EHD Star Journal - 9th November 2021

Page 1

ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

@StarJournal_SE

/DandenongJournal

endeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au

Developers pay more for open space

VC hero’s story revealed

Panthers aim for the stars

PAGE 3

PAGE 5

PAGE 7

SPORT

12496498-DL22-21

Flash flood chaos across the city

40¢ Inc. GST

An orange dawn By Cam Lucadou-Wells A new welcoming hub for family violence services in Dandenong and the South East is set to open its ‘orange door’ on Tuesday 9 November. The state’s 12th Orange Door Network will be a “game-changer” for the region, says Dandenong MP and Prevention of Family Violence Minister Gabrielle Williams. The bright, warmly hued hub in central Dandenong is expecting about 1000 referrals a month. It will bring together 148 full-time equivalent staff from a suite of family violence and family wellbeing services under the one roof. This was a key recommendation of the recent State Royal Commission into Family Violence – to stop services working in “silos”, to catch families from falling through cracks. Under this system, victims won’t have to tell their story more than once. It also relieves them from navigating the complex maze of services, Ms Williams says. “We’re ensuring families can access all the help they need to rebuild and recover through the one door because we know navigating multiple services can be hard – especially in times of great stress and trauma. “These different workforces are learning from each other, working in a way to ensure holistic care and tailored care. “The information sharing is the greatest enabler.” The hub combines services from Anglicare, Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative, Uniting, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Wayss and the State Government. They provide crisis assistance, help for families under stress, risk assessments and safety planning. Long-term support is also offered, such as case management, financial counselling and legal assistance. Inside the building’s orange door, there are no sterile, forbidding offices but local floral

Dandenong MP and Prevention of Family Violence Minister Gabrielle Williams at the Orange Door entrance. 256849 imagery and Aboriginal floral names on doors and glass. A glass wall states ‘welcome’ in about 20 different languages such as Punjabi, Farsi, Hindi, Spanish, Filipino, Somali, Cantonese and Aboriginal – reflecting the city’s cultural diversity. There are sensory spaces for young people, pantries of hot and cold meals, and a chill-out kitchen/dining area for staff. Crucially, a remote courtroom link will be provided at the hub so survivors don’t have to front a courthouse. The all-encompassing CCTV security and duress buttons are discreetly embedded through the building.

In the latest 12-month crime stats, there were about 10,000 police call-outs for family incidents across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire – about 200 a week. While general crime was reportedly down during Covid lockdowns, family violence was up about 20 per cent. The next crucial step is awareness and cultural change, says Ms Williams. Research found gendered inequality was a key driver of family violence. “We have to create more equal societies to have a hope of seeing family violence end.” The Orange Door is being promoted across the region’s diverse ethnic communities through an multicultural advisory group,

Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

online forums and dedicated workers. GPs and child-and-maternal-health nurses are also being encouraged to make referrals to the hub. So far at other Orange Doors, there’s also been reportedly a growing number of selfreferrals walking in from the street. “The biggest measure of success is if people access this themselves,” the Dandenong hub’s manager Shelley Mullens said. Further Orange Door ‘access points’ will open in Pakenham later this year and Cranbourne in 2022. The Orange Door network hub is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Details: orangedoor.vic.gov.au.

OPEN 24 HOURS

Your local Funeral Director “Let us lend a helping hand”

Remember Brember

0429 920 241

www.bremberfamilyfunerals.com

12516767-BL42-21

Full Services from $3500 We’re here to keep your car running.

Open for

Click & Collect.

PURCHASE ONLINE OR CONTACT US ON 9792 5835 & COLLECT AT STORE.

DANDENONG Cnr Frankston Dandenong Rd & Zenith Rd, PH: 9792 5835 autobarn.com.au 12510237-BL36-21


Facilities now open

Green Living Starter Packs

Following the easing of COVID restrictions across Victoria last month, we were very excited to re-open our facilities and welcome our community back!

Sign up to our Green Living newsletter before 14 November 2021 and go in the running to win one of our huge sustainability prize packs. The lucky winners will receive a set of gifts to kick start their green living journey, including: • • • • • • •

1X Box of Who Gives a Crap Toilet Paper (48 rolls) 1X Reusable Glass Coffee Cup 1X Cheeki Tumblers with Straw 1X Here and There Makers Beeswax Wrap Sets 1X Stainless Steel Pegs Packs 1X Stainless Steel Containers/Lunchboxes PLUS, so much more!

Prize winners will be drawn on 15 November and notified shortly after. To enter, simply scan this QR code and follow the prompts. For more information, or to view the competition terms and conditions, please visit our website.

Free home energy saving advice Would you like tips on how to make your home more comfortable, while reducing your energy bills and your carbon footprint? In partnership with the City of Casey, the Australian Energy Foundation (AEF) is providing free advice to help Casey residents save energy in their homes. Call AEF on 1300 236 855 to find out more, or visit their website to access free energy-saving resources. You can also join our FREE online webinar for summer energy saving tips on Tuesday 30 November, at 6.30 pm. To register or find out more, please visit our website.

Get active for your chance to win! School is back, the weather is warming up and there’s never been a better time to get active and walk, ride, skate or scoot to school. Walking to school helps build active habits for children, setting them up for healthy active lives. Even if you drive part of the way and walk the rest, being active every day is good for kids’ physical and mental wellbeing. In support of VicHealth’s Walk to School month during November, Council is giving Casey families the chance to win one of ten $25 Rebel Sport vouchers. Visit our Facebook page to find out more, competition closes Wednesday 17 November.

The Bunjil Place precinct, including the Customer Service Centre, Library, Box Office, Gallery and Café is now open. The Customer Service Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. In line with the State Government requirements, indoor visitors to the Bunjil Place Precinct, Community Centres and Libraries, are required to show their double vaccination status if they are over the age of 16 and do not have a valid medical exemption. The Cranbourne Customer Service Centre is also open Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. In line with the State Government requirements for retail settings, visitors will not be required to show vaccination status. Council’s community centres, including Selandra, Lynbrook and Cranbourne West Community Hub have also reponed. All visitors will need to demonstrate double vaccination status before entering a community centre. All visitors over the age of 12 are required to wear a mask when enterering any of these facilities. For more information, please visit our website.

Casey Cardinia Libraries All Casey Cardinia Libraries have also reopened, please check the Casey Cardinia Libraries website for all the details and opening hours. All library customers aged 16 and over will be required to show proof of double vaccination when you check in to the library, and those aged 12 and over will be required to wear a face mask. Outdoor Click and Collect, Print and free home delivery are still available. For more information, please visit the Casey Cardinia Libraries’ website.

Swimming pool and spa deadlines extended The Victorian State Government is giving pool and spa owners more time to get their safety barriers inspected and certified as compliant. The registration deadline was 1 November 2021, however the first certificate lodgement deadline has now been extended until 1 June 2022. Please visit our website for more information.

12521647-DL46-21

2 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

endeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au


NEWS

IN BRIEF SES Hilux break-in

Flash flood chaos

A set of overalls have been stolen from an VICSES vehicle parked at a hotel car park in Eumemmerring. The white Toyota Hilux was damaged during the break-in at Artura Hotel on Doveton Avenue between 7.30pm on Wednesday 3 November and 6.30am on Thursday 4 November, VICSES central region duty officer Kristian Hetvev said. The monogrammed overalls were valued at $300, with the vehicle damage yet to be assessed, Ms Hetvev said. The vehicle was being used by a VICSES volunteer, who stayed at the hotel while working at the Dandenong Incident Control Centre, she said. The break-in occurred as VICSES volunteers continue to clean up fallen trees and damage from fierce storms on 29 October. There were more than 60 calls for assistance in Greater Dandenong. Victoria Police is investigating the break-in. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Three children were rescued from deep floodwaters after a dramatic downpour on Saturday afternoon (6 November). The trio were stranded in a submerged vehicle under the railway overpass at Cheltenham Road Dandenong about 5.20pm. Senior Constable Camillo from Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol waded into the water and carried the children to safety. The scene was attended by VICSES, CFA and ambulance crews. Meanwhile Greater Dandenong SES responded to 80 calls for assistance, including six rescues of people in floodwater within eight minutes of the downpour. The unit issued a warning for drivers to not drive through a flooded area. “It can take just 15 centimetres to float a car – and most major roads in our area were under more than 15 centimetres of water.” Heavy flooding was reported in Mulgrave, Springvale, Dandenong, Noble Park and Keysborough, with the normally placid Mile Creek becoming a torrent of whitewater.

A Victoria Police officer carries three children to safety from a stranded car. Picture: VICTORIA POLICE

A ceiling collapsed under the weight of the deluge. Picture: GREATER DANDENONG SES

Stranded vehicles in the flash-flooding. Picture: GREATER DANDENONG SES

Man charged after aerial pursuit

A garden wall destroyed. Picture: GREATER DANDENONG SES

Belvedere Covid deaths still on the rise By Cam Lucadou-Wells The Covid toll continues to mount at Belvedere Aged Care in Noble Park. A further two residents had reportedly died with Covid, according to a Department of Health update on 3 November. A total of eight have died since a “regular visitor” attended while infectious on 5 October. Thirty-nine residents and eight staff have been since infected. Belvedere had recently stated that it had entered a “recovery period“ with no new cases for four consecutive days. Most residents and staff were nearing the end of their 14-day quarantine period, as of 31 October. There were hopes that the Public Health Unit would grant a “full facility clearance“ by 9 November. The initial infected visitor had complied with testing requirements, providing a negative result within 48 hours prior to arrival,

according to Belvedere. Two days after their visit, they informed Belvedere of their positive subsequent test. The home was then deep-cleaned, infected staff were sent into home quarantine and staff working in designated wings to minimise transmission risks. Belvedere stated it was the first instance of Covid entering the home. Five other aged care facilities in the region have been struck by Covid outbreaks. A resident has also died in a Covid outbreak at Regis Aged Care in Dandenong North. Twenty-three residents and five staff have been infected. A Covid-infected resident also died at Japara Viewhills Manor in Endeavour Hills, which has an outbreak of four residents and one staff member. Arcare in Keysborough (21 residents, 12 staff), Rosewood Downs in Dandenong (15 residents) and TLC Manor in Noble Park (five staff) also have active outbreaks. Meanwhile, the cluster at Australian Meat

An 18-year-old man in an allegedly stolen ute has been arrested after an Air Wing chase through the South East. The man stole the Ford Ranger from a home in Purtel Close, Mordialloc on the night of 3 November, police say. The ute owner woke to discover the vehicle missing and tracked it to Dandenong. Police, with the help of Air Wing, followed the vehicle through several suburbs until the driver stopped at a Narre Warren shopping centre. The North Melbourne man was arrested without incident inside the shopping centre by Southern Metro Regional Crime Team detectives. He was charged with aggravated burglary, thefts, conduct endangering serious injury and bail offences. The man was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 4 November. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Six boys charged Six boys as young as 12 have been charged over robberies in Dandenong on the afternoon of Sunday 31 October. A 14-year-old and 13-year-old from Cranbourne, a 12-year-old from Cranbourne East, a 14-year-old from Pakenham, a 15-year-old from Wantirna and a 14-year-old from Point Cook were charged by Greater Dandenong CIU detectives. They will each face two counts of robbery and shop theft. All were bailed to appear at a childrens’ court at a later date.

Group Abattoir in Dandenong South has grown to 20 active cases. Listed clusters are also at KingKids Early Learning Centre in Hallam (12 active cases), CREST Children’s Sanctuary in Dandenong (11) and Dandenong South Primary School (10). Keysborough Primary School and Wooranna Park Primary School are among listed Covid-related closures on 4 November. The march of Covid cases in the South East has slowed as full vaccination rates rise above 76 per cent in Greater Dandenong and 82 per cent in Casey. On 3 November, active cases in Greater Dandenong and Casey were down by 250. There were still more than 150 new cases and a combined 3400 active cases in the two council areas. Dandenong postcode has the state’s most active cases (770 – down 63). Other hotspots are Cranbourne (570), Narre Warren (310), Noble Park (266), Clyde (248) and Hampton Park (208).

Premier’s office evacuated Police are investigating a reported suspicious package at Premier Daniel Andrews’ electorate office in Noble Park. The building was evacuated as a precaution following the callout about 1.35pm on Wednesday 3 November. Safety checks were being conducted, a Victoria Police spokesperson said. “There is no threat to the community and no one has been injured. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing.” A Fire Rescue Victoria pumper and Hazmat appliance also attended.

T 8P_

starcommunity.com.au

VESPER HIGH COUNTRY RETREAT

AU CT IO N

CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au com.au

Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

12452271-SN26-20

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Away from it all with views forever, 56 acres prime chocolate soils (~15 acres bush) Vesper & Stoney Creeks flowing through. An extremely well presented property with home & farm buildings in very good condition. Carries 20 breeders. Home built 1975 with extension 2006, 2 internal br plus 2 external detached br, two car garage, machinery, hay sheds & more. Excellent stockyards plus spring fed dam. Located 15 mins from Noojee. ENQUIRIES: MAX CANOBIE 0429 858 384

41 FORTUNA ROAd VESPER AUCTION: SATURdAY 4TH dEC 12 NOON TERMS: 10% deposit Settlement 90 days

5622 3800 Cnr Smith & Queen St, Warragul

In times of crisis, you can give

where it’s needed most Please donate now 1 3 S A LV O S S A LV O S . O R G . A U Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 3


NEWS

A wake in fright! By Cam Lucadou-Wells A home invader kicking in a front door and attacking a sleeping man with a meat cleaver in a home at Doveton was described by a judge as “the stuff of nightmares”. Robert Scandolera, 27, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to charges including intentionally causing injury and home invasion. Before the “startling” attack on 26 November, 2020, Scandolera had punched up the victim in the hallway of an apartment building in Clow Street, Dandenong, and stolen the victim’s mountain bike. That afternoon, Scandolera was driven in a stolen car to the victim’s home in Kidds Road, Doveton. With an unknown male known as ‘Shadow’, Scandolera revealed his “fearsome” weapon and kicked in the door. He swung the cleaver three times at the victim – who was roused out of his sleep in bed. With the last swing, the victim was struck six centimetres through to bone on the left side of his head. The screaming victim required stitches in Dandenong Hospital. “It must have been a terrifying attack,” Judge Michael Tinney said in sentencing on 29 October.

A week later, Scandolera and co-accused Dylen Harraghy, 28, were arrested in Dandenong. The former possessed a small amount of ice at the time. At the time, Scandolera had just been released from jail on a community corrections order. His lengthy criminal history of violence, robbery and dishonesty was coupled with a decade of serious drug issues, the court heard. His “most unenviable” background of “real disadvantage” included being exposed to drugs, alcohol and violence at an early age. His role-models were “anything but positive” during his unstable developmental years. He had intellectual deficits. “You were dealt a very poor hand,” Judge Tinney said. This partly explained Scandolera’s “faltering trajectory” but he also chose not to take rehabilitative opportunities offered by courts. “You need a job, a home, structure and support from people. You need a sense of belonging that you perhaps have never experienced. “You need to completely change the way you live your life. You have enough issues without adding to them by using drugs.” Harraghy, a father of young children, had an

upbringing that Scandolera “could only dream of”, Judge Tinney said. “It’s puzzling why you sit where you do in the dock.” At the time, Harraghy was using ice daily and living in a “drug den”. He had engaged well in CISP bail and taken steps to address his drug use before being charged with domestic violence in August. Harraghy had played a “key role” in driving the stolen car as part of the “raiding party”. He was charged with the lesser offence of aggravated burglary after telling police that he didn’t enter the house when he saw Scandolera reveal his weapon. Judge Tinney noted Harraghy was on bail at the time and drove to the house knowing of the plan to assault the victim. He had motives to have the victim beat up – that is, the victim owed him a drug debt and made alleged “overtures” to his girlfriend. He also knew Scandolera was in an “agitated state” at the time, and witnessed him “monster” the victim earlier. Scandolera was jailed for up to six-anda-half years, including a non-parole period. He’d already served 326 days in pre-sentence custody. Harraghy was jailed for up to three years, nine months – including 73 days in presentence detenction.

Libraries, art venues set to reopen Greater Dandenong’s aquatic centres, libraries, art galleries and customer service centres have begun re-opening under the state’s Covid-safe road map. Visitors 16 and over are required to provide proof of full vaccination (a Covid-19 digital certificate) or a medical exemption. Noble Park Aquatic Centre, Oasis Leisure

Centre and Springers Leisure Centre are open under restricted hours. Dandenong and Springvale libraries reopen from 9am on Monday 8 November. Council customer service centres at Dandenong, Springvale and Parkmore shopping centre reopen on the same day. Its phone and online services remain available.

Walker Street Gallery reopens Tuesday 9 November, 12pm-4pm. Drum Theatre officially resumes on Thursday 27 January for the staging of Magic Beach. Some shows will be performed prior to this date, according to City of Greater Dandenong. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ COVIDnews

Renowned caroller Denis Walter returns to host the online Greater Dandenong Carols.

Carols go online again Greater Dandenong’s Christmas carols event is set to be staged online for the second consecutive year due to Covid disruptions. The 74th annual tradition, this year dubbed Bringing Christmas Home, will be screened for one hour on Zoom on 10 December. Denis Walter returns to host the event, joined by Aaron Lee from The Voice, acapella group Mixed Signals and local performers such as the Greater Dandenong Band, Vanessa Cox and Emerson School. Community services director Martin Fidler encouraged viewers to “dress up in their best Christmas outfit and sing along to ‘bring Christmas home’ with us”. The audience can also live interact with Santa, he said. The council will also stage Christmas activities and workshops in December, including the Sneaky Elf Competition. In the past, the carols event has been performed live in front of thousands by candlelight at Dandenong Park or Harmony Square in Dandenong. Greater Dandenong Carols is on Friday 10 December, 7.30pm-8.30pm. It can be viewed at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/carols

Subscribe to the

Dandenong Star Journal

Digital Edition

FREE DANDENONG

Tuesday, 26 October, 2021

DANDENONG

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

/DandenongJournal

@StarJournal_SE

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Home grown Halloween park

Sri Lankan cricket star signs

PAGE 3

PAGE 5

PAGE 10

SPORT

/DandenongJournal

@StarJournal_SE

Living treasures named

Oasis marks 30 years

The Dry actor in profile

City’s historic clash

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

PAGE 11

SPORT

40¢ Inc. GST

SIGN UP NOW!

12476975-LB02-21

Residents objections dismissed

12496498-DL22-21

Beloved egg farm folds

Tuesday, 2 February, 2021

40¢ Inc. GST

Second go at life

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

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Twanny Farrugia has made it his mission to

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

complex grieving process for donors’ families. “Out of one person, you have seven trans-

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.

NOBLE PARK LAUNDROMAT 5 AM - 11:30 PM 7 DAYS • CARD • COIN • MOBILE PAY

Affordable and Compassionate

12520897-BL46-21

DANDENONG

Scan this QR code to subscribe We’re here to keep your car running.

Or visit dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/subscribe 12519426-CG46-21

4 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


NEWS

Paying more for space By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Councillors and residents at a saved stand of river red gums at Yarraman Village estate in 2020. 230064 City planning acting director Brett Jackson noted City of Knox and City of Kingston had variable rates between 5 and 8.5 per cent, and City of Monash between 2 and 5 per cent. Kingston and Monash had sought much higher flat rates which were rejected by Planning Minister Richard Wynne. Yarra and Darebin councils were seeking 10 per cent flat rates.

Mate’s point-blank murder By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 22-year-old Dandenong South man has been jailed for up to 24 years after pointblank shooting dead a childhood friend in Springvale. Paguir Pan pleaded guilty in the Victorian Supreme Court to the murder of Winis Atem Apet in a laneway car park off Springvale Road shortly before midnight on Sunday 10 March, 2019. Pan had been upset following a “play fight” with Mr Apet in the car park earlier that night. Thirty-seven minutes after the “minor scuffle”, Pan returned wearing a hoodie and mask, pulled out a 12-gauge shotgun from a bag and pointed it at Mr Apet. “What are you doing?” Mr Apet said. Pan fired at Mr Apet from about a metre away. He told a friend “get out of my way” then fled in Mr Apet’s car, which he abandoned about a kilometre from his own home. He also abandoned his clothing and phone. Mr Apet died at The Alfred hospital about an hour later. “Whatever anger you felt at Mr Apet hitting you back during the play fight, you had more than sufficient time to regain control of your temper and reassess your plan,” Justice Lesley Taylor said in sentencing on 29 October. Pan’s fleeing from the scene without helping his victim was “cowardly and callous”. “Mr Apet was your childhood friend. You each spent significant time with the other’s family and were like brothers.” At the time, Pan was angry at Mr Apet for being a “dog” in informing against a mutual friend to police and initially denying it. “But for that background, it is inconceivable that your anger at his actions during the play fight would have flared dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

and burned at sufficient intensity for you to take his car to obtain a loaded shotgun and return, disguised, to shoot him,” Justice Taylor said. It was not a “revenge killing” but it was a “deliberate taking of a life … motivated by anger and self-entitlement”. The pair had been drinking with five other friends in a Dandenong house that night. Pan was heavily intoxicated with alcohol, ice and Xanax at the time, Judge Taylor said. He was on bail for armed robbery, and released from juvenile detention three months earlier. In “deeply affecting” victim impact statements, Mr Apet’s “loving and tightknit” family told of how they were “steeped in the grief” of losing him through violence. Pan, a former Dandenong High School and Hallam Senior College student, came from a hard-working Sudanese refugee family. He’d binge drank and used various illicit drugs since leaving school. Pan is also facing a County Court trial for armed robbery, as well as Magistrates’ Court matters for allegedly breaking into two cars and assaulting a prison officer. “You have struggled to live not only a crime-free life, but one absent violence.” Judge Taylor noted Pan was 19 at the time of the murder, made an early guilty plea and wrote a “largely self-serving” letter to Mr Apet’s family two years after the shooting. Pan was assessed as immature and a high risk of violent reoffending but it was hoped his rehabilitation prospects would improve by the time of release, the judge said. He will be eligible for parole after 16 years in jail. His term includes 871 days in pre-sentence custody.

Variable rates were not feasible in Greater Dandenong due to the “make-up of the municipality”, Mr Jackson said. “The 6.3 percent figure is also considered to be most appropriate to achieve a balance between obtaining increased funds for open space while also not discouraging development.” A commissioned economic report stated it was inequitable to exclude commercial devel-

Picture: GARY SISSONS

opments from paying open space contribution. “It would be equitable for commercial development in Greater Dandenong to make a 2% contribution to open space to reflect the additional usage demand created by employees and visitors.” The proposal requires endorsement by the Planning Minister as well as public exhibition prior to a final decision.

VALLEY VILLAGE MEWS RETIREMENT VILLAGE 112 STUD ROAD DANDENONG

• • • • • • • •

Units available for sale now Purchase your unit by Strata Title Join in with Social Activities Keep fit with exercise programs Superb Parklands to take your pet and meet residents Emergency Call pendant Community Bus for shopping A village built around beautiful parkland

Phone: 9793 3354 villagemews@iinet.net.au

12473523-JW03-21

Residential and commercial developers are set to pay more towards public open space under proposed changes by Greater Dandenong Council. The open-space contribution rates would rise from 5 per cent to 6.3 per cent on residential subdivisions of three lots or more. Commerical subdivision rates would rise from zero to 2 per cent. Industrial contributions remain at 2 per cent. The rises would help pay for the council’s $141 million open space strategy 2020-’30. The strategy aims to improve the quantity and quality of public open space as dwelling lot sizes and backyards dwindle. It includes about $50 million in land acquisitions and $91 million in land improvements. Most of the spending would occur in areas of greatest population growth and development – Dandenong (27 per cent), Noble Park (18 per cent) and Springvale (13 per cent). In 2020-’21, Greater Dandenong acquired four open space reserves, including to protect 26 mature river red gums at Yarraman Village estate. At the other three sites, buildings were to be demolished for open space. The open space fund was also used to improve Burden Park, Wal Turner Reserve, Frederick Wachter Reserve and Dandenong Park. New open space sites at Fifth Avenue Dandenong and Gove Street, Springvale were also enhanced. Under the proposed contributions, the council will raise about $4.5 million a year from residential subdivisions – up from $3 million. This will recoup about 32 per cent of the $14 million a year strategy. In public question time on 24 October, residents questioned why the contribution rate was lower than other councils.

Fax: 9793 7154

www.valleyvillagemews.com.au

Call in to meet our friendly staff to show you why you should make Valley Village Mews your home.

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 5


NEWS

South East Water sets a target for net zero By Parker McKenzie

Rail duplication works on the Cranbourne-Dandenong line are 12 months ahead of schedule.

Second train line coming By Parker McKenzie

12512696-AV46-21

The Victorian state government has announced the completion of a second train track between Cranbourne and Dandenong is almost a year ahead of schedule. Premier Daniel Andrews announced the eight kilometres of duplicated track and upgrades at Merinda Park station will be operational in early 2022, ahead of the originally announced 2023 completion date. “We promised to get on with the massive billion-dollar Cranbourne line upgrade and deliver more trains and more often and that’s exactly what we’re doing and even better more services will be delivered a year ahead of schedule,” he said. “Removing every level crossing on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines will change how locals live, work and travel and we’re on track to do this by 2025.”

The Victorian government estimates the Cranbourne and Pakenham line will be level crossing free by 2025 and is aiming to remove 85 level crossings by 2025, having already removed 47 from current train lines. The train line duplication is a part of the $1 billion Cranbourne line upgrade which is also removing four level crossings. Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards believes the additional track will create better services for local residents. “Duplicating the Cranbourne line will allow more frequent and reliable services, better access to health, education and jobs, and a new walking and cycling path from Lynbrook to Cranbourne, all while paving the way for a rail extension to Clyde,” she said. The launch date of new train services on the track will be confirmed after a one-week railline closure in late November.

South East Water has joined the United Nation’s (UN) Race to Zero campaign and committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. Race to Zero is an important part of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) currently happening in Glasgow. South East Water said in a statement it is committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest and has joined 21 water utility companies from the UK, Australia and New Zealand in setting the target. South East Water managing director Lara Olsen said the commitment to net zero emissions is a key part of creating a better world for future generations. “The water industry is a huge contributor to carbon emissions across the globe, but also at the forefront of trying to minimise the impacts of our operations,” she said. “We use significant amounts of electricity to deliver fresh clean water and to treat

waste water that gets flushed down the drain, but we also understand our obligation and duty to protect our environment and water sources,” South East Water’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions include installing solar panels at water recycling plants, providing 40 per cent of the power for the Mt Martha water recycling plant through biogas produced with organic matter and introducing hybrid vehicles into its fleet. Ms Olsen said COP26 is bringing together some of the most innovative idea on the planet, but there are also domestic projects which can reduce emissions. “Using emerging technology our biosolid to biochar collaboration reduces the emissions used to transport the product for agricultural use,” Ms Olesen said. “By adopting a circular economy approach and embracing innovation, technology and research we can achieve huge benefits for our environment, customers and community.” Ms Olsen said.

South East Water have committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Picture: ON FILE

Your place to live well Retirement by Lendlease. Discover Lexington Gardens, a vibrant retirement community where you’ll feel right at home. This picturesque village near Springvale features modern apartments, lush gardens, and resort-style luxuries including heated pool, tennis court and café. Add a welcoming community and vibrant social scene and you have the meaning of living well. With apartments starting from just $170,000*, there’s never been a better time to belong. 114 Westall Road, Springvale VIC 3171

*Price correct as at October 2021.

Search Lendlease Retirement VIC or call 1800 550 550 6 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


NEWS

VC hero’s story told By Cam Lucadou-Wells For the first time, the story of Victoria Cross recipient Kevin ‘Dasher’ Wheatley is finally being told. Berwick author Michael Madden is the first to catch the lightning of this courageous larrikin and Vietnam War fighter in Dasher: The Kevin Wheatley VC Story. He says Wheatley was one of Australia’s finest soldiers, meticulous in every way. But also the much-adored “life of the party” while offduty. “Dasher was a hard-as-nails, old-fashioned Digger who more resembled a soldier at Gallipoli or the Western Front than the modern soldier. “He played hard, fought hard. When he stepped across into the red zone, he switched into the perfect soldier.” In 1965, Dasher died in a supreme act of sacrifice in the Vietnam War, staying with a wounded mate Ron ‘Butch’ Swanton while isolated, outnumbered and under fire. When the Australian Government refused to pay for his body to return from Vietnam, there was national uproar. “It was the biggest story at the time.” TV host Don Lane campaigned to fly Dasher home. Outraged US Marines dug into their pockets and even offered to use a US air craft carrier to ferry him back – an offer refused by the Australian Government. Eventually a group of Aussie businessmen funded a private flight for Dasher’s remains. A year later, the Government belatedly changed its policy in bringing fallen overseas soldiers back to these shores. His Victoria Cross citation – the first in a conflict not involving British forces - also sparked controversy. It caused Queen Elizabeth II to make a rare intervention. “The citation had made it look like he’d dropped his weapon which an Australian soldier wouldn’t do,” Mr Madden said. “And that he then killed himself with grenades – but he was shot (by Viet Cong soldiers) at point blank range. “(Her Majesty) changed the citation. She didn’t like the way it was written.” There were other heroic actions that were unawarded. Such as saving a terrified 4-yearold girl who ran screaming into enemy machine-gun fire. Wheatley braved the bullets, wrapped her behind his body, delivered her back to her mother and resumed battle, Mr Madden said. In another of those “strange dualities”, the hardened soldier would kill enemy snipers without hesitation but was often mobbed by kids. He told them to call him ‘Ned Kelly’. At each village, he’d bring gifts of candies, chocolates and soap to children. The treats were found in his pockets when he died. “He is a very confusing character. If you made up a character like Dasher for a fiction book or movie, people would dismiss it as farfetched. “The thing is he did bend the mind. It all happened.” At first, Mr Madden didn’t feel equal to the task of chronicling Dasher. A few historians and writers had started but not completed their attempts. “People can’t believe there hasn’t been a book about Dasher. He’s such a famous name, such a remarkable story – an enormous figure in the military. “Everybody you speak to has a Dasher Wheatley story. “But it’s the hardest thing I’ve done.” Adding to the complexity was Covid lockdown denying him the chance to interview face-to-face. And that many witnesses had died, and several veterans’ tales were verifiably incorrect. One swore he’d got on the booze with Dasher in Tokyo in 1968 – three years after Dasher died in battle. Then there were various versions of true incidents such as Dasher biting the head off a frog. “You post something on Facebook and hundreds of people jump up and throw facts at you. “It’s one of the most complex stories in Ausdandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Lord Casey presents George Wheatley with his late father Kevin’s Victoria Cross medal.

Dasher’s sacrifice, courage

Warrant Officer Kevin Wheatley on patrol in South Vietnam.

Michael Madden with his ground-breaking book Dasher: The Kevin Wheatley VC Story. 256158 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Kevin Wheatley with his mate Herbert the duck.

Kevin Wheatley and US Marine Jim Lowe in Vietnam. tralian history. I wanted to do it properly with Dasher’s family behind it.” Mr Madden is the first to interview Dasher’s widow Edna. He also had rare access to a lot of surviving mates as well as a book by US Marine Jim Lowe whose life was saved by another stunning act of Dasher gallantry in Vietnam. Lowe later named his own son ‘Dasher’ in tribute to his late friend. That life-saving act also led to Dasher being awarded the US’s third-highest military honour the Silver Star. His family are yet to receive the medal due to in part Australian military obstruction, Mr Madden says. Several attempted hand-overs have been cancelled due to Covid restrictions in the past two years. After 56 long years, his family are set to finally the Silver Star at the Australian War Memorial on 26 November. Mr Madden is one of very few non-family members invited to the ceremony. He says the Dasher story is “the book Australia needs at the moment” – especially while the nation seems so fraught and divided. “It’s a chance to get perspective. “Everyone needs to calm down, relax and remember our history. Think about what Dasher did that day for his mate and keep going. “Remember Australians are pretty bloody good people. We’ll be all right.” Dasher: The Kevin Wheatley VC Story by

A South Vietnamese general pins gallantry medals on Kevin Wheatley’s coffin.

Michael Madden’s voice wavers when he recounts Kevin ‘Dasher’ Wheatley VC’s final act of supreme sacrifice and courage. “It’s really hard to speak about what happened to him,“ the Berwick author says. “The devastation that it wrought on the family, it’s devastating what happened to them.” Mr Madden’s ground-breaking book Dasher: The Kevin Wheatley VC Story tells the heroic act in detail. According to Wheatley’s Victoria Cross citation, on 13 November 1965 Warrant Officer ‘Butch’ Swanton was wounded in the chest by gunfire from Viet Cong soldiers. As his platoon came under heavy fire and scattered, Wheatley refused to abandon the dying Swanton. “He discarded his radio to enable him to half drag, half carry Warrant Officer Swanton, under heavy machine gun and automatic rifle fire, out of the open rice paddies into the comparative safety of a wooded area, some 200 metres away,” the citation stated. Wheatley was again urged to leave his comrade. Instead he pulled pins from two grenades as he “calmly awaited the Viet Cong”. Both he and Swanton’s bodies were found the next morning, dead from gunshot wounds. “Warrant Officer Wheatley displayed magnificent courage in the face of an overwhelming Viet Cong force which was later estimated at more than a company,” the citation stated. “He had the clear choice of abandoning a wounded comrade and saving himself by escaping through the dense timber or of staying with Warrant Officer Swanton and thereby facing certain death. “He deliberately chose the latter course. “His acts of heroism, determination and unflinching loyalty in the face of the enemy will always stand as examples of the true meaning of valour.”

A rare complete family photo of Kevin and Edna Wheatley and their children. Michael Madden features a foreword by Keith Payne VC. It is available in bookshops and online.

A funeral service for Kevin Wheatley and Butch Swanton in Vietnam.

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 7


LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago

50 years ago

20 years ago

10 November 1921 Villers–Bretonneux Fund

9 November 1971 A cottage in the country

It has been decided to hold a concert in the Dandenong Town Hall, on Thursday 17 November in aid of the Victorian Villers– Bretonneux Fund. During the War, hundreds of French towns and villages were utterly destroyed, and the inhabitants scattered. Numerous towns throughout the world have adopted French towns and villages, with the object of raising funds to assist in their reestablishment. Victoria has adopted Villers– Bretonneux, a town which will be forever associated with the great traditions of the AIF and where so many of our own boys made a great sacrifice. The whole of the proceeds of the concert will be devoted to the fund.

HOTLINE on October 14th told how a woman pensioner who has reared 17 children – ten of her own and seven of a sister who died, longed for the peace and quietness of a cottage in the country. Mrs S the woman’s daughter wrote to HOTLINE to say that her mother after a very hard life felt tired and defeated. She would like a small house in the country where she could be with her niece and have a cow and a few chickens to supplement her pension. After having read the request in HOTLINE, Mrs P of Princes Highway, Officer, tells me that the woman and her niece could find the peace they sought on her 83-acre property at Officer.

12 November 2001 Building a basis for prosperity Dandenong’s largest employer was a success story of the past 50 years, the Premier Regional Business Awards breakfast has been told. Cook’s Construction only has 45 employees at its head office in Fowler Road, but more than 1000 workers across Australia. After being started soon after World War II by David Cook the company grew until by the middle 1970’s it was a major player in the road construction industry under the leadership of Mr Cook’s son Bruce. In the past 20 years the growth has quickened with interstate acquisitions taking it into the mining field where it has provided large earth-moving equipment. Working with firms, such as Rio Tinto and BHP, Cooks Construction has had a

turnover of more than $200m in recent years. Cook’s Construction won the Naidoc Award for its commitment to an indigenous employment policy, the breakfast was told.

5 years ago 7 November 2016 A Healthy result Greater Dandenong has two finalists in this year’s VicHealth Awards. The Dandenongbased Alcohol Diversion Program is in the running for the Preventing harm from alcohol category, it was revealed on 2 November. The council’s All Nations Cricket for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrants event is vying for the Building health through sport award. Finalists will join international and Victorian dignitaries in government and health promotion at an awards ceremony on Thursday 1 December where the winners will be announced.

NEWS

Prayer means talking to God: Time to sit and listen By Ursula Aruma From Sri Sathya Sai Organisation

MESSAGE OF

HOPE Universe or to others will multiply and return to the sender. One who knows how to simply sit and wait is naturally meditative, because waiting is considered to be one of the greatest virtues in Indian culture. Prayer means talking to God. The fundamental difference between Prayer and Meditation is meditation means we are willing to listen to God.

concentration, contemplation, and meditation. When you fix your gaze on any form of God that you worship, that is concentration. When this form physically moves away after some time, you still look at this form with your eyes. That is contemplation. As a result of this exercise, when this form gets imprinted in your heart permanently, that is meditation. If you go on meditating thus, the form remains in your heart permanently. Whatever you are going through during this pandemic, persist by recollecting how good God has been to you and the blessings you have received and be ever grateful. Peace be unto all who read this Message of Hope.

12520312-HC46-21

We stumble upon many difficulties, and we may be surrounded by people who are experiencing uncertainty, loss of work, and mental illness in this insecure environment, this prolonged pandemic. We as a community are doing our best to observe restrictions and curfews that have been imposed, but what more can we do? The principal message is Divine Love. When you are lonely, I wish you LOVE. When you are down, I wish you JOY. When you are troubled, I wish you PEACE. When things are difficult, I wish you FAITH. When things look empty, I wish you HOPE. Any negative energy that we put out to the

Have nothing to say, simply listen. Then we will be filled with inner peace, full of alertness, full of life and full of energy. That is meditation. One should also be aware of the ten-fold sins: three physical, four verbal, and three mental. The physical sins are injury to life, adulterous desire, and theft. The verbal sins are false alarms, cruel speech, jealous talk, and lies. The mental sins are greed, envy, and denial of God. These sins have to be avoided completely. Instead, we need tendencies that will help us progress and not drag us back. We are aware of the uncertainty of this pandemic, and we can only change our thinking by

Did you know bushfires kill from 200m away? The flames of bushfires can reach temperatures of up to 1100°C. Long before the flames reach you, the wave of radiant heat can kill you from 200 metres away. Planning for bushfire is the only way to survive it.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to vic.gov.au/knowfire

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

8 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


NEWS

ALP ‘uncooperative’ By Cam Lucadou-Wells The Labor Party’s Victorian division has refused to cooperate with an IBAC branchstacking inquiry, says the inquiry’s Counsel Assisting. Chris Carr told the Operation Watts inquiry on 1 November that solicitors for the ALP state branch had declined to provide a requested statement addressing “various issues”. These included some information discovered by former Premier Steve Bracks and exfederal Minister Jenny Macklin during an internal report on branch-stacking in 2020. The Bracks-Macklin report “made the point that it is clear that the problems of branch stacking go beyond a certain group of people operating in isolation from the rest of the party”. “Mr Bracks and Ms Macklin referred to this (IBAC) investigation, recognised its importance and assured members of the ALP that the branch will assist with enquiries where it is requested,” Mr Carr said. Solicitors for IBAC were pursuing the issue, he said. If necessary, more witnesses would be summonsed to the hearings to give evidence. “It is to be hoped that the Victorian Branch

of the ALP will cooperate by providing such information voluntarily.” The ongoing hearings from 11 October have called witnesses admitting to branch-stacking activities including federal Holt MP Anthony Byrne and state MP Adem Somyurek’s former electorate officer Adam Sullivan. During the inquiry, Narre Warren North MP and factional ally Luke Donnellan resigned from State Cabinet after being outed for paying for other ALP members’ renewals and membership fees. On 1 and 3 November, the inquiry has examined electorate officers for state MP and former Minister Marlene Kairouz. Mr Carr, in his opening statement on 11 October, said the inquiry would explore “serious corrupt conduct by Victorian public officers“. This included MPs directing their taxpayerfunded staff to perform party-political work during work hours. It also investigates state funding to community associations being misused for partypolitical activity. Among the listed groups of interest is the Springvale-based Cambodian Association. Mr Carr described branch-stacking as “organising people to join a political party, which

The former level crossing in front of the new road bridge. Pictures: LEVEL CROSSING REMOVAL PROJECT

they have little genuine interest in joining”. “Of course, few reluctant members would part with their money to join, so an integral aspect of branch-stacking is the payment of membership fees by politicians, aspiring politicians, their associates, or those seeking to obtain influence.” Mr Byrne confirmed the use of public-paid electorate officers and ministerial staff being used for factional activities during work time, such as filling in blank membership ballots. Some staff were employed at Mr Byrne’s office at the request of Mr Somyurek and never showed up for work for months, Mr Byrne alleged. Mr Byrne portrayed himself as someone who tried to “de-escalate“ branch-stacking in the South East. Meanwhile, Mr Somyurek was “ramping up“ branch-stacking in recent years, Mr Byrne told the inquiry. “As Adem was getting more and more power, it was almost becoming an existential threat for the Labor Party.” Mr Somyurek, through his lawyer, asserted in cross-examination that it was Mr Byrne that “ran the show“. The hearing was expected to run for five weeks.

A discarded boom gate.

Project milestone as boom gates go The boom gates at the former South Gippsland Highway level crossing have been removed. The milestone event was reached two months after a road bridge was opened across the railway line at Dandenong South. Recently, crews have been finishing works on the highway’s new service lane and preparing the new green space in early 2022. The green space will include safer connections across Princes Highway and the Dandenong South trail with seating and lighting. “The sound of bells at a level crossing are now a thing of the past for daily commuters and the businesses located near the train line at South Gippsland Highway,” Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said. “We’d like to thank the community for their patience as we worked to remove the level crossing and boom gates – we’re now looking forward to providing a community open space, which will be a lasting legacy for generations to come.” The former boom gates had congested one of Melbourne’s busiest truck freight routes and home to about 40 per cent of the city’s manufacturers. The region supports 92,000 jobs and $12

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council will waive interest on late rates payments in its latest Covid relief measure, despite taking a massive revenue hit due to the pandemic. According to its annual report 2020’21, the council lost $9.6 million revenue from parking fines, fees, interest income, facilities rent, Drum Theatre and Dandenong Market. Low interest returns on investments would cost the council about $1 million annually. It was “one of Council’s greatest risks” to its budget and financial forecasts. The council’s supplementary rate growth had slowed, with lost revenue from civic facilities, parking fines, fees, Drum Theatre and Dandenong Market. More than $11 million was trimmed from its capital works program in the past two financial years, as a result. In the meantime, it spent $664,000 in Covid business grants and $245,000 on material aid relief, as well as waiving facility rents of $822,000. This was partly offset by extra State and Federal grant funding. “The time is approaching where Council will either have to make changes to its operational services or accept that timelines for new projects will face longer term delays in order to be affordable for Council,” the report stated. Chief executive John Bennie stated in the report that the council remained in a “healthy financial position” but it would be “tested into the future” by rate-capping and Covid-19 impacts. The council still returned an operating surplus of more than $16 million – described as an “accounting surplus” by Mr Bennie. Meanwhile, councillors voted to cease penalties and legal action for rate arrears across all rating categories between 1 July and 31 December 2021. Cr Jim Memeti, who proposed the motion on 24 October, said the late-payments waiver was a “small thing that the council can do to help our ratepayers”. “We recognise the community is going through a very tough situation at the moment. “People have lost jobs and businesses are starting to slowly open up.” Further Covid relief measures would be considered in the council’s mid-year budget review in December, Cr Memeti said. Mayor Angela Long told the council meeting that the council would now “focus on rejuvenating our community and investing in our great city. “We look forward to welcoming everyone safely back to our facilities.”

Workers shift aside the South Gippsland Highway’s former boom gates. billion in economic activity, according to the Level Crossing Removal Project. The crossing removal allows for the capacity for more trains and an extra 121,000 pas-

sengers on the Pakenham line. Twenty-two level crossings are being removed on the Pakenham line. Ten of them have been removed so far.

Free tech help for vaccine certificate Tech help with digital Covid vaccine certificates is being offered in Dandenong and Springvale. City of Greater Dandenong is offering the free assistance, including accessing the certificate and uploading it to the Services Victoria app. The help is provided at outdoor desks be-

Covid rates help despite a $9.6m hit

tween Monday 8 November – Friday 12 November. Residents will need their personal phone/device, a Medicare card or Individual Healthcare Identifier and ID such as a passport, driver license and/or visa. Mayor Angela Long said digital vaccination proof for venue check-ins was an “essential safety measure”.

“I know how confusing technology can be sometimes, so we are pleased to offer help to our residents who need assistance locating their digital vaccine certificate and loading it to the Services Victoria App or into their digital wallet.” The help desks are outdoors at Harmony Square, Dandenong and Springvale Community Hub from 8-12 November, 9am-6pm.

A time to remember Remembrance Day services are set to go ahead at Dandenong and Noble Park RSLs on 11 November. The services at the sub-branches’ outdoor memorials will pay tribute to Australia’s fallen defence servicepeople. A Noble Park RSL spokesperson said members of the public were welcome, provided they were fully Covid vaccinated. The services are held 11am on Thursday 11 November at Dandenong RSL, 44-50 Clow Street, Dandenong and Noble Park RSL, 1128 Heatherton Road, Noble Park.

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 9


FOCUS ON … HOMES & GARDENS SUMMER

Refresh your outdoor area in time for summer and before it heats up too much!

Pictures: ISTOCK

Ideas for your Summer By Elle Cecil As we approach the warmer months and the summer festive season, you may notice that your outdoor area is looking a little worse for wear. Perhaps the deck is a bit dull or your paved entertaining area is a bit shabby - now is the time to get on top of refreshing these outdoor areas. Refresh paved areas Visit your local hardware store and find a paver or concrete cleaner suitable for your pavers at home. You can use a brush and a bit of elbow grease, but for best results a pressure cleaner should be used to blast away dirt, mold, grime and other nasties. Pick the first of a few sunny days to clean your pavers and then let them dry for a day or two. You can also purchase paints or sealants for your pavers to keep their colour vibrant and clean, and extend the longevity of the outdoor area. Refilling gravel or sand in between pavers or around your entertaining area will also keep it looking polished and fresh. Stain or paint your deck If your deck and railings are looking a bit dull or shabby, you may need to recoat them with either a stain or paint. When deciding on the colour and finish, it is important to consider the products previously used on the timber. Oil-based stains will sink into the timber and fade away with time, as opposed to acrylic or water-based stains that sit on the surface and peel or flake away. Preparation is key when restaining or painting a deck - the surface must be clean and stripped back of any previous product or dirt to ensure a pristine, lasting finish. Scrub or pressure clean your deck, or use a timber stripper to remove past products. The type of 10 STAR JOURNAL

|

stain you use will determine the application method, but your local hardware experts will be able to advise you on the tools and techniques required to get your desired result. Install an outdoor awning Whether you’re upgrading your existing awning or installing a completely new setup, outdoor blinds and awnings are practical and attractive ways to maintain sun safety for your family and your outdoor area. Replacing an existing awning will likely be more straightforward than installing a new one, as all you have to do is safely remove it, measure the size of the awning, decide on a colour, density and style, then purchase and install it. If you are installing a brand new outdoor blind or awning, you may have a little more work on your hands. To begin, you should decide the style of awning or blind you’d like - it may be a fixed awning, or perhaps a retractable or roll-up blinds. You then need to measure the size of the space to be covered, and decide on a density of material for your blind if it is a fabric blind, such as those available for purchase from Coolaroo. Depending on the thickness and density of the material, more or less light and UV rays will be able to get through. You’re then up for a trip to your local hardware store to select a colour and appropriate size of blind or awning, and all the required fittings and fixtures. It is likely that you’ll need some power tools such as an impact driver or drill, so if you don’t already own one, consider purchasing one or borrowing one from a friend or family member. The instructions included in the blinds should be fairly straightforward, and the blind company will often have a video-tutorial available should you face any difficulties.

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

Proper care and maintenance will also extend the life of your outdoor area, saving you money in the long run.

Even the simplest of refreshers can make your space seem new. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


THE PET FOOD SPOT

Pensioner discounts available Contactless Quotes & Services Available!

NATURAL, HEALTHY PRESERVATIVE FREE COOKED ROLLS

AUSTRALIAN-MADE AND OWNED ALSO AVAILABLE PURE FRESH MEATS

BUY ONLINE

www.thepetfoodspot.com.au Free Delivery for all orders over $70

Contact us 1300 301 678 www.treemason.com.au

YOUR LOCAL

ELECTRICIAN

�Any form of electrical work �Upfront Pricing Guaranteed

�No Job too small or big �Same Day Service

FOR PHONE ORDERS CALL 9769 2123

QUALITY – VALUE and SUPERIOR RESULTS QUALITY GUARANTEED 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Fast 24/7 365 Days

If you mention this ad!

0447 989 448 REC 26391

• BUILDING MAINTENANCE • PLASTERING • PAINTING FREE QUOTES - PENSIONER DISCOUNT

Call HASHEM 0412 023 331

FN PLASTERING & PAINTING

PYKES FURNITURE REMOVALS

ALL TYPES OF

CONCRETING ¾ GARAGES

¾ DRIVEWAYS & PATHWAYS

¾ KERB & CHANNEL

¾ UNIT SITES

¾ PLAIN/COLOURED CONCRETE

¾ EXCAVATION DRAINAGE

¾ CROSS OVERS

¾ EXPOSED AGGREGATE

¾ MUCH MORE!

HONEST & RELIABLE LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

12521802-CG46-21

EMERGENCY SERVICE

$60 OFF*

12521722-HC46-21

• Tree Removal • Tree Pruning

OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

12469552-JW46-20

GIPPSLAND

AVAILABLE IN 6 VARIETIES

PH MARCUS FOR FREE QUOTES

0499 559 957

12519638-JW46-21

REASONABLE, RELIABLE AND GREAT RATES! Home - Office and Commercial removals Pre-packaging - All South Eastern Suburbs Free Quotes www.pykesfurnitureremovals.com

12448775-SG20-20

12480648-JW05-21

• Tree Shaping • Hedging • Stump Removal • Fully Qualified Employed • Fully Insured • Free Quotes • Gippsland local for over 27 years

0428 720 921 - 0400 537 545

DAWSONS

12521509-AV46-21

TREE SERVICES • Large Tree Specialists • Hedge Trimming Experts • Stump Grinding • Mulch Available • Consulting Arborist $20 million insurance • No Fuss • No Mess • No Stress

� 9720 5111

Panorama Cabinets specialise in Kitchens, Bathrooms, Laundries, BBQ Areas, Wardrobes and All your Cabinetry needs!

Con Anagnostopoulos (Director) Mob: 0402 080 910 for all quotes and enquiries Office Ph: 03 9793 3991 Email: info@panoramacabinets.com.au 4 Linley Street Dandenong 3175 www.panoramacabinets.com.au 12521946-BL46-21

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 11


Up to

50

% Off

*

12521969-JW46-21

*Call for Terms & Conditions

12 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


NEWS

Shokria Hakimi at the launch of the Know My Story local history project. 255779

Hakima Mandeat. 255779

Tales of courage, diversity Tales of resilience and courage from immigrant women trailblazers are needed for a unique local history project. The Dandenong-based agency Wellsprings for Women has appointed writer and social historian Lella Cariddi OAM to curate ‘Know My Story’. Ms Cariddi, who has brought to life many stories of immigrant women in the past, said she wanted to bring together the past and present. “The collaboration between myself as curator, and the ten women storytellers representing different countries of origin, will explore individual and shared experiences between the old and the new life. “The population from the multicultural City of Dandenong where the women now live and thrive in, can gain an insight into the courage, and resilience of the participating women whose stories are brought to life, and who, by contributing in so many ways, their footprints have enriched this city.” Greater Dandenong women from migrant backgrounds and who are active in the community are invited to express their interest. They could include business owners, social activists, religious leaders, community elders and young leaders. “This will be a great opportunity for culturally diverse women to not only connect with each other to share their story through an object they brought with them, or with photographs, but also by having their stories published digitally and in print, will enable them to share their unique experiences with Australians from all walks of life,” Ms Cariddi said. Know My Story transcripts and a short video will be archived and presented regularly at special events such as International Women’s Day in Harmony Square, Dandenong. It will be used as a teaching tool in local English classes and schools. The project is supported by the State Government and Public Record Office Victoria. It is free to take part in the project. Details: Holly Gordon at Wellsprings for Women, 9701 3740 or 0404 240 591 or holly@wellspringsfor women.com

Shweta Verma. 255779 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Monira Tahery, Sonu Patel, Hakima Mandeat, Shweta Verma, Marzia Nazari and Shokria Hakimi promoting Know My Story. 255779 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Marzia Nazari. 255779

Sonu Patel at a promotion at Harmony Square for Know My Story. 255779

Monira Tahery. 255779

Shweta Verma takes a photo with Monira Tahery, Marzia Nazari, Shokria Hakimi, Hakima Mandeat and Sonu Patel. 255779 Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 13


FREE

DANDEN

ONG FEBRUARY

10, Tues 2021 \ day, STARWEEKLY 23 Marc h, 2021 .COM.AU

dandenong 12477071 -CG03-21

.starcom

EVERY WEEK Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Dandenong Star Journal or Endeavour Hills Doveton Hallam Star Journal from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!

JAf £ fn¹Ǥ

munity.c

om.au

/Dandenon

gJournal

A WORL

@StarJo

D OF

urnal_SE

fine food

40¢ Inc.

GST

Photos te your stor ll ies

Wyndham to enter an residents are being invited which aims amateur photo comp to showcase etitio together how local n durin s came Non-profi g the COVID-19 for Australast group, Bridge Buildpandemic. Wyndham ia (BBFA), is runn ers ing the Stronger 2020 & Beyond, You, Together Me, comp by Manor Lakes Com etition, supported initiative muni ty Fund, of the an BBFA presi Dennis Family Corporatio dent Melb the group n. a Waug document organised the phot h said o contest how Wynd a community to ham stood The comp during the pand strong as residents etition, for Wynd emic. aged 18 ham to images and older , whic is open hope, coura h tell a visua l story of or patience ge, innovation, resili and must ence between January 2020have been taken No digita and Marc l phot Cash prize o editing is allow h 2021. on March s are on offer. Entried. 31. es close Details: wixsite.co https://bbfaustralas m/mysite Australas , Bridge ia. Builders ia for wyndham@ on Facebook or email bbfa gmail.com .

This photo of Marbie, taken in a Hoppers Crossing backyard, has been submitted to the comp Melbourn etition. (Suppl e ied) free, famil Food and Wine y-friendly Festival’s Fare retur largest ns this monevent, Dandenon and trade g World incredibly important th delighting rs alike. to us,” customers ket general mana Dandenon ger Jenni Dandenong Marg Market “We hold fer Hibb of world ers are ready will host s said. an array street food By Ales a celebration tivals every to welco of colou Marc into me Cap and h, fromha opportuni year, but World rful cultural fes- their their homes by offer the community 10am toone culture on Sund 4pm. Fare gives ay 28 ty to celeb back of rich cultu The even ing together Some rate natio us ral history. a plate inspired the t will comm in harm tionalitiesWyn “There’s “is behav nalities work the dham counemorate by over many cultures we’ve with fire for their she said. the last 12 ing Melbourn nowhere quite multiple Dand ing likeony,” authenticcillors have a petul a jam-p na- enjoyOtheenon ant child”. months,” felt so isolated from beha like Dand hawker style e’s multi g Mark come unde acked sched rs liken viour durin at a publi et is inviti diverse mun said Ms Hibb Pop-up rovin cultu enon ed the ment tastes and g a heatedishe showthe meeting ule meet to and a cchan of rovin ng visito s, r still icipality,” ral heart is our g … tradit . “Som s. g performan d deba theStock sounds ing eone pass rs to Dan Councillor ce tolast stayin ional acqusaid. ket Stree te most of the their ces inclu winTuesd isition of Herald Sun food g close ay.g entertainthe popc The a Dand s have rite gover t Food Tour. worldfavou ding the dance and haka, the colou to home deba been descr like child the site for while enong Mar- will celebrate orn”. edito te erupt “And its t . Worl rful Chin Dandenonren and rhyth Szatkowsk the ibed as beha Mark d Fare 2021 ofEduc nmen ed schoo a future r scattered flavo et sine when l; is by urs g, being and i thisation the vibra by ‘heroing’ state splitt all throumic African drum ese lion attempted of internatio which is viewers watch for coun Cr Robe ent natio globa a “petulant ving fare moti nt melti Mini l villag home cil to s will the Markto split on, put forw nalities, stere.Jame nal cui- rt a multi ngwrite ing the to 156 differ broadcast child fivefrom pointto event. ing the motighou Dand It also et’s own a notic -ethn diver s Merl Austr around the enon ard by Cr on t the Market during be ic smor stated se municipa live onis Faceb Cr alia’smeet ino. g stree e ing as it - ” vend feast. separ Mark Szatk of that most gasbo t world Josh food ” ort ate motions et is The ors as done supp owski has and raised conc culturallywas rd shou lovesAt ook. Gilligan, rather than one pointlity - some upon erns the for the site council to celeb et dollarsMark for in previ The “received which to event into that ld reiter dition coun casua rate. mayor thing the Mark advis Nom motion conc of follow to remain ous force cillor that al Mark donahas l ate its Tarn will inate ed that thousand years coun s to vote on. Adele Hege tions d shou et days, erned “Beindgto et will as . interject. a Road cil Unlik outsi site from picks one s lyof a cludi able de-on , for eit e each ofland strict Covid of Broad whic be featu the state for this year’s ld rema tradich was a school; ng a linke the over h was The debat to share and at 203 Woo the tasty desigdnated ring sheet’s top to this in “conc earm reliance ofMelbourn a dish of aay one-d motion”. Safemem e prese Cr tradersds Festiv planber arked future nonevent that five Terra Dandenon ce,Szatk in-of the private the-CG13-21 landal,and will be 12487676 foravaila e Fooderned abou seated area owsk incre pronuncia deteriorated into rve culture is constble gover will asd i clean Dand g Mark stateding,the ructi Trug only at a matt sectorand be as fundeliv nmen Wine t statio on The enon foron to acqu ns er prom t schoo schoolsetin g Worl accusation tion of a councillor bickering over Afteranina ofadhe and Precinct Struc donations a consider as iteris filling ises its hand publirence ire requi d Fare. l under the to“Wor c recor Wyn Gillig of ’s name, and As tough 2020 . are , moreture dhamevent ld Farehow reme an to He thensanitising ”; and nts. “pronounc tod.physi thanPlan.food “I’m appa abusive language being not this an the reported by Star s of ticstage onlymay dishe asked celebrelate e my surnacal dista ncing Afterngtryin Scho s ofthe Weekly 20 Cr Parki Victo rates to our ols4W comments lled by behaviour used. future much theany The in Septetradme correctly”. is free g toallsay yndh authe -love moti rtuni amrs, Tribunal rian Civil and twice made by mber, oppo nd trade Crbut onrelish day, ty to advo Szatk also in Find, Cr has given viewer stated Gillig undertake some peop , tone and owsk seats called it’scacy. Adm more also an i’s are inistr the for informatio surna instead addr an quen limite to divide firsttly le tonight”, a strategic sightsthe name andcoun n and answ the site intothe developer perm ative look at . quest essed him d.me asked cil soun “Communi . one the ers toby ission plann how it could planning revie dsto mark 227 resid Aset.co ions at www Catholic his them.au fredeba/even like adults” ty are interested w to put in place te conti ing .dand in adults behav agreement Education Offic ential lots, after wrote anoth nued t/wor , Cr eSaha enongld-far stronger raised a point e pulle for non- controls arou to build er, and ing

Council ‘soap op era’

nd sites of order na Ramesh governmen a school there d out of an of “using Cr Gillig accusing desig infrastruc t schools Cr Gillig Sarah Connan’s motion called . ture. and comm nated chamber”. abusive language for in the coun an unity olly to be Cr asked to publiTarneit MP origi Gilligan descr The mayo cil ibed the r said she nal notic cly support was chan did He quest e of motion as “ridic ges to his you said, “but if there not hear exactly ioned Cr what was please refra Szatkowsk ulous”. in from usingany language, can i’s motives Coun it again”. for separ cillors voted on ate motions. Cr Szatk owski’s five All were passe d.

that one coun cillor

NOW OP

12480371

-DL06-21

455 Balla

Shop T3A, Manor Lake Manor Lakes Cent ral E: lawule@g s (Next to Man or Lakes mail.com Medical P: 0433 Centre) 572 664

n Road,

EN YOUR FIN STORE FOERASIAN FOOD GROCERY ALL YOUR NE WE STOCK EDS. THAI, FILIP INO, BUR CHINESE AND

MESE, MANY MOR KOREAN, E!

Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • Dandenong Coles Express 61-65 Cheltenham Road • Dandenong United Service Station (Pie Face) 100 Cheltenham Road • Dandenong Dandy Mart 17 Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong Market 40 Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong RSL 44-50 Clow Street • Dandenong India Bazaar 77 Foster Street • Dandenong Dandenong Oasis Heatherton Road & Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong IGA 78-84 Hemmings Street • Dandenong Dandenong Neighbourhood House 34 King Street • Dandenong Well Springs for Women 79 Langhorne Street • Dandenong Remax Real Estate Shop 14, 30-32 Langhorne Street • Dandenong Bestway Supermarket 200-208 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong City of Greater Dandenong 225 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Creston Real Estate 264 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Hall & Partners First National 254 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Drum Theatre Lonsdale Street & Walker Street • Dandenong Dandenong Plaza 23-55 McCrae Street • Dandenong Coles Supermarket 23-55 McCrae Street (Dandenong Plaza) • Dandenong Rockyz Mini Mart 10 Princes Highway • Dandenong LH Fresh Supermarket 169 Princes Highway • Dandenong Caltex Dandenong 154-156 Princes Highway • Dandenong Coles Supermarket Dandenong 23-26 Princes Highway • Dandenong Genesis Fitness Club Dandenong 63 Scott Street • Dandenong Valley Village Mews 112 Stud Road • Dandenong Dandenong Basketball Stadium 270 Stud Road • Dandenong Caltex Star Mart Stud Road & Heatherton Road • Dandenong Dandenong Lotto 308 Thomas Street • Dandenong Gulistan Supermarket 187-189 Thomas Street • Dandenong Quest Hotel 2-Oct Walker Street • Dandenong McLennan Real Estate First floor, 126 Walker Street • Dandenong North Foodworks Dandenong North 42-44 Brady Road

• Dandenong North Dunearn Pharmacy 11a Dunearn Road • Dandenong North Coles Express 166 Heatherton Road & Stud Road • Dandenong North BP Service Station Heatherton Road & Stud Road • Dandenong North Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club 41a Latham Crescent • Dandenong North FoodWorks Menzies Cellars 52 Menzies Avenue • Dandenong North Menzies Milkbar 64 Menzies Avenue • Dandenong North IGA Friendly 54 Outlook drive • Dandenong North Liberty Fuel 182 Stud Road • Dandenong South Georges Lunch Box 22a Amberley Crescent • Dandenong South BP Service Station 175-187 Greens Road • Dandenong South Lunchmaster 3/491 Hammond Road • Dandenong South Kirkham Road Milk Bar 102 Kirkham Road • Dandenong South Woolworths Supermarket 81-125 Princes Highway • Dandenong South Shell Service Station 50 South Gippsland Highway • Dandenong South United Petroleum 314 South Gippsland Highway • Dandenong South Caltex Service Station 275-295 South Gippsland Highway • Dingley Village Dingley Village Newsagency Shop 2/79 Centre Dandenong Road • Doveton Doveton News and Lotto 7 Autumn Place • Doveton Platinum Realty - Doveton 27 Autumn Place • Doveton Bottle O 2-Apr Linden Place • Doveton Shell Service Station 48 Princes Highway • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue • Endeavour Hills Woolworths Service Station Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) • Endeavour Hills O’Brien Real Estate Shop PS 5A Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) • Endeavour Hills Coles Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre • Endeavour Hills Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre • Endeavour Hills 7 Eleven Endeavour Hills Cnr Heatherton Road & Power Road • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Milk Bar 13 Gleneagles Drive • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Medical Centre 61 Heatherton Road • Endeavour Hills Liberty Service Station 13-17

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

Scan this QR code to Subscribe for FREE now! Or visit: starcommunity.com.au/subscribe 202103168430_1-DL13-21

14 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


NEWS

Film maker’s global reach By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Noble Park North film director’s long love of horror lives large in his most recent ARIAnominated music video. Nick Kozakis, who grew up on a terrifying watch-list of The Exorcist and the Halloween series, received his third consecutive ARIA nomination for the recent Tones and I clip ‘Won’t Sleep’. The elaborately staged video pays playful homage to popular horror movies as well as Michael Jackson’s Thriller. “We found that medium between a bit scary but not too scary – so as to not alienate children. Kozakis, co-director Liam Kelly and producer Tim Whiting staged the spectacular at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda. With more than 100 cast and crew, it was the biggest, most expensive clip made in Australia, he says. Forty crew worked on the unique ‘secondskin’ masks and make-up. “As a horror enthusiast, it was fun and it was very stressful. We shot over two days, and there was not a single weak link. “The idea is to keep every frame as fresh as

possible, to push different scenes, try different shot types.” Kozakis’s collaboration with homegrown hit Tones and I began with a last-minute call-up to film ‘Dance Monkey’ two years ago. He jumped on board, sourced senior citizens’ costumes and a leafblower from a Noble Park op shop and filmed the clip in a day. That became a “surprise global sensation”, with 1.7 billion views on YouTube and contacts with Sony, Warner Music and US-based Electra Records. “It propelled us to the next level.” Kozakis and his company Visible Studios’ first feature film Plague screened at Cannes Film Festival in 2015, and won awards including ‘most popular’ at Monsterfest. His upcoming second feature ‘In God’s Care’ is another look on the dark side. It’s inspired by true and tragic tales of botched exorcisms on people that may have had mental illnesses. “It’s dealing with the themes of isolation so it felt like the right time to do this. With as yet unannounced stellar cast and a location in Daylesford, Kozakis describes it as a “very big leap that we’re excited to undertake”. Born in Dandenong Hospital and raised in

WHAT’S ON Faith forum

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network – with Greater Dandenong Libraries - is presenting its annual Talking Faith? Forum online. A panel of major faith representatives will discuss faith and resilience in these trying times under the theme of ‘Messages of Hope’. The public is invited to write a message of hope for the ‘Tree of Hope’ at Springvale Library. Thursday 11 November 7.30pm-9pm via the Zoom live-streaming platform. Registrations are required on 1300 630 920 or https:// www.greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/events/libraries-after-dark-talking-faith-forumsymbols-hope

Film-maker Nick Kozakis hopes Halloween celebrations in Australia reach the same “rich and magical” levels as the US. Growing up in the early 1990’s, Kozakis was one of the few kids in Noble Park to dress up and roam as a ghost during the festive event. “I grew up with US cinema. Halloween was one of my favourite films of all time.“

Messages are invited on the Tree of Hope at Springvale Library.

Awareness Meditation

Men’s Shed

Meditation brings stillness, harmonises body and soul and connects to meaning. We are invited to turn off our mobiles and distractions, and tune into ourselves. All welcome, whether you’re a beginner or a pro at meditating. Mondays 2.30pm-3.30pm at The Open Door’s Zoom meeting room. A gold coin donation is welcome. Details: Jo/Tayla, 97918664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Keysborough Men’s Shed is reopening for a chat and a cuppa. The 34-member group welcomes new members for companionship, building projects and gardening. A double-vax digital certificate is required for entry. Fridays noon at Keysborough Men’s Shed, enter via Loxwood Avenue. Details: Geoff Wright, 0415 066 170.

·

OPINION The tables have turned I resigned as a Casey councillor back in 2020 due to the alleged corruption within our council. As you may be aware I played no part in the demise of our council. Two State MPs who did play a major part in our sacking were the outspoken State Liberal MP Tim Smith, who led the charge for our sacking, and the other was Adem Somyurek, the Labor Party Minister for Local Government at the time. How ironic is it now to see both these MPs dealing with their own demons, and their parties now wanting nothing to do with them? To Mr Smith and Mr Somyurek, the pain of my resigning as a councillor back in 2020 has now been made a lot easier by reading all about dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Film director Nick Kozakis has backed up with Tones and I for a third consecutive ARIA nomination.

Halloween tradition builds

·

·

Noble Park, Kozakis has kept nearby to his parents by buying a home in Noble Park North. He said he drew from the rich cultural diversity in his neighbourhood and schools Heatherhill Primary and St Joseph’s Primary. As well as a copious diet of horror movies from a young age. His memories of watching The Exorcist were that he was “extremely frightened” but also inspired to understand film. As a child, he re-enacted scenes in local parks and back streets. At a point he realised his destiny was behind the camera not in front of it. He played around with a video camera, experimented with make-up as he produced ‘zombie’ flicks in parks and local homes. Starting work as a graphic designer, he could never shake loose the bug. He enrolled in a film course at Swinburne Uni. “Doing things was the best way to go ahead. I’d always try to go above my comfort level. “Failures were more beneficial than successes. I’d identify what went wrong and improve on the next production. “I’m never satisfied.” To vote for the Aria awards, go to https:// www.aria.com.au/awards/nominees Entries close on 24 November.

your indiscretions while holding public office. I understand only the public can sack you both, so sit back on the backbench and enjoy your spoils as an MP, while I wait for the IBAC report to be finalised and published for all to see. Rex Flannery, Narre Warren South

And there’s more... I refer to the letter (Mayor Cup Scratching, Star Journal, 2 November) by Gaye Guest. It is not often that I would agree with Gaye, but on this occasion I do. She has however missed out those who are involved in the “I Cook Foods“ affair. This would leave us with even fewer candidates suitable for Mayor. Russell W Cole

However, people struggled to tune into the ‘trick-or-treat’ concept. Some households that he visited gave cash for him to buy his own candy. Kosakis enjoys seeing more people embrace the event these days. Though he wishes it was even more lavish locally. “It’s fun to see the creativity – that’s the most fun part about it. “To see the make-up and costumes and how it opens up the community a bit more.”

Legal service rebranded By Cam Lucadou-Wells A community legal service has announced a new name and logo reflecting its reach into the South East. At its online AGM on 4 November, Springvale-Monash Legal Service unveiled its new name South-East Monash Legal Service. Executive director Kristen Wallwork said the name captured its “incredible partnership with Monash Law as well as the whole community we now serve”. The service initially solely based in Springvale has branched out into a second office at Narre Warren for the Casey-Cardinia growth corridor. “South-East Monash Legal Service is excited about the what the future holds.” Ms Wallwork said the “roller coaster” pandemic had forced SMLS to “pivot almost instantaneously to a remote service delivery model”. It had also sparked changes such as the Springvale office becoming “completely paperless”. Despite lockdowns and work-at-home restrictions, the SMLS assisted nearly 6200 clients – up 14 per cent in the past 12 months. SMLS was also engaged in more than 1100 family violence cases. According to its 2020-’21 report, there was also a “not unexpected” significant increase in family law matters – up 28 per cent. “There was an immediate trend of clients seeking support about seeing children or moving children about in a health crisis, following the commencement of stay at home and lockdown directions.” During 2020-’21, the SMLS invested in extra support for sexual assault and family violence survivors in their victims-of-crime assistance claims. Bruce federal MP Julian Hill told the AGM that he endorsed SMLS taking its “social capital” and knowledge into new communities in Casey-Cardinia. There was “profound need” for the “impor-

tant community resource” for victims of crime, at risk communities and young people. SMLS donated its John O’Sullivan volunteer-of-the-year award to Australian aid organization Mahboba’s Promise for its work in Afghanistan. The group helps build schools, health clinics and shelters, as well as assisting orphans and widows. SMLS lawyer Ameena Rahimi spoke of how her family fled the Taliban in Afghanistan several decades ago. They were under threat of assassination due to her father helping Australian defence forces. They sought asylum in Australia in 2011. History is repeating itself with the Taliban’s re-ascension 10 weeks ago, and the rise of violence, forcible displacements and public executions. According to a recent UN report, half of Afghanistan’s population face acute hunger. About 1 million children were at risk of dying from malnutrition. “I thought no other generation would have to go through what I went though in 2010. It’s gut-wrenching.” Ms Rahimi called for the Australian Government to offer refuge for at least 20,000 people from her homeland. About 100,000 had applied for protection in Australia, which has offered 3000 places with a promise of up to 3000 more. “Australia has turned blind and deaf to our calls.” In the past year, SMLS also made a state law-reform submission on illicit drugs, including decriminalizing cannabis possession. The legal service advocated for a healthbased approach that diverted young people from the criminal justice system. In a separate law-reform submission, it called for better employment protections for migrant workers, including lifting work restrictions on temporary visa holders. It also called for a positive OH&S duty to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace.

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 15


networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online V Trades Business Profile

V Concrete Products & Services

G5790601AA-dc18Feb

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

Grow your business with

We accept payment by:

S 1

W WINDO

12464078-CG40-20

NEED A LOCAL COOLING & HEATING REPAIRER?

ice nt Serv laceme ws p o e d R in w Windo inium W m lu A r o ote Timber and qu easure Free M

BRIVIS / VULCAN / BONAIRE / BRAEMAR / BREEZE AIR Specialising in air conditioning and heating • Evaporative cooling / ducted heating service and repairs • Installation and supply of split systems, cooling and heating • Installation of evaporative cooling • Hot water service installs and repairs

“My customers read their local paper and that’s why we advertise in the Dandenong Journal. We get a steady stream of enquiries. The Dandenong Journal definitely works for us.” - Terry,WINDOWS 1

garages and carports. Phone BARRY 9704 0148 After 6pm

V Electricians

L&L ELECTRICS ฀

All Types of Domestic & Commercial Work ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀★

Call Chris: 0416 079 689 - 5940 7264

J.L. Hutt Electrical ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

9703 1530

and MBA MemberinHdIAows1.net.au www.w

24 HOUR SERVICE ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

Jason 1300 644 698

33 years experience

V Fencing & Gates

www.settlementplumbing.com.au LIC. 33033

Call 1300 666 808

฀ ฀

REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

฀฀

12520239-NG45-21

Call James 0419 158 660

Phone Andrew on

0408 585 508, 5998 1127 Support your local tradesman for ALL your concreting needs!

Local professionals in our

Footings, garages, v crossings, drives, paths & patios. In plain, colour, slate or stencil. Also drainage, saw cutting, 3T excavator, bobcat & tip trucks. NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL 12390512-ACM24-18

HBL CONSTRUCTIONS PTY. LTD.

12393415-RA30-18

504483

Phone Harry 0412 107 629, 9796 9988

CASEY CARPET CLEANING 24/7 Flood Water Damage Restoration ✔ Steam and dry cleaning ✔ Tile cleaning ✔ Upholstery cleaning ✔ Leather cleaning We bring our own electricity Truck Mounted Machine

15 years experience Fully qualified and insured

0401 234 672 or 9799 7229 www.professionalcarpetclean.com.au

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

l Specia on Pricesers Sleep

A H FENCING & TIMBER PTY LTD ฀ ฀

฀฀

A & F CONCRETING • SPECIALISING IN ALL TYPES OF CONCRETING/ CONCRETE PATTERN, SLABS • FOUNDATIONS ETC. • ALL DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL FREE QUOTE ANY TIME RING 9700 4378 C63804-BG25-8

1167287-PB50-14

฀ ฀

ALL TYPES OF GATES & FENCES

MEB & SON CONCRETING

V Carpet Cleaning

DBU 6442

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

t 6OJU 4JUFT t (BSBHFT t %SJWFXBZT t 1FSHPMBT t 1MBJO $PMPVSFE t 4MBUF *NQSFTTJPO t 'BVY #SJDL t &YQPTFE "HHSFHBUF

Ring Jim for a free quote 0417 054 198

Let us take the worry out of extending your home with over 30 years’experience

section of Network Classifieds.

฀ ฀

section of Network Classifieds.

AFFORDABLE HOME EXTENSIONS

Real Estate

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

Trades & Services

V Builders & Building Services

Reg. Builder CDB-U52728 & DBU 6442

C1085227-JO32-13

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

Andrew Craven Concreting www.andrewcravenconcreting.com.au 1161589-LB44-14

฀ ฀

• Automatic & Sliding • Ballustrading • Pool & Garden Fencing FREE QUOTES

• 9791 9877 • 0411 636 400

12481388-NG07-21

QUALIFIED CARPENTER/ HOME MAINTENANCE ฀

3ODQV DQG SHUPLWV DUUDQJHG %DWKURRP PDNHRYHUV ZLQGRZV DQG GRRU UHSODFHPHQWV ,QWHUQDO ZDOOV UHPRYHG SODVWHULQJ DQG EULFNOD\LQJ

V Concrete Products & Services

V Furniture Removals

LEIGH HUNTER REMOVALS AND STORAGE • Local, Country & Interstate • Antiques & Pianos a speciality • Cartons & Porta-robes for hire or sale • Full packing available

C62885-BG24-8

V Carpenters

www.fairbairns.com.au

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

12461729-LB38-20

• Brivis Evaporative Cooling • Daikin & Rinnai Splits • Pensioner discounts • Evap & Split Service Specials

9702 4410

SUPPLY ONLY TRADE & DIRECT TO PUBLIC Unbeatable Prices on:

Be cool this summer

12468782-FA45-20

Sൾඍඍඅൾආൾඇඍ

-16 1238899-CG33

12435758-CG03-20

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

V Air Conditioning

PLUMBING, HEATING AND COOLING

DRAFTING All residential houses, extensions,

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

Steve on 0407 704 213

V Drafting

TRADES & SERVICES

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office)

Deadline for all classifications is 3:30pm Friday.

9795 4247 0407 324 768

G6102263AA-dc17Jun

(include your name, address and phone number)

No job too big or too small Free quote • Compare our prices!

1198421-ACM37-15

Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

QUALITY HOME CONCRETING

12438941-CG04-20

V Deadline

PHONE FOR OBLIGATION FREE QUOTATION

9707 5700, 9768 9153

with us and get better results

12514849-JW40-21

ADVERTISE CALL 1300 666 808 16 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


Trades & Services

General Classifieds V Tree Lopping/Surgery

V Garage Sales

Pensioner discounts available

PLACE YOUR

M: 0 4 3 0 3 5 3 0 8 0 Ben 12445233-NG13-20

Call Frank on 0411 370 252

SEWER BLOCKAGES – MACHINE CLEANED฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS ฀ ฀ STANDARD RATES ON WEEKENDS ฀ ฀ ฀฀฀ ฀ ฀ gjlawplumbing.com.au 7 DAYS 0419 136 181 - 0419 136 151

Lic 47089

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

CARAVAN PARK ACCOMMODATION

9720 5111

12355821-ACM25-17

FOUNTAIN GATE PLUMBING

Window Replacement Service Timber or Aluminium Windows Free Measure and quote

Member HIA and MBA C695870-JM11-9

Lic 24754 • New Houses • Factories • Blockages/Machine and Camera • Same Day Hot Water Services • Domestic and Commercial Maintenance • 3.5 Ton & 12 Ton Excavator • Bobcat and Tipper

9796 8621 0418 367 017

★ NO BOND ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ph 9546 9587 Office Hours Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Sunday 10am-4pm 870 Princes Highway, Springvale

9703 1530

www.windows1.net.au

NO LEASE ★

Singles Cabin - Bed Sitter (incl Kitchen) Caravans (ensuite) Caravans (no ensuite) Quiet secure park Close all facilities

General Notices

Caravan & Cabin Park

Employment

V Public Notices and Event

V Positions Vacant

NEAT PLUMBING SERVICE Lic. Number 27186 Shine Lawyers are interested in speaking to former students, parents or teachers of Echuca East Primary School and Yarra Junction Primary School, Victoria to help assist us with our enquiries in relation to these schools from 1978 and 1992. If you believe you can assist with any information, please contact Penny Toniolos at Shine Lawyers on (03) 8788 9404.

0417 382 700

Employment

MOVIE GUIDE INSIDE

Looking for love search for Brooke Blurton’s on love breaks boundaries Australia The Bachelorette

REE DIGITAL ED

REE DIGITAL EDITION

SIG N U P N O W !

Professional Services

V Roofing

NON CORPORATE RADIOLOGY IMAGING CLINIC ESTABLISHED BY A CARING & COMPASSIONATE TEAM

10 year Guarantee | Pensioner Discount Call now for a FREE quote: 0405 817 173

Bulk Bill Low Dose CT, Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, Digital Dental X-ray & Dexa Scan QR code for easy online booking system

OPEN 7 DAYS • 9132 5073 Unit 2, 1 Stephenson Street, Pakenham info@bondradiology.com.au • www.bondradiology.com.au

PO Box 690 Dandenong VIC 3175 or pipelines.vic@fultonhogan.com.au 12501151-NG26-21

12517108-BL42-21

One call, We do it all!

2 CUBIC METRE BINS FROM $180 BIN SIZES 2-3-4-5 AND 6 CUBIC METRES UNWANTED CARS REMOVED FREE FAST FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT SERVICE

9793 9970 - 0419 514 977

V Television/Video/Audio

ANTENNA MAN

V Adult Services

Rainbow Dolls 1235322622-PB22-17

SUPER SERVICE BIN HIRE

$100/ 30mins Open 7 days 48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

SAME DAY SERVICE

V Massage Therapists

MY SPACE - FULL BODY CARE Full body relaxation massage by young and mature asian female therapist. Shower facility. Vanity Crt, Room 33, 249 Lonsdale St, Dandenong. Katie 0402 420 986. 0431 156 192. Open 7 days.

Find it in the

Celebrations

section of Network Classifieds.

General Classifieds section of Network Classifieds.

NEED NEW STAFF? 12400545-LB38-19

General Classifieds

V Rubbish Removal

12520043-NG44-21

Please note that we only consider applications from skilled applicants with South East Water experience in new land development water/sewer reticulation & sewer outfall construction. Please send Resume and cover letter to:

V Medical

ROOFING SPECIALIST

We are seeking experienced journalists to assist the production editor and liaise with our reporters both here in Victoria and also with our reporters interstate. You will assist reporters with their story lists, allocate stories to pages, ensure deadlines are met, provide feedback to reporters and ensure daily online story targets are met. Ideally you will be based in our Pakenham office with part time and full time positions available. Star News Group produces a number of news media titles across Melbourne and interstate with weekly printed newspapers and digital content. Star News Group focuses on the local news and information that affects the lives of our community, and broader issues that directly impact our regions. The Company is operated by experienced independent publishers and a local team of experienced media professionals. Please send your resume to garry.howe@starnewsgroup.com.au

EXCAVATOR OPERATORS (SEWER) PIPELAYER CSE/SEWER MAINTENANCE LABOURER

12521503-HC46-21

section of Network Classifieds.

12386255-DJ19-18

Fulton Hogan are currently looking for people experienced in Sewer and Water Construction for the following positions:

12514744-CG39-21

1172347-DJ07-15

฀Hot Water Specialists ฀Blocked Drains ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

• All leak repairs • Roof Washing • Roof Painting • Flexi-pointing • Ridge tile re-bedding • Valley changing • Gutter cleaning from $120 • All types of roofing and carpentry

Step into Paradise with Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

PERMANENT

WINDOWS 1

Call Now 0417 128 536

Roof Restoration Specialists

Frock and awe

V Windows

10% discount on hot water service installations if you mention this ad.

No Job Too Small

Pakenham

Sweet treats a cool hit

PAGE 3

• No Fuss • No Mess • No Stress

PAKENHAM OFFICER

Slowly getting back to normal

V To Let

AFFORDABLE PLUMBING ฀

ROOMS AVAILABLE, Single rooms. Gents only. 48 Hammond Road/45 Hemmings Street, Dandenong. Ph Daniel 0417 336 906.

Real Estate 12496404-AV22-21

V Positions Vacant

V Accommodation

12496404-AV22-21

Real Estate

G5855585AA-dc11Mar

TREE SERVICES

1238899-CG33-16

1158529-PB42-14

฀ ฀

This Permanent full-time position, located in South Gippsland, offers a lifestyle alternative compared to the nearby city environment. CNC programming and setup experience desirable Email resume to mick@leveyengineering .com.au

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

• LARGE TREE SPECIALISTS • HEDGE TRIMMING EXPERTS • STUMP GRINDING • MULCH AVAILABLE • CONSULTING ARBORIST

1 HOUR EMERGENCY PLUMBING ฀ ฀ ฀

Machinist with CNC experience

DAWSONS $20 MILLION INSURANCE

V Plumbing

CLEANERS

Contact us 1300 301 678 ÜÜÜ°ÌÀii >Ã °V °>Õ

AA & F&D UNITED PAINTING SERVICES ?dj[h_eh ;nj[h_eh :ec[ij_Y 9ecc[hY_Wb El[h (+ o[Whi [nf[h_[dY[ >ed[ij WdZ h[WiedWXb[ fh_Y[i

V Positions Vacant

Required URGENT, fulltime or part-time, Police checked, dbl dose vacc. Ph: 0417 506 162.

12400498-CG38-18

www.proudpainting.com.au

UÊ/ÀiiÊ- >« }Ê UÊ i`} } UÊ-ÌÕ «Ê,i Û> UÊ Õ ÞÊ+Õ> wi`Ê « Þi` UÊ Õ ÞÊ ÃÕÀi`ÊUÊ ÀiiÊ+Õ Ìià GIPPSLAND UÊ ««Ã > `Ê V> Êv À UÊ/ÀiiÊ,i Û> ÊUÊ/ÀiiÊ*ÀÕ } ÊÊÊ ÛiÀÊÓÇÊÞi>ÀÃ

12496966-LB23-21

Commercial/Domestic Decking/pergola/driveways ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Interior/ext High quality Free quote

12449547-FA21-20

12367795-LB41-17

Contactless Quotes & Services Available!

V Positions Vacant

12496498-DL22-21

V Painters/Decorators

Employment

Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC

Fill your position online ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

V Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Target local candidates for your workplace

V Beauty Services DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228

pampering facials, All Natural products, Spoil yourself - you deserve it! 9798 6284

12469374-CG46-20

V Massage Therapists

V Tree Lopping/Surgery C316291-KK18-5

V Pets & Services BEAUTY-SALON Relaxing,

Oakfern Tree Care P/L Pruning Removal Stump Grinding

Phone Geoff 0418 340 825 Fully Insured dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

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. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

Call our classified team on

12423634-SN31-19

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 17


SPORT

Panthers aim for the stars The Victorian Premier Cricket competition kicks off this weekend, with the Dandenong Cricket Club set for another huge season in both the Men’s and the Women’s competitions. Can the Men bounce back from a tough grand final loss despite a raft of off-season changes? Can the Women go back-to-back and continue a dominant chapter in the club’s history? TYLER LEWIS previews the Panthers’ prospects for season 2020/21. MEN Last season: Runners-up. The Panthers had a dream run in the post-season, defeating both Melbourne and Geelong before going down valiantly to Prahran in the grand final. Last First XI premiership: 2017/18 Notable Ins: Sam Newell (Kingston Hawthorn), Matt Wilson (Carlton), Aryaman Bhardwaj (Northcote). Notable Outs: James Nanopoulos (Frankston Peninsula), Jacques Augustin (Frankston Peninsula), Lincoln Edwards (Elsternwick), Comrey Edgeworth (Mentone), Jack Fowler (Dromana), Pete Cassidy (Brighton), Adam McMaster (Kooweerup), Suraj Randiv (Edinburgh), Ed Newman (St Kilda). Off-season talking point: Early in the off season the departures of a large chunk of players was well-documented. It was a turn over rarely seen from the club out of Shepley Oval. However, the continuous talking point through winter was ‘will he or won’t he’. Was the club’s pantheon Tom Donnell going to strap on the pads for one last season? After much deliberation, Donnell will go on, a great boost for the Panthers after the aforementioned partings. What the Journal says: With a fresh side looming to take the field in round one, what to expect from Dandenong this year is currently unclear. With such quality of players departing - especially on the bowling front – it is hard to see the Panthers achieve the same results as it did last summer. Yet, as such a proud club, it is also hard to see it plummet out to the bottom. With a sense of unpredictability – which is so rare when in association with Dandenong – the expectation of the side will be evident after round five. With Richmond, Camberwell, Footscray, Frankston and then Casey-South Melbourne to kick off the season, the Panthers will reveal where it sits in the pecking order. In a white-ball season and a now less experienced side, a great start will be crucial if Dandenong are to make another tilt at some finals action. Stat/milestone to look out for: Brett Forsyth (8496 – 22nd all-time) and Tom Donnell (8615 – 20th all-time) should both reach 9000 First XI runs this season, but an interesting stat to look out for is that as Forsyth etches closer to Tom in total runs, he also gets closer to becoming

· · · ·

·

·

Brett Forsyth will lead an inexperienced Dandenong this season. 226906 Dandenong’s all-time run scorer. Perhaps they are batting together when Forsyth levels with Donnell, and they exchange the record multiple times in an innings. Round 1 opponent: Richmond – away. Team prediction: 9th – with the balance of the side, expect some big scores in both innings. Individual prediction: Josh Slater: 500 runs. 2021/22 will the year the right-hander announces himself through a weight of runs. WOMENS Last season: Premiers. Who could forget the mesmeric comeback win from the Panthers, looking done and dusted in its defence, before causing a Box Hill collapse on its way to premiership glory. Last First XI premiership: 2020/21 Off-season talking point: Up until a couple of weeks ago, the Panthers had a relatively

· · · · · ·

subtle off-season, making very little movement and losing very little players. But in recent weeks, Dandenong have been left without its two-time premiership coach Andy Christie, as he joins Cricket Victoria as the Female Emerging Players Performance Manager. Assistant coach Shame Lamour will step up to be the head coach of the program this season. What the Journal says: After feeling the agony and ecstasy of Premier Cricket in the last two seasons, Dandenong looms to be one of the key contenders again. Kelly Applebee has hung up the boots after a splendid career and Maryam Omar has shifted to Carlton for geographical reasons, but with the likes of Kim Garth, Tiana Atkinson and Emma Gallagher filtered through the side, it’s bound to head in the right direction. Garth – as one of the best all-rounders in the competition – will play a key role once

·

Picture: ROB CAREW again and if WBBL form is anything to go by, she looks to have taken her bowling to another level. Many Panthers had fantastic individual seasons last year, earning themselves positions in Victorian programs, whether that will impact the Premier Cricket season when the delayed WNCL season commences is yet to be confirmed. Expect the Panthers to win its first two games of the season comfortably, but Dandenong will need to bring it’s A game in round 3 against Essendon Maribyrnong Park with the log jam that is the top four of this competition. Round 1 opponent: Prahran – away Team prediction: The expectation for this side has to be finals once again, it’s too rich in talent to settle for anything less. Individual prediction: Tiana Atkinson to have a mammoth season where she blasts her first century.

· · ·

Wow She’s Fast now aimed at winner-take-all Shootout By Jason Adams

Wow She’s Fast will be nominated for next Thursday’s $25,000 winner-take-all Shootout. 18 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

One of Australia’s most exciting greyhounds Wow She’s Fast will be nominated for Thursday’s $25,000 winner-take-all Shootout. She’s undefeated from four starts and is the third fastest greyhound to win at Sandown Park this year with a time of 29.09 which she set on her racing debut. If she is to gain a start it will be her first race since she was scratched from a restricted win final on Thursday October 21. “We scratched her as she had some muscle soreness from her heat win on the Sunday prior. She’s now ready to get back into it,” said trainer Kel Greenough. Greenough is hopeful of a start in the fourdog Shootout but will set secondary preference for the final TAB Melbourne Cup Prelude Series to be run on the same night.

“We’d prefer to run in the Shootout but if she doesn’t get a start she’ll be in a Prelude. There’d be less chance of finding interference in the Shootout and we’d get a really good gauge of where she’s at against some stars leading into Cup heats.” All Shootout finalists gain exemption into TAB Melbourne Cup heats on Friday November 19. “It’s a big ask for her as races like these are typically won by experienced dogs at their peak. She obviously goes well there and no matter what happens it’ll be a learning curve.” Nominations closed on Monday at 11.30am with the field to be made up of greyhounds suited to the four-dog format, as determined by representatives of Sandown Greyhounds and Greyhound Racing Victoria. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


SPORT

Clubs are ready to rumble By Nick Creely Community sport has been left out in the wilderness for another winter, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel with the cricket kits set to be dusted off for another season. In the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s highly regarded Turf 1 competition, it’s set to be another bumper season after a huge off-season of recruiting. Nick Creely puts each club under the microscope with the opening round to begin this Saturday.. BERWICK Coach: Brad James Captain: James Wilcock Last Season: Runners-up In: Andrew Perrin (Prahran), Riley Siwes (Dandenong West), Matt Robertson (returning), Damith Mapa Ralage (Mordialloc) Out: Ruwantha Kellepotha (Casey-South Melbourne), Josh Holden (Buckley Ridges), Brendan Rose (Richmond), Cory Bevan (Knoxfield) First match: vs Narre Warren, Arch Brown Reserve More: After coming agonisingly close to pulling off back-to-back Turf 1 premierships, the powerhouse Bears - despite an interesting off-season of movement - are once again well placed to give the Turf 1 title, and its eighth premiership in history a red-hot shake. The loss of Ruwantha Kellepotha does leave a gaping hole hard to fill, with the leg-spinning all-rounder coming off a truly extraordinary Wookey Medal winning season.. Lion-hearted quick Brendan Rose is also returning to Premier level after another strong season, but the Bears have recruited smartly and have filled some needs on their list. The addition of ex-Tasmanian paceman Andrew Perrin, who retired from Premier level after winning a premiership with Prahran, gives the Bears a genuine star spearhead alongside James Wilcock, while emerging leggie Riley Siwes is a talent and will slot in well, while Mordialloc champ Damith Mapa Ralage is a serious player and a crucial addition. BUCKLEY RIDGES Coach: Manjula Munasinghe Captain: Ben Wright Last Season: Fourth In: Nimesh Kariyawasam (North Dandenong), Ben Wright (overseas), Josh Holden (Berwick), Mahela Udawatte (overseas), Ricky Damiano (Twenty20 only) Out: Chanaka Welegedara (Strathmore), Benny Howell, Ian Cockbain (Langwarrin), Susa Pradeep (Endeavour Hills) First match: vs Springvale South, Park Oval More: Another powerhouse club that has been this off-season after a fourth placed finish last season. The Bucks didn’t have it all their own way last year, with injuries, unavailabilities and some inconsistency holding them back, but there was enough class in the sheds to play finals. After a brief stint at the club, Chanaka Welegedara returns to Strathmore, while overseas pair Benny Howell and Ian Cockbain have departed, while there is uncertainty around DDCA great Daniel ‘DJ’ Watson and whether he plays on. But the Bucks have recruited sharply as they tend to do and as a result remain in the premiership hunt, with Mahela Udawatte - the ex-Sri Lankan Test batter - arguably the biggest recruit of all the clubs. He will undoubtedly enjoy the Park Oval surroundings and looms as a dominant player in the competition. ExEngland Under 19 representative Ben Wright has joined the club and signed as skipper in another monster boost to the batting, while Josh Holden adds significant depth to that middle order. HALLAM KALORA PARK Coach: Richard Hammond Captain: Jordan Hammond Last Season: Premiers

Can Hallam Kalora Park make it back-to-back Turf 1 flags? 232575 In: Udara Hettige (HSD) Out: Lee Brown (injury) First match: vs Narre South, Strathaird Recreation Reserve More: On grand final day last season, there was genuine euphoria in the air as the Hawks won their first Turf 1 flag since 2001/02 - a premiership 20 years in the making. What made last season so special was the bond created by a group of guys who’ve grown up playing together. The end result, a premiership, was the sweetest culmination of everything they’ve gone through together. But it’s a new season, and there is no reason why the Hawks can’t put the foot down and charge towards backto-back Turf 1 flags. More importantly, as the Hawks are regarded for, there is stability and genuine connection, and with another season of one-day cricket ahead of them, simply know what it takes to win in any situation. The Hawks were so disciplined with bat and ball last season, as seen in the epic grand final encounter against Berwick. Ben Hillard, Leigh Booth, Matt Cox, and skipper Jordan Hammond make up a dangerous batting group, while Hammond, Will Whyte, spinner Sachith Jayasingha, as well as the experienced Steve Gilmour provide boundless options with the ball. Adding to that incredible mix is all-rounder Udara Hettige from HSD, who has joined the Hawks after a stellar Turf 1 campaign last year which netted 185 runs and 18 wickets to be a shining light for the Cobras. NARRE SOUTH Coach: Matt Brooks Captain: Kyle Hardy Last Season: Fifth In: Harsha De Silva (West Coburg) Out: Josh Dowling (Springvale South), Scott Phillips (Williamstown Imperials) First match: vs Hallam Kalora Park, Strathaird Reserve More: It was only a matter of percentage that prevented the Lions from their second straight Turf 1 finals appearance with the club now well and truly entrenched in the DDCA top-flight, and with a thriving junior program continuing to build a strong base into the future. Little moments in the end proved the catalyst for just missing out, and with another one-day season ahead will be hoping to learn from their mistakes. It won’t be easy with the association’s leading paceman last season, Josh Dowling off to Springvale South. It’s a big loss and one hard to replace. The legendary Scott Phillips’ mem-

Picture: ROB CAREW

orable stint with the club has come to a close with the great all-rounder moving clubs to be closer to home. The Lions have added attacking opener Harsha De Silva from West Coburg and expect him to settle in nicely at the top, while will be hoping 2019/20 Wookey winner Morteza Ali, champion all-rounder Kaushalya Weeraratne, skipper and gun batter Kyle Hardy can carry the bulk of responsibility, with the likes of Jawed Hussaini, Tim Phillips and Kirk Dickson continuing to contribute strongly. NARRE WARREN Coach: Brett Lewis and Tony Young Captain: Cameron Dinger Last Season: Turf 2 premiers In: Nil Out: Nil First match: vs Berwick, Arch Brown Reserve More: The Maggies return to Turf 1 with unwavering momentum after a superb Turf 2 premiership that saw them play some largely electrifying cricket and really kick into gear at the pointy end of the season. With the season to once again be played in a one-day format, the club knows that it suits the white ball game, has some destructive hitters and leaders who know what’s required to succeed in the shorter game. Cam Dinger will skipper the Magpies this season, with the leggie a quality cricketer who keeps getting better, while the likes of Zach Allen, zippy paceman Josh Dinger and Ben Swift are also vital players as the club looks to mix it with the DDCA’s best and most powerful clubs once again. While the Magpies could have looked outside to add to the list, Brett Lewis’ group has immense confidence that it doesn’t want to unsettle the premiership team, believing they’re well and truly on track for a competitive season in Turf 1 cricket if they stick to the same process that saw them achieve glory last season. NORTH DANDENONG Captain: Clayton McCartney Coach: Leroy de Alwis Last Season: Seventh In: Sanjaya Rodrigo (Overseas), Austin Heldt (Endeavour Hills), Sohail Saqiq (Endeavour Hills), Patrick Bond (Monash University), Declan Fowler (returning) Out: Nimesh Kariyawasam (Buckley Ridges), Nanayakkarawasam Kalumshehara (St Mary’s), Buddhika Janith (Taylors Lakes), Rahi Arn Cox (WA) First match: vs St Mary’s, Lois Twohig Reserve

More: The Maroons showed some promising signs late last season, and will be desperate to continue on with the late season momentum and becoming a genuine finals smoky. There’s been some movement, with the club losing a trio of bona-fide first XI players in Nimesh Kariyawasam, Raveen Nanayakkara and Buddhika Janith, but have recruited brilliantly with the experienced Sanjaya Rodrigo, an ex-First Class batter who has played a lot of cricket in the UK signing on in a playing-coaching capacity, ex-Premier Cricket opener Austin Heldt returning from Endeavour Hills, while Sohail Sadiq comes with him and Declan Fowler has returned. It provides a strong mix with the likes of gun skipper Clay McCartney, star all-rounder Javed Khan and Imran Laghmani all set to go around again. SPRINGVALE SOUTH Coach: Darren Arter Captain: Paul Hill Last Season: Third In: Josh Dowling (Narre South), Jayde Herrick (Langwarrin), Mitch Forsyth (Dandenong), Blade Baxter (Ormond) Out: Nathan King (Lakes Entrance), Clint Tomlinson (retired), Stephen Hennessy (Keysborough), Tim Ford (relocated), Sam Wetering (Dandenong) First match: vs Buckley Ridges, Park Oval More: Talk about impressive recruiting. The Bloods are ready and raring to push for their ninth Turf 1 flag and first since 2010/11 this season after seriously bolstering their list. Adding ex-Victorian and BBL paceman Jayde Herrick, who was most recently playing with Langwarrin, former Casey-South Melbourne quick Josh Dowling who dominated for Narre South last season, as well as Blade Baxter, the former Premier Cricket all-rounder who is one of the best one-day players in local cricket in the state, as well as Mitch Forsyth makes for some scary reading. The bowling attack is mighty impressive and undoubtedly the most frightening in the association, featuring Herrick, Dowling, Matt Wetering, Baxter, leftarm spinners Akshat Buch and Jarryd Straker. Add that to gun batter and vice-captain Ryan Quirk, Jackson Sketcher, new captain Paul Hill, Herrick, Forsyth and Baxter and the batting looks well balanced too to be able to produce big scores. Star all-rounder Nathan King is a big loss, Tim Ford has given the club great service while Clint Tomlinson’s brief but impressive stint is over, but the Bloods have more than adequately covered their losses. ST MARY’S Coach: Neil Shaw Captain: Wendyl Pires Last Season: Sixth In: Raveen Kalumshehara (North Dandenong) Out: Archie Rajapakse First match: vs North Dandenong, Lois Twohig Reserve More: The Saints enter the Turf 1 season as one of the great unknowns, and an exciting team to keep an eye on. The group was ultra-competitive last season, perhaps better than its sixth position and three win season suggests, and will be hoping it can take another step and not just make up the numbers. There’s been little movement in or out, with Raveen Kalumshehara coming in to help bolster the batting after the loss of Archie Rajapakse, with Wendyl Pires to replace Rajapakse as skipper as the club looks to forge forward. The Saints are excited about what Corey Ely can produce with a full season expected from him, with his bowling in the one-day format seen as a major factor. Deeshan Vimukthi and Kusan Niranjana will be better for the run after impressive debut seasons for the club last season, and will be hoping for other senior members to stand up and really nudge the top-four.

Young dreams of hometown cup glory By David Nagel Cranbourne-trainer Natalie Young (pictured) would love nothing better than to hoist her home cup for good this Saturday when the Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) becomes the focus of the racing world. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

The CTC will this Saturday host the veryfirst standalone running of the TAB Cranbourne Cup, a Listed $500,000 edition to be run over 1600-metres and telecast live on free-to-air television on channel seven. Young, who trains in partnership with

her husband Trent Busuttin, is sure to have a strong hand in the race which is growing in prestige every year. The Cranbourne Cup begins a wonderful month of racing for the south-east region, with the $300,000 Pakenham Cup (2500m) set down for Saturday, 4 December. Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

|

STAR JOURNAL 19


e r i t e R IN WHEELERS HILL A COMMUNITY WITH HEART Weary Dunlop Village offers living options to suit everyone, so residents can live the way they want and blaze their own trails. Our independent apartments are light and spacious with well-considered layouts, and have balcony or patio options. If down the track you need more support, we offer assisted living in an assisted living apartment and a full range of residential aged-care options. That freedom and flexibility is empowering for residents and knowing care can be dialled up as needed means, quite simply, ‘no worries’. It's all part of what we like to call the Ryman Difference. With one and two-bedroom independent apartments available from $795,000, which can be secured with just a $10,000 deposit, this is your opportunity to enjoy our Village within your local village.

Independent apartments available now Call Kay for more details or to book your private appointment.

WEARY DUNLOP VILLAGE 242 Jells Road, Wheelers Hill 8545 1403

3027

20 STAR JOURNAL

|

Tuesday, 9 November, 2021

12515966-SN46-21

rymanhealthcare.com.au

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.