DNA gallery
Book StfanfareWeekatJohn’s The behindtalentthe lens at the Rays PAGE 11 Report sheds light CALDonhealth
By Cam Lucadou-Wells A thorny contractual dispute has been re vealed as the true cause for the stalling of City of Greater Dandenong’s major contemporary art gallery project. Works on the $7.2 million-plus Dandenong New Gallery (DNA) at 5 Mason Street have no end in sight, despite being 72 per cent com plete as of June last year. It was thought to be up to four months from completion.Lastweek the council cited “Covid-19 construction delays”, but a stalemate between the council and builder Harris HMC has halted works at the 1920’s former Masonic hall for the past 12 Greatermonths.Dandenong chief executive John Bennie said the council was working with the builder to “rectify” some construction works assessed as “unsatisfactory”. This included the builder’s use of steel framing, which Mr Bennie said was“unaccept able as a “Councilframe”.will always seek to ensure that projects are completed to specified standards and that the community takes ownership ofand gets use and benefit from - an asset that offers the very best value for the public funds expended.”Aftersixmonths of discussions, the council used a sub-contractor to perform “corrective works … to resolve the concerns that remained and thereby, secure the quality outcome that Council is procuring”, Mr Bennie said. “The steel frame has now been removed and further works will be completed to install a new frame to a standard that satisfies Council. “Further external building works and internal finishes will then be undertaken as the project proceeds to completion.” The mid-2021 expected opening date has been pushed out to some undetermined time in 2023.Melbourne-based Harris HMC boasts a wide folio of large private and public projects. The builder is described on the council’s website as having “extensive experience” in delivering “quality contemporary buildings” and “sensitive heritage refurbishments”. Harris HMC general manager Andrew Headberry did not dispute that rectification works were required. “We’re awaiting Council’s direction so that we can resume work on the project and that has been a constant position for 12 months. “The delay is within the control of Council and we’re awaiting their direction.” At an 8 August council meeting, Greater Dandenong major projects director Paul Kearsley said there were no cost blowouts “at this stage”.But he expected cost impacts from the“lack of action by the contractor over the past 12 months” as well as the rising price of materials, supplies and labour. Mr Bennie said “cost, timing and quality continue to be at the core of all discussions”. This entailed “securing the quality required by Council; at a cost that is fairly and appropriately determined; within a timeframe that takes account of Covid-19 delays and complications, secures quality outcomes and ensures that Council’s risk exposure is minimized.” The DNA Gallery is expected to be a gallery of regional significance. It will include state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, workshop spaces, cafe and retail, active outdoor spaces and public art. glitch
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY FOR FANTASTIC REWARDS! NOW ONLY $20 PER YEAR. Phone 9582 4600 mulgravecc.com.au • Mulgrave Country Club Cnr Wellington & Jells Road Wheelers Hill 12553791-AI25-22 12496498-DL22-21 12551072-JW23-22 40¢ Inc. GST ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON /DandenongJournal @StarJournal_SEendeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au
Works have stalled at the DNA Gallery site for more than 12 months. 293985 Picture: STEWART on Dandycentralblitz
CHAMBERS Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 PAGE 10PAGE 3PAGE 2 Police embark
Author Bernard Coleo with Tyree Santin (left) and Quratullane Ali (right). 290553 Picture: GARY SISSONS
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Currently, the pool costs the council $260,000 a year. Casey administrators will also vote on the recommended adoption of its $21.14 million master plan to retain the 50-metre pool after favourable community feedback. A council report also recommends for the council to start detailed design work. Construction could start as soon as 2023-’24. As part of the project, ‘all year round’ attractions such as water play, playground, barbecue area and events forecourt would be added to the site. The Gambetta room and three small pools would be demolished. The upgrade would also comprise reducing the depth of the 50-metre pool, building a changeroom ‘village’ and increasing car parking.Theproject is contingent on receiving 50 per cent funding from state and federal governments.According to Casey, the redeveloped pool would cost between $192,000 to nearly $500,000 a year, depending on the length of poolThisseason.isexpected to be offset by reduced maintenance costs. After a fierce ‘Save Doveton Pool’ public campaign, the council backflipped on its 2021 proposal to replace the pool with parkland.Doveton-Eumemmerring Township Association chair Sean Balfour said the masterplan was a “good balance of pool and park space”, with provision for community groups. “The next stroke is to have it open all year round no matter the dry weather like (Casey) RACE and (Casey) ARC (pools).” Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff recently said the masterplan “aims to breathe new life” into the site with a “variety of recreational opportunities for the community that can be accessed throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions”.
and
Author Huda Hayek with students: Chloe Hookens (left) and Jayden Rouxelin (right).
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St John’s Regional College celebrated book week with a host of activities from 8-12 August. A multilingual focus underpinned the school’s 2022 book week focus: dreaming with your eyes Specialopen.guests including authors and a guest speaker were invited to the school to cel ebrate the occasion and students took part in activities including debating, poetry and writ ing.Among the guests were Huda Hayek, who struggled with reading and writing in her early years but has since become a primary school teacher and journalist; and Bernard Caleo, a performer and comic book maker focussed on imagination fantasy.
2 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
We’re
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Cranbourne and Pakenham lines 4 to 8 Sept 11 to 15 Sept 18 to 22 Sept Caulfield to Westall 25 to 29 Sept Caulfield to Oakleigh Road disruptions: Closed roads Hallam North Road, Endeavour Hills 26 Aug to 12 Sept At Heatherton Road
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Additional opening hours floated for Doveton pool
NEWS Book week at St John’s
The recently-endangered Doveton Pool in the Park could be set to open more often this summer, as part of a Casey Council proposal. The council is set to vote on 16 August on whether to open the outdoor pools on days 25 degrees Celsius and hotter. Currently, the temperature trigger is 30 degrees Celsius. It is also proposed to lengthen the pool season between 19 November and 2 April. The operating model is estimated to cost Casey $333,650 – marginally less than the estimated $390,928 cost of opening every day during pool season without the temperature trigger.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
CCTV Units and proactive patrols are tasked based on operational needs, intelligence received and community feedback with their locations frequently moving depending on these factors. “Our number one priority is, and will always be, community safety and we will use all resources available in order to detect, deter and prevent crime.” However, some embattled traders say the police operation feels only like a one-off blitz, with the escalated police presence easing back in recent weeks. Traders that spoke to Star Journal did not have strong thoughts about the impact of the CCTV trailer. Betty Liao, store manager of Love Party and Confectionery Supplies, said she is again feeling unsafe at work because of “homeless people” gathering at the nearby pocket park between Palm Plaza and Lonsdale Street. “Sometimes they scare customers out of the store because they follow the customers around,” Ms Liao said. “Even when the police were here, it didn’t make much of a difference. “The police would tell them to go away but they would just return when (the police) left.” In Ms Liao’s time working there, police have been called out to incidents several times.
Picture: SUPPLIED The mobile Police CCTV unit in Palm Plaza, Dandenong. 293552 Picture: GARY SISSONS
Victoria Police – in concert with Greater Dandenong Council – has added a mobile CCTV trailer in Palm Plaza and stepped up foot patrols in an effort to make the streets safer.Inspector Peter Koger, who is Victoria Po lice’s Greater Dandenong Local Area Com mander, said the CCTV was “one of our most valuable tools” for deterring and investigating crime.“Itmakes would-be offenders think twice before committing a crime, making the community a safer place.” Police won’t give details on future locations for the mobile CCTV for “operational reasons”.“Notonly do we utilise CCTV but we are putting members where they are needed most with regular and proactive foot patrols throughout Greater Dandenong engaging with local community members and listening to the concerns closet to their hearts,” Insp Koger“Mobilesaid.
Dandenong police at the mobile CCTV unit in Palm Plaza, Dandenong.
“Council thought it would do good things but people are coming, sitting and drinking which is affecting businesses because it is uncomfortable for walk-in customers,” he said.
Police emark on central Dandy crime blitz
Real estate agent Ashton Ashokkumar wants a Lonsdale Street public bench removed due to law-and-order concerns.
293552 Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH
REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600 12452271-SN26-20
“In the time being I hope they can remove the chairs and I believe the police are doing a fantastic job but council has to do (its) part.”
By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Jonty Ralphsmith
Police officers need to keep up the blitz on anti-social drinking, thefts and violence in central Dandenong, traders say.
Another trader in the vicinity also said the blitz seemed temporary. They labelled a police response to a recent call-out as “pathetic” and slow, and discouraging a report beingHoweverfiled. workers at another outlet, which had its window smashed in June, noticed little criminal activity recently. They felt safe, having seen police walk past more regularly. As reported by Star Journal, traders had complained of a lack of police presence in June.They told of assaults, damaged shop windows and cars, petty theft, bottle litter and pocket parks taken over by daytime drinking sessions.Greater Dandenong Council’s city amenity director Jody Bosman told a council meeting on 8 August thatVictoria Police rapidly installed the CCTV trailer after a council isfactorilyremainidentifiedamongpoliceparttiontheprogram,request.Hesaiditwaspartofa“wider”SaferStreetswhichwouldalsoincludepatrolsbypolice’sMountedBranchandtherelocaof“someofthetroubledhotspots”.ChiefexecutiveJohnBenniesaiditwasofan“evidence-basedapproach”bytheandthecouncil.TheCCTVcouldpossiblybeshifted12locationsintheactivitycentrebypolice,MrBenniesaid.“Thecommitment(that)existsisitwillinthisareauntiltheseissuesaresat-addressed.”
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Call to scrap park benches
Mr Ashokkumar added he didn’t feel unsafe. He frequently talks to the people believed to be causing the trouble, he said.
Jail for fraudster
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By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Jonty Ralphsmith Traders have called for the removal of park benches in the troubled Lonsdale Street precinct in Dandenong. At a 8 August council meeting, Cr Bob Milkovic said traders wanted the park bench removed from the pocket park between Palm Plaza and Lonsdale Street. The park attracted “anti-social behaviour”, “people sitting on benches drinking” and “empty bottles day in, day out”. “Would it be possible to leave the park but just get rid of the benches so people don’t congregate“I’vethere?neverseen anyone with small kids going there at all. It’s mostly occupied day and night by unsavoury characters.” Cr Tim Dark said he’d witnessed about 12 “unsavoury characters”, with “empty goon bags” on the ground, “broken glass”, smashed wine bottles in the park. He called for the council to consider CCTV on the adjoining council-owned buildings. The removal of the park’s benches was also “absolutely warranted”. City amenity director Jody Bosman said the Safer Streets initiative would consider the option after gathering all available facts, data and intelligence.“Idon’tthink the change in behaviour is brought about by the removal of infrastructure in itself. It’s all part and parcel of a bigger exercise.”CrRhonda Garad told Star Journal that there should be a more “nuanced” approach than removing benches, which may just shift the behaviour elsewhere. She said action needed to be taken on the “root causes” of the troubles, such as homelessness and unemployment. “When those issues coalesce, you will have socialFounderdisturbance.”ofCreston Real Estate, Ashton Ashokkumar, meanwhile, called on the council to remove a bench at the front of his shop.
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By Cam Lucadou-Wells A general manager with a gambling problem has been jailed for white-collar theft total ling more than $287,000 from her employer at Dandenong South. Anna Drozdek, 51, formerly of Chelsea, pleaded guilty at theVictorian County Court to five dishonesty charges, including theft from trucking company Spiral Logistic over a threeyearInperiod.a“substantial breach of trust”, she stole 233 mobile phones and iPads worth $204,722, which she bought from Optus under Spiral’s name.Drozdek was charged also with on-selling some of those devices to a woman in Newport forShe$81,400.hadalso pocketed more than $83,000 in payments from Spiral’s clients and insurer that were intended for the business. Sentencing judge Trevor Wraight noted on 9 August that all of the money was apparently squandered at Crown Casino. Drozdek lost more than $375,000 gambling for nearly 1400 hours while at the casino across her time of offending in 2017-’19. “It’s clear that gambling was intrinsically connected to your offending.” As a regular gambler, the casino offered her inducements such as tickets to sport events and concerts, free drinks, valet parking, and access to exclusive casino rooms, she submitted. She gambled alone, with apparently little other social connections, Judge Wraight said. She had since moved in with her mother in AscotHerVale.ruse was discovered by the business’s new owner, after he purchased Sprial, took over Drozdek’s role and paid her a redundancy in 2019.Drozdek told him she thought the phones were free, and that she’d given them to all 90 truck drivers as an incentive to recruit more truckies.She’dalso given them to clients as gifts, she claimed.Afterdiscovering 37 SIM cards in Drozdek’s former work drawer, the owner reported the matter to Dandenong police. According to a victim impact statement, the owner and his family endured a “heavy and stressful” burden, Judge Wraight said. It took considerable time and effort to reestablish damaged relationships with suppliers. Drozdek’s “serious dishonest offending” arose from her position of trust as general manager, including being in control of the business’s telecommunication services, the judgeWithnoted.noprior history, no diagnosed mental illness or drug or alcohol issues, she was assessed as a low risk of reoffending. During her“excellent” work history, she had lent $200,000 to Spiral to help the business out of financial difficulties about a decade ago. She’d shown regret, remorse and insight in a letter to the court, and made an early guilty plea.Drozdek was jailed for six months, followed by a two-year community corrections order. As part of the CCO, Drozdek must complete 250 hours of unpaid work and problem-gambling treatment.
NEWS
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 3
Picture: NADJA KOSTICH
“It’s about their connection with nature and it is about them taking the audience on an adventure through the gardens to share that connection and to examine their own connection with“Innature.thistipping point on this planet when we ask ourselves how well we are looking after our planet and what we need, so the young people in Dandenong in collaboration with the rest of the cast have approached the care for our planet in this way. “ More than 70 per cent of the children from Dandenong Primary School speak languages other than English at home, with half of those being from refugee backgrounds. Almost all are from lower socio-economic brackets and around 25 per cent of children in the programs have additional needs.
4 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au We’re backing you. Backing If you’re looking for work, or you need staff, Jobs Victoria is ready to back you with personalised support, wage subsidies, job search and more. Learn more at jobs.vic.gov.au or call 1300 208 575. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Check coronavirus.vic.gov.au for the latest COVIDSafe Settings. 12561905-HC33-22 NEWS The fun of performing arts
“The children’s literacy and confidence is growing exponentially,” St Martins artistic director and chief executive, Nadja Kostich said. “The foundational literacy – reading and speaking – social literacy, creating artistic lit eracy is really improving which, in our con versations with the teachers and principals, has told us they are better equipped to deal with“Theylife. are able to take responsibility for themselves and remain confident in a variety of situations and support each other to reach a goal so it is very much about community building as well so they become more literate and competent community members and in their own selves, they have fun. “They’re supported so we reflect back their positive qualities it is a very encouraging environment.”StMartins’ will engage with diverse young people from across Melbourne, including primarily Dandenong, who will collaboratively create a series of public interactions in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
By Jonty Ralphsmith Students from Dandenong Primary School will be part of a six-month, $40,000 performing arts workshop program delivered by St Martins Youth Arts Centre in Prahran. Dandenong Primary has developed a strong relationship with St Martins across six years, with 20 of the approximately 35 students in the ‘Gene Tree: Listen. Now. Again performance from the Studentsschool.from culturally and linguistically diverse and lower socioeconomic background are given an opportunity to develop in a warm and fun environment.
The funding will allow equitable access to engage the young people over an intense sixmonth period of twice weekly workshops at St Martins/RBG and Dandenong Primary School; four all day workshops; and six public interactions with live audiences in the Royal Botanic Gardens.Theperformance opens on 4 November in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. For booking details, keep an eye on the St Martins, Dandenong Primary and Royal Botanic Gardens Websites. Dandenong Primary will participate in the Gene Tree: Listen. Now. Again performance at Royal Botanic Gardens in November.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 5 NELLIE MELBA VILLAGE 2 Collegium Avenue, Wheelers Hill We’ve invited representatives from Victoria Police to our Nellie Melba village to talk about the eastern region dog squad, we’d love you to join us. Hear from Leading Senior Constable Michelle Dench and learn more from the members of the dog squad, and the role their K9’s play in protecting the Complimentarycommunity.refreshments provided. 3521 rymanhealthcare.com.au COFFEE WITH A COP Nellie Melba Retirement Village invites you to Wednesday 24 August, 1pm Nellie Melba Retirement Village 2 Collegium Avenue, Wheelers Hill Please RSVP to Morag or Lina on 03 8513 1930 or scan the QR Code to book your spot. 12563148-DL33-22
First at-risk families welcomed at Dandy’s Viv’s Place Viv’s Place has officially opened. Located in Dandenong, Viv’s Place is an Australian-first apartment building in Dandenong for at-risk women and children, providing a combination of permanent housing and on-site wrap around services. There are up to 60 women and 130 children escaping family violence and homelessness who will be provided with a fresh start, with the first families welcomed in last week. The building includes 60 dual key apartments, along with communal kitchen and living spaces, children’s play spaces, offices, community gardens and family and childspecific services on site. The $30 million project was made possible by Launch Housing, in partnership with Uniting Vic.Tas, the State Government and a group of generous philanthropic donors. Viv’s Place was initially anchored by donations from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and Shine on Foundation, followed by Gandel Foundation and The Ian Potter Foundation, as well as a host of other generous donors. The Ian Potter Foundation generously donated $2.5 million to Viv’s Place, sharing Launch Housing’s vision to make a lasting impact on vulnerable families.
By Marcus Uhe and Cam Lucadou-Wells
The interior and common area of Viv’s Place looks sleek. 292593 Picture: ROB CAREW
We can keep ourselves, our family and friends well this winter, by always meeting in well ventilated spaces.
NEWS Hospital pressure mounts
Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre wait times nearly tripled to 160 days and Casey Hospital patients wait times nearly doubled to 200Thedays.Government attributed the numbers to a surge in demand for services, with hospital emergency department presentations increasing by 5.1 per cent from the previous quarter as the state continues to battle lingering Covid-19 effects, such as illness and workforce shortages.Median wait times at South East emergency departments also rose significantly. At Dandenong Hospital emergency department, 90th percentile waiting times were 134 minutes. Monash Medical Centre’s rose to more than two-and-a-half hours and Casey Hospital nearly three hours.
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6 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
AmbulanceVictoria also continues to break records, having recorded their third consecutive busiest quarter. “We’re in the midst of a record-breaking period of demand on our health system, but this latest data shows that we are weathering the storm and building a system that will be stronger than ever moving forward,” Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said on Saturday 6 August.“Allour healthcare workers are doing an incredible job under challenging circumstances – and this government is ensuring they have all the support they need to giveVictorians the care they deserve faster.”
In better news, the number of urgent (category one) surgery patients awaiting on operation at Casey hospital and Dandenong hospital has fallen since March. The government’s $1.5 billion Covid CatchUp Plan includes upskilling nurses, theatre and sterilisation technicians. It is also training and recruiting up to 7000 extra healthcare workers. But Shadow Health and Ambulance Services Minister Georgie Crozier said not enough was being done to fix the crisis. “Politics, spin and cover-ups won’t fix the health crisis. Victorians need real solutions to cut the surgery waitlist and give people the care they deserve,” Ms Crozier said.
The State Government has defended the latest Victorian Health Department quarterly per formance data for March to June 2022, which shows a system under unprecedented pres sure.Overdue wait times (days) for patients requiring semi-urgent (category two) surgery have skyrocketed across hospitals in the South East from 12 months ago.
Dandenong Hospital’s wait times rose from 164 days to 244 days, and Monash Medical Centre up from 130 days to 192 days.
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VENTILATED WELL SPACES GET TOGETHER IN CHOOSE TO coronavirus.vic.gov.au/winter Go to
Robin Friday and his extended family also played a critical role in bringing the project to fruition, contributing $1.2 million from the sale of his family home in Box Hill, wanting to make a difference to those in need.. “I felt unhappy about the levels of homelessness in Melbourne and wanted to put some of the profits from the sale of our home into something that would make a difference,” Mr Friday said. “It is such a boost to see the project completed and to such a high standard.”
“The Board of The Ian Potter Foundation was impressed by key attributes of Launch Housing’s proposal forViv’s Place. As an Australian first for a project of this scale – based on a proven international model including the provision of comprehensive wraparound support services for women and their children escaping domestic violence – the proposal was outstanding”, said Mr Charles Goode AC, Chairman of the Foundation.“Most significantly, Viv’s Place will demonstrate the social and economic value of permanent housing. While the need is much greater than this project can address, it is the Foundation’s hope that Viv’s Place will leverage further investment nationally to allow the replication of a model that more effectively addresses the risk of homelessness for many women and young children suffering domestic violence.”
Gun-toting carjacker jailed after 2019 Doveton rampage
276871 Picture:GARYSISSONS
“But the residents didn’t want curated, manicured streets. They wanted streets that wereInreal.”April, the council retreated from its original 71-tree plan after residents in the council’s Hemmings Street Community Action Group claimed they were blind-sided.
Noble Park 15-storey towers ‘little chance’ of progressing
By Cam Lucadou-Wells A street-tree replacement program described as a “moonscaping” of Hemmings Street and Weller Street Dandenong has been scaled back. On 8 August, City of Greater Dandenong announced that 17 trees would be removed from the precinct. It was far less than the initial proposal to fell 71 paperbarks, acacias and a liquid amber tree, which was halted by a furious community and councillor backlash. Major projects director Paul Kearsley told Star Journal that the 17 removed trees were assessed as “in decline or in poor health, too close to power poles/services and/or too close to the“Thiskerbside.”projecthas been guided by extensive consultation with our community and stake holders in the area. “These works have been endorsed by Council.”As part of the works, the council started planting street trees in gaps on nature strips on 8 August. The 17 trees are expected to be replaced over the next three weeks. Resident Peter O’Loughlin said he was happy that the campaign “saved 50 trees” but wanted more detail on which trees were head ed for the chop. “I’m disappointed that the council couldn’t give us more detail about what they are doing.”
DouglasAnartistimpressionofproposedsix-storeyapartmentsatthecornerofLeonardAvenueandStreet.
The debtor wasn’t in the car at the time. Instead his younger brother and the brother’s friend were in the front seats. Kakar brandished the loaded gun, scaring the victims into handing over their phones andHecash.then fired a shot into the rear-view mirror, ordered them out of the car and drove off in the vehicle to his girlfriend’s home nearby. Judge Cahill said the armed robbery and carjacking were planned, premeditated and serious examples of the offences. The victims had been targeted, and were lured out on the pretext of a drug deal into a dead-end street at night, he said. Kakar had been abusing ice, Xanax, ecstasy and alcohol at the time of the carjacking. In pleading not guilty, he claimed he didn’t intend to use the gun to put anyone in fear of harm, and that it discharged accidentally, the judge noted. But the jury – by its verdict – was reasonably satisfied that Kakar armed himself to carry out a robbery at gunpoint and that he fired the gun deliberately, Judge Cahill said. It also found that Kakar didn’t genuinely believe he had a legal right to the property, and that he took the possessions by “threat of force”.Kakar pleaded guilty to other charges including being a prohibited person carrying a firearm.Healso admitted to stealing a motorcycle, possessing cocaine and cannabis as well as ammunition, and handling a stolen laptop, headphones, trackie pants and cooler bag while on bail. Judge Cahill noted Kakar had been largely imprisoned since 2013, but for two six-month stints in 2017 and 2019. He’d been previously convicted for false imprisonment, armed robbery and robbery, including robbing and assaulting a pizza delivery driver and holding up a servo attendant at knifepoint.Jailtermshadn’t deterred Kakar from reoffending, the judge noted. His rehabilitation prospects seemed “limited”. Judge Cahiell accepted there was a link between Kakar’s significant intellectual disability and his offending. A refugee born in Afghnistan, Kakar spiralled into drug addiction in his teens to block out anxiety, sadness and anger and the effects of childhood violence. At 19, he was traumatised when he witnessed a bombing in Afghanistan. Kakar was jailed for up to six years, including a non-parole period of four years. His term includes 980 days in pre-sentence detention.
NEWS Moonscape plan cut to size
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 7
By Cam Lucadou-Wells Developers may still apply for towers up to 15 storeys despite a preferred six-storey height limit in Noble Park’s CBD, according to City of Greater Dandenong. City planning director Jody Bosman told a council meeting on 8 August that the preferred height limit set in a proposed planning Amendment C224gdan could be “more on application”.Hesaiddevelopers could still apply for buildings of up to 10, 12 or 15 storeys, but their chances of success were “diminished”. “I’d be very surprised to see any of the sort happen at VCAT. “The gazettal of this planning scheme amendment will give Council a much better chance of being successful in having these applications refused at (the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal).” Mr Bosman said without C224, developers had a “far greater chance” of having 15-storeys approved at VCAT. This was due to Noble Park being a designated ‘major activity centre’ without any height controls at all. Under C224, the preferred heights are up to six storeys on ‘key redevelopment sites’ more than 2000 square metres. The seven sites include a potential “landmark” gateway development at the Coles site, the Noble Manor site in Frank Street, MiCare Aged Care in Noble Street, and Noble Park RSL. Other sites are VicTrack land opposite the railway station at 51A-57A Douglas Street, 3549 Buckley Street and 4-14 Leonard Avenue. Recently, alarm bells rang over a controversial six-storey apartment tower with a shortfall of 76 car spaces proposed on the VicTrack land in Douglas Street. Up to five storeys will be preferred on smaller ‘key redevelopment sites’ and either up to four or five storeys on other sites. The limits had been set in the council’s Noble Park structure plan. After community feedback, proposed eight-storey height limits were reduced to six, Mr Bosman noted. Mr Bosman said the state’s planning department and the Planning Minister would not approve mandatory height limits, only preferred heights. He noted that two-storey preferred height limits had been “highly successful” in keeping development heights down in general residential zones 1 and 2. Mr Bosman said the amendment enshrined the preferred height limit in Greater Dandenong’s planning scheme. “We believe it’s a crucial element in keeping the height limits down in the activity centre.”Public submissions will open on C224. The council will request the Planning Minister to appoint an independent Planning Panel to hear the submissions. Approval will then be up to the Planning Minister.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Councillor Rhonda Garad, who supported the campaign, said the neighbourhood “didn’t want to live in a moonscape for 10 years” while the replacement plantings grew to maturity. She said it was a“bit of a win for the people”. “There was no malice from the council. It believed they were doing the right thing.
A man has been found guilty of firing a shot gun inside a car as he robbed and car-jacked its occupants in Doveton. Omar Kakar, 34, of Cranbourne North, was found guilty by a Victorian County Court jury of armed robbery, aggravated car jacking and reckless conduct endangering life. Kakar had argued he believed at the time that he had a“legal right” to take the occupants’ phones, cash and the red Mazda vehicle as col lateral for a debt owed to his sister, sentencing judge Michael Cahill noted on 10 August. He and his co-offender got into the back seats of the vehicle in Claret Street, Doveton on 19 November 2019. Kakar carried what appeared to be a sawnoff shotgun to protect himself from what he claimed was a “dangerous” male debtor, he claimed.
At the time, the council argued the trees blocked sightlines, turned nature strips to “scorched earth”, created trip hazards and obscured street lighting. The council planned to replace them with 102 plantings of street tree species that aligned with its Greening Our City strategy.
The strategy identifies certain tree species being replaced across Greater Dandenong, including a species of paperbark that grows in the Hemmings Street area. The $160,000 works were co-funded with an $80,000 grant from the state Department of Justice and Community Safety RowsofpaperbarksinHemmingsStreet,Dandenonghavebeenlargelysavedfromthechop.
The man was taken into police custody and assisting with inquiries, the spokesperson said. Teens charged after 200km/h freeway crash Five teens from the South East have been arrested after police followed a stolen Audi at up to 200 km/h on the Monash Freeway. The Audi was spotted by police in Hallam about 12.20am on Thursday 11 August. It was driven down the freeway at high speeds while monitored by the Air Wing, policeThesay.car was allegedly seen driving through 40km/h roadworks at more than double the speedPolicelimit.followed until the Audi pulled up outside a premises at Lansell Road, Toorak. Three of the boys allegedly broke into the house, while two stayed in the car.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells City of Greater Dandenong has formally pitched for a “festival of events” during the 2026 Commonwealth Games. In an official EOI submission to the State Government, the council has presented itself as a ‘Gateway to Gippsland’ for the regional Victoria-based Games.
Candy Bowers (back fourth left), MERLE youth practitioner Kwabs Agyeman-Manu (fifth left) with Hampton Park Secondary College staff and students.
A 16-year-old from Cranbourne North, two 15-year-olds from Hallam, a 13-year-old from Narre Warren and a 13-year-old from Hallam are expected to be charged with aggravated burglary, home invasion and other offences. They will appear before a children’s court, police say. Four more arrests in gang violence investigation Four more people have been arrested as part of a Gang Crime Squad police investigation into a stabbing in Springvale and three aggravated home invasions in the South East in June. The 16-year-old Williams Landing boy, a 17-year-old Cairnlea boy, an 18-year-old Delahey man and a 27-year-old Ardeer man were arrested during raids in NorthWest Melbourne on 10 August.The males were interviewed over allegations of aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon, attempted aggravated burglary and possess controlled weapons. The Williams Landing boy is expected to be released pending further enquiries, the other males were expected to be charged, police say.
Southern Metro Crime Team detectives arrested the five youths – including two who fled from the home and were captured with the help of the Dog Squad.
Fifteen people have been arrested and five knives seized by police during the investigation. The stabbing in Springvale and home invasions in Hampton Park, Noble Park and Dandenong on 18 June are the result of “escalating tensions” between two rival gangs of male youths, police say. The investigation is ongoing. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au Armed men charged with affray A Noble Park man has threatened staff and patrons at knifepoint at a Springvale licensed venue, police say. The 46-year-old was armed with knives as he entered the hotel at the corner of Heatherton and Springvale roads about 11.10pm on 28 July. Police arrested the man, who was taken to hospital for treatment. On 8 August, Southern Metropolitan Divisional Response Unit members charged the man with offences including affray, threats to inflict serious injury and assault. He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 9 August. Bus blockade on Princes Hwy A bus driver has been booked after an unsuccessful U-turn blocked several lanes on Princes Highway, Springvale for more than an hour, policeThesay.driver had tried turning across three lanes when the bus got stuck on an embankment on Friday 5 August. According to Dandenong Highway, there was “significant traffic issues” until heavy haul age extracted the bus more than an hour later. The driver received two penalty notices for performing an unsafe U-turn and failing to carry a driver accreditation certificate while driving a commercial passenger vehicle.
290797 Picture: GARY SISSONS
8 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
The Federal Government still plans to place temporary protection visa holders on more secure visas, but there’s “no timeline”, says Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil. Ahead of the May Federal election, Labor opposed temporary protection visas in favour of permanent protection visas for asylumSomeseekers.have languished on TPVs for more than a decade. They are required to reapply for TPVs every three years, with no rights for family reunion or overseas travel.
MERLE still helping
South East Titans rugby-league players Aurora, Sonny, Jonah, and Levi with Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti in February. 269278 Picture: ROB CAREW
Acting community services director Jim Davine said Greater Dandenong’s “diverse com munity” presents an opportunity to celebrate “multiculturalism” and “our alliance with Commonwealth nations”. Festivals and events in the council area would highlight diverse cultural performanc es, food, religious affiliations and existing cul turalTheprecincts.council could also stream events such as opening and closing ceremonies on large civic screens in Springvale and Dandenong. “These activations would take place across existing major cultural precincts including Lit tle India, Afghan Bazaar, Dandenong Market and Multicultural Place at Springvale. “(They would) include celebrations and tours that link with cultural facilities including the Drum Theatre, Dandenong New Art (DNA) Gallery and local sporting facilities facilities including the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, Tatterson Park and Shepley Oval.” The council area could provide “first class” training facilities and base camps for competing nations, he said Venues included playing fields, athletics track, sports courts and aquatic centre at Tatterson Park, Greaves Reserve, Ross Reserve and Shepley Oval. Dandenong Stadium’s 15 indoor courts were well placed to host volleyball or basketball teams, Mr Davine said. He added the Greater Dandenong Table Tennis Centre which is proposed for development in 2024 as a possibility, pending funding. Mr Davine didn’t mention the proposed $110 million Dandenong Sport and Events Centre project – a 15,000-seat rectangular stadium that mayor Jim Memeti pitched as a potential host of Rugby 7s matches during the Games.InJune 2021, Deloitte Australia embarked on a $200,000 business case and feasibility review – joint funded by the council and State Government.Ithasyetto be released. Mr Davine said active involvement in the Games would bring “long-term economic, social and health and wellbeing outcomes for the community.”
Council lodges Commonwealth Games EOI
‘No timeline’ for TPV abolition: Minister By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Other guest speakers Holt MP Cassandra Fernando and Dandenong writer-activist Candy Bowers also passionately addressed Hampton Park student leaders about making a positiveSallydifference.Mitchell, who is Merle and Eric’s daughter, said the program perfectly married her mother’s social justice advocacy and her father’s mentoring of young people. “Both would really appreciate and value the program and the impact it can have on young people.”Theprogram will be open – but not exclusively - to students from Hampton Park, Lyndhurst and Noble Park secondary colleges. SECL youth engagement manager Junior Melo said the program would also include other schools and receive external referrals. “We aim to be reaching as many young people as we can.”
At the launch of a youth-engagement program in Hampton Park on 10 August, Ms O’Neil said the election promise to abolish TPVs was still “Labor policy”. She confirmed that the abolition of the Temporary Protection Visa program would still happen at some stage. “We’ve only been in Government for nine weeks.”Dandenong-based refugee advocate Wicki Wickramasingham said long-suffering asylum seekers in the South East were both pleased and frustrated by the recent exemption given to the ‘Biloela’ Tamil family. After four years fighting against deportation, the family of four were granted permanent visas by the Federal Government earlier thisButmonth.meanwhile more than 1200 asylum seekers in the South East are waiting for the same, Mr Wickramasingham said. “Most of the Sri Lankan asylum seekers are also Tamils, some of them have been here for 15 years. “They are asking me what about our families from Sri Lanka that haven’t been able to visit us for all this time? “The Government hard-line is still there.”
IN BRIEF L-plater arrested after car crashes into house An unaccompanied learner driver has been arrested after two cars crashed into the corner of a house in Dandenong. The 25-year-old man was driving on Wedge Street and allegedly failed to give way to a red SUV crossing Langhorne Street about 1.30pm on Thursday 11 August. After colliding, the vehicles were pushed into the corner of a home, a Victoria Police spokesperson said. There were no reported injuries.
NEWS By Cam Lucadou-Wells An aptly-named program that aims to em power 60 disaffected young people has been launched by South East Community Links. The MERLE (Mentor, Empower, Reflect, Learn, Earn) pilot program shares the same proactive, lofty aims of SECL’s late founder MerleSECLMitchell.chiefexecutive Peter McNamara said the naming honours Ms Mitchell’s legacy as a “renowned and respected grassroots social justiceTheadvocate”.federally-funded program helps young people, particularly from culturally diverse backgrounds, across the South East to “gain life skills to reach their potential”. It aims to keep the participants “on track” at school, moving onto further education, training and employment as well as “building resilience, a sense of belonging and a brighter future”.“Ithelps to create an environment where young people experience positive involvement at home, school, with friends and in the com munity,” Mr McNamara said. “Key elements of the program include oneon-one and group mentoring; leadership de velopment; and financial and life skills.” Staff from SECL work across school, family and community to provide wrap-around sup port.MERLE was launched with much verve –including a peppy poetry rap performance by students - at one of its partner schools Hamp ton Park Secondary College on 10 August. On hand was Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil – who spoke admiringly of her longtime friends Ms Mitchell and her late husband Eric. She told of how the couple loved and never judged young people. Their home welcomed and was often filled with youth. Ms O’Neil said it was an honour to launch the program, named after “one of the first activists in Springvale”. Ms Mitchell was one of the first to stand up and help a large influx of refugees from South East Asia in the 1970’s and 1980’s to be accepted as “real Australians”, she said. “(MERLE) is named after someone who was highly important to our community. “She was someone who devoted her entire working life to helping other people.”
PRAWNS WITH LINGUINE
· Coarse salt and ground pepper
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 9 DandenongRegis North 5 Bakers VICDandenongRoad,North3175 CranbourneRegis 18 Sherwood Road, Junction Village VIC 3977 At Regis, we believe a good life is built on great relationships. regis.com.au | 1300 998 100 SCAN TO LEARN MORE That’s why we’ve been nurturing trusted connections with our employees, clients, residents and their families for nearly 30 years. Through our range of tailored aged care services, we are committed to helping people realise their wellbeing goals and lead meaningful lives. We focus on every person as an individual so we can provide the best possible care and help them find the smile in every day. Talk to us today and discover the Regis difference. 12559460-DL33-22 FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE Delicious home cooking
· Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish DIRECTIONS: In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, in a small non-stick pan, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and pinch of cayenne; cook until fragrant – for about a minute. Raise heat to medium-high; add wine. Cook until reduced by a third, about a minute.Add prawns and season with salt and pepper; cook until opaque throughout – one-two minutes.Remove skillet from heat; swirl in lemon juice and remaining butter. Add pasta and toss to combine. Serve, topped with parsley. Picture: ISTOCK
· 125 grams large prawns, peeled and deveined · 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
INGREDIENTS:
By Carole Levy Cooking for a crowd can be challenging, but cooking just for yourself is no picnic either. Most recipes are designed for four people, and quartering a recipe just seems a hassle, meagre and almost pointless – plus some how in the conversion process, the taste even seems to However,change.there are alone times when the urge hits for a really tasty lunch or dinner, even if it you cook it just for you. And if a good excuse is needed to crack the bottle of white you’ve been saving, this is it. Giving your cooking a sense of occasion can do wonders for morale, while adding a candle to the table and using a crystal glass for the wine will take it to the next level – and don’t forgetNowmusic.what’s needed is an elegant recipe, one that delivers on bags of taste that belie its es sential simplicity. No point sweating it; that’ll just fog up the crystal and ruin the mood. The recipe below fits the fill nicely, so go on…get your self-pamper on.
· 60 grams linguine (about a 2cm-wide handful) · 1 tablespoon cold butter, cut into pieces · 1 garlic clove, minced · Cayenne pepper to taste
· 1/3 cup dry white wine
NEWS The talent behind the lens
“No matter where the players end up, though, their time at Stingrays is always going to be a time they look back on so to be able to capture everything for them is a privilege.”
The glamorous stereotype of sports photography, riding the adrenaline and capturing the highlights, surmised Bennett’s first few months at the club, as the girls’ side was undefeated until grand final day. But she is a Stingray volunteer first. After the heartbreaking grand final defeat on the siren, the lens went away and were replaced with a solemn expression and comfortingBennettpresence.gets fully immersed in the wave of individuals’ progress and team results. “The feeling in the rooms after that is probably a feeling I won’t forget in quite a long time,” she said. Like the players, Bennett too has full-time work at an AFL club as the end-goal and takes inspiration from clubs – especially Adelaide, Essendon and St Kilda – about visual branding. “My goal would be to work for a club because I like that culture of being part of the team which is close knit and where everyone supports each other. “You wouldn’t get that feeling if you were covering a lot of different games. It’s fun to ride along with a club whether it’s the highs or the lows.”Almost nothing is certain in football. But with the Rays in the top three, there is likely to be some big moments for them in September. And Jazz Bennett will be there to capture them. Being down at training twice a week is my favourite time of the week now – I love the atmosphere and getting to know everyone.”
Bennett has been with the club since last November, initially getting in touch with talent scoutToby Jedwab for a university assignment, before being offered the opportunity to look after their digital media.
The harmony Bennett has observed is a tes tament to the Rays, whose naturally transient environment could easily be selfish and egodriven, given the individual development focus. Whilst the players are discussing rooms for improvement, polishing their weapons and constantly self-evaluating and getting feedback, so too is Bennett. Since she has arrived, the coaches and staff, particularly assistant coach Josh Moore, has supported her digital media growth. “It has been cool to gain experience because sports media is what I am interested in and the club was able to give me that free reign in terms of letting me create what I wanted and seeing what worked and what didn’t,” Bennett said. “It was a really good opportunity to me and I have been grateful to have pretty good success at it too so it has been fun.”
The squad-culture of the Rays was highlighted as a key source of enjoyment for Bennett. Bennett has always marvelled at how high Bianca Lyne could jump, so getting her leap with a plane in the background was perfect. “The look of intensity on Emily Shepherd’s face and how easily she shrugged off her tackler was unbelievable,” Bennett said of this shot.
“The one thing I noticed straight away is how connected everyone is and welcoming they were with ideas- the girls were super fun and open to be around and the boys are a special group,” Bennett said. “Being down at training twice a week is my favourite time of the week now – I love the atmosphere and getting to know everyone.”
LOOKING BACK Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society 100 years ago 10 August 1922 Starving Children of Europe Sir – I desire to appeal through your columns to all those who desire to help the local com mittee formed to raise funds for the starving children of Europe. We intend making a public appeal on Tuesday 15 August. And the help of every lover of children is needed. There are very many who have not so far contributed to the fund and the committee appeals es pecially to them to do their share in this hu manitarian work. Is there one person in this town who would willingly see a child die of slow starvation? Yet they are dying daily, and we cannot evade our share of the responsibil ity – so we appeal to you, both to work and to give the poor man’s shilling or the rich man’s pound, which are equally welcome. Amounts previously acknowledged £24/3/4. Miss Mathews £10/0/0, J Abbott £5/0/0, W Tharle £1/1/0, Miss Greaves £1/0/0, E Hill £1/0/0, Mrs Purdy 4 shillings. 50 years ago 8 August 1972 A Sad Day Last Thursday was a sorry day for the Gas card family of Springvale. Three generations of Gascard girls sat and watched as work man pulled down their old “friend“ Springvale North Primary School. The original mud-brick schoolhouse, built almost 100 years age, was condemned two years ago by the Edu cation Department. Mrs Gascard, who more than 50 years ago planted the huge Cypress tree which stands in the school’s yard, added: “We used to enjoy great times here – particu larly with our old headmaster Mr James Lawrence Brennan, he was a real pet.” 20 years ago 12 August 2002 Drugs Victory Drug activity in the Springvale CBD is at a six-year low following an outstanding police operation. Police have described Operation Moonstone as the most effective campaign staged in the war on drugs in the suburb. A series of convert operations in Springvale over several months has rid the streets of 31 drug traffickers. Dist. Insp Dainton said 31 people had been arrested for drug trafficking. Greater Dandenong Mayor Paul Donovan said council, police, retailers and community had formed a ‘partnership’ to help fight the City’s drug problem. 5 years ago 14 August 2017 Memories being remade with City Hall’s upgrade Weddings, dances, deb balls, citizenship ceremonies - Springvale City Hall hosted them all, and more. Thanks to a $7.7 million makeover the hall is refreshed and ready to play a key role in many more memories. “This is just the start of a much bigger project,“ Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said. The hall update was stage one of the $50 million Springvale Community Precinct project which is due to be delivered by the end of 2020. It will include a new library, community meeting facilities and outdoor space, plus a refresh for the City Hall Supper Room. The project is in the final stages of detailed design and Cr Memeti said work should start next year. Jim Memeti outside the Springvale City Hall in 2017.
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By Jonty Ralphsmith She names Taj Campbell-Farrell and Jemma Ramsdale as among the common culprits. But whoever it is, if a Dandenong player is uploading a photo of themselves in their Rays kit, the photo has almost certainly been taken by photographer Jazz Bennett. “Usually I’ll see their profile photos change to their footy photos which is cool,” Bennett said“I was quite honoured because Henry Hust waite’s Instagram page didn’t have any posts on there but his first post was one of my photos.
10 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 11 1 Joseph Banks Crescent Endeavour Hills (03)8772 2053 www.endeavoursmilesgroup.com.au New New Patients Patients Welcome! Welcome! Servicing Endeavour Hills & Surrounding Community 12562614-JW33-22
Chief Executive of Bahktar, Bassir Qadiri said his experiences with members of the community indicated to him that the information is not easily accessible. “The health department website makes them available but the community won’t go there to find info in their language, they need to go through a process,” Mr Qadiri said. “It can be hard to find if you don’t speak the language. We print it out for them and hand them“It’sout.much easier to pass on information through our information sessions.”
273039 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
CALD health in spotlight
Oral self-care when you’re ill
Feeling sick is never easy. Even if we only have a cold, sometimes the general discomfort is such that we put our lives on hold for a while. Oral self-care when you are ill can be the last thing on your mind, however, neglecting your oral health when sick may bring unwanted consequences. Considering a few tips for den tal self-care when you’re ill can save you time, money and pain. For starters, you should never (ever) share your toothbrush, much less while you’re sick! Viruses, germs and bacteria can live on moist surfaces for up to 72 hours. Toothbrushes can pass germs onto other toothbrushes in the bathroom. Be sure to store your brush sepa rately, keep it dry if possible and always re place your toothbrush when you’re unwell. The next tip is to use sugar-free cough remedies. Many popular cough remedies are loaded with sugar and after using the medicine in your mouth for several days, sugar can build up on your teeth. The safest way to prevent unnecessary bacteria in your mouth during illness is to choose sugar-free options or the pill version.Thefinal tip is to stay hydrated. The best solution to prevent dry mouth is always with good old water. If you cannot stand water, try teas or natural unsweetened juices. Your body needs water to fight the disease. Hopefully these tips will help the next time you’re under the weather. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment with the team at Endeavour Smiles Group on 8772 2053.
As of 30 June 2020, 30 per cent of people living in Australia were born overseas. Nearly half of Australians were either born overseas or have a parent who was, and 21 per cent of Aus tralians spoke a language other than English at home, according to the 2016 Census. A key finding of the report found people who have migrated to Australia under the humanitarian program have “vastly different health and welfare needs” from those who move to Australia for personal, lifestyle, edu cational or financial reasons. “Pre- and post-arrival factors can negatively influence their health, such as poor care at their country of origin, trauma, possibly pro longed detention, and barriers to appropriate care on arrival,” the report said. Bahktar Community Association host regular health information sessions for the CALD community in different languages, including Dari and Pashto. In 2021 the organisation helped thousands of new arrivals from Afghanistan settle into Australia following the Taliban’s takeover of their country in August last year and worked in consultation with theVictorian Department of Health and Human Services to provide translated public health material on vaccinations and Covid-19 for the new settlers.
“A lot of community members don’t know who to reach, and some just wait until situation gets worse,” Mr Qadiri said. The Australian Department of Home Affairs offer a Translating and Interpreting Service to assist with communicating health advice, by assigning a an interpreter to a client for an inperson meeting or speaking over the phone. To read the report, head to lians/overviewreports-data/population-groups/cald-austraaihw.gov.au/ Chief Executive of Bahktar Community Organisation Bassir Qadiri worked hard to provide translated health information to their clients.
Endeavour Smiles Group are there to help with any dental concerns.
Mr Qadiri, who hails from Afghanistan, said the method of seeking treatment in Australia is extremely different to his country of birth, and can be overwhelming for new arrivals.
By Marcus Uhe An exploratory paper on the health of cultural ly and linguistically diverse (CALD) communi ties in Australia has found that the CALD com munity often face greater challenges when dealing with the health and welfare system than the non-CALD population. The report, published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on Thursday 4 August, explored the use of linked Multi-Agen cy Data Integration Project (MADIP) data to assess the benefits, challenges and limitations of the health of CALD populations.
“There’s a process here; you see a GP, who refers you to a specialist. “Back home, there is no such thing such as health department who can recommend a vaccination. There’s not enough for everyone in the country and the rest may not be aware theyTheexist.”familiarity and comfort of a medical professional that speaks their language can also see patients travelling long distances for a particular service, which necessitates the use of public transport.
Come 2022, Mr Grigson has retired from his days as a computer technician and now teaches at five different community centres across the South East, including Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre and Balla Balla Community Centre. At Balla Balla, Mr Grigson offers a creative writing class and facilitates Balla Balla’s ‘Scribe Tribe’.
12 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Rod Grigson’s ambitions to travel took him to New York, the Middle East, and now Melbourne, where he has settled with his wife in Botanic Ridge. The IT specialist turned published author spoke to Star Journal reporter MARCUS UHE about his experiences and how they have shaped his outlook.
NEWS Life, luck and opportunity
A series of fortunate events has Rod Grigson considering himself extremely fortunate to live the life that he has. Growing up in a socialist Sri Lanka dodging conflict and economic turmoil unfolding all around him and facing limited future pros pects, he was searching for a way out of the country but faced significant financial hurdles. A chance message from a distant cousin living in New York with a plane ticket for him to fly to the Big Apple gave him a chance to escape, and proved to be a true sliding doors moment.“Shewas living in New York and said, ‘Rod, here it is. Come and live with me and we’ll see what happens from there,’” Mr Grigson said. “She was the one that got me out of the country and my life would have been com pletely different if I had not got that ticket. “I was contemplating going over land to Europe because I didn’t have the money to fly. I was going to take a boat to India and go by road and railway across to Europe. That would have been my plan. “It would have been a completely different story, my Searchinglife.”for employment but only holding a tourist visa, Mr Grigson went to the UN headquarters to look for work. Serendipitously, they happened to be hiring at the time, and he was whisked into an exami nation room for a 90-question multiple choice exam that he happened to blitz, resulting in a jobMroffer.Grigson worked diligently during his night shifts but as a curious 25-year-old, his ambitions to travel remained strong. When the UN put out the call for staff to travel to the Middle East on deployment, he leapt at the opportunity. But he had no idea what he was getting himself into. As Israel invaded South Lebanon In 1978, Mr Grigson found himself as an inventory officer for the UN’s armed forces, responsible for keeping tabs on all equipment, including vehicles and weaponry used by the 11,000 soldiers. While he was able to achieve his goal of travelling, meeting new people and seeing more of the world, he didn’t expect his life to be in danger before he accepted the opportunity. “Very often you had to drive through the front line to enter buffer zones,” Mr Grigson said. “Crossing the front lines, you had to go through minefields, make sure you don’t get blown up by mines, make sure you don’t get shot at by soldiers who were trigger-happy. “All these things happen but you’ve just got to learn to live in that environment. “It was a bit of a shock to the system but you adapt. Humans are amazing creatures and you adapt to all sorts of strange things.”
Through his Grandfather’s encouragement to read as much as he could, he developed a love for books as a boy, fostering aspirations early in life to explore creating his own literature. But for a man who had spent his working life completing non-fiction reports requiring precise, technical language offering few avenues for exploration or creative flair, it was a bigAftershift.receiving some uncomfortable feedback from an editor on his first attempts at creative writing, the future teacher enrolled himself in a creative writing course in 2013. He was told that he had the content and experiences to write engaging and compelling stories, inspired by his real-life accounts of his time in conflict zones, but not the skill to execute the task. The next year, after months and months and practice and refinement, he was a published author, as his first book, ‘Sacred Tears’, a story about characters experiencing global conflicts in the Middle East and Sri Lanka, hit the shelves in 2014. Mr Grigson took over ‘Scribe Tribe’ following the departure of their previous coordinator and in a desperate state, with just a handful of members to speak of. After creating his own creative writing course for his class, he revived the group to 18 current members, with memoirs published in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Their latest documents their experiences living through Covid-19 and everything that came with the challenges of lockdowns and dodging a dangerous disease. “As a teacher, it’s very satisfying,” Mr Grigson said of producing a final copy and having something to show for the group’s hard work. His home country of Sri Lanka continues to be ravaged by economic uncertainty in 2022, with shortages in essential resources such as food and fuel crippling the island nation, including his younger brother, who is still at home and recently lost his tourism business. He supports his brother from afar financially where he can, under no illusions that he could have faced the same fate, if not for receiving that fateful ticket out of there as a young adult. It all underpins his tremendous sense of gratitude that he carries with him every day. “All my life, I have been able to move forward because someone has helped me. When you have the opportunity, you have to grasp it, you have to move forward yourself, but that initial leg-up is because someone has helped me.”To read some of Rod’s work, including his short stories and published novels, go to rodericgrigson.com
Having worked for the UN in both New York and the Middle East, Rod Grigson now calls Botanic Ridge home, and teaches creative writing at the Balla Balla Community Centre. 279564 All my life, I have been able to move forward because someone has helped me. When you have the opportunity, you have to grasp it, you have to move forward yourself, but that initial leg-up is because someone has helped me.”
At Lyndale Secondary College, we aim to have each student move towards a successful and meaningful future, irrespective of where or what that might be.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 13 FOCUS ON … EDUCATION AND ENROLMENTS (03)97952366 www.lyndale.vic.edu.au 14HaltonRd,DandenongNorthVIC3175 CRICOS00861K
Help for healthy tummies
The incredible benefits of chess in the classroom
The researchers believe it could show the potential benefits of schools across Australia integrating the teaching of chess in the classroom to help young people deal with risk and reward later in Interestingly,life.Armenia and Poland have already made chess instruction compulsory in their primary-school curriculum.
NOW ENROLLING FOR YEAR 7, 2023
12559710-ET33-22
• SUCCESSFULLY qualifying for the Senior VCAL: 100% of the enrolled students
Building Program This is an exciting time at Lyndale Secondary College as we are in the middle of a building program that will develop the facilities to support our students in their learning.
LYNDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE
mostrushed,fasttipsthesuretotritiousit’sTohelpyourchildrenthriveintheclassroom,importanttobefeedingthemahealthy,nudietfilledwithalltheenergytheyneedgrowandflourishasyoungstudents.Butwhenlifegetsbusy,itcanbehardtoenthefoodyourfamily’seatingiscoveringallnecessarybases,sowhynotusethesehandytohelpboostyourchild’sbrainpower?Firstly:startyourdaytherightway.Break-isoftenoverlookedandsometimesbutthismorningmealisoneoftheimportantoftheday.
Whole grain cereals and toast are always a quick, easy option and for the colder months, why not try some porridge? Fresh fruit smoothies, yoghurt, eggs and beans are all other quick, nutritious ideas… the ideas are limitless. A healthy lunchbox made up of a mixture of foods will keep your kids happy and eating healthily, and to save on time, try preparing it the night before. Opt for fresh, unprocessed foods such as pieces of fruit and tubs of yoghurt as sweet treats and avoid processed, sugary foods which provide little to no nutritional value. A good old fashioned sandwich with wholemeal bread is always a good lunch time staple, and remind your kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
If you struggle to get your kids to drink water, why not try adding a splash of lemon juice, or getting them a fun, colourful water bottle to drink out Dinnerof?ideas are endless, but as long as you’re getting plenty of veggies, some protein and other important nutrients in your diet, your kids will be perfectly placed to make the most out of their education. And the last tip? By eating healthily yourself, you’ll be leading by example and be a healthy eating role model for your kids into the future.
Professor Asad Islam said it could help model good risk taking behaviour. “Risk and reward is a concept that is articu lated well in the game of chess. Players often sacrifice pawns, knights and bishops if it helps checkmate the opponent’s king and win the game. Such sacrifices are inherently risky be cause if one’s calculations are faulty, the sacri fice could prove to be fatal, eventually leading to a quick loss,” Professor Islam said. “Children need to know how to take calculated risks. If children are too risk averse it might prevent them from swimming at the beach, going to a public park or participating in contact sports for risk of injury. “Later in life, this could also extend to adolescent behaviours such as drugs, smoking, truancy, involvement in crime and in romantic “Inrelationships.manylifesituations, it is also the case that with great risk often comes great reward. However, the line between necessary calculated risk-taking and reckless behaviour is sometimes difficult to determine. Learning chess can help bridge that gap.”
• SUCCESSFULLY qualifying for the VCE: 99 5% of the enrolled students
Children who play chess might be better versed to take risks than their peers, as well as aiding their arithmetic and rational thinking. Researchers from Monash University and Deakin University conducted an experiment to examine the effects of intensive chess lessons with more than 400 Year 5 students who had no previous exposure to the game. Students participated in a 30-hour chess program, endorsed by the World Chess Federation, across a three-week period. They were assessed on their cognitive and non-cognitive behavioural changes, including risk, time management and ability to focus, for nearly a year after the training had ended. What it showed was fascinating. Playing chess from a young age could decrease risk aversion by exposing kids to win/ loss scenarios and competition, as well as teaching children about strategic risk-taking. In a survey conducted with students 10 months after the chess program, 99 per cent said they wanted more chess lessons, 94.5 per cent had played chess with a classmate in the previous week, and 87.5 per cent said they played chess regularly with friends or family. The study was led by Professor Asad Is lam (Director, Centre for Development Eco nomics and Sustainability, Monash Business School), and supported by Dr Wang Sheng Lee (Fellow, Centre for Development Eco nomics and Sustainability, Monash Busi ness School) and Dr Aaron Nicholas (Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics, Deakin Business School).
Congratulations to our 2021 College Dux, Visothpong Chhoam who received an outstanding ATAR score of 98 15 Some other amazing results achieved by our Class of 21 are:
• SUCESSFULLY progressing to positive postsecondary school destinations in University, TAFE, Apprenticeships, Employment: 99 5% of all Year 12 students
The age old saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ has ensured many children stay healthy and strong with a nutritious, balanced diet for years now - and it’s still just as relevant a saying as any.
For more information, we invite you to contact the School Office on 9795 2366.
Fuelling up before school with a healthy balanced breakfast will ensure your child has all the energy they need to play, learn and power on throughout the day.
Lyndale Secondary College 14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North VIC 3175 Phone 9795 www.lyndale.vic.edu.au2366
Introducing your School Principals
12561522-JW33-22
Firecrewsatthefully-engulfedbuilding. Picture:KEYSBOROUGHCFA
John Baston
14 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Lyndale Secondary College is a school community with a rich diversity of students. We set high standards, encourage persistence, and support our students to achieve their very best. We are one of a small number of Department of Education schools which is accredited to provide a Select Entry Accelerated Learning program. The Accelerated Program is designed to cater for the needs of the highly academically talented student by learning in a faster paced curriculum with multiple opportunities to develop high investigative, analytical, and critical thinking skills. We place an emphasis on independence, collaboration, and creative thinking. ‘Headstart’ is an intensive program that aims to support school students’ transition from one academic year to the next. This provides an educational advantage by strengthening key learning skills to move forward through the commencement of next year’s coursework at the end of the year. This is an exciting time as we’re nearing the completion of a building program. We have completed our Performing Arts centre, STEM, Library and Administration building. We are currently completing our Arts and Materials Technology and Senior School building. We welcome your interest and I warmly invite you to contact the school on 9795 2366 to book a tour.
To all families who are considering enrolling their children at Keysborough College I say that you are making an excellent choice!
Acasia Campus 28 Isaac Road, Keyborough Phone 9798 1877 Bankasia Campus 8-20 Janine Road, Springvale South Phone 9546 4144
Pam Robinson
Victoria Police reported no injuries. “The fire is being treated as suspicious,” a police spokesperson said. Emergency Victoria issued a community message, warning of smoke from the blaze. Greens Road was closed during the firefightingChelseaeffort.SES reported an excavator was called in that night to demolish the remaining building ruins due to safety concerns. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au Afire-fighteramongtheruinsoftheabandonedhouseatGreensRoad,Keysborough.Picture:CHELSEASES
Dandenong High School 92-106 Princes Hwy, Dandenong Ph: 9792 www.dandenong-hs.vic.edu.au0561
NEWS House fire Keysboroughin
Susan joined Dandenong High School as a graduate teacher and was appointed Principal in 2012. Since then she has embarked on leading the community through a period of intense cultural change and continuous school improvement. A committed and innovative educator, Susan is currently in the role of Network Chair for the Greater Dandenong Principal’s Network, a position she accepted to facilitate her drive and passion for making a difference within her Susancommunity.hasa great deal of experience with young people. Apart from three decades as a high achieving educator, Susan is a Parent and Grandparent with a deep connection to young people and thorough knowledge and understanding of the challenges teenagers face in today’s world. With a firm eye to the future, Susan believes nothing is more empowering than education and recognises that learning best occurs when students feel connected, happy and supported at School. This is the culture Susan and her dedicated team have worked tirelessly to create during her tenure as Principal. Susan’s advice to her students is always to meet their challenges head-on and to focus on being the best they can be in all aspects of their life. Looking to the future she is incredibly excited for the opening of the school’s innovative Design Centre at the end of 2022 and the opportunity it will provide to our students.
Keysborough College is committed to excellence by raising the achievements of all our students. Our school community provides all students with an environment to achieve their personal best in each of their intellectual, creative, sporting and social pursuits. Through their voice and leadership our students are encouraged to make a difference by being active participants in their community. They have the ability to succeed independently in life and are empowered to achieve their goals and dreams. Modern learning facilities, dedicated teacher and support staff and our collaborative learning model have enabled the College to create an environment for all our students to achieve success and in their learning. We provide transition programs and pathways for students as they move into, through and beyond the College. This occurs through the development of authentic learning pathways that respond to the varying values, needs and interests of our students, and building a significant social and academic working relationship with the College’s associated Primary Schools. At Keysborough College we truly live our values in all aspects of school life: Respect, Excellence and Diversity. 12561292-JW33-22 Keysborough College www.keysboroughsc.vic.edu.au
Police are investigating a suspicious fire that engulfed an abandoned house on Greens Road,FRVKeysborough.andCFAfire crews were called out to the two-storey building on the corner of Indi ans Drive just after 5.30pm on Sunday 7 Au gust.The scene was brought under control by 6.29pm, according to a FRV spokesperson. “Both Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police were on scene to assist with crew welfare and traffic control.”
12561458-HC33-22
Susan Ogden
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 15 Want Less Stress? *Call for Terms & Conditions Call Now! 1800 440 440 Stop suffering from stress, tension, headaches, anxiety, stiff muscles and fatigue. · Enjoy a luxurious, professional full body massage in the comfort of your own home · Advanced optical sensors combined with intelligent biomapping for a customised massage · Hi-tech intelligent robotic hands deliver a 3D massage to melt away stress & tension · Multiple massage types including Shiatsu, Swedish & Thai Foot Massage The State-of-the-art Robotic Massage Chair. Worth $249.00 TEBO MassagerNeck * Free Richie | Verified Buyer After a long day of hard work, my muscles, back & bones becomes sore, a 20 minute massage on this chair is just what I need & I feel reborn after... I fall asleep in this chair... when I wake up, I’m new again. 12562816-SN33-22
Dates Tuesday 16 August - Thursday 29 September
16 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au NEW and sports balls that float 12554690-ET25-22 Subscribe to the Dandenong Star Journal Digital Edition FREE 12520897-BL46-21 We’re here to keep your car running. 40¢ Inc. GST DANDENONG /DandenongJournal @StarJournal_SEdandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 26 October, 2021 PAGE 10 SPORTPAGE 5PAGE 3 dismissedobjectionsResidentsfoldseggBelovedfarm Home parkHalloweengrown Sri starcricketLankansigns Second go at life By Cam Lucadou-Wells Twanny Farrugia has made it his mission to complex grieving process for donors’ families. “Out of one person, you have seven transSIGNNOW!UP NOBLE PARK LAUNDROMAT OasisLiving The Dry actor City’s City’s top citizen Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/subscribe WHAT’S ON Noble Park Art Show We invite artists of all ages and experience to enter our October 2022 show! This years Open 1st Prize is $500 and our Junior 1st Prize is $200. It’s only $5 per artwork for open artists to enter and for junior artists the entry is FREE. Noble Park Community Centre Art Show will take place from 14-16 October. · Entries close Friday 30 September 2022, 4pm! To enter click the link: cartshow.org/2022-show/enterhttps://www.npc-
GREEN THUMBS If you enjoy gardening, then come along to the Springvale Garden Club’s meeting on Wednesday the 17th August where our guest speaker will be Maureen Lucas. Maureen is a well known horticultural columnist for many magazines and also a HSV judge.
· We meet at the Senior Citizens Hall, The Crescent, Springvale. Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Your $2 entry fee includes a chance to win a door prize plus a light supper. For further information contact Cheryl Johnson on 9551 3197.
Thursday 25 August 2022, 10:00am -12:00pm, Walker Street Gallery. Awareness Meditation at The Open Door: Meditation brings stillness, harmonises the body and soul and connects to meaning. All are welcome to join this organic group to meditate in a safe environment.
· When: Every Thursday during school terms 6-7.30pm. Jobs Victoria Advocate Drop-in employment information. Monday from 10am–4pm at Springvale Library; Wednesday from 10am–4pm at Dandenong Library; every Thursday fortnight at CoCO’S, 2-3/48 McCrae Street Dandenong; Tuesday and Friday from 10am–4pm at Springvale Learning & Activities Centre.
Grants program dates and guidelines are available on the Community Funding Webpage which we advise participants read through before atThetending.sessions will run for 45 minutes and cover: the grant cycle and timeframes, council grants programs available to the wider community, completing the online form.
· When: Mondays 2.30pm-3.30pm (followed by a cuppa). Where: 110 Ann St, Dandenong. A gold coin donation is welcome. Please contact Jo/Tayla on 97918664 or theopendoor@ ssjg.org.au to book in. This session will run on Zoom, please contact us if you’d like to join online. Captured Exhibition In the exhibition Captured, three contemporary artists: Steven Cybulka, Emme Orbach and Noah Spivak will explore the materiality of industry. As artists, they are all process driven and allow their respective mediums to determine the outcome of their works. Prompting a series of possible questions for the audience to consider and playing with time to be Captured Exhibitionnow.
· Submissions close on Friday 16 September. Details: raphy-competitiongreaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/photog-
Neighbourhood Watch public forum Q&A and information session with guest speaker Inspector Peter Koger from Victoria Police.
· Walker Street Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 12pm-4pm.
·
· Fridays 9am to 2pm. Details: Michael Howlett, 0408 545 196.
Conversation circle Join the Conversation Circle at Dandenong Library and make new friends whilst practising English in a friendly, relaxed and safe environment. This program is suitable for adults. Low to intermediate levels of English language skills are required.
If you enjoy gardening, get down to Springvale Gardening Club on 17 August.
Community Grants Information Sessions
·
· Wednesday 28 September 7.30pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park Miniature Crystal Sculpture Workshop Join Melbourne artist Emme Orbach and learn how to create unique miniature crystal sculptures using recycled materials from Greater Dandenong’s industrial area. Orbach will teach you how to hand-build small-scale sculptures using recycled metal, wire, wood, and plastic. Take home your own science crystal kit with special instructions on how to grow crystal geodes for your newly built sculptural creation.
Every year Greater Dandenong City Council produces a Community Calendar for residents which features photos taken in our municipality. Residents can submit photos taken in their local community to win cash prizes and feature in the 2023 calendar. All photos chosen to appear in the calendar will also feature in an exhibition at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre later this year. Photos can be of architecture, outdoor space or something different that captures your Prizesimagination.are$1000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.
Tuesday 9 August 2022, 7:00pm -8:30pm, online via zoom.
· Tuesday 9 August: 5.30pm to 6:30pm Online Session via Microsoft Teams. Wednesday 17 August: 2pm to 3pm Community Room 6, Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Tuesday 23 August: 5.30pm to 6:30pm Formal Meeting Room, Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Men’s Shed Keysborough Men’s Shed is a group based on old-fashioned mateship. It provides a place where men can feel included and safe, and is a tonic for their health and wellbeing. Activities include woodwork projects, cooking for lunches, welding, maintenance around the place and assistance to the community. It’s in the reserve outside the rear of Resurrection Primary School,402 Corrigan Road,Keysborough (enter driveway opposite 16 Loxwood Avenue).
· Contact Ali Abd Ali. Phone: 0452 647 522. Email: pathways@springvalelac.org.au Winter warmers: neurographic art workshop This winter take a deep exhale, make a cup of tea and lose yourself in an abstract art piece using chalk pastels facilitated by Artist and Educator Yaz Gate. This relaxing abstract technique (neurographic art) was coined by Russian psychologist Pavel Piskarev in 2014. Workshop suitable for all artistic abilities.
Fun for retirees Waverley Gardens Combined Probus Club is seeking new members from Dandenong North, Noble Park and Springvale North. In addition to other activities, members meet for coffee and listen to a guest speaker. · From 9.45am to noon on the last Tuesday of the month at Southern Community Centre, 27 Rupert Dr, Mulgrave. Details: Don, 9560 6046.
Photography competition
Grants Information Sessions provide an opportunity for organisations to learn about Council’s Community Grants Program and to help you with this Thisprocess.eventwill focus on sharing information about the Community Support Grants Program.
According to IBAC, Ms Shing cited that the Parliamentary inquiry was complying with a prohibition on the inquiry investigating matters being investigated by IBAC. In May, Ms Shing cited the same prohibition when she cut the feed to the inquiry. It brought a halt to Opposition MP Kim Wells asking why Premier Daniel Andrews was interviewed by IBAC in private rather than in a public hearing. On 9 August, Mr Maas stated that “decisions of the committee are made on a collective basis – any suggestion otherwise is simply wrong”.“The committee’s work is critically important, because no agency is beyond scrutiny, especially in matters that relate to the welfare of Victorians.”Meanwhile, Mr Rowswell stated IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich had been invited to make its supplementary submission. “What is extraordinary, is the undermining of this submission by Labor’s newly appointed committee chair. “Mr Maas has chosen to depart from convention as he did not consult with me before releasing his statement late last night.” Mr Rowswell noted Mr Maas had been appointed as a committee member last week and chair only on Monday 8 August. “He is Labor’s fifth chair of this committee in the last four years.”
Star News Needlocalstaff? Thengiveusthejob... Need local staff? Then give us the job... we will advertise it in our employment section and attract local staff 12544970-HC15-22 NEWS Inquiry chair slams IBAC
Newly installed chair Gary Maas has criticised IBAC’s submission to an Integrity and Oversight committee inquiry.
Mr Maas was responding to The Age’s report of IBAC’s criticisms in a supplementary submission to the inquiry. IBAC submitted it had “grave concerns” about the Parliamentary inquiry’s “significant departure” from principles of procedural fair ness.IBAC had been not allowed to respond to adverse allegations contained in “confidential submissions” to the inquiry, which had been “leaked to the media”, it claimed. “There has been widespread (and inaccurate) adverse media reporting about IBAC’s welfare management practices on the basis of the leaked submissions, to which IBAC has no ability to respond.” The inquiry’s then-chair Harriet Shing MP had been “unresponsive” to IBAC’s repeated raising of such concerns, including IBAC’s request for a private hearing, it submitted.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells Narre Warren South Labor MP Gary Maas has lashed out at the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission over its claims of an ‘unfair’ Parliamentary inquiry. Mr Maas is the newly-appointed chair of the state parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee, which is holding an inquiry into the welfare of witnesses appearing before IBAC and other integrity bodies. The inquiry was sparked by the sudden death of former Casey mayor Amanda Staple don, who was a witness into IBAC’s Operation Sandon inquiry into property developers and Casey“Thiscouncillors.committee is the relevant oversight body of IBAC, and has sought to examine the systems and frameworks that exist to manage witness welfare,” Mr Maas said in a statement on 9 “TheAugust.language in IBAC’s submission only further demonstrates why that is necessary.”
The committee’s deputy chair and Liberal MP Brad Rowswell described Mr Maas’s inter vention as an “extraordinary undermining” of IBAC’s“Thissubmission.kneejerkresponse is possibly unprecedented and reeks of a limp political attack on a legitimate Parliamentary process.”
18 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au 12477071-CG03-21 Shop T3A, Manor Lakes Central 455 Ballan Road, Manor Lakes (Next Manor Lakes Medical Centre) E: lawule@gmail.com 0433 572 664 YOUR FINE ASIAN FOODSTORE FOR ALL YOURGROCERY NEEDS. NOW OPEN WESTOCKTHAI,FILIPINO,BURMESE,KOREAN,CHINESEANDMANYMORE! 12480371-DL06-21 FEBRUARY 2021 STARWEEKLY.COM.AU ByAleshaCapone viewercommentsaccusationtheforcedbroadcastbylikeatfireSomeWyndhamcouncillorshavecomeunderfortheirbehaviourduringheateddebatepublicmeetinglastTuesday.Councillorshavebeendescribedbehavingchildrenandbeing“petulantchild”viewerswatchingthemeetingaswasliveonFacebook.AtonepointmayorAdeleHegedichwastointerject.debatedeterioratedintobickeringoverpronunciationofacouncillor’sname,andanofabusivelanguagebeingused.“I’mappalledbybehaviour,toneandmadebysomepeopletonight”,onestated.“Communityareinterestedadultsbehavingadults”wroteanother,andonecouncillor Council ‘soap opera’
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GST DANDENONG /DandenongJournal @StarJournal_SE dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 PAGE SPORT PAGE 7 PAGE 3 DayHarmonyCelebrating Little revealedmasterplanIndia Vale AlfredGoldburg‘Alf’ Local starsset VFLforseason Valour rewardedBy Cam Lucadou-WellsA quick-thinking hero who pulled dazed driver out of her burning vehicle in Dandenong South has been awarded CommendationChrisBraveConduct.Wilton,fromRowville, had beenhiswaytoworkabout6.20amon September2015 savedouttheothercarsonflames.herpresencewasvatedgetMrandHammondcarWhen“halfasleepandneedingcoffee”.themechanicalengineersawamulti-crashonDandenongBypasstheRoadintersection,thingsquicklyfromto100”.Hespottedwoman,‘Emily’,stillincarhadslammedintobackanothermountedthemedianstrip.sawflamescomingoutofthebonnet,”said.wasyellingoutofmywindowforheroutofthecar.”Emilywasshocked,frozenunderanacti-airbagasspreadunderthevehicle.MrWiltontriedtoopenthecardoorbutjammed.Thewasdrive.Wiltontheofmindleanthroughthewindowpullonhandbrake.“Comeon,we’vegottogetoutofthecar,”urgedthedriver.Hemanagedtouncoupleherseatbelt,grabunderherarmsandherfreetheMinuteslater,thecarwasengulfedinJustbeforeemergencyservicesarrivedthescene.MrWiltonrememberedtherewerelotaroundatthetime.Thedriverstwocarswerestandingontheothersideofbypass,havingachat.“NooneelsewasawarethatEmilywasincar,”hesaid.“Iwastryingtowavedownworkutesputthefire,noonepulledover.”MrWilton’sclearthinkingmaywellhaveEmily’slife.soonsawsomeoneincar,didn’thavetothinkaboutit
Regardless, the event was perspective-just makes you think that anything sarytheyherhappenatanypoint.”He’skepttouchwithEmily,checkingwelfareinmonthsafterthecrash,texteachotherontherescue’sanniver-eachyear.ShenominatedMrfor DecorationsGovernor-Generalforwasthebraverycommendation.“Speakingherovertheyears,it’sjustliketherightplaceatrighttime.”WiltonwasoneofpeopleannouncedAustralianBraverydecorationsmonth.TwobraverylistsarerecommendedtothebytheAustralianBraveryCouncileachyear.
justacted.hope would be what someone else wouldandtheahavedoneinthesameposition.”turnedoutthecrashhadbeencausedbylargepartfallingfromthebackoftruckonroad.AsasMrWiltonknows,thetruckdrivernotbeenidentified.
Chris Wilton near the intersection’s centre median strip where he rescued a dazed driver a burning car.
Picture: SISSONS
Wyndham residents are being invitedto enter an amateur photo competitionwhich aims to showcase locals cametogether during the COVID-19 pandemic.Non-profit group, Bridge Builders Victorian and AdministrativeTribunal has given the developer permissiondivide siteinto227residentiallots, erSarahagreementtheCatholicEducationOfficepulledoutofantobuildschoolthere.CrGilligan’smotioncalledforTarneitMPConnollytobeaskedtopubliclysupport stagesoftheSchools4Wyndhamadvocacy.motionalsocalledthecouncil toundertake strategic planning review to look at how it could put place strongerplanning controls around sites designatedfor non-government schools and communityinfrastructure.CrGilligandescribed the changes to hisoriginalnoticeofmotionas“ridiculous”.HequestionedCrSzatkowski’smotives for separateyouwaschamber”.ofraisedtwice,Gilliganto“pronouncemysurnamecorrectly”.AertryingtosayCrSzatkowski’ssurnameCrGilliganinsteadaddressedhimbyhisname.Asthedebatecontinued,CrSahanaRameshpointoforderaccusingCrGilligan“usingabusivelanguageinthecouncilemayorsaidshedidnothearexactlywhatsaid,“buttherewasanylanguage,canpleaserefrainfromusingitagain”.CouncillorsvotedCrSzatkowski’smotions.Allwerepassed.
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By Shelby Brooks and Marcus Uhe A number of local athletes have contributed to Australia’s table-topping haul of 178 medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, which concluded on Monday 8 August. NarreWarren’s Rebecca Henderson, who attended Berwick College and is a past Berwick Little Athletics member, placed fourth in the 10,000m RaceWalk with a time just outside her personal best. In a trackside interview, the young athletics star beamed as she reflected on her efforts on day five of the Commonwealth Games. “I’m pretty happy with that, it was a little bit warmer than we expected, nothing like the major comps we’ve had in Tokyo and Eugene,” she“Itsaid.was a lot of fun, and the crowd was absolutely amazing. The crowd was the biggest we’ve ever seen basically, it was so loud - the atmosphere was great. “It was just so much fun.”
Keysborough’s Nathan Ephraums and Emerald’s Amy Lawton showed class and skill on the hockey pitch throughout the week in Bir mingham.Ephraums made his Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham as the youngest member of the Kookaburras squad. The striker scored two goals in the Kookaburra’s gold medal match against India, help ing secure the 7-0 victory. After putting the ball in the back of the net for the second time in the match, commenta tor Alister Nicholson praised Epharums’ ef forts.“If you had asked me previously what I knew about Keysborough, I would have said it had a nice golf course, now I can tell you that’s where Natham Ephraums comes from,” he said.Amy Lawton, who grew up in Emerald, has walked away with a silver medal after the Hockeyroos were bested by home side England 2-1 in a nail-biting final. England had two goals against the Australian side right up until the last few minutes of the game, when the Hockeyroos finally added to the scoreboard, but there wasn’t enough time left to bring the game to a shoot out. In the semi-final match against India, Lawton provided the Hockeyroos with the goal they needed to make it into the final during the drama filled shoot out.
BecHendersonplacedfourthattheCommonwealthGames.
HockeyroosKeysborough’sNathanEphraumsaftertheclinchedgold.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 21 Your local paper has brought together local employers and local employees for generations... Call our Network Classifieds team on 1300 666 808 or email sales@networkclassifieds.com.auus 12550336-AV20-22 Real Estate section of Network Classifieds. ROOMS AVAILABLE, Single rooms. Gents only. 48 Hammond Road/45 Hemmings Street, Dandenong. Ph Daniel 0417 336 906. V AccommodationEmployment Findworklocallyinthe section of Network Classifieds. Real Estate 12559183-DL29-220479 181 177 34 BURDEN STREET SPRINGVALE VIC 3171 ELITE TAX PRACTITIONERS • Bookkeeping • Accounting • Tax returns ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services. V MassageTherapistsV Taxation/Accounting Motoring section of Network Classifieds. Buy&Sellinour CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE! networkclassifieds.com.au Professional ServicesNEED NEW STAFF? Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC Fill your position online 12400545-LB38-19 Find your Local Professionals in our Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds. PLEASEADVERTISERSNOTE 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 advertiseItidentificationmicrochipnumber.isnowanoffencetounlessthesourcenumberandmicrochipidentificationnumberisincludedintheadvertisementornotice. For further information, call 136 186 or animalwelfare.vic.gov.auvisit 12423634-SN31-19 V Pets & ServicesRainbow Club 48 Davies SunshineAvenue,North93640770SWA6566B 30mins$110/ Open 7 days 12561969-JC32-22 MY SPACE - FULL BODY CAREFull 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. 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. PLACE YOUR 12400498-CG38-18 SUPPORTED JOBS and sponsored internships in: • Animal handling • Petting Zoo • Micro-business • Fish tank maintenance $25 p/h equiv. Please note these are supported jobs and internships offered to young Victorians with neurodiverse barriers. Neurodiverse and intellectual disability www.neurodiversity.org.au/careersencouragedapplicantstoapplyat:Orphone(03)52614172 Neurodiversity Victoria 12557528-NG28-22 SN1090434-PJ37-13 V ProfessionalV Positions Vacant V MassageTherapistsV Adult Services V Garage Sales Employment General Classifieds NEWS Locals shine in Birmingham
The 29-year-old’s leap of 6.95 metres fell just 5cm short of Nigeria’s Ese Brume, who set a new Commonwealth Games record with her 7mCoachedjump. by her dad, Russell Stratton, Buschkuehl entered the games in Birmingham in strong form, having finished fifth in the final of the World Athletics Championships in Oregon just weeks earlier. Buschkuehl set the Australian record for women’s long jump with a 7.13m effort ahead of the 2022 World Championships, bettering her own record of 7.05m set in 2016. In a social media post on Monday 8 August, Buschkuehl said she felt like she had won gold. Knee surgery following last year’s Tokyo Olympics disrupted her preparation for the year ahead, as she only returned to jumping in April this year. “I left Australia four-and-half-weeks ago hoping things would come together but there was a lot of uncertainty and a lot of doubt,” she said.“I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams that I’d be back jumping at my best this season given where I have come from. “I’ve got my family, friends, coach, medical team and husband to thank. Without them I most definitely wouldn’t be here. “There have been so many moments this year I have felt so broken and questioned whether it was worth continuing. I’m so glad I did because moments like this make it all so bloody worth it!”
Cranbourne’s Brooke Buschkuehl repeated her result at the 2018 Games on the Gold Coast, claiming silver in the women’s long jump final.
Pictures:AAP
Wilson has been associated with the club for only two years but he, like Dawes, saidWinsall’s great strength was his ability to connect with“Sometimespeople. with footy clubs you have young and old guys – but he is one of those guys that mixes with everyone and includes everyone,” Wilson said. “We’ve had a big list turnover, but he goes out of his way to be involved with other people and is an absolute warrior on the field.” On the field, there were weeks where the club was being bullied by well in excess 150 points and without the resilience of a select few, including Winsall, it may never have recovered.Amove from the SEFNL to the Southern Football League led to better times, as people begun enjoying their footy more and the tide started to turn. When the club won the Division 3 premiership in 2019 – along with the reserves premiership - there were few, if any, who deserved to celebrate as much as Winsall. When the final siren went, the first person Dawes got to wasWinsall as raptures took hold.
Rangers’ disappointing NBL-1 season comes to an end
Sean Winsall is now important with his setup off halfback.
The Rangers led at quarter and half time before the Wildcats squared things away at 60-all with a 22-19 third stanza. The teams went blow-for-blow in the final term with the Wildcats edging clear for a hard-fought four-point victory. Puoch completed his season with a 15-point, 11 rebound double-double, while Biggar had 13 points and nine rebounds. The Rangers also had greater contribution from their bench with Max Richards (15 points) and Mason Perry (14 points) making very valuable contributions. The Rangers finished the NBL-1 South competition in last place, with just five wins from 22 matches played.
SPORT
Calf and hamstring injuries delayed Winsall’s start to the season, but he strung six consecutive games together to reach the milestone.“He has had to do a lot of work away from the club with his injuries and I understand how hard he has had to work and sacrifices he has made to keep his body right and get himself back on the track,” Dawes said. “To then keep that belief in himself to play ones football…it would have been very easy to either give up footy completely or give up seniors or commit to twos but he is immensely strong in that way. “He always believed if he could get back fit and in the team, he could play a part in the side, and his best year to date was 2019 when both teams won the premiership. “He had a fantastic year and finished it off with a premiership which I was extremely happy for him to achieve that.”
By David Nagel A disappointing season has ended in disappointing fashion for the Dandenong Rangers with both the men’s and women’s teams being comprehensively outplayed across the course of the weekend.
The Rangers’ women once again started slowly, with the Wildcats leading 27-18 at quarter time. The home side then built its lead steadily, finally walking away with a commanding 8446 triumph.Potterwas brave for the Rangers, scoring 14 points, while Fakalata also ended her season on a high with 10 rebounds. The women’s team finished in 16th position with a 5-17 record. Dandenong men’s team then produced the best performance of the weekend, eventually going down 82-78 to the Wildcats.
The Rangers’ women’s team opened the action at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium on Saturday night against the Waverley Falcons, with the first quarter giving an indication of what was to come. The Falcons were simply a class above, producing a stunning 39-12 first quarter. The visitors extended their lead to 83-42 after three periods of play before emptying their bench in the final term. The Rangers capitalised on reduced opposition in the final period of play, scoring 11-2 to give some respectability to a 53-85 scoreline.LuisaFakalata scored 16 points for the Rangers, while Gemma Potter was at her competitive best, raking in seven rebounds to go with 15 points. Clare Camac also hit the boards, dragging in eight rebounds. The men then took to the court and were far more competitive early against the Falcons.Dandenong held a 27-24 lead at quarter time before the Falcons lifted their game to dominate the next three periods of play. The Falcons were particularly dominant in the middle stages of the match, scoring 69-30 in the second and third quarters to set up their 115-71 victory.
“(Captain) Corey Phillips offered him to lead the boys out and toss the coin, but he didn’t want anything to change so he’s a really unselfish character. A talented junior, Winsall has been a longservant and important presence for the Red backs during some years of great adversity. Individually, he has been selected for representative sides on a number of occasions. A versatile player, Winsall is a creative halfback in Wilson’s 2022 side with his experience guiding the young defensive group. Winsall can also play as a lockdown defender if a forward gets on a roll or go higher up the field. But it is the steadfast off-field reliability he has provided the Redbacks that will likely de fine his legacy for club people.
22 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
The Rangers’ season is done and dusted after back-to-back losses on the weekend. 294177 Picture: DANDENONG RANGERS FACEBOOK 200 up for loyal Redback
Outside of a short stint with Pakenham, Winsall has remained at Hampton Park through much turmoil. In his early 20s Winsall skippered Hampton Park, after the responsibility fell onto his shoulders in the wake of a mass walkout in the early 2010’s that had left the club with no senior heads and scrambling to rebuild. “We basically had our ground ripped up at that time, so we were away with our club rooms and had young reserves players topping the team up plus under-16’s not being able to play under-18’s or under-19’s - they were straight into seniors just to make the numbers up,” Dawes recalled. “They were really hard years, but Sean helped keep things together.” Not only was Winsall loyal and helping look after the practicalities of getting a team on the park each week, but he was slowly rebuilding the club’s culture.
Deng Puoch and Lawson Eales led scoring with 14 points for the Rangers, while Calvin Enge (12 points) and Ellis Biggar (11 points) offered great support. The Rangers then headed to the Montmorency Secondary College on Sunday to finish off their season against the Eltham Wildcats.
Sean Winsall celebrating the Redbacks’ premiership triumph.
“He has had a tough run and kept mentally strong during some difficult years,” Dawes said.“It was pretty much letting him know it hasn’t gone unseen and guys do look up to and respect him in that manner and it is a credit to him.”Thespeech was one of the best and most emotional pre-game speeches coach Nathan Wilson has seen. “It was really touching, and it was mentioned at selection on Thursday night as well,” Wilson said. “He is much loved and the type of person (he) is, he didn’t want anyone there, he just wanted to focus on the footy - he is sort of just happy to shift the attention off him.
By Jonty Ralphsmith From one loyal servant to another, it was a spe cialThespeech.adrenaline was still pumping for reserves captain Nathan Dawes when he came off the field after a come-from-behind win against Caulfield. But his first priority was to deliver a speech to great mate Sean Winsall ahead of senior gameThey’ve200. played plenty of ones footy together and Dawes had 24 hours to prepare some words for his mate and used plenty of his Fri day considering how to approach the task.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 16 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 23
Despite sitting atop of the table and having beaten each of the five sides that look to be competing in the finals, many are still expecting Rowville to stumble. The Hawks have channelled comparisons to the 2017 Richmond side that no one – barring Richmond supporters – thought could win it all until the Tigers had a seven goal buffer in the dying stages of the grand final. Corfee can vision that comparison, while also drawing on a much more recent side that everyone also expects to fall.
SPORT By Luke Corda Just three weeks ago, Moraine Suzie was competing in restricted-win provincial races. Last night, she locked in her spot to represent Victoria on the National Stage with a 41.47s romp in the State Distance Final at Sandown Park.She was beaten for pace out the boxes but managed to find the rail, settling into sixth position. From there she displayed tremendous acceleration along the back straight, jumping on the outside of Gypsy Wyong and Jarick Bale before overpowering Alfie Moon in the run home to win by five lengths. Her home straight explosion surprised everyone on track, even trainer Brendan Pursell was“Iimpressed.knewshe’d run home well, but to that extent was great to see,” he said. “She was unlucky at the start so there’s no doubt that she can go even faster than that. Every run she’s had, she’s never disappointed once. She always has a crack and it’s only ever bad luck that stops her from winning races.” Moraine Suzie has quickly become a sensation since stepping up over 700m, winning all three attempts thus far – in quick time, too. “She’s had three runs over the 700m now and she’s getting better every run. We gradually stepped her up to 500m, then 600m and she looked like she would run out 700m strongly so we gave her a go and she really impressed us. She’s only young still so we’ll see where she ends up.” Pursell and Suzie will head to Sydney on Wednesday for a trial around Wentworth Park, before returning the following Saturday to compete in the National Distance Final where Suzie will jump from Box 7. It will be a new test for Suzie, but she has proven that she can take down the biggest of stars.“She will need a bit of luck – there’s a few fast beginners in the race. I wouldn’t swap her for any other dog in the field, though.”
Moraine Suzie to fly flag for Victoria on national stage
The Hawks have sewn up top spot, with third-placed Balwyn on the road this weekend.
“It may well be, and that’s fair enough,” he said.“I can actually really understand it because all the people around the league are so used to the Vermont’s, Noble Park’s, Balwyn’s and Blackburn’s success they shared amongst themselves.“Obviously South Croydon in there (too), so we’re very much seen as the up and comer, the outsider.“It’sprobably like Collingwood in the AFL at the moment, everyone is expecting them to fall over and stuff, but they keep going. “Maybe that will happen with us, but we just want to equip ourselves really well in the finals series and whether that means a premiership, or a prelim final, it’ll be what’ll be.”
By Tyler Lewis Rowville has swiftly transformed from a once inauspicious Eastern Football League (EFL) Premier Division club, to the unassuming mi norInpremiers.theHawks final home game of the season on Saturday, the Rowville faithful came in droves as their side looked to cement pole position in the penultimate round of the year. After a 2021 season that stemmed in just two wins from nine outings, not much – but simultaneously everything – has changed for the Hawks. Coach Ben Wise is still at the helm and his senior side remains littered with once juniorButHawks.thenow 15 win and two loss Rowville outfit is a force to be reckoned with and as many seek the answer as to how, why and when this renovation happened, Hawks’ presi
Organic growth the key
It’s swooping season... 292964 Picture: ROB CAREW
dent Ben Corfee simply puts it down to time. “I think it really comes down to the boys were just a year older and have had a taste of senior footy,” he explained. “There was no big recruiting drive, a couple of guys came back from VFL footy, but yeah… experience and another year is probably the underpinning factor that’s changed the on field results this year.” That organic growth the Hawks have taken pride in this year still rests at the top of Corfee’s priority list. “It’s absolutely critical,” he said. “And you’ll see out there today, probably 20 of the 22 played junior footy together and have come through together. “They’re young, they’re hungry and it gives us great optimism that they will want to stay because they’re Rowville people through and through. “I don’t think we will actively go out and recruit some big names, but maybe some quality footballers might go ‘hang on, I might go and see what that’s about and want to play there’. “But at the end of the day, 90 percent of the team will always be Rowville boys.”
“She does everything right at home, everything right at the track. You can’t fault her at theFellowmoment.”Victorian Gypsy Wyong also advances to the Final despite finishing fifth behind Moraine Suzie. Her excellent form in the past year has her as the highest-ranked competitor on the Greyhound Clubs Australia stayers rankings, locking in her spot in the National Final as the ‘Wildcard’ runner. In the sprinters Final, Dusty Bourbski continued his scintillating run of form with an outstanding 29.24s win over a gallant Photo Man.Since finishing second behind Wow She’s Fast in last month’s Group 1 Maturity Classic, he has gone to another level scoring three straight wins – all in rapid time. Dusty Bourbski has drawn Box 2 in the National Sprint Final and his record from inside draws will have the Dailly’s optimistic. His seven wins from 11 Box 1 & 2 starts prove how hard he is to catch once he finds theBothfence.the National Sprint Final and National Distance Final will run on Saturday August 27 at Wentworth Park.
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