EHD Star Journal - 5th October 2021

ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON

Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

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Councillor’s brush with Covid-19

Hope springs in the garden

A-League’s unified identity

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SPORT

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Murder charges laid

40¢ Inc. GST

Covid concerns

New SES friend in deed Since arriving as a refugee from Afghanistan, Zulfi Hydari has been volunteering for Greater Dandenong SES unit. He says it’s a way of giving back to a welcoming community.

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Melbourne’s South East has been labelled as a Covid “area of concern” as active cases have more than doubled in the past week.

Health authorities stepped up their campaign to address the ‘double whammy’ of Greater Dandenong’s lagging vaccine rate – about six per cent behind the Melbourne average.

More than 20 per cent of Greater Dandenong residents 16-and-over lack the protection of at least one Covid vaccine dose.

As part of the campaign, community leaders including from Emir Sultan Mosque in Dandenong and Springvale Indo-Chinese Mutual Assistance Association raised the issue with the public at Palm Plaza in Dandenong on 3 October. A 100,000-dose Moderna vaccine blitz has been announced for 10 clinics across Melbourne until 10 October, including at Sandown Racecourse and Palm Plaza.

Covid-19 state commander Jeroen Weimar said the 236-plus new Covid cases in the South East on 2 October was an “area of concern”.

It was spread to others within households – and also via illegal visits to close friends and families in other households, particularly during the AFL Grand Final long weekend, Mr Weimar said.

It was primarily infecting “young people” – about 70 per cent were under 40’s.

The virus could no longer be seen as just a City of Hume problem, he said.

“We’re seeing a spreading out of the virus.”

Mr Weimar said the community leaders’ event aimed to build up “trust” and “passion” for the vaccine. There are believed to be plans to use sports identities for similar promotions.

City of Hume has 3200 active cases but had more than 80 per cent of its population vaccinated with at least one dose as of 3 October, Mr Weimar said. He was hopeful vaccination coverage would slow the spread.

As of 27 September, Greater Dandenong reported 72 per cent one-dose vaccination – one of the lowest in metro Melbourne.

There were fears that turnouts were slowing

in the following week, particularly after Pfizer was replaced with Moderna at Palm Plaza clinic.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said the Moderna switch was made due to “uncertain” Pfizer supplies.

Public health researcher and Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad said there was a lot of Moderna hesitation at the pop-up clinic, despite the vaccine’s “high level of efficacy”.

She said Greater Dandenong was the next potential “tinderbox” and “sitting duck” due to low vaccine rates and high levels of chronic disease.

Bruce federal MP Julian Hill blamed the move on “Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister for Sydney” stealing Victoria’s Pfizer supply for NSW. In a statement, Monash Health stated Moderna offered “high protection” to new Covid-19 variants, including Delta.

“The Moderna vaccine is safe in pregnancy and in children from 12 years of age.

“The Moderna vaccine has been successfully rolled out in many countries across the world including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, and Singapore.”

Monash Health chief executive Andrew Stripp said there was “no time to hesitate”.

“Covid-19 cases are increasing across Melbourne’s South East.

“Get vaccinated now to protect yourself, your family and the community.”

Mr Stripp said Moderna was “safe and highly effective in protecting people against Covid-19”.

“The sooner we get vaccinated, the sooner we return to the life we all know and cherish.”

As of 3 October, there were 508 active cases in Casey – up by 275 in the past week, and 262 in Greater Dandenong – up by 149 in the same period.

A man in his 50’s from Casey was among the three Covid-related deaths reported that day.

Postcode hotspots included Cranbourne (175), Dandenong (125), Noble Park (65), Doveton (45), Keysborough (43) and Endeavour Hills (36).

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We are ‘Covid-fine central’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells More than 1000 on-the-spot fines for breaching Covid directions were handed out in Dandenong in the 2020-’21 financial year, according to the latest official crime statistics.

In the same period, Greater Dandenong residents were issued 1784 Covid infringements, the Crime Statistics Agency reported.

This was equal to more than 5 per cent of the state’s total of 32,561 such fines.

Dandenong received by far the most infringements (1051), followed by Springvale (210), Noble Park (201), Dandenong North (124) and Keysborough (65).

During a week of anti-lockdown marches in Dandenong South in August 2020, there were 10 arrests and 72 on-the-spot fines.

On-the-spot fines range from up to $1,817 for adults and up to $10,904 for businesses for failing to comply with Chief Health Officer directions.

A $5452 fine can be issued for breaching social gathering rules or self-quarantine directions.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said police had used discretion to only fine the most “blatant” breaches, such as trav-

Anti-lockdown protesters and police in Dandenong South on 26 August 2020. 214056 Picture: GARY SISSONS elling too far from home, breaking night curfew and attending protests.

Many of the Covid fines were in conjunction with other offences such as selling drugs

or driving a stolen car, he said.

“The community by and large are fantastic in supporting the Covid approach in the state.

It’s not that many that don’t.”

Overall crime offences were slightly lower in Greater Dandenong and across the state in the 2020-’21 financial year. But family violence continued to rise.

In Greater Dandenong, family-violence serious assaults were up 10.5 per cent and family-violence common assaults up 3 per cent.

Breaching family violence orders also rose by 14.6 per cent, and intervention order breaches were up 16 per cent.

Other assaults – that is non-family-violence related – were down.

Also lower were robberies (down 29 per cent), burglaries (7.7 per cent), drug offences (10.2 per cent) and theft (9.7 per cent).

Dep Comm Nugent said family violence was a “significant priority and issue” for police.

There was a particular spike when Covid restrictions eased in October-December 2020.

Police would continue pro-actively checking perpetrators and their compliance with orders, as well as supporting victims, he said.

“It’s a hideous crime and it just continues to occur.

“It’s disappointing that’s where it is and that people continue to cause so much harm to victims.”

Man charged with murder A man has been charged with the murder of a 26-year-old Springvale woman at a block of units in Noble Park.

Emergency services were called to Kelvinside Road about 2am on Thursday 30 September.

The woman was found with life-threatening injuries, police say.

She was taken to hospital where she later died.

A 37-year-old Noble Park man was found at the scene.

He was later charged by Homicide Squad police detectives with murder.

The man was remanded to later appear in court.

A Forensics member. 252483

Forensics and SES attended the units. 252483

A Forensics vehicle at the scene. 252483

The crime scene at Kelvinside Road, Noble Park. 252483

Police taped off the crime scene at the block of units. 252483

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Police at the scene of an alleged murder at a unit on Kelvinside Road Noble Park. 252483

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NEWS

IBAC starts hearings

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A joint anti-corruption investigation is set to launch public hearings into branch-stacking allegations against State MPs and public officials.

IBAC and the Victorian Ombudsman have conducted a joint probe – titled Operation Watts - into “serious corrupt conduct” claims levelled at South Eastern Metropolitan MP Adem Somyurek by 60 Minutes and The Age in 2020.

The hearings will be live-streamed from 11 October.

It will examine allegations that Victorian public officers directed taxpayer-funded ministerial and electorate office staff to perform party-political work while being paid to perform their official duties.

Public funding intended for community associations was also allegedly misused for party polictical work.

In June 2020, Mr Somyurek was sacked from the Cabinet and ALP caucus by Premier Daniel Andrews over claims of using Parliamentary staff and thousands of fake memberships.

He has denied the allegations, resigned from the ALP and has remained in Parliament as an independent.

Two other State Cabinet ministers Robin Scott and Marlene Kairouz stood as a result of the allegations.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Adem Somyurek was sacked as a State Cabinet Minister after 60 Minutes aired allegations in Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS June 2020. 201398 Both expressed confidence that their names would be cleared by an investigation.

IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich will preside over the Operation Watts hearings.

He said the Victorian community rightly expected public funds to be used appropriately and for public officers to adhere to Parliamentary standards and process.

“As part of our focus on preventing corruption, the public hearings will also consider whether the current systems and controls are sufficient to protect the integrity of the expenditure of public funds for ministerial and electorate office staff and the making of community grants.”

It would also examine “potential systemic issues” including “governance, transparency and accountability arrangements”, Mr Redlich said.

Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass said it was the first time the two integrity agencies had combined resources and expertise.

“This is a crucial investigation to allow for public confidence in how taxpayers’ money was being used by those in power,” Ms Glass said.

Counsel Assisting the hearings is Chris Carr SC of the Victorian Bar. Any credible information for the investigation can be made to www.ibac.vic.gov.au/report or 1300 735 135.

‘Pro-choice’ Dark’s colleagues catch Covid

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong councillor Tim Dark as well as two work colleagues have tested positive to Covid-19.

Cr Dark said he’d fallen ill the day after last attending his workplace, the Richardson French real estate office in Dandenong, on Tuesday 28 September.

On the following Thursday, he recorded a positive Covid test and notified his employer.

Subsequently, two other staff tested positive.

The “pro-choice” unvaccinated 28-yearold denied he had been “cavalier” in wearing masks in the workplace.

He removed his mask only in his private office but remained masked in common office areas, he said.

Cr Dark said he always checked-in with QR codes and wore masks while out in public.

On 29 September, the day after attending Richardson French, he came down with “symptoms like the flu”.

The “shivers, headache, sinuses and a cough” lasted for 24 hours.

A week later, he’d largely recovered except for retaining “minimal” senses of smell and taste.

Cr Dark said he’d never considered hos-

Pensioners count cost

pitalisation, contrary to an “exaggerated” media report.

“From my experience as a fit and healthy adult, it’s very much the same as the standard flu.”

Since the illness, he maintained his “prochoice” attitude towards Covid vaccination.

“From what I’ve seen in the media a lot of people are contracting Covid when vaxxed.”

He said he was “absolutely not anti-vax” for shots such as measles, rubella and chicken pox.

“But with the Covid vaccine there’s still uncertainty around the vaccine.

“It’s up to each individual person. I think mandating it at workplaces is going too far.”

Cr Dark lives with his unvaccinated mother in Keysborough. She has twice tested Covid-negative since Cr Dark’s illness.

He was advised by the Department of Health that he would not require Covid vaccination for six months due to building up “natural immunity” while sick, he said.

Cr Dark said he was surprised by the lack of questioning by contact tracers.

They only inquired whether he’d been in vulnerable settings such as a hospital, aged care or school since Monday 27 September, he said.

Greater Dandenong Council made enqui-

ries and confirmed Cr Dark was not at the council offices, nor had he interacted with any councillors or others during his infectious period.

“This gave us the confidence that all the plans Council usually has in place were sufficient,” Greater Dandenong chief executive John Bennie said.

The council’s Covid Safe plan included a daily cleaning schedule and strict visitor protocols including hand sanitizing, mask wearing and QR code scanning.

A double-vaxxed mayor Angela Long urged Cr Dark – as well as other unvaccinated Greater Dandenong residents – to get Covid-vaccinated.

“I’m hoping Tim has had a fright and goes to get it done.

‘Being on council, the community are looking at us as a community leader and you have to take that responsibility seriously.”

The Department of Health had not listed Richardson French as an exposure site, as of 1 October.

A spokesperson however confirmed three active cases linked to the office.

“Contract tracers continue to investigate the source of this outbreak and any links to other cases.”

Richardson French director Jeffrey Richardson declined to comment.

Two dollars a day.

For Dandenong pensioner Danny Johnson, the latest pension increase doesn’t cut it.

With utility and medication expenses on the rise, he says he sometimes has to go without food or resort to a short-term loan.

“During lockdown, the supermarket has put the prices up.

“Sometimes you don’t eat properly for a fortnight.

“It’s hard to survive.”

Touted as the biggest rise since 2014, aged and disability pensioners and carers received an extra $14.80 a fortnight for singles and $22.40 for couples from 20 September.

Mr Johnson’s base pension rises to nearly $870 a fortnight.

Further, some are eligible for a further $85 fortnightly pension supplement and energy supplement.

JobSeeker and Parenting payments also rose under the indexation.

Living by himself, Mr Johnson says he’s grateful to have a roof over his head.

He knows an old friend who can’t afford his unit’s rent and is “living on the street”.

“There’s an awful lot of homelessness in Australia. But we’re too embarrassed to say something – we get told we’re whinging.”

Due to Federal cuts to welfare agencies and food relief programs, he’s eligible to an $80 food voucher once every six months or so Politicans don’t understand pensioners’ hardship, Mr Johnson says.

“MPs get a golden handshake when they leave. I’d give them my pension for a fortnight and see how they try and live off it.

“It wouldn’t pay their bar tab.”

During a Covid lockdown in August 2020, a snapshot survey by Tenants Victoria found 67 per cent of Greater Dandenong renters experienced rental stress.

Recently, Launch Housing general manager Dr Andrew Hollows told Star Journal there was a shortage of affordable housing in Greater Dandenong, particularly rentals for singles.

For a “half-decent” rental, a household needs more than one person’s income, Dr Hollows says.

“If you’re on a Centrelink payment or casual employment, it means that the numbers don’t stack up.”

Families and Social Services Minister Anne Ruston said the pension rises ensured pensioners, jobseekers and others “maintain their purchasing power”.

“This is putting money in the pockets of all Australians who rely on our social security system and, in particular, older Australians,” Ms Ruston said.

Last year, pensioners received $2000 in Covid economic support payments. An extra $50 per fortnight was also added to the JobSeeker rate.

More than five million Australians were eligible for the allowances.

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NEWS

Norman Rose, 91, and Joyce Rose, 89 with their wedding photo from 65 years ago. 251325

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

The happy couple wedded at St John’s Catholic Church in East Melbourne on 22 September 1956. 251325

Roses bloom 65 years on

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The earth certainly moved for Norman and Joyce Rose on their 65th wedding anniversary.

On the day of the milestone on 22 September, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake rattled their Noble Park home.

The driveway gates clattered wildly in a “hell of a racket” while the house shook under their feet, Mr Rose said.

For most of Mr and Mrs Rose’s married life, they’ve lived at the same house in David Street.

It’s been the place for raising four children as well as their seven grandkids.

Mr Rose said they’d never contemplated moving.

“A lot of people get rid of their houses. But I’ve done a lot of work to this house.”

Mr Rose, now 91, and Mrs Rose, 89, met as work colleagues at a Kodak factory in Abbotsford in the early 1950’s.

The Horsham-raised Mr Rose had just moved to Melbourne as a 20-year-old.

“My first impression was she was the pick of the bunch,” Mr Rose says.

“I was a country boy and she had that quiet, country style. I don’t know what she saw in me but we got on well.”

They dated with trips to the theatre, watching Hollywood films such as All About Eve starring Bette Davis.

The wedding was at St John’s Catholic Church in East Melbourne in 1956, followed by a reception at a nearby pub.

That night, the newly-weds drove in a Vauxhall for a two-night honeymoon at a hotel in Mt Donna Buang in Warburton.

That was followed by a visit to Mr Rose’s parents in Horsham.

Their first abode was a rented room in Hawthorn, then at an aunt’s place in Box Hill.

While at work at General Motors Holden at Fishermen’s Bend, a colleague told Mr Rose of a house and land offer in Noble Park for £3100.

The couple raised a £300 deposit for their current home - one of 44 homes being built in the street, Mr Rose says.

Just prior to Christmas 1959, a pregnant Mrs Rose was forced to leave work.

She reared their kids Wayne, Mark, Julie and Malcolm at home while Mr Rose shifted work to at a fridge and air-con manufacturer in Dandenong.

Later she briefly worked at a Hills Hoist clothes-line factory. She left due to being unable to take school holidays off.

Decades on, when Mr Rose retired, the couple started caravanning to St George in outback Queensland annually for 14 years.

They also took away the grandkids for caravan holidays.

The Roses still live fairly independently but for visiting home carers and relatives.

Their eldest son Wayne who is on a disability pension also lives with them.

Despite losing an eye in an accident, Mr Rose drives to Parkmore shopping centre in a 1994 Ford Falcon station wagon.

“I’m happy with it. I know the car and it has good sightlines out of it.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Rose, who suffers dementia, “sleeps a bit during the day”.

Mr Rose cooks for the couple, having not been impressed with Meals on Wheels’ offerings.

“Otherwise I can sit around and think about things in the past,” he says.

Reflecting on the marriage, Mr Rose said they “stuck together”.

“You’ve both got to put up with things – and things go wrong. But you’ve got to stick at it.”

Heat is on: Preservation tree law ‘crunch time’ ahead

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The second-stage of Greater Dandenong’s policy to boost its vanishing tree coverage has passed, but thornier decisions remain ahead.

Councillors unanimously approved urban forest and ‘greening our neighbourhood’ strategies on 27 September.

But proponents are still pushing for the “missing” deferred third stage – a mooted local law requiring permits to remove mature trees on private land.

Private land makes up 73 per cent of the municipality. It is regarded as crucial to increase canopy coverage from a paltry 9 per cent to 15 per cent of the council area by 2028.

The lack of trees, high levels of concrete in private gardens and dark surfaces have made Greater Dandenong the seventh hottest region in Melbourne, a council report stated.

Since 2016, the council area has lost a further 0.9 per cent of canopy since 2016 – down from 9.9 per cent to 9.0 per cent.

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Brian Congues with residents supporting stricter tree protections on private land. 251002 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Lyndhurst have reduced tree coverage.

The tree removal permit issue has split councilors in the past.

Opposing councillors have argued for landowners’ rights to manage vegetation on

their own land, and without being subject to a costly permit system.

The local law’s “detail” will be crucial, says supportive councillor Sean O’Reilly.

That is, the setting of the minimum tree

girth and heights that qualify for protection.

Cr O’Reilly said it would be a “good thing” to add “a small amount of friction” before a property owner removes large trees.

“As residents, we don’t live on our own island. We are responsible to each other.

“People just slapping down concrete without consideration for the environment around them is not a good thing.”

Dandenong resident Brian Congues said without a local law, the strategy would have “no teeth”.

He noted a vast majority of 114 public submissions were in favour of tree removal permits.

“Stage three is the crunch, that is the backbone of the strategy. Without that, they might as well tear it up.”

Acting planning director Brett Jackson told the council meeting that a report on the local law would be discussed with councillors before the end of 2021.

If councillors agree, the statutory process for a local law would start in 2022. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Woolworths in gateway site

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A new Woolworths shopping centre on a former Bunnings site is touted to inject 150 jobs and $20 million into Dandenong’s economy.

The 3600-square-metre project at the corner of Gladstone Road and Princes Highway was approved by Greater Dandenong councillors on 27 September.

The centre is expected to include a Woolworths supermarket, a BWS bottle shop, up to six retail stores and 279 car and 34 bike parking spaces.

The supermarket will be permitted to open from 7am-midnight, with a dedicated home delivery area.

The bottle shop will open from 9am-11pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-11pm Sunday.

Its proponents are seeking a 4-star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

Features include a 1500-square-metre open space area, tall canopy trees and other landscaping, solar panels, shade sails over parking bays, electric vehicle charging and rainwater detention tanks.

Last year, multinational supermarket gi-

An illustration of the approved Woolworths shopping centre on the former Bunnings site in Dandenong. ant Kaufland withdrew from its planned retail project on the site as well as several others across Australia.

The Kaufland project had been approved

by State Planning Minister Richard Wynne, but opposed by local retailers.

Greater Dandenong Council had been bypassed in the planning process, sparking criticism from then-mayor Jim Memeti.

On 27 September, Cr Memeti supported

the “gateway” site being transformed from its current “eyesore” state, as well as the influx of permanent jobs.

A council report noted the proponent’s report that the project would impact other fullline supermarkets in central Dandenong but leave “speciality tenants largely unaffected”.

The “highly compliant” design was appropriate to the area and would not result in “adverse amenity impacts”.

“The layout of the site has been designed to minimise amenity impacts to the residential area.”

The proposed liquor outlet complied with the council’s policy not to allow a cluster of 15 or more bottle shops within a 500 metre locale, and had a responsible serving of alcohol plan.

Under the permit, Woolworths is required to submit a plan to retrieve supermarket trolleys that are littered off-site.

Three objectors raised issues including traffic congestion, noise, road safety, liquor sales increasing crime in the area, and trolley and waste containment.

Woolworths development manager Martin Lohan said the project would inject $20 million into the local economy, and create about 150 ongoing retail jobs and more than 180 during construction.

“Woolworths Dandenong North will mark the next evolution in our journey to create a modern and contemporary neighbourhood supermarket with exciting initiatives like Direct to Boot and Pick Up for the convenience of our customers.”

Mr Lohan said building was hoped to start in early 2022.

Pop-up vaccines wane Concerns are being raised about dwindling lines at the pop-up Covid vaccination clinic in Palm Plaza, Dandenong.

On Tuesday 28 September, attendance at the walk-up clinic – which doesn’t require appointments – was noticeably light.

On the same day, the clinic switched its Pfizer doses to another mRNA vaccine Moderna.

This was due to “uncertain” Pfizer supply in October, according to the State Government.

In its opening 10 days, the clinic had vaccinated more than 6000 with Pfizer and AstraZeneca – among the most popular popups in the state.

The surge had helped Greater Dandenong surpass 72 per cent of 16-and-over residents with a first dose. However, the council area still lags up to 6 per cent behind neighbouring municipalities.

Its 36 per cent fully-vaccinated rate lags 10 per cent behind metropolitan Melbourne.

In the meantime, active Covid cases have soared in the South East.

Public health researcher and Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad said vaccination hubs had been “quiet” since the previous weekend.

She feared that Greater Dandenong was hitting its vaccine hesitance level, which is thought to be higher than the estimated 1015 per cent across Australia.

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state of NSW”.

“Moderna is a good, safe and effective vaccine, but Victorians are being denied the same choices as other Australians because of Federal Government incompetence.

“Community demand to get vaxxed is strong, but rates of protection in Greater Dandenong and Casey are lagging behind the rest of the country and it’s not acceptable our residents are being treated differently.”

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said on 24 September that the Moderna switch was being made at Palm Plaza due to “some of the uncertainty” with Pfizer supplies in Victoria in October.

“Moderna is a safe and highly effective vaccine and is available in Victoria to anyone aged 12–59.

“We will be focusing our initial supply around the South East area where we have seen increasing cases and strong demand for vaccine.”

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and hospitalisations are reportedly unvaccinated.

“With Greater Dandenong’s levels of chronic disease, we really need more than 80 per cent (fully vaxxed) to protect us.

“In coming months, the health system is unlikely to cope. You’re likely to have trouble even getting an ambulance.

“We’re heading for the worst of times in terms of likely deaths and likely deaths at home.”

Cr Garad said there was a lot of Moderna hesitation at the pop-up clinic, despite the vaccine’s “high level of efficacy”.

Locals were instead preferring Pfizer, which was perceived as the “golden standard”, she said.

“Moderna is equal to Pfizer and almost identical. We really need to dispell this myth.

“It’s coming from false information from overseas groups on Facebook.

“They say that vaccines don’t work or put your body at risk. They tell you to trust natural immunity or take extraordinary medications that are ineffective and could be toxic like horse-worming medication.

“Some trust them more than the scientists. Facebook has got a lot to answer for – it’s putting lives in danger.

“The only way to combat that is to know people in the community who have got ill with Covid and gone to ICU.” Bruce federal MP Julian Hill said it was “outrageous that Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister for Sydney, has stolen Victoria’s Pfizer supply to give to his Liberal home

To boost rates, the State Government is also offering Covid-19 vaccination grants to GPs and pharmacies in 11 priority council areas including Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong.

On 28 September, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said there was sufficient Pfizer and Moderna to ensure every Victorian 12 and over would be double-dosed by the end of October.

“One of the things we’ve been able to do is to continue to bring forward vaccination.

And that supply has been something that has motivated us every single day.”

Vaccine appointments can also be made at Sandown Racecourse and participating GP clinics and pharmacists.

Bookings: http://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/ or FindAPharmacy.Com.Au or https://www. health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/ about-immunisation/where-can-i-get-immunised

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By Cam Lucadou-Wells

STAR JOURNAL 5

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

ness area will be requested by the chamber to leave all lights inside and out burning on the three nights before the show on November 14 and 15. Chairman of the chamber’s decoration committee Mr Graham Beasley said the idea was based on what was done in Perth when the American astronauts were circling the earth. Mr Beasley said “We hope to have Dandenong lit up on Show Day and the three nights before. There will be a lot of people in the town for the show and it will give them a good chance to go window shopping and see entries in the window dressing competition being conducted in conjunction with the chamber and the show society.” To judge the response and the effect a trial run will be held on Wednesday October 13 when business houses and office will be asked to leave on all lighting form 8pm to 11pm.

100 years ago 6 October 1921 Dandenong Police Court R C Lee on Behalf of the Railways Commissioners v Joseph Hanniball Special Checker Harris informed the Bench that he found defendant in a first-class carriage whilst holding a second-class ticket.

Accused had given a good deal of trouble in connection with the case. Joseph Hanniball was fined 40/- and 12/6 costs.

50 years ago 4 October 1971 Lighting up If Dandenong Chamber of Commerce and Industry has its way Dandenong will be all “lit up” for this year’s Dandenong Show. Business houses and offices in the central busi-

20 years ago 1 October 2001 Former leaders blast councillors Three former mayors have slammed the behaviour and conduct of some Greater Dandenong councillors at last week’s meeting.

Former Dandenong mayors Frank Holohan, David Kelly and Greg Harris were at last Monday night’s meeting which was marred by bickering and interjections. The three former mayors, who have attended several meetings this year, said the councillors’ behaviour had “embarrassed” the city. Mr Holahan accused councillors of having their own “agendas”, adding that some had a lack of knowledge of council procedure, rules of debate and how to act in the chamber. Greg Harris, the first Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong said “the breakdown that I’ve witnessed over a

number of months has been more personality focused and ego led, much to the amusement and disappointment of the people in the gallery who see them (the councillors) bickering for their own personal gain”.

5 years ago 3 October 2016 Family violence crime rise Greater Dandenong has the fifth highest crime rate in the state, the latest Crime Statistics Agency figures show. The police service area (PSA) registered a 19% jump in offences in the year to 30 June compared with the previous 12 months, from 17,414 to 20,728. The figures released on Thursday 29 September showed a 13.4% increase in crimes across the state. The increase per 100,000 people in Greater Dandenong was 16.6%, compared to 11.2% for Victoria.

NEWS

Bring masses to the vaxes Bicultural worker Hussain Rezaie has been doing his bit to boost Greater Dandenong’s Covid vaccine rate.

The South East Community Link (SECL) worker recently bussed 20 people from Afghanistan backgrounds to the temporary popup clinic in Springvale.

He is one of scores of bicultural workers making the Covid vaccine rollout more accessible to culturally diverse communities.

Among his roles is to educate people from the Afghanistan community about vaccine “myths” and side effects.

Mr Rezaie also helps people to speak with health professionals, book vaccines, get transport to vaccine clinics as well as providing emergency relief packages to eligible clients.

Hussain Rezaie bussed 20 people from the Afghanistan community to a pop-up Covid vaccine clinic in Springvale.

Meanwhile, Cornerstone Contact Centre has been hosting Covid vaccines sessions for vulnerable community members.

Last month, a St Vincent’s Health mobile immunization clinic attended during an emergency relief session.

A second session for asylum seeks was supported by EACH Community Health.

“We continue to provide emergency relief during this extended lockdown, and it has been wonderful to connect with and support many new local families,” Cornerstone CEO Naomi Paterson said in the centre’s monthly newsletter.

“I want to extend my thanks to the many supporters who have contributed to the emergency relief program through donations of funds and pantry items.

“The care that each of you show to our community is a great blessing and encouragement.”

To book Mr Rezaie’s services, contact 0401 213 374 or hrezaie@secl.org.au.

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By Cam Lucadou-Wells

DANDENONG

Selba Luka, centre, receives her award from Mayor Angela Long and Deputy Mayor Sophie Tan.

Pictures: HAS MEDIA

Selba (front) and volunteer Veronica in the Afri Aus-Care veggie garden.

The organisation provides cooking classes for vulnerable members of the community. 213664

By Danielle Kutchel A tireless champion for African and CALD communities has been named Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year.

Selba Luka, founder of Afri-Aus Care, received the award at an invite-only event at Springvale City Hall on Tuesday 26 January.

She admitted the award was a total shock, but a welcome one, and dedicated it to the community, staff, volunteers, supporters and

NOW OPEN

sponsors of Afri-Aus Care.

Born in Malawi, Ms Luka often says her heart is in South Sudan as she works closely with the south-eastern South Sudanese community.

Afri-Aus Care was born of her experiences when she arrived in Australia, where she experienced difficulties and hardship in her first years in the country.

The not-for-profit provides mental health

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Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

African women who are new to Australia and need assistance to find employment and learn English. Many of these women are survivors of domestic abuse, and Afri-Aus Care provides mental health support too as they build a new life.

Speaking at the Australia Day ceremony, Ms Luka said she was honoured to have received such a prestigious award.

“May we continue to be united. Dandenong is a great city to be,“ she said.

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5 AM - 11:30 PM 7 DAYS

support, outreach and skills development for members of the African and CALD communities.

It works closely with youth offenders, providing them with a pathway out of these behaviours and into a more positive contribution to society. During the pandemic for example, ex-offenders helped create food hampers and deliver these to the most vulnerable in society.

Afri-Aus Care also works with “the mamas“,

Affordable and Compassionate

12481588-JW07-21

City’s top citizen

A South East-based social service is delivering packages of hot-cooked Covid relief to hundreds of vulnerable residents.

Since mid-July, Community Abundance’s emergency relief team have been cooking up about 300 food kits, emergency items and African meals a month.

The nourishing fare is available either cool or warm. It can be picked-up or delivered by fully-vaccinated volunteers across Melbourne.

“We’re supporting vulnerable people, such as those who are disabled, single parents, elderly, unemployed and homeless,” general manager Deng Kor said.

Their relief program’s State funding runs out at the end of December. But the continued lockdown will fuel further desperation.

Such as a mother who couldn’t afford the extra food consumed by her six kids, while they were learning remotely at home.

“People are pretty desperate. They appreciate the help.”

At the same time, efforts are being made to bridge the vaccine-rate gap between Greater Dandenong and the rest of Victoria.

Mr Kor says the group has been spreading the word to “take Covid seriously” and get vaccinated.

The “terrible” vaccination booking system was one hindrance in culturally diverse communities, he said.

Distrust in vaccines was also a factor.

Each day, the team called up to 20 people to talk through the issue “one on one”.

“In the multicultural community, they sometimes have a different view or no view on vaccines,” Mr Deng said.

“I say although I’m not a medical doctor, I’m sure it’s safe to do it.”

For help, call Community Abundance after hours on 0423 054 292 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Recyclables ‘in storage’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong’s recycling contractor has found to owe more than $1.4 million to store recyclable plastics in off-site shipping containers since the end of the China export deal.

Polytrade, with facilities in Hallam and Dandenong, is contracted to accept Greater Dandenong’s recyclables until 2023.

On 28 September, Victorian County Court judge Edward Woodward found against Polytrade in its contractual dispute with Clayton storage firm TT Import & Export.

Polytrade’s director Louie Cheng told the court that up until 2018, most mixed plastics and other recyclables were sent unsorted in bulk to China, Judge Woodward noted.

Since China stopped the exports, about 260 shipping containers full of recyclables were instead stored by agreement at TT’s premises.

At the time, Polytrade was still taking delivery of up to 500 tonnes of material a day at its Dandenong plant.

About 6 per cent of it was mixed plastics.

In late 2019, a “tense” dispute brewed when TT proposed a fee hike or to return the ship-

ping containers to Polytrade.

The recycler had cash flow problems, resisted the fee hike and claimed it had no space for the containers at its sites.

As the dispute dragged for a few months, Polytrade owed $350,000 of overdue payments to TT. Out of frustration, TT’s director Tony Tang ordered a shipping container delivered across Polytrade’s driveway in Hallam.

He wrote to Polytrade that he would start charging 15 per cent interest. “And how come you always ask ‘WHY’ like baby.”

In the meantime, Polytrade sought back

Zulfi Hydari at work at Greater Dandenong SES. 251215

particular containers, which TT was unable to deliver.

Judge Woodward ordered Polytrade owed TT unpaid storage and cartage fees of more than $976,000 as at 22 June 2020.

He found Polytrade also owed further hire payments of $481,000.

In February this year, Greater Dandenong Council stood by Polytrade after it and its owners was accused of underpaying five refugees on visas in Dandenong and Hallam nearly $200,000.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is prosecuting the matter in the Federal Court.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Refugee finds new purpose and a ‘home’ at SES

By Cam Lucadou-Wells With a commitment to “give back”, Greater Dandenong SES member Zulfiqar Hydari is a role-model volunteer.

Mr Hydari recently featured in a Scanlan Foundation Research Institute essay, To Serve and Protect, on diversity in Victoria’s emergency services’ ranks.

The essay notes that SES unit is one of the most diverse in Vicotria. Sixteen languages are spoken among the 45 members.

Author Trish Prentice said the research reflected how services such as Ambulance Victoria, CFA and Surf Lifesaving Victoria responded to changing cultural diversity.

“It tells the stories of those who are paving the way for greater diversity in the volunteer ranks.”

Mr Hydari told Star Journal of how he joined SES four years ago after fleeing his homeland Afghanistan and settling in Australia.

He felt warmly welcomed as the unit’s first volunteer from Afghanistan.

He’d never used a chainsaw or read a Melways but he threw himself into training in a whole raft of skills.

“I found myself a home here in Australia and I thought let’s do something to give back to the community.

“Australia welcomed me so I’ve got to pay them back.”

He opted for SES due to the role’s variety, such as missing persons’ searches, and assisting in fires, floods and storms.

Searches in sometimes rugged terrain and bush have been a challenging mix of euphoria and grief. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

In his four years at SES, Zulfi Hydari has learnt skills such as how to work a chainsaw. 251215 “You know that feeling when someone comes and thanks you because you found their family members. It’s that joy to give back to the country.

“But then there’s sometimes really sad outcomes.”

Like many SES volunteers, the full-time

mechanic is on-call 24-7. He’s prepared to endure long nights on duty.

He also serves as the unit’s community engagement officer, visiting schools, Scouts, Guides and events like the Australian Grand Prix and Avalon Air Show.

Many of his compatriots didn’t know

about SES and CFA before the 2020 Gippsland bushfire disaster, he says.

Since then, many had expressed interest in joining up.

“I made a lot of friends through the SES. After hours, we’d catch up and do things.

“It’s a good way to meet up with people.”

Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Kim Peterson in the Berwick Neighbourhood Centre community garden getting vegies for food relief at Casey’s ADRA Cafe. 252047

A volunteer at the Berwick community garden. 252047

Vegie beds at the Endeavour Hills community garden. 252045

Hope springs in the garden

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Green-thumbs are bursting to tend their locked-down community gardens during a bumper Spring season.

Berwick Neighbourhood Centre manager Kim Peterson has been planting seeds for summer-vegies and 100 dwarf sunflowers at home, in the hope that Covid restrictions soon lift at the centre’s community garden.

The seedlings will be planted in community gardens at the centre and at the Endeavour Hills Neighbourhood Centre’s community centre.

Ms Peterson has labelled the project as “planting the seeds to bring our community back together” “It’s a feel-good vibe which hopefully adds a bit of brightness.

“Knowing the story of the sunflower which turns towards the sun when it is out but when the clouds come the sunflowers turn towards each other, we have kept this in mind.

“Noting that our community is like sunflowers when the clouds come turn towards your community centre and we will be there for you.”

During lockdown, the Berwick community garden has been allowed to harvest and supply fresh vegies to ADRA Cafe in Casey for people in need.

In the meantime, the gardeners have kept in touch on a What’s App group and online sessions.

“People are hanging to get back to their gardens. There’s a desperate need and a lot of people who are keen to join and get involved.

“Hopefully we can do that again soon - with masks and social distancing.”

Endeavour Hills Community Garden. 252045

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Endeavour Hills Community Garden. 252045

Worm farm at Endeavour Hills. 252045

Calendula in the Endeavour Hills garden. 252045

A fresh handful of radishes plucked from the Berwick plots. 252047

Cauliflower emerges at Endeavour Hills community garden. 252045

Volunteers harvesting a bumper Spring crop for food relief at Berwick. 252047

8 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

A tall crop of beans at Berwick Neighbourhood House’s garden. 252047

A volunteer waters the Berwick community garden’s crop for food relief. 252047 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

RUNNY NOSE OR COVID? The only way to be sure is with a test at the first sign of any symptom.

For testing locations, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne 12516420-BL41-21

endeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Residents speak their truth “Who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?” Jeremy Goldstein asks the Casey community during Truth to Power Cafe, an online hybrid of theatre and activism presented by Bunjil Place and London Arts Projects.

Truth to Power Cafe celebrates the life experiences of participants whose contribution to the social fabric of the community has shaped the world as we know it.

Each performance mirrors the passions, interests and concerns of local communities as participants are invited to step into their own power and speak passionately from their lived experience about something important to them that they believe should be important to all of us.

Their stories are particularly poignant as Victorians surpass over 200 days in lockdown, facing both social and physical isolation from their communities, their peers and their families.

For this cathartic experience of truth-telling, nine members of the local Casey community were invited to share their responses to the questions for a profound theatrical reflection on loss, hope and resistance.

Their stories were filmed and compiled into a collection of personal memoirs to create a space for conversation and the search for finding voice.

Mr Goldstein said telling true and untold stories about our lives was becoming more important than ever, as Victoria emerges from lockdown.

“Through the telling of these stories, we can capture progressive energy and use it as a catalyst for change and renewal in the connected space of theatre,” he explained.

“This is a chance to claim agency over ourselves and our community, and to do this, in the eyes of family, friends and allies, is what makes the show so empowering.

“At a time when there can be no return to normal, we demand that you listen.”

Casey participant Sountharam C Charomi said she was motivated to share her story of power as part of the project.

“Power is positive for me; that’s the driving force in me,” she explained.

“Being a migrant here… I’ve got to look at power in a very positive way and think, how do I take advantage of that.

“If you allow yourself to become powerless then you’ve got no power. You need to develop that power. That’s your responsibility to become powerful.”

She said she draws strength from her mother, who passed away two years ago.

“She was supportive of everything and was there with my failures and successes,” Sountharam said.

“She is my source of power. If I’m really down or depressed I just need to think of my mum, visualise her, think of what she told me and that’s my strategy to bounce back.

Sountharam C Charomi draws strength from her mother and shares her story in Truth to Power Cafe.

“My message to her is: mum, I think you’ve brought out the best in me.”

Finding voice is of particular importance to Mr Goldstein, whose personal experience commences the performance.

His struggle with the power of his father, HIV and drug use is his own answer, sharing memoir, poetry, image music and performance to tell the story of his complicated past and the resolve in the years following his father’s death.

His passion in the belief that people need a space to speak their own truths to those who have power over them inspired him to not only create Truth to Power Cafe but a whole new genre of theatre.

Mr Goldstein was also inspired by the po-

litical and philosophical beliefs of Nobel prizewinning playwright Harold Pinter and his Hackney Gang, which included Mr Goldstein’s late father Mick and poet Henry Woolf who, at 92, is the sole remaining member of the gang.

For 60 years, the gang maintained their belief in speaking truth to power and remained firmly on the side of the occupied, the disenfranchised and their allies.

Speaking truth to power is a non-violent means of conflict resolution that has historically used the stage to speak to those in authority, no matter who that may be.

Mr Goldstein believes speaking out has heightened value in our era of post-truth, alternative facts and fake news.

Speaking truth to power is widely accepted

Picture: GRAHAM DENHOLM to mean saying something to those in a position who don’t want to hear it.

The event has travelled the world from London and beyond and now comes to Bunjil Place as a part of The City of Casey’s Ageing Positively Festival.

As it has travelled around the world, members of local communities have played their part in shaping the narrative of the performance, speaking passionately about what matters most to them.

Truth to Power Cafe will run from Saturday 2 to Sunday 31 October via on-demand digital theatre streaming by Bunjil Place.

Tickets are free but registrations essential are essential via bunjilplace.com.au/bunjilplace-presents-truth-to-power-cafe

Finks pair jailed for violent home invasion, exortion

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Two Finks outlaw motorcycle gang members have been jailed over a violent break-in and extortion attempt in Cranbourne West in March 2020.

Joshua Phillips, 36, of Rosebud, and Henry Stowers, 24, of Hampton Park, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to storming the house’s master bedroom with two other armed men to recover an alleged debt.

The pair pleaded guilty to offences including aggravated burglary, extortion, theft, intentionally causing injury and property damage.

Stowers, who was raised in Pakenham, had made three weeks of demands and threats to the Aquatic Drive resident.

At one stage, the victim was told by an unknown male caller to pay “10K by tomorrow or I will put a f***ing bullet in you, you f***ing dog”.

On the night of 26 March, Stowers and Phillips arrived in a stolen Toyota Kluger 10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

while the resident and his partner were in bed.

During the two-minute attack, the intruders kicked the locked bedroom door, then smashed it in half with a baseball bat.

All four intruders were masked and carrying weapons including a switch-blade knife, bear mace, a taser, a hand gun and a sawn-off .22-calibre bolt-action rifle.

Stowers demanded “the money” before trying to hit the resident with a baseball bat and to spray him with the mace, as well as punching him to the face.

Another intruder tried to stab the resident in the stomach.

Two males stood behind Stowers and pointed guns at the victim. Stowers demanded the resident sign over the title of his car.

Another man living at the house was pursued by an intruder in a ski mask and carrying a taser.

He fled out his bedroom window to a neighbour’s house and called police.

Soon after, the intruders left.

Phillips had been on bail at the time, and unlicensed while driving the Kluger.

On his Snapchat account, Phillips had posed with a mask and baseball bat and sawn-off rifle.

He was found with a Maserati Traguardo watch stolen from the home.

In sentencing on 17 September, County Court judge Felicity Hampel said there was little difference in the pair’s culpability.

Although it appeared to be Stowers’ operation, Phillips was an “enthusiastic” assistant who surveiled the house and added extra “muscle”.

Both accused men had a “significant history of violence and anti-social behaviour”.

Neither were “beyond redemption” but both needed to “take a long hard look at yourself”.

New Zealand-born Sowers arrived in Australia at nine but never became an Australian permanent resident or citizen.

The father-of-three’s visa has been cancelled and he faced likely deportation and

separation from his family.

Sowers was “trading on your known association with the Finks ”to instill “real fear” in his victim.

His alleged intoxication with booze and ‘ice’ at the time didn’t reduce his culpability, Judge Hampel said.

Phillips, with a history of substance abuse and mental health issues, was a “follower rather than a leader”. But he was old and experienced enough to know better, the judge said.

For much of his adult life, he’d shown little regard for the law or the rights of others, Judge Hampel said.

Phillips was jailed for up to seven-and-ahalf years, including a six-year non-parole period.

He had served 448 days of his term in presentence remand.

Stowers was sentenced to up to nine-anda-half years, with a seven-and-a-half year non-parole period.

His term included 515 days’ pre-sentence detention. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Vaccination requirement The State Government has announced mandatory vaccinations for authorised workers.

The announcement was made on Friday 1 October, as ongoing supply of the vaccines was confirmed.

According to the government, the public health team has advised that all workers – in Melbourne and regional Victoria – on the authorised worker list will require their first Covid-19 vaccine dose by Friday 15 October in order to continue working onsite.

They will need to be fully vaccinated by 26 November.

The authorised worker list can be found at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/authorised-provider-and-authorised-worker-list The 15 October deadline will not apply to workers who already have existing requirements under CHO directions – groups like construction, freight, healthcare, aged care and education will still have to comply with previous advice.

The announcement comes as the state recorded 1143 cases of Covid-19, ahead of a walk-up Moderna vaccine blitz across the south east from Monday 4 October to Sunday 10 October.

Sandown Racecourse Vaccination Centre, Dandenong Palm Plaza and St Francis Xavier College Officer Campus will participate in the blitz for those aged between 12-59.

Over the next week there are 13,000 first dose Pfizer appointments available and 8000 first dose Astra Zeneca appointments available through the state-run system.

Victorians can also book a vaccine appointment through their GP or pharmacist where many more appointments are available.

Victorian pharmacists are now also offering the Moderna vaccine, which is a safe and effective mRNA vaccine.

This vaccine is now also on offer at select state sites for anyone aged 12 to 59.

GPs and pharmacies are now providing both Pfizer and Moderna to all ages, including those above aged 59.

To book a vaccination through state-run centres – or to see links for how to book at your local GP or pharmacy – visit www.coronavirus. vic.gov.au/vaccine The vaccine pop-up at Dandenong’s Palm Plaza.

252244

Ever onwards

Construction to reopen, Covid-safe Restrictions on the Victorian construction industry will ease from 11.59pm on Monday 4 October, with a Construction Sector Roadmap setting a way forward for the sector to stay open and keep the community safe.

The Victorian Government said it has worked closely with the industry on a plan for reopening based on the recommendations of the public health team.

In order to work onsite, all workers will need to continue to carry an Authorised Worker Permit and have had at least one vaccine dose.

Every construction site in Victoria must also have a designated fully trained Covid Marshal to ensure compliance with the Chief Health Officer‘s directions.

Prior to reopening, operators will be required to attest that they have implemented the CHO directions and every site will need to have an up to date vaccination register available for compliance checks at all times.

An online portal will soon be available on the Service Victoria website so these documents are accessible for both the operator and compliance teams.

Crib facilities may be used for the consumption of food and drink with strict density requirements and additional ventilation.

Up to five workers and a supervisor will be able to work onsite for small scale construction projects, and large scale sites can

The State Government has released a roadmap to allow construction to resume.

Picture: BIDVINE, PIXABAY have up to 25 per cent of workers onsite.

If crib rooms meet best practice and the entire workforce is fully vaccinated, large scale construction sites can have up to 50 per cent of workers onsite.

Projects on the State Critical Infrastructure list will operate at 100 per cent as long as crib rooms follow best practice guidelines.

Subject to continued high levels of compliance by the industry, workforce caps will progressively increase.

By Danielle Kutchel

At the 70 per cent double dose milestone, large scale construction can return to 100 per cent of its workforce.

Caps will be removed when Victoria reaches its 80 per cent target, and in addition, all onsite workers must be fully vaccinated by 13 November.

Fully vaccinated workers can travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria in order to work onsite.

Workers on state critical projects or large scale construction can also travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria if they have had a single dose, take an initial test before their first travel, then test twice per week until fully vaccinated.

To allow all sites to remobilise, workers who have had at least one vaccination dose will be able to enter a site prior to Tuesday 5 October in order to undertake crib facility improvements, participate in a reinduction or receive deliveries.

As part of the re-opening, the State Government expects the construction industry to comply with directions in full.

Teams of Authorised Workers will conduct checks to enforce directions, and penalties will be in place for builders and site operators that do not comply – including site shutdowns for significant or repeated breaches.

Hot property in Casey: Bargains can be had

By Danielle Kutchel Two Casey suburbs are among the most affordable in Victoria.

That’s according to a new report by buyer’s agents BuyersBuyers which found Hampton Park and Cranbourne North remain relatively affordable for buyers, with median house prices of $599,223 and $658,970 respectively.

This compares to the median capital city house price of $908,239.

Despite the economic impacts of Covid-19, the Victorian property market is still forging ahead, the company said in a statement.

House prices have recorded strong growth over the past year, despite some softening over recent weeks due to the extension of lockdown restrictions.

And Cranbourne North has recorded price growth of 57 per cent over the past five years.

Pete Wargent, co-founder of BuyersBuyers. com.au, said: “with mortgage rates still close to the lowest on record, all capital cities offer some opportunities for those with a reasonable buffer and a level of employment security.”

“With first homebuyers still active and now competing with investors for a low level of dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

There are still bargains to be had in Casey, according to a new report. stock on the market, we expect the more affordable suburbs in Australian property to be sharply in focus.”

The BuyersBuyers report is based on analysis undertaken by RiskWise Property Research.

The research revealed that detached houses

represent solid buying opportunities for those with long-term strategies, who could expect to see solid capital growth over the coming years, Mr Wargent added.

And thanks to ultra-low interest rates, in many areas it’s in fact cheaper to buy a house than pay rent, he said.

It’s been a bumper year for CaseyU3A, even as lockdowns restrict in-person events.

Despite the ongoing restrictions, the innovative organisation has reached 440 members and counting – up from 362 in March 2020.

U3A – University of the Third Age – provides a variety of informative and fun classes for people of retirement age.

The classes help keep participants active and provide a means of social interaction as people from across Casey share their interests, skills and passions.

U3A has operated for 31 years in the City of Casey, after starting at Fiddlers Green Retirement Village.

CaseyU3A still operates within Fiddlers Green, but has expanded to Woodlands Park Retirement Village, Selandra Community Centre, Lynbrook Community Centre, Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, the Old Cheese Factory, Akoonah Park and the homes of many private tutors.

In non-Covid times, the Casey branch offers over 50 classes, encompassing exercise, art and craft, mind classes (current affairs, book clubs, genealogy and more), soul classes (meditation, spirituality, languages and more) and music.

All classes are run by tutors with a knowledge of or special interest in the class they run.

Of course, operating during the pandemic has had its challenges.

Members have kept in touch over the lockdowns and continued to look out for each other via Zoom calls, emails, print and digital newsletters, phone calls and cards sent between tutors and classes, and members.

Many members said receiving the cards made their day.

A health and welfare survey was also conducted to find out how members were coping.

After the results were received, members identified as being in need received regular phone calls from committee members to help keep up morale and support.

Membership fees for 2021 are $25 for the year, with fees kept low because the classes are run by volunteers.

Current classes offered over Zoom include Current Affairs, Uke, Strum Club, Zumba – Gold, Gentle Exercise, Meditation, Tai Chi, Sketching, Bookclub, Computer Forums, Ted Talks (starting October), Discussion Groups, French, and Literature Club.

CaseyU3A will offer a limited range of classes for both members and non-members during the Casey Ageing Positively Festival in October. For details, visit casey.vic.gov.au/ sites/default/files/user-files/Ageing Positively Festival 2021 Program_Digital.pdf For more information on CaseyU3A, visit casey.u3anet.org.au/ or phone Jean, membership officer, on 0478 226 521.

Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Joshy looking gorgeous at home.

Pepe looking quizzical in a box.

Lucy enjoys the sun.

Look at that face! Cleo looking adorable.

Purr-fect companions

By Gabriella Payne Theres no doubt that throughout these difficult times, the love of our pets has been getting us through.

A few weeks ago, we asked residents to send in pictures with their canine best friends, and this week, our purrrr-fect cat friends have taken centre stage.

Whether curled up on your lap, having a nice big stretch or being mischievous and playful - cats always know just how to cheer us up and many locals couldn’t imagine their lives without them.

With everything going on in the world right now, they make us smile on a daily basis and life would surely be cat-astrophic without them.

So here’s to all our feline friends!

Rebecca Rowed and her cat, Bowie: “This is Bowie. We adopted him from the pound in November 2020.

He came as a surprise. I was looking at getting a dog but I came across his face on the pound page. We all fell in love. He has become such an important part of our lives. He has given my old dog a new lease on life.

Bowie is an inside only cat but my dad built an enclosure so he can still enjoy the outdoors safely. We are so lucky to have found each other.”

Amanda Wicks and her cat, Max: “This is Max, he is a Bengal cat and is always making us smile with his antics.

He’s pretty high maintenance in that he is very loud and can be demanding, but he also loves splashing in the bath and will only drink from a running tap. We definitely wouldn’t want to live through lockdown without him.”

Joanne Peak and her cat, Billy: “This is our feline loaf, Billy, he is a four-yearold domestic, medium hair. He was adopted from AAPS back in January 2020, and is a huge part of our family.”

Marj Couch and her cat, Leo: “This is our fluffball Leo. He is a Birman and is great company. He needs to be around me all the time!”

Kimberly Riddell and her cat, Mercy: “This is Mercy, she has definitely made lockdown more bearable.

Mercy is a four-year-old calico, domestic, short hair, we adopted her from the Maneki Neko Cat Rescue when she was nine weeks old and since then she has built up a cheeky stubborn attitude which keeps things interesting through lockdown! We can’t imagine life without her.”

Angelina Lay and her cat, Csikos: “Here are some photos of my boy Csikos pronounced Chee-kosh. During lockdown he has indulged in taking extra long naps, getting as many cuddles as possible and ensuring that he keeps us company if he finds us in our study by ourselves. He’s a very good boy.”

Lauren Dalton and her cat, Milo: “This is Milo, helping celebrate birthdays whilst in lockdown. She is one-year-old, we rescued her when she was four weeks old.”

Alicia Rollings and her recently passed cat, Diego and new fur-baby, Cleo: “This is Diego, he was nearly four years old.

I adopted him from Forever Friends, he was 12 STAR JOURNAL

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This is Joanne’s gorgeous girl Freyja, striking a pose!

This is Sue’s gorgeous girl Miss Fenton, surveying the land.

This is Milo, Lauren Dalton’s beautiful cat and a real party animal by the looks of things!

This is Roz’s rescue cat, Jasper, enjoying a bit of the great outdoors.

Here is Kelly’s rescue stray, Ratbag, now loving his new home.

amazing with people and gave the best cuddles. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer [and passed away]. I miss him so much.

This is Cleo, she is two years old and I adopted her through a rescue. She isn’t a fan of other people but slowly is getting better. She is very cheeky and loves cuddles on her terms. I couldn’t see myself without her and she is the best company when coming home from a busy day at work. She has helped me though these tough times.”

Angelique and Noah Summers and their cats Buffy, Gin and Pepe: “This is my princess Buffy, followed by my son Noah’s boy Gin and our shared handsome boy Pepe. We would be lost without them!”

Ethan and Amy Davies and their cat, Joshy (Joshua): “Here is our beloved cat Joshy, (Joshua). He always wants to be the centre of attention and sit directly on top of puzzles, laptops and colouring. He is a recuse cat, and we sense that he is forever grateful for giving him a second chance.”

Divya Stoicevici and her cats, Arwen and Leia: “This is Arwen and Leia - they like to party with us on Friday nights!”

Jessica Lee and her cat, Bebe: “Bebe is 14 years old, she has been my rock in life, especially these last 18 months. She’s not just a cat, she’s my family. Very affectionate cat who loves to cuddle. She enjoys lots of naps, but has also become quite playful recently

with me being home so much.”

Joanne Lee and her cat, Freyja: “At only a year and a half old, living on the streets and already having a litter of kittens, Freyja was saved at the 11th hour from being killed at a local pound. She was taken in by Rose’s Refuge - a local rescue - and spent time there adjusting to life as a cat with a home.

Unfortunately she has a skin condition which may require life-long treatment, or it may resolve with the right treatment. Either way, we are prepared to provide her supportive care.

She’s such an affectionate and playful cat.

The number of animals just like Freyja being destroyed at shelters and pounds each year is abominable. We would like to encourage everyone to adopt not shop!”

Gazette journalist Danielle Kutchel and her cats, BB, Connie and Lucy: “These three are my absolute world. They’ve all got their own unique purr-sonalities: BB is the boss of the house but is now the middle child; Connie is the youngest and still shy despite being a house cat for four years; and Lucy is confident, affectionate, and sounds like a frog when she purrs. BB and Lucy are both from Ingrid’s Haven. BB had a rough start on the Victorian border but chose us in a drug-induced haze after her desexing surgery.

She is currently battling inflammatory bowel disease and is taking it like a trooper. Lucy languished in the shelter for years, unwanted.

She has had both ACLs reconstructed and has a crazy walk as a result, but she doesn’t let her ’disability’ stop her from chasing her sisters. We adopted Connie from Casey-based

Bast Cat Club, and though she started life as a colony cat she has really taken to this indoors thing and loves a good cuddle!”

Tahlia Highman and her cat, Ron: “Ron is a big, floofy, beautiful boy. He’s also very chilled out; he doesn’t mind when his canine sister gets a bit too excited. Here he is showing off his lip freckle!”

Divina Guerrera and her cat, Penny Lane: “Penny Lane is seven years old. She is very spoilt and independent. Only likes one brand of cat food and is very fussy about her bedtime.

Let’s us know when she needs her own space.”

Roz Blades and her cat, Jasper: “This is Jasper our rescue cat, who we got from Cat Rescue. He is a frightened timid cat, whose life we have improved. He has a lovely nature and a great personality.”

Kelly Warren and her cat, Ratbag: “Meet Ratbag aka Pallet cat. We had been trying to catch this little fella for a few days knowing he looked very skinny and sick. Being a large charity we normally look after people not cats. Well Ratbag must have known we wanted to help him and one afternoon he was crying under a pallet. The vet said he was only days off dying.

Fast forward to today and the second photo shows you that he’s very much the king of the castle in our house.

We have been at the warehouse two years and just after Ratbag, I started making friends with another very feral cat. Fast forward and tonight I have two beautiful babies sound asleep beside me. My motto is, it’s free to be kind. Even to animals.”

Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Backflip on townhouses

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Springvale South residents have been shocked by a council backflip approving a proposed townhouse estate on former school land.

Two weeks earlier, Greater Dandenong councillors had rejected the development plan at 46-63 Darren Road and 55-67 Coomoora Road.

On 27 September, the decision was rescinded unanimously without debate.

The estate was proposed on 1.7 hectares of open land with “significant” amounts of vegetation next to Keysborough Primary School.

Resident Tarak Clements said he and 30 neighbours were “horrified” by the councillors’ reversal.

“I was thinking what’s going on?

“The councillors agreed that they didn’t like the development and then they just changed their mind.”

The “massive density” development did not fit the “quiet” “low-density” neighbourhood, which has been zoned for ‘limited change’, Mr Clements said.

“I feel very let-down by council.

“They virtually waved the white flag.”

Cr Sean O’Reilly who raised the rescission motion, said the application exceeded the planning scheme’s requirements.

He said in a Covid-affected economy, developers needed confidence that applications were decided “consistently and on planning outcomes”.

“I would rather money be spent in the community than waste over $10,000 on a futile battle at VCAT. “There are often residents unhappy with increased density near them, but council has to decide planning applications on planning outcomes.

“Otherwise, decisions of council are perceived to be political, and the false hope given

Greater Dandenong Council rejected then approved a development plan for townhouses on the yellow and pink lots to the right of Keysborough Primary School. A townhouse development plan had been approved in the blue lot in May 2020. to the objecting residents is shattered when the application is approved at VCAT.” Cr Tim Dark had originally opposed the plan due to it being a “large, bulky overdevelopment” that didn’t even hit the 5 per cent public open space target.

“What we should be having is a high quality development on the site instead of dogbox townhouses rammed on a very large childcare centre,” he said on 13 September.

Two weeks later, Cr Dark supported the development plan. He told Star Journal this was

due to the plan being altered to meet the 5 per cent requirement.

The plan initially set aside 4.95 per cent of the site for public open space – four square metres short of the requirement.

Each two-storey dwelling would be allocated 60 metres of ground-level private open space.

According to a council report, the development plan aligned with the area’s “identified future character”.

In May 2020, Greater Dandenong approved a development plan for a townhouse estate

on the opposite side of Keysborough Primary School at 15-29 Coomoora Road.

Councillors had initially objected to the “extremely intense” development plan proposed by the State Government development arm Development Victoria.

It is expected to comprise about 45 townhouses and 16 land-only lots.

In 2016, the Department of Education and Training declared the vacant lots to the east and west of Keysborough Primary School as surplus to requirement.

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Journey’s problem shared

By Danielle Kutchel To this day, people around the world find it difficult to talk about something as intensely personal as mental health.

Negative stigmas continue to dog discussion of things like depression, anxiety and trauma – and when discussion is suppressed, the feelings can fester.

But there are signs that this is changing, particularly among second generation immigrants: the children of refugees and asylum seekers.

Benazir Rasoli is a youth coordinator at Bakhtar Cultural Association, an Afghan community advocacy and support group that operates in the south east.

She was four years old when her family moved to Australia as refugees from Afghanistan due to the war.

“From the stories my parents tell, it was a horrific experience and there was a lot of trauma,” she said.

She said there is “100 per cent” a stigma around mental health in the Afghan community.

“I think it comes from the fact that there isn’t a lot of education about mental health in Afghanistan.”

She cited a 2005 WHO report that stated that less than one per cent of the training for medical doctors in Afghanistan is devoted to mental health.

“Obviously, with the lack of education and awareness, a lot of people don’t realise when they have mental problems and they don’t speak about it, so no one really knows about it,” she explained.

It’s difficult to know the prevalence of mental health issues in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

Beyond Blue notes that recent research into mental health doesn’t “adequately include” samples from immigrant and refugee communities.

Refugees from Afghanistan arrive at Melbourne Airport.

Picture: FILE PICTURE What research there is, suggests that refugee communities are at higher risk of suffering severe mental illness than the wider population.

The organisation cites research into Vietnamese communities that states reported prevalence estimates for depression and anxiety of 40 per cent in refugees.

Benazir said it was difficult for first generation refugees to reach out for help, “because they’ve gone through so much trauma”.

Some may not even realise they need help; the trauma gets bottled up and is accepted as part of their journey.

That’s something that community advocate Amina Ali has witnessed within the Sudanese community.

Amina, who arrived in Australia from Darfur as a child, said many of the older generations within her community simply don’t understand the mental health issues their children bring up – some of which stem from facing bullying at school, or growing up and feeling like you don’t quite fit in, or balancing living in two different cultures.

“They say, ‘we faced a scale of death coming to this country, we witnessed our children dying in front of us, getting stomped on, our mothers getting gunned down. How could you possibly be going through mental health issues, what have you been through?’” she explained.

“A lot of our South Sudanese brothers and sisters have committed suicide over the years.

Our parents are still not opening their eyes.”

But Benazir believes younger generations are now “making the move” to open up about mental health within their communities.

“The younger generations are taking that knowledge and passing it on to older generations and saying it’s OK to ask for help.”

That’s part of her role at Bakhtar – creating more awareness.

“The main thing we want to get across is it’s OK to ask for help, it’s OK to reach out, and it’s OK to be unwell. There are avenues you can go down to seek the help you need, to remove the stigma,” she said.

Asked how you challenge such a prevalent stigma, she said it’s as simple as just speaking.

“A lot of people keep it to themselves, and it is a very personal experience, so a lot of people don’t want to share it. But when you share those experiences, a lot of people realise it’s not just them struggling.”

Likewise, Amina said younger Sudanese people are sharing their thoughts about mental health in a bid to get the community to open up.

“We have a few [health] graduates within our community who are raising awareness. They create YouTube channels, Instagrams … start their own radio platforms.”

It’s something Amina wants to do too, having graduated with qualifications in criminology.

And it’s something that Dr Judy Tang, a neuropsychologist and commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), fully supports.

One of the most important things, she said, is to increase the capacity of individuals within each newly settled community to become mental health professionals.

This allows them to provide culturally appropriate and sensitive support, from someone who has similar or shared experiences.

VMC commissioner and chairperson Viv Nguyen, who proudly identifies as one of the “boat people” from Vietnam, said addressing stigma within communities would take “a lot of conversations” and “bravery from people who are taking that public leadership role”.

She also supports the development of mental health professionals who “speak my language, look like me, can understand where I came from and not pass judgement”.

She said stigmas around mental health are still “huge” in the Vietnamese community, despite the passage of time.

“The first generation totally deny mental health,” she said.

But Victoria’s Royal Commission into mental health offers hope, she added, with renewed focus on how to address the issue in all communities.

Community forums, where people can share their thoughts and opinions with those with similar lived experiences, also offer a non-judgemental means of supporting new communities with their mental health, she said.

Part four of this story will look at other ways that organisations are supporting the mental health of refugee and asylum seeker communities.

If you need to speak with someone, please contact: Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture (Foundation House) on 9389 8900 or foundationhouse.org.au Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

· ·

Libraries mark milestone birthday

By Danielle Kutchel Break out the balloons – our local libraries are celebrating a milestone!

Casey Cardinia Libraries turned 25 on Sunday 26 September, and, despite Covid restrictions, the celebrations are still happening.

Staff across the organisation’s locations have put together special window displays to let passers-by know of the big occasion.

The display at Pakenham includes a selection of photos taken over the organisation’s life – a celebration of where it came from, and the important role libraries play in the community.

Casey Cardinia Libraries chief executive officer Chris Buckingham said the libraries continued to be a hub for the community even during the pandemic, moving to new ways of service including home delivery, click and collect and print click and collect.

“We’re considerably proud of the way the team rallied together and has shown resilience to keep the service up to the community,” he said.

There have been plenty of memorable moments over the years and, for Mr Buckingham, one is the establishment of the Forgiving Tree campaign in his first year as CEO. Since then, Casey Cardinia Libraries has removed fines permanently and other libraries around Victoria have followed suit.

“It signalled to the community that we’re a thoughtful, kind and generous organisation and we want people to feel welcome,” he said.

“We welcome all in the library. We’re there for them.”

He believes Casey Cardinia Libraries will continue to thrive over the next 25 years.

Reading and literacy will still be at their core, even though the ways people consume information might change, he said.

“I think we’ve got a bright future. My only hope is that more libraries are built in future, to match the growth in the area.”

14 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

Shaniace Daymond and Ryan Quinsee at Pakenham Library get in on the celebrations. 251616 Mr Buckingham added the entire Casey Cardinia Libraries team was grateful for the support and appreciation of the community.

He said they were proud to be able to make a positive contribution to the community.

“25 years is a point of celebration for us – we hope that the community feels the same way,” he said.

Ryan Quinsee, information services librarian at Pakenham Library, paid tribute to the history of the organisation and said the libraries had adapted to the community’s needs and had been able to “grow with the community”.

Shaniace Daymond, customer experiences librarian at Pakenham Library, said it was interesting to look at how far the organisa-

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS tion had come.

“What we used to be and what we are now and what we can offer the community is very special,” she said.

“We’re not just a library anymore; we’re a very important part of the community.”

Once restrictions lift, in-person events will be held for staff, customers and stakeholders to celebrate properly. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Heatherton Road • Endeavour Hills Ocean Blue Milk Bar 90/92 John Fawker Drive • Endeavour Hills Nicholls Gledhill Real Estate 2 Raymond McMahon Boulevard • Eumemmerring Atura Hotel May-17 Doveton Avenue • Eumemmerring Caltex Woolworths Service Station 40/44 Princes Highway • Eumemmerring BP Service Station 60-64 Princes Highway • Hampton Park Hampton Park Library 26 Stuart Avenue • Keysborough Caltex Keysborough 248 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Parkmore Shopping Centre 317 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Barry Plant Real Estate Shop 1,320 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough 7 Eleven Keysborough 309 Cheltenham Road & Cnr Kingsclere Road • Keysborough Woolworths Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough Coles Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough O’Briens Real Estate Shop 6, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough City of Greater Dandenong Shop A07, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough Michaels IGA 466 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Keysborough Learning Centre 402 Corrigan Road • Keysborough Foodworks Keysborough 285-289 Corrigan Road • Mulgrave Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre 271 Police Road • Noble Park Sandown Park Hotel Corrigan Road • Noble Park Coles Supermarket 1 Douglas Street • Noble Park Noble Park Newsagency 22 Douglas Street • Noble Park Harvey Real Estate 26 Douglas Street • Noble Park Century 21 Real Estate 38 Douglas Street • Noble Park Ray White Real Estate 42 Douglas Street • Noble Park Caltex Woolworths Heatherton Rd & Chandler Highway • Noble Park Noble Park RSL 1128 Heatherton Road • Noble Park Lucky Star Lotto 1268 Heatherton Road • Noble Park Cellarbrations 3 Leonard Ave • Noble Park Noble Park Aquatic Centre 9 Memorial Drive • Noble Park Noble Park Community Centre Memorial Drive (Ross Reserve) • Noble Park Noble Park Bowls Club 56 Moodemere Street • Noble Park Barry Plant Real Estate 390 Princes Highway

• Noble Park Harrisfield Milkbar 519 Princes Highway • Noble Park North Halton Road Milk Bar 65 Coolavin Road • Noble Park North Jan Wilson Community Centre Halton Road (Barry J Powell Reserve) • Noble Park North Jacksons Road Service Station 139 Jacksons Road • Springvale Century 21 Real Estate Shop 5-6/64 Buckingham Avenue • Springvale Springvale Shopping Centre 46-58 Buckingham Avenue • Springvale KFL Supermarket 46-58 Buckingham Avenue (Springvale Shopping Centre) • Springvale Waltzing Matilda Hotel 856 Heatherton Road • Springvale Springvale Learning & Activities Centre 1 Osborne Avenue • Springvale Springvale RSL 23 Osborne Avenue • Springvale Caltex Woolworths Springvale 102 Police Road • Springvale Aobao Milk Bar 106 Police Road • Springvale Savemore Supermarket 774 Princes Highway • Springvale Coles Supermarket 825 Princes Highway • Springvale Sundowner Caravan & Cabin Park 870 Princes Highway • Springvale Springvale Neighbourhood House 46-50 Queens Avenue • Springvale Biggin Scott Real Estate 363 Springvale Road • Springvale Raine and Horne Real Estate 236 Springvale Road • Springvale Woolworths Supermarket 302 Springvale Road • Springvale Springvale Newsagency 321 Springvale Road • Springvale Springvale Library 411 Springvale Road • Springvale City of Greater Dandenong Customer Service Centre 397-405 Springvale Road • Springvale South Southvale Newsagency 565 Springvale Road • Springvale South Koh’s Marketplace 162-170 Athol Road (Athol Road Shopping Centre) • Springvale South BP Service Station Springvale Road & Clarke Road • Springvale South Springvale Plaza Pharmacy and Tattslotto 3/800 Heatherton Road (Springvale Plaza) • Springvale South BP Springvale 974 Heatherton Road • Wheelers Hill Mulgrave Country Club Wellington Road & Jells Road

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STAR JOURNAL 15

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Notice is hereby given that the Greater Dandenong City Council’s Annual Report for 2020-21 has been prepared and submitted to the Minister for Local Government in accordance with Section 131-133 of the Local Government Act 1989 (as per the transitional provisions of the Local Government Act 2020 ).

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

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In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposals. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Wannan Bao or 0428 684 927, or via the Lendlease Wireless Consultation inbox at Optus.submissions@Lendlease.com or Zenith Centre, Level 3, Tower B, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2167, by 5pm 21 October 2021

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Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

It’s a historic moment for football in Australia.

Picture: MELBOURNE CITY FC

A-League’s unified identity

By Nick Creely Australian football’s elite competition has revealed a new identity as it forges towards a new future, with the men’s, women’s and youth leagues to come together under one unified ’A-League’ banner.

The new brand will see both the men’s and women’s competitions as partners moving forward, with the A-League to use its position to grow the game for everyone in the country.

Managing director, Danny Townsend said the new A-League brand was designed for one simple reason.

“It’s not men’s football, or women’s football, it’s just football,” he said.

“We’re committed to growing the game in Australia - for everyone. That means delivering a world-class experience on and off the pitch and inspiring the next-generation of A-Leagues superstars to fulfil their highest potential.

“This is just the beginning of our ambitious, long-term vision for the growth of football in Australia.”

As part of the change in branding, the ALeagues will move to a unified social media channel for men’s and women’s football on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok in the coming months and will re-launch the website to create a one-stop destination for fans of the game in Australia and significantly increasing

the profile and reach of women’s football This comes off the back of previous announcements such as the expansion of the women’s league by three teams in two years and the launch of a new Club Championship.

The new A-Leagues 2021-22 season will kick off on November 19 for A-League Men and December 3 for A-League Women with Melbourne City now based out of the southeast suburbs.

First city win for Wagenaar

By Jason Adams Just one year into his training career Rowan Wagenaar claimed his first city win at Sandown Park last Thursday night.

It came courtesy of Rear View Mirror who won the 9th race of his career. Not only is he a talented greyhound but most importantly an integral part of the Wagenaar family.

“I own him with my mate (Nick Edwards) who I used to play basketball with. We named him after Pearl Jam as they’re our favourite band and our favourite song is Rearviewmirror,” said Wagenaar.

“He lives in the backyard with an Australian bulldog and he got reared with a pug. I just want him to be safe, that’s all I want. He’s on the couch every night, racing is just a bonus.”

Wagenaar purchased ‘Bernie’, named after his sire Bernardo, as a pup for $2000 from Todd Chatwin at Johnsonville which marked the start of his training journey.

“It was all new to me, I didn’t really know what I was doing.”

He was introduced to the sport by his best mate Steve Spoljaric who he grew up with living in the same court. Spoljaric has been a mentor for Wagenaar guiding him in the right direction for all the finer points of racing such as grading and race planning.

“He does things differently but when it comes to training greyhounds there’s no right 18 STAR JOURNAL

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or wrong, everyone has their own way of doing things. I speak to him a few times a day and do my best to help him out, it’s almost like training the trainer,” said Spoljaric.

Wagenaar used to be a police officer and now works as a town planner. His step to get involved in the sport was doubted by his mates but that perception has since changed.

“All of my mates thought I was a joke getting involved in something I didn’t know heaps about. They now love it. They can’t believe it and even I can’t believe I’ve won a city race,” said Wagenaar.

“To have a full time job and train greyhounds, it’s hard. Most of the trainers I’m competing with don’t have 40 hour a week jobs, training greyhounds is just what they do.”

A quality of Wagenaar that stands out is his confidence to have a go. He has ambitions to compete in the TAB Melbourne Cup series which begins next Thursday with the ‘50 day countdown’ special event followed by Prelude series 1 the following week.

“I want to have a dip at the Melbourne Cup. We nearly made the Healesville Cup, we missed out by about 300mm - we almost got there!”

Earlier in the night Lakeview Cruiser returned to the winners list for the first time since February and rising star Wow She’s Fast made it two wins from two starts with many eyes watching on!

Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

Zaaki’s stunning victory last week in the Underwood Stakes at Sandown had him pencilled in as the star of the spring racing carnival. But a new challenger for that crown emerged at Flemington on Saturday when the Peter Moody-trained Incentivise (pictured) produced a great performance to win the Turnbull Stakes and become a short-priced favourite for the Caulfield Cup on Saturday, 16 October. The Caulfield Cup carnival kicks off this Saturday with the running of the three-year-old classic – the Caulfield Guineas. 252667 Picture: SCOTT BARBOUR/RACING PHOTOS dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Maroons fly with Eagles

By Nick Creely The North Dandenong Cricket Club is set to enter a partnership with the Melbourne Eagles Cricket Club moving forward in what is an exciting move for both clubs and the south-east region.

The highly respected Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) club will field a Sunday team this season with the Eagles in the Eastern Cricket Association Turf one-day competition, with the DDCA Sunday competition

not proceeding this season.

With player overlap already existing between the two passionate clubs, the Maroons simply “can’t wait to see the side in action and our partnership grow.”

“This is a very positive agreement to grow and improve our club, promote community cricket and combine the similar ideals of both North Dandenong and Melbourne Eagles Cricket clubs,” North Dandenong Cricket Club president Jason Shaw said.

North Dandenong Cricket Club will field a side in the Eastern CA this season. 225295 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “(It will) provide the opportunity for those who would like the challenge of turf cricket but have other Saturday commitments. There is no DDCA Sunday turf competition any more.”

Home games will be played at the club’s home venue of Lois Twohig Reserve in Dandenong North, with the side to wear North Dandenong Cricket Club caps in matches.

Harris still enjoying his Sunday whistle

By Jarrod Potter LOOKING BACK TO JUNE, 9, 2014...

After 35 years in the sport and blowing the whistle on 1000 junior football matches, Noble Park’s Ron Harris still enjoys his Sunday passion.

Harris, 64, has been officiating junior footy since early 1980s, after retiring as a footballer following a back injury.

He has been a mainstay in the Dandenong District Junior Football League (DDJFL), now known as the South East Juniors, throughout those years and has only missed two grand finals in his long career.

“Back in about 1979 to 1981 give or take a few years,” Harris said, “I played football and got a back injury and after that I was the trainer for Noble Park for my son’s team while he played then I got conned into umpiring.”

Staying fit for his day job as a CFA fire-

fighter with the Springvale Fire Brigade was an important reason for picking up the whistle.

“I thought, working with the fire brigade, I needed something to keep me fit besides what I do at work, and I enjoyed it,” Harris said.

Harris ran out onto Frederick Wachter Reserve to officiate his 1000th game on Sunday 11 May - an under-15 match between Parkmore and Pakenham - and enjoyed umpiring with good friends in the milestone match.

“When I did my 1000th game, I umpired with Paul Winterton and Emily Escort,” Harris said.

“It was really good to umpire in that match with those people that I’ve umpired with over a long time.”

Giving back to the next generation is important for Harris and he loves guiding the rookie umpires - who wear green shirts - in

their first steps as junior officials.

“When you’re learning to umpire you need someone more experienced to help and I’m really pleased that I can give something back to the SEJ for what they’ve done for me over the years,” Harris said.

“I go umpire with the green shirts, give them advice and that’s very good for me when you’re retiring.

“It’s also the comradeship with the umpires and being able to help the other umpires out with my experience as well.”

Retirement is on the horizon for both his weekday and weekend careers with Harris set to hang up his whistle either this season or next to relocate to Queensland.

Harris wanted to thank his family - wife Terry, daughter Sallyanne and son Dean, for their support over his three-and-a-half decade-long umpiring journey.

Emerging Bulls join Eastern FNL

By Nick Creely

Looking Back: In 2014 South East Juniors umpire Ron Harris bounced into his 1000th game in junior football. 121438 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The Noble Park Junior Football Club is set to enter the ranks of the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) in 2022 with the Bulls set to further align with their senior club.

Following approval from AFL Victoria and a transfer out of the South East Juniors competition, the Bulls will call the EFNL home from next season.

The Bulls are already a senior club in the competition, and have had their Under 15 and Under 17 sides competing in the league for the past few seasons.

EFNL Junior Football Manager Corey Maynard said the full transfer of Noble Park into the league next season is another massive positive for the region, and the competition itself.

“We are over the moon to finally be able to welcome the entire Noble Park Junior Football Club family into our competition, a move that makes absolute sense given their Under 15’s and 17’s have been part of our competition for the last few years,“ he said.

“Noble Park are a very well-run club with a rich history and I look forward to working with Shadia, Kylie and the whole Noble Park Junior Committee.”

Noble Park Junior Football Club secretary Kylie Milne said the club was delighted to be joining the highly reputable Eastern league.

“The club is extremely excited to join and become a part of the Eastern Football and Netball League,” Milne said.

“We are extremely happy to be able to align all our teams in conjunction with our Seniors and Under 15 and 17’s sides, who are currently in the league.

“We are looking forward to new adventures and the opportunities this move will bring. “(We) can’t wait for season 2022.”

Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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Tuesday, 5 October, 2021

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