ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON
endeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au
/DandenongJournal
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
@StarJournal_SE
Call for action for Stud Rd pedestrians
Nawroz Festival rocks out
Thunder back on the board
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
PAGE 8
PAGE 19
12496498-DL22-21
Oasis Otters making waves in the pool
40¢ Inc. GST
Soccer milestone By Sahar Foladi Richmond Soccer Club kicked off their first of many games on Saturday 18 March at Fotheringham Reserve Dandenong to mark the official opening of the Hazara and all Afghans soccer club. The newly acquired soccer club in the City of Greater Dandenong has been a milestone for the Afghan community. Its president Haji Hashim brought the club to Greater Dandenong, home to the majority of Afghans in Melbourne, and calls the shift an important one for the community and future generations. “We heard about this club in 2020 in January. We approached the president at that time, had been meeting for the whole year and finally we succeeded to get the club,” Mr Hashim said. The club was officially passed down to its new community in May 2021 but was held up due to Covid. “I felt proud and still am proud. This is for every community of Afghans, they should be proud. This is what we need. Sport is what brings the community together. “It’s not a private company, it’s a not for profit organisation for the community. “Step forward and support your club,” Mr Hashim asks of the community. The need for an established soccer club was apparent during a great turn-out from the Afghan community in a series of Easter and Christmas tournaments. The players who used to play in some of the tournaments now call Richmond SC their home. Mr Hashim describes the club as “the vision” for their future generations. “If we started from zero it would’ve taken us 15 years to get to our level but we are only one year behind the National Premiers League (NPL). While there have been many hitches up to now, the club has earned its home ground in Dandenong. “We’ve got our home ground now. That’s
Club president Haji Hashim. 324396
Richmond Soccer Club kicked off as the first Afghan-Australian football side in Dandenong last Pictures: GARY SISSONS Saturday. 324396 what the community wanted to see. This is our home.” However it will still take a few years for the club and its committee members to fully immerse themselves in club operations, having no prior experience. With seven committee members on board, four teams and no women teams this club has a lot of hurdles and growth coming their way.
“We’re trying to increase our teams by six for next year so 10 teams altogether. We want players to play in high leagues and build junior and women teams with a vision to having a cricket club,” Mr Hashim said. Besides this, he has his mind set on revealing the hidden talents in the Afghan community with a proposal to Greater Dandenong Council for support.
“If we have the facility we can increase the numbers. We have an old facility, but we have a proposal for an indoor soccer facility for women with a separate change room, to have volleyball, karate and boxing teams. “We have one of the boxing champions from Pakistan Asif Hazara who can train there.” The international boxer has earned medals from the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and South-Asian Games. A seven time national champion who also served as the captain of Pakistan’s boxing team. The club now seeks immense support from the community in order to thrive and in return be of service to the community to showcase their best.
BOOK YOUR FUNCTION TODAY. Phone 9582 4600
mulgravecc.com.au • Mulgrave Country Club Cnr Wellington & Jells Road Wheelers Hill 12575057-MS02-23
I
11
I
CITY OF CASEY
COMMUNITY NEWS
City of
Casey
Council adopts Climate Action Plan Our Climate Action Plan will direct future efforts to help the City of Casey and the community achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Adopted at last week's Council meeting, the plan, which incorporates extensive feedback from the community, provides direction and guidance across six themes - Energy Efficient Buildings, Renewable Energy, Transport, Circular Economy, Sustainable Land Use and Planning, and Education and Empowerment.
Working together to improve women's health We are working with Federation University on a research project to help improve physical activity levels for women in the City of Casey. We want to hear from women aged 18 and over, including women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, who are not active on a regular basis. T he project will involve completing a short survey and attending in-person workshops to help identify opportunities for you to become more active.
Each participant will receive a $50 gift card, plus vouchers to access various physical activities in the City of Casey.
T he plan builds on our strong record of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which includes upgrading to LED streetlighting, purchasing 100 per cent renewable energy, making our buildings more energy efficient, installing a solar farm in Cranbourne and diverting more than 35,000 tonnes of organic and food waste annually from landfill with our kerbside waste collection.
To register, please email m.casey@federation.edu.au
How can Council best support your business?
To view the plan, please visit our website.
We understand that businesses in our community continue to face the challenges of economic recovery in a changing financial and commercial environment. We appreciate too that increasing interest rates and rising inflation is cause for concern for some businesses, particularly those relying on consumer spending. To gain a better understanding of how we can best support businesses through these challenges now and into the future, we are launching an annual business survey. If you operate a business in the City of Casey, we encourage you to have your say via our community consultation website Casey Conversations
Celebrate Harmony Day As part of the Feast of Nations program, we invite you to celebrate Harmony Day with family and friends from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm on Tuesday 21 March. To be held at Autumn Place Community Hub at 29 Autumn Place in Doveton, there will be a free halal barbeque, and lots of activities, including an African drumming workshop, henna and tie dye workshops, soccer drills and many more. To book your place, please visit our website.
Contact City of Casey
Phone: 03 9705 5200 • NRS: 133 677 (for the deaf, hearing or speech impaired) Postal: PO Box 1000 Narre Warren, VIC 3805
Subscribe to our e-newsletter
Get the latest news and events in the Casey • community delivered straight to your inbox. Visit casey.vic.gov.au/email-newsletter
�
Help young people get their driver's license We are recruiting volunteer driving instructors to work with learners as part of our Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P Program. T he L2P Program is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 years - who do not have access to a supervising driver or an appropriate vehicle - gain driving experience required for a probationary license. To find out more or join the program, please email l2p@casey.vic.gov.au
Translating and Interpreting Service
lft\
fiW:
Tl�: �31 4:0 tj.J_,ill r-"_ji.JI , r-"_)JA ��TRT>rfT (5))®0!) OQe)L)IJ)e:i)
w �...,...,
12593076-FC10-23
2 STAR JOURNAL
I I
|
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
endeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au
I
I
NEWS
The Most Venerable Sudhep Nan, Abbot of Wat Buddharangsi temple, Chhayly, Alex, Channa and Thayhorn Yim. 323347 Pictures: GARY SISSONS
Exile family is reunited By Cam Lucadou-Wells After months in painful exile from her son, Cambodian mother Channa can finally smile again. Reunited in Springvale, she marvels how much 7-year-old Alex has grown since she last saw him in September. Caught in a visa wrangle for three years, Channa and son Chhayly, 18, had been barred entry to Australia to see their ailing ex-partner and father Koung Hoy Poeung. In the meantime, Alex, who is an Australian citizen, was allowed to fly in to see his gravely sick Hallam father in September. In the end, Alex was by his father’s side as he died. Channa and Chhayly were granted visitor visas by the Department of Home Affairs only just in time for Koung’s funeral this month. Success only came after concerted lobbying including from a senior monk Venerable Sudhep Nan at Watt Buddharangsi temple in Springvale South. In the final throes, Venerable Nan made a desperate request for Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to intervene. “It was very difficult to see that I could not come and see my partner,” Channa says. “He was very sick and I couldn’t come to see him. Very sad ... but still I had some hope. Grateful for the abbott’s great efforts, Channa says it was important to see her late partner’s face before he was put to rest. “I’m just very happy having that opportunity to see my partner for the last time and my son Alex.” The frustrating saga spanned three visa rejections by Department of Home Affairs officials since 2019, as well as a failed tribunal appeal. The authorities seemed unconvinced that Channa and Chhayly were making a “genuine, temporary visit”. Chhayly said he felt “disappointed” while his visa was in limbo. But when he finally got the good news, he was elated. “It’s the first time we’ve been in Australia. When I saw Alex again, I was so excited.”
Lana Formoso with her sons, Hugo and Luka. She has joined the call for better pedestrian crossing arrangements for Stud Road. 182801 Picture: GARY SISSONS
Crossing action call By Sahar Foladi A Greater Dandenong councillor has pleaded for action to reverse the shocking toll of pedestrian fatalities in the municipality. Fifteen pedestrians have been killed in Greater Dandenong in the past decade, the second-highest in the state. In a council meeting on 14 March Greater Dandenong engineering director Paul Kearsley noted 13 of the fatalities were on statemanaged arterial roads. He said some of the locations have been upgraded by the State Government since the fatal incidents, including new signals on Springvale Road and Heatherton Road and reduced speed limits on Princes Highway. The council has been advocating for a number of high priority road safety projects on arterial roads, he said. Its “No.1 priority” is for a safe crossing on Stud Road at McPhees Road near Dandenong basketball stadium. “Our officers are working with the Department of Transport and Planning to finalise designs for signals and we believe that the Victo-
rian Government need to fund these signals as a matter of urgency,” Mr Kearsley said. The 80 km/h section of Stud Road separates Dandenong North residents from the Dandenong basketball stadium, walking and cycling paths and the bus stop. More than 15,000 people use the stadium each week but the nearest signalised pedestrian crossing is more than a kilometre away. A woman in her 50s lost her life when she was struck by a car as she tried to cross Stud Road in 2018. Since then deputy mayor Lana Formoso has been advocating for a signalised pedestrian crossing on the state managed arterial road. “Yet again, another issue that I’ve been going on about since I’ve gotten on council,” Cr Formoso said in the council meeting. “Stud Road is definitely something we should be rallying behind. It’s an absolute must. “I’ve witnessed a fatality there myself. I also witnessed a fatality on Wellington Road just last week, which was horrific - another pedestrian was struck.
starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au
“I don’t want to see any more fatalities on our road but in particular not in our municipality. I mean it’s just unacceptable one life (lost) is too many. “So we really need to rally together as a council to start making these necessary changes.” A young adult has 10 per cent chance of being killed if hit by a car at 30km/h, 40 per cent at 40km/h and doubles to 80 per cent at 50km/h research shows. Mr Kearsley said as part of the Government’s Smarter Roads program, pedestrian detectors have been installed at number of signals. The council is also advocating for pedestrian signals at Heatherton Road, Noble Park. Mr Kearsley said council will continue to advocate for ongoing investment in pedestrian safety education. “We believe education also has a critical role to play, particularly with erratic and unsafe pedestrian behaviour including crossing at unsafe locations contributing to several accidents on arterial roads.”
Brownstone Microbrewery
CRAFT BEER GREAT FOOD
com.au
REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au
Reunited family Chhayly, Alex and Channa, with migration agent Thayhorn Yim. 323347 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au
12452271-SN26-20
Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600
BOOK NOW
9771 6000 functions_aturadandenong@evt.com 5-17 Doveton Ave, Eumemmerring 12578660-JC02-23
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
|
STAR JOURNAL 3
NEWS
Car-stealing burglars rise By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong’s crime rate rose by 2.9 per cent in 2022, including a spate of cars stolen during aggravated home burglaries, according to the latest official stats. After a 11.6 per cent drop the previous year, the rate rise was also fueled by more thefts from cars, assaults including family violence, drug possession, prohibited and controlled weapons and breaches of bail orders. Reported offences were up in Dandenong (10 per cent), Noble Park (16 per cent) and Springvale (11 per cent). However, there were fewer in Keysborough and Dandenong North. Dangerous driving offences were up by 33 per cent, with 41 drivers booked in 2022. Police have linked the rise to a spate of stolen cars (up 24 per cent in Greater Dandenong) and aggravated home burglaries (up 37 per cent). Predominantly, young offenders were targeting unlocked homes to steal vehicles, Victoria Police stated. More than 80 per cent of cars stolen in aggravated burglaries were recovered due to efforts of local police and specialist units such as Air Wing and Dog Squad. Car thefts were still well below pre-pandemic levels. Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said “offenders sneaking into homes to steal car keys and overall youth offending” were “key areas of concern”. “The community can rest assured we are investing significant energy and resources towards preventing and responding to this of-
A grass fire in Gunns Road Reserve, Hallam was swiftly brought under control by firefighters from across the South East. Picture: HAMPTON PARK CFA FACEBOOK
Police probe grassfires fending, with dedicated operations in place that have led to thousands of arrests over the past year.” According to Victoria Police, a 20 per cent increase in dangerous driving offences across the state was partly due to a “proactive” road safety focus. Since 2021, the anti-hoon Operation Achilles had charged more than 360 hoon drivers with almost 3000 offences and impounded 375 vehicles. It’s led to a 75 per cent drop in organised hoon meets, according to police intelligence. Police also laid 17 charges related to hoaxes in Greater Dandenong (up from 7 in 2021). In a sign of begging being more prevalent, 11 related charges were laid in 2022. There were none recorded in the previous year. Last year, there was a drop in non-aggravated home burglaries, criminal damage, graffiti, drunk and disorderly and drug trafficking offences.
A series of deliberately-lit grass fires in a bushy reserve off Arcadia Avenue, Hallam is being investigated by Victoria Police. Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit detectives say they are investigating three “suspicious“ fires in two days in Gunns Road Reserve, following reports of large amounts of smoke from a nearby walking track. The first fire was reported about 4pm on Monday 13 March and two further fires occurred about 9am on Tuesday 14 March. “Investigators believe that the fires were deliberately lit,“ Victoria Police stated. There was no reported damage to fences or buildings in nearby housing estates. CFA and FRV firefighters from Hallam, Narre Warren, Narre Warren North, Rowville and Hampton Park were called to reported smoke from Gunns Road Reserve about 9.33am on Tuesday 14 March.
The fire was swiftly contained to a small patch of native shrubland, with Hampton Park CFA reporting about 10.30am that it was under control. An FRV spokesperson said officers found “three points that were deliberately lit“. “FRV referred this to Victoria Police.“ Emergency Victoria issued an advice message at 10.08am that the fire was not yet under control, but no threat to residents living next to the wooded reserve. It advised residents in Dandenong South, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Eumemmerring, Hallam and Narre Warren North to “stay informed and monitor conditions”. “Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads”. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic. com.au
12594325-SM12-23
4 STAR JOURNAL
|
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Police list ‘Top 20’ Operation successful youth gang leaders By Cam Lucadou-Wells A dedicated Victoria Police team has listed and targeted a ‘Top 20’ of youth gang members in the South East. The specialist team was formed six months ago in response to a sharp rise in youth crime in the region, says the team’s Senior Sergeant Joshua Milligan. In 2022, offenders aged 10-17 had soared an alarming 43 per cent in Casey, 39 per cent in Cardinia Shire and 7 per cent in Greater Dandenong, according to the latest official crime stats. Snr Sgt Milligan says the team has made inroads, arresting 158 serious and violent young offenders in gangs. Many were involved in a spate of high-end cars stolen from home break-ins. As well, there have been violent street robberies and assaults. “We’re hitting it hard, working together with (other police units). Victoria Police has got a
particular focus on aggravated burglaries.” In the South East, police have compiled a list of 96 young gang members who are ‘persons of interest’. The list’s 20 ‘top-tier’ offenders are “managed” by the specialist team, with nine of them in custody. The rest of the 20 are closely monitored. “We undertake home visits and interviews with persons of interest. We get to know their brothers, sisters and family to understand what’s going on,” Snr Sgt Milligan says. “And we work with other government agencies like Families, Fairness and Housing, and Youth Justice to put programs in place to stop them offending. “If they’re engaging in school and work, they won’t be offending. That’s the biggest challenge to keep them on track.” The team makes compliance checks if gang members are on parole, bail, probation or correction orders. They intercept their vehicles, and do foot-patrols in their public domains.
“They know they’re being managed,” Snr Sgt Milligan says. “Our relationship with them depends on the person we’re managing. We try to build rapport with them. “Some are at the stage where they don’t want to engage with us, so we take a more hard line.” Young gang crime is being partly fueled by social media, according to Snr Sgt Milligan. “We’ve seen a rise in the use of social media where the gangs are gloating about their crimes. And it’s happening across Australia.” Other factors leading young people astray are stresses at home, as well as detaching from work, studies and support services. Most pleasing for Snr Sgt Milligan are the success stories. Several gang members have dropped out of the ‘top 20’ and are no longer ‘managed’ due to better behaviour. “It’s extremely challenging but at the same time, very rewarding to be working with families. It’s great when you see some change.”
‘Vicious’ gun-stashing carjacker jailed By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Narre Warren car-jacker with a “plethora” of guns stashed at home and his Hallam workplace has been jailed. Jamie David Rundle, 24, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court as being part of a “vicious” and “terrifying” carjacking on the Eastern Freeway in November 2019. In a Nissan SUV stolen from Noble Park, Rundle aggressively overtook a Mercedes and then slowed, causing a collision and forcing the Mercedes off the road. Two unknown men got out of the SUV, one pointing a long-arm at the victim and striking him with the gun butt to the head. One of them drove away with the Mercedes, while Rundle ferried the second carjacker away in the Nissan. The “traumatised” victim was treated in hospital. Three years on, he remains “scarred” and “fearful”, sentencing judge Gregory Lyon noted on 14 March. Prosecutors accepted that Rundle did not know his co-offender was armed or that the victim would be assaulted. But he played “no small role” as the driver. He later tried to sell the Mercedes – with stolen number-plates – for cash and drugs, the judge noted. During Rundle’s arrest at his mother’s home, the Mercedes’ plates and the victim’s phone were found in his bedroom along with a pump-action rifle, Taser, sword, an array of ammunition and some meth. Rundle gave police either no comment or “implausible” explanations for the items, Judge Lyon said. Judge Lyon said the later-discovered stashes of guns and ammo at Rundle’s commercial factory in Hallam in 2022 were even more serious. At the time, Rundle was subject to a firearm prohibition order, a CCO and bail. Judge Lyon said it was “disturbing” that two of the hidden guns were home-made, including a .38 calibre revolver with a detached loaded chamber and capable of firing. Also seized were a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun, a .303 calibre rifle, gel-ball gun and a partially-constructed home-made firearm as well as 200 rounds of various calibre ammunition. Rundle was also charged with possessing suspected stolen goods and proceeds of crime such as two computers, bankcards, a passport and two fake $50 notes. About 19 grams of meth was also found. Without evidence of trafficking, the drug was deemed for Rundle’s personal use. Rundle told a psychologist that he kept the weapons in self-protection, claiming he was shot in the back as a 19-year-old by a masked assailant. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
A partially-constructed homemade gun seized from Rundle’s factory.
A home-made revolver, with rounds loaded in the detached chamber, found in an office roof cavity.
A 3D-printed imitation handgun found at Rundle’s factory.
Judge Lyon noted he was given “almost no detail” about this attack, and didn’t know if a police report was even made. Rundle’s parents and character referees made no mention of the attack. The “plethora” of guns and ammunition were more likely “accoutrements” to Rundle’s criminal activity, Judge Lyon stated. Several guns stashed in an office’s roof cavity were clearly not for “immediate protection”. In mitigation, Rundle was still young, had
strong family support, a lack of criminal priors and good rehabilitation prospects if he could address his abuse of meth and GHB. He was also diagnosed with major depression, anxiety as well as PTSD stemming from the purported shooting. Rundle was jailed for up to three years and nine months, including 404 days already served in pre-sentence custody. He will be eligible for parole after serving 28 months.
Speeding, drug driving and unauthorised driving were the prominent offences for road users in Greater Dandenong over the Labour Day long weekend, as Operation Arid ramped up enforcement across the state. In the Greater Dandenong Police Service Area, 23 motorists were apprehended for speeding throughout the course of the long weekend, while officers nabbed 13 drug drivers and two drink drivers. Eleven motorists were caught driving while disqualified, as well as 10 unlicensed drivers, 14 unregistered vehicles and eight impoundments, with police using automatic number plate recognition technology (ANPR) to detect the offences. Ten drivers were caught disobeying signs and signals, 11 were nabbed using their mobile phones while driving and four were found not to be wearing a seatbelt. Greater Dandenong’s results mirrored those across the state, with speeding, impaired driving, mobile phone use and unauthorised driving the key issues detected by police during the operation. Police detected almost 7000 traffic offences throughout Victoria during the four-day road policing operation, following a shocking start to the year on Victoria’s roads. There were 74 lives lost in the first 73 days of the year, which is 45 per cent higher than the same time last year and the five-year average – both 51. But Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir said the majority of people obeyed the road rules over the long weekend. “Considering it was a long weekend, with high traffic volumes and good weather, we saw the majority of people doing the right thing on our roads,” he said. “Disappointingly though, we continue to detect motorists for the type of behaviour that’s been contributing to road trauma this year – that being speed, distraction, and impaired driving.” Statewide, more than a third of offences detected related to speeding, with almost 80 per cent of speeding motorists detected between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit. Mobile phone offences jumped 23 per cent from the last statewide operation in January, with 323 motorists caught using their phone while driving. There were two lives lost on Victorian roads over the long weekend with fatal collisions in Barnawartha North on Saturday and Wangaratta on Monday. There have been 11 lives lost to date in March, historically the highest-risk month on Victorian roads. Asst Comm Weir said it is simply not good enough to ignore the warnings. “Police are constantly engaging with the community to educate first and enforce when the message doesn’t get through and we make no apologies for this. We are doing everything we can to reduce trauma on our roads.” “March is a busy time with footy returning, lots of major events and good weather – so if you’re out and about this month, you can expect us to be out too.” Operation Arid ran from 12.01am on Friday 10 March to 23.59pm on Monday 13 March, 2023.
The four-day operation saw Victoria Police officers target disobedient drivers across the state. Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
|
STAR JOURNAL 5
NEWS
A rental nightmare Probe into cars blaze
By Emily Chapman Laing An increasing number of Victorians are being smashed by the rental crisis, with new analysis revealing asking weekly rents have increased by more than $100 in some areas since interest rates started rising. South East Melbourne has seen a 10 per cent hike in rental rates, with property averages rising $44 from $442 per week to $486 per week. This comes as no surprise to the tenants of the region, 76.5 per cent of whom are steeped in financial housing stress. Cranbourne property prices have risen steadily over the past five years, from a median price of $350 per week in March 2018, to a new median of $400 per week, according to property data from realestate.com.au. In Clyde, properties have risen from a median price $380 per week in 2018 to $475 per week in 2023. Berwick, Officer and Pakenham have seen an approximately $70 increase over the past five years. Communities further from the city are feeling the pinch too, as Pearcedale properties have risen over $100 in price over the past five years. In Botanic Ridge, residents are seeing approximately the same prices today as they experienced in 2018, with a median of $500 per week. However, rental prices in this area have grown 19 per cent over the past 12 months, following a 2020 drop in housing costs that saw rentals with a median price of $370 per week. Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) Victoria has analysed Victoria’s top ten hotspots for rental increases since the RBA started lifting interest rates in May last year. Inner East Melbourne tops the list with ten-
Mr Perdriau warns against landlords passing on financial strain to their tenants as a result of the rate hikes. Picture: GENERIC ants paying $111 extra in rent per week since May - a 22.3 per cent increase. Regional Victoria is also feeling the pinch, with renters in North East Victoria paying an extra $36 a week. Vacancy rates across Victoria remain well below two per cent making it even harder for renters to find a home, much less one they can afford. The analysis comes as CHIA Victoria launches its budget submission for the Victorian Government, which includes a call for $6 billion for a Social Housing Investment Fund to provide a long-term funding pipeline for social housing growth. CHIA Victoria acting chief executive officer Jason Perdriau said as a matter of urgency, the Victorian Government must significantly top up its investments in social housing. “A lack of affordable housing supply is a primary driver for soaring rents in Victoria,“ he said. “But the rise in interest rates isn’t helping right now. “Landlords can pass on their financial
pain to tenants. “On top of this, higher interest rates are softening the demand for new housing construction. “The most effective solution to create more housing supply for Victorians who need it most is by increasing the number of social and affordable houses. “Now’s the perfect opportunity for the Victorian Government to commit to a $6 billion Social Housing Investment Fund as its historic Big Housing Build winds down, and more Victorians experience housing stress. “Victoria has the lowest proportion of social housing in the country. “Meanwhile, three areas within Melbourne are among Australia’s top ten regions with the highest number of households facing unmet need. “An investment of $6 billion will deliver 20,000 social homes over the next decade - a third of what’s required to hit Infrastructure Victoria’s recommended target. “This boost would make a huge difference to many Victorians who are doing it tough.”
Open
Victoria Police are investigating a “suspicious“ three-car fire at a private tow yard in Kirkham Road, Dandenong South. Fire Rescue Victoria crews were called out about 5.18am on Thursday 16 March, finding three cars alight outside a police holding shed. Police were required to force entry for FRV crews to access the property. “The event escalated to an extra pumper, and a Community Warning was issued for smoke in the area,” an FRV spokesperson said. A Victoria Police spokesperson said several cars were damaged, with some minor damage to a building. There were no injuries. “Victoria Police has a contract with the business and some vehicles are stored there while investigations take place. “Investigations are ongoing into the exact cause of the fire which is being treated as suspicious at this stage.“ Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic. com.au
Day
12583486-JC12-23
6 STAR JOURNAL
|
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Jail for Medicare fraud By Cam Lucadou-Wells A receptionist at a Noble Park North medical clinic has been jailed after defrauding more than $180,000 from Medicare. Sarah Naomi Ward, 31, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to lodging more than 1600 false patient claims for medical consultations that didn’t occur while working at Melbourne Digestive Centre in 2019-‘20. For more than 12 months, she pocketed $181,121 – about $3417 a week – in her name and her husband’s name. In sentencing on 17 March, Judge Geoff Chettle said the “gross” betrayal of trust was motivated by “greed not need”. Ward had told a psychologist that she was inadequately paid and wanted to keep up with her affluent friends. The mother of two wanted new clothing for her children, and a better car. The offending occurred just a year after completing a “relatively lenient” community corrections order for a similar $29,000 fraud while working at Cabrini Health in 2015. Being undeterred by the CCO, Ward required a significant jail term for her serious, repetitive, sophisticated and planned offend-
ing, Judge Chettle said. When the Department of Health received a tip-off in 2020, Ward initially stated the patient claims were for “training purposes”. After being sacked by the clinic, she has
since been employed at a psychology practice. Up until now, her new employer hadn’t known about her criminal history, Judge Chettle noted. Ward’s barrister submitted she had been suffering from personality disorders, chronic
social anxiety and low self-esteem due to childhood difficulties. “This manifested in a preoccupation to show people that she was successful and to keep up with the affluent lifestyles she observed on social media,” a psychologist stated. At the time, she was “increasingly stressed by her workload and resentful, believing that she was not being paid appropriately given how much she was working”. Raised in Endeavour Hills, Ward grew up in a family with serious financial issues, with her gambling father spending money impulsively. Her mother and father separated just before her Year 12 exams, causing her great anxiety. Judge Chettle noted Ward’s early guilty plea, her family’s support, court delays and her full repayment of the defrauded funds – which was a sign of “contrition”. Her rehabilitation prospects were “reasonable” if she got treatment for her self-centred traits, the judge said. Ward was jailed for two years, but to be released after 12 months on a recognizance release order, which is a good-behaviour bond. Corrections Victoria has allowed Ward to bring her 12-month-old infant with her into custody.
Dandy winners ride luck in lottery blitz Greater Dandenong residents seem showered with luck with a string of recent lucrative lottery wins. A Noble Park man in his 20s pocketed more than $1.8 million after making a rare TattsLotto ticket purchase. He was one of three division-one winners in the 11 March draw.
“I’ve been staring at my ticket all night. This is life-changing! “My guts were telling me last week that I was going to win something. I don’t know why. “So, I set up an online account with The Lott and bought three lottery tickets. This win was on the third lottery ticket I bought.”
Meanwhile, a Dandenong woman now knows her husband as a “lucky charm”. Thanks to his advice she jackpotted $100,000 in a Lucky Lotteries super jackpot draw on 14 March. And a Dandenong man discovered a $250,000 top prize on a $10 instant ScratchIts ticket bought at Dandenong Plaza Lotto.
One Day Only This Coming Tuesday 1pm to 4pm - Dandenong North Senior Citizen Club - cnr Latham Cres & Curtin Cres (28th March 2023) Phone: 0481 290 411 12594445-JB12-23
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
|
STAR JOURNAL 7
NEWS
Riders on the rise By Sahar Foladi
Traditional dancers in front of a massive crowd in Dandenong Park on 19 March. 324044
Pictures: ROB CAREW
Masses of delight By Sahar Foladi The famous Nawroz Festival saw a huge turnout as always on Sunday 19 March in Dandenong Park. President of VAAN Nazir Yousafi said the event attracted groups from across Australia with singers and performers from Sydney, Geelong, Shepparton and other parts of Victoria who made it to the event. Live music, performances, drama, fashion show, karate and physical activities kept everyone entertained on the day including Member for Bruce MP Julian Hill and councillors. This year’s festival was first after a pledge of $30,000 grant for the festival over the next three years was announced last year. Mr Yousafi said the $10,000 every year for the next three years will be used for increased security and cleaning staff. Bruce MP Julian Hill made the announcement on 27 March during last year’s Nawroz festival in front of the 8,000 people crowd. Mr Hill said, “I’m proud to represent more people born in Afghanistan than any other MP in Australia, plus many people from Iran. “Of course while Nowroz is a celebration, we must also remember that many people are worried about the safety of family and friends in Afghanistan and Iran and miss them even more at this time of the year.” As Taliban have taken rule over the country, there will be no sign of celebrations of Nawroz in Afghanistan. “This festival was an opportunity for those to celebrate it in Melbourne,” Mr Yousafi said. Newly arrived migrants also had the chance to celebrate this year’s Nawroz festival. Nawroz literally translates to ’New Day’ a widely celebrated event as the New Year and to mark the first day of spring. Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and much more Central Asia celebrate Nawroz. Different ethnicities and religions therefore have slightly different traditions, spelling and pronunciation of Nawroz. Dressing up in cultural dresses, having a feast with family and giving out gifts are also among common practices. The abolishment of temporary protection visas announced by the Albanese Government on 13 February will make for another reason to celebrate hard while prayers are with everyone back home in Afghanistan. 8 STAR JOURNAL
|
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster. 324044
Nawroz was celebrated with gusto. 324044
An entertainer signals to the huge crowd. 324044
The numbers of bicycle riders are on the rise post Covid in Greater Dandenong but gaps remain in the bike-riding network. According to Garry Brennan from Bicycle Network, riders are increasing year by year. “Our membership is growing in the Greater Dandenong and surrounding areas particularly as the population ages more people are retiring and looking for healthy activities.” The completion of the path on Dandenong railway line between Yarraman station and Central Dandenong is a “priority project” for the network. “There are plans for it to be continued into central Dandenong. The City of Greater Dandenong has completed visibility studies on the route that it will take and it’s awaiting funding by the State Government.” City of Greater Dandenong’s engineering director Paul Kearsley said the council is advocating to the Victorian Government for a number of major cycling infrastructure projects. “Council is also seeking funding to address gaps in the Eastlink Trail, along the Cranbourne Rail line and surface upgrades to the Dandenong Creek Trail in Bangholme,” Mr Kearsley said. The council is considering ongoing funding for its cycling infrastructure through its Active Transport Infrastructure Priority Program for 2023-’24. However, for Mitchell Wood PE teacher in Keysborough Secondary College there are not enough bike lanes and crossings for students to ride their bicycles to school. “There are not as many bike lanes around the college as I would like for our students. A couple of major roads like Chandler Road should have bike lanes but don’t.” The school is encouraging students to use active alternatives to get to school ahead of the upcoming National Ride2School annual event. “There are also not many crossing options for our students to walk their bike over. There’s more improvement that could be done,” Mr Wood said. This could be one of the many reasons why there’s only eight schools out of 99 schools in Greater Dandenong registered with the Bicycle Network. Keysborough Secondary College Acacia campus, Keysborough Gardens Primary School, Dandenong South PS, Dandenong North PS, Springvale Rise PS – Springvale and Heights campus, Carwatha College P-12 and St Gerard’s PS are the only ones registered. Similiarly, the council’s Get Active Get Moving initiative for an active and healthy community in Greater Dandenong has only 12 schools registered. The “considerable gaps” in bike infrastructure network are meanwhile being filled opportunistically. “Whenever there’s a rail, road or water project the authorities will attempt to construct a path for cycling and walking at the same time,” Mr Brennan said. “There are projects in the east where new biking infrastructure is being provided but we have some time to go before all those components are connected together.”
St Gerards Primary School Ride to school day. L-R Jacob, Sophia, Anita and Hirdey. 270596
The Afghanistan national flag. 324044
Dancing with joy at the Nawroz Festival. 324044 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
12589248-JC12-23
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
|
STAR JOURNAL 9
LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 15 March 2023 Seaside Tram Facilities From time to time for years past the question of a tramway from Dandenong to the nearest seaside resort has been discussed and arguments advanced in support of such a project. The present would appear to be a most opportune time to again open up this important question, not only in the interest of the people of Dandenong but on behalf of the residents of towns on the main Gippsland line and South Eastern line. At present, on hot summer nights, and Saturday afternoons and Sunday the only means of reaching any of the beaches on the St Kilda or Brighton seashore is to go right into Melbourne, and then take the risk of a long wait owing to the overcrowded trams. To get to the seashore on the Mordialloc- Frankston line means chang-
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
ing trains at Caulfield. The sooner Dandenong gets to work the sooner will the Seaside Tram become an accomplished fact.
50 years ago 13 March 1973 Mayor blasts float cost critic The Mayor of Springvale, Councillor Bill Warner, has blasted fellow councillor Tom Rose for his comments on council’s decision to spend $1,700 on a float for a pageant in Dandenong. On Tuesday Councillor Rose criticised the decision to spend the money on the float, to be entered in a “Pageant of Progress” in Dandenong on Saturday May 19. Councillor Warner yesterday described a claim by Councillor Rose “that council was heading for bankruptcy if it continued to spend money so extravagantly“ as “utter nonsense”. The Mayor said Councillor Rose’s incorrect view and statements are a gross
injustice to all council members and city ratepayers. The “misguided and mischievous comments” were due to Councillors Rose’s “very limited experience in local government matters and more particular his inability to grasp the financial ramifications of a multipurpose business having a turnover in excess of $3m a year and serving a population of 65,000 people“.
20 years ago 17 March 2003 Heads Roll Incumbent Casey council Mayor Graham Smith was one of three councillors who lost their seats in Saturday’s local Government election while his Greater Dandenong counterpart Paul Donovan was re-elected. Two former Casey mayors, Ron Mantel and John Hastie were defeated by Colin Butler and Roland Abraham respectively. In Greater
Dandenong councillors re-elected were John Kelly, Roz Blades, Paul Donovan, Maria Sampey and Naim Melhem. In Dandenong Ward, Geraldine Gonsalvez relinquished her seat to former Dandenong mayor David Kelly. Keysborough South, vacated by Dale Wilson after his shift to State Parliament, went to Peter Brown. In Springvale South, Yvonne Herring lost to Clare O’Neil. Crs Angela Long (Lyndale) and Kevin Walsh (Noble Park) were reelected unopposed.
5 years ago 19 March 2018 Crime’s big drop Crime dropped dramatically in Greater Dandenong over the past 12 months, latest figures show. The crime statistics showed a 12% drop in recorded offences for Greater Dandenong, equating to a 14% drop per 100,000 population.
INTERFAITH
Seeking out Songlines, more than just maps to places By Knowles Tivendale, Friend Of The Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network I believe we should live in peace, and in harmony with nature. Diverse opinions are the essence of creativity. True knowledge comes from scientific approaches, shared wisdom, and genuine twoway engagement. I’ve recently been reading about Songlines. Songlines are an ingenious way that indigenous Australians store and retain knowledge ensuring survival of Australia’s many cultures over more than 40,000 years. Songlines are more than just maps to different places, although they can perform that purpose. To western thinking Songlines provide the equivalent of holding a Google search engine in your head – without all the conspira-
MESSAGE OF
HOPE cy theories and other junk. They are like a sophisticated version of the way a good blackjack player remembers cards, and they already help all of us remember important pieces of information for ever (like the alphabet or times tables). By encoding information into mnemonic devices based on places we are familiar with, we can all improve our ability to remember things.
Songlines go further to incorporate unimaginably large amounts of information that can easily be remembered through songs, dances, ceremonies, stories, landscapes, the stars, the gaps between the stars, and artworks. This method of storing and teaching information is much more helpful and fun than just writing in a book, storing that on a bookshelf and forcing a few people to read it. There is a new set of books being released about the First Knowledges contained in Songlines so that uninitiated people can read and explore the depth of insight contained within them. They will cover six topics starting with an understanding of the memory system. This will help all of us store and access our knowledge in a more efficient manner. Having an effective memory is very power-
ful, and exercising the most powerful memory systems can help us use and retain our brain power for longer. Making good decisions today and avoiding dementia later in life, both rely on memory systems that leverage the environment we inhabit. Using Songlines will help us all to understand and learn from those who know all about the Country and climate we live in, and will help each of us, live happier lives. I encourage everyone to seek out the knowledge from our local Bunurong Songlines and find the depth of knowledge we need to protect our Country, live in harmony with nature and each other. Enquiries about the Interfaith Network: executive@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662
NEWS
Sleep well for wellness By Sahar Foladi Not many people may know about World Sleep Day on 17 March but if you do then good on you. World Sleep Day’s theme for this year is that sleep is essential for health. The annual event is used to highlight and remind about the importance of sleep, although it’s a natural part of a human lifespan. Dr Stephanie Yiallourou a public researcher from Monash University has spent more than 20 years looking into the studies of sleep and its effects. “When we don’t have a good night’s sleep it can affect our daytime functions, mood, decision making and cause excessive daytime sleepiness. “There’s a physiological effect of sleep too. It increases our risk of obesity, cardio vascular disease, diabetes and we now understand its role in dementia as well.” Generally a good night’s sleep is associated with the duration of sleep however Ms Yiallourou says good sleep has to be sufficient in quality as well. “You can have sufficient duration of seven to eight hours but you may have poor quality sleep within that. Duration and quality is what we recommend for healthy sleep.” The effect of a lack of good sleep is so great the impact can be apparent immediately the next day. “If you have a poor night’s sleep that can impact you the next day, it can increase your blood pressure. It can also impact the way your body metabolises energy the next day. For instance, the following morning it will affect how you metabolise your blood sugars.” Going to bed on time and waking up on time is also vital for our bodies. To understand 10 STAR JOURNAL
|
Dr Stephanie Yiallourou from Monash University talks about the importance of sleep. the importance of sleep in leading a healthy life, it’s also important to know the significance of factors such as timing and duration of sleep. “Timing matters because our sleep-wake cycle can effect our internal body clock. A lot of our body systems, cells in the brain and body functions to this biological clock. “If your sleep-wake patterns are out of sync then you can put this body clock out of sync as well and it can have an impact on the way your body functions.“ It’s common to not be able to fall asleep whether that’s due to stress, mundane thoughts or something else. So what can be done if you can’t sleep at night? That’s a question commonly asked of
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
Ms Yiallourou. “If you can’t get to sleep one recommendation is don’t lie in bed thinking and trying to sleep, creating the angst of trying to get to sleep. “One thing you can do is get out of bed in a dark environment, sit still and don’t do anything that will arouse you in any way and when you’re ready to go back to sleep, head back in the bedroom. “You need to associate the room and the bed with sleep and sleep only.” According to Sleep Health Foundation if you face difficulties in falling asleep you can try to do the following: Talk to your GP
·
· Don’t try too hard to sleep, let sleep come to you. · Know sleeping tablets aren’t as helpful as you may think. · Make sure not to drink too much alcohol or
caffeine. CEO of World Sleep Foundation Moira Jung said the foundation has been celebrating this day through workplace presentations, social and traditional media. “It’s been going since 2008 and it’s an initiative of the World Sleep Society. It’s an important day worldwide to celebrate sleep and to raise awareness of how important it is for health,” Ms Jung said. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Hub’s timeline recedes By Cam Lucadou-Wells Fears are rising that Greater Dandenong Council is set to further delay its Dandenong Community Hub project. On 20 March, councillors were set to be briefed on several concept designs for the hub at Clow Street, Stuart Street and Sleeth Avenue. This is after another round of community feedback – the third since council decided to proceed with the project in September 2021. Meanwhile, works that were expected to start in 2023-’24 have been pushed back to 2024-’25 “subject to funding”, according to the council’s project website. Councillor Jim Memeti says council officers have advised that the hub will be “hard to deliver” at the same time as other major projects, the $22.9 million Keysborough South Community Hub and the $98.4 million Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, he said. The council faced challenging financial times, including “tripling interest rates” but he urged his colleagues to “not lose hope”. He said the council should “hang back a while” and seek state and federal funding when detailed designs were done and the project was “shovel ready”. “When the time comes, we can advocate for funding. We will be able to deliver this but it won’t happen for a few more years.” Dandenong Community Association spokesperson Silvia Mastrogiovanni said residents were concerned about the lack of progress. “There are rumours that the project may be put on hold or have features like children’s services taken out of it. “Dandenong residents are finally expecting progress after waiting 16 years since a community hub was first proposed. “Now is not the time for more delays.” Ms Mastrogiovanni said $400,000 in de-
Dandenong Community Association spokesperson Silvia Mastrogiavanni with families on the site Pictures: ROB CAREW of the proposed Dandenong Community Hub. 322322
Silvia Mastrogiavanni, Tina Congues and Peta Rose want a larger Dandenong Community Hub playground, which would sprawl over an existing car park and a recently-acquired property in Stuart Street. 322322
The design should match the large playgrounds at Springvale and the under-construction Keysborough South hubs , Ms Mastrogiovanni said. Speculation rose about a more sprawling, single-storey hub design after the council bought an adjoining private house at 2 Stuart Street for $1 million-plus last year. Councillor Rhonda Garad said: “It would
be a brave person to say when the Dandenong Community Hub will be built. “We will certainly get it to the design stage this year and leverage that to get funds from other sources. “It’s a hard environment to be building big projects. Other council’s aren’t building major projects right now.”
tailed design funding was allocated in the 2022-’23 council budget “so why isn’t Council getting on with it?” Residents rejected a double-storey proposal in favour of a single-storey model, but wanted two “critical issues” fixed – a bigger playground and a central foyer linking children’s services and the community wing.
The Autumn Edition of your favourite family magazine is out now... Pick up a printed copy of Casey Cardinia Kids Today Magazine from outlets everywhere. Or, read the full digital edition as it appears in print now!
Scan the QR CODE
OR VISIT: caseycardiniakids.com.au/digital-editions dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
|
12594114-MS12-23
Read it now
STAR JOURNAL 11
NEWS
Premier opens NPAC gym Noble Park Aquatic Centre’s major upgrade is now complete and it’s a treat for the eyes. Member for Mulgrave and Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews visited the iconic Noble Park facility to officially open the centre’s gymnasium with $3.3 million funding from Labor Government. The project delivered a two-storey redevelopment to the Aquatic Centre with new community gym, personal training and group training space with more than 80 pieces of equipment, fitness rooms, member lounge, dedicated women’s and men’s accessible change areas. This upgrade complements other projects in the works to transform Ross reserve as part of the Labor Government’s investment of more than $1.6 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014. Mr Andrews said, “The Noble Park Aquatic Centre is a local icon and a fantastic facility. This upgrade provides even more health and recreation opportunities for our community, close to home.” “We’re creating more opportunities for people to get active close to where they live and work.” The completed all-abilities playground, new basketball court and jogging track funded by a $3.05 million investment and a new synthetic grass soccer pitch ad news sports pavilion currently underway with $2.85 million contribution from the Government. With several clubs including Springvale City Soccer Club and Sandown Lions Football Club based at the reserve, the new synthetic soccer pitch will provide an extra field to cater for growing demand. It includes fencing, two coaches and a competition grade lighting allowing for night matches and training. The pavilion will provide local sports clubs with six female friendly change rooms, umpire rooms, three first aid rooms, storage and a canteen.
City of Greater Dandenong Mayor and councillors were presents at the opening of the new gymnasium.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster with Premier Daniel Andrews at the opening.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Premier Daniel Andrews pictured with City of Greater Dandenong CEO Jacqui Weatherill.
Peter Rabbit
Subscribe to the
Dandenong Star Journal
Digital Edition
FREE DANDENONG
Tuesday, 26 October, 2021
DANDENONG
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
/DandenongJournal
@StarJournal_SE
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Home grown Halloween park
Sri Lankan cricket star signs
PAGE 3
PAGE 5
PAGE 10
SPORT
/DandenongJournal
@StarJournal_SE
Living treasures named
Oasis marks 30 years
The Dry actor in profile
City’s historic clash
PAGE 7
PAGE 8
PAGE 11
SPORT
40¢ Inc. GST
SIGN UP NOW!
12476975-LB02-21
Residents objections dismissed
12496498-DL22-21
Beloved egg farm folds
Tuesday, 2 February, 2021
40¢ Inc. GST
Second go at life
Selba Luka, centre, receives her award from Mayor Angela Long and Deputy Mayor Sophie Tan.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells Twanny Farrugia has made it his mission to
Pictures: HAS MEDIA
Selba (front) and volunteer Veronica in the Afri Aus-Care veggie garden. The organisation provides cooking classes for vulnerable members of the community. 213664
City’s top citizen
complex grieving process for donors’ families. “Out of one person, you have seven trans-
By Danielle Kutchel A tireless champion for African and CALD communities has been named Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year. Selba Luka, founder of Afri-Aus Care, received the award at an invite-only event at Springvale City Hall on Tuesday 26 January. She admitted the award was a total shock, but a welcome one, and dedicated it to the community, staff, volunteers, supporters and
NOW OPEN
sponsors of Afri-Aus Care. Born in Malawi, Ms Luka often says her heart is in South Sudan as she works closely with the south-eastern South Sudanese community. Afri-Aus Care was born of her experiences when she arrived in Australia, where she experienced difficulties and hardship in her first years in the country. The not-for-profit provides mental health
5 AM - 11:30 PM 7 DAYS • CARD • COIN • MOBILE PAY
We’re here to keep your car running.
African women who are new to Australia and need assistance to find employment and learn English. Many of these women are survivors of domestic abuse, and Afri-Aus Care provides mental health support too as they build a new life. Speaking at the Australia Day ceremony, Ms Luka said she was honoured to have received such a prestigious award. “May we continue to be united. Dandenong is a great city to be,“ she said.
NOBLE PARK LAUNDROMAT
Scan this QR code to subscribe
support, outreach and skills development for members of the African and CALD communities. It works closely with youth offenders, providing them with a pathway out of these behaviours and into a more positive contribution to society. During the pandemic for example, ex-offenders helped create food hampers and deliver these to the most vulnerable in society. Afri-Aus Care also works with “the mamas“,
Affordable and Compassionate
12520897-BL46-21
DANDENONG
Order now on aussietoysonline.com.au
Or visit dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/subscribe 12578474-ET46-22
12 STAR JOURNAL
|
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Dandy: City of inactivity By Sahar Foladi Staggering statistics reveals City of Greater Dandenong as less active than the national and state averages. According to the Heart Foundation, Greater Dandenong sits high with 78.2 per cent doing insufficient exercise across the municipality despite the council’s efforts. With more than 90 schools in the municipality only 11 have registered in council’s Get Active Get Moving initiative. Deputy mayor Lana Formoso is passionate about physical health as a PE teacher and an advocate for physical activity. “We need to collaborate with school and community groups directly for programs like ‘Get Active, Get Moving’. How are we going to change our current statistics if we only have 11 schools participating out of 99 in our munici-
pality? We need to do so much more to ensure everyone that lives, works, studies and plays in Greater Dandenong are being more active. Health is wealth.” According to Health Foundation, Greater Dandenong has high numbers in almost all of the heart disease risk factor categories. It beats the national and Victorian rates for smoking by 3 per cent, sitting high on 18.9 per cent. Also, 23.5 per cent have high blood pressure while the national average is 22.8 per cent and Victoria’s 22.7 per cent. Mortality rates from coronary heart disease in Greater Dandenong from 2012 to 2020 was 63.3 per 100,000 residents - less than the national figure of 63.8 but higher than the state rate of 60.2. Cr Formoso said these figures are “no surprise”. “I wish organisations like HF would work a lot closer with our community to improve our
health outcomes. Tobacco use and gambling harm all perpetuate this issue as well. I got on to the council to ensure our community had the best possible health outcomes with appropriate programs, facilities and strategies.” City of Greater Dandenong is also one of the many municipalities hit hard with gambling losses in the state. $102 million was lost to 924 electronic gaming machines at 14 clubs and pubs in Greater Dandenong in 2021-’22. This is the second highest rate of gambling losses per adult in Victoria, twice the state average and equates to the cost of feeding 39,000 children for an entire year. More recently, losses to electronic gaming machines surged after the Covid lockdowns rising last year by $10 million and projected to increase to $120 million in 2022-’23. City of Greater Dandenong community director Marcus Forster said the council ac-
knowledge the low physical activity trends but with programs and Make Your Move Physical Activity Strategy it aims to change the narrative. “A survey of Greater Dandenong residents conducted in 2019 identified a number of barriers to participating in physical activity, including lack of time or motivation, affordability and safety concerns. The actions arising from the strategy seek to overcome these barriers to participation, and are to be achieved via promotional and educational campaigns. Ultimately providing free and low-cost options for our community to be active and to enhance safety in our parks, reserves and recreation facilities. The proposed Dandenong Wellbeing Centre (DWC) - new Dandenong Oasis - is also promising to set a new benchmark for aquatic centres, with a targeted focus on health and well-being,” Mr Forster said.
Get Active Get Moving message aims at schoolchildren By Sahar Foladi A Get Active Get Moving campaign coincides with Ride2School on 24 March encourages schools to use healthier and active source of transportation to and from school. The campaign encourages students across the City of Greater Dandenong Primary Schools to walk ride or scoot to and from school. There are 11 schools and 3,612 students registered to participate some of which are, Lyndale Greens PS, Dandenong West PS, Dandenong North PS, Wooranna Park PS, St Mary’s PS, Dandenong South PS, St Anthony’s PS, Keysborough Gardens PS, St Eliza-
beth’s PS, Dandenong PS, Dandenong South PS and St Joseph’s Primary School. The competition amongst schools will reward the most active school or class to go in the run to win great prizes. First five schools to register in the campaign will also win $100 Rebel Sports voucher. An average a Melbourne family can save up to $80 per day by using walking or biking as an alternative. Through minimising the use of a car, not only does it hold great health benefits for children to walk to school but it’s also environmentally and cost friendly.
Currently, transport sector is responsible for the 25 per cent of the global carbon dioxide emissions and only 45 per cent of Australian adults meet recommended physical activity guidelines. This year Keysborough Secondary College students will be among over 350,000 students across the nation to ride, walk or scoot to and from school. The school has fun activities planned for the day which includes, smoothie bike, slow race and more. with plans to step up their bike facilities. Visit Get Active Get Moving in March | Greater Dandenong Council for more information on how to enter.
Keysborough Secondary College, Shivom, Andy Rae, Amy, Blake and PE teacher Mitchell Wood set for Ride2School day. 322602 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Become a foster carer
12568605-JW37-22
Play a part
Play a part today. Call 1800 013 088 fosteringconnections.com.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
|
STAR JOURNAL 13
FREE Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Dandenong Star Journal or Endeavour Hills Doveton Hallam Star Journal from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week!
ONG FEBRUARY
10, Tues 2021 \ day, STARWEEKLY 22 Marc h, 2022 .COM.
dandenong
.starcom
12477071 -CG03-21
Little Ind ia masterpla n reveal JA ed f £ PAGE 3
om.au
/Dandenon
gJournal
Celebratin Harmony g Day
fn¹Ǥ
AU
munity.c
@StarJo
Vale Alfr ed ‘Alf’ Goldburg
8-DL22-21
PAGE 7
PAGE 11
1249649
EVERY WEEK
DANDEN
urnal_SE 40¢ Inc.
GST
Local sta rs set for VFL season SPORT
Photos te your stor ll ies
Valour r e
warded
By Cam Luca
dou-Wells
Wyndham to enter an residents are being invited which aims amateur photo comp to showcase etition toget
her durin how local A quick-thin s came Non-profi g the COVID-19 driver out king hero who pulled a for Australast group, Bridge Buildpandemic. nong Southof her burning vehicle in dazed Wyndham ia (BBFA), is runn ers tion for Bravehas been awar ing the ded a Com DandeConduct. Stronger 2020 & Beyond, You, mendaChris Wilto Together Me, n, from comp by Manor his way to Rowville, Lakes Com etition, supported had been initia 2015 - “halfwork about 6.20a muni tive ty Fund, on of the m on asleep and an BBFA presi Dennis Family needing 3 September When the Corporatio dent Melb the group car crash mechanical engin coffee”. n. a Waug eer saw a Hammon on Dandenong document organised the phot h said multid Bypass o contest how Wynd went from Road intersectio near the a community to ham stood n, thing “zero to s quickly 100”. He spott The comp during the pand strong as ed a wom that had residents etition, for Wynd emic. slammed an, ‘Emily’, still aged 18 ham in and moun into to images and older ted the medi the back of anothher car , whic is open er car an strip. “I saw flame hope, coura h tell a visua l story of s coming Mr Wilto or patience ge, innovation, resili out of the n said. and must ence bonnet,” “I This between was photo Marbie, taken yellingofout January 2020have been taken get out of of my wind in a Hopp No digita the car.” and Marc ers Cross ow for her l phot Emily was to ing backyard, Cash prize o editing is allow h 2021. shocked, has been vated airba on March s are on offer. Entried. submitted g as fire spreafrozen under to the comp 31. an acties close Mr Wilto d under etition. (Suppl Details: the vehic was jamm n tried to open ied) wixsite.co https://bbfaustralas the car door le. ed. m/mysite ia. but it The car Australas , ia on Face Bridge Builders for presence was in drive. Mr wynd book of mind Wilton had ham@gmai or email to to pull on bbfa. l.com the the hand lean through the brake. window “Come on, we’ve got he By Ales urged to get out theha Cap drive of the car,” r. one He mana ged to unco herSome undeWyn “is behaving r herdham counuple her seatb fire elt, grab and lift like cillor fortestheirarms Minu hersfree haveofcome Others liken a petulant child behathe later, viour the car. at as.publi flame under show ”. ed the meet cardurin Just cbefor meeteing wasg aengu heate . “Som ing d last on the the emer to deba lfed eone Coun their Tuesd acquisitio genc scene in te pass the popc cillor favourite ay. y servi . s have been The deba like governmen n of the site for orn”. te Mr Wilto childnren describedces arrived reme and as behaving Szatkowski attemerupted when cars mber byaroun Education t school; and for couna future state being viewe ed there Cr Robe a “petu pted drs motion, put splitt Mini at the watch werelant other time. ing The a lotchild broad It also stated ster James Merl cil to write to Cr ing the motion forward by to split a notic rt the drive cars of ” five cast meetrsing were live stand ino. and e separ on Faceb Szatkowsk of as it the bypa ing ook. two At one on the other the was ChrisThe ate motions for Cr Josh Gilligan, of support for the that council shou ss, havin i has “receraised concerns that dollars point into g amayo ld reiterate councillor site Wilto chat.r moti force “No d n on conc one its Tarn of donations from ived thousands s to vote on. that council shou to remain a site Adele Hege side of to inter the inters else ject. Road, whicnear erned land was awar for a eit linked of the car,” the state dich ld remain the over relian n’sat 203 h was earm ectio The he member of debat said. “concernedschool; e Woo of atofutur medids e deterioratee that Emily was inwas have Cr Szatk to this motion”. think arked for centr ce of the priva “I was the e abou landwhere abou non-gover owsk pron constructi an strip t it – Inmen d and tryin into uncia Trug just “It deliv he g bicke to tion rescu acted anina wave outaccus er schools te sector to acqu t a matter of publii stated the dona ring over hope was likePreci t schoo of a down the fire, . l unde on to consi I saw councillor ire Gillig ationbut nctsome tions are work’s utes in Wyn der how ed a dazed Strucone driverdham of abusi no one r the stage nameto, and would tureneed an to “pron c record. He then from ”;a and this may Rega pulled over.” ve langu Mr“I’m putan haveAsit repor Plan. tedbebywhat rdles ed help. Wiltoappa burni s of age s, relate ounc ng asked n’s the Star the the being done car. clear e my surna After Schools4W lled by Weekone saved 272006 event was to any futur Victo in rian thinkbeha trying to ging for Mr the same some comm ly inelse woulI’d chanThe Emily ing may used. me corre Cr yndham persp ents’s made motion Wilto Civil life. posit It turne mber d , Pictu advocacy. ion.”AdmSepte ective- e twice, Cr Gillig say Cr Szatk and naldhas also n. re: owsk tone and Tribu by some viour,well “It just “As soon GARYi’sSISS ctly”. viewe out given unde called the the rtake r stated an make people tonig have a large inistr as I .saw some crash for brave to divid ONS first the had the coun ative happ a sstrate you think part me ry. comm instead addressed surna develbeen name e the fallin ht”, lookenatat how oper cause one in the “Communi site endation. that ing g from any point gic plann permdission him by his into 227 anything cil to “Speaking road. the the resid car, I didn’one the by CathAs it could backentia .” canto was As the farEduc olic He’s ing to conti deba like adults” ty are interested plann of a ltruck as Mr kept contr put in placereview over lots, after Wilto ation indthe rightteher in touch in adults behav t and its drive agree on her the, years raise wrote anoth nued n know Offic mentrtohave not ols with a point place Cr Saha stron e pulle , it’sna forwelfa s, d around er, and that the just like I Emilsites non-regover ing of order at the right in the been ident outtruck y, checking ger ofMr a schoo of an they Cr Gillig build Wilto one councillor mon “usin esh nmen accus time. Ram l thereified. g nabusi was ve infratext on for Austr t ths nated schoo after the desig onelangu each struc of 46 peoping Cr ”Gilligan Sarah Connan’s motion called . chamber”. crash alian Brave sary each ture.other on the ls and comm, and age inle anno for unity olly to be Cr ry decoration year. the coun unced Two asked to publiTarneit MP origi Gillig an She nominaterescue’s anniverThe mayo bravery cil s this mon lists r said Gove nal notic described cly support Mr Wilto thed chan th. sheare was rnordidrecomhear said,Gene mend “but ral tofor He quest e of motion as “ridic ges n ed ly by the not his Deco exact if there towhat ration the you Austr ioned Cr ulous was s pleas Coun alian any languBrave ”. e refraincil Szatkowsk each year. ry from age, can i’s moti Coun using
Council ‘soap op era’
We’re op
en to ke
12480371
-DL06-21
ves for
ep
cillor it again”. separate motis voted on Cr Szatkowsk ons.
455 Balla
your car All were passed. i’s five PURCHA SE ONLIN running. E ON 9792 NO W OPEN NTA 5835 & CO OR CO LLECT AT CT US STORE
YOUR FIN STORE FOERASIAN FOOD DANDEN Cnr Franks ALL YOUR ONG ton-DandeGR OC nong PH: 9792 NE RdER WE STOCK THA &Y Zen 5835 aut ithEDS. I, FILIPINO, obarn BUR Rd
Shop T3A, Manor Lake Manor Lakes Cent ral E: lawule@g s (Next to Man or Lakes mail.com Medical P: 0433 Centre) 572 664
n Road,
MESE, CHINESE .co AND m.a MANYuMOR KOREAN, E!
12532456
-HC04-22
Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • Dandenong Coles Express 61-65 Cheltenham Road • Dandenong United Service Station (Pie Face) 100 Cheltenham Road • Dandenong Dandy Mart 17 Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong Market 40 Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong RSL 44-50 Clow Street • Dandenong India Bazaar 77 Foster Street • Dandenong Dandenong Oasis Heatherton Road & Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong IGA 78-84 Hemmings Street • Dandenong Dandenong Neighbourhood House 34 King Street • Dandenong Well Springs for Women 79 Langhorne Street • Dandenong Remax Real Estate Shop 14, 30-32 Langhorne Street • Dandenong Bestway Supermarket 200-208 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong City of Greater Dandenong 225 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Creston Real Estate 264 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Hall & Partners First National 254 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Drum Theatre Lonsdale Street & Walker Street • Dandenong Dandenong Plaza 23-55 McCrae Street • Dandenong Coles Supermarket 23-55 McCrae Street (Dandenong Plaza) • Dandenong Rockyz Mini Mart 10 Princes Highway • Dandenong LH Fresh Supermarket 169 Princes Highway • Dandenong Caltex Dandenong 154-156 Princes Highway • Dandenong Coles Supermarket Dandenong 23-26 Princes Highway • Dandenong Genesis Fitness Club Dandenong 63 Scott Street • Dandenong Valley Village Mews 112 Stud Road • Dandenong Dandenong Basketball Stadium 270 Stud Road • Dandenong Caltex Star Mart Stud Road & Heatherton Road • Dandenong Dandenong Lotto 308 Thomas Street • Dandenong Gulistan Supermarket 187-189 Thomas Street • Dandenong Quest Hotel 2-Oct Walker Street • Dandenong McLennan Real Estate First floor, 126 Walker Street • Dandenong North Foodworks Dandenong North 42-44 Brady Road
• Dandenong North Dunearn Pharmacy 11a Dunearn Road • Dandenong North Coles Express 166 Heatherton Road & Stud Road • Dandenong North BP Service Station Heatherton Road & Stud Road • Dandenong North Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club 41a Latham Crescent • Dandenong North FoodWorks Menzies Cellars 52 Menzies Avenue • Dandenong North Menzies Milkbar 64 Menzies Avenue • Dandenong North IGA Friendly 54 Outlook drive • Dandenong North Liberty Fuel 182 Stud Road • Dandenong South Georges Lunch Box 22a Amberley Crescent • Dandenong South BP Service Station 175-187 Greens Road • Dandenong South Lunchmaster 3/491 Hammond Road • Dandenong South Kirkham Road Milk Bar 102 Kirkham Road • Dandenong South Woolworths Supermarket 81-125 Princes Highway • Dandenong South Shell Service Station 50 South Gippsland Highway • Dandenong South United Petroleum 314 South Gippsland Highway • Dandenong South Caltex Service Station 275-295 South Gippsland Highway • Dingley Village Dingley Village Newsagency Shop 2/79 Centre Dandenong Road • Doveton Doveton News and Lotto 7 Autumn Place • Doveton Bottle O 2-Apr Linden Place • Doveton Shell Service Station 48 Princes Highway • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue • Endeavour Hills Woolworths Service Station Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) • Endeavour Hills O’Brien Real Estate Shop PS 5A Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) • Endeavour Hills Coles Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre • Endeavour Hills Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre • Endeavour Hills 7 Eleven Endeavour Hills Cnr Heatherton Road & Power Road • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Milk Bar 13 Gleneagles Drive • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Medical Centre 61 Heatherton Road • Endeavour Hills Liberty Service Station 13-17 Heatherton Road
• Endeavour Hills Ocean Blue Milk Bar 90/92 John Fawker Drive • Endeavour Hills Nicholls Gledhill Real Estate 2 Raymond McMahon Boulevard • Eumemmerring Atura Hotel May-17 Doveton Avenue • Eumemmerring Caltex Woolworths Service Station 40/44 Princes Highway • Eumemmerring BP Service Station 60-64 Princes Highway • Hampton Park Hampton Park Library 26 Stuart Avenue • Keysborough Caltex Keysborough 248 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Parkmore Shopping Centre 317 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Barry Plant Real Estate Shop 1,320 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough 7 Eleven Keysborough 309 Cheltenham Road & Cnr Kingsclere Road • Keysborough Woolworths Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough Coles Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough O’Briens Real Estate Shop 6, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough City of Greater Dandenong Shop A07, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough Michaels IGA 466 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Keysborough Learning Centre 402 Corrigan Road • Keysborough Foodworks Keysborough 285-289 Corrigan Road • Mulgrave Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre 271 Police Road • Noble Park Sandown Park Hotel Corrigan Road • Noble Park Coles Supermarket 1 Douglas Street • Noble Park Noble Park Newsagency 22 Douglas Street • Noble Park Harvey Real Estate 26 Douglas Street • Noble Park Century 21 Real Estate 38 Douglas Street • Noble Park Ray White Real Estate 42 Douglas Street • Noble Park Caltex Woolworths Heatherton Rd & Chandler Highway • Noble Park Noble Park RSL 1128 Heatherton Road • Noble Park Lucky Star Lotto 1268 Heatherton Road • Noble Park Cellarbrations 3 Leonard Ave • Noble Park Noble Park Aquatic Centre 9 Memorial Drive • Noble Park Noble Park Community Centre Memorial Drive (Ross Reserve) • Noble Park Noble Park Bowls Club 56 Moodemere Street • Noble Park Barry Plant Real Estate 390 Princes Highway • Noble Park Harrisfield Milkbar 519 Princes Highway
• Noble Park North Halton Road Milk Bar 65 Coolavin Road • Noble Park North Jan Wilson Community Centre Halton Road (Barry J Powell Reserve) • Noble Park North Jacksons Road Service Station 139 Jacksons Road • Springvale Century 21 Real Estate Shop 5-6/64 Buckingham Avenue • Springvale Springvale Shopping Centre 46-58 Buckingham Avenue • Springvale KFL Supermarket 46-58 Buckingham Avenue (Springvale Shopping Centre) • Springvale Springvale Learning & Activities Centre 1 Osborne Avenue • Springvale Springvale RSL 23 Osborne Avenue • Springvale Caltex Woolworths Springvale 102 Police Road • Springvale Aobao Milk Bar 106 Police Road • Springvale Savemore Supermarket 774 Princes Highway • Springvale Coles Supermarket 825 Princes Highway • Springvale Sundowner Caravan & Cabin Park 870 Princes Highway • Springvale Springvale Neighbourhood House 46-50 Queens Avenue • Springvale Biggin Scott Real Estate 363 Springvale Road • Springvale Raine and Horne Real Estate 236 Springvale Road • Springvale Woolworths Supermarket 302 Springvale Road • Springvale Springvale Newsagency 321 Springvale Road • Springvale Springvale Library 411 Springvale Road • Springvale City of Greater Dandenong Customer Service Centre 397-405 Springvale Road • Springvale South Southvale Newsagency 565 Springvale Road • Springvale South Koh’s Marketplace 162-170 Athol Road (Athol Road Shopping Centre) • Springvale South BP Service Station Springvale Road & Clarke Road • Springvale South Springvale Plaza Pharmacy and Tattslotto 3/800 Heatherton Road (Springvale Plaza) • Springvale South BP Springvale 974 Heatherton Road • Wheelers Hill Mulgrave Country Club Wellington Road & Jells Road
Scan this QR code to Subscribe for FREE now! Or visit: starcommunity.com.au/subscribe 12542625-JW13-22
14 STAR JOURNAL
|
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Trades
V Handy Persons
Placing your classified advert is so easy...
DANNY THE HANDYMAN LOCAL HANDYMAN
Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au
ALL HANDYMAN SERVICES • CARPENTRY • PLASTERING / GYPROCK Free Quotes • PAINTING • GUTTERING/CLEANING Fully insured
(include your name, address and phone number)
12577964-AI46-22
V Deadline
NO JOB TO BIG OR SMALL
We accept payment by: VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS
Call Danny 0470 472 850
(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office)
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE V Heating
Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...
Pensioner Discounts • Brivis Gas Ducted Heaters • Daikin & Rinnai Splits • Installs - Service - Repairs • Duct inspections & Repairs
12435758-CG03-20
Deadline for all classifications is 3:30pm Friday.
Hot Winter Specials
V Air Conditioning
NEED A LOCAL HEATING, COOLING & HOT WATER REPAIRER?
REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212
12581420-AV49-22
• Service and repairs to ducted heaters and evaporative coolers • Gas ducted heating changeover units • Carbon Monoxide testing • Installations & supply of split system heating & cooling • Service, repairs and replacement of hot water services
9702 4410 www.fairbairns.com.au
V Painters/Decorators
34 years experience
12560928-HC35-22
Credit Card Welcome
• SPECIALISING IN ALL TYPES OF CONCRETING/ CONCRETE PATTERN, SLABS • FOUNDATIONS ETC. • ALL DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL
L&L ELECTRICS
QUALITY HOME CONCRETING No job too big or too small Free quote • Compare our prices!
9795 4247 0407 324 768
★ V Drafting
NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL FREE QUOTE ANY TIME RING 9700 4378 C63804-BG25-8
Footings, garages, v crossings, drives, paths & patios. In plain, colour, slate or stencil. Also drainage, saw cutting, 3T excavator, bobcat & tip trucks. NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL
V Electricians
12390512-ACM24-18
Andrew Craven Concreting www.andrewcravenconcreting.com.au
Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.
Plastering Painting and Tiling • Professional and reliable • Pensioner discounts • Instant quote via MMS Call Keith 0432 480 865 for a free quote
General Notices section of Network Classifieds.
PROFICIENT PLASTERING AND PAINTING
Jason 1300 644 698 REC: 21625
12590410-AV07-23
Support your local tradesman for ALL your concreting needs!
24 HOUR SERVICE
C1085227-JO32-13
t 6OJU 4JUFT t (BSBHFT t %SJWFXBZT t 1FSHPMBT t 1MBJO $PMPVSFE t 4MBUF *NQSFTTJPO t 'BVY #SJDL t &YQPTFE "HHSFHBUF
★
V Fencing & Gates
J.L. Hutt Electrical
Ring Jim for a free quote 0417 054 198
Phone Andrew on
G6102263AA-dc17Jun
garages and carports. Phone BARRY 9704 0148 After 6pm
MEB & SON CONCRETING
Call Frank on 0411 370 252 V Plasterers
Call Chris: 0416 079 689 - 5940 7264
DRAFTING All residential houses, extensions,
0408 585 508, 5998 1127
All Types of Domestic & Commercial Work
12535782-JC07-22
G5790601AA-dc18Feb
A & F CONCRETING
• Interior & Exterior • Domestic & Commercial Over 30 years experience • Honest and reasonable prices
12586981-AV04-23
V Concrete Products & Services
AA & F&D UNITED PAINTING SERVICES
V Electricians
All Domestic & Commercial Electrical Work All workmanship comes with a lifetime Guarantee Call our team today for a free quote!
03 9069 9660
smillieelectrical.com.au *Seniors discount available
12481388-NG07-21
LIC. 33033
1198421-ACM37-15
V Concrete Products & Services
PLUMBING & HEATING
www.settlementplumbing.com
12438941-CG04-20
Sൾඍඍඅൾආൾඇඍ
12541726-HC12-22
Steve on 0407 704 213 BRIVIS / VULCAN / BONAIRE / BRAEMAR Specialising in air conditioning and heating
ALL TYPES OF GATES & FENCES • Automatic & Sliding • Ballustrading • Pool & Garden Fencing FREE QUOTES
• 9791 9877 • 0411 636 400
Find local work in the
Employment section of Network Classifieds.
SAXON FENCING Palings, Pickets, Colorbond Fences & Gates Prompt and Reliable Service
Phone 0419 775 259 or 8751 4016
C1101420-JO46-13
12565561-AV35-22
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
|
STAR JOURNAL 15
V Plumbing
V Public Notices and Event
General Classifieds V Adult Services
1 HOUR EMERGENCY PLUMBING SEWER BLOCKAGES – MACHINE CLEANED
ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS STANDARD RATES ON WEEKENDS gjlawplumbing.com.au 7 DAYS 0419 136 181 - 0419 136 151
COURTNEY Very attractive 30 yo Australian girl. Flirty, fun, and friendly. Phone 0423 280 892
NEAT PLUMBING SERVICE Lic. Number 27186
ESCORTS R US
Hot Water Specialists Blocked Drains
Mention this ad for $10 discount New Ladies from 5pm
No Job Too Small
Ladies Welcome.
0417 382 700
MY SPACE - FULL BODY CARE Full body relaxation massage by young and mature asian female therapist. Shower facility. Vanity Crt, Room 33, 249 Lonsdale St, Dandenong. Katie 0402 420 986. 0431 156 192. Open 7 days.
ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE
12579674-JW48-22
12577486-AV46-22
20 Years’ Experience - 12 Year Warranty All types of render, bricks, blueboard, foam, hebel, acrylic texture colour. Free Quotes
Rainbow Club $110/ 30mins
12561969-JC32-22
Domestic & Commercial
Call Joe 0419 275 645
Open 7 days
joesamar@yahoo.com V Roofing
★★Replace CleaningRoofs/Gutters/Downpipes Roofs/Gutters/Downpipes ReplaceBroken BrokenTiles Tiles ★★Cleaning ★ Re-Bedding & Pointing ★ Roof Spraying (3 coats acrylic paint) & Pointing ★★Roof ★★10Re-Bedding Year Guarantee FreeSpraying Quote (3 coats acrylic paint) For a free★quote Free phone Quote Carlos ★ 10 Year Guarantee 10% discount
Chris:9700 0410 584 435 Mob: • Carlos:0414 0414 393 393 700 Ph: 7098 700
12475470-JW51-20 G6032580AA-dc24Jun
Reg No 082 1317E
ROOF RESTORATION
48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B Find it in the
Real Estate
section of Network Classifieds.
HC Tipper Driver
Workers required for waffle pod slabs. Immediate start. Must have white card Contact: Patricia McKay 8759 1703
V Tuition PRIVATE Mathematics Tuition I am an experienced tutor available for year 9 to VCE Further and Methods 1 & 2 face to face. Mobile: 0490 704 754
• Must have license • Experience necessary • Reliability a must
Hallam location Send your resumes to pa@fiorelligroup.com.au 9703 2011
SUPER SERVICE BIN HIRE
V Accommodation
2 CUBIC METRE BINS FROM $180 BIN SIZES 2-3-4-5 AND 6 CUBIC METRES UNWANTED CARS REMOVED FREE FAST FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT SERVICE
ROOMS AVAILABLE, Single rooms. Gents only. 48 Hammond Road/45 Hemmings Street, Dandenong. Ph Daniel 0417 336 906.
9793 9970 - 0419 514 977
V Television/Video/Audio
ANTENNA MAN
Send your resume to pa@fiorelligroup.com.au
9703 2011 12595440-SN12-23
Buy & Sell in our
Motoring section of Network Classifieds.
ENDEAVOUR HILLS. Person to share with female, spacious 2BR unit, close to shops and public transport, including utilities. $200pw. Please Phone: 0431 321 116.
CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE! networkclassifieds.com.au V Positions Vacant
NEED Find it in the
Old Cars Removed
DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS
WE PAY YOU
$$$
0409 888 228 12469374-CG46-20
For Any Old Car TODAY
V Tiling
Trades & Services
NEW STAFF?
section of Network Classifieds.
Fill your position online
0425 702 776
ECONOMY BATHROOM RENOVATIONS • Bathrooms • Toilets • Kitchens • Laundry • Tiling • Decks • Water proofing • Walls and Floors
www.networkclassifieds.com.au
LMCT 10227
12593017-FC10-23
12589182-FC06-23
9703 2011
• Casual position • Hallam Location
V To Share
V Auto Services/ Repair
OCR
HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS
If this sounds like you call us on
Counterbalance
Motoring
SAME DAY SERVICE
• Min 2 years experience • Good time management skills • Confident on the road • Able to work well under pressure
Forklift Drivers
Real Estate
V Rubbish Removal
HC Truck and dog driver for transport of quarry products in the south east suburbs. Call Dave 0413 999 894
HR DRIVER DOUBLE DEEP REACH TRUCK DRIVER POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
swa224c
V Positions Vacant
Concreters and Labourers
V Pets & Services
9775 3210
Oz Rendering
12386255-DJ19-18
ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.
www.escortsrus.com.au
V Rendering
V Positions Vacant
12423634-SN31-19
V Massage Therapists
12565959-HC35-22
1158529-PB42-14
1172347-DJ07-15
Employment
12593074-AA10-23
General Notices
12595441-AV12-23
Trades & Services
Free Quotes
Call 0432 550 066 or 8707 5522
Find local work in the
Oakfern Tree Care P/L Pruning Removal Stump Grinding
12595260-AP12-23
C316291-KK18-5
V Tree Lopping/Surgery
Phone Geoff 0418 340 825 Fully Insured
STAR STAR
Pakenham Gazette Berwick / Cranbourne / Pakenham Star News
Pakenham Gazette Dandenong Star Journal Endeavour Hills Doveton Star Journal Berwick / Cranbourne / Pakenham Star news
Employment section of Network Classifieds.
General Classifieds section of Network Classifieds.
networkclassifieds.com.au
ADVERTISE UNTIL SOLD*
$
29 .00
• All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication. • After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear. • The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item. • Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer. • The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain. Run my advert in: 2 papers - $7 extra 3 papers - $14 extra 4 papers - $21 extra 6 papers - $30 extra
ADD A PHOTO FOR AN ADDITIONAL $8.00. 12593772-AA11-23
16 STAR JOURNAL
|
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
WHAT’S ON Women in the Art Game
Keysborough’s Big Picinic
Join Dr Rebecca Coates, an accomplished museum director, curator, public speaker, writer and lecturer, as she shares her thoughts on Women in the Art Game. Thursday 23 March, 6pm-7pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free, registrations required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/ thoughts-women-art-game-dr-rebecca-coates
Bring your picnic blankets, chairs and snacks for a day of free activities for all ages. Join in at the annual Easter egg hunt, animal nursery, pet photo booth, fun library activities, face painting, sports and games. Food stalls and trucks available. Sunday 2 April, 11am-4pm at Frederick Wachter Reserve, 133-155 Kingsclere Avenue, Keysborough.
·
·
Easter bunny The Easter Bunny will be hopping into Dandenong Plaza giving out free Easter Eggs at Easter time. BYO your phone for a fun social media ‘selfie’ with the Easter Bunny. Thursday, 6 April to Monday, 10 April (excluding Good Friday, 7 April), 11am-2pm at Dandenong Plaza. No bookings required, free.
Know your Waste Services Informative workshop on City of Greater Dandenong’s household and hard rubbish collections. Find out what to do with extra waste that can’t go into any of your household bins or the hard waste collection. Friday 24 March, 12pm-1.30pm at Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free, registrations required. Details: 8571 1702 or wasteevents@cgd.vic.gov.au
·
·
Thai Chi and Awareness Meditation CommSafe forum
Keysie Easter Market The Keysie Market - The Easter Edition features live entertainment, stalls and delicious food. A fun day out with friends, family and neighbours. Dogs on leashes welcome at this outdoor market. Sunday 26 March, 10am-2pm at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. Details: Shirlene Allison, 0424 392 560 or shirleneallison@gmail.com
·
Sunday Jazz Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon filled with great food, coffee and the smooth sounds of the Jennifer Salisbury Jazz Duo performing on the Cafe Vita deck at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. From 12pm-3pm on 26 March at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, 600 Princes Highway, Springvale. Details: 8558 8238 or info@cafevita.org.au
·
‘That Made Me Laugh’ Join us for this new workshop where we will enjoy poems, riddles, comics, jokes, puns and short texts. Come along to have a laugh and a coffee. You are welcome to bring your own material to share that made you laugh but is not necessary. Monday 27 March 10.30am-11.30am at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. Zoom is also an option. Gold coin donation welcome.
·
el, with questions taken from the audience. Registration is a must, send your details and any dietary requirements to DANCOMMUNITYENGAGEME@police.vic.gov.au Wednesday 22 March 9am-12.30pm at Tatterson Park Pavilion, 62 Chapel Road, Keysborough
Victoria Police invites the public to talk about topics such as current crime trends, crime prevention, young people, family violence, road policing, drugs and drug-related crime. The forum will be run by a Victoria Police pan-
·
Bookings: Jo or Tayla, 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au
Our Beat
Neighbourhood Watch public forum Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch is holding a public forum including safety information and a Q&A with guest speaker Sergeant Andrew Nisbet from the Victoria Police Forensic Unit. Andrew has worked on many major crime scenes, his presentation is not to be missed. All residents welcome from Springvale, Noble Park, Keysborough , Bangholme and Dandenong. Wednesday 29 March 2023, 7.30pm at Paddy O`Doughue Centre, 18 -34 Buckley Street Noble Park. Details: president@nhwgreaterdandenong.org or visit nhwgreaterdandenong.org
·
1973 centenary exhibition ‘Optimism, Opportunities and Achievement’ reflects on the 1973 celebratoins of the Centenary of Local Government in Dandenong. 29 March-31 May, Wednesdays-Fridays, 10am2pm at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Stret, Dandenong.
·
·
International comedy festival For one-night only the Drum Theatre will play host to Melbourne International Comedy Festival acts Bob Franklin, Dane Simpson, Hannah Camilleri, Nick Schuller and DeAnne Smith. Recommended for people aged 16 years or older. Saturday 1 April, 8pm at Drum Theatre, cnr Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong; $35/$30 (concession)/$28 (members)/$18 (under 30’s). Details: 8571 1666 or drumtheatre@cgd.vic. gov.au
· ·
V
@PakenhamGazette
/PakenhamBerwickGazette
All roads
Star News Group seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
art galIn late June, plans to build a $50 million art - alongside lery - with $500 million worth of in the semia restaurant and function centre approved by rural suburb of Harkaway were the State Government. opposed But local residents, who have long say they the development of Rosemaur Gallery, the decision. are “surprised and saddened” by resThe approved plans for the gallery, cater for a taurant and function centre will with up to maximum of 300 patrons at a time, quarterly 580 patrons permitted during large events. STORY PAGE 3
Crackdown on hoons in South East
BERWICK
• Attractive hours and hybrid work
Thursday, 4 August, 2022
St Clare’s Primary School Officer Foundation students and teachers of are celebrating reaching 100 days learning in the classroom. as Students enjoyed dressing up 100 year olds, with props of pearls, sushair rollers, walking sticks and penders donned for the special day. a The students celebrated with singshindig that involved dancing, berwicknews.starcommu 100. nity.com.au ing, colouring-in and counting to STORY PAGE 18
Pleas for a school crossing supervisor
has reAn adjustment to policing methods number of sulted in a dramatic drop in the South East, hooning events in Melbourne’s charges laid. and large numbers of arrests and Police From January to July 2021, Victoria events reported 40 to 50 large-scale hooning region, inin industrial areas within the SD3 Areas of corporating the Local Government
/berwickstarnews
Community rallies around bookshop
Avery and Brooklyn colouring-in. 291782
Cardinia. Greater Dandenong, Casey and @StarNews_SE 40¢ Inc. were just GST In the same period in 2022, there
Dream come true for Elvis
two reported events.
Kucks legacy lives on
STORY PAGE 7
Still hot proper ty Dogged by Covid area Pakenham is proving to be an appealing prices remain for first home buyers as house suburbs closrelatively low when compared to
er to Melbourne’s CBD. unit price The annual pace of house and and surgrowth is easing across Melbourne
PAGE 8
Domain’s June rounding suburbs, according to Quarterly House Price Report. said Ray White Pakenham’s Gavin Staindl in Pakengrowth had declined marginally ham. in Paken“We’re in a very affordable area
12419558-CG23-19
buyers it’s quite appealing.” increase, With interest rates continuing to to borrow as first home buyers won’t be able much as they would have previously.
WE CAN SOLVE ALL YOUR TECH PROBLEMS
DESIGNER By Eleanor Wilson EYEWEAR
12511715-JW36-21
City of Casey. Frame & Lenses Jake Cini, who owns dog training + business ir o n d P aPooches, F R E E S e cPower said preventing
Servicing All Makes
contactless pick-up and remote services.
dog attacks from occurring “has to start with education”. He said the wave of ‘pandemic pets’ who had not been socialised as puppies was an issue that couldn’t be ignored by owners or council. “I can’t believe there has been no mention
25-35 Narre Warren Cranbourne Rd, NARRE WARREN
(03) 9113 4616
CRANBOURNE
STORY PAGE 5
US HILL EAM
e Au t o m otiv ★ SPECIALISING IN TOYOTA ★
A Berwick dog trainer is calling for increased education and training for dog owners and their pooches following a series of recent dog our attacks in the We come to you or can help through
$249*
Star News Group is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The Cardinia Foundation was established in 2004 with the vision of building strong, healthy and diverse communities. In partnership with the Cardinia Shire Council, the Foundation primarily supports local NFP groups in the provision of Grants including older persons, disability, disadvantaged, youth, arts, environment and men’s health across the Cardinia Shire region.
SPORT
ham,” Mr Staindl said. closer to “You can travel into Berwick or as much but the city and you’re paying twice four-bedroom here in Pakenham, you can get for around houses under 10 years of age of first home $600,000 to $650,000, so for a lot
S
12496498-DL22-21
PAGE 5
(03) 9705 1511 CALL Thursday, 4 August, 2022
contact@synergyitservices.com.au www.synergyitservices.com.au
1070238-EP1613 1071494-LN18-13
PAGE 3
from
·
• Positively impact the local community
$50m gallery approved
100 days celebrated
For all ages, experience and abilities. Mats and other equipment available. No Booking required. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am-10.30am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $5 per class or $40 for 10 classes. Details: programs@nobleparkcc.org. au or 9547 5801
• 2 part time/1 combined role
PAGE 17
PAGES 14-16
Yoga Classes
Positions Vacant
Star News Group
$2.50 Inc. GST $2.00
Join the CFA family
Search for loved ones
Bookings are open for Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network’s 2023 public tours to places of worship on Wednesdays 14 June, 9 August, 11 October, and 13 December 2023. Each tour features trips to four diverse places of worship for $25, plus a lunch for a $10-15 donation. Payment of $25 is required prior to the tour to confirm your booking. Details via the Interfaith Network’s Community Education Officer, Stacey Odwazny at education@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.
Print and Online Sales Executive
2022 June, 2021 August, Wednesday,330 Wednesday,
Berwick-Pakenham
berwick.starcommunity.com.au
Places of worship tours
Place your ad in print and online www.networkclassifieds.com.au
Positions Vacant
V
·
The Drum’s Our Beat is returning in 2023 with a block party in Crump Lane, Dandenong. It’s a place to meet local music makers and creatives, with always space in the program to come and sing, dance or make jokes. Thursday 30 March, 6.30pm at Crump Lane, Dandenong. Free, no registration required. Details: 8571 1666 or drumtheatre@cgd.vic. gov.au
Employment
Tai Chi is a form of physical exercise aiding health and relaxation, following Shibashi DVDs to stretch the body and move into a state of calmness followed by Awareness Meditation. Meditation harmonises the body, brings stillness and connects the soul to meaning. All welcome to join us for one or both of these workshops. Mondays, 2pm-2.20pm (Tai Chi) and 2.30pm3.30pm (Awareness Meditation) at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong (excluding public and school holidays). Gold coin donation is welcome. Bookings: Jo or Tayla, 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au.
“We all know people who bought dogs during Covid who couldn’t be socialised due to restrictions, yet our council properly does noth-
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
is not the case at
Two dogs were seized by Casey
Council7 ofPAGE
40¢ Inc. GST
education for dog owners.
City of Casey manager of safer communi10 PAGE ties Daniel Osborne said the matter remains
12496498-DL22-21
PAGE 2
if they SPORT find themselves not contained to their property, which can lead to instances of dog attacks. “Keeping your dogs securely confined to your property, and ensuring they are always under effective control when out, are key measures to keep your pets and the community
He said pet registration fees help council provide a number of services, including reuniting lost pets with owners, investigating dog attacks, puppy farms, and prosecuting of-
in schools on safety around animals. But Mr Cini said he remained sceptical about council’s investment in education for dog owners. “A lot of people are misinformed about the reasons their dog might have social issues,” he said. “We have to have proper education programs...why not give [owners] a quick online test or a copy of the legal requirement of owning a dog when they register their pets?” In 2020/21, there was a total of 237 reported dog attacks in the City of Casey, 151 of the attacks on dogs and 51 attacks on humans.
GP Run cancelled Mr Osborne added that registrations
fees
BABY SEAT FITTING CALL TO BOOK:
9705 8800
DANDENONG
Cranbourne High Street shopping precinct in Gippsland before proceeding down the South Highway for the big race. PatterCity of Casey chief executive Glenn a number of son said the council attributed was not made factors to their decision, which lightly. the signifi“Council has taken into account the disruption cant costs of running the event, aware of the to local traffic and we are also of Cranfrustration experienced by a number disbourne businesses, who face considerable seeing ruption due to the road closure, without said. an increase in patronage,” Mr Patterson dandenong.starcommun budget and ity.com.au “We will be retaining this event another comare investigating options for area that ofmunity event in the Cranbourne to benefits more fers greater enjoyment and to be anresidents and ratepayers, with details 199533 The last Cranbourne GP Run in 2019. nounced at a future date.” 60 per The City of Casey said approximately and they’ll be spendwas required will be at Phillip Island, cent of the $93,000 event budget money down there instead.” of the PAGE 2 South Gippsland ing their to manage the closure that4Casey would have PAGE He said he hoped Highway for the event. too late, allowing the Motorcycle a “re-think” before it’s Victorian the from Eacott John two-year absence. “extremely event to proceed after a VictoCouncil (VMC) said the council was decision. “It’s not just locals and people within disappointed” with the City of Casey’s thing. Peoconstantly ria who attend - it’s a nation-wideSouth Wales, “The VMC had years of working Queensland, New from come ple said. get-towith the City of Casey,” Mr Eacott South Australia. The GP is an annual 12496498-DL22-21
Fresh faces at Lyndale Secondary
Cops seize hundreds of cannabis plants
Hazaras reclaim their identity
12554647-SN25-22
on the fivethe same period in 2021, and seven year average. Speaking on those events, Superintendent John Road Policing Operations & Investigation as a “worryFitzpatrick described the increase of the vulnering trend” and issued a reminder abilities of motorcycle riders. some of the “These figures are alarming and coming is that AUTOBARN anecdotal evidence that we see to sitting out of Covid-19, people aren’t used NARRE WARREN and they’re Cnr Narre Warren in traffic for long periods of time Nth & maybe alchoosing a mode of transport that Lauderdale Rds Tuesday, 9 August, 2022 Fitzpatrick lows them to (avoid) that,” Supt said on Saturday 23 July. on motor“We’re seeing many more people bikes than we’ve seen ever before. a bike, it’s “Driving a motorcar and riding a shared responsibility about understanding what’s around where you are on the road and sensible about you. We ask people to please be they ride mothe way they drive and the way torbikes.” of President of the Cranbourne Chamber to decision Commerce Jeremy Dart said the the given “short-sighted”, cancel the event was to take missed opportunity for local traders /DandenongJournal @StarJournal_SE of the increased patronage. advantage 40¢ Inc. GST feedback While the Chamber has received aligning with from some retailers in the region to the Casey’s hypothesis that the disruption was problematic, riders and roads and their businesses options ness of the relationship between he was disappointed that alternative vehicles. approved. to see how had not been to the “We need to encourage people “It does bring significant numbers a valid form of transport. two-wheelers arePAGE the specific precinct,” Mr Dart said. 9 road-user region and SPORT would “We’re the most vulnerable “To allow a different model to exist with pathThere are plenty of group. Pedestrians are protected bike lanes. be a much better option. High Street) that ways and crossings; cyclist have back (of the traffic but facilities out the festival still. We’re out there in the middle of would allow them to still have a congestion).” road (to solution a it would we are such “Had there been some foresight, focus in re The issue has come into sharp
Rangers search for answers
The end of an era
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Husband and wife, principal and assistant principal.
“It’s a big deal. They really love it,” she says. “Everyone needs to be acknowledged at least one day a year.” Her husband and principal Kevin says it goes to how much the school’s team cares. Next term, the couple will face their own special day – their last day at the school that they have served for such an extraordinary time. Mr and Ms Mackay have been there for 39 years and 36 years, respectively. All up, their teaching careers have spanned 60 years and 45 years.
WINTER 2022
On 4 October, they will mark their retirement with a massive ‘general assembly’ at Dandenong High School hall. Kevin and Jenny Mackay have served Mr Mackay OAM said it would Dandenong North Primary School be the first as principal and assistant principal assembly since the Covid pandemic’s for nearly four decades. 292591 start. “It’s been an enormous part, where Picture: GARY SISSONS I get to food parcels or writing to government teach all the kids for half an hour. agen- follow each other to Dandenong We’ve missed cies on their behalf. North Pri- the best teachers I’ve that, so it will be good to have a met. mary School. last one. “And that kids know that you like “As the school became more complex “It’s going to be hard to avoid tears.” them. You Alarm bells rang for the newly-appointed over have staff here that care about many years, Jenny’s experience has them – they’ll principal Mr Mackay In their time, the school has built helped adwhen an envi- ask the kids to ‘tell me more’. They go that extra pointed to join the school. his wife was ap- dress the complexities. able reputation to bringing out the mile. best in from more than 50 diverse backgrounds. kids “From the synergies of effort you Mr Mackay worried about how get more “I think all the Dandenong schools to handle bang for your buck do a ter- the potential conflicts Its cutting-edge programs have than just two people. We’re of interest and staff dis- more been docu- rific job at that.” like two-and-a-half.” mented in award-winning films. harmony. While deputy principal at Clayton Meanwhile, Ms Mackay Primary What makes the school special “We made it work,” he said. “And School in the 1980’s, Mr Mackay thank God cipal as an “incredibly describes the prinmet a first- she was appointed “warmth”, Ms Mackay says. The school is its creative and lateral here. ensures year teacher Jenny. thinker” who will always look for the families get what they need a better way “My – whether it’s job is to get the best teachers I possibly of They of course later married, and doing things. were to can to work with the children. Jenny is one of Continued page 10
Together we are better with
STEVE BIDDULPH Berwick family’s
The juggle
is real
We’re open to keep your car
Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
running.
PURCHASE ONLINE OR CONTACT US ON 9792 5835 & COLLECT AT STORE
DANDENONG Cnr Frankston-Dandenong Rd & Zenith Rd PH: 9792 5835 autobarn.com.au 12532456-HC04-22
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
Fundraising Manager
Executive Officer
Reporting to the Chair, the Fundraising Manager is a highly influential role and will be the face of the organisation. The appointee will create comprehensive campaigns, build social media and brand awareness across the community.
Reporting to the Chair and working closely with the Fundraising Manager, the Executive Officer will provide administrative and financial stewardship, risk and governance advice, and secretariat service to the Board.
The aim is to generate revenue and a significant corpus through liaising with key stakeholders and leveraging strategic partnerships to produce sustainable philanthropic contributions for the community.
If you are interested either of these exciting roles, please contact Peter Dakin on 0408 330 046 for a confidential discussion, visit our website www.dakinpartners.com.au/job board for the full job advert and to apply.
Real Estate
Employment
section of Network Classifieds.
section of Network Classifieds.
ADVERTISE with us and get better results dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Responsibilities include policy and procedure compliance, IT and database systems, general administration, regular reporting and advising on Foundation outcomes and revenue generating activities.
12592729-ET09-23
@StarNews_SE /Cranbournestarnews “Most people see a wagging tail munity.com.au and they Power Pooches’ Jake Cini and Sasha, cranbournenews.starcom think of a happy dog, but that who are advocating for increased
underwent a six-hour operation Exciting 240150 for injuries he dog rushes occur when “I want to be able to walk down Gracious dogs are not contained were also the street sustained in the attack. Successful used for education programs on Eagles to their property,” he said. reOlympian and not have a fear of dogs rushing us or ownThe school girl and her parents Grigson sponsible pet ownership, including are underroad shows “Dogs that have not been adequately crackdown stood to be mentally shaken by add pace so- and events, the Maternal and Child the attack, but inspires Tooradin backcialised with It comes after a series of dog attacks gives Health other animals are also more likely Centre’s in the are grateful their dog and daughter We Are Family program and education on hoons are alive. to demonstrate aggression students
12562641-JW32-22
“They provide no education whatsoever, yet they have thousands of dollars in pet regMr Cini, who started his dog training ness after noticing the need for specialisedbusiservices for his dog Sasha, said he had personally offered to provide free training for dog owners to prevent dog attacks in the municipality, but
CALL 1300 666 808 Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
|
STAR JOURNAL 17
SPORT
Back-to-back for Bloods By Marcus Uhe Springvale South are premiers of DDCA Turf 1 for the second-consecutive season after defeating rivals Buckley Ridges by six wickets in Saturday’s grand final at Arch Brown Reserve. A Damien Fleming Medal-winning performance from all-rounder Blade Baxter saw the Bloods keep Buckley to 147, before he and Cam Forysth added 60 for the final wicket to complete the chase in the 37th over. Hot and windy conditions confronted both sides on Saturday morning, with Buckley captain Ben Wright choosing to bat first as the temperature quickly reached the mid-30s. Yoshan Kumara got his side off to an excellent start with the ball, removing Daniel Watson in the second over LBW for just one. Much like in the semi-final contest between these two combatants, it was Jake Cronin and Jayson Hobbs who mounted a charge for the Bucks. The two batted patiently before Cronin started to free his arms after a handful of overs. The right-hander, who has taken to Turf 1 cricket with aplomb late in the campaign looked to up the tempo, hitting Kumara for two boundaries with lofted off drives in the sixth over and clipping balls straying to his leg side exquisitely off his pads. A wayward over from Matt Wetering allowed Hobbs to find his feet, hitting three boundaries with some lofted on drives as the two looked to settle-in for a long stint in the middle. But as he has time and time again for the Bloods, it was Jarryd Straker who provided the crucial breakthrough that set things in motion for his side. Cronin was stumped by Paul Hill on 42, off Straker’s bowling, and soon after, Hobbs departed for 35, as Jackson Sketcher combined with Straker to put the clamps on in the middle overs. 1/82 with two set batters at the wicket had become 3/98 with two players starting their innings in a short period of time, as the experienced pair of Mahela Udawatte and Ben Wright looked to restart the innings. Their 27-run stand was brought to a close by a superb Mitch Forsyth catch on the square leg boundary, running to his right and taking the ball over his head in front of Buckley Ridges supporters off a well-struck slog sweep from Wright. The batting innings never recovered, and panic began to set-in, no better encapsulated than Hadigallage Jayaratne’s run-out by Josh Dowling on a questionable second run. The final seven wickets fell for just 22 as Buckley limped to 147. Straker (3/34) and Baxter (3/26) did the major damage for the Bloods, with Sketcher chipping-in with two of his own. Needing 3.2 runs per over to win, Jordan Mackenzie and Mitch Forysth made a composed start to the chase, happy to get their eyes-in and see off the new ball. Forsyth fell victim to an incredible catch
Jordan Wyatt and Ryan Quirk raise the premiership cup with coach Darren Arter. 324303
The victorious Springvale South side with their new silverware after defending their DDCA Turf 1 premiership. 324303 Picture: ROB CAREW
The celebrations begin for Springvale South.
from Troy Aust, diving to his left down the leg side to grasp the ball one-handed off Jayaratne, and it was nearly two in two balls, with Jordan Wyatt dropped at slip by Matthew Goodwright off his first delivery. Dropped catches hurt Buckley when the two sides met in round 12, with Wyatt hitting 81 after he was given a life on that occasion. An appeal for LBW off his third ball was turned down, but Buckley would have felt they were in the contest, and had their tails up. But fielding mistakes would plague Buckley once again. Goodwright dropped another difficult chance off Wyatt that would have gone down in folklore had it been taken, forced to leap and turn his body in mid-air, before Hussain Ali misread the bounce of a ball hit straight to him on the boundary to turn a single into a four, to the fury of Michael Davies. Goodwright looked to make-amends by snaring another one-handed catch to remove Wyatt, but the nonchalant celebration suggested that he knew the damage had been done.
very well, and Sketch (Sketcher) followed him. “It just shows the depth of our side; if we’ve got ‘Sketch’ as our sixth bowler and just doing what we’ve done, it’s fantastic.” Darren Arter, who won back-to-back premierships as a player-coach for the Bloods in 1991/2 and 1992/3 seasons, was proud of his side’s ability to withstand a late-season stumble to defend their title. “It’s just relief that the boys still had the hunger after last year,” he said. “I’ve seen it all year long, but it’s a long season to be up the whole time. “They dropped off a bit but found a way again. “They’re experienced, good cricketers, quality cricketers in this side. I don’t do a great deal, they know it themselves.” In a sign of the tight-knit culture and bond at the club, Arter presented his medal as premiership coach to Quirk, who steered the side to an unblemished home-and-away season before succumbing to injury in the finals campaign.
Mackenzie was stumped on 41 by a superb piece of work from Aust, standing-up to the stumps for Jayaratne and removing the bails while off-balance having reached to the leg side, and when Sketcher’s brief innings came to a close on six, things were beginning to look a touch shaky for the defending premiers. But with their deep batting line-up and a small total to chase, the calm heads of Baxter and Forsyth ensured there was never any danger, with a Forsyth sweep into the boundary enough to send his teammates and supporters in the W.J Williamson pavilion into raptures. Wyatt, the captain in the absence of Ryan Quirk, was full of praise for his bowling group, who set the tone for the victory. “That bowling group is the best bowling group in the comp,” the premiership captain said. “At 1/90 I thought, ‘We’re in a bit of strife here, we need to tighten the screws and build some dots on them’, but the boys bowled very well. “It started with Blade, he bowled very well, and then Strakes (Straker) came on and bowled
324303
Southside scorched by Fire in grand final series opener By Marcus Uhe It’s win-or-go-home for the Southside Flyers on Wednesday night in their WNBL grand final series against Townsville Fire after suffering a thumping defeat in game one on Saturday night. Having qualified for the series by the barest of margins, with a thrilling one-point win over the Melbourne Boomers in game three of last week’s semi final series, the Flyers were burned by the Fire to the tune of 31 points, going down 94-63. The atmosphere of a fever-pitch orangeladen crowd of more than 3700 at the Townsville Entertainment Centre helped the Fire open a commanding lead early in the game, finding the basket with ease to quickly double the Flyers’ score at the first break, 28-14. Where the Flyers looked hesitant and sloppy with the ball in hand, Townsville had 18 STAR JOURNAL
|
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
no such trouble in executing their offence, doing much of their work in the paint. Such was their dominance that it forced Southside into a zone defence in order to stem the tide. Maddison Rocci and Rebecca Cole were able to make inroads with a series of layups for the Flyers, but Townsville had an answer for everything, as they begun to let fly from beyond the three point line to nullify the effectiveness of the zone. 24 points in the second term was their highest scoring period of the game, but even then, they were still outscored 29-24 for a 5738 scoreline at the half. A lift in defensive intensity in the third quarter will be something that coach Cheryl Chambers and her staff can hang their hat on coming-in to the second contest. Nyadiew Pouch dived for a loose ball to provide a steal and Rocci intercepted some Townsville passing lanes as the Flyers went
on an 8-0 run during the third term. But despite their resurgence, they could only cut the margin to 20 points, and whatever ground they had made was quickly returned as they trailed by 26 after three quarters. The final period was more of the same, with the Fire cruising to their 31-point win. Townsville led the contest from start to finish and achieved bruising advantages in a number of key statistics, such as rebounds (+12), assists (+7) and three-point percentage (+24 per cent). Cole (20 points) led the Flyers in scoring, as she and Sara Blicavs (11) were the only players to score in double figures. Kayla Thornton was kept to just five points and three rebounds in 26 minutes. Game two will tip-off at 6.30 on Wednesday night at Rowville’s State Basketball Centre as Southside look to keep their dreams of a championship alive.
Sara Blicavs was one of two players for Southside who scored in double figures on Picture: SUPPLIED Saturday night. 319287 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT
Thunder back on the board By Marcus Uhe Dandenong Thunder has broken a two-game losing streak with a victory over Bentleigh Greens in the National Premier League on Friday night. The Thunder scored two in the first half and sank a third into the back of the net after the interval to close out a 3-0 victory away at Kingston Heath. Captain Harry Ashcroft opened the scoring in the 13th minute, shooting on the turn in a mad-scramble after a free-kick, with his shot ricocheting down off the crossbar and over the line. Goffry Lino bagged his second of the campaign after a well-timed run and pass from Scott Lochhead beat the Greens’ last line of defence. Lino then calmly slotted the ball through the encroaching goalkeeper’s legs, to double the advantage just 10 minutes out from the half-time interval. Substitute Muamet Selimovski made it 3-0 in the 70th minute with a delicate chip over the approaching ‘keeper from the edge of the penalty area to all but secure the three points for the Thunder . Mersim Memeti then showed his skill by snuffing-out a potential counter attack from the home side, before Selimovski combined with Leno, who provided the slick assist for the substitute to finish with his first touch of the contest. It was the Thunders second win of the NPL campaign to date, and corrected a winless streak of three contests, having not won since
their 1-0 defeat of Heidelberg United in round 1. An extraordinary contest in round two resulted in a 4-4 draw with St Albans as the Thunder mounted an incredible comeback to nearly pinch a victory at the death. The comeback came late, and came thick and fast as the Thunder came hard at St Albans in an enthralling last 20 minutes of a pulsating contest. Trailing 2-0 in the 70th minute, Mamadi Kamara came off the bench to get Dandenong on the board. A St Albans goal in the 83rd minute was quickly answered by a Lochhead penalty, as both sides entered stoppage time with the score at 3-2 in the Saints’ favour. Incredibly, Joshua Karantz and Lino both scored in the space of three minutes as they looked to pull-off an almighty comeback, but a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time to St Albans meant both sides would only walk-away with one point for the draw. Conceding late hurt them against Oakleigh Cannons, too, with a 90th minute strike meaning they would finish round three with one win, one loss and a draw from their first three encounters. While in round four was the only occasion in which they failed to score, losing to South Melbourne 0-1 at home. The sixth-place Thunder next welcome Port Melbourne to George Andrews Reserve on Saturday night.
Harley Orr has played in every game for Dandenong Thunder this season. 235924 Picture: ROB CAREW
Stingrays ready to fire and put draft prospects on the line By Jonty Ralphsmith The Dandenong Stingrays boys kick off their Coates Talent League campaign this weekend against Geelong Falcons at Colac. The Stingrays bring together the best under-18s footballers from Cardinia, Greater Dandenong, Casey, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, giving them the opportunity to play pathways footy against the best in the state. This gives them the best chance to develop into AFL or VFL-level footballers. The ‘Rays will again be led by boys coach Nick Cox with AFL-academy prospect Cooper Simpson, and Harry DeMattia taking the reigns as co-captains. Simpson has been a clear leader for the club in preseason despite battling glandular fever, with his credentials in that space underlined by the fact that the polished midfielder was given the reigns for a period in 2022 when Dandenong’s best players were missing. DeMattia, meanwhile, got exposure at the level last season in a variety of positions and brings professionalism, having been in elite level cricket and footy environments. Harvey Langford, Billy Wilson and Kobe Shipp round out the leadership group. The club plays 13 home and away games, while the best players in the region will also get the opportunity to compete for Vic Country in the national championships against the best in the country. The Stingrays last season made the grand final and while the club will be keen to back up that effort, more important will be promoting individual prospects. The ‘Rays had three boys drafted in 2022 and have set themselves up for 2023 with plenty of this year’s crop getting a run in the league last season as bottom-agers. Below is an overview of some of the prospects from the Dandenong Journal region. KOBE SHIPP: An intercepting defender who got to play a lot of Talent League footy last season. He plays taller than he is so ex-
·
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Co-captains Harry DeMattia (left) and Cooper Simpson with girls captain Jemma Ramsdale. 324796 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT
·
·
pect him to match it with some tough opponents this season. That aerial presence was on show in the under-17 all-stars game on the MCG, played on AFL Grand Final day which capped off a strong year. When he does get it, he’s able to set Dandenong up from behind the ball with his kicking. KADE DE LA RUE: Played high-forward last season but expect De La Rue to be unleashed in the midfield this season. The son of former Stingray Ben, Kade ruptured his ACL in 2021 but the setback seems to have steeled him more than set him back as he has put on significant size. Has the ability to break away from stoppage and has a tidy skill-set. JACK WILSON: A small forward who had plenty of exciting moments in 2022. Wilson, who played senior footy for Hampton
·
·
Park in Division 2 of the Southern League as a 16-year-old in 2021, will look to build a more consistent block of form in 2023 and show he can hit the scoreboard, set it up and apply pressure. Has been a little bit interrupted in preseason with a few niggly injuries but given a clear run, is one that has shown enough promise to perhaps push into Vic Country. Is the son of former Redbacks coach, Nathan. JOZIAH NANNUP: One who wasn’t part of the program last season, Nannup has likeable athletic traits and enough upside to suggest he could impact at the level. Did well at the preseason testing day all players took part in and there are high wraps on him out of Doveton Doves. A wildcard to watch. SAM FRANGALAS: A big-bodied inside midfielder, Frangalas was another who
Local boy Sam Frangalas is ready for a big 2023.
·
played the under-17 all-stars game on AFL Grand Final day. He loves the physicality, thrives on winning it in-and-under and attacks it with brute strength. Feeds well to the runners and will also hope to show that he can go forward and hit the scoreboard. Having matched it with the big bodies and learnt the lessons of 2022, he has a platform to take a massive step forward in 2023. RIAK ANDREW: The brother of Gold Coast’s Mac, Riak had his 2022 erased by injury so is one who will create plenty of talk among AFL recruiters. Is a similar type of player to his brother, albeit perhaps isn’t blessed with the same height. The Beaconsfield junior is still very raw and will hope to show enough glimpses as a mobile key-position prospect so a club is willing to take a punt on him.
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
|
STAR JOURNAL 19
CLOSE THE DOOR AND HIT THE ROAD APARTMENTS AVAILABLE NOW Start your next adventure and leave your worries behind when you move to Ryman. With 24-hour security, home maintenance and gardening all taken care of, you can head off on any trip you choose and know your home will be as you left it. At Nellie Melba Retirement Village we have a range of independent and serviced apartments available now. Options include one and two-bedroom luxury apartments that are light and spacious, with balcony or patio options. Conveniently located across the road from Brandon Park Shopping Centre and a short drive to both Monash and Eastern freeways. The village offers a wide variety of activities and events, so you can do the things you love.
NELLIE MELBA RETIREMENT VILLAGE
12591923-AP12-23
Call 1800 314 425 for more details or visit rymanhealthcare.com.au
4562
2 Collegium Avenue, Wheelers Hill 20 STAR JOURNAL
|
Tuesday, 21 March, 2023
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au