EHD Star Journal - 22nd August 2023

Station’s friendly frontline

Sutton on the stand

Greyhounds museum opens

Season that got away

Soccer explosion

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

On the back of World Cup fever, Greater Dandenong’s booming football clubs say they have hit a breaking point due to a shortage of pitches.

Football Victoria government relations and strategy Sebastian Hassett said facilities have reached “peak capacity” and were “struggling to cope” with the influx of new players.

“The demand for football in Melbourne’s South East is literally overwhelming.

“After this incredible Women’s World Cup, the appetite for football is about to explode.

“Simply put: we don’t have enough fields and pavilions.

“We already reached crisis point a few years ago – we’re living that crisis right now.”

Victims of the sport’s success are Keysborough Soccer Club, FC Noble Hurricanes and Keysborough District Football Club.

Hurricanes president Frank Mendolia says the club is struggling to base its 15 teams on a single pitch at Alex Nelson Reserve, Springvale South.On peak-hour Thursdays, up to seven teams train on the pitch – each in their “own little zone”.

Greater Dandenong Council has been unable to relocate the Hurricanes to a bigger training venue, but allocated an overflow ground for Sunday games.

“From our experience, it looks like Dandenong doesn’t have enough facilities otherwise they could relocate us,” Mr Mendolia said.

With now 220 players, the Hurricanes have started a waiting list, Mr Mendolia said.

“I’d assume with the interest in the Matildas that’s only going to translate into more kids and potentially more girls to take on the game.

“But our teams are full at the moment. We don’t have the space for extra teams.”

After a Covid hiatus, Keysborough District Football Club is also now at capacity.

It owns its own pitch at Raleigh Allen Reserve, and hosts training for Keysborough Gar-

dens Primary School students. It could potentially double in membership in the next year, but is instead having to constantly turn members away, president Sandor Rind said.

“I don’t want to chase any kids away and tell them to go to another club.”

Keysborough Soccer Club president Cristian Abarca says the club hopes to grow from 220 to about 300 next year. It’s fielding up to five new member enquiries a week, he said.

“We’re trying to ride the wave of the Women’s World Cup. We feel there’s a demand for girls soccer so we’re going to take advantage of it.”

However the club is already cramming 19 junior and senior teams on two full-sized and a three-quarter sized pitch at Coomoora Reserve, Springvale South.

“We’ve asked the council for more grounds but we understand there’s a shortage of them

and we have to manage the best we can.”

In 2018, FootballVictoria’s facilities strategy called for up to 15 extra soccer pitches in each of Greater Dandenong and Casey by 2026 –based on 5 per cent registration growth. To that end, Football Victoria has publicly backed a proposed 70-hectare South East Sports Hub, touted to include 11 new football pitches.

Continued page 4

Angelica, Aleena, Sade (Keysborough FC), Kaye, Kara (FC Noble Hurricanes), Szabi and Sienna (Keysborough Mini Roos) are part of a growing wave of football’s popularity. 354226 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Have your say on open space and sports facilities documents

We have undertaken a review of our Open Space Strategy (OSS) and Leisure Facilities Development Plan Policy (LFDP), and welcome feedback from the community.

The OSS guides the planning, design, development and management of open space in the City of Casey, while the LFDP guides Council’s planning to ensure an equitable and consistent approach to the development of new and improvement of existing sporting facilities. To view the updated documents and have your say, please visit Casey Conversations by Thursday 7 September.

Could you be a Casey crossing supervisor?

We’re looking for more School Crossing Supervisors to join the Casey team.

We’ve got casual positions available in the Cranbourne, Clyde and Clyde North areas.

We are looking for people of all ages who are available to work morning and afternoon shifts during school terms for up to 1.5 hours per day. As a School Crossing Supervisor, you will assist students and families to travel safely to and from school with crossings located at selected intersections, pedestrian light crossings and at flagged children's crossings across the City of Casey.

If this is a role that interests you, please visit the careers page on our website.

Video guide to navigate Australian education and career pathways

Australia’s education system and employment pathways are often misunderstood. For families new to Australia or for those with a culturally or linguistically diverse background, the processes can sound complex.

The City of Casey has brought together a panel of local experts to share their knowledge and insights of how parents, their secondary school children and jobseekers can confidently navigate the Australian education system and employment pathways. A video has been created to help local families make informed decisions regarding education and career options. You can watch the video on the City of Casey’s YouTube channel.

Preparing for an emergency

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to be prepared to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.

Having an emergency kit packed and stored in an accessible place is an important first step. The kit should contain food, water, medication and other supplies to be able to look after yourself and your family for at least 72 hours. For more information, please visit the 'how to prepare for an emergency' page on our website.

Stay warm, but don’t smoke your neighbours out

Buying the right wood heater, using it correctly and maintaining it well can help reduce wood smoke pollution.

Here are some handy tips to consider:

• Use dry and seasoned timber to ensure a clean hot burn with minimal smoke.

• Have the flue cleaned. A build-up of soot can cause fires in the flue and will affect air flow, causing smoky fires.

• Avoid overloading the heater or shutting off the air intake as it will cause excessive smoke.

If you are affected by smoke from a wood heater, speak to your neighbour first as they may not be aware of the problem. For more information, please contact our Environmental Health team on 9705 5200.

Death was ‘preventable’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A State Coroner has criticised a Dandenong South factory for its “disproportionate” sacking of an apparently drunk worker, which led to his taking his own life.

The 51-year-old father of two died at his Narre Warren home on 28 July 2020 – hours after his 17-year job at Oceania Glass was ended, Coroner Audrey Jamieson reported.

His sacking was a “clear precipitating factor” to his death and contrary to the workplace’s enterprise agreement (EA), the coroner found.

“Had the alternatives to termination as set out in the Enterprise Agreement been followed, the death would very likely have been prevented.”

The man, a long-term alcoholic, had been previously warned for smelling of alcohol at work.

On 17 July 2020, an HR manager called in the union’s site delegate to say the worker “looked

off his head”.

During several meetings, the man said he had “a couple” of wines that day and was unsure if he had been over 0.05.

On the path to divorce, he twice told the delegate if he lost his job he’d kill himself. This prompted the delegate to repeatedly urge Oceania Glass to rethink its approach.

Meanwhile, the HR manager expressed concern that the worker “could have killed someone” and made the company liable for indus-

trial manslaughter, Coroner Jamieson said.

In her report on 14 August, the coroner criticised the employer for not seeking an alternative course – such as regular or random breathalyser testing.

“There is no doubt that intoxication in this workplace poses a significant risk to the health and safety of other workers and the intoxicated person.

“However, the response … appears to be disproportionate, and the alternatives that would

have mitigated these risks but also maintained (the worker’s) employment and helped him with his health problem, were not seriously considered.”

Coroner Jamieson said the termination was at odds with the EA’s emphasis on a “rehabilitative and health-based approach to alcohol misuse”.

It was “disappointing” that the HR manager and Oceania Glass declined to make a statement to the court, the coroner stated. She recommended that Oceania Glass review the incident and ensure managers were familiar with the EA.

WorkSafe investigated possible OH&S breaches but found “insufficient evidence” to press charges, the coroner noted.

Star News contacted Oceania Glass for comment.

· Lifeline 13 11 14

Fair Work Ombudsman

secures

back pay for five

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has sanctioned a waste management company more than $375,000 after five vulnerable migrant workers were underpaid almost $200,000 for work at waste management facilities in Melbourne, including a facility in Hallam.

The workers were underpaid a total of $194,249 over a period of just 20 months in 2018 and 2019 when they were employed to sort waste at facilities in Dandenong and Hallam, which were then operated by Polytrade.

The five affected workers were on protection visas and bridging visas (pending approval of applications for protection visas) after arriving in Australia as refugees from southern Asia and spoke limited English.

The Federal Court has imposed penalties of:

· $138,600 against Polytrade, now known as PT 349 Pty Ltd, for being an accessory in the underpayment of the workers;

for casual, night and shift work; and penalty rates for weekend and public holiday work, under the Waste Management Award 2010.

Laws relating to minimum engagement periods, advising employees of their terms of engagement, payment of superannuation entitlements, record-keeping and issuing pay slips in the required form were also breached.

Justice John Snaden said the conduct was “wantonly naïve, at best”.

“At worst, it involved a deliberate and cavalier disregard of important Award safety net obligations,” he said.

Justice Snaden said the five workers were paid between 53 and 58 per cent of what they were required to be paid under the Award.

“On any view, those are damning figures,” he said.

Mushtaq Akbari is set to study engineering after migrating from Pakistan five months ago.

Picture: SUPPLIED

100-jobs goal on target

By Sahar Foladi

Chisholm Institute is on track to recruit, train and place at least 100 jobseekers in manufacturing roles across the south-east.

The Jobs Victoria Engineering Project in partnership with the state government will provide job seekers with hands-on engineering skills and training from leading experts before they’re placed in a secure job at local manufacturing businesses.

Mustaq Akbari arrived in Australia from Pakistan five months ago and has now secured himself a position with SRS Power, a local manufacturer in Dandenong South.

“There are many possibilities with this pathway. I’ve can learn a new skill and start my own business,” Mr Akbari said.

“The program is very beneficial for both migrants and Australians in sense that it supports people to learn a new skill, provides jobs and keeps the economy going.”

He has accomplishments in computer science, web development and has experienced coding in Pakistan.

“When I came here and took the engineering course, I became interested. Now I’m going with the flow and would like to see how far I can continue ahead.”

Mr Akbari is set to start his Certificate III in Engineering with Chisholm.

The program not only provides fundamental assistance to newly arrivals but also to people who’ve faced challenges entering the workforce including women aged 45

and over, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disability, as well as any manufacturing businesses looking for workers in Victoria.

To this point the project team have placed 38 people in an ongoing employment, with at least 16 of those people residing in the City of Greater Dandenong or City of Casey.

Chisholm’s chief commercial officer, Damien Van Eyk, said they are proud to have achieved this number in a short time.

“Our goal is to place 100 job seekers in local manufacturing roles by January 2024.

“In just over two months, we have already placed 31 participants in new jobs and are very confident we will meet our target,” Mr Van Eyk said.

“The Jobs Victoria Engineering Project demonstrates the power of TAFE, Chisholm in connecting job seekers with the training they need and with employers seeking these in demand skills. “

A large portion of the project’s success has been due to efforts made to reduce barriers in employment.

“Whether it is providing free safety gear, or free access to relevant training from industry experts, we are breaking down barriers for participants to help to fill a growing skills gap in our economy,” Mr Van Eyk said

· $200,375 against PTES 928 Pty Ltd (formerly Polytrade Employment Services Pty Ltd) for directly underpaying the workers - PTES 928 Pty Ltd was set up as a labour provider, employing workers and supplying them to work at Polytrade on an on-hire basis; and

· $27,720 and $8820 respectively, against Polytrade’s owners, husband-and-wife Mr Man Sang Chen and Ms Pui Shan Ho, for also being accessories in the underpayments.

PTES 928 Pty Ltd has now back-paid the five underpaid workers in full and has also made a further $2.2 million in back-payment to workers not involved in the FWO’s legal action who had been underpaid since 2012.

Acting FairWork Ombudsman Kristen Hannah said blatant underpayment of visa holders in Australia was not tolerated.

“We treat underpayment of migrant workers particularly seriously,” Ms Hannah said.

“These workers can be vulnerable if they are unaware of their entitlements or reluctant to complain.

“Visa holders have the same workplace rights as all other workers.”

Ms Hannah said workers with any concerns were welcome to contact the FWO for free advice and assistance.

“Any employer that blatantly underpays migrant workers’ basic entitlements risks facing significant penalties,” she said.

“The five workers here were paid only slightly more than half of what they were entitled to.”

FWO investigated after receiving a referral from the Australian Workers Union.

Inspectors discovered that the five affected employees were paid a flat rate of $22 per hour regardless of when they performed work, despite being required to perform night, weekend and public holiday work. Some of the workers gave evidence in court that they worked 12-hour shifts, usually six and sometimes seven days per week.

This resulted in underpayment of workers’ minimum wage rate; overtime rates; loadings

Justice Snaden also said the contraventions were “made worse by considering the personal circumstances of the relevant employees”.

“All are from migrant backgrounds and have limited to negligible written and verbal English skills,” he said.

Justice Snaden found that Polytrade and Mr Cheng “must pay heavy prices” for their active involvement in the contraventions, “not merely to ensure that they are brought to account for what they did; but also to serve as a warning to others who might be minded to be similarly involved in egregious Award underpayments”.

The FWO filed 138 litigations involving visa holder workers, and secured $15 million in court-ordered penalties in visa holder litigations, in the six financial years to June 2023. Employers and employees can visit www. fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline

Soccer explosion crisis

From page 1

“It is critical that infrastructure like the SESH is planned and built to ensure access to the sport of choice is available,” FV wrote in a letter to the Government in October.

The project at Pillars Road, Bangholme is controversially linked to the relocation of Keysborough Golf Club.

As part of the plan, the golf club’s current site on Green Wedge A land would be rezoned and turned into a housing estate - a notion that’s been firmly rejected by the State Government.

Mr Hassett said despite the council’s “creative” temporary solutions, more infrastructure was needed quickly.

Football could fill double the number of fields in the next decade, he said.

“The appetite for football in Melbourne’s south-east is more than a trend, it’s a social movement.

“Australia is transforming before our eyes and the frontier of that change is in and around Dandenong.”

Local soccer clubs told Star Journal that the hub would be well situated to cater for players from the Keysborough South growth area.

Defenders of the South East Green Wedge

– which opposes the rezoning of the golf club – says a sports hub at Pillars Road “makes no sense”.

Spokesperson Matthew Kirwan said there was a “genuine” shortage of soccer fields, but the proposed SESH was in the “heart of the original Carrum Carrum Swamp and flood prone land” and had no public transport links.

“Having a new sporting complex in the middle of nowhere tops even Casey Fields for its level of isolation.

“Any new development in the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge, recreational or otherwise, will need new drainage and upgraded road infrastructure, the cost of maintaining particular in a flood prone environment will be

borne by the Greater Dandenong rate payer.”

Mr Kirwan said the council needed to reallocate existing grounds “monopolised” by smaller AFL and cricket clubs to soccer. “Greaves Reserve is near Noble Park and Yarraman stations and bus services. It would be ideal for community soccer activity.”

Minister delivers blow to golf club rezoning proposal

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Environment groups are celebrating a “clear statement” that the State Government won’t support rezoning Keysborough Golf Course for a housing estate.

Developer Intrapac and Keysborough Golf Club have proposed rezoning the Hutton Road course, which is on Green Wedge A land just outside the UGB. Under the plan, the golf club would relocate to Pillars Road alongside a proposed South East Sports Hub. The existing site would be carved into an estate of up to 1100 dwellings.

In a recent letter, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny stated the Government was “committed” to protecting the GreenWedge from “inappropriate development” and had no plans to review the Urban Growth Boundary.

The Government’s planning process for rezoning golf courses “does not supersede the green wedge and UGB controls”, she wrote to Greater Dandenong Environment Group. GDEG president Isabelle Nash said “we consider this a clear statement of that the State Government’s current position is that they currently don’t support changing the Keysborough Golf Course’s green wedge zoning”.

“Greater Dandenong Council should cease cooperating with the developer (Intrapac) and the club on the irresponsible Sports Hub initiative. We of course remain vigilant on this issue as we realise that the State Government position could change if Intrapac and Keysborough Golf Club keep on pushing for this and put an actual application to the Minister.”

Defenders of the South Green Wedge spokesperson Matthew Kirwan said he was relieved by the “clear” statement. “It’s so essential that the Urban Growth Boundary remain rock solid. “One exception opens up the flood gates to further expansion and in Keysborough the word “flood” is very apt.

“Questions would soon be asked about rezoning the flood prone land south of Hutton Rd which would be a disaster for the environment but also the Greater Dandenong ratepayer that would need to foot the bill when flooding occurs.”

Keysborough Golf Club had placed some hope on the Government setting up a Golf Course Redevelopment Standing Advisory Committee for courses inside and outside the UGB.

Captain Darrell Swindells recently told Star Journal that “like the Government, we accept there’s a Green Wedge but we think our site is an anomaly”.

The proposed South East Sports Hub on Pillars Road, Bangholme.

Picture: SUPPLIED

There are no plans to rezone Green Wedge sites such as Keysborough Golf Course, pictured, according to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny. 337260

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Boy charged

A 15-year-old Noble Park boy has been charged over an alleged attempted armed robbery of a teenager during the sale of a bike.

Police say that the victim – a 16-yearold Kew boy – agreed to sell the bike as part of an online social media transaction.

He’d arranged to meet a man at a park on the corner of Springvale and Heatherton roads, Springvale South about 5.30pm on 8 August.

Police allege that two males produced a machete when the boy got out of the car to do the sale. They tried to steal the bike from the back of the vehicle.

The vehicle’s driver got out and approached the offenders, who fled emptyhanded, police say.

The Noble Park teen was arrested by police in Springvale on Tuesday 15 August.

He was released and expected to be charged on summons with armed robbery-related offences.

A second male is still at large, police say.

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

Title switch averted

By Sahar Foladi

A Greater Dandenong Council proposal to take the ‘Australia Day’ out of the title of its annual community awards on 26 January has been voted down.

At a meeting on Monday 14 August, a council review recommended changing the title from ‘Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards’ to ‘Greater Dandenong Awards’.

Councillor Jim Memeti, backed by Cr Tim Dark, noted and asked for an amendment to the review.

According to Cr Memeti, the council were simply “jumping the gun.”

“We have been having the Greater Dandenong Australia Awards for over two decades.

“It’s a great day to have our community come along and recognise these people who do fantastic work within our community.

“I understand there could be talks in the future, maybe five years down the track, this might be scrapped but from local government level I think we’re jumping the gun,” he said.

“We should leave these decisions to the Federal government, whether they want to change the date or name.”

Opposed by Cr Rhonda Garad, she claimed the community will be able to enjoy the awards day as a proud Australia but with a different name to it.

“Just a reminder that the awards will take place on that day, the community will attend, they will feel proud and celebrate but we are changing the name to an appropriate name which is the Community Awards because that’s what it is.

Australian of 15 generations.”

A male in full-head covering holds a machete as he rummages in the back of a vehicle.

“This isn’t anti-Australian, this isn’t being political, this isn’t about the federal government, this is not catastrophic.”

Out of 20 nearby councils, only four have continued to hold Australia Day Awards of that name, according to Cr Garad who is a “proud

“This isn’t a national awards, this is a community award to recognise community heroes and we’re just changing the name to an appropriate name.”

Cr Dark supported the amendment saying if there was a wide-spread federal change “then that could be a question to the council.”

“To go in now and lead a change which people of my ward don’t agree with, I can’t support.”

Other councillors supported Cr Memeti in the amendment as Cr Garad stood alone and voted against the decision.

As the amendment was carried, Cr Bob Milkovic said, “Thank you to my fellow councillors on a common sense decision.”

Picture: VICTORIA POLICE

Australia Day Awards celebrations at Dandenong Park on 26 January this year. 317216

Heated debate on gas ban

By Sahar Foladi

Premier Daniel Andrews announced a controversial gas ban from 1 January 2024 on all new houses, public buildings and social houses.

But how what impact does it have on Victorians? The major reform is part of the plan to reach net zero emissions in Victoria by 2045 as well as to help new homeowners save on their energy bills.

The State Government has estimated households will save up to $1,000 anually – or $2,200 if they have solar installed – and reduce emissions. Environmentalists, doctors and local councillors have welcomed the reform, but many aren’t happy about the news.

“Absolutely ridiculous. First we were told gas is the better option and everyone went with it for decades, now suddenly, for it to be banned?” Casey resident Neil Heaton said.

Liberal Democratic Party member, Stephen Matulec, of Narre Warren, agreed.

“Absolutely terrible, if we can’t use gas the demand for electricity will increase and therefore the cost of electricity will increase even more than it already has. The government needs to stop intervening in the market, they have done enough of that already and all it does is continuous increase in prices,” he said.

“This is a government who loves to play politics. Apparently it’s okay to export gas but not use it ourselves? Ridiculous!”

Endeavour Hills resident, Peter Cooney says electricity won’t be able to cope.

“For the planet to meet our targets of net zero, we have to convert everyone to rubbing two sticks together. Electric cooking with induction is less efficient than gas. Gas hot water is brilliant. Electric is rubbish especially if you’ve got no electricity to run it at night.”

Greater Dandenong Greens councillor Rhonda Garad says this total backlash is completely normal but the reform shouldn’t have

come to a surprise to those who followed the topic. “People think this is a surprise but they haven’t followed the long term advocacy. This is going on for years and if this is a surprise to people then they haven’t followed the advocacy.”

Cr Garad, who is also a public health researcher, says there are numerous health and cost benefits to this reform.

“In terms of air pollution, gas in the house is a terrible idea.“There’s a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of excessive intake of the chemical due to the gas. It’s very invisible and can kill people. Increasingly people understand the benefits of solar generated

electricity. People that are confused may be not familiar with the myriad of health problems that are caused by gas and the economic burden.”

Dr Trivess Moore, a senior lecturer at RMIT University’s Sustainable Building Innovation Laboratory, says there are a number of benefits from the announcement but it needs to be monitored carefully.

“The decision to end gas is driven not only by environmental benefits but also economic, health and wellbeing. It needs to be carefully monitored and managed to ensure that we don’t see other challenges emerge such as issues with the reliability of electricity network.”

Dr Moore, who is also a research fellow at RMIT, says energy prices should start to decline over the coming years in response to concerns over possible high electricity prices.

“The broader analysis is we have higher uptake at renewable energy. There may be a short term financial increase in energy cost but in the longer term the provision of renewable energy will decrease (in price),” he said.

“For more than 10 years there have been reports after reports that electric houses are economically beneficial.”

Dr Moore said additional short-term funding would soften the costs of electrical appliances such as heat pumps, hot water systems, cooling systems, and induction cooktops.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said there are new incentives available to help with these costs as well as funding for the construction industry to transition.

“To help prepare for the transition, the Government is investing $1 million in targeted training to ensure the construction industry is supported in the transition to all-electric and 7-star homes,” Ms Williams said.

A further $3 million package includes free training to 1,000 plumbers and apprentices to design and install energy efficient heat pumps

and solar hot water systems. Additionally, 400 electricians and fourth-year apprentices will be granted free training to safely design and install rooftop solar and home battery systems

A $10 million investment is also announced in a new ‘Residential Electrification Grant’ program to ensure owners can maximise the benefits of household renewable energy, Ms Williams said.

“Grants will be available to volume home builders, developers and others to provide bulk rebates for solar panels, solar hot water and heat pumps to new home buyers up front.”

As majority of the houses in Greater Dandenong are old in the established municipality, Cr Garad said she’ll like to see the opportunity to go electric to everyone.

“This is absolutely fantastic for Greater Dandenong area where we have older houses. I’m absolutely thrilled by this decision. Older houses have inefficient gas so residents pay more for their gas and they’re trapped.

“So when residents try to get rid of gas they find gas companies won’t do that or charge hundreds of dollars. The reform is far more efficient and healthier but older houses should be the focus so everyone has the opportunity.”

Ms William said existing owners can make the shift through Victorian Energy Upgrades program. “To help existing homeowners switch away from gas, we recently added new incentives to replace gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives in our Victorian Energy Upgrades program, as well as removing all residential gas products from the program.”

Through the program households can get $900 off a reverse cycle air conditioner to replace a fixed gas heater which results in almost $200 annual bill savings. Existing owners can receive $3,600 when replacing a whole house gas ducted system with a reverse cycle system, saving almost $600 annually.

Banning gas in new homes has been hotly criticised in some quarters.

Monk’s sex charges

By Emily Woods, AAP

A high-ranking Buddhist monk has faced court charged with sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated against children he met through working at two Melbourne temples.

Vijitha Naotunne, 68, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday dressed in traditional orange robes, after being charged with 13 offences dating back to the mid-1990s.

He is the chief incumbent at the Dhamma Sarana Sri Lankan Buddhist temple, in Melbourne’s southeast, and has run a Sunday school attended by hundreds of children.

Naotunne was charged by Sexual Crimes Squad detectives on Wednesday with 13 offences, including sexual penetration and indecent acts with children under 16.

Police will allege he sexually abused three child victims between 1996 and 2004, whom he met through his work at temples in Springvale and Keysborough.

Naotunne allegedly used school items, including a pink eraser and a clear plastic ruler, to commit some of the abuse, court documents stated.

The chief monk is alleged to have committed eight of the sex offences in Springvale, between 1996 and 1998, and five in Keysborough, between 2001 and 2003.

He was silent as he sat behind his lawyer for the brief hearing, where new court dates were set for the matter.

Naotunne, who is yet to enter a plea, was asked to stand by the magistrate as she extended his bail until his next court appearance in November.

He arrived in Australia in 1993 and served as resident monk at a Springvale temple, before moving to the Keysborough temple in 2001, according to Dhammma Sarana’s website.

Naotunne provides regular Buddhist services at the temple, including “a very success-

ful Sunday School”, which is attended by more than 300 children.

“His rapport and popularity with children has been exceptionally noteworthy,” the website said.

He has received a number of awards over the years for his service, including Chief Sanghanayaka for Australia by the Ramanna Nikaya

Four boys arrested

Four boys from the South East have been arrested over a spate of alleged thefts from bottle shops and supermarkets.

Police believe the stealing of alcohol, cigarettes, vapes and cash from 28 liquor stores mainly in the Glen Eira-Bayside and Manningham-Banyule areas between 3-15 August are linked.

Workers were threatened in some of the incidents but no one was injured, police say.

An Audi Q3 vehicle allegedly stolen in an aggravated burglary in Bulleen on 12 August was used in the shop thefts. It has been recovered by police.

A 16-year-old from Narre Warren was arrested by Moorabbin CIU detectives onThursday 17 August and charged with burglary and three counts of theft.

The next day, detectives with the help of Dandenong Divisional Response Unit raided homes in Dandenong and Hallam and arrested three youths.

A 12-year-old Dandenong boy was charged with aggravated burglary, five counts of theft, possession of cannabis and trafficking cannabis.

A 14-year-old Noble Park boy was charged with burglary and theft.

A 16-year-old Springvale boy was arrested pending further enquiries, police say.

, a major Buddhist order in Sri Lanka. Naotunne , who covered his robes with a trench coat and wore an orange beanie as he exited court, will return for a committal mention on November 10.

· 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

· National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

The four have been bailed to appear at a children’s court.

Police say that further arrests are expected.

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

Naotunné Vijitha Thero.

Focus on mental health

By Tanya Faulkner

Shining the light on mental health is the goal of one local organisation with big ties to the community.

Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, in conjunction with CaseyCardinia Rotaract, hosted a Healthy Minds Mental Health Forum on Tuesday, 15 August at Lyndale Secondary College.

More than 100 audience members were treated with an array of speakers from around the country sharing their journeys with mental health, including disability advocate Matthew De Gruchy, Rwanda genocide survivor and author Frida Umuhoza, representatives from Operation Newstart in Casey, and the keynote speaker associate professor of psychiatry, Minds Count director and author Greg de Moore.

Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills president Cherie Ramsay said she was proud her club could put on such a good event.

“We had a lot of support from the community, the college, other clubs from around the area and local Rotaracters who came and supported the event.

“Mental health is an important topic that touches everyone, and we need to talk more openly to destigmatise thoughts around mental health, to get more people talking and get the help they need,” she said.

All of the speakers had great stories to share, overcoming their own mental health struggles in one way or another, and providing tools for the audience to overcome their own mental health.

Matt De Gruchy, a disability advocate who was diagnosed with Stargardt disease at a young age causing him to now be legally blind, shared his experience of being a school student with a disability.

“I was so afraid of other people knowing I was blind that I did my best to hide it in school,” he said.

For Mr De Gruchy, his message to the community is to speak up when you do need help, and not to be afraid to confide in others.

“Mental health comes in waves and seasons, it comes and goes, and you may not always be one hundred per cent, but you get more tools and get better, and the bouts of mental health can be less intense.

“Disability doesn’t mean inability,” he said.

Rwanda genocide survivor and author Frida Umuhoza spoke of her personal experiences during the genocide, having lost almost her entire family during those years and the struggles she overcame to where she is now in Australia.

“To this day there are still situations that can trigger me, like someone doing their gardens with a machete or my children talking about killing, but I have come a long way.

“I took my children back to Rwanda recent-

ly to see where my family was killed and where I would hide, and I have also been back and forgiven those who took my family from me,” she said.

Ms Umuhoza said forgiveness is less about the perpetrator than yourself, and learning to forgive can do a lot for your mental health.

Operation Newstart is an organisation based in Casey that supports local youths with their mental health, helping them to speak up about what’s going on for them, connecting them with each other, and taking them on a variety of outings.

Brooke and Hayley, who both went through the programme, both spoke of the fantastic impact it has had on their lives, saying they were both so grateful for the experience.

Keynote speaker Greg de Moore had a captivating speech about his experiences work-

ing in the mental health sector over the years, shedding light on Australian superstar Tom Wills - the creator of Australian Rules Football and Cricket legend - and the journey he went through before taking his own life in 1880 at the age of 44.

He shared the tale of huge success, through to the Cullin-la-ringo massacre which became Australia’s worst massacre in history, causing the death of Tom Wills’ father, and his downward spiral to alcoholism and deep depression.

The tale is iconic in Australian history, and highlighted the importance of mental health and how we must work together as a community to stand up for each other and speak out loud and proud.

Those who attended the forum last night spoke high praises of the speakers and the

messages of advocacy of mental health.

Australia Rotary Health 9820 district chair Mardi Shepherd said Australia Rotary Health, which was launched in Mornington over 40 years ago, has contributed $55 million to medical research in the world, including mental health research.

Australia Rotary Health is now undergoing new research funding endeavours, with their focus now on 0-12 year olds.

Ms Shepherd this new research is vital to the future of mental health support.

“In many cases, we’ve seen that mental health actually starts in youths under the age of 14, and we hope this new research can help alleviate this in future,” she said.

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

More jail for ‘remorseless’ rapist over child sex abuses

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Dandenong serial rapist has had his current jail term extended after being convicted of child sexual abuse in the 1980s.

Leonard Levett, 59, is nine years into a prison sentence for violent sexual attacks on two female strangers in the 1990s. He was to be eligible for parole in a year’s time.

In the latest case, Levett was found guilty in the Victorian County Court of multiple sexual offences against three girls.

He repeatedly preyed upon them while he worked as a nightwatchman at children’s care homes, sentencing judge Anne Hassan noted on 18 August.

At the time aged 20-22, his offences included three counts of rape as well as several counts of indecent assault and sexual penetration of a person aged 10-16.

Judge Hassan acquitted Levett of some of the latter charges.

The judge believed the allegations occurred but said she wasn’t satisfied one of the victims was under 16 at the time.

In sentencing, the judge noted that police

declined to charge Levett after one of the girls reported his abuses in 1991.

Under the law at the time, children’s allegations required corroboration. It was an “entirely unjust outcome”, rather than an exoneration, Judge Hassan noted.

It was also a time in which Levett and the community-at-large didn’t appreciate the “devastating consequences” of child sexual abuse, she said.

The victims told the court of “profoundly damaging and enduring” impacts.

One said how she thought she’d be cared for at the home, but was subjected to “relentless” sexual abuse from perpetrators including Levett.

She felt like a“prostitute”, reliving the pain year after year.

A disability pensioner, she had been hospitalised many times under psychiatric treatment. The cost had been “life-long”, she stated.

Another of the women contemplated suicide on a daily basis and turned to drugs to cope.

She could never trust men in relationships since. Levett was only interested in her for sex, she stated.

Judge Hassan said Levett had lived a“double life” as a husband and father-of-two with four previous convictions for rape.

In 2013, he faced charges at Dandenong Magistrates Court of failing to comply with his obligations as a registered sex offender.

The following year, he was jailed in the County Court for up to 13 years for two“egregious examples of rape by a stranger” in the 1990s, Judge Hassan noted.

He was charged with the attacks after DNA matches two decades later.

In a trial in which one of the survivors was repeatedly labelled a “liar” under crossexamination, the judge at the time noted Levett’s “abhorrent and total lack of remorse”.

His prison term was extended by 18 months with a 2016 conviction for an indecent act with a child.

In this case, Levett still had not since shown real insight or remorse, Judge Hassan found.

His own childhood was marked by violence, abuse and illiteracy but this didn’t contribute to his repeated offending, she said.

Despite these difficulties, he still became a state champion junior cyclist and a successful businessperson. He had a long marriage, and no substance abuse issues.

A psychologist opined that Levett had “acted out” due to feelings of inadequacy stemming from his own childhood abuse.

Judge Hasan said this was “no explanation, let alone an excuse” for his multiple “predatory” and “opportunistic” abuses.

Levett’s risk of re-offending was however low, given his advancing age, the judge said.

He was convicted as a serious sexual offender and jailed for 13 years for this offending.

The judge extended his existing jail term to 21 years, with a non-parole period of 16 years. He’ll be eligible for parole in 2030.

He will be a registered sexual offender for life.

Matthew De Gruchy shares his experiences at school.

Rwanda genocide survivor and author Frida Umuhoza tells her story.

Pictures: TANYA FAULKNER

Forum speakers James Seary (Operation Newstart), Frida Umuhoza, Matthew De Gruchy, Greg De Moore, and Mardi Stephensen during question time.

Greg de Moore reveals the struggles endured by Australian Rules pioneer Tom Wills.

Dad’s day a cash bonanza

Australians are set to splash out $860 million on Father’s Day gifts this year in a much-needed boost for retailers, however, spending is set to be lower than in 2022 as cost-of-living pressures cause hip-pocket pain for shoppers.

Research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) in collaboration with Roy Morgan projects a modest dip in Father’s Day spending this year, down $12 million (1.3 per cent) from 2022.

This year, 35 per cent of Australians plan to buy a gift for Father’s Day (down 1 per cent from 2022), spending an average of $112 per person (down $1 from 2022).

Food and alcohol are slated to be the most popular gift for Dad, mentioned by 18 per cent of survey respondents, followed by clothing and shoes (10 per cent) and books, music and games (6 per cent).

More than two-thirds of Australians plan on spending the same on Father’s Day this year compared to last year (69 per cent), while 14 per cent plan on spending more and 17 per cent intend to spend less.

About a fifth of respondents’ plan on celebrating Father’s Day with a meal at a cafe or restaurant.

ARA CEO Paul Zahra said while the spending forecasts are marginally down on last year, it’s understandable given the current economic environment, and potentially bigger if you factor in recent price increases.

“With Australians experiencing unprecedented cost-of-living pressures and mortgage holders under extreme financial stress, the decline in Father’s Day spending is no surprise,” Mr Zahra said.

“Retailers will still be encouraged by the $860 million projected spend, which will provide a reprieve for some retailers from the intense pressure due to rising operating costs and an overall discretionary spending slowdown.

“Father’s Day is another gift-giving event centred around giving back – and we find that when shoppers are showing appreciation for loved ones, they are more likely to splash out.

“This is a very social family event and, food and alcohol are typically the favoured gifts on Father’s Day, with barbecues and gatherings proving a very popular way to celebrate the occasion.

“It’s an important milestone to celebrate the immense contribution of dads and the sacrifices they make, but many Australians also take the opportunity to show their appreciation for their partners, grandfathers, caregivers, and other family members.”

More than a fifth (21 per cent) of Australians will purchase gifts for someone other than their birth father.

Father’s Day is on Sunday, 3 September, 2023.

The ARA-Roy Morgan Snap SMS survey was conducted with an Australian-wide crosssection of 3185 Australians aged 18-plus on Wednesday 19 July to Thursday 20 July, 2023.

Picture: HEIKE MINTEL ON UNSPLASH

Picture: PARIZAN STUDIO ON UNSPLASH

Sutton no to ‘reckless’ call

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Victoria’s former Chief Health Officer has told a Supreme Court hearing that he was “surprised” there was only a single listeria infection despite about 20,000 I Cook Foods sandwiches being delivered to a private hospital over a five-week period.

During a five-hour-plus cross-examination on 14-15 August, Dr Brett Sutton denied he “recklessly” ordered the closure of the Dandenong South-based commercial kitchen as part of an investigation into the death of an 86-year-old listeria-infected patient at Knox Private Hospital.

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

The business 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.

It argued that Dr Sutton should have waited for more conclusive lab results which were due on 22 February 2019 – the same day that ICF was served the closure order.

The court was shown several emails by DHHS officials also advising to wait for further laboratory analysis.

“It was reckless not to wait,” ICF barrister Marcus Clarke asserted to Dr Sutton.

“No, it wasn’t,” Dr Sutton said – who noted the results actually took a further week.

The lab tests later confirmed listeria mono (LM) found on six food samples in the ICF kitchen were within “safe” levels.

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).

The official lab results for ICF ingredients proved to be less than 10 – well within the safe range, the court heard.

Dr Sutton told the court that the LM ‘enumeration’ levels were not “relevant” to his closure order, and didn’t recall if he saw the later lab results.

“Enumeration doesn’t change the reality that a case is almost unequivocally linked to food in that kitchen.”

Dr Sutton also didn’t wait for more exact genetic sequencing to determine the “relatedness” between the LM infection in the patient and the ICF food samples.

He said that a “match” on preliminary genetic testing meant “there was a view that we shouldn’t be waiting”.

Binary-type and serotype matching together provide “pretty strong evidence of their relatedness”, he said.

“It’s not perfect because there’s always small genetic changes over time.”

ICF barrister Marcus Clarke asserted that 131 of 146 possible LM strains shared the same serotype as the patient.

Dr Sutton replied he didn’t have to wait due to the matching binary and serotyping as well as the patient’s food history.

On the day of the order, Dr Sutton was in a department team meeting that day which talked through the risk assessment, the laboratory evidence, food history, other food sources and the state of the ICF kitchen, he told the court.

He said the food history was“highly suggestive” that the patient ate ICF food prior to her incubation period.

There were also multiple LM samples in the ICF premises, and concerns about the risk of listeria contamination and cross-contamination and establishing itself in an “environmental niche” in the ICF kitchen, Dr Sutton said.

He said there was a collective decision –“which I absolutely supported” to cease production.

Justice Michael McDonald noted that it was “surprising” that 17,500 ICF sandwiches were delivered to Knox Private Hospital during the five-week investigation period without another reported case of listeria infection.

Dr Sutton said he was “also surprised we didn’t see additional cases” especially in agedcare residents.

He said there could be an escalation in the listeria risk over time, and that there were others with “similar vulnerability” to the patient at risk. There may have been other cases that weren’t diagnosed or reported, he said.

“I would not be surprised if there were individuals with invasive listeriosis and not picked up,” he said.

Dr Sutton conceded the Knox patient could be the “only case” but my fear was … the listeria contamination in I Cook Foods was “increasing over time”.

He said there was “potential” for more contamination to occur and that there would be more infection after the date of closure.

Justice McDonald asked Dr Sutton whether even with the “benefit of hindsight” he denied the possibility that the patient didn’t contract listeriosis from ICF food.

“I do,” Dr Sutton said.

“I don’t think there’s an absolute knowledge you can have about food exposure for any foodbourne illness… The overwhelming weight of evidence suggests it is I Cook Foods.”

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,” he said at the time.

ICF barrister Clarke asserted there was no need to hold a press conference or to publicly

name ICF – since the DHHS had already sent out letters informing ICF clients .

There had been no press conferences for 46 other listeria cases inVictoria, he said.

“Every single time there’s a single case of listeria, you don’t hold a press conference.”

Mr Clarke asked if Dr Sutton was concerned about the impact of the press conference and the closure order on ICF.

Dr Sutton said he was“absolutely devastated by the need to make that decision” to protect vulnerable individuals.

Mr Clarke retorted if he rang ICF beforehand out of his concern for the “destruction and impact”.

“No I did not,” Dr Sutton said. “I was nonetheless absolutely clear on what actions were required.”

He agreed he was aware that ICF’s closure would cause it to breach its supply contracts. He denied he was aware that ICF’s direct competitor Community Chef was funded by DHHS.

Dr Sutton said it didn’t enter his mind to instead close ICF using “emergency powers” – which are used to reduce the possibility of a serious danger to public health.

He told the court he didn’t consider it an “emergency” but an “urgent decision in any

case” and that the public was at risk.

Mr Clarke said if there was just one listeria case by that time, there was “no risk or nearly non-existent”. Dr Sutton disagreed.

He said he acted to “protect individuals at risk of unsafe food”.

Dr Sutton also argued that a listeria outbreak could comprise of just a single case.

He insisted the average incubation period was a few days – at odds with a forensic pathologist’s evidence and department material that stated the average incubation period was about three weeks.

A forensic pathologist Professor Johan Duflou told the hearing earlier that it was possible the patient contracted listeria before admitted to the hospital.

She complained of nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain at the time – that was consistent with a prior infection, he told the court.

It was “more likely than not” that the patient’s listeria infection had been effectively treated and was “most likely incidental to the death”, he said.

“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.”

Dr Sutton said he didn’t believe he was told that the patient had diarrhoea symptoms when first admitted to hospital, didn’t know of her heart issues nor did he know of the cause of death.

He couldn’t recall if a death certificate was provided to DHHS, and said it wasn’t relevant to his decision.

A department email to Dr Sutton said the patient had consumed high-risk foods before going to hospital. It stated “the possibility that the listerosis was acquired while at home is not being dismissed.”

Dr Sutton said he had been told the patient ate foods at KPH, which was supplied by I Cook Foods.

Mr Clarke asserted that there were no hospital records of the actual food she ate – something that Dr Sutton said he wasn’t aware of.

The trial was adjourned for closing submissions on 31 August and 1 September.

Dr Brett Sutton.

I don’t think there’s an absolute knowledge you can have about food exposure for any food-bourne illness… The overwhelming weight of evidence suggests it is I Cook Foods. DR BRETT SUTTON

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. PROFESSOR JOHAN DUFLOU

Beardon seeks fees cap

By Matthew Sims

Former Casey councillor Steve Beardon has questioned the need for councils to cover the legal fees for councillors before court or other legal investigations and called for councils to restrict any and all meetings between councillors and developers without senior council staff present, as the impact of IBAC’s Operation Sandon report.

It follows the tabling of IBAC’s Operation Sandon special report in Parliament on Thursday 27 July.

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.

Casey Council corporate governance manager Chloe Casey said the council had an excess payment of $10,000 to cover the legal fees of former councillors, but ultimately it was the decision of the insurer.

“Under the Local Government Act 1989 , Section 76, Indemnity provisions, council is required to cover the legal fees of former council-

lors, provided they carried out their roles and responsibilities as a councillor in good faith,” she said.

“Council’s insurer will not cover the legal fees if a former councillor is found to not have acted in good faith.

“It will be up to the individual former councillor to cover their own legal costs.”

Casey Council did not name any councillors which received financial support, if any, as part of the Operation Sandon inquiry nor how much they received.

Mr Beardon resigned during his second term in March 2017 and said councillors have a number of ways to seek advice or bring up an issue concerning conflicts of interest or other legal breaches, including speaking with the chief executive, raising issues at weekly briefings or calling a special briefing.

“Councillors govern under legislated guide-

lines and (are) educated extensively upon their election on their legal parameters,” he said.

“Should a councillor stray outside of these guidelines, the onus needs fall back upon the individual councillor to justify.

“Councillors also have senior staff to call on, and advise individually, and collectively on planning or any issue before council, as well as the Victorian Local Governance Association to call upon on any advice needed procedurally.”

Mr Beardon said legal representation paid by councils needed to be capped.

“Councillors found to have purposely conspired to seek personal gain or similar outside of legislative responsibility need be responsible for all their legal fees.

“At the end of the day, legislation needs be changed to empower council chief executives to have the authority to report any suspected breaches by councillors.

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

“Cost recovery also needs be sought and guaranteed by a councillor or councillors should a councillor be found to have breached legislation.”

Mr Beardon said the function of councillors was to seek planning and legal advice and set strategic direction based on said advice.

“Councils employ highly educated, experienced and knowledgeable staff,” he said.

“Councillors should never invite or attend meetings with developers, or outside interests, without the presence of senior council staff.

“This is or should be standard protocol.”

Mr Beardon said the community deserved to know how much money was being spent on legal costs defending former councillors.

“A question ratepayers need to ask of Casey council is: how much have sacked councillors collectively cost ratepayers for their legal representation to date, and how much are any further legal expenses estimated to cost ratepayers, now that IBAC has been reported as having referred evidence from its report to the DPP?”

Speaking about the circumstances, decisions and actions which were detailed in the Operation Sandon report, Mr Beardon said he was “terribly disappointed”.

“Elected representatives should never forget it is the community we serve,” he said.

“Public service is, or was once, viewed as honourable.

“Elected representatives were once revered, now communities everywhere search for integrity in politics.

“We need a stronger IBAC to police integrity.”

Early intervention is the key

PSA Screening: Assessing a man’s individual prostate cancer risk.

PSA screening involves a blood test, which can help to establish the individual risk of prostate cancer. The aim of prostate cancer screening is to detect the disease at an early stage, to improve the chances of cure. The test is performed because prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms until it reaches an advanced and often incurable stage (metastatic).

PSA (prostate specific antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. All men who still have their prostate will have some level of PSA detectable in their blood test. PSA is a prostate test or prostate check (not specifically a cancer test) but in men with prostate cancer the PSA will generally be higher than men without the disease. Unfortunately, there is no normal reading and other conditions such as enlarged prostate (BPH), infection or

inflammation may also cause an elevated PSA reading. Therefore, PSA only forms part of the screening for prostate cancer and it is important to monitor the levels over a period of time, rather than a single reading.

Men who are interested in establishing their individual risk of having or developing prostate cancer should talk to their GP about having a PSA test. Deciding whether or not to have a screening PSA test is a personal choice. Generally, the recommendation for screening is to have a PSA blood test at 50 years of age with no family history of prostate cancer, and 45 years of age if you have a first degree relative (father, uncle or brother) with prostate cancer.

If you would like further information or wish to arrange a consultation with a specialist urologist, please phone Melbourne Urology Centre on 1300 702 811.

Former Casey councillor Steve Beardon. 22093

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Dr Shekib Shahbaz and Dr Tony de Sousa.

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 electronic 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.

· Wednesday 23 August, 6pm- 7.30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event, registrations required at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ greater-dandenong-council/events/messelectronic-sound-workshop

‘That Made Me Laugh’

Come along to have a laugh and a coffee. Enjoy lots of riddles, jokes, puns, poems and short texts. Please feel free to bring along any reading material to share with the group that made you laugh or made you wonder…

· Monday 28 August 10.30am-11.30am at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. A gold coin donation is welcome. Bookings: 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

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. Alex Wilkie Spring Thing

Come and celebrate the spring reopening of Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, including First Nations’ Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Seedlings planting, nature play on the Sense Trail, wildlife presentations, roving performers, live music and free BBQ. BYO water bottles/ cups, with water refill stations at the event.

· Sunday 3 September, 11am-3pm at Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South. Free event. Registrations open on 31 July at www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ spring-opening

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.

Mutt Strut

A dog-walk fundraiser for Australian Animal Protection Society to help cover the costs of rescuing dogs facing euthanasia at rural pounds. Includes training and recall demonstration, doggy competitions, vegan snags, limited edition merch and a coffee van.

· Saturday 26 August, 10am-1pm at Australian Animal Protection Society, 26 Aegean Court, Keysborough. Details: aaps.org.au

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

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.

Meditation and positive thinking

Learn how to make your mind your best friend through open-eyed meditation. Led by Bhavani Padmanabhan, these free sessions are open to all. Presented by Bakhtar Community Organisation and The Brahma Kumaris Organisation.

· Saturdays 2pm at 23-47 Gunns Road,Hallam. Registrations: 9703 2555 or 0403 551 596.

Weekly badminton

Adults welcome (Mondays 7pm-9pm) and ladies & retired (Wednesdays 12pm-2.30pm).

· 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

Bid to curb sport violence

An educational initiative to reduce violence on and off sporting fields is set to get under way with YMCA Victoria and the Pat Cronin Foundation (PCF) teaming up to reach as many as 1.2 million players, fans and staff at Casey Stadium in the next 12 months.

This collaboration was made possible through a $30,000 grant provided by the City of Casey as part of the Victorian Government’s Empowering Communities initiative within the Building Safer Communities Program.

City of Casey Chair of Administrators Ms Noelene Duff PSM said the council is pleased to support this initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to tackling valuable social causes.

“Building on the successes from our initial funding, the Pat Cronin Foundation have since secured an additional $80,000 funds through the same grant initiative, with the aim to raise awareness around the impacts of social violence, including the much-publicised coward punch, as well as strategies to handle and diffuse conflict,” she said.

The partnership will kick off with a powerful statement during Round 14 of the National Basketball League One (NBL1) and Victorian Netball League 16.

Guest speakers will address crowds at two feature matches to encourage positive change, while ongoing messaging will be displayed prominently on the stadium’s big screens throughout the year.

Stadium staff will take part in workshops to learn techniques to diffuse confrontation, while sporting clubs and the community will be encouraged to attend one of two highly informative educational presentations for players in September and November.

The Pat Cronin Foundation, a prominent Melbourne-based violence prevention charity, was established following the death of 19-year-old Pat Cronin from a Coward Punch attack while helping a mate during a night out in 2016.

YMCA’s Recreational Regional Executive Manager - South East Carly Sanders said the YMCA was honoured to be joining forces with PCF in a shared mission to prevent violence and promote healthy relationships in the

City of Casey.

“This partnership will enable us to combine our resources to create impactful programs that address social violence in our community,” she said.

“The initiative embodies the core values of both organisations and underscores our commitment to making a lasting, positive change in thousands of lives.”

Pat Cronin Foundation director Matt Cronin, the father of Pat, said reinforcing appropriate responses to anger and aggression in the sporting arena was a valuable opportunity

because it also involved skills essential in everyday life.

“This initiative withYMCAVictoria will help us spread our message, which is particularly relevant in the rough and tumble of competitive sport where emotions are often running high - but also outside of sport,” he said.

“We’re calling on all sports clubs associated with the stadium to register for one of the upcoming presentations, which often have a transformative effect on those who attend.

“Thousands of people are hospitalised each year in Australia due to senseless violence in

public settings and by giving people an understanding of Pat’s story, raising awareness of the impact of violence and offering practical tips to deal with anger and confrontation, we hope to reduce the statistics.”

The YMCA collaboration complements another groundbreaking PCF partnership beginning soon in the City of Casey.

The Foundation will work directly with around 7000 students in up to 25 schools, showcasing its newly developed Prep-Year 12 Be Wise Education Program – now available throughout Australia.

(L) Casey Stadium Centre Manager Josh Sadler and (R) PCF Partnerships Manager Steve Layt.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Museum honours Brown

By Garry Howe

Neil Brown is a keen student of history - particularly pertaining to his beloved greyhounds - and helped build the Sandown complex into the world class facility it is today.

It was fitting then that on Sunday 13 August a part of that facility was dedicated in his name to showcase that rich history.

The honour of officially opening the Neil Brown Museum when to the man after whom it was named.

Sandown Greyhound Racing Club chief executive Adrian Scott said the idea of opening a museum had been bandied around for a few years.

“The establishment of a museum at Sandown has been loosely discussed for the last 10 years and about this time last year we made a commitment to establishing a museum,” he told guests at the opening ceremony, explaining that it also aligned with celebrating 150 years of greyhound racing in Victoria.

“Whilst our museum is modest compared to some, it will continue to evolve. I would like to acknowledge the work of our staff members - Bernadette Dillon and Tony Parson for making today happen.

“When we were formatting our plan for the museum, one of the first points of discussion was coming up with a name, it was a brief discussion,” Adrian said.

“Neil Brown has carved out a reputation as being an authority on the history of greyhound racing, not just around the Sandown club, but across Australia.

“Neil has held various positions within the industry, some paid positions but the majority in a voluntary capacity. He has been a director of the SGRC for 16 years, the last six years as chairperson.

“He is a life member of the club and presently holds the position as publicity officer for Greyhound Clubs Australia.”

Adrian said Neil’s Facebook site - Greyhound Racing Throughout The Years - has around 8000 followers.

He said there were three names synonymous with the history of the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club.

Henry Harrison, after whom the grandstand is named; Geoff ‘Smokey’ Dawson, who has Dawsons Bistro named in his honour, and Neil Brown.

“It is indeed an honour to be part of this auspicious occasion in formally opening the museum, a museum that acknowledged the outstanding contribution that Neil has made to our sport and the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club,” Adrian said.

“Neil has spent all his life in the Springvale district, by his own admissions a humble hobby trainer who achieved moderate success from his backyard in Keysborough.

“Neil, whilst you may have been a humble hobby trainer, you have been a champion ambassador for the sport of greyhound racing.”

After cutting the ribbon to declare the mu-

seum open to the public, Neil reflected upon how significant it was to have the museum within the Sandown complex.

“Sandown has been a leader in so many ways over the years.This is a magnificent complex, it is world class and I am very proud of it.

“This is extremely humbling for me to have this museum with my name on it at Sandown, a place that means so much to me.”

One of the museum exhibits is a bookmaker’s board and satchel donated by Neil’s good friend Garry Thomas.

Neil identified eight of the top sprinters to have graced the Sandown track and asked Garry to frame a market for the ‘race’.

He installed Highly Blessed as the 3-1 favourite, ahead of Rapid Journey and Sandi’s Me Mum at 5-1, Rookie Rebel at 6-1, Cheltenham Lass and Fernando Bale at 10-1 and Gold Grotto and Hua at 16-1.

Highly Blessed, he said, was rated in the top eight greyhounds in the world.

Sandown Greyhound Racing Club chairman Neil Brown stands outside the new museum named in his honour with two of the people who helped see the project to fruition, the club’s business development manager Bernadette Dillon and club CEO Adrian Scott.

Neil Brown’s family was there to help celebrate the honour, from left, Nick Phillips, Kelly Phillips, Emma Brown, Neil, Mandy Brown, Scott Brown and Neil’s three grandchildren.

Neil Brown and good friend, bookmaker Garry Thomas, with the board and satchel donated to the museum - and the hottest field to grace the track, in market order.

Neil Brown cuts the ribbon to officially declare open the museum named in his honour at Sandown.

Ziller in Nashville thriller

By Matthew Sims

Endeavour Hills rock, blues and folk musician Gretta Ziller is in the middle of an exciting whirlwind, as she is in the middle of a regional tour across the country, is set to release her third studio album and is preparing for a dream trip to Nashville.

After she was announced as the inaugural recipient of The Country Music Association of Australia Academy of Country Music Nashville exchange program in May, she said she was “over the moon” to receive the opportunity to travel to Americanafest on September 2.

“It has been on my wishlist for many years,” Ziller said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing a lot of people play and writing with them.

“I look forward to this trip being the stepping off point for me becoming a Nashville regular.”

Zincluding two full length albums, an acoustic

Ziller is also releasing her third studio album ‘All These Walls’ on Friday 25 August, coinciding with a show at the Noojee Hotel on the same day, followed by a special band performance at George Lane in St Kilda.

“Playing live is wonderful,” she said.

“I write with the hope that people can understand and feel and overlay their experiences over my own.”

Ziller said most of her shows just involve her singing with a guitar.

“In these shows I want to let people in, I want them to get to know me and walk away with joy in their hearts,” she said.

“If you’re seeing a band show of mine, which I rarely get to do, we like to make them big and rocking and full on.

“We want you to feel the joy and love for what we do oozing off the stage and infecting you.”

While the new album was wrote during Melbourne’s lockdowns, she said it is an upbeat album.

“A lot of the songs are about appreciation,” she said. “I am really lucky to do the thing I love the most. The main themes on All These Walls are love, self believe and self-worth… with a hint of self-doubt because we can’t be too cheery.”

Ziller said the first track on the album‘Cross My Fingers’ deals with the anxious feelings we all get when we are lying awake at 2am, while songs like St Louis are a lively celebration of soul and jazz music, complete with guest musicians on Hammond organ and keys, saxophones, trumpet, pedal steel guitars and backing vocals.

“St. Louis the song had been on my mind and in my heart to write for a number of years,” she said.

“I had written a few versions of this song before a song club prompt gave me the excuse to finally finish the version we recorded.

“The song expresses my gratitude to all the songs, and the writers of those songs, that shaped my musical influences.”

While Ziller is grateful for the support and mentoring she has received from within the country music scene, she is always thankful for the support she has had from her fans since she first released music in 2014.

“Without them, I would be in my bedroom and playing alone,” she said.

“I’m not just a part of their life, they’re a part of my life.”

For more information about her new album or upcoming tour dates, visit www.grettaziller. com.

Farm facilities receive a face-lift

Doveton’s Myuna Farm has completed an upgrade to its popular animal nursery enclosure after 30 years of welcoming visitors of all ages.

O riginally constructed in 1993 through a training program with Holmesglen TAFE building apprentices, Myuna Farm has a range of animal’s including lambs, kid goats, calves, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, bearded dragon), ducklings and baby chickens.

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

Myuna Farm manager Steve Hill gave Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff PSM, administrator Miguel Belmar and chief executive Glenn Patterson a tour of the upgraded facilities.

Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff PSM, administrator Miguel Belmar and chief executive Glenn Patterson joined Myuna Farm manager Steve Hill to officially open the new upgrades. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Gretta Ziller. Picture: NOAH SOLE

MP backs cannabis reform

A South Eastern Metropolitan MP is advocating for cannabis law reforms, after research revealed half of Australians think cannabis should be taxed and regulated like alcohol and tobacco.

Legalise Cannabis Victoria MP for the Upper House, Rachel Payne, said the party is seeking “sensible and meaningful reform” to end the criminalisation of personal use cannabis.

It comes as new Essential Report research found 53 per cent of Labor voters and nearly 50 per cent of Coalition voters were in agreement over cannabis regulation.

Ms Payne said the polling shows the “Aus-

tralian war on drugs does not work”.

“The cost of prohibition from cannabis-related law enforcement spending takes not only an enormous economic toll, but it does nothing for harm minimisation in our community,” she said.

“If a majority of voters think the same, isn’t it time our government got on the right side of history by reforming outdated laws, in line with community expectations?”

Just 26 per cent of people are opposed to the regulation and taxation of cannabis, the report found, offering a signal that many Australians would support change in the field.

The polling follows the Legalise Cannabis Party simultaneously introducing their Regulation of Cannabis for Personal Adult Use Bill 2023 inVictoria, New SouthWales andWestern Australia in June.

The fresh polling is indicative of a positive trend in support for cannabis legislation reform, with the last National Drug Strategy Household Survey recording support of adult cannabis use of 41 per cent; up from 35 per cent in 2016.

The 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey indicated 74 per cent of Australians believe the consumption of cannabis should not be a criminal offence.

Fellow Legal Cannabis Party MP David Ettershank said the numbers were a clear vindication of support for the party’s reform calls.

“The Australian population is clearly well ahead of our major political parties and it’s time for those parties to catch up and act,” he said.

“Instead of the perpetual criminalisation and marginalisaton of people for cannabis use, Australians want taxation and regulation.

“Our regulation bill will be a first step in ending the cannabis black market, and a first step in cannabis education and community safety.”

South Eastern Metropolitan MP in the upper house, Rachel Payne.

Picture: TONY LEE New polling shows half of Australians support cannabis regulation.

Picture: UNSPLASH

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SPORT

Defence in tatters

By Marcus Uhe

Noble Park’s premiership defence is over after the Bulls failed to qualify for the Eastern Football Netball League’s 2023 finals campaign.

Tied in sixth position with Blackburn heading into the final week of the season, the Bulls’ loss to Balwyn was compounded by Blackburn’s upset win over East Ringwood, seeing the Panthers vault Steve Hughes side and claim sixth place, to face Balwyn in an elimination final.

It’s a result that is sure to send shock-waves throughout the league, with the Bulls having held a place in the top six for much of the season as an established powerhouse of the competition.

The Bulls led at every interval in Saturday’s clash against an opponent chasing a slim chance of snatching a top-two spot and earning the right to sit-out the first week of the finals series.

But a five-goal-to-one final quarter from the Tigers ultimately put the final nail in the coffin for Noble Park’s season at Pat Wright Senior Oval, the final score reading 6.9 45 to 9.11 65.

Tristan Van Driel was the hero for Balwyn, kicking three in the final term as one of the key drivers in the comeback.

He put the Tigers ahead after just three minutes, their first lead since the opening minutes when the visitors kicked the first goal of the afternoon.

A scramble at a stoppage deep in Balwyn’s forward line resulted in his second from the top of the goal square as the margin grew to eight points.

A Tom Bower miss in the Noble Park forward line was then spring-boarded the length of the ground for Jack Tillig to convert, sneak-

ing out the back of the Bulls’ unsuccessful forward press as the deepest forward.

Ben Marson provided an immediate reply for the Bulls on a rare forward 50 entry for Noble Park to keep their fight alive, but Van Driel responded shortly after to restore the 14-point buffer.

The Bulls fought to the bitter end, but sometimes its just not your day.

A stoppage at half-forward for Balwyn led to a Callum Bradley snap from hard against the boundary, that somehow navigated its way through the big sticks despite the pressure from Bodey Lambert and Anthony Marson on the kick.

Watching it sail over his head was Dean Jones, who braced against the goalpost with his head in his hands, knowing that the kick

Explosive finish to NPL season for Dandy Thunder

By Marcus Uhe

A late rally from Dandenong Thunder wasn’t enough to see them secure the three points in its final contest of the 2023 NPL1 season, losing 3-4 to Hume City FC at home on Saturday afternoon.

After a scoreless first 45, a catastrophic 14 minutes in the second saw the Thunder concede three goals in rapid time, the third coming in the 70th minute to Hume City striker Brandon Lauton.

It kicked the home side into gear, however, with Emre Ozyurek finding the back of the net in the 78th minute, making an instant impact having just been substituted into the pitch in place of Ndue Mujeci.

Grad Damen made it 2-3 just two minutes later before Ozyurek leveled the scores in the 86th minute, setting the scene for a frantic close to the game.

It would take until stoppage time for the deadlock to be broken, Josh Bingham scoring his second for the visitors in the 92nd minute to break the hearts of Thunder players coaches and fans.

The loss sees the Thunder finish the season with 10 wins, three draws and 13 losses from its 26 matches for the season.

Thirteen goals to Damen made him one of the most prolific strikers in the competition, finishing equal second on the goal scorers table.

Berwick blows its chance

By Marcus Uhe

Berwick blew a golden opportunity to finish its season on a high, dropping the last game of its season to Park Orchards by nine points at Domeney Reserve.

A second half fightback wasn’t enough to reel in a 33-point halftime deficit, with inaccurate kicking seeing them miss a number of critical opportunities in the second half, finishing 11.11 77 to 9.14 68.

Berwick held the Sharks to just 2.3 in the second half but could only manage 5.9 themselves.

Trailing by 26 points at the final break, the Wickers kicked the first three goals of the opening quarter, through Harry Money, Matt Albrecht and Blake Petherick to give Berwick a fighting chance.

Albrecht thought he had put the visitors ahead with a kick off the ground on the goalline, but desperate defending saw the umpire

Hawks show ruthless side

By Marcus Uhe

deem the kick touched.

The Sharks kicked the sealer minutes later, a forward snapping to an unguarded goal square following a stoppage.

Park Orchards were playing to stay in Premier Division, hoping to climb out of 11th place and overtake South Croydon in tenth, where Berwick were in proverbial no-man’s land, unable to be relegated and not able to qualify for finals.

South Croydon’s defeat of Norwood, however, ensured they finished equal on points, and survived the cut with a superior percentage.

Money finished the afternoon with three goals for Berwick, with Bryce Curtis, Ryan Bromley and Jordan Roberts among their best performers.

Ryan Bromley was a standout for Berwick in its final game of the season. 353286

ultimately sealed his side’s fate.

The siren sounded just minutes later, leaving the fate of the Bulls to the result over at Blackburn’s Morton Park East Oval.

The Panthers were equal to the task, pulling off a shock upset of East Ringwood at home.

The hosts were considerably more accurate than their visitors, kicking 13.5 (83) to East Ringwood’s 7.15 (57), and ultimately snatching the opportunity the Bulls provided.

The results mean the Bulls will miss finals for the time since 2019, having tasted the ultimate success in 2022.

Marson, Lachlan McDonnell and Jackson Sketcher each kicked two for the Bulls, with Bodey Lambert, Chris Horton-Milne and Kevin Kean among their best players.

A brutal 189-point win over Doncaster secured Rowville a top-two finish and an all-important double chance in the Eastern Football Netball League’s Premier Division, with finals to begin next week.

It’s the second consecutive year the Hawks had secured the best possible path to glory, having topped the league in 2022.

The Hawks were at risk of falling to third on percentage, given Balwyn’s defeat of Noble Park saw them tie on premiership points, but Ben Wise’s side ensured nothing was left to chance, inflicting the heaviest defeat of the EFNL’s Premier Division in 2023 over the 1st Division-bound Doncaster, winning 37.10 232 to 6.7 43 at Doncaster’s Schramms Reserve.

17 players hit the scoreboard for the Hawks with eight players doing it multiple times, led by Zachary Greeves’ eight, Max Martini’s five, and three each to Maverick Taylor, Anthony Brolic and Matt Davey.

It was an effort made all the more impressive considering Lachlan Wynd’s absence, selected for Box Hill’s VFL side, and Jake Arundell was held goalless, playing higher up the ground.

They had nine on the board within 25 minutes, with Davey contributing three, before the Sharks finally hit the scoreboard in the 28th minute.

The second quarter shaped to follow a similar path with the Hawks starting the quarter with four goals, including Greeves’ second and third, but the Sharks were able to stem the bleeding earlier than they did in the previous term.

Mitchell Sruk’s snap in the 28th minute from a tight angle saw the rampaging visitors clear the 100-point barrier before Tyler Edwards goaled after the siren for a 108-point lead at the long break.

Between the hosts’ second goal midway through the second term and their third late in the third quarter, the Hawks slammed on 13, refusing to take their feet off the accelerator.

The Hawks will put their feet up next week before facing Vermont in the second week of the finals at Bayswater Oval, with the chance to advance directly through to the grand final if successful, as they did 12 months ago.

A stuttering start to the campaign for the Hawks in which they lost their opening two contests and three of their first five is long-forgotten, having won 12 of its last 13 matches.

Their only loss in that period, however, was to the Eagles in round 11, by 47 points, easily their greatest losing margin of the season.

The Eagles’ season bares similarities to Rowville’s, dropping two of their first three including a shock loss to Berwick before cruising in the second half of the season.

Balwyn will play Blackburn and East Ringwood will face Doncaster in elimination finals next week, with the winners of those clashes to fight it out in week two.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Harry Ashcroft (right) and the Dandenong Thunder’s season has come to a close. 235924

Picture: ROB CAREW

Zac Greeves kicked eight goals for Rowville in its mauling of Doncaster. 335962 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Liam Scott couldn’t escape the grips of Balwyn’s Joshua Pollocks. 354793 Picture: ROB CAREW

SPORT

Stingray’s graduation day

By Jonty Ralphsmith

As Dandenong’s ZiggyToledo-Glasman parked at Shepley Oval forThursday night training last week, his phone rang.

On the other end of the line was Casey coach TaylorWhitford telling him he was making his VFL debut.

The teenager raced inside, told his ‘Rays coach Nick Cox, and was off to Casey Fields within 30 seconds of arriving.

The marking forward shared a brief moment of joy with Cox, who has seen him kick 28 goals in 17 Talent League games, before mentally preparing to play in a cut-throat game against VFL flag threat Brisbane.

For the reigning premiers, the proposition was win and they’ll get a week off, or lose and play a do-or-die final.

Toledo-Glasman’s selection followed consecutive four goal outings in Division 1 of the MPFNL from the wing.

He’s also been important as a marking presence inside 50 for the Stingrays, and he had a best-on-ground performance for the Young Guns earlier this year, a team made up of 2004born draft prospects.

“My marking and contested marking has improved so much in the last four to six weeks because I’ve been playing on these unreal Casey defenders like Tom Freeman and Rhys

Galvin,” Toledo Glasman said, speaking to Star News ahead of his debut.

“Competing with them pushes you to be better.

“I’ve now got the confidence to jump at everything and I’ve been able to pull a few down at local (level) and hopefully it can translate into this week.”

Toledo Glasman kicked 2.1, including one with his first possession, and took a big contested mark in the fourth quarter on AFL-listed Jaxon Prior in a promising first outing.

The teenager stood between Casey teammate George Grey and All Australian Brodie Grundy as Mitch White addressed the group pre-game during his jumper presentation.

The draft hopeful is content with his progress, having trained in different positions for Whitford’s side.

“This is the best my mindset has been in terms of footy,” he added.

“I’m not stressed about getting drafted as such, I’m more smelling the roses and enjoying it, so mindset’s good and I’m feeling confident.

“My intent is to get into good spots and pop up and help out where I can, but I’m not so much focussed on a standout game, I’m more focussed on feeding our system.”

The Dees lost by two points and will face North Melbourne in wildcard round this weekend.

Keysy coach reviews ‘brutal’ season for the Borough

By Jonty Ralphsmith

It was the season that got away for Southern Football Netball League Division 2 club Keysborough.

The club was aware it was going to be a year where the list would transition, with more responsibility on younger players to play a more prominent role, but they had hoped to remain in the hunt for finals.

Instead, some off-field tumult and hard fought losses saw the Burra pick up just three wins.

Jojo Ofosu-Amaah’s highly publicised onfield cardiac arrest early in the season had a profound impact on the rest of the club’s campaign.

“If we had our time again, we probably would have pulled the pin on the Caulfield game and just forfeited,” coach Chris Smith said.

“Whereas we played, and got beaten by (73) points, because no one was ready to play and it rolled into the Murrumbeena game.

“If we pulled the pin, we would have been ready to show up after that.

“I just don’t think we handled it well and it dragged on a bit but there is no manual for that.”

The‘Burra were also on the back foot early after their preseason camp was cancelled due to extreme weather.

To replicate the sense of harmony the club had in the last month of the season, that can’t again occur again, according to Smith, with fitness to be the flavour of preseason to give them gears to go through.

A victory over Hampton Park, competitive patches in both games against Doveton, a tight loss to Caulfield in the return clash, and staying with premiership favourites East Brighton for three quarters demonstrated the recipe for success.

Ultimately, outside the game against the Redbacks, they were overrun late in each of those, while scores against on turnover also hurt throughout the season.

“We are capable of creating stoppage after stoppage and we need to work on our skills,” Smith said.

“Against Doveton we showed we can switch the ball and open it up, keep it off them, and bring wingers into it, so we can compete with them.

“With the year we had, we threw the towel in a little bit and had a disconnect at times between the coaching group and playing group, but in the last month or so we’ve galvanised.

“We had only one bad game (in that time) and the rest of them we’ve been in up to our eyeballs and haven’t been able to finish off and we know why.”

Cory Hargraves, Anthony Brannan and Mark Di Blasio each played their last game on Saturday.

Brannan, a long time defender, plugged a hole in the forward line this year, as well as helping to coach, while Di Blasio played a big role in recruiting.

“They are work horses and they have got every little bit that they could out of their bodies and you can see the finish line for those boys is now.

“Not one of them is thinking about going on again, it’s been that‘this is 100 per cent my last game, I can’t get up anymore.’

“We couldn’t be happier with the output they’ve given our club.”

That trio were among 49 players rotated through a senior side which struggled for continuity in 2023, but their departures will help the demographic of the list continue to change.

After playing last year with as many as 10 players over 30-years-old, that was closer to five this year and will be lower again next season.

Led by the ultimate professional Simon Marchese, young defender/midfielder Nash Graham and Ethan Bakes, the club has about nine youngsters that will play a big part in the next generation.

For much of the season, it felt Keysborough lacked game changing midfielders,

while they also desperately need someone to spearhead the forward line, no one kicking more than 14 goals in 2023.

Smith put increased standards on the agenda for the 2024 preseason, the first since 2012 which won’t come off the back of a finals campaign.

“East Brighton can do it, why can’t we,” Smith said, referencing theVampires’ recruiting drive which has catapulted them from fifth last year to a 17-1 record in 2023.

“The formula is there if you work hard and do things right.”

“The boys get a longer break this year and the message is to be ready for preseason because we’ll be waiting for you and it will be tough because we want to be fit.”

ThomasShawisonethatKeysboroughhopescanplayabigrolegoingforward.

353282

Picture:ROBCAREW