EHD Star Journal - 18th July 2023

It’s tree cheers!

By Sahar Foladi

The much-debated tree protection law has passed in front of cheering supporters at a Greater Dandenong Council council meeting.

It means locals will require a permit to remove a tree with a stem diameter equal or greater than 40cm measured 1.4m above ground level on private property. After consultation, the permit application fee was reduced from $120 to $75.

On Monday 10 July, the public gallery constantly clapped and cheered on councillors arguing for the policy.

Greater Dandenong Environment Group president Isabelle Nash, found herself with tears as they celebrated the happy news.

“The group were pleased that Councillors had taken notice of residents’ concerns about climate change, and stopping the decline in canopy cover is essential to tackling that.”

While the group believe the policy is not a strict one compared to neighbouring councils such as Frankston, it’s been built upon in comparison to the initial policy.

“The success of the law will depend on the

effectiveness and resourcing of its implementation which is what the group will now focus on, including pushing for a new canopy cover audit so the Council has an effective baseline to measure against.”

According to the council, this proposed local law is needed to boost the municipality’s declining tree canopy.

Council’s last audit in 2021 shows only 9 per cent canopy cover in the municipality but Ms Nash says that number was likely to be now even less. Councillor Rhonda Garad said passing the policy is one of her proudest moments.

“Saving as many trees as possible is crucial for protecting our health. Each tree should be seen as essential in this regard.

“For the future of the Council and generations to come, this law signifies a potential future. The next generation will bear the brunt of climate disruption, and it is our responsibility to take action now to protect them.”

Despite 63 per cent of online survey respondents supporting the policy, Cr Bob Milkovic strongly opposed the “wrongful local law.”

Continued page 8

Flames of destruction

Shocked onlookers survey the wreckage of Dandenong South mixed-martial arts gym Fighters Xpress, which was destroyed in

what police termed a “targeted“ suspicious fire on Sunday morning. More on page 5

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Trader ire at crossing snub

By Sahar Foladi

The Progress Street level crossing removal contract has been awarded despite a 765-strong opposing petition by surrounding businesses.

The announcement on Wednesday 28 June on the Big Build website, mentioned the $171 million-dollar contract comprising Fulton Hogan Construction, Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) and the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP).

They’ve been contracted for Station Street Beaconsfield, Station Street, Officer and Progress Street Dandenong South.

The announcement came six days after the petition was tabled in Parliament, presented by State MP for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, on Thursday 22 June.

Andrew Hamer, managing director of Pakaflex located right next to the level-crossing said this step is a “disgrace.”

“It proves that they are just not listening to any feedback.

“This idea, of a cheap, nasty diversion down congested, narrow and twisty Fowler Road treats the local business community and the City of Greater Dandenong with utter contempt and disregard.

“Why does this crossing not warrant a proper solution?”

Businesses had asked Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan for a moratorium pending a safety review by the LXRP but now feel totally sidelined.

According to the businesses, the levelcrossing on Progress Street is not dangerous and not congested at all.

Reports from Freedom of Interest (FOI) also state that the current level-crossing risks are “low” and “negligible”.

“The closure of Progress Street will create so many more safety and congestion issues than the low risk that the crossing actually currently poses,” Mr Hamer said.

Businesses are in support of an underpass/ overpass solution or any other solution which will not divert their A and B Double trucks down Fowler Road.

“This plan is dangerous. It will put a huge volume of over-dimensional and heavy trucks and postie bicycles crossing 30 heavy goods driveways on a narrow twisty road.

“It is dangerous and will result in deaths or injuries.”

Meanwhile, the project will see permanent closure of the level-crossing and instead divert all traffic along Fowler Road onto South Gippsland Hwy.

A road bridge is proposed by Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), which will connect Progress Street and Fowler Road in the busy industrial precinct.

Colin Smith from JDN Monocrane said the LXRP has the “very potential to take lives.”

“The depots in Progress Street and Nathan Road, including Australia Post, dispatch more than 5,600 trucks per day, all of which will go onto an already-congested Fowler Road.

“Fowler Road is already full, and Progress Street takes four times the traffic of Fowler Road. This extra traffic will make Fowler Road extremely dangerous - for every truck on there

now you will soon have five,” he said.

“We are worried for the safety of our staff and everyone who uses Fowler Road if this proposal goes ahead.”

Businesses say their pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears at the LXRP.

“The amazing petition response totally rejecting the LXRP proposal demonstrates the entire community disapproval of LXRP’s dangerous unwarranted and unwanted levelcrossing closure,’ Mr Smith said.

“LXRP is aware of the petition and the overwhelming rejection of the ‘stakeholders’ and yet they ignore it completely.”

Dandenong MP Ms Williams said the LXRP has engaged extensively with businesses which also includes one-on-one discussions while she also facilitated “significant engagement” with businesses and LXRP representatives.

“My advocacy led to several group meetings held and more safety assessments done to assuage the concerns of local businesses.

“I believe most people in the community accept that boom gates are a relic of the past. We have seen state-wide, the benefits of level crossing removals - those benefits go to safety and to improved road and rail commute times,” she said.

According to her, an independent safety audit will be completed as part of the next phase.

“I have confidence in the engineering expertise of the very significant LXRP who have so far delivered over 70 level crossing removals around the state.”

Mr Hamer says that independent safety audit is just another government department reviewing the other.

“There is no genuine independent safety review at all. Proper independent safety reviews would have thrown out this option as unworkable years ago.

“We must have a genuine safety audit of this project by someone that is without fear of favour. It won’t be allowed of course, because it won’t pass”.

AusPost, which is also located in the area, has also been in contact with LXRP.

“Australia Post continues to work with LXRP, which has asked us for information on our operational needs as part of its design and planning process for the level crossing removal works at Progress Street in Dandenong South,” an Australia Post spokesperson said.

Liberal South-East MP Ann-Marie Hermans has spoken four times on this pressing issue this year in the Parliament, twice raising an adjournment matter on 22 March and 1 June.

“I have had countless people contacting my office desperate to have these works halted.

“Why won’t this Government talk to people and find a mutually acceptable solution rather than steamroll people into unnecessary dangerous conditions?

“The residents of my electorate in Dandenong deserve better and have suffered enough already with the Government’s reckless disregard in relation to cost of living, school taxes and now dangerous traffic congestion issues,” she said.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan answered Ms Herman’s adjournment on 22 March by saying, “I acknowledge the Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region’s position to scrap this project, however the Andrews Labor Government will not agree to keep this dangerous and congested level

crossing in place.

“We are getting on with the job and ensuring that locals can get where they need to go quickly and safely in Melbourne’s south-east.

“Early works on this project are set to begin in mid-2023, with the Progress Street level crossing to be gone for good by 2025.”

Mr Hamer is concerned that Greater Dandenong Council and businesses will be left to deal with the aftermath if works were to be completed, as according to him, there’s no contingency plans from the LXRP.

“The Government is so invested in ‘getting it done’ that common sense and good process have gone out the window.

“We’re behind schedule - so just award contracts, get it built and then we’ll sort out the minor issues like safety and congestion later. It’s not good enough. We need a better solution”.

Greater Dandenong Council director of major projects, Paul Kearsley said the council was aware of the safety concerns raised by the community.

“It is the responsibility of the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project team to inform the community of its progress and the potential impacts, and to respond to any concerns raised.

“Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project team is currently finalising the first draft designs. Council engineers will review the designs to ensure they suitably address recent feedback regarding safety.

“Council will continue to advocate to assist local businesses so the Victorian Government and the Level Crossing Removal Project team are aware of their concerns.”

Business owners and employees stand against the closure of Progress Street in Dandenong South as part of a Level Crossing Removal Project.

The Progress Street level crossing removal contract has been awarded despite a 765-strong opposing petition by surrounding businesses. 345916 Picture: GARY SISSONS A and B Double trucks will be forced down this Fowler Road amid safety concerns from businesses. 345916 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Loan fraudster jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A purported mortgage broker in Dandenong whosehomeloanschemesdefrauded$369,000 from vulnerable families has been jailed.

Surendrakumar Thurairatnam, 49, of Lynbrook, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to 15 counts of obtaining property by deception.

Thurairatnam stripped the life savings from “already financially stressed” victims who wanted to buy their “dream” homes, Judge Michael O’Connell said on 13 July.

“As a result of their dealings with you, they have been left all the more financially vulnerable, struggling to meet basic necessities.”

Mainly from South Sudan and North Africa, the victims were referred by family and friends

to his business Prime Legal & Finance at the Hub Arcade in Dandenong.

Some of them arrived after being knocked back for bank loans.

Thurairatnam falsely promised to obtain home loans in return for thousands of dollars in advance.

As part of the ruse, he presented fake loan and pre-loan approval letters from major banks.

He falsely claimed to be a qualified legal practitioner, home loan specialist, mortgage broker and land broker.

Judge O’Connell said the crimes weren’t caused by“poor business practice” but by“dishonesty”.

“Each of these victims and their families

had hoped to realise their dream of buying their own home.

“You told them that you could make that dream come true and they trusted that it would.

“In each of these offences you assuredly breached that trust.“

In mitigation, Thurairatnam argued that he played a junior role at the business.

He acted under the direction of his business partner who produced the false documents and collected the victim’s deposits, he claimed.

Under cross-examination, the business partner denied the allegations – although Judge O’Connell found his evidence “wholly unsatisfactory” and “far from frank”.

But despite these “suspicions”, the judge

found Thurairatnam still had a “substantial” role in the “egregious, fraudulent enterprise”. His allegations were “completely inconsistent” with his guilty pleas.

Born and raised in Sri Lanka, theTamil refugee was exposed to bombings and killings as part of the civil war.

His adjustment disorder, anxiety and depression deteriorated after his business closed and charges ensued.

Judge O’Connell noted his “very good” rehabilitation prospects given he had no prior convictions and had repaid nearly $60,000 to victims.

But it had taken Thurairatnam “considerable time” to take responsibility.

He was jailed for up to three years, and eligible for parole in 18 months.

Couple takes on, ahem, earthy cross-country drive

Endeavour Hills couple Luke and Annabel Schulze are set for the adventure of a lifetime when they join a convoy of teams in this year’s Spring Shitbox Rally, Australia’s largest independently-run fundraiser for Cancer Council.

Shitbox Rally is not a race, it’s a challenge to drive cars worth $1500 or less across Australia via some of its toughest roads to raise money for Cancer research.

Luke and Annabel have lost several immediate family members to cancer and know many friends and families who are still bat-

tling, as well as some lucky ones who have “beat the beast“.

“With a significant birthday looming this year instead of choosing a relaxing holiday somewhere or a party I wanted to give back to a cause close to my heart,“ Annabel said.

“We have obtained a VS commodore that was just sitting gathering spiders and birds nests in someone’s barn, and with the help of some friends and Luke’s mechanical knowledge the car is on the road and we looking forward to the exciting journey ahead of us.”

Box Rallies Founder and CEO James Free-

man OAM, lost both of his parents to cancer within 12 months of each other.

“Shitbox Rally is not a race, but a reward for fundraising efforts,“ he said.

“This is a chance to explore Australia, drawing teams from around the country to help achieve the extraordinary.“

For the first time ever, the teams will start in Port Douglas, far north Queensland.

This will be the most northern start line in the history of the rallies.

“The route takes us from humidity and

Springvale Fireworks Notice

There will be a fireworks display for approximately 8 minutes at 6.50pm on Sunday 3 0 July 202 3

This is for the Springvale Snow Fest event being held at the corner of Buckingham and Queen avenues, Springvale.

If you have any animals that may be affected by this noise, it is advised that you secure them during this time.

If you have any enquiries, please phone 8571 1000 or visit snowfest.com.au

heat, into the dry outback diagonally crossing both Queensland and South Australia in what will prove a very challenging and very visually striking rally,“ Mr Freeman said.

“This will be a very special rally indeed.“

Box Rallies have raised more than $33 million since the first event in 2010.

To participate, each team must raise a minimum of $5000 with a target of $2 million for the entire rally.

To donate to Schulzey’s Shitbox, visit https://spring2023.shitboxrally.com.au/ schulzeys-shitbox

Early morning on Day 3 of the 2023 Autumn Shitbox Rally.

Pictures: SUPPLIEDLuke (left) and Annabel (right) with their ‘shitbox’.

Reforming the Pilates form

By Sahar Foladi

Genesis Health and Fitness Dandenong have given residents the opportunity to get back in shape with the revival of Reformer Pilates.

Invented first in 1920, this form of Pilates had phased out but is now being introduced for the first time in Dandenong.

“We have young people doing it, their mothers, athletes and beginners – there aren’t many forms of exercise that have appeal to such a wide range of people and that’s why we wanted to bring it to Dandenong,” Genesis studio owner Sudesh Mudaliar said.

“Due to the unique nature of the reformer machine, it can be both challenging for those who want that and supportive for those who need it.”

Mr Mudaliar took over the ownership of the health club and kicked off works in maintenance and membership with a vision for the club to be inclusive to all.

“The membership was really low, the gym and equipment were very old and looked very tired.

“I spent well over half a million dollars in gym equipment and maintenance. I wanted to change the profile of the typical person coming to the gym.”

He made the shift from Caulfield where Reformer Pilates is more popular.

“For me to bring Reformer Pilates to Dandenong was a huge question mark but I thought there’s definitely a need.

“We’ve had a really good uptake from locals and especially young people, so far it’s great.”

Men in their 70’s, elderly and middle aged women to young girls from 18 years of age and up have shown keen interest in reformers.

Since Covid there has been a shift in people’s priorities when it comes to their health and fitness.

According to a survey of Genesis members,

54 per cent have changed their approach to fitness and health as a result of the pandemic, with 64 per cent focused more on wellness and how exercise makes them feel mentally as well as physically.

Kate Tham is a Genesis instructor of 10 years now and is literally addicted to reformer Pilates when she was trained six months ago.

“I got into Pilates because I’ve been doing a lot of sports and wanted to do where it won’t cause injuries and that I could carry on with for the rest of my life.

“Reformer Pilates is growing and has boomed this year. I think people are starting to try it and become addicted like me,” she said.

“It wasn’t a thing when we had Covid, F45 and HIIT was in at that time but people are catching onto Reformer now. I think once

Council’s Community Grants Program

Greater Dandenong City Council offers the opportunity for community clubs and organisations to apply for funding to support activities and projects that benefit the Greater Dandenong community.

The Community Support Grants Program Round 2 opens on Monday 17 July and will close on Monday 21 August. All applications must be made online through Council’s website greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/grants

Grant information sessions are available to learn about Council’s programs:

• Tuesday 25 July: 1:30pm - 2.30pm (online)

• Tuesday 1 August: 11am - 12pm, Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale

• Wednesday 9 August: 5.30pm - 6.30pm, Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong (in person and online).

To book an appointment for personalised support with the Community Funding Team and to reserve a place at an information session, please email commgrants@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 8571 1432.

people try reformer they’ll absolutely be gobsmacked on how awesome it is.”

Ms Tham has been a sports instructor her whole life in different fields and has also taught taekwondo.

“Mr Mudaliar’s vision to include people who were scared of joining the gym or have never joined the gym through reformer has been the best ever.

“It has definitely brought a whole new group of people that were never interested in joining a gym,” she said.

With only 14 Reformer Pilates machines in the Genesis studio, the small classes cater to all ages and fitness levels.

Naomi June Bliss has been a member of Genesis for around nine years now.

While she initially joined to build her

strength exposure to new initiatives such as this has also shifted her mind on fitness.

“When Reformer came around I figured I want to improve more than just my strength, I wanted to improve my flexibility and wellbeing of my mind.

“The great thing about reformer is that anyone can join and work on the machine in their pace.”

The introduction of Reformer Pilates at Genesis Dandenong is part of a large-scale upgrade that will also see the introduction of a small group personal training space, Coaching Zone, before the end of the year.

The club also offers group fitness classes such as Yoga, BodyPump and BodyAttack along with 24/7 access, cardio, ladies only gym, heated swimming pool and sauna.

Plan for climate crises

By Sahar Foladi

As the highest temperature was recorded on the planet just last week, Greater Dandenong Council is set to embark on a climate emergency management report .

Councillor Rhonda Garad filed the motion on 10 July for the Council to undertake a detailed report on emergency management necessary for events such as power blackouts during heatwaves.

“I put up the motion due to the alarming climate data emerging from the northern hemisphere. Records are consistently being broken, with the hottest days ever recorded occurring last week. The ocean temperature is significantly above normal and has remained so for months,” she said.

“The ocean has absorbed a substantial amount of heat, equivalent to 25 billion atomic bombs, leading to various effects such as sea ice reduction, coral bleaching, melting ice sheets, intensified hurricanes, and changes in ocean health and biochemistry.”

On Monday 3 July the planet saw the hottest day ever recorded, with average global temperature of 17.01 degrees Celsius (62.62 degrees Fahrenheit). This is compared to the previous record of 16.92 degrees Celsius, which occurred on both 24 July, 2022 and 14 August 2016.

“Thousands of heat-related deaths have occurred during the northern summer due to record temperatures,” Cr Garad said. “Power grids are failing, and night time temperatures are rising, making it difficult for people to cool themselves. Similar conditions are anticipated in Australia this summer.”

According to experts, the rise is a combination of human induced climate change and the emergence of El Nino, a weather pattern that occurs every two to seven years due to wind patterns in the Pacific Ocean which is known to result in increased temperatures worldwide. Right now, Cr Garad says there’s a gap between what needs to be done and the State emergency team.

“This gap must be addressed by deter-

mining our capacity to respond, including identifying cool areas, transportation plans, and informing the public.

“We need to be prepared on a war footing to protect the community from more frequent extreme climate events.”

As a result of El Nino, along with rest of the countries, Australia too will see rise in temperatures this summer according to World Meteorological Organisation, with a continuous increase in global temperatures for the next nine to 12 months.

The thorough Council report will determine aspects such as, the percentage of vulnerable residents, communication strategy from Council to residents during climate related events, council’s emergency shelter capacity and identification and recommendation of strategies to address existing gaps within Council’s ability.

Council will also establish community network events to support vulnerable individuals. “Right now we’re not sure what the procedure is, we’re not sure if the residents are made aware that there is an event, we’re not sure how to transport to cool zones, we’re not sure where the cool zones are and we’re not sure how many vulnerable residents we have.

“We’re not sure about almost anything in relation to how this council will respond to unlikely climate events. This is a foreseen event so we have to be prepared. I want to get to the point where every citizen knows what to do in terms of extreme event and know where the cool zone is,” Cr Garad said.

The motion saw a smooth pass from other Councillors and was even extended to natural disasters such as flooding.

As temperatures rise, the water cycle has also begun to intensify in a‘wet-gets-wetterdry-gets-drier. The water cycle is the process of water evaporation from the Earth which rises into the atmosphere, forms clouds and falls again as rain or snow.

This will look like intensified weather conditions where dry areas will see intense droughts more often and wet areas will see extreme storms and flooding.

Pictures:STEWARTCHAMBERS

‘Cowards’ destroy gym

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A popular mixed-martial arts gym in Dandenong South has been destroyed in what police suspect was a “targeted” and “deliberate” arson attack.

Police say that a car was used to crash through the front door of Fighters Xpress about 3.30am on Sunday 16 July.

Accelerant was poured through the 50-metre by 20-metre building on Lonsdale Street and set alight.

“We’ve got a scene of absolute desolation,” Arson and Explosive Squad’s Inspector Chris Murray told reporters.

Arson and Explosive Squad, Echo Taskforce and VIPER detectives are investigating whether the blaze is linked to an outbreak of feudfuelled arson attacks across Melbourne.

Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs are said to be involved in the spree.

“We will be significantly upping the ante as the result of this,” Insp Murray said.

“We will be looking at why this premises was targeted, what the possible motives were.

“Our response is going to be absolutely significant. If you’re behind this, if you’re associated with people involved in this, we will be paying you a visit – mark my words.”

In a social media post, Fighters Xpress owner and renowned kickboxer Sleman Aschna slammed the “weak little cowards” and vowed to build a“bigger and better” gym for its“many kids and families”.

“Please don’t do kiddy s*** and if you’re going to try be a thug or gangsta don’t target kids

and families training facilities, or innocent people, shame on you!

“All of our staff and members that attend and train at the gym have zero gang relations and none are involved in any war that the media is portraying us to be apart of.

“If anyone has problems with individuals that used to be part of the gym, please chase it up directly with them you cowards.

“Just scared little boys hiding behind your phones.”

FRV and CFA firefighters battled for more than 75 minutes to bring the inferno under control.

The fire damaged a next-door cafe, which owners say they bought three years ago and only opened for a month.

“We lost a part of us,” owner Emma

Mekonnen told reporters.

Shortly after the blaze was lit, a vehicle was set on fire in Canberra Avenue, Dandenong and melted part of a resident’s car.

Police believe the incident is linked to the gym blaze.

Fighters Xpress is the training base for teenage world champion kickboxer Melisa Muselovic. It has also hosted visiting world champions such as UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.

In 2019, the same gym was targeted by a suspicious fire, which started in an outside hard-rubbish.On that occasion, the building suffered significant smoke damage.

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

A torched vehicle inside the gutted Fighters Xpress gym on Sunday morning. 347653

Picture: GARY SISSONS

The “scene of desolation”. 347653

Picture: GARY SISSONS

At the rear, a cafe was also damaged by the arson attack on the gym. 347653

Picture: GARY SISSONS

The gym consumed in smoke and flames.

Picture: HAMPTON PARK FIRE BRIGADE

Burglar batters, mocks ex-workmate: Jailed

home and hurt him.

Ads ban says bets are off

By Sahar Foladi

Alliance for Gambling Reform has applauded City of Greater Dandenong Council’s “leadership” in striking out gambling ads at sport grounds.

In a council meeting on 26 June, Greater Dandenong Council passed a ban on ‘direct’ gambling ads as part of its latest version of its recreation reserve advertising, promotional and club signage policy.

Alliance for Gambling Reform chief executive officer, Carol Bennett said this is essential especially when Greater Dandenong is facing a gambling related harm crisis.

“Gambling harms disproportionately impact a community who’re more vulnerable and City of Greater Dandenong has large number of vulnerable groups.

“As a local council, Greater Dandenong council has shown real leadership in supporting the community to resolve some of those harms.”

Any sponsorship signage agreement between clubs and sponsors will only be permitted during playing season, after which clubs have seven days to remove the signage.

The policy attracted some heat as councillor Tim Dark argued local sports clubs are already doing it tough and this will further the strain.

“The fundamental issue I have is the way sports clubs have to come up with their own donations and fundraisers without the help of the council.

“I have concerns Council is overstepping significantly regarding the signage and advertising opportunities.

“Sports clubs only have limited ways to raise money and to have them ... in trouble for having a local business sponsor the club is crazy.”

Political ads would also not be permitted as well as any direct ads on fast food products, restaurants and suppliers as part of their healthy eating crackdown on local sporting clubs.

Deputy mayor Lana Formoso who’s also a physical education teacher, supported the policy saying it’s in line with community consultation and the council’s plan.

“I believe there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this policy, in fact I implore it as a PE teacher. I want to promote healthy eating and an active community.”

The policy will see local clubs submit their promotional signage design layout including colour scheme, size and the wording of the proposed ad as part of Council’s approval process.

Council’s Sports and Recreational Department would than grant a written permission for any installation of signage.

Greater Dandenong has bourne massive losses on pokies, on track for more than $135 million in 2022-’23 and one of the highest per capita in the state.

Ms Bennett said it’s not just the financial aspect of the harms but also the “significant losses that causes harm” through family violence, anxiety and family breakdowns.

“We know that gambling advertisement does directly link to increases in gambling. We can say that this will impact the budgets of those clubs but there’s a far greater impact in terms of socio-economic help that goes in the community.”

After an investigation led by the Alliance’s volunteers, it was found that large number of pokies machine venues are available 24/7 through ‘staggering’ their opening hours with nearby venues where one venue will close at 6 am and another venue will open at 6 am.

According to Ms Bennett, this issue has also been raised by Greater Dandenong Council.

“We have been working hard with the State Government to make these changes to opening hours policy.

“There’s no real reason for people to be gambling in the middle of the night.”

The Alliance has recommended a ‘total blackout’ from midnight to 10 am to address the loophole in the legislation, where machines are only to be operated for a maximum 20 hours a day with a continuous four hour break.

However, each venue can individually decide what hours their poker machine rooms are closed.

“We want to see a blackout because that’s when most gambling harms is happening, mostly between 12 to 4 am,’ Ms Bennett said.

In addition to pokies losses, an estimated $150 million is lost by Greater Dandenong residents each year to other legal forms of gambling, which brings total annual losses to about $285 million – equivalent to about $2000 per adult.

“The council has recognised the significant problem and losses in their community and they’re seeking alternatives.

“I think this is why this leadership from council is so significant but gambling ads is just one measure,” Ms Bennett said.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A disgruntled ex-employee twice broke into his former workplace in Springvale, stealing the boss’s ute and severely beating a worker with a cricket bat, a court has heard.

Joshua Irving, 21, pleaded guilty at the County Court to intentionally causing serious injury, aggravated burglary, dangerous driving and theft.

After being sacked at the Brad Cattlin and Sons earthmoving business, Irving posted negative comments about the firm on Facebook.

In April 2022, Irving broke in, stole keys from the owner’s desk and took the Isuzu DMax ute.

Irving filmed himself on Snapchat driving at more than 150 km/h.

That same night, he and an associate drove to the Melbourne Water Treatment Plant in Yea. They forced entry to the gates and rammed the door to the switchroom.

Upon entering the room, they triggered an audible alarm. They fled, discarding the ute in Glenburn.

Days later at 3.05am, a balaclava-clad Irving returned to his former workplace with a metal bar to force entry.

A worker sleeping in the factory was awoken by loud noises. He carried a cricket bat as he went to investigate.

In the ensuing scuffle, Irving produced a knife and suffered a wound to the back of his head.

He picked up the bat and struck the worker three times to the face. The blows knocked the victim to the ground in significant pain.

Irving stole the man’s phone and removed the business’s CCTV hard drive.

Covered in blood, the victim was taken to The Alfred hospital with multiple skull fractures, two fractured eye sockets, broken nose, a gaping wound to his forehead and swelling around his brain.

During complex surgery, he had metal plates and screws inserted in his head.

Meanwhile, Irving wrote “disgusting” and “very disturbing” messages to friends about the bashing, Judge Geoff Chettle said.

His“racist and homophobic” comments about the victim, his “bravado and boasting” showed a “complete lack of remorse”.

In a victim impact statement, the worker described being filled with fear that Irving or “someone like him” would come to his

He suffered flashbacks and constant headaches, and potentially required further eye surgery.

He reflected how close his daughter was to losing her father that morning.

The victim didn’t know how he would pay his bills after Brad Cattlin and Sons went into receivership and he lost his job. He didn’t receive WorkCover payments because the attack happened outside work hours.

In a police interview Irving admitted to the offences, claiming the business owed him money.

Growing up in Mulgrave and Kinglake, Irving was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. At 18, he took himself off medication and soon developed a three-gram-a-week ice habit.

“Your use of ice does much to explain why a young man with no criminal history and a loving family could have embarked on such a course of serious criminal activity,” Judge Chettle said.

Irving was immature, more in keeping with a teenager than an adult, the judge noted.

He was “uninformed” and “naïve” in his world view, prone to “self-defeating, risky and poorly conceived” decisions, “impulsive” and “highly influenced by others”. These traits could be remedied with treatment, a psychologist stated.

Judge Chettle had adjourned for four months to allow Irving to attend residential drug rehab atWoodend.

Being young with no prior convictions, Irving’s rehabilitation prospects were “good”, Judge Chettle said.

He “unfortunately” faced a mandatory jail term for intentionally causing serious injury – even if it was “an injustice to you or a disservice to the community”.

On the other hand, Irving “viciously” beat his victim, who was left “severely injured” and “long damaged”.

Judge Chettle said he was concerned that Irving was too “immature”, “impressionable” and “naïve” for adult prison.

He hoped authorities would house Irving in Port Phillip Prison’s youth unit.

Irving was jailed for up to four-and-ahalf years, with a two-and-a-half year nonparole period.

He was disqualified from driving for three years.

Pokies harm-reduction reforms are welcomed

New-announced measures to reduce pokies harm have been welcomed by the Alliance for Gambling Reform.

Premier Daniel Andrews on 16 July announced mandatory pre-commitment limits and cards for all gaming machines.

Gamblers’ ‘load-up’ limits will also drop from $1000 to $100, EGM spin rates will slow to three seconds a game, and all pokie venues except Crown Casino will close between 4am10am.

“These reforms will provide the strongest gambling harm preventions and anti-money laundering measures in Australia – we owe it to allVictorians to take this stance and help those experiencing harm turn their lives around,” Mr Andrews said.

The mandatory pre-commitment, carded play and load up limits will be introduced subject to thorough consultation with industry through an implementation working group.

The mandatory closure periods will be enforced by mid-2024.

Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocateTim Costello said the“significant” reforms were long awaited.

“These reforms appear to be very signifi-

cant, especially the introduction of mandatory carded play with set loss limits of no more than $100 a day,” Rev. Costello said.

“We still need to see all of the details, but this will go a long way towards minimising gambling harm in our community as well as reducing the huge amounts of dirty money being laundered through poker machines.”

According to the Government, an estimated 330,000 Victorians experience harm from gambling each year.

Carol Bennett CEO of Alliance for Gambling Reform. Picture: SUPPLIED

Greater Dandenong has lost a massive more than $100 million a year in pokies, the highest per capita in the state.

Jail for bashing

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Dandenong-raised man who “savagely” and “cowardly” bashed his 87-year-old ex-fatherin-law after a Facebook spat has been jailed.

Gerard Michael Rabot, 51, of Cranbourne, pleaded guilty at theVictorian County Court to aggravated burglary, causing injury intentionally and making a threat to kill the victim.

After the attack, the man was hospitalised with bleeding on the brain and four broken ribs.

He required heavy pain medication as well as a catheter due to a bladder injury.

In February 2022, Rabot posted on Facebook about separating from his wife after 29 years of marriage.

The wife’s father responded that she wasn’t on Facebook to defend herself – which Judge Frances Hogan said was a “reasonable” post.

However Rabot fired off three “abusive” replies. The next morning, he visited the fatherin-law’s Frankston home in a “heightened state”.

When the victim unlocked the front door, Rabot violently forced it open.

He grabbed the man by the throat, while punching him to the face.

Rabot released his grip so the man fell backwards onto a computer desk. He then dropped onto the victim with his right knee pinning the victim’s chest to the floor.

As Rabot yelled at the victim, the elderly man struggled to speak and breathe while pleading with Rabot to stop.

“Don’t tell anyone about this or I will kill you,” Rabot said.

“If you tell anyone I’ll come back and finish the job.”

The victim, who was living alone after the recent death of his second wife, rang his son for help.

Meanwhile, Rabot rang his ex-wife telling her he thought he’d killed her father, that he’d “belted him pretty bad”.

Upon his arrest, he was taken to hospital with a high heart rate, and later deemed unfit to interview.

In sentencing on 6 July, Judge Hogan noted the large-built Rabot’s “very cowardly” attack on a victim more than three decades older and living alone at home.

Rabot didn’t like the man, intended to “savagely” attack him, and left him bleeding on his own floor, she found.

In a statement, the victim told the court of his shock and fear, his painful injuries and need for counselling in the aftermath.

The Dandenong-raised Rabot was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder as well as PTSD stemming from violent childhood abuse.

His father’s death in 2016 brought up unresolved traumas. They sparked suicidal thoughts and attempts, severe depression, panic attacks and admissions to a hospital

psychiatric ward.

In the lead-up to the assault, Rabot was in a “distressed state” due to the recent loss of his job and marriage.

A psychiatrist found that Rabot may have been in a “state of dissociation” as a result. But it was more likely that the“quite deliberate” attack was fuelled by uncontrolled anger.

Rabot’s mental health was at risk of deteriorating in custody, as well as in the community, the judge noted.

His rehabiliation depended on him complying with his mental health treatment.

Judge Hogan accepted Rabot felt ashamed by the assault, not least because it reminded him of his own father’s abuse.

She noted his limited criminal history, excellent work record, otherwise good character and his junior cricket coaching.

Rabot was jailed for 10 months, followed by a three-year community corrections order.

The CCO includes supervision, mental health treatment and an anger management program.

Weed shuts park down

Namatjira Park in Clayton South will be partly closed after the discovery of a large weed infestation in the waterway.

Heavy works will be undertaken to treat and remove the water hyacinth weed after it was discovered in Clayton Retarding Basin by an “eagle-eyed” resident.

Contractors will divert water from the 1700-square-metre infestation site, then use excavators to scrape the base of the lake clear of water hyacinth.

No chemicals will be used in the removal process.

The eastern section of the park is expected to close for up to eight weeks from the end of July.

Agriculture Victoria leading biosecurity officer Kaitlin Wright said efforts were being made to stop the State prohibited weed from spreading further.

“Water hyacinth is a really vigorous grower, choking rivers, dams, lakes and irrigation channels and costing billions of dollars every year in control measures and economic losses.

The weed has distinctive mauve flowers during summer, with a darker purple patch and yellow spot on the upper petal.

“Water hyacinth is easily recognisable in winter, even without the flowers, because it has round, bulbous stems that clump together on the water surface.

“We’re concerned there could be more in the area that has been spread by birds, or kept in backyards as an ornamental pond plant, so we’re asking local residents to report confirmed or suspected sightings.”

To report sightings, contact AgricultureVictoria at weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 136 186.

Details of the park closure at kingston.vic. gov.au/council/projects-and-works

AFP officers raid the Springvale Greyhounds gaming venue on 6 September 2022.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Springvale pokies fines

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Sandown Greyhounds pokies venue’s operator faces potential fines of up to $80,770 after being charged with allegedly allowing illegal payouts from its machines.

Greyhounds Promotions Pty Ltd was charged by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission with five counts of failing to ensure payouts were made legally.

It comes in the wake of a joint investigation by the VGCCC, AUSTRAC and the Australian Federal Police into alleged money laundering at the venue.

On 6 September last year, AFP officers raided the Springvale Greyhounds gaming venue and two homes in Springvale South and Noble Park.

Officers allegedly seized more than $170,000 in cash and gold bullions in the Springvale South house.

According to police, the syndicate laundered millions of dollars in illicit cash at the Springvale Greyhounds venue by paying patrons to sign-over their jackpot cheques from gaming machines.

The cheques would be issued in the name of a syndicate member, and deposited into a bank as purportedly legitimate gambling winnings.

Tram Ngoc Tran, 49, of Springvale South, and Noble Park pair Lan Huong Lam, 61,

and Xuan Huynh, 63, were charged by the AFP with engaging in conduct with general crime proceeds valued at $1 million or more.

As part of their bail conditions, they are banned from gaming venues.

The trio are expected to next appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 26 July.

In a statement, VGCCC alleged Greyhounds Promotions allowed a practice in which a person would a player who had substantial credits on a gaming machine and pay them cash for the credits.

It’s also claimed that the licensee issued cheques to people who weren’t the ones gambling on the machines when money was won.

“Venues have a clear legal requirement to do all they can to ensure the industry is free from criminal influence,” VGCCC chief executive Annette Kimmitt said.

“Venue operators and their staff should check CCTV footage to verify the player is the one getting the payout when issuing cheques.

“They also need to be on the lookout for and stop people in their gaming machine area paying players cash for gaming machine credits.”

Ms Kimmitt said the VGCCC were using data monitoring and intelligence to detect “suspicious activity” at gaming venues.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/CON CHRONIS

Street park crush

By Sahar Foladi

Residents in Hucksons Street and its surrounds in Dandenong are calling for parking permits in the face of ongoing parking shortages.

A stay-at-home mother-of-three, Faiza has been living in the medium density dwelling for nine years and throughout all three of her pregnancy.

“That’s our biggest issue, the parking and it’s always frustrating.

“We have a garage but as most houses we have two cars and our garage has space for only one. At the end of the day we have to find at least one space for our car.”

According to the residents, train commuters park their cars in the area as it’s within a walking distance to the Dandenong train station.

“You see people park their car and walk to the station. I don’t blame them because it’s free parking but at the same time most of us with babies have to track down parking in this cold and rain.”

Although Anh Panh does not have to deal with the parking issue with one car and a garage space, she feels for others when she sees them trekking streets to reach their house after a tiring day at work.

“A lot of people who finish at 6 pm, I see them struggle a lot because they have to walk around to get to their house.

“It’s a struggle if I want to park in front of the house and go back in for something.”

This leaves very limited parking access for residents who’re than forced to park two to three streets away from their house.

“The majority of the time, I go and drop off my son at school come back and all the parking spots are taken when I know 90 per cent of our neighbours are at work,” Faiza said.

Residents on Hucksons Street and surrounding areas like Alex Scott Way are than forced to park wherever they can find the slightest available spot which is usually at the round curb, where the Greater Dandenong council officers have issued fines.

Faiza hasn’t been fined yet for parking at the curb but her sister did, when she came to visit one afternoon.

Haven Elkham on the other hand has been fined twice after she was forced to park at the curb just in front of her house.

“I learnt the hard way that you’re not allowed to park around the curb which I’ve done multiple different times because it gets so backed up with parking and there’s not really

anywhere to park. I got fined for it twice.

“Now if there’s no parking I’ll park a couple streets over because there’s not a lot you can do.”

Sue, a business owner only 450 metres away from the residential area said she regularly walks her dog in the morning at 7:30 am and spots council officers fining cars.

“I feel for the residents. I see these guys nearly every day.

“I believe it’s at night when residents come from work and by 9 am people go off to work that’s why council comes nice and early in the morning.”

She has operated in the area for 10 years as a business owner and says they’ve had ongoing parking issues as well.

“I asked the council for permit parking but they won’t agree instead they suggested fourhour parking but that wouldn’t suit my customers and staff who work eight hour shifts.

“We’ve been booked just having our nose in our driveway.”

The residents are also calling on the Council for permit parking so they can park in front of their dwellings.

“If you get home when everyone else is getting home either you find a spot and someone else has to park two streets away or you drive past.

“We walk it with groceries but try to go for grocery shopping on days when we know people are at work so we can get parking,” Ms Elkham said.

“A permit would be nice, I want everyone who lives here to find parking.”

Councillor Jim Memeti, had mentioned the residential permit idea to the table in the past to council officers which had been turned down.

“I’ve always sought after permit parking for residents but that’s something council officers have never pursued in the past and I think it’s time for another review.

“As the Greater Dandenong City develops and more people call Greater Dandenong home, it’s vital to address the issue.”

While there are multiple unpaid car parks which may fill up rapidly for commuters, there’s a car park permit site on Carroll Lanewhich is the site of Council’s proposed $120mplus rectangular stadium.

The parking permit is for $219 for three months which is equivalent to around $3 per day.

“We need to encourage people working in CBD to use the permit car park site.

“At the moment they don’t want to go there because they don’t want to pay. Unfortunately, this falls back onto nearby residents,” Cr Memeti said.

Casey unveils plan to boost tree stocks

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Casey Council has unveiled a draft strategy to boost the region’s sub-average amount of tree canopy.

The council area is home to an estimated 646,544 trees, but its 11.3 per cent tree canopy rate is well short of the 19.3 per cent metro Melbourne average.

In its Greening Casey draft strategy, the council aims to reach 15 per cent by 2030 and 20 per cent by 2050.

It plans to plant more than 10,000 street trees in the next three years as well as boost the numbers of privately-owned trees with a mix of regulation, education and incentives.

More trees are needed to build Casey’s “climate resilience” by helping cool urban temperatures and lessen the harmful impacts of heat waves, according to the report.

Its priority suburbs for more tree shade include Cranbourne North, Clyde North, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne West, Hampton Park and Botanic Ridge.

The greatest canopy “opportunities” on public land were wide road reserves, retail centres, walking and cycling paths, car parks, parklands and streets surrounding schools.

Activity centres with extensive slabs of asphalt car parks were some of the hottest areas in Casey, the report stated.

In the past four years, Casey gained nearly 350,000 square metres of tree canopy, mostly along roads and streets in new developments.

However large infrastucture projects had

Cheers for tree protection

From page 1

“Are we in North Korea or Australia? These are private properties. These are people who’ve planted the trees themselves and nurtured it.”

Mr Milkovic made the reference to a photo of Dandenong in 1973 to demonstrate that the trees were planted by residents who will now be forced to bear arborist and permit fee costs.

“Yet another cost to the people who’ve bought this land and turned the moonscape into beautiful suburbs.

“Residents who’ve actually done something about this are not happy about this.”

According to the policy, residents are exempt from the local law if they can prove the tree poses an immediate risk to people or property as assessed by a minimum level five qualified arborist.

Further to the costs, pruning of protected trees must be carried out by a minimum level three arborist.

On a quick Google search, arborist report costs can be anywhere between $300 and $1000.

While tree pruning costs are dependent on the tree, Go Tree Quotes 2023 gives an average estimate of $430 - $225 being the lowest and $1,200 the highest.

“Whenever you mandate something of a certain profession, that creates demand and the price goes up. For people who want this policy passed I suggest you move to a communist country,” Cr Milkovic said.

wiped out many of those gains.

The strategy looks at better preserving mature trees on private land, including the large losses at new estates.

At the recent Canopy estate in Cranbourne, 61 per cent of canopy cover was lost in three years. Overall canopy was just 6.5 per cent.

“While this was for the purpose of development, it raises the issue of whether more of these established trees should have been strategically retained at the planning phase,” the report stated.

“It will take over 50 years to replace the amount of canopy lost.”

Non-permitted vegetation removal and vandalism of 15 per cent of new planted trees were also issues.

Currently, the council doesn’t employ an officer to police these matters.

This week, Greater Dandenong Council approved stronger protection for trees on private land in its bid to increase canopy cover from 9 per cent to 15 per cent by 2028.

A permit would be required to remove trees of 40 centimetres diameter at 1.4 metres above ground level, with certain exemptions.

Casey Council’s strategy also recommends better protecting private trees.

It would also require canopy tree planting at the front and rear of subdivisions and developed properties, encourage Significant Tree Register nominations and incentivise residents to plant trees.

Many residents felt there should be “some level of protection” of private trees, especially on development sites. But some felt “uncertain”, the report stated.

“People feel that they would like a level of freedom to make their own choices for their private property and feel that more regulation would see that control lost.”

In the report, Casey said it was also dealing with the legacy of “poor past decision making” with older trees damaging underground infrastructure.

There were poor tree species selections, such as the Eucalpytus scoparia that’s being replaced in Timbarra Estate, Berwick.

“While these trees grow fast and large, within a decade they were causing impacts to infrastructure and property.”

Public comment is open on Casey Council’s online portal Casey Conversations until 26 July, 5pm.

Councillor Tim Dark also opposed the local law calling it nothing more than a “money grab.”

Council director of city planning, design and amenity, Jody Bosman said “One of the reason we reduced the application fee was to help offset the cost the applicant bears to the arborist. Bearing that in mind the application fee was reduced.”

Councillor Sean O’Reilly said the matter of protecting trees had to be given priority.

“I certainly concur with Cr Milkovic that it produces hassle or friction but that’s exactly the point.

“I think the protection of trees is too important and on balance, the tree permits will provide prevention of hasty decisions to chop down trees.”

Huckson Street is often full of rail commuter cars to the frustration of surrounding residents. 347388 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Greater Dandenong Environment Group president Isabelle Nash shows her support for private tree protection at the 10 July meeting.

Supporters of the private tree protection law in the meeting’s public gallery.

Neighbours were recently concerned about the felling of an old tree in St John’s Wood Terrace, Berwick. 343252 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Pensioner jailed for crop

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A father of nine has been jailed after growing 170 cannabis plants in his family home during Covid financial stress.

Vien Van Ky, 50, of Keysborough, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis as well as stealing electricity.

In a police raid in October 2021, officers found Ky’s garage was converted into four hydroponic-growing rooms.

They seized plants weighing about 19 kilograms, as well as dried marijuana inside the house.

Ky told police that he sold 100 gram bags for $2000 – which was enough to buy food and pay bills.

He spent $1000 on an electrical bypass for the grow rooms because he couldn’t afford another $7000 power bill, he told them.

He also claimed he didn’t know cannabis cultivation was illegal – despite previously going to jail for the same offence.

Ky’s wife was charged with possessing cannabis simpliciter for turning a blind eye to his drug cultivation.

She was remanded for 132 days until granted bail. Ultimately she was sentenced to a twoyear good behaviour bond.

In sentencing Ky, Judge Frances Hogan noted that he was mainly motivated by his family’s financial stress during Covid lockdown.

It was a serious offence, a “seriously misguided thing to do” and a “bad example to your children”, Judge Hogan said.

But “less morally repugnant” than being motivated by greed.

The disability pensioner had a long criminal history since suffering a brain injury as a passenger in a high-speed motorbike crash in 1995.

He’d been diagnosed with schizophrenia, which was likely worsened by illicit drugs.

Given his drug abuse, psychologists were unable to strongly connect Ky’s brain injury and his offending.

Since the crash, he’d been convicted for drug trafficking, cultivation, property damage, assaults and driving and weapon offences.

It was a “great shame” that he’d wasted his skills by growing cannabis but had not worked for the past 25 years, the judge said.

Judge Hogan noted his “less than optimistic” rehabilitation prospects due to his “complete” lack of insight, not sticking to anti-psychotic medication, his drug habit and memory deficits.

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

You’re in very good hands

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH affects up to 50% of men over the age of 50, and the incidence increases with increasing age.

It is often associated with the development of troublesome urinary symptoms, which can adversely affect a man’s quality of life. The symptoms of BPH can vary from person to person, but typically include straining or difficulty to begin urination, weak urine flow, stop-start urine flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, a sudden urge to urinate, and frequent need to urinate overnight. Men who are experiencing urinary symptoms should ask their GP for a referral to visit a urologist for an assessment.

To diagnose BPH, the urologists at Melbourne Urology Centre take a thorough patient

history, to assess the severity of the patient’s symptoms. An examination is performed, and then further tests may be requested as required. The examination may involve a questionnaire, mid-stream urine test, PSA blood test, renal tract ultrasound, flow rate, and/or flexible cystoscopy.

At Melbourne Urology Centre, Dr Shekib Shahbaz and Dr Tony de Sousa offer patients a range of medical and surgical treatment options for BPH. Your urologist will tailor and individual treatment plan that is most appropriate for your condition and lifestyle. You can find more information on our website at www. melbourneurologycentre.com.au

Our main rooms are located at the Specialist Centre adjacent to St John of God Hospital in Berwick. Should you wish to make an appointment with our urologists, please telephone our rooms on 1300 702 811.

He was at high risk of relapse and attempted suicide in prison where he couldn’t be compelled to take medication, the judge stated.

The only suitable sentence was jail with parole to support Ky’s rehabilitation in the community, she said.

Ky was jailed for up to two years and seven months, and eligible for parole after 21 months.

His term included 594 days in pre-sentence detention.

Dr Shekib Shahbaz and Dr Tony de Sousa.

100 years ago

19 July 1923

Editorial

In another five weeks ratepayers throughout Victoria will be called upon to give their verdict once more in connection with the important question of municipal representation, and questions are now being asked as to “Who is coming out?” This is owing to the already expressed intentions of councillors in the Dandenong, Cranbourne, Berwick and Mulgrave Shires to retire from Council life. Unfortunately, amongst those retiring are men possessing ability and the necessary qualifications for civic government. These councillors will be missed at the council table. There certainly is not anything “attractive” about shire council work today, and the men who takes it up quickly realises this. The remuneration is nil, and the honour which was attracted to the position is fast disappearing, the one-time high esteem and appreciation in which councillors were held being supplanted by carping criticism, fault finding and frequently unfair comment from the ratepayers.

50 years ago

19 July 1973

What the council has done

How much recreational land has Dandenong council developed over the years? How much recreational does it own? How much has the development cost and what do these areas cost to maintain annually? There are some of the questions which councillor Maurie Jarvis wants answered so ratepayers can appreciate what council has done in this regard over the years. At the last council meeting Councillor Jarvissaidmanyindividualsandorganisations

INTERFAITH

had reaped benefits from council’s policy of buying land for recreational activities. He said, I am proud to say that the job we have

done has been second-to-none in this regard. We had nothing in 1955 and now we have tremendous recreational facilities.

20 years ago

21 July 2003

‘Let’s Do It’

Champagne flowed last week to celebrate a decision that has drawn the Dandenong Town Hall redevelopment closer to construction.

Greater Dandenong councillors last week voted against a motion to abandon plans to redevelop the town hall into a performing arts centre expected to cost $12.7 million. Councillors were split over the notice of motion submitted by Cr John Kelly, seeking the current proposal be abandoned in favour of the refurbishment of the town hall. Councillors voted five all for the motion, with Mayor Kevin Walsh using his casting vote to go against the motion. The decision has pleased some councillors as well as Dandenong traders, who celebrated in front of the town hall last Thursday

5 years ago

16 July 2018

Sport gets a right serve

A $75 million plan to upgrade Greater Dandenong’s sports pavilions and lights has been dismissed by a Greater Dandenong councillor as funding “declining” team sports. Cr Matthew Kirwan, in solely opposing the 25 year sports facilities plan, said the most popular recreational activities were not team sports. He pointed to the council’s 2015 survey that showed the top five pursuits were walking, swimming, running, cycling and fitness activities. “Team sports like basketball, soccer and tennis took up spots six, seven and nine and all showed declining participation,” Cr Kirwan said.

Rise above differences

By Ursula Aruma from Sri Sathya Sai Organisation

Consider sometimes we find ourselves in a society that is widespread with anger, greed, and desire.

These affect us by making us take improp er actions and destroy our wisdom.

How can we send a Message of Hope for us to rise above these differences?

By worrying over sense objects, attachment is born.

From attachment comes desire and from desire sprouts anger.

Desire and anger show in many ways, like the urge for arguing till you feel your ego has made you win the argument, yearning for increased finances, physical cravings, jealousy, and animosity and other confrontations.

Why does one have to commit these actions?

MESSAGE OF HOPE

What prevents us from hurting others and injuring others?

Always follow some principles like curbing envy and jealousy by speaking soft and sweet words, expanding your vision and outlook, and treating all equally and have no distinctions of colour or creed.

There is only one race, the human race.

All are sacred, therefore do not criticize or put others down because the same God shines in everyone’s heart.

Your life will become sanctified by having

intense love for God.

He does not care how long you have practised spirituality; all he wants is whole-hearted

love, unfathomable love for all creatures, always.

Experience the power of the Divine and do not give room for any anger or fear.

When you feel as if anger is developing in a situation, turn away from the situation and begin to chant sacred texts.

Follow the true path by staying motivated and determined and do not deviate from this path. Letting go of the pain releases the burden of anger.

Always brace acceptance of what has happened and let go and do not brood over the past. Forgiveness is divine.

Forgiveness is possible if you have a lot of compassion in your heart.

May we put an effort to make the world a better place to live in by being always compassionate and kind.

Enquiries about the Interfaith Network: executive@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.

Crime gang squad’s success hailed by police top brass

A police taskforce targeting serious organised crime has been hailed a success after 342 arrests and seized nearly 200 weapons in its first 12 months.

The VIPER taskforce has been deployed across the state, seizing more than $1.4 million, 81 guns or imitation firearms, 119 prohibited weapons and 789 quantities of illicit drugs.

It has issued 1372 charges.

VIPER operations included a raid at Dandenong South targeting associates of a “highprofile serious and organised crime entity” in July 2022.

In August, three men linked to recognised street gangs were arrested after an affray and serious stabbing at a shopping centre in Dandenong.

VIPER was also involved in operations targeting Rebels, Comanchero and Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gangs.

“This has been one of the most significant

moves against organised crime syndicates in the history of Victoria Police and the results speak for themselves,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said.

“Over the past 12 months, the VIPER Taskforce has deployed to all parts of metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria where our members are regularly being told by criminal

targets, ‘We were wondering when you might show up’.”

Dep Comm Hill said the “agile and dynamic” VIPER model involved a broad range of specialist police units operating side by side to “clinically target known criminal groups”.

The units include Public Order Response Team (PORT), State Highway Patrol, general duties, Armed Crime Squad, Homicide Squad, EchoTaskforce, Criminal Proceeds Squad, Major Drug Squad, Clandestine Laboratory Squad and Gang Crime Squad.

“That is the beauty of VIPER – our policing practitioners will collaborate and identify every opportunity to target criminals through a variety of investigative options.”

VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.

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

A 23-year-old Cranbourne North man recently arrested by Viper Taskforce police.

Picture: VICTORIA POLICE

Ursula Aruma advises to follow a path of compassion and kindness.

Dandenong Town Hall, long before the council sought to convert it into a performing arts centre. 173387

Academy hits world stage

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

On a freezing, drizzly night, parents huddling in coats watch a five year boy make football look so easy. Jogging lightly over the soccer pitch, the Olympiacos Football Academy player scans the field as he dribbles the ball at his feet.

Such is the connection he doesn’t even need to watch how the ball obeys his command. Olympiacos chief executive Steve Papadopoulos says this is the reflexive, unconscious skill that the European clubs are after. So many Australian players are not trained in‘heads-up’ dribbling, and are instead fixated on the ball at their feet. And so are overlooked by Europe.

“The two most important factors are to dribble equally with both feet and to make sure your left and right feet are as strong as each other.”

At 16, European players are training once or twice a day. It puts them at an advantage to Australian teens who juggle studies and training several times a week, Papadopoulos says.

The academy currently boasts 80 players aged from five to early 20s. It aims to train children in an elite pathway who can’t afford to join the A-League academies, as well as for kids to simply “get off the couch“.

It’s based at St John’s Regional College in Dandenong, which offers a low hire charge to support the “philanthropic endeavour”.

Four weekly sessions for as little as $29 is as low as it gets. At other local academies, families are charged $30,000 a year in the hope their child will make it to the world stage.

“We have been helping poor families get their kids off the streets, improving at clubs or even getting a chance at an elite career.

“Our primary focus is first to improve selfconfidence, and then it’s the curriculum of soccer.

“Our program is designed for the next level. European clubs are aware of it and they are seeing the results.”

Olympiacos recently helped pay for two players to fly out for a month of European trials. They were successfully signed up with Lithuanian clubs, second and third division. This opens up their prospects on the world stage because they are now “technically European players”, not just players with an “Australian biography”.

“The problem is that clubs in Europe are not receptive to Australian players,” Papadopoulos says.

Another 16-year-old flew out on 10 July for club trials in Portugal. The academy also staged a tournament in Senegal, playing local professional teams and identifying local talent to play in Europe.

Olympiacos sustains its academy through its share of transfer fees from European clubs.

Head coach Argirios Mihalopoulos started in Under-10s at the academy. Many of the coaches are like him, former Olympiacos students who are now “passing it onto the kids”.

His father founded Olympiacos out of the boot of his car 19 years ago, training Argirios and his best mate seven days a week.The hardwork ethic and self-development has helped him in life and in hard times, he says.

“The program assists but it comes down to the hard work of the boys. The ones who take it on board and do the extra sessions improve dramatically.

“If they become good soccer players, it’s a bonus. I’d rather they come out at the end as better humans and prepared for adult life.”

EmilyMihalopoulosandCEOStevePapadopouloswithOlympiacosacademyplayersandcoaches. 342763

Pictures:ROBCAREW

SeniorplayerswithStevePapadopoulos,farleft,andEmily Mihalopoulos,farright. 342763

AtrainingdrillattheOlympiacosAcademybasedatStJohn’sRegional College,Dandenong. 342763

Trainingintheartof‘heads-up’dribbling. 342763

ChiefexecutiveStevePapadopoulos(farleft)andEmilyMihalopoulos(farright)withtheplayers andcoaches. 342763

Dribblingdrillsstartfromayoungage. 342763

Brightcoloursanduniforms. 342763

Asbestos dumped at doctor’s surgery

EPAVictoriahasreleasedpicturesofthreemen wanted over a dumping of building waste at a Hughesdaledoctor’ssurgery.

The waste allegedly including asbestos was emptied from an Isuzu tip-truck on the driveway at Warrigal Road on Saturday 8 July at5.15pm.

CCTV footage captured the truck being drivenintothecarpark.

Three men got out of the truck, unlatched thetailgateanddumpedtheloadbeforedrivingoff.

EPAisinvestigatingtheincident.

AnyinformationtoEPAon1300372842or contact@epa.vic.gov.au

Seven held after Air Wing chase

Seven have been arrested after police Air Wing followed two allegedly stolen cars across Melbourne’s South.

The silver BMW X5 and a red MG hatch were reported to police as being “suspiciously parked” at a car park in Cheltenham Road, Keysborough about 9.50pm on 10 July.

PoliceAirWingobservedthevehicles takeoffindifferentdirections.

The MG was followed until it pulled up at a police cordon at Thomas PromenadeinChelseaHeights.

Two teens and a woman were arrested at the scene. A fourth person fled and was arrested with help of the Dog Squad shortly after.

The AirWing also followed the BMW throughMoorabbinandPrahran,where it was dumped on Dandenong Road about10.15pm.

Officers from the Dog Squad observed three teenagers enter a licenced premises nearby, before arresting the trio.

Fiveteenagers,twoaged17,twoaged 15 and a 16-year-old were being questionedbypolice.

Two women aged 18 and 21 are also assisting police with their enquiries.

One of three men wanted for questioning by EPA Victoria.

The dumped waste allegedly contained asbestos.

One of the men at the scene of the dumping.

Three men have dumped building waste at a doctor’s surgery in Warrigal Road, Hughesdale on Saturday 8 July, 5.15pm. The load allegedly contained asbestos, according to EPA Victoria.

‘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 Community 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 online 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

Line Dancing

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

· First and third Thursday of month (next date: Thurs 20 July) 10.30am-11.30am at The Open Door,110 Ann St,Dandenong. Gold coin donation welcome. Bookings: Jo/Tayla, 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Afghan Bazaar cultural tour

Experience Afghan culture and food through a guided tour of a wide variety of traders in Dandenong’s Afghan Bazaar Precinct. The tour will conclude with a delicious meal in a local Afghan restaurant.

· Thursday 20 July, 6pm-8pm; $50pp. Bookings: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/afghanbazaar-cultural-tour

Wilam Biik

A TarraWarra Museum of Art exhibition touring with NETS Victoria, curated by Stacie Piper. In the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, Wilam Biik means Home Country. You are called to listen deeply with your ears, eyes and hearts – to understand how First People connect with Wilam Biik.

· Tuesday 25 July – Friday 8 September at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, Walker and Robinson Street, Dandenong (open TuesdaysFridays 12pm-4pm). Free event.

Community Safety Forum

Victoria Police and Greater Dandenong Council staff will respond to community safety concerns in Noble Park.

· Tuesday 25 July, 6.30pm-8.30pm at Paddy

O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Free event.

Goals n’ Girls

A captivating panel conversation featuring

NEWS

Olympic athlete Nana Owusu-Afriyie, footballers

Kaitlyn Torpey and Maryam Anvari and AFLW player Akec Makur Chuot. Hear these remarkable women’s inspiring personal journeys to elite-level competition. Held by South East Community Links with Melbourne City Football Club’s City in the Community. Followed by Matildas v Nigeria on the Harmony Square big screen.

· Thursday27July6pmatDrumTheatre,Walker Street and Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event; registrations essential at eventbrite. com/e/goals-n-girls-watch-party-and-paneltickets-668579337797?aff=oddtdtcreator

Reuse and Recycle Drop Off Day

Get rid of large unwanted household goods and electronic goods suitable for re-use or recycling. Items for re-use include furniture, bicycles, toys, cookware, sports items, baby equipment, clothes and linen. Items for recycling include TVs and computers, electric appliances, whitegoods and mattresses. To avoid missing out, it is highly recommended for resident to attend as early as possible.

· Saturday 29 July 2023, 8am-1pm at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong (entry via Sinclair Road). Free event.

National Tree Day Dandenong North Plant seedlings as part of National Tree Day weekend. Includes a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Traditional Custodians from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, planting activities, a free barbecue lunch and more. Bring drinking water, a pair of gloves and a hand towel to wipe your hands with. Warm clothes and shoes suitable for muddy, uneven ground are recommended.

· Saturday 29 July, 10am-1pm at Tirhatuan Park, 4 Kriegel Way, Dandenong North. Free event, registrations required at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/planting-day-tirhatuan

Springvale Snow Fest

Snow areas, artificial ice-skating rink, rides, roving performers and food from around the world, as well as a bustling stage program, activities and a 6.50pm fireworks finale.

· Sunday 30 July 12pm-7pm at Buckingham Avenue Springvale. Free event ($15 for iceskating, bookings essential). Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenongcouncil/events/springvale-snow-fest

National Tree Day Springvale South Plant seedlings as part of National Tree Day weekend. Includes a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Traditional Custodians from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, planting activities, native plant giveaways, a wildlife presentation, a free barbecue lunch and more. Bring drinking water, a pair of gloves and a hand towel to wipe your hands with. Warm clothes and shoes suitable for muddy, uneven ground are recommended.

· Sunday 30 July 10am-3pm at Springvalley Reserve, Clarke Road, Springvale South. Free event, registration required. Also registrations open for women’s weaving workshop, Yidaki led meditation and sustainable kokedama workshop. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov. au/national-tree-day-springvalley

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

Matildas on the Big Screen

Watch Australia’s games at the FIFA Women’s World Cup on big screens at Harmony Square and Springvale Community Hub.

· Thursday 20 July, 8pm-10.30pm (Australia v Ireland) at Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong and Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.

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

Healthy Minds

A mental health forum with author and psychiatrist Greg de Moore, VISION disability advocate Matt Degruchy, author and childhood genocide survivor Frida Umuhoza and others. Held by Greater Dandenong Endeavour Hills Rotary Club and Casey-Cardinia Rotaract.

· Tuesday 15 August, 6.30pm for 7pm start at Lyndale Secondary College auditorium, 14 Halton Road Dandenong. Includes supper and book signing; $10pp to be donated to Australian Rotary Health - Mental Health Research. Tickets: events.humanitix.com/ healthy-minds-mental-health-forum-aolt3xx5

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

NP Beats put in star turn

Noble Park band NP Beats was a star act at a recent RefugeeWeek celebration in Springvale.

The young musicians were formed as part of a collaboration between Mushroom Group, South East Community Links and the State Government’s Noble Park Revitalisation Board.

Aged 12-25, the members took part in workshops on song writing, recording and performance.

They then wrote a collaborative track and recorded it in a professional studio.

South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Lee Tarlamis was at the Springvale performance on 23 June.

“It’s wonderful to see our young people performing on the big stage as a result of participating in programs like this.

“I’m very pleased that the work of the Noble Park Revitalisation Board is coming to life

in such a fantastic way.”

Since 2020, the Government has spent $3.4 million on 32 suburban revitalization projects in Noble Park.

These include laneway activation programs, homework clubs, upgrades to the Noble Park Community Centre and Leonard Avenue streetscape renewal.

Other investments into Noble Park include an all-abilities playground, the Frank Street open space development and the Noble Park Youth Engagement Project, which is ensuring there are inclusive programs and places right across the suburb for residents of all ages and abilities.

“Noble Park is a priority for the Victorian Government for revitalisation and we are proud to invest in initiatives that create economic and social opportunities for this fastgrowing area,” Mr Tarlamis said.

South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis with the NP Beats crew.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/JAMES ROSS

Grabacopyof your localnewspaper... from an outlet near you It's

United (Pie Face) Dandenong

Patterson Cheney Toyota Dandenong

Dandy Mart Dandenong

Dandenong Market Dandenong

Dandenong RSL Dandenong

India Bazaar Dandenong

Dandenong Oasis Dandenong

Dandenong IGA Dandenong

Dandenong Neighbourhood House

Dandenong

Bestway Supermarket Dandenong

City of Greater Dandenong Dandenong

Drum Theatre Dandenong

African Superstore Dandenong

Dandenong Plaza Dandenong

Coles Dandenong Plaza Dandenong

Rockyz Mini Mart Dandenong

Save The Children Dandenong

LH Fresh Supermarket Dandenong

Ampol Foodary Dandenong

Coles Supermarket Dandenong

Genesis Fitness Club Dandenong

Ampol Foodary Dandenong

Dandenong Lotto Dandenong

Gulistan Supermarket Dandenong

Anytime Fitness Dandenong

Foodworks Dandenong North

Post Office - Dunearn LPO Dandenong North

Dunearn Pharmacy Dandenong North

BP Service Station / McDonalds Dandenong

North

Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club

Dandenong North

FoodWorks Menzies Cellars Dandenong North

Menzies Milkbar Dandenong North

IGA Friendly Dandenong North

Liberty Fuel Dandenong North

Dandenong Basketball Stadium Dandenong

North

Georges Lunch Box Dandenong South

BP Service Station Dandenong South

Lunchmaster Dandenong South

Kirkham Road Milk Bar Dandenong South

Woolworths Supermarket Dandenong South

Suburban Cafe - The Village Dandenong SM

Dandenong South

Shell Service Station Dandenong South

United Petroleum Dandenong South

Ampol Foodary Dandenong South

Dingley Village Newsagency Dingley Village

Doveton News and Lotto Doveton

Doveton Library Doveton

Autumn Place Community Hub Doveton

Bottle 'O' Doveton

Shell Service Station Doveton

Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre Endeavour Hills

Woolworths Petrol Endeavour Hills

Coles Supermarket Endeavour Hills

Woolworths Supermarket Endeavour Hills

7 Eleven Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills

Endeavour Hills Milk Bar Endeavour Hills

Liberty Service Station Endeavour Hills

Endeavour Hills Laundrette Endeavour Hills

Chemist Discount Centre Endeavour Hills

Ocean Blue Milk Bar Endeavour Hills

Caltex Woolworths Service Station

Eumemmerring

BP Service Station Eumemmerring

Hallam Square News Hallam

Hampton Park Library Hampton Park

Caltex Keysborough

Parkmore Shopping Centre Keysborough

Springer Leisure Centre Keysborough

Keysborough Hotel Keysborough

Woolworths Supermarket Keysborough

Coles Supermarket Keysborough

City of Greater Dandenong Keysborough

Michaels IGA Keysborough

Keysborough Learning Centre Keysborough

Foodworks Keysborough

Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre Mulgrave

Hallam Masjid ( Mosque ) Narre Warren North

Sandown Park Hotel Noble Park

Coles Supermarket Noble Park

Noble Park Newsagency Noble Park

Noble Park RSL Noble Park

Shell Service Station Noble Park

Lucky Star Lotto Noble Park

Cellarbrations Noble Park

Noble Park Aquatic Centre Noble Park

Noble Park Community Centre Noble Park

Noble Park Bowls Club Noble Park

Harrisfield Milkbar Noble Park

Halton Road Milk Bar Noble Park North

Jan Wilson Community Centre Noble Park North

Liberty Service Station Noble Park North

Springvale Shopping Centre Springvale

KFL Supermarket Springvale

Springvale Learning & Activities Centre

Springvale

Springvale RSL Springvale

Caltex Woolworths Springvale

Aobao Milk Bar Springvale

Savemore Supermarket Springvale

Coles Supermarket Springvale

Springvale Neighbourhood House

Springvale

Woolworths Supermarket Springvale

Springvale Newsagency Springvale

Springvale Library Springvale

City of Greater Dandenong Customer Service Centre Springvale

Springvale Senior Citizens Club Springvale

Southvale News Agency Springvale South

Koh's Marketplace Springvale South

BP Service Station Springvale South

Springvale Plaza Pharmacy and Tattslotto

Springvale South

BP Springvale Springvale South

Mulgrave Country Club Wheelers Hill

General Notices

$

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

•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.

Relief over sewer upgrade

By Sahar Foladi

South East Water is delivering the final phase of their major sewer upgrades in the SouthEast in Noble Park for 2023.

The major upgrade to the Mile Creek sewer started their final phase mid-June.

The upgrade involves building a new relief sewer, increasing the capacity of the network while also reducing the likelihood of surcharges and spills during wet weather events, so communities can continue to have safe and reliable wastewater services every day and night.

A long standing local resident, Brad Woodford said the works are much needed.

“With many single dwelling blocks in the area being replaced by dual occupancy or even multi-dwelling developments, it’s a given some of these upgrades are going to be necessary.”

MrWoodford also ran for the City of Greater Dandenong 2020 election for the Noble Park North ward.

He says the works have caused road closures which has caused congestion in the area.

“Currently the Corrigan Road end of Kelvinside Road is open to one way traffic only which does cause some inconvenience.

“So I look forward to that being cleared up and the road surface being resealed as soon as it can possibly be done.”

The major upgrade is expected to complete the final phase of Mile Creek sewer works by December 2023.

The project is delivered by, Zinfra, Jaydo, WSP (ZJW) Joint Venture partners as part of South East Water’s proactive infrastructure

program and has just begun phase three on Kelvinside Rd to Corrigan Rd.

Phase one on Ebden Street was recently completed with initial sections of Phase 2 along Callandar Road to Ellendale Rd has also begun.

Residents living in the area may have noticed changes in traffic conditions, the presence of work trucks and some noise from the construction.

South East Water General Manager LiveableWater Solutions, Charlie Littlefair said the project was one of the biggest sewer upgrades happening in the south-east this year, supporting the area’s growing population.

“We’re proud to be making big progress on this project to deliver a more reliable service for Noble Park residents and customers, now and into the future.

“We’re investing over $180 million per year on proactive infrastructure upgrades across our network,” he said.

“These upgrades will not only improve service reliability but also optimise our organisation’s operations with reduced ongoing maintenance and repair costs.”

There are no planned interruptions to water or sewer services during these works. Customers who experience a disruption to their services can call the 24/7 Faults and Emergencies team on 13 28 12.

South East Water manages $4.8 billion of water and sewer assets, including 11,230 km of sewer pipes.

https://southeastwater.com.au/residential/upgrades-and-projects/

Ecology education through crafts builds Eco-Kids

By Emily Chapman Laing

A group of eco-conscious kids were tested on their recycling know-how as part of an interactive crafting session.

The City of Casey held their “Be an EcoKid“ event at the Lynbrook Community Centre on Thursday 29 June, run by aWaste Education team member.

The 90 minute session included a discussion about what can and can’t be put into kerbside recycling bins, followed by a crafting activity where the kids were able to make bird feeders out of recycled tetra paks.

The kids were also asked how they show their eco-consciousness at home.

Jeslyn said her family doesn’t buy fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic, or use plastic bags available in the fresh produce section.

Niyana said she takes things her parents don’t use anymore to use in her craft activities.

Nethraa does this too, saying she makes “rockets“ and “butterflies“.

Thejaswini said she is responsible for putting milk cartons into the recycling, and Vibhu said his family use milk bottles as planters.

From a group of different items, kids and parents alike were tested on their knowledge of “recycling right“.

Among the selection of items displayed in the session were take-away coffee cups, milk and juice containers, class soft drink bottles, black plastic trays and reusable plastic shopping bags.

Each young eco-warrior was given a different household rubbish item and asked which kerbside bin they would put it in, getting the correct answer almost every single time.

The more dicey items, such as phone cables and used clothing, were left for the parents to decide.

The adults were surprised to know these items aren’t suitable for either bin and can only be disposed of through hard rubbish collection or specific drop points.

After getting gold-star rounds of applause on their recycling instincts, the kids were each given a painted tetra pak to decorate and take home as a bird feeder.

Some of the adults got involved too, crafting their own feeders with feathers, icy pole sticks, googly eyes and craft love hearts.

After 30 minutes of sticky fingers and cre-

ative freedom, the feeders were complete and the results were heartwarming and hilarious.

The kids were also given a companion “Gardens for Wildlife“ booklet explaining what different native birds can eat and where to source their food from.

“Evidence shows that children are great change-makers in the home,“ City of Casey Acting Manager Sustainability and Waste Vandana Rama said.

“Teaching children to recycle correctly helps create awareness and skills that last into adulthood, and shows them how they can take meaningful action to help the environment.“

The Waste Education team explained what items can be recycled and why others can’t, using the number system as the best way to determine suitability.

“Recycling can be tricky and there are common mistakes many of us make,“ Ms Rama said.

In Casey, items with numbers one to five on their base can be recycled, while those bearing six and seven must be put elsewhere.

Reusable plastic shopping bags are per-

haps the most misleading, flaunting a large Mobius loop generally attributed to recyclables.

However, the bags cannot be recycled as they are made of soft plastic, which has little recyclable value compared to their harder counterparts.

They can also become tangled in the machinery and can contaminate other items which then end up in landfill.

Any plastics that are “scrunchable“ aren’t suitable for recycling bins.

Contamination is a big issue in the recycling world.

Any items still containing food or liquid residue, or those who haven’t been appropriately disposed of will contaminate other properly recycled items around them, and the entire section of the waste will end up in landfill as a result.

While Hampton Park does currently house one of Victoria’s largest landfill sites, Veolia’s operating licence at the tip will conclude in 2040, and waste will need to find a new home.

Black plastics, including meat trays and yoghurt lids, also cannot be recycled, being

too dark for the laser used in the machinery to pick up.

Much to the surprise of the kids, tetra paks are also unsuited to the big blue bins, containing foil and plastic in their lining, similar to take-away coffee cups.

Paper receipts were likewise a shock, being designated to the landfill bin.

Receipts contain inks which cannot be recycled, and the “paper“ is mixed with plastic.

Plastic lids too are a no-go, but metal and aluminium lids scrape across the line.

The Waste Education team explained the machinery used in recycling has a magnet that is able to sift out metal lids and allocate them for their own specific recycle-cycle.

Ceramics and dinnerwear glasses can either be donated or, if they are broken, placed in the landfill bin.

Glass bottles are at home in the blue bin, but if they are broken, they become landfillbound.

When items are recycled correctly, the Waste Education team explained, they can create amazing things, like new kerbside bins, playground equipment, benches and park furniture.

Back row: Jeslyn, Niyana, Thejaswini and Vibhu. Front row: Nethraa, Joshua and Vibha. The kids show off their recycled bird feeders.

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

South East Water is delivering the final phase of their major upgrades in the South-East.

SPORT Brolic hailed Hawks’ hero

By Marcus Uhe

Rowville emerged one of the major winners from a colossus weekend of fixtures in the Eastern Football Netball League’s Premier Division, coming from behind to defeat Doncaster East by the barest of margins in a thriller at home.

With scores tied at 81 apiece, a skied, floating snap over his shoulder from captain Anthony Brolic drifted over the outstretched arms of the Doncaster East defenders to register a crucial minor score, before the siren sounded at Seebeck Oval as the Lions were plotting the ball’s return to the field of play.

The Hawks had trailed for the entire contest, including by as much as 34 points in the second term, and entered the final quarter with an 11-point deficit in what was a potential finals preview between two of the competition’s elite sides.

Slippery conditions added a layer of difficulty to ball-handling in an already tense and pressure-packed environment around the football, as winning the contest took-on ever more of a premium.

Callum Verrell reduced the deficit to just three points with a goal on the run after four minutes, the closest the two sides had been since the first quarter, injecting life into the crowd on the outskirts of the Tirhatuan Wetlands.

The Hawks’ fleet of quick ball users then swiftly moved the ball from end-to-end to present Lachlan Wynd with the opportunity to take the lead with a trademark galloping set shot, to which he duly obliged, handing his side a two-point buffer.

Tensions rose for the next 10 minutes as the ball bounced between the arcs with neither side managing to snap the anxiety with a major.

A series of stoppages in the Lions’ forward 50 tightened the screws on the contest once again, before Rowville were able to surge the ball forward, switch play and find space on the far boundary.

As cool as you’ll see under such circumstances, Jake Arundell gathered a lose ball under the scoreboard, stepped-around a defender and with a check-sided-snap, extended the lead to six points, with skill that belied the conditions at ground-level.

But the visitors immediately answered back from the next centre-bounce, goaling from the clearance to level the scores in the 18th minute.

The Hawks’ run and ability to defend in numbers held them in good stead down the stretch of the match, making life difficult for the Lions’ forwards to score when the ball entered their attacking half of the ground.

Defence led to the decisive goal of the game too, as Lachlan McDonald read the cues on a

Lions kick-out to intercept and goal on the run to put the Hawks back ahead by seven points with 10 minutes remaining.

It was too early to flood numbers behind the ball or to try to kill the contest, and the Lions used the remaining time to their advantage, tying the scores once again in the 30th minute.

McDonald won a crucial freekick at the following centre-bounce to pump his side into attack, but desperate defending from both sides meant it was one of few remaining clean possessions for the remainder of the contest.

The ball found its way into the pocket and eventually over the boundary to be thrown back into play, leading to Brolic’s game-winning point and subsequent emotional scenes, as players on the Rowville bench charged the field after the final siren to embrace victorious teammates.

In a unique set of circumstances which saw three games pitting six finals aspirants against one-another, the Hawks moved a game clear of the vanquished Doncaster East and Noble Park, in fifth and sixth place respectively, with five games remaining until finals action.

Where the Hawks came home with a wet sail to rein-in an 11-point lead, Noble Park was on the other side of the coin, relinquishing one in a costly 10-point loss to East Ringwood on the road.

Missed opportunities will haunt the Bulls, who kicked 6.14 (50) to the Kangaroos’ 9.6 (60)

in a loss that could prove disastrous later in the season when finals seedings are determined.

The Bulls finished the game in the same manner they started, kicking 0.6 in both the first and last terms despite having much of the possession, compared to East Ringwood’s 1.0.

While finally able to convert in the second, the Bulls trailed by five points at the half despite having taken five more shots at goal, the home side a ruthless 5.0 to Noble Park’s 3.7

Where they were able to mitigate the consequences of the early misses in the opening stages of the contest, the final term was a different matter, as the Kangaroos kicked the final four goals of the match to hop home.

Chris Horton-Milne, Ben Marson and Nathan Noblett kicked one behind each to open the final term before East Ringwood was able to score from a kick-out following the Noblett miss, cutting the lead to six.

Shortly after, the scores were tied after East Ringwood manufactured a clever goal from a forward 50 stoppage.

Misses to Kevin Kean, Liam Scott and Lachlan McDonnell kept the door ajar for the home side, and two goals in the final three minutes of play saw them take the opportunity with both hands.

Riet Pal was rundown at fullback and penalised holding the ball, a chance the ‘Roos pouched, before nailing the sealer with a long set shot from the following centre clearance to

go 10 points clear.

The midfield trio of Horton-Milne, Jackson Sketcher and Jackson Casey continue to pull their weight for the Bulls as the side’s leading performers, while Marson and Noblett each kicked two goals.

Had the Bulls won, they would have moved a game clear of Doncaster East into fifth place, but the missed chances sees them remain just hanging-on to the top six.

Berwick, meanwhile, made a significant step in its quest to remain in the competition’s Premier Division in 2024 by thrashing a fellow relegation-battling side in Doncaster by 86 points.

Doncaster kicked two goals in the opening 12 minutes of play but managed just four behinds for the remainder of the game, as Berwick offered its best offensive and defensive performance of the season, winning 15.13 107 to 2.5 17.

Travis Tuck kicked two goals in his first game since round nine to be one of the best in navy blue, alongside fellow senior heads in Ashton Williamson, Tom Brennan and Jesse Cirulis.

In the context of their future in the top flight, their fifth win sees them kick four wins clear of bottom-placed Doncaster with five matches remaining, leaving the Sharks likely to be one of the two sides relegated to Division One.

Untapped talent Chuol crowned classiest in the country

By Marcus Uhe

When Riek Chuol began boxing 12 months ago, his coach at Doveton Boxing Club Ryan Wilson said he“didn’t even know if he was left or right handed”, or what a ‘jab’ was.

Fast-forward 12 months and the Doveton Boxing Club can lay claim to one of the best boxers in the country as the rapid ascension of the Pakenham 17-year-old continues.

Chuol won the Under 57kg Youth Division National Championship at the 2023 Australian School’s Boxing Championships in Adelaide on Sunday 8 July, defeating Queenslander Cohen Robinson on a unanimous points decision over three rounds.

After receiving a bye in the competition’s first round, his first fight of the tournament came in the semi final stages where he dominated his Western Australian opponent Shareef Mohammad, with the referee forced to stop the fight early in the first round.

In the final against an experienced competitor, with recent international competitions under his belt, Chuol delivered one of

his best performances.

“He dominated the bout from start to finish against a really good kid too, a Queenslander who was selected to represent Australia just recently,”Wilson said.

“Straight away when he started landing heavy shots on this kid and snapping his

head back, I thought, ‘he’s got this’.

“He won every round pretty clearly.

“He had the kid hurt several times.”

Chuol said the feeling of being crowned a national champion was “amazing”, and took immense pride in the manner of the victory.

“All the hard work I put into it, it just feels really good to be a national champion,” he said.

“Knowing that you shut your opponent out all three rounds and having the judges think you won can, in a way better, sometimes feel better than a knockout.

“It’s good to shut-out your opponent and win in that way, because it showcases your skill.

“I was really excited that I won that way.”

With family and friends watching the fights from afar on the live stream, Wilson was forced to calm his star-pupil down during the early stages of the contest, full of excitement and pent-up energy in one of the biggest contests of his boxing journey to date.

“At the end of the first he did cop a good

shot, which they gave him a standing eightcount,”Wilson said.

“This kid has come from nothing 12 months ago, to now be fighting on live TV, it was really hard to control him.

“We settled him down and he boxed the kid’s ears off for the remainder of the fight.

“He’s beating these kids by quite a fair amount and we’re talking about kids who have been boxing for 6-10 years, so they’re at their peak.

“This kid is not even close to it.”

For Chuol, the victory adds fuel to fire as to what he’s capable of.

“It’s opened my eyes to say ‘I can really do well in this sport,’ and I’m only getting better from now on,” he said.

“12 months ago I had my first fight and now I’m a national champion.

“It’s telling me that I can really do good at the sport and continue.

“I feel like I can only get better from now on.”

Riek Chuol continues to rise through the ranks of the Australian boxing scene. 326470

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A nest of happy Hawks after a thrilling win over East Doncaster. 328960

Picture: ROB CAREW

No sweet home for Doves

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) Division 2 club Doveton is all but certain to play no games at its home ground in 2023.

Robinson Reserve has been out of action so far this footy season due to a $240,000 drainage renewal project undertaken by the City of Casey.

The project, part of the 2022-23 capital works program, was initially slated to begin on 12 September 2022 with the expectation that cricket would be played on the ground after Christmas.

However, contractor availability and turf and material shortages caused the works to not begin until February 2023.

An email sent by council to the affected clubs in 2021, sighted by Star News, stated that the expected time frame was six to eight weeks with ideal conditions being from February to April.

“As this would provide the best weather conditions for the turf to be laid and ready for the footy season,” the email read in part.

Despite works beginning in February, the return-to-play date is still yet to be confirmed by the council.

At the time, Doveton received email communication that the expectation was that the works would be completed by the end of March.

The football club had been cautiously optimistic of playing on Robinson Reserve late in the season but, due to weather, this prospect now looks unlikely.

As of last week, the club was able to train on Robinson Reserve but the council has discouraged them from doing so.

The council on multiple occasions has dumped a pile of sand at Robinson Reserve, which those at the club have dispersed.

Access to the club room on training nights and game day is still possible.

“Whilst the works were completed prior to the commencement of the 2023 football season, due to seasonal wet conditions the new turf has not knitted together effectively, and the soil is soft,” said City of Casey Manager City Presentation Mardi Cuthbert.

“In its current condition, the surface is not safe for players and umpires to play on.

“At this stage, it is unlikely to be available for the remainder of the 2023 season, however council will continue to monitor the surface condition and will continue to provide regular updates to the club should conditions improve.”

To compensate for the loss of home games, City of Casey invested into Reid Oval, which is on the same site as Robinson Reserve.

Lights have been repaired, line marking has been undertaken and new goal posts have been installed, the playing surface now wellmaintained.

However, the football club was forced to reschedule its first four home games elsewhere, with Reid Oval only available from round nine. The club said it received no assistance from council in the rescheduling of those initial home games.

It was able to effectively swap its home games with Caulfield and Highett to the return clashes later in the season.

The game against Hampton Park was played at Cranbourne Football Club’s Livingston Reserve and the game against Murrumbeena was played at Narre Warren North Recreation Reserve.

That pair of games away from Robinson Reserve resulted in significantly reduced revenue, with home games typically bringing in $5000 from the canteen, gate and bar.

The lack of shelter at Reid Oval has been a deterrent for attendance in the last three weeks according to those at the club, while canteen and bar sales are still reduced.

The location of the ground also makes it impossible to charge a gate fee as Doveton typically would.

The football club acknowledges that there will be long-term benefits to the project, with the council highlighting that it will improve surface drainage, extend the life of the turf, and increase usability.

The centre cricket wicket is also being replaced.

The Doves, however, expressed serious concern to Star News about the implications of missing a full season of true home games given they believed they had a suitable playing surface.

As well as the game-by-game monetary loss, the club chose to cancel the 1982, 1983 and 1984 premiership reunions scheduled for August this season due to the impracticality and logistics as a result of the works.

The club’s annual white ribbon event, scheduled for 1 July, was also cancelled.

President John Stapleton is furious about the situation.

“The club is separated now more than ever with playing our home games and training on an adjoining oval and having our main club-

rooms and amenities next door at our traditional venue,” Stapleton said.

“We are really worried about what this means for the football club.

“It’s putting at risk the survival and sustainability of the club after the difficulties already endured through Covid-19.

“We’re getting reports, not real actions, solutions and timelines.

“It’s a disaster all round and we are all at a wits end with the entire process.”

The club is receiving fortnightly updates, with the council also meeting with them onsite and providing information regarding grants but Doveton believe the dialogue to be insufficient.

Fellow City of Casey SFNL club Hampton

Park is also off its home ground, Robert Booth Reserve, this season due to the construction of a new pavilion, set to be completed in October.

The club has instead been playing home games at Tony Way Recreation Reserve in Cranbourne West, but did not have access to that facility until round 9.

Civil works and the installation of meters were still yet to be completed by AGL/Ausnet and Origin/APA with the club regularly updated.

The Redbacks now have a glut of games at the expansive ground in the second half of the season, after swapping many home games in the first portion of the season.

Doveton and Hampton Park currently sit third and fifth on the Division 2 ladder respectively.

ReidOval. 343181

Picture:ROBCAREWThetemporaryroomsatDoveton’sReidOval. 343181

Picture:ROBCAREW

Doveton’sJohnStapletonandBrianOatesexpressgrievanceatthesituation. 342768

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS