EHD Star Journal - 19th September 2023

Drive-by shock

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A sleeping teenage boy is believed to be the unintended victim of a second targeted driveby shooting into a home within days in Melbourne’s South East.

The 17-year-old was sleeping when he was shot through a second-storey window in Janmara Court, Endeavour Hills early onWednesday 13 September.

A Mitsubishi Eclipse SUV was observed doing “a couple of laps“ of the court before several shots were fired from either the road or the street about 1.20am.

He was taken to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

Four family members - a 56-year-old man, a 46-year-old woman, a 26-year-old woman and an 11-year-old girl - in the home were not injured. No other homes or cars were struck.

The SUV was later torched and abandoned at Sweeney Reserve on MelzakWay, NarreWarren.

One of the two alleged offenders may have been burnt at the scene, police believe.

“We are in the early stages of the investigation but we are operating in the belief that it was a targeted shooting,” Detective Acting Inspector Al Hanson, of the Armed Crime Squad, said.

The boy was “extremely lucky” not to have been killed.

“We don’t think he’s the intended target,” Det Act Insp Hanson said.

“We don’t believe anyone in the address (at the time) was the intended target.

“It’s possible it was a mistaken address but we don’t have information to confirm or otherwise.”

He said the shooting was not linked to any others, including multiple shots fired into a family home in Burrows Avenue in Dandenong on Sunday 10 September.

Two adult occupants were uninjured after shots were fired at their unit about 11.10pm.

“We do believe both shootings are targeted shootings,“ Det Act Insp Hanson said.

“We don’t have a random gunman driving

around firing indiscriminately in Dandenong or Endeavour Hills or surrounding area houses.”

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

Two bulletholes are visible in the home’s top-storey window. 360663 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Detective Acting Inspector Al Hanson says the boy is believed to be not the intended target. 360663

Police investigate the scene at Janmara Court, Endeavour Hills. 360663

Learn, Love, Live is the theme of the 2023 City of Casey Ageing Positively Festival.

Held in conjunction with the Victorian Seniors Festival, the month-long celebration is an opportunity for us to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our older generations to our diverse community. With more than 100 fantastic events on offer, there is something for everyone. Whether you are interested in joining a workshop, immersing yourself in musical events, attending informative sessions, going on tours, or trying something new, this festival promises enriching experiences and memorable moments for all. Visit the Ageing Positively Festival page on our website to download a copy of the program or to find out where you can pick up a hard copy.

Have your say and help shape Casey’s future

Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our consultation and engagement platform, Casey Conversations.

• Express your interest in joining the Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Group

• Nominate someone you know for Casey Community Awards 2023

• Have your say on the draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024/26

Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.

Free youth creative workshops

Are you aged 18 to 25, and want to explore your identity, share your stories or connect with others?

Expressions of Interest are now open for three creative workshops. Hosted by the City of Casey, in partnership with Feifei Curiosity, the free workshops will give youth of all genders and cultures the opportunity to explore what respect means to them through dance, photography and poetry. Following the workshops in October and November, participants will showcase their performances and display their creations at the 16 Days of Activism Respecting Youth Voices event in December. Spots are limited, so get in quick. Participants must be able to attend all three workshops and the community showcase event. To register, please scan the QR code.

Bunjil Place partnership opportunities EOI now open

Bunjil Place is looking to welcome annual partners and sponsors across a selection of opportunities for 2024.

Presenting and promoting some of the best Australian and international artists and artwork that engages, challenges, and inspires our diverse audiences, Bunjil Place provides world-class facilities in one unique space.

Bunjil Place partners and sponsors will receive many benefits, including onsite activations at Bunjil Place, a range of VIP event experiences, inclusion in Bunjil Place marketing collateral and more. Every precinct, program, and event partnership presents unique opportunities which can be tailored to suit the partners’ objectives, targets and capacities.

To find out more and submit an Expression of Interest, please visit the Bunjil Place website.

Explore

The Casey Innovation Summit will feature a variety of events, workshops, panels, and networking opportunities for anyone interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of the city. You will have the chance to hear from inspiring speakers, interact with experts and mentors, discover new ideas and opportunities, connect with like-minded thinkers, and explore the possibility of investing in the future of the city.

For more information, visit the Choose Casey website.

Lost Dogs Disco, Installation. Bunjil Place Plaza, 2023.

Scores seek bills relief

By Sahar Foladi

The mounting pressure of cost of living in Greater Dandenong has prompted a community relief group to hold a‘Bring your Bills Day’.

About 150 community members walked through the doors at South East Community Links in Dandenong on Wednesday 13 September for support with their bills, loans and other expenses.

An emotional resident seeking asylum from Malaysia, Suzetty Subandi was one of the many residents in need of support.

“When I got the information, I attended straight away to seek help for my situation, my car loan, billing and everything.

“I felt lost, stuck and didn’t know where to go but now I feel like the big stone is lifted from my shoulders. I’m so grateful to the community.”

Ms Subandi worked in aged care when she found herself injured at work and diagnosed with pain and stiffness from a ‘frozen shoulder’.

Things spiralled from there after she was forced to quit her job and her husband became the sole income-earner with factory work.

To make it even worse, their monthly rent increased to $1521 as experienced by thousands of others.

She said the event was “out of my expectation“.

“I thought I’d walk in and receive some advice but here they gave some solutions, information so when I face the agency or the energy consultants, I can talk to them.”

SECL financial counsellor, Kay Dilger said they’re humbled by the community response to the event.

“This was an extra support to try and reach as many people as possible to make it OK to

talk about financial hardship and that everyone is struggling right now.”

Experts from the water, power and service sectors, tenancy rights, financial and consumer rights, Ombudsman services, Centrelink, Fines Victoria were available to provide free confidential advice.

They provided information about where to go and who to speak with if customers are unable to speak with their bank or energy company about an unaffordable payment arrangement.

Ms Dilger said electricity bills took up the majority of the topic at the drop-in session.

“We had one person who had no electric-

ity for two weeks and got their service re-connected because they came in at the drop-in session.

“We supported 30 community members to get their electricity bills on payment plans, and to access grants and concessions in oneon-one interviews,” she said.

“It goes to show the increasing challenges people are facing. People need support to talk to their creditors.”

Eight different languages and over the phone interpreters were available to accommodate the diversity of people who attended the session.

SECL is the largest provider in financial

counselling in the municipality. At least two thirds of their clients talk about the cost of living pressures impacting on their ability to pay bills and sustain housing.

Despite multiple community organisations providing emergency relief in food, pantry supplies and assistance such as SECL, Cornerstone and Orange Sky the never-ending demands continue to surge. And it’s challenging for organisations to keep up.

“If I compare it to two years ago, we had about a two week wait to see a financial counsellor,“ Ms Dilger said.

“Now unless you’re losing your home, the bank has repossessed your house or you’re being evicted, we have about a 12 week wait to see a financial counsellor.”

More than 62 per cent of SECL clients accessing emergency relief services report mental health, cost of living, and housing stress.

Between January to June 2023, 74 per cent of clients presenting to financial counselling indicated the cost of living and mortgage stress as the reason for their financial hardship.

“Everyone’s had to cut back on their spending and of course those on the lowest fixed incomes struggle the most to keep up with the cost of living crisis,” Ms Dilger said..

“We need more support in funds from state and federal governments in order to meet the rising demand in the community.

“We do what we can but really what we need is more resources to provide the service that’s very much needed at the moment.“

The National Debt Helpline reports a 29 per cent increase (15,404) in calls during the six months to June 2023 compared to last year.

There’s also a major increase in calls regarding credit card, rentals, Buy Now Pay Later, mortgage payments and increased council rates and body corporate levy arrears.

Concerns over $101m proposal for historic site

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Objectors have raised concern about a proposed redevelopment of the historic former Iveco Trucks site at 7 Princes Highway, Dandenong South.

Last year, Industry Superfunds-backed

ISPT and Aliro Group bought the 12.2 hectare Iveco site for $95 million, with plans to create a “premium logistics estate to capitalise on the growth of e-commerce and essential manufacturing”.

According to a planning permit application summary, the proponents are applying to demolish buildings and trees within the heritage overlay.

It was not specified which buildings and trees were being removed.

Five warehouse buildings will be built at the site as part of an estimated $101 million redevelopment, according to the summary.

Iveco also has plans to build a new innovation centre next to it.

An ISPT spokesperson said it was too early to comment on the proposal.

The site is covered by a heritage overlay “primarily due to it being part of the early industrial development in Greater Dandenong”, Greater Dandenong Council city planning director Jody Bosman said.

“Council has recently received a plan-

ning permit application for this site and is currently assessing this against the relevant provisions of the planning scheme, including the Heritage Overlay.”

One of the objectors Gaye Guest has called for public consultation on the plans.

“Our local heritage laws need to be respected and enforced strongly as this site has been on the local Heritage register since 1999.

“We have all been alarmed how super funds and developers think they can overturn these restrictions and do exactly what they want. One is playing out on our doorstep right now over the Kingswood Golf Club.

“1-27 Princes Hwy was the manufacturing hub of Dandenong and Doveton with many homes being built for the workers in the two suburbs.

“This planning permit needs to be widely consulted before council makes any decisions and the trees and historical buildings must remain intact as it is part of our history just like the Dandenong Town Hall.“

The site was originally home to International Harvester in the early 1950s.

It is regarded as “one of the first major factory complexes to be erected in Victoria after the Second World War” according to a Heritage Victoria-commissioned report.

The industry was part of a “celebrated row of factories” on Princes Highway, alongside the former Heinz factory and ex-General Motors Holden factory.

The ‘Big Three’ were the start for more than 200 factories in the district over the next decade. The trio of sites are subject to local heritage overlays.

According to the council’s heritage study in 1998, the International Harvester building was described as a“’a simple, unaffected and handsome plant worthy of this progressive international company’.

The factory at first employed 500 people and produced 56 different types of motor trucks for local needs and export.

The historic former Iveco Trucks factory in 2016.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Energy and Water Ombudsman officer Javla with clients Maryam, Bargi and Aziza. 359947

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Sandon report ‘sobering’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An IBAC anti-corruption report had exposed a “litany of governance failures” at Casey Council, says the council’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff.

Speaking at an IBAC-hosted webinar on 8 September, Ms Duff issued a stark quote from US political figure Henry Kissinger that “corrupt politicians make the other 10 per cent look bad.”

Local governments needed “fundamental shifts” in policy and behaviour to “regain community confidence and credibility”, she said.

Reflecting on IBAC’s recent Operation Sandon report into alleged corruption by Casey councillors and property developers, Ms Duff said it was a “very sobering read”.

“The council chamber appeared to have become a stage rather than a place where serious decisions should be made to plot the future direction of the city.

“It has been distressing to reflect on some of the evidence collected by IBAC, the events documented, the conversations taped and the stories by witnesses could actually occur.”

In 2020, all Casey councillors were sacked by the State Government during IBAC’s Operation Sandon probe into alleged corruption.

Ms Duff was appointed as the head of a three-person administration panel to replace the councillors until elections in October 2024.

“Walking into an organisation where a council has been sacked for suspected serious corruption is quite an experience,” she said.

“Depriving a community of their elected representatives for nearly five years is a pretty big price to pay.”

The administrators focused on“cementing” the “best practices we could find” for Casey to do business.

In the past there had been an “us and them” division growing between officers and councillors.

Councillors were diverting the council from its “proper business” through “endless notices of motion” .

Some “simple examples” were councillors

getting involved in house-numbering and the detailed allocation of sports facilities.

This diverted the council from “managing the massive challenges of growth”.

Ms Duff also raised the councillor group’s “apparent culture of silence” with councillors not speaking up about the behaviour they observed.

She said more immediate means of challenging suspected corrupt behaviour was a “necessity”.

Political parties had mechanisms to act, but councillors did not. Mayors may or may not have the skills to manage, and council chief executives have only “limited” tools to intervene, she noted.

Ms Duff also agreed with IBAC that a higher level of councillor training was required, particularly for new councillors.

IBAC had reported councillors not reading material before voting on planning decisions, but rather relied on other councillors’ direction.

“If this is a widespread practice in the sec-

Healthy boost for Hazara vaccine rates

By Sahar Foladi

The South East’s Hazara community is being targeted in an innovative promotion to lift Covid-19 vaccine booster rates.

Data shows that linguistically and culturally diverse individuals make up 58 per cent of Australia’s population that’s unvaccinated with a booster dose, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

As part of the ‘Strengthening Immunity in Community’ initiative, local Hazaragi speakers got together to create and design translated information to encourage more locals towards the jab.

Altaf Hussein is the chairperson of Victorian Afghan Youth Association, advocating for around 200 Hazara families in Australia.

He said that sourcing any information in the Hazara language is a major challenge, let alone when it comes to vital topics like Covid-19.

Mr Hussein took on the role of translating Covid healthcare information due to the lack of official in-language materials available in Hazaragi prior to this campaign.

“Whether it’s formal or informal translation, I had to do it all.”

Now that official information is available to the more than 12,000 Hazara population in the City of Greater Dandenong.

The ‘Strengthening Immunity in Community’ initiative was created in partnership with multicultural translation agency LEXIGO and sponsored by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

LEXIGO chief executive Mark Saba said materials need to be bilingual to reach all sectors of the community.

“When it comes to targeted health information on Covid-19, the Hazara community were very happy to see content in Hazaragi, as content targeted to them is usually

in Dari or Farsi.

“The Hazara community told us that family and friends were a highly trusted source of information. If one person had a positive experience it can encourage everyone else.”

A majority of a sample group from the Hazara community said they were likely to consider the health advice and receive a booster dose in the next six months.

However, there is a need for a community-led push to continue the strong vaccination numbers.

Mr Hussein said he received the initial vaccine to “prove“ to his community that it’s safe.

He says the lack of trust stems from the lack of tailored and accessible healthcare information available in Hazaragi.

The Hazaragi translation of the health information advises the community to keep their booster doses up to date every six months and to encourage others to do the same.

There have been more than 3.8 million booster shots administered to Australian adults since January 2023, out of which Victoria makes up over a million.

As of 20 August 2023, Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background made up 98 per cent of the unvaccinated population.

Across Australia, CALD individuals made up 58 per cent of the unvaccinated portion.

According to an Australian Technical Advisory Group’s (ATAGI) recommendation on 1 September, all adults aged 75 years and over should receive an additional vaccine if six months have passed since their last dose.

Those aged 18 to 64 years with weaker immune systems should consider an additional dose if six months have passed since their last dose. AltafHussein.

tor, that is a significant concern.”

The Sandon report made 34 recommendations, including fundamental changes to the state’s planning process to reduce corruption risks.

It found that councillors Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett promoted developer John Woodman and his client’s interests in exchange for payments and in-kind support.

They both failed to declare this conflict of interest on many occasions, IBAC found.

Citizens arrest

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Residents performed a dramatic ‘citizens arrest’ after four masked robbers ambushed two boys walking in Narre Warren North.

Police say the four males approached in a car, got out and demanded the pair’s phones on Crawley Road about 3.30pm on Sunday 3 September.

The robbers then fled in different directions, police say.

One of the victims, aged 15, was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

He had been allegedly knocked out with a coward punch to the back of his head by one of the “thugs”, according to a neighbour.

The other victim, 17, was uninjured.

Up to 60 residents joined an immediate search for the alleged offenders who had jumped over fences in their attempted escape.

Various police units, including the Dog Squad, were also reportedly at the scene.

Two 15-year-olds were eventually arrested nearby in what the neighbour said was a ‘citizens arrest’.

“The message was that we aren’t going to take it anymore,“ he said.

“The street was abuzz with people and cars trying to find these kids.”

The arrested teens were later released pending further enquiries, police say.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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

CaseychairofadministratorsNoeleneDuff,whooutlinedwaysforcouncilstoregainpublicconfidence. 234014 Picture:GARYSISSONS

‘Violent’ pair jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A pair of violent, drug-addled robbers who randomly preyed on a transplant patient in Springvale and other innocent victims have been jailed.

Michael Robb, 27, of Blackburn South, and Adam Tsaktserlis, 30, of Warrandyte, pleaded guilty at the County Court of Victoria to a litany of charges including aggravated carjacking, causing injury and drug possession.

In March 2021, the pair approached a driver in Springvale. Robb punched him, struck him with a baseball bat and fled in the victim’s Honda CRV.

Tsaktserlis, who was with Robb, drove off in his own Navara dual cab.

The victim, who was a kidney transplant recipient, had told the pair he had a medical condition.

He stated to the court he still remembered the carjacking and feelings of terror“like it was yesterday”, sentencing judge Trevor Wraight said.

Two days after the carjacking, a man and his carer were walking when “gratuitously” attacked by the pair in the Navara in Blackburn South.

Robb struck the carer twice to the back of the head with a large metal object before the victim escaped.

The other victim was chased down and punched, kicked and stomped multiple times by Robb, who also took his wallet with $400 and ID and bank cards.

Tsaktserlis joined in with multiple strikes with a metal pole during the two-and-a-half minute bashing.

The man was hospitalised with two lacerations to the head requiring stitches, a broken nose and vertebrae and lost a tooth.

Two weeks later, a pair of 15-year-old boys were waiting at traffic lights at 8pm when

Robb and Tsaktserlis approached them in the Navara.

Robb held up the boys with an imitation gun, took a phone from one of the boys and struck him to the head with the handgun.

On 15 April 2021, the offenders were intercepted in the dual cab by police in Berwick.

Robb was found with meth, anabolic steroids, cannabis, $200 cash and a fake drivers’ licence.

Police also seized other vials of testosterone and anabolic steroids from the vehicle, as well as a cache of guns including a sawn-off shotgun, six 3D printed pistols, seven gel blasters and an imitation cap gun.

Prohibited from having a gun, Tsaktserlis was charged with possessing a traffickable quantity of them. He had also tried to buy three further gel-blasters with a stolen credit card from one of the robbery victims.

He pleaded guilty to applying for a $2000 loan using a fake drivers’ licence.

In sentencing on 11 September, Judge Wraight noted Robb’s “chaotic” childhood, mental illness and long-running drug abuse, with meth being his chief problem.

He’d been previously jailed and was at an age where he risked being institutionalised, the judge said.

Tsaktserlis’s childhood was “unremarkable” and still had family support. But at 16, he’d suffered significant head trauma when bashed after a football game in Richmond and was treated in ICU.

At the time of the crime spree, he was doing “half a gram a day”.

There was a clear and obvious link between the pair’s current and past offending and drug use, Judge Wraight noted.

Tsaktserlis, who had been on bail at the time, had a “limited and passive” role in the carjacking, and a lesser part in the assaults, he said.

The aggravated carjacking alone attracted a mandatory minimum jail term of three years.

Robb was jailed for seven years and two months. He was eligible for parole after four years, nine months.

Tsaktserlis was jailed for six-and-a-half years, with a non-parole period of four years.

Both of their sentences included 879 days in pre-sentence remand.

Hefty fine

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The operator of Dandenong South’s toxic waste dump has been fined by EPA Victoria for a reporting breach.

Veolia Recycling and Recovery Pty Ltd had failed to provide a report on groundwater quality at the Taylors Road landfill by the specified time, the EPA stated.

It was fined $9246.

Under its EPA licence, testing and the report were required to confirm groundwater hadn’t been adversely affected. It was due on 23 June, and still had not arrived, the EPA stated.

“Not meeting a deadline means there is uncertainty about any possible environmental impact on the groundwater and that is something the community will not accept,” EPA South Metropolitan Melbourne regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said.

“Poor administrative management is no excuse and a fine will help ensure Veolia improves the management of its environmental obligations.”

The tip is the only facility in Victoria licensed to receive category-B solid Prescribed Industrial Waste or hazardous waste.

Greater Dandenong Council has opposed contaminated waste at the landfill for more than 25 years.

The landfill had started under the auspices of the then Shire of Cranbourne. It was inherited by Greater Dandenong after council amalgamations in the mid 1990s.

The State Government had pledged the dumping of prescribed industrial wastes would continue only until 2020.

Home gutted

A recently-sold house inVirginia Street Springvale has been engulfed in fire on Wednesday morning, 13 September.

For more than an hour, 29 FRV and CFA firefighters and 10 appliances battled to bring the blaze under control at the dwelling - which was suspected to be a squat house.

It was reported by multiple triple-0 calls about 8.25am.

An FRV spokesperson said fireys arrived within five minutes to find the single-storey weatherboard building fully alight.

“Varied reports described the house as being vacant or possibly inhabited by squatters.

“Safety procedures have been implemented due to asbestos being present in the building.”

No people were found inside the building, no injuries were reported.

The fire was declared under control at 9.47am.

Its cause had yet to be determined.

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria members also assisted at the scene.

Jail time after victim left unconscious during attack

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Doveton home invader who helped severely bash a resident unconscious in their Lynbrook home has been jailed.

Danny Simic, 41, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to aggravated burglary, causing injury intentionally and theft.

The victim discovered Simic and Le in his home about 5.30pm on 17 March 2021.

He was struck from behind with a baseball bat four times by Simic’s then-partner Dam Le, including once to the head.

The man was then punched and kicked on the ground until he lost consciousness.

He woke up in a pool of his own blood, with his phone and keys stolen.

The victim managed to get next door to alert triple-0. He was taken to hospital with four broken ribs and a collapsed lung.

Simic didn’t personally know the victim, who was an ex-partner of Le’s friend.

In sentencing on 14 September, Judge Stewart Bayles said the victim outlined the attack’s “significant” impacts on his life.

It was an aggravating feature that the beaten victim was deprived of his phone to call for help.

Judge Bayles found that at the time, Simic was likely afflicted by a long-standing psychiatric condition but it was aggravated by drug use.

Growing up in Hallam, Simic’s childhood was marred by a violent, heavy-drinking father and drug abuse. It was “not difficult” to causally link the two factors, Judge Bayles noted.

He used heroin and amphetamines from the age of 13.

As a child, he was diagnosed with ADHD but wasn’t medicated until a decade later.

He’d been admitted several times to psychiatric hospitals with schizophrenia and put on community treatment orders.

For nearly 20 years, the father-of-one had been unemployed and on a disability pension.

Despite his “guarded” rehabilitation prospects, his parole period would be designed to help him reform and reintegrate with the community, Judge Bayles said.

Judge Bayles took into account Simic’s lesser role in the assault. Le, who had been armed with the bat, had earlier been jailed for five years, and eligible for parole in three years.

Simic was jailed for four-and-a-half years, with a two-year, eight-month nonparole period.

His term includes 413 days in pre-sentence detention.

The County Court of Victoria.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/CON CHRONIS

The gutted house in Virginia Street, Springvale. 360772

The For Sale sign shows the burnt-out property was recently sold. 360772 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Plans for ‘killer’ summer

By Sahar Foladi

A ‘Prepare for Heatwave-Emergency Management Exercise’ is set on Tuesday 19 September ahead of expected ‘never seen before’ scorching summer temperatures.

The event held at the Drum Theatre between 9am to 2pm will feature representatives from emergency services, the Victorian Department of Health, United Energy, business and manufacturing groups, members of the public, schools, aged care facilities and Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

The event is in line comes after a motion from Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad highlighted the lack of emergency plans for heatwaves.

“I’m thrilled that this is the outcome and that the council is putting it into action.

“A lot of the people have contacted us from other municipalities to come, observe and implement it on their own (plans).”

The fine details were critical to include in the emergency plans, such as the availability of ‘cool zones’ to shelter vulnerable residents, Cr Garad said.

“We’re not sure about almost anything in relation to how this council will respond to a likely extreme storm events occurrence, and we need to be prepared.

“The risk is that plans are very general, there are a lot of grey areas, lack of clarity and a growing awareness of these gaps.

“How many vulnerable residents do we have? What’s the trigger? What are our cool zones? Do our cool zones have the capacity?

“We need to really focus on the details because we’ll have worse weather conditions from January to March, it’s particularly about being ready but also clarity amongst the emergency services and an effective community strategy.”

Executive director of not-for-profit Swelter-

ing Cities, Emma Bacon will also attend the event and has worked with communities impacted by extreme heat.

“Heatwaves are the deadliest environmental disaster in Australia. It kills more people than all the others combined.

“In our coming summers, we expect temperature to be higher than ever before.

“If we look at the last couple of years around the world, we’ve seen temperature record after temperature record. We can expect that to be the future of our Australian summers as well

and it will be unlike anything we’ve ever experienced.”

She says two most important aspects to consider is how to keep our house cool and checking-in on friends and families.

“People should know how to be prepared. Better blinds, shades, how to be prepared in terms of medical information and access to cool water.

“Check-in on siblings, grandma and friends and ask them what you can do to help them to be cool - because not everyone has air-

con. Sometimes people feel trapped in their homes.”

Vulnerable people can be influenced by health and housing conditions. They can include elderly people, little kids, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and disabilities and people with outdoor jobs.

Cr Garad emphasises the need for a specific community-led plan to tackle this pressing issue, as it’s her “biggest concern.”

“We know in case of extreme emergency sometimes it’s not possible for services to get to the area. We need to build the knowledge, skills and awareness of the community.

“I would like to see us develop community zones where there are key people in the areas looking out for the community, a bit of the old neighbourhood watch group but structured.

“We don’t even have registers, so we don’t know how many vulnerable residents we have,” she said.

“It’s got to get local and personal, that’s the only way it can work.We can’t leave it up to the services.

“We know the scale and number of people effected will be greater and beyond the capacity of any emergency services.”

At the event, members of the community, local schools, adults, elderly residents will be given the chance to attend, learn and be better prepared in cases of extreme heat ahead of the summer.

Besides speakers from emergency services, attendees will participate in a virtual heatwave exercise with key stakeholders live on stage.

Cr Garad said the “exceptional” community interest was where the strength lies for this heatwave session.

“I spoke to a lot of people who’re keen to attend, I imagine The Drum will be full.

“My hope is that they start to harness the potential of the community to be part of this.”

The heatwave seminar will be held at Drum Theatre, Dandenong. 207864

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Young talent

By Sahar Foladi

In a first for Emerson School, a student has sprinted up the ranks in inter-school athletics.

Year 8 student, Omal Theodoro, 14, represented his specialist school on Monday 11 September at the Greater Dandenong Secondary Division Track and Field Finals at Knox Athletics Track.

Although very nervous, he put his mind to the competition and earned first-place in the 100 metre, 400 metre, long jump and high jump as well as third in the 200 metre event.

“I felt amazing and tired after the competition. My teachers and everyone were extremely happy for me,” he said.

As a specialist school catering for students with mild intellectual processing disabilities, it was the first time Omal had competed and recorded multiple wins against students from ’mainstream’ schools.

Emerson coach Christopher Winter says the school is very proud of his achievement.

“Omal relished the challenge of running and jumping against the best athletes from schools such as Dandenong High School and Keysborough Secondary College.

“Fellow competitors and officials were in awe of Omal’s speed and vertical leap.”

Omal was awarded the ‘Overall Champion’ for his age group and has qualified for the Southern Metropolitan Region Finals on Thursday 5 October at Ballam Park in Frankston.

“A lot of our students compete in the multi class category so in the region finals, Omal will be joined by his school mates but many will compete in the T20 classification which is for those with an intellectual disability.

“Omal doesn’t qualify for that category, being with autism. There is currently no category in Victoria for autistic athletes to compete in athletics which means he’ll have to compete

Police Paddocks future up for community comment

Community consultation has started on a masterplan to rejuvenate the historic Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve.

An online survey has opened for the public to help shape the State Government’s $5.5 million revitalisation project.

It delves into how people use the park – including the interaction of horse riders, dogs, cyclists and native animals such as kangaroos.

One question is whether dogs should be banned, on or off lead or restricted to certain zones in the park.

In recent years, the 500-hectare reserve has been blighted by vandalism, graffiti, rubbish dumping and illegal vehicle access.

The Government has announced initial works in 2023 and 2024 such as trail maintenance, new signage and measures to curb dumping and stray vehicles.

The master plan will forge a blueprint for the park’s next 30 years.

torate Station, then later the Native Police Corps.

It has also been home to Queensland Aboriginal trackers – some who were assigned to find bushranger Ned Kelly.

Up until 1931, the Victoria Police Stud Depot bred, trained and spelled its horses, including the force’s famous grey bloodlines.

with students in a mainstream setting,” Mr Winter said.

Passionate about athletics, Omal dreams of becoming a basketball player while his competitors also believe that he’ll be“going places”.

“One of Omal’s competitors who came second in ‘Overall Champion’ mentioned this year the standards were raised as there wasn’t a lot of competition previously.

“(He said) even though Omal snatched up many of the first positions, he’d learned a lot from him.

“What Omal showed is that he is more than capable to compete against others and is paving the way for other students to reach their potential and challenge themselves against the best.”

The Police Paddocks is culturally significant for the Bunurong people and listed on theVictorian Heritage Register.

The reserve is a significant swamp scrub and wildlife corridor, including species such as sugar gliders, wombats, wedgetailed eagles, eastern grey kangaroos and powerful owl as well as native fish in Dandenong Creek and 90 types of native plants. With Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park, it is part of a 2000-hectare region of native bushland.

Well before European settlement, the Bunurong people called the place Nerre Nerre Warren.

Between 1840-’43, the paddocks were home to the Port Phillip Aboriginal Protec-

It now also includes a sports precinct for soccer, softball, cricket and baseball, as well as Churchill Park Golf Course and a Girl Guides facility.

Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt said the master plan would bring together the reserve’s current uses and recognise its values.

“I’m delighted that a master plan is being developed in consultation with community, stakeholders and Traditional Owners to help rejuvenate the reserve into a green space, where people can relax, connect and enjoy nature.”

The online survey is open until 28 September, followed by a draft plan later this year.

Details: engage.vic.gov.au/project/dandenong-police-paddocks-masterplan

An online public survey has opened to forge the future blueprint for Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve. 215643

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Omal Theodoro, left, with Christopher Winter, was awarded ‘Overall Champion’ for his age group in regional school athletics.

Highest standard of care

A diagnosis of prostate cancer can often be daunting. Many people hear the word “cancer” and begin to think the worst, but in reality most men with prostate cancer live for many years without any symptoms, and without the cancer spreading to other parts of the body or becoming life threatening.

There are a number of factors that determine patient outcomes.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to treating prostate cancer, and that’s why at Melbourne Urology Centre, we treat every patient as an individual. Our specialist urologists, Dr Shekib Shahbaz and Dr Tony de Sousa take the time to ensure that you are provided with the highest standard of care, with the best possible outcomes for your individual circumstances.

Not all prostate cancers are the same, so it is important to seek the advice of a specialist urologist for guidance and a tailored treatment plan. Quite often patients come to us having read or heard a lot of different information from varied sources- much of it is misinformation or not applicable to their personal circumstances. An integral part of our role as urologists is to demystify prostate cancer and to provide our patients with relevant, practical treatment advice that is tailored to the individual.

Prostate cancer can be daunting, but with the right care team and support network, good long-term outcomes are possible for most men.

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.

The team at Melbourne Urology Centre.

Organ donation on the up

Recent statistics released by the Organ and Tissue Authority show that the number of Victorians, that registered as organ and tissue donors in 2021 increased by 87 percent compared to 2020.

Almost 90,000 Victorians registered in 2021, while across Australia there were 349,947 new registrants, up from 186,656 in 2020.

Many of these registrations were conducted through Medicare’s Express Plus smartphone app, which most people had downloaded to link their COVID-19 vaccine certificates to their check-in apps.

“Victorians are some of the most generous people in the country. We know about 80 percent of Victorians support organ and tissue donation, but only 22 percent have registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register,” says DonateLife Victoria state medical director, Dr Rohit D’Costa.

“In such a challenging year for our state, it’s been heartwarming to see so many Victorians take the time to register as organ and tissue donors - a decision that could one day save many lives.”

2021 saw 1,174 Aussies receive an organ transplant thanks to the life saving generosity of 421 deceased donors and their families, with 110 Victorian donors.

There are currently around 1,850 Australians on the transplant waiting list, while over 13,000 Australians are receiving dialysis and would benefit greatly from a kidney transplant.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) around 170,000 Australians die per year from a total population of 25.7 million. Organ donation can only occur when someone dies in hospital due to the requirement that organs need to be functioning well to be considered for donation.

Of the approximately 80,000 people that pass away in hospital, only around two percent die in a way where they can be considered for organ donation. The result-

ing number is 1,250 potential organ donors, which is currently 600 less than the number of people on the transplant waiting list.

When a person passes away in Australia, their family is always asked for consent to organ donation. While around 90 percent of families consent if their loved one was a registered donor, a total of 56 percent of families consented in 2021. This is why it is vital to tell your family that you have registered to be an organ and tissue donor, and that it is your wish to help others once you pass if you can.

“Ultimately, the decision to donate your organs and tissue will come down to your family. We know that 90 percent of families will consent to donation if you are a registered donor,” Dr D’Costa says.

“This number is halved if they don’t know you wanted to be an organ and tissue donor, or you haven’t registered. Therefore, it’s really important not only to register, but to also have the conversation with your loved ones.

Dr D’Costa also urges Victorians who signed up to be a donor via their driver’s license to double check their registration status.

Only in South Australia can you register to be a donor via your driver’s license, though Victoria used to accept these registrations. If you’re unsure whether you’re registered, check online.

Though 80 percent of Australians publicly support organ and tissue donation, only 36 percent are registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register.

Anyone in Australia aged 16 and over can register to become a donor, regardless of medical history or lifestyle.It takes less than a minute to check your status or join the Australian Organ Donation Register.

All you need to do is grab your Medicare card and visit www.donatelife.gov.au. You can also register through the Medicare Express Plus app or by phoning 1800 777 203.

Show time in the sun

More than 17,000 basked in sunshine and fun at Myuna Farm at one of the best-ever Doveton Shows, according to organisers.

Designed as an affordable alternative to Royal Melbourne Show, the crowds lapped up showbags, cuddly creatures, performers, rides, art and craft displays, train rides, face painting, market and food stalls.

Also, it was a chance to meet emergency service members including SES, CFA, Victoria Police and Neighbourhood Watch Casey.

Committee member Damien Rosario said the show was nearing its 20th year.

“With the rising costs of living and families having to reduce spending, it provides the opportunity to have fun without breaking the budget.

“The show hosts local businesses, community groups, performing arts, sporting clubs as well as arts and crafts, enabling them to fundraise for their important activities.”

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

20 September 1923

Wireless Broadcasted

Mr D C Cameron B.Sc, of the Associated Radio Company of Australia Limited, will be in Dandenong on business connected with the Wireless Broadcasting operations of the company. Plans are now well in hand for the broadcasting from Melbourne of wireless concerts, orchestral and dance music, and all kinds of entertainments.

Children’s bed-time stories, market and weather reports, sporting results and news, and many other subjects of interest. The company is interested in securing an active agent for the handling of its wireless telephones and other business. Those interested should see Mr Cameron with a view to be amongst the first in the district to have their homes installed with Radio receiving sets and so be brought in touch with this most wonderful invention.

Mr Cameron will be glad to meet local businessmen and discuss with them the question of broadcasting as it affects this district. He may be seen at the Royal Hotel on Friday 21st.

50 years ago

20 September 1973

Canberra Calling by Max Oldmeadow MHR

One of the major issues on which the 1972 election was fought was that of an Australian Health Insurance program and the need for greatly improved health facilities in our community. Realising the urgency of these matters,the new Government acted quickly. In December 1972 the Minister of Social Security Mr Hayden appointed an expert advisory body giving them the task of devising a program whereby health insurance was available to the whole population.

In May 1973 the Health Insurance Planning Committee brought down its report. The program will be financed from three sources. You will pay a levy of 1.35 per cent; per year on your taxable income. The Government will

give a grant, and thirdly money will come from workers compensation and motor vehicle third party insurers.

20 years ago

15 September 2003

Screw Cap or Cork Cork versus screw cap – it’s a debate that has pitched winemakers and connoisseurs into heated discussion.

As younger drinkers hit the bottle, with vintage wines being pushed aside,the screw-cap is making a resurgence in the marketplace.

However, Tony Telfer managing director of

Dandenong South cork makers Amorim Cork Australia says the screw cap is just a “shortlived thing”.

“The cork is well entrenched and is seen as part of the package. Cork complements the wine. It gives wine a sense of romance and ceremony. Cork is still the closure people would like to see on the wine.“

5 years ago

17 September 2018

Highway at a crawl

Drivers dread the 5 km/h crawl afternoon

peak time on Princes Highway Dandenong South. It’s that long, wide straight heading east, broken up with set after set of traffic lights.

The stop– start hits at the South Gippsland Highway turnoff.

It doesn’t relent for several kilometres up to a bottle neck at the South Gippsland Freeway overpass.

Reema Davis commutes between her Berwick home and Braeside office.

The afternoon congestion extends her 40-minute trip to 80 minutes.

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

Reema Davis told the Journal News in 2018 of how her commute slows to a crawl in Dandenong South. It was part of the masthead’s campaign to Unlock the Gridlock ahead of the state election. 185211 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Face-painted and relaxed at the Doveton Show grounds.

A shearing demonstration in the Myuna Farm sheds.

One of the roving performers.Sideshow alley attracted the masses.

Tall entertainment roved the show grounds.

Capturing precious smiles

In a world where memories are fleeting and moments quickly pass, the art of photography stands as a timeless testament to the beauty of life. In this regard, Blue Wolf Photography has emerged as a shining star in the realm of childcare, kindergarten, and school photography.

Recently, the company was honoured with the title of “Best Kindergarten & School Photography Services Provider 2023“ by LUXLife Magazine, and for good reason.

Blue Wolf Photography is not just a business; it’s a family-owned treasure with over 15 years of experience. Their journey has been defined by one simple, yet profound mantra: “We’re all about the smiles!“ These words are not just a slogan but a heartfelt commitment to creating moments of joy and capturing them in stunning, high-quality images.

One of the remarkable aspects of Blue Wolf Photography is their ability to capture the essence of childhood. They specialise in natural, candid, and beautiful photos that resonate with parents and families. Their photographers are not just skilled professionals; they are child-friendly playmates who go the extra mile to ensure children feel comfortable and happy during photo sessions.

Blue Wolf Photography’s dedication to excellence extends beyond their approach to photography. They currently collaborate with over 50 childcare centres, kindergartens, and schools in the area. Their wide-ranging services include classic individual portraits, fun group shots, and everything in between, ensuring that every aspect of a child’s early years is beautifully documented.

Choosing Blue Wolf Photography as your go-to for childcare, kindergarten, and school photography promises a stress-free and enjoyable experience for both kids and parents. Their packages cater to every budget, and their

simple process and online ordering system make the entire experience a breeze.With over 15 years of experience, they have honed their

Mistakes vital to learning

It’s important for children to learn that it’s OK to make mistakes, a parenting expert says.

Dr Justin Coulson is the author of nine parenting books and co-host of Channel Nine TV show Parental Guidance.

“From toddlerhood to teenage years, one thing is certain – we all make mistakes,” he said.

“How we handle mistakes and how we learn from them in childhood can set us up for life.”

Dr Coulson shares his top tips on mistake-making: Calm the storm

Emotions can start to rise as your child tries a task for the first time, or learns something new.

“They’ll try and try and then – bam – it all ends in tears,” he says.

“The item is thrown, the artwork screwed up and your little one is kicking their legs on the floor.”

Dr Coulson says it’s easy to jump in and try to fix the problem for them.

“But the best option is to wait calmly and quietly for the temper to subside and tears to dry,” he says.

“Then, when they’re calm, encourage them to try again.

“It may take some gentle guidance from you but, in the end, they will feel proud that they achieved their goal and they learned something along the way – if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Fear of failure

Parents with school-aged kids often tell Dr Coulson they see their child becoming despondent or disengaged with schoolwork and after-school activities.

“This presents an opportunity to connect with your child and find out what’s really going on,” he says.

“Often it can be a confidence issue down to fear of failure.”

He urges parents to explore the ‘worst case scenario’ with their child - what would

happen if they did try and fail? How bad would it be and what would they learn from it?

“Sometimes, by taking them down the path of failure, they can actually feel empowered to take control and move from fear to acceptance by trying something new,” he says.

Attitude

As with everything in life, having a good attitude can change your perspective.

“Having a‘never mind, try again’ attitude can really help take the fear out of mistakemaking and help children place their mistakes into perspective,” Dr Coulson says.

“Bouncing back from mistakes is a valuable lesson in resilience – something that will stand your children in good stead in life.”

Lighten up

Kids learn by example.

“If they see you bounce back from a fail, they are likely to bounce, too,” Dr Coulson says.

“Share with them your success and failure stories.

“Throw in some humour to make them laugh. There’s something about laughter that can really lighten up the ‘heaviness’ and fear of mistake-making.”

Share the outcomes and learnings, too, so kids know that mistakes can lead to understanding and new beginnings or different ways of doing things.

Practice again and again

Researchers have found that our kids feel pressure when we ask them to do something perfectly.

“But when we ask them to do something over and over again, the pressure comes off - and they improve,” Dr Coulson says.

“The mistakes don’t matter because it’s about quantity rather than quality…but with quantity comes the expertise that practice promotes, which ultimately drives quality.

“This builds competence for kids, which is incredible for their resilience.”

craft to perfection, ensuring that your cherished memories are preserved in a way that will be treasured for years to come.

Blue Wolf Photography, 5678 5165. info@bluewolfphotography.com.au bluewolfphotography.au

Blue Wolf Photography’s heartfelt commitment is to creating moments of joy and capturing them in stunning, high-quality images.

Virtual heatwave

Heatwaves affect more Australians than any other natural disaster. Hear from guest speakers from the Department of Health, Ambulance Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Greater Dandenong Council about the impacts of heatwaves. Then participate in a virtual heatwave exercise with key stakeholders live on stage, so we can learn from each other.

· Tuesday 19 September 2023, 9am-2pm at Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event, register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/emergency-managementexercise

Hub birthday

Springvale Community Hub is turning three. Join us for a morning of performances, circus workshops and butterflies on the hub’s lawn. For ages 4-8 years old. Part of the Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival.

· Tuesday 19 September, 10am-12pm at Springvale Community Hub,5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.

Meet the wildlife

Get hands-on experience with a variety of native lizards, snakes, frogs, turtles, sugar gliders and giant insects. This event is suitable for ages 5-12 years. Presented by Lizard Wizard. Part of the Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival. Library membership is required to register.

· Wednesday 20 September 2023, 2:30pm -3:30pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Register at libraries.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/libraries/events/wildlife-presentation-school-holiday-program

Yesteryear: A Glimpse into Greater Dandenong’s Past

This exhibition explores our region’s changing landscape and rich historical narratives through selected artworks, images and objects from Council’s Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection and local historical society collections.

· Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10am to 2pm (until 24 November) at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Free event.

Junior Sports

Come-and-Try intro to the Springers Junior

Sports Programs in basketball, netball, soccer and tennis. For ages 5-12 years. Part of the Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival.

· Wednesday 20 September, 3.30pm-5pm at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. Free event, bookings required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/ junior-sports-program

Youth Links Hub Open Day

Join us for a day packed with free fun at the launch of the new Youth Links Hub, a welcoming and safe space for the amazing young people in our community. The day features exciting sports activities, yummy food, beautiful art, Henna tattoos, dancing, live music, inspiring presentations from young people and a special guest.

· Friday 22 September 2023, 10am to 2pm at Youth Links Hub, Shops 2-4, 49 Douglas Street, Noble Park. Register at eventbrite. com/e/youth-links-hub-open-day-tickets710038312707?aff=oddtdtcreator

Multicultural Peace Village

A vibrant celebration of diversity, culture, and peace. Includes enlightening roundtable discussions with experts in international law, the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), and human rights. Outdoors, 12 diverse communities will offer stories, traditions,

World music

The Australian Chinese Music Band presents a multicultural event of music, dance and singing. Features Chinese musical instruments like er hu (two-string fiddle), mandolin, yang qing (dulcimer) and bamboo flutes to present Chinese and Aussie songs. Also a pub singer with a few English songs,dancers from the Philippines, Indonesia and China with beautiful and colourful dances.

· Saturday 23 September, 1.30pm5pmatTheCastlehall,61Princes Highway Dandenong. Free event.

international cuisine, arts, crafts, and performances. Hosted by HWPL Victoria in collaboration with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG).

· Saturday, 23 September, 10.30am-11.30am (roundtable) and 12pm-3pm (outdoors event) at Harmony Square, Dandenong.

Planting the Park

Volunteers are planting seeds to expand the Urban Shade Forest in Springvalley Reserve. Also a hands-on biodiversity workshop, where you will learn about native pollinators and build your own Blue-banded bee hotel to take home. BYO reusable water bottle, gardening gloves if you have them and wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. A partnership of Conservation Volunteers Australia and City of Greater Dandenong.

· Saturday 23 September 2023, 10:30am2:30pm at Sringvalley Reserve, Clarke Road, Springvale South. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/planting-park-biodiversity-month

Planetary Gestures

Opening preview of the Planetary Gestures art exhibition curated by Tess Maunder. Explores ideas surrounding ecological systems, ancient knowledge, celestial blueprints and tidal movements across the land, sea and sky known as

Australasia, part of the wider Asia-Pacific and the ‘Great Ocean’. Refreshments provided.

· Saturday 23 September, 2pm-4pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free event, bookings essential. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenongcouncil/events/planetary-gestures-openingpreview

YouthFest 2023

Celebrate Victorian Youth Week at this all-abilities youth festival featuring basketball, soccer, table tennis, henna, art workshops, FReeZA Youth Stage, skateboarding workshops and interactive games. For young people aged 12-25 years.

· Thursday 28 September, 11am-2pm at Noble Park Skate Park and surrounding areas, Ross Reserve, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Free event.

Mad Science

Make a bag mysteriously self-inflate, launch a chemical rocket, erupt a flurry of snow and explore the magic of dry ice. Suitable for ages 5-12 years. Presented by Mad About Science. This event is part of the Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival.

· Thursday 28 September 2023, 2:30pm3:30pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale.

Garden birthday

First birthday celebration at Maralinga Community Garden. See the changes over the past 12 months. Raffle prizes,kids activities,vegies and plants for sale,

· Sunday 8 October, 10am-12pm at Chandler Road Reserve, 327 Chandler Road Keysborough.

Wellsprings dinner

Annual fundraising dinner for Wellsprings for Women. Door prizes, raffles, silent auction and special guest Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams.

· Friday 3 November, 6.30pm-10.30pm at Killester College, Kennedy Hall, 433 Springvale Road Springvale; $100 pp (including food and drinks). Book by 13 October at events. humanitix.com/wellsprings-for-women-annual-fundraising-dinner

Drug verdict

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A drug trafficker has been jailed and released on a CCO after large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine were seized from his bedroom in Clyde.

Nathan Morgan, 22, of Dandenong North, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to trafficking cocaine and meth as well as possessingphencyclidine(PCP)andMDMAfound during the police dawn raid in April 2022.

Police also seized $4250 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.

In sentencing on 11 September, Judge Simon Moglia noted that the “very significant” 491.6 grams of cocaine was just short of the 500-gram threshold for commercial trafficking.

The 172.3 grams of meth was about twothirds the commercial traffickable quantity.

At the time, Morgan was on a community corrections order.

He was remanded after his arrest.

Morgan also pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods – a police lanyard, Hermes handbag and bank cards - found in his bedroom in Pakenham in February 2021.

He also pleaded guilty to driving a stolen car on Eastlink during the same month.

Judge Moglia noted the harm that selling illicit drugs caused to young people, who like Morgan were “ill equipped to make properly informed choices about using them”.

“People trafficking at this level must be deterred by stern sentences on those that are caught.”

Morgan’s lengthy criminal history including mainly drug and extensive thefts was “entirely consistent” with supporting his addiction, Judge Moglia noted.

He had “entrenched” multi-drug abuse including a daily cocaine habit.

However, two years ago, Morgan didn’t accept the need for mental health and drug

treatment. A recent 16-week residential rehab program had reportedly led him to a “different point of view”.

He wrote a letter to the court that this was his longest period while “clean” and had “no desire to have anything to do with drugs”.

“I congratulate you for those changes,” the judge stated – but noted the first few months of Morgan’s release into society would be a “testing time”.

With the right support and effort, his risk of reoffending was still assessed as moderate to high and his rehabilitation prospects as “guarded”.

Morgan’s childhood was marred by a violent stepfather, disadvantage and substance abuse, with a recent diagnosis of PTSD.

This somewhat reduced his blameworthiness, the judge noted.

He accepted that regular stints in jail and detention put Morgan at risk of being institutionalised.

Morgan was jailed for 406 days – which had already been served in pre-sentence custody.

He will now serve a 12-month community corrections order including supervision and drug and mental health treatment.

This was counter to a Corrections Victoria assessment that Morgan was “unsuitable” for a CCO, given his history of breaching several previous orders.

Corrections reported “concerns” about Morgan’s comments during an interview.

Judge Moglia said Morgan’s letter to the court put the comments in context.

“I’m prepared to accept there may have been a misunderstanding but time will tell.”

Morgan was warned he was at risk of going back to prison if he breached the CCO.

“Demonstrate that you’re in control of a better life,” the judge urged him.

Clubs score $6m pavilion

A $6 million sports pavilion has been unveiled at Thomas Carroll Reserve in Dandenong.

The WJ Crowe Pavilion will be a femalefriendly and accessible home to St Mary’s Cricket Club and St John’s Old Collegians Football Club.

It includes four female-friendly changerooms, as well multi-purpose rooms to host club and community functions.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams officially opened the pavilion on 9 September.

“With the completion of the WJ Crowe Pavilion, we’re bringing two local clubs under one roof and making Thomas Carroll Reserve an exciting sporting hub for the community,” Ms Williams said.

“These new facilities will mean the Saints and the Old Collegians can expand and develop their programs to get more people, particularly women and girls, in on the action.”

Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster said the pavilion was named after former St

Mary’s president and life member, the late Bill Crowe.

“Bill helped the club develop senior and junior teams that offered many Dandenong residents to get involved in sport.

“He was known for instilling a sense of inclusion, fair play and respect, attributes that I am sure we all aspire to in every aspect of life today, not just on the sporting field.”

Dandenong Ward councillor Jim Memeti said other projects were soon to start at Thomas Carroll Reserve, including a new entry plaza to safely connect the car park, playground, pavilion and ovals.

The council had funded the design of upgraded floodlighting, and was committed to building two electronic scoreboards.

The pavilion was jointly funded by Greater Dandenong Council ($5.4 million), the State Government ($500,000) and AFL Victoria ($100,000).

The Government is also providing $129,000 towards new sports lighting.

Members of St Mary’s Cricket Club and St John’s Old Collegians Football Club at the WJ Crowe Pavilion opening.

Get ready for a new twist

Silvers Circus Spectacular – Modern Circus with a Twist - will be performing on the corner of Dorset and Canterbury Roads, Bayswater North during the school holidays.

Prepare to enter a world of entertainment where your imagination will soar like never before in this re-imagined modern circus spectacular.

Silvers has been a household name since the ’70s and is back to entertain, showcasing the best entertainment Circus has to offer.

Featured in this 90-minute spectacular you can expect to see performances presented by elite artists from around the globe.

From roaring motorbikes with skilful manoeuvres at speed, to the beauty and strength of aerialists up high. There are thrilling, hilarious and awesome moments act after act, to satisfy all ages and appetites.

Added to our line-up this season, DanielVilar from Brazil with his juggling skills and high energy are sure to impress.

We are also very proud to announce our new Comic joining the team, “Mr Walison Muh”.

Bound to induce convulsive laughter and tear-stained cheeks as his interactive style of comedy will take you somewhere unexpected.

You may recognise Walison from his recent very successful appearances on “Australia’s Got Talent”.

Did we mention we have two Dinosaurs? Well, we do! Come see Fluffy and Spike (as we affectionately call them) do their stuff on stage, live, under the mighty big top.

Whether it’s date-night, a family affair or grandparents wanting to spoil the kids, Silvers Circus is the entertainment destination for you. There are

Ferntree Gully

Hotel Car Park 1130 Burwood Highway

SEPTEMBER

Extreme wet ground conditions have prohibited us from moving to Bayswater North. Silvers Circus will remain at the Ferntree Gully location until 8th October.

FerntreeGully season extendedhasbeenuntil 8thOctober

Whether it’s date-night, a family affair or grandparents wanting to spoil the kids, Silvers Circus is the entertainment destination for you.

There are plenty of activities that children can engage in during school holidays without spending much or any money. Here are some ideas:

· Explore nature: Take advantage of local parks, forests, or hiking trails. Children can go on nature walks, have a picnic, or even do some birdwatching.

· Visit the library: Encourage children to discover new books, participate in reading programs, or attend storytelling sessions at the local library. Many libraries also offer free workshops and activities during school holidays.

· Artsandcrafts:Setupanartstationathome with basic art supplies like paper, crayons, markers, and glue. Children can let their creativity flow by drawing, painting, or making crafts using recycled materials.

· Have a movie or game night: Invite friends over or plan a family movie or game night at home. Choose movies from your collection or use streaming services, and play boardgamesorcardgamesthatyoualready have.

· Cook or bake together: Involve children in preparing meals or baking goodies. Teach them simple recipes and let them assist in measuring ingredients, mixing, and decorating.

· Start a garden: Help children cultivate a smallgardeninyourbackyardorevenusing containers indoors. They can learn about plants, sow seeds, and watch them grow over time.

Remember, the key is to encourage children to explore their interests, be creative, and engage in activities that promote learning, social interaction, and personal growth.

Aussie Fireworks Important Notice to Households. Therewillbeafirework displayonthe30th September2023. Between9:00pm9:30pmatDandenong Park. 174LonsdaleStreet, Dandenong.

Professional Services

Employment

Facilities Manager

Gleneagles Secondary College is currently seeking a highly skilled Facilities Manager. We offer a fantastic working environment, outstanding conditions, with flexible working options, underpinned by variety and autonomy. This is a newly developed full-time ongoing position, working 7am to 3pm.

Key Responsibilities:

•Manage and track Facilities/Maintenance program and budgets.

•Manage compliance audits and annual safety checks.

•Manage the organisation of DET Make safe program and college trades.

•Comply with Occupational Health & Safety and Work Safe standards.

•Develop and manage an annual maintenance schedule.

•Work through maintenance log requests and liaise with the Maintenance team as required.

•Identify urgent and cyclic grounds works, prioritise and schedule these works.

•Manage trade induction. Trade qualifications or experience highly desirable, conditions negotiable. For more information, including remuneration, contact the college Principal, Chad Ambrose 9708 1319 or gleneagles.sc@education.vic.gov.au

Motoring

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Hawks land on lofty perch

By Marcus Uhe

A 10-point victory in the Eastern Football Netball League’s premier division grand final has secured Rowville its first premiership in topflight football in the club’s history.

After failing on the biggest stage on the same venue in driving rain last season, redemption was achieved for Ben Wise’s Hawks in the grueling 9.12 66 to 8.8 56 defeat of Vermont in picturesque spring sunshine at Bayswater Oval.

From a season that began with two concerning losses, after conceding three-quartertime leads, and with just two wins from their first five matches, an epic run from the Hawks saw them lose just once after round five, finishing the campaign on a nine-game winning streak and with a new trophy for the club’s cabinet.

Nerves were on show early in the contest, 16 minutes elapsing before either side could open the scoring.

Rowville, rested and refreshed after a week off, started hungry and fanatical around the ball, owning territory in the first five minutes but was unable to capitalise on the scoreboard as the Vermont defenders held strong.

Mitchell Sruk was caught in the backline, unaware of the pressure closing him down, while Matthew Evans’ shot for goal from short distance, on a slight angle, was one he would like to forget, slewing off the side of his boot and falling short of the goal-line.

It took the composure of Maverick Taylor to put the Hawks on the board, repeating his efforts on the same day 12 months prior by opening the scoring with the first goal of the game from almost the identical spot that Evans had missed from a few minutes earlier.

Having weathered the storm of the opening few minutes, Vermont was now making all the running, with Taylor and Lachlan McDonald’s goals for Rowville coming against the flow of play with the Hawks moving the ball the length of the ground, after misses at the other end.

A 10-point quarter time lead quickly became 16 as McDonald got off the chain from the Vermont midfielders, following a centre clearance into his attacking 50 and kicking a goal on the run.

The stronghold of the miserly Hawks defence was then broken as the Eagles finally got themselves on the board, Jamie Rossiter snapping truly on his left foot to ignite his side.

Nothing was coming easy for the Hawks as Vermont showed why they were so hard to beat all season, peppering the goal-face but unable to find the desired outcome.

Taylor’s second in the 18th minute pushed the lead to a game-high 18 points, but two in quick succession to Daniel Nielson and Lachlan Johns for the Eagles ensured the Hawks would only possess a slender seven-point lead

at the long break.

The interval seemed to come at a good time for the Hawks, as the Eagles finally looked to have unlocked parts of their game that had made them the best side in the home-andaway season.

The much-desired first goal of the second half came from the boot of Max Martini, swooping on a ground ball at a stoppage deep in his forward 50 at the crucial moment, rousing his fans in brown and gold draped over the fence.

Rowville pressed for the opening 10 minutes of the quarter but every time they threatened to separate themselves from the contest, Vermont found a way to respond.

Two goals in the space of a minute to Vermont cut the lead from 13 points to just one, as the Eagles managed to penetrate the Hawks’ defences twice from further afield.

The first of the pair from Nielson originated from a stoppage in the Hawks’ forward half, the second seeing Fraser Smith capitalize on an intercept in the back half that caught the Rowville back six out of position.

The premiership quarter and Rowville’s lead was hanging by a thread for a tense sevenminute stretch, in desperate need of a steady head to calm the anxious waters.

It would be Anthony Brolic to settle the

nerves, rewarded for his tackling ferocity at a forward-half stoppage before nailing his resulting set shot from outside 50 to give his side some breathing space with a classic captain’s goal.

Kurtis Flakemore soon repeated the dose after some nifty work from Joshua Clarke at a boundary throw-in, to push the lead to 14 late in the term, setting the scene for a gripping finale.

A nine-minute stalemate was broken by Nielson’s third goal of the contest, the beneficiary of two Hawks defenders contesting a mark and failing to impact as the ball found its way out the back and into the bustling forwards’ hands.

When Lachlan Johns added another within the next 60 seconds from the resulting centre clearance, the margin had been cut to just four points.

Two goals, however, was all the Eagles could muster consecutively all afternoon, with Rowville always finding a way to respond when challenged.

On this occasion it was LachlanWynd’s turn to impact, held in-check for much of the afternoon but seizing his moment after a strong mark on the lead to restore a 10-point lead after 12 minutes.

Vermont managed the next through Camp-

bell Barker to make it a single-kick game once again after 15 minutes, before Sruk was tackled high at a forward 50 stoppage and showed his composure, converting from short distance for the safety of a 10-point lead once again after 17 minutes.

Wynd and Jai Coleclough both missed chances to put the game beyond doubt in the final minutes, but both soaked-up the all-important 30 seconds granted to prepare, as the Hawks did their best to shut the game down.

Telling marks in defensive 50 from Jesse Eickhoff and Flakemore thwarted Vermont attacks in the dying stages, before Adrian Kalcovski, who ran rings around the Hawks back in round 11 with six goals, hit the post with around a minute left that essentially sealed his side’s fate.

The siren blew after 27 minutes with the play in front of the Hawks bench, as players, staff and supporters embraced to celebrate a historic result.

Eickhoff’s performance in the back half of the ground saw him walk away with the Cliff Tomkins medal, adjudged best afield by the voting panel.

Martini, Brolic and Taylor were among Rowville’s other key players, Taylor and McDonald the only multiple goalkickers with two goals each.

Sketcher the barnstorming Bull claims league medal

By Marcus Uhe

Jackson Sketcher has written another chapter in his remarkable sporting career by winning the 2023 Sir Gilbert Chandler Medal as the Eastern Football Netball League’s Premier Division Best and Fairest player.

Sketcher polled 30 votes from his 18 matches this season to finish four clear of East Ringwood’s James Belo on 26 votes and eight ahead of Brayden Kilpatrick of South Croydon on 22.

He begun the year with an extraordinary 49-disposal performance in round one, where he won 16 clearances, 17 contested possessions and kicked four goals to reelin a 29-point three-quarter-time deficit in a grand final rematch against Rowville.

It was a game that Bulls’ coach Steve Hughes described as “one of the best performances he’s seen in local footy.”

Shouldering extra responsibility in the Noble Park engine room in the absence of close mate Kyle Martin, the Bulls’ captain averaged 28 disposals in an extraordinary

display of consistency that saw him go onebetter than last year’s second-place finish in the medal count.

Hughes said he was proud to see him recognised for the year he had, and wasn’t surprised with the final result.

“A couple of people asked me post-season whether I thought he was a chance and I said

that I thought he’d win it,” Hughes said.

“You don’t see every other player, and there’s some high-quality players running around in our competition, but you can only judge it based on the way he plays each week.

“Do the maths on it; he wears flashy boots, he takes a lot of grass when he gets the ball, he’s eye-catching, he doesn’t get into arguments with umpires and he wins high-possessions.

“As most people know he’s been a bit of a bridesmaid to Kyle over the journey.

“I think it’s testament to how much effort he put in this year to help carry the team in Kyle’s absence.”

His remarkable consistency comes down to his diligence away from the field, with Hughes ranking him as one of the most professional at the club with a hunger to learn.

Stepping into the role of captain for the first time in his senior football journey, his commitment to recovery and body maintenance set the standard for the rest of the Bulls’ locker room.

“He’s incredibly professional, probably

the most professional player in the club with managing his body,” Hughes said.

“He’s in the ice bath before anyone else, he’s in the pool before anyone else, does additional recovery sessions during preseason.

“He’s an animal, and he has to balance that as a high-quality local cricketer as well.

“I’m over the moon for him and his family.

“It’s really exciting, great recognition and over and above everything else, he had a fantastic season.

“He’s a highly influential figure in most games.”

Hughes also confirmed that Martin will make a welcome return to the Bulls’ midfield next year, re-joining his great mate in the middle of Pat Wright Senior Oval.

“He’s been terrific standing beside me all year but I’d much prefer him out there on the ground,” Hughes explained.

Sir Gilbert Chandler Medal Top Five: Jackson Sketcher (Noble Park) 30, James Belo (East Ringwood) 26, Brayden Kilpatrick (South Croydon) 22, Anthony Brolic (Rowville) 18, Michael Griechen (Norwood) 18.

Jesse Eickhoff proudly displayed his Cliff Tomkins medal as Best on Ground in the grand final. 361016

Eickhoff (left) and premiership coach, Ben Wise. 361016

The victorious Rowville Hawks. 361016

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Jackson Sketcher is the 2023 Sir Gilbert Chandler medallist. 285139 Picture: ROB CAREW

Slow start costly for Rays

By Jonty Ralphsmith

A hot-starting Oakleigh proved too much for Dandenong Stingrays to handle in its Coates Talent League preliminary final.

Despite stabilising in the third quarter, Oakleigh got the first major of the last which sealed the result, the Rays season ending with an 8.5 53 to 5.3 33 loss.

The Chargers, responsible for the Stingrays’ last loss back in April, had the wind in the first quarter which helped them dictate terms with their ball movement.

But despite having seven scoring shots and barely allowing the ball behind halfway, they only put two goals on the board, which was an excellent result for the hosts at Shepley Oval.

Jemma Ramsdale started on the right foot with some big marks, taps to advantage and spoils, and she would go on to play a skipper’s game in her last outing for the club.

Ramsdale was well aided by Eleanor Butler, with the collective will of the back six effectively keeping Dandenong in the game.

Given the big wind advantage in the second quarter, the Stingrays, having typically been front runners on the scoreboard in 2023, were unable to turn it around.

Oakleigh showed how to play against the wind, linking up, using their leg-speed and moving the ball with confidence.

Three Chargers goals in the second quarter were dagger blows, but rucks Elli Symonds and Zoe Besanko kept their team in it with three collective second-quarter goals.

Symonds smashed the first hit-out of the day forward 10 metres, in a game where the Stingrays were always going to have the ruck advantage, and the pair took full toll.

They won the hitouts 52-14, with Besanko opening the scoring for Dandenong and Symonds’ two coming before halftime, including a long range set shot conversion.

Their ruck work allowed Mikayla Williamson and Meg Robertson to gel in the midfield as they have done all year, but the Chargers had better spread post-contest which was a barrier to generating momentum.

Coach Josh Moore spoke at halftime about delivering in the premiership quarter, with the margin still at a manageable 16 points.

After conceding an early goal, his team was able to turn the tide for most of the third.

The Stingrays gave the defence a spell by having their share of the territory, but the wind wreaked havoc on scoring opportunities and robbed the Rays of efficiency.

The defence held up well when Oakleigh was able to slingshot; in between a big Georgia Templeton intercept mark, Jemaya Bressan’s run and Nikita Harris’ pressure were features.

A late Oakleigh goal against the grain was a dagger blow and meant the home team went into three-quarter time needing to kick four unanswered with the wind.

Early forward forays in the last quarter went unrewarded and when Oakleigh’s Jacinta Baxter banged one through against the wind nine minutes in, the game was over.

Jemma

clean and lively all day, kicked a stylish late goal to trim the margin and lift her season tally to 10 goals.

Dandenong finished the season as clearly the best team in the Vic Country region, with

10 wins from 13 games in the home-and-away season, before comfortably beating GWV in the quarter-final last week. Williamson, Robertson, forward Sophie Butterworth, injured defender

Reynolds,

Bianca Lyne

and Ramsdale were all invited to the AFLW Draft combine, indicating strong draft interest. The club also remains optimistic that running player Ruby Murdoch has AFLW attributes.

Georgia Templeton has shown positive signs in defence late in the season.

Elli Symonds had back-to-back strong finals.Bridget Koczek dishes off a handball.

Zoe Besanko takes a strong mark.

Meg Robertson steps around her opponent.

Charlotte Gilmore still has two years of development remaining. 361015 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

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