EHD Star Journal - 12th October 2021

ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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Coach ‘reinvents’ adversity

Help save loneliest mother

Wow She’s Fast.... literally

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SPORT

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He’s the state’s top GP

40¢ Inc. GST

For Dheepa there’s light at the end of rainbow Dheepa Awtani, pictured at Myuna Farm in Doveton, featured in a series of photo shoots designed to brighten lockdown’s gloom.

Turn to page 8 for the rest of Dheepa’s photo shoot

Council vax push

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Councillors are pushing for mandatory vaccination and rapid Covid-testing at Greater Dandenong Council meetings after two councillors recently tested positive.

Cr Loi Truong spent at least three days in hospital on oxygen support after falling ill on 5 October.

Vaccinated with a single Moderna dose, he

believed he’d caught Covid from a customer at his Springvale South milk bar.

He told Star Journal that he felt “very bad” with coughing, sneezing and breathing difficulties.

He was taken to Monash Medical Centre due to his oxygen levels dropping to 92 per cent.

It’s emerged that Cr Tim Dark’s positive Co-

vid test occurred three days after attending the council offices on 20 September.

This was outside what’s considered the 48hour infectious period.

But his positive result prompted Mayor Angela Long and chief executive John Bennie, both with underlying health conditions, to get Covid-tested.

They occupied the same suite of offices on

the same day as Cr Dark.

They both tested negative.

Two of Cr Dark’s workmates at Richardson French real estate tested positive for Covid later that week.

During lockdown, councillors have been required to log into public online council meetings from home.

Continued page 7

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NEWS

IN BRIEF

‘Frightening’ attack leaves a hefty bill

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An unemployed single father faces a bill of more than $13,500 after his pair of unregistered dogs attacked a woman and her German Shepherd in Noble Park North.

James Ohayon, of Narre Warren, pleaded guilty to his male pit-bull cross and female Staffordshire terrier cross being at large while injuring the pair of victims on 12 July.

Ohayon’s dogs had been kept in an illegally inhabited property at Jacksons Road at the time, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court heard on 7 October.

As she passed by, the victim saw the dogs run and attack her German Shepherd.

Her dog suffered multiple wounds to its legs and hind quarters, which required surgery.

While trying to break the dogs apart, the

owner was bitten on the thigh by one of Ohayon’s dogs.

She screamed for help from bystanders to separate the canines.

Prosecutor Bec Goddard from the City of Greater Dandenong said the German Shepherd’s injuries were legally classified as “serious”.

She said council officers discovered Ohayon’s dogs behind a driveway gate secured with bike locks on the day of the attack.

The yard was riddled with several areas where the dogs could escape, Ms Goddard said.

The next day the “aggressive” dogs were seized by officers. They have since been locked in a pound for 174 days, accruing fees of $8421.60.

Ohayon was ordered to pay the pound fees as well as $2670 compensation for the victim’s veterinary costs and $129.30 statutory costs

to the council.

He was further convicted and fined $2000 for the criminal charges.

Magistrate Suzette Dootjes said she took into account Ohayon’s financial position, his guilty pleas as well as the seriousness of the attack in setting the fine.

“It must have been frightening for the woman who saw your dogs come and attack her dog.

Ohayon surrendered his dogs to Greater Dandenong Council.

The dogs were previously registered to a Narre Warren address with City of Casey. Their registrations lapsed this year.

Ohayon pleaded not guilty to further charges related to his dogs allegedly biting a kelpie in Narre Warren on 1 July.

The matter was adjourned until 2 December.

Apartment death charge A man has been charged with the murder of a Dandenong man at an apartment building in July.

Homicide Squad detectives arrested a 27-year-old man during a raid of a property in Meadow Heights early on Friday 8 October.

The Meadow Heights man was charged with murder as well as intentionally causing injury to a separate victim.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 11 February, 2022.

The charge follows a fire at an apartment building in McCrae Street on 9 July where a 27-year-old Dandenong man’s body was discovered.

Emergency services were called to the fire about 8.15am that day.

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

Pursuit crash charge A man has been arrested after colliding with two police vehicles in a daytime pursuit in the South East.

Police had allegedly found the 28-year-old driver asleep in the car with stolen plates in David Street, Hampton Park about 8.30am on Sunday 10 October.

As they approached, he drove off through Narre Warren and Berwick and along the Monash Freeway, police say.

The car was followed by Pol Air. The pursuit ended with the crash into police vehicles at Loch Road in Dandenong North.

The driver was charged with four counts of car theft, driving offences, deceptions, handling stolen goods, aggravated reckless exposure to an emergency worker and committing an indictable offence on bail.

He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 11 October.

Police station cluster

Dr Hung The Nguyen has taken out the state’s top GP award. 250888

Nine Covid cases have been linked to a cluster at Dandenong police station.

The cluster has been listed by the Department of Health.

Victoria Police did not provide numbers of officers and support staff in quarantine due to “operational reasons”, nor the source or date of the infections.

“Victoria Police, like many other essential service and or health employees, are not immune to the risks of coronavirus while executing their everyday duties.

“We’ve had a number of employees from many and varied locations furnish positive COVID-19 results which are believed directly linked to their role.”

The spokesperson said all impacted officers were supported, offered assistance and guided through health, safety and quarantine measures.

It was not confirmed whether the police station was closed for deep cleaning.

“We have strict measures in place for all our employees to ensure not only our officers and Victoria Public Service staff safety but that of the Victorian community.”

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

State’s top doc has healthy passion A Dandenong doctor with a passion for improving Aboriginal health has been crowned the state’s top GP. Dr Hung The Nguyen from the Dandenong District Aborigines Co-operative Limited’s Bunurong Health Service was announced as GP of the Year at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ state awards.

“I don’t think of myself so much as a GP, but also as a social worker with a strong passion for helping disadvantaged communities,” Dr Nguyen said. ““Being a GP is not just about treating

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project to work with young mothers to improve child nutrition.

Bunurong Health Service is creating a video game with young and older members of the DDACL to promote health literacy.

Currently Dr Nguyen is working on programs to combat Covid vaccine hesitancy, including community engagement activities at online forums.

“The pandemic has presented difficulties but as GPs we must do what we can.”

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conditions that a patient presents with on any given day.

“It is about ensuring patient health literacy and health systems literacy, and having an impact on people lives through teaching them how to improve their wellbeing.”

Dr Nguyen said he’d developed a “unique perspective” working in rural and remote Australian communities as well as overseas.

“I have been particularly inspired to apply primary health care tools in less privileged communities.”

He’s been part of the No Anaemia for Kids

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NEWS

Coach ‘reinvents’ hope

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Life’s crossroads have been the source of “reinvention” for a former sports coach.

Kenny Johnston, from Hampton Park, is set to launch his own bold mental health initiative Reinvent to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10 October.

The former coach at Sandringham Dragons and the AFL’s multicultural program wants to share his own ‘reinvention’ ethos to help others who’ve hit a “personal lockdown”.

As many people during the Covid pandemic have.

The campaign is about finding ways to reinvent yourself in the face of challenges.

In recent years, the life-long motivator went into “lockdown mode” as he suffered anxiety and depression.

The extroverted people’s person walked away from his passion for AFL coaching and his love of singing and songwriting.

During Covid lockdowns, Mr Johnston endured long stints without work.

But he focused on adapting - or “reinventing” - ways to cope. This year he embarked on a new career in the disability sector.

His journey back was also found through sharing music.

First by performing with other musicians at a neighbour’s “Party Room” on Friday nights, and then regular free gigs at a yacht club.

The former Bangladesh refugee, who had escaped “horrific” war in 1974, found serenity - overlooking a bay of boats, with his wife, his new “down to earth” friends and his guitar.

“It wasn’t about me. It was about giving back and touching other’s hearts.

“I wrote a song straight from the heart ‘Back to the Country’ about the way my wife and I were accepted and the care they provided with no pressure.”

The five-sided Reinvent logo represents the five stages - exploration, integration, creation, sharing and letting go. 252526

Kenny Johnston with his self-designed Reinvent cap and T-shirt. 252526 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The Reinvent cap promotes the positive mental health message.

en, our safe place.

“However, when the journey gets tough, it’s how we adapt, cope and rebuild ourselves to each situation – that’s what counts.”

Mr Johnston wants to share the ethos that has strengthened him. To give back.

“When something bad happens, you have three choices.

“You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.”

Reinvent will be launched online on 10 October. Merchandise such as T-shirts and caps with Mr Johnston’s self-designed Reinvent logo.

He will offer 50 per cent of proceeds to mental health causes.

Details: kjsolutions.com.au

Mr Johnston realised that his life had been about five stages of reinvention.

Exploring new things, integrating the lessons, creating ways to “make each day different and interesting”, sharing and then letting go.

“Through this I found ways to cope and adjust when life threw me a curve ball.

“When the good times roll, we are in heav-

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Covid strikes the disabled

Cr Truong in ICU

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong councillor Loi Truong has been hospitalised on oxygen support after testing positive for Covid-19.

Speaking from Monash Medical Centre on 8 October, Cr Truong says he was taken to the hospital’s ICU three days earlier after his oxygen levels dropped to 92 per cent.

Cr Truong, who had received a single dose of Moderna vaccine, thinks he may have caught Covid from a customer at his Springvale South milk bar.

“I don’t know who the customer is, but it’s not their fault.”

During his illness, he had suffered frequent coughing, sneezing and breathing difficulties.

He’d been hooked up to a ventilator to help him breathe.

“I feel very bad, very awful,” he said.

“I’ll be OK.” He is the second Greater Dandenong councillor infected by Covid, with Cr Tim Dark test-

ing positive on 23 September.

In August, Cr Truong’s milk bar in Darren Street had been named as a Tier 2 Covid site due to a brief visit by an infected customer.

On that occasion, Cr Truong isolated and closed his store until he received a negative test result.

He said at the time he was waiting to be vaccinated with Moderna because of its high effectiveness.

Cr Truong has also given away more than 30,000 re-useable cotton masks at his shop.

He said he insisted customers wear a free mask if they don’t have them.

Though ill, Cr Truong was keen to promote the upcoming free Covid vaccination hubs “for the people” at SEMVAC Helps Centre in Springvale South on 16-17 October and 23-24 October, 10am-5pm.

Pfizer vaccines are limited to Sundays 12pm-5pm.

Walk-ups are accepted but bookings are recommended on 0432 414 296.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Loi Truong promoting free reusuable masks at his milk bar in 2020. 209156 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Vax rates lag in Dandenong, Doveton

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Large pockets of the Dandenong and Doveton postcodes are unvaccinated against Covid but the tide may be turning, new official statistics show.

The South East has been labelled an “area of concern” due to low vax rates and rising infections.

As of 7 October, there were 870 active cases (up 100 in 24 hours) in Casey and 483 (up 58) in Greater Dandenong.

As Greater Dandenong neared 80 per cent single vaccination, the Dandenong 3175 postcode had 70-75 per cent of eligible residents with at least a single dose as of 5 October.

This figure surged significantly from 5560 per cent a week before.

At the same time, only 30-35 per cent were fully vaxxed, up from 25-30 per cent.

As of 7 October, there were a steeply rising 246 active cases in the Dandenong postcode, including 42 new cases.

The postcode includes nearly 49,000 eligible residents in suburbs Dandenong, Dandenong North, Dandenong South and Bangholme.

It comprises more than a third of the 138,053 eligible residents in City of Greater Dandenong.

Similarly lower than average vax rates (70-75 per cent single dose, 30-35 per cent single dose) were recorded in the 3177 postcode covering Doveton and Eumemmerring.

The statistics explain health authorities’ efforts to boost vax rates in recent weeks, including a walk-up clinic in Palm Plaza in Dandenong and pop-up clinics at Dandenong High School, Doveton and Hallam.

Large lines were observed on the first day of Palm Plaza’s pop-up Covid vaccine clinic in Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS September. 251071 Both postcodes lagged well behind the vax rates in Greater Dandenong’s council area of 78.7 per cent single dose and 40.7 per cent double dose at 4 October.

Casey’s rates were 83.4 per cent single dose and 46.5 per cent fully vaxxed.

According to state data, Hallam postcode had gained ground with 75-80 per cent single doses (up from 60-65 per cent a week earlier) and 35-40 per cent double doses (up from 30-35 per cent).

Keysborough, Noble Park and Noble Park North also surged to 80-85 per cent single doses and 40-45 per cent fully vaxxed, and Endeavour Hills 75-80 per cent single doses and 40-45 per cent fully vaccinated.

Out in front are Springvale (85-90 per cent and 40-45 per cent) and the 3172 postcode including Dingley Village and Springvale South (85-90 per cent and 50-55 per cent).

A Moderna vaccine blitz is underway at Sandown Racecourse and Palm Plaza until Sunday 10 October. Appointments aren’t necessary.

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.”

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

A Covid outbreak has infected residents and staff at a Doveton disability care home.

Four residents and six staff at the ermha365 residence in Paperbark Street tested positive for Covid, chief executive Karenza Louis-Smith said.

“Affected staff and the residents are currently isolating at home and none have been hospitalised.

“Out of respect for the privacy of the staff and clients we do not disclose vaccination status.”

The facility was closed for deep cleaning after a disability support worker at the site fell unwell and tested for Covid, Ms Louis-Smith said.

“It is our understanding the staff member was exposed to the virus within the wider community.

“All staff and residents who attend the property were immediately notified of the positive Covid-19 case and were contacted by ermha365 and the Department of Health regarding necessary testing and quarantine requirements.”

She said ermha365 was supporting residents, their families and support workers during their self-isolation.

“The health and safety of our clients, staff and the broader public is our utmost priority and we continue to adhere to all Government directives and advice around hygiene and infection control measures in relation to the management of Covid-19.”

Ms Louis-Smith said ermha365 “intend to adhere fully” to the State Government’s mandate for authorized workers to be fully vaccinated by 26 November. “(We) continue to support the delivery of vaccinations for staff and clients through vaccination hubs at our head office in Dandenong.

“We continue to actively encourage staff, the people we support and their families to make informed decisions around vaccination.”

A draft federal Royal Commission report into disability care on 27 September found disability-care residents and workers were “deprioritized” in favour of aged care during the federal Covid vaccine rollout.

It stated some people with disability in residential settings were “at particularly high risk of adverse outcomes from Covid-19 – for example, people with serious respiratory conditions or who were severely immuno-compromised”.

As of 3 October, 81.2 per cent of Victorian NDIS screened disability workers had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 65.8 per cent had received two doses.

NDIS Federal Minister Linda Reynolds recently announced $100 payments for NDIS disability providers to get workers vaccinated from 1 October.

“This payment will provide support to registered providers to cover any additional costs they incur in ensuring their disability workers are able to access a Covid-19 vaccination.”

Making a difference in Greater Dandenong

Nominations now open The Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards recognise individuals or groups whose outstanding work has made a positive contribution to the Greater Dandenong community.

Do you know someone who is making a difference and deserves to be celebrated?

Nominate now on: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/australia-day-awards Email austday@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 8571 1000 to find out more. Closing date: Sunday 24 October 2021.

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STAR JOURNAL 5

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

cluttering up the streets. The two-hour limit would ensure a constant turn over.”

100 years ago 13 October 1921 Women’s Section VFU (Victorian Farmers Union) Miss Rose Currie the organising secretary of Women’s Section VFU was present at the meeting of the Dandenong VFU on Thursday night with the object of forming a branch of the Women’s section. In the course of her remarks Miss Currie said: “During the war the women folk of country districts such as Dandenong had in many cases done the hard work of farming to release their husband, son or brother to go on active service.” So she claimed they had shown their loyalty in a thoroughly practical manner and need recognition.

50 years ago 12 October 1971 Beating the long parker?

Noble Park Chamber of Commerce has sug-

20 years ago

Police Jail. Wilson Street.

gested to Springvale Council a scheme to help solve the parking problems in Noble Park shopping centre during peak times. The scheme involves two-hour parking restrictions in Joy Parade and Buckley Steet with strict supervision of limits. Chamber president Mr Neil Wickenton said the scheme was designed to “get rid of those people who park in these streets all day”. He added: “There are too many people including local businessmen

8 October 2001 Survival gear sales up The threat of terrorist attack with chemical weapons has seen residents in Greater Dandenong stock up on survival gear including gas masks and nuclear bacteria suits.

Aussie Disposals, which has three stores in Dandenong, has reported a rise in interest in protective clothing, jerry cans, and water containers since the attacks in America. Aussie disposals director Mal Walford said while sales in survival equipment and gas masks were up, the increase did not match the panic buying generated by the Gulf War. There has been interest in the store’s American Armyissue $29.95 nuclear bacteria suits, he said.

“The suits were issued to American troops in 1977 and during the Gulf War. We sold out of them in four or five days.”

5 years ago 10 October 2016 Hate won’t stop Muslim forum An organiser says a stream of hate mail will not deter a region-first forum to combat Islamophobia in Dandenong. Inaz Janif said she organised the forum “The Right to Remain Muslim“ due to several reports of young Muslim women being assaulted in public.

Among the victims was a woman whose hijab was snatched off her head by a male in a Hallam supermarket. Ms Janif was also aware of a group of girls wearing hijabs who were shoved into a wall by an attacker in a Melbourne shopping centre and another nearly forced off the road by a hate–speaking fellow driver. “These are people who I know and care about.” Ms Janif said the forum was a first of its kind in the South East. It was designed to promote understanding of racism, bigotry, and islamophobia, and to make young people resilient and stronger against anti-Islam sentiment.

NEWS

A new beginning

By Sellathurai Sampasivam of The Hindu Faith We the Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, celebrate ‘Theepavali’ in remembrance of the death of a Devil who was thought to create troubles to the people in ancient times.

Theepavali means Festival of Lights and it lasts for five days.

It is celebrated during the Hindu Lunisolar month of “Karthikai”.

On the day of Theepavali, people light many lamps in their homes and perform pujas prayers in temples to get rid of the darkness.

We also give gifts and sweets to our rela-

MESSAGE OF

HOPE tions and enjoy our time.

By lighting lamps, we think of it as a new beginning and the triumph of good over evil and light over dark.

Likewise, we assume that this challenge of

the coronavirus pandemic is temporary, and we will get through this.

So, we need to let go of this, as it is not in our control.

We continue to be strong and face everything boldly.

Better times filled with joy and freedom are ahead of us.

May God bless everyone!

Sellathurai Sampasivam

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Gun mayhem

By Cam Lucadou-Wells It was “hard to understand” why a young man took part in a shotgun-firing rampage through seemingly random homes in the South East, a County Court judge has remarked.

Jordan Fiscalini, 20, of Wantirna South, pleaded guilty to charges relating to the night of mayhem in Dandenong South, Frankston and Lysterfield in February 2020.

His offences including two counts of discharging firearm at premises recklessly, possessing a firearm as a prohibited person and aggravated burglary.

It started off with Fiscalini and a co-accused man stopping in a Commodore with stolen plates on the side of Eastlink near the Greens Road exit at Dandenong South.

One of them crouched and fired a sawn-off shotgun at a 45-degree angle across the citybound lanes.

Later that night, the pair forced open a unit’s front door in Frankston.

One of them carrying the shotgun said “Who held a gun to my missus’ throat” and punched a resident in the mouth.

He struck the victim to the head with the butt of the gun, then fired it over the victim’s head through a laundry window.

The pair hotfooted to a nearby unit, where their banging on a glass sliding door awoke the residing couple.

As the husband investigated, the shotgun was fired through the glass. His arm was struck by debris.

Fiscalini and his co-accused jumped a fence and fled.

An hour later, they preyed on a household comprising a man and his 60-year-old parents in Lysterfield.

One of the co-accused broke a glass panel in order to try to unlock the front door.

As the residents struggled to keep the door

Greater Dandenong Council is considering a push for rapid Covid testing and mandatory Picture: GARY SISSONS vaccination at council meetings. 238996

Mandatory vax push for the council chambers In a statement, Cr Dark said: “I was authorised to enter the council building to pick up IT equipment and sign off on my Annual Return (which is required).”

Chief executive John Bennie said it was “publicly reported that Cr Dark confirmed he had not been in the office in the 48 hours prior to testing positive to Covid 19 and had not visited or interacted with any councillors or staff during this time”.

“Cr Dark may have entered Council facilities but has not infected any staff from Council.

“All information to hand has given Council the confidence that the implementation of our Covid Safe plan has been sufficient.”

The Covid Safe plan includes a daily cleaning schedule and strict visitor protocols including sanitising hands, wearing a mask and scanning the Services Vic QR code, Mr Bennie said.

“To keep our community safe we support the State Government’s efforts and encourage everyone in our municipality to get vaccinated.”

Cr Long said she had a work permit to be in the office.

She said she saw Cr Dark working in a separate office. While going out, she walked across the same room while he was there.

She got tested on the “slim chance” that she may be infected.

“We don’t know how far the infectious space is, but with this Delta variant it’s a lot worse.”

Cr Long anticipated a tightening of the permit system in an upcoming return-towork ‘vaccination policy’ for councillors and staff.

“We were lucky that Cr Truong had not been in the building (when infectious).”

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From page 1 Cr Rhonda Garad said a group of councillors requested a “comprehensive return to work plan” for the resumption of in-person council meetings.

They requested rapid Covid testing and the exclusion of unvaccinated catering and security staff, council officers and councillors from council meetings, she said.

The “hardline” approach was necessary to protect the safety of councillors, staff and at-risk family members.

“There’s a need to show leadership and protect all councillors.

“Increasingly we’ll see this vaccination apartheid and that’s absolutely correct. No one has the right to make someone else ill.

“There’s very few categories who can’t be vaccinated.”

Under the CHO directions, authorised workers will be required to be first-dose vaccinated by 15 October, and fully vaccinated by 26 November.

However there’s conjecture on whether councillors are ‘authorised workers’.

Cr Dark, who has a period of natural immunity after being infected, said councillors weren’t authorised workers under the state guidelines.

“I know the majority of councillors aren’t clear on it.

“I believe it’s up to each individual person whether they do or do not get the vaccine.”

There’s also been conjecture over whether Cr Dark should have been allowed in council offices during lockdown.

All staff require a permit to work in the council building to deliver “essential services” to the community during lockdown.

closed, one of the intruders pointed a gun through the gap of the door.

The occupants took cover as the gun was fired into the brickwork above the door.

Judge Carolene Gwynn said that Fiscalini was a follower rather than a leader in what was “very dangerous” offending.

It was a “little hard to understand” why the night’s events happened, the reasoning seemed “unclear”, Judge Gwynn said.

And it was fortunate the outcome was not more serious, she said.

The “unsuspecting, apparently innocent and vulnerable” victims were entitled to feel safe in their homes.

Eighteen months on, terrified victims described being unable to sleep and unwilling to leave home. One was haunted by the image of a person holding a gun.

She sentenced Fiscalini not on the basis that he was the gunman or that he carried the gun.

But that he was complicit, knowing there was a gun and that it was likely to be used from the first shot fired across Eastlink.

Judge Gwynn noted the young father’s extensive criminal history. He’d just been released from jail prior to the recent offending.

He faced a more burdensome jail term due to his low intellect, deprived and traumatic upbringing and mental health issues.

Fiscalini was stabbed by his co-accused during a court committal hearing, the judge noted.

The co-accused is still to face trial over the matter.

Fiscalini was jailed for up to five years and 10 months, with a non-parole period of threeand-a-half years. The early parole eligibility period was to help his transition to the community.

His term included 514 days served in presentence remand.

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Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Dheepa and Dixit Awtani with their daughters Deanna and Deleena.

Dheepa and Dixit Awtani in Melbourne’s CBD.

Showtime at Princess Theatre.

Joy found in city sights A Wheelers Hill mother has featured in photo shoots to lighten the gloom hovering over locked-down Melbourne.

Dheepa Awtani said she wanted to highlight the joy of new parenthood as well as supporting “local business in the best city in the world to live in”.

In one of the shoots, she posed with snakes, blue-tongued lizards and horses at Myuna Farm in Doveton.

A Mental Health Ambassador, Ms Awtani found the farm animals’ lives in a “secure yet capsuled environment” was symbolic.

She said it was symbolic of the missed childrens’ birthday parties during lockdown.

Especially missed were her double-vaxxed parents and parents-in-law unable to visit from overseas due to Covid restrictions.

“They could not come over to be in our fragile parenthood journey.

“Grandkids have missed their presence, we couldn’t celebrate our renewal of 10th anniversary vows and our elder daughter Deleena’s birthday for the second year in a row because of continued lockdown.”

She also celebrated parenthood with her husband Dixit and her then-unborn daughter Deanna in iconic parts of Melbourne’s CBD such as Princess Theatre, Parliament steps, Flinders Street station and Hosier Lane.

The aim was to reinforce Melbourne as the best city to live in the world, to support local photographers and “bring a smile back to all aspiring parents”.

“I really hope it brings the positivity that we as a city need today.”

Dheepa Awtani meets the animals at Myuna Farm, Doveton.

Dixit and Dheepa Awtani.

Dheepa Awtani at the Myuna Farm paddocks.

Dheepa Awtani with a historic tram in Melbourne.

8 STAR JOURNAL

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Dheepa Awtani coiled in a snake at Myuna Farm.

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

Dressed up for the Princess Theatre, Melbourne.

A pregnant Dheepa Awtani with her in-utero daughter Deanna and husband Dixit.

Dheepa Awtani in Hosier Lane, Melbourne.

Adorning a red bridal gown on Parliament House’s steps, Melbourne. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Loneliest mum’s plight

By Sakina Amani

Sakina Amani tells of the loneliness of her widowed ‘grandma’ under Taliban rule in Afghanistan.

Beatrice Blyth with her Woolworths Gift Cards.

Winner announced Beatrice Blyth couldn’t believe it when she was told she had won $1000 worth of Woolworths Gift Cards.

The Berwick woman was the winner of the Star/Woolworths Spring Shopping spree competition, which was run for five weeks across all the Star newspapers.

Beatrice said she was excited by her win,

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Free vax hubs in Springvale A pharmacy and a Vietnamese community group are teaming for a series of weekend Covid vaccine hubs in Springvale South.

O’Brien’s Pharmacy and South Eastern Melbourne Vietnamese Associations Council (SEMVAC Helps) are providing the free AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer jabs to all-comers on 16-17 October and 23-24 October.

SEMVAC grants officer Trung Doan said members were ringing up to 1000 clients to encourage vaccination.

They encountered “very few” vaccine hesitant in the Vietnamese community, perhaps 2-3 per cent, Mr Doan said.

“The strongest factor is embarrassment, because I knew the information circulating on the Web is misinformation.

“I’d be embarrassed if our community fell victim to that, and I’m proud that our community hasn’t.”

Mr Doan said SEMVAC volunteers were talking some of the hesitant around. Such as an elderly carer who said they couldn’t risk getting sick with vaccine side-effects.

The retort was that the carer risked getting dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

more ill if they contracted Covid while unvaccinated. That risk was real any time they went out shopping.

The postcode areas covering Springvale and Springvale South have the widest Covid vaccine coverage in Greater Dandenong.

About 85-90 per cent of Springvale-postcode residents have single-dose vaccination and 40-45 per cent are fully vaxxed. Springvale South’s postcode has 85-90 per cent and 50-55 per cent coverage.

They were well ahead of overall vaccination rates in Greater Dandenong of 78.7 per cent and 40.7 per cent.

SEMVAC has received a $50,000 grant towards efforts to boost Covid vaccination, including developing an Apple and Android community app as well as a school-student competition to spread the message.

The hubs are at Semvac Helps Centre at Burden Park, 888 Heatherton Road Springvale South on 16-17 October and 23-24 October, 10am-5pm.

Pfizer vaccines are limited to Sundays 12pm-5pm.

Walk-ups are accepted but bookings are recommended on 0432 414 296.

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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

City’s top citizen

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

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“,

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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saying as a pensioner the prize would make a huge difference to her.

As a regular Woolworths shopper and Star reader, Beatrice is looking forward to shopping up big at her local Woolies.

She is also an active Probus member.

A big thanks to the 4,500 readers who entered our major spring competition.

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place by bribing the cruellest of Afghanistan’s kingdoms/governments to save their properties and assets.

History has dozens of archived records about the survival of Afghan Hazara people in Afghanistan until today.

Even my mom used to tell me about Kochis (a group of Pashtun nomads) who arrived at Hazaristan in central Afghanistan including my birthplace Jaghori.

One of the main tasks of Hazara people was agriculture.

For days and days they were working on farms but unexpectedly, Kochi cows, sheep and goats were misusing these farms by grazing.

Until today, nothing bothers Afghan Hazaras but for their loved ones.

Afghan Hazaras prefer to accept the life threatening challenge of being locked inside a room with no oxygen or losing packets of blood in a hospital bed - but never to accept the loss, pain and suffering of loved ones.

Therefore, my grandpa died from losing his children thousands of miles away.

And this made my grandma the loneliest person on Earth.

Until Kabul’s collapse on August 15, there were her neighbours to look after her.

But now, it looks as if there were no people in the first place in Kabul.

My grandma almost lost her memory but surprisingly can recognize her loved ones.

Now, her children are neither able to save her nor tolerate her situation.

Please help us to save the loneliest mother. *Sakina Amani is a Hazara journalist based in Melbourne

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How does it feel when your own children wish you to die?

Afghanistan’s collapse not only forced young groups but also elders to evacuate the country as soon as possible.

The threat isn’t only that of living under Taliban regime but the empty neighbourhoods and loneliness.

Among these lonely elders is my grandma, whose children are stuck outside the country’s borders and can’t save her.

At the end of the day, they wish that when her husband, my grandpa, died they could take her with him to the graveyard. It’s better to have a wish for death.

Put your right hand on your heart and ask yourself, who on Earth wishes for their biological mother’s death?

It’s like an act of murder. Murder of the most precious love in the Universe.

Though Afghan Hazaras have many examples of losing loved ones for different reasons historically, today’s hearts are bleeding.

In Melbourne, I drove to a street with a speed limit of 5 km/h and asked myself about the decoration of the street like a green garden with beautiful houses.

Then I realized it belongs to retired men and women. The way Australia serves its elders in aged care surprised me.

None of these elders at retirement villages or aged care wish to die.

When celebrating their birthdays, their children hope for a long and happy life for them.

But Afghan Hazara elders don’t even know their real date of birth nor once in their lifetime do they thank God for their being.

Instead, most of the time, they wish for death when they can’t achieve their basic needs. Putting even aside their lack of literacy and knowledge about themselves and the outside world.

An Australian elder woman, with glorious outlook, saves time by reading newspapers in the train to Melbourne CBD to meet a friend for a cup of coffee.

Or elder couples’ are seen walking hand in hand with the slowest steps getting fresh breath in early morning at their nearby beaches and shores.

Of course, how they feel pride in themselves from living a wonderful life.

But Afghan Hazara elders struggle to survive and pass breath to the next generations.

Yes, their only target was keeping alive their children for the hope of living differently.

They were our ancestors that accepted the most challengeable life in an unwanted birth-

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STAR JOURNAL 9

FOCUS ON …

EDUCATION CHOICES

Sharp minds Please visit our website to find more about our school or call either campus to book a tour.

www.keysboroughsc.vic.edu.au

ACACIA CAMPUS 28 Isaac Road, Keysborough (03) 9798 1877

BANKSIA CAMPUS 8-20 Janine Road, Springvale South (03) 9546 4144

Email: keysborough.sc@education.vic.gov.au www.keysboroughsc.vic.edu.au CRICOS provider code 00861K 12451564-FA26-20

At St Paul Apostle North Primary School they strive to educate their students for the future.

By incorporating STEM throughout the curriculum, their students become passionate learners, with inquisitive minds, who take control of their own learning. The rich and authentic STEM experiences that the students engage in incorporate a variety of science, technology, engineering and math opportunities.

The Walker Learning program allows students to have a voice, from Prep to Grade 6, by sharing their interests and delving into research projects. This method of learning fosters curiosity, creating engaged learners who can adapt their thinking. In the ever-changing world these skills are more vital than ever before.

St Paul Apostle North Primary School they believe that learning happens in a wide variety of environments; therefore bringing children outside to allow them to experience the world around them is an important part of our STEM program. The school’s location allows

them to take advantage of the tranquil reserve that they have right on our doorstep. Outdoor education allows them to teach life skills and provide hands-on experiences, enhancing students’ engagement in learning.

The teaching of robotics and coding assists their students with an early understanding of programming whilst also developing their mathematical understanding and skills. They aim to deliver programs which provide meaningful computational thinking, computer programming and 21st-century education in an engaging, hands-on way. Engaging with robotics teaches the importance of collaboration, as well as developing students’ critical thinking skills. St Paul Apostle North Primary School are developing their robotics program through the use of Beebots and unplugged activities in the Junior school and Edison Robots, Coding programs and Makey Makey in the Senior school.

St Paul Apostle North Primary School can’t wait until they can all be back together sharing their learning and caring for each other.

Ignite the Mind and Spirit Rosewood Downs Primary School Tucked away in a quiet pocket of Dandenong North, Rosewood Downs PS offers a wide variety of programs within a caring and vibrant environment that ensures all our students are supported to grow to their full potential.

For our nearly 300 students, we provide a comprehensive and rigorous school curriculum and have a strong emphasis on the overall health and wellbeing of all our children. We offer a full specialist program including Music, Physical Education, STEM and Art. Rosewood Downs has created a friendly, caring and inclusive school environment where children, teachers and parents work together to achieve success.

Not only do we now offer Before and After School Care, we have a brand new, state of the art Kindergarten opening on the school site in 2023.

Taking enrolments for Prep 2022 now!

Rosewood Downs Primary School Murray Road Dandenong North Phone: 9795 3744 Email: rosewood.downs.ps@education.vic.gov.au www.rosewooddownsps.vic.edu.au 10 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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12508790-JW34-21

Please give us a call on 9795 3744 to arrange a tour, visit www.rosewooddownsps.vic.edu.au or check out our school Facebook page!

www.spanhills.catholic.edu.au

03 9700 6068 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Engineering by design The world is changing very rapidly, with new technologies driving both future growth and a significant increase in demand for new job roles and skillsets, particularly in the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

With rapidly evolving technologies comes the need for schools to adapt their programs to ensure students are receiving quality education in the fields that are likely to result in continuous, sustainable employment.

Dandenong High School has recognised the need to ensure their students are thoroughly prepared for University study and the workforce and have decided to launch a dedicated Design Engineering Academy commencing for Year 9 students in 2022.

The Academy program will be taught in the new Design Centre, a purpose-built, state-ofthe-art and future-focused learning precinct.

The Academy will provide students with a deeply immersive and full-faceted STEM program and a clear learning pathway to an extensive array of tertiary courses and career opportunities.

Although a specially designed STEM program, all units and subjects studied in the Academy will have a direct link to VCE subjects under the Victorian Curriculum, examples of these units may include: Cyber Security, Computational Thinking, Engineering and Robotics, The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence, Applied Physics, Emerging Technologies, STEM Innovators, Coding and Programming, Software Development, Digital Design and Manufacturing, Algorithmic Problem-Solving, Data Analytics and Chemical Engineering.

In addition, students will be actively encouraged to compete in STEM competitions at a very high level.

The Academy promises to offer a stimulating educational environment. Students will enjoy a range of enrichment and co-curricular experiences through partnerships with universities, including RMIT and Swinburne, as well as study trip opportunities to Silicon Valley in California.

These opportunities will enable students to gain recognised micro-credentials and qualifications.

The Academy will be phased in. In 2022 and 2023, the Academy will initially be available to a cap of 25 existing Dandenong High School students and external students.

The program will then expand to 50 Year 9 students by 2024. In 2025, the program will be offered to 50 Year 7 students and 50 Year 9 students from Dandenong High School and external students.

If your child shows interest in the STEM fields, we will be having an online Information Session later in the term.

Please visit the school’s website or contact the general office for further details on 9792 0561.

Dandenong High School has recognised the need to ensure their students are thoroughly prepared for University study and the workforce.

DESIGN ENGINEERING ACADEMY OPENING 2022

DANDENONG HIGH SCHOOL Design Engineering Academy

In response to a considerable, demonstrable increase in global demand for STEM-related workforce skills, Dandenong High School is launching a Design Engineering Academy.

The Academy program will be taught in the new Design Centre, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art and future-focused learning precinct opening at Dandenong High School in 2022.

The Academy will provide students with a deeply immersive and full-faceted STEM program and a clear learning pathway to an extensive array of tertiary courses and career opportunities.

Initially opening to Year 9 students, for further information please contact Dandenong High School on 9792 0561.

COMMENCING

2022 92-106 Princes Hwy Dandenong VIC 3175 T (+613) 9792 0561 E dandenong.hs@education.vic.gov.au www.dandenong-hs.vic.edu.au

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 11

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Supportive programs At Noble Park Secondary College, they encourage their students to actively participate in their school community and the education system, whilst also contributing to decision making processes and collectively influencing outcomes by putting forward their views, concerns, and ideas.

This year, under the guidance of Assistant Principal Mrs Helen Karagounis, their student leaders worked methodically and tirelessly to investigate and implement a Sustainability Program at the college.

The student leaders successfully developed online material to educate all students on the use of recycling bins which were purchased and strategically distributed around the College.

Year 11 Student leader Lina Chhoeung had this to say: “As part of our college’s goal to become a more environmentally conscious and sustainable school with our recycling program, the student leadership team has been working hard to implement a new bin system. Parents, students, and teachers may have already noticed

new colourful bins placed around the school before remote learning. These bins are for paper and cardboard, compost, other recyclable items, and general waste.

The four different types of bins aim to decrease the number of recyclable and compostable products being wasted, as previously they were all thrown into general waste bins.

This implementation is just our college’s first step to becoming a more environmentally friendly school, as more projects will be coming soon.

As a school vice-captain who is part of the school’s student leadership team, I am extremely proud to be a part of this change, and I am also looking forward to working on future projects” Noble Park Secondary College are extremely proud of the teamwork and leadership their students displayed particularly during this challenging year.

Noble Park Secondary College congratulate them and wish them success with any future endeavours.

To view a virtual tour of the College please visit their website www.nobleparksc.vic.edu.au

Students at Noble Park Secondary College.

Introducing your

School Principals

12496885-SN22-21

I am extremely proud of the College and invite you to call 9546 9066, to book a personalised school tour with me, so that you can also understand what I mean when I say Noble Park Secondary College is certainly a hidden gem!

Dandenong High School

Noble Park Secondary College

92-106 Princes Hwy, Dandenong Ph: 9792 0561 www.dandenong-hs.vic.edu.au

3 Callaghan Street Noble Park VIC 3174 Phone 9546 9066

|

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

To all families who are considering enrolling their children at Keysborough College I say that I believe you are making an excellent choice!

We aim to provide the very best for every student. From their first day, our students enjoy a supportive and secure learning environment. We provide a positive student learning experience for all students through the creation of a personalised learning environment, via shared effective learning and a culture of high expectation and high achievement across the College. We cater to individual students’ learning styles and the rate at which they learn to improve their results in the classroom.

The wellbeing of each student is fostered through a teaching and learning culture founded on positive relationships that encourages and supports students to take responsibility for their own learning. We provide transition programs and pathways for students as they move through the College and beyond. This occurs through the development of authentic learning pathways that respond to the varying values, needs and interests of our students, and building a significant social and academic working relationship with the College’s associated Primary Schools.

The benchmark in planning the future direction of our College is to ensure the best possible outcomes for all students, and to provide students, parents, staff and the wider community with the opportunity to be involved in creating our future. At Keysborough College we truly live our values in all aspects of school life: Respect, Excellence and Diversity. I look forward to you visiting our school.

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Noble Park Secondary College is situated conveniently just under one kilometre from the Noble Park station in a no through road, Callaghan Street. It could be described as a ‘hidden gem’, as our College may not be visible from the main road, but we proudly boast our greatest achievement to be our wonderful students, who demonstrate respect, to honour our school motto of “Our Best Always” at the heart of our College philosophy.

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Susan joined Dandenong High School as a graduate teacher and her 30-year career culminated in her appointment as the Principal in 2012, where Susan embarked on leading the community through a period of intense cultural change and continuous school improvement.

A committed and innovative educator, Susan is currently acting in the role of Network Chair for the Greater Dandenong Principal’s Network, a position she accepted to facilitate her drive and passion for making a difference within her community.

Susan has a great deal of experience with young people. Apart from three decades as a high achieving educator, Susan is a Parent and Grandparent with a deep connection to young people and thorough knowledge and understanding of the challenges young people face in today’s world. With a firm eye to the future, Susan believes nothing is more empowering than education and recognises that learning best occurs when students feel connected, happy and supported at School. This is the culture Susan and her dedicated team have worked tirelessly to create during her tenure as Principal.

Susan’s advice to her students is always to meet their challenges head-on and to focus on being the best they can be in all aspects of their life.

12 STAR JOURNAL

John Baston

Pam Dyson

Susan Ogden

Keysborough College Acasia Campus 28 Isaac Road, Keyborough

Bankasia Campus 8-20 Janine Road, Springvale South

Phone 9798 1877

Phone 9546 4144

www.keysboroughsc.vic.edu.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

2022 ENROLMENTS OPEN

• All members of the school community value Student Voice, and leadership in the classroom • Range of subjects and learning experiences at all year levels • High Achievers program - The Galileo Enhancement Program • Excellent facilities across all learning areas • Experienced, enthusiastic and caring staff • Highly supportive learning environment • Virtual tours available

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Educating For the Future.

Noble Park Secondary College Virtual tour available by visiting www.nobleparksc.vic.edu.au

Phone: 9546 9066 - 3 Callaghan Street, Noble Park, 3174 Email: noble.park.sc@education.vic.gov.au @NobleParkSC

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

noble.park.sc

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Journey’s problem halved In 2020, Star News Group journalist DANIELLE KUTCHEL received funding from the Melbourne Press Club’s Michael Gordon Fellowship to explore mental health in asylum seeker and refugee communities. Below is part four of the story.

In an unassuming brick building in Springvale, a revolution is building.

It’s in the healthy crop of vegetables around the back; it’s in the scent of wholesome African home cooking, wafting through the window of the property; and it’s in the joyous laughter of its occupants as they go about their day’s work.

It’s the Afri-Aus Care UBUNTU Community Village, the home of Afri-Aus Care’s remarkable Empowering African Women UBUNTU in Practice program, which is transforming the lives of women who have come to Australia from South Sudan and other parts of the world.

The women, known as the ‘Mamas’, have been taken under the wing of Selba-Gondoza Luka, an award-winning local advocate for the South Sudanese community.

Though she herself was born in Malawi, Selba-Gondoza says her heart is in South Sudan.

She knows the struggles these refugees have faced in their settlement journey, and the toll it can take on mental health, because she too has been there.

“I don’t differ from them at all,” Selba-Gondoza explained.

When she arrived in Australia with her husband and young daughter, Selba-Gondoza faced severe depression and isolation.

After several years her husband left her and returned to Malawi – leaving Selba-Gondoza to raise their daughter alone.

Before he had left the country she had been hospitalised from her illness.

But she experienced an epiphany in hospital and knew that she could draw strength from others, if she could create a community here like that that she was used to back home.

She founded Afri-Aus Care to bridge the gap for new arrivals from Africa and other countries and create a village of support for parents and their children.

Soon, other women joined her, desperate for camaraderie and culturally-appropriate help. They told the same stories as SelbaGondoza while supporting each other through their struggles.

“We know mental health is real,” SelbaGondoza said.

Resettlement challenges, lack of jobs and employment, the language barrier, marriage breakdowns and domestic violence, substance misuse and seeing their children get into trouble with the law all exacerbate mental illhealth, she explained.

Using a combination of her lived experience and the principles of UBUNTU (a term often translated to mean ‘I am because we are’), she has created a transformational program that’s improving the mental health of Sudanese families through their mothers; a Posi-

Mamas Veronica, Nyakuma, Hakima and Rita. 253462 tive Change Methodology that is working well with the cohort she supports.

The Mamas all tell a similar story, of arriving in Australia and feeling lonely, isolated and in many cases, anxious or depressed. Many are single mothers without support networks in Australia.

What they have now is the UBUNTU village, where every woman plays her part and where the Mamas feel safe and comfortable to come and tell their stories and get advice.

In return they are helping other women in the community. Their children are thriving in the collective family, receiving support and love from their ‘Mamas’ and ‘Aunties’ and giving their time to the community, rather than getting lost on the wrong side of the tracks.

When Mama Nyakuma arrived in Australia, she said she didn’t know where to go or what she would face.

Mama Nyakuma, a Nuer Women Community Leader in Victorian, said when their children faced challenges, it caused anxiety amongst the Mamas.

“That’s why we come together. We come to cry together, to share ideas and history, what’s happening and what we can do,” she said of the UBUNTU Mama’s group.

“When we share it, it clears my brain. I’m very happy with that and I think all the Mamas are happy.

“This is a solution for us and to our kids.”

Mama Hakima, another of the UBUNTU village’s participants, said she felt the same.

“It really is good, UBUNTU, because we are mothers and there are a lot of challenges… [but] when we come together, there are solutions.

“Earlier when we came together and couldn’t understand, it was not a good life.

But with UBUNTU…if we share today, we are happy.”

Mama Veronica was “shocked” by the new society she encountered when she arrived in Australia.

She felt lonely, because her new society lived apart from relatives and friends rather than in a village-style as she would have back home.

The UBUNTU program gave her purpose and helped her connect with others again.

Picture: DANIELLE KUTCHEL

“I felt so happy because here we connect together and encourage one another. If you have a problem and you come here, you go back happy.”

She’s taken a lead role in planting the AfriAus Care UBUNTU Village garden and said it is “like medicine” for the Mamas.

“There’s no loneliness again. I’m happy,” Mama Veronica said.

Mama Rita said when she first arrived in Australia, life was not easy; she did not know how to find services like the hospital.

This became a life-threatening challenge when her daughter suffered a complicated medical problem.

She was fortunate to find support from a church group that helped her get to hospital, but she said being a single African mother in a new country is hard.

“But when we go and do things together, that’s called UBUNTU,” she said.

Over Covid, the Afri-Aus Care community has busily prepared packages of food using the crops from their garden, delivering them to those in isolation or doing it tough.

It’s a physical manifestation of the empathy this community has for anyone going through a hard time.

What their approach highlights is the importance of culturally-appropriate supports for mental health to support one another during tough times.

That’s the way they used to do it in Africa, the Mamas explained.

Across the south east, refugee and migrant communities are banding together to assist their own, sometimes with minimal support from external organisations and partners.

For the communities that have been established here for longer, like the Vietnamese community, members are old enough now to be taking up careers in the health space, offering tailored mental health support from a place of lived experience and understanding.

This is vital, according to Dr Judy Tang, a commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC).

She believes there should be a greater effort put into increasing the capacity of multicultural communities to help themselves, by encouraging them to become mental health

professionals so they can provide services to their own communities.

At the Bakhtar Cultural Association, youth coordinator Benazir Rasoli said this is beginning to happen as children of refugees and asylum seekers confront the stigmas around mental health, normalising discussion.

But more needs to be done, she said.

She agreed that there needs to be more “availability of people in the field” who are experts in both mental health and diverse communities.

She believes when people see a professional who can understand their story, their culture and their background, they will be more likely to disclose the trauma they’ve been through and seek help for it.

“We need more support in the community, more awareness, more stories being shared,” Benazir said.

The final report of the 2019 Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health Commission noted the “great potential” of using lived experiences in mental health work.

It recommended a restructure of Victoria’s mental health system into one using a “community-based model of care”, that keeps people experiencing mental ill-health close to their communities.

It’s evident this would help refugee and asylum seeker communities, to keep them connected and supported as they get the help they need.

In its envisaged overhaul of the mental health system, the report recommended ensuring that Victorians could access appropriate mental health information regardless of their preferred first language.

Viv Nguyen AM, chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), said different multicultural communities could also work together to share their lived experiences to help each other through mental health challenges.

“I’d like to see my own [Vietnamese] community take a more proactive approach to support the Afghan community, given we know so well that lived experience,” she said.

“I’d also like to see greater collaboration between communities to rally behind them when they arrive and make sure we are a better society than, say, when the Vietnamese came 40 years ago.”

She’d like to see more events and activities run within communities to support wellbeing in a culturally safe and tailored way – to allow people to “talk it out” with people who “look like me”.

“The community does want to help and stay connected,” she said.

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

· ·

Pandemic reveals life’s ‘essentials’: Interfaith leader

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Keep your eye on the better times ahead.

That’s the Covid-coping message from Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network’s newly-elected president Father Jean Mawal.

“We can look forward to doing what we normally do,” the leader of St Paul’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Dandenong says.

“If we’re caught up in ourselves, we can drown.

“If we can keep resilient by looking ahead, by planning to see family and friends and getting on our feet again.”

Fr Mawal takes the helm after 10 years with Victoria’s first and largest interfaith network.

In 2016, he was awarded City of Greater Dandenong’s citizen of the year award for his work on the council’s Challenge Family Violence project.

The Covid challenges have been immense 14 STAR JOURNAL

|

as a faith leader and for his congregation. But the lessons have also been profound.

“It taught us to appreciate the simple things in life – like just having family, just having work, just having a place to worship to go to and a community around us.

“It taught us how important that was for us.”

Re-discovering the “simple essentials” of life could make us “progress better than before”, Fr Mawal said.

“Children are saying how joyful they are to have their parents around. To play a board game and having that one hour of exercise together.

“Everyone was so busy in life that we often missed the essentials.”

During lockdowns, places of worship have been closed. Their absence has heightened the struggle for the community, Fr Mawal says.

“Places of worship are regarded as non-

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

essential services but we realise through this how essential they are.”

Fr Mawal says mental health calls for assistance dropped significantly at Easter and Christmas time.

It showed that people drew comfort just knowing it was a time for celebration, giving and family.

Meanwhile, the interfaith network’s usual functions such as bringing together faith leaders, holding interschool meetings as well as school and public tours of places of worship has gone online.

The aim under restrictions has been trying to maintain contact and reach out to people, as well as providing emergency relief.

Being isolated has been the “worst case scenario” for faith communities.

“We’re based on our community being together. We’re based on interaction. We’re based on support.

“That is what we base our belief on.”

Father Jean Mawal has been elected as Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network president for 2021-’22. 253264 Picture STEWART CHAMBERS dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

Doves fly South for winter

By Nick Creely The Doveton Football Netball Club’s move to a neighbouring competition is locked in for season 2022.

The Doves have confirmed that they are on the move next season, with the club’s football and netball teams to call the Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) home moving forward.

Just a few years after the club’s famous 2019 senior football premiership in AFL Outer East’s Division 1, it’s a big move for the mighty Doves from Robinson Reserve who will enter the ranks of Division 2 in their first season.

In a statement by Doves president John Stapleton, he outlined the main catalyst for the move.

“The Club has undertaken its due diligence to determine our way forward which is based on the long-term future and sustainability of the Doveton Football Netball Club,” he said.

“The Club determined our best option after ongoing discussions, appropriate due diligence that the Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) was our best fit for the longterm future of our Club in a Metropolitan based Competition which is perfectly aligned to the SFNL Club locations.

“The DFNC is appreciative of the support and professionalism shown throughout the application process from Lee Hartman (CEO SFNL) and the SFNL Board.”

The Doves have said that “Retention, “Recruitment”, “Participation” and “Travel/Location of competing clubs” is the aspiration mov-

Doveton is on the move for 2022, departing the Outer East. 236627 ing forward - one fostering sustainability and success for the long-term future of the club. “(These) key factors are vitally important for our players, coaches, support staff, members, volunteers, and Sponsors as they are the

Picture: ROB CAREW

key stakeholders of the DFNC,” he said.

“The DFNC boasts a strong heritage through generations of families and the local community.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that the

Club has a sustained future and want to ensure that we continue to provide a friendly family environment and quality participation experience for Football and Netball.”

It’s been an eventful off-season after a disappointing 2021 senior season, with champion Eastern league forward Michael Cardamone signing on as the new senior coach, replacing club great Daniel Charles, while the Doves have been busy re-signing its senior list, including stars such as Matt Stapleton, Sam Muirhead, Max Sheppard, Daniel Zajac, Tyson Bellinger, Jake Basa, James Gascard, Luca Daidone, Harley Primrose and Matt Jameson.

The Doves have announced that defender Josh Viney has returned to the club after a year off in 2021, while Oakleigh Districts midfielder Harry Seymour has also joined the club, the Doves are hoping one of its prized recruits from 2020, Austin Deneys will get on the park, while ex-Melbourne champion Russell Robertson is on board as a specialist forwards coach.

Stapleton said it’s been an enjoyable three years in the Outer East competition and wished them well.

“We would like to thank the Outer East Board and Executive for the opportunity and their continued support to participate in their League over the past three years where we will remain as part of their history with our Division One Football and C Grade Netball Premierships in 2019,” he said.

Explosive ‘Wow She’s Fast’ generates new excitment

By Jason Adams and Luke Corda We’re all aware of the supreme talent that is Wow She’s Fast and the start she’s made to her career.

She’s three from three and yet to show signs that she’s not going to be a future star of the sport. In the process she’s become the fastest Maiden winner ever at Sandown Park and has put a combined gap of 43 lengths on her opposition.

There’s a bit for us to learn as to how she’ll handle herself in high quality fields but what we’ve witnessed so far is damn good.

Her trainers Kel and Jackie Greenough won’t be rushing her progression or taking any risks as she’s now at Grade 5 level and open to coming up against an experienced and high class fields. They’ll be making the most of the restricted win options that are available.

We’ve seen similar starts to a career and similar times from the stars of our sport but very few have generated the interest she has.

Why? It’s hard to specify. But it’s clear she’s making waves stronger than that of even the likes of Aston Rupee.

On Thursday we saw a different dimension to her as she overcame early challenges to win again. And didn’t it strike a chord amongst her fans!

On the same card Barooga Smoke cemented his spot in TAB Melbourne Cup heats and Koblenz confirmed that he’s a leading contender for the world’s greatest greyhound race, the TAB Melbourne Cup. Barooga Smoke began well from box 1 then held out pressure from his outer to settle in a good position and from there went on to win comfortably in a fast time of 29.21.

It was his first win at Sandown Park since he took out the Easter Gift last April for former trainer Brett Nye. It was also his first city win for new trainer Brooke Ennis.

“He came to the kennel from Brett (Nye) who did a great job with him - we gave him a bit of time off to settle in. He loves this place, it was good to draw box 1 and he did well,” said Ennis.

Barooga Smoke is now exempt into heats of the world’s greatest greyhound race on Friday November 19. He will race in the lead up but plans are not set in stone.

“At the moment we’ll just make sure he’s 18 STAR JOURNAL

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Wow She’s Fast is a supreme talent. fit and sound leading up to the heats. He’ll race between now and then but we haven’t decided where that’ll be.”

The TAB Melbourne Cup is a race the Ennis clan have been a part of but not yet able to conquer. The family have had four finalists - Brooke had Zipping Meg (2015), husband Jamie had Ocatre (2009) and Matt Machine (2016) and his father Gary had Enry Walt (2011).

“We’ve had a few runners with some bad boxes. It’s a hard race to win and you need draws to fall your way. We’ll aim for it again, we hope to win it one day!”

Koblenz further highlighted his status a serious contender for this year’s TAB Melbourne Cup with a breathtaking win.

He speared from the boxes to record a redhot first split of 4.93 - just half a length off the record set by Fernando Bale and Black Magic

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

Opal - making him equal 8th fastest ever.

Despite a strong challenge from Keep It Blue, Koblenz proved too classy which was much to the delight of his trainer David Geall. ‘’It’s a massive relief every time these good dogs go around - whatever place they’ve run, first or last,” said Geall. ‘’This was his first ‘500’ metre run in over five weeks so that’s why I feel relieved.’’

Koblenz, or ‘Jaidyn’ as he’s known named after former Collingwood star Jaidyn Stephenson, completed the 515m in 29.16 which puts him in the top 15 fastest winners this year.

Considering his strong form of late, Geall surprised many when he opted not to nominate Koblenz in the ‘50 Day Countdown’ special event later in the evening which carried exemption into the TAB Melbourne Cup heats.

‘’He’d been off for a few weeks after a minor injury at Cranbourne. He had only had a 385m at Shepparton and we thought he was a bit underdone.” ‘’This was a more suitable race because if he was two or three lengths off his game, he’d still get away with it.’’

Following the win Koblenz firmed from $12 into $10 with TAB to win the world’s greatest greyhound race on Friday November 26.

Koblenz will now target heats of the Cranbourne Cup on October 22 which kicks off the Metro Festival of Racing.

Next Thursday’s racing is highlighted by the opening TAB Melbourne Cup Prelude series. Greyhounds must compete in a Prelude or win an exemption race to be eligible for Cup heats. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Two clubs become one LOOKING BACK TO JUNE, 2017...

Tillakaratne Dilshan sends one down in Premier Cricket last season. 225296

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Eagles set to soar

By Nick Creely Off the back of a disappointing 2020/21 Subbies season, there is renewed optimism down at Syd Pargeter Reserve for Endeavour Hills.

It’s an exciting time for a club that has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years.

The Eagles will be looking to bounce back from their last-placed finish last season, and will have former Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan at their disposal as captain.

The 44-year-old, who was originally signed up to line up with Mulgrave in the two clubs’ joint venture, played 87 Test matches, 330 ODIs and 80 Twenty20s for his country, scoring over 15,000 international runs.

But he has been released from Mulgrave after the club recently announced that its muchpublicised international signings this season wouldn’t go ahead due to the ongoing uncer-

tainty surrounding Covid-19.

Dilsha is known as one of the most innovative ODI batters of all time, and scored 39 international centuries across his glittering career, which also included a stint as Sri Lankan captain in all formats after the 2011 World Cup. He is an out-and-out Sri Lankan legend.

But now living in Melbourne, he will skipper the Eagles in local cricket this season in one of the biggest signings in club history.

Dilshan did play some cricket in Melbourne last season, featuring seven times for Premier Cricket outfit Casey-South Melbourne, scoring a half-century and taking 11 wickets, while he also played as Mulgrave’s marquee player in the Twenty20s.

In announcing Dilshan’s signing, Endeavour Hills could barely contain its excitement.

“The prospect of having a player of the sta-

tus of Dilshan at the Endeavour Hills Cricket Club is an exciting one for the members of the club,“ the club said. “(Dilshan will) no doubt add his significant presence to the growing number of quality cricketers making the sub district competition their home.“ In further exciting news, the Eagles will also have the services of current Sri Lankan vicecaptain Lahiru Thirimanne, who is also based out of Melbourne, for a handful of games prior to Christmas.

The 32-year-old top-order batter - who has 42 Tests and 127 ODIs with seven international centuries - will further bolster the Eagles’ batting line-up in his brief appearance.

While there is still plenty of potential changes to the start date of the local cricket season, at this stage the Subbies season is hoping to start in early to mid November.

Eurell honours Pinker with winning treble

By David Nagel His champion mare Pinker Pinker gave him one of his biggest thrills in racing and trainer Greg Eurell used the night named in her honour to prepare a winning-treble at his home track at Cranbourne on Friday night.

Pinker Pinker – out of Reset/Miss Marion – took out the 2011 WS Cox Plate after a magnificent ride by Cranbourne born-and-bred jockey Craig Williams.

Williams settled well back in the field, but weaved an incredible passage – never losing momentum from the 600-metre mark – to run down New Zealand Derby winner Jimmy Choux in the shadows of the post.

It was one of the great big-race rides in the history of Australian racing.

While often remembered as a Cox Plate winner alone, Pinker Pinker was a high-quality mare who showed early signs of her talent by running Group 1 placings in the AJC Oaks and Epsom Handicap.

But it was in 2011 where she realised her true potential, winning the Cox Plate, Angus Armanasco Stakes, Let’s Elope Stakes and Schweppervescence Trophy to her earn the title as one the best mares in the country.

But tragically in April 2012, when she was being prepared for the Queen of the Turf Stakes, Pinker Pinker suffered an anaphylactic shock following an injection from veterinary dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Dandenong Women’s Cricket Club (DWCC) and Dandenong Cricket Club (DCC) have announced that they will officially merge as of 1 July, after Special Resolutions were voted through unanimously by members of both clubs on 19 June at the club’s AGM. A proposed merger was first brought forward in mid-May, with the representatives from both clubs working diligently over the last month to come up with a proposal that satisfied all parties.

The merged entity will keep the name Dandenong Cricket Club (DCC) and will maintain the panther mascot.

However, a new logo is planned to integrate some aspect of the DWCC brand and representatives from both clubs have been buoyed by the overwhelming support of members in working with a ‘one club’ approach.

“It has been fantastic to see how everyone involved has worked together and shown a real respect for both the history of both clubs and the vision we are working toward for the future,” the DWCC’s Kelly Applebee said.

Applebee will take up the position of VicePresident for the new DCC and will be joined by both Emma Gallagher and parent Shahid Malik from DWCC on the new committee.

Current Dandenong Cricket Club president Michael Findlay will remain as president down at Shepley Oval.

“It has been a very positive process,” Findlay said.

“The commitment that has been shown from all involved to not only make this merge happen, but ensure it is as successful as possible, means that we are already tracking well in our preparations for 2017/18 and have an exciting future beyond.”

Recruitment of coaches for the women’s teams is underway and DCC hopes to announce these shortly, Findlay confirmed.

DWCC and DCC recognize the ongoing support from Cricket Victoria and the City of Greater Dandenong that allowed this merger to go ahead and that will be instrumental in its continued success.

The Panthers also announced that current skipper Tom Donnell, consistent all-rounder James Nanopoulos and bustling quick Brent Fairbanks have been awarded life membership at the club.

Nanopoulos in particular had an outstanding 2016/17 season, scoring 341 runs at 34.1 and taking 30 wickets at 21.9 while Donnell captained the club to the semi-finals.

All three have enjoyed outstanding yet unfinished careers that have spanned over a decade, and will both be crucial to the Panthers’ quest to go one better in 2017/18.

The move - which is set to enhance cricket in the south-east region - has been on the agenda for several years with the club now looking to continue its emergence as one of the powerhouses in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition.

Pre-season for the Panthers will begin shortly, with player signings to be announced in the coming months.

Greg Eurell with Pinker Pinker just days after her incredible win in the 2011 WS Cox Plate. 72504 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS staff and died.

Pinker Pinker holds a special place in the Eurell stable, sitting alongside his gun sprinter/miler Apache Cat, – who claimed five consecutive group one’s in an incredible racing career – as the favourite horses he has trained.

Eurell completed his winning treble in

three consecutive races at Cranbourne on Friday night, with Balsamic Vinegar, Hezafox and Eugene’s Forest winning races four, five and six on the card.

Friday night’s feature, the $100,000 Pinker Pinker Plate (2060m) was taken out by the Mitchell Freedman-trained Mahashakti.

The two Dandenong powerhouses have merged in a landmark move for southeast cricket. 163545 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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