourful truck, typical of many seen on Pakistani roads, will also be on display at the event.

The mango festival is held annually in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Tuesday, 14 July, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 11

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WHAT’S ON Mens Shed open day Learn about Endeavour Hills Mens Shed with woodworking, music, copper work, free giveaways for kids, face painting. Donations accepted for items on display. Sausage sizzle, soft drinks available. Free tea and coffee.

■ Saturday 25 July, 10am at Endeavour Hills Mens Shed, 289 Power Road, Endeavour Hills.

Details: ehms.org.au

Air Dry Clay Workshop Join artist Eden Hoang for a tactile air-dry clay workshop. Learn handbuilding techniques to create unique decorative objects in a relaxing environment. Perfect for beginners and ages 16-plus.

■ Tuesdays 14 July and 21 July, 6.30pm-8pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net. au/# !/event-detail/ev_a04e1c65045f4b90a75a04481559b85f

Paper Beading Workshop Learn how to craft beads, bangles, pendants and earrings from recyclable paper with simple techniques and stunning results. Part of Plastic-Free July.

■ Thursday 16 July, 10.30am-12pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev _0d6b6f62f92a42b4b640d4a286bdb0c8

Brown Women Comedy Workshops Eight-week stand-up comedy course for women of colour, created and delivered by Australian South Asian Centre (ASAC). Learn joke writing, storytelling, comedic structure, improvisation, stage presence and dealing with nerves. You’ll also get dedicated script coaching, peer feedback sessions. Finishes with a showcase performance in front of a live audience.

■ Thursdays 16 July-10 September 6.30pm9.30pm (with up-and-comers’ showcase Saturday 12 September) at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; $200 (for Casey residents). Bookings: tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/11454

Sustainable Jewellery workshop Create your own unique, sustainable jewellery in this hands-on workshop using recycled materials. You’ll be introduced to non-traditional jewellery-making techniques, including design thinking, sketching and assembling your own pieces. For ages 16-plus.

■ Thursday 16 July, 6.30pm-8pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ ev_e58587dfb614423f9e7e5769ce5a5d90

Jump Cut short films More than 100 animations from the LoopdeLoop challenge under the theme of nocturnal plant activity, featuring emerging animators from around Australia. Also the best of Live Action Dramas selected from the past decade of Swinburne Diploma of Screen and Media.

■ Saturday 18 July 1pm-4pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong; free event. Registrations required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable. net.au/#!/event-book/ev_bbeee8a3f5d74dfbb 3893748df3c7996?eventDateID=1481

The Four Rs A fun, hands-on program that helps participants learn about cutting plastic waste and making a real difference by reducing, reusing, recycling and rethinking how we use plastic. Suitable for ages 7-12.

Presented by Earth Crusaders.

■ Saturday 18 July, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event.

Registration required at greaterdandenongevents.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_60 545aac981f4f82973d72262833462a

Historical Societies Lunch Dandenong and Springvale historical societies combined annual lunch. Guest speaker: 2011 Australian of the Year Simon McKeon, who will share the history of the McKeon Pharmacy owned by his father Charles McKeon in Lonsdale Street Dandenong in 1952-’76. Includes a two-course meal.

■ Saturday 18 July, 12.30pm at Dandenong Club, cnr Heatherton and Stud roads, Dandenong; $47pp. Bookings and payments by 11 July: dandhist@bigpond.com or 9794 8967 (Wednesdays)

Sportsmans Night Join AFL guests Wayne Carey, Anthony Koutafides and Nate Caddy, with comedian Evan Hocking, McFly Tribute Band and event host Ricky Nixon at St John’s Football Club Sportsmans Night. Includes sit-down dinner and four-hour drink package. For ages 18-plus.

■ Saturday 18 July, 6.30pm-midnight at Dandenong Workers Sports Club, 52-70 Wedge Street, Dandenong; $150pp/$1100 table of 8. Book-

ings: trybooking.com/events/landing/1542113

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 Feast Free synthetic ‘ice-skating rink’, winter comfort food, hot chocolate, live DJ, free face painting.

■ Sunday 19 July 10am-3pm at cnr Cleeland and Clow streets Dandenong; free parking and entry.

Choral concert Cranbourne Chorale presents “Reflections”, a varied song suite to please everyone.

■ Sunday 19 July, 2.30pm at Cranbourne Community Theatre, Brunt Street, Cranbourne followed by afternoon tea; $35/$30/$10. Tickets available at Trybooking, or at the door.

Disability Pride celebration Vibrant music, speakers and performances, featuring local band Beyond Rhythm and theatre group Fusion Theatre. Stalls with local disability organisations. Creative breakout activities including LEGO and crafts. Dedicated quiet room. Light snacks and refreshments provided. All ages welcome.

■ Wednesday 22 July, 11.30am-2.30pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. No registrations required.

Sandown Probus Are you retired or semi-retired and would like to stay engaged and connected with others? Come along and see if you would like to join Sandown Probus Club. Enjoy the opportunity to make new friends, expand your interests, participate in the variety of activities and hear guest speakers on a wide range of subjects.\ ■ 2nd Monday of each month at Club Noble, Moodemere Street, Noble Park. Details: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/sandown or Marion, 0458 660 016.

Noble Park Probus A warm invitation is extended to anyone in the local community who is aged 55 and over, not working full time to visit us with a view to becoming a member at Noble Park Combined Probus Club.

Meets monthly for morning tea and an interesting

Employment

guest speaker. Also special lunches, day trips and extended trips such as to Bright. We make sure we promote the Probus core values of ’Friendship, fellowship and fun’. - first Monday of the month, 10am at Club Noble.

■ Details: Roslyn, rgrassham07@gmail.com or 0410628249.

Dandenong senior activities Dandenong over 60’s Club (but over 50s are welcome). Join us for fun and games.

■ Mondays 1pm-4pm (except public holidays) at The Dandenong Club, cnr Stud and Heatherton roads. Details: Carol, 0431 755 466

Senior activities Keysborough Keysborough & District Multicultural Senior Citizens Inc is an over 55s club with bingo on first, second and fourth Tuesday of the month ($3 entry and $1.50 per bingo book), live concerts with professional entertainers on third and fifth Tuesday of the month, line dancing on Wednesdays ($3 entry), Thursday ballroom dancing lessons (12.30pm1pm) and ballroom dancing (1pm-3pm, $3 entry).

■ 1pm-3pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Rowley Allan Reserve 352 Cheltenham Road Keysborough. Tea and coffee provided. Details: Julie, 0428 561 694.

Adult Exercise Improve fitness and energy levels for good health and wellbeing at this adult exercise group class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a self-paced, gentle aerobics class suitable for all levels.

■ Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am at Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North; $5 per session. No registrations required.

Details: 8571 1436 or communityfacilities@cgd. vic.gov.au

Meditation and positive thinking Learn how to make your mind your best friend through open-eyed meditation. Led by Bhavani Padmanabhan, these free sessions are open to all.

Presented by Bakhtar Community Organisation and The Brahma Kumaris Organisation.

■ Saturdays 2pm at 23-47 Gunns Road, Hallam.

Registrations: 9703 2555 or 0403 551 596.

Weekly badminton Adults welcome (Mondays 7pm-9pm) and ladies and retired (Wednesdays 12pm-2.30pm).

■ Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.

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Tuesday, 14 July, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 13

SPORT

Clock ticks for Noble Park

By David Nagel The equation continues to get tighter for relegation-bound Noble Park after the Bulls fell to thirdplaced Doncaster East by 25 points at Pat Wright Oval on Saturday.

The Bulls were always playing catch-up after conceding seven of the first eight goals; closing to 18 points at one stage before eventually falling 14.5(89) to 9.10(64) in an otherwise even contest.

Noble Park now has just five opportunities to climb from the bottom of the ladder and avoid relegation from Eastern Premier to Division 1 next season.

The Bulls have a bye this week before facing back-to-back away trips against Vermont (6th) and Berwick (4th), before a home clash against Blackburn (5th) in round 16.

That’s the only game at home for the Bulls in the run home, with away games against Balwyn (7th) and South Croydon (8th) to finish off their season.

The Bulls need at least one win, and possibly two, to retain their Premier Division status.

The signs were not good for Noble Park early, with former Brisbane, Western Bulldogs and Melbourne AFL forward Josh Schache kicking the first for the afternoon after the Lions won the opening centre clearance of the match.

The Lions then kicked another before Jay Verhagen answered for the Bulls with a clever rightfoot snap, against the wind, from the forward pocket.

But it was brief respite for the Bulls, with the Lions kicking the next five goals to open up a 36-point lead; just 12 minutes into the second quarter.

Verhagen cut the deficit to 30, but Schache was proving deadly accurate with his left boot and nailed his fourth goal at the 20-minute mark of the second term to push the margin back to six goals.

The 28-year-old’s four goals included two absolute rippers in the lead up to half-time, allowing for the wind from long range.

Liam O’Rourke and Luke Molinaro then flew the flag for Noble Park, giving the home side its first piece of momentum of the match with the final two goals of the first half.

Doncaster East looked the clearly superior outfit, but the Bulls trailed by a still gettable 24 points at the major interval.

Ben Marson then opened proceedings in the third quarter with a nice crumbing goal, giving

Noble Park skipper Ben Marson flew the flag high on Saturday, kicking four goals in a 25-point defeat at the hands of Doncaster East. (Gary Sissons: 553583) the Bulls three on the trot and cutting the deficit to three goals.

But the Lions responded in the style of a team that is gunning for this year’s premiership, kicking five of the next six to open up a game-high 42-point lead, early in the final term.

The Bulls kicked the next three to put some respectability on the scoreboard, before Kai Owens kicked the last of the day for the Lions to keep them three games clear in third place.

Marson ended the day with four goals for Noble Park, all kicked in the second half, while Verhagen nailed the only two majors for the home side in the opening 45 of play.

Jordan Marson joined his brother on the Bulls’

list of best players, while Tom Taborsky and Lachie McDonnell were serviceable across four quarters.

Schache produced a masterclass in straight kicking, ending with five for the winning Lions, while Daniel Scala and Hugh White contributed two each.

In other games, Berwick has moved to fourth place after two goals each to Jai Neal, Ashton Williamson and Sam Woodward led to a 14-point win over South Croydon, while Lachlan Guymer, Blake Pearson and Felix Seymour kicked three each in a 46-point victory for ladder-leading East Ringwood over Blackburn.

Only two games will be played in Eastern Pre-

mier Division this Saturday, with South Belgrave hosting Rowville and Vermont rolling out the redcarpet for Balwyn in the conclusion to round 13.

• EASTERN PREMIER RESULTS R13 SPLIT-ROUND: Noble Park 9.10(64) def by Doncaster East 14.5(89), Berwick 10.9(69) def South Croydon 8.7(55), Blackburn 8.18(66) def by East Ringwood 16.16(112).

LADDER: East Ringwood 48, Rowville 40, Doncaster East 40, Berwick 28, Blackburn 28/ Vermont 24, Balwyn 22, South Croydon 14, South Belgrave 4, Noble Park 4.

FIXTURE R13 SPLIT-ROUND (Saturday 18 July): South Belgrave v Rowville, Vermont v Balwyn.

Eagles bring down another real premiership contender

By Blair Burns Cranbourne is making a habit of knocking off the Southern Division 1 premiership contenders after the Eagles upset Narre Warren in a gritty 13-point win at Kalora Park on Saturday, 13.7 (85) to 10.12 (72).

Only a month ago, the Eagles shocked Dingley as they knocked off the ladder-leader away from home and went into the bye with great confidence.

This time, it was coming out of the bye with another statement victory over one of, if not the best team in the competition.

The round-12 clash promised another heated encounter between two old rivals, and it delivered once again as Cranbourne got redemption.

Not only does the win reinvigorate finals hopes, but it also snaps a three-game losing streak since the last league bye.

It was the hot start from the visitors which set the game up as they piled on six goals to one in the opening term, making the most of the wind - Dillan Bass kicked the first of them to start the day on a high.

A 40-8 quarter-time lead was a strong foundation, but Narre Warren was going to respond and is such a hard team to stop when it gets momentum; like it did last time the teams met.

Narre Warren challenged in the second term, but Cranbourne held up really well through Andrew Green, Will Nisbet and Tom Freyer.

They even managed to get a couple of goals

14 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 14 July, 2026

Cranbourne’s Nicholas Darbyshire is wrapped up by Narre Warren’s Jesse Davies in the Eagles victory on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 564854) against the grain and still held the lead 52-31 by half time as they approached another quarter with the wind.

At three-quarter time, the margin was 34 points but the Magpies flew home to kick four unanswered goals in the fourth term.

It was back to just eight points, 18 minutes into the quarter, before a late free kick and 50m penalty saw Zak Roscoe kick a settling goal - his

third of the game.

The leaders were huge for Cranbourne, with Roscoe and Marc Holt (three goals each) delivering up forward, while Mitch Lewis was clinical in the midfield.

Running half-back Nisbet continues to impress and there is no doubt that the young star is capable of playing at a higher level at some point in the near future.

Ethan Kennedy was superb for Narre Warren and played his best game of the year - his burst and attack on the loose ball were first class.

Narre Warren was missing Julian Goerlitz and Tom Toner to injury, and will look to welcome back a few more stars in the coming weeks.

In other games, Port Melbourne won its first game of the season as the Colts defeated Springvale Districts 13.14 (92) to 5.11 (41).

It was a comprehensive win for the Colts who are hoping to get off the bottom of the ladder and avoid relegation.

After a draw last time they met, St Paul’s McKinnon did enough to knock off Murrumbeena by 15 points, 10.11 (71) to 8.8 (56).

Scores were level at 27-27 at half time before the Bulldogs pulled away thanks to a five-goal performance from Matthew Kreymborg - Ed Standish slotted four majors in the loss.

It was a Dingley demolition at Souter Reserve as the Dingoes preyed on the Redbacks and sent them packing with a 107-point loss.

Jack Ferraro led the way with five goals, while six other players kicked two or more in a percentage-boosting victory - Liam Scott kicked three and was Hampton Park’s best.

• SOUTHERN DIVISION 2 RESULTS East Malvern 14.16 (100) def Caulfield Bears 8.6 (54), Hampton 20.15 (135) def East Brighton 5.5 (35), Keysborough 8.6 (54) def Doveton 7.10 (52), Highett 19.20 (134) def Chelsea Heights 8.9 (57), Mordialloc 9.5 (59) def Frankston Dolphins 6.15 (51).

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Saints rally to upset Pies

By Justin Schwarze An excellent weekend for local clubs saw a number of upsets and some contenders stamping their authority in round 14 of Southern Division 4.

St John’s Old Collegians enjoyed a dominant second half, booting 15 goals across the final two quarters while scoring 99 points to blow away Moorabbin 24.15 (159) to 14.7 (91) on the road.

The contending Collegians only led by nine points against the bottom-of-the-ladder Kangaroos at halftime, but a switch flipped in the third quarter.

The JOCs fired home nine majors in the third term to suddenly build up a 49-point three-quarter time buffer before blazing away to the final result.

Harvey Emery and Jake Weightman each booted four goals for the victors, while Farhad Azad, Clayton Emery and Timothy Werner nailed three each.

Narre South picked up the most important win of its season by taking down Ashwood at Strathaird Reserve.

The Saints got off to a hot start and held a three-goal advantage at halftime, but the Magpies held them scoreless in the third and jumped into the lead.

But on its home deck, Narre South got the game completely on its own terms in the last, piling on six goals to one in the fourth to overrun the visitors and win 12.11 (83) to 9.11 (65).

Skipper Stephen Richards-Gill led from the front with four goals, while Brady Barlow and Nicholas Green each managed three majors.

Dandenong West staved off any Lyndale pushes to cruise to a comfortable 14.6 (90) to 9.8 (62) victory to remain atop the ladder.

Dandenong West remains on top of the ladder with four rounds to go in the season. (Gary Sissons: 560622) The Westerners put through five goals in the opening term to lead by 19 points before the Pumas struck back and cut the deficit to five at the main interval.

Dandenong West then showed why its first on the table, piling on five unanswered majors in the third to race away and not look back, securing the four points.

Coren Giliam collected another five-goal bag and was well supported by Harry Lees’ four-major effort.

Doveton Eagles overcame inaccurate kicking to record its second-straight win, upsetting Clay-

ton 8.17 (65) to 9.7 (61).

The Eagles showed immense grit at Power Reserve, erasing a two-goal halftime margin to slingshot into an eight-point advantage at the last change.

The fourth was a slog, but the hosts managed to hold on despite scoring just two behinds for the entire quarter.

Captain Josh Johns kicked two goals and was the main avenue up forward for the Eagles.

• SOUTHERN 4 RESULTS R14: Moorabbin 14.7 (91) def by St

John’s Old Collegians 24.15 (159), Narre South 12.11 (83) def Ashwood 9.11 (65), Dandenong West 14.6 (90) def Lyndale 9.8 (62), Doveton Eagles 8.17 (65) def Clayton 9.7 (61).

LADDER: Dandenong West 50, St John’s Old Collegians 46, Ashwood 36, Narre South 34, Clayton 28, Lyndale 14, Doveton Eagles 12, Moorabbin 4.

FIXTURE R15: St John’s Old Collegians (2) v Narre South (4), Lyndale (6) v Doveton Eagles (7), Dandenong West (1) v Moorabbin (8), Ashwood (3) v Clayton (5).

Thunder strikes back to snap losing streak as City falters

By Justin Schwarze Dandenong Thunder tasted victory for the first time in 78 days with a 2-1 win over Bentleigh Greens in round 20 of the NPL. And for what feels like the first time in ages, Dandenong got on the front foot early and put the pressure on.

At George Andrews Reserve, Thunder earned a corner in just the third minute, and the ball was deflected back to taker Mersim Memeti.

Memeti put a cross back into the box, which was missed by all players, but it kept curling and found its way inadvertently into the back of the net.

In the 24th minute, a long goal kick from Lewis Alvarez got over the top of everyone, leading the way for a footrace between Anthony Lynn and two Bentleigh defenders, which Lynn won.

The goalkeeper scrambled out to meet the

striker, but Lynn had enough time to toe-poke it past him to make it 2-0.

Dandenong took the most of its opportunities in the first half as both teams had fired three shots on target each, but Thunder had the lead.

The visitors drew one back late through a Yerasimakis Petratos stunner from outside the box, but it was too late as Dandenong picked up the three crucial points.

But with Altona’s win, Thunder still remains seven points below the drop zone.

In round 21, Dandenong heads on the road to face bottom-placed Green Gully.

Dandenong City was defeated 2-0 at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex by South Melbourne.

The visitors asserted themselves on enemy territory early as Sebastian Pasquali fired an absolute rocket into the top-right corner from outside the box in the second minute to give his side

the perfect start.

Dandenong had its fair share of scoring chances in the first half, peppering the sticks with eight shots and two on target, but it trailed 1-0 at the main break.

And the second half started the same way the first did, with South Melbourne scoring inside the first two minutes.

A defensive breakdown allowed a pass into Yuki Uchida in a dangerous area, who then turned and hit the back of the net from close range.

Uchida continues to haunt City after crossing from Dandenong Thunder to South Melbourne in the offseason.

The goal ended up being the dagger, and City fell back one spot to 10th on the table.

Dandenong has a good shot at a rebound in round 21 with a trip away to take on 12th-placed Bentleigh Greens.

Mersim Memeti scored an early goal that helped Dandenong Thunder to a 2-1 victory.

(Supplied)

Rangers knock off Cavaliers with finals place on the line

By Justin Schwarze In the biggest game of the season to date, Dandenong rallied in the fourth quarter and survived a massive scare to defeat Casey in round 14 of the NBL1 South.

The game was effectively an elimination final with both sides on the bubble of finals while holding the same record, so whoever won was likely eliminating the other.

The Rangers came to play, setting the tone with a dominant 25-11 opening quarter on the road.

It seemed Dandenong was on its way to already punching its ticket to the postseason as it went plus-six in the second term, building a 20-point lead heading into halftime.

Harry Froling scored 14 points himself, including three triples, in the second term, to help boost the Rangers to the imposing start.

But the tide turned on the other side of the break, and it turned quickly.

The visitors lost all their offensive movement in the third, turning the ball over eight times and shooting below 20 percent from the field for the period.

Dandenong made just two field goals as a

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

team in the third - both layups by Froling - and scored just six points.

The Cavaliers took advantage, unbelievably turning the deficit around and leading at threequarter time as Ibrahima Diallo drilled a fadeaway jumper to cap off 27 points in the quarter for the hosts.

Ryan Rapp provided the settler for the Rangers, knocking down a three and a pull-up midranger jumper on his side’s first two possessions of the fourth, putting them back up by four.

Casey then responded to hold a four-point buffer with just over two minutes remaining.

Sam Davidson came up huge with a heads-up play, intercepting a Jesse Ghee pass in the backcourt for a quick jam.

Patrick Ryan then lost a handle on the ball and it went out of bounds, leading to a beautiful swing to Joe Palmer for a huge three.

Preston Bungei got to the rack and scored two at the other end for Casey, followed by Diallo bullying his way to the cup for two.

Coach Samantha Woosnam drew up a beauty out of the timeout, getting Palmer free for a dunk before Davidson was again massive defensively by drawing a charge on Ghee.

Froling then played through contact, finishing

an ‘and-one’ to snatch the lead back with 33 seconds left on the clock.

The Rangers forced another stop as Ryan turned the ball over, leading to Jashua Kunen Gatbel knocking down a pair of game-sealing free throws.

Froling fuelled the win with 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists on 12/18 shooting, while Palmer added 24 points and seven boards on 50 percent shooting.

Dandenong went on to win 89-84 and hold onto seventh spot on the ladder at 12-9.

Casey fell to ninth at a record of 11-10 with just one game to go.

Dandenong also got the job done in the women’s matchup, emphatically knocking off Casey 98-66.

The result saw Casey tumble from fourth to seventh despite already being locked into finals, while the Rangers are on the outside looking in; sitting 11th.

Manuela Puoch starred as she posted a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds while Marena Whittle popped off for 22 points off the bench.

Both Dandenong outfits will close the homeand-away season away at Diamond Valley.

Joe Palmer made some crucial plays down the stretch to get Dandenong over the line against Casey. (Feilong001 Sports)

Tuesday, 14 July, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 15

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16 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 14 July, 2026

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