Dandenong Star Journal - 2nd May 2023

Jobseeker lament

By Sahar Foladi

No one can afford to live on Jobseeker, says refugee Asif Afzali.

Ahead of May’s federal budget, welfare groups and the government’s own Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee (EIAC) have called for a “substantial” rise in the “seriously inadequate” Jobseeker payments as a high priority.

The committee also called for an increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance and to reform its “indexation to better reflect rent paid”.

Asif Afzali was among thousands of Afghans who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban took control in 2021.

Similar to many refugees and migrants Mr Afzali has called Dandenong home ever since his arrival and had been on Jobseeker.

“I searched too many jobs and applied.

“I don’t have local experience other things is maybe my English.”

Mr Afzali struggled to find a job even though he’s a qualified civil engineer and an electrician.

He studied at a private University in Kabul, completed his degree, worked for three years as a site engineer in commercial companies and five years as an electrician with TABS which provided electricity all over Kabul.

“My friends have the same problem as I have. Some have graphic design qualifications and some have IT qualifications.

“After some time, they start work in construction they put away their qualifications and start again from zero.”

While on Jobseeker he received $600 fortnightly and paid $550 monthly living in a shared house with fellow Afghan migrants.

“It was hard because it was not enough for food, paying bills, wifi and everything.We tried to find a cheaper and old house.

“Prices are going up rent prices too. It’s not enough for one person.”

Bakhtar Community Organisation CEO Bassir Qadiri said the current JobSeeker and

Youth Allowance rates are below the poverty line.

“As a community organisation we work with individuals and families experiencing financial hardship and we see first-hand the challenges they face in meeting their basic needs.

“Therefore, we believe that increasing the payments would provide much-needed relief for those struggling.”

Bakhtar Community Organisation (BCO) provides a range of volunteering services to new arrivals in the country from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

From donating clothes, household items, laptops to interpretation and legal services, BCO is at the forefront to help the community.

ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie said income support levels are woefully inadequate and

must be raised.

“Inthepast12months,thecostsoffood,rent and energy have all surged by double digits.

“This has meant that people on JobSeeker and related payments cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills.

Continued page 7

‘Dire’ lack of affordable rentals here

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The good news is Greater Dandenong has the highest number of affordable rental listings in metro Melbourne for households on income support.

The bad news is that number is only 10.

In its latest national Rental Affordability Snapshot, Anglicare has joined the growing chorus for a rise in the rate for JobSeeker and other income supports.

“We found that that there were no properties affordable for a single person on Jobseeker payment. This includes sharehouses.

“The shortage of affordable rentals will condemn people to make difficult decisions to keep a roof over their head.”

Sewage pollutes Keysy wetlands

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Authorities have taped off a Tatterson Park wetlands, which has been polluted by a 23,000-litre spill of sewage.

A blocked sewer at 90 Lake View Boulevard Keysborough was discovered by South East Water about 9pm on Monday 24 April.

The blockage was caused by a build-up of tree roots and fats, resulting in overflow into the adjacent wetlands, SEW acting service delivery general manager Glenn Goldsmith said.

Water-quality testing found elevated levels of E.coli close to the spill site.

Crews acted immediately to contain the spill, he said.

“This included sandbagging, flushing and eduction (removal), and cleaning and disinfection of the site.

“The area remains taped off to the public and signage put in place, asking community members (and their animals) not to use or handle the water in the wetlands.”

Water-quality sampling was continuing at the wetlands and downstream at Mordialloc Creek.

“While water testing indicates that E.coli levels at the site of the spill are declining, advisory signs will be in place until we receive further water quality results for the area, and it is declared safe.

“We utilised our Environmental Sensitivity Mapping tool to confirm that no sensitive flora or fauna in the wetlands was impacted by the spill.”

Mr Goldsmith said it was the first time that the pipeline had blocked.

“At South EastWater, we do everything possible to avoid spills, including using monitoring sensors with alarms that detect potential blockages or overflows across our sewer network.

“We’re investigating to clear any further restrictions along this pipeline to prevent any spills from happening again.”

There was no disruption to water and sew-

age services in the area, he said.

“We’re continuing to work with the Environment Protection Authority to determine the impact of the spill.”

An EPA Victoria spokesperson said an estimated 23,000 litres of sewage was isolated to the Lake View Boulevard wetlands area.

“A clean up operation was commenced by South East Water.

“EPA will be making further enquiries.”

The location is bounded by a contemporary housing estate, sports fields and playgrounds.

Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad said it was “perplexing why it’s happened now and why in this place.”

The council’s acting chief executive Paul Kearsley said its emergency management team has been in daily contact with South East Water since the spill occurred.

Meanwhile, South East Water advised customers to “appropriately dispose of anything that’s not water, human waste or toilet paper, including food scraps, fats and oils”.

JobSeeker heat rises on Bruce MP Hill

Bruce MP Julian Hill has declared support but declined to break ranks to sign an open letter calling for a JobSeeker rate rise.

Several ALP backbenchers dared to sign an open letter by Australian Council of Social Services calling for a “substantial” increase to JobSeeker and other welfare payments in the May Federal Budget.

On social media on 27 April, Mr Hill outlined“in response to questions I’ve received” he wouldn’t sign an open letter or petition to the Government of which he’s a member.

“Of course more support for disadvantaged people is needed in the Budget and I would like to see an increase in Jobseeker.

“My long held view hasn’t changed.

“I’m not in Cabinet so do not know what’s in the Budget. But I do know the pressures on the Budget are immense and not everything can be done at once.

“Governing means tough choices have to be made about priorities but I’ve been assured there will be measures in the May Budget to address disadvantage and am open minded about how that is achieved this year.

“As a backbench MP, like my colleagues, I’ll continue to advocate internally for the most vulnerable in society, and speak up publicly when I think that’s the most effective thing to do.”

Before winning Government, Mr Hill – as

well as now Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – were vocal advocates for JobSeeker rises.

In 2020, Mr Hill tweeted: “Nobody can live on $40 a day, without ending up in poverty. #JobSeeker rate needs to be raised.”

The ACOSS letter notes the Government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee calling for a “substantial increase” in JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and related payments as a “first priority”.

“We all want the security of knowing that we’ll be supported during tough times,” the letter stated.

“But right now, the rate of JobSeeker is so low that people are being forced to choose between paying their rent or buying enough food and medicine.

“Currently, for a single person, JobSeeker is $49.50 per day and Youth Allowance is $40.20 per day.”

The letter has been signed by Labor MPs Alicia Payne, Louise Miller-Frost, Michelle Ananda-Rajah and Kate Thwaites, as well as Liberal MP Bridget Archer and Greens and cross-bench MPs.

A range of ex-politicians, economists, academics, First Nations leaders and community sector group leaders have also signed, including South East Community Links chief executive Peter McNamara.

During the Snapshot, only one Victorian rental property was affordable for a Disability Support pensioner.

The report points to “very low” rental vacancy rates, which make tenanted properties a “scarce resource” and drive rents to an “unprecedented high”.

In Greater Dandenong, there were 68 rental listings affordable to a household on minimum wage. In Casey, there were 176 and Cardinia 104, the Snapshot reports.

Ahead of this month’s Federal Budget, Anglicare also called for more affordable housing, higher Commonwealth Rent Assistance and a revamp of negative gearing and capital gains tax exemptions.

Wayss homelessness and housing general manager Shari McPhail agreed JobSeeker and Commonwealth Rental Assistance need to rise.

“They absolutely need to be increased so people can afford to live.

“Something has to change – people are in such dire straits, and it’s difficult for them to come out of that.”

With scarce affordable rentals and a cost of living squeeze, the agency was struggling to find suitable accommodation for an “everincreasing” number of families, Ms McPhail said.

There also needs to be reform of the homelessness system including support and options for those fleeing family violence.

Across the state, about 38 per cent of people seeking Wayss’s help are experiencing family violence.

“That’s simply not OK in a country and a state as prosperous as ours. It’s not good enough that they end up in the homelessness system.”

Wayss is also calling for more resources for homelessness services in the South East, as well as for 6000 more social housing properties across the state.

To that end, it is lobbying for MPs to approve the Federal Government’s proposed Housing Australia Future Fund.

The $10 billion fund for 30,000 homes was “not perfect” but crucial to supply affordable and social housing in the long-term, Ms McPhail said.

It would deliver the consistency and security needed for big private investors to support the fund.

The proposed fund has not won support from the Liberals or Greens, and has yet to pass through Parliament.

Many support agencies in the South East have described unprecedented demand for help.

South East Community Links chief executive Peter McNamara recently said people reporting housing costs as the reason for seeking material aid at SECL had increased by 165 per cent in the past year.

“One client told us he had to make the choice between ‘food to eat or being barefooted’,” he said.

“He desperately needed new shoes but after paying rent he was left with just $8 per day for essentials like food, transport and clothes.”

Julian Hill says he still wants JobSeeker to rise, but has declined to sign an open letter to the Government.

A part of the extensive wetlands at Tatterson Park Keysborough. 208872

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Karaoke wins the battle

By Sahar Foladi

A rescission motion to extend a Springvale karaoke bar’s operating hours from 1am to 4am on weekend nights was upheld by Greater Dandenong councillors.

The rescission motion moved by Cr Jim Memeti supported by Cr Tim Dark was brought forward in a council meeting on Monday 24 April after it was turned down in a heated debate in a council meeting on 11 April.

MDM Karaoke owner Duong Minh Do expressed his joy.

“We’re really happy about that. After documents are finalised we will need to apply for legal licence to operate till 4am.”

In an email sent to councillors on Monday 10 April, Mr Do said opting for a 2am closing time would “have a very big impact on our business viability.”

“I lost a lot of customers because no one comes. After they (locals) found out we’ll be open till 4am they’re very happy.”

Mr Do said customers mostly walk in between 9pm to 10pm operating till 4 am is better and he’ll have more customers to come and enjoy.

Cr Memeti thanked councillors for their votes and said they’ve made the right decision.

“By asking for these amendments to their permit it’s because they can’t survive on what they’re operating on.

“We want to make sure our activity centres are bringing people in instead of having dark empty streets.

“We need to put our faith in our local businesses.”

Cr Memeti had argued that council policy encourages businesses to apply for late night

operations especially in their activity centres.

“I’ve been around this table for many years and I’ve heard our council officers say they want Dandenong and Springvale to be opened 24 hours a day.

“So we encourage businesses but when it comes for applicants to apply we put up barriers. This is something I’m against.”

Mr Do said they’re the first in the Springvale activity centre to pass on this motion but wishes there could be more businesses open till late to boost the economy.

“Hopefully there’s more place like restaurants to extend hours. Springvale will be like a city more entertainment and better for small businesses like us.”

Council has restricted MDM’s patron numbers till 9pm after which they can have 175 patrons.

In the same email, Mr Do said, “Whilst not happy with this it is something we can accommodate with.”

After a thorough heated debate on 11 April council meeting, Cr Sean O’Reilly remained against the motion amid fears of noise for residents living nearby in apartments.

Cr Memeti said they’d sent letters to the residents opposite of the Balmoral Avenue Karaoke and received no response from them.

Acoustic report conducted was also clear from any noise levels that could cause disturbance in the area.

Despite this and the fact that Council didn’t receive a response from the Police as well, Cr O’Reilly remained loyal to his initial decision.

After a tight battle the council passed the motion six against three. Mayor Eden Foster also changed her vote for the motion.

Dismay as DNA dispute causes $3m cost blowout

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A $3 million blowout has been announced on the long-awaited Dandenong New Art gallery (DNA) project.

The sum was listed in the City of Greater Dandenong’s draft 2023-’24 budget, after two years of delays and a contractual dispute with the builder.

It pushes the estimated cost of the major contemporary art gallery in Mason Street Dandenong from $7.2 million to more than $10 million.

In the meantime, the legal dispute with builder Harris HMC has yet to resolve.

And the project’s completion date, originally mid-2021, is still yet to be finalised.

Councillor Tim Dark said “it’s extremely disappointing the way in which the whole project has gone”.

“The site has come to a grinding halt. It looks like a complete and utter eye-sore right in the heart of Dandenong.

“The ultimate loser is the ratepayer.”

Councillor Jim Memeti agreed it was “very disappointing” that the ratepayers have been “slugged” for extra, after the project was put in motion several years ago.

The dispute with Harris HMC arose after council engineers assessed the works as unsatisfactory, including the new steel framing at the former circa-1920’s Masonic hall.

“No one was happy but from the council’s point of view, you give someone the work and you expect it to be done properly,” Cr Memeti said.

“(The steelworks) had to be dismantled and put up the right way.”

When asked for an estimated end date, Cr Memeti said “you’d definitely expect it to be the next financial year (ending June 2024).”

Greater Dandenong acting chief executive Paul Kearsley said the proposed $3 million would cover the completion of the DNA gallery, with the contract dispute “nearing completion”.

“A procurement process for the appoint-

ment of a new contractor will not be commenced until the original contract dispute is completely resolved.

“A revised completion program will be developed when a new contractor is appointed.”

The total cost and time blowout “will not be determined with any certainty” until the new contractor’s appointment, Mr Kearsley said.

Harris HHC general manager Andrew Headberry recently told Star Journal that the firm had asked to be released from the contract due to the council’s “inaction”.

Harris was prepared to fix “small defects” mainly to do with concrete sub-structures, but the council“decided to do it themselves“, Mr Headberry said.

“I don’t understand the council’s reasoning and position. I’ve tried over many months

and now years to engage in reasonable dialogue with council at all levels, including the (former) CEO and (former) mayor, and made zero progress.”

When finished, the DNA facility is expected to be a gallery of regional significance. It will include state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, workshop spaces, cafe and retail, active outdoor spaces and public art.

Works have ground to a halt at the former Masonic hall, which will be the site of a $10.2 million contemporary art gallery. 293985

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Duong Do MDM Karaoke owner is the first to operate till 4 am in the Springvale activity centre. 329143

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Duong Do and Nguyet Nguyen 329143

Daniel Abdullah Zain is hoping to pack his bags and swap Haileybury for Hungary later this year.

The 16-year-old recently became one of Australia’s youngest and most promising programmers at the Australian Invitational Informatics Olympiad (AIIO).

Daniel reached the top 16 in the event which is designed to identify and support the country’s brightest and brainiest young programmers.

The Year 11 Haileybury student is now in training for selection to represent Australia at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) in Hungary in August.

The event brings together high school students from across the globe who showcase and sharpen their informatics skills in problem analysis, the design of algorithms and data structures, programming and testing.

“I’m pretty happy about achieving the milestone of being in the top 16 in Australia but I’m definitely hoping to break into the top 4 and go to Hungary,” says Daniel.

“I’ve invested as much time and practice as I can to work towards that.”

The IOI is one of several international science Olympiads held each year around the world. It discovers young people like Daniel who are exceptionally talented in the field of informatics, which encompasses computer programming and algorithm design.

Daniel has competed in a series of informatics competitions in Australia to be in contention for Hungary and he has spent hours getting to grips with every aspect of this specific field of science – from Dijkstra’s algorithm to dynamic programming.

“I do get nervous during the contests but as each event goes for a few hours I make time to take a few minutes, relax and gain focus,” says Daniel.

Tue Nguyen, Head of Computer Science at

Haileybury, says Daniel’s achievements so far are impressive with the exams at the Olympiad events being extremely complex.

“The difficulty level of the problems would challenge even proficient Computer Science students at university level and require advanced skills and knowledge of algorithms and data structures,” says Mr Nguyen.

Mr Nguyen also taught Year 10 Haileybury student, Henry Ho, 15, who narrowly missed out on a spot in the top 16 this year but who has been identified as a promising future candidate.

“To be successful, students like Daniel and Henry must be creative thinkers who can think outside the box,” he explains.

“At the same time, they need to be seasoned programmers who are familiar with wellknown problem-solving strategies and with efficient algorithms and data structures that are usually not taught at high school level.

“Successful competitors are also highly motivated and resilient because they must maintain concentration for long periods of time and cope with the stress and frustration of the chal-

lenging cognitive tasks that confront them.”

With his eyes on Hungary, Daniel is now spending every spare hour taking part in specialist training that is honing his computer programming and algorithmic skillset. He also plans to continue studying informatics and carving out a career in the in-demand and highly specialised field. “After I graduate, I plan on pursuing a career in computer science although I haven’t decided exactly what I’ll do as computer science is a massive field. I’m keeping my options open for the time being,” he says.

Daniel Abdullah Zain a computer whizz is headed to Hungary.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Police blitz on weaponry

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Matthew Sims

Men from Springvale South and Doveton have been arrested as part of a five-day police blitz targeting the “most violent” youth gang members and their weapons.

Between 17-21 April, police arrested 28 people in the South East affiliated with a youth gang or have been involved in serious, violent crime and subject to a firearm prohibition order (FPO).

They face charges including prohibited person with a firearm, possessing firearms, possessing ammunition, possessing prohibition or controlled weapons, aggravated burglary and car theft.

Eight guns and 16 edged weapons were also seized during the crack-down.

The cache included a sawn-off shotgun, a longarm rifle, a revolver with live ammunition, two machetes, a flick-knife and a home-made sword.

Other seized weapons included two imitation pistols, two batons, a sling shot and knuckle dusters.

Three youths were remanded, including a known youth gang member and a 31-year-old Pakenham man who was since jailed for three months for possessing 1,4-butanediol.

Five known youth gang offenders or associates were served with an FPO.

Among those arrested were an 18-yearold Doveton man allegedly with a machete at Fountain Gate shopping centre on 20 April.

He was later bailed to appear before Kyneton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 10.

Also on 20 April, Dandenong police seized a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition during an FPO compliance check at a property in Terry Court, Springvale South.

A 27-year-old Springvale South man was charged with prohibited person possess firearm, possess ammunition without license,

possess cannabis and contravene final intervention order.

He was bailed to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 25 August.

The blitz was complemented by an Omni Operation at Fountain Gate shopping centre on 20 April, in which 12 edged weapons were seized and nine people arrested.

Police checked 257 people and 73 vehicles at the shopping centre.

Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Superintendent Jo Stafford said police would continue to “make life as difficult as possible”

for those aligned to a gang committing “serious and violent crime”.

“As part of Operation Alliance, we are regularly knocking on the doors of youth gang members for bail compliance checks, saturating locations where we know they frequent and are likely to offend and gathering further intelligence on their activities and their associates.

“Our message to anyone who commits violent crime and jeopardises the safety of the broader community is clear – we are not going away and if you were fortunate enough to es-

cape a knock on the door last week, you won’t be so lucky next time.”

Supt Stafford said police were also continuing to engage “at risk” youth with support services to stop offending in the first place.

In the past 12 months, Operation Alliance has led to the arrest of 448 known youth gang members a combined 1,422 times, police say.

Since Operation Alliance commenced in September 2020, the number of known Victorian youth gang members on Victoria Police’s watchlist has decreased from 747 to 625.

Drag storytime goes ahead despite ‘concerning’ anger

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Monash Council will continue to stage a drag storytime event for children and parents next month despite “concerning” levels of anger by opponent groups. The council’s response is in direct contrast to City of Casey, which recently cancelled a drag workshop after alleged threats and intimidation. Monash’s council meeting on 26 April was temporarily adjourned after a packed and overflowing gallery shouted down councillors and derided them as “groomers” and “child abusers”.

“We’re talking about safety of children,” a spectator called out.

In the foyer, police stood between vocal groups in support and against the storytime event. Chief executive Andi Diamond said “direct approaches to councillors and staff at times (were) overstepping the line of what we believe to be appropriate”.

“Council is used to working and communicating with people in a heightened state, but the level of anger related to this issue has been concerning.”

Dr Diamond said the council was “committed” to the storytime at Oakleigh library on 19 May. To mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT Day), the storytime features drag queen Sam Thompson reading and singing to children and parents.

“We are committed to delivering the event to support our LGBTIQA+ community,” Dr Diamond said.

“We understand this is not for everyone and have scheduled it outside our regular library programs so that parents who bring their children have made a deliberate choice to attend.

“We ask people to respect this choice.

“We will continue to conduct risk assessments to ensure that it can be delivered safely in the leadup to the event.”

Seventeen questions on the issue were submitted for public question time at the 26 April meeting. Three were read out at the meeting, with the council’s single response read out by mayor Tina Samardzija. Age-appropriate books that celebrate diversity and acceptance would be chosen by experienced librarians, Cr Samardzija told the meeting.

“Children are never too young to receive such messages.”

Among the opponents was South-East based Senator Ralph Babet, who allegedly heckled from the gallery.

A witness in the gallery said Mr Babet was “going off all evening.”

Mr Babet told Star News:“I absolutely said ‘stop indoctrinating children’ after the coun-

cil refused to answer 20 questions from the public.

“Let kids be kids. Children aged 1 through to 6 are much too young to be exposed to what are entirely adult concepts.

“Now a good question would be why do children aged 1 through to 6 need to see drag queens but a better question is why are these drag queens fighting so hard to have an audience with children.”

Recently, Casey Council cancelled a beginners workshop series The Art of Drag in April and May due to “community safety” concerns.

Casey acted on advice fromVictoria Police after alleged threatening phone calls, emails and physical intimidation by opponents.

To mark IDAHOBIT Day, Greater Dandenong Council will raise the ‘Pride’ flag and illuminate Drum Theatre in rainbow colours.

An 18-year-old Doveton man arrested after being allegedly found with a machete at Fountain Gate.A 27-year-old man arrested by police at Terry Court, Springvale South

Terry gets a long goodbye

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

After 41 years in the trade, commercial vehicles

dealer principal Terry Jewson’s grand retirement plans include holidaying, grandparenting, golf, fishing, sausage making and cheering on his beloved Magpies from his mancave.

The retiree was roundly farewelled on his final work day with a lunch and a bottle of Penfold’s Grange from his colleagues at Patterson Cheney Isuzu in Dandenong.

In something of a farewell tour, he was also feted with similar send-offs at the firm’s Derrimut and Campbellfield dealerships.

“It’s a lot of farewells but it has been 41

years,” Mr Jewson said on an emotional last day.

“Today I’m feeling not sure where I am. I’ve already received three or four phone calls to wish me well.

“It’s a bit different, a bit empty. Now that it’s arrived, it’s feeling a bit real.”

A highlight is the building of the 10-acre state-of-the-art truck dealership on a greenfields site in Derrimut in 2010.

The biggest thing he loved was dealing with staff and the bulk of his customers.

He’s big on having a “can-do attitude”, “care factor in everything you do” and empathy – the latter being nigh impossible to teach, he says.

With 50 years in retail sales in butchery, cars and trucks, he just loves selling things.

“People say I’ve got the gift of the gab, you make it look so easy.

“It’s like (ex-Collingwood footballer) Peter Daicos who was kicking goals from everywhere. He said the more you practice, the better you get.”

Now settled in Leongatha, Mr Jewson has a family trip to Cape York planned in July.

He’ll be back in time to see Collingwood Football Club in the AFL Grand Final, he confidently predicts.

He’ll also keep busy doting on four sporty grand-kids, as well as fishing in Port Phillip

and Corner Inlet and golfing at Leongatha Golf Club.

Before his long stint in truck sales, he was a butcher.

He intends to keep making Cumberland snags as well as a gourmet pork, pear and parmesan variety.

Before he left the Patterson Cheney building, he’d made sure “everything was in place” with a succession plan three years in the making.

In that time, he’d started to scale back his work hours and hired his replacements at the three outlets.

“I feel I’m leaving it in a very good position, which makes me proud and happy.”

Works continue near you and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 68 already gone. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel to run more trains to and from our suburbs and upgrading roads to reduce congestion and improve travel times.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

From 8.30pm 19 May to 21 May

Pakenham Line From 9.30pm 25 May to 31 May

From 10pm 7 June to 21 June

Road disruptions: Closed roads

Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne West

Hall Road, Cranbourne West

Evans Road, Cranbourne West

Main Street, McGregor and Racecourse roads, Pakenham

Caulfield to Westall

Dandenong to Pakenham

On sections of the line

Until 26 JuneBetween Willow Glen and Ranfurlie boulevards

Until 26 June Between Cranbourne-Frankston Road and Banyan Drive

Until 26 JuneBetween Hall Road and Strathlea Drive

At times in JuneAt the level crossings

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Terry Jewson at a lunch presentation with dealer principal Adrian Harding. 330156 Terry Jewson bows out after 50 years in sales. 330156 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Jobseekers under strain Rate rise unease

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong councillors say they are uneasy with rate rises and soaring debt outlined in the draft 2023-’24 budget.

The draft is open for public comment until 24 May, followed by a councillor vote in June.

Cr Tim Dark, who abstained from voting for the draft budget’s public exhibition, told Star Journal that “I couldn’t put my name to something not in the best interests of ratepayers”.

His concerns include the impact of a 1.85 per cent rates rise on “financially struggling” households.

It’s well shy of the full 3.5 per cent rates cap, but the median household rates bill – when including the waste charge - will rise from $1459 to $1504.

In total, that’s a 3.11 per cent total increase.

Cr Dark also abstained from endorsing the public exhibition of the long-term financial plan due to the council’s proposed borrowings.

According to budget papers, Greater Dandenong is set to borrow extensively to fund three major projects - the $22m Keysborough South Community Hub, the $98m Dandenong Wellness Centre (the new Oasis) and the $30m Dandenong Community Hub.

They will be funded by nearly $75 million in loans and $34 million from reserves over the next four years.

Debts are expected to peak at more than $100 million in 2027.

With escalating interest rates, the cost of

paying back the loans will also rise, Cr Dark said. It is expected to outstrip the interest earned on the council’s investments.

Cr Dark said the council could instead save money with “efficiencies” in procurement, project cost blowouts, services costs and staffing levels.

Cr Rhonda Garad said the draft budget was an “ambitious” and “important” program in “difficult times” but was also concerned about debt.

She questioned the wisdom of building a new Dandenong Oasis for “an extraordinary amount of money” rather than refurbishing.

“We’re facing dangerous financial waters, with very dark economic skies ahead for the community.

“It’s very risky to be heading in that direction at all.”

On rate rises, the council’s “hand has been forced” due to a “myriad of costs” including inflation, insurance and a staff EBA deal, Cr Garad said.

In support of the budget, Cr Jim Memeti said the council’s financial position remained sound and new borrowings weren’t sought until 2024-’25.

“This council is probably one of the busiest

in Victoria in doing things and getting on with the job.

“The council is still in a very good position and we want to deliver on services for the community and to continue to build new assets.

“We can have the best facilities, no matter what postcode you live in.”

Council Watch vice-president Dean Hurlston said the budget failed to put “downward pressure” on rates and fees, yet halved its spending on roads, footpaths and parks.

“There is no delivery for the thousands of households under cost of living pressure.”

The council’s finance costs – fueled by its borrowings – would almost triple in three years, Mr Hurlston said.

“I urge councillors to reject the budget and ensure it represents the pressure on community households.”

Mayor Eden Foster recently said the budget was balancing the protection of ratepayers “feeling the financial strain” with providing long-sought community projects.

She said some projects would be delayed because of the challenging financial environment afflicting “all levels of government”.

“We have to pull the financial reins a bit.

“We don’t want to stop altogether. There are certain things that the community needs.

“We have significant ageing infrastructure and a need for new community facilities.”

The proposed budget is on public exhibition until 24 May.

Tragic end for Sarah after month search

After a month-long search, the body of a missing 28-year-old woman has ended in tragedy.

Sarah Weatherstone, of Wantirna, had been last seen leaving a factory in Vesper Drive, Narre Warren on 25 March.

After an extensive police search and her family’s desperate public plea for help, her body was found in Narre Warren on Friday 28 April.

With a “heavy heart”, mother Judith posted on social media that “we have been told of the passing of our beautiful daughter Sarah to accidental suicide”.

“Thanks for the support and love over the past five weeks.

“Rest in peace beautiful, forever in our hearts x”

A Go Fund Me site has been formed to raise money for the Australian Borderline Personality Disorder Foundation.

“Sarah had been diagnosed with the complex mental illness known as borderline personality disorder and struggled for many years with the oft debilitating symptoms.

“Instead of flowers, I am requesting do-

nations to the Australian BPD Foundation which works tirelessly to raise awareness of BPD, help destigmatize personality disorders so that people can access the treatment and supports the need.”

Police will prepare a report for the State

Coroner, but stated Sarah’s death was not suspicious.

If you need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

The Go Fund Me site is at gofundme. com/f/zqxz4y-in-memory-of-sarah-weatherstone

From page 1

“No one should have to choose between food and medicine, but these are exactly the choices being forced on people in Australia, one of the world’s wealthiest nations.

“The only way to address this problem is to deliver a real increase to JobSeeker and related payments so that they are lifted to at least the same level as the pension.”

ACOSS also recommended doubling Commonwealth Rent Assistance, establish disability and illness supplement of at least $55 a week to recognise the additional costs that people with disability and chronic illness face and establish a single parent supplement.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth formed the EIAC, which is comprised of social security and economics experts, unions, business groups, philanthropy and others.

In a joint media release in response to the EIAC report, Mr Chalmers and Ms Rishworth said, “While we can’t fund every good idea, there will be measures in the May Budget to address disadvantage.

“This will include energy bill price relief that prioritises those on payments and pensions.

“Some of the Committee’s 37 recommendations will be considered as part of other government processes that are currently underway, such as the development of the Employment White Paper, the Measuring What Matters Statement and the Early Years Strategy.”

After some time, Mr Afzali gave up his search for role as site engineer and started his electrical apprenticeship.

“The first option for me was to be an engineer. I tried too much and applied for many jobs.

“It’s hard to join construction companies to be site engineer.”

Mr Afzali has left behind his wife and two kids in Afghanistan that he has to support financially as well.

It’s been a year since he applied for their visa and he hasn’t heard anything.

Mr Afzali now works full-time as an electrician and only wishes to be united with his family in Australia.

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Spectators will see more than 40 historic car, motorcycle and sidecar races and the traditional Sunday Parade Lap of selected display vehicles.

The 46th Historic Winton invites spectators to bring their historic cars, bikes, trucks, buses, caravans and other vehicles for a massive car park display.

Organiser, Austin 7 Club President, Len Kerwood said that visitors will be amazed by the impressive array of vehicles celebrating anniversaries as old as 120 years, alongside the two-days of historic motorsport action that people travel far and wide to see.

Tickets are now available online from ticketebo.com.au/historicwinton

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Donations to the Australian BPD Foundation are being sought after the tragic death of Sarah Weatherstone, 28.

Asif Afzali.331037 Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Young pay their respects

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

More than 600 students filled the Dingley Village Memorial for a children’s Anzac service on 26 April.

The annual service was mainly carried by students from five primary schools who paraded, sang and recited odes in dedication to our fallen servicepeople in wartime.

It featured five primary schools St Mark’s, Dingley, Kingswood, Wallarano and Keysborough Gardens, as well as Menton Grammar Cadets in army fatigues and Haileybury College Pipes and Drums.

A combined choir from Kingswood and Dingley primary schools delivered the Australian and New Zealand national anthems and an ANZAC version of I Am Australian.

Among the VIPs were Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak, Kingston councillor Steve Staikos and Springvale RSL president John Williams.

Vietnam veteran William Williams presented the ode, followed by a minute’s silence.

Organiser and MC Sue Hilton, from Rotary Club of Noble Park-Dingley, said a special emphasis on the children conducting the bulk of the service.

“It was so beautiful to see so many children there and so respectful and engaged.

“In the one-minute’s silence, there was not one bit of noise.

“They knew the story and they knew the significance and importance of it.”

In a rare intergenerational link, Ms Hilton’s grandson Luca Di Cosmo – who descends from veterans in the Boer War and World War I – took part in the parade.

Luca and Kate Porter from St Mark’s Primary School carried the banner for the Boer War as part of a Theatres of War procession. Both wore replica military medals.

Luca’s great-great-great grandfather John Morrow fought in the Boer War with the South

Connecting our communities

Australian Mounted Rifles in the late 19th century.

Mr Morrow then “took his age down” from 50 to 45 to enlist for the First World War in 1914. He fought in Rabaul, which was then German territory in New Guinea.

Luca also descends from great-great-grandfather James Lees, who survived Gallipoli and western France campaigns in World War I.

Since 2016, Rotary Club of Noble ParkDingley has organised the childrens Anzac service.

“Anzac Day has been embraced by the schools and by a lot of young people,” Ms Hilton said.

“The message from having a service is about peace – these people gave their lives for us to live in peace. And let’s hope these Australian kids still experience what peace is.”

The club had also fundraised for the striking memorial, which was designed by artist Ben Fasham.

On Anzac Day, the day before, up to 1500 paid their respects at a dawn service at the memorial.

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Haileybury College pipers and drummers lead the Theatre of War parade. 329376

A sea of flags and school hats. 329376

Peter and Harlem from Wallarano Primary School recite On This Hallowed Day. 329376

Sue Hilton from Rotary Club Noble Park Dingley. 329376

Queenie and Aleesha, of St Marks Primary, recite the ANZAC Requiem. 329376 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Kingston councillor Steve Staikos, Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak and Springvale RSL president John Williams. 329376

Ariyan and Tasneem from Keysborough Gardens Primary School recite The Best On Earth. 329376

The Ode recited by William Williams, was followed by a minute’s silence. 329376

Luca Di Cosmo and Kate Porter from St Mark’s Primary School during the Theatres of War parade. 329376

War parade marchers.

Communities unite in awe

By Sahar Foladi

Many locals from diverse communities made their way to commemorate Anzac Day in Dandenong and pay their respects.

City of Greater Dandenong councillors, mayor Eden Foster, veterans, Police members, scouts, cadets and many more gathered in front of the Dandenong Plaza to march down to the cenotaph.

The Australian and New Zealand flags aloft led the march to the cenotaph where families awaited for the service to begin.

War veteran Les Hughes who’s now 93 years of age served in the Australian Navy and said he’s very pleased with the amount of people at the service.

“Today’s service was very good. I’ve been going (to Anzac Day services) for 40 years it’s the most amounts of people I’ve ever seen.”

Mr Hughes has had between 10 to 15 family members in both World War I and II out of which three never made it back home.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Member for Bruce Julian Hill and South-east Metro MP Ann-Marie Hermans attended the service and paid their respects as they laid down their wreaths.

Mr Hill acknowledged the amount of people from diverse backgrounds who were at the service.

“It’s a beautiful day and it’s a really beautiful service not just because of the traditional Anzac Day ritual which our country observes but particularly here in Dandenong to see the growing participation of multicultural communities including many people new to Australia.

“The flag of other countries flying with Australia it gives me a lot of hope for the future.”

President of Dandenong Cranbourne RSL, John Wells along with Mark Osborne carried out the service.

Mr Wells also announced this Anzac Day to be his last as the president of the RSL.

“I need to step back and focus on the things that I can do with the RSL in the future. It’s been great time I’ve had great rewards and met terrific people.”

Mr Wells said it’s time to give young people a go and has two people in mind to be the next president.

He intends to appoint himself as a special Projects Officer and continue his works with the RSL.

“We have a couple of big building projects. A high rise in our car park, we’re building a community memorial park in Cranbourne that will be to recognise all those people who died in training.”

He said the memorial park will be a priority for him as they’ve over 700 names for the memorial park.

“A lot of Australians would take comfort that their children too are remembered,” Mr Wells said.

Mr Hill also acknowledged Mr Well’s role as a president.

“John Wells has done a tremendous job speaking not just for those who’ve lived but those who never came home, ensuring their stories are never forgotten in the Australian community,” Mr Hill said.

MrWells said he’s very pleased with the ser-

vice today in regards to the community turnout as well as at the different flags and costumes that were on display.

“Dandenong is a very multicultural city. I want the RSL to move in that direction strongly.

“Anyone can join the RSL. The club belongs to everyone and it’s a fundamental part of Australia’s future,” Mr Wells said.

There were 38 individuals and local bodies listed who laid down their floral wreaths.

Mr Osborne who served in the Australian Army for eight years said this is the longest list he’s ever seen.

“It’s good to see the community coming together.”

Some of the organisations were, Greek Orthodox Community Dandenong, Ukrainian Community Noble Park, Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre, Afghan-Australia Philanthropic Association (AAPA), AusPost, Dandenong High School, Mt Hira College and Victorian Afghan Students Association (VASA).

Australian and New Zealand flags were raised by cadets. 331430

Pictures: SAHAR FOLADI

City of Greater Dandenong councillors and mayor Eden Foster as they walked down to the cenotaph. 331430

Veteran Van Tran, 71 years of age. 331430

The number of people who came out for the service pleased everyone, including veterans who said this was the largest they had seen. 331430

A minute of silence was observed by everyone. 331430

Dorothy’s (left) husband Commando Jack Wade served in World War II. 331430

The Anzac Day service saw a great turn-out from the community. 331430

Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster.

Great news for the country that won’t cost a cent

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

There’s a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost.

Dear Dr Chalmers,

With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal government’s advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which don’t produce any content or employ any journalists).

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend. In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs.

This shouldn’t be controversial.

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country.

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

You TonyKendall

Tony Kendall President Managing Director Country Press Australia Australian Community Media

Andrew Manuel

Authorised by A Manuel, 9 Howe Street Balaklava SA 5461

Robber pulls knife on boys

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A man who held up two boys with a box-cutter and robbed them of $50 near Fountain Gate shopping centre has been sentenced.

Travis Kane, 20, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to the armed robbery of the boys aged 13 and 15 on Victor Crescent on 6 July.

The boys had been out with mates at a 10pin bowling centre when Kane held them up.

Gripping the knife by his waist, Kane grabbed one victim by the shoulder and demanded cash.

While pointing the blade at the second boy, he demanded the same.

Kane headed to a bottle shop and used cash to buy cigarettes and a lighter – showing his photo ID.

The boys, who reported the robbery to police, stated they felt frightened that Kane would use the box-cutter.

They gave descriptions of his clothing and his distinctive facial tattoo.

Three days later, he was arrested at Dandenong railway station.

At a police interview, he denied involvement.

In sentencing on 24 April, Judge Trevor

Wraight said Kane committed a “opportunistic” and “lower-level” street robbery.

“While this was a spontaneous act by you, you saw an opportunity and took steps to

achieve your goal.”

Kane was“still a very young man” but with a “very troubling criminal history”.

At the time, Kane had been released from

custody less than a month earlier for carjacking, burglary and other dishonesty offences.

He was under the influence of drugs at the time, Judge Wraight noted.

Kane was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder with anti-social features as part of a “complex” psychiatric history.

It stemmed from a traumatic childhood which reportedly included severe physical assaults.

A psychologist opined Kane was a high risk of reoffending due to his drug use, lack of housing, financial problems, anti-social peers and mental health issues.

The judge noted Kane gained NDIS funding for a support worker, occupational therapist and psychologist.

“However it’s up to you to avail yourself of these supports to turn your life around.

“Your prospects of rehabilitation at this stage are unable to be assessed positively.”

Kane was jailed for 12 months, followed by a two-year community corrections order.

The “therapeutic” CCO includes drug and mental health treatment as well as judicial monitoring.

The jail term includes 289 days in pre-sentence detention.

Jockey’s dark fears came to pass, company convicted

By Karen Sweeney, AAP

Jockey

Mikaela Claridge’s

favourite

saying

to her dad was “how hard can it really be?”.

When the proposition is a life without her, Bernie Claridge’s answer is “really hard”.

The 22-year-old was killed when her horse was spooked during an early morning training ride at Cranbourne in 2019.

She and fellow rider Jaimee Hayes had already completed one loop of the sand trails at Cranbourne Turf Club in the pitch black at 4am on 30 August and were part way through another when something in the thick dark scrub that lined the trail frightened their horses.

Ms Claridge had earlier commented on how dark the morning was.

Both riders were thrown.

Ms Hayes landed on her knees, looked around and saw Ms Claridge on the ground unconscious.

She was treated at the scene but never regained consciousness.

The girls were riding for Saloon Park, the racing company run by trainer Ken Keys and his wife Louise.

A County Court jury convicted the company of failing to provide a safe workplace.

After running to get help for her best friend, Ms Hayes was told to take another horse out.

Ms Claridge was the youngest of three close-knit siblings who had been driven by their parents to motorcycle events, pony club and sports every weekend as a family.

“I am beyond proud of what she achieved in her 22 years, and how lucky we were as a family to have such a beautiful daughter and sister in our lives,” Mr Claridge said.

Ms Claridge had raised concerns with her dad about riding on the sand trails in the dark and with no safety barrier.

Judge Peter Rosen said he accepted that Ms Hayes and another rider, Chelsea Hall, had felt unable to raise the same concerns with Mr Keys himself.

“If they genuinely feel that, then that’s impacting on (Saloon Park’s) capacity to address safety risks. It’s about the culture of the company, essentially,” he said.

Cranbourne Turf Club was fined $250,000 after admitting they failed to maintain a safe workplace for Ms Claridge.

Robert Taylor, for Saloon Park, said a fine of the same magnitude would put the company out of business.

But prosecutor Colin Mandy SC highlighted the need for general deterrence, particularly in cases involving apprentices.

He described them as a vulnerable set of employees who are worked hard, not paid well and aren’t keen to ruffle feathers, particularly in the facing industry, given apprenticeships are hard to come by.

Judge Rosen said he had been left with the impression there is a blind spot within the racing industry about risk.

Colleen Claridge said everything the family had been through to achieve change would

be her daughter’s legacy.

A rider herself, she said the family knew the job was dangerous but if proper processes were followed Ms Claridge might still be alive.

Her daughter was finding her feet in her career.

Ms Claridge had moved to Melbourne and was happy in her personal and professional life.

“She was loving what turned out to be the final months of her life,” her mother said.

AWorkSafeprobefoundseveralfeatureson the track could have spooked a horse, including overhanging tree branches, pooled water, and other horses and wildlife near the track.

The court was told the club could have reduced the risks by installing floodlights or limiting riders to daytime use of the facilities, while Saloon Park could have had riders use the sand trails in daylight only.

Saloon Park will be sentenced on 5 May.

BernieClaridge’sdaughterMikaeladiedafterbeingthrownfromher horsein2019.Jockeyraisedconcernsaboutdarknessbeforefatal fall.

JockeyMikaelaClaridgewaskilledinatrackworkincidentin2019.

Pictures:DIEGOFEDELE,AAP

TheCountyCourtofVictoria.

Picture:AAPIMAGE/CONCHRONIS

100 years ago

3 May 1923

Less Potatoes and Meat Eaten

Australia has the reputation of being a meateating nation, but according to statistics supplied by the Commonwealth statistician there is a falling off in this direction. From 1914-15 to 1920-21 there was a decrease in the annual consumption of meat of 24lb ahead as compared with the period 1904 to 1913. The greater decrease, however, is shown with regard to potatoes, the average consumption of which is less by 45lb, increases were shown in regard to flour 10lb; butter 4lb; and condensed milk 1¾. There were slight increases in the use of tobacco and tea. The apparent consumption of wheat increased by nearly a bushel, but the quantity used for human food increased by only a quarter of a bushel. The consumption of motor spirit doubled.

50 years ago

1 May 1973

Decision ‘this week’ on Station

A decision on the proposed Yarraman Park railway station is expected to be made within the next few days. This follows personal discussions between Councillor Bill Warner, the Liberal party candidate for Dandenong in the State election, and the Minister for Transport Mr Wilcox. Councillor Warner told the Journal he intended to make the building of the Yarraman Park railway station his main transportation priority for the Dandenong area.

20 years ago

5 May 2003

Govt’s Medicare changes ‘a dud’ Federal Opposition Leader Simon Crean said the Howard Government’s new $917million Medicare Package offers Casey general practice doctors no incentive to restore bulk billing. Mr Crean said the Government idea of subsidising GPs who bulk-billed concession card holders – between $1 and just over $6 depending on what area they practise in –was not incentive enough. “We have spoken

to the medical practitioners out here and they have told us that $1 is not going to be sufficient to get doctors back into bulk billing for concession card holders,” Mr Crean said.

5 years ago

7 May 2018

Public say on the Market

The community can have its say on the proposed Bangholme produce market this

month. Greater Dandenong Council approved the Dandy Fresh application to develop a green wedge site in Harwood Road last June. The Planning Minister Richard Wynne intervened in December. In January, Mr Wynne’s spokesman said the review would focus on the proposal’s size and scale. The wholesale produce market would have 10-metre-high buildings and cover about 68% of the site through a 5000 square-metre sterilisation facility and 8700 square-metre ware-

house. A Dandy Fresh spokeswoman said in January that many of the growers and retailers in this region are currently forced to travel to and from Epping, creating congestion on the roads and adding costs to consumers. Defenders of the South East Green Wedge said, “as we consider it is a large scale industrial type development that would make a mockery of the whole green wedge concept.”

Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society

Chisholm in world win

Chisholm Institute has been crowned the Teacher Professional Development Award at theWorld Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP)2023 Awards of Excellence.

The Award recognises an institution or institutional association that has demonstrated excellence in teacher professional development.

Chisholm was nominated alongside two other finalists, Kenya Technical Trainers College and the NPTC Group of Colleges, based in Wales.

Chisholm CEO Stephen Varty said that teacher development was integral to student success and the Award was testament to the hard-work and commitment of its staff.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive such a prestigious award and to be recognised alongside other international education leaders on the world-stage”.

Chisholm has developed an Educator Passport which helps teachers to plan, view and track their professional development.

Through the App, teachers can seamlessly browse and register for programs based on their capability requirements, identified through completion of a profiling tool.

“It gives our teachers and leaders access to live information on their progress via their phone or laptop.

‘‘It’s just one example of how we are utilising technology and best practice approaches to help our teachers develop and stay engaged throughout their careers,”Varty said.

Chisholm provides TAFE education and training through the south-east of Melbourne, one of the most diverse communities in Australia with over 170 different cultural backgrounds and approximately 70 per cent of resi-

dents speaking a language other than English.

“We provide support to many of the most at-risk student communities, including migrants, Indigenous students, students with a physical or learning disability, and students from a low socio-economic status.

“Thanks to our reputation and best practice approach, our impact goes well beyond Melbourne.

We support teacher development through partnerships with education institutes in Asia, South America, and the Middle East.

“By utilising the power of technology, we are sharing our expertise to make a positive impact across the globe, demonstrating the power of TAFE and how it can change lives,” Varty said.

The WFCP is an international network of national and regional associations of colleges, as well as individual colleges. The winners were announced during the WFCP Awards of Excellence Luncheon at the 2023 World Congress in Montreal, Canada.

“Just being nominated for this Award was an incredible achievement and testament to the work of our hard-working and passionate staff. To win was an incredible honour.

We know that student success and teacher success are inextricably linked, which is why we will continue to implement new strategies to ensure that teachers at Chisholm receive the support they need,” Varty said.

DandyFresh CEO Rod Kerley at the proposed market site in Harwood Road, Bangholme. In October 2018, after a planning advisory committee review, the State Government ultimately rejected the green-wedge proposal.

Market conjures a delight

More than 26,000 celebrated foods, circus and magic at a joyful Eid Mubarak event at Dandenong Market.

Among the most popular attractions on Sunday 23 April were the henna artists, face painters and calligraphy demonstrators, as well as a free illusion show and interactive circus.

Not to mention the “smorgasbord” of halal foods such as falafel, knafeh and gozleme offered by hawker traders, market general manager Ian Sumpter said.

“Eid al-Fitr is a time of celebration and gratitude for Muslims around the world.

“Everyone was welcome to join us on a journey through a mosaic of heritage and explore a kaleidoscope of customs, traditions and practices that make up our diverse community.

“It was joyous to see so many families, all beautifully dressed, join us to celebrate.”

Islamic Council of Victoria president Adel Salman praised the “wonderful family-friendly program” at the event.

“Having organisations like the Market embrace diversity will be welcomed by the Muslim community.”

Another home builder goes bust as industry struggles

By Mibenge Nsenduluka, AAP

Another Victorian building company has gone bust, weeks after the collapse of one of Australia’s largest home builders, Porter Davis, and construction firm Lloyd Group.

Award-winning builder Mahercorp announced it went into voluntary administration on Friday, affecting more than 700 homes, as the industry continues to struggle amid the cost of living crisis.

The builders have several projects in the South East, including in Berwick, Clyde, Clyde North, Cranbourne and Officer South.

In a letter to clients on Friday, chief executive Steve Maher blamed “unprecedented challenges” but said the company, which oversees builders Urbanedge and Eight Homes, had not collapsed.

“My intention is to work with the administrator on a plan that I hope allows us to restructure the business, creating a more sustainable footing and to complete your home,” Mr Maher wrote.

“It’s no secret that all builders are facing unprecedented challenges right now. Building costs are skyrocketing - materials and labour costs are at record levels and rising inflation is putting huge pressure on builders.

“To ease the strain of these cost increases, for some months now we have been renegotiating our trading terms with our suppliers and insurers. Their support to date has helped us manage spiralling costs.”

He added that entering voluntary administration was “the only option” after encountering a problem with the insurer of a major supplier.

Construction on existing projects will be placed on hold for about five weeks.

Porter Davis collapse hits 21 in Greater Dandenong

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Home builder Porter Davis’s collapse has embroiled 21 home owners in Greater Dandenong, according to council records.

A City of Greater Dandenong officer said the council had contacted the affected customers, advising them of their “potential rights and avenues to help”.

They were advised to contact their registered building surveyor.

“It’s definitely a difficult time for those property owners.”

Cr Tim Dark said several town planning applications for “knock-down rebuilds” had engaged Porter Davis in Keysborough Ward.

“The good thing is the council has identified all of the 21 properties and reached out to the owners.”

Customers were plunged into turmoil when Porter Davis went bust, leaving more than 1500 unfinished homes in Victoria.

The Victorian company was first founded in 2002.

It follows the collapse of Porter Davis last month, after the building giant went into liquidation.

Civil design and building firm Lloyd Group was also recently placed into voluntary administration.

Luxury apartment developer EQ Constructions, which is based in NSW, also collapsed owing at least $40 to $50 million.

Western Australian companies WA Housing Group and Individual Developments went bust in January.

There were a further 779 signed contracts with customers in which building had not started.

Grant Thornton Australia was appointed as the liquidators of 14 Porter Davis companies on 31 March.

With 470 employees, Porter Davis had forecast $555 million in revenue for the 2023 financial year but there was “no option” but to liquidate, it stated.

“The extremely challenging environment for residential home building has directly contributed to the PDH Group’s financial position, with rising input costs,

Greater Dandenong Council has reached out to Porter Davis customers.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/JONO SEARLE

supply chain delays, labour shortages, and a drop in demand for new homes in 2023 impacting the Group’s liquidity,” a Grant Thornton spokesperson said.

The State Government recently announced one-off compensation for Porter Davis customers who signed their contracts and paid their deposits, but where Porter Davis did not take out Domestic Building Insurance (DBI), in breach of its obligations.

Building firm Mahercorp, which owns Urban Edge Homes and Eight Homes, entered voluntary administration on Friday 21 April.

Picture: UNSPLASH

A magician with a captivated audience at the Eid Mubarak event at Dandenong Market.A magician wows the crowd.

Knafeh cheese was served at one of the popular food stalls.

Enjoying the many street foods at Dandenong Market.

Preparing knafeh in kaak bread.A pocket check during the magic show.

ON … MOTHER’S DAY

Come to community hub

Operating since 1961, Mulgrave Country Club is a grass roots community club and is a fundamental part of the community. It is a wholly member-owned and community run club offering great hospitality and sports facilities including Bowls, Tennis, Squash, Racquetball, Social Golf, and Snooker.

The Mulgrave Country Club located on the corner of Wellington and Jells Road Wheelers Hill, has developed into perhaps the finest licensed and sporting club in Victoria which includes 4 function rooms, 300 seat bistro, cafe and terrace, TAB, kids’ playroom and a 120-space underground car park.

The bistro features daily and seniors’ specials and an extensive a la carte modern menu. Their function rooms can accommodate 30 - 250 people and are perfect for any corporate or special occasion including weddings.

There is always something on at the Mulgrave Country Club. Patrons enjoy the huge selection of fun and entertainment available throughout the week.

The club prides itself on giving members and guests that little bit of extra attention and is continually welcoming new members.

The club is also proud to contribute to the community not only with their facilities but also through their support of local charities, community groups, sporting clubs and schools.

Conveniently located within 500 metres of both the Eastern and Monash freeways, Mulgrave Country Club provides the social, sporting and leisure infrastructure that keeps their members and residents healthy, vital and connected.

For more information visit www.mulgravecc.com.au or phone: 9582 4600

Show mum all your love

The time to show your mum how much you appreciate and care for her has come around again with Mother’s Day on Sunday, 14 May.

Mother’s Day is time to spoil your mother with chocolates, flowers, gifts and even give her breakfast in bed. The history of the day originates back to the time of ancient Greeks where festivities were held to honour Rhea, the mother of the gods.

Meanwhile the early Christians celebrated the Mother’s festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honour Mary, the mother of Christ. Since those early festivities Mother’s Day has grown as a global day of appreciation for everything that mothers do for their children during the year.

When looking for that perfect gift for Mother’s Day think about providing your mum with that total relaxation package and buy her some massage oils or a pamper basket with soaps and bath salts. Always a

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show mum how important she is to you.

236544

popular gift idea is the traditional chocolates and flowers or a splash of perfume. Or why not go all-out and buy your mother a gift voucher for a day of pampering at a day spa. Whateverthegift,Mother’sDayshouldbe the day that you lavish your mum with that love and care that she always has for you.

Mother’s Day is a time for mums to put their feet up and ask for that much-needed foot rub or just find the time to relax and unwind.

Mother’s Day

Sunday 14 May 2023

BUFFET BREAKFAST

9am to 11.30am

Panorama Room

Live Entertainment from Leon Blaher Hot Buffet Breakfast

Pancakes with topping station Selection of Pastries, Fresh Fruit Platter

Tea Coffee, Juices & much more...

BUFFET LUNCH OR DINNER

Midday to 3.00pm | 5.30pm to 8.30pm

Mulgrave Room

Live Entertainment from Steve Lawson Soups, Antipasto Platters

Seafood Station

Carvery & Selection of Mains, Salad & Hot Vegetables

Kids Menu & our famous Dessert Room...

$25$59pp $126-12yrs 2-5yrs $5under2

cnr Wellington & Jells Road Wheelers Hil, 3150 9582 4600

www.mulgravecc.com.au

Mulgrave Country Club is conveniently located within 500 metres of both the Eastern and Monash freeways.

Council’s new ground rules

The City of Casey has adopted its new governance rules, with administrators stating the rules would set out the rules of engagement until councillors are voted into office in October next year and beyond.

In a council meeting on Tuesday, April 21, City of Casey administrators adopted the Governance Rules document, which would be reviewed in four years.

City of Casey administrator Miguel Belmar said the governance rules set out a number of regulations in regards to how council operates, including how the election of mayor and deputy mayor would occur and how council business would be conducted.

“It’s fundamental that these rules set out very clearly and in a manner that is very easy to read and to follow,” he said.

“These rules make it clear to the community how those meetings are conducted.”

The City of Casey placed the document on public exhibition for a period of four weeks, with no written submissions received.

Rules outlined in the document included that a visitor or person in the public gallery must not interject or take part in the debate of a council meeting and the chair may order and cause the removal of any person, other than a councillor, who disrupts any meeting or fails to comply with a direction given under the rules.

The council’s Governance Rules replaced part of the Meeting Procedure Local Law from September 1, 2020 and was subsequently revised and adopted by council at the August 30, 2022 Special Council Meeting to reflect the new virtual meeting provisions under the Local Government Act 2020.

A further change was made in 2022, as a result of changes to the Act which enabled councils and regional libraries to conduct virtual meetings on a permanent basis from September 2, 2022.

At the August 30, 2022 Special Council Meeting, council resolved to consider a revised draft which incorporated further amendments.

Administrator Cameron Boardman said the rules would go a long way towards ensuring councillors remain “respectful, professional and meet the objectives of the community and the organisation as a whole”.

“This will set the tone of behaviour, this will set the rules of engagement between their fellow councillors,” he said.

The adoption of the document followed on

from investigations into allegations of serious corrupt conduct in relation to planning and property development decisions at the City of Casey council.

IBAC held public hearings during 2019 and 2020 as part of Operation Sandon.

The findings from the final report of the investigation are yet to be tabled in parliament.

Chair of administrators Noelene Duff said issues of integrity have been a “very serious matter” of allegations made against the City of Casey council.

“This set of governance rules, in my view, sets what are best practice and the high standards of integrity for a council to abide by,” she said.

Details: conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/ proposed-governance-rules

New dog park proposed for Banjo Paterson Reserve

City of Casey has proposed a new dog park for Banjo Paterson Reserve in Lynbrook.

The City of Casey’s Dog Friendly Spaces (DFS) Policy provides development of dogfriendly spaces within the City of Casey.

New dog-friendly spaces are funded by our Capital Works Program and are delivered within the financial year.

Banjo Paterson Reserve has been identified as a suitable location for a DFS within the Lynbrook area which currently has no dog friendly spaces.

Banjo Paterson Reserve is a large district level open space which functions as a park and a sports reserve, with large, passive, open space, consistent with the preferred location under the Dog Friendly Spaces Policy.

The council is now seeking feedback from the community around the development of the proposed dog-friendly space within the reserve.

The council has identified a potential location towards the northern end of the site, adjacent to properties 44-60 Paterson Drive.

This specific location has been proposed as it provides a 0.5ha space, existing pedestrian access and an established tree network to provide shade.

The space is also in close proximity to a car park and requires minimal disturbance to the existing reserve.

Surveys are now open for community members to provide feedback.

Surveys will close at 5pm Monday 15 May 2023.

Map of the proposed dog park.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Breaking the silence over human rights and identity

Narre Warren’s Bunjil Place will host a onenight-only performance of Karul Projects’ contemporary look at issues of First Nations’ human rights and modern identity in ‘SILENCE’.

Produced alongside BlakDance, the onehour performance will be held at Bunjil Place on Wednesday 3 May from 7pm.

Following a sell-out world premiere season in 2020 at Brisbane Festival and last year’s tour of regional Queensland, Karul Projects is bringing SILENCE to regional NSW, Victoria and Adelaide.

BlakDance executive producer Merindah Donnelly said BlakDance was a self-determined First Nations producing house.

“SILENCE is a searing commentary on Australian Nationhood, representing the call for Land Back,” she said.

“It’s fitting the first work we tour is adding to the conversation about recognising our Sovereignty.”

Written by Karul Projects co-founder and director and Minjungbal-Yugambeh, Wiradjuri and Ni-Vanuatu man Thomas ES Kelly, the performance features a cast of seven First Nations artists, including co-founder Taree Sans-

bury and returning multidisciplinary performing artist Benjin Maza performing on a stage slowly engulfed in dirt.

“Abounding in our struggle for Land Back and Treaty, SILENCE breaks the silence both literally and symbolically using dynamic live percussion from composer Jhindu-Pedro Lawrie whose rich drumbeats drive the dancers in their exploration of past, present, alternate realities and dreamscapes of Country, the milky way and Murun, the emu in the sky,” he said.

Kelly said the foundation of the piece is on the long period of neglect experienced by First Nations people.

SILENCE interprets what a 250 plus yearlong denial of meaningful listening to First Nations people has done to the psyche of the people and land,” he said.

“Brown feet kick up sand, earth, dirt, and dust.

“The sand seeps through brown fingers as it always has.

“Always was, always will be.”

Visit www.bunjilplace.com.au/events/silence for more.

State’s fire season over

After a season dominated by grassfires and intermittent rainfall, the final fire restrictions in Victoria have been lifted, marking the end of Victoria’s fire season.

The fire season was similar to last year’s season not just in nature but by the numbers as well.

CFA responded to more than 12,800 incidents, including false alarms, between December and March in both the 2021-22 fire season and the 2022-23 season.

However, small vegetation fires were down more than 25 per cent this fire season at around 990, while crews responded to around 1360 during the 2021-22 season.

Vegetation and other outside fires were steady across both seasons, with 275 in 202122 and around 260 in 2022-23, and a slight increase in the number of vehicle, extrication and rescue incidents this season, with 1423, compared to 1347 last season.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan thanked every CFA volunteer for their continued commitment to protecting the communities in which they live for another fire season.

“As the 2022-23 fire season draws to a close, I want to express my gratitude to the more than 52,000 volunteers across the state who have supportedVictoria through another summer,” he said.

“CFA crews have been pivotal in protecting communities through significant grass and bushfires this year such as incidents seen in Flowerdale, Northwood, Glenmore, Maintongoon and Boisdale.

“Our members continue to work seamlessly with our emergency service agency partners includingVICSES, FRV, FFMVic,Victoria Police, AmbulanceVictoria and others all year round.”

He acknowledged the wide range of incidents CFA members attend, which was best highlighted this season by CFA’s response to theVictorian flood emergency late last year.

More than 3080 individual CFA members played a part in the response to the floods across the state.

“CFA volunteers don’t stop their valued work now that fire season is over – we know that the colder months brings a new set of challenges, with a focus on responding to fires inside the home and supporting landowners with private burn-offs.”

Peter Rabbit

The end of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will be an opportunity for some landowners to burn-off again, however it’s important that residents check the conditions are safe and register their burn before undertaking these activities.

Residents must also contact their local council directly for advice before lighting up, as burn-offs outside the FDP may still be sub-

ject to local council laws.

“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is crosschecked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.

Landowners can register their burn-off online at firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.

Mornington Peninsula Shire was the final municipality in Victoria to end the Fire Danger Period on Monday 24 April.

Transforming old treasures

Art and sustainability will collide when we take old treasures and create something completely unique. Artist Melanie Learson will help participants breathe new life into an antique figurine through paint, markers and various materials.

· Tuesday 2 May, 10am-12pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free cost, registrations required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/ transforming-old-treasures

Line Dancing

Have fun moving to music in this vibrant group! Make connections and discover new ways to move and create. Absolute beginners welcome to enjoy a variety of easy dances. We’ll adapt many of the dances for anyone who needs/ chooses to stay seated.

· Thursday 4 May, 10.30am-11.30am at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. A gold coin donation is welcome. Bookings: Jo/Tayla on 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Street-tour theatre

And Then There was Night is a street tour and site-specific performance held in vacant buildings by Dandenong’s youth and award winning theatre company, Pony Cam. Recommended for ages 15-plus.

· Thursday 4 May- Saturday 6 May at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinsons streets, Dandenong; $15. Details: Drum Theatre, 8571 1666 or drumtheatre@ cgd.vic.gov.au

Soccer mums

GO Soccer Mums is a free introductory football program for women of all ages and backgrounds. Learn basic football skills and meet new people in a fun, judgement-free environment. Presented by City of Greater Dandenong in partnership with Monash Health and Centre for Multicultural Youth.

· Wednesday 10 May at Ross Reserve, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Free, register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/go-soccer-mums-comeand-try-session

1973 centenary exhibition

‘Optimism, Opportunities and Achievement’ reflects on the 1973 celebrations of the Cente-

Compost and worm farming

Learn how to compost and worm farm at home in these free workshops Convert your food and garden waste into natural garden fertiliser.

· Tuesday 9 May at Dandenong (12pm) and Springvale (5.30pm) libraries. Free, register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/composting-and-wormfarming-home-0

nary of Local Government in Dandenong.

· Until 31 May, Wednesdays-Fridays, 10am-2pm at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic

Gardens, 66 McCrae Stret, Dandenong. 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 TuesdaysFridays 12pm-4pm. Cost: free Multicultural seniors activities

Keysborough and District Multicultural Senior Citizens Club has resumed activities for 2023. Enjoy concerts with professional entertainers such as Ron Kingston (18 April) and Marcia Rae (16 May). Also bingo on 1pm, 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, line dancing on Wednesdays 1pm, ballroom dancing including lessons Thursdays 12.30. Membership only $5 until 30 June. Tea and coffee supplied.

· Rowley Allan Reserve, 352 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. Details: Carol, 9580 6480.

Scottish Heritage Day

Dandenong Agricultural Show Society presents its 20th annual Scottish Heritage Day, including bagpipers, Clydesdales, Shetland ponies, Scottish terriers and a champion of champions parade.

· Sunday 28 May, 10am-3pm at Dandenong Showgrounds, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Free entry and parking.

Places of worship tours

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

Red composting worms turning all kinds of organic material into liquid fertiliser

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• 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

• 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

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

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

‘soap opera’

• 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

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

•

Customer Service Centre 397-405 Springvale Road

of Greater

• 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)

South BP Springvale 974

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Star News Group is an innovative and dynamic media company located in Pakenham, Victoria As a leading publisher of print and digital news, we are looking for a part-time Telesales Representative to join our team

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The successful candidate will be responsible for increasing revenue by selling our products and services to potential and existing customers via phone call This is a part-time role with flexible hours

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• Keep accurate and updated records of customer interactions and sales leads

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• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

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The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme

Send your application letter and resume to:

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mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

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state how the objector would be affected.

The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

The responsible authority will not decide on the application until at least 14 days after the date on which the last notice is given.

12602687-JC18-23

SPORT

Hawks back in town

By Marcus Uhe

The relief was evident on the faces of Rowville players when the final siren sounded on Saturday, having finally secured a win in season 2023.

Two losses, having surrendered a threequarter-time lead in the opening weeks, had people questioning what was going on with the young Hawks, and whether their success last season was simply a mirage.

This time, the shoe was on the other foot, as Ben Wise’s side kicked four-goals-to-one in the final term to overrun Park Orchards by five points, 12.9 81 to 11.10 76.

LachlanWynd was the star of the final quarter, kicking his fourth, fifth and sixth goals of the game to ensure his side remained in the contest.

The quarter could not have begun in better fashion for the Hawks, as Lachlan McDonald burst from the front of the centre clearance and kicked long to Wynd, who was awarded a free-kick after being wrestled deep in the forward line.

The resulting kick cut the margin to seven, and his second a few minutes later had them within a point of Park Orchards and sniffing that elusive maiden victory.

A miracle dribbling goal from the point post extended the hosts’ lead and put a brief halt to Rowville’s momentum, butWynd answered the challenge by kicking his third for the quarter.

When Brock Coleclough found Zac Greeves at the top of the goal-square, the mediumsized forward seized the moment and kicked truly to put his Hawks ahead in the 16th minute.

The next 10 would see both sides throw their structures out the window and play risktaking football, with the Hawks desperate to keep their noses in front.

There was fanatical defensive pressure in the back half of the ground and contests to be won in the middle, where Matthew Martini showed why the Hawks targeted him in the off-season with a number of critical groundball wins.

The Hawks had trailed at every break, having conceded six goals in the opening term to find themselves 31 points down at the first change.

They managed to put the breaks on their opponents in the second but were wasteful in front of goal, kicking 3.5, though they entered the rooms having halved the quarter-time deficit.

The script flipped in the third, with Rowville kicking four straight to their opponents’ 3.4, leaving the door ajar at the last break.

Similar scenes unfolded at Cheong Park, with Noble Park keeping their undefeated premiership defence alive with a nail-biting fourpoint win over South Croydon.

Rangers women hit high note

By Marcus Uhe

The Dandenong Rangers split the results of their road-trip to Ballarat on Saturday night 1-1 in the NBL1 competition, with the men not able to repeat the heroics of the women’s outfit earlier in the evening.

A stellar defensive performance saw the women hold their opponents to just 37 points en route to 76 of their own for a 39-point victory.

The Rangers scored the first seven of the contest and quickly found themselves in possession of a 12-point lead.

Nyadiew Puoch and Sarah Boothe led the charge for the visitors scoring nine and 12 points respectively.

Boothe was simply too big for her opponents, whereas Puoch used her speed and agility to slice through the defence with some smooth drives to the basket.

A dominant second quarter, in which they outscored their hosts 50-26, gave the Bulls a 19-point cushion at the long break, having trailed slightly at quarter time.

The final quarter began with just 13 points separating the two sides.

Croydon South made a perfect start to the quarter with a goal in the second minute to cut the margin to just over a kick.

Having been accurate in front of goal for three quarters to date, kicking 11.5, final quarter jitters appeared to set in for an experienced Bulls side.

Matthew Nelson missed a gettable goal on the run, and was made to pay full price shortly after when South Croydon kicked their second of the term, reducing the gap to two points.

With the Bulldogs’ midfield winning the arm-wrestle at the contest, Noble Park’s key defenders in Ryan Morrison and Josh Tour were steadfast in the defensive half, and midfielders flooded back with numbers to keep the pressure on and clog space.

Shallow forward 50 entries meant the forward pack struggled to lock the ball into their front half, as South Croydon managed to repel countless entries.

When they managed to force the ball deep, they were unable to take their opportunities, kicking three behinds before their first major.

Blake O’Leary was unable to kick his fifth, hitting the post after a slick spin out of trouble, before they nearly surrendered the lead with a vicious bounce toward the South Croydon goal

that just went the wrong side of the goalpost for the Bulldogs.

It wasn’t until the 22nd minute of the quarter when Noble Park registered their first major to settle their nerves.

Chris Horton-Milne, one of their best performers on the day, found Joshua Stern on his own after a stoppage in the forward 50, who kicked truly from a slight angle to give the premiers some breathing space.

That separation was short lived, however, with South Croydon responding immediately to bring the margin back to two points.

The final five minutes were pure chaos as players threw themselves into contest after contest in a desperate search for control.

Jackson Sketcher and Lachlan Quaife did their best to diffuse the situation with a pair of set shots that, while inaccurate, took crucial seconds off the clock, as the experienced pair used all their allotted time to prepare for the moment.

The siren blew in the 28th minute, delighting those in blue and gold whose undefeated streak remains alive, as the scoreboard read 12.11 83 to 12.7 79.

In his first hit-out for the Bulls in 2023, O’Leary kicked four, while newcomer Nathan Noblett kicked two, after nailing five in a dazzling display last week against Berwick.

The Bulls welcome Doncaster East to Pat Wright Senior Oval next week and Rowville will look to heap the pain onto South Croydon when they host the Bulldogs at Seebeck.

Wickers wasteful in worrying Eastern loss

By Marcus Uhe

A spectacular second-half fade-out at home has seen Berwick blow a golden opportunity to register their second win of the Eastern Football League season.

Taking a 21-point lead into the final term, the Wickers conceded five goals, all due to free kicks, to a lowly Doncaster side, to fall two points short at the final siren, 7.3 45 to 7.5 47.

The home side made the defensive goalface at Edwin Flack impenetrable in the first half, as the Sharks entered the long break yet to register their first major.

Berwick had kicked six of their own, with Jonty Andrew, Jackson Drake, Jasper Sully, Josh Burgess, Max McGreal and Blake Bowden all contributing with one goal each in a positive spread of goal-kickers.

But that’s almost where the scoring driedup for the home side, who went scoreless in the all-important third term.

Doncaster, on the back of a 136-point loss the previous week to Doncaster East, were afforded a slim opportunity that they would go on to take with both hands.

Their first two goals came on the back of manic forward pressure, as both Lachlan Vaughen and Zac Long were caught in possession in their defensive 50 and the umpires chose to reward the tacklers.

Jonty Andrew then worked his magic once again, ducking out of a tackle and snapping truly on his right foot to send the crowd into a frenzy, restoring the lead to 16 points at the seven minute mark.

A controversial call was made against ruck Jesse Cirulis for a block at a ball-up in the Doncaster forward 50, allowing his opponent to convert and keep the pressure on the home side with half the quarter still to play.

When Joshua Burgess was rundown in front of his defensive goal-square, it was panic stations for Clint Evans’ side, as the margin fell to three points.

With three minutes left, Caleb Van Oostveen was penalised for tackling Kyle Viccars without the ball, who kicked his fourth of the contest to snatch the lead.

The final siren sounded just as Kyle O’Sullivan broke free from a boundary throwin and set sail for the hot spot in the Berwick forward half, having snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

They’ll look to make amends and climb from ninth spot with a win over Blackburn in round four.

A three to Boothe on the quarter-time buzzer gave Dandenong a 25-8 lead at the first break which the hosts could never recover from.

So stringent was the Dandenong defence that the Miners scored in double figures in just one of the three quarters and only scored four points in the fourth.

The men on the other hand were not as frugal, falling 88-97.

A three-point shooting barrage from Ballarat separated the two men’s sides in the third quarter after an even opening half, in which Dandenong acquired a three-point lead at the long break.

The Miners’ first four baskets of the second half were all shots from beyond the arc, and within the first two minutes of the third quarter they had established a seven-point lead.

A pair of Jack Roberts baskets in quick succession cut the lead back to just three, and the two sides exchanged makes for much of the quarter.

But two threes in the final minute of the term meant Ballarat scored the final six points of the period, and the margin grew to 12 at the final break.

Roberts tried to match his opponents with a pair of threes of his own, but missed both, resulting in a 29-14 scoring discrepancy in Ballarat’s favour in the third term.

Where the Miners lived on the prowess of their shooters, Dandenong could only muster layups and two-point shots in the mid-range.

The Rangers would only have two players score in double in figures in Roberts (26 points) and Mike Amius (23), where four of Ballarat’s starters managed to eclipse that mark.

Dandenong next hosts Sandringham on Saturday night.

The women sit seventh on the table with four wins and three losses, whereas their male counterparts are languishing in 16th, having opened their season with a 2-5 win-loss ledger.

Kyle O’Sullivan kicked long into the forward line as the final siren sounded on Saturday. 331979 Picture: ROB CAREW

Zac Greeves (centre) put Rowville infront with a goal halfway through the final term. 328960 Picture: ROB CAREW

Zac Greeves (centre) put Rowville infront with a goal halfway through the final term. 328960 Picture: ROB CAREW

SFNL launch investigation

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The Southern Football Netball League has launched an investigation following the incident which left Keysborough player Jojo Ofosu-Amaah in a cardiac arrest last Saturday.

The League received reports by close of business Thursday from Keysborough, Skye and the umpires.

The League has 21 days to determine its next step.

It can either decide there is no case to answer, hand out a sanction or send it to the tribunal.

Ofosu-Amaah has been cleared of longterm damage and is expected to make a full recovery.

He has been in good spirits at hospital for several days with several teammates and members of the broader footy community visiting him.

The Burra had counsellors from several organisations at their session on Thursday night as players and volunteers are all dealing with what occurred in different ways, with the club saying it had the desired positive impact.

It is hoped than in the next few weeks once he has recovered, Ofosu-Amaah will be able to get down around the club to support and lift the spirits of his teammates.

Since the incident, Keysborough has been blown away by the support from the footy fraternity.

“Jojo and us have really felt the support in the last few days,” said coach Chris Smith.

“We’d like to thank the community for way they’ve acted and thinking of us and sending positive messages.

“I feel proud to be part of a local footy club.”

Among those supporting Ofosu-Amaah is his former club, Cheltenham, where he spent several years and played in the 2022 grand final.

The Rosellas coordinated an auction to raise funds to go towards his recovery with items on sale including separate guernseys signed by the following AFL clubs: Carlton, Essendon, Richmond, St Kilda (2), Collingwood (2).

Keysborough approached its round three game against Caulfield with the mentality that simply by competing, they were winners.

Ofosu-Amaah’s warm-up top was hung on the wall in the Rowley Allen changerooms with all the players touching and acknowledging it before they went out to play.

His name and number was also written on a whiteboard in the rooms with the values that the club wanting to uphold throughout the contest.

Keysborough lost the game 3.7 25 to 15.8 98

with skipper Tom Anderton named as the best. Ofosu-Amaah went down in a scrimmage behind play on the three-quarter-time siren in Keysborough’s round two clash with Skye at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve. The game was subsequently called off as he required CPR and a defibrillator to work on him before the ambulance took him away approximately 40 minutes later.

Dingley delivers early in comprehensive victory over Port

By Jonty Ralphsmith

A hot start has seen Dingley to a comfortable victory over Port Melbourne.

Dingley was willing to transition and use the width of the ground in a six goal to two opening quarter.

The Dingoes won it out of the centre and played with belief and buy-in to the new system while still generating run and speed going inside 50.

The Dingoes were also able to lock it inside 50 with Kristian Feehan leading the impenetrable defence with several intercept marks and important bodywork.

Port Melbourne got on top in the second quarter to keep themselves in the contest, kicking three of the four goals after the quarter-time interval.

After that, the contest was tight with Dingley able to hold on to their lead and never let the Colts within three goals.

Port Melbourne, missing their ex-AFL stars Josh Caddy and Billie Smedts to different injuries, allowed Dingley to take the upper hand in the midfield battle.

They were well fed by ruck Adam Lloyd who used his size at stoppage and in marking contests around the ground.

“He’s been going alright but he really got on top in the ruck battle I thought,” Dingoes coach Zach Horsley said.

“He gave us first access which meant we were (ahead) in clearances but around the ground we probably won more than what we did in the centre.

“It was just as much his ability to get around the ground and take contested marks for us and give us that option which was really impressive.”

After going down comfortably to Cheltenham in round one, Dingley has now posted consecutive wins – over reigning premier Cranbourne and the highly regarded Colts.

The likes of Lachie Lamble, skipper Jackson Peet and Walmsley all played with their usual dare, but Dingley is playing a brand

that is much more willing to open the ground up.

In recognising times to slow the ball movement down, the defence has also been able to stymie opposition’s dump kicks and attacking bursts as the players seem to have adapted to Horsley’s way.

“Last week gave us a lot of belief in it and now we can just trust each other and the program and the system and just play footy because we know what we need to do, which is

great,” Horsley said.

“It’s good to keep the momentum going.”

THE CAT’S OUT OF THE BAG

Horsley didn’t want to speak about Lochie Benton in preseason.

He wanted the youngster to be a secret weapon, with the 20-year-old who has played VFL footy for GWS virtually unsighted prior to this season in the Southern League.

Eagle-eyed Dingley watchers would have seen him kick five goals from the midfield in

both the practice games, against Pakenham and Woori Yallock.

Round one was quiet, then he played an important role last week, setting up attacking chains late in a tight clash with Cranbourne.

But it was Saturday that he really announced himself for the season.

He had three of Dingley’s first four shots on goal, then set up Adam Peacock to kick a pearler from 50.

When he was at his best, Dingley was at its most rampant.

The son of Dingley vice president Matt led the first quarter rampage as he was everywhere in the front half and looked damaging every time he went near it.

He was moved onto a wing and remained a key part of their offensive ball movement through the middle of the game, before rising to first gear again in the final stanza.

With Port still nagging and several of his teammates missing opportunities to put the game to bed, he won a free kick from 30 and calmly slotted it to extend the margin behind four goals 12 minutes into the quarter.

He put his head over it all quarter and had his hands on the pill repeatedly inside 50 with his cleanliness, selflessness and ability to step through traffic exemplifying his class.

“He’s a match-winner,” Horsley said.

“I don’t think he came off in the second half, we played him wing and half-forward and just let him run, so a player of his calibre, you just have to let them go.”

The Dingoes will face another big test next week against Springvale Districts, which remains undefeated after it recorded a 22-point win over Chelsea Heights on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Cranbourne looked a level above Bentleigh and the floodgates opened in the second half, as the visitors won by 79 points.

In Division Two, Doveton went down for the second consecutive week, this time to Murrumbeena, while Hampton Park’s undefeated start was ended by premiership favourites East Brighton.

LochieBentoncelebratesoneofhisgoals. 332277

Picture:JAKEMARRINER

AshotofOfosu-AmaahinhospitalwithBrieshaBormann,anursewhoassistedhimattheground. 332279

Picture:SUPPLIED