Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
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Monk jailed, not sorry
SRL hot takes
Centenarians feted
Bucks deliver revenge
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SPORT
160 year history served Jawad Ali Zaza from Baker Boys bakery unwraps a massive 160th birthday cake for Dandenong Market on Friday 9 October. Shoppers, traders and managers shared a slice of the market’s long history during the milestone celebrations. More on the story, turn to page 10
(Stewart Chambers: 581617)
Sharp debate... On the eve of the 2026 state election, Springvale’s controversial 24/7 syringe dispensing machine is set to move. Meanwhile, Mulgrave state-election candidates are split on whether Greater Dandenong should host a medically-supervised injection facility. Mulgrave Labor MP Eden Foster, in response to a Star Journal state election survey, said she’d “heard the concerns of community”. “That’s why our government will relocate the machine, with the new location to be determined by health experts and the needs of the community.”
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She also said there were plans for new outreach supports in Springvale, but didn’t comment on the prospect of an injection facility. The dispenser, part of a Needle and Syringe Program at Springvale Community Health, has been under fire after traders reported a rise in anti-social behaviour in the nearby shopping area. This included syringes on the footpaths, rough sleepers, assaults, robberies, brazen drug-dealers and public toilets visited by injecting users. A recent State Coroner’s report ranked Greater Dandenong as the fourth-highest area for fatal heroin-involved overdoses (115 deaths in the past 10 years).
Heroin was involved in 11 of the 16 fatal overdoses in Greater Dandenong in 2025. One Nation candidate Cody Rebbechi said community members should be entitled to submit and vote on location proposals away from schools and shops, he said. He was “absolutely opposed” to a local medically-supervised injecting facility, citing the rise in anti-social behaviour and reduced public safety around a facility in Richmond. Greens candidate Paul Schofield said he would advocate to move the dispenser closer to Springvale railway station. The Greens would follow medical-profession-
al advice if there was “clear community need” for a “discreet” and “accessible” medically-supervised injecting facility in the area. Victorian Socialists candidate Connor Buchanan said it was best to ask health experts where the best location for the NSP should be. He said Greater Dandenong “absolutely” required more peer outreach workers and a medically-supervised injecting facility. Mulgrave Liberal candidate Charles Tran and independent Ian Cook were also emailed for comment. More on the story, turn to page 3
NEWS
Hit-run driver bites cop By Cam Lucadou-Wells An unlicensed hit-run driver in a stolen car who fought off police and bit an officer’s leg in chaotic scenes has been jailed for a year. Serial offender Sai Mataafa, 29, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to intentionally causing injury, theft, resisting police and drug possession as well as six other summary offences. The court heard that Mataafa was on bail and a community corrections order at the time. He had a “troubling and relevant” history of assaulting police officers, drug, driving and bail offences, along with previous stints in jail, sentencing judge Tara Hartnett noted on 6 October. About noon on 13 January, police spotted Mataafa driving a stolen Commodore at high speed on a service road off Princes Highway, Dandenong North. He failed to give way at Ellendale Road and crashed into a Peugeot van. Mataafa continued driving at high speed despite extensive damage to the Commodore’s front left wheel, which had gone flat.
He was spotted by police while trying to change the tyre at Noble Park. He resisted officers’ orders to lay on the ground with hands behind his back. A senior constable got on top of him in an attempt to restrain him, and Mataafa bit the officer’s shin/knee area. Mataafa pushed away two other bystanders who tried to help police. The officer meanwhile deployed his taser. Mataafa ran away, with another officer in pursuit. He eventually returned to the Commodore, where a bystander stuck out a leg and tripped him. He ignored orders to stay down, leading to the senior constable striking Mataafa’s arms with a baton. Mataafa broke free of another officer’s grip, grabbed the senior constable by the vest and threw him to the ground. The second officer deployed capsicum spray as Mataafa ran away. He went into a garage, broke through a door into the backyard and jumped several fences. Further police arrived and found Mataafa at
County Court of Victoria. a nearby reserve. A taser brought him to ground and he was arrested. He was later deemed unfit for police interview. Police seized four knives from inside the Holden, as well as a bottle of 1-4 butanediol and an array of electronics such as an iPad, 14 power banks, foldable solar panel, imitation Apple watch and two electric shavers. Judge Hartnett said the offending was “chaotic”, “violent” and “serious”, inflicting a “nasty” assault on an officer to avoid arrest.
The bitten officer had a “frightening” wait to confirm he wasn’t infected or diseased, given that Mataafa was a drug user. A mandatory minimum six-month jail term applied to the assault. Defence lawyers didn’t submit there were special reasons for an exemption, Judge Hartnett said. His rehabilitation prospects were “limited” due to his repeated criminal history - including breaching bail and court orders - and his prolific long-term drug use. He had not attended residential rehab. A psychologist reported his meth use was a ploy to self-medicate his ADHD and poor mental health, but in turn fueled his high risk of offending. They recommended AOD counselling and long-term residential rehab upon his release from custody. The judge noted his exposure to violence as a child, as well as the impact of family bereavements. Mataafa was jailed for 12 months, without parole. His term includes 266 days already served in remand.
Youths charged after daytime freeway pursuit
Buddhist monk Naotunne Vijitha has been jailed for sexually assaulting six girls at a temple in Springvale and Keysborough. Picture: James Ross/ AAP
Monk jailed for serial child sex abuse By Cam Lucadou-Wells An elderly ex-monk has been jailed for up to 13 years for the “vile” sexual assault of six girls at a temple in Springvale and Keysborough. Naotunne Vijitha, 71, was found guilty by a Victorian County Court jury of 17 offences against children under 16 at Dhamma Sarana Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple between 1994 and 2002. He was acquitted of two further charges of indecent acts against juveniles. Vijitha showed no remorse and admitted no responsibility for the “abhorrent abuse”, sentencing judge Pardeep Tiwana noted on 8 October. “You were a deeply respected Buddhist leader,” Judge Tiwana told Vijitha. “You were a spiritual, moral and social anchor to many in the Buddhist community. “However, … amongst that calm and reassuring exterior of religious authority, there was a dark and disturbing side to you. “You preyed on young innocent girls and abused them for your own perverse sexual gratification.” As the chief monk at the time, Vijitha separately lured the girls aged between 4 and 12 to his bedroom with sweets or a book. There, he sexually penetrated the victims with fingers or objects, kissed them on the lips or otherwise indecently touched them. The acts occurred at Sunday school, Saturday night family prayers and often when their unsuspecting parents were in a nearby room.
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Judge Tiwana said the jury rejected Vijitha’s defence that the victims were not credible and reliable witnesses. “I wish to make plain, that each one of your victims gave, what I found to be, compelling evidence when detailing the vile abuse you subjected them to as young children. “Despite the trauma with which they continue to live, they were truthful, intelligent and articulate witnesses.” Judge Tiwana said Vivjita “abused and betrayed” his position of spiritual authority in “the most unexpected and egregious manner”. “Hidden behind a cloak of religious authority and purity, you abused young girls to satisfy your own perverse sexual gratification. “You took away their innocence in a place of worship where they were entitled to feel safe.” He recounted how a victim stated that Vijitha didn’t just violate her body but “poisoned” her faith and “tarnished what was once her family’s spiritual home”. “She now lives in fear that she and her family will be branded liars, attention-seekers or temple destroyers for holding you accountable”. This was a consequence of a “culture that placed (Vijitha) above question and taught children to stay silent”. The victim, now in her 30s, stated: “I face a future where religious settings, and even kindness from older men in authority can send me spiralling. ‘I have accepted that some parts of the little girl I was will never come back, and that I will
always carry this grief, distress and trauma with me.” Another victim said she avoided temples and religious activities because they remind her of the abuse. The impact had “traversed generations”, with a victim stating her children now lived “a life void of religion”. “I hope having heard these victim impact statements read aloud in court, you are able to reflect upon the turmoil you have caused in their lives,” Judge Tiwana said. “People in positions of authority like you, provide solace and direction to many. “When that path of righteousness is betrayed in the manner you did, a significant term of imprisonment must follow.” The Sri Lankan-born Vijitha, who is a Swedish citizen and an Australian permanent resident, had expressed no fear of being deported to Sweden. Judge Tiwana noted that Vijitha had not offended for 20 years leading up to his arrest in 2022. He is currently ailing with dementia and other physical ailments, which also lessened his risk of reoffending. Vijitha was convicted and jailed for up to 13 years and two months, with a non-parole period of at least nine years and four months. His term includes 343 days of pre-sentence detention. He must report as a registered sex offender for life.
Five youths have been charged, following an alleged aggravated burglary in Brighton East and a lengthy pursuit that ended on the Monash Freeway. Police say a Nissan Patrol and an Audi SQ5 were stolen from a property on Clonaig Street, about 5.30am on Tuesday 6 October. The vehicles were allegedly involved in another home invasion in Hampton Park about 7.45am before fleeing. No one was injured during the home invasions. Officers spotted the Nissan Patrol being driven erratically in Doveton about 8am, before engaging in a pursuit, police say. With the assistance of the Police Air Wing, the vehicle was followed through eastern and south-eastern suburbs on the Eastlink and Monash Freeway. The vehicle was intercepted by specialist police on the Monash Freeway about midday, which caused outbound lanes to be closed for a period of time. Four teenage boys aged between 16 and 17, as well as two adult men, aged 19 and 20 were arrested at the scene. The Audi SQ5 was located in Endeavour Hills and recovered by police. Moorabbin CIU detectives charged a 16-year-old from Casey with intentional aggravated exposure of emergency worker to risk by driving, reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, car theft and unlicenced driving. A 16-year-old from the Cardinia area was charged with car theft and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail. A 17-year-old from Casey area was charged with armed robbery, aggravated burglary and two counts of car theft. A 16-year-old from Whitehorse was charged with car theft. They were each remanded to appear before a children’s court on 7 October. A 19-year-old Cranbourne East man was charged with car theft, and remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 7 October. As of 7 October, a 20-year-old Wheelers Hill man remained in hospital under police guard. Any dashcam, CCTV footage or information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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NEWS
Syringe dispenser set for relocation By Cam Lucadou-Wells After months of trader uproar, Springvale’s controversial 24/7 syringe dispensing machine is set for relocation. Meanwhile, Mulgrave state-election candidates are split on whether Greater Dandenong should host a medically-supervised injection facility. The dispenser, part of a Needle and Syringe Program at Springvale Community Health, has been under fire after traders reported a rise in anti-social behaviour in the nearby shopping area. This included syringes on the footpaths, rough sleepers, assaults, robberies, brazen drug-dealers and public toilets visited by injecting users. Recently, Monash Health moved the machine about 20 metres to the side of the building - which failed to quell opposition. Mulgrave Labor MP Eden Foster, in response to a Star Journal state election survey, said she’d “heard the concerns of community”. “That’s why our government will relocate the machine, with the new location to be determined by health experts and the needs of the community.” She said the government would also deliver new targeted outreach supports in Springvale and Greater Dandenong. “I know how devastating the impact of drug harm can be - that’s why we’re getting on with the job of addressing and reducing drug harms in our community.” Foster didn’t comment on whether she’d support a medically-supervised injecting facility. She supported the NSP as an “important public health service”, as a recent State Coroner’s report ranked Greater Dandenong as the fourth-highest area for fatal heroin-involved overdoses (115 deaths in the past 10 years). Heroin was involved in 11 of the 16 fatal overdoses in Greater Dandenong in 2025. Fatal overdoses in the area dropped from 25 in 2024. One Nation candidate Cody Rebbechi said the
The 24/7 syringe dispenser was recently relocated at the side of Springvale Community Health. It is set to move again, according to Mulgrave MP Eden Foster. (Stewart Chambers: 559210) vending machine’s location opposite a primary school was “obviously inappropriate and lacking community consultation”. He’d observed a rise in littered sharps and open usage around the site, Woolworths and the shopping precinct in the past year. Community members should be entitled to submit and vote on location proposals through Greater Dandenong Council, he said. “I would favour returning the program back within staffing hours (9am-5pm) and look into a site away from schools and shops. “We have to discourage both open usage and the formation of a centralised drug ‘hot spot’.” Rebbechi said more peer outreach on its own “is not the answer”, with “prevention, treatment and supply disruption” being the “primary focus”. He was “absolutely opposed” to a local medically-supervised injecting facility, citing the rise in anti-social behaviour and reduced public safety around a facility in Richmond. Greens candidate Paul Schofield said he would advocate to move the dispenser closer to Springvale railway station. The “discreet” site should “give privacy to those managing illicit injectable drug use but also minimise anti-social behaviour sometimes associated with those managing addiction”.
“As a community though we must not ignore the fact that users are a part of our community and deserve health care that helps them to manage their current use and address their addiction.” He said health care services were too concentrated in inner Melbourne, forcing people across the state to head there. The Greens would follow medical-professional advice if there was “clear community need” for a “discreet” and “accessible” medically-supervised injecting facility in the area. Victorian Socialists candidate Connor Buchanan said it was best to ask health experts where the best location for the NSP should be. “I don’t think these should be a matter of a candidate’s opinion but rather what is best, data-driven and expert-endorsed opinion.” He said Greater Dandenong “absolutely” required more peer outreach workers and a medically-supervised injecting facility. “We live in incredibly hard times under the current system and people deserve support. Addiction is a public health issue and should be treated as such. “The more support we can provide, the better. “I will also add that I hope you are considering the benefits these programs and facilities have provided in reducing overdoses and transmissible diseases instead of just listening to pearl clutching business owners.” The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association has called for political action against the state’s rising overdose death toll. The 632 fatalities in 2025 were more than double the road toll. VAADA stated an additional $50 million in harm-reduction funding would result in more peer outreach workers to support people at risk, access to medically supervised injecting in areas experiencing high rates of heroin use and related harm, and ready access to opioid pharmacotherapy. Mulgrave Liberal candidate Charles Tran and independent Ian Cook were also emailed for comment.
School principal Daniel Riley in front of the 1881 building during 150-year celebrations in 2024. (Rob Carew: 404157)
Boy charged after alleged hit-run at Flinders St A Greater Dandenong teen has been charged after a vehicle was allegedly driven erratically and struck a pedestrian in Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday 11 October. Police say a stolen Ford Escape was driven east along tram tracks on Flinders Street when it struck a 57-year-old Southbank woman who was standing at the intersection of Elizabeth Street about 10.45am. The driver then allegedly U-turned outside Flinders Street Station where police and protective services officers drew their firearms. The vehicle travelled along Flinders Lane, striking several unoccupied parked cars, police say. The woman was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Melbourne Highway Patrol officers have charged a 16-year-old boy, who was arrested without incident on Beaconsfield Parade in Albert Park He was charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, dangerous driving, driving at dangerous speed, unlicensed driving, careless driving, failing to have proper control of a vehicle, failing to render assistance, car theft and handling stolen goods. He was remanded to appear at a children’s court on 12 October. The vehicle was allegedly stolen from a business on Luster Circuit in Cranbourne South about 2am on 11 October. “Police have confirmed this is not an act of terrorism nor was it a targeted attack,” Victoria Police stated.
Boy with burns arrested A burnt 15-year-old boy has been arrested and hospitalised after a suspicious fire in Springvale on 11 October. Protective Services Officers at Springvale railway station were told two males were breaking into the restaurant on Springvale Road near Windsor Avenue about 12.15am, police say. Fire crews were called after black smoke reportedly issued from the top floor of the premises. There was nobody inside at the time, police say. Police believe that the males fled in a vehicle. A short time later, emergency services were called to reports of a teenage boy with burns at a fast food restaurant on Warrigal Rd in Heatherton. The 15-year-old was arrested and transported to hospital under police guard. A crime scene has been established. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
$6.4m upgrade: ALP pledge for Dandenong Primary School’s heritage By Cam Lucadou-Wells The State Government has pledged $6.41 million towards renewing a heritage building at Dandenong Primary School. The circa-1881 Gothic-style ornamental brick building, which was extended in the early 1900s, is home to five classrooms, admin offices and staffroom. School principal Daniel Riley said it was “well overdue for some much-needed love to
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carry the school well into the future”. Since Covid, the school has grown from 360 students to more than 480, as well as extra teaching and admin staff, he said. “The school has been serving the Dandenong community for 152 years,” Riley said. “This renewal will be incredibly welcome, supporting the school to deliver the best possible learning and wellbeing outcomes for the Dandenong community.” Two additional Building the Education
Revolution buildings were built in 2011, followed by a kindergarten in 2015. Dandenong MP and Education Minister Gabrielle Williams said the funds would also replace a relocatable classroom building in poor condition. “Labor knows every great education starts with a great local school. “These upgrades will ensure that it can continue its excellent work for generations to come.”
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 3
NEWS
Candidates debate SRL By Sahar Foladi The Suburban Rail Loop has been one of the hot takes at the upcoming November State Elections. The current Labor Government is heavily criticised over SRL’s cost blowouts, funding shortfalls, its business case as a few. It’s stage one, the SRL East, is a 26-kilometer underground rail project that will connect Cheltenham to Box Hill. The costs was benchmarked between $30 billion to $34.5 billion, only for SRL East stage one, however the Carroll government trimmed back on the project by $2 billion bringing the offical overall costs to $33.3 billion. To achieve this, planned underground station interchanges at Box Hill and Glen Waverley was removed, it removed a second station entrance at Clayton and cancelled complex pedestrian bridges in Burwood and Cheltenham. While Jess Wilson’s Liberal has opted to pause and review the project, One Nation pledged to completely scrap the project while the Victorian Greens have merely criticised the government’s handling and prioritisation of the project. Star News conducted a survey with Clarinda district candidates at the upcoming election on whether they’ll support or scrap the project. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Clarinda’s sitting member, Labor’s Meng Heang Tak did not submit any response along with Greens, Connor Boyd-Eedle, One Nation’s Gavin Bain and Libertarian’s Liam Roche. ■ INDEPENDENT- CAROLINE WHITE 1. Do you support the SRL, or would you scrap the project? The project should be cancelled. It’s a dumb project by a dumb government and two Premiers who have since had to resign. It’s a transport project that has failed every test: accountability, transparency, governance, integrity and budgeting. Even the State’s own the Department of transport thought it was a bad idea! We can’t fix the roads; we can’t fund hospital wards but we are spending billions on a project
that Victorians don’t want or need. 2. How would it impact residents of Clarinda? The project has already had an appalling impact on residents in Heatherton, Clarinda and there is still a decade of construction to do. Noise, dust, light, vibration, traffic chaos not to mention the loss of open space, amenity, financial loss. 3. What other projects would you prioritise over SRL? We have to get the basics right first - properly fund and resource good schools, hospitals, health services; and make sure our roads and streets are safe and properly maintained; and remake Victoria and Melbourne into the safe place to live and work it once was. And make sure Clarinda has good access to the services it needs to be a healthy and productive place to live and work. ■ LIBERALS- JOHN PAGANIS 1. Do you support the SRL, or would you scrap the project? We have already pledged to pause the Suburban Rail Loop project if a Jess Wilson-led Liberals and Nationals coalition is elected this November. This will allow us to review existing contracts and re-evaluate financial arrangements. 2. How would it impact residents of Clarinda? The first stage of the Suburban Rail Loop project won’t be completed for at least a decade, and residents in the Clarinda electorate, as well as across Victoria, deserve to have their taxpayer dollars spent in the most effective manner possible. The interest payments alone on the state’s debt are $1 million per hour, which amounts to $9 billion per year. $15 billion has been lost to corruption on the Big Build. That’s over $5,000 per Victorian household. We are ready to make the disciplined decisions needed to give the state a fresh start. 3. What other projects would you prioritise over SRL?
Investment in Victoria’s road and transport network has been neglected under Labor. Road maintenance is falling behind and repairs often aren’t done properly. We will make Victoria’s transport network work for you by: -Investing $5 billion to rebuild, repair and resurface roads -Eliminating one million potholes across our road network -Building new and upgraded roads to reduce congestion -Delivering the roads you deserve Victoria’s roads have deteriorated due to Labor’s neglect and lack of investment This will include preventative road maintenance to stop potholes developing, fixing dangerous hazards and reducing the road maintenance backlog. We will establish Better Roads Victoria as a new agency, rebuilding the technical and engineering expertise lost when Labor abandoned VicRoads and axed Regional Roads Victoria. Improving road conditions will reduce vehicle damage, saving you money, and will improve safety and travel times. ■ VICTORIAN SOCIALIST- KIT MESSAGE “Victorian Socialists believe transport should be a public good, not a source of private profit. “That means free, frequent, publicly owned public transport; safe and connected cycling infrastructure; roads free of private tolls; and establishing a high-frequency transport network connecting suburbs to each other rather than only to the city. “It means redesigning our cities so that people are not forced into car dependency by the absence of alternatives. And it means ensuring that the transition away from fossil fuel vehicles does not place new financial burdens on working-class people who have no choice but to drive. “We would fight for public transport infrastructure, planning and development that is democratic, and decisions that are guided by social equity and ecological sustainability.”
Kingston Cr to stand against Kingswood estate By Cam Lucadou-Wells Exiled councillor Caroline White says she’ll fight to overturn an approved housing project at the former Kingswood Golf Course, while announcing she’ll stand as an independent in the upcoming state election. Cr White – who is controversially suspended from Kingston Council - will contest Clarinda Labor MP Meng Heang Tak’s seat in the November poll. She says if elected, she’d seek an “immediate injunction” against the 932-dwelling estate on the 53-hectare site – which was approved by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny last month. This was after more than a decade of opposition from Kingston Council and resident groups. Cr White will also call for a state-level independent inquiry into the Kingswood planning process. “Labor’s green-lighting of the Kingswood Golf Course development is an absolute betrayal of Dingley Village,” she said. “The community is very angry and rightly so. “Our drainage systems simply cannot handle this type of growth and high-rise development.” She said there was no shortage of alternative public and private-owned sites for housing in Clarinda. Cr White said Labor had “treated Clarinda as its dumping ground for far too long”, citing the Suburban Rail Loop stabling yard, illegal dumping on Westall Road and the “Mount Heatherton” Big Build spoils. Meanwhile, she said “MIA Meng” Tak did not deserve a third term. “Cost of living and crime are out of control, and they’ve run out of money to even fix the potholes. “I have no doubt our local issues and Labor’s poor performance will be reflected at the polling booth.” In a letter to residents, Tak stated that the final permit had changed after he’d raised residents’ concerns directly with the Planning Minister. The changes included identifying a safer walking link to Dingley Village Primary School, more trees being retained and updated flood and drainage modelling. “This permit doesn’t resolve every concern that has been raised with me,” Tak stated. “I will continue to advocate and raise any is-
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Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak, pictured with Greater Dandenong mayor Sophie Tan, has listed positive changes to the Kingswood Golf Course redevelopment permit. Kingston councillor Caroline White, who is standing as an independent in the 2026 state election. (Supplied) sues with the developer directly. “I will always keep advocating for a genuine net community benefit for Dingley Village as the project moves into delivery which will occur over the next several years.” Liberal candidate John Paganis said the Coalition would not reverse existing permits, but they may review cases “where there are legitimate concerns that proper processes have not been followed”. “We need more homes, but they need to be planned properly and delivered with the infrastructure communities need”. “We will listen to locals and build with communities, not over them.” Greens candidate Conor Boyd-Eedle said voters would remember that the current Labor Government totally ignored community and Kingston Council concerns. “I don’t think there is a problem with developing Kingswood Golf Club if it is done in a responsible way. “The final plans for the site do little to preserve the trees and biodiversity of the site nor respond to resident and council concerns regarding flood controls.
“By not considering canopy cover loss and flood risk, this is not a climate resilient development.” One Nation candidate Gavin Bain said the 8000 objections to the project “certainly may translate to votes shifting the status quo and impacting the results” in Clarinda. “If elected I would certainly look at injunctive measures to immediately halt the progression of development which I am told begins December 2026. “I would then have the issue open up to genuine community and professional consultation to the impact of the development being built on a flood zone, and to the existing surrounding amenity including roads and an increase in traffic, which is currently at breaking point in that location.” He said that “with proper and genuine consultation, we would look at amending the parameters of the development”. “I am told for example, that the current development would not give sufficient access to garbage trucks, and most importantly emergency services such as SES, MFB and even Ambulance Vic vehicles. This puts lives at risk. “This has been greatly ignored by the Planning Minister Ms Kilkenny and the current Member for Clarinda Meng Tak.”
Mahee Hossain, the Mordialloc candidate for Victorian Socialist.(Supplied)
Socialists braved relentless rain The Victorian Socialists party say they’ve recorded their largest ever campaign event in Dandenong despite torrential rain. The ‘Rich The Grill’ BBQ in Dandenong Park was held on Saturday 3 October with over 40 people huddled under gazebos for the party’s south east campaign. Between sausages and soft drinks, three candidates spoke at the event: Reem Yunus for Cranbourne, Mahee Hossain for Mordialloc and Jack McMahon for Dandenong. Mr McMahon shared the time when he had to move houses three times in two years due to high rent along with his partner, saying in his speech, he has been “pushed further into poverty trying to get a tertiary education”. “These are the experiences so many people in Dandenong know. “The reason why I am running for parliament, though, is not just because I have suffered greatly. “I was handed a flyer about fighting capitalism at Swinburne University and for the first time ever someone asked me to seriously think about how I could change the world and help people. “I decided I would not stand for this bulls*** and became committed to doing all I can to fight back!” Ms Yunus is a Palestinian Australian who migrated 34 years ago with two little children. A “tireless activist for Palestine” and teacher of 26 years, she’s also advocated for workers’ rights within a union. She says she is anti-war, and against the “destruction of the environment and the extreme racism posed by One Nation”. Just 350 metres away from Dandenong Park was Mordialloc candidate Mahee Hossain’s childhood home, which he referred to in his speech. Speaking on the housing crisis, his childhood home, which his family rented for $400 monthly, sits at $480 weekly 25 years later. “However, as hard as it was for my parents to raise me back then, it is harder for parents now. “We all know that the cost of living has gone up, while our wages have not followed. “People are skipping visits to GPs and skipping medication as it is getting harder for us to access it. “I want to fight for a world where we all have it (comfortable lives).” The party claims to run a campaign to be the alternative to all the “pro-business politics of Labor, Liberals or One Nation,” to form a party for the working class. The next Victorian Socialists’ public barbecue will be on 7 November.
The public bbq over the torrential Saturday still went ahead with a decent turnout. (Supplied)
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NEWS
Teacher calls out One Nation policy By Sahar Foladi A Dandenong based High School teacher calls out One Nation’s policy to ban niqab and face coverings across all Australian schools. Teacher of 20 years, Inaz Janif says the policy is a “code for Islamophobia” saying the reasons for the policy by the extremist party is “silly.” “I think it’s a real silly idea because we’ve come through covid times, where many people wore masks, covered their face and proved that it was never an issue. “If masks weren’t an issue during covid times, why is face covering for Muslim women or girls, who chooses to wear it,a problem? “All the students that wore masks, did it stop them from communicating, forming relationships or stop from their learning? “I think their policies are very discriminatory towards muslims, there’s underlying disrespect toward people and our faith. “People of colour and multiculturalism have been part of Australian fabric before colonisation so this kind of ideas and policies ignores the reality of Australia and its history.” However, One Nation’s Dandenong candidate at the November State Elections, Glenda Wright says face covering is a “barrier to integration” and would be supported by residents in Dandenong. “It has no place in Victoria. It certainly doesn’t have any place in Victorian schools. “I believe that I am serving the community by standing up for policies that promote integration. “I would also add that in supporting a ban on the burqa/niqab I believe that I am serving
women,” she says. “I believe strongly that the burqa/niqab is linked to the subjugation of women and that banning it is aligned with the empowerment of women. “I believe that the majority of Dandenong voters support banning the burqa/niqab.” Ms Janif says One Nation party members should meet women who do wear a face covering to discuss their reasonings before their claims to “save them from something they want to wear.” Despite the extreme move that would heavily impact the Muslim majority residents in Dandenong, she says the policy does not take away treating Australians with fairness no matter their faith and respect the right of Freedom of Religion. The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) requires that students are not discriminated against (directly or indirectly) on the grounds of personal characteristics, such as: age, disability, gender identity, physical features, race, religious belief, sex or sexual orientation. Whilst it stands as a mere policy, its implementation would be a different question as student dress codes must comply with human rights and anti-discrimination legislation. Deputy Premier and the sitting member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams says their Government doesn’t support discrimination in any form and has no plans to change Student Dress Codes. “Victoria - and Dandenong - is a proudly multicultural and multifaith. Our schools should be places where every child feels they belong, whatever their faith or background. “Victoria already has sensible rules on
dress that don’t target someone’s religion.” The Victorian Socialist’s candidate for Dandenong, Jack McMahon outright calls it “laughable” at Ms Wright’s campaign slogans to “represent” the Dandenong community. “She is running for a party that would not let into Australia the very people that live in Dandenong and clearly despises them. “Pauline Hanson has repeatedly rejected multiculturalism, so it is honestly no surprise that Wright supports these attacks.” He says “rather than bullying Muslim children,” he would focus on the “dire state” of education. Free and accessible education for Victorians, reduction in class sizes, boosting education support staff and the proper and full funding of schools would be the focus.
Driver charged after alleged highspeed escapade A man has been charged with dangerous driving while pursued by police after speeding up to 200km/h across the South East on Friday 9 October. Police say they spotted a Holden Commodore utility with false number plates on Huntingdale Road, Chadstone about 12.50am. Officers tried to intercept the ute when it stopped on Robert Street. It took off at a fast rate of speed, despite police successfully using stop sticks to deflate the tyres on Robert Street, police say. The ute allegedly reached speeds up to 200km/h and sometimes strayed onto the wrong side of the road as it drove through Glen Waverley, Mt Waverley, Mulgrave, Rowville and Wheelers Hill. After travelling an extensive distance on three rims, the vehicle came to a stop on Nullawil Street in Springvale, according to police. The man jumped fences and was arrested by Operation Trinity officers at a property on Charleston Street. The 31-year-old Seaford man was later charged with offences including dangerous driving whilst being pursued by police, dangerous driving, driving at a dangerous speed, car theft, drug possession and disqualified driving. Police say they seized a backpack containing house-breaking tools. An on-board diagnostics device was also seized nearby. The Holden Commodore was stolen in Prahran on 5 October.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams says the government has no plans to change school dress codes. (Stewart Chambers: 548438)
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 5
OPINION
Are you NIMBY or YIMBY? Some members of the BAPS Hindu community visited us this week to talk about their proposed Mah?-Mandir on more than 100 acres in Cranbourne South and the opposition it has attracted. Now, before anyone starts shouting “not in my backyard”, let’s ask a slightly mischievous question. If the sign out the front said “Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Retreat”, would we feel differently? Yoga is now mainstream Australia. Meditation is recommended for wellbeing. Mindfulness is taught in workplaces and schools. People spend thousands travelling to retreats to recharge, rejuvenate and “find themselves”. Yet yoga’s roots stretch back thousands of years through Indian traditions, including Hinduism. Put some of those same practices within a Hindu cultural and spiritual centre and suddenly some people get nervous. Why? Let’s be clear: this is a substantial planning proposal and it deserves substantial scrutiny. Casey Council officers have raised concerns about Green Wedge planning objectives, roads, vegetation, scale and impacts on nearby residents. Good. That’s their job. BAPS says only around 6 per cent of the 44-hectare site would be built upon, with about 74 per cent preserved and enhanced as Green Wedge open space and habitat, alongside gardens and landscaping. They say considerable work has gone into traffic, parking, acoustics, environmental protection and biodiversity. Good. Now test it. If traffic modelling doesn’t stack up, fix it. If noise will exceed acceptable limits, fix it. If vegetation needs protecting, protect it. If environmental claims don’t withstand scrutiny, challenge them. But if those concerns can be satisfactorily addressed, we should be honest enough to ask whether our remaining objection is really about planning - or about something unfamiliar appearing in our backyard. What BAPS describes isn’t simply somewhere
Hindus go to pray. Their philosophy is captured beautifully in the words, “In the joy of others lies our own”. Dad has always put it another way: “Service is the rent we pay for our time on this planet.” BAPS members already participate in tree planting, clean-ups, food drives, blood donation and other community service. Their vision for Cranbourne South includes worship, as well as education, gardens, reflection, volunteering, meditation, community connection and places where people can simply find some peace. You don’t have to be Hindu. Nobody is standing at the gate with a conversion form. Come in. Walk. Learn. Meditate. Talk. Understand another culture. Maybe even try the yoga. And perhaps we need places like that more than we realise. We constantly talk about loneliness, mental health, disconnected families, young people glued to screens and communities where neighbours barely know one another. We’ve all heard that it takes a village to raise a child, but here’s a question: who is actually in your child’s village? School? Sport? Grandparents? Neighbours? Cultural or faith communities? Coaches? Mentors? Volunteers? School cannot do everything, and neither can government. Children need communities around them that reinforce service, responsibility, discipline, compassion and belonging.
Whether your village is a church, Gurdwara, Mandir, mosque, sporting club, Scouts or community garden matters less than whether it helps produce good humans who understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves. One analogy we’ve used with young people is the tree. Which trees survive the cyclone? The ones with deep roots and enough flexibility to bend. Human beings aren’t so different. Knowing your roots doesn’t make you less Australian. Understanding your culture, history and values can give you the confidence to engage with everybody else’s. A leaf separated from the tree eventually loses the nutrients that sustained it. Integration should never require people to cut themselves away from their roots; it should encourage them to grow new branches. Hindu teachings emphasise service and responsibility to the wider community, just as Sikh teachings emphasise sewa. Other traditions express the same human values differently. How fortunate are we in Casey that so many of the world’s traditions are virtually on our doorstep? We’ve seen this movie before. Cultural and religious developments arrive and suddenly social media discovers traffic, noise, trees, and civilisation itself may be under threat. The gurdwara in Officer faced community concerns too. Today the Sikh community there is involved in food relief, blood donation, tree planting, environmental work and opening its doors to the wider community. Nobody lost their Australian identity because a Sikh gurdwara appeared nearby. Quite the opposite: people met neighbours they may never otherwise have known. That’s what social cohesion actually looks like
- not everyone becoming the same, but different people participating in the same community. None of that means saying “yes” to every planning application because it has a worthy purpose. YIMBY cannot mean Yes In My Backyard regardless of consequences, just as NIMBY shouldn’t mean No because something feels unfamiliar. Protect the Green Wedge. Protect biodiversity. Protect neighbours from unreasonable noise and congestion. Make BAPS prove its claims and meet the standards required of a development of this scale. But then apply another test to ourselves: if every legitimate planning concern was resolved, would I still oppose it? And if so, why? Would I feel differently if this was an exclusive wellness retreat, an expensive yoga centre or something belonging to a cultural tradition more familiar to me? Those are uncomfortable questions. Cultural Intelligence sometimes requires us to ask them. There is more to life than work, mortgage, traffic, groceries, screens, sleep and doing it all again tomorrow. Some of us pray. Some meditate. Some swim, run or go to the gym. Some read philosophy or inspirational books. Some sit quietly in nature searching for something they can’t quite name. Imagine having places in our own community where we can encounter traditions from around the world, understand our neighbours and perhaps learn something useful about ourselves. I love going to the Yun Yang Buddhist temple in Narre North near Lysterfield Lake. Just bliss and peace right here. I don’t have to visit Cambodia or Vietnam to feel that. You don’t have to believe everything another culture believes to become richer from understanding it. Truth be told... Don’t be a NIMBY simply because something is unfamiliar. Be a YIMBY who understands why.
INTERFAITH
Humanising the monsters in our world By Reverend David Moffat, Swedenborg Community Victoria When we are hurt by people, our instinct is to construct a narrative of villainy. It is easy to look back and cast them as calculating, malicious monsters. That anger is entirely natural; it is our protective reflex against future wounds. Yet living in perpetual resentment is exhausting. It keeps our nervous system locked in high alert long after the door has closed. A while ago, my daughter Ebony faced this reality while navigating the job market.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis, she was offered a position and subsequently made an honest disclosure of her health requirements. As a result, the prospective employers abruptly and unfairly withdrew the offer. Ebony was understandably upset. But as we sat down and talked through the disappointment, we looked at the dynamic from another angle. Their defensive reaction was not born from cold, deliberate malice; it was born out of fear and ignorance. In fact, their panic was nearly identical to the uncertainty Ebony herself had felt on the day she was
first diagnosed. They were not comic-book villains plotting harm; they were frightened, uneducated human beings operating in survival mode. When someone hurts us, we only ever witness their external actions—a tiny fraction of the full picture. The unseen 95 per cent — their private anxieties, their conditioned defensiveness, and their emotional fragility — remains hidden. Because we cannot look directly into another person’s inner world, the sinister motives we assign to them are very often our own internal inventions. To make sense of the wound, our protective instinct inflates human weakness into a terrifying mon-
ster. In an ancient Buddhist teaching, a man angrily insults the Buddha. Rather than retaliate, the Buddha calmly asks: “If you offer food to a guest and they refuse to accept it, to whom does that food belong?” The man replies that it remains with the host. Hostility, contempt, and unfair judgments function in precisely the same way. You are under no obligation to take delivery of someone else’s ignorance, fear, or emotional baggage. Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au Visit https://interfaithnetwork.org.au/
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 7
BUSINESS IN FOCUS
A lifetime among flowers ‘We didn’t sell flowers; we sold emotions’: 22 years at Interflora, a Hall of Fame medal and a garden in Balwyn. From leading Australia’s floral industry as President of the Board for Interflora Australia to nurturing her own garden and community at Aveo’s Concierge Balwyn, award-winning florist and volunteer Muriel Harmer has spent a lifetime helping others express care, kindness and respect. After decades at the helm of the Interflora national flower relay network – including induction into the Hall of Fame of the Australian Allied Florist Trade and Interflora’s prestigious Tucker Medal – Muriel and her late husband decided to make a change. “My husband said, ‘I’ll be turning 80, and I’m looking five years ahead – what will we be like?’ We didn’t want to give our daughters the responsibility of looking after us,” Muriel recalled. They sold their large family home in Melbourne and moved into Concierge Balwyn when she was 75, and he was 80, trading a big house for a low-maintenance apartment with like-minded neighbours and support services close at hand. Eighteen years on, she spends her days in her Concierge Balwyn apartment, set among beautifully maintained gardens, with restaurant, library, gym, and organised activities that make it easy to stay social and active. “I’ve always liked a challenge, and I’ve always liked to achieve something, not for myself, but to put back into whatever I belong to,” Muriel said. “Coming here at 75 meant my husband and I could enjoy those first years travelling and being involved, and I’ve been able to keep doing the things I love, with a bit of help when I need it.”
Her leadership career saw her guiding everything from everyday bouquets to large-scale hotel conferences, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and funerals, reinforcing florists’ role in life’s most important moments. She travelled extensively to study international trends and bring new ideas home to Australian customers, always focused on the emotions behind each arrangement. “In other words, we didn’t sell flowers; we sold emotions,” Muriel said. “One single flower can say just as much as a whole big bunch – thank you, love you, happy birthday – that was our industry, and it was an industry of enjoyment.” Muriel ultimately stepped back from international board opportunities to help care for her grandchildren, but she never stepped away from community life. She has chaired school boards, led fundraising efforts through Quota International to support people with speech and hearing challenges, and remains an active member and past president of her local Probus club, embracing its mission of “fellowship, friendship and fun”. That same commitment to service runs through her contribution at Concierge Balwyn. Muriel has served on the residents’ committee for around 14 years, helping coordinate social activities and working closely with community managers to keep residents informed and involved. She has organised Melbourne Cup and Oaks Day events, Easter and Christmas celebrations, fashion parades and flower demonstrations, and remains a go-to voice for residents and managers alike. Today, Muriel is passionate about encouraging people to consider the move to a retirement
Muriel Harmer spends her days in her Concierge Balwyn apartment, set among beautifully maintained gardens, with restaurant, library, gym, and organised activities that make it easy to stay social and active. village earlier, so they can enjoy more years making the most of village life rather than waiting until a crisis forces their hand. “People are coming in too late – in their late 80s and 90s – and they don’t get as much time to enjoy everything that’s here,” she said. “You can still be independent, still have your interests and gardens, but you’ve got support if you need it.” Even in her 90s, Muriel keeps an active lifestyle centred on her much-loved garden. While the plants have grown larger over time, she still ensures there is colour year-round and says getting her hands into the soil keeps her mind and body engaged. “Gardening absolutely helps keep you active,” she said. “Just having your hands in the soil releases a lot of pressure – you’re achieving something, planting something new to grow, and your mind goes completely off everything else. You’re thinking, ‘This will look terrific when
it’s finished.’” At Concierge Balwyn, apartments open to courtyards and beautifully landscaped grounds, giving residents like Muriel space to keep gardening without the burden of a large suburban block. While she now accepts a little assistance with heavier tasks, Muriel continues to manage most aspects of daily living herself, choosing which activities to attend and balancing time between village events, Probus outings and quieter days in her garden – a life she says has “worked out better than we ever imagined”. Concierge Balwyn is located at 45-51 Banool Road, Balwyn and offers a different approach to assisted living. It’s a lifestyle built around independence, with personalised support that grows with you. One- and two-bedroom apartments available now, price range: $395,000 - $1,575,000. For more information about Concierge Balwyn, call 13 28 36 or visit aveo.com.au.
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NEWS
‘Bike boy’ admits to carjacking By William Ton, AAP A man suing former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has admitted to a brazen carjacking and has been refused bail to a rehab facility. Ryan Meuleman, 28, of Noble Park, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to stealing a vehicle with a child under 10 inside, giving a false address and committing an indictable offence while on bail. Meuleman, dressed in a hoodie and underwear, had jumped into the driver’s seat of a parked car outside a Pakenham laundromat on May 3. He turned on the engine and started moving the car but the woman, who was inside with her two three-year-old children, started screaming. They wrestled over the gear stick before the woman’s husband, who was inside collecting laundry, ran back to the vehicle and punched Meuleman. The man pulled the carjacker out and restrained him on the ground until police arrived at the laundromat. Meuleman provided a false address to officers after being arrested. He was on bail at the time for separate burglary and theft charges, to which he has since pleaded guilty. On Tuesday, he successfully argued his matter should stay in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, rather than a higher court, while asking for his sentencing to be deferred to attend a community rehab. Meuleman was granted bail in August to The Cottage in Shepparton but never made it after experiencing a mental health episode. Participants in the voluntary 12-week program could be released into the community
Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. whenever they wanted, the court was told. “He wants to go to residential rehab to deal with this drug addiction issue and break that cycle of offending,” lawyer Tom Smedley said. The “brazen and unsophisticated” carjacking was done without violence or force, and Meuleman was focused on moving the gear stick, the lawyer said. “It’s in the context of very poor mental health and drug use,” he said. Meuleman, also known under the moniker “bike boy”, was involved in a collision with then-opposition leader Mr Andrews and his wife Catherine in 2013. Then aged 15, he was knocked off his bicycle, thrown onto the car’s bonnet and required hospital treatment. That crash was a “turning point” in his life and had significantly affected his mental health,
his lawyer told the court. Prosecutors meanwhile argued the carjacking warrants jail time. Magistrate Samantha Seoud denied bail, citing the fact The Cottage had not reassessed Meuleman since his August episode. The case returns to court on December 15 for further sentence submissions. Meuleman is suing the Andrewses for defamation in the Federal Court following a statement released by the couple in 2024 labelling allegations of a police “cover-up” related to the 2013 crash as a “conspiracy theory”. He claims the Andrews’ statement was improper and he should receive aggravated damages, which the former premier and his wife have denied. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Doveton shooting: Dandenong man charged with murder A Dandenong man has been charged with murder after a fatal shooting of a man in Doveton last week. The 36-year-old was arrested by Moorabbin uniform police officers for unrelated matters on the morning of Tuesday 6 October. He was later interviewed by Homicide Squad detectives and charged with murder. The man was to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that day. Emergency services were called to a property on Banksia Street, following reports that a man had been located unresponsive on 1 October about 11.30am. A woman inside the residence performed first aid on the 27-year-old Doveton man, however he died at the scene, police say. Police believe the parties involved were known to each other. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 9
NEWS
The 160th cake.
Cr Jim Memeti gets the crowd to sing Happy Birthday to the Dandenong Market with him.
Jawad Ali Zaza from Baker Boys bakery, marekt general manager Ian Sumpter, Cr Jim Memeti and board chair Allison Smith.
Angela Barrett has been going to the Dandenong Market since she was 7.
Slice of Market’s 160 years Cheering punter shared a slice of history as a cake celebrating 160 years of the iconic Dandenong Market was shared on Friday 9 October. Among them was Angela Barrett, 65, who enjoyed a second helping of the sponge cake created and carved by Jawad Ali Zada from the market’s Baker Boys outlet. Angela has been attending the market since she was seven. Her early memories include an outdoor caravan selling jam donuts, as well as a stall with kittens and puppies. Now she shops for fresh fruit, veg, nuts and breads, preferring the market’s personal, friendly and community feeling, she says. “There’s real characters around. I remember bringing my granddaughter here and she was called up to help in a magic act. It was quite special.” The occasion was marked by the market’s management as well as Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti, whose family has
owned poultry stores at the market for more than a decade. As a boy, he used to walk to the market, holding his mother’s hand as she filled her jeep trolley with fruit and vegetables. “A lot of the ladies had those jeeps in the market. They’d walk down here – a lot of people didn’t take cars 50 years ago or they didn’t have a second car.” After school, he’d meet up with mates at the market and grab a donut. Some of his friends got a job helping the fruiterers pack up their stalls. Sam Vavasis, who owns three outlets selling nuts, spices and coffee, has been part of the market for 52 years. His family started a nut stall on an outdoor trestle table in 1974, selling just nuts in shells. He’d help out during his lunch break while he worked at a bank at Springvale. “There wasn’t an undercover section. We could only trade on a dry day – and the market
Sam Vavasis at his Peanut Market. (Stewart Chambers: 581617) was only trading one day a week.” From humble beginnings, Vavasis has widened his range of nuts and spices for an increasingly diverse clientele such as Iran, Iraq and Turkey. He sells an astounding 23 types of sultanas
and raisins. “You should stock what they want to buy, not what you want to sell.” He likes the “personal” side of the market, the traders and customers who have been here a long time and the hum of conversations. “Market stallholders are small, they’re not multinationals. It’s not like a supermarket or shopping centre. “It’s a meeting place for the community – it’s where strangers become friends, where people discover their neighbours.” One of the newest vendors Sister Fried Chicken had been eagerly waiting for a spot in the market square. Business owner Harits said they had plied their trade at stalls and events for years, serving Malaysian street foods such as sambal, roti wraps and crispy chicken. The stall’s cook Rosmaria had owned a restaurant in Malaysia for six years. “It took a long time to develop my own recipe”.
Mordialloc candidates silent on Green Wedge future By Cam Lucadou-Wells Major political parties have kept silent on the future of the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge, despite plans for a giant cemetery and place of worship. Recently, Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust sought public feedback on a 144-hectare memorial park on two flood-prone pastures at 226-256 and 306-356 Pillars Road, Bangholme. A $14.8 million Ismaili Jamatkhana, including a double-storey prayer hall with a capacity of 500 people and 185 car parks, has been proposed at 272-280 Perry Road, Keysborough. They follow a developer’s withdrawal of a controversial plan for up to 1600 homes on Keysborough Golf Course that was linked to a new golf course and a South East Sports Hub
(SESH) precinct on Pillars Road. The latter plan did not have the backing of the State Government. Star Journal surveyed state-election candidates in the Mordialloc electorate. Greens candidate Alex Breskin said the Green Wedge existed to protect nature, farmland and open green space. He’d like to see more limits on building height and site coverage. “Anything built there should serve those values and be low-impact”. Community facilities such as schools and places of worship should be built inside the Urban Growth Boundary, close to public transport and the people who use them, he said. “We would go further than holding the line, by restoring degraded sites and building wildlife corridors through the wedge.”
He agreed with the State Government not supporting the golf-course housing and SESH projects. “It should hold the same line on the cemetery. “The need for burial space is real, but rezoning 144 hectares of flood-prone land in the old Carrum Carrum Swamp is the wrong way to meet it.” Breskin said the Ismaili community deserved a “purpose-built home” - which was allowed under present Green Wedge rules. “But a hall for 500 people with 185 car parks is an urban-scale building, whoever builds it. It belongs near public transport and the community it serves.” Victorian Socialists candidate Mahee Hossain said the Green Wedge should have more
protection and not be used for private development. “Developers are incentivised to build here, as there is too much profit to be had in destroying our environment. “This is why I am anti-capitalist, and advocate for a society run for the interests of people over the interests of profit.” Hossain said Green Wedges were required to protect biodiversity and to maintain people’s mental and physical wellbeing. “As our urban population expands and climate change gets worse, having large tracts of nature in our cities becomes more important than ever.” Labor MP Tim Richardson, Liberal candidate Paul O’Halloran, One Nation and the Libertarian Party were also emailed for comment.
Teacher allegedly filmed hundreds of kids using toilets By William Ton, AAP A primary school teacher has been accused of secretly filming young children as they used the school bathroom more than 357 times on hidden spy cameras. Timothy Blamires, 33, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 October, for a brief hearing before his matter was adjourned to November 20. Charge sheets released by the court revealed the extent of the teacher’s alleged crimes committed over six months at Kingswood Primary
10 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
School, at Dingley Village. Blamires is accused of installing the spy cameras inside fragrance dispensers in school toilets and filming children between October 13, 2025 and April 21. Court documents allege he recorded “in excess” of 34 prepubescent children on October 13, 2025, more than 188 children a week later on October 20, and over 60 children two days after that on October 22. On March 30, he is accused of recording in excess of 74 children using the spy cams. A cleaner replacing an odour dispenser’s fra-
grance inside the male toilets on April 28 allegedly discovered the hidden camera inside, which had a wire connected to a hard drive. She placed it into a plastic bag and put it on the principal’s desk before police were called. While officers were on their way, Blamires is accused of taking the camera and putting it inside a drawer in a sick bay before returning to his class to teach. The odour dispenser was allegedly found inside his backpack at the school after his arrest, and police seized devices from his home including laptops, phones and tablets.
Blamires has been charged with 16 offences, including six counts of installing a spy cam, five counts of producing child abuse material, four counts of possessing child abuse material and one count of refusing to comply with a police direction to hand over access codes to devices. He was denied bail in May after a magistrate found his risks could not be reduced to an acceptable level, pointing to difficulties in enforcing a ban on internet access. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
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NEWS
Time to secure your number plates By Sahar Foladi Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch has launched its ‘Safe Plate Day’ campaign as the municipality recorded an all-time high in number plate thefts. GDNW president Alan Collier says the main focus at Safe Plate Day is to hand out free one-way screws to secure number plates. “The police are always asking people to get these screws, because if you can’t take them out, (the number plates) won’t be stolen.” Greater Dandenong has recorded its biggest number plate offences since 2017, with 1,852 offences recorded in the year to June 2026, according to Crime Statistics Agency (CSA). Just months before, Star Journal reported Dandenong ranked Victoria’s No.1 suburb for number plate thefts in residential streets. Mr Collier urges residents to attend its monthly Neighbourhood Watch forums to stay updated and raise concerns with Victoria Police members. “It’s a great opportunity for people to talk to the police about their concerns. There might be a certain location they want police to focus on. “Over the last few years people have become less connected because of time, technology, phones, but people feel more secure if they know their neighbours and look after each other.” The RACV, together with Neighbourhood Watch, urges residents to socialise and get to know their neighbourhood as a security
measure as part of their ‘Safety in Neighbours’ campaign. From following a local Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page to building relationships with those living next door, they say connected communities can help prevent property and vehicle crime as well as make residents feel safer at home. Neighbourhood Watch Victoria CEO Bambi Gordon said strong social connections are the foundation of a secure community. “Many of our local groups’ own Facebook pages provide the perfect space to share images, discuss areas of concern from the community and reach out for help and support that you didn’t even know might be available to you. “Stolen plates are almost never the end of the story. They are often attached to other vehicles to disguise them while offenders commit burglaries, ram raids, petrol driveoffs, toll evasion and other crimes, or to evade police.” Based on their community safety perception report, released last month to the RACV, she says forming relationships with neighbours make people feel safer at home. RACV’s General Manager Corporate Affairs Liz Carey said there were practical steps Victorians can take to get to know their neighbours. “In addition to introducing yourself and sharing contact details, you can check in on neighbours’ properties while they are away, pull bins in and off the street and organise street barbeques or walking groups.” She encourages Victorians to order their
Alan Collier says one-way screws can help secure your vehicle’s number plates. (Stewart Chambers: 200964) free anti-theft screws as part of their Protect Your Plates initiative and follow their local Neighbourhood Watch Group on Facebook as easy steps to reduce the risks of being victims. ‘Safe Plate Day’ is at Bunnings on Princes
Hwy, Dandenong South on Saturday 17 October, 10am-1pm. The next forum is at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, Noble Park on Wednesday 25 November, 7.30pm.
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 11
NEWS
100s of reasons to celebrate Nine of Greater Dandenong’s 18 precious centenarians were feted at a morning tea in Keysborough Community Hub on Monday 5 October. The council’s chief executive Jacqui Weatherill hosted the Victorian Seniors Festival event, which recognised the group’s long volunteering, family and community service. Among the eldest was Haydee Sibiliant, 103, a talented baker born in South Africa and who moved to Australia in 1985. She spent many years creating cakes that were raffled to raise funds for local families in need. Her life has been centred on family, community and helping others, she said. Duet Le Huynh, 102, was born in northern Vietnam and migrated to Australia in 1980. She’s called Springvale home for the past four decades. Her life motto has been about being easy-going, socially connected and getting on with family and friends, she says. She’s been active well into her later years, serving with Springvale Chinese Ethnic Community and the Ethnic Chinese Happy Age Association of Victoria. Only recently did she stop playing mahjong. Also there was Melbourne-born milliner Eva Simmonds, 101, had supported the World War II effort by making Bakelite hand grenades.
She later worked in the wool industry, taught ballroom dance, sang in choirs and volunteered with Country Women’s Association for 20 years. “Just live,” she says. “There is no secret. I don’t know how I got to this old.” Former Springvale mayor and police officer Bill Warner OAM, aged 100, also marked the occasion. Born in Springvale, he served as councillor for 23 years, as mayor in 1972, 1975 and 1981 and was named a Greater Dandenong Living Treasure in 2005. He’s been active in groups such as Keysborough and District Multicultural Senior Citizens Club, Prime Timers, the Springvale Lodge of Freemasons as well as the Scouts movement. Maureen Connolly, 100, was born in Mentone, spent most of her life in Parkdale and moved to Keysborough 19 years ago. “The good Lord is not ready for me yet,” she said. “There must be something I still have to do.” She was married for 72 years, raised six children and has nine grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. Ms Connolly has been a keen tennis player, lawn bowler and ballroom dancer.
Bill Warner OAM. (582480)
Family members of Duet Le Huynh (centre) Mya, Eva, Amy, Taylor and Tom.
Former Springvale mayor Bill Warner OAM, with Eleonora Spiess, former mayors Peter Brown (Dandenong 2005-06) and Ron Kirkwood (Springvale 1987-88), and Greater Dandenong CEO Jacqui Weatherill. (582480)
Duet Le Huynh. (582480)
LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 14 October 1926 “Lemon Tree” Fair For some time, teachers, scholars and others interested in the Dandenong West State School have been organising a “Lemon Tree” fair to pay the school’s share of the two shelter sheds erected on the grounds. The fair was held in the town hall, and although the weather was anything but warm, juveniles invaded the soft drink and ice-cream stalls. That those interested had worked to some purpose was shown by the numerous, splendidly arranged stalls. The decorations were in lemon colour, with foliage, punch work, streamers and floral bells, and artificial lemon trees. Most of the stallholders wore lemon-coloured costumes. The committee also had a couple of lads in lemoncoloured Pierrot costumes, employed as bell ringers and scouts in the town. The fair was arranged to pay half the cost of the shelter sheds that had been provided. The cost was 180 pounds, of which the department paid half, so the school had to pay 90 pounds.
50 years ago 14 October 1976 2-DAY IS OK Close vote puts another market on six-month trial.
The city council decided on Monday night
Eva Simmonds at the centenarians’ morning tea on 5 October. (Stewart Chambers: 582480)
Cecil (friend), Haydee Sibilant and her daughter Ruth. (582480)
Doreen Murdock. (582480)
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
to open the market on a Tuesday and Friday for a six-month trial. At the end of a two-hour debate, the vote was 6–5 in favour of the second day. The town clerk Mr Cal Elliot will prepare a by-law authorising the opening of the Market on Tuesday and Friday. Traders in the city will be given priority regarding allocation of stalls. Council could not afford to have a $500,000 investment sitting idle for six days a week. Dandenong would benefit as a whole from the two-day market, and traders in similar centres would survive if they continued to provide service. 20 years ago 16 October 2006 Out in the cold Greater councillor John Kelly says he is “embarrassed” to be in the office as indecision among his colleagues threatens to derail the city’s multi-million-dollar municipal buildings project. Cr Kelly singled out the mayor, Peter Brown, for particular attention, claiming he was out of line for revealing that some of the councillors had gone “cold” on the project before the public consultation had even begun. The project would merge the council into a single administration unit in central Dandenong, improve the city’s library service and
12 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
upgrade Springvale’s community function facilities. “It amazes me that we let the officers go so far down the track and once again start talking negative before we even have the community input,” said Cr Kelly. 5 years ago 12 October 2021 Council vax push Councillors are pushing for mandatory vaccination and rapid Covid-testing at Greater Dandenong Council meetings after two councillors recently tested positive. Cr Loi Truong spent at least three days in hospital on oxygen support after falling ill on 5 October. Vaccinated with a single Moderna dose, he believes he’d caught Covid from a customer at his Springvale South milk bar. It’s emerged that Cr Tim Dark’s positive test occurred three days after attending the council offices on 20 September. Cr Rhonda Garad said a group of councillors requested a “comprehensive return to work plan” for the resumption of in-person council meetings. They requested rapid Covid testing and exclusion of unvaccinated catering and security staff, councillors and council officers from council meetings, she said.
A Dandenong Market fruit stall, and an aerial shot of the market from Clow Street prior to its redevelopment between 2005-’10.
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NEWS
Game over for racism Ahead of next month’s state election, the ball is in the politicians’ court – to help blow the whistle on racism in sport. Leading netball coach Lee Bevan Woodley and Socceroo Awer Mabil led a conversation at a Racism Doesn’t Belong in Our Game breakfast at Casey Fields on 2 October. Clubs and associations from Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia heard the pair reflect on belonging, inclusion, cultural safety and how to tackle racism in sport. Bevan-Woodley, a proud Kija Bardi woman who is head coach of Victoria’s First Nations state netball team, is a storyteller for the campaign. She urged clubs to make sure people with a lived experience are included in decision-making. “If you’re going to claim that you’re inclusive, accepting and multicultural, then you have to have the people in place making these decisions that reflect that. “Giving people a voice who don’t feel comfortable speaking up, or don’t have the opportunity to speak up in their own environments, is really important.” She said clubs should take action on racism by taking every report or discussion seriously. “Let the individual know that what they’re saying is confidential, that you believe them and they can trust you, and that you’re going to take it to where it needs to go and there to support them throughout.” Mabil, a South Sudanese-Australian footballer for Melbourne City FC, has been vocal on experiencing racism and the powerful role that sport can play. He encouraged people in community sports to report and respond to racism: “If you just keep it inside, then it’s kind of burning you. “When you share something, at least you have it out rather than just sitting in silence with it.” The campaign Racism Doesn’t Belong in Our Game was launched by Centre for Multicultural Sport (CMSport) and its parent body Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) this year. It is about clubs recognising, calling out and preventing racism by strengthening social connection and belonging. The campaign was backed by Monash University research in 2025 that showed racism was all too common on the pitch, fields and courts. -56 per cent of players experienced or wit-
Casey deputy mayor Anthony Walter, Labor state candidate Cr Stefan Koomen, Cr Jennifer Dizon, Awer Mabil, Casey mayor Michelle Crowther, Melbourne City FC chief executive Brad Rowse, CMY CEO Carmel Guerra, Victoria’s First Nations state netball team head coach Lee Bevan Woodley at the Casey Fields event on 2 October. (CMY) nessed racism in community sport -75 per cent had done so in the past 12 months -55 per cent experienced or witnessed racism in their own club. Racism was significantly under-reported, with 43 per cent fearing retaliation and 35 per cent fearing they wouldn’t be believed. The campaign is in partnership with seven state sports associations, VACSAL, Vicsport and VicHealth, and funded by the State Government. CMY is calling on state election candidates to continue to support the campaign. “Community sport should be a space where everyone feels safe, and has a sense of belong-
ing,” CMY chief executive Carmel Guerra said. “But when racism happens in community sport, the impacts are felt long after the game is over. “The strength of this campaign lies in the collective commitment of major sporting bodies in Victoria to work together to acknowledge and address racism in community sport.” Seven state sport associations AFL Victoria, Basketball Victoria, Cricket Victoria, Football Victoria, Netball Victoria and Tennis Victoria have got behind Racism Doesn’t Belong in Our Game. They signed a landmark anti-racism pledge in 2025.
Victoria’s First Nations Netball Team head coach Lee Bevan-Woodley, Melbourne City player and Socceroo Awer Mabil and Melbourne City FC community head Sunil Menon address the breakfast event. (Centre for Multicultural Youth)
Pros and cons of smart glasses By Sahar Foladi The use of smart glasses for special needs students is yet to be recognised as policies play catch-up with the technology in educational settings. Whilst the AI incorporated smart glasses may allow special needs students to study with independence, the privacy risks along with its content management is equally important. An information interaction academic at RMIT University, Dana McKay says laws and policies “need to deal with the principle, not the product.” She urges production of similar smart glasses that’s disability supportive and supportive of privacy protection or schools to manage the servers and data of existing commercial devices. She calls on the Department of Education or NDIS to fund the glasses to students who’d benefit. “Essentially smart glass should be part of the individualised learning plan, and only while they are doing the tasks that require the smart glasses “It means there’s some oversight, it’s not just some kids shows up with it in school, you need them to support the activities. “The technology already exists, it’s already being developed, we want the control of the servers to manage it,” she says. Currently the Associate Dean, Interaction, Technology and Information in the School of Computing Technologies at RMIT University, her current research focuses on ensuring IT advancements make society better, fairer and more equitable. The technology would be cheaper to run according to her as students with special needs require assistance on the spot and won’t need a lot of data storage. However, it depends on each individual’s needs. “It gets done and deleted, unless the kid needs to go back and review instructions.
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Dana McKay is supportive of disability supportive smart glasses and privacy protection at the same time.(Supplied) “You can set those things up for each individual needs. “Students with ADHD may need to back and review instructions, that might mean the recording is kept for an hour, with automatic blurring of faces, if the recordings had to be reviewed.” School’s Policies Star Journal reached out to multiple schools across Greater Dandenong for this article however, none replied to be interviewed for this article. A private school declined to comment saying, “they are still working through this.” Speaking to a teacher of 20 years in Greater Dandenong, Inaz Janif says she’s unaware of any policies related to smart glasses. “This issue is quite new and we haven’t discussed it yet. “If there was any policy it might be at the departmental level.” While she hasn’t come across any known smart glasses in school settings, she’d discuss why a student may have the device, what they
were using it for, and whether they sought permission, when the time comes. A win-win solution Ms McKay says she’d rather the school manage external accounts of students using current commercial devices than the parents. While schools already manage all kinds of data, this would be another data stream management for them, she says. “It means the school can potentially manage how the devices might work in exams, which I think would be a good step. “The school can manage the recordings so it doesn’t get leaked, so parents don’t post it on their social media page.” “How much harder would that be-from a tech standpoint I don’t think it would be hard. “It would be possible quite quickly if the appetite is there,” she says. “There should be a stepping stone for us to develop technologies to allow kids to benefit from these tech without trading their own privacy.”
Ban AI Smart Glasses in Schools Earlier this year, the devices ban in schools was expanded to include smartwatches and headphones from Term 1 January 2027, but smart glasses haven’t made it to the list yet. Ms McKay says a total ban on the device would not be the ideal solution and doesn’t take into consideration students with disabilities. “The potential (of smart glasses) is enormous but the risk for everyone is also there so the sooner we get good support to balance that, the better off we’re going to be. “It would be really unfortunate for kids all of a sudden to participate if a total ban was the first thing we reached for. “I think this is a case of holding the tech accountable, that they need to produce a version without the data benefits.” Western Australia is the first to ban smart glasses starting from the beginning of Term 4, Monday 12 October 2026, due to its privacy, covert recording, cheating, and safety concerns. What are smart glasses? Smart glasses such as the Meta’s AI incorporated AI assistance in collaboration with RayBan, combines sunglasses or glasses designs with a built-in 12MP camera, open-ear audio and multimodal AI. The smart glasses are almost impossible to identify from regular sunglasses. It allows users to take photos, record videos, make hands-free calls, use image recognition and chat features via app. While Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses retails for $337 minimum, affordable glasses are appearing on the market. Kmart previously sold out of its own pair of Anko smart glasses for $89 across the country and Temu has its own version. However, amid privacy backlash, it’s reported to no longer appear on Kmart’s website. The Department of Education and Minister for Education, Gabrielle Williams was contacted.
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 13
NEWS
Industrial landmark crashes The last landmark of an industrial tradition was felled in Dandenong South on 3 October. The Oceania Glass water tower was toppled – one year after Australia’s last architectural glassmaker closed its factory on 51-95 Greens Road. It was the last demolished part on the 20-hectare site. The site had also been home to legendary glass manufactuers Pilkington and Viridian. The area is now cleared for owner Charter Hall’s proposed logistics estate. Dandenong South business owner Craig Membrey, of Membrey’s Transport and Crane Hire, was one of about half-a-dozen onlookers as the tower crashed to ground. “It was a case of right place, right time. “There were so few people because no one knew the timing of it.” On social media, commenters lamented that the prominent tower should have been heritage-protected and retained or relocated. “Such an icon for Dandenong,” a commenter posted. “I worked at Pilkington‘s in the early 2000s and used to love just looking at that water tower when I was strolling up to clock on.” Greater Dandenong Council confirmed that the site wasn’t subject to a heritage overlay. “Therefore (it) did not require a planning permit to remove the structure. “The water tower was removed to facilitate the redevelopment of the site.” According to its website, Oceania Glass sold its first glass in 1856 and was Australia’s only maker of architectural glass. In February 2025, administrators at Grant Thornton Australia announced its closure, with 151 jobs lost. Charter Hall was contacted for comment.
The steel structure crumples as it hits the ground. (Craig Membrey)
The future logistics estate planned for the site at 51-95 Greens Road, Dandenong South. (Charter Hall)
The Oceania Glass water tower crashes to earth. (Craig Membrey)
Vanishing artist returns home By Ethan Henson Home-grown and world-renowned magician, illusionist and escapologist Cosentino is planning to deliver world-class close-up magic to Dandenong audiences. Like the headliner of his new tour, he wants audiences to truly know who he is in hopes of becoming more connected with his audiences, even if that means looking back into his past. Growing up in parts of Dandenong North, and later on in Lysterfield, Paul Cosentino found his passion when he found a book on the Great Harry Houdini, who showcased all of his legendary escapes and performances through the years. After his mother explained who Houdini was, and the performances and situations he created and escaped from, he felt inspired to follow suit. Being inspired by the legendary escape artist, Cosentino quickly found his passion for magic at 12 years old. Once he took the book home, he discovered it was action-packed with adventures, stories, and escapades of multiple great magicians. Finding a list of magic tricks at the back of the book, Cosentino’s mother sat with him patiently and helped him practice by explaining each trick. Cosentino said that after dissecting, learning, slowing down, and building patience with these magic tricks, he learned how to read through this book, from to his mother. This quickly started an obsession with sleight-of-hand magic, where he even made a coin disappear in front of his father who he described as knowing everything and anything. Once his father asked how he did it, it gave him the adrenaline shot he needed to continue his newfound love for magic for the next 15 years.
14 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
Cosentino recounts where he found his passion for magic. (Supplied) He would hone and craft his magic into his own, where he soon found himself on the next big stage of his early career. Being introduced nationally on the big stage of Australia’s Got Talent in 2011, he could only perform for 90 seconds. He said those 90 seconds changed his life and helped him reach the career he has today, especially the finals, which he didn’t even expect to reach to begin with. He added that when he first performed on the AGT stage, back then magic never got the respect it deserved, especially in Australia. Cosentino said that if someone had performed before him and did what he did, he would have found it a lot easier to get through as a career magician. Years later, Cosentino now performs on spectacular, multi-million-dollar stage productions, hanging upside down from burning ropes, having crossbows shoot at him and much more.
But this time he wants to perform differently, go back to his roots to where it all began. Perform in front of people, face to face, audience reactions and close-up magic. “Let’s bring it back to what my first TV shows were like. Me running around the street, performing magic to people that I do not know, and really just blowing their minds,” Cosentino said. “It’s no less spectacular, it’s definitely a lot less magical. But some of most of the really gasp moments in my other shows have come from the close-up magic, “Inviting people up on stage and them sitting opposite me and me borrowing objects and rings or whatever it may be. So, it’s taking all of those best bits now, plus new stuff.” Cosentino said he loves all the spectacular, creative performances he has done. But his absolute favourite has always been the audience interactions. He said he picked smaller venues like Drum Theatre for his tour so he could get closer with the audience members. “Although it’s just me on stage, there’s a huge crew to pull it all off. There are cameras everywhere. There are TV screens everywhere,” he said. “I’m kind of pulling back the curtain a little bit, it should feel much more intimate. And it’s very bespoke in the way that the audiences will change the show every night. “Every show is going to feel different and look different because they behave differently. This show now allows me to play venues that I couldn’t do before, and it’s better because of the setting.” Cosentino: Unplugged is at The Drum theatre, Dandenong on Saturday 16 October, 7pm. Details: https://greaterdandenong-events. bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_f6e196e3f420422c999a058991e2d778
Dandenong Library upgrades Works are beginning on a new parents’ room, multifaith space and study areas at Dandenong Library. As part of the $637,100 project, a parents’ room will be designed for families and carers with young children, and the new private multifaith space will be a place for prayer and reflection. Greater Dandenong mayor Sophie Tan said the changes reflected the many ways people use the library. “Dandenong Library is a place where people come to learn, connect, get help or simply spend time,” Cr Tan said. “Whether you’re caring for a young child, studying for an exam or looking for somewhere quiet to pray, these changes will help more people feel at home here.” The library is expected to remain open during construction, but one-day closures may be required. Greater Dandenong advised that visitors can expect some noise and reduced access to parts of the building. Works are expected to finish by the end of December. The project is jointly funded 50-50 by the council and the State Government through its Living Libraries Infrastructure Program. Dandenong Library hosts more than 370,000 visitors, borrowing more than 630,000 items each year. The council area has more than 54,700 library members - about one in three residents.
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Artists open their doors
Berwick Artists Society studio. (Courtesy Berwick Artists Society) ■ Berwick Artists Society (Saturday Only) — Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick ■ Up Close and Personal Studio — 24 Short Lane, Pakenham ■ Aruanda Farm — 537 Gembrook Road, Paken-
ham Upper Open Studios Weekend 2026 will be open between 10 am and 4pm each day. No bookings are required. For more information, visit: casey.vic.gov.au/events/
Criss Chaney, Rewilding Series (detail), watercolour on paper. (Courtesy the artist) open-studios-weekend-2026
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Artists and makers from across the south east region will open their doors for visitors to take free self-guided tours through their studios, workshops, galleries and gardens as part of the Open Studios Weekend. To be held on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, Open Studios Weekend 2026 is an opportunity to witness live demonstrations, engage in artistic endeavours, participate in creative workshops, and enrich personal collections with one-of-a-kind locally crafted artworks. On Sunday, visitors can explore Open Studios Weekend by joining a free bus tour to a selection of participating artists’ studios. Places are limited and bookings are essential. “Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or taking your first steps into the world of creativity, this is more than just a tour. It’s an invitation to explore and be inspired by the creative threads that shape the south east’s vibrant artistic identity,” Casey mayor Michelle Crowther said. The Open Studios Weekend will feature: ■ Garage 35 Art Studio — 35F Buckleys Lane, Noble Park ■ Heather Wilson Ceramics — 210 Belgrave Hallam Road, Narre Warren North ■ Ashini Kulatunge — Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren ■ Emerging Artist Hub — 59 Webb Street, Narre Warren ■ Criss Chaney Studio — 131 Avebury Drive, Berwick ■ Open Studios Sneak Peak Exhibition - Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren ■ South Eastern Contemporary Art Network (SECAN) — Gate 6 Gallery & Studio, Akoonah Park, Cardinia Street, Berwick ■ Rudy Azzola: Emotional So-Realism Studio – 35 Turner Street, Berwick ■ Berwick District Woodworkers Club — Hayshed at the Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 15
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WHAT’S ON Water Safety for Adults 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
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Creative Mosaics 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, 9.30am12pm 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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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
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Wildlife Gardening - Seniors Festival Learn about local wildlife through the use of indigenous plants and wildlife-friendly
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48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 0468 693 833
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Open 7 days
MASSAGE THERAPISTS
ADVERTISERS, in this sec- Advertise in the tion are qualified practi- Professionals tioners and offer non- section of Network Classifieds. sexual services.
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ROOMS AVAILABLE, Single rooms. Gents only. 48 Hammond Road/45 Hemmings Street, Dandenong. Ph Daniel 0417 336 906.
ROOM AVAILABLE Keysborough area, $320 per week, bills included For enquiries phone 0449 967 533
Employment section of Network Classifieds.
Sew a Lined Zipper Pouch Fun, hands-on workshop. Learn how to insert a zipper and sew neat seams to achieve a professionallooking finish. For ages 16 and older. Basic sewing machine experience required. Thursday 15 October, 1pm-4pm or 5.30pm8.30pm at Springvale Community Hub (Community Room 6), 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; $10 per workshop. Registration required at ht tps ://greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_a24fa31e18ce46389ee91e44732bc554
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Experience the bold flavours of Pakistan’s street food scene with Kanwal Lashari, a fashion designer turned food storyteller from Lahore. Learn to make this vibrant chickpea salad, packed with fresh veggies, spices, and a tangy twist, perfect as a snack or light meal. Thursday 15 October, 6.30pm-8pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale and Thursday 22 October, 6pm-7.30pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Registration required at https://greaterdandenongevents.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ ev_add43244e0a740258ade5074673e58f7 and https://greaterdandenong-events. bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_f0f-
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Free Pickleball – Seniors Festival Free drop-in sessions during October. No bookings required. Equipment supplied. Fridays 10am-11.30am and Sundays 10.30am11.30am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring.
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Introduction to Photography - Seniors Festival Suitable for all skill levels, this hands-on session explores key photography elements such as composition, colour and perspective using your smartphone or camera. Friday 16 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at https:// greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/ event-detail/ev_d544aca18fa64a49921ed0a5bb7baea6
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Open Studios Weekend Free self-guided tours through South East artists and makers’ studios, workshops, galleries and gardens. Live demonstrations, creative workshops, and locally crafted artworks. Free bus tour available. Saturday 17 October and Sunday 18 October, 10am-4pm at various locations; free event. Details: http://www.casey.vic.gov.au/events/ open-studios-weekend-2026-0
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DIY Safe Plate Day Bunnings and Neighbourhood Watch Greater Dandenong will be giving away anti-theft screws to keep your number plates safe. We will have a do-it-yourself section to fit them yourself. Kids activities. Saturday 17 October, 10am-1pm at Bunnings Dandenong, 101 Princes Hwy, Dandenong South. Details: info.nhwgd@gmail.com
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Water Safety - Sensory Play
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Water on the Move Discover how water changes as it moves through the water cycle, learn why people matter to our waterways and take home your very own mini watercycle model. For ages 7-12. Presented by PrimeSci. Saturday 17 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale and Saturday 24 October, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at https:// greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/ event-detail/ev_26ef6b8db4fc44c6874069 85ea56cb21 and https://greaterdandenongevents.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_ e97fd0d1e9d84b21bdd6afdd96f782b2
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Junior Chess Academy Dandenong-Casey Chesscapades for ages 5-17. All skill levels welcome. Held by Dandenong-Casey Chess Club. Sundays 1pm-3pm at 289 Power Road Endeavour Hills. Details: Paul, 0451 215 967.
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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 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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Recycling Batteries advice In this Waste Wise Pop-up session, council’s Waste Education team will help you with recycling batteries and batteries in devices correctly at home. Tuesday 20 October, 10am-12pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event.
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Enjoy a fun, inclusive, play-based session intro-
POSITIONS VACANT
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
Find local work in the
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See a diversity of works from local artists at Greater Dandenong’s only community-run art show. Friday 16 October, Saturday 17 October and Sunday 18 October, 10am-4pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Details: events@nobleparkcc.org.au or 9547 5801 or www.npccartshow.org.au
ducing key water safety concepts through sensory activities, games and exploration. For people from refugee, migrant and multicultural backgrounds. Saturday 17 October, 1.15pm-2.15pm at Dandenong Oasis, cnr Heatherton Road and Cleeland Street, Dandenong; free activity. Registration required at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/XLJCLKS
Employment
12423634-SN31-19
$110/ 30mins
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
0ca200ce34ac185024dee17dd5748
Noble Park Community Centre Art Show
PROFESSIONAL
DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL
PRINT & DIGITAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE
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
Motoring MOTOR VEHICLES HINO TRUCK
12890553-JR32-26
Rainbow Club 12652832-AI48-23
PETS & SERVICES
Water Safety for Young People
Chana Chaat Workshop
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://greaterdandenongevents.bookable.net.au/#!/event-book/ev_20e a3d34d5b24008b067cc2218d9a883?eventD ateID=1326
ADULT SERVICES
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_049d705de9f84e4 2b3f3640302d63569
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2014, 730,000 kilometres on the clock. VIN JHDFE7JPMXXX10418. GMV - 14 ton; TARE - 5045Ton. Reg: 1BT9RX
Price: $60,000 Phone 0408 590 726
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 17
SPORT
The Bucks get redemption By Blair Burns Buckley Ridges won the preliminary final rematch against Berwick on Saturday as the Bucks kicked off the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 season in style, with Ishan Jayarathna belting a rapid century to set the tone for the Bucks. Two of the best teams in the competition were always going to produce a cracking game, and it took until the final over of the day for a winner to be decided, with Hussain Ali (10 not out) belting Oliver Booth for a six to score the winning runs in 44.2 overs. Reigning premier Berwick won the toss and batted first and despite losing both their openers, Lachlan Brown (10) and Jarryd Wills (16) inside the first nine overs, the Bears stabilised. As we’ve seen so often, the reliable Jake Hancock combined nicely with skipper Michael Wallace in the middle. Praveen Dilanka eventually got the breakthrough for Buckley Ridges as Hancock (33) unluckily chopped the ball onto his stumps. But it was the huge 122-run partnership between Wallace and incoming batter Chathura Imbulagoda which began to take the game away from the home side. With only five overs to play, Wallace, nearing a century, took on a slightly shorter ball from Ray Jordan which caught the top edge and was caught. The skipper strolled off with a brilliant 94, just six runs shy of the triple figures which evaded him last season, with scores of 99 and 95. Imbulagoda crunched a couple of fours before being caught behind by Jordan later in that over as the Bears pushed their total up to 8/249 off 45 overs. Jayarathna and Jordan took three wickets each with the ball. With a required run rate of almost six per over, Buckley Ridges had no time to mess around in the run chase and it started terribly as the Bucks lost new opener Yousaf Iqbal for a royal duck, as Tommy Rex found the edge with his first delivery for Berwick. Wickets continued to tumble and hope looked lost for the Bucks at 5/73 approaching the halfway mark. Enter captain/coach Roshane Silva and star Jayarathna. The experienced pair, who love batting together, did what Wallace and Imbulagoda did, but better. They put on a mammoth 153-run partnership as Jayarathna destroyed the Berwick bowling attack, belting nine sixes and eight fours at Park Oval to make 111 off 77 deliveries. By the time he departed after a magnificent innings, well accompanied by Silva (75 not out) at the other end, the Bucks needed 24 runs to win off 27 balls. Buckley Ridges made the runs with four balls to spare as they won by four wickets with 6/250 on the board. Jayarathna finished the match with a definite three-vote performance after taking 3/42 and scoring 111. In other games across the Turf 1 competition, a strong team bowling performance set up a cruisy win for Hallam Kalora Park as it defeated Dandenong West by seven wickets. It was a pleasing performance for Hawks captain Jordan Hammond and his troops, keeping the Bulls to just 151 off 42.3 overs despite only two maiden overs being bowled. Riley Siwes (48 not out) was the only player to push beyond 25 and was a lone ranger as he ran out of partners. In reply, it was Jawid Khan who did all of the damage and guided the Hawks to a comfortable win with a blistering 94. Springvale South got the win over Narre South by three wickets, but the Lions made the Bloods work hard for the points. Narre South won the toss and chose to bat first on its home deck and strong contributions from Vineth Jayasuriya (34) and new recruits Damith Perera (59) and Joel Zietsman (40 not out), the Lions made 9/185 off their 45 overs. In reply, it was a gritty Cam Forsyth half-century which made sure Springy got the job done, with brother Mitch (31) also helping out. Things got a bit tense late, but it was Ranel
Ray Jordan (Buckley Ridges) bowls past Jake Hancock (Berwick) at Park Oval on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 583582)
Berwick captain Michael Wallace crunches a Shahwali Mosavi delivery into the air. (583582) Seneviratne (13 not out) and Andrew Staude (3 not out) who saw the Bloods home by three wickets. Beaconsfield was too good for Coomoora at Coomoora Turf as the Roos’ total of 191 wasn’t enough. The day belonged to Tigers batter Tyler Clark, who compiled an excellent innings to finish on 96 not out and narrowly run out of time to reach his century. The Roos batted first and as expected, Jarrod Munday (52) and Krishan Alang (45) led the way with the blade, getting them to 7/191 - Trishane De Silva taking 3/58 for Beaconsfield.
18 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
Parkmore’s Jordan Gwynne is a picture of disappointment after picking out a fielder against HSD in Turf 2. (583585)
Joel Robertson struck twice early with the new ball removing Tigers’ skipper Andrey Fernando (24) and Jacobus Hynes (2), but Clark settled in alongside Bradley Erasmus. The pair put on 126 runs for the third wicket before Erasmus (44) was trapped LBW by Sam Wetering, but the damage was done and while Beaconsfield didn’t get the winning runs until the 42nd over, the run chase was always under control as they finished 3/192. In Turf 2, North Dandenong batter Rohien Sangwan was the name on everyone’s lips. The opener went berserk to not only smash a huge century against Springvale South, but to
push on and put up 173 in his first hit of the season. Along with fellow opener Syed Masood Mehmood (66), the Maroons tore the Bloods apart to post 314 and bowl Springy out for 155. HSD had a big 137-run win over Parkmore as Brent Patterson belted 104 for the Cobras, while Cranbourne recovered from a shaky start to defeat Silverton by 14 runs. Narre Warren shocked Parkfield in the season opener to win by 74 runs thanks to a consistent team performance with the bat, which saw the top seven all reach double figures.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT
The umpire eventually agreed with Yeshan Wickramaarachchi, giving the Noble Park opener two wickets in two balls against Elsternwick. (Rob Carew: 583584)
Jermaine Levy took equal best figures of 3/31 for Noble Park. (583584)
Bright start for Noble Park By David Nagel Noble Park (6/286) has made an impressive start to its Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association campaign, producing a commanding batting performance before cruising to an 85-run victory over Elsternwick (201) at Moodemere Street on Saturday. The home side dominated with the bat, with Nischaya Thapa, Sahan Perera and captain Janaka Liyanabadalge laying the foundations for a formidable total from its 45 overs. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Noble Park lost Archie Stefan (19) with 28 runs on the board before Thapa and Liyanabadalge combined for a crucial 101-run second-wicket partnership. Thapa was outstanding, compiling a patient 84 from 93 deliveries, including two boundaries and three sixes, while Liyanabadalge provided valuable support with 48 from 64 balls. Perera then accelerated the scoring, smashing 67 from just 62 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes, as Noble Park piled on the pressure. Sam Groves (3/64) and James Collins (2/38) were the pick of Elsternwick’s bowlers. Elsternwick’s run chase began disastrously, with Yeshan Wickramaarachchi removing Nathan Tilley and Sam Elstone to leave the visitors
reeling at 2/1. Sam Ashman (58 off 69) and Groves (51 off 66) steadied the innings with a valuable 71-run partnership, before Tom Collins launched a spirited counterattack. Collins struck 49 from just 41 balls, including two sixes, but Elsternwick’s hopes faded after reaching 5/179. The visitors lost their final five wickets for just 22 runs as Noble Park’s bowlers finished the job. Wickramaarachchi (3/31) and Jermaine Levy (3/31) were outstanding, while Liyanabadalge completed a fine all-round performance with 2/42. The comprehensive victory provided Noble Park with an ideal start to the season, highlighted by a powerful batting display and disciplined bowling effort. Endeavour Hills (142), meanwhile, has fallen 85 runs short of Port Melbourne (227) despite a brilliant five-wicket haul from Tyrell Panditharatne. Panditharatne was the standout performer for the Eagles, claiming 5/40 from 8.5 overs, but a disappointing batting performance ultimately proved costly. Port Melbourne won the toss and elected to bat, with openers Ruairidh Main (36 off 21) and Mack Burdett (53 off 40) making a flying start.
The pair added 65 for the opening wicket before Endeavour Hills fought back strongly through Joel Baxter. Baxter was outstanding, claiming 3/22 from nine overs, including two maidens, as the Eagles reduced Port Melbourne to 4/133. Panditharatne then took control, ripping through the middle and lower order to prevent the home side from posting an imposing total. His five-wicket haul included the dangerous Nicholas Benson (29) and Tharindu Perera (36), while Bineth Bandara chipped in with 1/41. Chasing 228 for victory, Endeavour Hills struggled to establish meaningful partnerships, losing four wickets with just 45 runs on the board. Parmatma Pandey (19 off 17) briefly counterattacked before Panditharatne (17) and Clement Tommy (18) attempted to rebuild the innings. But it was Tallha Ahmed who provided the highlight with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 35 from just 30 deliveries, including three towering sixes. Ahmed’s late resistance provided some encouragement, but the Eagles were eventually dismissed in just 27 overs. Burdett (3/32) and Luke Domaschenz (3/5) were the chief destroyers for Port Melbourne, while Nick Sharpin claimed 2/35. Despite the defeat, Endeavour Hills will take
positives from the bowling performances of Panditharatne and Baxter, who combined for eight wickets and showed the Eagles have plenty of firepower heading into the season. VSDCA ROUND 1 RESULTS (1D): Noble Park 6/286 (N Thapa 84, S Perera 67, J Liyanabadalge 48, S Groves 3/64, J Collins 2/38) def Elsternwick 201 (S Ashman 58, S Groves 51, T Collins 49, J Levy 3/31, Y Wickramaarachchi 3/31, J Liyanabadalge 2/42). Endeavour Hills 142 (T Ahmed 35no, L Domaschenz 3/5, M Burdett 3/32, N Sharpin 2/35) def by Port Melbourne 227 (M Burdett 53, R Main 36, T Perera 36, N Benson 29, S Kyle 22, T Panditharatne 5/40, J Baxter 3/22). Balwyn 135 def by Malvern 9/216, Bayswater 8/182 def by Oakleigh 9/191, Brighton 5/143 def Mt Waverley 142, Moorabbin 9/105 def by Croydon 4/238, Ormond 9/142 def Box Hill 141, Caulfield 6/203 def Donvale 8/170. LADDER: Croydon 6, Noble Park 6, Brighton 6, Malvern 6, Port Melbourne 6, Caulfield 6, Ormond 6, Oakleigh 6, Bayswater 0, Box Hill 0, Donvale 0, Endeavour Hills 0, Balwyn 0, Mt Waverley 0, Elsternwick 0, Moorabbin 0. FIXTURE – R2 (2D) 17/24 OCTOBER: Malvern v Noble Park, Oakleigh v Endeavour Hills, Mt Waverley v Ormond, Croydon v Caulfield, Box Hill v Brighton, Donvale v Moorabbin, Elsternwick v Balwyn, Port Melbourne v Bayswater.
Nanopoulos strikes early but Panthers get rolled by Lions By Justin Schwarze Despite getting its season off to the perfect start, Dandenong fell in its opening match against Fitzroy Doncaster in round two of Victorian Premier Cricket (VPC). Panther legend James Nanopoulos struck with the very first ball of the campaign at Schramms Reserve, removing Jack Rudd with one that stayed low, forcing Rudd to edge to Matthew Wilson at second slip. The Lions got back on track, putting together a near-50 run stand before Noah Hurley dismissed Angus Roach (10). Hayden Wrigglesworth then claimed his first, leaving the hosts at 3/66, but a strong resistance in the middle order saw Fitzroy Doncaster take a firm grip of the contest. Nanopoulos’ second pole came at the expense of leaving Matthew Spoors (49) painfully shy of a half century - trapping the number four in front. The veteran was on fire; soon claiming a third when he got right through Lions skipper Liam Banthorpe (24) and knocked him over. The game hung in the balance with the hosts at 5/132, before tipping in the Panthers’ favour as Saad Khattak dismissed Rupptaz Kharoud (14). But the tail wagged for Fitzroy Doncaster, with Zachary Macciocca (49), Braden Taeuber (17) and Sean McNicholl (44) adding very handy scores at the end. The Lions were eventually knocked over for
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Dandenong legend James Nanopoulos had a strong start to the season, taking a wicket with his first ball on his way to three poles for the day. (Stewart Chambers: 457974) 286 after 92 overs as Nanopoulos and Wrigglesworth took three wickets each. A middle order collapse was costly for Dandenong in reply as the Panthers were left reeling early with Brett Forsyth (2) castled in the third over by McNicholl. Taeuber worked quickly next, removing Dhanusha Gamage (8) and Gehan Seneviratne
(22) in a short period to leave the visitors 3/48. Things went from bad to worse as Josh Slater (0) then fell and Dandenong was in big trouble at 4/49. Shobit Singh and Wilson had to find something, and the pair showed immense grit to form a brilliant resistance when the middle order was falling apart.
The two combined for a 66-run partnership as Singh (53) raised the bat as he attempted to dig the Panthers out of a hole. But after Singh spooned an Ejaaz Alavi delivery to Angus Roach, another flurry of wickets started to fall. Wilson (55) reached his half century but watched on from the non-strikers end as James Damiano (0) and Nanopoulos (4) were caught. Wilson then became Alavi’s fourth-straight scalp as his brave knock came to an end, followed by Alavi getting his five-fa by rattling the stumps of Wrigglesworth. Dandenong was bowled out for 165, marking a 121-run win for Fitzroy Doncaster. Casey South Melbourne was taught a lesson by the back-to-back reigning premier St Kilda at Casey Fields. A deep batting performance from the Saints saw them post a massive total of 8d/420 as James Seymour (89), Ed Newman (68), Daniel Drew (67), Harry Dixon (49), Brandon Faber (42) and Matthew Hennig (34) all chipped in. Ruwantha Kellapotha was the standout for Casey South Melbourne, taking five of the eight wickets. The Swans never found their footing in response despite the best efforts of Lenny Wilton (48) and Jackson Isakka (47). Luke Destito and Josh Bartlett each snagged three poles to bowl over the hosts for 223 in the convincing 197-run triumph.
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 19
Not Just Aged Care. A Place To Belong. Choosing aged care is one of life’s most important decisions. It’s about finding more than quality care, it’s about finding a place where you or your loved one feels safe, valued, and truly at home. At Roshana Noble Park Aged Care, we’ve created a warm and welcoming community where compassionate care, meaningful connections, and comfortable living come together. Here, every resident is known as an individual, supported with dignity, and encouraged to continue living life in a way that is meaningful to them.
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For nearly 30 years, Roshana Care Group has been caring for Australians with a commitment to compassion, respect, and excellence. Today, we’re proud to bring that same trusted care to the Noble Park community. Book your complimentary tour today Come and experience the warmth of our community and discover why so many families trust Roshana with the care of those they love.
Spaces • Engaging Lifestyle Programs • Freshly Prepared Meals Every Day Roshana Noble Park Aged Care (03) 7504 7600 521 Princes Highway, Noble Park VIC 3174 admissions.noblepark@roshana.com.au
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20 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au 28/8/2026 1:43 pm