EHD Star Journal - 20th June 2023

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Keysy on alert

By Sahar Foladi

Multiple frightening videos on social media show youths roaming for unlocked cars and houses in Keysborough on Tuesday 13 June.

Burglaries and break-ins in Keysborough have risen a staggering 62 per cent in the 12 months up to March 2023 according to recent Crime Statistics Agency data.

Home camera footage has been circulating on a community Facebook page warning others to be vigilant.

The youth unfortunately found an unlocked car after a hunt.

The resident posted, “Hey everyone two maybe three males checking for unlocked car doors about 1am.

“Lock up!! Police has been informed they are most likely still checking cars in every street!!!”

The resident said she usually locks her car, this time however, it was unlocked and commented it was a “silly mistake.”

Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation

Unit detectives are investigating an aggravated burglary in Keysborough, a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“It is understood offenders attended an ad-

dress on Suttie Court and entered a vehicle about 12.30am, before removing the garage remote from it and entering the garage.

“There were no injuries.”

Police are investigating whether the incident is linked to other break-ins across Keysborough.

Crimes such as theft and residential nonaggravated burglaries have decreased in the suburb from 2018 pre-Covid levels.

However, aggravated home burglaries have risen 54 per cent compared to 2018 in Keysborough.

City of Greater Dandenong councillor, Rhonda Garad, brought forward the residents’ concerns in the last council meeting on Monday 5 June.

She said the residents are deeply frightened and kids are left traumatised.

“I have met with over 20 residents who have been subject to extreme and persistent crime, with over 10 houses broken into in a threeweek period.

“Three of those were aggravated burglaries, one resident was carjacked, and then run over.”

Continued page 3

Picture: ROB CAREW

The Dandenong Market’s World Fare festival was back last weekend. Savouring the two-day celebration was Moni from ‘The Bao Project’, pictured with an Asian fusion Bao Bun.

coverage

page 10

Hoon scammer is jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A South East serial hoon who scammed Government disaster aid schemes and treated roads as his “personal playground” has been jailed.

Dylan Desmond Milkins, 23, pleaded guilty to about 50 charges across two years including high-speed police pursuits, Federal aid scams, petrol drive-offs and a New Years Eve burnout in front of spectators on Belgrave-Hallam Road.

Milkins registered an ABN for a fictitious labour-hire and supply business with false GST credits to receive $24,170 in Covid disaster payments in 2021, Dandenong Magistrates Court heard.

He also made a second attempt to extract $24,870 in the same manner.

Milkins also falsely claimed to be living in flood-hit Penrith NSW and Seymour in rural Victoria to gain $1000 in Commonwealth disaster relief and another attempt for $1000.

He told police that he’d come across the

“scheme” on social media.

Defence lawyer Elarya George told the court that a regretful Milkins was unemployed due to Covid lockdowns and financially struggling at the time.

He’d repaid more than $9000 owed to the Commonwealth.

Among his illegal driving spree was a 36-second burnout dangerously near spectators in the middle of Belgrave-Hallam Road in Hallam on NewYears Eve night, police told the court.

As part of the midnight burnout, his passenger lit a series of fireworks and dropped them from his unregistered Commodore.

The incident was said to have terrified dogs inside a nearby pet resort.

Unbeknown to Milkins, a by-stander also walked up to the car, while it produced voluminous smoke and flicked out its rear end metres from the crowd, police stated.

A police intelligence officer discovered video of the episode posted on Milkins’ social me-

dia account. He later told police he believed he was fully in control of his car at the time.

Milkins was also charged over a late-night police pursuit across Narre Warren, Lynbrook, Dandenong, Springvale and Mulgrave, clocking 150 km/h-plus speeds and running a red light in February 2021.

In a second pursuit, the suspended P-plater on bail cut through and overtook traffic at high speed, reaching 160 km/h in the Monash Freeway emergency lane.

A police officer called off the pursuit due to the alleged dangerous driving.

In April, he was arrested after breaching bail conditions banning him from driving.

On that occasion, he drove on the wrong side of the road and onto a footpath to evade police in Berwick.

In sentencing on 16 June, Dandenong magistrate Jason Ong noted Milkins had no prior convictions but a “poor” driving history.

He’d shown a “blatant disregard for road rules” and treated the roads as

Students ride high on new wheels

By Sahar Foladi

Graduate engineers have built bikes from scratch to give Dandenong Primary School students their ‘first wheels’.

The graduates from United Energy’s 2023 program collaborated on the team-building exercise which led them to contribute to the community.

School principal, Daniel Riley, said the donations have arrived at a perfect time for the school.

“It’s amazing timing because we’ve started to have a bigger focus on bike safety around this community.

“We also have a lot of students new to Australia and new to riding a bike and these will be significant.”

While some may view this as a small gesture, for the school, it has a “flow in effect” according to Mr Riley.

The students, Naomi, Shefket, Hareem and Abigail were very excited as they jumped to action on the bikes.

Sports captain, Naomi said she feels confident when riding a bike.

“I feel confident because I can teach others to ride a bike to make them feel confident as well.”

While Shefket said riding to school inspired one to get out of bed.

The kind gesture from United Energy was also hoped to encourage students to participate in the, Around the Bay cycling event.

Cycling commentator, Matthew Keenan, also made the trip to Dandenong Primary School to support the initiative.

“I think it’s fantastic that these kids are so enthusiastic about being able to ride the bike and you can see the energy in their faces,” he said.

“Getting a bike can be a big barrier particu-

larly in areas where parents don’t necessarily have that money.

“Sometimes in my position you can take it for granted because you have access but not everyone does.

“I think it’s important the areas where financially things are challenging to give kids the opportunity to try all different sports and activities.”

United Energy general manager, James Walker, said they’re always keen to encourage people to be active.

“It’s the first time we’ve had this initiative and it really connects well with our sponsorship, Around the Bay and community in general.”

In a three-day workshop, almost 20 graduate engineers comprising of four teams, worked to build four bicycles from scratch.

“Some (graduates) said it was a breeze and

completed in 25 minutes, I thought it might have taken a few hours,” MrWalker laughed.

Graduate student Tanika Hernandez said it was a rewarding project overall.

“Just seeing the smile on the students’ faces is so worth it. It was nice to work with people I’ve not met before and work towards a common goal.”

Nicollette Ciccarelle, said this is the first time she’s been part of an initiative like this.

“We were all really excited because a lot of the time we sit behind the desk and see things on screen, so it was nice to get involved especially when the school has number of refugees and under privileged students.”

Families and friends can get involved right now, with the ‘Around the Bay’ early bird registration period now extended until 30 July.

Details: bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-andevents/around-the-bay/

his “personal playground”.

The disqualified driver put lives at risk with his high-speed driving despite being banned from driving under bail conditions, Mr Ong noted.

The magistrate noted Milkins was still young with “guarded” rehabilitation prospects. Jail was a last resort but Milkins had reached that juncture, the judge found.

At the forefront of sentencing was to send a message to other would-be offenders, Mr Ong said.

Milkins was jailed for five months, including 86 days in pre-sentence remand.

It will be followed by two concurrent community corrections orders, including supervision, safe driving programs and treatment for mental health and drug issues.

He was also fined $1000 and ordered to repay the remaining $15,450 owed to the Commonwealth.

Milkins was further disqualified from driving for two-and-a-half years.

200-plus nabbed

Police netted dozens of impaired, speeding and disqualified drivers in the South East during a King’s Birthday long weekend traffic blitz.

As part of Operation Regal, police detected 113 traffic offences in Casey and 105 in Greater Dandenong between 9-12 June.Twelve vehicles were impounded in Greater Dandenong, and five in Casey.

In Greater Dandenong, there were 36 speeding offences, 20 drink and/or drug drivers, 21 disqualified and unlicensed drivers, 17 unregistered vehicles, nine disobeying traffic signs/signals and seven mobile phone offences. Most prolific in Casey were speeding offences (69), unregistered vehicles (17), disqualified and unlicensed drivers (9), drink or drug drivers (7),) and seatbelt offences (5). Operation Regal targeted unsafe driver behaviour believed to be fueling Victoria’s road toll of 145 as of 13 June. This is up 37 per cent from the same time last year, and the largest since 2007.

In the lead up, Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Martin O’Brien said the“amount of trauma on our roads is alarming”.

“We are now at a critical point as to whether we can turn this year around and reduce road trauma – we are doing everything we can, but police cannot do it alone.” Police identified speeding, impaired driving, seatbelt non-compliance, distraction and disobeying traffic signs and unauthorised driving as contributing factors.

L-R Tanika Hernandez (UE Grad), Hareem, Matt Keenan, Shefket, James Walker (GM UE), Naomi, Abigail, Nicolette Ciccarelli (UE Grad). Picture: SUPPLIED

Crime rate soars by 18%

By Sahar Foladi

City of Greater Dandenong’s crime rate has soared by 18.6 per cent per capita according to the recent Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data.

The data released on 14 June recorded numbers of crimes from March 2022 to March 2023 and displayed shocking numbers for some suburbs within the municipality.

Some of the top crimes across Greater Dandenong were burglary/break-ins up 40.5 per cent, residential aggravated burglaries (47 per cent), non-aggravated burglaries (33 per cent), theft (22.9 per cent), drug use and possession (56 per cent) and prohibited weapons (23 per cent).

CSA chief executive officer, Fiona Dowsley said “the upward trends observed in recorded crime measures in the last 12 months coincide with a return to pre-pandemic related movements in the community.

“While there has been an increase in recorded crime measures for the year ending 31 March 2023 the figures remain below those recorded in 2019.”

Residential aggravated burglary is in an upward trend across all of the suburbs in Greater Dandenong with a staggering 62 per cent in Keysborough, Noble Park (45.8 per cent),

Springvale (40 per cent) and Dandenong (10 per cent).

Cardinia saw a 6.5 per cent rise in crime, Frankston (14.4 per cent), Casey (9.4 per cent) with a 54.3 per cent increase in residential aggravated burglary since 2022.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said aggravated car burglaries and associated car thefts have increased tremendously post pandemic nation-wide.

“This has been driven by predominantly youth offenders targeting unlocked homes, with the intention of stealing keys for vehicles.

“Local police from Southern Metro, North West Metro and inner eastern Melbourne are teaming up as part of the ongoing metropolitan wide operation.

“Specialist police units, including Air Wing, Dog Squad, and Public Order Response Team, assist on a nightly basis in tracking the movements of offenders.”

Car theft in Springvale is up by 81 per cent and stealing from a car up 42 per cent, followed by car theft in Keysborough up 61 per cent with a 3 per cent increase in stealing from a car.

Dandenong car thefts rose 29.7 per cent and Noble Park up 25 per cent, with 30 per cent stealing from a car.

Truckie trapped after crash

A truck driver has been taken to hospital after his vehicle crashed through a double-storey shopfront in Dandenong on Wednesday 14 June.

Heavy haulage was called to extract the truck cabin and trailer embedded in the engine parts warehouse at the corner of Lonsdale Street and Claredale Road about 6.45am.

The driver, believed to be in his 60s, was trapped for some time before being freed by emergency services, a Victoria Police spokes-

person said. He was taken by ambulance to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition for observation.

An FRV spokesperson said 11 fire appliances attended, along with SES crews in support.

They secured the building structure and retrieved the truck driver trapped in the vehicle cabin, the spokesperson said.

In the early afternoon, outbound lanes were closed on Lonsdale Street as crews hauled the truck out of the building.

Neighbourhood Watch ex-president and current member, Dawn Vernon advised communities not to leave valuable items in their cars and to keep it locked at all times.

“People will break-in just for a few dollars.

“Also, it’s equally important for people to lock their cars while driving because while they wait at the lights, a lot of people can be robbed,” she said.

Theft is also on the rise with 14 per cent increase in Dandenong since 2022, 31 per cent in Noble Park, 11 per cent in Keysborough and an astounding 59 per cent in Springvale.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said, there are simple routines that people can do to protect themselves including “making it a nightly routine to lock doors, especially internal doors that lead to garages, parking vehicles in a secure garage, and ensuring keys aren’t easily accessible”.

“We continue to urge residents in all areas to consider remember to secure their homes and vehicles.”

In conjunction to that, Springvale has seen 87 per cent rise in drugs use and possession since 2022 which is an increase of 110 per cent from pre-Covid levels.

Meanwhile, Greater Dandenong drug use and possession is up 6.3 per cent from preCovid levels (up 56 per cent in the past 12

months), Noble Park (40 per cent) Dandenong (25 per cent) and Keysborough (20 per cent).

While criminal offence numbers have increased since 2022, criminal offences compared to pre-Covid levels has dropped in Noble Park by 25 per cent and Keysborough (14 per cent).

Springvale has bumped up with 33 per cent more criminal offences since 2018 levels followed by Dandenong (20 per cent).

While the burglary break-in for Greater Dandenong is up 40.5 per cent in the past year, this is 20 per cent lower than in 2018. In Dandenong, burglaries are down 16 per cent from 2018, Noble Park (-20 per cent), Keysborough (-33 per cent) with only 2 per cent decrease for Springvale.

There’s a shocking 36 per cent increase in prohibited weapons in Springvale since 2022 and 28 per cent in Noble Park - both higher than Greater Dandenong’s overall rise of 23 per cent.

Assaults are up 9 per cent in Greater Dandenong, including a 12.5 per cent rise in Noble Park and a decrease of seven per cent in Keysborough.

As a result of aVictoria Police crackdown on burglars, more than 200 have been arrested in three months of strict measures as part of the ongoing metropolitan wide operation.

Keysy on crime vigil

From page 1

Cr Garad urged the council to approach Victoria Police to put to rest some of the resident’s concerns.

City of Greater Dandenong chief executive officer, JacquiWeatherill held a meeting with Victoria Police to discuss the pressing issue and said she will let Councillors know of the outcome.

“Kudos to our CEO. We don’t have direct police powers, but we are the voice of the people,” Cr Garad said. The meeting resulted in multiple police measures taken in the area including night patrols. “I can see the residents are having constructive ongoing conversations with Victoria Police, so that’s of some comfort,” Cr Garad said. “I strongly advocated for everyone to get this issue addressed, as a council when residents are concerned so are we.”

Greater Dandenong saw a steep rise in crime from 2022, up by 18.6 per cent per capita according to the Crime Statistics data and a 40 per cent rise in burglary.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said aggravated car burglaries and associated car thefts have increased tremendously post pandemic nation-wide.

“This has been driven by predominantly youth offenders targeting unlocked homes, with the intention of stealing keys for vehicles. “Local police from Southern Metro, North West Metro and inner eastern Melbourne are teaming up as part of the ongo-

It’s up to all of us

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ing metropolitan wide operation. Specialist police units, including AirWing, Dog Squad, and Public Order Response Team, assist on a nightly basis in tracking the movements of offenders.”

More than 200 burglars have been arrested immediately in three months as a result, according to a Victoria Police spokesperson. “On top of this, another 522 people have been arrested during the night-time operation for other offences, including drug related matters, due to the sheer number of police out each night. In the three months prior to the enhanced police response commencing, there was a weekly average of around 30 burglaries that also led to a car being stolen. In the past three months, this weekly average has dropped to 19 such incidents per week”.

Motor vehicle theft in Greater Dandenong has increased by 48 per cent since 2022 - 61 per cent in Keysborough, 25 per cent in Noble Park, a staggering 81 per cent in Springvale and 44 per cent in Dandenong. However, overall criminal offences have dropped by 14 per cent post-Covid in Keysborough and four per cent in Noble Park while Springvale has bumped up to 33 per cent increase and Dandenong up by 20 per cent. Dawn Vernon, ex-president, and current member of Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch, advises residents not to leave any valuable items overnight in their car and to ensure it’s locked.

A truck is hauled out of a building after crashing near a 15km/h traffic advisory sign. 341460

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Sadist jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A man who inflicted cruel and prolonged torture sessions against a series of victims in Cranbourne and Dingley Village has been jailed for up to a decade.

Shayne Smith pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to intentionally causing serious injury, false imprisonment, extortion and drug trafficking and firearm offences.

In sentencing, Judge Scott Johns said Smith and several others in his “drug-related criminal milieu” visciously tortured victims to humiliate, extort or deter them from speaking to police. One of the victims was assaulted at an associate’s house in Cranbourne after being interviewed by police. He was repeatedly beaten, stripped naked and branded on the chest and buttocks with a heated-up coat hanger bent in the shape of a penis.

Smith joined in the assaults and forced the man to drink a potentially lethal amount of up to 20 mL of GHB and to cut up a beanbag cover to wear as clothing. He also burnt the victim’s legs with a‘Trade Flame’ device and pushed an electric drill into his legs, arms and body.

“Eventually (the victim) was allowed to leave. Seriously assaulted. Seriously injured. Humiliated and degraded,” Judge Johns said.

The man later lost consciousness at home and spent 10 days in an induced coma at The Alfred hospital with multiple fractures, cuts, bruises, lung inflamation and a puncture wound.

As part of a separate extortion attempt in Dingley Village, Smith texted an associate that “you’re about to see true fear in someone”.

Smith cable-tied a victim to a chair, blindfolded and gagged him before inflicting a “terrifying episode of torture” in which the victim thought he was going to die.

An associate Krishneil Chand said on the phone “When they make it difficult it is more fun” but sometimes he’d “like it to be easy”.

The victim taken to Monash Medical Centre with head injuries, a drill hole to his chest and a severely broken nose.

At Taylors Lakes, Smith struck another victim unconscious to the head with a MAPP gas bottle as part of an “cruel and extremely violent” group assault. Smith struck him to the head several times causing severe bleeding, stabbed him to the chest with broken glass and branded him with a red-hot coat hanger.

He also forced the man to drink a dangerous quantity of GHB, and filmed him mopping up his blood with his own clothing. Chand dragged the man around the room by a dog choker chain attached to the neck.

Judge Johns noted the “severe and enduring” impact and psychological harm to the victims. Without empathy, Smith enjoyed inflicting pain on others in a self-centred way, the judge said. It was difficult to reconcile Smith’s good work history and limited criminal record with the “extraordinary breadth” of offending, he found. His excessive substance abuse at the time provided the best explanation.

Smith’s disrupted, disadvantaged childhood as well as mental health issues such as complex PTSD and adult ADHD were also noted.

Judge Johns found subsequent signs of “genuine remorse” as well as “some optimism” for his rehabilitation. Smith was jailed for 10 years and eight months, including 670 days in pre-sentence detention. He will be eligible for parole after serving six years and nine months.

Meanwhile, Chand pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury, false imprisonment and possessing meth. Chand was already in custody for a violent extortion and kidnapping of a man from Sandown Park Motel. With a lengthy criminal history, he “clearly had an appetite” for that sort of violence, Judge Johns noted. He was jailed for four years, including a two-year-and-nine-month non-parole period.

Welcoming Refugee Week

As a Refugee Welcome Zone for more than two decades, City of Greater Dandenong invites the whole community to celebrate Refugee Week/

Refugee Week (18-24 June) is an opportunity to promote greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face, and the positive contributions refugees make to our society.

The theme for Refugee Week is Finding Freedom and Council encourages everyone to explore what it means to be free.

To live without the fear of war, to have human rights upheld, to live in equality and to live without the fear of persecution.

Greater Dandenong is recognised as the most culturally diverse community in Australia with residents from 157 different countries and 64 per cent of them were born overseas.

“We welcome and celebrate all, including the many people who arrived in Greater

Dandenong as refugees,” Council said.

There are several events planned to celebrate Refugee Week hosted by the council including a family-friendlycommunity celebration at Springvale City Hall and Springvale Community Hub on Friday 23 June, from 12pm-4pm.

The event aims to foster harmony and inclusion and promote a better understanding of refugees and people seeking asylum in Greater Dandenong.

The celebration will be supported by various local organisations, service agencies and community groups and will include live performances, free cultural experiences, children and youth activities, as well as food and market stalls.

Greater Dandenong Libraries has also organised multi-lingual story times and a rice paper roll workshop to celebrate Refugee Week.

Council ire over tower

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Council has slammed the State Government’s fast-tracked approval of a controversial six-storey apartment tower in central Noble Park.

City planning director Jody Bosman said the council’s opposition to the 51A Douglas Street project’s 76-space parking shortfall, removal of significant trees and its design were “completely ignored”.

The council has since “unequivocally” expressed “disappointment” in the process and decision by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny, Mr Bosman said. As part of her order, Ms Kilkenny has directed the council to issue the permit. The council was unable to make changes to the permit and without powers to advertise the plans to the community, Mr Bosman said.

Ahead of the decision, Greater Dandenong opposed several aspects – including the removal of two “significant” River Red Gums of “high retention value” and “long life expectancies”.

“Council strongly opposed this and sought for the development to be amended to retain these trees. This did not occur,” Mr Bosman said.

The 97-dwelling building with ground-floor retail required a statutory minimum of 125 onsite car parking spaces. However the provision of just 49 car spaces was approved – a parking reduction of 76. “While a small car parking reduction may be acceptable in this activity centre location, the huge reduction approved

is likely to have an adverse impact on function and availability of car parking in central Noble Park,” Mr Bosman said. The council also argued the design and built form didn’t accord with the Noble Park Activity Centre structure plan or the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme, he said.

The building will be on 5.9 hectares of VicTrack-owned land, which Ms Kilkenny also approved for a two-lot subdivision and a commercial 1 rezoning. In her published reasons, Ms Kilkenny noted public concerns about the loss of vegetation, parking reductions, excessive height and insufficient affordable housing. She stated that the proponent responded to overshadowing and affordable housing concerns. Ten per cent of dwellings will be set for affordable housing for key workers or for housing or disability accommodation providers. Ms Kilkenny also ordered “additional tree protection measures”.

In the Government’s explanatory report, the final parking shortfall was not specified but it was said to stimulate increased use of the nearby railway station. The“pedestrian-focused” building “emphasises and encourages public and active transport modes through reduced car parking provisions and increased bike parking and pedestrian access”.

The proponent Flametree Property Pty Ltd argued that car parking demand would be less than the statutory standard.

This is due to car ownership rates in Noble Park, the site being close to train services and bike lanes, and the dwellings being priced “affordably”, it stated.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Fruity fun ...

Students at Springvale Park Special Developmental School turned fruity on Tuesday to celebrate their first ever Healthy Eating Week.

The event from June 5-8 was designed to encourage children and parents to enjoy more fruit and veg in their day in a fun and positive way.

The fun activities included food art classes, a disco, colouring in competitions, fruit and veg hand out and a Sushi day to finish off the week.

The SRC students dressed up as fruit and vegetable superheroes and were met with cheers as they delivered colourful fruit and vegetable platters to each class in the school.

Kitchen Garden specialist Janine said “all of our teachers have enthusiastically supported Healthy Eating Week with relevant classroom activities that provided an educational but fun approach to healthy eating”.

“The whole school approach resulted in a hugely successful week”.

The promotion was supported by the Healthy Kids Advisor from the City of Greater

Dandenong, who provides hands-on support for healthy, delicious food and drink in places where children and families gather. These are namely, schools, sports clubs, outside school hours care (OSHC) and community/council operated facilities.

The initiative is an opportunity for schools, sports clubs, community houses, libraries and after school care services to make meaningful changes to their food and drink environment with the help of a dedicated Health Promoter.

The free service is funded by the Victorian government until June 2024.

Springvale Park Special Developmental School is an innovative and dynamic centre of learning for students with moderate to severe intellectual and multiple disabilities.

It has an early education program for preschool aged children, as well as students from five to 18 years of age.

Details: Belinda Nowakowski, Healthy Kids Advisor, City of Greater Dandenong on 0403 668 882 or belinda.nowakowski@kitchengardenfoundation.org.au

Fast-food, child-care mix

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A proposed child care centre and fast-food outlet on a gateway site in Dandenong North is being supported by Greater Dandenong Council.

At a 5 June council meeting, councillors voted in favour of backing the proposal at a future Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hearing.

According to a council report, the amended plans were suitable for the 5133-square-metre site at the corner of Stud and Heatherton Roads.

It had been long home to a service station and is surrounded by Dandenong Club, other servos and a fast-food restaurant.

The site’s eight mature native trees were originally to be removed. Under amended plans, five trees would be retained.

“The amended proposal is considered to be acceptable and will allow for the facilitation of built form outcome that is appropriate for this key gateway location,” a council report recommended.

On the south side, a single-storey 24/7 fast food outlet would seat up to 29 patrons with a drive thru. It would be promoted by a seven-metre high pole sign.

In the middle, the double-storey child care centre for up to 122 children would

open 6.30am-6.30pm on weekdays only.

It includes 873 square metres of outdoor play space and a compliant level of 26 car park spaces.

Under the amended plans, an unspecified stage 3 for the project was deleted.

The report noted that the former servo site had a “high potential” for land contamination.

The council would need to be made suitable for a child-care centre, despite the applicant’s environment consultant asserting that the risk to human health was low and acceptable.

Among the 13 formal objectors were nearby businesses concerned about increased traffic and commercial competition.

The council’s traffic department had no such concerns, and commercial competition was “not a valid planning consideration”.

The applicant Curtis Superinvest Pty Ltd lodged for a VCAT hearing after the council failed to make a decision within 60 days.

In March, Greater Dandenong stated it would initially refuse a planning permit if it was to issue a decision.

The amended plans were negotiated by the council and Curtis Superinvest at a VCAT compulsory conference.

Patrick, Amach, Christian and Quang with fruit platters as part of Healthy Eating Week at Springvale Park Special Developmental School. 338103 Picture: ROB CAREW

Changing hundreds of lives

By Emily Chapman Laing

With hundreds of children having experienced Joan Esmarie Graham’s compassionate care, it is no wonder she has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia during the King’s Birthday Honours.

A life member of the Dandenong Show Society, Joan was awarded the OAM for her service to children as a foster carer.

“It’s incredible,” Joan said.

“This is an amazing award for something that I’ve been doing for so long and truly love doing.”

Joan said she has given care to over 500 children between when she began as a carer in her early twenties, to now, celebrating her 81st birthday.

“It was about 300, 10-20 years ago,” she said.

Joan and her late husband Brian began fostering through the Herald Blair Aboriginal Society (HBAS).

After over a decade of care, the duo moved to OzChild when the HBAS closed down.

“I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of the Order of Australia than Joan Graham,” said OzChild Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Griffiths.

“I couldn’t be prouder to see her recognised in this way, and the children, young people and families whose lives have been touched by Joan’s kindness will no doubt feel the same way.”

Dr Griffiths said Joan has welcomed hundreds, if not thousands of children and young people into her home, some for one night, others for weeks, months or a few years.

“Committed to keeping siblings together Joan has cared for countless sibling groups during her time as a carer with OzChild and has always worked hard to reunify children with their families whenever possible, because family is everything to Joan.

“Joan and her late husband Brian welcomed every child into their home with open arms and no judgement.”

Over forty years later, Joan’s home has seen countless children and sometimes parents who needed a safe haven.

Some stayed for a short time, while others, such as Jessica, Ryan and Shane, came to live with Joan permanently.

Jessica and Ryan were four and five years old when they came into Joan’s care and are still part of her family now in their thirties.

Shane was seven years old when he arrived, and now at 45 he wouldn’t change a thing.

“My dad was neglecting me and my mum wasn’t in the picture, I was passed around family members and I ended up in foster care at Joan and Brian’s in Hampton Park,” Shane said.

“When I was a teenager, I wasn’t the easiest, I had mental health problems and anger rising to the surface from my childhood.

“To me she’s my mum, she was really strict but fair growing up which was what I needed.”

The relationship continued after Shane hit adulthood and was no longer part of the system.

“When I wasn’t in the foster system they still

looked after me as one of their own,” he said.

“Watching them give selflessly to other people was ingrained into me which is why I ended up a Forensic Mental Health Nurse.

“Mum would always say to me you“You can do whatever you put your mind to” and that encouragement has gotten me to where I am today.

Joan was drawn to fostering from a young age.

As part of the Methodist youth group, Joan would frequent a Melbourne orphanage to spend time with the children.

She also came from a family with a heavy community focus.

“Growing up Mum and Dad used to take the children from that orphanage and give them a holiday during the year,” Joan said.

As she welcomed her own four children into the world, they grew up alongside the foster children under Joan’s care.

“I’m 58 now and I don’t remember much of a time without kids,” Joan’s daughter Leanne said.

“I remember one time my sister Michelle and I went to bed, and the following morning I put my feet out of bed to get up, and there was a mattress with three little girls on it.

“But that was common, and we made way for them.”

Leanne proudly explained how her mum

was able to change history by offering care not just to a child, but to their parents as well.

“There was a baby that was likely to be put up for adoption, but mum helped the very young parents learn how to care for the baby,” Leanne said.

The young mother made the decision to keep her baby after spending the weekend with Joan.

Joan had a penchant for taking on more difficult cases.

“I really enjoy a challenge,” she said.

“I’m prepared to put the work in that some of these kids need.

“It’s so sad, some of these children have just been to hell and back.”

Despite any past troubles, Joan always cared for her foster children for who they were after they walked into her home.

Joan said she always felt “really chuffed” seeing how far some of the children came after time under her care.

Living on land, with access for the children to animals, books and entertainment were key elements in Joan’s triumph as a foster mum.

“I always had a bookshelf full of books and a playground outside,” Joan said.

“And animals are so giving and so relaxing for little kids who have had trauma.”

Joan and Brian faced their fair share of challenges as foster carers, sometimes feeling the

all-too-familiar hip pocket pinch.

“It was very tough at times,” Joan said.

“You’d be amazed what you could do with a pound of minced beef and some veggies.

“But the kids never went without.”

Joan said it was common for her foster children to have come from environments where a full lunchbox for school was a luxury.

“One boy told his mate at school that I must really like him, because I sent food to school with him,” Joan said.

“Sometimes the kids really can’t express themselves, but the things you do for them makes them feel wowed.

“Every good ending is a real sense of achievement,” Joan said.

Joan and Leanne explained the “need is so great” for foster carers, now more than ever.

“As long as you’ve got patience and time, the rewards are amazing,” Joan said.

Joan has been a Board Member for the Foster Care Association of Victoria as well as a member of Foster Care Focus Group.

Joan is a 46-year-long member of the Country Women’s Association (CWA), a Lion’s Club and Hampton Park Community House member and a life member at the Dandenong Agricultural Society.

She is a current CWA Group President and Former Branch President, but will step down from her present position in the coming weeks.

Get ready for high-speed fun to beat winter blues

Looking for an exhilarating family activity to beat the winter blues? Look no further than Phillip Island Go Karts. Nestled on the stunning shores of Phillip Island, this adrenalinepumping attraction is the perfect destination for an action-packed day out with your loved ones.

One of the greatest advantages of Phillip Island Go Karts is that it’s open seven days a week, ensuring you can plan your visit around your family’s schedule. Whether it’s a weekend adventure or a midweek treat, you can rev up your engines and hit the track any day of the week. Say goodbye to boredom and hello to heart-pounding excitement.

The best part? This thrilling experience is not hindered by Mother Nature. Come rain or shine, Phillip Island Go Karts is open and ready for action in all weather conditions. Don’t let a little drizzle dampen your spirits. Grab your raincoats and prepare to race in

Get ready for high-speed fun this winter at Phillip Island Go Karts.

the rain, adding an extra element of thrill to your karting experience. It’s an opportunity to make unforgettable memories together as a family, regardless of the weather forecast.

Safety is a top priority at Phillip Island Go Karts, so you can rest assured that your loved ones are in good hands. The meticulously maintained track and state-of-the-art karts

are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for drivers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a firsttime racer, the friendly and professional staff will guide you every step of the way.

Phillip Island Go Karts offers much more than just an adrenaline rush. It promotes friendly competition, encourages teamwork, and strengthens family bonds. This is an experience that will create lasting memories and stories to share for years to come.

So, this winter school holidays, grab your family and head to Phillip Island Go Karts. With its availability all week long and its readiness to operate in any weather, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable adventure that will leave you buzzing with excitement. Start your engines and get ready to race your way into an extraordinary family experience.

Experience the thrill at Phillip Island Go Karts!

Joan Graham, left, with daughter Leanne, has been awarded an OAM. 340881

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Centre’s 30 years of help

By Sahar Foladi

The Southern Migrant Refugee Centre (SMRC) celebrated its 30th anniversary at State Parliament on Friday 16 June just in time for Refugee Week.

City of Greater Dandenong deputy mayor, Lana Formoso, attended as a Council representative.

“As deputy mayor, community member and a child of migrant parents, who sees first-hand the value this organisation has in our community, I wish these services were available when my parents came to Australia.

“It would have improved many of their outcomes and opportunities living and assimilating in Australia,” she said.

The event included Afghan instrumental performance, traditional Chinese song performance and a panel comprising of SMRC staff, volunteer and members from similar organisations.

Cr Formoso said, “I just read recently that we have had a record number of almost 500,000 migrants arrive in Melbourne over the past year post COVID-19 which means services that SMRC provide will be needed more than ever.

“We certainly need to celebrate what organisations like SMRC are having at the grass roots level.”

Ms Formoso presented awards to some of SMRC’s long serving staff members, the longest, Perla Mazie, has served 27 years.

Ms Mazie began volunteering at first with SMRC which became a “second home” to her and now she works as Coordinator.

“It’s very satisfying to know that at the end of the day you made a difference to a client’s day.

“Organisations like this shouldn’t be taken for granted,” Ms Mazie said.

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards also at-

tended the event along with Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson, Labor member for Holt, Cassandra Fernando and South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis.

“It was wonderful to be here and acknowledge the three decades it’s very special to be part of,” Mr Tarlamis said.

SMRC has built itself a reputation that’s deeply rooted into the City of Greater Dandenong communities, City of Casey and other parts in the south east.

Mr Tarlamis said organisations like SMRC bridge the gap on information and resources between the government and diverse communities.

“SMRC is one of those special organisations that can reach and access into the community.

“We’re finding a lot of people don’t know about power saving bonus,” he said.

“When we are talking about cost of living and support measures a lot of people don’t know about it, but they can gain that information and more support from SMRC.”

SMRC chairperson Dr Ponniah Anandajayasekeram said the event provided an opportunity to mark an important milestone, to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of SMRC, its supporters and partners over the three decades.

“We’re really proud to be a part of such a strong and vibrant community and to be an organisation that has continued to adapt and change with the circumstances and needs of our community over the past 30 years.”

SMRC deputy chairperson and Justice and Freedom for Refugees chair for 30 years, Wicki Wickiramasingham urges community members from diverse backgrounds to become SMRC members for a better cause.

“When I migrated to Australia, I didn’t have any resources.We didn’t know what were available to us, so SMRC is a great point of contact for new arrivals through their settlement services.”

As communities celebrates Refugee Week from Sunday 18 June to Saturday 24 June, Ms Richards said it’s important to talk about the way communities contribute.

“We are so fortunate to have people who’ve made ultimate sacrifices to be part of our Victorian community.”

Worlds of food and music combine at Dandy Market

Dandenong Market was abuzz with celebrity chefs, live music and an appetising spread of hawker foods atWorld Fare on 1718 June.

Crowds flocked to the weekend festival, which featured cooking demos such as Dezi Madafferi cooking a lamb soulaki and Dani Venn creating Mexican tortillas.

Performers included Sri Lankan duo Shivantha, Indonesian dance group Sanggar Lestari, Waidaiko Rindo on Japanese Taiko drums, Lebanese drumming with Micky G as well as K-Pop dance group Archery Star.

“Jimmy J” from “The Dreaming Space” performs a “Commedia Dell’arte”. 341834

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Dandenong Market culinary ambassador Tim Holland and celebrity chef Dezi Madafferi. 341834

“Shivantha Music” performers Shivantha (guitar) and Vahe (drums). 341834

K-Pop dance group “Archery Star” performers Yaoyao, Macaria, Irene, Rose and Tianqi. 341834

Celebrity chef Dani Venn cooks up Mexican tortillas. 341834

Sanggar Lestari dancer Vany at the Dandenong Market’s World Fare. 341834

Among the attendees were Lana Formoso, Lee Tarlamis and SMRC’s longest serving staff members.

Picture: DENNIS PERRY

City of Greater Dandenong deputy mayor Lana Formoso presenting award to longest serving SMRC member, Perla Mazie.

Courage, talent pay off

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

As a teen, Dandenong-based basketballerYout Gai took a giant leap to grab a full scholarship at South Plains College in Texas, USA.

Four years later, Gai – also known as YG –has come out the other side with a comms and media degree at Abilene Christian University.

Standing tall at 211 centimetres, he’s on the brink of the next step with dreams of the NBA. And later he hopes to get into business and to help people.

Now begins the “real world”, as he puts it.

“The job is not done.”

Gai admits there’s been tough times, missing his family and close friends back at home. Now he hopes to forge a better life for his family by going pro.

“I’ve just been trying to keep my mind focused, accepting that I’m not going to go home.

“Now there’s bigger things to come. I want to keep getting better and going places.

“I’ve made my family proud and I want to make them prouder.”

Gai acknowledges his own parents’ quest for a better life when they fled with him, his siblings and first cousins from war in South Sudan.

They sheltered in a refugee camp in Kenya and then migrated to Australia when he was 5.

“We couldn’t fly out of our own country because the airports were not safe.We had to first get to another country nearby.

“My grandparents stayed back in South Sudan because they said it was better to take the kids to live a life.

“My first cousins’ parents also sacrificed for them to make space for their kids.”

They settled in Ringwood, among the first intake of South Sudanese refugees. They felt like ‘the Lost Boys’ in this strange new land.

After playing some footy and soccer, Gai followed his brother into basketball. A trip to Frankston to watch a South Sudanese tournament lit the fire within.

“That’s when I really connected – seeing other people like me and the great things they were doing.

“It was all age groups, professionals, people coming from overseas. I thought that could be me as well.

“I saw the friendships, people having a great time - you meet your best friends though basketball – at that point, I fell in love with it.”

Gai rose through the underage ranks at Heathmont Hornets, and the youth and mens teams at Ringwood Hawks.

Mentors like mens head coach Ken Harrington told the high-scoring forward and guard that he could be a player.

The versatile player was more agile and athletic than most at his height.

They told him to “keep dreaming big and remember NBA is the goal if you want it,” Gai recalls.

At 18, he was recruited by the high-ranked South Plains College in Texas off the back of a sensational highlights video featuring his dunks and skills that “most seven-footers don’t really do”.

With study paid for and an appetite for travel, Gai was excited to get started.

“People always say the basketball is better

over here. I want to be the best I can be so why not play with the best?”

He was part of an all-conquering South Plains team crowned Fiesta Bowl Junior College Shootout Champions in 2019, and the No.1 ranked ‘jun co’ team in the US in 2020.

At Ablilene Christian University, Gai went up to division 1 college level. After a decent first year, his stats were down and he didn’t play as often as he’d have liked in his Senior season.

“I don’t really want to look at that negatively – things don’t always fall your way but God will help me find a way and has kept me strong,” he says.

In the meantime, his faith got more profound.

“I’m competing at the highest level, made great friends and I’ve got closer to God. It’s been one of the greatest decisions I’ve made (to come to Abilene).

“My game is more for the professional side than for college. There’s more space and I can show more of my game - it’s not as congested and quick as college basketball.

“I know I’m capable of playing anywhere and I believe in myself and that I’m going to get opportunities to play somewhere.”

James Kerr, his coach and mentor at Dandenong-based Red Roo Sport, has been urging Gai and other young talent to aim high and head overseas.

He says Gai is a great role-model for not only his basketball but applying himself to his education.

“There are no easy roads especially on the road to success”.

Gai regards Kerr as like a “guardian”, who’s always given him time, advice and held him to account.

“Words can’t describe what he’s done for us. He’s kept us away from the negative things out there, and on the right path. He’s made sure I’m focused doing school and basketball.

“He’s helped me be the best person and the best basketballer I could be.

“For all of that I’m grateful. He’s helped me get to where I am today.”

Oyiti Amum was one of the friends who inspired Gai to join Red Roo.

Amum, a supremely talented young leader, also gained a US college scholarship, but his journey was derailed during Covid lockdowns.

In 2021, he returned to Australia, his mental health suffered and he took his own life.

“He was like my brother. I loved him, man.

“I couldn’t believe it. In 2021 I’m in juco (junior college) and in the middle of the night I hear a phone call and heard that he was gone.”

Stranded in the US, Gai said it was hard to take that he couldn’t be there for his friend and be there at his funeral.

The depths of Covid were “scary times”. Gai

worried for the health of his family at home, not knowing how “big” the virus was going to be.

At the same time, he made the most of his time on campus, learnt new skills like making a business web page and had a stellar basketball season.

“I decided the best thing I could do was to keep playing and grinding it out. That’s the least I could do.

“My parents would keep saying we’re fine. We’ve got family here, they can look after us.

“I’ve always seen myself as mentally strong with whatever is thrown at me.”

Gai’s tip for up-and-comers is to keep being willing to learn. He reels off a list of affirmations that give a clue to his mental resolve.

“Coaches love it when you’re asking questions because it shows you want to keep learning.

“Keep feeding off people who have more experience than you.

“If someone is doing something a bit better than you, put yourself out of your comfort zone and ask – just keep on improving.

“Stay focused. Things will come together if you keep your head down.

“Keep striving for the prize. Things don’t come easy otherwise everyone will do it.”

And the final one – “don’t let other people’s opinions decide your fate.”

Renewed haven for book lovers, young and old

Young and old Endeavour Hills readers now have an updated sanctuary, with the Endeavour Hills Library renewal project recently completed.

The $114,000 project includes a fully accessible service desk and self-check station, a dedicated meeting room for study and group use with furniture donated by Federation University and re-purposed floor space after the removal of an old, indoor garden to create extra room for activities and programs.

Casey Council community life director Callum Pattie joined Connected Libraries chief executive Beth Luppino and Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson on Wednesday 7 June to celebrate the project’s completion.

“We wanted to create a more welcoming, inclusive and creative space for all and we’re hearing our community are loving the improvements so far,” he said.

“Our youngest community members are loving listening to stories and songs from our wonderful librarians in the newly defined children’s area and the new health and wellbeing corner and gaming zone are being well used.”

“Our whole community can easily chat with library staff at the new service counter, helping them to access the information they want.”

The project is the result of a $54,000 grant from the State Government through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, with

CaseyCouncilfundingtheremaining$60,000.

Ms Luppino said the investment will help create stronger and more resilient communities.

“Victorians of all ages rely on their public library for free and universal access to resources that improve their literacy, wellbeing and connectedness,” she said.

Transitioning out of the Casey Cardinia Library Corportation on June 1, the Connected Libraries rebrand follows on from Cardinia libraries partnering with Myli, My Community Library, in December 2022.

For more information about the services on offer at the Endeavour Hills Library, visit www.connectedlibraries.org.au.

Yuot Gai after graduating at Abilene Christian University.

Yuot Gai cheers on teammates with the Abilene Christian University Wildcats.

Yuot Gai celebrates success with the Dandenong-based club Red Roo Sports.

Yuot Gai on court for the Abilene Christian University Wildcats.

Casey Council acting chief executive James Collins, Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson and Connected Libraries chief executive Beth Luppino in the new children’s area at Endeavour Hills Library.

Picture: SUPPLIED

100 years ago

21 June 1923

Cattle in Market yards

Regarding the complaints recently made by the local police in regard to stock left in the market yards overnight, without food, as it is the intention of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to prosecute the owners of cattle so left, the Council desires me to point out, for the information of owners, that the responsibility for seeing that the cattle are fed and watered rest entirely with the owners – Yours

K G McAlpin,

50 years ago

14 June 1973

Dr Oldham honoured

Shire Secretary

“If my father could have been here, this is something that he would have truly appreciated. Of all the areas in medicine with which he was concerned, this was the one he favoured by far.” These comments were made by Mr Max Oldham, as he unveiled a memorial plaque to his father’s memory at the entrance to the new obstetric suite which the committee of the Dandenong and District Hospital has named in his honour. Dr Old-

INTERFAITH

ham served the hospital and the community well for the greater part of his life. Dr Ian Hart, Dr Oldham’s oldest colleague, said that to him he was “Alf Oldham, my best friend.” When the hospital first started Dr Oldham had watched it built brick by brick. “Many women in this district have good reason to be grateful for the care and attention and the skill shown by Dr Oldham over many, many years.”

20 years ago

1 June 2003

Plea on Town Hall work

The long running saga of the Dandenong Town Hall redevelopment continues with residents petitioning to stop the project. A petition signed by 328 was tabled by Cr David Kelly at a Greater Dandenong Council meeting. It called on the council to stop redevelopment plans and sought the retention,

restoration and refurbishment of the existing town hall. Dandenong Residents and Rate Payers Association (DRRA) said: “Many people in Dandenong and the surrounding region are strongly attached to the existing town hall, Dandenong’s major public heritage focal point. It holds for them and us, immense social cultural and traditional significance –It both tangibly and spiritually connects us with our past and should be passed on to our descendants to give them a sense of where they have come from and their place in time.”

5 years ago

18 June 2018

Trolley small change to make big change

Greater Dandenong has won a battle in its war on shopping trolleys. At their Tuesday 12 June meeting, councillors agreed to proceed with a plan to make coin operations mandatory on carts in the municipality. In February the Journal reported that Cr Sean O’Reilly’s frustration with dumped shopping trolleys had hit breaking point and he’d suggested a new local law could combat the “shopping trolley wasteland”. Cr Tim Dark took the next step and moved the local law change. Cr O’Reilly welcomed the motion.

Speaking of solutions

By Anne Maslin,

How important is it to be able to talk to each other?

We are social people, we enjoy and thrive on each other’s company - with the family, in the workplace, in our Faith setting, in our everyday lives.

The fact that we are not all the same, and we do not all think the same way means that sometimes challenges arise.

We can build our relationships on trust and respect. But how do we achieve that?

By not just talking to each other but consulting each other.

This means acknowledging that it is OK to have a different point of view, without arguing.

If we allow each other to say what they think we can consult on a challenge, approach the

MESSAGE OF HOPE

situation from different perspectives and discover new possibilities.

We can analyse the issue, reach a decision, solve the problem, and take action together.

Thus, consultation can be a powerful instrument for building unity, in the family and in society.

The family sitting down together and listening to each other seriously, gives children confidence and teaches them respect.

They experience trust and are able to express their ideas.

Mutual trust and the search for truth builds up a strong family unit and is an expression of

If we can take this model of consultation out into the society we live in, we can build a stronger community.

We can consult on issues that we face together, find solutions, and effect a collective purpose.We can build a better society that values unity, truth, and justice.

Through consultation we can address issues that concern us in the family, in our locality, nationally and even globally.

Consultation not only helps our family grow stronger but can be the foundation of a better society that values justice and truth.

The hope for the future.

Enquiries about the City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network: executive@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.

Eminence Care day program opening in Dandy South

By Sahar Foladi

Eminence Care proudly launched their newest Day Program Activities Centre in Dandenong South. The program is designed to support individuals with ohysical and mental disabilities to participate fully in the program with ranges of activities available to them.

The activity centre provides yoga for meditation, music therapy, zumba, hula dance, cooking and baking, candle making, jewellery making, scrapbook, painting, sandpit, bingo, arts and crafts, board games, electronic games, high-tea and social events.“We understand that being able to engage with others, is an important aspect of overall health and well-being,” Sita Dallas, program supervisor said.

“That’s why we take a person-centred approach to all our Day Program activities, working closely with each participant, to identify their goals and preferences.”

The activities are targeted to stimulate and engage each individuals. “We are also excited, to introduce our Theatre Room, with comfy recliners, for participants to relax, while enjoying the movies.,” Ms Dallas said.

In addition to the Day Program Activities, Eminence Care also offer a range of personal care and domestic assistance, which also includes Supported Independent Living (SIL).

Eminence Care can be reached on (03) 83664080 or info@eminencecare.net.au.

L-R Sita (supervisor), Avi (Director), Ashwani (senior service coordinator), Ahmed (support worker), Foster and Parul (Director) 337333 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Eminence Care also provides Zumba and Hula dance. 337333

Greater Dandenong councillor Sean O’Reilly as the council declared war on dumped trolleys in 2018. 177655

Picture: GARY SISSONS

secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Greater Dandenong

Anne Maslin, secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Greater Dandenong

ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Caring, clear and capable

High-quality, personalised and patient-focused urological care. Our main consulting rooms are located at the Specialist Centre, adjacent to St. John of God Hospital Berwick.

The surgeons at Melbourne Urology Centre are experts in using the latest technology including robotics and laser, to ensure you have the safest and least invasive treatment approach, with the best possible outcomes.

Our surgeons consult and operate at a number of private hospitals throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. We strive to treat patients as close to home as possible.

We pride ourselves on our approachable and compassionate nature. We understand the need to take the time to explain complex medical conditions in simple terms to ensure that you and your family are properly informed throughout the duration of your patient journey.

· Melbourne Urology Centre offers:

· BPH, prostate enlargement treatment

· Da Vinci robotic surgery

· Kidney stone treatment

· Cancer surgery

· Men’s health procedures.

Our team is comprised of Dr Shekib Shahbaz and Dr Tony de Sousa.

Dr Shekib Shahbaz is an Australian-trained urologist who grew up in Melbourne’s SouthEast. Dr Shahbaz is actively involved in teaching, research and ongoing professional development. His compassionate approach and cultural awareness sees him well-liked by patients of all ages and backgrounds. He specialises in kidney stone disease, voiding difficulties, advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

FLU AND COVID VACCINES AVAILABLE. PLEASE CALL OR BOOK ONLINE FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Dr

WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE

Orthodontic Treatment for children and adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile, Invisalign, lingual and clear appliances. We offer flexible, interest free payment plans to make orthodontics accessible to everyone.

Strict hygiene and physical distancing policies in place

Dr Tony de Sousa is an Australian-trained urologist who is well-liked by his patients for his clear communication, caring ap-

proach and attention to detail. His special interests include robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery, kidney stone treatment,

treatment of prostate enlargement, PSA evaluation and prostate cancer, bladder cancer management.

Dr Tony de Sousa and Dr Shekib Shahbaz.

Giving it their best shot

By Emily Chapman Laing

A group of curious women showed their marksman skills at Cranbourne Dandenong Pistol Club’s ‘Ladies Day’.

“It was an amazing experience, I’ll definitely be back,” participant Donna Marie said.

“My daughter and I had a great day. Our family are looking forward to joining up,” Suzette Luketic said.

“It was a great idea and the lunch provided was a great selection too.

“Lots of hard work and effort to make sure we had a great time.”

After a quick safety brief, the group was led into Range 1 for their first shots.

Under the purview of the Range Officers, the ladies learned how to load and fire an ISSF 22 semi automatic handgun.

The targets showed the talent of these women, who left their sheets of paper looking like swiss cheese.

In Range 3 the ladies were delighted with demonstrations from the single action cowboy shooters and the international practical shooters.

Dressed in their cowboy hats and holsters, the single action shooters raced against the clock to shoot their handguns, rifle and shotgun.

A black powder shooting demo was also given, leaving clouds of sweet-smelling gunpowder floating in the air.

The IPSC shooters were next, with champion Antonio giving a heated demonstration as he shot multiple targets in this quick, energetic style of shooting.

The ladies got to try out the demos for themselves.

Starting with cowboy shooting, the group was given the chance to grow their single action revolver capabilities.

The ladies got to try out a rifle, followed by an ISPC 9mm semi automatic.

Earplugs were the saviours of the day, as hundreds of shots were fired over the session.

The club hosted a free lunch for the participants, with sweets, wraps and coffee.

Cranbourne Dandenong Pistol Club President (CDPC) Scott Donald-Hoath said Ladies Day helps to dismantle the stereotypical image of shooters as “hunters”.

“It is an actual Olympic sport,” he said.

SEMMA marks 20th year

The idea for a ‘voice’ for South East manufacturers sprung from a threat to the region’s rolling stock industry in 2003.

Twenty years later, 200 guests and members celebrated South Eastern Melbourne Manufacturs Alliance’s anniversary with a gala dinner at Park Royal hotel in Clayton on 8 June.

“A lot can happen in 20 years,” SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker.

“If we look at the Victorian manufacturing landscape back in 2003, there was every chance it was thought of as dirty, dumb, and dangerous.”

At the time major Australian manufacturers were moving offshore, tech schools were closed and students moving to universities, retail or hospitality.

Now, after a global pandemic and breaks in international supply chains, the Federal Government was back behind manufacturing. Manufacturing was “smart, secure and sustainable” part of tech growth areas like AI, robotics, defence, space, renewable energy and automation.

“Manufacturing kept the country going, kept it fed, kept the supply chain serviced and kept people in jobs performing essential services,” Ms Walker said.

“Our‘Sovereign Capabilities’ were suddenly a feature of Minister’s statements and departmental directives.”

To underline the point, guest speaker was Labor state MP Ben Carroll – who among his swag of portfolios is Manufacturing Sovereignty.

Also on the night, 13 SEMMA founding members were recognised: Atco Pickering Metal Industries, Australian Rollforming, Bainbridge Engineering, Hitachi Global Air Power Australia, Chisholm Institute, Corex Australia, Excel Pacific Diecasting, GBC Scientific Equip-

ment, Macpherson Kelley, Southport Engineering, Steele & Lincoln Foundry, Volgren Australia and Wickhham Tooling.

SEMMA president Peter Angelico said the alliance was established by “visionaries” to retain “key rolling stock capabilities in the region”.

“The founding members … understood the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges faced by the industry.

“Their recognition of the importance of manufacturing to the Australian economy has paved the way for SEMMA’s crucial role in supporting the sector’s growth and development.”

According to SEMMA secretary Sandra George, the idea for SEMMA was raised at a South East Business Networks annual dinner in 2002.

Greater Dandenong Council’s then-chief executive Warwick Heine took on board the concerns about losing the region’s rolling stock injury and sought interest in creating a ‘voice of local SME manufacturers’.

Today, SEMMA represents more than 200 members and 16,000 employees in Melbourne’s South East.

“And the ladies are usually better shooters than the blokes.”

The club is actively working to distance itself from violence with firearms.

Military and camo clothing is banned within CDPC walls.

Instead, the members wear sportswear.

“Any breach of the rules is a disqualifier,”

Mr Donald-Hoath said.

Mr Donald-Hoath says shooting truly is a family sport.

A pistol club is one of the few sporting precincts where children can join in with parents and grandparents.

Juniors can apply for a firearm license at age 12.

While safety is a large concern around firearms, Mr Donald-Hoath says the club has been operating since 1972 and has never had a safety incident.

CDPC emphasises their inclusive and welcoming environment, and encourages anyone interested in shooting, irrespective of gender, religion, or background to join.

“It’s like a family, everyone’s here for each other.”

Mr Donald-Hoath is now looking to open a new precinct in Carrum Downs.

The new club will have 32 shooting ranges and will host worldwide shooters.

With federal, state and local government support, the $13 million club will support even more new members.

CDPC attended a national competition in Adelaide earlier this month.

The club’s shooters regularly go interstate and international to showcase their skills.

Teen driver ‘dodges bullet’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Noble Park teenage dad has “dodged a bullet” after driving his car at a police officer and narrowly missing them by inches.

Bailey Hopkins, 19, pleaded guilty atVictorian County Court to a string of charges including intentionally exposing an emergency worker to risk by driving and threatening to assault police.

An “aggressive” Hopkins became “incensed” when police arrived at his home to arrest his uncle on the morning of 30 November, Judge Richard Maidment said in sentencing on 13 June.

Hopkins, in the belief that police needed a warrant, shut the front door on the officers, told them to “f*** off” and that he’d break an officer’s leg.

During the uncle’s arrest, Hopkins ran outside in his undies, wielded a hammer in a “fighting stance” and threatened to “smash” police officers and their vehicles.

He drove his unregistered Commodore “directly” at a police officer who jumped on a police car roof to avoid being struck.

Hopkins had turned the wheel towards the officer, his car missing the officer by “about six inches”, Judge Maidment noted.

At the least, Hopkins intended to put the officer in fear of being mowed down, the judge stated.

Weeks later in Doveton, he stopped his car and then rapidly drove away during an attempted police intercept.

He was soon afterwards arrested on foot, with a hunting knife seized from his car’s glovebox.

During questioning, Hopkins conceded

his offences but remained “defiant” and “unrepentant”, the judge noted.

Since then, he’d been in adult remand custody for the first time.

Judge Maidment noted Hopkins had previously faced serious charges such as aggravated burglary, assaulting a PSO and dangerous driving but had never been convicted.

His “disadvantaged” upbringing included abuse, trauma, negligence and domestic violence.

Drug and alcohol abuse began in his early teens.

Hopkins was jailed for 180 days – already served in remand custody – and put on an 18-month community corrections order.

The supervised CCO includes 250 hours of unpaid work and drug and alcohol treatment.

He had “dodged a bullet” in avoiding extra jail time for his “outrageous” conduct, Judge Maidment said.

Normally, the exposing of an emergency worker to risk attracted “significant” jail time to “send a message” but the judge was persuaded the teen had “reasonable” rehabilitation prospects.

“You dodged a bullet on this occasion. I hope this period on remand has been a salutary lesson to you.

“It’s going to be very much up to you whether you take up the opportunity that you’ve been offered.”

Hopkins was also ordered to pay $633 to Victoria Police for deliberately smashing a police vehicle’s tail light during the Noble Park arrest.

Manufacturing Sovereignty Minister Ben Carroll, SEMMA founding member Jill Walsh and SEMMA president Peter Angelico

Range Officer instructing a participant. Participant shoots a 9mm semi automatic. Proud of their skills. Single action cowboy shooting.

The single action cowboy shooting team.

Participants had the chance to shoot a Smith & Wesson.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Trio scores scholarships

Three students from campuses of Keysborough Secondary College have won Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarships to help them continue their school studies.

Breanna Tucker of Acacia Campus and Jasmine Kunkongkapun and Linh Do of Banksia Campus are among 16 promising female students inVictorian public schools to be selected for Harding Miller scholarships.

Each recipient will receive more than $20,000 worth of assistance over four years.

Breanna, Linh and Jasmine said the scholarship would help them overcome potential obstacles to their future academic pursuits.

“This scholarship is more than an opportunity.

“It means more than just academics, it is peace of mind and it is most importantly a pathway to allow me to be me – and strive for the things I want in life,” said Ms Kunkongkapun.

More than 700 Year 9 students applied for the scholarships this year, which are for young women who are passionate about their studies, but who may lack opportunities to achieve their academic potential and dreams.

Through the scholarships, girls are supported in a variety of practical ways including with equipment, computers, internet connections, textbooks, tutoring and coaching, which they may otherwise not have access to.

Ms Tucker has a passion of medicine.

“I am very passionate about exploring new medicine and hope to help better assist people with conditions that are uncommon and difficult to diagnosis and treat.The scholarship has been a reward for all the effort, it’s great to feel appreciated.”

Ms Do said she finds solace in achieving academic validation.

“I put twice the amount of effort into achieving better grades than everyone else as it was the only thing that somewhat made me

feel proud of myself.

“I look forward to a future career in STEM, Law, or Medicine.

“I am currently unsure of any specific jobs I’d like in the future but I believe I find a true passion in helping people or improving their lives through technology and science.”

Harding Miller Foundation executive director, Cara Varian said scholarship recipients have high academic potential.

“They are talented and dedicated, but they simply do not currently have access to the resources that they need to make the most of

their education opportunities,” she said.

“Girls are more likely to complete high school and go on to pursue further education when they are supported with equipment, money for resources, tutoring and coaching, and that’s the type of support we are providing to Breanna, Linh and Jasmine.

“We want to support these high-potential young women to stay in school and to have the option going to university.”

Ms Varian said the Harding Miller Education Foundation focused on supporting the girls’ basic needs to complete their

high school education.

“We get satellites installed in homes to make sure that the kids can get access to the internet. We supply noise-cancelling headphones if they don’t have a dedicated study space.

“We send out supermarket gift cards if families are having trouble with the groceries,” Ms Varian said.

“These are tangible, practical things which we can do to give young women a hand to complete their schooling and fulfil their potential.”

The Harding Miller scholarship recipients from Keysborough Secondary College: Breanna Tucker, Jasmine Kunkongapur and Linh Do.

From strength to strength

John has spent most of his life in the gym. He resides in Officer now, but still goes to his old stomping ground in Dandenong to train.

From Monday to Friday, every morning at 7am to 9am, John is training at Snap Fitness at Dandenong Plaza.

“It takes me half an hour to get here and half an hour to get home, so it costs me about $60 in petrol a week, but I love it,” he said.

“My partner always says ‘how can you get up at 6.30am every day?’ - I don’t use an alarm or anything, it’s just because I’ve been doing it for so many years.

“I can remember in ten years missing maybe three workouts.”

Working in building for a living, 20 years of which he spent working for the Dandenong Hospital, John has spent his off time dedicated to athletic pursuits, including bodybuilding, Ironman and lawn bowls.

The gym has connected all these endeavours and John’s love for it hasn’t waned at all.

Starting at age 20, John has trained at the many iterations of gyms over the years in Dandenong, from the first Frank Burwash Gym over 50 years ago to the popular modern chains like Snap Fitness.

“When I was 20 I started to go to the gym cause I didn’t smoke, I didn’t drink, nothing of that,” John explained.

“I used to go to the hotel here with my brothers and when they finished drinking I would run all the way home.”

With his passion for the gym, John at a very young age found himself helping train people from all over the community, starting with local footy.

“When I was young I ended up doing the Hallam Junior Football Club, I trained them down there and I tried to get the under 16s on the weights, some of the parents didn’t like it,” John said.

“But I said to them, once they’re 16 and go to 20, you get dumped on the ground, you gotta get back up again, you can’t just have skin and bone, so they agreed with me.”

John would become a life member of the Hallam Football Club and would take satisfaction from helping others in fitness.

WHAT’S ON

Support Fair

Looking for work is a job in itself and sometimes there are other things to sort out first. Greater Dandenong Council is running a Support Fair for women, which brings together community and service organisations into the one place. Find the right support in your language, or information on living and working in Australia. Speak to an expert on financial information or chat with someone about health and wellbeing, housing, job readiness, or job training, pathways and education.

· Tuesday, 20 June, 10am-12pm or 12pm-2pm at Dandenong Civic Centre Meeting Rooms, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event, registrations essential. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/future-focus-support-fairs

Red Cross party

Hallam Friends of Red Cross is holding a birthday party in celebration of 44 years of helping the community. Guest speaker: Jennifer Seabrook from Victoria Red Cross. Light refreshments provided. All welcome.

· Tuesday 20 June, 1pm at Hallam Community Learning Centre, 57 Kays Avenue, Hallam; $5 entry, raffles $1 per ticket.

Green thumbs

The Springvale Garden Club will hold its June meeting with guest speaker Beth Williams on “All things about Roses”.

· Wednesday 21 June, from 7pm at the Senior Citizens Hall, The Crescent, Springvale; $3 entry fee covers a cuppa and a chance to win a door prize. Details: Cheryl Johnson, 9551 3197 or 0425 758 278.

Despite lucrative personal trainer jobs that are all so common now, John is principled in not taking compensation for his efforts.

“I’ve been teaching people now for around about 30 years, but I’ve never received one penny,” he said.

“Because I do it for the love of it.”

Growing up in Dandenong, John would become a builder in the engineering department at Dandenong Hospital where he was employed for 20 years.

Even here, his personal passion couldn’t help but bleed into his career.

“One day, one of the doctors came up to me and said ‘you always train in gyms, what about starting a gym down here?’ and that gym is still going, it’s been 40 years,” John said.

“I used to get an hour for lunch and for half an hour I would go down there and train some of the nurses and doctors.”

John would craft workout program sheets for his co-workers to follow in the gym.

He was asked if they could be sold, but he always gave them for free.

The gym was originally exclusive to hospital personnel, no money was taken by John for his work, just a community donation was set up which would be used when there was enough money to spend on new equipment.

John’s long time service to the hospital and overall giving nature in his job and personal life awarded him an Honorary Life Governorship of the Dandenong Hospital in 1992.

In his retirement years, John, unlike most, has focused more on fitness and giving out his expertise.

“That’s what I’ve always been doing, raising money for the Children’s Hospital and that, but now I concentrate more on physical fitness,” he said.

“I’ve had two shoulder operations, your joints they start getting you know, around lifting 160 kilos, that’s a lot of weight for bench press and now I only use 20 kilos, cause you can’t do it anymore.”

Despite his limitations, John still makes the drive every weekday morning.

“Now I come from Officer all the way here to train at this gym and the reason is that all my friends are here,” he said.

A big part of making the effort for John is also continuing to help others in their fitnesssometimes he even has no choice.

“I been brought up here since 1956, but I was getting old so I thought well I’ll sell my place down near the Dandenong Hospital and I’ll go to a lifestyle village in Officer where it’s over 50, they’re always trying to get me to help people down there,” he said.

“When I see somebody do something wrong, I don’t say ‘hey, you’re doing it wrong’, I’ll say ‘try this way it might be a little bit better for you’.”

It’s no wonder why John’s advice is sought after when you see his decades of experience competing in bodybuilding, Ironman competition and so on.

In 1989, he would win the Lakes Entrance Ironman Championship which the Dandenong Journal reported on, naming John the ‘Sportstar of the Month’.

While John has made it far in the less physically intensive sport of lawn bowls, having competed in State Championships for the Dandenong Club.

He is also qualified in studies on personal training and physiotherapy at Frankston College.

Being in the bodybuilding community, John has met some of the best competitors across the world, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Fundamentally, John is always glad to welcome people to gyms.

“When people are going to gyms, it keeps them out of mischief and once you get that disease for it, you wanna go all the time, you wanna better yourself,” he said.

John has decided to holiday interstate this year, going to the Gold Coast to miss Melbourne’s cold winter, but this doesn’t put a stop to John getting a pump going.

“Now at me age, I’m 72 turning 73, I wanna enjoy life too, but when I go down there the first thing I do is look for a gym.”

· Kids in the Kitchen and Zen Zone

Keep the kids entertained inside with free Kids in the Kitchen and Zen Zone activities at Dandenong Plaza during the winter school holidays. In week one, Kids in the Kitchen features a workshop with different food craft and cooking activities every day - Decorate a Chef’s Hat (26 June), Little Chef Apron Art (27 June), Cup cake decorating (28 June), Fresh Fruit Rockets (29 June), Bakers Bun decorating (30 June). Zen Zone for the second week of the school holidays features a daily dose of kids’ wellness activities including yoga, mindful colouring in and blissful bead craft.

· Mondays to Fridays, 26 June-7 July, 11am2pm at Dandenong Plaza, centre court. Free events, no bookings required. Details: armadadandeongplaza.com.au

Multicultural seniors activities

Refugee Week

Greater Dandenong Council invites you to support Refugee Week 2023 (18 June – 24 June), with the theme of ‘Finding Freedom’. Events include trilingual storytime in English, Cantonese and Vietnamese at Springvale Library (20 June, 10.30am). Celebrations at Springvale Community Hub on Friday 23

Variety entertainment Moves & Music presents jam sessions with variety entertainment every fourth Sunday of the month, starting 25 June. Includes live band Livewires, DJ Chris, bingo, Elvis (Malcolm Stokes) and line dancing.

June, 12pm include live performances by Burke and Beyond and Noble Park Beats, rainbow rice paper rolls, roving Henna artist, air-brush tattoo, Afghan tea cart, handmade market stalls, free craft activities and Diyarim Uyghur food stall.

· Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ refugee-week

· Sunday 25 June, 1pm-6pm at Palmyra Hall, Victorian Tamil Cultural Centre, 4/40-44 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; $30 including box of chicken biryani. BYO drinks. Tickets must be pre-purchased. Details: Malcolm Stokes at Dandenong Market shop G5 and G6, 0411 356 163.

Keysborough Multicultural Senior Citizens Inc is an over-55s club, with bingo on the first, second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, line dancing on Wednesdays, ballroom dancing lessons on Thursdays. Upcoming concerts with Michael Reed (20 June) and Col Perkins (18 July) and a bus day trip to Phillip Island tourist attractions on 25 July ($50, lunch at own expense). We are in need of few volunteers able to arrange tables and chairs on Tuesdays from 10.15am to 11.00am. Please note the club will be closed from Monday 26 June-Sunday 2 July for renovations.

· - Rowley Allan Reserve,352 Cheltenham Road Keysborough. Tea and coffee is supplied for all activities. Membership $10. Details: Julie, 0428 561 694

John Thyssen has been going to the gym every week for 52 years. Now 72 and still working out five days a week, John could be the longest running gym-goer in the South East of Melbourne, as journalist COREY EVERITT reports.

When people are going to gyms, it keeps them out of mischief and once you get that disease for it, you wanna go all the time, you wanna better yourself.”

John Thyssen says he went a decade missing only three workouts. Picture: COREY EVERITT

Programmed for success

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/acceleratedlearning/ 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.

They can see clearly now

More than 5000 students across Victoria can see more clearly thanks to the free Glasses for Kids program.

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins announced the figure in March, with the program helping kids in Prep toYear 3 since 2015. She said that since the start of Term 1 this year, 758 students at 17 schools had their vision screened and 130 receiving

free prescription glasses.

“Giving Victorian children the opportunity to thrive at school goes beyond providing great education programs – this is about ensuring nobody is left behind because of common and very treatable issues like vision impairment.” she said.

“Health and education go hand in hand.”

Children with undiagnosed vision prob-

lemsoftenfindithardtoconcentrateatschool, which can present challenges for learning and development.

Glasses for Kids provides an on-site optometry service to children at their school, addressing vision impairments in children who otherwise might have gone undiagnosed.

By supporting students with undiagnosed vision impairments, Glasses for Kids is help-

ing students achieve their best at school and beyond.

State Schools’ Relief delivers the program, which has so far provided free vision screening to almost 32,400 Prep to Year 3 students from 408 government primary and specialist schools across the state.

The State Government has invested more than $2.4 million to deliver Glasses for Kids.

ON … ENROLMENTS

Growing green thumbs

More kids can get active and grubby in school gardens thanks to extra funding.

The State Government announced in March that its annual grant to the Victorian Schools Garden Program would increase from $95,000 a year to $145,000 a year.

“I’ve seen first-hand how school gardens offer great opportunities for primary school students to learn in an outdoor setting, providing a tremendous boost to their health and wellbeing,” Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said.

“Sharing the importance of sustainable living and fostering a love of gardening is vital to ensuring that the next generation takes a hands-on approach to caring for the environment.” Now in its 46th year, the Victorian Schools Garden Program has provided rewarding outdoor education initiatives to generations of Victorians.

The Department of Education and Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria have worked closely together to cultivate the program and grow its student engagement.

The additional funding will deliver schoolbased activities and on-site learning at 35 participating primary schools – benefiting about 3500 students.

The program includes grants to encourage schools to start new gardens or improve existing ones; an awards scheme that recognises and rewards student and school community achievements; and professional development workshops for teachers and volunteers to learn the basics of running a school garden.

The program also connects schools with horticulture industry experts to help with largescale garden projects.

The awards and grants programs are open to all Victorian government, Catholic and independent schools. Visit vsgp.org.au for more information.

Showing off their facility

By Emily Chapman Laing

Calvary Hallam welcomed community members into their residential aged care facility during an open day on Friday 2 June.

Home Manager Toni Buckley said the residents are “really proud“ of their facility.

“They wanted the community to come and see it,“ she said.

“We wanted to invite the community in and some residents wanted more community involvement.“

The open day featured tours of the facility, balloons, lolly bags, a face painter, a balloon artist and happy hour.

Residents were also able to enjoy “armchair travels“, where documentaries from international destinations are screened as a proxy for physical travel.

“All the residents were enjoying happy hour,“ Ms Buckley said.

Ms Buckley said residents were encouraged to invite their family and family-friends.

“It was mainly relatives and friends that came,“ she said.

“Since then we’ve had a lot of enquiries from the community.“

Resident Maggie was thrilled when she was chosen to feature on the flyer for the open day.

“It was really sweet,“ Ms Buckley said.

“When I showed her she was so excited to see herself on the flyer, and she was even more excited on the day.“

Prior to the event, Maggie handed out some of the flyers at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, her church and tenpin bowling.

Ms Buckley said it was great to see residents showing their enthusiasm and promoting Calvary’s unique, wholesome approach to aged care.

“We are a smaller facility, it’s just one long corridor,“ Ms Buckley said.

There is high visibility between staff and residents.

“It’s like an extension of a family.“

Ms Buckley said Calvary Hallam has “long standing“ and “dedicated“ staff.

“It’s not about bells and whistles, it’s about the care provided,“ she said.

Established in 1885 by the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, Calvary is a not-forprofit Catholic health care organisation.

The Calvary Hallam residential aged care home is set among beautiful gardens, and boasts a “welcoming and family-friendly environment delivering a new benchmark of aged care services in Victoria“.

Alus and Alex. 338916

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERSToni Buckley with Maggie. 338916

Alex with Sunil. 338916

•

•

•

• 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

MY SPACE - FULL BODY CARE -

Full body relaxation massage by young and mature asian female therapist. Shower facility. Vanity Crt, Room 33, 249 Lonsdale St, Dandenong. Katie 0402 420 986. 0431 156 192. Open7days.

Part-Time Telesales Representative Star News Group

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

Overview

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

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of existing customers and develop relationships with new customers.

• Conduct outbound telesales calls to promote our products and services.

• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs.

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

• Coordinate with the sales and marketing team to align sales strategies and campaigns.

• Telesales or cold-calling experience is preferred but not essential.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Results driven and target-oriented mindset.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

0409 888 228

Gents only. 48 Hammond Road/45 Hemmings Street, Dandenong. PhDaniel0417336906.

Employment

V Positions Vacant

Are you experienced in sales and enjoy dealing with customers over the phone?

TELEPHONE SALES Inbound/Outbound

We are looking for new team members to join our team. Do you like talking to people over the phone, building rapport and great relationships?

If you are a motivated and reliable individual who loves a challenge and enjoys a fast-paced, deadline-driven team environment we want to hear from you.

Work close to home with free onsite parking at our office in Pakenham. Your day will be kept busy servicing existing clients and making cold outbound calls to gain new business.

Experience in advertising sales is an advantage, but not essential.

To apply send your resume with covering letter to: Classified Advertising Manager sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Print and Online Sales Executive Star News Group

Star News Group seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star News Group is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Sales skills/experience:

• Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones

• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets

• Excellent listening skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Effective time management to meet deadlines

• Ability to operate in a team

• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility

• Effective oral and written communication

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Borough brilliance

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Coach Chris Smith said it was like walking into a new club last week. The bye acted as a reset for a club battered by turmoil in the first half of the season through no fault of its own.

Optimism of reaching finals evaporated as football seemed unimportant in the broader context of player welfare following the Jojo Ofosu-Amaah cardiac arrest. The sole win recorded prior to the King’s Birthday weekend, over the struggling Black Rock, didn’t do justice to the quality of the list.

Alas, in an outcome-predicated industry, change needed to ensue, and that meant blooding some youngsters. The absence of egos allowed them to take it right up to East Brighton before the break, and the Burra was able to carry that into the game against Hampton Park.

“It felt mentally different, so hopefully it is different now,” said Smith post-game.

“The pressure (in the first quarter) was huge.

“We outlined that on days like this and with teams like Hampton Park, if you let them run, they cut you to pieces.”

Against the wind, Keysborough laid 26 firstquarter tackles and forced 30 stoppages in the third quarter.

“It was far and away our best performance of the season,” Smith added.

“We talked in the lead up about the fact that nothing is going to change unless we start playing the way we want, and players are following instruction, and they did it.

“We really needed the reset.

“Hopefully we can build on this.

“We just want to start stringing some games together, keep developing some players and keep them in the side.

“We have shot ourselves in the foot only winning one game up until now so the expectation is gone from here, but now we can develop and hopefully ruin some years on the way.”

Just seven men have played every game this season. But the 22 that took the field on Saturday enabled Keysborough’s first social function of the year to be off the back of some onfield success.

It was a spirit-lifter in a down year, with some green shoots not only getting exposure

but warranting retention in the senior side and establishing reputations at the level.

Keysborough set the tone with the only two goals of the first quarter despite kicking against a massive breeze. Using the wind in the second quarter, they then put scoreboard pressure on to go in to the main break 43-point leaders - a lead which proved insurmountable.

Hampton Park’s only four goals of the game came with the wind in the third quarter.

None were off the boot of usual goalkicker Nathan Carver, with meteoric riser Andre Spina keeping him quiet.

Anthony Brannan’s leadership up forward allowed Tom Shaw to kick three, AaronWalton’s run and creativity off halfback and Ethan Bates’ liveliness were all important ingredients.

“You can’t be kicking into the wind, you

Rangers go down again

By Marcus Uhe Dandenong’s

men’s NBL1 losing season has continued following another unsuccessful showing against Geelong on Saturday night.

After a hotly-contested opening half, the Rangers were outscored 35-49 in the second to lose by 16 in Geelong, 73-89.

A flying block from Jack Roberts, who had found himself out of bounds and seemingly out of the play just seconds earlier, signalled Dandenong’s intentions early in the contest, as did a step-back three from Deng Puoch in the opening minutes of the game.

The contest was played at a fast pace, with both teams looking to attack the rim in transition before opposition defences could be set.

A costly final two minutes of the quarter saw Dandenong relinquish a five-point lead, but still doing enough to lead by one at the first break.

need to be chipping and using your hands (which we did),” Smith said.

“In the third quarter, we didn’t even want a goal and that’s why they kicked the four in the third - because we were hellbent on not conceding more.

“And they followed every instruction. We had contest after contest and we were able to get it done.”

The match was Hampton Park’s first at their home base for 2023, Tony Way Recreation Reserve, with the Redbacks unable to adjust to the blowy conditions and wide expanses.

In other games, Doveton easily accounted for Black Rock, Skye was defeated by Murrumbeena; in Division One, Dingley had a surprise loss to Bentleigh, Cranbourne was far too good for St Kilda City and Springvale Districts got a defining win over St Paul’s McKinnon.

Wayward Berwick lets one slip in the breeze

By Marcus Uhe

Poor kicking for goal saw Berwick blow a golden opportunity to cause a seismic boilover in the Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division - falling five points short of ladderleaders East Ringwood at home.

The contest came to life in an epic final stanza after both teams had battled trying windy conditions at Edwin Flack Reserve, but the home side was unable to snatch the lead when it mattered most, going down to the Kangaroos 5.12 42 to 7.5 47.

Making the most of the advantageous wind blowing to the netball court end of the ground, Berwick peppered the goal-face in the opening term but were unable to convert their chances.

Harry Money was especially dangerous in the forward 50 while the midfielders and back six prevented the ball from even entering the opposition forward line until the seventh minute of the game.

After missing their first eight attempts on goal, Jonte Andrew showed his teammates how it’s done, converting a long set shot, benefiting from some slick ball movement from the back half.

Having kept East Ringwood scoreless in the first term, there would have been disappointment at not being further than 15 points ahead at the first break.

The regret no-doubt intensified when their opponents kicked three in the second quarter, benefitingfromsomecostlydefensivemistakes.

Two of East Ringwood’s goals were converted on the goal-line, while the third came from a freekick in the forward 50.

Berwick’s run and carry into the wind was ultimately in vain, as they themselves had a scoreless half-hour to trail by eight points at the long break.

Needing to maximise the use of the weather

conditions, knowing they would not be in its favour in the final term, Berwick were too trigger-happy in front of the big sticks in the third.

Shallow entries leading to long, inaccurate shots saw them fritter the advantage of the breeze away, while also allowing the opposition to kick the first of the match from the entrance end of the ground.

Money provided the major highlight of the term with a sensational hanger on the goal-line.

Arguably the smallest man in the marking contest, he came from furthest back and flew higher than those around him to clunk the grab just outside the square and convert from a slight angle.

That would be Berwick’s only goal of the third term, however, meaning it had five points to recover in the last while battling the worst of the conditions.

It made all the running early in the last quarter, kicking the all-important first to edgeahead by a point.

In a concerted effort to avoid kicking long into the wind, Andrew, Wal Wuol, and Tom Brennan combined with their hands to run the ball out of a stoppage in the backline, before Brennan found Josh Burgess at centre-halfforward. Rewarded for his aerobic capacity, Brennan had the ball returned to him before dribbling it through from 20 metres out.

The next three of the game alternated, as did the lead as a result.

The Kangaroos responded quickly, Jayden Graham nailed a long kick on tired legs, then Wuol was caught holding the ball in defensive 50, and Berwick conceded another.

Graham had the chance to repeat the dose later in the term, but tried instead to involve a teammate running past, and ultimately the play came unstuck.

Minutes later, East Ringwood kicked another from a stoppage, the first time any side had kicked consecutive goals since the second quarter, to push the gap to 11 with four minutes remaining.

Sam Frangalas provided an immediate reply, running forward of the play from a centre bounce to kick a sublime goal on the run, and with three minutes to play there was just a kick separating the two sides.

When the final siren sounded with the ball in the East Ringwood forward 50, the relief on their players’ faces was evident, as disappointment simultaneously infiltrated those of Clint Evans’ side. Along with Graham’s decision to play-on in the final term, a burst of speed from AnthonyVella from halfback went unrewarded in the opening minute of the final period, as Money was unable to return the ball back to him, leaving the dynamic forward exasperated on his own in the goalsquare.

Contrasted with East Ringwood kicking four goals from four attempts in the second half, the result is likely to stew at Edwin Flack.

Geelong began using a zone defence in the second quarter in an attempt to slow the Rangers’ charge, who raced to a 10-point lead midway through the term, having drawn a number of fouls and nailing the resulting free-throws.

But critical turnovers and a lift in defensive intensity from the home team saw them grasp the momentum, and lead by two at the long break.

Geelong emerged from the half with a lift in its passing, cutting and fighting on the glass, and pulled-away from the visitors late in the term.

Dandenong was unable to score for a three-minute period in which the home side scored eight of their own, resulting in a 14-point lead late in the quarter. Its rebounding tenacity allowed them to get out and run on both ends of the court.

A fightback to begin the final quarter breathed life into the contest as the Rangers looked to bring a win back up the highway.

In scoring the last five points of the third and the first four of the last, Dandenong cut the lead to just five and were making all the running.

But as quickly as they recovered ground, it was soon relinquished as Geelong restored the 14-point lead by the six-minute mark.

Led by Mike Amius’ 20, the Rangers had just three players score in double figures and were outrebounded by 14.

A double-header next weekend sees them host Frankston on Saturday night and head to Ringwood on Sunday.

Mike Amius was Dandenong’s leading scorer on Saturday night. 332097

Picture: DANDENONG BASKETBALL

Harry Money flies over four opponents to complete this spectacular mark. 341634

Picture: ROB CAREW

Anthony Brannan was important for Keysborough. 341632

Picture: ROB CAREW

Local talent ready to shine

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The national championships give the best Under-18 talent around the country the opportunity to play to their strengths against the best

COOPER SIMPSON DANDENONG

STINGRAYS

POSITION: Midfielder

DESCRIPTION: The skipper of the Dandenong Stingrays is a polished player who racks up numbers with the footy. Clean below his knees, smart at stoppage and able to win multiple possessions in a chain, he doesn’t have a glaring weakness. There might be others that have more pizzazz but few would work as hard both ways as Simpson, who is also able to hit the scoreboard. Spent some time in attack as a bottom-ager last season, but stood up and slotted seamlessly into the midfield when others were missing en route to winning the best and fairest. The AFL Academy player is Dandenong’s best talent.

in front of AFL recruiters.

Vic Country’s boys kicked off with a loss on Sunday to South Australia. Star News reporter Jonty Ralphsmith takes a look at the locals who will play a part in the 2023 championships.

HARRY DEMATTIA DANDENONG

STINGRAYS

POSITION: Utility

DESCRIPTION:

A strong and professional athlete, the Dandenong co-skipper is one whose voice onfield is notable, and he’s clearly accustomed to a highlevel environment, having also played elite-level cricket with Premier club Melbourne. As a player, he’s a tough competitor on-field who is willing to extract and looks slick in space. Played across the field last year before mostly settling into the Stingrays midfield in 2023, but his versatility is another strength.

KADE DE LA RUE

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

POSITION: Half-forward/midfield

DESCRIPTION: Talk about a rich vein of form for the Beaconsfield junior. De La Rue is averaging almost 23 touches and five tackles a game this season as he splits his time between high-half-forward and spurts in the midfield. His core strength is what stands out, which allows him to slip through tackles and show his burst speed. He’s also unbelievably clean which buys him time with ball in hand. The son of former Stingrays skipper Ben played 16 games last season and has gone up a level this year, while his leadership continues to develop.

KOBE SHIPP

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

POSITION: Defender/wing

DESCRIPTION: The Beaconsfield junior showed some outstanding signs as an intercept defender as a bottom-ager which is where he started 2023 but he has also spent some time on the wing in recent weeks. Kicks it reasonably to set up Dandenong on attack and is a player who plays well when he has momentum; has a knack of gathering lots of touches in a short space of time.

LACHLAN SMITH

GIPPSLAND POWER

BILLY WILSON

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

POSITION: Defender

DESCRIPTION: The athletically built Wilson is one that the Stingrays forecast could put his name on the radars of AFL clubs this year, despite starting outside the Vic Country squad, and he’s done exactly that. From round one, he’s stood out with his run-and-gun rebound and he generally executes his kicks as well. His speed off the mark catches the eye, which allows him to zig then zag his way through when he gets the ball in his hand.

ARCHER REID

GIPPSLAND POWER

POSITION: Key forward

DESCRIPTION: The Inverloch-Kongwak local kicked nine goals in a game in the West Gippsland Footy Competition earlier this year and is one who AFL clubs are licking their lips about because he has an attribute you can’t teach: size. Started the season with three goals, 14 kicks and nine marks against Murray which was a glimpse into the future. His set-shot goalkicking is strong, and he sets teammates up with his field kicking which is his point-of-difference on other talls; and is so potent when launching at the footy.

ZANE DUURSMA

GIPPSLAND POWER

POSITION: Forward/midfielder

DESCRIPTION: Gippsland’s gun player kicked goals for fun as a bottom-ager last season and has been showcased as a midfielder at times this season. That craft, along with his defensiveness, is developing while what he does with the footy is a class above. As a lead-up forward, he has good hands and stays involved when it hits the ground. He’s exciting and makes magic happen inside 50, even hitting the scoreboard when he’s in the midfield. Averaging 21 touches, almost five tackles and has 12 goals in five Talent League games this season.

POSITION: Ruck

DESCRIPTION: Has completed just one footy preseason having come from a basketball background but has shown plenty of upside. His two best games this season have probably been exactly when you would want them to be: in the Vic Country trial game, and then his most recent game to give him some form and confidence heading into the championships. At his best he’s winning hitouts and then offering a big presence down the line or inside 50 and always looks like he will take the contested mark. Also a bankable set shot at goal so when the 202cm prospect is playing forward, he’s the complete package.

NOAH MRAZ

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

POSITION: Utility

DESCRIPTION: Standing at 197cm, Mraz was a Vic Country Under-16 representative and got a run with Dandenong as a double bottom-ager last year, underlining the potential. The 2024-eligible draft prospect is still raw but has shown glimpses of his ground coverage and athleticism. The Narre North Foxes junior averages 10 disposals, 3.5 marks and has pinch hit in the ruck in his six games this year.

RIAK ANDREW

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

POSITION: Defender

DESCRIPTION: A Berwick junior, Andrew has played just three games for Dandenong this season and is enormously underexposed due to an injury ruling him out of last season. The brother of Gold Coast’s Mac, he isn’t blessed with the same height, standing at 192cm but still has a raw athletic profile to work with. Hasn’t set the world on fire in his limited opportunity and has some things to work on, but the upside is clear.

WIL DAWSON

GIPPSLAND POWER

POSITION: Ruck

DESCRIPTION: A strong pair of trial games affirmed his spot in the squad with his fundamentals and understanding of his role exceeding what’s typical of his size. A ruck who is also dangerous when playing as a key forward, Dawson covers the ground well, follows up and stands up to take big marks. Averages 11 touches, an impressive six tackles and 13 hitouts from his six games in 2023 after some exposure last year.

JACOB GRANT

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

POSITION: Forward

DESCRIPTION: A 191cm forward whose rise this year has been almost as steep as his impressive leap which allows him to play above his size. Is a third tall forward type of player who understands the role well and consistently hits the scoreboard. The Endeavour Hills junior was coming from a long way back but has hardly put a foot wrong and selection in the squad caps it off.

Cooper Simpson 294393

Picture: JAZZ BENNET

Harry DeMattia. 308291 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Kade De La Rue. 336257

Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Kobe Shipp. Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Billy Wilson. Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Riak Andrew. 336257 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT Jacob Grant. 340670 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Noah Mraz. 340669 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Wil Dawson. 339169

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Archer Reid. 339169

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Lachlan Smith. 339169

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Zane Duursma. 339169

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS