Tuesday, 20 October, 2026
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Bright eyed artists Noble Park was alight with creativity last weekend, with art lovers flocking to the annual community art show. More than 700 entries, including Ruby’s work Sunset Blooms, pictured, were on display at Noble Park Community Centre. Meanwhile, the nearby Garage 35 Art Studio lifted the lid on its nine resident artists as part of the Open Studios Weekend. More pictures, turn to pages 2 and 9
(Gary Sissons: 584761)
Market on move? The popular Ramadan Night Market has outgrown Thomas Street, Dandenong and could be on the move. Greater Dandenong councillors were poised to decide on a $97,000 grant to the market in 2027, with a council report recommending its relocation off-road to Palm Plaza and the triangle car park. The report recommended that funding was “subject to the event meeting all governance, compliance and public safety requirements” for next year, including a dedicated events manager.
Market founder and president of Bright Community Organisation (BCO), Ahmad Ghowsi says the move would be great for logistics and cost efficiency. “With the relocation, we will have more capacity to deliver the event at another level. “Given its off-the-road location, we will be having more activities for families and more in terms of lighting and beautification of the venue. “The event has outgrown its success, its event management and structure, as it’s no longer considered a “traditional community festival” but a
“large-scale regional” event.” The relocation is said to answer some key issues identified by affected businesses, traders and stakeholders. It should reduce past issues of road closures, traffic confusion and management, congestion, parking, towing and traffic changes and improve crowd circulation, according to the council report. The BCO has engaged with a “professional” events management company of 30 years’ experience to manage its 2027 event.
The peak weekend attendance is reported to have reached 10,000 attendees, with a total of 1 million visitors including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over the 16 day-event in FebruaryMarch this year. The Ramadan Night Market inaugurated in 2025 during the month of Ramadan, where Muslim communities observe fast everyday from dawn till dusk, focus on their faith and donate. The month is also known to bring families, friends and communities together as they gather to break their fasts together whether at home or at local mosques.
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Katerina Sova with her cross-stitch gingerbread house and Noble Park Community Centre president Roz Blades AM.
Precious from Springvale South with her sunny artwork. (584761)
Art show organisers Mandip Neupare, Anish Adhikari, Roz Blades AM, Grissel Walmaggia, Diyanah Hazizun and Shelly Kemp. (584761)
It tastes like talent! Artists brought their flair to the fore at the annual art show at Noble Park Community Centre on 1618 October. The centre’s gym transformed into a nourishing gallery of more than 700 entrants young and old, who painted, sculpted and stitched an array of works. Art lovers flocked to the venue to admire the showcase of Greater Dandenong’s undiscovered talent.
Ruby with her art work Sunset Blooms. (584761)
Art show coordinator Shelly Kemp. (584761)
Thomas brought flavours and zest with his painting Fruit. (Gary Sissons: 584761)
Melinda Batang with her tasteful artwork Feed Me. (584761)
Tracey McGrath and Jan McGrath admire the display. (584761)
Alejandro Aguanta played live. (584761)
Bridget and Daryl Locals with a row of cardboard mini-homes. (584761)
Ashin Shafi among an array of artworks at Noble Park Community Centre. (584761)
No jail: ‘Unprovoked’ glassings at Dandenong pub By Cam Lucadou-Wells A serial violent offender has avoided further jail after slashing two men with a broken bottle within eight days at a Dandenong pub. Bailey Gibbs, 28, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to two counts of intentionally causing injury at the Players Hotel in Scott Street. In sentencing on 12 October, Judge Claire Quin found both of the “frightening” and “confronting” alcohol-fueled glassings were “unprovoked” and “disproportionate”. The strikes to the victims’ face and neck areas carried an “extraordinarily” high risk of more serious injuries, she said. As it was, they have endured surgery and facial scarring in the aftermath. Gibbs was banned from the hotel at the time when he tried to enter the front entrance but was locked out, just after midnight on 28 February 2024. A 40-year-old victim was passing by when an
2 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 20 October, 2026
agitated Gibbs pushed him to the ground, tangling the victim in Gibbs’ bike. It sparked a confrontation between Gibbs and a group of men. He was struck to the face by an unknown person, while another took his speaker. Gibbs broke a glass bottle - which he used to glass the victim’s face. The man was taken to Dandenong Hospital with a deep six-centimetre wound in front of his ear and a broken cheekbone. Surgeons worked to stem a bleeding artery, and later repaired a cut salivary gland and severed facial nerves – which affected his eye and mouth movement. The victim’s cornea was also damaged as a result of being unable to independently close his eye. On 9 March 2024, Gibbs inflicted a significant neck laceration to a 51-year-old man outside the pub. The victim had stopped to say hello to Gibbs’s female companion – who was also
known to the victim. Gibbs got aggressive, told the victim to ‘f*** off’, shouldered him and hit his hat off his head, before stabbing his neck with a broken bottle. He tried to further stab the victim but dropped the bottle. Instead he continued to punch the victim. Gibbs has been remanded in custody since his arrest the same day. Judge Quin was troubled by Gibbs’s violent past, punished by several terms of jail. Once for stabbing a neighbour’s face with a smashed glass bottle, another for stabbing a security guard in the leg with a knife as well as for an affray. His rehabilitation prospects were “poor” unless he willingly engaged in “fulsome” psychosocial supports and treatment. Gibbs’s deprived upbringing, including being exposed to violence and drugs, was a “double-edged sword”. It reduced his moral culpability, but also
heightened the need to protect the community from him. He’d regularly couch-surfed or stayed shortterm with friends, but never had stable housing, Judge Quin noted. Corrections Victoria assessed Gibbs as highrisk, but suitable for a community corrections order (CCO). Prosecutors pressed for a jail term with a non-parole period, while Gibbs’s lawyers pressed for his release on a CCO and his 947day remand period treated as “time served”. In sentencing, the judge opted for a threeyear CCO, noting his lengthy stay in remand. His CCO includes judicial monitoring, a justice plan, supervision, as well as drug-and-alcohol and mental health treatment. “This is really it for you,” Judge Quin told Gibbs. “If you don’t take full advantage of the order and the supports provided with it, you will find yourself in custody … for a long time.”
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Night market on the move? By Sahar Foladi Greater Dandenong councillors were poised to decide on a $97,000 funding allocation to the popular Ramadan Night Market in 2027. The evaluation of the previous Ramadan Night Market report was listed for the Monday 19 October council meeting. It recommended the funding but “subject to the event meeting all governance, compliance and public safety requirements” for next year, including a dedicated events manager. The report also includes council officers’ recommendation to relocate the popular event from Thomas Street in Dandenong to Palm Plaza and the Triangle Car Park. Market founder and president of Bright Community Organisation (BCO), Ahmad Ghowsi says the move will be great for logistics and cost efficiency. “With the relocation, we will have more capacity to deliver the event at another level. “Given its off-the-road location, we will be having more activities for families and more in terms of lighting and beautification of the venue. “The event has outgrown its success, its event management and structure, as it’s no longer considered a “traditional community festival” but a “large-scale regional” event. “We believe that they (Council) are fully supporting us with the event and anything within their capacity is highly appreciated.” A council officer recommended a $97,000 grant (the same as 2026) to BCO, so to not strain
Attendees enjoyed nasheeds, live BBQ, variety of food, desserts and drinks and a way to celebrate oneness as a community.(Gary Sissons: 467847_27) the council’s finances but also to support the large-scale event with an estimated one-million visitors in 16 days from February to March this year. The relocation is said to answer some key issues identified in feedback from businesses, traders and stakeholders affected. It should reduce past issues of road closures, traffic confusion and management, congestion, parking, towing and traffic changes and improve crowd circulation, according to the council report. The BCO is engaged with a “professional” events management company of 30 years’ experience to manage its 2027 event. Meanwhile expressions of interest for stallholders are said to be rolling in before the team has put out an official EOI.
Mr Ghowsi says previous stallholders will be prioritised in the stallholder application process. The peak weekend attendance is reported to have reached 10,000 attendees, however, no attendance monitoring system or formal site capacity framework were established. This will also change in 2027. The Ramadan Night Market inaugurated in 2025 during the month of Ramadan, where Muslim communities observe fast everyday from dawn till dusk, focus on their faith and donate. The month is also known to bring families, friends and communities together as they gather to break their fasts together whether at home or at local mosques. After its successful launch in 2025, with an estimated 350,000 crowd, the Federal Government announced funding of $225,000.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese also paid a visit this year, escorted by his team with occasional stops to visit stallholders and interact with people. As reported by Star Journal, the PM tasted baklava and a kebab while approving of the “great food.” “We live in the best country on earth, and it’s made even better by our multiculturalism and the fact that people of different faiths come and celebrate an event like Ramadan,” he said in an interview to Star Journal on the night of his visit. “How good’s this country? We’ve stronger for the fact that our country celebrates and respects all.” The event also attracted food influencers, bloggers, MPs and then Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan with her son.
An aerial view of the proposed tower site - bounded by a dam (top), marsh (left), Dandenong Creek (below) and Stud Road (right). (Town planning report)
The picture on the right depicts the view of the 36-metre phone tower from Tirhatuan Wetlands. (Town planning report)
‘We did it’: Tirhatuan giant tower scrapped By Cam Lucadou-Wells Scores of Dandenong North residents are celebrating - with a hint of disbelief - after a controversial 36-metre-tall phone tower near Tirhatuan Wetlands was scuppered. They had opposed en masse against the proposed Vodafone/Optus 5G lattice tower, which was set to stand on a Melbourne Water-owned flood plain. It would have been about 50 metres north of Dandenong Creek, near a riparian woodland and wetlands that’s home to several threatened bird, frog and fish species. Residents heard that the proponent withdrew its planning application late last week. Knox City Council has confirmed the applicant’s withdrawal.
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Joining the widespread criticism was an environment group, Deputy Premier and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, as well as Greater Dandenong Council. Transport for Victoria’s head – from the Department of Planning and Transport - also objected due to concerns about “safe and appropriate access” from the site to Stud Road. Melissa Karakasidis, who lives in the Rosewood Downs estate about 200 metres from the site, led the local resistance. More than 150 objectors wrote letters to Knox, more than 780 signed an online petition against the plan. “I’m so thankful to every one of them,” Karakasidis said. “To everyone who wrote letters, knocked on doors
and signed the petition, came to council meetings, none of it was in vain. “We did it, we actually did it. “At times it felt like David and Goliath, and to have an outcome in our favour I’m just over the moon. I still can’t believe we won.” Also in support were Greater Dandenong Environment Group, Victorian Association of Radio Model Soaring (VARMS) and Rowville and Rosewood Downs residents. Greater Dandenong Environment Group declared on social media that it was “great news”. “A win for the environment is a win for everyone”. Greater Dandenong Council had also urged a “suitable alternative” site for the tower, despite the project being located across the border in Rowville, City of Knox.
Kevin Helmore, Fabienne De Dios, Juan De Dios, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Anna Vanderbom, Nick Karakasidis, Melissa Karakasidis, Rhonda Morrissey and Liam Edwards celebrate at Tirhatuan Wetlands on 18 October. Greater Dandenong mayor Sophie Tan welcomed the news of the withdrawal. “We are proud to stand with our community and advocate for the best possible outcomes, for people and for our natural environment.” Karakasidis said campaign volunteers who “gave countless hours to make this happen” gathered with Dandenong MP Williams to celebrate in a team photo. She made special note of Steven Edwards, who put in a “huge amount of work” but couldn’t make the photo shoot. More to come.
Tuesday, 20 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 3
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Young ideas lead the way By Cam Lucadou-Wells ‘Belonging’ was more than a buzz-word, as families, students and staff packed a community hall for the Belonging in Casey Awards on Friday 9 October. Young and old sang together and mixed excitedly with Casey’s mayor and councillors at Nikola Tesla Serbian Cultural Centre in Doveton. The project was launched in schools this year to give young people a voice on the vexed topic of cultural inclusion. A massive 2147 Prep-Year 12 students across 17 schools responded with a colourful, thoughtful array of creative artworks and reflections. The project was the initiative of Casey Multifaith Network and Dr Jamel Kaur Singh from CQ Cultural Education Institute. They are looking to build on its success in 2027, Dr Singh said. Coral Park Primary School was awarded for submitting works from 100 per cent of its 380 students. Assistant principal Liz Wilson said one of the most powerful things of Belonging in Casey was hearing their “incredibly diverse” students. “For some students, it was about celebrating where they came from. “For others, it was about recognising the people who make them feel safe and connected. “And for many, it was simply the opportunity to stop and think about what belonging actually feels like.” Belonging was “what we want every child to experience when they walk through our gates”, Wilson said. “Our students began to recognise that belonging isn’t just about feeling that you fit in—it is also about what we can do to make sure that other people feel that they belong too.” Other awardees included Hampton Park Secondary College Year 12 students, Emmanuel Jr Lacomel, Saaliha Innaaya Khan and Nayab Nawrozi, who pitched practical ways to strengthen unity, youth participation and social connection.
Dr Jamel Kaur Singh, with Hampton Park Secondary College’s year 12 students Saaliha Innaaya Khan, Monson Silili and cultural diversity coordinator Sally Carruthers. (Cam Lucadou-Wells) Their proposal has attracted interest from City of Casey’s youth services. “This demonstrates that young people can meaningfully contribute to conversations about their community’s future,” Dr Singh said. “The awards … were about giving young people a voice, celebrating their efforts and reminding them that their ideas matter.” The awards dinner was supported by generous businesses, community groups and volunteers who contributed prizes, food, the venue as well as hours of support. Year 3-4 category winners were Ezrah Thomson (Coral Park Primary School), Aadya Prabhu (Maramba Primary School) and Karim Khadimullin (Brentwood Primary School). Other winners were St Paul Apostle North Primary School prep red and blue students, and Hampton Park Secondary College students Raihana Rezaie (Year 7-9 category) and Monson Silili (Year 10-12).
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An award-winning entry from St Paul Apostle North Primary School prep students.
South East winners at state multicultural awards
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Year 3 awardee Karim Khadmiullin of Brentwood Primary School.
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The architect of Bring Your Bills has been recognised at the 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence on Wednesday 14 October. At the awards night at Government House, South East Community Links won the Business-and-Employment category for its work supporting people from migrant, refugee and multicultural backgrounds. Its financial wellbeing, settlement, housing and family violence support services help more than 24,000 people and families in the South East each year. Other South-East based winners included Victorian Afghan Associations’ Network president Zabi Mazoori, who took out the Police Community Exemplary Award for his work in strengthening relationships between Victoria Police and diverse Afghan communities. Malavika Kadwadkar, a community outreach lead from Women’s Health in the South East, won the Prevention of Family Violence Award for more than 20 years as a community engagement leader in multicultural women’s health and preventing family violence. SECL chief executive Peter McNamara said the award was “wonderful recognition” for SECL’s staff, board, volunteers and partners. “(This) recognises the work our team does every day alongside multicultural communities, guided by our vision that every person counts and every system should be fair.” Established in Springvale in 1970, about 70 per cent of SECL staff come from multicultural backgrounds. “Many of our staff have lived experience of migration and settlement, and that understanding helps us build trust and deliver services that genuinely respond to people’s needs,” McNamara said. “We see every day what people can
South East Community Links staff Desiree Kisnorbo, Marcia Harkins, board member Mariam Ritchie ), board member Leanne Ngo, Jessica Basnayake and chief executive Peter McNamara at the awards. (SECL) achieve when they have the right support and opportunities.” Among its success stories are Bring Your Bills days, which generated an estimated $13.5 million in debt and savings support and reached about 13,000 individuals and families. Its SELF Growth program supported 141 refugee and migrant women to develop skills, confidence and income opportunities. Also, SECL’s Settlement Leading Partners Network developed practical resources used by employment services across Australia. Its Community Connectors program, which supports vulnerable communities at train stations, has been adopted across metropolitan Melbourne.
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The original steel extension, left, will be deleted from the DNA’s redesign. (City of Greater Dandenong)
The DNA site prior to the recent demolition of the Precinct Energy Project building, back left. (449565)
Greater Dandenong proposes a light redesign for the Dandenong New Art gallery’s $6.8 million final stage. It replaces the original steel extension. (City of Greater Dandenong)
Glitchy DNA project modified By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council is poised to appoint a builder to apply the $6.8 million finishing touches to the long-delayed Dandenong New Art (DNA) Gallery project. Councillors are set to decide on the matter – which includes a revised design - at a 19 October meeting. The troubled project started with a vision for a regional contemporary art gallery at the former 1920s Masonic hall in Mason Street, Dandenong.
Nearly a decade later and at a total cost of $15.7 million, it has been blighted by a builder dispute, blown out nearly four times over-budget and stumbled well beyond its 2021 opening date. Works are expected to be completed by June 2028. The re-design includes an altered glass facade, better gallery-standard spaces and the addition of a goods lift, according to a council report to be tabled on 19 October. The current design had no longer met building standards and DDA compliance, the report stated.
Lighting, air conditioning, audio-visual and IT systems had also significantly advanced since the circa-2019 design. A 50-square metre portion of the demolished Precinct Energy Plant site will be used for the goods lift and an upgraded air-conditioning plant. The part-built site has stood largely dormant since a dispute between the council and the former builder in 2021. The council claimed sub-standard build quality, including the steel frame of the building extension – which has seemingly been deleted
from the new design. The report states that a significant amount of the existing works needed “review and/or rectification”. In 2024, the council initiated a “market-sounding exercise” with new prospective builders. They told the council that they would be reluctant to bear liability for the existing works, requiring the council to bear a $2.5 million risk premium. As a result, the DNA project has been “lightly revised”, the report stated.
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Apprentice plan is welcomed By Cam Lucadou-Wells A State Coalition pledge to incentivise the hiring of apprentices has been welcomed to cut skills shortages in the South East. The Liberal-Nationals Coalition promised, if elected to Government, to create a $115 million Accelerating Apprenticeships Fund. It would provide employer rebates for half the off-the-job training costs for apprentices in jobs on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. The South East region continues to be an unemployment hotspot. The unemployment rate soared to 5.8 per cent (up from 4.9 per cent in the past year). Youth employment was 13.9 per cent – up from 12.2 per cent. The rates are well above national and state averages, according to official Jobs and Skills Australia data. Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM), in its 2026 state election platform, called for incentives to employ apprentices. GSEM chair Simon McKeon said the Coalition policy was an important step to support businesses to “build the skilled workforce Victoria needs”. “Our region is Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse and home to the nation’s largest manufacturing workforce. “But skills shortages are putting increasing pressure on businesses and our ability to maintain that growth.” Manufacturing employment in the South East has grown by more than 9 per cent since 2016 – in contrast to a 0.5 per cent national decline. However, 37 per cent of manufacturing workers were in jobs facing shortages, McKeon said. “We need to make sure our training system and workforce can keep pace with the needs of our growing economy.” GSEM will also advocate for stronger workforce pathways between industry, schools, Tafes and universities.
Unemployment by the numbers
Greater South East Melbourne chair Simon McKeon. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 579519)
South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance chief executive Honi Walker, right, at SEMMA’s AGM. (Rob Carew/SEMMA) South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) welcomed the apprenticeships fund, but stated it was “only part of the solution”. “Manufacturers don’t need handouts and rebates,” SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said. “We need taxes frozen and red tape cut to reduce our costs so we can invest in capital, grow our businesses and hire more people.”
Walker said an “entire overhaul” of education and training was needed to create careers such as engineers, expert technicians, welding experts and inspectors. “We know our skills gaps – so we need to focus our curriculum on filling those gaps through education, and training funnels and channels all levels of students into those sector gaps. “It’s too late once they’ve graduated. “This reform can help fill the skills gap, save our economy and secure our Sovereign Capability.” Walker also called for the repeal of recent legislation, tabled by Skills Minister and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams. It requires employers hiring apprentices to apply for an annual licence. An Apprenticeships and Traineeships Commissioner was also created – which Walker said was an “unnecessary … level of bureaucracy”.
UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE SOUTH EAST (Greater Dandenong, Casey, Frankston, Kingston and Cardinia) OVERALL (August 2026): 5.8 percent (up 0.9 percent in 12 months) – Victoria 5.2 percent, Australia 4.6 percent YOUTH: 13.9 per cent (up 1.7 per cent) – Victoria 12.2 percent, Australia 10.8 percent Unemployed persons: 41,200 (up 20 per cent) Manufacturing’s share of South East jobs: 10 percent (May 2026) – down from 10.9 percent (May 2025) UNEMPLOYMENT BY COUNCIL AREA - March 2026 (compared to March 2025) Greater Dandenong: 7.5 percent (no change) Casey: 5.6 percent (up 0.3 percent Frankston: 5.0 percent (down 0.4 percent) Kingston: 4.8 percent (down 0.3 percent) Cardinia: 4.1 percent (up 0.1 percent) ■ ABS Labor Force Survey / Jobs and Skills Australia
State election: Solutions for the skills crisis By Cam Lucadou-Wells In the face of a ‘skills crisis’, the State Opposition has promised $115 million in employer rebates to offset apprentice-training costs. The Accelerating Apprenticeships Fund would cover half of the off-the-job training costs for apprenticeships in occupations on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. Opposition leader Jess Wilson said the plan would make it cheaper to hire an apprentice and give more Victorians a pathway into a good job. “Whether it’s a carpenter building a family home, a mechanic keeping us on the road or a chef in a local restaurant Victoria needs more skilled workers.” Victoria is in a “growing skills crisis” with the highest unemployment rate in the nation, the opposition stated.
Vocational training commencements had fallen 46 per cent since 2021 – despite growing demand for skilled workers. The opposition argues the state needs about 716,000 new trade workers by 2035, such as chefs, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and bricklayers. Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan said his party supported increasing apprenticeship numbers. “It’s key to a thriving manufacturing sector in Melbourne’s south-east and also one that grows the skill base to build more affordable homes.” He questioned whether subsidising business was “the most financially prudent and effective way”. “At the moment only around half of apprentices complete their apprenticeships. “One of the reasons is what they experience
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Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan says apprentices need more support ‘from start to finish’. in the workplace.” Kirwan cited the work of The Trades Hall Young Workers Centre, which reports a growing number of apprentices’ “horror stories of underpayment, exploitation and unsafe workplaces”. “The Greens see the key way to increasing apprenticeship numbers is assisting those who start apprenticeships to finish.” Family First leader Moira Deeming MP said that reducing training costs was welcome but “affordability must go hand in hand with quality”. She said more support was needed for apprentices to learn alongside “experienced tradies who have the time to teach them properly on the job”. “It is not enough simply to create an apprenticeship position—there must be meaningful supervision, hands-on instruction and the opportunity to develop skills safely and confidently. “We want to support employers to provide that training time, rather than expecting experienced tradespeople to teach apprentices while carrying an unchanged workload.” Libertarian leader David Limbrick said apprentices were important to the South East, but he wanted to see more details on the Coalition proposal “before committing to more debt”. “The best thing we could do in this state for employers is ease the tax burden and cut payroll
Liberal Party leader Jess Wilson says her plan will boost skilled apprentice numbers in Victoria. (Ben Gross 561935)
Family First leader Moira Deeming says apprentices need more support from ‘experienced tradies’ on the job (Joel Carrett/ AAP) tax. “Rather than handouts, I would love to see big tax cuts for people employing apprentices. “Big build projects without business cases also cause labour shortages, and it’s time to rein those in.” Labor, One Nation and Legalise Cannabis south-eastern metropolitan candidates were also contacted for comment.
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LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 21 October 1926 Mushroomers A deputation of Shire Council representatives was introduced to the Chief Secretary by Mr Groves M.L.A. to support a resolution by Berwick Shire for the Trespass Act to be amended to make it an offence for persons to enter farms without permission. It was stated that people from the city entered properties in droves, left gates open, broke down fences, disturbed stock and allowed sheep to be worried by dogs. When spoken to by the owners of the properties, the intruders had often threatened violence. The Chief Secretary said he sympathised with the deputation, but there were difficulties of making effective amendments of the existing law, but he would do what he could and submit the matter to cabinet. 50 years ago 18 October 1976 Surprise, surprise! Your rates may drop Many Dandenong ratepayers will be pleasantly surprised when they receive their rate notices this year. Despite obvious inflation, their rates will be nowhere near as high as they probably expect. Some will even drop. This is because of property re-valuation which occurs every four years. But some property owners face steep increases because their land now has a different use. Hardest hit in Dandenong by the re-valuation are expected to be the outer area properties which have been sub-divided since the last re-valuation and land that was previously farmland and is now planned as industrial. 20 years ago 23 October 2006 City on the up A towering $30 million mixed-use development is planned for the former Arkana Hardware site in central Dandenong. The mixed-use develop-
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
Victoria’s then-Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton faced a parliamentary inquiry into the I Cook Foods closure in Dandenong South.
ment comprises retail shops, a cafe, conference facilities, serviced apartments, office space and carparking. Deal Corporation managing director David Kobritz said the development was unlike anything seen in Dandenong for more than 30 years. “Currently there are no class-A offices available in central Dandenong. The development will form the new southern gateway into the city.” The family-run Arkana Timber and Hardware store operated from the site for 42 years. The only hurdle is the heritage overlay on the cupola on Arkana corner. Deal’s development manager said: “It has a heritage overlay, so that doesn’t say it can’t be demolished. It will be up to the council.” Mayor Peter Brown was more blunt. “We should just take a
few nice photos and knock it down. We should be welcoming this development, not causing hurdles.” 5 years ago 19 October 2021 Slug-gate verdict Department of Health senior officials have been cleared of deliberately misleading a Parliamentary enquiry into the forced closure of I Cook Foods. In tabling the second report, inquiry chair Fiona Patten said the officials’ “omissions” of evidence in the first inquiry led to “unnecessary confusion”. After the 2020 inquiry, media outlets revealed a report by a Knox Council health officer to the health department on the day of ICF’s closure that suggested (hos-
pital patient) Mrs Painter didn’t eat ICF’s meals. This contradicted Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton’s inquiry evidence but the inquiry found “no reason to believe that evidence from the Department of Health officials was deliberately intended to obstruct the enquiry”. Serious allegations of impropriety were also made, such as Greater Dandenong food inspectors editing video evidence as well as a slug being planted on the factory floor. These claims were “just outside the remit” of the inquiry, Ms Patten said. Liberal members dissented in a minority report, as they say there are still questions to be answered. Victoria Police is currently investigating allegations of corruption against public officials.
INTERFAITH
Interfaith is pivotal to charting a way ahead By Father Bruce Duncan, IFN member
MESSAGE OF
HOPE ical dialogue began to transform relations among the churches, greatly reducing sectarianism and healing past hurts. Since the 1970s, millions of people from all over the world have made their homes here, and many of them were not Christians. Most Australians today are proud that we embraced a truly multicultural society so well. But our religious traditions have taken longer to adjust. It was a new experience for Australians to welcome so many people from other religions, and to see mosques, temples and other places of worship springing up in our suburbs.
than fellow travellers searching for meaning in life with all the struggles and pain. Our challenge is not just to tolerate other faiths, but to learn something from all of them so that, while being secure in our own religious tradition, together we can help shape a better world for future generations. Speaking at the Interfaith Network in Dandenong in National Harmony Weekly in March this year, Australia’s Cardinal Mykola Bychok commended the Dandenong Interfaith Network and other interfaith gatherings, with their joint projects serving local needs, their advocacy for refugees and those suffering discrimination, and for creating ‘spaces for honest conversation’. I consider our Interfaith Networks as being critical in helping chart our way forward for the wellbeing of humanity and our planet at this challenging time. Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@ interfaithnetwork.org.au Visit https://interfaithnetwork.org.au
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Religious and ethnic tensions have long been part of Australia’s history. In the 19th and early 20th centuries these tensions revolved around the struggle of largely working-class Irish Catholics to take their place as equal citizens in the dominant Anglican/Protestant culture. I felt this tension in my own family, as my father was a Presbyterian while my mother was a Catholic. In my early years, Catholics were not supposed to go to Protestant services or pray with them, and were discouraged from marrying them. When I finished school I began studies to become a Catholic priest. Not unexpectedly, my father was not happy with my decision. Fortunately the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) opened new avenues for Catholic dialogue and cooperation with people of other religions or humanist traditions. This was an answer to my prayers, as ecumen-
Australia has become a truly multifaith country. It sounds simply like common sense now, but it reflected a remarkable shift in Catholic thinking at the time. Far from opposing interfaith meetings, Australia’s Catholic bishops today encourage Catholics to make friends with their neighbours from other religions. Not to try to convert them, but to learn about their religious beliefs and practices, to respect their search for Transcendence and to walk together in expanding mutual understanding and social cohesion. The bishops support Catholics accepting invitations from other religious traditions to visit their places of worship and learn about their hopes and beliefs. They also encourage exchange visits between parishes and non-Christian religious centres or schools. In the past, various religions have at times been like rivals competing for adherents, rather
8 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 20 October, 2026
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NEWS
MPs hide their Labor brand By Cam Lucadou-Wells In a sign of the times, some Labor MPs have seemingly distanced themselves from the party brand. A month ahead of the state election, Mulgrave MP Eden Foster and Mordialloc cabinet member Tim Richardson have expunged mention of the party name in their campaign material. Opponents accuse them of attempting to deceive voters in the notionally safe Labor seats. Foster’s corflutes and leaflets refer to her as the ‘member for Mulgrave’ or ‘fighting for Mulgrave’. Meanwhile, her colleague Richardson’s profile picture on his Facebook page describes him as ‘State Member Mordialloc’. His flyers and sandwich board also omit the Labor name. In contrast, neighbouring Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak uses the tagline ‘Labor for Clarinda’. Foster won Mulgrave with a 6.5 per cent margin in a 2023 by-election, while Richardson holds Mordialloc on an 8.5 per cent margin. But Labor has plummeted in the polls since its ‘Dan-slide’ election victory in 2022. According to some surveys, its Victorian primary vote has plunged below the Liberal-Nationals Coalition and even One Nation. Mulgrave independent Ian Cook, who is making his third tilt at the seat this election, said Foster’s material was “deceptive” and “cowardly”. He challenged Foster to “put the word Labor clearly on her posters”. “Is she trying to pass herself off as an independent? “Is Eden Foster ashamed of the Labor party? Because she should be. “It’s cowardly for Eden Foster not to come clean with voters and tell them clearly that she is a Labor MP.” The former I Cook Foods director – who ran second in the 2023 by-election - said he was running again on a platform against “Labor’s corruption”. “With the support of the people of Mulgrave, I am hoping that the third time will be a charm.”
Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson has dropped the Labor name from his campaign material. (Facebook)
State-election corflutes for the ‘Labor’ Mulgrave MP Eden Foster and independent candidate Ian Cook. (Ian Cook) One Nation candidate Cody Rebbechi said it was a “bad look” to “distance yourself from your party brand”. “You are expressing to voters that you are ashamed of either your party’s record or the party’s current leadership.” He expected Mulgrave to be a “complex and exciting contest” that was “far too early to predict”. Cost of living, crime and potholes were voters’ main issues, he said. “I expect a decline in support for Labor and that our (One Nation’s) campaign seems to be res-
onating with the community. “People are fatigued and feel that the major parties have grown increasingly out of touch.” Greens candidate Paul Schofield said he didn’t want to judge Foster, but he was proud to share he was a Greens member. “I’m not afraid to challenge my colleagues in the party – and if elected in the Legislative Assembly – to ensure that the most effective and efficient policies are developed and implemented for the benefit of Victoria. “I’m unsure whether the candidates from the
Liberals, Labor or One Nation could confidently say the same.” Meanwhile in Mordialloc, Greens candidate Alex Breskin said whatever the branding, Richardson “owns” the Labor Government’s record. “The worsening housing and cost of living crisis, the lack of action on corruption and the lack of protection for our green spaces. “Locals will judge him on that.” Despite Richardson’s ‘safe’ margin, Breskin said he was “running to win” and that “no seat should be treated as safe”. “I was there when Mordialloc changed hands before. “When a sitting minister puts his own name ahead of his party’s, that tells you he knows people here are feeling it. “At this election, Mordialloc has a real choice.” Foster and Richardson were contacted for comment, as were Liberal and Victorian Socialist candidates in Mulgrave and Mordialloc. The Libertarian Mordialloc candidate was also emailed.
Aysha Tufa at the Garage 35 Art Studio easel. (Gary Sissons: 584762)
Multidisciplinary artist Harold Juab. (Gary Sissons: 584762)
At the Garage 35 Art Studios were, rear from left, Larra, Nat and Nana, and front from left, Aysha and Norilyn.
Artist hive opens its doors Garage 35 Art Studio lifted the lid on its hive of artists during the annual Open Studios weekend on 17-18 October. The Noble Park-based cooperative is home to nine creatives, including Aysha Tufa and Harold Juab who greeted visitors on Saturday. Greater Dandenong oil painter Tufa captures quiet, sentimental moments – inspired by artists
Lynette Yiadom Boakye and Ingrid Christiansen. Juab also calls himself ‘Buang’ - which means ‘crazy’ in his mother tongue. He lets his wild creativity spill into tiny worlds in bottles, miniature models, pixel art and glow-in-the-dark works. The Open Studios weekend featured art studios across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia, including an exhibition at Bunjil Place.
Book a Tour Lyndale Secondary College | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au 14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North VIC 3175 | (03) 9795 2366
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Tuesday, 20 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 9
NEWS
Place of worship stalls By Sahar Foladi An application for a place of worship in Keysborough’s Green Wedge A has received over 40 objections as the planning application remains pending. The planning application for the $14.8 million Jamatkhana (place of gathering) at 272-280 Perry Road for the Shia Ismaili community was made to City of Greater Dandenong in August. Environmentalists and community residents raised concerns over Facebook and formally lodged objections relating to traffic, parking, noise, tree removal and operating times, as well as protection of the green wedge zone. “Council officers have carefully reviewed the objections and have requested further information from the applicant regarding the concerns raised,” Council’s executive director city futures, Sanjay Manivasagasivam says. The planning application includes a double-storey prayer hall with a capacity of 500 people and 185 car parks on-site. Dawn prayers from 3.30am-6.30am would attract a maximum of 200 people in attendance. Up to 400 people would attend evening prayer from 5.30pm-10pm. Councillor Rhonda Garad acknowledges the concerns saying there’s not enough space for a deceleration lane entering the site, which could create traffic congestion and safety concerns on an already congested road. However, given that Perry Road and its surrounding area has already accommodated multiple places of worship of different varieties, she is at a “dilemma” on this one. “I feel conflicted because the intent of the Green Wedges was for agricultural and environmental priorities and we see this continually watered down. “My general concern is around it not being used for what it was designed and intended to be. That said there’s a precedent that there’s a numerous religious organisations that have
Perry Road’s 80km/h narrow, long stretch single-lane road is shared by cars, semi-trailers and trucks. The area is surrounded by industrial sites, warehouses, places of worship and schools. (Stewart Chambers: 366660_03) built there “It’s really a dilemma for me.” The Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) is the governing body representing the Ismaili Muslim community across Australia and New Zealand. Its president, Gulzar Malik previously told Star Journal they will respond to community input that may arise during the planning process.
“The Jamatkhana is envisaged to become a spiritual, cultural and educational gathering place that will welcome all faiths and backgrounds for generations to come. “In consultation with Council, the Ismaili Jamatkhana Melbourne together with its expert project team has presented a comprehensive and well-considered proposal that is highly sensitive to the environmental values, traffic
and amenity of the area.” According to the Transport Impact Assessment on behalf of the applicant, the Friday evening prayers with an estimated 500 people is the only regular peak period with 150 vehicles entering and leaving within an hour timeframe. The Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) was contacted to comment.
FOCUS ON... CHILDREN’S WEEK
Building our future
12905992-RV43-26
ADVERTORIAL
10 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 20 October, 2026
We all know that classrooms aren’t for everyone. Many of us learn by doing, retaining knowledge best when we use our hands. But in Victoria, these types of learners are not supported, and Victoria is facing a skills shortage. The consequence? Our local businesses don’t have enough qualified workers. Since 2021, vocational training commencements have fallen by 46 per cent, even though demand for skilled workers is growing. That’s why the Liberals and Nationals have announced that, if elected in November, we will halve apprenticeship training costs for Victorian businesses. Our Accelerating Apprenticeship Fund will: ■ Give young Victorians a pathway into secure, well-paid jobs ■ Back our businesses to train the workers they need, and ■ Grow our economy We will also establish 10 new Technical Colleges across Victoria. Co-located at existing secondary schools and TAFE Institutes, this will give 5,000 secondary students handson vocational education and training. As a former teacher, it is so exciting to see young people build their own education journey, find what works for them and thrive. I understand better than most that the Government needs to support young people to find these pathways. As a Member of Parliament, I love visiting local schools in my area which provide vocational education opportunities, learning about programs which support at-risk youth to engage in education, and attending graduations and award nights. An event that particularly comes to mind is the 2025 Victorian Apprentice Training Awards. It was such an inspirational night. I remember winners and nominees speaking about how their apprenticeship changed
(Supplied) their lives, gave them an opportunity when they may not have had one otherwise, and supported them to grow as people. The Liberals and Nationals’ Accelerating Apprenticeship Fund will support thousands more Victorians to build a rewarding career and thrive. – Ann-Marie Hermans MP Liberal State Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region Authorised by Ann-Marie Hermans MP, Suite 1 / 31 Princes Highway, Dandenong VIC 3175
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
‘Funnel’ preferences By Sahar Foladi ‘I’m Voting to Avoid the Fine’ is the latest of three registered political parties that are part of a purported campaign to funnel preferences to One Nation. The Victorian Electoral Commission approved the party’s registration on Tuesday 12 October ahead of next month’s state election. Registered by Daniel Smit, the I’m Voting to Avoid the Fine party applied for registration on 31 May 2026. He is also the party’s leader. The party’s main policies are to end compulsory voting, scrap fines for not voting, to encourage “real participation” by Australians and, consequently, make politicians earn their votes. It joins the Free Palestine party created by Berwick right-wing provocateur Avraham (Avi) Yemeni and the Save the Environment party claimed by Monica Smit, an anti-lockdown activist and Daniel Smit’s sister. In an interview with Mr Yemeni’s Rebel News, Mr Smit says people who don’t want to vote or are unsure of who to vote for, should not be able to vote at all. “Maybe they should not just be voting if they don’t really have an inclination or strong view, and that’s what I think should change. “If I can get in and I change the mandatory voting system as well, then we’ll get people voting because they want to vote and they believe in the party. Which will put pressure on the parties to have clear policies and make them work harder prior to voting days. “Rather than printing out thousands and millions of pamphlets, doing media stuff, just emotionally changing people’s minds on the day.”
Avi Yemini. I’m Voting to Avoid the Fine is targeting the six to eight per cent of voters they claim have lodged “wasted” informal votes. Mr Smit said his party would preference One Nation. “I believe if people vote for ‘I want to avoid the fine’, it’s a protest vote and I believe that One Nation provides that change, that mirror to the opposite of Liberal and Labor. A video created four months ago by Mr Yemeni, was shared by Monica Smit and posted on the political party’s website. “What I’m doing is create slogan-based par-
ties that emotionally Greens voters can’t resist,” Yemeni said in his video. “Then I’m funneling those preferences to One Nation through the ridiculous voting system they suddenly seem very upset about now that it’s being used against them.” The Group Voting System (GVS) has since been abolished in Victoria, a system that allowed parties to control preference flows and distort election results. In the upcoming election, voters can now choose their own preferences. The ‘Muslim Votes Matter’ and ‘Refugees Are
Welcome Here’ were two other parties reportedly created to funnel votes to One Nation or other conservative parties. However, the websites for both are not found, and neither are their status confirmed by VEC. The reported ‘party’ shares the same name as an unrelated Muslim Votes Matter (MVM) lobby group, which endorsed candidates and distributed how-to-vote cards at the 2025 federal election. The group intends to do the same at the upcoming November elections. Its national spokesperson, Graith Krayem, had filed a complaint with the VEC over the attempt to register its name as a political party. The MVM is a lobbying movement with concerns about the lack of political representation for Muslim and minority groups. A VEC spokesperson has confirmed there are no applications afoot to register a political party by that name. The VEC also says it cannot refuse applications based on claims that the party’s name “does not express the party’s ‘true’ character or that the party’s policies are objectionable.” “If an application meets the requirements of the Act, the VEC must register the party. “All applications to register a political party ahead of the 2026 state election have been advertised in the Victoria Government Gazette and publicised in a VEC media release, providing an opportunity to members of the public to submit objections.” To be registered, a party must meet legislative requirements, including having at least 500 members on the electoral roll. The VEC confirmed this by writing to the members of I’m Voting to Avoid the Fine.
‘Escalated response’: Cardboard fire battle Firefighters have battled for more than an hour to bring a cardboard fire under control at a recycling factory on Princes Highway, Springvale. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) said a caller to Triple Zero (000) reported the factory fire shortly before 9pm on Thursday 15 October. “Firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes to find cardboard alight within the factory,” an FRV spokesperson said. “The response was escalated. “Crews used heavy machinery to remove the cardboard to the outside of the building.” Ten fire-fighting appliances attended the scene, bringing the incident under control at 10.12pm, FRV stated. “Crews made the scene safe and handed over to the factory managers.”
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About 10 fire trucks attended the blaze at a Springvale cardboard recycler on 15 October. (Gary Sissons: 585051)
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 20 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 11
SPORT Following brain bleeds suffered after a hit in a game in 2024, young footballer Rory Goldsmith found himself relearning how to walk. After a long road to recovery, he dedicated himself in his time away from football and began preparations for a gruelling challenge that will put his body to the test for an incredible cause. Sports reporter JUSTIN SCHWARZE details his inspiring journey.
Rory’s incredible journey Winning a grand final is meant to be one of the greatest moments of a football player’s career. It’s a dream that not many players get to experience, and Rory Goldsmith tasted the ultimate success when Dingley’s reserves side defeated Cheltenham by 39 points in the 2024 grand final. While his teammates were taking in the spoils of becoming a premiership player in the rooms, Goldsmith was forced to take himself outside but not for the purpose of celebrations. “Everyone was celebrating and I was really down on myself, not because of the result, but because of what was going on in my head,” he reflected. It was a brutal grand final, with Goldsmith suffering multiple knocks to the head in his characteristically relentless pursuit for the footy. But one particular hit - early in the fourth certainly saw him come off second best. “I kept getting knocked in the head,” Goldsmith said of the game. “It was in marking contests and tackling, and there wasn’t one particular time that day where I actually got knocked out, but I definitely felt a bit drowsy throughout the game. “Being a grand final, you sort of tough it out and stay out there as long as you can. “Somewhere in the last quarter, I took another big hit to the head in a tackle and usually, I would never bring myself off to the bench; I don’t think anyone would. “But I did because I was feeling bloody horrible and I had to stay off the whole last quarter and for the rest of the game, because the head noise I was having was brutal and there was too much going on. “I didn’t really know what was happening, I just needed to calm myself down on the bench. “Eventually we won the game and we sang the song inside and did the presentations and I remember one of my friends offered me a beer. “I just said, no, I don’t feel like it at all. “I started getting really lightheaded and drowsy and I remember my mate saying I looked as pale as a ghost. “I walked out of the covering, everyone’s dancing, celebrating, having beers, and I took myself out into the sunlight outside of the rooms. “Then I remember bumping into a friend just outside the grandstand and having a quick chat, and I actually felt really rude. “I cut her off saying, sorry, I’m about to pass out. “Eventually I walked a little bit further towards behind the goals and all of a sudden I collapsed and started vomiting and everything really went downhill from there.” Goldsmith was rushed to Sandringham Hospital, and it was clear something was seriously wrong. His condition had quickly deteriorated, and it wasn’t until after a CT scan that the extent of his injuries was revealed. “I remember waiting in the room and mum and dad were there and all the noise they were making was absolutely deafening and all the lights in the hospital were glaring in my eyes,” he remembered. “I couldn’t focus, I didn’t feel myself at all and I knew something was wrong straight away. “The CT scan confirmed I had brain bleeds outside of the left side of my brain and I had three of them. “I got rushed straight all the way to the Alfred. “All of a sudden, I went away for a whole week, I wasn’t eating, and I lost 13 kilos in four days. “I remember I couldn’t give anyone the time of day because I did not feel myself at all. “I became extremely depressed being confined to a hospital bed for a couple of weeks, I hated it. “I just wanted to get out. “I knew the nurses were doing all they could to help me, but I just hated being there.” Goldsmith faced a difficult recovery, first tasked with relearning the basics of day-to-day life. His resilience shone through and he gradually
Rory Goldsmith is about to embark on 10 half-Ironmans in 10 days for an incredible cause following an inspirational recovery. (Rob Carew: 583214)
I hope people can take a leaf out of my book and see that if you can just learn to trust someone or trust yourself and speak about how you feel, you can grow so much as an individual.“ - Rory Goldsmith improved, leading him to being discharged from the Alfred still under strict care. “Eventually after a week or two learning how to walk again, getting a bit of my balance back in the gym and getting my appetite back, I eventually got out,” Goldsmith said. “But when I got out, I still didn’t feel like myself with all the medications they were prescribing me. “But later, I was with my mum at the local Woolworths and I passed out and collapsed again. “So I got readmitted back into the Epworth Richmond. “They took care of me there for a couple of weeks and I definitely felt like myself again after that.” BLESSING IN DISGUISE After the second hospital stay, Goldsmith was given a frustrating piece of news. Doctors urged him to take at least 12 months off contact sport to let his brain recover, which meant no footy in 2025. “I was pretty disappointed by that,” he recalled learning of the advice. “When the doctor first said I was having the brain bleeds, I sort of laughed because I probably didn’t realise what it actually meant. “Mum was in tears and I was just like, what’s happening? “Coming out of the Epworth for each moment, I felt like myself again. “I felt okay to play. “I thought the hit that I had was just a one-off and it could have happened to anyone and unfortunately it did happen to me, but I thought the 12 months I was asked to take off was too long.” But it soon proved to be one of the biggest blessings in the now 26-year-old’s life. Goldsmith couldn’t be kept off the training track as his desire to be active and better himself couldn’t be held down - no matter the circumstances.
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Thus, he decided to begin a new journey in his recovery. “One door shut, another one opened,” he said with a beaming smile. “I’m glad I took the time to myself anyway because just having a year off footy got me into triathlons, ironmans, snowboarding, taking holidays and taking time for myself. “It just goes to show there’s so much more to life than footy. “In your 20s, take some time off and just go live your life because before you know it, you’re getting older and you’re gonna have more responsibilities in life. “So taking some time off footy was awesome.” Goldsmith spent his time away from footy swimming, biking, running and snowboarding as he became a fantastic triathlete. It was a new-found passion that ignited a flame he had no idea was inside of him. “I’ve always done swimming growing up until I was a teenager but I’ve never really done long running or bike riding at all,” he admitted. “So finding a new passion for riding, running and swimming, especially long distance, it just makes me feel so good inside my head and I feel productive. “It’s a healthy way to express how I feel. “I love getting outside, I love getting sun. “I just love being out in society and the community. “There’s so much outside to explore and that’s why I love triathlon training. “It’s really cool and I really resonate with everyone who gets around triathlons.” A RETURN TO FOOTY His year spent training was fulfilling and it scratched the itch he had to get moving, but there was still something small missing. Despite warnings from his parents, he vowed to return to footy at the beginning of 2026. A move away from Dingley for a fresh start was
Goldsmith, still in his Dingley jumper, is admitted to hospital following three brain bleeds in 2024. (Supplied) on the cards, and some clubs had kept in touch with the gun over the process to see if he was open to returning to the field. One was Mick Lawrence and Dandenong West, who Goldsmith initially scoffed at, as the idea of playing Division 4 football seemed out of the question. “I was always excited to play footy again,” Goldsmith said. “As to where, I had no idea. “Honestly, Dandy West was just one of the couple of clubs that reached out to me about what I was doing. “I think maybe a few clubs or coaches assumed that I was medically retired and maybe I thought I was as well. “Dandenong West just asked me what I was thinking and I said I wasn’t sure if I was going to play footy at all, but they said just come down for a chat. “I met Mick (Lawrence), JP (John Psaras), Paul Harman and Dyl (Dylan Diacono), and they just said, come down for preseason, see if you like it, and if you’re medically cleared to come play, why not give it a shot? “I ended up bringing six of my mates down, most of them from Dingley, and we all just had a fresh start together at Dandenong West. “It just worked out so well, we didn’t really care that we were playing lower division football.
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SPORT “We just wanted a fresh start and wanted to kick the footy around with each other. “And from that, I’ve made even more friends at Dandy West with all the existing players.” To say Goldsmith returned to football with a bang would be an understatement. He had just about the perfect season, going on to play a key role in the club’s drought-breaking premiership while finishing equal-third in the league best and fairest and being selected in the Team of the Year. And to cap it all off, Goldsmith took home Dandenong West’s club best and fairest - receiving the ultimate reward and recognition for all of the tireless work he had put in to even get himself back on the footy field, let alone perform at a high level. “It’s easy to say I’ve had those accolades, but definitely with all the help I’ve had around the footy club and outside of footy, a lot of volunteers put in so much time to help me,” Goldsmith reflected. “It makes it a lot easier to go about it the way I do on the field when you’ve got that support around you. “The teammates that I have, they’re the ones passing the footy to me, so I’m thankful for that as well. “I think I’ve had a better season than other seasons previously because this year, a huge difference is I’ve still been emulating my triathlon training outside of footy. “I’ve still been swimming and riding and running outside of footy, and that’s definitely helped me feel fitter on game day. “When I’m recovering, I really focus on my recovery outside of footy. “I reckon that primes me for action on game day a lot better, having kept up my triathlon training and recovery.” WEARING A HELMET After urges from those close to him, Goldsmith opted to wear a protective helmet every time he took to the field in 2026. And while having doubts initially, he has since become an advocate for the helmet; a device that he says makes him more comfortable and feels protects his head. “I wore it initially because mum didn’t come to my practice matches because I didn’t wear one and she said she wouldn’t come to a game if I didn’t wear one,” he said. “I just can’t speak more highly, I definitely do think it helps.
“I’m not saying that you can go out and just go headfirst bananas. “But it definitely does cushion your brain and makes me feel safer attacking the footy. “I used to think a helmet didn’t help at all, but I actually really do believe that the helmet protects your head. “A lot of people disagree, but I honestly think it does.“ THE UNCOMFORTABLE CHALLENGE As the dust settled on the footy season and the celebrations quietened down at Greaves Reserve, Goldsmith began to shift his focus onto something huge. He had preparations to put himself through a vigorous challenge to raise money for mental health causes. After meeting one of his idols, ultramarathon athlete Nedd Brockmann, at a running event earlier in the year, Goldsmith felt inspired to follow in Brockmann’s footsteps and make a difference in his community. Thus, Goldsmith announced that from October 19 to 28, he will be doing 10 consecutive halfironmans in 10 days to raise money for homelessness. This exhausting challenge has seen him commit countless hours honing his craft in preparation, while raising over $11,000 in the process. A half-ironman features a 1.9km swim, followed by a 90km bike ride, before finishing off with a 21.1km run. Goldsmith will repeat this feat everyday for 10-straight days. The event will take place at Albert Park while being part of Brockmann’s ‘Uncomfortable Challenge’. “I met Nedd through his milk company, Nedd’s milk, as it disbanded earlier this year in April,” Goldsmith said. “He held one last run for people who loved his milk and some of his merchandise. “So I went down at 4am on a Friday morning, and there were 700 people there. “I just went for a quick 40-minute run, and then they were auctioning off these hats, and I actually got one. “After donating to his charity, I was fortunate to get one of these 20 baggy creams that are in circulation. “I hold this hat close to my heart. “I told him I had this challenge to do 10 half-ironmans for 10 days coming up that I was planning for mental health. “And he said, oh, why don’t
you participate in my Uncomfortable Challenge, which is in late October, for We Are Mobilise. “He talked to me about it and explained the impact I can have on the homeless community. “It was really touching and I do now see that there is a big problem with our homelessness. “There’s 122,000 Australians that are homeless every single night. “So, I was glad to have him back me to do my challenge and work with me and I’m glad I’m working with him because we’re fighting to end homelessness together. “I’m happy I’m influencing other people and making people aware of what the problem is. “I’m also making people aware of my mental health. “I have a mental health theme that correlates with my triathlon training that I want aligned to each day of my 10 days, which starts next week, and I’m keen to share with all men and women because it’s important for people to speak up about their mental health. “I express that through my tri-training, and I’m keen to let other people know how I do it, so hopefully they can resonate with me. “I feel like I’m always true to myself and I’m always working hard, but I’m keen to show other people how hard I have been working because I believe everyone else has the potential to work just as hard with whatever it is in life they want to achieve. “It doesn’t have to be a physical achievement. “This raising money for homelessness, it’s been absolutely amazing. “My challenge hasn’t even started and I’ve already raised just over $11,000. “I shoot for the stars. “I really want to get over $20,000 by the end of the month, I reckon I can do that. “So I’m grateful that I’m making people aware of the problem that is homelessness and hopefully we can raise more funds.” GOLDSMITH’S GENEROSITY It’s not the first time Goldsmith has gone out of his way to undertake the extremely selfless act of helping raise funds for others in need. In the lead-up to Dandenong West’s grand final, disaster struck. Superstar Jamie Nguyen unfortunately ruptured his ACL, meaning the only game he missed for the year was the history-making premiership success. But due to health insurance issues, Nguyen would’ve been forced to pay for the required repair surgery out of his own pocket. But Goldsmith and some of his teammates
Goldsmith had a brilliant season on the field for Dandenong West, playing in a premiership and taking home the club best and fairest. (Supplied)
worked tirelessly to raise money, surprising Nguyen with over $6,000 towards his surgery at the club’s presentation night. “Jamie’s someone I didn’t really used to like when he was Springy Districts and I was at Dingley,” Goldsmith laughed. “I only knew him on the footy field, so we’d always tussle or whatever. “Then he came to Dandenong West along with me this year and we just became really great mates and we still are today. “Unfortunately, Jamie played every game except for the grand final because he went down with his ACL and he did not have private health. “So his surgery was expensive. “There was no way that we were going to let him pay those finances alone because he’s helped us so much on and off the field. “And he’s also been such a role model to all the teenagers in our side, the younger players. “So all the players were more than happy to rally and raise money for him. “We raised over $6,000, which was bloody awesome, and we gave that to him on presentation night. “He was very, very happy and appreciative to receive that. “He deserves it.” THE FEAT AHEAD Goldsmith’s challenge began on Monday at Albert Park. He’s ready to face the tough test that awaits, but it seems like a hill compared to the mountain he’s climbed and overcome in his recovery. “I just feel like ever since I’ve got out of the Epworth from those brand bleeds, just mentally, I’ve been able to express how I feel,” he reflected on his growth. “I’m definitely much more of an open book and a lot of people know a lot of things about me. “It’s because I’m now more than happy to express how I feel and if people want to judge me, I really don’t care at all. “I want people to understand that it is healthy to speak about your feelings. “I hope people can take a leaf out of my book and see that if you can just learn to trust someone or trust yourself and speak about how you feel, you can grow so much as an individual. “And if you don’t want to do it for yourself, then do it for other people.” If you’d like to support Rory’s amazing cause and journey, donations can be made at: https:// www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/fundraisers/rorygoldsmith/challenge-2026
The bike from O’Mara Cycles that he will complete his half-Ironmans on. (Supplied)
Goldsmith (left) and his Dandenong West teammates raised $6,000 for Jamie Nguyen’s (right) ACL recovery. (557695)
Goldsmith has raised over $11,000 for homelessness in his journey so far. (583214)
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 20 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 13
WHAT’S ON 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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Come and Try Racquet Sports for Seniors Try a variety of racquet sports, improve your coordination, and enjoy some light-hearted competition. Free hot drink after your session. Part of Ageing Positively Festival. Weekly on Wednesdays until 28 October, 10.30am-11.30am at Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre, 10 Raymond McMahon Blvd, Endeavour Hills; free event. No bookings required. Details: casey@alignedleisure.com.au
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Robots for Seniors Try your hand at spheros small robots. Control them through a maze, run a race and all other sorts of fun challenges. For beginners, no coding or robotics experience required. Wednesday 21 October, 1pm-2.30pm at Doveton Library, 28 Autumn Place, Doveton; free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=241563
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Prize Mania Games Enjoy a delicious finger-food luncheon, along with a variety of fun interactive games, activities, and prizes. Thursday 22 October, 12pm-2pm at Reveal Church, 2-8 Gleneagles Dr, Endeavour Hills; free event. Bookings required: (03) 9700 2314.
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Water Safety for Young People A refresher on treading water, survival swimming and completing rescues. How to recognise hazards, respond in emergencies and stay safer when enjoying rivers, lakes, beaches, and pools with friends. Swimwear required. For ages 12-17 from refugee, migrant and multicultural backgrounds. Thursday 22 October, 4.30pm-5.30pm at Dandenong Oasis, cnr Heatherton Road and Cleeland Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/R9T6W78
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eSafety Trivia
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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 10.30am-11.30am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring.
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Grand Reopening Day Free family-friendly event to celebrate new renovations at Hallam Community Learning Centre. Face painting, kids activities, food vans, coffee van, live animal show and garden workshop. Saturday 24 October, 10am-2pm at 56 Kays Avenue, Hallam; free event.
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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 years. Presented by PrimeSci. 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_e97fd0d1e9d84b21bdd6afdd96f782b2
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King of Concrete competition Young skateboarders go head-to-head competing for prizes and glory. Open for Under 12 Boys, Under 12 Girls, Under 15 Boys, Under 15 Girls, Open Men (16-25 years) and Open Women (1625 years) Sunday 25 October, 10am-4pm at Noble Park Skatepark, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $10. Registrations required: https://liveheats.com/ events/541775
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Noble Park Family Fun Day Multicultural food, live entertainment, hands-on activities, community stalls and family fun.
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Sunday 25 October, 11am-4pm at Ross Reserve, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park; free entry.
Junior Chess Academy
at https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable. net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_df5dd1f7a6504f4fac95db63f517d44b
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.
Paper Cup Weaving workshop
Ready2Rally Tennis
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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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Halloween Toddler Time Dress up in your favourite Halloween costume and join us for a special spooky Toddler Time and craft activity. Perfect for ages 2-3. Tuesday 27 October, 10.30am-11am at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. No bookings required.
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Indigenous Weaving workshop Discover the art of Indigenous weaving in this hands-on workshop. Learn traditional techniques, explore the cultural significance of weaving and create your own unique piece to take home. Part of the Seniors Festival. Tuesday 27 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_0ec141e3bec14e 989d9f50d4cb40c996
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Chair Yoga and Meditation Peaceful beginner movement experience, including chair yoga stretches, slow and relaxing movement sequences and guided meditation. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. Socks or bare feet recommended. Part of the Seniors Festival. Wednesday 28 October, 10.30am-11.30am at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required
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Transform recyclable paper cups into colourful woven creations using yarn or bring along your own art and craft projects such as painting, sewing, collage or origami. All welcome. Materials provided for paper cup weaving. Wednesday 28 October, 6.30pm-8pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. No bookings required.
Halloween Storytime Dress up in your favourite Halloween costume and join us for a special spooky Storytime and craft activity. Perfect for ages 3-5. Held at both Dandenong and Springvale libraries. Thursday 29 October, 10.30am-11am at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong and Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. No bookings required.
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My House Plant Learn how to keep your houseplants healthy and thriving in this practical workshop. Discover tips on watering, light, repotting and plant care and gain confidence to grow your indoor garden. Thursday 29 October, 10.30am-11.30am at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Registration required at https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable. net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_7516e6a0cfac47d 8b2bf4d12040014cb
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Persian Yoghurt Soup Learn to make Ab Doogh Khiar, a refreshing nocook yoghurt soup with cucumber, herbs and optional nuts or raisins. Light, nutritious and perfect for warm weather. For ages 16-plus. Thursday 29 October, 6.30pm-8pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable. net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_0e8afc83eb4e4e6 3a2dc323be35f07f3
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Author talk with Amanda Hampson Join bestselling Australian author Amanda Hampson for an engaging talk about her beloved Tea Ladies mystery series and latest novel, The Model Murder. Friday 30 October, 10.30am-11.30am at Keys-
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12909533-KH42-26
Outsmart scammers over a cuppa and some
cookies. Discover what scams are trending and challenge your knowledge in an easy game of scam trivia. Part of the Seniors Festival and Get Online Week. Friday 23 October, 10.30am-11.30am at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable. net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_14e09aa85e414d 7c989f13b6f8446d80
14 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 20 October, 2026
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Youth are leading youth
Labor’s Lee Tarlamis, Michael Galea and Belinda Wilson, with Casey councillors Michelle Crowther and Melinda Ambros at Endeavour Hills’ first ever dog park.
By Sahar Foladi A youth-led activities initiative at Noble Park Community Centre has been awarded an Australia Post grant of $10,000. The NPCC’s youth sub-committee creates opportunities for young people aged 16-25 to connect, thrive and contribute to their community. Committee chair Grace Yip says the team is focused on preparing a series of events and programs for the next month and year. “We created a mission to partner with organisations in the community, strengthen it through NPCC. “We want to be a voice for young people in our community, to create opportunities that provide support. “And a space that is safe for young people to come to, where they feel empowered and can create a difference in the world.” A student at Federation University completing her Honours in Psychology, Ms Yip and her committee colleagues have a lot of work ahead. They are set to deliver key four initiatives like, weekly social volleyball, 12 wellbeing workshops focused on practical wellbeing and personal development, six “youth mixers” with events and activities shaped by young people’s interests and a “youth showcase” celebrating young people’s ideas, contributions and involvement in their community. The committee engaged with students at a local school’s wellbeing expo, collecting 287 activity votes to understand young people’s interests. Cooking was a “big hit” according to Ms Yip, and debate is also on the cards. “We are all students but we also want to stay healthy. So we’re interested in buying healthy food that is inexpensive and what are the easiest recipes that are not time-consuming. “Debating is more to encourage young people
Dog parks open in Endeavour Hills and Berwick
The team’s youth-led initiatives aim to create opportunities for young people to connect, socialise and thrive.(Gary Sissons: 583213 11) to participate in civic participation, to start thinking about participating in democracy.” The team will also deliver a large youth showcase during Youth Week early next year.
Young people are welcome to get involved in the youth sub-committee. Details: info@nobleparkcommunitycentre.org.au or call 9547 5801.
Hallam group connects isolated youth The Hallam-based organisation was first established by Glenn Munso, who identified a disparity in the services and programs available to young people trying to overcome addiction, and their actual lived experiences. Munso recounts his connection to the organisation, along with his own familiarity overcoming drug addiction that dramatically impacted his life. “It was all so clinical, I felt like I needed something that was more real life, someone to teach
me through their own experience, someone who had been through the transformation,” Munso said on the Youth YOU website. Since then, the organisation has grown with development blocks within the program building on mentorship and group therapy as well as group exercise classes. Each program aims to deconstruct negative patterns that often magnify addiction, while also encouraging new passions and enthusiasm beyond “past limitations”.
12910678-AD43-26
Youth YOU Foundation in Casey has been awarded a $10,000 community grant as part of an Australia Post initiative. The funds will go towards a 12-week community connection program for 20 young people aged 16 to 28 who are experiencing social isolation, stress or mental health challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to build meaningful connections through weekly peer mentoring, wellbeing workshops, group fitness, boxing and community activities.
Casey dog owners are spoilt for choice, with two new dog parks now open in Berwick and Endeavour Hills. In collaboration with state funding and council investment, over $450,000 was invested in the Berwick park as part of the government’s recent New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program. Council funded $210,300 from its Capital Works Program. The Sweeney Reserve park includes a sandpit, boulders and tree logs as well as a dog waste bin with bag dispenser, shelter, seating and a drinking fountain. Casey Mayor, Michelle Crowther, said the council was committed to delivering high quality spaces for dogs, while acknowledging the important role they play in providing a safe space for both animals and owners to use. “Anyone who owns a dog knows that they are often the reason we get outside, meet our neighbours and connect with our community,” Crowther said. A dog park has also been added to Essex Park Drive Reserve in Endeavour Hills. Making it home to the first-ever dog park in the suburb. A $480,000 grant through the same state government program has funded a range of features, including a fenced off-leash area, a drinking tap with a dog bowl, seating, shelter from the rain and a waste bag dispenser.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 20 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 15
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Tuesday, 20 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 17
SPORT
Hawks set Berwick a task By Blair Burns Hallam Kalora Park continued its positive start to the season in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 competition, posting a strong score of 286 against Berwick on day one. As it stands, the Hawks are well poised to start the season 2-0 if they can bowl well on Saturday and get some crucial wickets, while the Bears are staring down the barrel of 0-2. Coming into this season, Hallam Kalora Park remained one of the hardest teams to beat in onedayers, however, they had a very poor record in the longer format last season. But it appears as though the Hawks have put some time and effort into turning this around with a clear plan to bat time and accelerate in the later overs. They scored 78 runs in the first half of the day and 208 runs in the second half. The Saturday sun was shining down on Arch Brown Reserve and unlike the first week, which was impacted by rain, the conditions were picture perfect for cricket. Hallam Kalora Park skipper Jordan Hammond won the toss and chose to bat first, opening up with Adam Warfe and Aasrith Reddy Kanuganti. It was slow going, but more importantly for the Hawks, they got through the early overs without loss. Warfe and Kanuganti navigated the new ball well and managed to slowly tick the scoreboard over, setting the team up with wickets in hand. It was Elliot Mathews who got the breakthrough for Berwick in the 27th over, sneaking one past Kanuganti and rattling his pegs, sending him packing for 20 off 78 balls. Warfe continued on and was joined by Austin Fardell, who quickly looked at home in the middle. Hallam Kalora Park had only lost one wicket by the time tea rolled around, with the scoreboard reading 1/78 off 40 overs. Despite an extremely slow run rate, the Hawks were confident that they could lift and reach a big score and that is what they did nicely. Fardell and Warfe (52) put on 40 runs before the latter was dismissed after a gritty half-century which saw him bat for 46 overs. Jawid Khan strolled to the crease at four and picked up where he left off last week, crunching a leg-side boundary on his third ball. Khan was the aggressor and set the tone, lifting the run rate for Hallam Kalora Park while Fardell played the anchor role perfectly. The powerful batsman was a problem for Berwick and after belting six, four and six in consecutive balls off Tommy Rex, it was finally a case of six and out. Khan had belted 16 off the first four balls of the over before he tried to go again and the ball didn’t get up, smashing into the bails and Rex gave him a good old fashioned send-off, happy to see the back of him for 46. The score had been lifted to 3/168 following Khan’s dismissal in the 61st over and all of a sudden, the Hawks were looking at a pretty big total. Hammond (17) came and went, with the score at more than 200 with the final 10 overs remaining. Fardell compiled a brilliant innings where he perfectly balanced aggression and defence to score what could turn out to be a match-winning 71 off 126 balls, eventually knocked over by Oliver Booth as he attempted to play a ramp shot … the score at 5/230. Imran Laghmani took three wickets last week in his first game for his new club, but this week he showcased his powerful batting, scoring 50 not out off 38 balls to push the final total to 6/286 off 80 overs. Booth and Mathews took two wickets each and the Bears will need to bat well if they are to chase the runs. Berwick have the batting firepower and are coming off a score of 249 in a one-dayer, with Michael Wallace and Chathura Imbulagoda among the in-form batters. In the other games, it was Coomoora who won the toss and batted first on day one against Springvale South, bowled out for 219 in 78 overs. A strong start from the Roos saw them get a hold of opening bowler Harry Snowden early, before they fell in a hole through the middle overs. Scoring was free to begin with and open-
Austin Fardell was in fine touch for Hallam Kalora Park, scoring 71 against Berwick. Batting Hallam Kalora Austin Fardell. Bowling Berwick. (Gary Sissons: 538668) ing batter Johan Cronje was not messing about, pumping 32 off 20 balls (including three sixes and two fours). Snowden eventually got his man but patient performances from Nick Suppree (64 off 164 balls) and Jarrod Munday (37 off 93 balls) at the top of the order had the Roos in a good spot. It wasn’t even tea yet and the Roos were already past 100 with just one man in the sheds before Snowden came back on and got the breakthrough, removing Munday at 2/110. Straight after the halfway break, Jordy Wyatt took the ball and knocked over Coomoora star Krishan Alang for just two, before getting Joel Robertson later in the over. The slide had begun for the Roos and they looked in trouble before Liam Hard (43 off 103 balls) stabilised alongside Suppree. Coomoora managed to finish the innings with 219 on the board, while Dasun Opanayaka was the pick of the bowlers with 3/35 off 15 overs (five maidens), alongside off-spinner Jarryd Straker, who took 1/26 off 20 overs with a remarkable 12 maidens. Another big half-century from Beaconsfield batter Tyler Clark helped the Tigers scratch out 181 against Narre South, before taking an early second-innings wicket late in the day. Clark was the only batter inside the top eight to make more than 20 runs as he picked up where he left off last week, coming in at first drop earlier than he would’ve liked following Jacobus Hynes’ dismissal for one. Clark made 72 and helped Beaconsfield get a respectable score on the board, assisted by another new recruit in Trishane De Silva, who scored an important 31 down the order. Narre South star Jeevan Mendis was at his reliable best and played a huge part in bowling the Tigers out for 181, taking 4/61 off 23 overs, while Oshadha Ariyadasa took 3/30. The Lions had to face eight overs late on day one and unfortunately, they lost Ariyadasa (4) as Ashan Walgamage rattled his stumps, leaving the Lions at 1/10 off eight overs. It was an interesting move from Narre South to open with both of their regular openers, before sending out Jayden Mendis as the nightwatchman. Despite losing an early wicket, Callan Tout will be backing his troops to chase the runs on Saturday. A team effort with the bat from Dandenong West helped the side reach a solid score of 226 against Buckley Ridges despite not having anyone reach 50. The Bulls lost Shaun Weir early for a 15-ball
18 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 20 October, 2026
Yashan Samarasinghe top scored for Dandenong West against Buckley Ridges with 43 on day one. (Gary Sissons: 584996) duck as Ray Jordan struck, but the next four batters all managed to spend some time at the crease. Dandenong West had six batters score more than 20 runs as they slowly pushed towards a competitive total. Despite being 3/79 at one stage and even 7/155, the Bulls charged home to get 226 on the board as they were bowled out in 74.5 overs. Yashan Samarasinghe (43), skipper Riley Siwes (38) and wicketkeeper Josh Smith (32) were the top-scorers. For the Bucks, it was Yousaf Iqbal who bounced back after a poor week in round one to take 4/64 off 21.2 overs, while Jordan and Ishan
Jayarathna took two wickets each. Restricting scores is the challenge for Dandenong West, but if they can bowl well, the Bulls will give themselves a good chance of causing an upset. TURF 1 RESULTS (Day 1) Berwick v Hallam Kalora Park 6/286, Beaconsfield 181 v Narre South 1/10, Coomoora 219 v Springvale South, Dandenong West 226 v Buckley Ridges TURF 2 RESULTS (Day 1) Cranbourne 5/76 v HSD 115, Narre Warren 140 v Springvale South 3/113, North Dandenong 2/144 v Parkfield 97, Parkmore v Silverton 215
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SPORT
Dandenong champion Brett Forsyth produced yet another fantastic knock with 91 on day one. (Gary Sissons: 584993)
Dhanusha Gamage stands tall and defends at Shepley Oval. (584993)
Panthers on fire at Shepley By Justin Schwarze Familiar names lit up Shepley Oval on Saturday as Dandenong owned proceedings on its home deck to post an imposing score against Footscray on day one of round 3 of Victorian Premier Cricket (VPC). The visitors fired the first shot as Daniel Wilczynski trapped Sam Newell (5) in front in the 11th over to leave the Panthers 1/27. But who other than Brett Forsyth to rescue the day, batting plenty of time on a pitch he’s spent countless hours on in the middle. The former captain trudged along and formed a near-100-run stand with Dhanusha Gamage. Forsyth passed the half century mark and Gamage (40) inched closer as well, before the number three played a rash shot and was caught off the bowling of Henry Pearson to be 2/125.
Forsyth (91) looked well on his way to yet another ton in Dandenong colours, before his huge 175-ball innings came to an end as he chopped on trying to cut a Liam Mason delivery. However, longtime star Shobit Singh continued to build on the foundations, forming a massive partnership that saw the Panthers stamp their authority on the day. Singh (111) raised the bat twice alongside Josh Slater (79 not out) to pile on a 168-run partnership that catapulted the hosts well past 300. By the time Singh was on his way, Dandenong was 4/331. Skipper Matthew Wilson (11 not out) rounded out things brilliantly in a day that featured 96 overs that belonged to the Panthers, helping his side reach 4/361 at stumps. Pearson took two poles and was the only mul-
tiple wicket-taker for the visitors. The Bulldogs stare down the barrel of a marathon chase on day two, but given the batting capability and prowess of talents such as Dylan Brasher, Dylan Kight and Mitch Jamieson, the Panthers will still need to be at the top of their game. It’s game on over at Casey Fields as Casey South Melbourne (4/91) is right in the hunt to knock off Northcote (178). It originally looked like the Swans were on their way to a flawless time in the field, having the visitors 7/69 as Evan Allaway had already bagged five wickets. But a frustrating 86-run partnership shared between tailenders Joe Medew-Smith (53) and Jackson Smith (35) saw Northcote limp to a reasonable total of 178.
Allaway finished his spell with 5/26 from 16 overs, while Nathan Lambden and Matthew Sheridan each took two poles. The pursuit started poorly as Ash Chandrasinghe (6) departed early courtesy of Paddy McNamara to be 1/17. But Finlay Gordon (32) and Jackson Isakka (37) powered on to put Casey South Melbourne in the driver’s seat. However, in a twist-ending to the day’s action, the Swans lost 3/19 and stumbled to be 4/91 overnight. Medew-Smith was causing more pain, securing the scalps of Gordon and Isakka to get his side back in the game. Ruwantha Kellapotha and Lambden are at the crease and will look to get the Swans home on day two.
Long day at the office as tough total waits for Noble Park By David Nagel Noble Park faces a big challenge to continue its winning start to the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season after Malvern (9/272) piled on the runs on day one of their round-two clash on Saturday. Fresh from an emphatic 85-run victory over Elsternwick in round one, Noble Park’s bowling attack again showed its depth, with Jermaine Levy and Sahan Perera claiming three wickets each. Levy has emerged as an early-season standout, backing up his 3/31 against Elsternwick with another superb spell of 3/33 from 13 overs, including four maidens. His consistency has been impressive, taking six wickets at an average of just 10.67 across the opening two rounds. Noble Park made early inroads after Malvern won the toss and elected to bat, with Perera removing Nick Taylor (17) before Levy dismissed Edward Webb for a duck. At 2/25, the visitors were firmly in control, before Lewis English (52) and Randev Pathirana (14) began rebuilding the innings. Captain Janaka Liyanabadalge removed both batters, finishing with excellent figures of 2/43 from 18 overs, including five maidens. Perera was entrusted with a marathon spell of 31 overs, claiming 3/112 as Malvern fought its way back into contention. Henry Anderson proved the major obstacle, striking 86 from 121 deliveries, including five sixes, before Yeshan Wickramaarachchi (1/33) claimed his prized wicket. Levy returned to remove Leo Agacy (20) and Aravind Kumar (13), ensuring Noble Park remained in the contest.
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Jermaine Levy continued his impressive start to the season with figures of 3/33 against Malvern on Saturday. (Gary Sissons: 583584) The bowling performance continued several promising early-season trends, with Levy now boasting six wickets, Perera four and Liyanabadalge four from the opening two rounds. Noble Park will now turn its attention to the run chase, requiring 273 for victory when play resumes next Saturday. With its batting line-up having posted 286 against Elsternwick last week, the visitors will be confident of mounting a serious challenge. Endeavour Hills (164) has fought solidly with the ball after a disappointing batting performance on day one of its clash against Oakleigh (2/46) at Warrawee Park. The Eagles were dismissed in just 56.3 overs
after making a promising start, but an impressive bowling performance from Ishan Kahatapitigama has kept them firmly in the contest. Looking to bounce back from an 85-run opening-round defeat to Port Melbourne, Endeavour Hills won the toss and elected to bat. Captain Ashwanth Nagendran provided an aggressive start, striking 35 from just 38 deliveries, including six boundaries. Nagendran combined with Clement Tommy (22) for a 58-run opening partnership before both batters departed without another run being added. Jaikar Araich (40 off 69) and Samasha Mudiyanselage (24 off 101) then steadied the innings
with a valuable 52-run partnership. But from 2/110, the Eagles suffered a damaging collapse, losing seven wickets for just 38 runs. Adish Bhavsar (29) provided valuable late resistance before becoming the final wicket to fall. Anthony Howes (5/40) and Madurawalage Jayasundera (4/64) did the damage for Oakleigh. Endeavour Hills responded positively with the ball, with Kahatapitigama removing captain Alex Jones (9) and Zayaan Arbab (13). He finished the day with impressive figures of 2/15 from six overs. Parmatma Pandey was outstandingly economical, conceding just five runs from six overs, including three maidens. Tyrell Panditharatne continued his excellent early-season bowling form, following last week’s 5/40 against Port Melbourne with a tidy spell as well. Oakleigh will resume next Saturday requiring another 119 runs for victory, with Endeavour Hills needing eight wickets to secure a memorable comeback win. VSDCA ROUND 2 (DAY 1) Malvern 9/272 (H Anderson 86, L English 52, A Moen 39, L Agacy 20, J Levy 3/33, S Perera 3/112, J Liyanabadalge 2/43) v Noble Park. Oakleigh 2/46 (M Farthing 21no, I Kahatapitigama 2/15) v Endeavour Hills 164 (J Araich 40, A Nagendran 35, A Bhavsar 29, S Wickremasinghe Mudiyanselage 24, C Tommy 22, A Howes 5/40, M Jayasundera 4/64). Mt Waverley v Ormond 9/187, Croydon v Caulfield 8/284, Box Hill v Brighton 9/316, Donvale 329 v Moorabbin, Elsternwick v Balwyn 297, Port Melbourne 58 v Bayswater 8/137.
Tuesday, 20 October, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 19
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