EHD Star Journal - 11th April 2023

ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON

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Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

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Funding fight looms for antiviolence service

Life savings lost in property crash

Redbacks ready under new coach

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Skilled work assistance for refugees

40¢ Inc. GST

Jail for a killer A standover man has been jailed after violently evicting a Doveton bungalow tenant and leaving him to die in a car.

Terence Tiumalu, 31, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Brendon Farrell, was condemned by a Victorian Supreme Court judge for acting in a “cruel” fashion and “lacking humanity”. Tiumalu had been engaged by a friend to forcibly evict Mr Farrell from the Kidds Road property.

But during the encounter on 31 May 2021, Mr Farrell said something that triggered Tiumalu. In a loss of temper, Tiumalu slapped the victim and punched him twice in the face – blows that eventually led to Mr Farrell’s death. Mr Farrell was observed as unconscious and bleeding from his nose, but at that stage still alive.

Rather than seeking medical aid, Tiumalu covered up his assault due to what he claims was fear of being disowned by his family.

He told a witness that he’d done some “redecorating” at the house and that she’d “seen nothing here”. He then drove Mr Farrell around in a day for several days until the victim died at an “unknown time”. Tiumalu left the body in a

canoe in a backyard in Cyril Grove, Noble Park.

After extensive searches over a month, police found Mr Farrell’s remains wrapped in carpet in the canoe. Tiumalu had filmed himself digging two graves in the same yard, as well as of himself standing over Mr Farrell’s motionless, bloodied body.

Sentencing judge John Champion accepted that Tiumalu’s “completely unjustified” assault was a “spur of the moment” loss of temper. He condemned Tiumalu for failing to give Mr Farrell a chance of survival by dropping him at a hospital.

After Mr Farrell died, Tiumalu continued to cover up his crime by seeking to make the body “disappear”, Justice Champion noted.

Justice Champion accepted that Tiumalu’s borderline personality and drug use disorders affected his ability to make calm, rational choices. Brought up in New Zealand, Tiumalu endured an “extreme” childhood of confusion, violence, repression and trauma, according to a psychologist’s report.

However, the judge didn’t accept Tiumalu’s claims that he felt unsafe, scared or threatened in attacking the much smaller Mr Farrell.

Continued page 3

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Loving fruits of success Jammy enjoys a fresh strawberry during the award-winning Athol Road Primary School’s after-school care program. The school as well as Frankie & Co cafe in Springvale

Community Hub were recognised in the inaugural Vic Kids Eat Well awards for making a healthy switch to their menus.

For more, turn to page 3

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By Cam Lucadou-Wells

NEWS

Skilled work for refugees Refugees are being offered new support to help them into jobs in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs.

The initiative, known as ‘Settling Into Work’ (SIW), aims to support professionally and technically qualified refugees and migrants into jobs that match their skills.

It was launched by Victoria’s Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney.

Created by migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, SIW aims to help employers understand new arrivals’ unique expertise, resilience and value – forged through their refugee and migrant journeys.

SIW also aims to support newly arrived migrants and refugees to overcome the considerable barriers they face in re-establishing professional careers in Australia.

The scheme will focus primarily on Melbourne’s outer south-eastern, western and northern suburbs.

Migrant business improvement professional Vishal Sharma said receiving guidance and support about Australia’s job market and workplace culture was crucial to him re-establishing his career in Australia.

“When I arrived in Australia I was confused about how to go about getting a job in Australia. I was being rejected in job application after job application. I applied for about 150 jobs in the first few months,” he said.

Since being connected with AMES through

Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney.

Vishal Sharma addresses the launch of AMES’s Settling into Work program. the Skilled Professional Migrant Program Mr Sharma was able to find his first job in Australia, and since then has progressed into more senior jobs.

For migrant and refugee jobseekers, SIW offers tailored job search assistance, career guidance and post-placement support to ensure candidates are well-prepared to succeed in their new jobs.

AMES Australia CEO Cath Scarth said SIW is a game changer for professionally qualified refugees and migrants.

“SIW is a genuine and calculated initiative to help match sympathetic and agile employers with newly arrived migrants and refugees starting their journey in the Australian workforce in roles and in organisations that match their ability and ambition,” she said.

Ms Scarth said a key element to the initiative is that it’s a certified social enterprise, so it’s here to make a difference, not just a profit.

“We’ve all heard the stories of migrant and refugee surgeons, engineers and architects driving taxis. SIW is a response to this egregious waste of talent. It will provide benefits for individual migrant and refugees candidates but also for the broader Australian economy,” she said.

Ms Tierney said the Government was proud to support AMES and the critical work they do in delivering accredited and pre-accredited training opportunities.

“This work continues to make a positive difference to people across the state and has vital social, cultural and economic benefits to Victoria,” she said

Band shares music passion Haileybury boys display their badminton power

By Sahar Foladi

Eighteen students from Lyndale Secondary College have banded together to perform at their neighbouring primary school.

The Years 8 to 12 band members recently put on a live performance at Wooranna Park Primary School.

“We are so keen to strengthen ties with Wooranna Park Primary,” Lyndale’s director of performing arts Steven Rault said.

“So many of our students were students at Wooranna Park and it makes sense to link both communities.

“I’m hoping this event will be the beginning of more community engagement between our two schools. There are great opportunities for Lyndale students to develop leadership skills through mentoring programs and for Wooran-

na Park students to gain some insights into high school life to better prepare them for the rigours of secondary school learning.”

The engagement between the schools will also prep students for transitioning into high school.

Lyndale Secondary College has 10 bands and ensembles. The school also allows Year 7 students to learn an instrument free of charge.

“Dance and Drama are also big features of our program with full-scale stage musicals in our state-of-the-art theatre,” Mr Rault said.

“If nothing else, these super talented Lyndale students get to share their passion for music with the Wooranna Park community.

“Music brings us together, and we are proud that our talented students can make this happen through their passion for, and commitment to music.”

Lyndale Secondary College concert band members during the live performance. 325885 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Wooranna Park PS children enjoy the performing band. 325885

Eighteen students from Year 8 to 12 made up the band performing at Wooranna Park Primary.

Haileybury’s firsts boys’ badminton team driven by three sets of brothers has taken out the APS Premiership Trophy.

All mad-for-badminton, Erik and Evan Rusli, Mike and Jason Gao, and Arvin Jiao and Kevin Dai were part of the 2023 premiership team who fended off the competition with their fancy footwork and racquet power.

The school won the trophy for the eighth year in a row.

Evan (Year 10) began playing in 2019, with he and Erik (Year 9) motivating each other to train four times a week. They’re also each other’s best support at competition time.

“I get inspiration from Erik because his talent for the game is unrivalled and we complement each other well,” Evan said.

“We pressure each other to get better at the sport and while I’m very disciplined, Erik is naturally skilled, so we bring different qualities to the table.

“Playing the same sport means we each have a good training partner and we totally trust each other. One downside though is that I usually have to pack everything we need for training or a tournament.”

Erik began playing badminton because Evan did, and he enjoys the thrill of playing each point.

“Before matches we relax together by playing video games and watching YouTube and we make sure we both sleep and eat well. We help each other improve our game,” Erik said.

Mike Gao (Year 9) began playing badminton when he was seven years old and Jason (Year 7) began training when he was only six.

“When we’re tired, we encourage each other to keep on going. We play games sometimes and if I win it stimulates Jason to train harder to try to beat me. We also play games with my parents which is a lot of fun,” Mike said.

“We can be competitive towards each other and try and surpass each other and winning a long rally is always satisfying,” Jason said.

Arvin Jiao (Year 11) began playing badminton with his parents when he was five years old and brother Kevin was six. Since

The winning badminton team’s brothers, back from left, Kevin Dai and Arvin Jiao, and front from left, Mike Gao, Evan Rusli, Jason Gao and Erik Rusli.

Picture: SUPPLED then, he has won a series of doubles and singles titles.

Kevin has also won National and State titles.

“Kevin and I help each other to prepare and warm up, we plan our playing strategies and coach each other during a game,” Arvin said.

“We always have good communication when playing doubles and we help each other analyse problems and any mistakes we make - but it’s also easy for us to get into an argument about whose fault it was.”

Kevin enjoys table tennis, volleyball and basketball but badminton is the only sport he plays seriously.

“During doubles matches it’s as if we can read each other’s mind and that brings us a massive advantage. But sometimes during doubles we do fight – it’s better now since we’ve grown up but sometimes it’s still unavoidable,” Kevin said.

Mark Doyle, head of badminton at Haileybury, says the APS Premiership Trophy win again this year is testament to the whole team’s hard work and dedication to their training.

“The boys have all displayed a wonderful sense of enthusiasm and dedication to their sport.

“They all get so much enjoyment from the sport and each other’s company. They are very proud to represent Haileybury and they do so with humility and respect for their opponents.”

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Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Firms put on notice over putrid smells

By Cam Lucadou-Wells With the pick of its garden’s fresh goodies, Athol Road Primary School’s afterschool care has taken out an inaugural Vic Kids Eat Well Award.

Last year, the service revamped its menu in a healthy way with the help of an adviser from the renowned Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Program.

The students voted for the new offerings, opting for delicacies such as vegie pizza, rice paper rolls, vegie risotto and healthy fried rice. With the adviser’s help, senior students learned cooking skills and prepared the nutritious meals for the other kids. Plenty of its menu has been sourced from the Springvale South school’s “mini-farm” – a kitchen garden brimming with fresh strawberries, raspberries, corn, herbs and lemons, as well as chook and duck eggs and honey.

One of the latest dishes is cheesy pesto pasta made from the vegie patch’s fresh basil. They’re also introduced to the delicate art of ‘flavour bombs’ – stock ice-cubes of basil, thyme and rosemary to inject zest into soups. After-school care coordinator Wendy Beveridge says the students love to cook with the produce they cultivate and harvest. “I do have children who are not vegetable eaters, but they do try everything we cook.”

Meanwhile, Frankie & Co cafe at Springvale Community Hub scored an honourable mention in the awards for a daringly healthy snacks menu for children. With advice from the Stephanie Alexander program, it scaled back on junk food and added fresh fruit cups, healthy drinks and snack packs of popcorn, cheese and crackers, dried apricots and sultanas.

Owner Siva Kanteti said making a healthy revamp was the “right thing to do”. However the pioneering move was not necessarily commercially successful.

“We are the only cafe in this area doing it. To be honest, the red-light (junk) foods are going to make me a lot more money and the green-light (healthy) foods don’t make huge sales or huge margins. But we’re not just here to act selfishly.”

Vic Kids Eat Well is supported by the Victorian Government and is delivered

by Cancer Council Victoria’s Achievement Program, in partnership with Nutrition Australia’s Healthy Eating Advisory Service.

Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said the program launched last year was setting foundations for children’s good health in later life.

“Step by step, organisations changed canteen, sports club or kiosk menus to introduce delicious fruit and veggie options and promote water. “They encouraged kids to get involved in planning and cooking fresh produce from their community gardens or learning about different food cultures. “With over 650 organisations that have now joined Vic Kids Eat Well, we hope to see more inspired to ‘take a bite’ towards a healthier future for all kids living in Victoria.” Nutrition Australia chief executive Lucinda Hancock paid tribute to the “biggest champions” – the children who embraced the healthy food switch. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

EPA Victoria has issued notices against two companies in Dandenong South’s industrial zone to cut down on their putrid stench.

The notices issued in late March come after complaints by long-frustrated residents in nearby Dandenong and Keysborough South.

The area is home to an industrial 2 zone – which is reserved for the state’s most offensive industries and requires extensive buffer zones.

An EPA spokesperson said the two companies could not be named “for legal reasons”.

“We have followed up to ensure progress is being made to pinpoint sources and take the necessary action to reduce odour. “EPA Notices are legal instruments directing that a certain action be taken. “As the matter is ongoing, we are limited in what we can say. But EPA has kept (Greater Dandenong) Council informed and will continue to do so in either written form or in person.”

However, Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad said the council was frustrated by the lack of communication from EPA. Last year, Greater Dandenong announced a push for more EPA air monitoring of affected residential estates but it has “fallen on deaf ears”, Cr Garad said.

The council had been “begging” for more information such as the sources of the stench, whether it threatens human health and the triggers for the EPA to take action.

“I find it difficult to understand why a public body like the EPA does not do more to exercise its obligation to communicate with the people it’s supposed to protect.

“How are we supposed to find comfort in that? “If a local government can’t get answers, how on Earth can a local community?”

Councillors have raised the idea of lobbying for the relocation of Dandenong South’s industrial two zone, which they argue is too close to homes.

Dom Bocarri at the EPA’s air quality monitoring station at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong.

Picture: ROB CAREW The proposal has been consistently rebuffed by the State Government.

Since the IZ2 zone was established in 1976, it has been steadily encroached by light industry, housing estates, sports fields and schools in Keysborough and Dandenong South.

Some homes are within the zone’s supposed 1.5-kilometre buffer zone.

Residents within 3 kilometres have complained about odours, and opposed a recently-approved waste-to-energy plant in Ordish Road.

Keysborough South resident Dom Bocarri said the foul odours continue to plague his neighbourhood. And still, he and other residents haven’t been categorically told what the stench is.

“It’s an unpleasant, unbearable smell. It’s like dead animals.”

Mr Boccari wants extra air monitoring stations closer to the zone, testing for “harmful toxins” and providing real-time data.

He suggests stations at the Lyndhurst toxic waste dump, the IZ2 in Dandenong South, and the CALM mound at the corner of Eastlink and Greens Road as well as the Eastern Treatment plant in Bangholme “What I am really disappointed about is that the council and the EPA are doing stuff-all. They’re giving us lip service.

“It’s a concern they’re not taking it seriously, given it’s affecting primary schools and secondary schools and everyday workers in the surrounding industrial estate.”

Currently, the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has a fixed air-monitoring station in Greaves Reserve, Dandenong, which provides real-time air quality data on a public website.

It’s about two kilometres north of the IZ2 – too far away to effectively warn households and schools in Dandenong South and Keysborough that surround the zone, Mr Bocarri argues.

Standover man jailed for manslaughter From page 1 Rather, Tiumalu had brought along another man to intimidate Mr Farrell.

The judge found Tiumalu’s rehabilitation prospects were “reasonable” and “open”.

Tiumalu, who had been using ice daily, had no previous criminal history. He’d been in a “pattern” of recovering debts for drug associates, Justice Champion noted.

During remand, the accused was completing drug and alcohol programs.

Tiumalu had expressed remorse, but it was

“late in the piece”.

Judge Champion noted the “traumatic”, “enduring” impact on Mr Farrell’s family.

Mr Farrell’s mother Valery Hellyer stated to the court that receiving the news of her son’s demise was the “worst month of her life”.

She stated she was never again to experience the joys of birthdays and Christmas. It was hard for her to forgive those who didn’t care enough to save her son when he was injured.

Ms Hellyer was also troubled by the lack of dignity given to her son after his death.

Mr Farrell’s sister Simone Hellyer described the loss of her “best friend”, “mental safety net” and “protector”.

During the five weeks Mr Farrell was missing, she felt worry and dread while suspecting something wasn’t right.

Now, there’s sadness for her daughter not being able to grow up with her proud uncle.

Tiumalu was jailed for up to seven-and-ahalf years, with a five-year non-parole period.

His term included 634 days in pre-sentence custody.

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Wendy Beveridge with students in the Athol Road Primary School food garden.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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STAR JOURNAL 3

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Fun and laughter at Drum

Looking to entertain the kids over the school holidays, then look no further.

The performance will be held in a secret location in the heart of Dandenong, which will be revealed to ticket holders closer to

the performance date.

Join us for more great theatre in your own backyard.

Comedian Stephen K Amos presents a look at recent world events in Before and Laughter.

Visit drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au to discover a full list of shows and to book your seat today.

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Family fun and laughter is on the cards this month at Dandenong’s iconic Drum Theatre.

Looking to entertain the kids over the school holidays, then look no further.

Enjoy the adventure of Bunkasaurus, created by the award winning Bunk Puppets.

This imaginative performance features clowning, shadow puppetry and DIY science fiction with eye-popping results.

If magic is more your speed, then catch The Quizzical Mr Jeff as he transports his audience to a state of wonder and play.

A fusion of circus and magic, Mr Jeff explores a mysterious room of marvels as he creates an unforgettable family day out.

Join UK comedian Stephen K Amos as he explores world events from the past few years.

Before and Laughter is Amos at his best.

Fresh from treading the boards in London’s West End, Amos will have you finding the fun and the funny in all that life throws our way.

Don’t miss our Encore program show The Dancin’ Man featuring the class and elegance of the classic song and dance men who graced the stage and screen.

Enjoy the high energy and artistry of Luke Alleva, accompanied by a three piece band.

All Encore tickets include a complimentary morning tea and a parking voucher.

Following the success of the community performance Paradise Lots in 2022, awardwinning theatre company Pony Cam returns to Dandenong to bring vacant buildings and empty spaces alive in their latest offering And Then There was Night.

Witness our city transformed by night and experience street theatre at its finest.

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Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Dymocks retail head Frank Pangalidis, school captains Ariyan Narayan and Tasneem Ramzan, principal Sherri Jenkins and Noble Park Dingley Rotarian Rex Carter at the Keysborough Gardens Primary School presentation.

Charity boost for school

A Wellsprings family-violence client and her child.

Funding fight looms for violence aiders

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A family violence service tailored for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds is floundering in a funding limbo.

Dandenong-based Wellsprings for Women has supported more than 400 women experiencing family violence through its Women’s Support Program over the past two years.

It has received funding one year at a time from the State Government, with the current $380,000 grant set to expire at the end of June.

Wellsprings has requested $500,000 for the next 12 months to meet growing need.

But its funding has still not been confirmed by the Government and Prevention of Family Violence Minister Ros Spence.

“We are not asking for charity,” Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smiley says.

“We are advocating for the rights of migrant and refugee women to access the service they feel comfortable with.

“We have proved that what we offer fulfils all the requirements of a specialist family violence service. “Now it is up to Government to honor their obligation towards our clients.”

The service is vital for migrant and refugee women who are reluctant to visit mainstream family-violence services, Ms Smiley says.

“Women, who have disclosed to us or done a range of things with us, feel safe coming here.

“We give them that sense of protection because other members of the community and perpetrators don’t know they’re coming here for family-violence support.”

Often, the Orange Door intake service refers women to Wellsprings due to it being the best service model for them, she says.

“The short term funding and the lateness in notification of whether we will be funded or not have a very negative effect on our clients, our staff and stakeholders.

“We are unable to plan, or give our staff the security they need or assure our clients they will continue to be supported.

“We lost staff each year as they needed to secure a job and had to go elsewhere.”

Ms Smiley said she’d prefer to invest her energies on Wellsprings’s clients rather than “lobbying Government”.

“We need the uncertainty to end and for our clients to receive their equal share of public resources. “They deserve to choose the service that meets their needs.”

A State Government spokesperson was contacted for comment but didn’t respond by deadline.

A donated bounty of books has given a welcome boost to four primary schools’ libraries.

Rotary Clubs of Noble Park-Dingley and Springvale City staged a fundraising dinner at Sandown Greyhounds in AFL Grand Final Week last year, raising $5000 for the cause.

This was matched dollar-for-dollar by Dymocks Children’s Charities – making a grand total of $10,000.

The recipients were Springvale Rise, Heatherhill, Keysborough Gardens and St Mark’s Dingley primary schools.

On 31 March, Dymocks head of company operations group retail Frank Pangalidis presented the books to a Keysborough Gardens Primary School assembly.

The library donation will help the rapidly-growing campus cater for up to 800 students in the future.

DCC general manager Melanie Smith said the charity was proud to partner with Rotary in the project.

“DCC’s mission is to promote a love of reading and improve literacy skills for disadvantaged children across Australia.

“This program provides the tools for schools to promote a love of reading with brand-new, relevant and essentially the books kids want to read.”

Also at the assembly was a presentation by AFL Auskick and Keysborough Football Club, students of the week awards and the Premiers Reading Challenge.

Noble Park Dingley Rotarian Keith Maxwell said the assembly was “an example of an active school growing and encouraging active students”.

He said the book initiative was about “striving for excellence in learning and life”.

Hills protests halt permission for triple-dwelling plan

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Endeavour Hills residents have successfully appealed against a planning permit for a triple-dwelling development in their neighbourhood.

Casey Council had originally approved a permit to partially retain the corner-block home at 2 Haverstock Hill Close and build two double-storey homes facing Chalcot Drive.

Objecting residents appealed to the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal, which ruled in their favour on 30 March.

They had opposed on neighbourhood character, traffic and amenity grounds, VCAT senior member Bill Sidonis noted.

“I acknowledge the applicants’ concerns regarding the proposed outcome of three dwellings on a lot, given the area is principally single dwellings, with some examples of two-dwelling developments.”

He found that the development did not dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

respect the neighbourhood character of “conventional residential lots” with a “sense of spaciousness” and a “garden character”.

The existing home occupied two-thirds of the lot, with the proposed two dwellings in the remaining one-third.

There was “minimal separation” between the buildings, “modest” private open space and much of the front lawn would be replaced with driveway pavement.

“This results in a siting and built form response which is at odds with the spacious con-

text of this neighbourhood,” Mr Sidonis stated, The proposed 14 square metre front garden was insufficient, and not “respectful of existing … character”.

Nor was the lack of habitable rooms and windows on the new buildings’ ground floors.

“All that can be accommodated are the garages, an entry door and the staircase, which has a blank wall in the façade.”

Mr Sidonis stated there was no evidence of detrimental traffic impact.

The site was in an ‘incremental change area’ for streets remote from activity centres and public transport. However, Mr Sidonis noted it was “proximate” to Endeavour Hills major activity centre.

According to Casey’s housing strategy, single dwellings with generous setbacks and gardens should prevail in the area.

More intensive housing was “not appropriate”, but dual occupancies and “some multiple units” were permitted, the strategy stated.

Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 5

FOCUS ON … EASTER HOLIDAY GUIDE

Slime-fest for holidays Slip into a Slime Lab workshop and go on a ’wild safari’ over the April school holidays at Dandenong Plaza.

Dandenong Plaza will be holding the hugely popular DIY Slime Lab workshop featuring a different theme every day as well as Wild Safari Adventure activities.

The Slime Lab takes place during week 1 of the school holidays, 10-14 April from 11am2pm.

The daily themes comprise of Bugs in Slime, Unicorn Slime, Monster Slime, Polar

Bear Slime and Under the Sea Slime.

In week 2, the Safari Adventure Village with Animatronics Zoo Animals is unveilled.

Kids will have a roaring great time as they embark on an adventure and create a special safari-themed craft activity to take home.

The safari adventures run from 17-21 April, 11am-2pm.

Both attractions are at level 2, Centre Court at Dandenong Plaza. No bookings are required. Cost: Free.

Details: armadadandenongplaza.com.au

Create and decorate your DIY slime with a different theme every day at Dandenong Plaza.

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Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

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FOCUS ON … EASTER HOLIDAY GUIDE

Dig deep for dinosaur fun Jurassic Creatures is an exciting event for dinosaur lovers of all ages.

With interactive activities like fossil digging and dinosaur passport hunts, as well as exhibits like a giant world bug display and 3D dinosaur jig-saw making, there’s plenty to see and do.

The event also offers the opportunity to meet Buddy and Tiny from the Dinosaur Train, as well as other activities for the whole family.

All of these activities are included in the ticket price, and for those who want to take home a souvenir, there is also a souvenir store available.

Additionally, there is a Dinosaur Photo area and carnival games available at an extra cost.

Jurassic Creatures is located at Westfield Fountain Gate in Narre Warren, and is open until April 23 for the Easter and school holidays.

To learn more about this event, visit www. jurassiccreatures.com.au.

London checks out the jurassic wonderland which includes an interactive fossil digging area, dinosaur jumping castles and a fossil exhibit.

Lidiya and Aaron check out the Jurassic Creatures which is appearing at Westfield Fountain Gate from 31 March to 23 April.

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Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 7

LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 12 April 1923 Prince’s Highway Estate A highly successful sale of the Prince’s Highway Estate on Saturday last, when the whole 52 building blocks were sold at auction, which is something of a record for a sub-divisional sale in Dandenong . The villa did not reach the owner’s reserve. The frontage to Prince’s Highway made £3/17/6 per foot. Birdwood Ave frontages 32/- to 35/-: Fifth Avenue lots to £2/2/-; Sixth and Seventh Avenue 25/- to 34/-. The attendance of buyers was large.

50 years ago 12 April 1973 April showers of savings in Thomas Street Many people like Pavlova, and it’s available at the Coolibah Coffee Shop, at the top of Hannover Arcade in Thomas Street. Another speciality of the Coolibah is apple strudel and a new line of Danish pastries. In the shop’s three year existence, it has also built up a reputation for mouth-watering hamburgers.

Proprietor David Griffth has six staff working at peak periods, reducing waiting time to a minimum. Tables are available so that during hectic shopping you can rest your feet, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The Colibah is practically keen on helping mothers with babies to obtain a snack or a drink.

14 April 2003 Chopper bound for RSL The American-led war on Iraq has delayed the delivery of a US Iroquois military helicopter which is to be part of a unique Vietnam War

Simon Bloomer OAM in front of the iconic US military helicopter at Dandenong RSL in 2020. 203550

monument outside the rooms of the Dandenong RSL. The US has donated the $1.6m helicopter for the monument. RSL secretary and Vietnam veteran John Wells announced that Australian rock’n’roll icon and fellow Vietnam veteran Normie Rowe would perform at a concert to open the monument and the RSL’s multi-million-dollar extensions expected to be completed in September. He said the chopper is the one symbol that all Vietnam veterans in Australia would automatically recognise. “It’s also a symbol in the current climate (with the war in Iraq) of the continued US and Australian co-operation,“ Mr Wells said.

5 years ago 9 April 2018 South-East wants wings The South-East needs funding for an airport, rail links, irrigation and more, says an advocacy group. South East Melbourne (SEM) requested a meeting with Urban Infrastructure and Cities Minister Paul Fletcher after the area missed out the latest Infrastructure Australia priority projects list. SEM chair Simon McKeon said the South East was home to 1.2 million people – a quarter of Melbourne’s population – provided 470,000 jobs and was responsible for 20 per cent of the state’s

Picture: ROB CAREW

economic output. “Our population is growing so rapidly that jobs growth is falling behind population growth,” he said. “It is imperative that the people and businesses of South East Melbourne – which is one of Australia’s biggest manufacturing regions and one of its fastest growing population centres – get the support that is needed.” Mr McKeon said key initiatives included integrating an airport servicing the South East, freight links and vital road upgrades, commuter and freight rail extensions, re-purposing the Port of Hastings and irrigation infrastructure to support agriculture.

INTERFAITH

Why we must live for now MESSAGE OF

HOPE

By Rev. Bandaraulpatha Gnanawimala Thero of Dhamma Sarana Buddhist Temple, Keysborough Worrying over the past and expectations over the future destroy your inner peace.

It is a habit of ours to live in the past or in the future.

Most of the time, we spend our lives in these two instead living in the present moment doing the right thing at the moment.

Venerable Gnanawimala Bandaraulpatha Thero writes on staying in the present moment.

In Buddhism, the Buddha teaches to live in the present moment.

When we face something either pleasant or unpleasant, it is so hard for us to keep our

mind out of it.

We always go to that past moment and keeping either being happy or worrying. When it comes to worry, it is worse.

Thinking the same unpleasant experience again and again we make ourselves sad and worry.

When it comes to the future, we spend too much time on planning and facing future events though it has not come yet which miss the joy or responsibility, contribution of that present moment.

That is how most of us build stress and anxiety which destroys inner peace in us.

That is why the Buddha says “wishing for what has not come, lamenting, mourning over what has already gone is like a foolish man placing a young bamboo stick on a heated rock”.

When you keep a young bamboo stick on a

heated rock what happens is it becomes dried and destroyed.

In the same manner, it happens to our mind as well.

It destroys the calmness and peace in the present moment.

Therefore, it is better to train ourselves to be in the present moment other than roaming in to the past or future so that it will help us to keep our mind calm.

When we are in the present moment it also helps us to observe the present moment well so we can make mostly right decisions which will affect in the future as well.

Therefore, living in the present moment is the most joyful and responsible living that can benefit positively in the future as well.

Enquiries about the Interfaith Network: executive@interfaithnetwork.org.au | 8774 7662.

NEWS

Dandenong racers hit rare air in the name of science

By Tanya Faulkner Some of Dandenong’s brightest students are preparing to show what they are made of on the national stage in the name of science.

A Dandenong High School team of six Andy, Ruba, Shukriya, Krish, Ronin and Keely - is set to compete in the first Australian Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) competition in Gladstone, Queensland.

It is one of only 20 teams invited across Australia to compete from 20-22 April.

The Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix is a racing competition in which students design a small radio-controlled (RC) car that runs on hydrogen gas as its fuel source.

Racing will be carried out over a period of four hours, a true test of the durability, endurance as well as energy efficiency of the final car.

The students had to work together as a team to design, test and produce a car model consisting of three main components, team member Andy Nguyen said.

These are the chassis, which supports the 8 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

Dandenong High students Ruba Tivendale, Keely Xia, Krish Krish , Ronan Medancic and Andy Nguyen are set to race their hydrogen-powered remote car on the Gold Coast. 327444 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS car’s weight, the shell that covers the chassis and protects the internal components as well as the hydrogen fuel cell which converts hydrogen gas into electricity.

Andy said the project is also an important gateway for students.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our future pathways and career opportunities,

especially for the girls in our team who may pursue a path in engineering,” he said.

Dandenong’s wider community has been getting behind the local students, particularly their sponsor Hyzon Motors – a local company that specialises in hydrogen-powered trucks & buses.

Hyzon provided hands-on experience to learn about the potential of hydrogen fuel as a replacement for diesel or gas in vehicles.

Throughout this project, the students explored the different forms of renewable energy, and the roles that each will have in Australia’s transition to net-zero emissions as well as the impact of climate change on the environment.

This project serves as the flag bearer for Dandenong High School’s education on renewable energy as well as its practical applications across the subjects of science and STEM. The additional tools and experiment instruments that have been supplied alongside this competition will provide the students with many more opportunities to interact with hydrogen energy and learn more about them. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Life savings lost in crash

By Eleanor Wilson Amber Barnes should be spending this Christmas in her brand new home in Clyde North.

The first home buyer had been saving up since 2018 to purchase the three bedroom, two bathroom townhouse, located in the prospective Five Farms Estate off Pound Road.

But news of the collapse of one of Australia’s largest building companies, Porter Davis, changed all of that.

“I’ve got almost $60,000 locked up in house and land that I don’t know how to get back,” she said.

“It’s devastating. You know, you save your whole life and now it’s just gone.”

Porter Davis announced it was going into liquidation on Friday, leaving 1500 unfinished homes in Victoria hanging in the balance.

On 31 March Grant Thornton Partners confirmed it had been appointed liquidators of the Porter Davis Homes Group, covering 14 companies.

Rising input costs, supply chain delays, labour shortages and falling demand contributed to Porter Davis’ collapse, the liquidators said.

Miss Barnes purchased her split-loan house and land package in December 2021.

Six months later, the Berwick local took a leap of faith and moved half-way across the world, to Saudi Arabia, for a high paying job which would help her get on top of her mortgage.

“I was at that point where, being on my own and trying to be able to afford a house was not going to be possible with all the rate rises and everything that’s going on in the world.

“So I chose to come over here and try to earn as much as possible to put towards not having such a big loan.”

Her return date to Australia was planned for 1 November, but now, she said she is unsure of her future.

Miss Barnes had already put $60,000 towards the house and land package, half of which went to Porter Davis for the build portion.

She was due to settle on the home next month, after which building would have commenced.

But, having signed a separate contract with an external developer for the land portion of her home, she fears she will be forced to settle on the package without a builder.

“Because the land is not through Porter Davis, I still have to settle on the land, so I’m going to be paying the mortgage on the land

Construction company Porter Davis went into voluntary administration on Friday, 31 March. up until a house can actually go on the block.”

In a second hit for the young childcare worker, with building yet to start on her home, her deposit was not covered by insurance, meaning she will likely lose out on at least $27,000 paid to the construction giant.

She is one of many Porter Davis customers in a similar predicament, liquidator Said Jahani warned at a webinar on Tuesday.

“At its extreme, it means you do not have any insurance cover, and it means that the deposit you have paid has been lost,” he said.

“However, as I have said, we are trying to work with the VMIA [Victorian Managed Insurance Authority] and the QBCC [Queensland Building and Construction Commission] to see whether there is an alternative solution there.”

Miss Barnes said her current best option is to employ another builder to take on the construction of the home.

But even that would stir up between $80,000 to $120,000 in extra charges, she estimates.

“It’s going to cost us more than what we had first settled with with Porter Davis because we are now, as I said, two years down the track, everything’s gone up.

“It’s not going to be the fixed price we want.

Or we try to get out of it, but I don’t want to lose on the money. I don’t want to lose on the location…it’s all in limbo.”

She claims she has not received any direct contact from Porter Davis, her estate agent or liquidators.

“I’ve had no contact with anybody. So I

Picture: UNSPLASH don’t I don’t know where I stand. I have absolutely no idea…its frustrating.

“Being a high volume builder, and you’d think that you were safe with them for this to turn around and happen. It just goes to show that it could happen to anyone.

“I just personally just feel for everyone who’s in the same situation and just hope that they do the right thing. I hope that they come out and help their customers as much as they can. And you know, the government maybe needs to step in.”

In Tuesday’s webinar, liquidators said they are in discussion with several builders about the possibility of acquiring Porter Davis.

That decision should be made within a week, they said.

Virtual meeting leaves Porter Davis customers furious

By Melissa Meehan and Cassandra Morgan, AAP Would-be home owners are angry and confused following a disastrous meeting with Porter Davis liquidators that left them with more questions than answers.

Liquidator Grant Thornton on Tuesday hosted a webinar for Porter Davis customers, which immediately ran into trouble as the meeting hit capacity and many were blocked from attending.

The home builder’s demise affects more than 1700 properties in Victoria and Queensland, with an estimated 1500 in Victoria.

But those numbers don’t include Porter Davis customers who have taken ownership of their homes with a lengthy list of defects the builder had agreed to fix.

Melbourne woman Natalie moved into her Bayside house in October last year, with more than 100 defects awaiting action.

And while she doesn’t regret accepting the house in less than perfect condition, Natalie fears she and others in a similar position will be forgotten.

“We think it would be over $100,000 to rectify those issues because of all the trades that will have to come out, that includes plasterers, caulkers, window people, plumbers the lot,” she told AAP. “That wasn’t in the budget, because we thought Porter Davis would fix them like they said they would. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

A near-finished Porter Davis home in Clyde North was the victim of a suspicious fire on Monday Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS night, authorities said. 327522 “I feel so sorry for those in limbo and set to lose money, but I think we are also part of a forgotten group of customers that the collapse affects. It is wide-ranging.”

Others, who spoke to AAP on condition of anonymity due to safety and security concerns, said they were feeling even more confused after Tuesday’s meeting.

One woman who was supposed to get the keys to her home in Melbourne’s western suburbs on Thursday said she had no idea what would happen next.

She said the liquidators were yet to contact her and she lived in fear of someone breaking into the home and damaging it, causing further delays.

Another customer left with only a concrete slab said they were poised to lose a large chunk of money after learning Porter Davis had likely not undertaken insurance on their build.

In a recording of the meeting later published online, liquidator Said Jahani acknowledged frustration but urged customers to be patient, saying Grant Thornton should know within a week whether Porter Davis would be sold.

The plan was to find a builder or builders to take over contracts, Mr Jahani said.

It will be investigated whether Porter Davis was trading while insolvent and if that meant they did wrong by customers.

Reports have also circulated of Porter Davis homes being targeted, with one going up in flames on Monday in Melbourne’s southeast.

It took fire crews 40 minutes to bring the blaze at Andante Crescent in Clyde under control. Police are investigating.

Grant Thornton has issued several notices to suppliers and contractors warning them of criminal liability for unauthorised site access.

Premier Daniel Andrews encouraged affected people to get in touch with the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, but noted mandatory insurance was capped at $500,000.

Authorities were looking into a cost escalation clause to amend this, he said.

Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 9

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION

Innovative and dynamic Established in 1919, Dandenong High School is one of the oldest and most culturally diverse secondary schools in Victoria.

We are a co-educational setting from years 7-12, with an enrolment of approximately 1600 students.

The school is renowned, both nationally and internationally, for its unique House structure and state of the art facilities. These were designed to ensure a dynamic learning environment that fosters a student’s creativity and independence and ensures the development of a strong connection to their teachers and their peers.

Dandenong High School has an innovative approach to teaching and learning based on the principles of direct instruction, discovery and inquiry and has developed an evidencebased pedagogy that ensures excellence in every classroom.

In Years 7-9, students learn their core subjects with a team of teachers within their House, building positive relationships that develop their confidence.

Learning is personalised, technology-embedded and differentiated, to reach their potential.

The school also has an outstanding SEALaccredited Accelerated and Enhanced Learning Program.

Our Senior Studies Program in years 10 -12 provides all students with a tailored individualised pathway, allowing an informed choice from an extensive range of opportunities.

These include VCE, VCE-Vocational Major and the Victorian Pathways Certificate.

Strong links with tertiary institutions and community partners ensure our students build entrepreneurship and other 21st-century skills necessary for success once they leave school.

Dandenong High School has a co-educational setting from years 7-12, with an enrolment of approximately 1600 students.

Our school is future-thinking with a comprehensive STEM program which includes core subjects in years 7-9, year 10 STEM Innovators and Robotics, and VCE offerings including computing science, systems engineering and software development.

We also offer a select-entry Design Engineering Academy for Year 9 students who un-

dertake a range of specially designed STEM subjects including cyber security, computational thinking, data, analytics, and psychology of Artificial Intelligence.

In 2023 Dandenong High School opened a purpose-built state-of-the art and future-focused Design Centre, in which students will be immersed in STEM learning. A strong wellbe-

ing team supports students and their families and offers inclusive peer mentor and wellbeing programs throughout the year.

Dandenong High School also values student leadership and student agency and is committed to creating an environment where students are empowered to enact positive change.

Many children may still be feeling anxious about the school year ahead, but there are ways to support them.

Picture: TAYLOR FLOWE VIA UNSPLASH

Settling in or struggling?

With term one of the school year coming to an end, many children have been settling into the school year, while others may have struggled with their transition to a new year level.

For many students the school day can feel scary, leaving parents anxious on how to best support their child and encourage them to attend every day, especially if their child is having difficulties.

UNSW Professor Andrew Martin is an expert in educational psychology and says it’s common for academic adjustment problems to occur in children, but it’s important to understand why.

“Is it will, skill, or both?” he questions.

“If the problem is will, it refers to the motivation and engagement aspects of school life.

“There are positive parts to motivation and engagement, such as self-belief and effort—as well as negative aspects, such as anxiety and procrastination.”

Whereas, he says skill refers to a child’s ability to learn and perform at school.

“It might be that they have difficulty in understanding information and the key concepts required to engage with a subject,” Professor Martin said.

“Or, they may have functional problems with things like literacy, numeracy, and even executive functions such as paying

attention and focusing, “It is important to identify which aspects the child is struggling with as early as possible because one can impact the other. For example, a student can lose motivation in the face of ongoing reading difficulties.”

To further help your child settle in this year, Deakin University early childhood education lecturer, Dr Charlotte Wilders explains the importance of engaging a child’s voice.

“Research focusing on educational transitions has identified that strong relationships between families and teachers are crucial to achieving a successful transition experience,” Dr Wilders said.

She urges parents to assist children who are struggling by supporting them through dialogue with their teachers.

“When you share information about your family culture and your child’s interests you effectively enable the teacher to create a learning space which acts as a bridge between home and school,” she said.

“When parents and teachers access children’s voices to determine their interests, individual experiences can be created that improve motivation and lead to a stronger sense of well-being, giving children a strong sense of belonging to their new environment.”

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION

Programmed for success Lyndale Secondary College offers great advantages across a breadth of curriculum offerings.

There is provision for specialist learning areas and facilities, extensive staff professional development and a wide range of co-curricular programs.

These contribute to the fullest development of the student’s academic, cultural, artistic, social and sporting achievements, while maintaining a sense of belonging that is essential in all great schools.

Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program Lyndale Secondary College is one of a small number of Department of Education schools in the state which is accredited to provide select-entry programs for gifted students.

The acceleration process is designed to cater for the needs of the highly academically talented student.

The program also emphasises the college’s strong belief in pastoral care and ensures that all students are effectively guided through their secondary years of schooling.

The Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program (SEAL) course involves: An intensive and fast-paced curriculum Focus on complex and abstract material Emphasis on higher thought processes (problem solving and analysis) Opportunities to participate in a variety of academic competitions Visit https://lyndale.vic.edu.au/accelerated-learning/ for more information.

Headstart Headstart is an exciting academic program that aims to fully support school students’ transition from one academic year to the next.

This program provides educational advantages to our students by strengthening their

· · · ·

Lyndale Secondary College offers a great curriculum. academic skills to commence the next year’s coursework in the last few weeks of the school year.

Headstart benefits Senior School students as they will be better prepared for the rigours of VCE requirements, which will enable them to undertake senior studies with

confidence and success.

Building Program Our new and engaging spaces connect and support our students to improve learning outcomes.

We have completed building our Perform-

ing Arts Centre, STEM building, library, administration building, and Senior School building.

We are now eagerly waiting for the completion of new sporting facilities.

We welcome your interest in our college.

For school tours, call us at 9795 2366.

At Lyndale Secondary College, we aim to have each student move toward a successful and meaningful future.

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Visit www.lyndale.vic.edu.au Call 9795 2366 for a School Tour Lyndale Secondary College | 14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North VIC 3175 | (03) 9795 2366 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Montague’s Apple Harvest Festival proves fruitful Narre Warren North’s iconic Montague apple orchard was bustling with 2000 locals on Saturday 1 April for its annual Apple Harvest Festival.

Live music, food tucks, fruit tasting, kids activities, facility tours and a pick-yourown orchard experience saw families brave the wet weather to enjoy a slice of the sweet life.

A farmers’ market platformed premium seasonal produce, while facility tours gave festival-goers an insight into the seed-toshelf cycle.

Star News photographer ROB CAREW was on site at the historic orchard to find out what the day had to offer.

Mum and Dad Aida and Raggie with Rami enjoy the picnic tables and many food vans.

Imran Sadiqzai with Montague House Cider, in Stella’s Kitchen Restaurant.

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Mum Jennifer DeBaize with eight-year-old daughter Mia and their own apple harvest.

The Patel Family took two-year-old Kimaya out to try different apples.

Cat curfew debate roars

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Cat owners are clawing back against a proposed plan to confine cats to their owners’ properties 24-7 in Greater Dandenong.

The council’s public online survey on the ‘cat curfew’ recently closed, with no formal decision yet made.

However, the council has stated the curfew could possibly start as early as June.

During public question time at a recent council meeting, an opposing resident ‘Alex’ said studies showed cat curfews were “ineffective”.

Alex cited a Australian Pet Welfare Foundation paper, which stated cat nuisance complaints and impoundments steeply increased in Casey and Yarra Ranges council areas after 24/7 mandated curfews.

“Mandated 24/7 cat containment is not an effective strategy to reduce wandering cats because most wandering cats are strays with no owner to contain them,” the paper stated.

Also objecting is the Knox AdvoCats group, which told Star News that “mandatory cat containment ... kills more wildlife, kittens, and divides community”.

“Community Cat Programs are proven worldwide to save wildlife, cats, and shelterworkers lives at one-sixth of the cost of cat curfews’ trapping and killing.”

Greater Dandenong’s curfew was proposed in response to the council’s “overpopulation” of feral and stray cats creating a nuisance and slaying wildlife, with 700 felines impounded by the council each year.

The council states it is picking up the costs of caring for the unclaimed 93 per cent of im-

pounds, equating to about $216,000 a year.

It has stated its dismal 15 per cent cat registration rate was a barrier to the cat curfew being effective.

As of January 2021, there were about 3500 registered cats – meaning there were a further 20,000 estimated as unregistered.

In response to Alex, Greater Dandenong city amenity director Jody Bosman said the council was “well aware one tool or approach

alone” would have little influence on cat overpopulation.

“Council views the cat curfew as one of many tools to combat the larger issue of cat overpopulation and recognises the absolute requirement to increase the number of registered animals as the No.1 initiative of its plan.”

Its priorities were “education, community ownership of the issue, financial incentives in-

cluding de-sexing and re-registration, stronger laws” “And amongst those stronger laws we are talking about the cat curfew.”

An RSPCA 2018 report was in favour of 24hour containment, rather than night-time curfews, so to significantly reduce wildlife predation, breeding of unwanted cats and cat nuisance.

However, it stated enforcement could be difficult. More data was also needed on the impacts on wildlife predation, welfare of confined cats and the risks with cat trapping.

It recommended mandatory desexing and identification as well as community education programs.

RSPCA Victoria animal care manager Nadia Peiris said it welcomed any initiative to reduce owned domestic cats roaming outdoors regardless of the time of day.

As “natural hunters”, cats had an “outsized” impact on local, native wildlife, Ms Peiris said.

“If owners provide the resources a cat needs for a healthy and happy life, it is possible to train an outdoor cat to enjoy the indoor lifestyle.

“We know keeping cats indoors benefits the animal in the long run.

“Not only is an indoor cat protected from contracting diseases and parasites from other cats that roam outdoors, but it’s also less likely to be involved in a serious accident.”

“Owners can help their pets adjust by playing with their cat and creating a bond based on playtime.”

RSPCA provides online information for owners to keep cats safely indoors.

Casey moves to help protect city’s threatened species The City of Casey is undertaking a biodiversity assessment to better understand the location of threatened species across the municipality.

Over the next 12 months, the council will be approaching landholders to see if they are interested in participating in the assessment.

The properties the council is most interested in are larger properties with native vegetation that hasn’t been cleared.

Data will be used to better understand Casey’s biodiversity and how it can be protected.

The council will be looking for a variety of threatened species, including the Growling Grass Frog, the Powerful Owl and Dwarf Galaxias.

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The Growling Grass Frog is one of the largest frog species in Australia which lives in waterbodies such as farm dams and irrigation channels.

There are known populations around Clyde and Tooradin.

Dwarf Galaxias are a small freshwater fish found in slow flowing waterways like streams, swamps and drainage channels.

They are found in the Hallam Valley, Cardinia Creek and surrounding streams.

Swamp Wallaby-grass is a tufted perennial grass that grows in freshwater swamps, floodplains, riverbanks, drains, and grassy wetlands.

The Powerful Owl is a large owl with a rela-

tively small head and a rounded tail, which needs old growth trees to nest. It is found in Harkaway and Cranbourne.

The Southern Toadlet is a small frog found in damp areas, usually under leaf litter, logs or rocks. Once found across all of Casey, it is now only found in small pockets in the south of the municipality.

The council will also be on the search for migratory birds that are found all throughout Casey’s wetlands and farm dams.

If you are interested in nominating a property for assessment, please email enviroeducation@casey.vic.gov.au or contact council’s principal natural resource management officer on 9709 9364.

Locals are invited to participate in a biodiversity assessment to protect threatened species in Casey.

Picture: SUPPLIED dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

‘Depraved’ couple jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A musical-theatre couple who fantasised about inflicting violent, sadistic and “seriously depraved” abuse of children known to them have been jailed.

Musical director and teacher Benjamin Heels, 34, and chef Tristan Cullinan-Smayle, 34, each pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to more than 20 online child exploitation offences.

In what was a “chilling scenario”, some of Heels’s pupils were among the 19 victims of his “predatory” behaviour, Judge Helen Syme said in sentencing on 31 March.

Heels taught singing, piano and drama to children as young as eight at his home, at a school and other venues in the South East.

A couple since 2010, Heels and CullinanSmayle had together taken part in musical productions in the South East.

“It is deeply depraved, confronting, explicit and without exception, provides extreme examples of child abuse,” Judge Syme said of the couple’s online chats.

“It explicitly describes violence, humiliation, and sadistic acts towards young and very young human beings.”

The teacher’s “brazen” offending with no apparent regard for the child’s welfare was a “significant” breach of trust.

Heels also exchanged child abuse material with a man who has since pled guilty to child abuse material charges and two unidentified people.

Cullianan-Smayles groomed a 14-year-old boy online.

Over several years, Cullinan-Smayles unsuccessfully sought to meet up for sex with the victim and another child.

Police seized more than 2500 items of explicit child sexual abuse material from Cullinan-Smythe and more than 400 from Heels.

Victims’ parents told the court of their diminished trust in other community members.

“Knowing that the abuse continued for some days or months, and still not knowing what the consequences might be for them in the future would be a terrifying scenario for any parent,” Judge Syme noted.

The accused pair appeared at the sentencing online from Hopkins Correctional Facility,

Peter Rabbit

ther of the couple had previous convictions.

Heels was jailed for up to 11 years with a seven-year-and-three-month non-parole period, Cullinan-Smayle for 10 years with a nonparole period of six years and seven months.

Their terms include 673 days in pre-sentence custody.

Both must report as registered sex offenders for life.

where they are housed together and have organised musical theatre activity during their remand.

“No doubt, from a custody management point of view, this is a desirable situation,” Judge Syme noted.

“I do not know whether it is a desirable situation from a rehabilitation perspective.” Nei-

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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

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

Selba (front) and volunteer Veronica in the Afri Aus-Care veggie garden.

The organisation provides cooking classes for vulnerable members of the community. 213664

support, outreach and skills development for members of the African and CALD communities.

It works closely with youth offenders, providing them with a pathway out of these behaviours and into a more positive contribution to society. During the pandemic for example, ex-offenders helped create food hampers and deliver these to the most vulnerable in society.

Afri-Aus Care also works with “the mamas“,

African women who are new to Australia and need assistance to find employment and learn English. Many of these women are survivors of domestic abuse, and Afri-Aus Care provides mental health support too as they build a new life.

Speaking at the Australia Day ceremony, Ms Luka said she was honoured to have received such a prestigious award.

“May we continue to be united. Dandenong is a great city to be,“ she said.

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STAR JOURNAL 13

WHAT’S ON an old shirt and your enthusiasm. Art Club is run by qualified teacher and artist, Monica Muresan.

Tuesday 18 April, 10am-11am at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale.

Free cost. Registrations at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/school-holiday-art-club

Slime Lab Dandenong Plaza will be holding the hugely popular DIY Slime Lab workshop featuring a different theme every day over the upcoming April 2023 school holidays.

Create and decorate your DIY slime with a different theme every day.

Monday 10 April - Friday 14 April, 11am-2pm at level 2 centre court at Dandenong Plaza.

No bookings required. Cost: free

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Discover Dandenong Creek Festival

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Celebration of the Dandenong Creek, with a free barbecue, traditional ceremony and performances, face painting, reptile and wildlife show and more. Parks Victoria activities for children 6-12 years include scat matching, badge making, habitat scorecard.

Thursday 20 April, 11am-2pm at Tirhatuan Park, Kriegal Way, Dandenong North. Parking at 114 Somerset Drive. Cost: free. To register for Parks Victoria activities, go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/discover-dandy-creekfestival

Bunkasaurus workshop In this integrated craft and performance workshop by Bunk Puppets, children will create their own individual shadow character made from scraps, crafts, tinsel, tape and teddy bear fluff.

Participants will then be guided in performance techniques to draw emotion and drama out of the characters they make.

Thursday 13 April and Friday 14 April at Drum Theatre, cnr Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Cost: free. Bookings essential at drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/drum/ events/bunkasaurus-workshop

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Awareness Meditation Meditation harmonises the body, brings stillness and connects the soul to meaning. All welcome to join us for this workshop.

Mondays, 2.30pm-3.30pm 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.

Khmer New Year festival The Khmer New Year Celebration is celebrated for three days in Cambodia. Wat Buddharangsi temple will host festivities, including a luncheon, blessing and chanting by Venerable monks, traditional games, dance, music and foods.

6pm-10pm, Friday 14 April-Sunday 16 April (with festivities running all day from 10.30am on Saturday) at Wat Buddharangsi temple, 159 Clarke Rd, Springvale South.

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Places of worship tours

9x5 Exhibition Now in its 16th year the 9 by 5 Exhibition proves that small things can have a big impact. Artists from around Australia present their creativity on panels measuring nine inches by five inches in a wide variety of styles.

Tuesday 18 April - Friday 7 July at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson Street, Dandenong. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 12pm-4pm. Cost: free

1973 centenary exhibition

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‘Optimism, Opportunities and Achievement’ reflects on the 1973 celebrations of the Centenary of Local Government in Dandenong.

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Until 31 May, Wednesdays-Fridays, 10am2pm at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Stret, Dandenong.

Safari Adventure Kids will have a roaring great time as they embark on a Safari Zoo Adventure at the Safari Adventure Village, featuring Animatronic Zoo animals. Let their creativity go wild as they create a special safari-themed craft activity to take home

whilst visiting the village.

Monday 17 April - Friday 21 April, 11am-2pm at Level 2 Centre Court at Dandenong Plaza.

No bookings required. Cost: free

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School holiday art club Boost your child’s imaginative and inventive mind with Art Club at Springvale Community Hub. Materials supplied, just bring a smock or

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, education@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.

Yoga Classes 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

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

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STAR JOURNAL 15

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STAR JOURNAL 17

SPORT

Dylan Chapman will likely receive more ruck assistance in 2023. 290762

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Michael Cardamone will again lead the Doves. 296142

Doves feel right in the mix

By Jonty Ralphsmith Last year’s Southern Football Netball League Division Two runner-up Doveton has levelled up in several areas as it again looks like it will be a team to beat in 2023.

The Doves have added several recruits, headlined by two big names, and increased their fleet of foot in the midfield.

In also retaining the core of the group that got within a kick of the flag last year, the Doves have expanded their depth under experienced player-coach Michael Cardamone.

The coach indicated that the heartbreak of 2022 was moreso apparent in the subconscious of the squad than explicitly spoken about in preseason.

“We’ve got four blocks we are concentrating on with East Malvern round one and East Brighton round two starting us off, and we’ll let everything else play out after that, but the fire is 100 per cent in the belly,” Cardamone said.

“I think everyone at the club has the same goal, (but) we’re not going to talk about it because there’s so much water to go under the bridge before we get to the halfway mark, let alone playing finals.”

PATTO He’s the talk of the town.

The arrival of former test cricketer Jimmy Pattinson to Doveton has generated plenty of hype ahead of 2023.

Pattinson, a powerfully built athlete touted for the big time from a young age, played 40 internationals for Australia between 2011-2020 as a fast bowler.

Now 32-years-old, he enters the local footy scene wanting to have fun and Cardamone is putting no pressure on him, but his presence will no doubt attract plenty of eyeballs.

Injuring himself in the local cricket season, he only resumed full training two weeks ago but has been keen to get back into it since the start of preseason.

“He’s brought so much energy to the group that, when he’s on the training track, everyone stands a bit taller and he makes everyone laugh,” Cardamone said.

“I understand there will be a bit of hype around Patto so it’s definitely exciting, but I just want him to have fun.

“Thousands of people over the years have dissected his cricket and his body but if he has fun he will be dangerous up forward.

“I don’t expect him to kick 50-60 goals, it is just about making a contest and if he can get on the end of three or four each week I’d be rapt.

“I’m just looking forward to having a big body that is going to make defenders have sleepless nights, knowing they are going to have to man up on him on Saturday.”

THE OTHER BIG NAME With Pattinson’s arrival, the return of Michael Henry to the club has, to some degree, flown under the radar.

Henry didn’t play in 2022 so may be eased in by Doveton, but if he can get up-and-going, he’ll be among the most damaging players in the team.

“It’s exciting to know I have someone with a lot of class in there,” Cardamone said.

“He’s a little bit older but he’s had a fantastic preseason and looks fit as anything, so he’s ready to go.

“If he needs a rest every now and again we will do that as well, so we’ll take each week as it comes with him.”

RUCK WATCH It’s interesting to note that the Doves recruited Matt Waldon.

The club possesses Dylan Chapman, a player widely seen as the best ruck in the Division 2 competition.

He played as a solo ruck through most of 2022, with Max Shephard giving him a chopout at stages within games.

Cardamone suggested that Pattinson could play a similar role in 2022, but there is also the potential for a secondary ruck to play.

Waldon will be knocking the door down, as will young Matt Merrilees, whose development has caught the eye.

The Doves played Chapman as a forward in a practice match and they liked what they saw, as he brought his ability to compete to the airways in attack.

It was also a strong hint that they might play two rucks early in 2023 – and that recipe may just make the physical Chapman even harder to beat.

ADDING PACE Local footy’s about contested footy.

It’s the oldest cliche in the book.

Led by Jake Basa and Luke Daidone, Doveton had plenty of hardened midfielders in 2022.

If there was one area they could sometimes get found wanting, it was their speed.

There’s a few ingredients Cardamone is confident he can add to the midfield in 2023, to allow them to use their big ground well.

Aaron Johns, Ricky Johnson and Cam Williamson, whose preseason has caught the eye, will provide the leg-speed the Doves are seeking.

Cobras strike quickly to Club legend chosen to lead his beloved Panthers rattle the Dandy Rangers

By Marcus Uhe

By Marcus Uhe Dandenong Cricket Club has announced Tom Donnell as its new coach for the next two Premier Cricket seasons.

A veteran of the competition, Donnell brings a wealth of playing experience to the role, having played 20 years of the competition and accumulating 12,000 runs in the process.

“Tom is a Life Member of the Dandenong Cricket Club and now takes on the position of head coach with great enthusiasm, passion, and a vision for the future,” the club said.

“A mentor in his own right, Tom will ensure that all players develop, be competitive and most importantly, enjoy their cricket.”

It’s a tall task for the opening batter, with the proud club coming off one of its worst seasons in recent history, finishing 16th with just two wins.

Donnell replaces Dandenong premier18 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

Tom Donnell will coach Dandenong Cricket Club for the next two seasons. 308814 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS ship winning coach Warren Ayres, who resigned from his position in January, before Glenn Marinic took the reigns in an interim capacity for the remainder of the season.

Donnell and captain Brett Forsyth have been mainstays at the top of the Panthers’ order for a number of years, and were once again their two leading run-scorers in the 2022/23 season, with 463 and 615, respectively.

The gloss of Dandenong’s opening night win in the new NBL1 season has been quickly wiped, after they were thrashed by Kilsyth on Thursday night.

A fighting final quarter from Samantha Woosman’s side restored some respectability to the scoreboard after the margin ballooned to 34 late in the third quarter, for a final score of 93-78 in the Cobras’ favour.

Kilsyth put a gap between the two sides late in the first quarter, taking a 31-12 lead into the first break and not looking back as they found open men with ease, breaking apart the Rangers’ defence. The margin was extended at every break, leading to a 31-point differential after three quarters.

Highlights were few and far between for the visitors, but Deng Puoch did his best to lift the spirits of his side, throwing down a two-handed reverse dunk after stealing an inbound pass and taking the ball the length of the floor.

A three-point shooting barrage from Harrison Bowater made the contest interesting in

Kilsyth were far too strong for Dandenong on Picture: SUPPLIED Thursday night. 292066 the last quarter and helped cut the margin to 11, but Kilsyth were able to steady and hold-on for the win.

Bowater top-scored for the Rangers with 21 points off the bench, having shot 6-8 from the three point line.

They’ll welcome both Hobart and Diamond Valley to Dandenong Basketball Stadium next week in a weekend back-to-back, with Hobart on Saturday and Diamond Valley on Sunday. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Redbacks ready under new coach

By Jonty Ralphsmith Under the tutelage of new coach Hayden Stanton, Hampton Park will be seeking to secure wins over some top sides in the Division 2 competition in 2023.

Last year the Redbacks, heavily reliant on a senior core of established talent, managed just one draw in their 10 games against clubs above them on the ladder as they finished sixth.

In 2023, the Redbacks want to bring in some fresh, younger faces which will add depth, while senior players such as Liam Myatt, Trent Thomas, Ryan Hillard and Nathan Carver remain sturdy in their output.

Stanton also wants to change the perception of Hampton Park.

“From my perspective, the history of Hampton Park over 30 years, no matter what comp they play in, they have always been known as a bit of a rough-nut club,” Stanton said.

“I’ve broken the shackles away from that.

“I want us to be a club that’s progressive and inclusive and tries really hard to generate more people to get involved in our club.

“With no junior club, it’s very difficult, so we want people, when they play Hampton Park, to know it’s going to be a really hard game until the end, but we want to play an exciting brand of footy that encourages people to come watch us, so that will take time to build.

“I’m coming off a base where this club was fourth-bottom for points kicked – they weren’t able to score heavily, so they were in games for periods but weren’t able to execute and then got scored against the other way.”

In recruiting Andy Parker from Doveton, Hampton Park have picked up a ruck which was a gap that needed filling.

He’ll feed to the likes of Makaio Heywood, who has had a preseason that suggests he’s ready to tap into his massive potential.

“He’s been good all preseason and we think he’s someone who will jump up this season and becomes a bona fide star of the competition,” Stanton said.

“He’s strong, he’s tough, he wins his own ball, his kicking’s beautiful, he just hasn’t, up to this year, committed himself fully and he’s

Ziggy Toledo-Glasman kicked 6.2 in the ‘Rays win on the weekend. 303629 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Luke O’Brien will receive more help from youth this season. 282027 reaping the benefits of it now.”

With works being completed at Booth Reserve, Hampton Park will this season play their home games at a new facility at Cranbourne West – Tony Way Recreation Reserve.

The Redbacks have been dealt difficult cards in preseason as they’re still training at Booth Reserve where there is no social setting and two of the light towers are not operational.

The ground is not expected to be ready for use until the second week of the season, with the Redbacks first three games of the season confirmed as away fixtures.

That will give the squad a couple of weeks to acclimatise to the conditions of the ground to give them some home-ground advantage when they play there.

The difference in dimensions between the two venues adds another layer of hardship.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Tony Way is a massive, open facility – arguably the biggest ground in the competition.

That changes the way Hampton Park will approach their game.

Instead of playing risk-averse, controlled footy, Stanton wants them to use their speed to run teams into the ground – a change-up from the usual Hampton Park way.

“It’s a work in progress,” Stanton said.

“I have taken over a group that was kickmark and very safe and I’ve been trying to get them to play a more expansive game which relies on more ball control and getting the right guys kicking the footy more,” he said.

“It has taken time, but when we have done it at times in our trial games, it has looked really good and when we’ve gone away from it and gone more kick-mark, we’ve been outmarked.”

Biggest contest beckons at the bullring

By Marcus Uhe Pat Wright Senior Oval will play host to one of the biggest games of local footy this season on Saturday when Noble Park host Rowville in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division grand final.

On a wet day in Bayswater in September, the Bulls played what Steve Hughes described as their best game of the season, with “daylight second”, steamrolling the Hawks in a 47-point victory.

It was a defensive masterclass from Noble Park, keeping the Hawks to just two goals for the entire day.

13 scoring shots to 25 was a major outlier between the two sides as Noble Park was able to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

But having been defeated three times by Rowville earlier in the season, including in a qualifying final at the same venue just two weeks prior to the big dance, the Hawks had every right to enter the game feeling that they were the favourites.

In the qualifying final, Rowville took a 26-point lead into the first break and never looked back, holding the Bulls to their secondlowest score of the season to win by six goals.

While in round 16, a two-point victory to Rowville in enemy territory effectively sealed top-spot on the ladder with two rounds remaining.

How Ben Wise’s side will fare psychologically in the rematch will be on everyone’s mind, before even contemplating how they’ll handle the new recruits at Noble Park of Shane McDonald and Jackson Casey. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Noble Park host Rowville in a grand final rematch on Saturday at Pat Wright Oval. 299102 Picture: ROB CAREW Wise, however, is not daunted by the prospect, and welcomes the challenge ahead of them.

“I don’t think I need to motivate the boys at all; it’s all part of it,” he said.

“It’ll still be pretty raw for some boys, some will handle it different to others, but it’s all about the experience, where we’ve gone and what we’re trying to get to.

“They got to where we want to be and ev-

erything that comes along with winning it or losing it, it’s part of the journey that we’re on.

“You don’t need much motivation and coming up against the best side of the year previous, it’s good to see where you’re at.

“You want to challenge yourself against the best sides which we always do, we didn’t hide away from that fact and we look forward to it.”

First bounce is at 2.20 on Saturday.

Successful Stingrays cut Power

By Jonty Ralphsmith The Dandenong Stingrays have come away from their Good Friday road trip with wins in each of their games against the Gippsland Power.

Action kicked off with the boys, who skipped out to a 27-point quarter-time lead and roughly maintained that ascendancy for the rest of the contest at Morwell, winning 14.13 97 to 10.10 70.

The star of the show was over-aged forward Ziggy Toledo-Glasman, also on Casey’s VFL development list.

The undersized key forward booted 6.2 and took seven marks.

His first came just before the quarter time siren from a free kick after skipper Cooper Simpson got it deep to a one-onone from a stoppage at the top of 50.

His second was an equally impressive around-the-corner goal as Dandenong put the foot on the pedal at the start of the second quarter.

Toledo-Glasman kicked all three of the Stingrays’ goals in the second quarter to withstand more Gippsland scoreboard pressure.

Skipper Cooper Simpson pieced together another strong performance, accumulating 28 disposals to go with a classy long-range goal, while fellow midfielder Kade de La Rue got 24 and one.

Beaconsfield Vic Country-listed defender Kobe Shipp missed the game with a minor injury but is expected to return next week.

The girls put the Power to the sword with a 12.13 85 to 1.2 8 win over a squad which has a limited number of local clubs to choose from.

Midfielder Mikayla Williamson was best-on-ground and got 26 possessions.

Clean bottom-ager Jemma Reynolds and skipper Jemma Ramsdale were also key contributors.

In the forward line, Brooke Smith put the mid-week AFLW draft omission behind her with another strong display, being involved in plenty of attacking chains and kicking 2.3 while also laying 13 tackles.

The win’s an important one for the talent-laden Stingrays as it evens their ledger to 2-2 ahead of a massive test against the undefeated Oakleigh on Friday night at Shepley Oval.

The boys will look to continue rolling on Sunday at Bendigo against Greater Western Victoria Rebels, which is also undefeated from its three games this season.

Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

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