Tuesday, 6 October, 2026
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Market’s tall vision
Rooming houses laid bare
More hospital strikes
DDCA preview
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SPORT
Caught in a short gaze Jorja Wakely was locked in a stare-off with her cavy Dio during the 2026 Eurofest event staged by Cavy Council of Victoria at Dandenong North on Sunday. Dio, who was among nearly 350 entrants in the nation’s oldest cavy club’s show, took out the Best Condition -Large Boar category. Guinea pigs from across Australia were measured up by international guest judges Sophie Barnard (Great Britain) and Jirka Kynter (Czechia) at Menzies Hall. More pictures, turn to page 2 (Gary Sissons: 582492)
Fired-up debate The state election is hotting up, with the State Government pledging a $10 million new fire station for Keysborough’s CFA brigade. A CFA spokesperson said it has yet to identify a final site for the new station after making a shortlist of four feasible options. Mordialloc Labor MP Tim Richardson said he was “so pleased” that a re-elected government would deliver the station, “supporting our dedicated volunteers who keep our community safe”.
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The government had allocated $500,000 for planning a new station in the 2022-’23 Budget – a process which was now complete, he said. However Mordialloc Greens candidate Alex Breskin returned fire, claiming the government could have funded the project outside of the election campaign. “Volunteers have been left waiting, and the money has turned up only when there’s an election to win.”
The 64-year-old existing station has been long blighted with problems, such as a cramped engine bay, parking and office space that don’t keep pace with the rapidly-growing suburb. Crews were also often caught in gridlock on Chapel Road, especially during school pick-up and drop-off times. Victorian Socialists candidate Mahee Hossain said he supported all fire stations being resourced with “what they require”.
“Fire safety is increasingly important due to our climate crisis and the upcoming super El Niño, and firefighters should have the tools they need to keep our communities safe.” At the 2022 election, the Liberal party pledged $7 million for a “first” and “innovative” CFA hub, which would provide a home for Springvale and Keysborough brigades. Liberal and One Nation candidates didn’t respond by the Star Journal’s deadline. More on the story, turn to page 4
NEWS
Market plan endorsed By Sahar Foladi The Dandenong Market Precinct Plan final draft has passed at a recent Greater Dandenong Council meeting, paving the way for a $1 billion vision for the area. The final draft of the precinct plan will guide future housing and retail development and investment as Dandenong Market celebrates 160 years this week. It includes the surroundings of Dandenong Market, Palm Plaza and the “underutilised” car park on Stuart Street. The promised Dandenong Community Hub site at the corner of Sleeth Avenue and Clow Street is also part of the multi-storey apartment plan. The precinct plan draft had lapsed at the previous council meeting, with councillors citing a lack of information and details. However, this time, it was passed by a majority of councillors, except councillors Rhonda Garad and Lana Formoso who abstained to vote at the Monday 21 September meeting. Councillor Garad says she abstained from voting because she considers the draft to be a “developers’ picnic,” without any guarantee that future developments would have community input or community benefits. Nor that any developments would be retained for the community, she argued. “We as a community have spent millions buying up that land over the years - we’ll never have that chance again. “There are options, directions, there’s a vision (in the precinct plan) but no guarantees around what the community will retain, what controls the community will have around what is developed. “It’s a list of options and possibilities, but nothing anchored in what it means for the future of Dandenong. “I wanted to see much more guarantees in the plan around community asset retention, future earning of the council and more.” She says council is simply “washing their hands of it” ready to give it to whichever developer “comes up with the big money.” She fears the “grounded community character” of the Dandenong Market will be eroded, something she says a lot of community residents have expressed to her. “There’s no real commitment in the plan to the community guidance and retaining the community nature.” Deputy mayor, Phillip Danh however supported the plans and found comfort in the revised
An artist impression of high rise towers on a current car park near the Clow Street and Lonsdale Street. (City of Greater Dandenong)
1700 new residents in Market vision By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The Dandenong Market Precinct Plan covers the parameters on the map.(Greater Dandenong Council) report stating that prior to the progression of any major projects, a comprehensive governance framework will be presented to the council. This also applies to the development of any land parcels subject to land sale or long-term lease arrangements. “We constantly talk advocacy for our public spaces, about the need for more housing in our communities. “And while we keep talking about it forever, we will never get there if we don’t actually do something about it. “The future council will make those decisions but tonight we have taken the step to realise that plan because this is one of the centrepieces of our community. I look forward to how it progresses in years to come.” However, considering councils have lost tre-
mendous planning oversight to the state government, paired with the lack of guarantee for community retentions, Cr Garad says once an application is brought to the council, it doesn’t mean they have “a great deal of influence over” it. “Because of the broad parameters, if a developer wanted to develop x-number of apartments with high-end apartments, that will substantially take up a lot of the area, there’s no guarantee we can stop that. “Because it’s so vague and general, there’s no guarantee the plan and implementation phases that the community wishes will be delivered.” Councillor Sean O’Reilly also spoke in support of the plan at the council meeting, saying it could stimulate thousands of millions of dollars in investment, create 2000 construction jobs and 500 ongoing positions.
Housing will be a key priority in the $1 billion revamp of the Dandenong Market Precinct, according to a Greater Dandenong Council final draft plan. The 20-year plan includes about 1000 new medium and high-density dwellings includes apartment towers on “underutilised” at-grade car parks and off Stuart, King and Sleeth streets. The precinct could be home to 1700 residents, with 568 car spaces. One of the earmarked sites potentially could provide 220 dwellings in up to four towers of up to six storeys with an internal courtyard on the corner of King and Stuart streets. It is directly north of the proposed Dandenong Community Hub – which could be a mixed-use site of up to six-eight storeys. Also proposed is a 10 storey, mixed-use tower with 380 dwellings on the corner of Clow and Stuart streets. It would potentially house retail/food as well as tenants such as the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre on the ground levels. Meanwhile, in Palm Plaza, the Lonsdale street end could be home to a seven-storey social and community housing tower with 78 dwellings and retail/commercial on the ground floor. It would loom over the Pillars of Freedom war memorial, which will be retained. A gateway, landmark site for 25 storey towers has been identified on the current car park between Clow Street and Palm Plaza. They could comprise market and affordable housing, as well as retail, commercial, food and community facilities on the ground. There is also a strategy for a pedestrianised ‘eat street’ connecting the market and Palm Plaza, street activation for community safety, a landscaped urban plaza, and potential development above the 159-year-old market. An improved Clow-Cleeland streets intersection and crossing, as well as bike and walking access and more tree canopy are also part of the agenda. Potentially, the market’s parking areas could go below or above ground level to unlock more land.
Sharon Wakely with cavy Perdita - who took out Best Condition in Show.
Man dies after alleged hit-run in Dandenong UK judge Sophie Barnard examines the contestants. (Gary Sissons: 582492)
Ben Carter with Best Condition Small Boar winner Goofy and Best Condition Small Sow winner Cinnamon.
Champions of the critters! Nearly 350 immaculate cavies - or guinea pigs glammed up for Cavy Council of Victoria’s Eurofest 2026 held in Menzies Hall on Sunday 4 October. It was the largest event of the year at Australia’s oldest cavy club, attracting international judges Sophie Barnard (Great Britain) and Jirka
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Kynter (Czechia) to cast their expert eyes over the entries. “Enthusiasts from Victoria, NSW and South Australia enjoyed a fun competitive day out showing their animals in one of the 40-plus different breed classes, as well as sampling a delicious lunch from the representative judges
countries,” CCV spokesperson Michael Carter said. The Cavy Council of Victoria holds a show on the first Sunday of the month between March to December at Menzies Hall in Dandenong North. Details on the club’s Facebook page or caviesvic.org.au
Police are investigating after a man was struck by a car in Dandenong on Sunday night (4 October). A white Toyota Yaris allegedly struck the victim on McCrae Street before driving off about 9.30pm, police say. The Toyota allegedly returned to the scene before driving off again shortly after. Emergency services worked on the yet-to-beformally identified man who died at the scene. Shortly after, police investigators located the Toyota and arrested a 24-year-old Lynbrook man. He was interviewed by police and released pending further enquiries. Any dashcam/CCTV vision or information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Awful dilemma exposed By Cam Lucadou-Wells Regulators are faced with the dilemma of allowing non-compliant rooming houses in order to avoid people sleeping on the streets, according to an alarming Dandenong West Community Action Group report. A Dandenong West resident reportedly told of 20 people crammed into a three-bedroom house with one toilet. “There were bunks in the lunchroom. They can’t go to the toilet, so they s*** the newspaper and wrap it up.” However, council officials faced a tension of enforcing minimum standards while avoiding the “mass closure” of rooming houses, the Dandenong West Rooming House project report dated January 2026 stated. “Local government officials may allow residents to live in non-compliant housing as the alternative can be people sleeping rough.” The report was initiated by the Dandenong West Community Action Group, with input from rooming house residents, operators, neighbours, government agencies and service providers. Neighbours had voiced concerns about “disproportionate” levels of rooming houses, increased crime, vandalism, anti-social behavior, parking shortages and fraying community cohesion. Greater Dandenong is the state’s second most disadvantaged council in terms of socio-economic status, and one of the most prolif-
ic for rooming houses. “Rooming houses address a gap in affordable housing in Greater Dandenong providing options for the local community,” the report stated. As of early 2024, there were 133 registered rooming houses in the council area and 28 unregistered. Each year, the council investigates more than 100 unregistered rooming houses. Of the registered 133 dwellings, more than a quarter (36) were considered “high-risk” – which means a “poor compliance history, poor hygiene, shared facilities, high risk tenants and large premises”. The report told of gaps in a “complicated” and “messy” regulatory system, leading to an “ongoing and noted lack of enforcement” of minimum standards. Councils are responsible for rooming house registration but have limited enforcement powers, the report found. Meanwhile, Consumer Affairs Victoria – as the rooming house standards regulator – fell “far behind” in its inspection regime. CAV inspectors made 157 visits to registered rooming houses in Victoria in 2022-‘23 – well short of the 1451 rooming houses across the state. CAV doesn’t inspect unregistered rooming houses. The largest resident cohorts are people living below the poverty line with complex health and support needs, such as mental illness, substance
abuse issues, reintegration after prison and fleeing domestic violence, the report stated. International students are also highly represented. The safety of women and young people in rooming houses was identified as a particular risk. Some women reported being charged $50 more per week in rent than male residents. “Some people prefer to sleep in their car or sleep rough rather than staying in a rooming house.” Their concerns include personal safety from high-risk tenants, fire risk, lack of adequate locks on rooms, broken appliances and unsanitary conditions. They typically struggled to afford the rent of between $250-$300 weekly rent – more than 55 per cent of their Centrelink payments. Often they struggled to access health, legal and support services. “Residents are becoming isolated through the cycle they are in and withdrawing from society, creating long-term and disengaged community members who are spending most of their time in their rooming house,” the report stated. The report found that rooming houses were attractive to operators. They provided a stable income, while some operators were “able to get away” with minimal maintenance. “There is a perception (and often reality) of minimal regulatory enforcement for them to comply with”. An operator told the report that “my agent
said that if I had another rooming house they could fill it in a week”. Some operators saw it as a way of providing a safe place for people facing difficult circumstances. “I don’t make money, just want to help people to stay nicely at home,” an operator said. Another said they found it challenging to compete with unregistered rooming houses. “We try to do the right thing, and they get away with murder – cheating the system and risking people’s lives.” The Dandenong West report recommends: - more clear information on rooming houses and where to go for help. - more collaboration with residents and community service providers. - better communication with operators, including neighbours’ complaints. - establish a working group of councils, service providers, regulators, authorities and community members. - stronger regulation of rooming houses. Recently, Greater Dandenong Council decided to advocate to the State Government to “substantially” increase investment in public, community and affordable housing across metro Melbourne. It will also call for less reliance on private rooming houses as the “default response” to the housing crisis, and for strengthened compliance, regulation and enforcement to ensure rooming houses are properly managed.
Report reaction
NPCC’s Abhinab Mishra, Grissel Walmaggia, Sen Const Trevor Bergman, Donald Bergman, Gaye Guest, Verne Krastins, Roz Blades and Roshan, with the donated packs of batteries. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 582560)
Charged-up for a powerful cause By Cam Lucadou-Wells There were charges aplenty, when Moorabbin Highway Patrol officer Trevor Bergman pulled up at Noble Park Community Centre on Thursday 1. In belting rain, Senior Constable Bergman was delivering a boot-load of 5000 used AA batteries, to be given away to local residents at the NPCC’s weekly pantry. All up, the haul weighed more than 110 kilograms. In the past 25 years, Sen Const Bergman has donated 125,000 discarded batteries formerly used in roadside-testing breathalysers at the Victoria Police complex in Dawson Street, Brunswick. In that time, he personally tested about 250,000 batteries – with only about half having enough charge to make the cut. It’s estimated that about 12,500 households have received his 10-battery packs. In the latest batch, Sen Const Bergman and his 98-year-old father Captain Donald Bergman OAM – a former army Commando – tested each battery and packaged them up for distribution. “I found generally half had enough charge remaining that they could still be used in applianc-
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
A 110-kilo bootload of batteries. (Supplied)
Noble Park Community Centre president Roz Blades and Donald Bergman, with some of the donated batteries. (582560) es such as clocks, toys and remote controls,” Sen Const Bergman said. “The batteries should last them till next year and cover Christmas time. “All batteries that did not have enough charge to be donated were recycled in drop-off bins at participating stores.” The batteries will be given away at the NPCC’s
next pantry, which is handing out an ever-increasing amount of food. Each week, nearly 200 residents line up for a supermarket bag laden with nourishment. NPCC manager Grissel Walmaggia said it was a “wonderful story about a father and son working together”. “A 98-year-old veteran continuing to contribute to his community, Trevor’s ongoing service through the RSL and Victoria Police, recycling and reuse, and a simple initiative that is helping local families.” However, the donations are now coming to the end of the road, with police now swapping rechargeable batteries into roadside breathalysers.
- Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad said the “deeply concerning” Dandenong West Rooming House project report showed a failure to provide “highly vulnerable people” with safe, secure and appropriate housing. She said the State Government had been “derelict” in withdrawing public and social housing while failing to build sufficient new housing. “The consequence is that rooming houses are increasingly being used to fill the enormous gap.” “If this trajectory continues, (it) has the potential to fundamentally change the character of many suburbs, while simultaneously creating significant social and community impacts.” - Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams was contacted for comment. A State Government spokesperson said CAV conducted hundreds of rooming house inspections each year. “Compliance with minimum standards is one of our top regulatory priorities.” The Government introduced stronger minimum standards in 2023, including more electrical safety checks, heating requirements and extending notice periods from 60 to 90 days. - Dandenong Greens state-election candidate Catherine D’Arcy said there was a rooming house problem in Dandenong. “We have a rapid growth of rooming houses in Dandenong. We have regulations that are week, roles and responsibilities for enforcing these regulations are confused and there is a severe lack of resourcing for enforcement.” She said rooming houses had gone beyond being short-term accommodation to long-term housing. “A lack of public housing and high rents have done this, the irony being that living in a rooming house is hardly cheap.” The Greens have pledged $4 billion to build 88,000 new public-housing homes and to upgrade existing stock. It would also increase the supply of “genuinely affordable” housing – such as requiring 30 per cent minimum affordable housing on developments of 15 units or more. - One Nation and Liberal candidates were contacted for comment.
Tuesday, 6 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 3
NEWS
$10m pledge for CFA Multicultural By Cam Lucadou-Wells The State Government, if re-elected, has pledged $10 million for a new fire station for Keysborough’s CFA brigade. The volunteer brigade has long sought a replacement for its outdated station on Chapel Road. As yet, no site has been finalised for its new “safe, modern home”. A CFA spokesperson said it had been provided initial funding to investigate available land options in Keysborough. “So far, 14 potential sites have been considered, with four identified as feasible options. “CFA remains committed to ensuring a future Keysborough Fire Station provides a contemporary facility that meets the on-going needs of the brigade and the local community.” Mordialloc Labor MP Tim Richardson said he was “so pleased” that a re-elected government would deliver the station, “supporting our dedicated volunteers who keep our community
safe”. At the previous state election, Richardson had pledged $500,000 for planning a new station – a process which was now complete, he said. The 64-year-old existing station has been long blighted with problems, according to the volunteers. Its engine bay was too shallow and low to fit in new appliances. It can just fit a second-hand pumper and a command vehicle. The building has little room for new members, car parking, a proper kitchen or office space to serve the rapidly-growing surrounds. Crews were also often caught in gridlock on Chapel Road, especially during school pick-up and drop-off times. Mordialloc Greens candidate Alex Breskin said the government could have funded the station’s construction in this term, after allocating funds for planning work in the 2022-’23 budget. “Instead, volunteers have been left waiting, and the money has turned up only when there’s an election to win.
“These are people who risk their lives and give up their nights and weekends to protect their neighbours. “They shouldn’t have to wait for a campaign cycle to get a station that fits their crew and their equipment.” Breskin said if elected as MP, he’d fight for “full funding of the station and the modern appliances that go with it in the next budget, whoever forms government”. Victorian Socialists candidate Mahee Hossain said he supported all fire stations being resourced with “what they require”. “Fire safety is increasingly important due to our climate crisis and the upcoming super El Niño, and firefighters should have the tools they need to keep our communities safe.” At the 2022 election, the Liberal party pledged $7 million for a “first” and “innovative” CFA hub, which would provide a home for Springvale and Keysborough brigades. Liberal and One Nation candidates didn’t respond by the Star Journal’s deadline.
Afri-Aus Care Mamas Veronica, Nyakuma, Hakima and Rita pictured in 2021. The Afri-Aus Care gardening program has been ongoing.(DANIELLE KUTCHEL 253462)
Healthy harvest for Mamas and youth By Sahar Foladi The long-standing Afri-Aus Care organisation, built on UBUNTU philosophy has launched a new intergenerational gardening and cooking sessions. Supported by a $4000 community grant from Australia Post, the Springvale South organisation has long worked with youth from CALD communities as well as the elderly or Mamas as they are referred to at the organisation. The founder, Selba Gondoza Luka OAM says the program promotes mental health and wellbeing through connection, guided by the UBUNTU philosophy, ‘I am because we are.’ Mamas within the organisation had an existing role in gardening and cooking meals, however under the new program, young people are also included in these sessions. “Afri-Aus Care (AAC) identified increasing social isolation among older multicultural women
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Selba Gondoza Luka of Afri-Aus Care received the Community Group of the Year award. (Supplied) and disengagement and mental health challenges among young people,” Ms Luka says. “UBUNTU Growing Together was developed to reconnect generations through gardening, cooking, food and cultural sharing in a safe and familiar community environment. “It provides a culturally safe, low-stigma alternative for people who may not readily engage with mainstream services.” Around 15–30 older women and young people
participate fortnightly, supported by two older women as community mentors, a program coordinator, AAC facilitators and volunteers. It supports women aged 41 and over, young people and families across Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Cardinia, particularly African-Australian and other multicultural, refugee and migrant communities. Ms Luka says young people develop a stronger sense of belonging, by receiving mentorship, and build positive relationships with older generations. “Older women are gaining greater purpose, connection and recognition for their knowledge and experience. “The program is helping families and communities reconnect across generations.” The program will run fortnightly for six months in well-rounded sessions to connect the older women and the young people to feel meaningfully less isolated.
mental health boost By Sahar Foladi
Crucial grassroots community organisations have been awarded grants to support their work in strengthening mental wellbeing in Greater Dandenong. The Nourish Nation Foundation based in Dandenong, Noble Park Community Centre and Afri-Aus Care in Springvale South were among 18 in Victoria to earn the 2026 Australia Post community grants. The $4000 grant for Nourish Nation Foundation will support the delivery of fortnightly workshops from December to January in Lynbrook, Cranbourne Public Hall as planning is underway. The not-for-profit organisation strives to improve health, wellbeing and inclusion through nutrition education, community programs and culturally appropriate support. A focus on mental health workshops is the first priority for the foundation, exploring the effects of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle on a person’s mental health. Founder and chairperson of the organisation, Dr. Yakindra Timilsena says there aren’t many programs emphasising these topics for the culturally and linguistically diverse communities. “It’s one of the areas that is lacking. “At this time when they (migrants) arrive, they don’t look after themselves, they have to survive here in this environment which creates health issues for them. “We realised that mental health is one of the biggest problems in migrant communities, so we focused on wellbeing sessions as well as lifestyle and healthy diet. “We address this in our workshops because different types of food change the mood accordingly,” he says. “Right support and belongingness is one thing the Nourish Foundation focuses on.” Dr. Timilsena is a research fellow at La Trobe University working to enhance food security, improve health outcomes, and promote environmentally sustainable food solutions. He says new arrivals in the country mainly go through loneliness and anxiety as they are away from family and loved ones, many don’t have their skills recognised in Australia and multiple other challenges as they try to build a new life. “We talk about the challenges in our workshops; employment is another issue. Some receive Centrelink benefits but skilled migrant residents have to wait for years to get any government benefit, that’s very challenging for them. “The 12-month window within their arrival period is the most challenging.” The renowned food scientist and researcher is also a revered community leader in the Nepalese community, who works to advance sustainable food systems, nutrition and community wellbeing. He has spent over 25 years in food technology. The three workshops, storytelling, healing and mindfulness, will be aimed at multicultural and newly arrived migrant communities in the south-east of Melbourne. These workshops are crucial and timely, as the Nepalese communities with families and connections watch the catastrophic flash floods, severe landslides and ongoing uncertainties. “That was unimaginable to many community members. “People were constantly on the phone, on social media, just to get the correct information. Sometimes misinformation is the main problem.” The foundation is working in partnership with existing bodies such as Nepalese Foundations in Victoria, the Nepalese Association of Victoria to better their work in the local community.
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NEWS
‘Turkey nest’ dam tick By Cam Lucadou-Wells A proposed ‘turkey-nest’ dam in Bangholme’s Green Wedge paddocks has been approved on appeal by the state’s planning tribunal. The 3-9-hectare, above-ground dam would serve a future market garden and cattle grazing enterprise at 720 Frankston-Dandenong Road. A larger version of the dam had been earlier rejected by City of Greater Dandenong. But that decision was overturned on appeal by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal member Christopher Harty on 30 September. At VCAT, the applicant Bangholme Property Group Pty Ltd (BPG) submitted a smaller version, reducing the fill from about 120,000 cubic metres to less than 58,000. Its capacity was shrunk from nearly 50 million litres to 37 million. The proposed dam – about three to four metres high - would stand about 45 metres north of Bunurong Memorial Park cemetery and 58 metres from Frankston-Dandenong Road. BPG stated a storage dam was essential for mainly watering crops as well as providing stock water. Currently, no agriculture or permanent source of water is on the site. An agricultural expert for BPG said 23 million
The site at 720 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Bangholme, which borders Bunurong Memorial Park to the south. (VCAT) litres a year would be required. The excess water would provide a buffer for dry years, the expert stated. Greater Dandenong Council argued for a smaller-size dam that was more “proportionate” to the future agricultural activities. The council also argued the large dam would impact on the area’s “open rural character”, would pose a flooding risk, and adversely impact drainage and overland flows. Tribunal member Harty said the dam on a site of nearly 50 hectares wasn’t of “such a large size to warrant concern”. He agreed with BPG that ‘turkey nest’ style
dams were commonplace at market gardening areas. “The site is located in a flat low-lying landscape that is close to industrial development and borders a cemetery. It is not a scenic landscape… “The dam walls can be grassed and grazed. This can only assist in assimilating the dam into its rural setting.” The proposal to support re-established agricultural production on the land was consistent with green wedge policy, he said. “Although the proposal will take up part of the site, the loss of land for the dam is offset, in my view, by the increase in productivity from having
an on-site supply of water available for irrigation.” Mr Harty noted the site wasn’t affected by flood-related overlays, and won’t cause significant adverse flooding on neighbouring land. He said concerns about the reliability and suitability of on-site groundwater to fill the dam and use for irrigation were a “matter for the applicant”. An alternative water supply such as treated recycled water from the Eastern Treatment Plant was an option, he said. “I am comfortable in including a condition requiring the earthworks does not commence until the uncertainty around water supply including yield and quality is clarified.”
You are invited to a
Community Forum
CS. I T I L E PO S N E ION NS S S O A M OM OMP C C , R H I T FA G WI N I D LEA
about
Waste and cleanliness in central Springvale Tuesday 13 October 2026, 7pm – 8.30pm Saigon Rex Restaurant, 1st floor, 17 Balmoral Avenue, Springvale. Cost of event: Free, registration required
See: www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/springvale-waste
Are you concerned about litter and dumped rubbish in central Springvale? Come to a community forum to talk about this shared problem. Hear what Council is doing, and discuss ideas for how we can all tackle the problem. We warmly invite local traders, shoppers and residents to share their thoughts and suggestions, with our Mayor, local councillors and senior officers.
(03) 9651 8972 rachelpayne.com.au rachel.payne.mp@parliament.vic.gov.au
12904948-AD40-26
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
12869926-JO22-26
Tuesday, 6 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 5
OPINION
Data centres: Stop fighting Apparently data centres are the latest thing we’re supposed to be frightened of. They’ll drink all our water. They’ll steal all our electricity. They’ll take our tradies. They’ll hum. AI will take our jobs. And, presumably, somewhere inside one of those giant buildings, a robot is plotting the end of humanity. Meanwhile, we’ll lodge these complaints on Facebook, from a smartphone, using cloud storage, internet banking, Google Maps and perhaps a little ChatGPT to make the complaint sound better. Where exactly did we think “the cloud” lives? The proposed data centre in Clyde North has understandably generated debate. Good. Ask questions. Challenge the developer. Demand evidence. But let’s distinguish between a legitimate concern and a reason to be pessimistic. Australia’s next gold rush may not be gold at all. It may be computing and data. CommBank estimates Australia’s data-centre pipeline could generate around $150 billion in investment by 2030. Victoria already has more than 50 data centres. Australian-born AirTrunk has become an Asia-Pacific data-centre powerhouse and plans billions more in Victorian investment. These companies create construction, engineering, electricals, cybersecurity, technology and ongoing operational jobs. In short they create infrastructure. They attract capital. Most importantly, they put Australia within an industry the entire world increasingly depends upon. So, let’s look at what we’re frightened of. “But they’ll use all of our water!” Yes, some data-centre cooling systems use substantial amounts of water. Modern data centres can use closed-loop liquid cooling, air cooling, recycled water and increasingly sophisticated technologies that dramatically reduce potable-water consumption. Australia’s most water-efficient facilities are already demonstrating extremely low water usage. This isn’t 1995. Technology evolves. Set stringent water-efficiency requirements. Protect
drinking water. Encourage closed-loop systems. Reward innovation. Then let the engineers do their jobs. “But they’ll break the electricity grid!” Now this one deserves a serious conversation. Data centres use enormous amounts of electricity. Nationally they accounted for around two per cent of electricity supplied through the National Electricity Market in 2024, with demand expected to increase significantly. Our response? Why not turn the problem on its head? If you’re building a hyperscale data centre, don’t simply take from the grid. Help build the grid. Create incentives for operators that bring additional generation and battery storage with them. Encourage development around existing high-capacity transmission infrastructure. Explore partnerships with hydroelectricity and pumped hydro. Saffal loves his electrical engineering and has co-authored this article. He has written an entire white paper exploring this problem, including hydro-integrated freecooling architecture. His proposition is essentially: stop treating enormous energy demand purely as a burden and use private investment to help finance the energy infrastructure Australia needs anyway. There’s a novel idea. Solve the problem. “But they’ll take all of our electricians” This one makes us chuckle. If an electrician can earn considerably more working on a data centre, what exactly do we want them to do? Say: “No thanks, I’d rather earn less for the good of the nation”?
Good luck to that. The problem isn’t that electricians are earning too much. We don’t have enough electricians. We’re trying to build hundreds of thousands of houses, transform the electricity network, build renewables, expand transmission and construct data centres using overlapping skilled workforces. So train more people. Government already provides substantial incentives for housing apprenticeships. Great. If taxpayers subsidise an apprenticeship specifically because we desperately need residential tradies, perhaps attach an appropriate residential-service period to that particular incentive. Two years? Three? Let government and industry work it out. Then let that electrician go wherever opportunity takes them and earn as much as their skills command. And while we’re at it, stop telling every 16-year-old that university is the definition of success. For the right young person, an electrical apprenticeship can lead to an exceptional career. “But they hum!” Seriously? Set a noise limit. Measure it. If the development exceeds it, make them fix it. We’re capable of regulating noise from factories, roads, shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues. Surely the technological sophistication required to measure a humming building hasn’t escaped us. Which brings us to the real issue. We increasingly seem to confuse consultation with leadership. Consultation means listening to people. It doesn’t mean that whoever becomes angriest on Facebook gets veto power. A government should listen to the concern, obtain the evidence, determine whether the risk is real, establish an appropriate standard and make a decision in the broader public interest, not motivated by voters’ fear. Water problem? Solve it. Energy problem? Solve it. Noise problem? Solve it.
LOOKING BACK
Skills shortage? Train people. Infrastructure problem? Make the development contribute to it. But if the objection eventually becomes simply “I don’t like it”, the government has to be capable of saying: we’ve heard you, we’ve investigated it, we’ve addressed the legitimate risks, and we’re moving forward because… That’s leadership. And here’s what worries us. Capital doesn’t have feelings. AirTrunk, NEXTDC and international operators don’t have to build their next facility here. Singapore wants investment. Malaysia wants it. India wants it. Queensland wants it. New South Wales wants it. If Victoria becomes too difficult, too expensive and too unpredictable, capital doesn’t organise a protest march. It just leaves. Then we’ll hold another inquiry into why investment is falling, why talented Australians are moving overseas and why productivity isn’t growing. Good luck trying to pay down our everincreasing debts. Perhaps we’ll even commission a very expensive report about it. Casey and Cardinia have an opportunity to think differently. We don’t want our future to be endless rooftops, longer commutes and our brightest young people leaving the south-east every morning to find opportunity somewhere else. Why shouldn’t we produce electricians, programmers, technicians, entrepreneurs and cybersecurity specialists? Why shouldn’t serious technology businesses want to locate here? And why shouldn’t major developments be expected to leave behind better energy infrastructure, better skills and better opportunities than existed before them? That’s the deal we should be negotiating. Not development at any cost. And certainly not no development because somebody frightened us on Facebook. Responsible development. Set the rules. Protect the community. Demand something in return. Then let people build.
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
100 years ago 7 October 1926 Dandenong Market
4 October 1976 Council approves 60 cents fee $1 POOL CHARGE ‘WILL KILL USE’
Dandenong Market is now well established at Clow-street where all the necessary pens and sheds have been erected. The auctioneers’ offices have been taken from Lonsdale-street to Clowstreet, much to the satisfaction of the agents and their clients. The verandas which were in front of the auctioneers’ offices in Lonsdale-street and under which numerous stall holders did business for so many years, will remain where they are until the produce market is erected in Clow-street.
It was “staggering” to suggest a $1 admission charge for Dandenong’s new indoor heated swimming pool. Successfully moving that the charge be dropped to 60 cents for adults, Cr Titcher said:“A charge of $1 would ‘kill’ the pool, even the recommendation of our City Engineer was 40 cents.” On a 8-4 vote, council decided to charge 60 cents per adult to enter the pool at the W.G. Wright Recreation Centre in Mills Reserve, 30 cents for children and 20 cents for school groups. Supporter of the $1 charge, Cr Rocco Surace said the city was pouring money year after year
50 years ago
FOR KIDS 6 MONTHS & UP!
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into recreational facilities and council could not keep raising rates to simply satisfy this demand. Ratepayers should not have to “pay all the time” for other people’s recreation. “Outsiders” should pay a suitable fee. Cr Maurie Jarvis said a 60 cent charge was reasonable until we see how we are going. He added: “We have to be business-like and look at the situation when it can be properly assessed.”
20 years ago 2 October 2006 $22m boost for market Details of a $2.4 million proposal to overhaul the Dandenong Market were revealed last week. The council’s vision would see a massive redevelopment of the Clow Street entrance, including possible road works to enable easier pedestrian and vehicle access. Key features of the redevelopment would include a dedicated fresh meats section, an expanded area for general merchandise, market square and food court. Council development services director Mal Baker said: “It’s all about increasing what’s on offer. By bringing in meat, fish and chicken, plus more area for fruit and vegetables, Aldi and the food court, we’re trying to widen the appeal.” Cr John Kelly said the market needed upgrading because of occupational
health and safety concerns. “It’s really important to keep the atmosphere of the market, but at the same time meet legal requirements,” he said.
5 years ago 5 October 2021 We are ‘Covid-fine central’ More than 1,000 on-the-spot fines for breaching Covid directions were handed out in Dandenong in the 2020-21 financial year according to the latest crime statistics. In the same period, Greater Dandenong residents were issued 1784 Covid infringements, the Greater Dandenong agency reported. During a week of anti-lockdown marches in Dandenong South in August, there were 10 arrests and 72 on-the-spot fines. Onthe-spot fines range from $1,817 for adults and up to $10,904 for businesses for failing to comply with the Chief Health Officer directions. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said police had used discretion to only fine the most “blatant” breaches, such as travelling too far from home, breaking the night curfew and attending protests. -Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society
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Plans were in train to revamp Dandenong Market’s front entrance in 2006. (Stewart Chambers: 552761)
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NEWS
ASRC vans luckily found By Sahar Foladi The ASRC stolen catering vans are now found. A Princes Hill local, Rosemary found the two Asylum Seeker Resource Centre catering vans stolen over the AFL Grand Final weekend. Rosemary had heard about the stolen vans on the 774 ABC Melbourne radio before she spotted the van today, on Wednesday 30 September and reported to Victoria Police. The ecstatic ASRC chief executive, Kon Karapangiotidis says other than a flat tyre and a dent to the left corner of a van as if it had smashed into something, there are no other visible signs of damage. “I think they were both used in crimes. “It is gross, isn’t it? To cause so much distress and hardship to a charity and for what? Only to commit another crime. “I thought they would be chopped up for pieces or used to ram into a shop.” ASRC members, Flor who runs the Refugee Businesses social enterprises and COO Kashif were quick to get down to Princes Hill and waited for a tow truck as the thieves had taken off with the keys.
A happy photo of Flor and Kashif from ASRC who went to retrieve the two vans in Princes Hill.(Supplied) The charity organisation hopes insurance can cover the cost of damages. Over three days, the community poured in donations and words of support for the crucial work of ASRC, as they looked to hire re-
placement vans to keep their social enterprise going. The donations funded three new security cameras, stronger new locks on every door now replaced, rental of vans and food that was
stolen from the ASRC kitchen. “We have a lovely man who runs a roller door company who is coming tomorrow to donate a new door for us.”
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - Arts Advisory Board Greater Dandenong City Council is seeking nominations for two positions on its Arts Advisory Board. The Board provides strategic advice to Council and helps shape the future of arts and culture across Greater Dandenong. We welcome applications from people with experience, expertise or commitment in performing arts or arts and cultural activities. Experience in First Nations arts, refugee and asylum seeker arts, creative and cultural facilities, creative industries and business, marketing, philanthropy, fundraising, sponsorship or cultural tourism will be viewed favourably.
Appointments are for a three-year term and remuneration is offered. For further information and nomination details visit: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/nominations-arts-advisory Enquiries: arts@cgd.vic.gov.au or 8571 1000 Nominations close midnight Thursday 22 October 2026.
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Local artists from within the City of Greater Dandenong are encouraged to apply.
greaterdandenong.com 12904723-KF41-26
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Tuesday, 6 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 7
NEWS
Queensland Crocs (Green Maroon) v Western Australia Rays (Yellow Black). (580667)
Baseball’s tribute cup Springvale Lions are playing host to the Barclay Cup, a junior girls competition formed in 2022 and named after the late, former Berwick-Springvale baseballer Jacinda Barclay. On 27 September, her uncle and aunt Dave and Kim Barclay as well as more than 150 people attended the Cup’s first day at KH Wearne Reserve at Dingley Village. During a moving opening ceremony, Dave Barclay tossed down the first pitch. Teams from across Australia then vied on the baseball diamond, kicking off the week-long tournament. Springvale Lions president Jess Adkins-Barber said it was “amazing to see so much support for junior girls in baseball as well as the theme of mental health. “Not only is it a great opportunity to put the club and our amazing volunteers on show, it allows us to continue the legacy of someone very important to us. “We miss our mate Barky dearly, but know she’d be very proud of the event.” Funds were raised for mental health charity, beyond blue. Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org. au
• •
Queensland Crocs (Green Maroon) v Western Australia Rays (Yellow Black). (Gary Sissons: 580667)
L-R Jessica Adkins-Barber (President Springvale Baseball Club) and Kim Barclay (Auntie to Jacinda Barclay).
Teams line up for the opening ceremony. (580667)
Police investigate ‘suspicious’ death in Doveton The death of a man in Doveton is being treated as suspicious after he was found unresponsive on Thursday 1 October. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and a crime scene
has been established. Emergency services were called to a property in Banksia Street, following reports a man had been located unresponsive at about 11.30am. A woman inside the residence performed
first aid on the yet-to-be formally identified man, however he died at the scene. Homicide Squad detectives are on scene. No arrests have been made and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the
incident remain ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au
INTERFAITH
How we can ‘walk the talk’ with faith By Peter J Davine, of Catholic faith I’m an inveterate shopper and, over a year I’d speak to several thousand shoppers. Young and old, of many different backgrounds, faith traditions and cultures, with a simple greeting like ‘How are you?’ Or ‘Have a great day.’ I wear T-shirts with simple messages such as: ‘We’re all one world family and should love and care for each other.’ I have no agenda other than connecting with people. During my studies I spent six years in Rome in a community of at least 50 nationalities. It gave me a strong sense of family and a bigger vision of the world. We are all connected, we have different backgrounds but we all want the same things: a sense of belonging, positive relationships, homes to live
8 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 6 October, 2026
MESSAGE OF
HOPE in, decent jobs, health care, education and the ability to provide for our children’s needs. We live in a world of plenty, yet many go without. Many are homeless, starving, exploited, helpless victims of war and powerless to change these situations. In Australia we have much for which to be grateful and much to share with those who are struggling or going without. Let us reach out to others in their need both
here and overseas as best we can. Let us make contact with people in our shopping centres by a smile or a simple ‘Hello.’ Let us recognize what we do have and shift our focus to those less fortunate and see how we can change their situations and give them hope. Together we can change lives and demonstrate that we care and respect the dignity of others. A few years ago, around Christmas time, I met a woman who was leaving the supermarket. She had two young children with her and in her trolley, she had a loaf of bread. I asked how she was and how she was coping. The story was a sad one. She didn’t ask for help and reluctantly accepted the money I gave her. I regret not accompanying her back to the su-
permarket to allow her to fill the trolley. Recently I met a man walking through a shopping centre and I asked him where he lived and he said, ‘In a tent.’ He did not ask for money or for help, he only answered my question. I gave him most of the cash I had on me at the time. He was grateful and I was as well for the opportunity to meet him, chat to him and let him know that he mattered. He was not ‘invisible.’ We can’t all help but if we can, why not? Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au Visit - https://interfaithnetwork.org.au/
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NEWS
Earthquake rocks region Homes were rocked across South East Melbourne by a 4.8-magnitude earthquake early on Saturday 3 October. The quake was recorded near Leongatha at 2.01am, followed by a 3.1-magnitude aftershock nearby shortly before 3am, Geoscience Australia stated. Within minutes, more than 7,000 reports were received from the community on the authority’s website. More than 19,000 reports had been made, as of 9am. Felt reports were particularly prolific around Pakenham and Berwick. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres. Geoscience Australia seismologist Dr Hadi Ghasemi described it as a “shallow, moderate earthquake” – which received a significant number of ‘felt’ reports given the time of morning. Vic Emergency stated there was no immediate threat to the community.
The epicentres of the earthquake and aftershock near Leongatha early on 3 October. (Geoscience)
Felt reports were lodged across Melbourne and its South East, particularly in Berwick and Pakenham. (Geoscience Australia)
Youth robbers targeting ‘lone women’: police Three teens have been charged as police investigate a spree of robberies, armed robberies, aggravated burglaries and petrol drive-offs last week, police say. On 30 September, police executed three search warrants at a property in Springvale and two properties in Greater Dandenong, arresting two 16-year-old boys and an 18-yearold man. Southern Metro Region Crime Squad detectives charged an 18-year-old from Springvale
with three counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of car theft, attempted aggravated burglary, attempted theft, burglary and theft. He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 1 October. The 16-year-old boy from the Greater Dandenong area was charged with two counts each of car theft, theft and handling stolen goods. He was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date. The second 16-year-old boy from the Great-
er Dandenong area was charged with two counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of car theft, attempted theft, burglary, theft and two counts of committing an indictable offence whilst on bail. He was remanded to appear at a children’s court on 1 October. The arrests follow a series of 21 offences allegedly committed by a group of youths last week. Police say several teenagers stole two vehi-
cles, a white 2026 Haval Jolion and a black 2017 Honda Odyssey, from outside a Glen Waverley gym about 5pm on Monday 21 September. The group are then alleged to have used these vehicles to rob mostly lone women across Melbourne’s bayside and south-eastern suburbs, including four on Thursday night, 24 September: So far, no charges have been laid in relation to the six robberies. Investigations remain ongoing, police say.
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Many of us are feeling under cost-of-living pressure, so what’s causing the inflation the RBA acknowledges is making Australians “furious”? Households have been dealing with years of higher prices. Consumer confidence is weak, house prices have fallen and the economy is slowing. Yet inflation remains stubbornly above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 2% to 3% target range. RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser acknowledged the frustration in a recent interview with the ABC’s 7.30 program. “People want inflation down. People are furious about inflation. I understand why. It’s unfair. It hits people on low incomes. It damages price signals. It makes the job of companies difficult. What they want us to do is our job and bring inflation down,” Hauser said. The latest ABS inflation figures show annual inflation rose to 4.0% in August from 3.5% in July. Trimmed mean inflation, which strips out some of the more volatile price movements to give a better sense of the underlying trend, remained at 3.6% for the third consecutive month. The first thing to understand is that inflation doesn’t measure how much we’re buying. It measures how much prices are changing. It also doesn’t tell you how high prices have already become. Imagine something that cost $100 rises to $110 one year and then $113 the next. The rate of inflation has slowed considerably, but you’re still paying $13 more than you were before. So where is the inflation actually coming from? The short answer is: from several places at once. Some of it is coming from prices Australians can’t easily avoid. Housing was the biggest
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contributor to inflation in August, rising 5.7% over the year. Some of the pressure is also coming from overseas. Higher oil, diesel, fertiliser and other costs linked to the Middle East conflict don’t always reach consumers immediately. Businesses can absorb those costs for a while before eventually putting up their own prices and passing them through to customers. Then there’s a more structural problem: how much the Australian economy can produce. The RBA’s August Statement on Monetary Policy says the economy is still operating with capacity constraints. In other words, demand for some workers, goods and services remains stronger than the economy can comfortably supply without pushing up prices. So inflation can keep running even while parts of the economy are clearly slowing. CommBank Household Spending Insights data showed spending among Australians aged 65 and over was 10.1% higher in June than a year earlier. Spending growth among 25 to 34year-olds was just 4.2%, while 35 to 44 and 45 to 54-year-olds recorded growth of 4.5%. “Household consumption patterns diverge by age. Shifts in interest rates, inflation and wealth affect age cohorts differently, which can lead to varying rates of spending growth,” CommBank Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen said. One obvious reason is housing debt. “These groups are more likely to have a mortgage, making them more sensitive to higher interest rates,” Allen said of the younger and middleaged groups. Higher rates can’t build more houses, lift productivity overnight or bring down the global oil price. What they can do is cool demand.
12903186-EA41-26
If everyone’s feeling the squeeze, where’s all this inflation coming from?
Australians cutting back and inflation remaining too high aren’t contradictory. The squeeze
What matters most now is whether those pressures fade as the economy slows, or whether
is landing very differently across households, and many of the prices still rising are for
inflation remains persistent enough for the RBA to decide that more rate rises are needed.
things people can’t easily avoid.
Find out more at CommBank Newsroom
Tuesday, 6 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 9
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION
Grow, achieve and succeed
Spring Parks Primary School students have the opportunity to grow, achieve, and succeed. (544393) ment helps ensure that teaching stays responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with what works best for students.
Ultimately, everything comes back to student learning. By keeping this at the centre through strong teaching, targeted support, and a commit-
ment to continuous improvement, schools create environments where every student has the opportunity to grow, achieve, and succeed.
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Great schools don’t just happen; they’re built through thoughtful teaching, strong relationships, and a real focus on what students need to succeed. Spring Parks Primary School is a strong example of how this can be done well. In many classrooms, that starts with getting the basics right. Programs like Phonics Plus help students build solid reading foundations, giving them the confidence and skills they need for everything that follows. The use of Victorian Lesson Plans also supports teachers with clear, consistent approaches, helping ensure that every lesson is purposeful and effective. But learning isn’t just about literacy and numeracy. Students thrive when they have access to a broad curriculum. Science and Design Technology encourage curiosity and problemsolving, while specialist programs like Mandarin, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Visual Arts give students the chance to explore their interests, build confidence, and express themselves in different ways. Equally important is a strong focus on student wellbeing. Schools are increasingly recognising the role mental health plays in learning, with dedicated supports such as a Mental Health in Primary Schools Leader helping to guide wholeschool approaches. Wellbeing programs, including initiatives like UCLF wellbeing dogs, create calm, supportive environments where students feel safe and ready to learn. A cyber safety program, run by school leadership, also ensures students are equipped to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Another key strength is the focus on supporting teachers to keep learning and improving their practice. When teachers are given the time, resources, and professional learning to understand the most effective ways to teach, it has a direct impact in the classroom. This ongoing develop-
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10 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 6 October, 2026
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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION
Empowering every learner At Dandenong High School, our focus is to provide every learner with the opportunity to thrive and achieve success, and we pride ourselves on the strong connections we foster within our community. While we offer the breadth of opportunities that come with being a large school, we remain committed to maintaining a small school feel. Through our unique House model, every student is known, valued, and supported, creating a sense of belonging and ensuring all learners can succeed. Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities designed to nurture creativity, innovation, and passion. From our award-winning STEM and Design Centre to our modern Food Technology spaces, students have access to exceptional resources for a range of interests and learning pathways. We offer diverse academic, co-curricular and extracurricular programs that cater to students’ varied aspirations. Whether excelling in engineering and science through the Design Engineering Academy, being selected for the Melbourne Victory Soccer Academy, exploring leadership opportunities, or participating in the arts, every student is encouraged to discover their strengths and experience success. Last month, we celebrated our annual cultural day where students gathered in cultural dress and celebrated the diversity of our community, recognising the many cultures that make Dandenong High School an inclusive place to learn. We are excited to be sharing the work of our art and design students at the annual Arts and Design Festival being held this week. This event will showcase student learning across the Visual and Performing Arts, as well as Design including Food Studies and Digital Technology. It is a won-
Supporting every student’s success at Dandenong High School. derful opportunity to celebrate student achievement with our families. We look forward to finishing the year posi-
tively, and celebrating our high achievers, award winners, and our Year 12 Class of 2026 at our Award Ceremony celebration in December.
At Dandenong High School, we are proud of our achievements and the strong sense of community that underpins everything we do.
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please contact the school on
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Tuesday, 6 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 11
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION
Nurturing and inspiring At Lyndale Secondary College, we recognise that every student is an individual with unique strengths and aspirations. Guided by our commitment to ‘treat every child as our own’, we set high standards while providing the support, encouragement and opportunities our students need to achieve their very best. For decades, Lyndale has proudly served the Dandenong and broader community, building a strong culture of learning, respect and aspiration. With approximately 900 students, we offer the breadth and diversity of a large school while maintaining a strong sense of belonging. High standards for learning, attendance and behaviour underpin daily life at Lyndale. Students benefit from a comprehensive support structure that prioritises wellbeing alongside academic achievement, with dedicated programs for course selection, career planning and personal development. Our teaching and learning are driven by data, centred on every individual student, and focused on stretching each learner to reach their potential. Students have access to a broad curriculum, specialist learning areas, modern facilities and diverse co-curricular opportunities. Our Augmented Reality Immersive Technology Laboratory brings learning to life, using cutting-edge technology to transform abstract concepts into engaging, lived experiences. For high-achieving students, our Advanced Challenge and Enrichment (ACE) program provides a rigorous environment where curiosity, ambition and intellectual growth are encouraged. Beyond the classroom, Lyndale comes alive through sport, performing arts, lunchtime clubs and a wide range of events and activities. These experiences help students develop confidence, creativity, and leadership while fostering meaningful connections with their peers and community.
Beyond the classroom, Lyndale comes alive through sport, performing arts, lunchtime clubs and a wide range of events and activities. Through ongoing staff professional development and a future-focused approach to education, Lyndale prepares students not only to complete Year 12 successfully, but to leave equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their ambitions and thrive in an ever-changing world. To learn more, contact Lyndale Secondary College on (03) 9795 2366.
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12 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 6 October, 2026
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NEWS
Spring into action! Greater Dandenong’s ‘woody meadows’ are springing into colourful bloom. Pruned back in May, the garden beds at Burden Park, Ross Reserve and Dandenong Park are full of flowering plants and shrubs. Since 2021, the council’s horticulture team has been taking part in the Woody Meadow trial planting project with the University
of Melbourne. The low-maintenance gardens are designed to change with the seasons and create habitat for insects and other wildlife. The council’s Environmental Engagement Team Leader Patrick Cazaly recently told the ABC that the plantings discourage weeds and require less work for our horticulture team.
“Many of our public landscapes have the tendency to use the same palette of plants, which are hardy and low-maintenance, but they are not especially beautiful.” Every two years the garden beds undergo a rejuvenation process known as coppicing, where plants are cut right back to encourage strong regrowth and help them remain healthy and resilient.
Greater Dandenong Council’s environmental engagement team leader Patrick Cazaly in one of three Woody Meadows in the council area. (City of Greater Dandenong)
Weddle, Hawks fans swoop in for grand opening Hawthorn hero Josh Weddle met with eager Hawks fans at the grand opening of a Sports Direct outlet in Dandenong on 3 October. Weddle posed for photos and signed memorabilia, while fans created their own personalised trading card in an on-site photo booth at Dandneong Square. Backed by a live DJ, the first 300 customers also received free vouchers for the sports equipment, footwear and apparel store’s opening. DJ Joel Kuper at the grand opening. (580838)
Josh Weddle with Sports Direct store manager Jordan. (580838)
Josh Weddle flies with the Hawks fans at the Sports Direct grand opening on 3 October. (Stewart Chambers: 580838)
Josh Weddle with Hawks fans Rochelle, Josh and Corey. (580838)
Introducing your School Principal
I believe schools work best when students feel safe, known and encouraged, and when staff feel trusted, supported and valued. My leadership style is straightforward, what you see is what you get. I work closely with my leadership team and community to build inclusive, positive school cultures with high expectations and care at their heart.
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I am passionate about creating schools where learning, kindness and belonging go hand in hand.
27–39 Clarke Road, Springvale South, 24 Erica Street, Springvale Phone: 03 9547 3222 | 03 9546 6402
Lyndale Secondary College Principal, Pam Robinson, is passionate about creating a school environment where every student feels supported, challenged and inspired to succeed. With a strong focus on student wellbeing and high expectations for learning, she leads a community committed to helping young people reach their full potential. At Lyndale, leadership is grounded in collaboration, respect and inclusion. The College embraces innovation while remaining deeply connected to its community, ensuring students are equipped with the skills, confidence and adaptability needed for life beyond school. Pam believes that strong relationships between students, families and staff are key to success and is proud of the College’s diverse and vibrant learning culture. By investing in both academic excellence and personal growth, Lyndale continues to empower students to become capable, resilient and future-ready learners.
Susan joined Dandenong High School as a graduate teacher and was appointed Principal in 2012. Since then, she has guided the community through significant cultural change and continuous improvement, helping create a school where students feel connected, supported, and empowered to achieve their potential. Susan believes education is empowering and that learning is strongest when students feel safe, valued and included. Together with her dedicated team, she has worked consistently to build a culture of high expectations, belonging and opportunity for every student. A key part of this success has been the leadership demonstrated by our student leaders. Throughout 2026, our twenty Year 12 Student Leaders have inspired students to show courage, stand up for what is right, and take meaningful action within our school community. They have championed initiatives that encourage student voice, inclusion and social responsibility, such as Model UN, the Push-Up Challenge, Big Freeze and Cultural Day celebrations. As we celebrate the achievements of our current leaders, we are also looking to the future. Over the coming weeks, students will participate in leadership interviews as part of the selection process for 2027. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of student leaders who will continue to foster courage, advocacy and action, ensuring that student voice remains at the heart of Dandenong High School. We are especially proud of some of the recent achievements from students at the school. We congratulate our School Captain who recently delivered an impassioned speech at the Plan English Speaking Awards. The Spring Instrumental Music concert showcased the musical talent and growing confidence of many young performers, and the winning Choral Choir sang an indigenous lullaby to acknowledge country at the most recent Southeastern Region Principal’s Forum. 12876686-JO25-26
Outside of school, I’m a proud parent to three wonderful kids, which shapes the way I see schools, learning and wellbeing every day.
Valley Campus | West Campus
Susan Ogden
Pam Robinson
I am a principal who leads with honesty, warmth and a strong belief in people.
Susan is proud of the diverse Dandenong High School community. She remains committed to fostering inclusive practices, high expectations and strong partnerships that support the wellbeing, engagement and achievement of every student.
Lyndale Secondary College
Dandenong High School
14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North 03 9795 2366 lyndale.vic.edu.au
92-106 Princes Hwy, Dandenong Phone 9792 0561 www.dandenong-hs.vic.edu.au
12903415-EL41-26
Philip O’Reilly
202602036856_1-JO05-26
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 6 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 13
NEWS
Workers converge in protest By Cam Lucadou-Wells Public hospital doctors and allied-health workers from the South East joined a double-strike in driving rain at Melbourne’s CBD on Thursday 1 October. Victorian Public Health Professionals Association (VAHPA) members and the doctors staged separate stop-work actions across the state. VAHPA members – which include hospital physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, radiographers, psychologists and social workers – converged at the Royal Women’s Hospital and Peter Mac. Monash Medical Centre sonographer Charlotte Harman said members were frustrated by stalling EBA negotiations for 13 months – with the government’s caretaker period just weeks away. They have been staging protests, including a previous CBD march, calling for a 36 per cent pay rise over four years and better work conditions to prevent burnout. “It’s exhausting, honestly. A ridiculous amount of hours in bargaining meetings. “I’m in the (EBA) bargaining team – it’s the same line every meeting: ‘there’s something just around the corner’. Then nothing seems to eventuate.” She said sonographers were leaving the public hospital system. Several had worked 20 years without being upgraded, despite ongoing specialist training such as in the difficult task of diagnosing endometriosis. During Covid lockdowns, VAHPA members had accepted a “pitiful” pay rise that didn’t keep pace with the inflated cost of living. “We were already below what the average allied health professionals are paid”. Meanwhile, doctors across Victoria took a four-hour work stoppage for the first time in more than 25 years. Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) president Dr Roderick McRae said burnt-out and fatigued doctors on 84-hour weeks were concerned about patient safety. He said the state’s hospital system was “in crisis”. “Our members are routinely forced to work shifts of up to 14 hours and longer during emergencies, up to seven days a week, back to back. “They have limited guarantees of consecutive days off without being recalled and are not getting adequate time to recover between shifts.” They are calling for a 12.5-hour cap on shifts and a guarantee of three consecutive days off per fortnight. Dandenong Hospital intern doctor Mark Tay said he took part in the strike because working conditions for junior doctors were “increasingly difficult to sustain” while hospitals managed “significant patient demand”. “From my perspective, morale among doctors is mixed. “There is still a very strong commitment to patients and to supporting colleagues, but there is also considerable frustration and fatigue. Many doctors feel that the pressures we experience day
By Afraa Kori
Public hospital doctors rally on State Parliament steps on 1 October. (AMA Victoria)
David Ng, a social Worker at Kingston Centre, at the march on 1 October. (VAHPA) to day have been raised repeatedly over a long period without enough meaningful improvement.” Dr Tay said the action wasn’t simply about better conditions for doctors. “Working conditions affect whether Victoria can attract and retain doctors, how fatigued staff are when caring for patients, and ultimately the quality and timeliness of patient care. For me, that is a major reason why these negotiations matter.” Australian Medical Association (AMA) Victoria president Dr Simon Judkins said that 14 months of negotiations with the State Government had “delivered absolutely nothing”. “After months of inaction, that patience has come to an end.” According to the State Government, there
Bethany Vaughan, an occupational therapist at Springvale Community Health, at the VAHPA stopwork protest in Melbourne’s CBD on 1 October. (VAHPA) were no staffing concerns during the stop-works. During the day, a Monash Health online dashboard showed “very long” wait times of over three hours at Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital’s emergency departments. Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said that “discussions with the AMA and ASMOF (Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation) have been productive”. “We’ve put a fair and reasonable offer on the table, and the union is rightly engaging with their members about that offer. “We are hopeful of finding a path forward with the union that recognises the important and demanding work that our doctors do.”
Overdue elective surgeries up By Cam Lucadou-Wells The Liberal-Nationals Coalition says it will halve the state’s elective surgery waitlist, as a growing number of Monash Health patients’ receive overdue treatment. The opposition’s plan SurgerySooner – based on a similar program in Queensland is to give public patients the option of having their surgery at a private hospital for free. An estimated 25,000 extra surgeries would be delivered each year, with a focus on hip and knee replacements, gynaecological procedures, cataracts, hernia repairs, gastroscopies and colonoscopies. The program would cost $1.27 billion over four years – offset by winding up the state-run investment venture Breakthrough Victoria. Dandenong Hospital’s wait list totalled 1973 patients as of 30 June 2026, up 9 per cent at the same date last year. Meanwhile, Casey Hospital was up 23
14 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 6 October, 2026
Aged care worker’s drug mix-up led to preventable death
per cent (2455 patients), despite the recently-opened Cranbourne Community Hospital’s taking on a 2273-patient waitlist. Monash Medical Centre’s elective waitlist was down 25 per cent (1522 patients). Category 1 (urgent) and category 2 (semi-urgent) patient waiting lists were growing, but category 3 lists were shorter. More than 1000 elective-surgery patients received overdue treatments across Monash Health hospitals in April-June 2026: - 227 patients at Dandenong Hospital (up 23 per cent from 12 months earlier), - 89 at Cranbourne Community Hospital - 411 at Casey Hospital (up 26 per cent) - 278 at Monash Medical Centre (up 11 per cent). All urgent category-1 cases were treated on time – within 30 days, according to official statistics. The Opposition said the statewide waitlist had blown out to almost 69,000 people, up
by more than 10,000 patients from 12 months ago. “Under Labor, too many Victorians are waiting in pain and with their lives on hold for vital surgery – but my team has a plan to fix it,” opposition leader Jess Wilson said. “Labor want to play venture capitalists with taxpayer money. My team will instead use that money to ensure Victorians can get vital surgery sooner.” A Monash Health spokesperson said its team was working “incredibly hard to provide safe, high-quality care to our community” while ensuring the “most urgent clinical needs are cared for first”. “We understand that waiting for surgery can be difficult for patients and their families, and we want every patient to receive the care they need as soon as possible.” In its 2026-27 budget, the Government had announced $50.1 million towards 4000 extra elective surgeries for children.
A 69-year-old woman’s death after she was given another resident’s medication at an aged care home was preventable, a coroner has found. The elderly resident was mistakenly given 300mg of the antipsychotic drug clozapine at Monash Health’s Mooraleigh Hostel in Bentleigh East on 4 August 2024. She died at Casey Hospital in Berwick 11 days later. Coroner Ingrid Giles found the medication triggered the resident deterioration and ultimately contributed to her death. “I find that (resident’s) death was preventable,” she said. The error happened during an evening medication round when a psychiatric services officer became distracted and placed clozapine from another resident’s medication pack into the victim’s pill cup. She noticed an unfamiliar tablet after taking it and alerted the staff member, who reported the mistake. A doctor examined her later that night, and staff continued to monitor her at the hostel. She was found beside her bed after an unwitnessed fall early the next morning. About an hour later, her level of consciousness had fallen sharply and staff called an ambulance. Coroner Giles found that Mooraleigh Hostel “failed” to appropriately escalate her care, and that ‘000’ should have been called “immediately” following the misadministration of clozapine. “The failure to do so meant that the treatment she needed to address the effects of the clozapine – in relation to which she had a known adverse reaction – was unnecessarily delayed.” The facility’s medication records also failed to flag that the resident had previously experienced myocarditis related to clozapine. An alert might have prompted an earlier transfer to hospital, the coroner said. The resident had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was being investigated for ischaemic heart disease. The coroner accepted the pathologist’s finding that she died from a worsening of those conditions in the setting of clozapine administration. She found the resident’s care at Casey Hospital was reasonable and appropriate, but that at that stage, “her clinical trajectory was sadly irreversible”. Monash Health told the court it had implemented changes across its residential aged care facilities following a review of the death. Only registered nurses now administer clozapine, staff receive medication training, and changes have been made to reduce distractions during medication rounds. Mooraleigh Hostel has since closed. Coroner Giles investigated three deaths in 2024 and 2025 involving aged care residents who had been given another resident’s medication. She grouped the cases as the “RACF Medication Error Cluster” and found the errors preceding all three deaths were preventable. “The fact that these fatal medication errors occurred in relation to a cohort of older persons, in the twilight of their lives, does not lessen the seriousness of the outcome; given their dependence on others for their care, it amplifies it.” Coroner Giles called for the Federal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to urgently develop national medication safety standards specific to residential aged care, including clear rules for emergency responses and reporting after an error.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Crackdown on street dumpers By Sahar Foladi
A forum on illegal dumping is being held in Springvale on 13 October.
12906524-EA41-26
A concerned councillor has called for a “drastic” and “heavy handed” approach to the illegal rubbish dumping “epidemic” in Greater Dandenong. Councillor Rhonda Garad says it’s time for a “broad spectrum solution,” led by the council. “It’s never been this bad, maybe it’s related to cost of living, but we’re seeing rubbish dumped every day. “We need to do something drastic, like relook at our contract with rubbish removers, to make it cost-effective. “I fear for the health impacts.” She says she raised the matter urgently with CEO Jacqui Weatherill for an urgent Councillor Briefing Session (CBS) to address the outstanding and crucial issues faced by the council as a whole. “Residents are at the end of their tether, and I don’t blame them. I’m at the end of my tether. “I have requested this be dealt with urgently. “We really need to have a holistic and effective strategy because what we’re doing now is not working.” Greater Dandenong Council city futures executive director, Sanjay Manivasagasivam says the council is using surveillance to monitor hard waste hotspots and actively enforce littering offences. Council will be hosting a community forum to talk about waste, rubbish and cleanliness in Springvale on Tuesday 13 October, in response to the rising issue in Springvale. However, Cr Garad says although the rubbish dumping is broad, some issues are unique to each ward. She says her Cleeland Ward is riddled with the issue in high-density areas, such as Stud Road and Cleeland Street where apartment residents leave out their rubbish on the nature strip. Cr Garad urged the council to look into council’s regulatory controls and urge apartment managers to take responsibility by monitoring and providing immediate alerts to the council. “We can’t always identify who does it, and
managers of the complex may not either. But everyone else is not allowed to put anything on our nature strip - why doesn’t that apply to these complexes? “It looks disgusting and detracts from Dandenong being a good place to live. “It’s beyond what’s being managed effectively. “We need to get more serious and heavy-handed about this.” As part of the solution, she also proposes to review their contract with Council’s rubbish contractors. “By the time you book it (hard rubbish collection), it’s roughly two to three weeks before it’s picked up and I think it’s unacceptable. “How can we build that into the contract so the cost is reduced and service is more timely and prompt?” Council’s customer request dashboard as of August 2026 shows council’s actions undertaken to customers’ requests or reports of dumped rubbish for council collection. The dashboard portrays a service standard of 10 days however the median days to action the requests is 11.5 days. At the start of the month, there were 491 requests at hand, it received 793 new requests and while council actioned 797 of the requests, there were still 482 remaining by the end of the month. “We share important information about producing less waste and disposing of waste responsibly through education campaigns,” Mr Manivasagasivam says. “This includes recycling and rubbish guides in eight languages, reuse and recycle drop-off days four times a year and school and community waste education programs. “Outside of our regular rubbish, recycling and organics kerbside collections, we also provide annual hard rubbish collections to each household and more than 755 public litter and recycling bins across Greater Dandenong.” Last year alone, Council staff cleaned up 900 tonnes of illegally dumped waste at a cost to local ratepayers of more than $1.6 million.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 6 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 15
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WHAT’S ON Movement 4 Your Mind Free four-week program for young people aged 12 to 25 that focuses on building confidence and mental and physical wellbeing. Activities include body balance (combination of tai chi and pilates), spin cycling, dance fitness and mat Yoga. No experience needed. For ages 12-25. Tuesdays, 6, 13, 20 and 27 October, 4.15pm5.30pm at Noble Park Aquatic Centre, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park; free event. Registrations essential at https://forms.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/public-forms/movement-4-your-mind/
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Dandenong VIEW Club An enjoyable, entertaining evening, including dinner and guest speaker from Rotary. Tuesday 6 October at Dandenong RSL, 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Bookings: Rose, 0430 443 065.
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Come and Try Racquet Sports for Seniors Try a variety of racquet sports, improve your coordination, and enjoy some light-hearted competition. Free hot drink after your session. – Weekly on Wednesdays 7 October-28 October, 10.30am-11.30am at Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre, 10 Raymond McMahon Blvd, Endeavour Hills; free event. No bookings required. Details: casey@alignedleisure.com.au
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Zumba Gold Low-impact fitness class specifically designed for older adults and beginners who prefer a gentler style of exercise. Part of the Seniors Festival. Wednesday 7 October, 10.30am-11.30am at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Registration required at https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable. net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_62bb1317cd574 6a3b3716904383a798f
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Outdoor cinema Mr. Peabody & Sherman (PG). Bring a blanket, your favourite movie snacks, sit back, relax and enjoy a fun-filled outdoor movie experience. Wednesday 7 October, 6pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. No bookings required.
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12423634-SN31-19
Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
Real Estate ACCOMMODATION ROOMS AVAILABLE, Single rooms. Gents only. 48 Hammond Road/45 Hemmings Street, Dandenong. Ph Daniel 0417 336 906.
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Spring Safe Storytime Make a splash and help your little ones learn to stay safe around water. Interactive storytime session featuring Kids Alive characters and plenty of books, music, dancing and bubbles. Thursday 8 October, 10.30am-11am at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale and Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event.
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Drawing Class for Adults A creative drawing class for adults to develop their drawing skills, explore different techniques and enjoy art in a supportive environment. Thursdays (from 8 October) 7pm-8pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $157.50 for term 4. Details: programs@nobleparkcc.org.au or 9547 5801.
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Community Safety Fun Day
Mend It workshop Mending can take on many forms, from buttons to hem fixes and invisible patching. Sunday 11 October, 1pm-3pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; Free event. Bookings required at https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_b2283caafc8545879f58852fdd22eb6f
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Ready2Rally Tennis Free, beginner-friendly tennis-based program for women and girls of all cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities and experiences. Fun games, music and snacks. For ages 12 years or older. Sundays 11 October, 25 October, 8 November, 22 November and 6 December, 4pm-5pm at Burden Park Tennis Club, Olympic Avenue, Springvale South; free event. Registration required. Details: Peter Cunningham, 0408 539 363 or burdenparktennis@gmail.com
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Water Safety for Adults
All emergency services will be in attendance cars and trucks will have interactive displays & stalls along with Crimestoppers, Neighbourhood Watch Greater Dandenong, Community Safety Team CGD, KidSafe Vic will be doing car seat installation & checking. We will have Free Safe Plate Screws for collection for DIY, food & beverage stalls, kids activities. Saturday 10 October, 10am-2pm at Palm Plaza, McCrae Street, Dandenong; free event. Details: info.nhwgd@gmail.com.
A classroom based (dry) session followed by two options for in-water sessions for all adults or for females only. For people from refugee, migrant and multicultural backgrounds, aged 18 years or older. Tuesday 13 October (dry session), Wednesday 15 October (all adults, in-pool) and Tuesday 20 October (females only, in-pool), 7.15pm8.15pm at Dandenong Oasis, cnr Heatherton Road and Cleeland Street, Dandenong; free activities. Registration required at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/R75Z92G
Call and Response arts workshop
Creative Mosaics
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Interactive session based on movement-based dialogue. Exhibiting artist and choreographer Annalouise Paul and choreographer Gül?en Özer host a participatory workshop based on the themes of the exhibition Uncharted Waters, The Journey of Mother Tongue. No prior dance or movement experience required. Children welcome under adult supervision. Saturday 10 October, 1pm-2.30pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong; free event.
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Three-day workshop. Create a beautiful mosaic tile for your home or garden over a three-week period. Learn essential techniques including design, glass cutting, tiling, and grouting. Part of Ageing Positively Festival. – Wednesdays 14, 21 and 28 October, 9.30am-12pm at Endeavour Hills Neighbourhood Centre, 10 Raymond McMahon Blvd, Endeavour Hills; free event; $10/$5. Bookings required at info@ehillsnc.org.au or 9700 3789.
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POSITIONS VACANT
Rainbow Club
48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 0468 693 833
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Living Well Expo Seniors Festival Stalls by local clubs/groups, support agencies and Greater Dandenong Council supporting the health and wellbeing of seniors. Info sessions with Services Australia, and grandparents storytime. Thursday 15 October, 10am-12pm at Springvale City Hall, 18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale; free event.
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Oh Carole: The Songs of Carole King and Neil Sedaka A special Drum Encore experience will have you tapping along to all your favourite songs. Includes complimentary morning tea (9.30am) and parking voucher. Transport ($5.80) to and from the venue is available from 8.30am (returns to home from 12.15pm). Thursday 15 October, 10.30am-11.45am at Drum Theatre, cnr Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong; $25/$20. Bookings required: 8571 5574 or https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-book/ ev_20ea3d34d5b24008b067cc2218d9a88 3?eventDateID=1326
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Wildlife Gardening Seniors Festival Learn about local wildlife through the use of indigenous plants and wildlife-friendly gardening practices. Thursday 15 October, 10.30am-12pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Registration required at https://greaterdandenong-events. bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_049d70 5de9f84e42b3f3640302d63569
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Water Safety for Young People Designed for young people from refugee, migrant and multicultural backgrounds, ages 12-17. Get a refresher on treading water, survival swimming and completing rescues, and how to swim safer in rivers, lakes, beaches and pools. Includes a classroom component and an in-water activity. Swimwear required. Thursday 15 October, 4.30pm-5.30pm at Dandenong Oasis, cnr Heatherton Road and Cleeland Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R9T6W78
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Employment
ADULT SERVICES
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ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services. MY SPACE - FULL BODY CARE Full body relaxation massage by young and mature asian female therapist. Shower facility. Vanity Crt, Room 33, 249 Lonsdale St, Dandenong. Katie 0402 420 986. 0431 156 192. Open 7 days.
Registrations essential at https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/eventbook/ev_164ce58adce64b79a18cbb6ec48 54165?eventDateID=1875
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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL
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The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Join one of Victoria’s leading independent community media organisations. Star News Group is seeking an enthusiastic, results-driven and customer-focused Print & Digital Sales Representative to join our dynamic sales team. With a proud history of delivering trusted local news across print, digital, newsletters and social media platforms, Star News Group connects businesses with highly engaged audiences throughout Melbourne’s south-east and regional Victoria. About the Role : This is an exciting opportunity to manage an established client portfolio while actively developing new business opportunities across our diverse media platforms. The successful applicant will work with local businesses to create effective advertising campaigns incorporating: • Newspaper advertising • Digital display advertising • Sponsored online content • Email marketing campaigns • Digital Newsletter Key Responsibilities : • Maintain and grow an existing client base. • Identify and secure new business opportunities. • Develop tailored advertising and marketing solutions for clients. • Prepare proposals, presentations and campaign recommendations. • Work collaboratively with editorial, design and digital teams to deliver outstanding client outcomes. About You: You will possess: • Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills. • Strong organisational and time management abilities. • A positive attitude and a passion for helping local businesses succeed. • A current driver’s license and reliable vehicle. What We Offer : • An established territory with existing clients. • Competitive salary package including base salary and commission. • Supportive team environment. • The opportunity to work with a respected and trusted community media brand. • If you are passionate about sales, enjoy working within your local community and thrive in a fast-paced media environment, we’d love to hear from you. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
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Zumba class offers a lower-intensity workout and fun, energetic dance fitness experience. – Thursday 8 October, 10.15am-11am at Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre, 10 Raymond McMahon Blvd, Endeavour Hills; free event. Bookings required at https://caseyleisure. perfectgym.com.au/clientportal
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Tuesday, 6 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 17
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Back-to-back for Bears? By Blair Burns Cricket is back as the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) kicks off this Saturday with some exciting one-day matches fixtured. Berwick won the premiership from third last season, and led by captain Michael Wallace, the Bears will look to be a threat once again. Springvale South made the big dance but was unfortunate to come off second best in the biggest game of the year. With a similar side to last year and a familiar fast bowler having signed with the Bloods after a stellar season for a rival, the vibes are high within Cam Forsyth’s camp. Buckley Ridges didn’t like the unfamiliar taste of defeat in the preliminary final and is clear that its only goal this year is to win the flag. Hallam Kalora Park has lost some key players but will hope some new recruits can fill the void and keep the Hawks in the finals frame. The rest of the chasing pack continues to bolster their line-ups, hoping to surge up the ladder.
Beaconsfield Coach: Brad Erasmus Captain: Andrey Fernando Last Year: Fifth (5-7) Most Runs: Ashan Walgamage (371) Most Wickets: Mitch Tielen (24) Key Player: Brad Erasmus - Will bring a lot to the team from experience level, he is also a quality batsman. Surprise Packet: Trishane De Silva - A talented bowler with a bit of flair. Very competitive and loves the big moments. Ins: Tyler Clark (back from a year playing in England), Brad Erasmus (South Caulfield), Jacobus Hynes (Cardinia), Trishane De Silva (Cardinia). Outs: Sam Read, Abaseen Taniwal, Alex Nice, Jake Cutting. Beaconsfield was only a couple of wins away from finals last year but ultimately fell short of fourth as Hallam Kalora Park snuck into the finals. The Tigers have had a bit of change within their side, losing power-hitting centurion Sam Read and opening bowlers Jake Cutting and Alex Nice. But the club welcomes Brad Erasmus as its new coach and the hope is that he will not only add some class to the batting order, but lead Beaconsfield to finals. Erasmus made headlines a few seasons ago when he combined for an unbeaten 428-run opening partnership with Channel 7 journalist Tom Morris for South Caulfield. The Tigers have added Trishane De Silva and Jacobus Hynes from Cardinia. Two of Beaconsfield’s five wins came against the now relegated Parkmore, and the Tigers were embarrassed in a heavy defeat against Dandenong West which dampened finals hopes last season. The challenge for the side is to take the next step and turn itself into a real finals contender, and to beat some of the big sides like Berwick, Springvale South and Buckley Ridges.
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DDCA
DANDENONG DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION
SEASON PREVIEW - TURF 1 karsh Srivastava (top-order batter - USA), Tevyn • Captain: Michael Wallace Walcott (wicketkeeper/batsman - Barbados), • Last Year: Third (9-4) - Premiers Yousaf Iqbal. • Most Runs: Jake Hancock (663) Outs: Dale Tormey (Pakenham), Ben Wright, • Most Wickets: Toby Wills (34) • Michael Davies. • Brand of Cricket: Team-first. A shock-loss at the hands of Berwick in last Player: Vinuda Liyanage - Dynamic player • Key with bat and ball, second year in the competi- year’s preliminary final ended Buckley Ridges’ tion.
Packet: Chad Imbulagoda - Had a • Surprise great first season last year and can take the game away from the opposition.
Andrew Jones (McKinnon), Tommy Rex • Ins: (England). • Outs: Jordan Cleland, Toby Wills, James Trodd.
The reigning premier capped off a stellar run towards the finals last year after a third-place finish and shocked some of the best sides with some high-level cricket to win the whole thing. The run through the finals was particularly impressive as the Bears preyed on the big three, Hallam Kalora Park, Buckley Ridges and then Springvale South in the big dance. Star batter Jake Hancock was the man of the match in the grand final with 79 not out and will once again be one of the best batters in the competition after belting 663 runs at an average of 82.88 last year. Not only did Hancock score bulk runs, once he got himself in, sides had no answer to getting him out, as he got plenty of red ink with only two dismissals in his last seven innings. Toby Wills produced some scintillating spells last year to take 34 wickets at 12.56, but the Bears will be without him this year due to travel. He shocked the league when he took a combined 10/48 against Hallam Kalora Park in a twodayer before taking 6/8 against Narre South a few weeks later, he also took nine wickets in the team’s three finals. There is no doubt that Wills is going to take some serious replacing, as will James Trodd who is another notable out. But skipper Michael Wallace will look to inspire his troops once more and call upon fastbowling recruit Tommy Rex to cause carnage early with the new ball. Wallace also had a strong season batting at four last year, narrowly falling short of a century on two occasions with a 99 and a 95 not out. Much like Hancock, he is very hard to dismiss and showed his composure with a crucial knock in the grand final. The batting line-up should look pretty similar, but the watch will be on the bowling and whether the Bears can restrict big scores like they did last season.
Buckley Ridges Captain/Coach: Roshene Silva Last Year: First (11-2) Most Runs: Dale Tormey (670) Most Wickets: Harry Snowden (34) Brand of Cricket: We are playing to win the championship and nothing else. Key Player: Ishan Jayarathna is one to watch, then we have some West Indies players who look really good. One is a good seamer and the other is a wicketkeeper-batter, we also have Yousaf Iqbal from Tasmania. He looks like a class player, and there is another English kid coming which I have heard good things about. Ins: Ray Jordan (fast bowler - West Indies), Ut-
• Coach: Cooper Foakes
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18 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 6 October, 2026
Dandenong West Coach: Malinga Bandara Captain: Riley Siwes Last Year: Sixth (5-9) Most Runs: Shaun Weir (464) Most Wickets: Joel Zietsman (18) Brand of Cricket: We want to play an exciting and fearless brand of cricket with the bat, while being ruthless and disciplined with the ball. Our theme for the season is connection. We want every player to understand their role within the team and how it contributes to our success. Building that connection will be particularly important within our bowling group, allowing us to work together, build pressure and execute our plans for longer periods. We want to be a side that plays positive cricket, competes hard and stays connected regardless of the situation of the game. Key Player: Nipunaka Fonseka - He showed glimpses of his ability with the bat last season, and with his first season back in cricket now under his belt, we’re excited to see what he can produce this year. He has taken on the role of vice-captain and now has a much stronger understanding of the DDCA competition, its grounds and conditions. We’re looking forward to seeing him take another step forward this season and fingers crossed, produce plenty of strong performances. Surprise Packet: Mohit Mandora - Mohit can take a game away from the opposition in a blink of an eye with his powerful, exciting and fearless approach to batting. After Christmas last season, he was one of the competition’s leading run-scorers and showed just how damaging he can be. Has has worked extremely hard throughout the off-season to continue building on that form and prove it was no fluke. We’re excited to see what he can produce this season. Ins: Yashan Samarasinghe (middle-order bat/ off spin - Longwarry), George Compton (fast bowler - English import), Danuja Sheehan (fast bowler - Sri Lankan import). Outs: Joel Zietsman (Narre South), Anthony Brannan (Long Island), Brad Sheean (Glen Waverley). Dandenong West is looking to take the next step this season after a solid season which saw the side finish sixth on the ladder. Under captain Riley Siwes, the Bulls worked hard and made a habit of posting big scores. The team’s offensive power was so strong that the side scored 2912 runs for the season, which ranked them third in the league, even above Berwick. But the trouble came in defending those totals and it was a familiar story throughout the year, with the team conceding 3204 runs against which was almost 400 runs more than any other team. The Bulls didn’t have a wicket-taker inside the top 20 in the league and the one they did have, Joel Zietsman, has now left and signed with his former club Narre South. Siwes was the next best with 16 wickets. But the need was identified and Dandenong West went out and signed two fast bowlers in George Compton (England) and Danuja Sheehan (Sri Lanka). The pair will lead the bowling attack and will have the big job of picking up early wickets. On the batting side of things, the likes of Shaun Weir (464 runs) and Mohit Mandora (404 runs) will look to set the tone at the top of the order. Nipunaka Fonseka is another who finished the season in style with a 95 and 41, looking to pick up from where he left off. The theme for the side is connection this season and if they can replicate their batting performances, and perform better with the ball, they are every chance to sneak into finals.
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Coomoora Captain/Coach: Jarrod Munday Last Year: First (9-2) - Turf 2 Premiers Most Runs: Krishan Alang (707) Most Wickets: Malan Madusanka (44) Key Player: Krishan Alang. Ins: Dulara Bandulasena, Johan Cronje, Freddie Cartwright, Charlie Eaton, Lewis Shean, Rowan Snell. Outs: Malan Madusanka, George Davey, Dean Krelle. It was a special season for Coomoora as the Roos went all the way in Turf 2 and earned a promotion to the top grade. The side clearly had the best batter in the league and the best bowler in the league. Krishan Alang scored almost 200 runs more than his nearest opponent at a ridiculous average of 78.56. He scored three big centuries for the season and showed he can go at above 100 strike rate or grind out a crucial knock like he did in the grand final against Parkfield with an important half century. He won the Charles Gartside medal by a landslide, with his teammate Malan Madusanka claiming third. While the club has lost Madusanka’s bowling prowess, they have retained Alang and you can expect him to rise to the level that Turf 1 has to offer. Outgoing captain Dean Krelle and George Davey round out the departures. Wicketkeeper Jarrod Munday has stepped into the captaincy role this season and probably went under the radar in 2025/26 due to Alang’s dominant campaign, but Munday still made 492 runs, averaging almost 50. Parkmore was the most recent Turf 2 premiers before Coomoora and they were relegated last season, so the Roos will be firstly hoping to remain in Turf 1. Sam Wetering will be one to watch with the new ball, while Nick Suppree was a reliable opener with more than 400 runs for the year. Can the Roos have an impact in Turf 1 and claim some scalps? Only time will tell but they have enough talent there.
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Berwick
three-peat dreams as the Bears posted 385 at Park Oval before bowling the Bucks out for just 175. The comprehensive defeat seemingly ended an era at Buckley, with players such as Dale Tormey (Pakenham), Michael Davies (retired), Triyan De Silva (HSD) and Harry Snowden (England) departing. However, the Bucks look well and truly set to compete again with a list of recruits as long as the Flemington straight. Just because the team will be very different does not mean the results will be much different for last season’s minor premier. Roshene Silva will take over the captaincy from Jayson Hobbs after three years of service, while Ishan Jayarathna will again be a big threat with bat and ball. Ray Jordan will bring some genuine heat to the bowling attack, while Tevyn Walcott and Utkarsh Srivastava will strengthen the batting order. It is a big year for the Bucks as the club celebrates 100 years of existence, and they will be determined to go a couple better than last year and get back to their premiership-winning ways.
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Berwick heads into this weekend as the hunted after winning the DDCA Turf 1 premiership last season. (Gary Sissons: 542062) tasted victory just once against Parkmore, and lost the other four - two of those were outright defeats. The two-day format will have to improve as the side deals with the loss of their leading runscorer from last season Damith Perera, and leading wicket-taker William Whyte. To maintain its spot inside the top four, Hammond will have to be at his best, as will new recruit Lochlan Scott, who comes across from Frankston Peninsula in the Vic Premier competition, having played three matches in the Second XI last season.
Hallam Kalora Park
• Coach: Matt Cox • Captain: Jordan Hammond • Last Year: Fourth (7-6) • Most Runs: Damith Perera (494) • Most Wickets: William Whyte (30) • Key Player: Aasrith Kanuganti. Lachie Scott (all-rounder - Frankston Pen• Ins: insula), Kieran Pell (wicketkeeper/batter - England), Imran Laghmani (all-rounder - North Dandenong) Outs: Leigh Booth (retired), William Whyte, Damith Perera (Narre South). Hallam Kalora Park managed to snag fourth spot on the ladder last season, but they were never a realistic threat to go all the way, beaten easily by Berwick in the first final. The Hawks came runner-up the year prior, but with some poor losses early last season, the challenge quickly turned from winning the premiership, to making finals. Life was a bit harder without star batter Mahela Udawatte who departed prior to the season. Without skipper Jordan Hammond, the side would’ve been in trouble but to his credit, he was brilliant with the ball and got breakthrough wickets when nobody else could, also finishing the year nicely with the bat as he made 52 and 49 in his last two hits. The Hawks showed they were still one of the toughest teams to beat in the one-dayers with a 6-2 record, but they let themselves down in the longer format. Of the five two-day matches, they
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Narre South
• Coach: Matt Brooks • Captain: Cal Tout • Last Year: Seventh (2-10) • Most Runs: Oshadha Ariyadasa (379) • Most Wickets: Jeevan Mendis (18) of Cricket: We want to be competitive • Brand this year. Obviously only winning two games • •
last year was less than ideal, so we really want to improve on that. Key Player: Damith Perera - Obviously has proven run-scoring ability and we are really keen to see him go to the next level with us this season. Surprise Packet: Joel Zietsman - I believe he’s gearing up for a big year with the new ball in hand, fresh off footy season, so he’s fit, firing and ready to go.
Damith Perera (wicketkeeper/batsman • Ins: Hallam Kalora Park), Sakidu Wijerathne (leftarm orthodox - Donvale), Joel Zietsman (seamer - Dandenong West). Outs: Kyle Hardy (retired), Deeshan Umagiliyage. Rise up the ladder and be competitive, that is the goal for Narre South as Cal Tout leads the Lions into the 2026/27 season. The club’s two wins came against Parkmore and Hallam Kalora Park last season, and despite posting some strong totals in the back end of the season, they conceded too many. That is where returning recruit Joel Zietsman will come in handy, set to take the new ball and have a big impact for the side. Narre South comes into this season with potentially the biggest recruit in the entire DDCA, former Wookey Medallist and star batter Damith Perera. The top-order batter is a bonafide star and is coming off a season where he scored 494 runs for Hallam Kalora Park, but he was just scratching the surface. The year before in 2024/25, he made three Turf 1 centuries including a 111 off 54 balls in a T20 match. He also made two 80s and a 70 in that season, among other half centuries, finishing second in the league medal count to Buckley Ridges’ Ishan Jayarathna. He holds the key to a surge up the ladder and if he can set the tone and bring along some others with him and star Jeevan Mendis, the Lions are on their way to a much-improved year. Sakidu Wijerathne is another to watch, a left-arm spinner who will cause problems for some of the league’s best batters this year - he also has first class experience back in Sri Lanka.
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Springvale South Captain/Coach: Cam Forsyth Last Year: Second (12-2) - Runner-Up Most Runs: Jordan Wyatt (582) Most Wickets: Jarryd Straker (37) Brand of Cricket: Positive. Key Player: Blade Baxter - Contributes in all facets of the game and is a relentless competitor. Surprise Packet: Brad Newton and Matt Jameson. Brad is a talented all-round cricketer with Premier Cricket experience in SA. Matt had a fantastic year last year helping the boys win a Turf 3 flag, and will be looking to lock in a spot in Turf 1. Ins: Harry Snowden (UK), James Butler (UK), Brad Newton. Outs: Nick Boland (retired), Josh Dowling, Chathuranga De Silva. Springvale South fell short at the final hurdle last year as Berwick claimed the premiership it was the second time in the past three seasons that the Bloods have finished runner-up. It was another brilliant season from Cam Forsyth and his men with Dasun Opanayaka taking out the Wookey Medal. Jordan Wyatt had another strong year with the blade, with a blistering 131 off 97 balls against Dandenong West, a season highlight for the power-hitter. The Bloods are always around the mark and they want to get back to the top of the food chain in the DDCA. With a similar team to last year, they are well poised to be among the best couple of teams in the Turf 1 competition. While Nick Boland has retired, Springy has poached English fast bowler Harry Snowden from Buckley Ridges, who was second for wickets last season with 34 to his name. A 6fa performance against the Bloods in the first week of finals was enough to make a big impression on his future teammates. Brad Newton is another important inclusion for the side. Ryan Quirk will be another to watch…he posted some big scores last season and if he can continue that form, I am backing him to receive a deserved Wookey Medal at long last. Springvale South has retained most of its side and will likely have good depth in its batting order once again.
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Tuesday, 6 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 19
Ryman Village
Open Days 9 & 10 October, 10am & 12.30pm RSVPs welcome. Find out more at ryman.com.au/open-days or 1800 314 425 Visit one of our participating villages: Deborah Cheetham Village, 1 Vision Court, Ocean Grove Essendon Terrace Village, 262 – 270 Pascoe Vale Road, Essendon Hubert Opperman Village, 62 - 94 Jacksons Road, Mulgrave John Flynn Village, 6 Foundation Boulevard, Burwood East Nellie Melba Village, 2 Collegium Avenue, Wheelers Hill Weary Dunlop Village, 242 Jells Road, Wheelers Hill
12906731-JV41-26
20 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 6 October, 2026
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