Dandenong Star Journal - 14th November 2023

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Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

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Push for drug change

Shorter waits at hospital

Dandy Show action

AFL draft previews

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Housing answers

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Mulgrave red-hot favourite Eden Foster, who is running for the Labor party. 372365 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Heat’s on in Mulgrave Candidates and supporters sheltered from the stifling heat at an early-voting centre on Friday 10 November ahead of the Mulgrave by-election.

Days away from the end of the campaign, the Labor front-runner is Eden Foster, who is hoping to succeed former Premier Daniel Andrews in what is regarded a safe ALP seat.

Among her chief rivals are Courtney Mann (Liberal) and Ian Cook (independent), with a brave volunteer sweltering

under a Cookie Monster suit. Others out in force included Rhonda Garad (Greens), Ethelyn King (Libertarian) and Jane Foreman (Family First).

Early voter centres in Noble Park North and Mulgrave remain open until late on Friday 17 November. On voting day this Saturday, booths will be open across Springvale, Noble Park and Noble Park North.

For details, go to vec.vic.gov.au More by-election coverage on pages 6-7

Candidates in the 18 November Mulgrave by-election are offering a range of alternative solutions to the State Government’s Housing Statement.

The Statement sets a target of 800,000 new homes over the next decade with affordable housing quotas and fast-tracked planning approvals – the latter which has been criticised as ‘undemocratic’ by local councils.

It was one of the last acts of the Mulgrave MP and Premier Daniel Andrews before he resigned and sparked the by-election.

“More housing supply means lower prices,” he said on 20 September.

Labor candidate Eden Foster stated in the Star Journal candidates survey that it was “exciting to watch” the Government tackle the issue.

“I can’t wait to make sure that (Housing Statement) includes more housing for people in Mulgrave.

“Whether it’s protections for renters, faster approvals for families building a new home or incentives to put affordable houses for local people near transport connections.”

Liberal candidate Courtney Mann offered a similar approach - increasing housing supply by releasing new land as well as making it easier to build affordable homes in established suburbs.

Family First’s Jane Foreman also called for appropriate in-fill development “which does not impact on local amenity”.

On the other hand, Celeste Ackerly from Sustainable Australia says the housing crisis is due to “government-engineered hyper-de-

mand” not a lack of supply.

“We would phase tax concessions for property investors bidding against first home buyers, banning foreign ownership and stabilising Australia’s population size.”

Greens candidate Rhonda Garad called for changes to the Housing Statement, including urgent rent controls to protect tenants.

She also wanted a commitment for tens of thousands of new public and “genuinely affordable” homes.

“People are receptive on the whole costof-living stuff and they do know that Labor is not going to fix the housing crisis. (Labor) isn’t even talking about it.”

Independent Ian Cook would fight against increased property taxes so owners can provide cheaper rents, and Libertarian Ethelyn King for stamp duty cuts and less planning restrictions, As for other cost-of-living solutions, Cook is standing for “stopping government waste”.

“Because every dollar the government wastes is a dollar not spent on you and your family.”

In a similar vein, King from the Libertarian Party called for lower taxes, cutting administration costs and streamlining government services.

Mann from the Liberals also called for a reversal of Labor’s “new taxes” that were “increasing our rental, housing, health and education costs”.

Foreman from Family First would push for reducing electricity prices by “pausing the rush to renewables”.

Continued page 6

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NEWS

Fusion online for inclusivity

By Sahar Foladi An inclusive theatre company based in Dandenong has unveiled an educational film to help promote online safety.

Fusion Theatre is an inclusive ensemble which this year worked to produce professional video resources for the Australian eSafety Commissioner, just as they had previously in 2021.

The eSafety film focused on people with disabilities and their interactions with technology.

Fusion Theatre artistic director, Jo Raphael said they’d collaborated with a video production company, Creativa, to “add authenticity to the film scripts” as well as to provide actors for the film.

“The Fusion actors with lived experience of disability workshopped the scripts and were able to contribute ideas to make the messaging relevant and meaningful.

“Through collaborating in workshops, Fusion actors were able to help add authenticity to the scripts that were focused on people with disabilities and their interactions with technology.”

Based at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, the artists meet weekly on Wednesdays for workshops.

The inclusivity of the program for artists with special needs were praised by the Fusion artists who worked on the project.

“As a neuro diverse actor, it was great to be able to have a supportive process that helped me to remember lines,” actor Andy McKinnon said.

The theatre held its film premiere on Wednesday 8 November where the community had the opportunity to speak with the artists involved in the production.

Mr McKinnon said the highlight overall was watching the film at the premiere.

Actor Emily Johnson with the crew.

Fusion Theatre members on set for the filming of the e-safety film.

“When I saw the films at the premiere, I thought they were even better than I expected.”

Actor Katrina Welsby said: “I was happy to be involved in the videos because I felt it was important to tell these stories about people with disabilities being safe online.

“I think this information could really help

Pictures: SUPPLIED

some people if they see the videos.”

Since its humble beginnings 26 years ago, Fusion Theatre had mostly provided opportunities for actors and artists to develop their skills and collaborate to produce original theatre performances.

However, in recent years the company had been able to spread its wings and provide a

pathway to professional employment as actors.

As the company seeks further collaboration opportunities for their artists, inclusivity is also at the forefront.

“We know there is a lot of interest and need for a space that is inclusive, where everyone is welcomed to create artistic performances and develop as an artist,” Ms Raphael said.

“Fusion provides such a space and looks forward to expanding these opportunities.”

Established in 2015, the eSafety Commissioner is the national independent regulator and educator for online safety.

It works with the online industry to help make the user experience safer and more positive.

To access the educational resource produced by Fusion Theatre, go to: esafety.gov.au/ key-issues/domestic-family-violence/professional-development/disability-support-workers/stories

Son crusades for drug warning, with promising results

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An osteoporosis drug’s warning label may be tightened after a Dandenong man’s sustained campaign to the Federal Government.

Dr Wayne Caldow’s mother Evelyn, 88, collapsed soon after her second injection of Evenity at a Dandenong clinic in 2021.

She was “active and engaged” and a “fighter” despite a previous stroke in 2009.

Days after taking the second Evenity dose, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and subsequently died.

Since then, Dr Caldow has campaigned for two years to strengthen the “seriously deficient” Evenity warning label – in line with warnings in the US, Canada, UK and EU. He claims the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s approval is an “aberration” compared to overseas.

“In its approval of Evenity, the TGA deleted all the clinical trial data about cardiovascular death. It concealed the worst possible effect of this drug.

“It has downplayed the cardiovascular risks throughout its documentation.

“I am not arguing against the efficacy of Evenity but it needs to carry clear warnings in line with overseas regulators so that more people do not unnecessarily suffer heart attacks and strokes or die.”

Dr Caldow has been backed by Bruce MP Julian Hill in his thoroughly-researched investigation into the drug’s approval, which points to international clinical trials reporting at least 50 serious cardiovascular events including 17 deaths.

In the US and Canada, a black box warning states Evenity may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular death.

Health bodies in the EU and UK took steps to limit Evenity to only sufferers of severe osteoporosis. As in Canada, they advise it cannot be used in people who previously had a stroke or heart attack.

However in Australia, the warnings are “buried in the fine print”, Caldow says.

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Evelyn, 88, collapsed and days later suffered a brain haemorrhage after a second injection of osteoporosis drug Evenity in a Dandenong clinic.

On the Australian product information (PI) document, there is no black box warning and no mention of death as a possible side effect.

Stroke or a heart attack aren’t mentioned as potential side-effects until the bottom of page three.

Dr Caldow said this was “highly disingenuous” because the TGA and Amgen are fully aware of how Evenity is regulated overseas and what warnings are in place, and most importantly, why. The warnings provided by Health Canada and the European Medicines Agency are easy examples to follow.

He said the problem for Australian patients was that the TGA had chosen to depart from the consistent approach taken by regu-

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

lators in the USA, Canada, the EU and the UK - without any explanation.

Last month, the Therapeutic Goods Administration stated Evenity’s sponsor Amgen had applied to “update and strengthen” the drug’s PI document “in relation to serious cardiovascular risk”.

“The label has not yet been updated as the TGA is currently in negotiations with the sponsor to ensure the wording in the PI on this issue aligns with other international regulators’ labels,” a TGA spokesperson said.

Amgen stated it was “unable to provide any further information” on its proposal due to the matter being reviewed by the TGA. There have been 26 reported adverse re-

actions from Evenity patients in Australia, including two deaths, on the TGA’s notification database.

Most of the reported adverse reactions happened in women – at least 54 per cent were 65 and older.

However, the link between Evenity and the events has not necessarily been confirmed by the TGA. The events may be related to the medication, an underlying illness or other factors, a TGA spokesperson noted.

“It may be a coincidence that the adverse event occurred when the medicine was administered or taken.”

Dr Caldow said that “in other countries, the cardiovascular risk posed by Evenity is an acknowledged fact”.

“This has led to clear, strong warnings and strict regulation of its use. These statements from the TGA are further indication that it is unwilling to admit that it got it wrong.”

In a letter in late 2022, Health Minister Mark Butler stated he’d been advised that the Australian PI gave an “accurate” and “balanced” description of relevant trial results.

“The TGA concluded … a causal relationship between romosozumab (Evenity) and cardiovascular serious adverse events had not been established but could not be excluded.”

In response, Dr Caldow notes that this important qualification is not included in the PI document.

Recently, Mr Hill wrote to Mr Butler that “I am not convinced by the TGA’s previous advice to you” and was “very concerned about what appears to be Australia’s relatively lax approach”.

Hill stated Caldow’s report “credibly documented in great detail the significant divergence between the approach to regulating this risky drug in Australia and the much more serious warnings … most notably in the EU, UK, Canada and USA”.

Health Minister Butler’s office was contacted for comment. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Business damages denied

By Cam Lucadou-Wells I Cook Foods has been denied damages despite the Supreme Court of Victoria ruling it was shut down by an “invalid order” by thenActing Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton.

The Dandenong South-based kitchen had launched a $50 million lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services for misfeasance in February 2019.

In his judgement on 13 November, Justice Michael McDonald said the initial order to close down and destroy its food stocks was invalid because Sutton had failed to provide procedural fairness to ICF. Sutton’s variation of the order several weeks later was also ruled invalid for the same reason.

However Sutton did not commit misfeasance because he was not “recklessly indifferent”, McDonald ruled.

By consulting with a departmental lawyer prior to issuing the order in February 2019, Sutton was not “recklessly indifferent” to failing to provide procedural fairness.

McDonald dismissed the misfeasance claim for damages but ruled in favour of “declaratory relief” for ICF which had suffered “immediate” and “adverse” impact.

Since the order, ICF effectively stopped trading. Its contracts with customers were terminated and its 41 staff were dismissed, McDonald said.

Declaratory relief – which is without damages - would go some way to restoring the business’s reputation, the judge stated.

The verdict came nearly five years after I Cook Foods’ kitchen was temporarily shut down and ordered to destroy its food stocks.

It was part of a DHHS investigation into the death of an 86-year-old listeria-infected patient at Knox Private Hospital.

Sutton had based his decision on lab tests confirming listeria mono (LM) were found on six food samples in the ICF kitchen, and pre-

Ian Cook, the owner of I Cook Foods, is running as an independent candidate in the Mulgrave by-election this Saturday. 372365 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS liminary genetic sequencing that compared the LM strain to the patient’s infection.

McDonald dismissed ICF’s other submitted grounds for the order being invalid.

ICF had argued that Sutton should have waited for more definitive lab tests.

It had been supplying 5000 sandwiches a week at the time – including 3500 a week to Knox Private – without another reported listeria case, it submitted.

The LM found in the ICF food samples was also within safe levels according to national food standards, ICF argued.

McDonald will award costs for the trial at a later date.

Meanwhile, Ian Cook - the owner of ICF - is running as an independent candidate in the Mulgrave by-election on Saturday 18 November.

Climate action takes collaborative ‘new step’ Share Your Ideas

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong is among nine councils backing a new plan to combat climate change impacts in the South East.

South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) – which includes Greater Dandenong - has identified priority projects over the next four years in its blueprint Working Together for Stronger Climate Action.

The member councils – in one of Australia’s manufacturing heartlands - have committed to carbon-dioxide emissions reductions by 5.8 per cent a year until 2037.

The priority projects include a business energy support program, residential home resilience ratings tool and small business climate adaptation toolkit.

Climate impacts are expected to lead to more extreme weather events, such as heatwaves expected to increase eight-fold by 2050.

In the same period, rainfall is forecast to reduce by up to 10 per cent while onein-100 flood events are expected to rise.

As a result, costs are also expected to rise – such as maintaining roads and drains, rising energy costs and insurance premiums, and more pressure on medical and support services.

Greater Dandenong chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said the council was taking action on all of the SECCCA strategies.

“Council welcomes any additional action undertaken by others to address this significant global issue.”

To date, the council was transitioning all of its electricity usage to renewable energy, boosting its tree planting on council land and supporting the community to adapt to climate change impacts, Weatherill said.

It had also declared a climate and ecological emergency, and developed a Sustaintability Strategy and Climate Emergency Strategy.

Greater Dandenong City Council's Budget 2024-25 Greater Dandenong chief executive Jacqui Weatherill, third right, joins other councils and groups at the launch of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) blueprint.

The SECCCA blueprint also includes transitioning council fleets to electric or hydrogen heavy-duty vehicles, reviewing the vulnerability of council assets, expanding the environmentally sustainable design Brief Ezy tool, a climate risk mitigation program for councils, advocacy on climate action, and purchasing carbon offsets.

SECCCA chair Michael Whelan, who is also Bass Coast Shire mayor, said the strategy was an “exciting new step for our region”.

“SECCCA has taken a whole of community view, to work together and come up with practical steps to help mitigate and manage climate risk in our region,” Cr Whelan said.

“This strategy charts the path for our members to work together and with our community to address climate change in our region.”

Climate Action Minister Lily D’Ambrosio joined council leaders as well as groups South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance, Footy for Climate Alliance and Insurance Council of Australia for the SECCCA plan launch on Wednesday 8 November.

Other SECCCA councils are Bass Coast, Casey, Cardinia Shire, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Frankston, Bayside and Port Phillip.

What would you like to see Council spend next year’s budget on?

Council would like to hear what is important to you. To get involved please go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ budget-2024-25-consultation or call 8571 1000 for more information.

Ideas can be submitted until 5pm, Sunday 26 November 2023.

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NEWS

Childcare build concerns

By Ethan Benedicto A proposal for a 125-place childcare centre that would replace three residential properties in Doveton is set to be decided.

With an estimated cost of $5 million, the three-storey building will replace singlestorey houses at 40, 42 and 44 Power Road in Doveton.

Noel Johnston, an 89-year-old pensioner who lives behind the proposed site, had spoken out against the project on behalf of his neighbours, with one of their main concerns being the noise.

Residing on Oleander Street, Mr Johnston lives right across from a playground and is not keen on another behind him.

“There are nine units here who don’t want it, we’re mostly pensioners and none of us want it behind us.

“We’ve already got a playground with kids yelling and screaming, now we’re going to have a centre behind us doing the same thing,” Mr Johnston said.

The proponent Smart Planning and Design outlined in its application document that the childcare centre would be an essential service for the local community.

With the ability to cater for a maximum of 125 children until the age of five, it allows parents an alternative from the other centres as well as employment opportunities.

Traffic was the other factor that Mr Johnston said should be considered, saying that Power Road is “one of the busiest roads in the area”.

“They’re going to build a childcare centre essentially in the middle of it, it’s dangerous for the kids coming in and out.”

While the planning application has asssured there would be on-site car parks, it also highlighted the proximity of public transport routes that would reduce car dependency.

An illustration of a proposed three-storey childcare centre in Power Road, Doveton.

Another concern Mr Johnston raised was the difficulty for those without access to computers to lodge a complaint against the planning application.

“They won’t give us copies because they

said to just look at the computers, but we haven’t got computers.

“And when we wanted to know more they asked us to come down to the council, but we’ve got walkers and walking sticks, half of

us can’t even walk,” Mr Johnston said.

As it stands, the application’s advertising process was completed on 6 November and is currently waiting for the final outcome.

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Bullet fired in alleged attempted carjacking

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Police are seeking a man over a “scary” attempted carjacking in which a bullet was fired through a windscreen, narrowly missing the victim in Doveton on 8 July.

A driver in a stolen white Toyota C-HR SUV tailgated a 22-year-old Doveton man in a white 2012 Volkswagen Passat on Princes Highway about 1am, police say.

The SUV pulled in front of the Passat, forcing its driver to stop on Power Road.

Four people got out of the SUV, with one of the passengers drawing a handgun, walking up to the victim’s door and demanding him to get out.

The victim reversed, sped off and the offender allegedly fired a shot through the windscreen.

The bullet lodged in the “hump” in front of the victim’s steering wheel, Senior Constable Daniel Cousins from Southern Metro Regional Crime Squad said.

“Another couple of inches higher and it would have (hit him).”

The man - who had just dropped off his girlfriend at work - drove away without physical injuries but was distressed for several days.

Police are unsure what motivated the attack.

“It’s definitely scary for the public whenever there’s shots fired in a public setting. He’s never had anything happen like this before,” Cousins said.

“It’s pretty abhorrent. We’d love to catch them.”

The SUV didn’t follow the victim. Instead it turned left and was found burnt out in Harkaway about an hour later.

It had been deliberately incinerated using petrol poured on the back seat. The SUV had been stolen from a Cranbourne driveway about four days earlier.

Police are seeking a man over an attempted carjacking in Doveton in July.

Police released a photo-fit image of a thickly-bearded man described as mid-20s, Middle Eastern appearance, medium build, wearing glasses, a grey Nike hoodie and black pants.

No arrests have been made.

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

NEWS

Better prognosis for ED

By Sahar Foladi Dandenong Hospital is among many state hospitals with significantly lower waiting times in the emergency department since the Covid bottlenecks.

According to the Victorian Agency for Health Information, the 90th percentile wait time average has dropped to 23 minutes from July to September 2023 from 126 minutes a year earlier. The nation-wide median time is 13 minutes.

Casey Hospital reported a 34-minute median wait time for the same period with Frankston Hospital over an hour (76 minutes).

The 90th percentile waiting time is the amount of time in which 90 per cent of all patients presented to an emergency department were seen by a nurse or doctor.

A Monash Health spokesperson said a mixture of staff upskilling and multiple initiatives set in place had resulted in the positive change.

“To support the community’s health and wellbeing, Monash Health has implemented important initiatives at Dandenong Hospital’s Emergency Department and across our health service to provide excellent and timely care.

“We thank our wonderful team, which has continued to grow, at Dandenong Hospital for their outstanding work, care for patients, and upskilling which has supported reduced wait times while maintaining the quality of care we strive for.”

The change comes as a contrast to the pressures and frustrations that both the residents and staff faced as result of the pandemic.

A Greater Dandenong resident of over 20 years, Kelly Isic, shared her experience from back in September 2022.

“The first time I was taken to Dandenong Hospital by ambulance as my sugar levels were 30.5, I was not impressed with the care.

“I didn’t get a bed for seven hours.”

Wait times in Dandenong Hospital have dramatically improved but are still short of national benchmarks. 296906 As previously reported by Star Journal, between January and March 2022, a staggering 46 emergency patients stayed longer than 24 hours in Casey Hospital, 43 in Dandenong and 56 at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton as

hospitals grappled post-Covid effects.

Current median wait time data has remained stagnant with only a two-minute decrease since January 2023.

On the other hand category one to three

waiting times in the ED have decreased from 20 minutes in July-September 2022 to nine minutes in July-September 2023.

State-wide, waits are 13 minutes for the same category and period and Casey Hospital 11 minutes.

Frankston Hospital however has seen the opposite trend as its wait times for category one to three patients have increased by three minutes since July-September 2022.

Works on the Dandenong hospital ED upgrade will commence early 2026 as part of Daniel Andrew’s $295 million upgrade election promise.

A new intensive care unit, operating theatres and a new outpatient clinic for specialist appointments will also be part of the upgrade.

Two floors will be built above the ED, expanding its capacity for an extra 12,000 patients a year.

This year, the Government has also funded Casey Hospital’s ED upgrade. It has also promised to redevelop Monash Medical Centre.

A Dandenong-based Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) has also helped take immense pressure off the ED by helping residents with non-life threatening illness who still require care.

Located at 1/134 Logis Boulevard in Dandenong the highly qualified team treats up to 300 urgent patients a week for free – with the capacity to treat more, as reported by Star Journal.

“We’ve got some of the best emergency doctors. The emergency nurses that work here are highly qualified,” Riekie Jooste, operations manager said.

The medical group is open from Monday to Sunday from 7am to 11pm with access to X-rays, pathology, ultrasound, CT scan, which are all accessible for after hours as well so people don’t have to go to emergency departments (ED).

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NEWS

King calls for legal pepper spray use Libertarian candidate Ethelyn King has called for the legalisation of pepper spray so people can “defend themselves”.

King, who is running in the 18 November Mulgrave by-election, cited the 55 Australian women killed “at the hands of men” in 2023.

She said women didn’t feel safe because they don’t have time to wait for help if they are attacked.

“Growing up as a woman I was taught not to park next to a van,” King said in a social media video.

“I was taught to carry my keys in my hand. I was taught to call somebody so that I felt safe.

“What I would like to do, so that I feel safe, is to have the ability to defend myself.”

Under state law, a person can be jailed up to two years for possessing pepper spray without a lawful reason.

King said if elected, she would change the law to allow “vulnerable people, including women” to use pepper spray.

“Women have been taught that we can be empowered…What we can’t do is protect ourselves. Give us that right.

“I would like to have the ability to defend myself. And a way that I could do that is by having pepper spray.

“Don’t take my agency away, don’t make me wait for a man to rescue me. Let me rescue myself.

“Allow us the ability to protect ourselves.”

The Libertarian Party, previously known as the Liberal Democrats, is led by upper house MP David Limbrick.

Cardiac patient Ana after being rescued

by Greens candidate Rhonda Garad during the Mulgrave by-election campaign.

Calm in an emergency

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Mulgrave by-election candidate dropped her pamphleteering to rescue a stranded medical patient in the midst of the Optus outage on Wednesday.

Greens candidate Rhonda Garad was the saviour of Sandown Park rail commuter Ana, stricken with chest pains while awaiting a train to a Victorian Heart Hospital appointment in Clayton.

Due to the network outage, train services were heavily delayed and Ana and Garad’s phones were both down.

At the time, the station was like “zombie land”, Garad said.

“Young kids were staring at mobile phones with nothing on them, people were walking in circles and Ana came up to me and said ‘my chest, my chest, the pain is getting worse...’”

Garad wondered if her nursing training would kick in, and if she’d remember how to perform CPR if required.

Unable to call an ambulance, Uber or taxi, she told Ana to “jump in” her electric car, just hoping that they would reach the hospital in time.

Fortunately, Garad’s car was chargedup because reportedly charging stations were also offline during the outage.

“It was really scary. I got her life story – I was trying to keep her distracted from her chest pain.

“When she got to hospital, she was so relieved.”

Ana insisted on taking a photo in support of Garad’s campaign.

“I want to support you. Please take my photo,” she said.

In the chaos, Garad forgot to get Ana’s number.

“I hope she sends me a message that she’s OK. I think I’ll have a friend for life after this.”

As for Optus, Garad criticised its lack of empathy and communication with customers.

“For a communications company, they need communications training.”

Libertarian candidate Ethelyn King is calling for pepper spray to be legalised. 372365

Housing answers: Mulgrave Personal candidates have their say cost-saving tips

From page 1 While on the other hand, the Greens’ Garad called for “affordable renewables to reduce energy bills” as well as improved public transport and ending “price gouging” by supermarkets.

Foster from the ALP pointed to the Government’s free kinder for three- and four-year olds, “saving up to $2500 per child” and the local Priority Primary Care Centres providing free healthcare.

starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

Ian Cook, Independent, is against increased property taxes.

Rhonda Garad, Greens, wants urgent rent controls and large stocks of public and ‘genuinely affordable’ housing.

Celeste Ackerly, Sustainable Australia Party, would phase out tax concessions for property investors.

Eden Foster, Labor, is “excited” by the Government’s Housing Statement.

Courtney Mann, Liberals, called for the release of new land to increase housing supply.

The Star Journal surveyed Mulgrave byelection candidates for their personal cost-saving tips. These were their responses: Jane Foreman (Family First Victoria): Making healthy home cooked meals from scratch. Ethelyn King (Libertarian Party): Buy in bulk, cook at home, and vote Libertarian.

Ian Cook (Independent): Buy whole chickens, not chicken pieces. It works out at $4.50 a kilo, instead of $10 or $12 a kilo.

Rhonda Garad (Greens): Join online groups to swap, reuse, recycle and save.

Eden Foster (Labor): Shopping locally to support our amazing local businesses.

Courtney Mann (Liberal Party): I’m a big fan of buying fresh produce at our local markets. It’s cheaper and better quality than the big supermarkets, and supports local producers and small business.

Celeste Ackerly: Being self reliant by investing in chickens for the backyard! I get seven eggs a day from my chickens, that’s enough to feed my whole family daily with home cooking. It also reduces household waste because my chickens eat all of our scraps.

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Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

Monika (volunteer) and Family First Victoria candidate Jane Foreman. 372365 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Candidates on the buses

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Mulgrave by-election candidates have been hitching themselves onto a pro-commuter campaign for seven-day bus services.

The Public Transport Users Association – along with a Fix 800 Bus website – has been calling for candidates to pledge to upgrade timetables on bus routes 800, 802, 804, 814 and 885.

With no upgrade for 30 years, services that link Chadstone, Monash University, Dandenong, Glen Waverley and Waverley Gardens are too infrequent, with no services on Sundays, the PTUA argues.

“Limited bus services increase the cost of living, lessens access to jobs and cements car reliance at a time when many Mulgrave people are struggling with the cost of living,” says PTUA president Tony Morton.

As of 10 November, Courtney Mann (Liberal), Rhonda Garad (Greens), Ian Cook (independent), Celeste Ackerly (Sustainable Australia Victoria), Ethelyn King (Libertarian) and Bronwyn Currie (Animal Justice Party) had backed the campaign.

“The problems with the bus schedule currently means some people are relying on Ubers because the bus service doesn’t run early or late enough, or often enough on weekends,” Currie posted on social media.

“Cost of living pressures are high enough without folks like casual workers or those needing access to services spending money on share rides due to inefficient public transport.”

Garad from the Greens argued that public transport reduced living costs, and that the current timetables didn’t meet demand.

Liberal candidate Mann said Labor had “neglected” public transport across Mulgrave.

“Because of Labor’s neglect, thousands of Mulgrave residents don’t have a nearby public transport option when they need it.

Garrity Hill (volunteer), Rhonda Garad (Australian Greens candidate), MP Katherine Copsey and Colin Cassells (volunteer). 372365 “We deserve an acceptable basic standard of public transport in Mulgrave.”

According to the PTUA, timetables weren’t keeping pace with changing travel patterns, with more commuters working late shifts and seeking off-peak trips.

Some of the routes were blighted by up to two-hour wait times and finishing at 3.30pm on Saturdays.

From $477,818*

Dr Morton said seven-day services could be provided by “merely work(ing) the existing bus fleet harder”.

“Buses should be on the roads seven days getting people where they need to be, not locked up in depots,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Fix 800 Bus website says the route 800 bus route linking Dandenong and Chadstone via Princes Highway is Melbourne’s

From $477,654*

busiest without a seven-day service.

Under a six-point plan to improve six Mulgrave routes, it calls for services every 20 minutes up to at least 9pm.

Route 800 hasn’t had a timetable upgrade in 30 years and could be boosted for less than $2 million with the existing bus fleet, the website claims.

From $643,333*

12647201-JC46-23

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STAR JOURNAL 7

Vote this Saturday Mulgrave District by-election Saturday 18 November is election day Voting centres are open 8 am to 6 pm

Who can vote?

Everyone on the State electoral roll for Mulgrave District can cast a vote at any voting centre on Saturday 18 November between 8 am and 6 pm.

If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over and living in Mulgrave District who has never enrolled, you can enrol and vote on the spot. Just bring one of these documents when you visit a voting centre: • an Australian passport, driver licence or learner permit • a council rates notice in your name • an electricity bill in your name for your current home address.

How to vote correctly You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count.

Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you most want to see elected, then number ALL the other boxes in order of your choice.

You must number EVERY BOX and only use each number once.

Candidates The candidates in ballot paper order are: KING, Ethelyn LIBERTARIAN

Voting centres

ACKERLY, Celeste SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA PARTY - STOP OVER DEVELOPMENT / CORRUPTION COOK, Ian FOREMAN, Jane Family First Victoria MANN, Courtney LIBERAL CVETKOVA, Kelly VICTORIAN SOCIALISTS GARAD, Rhonda AUSTRALIAN GREENS FOSTER, Eden AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY THEODOSSOPOULOU, Tina CURRIE, Bronwyn ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY

1. Albany Rise Primary School 74-82 Albany Drive Mulgrave IWA

6. St Elizabeth’s Parish School 111 Bakers Road Dandenong North IWA

2. Brandon Park Primary School 1-5 Ninevah Crescent Wheelers Hill AWA

7. St John’s German Lutheran Parish Hall 3 Albert Avenue Springvale AWA

3. Heatherhill Primary School 959-973 Heatherton Road Springvale IWA 4. Mulgrave Primary School 23-31 Gladeswood Drive Mulgrave AWA

8. St Justin’s Primary School 42 Whalley Drive Wheelers Hill AWA 9. Wellington Reserve Community Centre 36-42 Mackie Road Mulgrave IWA

5. Noble Park North Voting Centre 1/245-255 Browns Road Noble Park North IWA

10. Whitworth Avenue Pre-School 75A Whitworth Avenue Springvale AWA

Voting is compulsory Voting is compulsory for everyone on the State electoral roll for Mulgrave District as at 8 pm on Monday 30 October.

Visit vec.vic.gov.au to check your enrolment.

AWA: Wheelchair Access with Assistance IWA: Independent Wheelchair Access

For more information visit vec.vic.gov.au or call 03 9678 1408

You may be fined if you do not vote.

vec.vic.gov.au | 03 9678 1408

@electionsvic

Authorised by S. Bluemmel, Electoral Commissioner, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

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Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

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LOOKING BACK

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

100 years ago 15 November 1923 Sir – Will you kindly allow me to contradict a rumour that has been circulated in connection with this un-pleasant matter between T M Farrar and myself. The rumour is to the effect that our solicitors settled it out of court.

There is only one course open to T M Farrar and that is to summons me to the Dandenong Police Court. As five weeks have now elapsed since I challenged him, and he has not done so, I feel sure I am now vindicated in the eyes of the public.

Yours Elizabeth Arthur Note the earlier letter from Elizabeth Arthur in Looking Back 9 October 2023: To the Editor Sir – Will you kindly, through the columns of your valuable paper, permit me to make an explanation regarding the press report of a case in the Dandenong Police Court of 24 September. I refer to the case of T M Farrar V Elizabeth Arthur. Defendant at Carrum Downs on 28th August did use insulting words within hearing of persons in a public place – Adjourned for 7 days.

I wish to say that never at any time, neither in public nor in private, nor on any occasion have I used insulting words to T M Farrar, and that T M Farrar is quite aware of this. I have never received a summons nor had any intimation from him that he intended proceedings against me.

As T M Farrar now appears to have let the matter drop it seems to me that he has attained his objective through the Press, that he has a case against me.

I can only arrive at the conclusion that this is an attempt to blacken my character, and that the insulting words within hearing of persons in a public place is a wicked fabrication on his part.

If Mr T M Farrar desires to prove his sincerity he surely will now summons me through the proper channel.

If he does not do so, I ask the readers of the ”Journal” to believe my statement and to

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Premier Daniel Andrews and Cranbourne ALP candidate Pauline Richards at Dandenong station during the 2018 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS election campaign. 187194

judge for themselves. Yours Elizabeth Arthur.

50 years ago 8 November 1973 $1100 goes at bank; name forged A Westall man has had to wait eight months to recover the $1100 taken from his bank account with two forged signatures. The bank concerned is the Springvale branch of the Commonwealth Saving Bank of Australia. Argentinian migrant Raul Oillatoguerre said he reported the loss of his bank book containing $1800 last March to the bank.

Mr Oillataguerre said “Some of the bank officials even laughed when I asked for my money back. Two signatures were needed to withdrawn the money and neither were like mine.”

An official of the Springvale branch said it had taken “some time” for Commonwealth police to thoroughly investigate the matter.

The decision to reimburse Mr Oillataguerre with the $1100 came from Head Office in Sydney.

20 years ago

5 years ago

10 November 2003 Night driving attacks “risk” Another ugly late night road attack in Dandenong has prompted police to urge motorists to take care while driving after dark.

In the latest incident a driver was approached by men while stopped at traffic lights on the Princes Highway, at the intersection of Plunkett Road, about 11pm on 2 November.

Two men got out of a white Sigma that had pulled up alongside the male victim’s blue VS Commodore.

One was armed with a baseball bat and the pair demanded money.

A third man, thought to be carrying a black pistol, also approached.

The driver sped off. Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Jamie Jack of Dandenong CIU said these types of incidents seemed to be “in vogue” at the moment and urged drivers to be vigilant.

12 November 2018 Crossing will go The last four sets of boom gates on the Dandenong Cranbourne railway line will be removed by 2025, the state ALP party has pledged.

And it won’t be all ‘Sky Rail’. If re-elected the State Government will remove level crossings at Webster Street, Dandenong, Greens Road in Dandenong South, Evans Road in Lyndhurst and Camms Road in Cranbourne.

On 5 November Premier Daniel Andrews announced the plan at Dandenong Railway Station, currently shut down to works to cater for the coming high-capacity metro trains. Webster Street crossing would likely be removed by a ‘hybrid’ solution – rail being raised over a lowered road.

Mr Andrews said. The Greens Road grade separation would consist of rail bridge over road.

Crossings at Evans and Camms roads will be replaced by road bridges over rail.

death. Incidents have occurred and caused damage to property.

If you believe that you have an LG home battery please contact one of our experts at 1300 677 273.

1300 677 273

RESU 3.3, 6.5, 10, 13

RESU 7H, 10H

If you have a SolaX or Opal Storage solar + battery system please call us at 1300 476 529.

1300 476 529

SolaX X-Cabinet

SolaX Power Station Opal Storage 12648672-AP46-23

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STAR JOURNAL 9

NEWS

Gabrielle Kelly on Fricka, competing in the showjumping. 370418

Peter Strafford with champion Clydesdale gelding Samarah Park Thomas. 370418

Basking in magic of show The attractions at the 151st annual Dandy Show never get old.

A new generation of youngsters smiled in sunshine and soaked in the farmyard spectacle that filled Greaves Reserve on the weekend of 11 and 12 November.

Rebounding after Covid lockdowns, the crowds returned in their thousands.

Showjumping also returned to Dandenong after a hiatus for several years.

Sideshow alley remained ever popular, as were the bands, Eljay stunt riding, vintage cars and awesome specimens of livestock.

Calf Westella Boast Berna looks after Talia (5, behind), Ashlyn (1) and Hanna (2, right).

370418_03

Evan (4) meets a horse after the Outback Stockman’s Show. 370418

Cousins and brothers Destiny (9), Sienna (8), Nicholos (7) and Jacob (5) enjoy their showbags.

370418 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Sisters Natalie (7) and Paige (5) sheltered from the sun on Saturday. 370418

Amber (9) and Bella (9) from 2nd Springvale Scouts volunteered to pick up rubbish. 370418

Grace (3) with a windmill on a very windy day.

Lachie Cossor rides Barney the Brahman during the Outback Show. 370418

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Lachie Cossor and Tracy-Lee Cossor meet the people after the Outback Stockman’s Show.

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Melissa Robertson from Narre Warren North on Glenara Sinatra. 370418 10 STAR JOURNAL

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Austin Ferris in the hallowed Auction House. He recieved an Encouragment Award for his work in the Cattle Section. 370418

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

Cookie, owned by Josh Ellen from Frank & Weans Flyball Team both train here at Dandenong. 370418

Ann Heitch with the champion male Clydesdale as well as Graeme Marriott and Judge Michael Hopkins. 370418 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

We’re building big this spring Victoria’s Big Build is building a better road and rail network. While we work there will be transport disruptions.

We’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 72 already gone. On the road network, we’re easing congestion by building better roads and bridges, as well as improving the Princes Freeway to get you home sooner and safer.

Public transport disruptions: Buses/coaches replace trams and trains in both directions Tram Route 19

21 to 29 Nov

Queen Victoria Market to Brunswick Road

Hurstbridge Line

9pm 14 Nov to 16 Nov

Clifton Hill to Greensborough

2 to 18 Dec

Sections of the line

Sunbury Line

24 to 26 Nov

North Melbourne to Sunshine

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

At times, late Nov to early Dec

Sections of the lines

Seymour and Shepparton lines

Until 23 Nov

Southern Cross to Seymour or Shepparton

Geelong and Warrnambool lines

8 to 19 Nov

Shepparton Line

Princes Freeway, Pakenham

24 to 27 Nov

Closed inbound between Healesville-Koo Wee Rup and McGregor roads

M80 Ring Road

At times, late Nov to late Dec

Lanes closed between Greensborough Bypass and Plenty Road

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes Camms Road, Cranbourne

Until late Nov

Closed at the level crossing between Bourke Road and Highview Avenue

Wurundjeri Way and Dudley Street, Docklands

Until 2 Dec

Intersection closed

Geelong to Warrnambool

Footscray Road, West Melbourne

Until 2 Dec

Lanes closed between Shepherd Bridge and Waterfront Way

24 Nov

Seymour to Shepparton

Bulleen Road, Bulleen

Until 5 Dec

Closed with local access only

Geelong Line

At night, 24 Nov

Southern Cross to Waurn Ponds

Gippsland Line

24 Nov to 9 Dec

Southern Cross to Traralgon and Bairnsdale

Lyall Street, Cranbourne East

Until mid-Dec 2023

Closed at Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

Hall Road and Western Port Highway, Skye

Until 20 Dec

Intersection closed

Cameron Street, Cranbourne East

Until mid Jan 2024

Closed at Berwick-Cranbourne Road roundabout

Rochester Parade, Cranbourne East

Until early 2024

Closed at Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

Kenilworth Avenue, Beaconsfield

Until late Jan

Westbound detour between Station Street and Soldiers Road

Sunbird Avenue and Bellarine Drive, Cranbourne

Until late March 2024

Closed at Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

Ballarat and Bendigo lines

At night, 24 Nov

Southern Cross to Ballarat and Bendigo

Freeway disruptions: Closed freeways and lanes South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne

Until late Mar 2024

Lane closures between Cameron Street and Lineham Drive

Eastern Freeway

Weeknights until mid Dec

Lanes closed between Burke and Tram roads

From mid Nov

Reduced speeds between Burke and Tram roads

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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STAR JOURNAL 11

NEWS

Gordan Murray OAM and Lynette lay a wreath.

371244

Don Bergman OAM RFD ED Australian Commando Association with his sister, War Widow Glenyse Giesen. 371244

Sierra Peters (14) from Carwatha College, sings at the Remembrance Day ceremony at Noble Park. 371244

The flags flew as the weather turned. 371244

Respects for the fallen A crowd of about 150 huddled around the Noble Park RSL Commemorative Park to observe Remembrance Day on Saturday.

At 11am on 11 November, there were solemn services at Noble Park as well as at Dandenong to pay respects to those who died and suffered while serving in Australia’s armed forces in war and conflicts.

Noble Park RSL president John Meehan and fellow veterans Captain Donald Bergman OAM and Naval Association of Australia state president Gordon Murray OAM were among those paying respects.

Also laying wreaths were Greater Dandenong councillors Angela Long, Sophie Tan, Sean O’Reilly and Rhonda Garad as well as state MP Lee Tarlamis.

Carwatha College students and members of Noble Park Fire Brigade also paid homage.

Noble Park Fire Brigade’s Andrew Nichols (left) and Matthew Pond (right). 371244

Greater Dandenong councillors Rhonda Garad, Sean O’Reilly, Sophie Tan and Angela Long.

Noble Park RSL president John Meehan. 371244

Janice Woodyard and Nola Naughton-Barker present a wreath. 371244

Pictures: ROB CAREW

371244

‘Reduce harm, costs’: Push to legalise cannabis use

By Matthew Sims Legalise Cannabis Victoria has unveiled a bill to make it lawful for an adult to possess a small quantity of cannabis and regulate personal use.

On Wednesday 1 November, South-Eastern Metropolitan Legalise Cannabis Victoria MP Rachel Payne introduced the Regulation of Personal (Adult Use) of Cannabis Bill in the Legislative Council.

The bill would amend the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 to make it lawful for an adult to possess a small quantity of cannabis (50 grams) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for personal use, to make it lawful for an adult to use cannabis or tetrahydrocannabinol, to make it lawful for an adult to cultivate not more than six cannabis plants for personal use, and to permit an adult to give cannabis by way of a gift to another adult, and related changes.

The bill would also allow sharing between adults but would not allow people under 18 to access or be supplied with cannabis.

Ms Payne said the bill had the potential to reduce harm and law enforcement and jus12 STAR JOURNAL

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David Ettershank and Rachel Payne from Legalise Cannabis Victoria give a press conference after the calculation of Upper House results for the 2022 state election at Melbourne Showgrounds in Melbourne, December 2022.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/LUIS ASCUI tice system costs.

“We can take multimillion-dollar profits out of the hands of organised crime,” she said.

“We can stop the disproportionate negative impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians and young people.

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

“We can turn the consequence of stigma on its head.”

According to Legalise Cannabis Victoria, more than one-third of Victorian adults have consumed cannabis in their lifetime, with more young people consuming cannabis than tobacco.

In Casey, in the year to June 2023, there were 986 drug use and possession offences recorded.

In 2015/2016, more than $1.7 billion was spend on cannabis-related law enforcement, including $1.1 billion on imprisonments, $475 million on police, $62 million on courts, $52 million on legal aid and prosecution and $25 million on community corrections.

Ms Payne said beyond the financial impact, the human cost of a drug conviction could be “devastating” to a young individual.

“Research shows that First Nations people, and others from socially disadvantaged groups, are at greater risk of harm from the criminalisation of cannabis.

“People sourcing cannabis through illicit markets may be exposed to violence and the true ‘gateway’ – the dealers who are giving them access to more dangerous drugs.

“There is a safer way of regulating cannabis, which is why leading economies around the world are moving to legalise cannabis consumption – letting adults be adults and grow and consume cannabis in the privacy of their own homes.”

The move would follow on from similar reforms in the Northern Territory and South Australia, which have decriminalised minor cannabis use and possession and now treat it as a civil matter and the Australian Capital Territory, which has legalised cannabis possession, use and cultivation.

Ms Payne said the move would allow the government to work towards better public health outcomes across the state.

“We already have a cannabis market; it just happens to be illicit and unregulated one that costs governments tens of millions in law enforcement and prohibition,” she said.

“Let’s pull the rug out from under the illicit market.

“Victoria can be a leader in cannabis regulation.”

The Legislative Council agreed to adjourn debate on the bill for two weeks. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Firearm breach ends in jail

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A former-Springvale man who stashed guns in his bedroom while under a firearm prohibition order has been jailed.

Brett Audsley, 43 at the time, pleaded guilty in the County Court of Victoria to multiple firearms and ammunition charges including insecurely storing the guns.

He also pled to cultivating 13 cannabis plants and possessing illegal fireworks, a dagger weapon and 30 grams of ice for personal use.

During a police search of his Pearcedale home on 3 February, police found a loaded .32 calibre revolver with loose rounds in his bedside drawer and a five-shot revolver in a tall boy drawer.

At the time, he was subject to a 10-year firearm prohibition order from 2020.

Judge Trevor Wraight said Audsley’s heavy drug addiction, access to a loaded gun and his violent history created a “dangerous combination of circumstances”.

Audsley grew up in Springvale in a “tumultuous”, violent and neglectful home, with his father cooking meth for bikie gangs.

As a child, Audsley would play with his dad’s handguns and was exposed to criminal activity such as cannabis and stolen vehicles stored at his home.

He’d used various drugs since his teens, including becoming addicted to Xanax while recovering from a car crash.

According to a psychologist, Audsley was at a point of his life where he was determined to

Picture: CON CHRONIS/AAP be drug and crime free. He was also becoming open to discussing his childhood traumas.

He’d reportedly performed well during his previous parole period in 2020.

Judge Wraight noted Audsley’s desire to re-

form and rated his rehabilitation prospects as “reasonable”.

However, a “strong message” also needed to be sent for breaching firearm prohibition orders – which were designed to keep the community safe from gun-related violence.

Audsley’s long, relevant criminal record and the seriousness of offending were also a factor.

He was jailed for two years and nine months, with an 18-month non-parole period. His term includes 272 days in pre-sentence detention.

FOCUS ON … DISABILITY

SEC eagerly anticipates embracing the future together, committed to fostering a supportive and enriching community.

Soaking in the great outdoors

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

mitment to enhancing the quality of support and services we provide. As the year progresses towards the festive season, our anticipation grows for the upcoming participant Christmas get-together - an event that embodies the warmth and togetherness of our SEC family.

Looking back on the year, we celebrate the remarkable progress of our participants.

Through nurturing relationships, fostering emotional growth, celebrating achievements, and empowering individuals to enhance their independence and capabilities, we have witnessed inspiring transformations.

As 2023 draws to a close, we eagerly anticipate the opportunities and challenges that 2024 will bring. With hearts full of excitement and gratitude, we embark on this journey with our participants and their families, embracing the promise of new experiences, growth, and shared accomplishments. Together, we look forward to embracing the future, united in our mission to create a supportive and enriching community at SEC.

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As the weather transitions and the seasons evolve, so does the spirit of community at SEC. With the arrival of warm, sunny days, our focus has shifted to engaging outdoor activities, giving birth to exciting new groups centered around Pokemon adventures and refreshing Walk and Talk sessions.

These initiatives have breathed life into our community, fostering connections and encouraging exploration of our surroundings.

The picturesque locales of Springers Park, the enchanting Dandenong Creek Walk, the serene Frankston Pier, and the expansive Casey Fields have become the backdrop for our newfound outdoor camaraderie, marking a return to these activities after a hiatus during the cooler, wetter months.

Amidst this vibrant atmosphere, SEC has undergone significant transformations, from relocating to a new office in Beaconsfield to expanding our support staff and diversifying the areas where we offer assistance to our Participants. These changes reflect our com-

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STAR JOURNAL 13

NEWS

Better station behaviour South East Community Link’s innovative program for Dandenong Station received its official launch on Friday 3 November.

The outreach Community Connectors program has helped more than 1,000 passengers in three months as early results show a decrease in anti-social behaviour.

The program is the first partnership of its kind for Metro Trains and South East Community Links which supports the local area by providing two community workers at Dandenong Station from 1-5pm on weekdays.

The workers have qualifications in social work, mental health and nursing.

SECL chief executive officer, Peter McNamara said the program provides a real difference in individual lives.

“Many of the people our Community Connectors have engaged with have expressed concerns around their mental health and 80 per cent have engaged in some form of support including referrals to services and accessing material aid like food, water, PTV vouchers and clothing.”

Minister for public and active transport, Gabrielle Williams attended the launch.

“The Community Connectors program is playing an important role on our network to ensure passengers can more easily access support they need.”

Since August, the community workers have provided passengers with support for emergency relief, youth housing, empowerment programs, settlement services, financial counselling as well as referrals to local services for drug and alcohol, mental health, homelessness, and family violence support.

Metro station staff are also participating in training to assist them to better understand the local community environment and support services available.

Chief executive officer of Melbourne Trains Raymond O’Flaherty said, “We are proud to partner with SECL to improve social outcomes in areas like Dandenong to provide our pas-

Raymond O’Flaherty (Metro Trains), Gabrielle Williams, Community connectors Mark Singh and Carolyn McAlister, and Peter McNamara.

Picture: SUPPLIED sengers with support and ensure they feel a part of their local community.”

The program also aims to reduce the number of anti-social behaviour and trespassing incidents at and around the station.

These types of incidents remain a signifi-

Improving our transport

By Violet Li Casey council has officially launched Future Mobility Living Lab program with successful grant applications announced at the Casey Innovation Summit on Friday 27 October.

As Casey’s population is expected to grow from approximately 323,604 to 514,800 by 2024, Future Mobility aims to make transportation in the area more inclusive, safe, smart, and sustainable.

During the next year, Casey council will work with universities, innovative start-ups, businesses, and social enterprises to drive research and test solutions to solve the mobility challenges Casey currently faces.

The grant will help the council and its partners to deliver and validate innovative solutions and produce measurable economic, social, and environment benefits.

The following projects will receive funding via the Future Mobility Living Lab grant: Compass IoT: Compass IoT collects the metadata from vehicles driving in Casey.

This data can be used to determine traffic flow, vehicular demographics, and road condition to help with city planning and maintenance.

Aero Ranger: Aero Ranger will be helping outfit council vehicles with technology that detects illegal parking as well as unregistered and unsafe vehicles.

Minnovation: Minnovation will use 4K object detectors to analyse traffic spots that are high risk to vulnerable pedestrians, such as children and older people living in a retirement village setting.

Federation University: Federation University resides in the heart of Berwick and will provide technologies such as machine learning and AI to help improve the future of mobility in Casey.

NTRO: National Transport Research Organisation will be testing some of their new concrete material containing recycled tyres and carbon fibre, to help Casey build more sustainable roads in the future, while preventing waste from landfill.

Minnovation Technologies chief executive officer Simon Maselli at the launch of Casey Future Mobility Living Lab.

· · ·

14 STAR JOURNAL

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Federation University associate professor Shyh Wei Teng at the launch of Casey Future Mobility Living Lab. Pictures: ROB CAREW University: Swinburne Univer· Swinburne sity has partnered with Casey previously on several city challenges and it will assisting the council with deriving data insights regarding mobility challenges in the city.

Head of Smart City Innovation and Improvement Pearl Ng said the council was excited to launch the Casey Future Mobility Living Lab - a collaboration with the partners.

“This initiative tackles community mobility challenges, emphasising safety, sustainability, and technology,” she said.

“In 2024, our pop-up events will provide a platform for local businesses to showcase innovations and engage the community, “The Living Lab concept drives our innovation approach, fostering public-private partnerships and open dialogues with the community to create cost-effective solutions.”

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

crease in anti-social behaviour at Dandenong station compared to the same time last year.

The trial will continue for 12 months and, if it continues to be successful, it’s hoped the program will be expanded to other key stations on the network.

Mixed verdict on townhouses

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

·

·

cant and ongoing challenge on the Metro network and can regularly cause delays to train services.

Combined with Protective Services Offices and Authorised Officers, customer service staff and CCTV, early results show a 23 per cent de-

Two multi-townhouse proposals in Noble Park have received vastly different verdicts at the state’s planning tribunal.

A trio of double-storey townhouses on a 638 square metre site at 34 Shepreth Avenue was knocked back during a recent VCAT appeal.

Meanwhile, three similar-sized townhouses were approved on a larger block at 25 Ardgower Road.

Greater Dandenong Council had refused both applications. Both sites are currently occupied by a single house and in Incremental Change zones.

At Ardgower Road, the council took issue with parking and traffic impacts - there were too many units on the street, too little on-street parking and it was near a five-way roundabout.

Residents were already reporting parking and traffic problems, the council argued.

“Ardgower Road is commonly reduced to a single lane for vehicle travel in both directions.”

Neighbours were concerned about increasing traffic due to other redevelopments, the kindergarten and Yooralla facility in the same street.

However, the council’s own transport planning department had no objection, VCAT member Tracy Watson noted.

Watson concluded that the traffic and parking impacts were “acceptable”.

Each townhouse would be provided with a double garage, in accordance with the planning scheme. There would be up to 13 extra vehicle trips along the street each day – which meant traffic was still “well below its maximum capacity”.

“I also note that many local streets in Melbourne operate with a single lane of traffic at points where cars are parked on both sides of the street.

“This situation currently occurs within Ardgower Road, and the proposal has a negligible impact on this existing condition.”

Watson agreed with a council officer’s report which found the proposal “fully compliant” with the Incremental Change Zone, but for a “very minor issue of design detail”.

“Indeed, Ardgower Road has undergone a reasonably high level of medium density housing redevelopment, with many nearby examples of redevelopment that are either comparable to, or are more intensive, than the proposal before me.”

However, VCAT agreed with Greater Dandenong Council that the Shepreth Avenue townhouses didn’t fit the neighbourhood.

Objectors argued it was an overdevelopment, had inadequate landscaping, and would cause traffic congestion and amenity impacts.

VCAT member Shiran Wickramasinghe noted the site’s proposed two driveways went against the area’s landscaped character, particularly with the absence of canopy trees in the front garden.

“I do not find the inclusion of the grassed area within the driveway to provide a meaningful opportunity for landscaping.

“Due to the trafficable nature of driveways and the potential impact of cars on these areas their ability to make a landscape contribution to the site and neighbourhood is limited.”

Wicramasinghe stated the street was filled with 1950s single-storey homes and newer infill dwellings up to two-storeys.

The future character included well-designed townhouses up to three storeys high.

“Whilst the proposal generally complies with the numerical standards, I find the proposal will not contribute to the preferred character for this neighbourhood.”

The member didn’t agree with objectors that there would be “unacceptable traffic congestion”. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Immerse at Lyndale SC Lyndale Secondary College is a renowned educational institution located in Dandenong North, Melbourne. Established in 1961, the college has a rich history of providing quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. The college has a vibrant community of educators and learners who work collaboratively to develop the skills necessary for success in the 21st century.

Earlier this year, as part of a school council initiative, we went to a tender to purchase an Augmented Reality Immersive Technology Laboratory to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. The company is called Lumination, and we are the first and only Victorian government school to have purchased this technology. In fact, only 3 schools in Victoria have made this investment to use this resource (Girton Grammar, St Francis in addition to us). The official opening of our lab will be in mid-November.

Lyndale Secondary College’s SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) program is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving students who want to excel academically and challenge themselves. The program provides a rigorous and challenging curriculum, designed to stretch and develop students in English, Maths, and STEM subjects. It focuses on building critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and practical learning. Students in the SEAL program receive individualized support and guidance from highly trained and experienced teachers, who foster a love for learning and a positive learning environment.

Students develop leadership skills and form strong, lasting friendships with like-minded peers. By joining the SEAL program, students can unlock their potential and gain a valuable education that will prepare them for future success. We warmly welcome your interest in our college. Book a school tour today on 9795 2366.

Pam Robinson – Principal

Lyndale Secondary College is a renowned educational institution.

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STAR JOURNAL 15

NEWS

Celebration in the square

By Sahar Foladi Black Rhinos basketball team reached spectacular heights with a dazzling display of African culture in the heart of Dandenong.

In a thrilling exhibition on Sunday 28 October at Harmony Square, the Ubuntu Black Rhinos attracted the gaze of bystanders with attendees in bright African dress, the beat of cultural music and the energy of dancers.

The Rhinos program, established by AfriAus Care, is a crime prevention program for youth to provide them with opportunities to integrate in the community with a positive social experience through basketball.

Founder and chief executive officer Selba Gondoza-Luka said if the program ceased there was a high chance the youths would fall into troubled lives.

“The young people brought their friends from other regions, and it was a very successful event,” Ms Gondoza-Luka said.

“People who just walked by came and enjoyed the dancing, individual performers, singing and much more.”

The event saw a mix of audiences in the heart of the multicultural city with participants from across various suburbs.

“Young people were dancing, kids were just so happy, Caucasian young people came to play basketball with the Rhinos.”

The police team were also involved, taking part in a friendly match with the Rhinos with laughter.

Senior Sergeant Rob Colcott from the Multicultural Liaison unit in Dandenong was among the attendees.

Although the Rhinos team were established back in 2017, the annual Harmony Square event funded by City of Greater Dandenong began just last year.

It has become an eye-catching, fun and must-attend event.

Some of the Rhino players’ mothers - known as ‘Mamas’ - are also invested as volunteers for the organisation.

Through the three-year funding from the Department of Justice, the organisation was able to empower the Mamas through various

Dancing, with hands in the air. 368148

Dancing and drumming. Harmony Square went wild, and all were welcome. 368148 Picture: ROB CAREW

The crowd was invited to join in drumming.

services and programs including a partnership with Sister Works.

“The Mamas have been improving through that grant. They’ve done a great job and have actually brought their dreams and vision in the program,” Ms Gondoza-Luka said.

“They also bring their children and their grandchildren in this program to be part of AfriAus Care.”

As a result, the organisation is in the process of launching an educational program, Ubuntu cultural competency training, for the wider community which is divided into three components.

The program will be provided by Ubuntu Junior Ambassadors, Ubuntu Youth Ambassadors and Ubuntu Senior Ambassadors to deliver 10

The Ubuntu Cultural Competency Training program will provide Afri-Aus Care’s wraparound programs such as alcohol and mental health awareness and celebrate the richness of African life, food and dance at the Community Village in Springvale South.

The Afri-Aus Care has supported 300 women and guided many into employment.

Ms Gondoza-Luka is also a mentor at the Joan Kirner Emerging Leadership program which supports emerging leaders from the community with experienced mentors to assist them.

She works in the program to also encourage youth particularly from African backgrounds to become mentees as part of the program.

Ubuntu principles with evidence-based backgrounds.

These Ambassadors will provide training in different settings such as at schools and government and private stakeholders to teach them about Ubuntu.

“We have come up with Ubuntu principles which we’ve put together in a package where people can learn what we put together for the past three years,” Ms Gondoza-Luka said.

She has already applied the Ubuntu program for 16 Catholic schoolgirls who also completed their work experience with the organisation.

“It’s very powerful.

“The credit goes to the people at Afri-Aus care including the mamas and the volunteers.”

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‘Beauty of soap’: Charity’s clean new start in Dandenong

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An award-winning soap recycling charity is making a clean start at a new factory in Dandenong.

On 3 November, Soap Aid opened its Cheltenham Road plant which recycles soap for disadvantaged communities across Australia and the world.

There’s so many good parts behind this social enterprise.

It diverts discarded soap bars from landfill, mostly sourced from hotels and other accommodation providers.

At the factory, the used soap is inspected, cleaned and scraped free of debris, crushed, heated and reshaped into brand-new 100 gram bars.

The enterprise employs workers from supported employment provider The Bridge at the factory as well as in storage and warehousing.

Operations general manager Carol Bellew said the new plant was a “milestone” for the not-for-profit recycler.

Its relocation plans had been derailed

by Covid. In the meantime, it was without a base, its machinery in storage and operating with help of several corporate supporters.

“We were working with our partners to get soap recycled but it wasn’t at the volumes that we hoped.

“So to re-establish our plant was a big thing for us. To see that soap going through the production line was fantastic.”

Since 2015, Soap Aid has recycled 300 tonnes of soap and produced 3 million 100gram bars.

“The beauty of soap is it’s recycled kilo for kilo. You put in 10 kilos at one end and get 10 kilos out the other end.

“The bars after recycling are exactly the 16 STAR JOURNAL

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Soap Aid founder Mike Matulick. 369487 same as new soap from the supermarket.”

Covid underlined Soap Aid’s push to improve hygiene across the world and Australia, including a ‘clean faces, clean hands’ campaign to tackle trachoma in remote indigenous communities.

About a third of the global population does not have access to soap and its antibacterial properties that stop the spread of Covid and other viruses.

“We try to respond to as many requests as possible but we have a bit of a waiting list.”

Soap Aid is advocating for hotels to keep using hard soap and to resist the trend to liquid soaps.

The environmental logic is compelling – hard soap can be recycled, it takes less energy to make and requires less plastic packaging.

Its ‘Hotel to Hands’ program recently

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS took out a Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria community award. It is also a finalist at the Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2023.

The program helps sustain Soap Aid’s social enterprise by charging accommodation providers an annual per-room charge to take part. It reaches hotels across Australia and New Zealand.

However during the pandemic lockdowns, the tourism industry was among the hardest hit, Bellew said.

It forced Soap Aid to diversify, seeking end-of-run ‘virgin’ soap from manufacturers as well as from accommodation facilities at mines.

Before Covid, the charity was financially flourishing. But the pandemic shrunk its revenue, and its ability to fund its relocation to Dandenong.

A “game-changer” was a $250,000 grant

Carol Bellew and Nat Parbhu from Soap Aid at the newly-opened factory in Dandenong. 369487

Soap Aid worker Sethu at the conveyor belt.

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from Sustainability Victoria, along with funds from Soap Aid’s visionary founder Mike Matulick.

“Ultimately, we’re still reliant on grants and funds and donations. One day we’re hoping to be self-reliant again through the Hotel to Hands program.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

WHAT’S ON

·

Cultural Sketch You don’t need to be a visual artist to enjoy an evening of Cultural Sketching, just bring your enthusiasm, interest and willingness to have a go. In November, Kobi Sainty will be our Cultural Sketch presenter and model. Materials will be provided. Refreshments and alcohol will be served at this session. For ages 18+.

Tuesday 14 November, 6pm -8pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free event.

Registrations required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/cultural-sketch

Walk Against Family Violence Meet at Dandenong Market and walk to Harmony Square for our annual walk against family violence. Hear from guest speaker Liana Papoutsis, a dedicated social change advocate who has lived experience of surviving family violence.

Tuesday 21 November, meet 11.15am at Dandenong Market. Free event. No bookings required.

·

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Dinner with a VIEW Guest speaker Jennifer Evans will speak about the ’Horisons of Hope’ Ministries at the next Dandenong Evening VIEW Club dinner. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education for women and the Club supports the SMITH Family’s Learning for Life Program.

Tuesday, 14 November, 7pm at the Dandenong RSL. Bookings essential. Details: Brigitte, 0491 626 527.

·

Historical costume talk Emigration, Dress and Australian Colonial Society, 1820s – 1860s will consider the nature of colonial society and the immigrants experience through the lens of dress. Presenter Laura Jocic, is a curator and dress historian with expertise in nineteenth and twentieth century Australian and international fashion and textiles. Run in conjunction with the Heritage Hill exhibition Yesteryear: a glimpse into Greater Dandenong’s Past.

Followed by afternoon tea.

Wednesday 15 November, 1.30pm-3.30pm at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Free event. Bookings required. Details: 8571 1000

·

Community Conversation - Shape Springvale The Draft Springvale Revitalisation Action Plan is now ready for community review. Officers will be available to talk with you at our community conversation pop up. Khmer, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese and Teochew interpreters will be present to assist with the conversation.

Friday 17 November, 2pm-5pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale.

Free event, no bookings required.

·

Citizens Talking Climate Change Join for an evening cuppa where you can discuss climate action and solutions for living

sustainably now. Discussion topics vary each month, which will be climate action and environment related. Please bring-your-own mug/cup.

Friday, 17 November, 7pm-8pm at Springvale Community Hub - Mitchell Hall, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Bookings recommended.

Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/citizens-talkingclimate-change

·

Detox Your Home - Dandenong Detox your Home is a safe, free and easy-touse service to dispose of unwanted, highly toxic household chemicals without harming your health or the environment. The collected items are recycled for recovery and diverted from landfill.

Saturday 18 November, 9am-3pm at Gloria Pyke Netball Complex, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Free event. Details: greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au/detox-your-home-dandenong

·

Keysie Christmas Market Come along and get all your Christmas shopping done at this vibrant outdoor community market event in Keysborough. Live entertainment, stalls and delicious food. Dogs on leashes welcome.

Sunday 19 November, 10am-2pm at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. Free event. Purchases at own cost.

·

Diwali at Dandenong Market This free, indoor, family-friendly celebration is a beloved tradition at Dandenong Market. A sensory extravaganza of entertainment, arts, crafts,

and a delectable array of flavours.

Sunday 19 November, 11am-3pm at Dandenong Market, Cleeland Street, Dandenong.

Free event

·

Hallam Friends of the Red Cross Our final meeting for 2023 plans for community activities in 2024. All welcome, bring your ideas to help us connect with the community better.

Tuesday 21 November, 10.30am at Hallam Community Learning Centre, Kays Avenue, Hallam. (the next meeting after this is 20 February 2024). Details: Robert Read, 0455 566 570.

·

Question the Space Enjoy works by artists Rachel Burke, Ross Coulter, Jordan Fleming, Guerrilla Girls, Melbourne Art Library, Kent Morris, Dean Norton, Tina Patlas, Kenny Pittock, Nick Selenitsch and TextaQueen.

Artwork locations include Walker Street Gallery and various venues around central Dandenong.

Tuesday 21 November - Friday 1 March at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong (open Tuesday-Friday, 12pm-4pm).

·

Reuse and Recycle Drop Off Day Get rid of larger unwanted household goods suitable for donating or electronic and household goods suitable for recycling. Acceptable items include furniture, bikes, homewares, clothes and linen, TVs, computers, whitegoods, mattress and electrical appliances. Please bring along your recycling day brochure. Residents are to remain inside their cars at all times.

Saturday 25 November, 8am-1pm at Greaves Reserve, 20 Bennet Street, Dandenong. Free event. No registrations needed. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/recycle-day

Garden open day Maralinga Community Garden’s next open day will be held on the inaugural National Community Gardens Day. Saturday 26 November, 10am-12pm at Chandler Road Reserve, Keysborough.

·

Neighbourhood Watch public forum Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch celebrates 40 years of Neighbourhood Watch in Victoria with a public forum, safety information session, AGM and supper. Guest speaker: Detective Senior Sergeant Rachel Marshall, an Officer in Charge at Dandenong police station who has served in CIU, sexual offences and child abuse units. All welcome.

Wednesday 29 November, 7pm for 7.30pm start at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. (Ample parking at the rear of centre, off Frank Street). Bookings: trybooking.com/CLYOJ

·

Art exhibition and book launch Celebrate the amazing talent of The Art of Soul and Creative Writing Groups at this community event. Launch of the book ‘Hopes and Dreams’ with readings and signings by authors, original artworks of Open Door artists, light finger food, champagne and games. Artworks, books and handmade cards, cushions, junk journals and diaries for sale. Raffle raising funds for Friends of Refugees.

Thursday 30 November 11am-2pm at 110 Ann Street, Dandenong.

·

Yesteryear: A Glimpse into Greater Dandenong’s Past This exhibition explores our region’s changing landscape and rich historical narratives through selected artworks, images and objects from Council’s Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection and local historical society collections.

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

·

FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS CHEER

Capture Christmas Get ready to capture the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus makes his annual appearance at Shopping On Clyde.

This December, every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm, families and children of all ages can visit Santa and have their photos taken with the jolly old man himself. No need to stress about booking in advance; simply show up and enjoy the festive atmosphere

at the mall.

The experience of meeting Santa and having a photo taken is a cherished tradition for many. It’s a special moment that encapsulates the joy and wonder of the holiday season. Children’s eyes light up with excitement, and adults are transported back to their own childhood memories. Thanks to the dedicated team at Blue Wolf Photography, you’ll be

able to capture these heartwarming moments that you’ll treasure for years to come.

So, whether you’ve been naughty or nice, whether you’re young or just young at heart, make sure to stop by Shopping On Clyde during December to meet Santa and have some beautiful keepsake photos taken.

For more information and any inquiries, be sure to visit www.bluewolfphotography.au

Make sure to stop by Shopping On Clyde during December to meet Santa and have some beautiful keepsake photos taken.

Santa is coming to

dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Every Sat & Sun in December 11am - 2pm No Bookings Required For all enquiries, go to www.bluewolfphotography.au

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Shopping On Clyde!

STAR JOURNAL 17

NEWS

Leader’s turning heads

By Jonty Ralphsmith Inexorably linked with any story about quick Dandenong first round prospect Harry DeMattia is his multi-sport background.

He’s been exposed to high performance programs since the age of 12.

Firstly as skipper of a junior Australian indoor cricket team; mostly in outdoor cricket and footy.

For much of that time, he’s had a captaincy tag, for all of it he has carried the responsibility of leadership.

“From about under-12s, I’ve had those thoughts about how I can help people around me get to the same direction and same place I want to get to and that usually buys into team success, which flowed into this year at Dandenong,” the Stingrays co-captain revealed.

“Those conversations I have with people, it’s important that I show people that (what I’m saying) is coming from a good place, constructive and trying to better them.

“I want to get them in a better direction in the long term even if they may not see it short term because if you keep letting those habits happen, it’s just going stem into a bigger issue.

DeMattia could speak about leadership for hours.

He watches extra vision to familiarise himself with the structure of different lines so he can better communicate with players.

In preseason when he was sidelined for six weeks, he was busy learning about structure and strengthening ties with teammates to understand how to support them, alongside his own modified training.

“When a player gets injured, we give them a program to guide them but the intrinsic motivation is up to the athlete to drive it and do it themselves: there is no-one better than him.

No-one better. And that’s why he’s where he’s at,” coach Nick Cox said.

A common theme teammates discuss about DeMattia is his way with words: on-field he instructs like an army corporal, off it he sets spirits, supports, inspires and delivers clear messages.

The standard-setting which comes naturally from his sporting background also didn’t go unnoticed.

“People are falling in love with his leadership and it’s not fake: he doesn’t tell you what

Harry DeMattia’s leadership has been eyecatching in 2023. 372685 Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Harry DeMattia’s instructions on-field are impossible to miss for onlookers. you want to hear, it’s what it is,” coach Nick Cox said.

“His leadership is his second to none.

“He wouldn’t ask someone to do something he couldn’t do and he wouldn’t ask someone to do something he knew they couldn’t do. He made players accountable and made our club better.”

To streamline his focus on-field, ‘impact’

and ‘consistency’ were two words which anchored his mindset, materialising clearly in his own game but discussed with inherently selfless decorum.

“I wanted to be a ruthless player and ruthless person around the club but make it a really enjoyable environment to walk into every week,” DeMattia said.

“I wanted everyone to walk into the pro-

gram and then leave and be better in every aspect and that’s not just players, it’s people around the club, families and the girls program.

“I put the onus on myself to go and develop people when I’m out there as well and also being honest and critical when I need to be on myself or other people if their training standards aren’t up to scratch or they’re not willing to buy into the values and direction we want to go.”

The left-footer finished in the top five at the national combine for the 20-metre sprint which is something he continued to strengthen in 2023 with Rays high performance coach Ben Benson.

The teenager’s explosiveness, strength and versatility were all features of his footy this year, averaging 19 disposals and five tackles for the Stingrays, playing mostly on the ball.

For Vic Country, the Edi-Asp junior averaged 14 disposals and four tackles.

“The great thing about him, wherever he plays next year, he can shut someone down, he’s relentless in that area and forward he can play a role because of his running ability as well,” Cox said.

“He’s got some real top-end attributes to his game which will help him fit in anywhere.”

‘Give my all to that club’: Loyal Simpson AFL-ready

By Jonty Ralphsmith During preseason, Dandenong midfield coach Leigh Stewart anointed the nickname ‘extras king’ for Cooper Simpson.

Despite being on the road back from glandular fever dating back to the 2022 finals series, he quickly clicked into gear.

The teenager was all the hype going into 2023 after a glittering bottom-aged year.

Simpson last year skippered the Stingrays for a game, kicked a match-winner to cap a polished best-on-ground performance in a crunch match against Gippsland and was consistent throughout September.

Injuries denied him continuity and external plaudits this season, but the Rays cocaptain still took the right steps, recognised by those who matter.

Expected to be picked in the second round, partially because of the interrupted 2023, he’ll be a bargain for whoever takes the punt.

“If I’m lucky enough to get drafted, that’s where I’d envisage spending the rest of my life at,” Simpson said.

“I want to be a one-club player wherever I go and I’ll give my all to that club.

“I’m a loyal person, loyal to my teammates and loyal to the (Stingrays) and I’m an honest person so I love seeing blokes develop and get great joy from seeing people get better as a human.”

The attention to detail that earned him the preseason nickname was commonplace throughout 2023.

Simpson recalls a night where he was do18 STAR JOURNAL

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Cooper Simpson’s pinpoint kick is honed on an NFL punter’s net at home.

Coope Simpson got to play only a half for Vic Pictures: JAZZ BENNETT Country. 372677 ing ground balls with Stewart after a midweek training session at Shepley Oval.

That pair and iconic property steward Frankie Martinez were the only ones left at

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

training when the lights got switched off.

“He’s always looking for something extra to do and it’s nothing sexy or fancy, it’s just groundball or midfield craft,” Stewart said.

“He wins the footy so well but we wanted to make a point of him being last hands on the footy.

“When he was the last link in the chain, it was better for us as a team and it could showcase his beautiful kick.”

At home, Simpson had an NFL punter’s net to help hone his sizzling kick.

For Christmas last year, the first present he opened was a rebound net.

Another tool to work on his touch.

“My cleanliness, I put a lot of work and time into my hands and my kicking on both sides of my body,” Simpson said.

“I think I’m a hard worker offensively and defensively and that’s where I can get a lot of teams.”

But the year didn’t play out the way Simpson had hoped - and it was out of his control.

Following the glandular fever in preseason, a corkie kept him out of round one.

And then the major blow: a corkie suffered in the first Vic Country game.

“It felt like a sledgehammer going into the side of my leg,” Simpson recounted of the incident at Ikon Park, Carlton.

“I was in a lot of pain.

“I was super ready for that game, I’ve been dreaming of that opportunity for so long and then it got taken away from me pretty quickly.”

When he did play, there were pleasing signs.

He held his own in a pair of AFL Academy games against state league sides and made his debut for Casey.

In his eight games as co-skipper of Dandenong, there were several high points, including finishing the year well on the wing.

“We’re really happy he bought into that [wing role],” Dandenong coach Nick Cox said.

“That’s probably where he can play straight away in the AFL I would have thought, or on a wing or high half forward.

“It was good he was able to showcase that as the season finished and he hit the scoreboard as well.”

“He’s an ultimate professional and readymade AFL player.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Information sessions set Casey is inviting residents interested in running in the 2024 council elections to upcoming information sessions to kick start their journey in making a difference in the community.

Casey has been governed by administrators for the past few years since the dismissal of all Casey councillors in February 2020 by the State Government.

Next year Casey will return to elected councillors when the next local government elections take place across Victoria in October 2024.

To support community members who might be considering running for Council, Casey is hosting three Role of Council Candidate information sessions over the coming months.

The sessions are designed to give community leaders and residents the chance to find out more about the diverse range of functions and services local government provides, the role of councillors, and to provide the resources required for potential candidates for the election.

City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff encouraged anyone who was interested in taking an active role in shaping their community to attend one of the sessions.

“Local government is where grassroots democracy begins, and Casey is seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds, with various skill sets and experiences, to step forward and take part in the electoral process,” Ms Duff said.

“Anyone who intends to run for Council should be passionate about their community, be keen to learn and willing to contribute to strategic decisions.

“By running as a candidate, you can help ensure that the voices and concerns of your community are heard and that your local government represents the diverse perspectives and needs of its residents.

“If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, I encourage you to register for an upcoming information session so you can explore the possibility further.”

The information sessions will give an overview of the City of Casey, council functions and services and provide key details on how to run for council including formal training requirements for candidates.

The sessions will also cover topics including good governance practices, social media awareness and the Local Government Act 2020.

Council will be hosting three information sessions, two in-person events and one online.

November in-person session Date: Tuesday 28 November 2023 Time: 6pm – 8pm Venue: Eliston Family and Community Centre, Clyde Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/1128893 February virtual (online) session Date: Tuesday 27 February 2024 Time: 1pm - 3pm Venue: Online session Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/1122762 March in-person session Date: Tuesday 26 March 2024 Time: 6pm – 8pm Venue: Bunjil Place, Narre Warren Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/1122765 To find out more and register to attend, visit casey.vic.gov.au/council-elections-2024

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

Casey has been governed by administrators for the past few years since the dismissal of all Casey councillors in February 2020 by the State Government.

N I W LY FAMISES PAS

Get ready for the most exciting event of the year.

Christmas Under the Big Top is coming to Burnley Oval, Richmond from November 24th to December 24th.

With over 2 and a half hours of unlimited festive fun, this extraordinary event has something for everyone!

Star News has 10 x Family passes to giveaway to readers for the 7pm Friday 24th November performance!

You’ll be able to experience the magic of Christmas in our interactive walkthrough under the big top tent, where you can see,hear, touch, and smell all the wonders of the season.

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STAR JOURNAL 19

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Festival for a good cause More than $53,000 was raised at the celebratory Kathin Festival at Wat Buddharangsi temple in Springvale South.

Hundreds attended, and hundreds more donated to the cause at the festival on 4 and 5 November.

Festival leader Thayhorn Yim said the festival was a “unique Buddhist ceremony”, which raised funds to support the temple’s monks.

“Religiously, the venerable monks would make then donate back to the monastery.”

About $45,900 will be donated back towards building a monastery at the site.

Mr Yim thanked the teams of cooks and helpers as well as the Chhaiyam Group that “made the celebration so exciting and meaningful”.

The Most Venerable Sudhep Nan, Abbot of Wat Buddharangsi Melbourne, pictured centre, in front of a relaying tray of monk’s robes.

An audience listens and prays to a lecture by 1.2. The Most Venerable Sovann Srey, President of Cambodian Buddhist Monk Council of Australian and New Zealand.

At the start of the procession with Thayhorn Lim under the King’s Umbrella.

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SPORT

Wyatt belts Berwick Southside

Flyers off and running

By Marcus Uhe A day of momentum swings and shifts ultimately landed at stumps as it so often does at Alex Nelson Reserve; in the hands of defending DDCA Turf 1 champions Springvale South.

On the back of a belligerent 118 from Jordan Wyatt, the Bloods posted 9/337 in 80 overs after a middle-order stumble threatened to undo a promising start to the contest against Berwick.

Wyatt hit 118 from 90 deliveries that included six sixes and 11 fours with a particular liking to the straight boundary, hitting a handful of deliveries into the Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve.

Mitch Forsyth scored some valuable time in the middle for the Bloods with 45 off 79, looking more and more comfortable as the innings went on after the Bears won the toss and chose to field under gloomy skies and with a moist surface to bowl on.

Bears skipper Jarrod Goodes set attacking fields with four slips at times and no men on the boundary as they looked to make life uncomfortable for the opening pair, and maximise the overcast conditions with the new ball.

Forsyth added 61 for the first wicket with his captain Ryan Quirk before Goodes’ introduction at first change ended Forsyth’s stay, and soon after Quirk joined him in the sheds for 20, the second ball after a drinks break, bringing two new batters to the crease in Wyatt and Jordy Mackenzie.

Mackenzie made 22 before the incision of Elliot Mathews made an immediate impact, removing the number three in his opening over.

Wyatt then begun to free his arms and raced to 95 by the tea break, ably supported by Blade Baxter at the other end who was happy to absorb deliveries and rotate the strike for Wyatt to attack.

Bears spinner Lachlan Brown, who had enjoyed an excellent season to date, bore the brunt of Wyatt’s assault, hit out of the attack with four wicketless overs for 30.

A slog sweep in front of square for four brought up the century milestone in the second over after the tea break, but he only lasted 18 more runs as his attacking instincts brought him undone, hitting a catch to midwicket to become Goodes’ third victim of the afternoon.

Goodes was almost single-handedly keeping his side afloat with an excellent display with the ball, with Wyatt’s dismissal triggering a collapse of 5/38.

3/230 became 8/268 as the Bears clawed back the ascendency with the chance to make inroads late in the day in the offing.

But a counter-attacking 60-run stand for the eighth wicket between Jackson Sketcher and Jarryd Straker eschewed the danger, with Sketcher clearing the boundary on a number of occasions.

His unbeaten 61 included five sixes and two fours while Straker kept the strike ticking over with 18 off 19 as the Bloods finished the day

By Marcus Uhe

Jordan Wyatt hit a sensational hundred for Springvale South against Berwick on Saturday. 267270 Picture: ROB CAREW nine wickets down.

Goodes’ return to cricket continues to reap rewards for the Bears, taking 4/86 as the standout bowler of the afternoon.

Buckley Ridges need only a further 103 runs next week against Narre South to maintain its undefeated streak but will need to do so with only six wickets in hand after a poor evening session at Strathaird Reserve.

The visitors will begin day two at 4/64 with four of the top five already dismissed, including Roshene Silva, Ben Hobbs and Jake Cronin, for low scores.

Alex Cruickshank and Callan Tout removed both openers to have Buckley at 2/9 in the seventh over, bringing Ben Wright and Silva together to begin the revival.

They added 41 before Jeevan Mendis got through Silva’s defences, and last season’s Wookey Medal winner grabbed the huge wicket of Jayson Hobbs late in the day after a patient 1 off 27 deliveries.

Much will fall to the not-out Wright and the returning Michael Davies to steer the chase home as the two senior remaining batters in the lineup.

167 is the target after the Buckley bowlers had an excellent day with the ball.

Only English pair Callum Nicholls and Cruickshank made it above 30 on a tough day for the Lions, who lost 4/10 at one stage in the middle order.

Nicholls and Harsha de Silva’s 54-run partnership for the fourth wicket was the only to breach the 50-run mark.

Nicholls showed his class with two sixes and seven fours in his 58.

Hussain Ali, Ishan Jayarathna and Faridullah Jabbar Khil shared the spoils with the ball, taking three wickets each.

St Mary’s posted its highest score of the season to date, setting Hallam Kalora Park 159 to win next week.

Despite the absence of Hawks’ strike bowler William Whyte, the Hawks had no trouble taking the Saints’ 10 wickets at Thomas Carroll Reserve, with only four players rolling their arm over.

Lauchlan Gregson took four and Jordan Hammond took to new ball duties with ease, snaring 3/17 with 14 maidens, while spinner Charith Keerthisinghe also took three.

Susantha Pradeep led the way for his side with a fighting 45 but lacked support from his fellow batters.

Deeshan Umagiliyage and Chameera Fernando put high prices on their wickets to stave-off the Hawks from having the chance to bat in the evening but the damage had been done earlier in the day, having begun their partnership with the Saints teetering at 8/131.

North Dandenong is 140 runs shy from a maiden win in the new Turf 1 campaign but lost three key wickets to close an otherwise positive day at home against Beaconsfield.

Quick Sushant Gupta took 4/58 and Syah Shah 3/13 to help the Maroons dismiss Mark Cooper’s side for 174 in 64 overs but fell to 3/34 in the 16 overs before stumps.

Cooper (44) and Tyler Clark (43) did the bulk of the scoring for the Tigers as the middle order continues to fight for comfort at Turf 1 level.

Tigers’ strike bowler Kevin Seth then grabbed the wickets of Jurgen Andersen and Syed Mehmood for just two runs each in an excellent start to the defence.

Jawid Khan and Gupta are the not out batters with Ramneet Dhindsa and Clayton McCartney among the key men still to come.

Pushed Panthers post a modest target

By Marcus Uhe Dandenong’s bowling attack will need to be at the top of its game next week after the batting group’s glittering run in Victorian Premier Cricket came to an end against Frankston Peninsula on Saturday.

The Panthers finished the day at 9/218 from 96 overs at Jubilee Park as the top order failed to convert its starts.

Dhanusha Gamage was dismissed for the first time in his short tenure at the top level, equal top-scoring with Josh Slater on 52.

Gamage and captain Brett Forsyth’s 58-run stand for the second wicket was the largest partnership of the day, as regular wickets from the Heat consistently disrupted batting momentum.

Where Gamage, Forsyth and Slater all made starts, the remainder of the top seven in Andrey Fernando (4), Max Marinic (6), Matthew Wilson (8) and Sam Newell (3) all failed to reach double figures.

22 STAR JOURNAL

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Harrish Kannan topscored for Casey South Melbourne on Saturday with 124. 262690 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Right-arm quick Brodie Symons was the pick of the Heat’s bowlers taking 4/58, with former Australian Test spinner Jon Holland claiming 2/51.

There were no such issues with the bat for Casey South Melbourne, hitting 301 for the loss of only two wickets on a bumper batting day at Casey Fields against Kingston Hawthorn.

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

Ashley Chandrasinghe sent a reminder of his class to Victorian selectors with 113 in a 180-run partnership with Harrish Kannan, who raised the bat himself with 124.

The two began their union in the ninth over when Yash Pednekar was bowled for just five and batted for 66 overs together to take the score from 1/14 to 2/194.

Former Swans captain Michael Wallace added a quick half-century late in the day off only 54 deliveries to heap the pressure on the Hawks, whose bowlers were fresh off a tough day in the field just seven days prior against Dandenong.

It’s two 300-plus scores in consecutive rounds for the Swans after blitzing Camberwell for 355 in round three.

They’ll begin the day next week with the option of continuing on with the bat, but the sparkling form of Nathan Lambden, the competition’s second-highest wicket taker, will be hard to ignore, should they choose to take the new ball.

A pair of round two wins has kick-started the Southside Flyers’ new WNBL season and vanquished demons of the 2022/23 campaign in the process.

Most significant was a thrilling 75-74 defeat of Townsville Fire in Queensland on Saturday night in a rematch of last season’s one-sided grand final series.

The Flyers trailed at every interval in the contest but clawed their way back into the game from an eight-point deficit at the beginning of the final term, thanks in large part to young star wing Nyadiew Puoch.

Puoch scored eight of Southside’s final 10 points in the come-from-behind win, including a crucial free throw to edge her side ahead with 10 seconds remaining, in what was her side’s first lead since the opening minutes of the contest.

With 3.36 remaining on the clock, Carley Ernst nailed a three-point shot to cut the lead to six, before Puoch took over down the stretch.

She made a layup with just under three minutes remaining as the lead fell to four and cleaned up her own miss with another layup a minute later, earning a foul in the process and nailing the resulting free throw to make it a onepoint game.

Courtney Woods answered for the Fire with a three, to restore a four-point buffer, which was brought back to two points thanks to a pair of foul shots from Mercedes Russell.

A Puoch interception on the next Townsville possession was converted on the other end, tying the scores at 74 with just shy of a minute remaining.

A frantic final minute saw missed and blocked shots, timeouts and a jump ball, eventually resulting in Puoch heading to the free throw line once more.

She made the critical first to give her side the lead and missed the second, but the Fire was unable to make her pay on the other end, missing a mid-range jump shot with three seconds remaining that would have given them the lead.

Russell led the Flyers in scoring with 22 points on an efficient 64 per cent shooting and secured six rebounds in the win as five players scored in double figures.

Southside made the most of its opportunities all game, winning the secondchance points count 14-6 and points off turnovers battle 18-7.

Earlier in the week, a brief stopover in Canberra saw the Flyers notch their first win of the new campaign, downing the Capitals 104-79 on Wednesday night.

Southside extended its lead at every break in the contest, hammering its ascendency in the third term with a 28-15 period to grow the nine-point advantage to 22.

It was the Russell and Maddison Rocci show in the nation’s capital as both filled the stat sheet with substantial performances. Russell is making her presence felt upon her return to the competition, registering a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double to go with four assists.

Rocci, meanwhile, did a bit of everything in her 35 minutes, scoring 28 points, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing seven assists.

Through the rounds the Flyers have been one of the best shooting teams in the competition, leading the league in three-point shooting percentage and a close second for overall field goal percentage.

Southside next takes to the court on Saturday night to face Adelaide. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Duo happy at Holm Workhorse

De La Rue on the rise

By Jonty Ralphsmith For Kobe Shipp and Kade De La Rue, Holm Park Reserve was a happy outlet during the pandemic.

With Beaconsfield under-19s player Jamie Roberts, the pair spent hundreds of hours across that period at the Beaconsfield oval.

Across the 18-month period, the pair finetuned touch, kicking, fundamentals and oneon-one work and spent hundreds of collective hours playing marker’s up.

Now, the phrase that’s always on people’s lips when discussing De La Rue is his cleanliness.

“Some respect definitely has to go to those days,” De La Rue said.

“We would hold ourselves liable to train down here after school and having others makes it more fun and competitive.

“We’ve all got our strengths in different areas so it’s great to challenge each other.

“I’m probably the stronger aerobic athlete, but they’ve got me in speed and power so it’s something to have a bit of fun with when we have races down here but also better ourselves.”

For Shipp, that long period sans official matches coerced him to lift his training standards.

The son of former Fremantle Docker Andrew, Shipp also spent time down near his Dad’s house at Inverloch, and picked the former AFL tough nut’s brain about what was required to reach the top level.

“At the start of 2020, I probably wasn’t the best trainer,” Shipp conceded.

“I think going into that year, I didn’t really understand what hard work was because, being a junior, you never really had to work as hard, a lot of it was natural talent.

“Across those two years in lockdown, I learnt so much about myself and my footy so

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Kobe Shipp (left) and Kade De La Rue (right) at their Holm Park haven. 371170 Picture: ROB CAREW I’m really grateful for that because I don’t think I would be where I am now otherwise as a footballer or person.

“It was hard missing out on playing but the resilience that I’ll take from it is so important.”

During and since the pandemic, coach Steve Paterson has noted the frequency the boys have spent down at the oval.

Having coached Shipp – and De La Rue - either side of the pandemic, he saw the lift – something which has continued to incline since the start of his journey with the Stingrays.

“That was maybe a turning point for him,” Paterson said.

“Through his early days, he was very talent-

ed on game day but it took him a while to grasp on to and realise that ‘I’ve actually got to train hard to perform even better.’

“I think that helped him realise he can make something of this.

“When games needed to be won, Kobe was first on it.

“Whether it’s putting himself into the midfield so that he could have the greatest impact to help the team or putting his head over the footy, he was there.”

The AFL draft will take place from November 20-22 with De La Rue and Shipp both expected to be late pickups.

Competitive prospect finds his best position

By Jonty Ralphsmith In 2022, it was in the Under-17 All Stars game.

In 2023, it was in the last Coates League home and away game against Tasmania.

A 22 touch, nine mark effort on Tasmanian goalsneak Jack Dolliver, kept to four touches and no scores, was a statement game for Dandenong defender Kobe Shipp, and he handled the assignment of Zane Duursma well in the following week’s loss to Gippsland.

“I think it would be hard to find a small back who’s played a better all round game ever than him that day,” said Stingrays coach Nick Cox. “His stuff on the ground, his marking in the air, his ability defensively was all fantastic.”

At his best, 187cm Shipp has proven he has a complete skillset to match it with forwards in the modern game.

After a late call up for that Under-17 All Stars game - an annual fixture played on the MCG to raise the curtain for the AFL grand final - Shipp left his mark.

Playing with his trademark 2022 dreadlocks, the Beaconsfield boy started with a bang, taking four intercept marks in the first quarter and finishing the day as one of the prominent play-makers.

Last season was Shipp’s first in the backline, and his read of the play and strength over the footy were assets he built on.

When given a similar role this season, he thrived, mixing his shutdown capacity with his understanding of when to fly and drive.

“Having a match up is good because it keeps me accountable and in line with the footy,” Shipp said.

“I still have the licence to peel off and intercept, but there’s a fine line between doing that too much and playing on your man too much and I found that balance throughout the season.”

In between playing his natural footy off halfback, he spent a reasonable portion of 2023 on the wing, including the national championships due to Vic Country’s long list of rebounding halfbacks.

Shipp accumulated plenty of possession in Vic Country’s first game, giving him a strong dandenong.starcommunity.com.au

Kobe Shipp wore Jack Dolliver (right) like a glove. 372844 foundation to launch off, and as well as the Vic Country and Rays coaching staff, he had an excellent asset in his corner.

Dad, Andrew, played 35 games for Fremantle, falling short of the required games to make Kobe eligible as a father-son, but still having strong nous to impart.

“He doesn’t say as much as what other Dads do but he keeps it really simple,” Shipp said.

At first, Kade De La Rue targeted one week.

Soon, it took him only a night.

A relentless worker who runs hard and acted as Dandenong’s forward half link for much of 2023, he set himself the task of doing 1000 ground-balls at home outside of training week-to-week.

It soon became a no-fuss 20-minute weeknight matter of formality for Kade, a prospect for next week’s AFL draft, and Dad, Ben, a former Springvale Demons VFA player.

“His repeat efforts and ability to get up and down the ground is sensational and he’s clean around the footy,” Stingrays coach Nick Cox says of his footy.

“He’s strong at the contest and he stands up and he’s got some real attributes that can hopefully give himself an opportunity.”

The extra touch is one example of the extra work the Beaconsfield teenager commits to ready himself for life at the next level.

During a 2021 on the sidelines due to a ruptured ACL, De La Rue remained process-oriented.

He put on more than 15 kilograms, sat in the Beaconsfield coaching box every week to strengthen his understanding of the game and tapped into the networks and resources his Dad was able to provide him.

Prior to the injury, junior coach Steve Paterson recalls De La Rue’s diligence.

“I’d be forever driving past Holm Park and he’d always be down there,” Paterson said.

“People would always ask why he got lots of the footy and I always said ‘well he works harder’.

“Kade was such a consistent performer, a workhorse who accumulated the footy.”

Having grown into the half-forward position since arriving at the Rays, De La Rue comfortably led all Victorian players in hard acceleration efforts at the national championships and has recently looked to couple that increased pace.

A Stingrays mainstay in the last two seasons, De La Rue reached out to the club’s high-performance coach Ben Benson in 2021, just prior to being listed.

“I feel I’ve got a bit more time now that gives me an extra split-second to make a good decision which is probably due to being clean and multiple factors,” De La Rue said.

De La Rue is expected to get selected about midway through the second night of the AFL Draft, held from 20-22 November.

Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

“After every game I’ll talk to him about how I played and he knows what to say.

“He knows if I’ve had a sh*t game and he’ll tell me, but has a way of doing it where he keeps me on track and humble and he’ll give me good pointers as well.”

Shipp will learn his fate on 20-22 November at the the AFL National, Rookie and Pre-Season Drafts.

Kade De La Rue with Beaconsfield teammate and fellow Dandenong Stingrays draft prospect Kobe Shipp.

371170 Picture: ROB CAREW

Tuesday, 14 November, 2023

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STAR JOURNAL 23

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