Dandenong Star Journal - 9th May 2023

World-best Melisa can be ‘elite’

is just 16.

But her renowned coach at her Dandenong gym says she has what it takes to be one of the sport’s “elites”.

For more, turn to page 6

Safer no longer

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The Safer Streets pilot program is under threat as Dandenong business owners say they continue to be rocked by lawless youths, vagrants, vandals and burglars.

Greater Dandenong Council community strengthening director Peta Gillies said council

resourcing was set to cease on the program.

“Current budget constraints do not permit ongoing resourcing for the Safer Streets initiative”.

Similarly, a proposal for a dedicated Community Safety Department at the council has faltered.

The council-led Safer Streets pilot, in partnership with Victoria Police, was formed last year due to a spate of crime and anti-social behaviour in Dandenong’s CBD.

The pilot had provided“limited resourcing” to engage with Lonsdale and Thomas Street traders about safety issues, Ms Gillies said.

It also led to more “streamlined communication” between the council and police, leading to “more responsive deployment” of police officers and a targeted placement of a police mobile CCTV trailer.

Ms Gillies said general perception of safety had improved as a result.

Continued page 5

World champion kickboxer Melisa Murselovich

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Fair go for the South-East

By Sahar Foladi

CALD, gender and age are some of the priority cohorts in state government’s Jobs Victoria Engineering Project in the south-east.

This engineering project is estimated to place at least 100 Jobseekers in manufacturing workplaces across the south-east.

The program is open to people who have faced challenges entering the workforce, including women aged 45 and over, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) and people with disability, as well as manufacturing businesses looking for workers in Victoria.

When Asif Afzali fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021, he was on jobseeker despite being a qualified civil engineer and an electrician.

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

“I searched too many jobs and applied.

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

An initiative like this would’ve benefited Mr Afzali tremendously, however as he struggled to find a job in his field, he opted out and decided to start an apprenticeship as an electrician. Mr Afzali says most of his friends with a degree in IT and graphics were in the same situation as him and all had to leave their degrees and started work in construction instead.

While it may be too late for Mr Afzali, it may help others in similar situations that would benefit from the project’s ‘earn and learn’ method meaning they can earn as they gain hands-on engineering skills and training.

Chisholm Institute is taking the lead to bridge the gap in the industry and meet the increased demand for skills in the department.

Chisholm Institute’s Chief Commercial Officer, DamienVan Eyk, said “it’s exciting times” particularly at a time when strong growth in the manufacturing industry is resulting in a significant skills gap.

“The Jobs Victoria Engineering Project highlights the opportunities for job seekers to build real-world experience in fabrication and mechanical engineering, while also receiving

hands-on training and on-going support.

“Throughout the Project, we’ll provide job seekers and potential employers with ongoing support via workplace buddy systems, professional development initiatives and post-placement assistance, ultimately creating sustainable employment for the long-term.

“We encourage Victorian jobseekers, or business looking for fabricators and mechani-

cal engineering employees to get involved,” Mr Van Eyk said. There’s an approximately 800 students across all engineering courses provided by Chisholm. The project will run until April 2024 with majority of recruitment to be done this year and is supported by Victorian Government’s recent announcement of over 55,000 fee-free TAFE and vocational education places, including in manufacturing, in 2023.

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2024

Free Kinder is available for three and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services.

Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,500 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2024.

Visit: vic.gov.au/kinder

Asif Afzali could’ve benefited from the Jobs Victoria Engineering Project in 2021. 331037

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Roundabout truck danger

By Sahar Foladi

Residents of Dandenong South are fed up of trucks cutting across their front yards as planning for works on the intersection of Bryants Road and Kirkham Road have begun.

Rusim Selemi’s house is located just near the roundabout and says he has tyre marks in front of his house caused by trucks making turns at the roundabout and this is not the first time.

A Keysborough resident, Ismail Demiri, whose daughter lives in the area, had been chasing this issue for a long time.

He typed letters to City of Greater Dandenong council, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams to help bring light to the issues encompassing the area.

Councillor Jim Memeti said he’d brought up this issue many times and even had meetings with engineers to come up with a solution but nothing came out of them.

“This roundabout is probably built wrong. I’ve seen first-hand when wheels go on the nature strip.

“What makes it more concerning is there’s an electricity pole near the roundabout.”

The council has opted to encourage improved behaviour from truck drivers through residential streets.

City of Greater Dandenong acting CEO and engineering director Paul Kearsley said they’re aware of the complaints and had put up signage in the area.

“Council is aware of the nature strip damage caused by trucks at the intersection between Kirkham Road and Bryants Road.

“Council has upgraded signage in this area to discourage trucks undertaking unsuitable manoeuvres that cause damage.

“We have also contacted a number of businesses in the area to encourage improved behaviour.”

Mr Kearsley said Bryants Road is on their

“road safety priority” website, with plans to install “traffic calming treatments over time.”

“Addressing road safety on Bryants Road is a priority and we plan to upgrade the infrastructure in the area.

“Reducing truck movements in unsuitable areas will be a key objective of this project.”

Designs for the anticipated project are at a very early stage according to the council while a number of potential treatments have been considered.

Residents are asking for traffic lights to replace the roundabout but Cr Memeti said it’s not possible to have traffic lights in a suburban area.

Mr Kearsley said traffic signals wouldn’t be

Police swoop on six alleged teen car thieves

Six teenagers in two allegedly stolen cars were arrested in Greater Dandenong on Friday 5 May.

Officers spotted the vehicles, a BMW X5 and Mercedes, travelling in convoy in Rowville shortly after 9am.

The vehicles separated and police turned their focus on the fleeing Mercedes, police say.

The Mercedes travelled into Langwarrin and dropped off one of its passengers, who was quickly taken into custody by police.

Stop sticks were deployed in John Street, Langwarrin where several tyres were punctured. The Mercedes drove to Quality Drive in Dandenong South where police arrested

the two final occupants.

Reports then started coming in regarding the BMW driving erratically on Eastlink, heading towards Dandenong South, police say. The police Air Wing guided ground units back to Quality Drive where stop sticks were again successfully deployed.

Upon seeing police, the BMW allegedly drove away, colliding with a civilian vehicle and then a police car at slow speed.

The BMW was found dumped on Jellicoe Street in Noble Park.

The three occupants ran from the vehicle and were arrested nearby on Railway Parade. All six youths, aged in their teens, were taken in for questioning.

an appropriate solution “as these would neither discourage the undesirable truck movements, nor provide additional space for them to make this manoeuvre safely”.

It’s instead proposed to introduce vertical displacement “raised safety platforms or similar” on Bryants Road between Kirkham Road and Podmore Street.

“Vertical displacement is typically very effective at deterring the use of a route by larger commercial vehicles,” Mr Kearsley said.

Confirmation of the treatment and design for road safety improvements to Bryants Road will be developed once funding is secured and consultation with residents will also take place.

In his letter Mr Demiri also asked council for speed humps on Kirkham Road and sur-

rounding areas“for pedestrian safety” as many students walk to Dandenong South Primary School (DSPS) from neighbouring areas such as Castle Street, Albert Street andVivien Street.

“Our main concern is the junction of William Road and Kirkham Road. This junction is close to DSPS.

“They (residents) are fearful and constantly concerned about the safety of our children and all residents.”

In a council meeting on Monday 24 April, Cr Memeti raised residents’ road safety fears and asked for engineers to install speed humps on Kirkham Road and Hammond Rd where they best see fit.

Mr Kearsley responded: “That’s something we can add to the list.”

Springvale hepatitis A cases linked to cafe

A Springvale cafe has been linked to a potential local outbreak of hepatitis A.

Two cases have been linked to Creatures of Habit cafe in the Springvale Homemaker Centre, with a risk of further locally-acquired cases in coming weeks, the Department of Health announced on 5 May.

Acting Chief Health Officer Christian McGrath warned patrons who ate food from the cafe between 25 March and 8 April to monitor for symptoms for up to 50 days.

If unwell, seek urgent medical attention, Dr McGrath advised.

“An extensive clean-up of the restaurant has been undertaken and there is no longer a risk to the public.

“There has been no risk in other venues at

the (Homemaker) Centre.”

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver.

Symptoms include loss of appetite, malaise, vomiting, nausea, fever and stomach pains, followed a few days later by dark urine, pale stools and jaundice.

In acute cases, it can cause hospitalisation and severe illness particularly for people with chronic liver disease.

In the main, most infections are mild illnesses lasting up to three weeks with a complete recovery.

Hand washing and good hygiene practices help prevent transmission.

It is usually spread by eating contaminated food or water or from contaminated hands or objects.

Cr Jim Memeti, residents Jemal Abazi and Ismail Demiri with the power pole, right next to where big trucks’ tyres cut across the nature strip. 332006 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Residents Ismail Demiri and Jemal Abazi with Cr Jim Memeti stand behind the tyre marks on the nature strip. 332006

Trades open for women

By Sahar Foladi

Gone are the days where your gender would determine your career pathway and doors of opportunities slammed shut for women.

It’s safe to say that a lot of male dominated industries are more welcoming of women than ever.

Carly is taking full advantage of the state governments Free Tafe Courses studying certificate IV in building and construction and certificate III in carpentry at Trades Institute of Victoria (TIV) in Dandenong.

“It’s really good. It’s fairly compacted because we do all the course work in a year.

“Once we’re on the floor doing the building work the time flies.”

TIV provide building and construction courses across Melbourne with their head office in Williamstown.

Currently women make up 13 per cent of the construction industry however only 2 per

cent are in trades and the rest work in administrations or support roles.

Carly is part of that 2 per cent. She called it quits with her IT job of 20 years after having enough of the screen time and switched to a career that would not have been available to her decades ago.

“I was always interested in the building industry but never had the opportunity when I left school (in 1997) and didn’t consider that as a pathway.

“It wasn’t an option presented to women that much. It was mostly the young guys that would leave school and do trade.”

Now there’s a push to include females in the construction industry to deal with the labour shortage through state government initiatives such as ‘She Built It’. It is part of Labor’s Building Equality Policy which requires women to be represented in at least 3 per cent of the trade roles.

At a mature age now Carly has started see-

ing the shift in society and as part of “getting older” she’s also become confident.

“I think times have changed a lot. My experience has been so far that people in the industry are open to female workers because of the unique set of skills we bring in terms of attention to details.”

The National Association ofWomen in Construction (NAWIC) are headed to achieve their goal for women to make up 25 per cent of the industry by 2025 and TIV are playing their part in helping with this culture change.

It’s never too late to start anything but for Carly she wasn’t too keen to do a traditional apprenticeship and that’s when she came across TIV.

“I came across TIV when they had the fast track apprenticeship where you do trade school for a year and do 800 hours work experience.”

She plans to stay with TIV longer to pursue her Diploma in building and construction to

ultimately establish her own building company.

TIV have been thriving in Dandenong since being opened by then-mayor Jim Memeti last year.

Training director Peter Giannopoulos said the plan to build a second home for TIV rose from a high demand as a lot of similar centres are in Cheltenham.

“We know Dandenong is a growth corridor and there’s continuous demand for skilled labour in Dandenong and surrounding suburbs.

“We try to meet the needs of the market by introducing various courses to Dandenong.”

Construction workers are among the list of skill shortages in Australia.

According to Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data there’s a 24.2 per cent job vacancy rate in construction in February 2023.

It has dropped dramatically from a 30.3 per cent job vacancy rate in May 2022.

Demand for female tradies is on the increase

By Sahar Foladi

Many female customers will be put at ease by having a choice of tradeswomen rather than only tradesmen.

City of Casey cultural and social equity officer Sadia Ali said as a practising Muslim she finds it very uncomfortable to have a handyman in her house.

“We have called a handyman for various reasons, be it broken hot water system, fixing pantries or cabinets or changing shower heads.

“We have household or personal items

that as women practising certain beliefs can be quite private to us and it may not be comfortable if visible to a complete stranger.”

Trades Institute of Victoria apprentice Carly has put behind her 20 years in IT to pursue her passion, building and construction, something that wouldn’t have been available to her decades ago.

She’s part of the 2 per cent of women in trades roles in the construction industry.

She believes there are certain female customer needs and plans to target that niche.

Carly plans to establish her own building

What’s on Cardinia proudly presents

company upon completion of her studies with Trades Institute of Victoria (TIV) and further work experience.

“I’ve definitely thought about when I start my own company that women would feel more comfortable to have female carpenters come into their house.”

Her friends both agree and support her upon discussion on the topic.

“Ultimately if I do have my building company I’d like to employ mostly female tradies and to operate in that niche where people are comfortable for women to operate in

their house,” she said.

Ms Ali said boundaries are created around women from a very young age and as a result directed them to careers in childcare, education, aged care and administrative works.

“I always encourage women to think outside of the box of becoming a handywomen, to become women behind wheels, join construction sites, electrician or mechanical services providers,” Ms Ali said.

“A proportionate balance of gender in various professional institutions is required which will benefit our society holistically.”

Carly Beitzel hopes to run her own trades business. 332877

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Carly Beitzel and her TIV trainer Bill Spencer. 332877

Tree-law ‘loopholes’ protest

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Environmentalists are calling for Greater Dandenong Council to significantly strengthen its draft tree protection law.

Greater Dandenong Environment Group argues the proposal to protect trees in private yards is like “Swiss cheese”, riddled with loopholes and will make no “real difference”.

“It only applies to trees that are over 10 metres high, which is a major problem as only two per cent of trees on private land in Greater Dandenong are over that height,” GDEG president Isabelle Nash said.

“There are also so many exemptions to the proposed local law to make it unenforceable.”

Other weaknesses include offenders illegally removing trees being able to avoid a fine by planting a tree in its place – “a new tree that will take 15-20 years to provide the same canopy cover”, Ms Nash said.

She also contested the exemption for trees that are ‘weed species’ such as the lemonscented gum.

“Of course, we want to keep weed species away from conservation reserves but in residential areas we need to save as many of these trees as we can.”

Landowners could also potentially exploit an exemption for dead trees, the GDEG argues.

“So why illegally remove your tree when you can kill it first and then claim to the Council it was dead?”

As an issue of “critical” importance, Ms Nash argued the council should introduce stronger laws matching Frankston and Kingston councils.

“The local laws in Kingston and Frankston are hardly the toughest in Melbourne but at least they would apply to more trees and not have loopholes.

“Why not introduce something that will make a real difference, rather than just make the Council appear good.

“Greater Dandenong has declared a climate emergency, isn’t it time for some real emergency action?”

Noble Park resident Catherine Hingley supported the GDEG stance.

“In a climate emergency, where trees take carbon dioxide out of our air and also provide shade from the effects of rising temperatures, we desperately need to protect as many trees in Greater Dandenong as we can”.

The laws were proposed in order to lift Greater Dandenong’s dismally low canopy cover rate – estimated at less than 10 per cent and one of the lowest in metro Melbourne.

The council has argued that planting more trees on public land will not be enough, but more trees must be retained on private land.

According to the council, trees in Greater Dandenong store 510 tonnes of carbon annually, remove 11 tonnes of other air pollution and produce 1300 tonnes of oxygen.

They also counter the ‘heat island effect’, absorb stormwater runoff and shelter native animals.

A 2021 Greater Dandenong survey found 66 per cent of respondents generally in favour of a tree protection law.

On the other side of the debate, the propos-

Safety an issue on streets

From page 1

“Some specific safety challenges in hotspot areas of concern were mitigated.”

However, business owners have told of continued threats to their customers and staff’s safety.

During an affray in Langhorne Street, a car mounted the footpath and drove at groups of youths armed with knives and sticks on a business’s doorstep.

Video footage shows the car narrowly weaving past the males and between the building and an outdoor glassed area about 6.30pm on Thursday 27 April.Victoria Police say it’s unknown if there were any injuries during the affray. No arrests have yet been made.

The business owner, who doesn’t wish to be named, says staff locked themselves inside during the affray.

He called triple-0 at the time, but hasn’t received a follow-up visit from police.

In the past year, his enterprise has suffered from several break-ins, acts of vandalism as well as a robbery from a man demanding money.

Just on 7 May, an apparently substanceaffected man who “didn’t know what he was doing” stormed the premises and turned all the lights off. After being persuaded outside, he threw furniture on the street.

The owner described several staff being too scared to come to work.

“It’s getting too much. These people carrying blades – they can literally kill someone.

“These people should not be on the street.”

Meanwhile, several businesses in Thomas Street have reportedly being brazenly broken into. CCTV footage shows a male lifting a parking sign out of the ground and

then repeatedly ramming the pole into Afghan Kitchen’s front door window at 1am on Thursday 20 April.

After many attempts, he breaks a hole in the glass and steals a small amount of cash from the till.

Greater Dandenong CIU detectives say they arrested a 37-year-old Dandenong man over “several incidents” in Dandenong.

He was remanded and charged with burglary, theft, criminal damage and committing an indictable offence on bail.

Afghan Kitchen proprietor Maryan Akhoni said the $1500 bill to replace the glass door was the last thing that the fledgling business needed.

Like many restaurants, their street dining area’s glassed screens are punctured with holes and cracks from vandals.

Her cleaners, afraid for their safety, insist on the business owners being present while they work, Ms Akhoni says.

Meanwhile, her staff and customers are also repeatedly hassled and intimidated by an insistent, serial beggar, amid growing levels of homeless people on the streets.

Things were better when Victoria Police deployed a mobile CCTV trailer in the area. But after several weeks, the device was moved to another Greater Dandenong hotspot and the troubles re-emerged.

She said she’d like to see the CCTV return, along with more regular police patrols.

“Before we closed at 11pm, but now we close at 10pm because we’re scared,” Ms Akhoni says.

Acting Inspector Mark Goldspink, who is Victoria Police’s acting local area commander in Greater Dandenong, said “our community can expect to see a strong and sustained police presence”.

al has been criticised for its restraint on private property rights as well as residents being slugged with costly permit applications and arborist reports.

Under the law, a permit would be required to remove large trees on private property. It applies to trees with a diameter of at least 40 centimetres at 1.4 metres above the ground.

No permit is required if the tree has been approved for pruning, is a safety risk or a declared noxious weed.

Those who breach the law would be served a notice to plant a replacement tree or trees, or fined up to $3698.

Greater Dandenong city planning director

Jody Bosman said the draft law sought to protect “significant” trees on private land.

“They are the trees that provide most benefit from an environmental, aesthetic, social and financial perspective to our community.

“The local law is proposed to be part of a wider program to increase canopy coverage across the municipality.”

Mr Bosman said the council would investigate all potential “non-compliance” with the law.

“(It) may issue fines and require the replanting of vegetation where appropriate.”

A council report is expected to be table in June to consider the recent community survey and whether to proceed with the law, Mr Bosman said.

Monash cancels drag event

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Monash Council has cancelled this month’s drag storytime event, citing repeated threats of violence against councillors, staff and the performer.

Chief executive Andi Diamond on 4 May said it was“incredibly disappointing” but there was “no choice” but to call off the IDAHOBIT event at Oakleigh Library after a briefing by Victoria Police on the risks to staff, attendees and facilities, according to the council.

Recently, Casey Council also cancelled drag workshops on advice fromVictoria Police after alleged threats and intimidation. Chief executive Andi Diamond apologized to the LGBTIQA+ community for the outcome.

She said in recent days, threats had escalated to “direct threats of violence involving the event itself”.

The storytime attracted “significant attention with hateful and threatening commentary and misinformation spread online, via email and directly over the phone”.

“Councillors and staff have received messages that nobody should be expected to receive in their workplace, as have our LGBTIQA+ community.”

Dr Diamond said the storytime was designed to introduce children to “diverse role models” and to “encourage acceptance, love, and respect of our LGBTIQA+ community”.

“It is so disappointing that some people have a long way to go before this is achieved.

“We understood this was not for everyone and scheduled it outside our regular library programs so that parents planning to bring their children were making a deliberate choice to attend. “Unfortunately, some in the community were not willing to allow that choice. In the end we were unable to guarantee that we would be able to hold the event safely.”

Premier Daniel Andrews responded in Parliament that he was saddened by the turn of events due to protesters’ “ugly” and “shame-

ful” conduct, including “death threats against council officers and councillors”.

“If you want to behave like the worst elements of the Floridian Republican Party, get to Florida. Head over there, where your hateful views might be worth something. They are worth nothing here.

“It is not about free speech. This is hate speech plain and simple. It is wrong. It is out of step with the values of fair-minded, decent mainstream Victorians. It is on the fringe.

“Let us send the clearest message that equality is not negotiable, and despite the carry-on and the shameful behaviour of a small few, this government and this community remain committed to every single Victorian no matter who they are or who they love.”

Monash had been resolutely backing the event even after a recent council meeting was temporarily suspended amidst intense heckling from a packed, heated public gallery. Senator Ralph Babet, who was among the protesters, said the meeting showed “overwhelming public displeasure” against the storytime.

“Public concern centred around the use of ratepayer money to host what many residents believe is inappropriate content for children aged 1-6.

“I have received an overwhelming amount of communication from concerned parents and grandparents on this issue.“Some have attempted to paint those opposing this event as right wing, but they really are just concerned mothers, fathers and grandparents.

“I condemn the far left extremists who have attempted to hijack this event and stoke violence. It is time for a civilised debate where both sides of the argument can be heard and respected.”

Mr Babet said he was advocating for the “innocence of children”.

“We have a duty to ensure that the content our children are exposed to is age-appropriate and not confusing.”

Residents in Greater Dandenong backing an environment group’s call for stronger tree protection laws. 328047 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Residents in Greater Dandenong backing an environment group’s call for stronger tree protection laws. 328047

Daily prayer of love

By Roz Blades AM of the Jewish faith

Shema Jewish prayer, often referred to as the Daily Prayer, is found on Page 40 of the prayer book.

In my prayer book, it is written in English and Hebrew and in the Orthodox Prayer Book only in Hebrew.

Shema Yisrael is the central affirmation of Judaism.

It is traditionally recited twice daily as part of the morning and evening service.

Jews will often recite the prayer at the end of their lives.

The prayer itself summons Jews to feel an

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

10 May 1923

Postal facilities

For some time past it has been considered that an improvement in the despatch of mails from Dandenong might reasonably be asked for. There is at present too great a lapse of time between the despatch of closing of the evening mail at 6pm and the closing of the mid-day mail at 12o’clock the following day. What is really required is a third mail from Dandenong during the day – say at 9.30am. At present correspondence posted at nighttime lies in the Post Office and street letter boxes until mid-day next day, and does not reach Melbourne until the afternoon, some 16 hours after being posted. The postal business at Dandenong surely warrants a better service than this, and the despatching of a mail at an earlier hour in the morning, as suggested would be a decided convenience to business people especially, and would be certain to be in time for the city afternoon delivery, which is doubtful as regards the present mid-day mail.

50 years ago

8 May 1973

Al is set for the big week ahead

Everything is set for the biggest week in Dandenong’s history – the celebration of the city’s

MESSAGE OF HOPE

all-consuming love of God.

This prayer dates from the first millennium BCE when it was recited as part of the regular services in the ancient temple of Jerusalem.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart (leiv) with all your soul (nephesh)

and with all of your utmost (me’od).”

This verse is a threefold demand to love

Serving also as an opening for a miniature manual on the art of loving.

Shavuot is a two-day holiday celebrated from sunset on 25 May until nightfall on 27 May.

This date coincides with the date that God gave the Torah to the Jewish people more than 3,000 years ago on Mount Sinai.

It is celebrated by the lighting of candles and feasting on dairy foods.

There is then hope for the future in the Feast of Weeks and the Daily Prayer, which sustains us all.

Roz Blades

tice doctors no incentive to restore bulk billing. Mr Crean said the Governments idea of subsidising GP’s 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

14 May 2018

A Bridge between cultures – it’s the writing on the wall

A Springvale raised artist is transforming a Dandenong wall to celebrate a young leader.

100 years of local government. The celebrations begin next Sunday with a church service and a “back to” and close with a pageant of progress on Saturday week. The pageant will be almost the size of the famed Moomba procession and will take about two hours to pass. The City of Dandenong will conduct a tree planting campaign in district schools this week as part of the centenary celebrations. There will be something for everybody dur-

ing the celebrations, a feature of which will be the publication by the Daily Journal each morning between Monday and Friday.

20 years ago

5 May 2003

Govt’s Medicare changes ‘a dud’ Federal Opposition Leader Simon Crean said the Howard Government’s new $917 million Medicare Package offers Casey general prac-

Mike Eleven’s latest mural is springing up at Mason and Foster streets in Little India, Victoria’s first Indian Cultural Precinct. His subject is Greater Dandenong’s Australia Day Young Leader of the Year award winner Aishwarya Pokruluri. She was recognised for her volunteer work and giving Great Dandenong’s most vulnerable and marginalised young people a voice. Eleven said his mural included live portraits of Ms Pokruluri, representing the two worlds that young people from Indian cultural backgrounds often found themselves caught between.

Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society

World-class Melissa needs opponents so she can kick on

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

World-champion kickboxer Melisa Muselovic is taking the sport by storm - her main challenge is just to find opponents who dare to fight her.

This month, the 16-year-old from Pakenham conquered a 28-year-old rival to claim the VAMMA WKA Australia welterweight belt at Matthew Flinders Hotel in Chadstone.

“She was very tough, a bit more experienced,” Melisa says.

“I copped a couple of punches but then my kicks came into play.”

It means that in just six months, Melisa’s won a rare bounty - a WAKO world K1 junior title belt, Oceania champion’s medal and now a national title belt.

“It was the best feeling in the world,” Melisa said of representing Australia at the worlds last year.

“There were 93 countries there. Australia wasn’t the biggest contingent at the stadium but we were the loudest.

“You could hear the chant Aussie, Aussie, Aussie from the other side of the stadium. Every time one of us fought, we cheered our hearts out.”

With that taste, Melisa would love to compete in the Olympics – if kickboxing is accepted into the Games.

She hopes to become pro when she turns 18. Then, big opportunities beckon overseas,

such as at the international One Championship in Singapore.

In claiming her victories, as has been the case all her career, she’s downed much older, heavier competitors.

At the moment, she relies on pure technique to defeat them.

“I’ve always been training with boys,” Melisa says.

“They are bigger, heavier, tougher, stronger and punch and kick harder – that gives me the edge above the average girl.”

She describes her big title bouts as “nervewracking”.

“But you learn to be confident and to believe in yourself. And to believe that whatever your coach has trained you to do will get you through it.”

In Australia, kickboxing is popular but still small in world terms.

She hopes to turn pro when she turns 18. Then, big opportunities beckon overseas, such as at the international One Championship in Singapore.

However for the moment, it’s hard to find a fight for Melisa.

“They don’t want to fight her,” says her world-renowned coach Peter Hatton – based at Fighters Xpress gym in Dandenong.

“We can’t get a fight with a girl her age, so we’re always fighting adults or taking fights at late notice. It’s not ideal but it gets us the experience.”

Hatton says he was “shocked” by Melisa’s talent when she started training at age 9. He also speaks highly of her diligence, commitment and maturity.

“Out of all of the students, she’s the one I don’t have to worry about fitness.

“I get a lot of talented kids. The majority of them get lazy but Melisa is talented and trains hard. She doesn’t make any excuses.”

One example was Melisa tending her broken toes with onions and potatoes, and then fighting three days later.

Also in her corner are her proud parents Mensud and Ramiza. It all started with Melisa sparring with her brother in the home garage, before she went to Hatton.

Since then, the family have done the long road trips for her interstate bouts, with father Mensud by her side at the world titles in Italy.

“I’ve never seen a child so driven in her sport,” her beaming mother Ramiza says.

“If she has a mind to do something, she’s a quick learner. She gets it down pat pretty quick.”

For now, Melissa’s gruelling five-day-aweek regime includes runs, skipping, shadow boxing and 30 minute ‘pads’ sessions with Hatton.

Hatton – or ‘Pistol Pete’ as Melisa calls himholds the pads as they spar for 10 lots of threeminute rounds in the ring.

“He says if you can last through ‘pads’ with me, you can get through anything.”

Hatton says the weights program will come later. “When she gets her adult power, she will be very dangerous.

“If she’s hurting them now at this age, I think she’ll be one of the elites.”

Melisa Murselovic, 16, with her world title belt and victory medals. 332693

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Mike Eleven with his mural of Aishwarya Pokruluri in Little India in 2018. 180663

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Give the gift of theatre

There is something for everyone at The Drum Theatre in Dandenong.

With Mother’s Day on Sunday 14 May consider purchasing a gift voucher to one of the Drum’s superb shows to give an experience she’ll remember.

Enjoy a special day out and experience the musical journey of The Beatles’ from their greatest hits and their critically acclaimed solo

careers with Beatles Legacy on Thursday 15 June at 10.30am.

One of the highlights of our Encore morning matinee program is a special performance of the board game Clue: On Stage on Thursday 18 May at 10.30am. This hilarious murder mystery is based on the classic cult film and popular board game, allowing the audience to help solve the mystery. All Encore performances include complimentary morning tea and

/ June

a parking voucher. Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman is a classic American play that explores themes of family, success, and the ‘American Dream’. Purchase your tickets to experience this acclaimed masterpiece on Saturday 3 June at 3pm.

Dandenong’s Drum Theatre is an intimate venue that allows you to connect with per-

formers, their stories and music up close. Each theatre ticket provides you with discounts to the Drum Theatre’s partner businesses including discounts at local eateries and accommodation venues.

To become a Drum Theatre member phone our friendly Box Office team on 8571 1666. Visit drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au to see what’s on.

Give

Street feast satisfies all

By Sahar Foladi

City of Greater Dandenong’s iconic Dandenong Market hosted its first Street Feast on Saturday 30 April following the success of its Night Market.

The Street Feast event attracted foodies nice and early on a sunny cloudy Melbourne day and they enjoyed a selection of the best street food vendors.

The area was filled with a mouth-watering aroma of different cuisines.

There were a range of varieties from tacos, peri peri chicken roti, samosa, fried chicken, panikeke, churros, shakes and much more.

Anthony and Victoria sat enjoying their dessert from Maui’s Polynesian snack bar.

“We started off with something sweet so let’s see how it goes,” Anthony said.

The amazing displays of desserts and bouquet wrapped fries prompted passers-by to stop and ask where people got their food from.

The market buzzed as people travelled from vendor to vendor enjoying the music and the vibe.

The foods at the event were in addition to the 200 cuisines already available in Dandenong Market.

Most of the Street Feast traders, such as Fresh Balkan Bites and Senor Gusto, ran their food trucks and stalls within their families, travelling all over Melbourne each week.

Based in Hallam, Senor Gusto serves Latin American cuisines and is run by six family members.

The head of the family, Michelle Carranza said she loves the support they receive from the community.

“We absolutely love coming to Dandenong Market, the community, the multicultural diversity,” she said.

She runs the business with her husband Rigo Carranza and sometimes brings her whole family down at events like these.

Other food vendors included Victoria’s Best Fried Chicken, Ostrich and the Egg, Maui’s Snack Bar and Churros Ole.

Vendors travel all over Melbourne including rural areas to give a taste of what they have

to the communities.

However, almost all of them said Dandenong Market is their favourite location due to its demographic and atmosphere.

Retno from Maui’s Snack Bar said, “This was on our vision board. We always wanted to be here.

“Everyone’s very accepting. I don’t feel competition, we’re all like a family.”

Similar to other vendors, she said the Dandenong community was the most willing to try different foods.

Frank Ruggeri serves freshly cooked chur-

The beauty of cultural diversity celebrated

By Sahar Foladi

A passionate group of artists is aiming to provide a platform for people from CALD backgrounds in arts and culture.

Starting as an award-winning project, the Bukjeh group was formed by artists from CALD backgrounds to share stories of refugees and displacement of the First Nations people from their own land, artistically.

“Bukjeh” in Arabic means a sense of belonging for refugees to gather around after fleeing their homelands.

“But it’s also a bukjeh in which those who are here can gather, a bukjeh of emotions and culture,” founder Aseel Tayah said.

Ms Tayah joined the Emerging Cultural Leaders program in Footscray and Bukjeh was born from an exhibition based on her curiosity of what people brought with themselves when they came to Australia.

“I did an art exhibition asking people about that and shared it with songs and theatre. Since then I received many other opportunities to create much more.

“Once I saw the beauty of having and engaging many other people that’s when I started inviting other artists, other storytellers and practitioners to share their experience as well.”

Not only does the organisation bring people from the community together to connect over bukjeh, but it also aims to raise awareness and representation of people of CALD background in the Arts and Culture field.

“I’ve heard a lot from big people in the arts and culture that our people don’t have capital that’s why they don’t exist in the programming,” Ms Tayah said.

“Even though we are among the most spoken languages in the country I feel the lack of representation in spaces and I try to balance that with our works in arts and theatre.

“I cannot listen to that and accept the fact that we don’t exist.

“We are a walking culture everywhere. That’s who we are. We cannot be ignored from the mainstream.”

Now she is on a mission to ensure that sentence is not “applied and spoken again.”

Ms Tayah migrated to Australia from Palestine a decade ago and was in awe of not just a different world but also the diversity within.

“I come from a country that has either Palestinian or Israelis but in Australia there’s everything and that’s richness that some people see as barriers.

“When I first arrived many people told me

you’re a hijabi (person who covers their head with a scarf) you will never get a job. You’re a Muslim, your English is not good.”

“But I looked around I saw beautiful faces, different skin colours, different features, different hijabs.

“The activist in me wanted to make sure everyone sees the beauty I see in eyes and in the heart.

“We are happier and richer when we are together in food, culture, music, humanity, community, in everything.”

And so she left her two years of medical chemistry studies and switched to Arts.

Bukjeh also works with the First Nation community to tell their stories, nationally and locally, of their displacement from their own land.

“The moment we decide to see that we are not from here, we all have different dates of arrival - then we are equal.

“This is not our land. It’s not our space.”

Ardna (our land) is a recent, innovative collaboration between Bukjeh andYortaYorta theatre maker Jason Tamiru for school children to explore our connection to the physical land.

It featured Indigenous and Middle Eastern dance, song and storytelling.

ros, dusting of icing sugar and generous amount of chocolate drizzle.

His father and his 72 year-old Argentinian mother, Yolanda, have helped Mr Ruggeri run the business for seven years, cooking fresh churros on the spot.

Casual Retail and Leasing executive, Moni Cullin said the Market welcomes anywhere between 56,000 and 60,000 people on weekends so free community events like these allow families and friends to come together.

“That’s when we often see more than 35,000 visitors in one day,” she said.

“I thought we have such a good relationship with traders, let’s see if we can organise something.

“There’s no entertainment as you can see but we have the sunshine today.

“It’s always nice to see people enjoying themselves.”

Street Feast will run again on Saturday 20 May and while Ms Cullin hopes to continue the tradition at least once a month they may have to call it off occasionally due to the unpredictable Melbourne winter.

“We want to do it monthly until the Night Market. We have such interest from the Night Market that we have a selection of traders to choose from,” Ms Cullin said.

During summer, there’ll be a lot more desserts and drinks on offer.

The whole idea of the event is not only to present the best street food from all corners of the world but to have different traders each time.

Eid for all is a first at Bunjil Place

By Sahar Foladi

Bunjil Place will host its first‘Hakaya of Bukjeh’, translating to‘Stories and Gathering’ in Arabic.

The event is run by the organisation Bukjeh under CEO, creative director and Casey resident Aseel Tayah from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 13 May.

The organisation has delivered cultural experiences, community engagements and First Nations stories in schools, theatre and conferences for almost a decade across the state.

The event is inspired by the Eid spiritual observance, with‘Hakaya’ literally and metaphorically bringing people together under one roof.

“We are all exposed to celebrations around Christmas and Easter and we want non-Muslims to feel it’s a space they can celebrate with us and know more about our religion,” Ms Tayah said.

The family event will see fun educational activities for kids about Eid while teaching them about how fasts are broken, popular culinary dishes and moon formation.

Ms Tayah first held her Bukjeh event at a small centre where 200 people attended, leading to Casey Council supporting bukjeh on a bigger platform for everyone to experience.

“It’s much more fun seeing the interaction of people who haven’t met before know nothing about each other suddenly in one place to celebrate arts and culture,” Ms Tayah said.

There will be domed canopies installed around Bunjil Place decorated in art, inspired by CALD background and stories across the state.

The event is created in such a way that it could be flexible and accessible for everyone to attend, including a space only for mothers and children.

There’s also a space for conservative Muslims who don’t want to listen to the music but want to attend the event.

Ms Tayah said that’s something that’s often “not thought of” but she wants the event to be inclusive.

Bukjeh wishes to further expand and collaborate with local businesses and is open to ongoing partnerships.

Bukjeh creative director Aseel Tayah is bringing an artistic voice for CALD communities. 332917

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Anthony and Victoria hit it off with something sweet from Maui’s snack bar and intended to try something from every vendor.

Kidnapper is jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An armed man who kidnapped and robbed an “easy target” in central Noble Park has been jailed.

Jerome Tokarahi, 24, of Noble Park, pleaded guilty at theVictorian County Court to kidnapping, armed robbery and taking property by deception.

He had drawn an imitation semi-automatic handgun on a victim as they both walked from Noble Park railway station late at night on 14 November 2022.

“Give me your wallet. Otherwise I will shoot you.”

Tokarahi frisked the victim, stealing his bank card, driver’s license and phone.

He ordered the victim to come with him to an ATM, threatening to shoot him if he ran away. There, he demanded the victim to activate his CommBank app and withdraw $500.

The next day, Tokarahi used the bank card nine times to buy $301 worth of food, tobacco and two T-shirts and a pair of shorts

from Dandenong Plaza.

All up, his robbery proceeds were $2399.

He later admitted he took advantage of a nervous-looking victim and “easy target”.

“That would be horrifying for him,” Tokarahi later said of the hold-up.

“I put myself in his shoes and it haunts me.”

Sentencing judge Michael Cahill on 2 May said there was no doubt that the victim was terrified when faced with the imitation handgun.

“He was an easy target and you took advantage of him.

“You intended him to believe the handgun was genuine and lethal.

“Venting your anger was completely unwarranted.”

Judge Cahill noted there was no physical harm to the victim, and accepted Tokarahi would not have persisted if the victim resisted.

Tokarahi grew up in New Zealand and then Dandenong. As an adult he moved to Queensland and then Noble Park.

But as a New Zealand citizen, he was at risk of being deported after serving his jail term.

A psychologist found Tokarahi had been made paranoid from years of cannabis abuse.

The accused was also diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

After an argument with his sister, his complex PTSD symptoms contributed to him “unjustifiably” venting against the victim that night.

Judge Cahill noted Tokarahi’s early guilty plea, genuine remorse, severe psychological distress, limited criminal record, family support and his relative youth.

He had “relatively good” rehabilitation prospects.

Tokarahi was jailed for up to two-and-ahalf years, including 161 days in pre-sentence detention.

His non-parole period was one year and three months.

He was ordered to pay the victim $2399 in compensation.

Vets in ‘mental crisis’ and at severe risk

By Sahar Foladi

Animal vets have hit rock-bottom in what’s described as “a mental health crisis” according to Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).

Growing evidence from academic research, industry bodies and professionals point to vets being four times more likely to fall victim to suicide than the general population.

GreencrossVets Springvale veterinary nurse Lisa Bryant attended Flynn’s Walk on 30 April to raise awareness and generate conversations around vet mental health.

“Mental health awareness is something that is very important to me. It’s so prevalent throughout the community and the veterinary industry.”

Supported by The Petbarn Foundation, the walk originated in Melbourne in 2018 and was named after Dr Flynn Hargreaves, who sadly took his own life.

“The more we talk about mental health, the stigma around it lessens and those dealing with it understand they’re not alone and there is support available,” Ms Bryant said.

Five years later, the walk has now been adopted in Canberra, Brisbane and Sydney with the ongoing support of the Petbarn Foundation.

While this year’s walk saw a great turnout of 700 people with their pets, the industry has sunken deep in great waves of mental health.

Ms Bryant said the pandemic was “very tough” for the veterinary industry as a whole, which added onto the pressures and created “more challenging working conditions.”

“The rise in pet ownership and the current skills shortage was only exacerbated by Covid.”

A report of AVA review of the current research related to mental health in the veterinary industry has listed lack of work-life balance, high pressure work environment, emotional and moral distress and financial stressors as some of the psychological risk factors for vets.

“During lockdown we were burning the candle at both ends, working long shifts to try to care for as many pets as we could whilst being understaffed,” Ms Bryant said.

“When we have such a high influx of demand and not enough vets to meet pets, it understandably creates more pressure on vets and their teams.

“We came into this profession because we care deeply for all animals, so it can be hard seeing sick animals and distressed owners when we’re trying our best.”

Animal Medicines Australia’s ‘Pets and Pandemic’ reported 31 million pets in Australia with 69 per cent of households owning a pet.

IBSWorld forecasted 13,951 vets in 2022-23 out of which 9,500 are practising. That’s one vet for every 3,263 pets.

Under ‘Pet Professional’ website article, professional counsellor, secretary and directory of Vet Life Australia, Dr Peter Hatch said focusing on the suicide aspect is only the tip of the iceberg.

“Reducing the impact of stress will both

Ambulance times boost

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Matthew Sims

Ambulance response times in Greater Dandenong have improved, but are still well short of performance targets, according to latest official stats.

In January 1 to March 31 this year, 73.4 per cent of Code 1 responses were within 15 minutes.

This was up from 68.1 per cent in the previous quarter, but still well shy of the 90 per cent metro target.

Average response times improved from just over 15 minutes to 13-and-ahalf minutes.

In neighbouring Casey, an even lower 63.2 per cent of Code 1 responses were within 15 minutes.

The average response time was 15 minutes and 14 seconds. From January to March, paramedics across Victoria responded to 65.2 per cent of code one cases within the state-wide average target of 15 minutes - a five per cent rise. The state-wide average response time to code one emergencies was 15 minutes and 20 seconds, which was an improvement of one minute and 24 seconds.

Ambulance Services Minister Gabrielle Williams said: “Our paramedics work incredibly hard, and we’ll continue to back them with more ambulances, more staff, more training and more equipment so they can keep doing what they do best – saving Victorian lives.”

Liberal ambulance services spokesperson Georgie Crozier said Victorians were suffering with 34.8 per cent of code one responses still not attended to within 15 minutes.

“The Andrews Government went to the last election promising to fix the crisis that has plagued our ambulance system,” she said.

“Yet six months later, response targets are still not being met and it’s clear nothing has changed.”

Ambulance Victoria metropolitan regional director Ian Hunt said ambulance performance improved thanks to reduced demand and fewer staff furloughed due to Covid.

“This helped speed up the handover of patients at hospitals and allowed to us get back on the road quicker to attend more life-threating emergencies,” he said.

“We know demand is already rising again and will continue to do so as we head towards winter.

“We thank the community for helping us relieve pressure on our paramedics and the health system by saving Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.”

Ambulance Victoria clinical operations acting executive director Michael Georgiou said from January to March, 37,825 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected by paramedics and nurses in the Secondary Triage team to more appropriate care.

“That results in 500 or more cases every day being safely matched to services that better suit their needs while also avoiding emergency dispatch,” he said.

Mr Georgiou said Ambulance Victoria continued to work closely with stakeholders across the entire health system to ensure patients received the most appropriate response for their needs and improve ambulance availability across the state.

reduce the levels of burnout reported and reduce the depression and anxiety as workplace stress is the precursor to both,” Dr Hatch said.

Ms Bryant is the Mental Health First Aid Officer (MHFA) at Greencross Vets Springvale and says events like Flynn’s walk opens opportunities to have meaningful conversations within the community.

“We are very fortunate that Greencross Vets has implemented accessible mental health support systems for staff, such as access to free counselling services, resources, and an accredited MHFA.

“These are all fantastic positive steps to provide support for our colleagues,” she said.

“We’ve recruited more than 1,300 paramedics over the past two years, tripled the size of our Secondary Triage team and have referred almost 32,000 cases to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) since October 2021 to help avoid unnecessary trips to our hospitals,” he said.

To view the most recent Ambulance Victoria performance data, visit ambulance.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-performance

The Greencross Vets Springvale team at Flynn’s Walk.

FOCUS ON … MOTHER’S DAY

Card from the heart

There are many materials you can use to make a Mother’s Day card.

Construction paper or cardstock: You can use colourful construction paper or cardstock as a base for your card. You can fold it in half and decorate the front with drawings, stickers, or cut-out shapes.

Markers, pens, or crayons: Use these to write your message inside the card or to decorate the front with colorful designs and patterns.

Stickers and embellishments: You can use stickers or embellishments like glitter, sequins, or ribbon to add some extra flair to your card.

Photographs: If you have a special photo of you and your mum, you can incorporate it into your card. You can glue it to the front of the card or make a collage inside.

Paints: If you enjoy painting, you can use watercolours or acrylics to create a unique design on the front of your card.

Remember, the most important thing is to express your love and gratitude for your mum in your own unique way.

Have fun creating your card, and I’m sure your mum will appreciate it!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Get creative and create a personalised Mother’s Day card.

Words of wisdom about mum

“God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.” - Jewish Proverb.

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” - Abraham Lincoln.

“A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.” - Irish Proverb

“Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own.” - Aristotle.

“My mother said to me, ’If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope.’ Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.” - Pablo Picasso.

“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” - OprahWinfrey.

“A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.” - Diana, Princess of Wales.

“The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” -W. R.Wallace.

“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” - OscarWilde

“My mother ... she is beautiful, softened at the edges and tempered with a spine of steel. I want to grow old and be like her.” - Jodi Picoult.

“I am sure that if the mothers of various nations could meet, there would be no more wars.” - E. M. Forster.

Picture: ELENA MOZHVILO ON UNSPLASH

ON

Mother’s Day cash splash

By Adrian Black, AAP

Cost of living pressures won’t stifle Mother’s Day spending as Australians expect to spend more on the occasion.

An Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan survey projects Australians will spend $925 million on Mother’s Day this year, up $166 million or 22 per cent on 2022.

The survey of 1682 Australian adults found one in two people were planning on buying gifts for Mother’s Day and expected to spend an average of $92. Five in six respondents said they would spend more than last year while alcohol, food and flowers were the most popular choices for gifts and likely to account for about 30 per cent of the national spend.

One in four respondents planned to buy gifts for someone other than their birth mother, and some retailers have sent customers links to opt-out of Mother’s Day emails, which can be triggering for those grieving or estranged from their mother.

ARA chief executive Paul Zahra said most retailers were already promoting their Mother’s Day wares, a key event on the retail calendar.

“Amid ongoing cost of living pressures, many will be making an exception to spoil their mums – or in some instances other special people in their lives,” Mr Zahra said.

The expected 22 per cent boost in Mother’s Day spending outstripped the Consumer Price Index, which increased to 7 per cent over the twelve months to Q1 2023.

“While people may be reluctant to spoil themselves due to the high costs of living, they’re still enthusiastic to splash out on loved ones,” Mr Zahra said.

A fifth of respondents said they would celebrate the occasion with a meal at a cafe or restaurant while 38 per cent would opt for a feast at home.

Australians are expected to loosen the purse strings for Mothers Day, despite rising costs.

Picture: AP IMAGES

Garden plots are abloom

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Keysborough community garden is flourishing in abundance, with the delivery of 35 new garden beds.

At a recent working bee, Maralinga Community Garden members installed the extra 35 Biofilta wicking‘food cubes’ alongside its raised beds, in-ground plots and the original 13 cubes.

The new wicking beds were then filled with a locally-made, specially-designed soil.

It means there’s plenty of plots available for lease at the Chandler Reserve site in Keysborough.

For a year’s membership, gardeners can tend their own crops, as well as meet and learn from other green-thumbs. Garden president Bryan Hunter said the rows of new wicking cubes were a “breath of fresh air” that made the gardens look more organised.

“We’re hoping to take on more people. We’ve had a few local residents been in contact about membership.

“Meanwhile we’ll plant them out, with any extra produce going to three charities. It won’t

be going to waste.”

Already, the garden has donated surplus food to the charities Cornerstone, Sikh Volunteers Australia and Reaching Out Because We Can. Maralinga has grown in leaps and bounds since starting in early 2022 – with new native plantings from City of Greater Dandenong lining the perimeter.

The new beds were part of a $48,000 Living Local grant from the State Government. The grant also covered a $20,000 new shed and a shelter.

Next step is council approval to install the garden shed – which is parked for the timebeing in Mr Hunter’s driveway.

There are also plans for a 10,000-litre water tank with a solar-powered pump.

“The garden looks amazing. It’s growing every day, with more people joining and even coming along to the working bees.

“It’s nice to see like-minded people there and seeing the garden change.”

To join, go to the Maralinga Community Garden’s Facebook page.

Dandenong’s centenary fever revisited

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Civic pride was very much on display in Dandenong’s halcyon year of 1973.

A now-unbelievable 60,000 lined Lonsdale Street for a street parade as part of a week of celebrating the then-City of Dandenong’s 100 years of local government.

The parade’s bold name Pageant of Progress was befitting of the confident town that was emerging as a manufacturing powerhouse. The parade was said to rival the size of Moomba.

Now 50 years on, and with a little less fanfare, an exhibition Optimism, Opportunities and Achievement: A Reflection on the Centenary of Local Government in Dandenong in 1973 captures the flavour of those heady times.

Among the artefacts – and flavours - is the rather stodgy menu for the Centennial ball.

Special guests such as Supreme Court Chief Justice Sir Henry Winneke and Lady Winneke dined on an ‘Erin’ Stock Pot soup, lobster or fruit cocktail entree, turkey, ham or beef with Yorkshire pudding mains and a plum pudding dessert.

All washed down with especially bottled Clare-Leasingham ‘centenary dinner’ wines.

A bottle of the claret was at the time buried along with other mementos in a time capsule in the grounds of the former Dandenong library.

There’s also an exhibit dedicated to the wildly popular Pageant of Progress, in which children are photographed leaning out of high windows of the now Drum Theatre to get a look.

A photo of City of Springvale’s eye-catching pageant float reveals people in futuristic costumes, wielding sports equipment such as archery bows and tennis racquets.

“The City of Springvale initially thought it was far too expensive to put a float in. But then mayor Bill Warner said that’s rubbish, we have to enter a float,” historian Chris Keys says.

Ultimately the Springvale entry took out the second prize.

During the week’s celebrations in 1973, the Dandenong Journal newspaper - in what must have been a monumental effort - published daily under the title Daily Journal.

Each day, it featured big-name guest columnists such as homegrown singer John Farnham, TV star Bert Newton and VFL football greats Jack Dyer, Carl Ditterich and Sam Kekovich. As well as giving away $5000 prizes - equivalent to more than $50,000 in today’s economy.

A nostalgic highlight of the exhibition is a colour film of the hustle and bustle of Dandenong’s Lonsdale Street in 1973. This was also uncovered in the 1973 time capsule buried

at Clow Street.

That same boulevard in which an unknown author described travelling in a bullock dray and weaving around trees and tree stumps in the 1850s, Ms Keys says.

The writer observed Dunbar’s Hotel along with shanties, wattle-and-daub huts and tents lining the main street.

By bullock wagon, the 25 kilometre trek from Brighton to Dandenong spanned six hours.

“Between Brighton and Dandenong they never saw a house,” Ms Keys said.

Storyboards tell of the creation of Dandenong and its early pioneering history of squatting. The names feature so prominently now in street and suburb names such as Thomas and John Keys and Captain Lonsdale.

The exhibits also include the fur-trimmed former mayoral robes of Springvale and Dandenong councils, as well as the ex-mayoral chair from City of Dandenong, and the official decla-

Bonus rush

According to new data, a combined 7787 households in Dandenong, Dandenong North and Dandenong South have applied for the state government’s Power Saving Bonus.

With a combined 52,802 population across the suburbs, it appears many still have not applied for the $250 bonus payment.

The biggest take-up in Greater Dandenong was in Noble Park (5249), Keysborough (4323), Dandenong (4307) and Dandenong North (3468).

Then followed Springvale (3393), Springvale South (1842), Lyndhurst (1201) Noble Park North (1129), Bangholme (205) and Dandenong South (12).

When compared to population stats, Bangholme has the highest per capita take-up and Lyndhurst the lowest.

Bordering suburbs stats were Endeavour Hills 3426, Hallam 1565, Doveton 1491 and Eumemmering 412.

According to the Government, 40 per cent of bonus applicants also switched and saved onto a better energy deal through the Victorian Energy Compare website.

In addition of Victorian’s comparing their energy bills online, more than 17,000 households have received the $250 Power Saving Bonus through a community outreach partner, with 73 per cent of these applicants receiving additional energy affordability advice.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the best way to lower energy bills was to look for a better offer.

ration of the councils’ coats of arms and crests.

There’s also a treasure trove of photographs capturing Dandenong 50 years ago, as well as civic leaders such as then-mayor Warren S Titcher.

Mayor Titcher wrote in his Centennial Message at the time that “situated as it is, between the State capital and the Latrobe Valley, the area is well suited to industry and yet retains many pleasant residential areas.

“It is hoped that the growth in the next 100 years will make Dandenong a major industrial complex in the State, and with proper planning, achieve this result without disturbing the traditional character of our City – a place in which to work , to live and to play.”

Optimism, Opportunities and Achievement: A Reflection on the Centenary of Local Government in Dandenong in 1973 Exhibition is at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street Dandenong until 31 May (openWednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm).

“We’re encouraging Victorians to take advantage of another round of the Power Saving Bonus to make sure they are on the best deal ahead of winter.”

Applications for the payment can be made through the Victorian Energy Compare website, where Victorians can quickly and easily find the best energy offers in their areas.

For those without internet access, over-the-phone and in-person support is available through Community Outreach Partners, including Brotherhood of St Laurence, Ethnic Community Council Victoria, Good Shepherd, State Trustees and hundreds of Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria.

To access the $250 Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. To speak to an Energy Assistance Program advocate, call 1800 161 215.

Sally Carson Dandenong Historical Society, reading an old Dandenong Journal. 333100

Mayor Eden Foster in the mayoral chair from the ex-City of Dandenong council chambers.

Greater Dandenong heritage team member Prue Hawkey and historian Chris Keys with a picture of City of Springvale’s pageant float and its second-place ribbon. 332922

Picture: GARY SISSONS

The rows of 35 new food cubes were installed and filled by 10 members at a Maralinga Community Garden working bee.

Coach Naea in the running

A dream run for the Endeavour Hills Rugby Union Football Club women’s team has resulted in another honour, with first-time women’s coach Presley Naea being named as a finalist in the 2022 Victorian Sport Awards.

The team took out the Lindroth Cup premiership last August with a 26 to 20 win against the Northern Panthers.

Playing a crucial role in rebuilding the Endeavour Hills Rugby Women’s Team after a long absence from the Lindroth Cup, Naea was appointed as the position of rugby director at Endeavour Hills and assists in developing youth girls teams at Frog Hollow Reserve.

With participants from 18 years and older, Naea said last year’s season was the first time he had coached women.

“It’s a whole different ball game,” he said. “They need to have fun to enjoy the game. They do take in information a lot quicker.”

Endeavour Hills Rugby Union Football Club 2022 women’s coach Presley Naea is one of the finalists for the 2022 Victorian Sports Awards Community Coach of the Year award.

Naea said the success of the team was surprising.

“It was a very good experience,” he said.“We won 10 games out of 14. We didn’t really think we’d have the opportunity to make the finals.”

Naea said he was “very grateful” for the honour of being named as a finalist.

Vicsport chair Richie Hinton said they had received a record number of nominations this year of a high calibre.

“Vicsport is delighted to recognise and celebrate the wonderful achievements of the sport and recreation community in Victoria during 2022,” he said.

“My thanks to the esteemed panel of judges who have the challenging but rewarding task of deciding finalists and winners and I look forward to honouring those recipients at the 2022 Victorian Sport Awards in June.”

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said she congratulated all the finalists ahead of the award.

“It’s fantastic to see this latest group of outstanding Victorians nominated by their communities for going above and beyond at all levels of sport,” she said.

The Victorian Sport Awards are being held at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday, June 7. Details: vicsport.com.au/events/view/1469

Casey roads get ‘sorely needed’ $940,000 boost

Casey has gained more than $940,000 in “sorely needed” extra funding for local roads.

As part of a boost to the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, Casey was allocated an extra $942,635.

This is on top of the original allocation of $1.633 million under Phase 4 of the program.

Bruce MP Julian Hill said the extra funding was “sorely needed and welcome” in Casey.

“Casey’s population is expected to reach over 500,000 people within 20 years, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and many roads are still largely the same as they were when our area was predominantly rural.

the additional roads funding for Casey was “sorely needed”. 318937

“The additional funding will enable the expansion of critical road and infrastructure works to better serve the needs of our community’s rapidly growing population.”

Casey Council’s city and asset planning

Peter Rabbit

manager Keri New welcomed the additional funding.

“We have a range of priority projects that would fit within the criteria of this funding program, however we are yet to determine which of those would be considered for LRCI funding in 2023-’24.”

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King announced the Casey funding as part of an additional $250 million for the LRCI program on 3 May.

Ms King said the boost delivered on the Government’s election commitment.

“We know many councils across the coun-

try are struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks – especially following repeated flooding and other natural disasters in recent times.

“We have listened to councils and are standing stand side-by-side with local governments to support them in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for their communities.”

Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain said the “resounding feedback” from councils was that the extra funds would progress their “higher priority projects”.

“Now this work can commence.”

Julian Hill said

Picture: ROB CAREW

Picture: MP DANNEFAERD SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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

Creative writing

If you’re looking for a way to spark your imagination, why not join us at The Open Door for our Creative Writing Group. The workshop welcomes the sharing of ideas and writing as well as exercises aimed at enhancing your creativity. New writers are welcome. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to play.

· Thursday 11 May, 10am-12pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Suggested donation: gold coin. Bookings: Jo or Tayla on 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Clothes swap

Join us for a community clothes swap at the Springvale Community Hub. Contribute up to 10 items of clothing, shoes and/or accessories. All items must be clean, in good condition and ready to display on the day.

· Saturday 13 May, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.

Afghan cultural tour

Experience Afghan culture and food with a guided tour of Dandenong’s Afghan Bazaar Precinct. Includes visits to speciality shops with an introduction to Afghanistan’s long history with Australia and a delicious meal in a local Afghan restaurant.

Urban harvest

Springvale Urban Harvest is a free monthly swap event of excess homegrown produce and gardening extras. Also swap seeds, seedlings, cuttings, gardening tips, recipes, coffee

· Saturday 13 May, 6pm-8pm; $50 pp. Bookings: 8571 1666 or greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/afghan-bazaar-cultural-tour

1973 centenary exhibition

‘Optimism, Opportunities and Achievement’ re-

grounds, worm juice and gardening literature. Meet like-minded growers in the area.

· Saturday 13 May at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event

flects on the 1973 celebrations of the Centenary 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

•

•

•

• 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

$

•All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.

•After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

A blip on the Bulls’ radar

By Marcus Uhe

Noble Park’s unblemished start to its 2022 Eastern Football Netball League premiership defence has come unstuck at home at the hands of Doncaster East.

An inaccurate Bulls side kicked 8.14 (62), to fall four goals short of their opponents (12.14 86) who moved to second on the table in Premier Division.

The inefficiency in front of goal began early, kicking 3.4 in the first term to only take an eight-point lead into the first break, despite three more shots on goal.

Amongst goals to Harley Fairbank, Jackson Casey and Ben Marson, misses by Kieren Byers and Bailey Thompson from set shots meant their advantage wasn’t what it could have been at quarter-time, despite dominating field position for much of the second half of the quarter, after conceding the first goal in the opening minute of play.

The ascendency in territory would continue for much of the second term, and when Byers snapped in heavy traffic at the 23 minute mark to give his side a 16-point lead, things were looking good for Steve Hughes’ men.

But three goals in the final four minutes to the Lions saw Noble Park relinquish the lead on the halftime siren, having succumbed to skill errors and intense forward pressure from their opponents.

Three Doncaster East goals were a direct result of forward pressure and turnovers in their front half, and the final came from a centre clearance in the final 20 seconds before the siren sounded, meaning the Bulls hit the rooms at half time having conceded all the momentum.

Doncaster East made it almost impossible for the Bulls to move the ball beyond halfway in the third term and completely reduced their ability to hit the scoreboard.

Matt Nelson kicked the only Bulls goal of the third period, as they entered the last quarter 16 points adrift.

The opening goal of the term was always going to carry plenty of significance, either tightening the gap or making the mountain even harder for the premiers to overcome.

When the Lions struck first, it proved a hammer blow.

No better indicator of the pressure came through an uncharacteristic turnover in the back half from Ryan Morrison, who was corralled into a miskick to a Doncaster East forward after being pressured on his left foot.

To make matters worse, another Lions forward in former Carlton and Brisbane midfielder Tom Bell was left alone 20 metres closer to goal, and marked uncontested, to the exasperation of Casey, who came to stand the mark.

While the resulting kick appeared to miss to the right, a three-way consultation between the goal, boundary and field umpire resulted in the goal being awarded and the margin reaching 30 points.

When Nelson kicked his second goal of the contest in the 24th minute of the final term, it broke a 37-minute goal drought for the Bulls, after missing four shots on goal earlier in the quarter.

The Bulls will be eager to return to the winner’s list next week when they welcome Norwood to Pat Wright Senior Oval.

Lachlan Wynd’s stellar start to the season has continued at Rowville, kicking another four in their 39-point round four victory over South Croydon.

It takes his tally to 15 in just three games, having bagged five against Balwyn and six last week against Park Orchards.

He didn’t find the big sticks until late in the second quarter, but it came at a critical time for the Hawks, who had just conceded three in a row to the Bulldogs and surrendered their quarter-time lead.

His second came at the end of a dominant Hawks quarter, kicking away with a five-goalto-one period of football that would have had coach Ben Wise delighted.

With a 13-point lead at the long break, Rowville kicked the first four of the quarter and won the territory battle handsomely, gaining repeated inside 50 entries and locking the ball in their half of the ground.

When Wynd kicked his second of the game, a dropkick late in the quarter, it gave his side a

40-point buffer at the final break.

He kicked two more in the final term to eliminate any chances of a fightback from the Bulldogs, as the Hawks flew away winners 13.16 94 to 8.7 55.

Kyle Stainthorpe made a welcome return from injury to provide the trademark leadership and direction off half back, recognised as one of their best players in the contest.

Matthew Martini, meanwhile, continues to impress, hitting the scoreboard with two goals to go with his consistency at the contest and hard work in-and-under.

The win squares the win-loss ledger for the Hawks, having seemingly found the winning formula after a troubling start to the year in which they conceded sizable three-quartertime leads in the opening two weeks.

Next week will be another major test, however, when they welcome East Ringwood to Seebeck Oval.

After a sensational victory against Vermont in round one, Berwick has now lost three in a row.

Poor efficiency in front of goal from Blackburn meant the margin didn’t balloon until the final term, despite a wide disparity in shots on goal.

Only 12 points separated the two sides heading into the final term, the biggest gap at any break, before Blackburn kicked away in the final quarter with five goals to Berwick’s one, to finish 38 points ahead.

Ruck/forward Charlie Muley kicked four of Clint Evans’ side’s seven goals, with two to Kyle O’Sullivan and one to Caydn Lane, in the 7.6 48 to 12.14 86 defeat.

Without their leading goalkicker in 2022, Harry Money, still on the comeback trail from injury, Berwick is struggling to score, sitting second last for total points scored, averaging just over 50 per game.

Things won’t get any easier next week for the 10th-placed Wickers, who head to Zerbes Reserve to face Doncaster East.

Dandenong Rangers reeling after really rough weekend

By Marcus Uhe

A poor weekend for the Dandenong Rangers’ men’s side has seen one star suffer an injury and a pair of heavy defeats to leave them languishing at the undesirable end of the NBL1 South ladder after nine games.

On Saturday they were thrashed by a strong Sandringham Sabres outfit 74-103 at home, and lost Deng Puoch in the process. Puoch appeared to injure his leg, hobbling to the bench after five minutes and immediately getting on the stationary exercise bike.

The star did not return to the game and did not suit up for Sunday’s contest with Eltham.

A topsy-turvy opening quarter saw the Rangers immediately fall behind 2-12 before taking the lead by the midway point of the quarter.

They took a three-point lead into the first break and matched their bayside opponents for the remainder of the half, before the con-

test begun to unravel after the long interval.

With 4.30 left in the third, the margin was just four points at 50-54.

The Sabres then blitzed the final four minutes of the period, scoring 19 points to seven, and led by 16 the final break.

If not for a Jesse Ghee three on the buzzer, it would have been 19.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, the fourth quarter was more of the same, outscored 1730.

After quarter time, Samantha Woosnam’s side were comprehensively outscored 48-80 against a side boasting NBL talent in Dane Pineau and former Australian Boomer David Barlow.

So comprehensive was the loss that Puoch was the only player not to record a negative plus-minus differential due to his short time on the court.

Their attempts to dust-off the bad energies of the thrashing were unsuccessful on

Sunday, this time going down by 23 against Eltham.

Dandenong was slow out of the gate, taking an 18-point deficit into the first break and failing to ever recover.

Eltham was on fire from beyond the threepoint line early as they established a 21-4 lead midway through the opening term.

A pair of emphatic slam dunks on the fast break from Eltham stirred the crowd into a frenzy, to which the Rangers had no answer.

The score at the half read 29-56 in the Wildcats’ favour and grew to 39 late in the third quarter in what was fast becoming a beat-down that finished 99-76.

The women also suffered two losses but wore less significant wounds to show for them, losing by 10 against Sandringham and 20 to Eltham.

Another big weekend awaits next week, as they travel to Bendigo on Saturday and Waverley on Sunday.

Rowvillehasnowwontwoinarowafterashakystarttotheyear. 328960

Pictures:ROBCAREWCharlieMuleykickedfourforBerwick. 331979

BenjaminMarsonkickedtwoforNobleParkinitslosstoDoncasterEast. 285139

Redbacks survive a thriller

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Leo Barry you star!

Hampton Park young gun Jack Wilson might be hearing that phrase ad nauseam for the next week after taking a match-saving mark for his team deep in red time in the Redbacks defensive 50.

Like the 2005 premiership player, Wilson came in from the side and clunked a contested mark cleanly in the middle of the pack in the final minute of the game.

It capped an outstanding performance for the 18-year-old Dandenong Stingray whose work rate and ability to provide an outlet from defence all day was a key part of the victory.

“His ability to be able to connect between the arcs - he’s a ball-winner but teaching him to defend the ground and become a two-way player has been really important for us,” said Hampton Park coach Hayden Stanton.

“Being a young player and having the ability to cover the ground, as well as what he has from his couple of years at Stingrays, made a significant difference for us playing on that wing.

“I was pretty happy he pulled in the mark because it felt like we were trying to lose at that stage!”

Dylan Morris, Kyle Hendy and Tanner Stanton were other important ingredients of the 7.10 52 to 7.8 50 victory.

Doveton hadn’t led at all but threatened to pull off a Collingwood style-heist late when Jake Ingaliso finally brought the margin within a kick after the Doves had been pressing all quarter.

Deekon Stapleton had a chance to put his side in front but the ball was touched by the Hampton Park man on the mark as he ran in for his set shot.

Aaron Johns was the player who led the fight back after Shannon Henwood turbocharged

the belief with an early skipper’s goal in the last quarter, having been moved forward.

On the whole Doveton will rue a series of missed chances as well as some uncomposed inside 50 kicks late.

Key forward James Gascard missed a relatively straight forward set shot while opportunistic small forward Cardamone dribbled a tight bender into the post.

In between that there were some up and under kicks coming in that Hampton Park was

able to pick off with its extra numbers behind the footy.

The Doves had the slight upper hand in the midfield battle as the Redbacks were unable to take advantage on Andy Parker’s ascendancy in the ruck but Hayden Stanton’s men were ultimately the slicker and quicker side.

It felt like they should have put the game to bed by three quarter time but they will be happy to have escaped with the four points after making a habit of losing those sort of games last year.

“I think we controlled most of the game today but we weren’t efficient with our ball centre-forward and they ran hard back,” Stanton said.

“We weren’t able to maximise our potential and we missed some easy shots but the last quarter was disappointing.

“We had a plan about how to counteract their ability but we probably ran out of gas a bit so we’re proud of the effort but we need to tidy up our conversion because it would have put pressure on the opposition to chase the game harder.

After missing last week with a minor niggle, Makaio Haywood came back in and was a class above on the footy.

The Redbacks lost Liam Myatt early to a knee injury with the severity not yet known. The club was two men down on the bench by halftime.

Four locals take part in Young Guns representative match

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Four local players represented theYoung Guns at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday in a nod of their potential to go to the next level.

The squad played Vic Metro and comprises the best 19-year-old talent across the state as selected by AFL recruiters, with an eye on the mid-season rookie draft.

Beaconsfield boy and Frankston VFL player Mitch Szybkowski, Nar Nar Goon and Casey’s Paddy Cross and Dandenong Stingrays Joziah Nannup and Ziggy ToledoGlasman were all in action.

Each showed signs of their best with Cross and Szybkowski winning plenty of possession in the midfield on a wet day in theYoung Guns’ loss. Cross represented Gippsland last season and found ways to win the footy on Sunday, with Szybkowski showing his ability

in-and-under.

“He really understands the role and positioning needed for (the wing role),” Young Guns coach Matt O’Connor said of Cross.

Heartbreak for ex-Ray after worst fears are confirmed

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The West Coast Eagles have confirmed that former Dandenong Stingray Jai Culley suffered a ruptured ACL in the club’s loss to Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

Culley was substituted out of the game in the first quarter after landing awkwardly in a marking contest at the 12-minute mark.

The 20-year-old was emotional at quarter time as he suspected the worst.

It’s a cruel blow for Culley, who was nominated for the rising star two weeks ago for his four goal effort in a 40-point loss to Port Adelaide.

Given the Eagles’ injury crisis, he would have had the opportunity to get lots of minutes under his belt at AFL level this season after making his first appearance in round four.

“It is a terribly disappointing result for him and the club only nine games into his AFL career,” said General Manager Football Gavin Bell on Sunday.

“We know Jai will attack his rehabilitation with the utmost professionalism and determination, and the club will support him through the process.”

Culley, a Langwarrin junior, was a popular teammate at the Stingrays in 2022, picked with the first selection of the mid-season rookie draft.

The former Stingray ruptured his ACL on Saturday. 280519 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

“He had a lot of the footy and made good decisions.”

For Szybkowski, selection in the squad is mild assurance he is still being tracked by those in the industry.

While he was viewed as the unluckiest player to miss selection at last season’s AFL draft, he has so far been unable to cement his spot in the Frankston lineup.

Toledo-Glasman, meanwhile, had a busy day in his usual key forward role, kicking two goals. While there are strong question marks about whether the 192 centimetre talent is tall enough to play that role at the next level, he showed he was able to take an overhead mark and compete aerially which complemented his athleticism.

“He got some reward for effort (by hitting the scoreboard),” O’Connor said.

“He has good forward craft and makes good decisions with the ball - his work-rate was solid too.”

Nannup is the bolter of the group, having had a limited footy background.

The overager, who played some good footy for Doveton last season, showed glimpses of his pace, pressure and raw talent on a day not conducive to his style of footy.

This Sunday at 11am the Young Guns will take on Vic Country at Ikon Park

As well as those players for Young Guns, there will be several Stingrays and Power players kitting up for Vic Country, for the match will act as a trial game in determining the final squad.

Dandenong assistant Jon Mole and talent lead Toby Jedwab are each assisting the Young Guns.

Dingoes latch on to Dees

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dingley made a statement in Division One of the Southern league on Saturday, dispatching Springvale Districts 12.8 80 to 4.10 34.

Zach Horsley’s men kicked 10 goals to one after trailing by seven points at quarter time, with big man Adam Lloyd slotting three in the local rivalry.

The Dingley defence, strongly led by veteran Kristian Feehan, was able to restrict key forward Matt Wetering to one goal.

The game was the first big test for Springvale Districts, having recorded three straight wins to start the season, albeit over opponents the Dees were favoured to beat.

Zane Merdanovic and midfielders Toby Arms and Dylan Quirk each played well for the hosts despite the result.

It is the Dingoes’ third consecutive win and they will be favoured to make it four

straight against Mordialloc.

Springvale Districts will be tipped to bounce back against an inexperienced Bentleigh.

Skye, meanwhile, got an important win over East Malvern 8.10 58 to 5.9 39.

In a low-scoring affair, a four goal second stanza at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve for the hosts opened up a 15-point halftime lead which the Bombers held on to.

Keysborough is still without a win this season after being comfortably accounted for by Murrumbeena.

The Burra put just one goal on the board in the first three quarters, trailing by 67 points at the final break before a six-goalto-three last quarter added some respectability to the scoreline.

Veteran defender Anthony Brannan again spent time forward and kicked two goals.

Keysborough was outclassed in an away clash with Murrumbeena. 333554 Picture: ANDYS PIX

Joziah Nannup showed flashes of his brilliance on Sunday in the Young Guns guernsey. 333556 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Relief matched the jubilation in the Redbacks rooms post-game. 333278

Picture: ROB CAREW