Enya and dog Remy were striding out ahead of the Keysborough-based Australian Animal Protection Society’s fundraiser, the Mutt Strut.
The dog walk on 26 August will cover costs of rescuing dogs facing euthanasia in rural pounds.
More details, turn to page 4
Greater Dandenong Council has called for works to cease on the Progress Street level crossing removal project and an “urgent meeting” with State MPs as a result of wide-held
road safety concerns.
The news comes after a briefing by Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) representatives to the council on Monday 7 August.
Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster said
the briefing sought responses from the LXRP team on specific issues of concerns raised by affected businesses in Dandenong South.
“Following the briefing, councillors agreed to seek urgent discussion at a meeting with
the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, the Hon. Jacinta Allan MP and the Member for Dandenong, the Hon. Gabrielle Williams MP, to relay the business community and councillors’ concerns and requests for further action. Continued page 4
I Cook Foods managers say their business was unsustainable under an “unworkable” ‘testand-hold’ regime imposed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
ICF is suing the department 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 listeria-infected patient at Knox Private Hospital. ICF argues 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.
Production manager Ben Cook told the court on 10 August that after the closure, the DHHS required ICF’s meals to be microbiologically tested before being released for Meals on Wheels, aged care homes and hospitals. The regime was “unworkable” because some of the foods had a shelf-life of five days, whereas testing could take up to seven days.
“Even if compliant with test and hold, it would be out of date and I couldn’t use that product anyway.”
In any case, ICF was forbidden to handle raw food, cook it and pack it on site, Mr Cook said. He said he tried to protest to DHHS that the ‘test-and-hold’ procedure was designed for abbatoirs and smallgoods primary producers, but was told it was necessary for listeria. By early March 2019 – 1-2 weeks after closure - ICF’s customers sent show-cause notices and terminated contracts.
On 28 March, Dr Sutton revoked the closure order “out of the blue”. But without most of its client base, ICF could no longer operate,
192435 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Mr Cook said.
Prior to the closure, ICF complied with Greater Dandenong Council environmental health officers’ orders for a commercial listeria cleandown and a chlorine fogging of the premises. It was the first of 37 corrective actions required under the council’s Food Safety Order, which was handed down two days before the shutdown. Initially, staff cleaned down the kitchen using a chlorine-based solution.
After a further inspection, ICF hired a forensic cleaning company for a $12,826 listeriacontamination clean including all benchtops, waste bins, ovens, trays, basins and trolleys that evening. After a next-day inspection on 21 February 2019, Greater Dandenong inspectors claimed the clean was ineffective, Mr Cook said. On body-cam footage shown to the court, an inspector claimed there was a“whole heap of dust” on trolleys and a chuck-cloth caught in a trolley wheel.
“Did the company last night clean the trolleys? You’ve gone to this effort to get commercial cleaners and we’re concerned it’s all been undone.”
Another Greater Dandenong inspector takes a phone call, and returns to tell ICF to cease production under the order of Dr Sutton.
However, Dr Sutton didn’t formally sign the closure order until that night, and the closure orders were posted on the premises early the next morning.
At this stage, no DHHS officers had inspected the premises. The afternoon before the closure order, ICF organised a $2376 chlorine fogging process. Before the fogging, the contractor’s pre-testing found the premises was already“ultra-clean” and“very clean”, Mr Cook told the court.
The contractor asked if ICF still wanted to go ahead.
“I said of course, I want to be as compliant as possible,” Mr Cook said. The contractor’s report post-clean confirmed ICF was compliant with acceptable listeria levels. It was provided to DHHS and Greater Dandenong the next day, Mr Cook said.
In cross-examination, DHHS’s barrister Christopher Caleo asserted that ICF knew that samples of its food taken at the premises on 1 February 2019 had tested positive for listeria mono, as well as previously in 2017 and 2018.
On all of those occasions, the listeria levels were within safe limits under Australia New Zealand food standards, Mr Cook said.
Mr Cook said that after its closure, ICF requested lab results for the 1 February samples. DHHS wouldn’t provide them.
As part of the closure, Dr Sutton ordered ICF to destroy its stocks of food – estimated to be worth $700,000, owner Ian Cook told the court. The business made more than 50,000 meals and sandwiches a week and turned over $6.8 million a year, Mr Cook said. Forty-one employees lost their jobs. The trial continues.
A hospital patient’s listeria infection may have pre-dated her admission and before she potentially ate sandwiches from Dandenong South commercial kitchen I Cook Foods, a Supreme Court hearing has been told.
Then-Acting Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton ordered ICF’s temporary closure as part of an investigation into the death of an 86-year-old listeria-infected patient at Knox Private Hospital. At the time, ICF supplied 3500 sandwiches a week to the hospital.
No other linked cases of listeria were reported at the hospital or even in Victoria.
ICF expert witness Professor Johan Duflou – a consultant forensic pathologist – told the hearing on 11 August that it was possible that the patient had contracted listeria before she was first admitted to hospital on 13 January 2019.
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pain at the time – that was consistent with a prior infection, he told the court. Symptoms for listeria infection can emerge between a few days to two-and-a-half months after exposure – with an average of three-to-four weeks.
Justice Michael McDonald asked the professor if it was likely that there would have been multiple listeria cases at the hospital if patients simultaneously ate ICF sandwiches containing the bacteria.
“I think that would be highly likely, Your Honour,” Prof Duflou said.
Patients with medical conditions would have been at increased risk, he said. It was why it was likely that listeria in nursing rooms, care facilities and hospitals resulted in outbreaks.
In a report to the court, Prof Duflou opined it was “more likely than not” that the patient’s listeria infection had been effectively treated and was “most likely incidental to the death”.
“In my view, the deceased died primarily
of her heart condition with resultant small strokes, and this likely resulted in her aspirating and developing pneumonia.”
Department of Health and Human Services’ barrister Christopher Caleo noted the patient had listeriosis, was experiencing seizures with no prior history of epilepsy, had an MRI scan showing brain lesions and was slipping in and out of consciousness.
He asserted these were most likely factors for listeria-related brain infection.
A KPH doctor noted at the time that the patient had a listeria-related brain infection, but there was no “good evidence” for this, Prof Duflou said.
The witness preferred the MRI radiographer’s more “expert” opinion that there were aseptic blood clots on the brain – consistent with mini-strokes from a pre-existing heart condition.
“This is not an infective process. “In this case there is in my view no concrete indication of meningitis.”
A syndicate share sold at a Springvale Newsagency and Lotto makes up part of the $1 million win in Lotto for group of 10 Melburnians.
The 10-share group syndicate, called ‘Try 2 Win Mon’, held the only division one winning entry on Monday and Wednesday Lotto draw 4310, drawn Monday 7 August 2023. Each member is to receive a share worth $101,096.08.
In addition to $1 million division one prize, the syndicate’s System entry also scored division three 24 times, division four 90 times and division five 12 times, which bolstered the group’s total prize to $1,010,960.80.
The winning syndicate was established at Westall Lucky Lotto, 148 Rosebank Avenue, Clayton South. Apart from Springvale newsagency and lotto, the syndicate shares were also sold at Beaumaris, Glenroy, Williamstown, Mount Waverley and South Melbourne. The winning numbers in the draw were 9, 5, 23, 12, 35 and 31, while the supplementary numbers were 7 and 22.
Victoria Police has arrested two Dandenong boys and one Doveton boy following a string of alleged burglaries from liquor stores.
It is alleged a group of teenagers entered various stores with their faces covered between 5pm and 7pm on Thursday, 20 July in seven different locations across the Eastern suburbs. The locations included Springvale Road, Mulgrave, Stevensons Road Mount Waverley, Burwood Highway Vermont South, Canterbury Road Forest Hill, Burwood Highway Burwood, Lawrence Street Blackburn South and Middleborough Road Box Hill South.
The group allegedly grabbed bottles of assorted liquor and slabs of alcohol as they made their way through the retail outlets, threatening some attendants with a hammer. Members of the group also targeted a milkbar on Middleborough Road in Box Hill South.
Box Hill Divisional Response Unit officers arrested 15-year-old Dandenong boy on 3 August. He has been released and is expected to be charged on summons.
Officers arrested and charged two teenagers on 21 July in relation to the incidents.
A 14-year-old Doveton boy and a 15-yearold Dandenong boy were both charged with eight counts of theft and eight counts of committing an indictable offence while on bail. They will appear at a children’s court at a later date.
Myuna facilites upgrade
Doveton’s Myuna Farm has completed an upgrade to its popular animal nursery enclosure after 30 years of welcoming visitors of all ages.
The renovations included upgraded animal enclosures with improved accessibility for people living with disabilities, as well as significant upgrades to two function rooms within the animal nursery which cater for children’s parties.
The farm’s rustic farming characteristics were retained with the inclusion of recycled materials, providing an authentic farmthemed experience for all visitors.
Myuna Farm is open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm at 182 Kidds Road in Doveton.
For more information, visit www.casey.vic. gov.au/myuna-farm
Outraged residents say the last remnant Red River Gum trees in central Noble Park are set to be chopped down for an apartment tower project.
Gaye Guest said the decision to fell the two mature trees on the perimeter of the VicTrackowned site at 51 A Douglas Street was “unacceptable on any level”.
She says the pair are the only survivors in the railway station precinct after the Government chainsawed 66 towering river gums in Noble Park as part of the Sky Rail project in 2016.
“These trees represent remnant stock of what once lined the rail corridor from Caulfield to Dandenong before 2016 and need to be preserved,” Ms Guest said.
“Urban renewal, gentrification, densification… whatever term you want to use does not excuse cutting down the last remnant river red gum trees in Noble Park’s activity centre given the history of the trees with the suburb.
“We cannot let Government and developers destroy our mature tree stock only for council to try and make amends with planting tube stock at the ratepayers’ expense.”
Ms Guest said the Government made a “mockery” of the council’s recently-introduced law to protect large trees on private land, in a bid to boost the region’s paltry canopy coverage.
“You cannot have a law that can be broken by State Government yet has to be abided by CGD residents it makes a mockery of the whole process.”
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approved the six-storey apartment building despite Greater Dandenong Council’s plea to amend the design to preserve the trees.
The council later stated its “strong disappointment” in the decision and the process,
which “seems to have completely ignored Council’s input and opposition”.
“Two significant River Red Gums of high retention value with long life expectancies will be removed,” city planning director Jody Bosman said.
“Council strongly opposed this and sought for the development to be amended to retain these trees. This did not occur.”
Greater Dandenong also objected to the provision of just 49 car spaces for the 97-dwelling building with ground-floor retail.
It was 76 spaces short of the statutory minimum of 125.
Its design and built form also did not com-
ply with the Noble Park Activity Centre Structure Plan or the council’s planning scheme, Mr Bosman stated.
In her published reasons, Ms Kilkenny noted public concerns about the loss of vegetation, parking reductions, excessive height and insufficient affordable housing.
The “pedestrian-focused” building “emphasises and encourages public and active transport modes through reduced car parking provisions and increased bike parking and pedestrian access”.
Ms Kilkenny also ordered “additional tree protection measures”.
In the Government’s explanatory report,
the tower is described as a “priority project” which was expedited to help Victoria’s postCovid economic recovery.
It would provide “affordable housing in a key location” and extra commercial activity on what was “underutilised” land.
Ten per cent of dwellings will be set for affordable housing for key workers or for housing or disability accommodation providers.
Under the council’s Noble Park structure plan, the project is one of seven high-rise ‘key redevelopment sites’ with preferred height limits of six storeys.
The State Government was contacted for comment.
at
Get your walking shoes and leashes out for Australian Animal Protection Society’s catchily-named fundraiser the Mutt Strut.
The dog walk will help to cover the costs of rescuing dogs facing euthanasia at rural pounds.
“AAPS works with many rural pounds to provide rehoming support to dogs facing death row,” AAPS chief executive Megan Seccull said..
“By participating in our Mutt Strut, you’ll be helping AAPS provide transportation, rehabilitation, training & medical treatment at AAPS for as long as these dogs need,”
In addition to the walk, there’ll be an impressive training and recall demonstration, doggy competitions, vegan snags, limited edition merch and a coffee van.
The Mutt Strut is at Southern Obedience Dog Club at 56 Soden Road, Bangholme on Saturday 26 August, 10am-1pm.
From page 1
“Council has also asked that any further work on the project cease until that meeting has been held and the issues are resolved.”
Traffic and road safety concerns have been raised by businesses in the busy industrial precinct, which is home to manufacturers such as Vulcan, Pakaflex, Simmonds Lumber Group, JDN Monocrane and also Australia Post.
The area sees A doubles, B doubles, semitrailers, trucks and cars entering and exiting out of the premises.
“Australia Post has raised significant concerns with LXRP around potential safety and traffic issues linked to the diversion of vehicles on to Fowler Road, particularly its threewheeled Electric Delivery Vehicles,” AusPost spokesperson said.
“Our Dandenong Letter Centre processes 99 per cent of all letters sent within Victoria and has a range of operational and logistical needs, with the safety of our people being the highest priority. “
As part of the project, Progress Street would be closed to traffic at the crossing, with vehicles diverted to a proposed road bridge connecting to Fowler Road.
Andrew Hamer, managing director of Pakaflex, which is located next to the levelcrossing, has advocated against this “bad decision” of the government. He argues that the level-crossing is safe and not congested.
“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.
“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,” he said.
“It is dangerous and will result in deaths or injuries.” According to the LXRP, the new design creates safer access for businesses to Princes Highway via an upgraded, signalised intersection at South Gippsland Highway.
“We’re closing the dangerous Progress Street level crossing in Dandenong South
and building a new road bridge connecting to Fowler Road, as we get on with making the Pakenham Line level crossing free by 2025 and allowing more trains to run more often when the Metro Tunnel opens,” the LXRP spokesperson said.
“We’ll continue to work with local businesses and other stakeholders including council as the project progresses.” Despite reports acquired under Freedom of Information (FOI) which state that, the current levelcrossing risks are “low” and “negligible”, the project is being pushed forward.
Recently, in a 765-signature petition tabled in the Parliament on Thursday 22 June by Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, businesses asked for a moratorium pending a safety review by the LXRP.
Six days later, a contract was awarded for the project which left the petitioners completely sidelined. Councillor Rhonda Garad said the LXRP were very dismissive of the real concerns by Council and the community on Monday night’s briefing.
“This whole issue has a strong sense of the heavy hand of government not listening to the reasonable and serious issues raised by local businesses and council.
“It feels like the government have an agenda and they’ll get it done regardless of the implications.
“It just feels heavy handed and tone-deaf and will require all of us to prevent what can be unexpectable outcome here.”
She said there was much basic information, which the LXRP failed to provide during the briefing, such as the safety data. And that this further heightened her concerns.
“Unfortunately, I certainly wasn’t satisfied that the level of information we were provided with on Monday night addressed our concerns which is why we’re seeking clarification.
“They were not giving satisfactory responses. Simply asking for their safety data to be released, there’s no clear reason why they couldn’t do it.
“It just seemed they were on their course and they won’t stop to consider the important issues being raised,” she said.
“They didn’t show any sense of concerns for these concerns or that they’ll change their approach.
“Is there a way forward? We don’t know unless we have further discussions.”
There is no date or timeline provided by
the Council on when this “urgent meeting” with MPs Allan andWilliams will be held.
According to the Local Government Act, the council have no authority over the project decisions. However, once works are completed by the LXRP, the site will be handed back down to the council.
“Council is very concerned about what we’ll inherit, we are basically locked out of this,”CrGaradsaid.MrHamerhasalsoshared the same view, saying it feels like an agenda is being followed with no thought given to its implications or the serious issues raised.
“The Government is so invested in ‘getting it done’ that common sense and good process have gone out the window.”
The business community in the area are open to other safer alternatives that don’t require the closure of the level-crossing, such as an overpass as done in other projects completed so far.
Councillor Garad raised the question, why can’t another acceptable solution be approached?
“Why is this intersection being treated so different to others?
“If it’s a cost issue - are these people being treated less fairly than others and why?
“There’s so many unanswered questions and puzzles.” Along with the council, AusPost, businesses and the wider community, Liberal South-East MP Ann-Marie Hermans has also spoken out multiple times in support of the ‘important safety issues.’
Ms Hermans has spoken on this issue four times this year in Parliament, twice asking a question about it (23 March and 3 May) and twice raising an adjournment matter (22 March and 1 June).
In response to the adjournment matter, Ms Allan stated the project will go ahead.
“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.”
“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.”
Hotham and Bruce electorates will receive more than $2.5 million in road upgrades under the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program.
There were two identified busy, hightraffic black spots granted $539,000 funds in Bruce under the 2023-2024 program.
Woodlee Street in Dandenong between David Street and Heatherton Road will receive raised safety platforms as part of a $204,000 allocation.
As well, $335,000 was granted for a zebra crossing upgrade at the shopping strip at
Brady Road Dandenong between Gladstone Road and Dandenong Valley Highway. The project includes raised safety platforms and a raised platform intersection.
Bruce MP Julian Hill said these projects will contribute significantly to road safety in the area.
“These Black Spot projects will make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on our local roads, and build on previous investments in the area.”
Hotham received $2,041,000 in funding
for five black spot upgrades.
The projects include Athol Road (between Springvale Road and Corrigan Road) in Springvale South and View Road (between Lightwood Road and Heatherton Road) in Springvale.
There will be installations of raised safety platforms, flat top speed humps, streetlights and lantern updates.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown said these safety investments will makeVictorian roads safer for everyone.
“In announcing this project, this Government recognises the importance of working with the Victorian Government to partner with local councils to deliver the program in the state.”
The Black Spot Program aims to substantially improve 57 dangerous crash sites on Victorian roads in 2023–24.
It provided $25.6 million in Victoria for safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred, or are at risk of occurring.
Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill – whose electorate included as many as 5678 Robodebt victims – says attitudes to welfare recipients must change.
In a speech to Federal Parliament on 3 August, Mr Hill echoed the Robodebt Royal Commissioner’s words that politicians needed to abandon the political narrative of ‘taxpayer versus welfare recipient’.
“Politicians need to lead a change in social attitudes to people receiving welfare payments.
“Anti-welfare rhetoric is easy populism and useful for campaign purposes. It is not recent; nor is it confined to one side of politics.”
Government stats suggest as many as 9393 Robodebt victims lived in Greater Dandenong and Casey.
Mr Hill spoke on the impact in Bruce, “one of the most disadvantaged electorates in the country”.
“Do those opposite really know what it’s like
to sit down week after week with vulnerable poor people sent fake debt notices for $20,000 or more for money they didn’t owe?
“How many years does it take to repay a debt like that at $10 a week? It’s more than 38 years.
“But it’s not even the financial pain or the trauma—it’s the sense of injustice and fairness, and the further loss of dignity.”
In July, Royal Commissioner Catherine
Holmes handed down a report on Robodebt –an ‘income-averaging’ measure used by Centrelink to illegally claim $2 billion in purported overpayments from 433,000 welfare recipients between 2015-19.
“Robodebt was a crude and cruel mechanism, neither fair nor legal, and it made many people feel like criminals,” the report stated.
“In essence, people were traumatised on the off-chance they might owe money.”
In 2020, the Federal Government settled a $112 million class action to compensate Robodebt victims.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently said he was the subject of a “political lynching” by the current Government over the report. “This campaign of political lynching has once again included the weaponisation on quasi-legal process to launder the government’s political vindictiveness,” he told Parliament.
“They need to move on.
“For the government to now condemn me for holding a view that they shared and sustained for more than three years after I left the portfolio is rank hypocrisy.”
Mr Hill said the former PM was casting himself as the “victim in chief”.
“He is not the victim. The real victims were Australians sent fake debt notices for money they did not owe. “The real victims were those Australians who committed suicide, and those who loved them.”
A witness of a police chase in Doveton have said it was a “miracle no one was killed“ after a man on a motorised scooter fled dangerously into a shopping area.
Around 11am on Friday 4 August, the man was seen riding a motorised scooter with no plates while being “closely” pursued by police outside Autumn Place Shopping Centre.
Police had intercepted the rider on Hawthorn Road.
In an attempt to evade police, the rider drove the wrong way up a one way street into the shopping area.
“All of a sudden the motorcyclist came boring up from the supermarket end towards the library end, the police car was only two car lengths behind him,” witness Maree said.
“It was a terrifying incident to witness.
“People walking in the shopping area had to jump on to the footpath.”
Maree said the police took a “terrible risk“ in “forcing“ the motorcyclist into the shopping
area, however a police spokesperson said the officers did not pursue the vehicle after “an assessment was made“ regarding “potential
safety risks to the public“.
Other witnesses remember seeing a police car, but heard no commotion and did not re-
call seeing the rider. Investigations remain ongoing and Victoria Police would not comment on “police methodology”.
Six people were arrested as part of a series of police raids linked to gun and drug-trafficking in the South East.
Police swooped on seven homes in Clyde North, Cranbourne North, Narre Warren, Clyde, Berwick and Hampton Park as well as two factories in Hallam on Tuesday 8 August.
They seized about $100,000 cash as well as alleged illicit drugs such as MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms and cocaine.
With the help of the Special Operations
Group, police arrested a 27-year-old Clyde North man in Oakleigh just after 4pm.
Half a kilogram of what appeared to be cocaine was seized, police say.
The man was charged with possessing a traffickable amount of firearms and trafficking a drug of dependence.
He was remanded in custody to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 9 August.
A 26-year-old Cranbourne North man was charged with drug trafficking possession,
possessing a general category handgun, disposal of a general category firearm except to a licensed firearms dealer, drug trafficking in a commercial quantity and other firearm and drug offences.
A 25-year-old Narre Warren man was charged with drug trafficking and possessing proceeds of crime.
The pair were expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 November.
A 28-year-old Clyde man was expected to
be charged on summons.
A 21-year-old Cranbourne North woman and a 35-year-old Hampton Park man were released pending further enquiries.
Armed Crime Squad, Echo Taskforce, Casey Crime Investigation Unit, SD3 Divisional Response Unit and Youth Gangs Team were involved in the police raids.
Any information on illicit firearms to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
More than 1000 secondary students in Dandenong, Hallam, Endeavour Hills and Lyndhurst have been gifted with repurposed laptops as part of the ‘This is IT’ charity initiative.
South East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN) chief executive Andrew Simmons founded the charity in 2018 after witnessing a peer of his son’s being left behind in school due to not having a laptop.
To date, This is IT has given out over 1500 laptops to students who “don’t have access to technology in order to compete with their peers in terms of learning”.
“To date, This Is IT has provided more than 800 laptops to students within the City of Casey, (and) 300, donated by the City of Casey,” Mr Simmons said.
“These have gone to students from 16 Government schools in the City of Casey.
“Each of these schools can provide a multitude of examples of impact, from a re-engagement perspective, as well as a completion and pathways perspective, showing the short and long term impact of this type of giving.”
On Wednesday 19 July, principals from various schools gathered at Hallam Secondary College alongside local MPs and This is IT’s “most loyal” donor City of Casey CEO Glen Patterson to receive their donations.
“Today SELLEN’s This Is IT program handed over its 600th repurposed laptop to students experiencing disengagement or disadvantage living in the City of Casey,” Narre Warren North MP BelindaWilson said.
“This program is focused on equalising education opportunity and reducing e-waste levels in South-East schools - and what an amazing
difference they are making in our local community.
“I thank them for all their hard work and commitment to breaking down barriers to equal education.”
Around 10-15 per cent of students are left without the crucial learning tools as most schools require students to provide their own devices.
With almost 40,000 secondary students in the region, this equates to between 4,000 and 6,000 students who do not have their own laptop.
While schools in the region offer some laptops to borrow, anecdotal reports show there is not enough devices to meet demand. Students often aren’t able to take the computers
away from the school premises to complete their homework.
Moreover, students are unable to save their work on shared laptops, as they may be assigned a different computer the following day.
“There’s not a person that doesn’t understand the importance of technology in being able to break a lot of cycles for kids in education,” said Lyndhurst Secondary College principal Eloise Haynes.
“When we’re looking at what are the kind of graduates we want to leave our schools after their time in education, there wouldn’t be single person here that wouldn’t say we want tech savvy graduates to not only survive, but thrive.
“The impact is not just in the immediate, but the long term and having access to this to be able to break cycles and further education is ab-
solutely critical, particularly in our area which we know has some of the highest disadvantage in the state.”
This is IT has assisted many of the school’s indigenous students, students out of home care and refugee students, Ms Haynes said.
Mr Simmons said the effect is clear in the feedback given from recipients of the devices.
“It genuinely felt like Christmas again,” one student wrote in their feedback form.
The student also expressed gratitude for the services they will be able to access with the laptop, including therapy and using the laptop to assist in getting their learners permit.
This is IT donates to schools in Cranbourne, NarreWarren, Endeavour Hills, Hallam, Hampton Park, Dandenong, Noble Park, Berwick, Lyndhurst and Pakenham.
Encara is pleased to announce a new Dementia Rehabilitation program for people living with Dementia in the communities of the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the City of Casey, aged over 65.
The program is free of charge to eligible participants and is fully funded by the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN).
The in-home Dementia Rehabilitation program aims to improve access to allied health-led rehabilitation activities to support independence and wellbeing. Led by a team of allied health professionals, the program combines therapeutic interventions, education, and personalised care, integrating allied health with holistic modalities including art therapy and music therapy.
What is Dementia Rehabilitation?
The World Health Organisation defines rehabilitation as “a set of interventions designed to optimise functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions (not just after an acute event) in interaction with their environment.”
Rehabilitation helps people to maximise their independence, relationships, and quality of life. It gives people opportunities to retain or regain skills and activities they may have lost or be at risk of losing. Rehabilitation includes supporting people to develop alternate strategies and supporting care partners.
Why is this program needed?
Dementia is a significant and growing health and aged care issue in Australia that has a substantial impact on the health and quality of life of people with the condition, as well as their family and friends. As the condition progresses, the functional ability of an individual with dementia declines, eventually resulting in the reliance on care providers for all aspects of daily living.
In south eastern Melbourne, approximately 11,000 people are living with a diagnosis of dementia, with nearly a third of this group residing in the LGAs of the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the City of Casey.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care and Dementia guidelines recommend optimising
independence and wellbeing through access to allied health professionals. Without treatment, people with dementia may decline faster and enter aged care facilities earlier. What support will the program provide?
The Dementia Rehabilitation Program runs over 12 weeks and offers personalised care, evidence based interventions, and a collaborative approach led by a team of allied health professionals. The program aims to empower individuals with reablement and engagement activities whilst supporting their families and care partners with education about living with dementia.
The program includes:
· Expert team of caring professionals specialised in dementia care;
· Personalised interventions to promote independence and quality of life;
· Home visits by Occupational Therapists to assess and support daily living activities;
· Podiatry assessment and ongoing therapy for comfortable footwear and overall foot care;
· Physiotherapy sessions to improve balance, strength, and mobility;
· Access to additional allied health services, including Dietetics and Speech Therapy;
· Ongoing care plans post program;
· Aromatherapy, Art Therapy and Music Therapy; and
· Ongoing education and support for participants and their families
How to make a referral
The program is now open for referrals, with the first intake commencing in July 2023.
People aged 65+ years old living with dementia in the Mornington Peninsula Shire and City of Casey are eligible for the Dementia Rehabilitation Program.
To find out more, or make a referral, visit Encara’s website - www.encara.com.au or give our team a call on 1300 761 965
If you have an enquiry about the program please email dementia@encara.com.au.
See Country through the lens of our First Nations people in this touring exhibition on loan from TarraWarra Museum of Art.
WILAM BIIK, which means‘Home Country’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, invites visitors to appreciate how first nations people see, listen and connect to Country.
The exhibition features new work from nine contemporary artists and is curated by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman Stacie Piper.
Artists include Paola Balla (WembaWemba,
Gundijtmara), Deanne Gilson (Wadawurrung), Kent Morris (Barkindji), Glenda Nicholls (Ngarrindjeri, Yorta Yorta), Steven Rhall (Taungurung), Nannette Shaw (Tyereelore, Trawoolway, Bunurong), Kim Wandin (Wurundjeri), Arika Waulu (Gunditjmara, Djapwurrung, Gunnai), and the Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri Women’s Dance Group (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, Ngurai Illum Wurrung).
Ms Piper said experiencing Country through a First Nations lens provided an opportunity to affirm and re-establish a fundamental connection with Country.
“My hope is that each person walks away inspired, in awe of the beauty of Country, and empowered with a personal sense of connection and responsibility.”
WILAM BIIK is on display now until Friday, 8 September and is the final stop on a twoyear, state-wide tour.
From the earth to the sky, the next exhibition at Walker Street Gallery is Planetary Gestures.
Through this group exhibition, artists direct us to where the sea meets the sun and dare us to imagine a future that respects the many
perspectives derived from the different custodians of the planet.
Cycles of movement and time will be explored by local and international artists, including Amrita Hepi, Susie Losch, Raqs Media Collective, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Jimmy John Thaiday and Trevor Yeung.
Planetary Gestures runs from 26 September to 3 November.
Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre is at 1-9 Walker St, Dandenong. Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/arts for more information.
By Sahar Foladi
Exotic super cars will be showcased on Saturday 2 September at Keysborough Springers Leisure Centre in an inclusive event sponsored by Personalised Support Services.
The NDIS provider based in Dandenong has worked vigorously to stage the fun event.
Managing director Ibrahim Hassan said it marked a major milestone by hosting an event at such a grand scale.
“It is an occasion where dreams become reality, lifelong memories are created, and the community stands together to embrace and uplift individuals with disabilities and disadvantages.
“I sincerely anticipate the support and presence of the wider community to come together on the day.”
The event is a unique opportunity for children, teenagers and young adults with a disability to experience their favourite lavish super cars up close.
There will be 50 classic supercars which participants can sit inside and click photos.
“I look forward to the joy and positive energy from NDIS participants when they click those photos with big smiles,” Mr Hassan said.
There will be prizes up for grabs for NDIS participants, carers and a raffle for the public to win an iPad or PS5.
To add fuel to the fun, dodgem cars and racing simulators will also be available.
Along with PSS, the event is also sponsored by Otium Club, which also extend lifestyle opportunities for communities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
Mr Hassan praised the dedication of the club in their ongoing approach to be inclusive and support individuals with disabilities and disadvantages.
“I didn’t want to host just any event for the sake of it. What really took most of the time was the, why, and purpose,” Mr Hassan said.
“It’s important for us that this event be a memorable event tying in closely with what we do as a community care organisation and the club’s lifestyle and genuine car passion.”
Otium Club also own more than 200 of some of the rarest, most sought-after and expensive supercars in Australia.
PSS are looking at a turn-out figure of 700 on the day from 11.30am to 2.30pm including MP’s, councillors from the Greater Dandenong Council, executives and other
organisation representatives.
Mr Hassan says he has a long-term plan of having this event not just an annual tradition of PSS but also the nation.
“I would love for this to be held twice a year, even have it as a national event and so much more.
“I have a lot of great ideas with a lot of great people to support this vision and cause.”
PSS was awarded the Community Impact Award 2022 in the South East Business Awards after only two years in operation.
Their enthusiasm to continue to work in the community, make a difference to NDIS participants and the wider community is showcased through their grand-scale event.
The service provider supports the Australian Police Golden Oldies (retired police members’
sports team), theYoung Diggers (veterans), and distributes food banks to the homeless and less fortunate.
They’ve also sponsored Ramadan Iftar and Eid celebrations.
To register for the event and prizes visit https://supercars-superhumans.com.au/
Greater Dandenong Council is partnering with community groups to get to know their local parks.
The ‘Adopt a Park’ program encourages kindergarten and community groups to encourage children to explore their local park, understand its importance and enjoy the health benefits.
About 60 pre-prep children from Haileybury’s Newland Early Education Centre
(ELC) took part with a council horticulturalist on Thursday 10 August at Tatterson Park, Keysborough.
This is what some of the students had to say about the event.
“I liked planting the trees because you put the plant inside the little holes and they will grow with water and sunlight,” ELC student Bella Yu said.
“Caring for the environment is good for the animals. Today I planted trees for the habitat for magpies, possums and snakes,”
Jack Zayed said.
“A Hamilton digger makes a hole in the ground for the plants to grow,” Angus Heck said.
Lisa Christopher, Director of Haileybury’s Early Learning Centres said visits to the park will continue over the next few months for children to observe and care for the progress of the trees planted.
“The ELC children, teachers and parents thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Council horticulturalists and
environmental officers.
“The children learned about the importance of creating habitats and their role in nurturing local ecosystems and they also learned about different native animals who live in the neighbouring bush and wetlands,” she said.
“As the Pre-Prep children transition to Prep, they will pass this responsibility to the current Reception children to ensure the garden is continuously cared for.”
More than 15,000 asylum seekers remain in anxious limbo since the Federal Government’s pledge for permanent protection.
In February, the Government promised a “pathway to permanent protection” to 19,000 eligible holders of temporary protection visas (TPVs) or safe haven enterprise visas (SHEVs).
As of June, 3486 of the promised Resolution of Status visas had been granted, with 16.127 still on TPVs and SHEVs.
A further 7685 TPV, SHEV and RoS applicants had their visas refused, cancelled or expired offshore.
Dandenong-based advocate Wicki Wickiramasingham says that many asylum seekers had still not received any letters on their status.
“They are worried. They are depressed – some have heart attacks. There are some families really suffering – with the children and wives still at (their homelands) while their husbands are here.
“They are saving money for application fees – about $20,000 to apply for their family to join them – in the hope that they get (RoS visas).
“They should be given permanent residency as soon as possible.”
More than 2000 TPV holders in Australia are from Sri Lanka – many of them are Tamils based in South East Melbourne and are yet to receive RoS confirmation, Mr Wickiramasingham says.
It’s especially nerve-wracking given that Sri Lanka remain unsafe for Tamils to return, he says.
In recent weeks, a mass grave was discovered in a northern Tamil province.
The Government has closed 192 Tamil schools, “colonized” Tamil’s private lands and moved in Buddhist temples next to Tamil Hindu places of worship.
“I think the Australian Government should urge the Sri Lankan Government to stop taking Tamil residential land and to stop taking resi-
dents from their own places.
“It’s a form of cultural genocide.”
Bruce MP Julian Hill said the Government was delivering on a promise for “genuine refugees holding TPV or SHEV visas” to get permanent protection.
Most of the 19,000 RoS visas would be completed within 12 months.
“It will take time but over 4,000 visas have been granted already
“I will continue to speak up on this and advocate for ongoing resources so the remaining
visas are finalised as quickly as possible.
“These people are our neighbours, workers and friends who cannot return to their home country lest they be killed.
“Yet for over a decade the Liberals refused to grant permanent protection to these genuine refugees who have been living in Australia for a decade or more.”
A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said the permanent visa pathway was being applied to TPV and SHEV holders before 14 February who have been found to be owed protection.
“The Government is focused on providing those who engage Australia’s protection obligations a chance to continue their lives in Australia with certainty and security.
“Applicants for a RoS visa will be required to satisfy the RoS visa grant requirements including those related to health, national security and character.”
Most existing TPV and SHEV holders were expected to receive RoS visa within 12 months of the start of processing, the spokesperson said.
An Endeavour Hills teen is set to compete in WorldSkills National championships at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 17 August.
The three day national competition will see Caleb Brown compete in the Cyber Security category at the young age of 19.
“I think it’ll be an interesting learning experience and if I win I’ll be ecstatic.
“I’ve been training very hard.”
The championships will consist of six teams, of two which will compete in the finale on Saturday 19 August.
Students who are successful at nationals will have the opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage as a member of the ‘Skillaroos’ in Lyon France 2024.
According to Mr Brown, he’s been fascinated by technology from a very young age and took on his teacher’s recommendation of cyber security course to get to where he is now.
“I always knew I wanted to do something in technology from a young age.
“As I grew I was fascinated with security, coding, breaking into sites, learning how to protect against attackers and so on.”
He’s just completed Certificate IV in Cyber Security in Chisholm and is on the road to complete an advanced diploma course.
At the championships’ opening round, Mr Brown was up against 73 other competitors in his field which was conducted as an online competition.
Competitors were tasked to break into websites and find exploits among others to earn points.
“Some of these people have been doing cyber security way longer than I have and they have the stuff padded down really well,” Mr Brown said.
“I had to overcome a lot of challenges that I think other competitors didn’t have to deal with.
“The first half of the competition was tricky because we had technical issues but then I got into the rhythm.”
He makes up four of Chisholm Institute’s students selected in the championship following a successful regional competition in
their respected fields.
Ben Mickelburough will compete in the Fitting category, Callum Robertson will compete in the Turning category and Mitchell Ward will compete in the Automotive Mechanics category.
Chisholm chief executive officer Stephen Varty said that the championship is Australia’s biggest vocational education and excellence competition.
“WorldSkills competitions have been running since 1981 and aside from the competition, it also helps raise awareness about the importance of effective skills training for students.
“Chisholm is proud to have four students competing at the national level.
“Chisholm staff are working directly with the students to mentor and prepare them for the competition,” Mr Varty said.
The competition is Open to all Vocational Education and Training (VET) students, WorldSkills competitions are held at the regional, national and international level across 60 different categories.
A study by Associate Professors PennyVan Bergen and Naomi Sweller of Macquarie University and Professor Linda Graham of QUT shows that students’ memories of good teachers are remarkably consistent, and that strong teacher-student relationships can support positive interactions with future teachers.
The research team conducted a series of interviews with 96 students from grades 3-10. They included students with and without a history of disruptive behaviour in mainstream schools, along with students in special“behaviour schools”.
What united the groups was a belief that their most positive relationships with teachers came when teachers were “kind, caring, helpful, or humorous”. For students with a history of disruptive behaviour, a kind or caring teacher could make the difference between engaging with their schoolwork and walking out of class.
All groups also shared the view that teachers who were hostile or unjust were harder to get along with. Alarmingly, students with a history of disruptive behaviour overwhelmingly remember negative relationships with teachers. For example, one third of students in the behaviour school group couldn’t remember a single positive relationship with a teacher.
Conflictual teacher-student relationships were not limited to disruptive students, however. Forty percent of students with no history of disruptive behaviour also remembered at least one negative relationship. Many of these students were “model” students: prefects, student reps, and school duxes. Students in all groups highlighted pre-emptive reprimands, when they were told off before doing something, as being particularly unfair.
The researchers do note that this is only one side of the story, and that teachers may have
a different view. These results are still important though, since they show how consistent students’ perceptions of positive and negative relationships are. They also indicate the ways that poor teacher-student relationships can exacerbate classroom challenges.
“Using their memories of conflictual interactions, students may develop protective strategies: either shying away from that teacher or reacting with pre-emptive aggression,”
the article says.
The study authors recommend that teachers complement other positive teaching behaviours, such as responsive instruction and individual guidance, with explicit warmth.
In the classroom, teachers could reflect on positive interactions with their students by sharing positive memories or identifying each other’s positive characteristics. Similar activities are used in positive psychological inter-
ventions to improve student wellbeing. They also recommend professional learning to help teachers better manage the emotional pressures of classroom teaching. School counsellors have a role, too, and can help students to reappraise their past relationships with teachers. This should help ensure that ambiguous teacher actions aren’t misinterpreted, and positive actions aren’t overlooked.
The Hallam Secondary College Sports Academy is one of the longest running and most successful programs of its type inVictoria.
Many graduating students have had successful careers either as professional athletes or in associated sports-related occupations.
Ourprogramhashelpednumerousathletes get drafted into the AFL/AFLW and NRL while also providing opportunities for students to enrol in several US College sporting programs.
Our number one focus is academic performance and excellence.
We provide an extensive range of educational options under the new VCE model, including a range of exciting pathway options whilst assisting students in pursuing a career in the sports industry.
The new VCE model is underpinned by applied, hands-on learning in HPE, Year 10 sports science and more than 15 unique offerings in vocational education and training. We have strong links with Universities, TAFEs, apprenticeships, registered training organisations, state sports organisations, community and elite sporting clubs, organisations, and various talent pathways.
Our sports have a range of external elite coaches, focusing on athlete development and developing good people in our community.
The Sports Academy is a select entry program.
Students interested in becoming a student of the Academy must go through an interview and screening process and adhere to their academic studies, individual learning plans and strict criteria set by the College.
Students must provide an academic history, sporting background and references to ensure that this is the right program for them
before being selected.
Students are also required to attend SelectionTrials on (DatesTBC). Note students must
100 years ago
9 August 1923
“Kemico” closet
Prior to the commencement of business at the last meeting of the Dandenong Shire Council a representative of the “Kemico” closet company attended, and gave a demonstration by means of a model plant, of the working of the “Kemico”closet system. He said his company were prepared to install two of them at Dandenong as an experiment and would like the council to put them in at the Town Hall lavatory. When the matter came up for consideration at the council meeting. Cr Tharle pointed out that, as a sewerage system for the town may be adopted before long, he did not think it wise to adopt the ‘Kemico” closet generally in Dandenong, although ratepayers could do so privately.
Do you have any concerns about personal or community safety? Members of Victoria Police will be there to answer your questions.
· Tuesday 15 August, 11am-12pm at Parkmore Shopping Centre outside Soul Origin Cafe’ in the food court. Free coffee.
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
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/jewellery-workshop-art-series-0
Learn from an employer
Online sessions for jobseekers to meet local employers. Learn about the kinds of jobs at their organistation, career pathways, the skills you need and what it’s like to work in the industry. Next topic is manufacturing and engineering.
· Wednesday 16 August, 6pm-7pm. Free event. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/learnfrom-employer
Line dancing
Have fun moving to music in this vibrant group.
50 years ago
7 August 1973
Traffic Lights on Springvale Council City Engineer Mr Roy Boyd is conducting an investigation into the need for traffic lights in the vicinity of Springvale railway crossing. He believes lights would improve the flow of traffic through the crossing. If lights are installed, they would take in Lightwood Road, Osborne Ave, Sandown Rd, and Balmoral Ave. The lights would have to work in conjunction with the railway lights. Mr Boyd said that at present traffic moved very slowly through the gates,especially at peak periods.
20 years ago
11 August 2003
Railway station drier and safer Bus users at Dandenong railway station are
safer and a little more comfortable. Last week, politicians and local businesspeople helped launch a $330,000 upgrade of the station. Touted as the “latest milestone in the transformation of the suburb to a transit city”, the upgrade included construction of new canopies to shelter commuters walking between the bus interchange and the station building. Overhead lighting has also been enhanced. Dandenong’s MP John Pandazopoulos said under the transit cities program, the refurbished transport interchange would be a gateway to a more vibrant town centre with higher-density, mixed use development planned for Dandenong. “The $330,000 upgrade to the transport interchange is the first of many major changes planned for the Dandenong railway station precinct. Over the coming years, the Dandenong railway station precinct will become a multi-functioned devel-
opment boasting new retail, residential transport, and community facilities.”
5 years ago
13 August 2018
Big Ideas fill the Drum stage
Students in Greater Dandenong have been urged to dream large at a Youth Empowerment Conference at Drum Theatre on 1 August. Woorana Park Primary School students organised the third annual event to inspire peers in their region to “rise beyond their postcode”. It featured a stellar cast of quest speakers including AFL great Simon Madden, MP Gabrielle Williams, and real schools founder Adam Voigt. Lucy, a Woorana Park student, said she was particularly inspired by Mr Madden. Another student Mingjia said “they told stories of the past and made us look forward to the future”.
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.
Community safety forum
Voice any concerns and ideas you may have for your local community. Victoria Police will be attending to respond to community safety concerns in the area and Council staff will be there to advise how Council contributes to community safety.
· Tuesday 22 August, 6.30pm-8.30pm at Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event.
Electronic sound workshop
Free hands-on workshop with MESS (Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio). Try a selection of elec-
tronic instruments including drum machines, synthesisers and more. MESS artists will be on hand to support creativity and collaboration. Open to people aged 15-25, all skill levels. No prior experience necessary.
· Wednesday23August,6pm-7.30pmatSpringvale Community Hub,5 Hillcrest Grove,Springvale. Free event, registrations required at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenongcouncil/events/mess-electronic-sound-workshop
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.
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. Hallam Friends of Red Cross
Monthly meeting, in which we present a 30-year service certificate and bar to volunteer Betty Keen. All welcome.
· Friday 15 September from 10.30am at Hallam Community Learning Centre 57 Kays Avenue, Hallam.
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
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 youths have been charged over an alleged attempted carjacking with knives and an imitation gun.
Police say that the 20-year-old Ormond driver sustained a slash to his arm and puncture wound to his back in the incident.
He was allegedly grabbed by several youths and pulled out of a stationary car at a fast-food car park on Nepean Highway Cheltenham about 7.45pm on Saturday 12 August.
Six teens found nearby were arrested.
From a beer brewery to a soap business, the finalists in this year’s Casey Business Awards cover a wide array of fields.
The Casey Business Awards recognise and honour business excellence across various industry sectors within Casey, while highlighting the role local businesses play in contributing to Casey’s economic growth and progress.
This year’s theme, ‘Innovation and Resilience’, spotlights the capacity of local businesses to adapt, innovate, and persevere during challenging times, underscoring their unwavering commitment to driving progress within their industry.
The finalists across the six categories are:
· Customer Experience: Atura Dandenong, Brember Family Funerals and The Small Business Launching Pad;
· Environmental Sustainability: Bridgeford Group, Ecotrans and Liberty Equipment Hire;
· Health and Wellbeing: Best Of Home Care, Be Your Best Physiotherapy and Recovery in Mind;
· New Business: Blanc Bakery, Imagine Childcare & Kindergarten Cranbourne and Thirty Eight O Six Brewing;
· Professional Business Services: CFM Air
Conditioning, Hey Dee Ho Music Casey and In the Game; and
· Small Business: Elemental Electronics, L’ada Soaps & Scents and The Arch Edit.
As the awards program enters its next phase, the judges will conduct a site visit of each of the 18 finalists to determine the award winners.
Winners will be announced and celebrated at the Casey Business Awards Gala event on 5 October 2023.
For more information on the finalists, visit businessincasey.com.au/casey-businessawards-2023-category-finalists
A 14-year-old Upwey boy, a 14-yearold Narre Warren South boy, a 14-yearold Dandenong girl and a 12-year-old Hampton Park boy are expected to be charged on summons with assault-related offences.
They will appear at a children’s court at a later date.
Two youths were released without charge.
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The fate of Noble Park’s premiership defence could be sealed as early as next week, with the Bulls’ season at risk of coming to a close in the final round of the Eastern Football Netball League’s home-and-away season.
After 17 rounds, Noble Park sit sixth on the table, equal for points with Blackburn in seventh position.
Should Blackburn upset East Ringwood and Noble Park fall to Balwyn, the Bulls will not qualify for finals action.
However, if both sides remain on the same number of premiership points after next week’s results, the Bulls will prevail on account of a stronger percentage.
Saturday’s 19-point defeat at the hands of ladder-leading Vermont leaves the Bulls with just one win in its last five outings.
Sitting equal-seventh for points scored in 2023, scoring has proven difficult all season for last year’s premiers and it proved the case once again atVermont Recreation Reserve, failing to kick a goal in the final quarter asVermont held on to win 8.11 59 to 5.10 40.
Noble Park held the Eagles in check for much of the contest, only trailing by seven points at the final break, before two final quarter goals for the Eagles ensured their 14th win of the campaign, and a likely minor premiership.
Neither side managed more than four consecutive goals all afternoon, such was the struggle for authority.
Vermont star Adrian Kalcovski kicked the opening two in a three minute burst to give the home side a quick 14-point lead despite Noble Park having the better of the possession numbers in heavy rain.
Ben Marson put the Bulls on the board after 15 minutes with a long set shot before repeated inside 50 entries presented an opportunity for Hudson Thomas.
Luke McDonnell intercepted a rebound 50 at centre-half-forward and found the swingman on a wide angle who converted the set shot, despite consternation from the Eagles players insisting that the kick had grazed the post.
The rain took a pause during the second quarter but the damage had been done to the Sherrin, incredibly difficult to grip for both sides.
Vermont made the running again the second term with the opening two goals for another 14-point margin.
Liam Scott lost his footing at centre-halfback and the Vermont attackers swooped on the ground ball, goaling from inside the centre square despite the desperate efforts of a diving Bodey Lambert on the goalline.
But as they were in the opening term, the reigning premiers were rewarded for its tenacity in the forward half, forcing a pair of turn-
overs in its attacking fifty to level the scores.
Luke Nelson swooped on a ground ball and calmly centered a kick from deep in the pocket to a waiting Kevin Kean at the top of the goal square while Marson and Harley Fairbank combined to gang-tackle a helpless Vermont defender, with Fairbank converting the resulting kick.
Just a solitary point separated the two at the half with rain returning heavier than ever during the interval.
An 18-minute deadlock welcomed the two sides back onto the park before a captain’s goal from Jackson Sketcher put the Bulls ahead.
The skipper broke free from a stoppage and calmly slotted a drop punt on the run, the conditions not impacting his skill level in the slightest.
Vermont’s grip on top spot was slipping like the wet ball through hands as the reigning premiers showed that there was still life in their premiership defence.
Two goals in time-on put the Eagles back in front at the final break, setting the scene for an epic fourth term.
The physicality and desperation from both sides matched the stakes of the afternoon, the weather having reduced the battle to a complete slog.
Jackson Casey missed a gilt-edged chance to put the Bulls ahead early in the term when he broke free and snapped from a forward 50 stoppage but was unable to graft the necessary bend on the kick to shape it through the big sticks.
Minutes later, a free-kick against Lambert allowed Kalcovski back into the contest, who goaled from distance with a heavy ball, to extend the lead to 12 points in the home side’s favour.
It quickly became 18 and the afternoon’s biggest gap when Daniel Neilson outmarked Jack Gains in the Vermont goal square.
The Bulls continued to press for the remainder of the afternoon but in the face of weather conditions and the deficit on the scoreboard, they were unable to make any inroads.
In the absence of Ryan Morrison, Noble Park’s defensive group in Lambert, Riet Pal and Jye Byford stood tall all afternoon, while Kean played his best game of the year at the other end of the ground.
Awaiting any slip-up from Vermont is second-placed Rowville, in pole-position to snatch first place should the Eagles stuffer any form of stumble.
A 59-point win over Blackburn at home was the Hawks’ sixth victory in succession and 11th in the last 12 outings, hitting top form at the ideal stage of the year.
The 19.9 123 to 9.10 64 scoreline made for a more comfortable experience for all involved in brown and gold than it had been in recent weeks, having scraped home in thrillers in the previous two outings.
A 19-point lead at half-time grew to 49 at the final break as the Hawks showcased all the talent their forward half has to offer in the third quarter.
Anthony Brolic kicked three, Jake Arundell
and Zac Greeves a pair each as speed and silky skills combined to make a mess of Blackburn’s defence.
Nashua Wood and Tyler Edwards were the architects through the middle of the ground, Wood having multiple involvements in one passage where the Hawks moved the ball from the back pocket to Arundell at the top of the goalsquare directly through the corridor.
Four goals to Greeves marked his best return for the season and his first scoreboard impact since round 14.
Lachlan Wynd joined Brolic and Arundell with three for the afternoon and Wood added two as the multiple goalkickers for Rowville.
At Berwick, a blank third quarter from the home side proved costly in a 33-point loss to Doncaster East.
Berwick trailed by just seven points at the long break but failed to kick a goal in the third term while allowing five at the other end of the ground.
Remove that quarter from the contest and it’s a two-point win to the Wickers, but unfortunately for the home side, that’s not how sport works, the final score reading 5.9 39 to 10.12 72 in Doncaster East’s favour..
Sam Hilton-Joyce continues to impress since joining the club mid-season, kicking another two, as did Jayden Graham.
Berwick close their season with a big clash against Park Orchards next weekend, the Sharks playing to keep their place in premier division next season.
Clint Evans has been reappointed by Berwick as senior coach for the 2024 season, quashing any rumors of his departure at the club.
The playing group were informed of the decision at training on Thursday night ahead of its round 17 clash with Doncaster East.
With Evans’ blessing and the club’s future at the forefront of his mind, the committee decided to explore the coaching market to look for possible suitors to replace Evans in the coaching role in 2024.
After conversations with a number of prospects and strong support for Evans from the playing group, it was decided that the best candidate for the job was the man currently at the helm, according to interim president Glenn Gambetta.
“We did a review at the time and we maybe underestimated the importance of the players’ opinion early on,” Gambetta said.
“Everyone looks at their coaches every year and does a bit of a review, but ‘Boof’ was
one that’d been there for three or four years and said ‘if you find someone you think can do better and take us to the next level, I’ll stand aside.’
“The silly thing is, he’d definitely still come up to the club and have a beer, that’s just who he is. He loves the players and loves the club.
“He’s a super communicator; you split coaches into highly technical coaches and then you’ve got coaches whose strength is their communication with players. He’s as good as I’ve seen in relation to that.”
The club took on-field results in 2023 into consideration, having cleared a wins benchmark it outlined at the start of the season and being one of the better-performed defences in the Eastern Football Netball League’s premier division.
Evans, currently in his third season at the helm, said it was “fantastic” to be re-appointed, and is excited for the club’s future.
“The year, realistically, has been pretty good, besides the weekend,” he said, in reference to the 105-point loss to East Ringwood in round 16.
“We’ve had more wins than last year, before the weekend we were second or third for points against.
“We started to get a bit of continuity midyear with our forward line and we’re getting games into the young kids as well. All-in-all
we’re on the right path, and we’ve got a bit of stability as well, which has been good.”
A disappointing loss to bottom-placed Doncaster in round three threatened to derail the campaign, but the club has won enough games to avoid relegation and stay in premier division for the 2024 season.
From a 2-8 win-loss record after 10 weeks, the Wickers won its next four games, culminating in one of the biggest wins since making the move to the EFNL in 2021 when they got the better of Noble Park at Pat Wright Senior Oval.
“We’ve beaten the side that’s on top (Vermont), Noble Park, and lost another two games by under a goal,” Evans said.
“We’ve been competitive with what we’ve got and we get a heap of games into these kids, which is fantastic, and the leadership group have been showing the way.
“The people around the club and the players, everyone’s on board with where we’re going, and that’s the biggest thing, and the reason why I wanted to keep going.”
There’s a subtle art to creating clickable socials content that gains organic reach.
Deviate too far from the trends, and the algorithms will distance you from your target audience.
Stay too tightly in your lane and the natural swell will tip you off the wave.
“The best thing is to be yourself,” says Dingley Dingoes player Lachie Lamble, co-creator of the social media conglomerate.
With brother Stefan, the 22-year-old blonde haired university student with lightning pace is looking to pioneer territory clogged by steadfast roadblocks.
There’s a perception that Aussie Rules content creation is reserved for the power elite within AFL clubs who can share the high performance herbs and spices usually concealed to the general public.
Anything outside the inner sanctum is dismissed by the masses as not credible.
Lachie is a high disposal entertainer for a local Southern Football Netball League club, while Stefan coaches the under-19s, before filming Lachie’s in-game shenanigans – directly bucking that criterion.
Yet, combining Aussie Rules comedy skits, impersonations, game day vlogs, Stef’s commercial ambitions and Lachie’s tertiary physiotherapy knowledge, the brothers have created a channel that resonates with many.
“It’s quite unique and we’re very relatable and we both have laid back but hard-working Australian culture sunk deep into our veins, where we have that passion and drive for footy,” Lachie said.
“At the start we sat down and said ‘no matter how this goes, whether it gets 10 views or 10 000, if there’s ever a kid who wants a photo or autograph, we will talk to them like they’re one of our family members’.”
With more than 224,000 likes on TikTok and several thousand views on most YouTube videos posted in 2023, the pair is increasingly recognised by ‘Gen Zedders’ in public.
As well as the dozens of weekly messages from fans, the Carlton supporters were recognised several times at the Blues’ win over Collingwood three weeks ago when creating a gameday vlog.
The vlogs, until that point filming Lachie’s games, have been the content that has put them firmly on the map.
Lifting the lid on the charm of local footy, showcasing the banter and providing basic principles and analysis of in-game footage creates a well-rounded target audience.
Lachie outlines a set of goals for each game, shows his pre-game, at-home and at-ground routines and goings-on, before narrating key features of his games.
As much as being well received, the vlogs have provided plenty of ammunition for opponents and trolls, sledges gaining traction almost as quickly as the content.
“We do cop it,” Lachie says.
“My mental resilience has improved enormously but at the same time we try to see it as any attention’s good attention.
“Most of the blokes on the ground who say ‘Lambros you’re a princess’, ‘a PrimeTrain wannabe’, crashing me off the ball, after the game (are) really good blokes, so it’s all left on the field.
“It’s so good hearing different characters say they love our content because that creates more joy for us and inspires us to keep going with this content creation.”
Stefan agrees. “I remember when we both were a bit younger, we would watchYoutubers, which gave us so much genuine happiness, so it’s great to see we’re doing the same to young kids.”
Other popular series for ‘Lambros’ have included comparing footy in the 1980s to the 2000s, things never said in local footy, and tips for kids such as improving your forward craft.
One video on the Lambros channel details the benefits of delayed gratification: the perfect summary of their 2022.
The brothers were spending, by Lachie’s estimates, five to six hours per day for six months creating content for five accounts on the fly, each video maxing out at about 200 views.
“There were months where we were dabbling in so many niches and we just had to believe in ourselves and be relentless,” Lachie said.
Stefan adds: “We were filming one YouTube video a week, but we didn’t know how to edit back then.
”We spent 24 hours each editing the first video because we had never used the editing platforms; now we can get it done in one tenth the amount of time.
“That’s the same with building our website. Although there were (few) views, so many positives came out of that time.”
The videos the brothers create augment their LambrosFit physiotherapy business: Lachie currently spends a full time equivalent duration building the empire, with his brother also heavily involved.
They hope it can eventually become their primary source of income.
“We’re just starting out the journey,” Lachie asserts.
“At the start it felt like there was a ghost in front of us of our potential, and we were always jogging with that ghost getting further and further in front of us, and then we found our niche.
“We are slowly catching up to our potential and finding what we want to do with our lives: inspire, educate, add value to and empower young people to become better footballers and people.”
