EHD Star Journal - 5th April 2022

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ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON

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Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

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Local candidates weigh in on Federal Budget

Proposal divides council and VCAT

EFNL Premier Division previews

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SPORT

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Little India outcry By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Dandenong residents’ group has attacked the “poor” public consultation over the high-scale $600 million transformation of Little India in Dandenong. Last month, developer Capital Alliance, partnering with the State Government’s Development Victoria, released its 15-year draft masterplan for a new retail laneway, hotel, office and apartment towers in the Foster Street precinct. Within six days of its release, an online public information session, a session with traders and two face-to-face sessions were staged. Notice was given in a press ad in Dandenong Star Journal two days before the online session, with a press embargo imposed until a few hours before. A website for public submissions had been reportedly “glitching”. Dandenong Community Association spokesperson Silvia Mastrogiovanni said “many residents are only now learning that the consultation has already ended”. A small number of households abutting central Dandenong were letterboxed only days before the first session, and the online feedback form did not work, she said. The draft masterplan was “little more than a sales brochure that leaves so many questions unanswered”. The DCA’s concerns included the parking and traffic impacts of the dense development. “Dandenong deserves not just any development but one that makes Dandenong a genuinely better place to live,” Ms Mastrogiovanni said. “Revitalising Central Dandenong needs to be finally a project undertaken with the Dandenong community, not imposed on the Dandenong community like it has for the last 15 years.” City of Greater Dandenong acting major projects director Craig Cinquegrana told a council meeting on 28 March that the council was “aware the initial face-to-face consultation was limited”. “Council is currently in discussion with Capital Alliance on this matter and will be able to provide further updates on the planning process as the timelines become available.” The council as “only one of the stakeholders” had yet to decide whether it will make a submission on the draft masterplan. The

council would not run a simultaneous consultation process for a project on State land, Mr Cinquegrana said. “This is not a council led project.” Mr Cinquegrana said the council had been advocating on behalf of local traders on the impact of works. According to Capital Alliance, notice for the information sessions was given a fortnight in advance through flyers and local newspaper ads. Emails to local traders were also distributed ahead of the sessions. In a statement, Capital Alliance stated the draft masterplan had been “well received”, overall feedback “generally positive”. “Many of the community members were supportive and excited to see change.” It had “taken on board” concerns from Little India traders about disruptions during construction and the transition to the new precinct. “We will work with Development Victoria to continue to communicate with traders.” Capital Alliance stated there were currently no glitches on the website. The project is touted to create more than 2600 jobs during construction and 5000 ongoing. Construction is expected to start in 2023 subject to government approvals. The redevelopment will occur at seven stages around Foster Street, bounded by Settlers Square, Dandenong train station, Halpin Way, Thomas Street and Cheltenham Road. The first stage also includes a supermarket, food market hall and apartment building, with Little India retailers relocated to a new laneway between Halpin Way and Foster Street. The project includes at least 470 new dwellings, as well as a 29-storey hotel and conference centre, 29-storey office tower and an outdoor plaza on the corner of Foster Street and Cheltenham Road. An urban brewery entertainment district and supermarket will be the last stage constructed from 2038. A community centre near Settlers Square, and a school at the corner of Mason and Foster Street will also be built. Public comments and questions on the draft masterplan can be submitted on its dedicated website rcd. capitalalliancegroup.com The website will also include ongoing updates, including the finalisation of the masterplan and construction dates.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Cheers for Nowruz pledge In front of a packed Nowruz Festival crowd, Federal Labor has pledged ongoing funding to the popular event. Bruce MP Julian Hill told festival-goers

at Greaves Reserve on 27 March that an ALP federal government would allocate $30,000 to the annual event over the next three years. More on page 11

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IN BRIEF

Cr’s ‘near miss’ at notorious hotspot By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Greater Dandenong councillor suffered a “scary near-death experience” after being narrowly missed by a speeding hoon outside Greater Dandenong SES headquarters. Cr Lana Formoso, an SES volunteer, says she’s previously raised the issue of the speeding vehicles in the Mills Road cul-de-sac that’s littered with shredded tyre rubber and skidmarks. Exiting the SES unit is perilous, further escalated by the numbers of parked trucks blocking sightlines at the driveway, she says. On Saturday 26 March, as she drove out of the unit she was almost hit by a hoon at “very, very high speed”. “You could say over 100 km/h,” she told a council meeting on 28 March. “I was fortunate enough to stop and look simply because I am aware of the hooning that occurs on this road, but I was blocked by two illegally parked trucks.” She immediately called triple-0, and the matter is being investigated by Victoria Police, she said. “Police did not arrive. I was very shaken by the experience and it really puts us off as volunteers to know that we are at risk every time we are entering and leaving these premises. “We attend our day as volunteers hoping to return in one piece. “To leave the venue to almost be killed by reckless driving which I have flagged on numerous occasions is just outrageous and it needs to stop, and we need something to be done immediately.” Cr Formoso called for a ‘keep clear’ zone painted at the SES unit’s driveway. Currently there are no parking-control signs along the council-managed road. City of Greater Dandenong acting engineering director Craig Cinquegrana said the council was aware of large trucks parking on the street. He said the SES unit had been advised to report illegal parking over vehicle crossings “even after hours and we can have a parking officer out there straight away”. “We have advised our parking officers to keep an eye on the area but It does rely on

Gun fired in agg burg attempt: police Two men and a woman have been charged after a gun was fired during an alleged attempted aggravated burglary in Doveton. Three people tried to break into a property at Scarlet Drive about 2.30pm on Sunday 27 March. After their failed attempt, a gun was fired into the premises’ door, police say. A man and a woman inside the house were uninjured. The following day, police, including the Special Operations Group, arrested three people in a home in Berwick. A vehicle, firearm, ammunition and two home-made guns were seized by police. Armed Crime Squad detectives charged a 36-year-old Melbourne man, a 26-year-old Berwick woman and a 36-year-old Yarraville man. Their offences include attempted aggravated burglary, conduct endangering life, conduct endangering serious injury, prohibited person possess firearm and reckless discharge a firearm into a premises. The trio were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 29 March. Any information about illicit firearms to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Second charged over Springvale death

Greater Dandenong councillor Lana Formoso at the SES unit’s entrance at Mills Road, where she Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS was nearly hit by a speeding hoon. 274518 them catching those trucks being parked illegally at the time.” He said incidents should be reported to Victoria Police’s anti-hoon hotline. “Even if it does not result in immediate action, they can then build up a case of bad behaviour particularly if there is evidence of the vehicle and the registration number. “That helps them build up a file of those hoon drivers.” Despite by-laws to help police crack down on hooning-event spectators, Greater Dandenong was “one of the areas of greatest concern”, Mr Cinquegrana said. Since the easing of Covid lockdowns, Victoria Police reported a “rapid growth” in hooning incidents. In reply, Cr Formoso said after-hours parking officers were only available until 7pm. “This is a Victoria Police issue but what are

A second person has been charged over the death of a Springvale woman in February. An 18-year-old Noble Park woman was arrested by Homicide Squad detectives and charged with being an accessory to a serious indictable offence. She was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 4 April. The charge relates to a 41-year-old woman being found dead in her home in Glendale Road on Thursday, 10 February, police say. A 20-year-old Springvale man, Tia Minhinnick, was arrested on 14 February and charged with her murder. He has been remanded to appear for committal mention at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 7 June. Police say the two accused and the victim were known to each other.

Shredded tyre outside the SES unit gate on Mills Road, Dandenong. 274518 we doing as a council to assist this issue in terms of putting ‘keep clear’ zoning lines onto the road? “I have an email here stating that (council traffic officers) did not feel that the line markings were appropriate or necessary.”

Knife info ‘critical’ in police shooting A police shooting of a 53-year-old Narre Warren North father-of-four may have “unfolded differently” if not for an inadvertent omission by Triple-0 staff, a state coronial inquest has heard. Counsel Assisting the Coroner, Susan Locke, submitted to the inquest on 30 March that police officers had not been alerted to a Triple-0 call that the man – identified as XY – had a knife. During an attempted arrest on the Monash Freeway in Dandenong North on 28 May 2020, XY was fatally shot after he charged with a knife at a police officer. Police relied on the “critical information” being broadcast by ESTA over their radio, she said. “No information about the knife was broadcast over police radio communications to the attending police units at any stage during the incident that unfolded,” Ms Locke said. “There is ample evidence that had police been aware of the information … regarding the knife, their risk assessment and response would have been different.” The weight of evidence supported a finding that the incident “may have unfolded differently”, Ms Locke said. “Whilst it cannot be said that XY’s death would ultimately have been averted, he dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

would not have died at the exact time and manner in which he did, had that information been known to police.” Before the attempted arrest, a school wellbeing officer had called triple-0 warning that XY left the home carrying a knife. The Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) call-taker, who was in the “consolidation phase” of training, recorded the information ambiguously and inaccurately, Ms Locke said. “Believes M may have had a knife – not confirmed – nil sighting,” the call-taker recorded in his comments. An ESTA quality improvement investigator later told the court that it should have been recorded as “Male left home in possession of a knife”. The call-taker’s error was attributed to his inexperience. To compound the error, an ESTA police dispatcher inadvertently failed to see the knife comment. “It appears that this oversight was the result of human error,” Ms Locke said. There was no evidence that the “very experienced” police dispatcher’s oversight was caused by “high radio channel occupancy” at the time. Since then, the upgraded dispatch platform records terms like ‘knife’ and ‘aggressive’ in bold font and colour – which was likely to reduce the chance that critical in-

formation is missed, Ms Locke said. Training has been modified for ESTA calltakers and police dispatchers. Based on the available information, police were “reasonable” to assume XY was unlikely to be armed – though the possibility was “not entirely discounted”, Ms Locke said. His demeanor was relatively calm, he’d made no threats of violence and had no history of violence or police involvement. The police officers’ actions and use of force were “appropriate”, Ms Locke concluded. In its submission, ESTA argued there was no need for “adverse findings” against it. There was no consistent evidence from police officers on how their response would have differed if warned about the knife, its lawyer Rosyln Kaye submitted. “Unfortunately, it is impossible to say whether XY’s death would have been prevented with a different police response.” In any case, police had been planning for the potential presence of a knife at the scene, Ms Kaye said. ESTA accepted the call-taker’s note was inaccurate and ambiguous, and the information on the knife should have been broadcast to police. The errors did not indicate “systemic issues”.

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NEWS

Fed Budget pros and cons By Cam Lucadou-Wells A “cost of living” budget or a “politically desperate” election ploy? Star Journal asked Bruce federal candidates for their response to the 2022 Federal budget just weeks out from an election. It was headlined by a temporary 22-cent-alitre cut to fuel excise as well as one-off income tax rebates. There were also $250 payments to pensioners and welfare recipients. The seat’s Labor MP Julian Hill said it was a “politically desperate ploy for an election, not a plan for a better future”. “Nothing in this budget makes up for a decade of attacks on wages, job security and Medicare.” Mr Hill said the pre-election “cash splash” would be followed by “at least $3 billion in secret cuts”. “Wages will again go backwards under the Liberals. “Australians need a pay rise not a patch job that leaves them $26 a week worse off.” Liberal candidate James Moody said the budget responded to a rise in cost of living due to global pressures. “Responding to that so that Australians and families can breathe is important. “The fact we have done that, while continuing to fund properly our health and education systems, our local infrastructure and support local jobs is huge for the people of Bruce.” The fuel excise cut translated to about $700 saving over the next six months, with an income tax offset totalling $1500, Mr Moody said. About 20,000 pensioners and 14,000 jobseekers in Bruce would benefit from the $250 payments. Mr Moody’s budget highlight was the com-

Bruce MP Julian Hill. 203336 Picture: ROB CAREW

Picture: ROB CAREW

Liberal candidate James Moody. 266884 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan said the budget failed to better fund public education, the public health system or tackle the inequality, housing and climate crises. “It’s a budget of one-off handouts to win this year’s election not ease the cost of living ongoing for those struggling to make ends meet. “There are older people in Bruce relying on the pension to live – pensions need to increase by $250 a week not $250 an election.” Meanwhile, the budget locked in tax cuts for the “very wealthy” in 2024, Mr Kirwan said.

“A low-income earner gets a one-off $420 tax offset, but a billionaire gets a tax cut of more than $9,000 a year - every year. “These high income tax cuts are estimated to be worth $16 billion each year - that could be better spent building a fairer Australia.” Mr Kirwan said there was no new money for building affordable housing but “hundreds of millions” for new oil and gas projects that would make the climate crisis worse. “The Aged Care Royal Commission said we need an extra $10 billion a year in funding, this budget has only half that.”

Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan. 203336 mitment to “getting people into work”. This included $15,000 wage subsidies for businesses employing new apprentices and trainees. “We always want to see (budget) surpluses rather than deficits, but considering we’ve just come through a global pandemic where the Federal Government has responded marvelously in supporting all Australians, that’s understandable.” He also noted the $270 billion defence budget, supporting 100,000 jobs, in response to a “less stable” world.

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Jail for wild drug driver By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Dandenong drug-fueled and disqualified driver who “dangerously” and “reprehensibly” led police on a hair-raising chase through the south east has been jailed. Jack Audino, 24, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to a raft of charges arising from a five-day crime spree in October 2020. They included five thefts, making a threat to kill, robbery, reckless conduct endangering life and a prohibited person with an imitation gun. In that time, he’d stolen two cars left running in home driveways in Dandenong and Hallam, taken an EFTPOS machine from a Dandenong outlet, used stolen credit cards and robbed an Uber driver of an Hawaiian pizza. He also broke into a car at Dandenong Seventh Day Adventist Church, stealing $50,000

cash and cameras. In the late morning of 10 October 2020, Police Air Wing followed Audino as he erratically drove a stolen VW Golf in Cranbourne and across the South East for about an hour. Audino reached 172 km/h in an 80 km/h roadworks zone on Monash Freeway. Several times, he ran red lights, drove the wrong way into traffic, swerved in and out of lanes, and almost caused several crashes.A woman pushing a baby in a pram crossed a road just before the stolen Golf approached. In Armadale, Audino was seen holding an imitation handgun on the vehicle’s dash before he ran a red light.He and a co-accused were arrested by police in a multi-level car park at South Wharf shopping centre in Melbourne’s CBD. Audino threw away an imitation handgun

from his pants as he was brought under arrest. He was holding $28,355 cash – believed to have been stolen from the car in Dandenong the day before. His co-offender held $17,100. The stolen camera equipment was found in the Golf. Audino was taken to The Alfred hospital due to drug intoxication. He’d told police he’d taken six Xanax that day. In sentencing on 31 March, Judge Patricia Riddell noted Audino’s serious, extensive criminal history. She said Audino’s “dangerous” and “reprehensible” driving at high speed while under the influence warranted significant punishment. The “serious spate” of offending, including

violent robbery and a threat to kill, must be met by a jail term, she said. However, the sentence was moderated due to Audino’s intellectual disability, as well as complex mental health issues including ADHD, anxiety, a substance abuse disorder and psychotic episodes. Judge Riddell noted Audino suffered posttraumatic stress from an attempted kidnapping as a child and a serious motorbike accident. Audino was jailed for 19 months followed by a 12-month community corrections order, with supervision, drug and mental health treatment, NDIS support and judicial monitoring. His jail term included 537 days spent in presentence custody. He was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

One-metre gap divides VCAT and Casey Car repairer dudded staff: regulator By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A proposed double-storey dwelling built just one metre from an existing home in Doveton has been approved by the state’s planning tribunal despite Casey Council’s opposition. On appeal, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal member Christopher Harty ruled on 23 March that the 1.156-metre gap between dwellings at 107 Kidds Road was “acceptable” though “not perfect”. “It will allow for movement and a sense of separation.” There was also “reasonable” access to daylight for both dwellings, as well as “satisfactory” private open space. Mr Hendry noted the original brick home and a large canopy tree on the 582-squaremetre corner block would be retained – which helped respect the predominantly single-storey neighbourhood’s character. Overall, the proposal was a “reasonable” and “modest” response, and not an over-development, Mr Harty stated. “It will be a change to the existing local housing stock and to the character of the neighbourhood. “However, I find the extent of change is not significantly at odds with the neighbourhood character of the area. “The proposal will contribute to improving the physical presentation of the local area and help upgrade the local housing stock with embellishments to the existing dwelling and a new double storey contemporary dwelling.” Casey Council argued that the gap between dwellings was at odds with the neighbourhood character and blocked access to the sun in both homes, the council argued. The council stated the proposal didn’t meet Rescode safety, setbacks, daylight access and detailed design. Applicant Mohammad Abdullah argued that it was a “modest sized contemporary dwelling” that took advantage of dual street frontages. There were no formal objections from neighbours.

A double-storey dwelling was proposed to the left of the existing single-storey house on the corner of Kidds Road and Nigra Street, Doveton.

Plans for a two-storey dwelling, right, within 1.16 metres from the original home at 107 Kidds Road, Doveton.

A former Keysborough-based auto repair franchisee is being prosecuted for allegedly failing to back-pay an underpaid junior apprentice. C & G Smith Enterprises Pty Ltd – which used to own the Rapid Tune outlet – is now facing two sets of legal action from the Fair Work Ombudsman over alleged underpayment of staff. The franchise is currently owned by a different operator. According to the latest allegation, the worker was underpaid the full-time junior apprentice minimum wage and overtime rates between February 2020 and February 2021. He was also not paid accrued annual leave entitlements at the end of his employment. The FWO also alleges C & G Smith Enterprises failed to comply with a compliance notice to calculate and back-pay the entitlements. It is seeking a penalty of up to $33,000 against the company, as well as to rectify the owed entitlements plus superannuation and interest. Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said the regulator will take businesses to court if its compliance notices weren’t followed. “Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties in addition to back-paying workers.” “Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.” The company faces a directions hearing at the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on 14 April. The company also faces an earlier FWO legal action over the alleged failure to back-pay an underpaid full-time mechanic between October 2019 to October 2020. That case is still before the court.

‘Land-locked’ home refused, ‘uncertain’ access to road By Cam Lucadou-Wells A proposed dwelling with “uncertain” access to a main road in bushfire-prone Bangholme has been rejected by VCAT. Ruven Nominees Pty Ltd sought the permit for a 14-hectare land-locked block, which sits behind 180 Pillars Road in the Green Wedge Zone. Greater Dandenong Council had earlier refused a permit. It ruled a dwelling was prohibited due to its proposed “access arrangements” not complying with Green Wedge Zone requirements. On appeal to VCAT, Ruven claimed an 80year “licence” for a “right of access” to and from Pillars Road on adjoining South East Water-owned land to the east. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

A 2.5-hectare grassfire threatens homes in Pillars Road, Bangholme in 2015. 147551 Picture: GARY SISSONS However, the council argued the right of access was required to be permanent. VCAT member Dalia Cook on 28 March

stated the licence “appears to go some way” to providing road access, but it needed to be “ongoing”.

The licence provided “insufficient certainty” that access would be available at “all times the land is used for a dwelling”, Ms Cook stated. “Significantly, South East Water has not given the licensee any assurance that all-weather road access suitable for emergency vehicles will be available at all or any time. “The consequences of uncertainty about this access are potentially very significant — both in a functional and safety sense — especially given the distance from the nearest roadway and the fact the land is within a nominated Bushfire Prone Area.” The licence was also able to be terminated by South East Water, Ms Cook noted. A “more secure, ongoing” legal entitlement to access was required, such as possibly an easement. Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

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OPINION

Plan evokes hate

Don’t dither on waste problem I just read the article on the proposed “waste to energy” plant (Waste-to-energy ‘substantial risks’: shire, Star Journal, 20 March). I want to say I am totally in favour of this plant, but would like to see an Australian company tender for it. The likes of Veolia who are French, the others I don’t know their origin, but I am not at all happy about it. That said, in this day and current environmental state of need, we must act now, as dithering yet again will not solve the needs of our future waste problems. Power generation is a must to survive in the world as we know it. Surely, councils not committing by saying there are economic risks and the like, are being either over-protective of their jobs or just plain ill-informed. The need is there and the State Government should take a hand in the establishment of this vital facility. Lance Wilken

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Greater Dandenong councillor says she’s received “hate messages” after a proposed Sandown Racecourse redevelopment cleared the first steps for rezoning. The council recently approved kick-starting the rezoning process that would potentially turn the 112-hectare horse and motor-racing venue into a 16,000 resident estate. Dubbed the Sandown Racecourse Urban Renewal Project, it would allow buildings up to 12 storeys in its ‘town centre’ and up to six storeys in other parts. It would include a mix of apartment towers, townhouses, offices, dining and retail. At a 28 March meeting, Cr Rhonda Garad said this was the “opportunity, once it is exhibited, for the community to examine these plans and have their say” “We hope that the community takes up that opportunity.” Since that statement, she says her Facebook page has been hit by “vile” messages. She says the council’s actions were “misconstrued” as “supporting” the proposal from the site owner Melbourne Racing Club. “Most of us (councillors) feel it’s too dense, too much impact on infrastructure but that the Planning Minister can just step in. “If we voted it down, it would be extremely unlikely that the Planning Minister will not OK it. “I think this is going to be a horrendous thing all the way through. “What’s concerning for me is the density. (MRC) is using this to finance the Caulfield site – which is more luxurious and a less dense development.” The council is requesting Planning Minister Richard Wynne to exhibit the proposed rezoning and allow for public submissions. After public submissions, the council will

Concept drawing of Sandown estate’s frontage east from Corrigan Road. decide whether to proceed with the Planning Scheme Amendment C229. Mayor Jim Memeti said that councillors wanted to “hear the feedback from the community”. “This is not an approval. We just want to hear from people that use the streets and how it will affect their lives. “There’s people who are upset about it. And there’s other people thinking it’s an opportunity to buy a new home. “I’m hearing more negative than positive (feedback). Meanwhile, nearly half of the 15 per cent proposed public open space will be encumbered by Mile Creek, city planning director Jody Bosman confirmed. About 7.9 per cent of the site will be unencumbered, while 7.1 per cent will be aligned with Mile Creek and its banks. “Land shown as encumbered does not necessarily mean that it is unusable,” Mr Bosman said.

“It could be that its uses are restricted to passive recreational use instead of active recreational use. “Also, it is further noted that should the proposed amendment gain ministerial authorisation and goes on public exhibition, matters such as the amount of open space to be provided will be available for public review and comment.” A Melbourne Racing Club spokesperson recently said the MRC and Racing Victoria would consult with industry participants, MRC members, the local community and other stakeholders. “No decision on Sandown’s future will be made until after an extensive consultation process has been undertaken. “Any future decision that may be undertaken by MRC and (Racing Victoria) in relation to Sandown will be done in the best interests of the broader racing industry, MRC members and the local community.”

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Saturday 9 April 9am to 1pm Dandenong Market

Second go at life

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

Twanny Farrugia has made it his mission to

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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

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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

African women who are new to Australia and need assistance to find employment and learn English. Many of these women are survivors of domestic abuse, and Afri-Aus Care provides mental health support too as they build a new life. Speaking at the Australia Day ceremony, Ms Luka said she was honoured to have received such a prestigious award. “May we continue to be united. Dandenong is a great city to be,“ she said.

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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“,

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STAR JOURNAL 7


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WHAT’S ON mada Dandenong Plaza. Take a ‘selfie’ with a roaming Easter Bunny and receive a free Easter Egg. Thursday 14 April 2022 – Friday 22 April 2022 (excluding Good Friday) at Armada Dandenong Plaza. Details: armadadandenongplaza.com. au

Fusion Theatre Down But Not Out is a triumph over adversity, created by Fusion Theatre over two-and-a-half years, overcoming lockdowns and isolation. Live theatre with original script, original live music. Fusion is a 25-year-old community-based inclusive theatre company. Thursday 7 April-Saturday 9 April, 7pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Robinson and Walker streets, Dandenong. Tickets $20. Bookings: fusiontheatre.com.au

Movie night Greater Dandenong Open Air Movies screens its final film for the season – the documentary March of The Penguins. Friday 8 April, 7pm-9pm at Springvale Community Hub. Free event.

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Creative writing You are invited to join a group offering writers of all levels an opportunity to share creative writing prompts, stories, and brainstorm ideas in a relaxed manner. Take a couple of hours to awaken your inner writer and spark your imagination in

Dinner with a view Dandenong Evening VIEW Club’s next dinner guest speaker is actor Joe Dias. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of women and the club supports The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. New members and guests are always welcome. Tuesday, 5 April 7pm at Dandenong RSL, 4450 Clow Street. Bookings essential. Details: Brigitte, 0491 626 527.

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Interfaith breakfast City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network hosts a breakfast with guest speaker Nyadol Nyuen on the topic of ‘Taking Stock Of What Life Is Missing: The Conversational Nature of Reality’. The free event celebrates United Nations’ World Interfaith Harmony Week. Saturday 7 May, 7am-9am at the Supper Room, Springvale Town Hall, 397-405 Springvale Road. Registrations essential by 29 April on Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com. au/o/interfaith-network-city-of-greater-dandenong-39399417773

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Portrait Prize Opening this encouraging and fun workshop. New writers welcome. Thursday 7 April, 10am-12pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Gold coin donations welcome. Full vaccination status required. Details: 9791 8664 or tayla. theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

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Lantern festival concert Australian Chinese Band presents multicultural celebration with Chinese, English, Indonesian and ‘popular Aussie’ songs using Chinese mu-

sical instruments. Also features Indian dances, Teochew classical songs, Afghan performances. Special guests from 7 Melody Indoor Band and Lantern Riddles. Saturday 23 April, 10.30am-12.30pm at The Castle, Hemmings Park, 61 Princes Highway, Dandenong. Details: Kim Tai, 0419 519 187 or kimctai@hotmail.com. Free admission.

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Eggciting Easter Free Easter-themed craft activities and a Where’s Wally Activity Centre are on offer at Ar-

Seen art prize winners announced at its official opening. Artworks capture the faces and people of City of Greater Dandenong. Prizes on offer for Open, Secondary School, Primary School and People’s Choice categories. Saturday 9 April, 2pm-4pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Refreshments provided. Free event. Registrations required at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/seen-exhibition-openingevent.

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NEWS

Haileybury’s piping hot win Haileybury students triumphed in the Victorian Pipe Band Championships in Melbourne on Sunday 20 March. About 50 students from the school drummed and piped their way to success during the event at the Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival in Croydon. For the past two years, rehearsals mostly took place via Zoom with each student practising at home. Haileybury Pipes & Drums won the Novice Juvenile A (under 18) event and the Grade 4A (open) competition. They were also runners-up in the Juvenile Novice B (under 18) section. “It was challenging to keep rehearsals going and most competitions and gigs were cancelled during the past couple of years, but the show had to go on,” says Lincoln Hilton, Director of Haileybury Pipes & Drums. “When we couldn’t organise face-to-face lessons, we held individual lessons over Zoom. After the lesson, we sent each student a unique video recording, sheet music and a list of things to work on that were reviewed each week. “Ironically, the lockdowns and lack of performances meant we had a chance to take students back through the fundamentals and improve their technique and musical theory knowledge and that has definitely paid off.” Brodie Nash, one of the Pipes & Drums Captains, said he was overcome with emotion by the championship achievements. “After the awards were handed out, I was in

Haileybury Pipes & Drums won the Novice Juvenile A (under 18) event and the Grade 4A (open) competition. utter disbelief,” Brodie said. “After we finished our performance our coach, Tom, told us it had been amazing and everyone was so happy to hear such high praise from him. “I think our success boils down to the individual effort that every single band member

has put in with our directors.” Mr Hilton agrees that the commitment of the students and staff is a key factor in the latest success. “The students are incredibly talented, 100 per cent invested and know this is a team effort. “They constantly strive towards improving

Picture: SUPPLIED

and contributing to the team. The expert guidance of the Pipes & Drums staff has also been critical,” says Mr Hilton. The State Champions have little time to bask in their latest success. Rehearsals are already under way for competitions in August and the National Championships in October.

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Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 9


NEWS

Finks man denied bail By Cam Lucadou-Wells A senior patched member of Finks outlaw motorcycle gang has been refused bail after being charged over an alleged serious stabbing in Dandenong. John Pahoumidis, 31, of Springvale, was one of four males that boxed in the victim’s car before a sustained attack on the victim at an Egan Road factory about 7.59pm on Sunday 6

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Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

March, Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard. He and his co-accused Lee Martin, 46, of Hillside, who was said to be president of the Finks’s Cranbourne chapter, were arrested during police raids of their homes on 30 March. Pahoumidis faced charges including intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, violent affray, assaults, and possession of cocaine, meth and anabolic steroids. In opposing bail, Victoria Police nominal informant Detective Senior Constable Tamika Butters told the court that the victim was attacked due to not paying his $10,000 “exit fee” to leave the Finks. As an alleged Finks’ state Sergeant-at-arms, Pahoumidis was “highly influential” in decisions, including retaliation. His role was well known to be as the club’s “enforcement tool” – tasked with “violent assaults” when disputes arose within the club, Det Sen ConST Butters said. “The Finks OMCG (is) recognised to be one of the most violent OMCG clubs within Victoria and often seriously assault and extort their ex-members for funds due to their desire to leave the club. “Investigators believe the victim’s life would be in serious risk if (Pahoumidis) was to be granted bail.” Pahoumidis was also believed to be a national office bearer for the Finks, according to police. He, Martin and two unidentified males blocked the factory driveway in a silver Hyundai soon after the victim reversed in, Det Sen Const Butter said. Police allege that the four crowded around the victim, then Pahoumidis punched him twice in the jaw. As the victim tried to flee, he was kicked by an unidentified male, had a metal stand thrown at his head and was crash-tackled and put in a headlock by the other identified male. One of the unidentified males allegedly stabbed the victim during the “frenzied” attack. Pahoumidis stood over the victim and appeared to speak to him, according to police. The victim was left alone, unaided with “significant life-threatening injuries”. He was in intensive care at The Alfred hospital for three days, with a 4-centimetre stab wound to his lungs, spinal and rib fractures and facial bruises. Police say at the time of the attack, Pahoumidis and Martin’s mobile phones were switched off to avoid detection. They had been both pinged at Springvale before and after the attack. They say Pahoumidis was identified from the scene’s CCTV by his clothing and distinctive tattoos and haircut. After being arrested, Pahoumidis gave a “full no-comment” interview to police. His defence lawyer Vincent Peters admitted that Pahoumidis was at the scene of the attack, but denied inflicting violence. He argued that the risk to the victim and community safety could be reduced with conditions such as a night curfew and non-association with Finks members. In refusing bail, magistrate Tara Hartnett was not satisfied that any bail conditions could ameliorate the risks. Pahoumidis failed to show “compelling reasons” for his release, she said. “The prosecution case seems to be a fairly strong one particularly with the concession that the applicant admits his presence but denies the actual assault.” She noted his “lengthy” criminal history including jail in 2017 for an assault and conspiracy to kidnap while on bail and “in the context of him being a member of the Finks”. If found guilty on the serious allegations, he faced a significant jail term, Ms Hartnett said. The co-accused Martin was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 31 March. He did not seek bail. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


NEWS

All the cheer from Nowruz By Cam Lucadou-Wells In front of a packed Nowruz Festival crowd, Federal Labor has pledged ongoing funding to the popular event. Bruce MP Julian Hill told festival-goers at Greaves Reserve on 27 March that an ALP federal government would allocate $30,000 to the annual event over the next three years. “We have such a vibrant and active Afghan community here in the southeast of Melbourne,” Mr Hill said. “I am thrilled to have secured funding to ensure we continue to see the popular Nowruz festival here in Bruce continues for the whole community to experience and enjoy this wonderful occasion.” Organisers from the Victorian Afghan Associations Network (VAAN) say the festival drew at least 8000 people across the state this year. VAAN president Nazir Yousafi said the ALP pledge would enable organisers to increase security and cleaning staff for the popular festival. City of Greater Dandenong had granted $5500 to the event – a New Year celebration observed in many Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries. This year’s was especially poignant for Afghanistan communities after the Taliban takeover of their homeland last year. “There’s still a lot of issues especially for those with families still in Afghanistan,” Mr Yousafi said. “And there’s still a lot of shame in our community for girls to come and dance. But we saw in this event, women and girls were dancing in front of the singers on stage. “It showed that it was very joyful. “It helped us to forget things for one day, and brought the community together to celebrate.”

Holding up the Afghanistan flag. 273952

A live performer in front of a huge Nowruz crowd at Greaves Reserve on 27 March. 273952 Pictures: ROB CAREW

A singer basks in the afternoon sunshine.

Federal opposition multicultural affairs spokesperson Andrew Giles said Labor’s pledge acknowledged the value of Afghan culture in the South East and across the state. “Melbourne is a truly multicultural society and Labor is proud to demonstrate its support for VAAN and the wider Afghan community. “Multiculturalism is one of Australia’s greatest achievements. “Labor is committed to making sure that

Australian Advocacy Network, Arif Hussein said the move was the “right and compassionate thing for Australia to do” for thousands desperate to reunite with their families. “An increased intake is a welcomed step and we hope this is the turning point towards compassion and further action.” He called for permanent protection for Afghanistan asylum seekers in Australia, and faster processing of their refugee applications.

such important multicultural community events like this are able to continue as we emerge from the pandemic.” Meanwhile, the Federal Government announced 16,500 further humanitarian visas for people fleeing Afghanistan over the next four years. It was welcomed by refugee and asylum seeker advocacy groups. Human rights lawyer for the Afghanistan-

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STAR JOURNAL 11


FOCUS ON … EASTER HOLIDAY GUIDE

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Armada Dandenong Plaza will be hosting free Easter themed activities and a Where’s Wally Activity Centre over the upcoming April 2022 School Holidays. Take a ‘selfie’ with a roaming Easter Bunny and receive a free Easter egg at Armada Dandenong Plaza from Thursday, 14 April to Sunday 17, April (excluding Good Friday). What: Easter Bunny Meet and Greet The Easter Bunny will be hopping around Armada Dandenong Plaza giving out free Easter Eggs. BYO your phone for a fun social media ‘selfie’ with the Easter Bunny. Date: Thursday 14 April 2022 to Sunday 17 April 2022 (except Good Friday) Time: 11am to 2pm daily Where: Roaming around Armada Dandenong Plaza No bookings required. Cost: FREE Week 1 April School Holidays Easter themed craft activities includes: What: Easter Craft Activity: Create, decorate and take home Easter craft with activities changing daily. Monday, 11 April 2022 - Easter Egg decorating. Tuesday, 12 April 2022 - Decorate Easter ornaments. Wednesday, 13 April 2022 - Create an Easter Frame.

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14 April 2022 - Create and deco· Thursday, rate Easter Bunny Ears. Time: 11am to 2pm daily Where: Level 2, Centre Court at Armada Dandenong Plaza No bookings required. Cost: FREE Week 2 Where’s Wall Activity Centre includes: What: Where’s Wall themed Activity Centre Where is Wally hiding at Armada Dandenong Centre? Bring children down to find out. Entertain kids with free craft activities including decorating your own Where’s Wally drink bottle to take home. Date: Monday 18 April 2022 to Friday 22 April 2022 Time: 11am to 2pm daily Where: Level 2, Centre Court at Armada Dandenong Plaza No bookings required. Cost: FREE For more information visit: armadadandenongplaza.com.au

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12 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

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FOCUS ON … EASTER HOLIDAY GUIDE

Hop in for a happy Easter Get all your eggs in one basket at Dandenong Market on Thursday 14 April. It’s an extra trading day to make Easter easy for shoppers. “Our three seafood shops will be fully stocked with calamari, prawns, crayfish, whole snapper, cuttlefish, flake, flathead and rockling,” Dandenong Market general manager Jennifer Hibbs said. “With three fishmongers open from 7am next Thursday, you won’t find fresher or cheaper seafood anywhere else.” Food is central to all Easter celebrations, regardless of ethnicity, and Dandenong Market is a one stop food destination for Easter delicacies, treats and gifts with a great range and prices. “Not only do we have the freshest seafood,” Ms Hibbs said. “We have a large selection of local and imported chocolates, plush toys, delicious

hot cross buns straight from the oven, spring lamb, an abundance of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, a new outfit, and so much more. “By opening an extra day next Thursday, shopping for Easter traditions, egg hunts, decorations and treats means you can relax and enjoy this Easter long weekend. “Of course, must-not-forget items include those tasty hot cross buns, thoughtful Easter gifts and cute baskets for the kids’ Easter egg hunt.” To help customers beat the busy Easter rush, or for those planning on going away this Easter, the Market will be open next Thursday from 7am to 4pm. Parking is free until 10am then just $1 for three hours. The Market will be closed on Good Friday then reopens again on Saturday and Sunday.

Father and daughter fishmongers Michael and Makayla from MC Quality Seafoods at Dandenong Market.

School holiday fun at the Drum Theatre This April rediscover the joy of live theatre at the Drum Theatre, Dandenong. A beautiful historic building, teeming with quality programming, The Drum Theatre is a place for people to meet, connect, create, and be inspired. This month discover Sun Rising - The Songs That Made Memphis. The critically acclaimed theatre show tells the incredible story of Sun Records. Celebrating the early years - enjoy the music and stories of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Howlin’ Wolf and many more in this in impeccable tribute to the great

SpongeBob the Musical Saturday 2 April, 12 & 7pm

rock ’n’ roll performers. Keep the kids entertained with the Songs of Frozen. For the first time, Showcase Entertainment Group brings the magic of these songs to the Drum in a concert for the young and young at heart. Dress up as Anna or Elsa - or even Olaf - when you join the Drum to enjoy this wonderful concert production. Everyone loves a treasure hunt! Part laboratory, part performance and all imagination, Hidden Creature Gallery is an exciting interactive activity for school-aged children and their families. Visit the Drum Theatre between Monday 11 - Friday 22 April, excluding

*See website for additional dates

Sun Rising: The Songs That Made Memphis Saturday 9 April, 5pm

CHILDREN AND FAMILY

MUSIC CONCERT

The Songs of Frozen Wednesday 13 April 10.30am & 1pm

Our Beat Thursday 21 April, 6.30pm Thursday 19 May, 6.30pm

CHILDREN AND FAMILY

ALL ART FORMS

Easter public holidays, for an immersive and fun space that blends nature and technology. There will be about 30 hidden creatures to hunt for together with your smartphone. Try this charming theatre for the first time or come back to a familiar favourite. Their varied program will delight with something for everyone at prices that will surprise. Save yourself the drive to the city and support local business by booking a performance at the Drum. To learn more about for the Drum Theatre, please see drum.greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au or call 03 8571 1666, 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday.

Sun Rising; Frozen.

Hidden Creatures Gallery 11-22 April FAMILY ACTIVITY

Zeitgeist: Alchemy Dance School Saturday 23 April, 1pm Sunday 24 April, 1pm & 6pm

Tamil Puththaandu Vivha 2022 and Kalai Vizha Sunday 8 May, 5pm COMMUNITY EVENT

Paradise Lots Thursday 12 May, 7pm Friday 13 May, 7pm Saturday 14 May, 7pm

Brass Monkeys – school holiday circus Saturday 2 July, 2pm

Singing up Country with Kutcha Edwards Friday 8 July, 7.30pm

CHILDREN AND FAMILY

SONG AND STORIES

Drum Theatre Gift Vouchers Perfect for Mother’s Day Buy online or call.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow Saturday 21 May, 7.30pm COMEDY

The Sapphires Thursday 30 June, 7.30pm DRAMA AND MUSIC

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Drum Theatre Corner Lonsdale & Walker streets, Dandenong | 8571 1666 DRUM.GREATERDANDENONG.VIC.GOV.AU dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 13


FREE 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!

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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 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 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 12542625-JW13-22

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Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Something to cluck about Local family-owned chicken processor spreads its wings with new Direct-to-public outlet. Star Poultry in Keysborough has been perfecting and modifying their process over the last 57 years. What started in the laundry of the family home in Elwood, eventually moved to a shed and then into a purpose-built facility in the same location they remain working from today. Now third generation, Star Poultry pride themselves on being one of Victoria’s premium boutique poultry processors and is as committed as ever to providing the highest quality and freshest poultry products available. From local supermarkets to well-known cafes or even hanging in the windows of Melbourne’s top Chinese restaurants, Star Poultry cater for an ever-growing and diversifying market that demands and loves good chook. Speaking with Director Zyg, or “Ziggy” as he’s best known at work, he explains that “although we’re well-established and known in the food manufacturing and hospitality industries state-wide, I think over the years our name and presence locally kind of dropped away”. So, with this in mind and seeing a growing consumer desire for “paddock-to plate” produce or to buy directly from the producer, the team at Star are excited to announce the opening of their Direct-To Public Outlet at their facility in Keysborough. “Because we are a smaller abattoir, we have better control both the quality of our product and its shelf-life and that’s what really sets us

Zyg and his father Henry Gubieski. apart”, Zyg adds. Star Poultry’s Direct-To-Public- Outlet will be open from Monday 11th April, just in time for those wanting to stock up for Easter and/or take advantage of some of their opening specials. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8am 4pm and Saturday 8.30am-1pm. Parking available on site. Tel: (03) 9798 2437 Location: 82-86 Kirkham Road West, Keysborough, VIC, 3173. You can also checkout their website at starpoultry.com.au.

Zyg with his son Aaron Gubieski.

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 6 April 1922 Dandenong after 14 years A correspondent writes: I was walking along your main street, after an absence of about 14 years, and from thence I strolled through some of your private residential throughfares. As I stood on a spot that commanded a fair view of the town in several directions, I realised that Dandenong had made strides and spread itself during those 14 years. Remarking on this fact to one of your townsmen, he replied – “yes and we’ll spread some more yet!” Why shouldn’t you, thought I, as I recognised the importance of the district of which Dandenong is now a thriving centre. You have a number of industries in Dandenong today; they will be more than doubled ere another 14 years elapses. Let every townsman be an architect, and every resident a builder, preparing plans and building up the town of Dandenong, until it becomes a thickly populated centre, flourishing as a result of the enterprise of its residents, amidst the whirl of industrial machinery and the great chimney stakes of its factories.

Graffiti and trash at Mile Creek in 2017. 166671 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Bob Malcolm next to some of the rubbish along Mile Creek in 2017. 166671

50 years ago 6 April 1972 Dandenong ‘a second Melbourne’ Dandenong could become the second major centre of Melbourne in the future, according

to the chief planner of the Board of Works, Mr J A Hepburn. Mr Hepburn was addressing a meeting on the board’s new planning proposals for the metropolitan region held in Dandenong Town Hall and attended by 700 people from all parts of the south-eastern sector of Melbourne. Mr Hepburn told the meeting: “If the board’s plan to encourage even growth in all of the urban corridors simultaneously does not work in practice, it will be replaced by a policy of selected growth in one corridor.”

20 years ago 1 April 2002 Our Angus shines among Oscar stars A little of Hollywood’s glitter and razzamatazz

has rubbed off on Noble Park and Springvale. Angus Strathie, born and bred in Noble Park, strutted the stage with the world’s glitterati on Sunday night last week to collect an Oscar for his work on the spectacular costumes of the block buster Moulin Rouge. His mother Catherine rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous in the audience at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles as she watched her son collect his award. Mrs Strathie still lives in Springvale while her son now lives in Sydney.

5 years ago 3 April 2017 City entrance slammed “It looks like a tip than an entrance to Dandenong.” Bob Malcolm lives near Mile Creek’s intersection with Cheltenham Road and regularly walks along the waterway. “It’s a disgrace,“ he said. “Graffiti is plastered all over the concrete walls. Trees and shrubs half dead. The rubbish has piled up. What plants you can see are surrounded by cans, tins, and cartons.” EastLink’s spokesman Doug Spencer said the company collected litter and rubbish generated by the road users. “We are confident that our established processes for litter control are not contributing to the litter in Mile Creek.”

Love is our eternal source of optimism By Bill Kean of The Baha’i Community of Greater Dandenong As we grapple with the challenges we face at home and grieve at those we witness taking place on an international level, my message of hope, which was initiated mainly in response to the Covid situation, has been reworked. It is self-evident that the mounting issues confronting the national leaders/communities of today are daily increasing and have to be addressed. Yet there is reassurance in the knowledge that amidst all the upheavals, a new kind of collective life is taking shape which gives practical expression to all that is good in human beings. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

MESSAGE OF

HOPE The source of the optimism the Baha’i community feels, is a vision that rises above all the ‘man made ideologies’. For it places its trust in the Divine Physician who has given us the remedy and the ways and means to achieve it, namely the steps that will make possible the unification of all the peoples of the world in one universal family.

Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith said: “The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. “Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionised through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System - the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.” “What a power is love! It is the most wonderful, the greatest of all living powers. “Love gives life to the lifeless ... Love brings hope to the hopeless and gladdens the hearts of the sorrowful.” (Baha’i Writings) – Message of Hope is compiled by the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong. Details on its activities, tours and volunteering opportunities, email executive@interfaithnetwork.org.au

Bill Kean from The Baha’i Community of Greater Dandenong. Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

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STAR JOURNAL 15


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STAR JOURNAL 17


SPORT

Rays are big dance bound By Tyler Lewis The girls are off to the big dance! After a sensational home and away season to go with an excellent finals series, the Dandenong Stingrays girls have booked a NAB League grand final berth. The Rays continued their unbeaten run to defeat the Geelong Falcons at Frankston Park on Saturday afternoon, 7.7 (49) to 3.14 (32). Dandenong led the wasteful Falcons at every change and ultimately hung on in the final term, despite not hitting the scoreboard. Amber Clarke paved the way for the Rays for disposals (19), but such is the unselfishness of the Dandenong side, was fifth leading ball winner on the ground. The Rays were switched on from the first bounce, needing no motivation to strike the first blow in the big final The attitude of the group for the preliminary final pleased Rays head coach Nick Cox. “The environment inside the rooms was a bit different, the expectations of being a team that haven’t lost a game were pretty high,” he said. “It was great they were switched on early, I thought it showed when we started the game and the girls never thought they’d get the win easily. It was great to see us come away with it in the end. “Credit to Geelong, the way they stayed in the game, if they kicked a bit straighter it might’ve been a different result.” The Falcons kicked 14 minor scores, eight of which in the final term. But wayward kicking from opposition seems to be a common theme against the Rays, while Dandenong itself isn’t often caught by the miss-kicking bug. Cox addressed that theme by revealing his girls have an understanding of their capabilities when it comes to distance from goal. “I thought the way we distributed going forward makes a big difference, to give girls an opportunity to have easier shots on goal rather than a rushed kick from 40” he said. “A couple of times girls were about 40 or 50 (metres) out, instead of going back we’re looking for a better option. “The girls have an understanding that we want to make a play and look good in the moment.” A key to the Dandenong units success is the willingness from players to play a role that may not be the flashy and enjoyable, but one that has guided this side to a grand final. Felicity Crank and Olivia Robininson had

The Rays have sung the song in each of their outings, will they sing one more rendition this Friday? 275367 18 tackles between them, and as Cox explains, they’re just two that are all in to the Rays’ mantra. “You must’ve been in the room before the game, because that was the first word on the board: selfless,” he said. “And knowing that when your moment comes, it’s not about possessions, it will be your moment of when the team will benefit. “That has been a big emphasis for us, every week most of the leading disposal winners, there is not usually many Stingrays at the top, we have an even spread across the board. “That is a pleasing aspect, particularly in NAB League, girls and boys can be a bit individualised at times. “But the importance of developing as a

team is something we as coaches have been really pleased with. “I am sure it is a big emphasis for most NAB League regions.” This Rays side has been through it all. Playing all over the state, having sprinklers on during games and effectively being homeless, training out of the old St Kilda venue at Seaford, as cricket season crosses over the Shepley Oval timeline. But all of that is taken into their stride, and it is something Cox couldn’t be prouder of. “It is a great word, resilience, we have been all over the country with these girls,” he said. “We have been to Craigieburn, out to Churchill, a few games at Seaford, one at Frankston yesterday – which was great.

Picture: AFL MEDIA

“The resilience and I suppose the girls not complaining about what they can’t control I guess is a great thing, they just get on with it. “They train hard, challenge each other, we have had few issues on and off the ground but we work through them as a group. “The big thing on it is they’re not just good footballers, but they’re maturing and developing as humans who will go out into the real world once they leave our program. “I am sure they will represent themselves well which is credit to their junior clubs, their parents and themselves.” The Rays will travel to Werribee to take on the Western Jets in the NAB League grand final this Friday night.

Wow She’s Fast flaunts dominance in Launching Pad By Luke Corda Superstar sprinter Wow She’s Fast was allclass in an action-packed Thursday meeting, with a dominant victory in the second heat of the Launching Pad. She left on terms from Box 5, mustered brilliant and crossed to lead with a lap to go. She exploded going into the back, putting six lengths on a valiant Photo Man, who was left with the impossible task of reeling her in. We She’s Fast crossed the line at a clear best-of-night 29.15 and solidified her spot as the series favourite. It was a highly successful evening for trainer Jacqui Greenough, after Wow She’s Fast punched her ticket to next week’s semifinals along with other chances Levitation, She’s Refined, and Little Bit Sleek.a Powerful sprinter Mobile Legend was victorious in the first heat after resuming from a six-week hiatus in preparation for the series. Trainers Colin and Daryl Brennan took the punt in holding out for the series and Mobile Legend is reaping the rewards thus far. Both of Jason Thompson’s contestants progressed through. Plaintiff was a runaway winner in Heat 3 after Big Opal Rocks found 18 STAR JOURNAL

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trouble on the first corner and was knocked out of the race. Fellow major player Amron Boy was upstaged by an in-form Amlin Emperor in Heat 4 with a flawless start-to-finish run. Amron Boy got caught up at the first bend and was left with the challenging task of weaving his way back through the field. Sure enough, he recovered brilliantly and ran home in second place – an effort Jamie and Brooke Ennis will be delighted with. Several interstate hopefuls also brought their A-game. Western Australia stud West On Finn proved too strong for Devil Dodger in Heat 5, chasing him down with ease to win first-up at Sandown in 29.57. Tasmanian Wynburn Ruby finished in third place and will also advance to next week’s semi-finals. The feel-good story of the evening came in the final heat when South Australian Let’s Win Coin shocked everyone with a commanding seven length victory at an astounding $101 on TAB’s Fixed Odds. The win became very popular on Twitter and all those back home in South Australia were ecstatic.

She looked unbeatable out of the gate... dandenong.starcommunity.com.au


SPORT

Bulls are in the box seat With the powerful Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) Premier Division kicking off this Saturday, DANDENONG STAR JOURNAL reporter TYLER LEWIS takes a look at the prospects of Noble Park, Rowville and Berwick. EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE NOBLE PARK 2021: FINISH: 2nd – eight wins, two losses LEADING GOAL KICKER: Ben Marson (10) 2022: CAPTAIN: CLEARANCES: INS: Jack Beech (Knox), Shayne Allan (Edithvale-Aspendale), Jack Francis (Chelsea), Chris Horton-Milne (Dingley), Matt Clarke (Officer), Aidan Farr (Knox) and Jackson Voss (Beaumaris). OUTS: Omar Ashkar (Dalyston), Musa Amin (Dalyston), Cosimo Anagnostou (Kooeweerup), Jordan Andrews (Old Haileybury), Antonio Gonzalez (Dandenong), Nathan Oakes (Balwyn), Mitchell Anderson (Endeavour Hills), Brenton Wells (Pakenham), Jai Neal (Berwick), Jack Murray (Dalyston), Benjamin Merkli (Mulgrave), Zak Roscoe (Cranbourne) and Samir Kazizada (Dalyston) MESSAGE FROM WITHIN (Coach Steve Hughes): “I think we demonstrated last year that we’re good enough to beat most sides,” he said. “It’s a very tight competition, we were sitting second when Covid hit in August, about to play Vermont for top spot that weekend. “I think that probably demonstrates we’re thereabouts, with that in mind we will have aggressive goals for sure. “It’s easy to say ‘let’s go out and win a premiership’, but we have a tough first four or five weeks, it’s about getting off to a good start. “We have some difficult games early on, so we will really focus on our first little block and try sit inside the top four or five at the end of that, with the end goal of playing finals footy.” PREVIEW: Noble Park is chips in this season. The Bulls seemed to have filled the gaps from last year. Its midfield is the best of the best, but its ability to hit the scoreboard has held it back in recent years – a leading goal-kicker with 10 speaks for itself. But Steve Hughes has been around long enough to know what his side needs to go all the way, and it appears he has done so brilliantly. Shayne Allan returns, Jack Francis and Jack Beech have impressed early on, while the Marson brothers are expected to add some organic growth. Star midfielder Kyle Martin sent a scare through the Bulls camp when he was injured

He can’t surely win another best and fairest can he? Kyle Martin will be a key for the Bulls if they are to win the flag in 2022. Picture: NOBLE PARK FACEBOOK playing cricket for Springvale South, but he is back for his 150th senior game round one. Martin’s partner in crime – Jackson Sketcher – has pleased the Bulls with his pre-season as he gears up for one of the more exciting seasons of his career. Hughes is looking in the short term, not getting ahead of a tricky fixture early on, but it’s hard to see this side not being a team to beat deep into September. ROUND 1 OPPONENT: Rowville @ Seebeck Oval – April 9 PREDICTED FINISH: Premiers ROWVILLE 2021: FINISH: 10th – two wins, six losses LEADING GOAL KICKER: Lachie Wynd (23) 2022: CAPTAIN: Anthony Brolic CLEARANCES: INS: Anthony Brolic (Frankston Dolphins), Mark Seedsman (Doveton Doves), Pierce Roseby (North Shore Bombers), Jethro CalmaHolt (Waratah), Taylin Duman (Fremantle

AFL), Jayden Sturley (Mulgrave), Lochlan Jenkins (Caulfield Gramarrians), Jordan Galluci and Dane Gallagher (Mulgrave) OUTS: Callan Burns (South Belgrave), Mitchell Garner (South Belgrave), Jack Weir (Dingley), Jackson Anderson (Knox), Jackson McDonald (Knox), Jarryd Hall (Knox), Josh Herkess (Berwick Springs), Liam Mackie (Mooroopna), Michael Best (Aspley AFC), Steven Georgiou (Kyneton), Chayce Black (Wandin), Mitchell Dale (Fairpark), Jackson Tatt (Hallam) and Jack Beer (Berwick) MESSAGE FROM WITHIN (Coach Ben Wise): “I am hoping they are going to be blown away with the way we compete,” he said of what people will think of his side by the mid-way point of the year. “(we went to be) Putting our hat in the ring, competing with the better sides and hopefully with plenty of wins on the board… (they’ll be) talking of Rowville with a bit of respect, you know, like the Vermont’s, the Balwyn’s and the Blackburn’s. “The footy club’s that have been up there for so long, that is what we are striving to be. “We are envious of those club’s that compete at the top end year in, year out, and that is a really positive mindset for us to get to.” PREVIEW: It has been an interesting silly season for the Hawks, with plenty of ups and downs. The return of Anthony Brolic from Frankston Dolphin’s duties is going to spruce the line-up considerably, but the depth will be tested with the departures in the off-season. Rowville seem to be a club that will be bolstered by VFL breaks, with double-figure VFL listed players to its books. ROUND 1 OPPONENT: Noble Park @ Seebeck Oval – April 9 PREDICTED FINISH: 9th BERWICK 2021: FINISH: 7th – three wins, six losses LEADING GOAL KICKER: Harry Money (24) 2022: CAPTAIN (S): Travis Tuck and Tom Brennan CLEARANCES: INS: Ashton Williamson (Narre Warren), Jai Neal (Noble Park), Ryan Bromley (Nar Nar Goon), Jack Beer (Rowville) and Caleb Van Oostveen. OUTS: Jordan Andrews (Dromana), Riley Lucas (Narre South), Trent Thomas (Templestowe), Madi Andrews (retirement), Michael Riseley (retirement) and Jordan McGeagh (Officer). MESSAGE FROM WITHIN (Coach Clint Evans): “There is no real expectation, we are still finding our feet (in Eastern),” he said.

“We played nine games, we were 3-6, beat two sides in the top four, lost to second side by two points then we lost to the middle range sides. “It showed we can compete, it’s just the consistency that we have to get better. I think it is also more the boys understanding in this league you have to be up every week. “We need to help Harry (Money) out, that’s for sure. We know he is a focal point, he is more of your forward pocket, half-forward, he can just jump and run, he is a different footballer. “We have realised we have to help him out down there. “We have a couple of talls we can put down there, Jai Neal, he has just made the Frankston list as well… we have the guys there that can help… we have the smalls there, we need some talls down there to help Harry out, that is why we have gone for youth this year.” PREVIEW: It won’t happen overnight for the Wickers. Success in the top flight of the Eastern competition is hard to accomplish, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come. Berwick is going with youth this year and that often leads to a hungry outfit, a group that is desperate to succeed. The Wickers secured just the three wins from nine outings in the club’s debut Eastern Football League season, but on a positive finished only three games out of the top five and two of its wins came against the top four teams in the competition. Clint Evans’ men need to find an additional avenue to goal, other than Harry Money. Money booted 24 in ’21, coming third in the league goal kicking, but the next best was Josh Burgess with 11. It would be a stretch to expect finals from this younger group, but there is always trepidation in doubting such an honoured football club. ROUND 1 OPPONENT: South Croydon @ Edwin Flack Reserve – April 9 PREDICTED FINISH: 7th

PREDICTED LADDER Noble Park Balwyn Vermont Norwood South Croydon Blackburn Berwick Doncaster East Rowville Park Orchards North Ringwood Doncaster

Thriving soccer scene proving the pride of South East By Lachlan Mitchell The soccer-scene in Melbourne’s south-east has provided fans and aspiring players the foundation to grow into the next superstars of the game. The City of Casey and City of Greater Dandenong boast world class facilities, as well as a legion of fans that support and follow the local sides. One of the biggest events on the local soccer calendar is the National Premier League (NPL) Dandenong Derby, between Dandenong City and Dandenong Thunder. The two-sides faced off last Friday night to a rousing reception at George Andrews Reserve. Thunder captain Harry Ascroft understands the support in the local area. “The crowd at the game on Friday night was probably close to two thousand people,” he said. “The south-east area, especially Dandenong, has got a great catchment of sports but especially soccer. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Casey and Dandenong producing the next crop of soccer stars. 269255 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “It’s a huge community, it’s a really good atmosphere.” Casey also boasts one of the premier facilities in Australia, if not the world, in Cranbourne’s Casey Fields. The field houses the current AFL premiers, the Melbourne Demons, as well as current ALeague champions Melbourne City.

Earlier in the year Melbourne City opened a state-of-the-facility to train on and foster the next generation of footballers coming through. Casey Council administrator Miguel Belmar sees the pitch as further inspiration for players to take up the game. “Already I am heartened by the dramatic increase in young people from the southeast being chosen for City’s junior teams this year,” he said. “And by stories of positive interactions between the players, coaches and members of the local community here at Casey Fields.” Belmar also used past players from the area as inspiration. “South East Melbourne over the years has produced many outstanding footballers,” he said. “There are many outstanding footballers who are out this way including Scott McDonald and Paul Wade who captained Australia and went to school in Dandenong.” Wade made 84 appearances for Australia

scoring 10 goals. McDonald represented Australia on 26 occasions playing most of his football for Scottish giants Celtic where he became a cultfigure. Melbourne City CEO Brad Rowse is hopeful the new facility will be used by everyone to enjoy the game. “We are building a facility that belongs to everyone,” he said. “For people who are passionate about football and we want to work closely too with the local football community to develop the game in the South East. “We would love to see the kids who come down after school and play on the pitches, one day running out for Melbourne City.” Melbourne City Coach Patrick Kisnorbo was also quick to praise his sides newest training pitch. “In Europe they don’t have facilities like this, and if we continue to have great places like this hopefully the quality of the game can also grow,” he said. Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

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