EHD Star Journal - 8th August 2023

Connie set for battle

Connie Psihogios, 14, from Greater Dandenong Table Tennis Association, is rallying herself for Olympic qualifiers next month in the hope of representing Australia at table tennis at the 2024 Games. For more, turn to page 14

I Foods sues health department and slams Brett Sutton for its ...

‘Reckless’ closure

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

In a long-awaited Supreme Court trial, Dandenong South commercial kitchen I Cook Foods has claimed that it was closed down with “reckless indifference”.

ICF is suing the Department of Health and Human Services for alleged misfeasance in the shutdown and destruction of its family business in early 2019.

Then-Acting Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton ordered the closure as part of an investigation into the death of an 86-year-old listeriainfected patient at Knox Private Hospital.

On 2 August, ICF’s barrister Marcus Clarke

KC told the court that Dr Sutton acted with “reckless indifference” to whether ICF’s food was “unsafe” or “unsuitable” as well as to the likely harm to the business.

Dr Sutton should not have acted until there

BOOK YOUR FUNCTION

were more detailed lab test results on ICF food samples, Mr Clarke argued. Instead “they’ve jumped before getting the report”, Mr Clarke said. At the time, Dr Sutton knew there were six food samples with listeria mono (LM) collected from the ICF kitchen, and that ICF supplied sandwiches to Knox Private, Mr Clarke said.

The pending lab results were whether the LM concentration levels were ‘safe’ at ICF and if the LM was a genomic match with the listeria

found in the patient.

Mr Clarke told the court that listeria is “ubiquitous” in the environment.

“It’s absolutely imperative to get enumeration before deciding it’s safe or unsafe”.

According to Australian New Zealand Food Standards, the safe LM level in ready-to-eat foods is less than 100 colony-forming units per gram (cfu/g).

Continued page 4

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Have a fun day out with all things animal at the 2023 Casey Pet Expo.

The expo will be held from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm on Saturday 26 August in the beautiful surrounds of Wilson Botanic Park Berwick. There will be workshops and demonstrations, as well as presentations by the Melbourne Bird Vet Clinic, and RSPCA in collaboration with Zoo Victoria who will talk about the Safe Cat Safe Wildlife campaign. There will also be live music by Sage Kelly, a wildlife show, roving performers, food trucks, a sausage sizzle and a coffee van, and the ever-popular face painting. On-site parking is limited and if you bring your furry friend along, please make sure it’s on a lead at all times.

Applications open for Community Selection Panel

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

We are thrilled to announce that applications are open to join the Community Selection Panel, a program dedicated to help empower voices and shape the future of the Casey community.

The panel is tasked with assessing and recommending community grant applications and nominations for various Casey awards. This exciting initiative seeks to involve passionate individuals who are eager to make a tangible difference in their neighbourhood and the greater Casey community. Council is looking for more than 50 volunteers who are ready to be part of the group. Applications close 29 August. Visit Casey Conversations for more information.

Come cheer on the Casey Demons

The Casey Demons will play their final game of the VFL home and away season on Sunday 20 August.

The Dees will take on the Brisbane Lions at 12.05 pm at Casey Fields in Cranbourne East. Come and celebrate Casey Round and cheer on the red and blue.

New Waste Guide out now

If you need to check which items can go into each bin, when your recycling or green collection is or how to book a hard waste collection, you’ll find it all in the new Casey Waste Guide.

The updated guide is now available on Council’s website, as well as a handy A-Z reference that covers everything from aluminium foil to zip lock bags. If you prefer to receive a paper copy, visit our website of contact our Customer Service team and we’ll have one sent out to you.

Linking residents to services

Would you like to learn more about local events and social groups? Or perhaps you’re after information about aged, disability and carer support services?

Drop into our Customer Service Centres at Bunjil Place every Wednesday or Cranbourne Park every Thursday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm to speak to members of our Link Worker Program team. They can connect you to a wide range of services, support and activities. For more information, visit our website.

Council Meetings

Members of the community are welcome to attend the upcoming Council Meetings which are held in the Bunjil Place Function Room, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren.

Council Meetings start at 4.00 pm and are also live streamed through our Facebook page and YouTube channel. For more information on Council Meetings, or meeting minutes and agendas, please visit our website.

Upcoming Council Meetings:

• Tuesday 15 August

• Tuesday 19 September

• Tuesday 17 October

• Tuesday 21 November

• Tuesday 12 December

Photo credit: Sean Paulic.

Princes Highway warning

By Sahar Foladi

A long stretch of Princes Highway has topped the list for the most complaints in Greater Dandenong, according to a recent RACV survey.

The ‘Mr Melbourne Road’ survey showed the highway’s section between Westall and Heatherton roads was the most lamented by respondents.

RACV Head of Policy, James Williams said the feedback would provide insight into how road safety can be improved.

“The top concerns highlighted with this section of the Princes Highway included overall road inadequacy to support high demand and growth, lack of infrastructure for cyclists and congestion.”

RACV received feedback from 5,000 motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users in the inaugural ‘My Melbourne Road’ survey.

Participants were able to conduct the survey online where they could drop a pin on the map and fill out information about how that section can be improved from a safety perspective.

Respondents said they found the highway section dangerous because of bottle-neck congestion where three lanes of traffic merge into two lanes.

“I find this road dangerous due to sudden changes from three lanes to two, with drivers often making last-minute decisions or attempting to cut the queue,” one respondent mentioned in the survey.

“There really needs to be some clear and safe bike paths – at the moment this is not safe for cyclists,’” another said.

“This is dangerous because the congestion is just too much with cars merging on and off this road.”

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said vital safety upgrades are being rolled out by the department in partnership with the government’sTransport Accident Commission, as part of a $457.57 million Road Safety Program.

“We continually monitor our state’s transport network for potential improvements to ensure all road users can get where they need to go safely.

“Road safety is a broad and complex issue that requires a strategic, multi-faceted and co-

ordinated approach and we welcome community feedback as part of that mix.

“We’re continuing to build safer roads, ensure speed limits are appropriate and promote safe driving behaviour but driving down road trauma takes all of us doing the right thing every time we hit the road.”

In 2021, RACV conducted a similar survey called ‘My Country Road’ which had more than 4,000 participants from regional Victoria.

“The feedback resulted in road upgrades, proving that speaking up can make a difference,” Mr Williams said.

“From here, RACV will engage with governments to address the findings and advocate for improvements to the roads that the My Melbourne Road survey identified.”

Mandatory helmets may result from Tuck inquest

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The AFL is exploring mandatory helmets and impact-sensing mouthguards to protect players from CTE, a Coronial inquest into Richmond player Shane Tuck has been told.

Tuck, 38, died with severe stage-3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) – after a 173-game career as well as a brief boxing foray.

He took his own life in his parent’s Berwick home on 20 July 2020.

AFL chief medical officer Michael Makdissi told the Victorian Coroners Court that the league hoped to trial newer helmet designs and materials against a new AFL standard.

“We didn’t have a standard for an AFLspecific helmet. We (had) sort of borrowed our helmets from predominantly from rugby.

“There may be deployment of a helmet that’s suitable either next season or the season after.”

Makdissi said the AFL was considering the mandating of helmets if trials showed they benefited brain health.

“Until we have an idea that they work in the field and there are no unintended consequences like players playing differently and potentially experiencing more head trauma, then I wouldn’t mandate them initially.”

The AFL was also involved in Monash University research on accelerometer mouthguards to measure head impacts.

The mouthguards could be “rolled out” as early as next season, or the season after, Makdissi said.

“It might start off as a recommended moving to a mandatory, I just don’t know how the (research) data is going to come out.”

Shane Tuck’s sister Renee Tuck told the Coroners’ Court that her family was “a man down” because of CTE. It brought a “strong man absolutely to his knees and to his death”.

“I have heard some bystanders and supporters say, ‘they play footy, they know what

they’re getting into’ or ‘they get paid enough’.

“But this is not true.

“No one who was made aware, as Shane was not, would ever wish this upon themselves.

“When it comes to CTE, prevention is the cure and education is the power.”

On an array of medications, Tuck reported that it didn’t stop him hearing voices.

“Three long weeks of Shane in hospital and no medication or treatments would even touch the sides of his distress.

“Little did we know that his brain was rotting away – what had started so slowly years before was ramping up to be a horrific fina-

Myuna ‘wind’ farm cuts

City of Casey’s first wind turbine and battery storage system has been installed at Myuna Farm in Doveton.

Since 2004, the farm has reduced greenhouse emissions by 84 per cent with LED lighting, insulation upgrades, a 30kW solar photovoltaic system and community electric vehicle charger.

“The wind turbine will continue to decrease Myuna Farm’s reliance on traditional energy sources further supporting energy cost reductions,” Casey CEO Glenn Patterson said.

“This, in turn, allows Myuna Farm to allocate more resources towards the care and conservation of the farm animals and the enhancement of its popular educational programs.”

Mr Patterson said the council hopes it inspires community members to “embrace renewable energy solutions”.

A cockatoo and worker at Myuna Farm, Doveton.

le, making Shane’s final days on earth a war zone in his head.”

Her family would never be “fully healed” from watching Shane being “taken away from us and from himself slowly, and in such a cruel manner by this disease, unable to stop his pain and suffering.”

“Two children will have to endure the rest of their futures without their dad.

“Shane was a good, hard player who copped knees, elbows, feet to the head in the scrums of those games, game after game, week after week.

“Shane wanted so much to do his best and he put himself through the ringer for it

emissions

without complaints.

“He threw himself over that ball quarter by quarter, week in week out.

“Shane was disciplined and wanted to make his team and coach proud –and now he’s dead.”

Tuck’s brain was donated to the Australian Sports Brain Bank.

“Shane’s brain was riddled with CTE lesions – he had the worst diseased brain Professor Michael Buckland had ever seen.

“Not a day goes by without him being thought of.

“Shane is incredibly missed, and he is always loved.”

Richmond footballer Shane Tuck died with severe stage-3 CTE. 93128

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Closure was ‘reckless’

From page 1

The official lab results for ICF ingredients proved to be less than 10 – well within the safe range, Mr Clarke said. There were no positive LM samples on ICF’s kitchen surfaces and environment.

Before the closure, DHHS emails advised Dr Sutton to wait for LM genomic matching and enumeration results, Mr Clarke said. DHHS barrister Christopher Caleo KC told the court that any detected level of listeria was sufficient for Dr Sutton to be satisfied the food was unsafe.

“(LM) enumeration was not a threshold factor at all in his decision-making.”

It was also not a case of randomly sampling a kitchen but “working backwards” from a case with “invasive listeriosis”, Mr Caleo said. Dr Sutton’s decision was also based on other information such as the patient’s food history, the “deficient” condition of ICF’s premises and food safety practices and the vulnerability of patients, nursing home residents and Meals on Wheels clients who ate ICF meals, according to DHHS.

Two days before the closure order, Greater Dandenong Council issued two food safety orders against ICF claiming it was in unsanitary condition and a state of disrepair. Dr Sutton knew of the council having “concerns” about the premises, Mr Caleo said. The presiding judge Justice Michael McDonald said the LM enumeration issue was “critical” in his mind, raising the need for more expert evidence.

“It’s a matter of surprise to me unfortunately and I’m the one person in the room that you don’t want to be surprising.”

In a press conference transcript presented

to the court, Dr Sutton said on 22 February 2019 that the ICF kitchen samples hadn’t been linked directly to the patient and was still under investigation.

“I have acted out of abundance of precaution in closing it.

“Potentially thousands of people have been exposed but we don’t know the level of listeria contamination that have occurred.

“If it’s below a certain threshold then people don’t become unwell but above a certain threshold and for those who are at-risk it can cause this serious invasive disease septicaemia and meningitis.

“We haven’t seen other cases. We know that there is this one death and I didn’t want to see any more and that’s why I have taken the action overnight.”

On the day Dr Sutton ordered the closure, a DHHS officer wrote to Dr Sutton that the patient ate sandwiches from a “commercial manufacturer” at Knox Private as well as a wide range of high-risk foods before being admitted to hospital.

No positive samples were found at other sites but “the possibility that the listeriosis was acquired while at home has not been dismissed”.

ICF’s lawyer Mr Clarke said a doctor raised the possibility the patient had contracted listeria before being admitted with gastro-like symptoms to Knox Private on 13 January. He also noted that ICF had been supplying 5000 sandwiches a week at the time – including 3500 a week to Knox Private - without another reported listeria case.

The trial resumes on Wednesday 9 August.

The issues in dispute in I Cook closure case

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

What information did then-Acting Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton have to justify his closure of I Cook Foods?

This is one of the key issues being argued by ICF in its quest for compensation that’s being heard at the Victorian Supreme Court,.

Dr Sutton’s closure order stated he was satisfied under the Food Act that ICF’s food was “unsafe” and “unsuitable” based upon a report by an authorised officer.

ICF argues that this“report” was not provided to ICF prior to its shut down.

It was a denial of natural justice ahead of a closure that led to the “complete destruction” of ICF, it submitted.

Further, the “report”, which was eventually provided by the DHHS during pre-trial discovery, did not actually satisfy Dr Sutton that ICF’s food was unsafe.

This point has been conceded by the DHHS, and is a ground for making the closure order invalid according to ICF.

The supplied ‘report’ was an email summary from a meeting of DHHS senior officials including Dr Sutton on the day of the closure order.

DHHS decided at the meeting to request Greater Dandenong Council to close production at ICF that day, DHHS barrister Christopher Caleo KC told the court.

There was no minutes of the meeting, he said.

In its submissions, DHHS argues that Dr Sutton validly relied on a range of written and oral reports from various officers over three days.

This included an investigation into food eaten by the patient, positive LM samples at ICF, the condition of ICF’s premises and food safety practices and the vulnerability of patients, nursing home residents and Meals on Wheels clients.

Pre-trial, DHHS initially refused to supply the other‘reports’ on the grounds due to the task being “too broad” and “oppressive”, the court heard.

Justice Michael McDonald noted the DHHS’s basis for that response was “questionable to say the least”.

The DHHS submitted that it wasn’t required to give ICF a chance to respond prior to the shutdown as part of the department’s “protective”, “emergency” power.

ICF argued that natural justice wasn’t expressly excluded by the Food Act in this case.

Mr Caleo argued that for ICF to succeed, it was not enough to show Dr Sutton made a mistake.

ICF must prove Dr Sutton acted with malice, or the “absence of an honest attempt to perform the functions of the office”, he said.

“The question is whether a decisionmaker could reasonably come to the conclusion.

“Dr Sutton’s actions in making the Closure Order and Varied Closure Order were lawful, considered, without malice, based on evidence and were undertaken in an honest attempt to perform his statutory role.”

The trial continues on Wednesday 9 August.

Baby kidnapper released to hotel

By Emily Woods, AAP

A kidnapper who stole a car with a baby inside will be released from prison to stay at a hotel before he is sentenced, despite concerns that he is a risk to the community.

Dean Robertson, 48, has admitted stealing a car from Melbourne’s southeast with an 11-month-old child in the back.

He did not know the child was in a baby capsule behind the passenger seat when he when stole the Toyota RAV4 in March 2022 after the child’s mother got out to look at some hard rubbish in Keysborough.

He drove off as the mother screamed and chased after the car, and eventually handed the baby to a group of strangers at a hall in Cranbourne more than three hours later.

Robertson, who pleaded guilty to theft and child stealing, faced the County Court for a pre-sentence hearing by video link from prison on Tuesday.

Judge Duncan Allen flagged he was considering handing Robertson a deferred sentence.

Defence lawyer Amber Hurst asked for Robertson to be released on bail so he can receive better mental health and drug and alcohol treatment before he is sentenced.

“This is a man whose prior history is mainly driving offences, who essentially stole a motor vehicle and found a child in the back,” she told the court.

“He has no history of violent offending but he’s had a substantial time in custody.”

Prosecutor Deanna Caruso was concerned Robertson may reoffend if released from jail.

“There’s high concerns by the prosecutors

of risk of reoffending and risk to the community,” she said.

Robertson was assessed as “stable” by a court services program, which found he required drug, alcohol and mental health treatment if released, the court was told.

Judge Allen agreed to release Robertson on bail to live at a hotel in East Melbourne while

Pakenham boy charged

A 17-year-old Pakenham boy has been charged with an alleged aggravated home invasion in Keysborough on Saturday 29 July.

Police say four males dressed in black entered a residential property on Cunningham Parade just after 7am.

The four fled from the house in a white Skoda after being confronted by the home occupants, a 49-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman, police allege.

The offenders allegedly returned and confronted the victims demanding the man’s mobile phone while wielding an edged weapon.

The males drove away empty handed.

The Pakenham teen was arrested and charged with aggravated home invasion, attempted armed robbery, theft of motor vehicle and commit an indictable offence on bail.

He will appear before a children’s court at a later date.

Police are seeking public assistance to identify the other males involved as well as information about the following stolen vehicles:

· A white 2019 Skoda Kodiaq, registration 1MB8SA

· A white 2018 Skoda Rapio, registration ATP708

other accommodation is found, because he was homeless when he was arrested.

He must abide by several conditions, including attending a GP for a mental health care plan and participating in court-supervised drug and alcohol treatment.

Robertson will be sentenced in December.

· beyondblue 1300 22 4636

· A black 2015 Mercedes s350, registration ATL199

· A silver 2007 Mercedes, registration WDF298

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

TheCountyCourtofVictoria.

Picture:AAPIMAGE/CONCHRONIS

Smith slams IBAC findings

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Casey’s longest-serving councillorWayne Smith says being named adversely in an IBAC investigation has done him “major damage”.

“It’s major damage to my reputation because I’m not there on council anymore,” the ALP councillor told Star News, referring to the councillors being sacked by the State Government in early 2020.

“I’m very proud of my time on council, the things I’m responsible for – I’m proud of that.”

An Operation Sandon report stated Smith appeared “wilfully blind” to his conflict-ofinterest obligations involving developer John Woodman. In private evidence, Smith told IBAC that he was unaware that donations – received via former mayor Janet Halsall’s spouse Bob - that “benefited (Smith’s) community work” were fromWoodman.

They included $20,000 in sponsorships to allow Smith to travel to a music festival as part of his community radio program, as well as support to others seeking to study overseas.

After the report’s release, Smith told Star News that he wasn’t privy to Woodman’s involvement. “I didn’t seek sponsorship (for the music festival trip). He ended up being a sponsor of the radio program. If anyone thinks it was a holiday, it was a fantastic experience but no holiday.”

IBAC found Smith failed to declare the conflict while voting on Woodman-related planning matters at Casey Council – something that he maintains was a “mistake” that he was not aware of.

As deputy mayor, Smith had chaired planning meetings and made decisive casting votes

in favour ofWoodman-linked developments.

He’d told IBAC he didn’t know who the applicants were.

“All sorts of company names and estate names came up,” he told IBAC. “I wasn’t aware of the companies that (Woodman) may have been involved in or have an interest in.

“He never personally contacted me … and I don’t know that his representatives did either.”

Smith told IBAC that he didn’t read the growth-corridor council’s “voluminous” planning papers or take a “real interest in planning matters”. Instead he followed the lead of councillor Sam Aziz – who has subsequently been accused by IBAC of failing to declare about $600,000 of payments and benefits fromWoodman.

When asked by Star News if he would have

acted differently in hindsight, Smith said: “It’s hard to say because at the time you are busy and you have a lot of trust and faith in others.

“At the time I had no reason to doubt that.”

Smith said no councillor was across every detail of council decisions, and wouldn’t be opposed to planning being instead decided by independent panels.

“Especially because planning was not my thing. There were other councillors who were across it. I had my expertises that other councillors knew I was across, as I did to others. There was no one all-rounder on council. It’s not a full-time job.You can’t be expected to be across everything. Hindsight is a great thing. I’m very comfortable standing on my record. There was some criticism of me – I have to accept that.”

Smith told IBAC he met Woodman about

three times in 20 years, mainly at social occasions like charity events.

IBAC found there was evidence that Smith was indirectly briefed by Woodman on planning projects via Bob Halsall.

“IBAC does not accept Councillor Smith’s evidence that he was entirely unaware of Mr Woodman’s patronage, and of the projects in which MrWoodman was interested.

“It is most unlikely that MrWoodman would have extended financial support to Councillor Smith over several years, even indirectly, without expecting to obtain the benefit of Councillor Smith’s vote when the need arose.”

During the 2016 Casey Council elections, Smith was also among 11 candidates who were covertly funded byWoodman.

He did not declare $6743 in gifts fromWoodman and linked entities for his campaign, despite Local Government Act requirements to do so. Smith told IBAC that he believed Aziz was personally covering the costs.

“When I asked Sam that one time about it, it was made clear you know, I’m covering that –end of discussion.”

Smith, like several former Casey councillors, was critical of the “unfair” IBAC process. His responses supplying the “full context” didn’t appear in the final report, he said.

“I was fortunate my interview was private. I thought I’d be the last person but it’s dragged out and taken so long.”

When asked if he would stand again for the 2024 elections, he said: “Who knows? I haven’t even thought about it. Between now and then, it’s a long time. I’m still a very active volunteer in the community, I’m happy with that.”

Shakespearean defence launched against inquiry

By Rachael Ward, AAP

Two key figures in a property development scandal examined by a corruption watchdog have launched a colourful defence, claiming they never paid or accepted bribes.

Developer John Woodman and former Casey councillor Sameh Aziz presented their cases during an eccentric 90-minute address plagued by technical difficulties on Monday.

It involved snippets from a silent film, a poster stating “something is wrong in the state of IBAC” in reference to a Shakespeare’s Hamlet and a video of a football bouncing across an NRL pitch.

A report from the Independent Broadbased Anti-corruption Commission’s tabled in parliament last week found Mr Aziz and his colleague Geoff Ablett accepted almost $1.2 million in payments to promote the interests of Mr Woodman and his clients.

The Operation Sandon report said the pair repeatedly failed to declare conflicts of interest and continued trying to influence other councillors even when they did.

Beyond the council, Mr Woodman also donated more than $470,000 to the Labor and Liberal parties between 2010 and 2019 to access state decision-makers and to the election campaigns of three Labor MPs.

During the press conference on Monday, Mr Woodman and Mr Aziz denied anything inappropriate took place.

MrWoodman called the report “302 pages of lies, half truths and hoax” and was frustrated the commission did not include his lengthy submission in its final report.

He denied bribing any Casey councillors and said there was nothing improper about donating to political parties as long as there was nothing expected in return.

Mr Aziz spent much of the presentation clicking through slides for Mr Woodman before saying he did not accept bribes and would defend any allegations against him.

He said regretted once paying cash to Mr Woodman in a suitcase but insisted it was connected to an investment scheme and he received interest on the money.

“If I had my time again, I don’t think I would have conveyed the money to him in that manner, because obviously the issue of a suitcase and cash raises all this imagery about bribery and impropriety,” Mr Aziz said.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission declined to comment.

Property developer John Woodman called an IBAC report “302 pages of lies, half truths and hoax”. Picture: DIEGO FIDELE, AAP

Former councillors ‘vindicated’ by IBAC report

By Matthew Sims

Former councillor and Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) chairperson Brian Oates say Casey desperately needs “good candidates“ at the next council elections in the wake of IBAC’s anti-corruption report.

IBAC tabled its special report in Parliament on Thursday 27 July following action spanning back to November 2017 as part of Operation Sandon.

The investigation centred on four planning proposals involving John Woodman and his clients, including one to rezone land in CranbourneWest as residential to increase its value.

IBAC found former Casey mayors Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett accepted more than $1.15 million in payments and in-kind support for promoting developer JohnWoodman or his clients’ interests on council, Under state law, IBAC is barred from publicly stating people engaged in criminal, corrupt conduct.

However, the anti-corruption watchdog is able to refer alleged criminality to the Office of Public Prosecutions, which would decide whether to pursue charges.

Mr Oates said the report and the investigation was “narrowly focused“. “There was no mention of corruption,“ he said.

“I think the community wants to see some reimbursements.“

Mr Oates joined Casey Council as a councillor in 1997 and as mayor in 2005, and served until he decided to not run for re-election in the 2008 election.

“I could see where things were going,“ he said. “People didn’t seem to understand what fiduciary responsibilities did.“

The State Government dismissed all councillors on 19 February 2020 and appointed a Panel of Administrators.

Mr Oates said the community needed a council with elected councillors to seek support and advice.

“A lot of the people are very upset,“ he said.

“Really, there’s no big initiatives.“

Mr Oates said the CRRA had already started canvassing and mentoring potential candidates in the elections for next year.

“We want to increase the understanding of what councillors do,“ he said. “We also want to get good candidates.“

Mr Oates said he was hopeful a new Casey Council could rebuild the momentum Casey had before the council was sacked.

“We were one of the fastest growing municipalities,“ he said. “We were at the top of the list.“

Former Casey councillor and deputy mayor Rex Flannery resigned from the council in February 2020, a week before the entire council was sacked.

Speaking in the wake of the report’s release, he said he always acted independently and did not support any political party.

“I can’t believe I was a Casey councillor in

these troubled times of the IBAC findings,“ Mr Flannery said.

“I never knew or met John Woodman and I certainly was not apart of any bloc which a few of the ex-councillors denied and voted on supporting a certain councillor.

“While following the IBAC inquiry I could put two and two together and realised what they had done.

Mr Flannery said he would oppose any former councillors from running in the 2024 elections.

“I will never forgive their arrogance on bringing down such a great City of Casey, which has now become tarnished by greed,“ he said.

“I was never sacked, once I learned about the inquiry, I resigned as I was having nothing to do with their alleged corruption.“

Former councillor Steve Beardon resigned during his second term in March 2017.

Speaking on the report, he said he finally felt vindicated.

“I worked so hard to be elected and represent Casey and most importantly the wonderful community of Cranbourne,“ he said. “It was very very difficult to resign. However, resign I did rather than be part of Casey Council.“

Bob Halsall and Cr Wayne Smith at a Cranbourne GP Run in 2017. 173683 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Former Casey councillor Brian Oates. Picture: SUPPLIED

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LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

2 August 1923

Electric Light Supply

In furtherance of the proposal by the State Electricity Commission to take over the control of the electric supply of Dandenong from the shire council, Sir John Monash (chairman of the Commission) and Mr Harper (engineer) visited Dandenong on Thursday afternoon and had an interview with the electric light committee and other councillors. The Chairman Cr F Audsley (Shire President) explained that Sir John Monash had come out to discuss the question of the Commission taking over the lighting and power. Cr Kerr, after thanking Sir John Monash for the cordial manner in which he had received a previous deputation from the council, said there were one or two things they wanted to discuss. Cr Bailey asked Sir John Monash if, in the event of the commission taking over the control of the electric light, it would be prepared to charge a flat rate over a certain amount of current. Sir John Monash said he was safe in promising that the electric light extension to Noble Park

NEWS

and Springvale would be carried out during the next twelve months.

50 years ago

1 August 1973

Myer Complex

Work on the $10 million Myer complex at

Help on hand for homeless

By Sahar Foladi

Homelessness Week in City of Greater Dandenong will start with a day packed with important resources to the community on Tuesday 8 August.

The event led by Wayss and City of Greater Dandenong in Harmony Square aims to ensure residents are aware of early intervention services available to them.

Wayss general manager Shari McPhail said services have increased especially post Covid.

“Homelessness impacts families, singles, young and old people. There is no group who is not touched by it.

“We see that everywhere we turn, there’s an increase in people needing our assistance.

“We can have up to 300 families and individuals come into our access point in Dandenong per week.”

City of Greater Dandenong tops the state for residents who are homeless according to the latest census data.

In 2021, there were 2366 experiencing homelessness in Greater Dandenong – equivalent to one in 67 residents.

Ms McPhail said the demands for the services are so high it’s a challenge to focus on early intervention.

“At the moment because the demand coming into our doors is so great it feels a lot of the time we’re delivering a crisis response service when we want to re-orientate from crisis point to early intervention.”

Chief executive officer ofWayssWayne Merritt will address the community event along with Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster.

Other local community organisations will also provide information on the day.

“The more we can educate the community, people can seek assistance before it can become a desperate situation,” Ms McPhail said.

City of Casey experienced the highest increase in people seeking specialist homelessness services collection (SHSC) across all southern Melbourne council areas from 2017 to 2019.

More than 3,500 in Casey sought help in SHSC in 2021.

The federal government’s proposed $10 billion housing fund has yet to pass Parliament, with talks stalling with Greens and other opposition parties.

The housing package is said to provide 30,000 homes in five years with $500 million spent on affordable and social housing each year.

“The longer that these policies are debated the longer it will take to get housing on the ground,” Ms McPhail said.

Wayss calls for investment in long-term social and affordable housing, including safe homes for those impacted by family violence.

In opposition to the bill, The Greens are calling for more help for renters

The Housing Australia Fund proposal was rejected by 37 to 23 votes in the Senate.

If rejected for the second time, the Federal Government has threatened an early doubledissolution election.

The HomelessnessWeek event is at Harmony Square Dandenong on Tuesday 8 August, from 11am.

Dandenong is underway. The store and car park to accommodate 1200 vehicles is expected to be operational by October next year. Because final designs are still being determined, the final tender price cannot be announced. Between McCrae, Walker and Clow streets, Myer Southern will build a shopping centre of four storeys with provision for an additional two. First stage of the car parking area will be five storeys high. The complex will employ 550 people. With the site now completely enclosed by fencing, motorists are missing the convenience of temporary parking facilities.

20 years ago

4 August 2003

‘Sack council call’ Placards calling for the sacking of Greater Dandenong Council were held high as protesters chanted “save the town hall” during a rally last Monday. Two weeks ago, after Greater Dandenong councillors voted to continue with plans to redevelop the Dandenong Town Hall, about 50 protesters gathered

outside the Dandenong Council office then poured into the council chambers to show their anger. Under the plans, the town hall will be redeveloped into a 500-seat performing arts centre, with the 1890’s section restored. Some residents are concerned about the plans, claiming the redevelopment will destroy the heritage and culture of the hall.

5 years ago

6 August 2018

Jobs boost for bus builder Dandenong will be building a new fleet of 15 buses linking Melbourne Airport as a result of a new State Government contract with Skybus. Local manufacturers Volgren will build the additional Skybuses which will run an extra route linking Melbourne’s suburbs to the airport. The state-of-the-art additions will be equipped with USB powered portals and Wi-Fi, Volgren chief executive Peter Dale said. Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said each Volgren-made bus created five Victorian jobs.

No hive is left behind

A handful of orange plastic boxes sit on a property in Belgrave South. Unknown to the naked eye, they house a rich and complex ecosystem.

Move a little closer and you can hear a distinct buzzing. The boxes are among 125 bee hives spread across 11 sites, including Berwick, Harkaway, Beaconsfield, Narre Warren North and Cardinia, as part of Berwick beekeeper Laszlo Kun.

Operating as Beesfriend since 2020, he has been juggling his work after clocking off from his IT job. Former beekeeper Dietmar Klimkeit has acted as a mentor and has passed on the torch to Mr Kun.

Mr Kun said he found the ways in which bees work as “quite fascinating”.

“I find it interesting because we rely on bees,” he said.

“It is a very calm and relaxing activity for me.

“Bees are like my extended family.”

Mr Kun often operates alone and in the middle of the night, visiting homes and other buildings to remove swarms and nests as swarming season runs from September to January.

Bringing along his home-made ‘bee vacuum’, he often works meticulously to remove bees slowly from the property.

Mr Kun said a bee removal can often be a delicate operation.

“Every bee removal is different,” he said.

While he is currently selling honey and other products, Mr Kun said the goal of his endeavours is not for profit but for returning the favour to the community which help him save bee populations from dying.

“There are some people doing it for money,” he said.

“This is my way of giving back.”

Mr Kun said people wanting to remove bee swarms and nests should not call a pest inspector, as they would kill them before trying to relocate the bees.

“The best approach would be to contact a local bee keeper,” he said.

“Don’t try to do this on your own.

“That can be a life-threatening problem.” Retired doctor Johannes Wenzel has been living on his property in Belgrave South for about 40 years with his wife Jeanette. The pair have practiced permaculture by growing fruit and vegetables in a self-sufficient and sustainable way.

Dr Wenzel said when Mr Kun approached him to house some bee hives, the decision was a no-brainer.

“(The bees) helped to pollinated all the food,” he said.

The pair’s 24-acre property boasts a wide array of fruits, including raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries, as well as plants and flowers including sage and lavender.

“I don’t believe in artificial additives or spraying insecticides,” Dr Wenzel said.

“I think it’s very good to keep healthy.”

Another issue concerning beekeepers across the country is the spread of the varroa mite, an invasive parasite deadly to bees which was first detected in New SouthWales in June 2022 and has been detected in centralwestNewSouthWalesearlierthismonth.

Varroa Mites lay one male and between two to 16 female eggs in each cell, meaning numbers can spread and escalate quickly.

The Department of Primary Industries has euthanised 23 hives at Gumble which tested positive to varroa mite after tracing their movement from Sackville North in Sydney. Mr Kun said more efforts should be made in managing and protecting existing populations, rather than eradication and relocation. He said governments should not move towards using in pesticides such as Fipronil.

“You are killing the native bees,” he said.

“Killing bees is not the solution.

“We need to have a plan B or C.”

Mr Kun said the first step to managing bees and varroa mite was ensuring people knew the facts around both chemical and non-chemical treatments.

“We have to educate people,” he said.

“It should be helpful for the bees, not harmful.

“The government has to solve this and solve this fast.”

Mr Kun said he has started discussions with local schools and aims to reach out to the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation about introducing bee programs to schools.

“My plan would be having a bee hive in every school,” he said.

Mr Klimkeit said his only hope was that small-scale and environmentally-conscious efforts like Mr Kun’s do not come too late.

“Frogs and bees are the heartbeat of our environment,” he said.

“If we lose them, then we’re lost.”

For more information, visit aussieapiaristsonline.net or beesfriend.com.au

Beekeeper Laszlo Kun sells honey products through his company Beesfriend. 350270

WAYSS CEO, Wayne Merritt will be at the homelessness event on Tuesday 8 August.

Skybus CEO Adam Begg, MPs Gabrielle Williams and Sonya Kilkenny and Volgren CEO Peter Dale. 183266 Picture: GARY SISSONS

CONGRATULATIONS, PATTERSON CHENEY TOYOTA LOCAL NAME, NATIONALLY AWARDED

The Toyota President’s Award for Excellence is our way of recognising outstanding service across every facet of a dealership, especially customer satisfaction. Very few Toyota Dealers receive this prestigious award, so we are exceptionally pleased to present it to Cameron Bertalli and his team for a fourth year. Congratulations and thank you for helping Toyota remain Australia’s favourite automotive brand.

CAMERON BERTALLI, PATTERSON CHENEY TOYOTA, DANDENONG WINNER OF THE 2022 TOYOTA PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

WHAT’S ON

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

Chisholm TAFE Open Night

Are you considering study but need to know more? Speak to educators directly and learn more about courses from Senior Secondary Programs through to Higher Education study options. Learn about subsidised study options such as free TAFE Pathways and a range of skillset - earn while you learn options.

· Wednesday 9 August, 4pm-7pm at Chisholm TAFE, 121 Stud Road - Building A, Level 2, Dandenong. Free event. Details: events@chisholm.edu.au

Creative Writing Group

Welcome to an organic and supportive group where we awaken our inner writer and spark our imagination in this encouraging workshop. We will share prompts, short stories, ideas and do a couple of writing activities together. New writers welcome.

· Thursday 10 August 10am-12pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. A gold coin donation is welcome. Details: Jo/Tayla, 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Arts Tour Bus

Come along and indulge in a special day of art, culture and inspiration with the ‘Arts Tour Bus’. Sit back and relax as we transport you to three iconic cultural centres across the south-eastBurrinja Cultural Centre, Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, and Cardinia Cultural Centre in one not-to-miss event.

· Saturday 12 August 10am-4pm. Pick-up and drop-off location: Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren Lunch not supplied, but available for purchase at Chimes Eatery. Free event, bookings required: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/arts-tour-bus

Urban Permaculture talk

Learn how to make your urban home both productive and sustainable. Facilitated by Helen Charles we will discuss ‘what is permaculture’ and will talk about the 12 guiding principles including, working with nature, reducing, reusing, recycling, valuing renewables, minimising energy use, developing efficient, interconnected systems, and thinking globally, acting locally.

· Saturday 12 August, 12pm-1.30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/urban-permaculture-beginners

Springvale Urban Harvest

Come along to swap excess homegrown produce and gardening extras and meet like-

NEWS

minded growers in the area. Supported by The Greater Dandenong Seed Library and the Springvale Community Hub Clothes Swap.

· Second Saturday of the month (next 12 August) 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.

Springvale Fresh tour

Our friendly tour guide will show you the hidden oasis of where to purchase the best products and produce. At the end of the tour, you will get to enjoy a delicious authentic Asian meal.

· Monday 14 August, 11am-1pm; $50pp. Bookings essential at 8571 1666 or greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/springvale-fresh-tour

Winter Awareness Art Circle

Join us for a quiet morning as we come together to explore the element of winter: water. As a symbol of wisdom, we can honour the wisdom of the elders. Tapping into our creativity and the arts can enhance our understandings and support an approach and response to experience, with openness and acceptance.

· Monday 14 August 10.30am-12.30pm (come at 10 for a cuppa beforehand) at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. Suggested donation: $5. Bookings: Jo/Tayla,9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au.

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-forumaolt3xx5

Homelessness Week

· Join us in Harmony Square Dandenong for an event to raise awareness of homelessness. Features a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, more than 20 local support organisations as well as food and drinks for all.

· Tuesday 8 August, 11am -2pm at Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event.

Jewellery workshop

Artist and jewellery designer Vivian Qiu will teach you how to make jewellery using electrical wires collected from renovation sites. You can make a necklace, earrings, pendant or bracelet using a variety of hands-on techniques. Library membership is required to register.

Tuesday 15 August, 6.30pm-8pm at Springvale Library,5 Hillcrest Grove,Springvale. Free event. Registrations required at libraries.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/libraries/events/jewelleryworkshop-art-series-0

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 Thursdays of month 10.30am11.30am (next date: Thurs 17 August) at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. A gold coin donation is welcome. Bookings: Jo/Tayla, 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Citizens talking Climate Change

An event for all. Join us for an evening cuppa, where we will discuss climate action and solutions and all the ways for living it now. BYO cup.

· Friday 18 August 7pm-8pm at Springvale Community Hub. Details: greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/ citizens-talking-climate-change-springvalecommunity-hub

Dandenong

Wetlands planting

Bring the family and join us at Dandenong Wetlands to plant some seedlings and help to create habit for local wildlife. Free lunch provided. BYO water bottle, gardening gloves and wear clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty. Parking available at Dandenong Stadium.

· Saturday 19 August, 10am-1pm at Dandenong Wetlands, 270 Stud Road, Dandenong North. Free event.

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.

Until Friday 8 September at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, Walker and Robinson Street, Dandenong (open Tuesdays-Fridays 12pm-4pm). Free event.

Super Cars and Super Humans

A unique opportunity for kids, teens and young adults with a disability to get up close with 50 dream cars. Sit inside, take photos and create lifelong memories and experiences. Dodgem cars and other rides, food trucks, DJ, activities, give away prizes and much more. Presented by Personalised Support Services and Otium Club.

Saturday 2 September 11.30am-2.30pm at Springers Leisure Centre, Keysborough.

Community safety forum

Victoria Police Superintendent Jo Stafford is guest speaker at Neighbourhood Watch Greater Dandenong’s community safety public forum. Supt Stafford oversees the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia police areas, is a police officer for 25 years and a former nurse. Includes Q&A and light supper.

Wednesday 27 September, 7pm for 7.30pm start at 18 Buckley Street Noble Park. Weekly badminton

Badminton for ladies or retired. All welcome Mondays 7pm-9pm and Wednesdays 12pm2.30pm at Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road recreation reserve; $5.

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. 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

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

Four finals to the fore

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A junior football club is in the mix for a glut of premiership glory this coming Sunday (13 August).

Four sides from Noble Park Junior Football Club – the under 11s, under 14s, under 15s and under 16s - won their way to Eastern Football Netball League grand finals.

The rare achievement is all the more meritorious given the club has defied a waning in Australian-Rules junior player stocks in the region.

Not to mention being based in shipping containers and portable toilets for two years during renovation works at Ross Reserve.

“We just got our clubrooms back this year,” NPJFC secretary Kylie Milne says.

“It was difficult but we managed. We had great support.”

While several neighbouring clubs are folding or under threat, NPJFC has grown over the past two seasons.

It fields more than 200 players across eight teams from under 8s-under 17s.

Milne puts the club’s success down to“dedication, commitment, leadership, teamwork”.

“If it wasn’t for our volunteers, our club wouldn’t be here.”

Another key feature is the club offering free registration fees for players, and welcoming cultural diversity.

Several juniors are ‘Bulls Ambassadors’, who promote the sport at their soccer-dominant schools.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve played before. We welcome everyone regardless of skills or nationalities,” Milne says.

This coming Sunday will be a busy one for Milne and club fans. She’ll be travelling to all four grand finals across different venues in the region.

The club will be hoping for four trophies to the fore.

Noble Park Junior Football Club’s under 15s side celebrates its first-semi-final victory.

Embrace a new life today

In the quiet whispers of time passing, there lies a profound truth that we often overlook-the ephemeral nature of moments, like fleeting butterflies, flutter by, leaving us with memories etched in the sands of time.

Life’s journey is a dance of choices and opportunities, a symphony of chances that beckon us to take hold of the reins. Among these, a whisper urges us to embrace the change that awaits-a downsizer home, a sanctuary for a new chapter.

Picture it, if you will-a charming haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle, where the weight of unnecessary possessions fades away. The clutter that once weighed upon your shoulders will find solace in the arms of benevolent charity, making space for cherished treasures and memories to blossom.

In a downsizer home, time finds itself a gentle master, and moments of joy, love, and laughter are savoured like fine wine. The days of mowing vast lawns and maintaining unwieldy spaces will be replaced by a manageable sanctuary, where you’ll find more time to bask in the warmth of cherished company.

You will find a newfound sense of liberation. Letting go of the past, you’ll embrace the present with arms wide open. The shackles of maintenance yield to the freedom of exploration, travel, and adventures that await your eager heart.

Seize the day and make way for the winds of change. By choosing to downsize at Lifestyle Communities, you’ll discover the art of appreciating a life well-lived, where every day is cherished. Book the tour today. 1300 50 55 60

Embrace a new life today and downsize at Lifestyle Communities.

First step to a great life

Having plan for ageing well that includes how and where you wish to live is essential for a happy and relaxed retirement.

Downsizing from the family home is a convenient way to fund your lifestyle goals, while the maintenance-free lifestyle of a retirement community frees up your precious time to spend doing the things you love.

Aveo Regional Operations Manager

Andrew Matthews said residents in communities like The George in Sandringham can enjoy independent living with a little extra support, from home-cooked meals to cleaning, and assistance with personal care if required.

“Aveo’s onsite team can provide advice and management of government Home Care Packages so residents can continue to live independently with the convenience of personalised at-home services,’’ he said.

“This gives people more time to enjoy life and do all the things they love without the worry of home or garden maintenance, whether it’s coffee with friends or family in the cafe, a game of cards in the library, daily exercise classes, or arts and craft.”

Mr Matthews said The George is a vibrant and friendly community offering a mix of over 100 one and two-bedroom apartments in Melbourne’s bayside, surrounded by green parklands and only moments from Westfield Southland, cafes, restaurants, hospitals, and public transport.

The newly renovated apartments provide well-appointed kitchens, spacious bedrooms, quality appliances, ample storage and private balconies, with a price range of $425,000 to $760,000.

If you have always wondered what a retirement community offers, leading retire-

ment living provider Aveo invites you to attend an Open Home at The George at 15-25 George Street, Sandringham on Tuesday, Au-

ON … SENIORS ENJOYING

Taking care of business

Retirement used to be a time to kick back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

But with longer life expectancies and the increasing cost of living, many retirees are seeking ways to supplement their income and stay active. One way to achieve this is by starting a business.

This article, complied by National Seniors Australia, explores some of the reasons for starting a business and outlines the steps you might want to take.

Bear in mind that many businesses fail, and your stage of life may affect your ability to recover from that failure.

On the other hand, if your business is successful, it may affect your Age Pension or other benefits, and you could find yourself in a difficult tax situation.

Benefits

The obvious first benefit of starting a business in retirement is that supplements your savings and income. This can be especially beneficial for retirees who have not saved enough for retirement or who want to maintain a higher standard than their super and/or pension will allow.

Starting a business can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Many retirees struggle with the transition to retirement and miss the sense of accomplishment that comes with work.

Operating your own business can provide a renewed sense of purpose and energy.

Finally, it can provide an opportunity for you to pursue a passion or interest that may have been put on hold during your working years.

As always, before you commit money to any project, secure independent professional advice.

How to start

Starting a business in retirement requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips for building a successful business in retirement:

· Identify a niche. Start by identifying a need in the market that you can fill. Look for gaps

The power of volunteering

When the idea of retirement rolls around, some people are overjoyed by the thought of freedom, others look for the next thing they can do in their life.

Volunteering at an organisation has been proven to offer seniors great benefits for their physical and mental health, as well as social connection.

A report released by VicHealth in 2012 identified volunteering can help alleviate depression, increase satisfaction with life, lower the frequency of hospitalisation and boost a person’s ability to cope with illness.

Volunteering doesn’t only improve the health and wellbeing of the volunteer but for those who are on the receiving end, there are also undeniable benefits.

Volunteers help contribute to social change, bridge the gap between young and old, help engage people in the community and raise awareness around certain issues.

The State of Volunteering Report released by Volunteering Victoria in 2020 showed the majority of the 2.3 million people who volunteer in Victoria are over the

age of 65, totalling 78.9 per cent.

The percentage of people who volunteer when they are out of work or only work part time was highest of all employment situations at 74.4 per cent.

Programs for volunteers can range from emergency relief, opportunity shop staff members, youth support officers, animal welfare, meals-on-wheels, soup kitchens and in-school support roles for disadvantaged students.

Enjoying senior life doesn’t just have to mean travelling Australia in a caravan, it can be finally exploring that hobby or interest that has just been at the back of the mind.

Passing on knowledge, skills, expertise and wisdom may be the thing that most rewards you.

Head to the Volunteering Victoria website to find an opportunity to suit your interests, https://www.volunteeringvictoria. org.au/for-volunteers/search-for-volunteer-roles/

in the market where there is an unmet need or underserved market. For example, if you have a passion for gardening, you could start a landscaping or gardening business.

· Conduct market research. Before starting any business, it’s important to conduct market research to ensure there is demand

for your product or service. This will involve researching your competition and analysing their strengths and weaknesses. You can also use surveys and focus groups to get feedback from potential customers.

· Develop a business plan. This will involve outlining your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. A business plan is essential for securing funding and ensuring your business is sustainable.

· Secure funding. This can involve seeking investors, applying for a loan, or using your own savings. Be sure to carefully consider the financial risks and rewards.

· Leverage your experience. One of the advantages of starting a business in retirement is that you have years of experience to draw from. Leverage your experience to build a strong brand and establish yourself as an expert in your field.

· Embrace technology. Today’s businesses rely heavily on technology, so it’s important to stay up to date on the latest tools and software. This will help you stay competitive and provide a better customer experience. The main thing to remember is not to take on more than you handle. If you decide to start a business, or to do any work in your retirement, pace yourself.

Being involved in a business may make you feel good about yourself, but you’ve also earned the right to relax and smell the roses.

Disclaimer

Any links provided are for general information only and should not be taken as constituting professional advice. National Seniors is not a financial advisor. You should consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how any information provided relates to your unique circumstances.

Thebenefitsofvolunteeringareendless.

Picture:UNSPLASH

Teen wonder eyes Games

By Sahar Foladi

Connie Psihogios is aiming become the youngest Australian competitor in the Olympics at upcoming Australian qualifying team trials.

The 14-year-old has been selected to trial for the Olympics qualifiers in 2 to 10 September, with the four best individuals to represent the country.

“I’m nervous - I can feel it in my stomach but I’m really excited as well.

“I’ve been working towards this since the age of 10,” she said.

The upcoming trial will see Connie compete against Oceania teams while eyeing her Olympics dream.

This is not the first time she has made headlines as she previously tried her luck in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the age of 11.

On that occasion, she passed the first stage of trials but fell short in stage two.

Head coach of the Greater Dandenong Table Tennis Association (GDTTA) Michael Mastromonaco said Connie has a higher chance to make the team this time as the 2020 trial was just to test the waters.

“There’s a huge difference since then.

“Now she is taller, which means she has more reach around the court. She’s more mature and she has competed in top women’s level so she has a very good chance.”

To the great astonishment of everyone, she defeated six-time Olympian Jian Fang Lay in the Women’s Single’s Semi-Final 2023 Croydon Masters Open Veterans in March.

“It was a really good experience since I play the juniors and it’s really hard to get into the women’s team.

“Usually no juniors get into the women’s team,” Connie said.

She has competed in the ITTF Oceania championships 2022 and claimed gold in Under 21 women’s single, Under 19 and Under 15 girls single’s only at the age of 13.

“Oceania was really tough because we played against many others from New Zealand, Fiji, Conga and Australia to qualify for world championships,” Connie said.

She has felt the fire in her belly ever since she took up the sport as a hobby at the age of seven after watching her father compete at the GDTTA club.

“It was very fun at the start but eventually the games turned into serious competitions which I enjoyed and it became something I wanted to pursue.”

Despite the club’s hard work to produce

local talents including 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Qian Yang, the future of the club is unknown as a result of council’s shelving a proposed $9.1-million regional facility at Springers Leisure Centre in Keysborough.

The current GDTTA location will meanwhile make way for council’s $98 million replacement of Dandenong Oasis aquatic and wellbeing centre.

Mr Mastromonaco said the Springers facility could’ve worked better for GDTTA.

“The Springers are a large community of sports under one centre whereas here we are a little separate.”

The new Oasis development will be named “Dandenong Wellbeing Centre” and is expected to open in 2026 with construction to start in 2024.

The young achiever Connie Psihogios and her coach Michael Mastromonaco. 351528 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Connie Psihogios previously tried her luck trialling for selection at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the age of 11. 351528

Connie Psihogios is selected to trial in Olympics qualifiers at the age of 14. 351528

Mental wounds cut deep

By Matthew Sims

Sydney’s Westmead Hospital has just recently overcame the struggles of the Covid pandemic.

However, according to Associate Professor of Psychiatry and director of clinical science Greg de Moore, the mental scars and the impact it had on the health system as a whole would take a lot longer to heal.

Dr de Moore will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Healthy Minds mental health forum on Tuesday 15 August from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Lyndale Secondary College at 14 Halton Road in Dandenong North.

Held by the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, in conjunction with Casey-Cardinia Rotaract, the event is suitable for adults and young people from 12 years and over and is a fundraiser to support Australian Rotary Health’s mental health research.

Dr de Moore has worked as a clinician, teacher and researcher in the fields of neuropsychiatry, general hospital psychiatry, deliberate self-harm and the history of medicine, overseeing the psychiatry education of young doctors as they work towards becoming psychiatrists.

Dr de Moore said the Covid pandemic presented an array of issues across the mental health space.

“The last four years have been the most difficult,” he said.

“The impact of Covid on the community was just extraordinary.

“Things over the last six months have improved significantly.”

Dr de Moore said the effects of avoidance and lockdowns would continue to be seen across Australia’s health system.

“It’s not just the patients, it’s the welfare of our staff,” he said.

“It’s still a factor in running a service.”

Dr de Moore said while the public health

system was prepared for a pandemic, the system was not prepared for the impacts it would have on the broader community’s mental health.

“We saw a significant increase in young people presenting and increasing self-harm,” he said.

“We are always planning for the next pandemic.

“If you have someone who’s psychotic, to what degree are you impinging on their personal freedom?”

Dr de Moore said one of the most significant changes he has seen to the field of psychiatry over the years has been the narrowing of accessibility, including growing costs.

“I think it’s one of our real weaknesses,” he said.

“This is a potential growth area.”

Dr de Moore said the topics of discussion which would feature during his presentation would include the achievements of John Cade, an Australian physician who introduced lithium to the practice of psychiatry in 1949 by accident and one of the founders of Australian Rules Football Tom Wills, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and committed suicide by stabbing himself in the heart.

· If you or someone you know need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800.

· For tickets, visit events.humanitix.com/ healthy-minds-mental-health-forumaolt3xx5

Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Westmead Hospital director of clinical services

Greg de Moore will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming mental health forum.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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Rivalry for Rowville

By Marcus Uhe

Thirty seconds of frustration from Noble Park fullback Ryan Morrison may play a costly role in his side’s quest to defend its 2022 premiership after proving critical in Saturday’s 11-point loss to Rowville.

The two sides played another epic in what is fast becoming one of the must-watch contests in Melbourne’s grassroots football scene, as the Hawks overcame a valiant Bulls fightback at the beginning of the final quarter to secure a vital four points and remain in the top two for another week.

With five minutes remaining and the Bulls holding a one-point lead, Liam Scott turned the ball over at half back to Mitchell Sruk, who found Lachlan Wynd on the lead and nailed the set shot to put his side back in front by five points.

As the ball was returned to the field of play, Morrison made high contact with Hawks captain Anthony Brolic, resulting in a free-kick, 20 metres from goal, directly in front, where the incident took place.

The umpire showed Morrison a yellow card for the incident, and the champion defender retreated to the bench to the adulation of a raucous Rowville home crowd.

Hawks defender Kyle Stainthorpe then ran over to Morrison to clap him off the field, and Morrison retaliated by appearing to strike Stainthorpe in the stomach with an open hand.

The two field umpires convened and decided to show Morrison a second yellow card, resulting in a red card, ruling him ineligible to return for the remainder of the game.

The Stainthorpe incident gave Brolic a 25-metre penalty, meaning his set shot came from the goal-line.

He kicked truly to extend the lead to 11 points, a lead the Bulls were unable to reel-in, leaving them vulnerable to falling out of the top six in the final two weeks, now tied with Blackburn on 36 premiership points.

Those two goals to the Hawks, the only two they kicked for the final quarter, proved enough to stop the charging Bulls, prevailing 12.7 79 to 10.8 68 and extended the current winning streak to five matches.

Kurtis Flakemore and Maverick Taylor kicked the first two goals of the afternoon in a tense opening quarter while the Bulls were held goalless.

Morrison and Riet Pal were standing tall for the visitors amidst a flood of forward 50 entries for the Hawks.

Bulls captain Jackson Sketcher, who played one of the games of his career last time the two sides met in round one, received heavy attention from the Hawks midfielders around stoppages, as he and Jackson Casey were kept quiet in the opening term.

The quarter-time break allowed the Bulls to reset and their dynamic duo in the midfield made an instant impact coming out of the huddle, combining with Nathan Noblett off half-back to provide Scott with his first goal of the afternoon.

Three minutes into the quarter, the scores were tied, thanks to Sebastian Quirk’s clever snap close to goal.

Tensions were beginning to rise to the surface and the Bulls looked far more engaged than they did earlier in the afternoon.

Luke Bull was having an influence behind the ball, and a stunning run-down tackle from Pal on Taylor closing in on goal provided further inspiration.

Casey and Sketcher were now having an influence at the contest as Noble Park made it four goals in a row, with Tom Bower and Liam Nelson joining in the action with excellent finishes.

Joshua Clarke stemmed the flow with a textbook roving goal for Rowville, but the Bulls press allowed Joshua Stern to find space out the back from a forced turnover in the forward half, Lachlan McDonnell showing his composure with ball in hand.

The Bulls looked likely to take a 12-point buffer into the long break, but a costly turnover from Hudson Thomas deep in defence allowed Matthew Martini to convert a set shot from a tight angle on the half time siren, resulting in a lead of just six.

Stern kicked a second for the visitors to open the second half before the Hawks kicked into gear, nailing the next six.

Lachlan Stapleton and Jake Arundell each kicked two, Arundell’s second coming directly from a kick out where the ball did not touch the ground as the Hawks flew from end-to-end.

Speed on the ball was critical as the Hawks looked to wheel and go as often as they could.

Taylor then kicked two in three minutes to capitalise on the weight of numbers inside

Paul Hill to lead Bloods into battle

forward 50 for the Hawks, his second in timeon bringing the house down as the margin reached 21 points.

But few know better than Rowville what Noble Park can produce when its back is against the wall; in round one, the Hawks led by 31 points before the Bulls kicked the final eight goals of the game to storm home by 25.

When Noble Park took the lead after 16 minutes, flashbacks of that disastrous day back in April would have been coming thick and fast for Ben Wise and his coaching staff.

Thomas had been thrown forward and put his side ahead, after the Bulls moved the ball at lightning speed following aWynd miss on goal.

Noble Park’s strength at forcing forward half turnovers and stoppages was coming to the fore, particularly through the presence of Chris Horton-Milne, involved in three of his side’s four final quarter majors.

But as they have grown accustomed to doing in recent weeks, the Hawks would not be denied, and found the extra gear when needed.

The manic forward press saw Scott commit the critical error at halfback, before the Morrison madness resulted in Brolic’s captain’s goal, ultimately the sealer in a tense and turbulent game of football.

Taine Barlow was a standout for the Hawks in his first senior game for the club in 2023, as was Pierce Roseby in only his third.

Horton-Milne was exceptional for the Bulls, playing as big a role in the comeback as any.

City to play friendly against the Thunder

By Marcus Uhe

The big names are coming to George Andrews Reserve on Wednesday night as Dandenong Thunder host A-League grand finalists Melbourne City in a pre-season friendly for the A-League side.

The match will kick off at 7.30pm and provide vital preparation for the professionals ahead of their clash with Oakleigh Cannons in the first round of the Australia Cup on Sunday 13 August.

City are in the early stages of their preseason, looking to go one-better than the previous two years in the A-League competition where they were runner-up on both occasions despite winning the Premier’s plate

as the best side in the home and away season.

The Thunder meanwhile, face a vital two weeks in their quest to quality for the finals of the NPL competition, needing to win their remaining two clashes and hope other results fall in their favour.

It’s the second time that the two have met in City’s preseason following a 3-2 City triumph in the corresponding clash last season.

City announced on Sunday 6 August that Socceroos defender Aziz Behich will join the club for the upcoming season, linkingup with fellow 2022 World Cup heroes Jamie McClaren and Matthew Leckie already in the City squad.

It is unclear as to whether those players will take part on Wednesday night.

By Marcus Uhe

Springvale South wicketkeeper Paul Hill will shoulder the dual roles of playercoach in 2023/24 as the Bloods search for a third consecutive DDCA Turf 1 premiership.

An extremely respected and highly regarded figure around the club, Hill captained the side to the 2021-22 premiership before Ryan Quirk took over the following year.

Hill replaces club legend Darren Arter, who chose to step-away from coaching in May, going out on a high having guided the Bloods to successive premiership victories.

His glovework was instrumental to the side’s success in both seasons and came to the fore in the 2023 finals campaign, when he affected a leg-side stumping and took two catches while keeping up to the stumps off seam bowlers in the preliminary final against Hallam Kalora Park.

Speaking after that victorious final, all-rounder Blade Baxter sung his praises as both a wicketkeeper and a teammate.

“He’s a warrior, he’s the type of bloke you love playing with and he’s a quiet achiever, just goes about his business and gets the job done,” Baxter said in March.

“Some of the catches and stumpings he’s taken in the last two years, that I’ve played with him, have been unbelievable.

“He’s got no fear, he comes up to the stumps to anyone.

He finished the season with 20 catches and six stumpings, while his lowerorder batting was seldom required due to the nature of one-day cricket and the dominance of the top-order.

Hill joins Susantha Pradeep at St Mary’s and Matthew Cox at Hallam Kalora Park as others in Turf 1 to assume a playing coach role.

A large contingent of the playing group that won back-to-back premierships have already put pen to paper for the 2023-24 season, including star batters Ryan Quirk and Jordan Wyatt, seam bowler Josh Dowling and finger-spinner Jarryd Straker.

Should Hill lead the Bloods to a third successive title, they will be the first side in the history of the 92-years of theTurf 1 competition to do so.

Jamie McClaren’s Melbourne City will play a preseason friendly against Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve on Wednesday night. 334104 Picture: AAP

Paul Hill (left) will replace Darren Arter (right) as Springvale South coach for the 2023/24 season. 274009

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A gripping final quarter saw tensions spill over for Ryan Morrison (not pictured), who was shown a yellow card for an incident with Anthony Brolic. 351676

Picture: ROB CAREW

Collett, Siwes head West

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong West Cricket Club has secured wicket-keeper Matt Collett and leggie Riley Siwes for the 2023-24 season.

Former Bulls skipper Collett returns to the club after two years at Cranbourne, including in 2022-23 when he was named in the Turf 2 team of the year.

Collett has previously spent eight seasons at Dandenong West, most recently the 202021 season when his 45 opening the batting in the semi final helped DandyWest reach the big dance.

He brings flair and expansive strokeplay to the top order as well as confidence standing up to the stumps.

Youngster Dylan Diacono took the gloves

for DandenongWest last season and was widely regarded as the best ‘keeper in the Turf 3 competition.

He also made 269 runs at an average of 19 last season, making the Turf 3 team of the year, opening the batting and absorbing pressure to then allow the star middle order to fire.

The club has confirmed that if Diacono plays this season, it will be as a batter only.

Siwes, meanwhile, has plied his trade at Berwick for the last two seasons, picking up 23 wickets in 24 Turf 1 matches.

He’ll have Sri Lankan Malinga Bandara to lean on, who signed a two year contract ahead of last season and led the spin stocks in last season’s premiership campaign.

It’s a pair of outstanding coups for last year’s Turf 3 premiers as they look to compete imme-

diately in the higher division in 2023-24.

The Bulls have already confirmed that former Sri Lankan international all-rounder Nuwan Kulasekara will return.

Collett’s absence leaves Cranbourne short some top-order star-power, with the Eagles having also lost brothers Mick and Peter Sweeney to Tooradin.

Sweeney also led the competition wickettaking with his miserly spin.

The club has, however, secured the services of former Victorian Bushranger and Melbourne Renegade Jayde Herrick as senior coach.

The 27-year-old former Sri Lankan first class cricketer Chenutha Wickramasinghe has also signed on for Cranbourne.

Meanwhile, Hampton Park-based Heinz

Southern Districts (HSD) Cricket Club has secured the services of Mackenzie Gardiner. Gardiner has First XI premier cricket experience at Frankston-Peninsula, before spending the last two seasons at Seaford.

The wicketkeeper-batter’s arrival at HSD comes as he wants to play turf cricket again.

A player suited to the red ball format, he is expected to bat at number three, with the club touting him a a potential top three run scorer in the league this season.

The club has also confirmed that Craig Hookey will once again coach the First XI. Parkfield, meanwhile, has not confirmed its captain for the upcoming season with Stephen Canon having stepped down as captain. Patrick Hill has replaced David Swierzbiolek as club president.

Cranbourne blitz past Colts as reigning champs deliver

By Jonty Ralphsmith Cranbourne is back.

Coming off consecutive losses for the first time this season, the Eagles demolished likely top-five finishers Port Melbourne, a team that beat them earlier in the year.

It was a performance in sync with the sort of footy Southern Football Netball League watchers have become accustomed to from Cranbourne.

The pressure from the first siren was outstanding, possession chain between the arcs effortless, and defensive desperation good enough to keep the Colts to one goal until 17 minutes into the last quarter.

Facing a midfield that consisted of exAFL players Billie Smedts and Josh Caddy, alongside the evergreen Justin Taylor, Cranbourne’s engine room cracked in.

The esteemed Colts midfield showed elements of their best in parts, but when Cranbourne won the footy, it went deep and was a major score generator on the day.

More impressive was the post clearance work.

Some Colts people estimated that Livingston Reserve was both 20 metres longer and wider as several visitors players cramped in the last quarter.

Every time Bailey Buntine intercepted, Brandon Osborne spoiled or Matthew Alister touched it in a productive milestone game, there was pockets of space ahead.

At one point in the third quarter, Zak Roscoe found himself in space in the middle of the ground and had a ball go over his head. He had time to fetch it, pass to Marc Holt in a one on one, who handed it to late inclusion Callum Pola for a simple goal.

It was training drill stuff.

When the corridor was shut down, the wings were inevitably open.

From there, it was either the bold advances of Nicholas Darbyshire and Dylan Cavalot types who got it in directly, or an aggressive transition to a player with 50 metres of real estate ahead.

Cranbourne kicked three goals before Port Melbourne had any form of uncontested possession, and had the first eight majors of the game, putting it to bed well before halftime.

Chan Hargraves, among the league’s lead-

ing goal kickers, was kept scoreless by Brandon Osborne – albeit the supply was hospital.

A spoil deep in defence in the third quarter from Alister and the defensive running of midfielders well into the second half was emblematic of a team that had far more than the four points in mind, though.

This is a Cranbourne team sharpening itself for a deep September run and is peaking at the right time.

Meanwhile, Springvale Districts was able to match it with ladder leading Cheltenham for a half before the gulf between the top two

and the rest was laid bare.

Cheltenham kicked nine goals to zero after the main break against a team missing its focal point, Matt Wetering, inside 50, ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury.

In highly regarded key defender John Walker’s first game back, Rosellas’ full forward Josh Fox piled on six.

Dingley took St Kilda City, struggling to field a team, to the cleaners, slotting 33 goals in a 210-point victory.

Michael Dolan kicked 11 while Adam Lloyd and Tom Morecroft each slotted five in the demolition as the Dingoes stars stuffed their pockets.

Those results have enormous ladder implications, with Cranbourne back up to second, a win next week against Springvale Districts to all but confirm a qualifying final spot.

Dingley will rise to third with a percentage boosting win, while the Dees will slide from second to fourth, but still six points clear of the Colts and St Paul’s McKinnon.

The latter two face each other next week with the winner to control their own destiny as each navigate a tricky run home.

In Division 2, Hampton Park has all but sown up a finals spot with a convincing win over Skye, led by Trent Thomas, Tanner Stanton and Andy Parker.

Doveton eased past Caulfield to confirm it will avoid the semi final as Harley Primrose and Luke Daidone looked to hit form at the right time.

Having taken it up to East Brighton earlier in the season, Keysborough was comprehensively outplayed despite the relentless efforts of Cooper Balic, Matt Collett and Nash Graham.

Picture:ROBCAREW

RileySiwessignalstohisfielders. 229048

Picture:ROBCAREWMatthewCollettwillreturntotheBulls. 229048