EHD Star Journal - 11th July 2023

Running for life

By Sahar Foladi

Jacqui Swallow is on the road towards her first marathon fundraising for Beyond Blue, an organisation close to her heart.

The Dandenong resident is set out to run the 42-kilometre marathon in October after she says Beyond Blue literally saved her life in 2020.

Ms Swallow was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2002 and with it also came intense depression and anxiety.

On the brink of a suicide attempt, she gave Beyond Blue a call.

“When I called them, they could tell from my tone that I had clear suicidal intent.”

By the time the ambulance arrived, she’d made her attempt. She spent three days in a coma.

“Luckily they called the ambulance. Without Beyond Blue I wouldn’t be here.”

This will be Ms Swallow’s first marathon. Previously she has completed a 21 kilometre run in 2021 before she got pregnant.

“I’m nervous, proud and excited but the thing I’m most excited about is the funds for Beyond Blue.”

So far she has raised almost $500 with a target of $10,000.

Ms Swallow not only represents herself but also the 2.2 per cent of Australians diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

After taking mood-stabiliser medication had led to weight gain, she got running.

“Pretty much everyone on stabiliser put on weight. When I first got my diagnoses in 2002 I weighed 42 kilos, by 2020 I weighed 85.”

Her inspiration came from a movie, ‘Brittany Runs the Marathon,’ based on a woman who receives a rude awakening by her doctor that she’s obese.

“Even before the movie finished I was up from the couch. I went out in my running shoes and I ran less than a block got puffed and went home.”

But that didn’t put her off her mission to embrace a healthy lifestyle as she was considered obese according to the BMI.

“I spoke to my cousin Emilie who is a runner and she suggested I do something like Couch to 5k (C25K), an app for beginners.

“The aim is to get to the point where you can run for 30 minutes without stopping.”

Once she started, she didn’t look back.With each run she had a new goal to smash - count-

ing up from a minute to five, 10, 20 and finally 30 minutes of running.

“I was over doing it. I was so enthusiastic I was running twice a day. It made me excited, it was something to look forward to.”

She lost 26 kilograms in the first year of running and now weighs 59 kilos. Not only has she become a runner, but also an author after a fruitless Google search for ‘bipolar runner’ websites.

Disappointed when she didn’t find any search results, she took it in her own hands to be heard.

“I was hoping to find a blog or a podcast or a YouTube Channel or even a book about people like me, by people like me.

“I found that to be a sort of frustrating and isolating thing. Surely there are heaps of us out there? And if there isn’t, there should be.”

She has started on the memoir on her life titled, ‘Bipolar Runner.’

“At night I get on the computer and share my experience. I talk about the marathon but also mentally.”

Although she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 19, she felt something wasn’t right as early as when she was nine years old.

“When I was about nine years old I lost a friend.

“She was my best friend, and suddenly she just stopped playing with me and found a new best friend,” she said.

“Most kids would find this upsetting, but my reaction was way overboard, I cried myself to sleep every night for a year.”

The same episode followed at the age of 14, when her grandfather passed away. Following that were panic attacks, insomnia and random flows of tears over nothing.

Ms Swallow now leads a content and healthy life, she bought a unit in Dandenong with her partner to live as a family of three and works as a teacher aide in Springvale. She went back to complete her higher education at a university after she failed in the first year of her diagnosis.

Having spent a semester on exchange to London and listed on the honour roll, she completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts, majoring in dance, then a post-graduate Diploma of Primary Teaching.

https://melbmara2023.grassrootz.com/beyondblue/jacqui-swallow

· Lifeline Australia 13 11 14

Dandenong resident Jacqui Swallow - a ‘bipolar runner’ raising funds for Beyond Blue. 345036

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Mayors in IVO showdown

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A decades-long feud between a pair of Greater Dandenong former mayors has landed in court.

In the latest spat, ex-councillor Maria Sampey was found guilty of breaching a personalsafety intervention order (IVO) taken out by current councillor Angela Long.

The charge was proven at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 3 July and dismissed without penalty.

Ms Sampey pleaded guilty to publishing Cr Long’s name several times in an email in December, which was against the IVO conditions.

The now-expired IVO had been granted to Cr Long on 6 September.

It was sparked by a heated phone call from Ms Sampey in which she says she told the councillor to “leave me alone” and to “f*** off”.

Cr Long claims that Ms Sampey also threatened to make various allegations “to the newspaper” about the councillor and her husband.

Representing herself in court, Ms Sampey said that when the IVO was initially taken out, she was unable to attend the court proceedings.

She was caring at home for her 99-year-old mother who died that same night.

When police served the court-ordered IVO on Ms Sampey, “I just agreed with everything because I wanted to be with my mother”.

She had pulled her mother from nine nursing homes due to inadequate care, and cared for her at home for the final 12 months of life. “I wanted my mother to die with dignity at home. It was very stressful for me but it was the least I could do for my mother.” The offending email was addressed to all Greater Dandenong councillors except Cr Long last December, but another councillor showed Cr Long the contents, Ms Sampey said.

She fired off the email to oppose Cr Long’s request for the council to pay nearly $9000 in personal legal costs for the IVO, she said.

“The policy of the council is if you’re the

complainant, the council won’t pay. Angela was going against council policy.”

Magistrate Megan Casey said there would be a formal record of Ms Sampey attending court but no penalty. Ms Casey noted that Ms Sampey had a “lot going on” at the time of the IVO and thanked Ms Sampey for caring for her ailing mother.

“It seems like it was a very stressful period. You took up a tremendous load over the last 12 months of her life. That would have made a huge difference to her.”

After the hearing, Ms Sampey said she was touched by the magistrate’s words.

“I’m feeling wonderful. I think she was very understanding about what I’ve been through.”

She described Cr Long’s IVO as an “abuse of process”. “In all my years, if someone doesn’t agree with me, I don’t take out an IVO. It’s so trivial. It’s a waste of the court’s time.”

She elaborated on events leading to the IVO, claiming that Cr Long had often “bullied” her while they were on council together. She alleged Cr Long had got the council’s then-chief executive John Bennie to hire a debt collector over Ms Sampey’s unreturned council phone last year.

Ms Sampey said she had been negotiating with Mr Bennie to buy the phone and felt “targeted”.

The IVO was issued after she rang Cr Long to tell her to“leave me alone” and“stop interfering in my life”. She says Cr Long told her she was putting Ms Sampey on speaker-phone and Ms Sampey responded “I don’t care if I’m on speaker phone. F*** off.”

“How is that threatening her life?” Ms Sampey said. “She can dish it out but she can’t take it back. She just wanted to dig the boots in. I haven’t wanted to have anything to do with her.”

Cr Long later told Star Journal that during the call, Ms Sampey used “not very nice” language which escalated to “even worse”.

Ms Sampey also threatened to make various allegations about Cr Long and her husband to the newspaper, Cr Long said.

She denied she was behind calling for a debt collection letter against Ms Sampey.

“It was a sugggestion from the then-CEO (John Bennie). It was agreed on by all but two councillors. “But I don’t think she’ll ever accept that.” Cr Long, who watched the proceedings, said Ms Sampey’s version to the court was “all

about her being a victim”.

“I didn’t contact her. All of the contact was on her side to me. She was the one who made the phone call, I didn’t answer the email. If she attacked me, I would retaliate and I probably shouldn’t have. Other than that, I wouldn’t publicly attack her.”

Cr Long said she would still feel uncomfortable if Ms Sampey contacted her.

“I would have to report it.

“I don’t want anything to do with her.”

Cr Long ultimately withdrew her legal reimbursement claim after a public uproar this year.

Despite the near $9000 cost, it was worth it to “get her off my back and to stop her bullying me all the time”.

Last year, the conflict between the two former mayors turned a council meeting into chaos.

The meeting was suddenly halted for 40 minutes, with Ms Sampey told to leave the public gallery due to an interim intervention order taken out by Cr Long.

It was eventually found that Ms Sampey was entitled to stay in the gallery.

There was no 200-metre exclusion zone as alleged, and Ms Sampey sought and later received a public apology from the council.

Cr Long said the long-standing feud started shortly after Ms Sampey was elected to the council in 2000.

Man charged with alleged Scott St pokies hold-up

A man has been charged with an alleged armed hold-up of a gaming venue in Scott Street, Dandenong in May.

The 43-year-old from Ferntree Gully was charged with armed robbery with a firearm. He was already in custody for unrelated offending, police say.

He is expected to appear at Melbourne

Magistrates’ Court onWednesday 12 July.

Police allege that a woman was held up at gunpoint after she parked in a nearby laneway before work about 6am on Saturday 20 May.

The man allegedly forced her from her car and into the business where he stole a “significant amount” of money from a gaming machine.

The woman was not physically injured.

Detectives initially believed up to $140,000 was taken, but now say it was significantly less.

Locked canisters containing cash were stolen during an armed hold-up of a Dandenong pokies venue in May.

Police have released photos of the locked cash canisters stolen and used to store the money from the premises.

Police believe the canisters may have been

Pictures: VICTORIA POLICE Locked canisters containing cash were stolen during an armed hold-up of a Dandenong pokies venue in May.

dumped in the eastern suburbs.

“Investigators are urging anyone who has seen the canisters not to open them and to come forward and speak to police,” Victoria Police stated.

Seven arrested after south-east chase

Police have arrested seven people after an extended follow through Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs on Thursday morning

6 July.

Officers spotted a white Ford Falcon sedan with seven people inside on the Princes Freeway in Officer about 4.25am.

Allegedly, the vehicle was sporting cloned plates.

With assistance from the Air Wing, the car was followed on the Monash Freeway though Dandenong North and Endeavour Hills before coming to a stop in Pakenham.

The alleged seven occupants of the vehicle were:

· A 20-year-old Pakenham male

· A 20-year-old Officer male

· A 19-Year-old Pakenham male

· A 22-year-old Pakenham male

Others are believed to be involved in the incident, police say.

Any information or vision to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic. com.au

Officer have been arrested after a car chase through the south-east suburbs.

Maria Sampey. 200000

Cr Angela Long says the near-$9000 in legal costs have been worth it.

NAIDOC Week at the market attracts more than 24,000

More than 24,000 people were brought together under on roof on Sunday 2 July as Dandenong Market celebrated the start of NAIDOC Week.

People from all communities and backgrounds gathered to celebrate the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation as well as all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

General manager of the Market, Ian Sumpter welcomed everyone to the Market for NAIDOCWeek.

“It is an occasion of great significance and Dandenong Market, with 157 nationalities working in harmony under one roof, is the perfect place to bring everyone together.

“Our wonderful Market promotes inclusivity and values cultural heritage. NAIDOCWeek allows all of us to come together to recognise and learn from the wisdom and legacy passed on by our Indigenous communities.”

City of Greater Dandenong mayor, Eden Foster, also attended and shared a speech with the community.

“As the most culturally diverse community in Australia, it is wonderful to be able to share in the traditions and culture of people who

come from all over the world.

“Dandenong Market is recognised as a multicultural hub for this region, and so I feel it is fitting to recognise the world’s oldest living culture right here.”

Mayor Foster was presented with a stunning Indigenous bouquet, beautifully styled by Colours of Love, one of five florists at the Market.

Speeches were followed by a traditional Welcome to Country incorporation of the smoke ceremony and a high energy dance performance by Indigenous Outreach Projects, a culturally diverse local hiphop collective with one common goal: to showcase their passion to connect with community, especially youth, through music and dance.

The day included a feather painting children’s workshop with Emmy Webbers from Wurruck Yambo with many families participating.

“Today was an inclusive celebration of Indigenous community, life, language, heart and culture bringing joy, reflection and unity – and everyone is welcome at the Market, not only today but every day,” Mr Sumpter said.

Fourth man jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A fourth man has been jailed over a “terrifying” violent extortion of a kidnapped Sandown Park Motel guest in 2019.

Moana Ulutui, 25, pleaded guilty in theVictorian County Court to extortion with threat of injury, common law assault and theft - after three associates were found guilty by a jury last year.

The group including James Tonkin, Dusan Javanov and Krishneil Chand had tried to demand a $30,000 ransom from the abductee’s parents over a 24-hour period in April 2019.

The victim was detained at two houses, tied to a chair, threatened with weapons, sedated and beaten.

Ulutui and his co-offenders viewed the victim as an “easy target”, someone with access to money from his parents, Judge Patricia Riddell said in sentencing on 29 June.

He had befriended Tonkin during drug addiction rehabilitation in late 2018 but had a falling-out after the victim felt he was being used for money.

Months later, the victim shouted Ulutui and a man named ‘Leon’ to a session of ice smoking and gambling on pokies at the motel.

The next day, the victim was picked up from Waverley Gardens shopping centre in a car by Tonkin and driven to an unknown address.

Chand and Javanov tied him to a chair with ropes and cables, gagged him and struck him multiple times to the face and head.

On the floor were several tools such as an axe, crowbar, lump hammer, hammer and hand tools. The victim was asked to pick one.

In fear for his life, he chose the crowbar – which was then held against his knee in a threatening way.

Ulutui took a “lead role” in a series of video calls to extract money from the victim’s parents.

The tied-up victim was beaten while being coerced – at times at knifepoint – to plead for money for his release.

Ulutui fabricated a story that the victim owed him $30,000 for breaking into Ulutui’s home and stealing Rolex watches and a car.

He also stole the victim’s phone and took a screen shot of a list of accounts and passwords on the device.

Without Ulutui’s involvement, the victim was taken to a children’s bedroom in a second house in Hampton East and sedated with drugs.

He escaped in a taxi that pulled up near the unit. He was driven to hospital with a burst ear drum and injuries to his eyes, nose, lips and shoulder.

Judge Riddell said it was no doubt a“terrifying ordeal” for the victim, who has since been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety.

“I feel as though I am not the same person as I was,” the victim stated.

The victim’s father described the 24 hour kidnapping as “without doubt the most intense stressful period of my life”. He said he

had been in constant fear for his son’s safety.

Judge Riddell said she accepted that the events were “every parent’s worst nightmare”.

Tonkin, Javanov and Chand were found guilty of kidnapping plus the same charges as Ulutui by a County Court jury. They were each jailed for at least four years with parole periods.

Ulutui’s lesser role, youthfulness, violent upbringing, long-held substance addictions, mental-health hospital admissions and a recently-diagnosed intellectual disability were taken into account.

The father of one had “not surprisingly” a significant history of crime and detention.

But he had not been given the chance of therapeutic court orders, Judge Riddell noted.

His record told of a “young man out of control” with a“lack of supervision, guidance, love and care from any adult in your life”.

There were signs that Ulutui, who had no work history, was becoming more comfortable in prison than out.

Now eligible for NDIS support, his rehabilitation – a “guarded” prospect – depended on his substance and mental health issues being addressed.

This would ultimately benefit the community, Judge Riddell said.

He was jailed for two years and three months, with a 27-month treatment-based community corrections order.

The prison term includes 543 days in presentence custody – meaning Ulutui will be released in about nine months.

Suspicious house fire

A man has been arrested and a dog rescued at the scene of a suspicious housefire in Doveton on 3 July.

Emergency services were called to the Rebecca Street house after reports of smoke and flames about 6.52pm on Monday 3 July. FRV crews arrived within five minutes, finding the building “fully alight”. Firies found the dog at the otherwise unoccupied single-storey house.

Lort Smith Animal Hospital was called to provide “health care and wellbeing support” for the dog. According to FRV, officers discovered a suspected ‘drug lab’ at the site - but that has not been verified by police.

“The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined; however the fire is being treated as suspicious,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said. A 33-year-old Doveton man was arrested and is being questioned by police. Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating.

During the fire, a community advice message was issued due to the smoke in the area. “FRV breathing apparatus support was provided and Ambulance Victoria was requested for firefighter welfare,” the FRV stated. FRV’s Scientific Officer was also requested.

Any information or footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

AFP talk on ‘interference’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Claims of foreign interference were the subject of a federal police information session in Springvale on 9 July.

Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak said the Australian Federal Police session at the Cambodian Association of Victoria was part of “ongoing work to combat foreign interference from a foreign state”.

“The Cambodian diaspora community is a community traumatised through civil war and the ‘Killing Fields’.

“We have to call out foreign government activities that attempt to split the community.

“We value our active community members participating in a democratic process. This needs to be protected by Australian law and not to be intimidated by foreign agents.”

MrTakdescribedthecommunityasgripped in an “atmosphere of fear and division”, due to a Cambodian Government “war room” that was trying to intimidate Australian critics into silence.

“I don’t expect a big turnout,” he said in the leadup to the AFP event.

“Because of the fear of being photographed and identified by foreign agents.”

Mr Tak says regime opponents were being warned about visiting Cambodia and that their family and friends in Cambodia would be “watched”.

Regime “propaganda” was being spread by “false” business groups and by Facebook posts from Cambodia posing as local comment, he alleged.

Local politicians such as himself, former Clayton MP Hong Lim and former Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea claim they have received threats from foreign agents in recent years.

“In Australia, we know they have been watching our activity. My predecessor Hong

Lim was charged by the regime with incitement. He was threatened that it wasn’t safe for him to go back to Cambodia.”

In the meantime, a protest is being held in Springvale on 16 July against “undemocratic” elections in Cambodia this month.

The main opposition party Candlelight was barred from taking part in the election, and opposition members have been allegedly assaulted or convicted on what supporters claim are politically-motivated charges.

“There’s no viable opposition party. Any opposition party, media, NGOs and individual who speaks out against the regime have been consistently shut down,” Mr Tak says.

An Australian Federal Police spokesperson

said espionage and foreign interference were “Australia’s principal security concern” and a “serious threat” to sovereignty and integrity of its national institutions.

When asked about Cambodian activities, the AFP stated it took a “country agnostic” approach to countering foreign interference.

“Our focus is on strengthening the resilience of sectors of Australian society which are at risk from foreign interference.”

Since the relevant laws came into effect in 2018, the AFP has charged two people with foreign interference offences.

The crime is defined as coercive, deceptive, clandestine or corrupting activity on behalf of a “foreign actor”, beyond “routine diplomatic

influence” and against Australia’s sovereignty and national interests.

It can involve seeking information or to influence government processes by using threats to cause serious harm or making “demands with menaces”.

In February, the AFP launched an education campaign on what to do if communities were threatened or intimidated by foreign governments.

AFP community liaison teams have since met with CALD communities, groups and religious leaders on the issue.

afp.gov.au/sites/default/files/PDF/Factsheet-ForeignInterferenceintheCommunity. pdf

Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak says the Cambodian diaspora needs protection from foreign interference. 327980

Picture: ROB CAREW

How to ‘grow around grief’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A ground-breaking, free tool kit clearly shows how people bereaved by suicide can “get good help” and how others can “give good help” in the South East.

Author and lived-experience advocate SuRose McIntyre told the 4 July launch that she wished the Growing Around Grief kit existed when she lost her son Carl to suicide 14 years ago.

“So alone” in her grief, McIntyre felt like she was “space walking” and that a “huge hole” was gouged out of her and her universe.

She had no idea where to turn for help. Her local library had just one“unhelpful” and“triggering” book on the topic.

Things had since improved, McIntyre said. There was more talk about anxiety, depression, existential crisis, isolation, worthlessness, suicidal ideation and suicidal loss.

“This strangely is a good thing. This is being real.”

Yet suicide is still an “embarrassing” and “uncomfortable” topic talked about in“hushed tones”.

And while it gets little attention, death by suicide in Australia doubles the road toll.

And Melbourne’s South East has the second-highest suicide rate in the country.

The Growing Around Grief resource was produced by South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) in collaboration with Jesuit Social Services, Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) and people with lived experience.

It is downloadable online for free.

And it’s organised in clear, easy-to-read sections on helping children, young people, first responders, veterans, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally or linguistically diverse background and LGBTQIA+SB communities.

McIntyre said it was vital to “shine a light” on grief, particularly for suicide. The kit needed to be shared in schools, businesses, factories, Mens Sheds and homes.

“This kit holds everything I wish I had access to 14 years ago.

“We need to know how to get good help and

how to give good help.”

Jesuit Social Services general manager Louise Flynn said the kit “sends a message that there are people that understand and that there are people that care”.

“It also sends a message that life isn’t over, however much it feels it is. That it is possible to live meaningfully after such a tragedy.”

Flynn heads the JSS’s‘Support After Suicide’ program that has been running for almost two decades.

She detailed how tragedy can “leave deep wounds that derail a person’s life” and how compassionate, timely support was vital.

She told of how 20 years ago, a woman at just 19 lost her sister to suicide and had no supports.

Her life suffered as a result – she couldn’t hold onto a job or maintain relationships. She

Show off your huge ‘tiny art’ talent once more

Casey’s Connected Libraries is encouraging locals to enter their Tiny Art Show competition.

“Connected Libraries are running theTiny Art Competition for the second year in a row, last years competition was a huge success with more than 75 entries,” Connected Libraries CEO Beth Luppino said.

“Its free to enter and there are prizes to be won.

“The competition is open to Connected Library Members who are 16+, we can’t wait to see our community get creative.”

Collect a mini canvas from participating libraries (Bunjil Place, Cranbourne, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Hampton Park) and create your own mini art masterpiece using any medium you like.

Completed artwork can be submitted to participating libraries for display.

Entrants must be aged 16+ and must be a Connected Libraries member.

Entrants will automatically go into the draw to win an art pack hamper based on public voting.

Competition closes onWednesday 28 July.

became a regular drug user.

“One of the most potentially harmful impacts is how it can leave someone feeling and thinking about themselves.

“It can leave a deep sense of failure, of having failed the one who died … of not having loved enough or of being unloveable.”

Flynn said at the heart of suicide grief response was about restoring a sense of self and self-worth, rebuilding relationships and connection with communities.

“Losing a loved one to suicide tends to be a life changing and life defining experience. Life is shaped by the tragedy from that moment –it’s immediate.

“Who I was before and who I am now feels completely different. Who I was before feels out of reach. Life as it was before feels gone –it’s like it has vanished.”

The address book changes from that point, Ms Flynn said. People remove themselves from a bereaved person or a family and so lives “immeasurably change”.

“Perhaps because they don’t know what to say, they don’t know how to be with someone at that level of suffering and being so close to such a tragedy is more than they can bear.”

‘Growing Around Grief’ acknowledges the loss is always felt, it’s always real and the person lost continues to be loved.

But also that people can lead satisfying and fulfilling lives again, and not just surviving, Flynn said.

They gained some “hard won” changes including increased compassion and empathy.

South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network chief executive Quinn Pawson said “wise counsel”, “deep insights” and “lived experience” were deeply embedded in the kit.

It was designed to be accessible for those struggling to find support.

“There is a lot of work to be done in our schools, among our family and friends, in our workplaces, with our children and grandchildren, with members of our faith communities, sport communities and art communities.

“This kit is for us to share with those we love, with those we share work with, with those we play with, with those we care about.”

Growing Around Grief was based on research gathered in State-funded place-based suicide prevention trials between 2016-’22.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Parliamentary Secretary Tim Richardson noted that those bereaved from suicide were at greater risk themselves.

That’s why postvention was recognised as so important in the recent Royal Commission into Mental Health, he said.

Richardson said the State Government was set to release its Suicide Prevention Strategy after 240 public submissions, noting one in two people lost to suicide had never interacted with a mental health and well-being service.

“That’s the stigmatism in our community... We have a lot of work to do.”

The ‘Growing Around Grief’ booklet is at semphn.org.au/growing-around-grief

· Lifeline 13 11 14, 24/7

Su-Rose McIntyre told of feeling “so alone” after her son Carl died from suicide 14 years ago.

Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention and Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson said the government’s Suicide Prevention Strategy was nearing release.

Quinn Pawson, chief executive of SEMPHN, said the tool-kit needed to be shared widely across the South East.

QR codes to download the five-volume resource kit ‘Growing Around Grief’.

Louise Flynn, of Jesuit Social Services, spoke of rebuilding bereaved people’s self-worth.

Pitch to put plan off

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Environment groups have called for the State Government to publicly reject Keysborough Golf Club’s push to rezone its Green Wedge course for housing.

The club plans to shift to 256-356 Pillars Road, pocket a windfall of up to $40 million and has offered a massive 71-hectare sports precinct nearby to Greater Dandenong Council.

It rides on whether its current course at Hutton Road, which lies just outside the Urban Growth Boundary, can be rezoned for a housing estate of up to 1100 dwellings.

Last month, a spokesperson for Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny reiterated the Government’s general support for Green Wedge policy and the Urban Growth Boundary.

Greater Dandenong Environment Group president Isabelle Nash says the Government should be more specific.

“In 2016 when there was a similar rezoning push the then Planning Minister Richard Wynne gave a clear no” she said.

“We are looking for the same clear direction from the current Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny”.

Ms Nash rejected the golf club’s claims that its course was a Green Wedge “anomaly” or “infill development” within an established suburb.

“The Government has spent the last 20 years agreeing it is not (an anomaly).

“Once you move the Urban Growth Boundary for one landowner , hundreds of others will argue for the same treatment, including land owners south of Hutton Road.”

The course was a “key site of canopy cover in a municipality that has so little”. It contained remnant plains grassy woodland with culturally-significant Aboriginal scar trees and artefacts, Ms Nash said.

Defenders of the South East Green Wedge spokesperson Matthew Kirwan also called on the Minister to “clear up the situation” on the “misleading” anomaly reference.

“Instead it is the land bridge between the Kingston Green Wedge and the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge - critical to the Defenders of the South East Green Wedge mission to preserve the integrity of the South East Green Wedge” he said.

Greater Dandenong city planning director Jody Bosman told a council meeting last month that a UBG anomalies advisory committee found the site was not a Green Wedge anomaly in 2012 – despite councillors at the time pushing for it.

He said the golf club land would meet the

definition of “infill development”.

“The UGB just prevents the further spread of urban development but it would still qualify as underutilised land within an urban area.”

Mr Bosman denied the council had a “conflict of interest” due to being the potential beneficiary of a sporting hub from Keysborough Golf Club.

“Many planning scheme amendments have the potential to benefit Council in various ways, including the provision of new community infrastructure that might occur if this proposal is approved by the Minister for Planning.

“I do not see any need to get legal advice on it.”

Keysborough Golf Club captain Darrell

Swindells recently told Star Journal last month that “like the Government, we accept there’s a GreenWedge but we think our site is an anomaly”.

The site was “nothing like most people imagine as Green Wedge”.

“It’s an infill site in a middle-ring suburb, surrounded by existing housing and major roads.

“Listening to what the Government wants, the best way to solve our housing shortage is infill.”

The State Government had also set up a Golf Course Redevelopment Standing Advisory Committee to advise on re-purposing golf courses inside and outside the UGB, he noted.

Greens want to preserve Keysborough Golf Club’s greens at Hutton Road. 337260

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A unique perspective

By Emily Chapman Laing

After being dismissed from her job due to an incurable health condition, Shelli Knight found her dream job photographing pets alongside her husband Tony.

The couple have taken a ’down under’ approach to capturing the adorable faces of Casey locals’ furry families, and customers are reeling.

“The images are truly amazing, sometimes hilarious but always ‘unique’,“ customer Cristy Worsteling said. “Shelli’s ability to capture the unique personality and spirit of each pet in her photographs has garnered accolades and touched the hearts of many. It is not merely a photography business but a testament to the profound bond between pets and their owners, ensuring that precious moments are forever treasured.“

“Aunty Shelli“ and “Uncle Tony“ shower their canine clients with treats of all kinds and lots of loving pats, even if the pups piddle on the floor, or up against their desk.

Animals Down Under customer Sally-Ann Wratten said she could tell Tony and Shelli were “animal people“ from the second she walked in the door.

“They were excited to see our dogs both times we took them in,“ she said. “They did an amazing job of capturing our whippets’ different personalities with one being a relatively subdued dog and the other still a crazy puppy. The prints are absolutely stunning and I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting pet portraits.“

Shelli was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at 30 years of age, in 1999, having suspected something was not right.

“I always had a suspicion, MS was always in the back of my mind,“ she said.“When I was 16 I started getting the symptoms, but every doctor I went to just said I was imagining things and that it was in my head. As it turns out, it was in my head, I’ve got scars on my brain.“

Shelli actively chooses not to focus on her condition, and lives her life as normally as possible, though the impacts are still part of her everyday life.

“Sometimes I find it hard to get words out, I have chronic fatigue and sometimes I have loss of feeling in some parts of my body,“ she said. “But until last year, I was still riding my horse.“

In late 2022, Shelli secured her dream job working with dogs, after being a qualified vet nurse for many years. After spending time in an office environment, Shelli’s boss realised she was better suited to a face-to-face role.

“She had a job set out for me and she was going to show me herself how to do it,“ she said. “I had to tell her that I can’t work in the afternoons because the heat affects me, so she gave me a morning job.“

Full of excitement, Shelli showed up to her first day at her dream job, but the day didn’t pan out how she expected. The company had decided they weren’t able to make concessions for Shelli’s condition.

“I went in on the first day to start and she and her husband called me into their office and I was let go,“ Shelli said. “I went home and for a couple of weeks I was just so depressed and I just felt so down about myself. I said to Tony I just feel so down, I feel so useless, I’m just no good.“

Tony had seen an unusual style of pet photography on YouTube years before, where pets were photographed from underneath.

“I’m always looking for a point of difference,“ Tony said. “I thought it could be easily commercialised here, it would really take off. “Years went by and no one ever grabbed onto it.“

As far as he could see, no one else in Australia was using this style of pet photography, and there he saw the perfect fit for his photography career and Shelli’s love of dogs.

“The first photo he showed me I was hooked,“ Shelli said. Three months later, the duo had set up the business at Tony’s photo studio in Hallam. “She went from the deepest, darkest place to jumping across the clouds,“ Tony said.

Animals Down Under held their first exhibition at the April 2023 Home Show.

“We also see it as home decor,“ Tony said.

“You’d see people look at the pictures and then the big smile would come and it just made me feel so good,“ Shelli added.

The couple were rewarded with a long list of bookings, and Animals Down Under was officially on the map.

Shelli andTony are parents to four dogs, but one stands out as the clear model of the pack.

Pixel the Whippet loves having his picture taken and has been the muse for some of Animals Down Under’s best shots.

“He loves it,“ Shelli said.

Lifetime achievements lauded at Wallara Open Day

Lifetime achievements were on full display at the Wallara Open Day in Dandenong on Friday 30 June.

Friends and family of clients were welcomed to the Dandenong Street site to celebrate the accomplishments and years of service for Wallara’s long-term clients.

Festivities on the day included a showcase of woodwork, an art show exhibiting colourful paintings and a musical performance for eager audience members – all built, created and performed by Wallara clients.

Sweet and savoury treats were on offer, all cooked and prepared by clients involved with Cafe W 160, a Wallara owned and operated cafe aimed at providing clients with first-hand hospitality experience.

Wallara disability support lead Jamie Lee McGregor said it was great to have everyone come together and experience the open day.

“It’s been fantastic to celebrate the massive achievements of our clients, some of which have been with Wallara for 60 years,” she said.

Clients at Dandenong Street, primarily

seniors, have amassed a wealth of experience with Wallara, with two clients each boasting 60 years of service with the disability service provider.

The site is a part of the Learning and Lifestyle program, which sees clients attend day service to build and fine tune skills in different areas.

Over 30 clients attend each week and participate in a range of popular activities, including Food Technology, woodwork,

Meals on Wheels and more.

Ms McGregor said it’s been amazing to see their clients’ progress over the years.

“We love that we can share these special moments with friends and family of our clients and also showcase the fantastic work we do at the Wallara Dandenong Street site,” she said.

The site opened in 2014, and provides senior clients with a disability a safe space to learn and grow, and support services for adults with different abilities.

Wallara’s service offerings lead the way in Melbourne’s south-east, including Pathways to Employment, support coordination and Wallara Logistics – a division of Wallara that operates as a social enterprise providing supportive employment and workplace training for adults with an intellectual, physical or developmental disability.

Wallara also has a range of accommodation offerings that include residential housing, short-term accommodation (STA), and immersion programs and can assist you with understanding the NIDS funding required to live independently.

Based in Melbourne’s south-east suburbs, Wallara supports over 500 people across 20 sites to grow, work, explore and live in their community.

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Get festive in July

Christmas in July has become a popular celebration in Australia, allowing people to experience the joy and festivities of the holiday season during the winter months. While Christmas traditionally falls in December, the concept of celebrating it in July has gained traction as a way to enjoy a mid-year festive spirit. Here are several ways people in Australia can celebrate Christmas in July.

Decorations: Transforming homes and workplaces with Christmas decorations is an integral part of the celebration. Australians decorate their spaces with festive lights, wreaths, and ornaments, creating a winter wonderland ambiance. Even though it’s winter in July, the decorations bring warmth and cheer to the surroundings.

Feast: Just like in December, a grand feast lies at the heart of Christmas in July celebrations.

Australians indulge in traditional Christmas foods like roasted turkey, glazed ham, roast vegetables, and plum pudding. Mulled wine, eggnog, and hot chocolate are popular beverages that help create a cozy and festive atmosphere.

Gift Exchange: Gift giving is an essential aspect of Christmas, and it remains an integral part of Christmas in July celebrations as well. Friends, families, and colleagues exchange presents, bringing joy and a sense of generosity to the occasion. Secret Santa games and gift exchanges add an element of surprise and fun to the festivities.

Winter Activities: Embracing the winter season, Australians enjoy various outdoor activities during Christmas in July. Building snowmen, having snowball fights, and sledding down hills are common pastimes, particularly in areas with snowy landscapes. Indoor activities such as watching Christmas movies, playing board games, or gathering around a fire-

place create a cozy atmosphere for celebrating.

Charity and Giving: Christmas is a time for giving back to the community, and this spirit extends to Christmas in July celebrations as well. Australians participate in charitable events, such as toy drives and food donations, to support those in need. Fundraisers and charity events are organized to spread the joy of the season to those less fortunate.

Festive Events: Many towns and cities in Australia organise special events and festivals during Christmas in July. Markets, fairs, and winter carnivals are held, featuring stalls selling Christmas crafts, artisanal goods, and delectable treats. Carol singing, live performances, and Santa Claus appearances add to the festive atmosphere and bring communities together.

Winter Fashion: Australians take the opportu-

nity to embrace winter fashion during Christmas in July. Cosy sweaters, scarves, boots, and beanies make their appearance as people bundle up to combat the cooler temperatures. Ugly Christmas sweater parties are a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate the occasion. Baking and Treats: Baking cookies, gingerbread houses, and other sweet treats is a cherished Christmas tradition. Australians enjoy baking during Christmas in July, filling their homes with the delightful aromas of freshly baked goods. Popular treats include mince pies, fruitcake, and shortbread cookies, adding a touch of sweetness to the festivities.

Christmas Lights: Illuminating homes with twinkling Christmas lights is a tradition that continues during Christmas in July. Australians decorate their houses with colorful lights, creating a magical and festive ambiance. Some

neighborhoods organize light displays, attracting visitors from far and wide to witness the dazzling spectacle.

Family Gatherings: Christmas in July provides an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate, especially for those who may be apart during the December holiday season. It’s a time to cherish loved ones, share stories, and create lasting memories in a joyful and relaxed setting.

Christmas in July has become a delightful tradition in the colder parts of Australlia, allowing people to experience the magic and cheer of the holiday season during the winter months. Through decorations, feasts, gift exchanges, and various festive activities, Australians come together to create a warm and joyous atmosphere, spreading the spirit of Christmas in the middle of the year.

Pets can get involved in Christmas in July celebrations too!

The whole family can celebrate Christmas in July.

100 years ago

12 July 1923

Source of Typhoid

A disgraceful state of affairs which exists in the Dandenong Shire was brought under the notice of the public health commission at its meeting on July 3 (says the Argus), when a report from an inspector was read. Before being separated from the Shire of Dandenong, Carrum buried its nightsoil in an allotment in Dandenong. This practice was followed after Carrum was made a municipality, the burial ground then being about 200 yards within the Dandenong Shire boundary. Situated in the vicinity are several dairy farms. The inspector said it was a source of danger, to which could be attributed the recent outbreak of typhoid in the Mordialloc district.

50 years ago

12 July 1973

$936,000 Market?

A project costing $936,000 has been recommended tor the re-development of the Dandenong Produce market. Details of the scheme – as part of the overall development of the area bounded by Cleeland,Clow,King and Stuart Sts -were released in Dandenong Council on Monday Night. In a lengthy report the City Engineer, Mr Gordon Wright, prepared three suggested plans for the produce market. The first provided a market at ground level with 313 stalls (a reduction of 74 on present numbers) and eight shops – cost $442,000: the

second a ground-floor market with 273 stalls (reduction 114) and eight shops, first floor parking 162 cars – cost $675,000; and the third 231 stalls (reduction of 156) and eight shops, with two floors of parking for a total of 320 cars - cost $936,000.

20 years ago

14 July 2003

Town hall work approval likely

A motion to overturn a planning permit for the Dandenong Town Hall redevelopment is

expected to be narrowly lost tonight. If a motion is lost, it will allow Greater Dandenong Council to begin moves to find tenderers for the multi-million dollar performing arts centre project. Greater Dandenong councillors last month voted five to four to approve an amended planning permit for the town hall.

Councillors John Kelly and Maria Sampey were absent. Cr Kelly later issued a rescission notice to overturn the decision, but Cr Sampey expressed strong support for the redevelopment. With Cr Clare O’Neil, a supporter of the redevelopment unlikely to be at the meeting, mayor Kevin Walsh also in favour of the redevelopment, will have the casting vote.

5 years ago

9 July 2018

Asylum seekers write a happier ending English-language classes are providing a ray of hope for beleaguered asylum seekers. Facing the likely loss of federal income support, the best step forward for many is to improve their English – and in turn improve their job prospects. The latest crop of students proudly graduated at the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre in Dandenong on 4 July. ASRC training co-ordinator Simon Dalton said the achievements brought brighter self esteem for his graduates. Mr Dalton said there was a misconception that many asylum seekers didn’t want to lean English. “That’s absolutely not our experience. They see it as the key to everything”.

Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society

Hope lies in resurrection

By

We all have problems.

In one of his sketches, a French comedian reminds us that life begins with problems: “Look at what you start your life with. When you’re a kid, your life starts with exercises called... problems.”

The teacher goes into the classroom and says: “Open up your books, we’re going to start the problems.”

At the end of the day, the kid goes back home and his dad asks him: “What did you do at school today?”

The kid replies: “Problems. What about you at work?” The dad replies: “Problems...”.

One day, Joni Eareckson Tada had a big problem.

On a beautiful day spent with her sister near an estuary in the north east of the United States, she dived into shallow water and came back to

MESSAGE OF HOPE

the surface paralysed from head to foot.

Her life will never be the same.

After her accident, in desperation, Joni prayed and asked God to show her how to live in this situation.

She then met Christians who read the Bible with her and showed her that God sometimes allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves.

Joni then learnt to be thankful for small things.

She started to paint with a brush in her mouth, to write books and to create a group to

help disabled persons and to share the Christian hope with them.

And this is Joni’s hope: “I still can hardly believe it. I, with shriveled, bent fingers, atro-

phied muscles, gnarled knees, and no feeling from the shoulders down, will one day have a new body, light, bright, and clothed in righteousness—powerful and dazzling.

“Can you imagine the hope this gives someone spinal-cord injured like me?

“Or someone who is cerebral palsied, braininjured, or who has multiple sclerosis?

“Imagine the hope this gives someone who is manic-depressive.”

The Christian hope isn’t a religion.

The Christian hope is a person, Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to give a living hope to all who put their trust in him.

Do you have this hope?

And even if you’re not a Christian, wouldn’t you want Christianity to be true?

Wouldn’t you want to have the hope of the resurrection?

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

Ex-councillor Kirwan joins the Noble Park Hall Trust

A Greater Dandenong ex-councillor has been elected onto the Noble Park Hall Trust.

At a recent AGM, Matthew Kirwan was voted as a trustee for five years.

He joined other trustees Dawn Dickson, who has served 42 years, Alan Gordon for 27 years, Gaye Guest for 10 years, and Al Billings one year.

City of Greater Dandenong’s communications and customer servicer manager Kylie Sprague has represented the council on the trust for five years.

“It is hoped that Matthew Kirwan will continue with the tradition of longevity too,” Ms Dickson said.

Ms Dickson has written a history on the 97-year-old public hall in a book If These Walls Could Talk.

The hall is unique in that its location 1834 Buckley Street is owned by the residents of Noble Park, she says.

“Although the hall and the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre are run by the City of

Greater Dandenong, the trust deed demands that the land never be sold or mortgaged.

“And it is the job of the trustees to ensure the conditions of the deed are adhered to.”

At the AGM, the Trust agreed to donate $2000 to Springvale Benevolent Society, $2000 to Noble Park Community Art Show and $500 to Springvale Neighbourhood House for craftwork to two senior communities.

Meanwhile, the trustees are making plans for the hall’s 100-year celebrations in April 2025.

Among the ideas are for school students being invited to look at specially-installed history display boards in the hall as well as for history DVDs.

“It is hoped that residents and former residents will join together to make it a great celebration,” Ms Dickson said.

“The trustees will also be seeking assistance from other community and service groups to help with the organisation.”

Former Greater Dandenong councillor Matthew Kirwan has joined the Noble Park Hall Trust.

Reverend Jonathan Chaintrier from St James Anglican Church, Dandenong

Reverend Jonathan Chaintrier shares an inspirational story on maintaining hope.

One of the ASRC English-language graduates Salah and training coordinator Simon Dalton in 2018. 182370 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Chisholm falls in with ADF

By Sahar Foladi

Chisholm Institute has joined forces with Wodonga Tafe and a consortium to deliver technical trades training to Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.

Chisholm is part of the National Technical Education Network (NTEN), led by Wodonga TAFE, which was the successful tenderer of the Joint Technical Trades Training Services contract.

The contract, valued at approximately $300 million over the next 5 years, will support the employment of up to 250 dedicated staff across the program.

Currently, Chisholm is going through its recruitment phase, looking out to recruit locally for 70 educators and 14 support roles.

Chief executive, Stephen Varty, said that Chisholm was proud to join together with strategically aligned a consortium of registered training organisations (RTO’s) to deliver this important training.

“We are very excited to be a part of this successful tender and to play a critical role in supporting the courageous personnel of the Australian Defence Force.

“Chisholm’s role will predominantly be to deliver all of the technical trade training to Navy personnel based at HMAS Cerberus in Hastings.”

The work will focus on apprenticeship training in specialised fields such as electrical fitting and fabrication.

The deal will be re-assessed for a further three years followed by a potential two year extension, totalling 10 years.

“It’s a tremendous endorsement for the quality of training delivered by our hard-working and passionate educators at Chisholm and we cannot wait to begin this work from November this year,” MrVarty said.

This adds to Chisholm’s previous initiatives

such as their collaboration with Jobs Victoria, supporting females, CALD individuals and middle-age women on Jobseeker, in maledominated fields such as engineering and manufacturing.

Chisholm’s first female educational manager for the engineering faculty, Avril Switalla, encourages females to take part in these

sorts of initiatives.

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

Other members of the NTEN include TAFE QLD, University of New England Partnerships, National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), Kangan Institute, Charles

Darwin University, Kinetic IT, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and South Metropolitan TAFE.

“This announcement shows the enormous confidence that exists in theVictorian and Australian TAFE networks, and we look forward to working closely with our education partners to deliver this vital training,” MrVarty said.

Grace Adams at the Technical Training Faculty as part of her Electronics Technician initial entry training. Pictures: JAMES MCDOUGALL

Seaman Electronics Technician Michael Furness undertakes a soldering exercise.

Cultural Sketch

You don’t need to be a visual artist to enjoy an evening of Cultural Sketching, just bring your enthusiasm, interest and willingness to have a go. Bunurong and Palawa contemporary artist Kobi Sainty will be our Cultural Sketch presenter and model. He will share his story, his creative interests, arts practice; the audience is encouraged to sketch and draw Kobi and his favourite objects in response. Event is 18+. Materials will be provided, refreshments and alcohol served.

· Tuesday 11 July, 6pm-8pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, Walker and Robinson Street, Dandenong. Free event. Registrations required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov. au/greater-dandenong-council/events/cultural-sketch

Our Community Objects talk

An afternoon talk which will explore 150 years of Local Government through unique objects and stories held in the City of Greater Dandenong’s Civic Collection. The talk will end with a delicious afternoon tea.

· 13 July, 1.30pm-3.30pm at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens,66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Free event, registrations essential. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov. au/greater-dandenong-council/events/ourcommunity-objects-talk

Climate change talk

Join local sustainability advocate Zoë, and other like-minded people concerned about climate change. All welcome at this commitment-free group and is open to all ages but recommended for 16+ as a short video will be played.

· Friday 14 July 7.30pm at the Mitchell Hall, Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: Zoë Mohl, 0432 125 136 or mohlz@icloud.com

Textile conservation

Learn how to rehouse and store textiles, manual handling and cleaning techniques, environmental conditions and a general overview of textiles.

Presented by Erica McCann of Tiaki Objects Conservation in partnership with Springvale and District Historical Society and South Eastern Historical Association Inc. Bring-your-own lunch.

· Saturday 15 July, 10am-2:30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Spring-

vale. Free event. Registrations essential at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/textile-conservationworkshop Details: Heather Arnold, southeasternhistorical@gmail.com

Magical Getaway market

The Magical Getaway Foundation Market is held on the third Sunday of every second month. Handmade Crafts, Cakes, Plants, Produce, Fashion, Jewellery, Trash and Treasure and much more. All stall fees go to the Foundation so we can gift fully funded first ever getaways/holidays to vulnerable Australian children and their families.

· Sunday 16 July, 10am-3pm at Menzies Hall, 41 Menzies Avenue, Dandenong North. Entry by gold coin donation. Details: Rosemary Teed, 0419372629 or rosemaryteed@magicalgetawayfoundation.org

‘Talks On…’ Spirituality

Join us as we welcome Helen Heath OAM, from the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network as our next guest speaker at ‘Talks on…’ Spirituality. Helen has been involved with the Interfaith Network since 2000. She has a background in youth and family welfare, worked as a Commu-

Pop-up blood donor centre

Do you have time to give blood and change lives this month? One in three people in Greater Dandenong will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. The Red Cross is popping up in central Dandenong from Monday 11 July to Friday 14 July.

· - St Mary’s Community Centre, New Street, Dandenong. Registrations required. Details: lifeblood.com. au/donor-centre/vic/ dandenong-pop-updonor-centre

nity organiser for Melbourne Parliament of the World’s Religions in 2009 and as an inaugural Executive Officer of the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia. Helen is warm and friendly and it promises to be an interesting talk.

· Wednesday 19 July 5.30pm–6.30pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong or online via Zoom. Suggested donation: $5. Bookings essential: 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ ssjg.org.au

Pattern-play collage

This workshop is all about pattern play, layering and collage. Participants will be invited to create a mixed media art piece using their magazine clippings, washi tapes, poscas and paints. Set yourself up with a cup of tea, treats and your favourite art materials and enjoy this online workshop facilitated by artist Yaz Gate. This workshop is suitable for all ability levels.

· Wednesday 19 July, 7pm-8.30pm. Free workshop, registrations required: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/pattern-play-collage

Multicultural seniors activities

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 concert with 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.

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

Interfaith tours

Bookings are open for Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network’s 2023 public tours to places of worship on 9 August, 11 October, and 13 December 2023. Each tour features trips to four diverse places of worship for $25 plus a lunch for $10-$15 donation. Payment of $25 is required prior to the tour to confirm your booking.

· Details: education@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662

English for Daily Life

Bakhtar Community Organisation is starting basic English language and cultural integration classes in July. Led by an experienced tutor, ‘English For Daily Life’ will focus on the needs of refugees in a communicative environment.

· Details: bakhtar.aidaform.com/free-courseregistration-form or 9703 2555.

Mindfulness meditation

Held weekly for people to learn the basic skills of concentration. Meditation may benefit people with spiritual and mental health support.

· Thursdays, 2.30pm-3pm at Dandenong Hospital’s Sacred Space, 135 David Street, Dandenong. Free, no bookings required. Details: Chuentat Kang, 0405 421 706 or chuentat@ hotmail.com

Yoga Classes

For all ages, experience and abilities. Mats and other equipment available. No Booking required.

· Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am-10.30am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $5 per class or $40 for 10 classes. Details: programs@nobleparkcc.org. au or 9547 5801

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Mulgrave Country Club Wheelers Hill

$

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

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

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

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

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

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog,

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PERMIT

The

Planning and Environment Act 1987

GREATER DANDENONG PLANNING SCHEME Notice of Development Contributions Adjustment DCPO1, DCPO2 & DCPO3

In accordance with the Dandenong South Industrial Area Extension and the Keysborough South Development Contributions Plans, the development contributions rates have been indexed as of 5 July 2023 as follows:

Developer Contributions Plan Overlay (DCPO)

DCPO1 Keysborough

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Contributions Rate

Residential area – Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) $528.55 (per dwelling)

DCPO1 Keysborough

Residential area – Development Infrastructure Levy (DIL) $313,274.85 (per hectare)

DCPO2 Keysborough Industrial area – Development

Infrastructure Levy (DIL) $8.78 (per square metre)

A copy of the Developer Contributions Reports can be inspected free of charge, during office hours, at the offices of the Greater Dandenong City Council, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.

BRETT JACKSON

MANAGER STRATEGIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING 12619681-ET28-23

land affected by the application is located at: 1 Eddington Place ENDEAVOUR HILLS VIC 3802 Lot 153 LP 138821 The application is for a permit to: Alteration to a Covenant and Development of a Second Dwelling The applicant for the permit is: Peninsula Design & Drafting The application reference number is: PA23-0057 - (Joel Briglia) You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority. City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN This can be done during office hours and is free of charge. Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/viewplanning-applications Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority. An objection must: •be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au • include the application number and site address • include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected. The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application. The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 24 July 2023 If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of its decision. 12619756-MS28-23 V Television/Video/Audio V Public Notices and Event www.networkclassifieds.com.au NEED NEW STAFF? Fill your position online 12565959-HC35-22 V Positions Vacant General Notices SUPER SERVICE BIN HIRE 2 CUBIC METRE BINS FROM $180 BIN SIZES 2-3-4-5 AND 6 CUBIC METRES UNWANTED CARS REMOVED FREE FAST FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT SERVICE 9793 9970 - 0419 514 977 12386255-DJ19-18 Employment Employment section of Network Classifieds. V Rubbish Removal ROOMS AVAILABLE, Single rooms. Gents only. 48 Hammond Road/45 Hemmings Street, Dandenong. Ph Daniel 0417 336 906. Real Estate V Accommodation ROOF RESTORATION Reg No 082 1317E ★ Replace Broken Tiles ★ Cleaning Roofs/Gutters/Downpipes ★ Re-Bedding & Pointing ★ Roof Spraying (3 coats acrylic paint) ★ 10 Year Guarantee ★ Free Quote For a free quote phone Carlos Ph: 9700 7098 Mob: 0414 393 700 10% discount G6032580AA-dc24Jun 12475470-JW51-20 Chris: 0410 584 435 • Carlos: 0414 393 700 ★ Replace Broken Tiles ★ Re-Bedding & Pointing ★ 10 Year Guarantee ★ Cleaning Roofs/Gutters/Downpipes ★ Roof Spraying (3 coats acrylic paint) ★ Free Quote Real Estate V Roofing Oakfern Tree Care P/L Fully Insured Phone Geoff 0418 340 825 C316291-KK18-5 Pruning Removal Stump Grinding Find it in the Celebrations section of Network Classifieds. ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services. V Massage Therapists 1 HOUR EMERGENCY PLUMBING ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS STANDARD RATES ON WEEKENDS ฀ ฀ ฀฀฀ ฀ ฀ SEWER BLOCKAGES –MACHINE CLEANED ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ gjlawplumbing.com.au 7 DAYS 0419 136 181 - 0419 136 151 1158529-PB42-14 NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT The land affected by the application is located at: 22 Exell Drive DANDENONG NORTH VIC 3175 The application is for a permit to: Removal of Covenant E687701 on Lot 112 on Plan of Subdivision 92362 The applicant for the permit is: Jova Drafting Consultants The application reference number is: PLN23/0210 You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge: On Council’s online Advertised Applications register: https:// mygreaterdandenong.com OR Scan the QR code: You may also call 8571 1000 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority: Greater Dandenong City Council Greater Dandenong Civic Centre Level 3, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong This can be done during office hours 8:30am–5:00pm Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority. An objection must be made to the responsible authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected. The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application. The responsible authority will not decide on the application until at least 14 days after the date on which the last notice is given. If you object, the responsible authority will tell you its decision. 12619196-MS28-23

Rowville in ruthless mode

By Marcus Uhe

Rowville has heaped pain on a battling Doncaster outfit by inflicting the heaviest defeat of the Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division season to date.

Keen to make amends after having its fivematch winning streak was shattered at the hands of Vermont last week, the Hawks outscored the lowly Sharks 67-5 in the second quarter on the way to a 24.23 167 to 2.8 20 victory.

With 13 individual goalkickers, the fun was spread far and wide across the brown and gold, with Mitchell and Tyson Sruk even getting in on the action for their first goals of the season.

Rowville kicked the first four of the contest, including two to veteran Maverick Taylor, before the Sharks finally broke through after the quarter time siren.

They would not score again until the 16th minute of the last term, a 73-minute scoring drought in which the Hawks slammed on 18 of their own.

A seven goal burst in just 18 minutes of football to open the second period was the decisive period of the game, allowing Rowville to hit the rooms at half time 75 points ahead.

The Hawks were electric with the ball in open space, moving it with rapid speed with precision and with a plethora of options available across Seebeck Oval.

Jake Arundell’s hot form continued, kicking another four and stretching his run of consecutive goalscoring games to eight.

It was a return to prominence for Lachlan Wynd, too, kicking five to maintain his place atop the leading goalscorers table with 41 majors.

Taylor (three), Matt Davey and Lachlan McDonald (two each) were the other multiple

goalkickers while eight Hawks kicked singles.

Cooper MacDonald made a welcome return in his first game since round nine, and Matthew Evans used his mobility against a taller opponent in the ruck, in the absence of the injured Nik Schoenmakers.

Not only was it the highest margin of victory in 2023 across Premier Division, but Rowville’s 167 was the second-highest team score, and Doncaster’s 20 the lowest team score for the year so far.

The second lowest belongs to Blackburn, who were held to just 21 points by Noble Park on Saturday.

Back-to-back Wickers wins

By Marcus Uhe

A gutsy performance from Berwick saw it notch a second consecutive victory for the first time in 2023, coming from behind to defeat a wasteful Park Orchards side at Edwin Flack Reserve.

Trailing the Sharks at every break, theWickers kicked the final six goals of a low-scoring contest to prevail 8.10 58 to 5.15 45. Things started positively for theWickers whose tenacity and pressure in the forward half manifested the first major of the game.

Lively forward Anthony Vella found himself in space in the forward 50 after a Tom Brennan smother at half-forward caught the Sharks’ defenders on their heels. Charlie Muley converted a set shot as the two sides went goal-for-goal to open proceedings before the Sharks kicked four in a row, during a half-hour stretch that enveloped quarter time.With both sides needing a victory to maintain faint hopes of qualifying for finals action, the nerves were evident, as players looked reluctant to take risks and committed sloppy mistakes under the weight of pressure.

Lachlan Vaughan spilling an uncontested mark at the top of the opposition goal square only for a Park Orchards forward to convert off the ground, a prime example. Despite the visitors making the running on the scoreboard, much of the contest was played in Berwick’s half of the ground.

But a sea of numbers in its forward 50 made piercing gaps and hitting leading players extremely difficult, and on the counter attack, an openattackingareapresentedagreaternumber of chances for the Sharks. A sublime finish from Harry Canning, from a kick with an approach that begun in the gutter infront of the netball courts, broke the Sharks’ dominance in the 20th minute of the quarter, and minutes later Harry Money was the beneficiary of a deliberate out of bounds call against a Sharks defender in the forward pocket, meaning the home side only trailed by six points at the long break.

It took 18 minutes for either side to find the major opening in the second half, as the ball bounced from arc to arc without consequence at either end. The Berwick defenders had an answer for everything the Sharks threw at them, with some desperate defending deep in defence highlighting the stakes of the contest,

So tight was the Bulls’ defence, they did not allow a goal until seven minutes into the third term.

But despite the stranglehold on the Blackburn forwards, the Bulls had only kicked three by that stage in the game, and led by just nine points when the Panthers finally broke through.

It appeared to light a fuse under the reigning champions, who kicked three in a four minute period shortly after.

Ben Marson kicked two in 60 seconds before first gamer Tom Bower received the customary mobbing and rub on the head after he

nailed a goal on his senior debut.

A major to Nathan Noblett to beat the three-quarter-time siren extended the margin to 34, the largest of the afternoon to date, and ultimately proved a bridge too far for the visiting Panthers.

Ryan Morrison and Jackson Sketcher were among the bests for the Bulls, while two goals toLiamScotttakeshistallyto24,havingscored in every contest he’s played in since round one. Rowville’s clash with Doncaster East and Noble Park’s with East Ringwood shape as eight-point games in round 13, with all four sides right in the mix for finals action.

Saving grace for Rangers

By Marcus Uhe

A win to Dandenong’s women’s side against Knox on Sunday left a positive mark on an otherwise bleak weekend for the Rangers, who lost three of their four contests across both the mens and womens’ NBL1 programs.

The Rangers flew out of the blocks with a 27-15 first quarter and never looked back, going on to win 79-62 for its 10th win of the campaign, after suffering a heavy 34-point loss toWaverley the night before.

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but the same couldn’t be said for their teammates further afield. It was Sam Hilton-Joyce who broke the deadlock in his first senior game this season, squeezing a dribbled kick from a contest along the ground and into an empty goalsquare, cutting the lead to one point.

Having kicked the last three of the game and holding the visitors goalless for the previous 45 minutes of play, Berwick entered the last quarter with momentum on its side. Canning held his own in a marking contest at the top of the square and goaled to give Berwick the lead after five minutes, sparking an emotional celebration from the clever forward.

Brennan then received armchair service from a ruck contest from Charlie Muley to goal on the run and push the lead to 11 points, Berwick’s run now reaching five consecutive goals.

The Sharks peppered the goal face in the last quarterbutmissedanumberofchancestoclaw their way back into the contest. Set shots from minor angles were blown, kicks off the ground spun backwards as they neared the target, and pressure on kicks on the run saw attempts forced wide. When Money kicked his second in the 23rd minute to put his side up by 14, collective hearts broke across the Sharks’ line-up, consigned to their 10th loss of the season.

Hilton-Joyce was among Berwick’s best, as was Brennan and Arthurson, while Deng Andrew and Jesse Parker all stood tall when required. The win sees the Wickers jump South Croydon on the Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division table, moving from 10th to ninth.

A tight opening quarter against Knox was blown-open midway through the period thanks to a 10-0 run for the home side.

BriahnaWhatman nailed two threes and layups to Sarah Boothe and Amber Smith fuelled the run, along with sturdy rebounding on the other end of the floor.

From that point on, the Rangers never looked back, maintaining a double-figure lead for the remainder of the contest, unfettered by the absence of star forward Nyadiew Puoch.

The Rangers were clinical in all aspects of the game, shooting a superior percentage from the field, the three-point line, assists, rebounds and blocks.

Sarah Boothe registered a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, Amber Smith falling just short of one herself with 21 points and nine rebounds.

It was a much different experience the day before, falling behind early and unable to recover. The margin grew at every interval, from 11 to 17 to 31 and finally 34 at the final whistle, 63-97.

Smith played a lone hand for the Rangers as the only player to score in double figures, a stark comparison to all of Waverley’s starters who all did.

For the men, a 15-point loss to Waverley on Saturday was compounded by a 25-point loss to Knox the next day.

After reeling in the visitors’ strong early lead to trail by just three at the final break, a three from Deng Puoch one minute into the

DengPuochgavetheRangersaleadlate inthegameagainstWaverley,butitwasn’t enoughtopreventadefeat. 287241

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final term gave the Rangers a shock lead.

But from that point onwards it was a 2913 run in favour of the Falcons, finishing 104-89 ahead.

Against Knox it was a disastrous third quarter that cost the Rangers, outscored 39-13.

Just five points behind at the half, the Rangers had no answer for Raiders’ guard Ke’Jhan Feagin, who scored 20 points in the third quarter alone with six three-point shots to drive a wedge between the two teams.

While outsourcing the visitors in the final term, the scoreline finished 87-112.

Jack Roberts played a solid all-round contest, tallying 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

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Young Rays hunt Dragons

By Jonty Ralphsmith

A young Dandenong team containing 15 bottom-agers was far too strong for Sandringham on a Frankston evening that delivered four seasons in one day, winning 8.9 57 to 4.0 24.

The Stingrays girls dictated terms throughout, keeping Sandringham to a six-point quarter time lead when the visitors had the breeze, before cashing in during the second-quarter.

Key forward/ruck Zoe Besanko’s rise continued with a pair of goals during the four-goal second stanza.

She also had a team-high four marks and 15 hitouts on a tough day to control the footy in the wind.

“It’s unbelievable what she does at training,” said coach Josh Moore of Besanko.

“She clunks marks and has confidence now as a forward. I think at the next level, she’ll be a forward.”

Makheala Bloom formed a potent one-two punch with Besanko, getting rewarded with three goals in her second game at the level.

Having been a dominant ruck at local level, Bloom has adapted to the inside 50 role by making repeated contests and bringing it to ground.

Kayla Dalgleish’s strong season continued, given midfield minutes and shining with her cleanliness, finishing with 14 touches.

“She’s come a long way in a short space of time,” said Moore.

“In preseason, we would have been happy for her to play one game as a bottom-ager.

“She trained the house down, earned her spot in round one and played really well as a small forward, having been a defender at local level.

“In the first three games she was in the best each week so I decided to give her a bit of midfield time.

“She’s 12 months before her time. (in the midfield) but she has done that for the last three weeks and taken her game to the next level which doesn’t normally happen as a bottom-ager.

“She is a small girl and a night like tonight is made for contested beasts. She proved that she is competitive, is clean and dishes so she does

the little things really well.”

Skipper Jemma Ramsdale pressed her Vic Country claims with 14 touches in a perfor-

mance underlined by defensiveness and voice.

Top-end talent Mikayla Williamson (23 touches), Meg Robertson (16 touches) are

building into form nicely ahead of the girls Vic Country fixtures, which start later this month.

Meanwhile, the boys had their best unavailable due toVic Country also playing this weekend which provided the opportunity for others to step up.

In-and-under bottom-aged midfielder Harvey Langford was given the captaincy and delivered on the field, arguably the best midfielder from either team on a difficult night.

His 28 touches and five tackles allowed Dandenong to start strongly with the wind and absorb the pressure to remain in the contest against it.

But Sandringham, trailing by just 10 points at the final break and with more depth behind the representative footballers, was able to outlast Dandenong, winning 11.11 77 to 8.7 55.

Big-bodied bottom-ager Cooper Hynes backed up his five goal game with three this week, including two crucial ones in the third quarter.

Sam Frangalas and Matt Nelson also played well given midfield time and Ben Hopkins proved he’ll be a crucial part of the backline come finals time with some one-on-one wins and amassed 26 touches of his own.

Doves encounter brutal speed hump in Murrumbeena

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Sport is the great leveller.

On a seven-game momentum-fuelled winning stretch, Doveton came to Murrumbeena red hot as arguably the form team in Southern Division Two football.

Within 15 minutes of the first siren, though, they were a step behind and a defeat in an ugly slogfest seemed inevitable.

Key forward James Gascard got Doveton’s firstgoalbutitwashisattempttoslotthrough number two which typified the Doves’ day.

Hayden Waters set him up with a lace out kick to the goalsquare on the stroke of halftime.

On the ground a metre out after taking the mark, he missed from point blank range.

It would take until stoppage time in the fourth quarter for Doveton to kick their second, via Ricky Johnson as they went down 8.11 59 to 2.5 17.

On-ballers Jake Basa and Shannon Henwood had three looks between them in that time but none went through, their misses illuminating Doveton being a yard off all day.

Nothing they did worked.

Rev-ups about men playing for positions fell on deaf ears, as did the instruction to players midway through the third quarter to play man on man.

Deekon Stapleton, Brodie Howie and Ricky Johnson were among some different names that ran through the middle to try to inject speed and encourage Doveton to change lanes going forward.

“It was a really disappointing day – they outhunted us, outplayed us, and they stood their ground a bit more on a wet day underfoot,” said Doves coach Michael Cardamone.

“No one stood up when it mattered most.

“There’s definitely a lot to work on. We talked about the high emotions of last week’s win earlier – I hope the boys didn’t think it was just going to happen because Murrumbeena are a bloody good side. We’ve got a lot to work on.”

Respect is earned over a sustained period of time.

An optimist would look at the Doves’ undefeated stretch, and long period on top last year as a sign of their status in the competition.

But the Murrumbeena performance brings into question the Doves’ ability against the best in 2023.

Skill errors were more common that targets hit and repeatedly players took too long to dispose of the footy resulting in a free

kick or turnover.

The inability to stop the Lions’ slingshot between the arcs was also glaring.

Two of their first four goals came straight from kick ins, with a series of other scores coming via rebounds from deep in defence.

Granted, Doveton defeated East Brighton a week earlier, but they lost to the Vampires badly earlier in the season and this performance was just as worrying.

Former NFL champion Mike Sitka perhaps puts Doveton’s current sitting in perspective: ‘success isn’t permanent and failure isn’t fatal.’

Around the grounds, Hampton Park went down 6.5 41 to 3.5 23 against East Brighton.

The scoreline was 2.3 15 apiece at the final break before East Brighton was able to run the game out despite Josh Stow andTrent

Downe playing their best games of the season.

Keysborough took it right up to Caulfield on the road leading for large periods through the middle of the game.

The Bears were ultimately able to overcome a 14-point three-quarter-time deficit to win by four points.

Skye, meanwhile, survived an almighty scare from Black Rock, winning by just six points as conditions made free flowing play difficult at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve.

In Division One, Cranbourne was far too good for an inexperienced Bentleigh.

A five goal third term broke the game open with Dylan Cavalot named best-on-ground.

Port Melbourne played their ground better and got cleaner entries than Dingley to breakaway to a 32-point win.

Springvale Districts was able to use the wind at Newcomen Road effectively against Chelsea Heights.

Kicking with the advantage in the first quarter gave them scoreboard ascendancy from the get-go.

The Dees scored 11 of their 12 goals with the wind and was able to absorb the pressure and concede just three against it.

Forwards George Angelopoulos and Matt Wetering were key upfront while midfielder Nick Gay led the midfield brigade.

The result propels Springvale Districts to third on the ladder with Dingley’s losing streak continuing.

The nine wins Springvale has so far recorded now exceed the eight it got in 2022 as the outcomes demonstrate the progress.

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