EHD Star Journal - 09th June 2020 by Star News Group

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Slug-gate probe A State Parliament inquiry has been launched into the forced closure of commercial caterer I Cook Foods by Greater Dandenong Council and the state’s health department. The Legislative Council’s legal and social issues committee will investigate actions by Greater Dandenong Council, chief executive John Bennie and council officers, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services. As part of its brief, the inquiry will report on any “breaches of law and regulation” by government officials or any “conflict of interest” by Greater Dandenong Council. The committee will also look at the running of Community Chef, a ‘rival’ kitchen in which Greater Dandenong Council is a part-shareholder. It will inquire into the council’s plans to sell its share to the DHHS. Chaired by Reason Party MP Fiona Patten, the inquiry will comprise a minority of State Government MPs. It is expected to report back to Parliament by 30 July. The Dandenong South-based I Cook Foods was shut down for more than a month in February 2019, effectively destroying the business that provided meals for hospitals and Meals on Wheels services. At the time, the closure was linked to the listeria-related death of a hospital patient in late January 2019. However, all 96 food safety charges against the business, including that a slug was allegedly found in the factory, were later dropped by Greater Dandenong Council. The council has steadfastly defended its actions. I Cook Foods director Ian Cook said the inquiry gave him renewed confidence in the “system”. “I hope this inquiry will flush it all out and people will be held accountable,” he said. “How do you literally in a couple of days walk in and shut a 30-year-old business down? “To annihilate a business when you’ve nev-

I Cook Food’s Ian Cook and Ben Cook in October, with alleged evidence of a slug being planted in their factory. er failed an audit, and always done what we’re supposed to do? “How can they destroy 41 jobs, my family, my life and my reputation and then say there’s nothing to see here?”

In the meantime, I Cook Foods has recently submitted a dossier of claims for Victoria Police to investigate the closure. After months of fighting for access to departmental documents, Mr Cook is also set to

go ahead with a $26 million lawsuit against the DHHS and Greater Dandenong in the Victorian Supreme Court. “We now have enough information and my barristers are writing up the paperwork for the Supreme Court (action),” Mr Cook said. “By the time of the Parliamentary inquiry, we should be issuing this in the Supreme Court.” Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said she would “not apologise for acting to protect public health”. “If an inquiry into this matter will help to assure the community about its handling then that is a matter for Parliament.” According to the Government, I Cook Foods was closed until DHHS was satisfied that processes were in place for producing safe food. “Separately to the investigation of City of Greater Dandenong, the Department of Health and Human Services executed a closure order for the protection of the broader community after a woman’s death due to listeria was genomically linked to the facility. “We stand by that decision and we will not apologise for acting to protect public health.” Ms Mikakos said negotiations were ongoing for a “possible transition” of Community Chef to the DHHS. “This would be a good outcome for some of our most vulnerable community members who rely on their services, and for Community Chef staff.” Opposition health spokesperson Georgie Crozier, who recently moved a notice of motion for a Parliamentary inquiry, said: “This is an important inquiry to get to the bottom of how a decent family business was closed down. “The Government has questions to answer on this issue. “The Government has deliberately hidden key documents relating to this case and the time for those political games are over.” Greater Dandenong corporate services director Mick Jaensch said the council “welcomes any inquiry or investigation into the matter”.

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STAR JOURNAL 3

STAYING SAFE KEEPS US TOGETHER Thank You Victoria. While some restrictions have eased, limiting our movement everyday means everything. It means we slow the spread of the virus. If we keep working from home and we limit the number of us moving around, we can keep kicking a footy in the park. If we use common sense and keep our distance, we can visit cafes and restaurants. And if we only see those we need to, we’ll keep our friends and families safe. We all have a part to play. It’s up to all of us to make this work.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

Covid fines for rally have been asked to self-isolate for two weeks as a precaution. Greater Dandenong has no reported active cases of Covid-19, with 18 past cases now recorded for the city. The total number of cases in Victoria is 1687, with two new cases reported in the 24 hours to Monday morning. There are currently 71 active cases in Victoria. Currently seven people are in hospital, including two patients in intensive care. 1595 people have recovered. “Our low rate of community transmission means we have been able to ease some restrictions in time for the long weekend, but it’s still important to stay safe,” Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said. “Although it’s tempting to rush out or have your friends over or head out to a cafe, it is important that we all still use common sense.

“That means continuing to maintain physical distance from others, practice good hygiene - wash your hands regularly and cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, avoid crowds, be cautious and if you’re unwell stay home and get tested. “This particularly applies to people in the west and north of Melbourne where we have recorded most of recent cases. “This indicates there is on-going community transmission in these areas, and although it appears to be at low levels. “While our testing message applies to all Victorians, it is especially relevant to residents in the north and west. “Our clear advice was not to attend last Saturday’s protest as thousands of people flooding the city in close contact was a risk. If you attended and go on to develop any symptoms no matter how mild - it is critically important that you go and get tested.”

Vandals blamed for nature reserve attack By Cam Lucadou-Wells Native trees in Fotheringham Reserve have been felled by vandals, not as a part of weedreduction works, Greater Dandenong Council has confirmed. Six juvenile River Red Gums were recently vandalised in the reserve - which featured in a Star Journal photo gallery on 26 May. Greater Dandenong director Paul Kearsley said no trees were felled as part of the recent council works as part of the reserve’s bushland management plan. “Weed control works are undertaken to reduce the prevalence of weeds, which can compete with and smother native species, as well as reduce habitat value for native fauna. “The mowing works were to control the spread of weedy grasses such as Veldt Grass. “Native grasses such as Weeping Grass, which also occur in the area, were not negatively impacted by the mowing.” The council is also building a boardwalk over the Alex Wilkie Reserve billabong, which is closed during winter. The construction is expected to be finished in time for the reserve’s reopening in September, Mr Kearsley said. The boardwalk works are part funded by a State Government Caring for our Local Environment grant. Outside of winter, Alex Wilkie Reserve is open on Fridays and every third Sunday of the month.

Upgrade works are underway at the temporarily closed Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve. 208872

One-man ‘crime spree’ in CBD River Red Gums line the banks in Fotheringham Reserve Dandenong. 208872 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

The tree-lined road into Fotheringham Reserve, Dandneong. 208872

A waterway in Fotheringham Reserve. 208872

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

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In one hour, a 26-year-old man has allegedly stole vehicles, attempted car jackings and threatened people with a knife in central Dandenong. The Carrum Downs man was arrested by Greater Dandenong CIU detectives shortly after the spree in the morning of Sunday 7 June. Just after 7am, he attempted to steal an electric cart and a motorbike from a carpark on Thomas Street, police say. He was confronted and followed by witnesses to the corner of Walker and Langhorne Streets where he dropped the motorbike and allegedly threatened people with a knife. Police say the offender also reportedly attempted to carjack about four people just before 8am, including an elderly lady. Police are yet to locate the alleged carjacking victims. No one was physically injured during the incidents. Any information or dash-cam vision to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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A Dandenong North motorcyclist has been detected speeding at 90 km/h over the limit in the Yarra Ranges at lunchtime on Saturday 30 May, police say. The 37-year-old man was allegedly riding a Yamaha Tracer 900 at 190 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Gembrook-Launching Place Road at 12.20pm. State Highway Patrol Solo Unit police officers detected the alleged speed on a laser device. The motorbike was impounded for 30 days at a $1278 cost to the rider. The man is expected to be charged on summons with speeding offences.

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Police have released CCTV footage of a ‘car of interest’ after a man was killed in an alleged hitrun incident on Princes Highway Dandenong. The 35-year-old Noble Park man was found lying in the middle of the highway between Airlie Avenue and Adelaide Street by a passing motorist just after 8pm on Wednesday 3 June. He was treated by emergency services and transported to hospital in a critical condition. He later died. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives say they believe the man had been struck by a vehicle. Police were appealing for the driver of the ‘car of interest’ to come forward, as well as any other motorist witnesses. One driver has made contact with police. Any dashcam footage or information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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A Dandenong woman has come face-to-face with a male intruder in her kitchen during the afternoon of Saturday 30 May. The 34-year-old resident spotted the aggravated-burglar as she walked from her lounge room to the kitchen about 2pm. She asked the man who he was. He gave no reply and “casually” walked out of the James Street home, Greater Dandenong CIU detectives say. The woman noticed that her unlocked car in the garage had been “rummaged through”. It’s unknown if any property was stolen from the car or the home, police say. The intruder was described as short, about 170 centimetres and between 35-40 years. He had black hair, a black beard and perceived as Sri Lankan appearance. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 .

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While no new Covid-19 cases were reported in Greater Dandenong in DHHS figures released Monday, health officials are nervous about the impact of Melbourne’s Black Lives Matter rally on Saturday. Thousands gathered at the steps of Parliament House in Spring Street - as others gathered around the globe - to protest the death of George Floyd at police hands in the US city of Minneapolis as well as highlight Aboriginal deaths in custody and incarcertion rate. Health officials said it could be a week or two before any Covid-19 infections from the rally were detected, noting the risk to the wider community from the increased contact. Police have said they will issue infringement notices to the organisers of Saturday’s rally for breaching the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s directive against mass gatherings. Saturday’s rally was otherwise described as peaceful and well behaved. Rally attendees

‘Casual’ intruder found in kitchen

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OAM’s ‘promises to keep’ By Cam Lucadou-Wells A once-shy child who is now the inspirational leader of Emerson School has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. John Nimon Mooney, 73, has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his “service to education and to professional organisations”. “Hopefully, this is recognition of what we’re doing here at Emerson School, and where we’re heading,” he says. “It’s a brilliant school and only going to get spectacularly better.” Mr Mooney found his voice after winning the Under-18 section of the Royal South Street oratorial competition as a “shy, sensitive and thoughtful” boarding school student in Ballarat. He’d recited US president John F Kennedy’s speech calling for not an arms race but a peace race. “That changed my life because I’d always been afraid to speak.” Since 1998, as principal, he helped Emerson specialist school’s students find their voices. “There are disabling factors holding students back and pulling them down - our job is to change that.” One example being the globally-lauded documentary Singfest: The Literacy of Music. The film by Amel Tresnjic recorded a day of intensive choral singing by 120 students from nine South East schools - state, Catholic and private, primary, secondary and specialist education. It has won awards at film festivals in San Diego, Toronto, Calcutta and London - and most recently featured in the New York Times. To Mr Mooney, it endorses the school’s music program and the “extraordinary standards” of education in Dandenong. “The story is simple but the message is powerful.”

Emerson School principal John Mooney has been recognised with the Medal of the Order of Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Australia. 209500 Emerson School’s “world-class” reputation has much to do with the staff, Mr Mooney says. It has a spirit that’s “infectious” in a good way, a home to some of the wisest people he’s met. It’s a place where people like to be. Now Mr Mooney leads a mission to provide facilities to match. The Heatherton Road main campus has not been upgraded by the State Government since it was built in 1973 - the longest infrastructure drought of any Dandenong school, he says. “We need everything old to be new again.” Mr Mooney is hopeful that this year’s delayed State Budget will deliver $15.5 million of stage 1 funding.

In 2010, he’d laterally pitched for a $3 million advance to create the school’s middle campus from a “derelict” former school in Gloria Avenue. Mr Mooney has famously stopped traffic in Heatherton Road to highlight the school’s lack of a signalised pedestrian crossing. After 12 years of lobbying, he still waits for State action. He grew up as the youngest of four children in Ballarat North. The son of a railway engineer, Mr Mooney was the first of his family to complete Year 12. “We were not poor because we were rich in things that mattered. “I didn’t grow up in a house of books but I was always interested in things.”

In Year 12, he was on track for his sixth consecutive top-two finish as a sprinter when he hit a major hurdle. He was hospitalised with suspected meningitis - a complication of mumps. The sickness nearly killed him and knocked his confidence. At 25, he taught at primary school because he couldn’t afford university studies. He loved it. Later he studied a Bachelor of Special Education - setting him on a path of running the Krongold Centre for exceptional children at Monash University and studying psychology in London. In his stellar career, he has been awarded a Public Service Medal for his work for children with special needs and the Southern Metropolitian Region Principal of the Year 2006. Among his many roles, Mr Mooney has been director of The Gorman Foundation since 1986. It aims to improve attitudes and relationships with people with disabilities in the community, he says. He is an executive member of Australian Principals Federation, life member of Australian College of Educators and Fellow of Australian Council of Educational Leaders. He has overcome major health flashpoints - chronic lymphocytic leukemia since 2002, a heart triple-bypass last year. But there’s no plans on stopping. “I’m here to build the new school at Heatherton Road and I’m not leaving until it’s done. I’m going to crank up my efforts.” Recently, he announced plans to write the school’s 50-year history. He cites the memorable lines of one of his favourite poets Robert Frost. “The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. “And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.”

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Works continue in the south east and there will be transport disruptions We’re upgrading the intersection at Thompsons and FrankstonDandenong roads. Works are also underway to upgrade the Monash Freeway and remove level crossings on the Cranbourne Line.

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A soccer showcase in Dandenong will kick things up a notch in the race for an A-League team. Gach Chuol, Greater Dandenong Councillor Jim Memeti and Sukart Alex got in some practice ahead of the Saturday 16 June event. See page 7 for the full story. 181655 Picture: GARY SISSONS

His life for others By Casey Neill

Lee Tarlamis.

throughout those two years,” he said. “It instilled in me that as tough as I think I have things, there are always people out there who are doing it a lot worse than me. “That’s why I got involved in the local community.” Initially that was through the Keysborough Learning Centre. “The centre loaned me a computer for me to do my school work,” he said.

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Lee Tarlamis says his older brother’s cancer battle inspired him to spend his life helping those less fortunate. His service culminated in a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, announced on Monday 11 June. The Noble Park man and former state Upper House MP received the nod for service to the people and Parliament of Victoria “I’m extremely humbled. It’s not something that I’d expected,” he said. “I didn’t do it to get acknowledgement. “It was about wanting to provide assistance and help to people. “It’s a view that I formed very early on.” Mr Tarlamis said his brother fought cancer for two years before dying at age 17. “The trouble and the stress that the family went through, I saw how positive he was

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“I wanted to repay the favour so I was volunteering time with them.” There he met then-politician Eddie Micallef and became his electorate officer. “That’s how I got into the politics world,” Mr Tarlamis said. “That opened up a lot of opportunities to provide assistance to community groups.” He never intended to run for parliament, but “one thing lead to another which lead to another” and he was a South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP from 2010 to 2014. “That was such an honour as well, when you consider the fact that very few people get to hold that position and represent that large number of people,” he said. Mr Tarlamis was a Springvale Benevolent Society volunteer from 2002 to 2012, a Noble Park Community Action Forum member for many years, a founding Springvale Multicultural Men’s Shed committee member, and more.

He’s now a senior advisor to Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings. The world of politics is not where he thought he’d end up. The Tarlamis family moved from Oakleigh to Keysborough when he was eight months old. He went to Wallarano Primary School in Noble Park and to Chandler Secondary College, where Keysborough College’s Acacia campus now stands. Mr Tarlamis went on to study an associate diploma of business. “I grew up working with dad in the family businesses,” he said. “I thought it would be logical that I would go into the business world and maybe into management or something like that. “I really enjoyed the community stuff. “Politics became that vehicle to do it.”

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By Danielle Kutchel

$1m Covid windfall

St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Bolton Clarke’s Homeless Persons Program have partnered to deliver Covid-19 testing to some of Dandenong’s most vulnerable community members. Hosted by Cornerstone Contact Centre in Dandenong, nurses from St Vincent’s have been attending Cornerstone for testing sessions for rough sleepers. St Vincent’s Mobile Fever Clinic, funded by the State Government, exists to overcome barriers to accessing mainstream health services and to ensure timely diagnosis, treatment and isolation, for people who are homeless and disadvantaged. The tests at Cornerstone are for those who are asymptomatic as well as for those who have Covid-19 symptoms. The service has been well used across the two days of testing so far.Cornerstone chief executive officer Naomi Paterson said the organisation was pleased to be able to offer the testing. “Accessing health care can be daunting for rough sleepers,” she explained. “They’re in a higher risk category - it’s important that they are able to be tested.” Cornerstone has experienced an increase in demand since the pandemic began. The demand is coming from a different demographic too: more asylum seekers, people who lost their job and can’t access Job Seeker, and more families have reached out for help.

Greater Dandenong Council has received a $1 million Covid-19 federal boost. The Federal Government allocated $7.1 million to seven South East councils as part of its new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program. Senator David Van said the program would accelerate local infrastructure projects and support jobs and the local economy. “Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Senator Van said. “Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across Southeast Melbourne, it will improve our local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.” The program was based on Roads to Recovery. It would support priority upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure. Eligible projects included bridges, tunnels, street lighting, heavy-vehicle rest areas, bike and walking paths, picnic shelters and public barbecue facilities. The government also brought forward $1.3 billion of its 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payments. A City of Greater Dandenong spokesperson said the council had yet to decide how to allocate the $1,017,807 funding.

Crucial Covid tests Cornerstone’s new home in James Street, Dandenong. “Everything changed when coronavirus hit,” Ms Paterson said. Fortunately, Cornerstone has been able to cope with the demand thanks to support from the council in obtaining non-perishable food, fruit and vegetables. Stallholders at Dandenong Market have also chipped in with their unsold produce. Getting such direct support has helped ensure that Cornerstone can provide those in need with the freshest produce. A new shower van also attends Cornerstone on Tuesdays to provide hot showers, and Orange Sky brings its mobile laundry service too. These things can make all the difference for people living rough, Ms Paterson said. “Both have been well received and are so needed.” Also on Tuesdays, WAYSS representatives

attend to offer advice on housing, and once a month, the Avalon Centre checks in with clothing for people in need. Cornerstone has also begun providing people who come to their Tuesday and Friday lunches - which are now takeaway only due to social distancing restrictions - with food parcels containing bread and vegetables. This is something they’d like to continue after the pandemic, Ms Paterson said. But at the moment, no one knows when that end will be. “We prepare for the worst, and hope for the best,” she said. “There has been so much uncertainty at every stage. All we can do is stay open and do what we can to help.” To donate or seek assistance, contact Cornerstone at www.cornerstonecentre.com.au

Helpers want to ‘Givit’ to those in need By Danielle Kutchel Solange Ardiles can’t quite explain where her drive and passion for helping others comes from. She was raised in what she describes as a “solid family unit” which emigrated to Australia from Chile when she was two years old and received a good education, to the point where she now feels like she can give back to those in need. “When I do see people not given the same opportunities, I think, ‘what can I do to help those people out?’” she explains. “I feel like I’m in a privileged condition to give help to those who need it.” Based in Noble Park, she’s now the Victoria manager of national online charity Givit. Givit connects charities with donated goods and services via an innovative virtual warehouse - cutting down on waste and reducing the usual time-consuming storage and sorting of donations that charities often have to wade through. Donating and receiving items through Givit is free, but participants must register for the service. Residents in need are referred to the service via case managers, schools and social workers, however a new system being launched soon will see the website able to direct people

Solange Ardiles, Givit Victoria manager. to registered charities nearby to ask for assistance. The process makes it easier for both donors and charities: donors can navigate through Givit’s system and work out what goods are needed, then donate directly to that need, while charities and community groups can reserve items on the platform for those they help. Currently, Givit is being inundated with donations from people doing the Covid cleanout

- and now the organisation is calling on more charities and community groups to register to receive items. Previously they have worked with Dandenong-based organisations Wellsprings and Cornerstone, but there is always room for more. Likewise, Ms Ardiles is asking donors to think outside the box about what they are able to donate. “We make assumptions about what people might need with Covid-19, but it’s really just the basics. “There are still people who will find it hard to get back to work, so maybe your old work pants or steel-capped boots,” she says. “A lot of people over-shopped during Covid-19 as well, so if you’ve found yourself with extra non-perishable items, you can pledge those to us.” In addition, Givit is the Victorian Government’s official bushfire charity donation partner, and since February 2020 has coordinated 1000’s of items as part of their ‘VIC Fires Appeal’. If people don’t have items to donate, they are welcome to donate cash instead - with 100 percent of funds donated to Givit used by charities on the ground. Charities and donors interested in registering can visit the Givit website.

Bus routes upgraded Expanded public-transport bus routes from Endeavour Hills have started as of this week. From 31 May, residents in David Collins Drive will have close access to bus travel, connecting with Dandenong Hospital and Chisholm TAFE on route 861. The route’s hours will expand, and frequencies improved to 30 minutes on Mondays-Saturdays and 40 minutes on Sundays. More frequent buses will also serve the routes 843 and 845 between Dandenong and Mossgiel Park. These routes will replace the cancelled Route 849. The 842 service between Fountain Gate and Endeavour Hill shopping centres, via Narre Warren North, will gain two extra return trips in the non-peak periods. It has been re-routed along Memorial Drive and Heatherton Road. The bus network changes include 43 new bus stops. Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said public transport was important for connecting communities. “These improved bus services will help more people get to where they need to go.” New timetables and route maps are at ptv. vic.gov.au.

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Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

STAR JOURNAL 7

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago

50 years ago

10 June 1920

11 June 1970 Traders told: ‘City pride needed’ Traders must have some pride in their city not just pay rates and leave the rest to the council. In Switzerland they don’t sweep footpath rubbish into the gutters, but remove all the debris. So said the Mayor of Dandenong Cr Ian Fotheringham, on Monday night before using his casting vote to counter a move that the city council consider buying a mechanical footpath sweeper.

The Victorian Railways On Saturday at the monthly meeting of the Cranbourne Shire council, the following letter was received from the Ballarat Progress Association, suggesting a conference and movement to obtain the letter’s conditions from the railway department. The President said they should support the movement. Cr Hill said he quite agreed, and referred to the fact that several of the councillors were nearly being carried onto Dandenong by the train that morning. The train was, he understood, not supposed to stop, but fortunately had done so. It was agreed to co-operate to take action. The Commissioners are to be requested to stop the train at Cranbourne, on council days in future.

20 years ago 12 June 2000 ‘Don’t blame us’ Springvale’s Vietnamese community has vowed to fight the racial stereotypes which have labelled it responsible for the area’s

drug problems. In a daring plan, volunteers will wear vest identifying themselves as members of Springvale’s Vietnamese community while they clean up the streets. The president of the Vietnamese Association of Victoria Mr Phong Nguyen, said the plan aimed to boost the images of Vietnamese people in the eyes of all Greater Dandenong’s residents.” It’s no secret that people are blaming us for the drug problem on the streets,” Mr Nguyen said. “This will take away the stigma attached to the Vietnamese community and will hopefully be a real eye opener for people who had previously judged us purely on a race basis.” The volunteers will work every weekend, mainly around the central business district, and we hope eventually people will identify with them. Greater Dandenong Mayor Councillor Angela Long said she believed the plan will be successful if it was executed correctly.

5 years ago 8 June 2015 The beginning of the end Men from all walks of life and all backgrounds must change their behaviour towards women. On Saturday taking a stand against violence towards women on behalf of their communities were Noble Park and Balwyn football clubs. The sides put aside their rivalry and stood together to halt the suburban scourge - domestic violence and violence towards women. Inspector Bruce Kitchen recited the humble, yet powerful White Ribbon Oath on Saturday and was joined in refrain by all who attended the blockbuster Queen’s Birthday clash. Members of the Greater Dandenong community - from Victorian Parliament, the Council, the player’s supporters and members of Noble Park football club - sent out the unified strong message.

NEWS

Library back Dandenong Library and Greater Dandenong Council customer service centres are set to reopen under strict limits on Tuesday 9 June. As part of a “measured approach” as Covid-19 restrictions ease, the library will be open on weekdays only from 10.30am-6pm, the council has announced. Patrons will be triaged at the library entrance and restricted to 15-minute visits. Initially as part of a phased re-opening, only book holds will be issued - there will be no browsing at bookshelves, a council spokesperson said. Customer service centres at Dandenong and Parkmore and the planning counter at Dandenong Civic Centre will also re-open 8.30am-5pm.

Noble Park Aquatic Centre and Dandenong Oasis pool, the council’s art galleries and Drum Theatre remain closed “until further notice”. “Life is not going to return to normal overnight and any changes will be done gradually,” Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said. “We have all worked very hard over the past three months to keep our community safe. “The health and wellbeing of our community is Council’s number one priority and we are not going to rush this process.” The council stated that social distancing requirements remain in place. Patrons are expected to practise good hand hygiene. Card payments will be encouraged, the council has advised. Details: greaterdandenong.com

Dandenong Library is set to re-open for 15-minute visits from Tuesday 9 June. 207585 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Right now across Victoria there are opportunities for people who want to make a difference in a career that’s meaningful, challenging and rewarding. From social workers and educators, to communicators and researchers – the family violence sector needs people with different skills, experiences and backgrounds for roles as diverse as the communities we serve.

Be part of a team working to make positive change and end family violence.

What if your new job was helping people affected by family violence?

Visit the new jobs hub at familyviolence.vic.gov.au/jobs If you, a child, or another person is in immediate danger, call 000. For help and support, call safe steps on 1800 015 188. 12449790-LB24-20

| Tuesday,1 9 June, 2020 FSV002-07_Press ad_260x186_v1.indd 8 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Free cover for Covid By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Chef Hai Yan.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Diners back at tables VIP Kitchen’s chef Hai Yan, pictured, was back at the chopping boards as Springvale restaurants re-opened for limited table dining from 1 June. Eateries had been limited to take-aways only during to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Restaurant and cafes are open for up to one customer per four square metres of dining space. A maximum of 20 dine-in patrons at a time applies. Venues must record diners’ first names and phone numbers to help contact tracing.

In a stunning act of generosity, a Springvale South milk bar is giving away boxfuls of protective face-masks. Greater Dandenong councilor Loi Truong, the owner of the shop in Darren Road, has been giving out the 3100-strong stockpile for free. As of 4 June, he still had nearly 1500 masks left. The gesture is also largely thanks to a Braybrook fashion company Veducci, which makes and supplies hospital protective masks. Cr Truong said the giveaway was born from the Vietnamese community’s desire to repay Australia’s welcoming of refugees about 40 years ago. While 1 million Vietnamese refugees arrived on Australian shores, up to 800,000 may have perished at sea in the attempt, Cr Truong said. In that light, Vietnamese groups in the South East raised $43,000 for this year’s bushfire recovery appeal, he said. “The Vietnamese came here because Australians have welcomed them. Every Vietnamese feel that they want to pay that back.”

Displaying the masks are, rear from left, Veducci managing director Kymlee, Thuy Tran, Nguyen Huong, Tuy Hong, Hoang Sa and Hiep Nguyen. Front: Phuong Huynh, Loi Truong and Ni Chau. 209156

Loi Truong and staff from Verducci with some of the free protective masks. 209156 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

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Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

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Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

In hard times

By Father Brian Collins

Members of Wellsprings’ Cultural Cuisines program - which receives all proceeds from Cocktails for a Cause.

Virtual cocktails for real comedy By Cam Lucadou-Wells A unique fundraiser for a vital Dandenong service will raise a toast to the nation’s acclaimed comedians in lounge rooms across Australia. Wellsprings for Women is staging Cocktails for a Cause - a virtual event with its patron Jo Stanley, comedians Wil Anderson and ‘Lehmo’ and stage-and-screen actor Lucy Durack. The cast also includes stellar local comedians and performers Urvi Majumdar, Diana Nguyen, Aseel Tayah and Kirsty Webeck. Ms Stanley, the event’s host, said the talented cast were only too willing to help “this beautiful event”. The audience at home are invited to grab a cocktail or drink of choice, sit back and enjoy the comedy, music, stories as well as insight into the “amazing” programs and women at Wellsprings. Ms Stanley said she’d look for innovative ways to connect and exchange messages with the live audience. “I’m used to being in a room with an audience. It’s good to be able to learn to engage in a new way.” The event, which includes a silent auction, will raise funds for Wellsprings’ social enterprise Cultural Cuisines. In the past two years, the program has helped 20 women of culturally diverse backgrounds harness their cooking skills.

Through the program, participants gain confidence, connection and commerce knowhow. They are also forming a viable social enterprise, which spectacularly caters for mass events at Wellsprings and other parties. “We’re looking for ways for women to have an income, to turn their skills into a profession. “We think what a difference it would make to their lives, by bringing their skills and knowledge in cooking into the community.” Ms Stanley says the program is an example of Wellsprings’ practicality. Its service is vital for women overcoming isolation and loneliness such as through English language classes. Or for those seeking protection from domestic violence. “Many women from migratory backgrounds fall through the cracks. “Particularly with domestic violence, they tend to be dismissed perhaps because they’re not English speakers or not understood well enough. “There may be a perception that their culture is more violent ... they’re not really heard in the same way (as other women).” Ms Stanley says that once they reach out to Wellsprings, many go on to volunteer as helpers.

Wellsprings patron Jo Stanley will host Cocktails for a Cause - on the web on 10 June. They find safety in the Wellsprings community. “I’ve loved meeting the women and observing the love and warmth for women and children. “It’s been so rewarding to grow a relationship with them.” Cocktails for a Cause is on Wednesday 10 June from 6pm-7.15pm. All proceeds go to the Cultural Cuisines program. For tickets, go to eventbrite.com.au/e/wellsprings-for-women-cocktails-for-a-causetickets-105745042268

Thursday 14 May was a day where all our world religions were uniting in prayer for healing of our world from the coronavirus. I’m Brian Collins, writing on behalf of the Christian and Catholic voices in our district. Fr Martin Jeramias and myself work in team ministry at Resurrection Keysborough and St Anthony’s Noble Park. Our multicultural community is very strong in its practice and lived faith. Our parish staff and parishioners have really struggled at not being able to attend Mass, visit our churches and gather with our communities. Nothing prepared us, that we wouldn’t be able to celebrate the most important season in our Christian calendar, the Easter Triduum, the holiest of our days. Holy Thursday where Jesus taught us about the importance of service and the giving of himself in the Eucharist. Good Friday where we hold the crucifixion and death of Jesus and all those who suffer today in carrying their cross, which this year was most of our world as a result of the virus. Easter Sunday is our day of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, death is defeated and we return home to God, to the fullness of life. Our parish staff and leaders have been phoning our parishioners. People have been very appreciative of the contact, most families are doing really well, but all are missing their community. Those who are struggling the most, are those living on their own. Watching the world news is terrifying and has been taking some of our people to dark and scary places. Over these weeks we have been recording Mass where many people have found great comfort in seeing their local community reaching out to them. These Masses can be found on our parish websites. We have all needed to be responsible in our self-hygiene and care of one another. For many this has been isolating themselves from those we love, our elderly or vulnerable. Mother’s Day, we were unable to visit those we were celebrating and honouring. Birthdays and anniversaries have been very low key. As a faith community in the Easter season, we were called to live in the moment, but we are also reminded that in faith, God walks with us and calls out of darkness into God’s wonderful light that fills us with hope, joy and love. May the promise of Easter remind us of God’s unconditional love for all humanity and God’s creation. Blessings to all.

FOCUS ON … TAX

Individual Tax Returns Property Investors Companies & Trusts Self Managed Super Funds Tax Returns Online

12 STAR JOURNAL

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How to calculate working from home costs

Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced special arrangements this year due to Covid-19 to make it easier for people to claim deductions for working from home. The new arrangement will allow people to claim a rate of 80 cents per hour for all their running expenses, rather than needing to calculate costs for specific running expenses. Multiple people living in the same house can claim this new rate. For example, a couple living together could each individually claim the 80 cents per hour rate. The requirement to have a dedicated work from home area has also been removed. Assistant Commissioner Karen Foat said the new shortcut method will make it easier for those who are working from home for the first time. “The shortcut method provides a rate of 80 cents per hour and will only require you to keep a record of the number of hours worked from home,” Ms Foat said,

“This recognises that many taxpayers are working from home for the first time and makes claiming a deduction much easier. “If you choose to use this shortcut method, all you need to do is keep a record of the hours you worked from home as evidence of your claim.” This new shortcut arrangement does not prohibit people from making a working from home claim under existing arrangements, where you calculate all or part of your running expenses. Claims for working from home expenses prior to 1 March 2020 cannot be calculated using the shortcut method, and must use the pre-existing working from home approach and requirements. The ATO will review the special arrangement for the next financial year as the Covid-19 situation progresses. Example Bianca is an employee who works as a copy

writer and editor. Bianca starts working from home on 16 March as a result of Covid-19 and replaces her face-to-face meetings with online video conferencing. Bianca has just bought a new laptop, desk, chair and stationery. She also wants to claim some additional gas, electricity, phone and internet costs due to working from home. Under the shortcut method, Bianca can now claim all her expenses under a rate of 80 cents per hour. All she needs is her timesheets. Bianca can also decide to claim using existing working from home calculations. Under that method, Bianca can claim the desk, chair, gas and electricity under the 52 cents per hour, but would need to work out the decline in value of the laptop, and calculate the work-related portion of the laptop, stationery, phone and internet. For advice on this an other tax matters see your registered taxation agent. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Pensioner out of pocket By Cam Lucadou-Wells An international removalist debacle has grounded disability pensioner Ali El-Hennawi’s grand retirement plans and allegedly set him back $51,000. Late 2019, he hired Grace Removalists’ Hallam office to move his and his family of nine children’s belongings in a freight container from his Lysterfield home to Egypt. The former high-school teacher’s plan was to retire and live with his family in his late father’s house - which they had inherited. Mr El-Hennawi, 63, says he was verbally misled into believing the $16,000 bill would cover the entire transaction “door to door”. On 20 January, the container docked in Alexandria. Mr El-Hennawi was billed by Grace’s partner Express International Group for a further $18,000 in customs fees. It was a bill-doubling shock that he’d not budgeted for. Thanks to a loan from a family member, the container of goods was released. He says the contents were removed without his presence nor permission, and supposedly loaded into four delivery trucks. The trucks arrived at his family’s address on 12 February. To Mr El-Hennawi’s horror, it was later discovered that a third of his belongings were missing - worth an estimated $33,200. They included antiques, lounge suite, electric drills and angle grinders, boxes of more than 200 LED lights, shoes, kitchen mixer, cookware, crystal cups, and tea sets. “This was all the furniture, equipment, kitchen items and accessories that I have owned for the 35 years that I lived in Australia.” He had been unable to afford $7000 of transit insurance to cover his goods, he says. At the time of delivery, Mr El-Hennawi signed a declaration that he’d received his goods. He argues that he felt rushed to sign, that it would have taken him days to check that all his property had arrived. Mr El-Hennawi has returned to Australia in a bid for compensation but hit a legal dead end. Grace Removalists should be held responsible for its overseas partner’s fees and conduct, he argues. His signed contract covered the cost of delivery to the wharf, payment of ocean freight and outbound port fees, collection from the Alexandria port and delivery and unloading of the goods to the Egyptian address. To Mr El-Hennawi’s surprise, “customs duties or tax” costs were expressly excluded in the contract. “They’re deceiving people. They tell people that they will ship door-to-door but then they find something between the lines that we’re

An excerpt of some of Ali El-Hennawi’s missing items.

A freight container of Ali El-Hennawi’s goods is trucked from his Lysterfield home.

FURNITURE REMOVALIST ADVICE Take out transit insurance from an authorised removalist or third-party company for peace of mind. Remember, you still have rights under the Australian Consumer Law, even if you have not taken out insurance. Get online and research the company. Find out what others are saying about them. Ask family and friends for their recommendations. Consider choosing a removalist company that is accredited with an industry body such as the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA). AFRA members must meet certain standards of quality and service, and AFRA has a process to help resolve disputes involving its members. Take photos of items packed, particularly fragile and valuable ones. Read contracts very carefully and do not feel pressured to sign. If there is anything in the contract you do not agree with, or the contract is missing any details (such as when and what items are to be moved), either ask for it to be changed or do not choose that company. Ask about terms and conditions, including any possible extra costs, such as if the move takes longer than expected. Get clear information about whether the cost is flat or charged hourly. Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria

· ·

Ali El-Hennawi says he has been set back by more than $50,000 of unexpected fees and lost belongings. 208006 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS not responsible. “They should tell you ... that it will actually cost this (much). “If you need to move anything with them, you need a lawyer as well.” A manager at Grace Removalists’ Hallam office said the company had abided by its contract. The customs fee exclusion was “clear on the contract”. She also pointed to Mr El-Hennawi “signing off” on receiving the full inventory of goods in Egypt. The Egyptian-based Express International Group was accredited, including an affiliation with the FIDI global alliance of removalists, she said. “It’s a storm in a tea cup, really.” According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, Mr El-Hennawi may not have signed away all of his rights. Furniture removalists, including those who

use third-party companies overseas, have obligations under Australian consumer law not to mislead consumers on the total cost of the service. However, customers should “read any contract very carefully, and ask that all additional charges be itemised and included”, a CAV spokesperson said. “Anyone who believes a contract contains unfair terms can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria, or seek independent legal advice.” Mr El-Hennawi may also access a dispute resolution scheme through the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA). This is due to Grace Removalists being a member of AFRA. “It is highly recommended that consumers take out transit insurance from an authorised removalist or third-party company, to help protect their belongings,” the CAV spokesperson said.

· ·

Superload on slow, steady haul through South East By Mitchell Clarke A 100 metre long superload, weighing in at a whopping 640 tonnes, travelled through the South East as part of its journey to Loy Yang. Its entire load measured longer than two Olympic sizes swimming pools and weighed as much as 130 elephants. To facilitate such a big move, four prime movers were required, along with a team of specialist engineers. Traffic management officers and load escorts travelled with the convoy for the entire journey to ensure roads remained safe. Officers helped to manoeuvre the sixmetre-wide vehicle safely around corners by temporarily removing signage and lights and placing steel supports over existing drainage. The complex operation to move the large electrical component was conducted in stages across three nights, beginning its journey at 9pm on Monday 1 June from the Webb Dock in Port Melbourne. The mammoth piece of machinery travelled via a number of metropolitan roads before being stored at a secret location in Dandenong South overnight. The superload left Dandenong South on Tuesday night, 2 June, for the most onerous dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

part of the journey, travelling throughout the South East. It passed Hallam and Narre Warren before reaching Officer, Pakenham and Nar Nar Goon shortly before 1am. Despite VicRoads warning of no viewing opportunities, keen spectators sat out in freezing conditions at various locations to witness the fascinating piece of machinery. Rebecca Taylor viewed the convoy from an overpass in Pakenham. She said watching it in person took her breath away. “It’s an amazing thing to see, a true feat of engineering,” Ms Taylor explained. “Having witnessed the first hand amount of work involved, the number of escort vehicles and the work happening out in front of the load to manage traffic, it’s incredible that it didn’t have more of an impact on the roads. “It all just looked so seamless.” The superload was docked at the Yarragon Weighbridge Station on Wednesday 3 June after a nine-hour journey, travelling at a top speed of 20 kilometres per hour. On Wednesday night, the convoy left Yarragon for the final leg of the journey towards Loy Yang B in Traralgon.

The superload passing through Nar Nar Goon. 209444 Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

Picture: GARY SISSONS |

STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Satire is way out there Space Force, Netflix Satire often pokes fun at respected or at least well-known institutions but what happens when the organisation you’re poking fun at feels more like a joke than something you might respect? When Trump announced that he would be forming a “Space Force” to “put boots on the moon” it seemed like the biggest practical joke going - it wasn’t. What it was, though, was the perfect opportunity for actor Steve Carell to reunite with The Office US creators Greg Daniels and Howard Klein to create a workplace comedy centered around the people tasked with creating the sixth branch of the US armed services. In theory it is a very funny premise and a chance to make some good comedy. In practice when an idea is this out there can you make something even more out there and make it funny? The answer, after sitting through a couple of episodes of this rather humourless show, is well, no. Carell plays Mark Naird, the recently promoted four star general put in charge of Space Force, it’s not clear if Naird is meant to be funny or is the straight man but given a rather cringy scene where he dances along to a Beach Boys song I’m guessing he’s playing for humour. It doesn’t work. Not that there aren’t funny moments. The casting of John Malkovich as the head scientist Dr Adrian Mallory (a parody of Dr Strangelove) is a little piece of magic. His humour is dry compared to Carell’s more in-your-face style and he proves the perfect foil when it all feels too dead. The other standout is the late Fred Willard in his final role as Fred Naird - Mark’s father he is a true scene-stealer, while Friends alumni Lisa Kudrow promises much as Maggie, Mark’s wife, and then is sent to jail for some unknown reason and tragically underused for the rest of the series. You’ve got to think that with everything that is going wrong in the US at the moment that they would already be feeling like a joke. They say timing is everything in comedy and in this case the timing is way off! - Tania Phillips

Steve Carrell stars in Spaceforce.

The late Fred Willard is a scene-stealer in his final role.

John Malcovich is one of the few reasons to keep watching.

Some troubling secrets best left at school Control Z, Netflix A hacker is releasing students’ most intimate secrets to the whole school population of the El Colegio Nacional (National School). Enter a teen-aged Sherlock Holmes - Sofia a social recluse with a penchant for deduction and an incredibly quick brain. The hacker’s revelations (usually during boring school presentations) set pupils against each other and disrupts the social hierarchy with popular kids being bullied and social outcasts becoming popular. Sofia, who was traumatised by the death of her father and spent time in a psychiatric hospital the previous year, springs into action after being asked by one of the formerly popular kids to find the hacker. This is complicated by the fact the school principal is considering marrying her mother and isn’t pleased that she is on the case and then there is a new boy, who is the son of a soccer star but doesn’t really want people to know,

A scene from Control Z. 14 STAR JOURNAL

who might just give her something she is missing (a cool, good looking love interest). Sofia is racing the clock to catch the hacker before he releases more secrets including maybe her own. Coming from Mexico and originally in Spanish (dubbed into English or with subtitles depending on your preference) this could be just another teen-aged coming-of-age series and yet with the added bonus of a mystery and a teen-aged Sherlock-style character (without the pretentiousness of recent Sherlock remakes) it becomes more. With the clever use of graphics to show mobile phone and social media conversations and a surprisingly intelligent and interesting storyline Control Z brings Sherlock (in the form of a generation Z teen girl) to a new generation. And unlike many other Netflix series this one has a definite ending and has just been renewed for a second series. - Tania Phillips

Ana Valeria Becerril stars as Sofia Herrera. |

Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Mexican corn and avocado toast.

Colour can make a huge impact on the mood of a room.

Refresh your winter mood By Tania Phillips

Smashing out treats By Tania Phillips As restrictions are easing, Aussies can celebrate the return of the Hass Avocado, now back in season, with picnic guacs and Mexican feasts. Known for their pebbly skin that changes to a purple colour as they ripen, Hass avocados have a creamy texture that’s

perfect for smashing, making them great for smashed avo, guacamole and in desserts and smoothies. Check out the Australian Avocadoes recipe for Guac on their website or may try this delicious Mexican Corn and Avocado Toast http://australianavocados.com.au/ recipes/guacamole-trio/.

What dwells within

Mexican Corn & Avocado Toast

Serves: 2 Prep: 5 minutes Cooking: 10 minutes Ingredients • 2 slices sourdough, or your favourite bread, toasted • 1/2 large ripe avocado • juice from 1/2 lime • 2 cobs of corn, husks removed • 1 tsp olive oil • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or chilli powder • 2 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese, optional • salt & pepper • fresh coriander leaves & lime wedges, to serve

By Tania Phillips

The Hass ripeness guide. Method 1. Place corn into a pot of boiling water, cook for 1 minute. Remove, drain on a kitchen towel, and brush cobs with olive oil. Preheat barbeque of heavybased skillet to high. Add corn and cook, turning regularly, until lightly charred. 2. Slice corn of of cob with a sharp knife, sprinkle with paprika. 3. Smash avocado in a small bowl. Stir through lime juice and season with salt and pepper. 4. Spread toast with avocado. Top with

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

It’s no secret that a well-designed home is a happy home and with most of spending more time inside than out it is no surprise that this winter will see an emphasis on the home as a nurturing retreat. he home is now a place to warm the soul and lit the spirits, with cocooning colours, luxurious details and comforting curves with paint company Dulux releasing the Indulge palette - one of four trend palettes identiied in the 2020 Dulux Colour Forecast ‘Essence’ - to cover this trend. “he Indulge palette is warm and sophisticated, the ideal colour cure for those gloomy winter months,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager. “Deep burgundy, sot violet and accents of coral and mustard feel opulent and exciting, with hints of art deco and ’70s disco adding a touch of nostalgia. “he key is to choose a hero colour and display it in diferent shades across your walls and sot furnishings, with one or two contrasting accents to provide that element of surprise. Curved furniture and pared-back styling keep the look fresh and modern. To show how easy it is to rejuvenate a home for winter with colour, stylist Bree Leech made over a home oice in a heritage home using

the Dulux Indulge palette. “he room has great bones - high ceilings, ornate cornicing, natural light and a beautiful ireplace in the home oice,” Leech said. “But the steely grey on the home oice walls and the white behind the study nook felt cold and uninviting. Colour has such a huge impact on the mood of a room, and I wanted to create spaces where you’d want to linger. he furniture and built-in joinery are stunning; I wished to make these more of a feature through the use of colour. “I wanted to make the rooms feel cosy and inviting and play up their best features without a huge outlay of time or money. Paint was the best way to achieve this - it gave the rooms a whole new look without replacing all the furniture or blowing the budget. “Given the room’s grand proportions and character, the Indulge palette of rich, saturated hues was a natural choice.” She chose Dulux Wash&Wear in Russet Tan for the walls and shelving in the home oice and retained the white ceiling and ireplace painted with classic warm white Dulux Natural White to ofer cohesion with the white desk. She then introduced a large rug of warm colours of rust and coral to harmonise with the wall and an artdeco inspired side table to tie the curves together.

charred corn, feta cheese and coriander leaves. 5. Serve immediately, with extra lime. Tips • hawed frozen corn, or tinned corn, can be drained and used in place of fresh. Skip boiling and drizzle the olive oil into a skillet over high-heat. Add corn, and cook until warmed through and starting to char. • Substitute toast with 4 small tortillas, if preferred. • he skin of a Hass avocado changes colour as it ripens, from green to purple-black when ready to eat.

Spirited By Julie Cohen Published by Hachette Australia hree women carry unspeakable truths in their heart. At what cost will they ind their freedom? In Victorian England, Viola is an amateur photographer struggling with the grief of her father’s death and the sterile atmosphere of her marriage to her childhood friend, Jonah. When she discovers a talent for capturing ghostly images on camera, Viola comes to the attention of a spirit medium, and a powerful attraction between the two women is sparked. As each woman puts herself at risk, secrets are brought to light that will change their lives forever. Spirited is driven by passionate, courageous female characters, and exploring themes of sexuality, gender and prejudice. Author Julie Cohen grew up in the western mountains of Maine. Her house was just up the hill from the library and she spent many hours walking back and forth, her nose in a book. She studied English Literature at Brown University and Cambridge University and is a popular speaker and teacher of creative writing, including classes for the Guardian and Literature Wales. Her books have been translated into 15

Spirited released soon through Hachette. languages and have sold more than a million copies: ‘Dear hing’ and ‘Together’ were Richard and Judy Book Club picks in the UK. Julie lives in Berkshire with her husband, son and a terrier of dubious origin. Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

STAR JOURNAL 15

NEWS

No chance to say goodbye Star News reporter ESTHER LAUAKI has returned home to New Zealand for a family emergency. Her dad died while she was in isolation under the country’s strict quarantine rules. This is her story. Nothing could have prepared me for losing a parent - particularly in a pandemic. From the safety of my Melbourne home earlier this year, I felt far removed from the heartbreaking news stories out of Covid-19 epicentres like Europe and the US echoing the words “everybody dies alone”. Until, on May 11, my wonderful dad Iakopo Lauaki died in an Auckland hospital after a long battle with a rare blood cancer. He wasn’t alone. He slipped away peacefully with my mum and wife of 45 years, Faaiuga, by his side. My family now knows well the sting, and sometimes cruelty, of Covid-19 restrictions in place to slow the spread of the virus. The universal rules in post-Covid countries, including New Zealand and Australia, stipulate that no visitors are permitted to hospitals and fewer than 10, if any at all, are allowed at funerals. But doctors at the hospital made an exception allowing one visitor in my dad’s final days. My three siblings hadn’t seen my dad for weeks before he died. Despite an application to the health ministry for early release from the mandatory 14 day lockdown in a government-managed hotel to be with my dad - I ultimately missed a final goodbye too. A day after my dad died, 10 days into quarantine, my application for early release was approved on compassionate grounds and I was reunited with my family to plan and attend his funeral. Planning within the restraints of Covid rules presents a unique set of challenges. Traditional Samoan funerals are usually a week-long affair with hundreds of mourners exchanging gifts of money, handmade mats and food. Samoans grieve collectively with their loved 16 STAR JOURNAL

Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

“

my father’s send-off was stripped back to a single day and a simple service”

Iakopo Lauaki. 208985

A live stream of the service ensured others could attend online. 208987

ones and my father would have laid in state at our home where a steady stream of relatives could pay respects, sing hymns and tell stories. In stark contrast, my father’s send off was stripped back to a single day and a simple service for 10 people. There was no wake or rituals and friends and family were able to say their goodbyes in

pairs, by appointment, at the funeral home before the service. The chapel was sterilised before and after the service and guests were signed in at the door. A digital communications strategy, including Facebook posts, group emails and online live streaming, made it possible for extended

family and friends to attend the final farewell service virtually. On paper, strict Covid rules are the reason New Zealand and Australia are now able to lift restrictions and awaken their economies slowly and safely. In practice, I feel I will never be prepared to embrace this “new normal”. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

VENDORS RELOCATING TO THE COUNTRY SET slightly elevated with plenty of street appeal is this stunning and spacious one owner family home. Showcasing faultless presentation, the property has a 4 car garage under the Colourbond roofline and is located in a most desirable local on the North side of Berwick. It offers easy access to Timbarra shopping precinct, Berwick village, schools, public transport, and major arterial roads. Lovely and light, this idyllic residence features an entrance foyer and four generous bedrooms. The master has a full ensuite and walk-in robe, whilst all three other bedrooms have built-in robes. There is a large living/dining room and a beautifully appointed and updated kitchen boasting quality SMEG stainless steel appliances including oven, gas hot plate, range-hood, dishwasher and second oven with Caesar stone bench tops. The kitchen leads through to the meals area and a most spacious family room with timber lined dado wall panelling, main bathroom with spa-bath, spacious laundry and a powder room. This property is further enhanced by a huge 4 car brick garage with motorised door and rear yard access, ideal for those looking to store extra vehicles. There is a lovely outdoor entertaining area with low maintenance and established rear garden with a selection of fruit trees. The home has a full list of quality fixtures including ducted heating, air-conditioning, floor coverings, window furnishing, water tank and much more. The genuine seller is ready to negotiate. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 8 Wintersun Road, Berwick, 3806, VIC Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $790,000 - $840,000 Inspect: Saturday 11:30 AM – 12 PM or by appointment, photo ID required Contact: Brett Donaldson, Donaldson Martin & Co 9704 7555

Strzelecki Realty

DONALDSON Approved Member

MARTIN & CO. PTY. LTD.

8 Wintersun Road Berwick

ESTATE AGENTS

77 Princes Highway, Trafalgar 03 5633 2858 admin@strzeleckirealty.com.au

EST. 1977

www.strzeleckirealty.com.au

1219868

$790,000 - $840,000

Highest Quality Lifestyle Property

$650,000 – 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom

9 Slatters Road, Trafalgar Vic 3824 Situated on approx. 1 acre split over 3 levels is this immaculately kept family home. Natural light, quality drapes and plush carpet encase the large formal living area. There is enough room in here for the biggest of lounge suites plus your grand piano. Move on through to the open kitchen, dining and second family area where you will find the top of the line Falcon Oven, a dishwasher, pantry, and wood heater. Access to the alfresco entry area is via a sliding door and the sleek patio blinds makes it perfect to enjoy all year round.

Vendor Relocating to The Country This stunning home showcases faultless presentation with a 4 car garage under the roofline in a most desirable local on the North side of Berwick offering easy access to Timbarra shopping precent, Berwick village, schools, public transport, and major arterial roads is this stunning one owner family home. Lovely & light is this idyllic residence which features entrance foyer, 4 generous bedrooms, the master with ensuite and WIR, whilst all other bedrooms have BIRs, large living/dining room, beautifully appointed and updated kitchen bosting quality SMEG appliances including oven, hot plate, range-hood, dishwasher and 2nd oven with Caesarstone bench tops, leading through to meals and spacious family room with timber dado wall panelling, main bathroom with spa, laundry and powder room. This property is still further enhanced by huge 4 car brick garage with motorised door and rear yard access, outdoor entertaining area with low maintenance & established rear garden and a full list of quality fixtures including ducted heating, air-conditioning, floor coverings, window furnishing, water tank & much more. We have genuine seller - Ready to negotiate This One Is A Must To Inspect. Inspect Saturday 11:30 AM - 12 PM, or By Appointment - Photo ID Required

The two bedrooms along the front of the home are equal in size to the master and include built in robes whilst the fourth bedroom is large enough for a double and still has the built in wardrobe. Linked by the hallway from the bedrooms is the unique bathroom. Set up for a busy family it has a separate shower room, separate toilet and the main bathroom has a vanity and full size bath. The house has ample storage with a double linen press, single store cupboard and that doesn’t include the large laundry with a massive double trough, built in cupboards plus more. The home has many additional bonus’s including warmcrete, split system in formal living area, freshly painted inside, triple lock security doors on all external doors, insulated in walls and ceiling, awnings along the front of the home and ceiling fans in the living areas. Moving outside you will feel you are in your own private paradise but only minutes from town. Enjoy your own fruit from the orchard or simply enjoy watching the wildlife from the paved outdoor area. Again all of your storage is covered with a single car garage attached to the house, double width and extra height carport, Atco portable hut, wood shed and a bush hut/studio. Underground power, town water plus water tanks, septic and a separate drive to your sheltered flat open area. Stunning gardens and views of Mount Baw Baw are all of what makes this the highest quality lifestyle property.

Cnr Princes Hwy, 43-45 Webb St, Narre Warren www.donaldsonmartinandco.com.au

email: sales@dmcre.com.au

~ PHOTO ID REQUIRED FOR ALL INSPECTIONS ~

12450940-SN24-20

realestate.starcommunity.com.au

com.au

Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

STAR REAL ESTATE

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9704 7555

What master bedroom is not complete without a walk in robe, split system and an ensuite with shower, vanity and toilet.

NEWS

Trainer will be missed By Brendan Rees Homicide detectives are piecing together the circumstances around a well-known greyhound trainer who was found dead in her Devon Meadows home. Emergency services were called to a property on Cross Road about 10am on Tuesday 26 May where they found the body of 69-year-old Karen Leek. A crime scene has been established as police confirmed they were treating Ms Leek’s death as “suspicious”. Homicide squad detectives are trying to determined what led to her final moments - as the “exact circumstances are still to be determined,” Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Webster said. “Investigators are appealing for anyone who may have seen any activity at the property over the past few days to come forward,” she said. “They would also like to hear from anyone who drove past the address or through the area and has dash-cam footage.” Tributes have flowed online while flowers have also been laid outside Ms Leek’s sprawling rural home since the news broke of her tragic death. To gain access to Ms Leek’s property a pin code is required. One friend described Ms Leek on social media as a “wonderful person” and “so generous”. “Tragic news,” the post read. “Such a great loss to the greyhound fraternity. Condolences to her family. “She will be greatly missed.” The Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association said it was “deeply saddened” by the news, describing Ms Leek as a “greatly respected and successful trainer”. The association said she “provided support and guidance to many others making their way in greyhound racing.”?

The greyhound racing community is mourning the death of industry stalwart Karen Leek. Picture: GREYHOUND RACING VICTORIA Neighbour Rita Menheere said although she had not known Ms Leek personally, the news of her death came as a shock - as she described the area as “extremely quiet”. “It’s just generally really nice quiet familyorientated area,” she said. “This is lifestyle living ... it’s not the mean

streets of the inner suburbs,” she added, referring to the many Devon Meadows residents who had hobby farms. “It’s a such a beautiful area ... we don’t have things like this happen.” Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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“Karen loved her dogs, was a selfless friend and mentor to many and will be greatly missed by her many friends and colleagues.” In a statement on its website, Greyhound Racing Victoria said Ms Leek the industry had been “devastated” to learn of Ms Leek’s sudden death. “Karen was one of the most respected people in greyhound racing, recognised for her success as a breeder, rearer and trainer,” the statement read. “Karen had an outstanding reputation as a commercial rearer, having raised many champions including Bewildering, Brokenwood, Extreme Magic, Godsend, Moreira and Nolen.” The statement also said Ms Leek was a “major contributor” to greyhound racing administration, including volunteering her time on various panels for the betterment of the sport. According to The Greyhound Recorder’s website, Ms Leek “meant so much to so many” and left “an indelible mark on the greyhound racing industry Australia wide.” Ms Leek grew up in Warrandyte where her family owned the general store, and was introduced to greyhound racing at just 13 years of age. “Throughout her hugely successful career, pioneering the female training ranks, Leek’s Devon Meadows property has been the breeding ground for some of the superstar’s of Australian greyhound racing, including Bewildering, Moreira and Nolen just to name a few,” The Greyhound Recorder stated. In 2010, Karen landed her first group race victory with Din’s Son in the Shepparton Cup, 12 months after finishing runner-up in the event with her prolific winning chaser. “Her desire to help and educate young aspiring participants another of her glowing attributes, always one to volunteer her time for the betterment of the sport,” the Greyhound Recorder stated.

18 STAR JOURNAL

Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

Houdini Boy could be one of the fastest greyhounds in Australia - if he decided to come out of the boxes.

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It’s Houdini’s great illusion By Mick Floyd Houdini Boy is one of the fastest greyhounds in the country. Or at least he could be if he decided to come out of the boxes. And therein lies the challenge for trainer Kel Greenough. Houdini Boy was a stunning victor at Sandown Park last Thursday night, dropping out to a distant last soon after box rise before picking his way through the field and storming to a thrilling last stride victory. The win improved his record to three wins and two placings from five career starts despite his aversion to jumping with the field - his first split on Thursday night was just 5.45 seconds, the slowest first split recorded by a winning greyhound since March 2018. He averages 5.39 for the first split across his five starts.

However his mediocre first split doesn’t tell the whole story. His issue comes well before he passes the winning post the first time. “His first section would be okay if he’d step out of the boxes,” said Greenough. “We got him back from the breakers and heard some good things, but when we starting trialling him I thought he’s the worst box dog I’ve ever seen. Normally you can do a bit of box work, but he just refuses to come up to the front of the boxes. I don’t know if something happened early on but it is unusual to be this bad out of the box. “Often you can change them if you do it early enough. That’s why we delayed starting him because we were trying to change his habits out of the box, but nothing appears to have worked at this stage.” Greenough is regarded as one of the pre-

mier conditioners in the state and has decades of experience in all facets of the sport. He’s tried every trick in the book to improve Houdini Boy’s box manners, and has even written a new page by using a recording of the lure noise to help with the greyhound’s timing. Any improvement gained in training gets left at home on race day. “We’ve probably done more box work with him than any other dog but he just refuses to change,” Greenough said. “Just when you think he’s got it worked out he goes back to the track and everything seems to get forgotten. He either has a very short memory or just doesn’t want to jump. “It’s a bit frustrating but he is what he is. He seems to be pretty clever the way he works through a field most times, and it’s hard to do when you’re coming from last every time. We’ll

Eastern pulls the pin on season 2020 By Nick Creely The powerful Eastern Football Netball League, alongside the Northern Football Netball League, has announced that its senior football competitions will be cancelled for season 2020. Both boards endorsed the recommendation from league management to cancel all senior football for both the men’s and women’s competitions last week due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The EFNL has also cancelled netball, while both competitions will forge forward with plans for 2020 junior competitions. In a statement on the Eastern Football Netball League website, CEO Troy Swainston said after much consideration, both competitions believe its in the best interests to commit to beginning in 2021 with all of its clubs in a strong position in the long-term. “The EFNL has maintained a view throughout this process that we do not want one club to come back next year worse off than they are now,” he said. “All clubs were aware of the challenges associated with managing a reduced season under Covid-19 rules and restrictions and were very open, balanced, and frank about where their club sat. “Clubs expressed concerns about their financials, player numbers, committees, older volunteers, crowd restrictions and their inabil22 STAR JOURNAL

Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

The EFNL have cancelled its 2020 season. 194127 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS ity to manage crowds at open public spaces. “We must make decisions based on what is best in both the short and the long-term. The information we have gathered from our clubs together with the latest medical advice, has determined that cancelling the senior football and netball competitions in 2020 is the only viable option. “The health and safety of the community and club and league sustainability have always been our top priorities.” Recent feedback from senior clubs indicated an overwhelming wish for the future of the 2020 season to be determined without further delay. Both competitions believe that cancelling their competitions is the only viable decision that will ensure the long-term sustainability of their clubs and the leagues. South east powerhouse Noble Park issued its own statement on Facebook, with club president Grant Connolly reiterating the im-

portance of the health and safety of everyone involved at community level. “The club accepts the difficult decision made by EFNL in these very uncertain times we live in. The health and wellbeing of all our coaches, players, training staff, committee, volunteers and supporters has always and will always be paramount,” he said. “We thank everyone who has worked hard during this uncertain period to try and create some sort of normality and in particular coaches, fitness staff and players. Further announcements will made when they become available. “We hope everyone understands the situation and continues to support the Noble Park Football Club for many years to come. I am sure we will come out of this stronger than ever.” Other concerns raised by senior football clubs were; the fiscal burden that playing just half a season would bring; the number of additional requirements for volunteers; the inability to effectively manage crowds to comply with current social distancing rules and crowd restrictions at public (often unfenced) venues and not wanting to play matches without their local community being able to attend without restriction. A decision on the 2020 structure for junior football will be released in due course, with an announcement expected in the next couple of weeks.

keep working on him and see if we can change him.” Increasing the frustration is the fact that once he does leave the boxes the son of Zambora Brockie can fly. Greenough believes his dog is capable of matching motors with the fastest greyhounds in the land. “He’s hand slipped 22.70 - you don’t go much better than that (Simon Told Helen slipped 22.75 ahead of the recent HarrisonDawson). Unfortunately you don’t race from a hand slip,” he said. “I was even thinking of putting him in some coursing races because he’s getting an even start. I know the dog can match it side-by-side with just about any dog in the country, but put him out of the boxes and he’s six lengths behind at the first mark.”

Recognised for his service to baseball Former Dandenong Baseball Association (DBA) treasurer Billie Pidwell has been named in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday honours list, awarded an OAM for his service to sport - particularly baseball. Mr Pidwell was coach of the Glenhuntly Baseball Club from 1962 to 1970 and was a member from 1949 to 1970. During that time he served as president for 10 years, and also served as a secretary and club delegate. He’s also a legend and life member of the Ormond Glenhuntly Baseball Club, which Glenhuntly was merged into. He’s been a member since 1970, is a former coach, and served as president from 1982 to 1990. In addition to these roles, he’s also twice served as coach in the world masters team for the DBA, as well as playing in the world baseball masters in 2002 and serving as treasurer in 1995. Mr Pidwell is also a life member and a former president, coach, and treasurer of the Glen Waverley Softball Club and is the former treasurer of the Huntingdale Golf Club. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Fev is fuelling AFL dreams By Nick Creely For Mark Bowness and his DreamFuel army, it’s all about dreaming big amidst what has been an extremely difficult time around the world. With Covid-19 and its devastating impact reaching every corner of the globe, Bowness is looking to change the way people think about their futures beyond the pandemic, and to start turning dreams into reality. Bowness has launched a concept called DreamFuelling - with a quest of helping one million people turn their dreams into reality - whether it be sport, travelling, education, business, music or even fixing a garden. It’s a concept that Bowness said was very much personal to him, and one that is driving him each and every day. “The concept is for all ages - with the way the world is at the moment, it’s easy to focus on the negatives, the economic impacts on employment, all of that stuff,” he said. “It’s my belief that if we focused on the dreams that we have, and we take action on those dreams, it’ll change the situation that the world is in.

“I’ve been through my own personal experience, where I hit a rock-bottom moment with my marriage ending and I could have gone one way or the other, but I focused on my own dream which was launching a business that became a TV show in three countries, so it comes from that personal experience. “The idea, DreamFuelling, is a website where people can come and share what their dream is, and we can send out the dreams each week, and see how we can make them a reality.” And the first DreamFuellers came to three lucky teenagers from the south east recently, with aspiring AFL and AFLW footballers Dantae Saouma, Zac Rob and Taya Rob lucky enough to pick the brains of AFL champion, media personality and south east favourite son Brendan Fevola about what it takes to make it to the highest level, and to take some inspiration from his story of perseverance in making it to the AFL. The 623-goal ex-Carlton and Brisbane fullforward - who came through Beaconsfield and the Dandenong Stingrays - spoke to the aspiring AFL footballers about the importance of training, work ethic, the sacrifices required, diet, education, as well as the general dedication that

comes with being a professional athlete. Bowness said the three children stood out amongst an incredibly overwhelming amount of applications, and praised Fevola’s openness about his experiences with the football loving teenagers. “We saw the drive that they have, and we wanted to try and make that happen,” he said. “We were inundated with applications to see Brendan - we had a call with the children and had conversations to see who would be a good fit. “They were overwhelmed, and they turned up on the day with some solid questions - what was really exciting from Brendan’s perspective, and the AFL perspective, is that you can look at sporting heroes and what they do but to go in depth and ask about daily regimes, food, what it was like balancing education and football. “It was a great one-on-one experience they got to have with him - it made their own dream possible, he was totally relatable. “It’s easy to look up to these heroes and think they have it different from what we have - seeing a normal human being like everyone else chasing a dream, that’s the essence of DreamFuelling.

“That was really inspiring to see.” With the chance to chat in-depth with three talented teenagers hoping to one day play in the AFL, Fevola said DreamFuelling is an incredible opportunity to give back to people desperate to fulfil their dreams. “I know what it’s like to have a dream, to have dreams become reality and to have dreams smashed,” he said. “One of the things I love about this project is that it is inspiring people - at this moment in time, who are maybe focusing on fear, to focus on making things happen for their lives and as a result this will positively impact our communities, Australia and the world around us. “As soon as I heard about DreamFuelling I wanted to offer my time to fuel the dreams of young aspiring AFL players, enabling them to ask the questions that they really want to ask that will help to turn their dreams into reality. “I am so pleased that the young individuals chosen are from the part of Australia that I grew up in, an area that has given me so much. I hope that during our conversation I gave as much as I could back.” For more information, head to dreamfuelling.com

Spolly bolsters the Bloods as the DDCA icon returns By Nick Creely There are going to be some serious selection headaches at Dandenong District powerhouse Springvale South in 2020/21. Under new coach Darren Arter and recently announced Turf 1 skipper Nathan King, the Bloods are building strongly this off-season after falling short of the Turf 1 premiership in 2019/20, and the club out of Harold Road has landed a couple of prized recruits. And they may not even be done just yet. The great Steven Spoljaric - one of the most dominant cricketers in Victorian local cricket - is back in the DDCA after one season for Bundalaguah, re-joining Springvale South in a huge boost to the Bloods’ premiership hopes. Across a storied career in the association

with the Bloods, Parkfield and Cranbourne in Turf 1- which includes six Wookey Medals for champion Turf 1 player, premierships and match-winning performances after a long and illustrious career in Victorian Premier Cricket - the legendary all-rounder has built a formidable reputation in the south-east. Since joining the DDCA, ‘Spolly’ has amassed over 7000 runs at an averaging near 60, while with the ball, he is close to taking 300 wickets at an average of 16 - all in the space of only 160 games, and in the process, bringing fans to the games and leaving opposition sides with a headache. Dandenong Cricket Club premiership player and quality left-arm tweaker Akshat Buch has also signed with the Bloods, in a strong addition to an already glittering spin department with fellow gun

Dandenong premiership spinner Akshat Buch has landed at Springvale South. 187329 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

spinner Jarryd Straker also re-committing to the club. Buch - who played in the Panthers’ 2017/18 Premier Cricket premiership - took 80 wickets in his 62 matches for the club, and is more than capable with the bat as the Bloods look to bolster all departments. The Bloods have also landed the experienced and highly-regarded Paul Hill from Coomoora, with the wicketkeeper batsman a strong addition to the club after another strong year in Turf 3. Hill also played over 100 first XI games for Noble Park and is expected to slot straight into the middle-order with the retirement of club legend Craig Slocombe. Adding to the signings, the Bloods have also locked away Matt Wetering, while from a coaching perspective, with Gavin Fewkes and Anthony Hamilton to assist senior coach Dar-

ren Arter off-field. In Turf 2, Beaconsfield is another club looking to significantly boost its list - particularly in the batting department - with the announcement of two key recruits. Ex-Sri Lankan international batsman Michael Vandort - who played with Parkdale last season but played four seasons with Springvale South - has landed at Perc Allison Oval in a major boost for the Turf 2 outfit, while emerging top-order batsman Tyler Clark has also signed with the club after an impressive season in the West Gippsland Cricket Association with Kooweerup. The Tigers will be led on-field next season by ex-Frankston Peninsula spinner Jack Benbow, while the club has re-signed Nathan Goodes as senior coach.

Steve Spoljaric is back in the DDCA once again. 186792 Tuesday, 9 June, 2020

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STAR JOURNAL 23

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