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YEAR IN REVIEW INSIDE: A LOOK BACK AT WHAT NEWS IN 2023 PAGE x PAGE MADE x
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Community focus By Sahar Foladi We have left behind the difficult years of lockdown behind as we head into 2024, however, the ripple effects of covid are still felt today. As families, individuals and the entire community slowly recover even now let’s not forget the extraordinary organisations that constantly contribute to the positive growth of the community. The Kindness community helps to feed almost 10,000 people in Greater Dandenong as demands for meal services increase dramatically in response to cost of living pressures among many. In fact, they were founded in 2020 in response to covid-19, which saw them cook and deliver meals to the emergency hotels and within a few months they expanded to street meal service. However, the cost-of-living pressures coupled with the soaring interest rates and grocery bills are only a few of the setbacks forcing families into the “breaking point.” At times like this, it’s only befitting to have Kindness Community as our People of the Year 2023. The recognition also goes out to each volunteer, as well as the organisation overall, making up a dedicated team of 25. The team provides weekly drop-in meal service on Tuesdays at Hemmings Park where everyone is welcomed. They also deliver packed food to local homeless hostels and boarding houses. Founder and director of the Kindness Community, Danielle Ashley said 2023 has been the biggest year for them. “We increased our food quantities exponentially thanks to building new partnerships with local food rescue organisations. “We have grown our service offerings, improved client referrals, volunteer numbers and support for clients at our weekly service,” she said. “We have developed new relationships with council and local businesses, and strengthened relationships with our clients, by continuing to
LORETTA LYNN PATSY CLINE CONWAY TWITTY
Christmas Lunch organised by the Kindness community to support those doing it toughest on the day. provide reliable support every week.” Christmas lunch with the community was organised where 100 people attended the event and took with them food hampers. At a time where majority organisations are closed down on Christmas day Ms Ashley said they decided to host lunch as they found many do the “toughest on that day.” “We expected the demand to grow by 20 to 30 per cent over the holidays but every week is different. “The lunch was great, we had beautiful conversations.” City of Greater Dandenong mayor, Lana Formoso was also present to offer a hand at the
turnout of 100 attendees. “We’re not just feeding people, the key point is about loneliness and isolation,” Ms Ashley said. “We help people to reconnect with the community, we’re here to listen, share stories, sit down ,have conversations, have a laugh and play good music. “It’s an experience not just, have a meal and off you go, some services are transactional like that but we’re about connection. “People build relationships in this community, some even bring along their friends so it’s like a family. Continued page 2
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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW - IBAC
Corruption laid bare... By Cam Lucadou-Wells No one shaped Casey’s affairs more than the state’s anti-corruption body, which delivered damning findings on local councillors as well as proposing radical changes in planning across the state. The Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) tabled its Operation Sandon report in July – an inquiry that provided jaw-dropping allegations of political payments including cash in a suitcase. Former Casey mayors Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett were especially highlighted for accepting more than $1.15 million in payments and in-kind support from developer John Woodman. They were found to promote Woodman’s interests in several key planning decisions at Casey without declaring their conflict of interest. Woodman was also found to cultivate influence at state government level, paying lobbyists and donating generously to Labor and Liberal party coffers. He’d also funded 11 ‘friendly’ candidates’ campaigns in the Casey elections in 2016, and was linked to a community residents action group funded by developer Leightons. It’s yet to be seen whether Aziz and Ablett will face criminal charges. IBAC has powers to refer alleged criminality to the Office of Public Prosecutions to make that call. Both councillors and Woodman have denied wrong-doing. Many of the “elaborate” financial arrange-
IBAC acting commissioner Stephen Farrow and deputy commissioner David Wolf. 350301 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS ments were designed to give the “appearance of legitimacy”, IBAC acting commissioner Stephen Farrow said in handing down the report. The bombshell public inquiry, which led to 34 recommendations, had several other farreaching consequences. It precipitated the State Government’s sacking of Casey councillors in 2020, placing the council under administration for four years. The Government enthusiastically received IBAC’s recommendation to take planning de-
cisions out of councillors’ hands and instead made by independent expert panels. More details are being awaited of the Government’s new planning regime – touted to fast-track housing supply. The Government has been less enthusiastic to adopt IBAC’s advice to ban political donations from “high-risk” groups such as developers. In October, voters will decide on the makeup of the next Casey Council.
How many of the 11 sacked councillors will stand for re-election and the extent of their punishment at the ballot box will be intriguing. Farrow said as a group, Casey councillors had exhibited and tolerated behaviour that was below the standards expected of them. Some made a “conscious departure” from the standards, others had a “poor understanding” of their obligations. IBAC deputy commissioner David Wolf said the report “laid bare” corruption risks in council decision-making and with political donations at state and local government levels. “What is clear is that the conduct of individual councillors severely damaged the standing of Casey Council with their local community. “It showed the ease with which council governance requirements can be manipulated or disregarded by councillors who are minded to do so.” IBAC’s investigation revealed councillors were incapable of dealing with the “complexity” of planning matters, Wolf said at the time. “And then of course, you have the corruption vulnerabilities exposed in this report.” Earlier last year, Coroner David Ryan recommended that IBAC does more to alleviate witnesses’ uncertainty about being prosecuted as soon as possible. This followed the suicide of former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon, who believed she was headed to jail as a result of the IBAC allegations. IBAC has since confirmed that Stapledon wasn’t facing prosecution.
NEWS
Crowds welcome the new year in style By Sahar Foladi The City of Greater Dandenong welcomed 2024 with another of the municipality’s great buzzing New Year’s Eve. Singers, dance performers and entertainers were all under one roof as residents arrived early to get the best spot with the view. Dance performances from different cultural backgrounds were full on display. The Bonnie Fearn Diversity Dance, Nadanalaya Dance Academy and LetTeine Polynesian Dance captured the audiences with their colourful costumes and moves. Singers were also present as some couples took the opportunity to dance away 2023. The fireworks marked the end to 2023 and beginning of another year full of events, celebrations, important issues in the community and great milestones to achieve.
Kindness Community founder Danielle Ashley with Dandenong Council mayor Lana Formoso at the Christmas lunch event. Picture: SUPPLIED
Community at heart Welcome to the Country smoking ceremony. 382194
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Tuesday, 9 January, 2024
Some even in the audience wore traditional dresses. 382194
Nadanalaya Dance Academy. 382194
From page 1 “We’ve had people sit there with alarms on their phone to attend the services.” According to her, the meal service demand in the community is only on the rise. “It’s very popular and growing every week. “People keep finding out about us as we get more resources.” More than 100 people are fed per week in addition to food deliveries. To keep up with the demand, there are also other organisations such as Cornerstone Contact Centre, Wellsprings for Women and 5B’s Humanitarian Incorporated. The team will be focused on services expansion and to unlock new opportunities through community collaborations and partnerships. The Kindness Community can be reached on info@kindnesscommunity. org,au dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Heroin crackdown Police have arrested more than 40 people as part of an extensive investigation into heroin trafficking in Greater Dandenong. The first phase of Operation Halt saw 25 people arrested during a two-day blitz on 22 December, targeting the purchase and use of heroin and other illicit drugs in the Springvale area. Among the charges laid on those arrested were possession of heroin and methylamphetamine, handling stolen goods and other outstanding warrants. An additional 12 people were arrested on 1 Monday and Tuesday 2 January, and charged with a range of drug related offences, as well as assault police and dangerous driving. Working off further intelligence, the Springvale Divisional Response Unit executed a search warrant at a home on Corrigan Road, Noble Park, at 5am on Friday 5 January. During the search, police located and seized an imitation firearm, mobile phones, and quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and methadone. Four men were arrested at the scene. A 53-year-old man was charged with drug related offences and an imitation firearm. A 40-year-old man was charged with drug
Picture: ON FILE related offences. They were both bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 15 May 2024. A 40-year-old man was released on summons for possessing cannabis, while a 37-year-old man was issued a drug diversion.
A 54-year-old man arrested at the property was released without charge. Anyone with information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Robbery appeal Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following an armed robbery in Dandenong. It is believed an unknown man entered a fast-food premises on Cheltenham Road on Wednesday 22 November, about 6.30am. Officers have been told the man approached the counter before producing a knife and making demands for cash from the till. Investigators believe the employee handed over a small amount of money, before the man left the premises through a side door. No one was physically injured. Detectives have released CCTV and an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries. The man is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, approximately 182cms tall and is of solid build. He was seen wearing a black hooded jumper, a black face covering, black three-quarter length pants, white ankle socks, white shoes, and white plastic gloves. The footage can be viewed at youtu.be/yVjqvZ64bv8 Anyone with information, dashcam/ CCTV footage or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Investigators have releases CCTV footage on an armed robbery at a fast food shop in Dandenong in late November.
Podcast tales By Matthew Sims
The first 15 middle school participants celebrated the completion of the program.
Picture: SUPPLIED
A healthy change to gender stereotypes A Healthy Masculinities program has rolled out to challenge gender stereotypes in the community. In partnership with Lyndale Secondary College and Melbourne City Football Club’s City in the Community, the program focuses on shaping young boys into better versions of themselves, fostering positive masculinity and helping them achieve their full potential. Recently, a group of culturally diverse young men and their parents celebrated the successful completion of South East Community Link’s new program. The first cohort of 15 middle school students’ from refugee and migrant communities completed the program with great success. South East Community Link’s Family Violence Prevention practitioner, Divya Mohan, said the new program supports safe discussions about the gendered drivers of violence against women. “Together this group of young men has explored actionable steps they can take to prevent violence and promote respect for dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
women and girls. “Participants engaged in discussions on respect, consent and bystander intervention. “They also challenged gender stereotypes, including about women in sport,” she said. “Facilitators created a safe and nonjudgmental space for participants to explore their values, identities, and perceptions about their roles as young men in culturally diverse families and communities.” A special end-of-term event was held as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to celebrate the completion of the program. The event acknowledged the commitment and participation of the students and featured inspiring guest speakers, including Jojo Amaah, a 22-year-old resilient young man who shared his remarkable life story of courage after experiencing an assault on the football field. In addition, Karly Roestbakken and Laura Hughes, shared their experiences as Australian female professional soccer players representing the A-League Women’s team.
The day concluded on a high note with a soccer tournament, where two teams competed enthusiastically, adding a fun and competitive element to the celebration. The success of this initiative has paved the way for the second phase of the Healthy Masculinities program, scheduled for Term 1 in 2024. In partnership with Jesuit Social Services, the next phase will delve deeper into the developing skills and confidence for participants to embrace positive masculinity, healthy identities, a greater understanding of their role in prevention of violence against women and gender equity promotion. Funded under Supporting Multicultural Communities and Faith-Based Communities by the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing, the program aims to provide positive role models for participants to inspire and motivate them on their journey toward becoming healthier and happier young adults and men in the future.
From Pakenham potter Robert Gordon discussing his love for clay to the history of the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick, a new podcast tour is showcasing some of the South East’s hidden tales. As part of a partnership with Storytowns Podcast Tours, Metro Trains and the Department of Transport and Planning, new Storytowns podcast episodes are telling the untold stories of the region with a series of podcasts, with episodes along the Pakenham line now available. Using geo-located podcasts, the podcast episodes play automatically as you approach a landmark or point of interest, with episodes now available for Pakenham, Berwick, Narre Warren, Dandenong and Springvale. The podcast series covers a variety of themes, including local food, culture, street art, travel tips, fun facts, and interesting stories about each suburb’s history, culture and train stations. Metro Trains chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said the new podcasts are showcasing the rich and diverse history of Melbourne for all passengers. Storytowns founder Jarrod Pickford said every suburb across the state has a story to tell. The idea for the podcast originated during Mr Pickford’s global hitchhiking trips in his 20s and 30s, which inspired a passion to link travellers with local communities via geo-located audio, infused with local insights. For more information, visit www.storytowns.com.au/metro or download the Storytowns app. Tuesday, 9 January, 2024
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STAR JOURNAL 3
2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
The words that resonated Quotes of 2023 “People can say whatever they want about me, good and bad. It’s always been about the work,” Ex-Premier Daniel Andrews after his sudden step-down as Premier of Victoria. “There’s a lot of doom and gloom and the world is ending soon... it switches off multicultural people, who are coming from wartorn countries with crises in their face,” Environment Victoria campaigner Tony Fretton, on diverse communities sidelined in climate change decisions. “I want you to imagine a classroom where textbooks come to life, where historical events unfold before our students’ eyes, and where complex scientific concepts are visualised in 3D,” Pam Robinson, Lyndale Secondary College principal, said at the launch of the first school augmented reality lab which will also use VR. “I could stay in the corner and keep playing the victim card. For me, I’m not going to let him have that power and run my life,” Expolice officer Melanie Rowe shared her story as a guest speaker at the annual Walk Against Family Violence. “Around here there’s mums and dads with a little bit of money who decided to invest in the future and to cripple them in unnecessary tax and duties, is beyond belief,” Councillor Bob Milkovic slammed the government on crippling the rental market and unnecessary measures against landlords. “We really need a united team, but it’s just internal Labor Party brawling,” Councillor Jim Memeti on Council mayoral election. “We’re not eating well, we’re crying and shaking every time there’s a call from home. We’re all on the news and on the phone,” concerned resident, Dayla Sabawi on the war against Gaza.
Incredible number of residents poured out in support of the motion calling for ceasefire in war against Gaza.
Former police officer and now Wayss support worker Melanie Rowe. 373959 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS
“We’ll be back here (at the protest) next week as well. We’ll continue until we get a response – they’ve ignored us for 11 years,” asylum seeker Narges Shaterian on the 10,000 asylum-seekers in limbo for about a decade. “It was such a shock to experience such positivity to be honest because a lot of people say Dandenong has a negative reputation, which is very sad because this is a new Dandenong, it’s very different,” new addition to
during her marathon to raise funds for Beyond Blue after saving her life. “This idea, of a cheap, nasty diversion down congested, narrow and twisty Fowler Road treats the local business community and the City of Greater Dandenong with utter contempt and disregard,“ Andrew Hamer, business owner on Progress Street advocating against the State Government’s plans for the Progress St level crossing closure.
Dandenong community Alessandra Cavuoto and SES volunteer. “It was very fun at the start but eventually the games turned into serious competitions which I enjoyed and it became something I wanted to pursue,” local table tennis star Connie Psihogios. “I’m nervous, proud and excited but the thing I’m most excited about is the funds for Beyond Blue,” resident Jacqui Swallow said
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STAR JOURNAL 5
2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
Star Journal’s year in ink
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STAR JOURNAL 7
FOCUS ON … SENIORS
Make 2024 your best year As we begin another new year, it’s time to ponder, what will make this one truly extraordinary for you? Will you make new friends, travel more or spend more time doing the things you love? My 2024 New year Resolutions: Join a gym and get fit Make new friends Book a cruise or a new adventure Take up some new hobbies Just make the most of everything Moving into a lifestyle community ticks every box and makes 2024 the year when you finally make the move to change your life for the better, forever!
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NEWS
A ‘quacking’ success A former Keysborough resident has earned success after a second print of his book, Leonard The Lonely Duck. Chris Thomas, a former Springvale North Primary School student, said he based characters on animals he came across in a park near where he used to live. “I was unemployed at the time and I used to go for walks in the park to stop myself from going insane with boredom.” “After regularly seeing the same animals, I noticed a completely white duck among the other wild ones, as well as a couple of others that didn’t have the same feather colours,” he said. “I was under the impression they were domestic ducks that had been dumped and got to thinking about how they fitted in.” So the white duck became the inspiration for Leonard. Designed for ages three to six, the book follows the title character as he finds himself in a strange place, away from his friends and home. Scared and alone, Leonard tries to make new friends among the different animals he meets as he waddles about, looking for help and a little bit of kindness. “The story follows him as he meets a variety of creatures he has never encountered before and, given he is in a strange place, he desperately looks for a friend. “But, like all good children’s books, the story has a happy ending.” Thomas has previously written the Doctor Who spin-off novel Lethbridge-Stewart: Blue
Author Chris Thomas, a former Keysborough resident with his book. Blood and short story Vampires of the Night, as well as One Step Forward, Two Steps Back in the official collection Doctor Who: Short Trips – Defining Patterns. He is also the author of the novel Journo’s
Diary and SMS Mess and other plays, a compilation of eight scripts he has written for the stage. “Leonard The Lonely Duck is something I’ve had on the backburner for many years.
Picture: PROVIDED “Last year I decided to bite the bullet and became determined to make the book a reality,” Mr Thomas said. Copies of the book are available through tinyurl.com/leonardlonely
FOCUS ON … DISABILITY
New year, new beginnings Support Embrace Connect is entering 2024 excited for new beginnings and celebrating four years in the business. A fresh start to groups and a new enthusiasm for supporting participants. SEC has enjoyed the festive season, supporting participants who do not have informal support to engage with. SEC also has changed for the new year, with participants and team members working on our new support plans for the first quarter. Our support plan breaks down the NDIS goals into smaller goals to work toward over 12 weeks, and then we revisit and discuss the progress. We do not believe in only going out for coffee or groceries whenever we have a client. Our role is to support participants and work toward their NDIS goals. In the past four years, we have learned that
support means more than just taking people shopping or for a walk or helping with groceries. Our support is individualised to each participant, and their goals are our motivation to help them improve or learn things to increase the opportunity to meet their goals. We are also mindful that sometimes, being a companion for a participant and supporting them through a tough time can be just as helpful to them as working on goals. We are mindful to work at the pace necessary for each individual and work with care teams where required to be guided in what is best for the participant at the time. We have several participants for whom we work closely with Allied health professionals engaged with them so we can support them in all ways needed for them to have the best outcome. SEC, 5-6/10 Princess Highway, Beaconsfield.
Struggling to adjust
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“This is a major challenge and missed opportunity for employers, seeing Australia’s disability employment gap has not changed in two decades and ongoing skills shortage that the businesses are facing.” One key factor that the research revealed is the cost of implementing workplace adjustments. Forty per cent of respondents estimate the cost to be significant with an average cost of modifications starting at $6800. “Making workplace adjustments is easy and comes at no cost. JobAccess internal research shows that most adjustments cost less than $1,000. Some changes, such as flexible working hours or arrangements, cost nothing and benefit all employees, not just people with disability. “Modifications like assistive technology, disability awareness training for managers and staff, and specialised oneon-on support can be funded through the Australian Government’s Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).”
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Making workplace adjustments is simple, cost-effective and benefits everyone. Yet, 60 per cent of Australians lack awareness about adjustments and only two-in-five people perceive workplace adjustments as something easy. Additionally, most of them are unsure about the costs and benefits of implementation. These findings are part of JobAccess’ recent survey, titled Understanding Workplace Attitudes Toward People With Disability. The nationwide survey aimed to gauge the awareness of disability and more specifically, the understanding of workplace adjustments. Unveiling the results, JobAccess general manager Daniel Valiente-Riedl, said, “Workplace adjustments benefit everyone. It is one of the most effective ways to enable people with disability to access employment opportunities and work efficiently and comfortably. Yet, three in five Australians haven’t heard about adjustments.”
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STAR JOURNAL 9
2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
Southern Metro Region Multicultural Liaison Unit, Senior Sergeant Rob Colcott joined drummers and dancers in an explosion of good will in Harmony Square. 368148
Overall Winners. Core Contracting Group humbled at the South East Business Award 2023. 369022
Preppies first day of school 2023 at DNPS. 316834
From the camera’s eye Dandenong Mayor Lana Formoso trying out the VR at Lyndale Secondary College. 374233
Mayor Lana Formoso with dancers from Melbourne Ballet School, performed at the annual carols concert at Harmony Square. 375587
The traditional Lotus launch area. The Wind always seems to carry them across the lake at Lynbrook. 373032
Dandenong Stockfeeds, Gabrielle Kelly at the 151st annual Dandenong Show. 370418
Bob Gill with his Lola T610 HU2. 375031
Creative Director of Bukjeh Aseel Tayah. 332917
Wooranna Park PS student, Ralph dash for colours in the annual colour run for diversity and inclusivity. 366290 Astonishing scenes from a council meeting as locals poured in support of Motion calling for ceasefire in the war against Gaza. 10 STAR JOURNAL
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Book winners for best dressed Dandenong North PS. L-R Shayla (Queen of Hearts), Jarrod (Shaun the Sheep) and Feza (Venelope). 354624
Continued page 12 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
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STAR JOURNAL 11
2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
Kabul Eagles at AMES “Welcome to Melbourne” indoor soccer tournament for new arrivals. 366780
Diba Jalal (Youth Leader) cuts the ribbon for new opening in Noble Park. 359451
Narre Warren family history society Jane RivettCarnac and publicity officer Lyne McGregor at the Mary Sime gravestone in Dandenong. 365856
Iconic images from 2023 From page 10
Gracie (8 left) and Siena (8 right) at Dandenong Market’s World Fare Night. 316261
Kate pilates instructor. Picture:STEWART CHAMBERS
From left, Patrick, Amach, Christian, Quang with fruit platters for schools on Healthy eating.
Charlie, Sonny and Patch make friends at the Mutt Strut. 355624
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Hung Hing Lion Dance Association performing at Springvale Lunar New Year. 314959
A Steam Train was running between Dandenong and Cranbourne on Saturday 23rd September 2023. 362837
Sathees, Nige, Lenny, Dinesh, Wicki Wickiramasingham and Roger. 333981 12 STAR JOURNAL
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Charlotte (7) looks up at the Lantern she decorated and waits until she can launch her Lotus Flower at the Lynbrook Lake Lantern event. 373032 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
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STAR JOURNAL 13
SPORT
Unstoppable Ishan By Marcus Uhe A clinical all-round performance from Ishan Jayarathna helped Buckley Ridges remain undefeated in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 cricket on Saturday against North Dandenong. Jayarathna took 4/54 and hit 72 with the bat as the boys from Park Oval downed North Dandenong by five wickets at Lois Twohig Reserve. North Dandenong was dismissed for 203 batting first with regular wickets inhibiting its ability to build partnerships. Jawid Khan and Maroons captain Clayton McCartney added 71 for the third wicket in what was the only partnership of significance, before McCartney was bowled by Buckley veteran Michael Davies for 36. Jayarathna secured the crucial wicket of Khan for 42, reducing the hosts to 5/108. A welcome return to form from Ramneet Ranaweera (48) helped push the total to 204, the last man dismissed for 48, Davies’ third victim in the 44th over. The Maroons made a promising start to the defence, the wickets of Jake Cronin, Jayson Hobbs and Roshane Silva early in the innings reducing the visitors to 3/32. Ben Wright and Troy Aust hit a number of boundaries as they looked to shift momentum back their side’s way, Wright scoring at nearly a run-a-ball for his 44 before trapped LBW attempting a sweep on a full toss from Muhammad Khan’s off-spin. Aust and Jayarathna then added 92 for the fifth wicket, taking the visitors to within touching distance of the total. Jayarathna’s innings came to a close with his side at 187, leaving Aust and Davies to hit the remaining 17 runs. Jayarathna top scored for Buckley Ridges while Aust’s unbeaten half-century will delight those at Buckley, in just the wicketkeeper’s second game of the season. Sushant Gupta was the best of North Dandenong’s bowlers taking 2/49. At Arch Brown Reserve, Berwick held off a
By Marcus Uhe
Michael Davies (bowling) took three wickets for Buckley Ridges against North Dandenong on Picture: ROB CAREW Saturday. 382053 plucky St Mary’s side gunning for its first victory of the campaign in a three-wicket win on the Bears’ home deck. A much-improved batting performance from Susantha Pradeep’s Saints saw the visitors post 9/192 batting first, which Berwick eclipsed in the penultimate over seven wickets down. Safaras Moahomad was the lynchpin of St Mary’s innings in the middle order with 53, supporting Saveen Nanayakkara at the top of the order with 42. But constant wickets from the Berwick bowling attack saw a steady stream of new batters come to the crease, each needing to find their feet and start from scratch, Nanayakkara and Wendyl Pires’ 51-run partnership the biggest of the innings. Elliot Mathews was the primary reason
why, the off-spinner taking 4/44 from his 12 overs, including the key wickets of Moahomad and Nanayakkara along the way. The Saints will have been disappointed to have not capitalised on their foundations, having reached 1/75 before Nanayakkara was dismissed. Berwick’s chase wobbled at stages, Jordan Cleland’s dismissal for 29 reducing the hosts to 4/68 after single figures scores to Jake Hancock and Matt Robertson, and with Matthew Hague on the sidelines as he recovers from a calf injury. Mitchell Shirt was the steady head required in the middle order, however, hitting 61 in solid partnerships with Ash Henry and Lachlan Brown to guide the side to safer waters. Pradeep was the pick of St Mary’s bowlers, taking 3/34.
Brutal Bloods hammer Hallam Kalora Park By Marcus Uhe Springvale South’s grip on first place of the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 competition appears as strong as it’s ever been, on the back of a crushing seven-wicket win over Hallam Kalora Park on Saturday at Alex Nelson Reserve. What shaped to be the biggest match of the round in the competition’s return to play after the Christmas period turned out to be the shortest thanks to a faultless performance from the Bloods’ bowling group, declared by playing coach Paul Hill as the the most comprehensive performance he’d seen from his bowlers this season. Jagveer Hayer and Leigh Booth’s 16-run opening stand was the Hawks’ biggest partnership of the day, all out for just 80 in the 36th over. The varied bowling group in red showed no signs of rust after a couple of weeks off, delivering a near-faultless performance to dismiss the Hawks batters for their lowest total of the year. Josh Dowling and Yoshan Kumara set the tone with a brilliant opening spell that saw Hayer removed for just two, stumped off Kumara for his third consecutive single-figure score. It was left-arm quick Blade Baxter who was next to impact the contest, his introduction reaping immediate rewards with the removal of Mahela Udawatte with just his second delivery of the day. Udawatte was the only Hawks batter to achieve any success against the Bloods in the two sides’ earlier fixture this season, cracking an unbeaten 104 in a 90-run loss. Booth edged behind to the awaiting gloves of Paul Hill shortly after Udawatte’s departure, meaning two of the three keys for the Hawks had been removed with the score on just 27. Matthew Cox was next to go, a risky single 14 STAR JOURNAL
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Lions home on last ball
4/15 from Blade Baxter helped Springvale South keep Hallam Kalora Park to just 80 runs Picture: GARY SISSONS on Saturday. 323332 to cover proving costly thanks to some sharp fielding in-close. Ben Hillard and Jordan Hammond attempted to put pressure back on the Springvale South bowlers with attacking strokes, a Hillard lofted off-drive narrowly out of reach for Dowling at mid-off. A straighter delivery from Baxter the next ball saw Hillard spoon a catch straight to Jordan Mackenzie at short cover, making the counter-offensive short-lived. When Hammond fell for 15, LBW to Jackson Sketcher, the scoreboard read 6/59, and with his dismissal went the hopes of posting a competitive total, the remaining for wickets yielding only 21 runs. So impressive was the bowling perfor-
Tuesday, 9 January, 2024
mance from Springvale South, only six boundaries were allowed, and a quarter of the overs bowled (35.3) were maidens. Baxter was the leading wicket taker with 4/15, Jarryd Straker extending his lead at the top of the leading wicket takers list with 2/13. A boundary-laden 68 off just 43 balls from stand-in skipper Jordan Wyatt ensured the home side reached the target with minimal fuss in the 13th over. Wyatt was in no mood to hang around, a handful of signature lofted straight drives punctuated his entertaining knock, which included three sixes and nine fours, near-single handedly completing the chase on his own. Hill was pleased with his side’s ability to hit the ground running after the Christmas break, with particular credit going towards his bowlers. “That was the best we’ve started with the ball for the whole year, especially ‘Dowlo’ (Josh Dowling) who was unreal at the start,” Hill said. “We’ve got six different options who all provide different things and all do a really good job, which is good to see. “We thought they (Hallam Kalora Park) might do something a little bit different today and try someone else at the top and try to score a little bit, but they fell into old ways and struggled to score, so that set it up nicely for us.” With history on the horizon for Hill’s men with the chance to be the first team to win three consecutive Turf 1 premierships, Hill hopes Saturday’s win will kick-start the beginning of the second half of the year. “We’re trying to build on what we did today. “Our energy in the field, especially; if we get that right, we’re moving around in the field, our energy is high and we’re ruthless with the ball and the bat, then we’re a pretty good cricket team.”
A remarkable contest of twists and turns between Narre South and Beaconsfield saw the Lions sneak home on the final ball of the afternoon by one wicket in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 action on Saturday at Beaconsfield’s Perc Allison Oval. With the scores tied on 166, a single to Ruween Wijesinghe off the final ball of the match pushed the Lions past Beaconsfield’s total, and secured his side’s first win since round two. Beaconsfield was in the driver’s seat for much of their batting innings thanks to a 125-run stand for the third wicket between Yohan Arumadura and Mark Cooper. Former Tiger Callan Tout removed Tyler Clark for a fourth-ball duck, bringing Cooper and Arumadura together in the first over. Arumadura was the aggressor in the partnership, scoring with a higher strike rate than his captain over the course of their union. But his departure for 74 set in motion a stunning collapse, the Tigers falling from 1/126 to 166 all out in the 42nd over. Kevin Seth fell for a golden duck immediately after Arumadura to Kyle Hardy, with the remaining batters all falling for single-figure scores, separate collapses of 2/0 and 4/2 the low points of the innings. Cooper was the final man dismissed, falling just shy of carrying his bat, for 49. Jeevan Mendis was the pick of the Lions’ bowlers, finishing with 3/45 from his 12 overs. Beaconsfield made a promising start to their defence, reducing the visitors to 4/59 upon the dismissal of Hardy for 33. Hardy saw Harsha De Silva, Callum Nicholls and Alex Cruickshank all comeand-go for single-figure scores, and departed in the midst of a promising partnership with Mendis. The reigning Wookey medallist added 47 with wicketkeeper Riley McDonald for the fifth wicket and wrestled momentum back to purple, but his and McDonald’s departure in short succession shifted the balance once again. When Mendis was bowled by Trishane De Silva, the Lions needed a further 56 runs from the remaining 41 deliveries, with only four wickets in hand. Tout and Sean Wilson added 36 for the seventh wicket, aided by a 25 runs from the 40th and 41st over. Wilson’s 14-run cameo came to an end in the 43rd over, however, 20 runs shy of the target. 12 runs from the 44th over, thanks to an important six from Brad Parker, made it seven runs required at the beginning of the final set of six. Parker’s run out made for an awful start to the over, Wijesinghe joining Tout at the crease requiring seven from Mitchell Tielen’s final five balls. They did it the hard way, running ones and twos off the next four deliveries, tying the scores on the second last ball before sealing the six points on the last ball of the day. The win is significant for the Lions’ mental fortitude, having lost games from winnable positions against Buckley Ridges and Berwick before Christmas. Hardy’s 33 was the top score for Narre South, Arumadura bowling five maidens in his spell of 1/24 to go with his excellent innings with the bat. Ashan Madhushanka and Seth each took two wickets for the Tigers, who may come to rue this contest at the end of the season when finals positions are on the line. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT
New faces arrive in Turf 3 By Jonty Ralphsmith Amid unseasonal rain and a string of upsets so far in the 2023-24 Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 3 season, there have been a standout handful of players. Experienced players have so far dominated the stop-start season, while the tightness of the competition sees seven of the eight teams represented in Star News’ Turf 3 Best XI of the season so far. 1. Tajbir Powar (Lynbrook): The emerging young opening bat has caught eyes around the competition, with his textbook technique and elegant strokeplay clearly above the level. 2. Jackson Marie (Berwick Springs): The lefty is having the season of his career, playing fearless cricket and setting up multiple games for the Titans, with two 50s and two centuries. 3. Rob North: The consistent skipper has hardly put a foot wrong for Silverton this season, repeatedly playing the role as the anchor of Silverton’s innings as wickets have fallen around him. 4. Kaine Bundy (Doveton): Has opened the batting for Doveton but has previously shown he can bat in the middle so slots into this team at number four. There has been lots of pressure on the heart and soul president to score runs this season and he’s made a series of handy contributions in challenging circumstances. 5. Hasindu Waduge (Fountain Gate): Has taken his game to another level this season, becoming a reliable asset with both bat and ball. Averages 32 with the bat and has 14 wickets, often keeping the pressure on after the Gators’ major assets have completed their first spell. 6. Jatinder Singh (Lynbrook): Probably the best newcomer this season, Singh plays the role of a late-innings impact player su-
Tweaker Malan Madusanka has continued to consistently contribute for Coomoora this season. 271958 perbly. Singh made that lower-middle order spot his own with a match-winning 96 against Silverton and has shown glimpses of his firepower since. Also attacks with his pace bowling. 7. Charith Sylvester (Coomoora): Arguably the neatest gloveman in the competition, Sylvester has 12 catches and two stumpings to his name and is a regular contributor with flamboyant middle-order cameos. 8. Sachith Jayasingha (Doveton North): The former Turf 1 spinner was expected to
dominate in Turf 3 and has done just that, leading the competition wickets tally with 27, while tying down an end in the longer form. 9. Gayan De Silva (Doveton North): The Lions’ other major asset with the ball, the medium-pacer’s 25 wickets - second in the competition - has complemented the dot-ball pressure that Jayasingha builds. 10. Malan Madusanka (Coomoora): Widely seen as the best spin bowler in the competition, Madusanka is crucial to the way
Picture: ROB CAREW
Coomoora structure their bowling innings. Ties down an end, helps the Roos control the middle overs, and can pick up wickets during his long spells. 11. Dylan Hayes (Silverton): The last paceman’s spot could have gone to several names, but Hayes wins out, the numbers a misrepresentation of his impact for Silverton. A fit fast bowler whose tireless spells, intimidating pace and bamboozling seam are weapons opposition teams have to navigate.
Hodge cameo headlines cut-throat DDCA T20 fixtures By Marcus Uhe and Jonty Ralphsmith Former Australian batter and Big Bash League star Brad Hodge will turn out for Berwick Springs in the quarterfinals of the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) T20 competition. All four knockout matches will be played on Tuesday 9 January at 5:15pm, with Hodge and the Titans set to play at Berwick Springs Recreation Reserve against Turf 2 side Heinz Southern Districts. Hodge’s appearance promises to bring people through the gates, with the Titans heavily promoting the 49-year-old’s cameo since announcing it on their Facebook page on December 31. The elegant right-hander represented Australia 46 times across the three formats between 2005-14 and has a Test Match and One Day International century to his name. Now a regular in the Channel 7 commentary box, the top-order bat also has an imposing record in the shortest format, finishing with 277 professional T20s to his name, with an average of 37 and strike rate of 131. It’s a cut-throat match for the Titans as the competition returns to the more popular midweek format after the round robin matches were played on a Sunday. Springvale South and Narre South’s clash at Strathaird Reserve shapes as another showpiece fixture, as two of the five Turf 1 teams remaining. White ball specialists as the two-time reigning Turf 1 champions playing one-day cricket, Springvale South are a dangerous outfit, ticking all the boxes you could ask for in a limited overs side; left and right arm bowlers, a star spinner, big hitters at the top of the order and experience winning important games. But Narre South’s Jeevan Mendis is arguably the most dangerous cricketer remaining in the tournament, who took a hat-trick to rescue his side from trouble against Silverton in the round-robin component. Berwick and St Mary’s resuming hostilities dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
once again on Tuesday night at Arch Brown Reserve having had an early sighting of oneanother on Saturday in Turf 1 cricket. Berwick appear to have lost nothing since winning the competition 12 months ago, having emerged from the earlier rounds as the top side after destroying a pair of Turf 3 sides by a combined margin of 272 runs, but will have to replace opener Matthew Hague, who blasted 103 against Doveton in round two of the round-robin series. For St Mary’s, the opportunity to put a bright spot on an otherwise bleak season will be front-of-mind, and will hope the enigmatic Safaras Moahomad’s ability to destroy attacks at the top of the order comes to the fore. The clash between Heinz Southern Districts and Berwick Springs guarantees there will be lower-grade representation in the semi-finals. All eyes will be on Hodge, but HSD’s recent experience in the pressure of tight games will hold it in good stead in the fast pace of a T20 and the Cobras will trust their deep batting order, which blends impact with traditional stroke-play. The Titans players will relish the opportunity to play alongside and learn off Hodge’s experience, while the crowd will hope they’re treated to a batting masterclass. The Titans will likely need the batting order to score big, but should HSD’s wellbalanced attack contain the Titans aggressive batters, they will be well on their way to victory. Fountain Gate face the toughest of challenges, drawn to play Turf 1 side North Dandenong away in what looks to be a lopsided contest. If the Gators are to cause an upset it will likely be built on the back of the Chanka ‘Ted’ Sampath’s and Hasindu Waduge’s all-round contributions, while John Mirranay’s hitting late in an innings will also be decisive. TIPS: Narre South v SPRINGVALE SOUTH, BERWICK v St Mary’s, Berwick Springs v HEINZ SOUTHERN DISTRICTS, NORTH DANDENONG v Fountain Gate.
Brad Hodge will turn out for Berwick Springs on Tuesday. 110519 Tuesday, 9 January, 2024
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STAR JOURNAL 15
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