Dandenong Star Journal - 16th May 2023

‘Tortured’ by life

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

“It’s like living in an open prison.”

Sathees is one of five Tamil asylum seekers in Melbourne’s South East who has spoken out to Star News.

The men are among a seemingly ‘forgotten’ cohort of asylum seekers in Australia.

They have been in Australia for more than a decade. Their applications to settle here are in a seemingly endless review.

Sathees and the other four are in their thirties, and should be in the prime of their lives.

But instead they are ekeing an existence with little income, living in crowded sharehouses and even garages with no heating, and without basic privileges such as Medicare.

“You don’t have any freedoms,” Sathees says.

“You are under detention even when you are out. You can’t decide what you’re doing in the future because the Government and Immigration is holding it up.

“They are torturing.”

In February, the Federal Government announced a permanent visa pathway for more than 19,000 holders of Temporary Protection Visas and Safe Haven EnterpriseVisas, a department spokesperson said.

It was welcome news for temporary visa holders, many of whom are Sri Lankan (2223).

But another 1657 applicants are still being processed or reviewed in courts – nearly half of which are inVictoria.

Among them, the second-highest cohort are Sri Lankan (245), only behind Iran (519). Most of the Sri Lankans are believed to be in the South East.

One of the men Nige says: “After Covid, everything has got expensive. Only a few people can survive like this.

“So many young men have heart attacks. At 30-35 years old, they’re depressed, alcoholic and stressed. They suicide or harm themselves because they don’t know and it’s hard to survive.

“When people hear our stories, they are shocked.”

Nige fled by boat in 2009, leaving behind his wife and three-year-old son. He’s desperate for a permanent visa in the hope of reuniting with his family – heartbreakingly, he hasn’t since seen his now 17-year-old son except via video calls.

He spent six years in detention at Christmas Island, Villawood and Maribyrnong. As part of a “cruel” detention, he was “caged” in what felt like a “shoebox”, fed the same food that after a

time he couldn’t bear to eat.

“We don’t know when we will be released –we can’t do anything, we don’t know anything You can’t imagine what they were going to say in Canberra.”

Other friends declined into depression, exploded into screaming, self-harmed and took their lives. Some were detained for up to 10 years.

On his release, he’s applied and re-applied for a series of temporary visas for the past seven years. Some friends who came by boat have

got permanent visas, while others languish like him for no apparent reason.

Others were welcome in Australia on working visas while asylum seekers are shunted aside.

“It’s a bull-s*** process.

“I feel confused where I am – same as in the detention centre.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s ‘blue’ or ‘red’ in Government, the policy is the same. Everyone kicks you like a political football.

Continued page 2

Sri Lankan asylum seekers Sathees, Nige, Lenny, Dinesh and Roger with refugee advocate Wicki Wickiramasingham, second right. 333981

Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

Mixed Budget call

By Emily Chapman Laing and Cam Lucadou-Wells

Labor MPs have welcomed the Federal Budget’s cost-of-living relief but South East support services say it will do little to lift people out of poverty.

Bruce MP Julian Hill, who ahead of the budget stated he was in favour of a JobSeeker rise, said the budget hit the “right balance between responsibly easing cost of living pressures while putting downwards pressure on inflation”.

“This Budget is designed to see Australians through hard times and set our economy and our country up for lasting success.”

He noted help with power bills, as well as tripling the GP bulk billing incentives, Parenting Payments reform, a $40-a-fortnight increases in Jobseeker, Austudy andYouth Allowance and a 15 per cent boost in the maximum Rent Allowance payment

Mr Hill said 44,000 people in Bruce were set to benefit from being able to buy two months of medicine for the price of a single prescription.

“Together these add up to a significant package for those most disadvantaged in society, while delivering the first Budget surplus for 15 years, an astounding turnaround from the Liberals’ giant deficits and spendathons.”

Hotham MP Clare O’Neil noted the Energy Price Relief Plan providing a rebate up to $500 for residents and $650 for businesses.

“I know that this will make a real difference in household budgets – helping families in our community to get ahead.”

South East Community Links (SECL) financial wellbeing head Kay Dilger said the budget had positive outcomes, “such as increased support for single mothers and better access to bulk billing GPs”.

“However, the harsh reality is that the marginal increase to JobSeeker payments is insufficient to ease the financial burden faced by countless Australians.

“An increase of just $2.85 per day will not alleviate the financial stress experienced by many individuals and families in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs.

“Despite some positive measures in the budget, we’re bracing ourselves for a wave of emergency relief and financial counselling requests from the community.”

Ms Dilger says the need for emergency food relief has doubled and mortgage stress has skyrocketed from 15 per cent to 25 per cent in financial counselling with no funding to match the demand.

“Without more substantial support from the government many families in the south eastern suburbs will be left struggling to make ends meet.”

However the removal of the five-year eligibility criteria for migrants and refugees to access the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support Program will make a significant difference to many SECL clients.

“Newly arrived people in our community can continue to access essential support after five years, enabling them to fully participate in

‘Tortured’ by daily life

From page 1

“Australia is a democratic country. I don’t know why they treat us like this.

“We are human.”

The Government’s stated policy remains that people travelling illegally by boat won’t be allowed to settle permanently in Australia.

The policy has successfully stymied the flow of ‘unauthorised maritime arrivals’ to Australia, disrupted people smuggling and prevented loss of lives at sea, according to the Government.

On the other hand, Australia’s policy is not to return people to countries where they face persecution and a real risk of torture, persecution or death.

Justice and Freedom for Refugees chairWickiWickiramasingham has been a refugee advocate for nearly 30 years.

cover the basics.

“The first real increase in over three decades of 15 per cent to Commonwealth Rent Assistance will neither ease the rental vacancy squeeze nor enable those already experiencing or at risk of homelessness access to private rental.”

Ms McPhail said other measures, such as investment in Medicare to increase bulk billed consults and the $300m investment to retrofit 60,000 social housing homes,“will greatly benefit people on very low incomes”.

HoweverWayss remains concerned.

“With the Housing Australia Fund still to pass the Senate, our communities most vulnerable will continue to be forced to live on the margins,” Ms McPhail said.

Bakhtar Community Organisation welcomed the “positive steps” from the cost-ofliving support.

“While the impact may vary depending on individual circumstances, any increase in welfare payments can help alleviate financial pressures,” chief executive Bassir Qadiri said.

He said it was crucial to advocate for affordable housing solutions to “bridge the gap” for struggling ‘middle income renters’.

“This could involve collaborating with government bodies, engaging with stakeholders in the housing sector, and promoting policies that address the specific needs of this group.”

A long-serving ALP member and branch leader, he says he must speak out.

Since October, he knows of six asylum seekers who took their own lives.

“Some of them didn’t have visas, some on bridging visas with no work permit and didn’t want to tell anyone. They were struggling but suffering in themselves.”

“They don’t come here for the good life. They are working hard, they spent 40 days on the sea – and if the boat sinks they lose their life.”

He said Tamils seem to be less successful in gaining permanent visas than other backgrounds, noting the close relationship between Australia and the Sri Lankan government.

One of the group Lenny tells about leaving behind his girlfriend and parents in Sri Lanka more than a decade ago. His parents have now passed away. And his partner could wait for him no longer and married another man.

During that time, he says he has worked legally and paid tax. He followed the visa application process, but his submission was botched by a lawyer that he paid $6300 and has also been rejected by an Immigration Minister.

and contribute to our society,” Ms Dilger said.

“At the same time, we will need to see further government investment in this program to accomodate this expanded eligibility.”

Wayss general manager Shari McPhail said Wayss applauded the federal government for recognising cost of living pressures are forcing many families to the brink.

“But the budget measures are insufficient,” she said.

“The increase to Job Seeker, Youth Allowance and Austudy of $2.85 per day, or $20 per week, is well below the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee’s recommended rise of at least $128 a week to ensure people can merely

South East Melbourne Manufacturers’ Alliance Chief Executive HoniWalker said SEMMA “cautiously welcomes” the Federal Budget.

Ms Walker says there is “minimal immediate impact” on manufacturers, but also little to get excited about.

“It will be business as usual for SEMMA members in the south east, now the hub and powerhouse of Australian manufacturing,” she said.

“SEMMA is pleased that defence spending will continue.

“The investment in the renewable energy sector is also welcomed, however the government will need to listen to industry on the issues affecting manufacturers.”

He says he can’t sleep properly due to the worry. “I don’t want a life like this.”

Roger fled from Sri Lanka by boat more than 10 years ago. His application for a permanent protection visa was rejected.

In 2016, he lodged an appeal to the Federal Court. With no money for a lawyer, his case is still yet to be heard.

In his sharehouse of five Tamil asylum seekers, three have gained permanent visas, two have missed out.

The Government expects 19,600 eligible asylum seekers to receive a Resolution of Status visa by early 2024.

$120K for Hotham schools from federal grant scheme

Five schools in the Hotham electorate will share in a $120,000 federal boost.

Under the $32 million grants program, schools were invited to apply for grants up to $25,000 for infrastructure and equipment. Projects were assessed by the Department of Education and selected based on need, the Federal Government stated.

The beneficiaries were:

· Springvale Park Special Development School – $25,000 to build new outdoor learning spaces, and to upgrade or improve existing outdoor learning spaces.

· Carwatha College P-12 – $25,000 for purchasing and upgrading ICT equipment including laptops and tablets, repairs and maintenance to school facilities, and classroom refurbishment.

· Noble Park English Language School –$20,000 to build new outdoor learning spaces.

· Westall Primary School – $25,000 to build

new outdoor learning spaces.

· Noble Park Secondary College - $25,000 to repair and maintain school facilities.

Hotham MP Clare O’Neil said the Government was investing in a “better and fairer” education system.

“This is terrific news for our local schools, with more to come.

“Our local schools deserve great infrastructure and quality equipment to help students achieve their best.

“This is a great outcome and I’m happy that we can deliver this funding to much-needed projects for our local schools.”

The Government stated the grants were part of a $250 million commitment to improve school infrastructure.

Hotham MP Clare O’Neil says the Government is committed to a “better and fairer” education system.

Bruce MP Julian Hill says the Budget hit a responsible balance. 333142 Picture: ROB CAREW

South East Community Links’ Kay Dilger is expecting a wave of people seeking emergency relief. 258271 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Green light for the DWC

By Sahar Foladi

Not everyone was jolly at the endorsement of the near-$100 million Dandenong Wellbeing Centre all-electric aquatic project at a council meeting on Monday 8 May.

Greater Dandenong Council passed a report which recommended proceeding with the $98 million previously-endorsed design of DWC after a recent ‘green’ audit.

The long-awaited project will be included in the 2023-’24 draft budget so it can be progressed to procurement.

The report was approved by all of the councillors except Cr Rhonda Garad.

Cr Garad, who has been openly critical of the DWC project, abstained from voting saying, “There’s no point in opposing it because other councillors are on board with it.”

Cr Garad said everything about the project is a concern for her including the design, financial risk and cost blow-out.

“In such financial times, for us to spend millions of dollars on one swimming pool is the wrong time.”

While the Federal Government has pledged $17 million towards DWC, council will still need $81 million as they lobby for the State Government to contribute $20 million.

Cr Jim Memeti said they’ve heard “whispers” that the State Government will cut back on a lot of grants and that the council “will not get anywhere near that amount.”

While he’s disappointed, he said they’ll try again in the future in hope that “things can turn-around” for them.

In contrast, to Cr Memeti’s support, Cr Garad said the large-scale project is “highly risky and unnecessary.”

The “ridiculous design features” only increases the costs and according to her“it is just for aesthetics”.

However, Cr Memeti said all aspects of the building should be considered including the design for the long-run.

“We want to build the facility not just for aesthetics but something that can remain functional and up-to-date for the future of an emerging community where younger migrants understand how important swimming is.”

Cr Memeti said it’s not the a pool that the council is investing in but the two-storey facility consists of a range of activities such as yoga, spa, sauna, cardio and meditation.

“That’s why we’ve renamed it as a ’Wellbeing Centre’,” Cr Memeti said.

“It’ll encourage the community to embrace and make use of the facility in the long run in our attempt to increase participation rates.”

While DWC is anticipated to display high participation rates, Cr Garad argues a sizeable proportion of the participation will come from residents living outside the municipality.

“This begs the question of why residents of Greater Dandenong will be paying $100 million-plus to provide a facility for the people living outside the municipality.”

Cr Garad remains concerned about the blow-out costs as seen in many of council’s projects including the Keysborough South Community Hub with pre-tender cost estimate of $21.5 million and post tender cost of $22.9 million.

“We’ve seen significant costs blow out for significant projects. It’s unlikely for the $100

million to remain at that.”

She emphasizes that the projects especially one of this scale, shouldn’t be fast tracked as she says was what occurred with a recent audit report that reviewed the ongoing costs and energy efficiency of DWC.

“It seemed to be done at a rapid speed. I’m not convinced the report is accurate.

“My concern is the people that undertook this are not people that have the runs on the board, that have a track record of competing high standard of energy efficiency that we’re looking for.”

According to the council, the DWC could achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating, with net zero carbon emissions. Its all-electric design sources power from roof solar panels and ’green’ grid electricity.

At the council meeting, Cr Tim Dark sang praises of the project.

“DWC is one of the biggest infrastructure projects the council has embarked on, certainly in my time on council.”

Construction is set to begin in April 2024.

Remember the name: Memeti is a star on the rise

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

In a cracking NPL2 debut, a Dandenong teen has blazed a quick-fire hat-trick to lead a thrilling comeback victory for Melbourne City.

Starting as a substitute on 7 May, 15-yearold Medin Memeti entered the fray at the 55-minute mark, with his team down 0-2 against Brunswick.

In little time, Medin changed the course of the match, striking goals in the 70th, 86th and 89th minutes for a 3-2 win.

Training with Melbourne City Academy, Medin felt a few nerves playing men for the first time.

“I was a bit nervous when I saw the players. But when I got my first goal my confidence got up a bit. I was full of energy.

“I wasn’t trying to take people on, I just took my opportunities.”

Now he’s dealing with his hat-trick going viral on Melbourne City’s social media as well as his proud uncle and Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti’s Facebook page.

“It’s given me a headache. My phone has been going off on Instagram with these new followers and texts.”

Blessed with speed, strength and height, the fast-rising striker has already notched many big bags of goals, including a careerhigh eight for MCFC Under 18s against Mornington this year.

Two years ago, he caught the eye of Melbourne City talent scouts while playing for Dandenong Thunder Under 14s where he scored an incredible 52 goals in 20 games.

In his first season with Melbourne City

Under 16s last year, he was top goal-scorer with 16 goals in nine games.

So far in Under 18s this year, he’s netted 16 in just six matches before his NPL2 promotion.

“I’m calm (in front of goal). I’m never scared to take on a player, I always back myself.”

Soccer talent runs deep in the family, with Medin hoping to follow the example of older brother Mersim who played for Australia’s Under 17s.

His father Mark carved a playing career at Dandenong Thunder, now he jokes that he is now his son’s “taxi driver” to training four

What’s on Cardinia proudly presents Winterfest

times a week as well as matches.

Mark’s key advice for his son is to train hard and to focus.

Medin representedVictoria Under 15s last year, and played for Melbourne City in the JSSL Professional Academy 7s tournament in Singapore.

After such a dream seniors debut, Medin aspires to play the big leagues in England, Italy or France.

Being part of a reigning A-League premier club with ties to powerhouse Manchester City, the pathway is there for him.

“I want to try out for A-League as soon as possible, to get game time and prove myself.”

Medin Memeti completed a dream senior’s debut with a game-turning hat-trick for Melbourne City’s NPL2 side. 333711

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

The prolific goal-kicking form of 15-year-old striker Medin Memeti. 333711

Medin Memeti is rising quickly through the ranks at Melbourne City. 333711

Program plastic-fantastic

By Sahar Foladi

APR Plastics is doing not just Dandenong but all of Australia a favour by creating new life out of plastics that would otherwise be buried in our soil.

In collaboration with the Wonder Recycling Rewards Program, APR’s pilot program has diverted 2500 kilograms from landfill.

Six schools in Dandenong, 542 Victorian schools and overall 1700 schools and day care have collectedWonder bread bags and plastics for recycling in exchange of rewards.

APR advanced pyrolysis executive Logan Thorpe said the advanced recycling method involves Biofabrik WASTX technology that does all the work.

Plastic is fed to the shredder, it’s blown and dried in the storage unit and broken down into oil or gas, liquid and solid.

The oil is sent to the refinery and comes out as a brand new bread bag and in the process there is no waste whatsoever.

The contaminants from the plastic become carbon ash or carbon black which can be used for either paints, tyres or asphalt.

“Those plastics are currently going into the landfill by not having a process like this in place,” Mr Thorpe said.

“It’s important to get a project like this moving and be successful so you can stop useful resources as soft plastics from going to landfill.”

Althoughit’sa“necessarysolution”forthese plastics it’s challenging and expensive which is why APR is the only ones actively and successfully using the pyrolysis method in Australia.

“That’s exciting from our point of view. Having the ability to do this opens a lot of doors in terms of innovation.”

However, capital expenditure and collaboration remains two of the biggest hurdles.

Currently, APR processes seven to five

tonnes of plastics which is“not enough” to divert the 400,000 tonnes available in the Australian market.

Mr Thorpe said in order to increase the numbers they’ll need the government on board as well as participation for everyone to collect tonnes of plastics.

“To be ambitious like that we need to make investments and improvements into technolo-

gies like these and they’ll take us to where we need to go.”

He said communities can play their part in the Wonder program.

“Being part of the Wonder program is a great step forward to be able to create participation, a fun exciting way to recycle these plastics and get them into a process like this.”

AcrossAustralia29percentprimaryschools

have registered to the program with estimation that the program will reach 714,000 school kids and 1.43 million parents across Australia.

“We’re providing a solution that minimises waste in landfill as well as provide a better carbon foot print because we’re reducing the amount of fossil fuel required,” Mr Thorpe said.

“This is an infinite process.”

APR executive Logan Thorpe with oils created from soft plastic bread bags. 332465

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

park

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A man who fatally stabbed a fellow caravan park resident in a “violent, drug and alcoholinduced tragedy” in Dandenong South has been jailed.

The 27-year-old pleaded guilty at the Victorian Supreme Court to the manslaughter of Chris Lyons and to recklessly causing injury to the victim’s son Tyson at Shawlands Caravan Park on 4 September 2021 - the eve of Father’s Day.

The accused has not been named due to having a pending trial in the County Court.

In sentencing on 5 May, Justice Lex Lasry stated that the intoxicated man stabbed Mr Lyons, 40, three times in the neck and left torso with a knife in the man’s own caravan.

There were a further eight incisions to Mr Lyon’s face, head and neck.

In the leadup, Mr Lyons had been slapping his son. The accused tried to intervene, picking up a knife and stabbing the victim, Justice Lasry stated.

“The stabbing occurred in a very small space, conducive to increasing the atmosphere and stress.

“It was brief but it was ferocious.

“It is true that it was not a premeditated attack.

“It was a thought process consistent with a man with an IQ of 59 who is in his own home and feels threatened.”

The accused man also inflicted a significant

stab wound through the “full depth” of the son’s arm as the son tried to intervene.

Mr Lyons staggered out of the caravan with a hammer in his hand and died at the scene.

When police arrived, an “aggressive” accused threatened them and dared them to “shoot me”.

He was arrested, sedated and transported to hospital to treat a cut to the top of his head.

“And so ended an extended, violent and futile series of incidents with the culmination being that a life was lost, another person was injured all entirely without reason or logic,”

Justice Lasry said.

“Yet another violent, drug and alcohol-induced tragedy.”

Justice Lasry referred to police being called to the caravan over reported drunken fighting half-an-hour early.

Both the accused and Mr Lyons were observedly “intoxicated” and “verbally aggressive” towards the officers.

“There’s no fight, there could be a massive fight if I want,” Mr Lyons said to police.

After police left, Mr Lyons and his son rounded on a Shawlands resident.

Mr Lyons threatened the resident, swung at him and at times wielded a box-cutter knife.

After the confrontation, Mr Lyons slapped his son six times in the face and they continued the argument in the caravan.

Justice Lasry noted the accused’s “lengthy” criminal history spanning 12 appearances was an “unenviable record for one so young”. He had been on bail at the time on a robbery charge.

From 14, he had been taking drugs, mainly methamphetamine and alcohol.

During his deprived childhood, he was subjected to violence and “profound trauma”. This significantly reduced his moral culpability, the judge found.

The “early negative experiences” was linked to his diagnosed PTSD and major depression with anxious distress.

Still young, the accused had “reasonable” rehabilitation prospects and had shown motivation on previous community corrections orders.

His relatively early guilty plea and remorse were also taken into account.

The man was jailed for up to eight-and-ahalf years, including a six-and-a-half year nonparole period. He had served 608 days in presentence remand.

“If you face the prospect of any further sentence for serious offences of violence your life will be effectively ruined for good,” the judge said.

ACDC outreach program plugs into mental health

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An outreach program is knocking on the doors of more than 4000 homes to start the conversation on mental health.

This month, ‘people connectors’ as part of the catchily-titled ACDC (Assisting Communities through Direct Connection) project are visiting homes in Dandenong and Dandenong North.

The aim is to talk with residents about community mental health and wellbeing, which has taken such a knock during the Covid pandemic and mounting financial and housing pressures.

“We know that Covid-19 has led to people not being able to work, or having reduced hours, and not being able to visit their loved ones,” Community Mental Health Australia chief executive Bill Gye says.

“Loneliness and social isolation were also reported as significant factors.”

ACDC differs from other outreach programs by “proactively visiting all homes in a suburb to reach people where they are at” rather than waiting for people to present at a service or experience a mental health crisis.

“Unfortunately for many reasons, people do not want to talk about or even think about their mental health.

“People may prefer to tough it out, hide it from others, or avoid the stigma.

“The ACDC Project is going directly to households in Australia to engage them in conversation about these important issues.”

The doorknockers will let residents of all cultural and language backgrounds know of free and low-cost services and deliver information packs, including a fridge magnet and brochure.

It will also aim to get feedback on mental health “service gaps”.

Identified barriers to access include a lack of affordable or culturally appropriate services, a lack of awareness about services and a lack of effective referral and service coordination.

Mr Gye says the “serious problem” with mental health services is that people only seek support when in crisis.

“So far, the top three reasons why people have not accessed services are: preferring to self-manage their symptoms; being afraid, embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help; and not knowing where to go for help.

“We must be more proactive in connecting and communicating with people about the importance of wellbeing.

“Prevention and early intervention are far more effective than dealing with people in crisis.”

The Community Mental Health Australia project is funded by Department of Social Services and supported by Dandenong Community Learning Centre.

DCLC general manager Merina Ashdown said the centre was excited to “make a difference”.

“The ACDC Project will support and empower the community to reach out and access mental health support services in the local area. It will help them to be self-sufficient,” she says.

Dandenong ‘people connector’ David Kuol said there were many challenges facing residents.

“Maybe the reason for high levels of homelessness is that there is not enough social and affordable housing in Dandenong.”

Since 2021, ACDC has knocked on more than 37,500 doors in 21 communities, with more than 6600 conversations on wellbeing and mental health.

So far across Australia, the ACDC project survey revealed one in four felt Covid-19 was a “large problem” for respondents. About equal numbers reported financial stress.

One in five stated climate change and housing as large problems.

The ACDC project report will use information collected across Australia to inform discussion about funding for community mental health services and how they are delivered.

Police at the main entrance to Shawlands Caravan Park on 4 September 2021. 249725

Picture: GARY SISSONS

ACDC people connectors Daniel Kuol and Sarah Empeigne are visiting homes in Dandenong and Dandenong North.

Picture: TIM ALLEN

Afghanistan in spotlight

By Sahar Foladi

Communities were brought together under one umbrella through the ‘Lest We Forget Afghanistan,’ two day art exhibition organised by Bakhtar Community Organisation.

In addition to community members, artists and war veterans, the exhibition hosted H.E Wahidullah Waissi, President of Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL, John Wells, MP for Bruce Julian Hill, MP for Narre Warren South Gary Maas who represented Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks

Bassir Qadiri, CEO of Bakhtar Community Organisation (BCO) said the success of the exhibition surpassed their expectations.

“The meticulous organisation and thought-provoking content resonated with the local community, and we received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback.

“The immersive experience created an atmosphere of reflection on the impact of war and a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit,” Mr Qadiri said.

The exhibition was held in partnership with Provenance Artists Inc to honour the sacrifices made by men and women who served in Afghanistan and the Afghan people.

The paintings captured emotions, struggles, and courage of those who served, while also drawing attention to the impact of war on civilians.

President of the Dandenong- Cranbourne RSL, Mr Wells said he was very impressed by the standard of the paintings.

“In the tribute to our troops in Afghanistan, the Afghans were not overlooked. They were a representative part of the story too.

“It’s been a significant contribution,” Mr Wells said.

He also said he’s “absolutely sure” that such events can bring communities together,

something that has eluded the RSL in the past.

“On the day (of the exhibition) there were Afghans I’ve never seen before. If people just get together and chat we won’t have racial problems.

“One of the places RSL is failing, including mine, is that we don’t do enough to communicate with the different communities.”

The RSL consists of a small number of Afghan, Indian and Vietnamese members but Mr Wells said they’re not getting the message out there and not “enough” has been done to bridge the gap.

The branch’s serving of alcohol and pokies machines were barriers for many CALD indi-

viduals to join but they are “welcomed” Mr Wells said.

However, community events like these are “small steps” to close the gap as Mr Wells plans to reach out to the Bakhtar community in joining the RSL.

“We’re now quite supportive of community groups and we’re happy to do that,” Mr Wells said.

Looking ahead, BCO are considering recurring exhibitions to honour and foster community remembrance.

It’s most likely another exhibition will take place in August to coincide with the fall of Afghanistan to Taliban on 15 August 2021.

Works continue near you and there will be transport disruptions

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

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

Pakenham Line

Road disruptions: Closed roads

Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne West

Hall Road, Cranbourne West

Evans Road, Cranbourne West

Main Street, McGregor and Racecourse roads, Pakenham

From 8pm 19 May to 21 May Caulfield to Westall

9.30pm to last train, 25 May

From 9.30pm 25 May to 30 May

Dandenong to Pakenham

8 to 21 JuneOn sections of the line

Until 26 JuneBetween Willow Glen and Ranfurlie boulevards

Until 26 June Between CranbourneFrankston Road and Banyan Drive

Until 26 JuneBetween Hall Road and Strathlea Drive

At times in JuneAt the level crossings

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

Special guest H.E Wahidullah Waissi Ambassador for Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Commonwealth of Australia. 333142 Picture: ROB CAREW

‘Lest We Forget Afghanistan’ is in the honour of those who served Afghanistan and the Afghan people. 333142 Picture: ROB CAREW

In addition to community members, artists and war veterans, the exhibition hosted H.E Wahidullah Waissi (fourth from bottom left), John Wells (Bottom centre), Julian Hill, Gary Maas who represented Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks.

VCAT demands clean-up

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Council has successfully applied to enforce a clean-up order of a Dandenong North hoarder’s home.

After months of council inspections and mediation, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal approved the order against the “prohibited” outdoor “store” on 9 May.

The home in Hill Court was full of hoarded goods, which spilled out into “all outdoor areas” except for the decommissioned pool, VCAT senior member Geoffrey Code stated.

Neighbours complained to the council of “unsightliness, fire risk and vermin”.

The “eclectic” collection oudoors piled above head-height, according to council inspectors.

“At times there was no prospect of being able to enter the house at its front door from the street,” Mr Code stated.

The resident reportedly developed a hoarding“affliction” after a career-ending workplace injury and close relative’s death.

“Hoarding is a mental affliction, often with distressing effects on families”, Mr Code noted.

In opposing the order, the resident’s family argued clean-up progress was slow because “the hoarder must ‘accept’ and ‘let go’ and this takes time.

However, Mr Code said Greater Dandenong had been “generous” in allowing “nearly two years” to remove the goods.

He also rejected “speculative” arguments

that an order would counter-productively aggravate the resident’s “mental condition and propensity to hoard”.

A family member said the order showed an “appalling lack of empathy” to a person with mental illness.

Mr Code required the resident to cut down from two unregistered cage-trailers. “A maximum of one trailer is normal and reasonable in the circumstances”.

However, he found the council’s proposal to restrict outdoor items to a “minimal” number too restrictive.

“Minimal should be replaced with ‘usual’ so that the test of what to keep is not one of solely of quantity but includes the nature of the items”.

He also ordered the goods’ removal within 14 days, rather than the council’s request for “immediate” action.

If the enforcement order isn’t complied with, Greater Dandenong can carry out the removal at the resident’s cost.

The council foreshadowed it will also apply for legal costs against the resident.

Dandenong PPCC offers free emergency treatment

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A late-night medical centre surprisingly tucked away in an industrial estate is easing the strain on Dandenong Hospital’s emergency department.

The Priority Primary Care Centre at 1/134 Logis Boulevard is treating up to 300 urgent patients a week for free – with the capacity to treat more.

Open from 7am-11pm seven days a week, the PPCC offers a shorter waiting time for urgent conditions that don’t require hospital care.

The State-funded service also helps patients unable to get an appointment with their GP. And that includesVictorian patients with or without a Medicare card.

The Greens Medical Group-run clinic treats sports injuries, minor ear, nose and throat infections, cuts, burns, sprains, abdominal pain and gastro as well as eye injuries.

It also provides X-ray and ultrasound imaging.

In “99 per cent” of cases, illnesses and injuries are treated on-site and not requiring a hospital transfer.

Business manager Riekie Jooste said the PPCC had been a “huge success” since opening in January, but its free service was still “under the radar” of many Greater Dandenong residents.

It planned to increase its capacity, with plans to hire a further emergency doctor.

Under the $70 million State-funded initiative, there are 24 PPCCs across Victoria to di-

vert non-life-threatened patients from emergency departments.

“Financially the Government saves a lot of money,” Ms Jooste says.

“If there’s an influx of patients at Dandenong Hospital emergency department, the triage nurses will triage the less severe cases and give them the choice of coming (to the PPCC).

“It might save them four hours of waiting.

“Our greatest challenge is getting people from Dandenong emergency department to here.

“We are pushing for a bus route between the two.”

At the November state election, the Gov-

ernment pledged a $295 million expansion of Dandenong Hospital’s emergency department.

The hospital was being crushed during Covid’s peak period – with just 35 per cent of category 2 emergency patients seen within the 10 minute target time.

However, its ED wait times have improved significantly in the past six months, including before the PPCC opened.

Ninetieth-percentile wait times have dropped from a diabolical 122 minutes in January-March 2022 to 25 minutes in early 2023.

The least urgent cases can still languish for several hours in the ED waiting room.

At the Dandenong South PPCC, walk-in patients wait for much less time. At its most congested such as Friday nights and weekends, the wait is usually 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half.

Pre-booked appointments are also accepted.

Data from the PPCCs shows that lacerations, abdominal pain, and infections such as tonsilitis and urinary tract infections are the most common presentations – conditions that do not necessarily require emergency care.

Almost half of patients were attending after hours, and about a third of them were children.

Dragana Bauvanov, Dr Hamid Fairoos and Riekie Jooste are among the Dandenong South PPCC team. 333213

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Radiographer Thien Nguyen at the X-ray machine. 333213

Argime Lumani with the ultrasound technology. 333213

The view of the Hill Court home’s front yard during a council inspection.

Crowbar hit leads to jail

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A former foreman has been jailed for a carjacking in which he allegedly rammed the victim’s vehicle and attacked him with a crowbar outside a Dandenong workshop late at night.

Ian James Stanton, 44, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to aggravated carjacking with an offensive weapon.

He also pleaded guilty to attempted theft of a different car, handling stolen goods and trafficking methamphetamine.According to the prosecution, Stanton and co-accused Kara Lambert, 22, carried out the carjacking late at night in Greaves Street Dandenong on 17 May 2021. Sitting in his Hyundai just after work, the victim was on his phone to family members in Afghanistan. As the female co-accused spoke with the victim, Stanton reversed a Holden Jackaroo into the victim’s car.

When the victim got out, Stanton allegedly beat him several times with a crowbar before chasing him down the road in the Jackaroo.

Lambert drove off in the victim’s Hyundai.

Both of the accused were on bail, including a night curfew at the time. They were arrested the next day at a Doveton home, with police discovering nine plastic bags of ‘ice’.

Sentencing judge Peter Lauritsen on 12 May noted the victim suffered soft-tissue injuries to his head, back and abdomen. However said he couldn’t take into account the victim’s physical injuries from the attack due to the form of the charge. The charge of aggravated carjacking described Stanton having an offensive weapon, not allegedly causing injury.

In a statement, the victim in his 30s told the court he’d been unable to work as a result

of the carjacking.

The victim stated the attack aggravated a previous spinal injury, and injured his shoulder. Once able to take 20-kilometre treks, the father had to take breaks during short walks and can no longer carry his kids on his shoulders. Stanton faced a mandatory minimum jail term of three years.

Judge Lauritsen rejected a defence argument that there were“substantial and compelling” reasons and “exceptional and rare” circumstances to instead hand down a CCO.

He noted Stanton’s childhood deprivation in which he was drinking at six, severely neglected at home, and had left to live by himself near train tracks when just 13.

During a long period of working and stability, Stanton managed up to 60 employees as a foreman. Then in 2015, he injured his spine when he slipped on black ice and fell four metres at work. He relapsed into drug use, his relationship collapsed, he was again homeless and back in front of courts. Judge Lauritsen said both accused were “blameworthy” for the carjacking.

However, Stanton took a more active role, was older and had an extensive criminal history including six previous jail terms.

Lambert, on the other hand, had an intellectual disability and no prior convictions.

Stanton was jailed for up to four years and three months, including 454 days already served in pre-sentence detention.

He will be eligible for parole after three years. Lambert was jailed for one day – already served in remand – and a 12-month CCO including supervision, a justice plan and treatment for drug, alcohol and mental health issues.

Police charge six teens

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested six youths including boys from Doveton and Dandenong following a series of incidents across Melbourne southeast.

Police will allege the youths were involved in several incidents between Thursday 18 to Tuesday 28 April including a burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft, and robbery.

Suburbs targeted by the youths include Narre Warren, Dingley Village, Cranbourne, Clyde, Balwyn, Camberwell, and Mont Albert

In one such incident police believe the youth attended a business on BerwickCranbourne Road, Clyde on Saturday 22 April at about 5.20am.

It is alleged the youths’ made demands and threatened a worker present at the time, allegedly stealing cash and produce.

A 17-year-old Cranbourne East girl has

been charged with assault, burglary, theft, theft of motor vehicle and attempted robbery.

A 16-year-old Cranbourne girl has been charged with burglary, theft, and theft of motor vehicle.

A 15-year-old Cranbourne East boy has been charged with burglary, theft, theft of motor vehicle and attempted robber

A 15-year-old Dandenong boy has been charged with robbery, attempted robbery, burglary, theft, and theft of motor vehicle.

A 13-year-old, Doveton boy has been charged with attempted robbery, burglary, theft, and theft of motor vehicle.

The five youths have been bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

A 16-year-old Botanic Ridge boy has been charged with burglary and theft. He has been remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

Kicking on, foot in door

A foot in the door was all that cadet worker Cooper Nilsen needed.

The job seeker, fresh from high school, joined a cadetship program at Dandenong South-based caravan manufacturer Jayco in March 2022.

During the 12-month paid and full-time program, Cooper got hands-on at 12 diverse roles.

“I worked across saws, campers, lamination, campervans, caravans, pop tops, motorhomes, running gear and upholstery.

“Changing tasks weekly meant I was experiencing new and exciting challenges all the time.”

With the support of trainers and team leaders, he discovered a passion for electrics – a career pathway that he intends to pursue.

“I started to develop electrical experience while working on the wires in caravans and I enjoyed that the most.

“I’m able to crimp wires now and I know which wires need to be connected to each other.

“I also gained problem-solving skills while we were doing testing. When there were problems coming through the line, I used the skills I gained to fix these issues and make sure they didn’t happen again.”

A previously shy Cooper says he gained selfconfidence along the way.

“I used to have some trouble talking to people.

“I think the program pushed me to go up to people and talk to them or ask questions and

Celebrating volunteers

Greater Dandenong Council is celebrating the ‘change makers’ during National Volunteer Week (15–21 May).

Mayor Eden Foster said some people had been volunteering with the council for almost 30 years.

“We want to acknowledge the challenges of the past few years and express gratitude to our wonderful volunteers who have returned to support our services following the disruption of the pandemic.

“As a volunteer you can support our Meals on Wheels program, or our home library services, you can also support children, the elderly, and our environment.

unteers who give so generously of their time as they are such a vital part of our Greater Dandenong community,” Cr Foster said.

Volunteering with the council provides participants with an opportunity to share your time, talents and abilities in a supportive and professional environment, she said.

People learn new skills and expand your circle of friends while making a valuable contribution to the community.

sometimes I’ll even have a chat with people as well.”

The cadetship program offers up to three spots a year.

After the program, Jayco will then place the graduate in a job internally, subject to whether the chosen pathway is available.

Details: jayco.com.au/cadetships

“You can teach English to new arrivals, help children learn to read or spend time in nature through our Gardens for Wildlife program. The possibilities are endless.”

The council is working on a strategy to guide volunteering in Greater Dandenong for years to come.

“Council celebrates and thanks our vol-

Key benefits of volunteering can include improvements to your physical and mental health, provide a sense of purpose, teaching valuable skills, and nurturing new and existing relationships.

Details on volunteering with the council at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/volunteering

To find out about volunteering in the wider community, contact Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service on 9562 0414 or info@gdvrs.org.au

Cadet worker Cooper Nilsen gets a working chance at Jayco.

‘Voice’ for shared issues

By Sahar Foladi

A new magazine is bringing a new ‘voice’ for women’s stories and issues in the South East.

As part of the Empowering Communities grants from the Department of Justice and Community Safety Victoria, Wellsprings for Women worked vigorously to deliver the ‘Be the Voice’ magazine to the community, a project funded by the City of Casey.

The informative resource features stories on sexual assault, early and forced marriages and coercive control, supported by statistics.

Hannah Wright, co-design facilitator of the project, said creating a safe environment for important conversations and stories to “reveal themselves” is vital.

“The main things I’ve loved about the process, which is something I believe in strongly, is connecting as a group when doing the work and allowing space for stated stories.”

So, when the graphic designer suggested a magazine format, something the organisation hasn’t used in its previous projects, they became excited.

“When everyone heard that, they said that’s most perfect because we should give everyone their own voice and that’s how it came to be called, ‘Be the Voice.’

“It’s important to acknowledge this issue is not just a migrant refugee issue. It’s an issue all over Australia,” Ms Wright said.

The magazine is largely derived from the stories of 10 women from diverse backgrounds including, Afghan and Indian.

Alia (Marzia), Araig, Fahima, Fereshtah, Lina, Mehak, Nadia, Nasira, Priyanka and Qamaria are the 10 women who met for two hours for 10 week which consisted of generating conversations, sharing stories and much more.

The 300 copies of the magazine will be distributed all over in the community, at local agencies and at Wellsprings’ meetings and networking events while digital versions will be available for widespread use.

Chief executive officer, Dalal Smiley said with enough funding and a real demand for

more hard copies, they’ll look to print more copies.

NarreWarren South MP Gary Maas said he’s proud to be part of a government that supports these programs in the community.

“Once upon a time we didn’t talk about it. Now the solutions are emanating from grassroots level and permeating through the community.

“It wasn’t that long ago that there used to be this top-down approach to put solutions

through. We now know from experience that approach doesn’t work.

“We want to partner not only with local government but with the entire grassroots organisation to ensure these works continue.”

Wellsprings announced the round two funding they’ve received to take this project even further working closely with the 10 women.

Gender equality practitioner, Aviva White said they’ll hold onto the pillar of co-design

for the next project and build on the skills and knowledge of the women.

“They’ll deliver supported community safety sessions on sexual assault, early and forced marriages and coercive control to their own community members.

“We might choose them to do it online or in their language. The way they’ll be delivered will be up to the women.”

Round two is a one year project kick-starting from July this year.

Discussions with charity shops over controversial levy

By Sahar Foladi

The Victorian Government is in talks with Charitable Recycling Australia over a controversial $1.5 million landfill levy on charity shops.

Director of CRA, Jeff Antcliff, who is also the executive general manager of St Vincent de Paul Society, said the discussion involves all charities.

“Charitable Recycling Australia, the Premier and Minister’s office have met. We are constructively working together to resolve the concerns of the Victorian charity retail sector.

“Our joint focus is for the enhancement of our environment and to support Victorians in need.”

Mr Antcliff said they’re now waiting on the government.

A Victorian Government spokesperson confirmed the discussion saying Victorian Minister for Environment, Ingrid Stitt’s office met with CRA in recent weeks.

A Victorian government spokesperson said, “Charitable organisations play a significant role in driving Victoria’s transition to a more circular economy, by diverting tonnes of waste from landfill - as we work towards our target to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.

“We will continue to support the charitable recycling sector, as we have done since 2014, and are currently determining the most effective way to continue this support.

“Charities will also benefit from Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme which will provide them with the opportunity to raise funds using container collection drives, register to receive donations, and run refund collection

points across Victoria.”

The current Landfill Levy Relief Program for charitable recyclers is valid until 30 June 2023 after which charity shops could face an additional $1.5 million charges in the sector according to CRA.

In an open letter to Minister Stitt, Omer Soker, chief executive officer of CRA outlined the negative effects of the “unfair extra annual cost burden.”

“If charity shops are forced to cut costs on resource recovery to pay your tax, it means more waste to landfill for Victoria.

“They will be unable to divert the 242,000 tonnes from landfill they did last year –which means you, as Minister for Environment, will have caused an increase in waste to landfill.”

Mr Soker said the $1.5 million tax equates to 428,571 meals which charities won’t be

able to provide as a result, “at a time when calls for help are increasing as more Victorians struggle with rent stress, electricity bills and rising costs of living.”

Meanwhile, upon the Federal budget, Paul Turton, Interim CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria (SVDP) acknowledged the “modest step forward” in cost of relief demonstrated by the Albanese Government, as he also holds onto his concerns.

“We, along with many community organisations and citizens, are disappointed that Job Seeker wasn’t raised to a sufficient level for recipients to live with adequacy of income. The Commonwealth Government could do much better.

“This budget represents a step in the right direction, but we need to do more,” Mr Turton said.

‘Be the Voice’ magazine is largely derived from stories of 10 women from diverse backgrounds including, Afghan and Indian. 331711

The event also provided a calming soft instrument of the sitar by Dr Sarita McHarg. 331711

Pictures: GARY SISSONS Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas said he was proud of Wellsprings for Women.

Community members came down to celebrate the magazine launch.

Race firm fined for fatality

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Devon Meadows horse-training company has been fined $350,000 over a fatal fall in darkness at Cranbourne Turf Club.

Saloon Park Pty Ltd’s track riders Mikaela Claridge and Jaimee Hayes were thrown to the ground when their spooked horses came to a sudden stop on a bush trail about 4.35am on 30 August 2019.

Ms Claridge, an apprentice jockey, died at the scene.

Saloon Park – which operates as Ken Keys Racing - was found guilty by aVictorian County Court jury of exposing the riders to risk of death or serious injury as a result of riding in the dark.

On a “particularly dark” morning, the riders were directed by Saloon Park supervisor Kasey Keys to ride thoroughbred horses on the club’s Sand Trails.

The 1.4-kilometre trails near the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne were mainly unlit, lined by shrubs and overhanging trees, with several undulations and a five-metre-wide pool of water.

On the riders’ second lap, and without warning, both horses stopped suddenly and veered left.

Both jockeys were thrown forwards over their horses’ shoulders.

Soon after the fall, the Turf Club determined that the Sand Trails would only be open from 6.30am.

Sentencing judge Peter Rozen said wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits and foxes were frequently observed.

Horses could easily be spooked by such wildlife. And with superior night-time vision, horses could react to a perceived animal before their riders.

“The consequences for the safety of the rider in such a circumstance are obvious.”

Judge Rozen found there was clear recognition by WorkSafe and the racing industry of the hazards of riding in the dark.

With stables at Cranbourne, Saloon Park at least ought to have been aware of the wildlife at the track, and there was “nothing to prevent” a

ban from riding on the Sand Trails in the dark, he said.

Ms Claridge was a “remarkable young woman” whose years of dedicated training were “starting to bear fruit”, Judge Rozen said.

“That her death was clearly preventable makes it all the more tragic.”

In victim impact statements, her desolated parents, brothers, former partner and Ms Hayes madeitclearMsClaridgewas“muchloved”and “touched the lives of the people around her”.

“Mikaela was my world. She was my family’s

world,” her mother Colleen stated.

“We all know racing is dangerous, Mikaela knew that too, but what makes the grief worse (if that is possible) is that it feels like her death was avoidable.

“It is so terribly hard not to think ‘if only proper processes were followed’ my daughter would be alive.”

In February, Cranbourne Turf Club was convicted by the County Court and fined $250,000. Saloon Park’s defence lawyer submitted that a similar fine would put the company “out of business” and “insolvent”.

Judge Rozen found it likely that Saloon Park – which made a $322,500 after-tax profit in 2021 – would find it “very difficult” to pay a significant fine.

He noted the company’s good character and no prior convictions.

However, Saloon Park’s culpability was “at least as high” as the Turf Club’s, Judge Rozen said.

Unlike Saloon Park, the Turf Club pleaded guilty and so received a $130,000 discount on its fine.

The maximum fine was $1.487 million.

In response, WorkSafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer said the death was a grim reminder of how dangerous it was to perform trail riding without adequate lighting.

“These riders should have never been allowed – let alone instructed – to ride in the dark,“ Dr Beer said.

“WorkSafe will continue to prosecute employers who fail in their duty to protect workers from the risk of injury and death.“

Switalla forges ahead in Chisholm engineering faculty

By Sahar Foladi

Chisholm Institute has appointed its first female Educational manager in the traditionally male-dominated engineering faculty.

Avril Switalla joined Chisholm as a teacher in 2019 and by 2022 she was promoted to her new role.

She said she’s excited to be the first female in her role.

“I’m really proud to be supporting manufacturing in the South East of course supporting women in trade as well.

“I think there’s certainly a wonderful future in the manufacturing especially in the South East.”

Ms Switalla was way ahead of her time as a ‘hands-on’ child growing up.

“In high school I was interested in science and technology and any subjects I could use my hands with. “I remember making a go cart back in Year 10, welding it together and working in a team for an engineering project. And from then I was hooked,” she said.

She went on to complete her Bachelor degree in Engineering in 2004 and is now busy supporting upcoming engineers as the de-

mand only rises.

“There’s certainly increasing demand for skilled workers in manufacturing.

“Here in Chisholm we’re definitely committed to supporting women in trade through providing support and resources they need to succeed in the industry which is traditionally dominated by men.”

Ms Switalla said as more females enter the field, there’s also been drastic change in classrooms.

“We’re certainly seeing an increase in the amount of females enrolling in our programs.

“Even in our secondary schools offerings this year alone there’s been a large increase in the number of females enrolled in our Certificate II programs as part of their VET. The introduction of STEM has helped drive the numbers.”

Chisholm has 800 students across all Engineering courses and programs.

Chisholm is currently working in collaboration with Jobs Victoria to allow job seekers, middle-aged women and those with CALD backgrounds to earn as they learn about engineering.

“I would certainly encourage women to take part in the project if interested in welding as machine operator or fabrication.

“It’s a fabulous way to get your foot in the door into manufacturing.”

The aim of the project is to recruit 100 job seekers from priority cohorts into employment in the manufacturing sector.

The Jobs Victoria Engineering Project will run until April 2024, with the vast majority of recruitment to be done in 2023.

There’s safety in numbers at Noble Park’s diverse CFA

Noble Park CFA is very much a reflection of its diverse neighbourhood.

More than 15 languages are spoken within the fire brigade’s ranks, which has “paid dividends in many ways”, says Captain Matt Pond.

In a recent smoke alarm installation program, CFA’s members met several non-English speaking residents.

The multilingual members were able to translate and discuss the need for working smoke alarms while installing the new alarms free of charge.

In all, 31 CFA volunteers inspected more than 170 properties and installed new 10year lithium smoke alarms in homes without smoke alarms.

A CFA member for 19 years, Capt Pond said the brigades diversity helped with emergency callouts and recruiting new members.

“These people had thought they wouldn’t be able to join the brigade because their English wasn’t good enough.” he said.

“We’ve worked really hard to build the right environment in the brigade. Everyone feels they have a role and it’s a safe place.”

In the past year, the brigade had“incredible success” recruiting women.

“We recruited 16 women and nine men. And our women volunteers reach out to women they know, which also leads to new members.

“I’m proud of the brigade’s environment and its gender and ethnic diversity.”

Largely thanks to the demographic and the captain’s desire to rebuild the brigade with a younger base, Noble Park’s member age profile is quite different to many across Victoria.

“I’m in my mid-thirties and one of the oldest operational members,” he said.

“Every week we engage with our community. Our level of activity is much higher than the average brigade.

“We want to ensure our community members are as safe as possible.”

Noble Park CFA members Elise Gregory, James Smith and Shasha Jayasinghe were part of a successful free smoke alarm installation program.

Chisholm’s first female Educational manager in its engineering faculty, Avril Switalla. 334164 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Ms Switalla using a virtual wielding machine. 334164

Saloon Park apprentice jockey Michaela Claridge was killed by a fall on a bush trail in darkness at Cranbourne Turf Club in 2019.

Discover Summerset Cranbourne North

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100 years ago

17 May 1923

Modern Coach Factory

Notwithstanding the great increase in motor cars and motor bicycles, there is still a good demand for the always reliable buggy, jinker, in addition to other horse-drawn vehicles, and a glance round the Modern Coach Factory, Mr H Taylor’s up-to-date establishment in Walker Street Dandenong, at once convinces one that this is quite correct so far as his business is concerned. It is quite safe to say that his is one of the biggest and most up-todate coach factories this side of Melbourne. Mr H Taylor purchased the Modern Coach Factory business about eight years ago, and now employs 12 hands. The machinery is all driven by electricity. Rubber tyres on buggies, jinkers, etc are fitted on the premises, at city prices minus the city delay. All classes of vehicles, from a wheelbarrow to a motor car, are turned out at the Modern Coach Factory. 50 years ago

14 May 1973

My Town – John Farnham

How well I remember the first day I fronted up at Yarraman Park Primary School……a tenyear-old cockney straight off the boat from England. As I trudged along strange streets to the school little did I know this day was to linger in my memory for ever and a painful one it was to be at that! Talking or too much talking has always been a problem of mine

INTERFAITH

and my first day at school was no exception. I remember this chap was slinging off about “the new Pommie” who had joined the class and I made a suitable reply which was heard by the teacher. Out came the strap!

20 years ago

12 May 2003

Necropolis: Pay up or will scatter ashes Springvale’s necropolis will remove more

than 15,000 memorials and their cremated remains unless renewal payments are made. The approval for more than 15,000 cremation sites have expired or are approaching their 25-year tenure. If not renewed the Necropolis plans to disestablish memorials which means scattering the ashes and storing the memorial plaques. Efforts to contact more than 5000 families about sites soon to expire have proved unsuccessful. Necropolis chief executive officer Russ Allison estimated 80 per cent of letters were returned unopened with people having moved addresses 5 years ago

21 May 2018

Treasurer talks trade and Team11

An optional year 13 at secondary schools is Treasurer Tim Pallas’s favourite part of the 2018-19 State Budget. He was guest speaker at the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce’s business awards breakfast at Punthill Apartments Hotel Dandenong on Friday 18 May. “I am the treasurer who’s delivered the highest surpluses in the history of the state of Victoria,” Mr Pallas said. He spoke about various projects that would impact the South East, including funding to continue widening the Monash Freeway, upgrade the Mordialloc Bypass, and support mental health, education, police, and family violence. “We’re going to give students the opportunity to learn their trade at school.”

Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society

Goodwill allays life’s noise

By Sister Jacqueline Russell of Brahma Kumaris

Everything begins with a thought and in turn my thoughts create feelings and attitudes which become beliefs and my perceptions of life. How I live my life stems from this con sciousness, this subtle inner world manifests in how I express myself, how I interact and relate with others, and the creativity I apply to the things I plan and do.

With the constant news of upheaval around the world, there is a need for me to find a way to remain stable and to maintain a feeling of hope in myself and my ability to cope. I need to believe that it is within human nature to be good, kind and generous. That there is a well of strength and goodness that lies within. I can use this strength when I become aware of how to change my attitude.

Attitude is expressed by the way I interpret what I see, what I think in response to what I see, and also my emotional response in the

MESSAGE OF HOPE

way I feel about something. Ultimately this is expressed in my behaviour.

Hope is an attitude of good will arising from my way of thinking. To change my way of thinking is to have an attitude of seeing benefit in everything. My behaviour often stems from resentment, reaction, and resistance. All of which are related to feelings of anxiety and stress.

How to keep my thoughts under control so that they are more contemplative, is possible when I can create a quiet space within the mind. This can happen when I maintain good feelings about myself and my ability to be

positive and hopeful whatever the situation. Having a sense of my own inner qualities of peace, love and joy brings a stability to my

sense of self that gives inner strength and hope when facing challenging situations.

It is amazing what an effect a positive feeling of goodwill can have on my ability to weather the storms of life. It gives a freshness to the self which helps to allay fear and to strengthen hope. All begins with the way I think.

As I hold a thought of goodwill, such as peace, kindness or serenity, I begin to experience the feeling of it and the mind is quiet.

When I can unclutter my mind of worries about the situation and can think clearly then there is the ability to see a way out or to move forward with acceptance. “Such is life”!

Acceptance is not to sit down and do nothing, acceptance is to calm the mind and to change the way I think about the situation. This is an expression of hope and confidence in self!

‘Justice’ for ‘Breaker’ Morant sought, 121 years on

South-East based Senator Ralph Babet has called for an inquiry into the historic execution of Australian soldiers Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant and Peter Handcock during the BoerWar.

In 1902, the lieutenants were charged with alleged war crimes and executed by firing squad by British Allied Forces.

A third serviceman Lieutenant George Witton was imprisoned for life. Supporters of an inquiry, including the soldiers’ families, have alleged the servicemen were following orders, and that the facts of the case were covered up by the British Government.

Mr Babet, of United Australia Party, said the circumstances surrounding the executions were “chilling”.

“Not only that they were put to death by our allies at the time but more importantly that it was done so without the knowledge of their families or proper access to legal representation.

“We must find out how and why this happened not only for the descendants but

for all Australians.”

Cathie Morant, the great-niece of Lieutenant Morant said it had been a “stain on our

family’s name and this nation’s history for over a century”.

“Knowing the true facts of the case has only

made it harder.

“There have been so many false dawns and I hope this time that we get the whole truth and resolution.”

Military lawyer James Unkles has worked for “justice” on behalf of the descendants for the past decade.

“We now have an opportunity to investigate the circumstances surrounding their execution by allied British forces, through the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade of which Senator Babet is a member.”

Mr Unkles said the Parliamentary Petitions Committee concluded 13 years ago that there was a case to answer.

“The fact that Morant, Handcock and Witton are deceased does not diminish errors in the administration of justice.

“Injustices in times of war are inexcusable and it takes vigilance to right wrongs, to honour our servicemen who were unfairly treated.”

Ralph Babet with Australian Defence Force members.

Sister Jacqueline Russell nurtures positive thinking to weather life’s storms.

Treasurer Tim Pallas boasts about the State Budget surplus at a Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce event in 2018. 180986

This Volunteer Week give back to the community and volunteer at St John of God Health Care.

Community and compassion is at the very core of the St John of God Health Care values.

The organisation’s three hospitals located in the south east Melbourne region are on the lookout for more generous people to join the volunteer team.

While there are currently around 90 volunteers in the program, the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a decline in numbers and the hospitals are seeking to regain their volunteer workforce.

St John of God Health Care volunteers are able to choose from a variety of roles including:

· Meet and greet.

· Ward based duties in a variety of departments including day oncology, maternity, rehabilitation, palliative care and mental health.

· Administration support and more!

· Volunteering is known to provide many benefits including an improvement in mood, a sense of belonging and purpose and is a meaningful way to make social connections. Oncologyvolunteerof12years,Helen,echoes this sentiment.

“I believe everyone should volunteer from time to time. Not only are you helping others in the community, but it also makes you feel good inside knowing that you might have helped someone during the day.”

It’s not only the volunteers who benefit either. Hospital caregivers appreciate the extra support that volunteers provide. St John of God South East Melbourne Hospitals Director of Mission Integration, Rhonda O’Connor says that volunteers are an integral part of the workforce, “We consider our volunteers to be important members of our team and we

treasure the contribution they make for both our caregivers and our patients. The warmth, care and generosity they show to our patients makes a difference and absolutely improves

Why not join local CFA?

By Garry Cook, CFA acting chief officer

This National Volunteer Week, the CFA is calling on allVictorians to give them a hand and consider joining their local brigade.

Our message is simple and clear – at CFA you can be part of something special.

CFA is present in towns and cities right across Victoria and our volunteers are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency response network.

Our volunteers support their communities, day and night, responding to a range of emergencies including fire, flood and other natural disasters.

With more than 52,000 volunteers delivering prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities across the state every single day. As a critical volunteer workforce within Victoria, we are looking for people who are committed to serving their communities, in whatever way they can.

We will find a role that suits you, whether you want to take on a role as an operational firefighter or in an important support or community education position.

As an organisation, we thank all CFA volunteers who give up their personal time to protect the lives and properties of millions of Victorians right across the state.

Coming from a wide range of backgrounds, our volunteers have diverse skills and backgrounds.

From nurses, farmers, teachers, bookkeepers, postal workers, lawyers and local business owners or those with trades qualifications, our members are part of your community. Youwillknowmanyofourmembers as your neighbours, friends or colleagues.

As an organisation, CFA is seeking more people like them, and like you. Whether you have little spare time, are new to your area, or just want to be part of a group made up of like-minded people, our brigades have flexible volunteering arrangements and roles for you to explore.

Brigades are looking for people from all backgrounds who have the capacity to take up roles as daytime responders and

are particularly interested in hearing from young people who want to make a difference within their local area. For firefighters, most training and meetings are conducted on weeknights or weekends, and the time you volunteer is flexible and based on your personal availability, together with brigade and community needs.

Not all volunteer roles are on the front line with a range of roles available that involve building local relationships, engagement and education activities, fundraising, events, brigade publicity, administration, logistical and financial support, health and safety, training, junior program leaders, and more.

The camaraderie formed between brigades as you fulfill a vital role in your region is just one of many benefits you gain from being a volunteer. Our members often reflect on the inclusive and welcoming environment of their brigade, and how joining has given them purpose and meaning.

Many are now lifelong friends and embrace the opportunity to bounce ideas off others who think differently to you.

AtCFA,firefightingismorethanjustholding a hose.You could be a front-line firefighter one day or promoting community safety or loading aircraft bombers on another.

We are passionate about investing in our juniors, and with over 1,000 of our young stars across Victoria, we look forward to welcoming and nurturing our future firefighters who join at the age of 16 and watching them grow into their senior ranks. Being a CFA volunteer is rewarding, a great way to connect with people and learn from new experiences – our members make a real difference in their communities.

We’re excited for you to become part of it.

To‘Give Us a Hand’, express your interest on our website: cfa.vic.gov.au

Once you’ve submitted your expression of interest form online, your local brigade will contact you regarding the next steps.

their hospital experience.”

To learn more about volunteering or to sign up, visit:

· https://www.sjog.org.au/berwickvolunteers

· https://www.sjog.org.au/Frankstonvolunteers

· https://www.sjog.org.au/langmorevolunteers

Volunteer - Helen - Oncology.

St John of God Health Care volunteer Kevin.

Murder the Mayne chance

By Parker Mckenzie

Author Kerryn Mayne’s debut novel Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is set in the base of the Dandenong Ranges, following the protagonist revisiting a traumatic experience from her past.

Ms Mayne, who grew up in Narre Warren North, told Star News she has always been interested in crime fiction and decided to try her hand at it during the Covid-19 lockdowns in Melbourne.

“What has happened in Lenny Marks’ life was quite significant to her and she was only eleven when it happened,” she said.

“It’s focused not just on an offender or an offence, but to look at the people left behind and try to deliver it in an uplifting manner.”

She said she wanted to write about something that was a “step away from my job as a police officer and to focus on some positive stories.”

“When you’re writing, you do have to do some terrible things to your characters, otherwise you don’t really have a story,” she said.

“You have to take this gorgeous person and then torture them somehow, which is so terrible, but also necessary for their character arc and their growth. “

Set partly in Belgrave and Selby, the book was published on 21 February this year and follows Lenny’s experiences after a traumatic event at age 11.

Ms Mayne said the feedback she has re-

ceived has been positive and uplifting.

“That was really nice given the subject matter, which does cover a bit of domestic violence and isolation,” she said.

“It’s a pretty heavy topic but it does come off with a bit of dark humour and an uplifting vibe.”

Ms Mayne said she chose the setting of the Dandenong Ranges because it is a magical setting.

“My husband and I’ve always loved to drive up there and stop and have lunch somewhere, it was just an obvious choice,” she said.

“Lenny Marks has a very sentimental attachment to The Hobbit in the book and I love the parallels between Middle Earth and the Shire in particular to the Dandenongs.”

She said while writing the book, she spent time throughout the hills on writing retreats to ensure the setting was authentic.

“One was Clarendon Cottages, I think that’s in Sassafras and that was just gorgeous,” she said.

“I just sat there solo, no kids, no husband, no friends, just myself there to type and a do a fair bit of editing too.“

Throughout the book, Lenny’s quirkiness is shown through unique traits like playing

Scrabble by herself, making anagrams in her head to relieve stress, rearranging her 36 copies of The Hobbit and talking to her imaginary roommate, Monica from the Friends TV series.

“If she’s a bit overwhelmed, she’ll think of a word or something that’s around her and she’ll just break it into as many different words as she can,” Ms Mayne said.

“It’s one of her calming techniques, which is actually quite funny, because I’ve had a couple of people tell me they do the exact same thing, where some people pick specifically eight-letter words only, which is really sweet.”

Ms Mayne said she is now “contractually obliged” to write two more books.

“It’s a glorious problem to have, I did my first with Penguin Random House which was an absolute dream come true to be published with one of the big five,” she said.

“They’ve contracted me for two more, now the next one isn’t set in the Dandenongs, but as a Bayside dweller I’m setting the next one there.”

You can find out more about Kerryne Mayne and Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder at kerrynmayneauthor.com

Garden Club plants the seed of growing togetherness

Every Monday lunch time, members of the Garden Club at Chalcot Lodge Primary School in Endeavour Hills get together – digging, harvesting, and gaining a great sense of purpose and satisfaction through their gardening activities.

Pioneer of the Garden Club is one of the teachers, Catherine Bracegirdle, who is also an avid gardener.

The club was extended to include therapeutic gardening in 2021, bringing on board horticultural therapist Tanya Bearup to provide an opportunity for more students to engage in gardening to improve their social, emotional and physical wellbeing.

“The students achieved this through cooperatively gardening together, being outside and learning new skills,” Ms Bearup said.

“I am delighted by the energy, enthusiasm and passion for the environment and gardening that the students brought with them into the garden space.”

At Garden Club, students are able to prepare and tend to the garden beds by weeding, turning over the soil, adding nutrients through composting and fertilisers and learning how to mulch.

“They also sow seeds and plant seedlings. Some of their favourite activities include digging and harvesting as well as watering

the garden,” Ms Bearup said.

“Students also love finding the worms in the healthy soil they have helped prepare and especially in our new composting system and worm farm.”

In addition to supporting student wellbeing, a gardening program is also a valuable resource when it comes to teaching important transferable skills.

For example, a gardening program provides an activity that is fun to do together to accomplish big tasks through negotiation and cooperation in a safe space.

Older or more experienced student gardeners are able to ‘buddy’ with younger students and teach them how to do simple tasks which can encourage peer to peer learning.

“A designated garden space in a school provides a calming area that can be utilised by education support staff to support students having difficulty integrating during class time.

“Grounding and sensory activities can be undertaken to help students who may be feeling overwhelmed or needing emotional support,” Mr Bearup said.

Ms Bearup says connecting students with

Every

nature is a “powerful evidence-based intervention” to improve mental health.

The Garden Club were selected as Junior Landcarers in Action as part of their 25 year anniversary celebrations.

Public libraries cry out for support in the state budget

Public Libraries are delivering an S.O.S. to the Victorian Government ahead of the 202324 Budget, as many report shorter opening hours, cuts to staffing levels and programs, and reduced investment in collections.

Cranbourne Library is among those calling out for more funding and support.

“Our libraries are in one of the fastest growth corridors in Victoria – and in the current economic climate our members need more support, not less,” said Beth Luppino, CEO Casey Cardinia Libraries.

“We expect to see increasing demand on our free services, and need to be funded appropriately so that families and vulnerable people in our community do not suffer.”

State Government funding for Victorian libraries has been steadily declining in real terms for years, failing to keep up with the growing population and inflation.

With public libraries struggling to meet community demand, they are calling for a funding lifeline to maintain operations when they are most needed.

Public Libraries Victoria CEO Angela Savage said with so many Victorian households

under financial strain, public libraries were one of the few places anyone can attend for free.

“When families are having to ditch their

home internet so they can put food on the table, libraries are there to provide free access to computers, internet and WiFi,” she said.

Dr Savage says the cost of living crisis is pushing up the demand for public libraries as people can’t afford to run their heating or cooling and instead they spend their time at the library seeking shelter, comfort and connection.

“Our libraries play a crucial role in Victorians’ lives, with one in three people a member of their local library. On any given day, there are hundreds of free programs running and 60,000 people visiting a public library,” she said.

“With so many families hit by huge increases in their cost-of-living, our libraries provide essential services for the community.

“Demand for library services is sky high, with Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time in some areas attracting hundreds of people each week. Our school holiday programs were packed last month, as well as crucial programs for seniors, tutoring services and JobSeeker support.”

In its 2023-24 Budget Submission, Public

Libraries Victoria outlined two key priorities for action:

Arrest the slide in per capita funding for Victorian libraries in real terms.

Continue and expand the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program with at least $28 million over four years.

While funding per capita appears to be increasing year-on-year ($7.06 per resident), when inflation and rising costs are accounted for, the funding is actual decreasing in real terms ($5.93).

Earlier this year inter-library loans were suspended due to changes to the Victorian Government’s State Purchasing Contract, which saw courier costs increase by 300 – 720 per cent.

While a reprieve was granted in the form of a pilot courier program with Australia Post, costs are still higher and there are still restrictions in place.

This service is heavily relied upon by regional communities that continue to be hit hard by the urban divide.

Dr Savage says additional funding is key to support these vital services.

CEO Casey Cardinia Libraries Beth Luppino. 333676 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Monday lunch time, members of the Garden Club at Chalcot Lodge Primary School in Endeavour Hills get together digging and harvesting.

The Garden Club were selected as Junior Landcarers in Action as part of their 25 year anniversary celebrations. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Kerryn Mayne is the author of Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder. Picture: SUPPLIED

Community safety forum

Victoria Police officers and Greater Dandenong council staff will respond to concerns about community safety at this City of Greater Dandenong forum. The event is hosted by Springvalebased councillors Richard Lim, Sean O’Reilly and Loi Truong.

· Tuesday 16 May, 6.30pm-8.30pm at Springvale City Hall Supper Room. Details: jo.thorn@ cgd.vic.gov.au

Magical Getaway Market

Magical Getaway Foundation Market has more than 40 stalls with something for everyone. Includes photography, art, coffee, Reiki healing, plants, cakes, jewellery, hand-made bracelets, face painting, skin care products, massages, potato twists, handmade soaps, stamps, coins and many more.

· Sunday 21 May, 10am-3pm at Menzies Hall, 41 Menzies Avenue, Dandenong North.

‘That Made Me Laugh’

Come along to have a laugh and a coffee. Enjoy lots of riddles, jokes, puns, poems and short texts (and some real-world ‘mini mysteries’). Please feel free to bring along any reading material to share with the group that made you laugh.

· Monday 22 May, 10.30am-11.30am at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. A gold coin donation is welcome. Bookings: Jo/ Tayla, 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org. au

Off the Menu tour

A unique walking discovery experience for adventurous eaters. Join Springvale’s cultural ambassador Karl Lim for a fascinating two-hour stroll and eat like a local, trying off-the-menu delicacies such as salted duck eggs, exotic fruit and super-tender and hearty slow cooked winter stews made with all manner of offal.

· Monday 22 May, 12pm-2pm; $50pp. Bookings essential: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ greater-dandenong-council/events/menu-tour

Reconciliation Week

Celebrations for Reconciliation Week are at Springvale Community Hub and Alex Wilkie Reserve. Learn about First Nations stories, cultures and achievements with nature walks, basket weaving, contemporary circus and movie night.

· Tuesday 23-30 May. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/reconciliation-week-2023

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.

1973 centenary exhibition

‘Optimism, Opportunities and Achievement’ reflects 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.

Shakespeare in Love

Monash Uni Student Theatre presents a stage production of Shakespeare in Love, based on the screenplay by Marc Norman & Tom Stoppard. Suitable for ages 13-plus.

Peter Rabbit

Our Community Objects

A special presentation exploring 150 years of Local Government through objects and stories from the City of Greater Dandenong Civic Collection. Items from the councils of City of Springvale, Shire of Springvale and Noble Park, Shire of Dandenong, City of Dandenong, and City of Greater Dandenong, followed by a delicious afternoon tea.

· Wednesday 17 May, 1.30pm3.30pm at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Free event, registrations essential. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ greater-dandenong-council/ events/our-community-objects-exploring-150-years-localgovernment-through

· 1 and 2 June, 7.30pm, and 3 June, 1.30pm (AUSLAN-interpreted) and 7.30pm at Alexander Theatre, 48 Exhibition Walk, Monash University, Clayton; $35/$25.

Bookings: monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/shakespeare-in-love

Bruno Groning doco

The Phenomenon Bruno Groning is a documentary film looking back at spiritual healer Bruno Groning and events in 1949. Organised by Bruno Groning Circle of Friends, Circle of Spriritual Aid to Life Inc.

· Saturday 3 June, 11am-5pm (including two intermissions) at Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North. Free admission, donations welcome. Details: brunogroening-film.org or 0404 837 311.

Vaping concerns

Understanding Vaping webinar with guest speaker Sharon Torpey from Drug Education Victoria. Get up-to-date, accurate information on vapes/e-cigarettes, trends and health risks, and strategies to support young people. Open

to anyone including parents, teachers, sports clubs and professionals. Presented by Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire councils, Quit and Monash Health.

· Tuesday 6 June,7-8.30pm. Register at events. teams.microsoft.com/event/1b07bd28c163-491b-b2dc-49c92d48b0ea@fd72cf66868a-4edd-8f84-8e91a618ab7f

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.

· Until Friday 7 July at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson Street, Dandenong. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 12pm4pm. 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.

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

Lyndale Secondary College offers great advantages in the breadth of curriculum offerings. There is provision for specialist learning areas and facilities, extensive staff professional development and a wide range of co-curricular programs which contribute to the fullest development of the student’s academic, cultural, artistic, social and sporting achievements, while still maintaining a sense of belonging essential in all great schools.

Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program

Lyndale Secondary College is one of a small number of Department of Education Schools in the state which is accredited to provide Select Entry programs for gifted students. The acceleration process is designed to cater for the needs of the highly academically talented student. The program also emphasises the college’s strong belief in pastoral care and ensures that all students are effectively guided through their secondary years of schooling.

The Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program (SEAL) course involves:

· An intensive and fast paced curriculum

· Focus on complex and abstract material

· Emphasis on higher thought processes (problem solving and analysis)

· Opportunities to participate in a variety of academic competitions

Visit https://lyndale.vic.edu.au/accelerated-learning/ for more information.

Building Program

Our new and engaging spaces connect and support our students to improve learning outcomes. We have completed building our Performing Arts centre, STEM building, Library, Administration building, and Senior School building. We are now eagerly waiting for the completion of new sporting facilities.

We welcome your interest in our college. For School Tours, call us at 9795 2366.

Lyndale Secondary College offers a great curriculum.

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION WEEK

All-change at Hallam SC

An exciting change is happening at Hallam Senior College. The College has begun the process of being reorganised and expanded to cater for the growing demand in Melbourne’s south-east and provide families with a quality local school for their entire secondary schooling journey. The school has been renamed Hallam Secondary College and will progressively move to a Year 7-12 school over the next three years.

Purpose-built

Victoria’s first fully academically selective coeducational Government High School, and one of only four academically selective high schools in the state, Nossal High School has been purpose designed to suit an adult, academically focused and highly aspirational cohort of students. The buildings are high tech. and ICT rich, mirroring features and approaches usually found in universities.

Nossal High School is committed to providing an innovative, inclusive and dynamic educational environment. We aim to challenge our students to be creative and critical thinkers with good communication skills and the resilience necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world. We aim to build their skills, self-confidence, leadership abilities and community spirit through a rigorous, but rich and varied, curricular and co-curricular program. We want our graduates to be ambitious, ethical and responsible citizens who conduct themselves with humility and compassion.

For further information regarding Nossal High School we invite you to visit nossalhs.vic.

edu.au or book a place in one of our Principal run tours or at our upcoming Information Night.

When you choose a Victorian Selective Entry High School, you are ensuring your child has the opportunity for an exceptional education at one of only four schools exclusively designed for academically talented students.

As proud government schools, each school has a unique approach and a shared purpose in nurturing excellence in young adults fromYears 9-12. For further information about Nossal and the otherVictorian Selective Entry High Schools visit www.selectivehighschools.education

Applications for 2024 enrolment are now open. Visit our website at https://www.nossalhs.vic.edu.au/enrolment-information/ for more information.

Nossal High School Tours

Principal tours run from 9.30am on specific dates throughout the year. Bookings for these tours are available at https://www.trybooking. com/CFYUJ.

A co-educational, academically selective government school for highly able students in Years 9-12

Through our Values (Achievement, Care and Equity) we will ensure every student learns and achieves with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for lifelong learning while assisting them to be ready to take their place as positive contributors to their local and global community.

Everything we do is focused on identifying and maximising individual potential, through the use of the very best tried and tested teaching and learning practice within a supportive and caring environment.

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive and guaranteed high quality education program that ensures ‘Success for All’. Our aim is to create a school which is:

· a true learning community

· a place students wish to attend, staff want to work and parents feel welcome

· fulfilling student potential and,

· preparing students for life beyond school

As a small to medium size secondary school we have the advantage of being able to know every learner as an individual.

Despite being a smaller secondary the new school will have an extensive range of Senior Pathways available to our students including VCE (both traditional Academic and the new Vocational Major), the highly regarded Sports Academy in Years 10 to 12 and access to the largest VET provision of

Hallam Secondary College has a reputation for challenging students to be involved in a range of activities which will help shape them as a learner and active community member.

any school in the Region.

A multiple pathway approach provides opportunities for all students. Whatever the next step, students finishing at Hallam Secondary College will have formed a clear sense of what they want to achieve and the pathway to this outcome. Students work closely with the staff, professional course advisors and experts from industry to shape their choices.

Staff are committed to student success. The quality of our teaching and support staff is excellent, making a significant difference to student outcomes. Targeted enhancement programs across the Academy structure assists students to reach their potential.

Appreciating and embracing different backgrounds, cultures and identities is built into our school curriculum and celebrated through specific community events. Our College has a reputation for challenging students to be involved in a range of activities which help shape them as a learner and active community member. We expect our students to work hard, be involved in the wide range of extra curricula activities and be active members of the local community.

As one of only four Victorian Selective Entry High Schools, we offer a broad range of curricular and co-curricular experiences and programs, strongly influenced by the students themselves who have an active and authentic voice in the running of the school. We offer significant sporting, creative, performing, musical, community, cultural, social, and leadership opportunities to our students alongside a comprehensive academic study program.

Visitors are welcome to attend school tours with the Principal, and information evenings are available throughout the year. We invite you to visit us.

http://nossalhs.vic.edu.au/

Through our Values (Achievement, Care and Equity) we will ensure every student learns and achieves, to equip them with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for lifelong learning and be ready to take their place as positive contributors to their local and global community. Everything we do is focused on identifying and maximising individual potential through the use of the very best tried and tested teaching and learning practice within a supportive and caring environment.

Book online or call:

Over the next 4 years Hallam Senior College will transition to a Year 7-12 school to meet the growing enrolment demand in Melbourne’s south-east and give the families of the Hallam community the certainty they have a quality local school for their entire secondary schooling journey.

The new Hallam Secondary College is committed to the delivery of a comprehensive and high quality education program that ensures ‘Success for all’.

The new College will build on its current strengths at senior level in vocational education and its Sports Academy to provide a strong offering of academic programs for its student cohort. 9703 1266

High School stands tall

Celebrating over a century of excellence in education, Dandenong High School stands tall as one of the oldest, largest, and most culturally diverse secondary schools in Victoria. With a history that dates back to 1919, the school has been an integral part of the Dandenong community for over a century, and it continues to evolve and grow to meet the needs of its students and the wider community.

As a co-educational school from Years 7 to 12, with an enrolment of approximately 1500 students, Dandenong High School is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. The school’s multicultural nature is a key aspect of its identity, with 77 nationalities and 83 different language groups represented among its student body.

One of the unique features of Dandenong High School is its collaborative teaching and learning model. The school’s seven identically designed Houses provide purposefully designed learning spaces, where students from all year levels can come together to learn, grow and develop a strong sense of belonging and connection. This approach emphasizes collaborative learning and allows for diverse and innovative learning experiences to take place.

The school’s heritage-listed façade of the Administration Building is a testament to its rich history and serves as a gateway to the more modern, architecturally designed learning centres behind. This blend of old and new is symbolic of the school’s commitment to both tradition and innovation.

The new Design Centre is an innovative learning space where students will be immersed in STEM learning, exploring the engineering process and the power of technology, both existing and emerging. The school has recently completed construction of our Food

Technology Wing and Cafeteria, in addition to other specialist spaces such as the Melaleuca Performing Arts and Sporting complex, the Senior ScienceWing and the SeniorVisual Arts and Media space. These are designed to empower students through discovery and inquiry in a deeply immersive learning environment. As we look to the future, Dandenong High

School is well-placed to continue its proud tradition of excellence in education. With a team of 150 teaching and 65 non-teaching staff, the school is committed to providing a high-quality education for all of its students, regardless of their background or circumstances.

In conclusion, Dandenong High School is a true gem in Victoria’s education system, and

Dandenong High School school continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its students.

its rich history and multicultural nature make it a unique and valuable asset to the community. As the school continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its students, we can be confident that it will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of our community and our state.

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• Dandenong North Dunearn Pharmacy 11a Dunearn Road

• Dandenong North Coles Express 166 Heatherton Road & Stud Road

• Dandenong North BP Service Station Heatherton Road & Stud Road

• Dandenong North Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club 41a Latham Crescent

• Dandenong North FoodWorks Menzies Cellars

52 Menzies Avenue

• Dandenong North Menzies Milkbar 64 Menzies Avenue

• Dandenong North IGA Friendly 54 Outlook drive

• Dandenong North Liberty Fuel 182 Stud Road

• Dandenong South Georges Lunch Box 22a Amberley Crescent

• Dandenong South BP Service Station 175-187 Greens Road

• Dandenong South Lunchmaster 3/491 Hammond Road

• Dandenong South Kirkham Road Milk Bar 102 Kirkham Road

• Dandenong South Woolworths Supermarket 81-125 Princes Highway

• Dandenong South Shell Service Station 50 South Gippsland Highway

• Dandenong South United Petroleum 314 South

Gippsland Highway

• Dandenong South Caltex Service Station 275-295 South Gippsland Highway

• Dingley Village Dingley Village Newsagency Shop

• Endeavour Hills Ocean Blue Milk Bar 90/92 John Fawker Drive

• Endeavour Hills Nicholls Gledhill Real Estate 2

Raymond McMahon Boulevard

• Eumemmerring Atura Hotel May-17

Doveton Avenue

• Eumemmerring Caltex Woolworths Service Station

40/44 Princes Highway

• Eumemmerring BP Service Station 60-64

Princes Highway

• Hampton Park Hampton Park Library 26 Stuart

Avenue

• Keysborough Caltex Keysborough 248

Cheltenham Road

• Keysborough Parkmore Shopping Centre 317

Cheltenham Road

• Keysborough Barry Plant Real Estate Shop

1,320 Cheltenham Road

• Keysborough 7 Eleven Keysborough 309

Cheltenham Road & Cnr Kingsclere Road

• Keysborough Woolworths Supermarket 317

Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

• Keysborough Coles Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

• Keysborough O’Briens Real Estate Shop 6, 317

Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

• Keysborough City of Greater Dandenong Shop A07, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre)

• Keysborough Michaels IGA 466 Cheltenham Road

• Keysborough Keysborough Learning Centre 402

Corrigan Road

• Keysborough Foodworks Keysborough 285-289

Supermarket 169 Princes Highway

• Dandenong Caltex Dandenong 154-156 Princes

Highway

• Dandenong Coles Supermarket Dandenong 23-26

Princes Highway

• Dandenong Genesis Fitness Club Dandenong

63 Scott Street

• Dandenong Valley Village Mews 112 Stud Road

• Dandenong Dandenong Basketball Stadium

270 Stud Road

• Dandenong Caltex Star Mart Stud Road & Heatherton Road

• Dandenong Dandenong Lotto 308 Thomas Street

• Dandenong Gulistan Supermarket 187-189

Thomas Street

• Dandenong Quest Hotel 2-Oct Walker Street

• Dandenong McLennan Real Estate First floor, 126

Walker Street

• Dandenong North Foodworks Dandenong North 42-44 Brady Road

2/79 Centre Dandenong Road

• Doveton Doveton News and Lotto 7 Autumn Place

• Doveton Bottle O 2-Apr Linden Place

• Doveton Shell Service Station 48 Princes Highway

• Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre

Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue

• Endeavour Hills Woolworths Service Station Cnr

Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue

(Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre)

• Endeavour Hills O’Brien Real Estate Shop PS 5A

Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue

(Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre)

• Endeavour Hills Coles Supermarket Cnr

Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue

(Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre

• Endeavour Hills Woolworths Supermarket Cnr

Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue

(Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre

• Endeavour Hills 7 Eleven Endeavour Hills Cnr

Heatherton Road & Power Road

• Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Milk Bar 13

Gleneagles Drive

• Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Medical Centre 61

Heatherton Road

• Endeavour Hills Liberty Service Station 13-17

Heatherton Road

‘soap opera’

• Noble Park North Halton Road Milk Bar 65

Coolavin Road

• Noble Park North Jan Wilson Community Centre

Halton Road (Barry J Powell Reserve)

• Noble Park North Jacksons Road Service Station

139 Jacksons Road

• Springvale Century 21 Real Estate Shop 5-6/64

Buckingham Avenue

• Springvale Springvale Shopping Centre 46-58

Buckingham Avenue

• Springvale KFL Supermarket 46-58 Buckingham Avenue (Springvale Shopping Centre)

• Springvale Springvale Learning & Activities Centre 1

Osborne Avenue

• Springvale Springvale RSL 23 Osborne Avenue

• Springvale Caltex Woolworths Springvale 102

Police Road

• Springvale Aobao

Corrigan Road

• Mulgrave Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre

271 Police Road

• Noble Park Sandown Park Hotel Corrigan Road

• Noble Park Coles Supermarket 1 Douglas Street

• Noble Park Noble Park Newsagency 22

Douglas Street

• Noble Park Harvey Real Estate 26 Douglas Street

• Noble Park Century 21 Real Estate

38 Douglas Street

• Noble Park Ray White Real Estate 42

Douglas Street

• Noble Park Caltex Woolworths Heatherton Rd & Chandler Highway

• Noble Park Noble Park RSL 1128 Heatherton Road

• Noble Park Lucky Star Lotto 1268 Heatherton Road

• Noble Park Cellarbrations 3 Leonard Ave

• Noble Park Noble Park Aquatic Centre 9

Memorial Drive

• Noble Park Noble Park Community Centre

Memorial Drive (Ross Reserve)

• Noble Park Noble Park Bowls Club 56

Moodemere Street

• Noble Park Barry Plant Real Estate 390

Princes Highway

• Noble Park Harrisfield Milkbar 519 Princes Highway

•

Customer Service Centre 397-405 Springvale Road

of Greater

• Springvale South Southvale Newsagency 565 Springvale Road

• Springvale South Koh’s Marketplace 162-170 Athol Road (Athol Road Shopping Centre)

• Springvale South BP Service Station Springvale Road & Clarke Road

• Springvale South Springvale Plaza Pharmacy and Tattslotto 3/800 Heatherton Road (Springvale Plaza)

South BP Springvale 974

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SPORT Class of 2022 hit hurdles

By Marcus Uhe

The toast of last year’s Eastern Football Netball League have yet to hit their straps in 2023, both finding themselves in the dreaded midtable cluster after the first five rounds of the new season.

At Rowville, another bag of five goals from Lachlan Wynd weren’t enough to help the Hawks knock off the ladder-leading East Ringwood, who snuck home by six points.

Rowville had trouble scoring at the Tennis club end of Seebeck Oval, kicking only one goal in the opening quarter and none in the all-important third.

They trailed at every break, but never by more than 12 points, at quarter time, meaning they were always in the contest with the ladder leaders.

Trailing by 10 points at the final break, the first goal of the quarter was going to go a long way in determining the outcome of the contest, and it went the Kangaroos’ way in the ninth minute for a 16-point buffer.

Wynd kicked his fourth and fifth in the final term, using his height to his advantage on both occasions to earn free-kicks from deep in the attacking 50.

He kicked truly from a short distance from goal on both occasions, but his second proved to be the final kick of the game, with the siren sounding as the officials ferried the ball back to the centre for the restart, as the scoreboard finished 7.5 47 to 7.11 53.

Midfielder Matthew Martini will no-doubt rue a missed snap from the top of the goalsquare that would have cut the lead from 12 to six with five minutes remaining, while Kane Young’s brilliant rundown tackle saw him nearly miss the goalposts entirely as it just snuck in for a point from a tight angle.

Wynd, meanwhile, brings his season tally to 20 after four games, with remarkable consistency of five, six, four and five in the four outings to date.

The 21-year-old key forward has been invaluable for Ben Wise when not required for the Box Hill Hawks at VFL level, and shapes as a name to watch ahead of the upcoming AFL mid-season draft.

The loss brings to an end their two-game win streak, nestling them firmly in the middle of the pack in eighth.

Noble Park suffered a shock second-consecutive loss at the bullring, this time falling to Norwood in a one-point thriller.

Goals were hard to come by all day for both sides, and the final quarter was no exception, with only two kicked, one each way.

Matthew Nelson broke the 19-minute scoring deadlock in what was a tense beginning to

the final term, applying his trademark forward pressure to run-down a Norwood defender from behind, and calmly slot the resulting set shot.

It was his third major of the afternoon and injected some life into the Bulls side, but it most importantly opened a six-point lead for the home team, keen to make-amends after losing to Doncaster East at home last week.

The ascendency, however, was only brief.

Norwood very nearly tied the scores immediately, if not for a pressured snap going the wrong side of the goalpost from the following centre clearance, but it would come to be the old “handy point”.

After reaping the benefits from Nelson’s tackling pressure within striking distance of

their goals just a few minutes earlier, Ben Marson felt the shoe on the other foot, as he was wrapped up while looking to feed a handball and create a goal-scoring opportunity for a teammate.

Norwood took the advantage from the freekick and within seconds were shooting for goal from the arc of 50.

While the kick didn’t quite carry the journey, Ryan Morrison came up second best in a footrace with his opponent, who scrambled a toe-poke over the goal-line to make certain of the shot, and retake the lead.

In a low-scoring contest, that was the last time the goal umpires at either end would be called upon, as the remaining three minutes saw the scoreboard remain undisturbed.

Cardinals girls leading the way forward

By Marcus Uhe

With a Women’s FIFA World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand in just a few weeks, the Under 11 girls team at Keysborough Cardinals are inspired and excited by what’s to come.

The team, comprised of girls aged between nine and 11-years-old, is leading the club’s return of its female soccer program, and is coached by the watchful eye of Lou Petrou.

Petrou, a veteran goalkeeping coach who ran his own academy, brings vast experience to the role, having worked at Serie A clubs in Italy such as AC Milan, Empoli and Juventus.

Not that his pupils are aware of his CV.

“They wouldn’t have any idea,” said club administrator and proud parent of one team member, Fabien L’Eveille.

“I’ve known Lou for years and for me, he’s one of the best goalkeeping coaches in Australia, he’s magnificent.

“He’s coached a few friends of mine, he’s coached at Keysborough and numerous other places as well, but I thought he might be the right fit because he’s so well-mannered when he talks to the girls.

“They love him.

“He looks pretty scary and like you can’t talk to him, but he’s a big softy.”

With many of the girls being new to the sport itself, it’s a change of pace for Petrou, and not quite the bright lights of the cream of the European crop.

But L’Eveille said their enthusiasm has been top-class and they want to get better every week.

“It’s pretty funny with the girls, my daughter comes home and says ‘I loved it, training was so much fun and I can’t wait to go back’,” L’Eveille said.

“At first it was only once a week training, but they loved it so much that we had to make it two times a week, they wanted to train more.

“For now it’s very hard for Lou because they’re still getting to know the girls and they’ve never played.

“There’s the basic fundamentals, like they’ve got to start from a blank canvas and he’s got to start putting the pieces together which is going to be a bit difficult for him.

“He’ll get there with his experience.”

To assist in the club’s development of the

women’s game, L’Eveille said the club paid the administration fees for the girls side.

With demand soaring for a stand-alone girls team instead of mixed outfits, the Cardinals were happy to accommodate new arrivals to the sport, and were ably supported by the club’s community at Coomoora Reserve.

“We were getting so many expressions of interest but the girls didn’t want to play with the boys, because they don’t get to express themselves and they get a bit shy,” L’Eveille said.

“My own daughter came, and that’s when I really got involved in it even more, once my daughter wanted to play.

“She’s been asking for years, but didn’t want to play with the boys.

“Now she’s playing in the girls team and she’s loving it.

“The camaraderie in the girls team has been hilarious, it’s been a bit of fun and exciting.

“The future of the girls for this team, to be honest, this team is about getting them together and having fun, and showing people that we care about women’s football.”

It was not the way the club would have liked to honour Jackson Sketcher, their new skipper for 2023 who was celebrating his 100th game for the club.

With 18 scoring shots (7.11) to 14 (8.6) and leading at the first two breaks, it was certainly a missed opportunity to secure four points.

Instead, they join a crop of four teams on 3-2, and only possessing a slightly higher than average percentage.

Balwyn, in third on 4-1, sit 32 percentage points higher than Steve Hughes’ men, meaning they’ll have serious work to do as the season continues in their quest to go back-toback.

Berwick, meanwhile, has slumped to four losses in a row, thrashed by East Doncaster on the Lions’ home patch by 52 points.

The Wickers held a slight lead at quarter time, hitting the first huddle with a two-point advantage over their highly-touted opponents.

Goals to Kyle O’Sullivan, Jonty Andrew and Joshua Burgess meant their fight around the ground was matched on the scoreboard in fast conditions at Zerbes Reserve.

A miscommunication between O’Sullivan and Ashton Williamson saw them blow an opportunity to kick their fourth late in the quarter, as Wiliamson’s creativity brought an open goal unstuck, attempting to tap a ball back over his head to his teammate who was not prepared for the ingenuity.

They would kick four majors for the remainder of the contest, however, while conceding 11 the other way.

East Doncaster’s inaccuracy (14.16) saved the contest from being a complete drubbing, as their former AFL-listed players showed their class.

Tom Bell kicked five, while former Docker Taylin Duman was named as their best player for the afternoon.

Following his haul of four last week, Berwick ruck/forward Charlie Muley kicked three in another lone-hand in the Berwick forward line, which desperately lacks firepower.

Travis Tuck made a positive return to Clint Evans’ lineup, having not played since their round one win overVermont, while Jesse Cirulis continues to impress in his return from a serious knee injury in 2022, notably physical at ground level post-contest.

The loss sees them sit 10th with one win from five games, only percentage ahead of Doncaster in the dreaded drop-zone. Their quest for a second victory won’t get any easier when they host Rowville at Edwin Flack.

Lou Petrou and the Keysborough Cardinals’ Under 11s

Ben Marson kicked two goals for Noble Park in their loss on Saturday. 285139

Picture: ROB CAREW

Slew of Rays stars deliver

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Several Dandenong Stingrays starred in theVic Country vYoung Guns representative match at Ikon Park on Sunday.

Billy Wilson, Kade De La Rue, Sam Frangalas and Harry DeMattia each strengthened their draft credentials with eye-catching performances for Vic Country.

Wilson took his usual aggressive rebounding defender post and took marks, took grass and weaponised his leg-speed to get involved multiple times in attacking chains.

It was a statement game for Wilson, who started the season outside of Vic Country but has been seen by the Rays as one capable of pushing in.

Combined with his scintillating start to the year and the upside several clubs see in him, he looks close to a lock for Vic Country selection.

De La Rue was busy in the forward line, applying pressure and setting his teammates up in a lively display where he found plenty of possession.

He was injected to the last centre bounce, when Vic Country trailed by less than a kick, and won a clean ground-ball in-and-under, before releasing Coby James for one last forward entry.

The Young Guns held on to win the game, despite Vic Country coming back to claim the

lead minutes earlier despite trailing by more than four goals early in the final stanza.

Frangalas worked hard through the middle and off half-forward, kicking two set shot goals from identical positions.

DeMattia, meanwhile, won the first centre clearance of the second half which typified all his traits: power, strength, and efficiency as he hit his target inside 50.

The Rays co-skipper’s on-field leadership also came to the fore late asVic Country sought to hold on the lead, as he could be heard urging his teammates to slow it down and play with composure.

Playing wing, Kobe Shipp came into the game and had good moments while Jacob Grant and Ben Hopkins also got exposure to the level in their bottom-age year.

ForYoung Guns, ZiggyToledo-Glasman had a sprightly first half involved prominently in some attacking chains but missing his only shot on goal.

Mitch Szybkowski was solid off halfback, while Joziah Nannup’s third quarter in particular showcased his pace and pressure.

Meanwhile, Dandenong co-skipper Cooper Simpson represented Australia in the under18s AFL Academy game.

The squad, comprised of the 30 best prospects across Australia, defeated Carlton’s VFL side, played as a curtain-raiser to the Blues’ AFL clash with Western Bulldogs.

Redbacks rue missed opportunity against Murrumbeena

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Killed on turnovers, punished by a lack of polish.

Near enough wasn’t good enough for Hampton Park on Saturday against a more seasoned Murrumbeena.

The Redbacks laid a strong foundation in the first quarter, defending high up the ground and applying pressure to lock the ball in its forward half in the opening quarter.

A late goal to Kyle Hendy saw Hayden Stanton’s men go into the first break leading by nine points, but that still belied what felt like a four-to-five-goal supremacy.

The inside 50s were chaotic, rather than controlled and efficient early on, and then those entries dried up considerably in the second stanza.

Murrumbeena was able to turn it around in the centre and Hampton Park’s pressured exit kicks didn’t allow them to pick their way through.

But, like the Redbacks in the first quarter, Murrumbeena scored more behinds than goals.

A third quarter arm wrestle paved the way for a tense climax, with Murrumbeena taking an eight point lead into what became a shootout late.

Playing high octane footy, Kyle Hendy, Nathan Carver, Dylan Morris and Declan Brunnell all had moments where they looked dangerous.

But Murrumbeena kept them at bay through a high inside 50 conversion rate.

Every time Hampton Park would close to within two goals and look to gain momentum, the hosts would kick one against the grain.

Hendy looked like he had finally closed the margin to within a goal, banging it through on the line, only for the goal umpire to adjudicate he had crossed the white paint before kicking it.

Murrumbeena went forward from the kick in and a deliberate out of bounds was paid against Tristan Fernandez-Phillips to the disbelief of all and sundry inside Murrumbeena’s forward 50.

When the Murrumbeena attacker passed off and the kick wasn’t 15, he was tackled and dispossessed, but the umpire called play on before eventually balling it up.

The collective frustration from three decisions the Redbacks felt went against them caused a minor scuffle to break out as the ball was tossed up, opening the pathway for Murrumbeena to snap the certain match-winner.

The coach however was pragmatic, highlighting that Murrumbeena was ultimately better for longer.

If the Redbacks could have sustained the dominance of the start for longer, the chaos of the last quarter would have been immaterial to the result for the Redbacks would have had the lead.

No doubt he would’ve said as much to his fired up players, keeping them on the field post-match away from prying ears to deliver a stern message.

Included for his first game of the season, Jesse Naylor played an important negating role in the first half which helped stymie the hosts rebound.

His day came to an abrupt end, though, with his dislocated shoulder coinciding with the time period Murrumbeena started to get in control as his direct opponent got off the leash.

Naylor was also involved with ball in hand, fitting in seamlessly as he had an important hand in the first goal of the game.

As well as Naylor, dangerous front half player Trent Thomas was on the bench for the majority of the second half with a foot injury.

Makaio Haywood and skipper Liam Myatt each racked it up in the midfield and were classy with ball in hand.

The Redbacks looked their most dangerous when winger Tanner Stanton worked hard up and down the wings but, playing a similar brand, Murrumbeena ultimately outlasted the visitors.

Meanwhile, Keysborough has its first win of the season to the tune of 129 points.

It may have been against Division Two strugglers Black Rock, but, given the emotion of the past month for Chris Smith’s team, it was meaningful to get on the board in 2023.

Doveton rebounded from three consecutive losses , the return of Dylan Chapman helping the club to a 21-point win over a competitive Highett outfit.

Skye, meanwhile, was East Brighton’s latest victim, succumbing 19.22 136 to 7.6 48.

Springvale Districts got another win they needed to get, against lowly Bentleigh.

A first half blitz saw Kris Thompson’s men skip out to a 47-point halftime lead, only to give up seven goals in the third quarter which made for a tight finish.

The Dees regathered, though, MattWetering’s seven and Dylan Quirk’s class and leadership leading the 20-point win.

Cranbourne, meanwhile, kept it rolling, with a 33-point win over St Paul’s McKinnon as Kirk Dickson and Marc Holt combined for nine goals and Dingley was far too strong for Mordialloc.

Samuel Michael kicked the match-winner for Murrumbeena. 334586

Picture: ROB CAREW

Stingray Billy Wilson was impressive for Vic Country against the Young Guns. 334882

Picture: JAZZ BENNETT