EHD Star Journal - 6th July 2021

ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON

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Tuesday, 6 July, 2021

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Soccer sod turn

Pillars of history

Hu’s ready for Games

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SPORT

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Magic moments return

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No seat for MP Keysborough MP and Cabinet Minister Martin Pakula’s seat could be abolished under proposed state electoral boundary changes.

Nearly 47,000 Keysborough District voters would be absorbed into neighbouring seats Dandenong, Mordialloc, Mulgrave and Clarinda, according to the state’s Electoral Boundaries Commission report on 30 June.

Effectively, the Greater Dandenong area loses a State MP in the Legislative Assembly offset by the creation of the seat of Berwick in the outer South East.

Mr Pakula holds portfolios in Industry Support and Recovery, Trade, Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Business Precincts and Racing.

He was also formerly the state’s AttorneyGeneral.

He declined to comment to Star Journal.

Greater Dandenong four-time mayor Jim Memeti said losing a seat would put more pressure on surrounding local MPs - “especially to lose someone of Martin Pakula’s calibre”.

“If he can’t find a seat locally, he would be a big loss in this region.”

Greater Dandenong Greens councillor Rhonda Garad, who represents Keysborough South Ward, said she didn’t think the loss would “make much difference”.

“It’s Labor MPs everywhere we go.”

Dandenong District held by State Cabinet member Gabrielle Williams would absorb 14,373 voters from the abolished seat’s suburbs of Keysborough and Noble Park within Heatherton, Corrigan and Chapel roads and Dandenong Bypass.

Labor MP Meng Heang Tak’s Clarinda electorate would shift south, absorbing electors from Moorabbin Airport, Dingley Village and Springvale South as well as parts of Keysborough and Noble Park.

Mordialloc held by Labor’s Tim Richardson would absorb about 10,000 voters from Waterways, Braeside and most of Keysborough.

About 3000 Keysborough District voters would be added to Premier Daniel Andrews’s Mulgrave electorate.

In its report on 30 June, the EBC advised a redivision to reflect Melbourne’s population distribution.

Hence, the middle suburban districts of Ferntree Gully, Mt Waverley and Keysborough districts would be replaced by Berwick, Greenvale and Laverton in high-growth outer areas.

The EBC considered abolishing either Clarinda or Keysborough, though it noted four submitters suggested abolishing Mulgrave District held by Premier Daniel Andrews.

In its submission to the EBC, the ALP proposed retaining the electorates in Greater Dandenong, instead abolishing Ferntree Gully, Forest Hill and Sandringham seats.

The Liberals proposed abolishing both Clarinda and Keysborough in favour of new seats in the outer South East. Mulgrave would also be absorbed into a new Springvale District.

The upper-house regions will be unchanged – with Greater Dandenong’s council area still in the South-East Metropolitan Region.

The changes are open for public comment until 5pm on 30 July.

Public hearings will take place in August.

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Supporters rallied for the saving of Keysborough’s oldest building, the 144-year-old Gothicstyle church on Chapel Road. The church’s fate has been mired in talks, but events may have taken a hopeful turn, supporters say.

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

Station fix in train

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The first steps have been taken to overhaul the so-called “worst” railway station in Melbourne.

Dandenong state MP Gabrielle Williams announced $200,000 towards investigating ways to improve safety and accessibility at Dandenong station.

The upgrade would coincide with the redevelopment of five sites in the Little India precinct by developer Capital Alliance and Development Victoria in 2023.

Those works are expected to create 5000 jobs, 470 dwellings and inject $600 million into the economy.

“Improving accessibility and safety at Dandenong station will support the redevelopment of the Central Dandenong precinct and help re-establish Dandenong as the capital of the South East,” Ms Williams said.

The project also links with the Government’s upgrade of the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines and removal of level crossings on the Cranbourne line.

Trains are expected to run every 10 minutes on the Cranbourne line after the opening of the Metro Tunnel.

“We are investing in vital projects – building a better transport system along the Cranbourne-Pakenham Line while creating thou-

Gabrielle Williams looks to improve the much-maligned design of Dandenong Station. sands of jobs and injecting millions into the local economy,” she said.

In April, Greater Dandenong Council declared it would lobby the State Government for a new Dandenong station.

In welcoming the announcement, mayor Angela Long said the timing was also ideal for the proposed Dandenong Sports and Entertainment Centre – the $110 million stadium home for Melbourne City Football Club.

Cr Jim Memeti had branded the station one of Melbourne’s “worst” as it pushed for a new station.

“It’s fantastic from Gabrielle Williams, who has listened to the community concerns.”

He welcomed the opportunity to fix the station’s overcrowding, steep stairs, layout, amenity, security and safety concerns.

It was an essential upgrade to help attract more private investment, such as the Little India upgrade.

This was aided also by the Government’s announced scrapping of a 5 per cent development levy in the precinct, he said.

“The great big build of Dandenong is starting to happen.”

Wooranna Park primary suspensions

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

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With an air of mystery, Wooranna Park’s recently-retired principal Ray Trotter and deputy principal Judith Whittle have been suspended from duty by the Victorian Institute of Training.

The pair were suspended on an interim basis for undisclosed reasons. This bars them from teaching or principal duties at any school.

Star Journal has been told there’s no suggestion of “criminal offending” against children by either Mr Trotter or Ms Whittle.

Interim suspensions are imposed if the VIT “reasonably believes that the person poses an unacceptable risk of harm to children, and the suspension of their registration is necessary to protect children,” a VIT spokesperson said.

“The VIT is responsible for ensuring only qualified and suitable persons are registered to teach in a Victorian school or early childhood service.”

The 80-year-old Mr Trotter had retired this year after more than 30 years as a reputedly forward-thinking principal of a reputedly cutting-edge school.

Its lofty reputation was built on a progressive STEM program and a student-centred learning model.

In 2007, Mr Trotter received a Monash University excellence in research award. A

Deakin University flexible learning centre has been named after him.

Only last year, the school council re-appointed Mr Trotter for three further years, according to a parent.

However, a groundswell of parents and staff reportedly wanted the octogenarian to retire.

At the start of the year, Mr Trotter was replaced by acting principal Daniel Riley with no explanation or fanfare, a parent said.

“It was odd that there was no celebration, no send-off for him,” they said.

Parents, even those dissatisfied by the school leadership, expressed surprise at the interim suspensions.

A Department of Education spokesperson said registration suspensions were decided by the VIT. “All teachers in Victorian government schools must be registered with the institute.”

After an investigation, the VIT will decide on further action regarding Mr Trotter and Ms Whittle.

This includes an agreement to suspend or cancel their registration or impose conditions on their registration.

Other options are an informal, formal or medical panel hearing, or referring information to another agency.

The vacant role of principal has yet to be advertised.

Man stabbed at Springvale Central A man has been hospitalized and another charged after a stabbing at Springvale Central shopping centre.

Police say they were called to a reported “altercation” between two men at a business on Springvale Road about 12.45pm on Friday 2 July.

The victim suffered minor lacerations to the back of his head and neck and has since been released from The Alfred hospital.

Both parties are believed to be known to each other, police say.

A 31-year-old man was arrested a short time after the incident in Buckingham Avenue.

He was charged with intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury, affray and theft.

The man was remanded in custody to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 8 July.

Any witnesses or information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Five hospitalised in multi-car crash Five people have been treated after a multivehicle crash on Frankston-Dandenong Road in Dandenong South.

Paramedics were called to the crash near the corner of Elliott Road about 9.50am.

A man in his 50s was taken to The Alfred hospital with upper body injuries. He is in a serious condition, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.

A woman in her 70s was treated for a medical condition and taken to The Alfred in a stable condition.

Three women, one in her 40s, one in her 60s and one in her 70s, were taken to Dandenong Hospital. All were in a stable condition.

Northbound lanes on Frankston-Dandenong Road were closed to traffic at Quality Drive for about two hours.

The road re-opened before noon.

Rescue equipment boost A volunteer rescue squad that performs livesaving feats at race meets at Sandown and other Victorian tracks has received a $10,000 State equipment grant.

The not-for-profit Victorian Fire & Rescue Squad (VFRS) has been supporting motor sport events since the early 1970s.

Its 25 Motorsport Australia-accredited volunteers are well versed at rescues after rollovers, high-speed collisions and pit-lane fires.

VFRS chief fire marshall Philip Craig said the grant was vital to upgrade its hydraulic rescue equipment.

South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis said the VFRS played a vital role.

“This funding will ensure the dedicated, passionate and highly professional team of around 25 volunteers from VFRS have the critical safety equipment they need to carry out the important and potential lifesaving work they do.”

Burglars swoop at shower-time

Long-standing principal Ray Trotter.

A victim’s wallet has been stolen while he was in the shower during an aggravated burglary in Dandenong, police say.

Two women allegedly entered the Clow Street unit about 7am on Tuesday 22 June.

Police arrested a 30-year-old woman at the scene.

They are investigating the identity of the second alleged offender.

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STAR JOURNAL 3

NEWS

An illustration of the upcoming Woorayl Street Reserve playground.

Brendon Farrell’s sister Simone Hellyer and mother Valery Hellyer make a public plea for help.

‘Grave fears’ held Police hold “grave fears” for Doveton man Brendon Farrell, who has been missing for more than a month.

The 32-year-old was last seen by a friend about 12.30pm on Monday 31 May at home on Kidds Road in Doveton.

Mr Farrell lived in a rear bungalow behind the main building.

Victoria Police’s Missing Persons Squad detectives were told that there may have been an altercation at the address.

Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said police held “grave fears” for Mr Farrell after his “very much out-of-character” disappearance.

“Investigators are keen to know more about the altercation that has taken place at the Kidds Road property on the day he was last seen, particularly who was present at the time.

“This will provide some further avenues of enquiry for us.”

Police had made a “significant number

of enquiries” to find Mr Farrell since family members reported him missing on 2 June.

His bank account and phone have not been used since 31 May. Mr Farrell’s preferred transport was his bicycle, which has yet to be located.

He is described as about 168 centimetres with a slim to medium build and shaved reddish hair.

It’s believed he was wearing a black tracksuit at the time.

“We’re appealing for anyone who does have information, whether that is about this altercation or where Brendon may currently be, to come forward and contact police,” Det Insp Stamper said.

“Brendon’s family are desperate for answers and we’re hoping that someone will do the right thing and provide them.”

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

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Brendon Farrell was last seen by a friend at his Kidds Road, Doveton home on 31 May.

Djerring Trail gets an upgrade Final designs of new open space along the Djerring Trail have been released.

The 17-kilometre trail runs adjacent to the Dandenong rail corridor between Noble Park station and Caulfield East.

As part of the Level Crossing Removal Project, the trail will be upgraded along with new open space at Carnegie.

The open space will include picnic table, a half-court for basketball and netball and fitness equipment at Girdwood Avenue.

A new children’s playground will be built at Woodayl Street Reserve.

Works start this month, with the areas expected to open in late 2021.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Victoria.

More than 6,000 Victorian men will be diagnosed each year. More than 800 Victorian men will die of prostate cancer each year.

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NEWS

Arts vision for old church

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Negotiations to save one of Keysborough’s oldest standing buildings have taken a promising turn, Greater Dandenong councillors say.

Residents and councillors have lobbied to save the markedly-deteriorating 144-year-old Keysborough Methodist Church at 176 Chapel Road.

In the meantime, Greater Dandenong Council and the church’s owner the Uniting Church have been in months of talks about a possible handover for a ‘peppercorn fee’.

Land at the rear of the church may be set aside for “quality” large-lot housing.

Similarly, the council secured the historic Masonic lodge in Mason Street, Dandenong for $1. The Greater Dandenong Gallery of Art is soon to open on the renovated site.

Gaye Guest, who is part of the community campaign, was hopeful of a similar transformation at the Keysborough church.

“The church isn’t getting any younger. It needs a bit of TLC.” Community members were seeking to form a corporation, with the dream of running a museum, art gallery, community garden and cafe in the church, Ms Guest said.

She said convents in Abbotsford and Daylesford had been brilliantly transformed into idyllic arts precincts.

Meanwhile, an online petition to save the church has attracted close to 1500 signatures.

Keysborough South Ward councillor Rhonda Garad said there was “growing interest” in saving the chapel.

“Almost all of Keysborough South is brand new which makes saving the precious remnants of history so much more important.

“The Chapel would make a wonderful community meeting place. It would be wonderful to retain this.

Some of the church’s stained-glass windows have been damaged. 241985

Residents and Greater Dandenong councillors are rallying to preserve a historic church as a Pictures: GARY SISSONS possible arts hub. 241985 “Our discussions with the Uniting Church continue, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome.”

Dandenong Ward councillor Jim Memeti said the community wants to save one of Greater Dandenong’s oldest surviving buildings.

“If the council is going to get involved to

preserve it, it needs to have possession. It needs to own the building (for a peppercorn fee).”

The Gothic-style building with coloured stained-glass windows, historic honour boards and shingle roof is a rare remnant of the area’s 19th-century history.

It is encroached by a towering housing es-

tate to the south and a proposed sub-division to the north.

Talks are said to have been further spurred by a recent State Government law to protect historic properties from unlawful demolition and neglect.

The laws would allow the Government to step in when a historic building is unlawfully demolished or – perhaps crucially in the Keysborough church case – allowed to fall into disrepair.

Owners charged with unlawful demolition could be banned from developing the site for up to 10 years.

VALLEY VILLAGE MEWS RETIREMENT VILLAGE 112 STUD ROAD DANDENONG Council’s Community Grants Program The City of Greater Dandenong provides financial assistance to community groups and individuals, through a range of grants programs, for activities that will benefit local residents.

The Community Support Grants Program Round 2, 2021 is now open and will close midnight 9 August.

All applications must be made online through Council’s website https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/grants

• Tuesday 13 July 1:30pm – 2:30pm • Wednesday 21 July 5:30pm – 6:30pm • Thursday 29 July 5:30pm – 6:30pm • Tuesday 3 August 11:30am – 12:30pm Bookings are required for all appointments and sessions and subject to COVID-19 requirements.

To book a meeting with the Community Funding Team or to reserve a place at the Grants Information Session, please email commgrants@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 8571 1432.

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STAR JOURNAL 5

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 7 July 1921 Dandenong State School The planting of a memorial tree formed the main feature of the Arbor Day celebrations on Friday last at the Dandenong State School.

Proceedings commenced early in the afternoon, when the senior boys were occupied for an hour, digging, carting soil, and preparing plots for planting. At 2 o’clock the junior school was assembled in Foster Street and the youngest girl in the 2nd grade - Gwen McCormack - planted a wattle tree to take the place of one that was destroyed last year.

At 2.30pm the whole school was assembled, and the children having been provided

each with a small Union Jack, were marched in fours round the grounds and into Foster Street, led by a boy carrying the school flag and a girl bearing the Memorial Tree an English Oak. Mrs Masters, a member of the school committee, planted the tree, which is to have a plaque attached bearing the names of those old pupils of the school who died in the war.

50 years 1 July 1971 They risk death to steal ‘live’ copper wire from SEC Thieves in their biggest raid this year chopped 1400 yds of ‘live’ seven-strand copper conducting wire from SEC poles in Upper Paken-

ham. The State Electricity Commission told Dandenong CIB that the stolen wire was valued at $183. Det Charles Cox of Dandenong CIB and First Const R K Twite of Pakenham are investigating.

20 years ago 2 July 2001 Hard Times strike Poverty is on the increase in Dandenong and Casey and winter will only compound the problem. So grave is the situation the Cornerstone faith mission which operates from the former Church of Christ in Mason Street Dandenong has seen since January a 60% increase in the numbers attending the Wednesday and Friday drop-in centre and free

luncheons. There has also been an increase in the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night programs.

To meet the escalating needs Cornerstone will open its Drop In Centre on Mondays 1-3pm

5 years ago 4 July 2016 Fashion Statement There was a rather telling fashion statement worn by a man in custody who was brought into the Dandenong Magistrates Court. On the front of his white T shirt was emblazoned in Gothic font “Doin Time”. Surely it’s a slogan that ought to appear on prison issue tracksuits.

NEWS/OPINION

Method for raising hope

By Reverend Bhakta Dasa, Hare Krishna minister of religion and Faith Communities Council of Victoria chair

MESSAGE OF

In all the various branches of Hinduism the Bhagavad Gita (The Song of God) is a sacred treatise that is surcharged with “hope”.

One of the central personalities in the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Arjuna, after surrendering and listening to the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, became filled with hope.

A hope that was grounded in wisdom and animated by devotion.

That hope inspired him to stand firm and tall, ready to respond gallantly to the call of duty.

Arjuna, at the start of this epic, was a broken man crushed with doubt and direction in life.

HOPE After hearing directly from Lord Krishna hope was restored to this valiant soldier.

This restoration of his morale represents the potential of Bhagavad Gita wisdom to similarly restore and reinforce ones’ determination, to inspire us to meet life’s challenges with confidence and courage.

Bhagavad Gita wisdom offers us all hope amidst the worst darkness and sadness especially now as we go through this dreadful Covid pandemic.

Hope that there is a way ahead that we can find the way, that we can move along the way and there is help available for us to perceive and pursue the way.

God’s grace can set things right even when everything seems wrong and difficult and even when nothing we do seems to set it right.

Mahatma Gandhi put this hope-inducing nature of the Bhagavad Gita well.

“When doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face, and I see not one ray of hope on the horizon, I turn to Bhagavad Gita and find a verse to comfort me; and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow.”

The same comfort and confidence, especially in these difficult times, awaits us all as one opens oneself to the empowerment of the “Bhagavad Gita As It Is” wisdom.

Reverend Bhakta Dasa takes inspiration from peaceful revolutionary Mahatma Ghandi.

An escape from reality with Cosentino

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Cosentino is a home-grown, world success story.

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For even a world-renowned escape-artist, there’s no getting away from the Covid-19 pandemic.

2020 scuttled the Lysterfield South-raised Cosentino’s planned regional tour Deception.

Like his stunning sleights-of-hand and illusions, the year had been a case of ‘expect the unexpected’.

But again like Cosentino’s death-defying denouements, Deception will resurface in his “back yard” in Melbourne’s South East this coming week.

“As a performer with the equipment, trailers and crew, it’s challenging to reschedule and postpone shows – but as they say the show must go on.”

After performing in South East Asia for much of the past five years, Cosentino is excited to be in front of a home audience.

In his inimitable style, there’ll be disappearing acts, levitations, escapes, dance moves, hilarity and audience participation.

All spectacularly backed by his own lighting designer, sets, bespoke costumes and sound.

Since rising to national acclaim on Australia’s Got Talent, his business empire based in Hallam has sprouted children’s books and TV shows watched by more than 100 million.

He’s been awarded the magicians’ highest honours, the Merlin Awards for best international magician and best international escape artist.

Behind the flashy magic is a lot of toil, he says.

His father and mother, both professionals, told him it would have been easier to choose a more conventional path.

“It’s very challenging to turn your hobby and passion into a living - and support others while doing it.

“You can’t just be good, you have to be excellent.

“You can be mediocre in so many things and make a living. In entertainment, you have to be more than good.

“It takes hard work, dedication and a bit of luck. All the stars have to align.”

As a shy 12-year-old who couldn’t read, he

Cosentino’s Deception tour appears at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren on Friday 9 July. was introduced to a Houdini magic book from the Narre Warren library.

What was revealed to him was not just magic, but the trick of reading.

He first performed ‘the French drop’ at home. His father asked him how did he did it, and he felt a “transfer of power”.

Here was his father who came to Australia at 13, couldn’t read, couldn’t speak English and had built his own successful business.

While at the time, Cosentino was unsure of himself, bullied and “back of the classroom”.

“Here was something that my father couldn’t explain.

“I now had control over things and could do

things nobody could explain.”

There’s no mystery to his tricks, he says.

Indeed, when he made a name for himself, he lifted the veil on magic.

While Houdini escaped behind a sheet, Cosentino’s trickery was in plain sight.

But despite his meticulous planning and skill, there’s another thing this conjurer can’t escape – and that’s the steep rate of insurance.

“That is very real.”

Deception is at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren on Friday 9 July and Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston on Saturday 10 July.

Details: www.bunjilplace.com.au and www. artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

$25k bill for council trip

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An all-expenses trip for all 11 Greater Dandenong councillors and a council director to a conference in Canberra has cost ratepayers at least $25,000.

The delegation joined other councils for the Australian Local Government Association’s general assembly at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on 20-23 June.

Greater Dandenong confirmed its registration, airfares and accommodation costs were at least $25,651 “to date” – not including GST. Some councillors stayed at the nearby four-star Crowne Plaza Hotel – which has advertised rates of $189 a night. Others opted to share a family unit.

Cr Tim Dark told a council meeting on 28 June that it gave a chance to network, talk ideas and find out what other councils were doing differently.

It was also a chance to lobby for project funding from federal MPs. Cr Richard Lim said it was a chance to “strengthen relationships” between Greater Dandenong councillors as well as peers across the country.

“It was great that everyone was able to set

aside their political differences.”

As a new councillor, Cr Eden Foster appreciated the chance to meet others on topics such as mental health, climate change and Covid recovery.

Cr Jim Memeti told Star Journal the new councillors in particular “got a lot” out of the experience.

They learnt how to advocate for the council area, as well as consult peers across the nation on topics such as re-developing aquatic centres such as Dandenong Oasis.

“They would never otherwise be able to speak to councillors from across Australia.”

Cr Rhonda Garad said it was a “fair investment”, especially for new councillors.

Part of their mission was to lobby for federal funding for “post-Covid recovery” projects.

They were armed with an ‘advocacy document’, including sales-pitches for the $62.5 million Dandenong Oasis redevelopment and $110 million soccer stadium and events centre in Dandenong.

It also spruiked the $13 million development of an indoor multi-purpose centre at Shepley Oval, and more social and affordable housing.

Transport needs included completing eastwest links on Dandenong Bypass, Bangholme Road and Glasscocks Road, upgrading Yarraman railway station and a rail connection to the South East Freight Hub. The document also proposed extending the Djerring Trail to Dandenong, a cycling corridor along the Cranbourne rail line and an EastLink Trail bridge over rail tracks at Dandenong.

During the national assembly, the ALGA unanimously passed a motion calling on Australia to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Months earlier, Greater Dandenong councillors had voted down a similar motion.

Cr Garad and Cr Foster will reintroduce the motion at a Greater Dandenong meeting, with Cr Foster noting most councils across the country support the push.

“I strongly encourage my fellow councillors to reconsider this if it comes to council in the future.”

Cr Garad said she enjoyed the assembly’s “left-wing agenda” including action against climate-change.

“The right-wing people weren’t in the room.”

Cr Memeti, who opposed the motion at council, said the ALGA motions were tokenistic. “There wasn’t any opposition to any of the motions being passed.

“As long as footpaths, roads and services are to be fixed, then we’re not ready to get involved in world affairs. Leave that to the state and federal MPs.” Greater Dandenong chief executive John Bennie said all councillors chose to attend as part of a “comprehensive induction process” after “significant change” in the 2020 council elections.

It gave councillors across Australia a chance to “engage directly with the Federal Government” and “influence the future direction of councils and communities”, Mr Bennie said.

“Under the Greater Dandenong Council Expenses, Support and Accountability Policy, councillors are supported in attending professional development conferences and those that further their ability to add value to the office of councillor and to the communities they serve.”

Councillors are expected to present a verbal or written report on “outcomes” at a future council meeting, Mr Bennie said.

ALDI comfirms its Dandenong Market store will close Supermarket giant ALDI is set to close its high-profile site at Dandenong Market.

After 15 years at the market, the store’s last month of trading will be October 2021.

Its outlet at the nearby Dandenong Plaza will remain open.

“Our store network has grown steadily and

we are now taking steps to refine the geography of our stores, therefore we have decided not to renew the lease at our Dandenong Market store,” an ALDI Australia spokesperson said.

“We acknowledge, and are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause for regular shoppers to the store.

“We are thankful for the ongoing support

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we have received from the community.”

All employees at the Dandenong Market store will be employed at other ALDI stores, the spokesperson said.

Greater Dandenong Council, which owns the market site, said it was “disappointed” in the news.

“We are working closely with Dandenong Market P/L to find a replacement tenant as

soon as possible,” customer service executive manager Kylie Sprague said.

“We anticipate there will be strong demand for such a prominent location within the vibrant market precinct.”

Dandenong Market general manager Jennifer Hibbs said the market was “confident” in finding a “suitable” replacement tenant.

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By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Have your say Project concept designs

This route delivers the best connections from Melbourne Airport to the regions and suburbs for all Victorians, getting people to where they want to go with easy transfers to all regional lines and trips into the heart of the CBD in around 30 minutes.

We want to hear your views on parts of the project including: — Sunshine transport superhub — Albion flyover and station works — Walking and cycling connections — Bridge over the Maribyrnong River Valley — Bridge over the Western Ring Road (M80) Check out our virtual information room to view the concept designs at airportrail.vic.gov.au and learn more about the project.

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Melbourne Airport Rail will run from a new station at Melbourne Airport to Sunshine Station, where it will then travel through the Metro Tunnel into the heart of the CBD before continuing on to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.

279 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC 3175 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Messages from an Elder

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Aunty Pat Ockwell’s life story is a message.

As a revered senior Wurundjeri elder, she now has a fervent urge to pass lessons learnt from her elders to younger minds.

This is as it has been done for tens of thousands of years.

In a 250-page, lusciously illustrated biography, ‘Aunty Pat Ockwell Tells Her Story’, she traces 84 years of life and her deep family connections.

There is also the story of a tireless community servant in justice, housing, and hostels in Dandenong and across Australia.

She is renowned for getting young lives back on track and out of jail, such as by sitting on the Koori Court as an Elder for 14 years.

“I wanted to help the younger ones coming up in the future,” Aunty Pat says.

“I thought if I did a book, I could put a lot of stuff in it for the younger ones to read. And to teach them about life and what it was like.”

The book took two-and-a-half years, including 12 months of Covid disruptions that limited her contact with collaborator Pauline Mackinnon to chats on the phone.

“This book means a lot to me. It tells the story of my family, and it goes right back to the start.”

She starts with her Mum and Dad. When Aunty Pat was born in 1937, her mother Martha Terrick and husband Patrick Nicholson lived with her grandmother Jessie Jemima Wandin Terrick in Collingwood.

At the time, her father served with the Royal Australian Air Force.

Her childhood memories are of growing up in Healesville – an area with strong connection for the Terrick family.

Seeking seasonal farm and orchard work, they travelled the countryside as a family in an

Pauline Mackinnon and Aunty Pat Ockwell with the wonderfully-presented life-story. 240276 Picture: GARY SISSONS old truck that her Dad converted into a caravan.

Along the way, they camped. The kids woke early to hunt, kill and prepare their food for breakfast, such as rabbit.

“We knew how to do all that stuff. We were taught by our uncles and mum the way to do things, and how to live off the land.

“We grew up with a lot of experiences – that’s where we picked up a lot of knowledge

while travelling around.”

As a kid, she remembers running and playing around the middle of the dried-up salty Lake Boga. Recently, she saw it full of water and pelicans.

“It’s so beautiful up there now.”

In 1958, she married Woori Yallock farmer Ted Ockwell, and mothered six children.

Inspired by elders before her, Aunty Pat’s service has been devoted to trying to help her people.

Her Auntie Winnie - a very important Wurundjeri leader – said that when she was gone, Aunty Pat would have to “step up”.

And she did.

She’s served on the board of Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative, as well as the Wurundjeri Tribe Council, Aboriginal Community Elders Services and Aboriginal Housing Victoria.

She started domestic work at the Roy Harrison (Gunai) Hostel in Dandenong, helping students, the homeless and interstate visitors.

She progressed to a national manager of Aboriginal Hostels Limited, talking the nittygritty of enterprise bargaining in hostels as far flung as the NT. In her introduction to her book, she writes: “It is still very difficult times for all our people.

“So, we must create a way for our people, and especially our young ones, to hear the stories of their Elders.

“So they learn about who they are and learn to be proud.”

Aunty Pat Ockwell Tells Her Story is available for sale through Aunty Pat for $50.

Contact: Pauline Mackinnon at bonesy. mackinnon@gmail.com or 0418 429 025 It will be available at the Melbourne Museum, and some other book stores, at a higher price.

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Do you like Enjoy a feast of winter art talking on the phone?

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Pull on your winter woollies and come on out and get inspired during the Winter Arts Festival.

The Winter Arts Festivals is a month of performances, events, workshops, film screenings, digital stories, exhibitions and the much-loved Open Studios weekend.

SECAN (South Eastern Contemporary Art Network) is also keeping the Open Studio event going for all of July and the first Sunday of August on each Saturday and Sunday.

This year a group of five SECAN artists will be doing demonstrations and showing their artworks at Gate 6 Gallery in Berwick.

The lockdown periods have either been a blessing or a curse to artists, and the Winter Arts Festival is a chance to get out and see what local artists have been up to during lockdown while hopefully giving others inspiration to get creative again.

Kathleen Kendall has taken full advantage of not being able to attend her day job and has used the time to explore different techniques and mediums.

During the Winter Arts Festival her focus will be on her cat series in acrylic paint and also a recycled paper artwork.

Jennie-Maree Tempest brings nature to life in fabric and thread with her botanical textile sculptures.

Phil Nevin has recently been forced to reduce the dimensions of his large acrylic painted canvasses and is now confined to small rapid-fire cartoon sketches of unsuspecting random passers-by.

During the Open Studio event, Phil hopes to sketch 1000 faces on a full table length sheet of paper.

Monique Clift spent the period creating a body of work for her recent group exhibition ’The Italian Job’, which sadly had to close part way through during the most recent lockdown.

These works explore a range of mediums and techniques, including painting, pastel drawing, printmaking and ceramics.

Art by Jennie-maree Tempest.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Monique Clift will demonstrate techniques in hand building with clay.

The gallery is located at the back of Akoonah Park, with entry via gate six on the corner of Gamble and Cardinia Streets, Berwick. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Psychologists Jaya Mathew and Dr Maxwell Fraser from Monash Health’s Picture: GARY SISSONS ELMHS. 242465

Mental health parliamentary secretary Steve Dimopoulos. 242465

Youth advisory group member Malamati, left, explains why MOST works.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

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Help that’s MOST needed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Here is some ‘screen time’ that actually does wonders for mental health.

MOST (Moderated Online Social Therapy) is an Australian-designed digital mental health therapy for young people offered by services such as headspace and Monash Health.

And it is the very opposite to online trolling and “fake” social media.

One of its early adopters is Malamati who is part of a MOST youth advisory group using the prototype platform.

“I’m not a big person on social media,” she told a launch at Monash Health Community Health Services in Dandenong on 30 June.

“I don’t have Instagram or Twitter anymore.

I find it overwhelming.”

But MOST is something different. It’s a 24-7 digital program that provides clinical advice and peer support for 15 to 25-year-olds whenever they need it.

Crucially, it fast-tracks therapy for a surge of young people on mental health services’ waiting lists.

Even in those lonely, despairing moments late at night, ‘real time’ help is at hand.

Clinicians, specialists and trained peers with lived experience like Malamati are online with supportive posts and positive feedback.

“To see people in their purest forms and their accomplishments during their mental health journey is the most wonderful thing,” Malamati says.

Accomplishments can be eating every day, getting out of bed or going out to a job interview and “nailing it”.

The positive feedback received was “destigmatising”.

MOST was designed by Orygen at its National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health.

Orygen Digital director Professor Mario Alvarez-Jimenez said it was a platform that young people had asked for.

“The dream is that young people will get the help they need when they need it and for as long as they need it.”

It operates at 32 youth mental health services in Victoria, including headspace centres

Orygen Digital director Professor Mario Alvarez-Jiminez at the MOST announcement in Picture: GARY SISSONS Dandenong. 242465

Orygen Digital director Professor Mario Alvarez-Jiminez, MOST youth advisory group member Malamati, Orygen director Professor Patrick McGorry, Parliamentary mental health secretary Steve Dimopoulos and Monash Health mental health general manager Paula Hakesley. 242465 Picture: GARY SISSONS and Monash Health.

Last week, the State Government announced $12 million to continue MOST over the next two years.

Mental health parliamentary secretary Steve Dimopoulos also announced a pilot, extending help for 12-14-year-old clients.

He spoke of the importance of treating mental health early – 75 per cent of diagnosable mental illness emerged before the age of 25.

“MOST is a critical service because we know the earlier we can reach someone struggling with their mental health, the better their life outcomes.”

Mr Dimopoulos said the Government was addressing the under-funding of mental health – long seen as the “poor cousin of the health system”.

CONGRATULATIONS MELBOURNE CITY FC, A-LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

In the wake of the state’s Royal Commission into mental health, the Government had boosted funding to a record $3.8 billion, including $842 million for youths.

Orygen executive director Professor Patrick McGorry said he’d seen the mental health system “crumble” after an initially exciting shift to de-institutionalisation became chronically underfunded.

“It’s taken 20 years for a government to come along and recognise the policy failure from that time.”

After the Royal Commission, there was a “new dawn”. Out of anywhere in the world, Victoria was now “the place to be” for mental health services, Professor McGorry said.

“It’s a big responsibility for us not to blow it this time”.

Orygen director Professor Patrick McGorry.

242465 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Melbourne City is relocating to South East Melbourne next month in a joint partnership with Greater Dandenong and the City of Casey.

We can’t wait to welcome this title-winning club to our football-loving community and inspire the next generation of champions.

The Greater Dandenong City Council wishes to extend its congratulations to Melbourne City Football Club for winning its first A-League championship with a

3-1 grand final win over Sydney FC on 27 June.

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An artist’s impression of the Melbourne City administration and high performance building.

Artist’s impression of Melbourne City’s new administration and high performance building at Casey

Premiers dig new home

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Freshly crowned as A-League premiers, Melbourne City FC will start embedding itself at its new home in coming months.

Admin staff for the champion club will start moving into the precinct in August.

Meanwhile, the club’s A-League and fourtime W-League premiership teams start preseason training in August and September respectively.

The academy teams started playing and training at Casey Fields in February.

Melbourne City chief executive Brad Rowse said the move to the South East and the 3-1 grand final victory on 27 June were “just the beginning of an exciting future”.

“The welcome we have received in the South East has been extraordinary, and we cannot wait to see the Etihad City Football Academy come to life.

“This is more than an elite training facility, it’s a home for football in South East Melbourne.”

Greater Dandenong Council is lobbying for funds for a $110 million Dandenong Sports and Events Centre to host future Melbourne City games.

Located next to Dandenong railway station, the stadium would hold up to 15,000 spectators for soccer, rugby, marquee community sports, concerts, festivals, conferences and possibly eSports.

Councillor Jim Memeti – who instigated the push for a national-league soccer in Dandenong - congratulated the club on its premiership success.

“I’d love to see them bring the trophy to Harmony Square.”

Recently, the first sod was turned on the club’s new elite-training pitch at Casey Fields.

Made of hybrid grass, the pitch is flanked by four existing pitches – one grass and three synthetic.

The existing fields will be used by Melbourne City’s academy teams, City in the Community programs as well as local schools and club programs.

Second stage is a new two-story admin and high-performance building.

Currently in detailed design phase, building works are expected to start this year. Completion is estimated at mid-2022.

Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the start of works was “another exciting milestone” in the partnership between the

Melbourne City’s head of legal May Low, head of infrastructure Ian Wilson and chief executive Brad Rowse with Casey CEO Glenn Patterson, Casey city design and construction manager Trevor Griffin and city planning director James Collins at the sod-turning at Casey Fields. council and the club.

“The December announcement of Melbourne City’s move to South East Melbourne was met with great enthusiasm in our community.

“To now see signs of life in the development of the next stage of what will be a truly world class facility will only increase that level of excitement.”

At the sod-turning, Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson said he was “already in awe of the facility we are standing in today”.

“I am really looking forward to touring the finished product next year.

“The City of Casey has invested significantly into this project, but we have done so because of the enormous good we know it – and the club – can provide for our residents.

‘We reside within one of the most multicultural communities in Australia, and so many in our community absolutely love the round ball game.”

An artist’s impression of the City Football Academy site.

New nets for Parkfield The State Government has stumped up for Parkfield Cricket Club’s three new synthetic nets.

South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis announced $100,000 for the new practice facilities.

They will be relocated to the south-east corner as part of the upgraded Parkfield Reserve in Noble Park.

The funding comes from the State’s $2.8 million Community Cricket Program – an effort to support grass-roots sport after a Covid-ravaged 16 months.

“This compliments the other projects underway in Noble Park, like the all-abilities 10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 6 July, 2021

playground and the new synthetic soccer pitch at Ross Reserve, that deliver state-ofthe-art facilities for our local community,” Mr Tarlamis said.

“This funding will inspire even more local boys, girls, men and women to sign up for the mighty Parkfield Cricket Club and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Greater Dandenong councillor Eden Foster, Parkfield Cricket Club president David Swierzbiolek, mayor Angela Long, club members and South-East Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis at the current nets. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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IN BRIEF

Scammers warned

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Visa scam-agents have been put on notice after a 47-year-old unregistered migration agent in Victoria was jailed.

It comes as Star Journal reported on an alleged visa scam in which single, elderly men were targeted to marry overseas citizens in order to obtain partner visas in Australia.

They claim a pair of women operating as illegal, unregistered migration agents out of a Springvale cafe are pulling the strings.

They allegedly demand tens of thousands of dollars from would-be visa applicants.

In a recent case, a 47-year-old Victorian woman was jailed for nine months for providing unregistered migration services.

She provided false documents purportedly from the Department of Home Affairs to convince clients to pay her $15,000 as security for a visa application.

Her clients, thinking they had valid visas, became unlawful in Australia and were denied re-entry to Australia.

On 21 June, Werribee Magistrates’ Court jailed her and ordered her to compensate her victims.

Australian Border Force Commander James Watson said “unlawfully taking money from vulnerable and unwitting people … is a terrible crime.”

Federal assistant customs and multicultural affairs minister Jason Wood warned those involved in visa scams or posing as migration agents face significant penalties.

He said the Government had set up a Migration Advice Industry Advisory Panel of industry experts to help develop a “world-class migration advice industry”.

“I am committed to a world class migration advice industry and have been working on comprehensive changes aimed at further protecting vulnerable consumers and eliminating those scammers and frauds that exploit Australian visas for their criminal financial gains.”

A lawyer and a registered migration agent told the Star Journal that some visa applicants were instructed to make false family violence claims to fast-track their visas.

Under Australia’s regulations, partner visa applicants are granted permanent residency

if their relationship breaks down or suffer domestic violence from their sponsor.

A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said family violence claims had to be supported by evidence.

“The provisions exist to avoid a situation where a visa applicant feels compelled to remain in a violent relationship for fear of losing their eligibility for permanent residence.”

Unregistered migration agents providing unlawful services and misleading advice were not tolerated, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said a list of registered migration agents are listed on the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) website’s register.

“The ABF (Australian Border Force) does not hesitate to investigate unregistered migration agents.

“The courts can impose significant penalties, including periods of imprisonment for individuals who seek payment for giving immigration assistance while not registered.”

To report unregistered migration assistance, go to www.border.gov.au/borderwatch.

Pillar of hospital’s history A historic story-telling sign has been installed at the site of Springvale’s first hospital.

The three-metre Community Hospital Interpretative Sign tells of the hospital’s evolution into Springvale’s unique community health service.

Mayor Angela Long said the “brilliant structure” in front of Monash Health’s services in Buckingham Avenue paid homage to the site’s history.

“It is a striking design featuring a brief story, historic image and hero words laser cut into the top of the sign making it unique and identifiable from a distance.”

The sign is part of an ongoing placemaking program telling stories of historic sites in Springvale, Noble Park and Dandenong.

It is funded through the Placemaking and Revitalisation Business Unit of Greater Dandenong Council.

The sign tells the story of Springvale’s first hospital in Buckingham Avenue. 241947 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Councillor Richard Lim and mayor Angela Long at the Springvale hospital interpretative sign. 241947

By Danielle Kutchel

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Special school leader appointed A principal has been appointed for the upcoming specialist school in Endeavour Hills.

Susan Coull has more than 30 years’ experience in working with children with disabilities.

She has led three specialist schools, most recently as principal at the Currajong School in Malvern East.

Ms Coull has a Master’s degree in special education, and trained as a music therapist.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said Ms Coull’s appointment ensured a “great leader for a a fantastic new school that will meet the additional needs of students with disabilities in the area”.

Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said the Government was ensuring “students of all abilities can access a great education – no matter their circumstances”.

The new school – with an interim name Endeavour Hills Specialist School – will cater for up to 288 students from Prep to Year 12 with autism or a range of intellectual disabilities.

The school will create separate community buildings for early years, middle school and senior students.

Students with medium to high care needs will be supported with a separate kitchen, small learning space and fully assisted toilet in each building.

Specialist spaces will cater for media, communications, drama, physical activities, art, science, craft and technology studies.

Middle and senior students will have a dedicated life skills space.

The school is expected to open in 2022.

Clubs win Covid-aid package

Library club sparks Poppy’s passion Watching eight-year-old Poppy connecting a series of multicoloured Lego pieces, you can see her imagination is fired up.

As she delves into the box, hunting for that elusive next piece, it’s clear she has a vision for her sculpture and is determined to make it work.

Poppy discovered her passion for the worldfamous building blocks at Cranbourne Library when she and her mum found the Lego Club.

Run by Casey Cardinia Libraries, the Lego Club allows kids from age four to 14 to harness their inner engineer and build crazy Lego creations.

For Poppy, who was born with only half a functioning heart, the Lego Club was a lifechanger.

Her mother Amelia said the club gave Poppy the opportunity to meet other kids her own age and broaden her social circle.

“A child like Poppy can’t necessarily participate in all the things that other children do,” she said.

“The Lego Club though gives Poppy a creative outlet that also fosters her passion.”

Through the club, Poppy has also learnt patience and problem-solving skills – for when, as Poppy herself explained, the Lego “disagrees” with her.

Poppy said she loves her library, with its multitude of books to sink her teeth into, and the Lego Club where she can “build lots of things”.

Amelia said Poppy comes to the Lego Club every week when it’s on and is hoping to get

Recent works at the under-construction Endeavour Hills Specialist School. 237281

Hallam Football Netball Club was one of more than 200 clubs receiving $2000 Covid relief grants.

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence announced 202 grassroots clubs and organisations received the grants to help with the impact of the latest lockdowns.

“This is about helping support our community clubs and their members get back to the playing field and resume momentum as safely as possible.”

The Sporting Club Grants Program was designed to help with costs such as cancellation fees for facilities, coaches and officials and the loss of perishable goods and booking fees.

Hallam FNC had incurred costs from cancelling training and competitions.

“The Sporting Club grant for event support is a huge help for our club with paying coaching fees due to the recent Lockdown,” club treasurer Paris Hipsz said.

“It means we can continue to grow as a club and won’t fall behind.”

The next round of the Sporting Club Grants Program will open later this year.

Grants will be available for new uniforms and equipment, training coaches, officials and volunteers and improving club operations.

Details: sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.

Sleeze targets schoolgirls in Noble Park

Poppy loves coming to Lego Club. 242768 involved in the STEAM Club next term.

Casey Cardinia Libraries is currently raising funds to expand its science programs.

The organisation runs a variety of programs and events for all ages, and while core operations are covered by government funding, it sometimes needs help to grow its other programs.

According to the library, $30 buys a Lego

Picture: DANIELLE KUTCHEL Classics set for one of its branches; $100 provides circuit kits so that children can learn how to light up their model; and $150 will allow the library to buy a set of LEGO Technic motors so that children can create moving parts.

Casey Cardinia Libraries is looking to raise $10,000 this winter.

To donate, visit https://www.cclc.vic.gov.au/ help-grow-our-lego-and-science-programs/

An unknown man is wanted over lewd behaviour towards school-girls in Noble Park last month.

He allegedly approached a 16-year-old on Heatherton Road, near Corrigan Road, about 3.45pm on Wednesday 26 May as well as a 13-year-old on Heatherton Road about 10 minutes later.

In both cases, the same man showed an explicit pornographic video and made sexual comments to the girls, police say.

The girls fled from the man.

Dandenong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives have released a computer-generated image of a man wanted for questioning.

He is described as Indian sub-continental appearance, aged in his 30’s and with a long, black beard.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Tuesday, 6 July, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Casey plans for future

By Danielle Kutchel The City of Casey’s administrators have voted unanimously to approve a suite of planning and strategy documents designed to steer the council into the future.

At a special council meeting on Tuesday 29 June, the three administrators voted to adopt the final suite of corporate planning documents, including its annual budget and council plan 2021-25.

Chair of administrators Noelene Duff began the meeting by reflecting on the process that had taken place to deliver the documents to the council.

She said “extensive community consultation” had taken place via the Shape Your City engagement program to shape the documents before they reached the meeting floor and thanked all the staff involved.

Ms Duff said new communities and new parts of communities were being established in Casey on a daily basis, and council staff had engaged in creative means to reach them.

Moving the motion to adopt the sweeping suite of documents, administrator Miguel Belmar thanked those who had made submissions on the documents earlier this month.

“I’m mindful that tonight we’re adopting motions that set up long-term strategies for the community,” he said.

The council budget includes a general rates increase across the City of Casey of 1.5 per cent, in line with state government regulations.

Mr Belmar said careful analysis had shown with this increase, the council would be able to meet its commitments into the future.

He said hardship provisions – which were passed in the same council meeting after the approval of the budget and strategic documents – would assist those struggling to make their rate payments.

Fellow administrator Cameron Boardman said valid issues had been raised during public consultation on the documents and the budget.

He reiterated comments made in earlier council meetings that the council had considered a variety of options before settling on a 1.5 per cent increase in rates, noting their impact on the council’s forward financial plan and “ambitious and largest ever capital works budget”.

Mr Boardman said the administrators “thoroughly believe” the option was in the best interests of the municipality.

He too praised the community consultation which had shaped the documents.

“This is setting the benchmark of how community consultation in the future will be conducted. I think it’s unparalleled anywhere in local government,” he said.

The Shape Your City program ran over six months from 2020-21 and fed into the Casey Long-Term Community Vision 2031 and the Council Plan 2021-25.

Other strategic documents endorsed at the meeting included the: Draft Annual Action Plan 2021/22.

·

Resource Plan 2021-2024 (which · Strategic includes the Draft Budget 2021/2022, Capi-

· · · · · · · · · ·

·

tal Works Plan 2021/2022 and Draft 10 Year Finance Plan).

Draft Fees and Charges for 2021/2022.

Draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2021 to 2025.

According to the council, insights from Shape Your City identified a series of themes that ratepayers wanted prioritised and which now form part of the Council Plan and Vision, including: Cleanliness and maintenance of public spaces.

Reduced crime and improved safety.

Community connectedness.

Transport and improved access throughout Casey.

Improving confidence in the council.

In a statement, Ms Duff said she was delighted to launch the strategic documents, which would guide the way we work and drive the direction of the City of Casey over the coming years.

“Both the Vision and Council Plan are designed to position council to take this city forward and support us to be ideally placed to continue the work we do, while managing growth, creating social connections, building sustainable infrastructure, creating local jobs and delivering services,” Ms Duff said.

“The Council Plan defines seven strategic

· · · · · · · · · · ·

objectives for us to achieve over the next four years and I look forward to working with our community, staff and other levels of government to accomplish these.”

The council’s $569.7 million total budget includes a $421.17 million operating budget and a $148.5 million capital works program.

Highlights include $62.1 million to upgrade and deliver new recreational facilities, $46.3 million to construct and upgrade roads and footpaths, and $14.4 million towards renewing parks, leisure and recreational facilities.

Child, youth and family services will receive $48 million, while there’s $45 million for waste management and $24 million for arts and culture.

Some of the projects lined up in the 2021/22 Capital Works Program include: Construction of the Clyde Recreation Reserve for $17.75 million.

Casey Fields Soccer Stage 2 works, Cranbourne East for $15 million.

Construction of the Cranbourne West Sport and Recreation Reserve for $8.12 million.

A new family and community centre in Clyde for $2 million.

A new football and cricket pavilion at the Pearcedale Recreation Reserve for $2 million.

Upgrades to the Narre Warren North Kindergarten for $310,660.

Renewal of the Berwick Senior Citizens Centre for $230,440.

Over the next few weeks, Star Journal is profiling the finalists in the 2021 Casey Business Awards. In the lead up to the announcement of the winners of each category in the coming weeks, we’ll feature stories of these inspiring businesses and the secrets to their awards success.

Pivoting to resilience for business success amid Covid

By Danielle Kutchel Being named a finalist in the 2021 Casey Business Awards is a privilege, according to Michelle Simmonds, founder and director of Gumboots Child Therapy.

The service was named in the resilience category, and after a year like no other, Ms Simmonds said the team had worked incredibly hard during Victoria’s Covid lockdowns to continue to provide its services to some of Casey’s most vulnerable families.

Ms Simmonds created the business in 2016 to provide “great therapy to vulnerable families”.

At the time, there were only minimal multidisciplinary services in the Casey area, she said.

Stand-alone psychology and speech therapy practices existed, however, Ms Simmonds said the sector was missing “the collaborative nature of the informal discussions that clinicians can have when they are all working under the same roof”.

Ms Simmonds said Gumboots demonstrated resilience in its approach to client care during the lockdown.

The clinic proactively moved client appointments to telehealth and took on additional students to support those who had lost hospital placements and help ensure the future of allied health.

Gumboots used the downtime to partner with Monash University on a project that assessed the barriers for vulnerable Casey families to accessing allied health services.

Ms Simmonds and the Gumboots team also ran an online professional development course that saw 157 allied health professionals from across the country learn how Gumboots had used Zoom and online programs to provide evidence-based therapy.

The clinic also delivered care packages to vulnerable families who were unable to access essentials like toilet paper during the panic-buying frenzy.

“Resilience, to me, means finding the silver linings in stressful situations,” Ms Simmonds said.

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Vanessa Wolf and Michelle Simmonds from Gumboots Child Therapy Service. 236511 Picture: GARY SISSONS supporting staff and ensuring clients have access to supports as they require.

“It means we have to think both reactively and proactively at the same time whilst

maintaining a growth mindset and a can-do attitude.”

Concerned about the possibility of the team being a conduit to spread Covid to a

medically vulnerable child, the move to telehealth made sense, Ms Simmonds said.

The team worked from home for six months in 2020. Now, services have pivoted to be in-clinic only, meaning the team can maintain oversight of the clinic’s strict hygiene practices and manage client numbers and exposure.

Some staff have also moved to a model of four days of 9.5 hours, giving them greater work-life balance.

“We did this initially as a way of having less clinicians and therefore bodies in the office at any one time and found it had the additional benefit of giving our clients an additional before-school-hours appointment at 8am and one at 4.30pm, enabling extra appointments for school aged children,” Ms Simmonds explained.

It’s a rewarding role, she said, knowing that her work improves the lives of children across Casey.

“We help them overcome emotional, sensory, speech, neurodevelopment delays and trauma and support them to become lifelong learners, advocates for their needs and we help to empower them to find solutions for their functional issues.

“We plant the seeds and provide the therapy to enable the neuroplasticity of children’s brains to re-wire themselves and prevent longer term delays.”

She said Casey was a great place to do business, with new families always joining the community.

New businesses are well-placed to fill gaps, she added, with a need for more NDIS services within the area.

And after a stressful year for business owners, she has some words of wisdom to share.

“This has been a tough year. Reach out for help. Access mentoring. Use mental health services and the resources available to small business. Link in with network events so you know you are not the only business owner carrying all the weight.

“Diversify where you can. Review your budget, speak to your banker. Work on your growth mindset and continue to make rational and logical decisions for your longerterm business success,” she said. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

Hu’s ready to play Games

By Nick Creely Australian Table Tennis champion Heming Hu understands just what’s ahead of him at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

On the world stage, he is ready to excite and represent Australia with pride.

The 27-year-old from Dandenong feels as if the Rio 2016 experience will hold him in good stead, and has given him an extra tinge of confidence that he can make a significant impact for his country.

Hu, who received his highest Men’s World Ranking of 66 in September last year, is simply counting down the days until the Table Tennis portion of the Games kicks off in Tokyo on Saturday 24 July.

It’s a date to mark down for all local Olympic enthusiasts desperate to get a glimpse of one of the south-east most prized athletes.

He bowed out in Rio 2016 in a 3-0 defeat alongside David Powell and Chris Yan to Hong Kong in the best of five-match series, and is relishing the prospect of giving it another crack with the national colours.

“It’s a huge honour and a dream come true, especially a second time,” he told Star News.

“The team is exactly the same players as last time, this time I can speak for myself and say that I am a far better player than five years ago and carry a lot more confidence going into these games than Rio 2016.”

On the Rio Olympic Games, Hu said the experience will ensure he won’t be overawed by the occasion, but instead use it to remain level headed and focused.

“It gives me mental preparation in what it’s going to feel like, what it’s going to look like, and what to expect,” he said.

“Once I come into the match, it’ll be loveall, and anyone can win from there. Every point that’s won is gold.”

The world has changed drastically since the 2016 games - largely due to the current Covid-19 pandemic - something Hu believes has been a catalyst in changing his mindset.

With raw honesty, Hu said it’s been a wakeup call for him personally.

“From an athlete’s perspective with lockdowns and borders, it’s been really good for me personally,” he said of Covid’s impact on his career.

“At the start of 2020, we had the Olympic trials and all of that, and in 2019 I was winning everything, I was the Australian Singles champion, and at the start of 2020 I was in an arrogant period of time, and nobody could tell me anything, my ego was super high.

“And at the Olympic trials I played very, very badly - with that said, lockdown gave me the chance to work on the things that were really important.

Heming Hu is preparing for his second Olympic Games.

“It gave me the chance to do a lot of personal development and do all the life things that I needed to do mentally.

“I worked on my mindset heavily, and I came out of the lockdowns a much stronger person, and a much better player. I could finally try different equipment; I’ve got more strength, got different serves and am in much better physical shape.”

While Hu has been busy training, both mentally and physically for the games, he admits that with a lack of game practice it’s been a challenge for not only himself, but all of the athletes looking to qualify for the Games.

“It’s been one of the things from lockdown that hasn’t helped at all, we haven’t been able to get many matches at all,” he said.

“We’ve had small one day tournaments here and there, but nothing substantial, and nothing that goes for a week long or more.

“In that part, it’s been a struggle - we’ve got

the National Championships this week (on the Sunshine Coast) and I look forward to that.”

Hu knows that these Olympics will be a different experience, with athletes to go into a bubble to ensure that the games go ahead without a hitch.

“The bubble will be interesting - I haven’t thought about it’ll work, it’ll be tight with all these rules, but in today’s world it’s what you have to do,” he said.

“I’m just grateful that the games are actually going ahead.”

With the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games now just under a month away from kicking off, Hu spoke of the profound influence his family has had on his career and life.

“I would love to thank my family, my brother, my parents,” he said.

“My mother went to China with me when I was in Year 12 and she came with me, spent time away from the family to help me, cook for

Picture: SUPPLIED me and take care of me while I played Table Tennis full time and studied part time.

“When I was 15, 16, my Dad used to work a full time, sometimes not even eat; drive me straight to the city for soccer practice with the national team, who were older than me and better than me. He did that for years.

“And my brother also came to coach me at tournaments - he would pay for his own tickets interstate to coach me and support me. At a certain point I needed a high-level coach along the way to guide me. He took on extra players so I could have one hour with that coach. He paid for that. Without them nothing would be possible.

“There are a lot of people to thank along the way, but without these three people this isn’t possible, they’ve cared the most on the core level.”

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games open on 23 July.

Jarick Bale scorches around Sandown in fast splits

By Mick Floyd Jarick Bale stormed into next Thursday night’s group 2 McKenna Memorial final after running one of the fastest times of the year in his heat.

Taking full advantage of box 1, Jarick Bale went straight to the front and from there was never threatened, carving out some of the fastest splits ever recorded over 595m and finishing seven lengths clear of Bounce Back.

It was his third win from as many starts over the distance with each win faster than the previous. His 33.812 victory was the equal fourth fastest time run over the 595m trip in 2021 and was the fastest ever win in a heat of the McKenna Memorial, eclipsing the 33.901 recorded by Christo Bale before his 2020 triumph. It was four lengths faster than the next fastest heat win.

“He just misses the kick a little bit but always rattles home,” said trainer Mark Delbridge.

“Once he began tonight they were never going to catch him because he’s so strong.”

18 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 6 July, 2021

Jarick Bale stormed into next Thursday night’s group 2 McKenna Memorial final.

Delbridge entered the series with the top four chances in the market but Jarick Bale was the only winner. Jarick Bale’s older halfbrother and defending champion Christo Bale scrapped into next week’s final after he

finished third behind Drako Bale and Shadow Mist.

Drako Bale, a son of TAB Melbourne Cup winner Dyna Villa and RSN Sandown Cup winner and the sport’s highest prize money

earner Fanta Bale, led all of the way to win the heat in 34.068 and progress to the same final in which his mother ran second in 2017.

Despite running third in his heat, Christo Bale opened the $3 favourite to win the final after drawing box 2.

“I was a little bit disappointed in Christo’s run. From where he was I thought he should have won but he’ll be better for it next week,” said Delbridge.

The night’s opening heat was taken out

by Mepinga Warrior who defeated Fernando Frank by 3.5 lengths in 34.201. Series favourite Zipping Rambo, recent RSN Sandown Cup winner and the second fastest greyhound ever over 595m, ran a luckless sixth and will miss the final.

Earlier in the night Josh Formosa registered his first city winner when Mr Speaker saluted in race 2, while Andrea Dailly claimed the training honours with a winning treble which included exciting youngster Indy Matilda who won in 29.28 at just her 12th start.

The $55,000 McKenna Memorial will be run at Sandown Park on Thursday 8 July. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Thunder close the gap

By Tyler Lewis A three minute burst late in the match assisted Dandenong Thunder in its splendid win over South Melbourne in the NPL on the weekend.

Under lights in briskly conditions on Saturday, the Thunder reached the back of the net four times, opposed to the visitors one.

The Thunder leaped out to a 2-0 lead before half-time, before South Melbourne kicked its solitary goal in the 63rd minute.

However, it was short lived for the visitors,

as the Thunder found the back of the net twice in the space of three minutes to solidify the victory.

The first came through Tomas Maricic and the second came through Nahuel Bonada, who has now kicked 12 goals for the year.

The officials were kept busy at George Andrews Reserve, with four players receiving bookings.

The win is the sixth for the Thunder and holds significant importance as South Melbourne sits one place ahead of Dandenong.

The Thunder will travel to Churchill re-

serve this week to take on St Albans. The Saints have recorded just two wins this year and sit at the bottom of the table, leaving a great opportunity for the Thunder to register another win.

Dandenong City, meanwhile, had a night it would hope to forget, as it suffered a resounding defeat at the hands of the second placed Oakleigh Cannons.

The match started impressively for City, with Brendan Mann scoring inside just three minutes.

But it was all the City fans could celebrate

about for the remainder of the match as the Cannons took no time in regaining ascendency.

The home side swiftly equalised before surging ahead to a 6-1 victory.

City will host Altona Magic on Friday night for its next encounter.

The Saints - despite sitting ahead of City have notched just one win for the year, one less than Dandenong.

In the under-19 division of the National Premier League, the Thunder went down 3-0 and Dandenong City went down 4-1.

Stingrays go down in tight clash under lights

By Tyler Lewis A tight, tense affair swiftly turned into a scintillating and exciting finish in the NAB League on Saturday night.

The Dandenong Stingrays hosted the Eastern Ranges under the lights at Frankston Park and after three and a half terms of what perfectly fits the football cliche of ‘an armwrestle’, the game opened up, leaving plenty

for players, coaches and most importantly, recruiters, to take out of it.

The Rays late charge was courtesy of local boys Judson Clarke (Berwick) and Connor MacDonald (Doveton), catching the eye of draft guru Kevin Sheehan that was commentating the game.

The performances of the pair comes off the back of impressive outings for Vic Country last week.

Finding a perfect balance between class and crunch, the pair are definitely making recruiters look to their notepads.

Dandenong didn’t trouble the scorers in the opening term, but went into the main break with scores all tied.

With just three goals to the final change, the Rays piled on four in quick succession, but ultimately fell short, 7.8 (50) to 7.10 (52).

Nick Collier impressed in his second

game, while the best name in football - Daniel Didomenicantonio - was also among the best players on the ground.

The loss comes as the fourth of the season for the Rays, who currently sit in eighth position on the NAB League ladder.

The Rays will enjoy a week off in the upcoming week, before hosting the all-conquering, seven-win-one-loss, Greater Western Rebels on its home deck, Shepley Oval.

Bulls continue dynamic form in the Eastern league

By Nick Creely Noble Park is within striking distance of top spot in the Eastern Football League with a hard-fought 20-point win against Berwick on Saturday.

The Bulls held off the Wickers to register the 12.10 (82) to 10.2 (62) victory, with the home side starting strongly and maintaining their edge throughout the contest to bank their seventh win of the season.

With a fast-start which saw the home side race out to a 15-point quarter time lead, the Bulls extended the lead to 17 at half-time, before a strong four goal third term saw the margin blow out to 30 points, signalling game over.

The Wickers lost no supporters after fighting hard in the last term, booting four goals to two to provide a brief scare, but the home side had too much class across the board and were never truly threatened.

Liam Scott was outstanding off half-back for the Bulls to be best afield, Tommy Glen, Kyle Martin and Luke Bull were solid contributors, while Ali Zijai and Lachie Quaife booted two goals apiece.

For the Wickers, defender Michael Riseley was a strong presence, while Madi Andrews had the ball on a string.

Rowville had the bye.

In the Southern Football League’s Division 2, ladder leaders Springvale Districts have moved to a 10-0 start, brushing aside Skye with ease, 13.12 (90) to 5.6 (36).

The clash was somewhat even at half-time, with the Dees holding just a five-point advantage, but stormed away with a nine-goal to one second half.

Spearhead Matt Wetering slammed home another six majors to move to 53 for the season - it would be no surprise to see him wearing VFL colours at some point.

Billy Green, Cory Hutchinson and Daniel Spence were all named in the best for the Dees.

Keysborough, meanwhile, went down to East Brighton by 57 points, 13.17 (95) to 5.8 (38).

The Burras were in the contest at the final change - down by just 19 points - but were blown out of the water by the home side who slammed on six unanswered majors.

And Hampton Park banked a gritty 16 point win against Chelsea Heights at Robert Booth Reserve, 11.3 (69) to 7.11 (53).

The Redbacks were trailing at the final change but clicked into gear when it mattered, with Luke O’Brien (three goals), Liam Myatt (three goals), Travis Davis and Jackson Fry among the best.

In Division 3, Endeavour Hills played some of its best football of the season against South Yarra, 19.17 (131) to 3.1 (19). dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Noble Park star Kyle Martin celebrates a goal. 242703 The Falcons - sparked by a brilliant sevengoal performance from Sam McLean - were clinical from the outset.

In the remaining game, Narre South Saints banked percentage with a dominant win against Doveton Eagles, 31.26 (212) to 0.2 (2).

Division 4 saw Hallam bank a 46-point win against Cerberus at home, 9.11 (65) to 2.7 (19).

The Hawks were held scoreless at quarter time - trailing by four points - but slammed on five second quarter goals to ultimately set up the result.

After half-time, the visitors fought back but the Hawks had enough class to claim the four points.

Jack Sharlassian’s dynamic form continued with a bag of four, Matt Jerram, Patrick Tatt and the ever consistent Rory McIvor were also named in the best.

And a wasteful Lyndale fell by 11 points to Moorabbin Kangaroos at Widdop Crescent, 12.10 (82) to 9.17 (71).

The Pumas had their chances - booting just nine majors from 26 scoring shots - but would be pleased with their endeavour throughout the clash.

Kristian Meredith and Ali Zijai scrap for the footy. 242703 Tuesday, 6 July, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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Tuesday, 6 July, 2021

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