Dandenong Star Journal - 24th October 2023

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Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

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Battle for Mulgrave

Abuse spirals Islamophobia reports have quadrupled in Australia since war has escalated in Gaza according to the Islamophobia Register Australia.

In some incidences, direct references were made to the current Israel-Palestine situation.

Dayla Sabawi, a restaurant owner in Greater Dandenong for three years, has not just her relations but her husband’s family members in Palestine.

“It makes us feel helpless, that we can only watch and pray but can’t really do anything.”

Ms Sabawi was confronted with a firsthand exchange of racist slurs in a city famous for its multiculturalism where its residents speak more than 150 languages.

“I had someone swearing and using foul language against Muslims, saying they should go back home and how Hamas beheaded 20 children.

“I told him that’s not true and I asked someone else, and they said it was on channel 9 and 10,” she said.

“I was shocked. There’s an increase of hatred against Muslims because of fake news like this.”

The alleged atrocity took the media by storm but there are counter-claims that it was an “unverified” rumour.

Ms Sabawi says they don’t feel supported in their own community and environment.

“Despite what we’re going through at the hands of Israel, there are circulation of lies.

“Without any investigation or proof they just share the lies and feed it to the world.”

The register’s executive director, Sharara Attai said violence in the Middle East often lead to increased Islamophobia in Australia.

“We also know that diverse political rhetoric can lead to increased Islamophobia.

“We call on all leaders and senior figures to use careful and considered language that works to advance social cohesion and ensure that they aren’t fanning the flames to racism and division.”

The Register heard reports on threats to mosques and Islamic schools and physical assaults of Muslim women.

Executive Officer for the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA) Helen Heath said the escalation has created “tensions here.”

Continued page 9

Rainbow dust Wooranna Park Primary student Goa was shrouded in a golden cloud during the school’s annual colour run at Lois Twohig Reserve on Friday 20 October.

Turn to page 8

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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By Sahar Foladi

NEWS

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams with AMMC students after a recent interview.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Minister for Jobs and Industry MP Natalie Hutchins, centre, with Hussen Mahamed and Mariam Koslay.

Crucial new media voices

By Sahar Foladi A multicultural media centre team in City of Greater Dandenong is itching to get back into covering news.

The Australia Multicultural Media Centre (AMMC) is a centre that teaches reporting and media skills to culturally diverse individuals between 11 to 25 years.

After just acquiring a new space for office and studio for training, the team are very excited to get working and training.

The centre equips students with the necessary physical tools as well as mentor support to film, interview, edit and attend events for stories not just in Greater Dandenong, but all over Melbourne.

Journalist and producer at AMMC, Hussen Mahamed established the centre in Dandenong after he was diagnosed with kidney cancer and underwent treatment.

“I thought at least I can work in the background and lead students toward their professional development.”

Mr Mahamed says the lack of diverse representation in the Australian media is another reason which prompted him.

“There’s rarely any chance given to the di-

AMMC reporter Mariam Koslay. verse community to have their say.

“When there’s negativity in the community, it’s like Christmas on the TV but that’s not the same when it comes to focusing on the positive.”

He is out to change the perspective of mainstream media with his young team.

Mariam Koslay, a reporter at AMMC, helps to mentor young students.

She advocates for economic and information equity through the development of strength-based, positive storytelling and cre-

ative action.

“Essentially what makes AMMC unique is the different cultures and stories it focuses on whereas the Australian media landscape is very polarizing with its tone narrative,” Ms Koslay said.

“Sometimes they don’t follow it through in terms of sustainable support around multicultural initiatives.”

A former Fairfax Media Journalist and the creator of the documentary series African Kings (2021), Ms Koslay realised she could have a better impact in the community through AMMC. She says the range of limitations that AMMC is facing currently is due to lack of funds.

“The main challenge is financially so a lot of the works are in a volunteer capacity meaning there’s a real limitation we face.”

The centre trains 10 students at a time with over 150 students enrolled at AMMC. A vocal leader, Ms Koslay supports schools and parents in collaboration, repair, cultural competency and the celebration of the African Diaspora in Australia.

“Having done much community outreach advocacy work, I see lots of different workshops for young people. I’ve never seen such

hands on opportunity for young people as provided by the AMMC team.

“Mr Mahamed really encourages young people to expand their skill set. The ability to question, to hold leadership accountable is very important and lacks in young people so AMMC really encourages that.”

Students at AMMC have had the opportunity to interview prominent politicians, organisational leaders and individuals from the community. Recently, the team also conducted a live coverage of the Yes campaign organised by the City of Greater Dandenong.

“Our goal is to find how to work with the Australian media as a multicultural media and community, to breach the gap and work together,” Mr Mahamed said.

“We may not have the capacity to do so, so we teach our kids and let them develop into the Australian media.”

The AMMC works in partnership with multiple community organisations in diverse Greater Dandenong, such as African communities, Chinese-Australian organisations and Pasifika communities to promote various campaigns designed to bring about the positive changes in the society.

Putting South Sudanese artists on the Aussie map

By Afraa Kori A group of South East South Sudanese independent artists are ready to take their music to the next level and put their country on the map.

Dandenong-based artist Mike Wang, Cranbourne artists Prez, 700Kae, YTS Gucciboi, Mobstah and GS Phantom and Pakenham’s Yung Baddie represent the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan.

Despite pursuing music for more than five years and being a citizen of a multicultural

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country, 700Kae said the path to getting wider recognition from the Australian public is still inaccessible in many ways.

“If you look at America, the biggest musicians are black, same with the UK,” he said.

“But you look at Australia and there’s not one big black artist, it doesn’t make sense because the talent I see in my area from South Sudan artists blows my mind.”

Prez said there is often a disconnect between both sides to allow South Sudanese artists to reach mainstream success.

“Maybe if they could relate to us, see that what we’re building is actually something worth supporting, while we engage with them and stay connected, then a bridge could be formed,” he said.

Prez said South Sudanese independent music artists also face financial barriers to finding success in Australia’s mainstream music industry.

“The biggest struggle of being a South Sudanese artist is gaining more exposure in spaces such as radio, and the lack of access to funding and resources,” he said.

“Many artists do not have the support of a major label, which means that they are often responsible for financing their own music production, promotion, and touring.”

Yung Baddie said a number of South Sudanese independent artists are starting their own wave and are demanding more support.

“I do believe that there are many talented and gifted South Sudanese artists in this city,” he said.

“We just need to do a better job.”

YTS Gucciboi said there a number of ways the industry can support local South Sudanese artists.

Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

700Kae, Prez, Mike Wang and YTS Gucciboi are based in the South East, yet dream of having a local and global impact through their music.

Picture: RAMBANG PHOTOGRAPHY “We can start by hosting events for the musician artist or connecting them with the resources that they need, having a studio, community centre and any type of ways that can help us get to where we heading or even having to fund the artist so that they pay off music-related payments,” he said.

700Kae said their struggle to reach success are part of their stories.

“If we showed our artists the love that these other communities show their artists, we would have gone a long way in the music industry a long time ago,” he said.

“This is what makes our stories even better, we have to work harder for it so when our time comes success is gonna be sweet.”

Prez said more engagement within the community is key to achieving success.

“When people are really involved with the shows, supportive of the releases and projects that come out, and share the music with their friends and family, that does a lot for the independent artists here in Melbourne,” he said.

Wang said while a number of South Sudanese artists recognise there has been improve-

ment, there is still a long way to go in embracing these artists into the mainstream.

“As of recent years, I have seen more leniency towards young artists from parents than it was when I started and others that I know of, but that’s because parents are now starting to understand what it is that we are doing,” he said.

“To be seen and recognised for our greatness is something that is starting to happen and only God knows where it can lead.”

Prez said he believes the industry is on a tipping point.

“Though the mainstream media hasn’t covered much of it, I really think the dynamics will change very soon,” he said.

“Given that more and more talented young Sudanese people are becoming known whether in sports, modelling and the fashion industry, it shines on the Sudanese diaspora as a whole, especially in Australia.

“I do believe the chance needs to be given, not only due to the talent and potential within the arts for a lot of young Sudanese people, but also to give them purpose, something to strive for.”

Yung Baddie said while the challenges exist, their visions have always been clear and their goals have never wavered.

“In the end, you got to prove people wrong because a day will come when the underdogs end up ruling the world,” he said.

Prez said he is looking forward to the future of the South Sudanese music industry in Australia and beyond.

“I plan to take over the music industry and set changes within the foundation for the next generations of creatives and artists, so that it may be easier for them to dream and accomplish than it was for us,” he said. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Two in mayoral contest

by Cam Lucadou-Wells Two Labor councillors are believed to be jostling to be Greater Dandenong’s next mayor.

Lana Formoso and Sophie Tan – both who have served as deputy mayors – could be facing off at the 16 November election.

They are believed to be respectively supported by deputy mayor candidates Richard Lim and Angela Long.

Meanwhile, councillors Eden Foster and Rhonda Garad are expected to be absent - on leave due to contesting the Mulgrave state byelection two days later.

Under council rules, it means the successful mayor would have to salvage a majority of six votes from only up to nine councillors present.

Acting mayor Cr Formoso was confident she’d still snare the majority, adding that there was “nothing stopping” councillors Foster and Garad from voting.

“We want to show the community we’re working well as a council and we’re on the same page. Any sort of division is never going to be a good look.

“I’ve done quite well in the deputy mayor role and as acting mayor. I’ll see how I go –

Acting mayor Lana Formoso is putting her hand up for the gig. 365544 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS hopefully it goes the right way for me.”

If elected, Cr Formoso’s priorities include a pedestrian crossing opposite Dandenong Stadium on Stud Road and the Barry Powell Reserve upgrade.

She would also push the State Government

to help fund the $100 million-plus Dandenong Oasis redevelopment.

“With the heatwave expected this summer and for summers to come, we need a place where the local community can go to in extreme heat.”

Cr Formoso was also glad that the $110-million plus rectangular sports stadium in Dandenong was back on the public agenda. It would be potentially home for Melbourne City ALeague and W-League sides.

“People say what a benefit that it could be.

Give us a stadium and we’ll see how many sporting events and clubs we could get.”

She endorsed Cr Lim as a first-time deputy mayor.

“He’s the hardest working councillor I’ve known. I think he’s deserving.

“It’s time for new blood.”

Three-time mayor Angela Long said she’d support Cr Tan “if she puts her hand up”.

Cr Tan had served as deputy during Cr Long’s mayoralty in 2020-‘21.

“I think she has done more than her time,” Cr Long said.

“She wanted to be mayor before. She was promised by someone (that they’d vote for her) – I don’t want to say who – and they didn’t come through.

“I think she’ll be a good mayor.”

Cr Tan and Cr Lim were contacted for comment.

Man found dead at Dandenong North school Police are investigating after a man’s body was found on school grounds in Dandenong North.

The man, who is yet to be formally identified, was found dead at the school on Gladstone Road about 7am on

Monday 23 October.

“Investigations remain ongoing into the exact cause of the death.”

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

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2024 Free Kinder is available for three and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services.

Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,500 each year, per child.

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learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

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learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

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build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2024.

Visit: vic.gov.au/kinder

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At kindergarten, your child will:

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NEWS

Finance helpers need help

By Sahar Foladi Financial counsellors are at a breaking point in Victoria as South East Community Links joins pleas to the State Government to urgently fund more counsellors.

In an open letter to Premier Jacinta Allan, SECL and multiple financial counselling services across the state have reported “unsustainable wait times,” voicing their concerns and need for urgent relief.

The demands for assistance have skyrocketed amid rising interest rates, unaffordable rentals, soaring energy prices and costly grocery bills.

SECL’s head of financial wellbeing Kay Dilger says these combinations are “placing enormous strain, forcing a breaking point.”

“Financial counsellors are concerned that already stretched household budgets will collapse if there are further rent or mortgage increases and we won’t be there to support people to understand their options and rights when they fall behind.

“There is also concern at the impact that financial strain has on the mental health of people struggling to make ends meet.”

SECL is the largest provider in financial counselling in the municipality. At least two thirds of their clients talk about the cost-ofliving pressures impacting on their ability to continue to pay bills and sustain housing.

“We know that people prioritise the roof over their head above all else. We see people cut back on essentials like clothes, and children missing out on sports or school excursions,” Ms Dilger said.

Waiting times at the free financial counselling service now stretch up to two to three months.

“If I compare it to two years ago, we had about two weeks wait to see a financial counsellor. Now unless you’re losing your home, the bank has repossessed your house or you’re be-

ing evicted, we have about a 12 week wait to see a financial counsellor,” Ms Dilger said.

“Financial counsellors could face burn out.

“Already long wait times could get longer, leaving people with fewer options when they can be seen,” she said.

The open letter, signed by 36 community organisations launched at Financial Counselling Victoria’s annual conference has urged the Premier to immediately boost workforce numbers for the next three years.

“Our financial counsellors are a resilient bunch and do their best every day for people experiencing financial challenges,” Ms Dilger said.

“It’s not easy for anyone with the lengthy wait times. We need more financial counsellors to respond to the growing financial hardship in our community.

“For this, additional investment from the government who funds our services is needed; now and for the foreseeable future.”

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 counsellors indicated the cost of living and mortgage stress as the reason for their financial hardship.

The organisations recently saw the success of their “Bring Your Bills Day” initiative held for the community where avenues for assistance and information were shared.

As reported previously by Star Journal, 150 people attended the event within five hours.

The number of enquiries to SECL’s services is up by 20 per cent on last financial year.

“We are experiencing an economic crisis, and our service needs to be resourced to respond,” Ms Dilger said.

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.

SECL head of financial wellbeing Kay Dilger says financial counselling wait times have ballooned Picture: GARY SISSONS to several months. 258271

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NEWS

High hopes for plum seat

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Labor candidate Eden Foster would be expected to not only win the upcoming Mulgrave byelection but also be a future leader within the party, according to a political expert.

Dr Zareh Ghazarian, a politics senior lecturer at Monash University, said the seat which had been held by former Premier Daniel Andrews for 21 years was very important for the ALP. “It’s a safe seat. It would be a seat that you’d expect to have a Minister or a potential future leader in that regard.

“It would normally be expected that the contest for Labor preselection would be very strong.

“Labor must have great hope that (Foster) would be a major player in future years.”

Foster lives in the seat, has a strong community profile as Greater Dandenong mayor and is of the same Left faction as Andrews.

She has been on a steep ascension since being first elected as a Greater Dandenong councillor in 2020.

Elected as mayor in late 2022, she stepped down to contest the byelection on 18 November.

She will compete against the Liberal Party, independent Ian Cook and the Greens’ Rhonda Garad – who is also a Greater Dandenong councillor and regards herself as Foster’s friend.

At last November’s state election, Andrews held the seat by a 10 per cent margin.

The byelection will be a test whether that buffer was driven by Andrews’s high profile as Premier, Ghazarian said.

“Without him there, it will be interesting to see how it will affect the Labor primary vote.”

Even factoring a recent boundary redistribution and voter volatility, an upset was unlikely.

“Byelections tend to be done under different circumstances than a general election.

“The whole state’s focus will be on that seat, on that contest and the candidates.

“That said, this is Labor’s seat to lose. It should be confident of holding it.”

So far, Andrews has had no role in Foster’s campaign. Ghazarian was curious whether he would return to “endorse” his likely successor ahead of 18 November.

The poll was also the first test for new Premier Jacinta Allan and a gauge for the Liberal opposition.

“We’ll get a sense of what people are thinking of the new Premier. Are voters deserting Labor or coming back to Labor?”

Another factor is this will be the fourth time Mulgrave voters have been to the polls in the past 18 months.

“People might be getting a bit tired of it,” Ghazarian said.

“With Christmas around the corner, people

Eden Foster would be regarded as a future Minister and leader by the ALP, according to political expert Zareh Ghazarian. 362841 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Rhonda Garad says Labor has taken Mulgrave for granted. will be thinking of other things.”

Last week, the Liberal Party announced it would run to give voters a “choice between a tired Labor Government or a new direction for Victoria”.

As of 23 October, the Liberal candidate is yet to be announced.

Greens candidate Rhonda Garad said Labor had “taken the seat for granted for far too long”.

She pledged to be a “fresh, powerful voice in Parliament for housing affordability, climate action and cost-of-living relief”.

Garad called for rent controls and “tens of thousands” of public and “genuinely affordable” homes.

“When I talk to people in Mulgrave, they’re all saying the same thing: the rising cost-ofliving is making things really hard.

Ian Cook says he’ll offer an independent voice for Mulgrave voters.

309898 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS dent voice to advocate for them and not tied to the party line.”

He said the change of Premier was “shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic”.

Allan needed to “stop the waste” and “get back to the services that people require”, Cook said.

“Given she was part of the problem, I don’t hold out any hope of her doing that - but we can hold her to account.”

Cook is sueing the Department of Health for alleged misfeasance in shutting down his Dandenong South commercial kitchen as part of a fatal listeria investigation in 2019.

He said there was “some irony” that Foster comes from Greater Dandenong Council that “took out” his business ICF and “knocked off” 41 jobs.

Foster was contacted for comment.

“Families, both young and old, are cutting back on meals and missing out on the things they need. And renters are constantly worried about the next rent rise.

“Every vote for the Greens this by-election sends a message that people want progressive action, and that the major parties can’t keep going with business as usual and just expect to keep their seats.”

I Cook Foods owner Ian Cook is running again as an independent after coming second in the seat with 18 per cent of the primary vote in last year’s state election.

“I think the people of Mulgrave have been let down.

“They were promised (Andrews) would go the full term. And in less than a year, the Labor Pary has abandoned Mulgrave.

“My message for the people of Mulgrave is they can be now represented by an indepen-

‘Grandiose ideas’ led cricket promoter to steal $190k

By Cassandra Morgan, AAP A former warehouse worker with “grandiose” ideas to bolster his image fleeced his employer out of almost $190,000 in a bid to put on T20 cricket tournaments in the South East featuring star international players.

Navishta Desilva, 36, dreamt of becoming a professional cricketer and played for Australia at under-15s level before he “hit a ceiling” and joined the workforce, the County Court of Victoria was told.

Having permanently relocated from his home of Sri Lanka to Australia at the age of 20, Desilva tried his hand at a number of jobs, including service station attendee, door-todoor salesman, Harvey Norman sales assistant, Deloitte auditor and part-time DJ. The first of the T20 matches Desilva organised featured West Indies’ veteran batsman Chris Gayle.

He developed a passion for events and went on to work at Live Nation as a hit-andmiss promoter, before he later decided he could promote cricket events through his dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

own business called Global Talent Entertainment, the court was told.

Prosecutors said the business hosted an international Twilight T20 cricket series at Dandenong, and managed several high-profile cricket players at Endeavour Hills Cricket Club.

Desilva’s lawyer Sam Norton said funding didn’t come through for some events, prompting his client to steal from his thenemployer, Omnivision, where he worked as a warehouse assistant.

Endeavour Hills Cricket Club cancelled the second day of a Twilight T20 Carnival in 2022 after its dealings with Global Talent Entertainment went sour when Desilva was charged.

The first of the carnival’s matches went ahead in November 2022 and featured West Indies’ veteran batsman Chris Gayle.

“Having gotten to this position where he’s overcommitted, he feels as though he will let people down and he will lose any position of importance that he may have obtained by the calling off of these tournaments,” Mr

Norton told the court on Friday.

Desilva placed orders on Omnivision’s behalf with a legitimate supplier, CCTV Masters, and sent doctored invoices to his employer with inflated prices and his own bank details on them.

He ultimately stole more than $240,000 from Omnivision but the business netted a total loss of $189,000 after some of their CCTV Masters orders were fulfilled.

Desilva used the stolen money to pay cricket players - including Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan and Lahiru Thirimanne more than $70,000.

He also transferred some of the money to Global Talent Entertainment and spent stolen funds at Louis Vuitton and Luxury Escapes, the court was told.

The judge ordered Desilva be assessed for a community corrections order ahead of his sentencing.

Judge David Brookes described Desilva’s offending as devious, calculated and quite skilful.

“This type of offending is devious and prolonged. It’s over 16 months and its quite … complicated,” he said.

“It seems to stem from immaturity and grandiose ideas.”

Prosecutors said Desilva was trying to establish himself as someone of importance by committing the offence.

He pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception on Friday and has paid Omnivision back the $189,000.

Desilva leaned on his family and friends to pay back the money and was now working two jobs six days a week to pay off his debts, Mr Norton said.

The judge ordered Desilva be assessed for a community corrections order ahead of his sentencing on October 30.

Mr Norton noted media coverage of the case led to the breakdown of Desilva’s engagement and caused him mental health issues.

Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636

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Emerson School principal John Mooney and Gabrielle Williams MP. 366411

The new office and Senior School wing at Emerson School. 366411

Emerson $14m wing open

By Cam Lucadou-Wells After 50 long years, Emerson School’s first state-funded upgrade was celebrated on 13 October.

And this $14 million new admin and senior student learning wing is just stage-one of the specialist school’s course for modernization, says principal John Mooney.

“Education needs to be edu-caring and a place to unlock the potential of every student. No one will miss out on anything at this school.”

This upgrade widens the horizons as well as the corridors, classrooms and the array of vocational training facilities for senior students.

Top-of-the-grade classrooms for home economics, aged and childcare studies, visual arts are home here.

Stage two’s technology and automotive studies wing is about to go to tender.

It fits the promise made by Mooney when he took the helm in 1998. He told his students and staff to “dream a dream” of where they wanted their school to be.

Upgrades happened - but out of the school’s own budget, such as a new mid-school campus at the former Greenslopes Primary School site a decade ago.

In the meantime, the oft-overlooked school was teaching out of some of the oldest portables in Victoria, Mooney says.

Until recent times, it was one of very few schools near a major road (in this case Heatherton Road) without a pedestrian crossing with traffic signals.

“This (stage-one upgrade) is the first bit of capital works funding since 1973 – its opening year.

“This is all symbolic that now Emerson is no different to anyone else.”

The inspiring leader was also enthusiastic in his defence of special schools – in the wake of a federal Royal Commission’s split recommendation to phase them out of existence.

Mooney says it was important for families to have the choice between special schools

Emerson School’s Lachlan caters for the opening ceremony on 13 October. 366411 and ‘mainstream’ schools.

“A lot of kids get sent to Emerson School only when the wheels fall off.

“Victoria should be congratulated for giving options to parents.”

Aptly in these times, Mooney turns his mind to Leonard Cohen’s song Anthem.

“There’s so many conflicts and disagreements going on, including cracks in our facilities and institutions.

“But Cohen says it’s through the cracks that the light can shine in.

“It puts some shivers down your back.”

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, who

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS was there for the opening ceremony, said: “Emerson School prides itself on unlocking the potential in every student.”

“And I’m proud to have been able to support them in delivering state of the art infrastructure that reflects and enhances the quality of their educational offering.”

Cash for cans, bottles ready to return on 1 November Drink bottles and cans can be turned to cash with the opening of the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme from 1 November.

Each eligible container that’s returned will earn 10 cents – which is either handy pocket money or a chance to raise funds for charities, schools, sports and community groups.

VicReturn chief executive Jim Round said the scheme is expected to recycle billions of containers a year across the state.

Similar schemes in other states had collected three billion bottles a year.

It will operate on top of councils’ kerbside recycling service and greatly improve recycling rates.

“One of the really great benefits is not just the reduction of littering in parks and waterways. But it also leads to a cleaner, better sorted stream for recycling.”

Round remembers fondly the former 6 STAR JOURNAL

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Victoria’s refund scheme for drink bottles and cans will be launched on 1 November.

‘Cash for Cans’ refund deposit scheme, and thinks this new incarnation will be just as popular.

“We’ve been surprised how enthusiastic the community is.

“We feel we’re pushing through an open door in promoting the scheme, particularly with kids – they seem to love it.”

Under the industry-funded scheme, VicReturn charges beverage manufacturers 10 cents per can and bottle, which is passed on to collectors or donation partners.

The big winners will be charities, schools, community and environmental groups, sporting clubs, and educational organisations, which can register as donation partners.

Community members pass on their refunds to their nominated donation partner.

In the South East, company Return-It will run the refund points such as depots, reverse vending machines or participating shops.

The locations are expected to be revealed in the coming week.

“Within a year, the aim is to have the most

accessible scheme in the country with more than 600 (refund points) in the state,” Round says.

Most aluminium cans, glass and plastic bottles and cardboard cartons between 150 mL and 3 litres are eligible. They will be marked with a ‘10c’ label.

The exceptions include milk containers, wine and spirit bottles and some large juice bottles – which may still be deposited in kerbside recycling.

“The best way to work out if the container is accepted is to look for the ’10 cent’ marker,” Round advises.

“If in doubt, go to our website.”

Ideally, returned containers should be in good condition and not crushed, he says.

This enables the scanning of the barcode labels.

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NEWS

‘Dark-web’ drug charges

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Cranbourne man accused of trafficking LSD and cannabis over the dark web has been granted bail on a $500,000 surety.

Lucas Raymond Bingham, 42, faced a bail hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 October after being arrested during simultaneous police raids of homes in the South East the day before.

Bingham is accused of being a dark web vendor with the user-name ‘Utopia’ and linked to 309 parcels of LSD and cannabis seized in the mail by police, according to a police summary tendered at court.

The parcels were allegedly mailed from street post boxes at shopping centres, such as Dingley Village, Fountain Gate, Eden Rise Village, Karingal Hub, The Downs and Thompson Parkway.

Bingham had been selling drugs on at least 13 identified online darknet marketplaces, police claimed.

According to Utopia’s profile page, there were more than 20,000 transactions in the ‘external feedback’ section (with a 94.8 per cent approval score), the summary stated.

Major Drug Squad detectives allegedly seized LSD tablets, cannabis, THC gummies, cannabis resin, THC cookies, cannabis oil, about $5,000 cash and an Isuzu D Max utility from Bingham’s house on 18 October.

In one of the bedrooms, a container of cannabis and 45 heat sealed bags of cannabis as well as numerous postal satchels and envelopes were seized, police stated.

In the lounge room, an envelope addressed to New York, USA contained comic books concealing 3000 tabs of LSD was allegedly found.

The gummies, cookies, resin and other LSD tabs were allegedly seized from a kitchen fridge and a laundry freezer.

Bingham was charged with trafficking a

A 42-year-old Cranbourne man is arrested at a house in Cranbourne. He was charged with allegedly trafficking drugs over the dark web. large commercial quantity of LSD, trafficking a commercial quantity of THC and trafficking cannabis over the past 11 months.

He was also charged with importing LSD, possessing drugs and suspected proceeds of crime.

At the bail hearing, police claimed that Bingham made partial admissions to operating the dark net entity ‘Utopia’ and provided access codes to police.

He also admitted importing large amounts of LSD from overseas and owning all the property seized at the Cranbourne home, the police summary stated.

Police told the court that Bingham had been a tattooist – but hadn’t worked in the trade since the Covid pandemic from March 2023.

In supporting Bingham’s bail application, his mother offered up to $1 million surety – namely her and her husband’s home.

Magistrate Peter Reardon noted that Bingham needed to prove “exceptional circumstances” for bail – a high but not impossible test.

He noted that police didn’t seem to regard Bingham as an unacceptable risk of reoffending or failing to appear in court.

Bingham had also never been in custody and had no relevant priors.

His bail conditions included a $500,000 surety, reporting three times a week to police, surrendering passports, not accessing the dark web and using just one phone.

Major Drug Squad detectives also charged a 39-year-old Narre Warren woman with possessing cannabis, MDMA, LSD and THC and proceeds of crime.

She was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 11 June.

A 67-year-old Cranbourne North man was interviewed and released without charge.

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Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 7

NEWS

Students get colourful

By Sahar Foladi Students at Wooranna Park Primary School made a dash for colours to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the school on Friday 20 October.

Lois Twohig Reserve was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours as the school community came together for their annual colour run.

Students gathered at the starting line in teams, decked out in white attire and were doused with an array of vivid, eco-friendly pigments.

The event, introduced by the school fundraising committee, organised by the schools staff, students and community members was a great success, assistant principal Rachael Rydqvist said.

“The Colour Run was an unforgettable day of laughter, camaraderie, and kaleidoscopic memories. It was a colorful spectacle that left everyone with smiles as bright “It certainly lived up to the promises to be an exhilarating and vibrant event surrounding our community with an array of colours and an infectious atmosphere of joy and unity.”

Wooranna Park Primary student Ralph. 366290

Lola and Zainab. 366290

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

L-R Miss Pip, Miss Rachael, Elina, Mahat, Abeera, Meeyazh. 366290

Parent helpers at a colour station, Danielle and Jayde. 366290

Mind Australia to lead mental health, wellbeing centre Mind Australia has been selected as the lead provider at an upcoming Mental Health and Wellbeing Local centre in Dandenong.

The Dandenong facility will provide walk-in mental health care and support for people 26 years and over, including those with co-occurring alcohol and other drug concerns.

A GP referral would not be required.

It will act as a ‘front door’ to the mental health system and be staffed by qualified mental health professionals.

Support is delivered in-person, tele8 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

health, and via outreach services and a care plan is then designed to match patient goals and preferences.

Six such facilities were opened across Victoria in 2022, with a total of 50 pledged by the end of 2026.

Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said the Royal Commission into the state’s mental health system showed why Locals were “critically important” to break down barriers to access.

The State Government stated it chose Mind Australia for its “experience and expan-

sive sector knowledge”.

It will partner with Monash Health, The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. And Thorne Harbour Health.

“The providers are incredibly experienced, with teams of highly qualified mental health professionals who understand the importance of this initial support in reducing the need for more acute care in the future,” Stitt said.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said community-focused mental health care

meant residents could access “life-changing services right here, right now”.

“A community-based mental health service in Dandenong is going to be a welcome addition – it will ensure locals can access support closer to home, while also linking them to other vital services they may need to live their best life.”

In this year’s State Budget, $67 million was allocated to establish another three Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, with an additional $10 million to plan for another 20 locations. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Startling rise in abuse amid ongoing Gaza war

A Hallam man has been charged with drug trafficking after a police raid on 19 October.

Illicit Firearms Squad detectives say they seized methylamphetamine, dried cannabis, cannabis plants, cannabis seedlings and a quantity of cash from the home in Albert Road.

A 28-year-old Hallam man was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, trafficking cannabis, cultivating cannabis and possessing proceeds of crime.

He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 4 March.

A 33-year-old Cranbourne woman was also arrested at the address.

She was interviewed for possessing methylamphetamine and is expected to be charged on summons.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald, of the Illicit Firearms Squad, said police were dedicated to disrupting drug traffickers who “profit from causing harm within the community by preying on vulnerable people with drug addictions”.

“Drug trafficking impacts us all – whether it be through drug driving, drug-fuelled assaults, drug-fuelled family violence or heightened risk-taking.

“The effects of this can be devastating and tragic.

“The repercussions of becoming involved in trafficking illicit drugs are life altering, with the maximum punishment life imprisonment.”

Open Day

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Lexington Gardens

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Open Day

for Israel instead.”

President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Nasser Mashni said he felt “disgusted and completely othered.”

“The humanity of the world is diminished to such a degree that we’re not even considered worthy of saving.

“I’ve experienced racism in my life, but this is the first time I felt like I don’t belong.

“We’re devastated because we’re abandoned by the world. We’re dehumanized and degraded to the point where nobody cares about the genocide that’s about to happen.”

The Register also acknowledged the reports of anti-semitism and the “widely reported” anti-semitic chants at a pro Palestine protest in Sydney by a small number of people.

“We note that the organisers of that protest have publicly stated those people were asked to leave the protest and those views weren’t shared by either the organisers or the vast majority of the protesters,” the register said in their statement.

It also mentioned that irrespective of majority of protesters views on the IsraelHamas situation, anti-semitic views are rejected as demonstrated.

The Jewish faith leader representative on the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network, Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann says hate speech needed to be called out.

“We must do everything we can to eradicate both islamophobia and anit-Semitism and call it our for what it is - hate speech.

“It’s up to the faith leaders, parents and educators to call it out when they see it in their communities.”

Mr Kaltmann also expressed his “shell shocked” reaction to the events of 7 October.

UR

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Drug charges

YO

A 28-year-old Hallam man was arrested during a drug raid at Albert Road, Hallam on 19 October.

From page 1 “We have so many people from all faith living in City of Greater Dandenong and everybody is affected.

“It’s just very sad what ‘s happening overseas, and people here are unsettled.”

She hopes for a peaceful solution to the issue. Wellsprings for Women organisation in City of Greater Dandenong expressed its concerns over the impacts of the war in Australian communities.

Chief executive director, Dalal Smiley urges community leaders to lead by example.

“Such tragic events can trigger extremist actions of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and racism.

“We ask all community leaders to lead by example, use language of peace and human rights, and apply a humanitarian lens when discussing this topic.

“Wellsprings for Women is a safe place for women and children and we respect and support women of all faiths and backgrounds.”

The organisations is made up of staff and participants who’ve migrated to Australia escaping war, violence, tyranny and oppression.

Australia’s white and blue colours lit in support of Israel in Australian landmarks has further created division as Ms Sabawi questions the message they’re trying to send.

“I’m not surprised to be honest because the Western leaders have always sided with Israel, but to light up landmarks white and blue, it was too much they went too far.

“It’s disappointing and when we come to our defence, they frame us as terrorists and the media move to show sympathy

S • FO

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Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Anthony Galea holds his painting “Tarwin River Heron”. Behind him is a work commissioned by the Noble Park Community Centre showing its own building. 366996

Heather Duggan with her work “Blood Lily”, She is retiring from the organizing committee after 18 years involvement. 366996

Winning artist Alejandro Aguanta also played Spanish guitar at the art show. 366996

Noble Park best on show The best homegrown talent from young and old was on proud display at the 18th annual Noble Park Community Centre Art Show.

Coordinator Shelly Kemp said she was “proud to watch the show grow and serve the community for 18 years”.

Imaginations ran wild with the first prize entry - the surreal desert-set Statistical Tension by artist Adrian Olguin.

Other winners included Alexandra Rojas with a portrait of Judy Garland as Dorothy from Wizard of Oz, Leon Waldhuter’s take on the Mona Lisa and Merran Berry with a kaleidoscopic photograph ‘Rainbow Wings’.

Also in the prizes were Evelyn Wilson, Laila Tabassum, Cath Temple, Miriam Abdullah, Helen Harrington-Johnson and classical guitarist Alejandro Aguanta who won best pencil drawing and provided ambient music at the event.

In the school sections, Noble Park Secondary College took out the overall display award.

Nathanael Hingley’s portrait of singer Nick Cave and Talya Zhang’s rainbow parrot work drew first prizes.

Talya, a five-year-old primary school student, also took out the popular vote.

Long-serving organizer Heather Duggan stepped down after this year’s show after being one of the mainstays.

The art show was on 18-20 October.

Alejandro Aguanta with his winning drawing ‘Kerri’. 366996

First-time art show entrant Cath Temple with her winning work Submerged. It was also her first ‘big canvas’ painting. 366996

Cporey Price with his work “Discovery”. He said his work was derived from “following my passion”.

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Art show coordinator Shelly Kemp. 366996

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dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Group in childcare fight

By Matthew Sims A group of residents in a Narre Warren North housing estate have proposed launching a class action to fight Casey Council’s approval of a childcare centre to be developed on 154 Drysdale Avenue in Narre Warren North.

Casey Council approved a planning permit for the use and development of a childcare centre on the land on Tuesday 3 October, with the demolition of the former $1.9 million house at the property started on Thursday 19 October.

The plans outlined a $2.9 million early childhood education facility at the site, which would accommodate 110 places.

The residents’ grievances with the development’s approval included the impacts it would have on traffic, amenity and overall neighbourhood character and the over-saturation of similar childcare centres in the area, as well as the development being exempt from notice and appeal via VCAT. In a joint letter to Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff PSM, Highgrange Estate residents said they believed the council’s decision to not bring the application before a public meeting reflected incompetence by the council.

“There clearly has been no communication in a fair and just way,” the letter read.

“We stand by our educated and informed opinion that given the rights to a VCAT appeal, a judge would have overturned council’s approval.”

In a further letter to Ms Duff, Highgrange Estate resident Sylvia Plaggemars said the development would create a number of issues for amenity and traffic in the area.

“The plan to put a double-storey 110-place childcare centre in this location is absolutely absurd and also considering one has also been built less than 300 metres away on the next

South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans joined Highgrange Estate residents to protest against the recent demolition at the site of an approved new childcare centre. corner is a lack in duty of care when assessing ‘over-saturation’ of a particular service,” she said.

“The entry to this childcare centre is going to be in Drysdale Avenue as soon as residents turn into the estate.

“This will detrimentally impact traffic trying to get in or out of the estate.”

Bounded by Belgrave-Hallam Road to the north and west, the Princes Freeway to the south and Tinks Road/Ernst Wanke Road to the east, the land has been covered by the Cell ‘K’ Development Plan, which was first adopted on 6 August 1996 and last amended on 24

March 2009.

Under the development plan, a Development Plan Overlay (DPO) also applies to this area, which makes an application exempt from notice and review, as well as appeals via VCAT, if it is generally in accordance with a development plan.

In a 2018 review, Casey Council prioritised removing all redundant Development Plan Overlays (DPO) where they have been identified as no longer being required to guide development within a specific area.

While this review of DPOs was scheduled as part of the 2022/23 strategic planning work

program, Casey Council planning and building manager Tania Asper said the review was currently underway and was expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

“Any recommendations made as part of the review may require actioning via new planning scheme amendments to the Casey Planning Scheme,” she said.

“These amendments may then be required to be placed on public exhibition prior to being submitted to the Minister for Planning for final approval.

“As the review recommendations are not yet finalised, the timing and detail of any planning scheme changes are unknown at this point in time.”

Ms Asper said council placed 34 conditions on the planning permit issued, including modifications to the design , landscaping, drainage, traffic, use and development, and expiry.

“An assessment of the application for a childcare centre at 154 Drysdale Avenue in Narre Warren North was made against all relevant legislation and relevant policies within the Casey Planning Scheme, and this resulted in the approval of the application,” she said.

According to the 2021 Census, there were 356 children aged zero to four years in Narre Warren North. A newly constructed and operational centre has been operating less than two kilometres away from the proposed planning permit at 1 Capra Court, accommodating more than 130 children aged six weeks to six years, while another centre accommodates more than 100 children at 280-283 BelgraveHallam Road, about 3.5 kilometres away from the proposed development. Other centres were currently operating in Narre Warren, Narre Warren North, Endeavour Hills, and Hallam, with all centres confirming they were not operating to full capacity and had vacancies available in 2023/2024.

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STAR JOURNAL 13

OPINION

Huge opportunity missed Like many Australians, I am very disappointed about the missed opportunity to recognise our First Nations people in the national Constitution and establish a Voice to advise Federal Parliament on policies and issues affecting First Nations people.

Australians have clearly rejected the proposal by over 60 per cent and this would be a hardto-comprehend result for many of our First Nations people in particular. There have now been 45 attempts via a referendum to make changes to the Constitution but only eight have been successful with bipartisan support. This means that getting Australians to vote ‘yes’ for a twoin-one proposal to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia and establish a Voice to Parliament was always going to be a challenging task from the start.

Unfortunately, the Voice became vulnerable to politics and the no campaigners undoubtedly capitalised on the uncertainty and unsubstantiated fear of the “unknown” surrounding the proposal. There was hope and momentum in having an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

The Voice would have acted as a conduit between the government and the Indigenous people to ensure that Indigenous people are better engaged and consulted when making decisions and policies about them. Let’s now take some time to reflect and listen back to some of the positive messages and reasonable arguments from both sides during the campaign.

There was unity in changing the status quo in how we as a nation should relate and work with our First Nations people but unfortunately, how and in which format were problematic.

It is important to note that many people, when they have made up their minds, would not listen to those with opposing views and this

Australians include:

health outcomes which contribute to · Poorer shorter life expectancy - currently eight years’ gap.

infant mortality rates due to limited · Higher maternal child health services - pre and post birth.

socio economic mainly due · Lower to unemployment. rate of engagement in education and · Lower training among young Indigenous Australians.

· Housing crisis in remote towns. of Indigenous children · Over-representation and young people in juvenile justice system

There was hope and momentum in having an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, says Andrew Gai. Picture: SHANE ZAHNER would have been the case in what was a very intense referendum campaign.

Now let’s come together and hear each other’s views on the way forward.

Despite the unsuccessful yes result, there is a renewed energy to improve the lives of our First Nations people by addressing the third-worldlike disadvantages that many First Nations people are experiencing today, particularly in the remote parts of Australia including the central and Northern Territory.

The disadvantages that have created a gap between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous

LOOKING BACK

and out-of-home care due to unaddressed challenges facing Indigenous families.

In order to have a meaningful reconciliation with our First Nations people, appropriate and concrete actions need to be taken to address the above disadvantages and ensure progress is being made in all of the Closing the Gap target areas. Having a Voice to Parliament was one way but there are other ways that the government at all levels can partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For instance, the government can engage directly with community-led organisations that are already working at the grassroots level. There are many of these organisations across the country with credible track records and initiatives informed by local knowledge.

To our First Nations people, may the spirit of determination and your inspirational resilience sustain you all at this time while our political and community leaders figure out the way forward post the Voice referendum outcome. Your resilience and determination have been inte-

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago

20 years ago 27 October 2003 $1.4m Grants revamp urged An overhaul of Greater Dandenong’s $1.44 million community grants program has been denuded after it was revealed that funding was released to an ineligible association.

In July 191 grants were approved to local 14 STAR JOURNAL

MESSAGE OF

HOPE

By Ursula Aruma of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation

Funding is announced for The Greek Orthodox Community Hall on 11 October 2018.

25 October 1973 We changed the rules For the first time in the history of Dandenong City Council, final discussion on estimates including the setting of rates was held in open council last Monday night. The Journal last Thursday, had accurately predicted the city’s rates for 1973/4. Last Monday night a challenge was issued to councillors to “stand up” and be counted for “leaking” the story to the Journal. In a 7-2 vote, council decided to have its final deliberations on the estimates in the open “so the Press and public might appreciate the agonies we go through in making these decisions”.

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INTERFAITH

A happy life

25 October 1923 Visit to Talbot Farm With the object of witnessing the methods by which milk is produced at Mr G H Hope’s Model Farm Cranbourne, under conditions laid down by the Lady Talbot Milk Institute, members of the Public Health Association of Victoria visited the farm on Saturday October 20. Under the conditions governing the management and method of production, the milk is kept pure by a system of immediate bottling. Every one of the 200 cows being milked daily has been examined by Government veterinary officers and declared to be free from tuberculosis. Every employee has also successfully passed a medical examination. The farm comprises about 1.600 acres and is surround by trees and shrubs. Twice daily the cows are driven from the green pastures and milked by machinery. Within five minutes after been taken from the cows, the milk is strained, refrigerated, bottled and packed in ice ready for transport to the railway station for distribution to all parts of Melbourne. The daily output is about 400 gallons, or sufficient to feed 1,000 babies.

50 years ago

gral in how far you have come and the many great things that you have achieved to date, including the land rights and to be counted as citizens of Australia.

To fellow non-Indigenous Australians, it is now up to all of us to set our national records straight and do what is right and necessary in order to achieve meaningful reconciliation with our First Nations people. Australia stands alone as the only country in the first world with a constitution that does not recognise its first peoples. We should not give up on amending the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first people in Australia. We also need to acknowledge that our First Nations people are still dealing with the long-lasting emotional scars and trauma caused by colonisation and the sequence actions such as dispossession of land and stolen generation.

These can be addressed by taking concrete actions towards closing the gap but also, by having a treaty which will enhance self-determination for the First Nations people as well as giving them control over matters that impact their lives. It is encouraging to see Australian states leaders now taking actions towards having a treat with the First Nations people but there is still a need for leadership at the national level.

Let’s write the next phase of our nation’s history by acknowledging the truth about our nation’s past and doing what is right and necessary to ensure that every Australian feels belonged, empowered and is given the opportunity to have a go at reaching their full potential.

Andrew Gai, Co-founder of the South SudaneseAustralian Academic Society

groups under the council program, purported to be the state’s largest. The Springvalebased Cambodian Association of Victoria was approved grants totalling $26,250. However, five months earlier it had been deregistered by the Department of Consumer Affairs for failing to lodge annual returns since 1998.

Cr John Kelly is now calling for a “complete overhaul “of the grants program. Currently grant applications are assessed by a panel of council staff. The council’s community and social planning manager Anna Hall said there was “always a possibility of ineligible groups being approved grants. But we are confident in our administration and would look at this as a rare occurrence.”

5 years ago

Greek Orthodox Community of Dandenong and Districts president Steve Karamoschos and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams at the announcement for a hall upgrade in 2018.

22 October 2018 Ancient Greek Hall gets Modern Dandenong’s Greek Orthodox community hall is set to receive a long awaited $300,000 facelift. The refurbishment project which is still in the planning stages will see the 44-year-old

building get an upgrade to its kitchen audiovisual systems, foyer and toilet facilities. On 11 October the State Government announced a $150,000 Multicultural Community Infrastructure fund grant which is matched dollar for dollar by the Greek Orthodox community.

Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

Always find time for daily meditation and prayer and whenever you can, participate in community work, selflessly serving others.

Always speak softly and lovingly to everyone you come in to contact with, and do not speak ill of others, especially in their absence.

It is important to put into practice a ceiling on desires and use the savings generated for service to others. Wherever you are, treat as sacred the land in which you were born and the adopted country you live in, and do not criticize other nations. Never put others down. Not even in your thoughts or dreams should you think of bringing grief to any person, place, or thing.

Respecting all religions is very important.

Keep your house and surroundings and body clean for this will promote hygiene and health.

Never give a bribe or take a bribe and do not yield into corruption. Envy and jealousy must be curbed and do as much as possible by yourself, instead of expecting others to do your work. Have and cultivate love of God and fear of sin and never go against the laws of the land but follow them diligently.

This way you can always be happy, joyful, contented and smiling. The public will ask you how is it that you do not have any problems in life.

How is it you are always happy? Then you can tell them the secret of happiness. It is because you believe in God and surrender to God. You have faith in God. Then others will be impressed and start on the spiritual path. This way you can start helping others to change their lives from hopelessness to hopefulness. May all beings in all worlds be happy.

Enquiries about the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network: executive@interfaithnetwork. org.au or 8774 7662. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

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Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 15

NEWS

Saluting our servicemen South East servicemen and local MPs have come together to commemorate all of those lost during and after national service.

The National Servicemen’s Association South East branch held its annual commemorative march in Buchanan Park, Berwick on Sunday 15 October, with Australian Army, Air Force and Navy cadets in attendance.

National Servicemen’s Association South East branch president Mike Smith said the weather held off for the event.

“It was a pretty near-perfect day,” he said.

Great War Association representatives also attended to provide a rifle volley, while the Dandenong Brass Band accompanied the march.

Attendees included Major General Jim Barry AM and National Servicemen’s Association state president Robert McIvor OAM, as well as Bruce MP Julian Hill and South Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans.

Commonly known as ‘Nashos’, the association was founded to champion veteran health, welfare, and legacy for almost four decades.

Between 1951 and 1972, almost 300,000 young men were called into two separate schemes for compulsory training in the navy, army, and air force, where 212 died in active service in Borneo and Vietnam.

Last year marked 50 years since the last intake of men were conscripted to join the National Service Scheme before it was abolished by a newly-elected Whitlam Labor government in 1972.

Star News photographer Rob Carew helped capture the service.

National Servicemen’s Association state president Robert McIvor. 363420

MPs Julian Hill and Ann-Marie Hermans laid wreaths during the ceremony. 363420

Great War Association representatives provided a rifle volley during the service. 363420 Pictures: ROB CAREW

South Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans. 363420

Students from across SE bring culture to Bunjil stage

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Students from across the South East have showcased their cultures in spectacular concerts at Bunjil Place theatre.

The annual 4C’s (Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities) events teamed 15 high schools performing dance and song from across the world.

Bollywood, Tonga, Cook Islands, Afghanistan, Mauritius, Maori and Samoan cultural performances in full costume ignited the stage.

While in the Bunjil Place library, students’ impressive artworks and creative stories were on display.

Even more impressively, the event was led and organised by the VCE-VM (Vocational Major) students from Lyndhurst Secondary College, and jointly with Cranbourne East Secondary College, Gleneagles Secondary College, Cranbourne Secondary College and Hampton Park Secondary College.

Some taught the dances, others were organising costumes and design, promoting the event, supervising OH&S, fund-raising or supporting new dancers.

4C’s founder and Lyndhurst Secondary College teacher Laitini Matautia-Ulugia started the program 17 years ago.

It’s developed by students for students to tackle anti-social behaviour as well as the media’s stigmatism of young people, she says.

One of the aims is also for first and secondgeneration migrant students to express and reconnect to their cultural identities, as well as to learn more about their peers.

“We just had students that didn’t really understand other cultures,” Matautia-Ulugia said.

“This is a way they can connect to each other and get along across the common thread of art, dance, cultural carvings and fashion.

“Since then, it’s built bonds across a lot of schools, bringing together students that wouldn’t necessarily hang out with each other.”

As well as having fun, students are completing VCE-VM personal-development and litera16 STAR JOURNAL

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Lyndhurst Secondary College students perform a Samoan “Taupou” dance. cy units in a “real-life work simulation”.

Part of the practical skills are in event management, fundraising, costume design, dance and community engagement.

“For most of them it’s about growing their employability skills – managing time, working in a team and mentoring young students.

“The highlight of the show was watching the schools and the community come together.”

Also taking part were Lyndale Community Group, Fountain Gate Secondary College, Unschooling in the South East, St Peters College, Hampton Park Secondary College and Narre Warren P-12 College.

Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

From further afield were Officer Secondary College, Westall Secondary College, Carrum Downs Secondary College, The Grange P-12 in Hoppers Crossing and Craigieburn Secondary College.

For the first time, two schools from Melbourne’s North West joined in.

There are plans to further develop 4C’s ‘branch’ to the other side of Melbourne.

Among the packed audiences were local MPs Cassandra Fernando, Gary Maas and Belinda Wilson.

The concert was backed by City of Casey, Bunjil Place, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Le Mana Pasifika, Erdi Foundation, State Library Victoria and Grace Connections.

Lyndhurst Secondary College students and 4C’s organisers Hadi, Seyn, Jordan, Kelevi, Luisa, Elizia, Leneta, Tyrus and Sonia with principal Eloise Haynes. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS

Sensitive Santa lands

By Violet Li Sensitive Santa is coming to Endeavour Hills Library and Cranbourne Connected Libraries this Christmas season.

Sensitive Santa allows children with special needs to access Santa in a sensory-friendly environment with dimmed lights, restricted noises, and no crowds.

Santa has also been trained in communicating with children who experience sensitivities.

The opportunities are free and will run for 20 to 30 minutes for each child.

Approximately 20 non-edited photos will be taken for the time with Sensitive Santa and parents will receive them immediately after the session.

Connected Libraries chief executive officer

Beth Luppino said libraries were thrilled to offer this free program for the kids of Casey who prefer a quiet chat with Santa.

“Sensitive Santa is a great opportunity for kids and parents to enjoy Santa without the bright lights, loud music, long wait times, and busyness of a shopping centre,” she said.

Sessions with Sensitive Santa will run at Cranbourne Connected Libraries on 28 and 29 November, and at Endeavour Hills Library on 1 and 2 December.

Bookings are open on Monday 16 October at 9am and are closed on Friday 17 November.

Available spots are limited and early bookings are recommended.

For more information and bookings, visit: https://www.connectedlibraries.org.au/ sensitivesanta/

· · ·

Lilies work well on their own or in an arrangement with other festive colours.

Have a bloomin’ good ’un Floral arrangements are a perfect way to add some colour to your 2023 Yule time table.

Ensure your house is looking its festive, floral best with these popular blooms: Lilies Lilies and amaryllis are always a popular choice at Christmas in a variety of colours.

Many varieties have a beautiful scent that will perfume your home.

They can be placed in an arrangement with other flowers or in a vase on their own and prefer to be kept away from direct sunlight in a cool environment.

Remember though that lilies are extremely toxic to cats, causing acute renal failure, so think twice before gifting them to your cat-loving friend and keep them out of reach of your own felines.

Poinsettia The poinsettia has come to symbolise Christmas, and with its bright red and green

foliage it’s not hard to see why.

They are commonly found in pots, ready to adorn a table or bench in your house.

However, they can be finicky; they don’t like too much water, but take care also to not let them dry out.

If the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off, you may not be watering it correctly.

They’re native to Mexico, so they also prefer warmth and light, and make sure to protect them from wind and draughts to keep them happy for the Christmas season.

Rosemary It might not be the first plant that comes to mind when you think of Christmas, but this Mediterranean herb is actually perfect for an Australian Christmas.

It’s easy to grow and care for, and fills the air with a mouth-watering perfume.

It can be pruned into a Christmas tree shape if desired, and best of all, pairs deliciously well with the Christmas roast.

Sensitive Santa is visiting Cranbourne and Endeavour Hills libraries this Christmas.

christmas day lunch buffet TERMS & CONDITIONS Christmas Day lunch and dinner will take place in the Ballroom, ground floor of Novotel Glen Waverley.

Prepaid event and valid for bookings on Monday 25th December 2023 only. Dietary requirements to be advised at time of booking. Assigned seating as per floorplan and table configuration available. Credit card required at time of booking and full pre-payment to be made by 15th December. Amendments to booking and cancellations required prior to 15th December. Responsible service of alcohol will be practiced.

Self car parking is available complimentary at the hotel, subject to availability.

Accommodation discount valid for stays from 24th – 26th December 2023.

Accommodation rooms are subject to availability, and guests must have Christmas Day lunch or dinner booking to receive the discounted rate.

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STAR JOURNAL 17

NEWS

Pavilion tribute to Roz

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The multi-million-dollar, multi-colour pavilion at Ross Reserve has finally opened.

Originally scheduled to open in April 2022, the $11.26 million pavilion and lighting upgrade was unveilled with a “fitting tribute” to former Greater Dandenong mayor Roz Blades.

The new pavilion features six femalefriendly change rooms, first aid rooms, three all-gender umpires’ rooms, accessible toilets, meeting rooms, a canteen and storage spaces.

New 100-lux LED lighting with upgraded cabling, power supply and switchboard brings Oval 2 up to Australian standards for soccer and Australian Rules.

The facility caters for 300 players from Springvale City Soccer Club, Noble Park Junior Football Club, Sandown Lions Football Club and EMC Sports Club, as well as Parkfield and Noble Park cricket clubs and RecLink.

Greater Dandenong Council contributed more than $10 million, the State Government $935,000.

Acting mayor Lana Formoso said she was honoured to celebrate the project’s opening as a person who “strongly believes in the benefits of movement, activity and sport for all”.

Ward councillor Sean O’Reilly said the precinct had become one of the city’s most popular.

He noted a synthetic soccer pitch was set to open at the end of the year, and the “highly anticipated” athletics track rebuild by March 2024.

South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis said Ross Reserve was “where the action is for so many of our local sportspeople”.

“The new pavilion and lighting upgrades will mean our resident clubs can expand their programs and get even more people in on the fun and enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits of taking part in sport and recreation.”

Meanwhile, the pavilion’s Roz Blades AM

Room was opened – named after the area’s former long-serving ward councillor and mayor.

Ms Blades described Noble Park as the “beating heart of the City of Greater Dandenong”.

“Noble Park is a good place, made up of hard working families who wanted and had a right to good quality services. But there were issues with pathways and services. And over time, these pathways have been developed.”

That’s what made the Ross Reserve masterplan was significant. It now boasts a regional all-abilities playground, Noble Park Aquatic Centre and athletics centre.

Ms Blades paid tribute to two late “visionaries”. The first was former City of Springvale chief executive Ian Tatterson who taught her the value of lateral thinking, she said.

And the other was Anna Hall, Greater Dandenong’s former community services manager and Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau’s chief executive.

On the room’s plaque is a necklace. Ms Hall presented it to Ms Blades when she was made a SCAAB life member.

Ms Blades dedicated the plaque to her former colleague at SCAAB. “I learned from her and it made be a more rounded person and a better decision maker.

“She and I set up the management structure of SCAAB when I was chair for several years.

“I admired her strength considerably especially in the days when she was battling illness. And I want people like her to be remembered.”

Cr Formoso said the room’s naming after Ms Blades recognised her significant community contributions as well as her advocacy for funding the pavilion. “(Ms Blades) has long been a fierce advocate for her community.

“What a fitting tribute to you Roz.”

Hounds in need of home in new, post-Covid reality

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Beloved egg farm folds

Second go at life

Selba Luka, centre, receives her award from Mayor Angela Long and Deputy Mayor Sophie Tan.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Twanny Farrugia has made it his mission to

By Danielle Kutchel A tireless champion for African and CALD communities has been named Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year.

Selba Luka, founder of Afri-Aus Care, received the award at an invite-only event at Springvale City Hall on Tuesday 26 January.

She admitted the award was a total shock, but a welcome one, and dedicated it to the community, staff, volunteers, supporters and

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sponsors of Afri-Aus Care.

Born in Malawi, Ms Luka often says her heart is in South Sudan as she works closely with the south-eastern South Sudanese community.

Afri-Aus Care was born of her experiences when she arrived in Australia, where she experienced difficulties and hardship in her first years in the country.

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Selba (front) and volunteer Veronica in the Afri Aus-Care veggie garden.

The organisation provides cooking classes for vulnerable members of the community. 213664

Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

support, outreach and skills development for members of the African and CALD communities.

It works closely with youth offenders, providing them with a pathway out of these behaviours and into a more positive contribution to society. During the pandemic for example, ex-offenders helped create food hampers and deliver these to the most vulnerable in society.

Afri-Aus Care also works with “the mamas“,

African women who are new to Australia and need assistance to find employment and learn English. Many of these women are survivors of domestic abuse, and Afri-Aus Care provides mental health support too as they build a new life.

Speaking at the Australia Day ceremony, Ms Luka said she was honoured to have received such a prestigious award.

“May we continue to be united. Dandenong is a great city to be,“ she said.

NOBLE PARK LAUNDROMAT

18 STAR JOURNAL

Pictures: HAS MEDIA

City’s top citizen

complex grieving process for donors’ families.

“Out of one person, you have seven trans-

Affordable and Compassionate

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Roz Blades and acting mayor Lana Formoso.

It was a boomtime for pets during Covid lockdowns, but now they have fallen out of fashion.

The shortage of new pet owners has now reached a “crisis point”, according to Olinda-based rescue group Amazing Greys.

The charity is struggling to find foster homes or permanent homes for about 100 ex-racing and rescue greyhounds a year.

With workers returning to the office or travelling abroad since lockdowns, a growing number of pets are being returned or abandoned.

“It was a bit fashionable to have greyhounds for a while,” Amazing Greys founder Martina says.

“But the adoption queries have significantly slowed down now. They have reached a saturation point.

“It’s reached a crisis that is affecting a lot of other breeds. There’s a high abandonment rate for cats and dogs.”

Like many charities, Amazing Greys is also struggling with dwindling donations and volunteer burnout.

Since 2011, its volunteers have rehabilitated greyhounds that have been surrendered by trainers and breeders.

It all started after Martina was first besotted by her friend’s mother’s greyhound - “the most beautiful dog I’d ever seen”.

This led her to adopting her first as a pet.

“I could either adopt from the greyhound adoption industry or another organisation funded by the greyhound industry.

“I wanted something independent and not affiliated with racing.”

And so she started Amazing Greys.

“We’ve got great relationships with breeders and trainers but no funding from the racing industry. We rely on donations and vol-

unteers to do the work.”

In the past decade, the common view on greyhounds had changed from an “aggressive” breed to a “gentle”, “chilled out” pet, Martina says.

“They’re bred for speed, so they tend to expend all of their energy quickly and in one go.

“They like to have a comfortable life on the couch.”

Martina reckons that most surrendered greyhounds are slightly under a healthy weight.

And that greyhound welfare in the racing industry has not much improved despite some initiatives.

“The dog should have enrichment and not just seen as a racer.

“There should be thought about what happens when they get off the track.”

With so many dogs needing homes, Martina says there should also be breeding caps.

She says there has been a boom in greyhound breeding due to racing being allowed to continue during Covid as an “essential industry”.

At Amazing Greys, the canines are cared for in a foster home until a permanent home has been found.

During that phase, they are de-sexed, vaccinated, given dental cleaning and if necessary, treatment for broken bones or muscular injuries.

Their temperaments and needs are assessed to help match them to their adopted families – such as those that are good with children, other greyhounds or cats.

Martina says half of the foster families end up adopting the dogs permanently.

For adoption families, there’s a threeweek trial period.

To enquire about volunteering or adopting, email hello@amazinggreys.com.au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Long closure The Western Port Highway in Skye will close to traffic for two months from Friday 20 October to build a new and signalised intersection as part of the Hall Road Upgrade.

Works will take place in two stages.

The Western Port Highway closes in both directions between Hall Road and Thompsons Road from 7pm Friday 20 October to 7pm Wednesday 8 November.

The intersection of the Western Port Highway and Hall Road will then close in all directions until 6am Wednesday 20 December.

Works are being conducted in two stages to minimise disruption as much as possible by maintaining traffic movements on Hall Road across the Western Port Highway for a longer period, including during the Melbourne Cup weekend, and ensures the upgraded intersection will open in time for the school holidays.

Drivers are encouraged to allow up to 25 minutes extra when detouring via Thompsons Road, Evans Road, Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Ballarto Road and Frankston-Dandenong Road. Local access will be maintained for residents using Hall and McCormicks roads.

Heavy vehicles and through-traffic will take significant detours around the closure of this important freight link, via the South Gippsland Highway, Baxter-Tooradin Road, Peninsula Link, Frankston-Dandenong Road and Thompsons Road.

Hall Road will remain open in both directions across the Western Port Highway during the first stage of works only.

During this time, crews will work to remove the old roundabout, build new lanes and in-

Picture: SUPPLIED stall traffic signals.

The Hall Road Upgrade is adding lanes in both directions between McCormicks Road and the Western Port Highway, and upgrading intersections at McCormicks Road, Taylors Road, the Western Port Highway, Evans Road and Cranbourne-Frankston Road to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.

The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.

Annual report ‘positive’ Casey Council has named a number of highlights over the 2022-2023 period in its annual report, including hosting the Archibald Prize at Bunjil Place and adopting its Climate Action Plan 2022-2030.

Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff PSM said she was proud of the highlights showcased in the annual report.

“Community feedback played a pivotal role in shaping our initiatives, with over 70 community engagement campaigns and the active involvement of thousands through digital platforms and in-person opportunities,” she said.

“A highlight was the expansion of our Shape Your City engagement program, which was initially carried out in 2020/21 to help us develop the Long-Term Community Vision 2031 and Council Plan.

“We checked in with the community again this year to understand what services are of priority and used the insights gained to ensure our planning and priorities continue to align with those of the community.”

Other highlights included in the document included the completion of the $15 million Booring Recreation Reserve in Botanic Ridge and the $10.5 million Tulliallan Active Open Space Development in Cranbourne North, securing funding for priority transport, infrastructure and community services tthrough advocacy efforts in the lead up to the federal and state elections and receiving the National Park of the Year award for Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick and the Indoor Facility of the Year award for Casey Stadium.

Casey Council chief executive Glenn Patterson said the annual report provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to deliver great outcomes for Casey, drive stronger community connections and set the organisation up for the future.

“There’s plenty to be proud of over the past 12 months in the projects, services, events and partnerships we’ve delivered for the benefit of our large and growing city whilst adapting to mitigate the impacts of the challenging economic climate,” he said.

“Council remains committed to finding a balance between financial sustainability whilst being responsive to the needs of our residents and ratepayers.”

To view the annual report, visit www. casey.vic.gov.au/annual-report.

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WHAT’S ON Noble Park Aquatic Centre, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Free event.

Dandenong Community Hub info Get an in-person update on the Dandenong Community Hub project. Councillors and Council Officers will be in attendance.

Thursday 26 October 5.30pm-6.30pm at the Dandenong Civic Centre, Level 2, 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong. Free event, bookings essential. Details: greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/ community-information-session-dandenongcommunity-hub-project

Cemetery walk A guided walk of Dandenong Community Cemetery is being held by Narre Warren & District Family History Group on Sunday, 29 October, 10am at Kirkham Road, Dandenong; $10 adults. Light refreshments included at the end of the 90-minute walk. A book of the walk is available on the day. Bookings: cemeterytours@nwfhg.org.au or treasurer@nwfhg.org.au

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Halloween in the Park

Adult Exercise Improve fitness and energy levels for good health and wellbeing at this adult exercise group class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a self-paced, gentle aerobics class suitable for all levels.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am at Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North; $5 per session. No registrations required. Details: 8571 1436 or communityfacilities@cgd.vic.gov.au

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Scrabble Seniors Come and Try For Seniors month, Dandenong U3A invite seniors to Come and Try a game of Scrabble every Tuesday throughout October. Each week we attempt to complete two games of approximately one hour each, against a different opponent each time. Games are supplied, and a few dictionaries are available for use.

Tuesdays, 2pm-4pm at Gloria Pyke Netball Stadium (Meeting Room), Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Bookings essential: email program@dandenongu3a.org.au or text 0409 850 119

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Mahjong Seniors Come and Try For Seniors month, Dandenong U3A invites seniors to Come and Try a game of Mahjong every

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Seniors gentle walking For Seniors month in October, Dandenong U3A are offering visitors to a Come and Try session for their Gentle Walking group. Suitable for different levels of walkers. Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, bring a full water bottle and some change for your coffee at Noble Park RSL. Wednesday 25 October 8.45am-11am at Ross Reserve, Memorial Drive, Noble Park (meet at new soccer pavilion). Free event, bookings essential. Bookings: email program@dandenongu3a.org.au or text 0409 850 119.

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Fun for retirees New members from Dandenong North and Noble Park are sought by the Waverley Gardens Combined Probus Club. In addition to other activities, club members also meet for coffee & listen to a guest speaker. last Tuesday of the month (next on 31 October) 9.45am-noon at Southern Community Centre, 27 Rupert Dr, Mulgrave (near Police Rd). Details: Don, 9560 6046

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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-annualfundraising-dinner

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Creative writing group Take a few hours to awaken your inner writer and spark your imagination in this encouraging and fun workshop. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to explore your creativity in a safe and nurturing setting.

Thursday 9 November, 10am-12pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. Suggested donation: gold coin. Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

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Wellbeing workshop Join us to learn how to take the first steps towards a physically active lifestyle and the importance of looking after your mental health. Guest speakers are ultra-endurance athlete Sean Bell and mental health advocate Luke from ’Real stories with Cyril’, who will be sharing their unique personal stories and some great take home tips and tricks.. Presented by City of Greater Dandenong in partnership with South East Leisure.

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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.

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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’.

Open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12pm-4pm (until 3 November) at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free event.

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

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Come along to the Dandy Show for a family friendly, fun-filled day. Featuring arts and crafts, show jumping, cattle, photography, horses, cooking, knitting, sheep, poultry, showbags, food trucks, rides, amusements, live music, flyball dog competition, car show and Saturday night fireworks.

Saturday 11 November, 9am-9pm and Sunday 12 November, 9am-4pm at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong; adults $10, children 14 years and under are free. Details: dandyshow.com.au

Garden open day Tuesday throughout October. Players and newcomers are very welcome. We have the playing sets. Just come along to learn/play.

Tuesdays, 11.30am-1.30pm at Gloria Pyke Netball Stadium (Meeting Room), Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Bookings essential: email program@dandenongu3a. org.au or text 0409 850 119

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Bring the family along to Pirate Park in Keysborough for a spooky night out. Dress up as your favourite creepy critter and meet some creepy crawlies in a wildlife presentation by Blacksnake Productions. Free face painting, a plant giveaway, a free barbecue, roving performers ‘The Connies’ and nature craft activities.

Tuesday 31 October, 5pm-7.30pm at Pirate Park, Somerfield Reserve, 39 Somerfield Drive North, Keysborough. Free event.

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Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 21

SPORT

Sensational Straker strikes

By Marcus Uhe Springvale South finger spinner Jarryd Straker’s efforts with the ball saw the Bloods finish one wicket short from claiming an outright win over St Mary’s in the DDCA’s Turf 1 competition.

The accurate linchpin of the Springvale South attack, Straker left Alex Nelson Reserve on Sunday night with ludicrous match figures of 11/40 from 36 overs, with 22 maidens thrown in just for good measure.

He claimed 6/15 in the first innings to help rein in a fast start from St Mary’s and bowl the visitors out for just 103 on the first day, before sharing the new ball with Josh Dowling on the second and bowling through the entire second innings to capture 5/25, as the Saints final wicket partnership spared them from a humiliating outright loss.

Saints opening pair Sarfaras Moahomad and Raveen Nanayakkara took the attack to the reigning premiers with a powerful 61-run opening stand but the wicket of Moahomad proved the beginning of the end for the first batting innings.

Hurried by a short ball, he offered a simple return catch to Dowling in his follow through to depart for 38, and he was joined by his opening partner shortly later for the same score when his attempt to hit Jackson Sketcher out of Alex Nelson Reserve proved unsuccessful.

Nanayakkara perished with the score on 81, and his teammates could only add another 22 runs between them before taking to the field.

At 2/0 after three deliveries thanks to the wickets of Mitch Forysth and Jordan Mackenzie for ducks, the Bloods made a far from ideal start to the chase, but experienced heads of Jordan Wyatt and Ryan Quirk provided the stability with a 66 run stand, Quirk’s first hit since the 2022/23 semi final against Buckley Ridges.

Contributions from Wyatt (41), Blade Baxter (35), Yoshan Kumara (31) Jackson Sketcher (36) and Paul Hill (28) pushed the home side to 7/210 by stumps on day one, before declaring immediately on day two with a lead of 110 and an outright victory in their sights.

With the new ball in hand, Straker ran right through St Mary’s top order, claiming the first four wickets with the Bloods on the charge.

Only skipper Susantha Pradeep made it to double figures in the Saints’ top order as it crumbled, before Sketcher took three in an over to further heap the misery.

The resistance of Michael Dudley and Toby Wilson for the tenth wicket ensured the Saints’ blushings would be spared, with Dudley facing 80 deliveries for his 20 and Wilson 29 for his five, as play finished with St Mary’s on 9/100,

St Mary’s batters will have nightmares about Springvale South’s Jarryd Straker after his efforts with the ball this weekend. 323332 Picture: GARY SISSONS seven runs shy from making the Bloods bad once more.

At Perc Allison Reserve, Beaconsfield will wonder ‘what could have been?’ for Mark Cooper’s precocious young side.

Just the eight overs were played on Sunday between a series of thwarted starts, but the Tigers were making their presence felt.

Beginning the day on 3/27, Buckley Ridges fell to 5/42 on Sunday afternoon before the game was scrapped, with Buckley needing a further 87 to win.

Former Buckley Ridges junior Trishane De Silva had the visitors wobbling with the key wickets of Jayson Hobbs and Ben Wright in the space of three deliveries, his left arm seam bowling from around the wicket causing Buckley’s right handers problems in the wet.

Needing to defend just 128, Beaconsfield had the upper hand when play was called, just as Roshen Silva made his much-anticipated arrival at the crease.

Yohan Arumadura led the way with the bat

for Beaconsfield with 45 on Saturday before becoming the first of Hussain Ali’s three victims.

The Buckley bowlers offered nothing to the Tigers bats but a number of dropped chances, including from Sanka Dinesh, Michael Davies and Jake Cronin, allowed the Tigers a handful of lives.

Englishman James Anson was excellent on debut for Buckley Ridges, joining Ali with three wickets from his seam bowling, while Ashan Madushanka and Kevin Seth were the only two batters to join Arumadura in double figures.

Making the most of 13 overs to bowl before stumps on day one, Beaconsfield made serious inroads to leave the hosts in a worrying position at the close of play.

Mudashanka had Cronin adjudged LBW for just eight, while De Silva picked up the key wickets of Davies and Zafar Sheikh.

The much-anticipated return of two day cricket will be forced to wait at least another round for most sides, with only half the match-

es progressing on the second day due to classic October wintry weather.

Narre South’s chase of North Dandenong’s 228 shaped as a fascinating challenge for both sides but play was abandoned on Sunday morning after the Lois Twohig outfield bore the brunt of overnight and morning rain.

Muhammad Dawa Khan top scored with 52 for the Maroons who lost regular wickets on their way to 228 from 71 overs on Saturday, Tahsinullah Sultani (42) and Imran Laghmani (36) their other main contributors.

Jeevan Mendis grabbed 2/85 from his 19 overs but was uncharacteristically expensive at an economy rate of 4.47.

The Lions had to navigate a tricky 10 over spell before stumps on Saturday with Vineth Jayasuriya unable to survive, falling to Sushant Gupta in the fourth over for just four.

Jawed Hussaini was called upon as a nightwatchman and partnered Kyle Hardy to the close of play, where they finished 1/19 before weather denied their chance of taking the field on Sunday, seeing the points shared in a draw.

Likewise, the tension of a gripping final half-hour of day one at Arch Brown Reserve in Berwick’s clash with Hallam Kalora Park was unrewarded as not a single ball was bowled on Sunday.

The contest could hardly have been more evenly poised, the Bears sitting on 1/11 in pursuit of Hallam Kalora Park’s 189.

The Hawks trio of Jordan Hammond, Charith Keerthisinghe and William Whyte finished the evening with five consecutive maidens after Whyte had Matthew Hague caught at slip by Jagveer Hayer at the end of the fourth over for nine.

Too much had been left to too few in the Hawks’ batting innings, as Leigh Booth (40), Mahela Udawatte (40) and Hammond (54) combined to score 70 percent of the side’s runs.

The spinning combination of Lachlan Brown and Hague proved effective in getting through the Hawks’ lower order after captain Jarrod Goodes removed both openers earlier in the afternoon.

The spinners were relentless with their accuracy, not allowing any width or scoring opportunities and forcing catching opportunities in-turn.

Kevin Kean and Lauchlan Gregson offered easy catches to Bears fielders while Ciaron Connolly simply couldn’t settle, hit on the pads multiple times before feathering a catch to Jordan Cleland behind the stumps.

Brown finished with 4/36 from his 18 overs and Goodes 3/23 from 13.

Forsyth and first-gamer Gamage steer Panthers home

By Marcus Uhe Centuries to both Brett Forysth and Dhanusha Gamage saw Dandenong thrash a highly fancied Prahran outfit by nine wickets at Shepley Oval on Saturday.

Coming together at 1/20, upon the dismissal of Andrey Fernando, Forsyth and Gamage added 237 for the second wicket in 77 overs to grind their way to a maiden win under new coach Tom Donnell.

Forsyth finished unbeaten on 113 off 257 deliveries, his second unbeaten hundred of the season following 135 against Casey South Melbourne in round one, while Gamage, earmarked for a big year by Donnell in the preseason, made it a first XI debut to remember with 124, featuring two sixes and 11 fours.

Forsyth’s 50 came in the 38th over with a textbook drive through the covers off finger spinner James Boyce.

The Panthers’ run rate hovered at a steady two per over for three quarters of the innings before lifting to 2.5 as the target became within reach.

Once Gamage reached his half-century in the 56th, he begun to free arms with a flurry of boundaries.

The 59th over begun with a powerful pull22 STAR JOURNAL

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Brett Forsyth made it two hundreds from his two starts for Dandenong so far this summer.

317884 Picture: ROB CAREW shot off Alex Turner for six towards Pultney Street before bisecting two fielders on the off side with a sumptuous cover drive for four on the next delivery.

Off the final ball, he aimed to repeat the

Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

dose of the first, but didn’t quite clear the boundary rope, awarded four rather than six.

A sweep down to his teammates watching in the pavilion saw Forsyth reach the milestone with 47 runs still required.

Gamage nearly chopped-on for 96, much to the disbelief of a pair of close fielders in his eyeline, and had to mentally withstand a drinks break on 98 before his big moment came in the 80th over with a swivelled pull shot down to the square-leg boundary.

After falling just shy of the Swans in round one, there’s plenty to be optimistic about at Pantherland already in the 2023 season.

At Greenvale, Casey South Melbourne made light work of the Kangaroos’ 105, eclipsing the target three wickets down.

Newcomer Yash Pednekar hit five sixes and three fours to top score with 60 off 65 balls and steer the chase from the top of the order.

The Swans declared at 7/163 after 32 overs to try their hand at an outright win, but the hosts offered far more resistance in their second effort with the bat, reaching 6/218 after 69 overs.

Veteran seamer Jackson Fry and captain Luke Shelton each took two wickets in the Kangaroos’ second innings.

The Swans head to Camberwell next week to take on the Magpies while Dandenong head to Parkdale to face Kingston Hawthorn in two-day fixtures. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Star Singh steers Lakers

By Jonty Ralphsmith A generational knock by Lynbrook allrounder Jattinder Singh has monstered the Lakers to an historic victory over Silverton.

The Lakers took 81 runs off the last 11 overs, led by Singh’s unbeaten 96 off 94 balls.

With the first hour of day two washed out, Lynbrook merely needed to bat out the overs to net three points for a draw.

That looked to be the aim for the last 28 overs, playing-coach Shane D’Rozario’s dismissal straight after tea seemingly putting paid to the opportunity for a win.

But that wicket brought Singh to the crease and he was batting to a faster beat.

Not until the last three overs, which went for 35 runs, did D’Rozario think a win was in play.

Singh took 20 runs off the 68th over when Silverton looked to have three points pocketed, if not six.

The overall run rate to that point was less than two.

“I thought that if we played out the overs and we still had wickets in hand, as long as he was there in the last two or three overs, he could go hard even if we needed 20 or 30,” Singh said, with the assistance of teammate Hukam Karir translating.

“Every over I wanted to take two to four runs off knowing I could get 11 or 12 off the last three.

“I knew the batters to come could bat so my mindset was to make all the runs, I backed them to stay in.

“As long as players could stay with me, I knew we could get the runs because we were running hard between the wickets.”

Singh, who was known to many of the Silverton players as an aggressor, reigned in his usual high-risk approach during his first 50 runs.

On a wicket that was at times keeping low, he capitalised on the Bakers often having five fielders on the rope.

While they were looking for him to hole out, while happy to allow him the single, he continued to weight the ball perfectly in gaps off the spinners to steal plenty of twos.

He upped the ante in the 68th over, crunching four runs off tweaker Varinder Virk’s first ball before hitting it over deep long on for six to bring up his half-century.

That over went for 20, which came out of nowhere, as the tension on the sidelines stemmed to that point from whether the batters could maintain the eighth-wicket partnership.

The following over, paceman Dylan Hayes

Jattinder Singh poses following his match-winning knock. 368521 returned to dismiss youngster Karir, who didn’t score but was solid in absorbing 22 balls.

But that didn’t phase Singh.

He continued to back himself, with teenager Brayden Balasuriya at the crease until the end and looking competent against the pace.

He took it deep, remained composed, took calculated risks and punished Silverton for dropping him four times, including twice in the last three overs.

Things looked to be slipping away in the third over of Hayes’ spell – and third last over of the match – before Singh smashed three of the last four balls to the fence.

A lofted drive to the extra cover fence was a show of class unrivalled so low in the order across the Turf 3 competition.

“I tried to play as straight as possible when the pace bowlers came back because the ball was swinging around,” Singh said via Karir.

Another feature of the innings was how well he protected the lower-order from much of the

Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH

strike, while trusting Balasuriya late when necessary.

Everything seemed to come out of the middle of the bat, with straight drives interspersed with legside hoiks and flicks.

That was until the shot which unceremoniously won the game: a thick edge which ballooned towards backward point but was dropped, allowing the batters to complete two runs.

“In years gone by, it’s no secret we would have struggled when it got tight – some of the boys don’t deal with the pressure well but today was a really good result for us,” coach D’Rozario said.

“Jatty being new to the club, it’s hard to know what he’ll do but he has great confidence in himself and the boys say that’s how he plays his cricket.

“You can almost draw similarities to the belief that (Glenn) Maxwell’s got.

“He likes hitting the ball hard.

“To see that in local cricket, it’s probably been about 20 years since I’ve seen a knock like that.”

Silverton reaching 183 was a feat in itself, as they were 7/68 before Sampath Arachige (54 off 127) and Hayes (26 not out off 96) showed resistance.

It’s the second consecutive week, though, they have dropped a player multiple times who has gone on to guide their team home, and they face a big test against Berwick Springs next, coming off a win against Coomoora.

AROUND THE GROUNDS Silverton’s lower-order partnership was a pattern seen across Turf 2 and 3 of the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) as sides grappled with the return to two-day cricket.

At Parkfield, the hosts chose to bat first but were undone by five Triyan De Silva wickets to be reeling at 5/40 against Heinz Southern Districts.

Narre Warren lost 4/2 in the middle of the day at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong West looking like it would skittle the visitors when reduced to 7/112.

Fountain Gate, too, was struggling as Gayan De Silva and Sachith Jayasinghe ran through the visitors to have them 7/90 in the 35th over.

But each batting side responded to that pressure, Narre turning the tables by attacking the Bulls and the other three teams at the crease absorbing deliveries and stemming the bowlers’ momentum.

Magpie Sahan Jayawardana brought up his counterattacking half-century with an elegant back-foot pull shot for six which was symbolic of the fearlessness he displayed throughout his innings.

Number nine Jayawardana (63 off 95) and number eight Pansilu Deshan (75 off 121) saw off the initial onslaught from Noman Khan and potency from tweaker Malinga Bandara.

Even usual Dandy West bailout Nuwan Kulasekera couldn’t find the breakthrough in a three-over burst early in that partnership.

Thereafter, the pair scored freely, hitting gaps and running hard, which brought more scoring opportunities, seeing Narre Warren to 255.

HSD’s Omair Rana and Jordan Margenberg got through their overs quickly and tied down Travis D’Souza and Stephen Canon, whose mere goal was to bat the overs.

The pair, along with Hansika Kodikara who got an unbeaten 38, ensured they did just that, finishing 8/158.

At Power Reserve, Ray Pal and Jasdeep Singh each absorbed more than 110 balls each to resuscitate the Gators’ to a gallant 175.

Lynbrook seeks relevance and respect on DDCA journey

By Jonty Ralphsmith One small step for the team, one giant leap for the club.

In the words of Neil Armstrong, that is what the first game of Lynbrook’s season represented.

A win for Lynbrook was impossible on Sunday afternoon...until it wasn’t.

The Lakers had twice got themselves into winning positions, reducing Silverton to 6/70 before allowing them to get to 183, and then losing quick wickets after a 50-run opening partnership.

With the first hour of day two lost due to rain, Lynbrook’s attention turned to a draw.

A test of mettle for a club which struggles to cope with pressure.

But the team that faced the Bakers was a different Lynbrook: there were six players making their club debut.

For the first time in the offseason, the club recruited.

“I put it to the boys last season ‘are you happy to continue to be a social cricket club or do we want to push ourselves to be a bit more serious,” club president Shayne Loughnan said.

“The consensus from most of the group was to keep pushing and look to the future. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Injured paceman Jesse Walia (left) and president Shayne Loughnan pose for a photo in the club rooms. 368523 Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH “So we thought ‘ok, let’s recruit players and look to push as hard as we can to get better results’ “When we had the discussion at the midpoint of last season, six new players in the ones is exactly what we were looking for rather than being same-old.”

Destructive number seven Jattinder Singh led his side back from the brink, with 96 off

94, including 28 off his last 12 as he batted to a different beat to the rest of his team.

The club, which first competed in the 2004-05 season, has been culturally competent, but comparative minnows in the league.

The clubrooms, upgraded two seasons ago have enhanced that by attracting past players down to watch.

There is a table tennis table and the races and Vic Premier Cricket are shown on the TVs indoors, with the two ovals at Marriott Waters Reserve on either side outdoors.

By Saturday night the rooms will be full as all the teams return to share anecdotes of the day’s play.

But even during the day, they are well occupied.

Life members are always about, creating footy club-like atmosphere and Loughnan’s time behind the canteen is an eight-hour shift to serve a seemingly bottomless line of customers.

While other clubs have come knocking, those gregarious ways at the Lakers has kept the talented Walias there, who have grown up alongside the club.

On-field, Lynbrook is aware of the perception that it collapses under pressure.

It knows that the loss of gun bowler Jesse Walia for the season amplified its external

lowly expectations. Walia or bust, as they say.

Internally, though, the club is confident it is on the route to success.

The weekend’s result proved its depth: not many teams have the calibre of Singh coming in at seven, while six players claimed wickets in the win, each given at least nine overs with the ball.

It is financially stable.

There are multiple junior teams in each age-bracket as development takes on a new importance.

Former Alan Wookey Medallist Shane D’Rozario is again at the helm and has seen training standards rise.

Those new names, led by former Tasmanian premier cricketer Sithara Perera and including Singh, deepen the bowling attack and stabilise the middle-order.

And there is a strong connection between Lyndhurst Football Club and Lynbrook.

The undertone of expectation is lifting.

Close enough is no longer good enough.

Depth is strong. Young players will no longer be gifted games on potential.

“The future is looking bright I believe,” Loughnan said.

“Most years we should be making finals but we let those games go that we should win.

“We want to be known as consistent.”

Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 23

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24 STAR JOURNAL

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Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au