DANDENONG
Tuesday, 30 January, 2024
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Palestine flag furore
Local achievers lauded
Pity for shelter pets
Another ton for Forsyth
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Positive legacy By Cam Lucadou-Wells Payback has been a positive force powering a visionary refugee’s 40-plus years of community service. Loc Huu Lam, 72, of Springvale, says he’s “honoured” to be named as a Medallist of the Order of Australia (OAM) among the Australia Day awardees list. “It’s an honour for myself, my family and my community. “Unbelievable – you don’t expect an award like this.” The crowning part of his legacy is set to be realised - a $20 million Vietnamese Museum of Australia that has been years in the making. Located in Sunshine, the stunning “Ulurucoloured” design shaped like standing trunks of bamboo will be home for the compelling histories of Vietnamese refugees from the past 50 years. For years, Lam has been director and chair of fundraising for the project. He’s helped land grants from three tiers of government with works expected this year. He calls it “my last wish for the Vietnamese community”. Lam, his wife and two children were among many thousands who desperately fled Vietnam on perilous boat voyages. They were among the lucky survivors. Raiding pirates stole what little possessions they had. After nine days, they landed in Indonesia “nearly starving” with no food or water. Resettling in Australia in 1980, Lam started from scratch. He studied English language, gained commerce qualifications and became a financial planner for AMP. “We had nothing. My generation knows the value of life and that’s why we worked extremely hard. “When I retired I had time to pay back not only Australia but the whole world.” Afflicted with polio as a child, Lam is part of an international Rotary Club drive to eradicate the disease. He still walks with a limp as a result but in a way, his sickness was not a complete curse. It stopped him being conscripted into fighting in the Vietnam War, enabling him to study law and economics instead. While he suffered a “minor” strain, childhood friends of his died from polio. It motivates him to save young lives around the world.
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Loc Lam OAM has been recognised for his mighty community service, including plans for a Vietnamese musuem in Melbourne. 385007 Picture: GARY SISSONS Many decades on, his branch Rotary Club of Springvale City is one of Australia’s leading fundraisers for the cause. Over the past four years, the 10-member club has raised more than $40,000. A founding member of more than 20 years at the Rotary branch, Lam is a four-time president.
Lam has also been part of the renowned South Eastern Melbourne Vietnamese Associations’ Council (SEMVAC) based in Springvale South. The 25 SEMVAC volunteers offer invaluable help with tax, job seeking, finance and legal matters for non-English speaking communities.
This included tending to the isolated and unemployed during Covid lockdowns. A father of two, Lam is also regularly doting on his nine grandchildren – all aged under seven. More on Australia Day awardees, pages 6, 9
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NEWS
Dog walker bashed in Dandenong Police have released CCTV of alleged robbers who bashed a man and attempted to steal his dog in Dandenong last year. The two men attacked the 25-yearold Dandenong victim who was walking his Husky dog west along Princes Highway about 6pm on 27 November. They had initially asked to pat the dog and asked how much to purchase the pet. When the victim said it was not for sale, the men tried to take the leash from the victim and punched him to the face several times. The victim left the area, dropping cash which the attackers picked up before leaving. A short time later, he was again confronted by the pair, chased across Princes Highway and Eastlink and beaten with a stick. The victim suffered head and upper body injuries. Greater Dandenong CIU detectives have released CCTV footage of two men that are wanted for questioning. The first man is described as African, in his early 20s, with a slim build and black braided or dreadlocked hair. He was wearing black track pants and white shoes, carrying a yellow soccer ball. The second man is described as Caucasian, in his mid to late 20s, with an average build and short black hair. He was wearing a red baseball hat, black hooded-jumper with a white motif and blue trackpants with white stripes. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
A Connect Logistics executive has been jailed over the freeway crash that killed four police.
Picture: SCOTT BARBOUR/AAP PHOTOS
Executive is jailed By Esther Linder, AAP and Cam Lucadou-Wells A former transport executive has been jailed for up to three years for his reckless workplace behaviour in the lead-up to a crash that killed four police officers. Cris Large was found guilty of failing to follow health and safety standards while working as national operations manager at Connect Logistics before the Victorian officers were killed in a Melbourne truck smash. Connect driver Mohinder Singh was fatigued and high on drugs when his semi-trailer ploughed into the four officers, who had stopped a speeding Porsche driven by Richard Pusey on the Eastern Freeway in April 2020. Large had pleaded not guilty to the charge the most serious under NSW work health and safety laws - in the third case brought by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator against Connect executives. The prosecution sought the maximum punishment of five years in prison for the systemic failures that led to the deaths of Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King and Constable Josh Prestney. Magistrate Daniel Reiss on Tuesday ordered Large to serve a non-parole period of 12 months, meaning he will be eligible for release in January 2025. Prosecutor Jennifer Single SC told Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court that Large should face the highest possible penalty for his offending given the extent of his wrongful behaviour. That included completing false timesheets,
A man wanted by police over an attempted robbery of a victim walking his dog in Dandenong last November. Picture: VICTORIA POLICE
failing to ensure drivers were managing their fatigue appropriately and systemic failures to ensure safety measures were followed. “It was so simple to be corrected ... the offender simply had to do his job,” Ms Single said. The heavy-vehicle regulator alleged the truck company, which is no longer operating, risked public safety and contravened its duties by failing to ensure drivers were assessed and monitored for fatigue, drugs and alcohol. The prosecution argued Large’s encouragement of manager Simiona Tuteru to “get the job done at all costs” was a contributing factor in Singh getting behind the wheel of the truck that later crashed into the four officers. “By failing to comply with his duties, (Large) engaged in conduct on a number of occasions that repeatedly exposed drivers and later the four police officers to a risk of death and serious injury,” Ms Single said. Concerns were raised in the lead-up to the crash about the number of hours worked by some of the drivers, including cases of staff working up to 20 hours a day. The prosecution also successfully sought a prohibition order to stop Large working in the transport sector for 12 months after his release. Large’s lawyers argued his lack of criminal record and the relatively short period covering his offences - which occurred between December 2019 and April 2020 - were mitigating factors. But Mr Reiss rejected his claims of remorse, noting the tragic events did not appear to have had much of an impact on the former Connect executive.
He described Large’s actions as “very deceitful and deliberate” with the officers’ deaths the consequence. Members of the four officers’ families earlier told of their grief in losing their beloved wives, sons and brothers after the hearing moved to a larger courtroom to accommodate those who had travelled from Victoria for the sentence. Large sat with his head down as Andrew Prestney, the father of 28-year-old Josh Prestney, told the court of the “soul-destroying moment” of finding out his son had been killed. Large was handcuffed and led from the courtroom after the verdict was read out. His lawyers indicated he would appeal the sentence. National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s director of prosecutions Belinda Hughes said the case showed there was a “shared responsibility for drivers to be fit to drive”. The duty rests on the company and senior management just as much as the driver,” Ms Hughes said. “Fatigue isn’t a minor issue; a fatigued driver risks their own lives and the lives of the road users around them. “Our thoughts are with the families of the four officers. This tragedy serves as a sombre reminder of why we must all work together to uphold the highest standards of road safety.” NHVR statutory compliance executive director Raymond Hassall said the NHVR challenged companies to “critically review” their fatigue management practices. “These systems are crucial for ensuring the safety of drivers and the public.”
Crime soars 17.5% across our region By Cam Lucadou-Wells 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
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Fueled by shoplifting, robberies and burglaries, Greater Dandenong’s crime rate has soared into the top 5 in the state, according to the latest official crime stats. Crime was up 17.5 per cent in the region, rising across all suburbs, all age groups and most criminal categories. Robbery offences (up 38 per cent) and shoplifting (up 75 per cent) were among the big movers in the year ending 30 September 2023. Burglaries were also significantly up, particularly aggravated home burgs (78 per cent) as well as non-aggravated home burgs 44 percent and non-residential burgs 37 per cent. Other significant rises were car thefts up 44 per cent, thefts from cars 16 per cent, firearm offences 31 per cent, bail breaches 33 per cent, arson 28 per cent, sexual offences 28 per cent and dangerous driving 78 per cent. Stalking offences were also more frequent, including family-violence related incidents (65 per cent).
Tuesday, 30 January, 2024
Children offenders (up 35 per cent) were the highest-rising age category, followed by 40-44 years (34 per cent) and 45-plus years (32 per cent). Springvale (up 26 per cent) recorded the highest rise in crime in Greater Dandenong, followed by Noble Park (23 per cent), Keysborough (23 per cent), Dandenong North (18 per cent) and Dandenong (16 per cent). Greater Dandenong’s crime rate was ranked No.5 in the state, behind the Melbourne, Latrobe, Mildura and Yarra council areas. According to Victoria Police, aggravated residential burglaries, particularly those involving young offenders targeting unlocked properties with the intention of finding keys and stealing cars, are a significant concern. Victoria Police’s deputy commissioner Neil Paterson said one of the most significant concerns for police heading into summer was property crime, specifically home burglaries. “Summer is traditionally the peak season for home burglaries and as such, we’re urging Victorians to take some simple steps to help
stop opportunistic thieves,” he said. “Our members will continue to patrol known hotspots across Melbourne every evening until dawn as part of Operation Trinity, however, the community also has a strong role to play. “This summer, please be extra conscious of unlocked doors and windows. Offenders are telling us across the interview table that they will try multiple homes until they find one where they can simply walk through the door or climb through an open window.” Opposition Youth Justice spokesperson Brad Battin said there was a “particular spike” in home invasions and thefts. “Most disturbing of all has been the continued increase of alleged offences by our youth, but instead of addressing the drivers of youth crime, Labor has failed to act again and again. “Unless Labor takes real action to address the causes of crime, including early intervention and prevention, rehabilitation, and the cost-of-living crisis, Victorians will continue to suffer.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
A giant Palestinian flag was unfurled on the ground of Harmony Square in protest to a Greater Dandenong Council decision two nights earlier. Pictures: SUPPLIED
Protestors waved flags and chanted in support of Palestinians on 24 January.
Fine threat for flag protest By Cam Lucadou-Wells ‘Stop the Genocide in Gaza’ protestors rolled out a huge Palestinian flag in Harmony Square in response to Greater Dandenong Council rejecting a push to fly the flag on its flagpole. At the snap-rally on 24 January, a crowd of about 100 chanted, drummed and flew Palestinian flags in protest to the council’s decision two nights earlier. Amanda Villalobos, from Free Palestine Dandenong Group, said “a lot of people in the Palestine movement as well as in the community” were upset by the rebuff. The sentiment behind the large protest flag was “if you’re not going to raise the flag, we’ll raise it ourselves”. Meanwhile, Greater Dandenong Council plans to “pursue enforcement actions” against organisers for staging the protest without a permit. “Naturally, when organisers hold impromp-
tu gatherings in public spaces without a permit, Council is concerned about these risks,” a council spokesperson said. “We will seek to pursue enforcement actions consistent with our local laws.” The council set “reasonable and appropriate” criteria for issuing permits for community events in Harmony Square, the spokesperson said. “These criteria are reasonable and appropriate, aimed at ensuring the safety of our community and providing adequate insurance coverage in the event of any injuries. “Despite no permit application from the event organisers, we were aware that a snap protest was planned. “Council undertook a risk assessment on the available information and put measures in place to ensure the safety of community members, library patrons and our staff.” The day before the protest, the council is-
sued a ‘first and final warning’ to Ms Villalobos for a 10 January pro-Palestinian protest without a permit. She was warned she’d face a fine of up to $3846.20 and legal action for future unauthorized events. The group responded with a cease-and-desist legal letter citing the rights of protest and freedom-of-speech. Regarding the 10 January protest, Ms Villalobos said her group had “missed” a tight council deadline for providing a traffic management plan and public liability insurance, but the council was pre-warned of the event. “It was too late to cancel the event. People will come anyway so we went ahead. “We organised a face-to-face with the council to forge a path of collaborative communication. “They said to us we would let you have an action without a permit but issue you with a
written warning.” The council had been “hostile to us from the word ‘go’”, citing difficulties getting permits in the past. “We’re conscious, law-abiding citizens and want to do it the right way.” At the latest action, the council disrespected protestors by “turning the volume up” on the Harmony Square big screen’s live programs such as the Australian Open and Big Bash events. “In the past we’ve had issues with the council around that screen. At past protests, we’ve had to ask the council to turn the screen off.” The square’s big screen carried various usual programming due to there being no planned, permitted event at the time, the council spokesperson said. “The Australian Open and the Big Bash were set at ‘Moderate’ volume as usual, to facilitate community enjoyment.”
‘Peace and harmony’: Councillor division over flag By Sahar Foladi A controversial notice of motion for the Palestinian flag to remain hoisted on a City of Greater Dandenong flagpole until a Gaza ceasefire was voted down at a council meeting on Monday 22 January. The flag was raised on Friday 29 December as reported previously by Star Journal, in front of 3,000 people who described a heartwarming and emotional scene. A majority of councillors voted down the latest motion, arguing the council needed to opt for a neutral stance, to promote “peace and harmony” within the Greater Dandenong community rather than “take sides.” In support of the flag, Councillor Jim Memeti listed the many times council had supported the multicultural communities of Greater Dandenong whenever they faced grief and turmoil in their home country. “Some have questioned if it’s our role to stand with our community, it’s not only the right thing to do but it’s consistent with what we’ve done many times in the past “Some have questioned if it’s our role to stand in solidarity with our residents in their darkest hours. “It’s not only the right thing to do but it’s consistent with what we’ve done so many times in the past. “We affirmed our support for peace and stability for the Ukraine community, we were united in support of Afghan community as their homeland faced turmoil, we recognised and condemned the violence against Hazara people and lastly the council voted in solidarity with our African community. “Our actions showed our dedication to our community. “It’s not only right but necessary that we stand in solidarity with them. “Our voice must join to call for permanent ceasefire.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Pro-Israeli and Palestinians made their way to Harmony Square during the council meeting. Picture: SUPPLIED Councillor Angela Long took the lead to oppose the motion saying council is all inclusive, not exclusive, and encouraged other councillors to do the same. “I object because flying the Palestinian flag on our flag pole makes the public believe council is supporting one community over the other.” Councillor Tim Dark echoed Cr Long. He pressed the importance for Council to remain neutral as “there’s no winners, both sides have issues.” “We have always prided ourselves on not picking a side, supporting every nationality, group and that’s what separates us from other councils. “Picking side is incredibly divisive. Whilst I understand the sentiment we’re getting from both sides it’s crucial for the council to remain neutral.” He mentioned how the council chose sides at the previous notice of motion passed at a council meeting on Monday 27 November, which called for a ceasefire and how “people are raising significant concerns.” According to Cr Dark, a total of more than 1100 emails have been sent to councillors and the council on the issue from both sides of the affected communities.
However, according to councillor Rhonda Garad, the majority of the emails weren’t from residents. “I understand they were coming from Jewish organisations such as Jewish Community Council of Victoria Inc. “It was within the network largely not residents of City of Greater Dandenong.” She said she found the outcome of the motion “deeply concerning,” as it goes to show that a majority of councillors failed to stand for their community. “It’s mostly concerning that a majority of councillors choose not to side with the residents but they chose to side with people outside our community.” She claims the Council attempted to “alternate the motion” by flying a peace flag instead “that somehow was in any way addressing an issue of genocide of people in Gaza.” “That’s how out of touch and distant they are from their community.” A message to the community by Philip Zajac, president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria Inc, posted on 24 December 2023 stated how the organisation had been “working tirelessly with councillors across Melbourne and also with Victorian
Government ministers to try and prevent local government from weighing in on the Israeli-Hamas conflict…” It also listed Greater Dandenong Council as among the councils to have passed “highly regreattable” previous motions on Gaza. Chief executive officer of the organisation, Naomi Levin welcomed the “defeat of this motion…as a reflection of common sense.” “We have worked with Jewish people who live and work in the City of Greater Dandenong. “The impact that this motion, and the previous one on Gaza, has had on them has been significant. “Councillors themselves acknowledge that these motions have even left council staff feeling unsafe,” she said. “Local councils have a responsibility to unite communities and promote respect for diversity. “Motions like these do the opposite, they divide communities and leave some community members feeling unwelcome.” Meanwhile, councillor Bob Milkovic went all-out to say the only flag that should be flying at Harmony Square is the Australian flag as a refugee-welcoming country. “Raising any flag in this municipality is quite likely to offend someone no matter what flag it is. “As much as we feel for the victims, no matter what side, our country has been welcoming of refugees and people looking for better life,” he said. “We have come here from war torn countries in search of a better life and whatever we do, we need to make sure we drive our communities together. “We need to make sure we don’t take sides and offer support to everyone.” Council meeting controversially locks out public, page 8 Tuesday, 30 January, 2024
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NEWS
Community leads the way By Sahar Foladi Friends, families, loved ones all gathered to celebrate the achievements of winners at the 2024 Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards. A volunteer with Palliative Care South East for more than a decade, Glenyse Duck took home the Community Leadership Award. She was introduced to the organisation through her role as an aged care nurse before she began volunteering post-retirement in 2011. “Because I had a partially palliative-care degree and my love for it in my career, I had the knowledge and still wanted to use it and contribute so I joined PCSE. “I’m very proud and honoured for the award. It’s a nice recognition of my years. “Just to be involved with families, support them through companionship, an ear to listen to, help them escape their everyday concerns and any negativity in their lives is very rewarding.” For the past six years, Ms Duck has worked as a biography volunteer making up a team of four writers which initially began as a single person. “It’s such a rewarding role to have, you can imagine sitting down and have someone share their life stories. “It’s a wonderful thing to do. Maybe I’m selfish, I just love my role.” Now that she has all the time in her hands, she began to volunteer to contribute back to the community, something she never had the chance to do in her full-time career. This has led her to not just volunteer with palliative care but also AMES as an English tutor, helping migrant and refugee communities make Australia their home. “As a volunteer it keeps me connected with the community and you can get far more back from it than what you provide for the client.” Through her extensive years in palliative care, she has witnessed some of the gaps and the positive change throughout the years. Unfortunately, palliative care still has the connotation that it’s only for those who’re nearing the end of their life on Earth. “A lot of people live indefinitely with any life-threatening illness which is why we stress also the life-limiting illnesses. It’s an umbrella of palliative approaches,” Ms Duck says. On the other hand, she feels proud to be able to provide any assistance to those who wish for it at their own choice of place, such as their home. “They would have to stay home until they were very sick and then go to the hospital for their final passing away. “Now it’s enabled a lot more people to live at home with dignity, because most people want to stay at home when sick or passing away. “It’s their choice of place and we’re proud to offer that to them.” For as long as she stands and drives, Ms Duck says she will not be backing down from her role just yet. Like Ms Duck, there were many others who topped the list and contributed to the society in their own unique roles. An overjoyed and proud City of Greater Dandenong mayor Lana Formoso presented the awards to each recipient, as she congratulated each one. “These awards recognise the individuals and organisations that contribute to making Greater Dandenong a great place to live. “We have a vibrant, diverse and welcoming municipality, thanks in part to the people who are being recognised in the 2024 Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards.” Young Leader of the Year: Angeline Karvinkop Angeline took part in Council’s Young Leaders Program 2023 and has volunteered for a range of organisations supporting newly arrived migrants, school students, young carers and homeless people. Her selfless work supports some of the most marginalised people in our community. Volunteer of the Year: Michael Prior Michael has been a dedicated volunteer at the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) for over 16 years and has been the unit controller since 2021. 4 STAR JOURNAL
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Palliative care volunteer Glenyse Duck is Greater Dandenong’s Community Leader of the Year.
Springvale Service for Children director Vanessa Field is Corporate Citizen of the Year.
Sustainability Award winner Matthew Kirwan. Picture: SAHAR FOLADI
Dandenong SES unit controller Michael Prior received the Volunteer of the Year award.
Greater Dandenong Australia Day Award winners at the ceremony at Drum Theatre.
Mayor Lana Formoso with the Young Leader of the Year 2023 Danya Daoud. Picture: SAHAR FOLADI
Matthew Kirwan is presented his award by Hotham MP Clare O’Neil, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, deputy mayor Richard Lim and mayor Lana Formoso.
Sportsperson of the Year Connie Psihogios, 14, is one of Australia’s top ranked table tennis players.
Michael is a champion for change within the organisation and continues to push for more diversity including women only training events and the recruitment of members from diverse cultural backgrounds. Sportsperson of the Year: Connie Psihogios At just 14 year of age Connie is one of Australia’s top ranked table tennis players, and in 2023 played as part of a team which qualified Australia for the Paris Olympics. A member of the Greater Dandenong Table Tennis Association Connie is a strong role model for young females on and off the court, and combines her school study with training and competing at the highest level. Corporate Citizen of the Year: Vanessa Field Vanessa is Director at the Springvale Service for Children and her passion places families and children at the heart of her mission to provide the community with early years services that welcome all and reflect the city’s rich diversity. Her work has helped avert the potential clo-
sure of several early years services in Greater Dandenong. Community Group of the Year: Garage 35 Arts Studio Garage 35 Arts Studio is a collective of local artists under the age of 35 predominantly from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The group offers a shared studio space to support the arts community and make a creative hub for people from many different cultures to feel connected and safe. Sustainability Award: Matthew Kirwan As a member of multiple community environmental groups, Matthew is helping to empower Greater Dandenong residents to tackle climate change and make a difference. Matthew is a committed to making Greater Dandenong a healthy, vibrant, innovative and creative community dedicated to environmental sustainability. Living Treasure Award: Helen Heath and John Mooney Helen Heath is a selfless community member
who has consistently gone above and beyond to promote understanding, respect and acceptance in our multicultural community. She works with many organisations and groups including the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network. Emerson School principal John Mooney is an inspirational leader that has developed Emerson into a leading specialist educational school. Through improved learning outcomes and education in life skills, students and their families benefit from John’s vision to create a community rich in diversity and welcoming to all. Outstanding Contribution to the Arts: Noble Park Community Centre Art Show In 2023 the Noble Park Community Centre Art Show celebrated its 18th anniversary. The unique community event is dedicated to increasing community participation and connectedness by celebrating the arts in a socially inclusive environment.
Tuesday, 30 January, 2024
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NEWS
CFA high-flier honoured From fighting fires on the ground in Springvale and Dandenong, Commander John Katakouzinos has been at the forefront of firefighting innovation in the air. Katakouzinos says he feels “very privileged” to be recognised with an Australian Fire Service Medal for a stellar 32-year career. He’d previously received several fire service awards for his leadership at the Commonwealth Bank fire-bombing in Springvale and a devastating house fire in Dandenong. ““I’m very proud and I feel very privileged to have been nominated and to receive the award, but that’s not what I do any of what I do. “I do it because I always want to make sure our people are continuously improving, and our people get the best tools they need to perform the job they need for our community.” He started as a volunteer at Springvale brigade in 1991, progressing as a career firefighter in Dandenong and currently the commander of aviation at CFA headquarters on secondment from FRV.
“I’ve always been interested in aviation, but I wasn’t specifically looking for a role in fire aviation. “During the 1997 Dandenong Ranges fires I was a volunteer on the ground, and aircraft played a big part, and that set the course for me to get involved in fire aviation.” He first qualified as an air observer in 1997, before working his way up to air attack supervisor and air operations manager, among other roles. His passion for training was shown by leading the research, design and delivery of an Australian-first fire-aviation flight simulator. At Dandenong fire station, he implemented battery-operated road rescue tools, which are still widely used across the state. “From the start, I’ve always been looking for ways to give our people in the emergency services sector the skills they need, which is what made me start to look at what was being done with aviation internationally.” “As firefighters, we are generally turning up
to the worst day of someone’s life. “We need to turn up with the best possible skillset that we can achieve, and the only way that we can do that is by continually training to the best possible standard, which ensures that when turn up to someone’s disaster – we do what we can to make it better. “My passion is about giving our people the best tools possible so that they can give the community what they expect and what the community deserves.” Katakouzinos is most proud of the many people he’s mentored to become leaders in their own right. “There’s lots of little things that I’m proud of during my time as a firefighter, but I’m most proud of the people I’ve mentored throughout the journey. It always puts a smile on my face when I get firefighters I’ve trained in the past contact me telling me their achievements and thanking me.”
CFA aviation commander John Katakouzinos has been recognised with an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).
Ross, cool and caring in a crisis, rewarded Church barred from zone By Cam Lucadou-Wells
In 45 years of service, CFA Deputy Chief Officer Ross Sullivan has witnessed and tackled some of the state’s most traumatic disasters. Think of Ash Wednesday in 1983, Black Saturday in 2009, the 2014 Hazlewood Mine fire, the 2019-’20 East Gippsland fires and the October 2022 floods. “Those battles, especially those large fires, involve Mother Nature doing what it does. “Human intervention is about managing people’s safety in the line of fire. It’s an extremely challenging thing to do.” The Lysterfield South resident has been recognised with firefighting’s highest honour in the Australia Day list - an Australian Fire Service Medal. His considerable duties often consume the CFA leader – regarded by colleagues as knowledgeable, empathetic and humble. But he insists he’s a “very ordinary human being”. “There’s nothing special in my make-up. I was chuffed that someone had taken the time to nominate me and put things together about my career. “I have the opportunity to support people doing incredible things in their communities. I’m very fortunate to have that opportunity.” Feeling the immense human tragedy is what drives Sullivan to forever seek improvements. There’s also the reward of reducing those devastating impacts. He recalls firefighters risking their lives to help four people caught inside a house fire. The bitter-sweet outcome was they saved one of the victims. On the night of Black Saturday, Sullivan was deployed to the Churchill fire. He remembers crews being sent to any part of the state in response to the firestorms. “One of the issues was getting to that fire. There were a number of fires we had to drive through to get there – fires that were active in Narre Warren and Warragul.” There was great confusion in responding to a fire of such magnitude, coupled with communication issues and the late time of day. “History tells us that the frequency is becoming greater for those sort of events. That’s what it feels like. “Fires seem to be more intense these days… fires have even run on cool days with a southerly or south-westerly winds behind them. That’s the difference.” His career began in 1978 as a 16-year-old when he first rode on the back of the fire truck at Bolinda and Monegeeta brigade. His parents - like much of the township were immersed in their fire brigade. “Being a volunteer at a small rural fire brigade was about looking after friends and farms around the district,” Sullivan said. “It meant a lot to be part of a service that made such a valued contribution to community.” He worked up the ranks as a frontline fire6 STAR JOURNAL
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By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Deputy Chief Officer Ross Sullivan has received the highest firefighting honour in the Australia Day awards list. fighter to his current role as Deputy Chief Officer overseeing 271 brigades and 14,000 volunteers in the North East Region from Scoresby to Victoria’s northern border. Sullivan has also been involved in upgrades such as the roll-out of a new fit-for-purpose medium pumper as well as a 44-metre ladder platforms that became a key ingredient for aerial firefighting. He has also led post-incident recovery efforts, establishing a process for rehabilitating
Tuesday, 30 January, 2024
and repairing areas damaged by firefighting activity during the 2019-20 fires. He’s also led relief and recovery after Upper Murray fires in 2019-’20 and the 2022 floods. This process is regarded now as the CFA standard. Among his many other achievements, he developed a strategy to address high fire risk and capability issues in alpine areas, and helped design CFA fleets for growing cities and towns in country Victoria.
Pedestrian safety concerns have led the state’s planning tribunal to knock back a proposed church in a Keysborough industrial zone. Life Changing Ministry Worship Centre Christian Church Keysborough Inc appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a permit at an existing warehouse at 80-88 Rodeo Drive. Against the proposal, Greater Dandenong Council objected to the provision of just six on-site parking spaces – much less than the 27 spaces required for up to 90 patrons and staff. The council also argued the church was inappropriate for the industrial 1 zone and failed to provide safe access for pedestrians. “During the hearing it became clear that the council’s primary concern was pedestrian safety due to the high reliance of offsite car parking and the likelihood of conflict with industrial uses in the area,” VCAT member Judith Perlstein noted on 18 January. “If the required car parking spaces could be accommodated on site, or if there were significantly fewer car spaces required to be provided offsite, this proposal would likely have been considered acceptable.” Perlstein stated that it was possible for a place of worship to be “acceptable” in Rodeo Drive but the “unsafe situation” for pedestrians and heavy vehicles was “fatal to this application”. “It is important to note that Rodeo Drive is heavily restricted for parking due to solid yellow edge line marking along much of the kerb indicating that drivers must not stop at the side of the road in those locations.” She noted the street was not a “safe environment” for pedestrians - a mix of heavy vehicle traffic with a lack of footpaths, traffic controls, street lighting and pedestrian crossings. On a Sunday, neighbouring businesses would struggle to find on-street car spaces, the member stated. “This is not an optimal outcome in an industrial area where it is likely that patrons require car parking close to their destination.” dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
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Women targeted by tech Women from migrant and refugee backgrounds are being inflicted with rising levels of ‘tech-facilitated abuse’, according to a SouthEast based service. Wellsprings for Women is raising the issue ahead of Safer Internet Day on 6 February. Chief executive Dalal Smiley says there is an “urgent need” for multilingual, culturallyappropriate TFA education in safe settings but the service lacks funding. “Wellsprings FV case management has established a pattern of TFA in FV cases, with migrant and refugee women failing to recognise TFA as a form of abuse. “It is not enough to raise awareness. “What is needed is a focused, intensive approach where we can work closely with the women and co-design and produce a community-based prevention and early intervention program driven by their experiences and recommendations.” TFA involves perpetrators using technology such as GPS tracking and social media platforms to harass and abuse women. Migrant and refugee women are at high risk of TFA due to a lack of digital literacy as well as in understanding what constitutes TFA and what to do when it occurs, according to Wellsprings. It also cites research findings that women with precarious migration status are less willing to seek help for family violence and engage with services. This is partly due to perpetrators’ capacity to, wield power and control over women, including through threats of deportation, shaming, revenge porn, threats to family living overseas and threats that women would lose access to their children.
A digital literacy class at Wellsprings for Women.
Body armour is seized By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Keysborough landscaper has pleaded guilty after police seized a camouflage bodyarmour vest and other illegal items from his bedroom. Officers from the Viper and Echo police taskforces found the items during a search of 28-year-old Nathan Collins’ home early on 1 December 2022, a court heard. A police prosecutor told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 24 January that there was no “legitimate reason” for Collins to possess a bullet-proof vest without a licence. It was a “serious” example of the offence, he said. And “extremely concerning” that it was found with knuckle-dusters, an extendable baton and a vial of testosterone in the same room. Collins offered no explanation to police
for why he had the items. His defence lawyer Richard Jakobson told the court that Collins couldn’t recall the reason for having them. He argued against a conviction which could impact on Collins’s fledgling business being able to attract work on government projects such as Victoria’s Big Build. Magistrate Christina Windisch noted Collins had no prior convictions and a solid work history but he faced a “substantial” fine. “Fortunately for you, the police haven’t alleged any other nefarious activity associated with you. “If these items fell in the wrong hands there can be real problems in the community.” Collins was fined $4000 without conviction. All of the items were forfeited.
NOTICE OF ROAD CLOSURE Buckingham Ave (between Windsor Avenue and Queens Avenue), Windsor Ave and Balmoral Ave (between St John's Avenue and Springvale Road) will be closed from 5:30pm on Saturday 3rd February 2024 until 3:00am on Monday 5th February 2024 for the Springvale Lunar New Year Festival. The north side of Queens Avenue (near the Buckingham Avenue intersection) will be an exclusion zone for the fireworks display at approximately 9pm on Sunday 4th February 2024. FIRECRACKERS AND FIREWORKS As part of the activities to celebrate the Lunar New Year, there will be firecrackers set off around midday, followed by a fireworks show at approximately 9:00 pm on Sunday 4th February 2024. Nearby residents are advised to ensure their pets are secured. For more information springvalelnyf@outlook.com or 0466 021 916
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Lending a helping hand By Ethan Benedicto Mihiri Dissanayake was never one for recognition, neither did she provide charity while looking for something in return, or for people to owe her. Giving was an act that came with no second thoughts for the Narre Warren South volunteer, if someone needed something, she was there to provide. From monetary aid, to food, to medicine, to supplies, she had a hand to give, and not just for the Sri Lankan community in Australia, but to any in need in the Dandenong and Narre Warren areas. On Australia Day, Mihiri was named as a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia, or OAM, for her service to the Sri Lankan community in Victoria. “I’m proud, I’m proud, it’s the biggest award you can get in Australia isn’t it? “I’m proud to be Australian, and it’s nice to be acknowledged,” she said. Mihiri was born in East Africa to Sri Lankan parents, had moved back to their home country shortly after, and eventually settled down in the UK for roughly 10 years. After meeting her husband Bandu Dissanayake and had her first child there, they eventually came down to Australia on 8 August 1982. Mihiri was an active person, with her mind and her hands, she “never sat still. “When I put my children in school I always went and did something, like pottery, art, hairdressing, and the lot. ‘’I do lots of crafts stuffs, big with pottery and ceramics and such but I didn’t make it as business or anything, anything creative, put it that way,” she said. Being creative through and engaging with multiple activities was a key strength for Mihiri, which according to her played a big role with how she was able to and continues to handle her responsibilities. When asked how she managed her roles, she said that “you just do it, and I know how much time I need. “I’m very good at time management, say even now, if I have a thought in my head about an activity tomorrow happening at a certain time, it will be at that time,” she said. While Mihiri’s personal charity did not begin here, the first organisation she had been heavily involved in Australia was the Sri Lankan Study Centre for Advancement of Technology and Social Welfare, or SCATS for short. Having been a member since 1993, Mihrri made steady progress in the organisation, eventually landing the role of president from 2007 to 2008. She was also the organisation’s treasurer in 2022, and in the same year became the Eastern Region Chair. The bigger aspect that played a role in this
Narre Warren South volunteer Mihri Dissanayake has been awarded an OAM. 384960 Picture: GARY SISSONS was that all of Mihiri’s contributions was never work, it was never a thing that needed to be done, she did what she did because she know it helped people, and that made her feel good. “It’s not work when you do something that you like to do. “It’s just giving, I think it’s part of my culture and my family background,” she said. Her involvement with SCATS saw her personally fund and advocate for fundraising in things such as cataract eye surgeries, cultural programs, tsunami relief projects, women’s and youth programs and so on. Mihrri’s grandmother, Grace Jayawickrama had been a devoted charity and community worker, and when the Queen of England visited Sri Lanka in the 1940s, she had been awarded the Member of the British Empire, or MBE, medal for her voluntary work. Mihiri had never seen it as a familial trait, but the more she reflected on it, the more she realised that her family and culture had a large role to play in her charity. “When I give something, it’s never to expect something in return, so I’m just happy. “If you do something that you love to do, since some people have asked me ‘where do you get the time’, it’s never work, you’re just happy doing it,” Mihrri said. However, no matter the impact of her roles and contributions to SCATS, she always credit-
ed the organisation’s founder and fellow OAM awardee, Gemini Perera, as its driving force, backbone, and not just hers, but also everyone’s inspiration. Mihiri’s roles also extended to media, taking part in multicultural mediums such as 3ZZZ Radio and Channel 31. With a combined time of roughly 15 years of volunteer service, Mihiri’s roles involved clerical duties, being trained as a programmer to handle children’s programs, and a news presenter; with compiling and reading transcript. A charity that Mihiri feels strongly about, and what she could consider her main avenue is the Lions Club, specifically their SightFirst program which supports cost-effective and sustainable eye projects. “I’ve personally funded two major eye surgeries for two people, the council in Sri Lanka is poor, not like here, so one of the guys who was going blind and was about to lose his job, I funded the eye surgery for,” she said. The other recipient was a Sri Lankan taxi driver’s mother, who she had heard of and immediately decided to fund the process. Alongside these feats, with fundraising for floods and bushfires, Mihiri received the Melvin Jones Fellow award from Lions international for her volunteering efforts. However, like the OAM, it was never something that she worked towards, but is definitely something she would gladly accept.
“It just makes you happy you know, even the small things,” she said. Other accomplishments and contributions from Mihiri include the Mihindu Children’s foundation, providing a helping hand in school canteens, door to door walking with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels with the City of Monash and the Sri Lankan Women’s Association. Mihiri has also been a Justice of Peace for Victoria since 2010, or JP for short, and has been a volunteer in acting as an independent witness to documents people use for official or legal purposes. “I’ve been volunteering at Dandenong City Council and recently Bunjil Library, but I’ve also dedicated time at Dandenong police station, Oakleigh police station, at Springvale and at Knox to name a few,” Mihiri said. Contributions didn’t remain between organisations however, and using her personal time to cater to others’ needs was something that brought joy to Mihiri. “I helped with a bypass surgery for a twoyear-old in Sri Lanka, they didn’t have money and I helped with the finances,” she said. She also made multiple donations to the Lady Ridgeway hospital in Sri Lanka, as well as funding for numerous temples, libraries, schools and fellowship programs in Australia and overseas. “I refurbished a 55-bed hospital ward, the beds were rotting so I asked the Lions Club there for an inspection, and then recently I also funded for a refurbishment of a 36-bed elderly home. “I don’t publicize the stuff I do, and most of the time, if my husband were to look at the list of things I’ve done, I don’t think he’d know anything about the funding for the beds and such, I’m just happy to do it,” Mihiri said. The only paid role that Mihiri has is the administrative position for Monash Health, a company which she has been with since 2014. It is a role which she loves, with being able to help people and interact with them, to a degree where, even when she is eligible for retirement at 65, has no plans to do so anytime soon. “I’m not thinking of retiring yet, because I’ll be bored to death, but I’ve cut down on work and I’m trying to get the house in a situation where it’s manageable for me,” she said. Mihiri and her husband, Victoria’s last Honorary Consul Bandu Dissanayake, have since downsized after both their children moved away from home. With plans to start a cake business after she retires, Mihiri said that “I’m proud to be Australian. “It’s nice to be appreciated for what you do, but that’s not what I do it for,” she said. Now residing in Narre Warren South, Mihiri continues to advocate and lend a helping hand for any in need.
Public locked out of meeting due to ‘safety’ fears By Sahar Foladi City of Greater Dandenong Council made an extraordinary move to close the public out of the first meeting of 2024 due to “perceived public safety issues” ahead of a controversial notice of motion on Palestine. Extraordinary measures were taken as 20 police officers patrolled the Harmony Square and the council building from 6pm on Monday 22 January. The meeting was streamed live online and on the big screens in Harmony Square and Springvale Community Hub. The council’s executive director of Community Strengthening, Peta Gillies said Council had an obligation to ensure the safety of staff and the community. “A risk assessment in relation to this evening and determined that for reasons of security we needed to make it a closed meeting,“ she said at the beginning of the council meeting. It was not specified why the council had to take such extensive measures. During public question time, questioners dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
raised opposition to the controversial notice of motion. Some of the contents of the questions labelled hoisting of the Palestinian flag as “highly questionable,” “outside of the council realms,” and a move that “will increase hatred for Israel and increase anti-semitism.” Although Ms Gillies read only a few of the many questions “with similar contents” it could’ve contributed to council’s decision of a public closure fearing a clash from both sides. Councillor Rhonda Garad has said this “assumption of violence“ is not right and claims she was told police had credible evidence of two groups attending the council meeting. “We’ve had not one incident in any of the (pro-Palestinian) protests held at the Harmony Square, in the public question times during council meeting in relation to the Israel war on Gaza, or any notice of motion. “No violence, no threats and yet suddenly there’s this assumption of violence and we’re not allowed to see any evidence of justification for that.
“How do two groups at a public meeting warrant an all-out shut down of the council and excessive security? “I was told there’s a great deal of interest on this item (referring to the notice of motion on Palestinian flag) that justifies the deprivation for citizens to attend the meeting on serious grounds.” More than 10 individuals with the Israeli flag made their way to the Square after they were blocked from the meeting. As did the almost 20 attendees with a Palestinian flag. The groups had gathered in light of the notice of motion at the council meeting to keep the Palestinian flag hoisted at the Square permanently until a ceasefire. Acting Superintendent Andrew McKee said police officers were happy with the behaviour of all who attended. “There were no conflicts, no public order issues and no arrests. “Victoria Police retains close communications with all communities which have a strong interest in events unfolding in the Middle East.”
Amanda, from Free Palestine Dandenong Group, was at the Square along with a few members of her group. “The police formed a line that divided Harmony Square in half, the Pro-Palestinians on one and the Pro-Israel on the other side.” Chants of “Bring them back” and “You’re supporting Hamas” were made from one side and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” from the other group. She said there was no aggression from either side and the presence of 20 police officers was unnecessary. On Monday 27 November, a notice of motion passed by the council, largely supported by councillors Garad and Jim Memeti, called for a permanent ceasefire which the Jewish Community Council of Victoria labelled “highly regrettable.” This is not the first time a notice of motion on Palestine was brought to the council, but it was the first time Council had closed out the public. Cr Garad said she would not let it slide as she would call for transparency and accountability on the decision. Tuesday, 30 January, 2024
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A hundred years of caring By Ethan Benedicto Turning 100 is no easy feat, and such a milestone for Elaine Beverly Robins was celebrated with life-long friends and over five generations of family. While celebrated on 20 January this year, Elaine, or as her family fondly calls her, Bev, was born on 16 January 1924 in Oatlands Tasmania. Growing up in Glenfield farm, Bridgewater, Elaine was fond of the outdoors and growing up her life was nothing short of idyllic. Rod Robins, youngest child of Elaine had recalled her childhood through a touching speech in the middle of the celebration. “The memories of those days are etched in her heart, from the carefree swims in the Jordan River, the construction of rafts made from old kerosene tins, to being chased by an old boar while collecting pears from the farm’s orchards,” Rod said. After completing school, Elaine took up her first job at a children’s home, a position which Rod recalled has been the beginning of a journey filled with compassion and care. “Where she dedicated herself to making a difference in the lives of others,” he said. Eventually, Elaine moved to Melbourne, where she met her future husband Bill, at the age of 18 at a picture theatre in Caulfield. It was also in that city where she worked as a nurse’s aide while she had eagerly waited for the opportunity to train as a nurse at the Warragul Hospital. While she eventually chose not to pursue that career and married Bill, the testament to her caring nature continued with over 30 years of service to the Red Cross after her, Bill and their children moved to Rawson in the 90s. Before that, however, the couple had lived in Cottesloe, Western Australia, after the birth of their first child Judith. It was also then that Bill had left to serve the army in World War Two, in what Rod described as a time where “mum’s strength and resilience was evident as she eagerly waited for dad’s return. “When he arrived back, mum said that it was impossible to describe the feeling to know that he was home at last and that the war was over,” Rod said. At Bill’s return, the family grew, with the addition of Rod’s older siblings John, Trevor and Warren. Being so far from home could only last so long, however, and homesickness eventually brought the family back to Springvale, Victoria. While Elaine had hoped for a second daughter, Rod recalled that fate had a different plan, welcoming instead Chris and Rod into the family. “Raising a family is no small feat, however, mum embraced this challenge with unconditional love, patience and dedication, traits which she instilled in all her children,”
The party was attended by over 100 family and lifelong friends alike, all there to celebrate Elaine’s milestone.
Elaine Beverly Robins at 100 years and 4 days old. Pictures: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC
A table that held a photo of Elaine’s late husband, Bill, and a series of official letters from figures such as the Governor and Premier of Victoria, the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs and the Prime Minister.
Elaine (middle) with her six children; from left to right: Chris, Trevor, Judith, John, Warren and Rod.
Another table covered with letters from friends, and a cake decorated with the number ‘100’.
Rod said. Back in Rawson, Elaine’s service with the Red Cross saw her heavily involved with the community, a purpose which she was actively engaged in and something she devoted herself to. During the party, a representative from the Red Cross was also present, who was more than grateful to Elaine for her contribution
and awarded her a medal for 30 years of service. Unfortunately, Bill passed away in 1996, a time which Rod recalled had been difficult for everyone. “Life’s journey also includes moments of sorrow, and when we lost dad, I had the feeling that due to their love, we lost a part of mum as well.
“Despite the hardships, her strength and resilience shone through as she stayed in Rawson, surrounded by fantastic friends, where she continued to contribute to her community,” Rod said. Elaine had eventually moved and settled down in Clyde, where she currently resides with family just a stone’s throw away.
LOOKING BACK 100 years ago 24 January 1924 Destruction of Ornamental Trees At a meeting of the Dandenong Branch of Australian Natives Association (ANA) on Wednesday evening January 16, a motion was carried on the proposition of Mr A B Wilson seconded by Mr W J Field, protesting against the cutting down of ornamental trees in Lonsdale Steet which should be retained, and that additional garden plots be provided wherever possible.
50 years ago 31 January 1974 Parking cut in Dandenong Kerbside parking in five of Dandenong’s busiest streets will be cut from one hour to half-an-hour. The new ruling will take effect almost immediately. The city council on Tuesday night decided to reduce kerbside parking time in Lonsdale St between Clow and Foster Sts, in Scott, Walker and Foster Sts between Thomas and Lonsdale Sts, in Langhorne St 10 STAR JOURNAL
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Elaine (middle with flowers) was surrounded by family and friends at her party.
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
between Lonsdale and Walker Sts, and in Lonsdale St parallel with the outer separator outside the post office. In a further move in what is undoubtedly the council’s biggest shake-up of parking regulations for years, present free all-day parking in council owned car parks will be reduced to two hours.
20 years ago 26 January 2004 Poorest of poor: Survey Greater Dandenong is the most disadvantaged urban area in Australia states a report released last week. The Australian Bureau of Statistics report identified Dandenong’s poor socioeconomic status based on a breakdown of the 2001 census figures. Dandenong Mayor Kevin Walsh said the result was ‘disappointing’ and surprising. “The city provides a number of facilities to help people, particularly support services. We have a very high number of non-English speaking migrants – many starting with few employment opportunities. Despite individuals earning an average of only $264 per week, Cr Walsh said
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Dandenong remained a destination for jobs for many people.
5 years ago 28 January 2019 Overcoming hazards Be Ha’s life of community service has been all about ‘paying forward’ generosity. The kindness bestowed on her, her husband and children after they fled as refugees from communist Vietnam in 1979. “They opened their arms and hearts to welcome us – we were lucky to have that. “We have to pay back and help the community as well.” Now recognized with a Medal of the Order of Australia (AOM), she immediately pitched in to help others. Her life hung by a thread when she and scores of others escaped on a small fishing boat form Vietnam, fighting off deadly pirate attaches, then floating for a month, starved of food and water before they were rescued by a British cargo vessel Entalina. “I am so proud to be Australian and for my Vietnamese community,” she said.
Be Ha was a proud recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). 189594 Picture: GARY SISSONS dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Gate repair firm guilty By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Ms Louden showing the students some skills.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Ms Louden with her rugby squad.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Tackling it head-on By Ethan Benedicto and Matthew Sims Hampton Park Secondary College teacher and rugby academy program leader Erin Louden said receiving the award for Most Outstanding Rugby Academy School Ambassador at Rugby Victoria’s main awards night recently was a “complete surprise“. “I’ve been working very closely with Rugby Victoria for a few years now with our rugby academy program at Hampton Park,“ she said. “We opened our rugby academy to engage some disengaged students at our college and since we’ve opened the program we’ve had an increase in attendance and learning outcomes. “The kids get accredited to give them another pathway when they leave high school.“ Since announced in early 2020, the school’s rugby academy program has delivered specialist training and coaching from Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Victoria to the students. Ms Louden said the value of the program was instantly evident. “It’s their passion that drives me and providing another pathway for success for kids in the South East,“ she said. “It gives the kids opportunity to develop their rugby skills but also their leadership, teamwork and collaboration.“ Ms Louden said the school was looking forward to build and further influence a broader program towards launching a senior rugby academy in 2024. “The program will have around 80 to 100 students which is really cool, and that will be launched properly in 2024,” she said. “It’s important to support the development of sport in Victoria and working with Rugby Victoria is a real honour. “They’re so passionate at a grassroots level which really helps schools like Hampton Park to develop athleticism in young people.“
Melbourne Rebels’ Lachlan Buttenshaw and sports academy leader Erin Louden. 366995 Picture: GARY SISSONS Ms Louden said the program helped the students develop their personal and social capabilities like strong leadership and tight cohesion and teamwork. “They also get trained up as accredited coaches and referees, so they are able to run their own training sessions, and their own tournaments inside the school and we’re looking to expand that next year,“ she said. “We are aiming to host a touch rugby tournament for local schools to get them involved in the sport as well.“ Ms Louden said she entered into the acad-
emy program with no rugby experience. “Through my own personal development and coaching and accreditations and working closely with the coaches at Rugby Victoria, I’ve completely upscaled in the sport,” she said. “On a personal level, it’s so rewarding to see our students grow into really successful young people. “We have students that are playing really high level rugby outside of school and I’m so proud of the commitment and effort that they show in the classroom and outside of it.“
Spotlight on shelter’s unpopular pack A ‘pity party’ is being held for a Keysborough animal shelter’s senior residents who have been in long wait for a new home. Australian Animal Protection Society will stage a festival of crafts, face painting, foods and shelter tours on Saturday February 3 so animal lovers can ‘commiserate’ with its longoverlooked dogs, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits. “We would love as many people as possible to come down and support us as we aim to shine a light on the animals that need us,” general manager Megan Seccull said. “So often, the young, the cute, and the purebred animals get all the attention, so we want to raise awareness through our Pity Party to those who have so much love to give but get overlooked.” Among the often unwanted are large dogs – the victim of unfounded myths such as that they require more exercise, more space, are more aggressive and harder to train. As part of the drive, AAPS is waiving adoption fees for its “long term, senior and medically challenged” animals. Since Christmas, AAPS is under further strain by a higher number of ‘unwanted presents’ – that is, surrendered animals. Many former owners surrender their pets before they go away or are unable to afford to keep pets due to cost-of-living pressures, according to AAPS. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
A gate repair business has pleaded guilty to a workplace safety charge over a truck driver being fatally crushed by a falling gate in Dandenong South. Gate Automation Systems Pty Ltd however failed in its submission to face lower penalties by being sentenced in the magistrates’ court. Instead, magistrate Belinda Franjic ordered on 19 December that the case be heard at the Victorian County Court. It means GAS faces a potential maximum fine of more than $1.6 million – rather than up to $450,000 in the magistrates’ jurisdiction. Truck driver Stuart Baker, 59, had been killed while attempting to manually close an automatic gate that was being repaired by GAS at Membrey’s Transport and Crane Hire depot in April 2022. WorkSafe alleged that GAS had left the 12-metre wide sliding gate in an unsafe condition by removing a component without addressing the risk of it falling off the rails and crushing a person. A GAS worker had removed the gate’s drive-motor to work on off-site. It meant the gate could be opened and closed manually, with the risk of running beyond its stop-close limit and falling off the rails. Ms Franjic noted that the specialist contractor’s offending was of “high” gravity. It had not installed an “obvious” control measure - a restraining chain with ‘lock out, tag out’ system to ensure the gate was safe, the court heard. An expert submitted to the court that this would have been a “standard response” by industry participants. GAS’s “administrative” control measure to tell the workplace’s general manager to secure the gate with a chain lock and not use the gate was “manifestly inadequate”, Ms Franjic said. GAS showed a disregard for the unsuspecting workers who would not know of the grave dangers in using the gate. It was not a “flagrant” disregard but still a serious breach, the judge found. A defence lawyer submitted that there were doubts whether GAS’s breach directly caused Baker’s death. The fatal incident occurred three days later and “you don’t know what happened in those 72 hours” that may have broken the chain of causation, the lawyer argued. Ms Franjic however disagreed, finding there was no evidence of any intervening acts. She noted GAS’s early plea and lack of prior criminal history. But given the seriousness, GAS may not be adequately penalised within the magistrates’ court, she found. GAS pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to ensure persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks. It will appear at a plea hearing at the Victorian County Court in March.
AAPS volunteer Morgan with border collie-Staffy George, Amber with red heeler Sauce, Jamie with ridgeback-mastiff Blue and Alex with bull-Arab Scarlett ahead of the Pity Party. 385012 Picture: GARY SISSONS AAPS’s Pity Party is at 26 Aegean Court Keysborough on Saturday 3 February, 11am2pm. Free entry. Requested donations for shelter tours of $10pp or $20 for a family. https://
events.humanitix.com/aaps-pity-party-shelter-tours Two hampers each worth $500 are available to be won.
Stuart Baker, 59, was fatally crushed by a falling gate due to a workplace safety breach by a repair business, a magistrate has found.
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WHAT’S ON Open Air Movies The first film of Greater Dandenong’s Open Air Movies series features family favorite fantasy/ adventure film, Christopher Robin (2018). Bring your own chairs, blankets and picnics. Friday 2 February, 7pm-9pm at Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event.
Springvale Lunar New Year Festival This year’s Year of the Dragon festival features a 60 metre dragon, lion dances, nonstop performances, firecrackers, rides for different age groups and 80 different cuisine stalls to choose from. A spectacular fireworks display will mark the end of the festival. Sunday 4 February, 10am-10pm at Buckingham Avenue and surrounds, Springvale. Free event. Cost applies to food and drinks.
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Maralinga Community Garden open mornings During February the Maralinga Community Garden will be open every Saturday in celebration of Sustainability month and the Greater Dandneong Sustainability Festival at the Dandenong Market on Sunday 25 February. Come and view our garden, our chemical free produce, enquire about bed hire, and view our eclectic collection of nature items. February 3, 10, 17 and 24, 8.30am-10am at Chandler Reserve, 327 Chandler Road Keysborough. Parking on Maralinga Avenue. Details: Bryan, 0409 003 652 or bryan.hunter@ education.vic.gov.au. Free event
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The Open Door workshops Welcome to The Open Door, a centre for creative spirituality without fear or judgement. We run a variety of weekly workshops - open to all: Tai Chi / Gentle Movement Meditation (Mondays 2pm-2.20pm), Awareness Meditation (Mondays 2.30pm-3.30pm), Centering Prayer Meditation (Tuesdays 2.30pm-3.30pm), Art of Soul (Wednesdays 11.30am-1.30pm) and Guided Imagery Meditation (Wednesdays 2.30pm-3pm). We also run monthly workshops, including Mark’s Gospel – Monday 5 February 4.30pm5.30pm (Every first Monday of month) and Line Dancing – Thursday 1 February & 15 February 10.30am-11.30am (First & third Thursday of month).
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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. Until Friday 1 March at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong (open Tuesday-Friday,
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12pm-4pm).
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 1 March) at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Free event.
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Adult Exercise Improve fitness and energy levels for good health and wellbeing at this adult exercise group class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a self-paced, gentle aerobics class suitable for all levels. tTuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am at Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North; $5 per session. No registrations required. Details: 8571 1436 or communityfacilities@cgd.vic.gov.au
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Fun for retirees New members from Dandenong North and No-
ble Park are sought by the Waverley Gardens Combined Probus Club. In addition to other activities, club members also meet for coffee & listen to a guest speaker. Last Tuesday of the month 9.45am-noon at Southern Community Centre, 27 Rupert Dr, Mulgrave (near Police Rd). Details: Don, 9560 6046.
on Wednesdays, ballroom dancing lessons on Thursdays. We are in need of a few volunteers able to arrange tables and chairs on Tuesdays from 10.15am to 11.00am. Rowley Allan Reserve, 352 Cheltenham Road Keysborough. Tea and coffee is supplied for all activities. Membership $10. Details: Julie, 0428 561 694
Meditation and positive thinking
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Learn how to make your mind your best friend through open-eyed meditation. Led by Bhavani Padmanabhan, these free sessions are open to all. Presented by Bakhtar Community Organisation and The Brahma Kumaris Organisation. Saturdays 2pm at 23-47 Gunns Road, Hallam. Registrations: 9703 2555 or 0403 551 596.
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For all ages, experience and abilities. Mats and other equipment available. No Booking required. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am-10.30am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $5 per class or $40 for 10 classes. Details: programs@nobleparkcc.org. au or 9547 5801
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Adults welcome (Mondays 7pm-9pm) and ladies and retired (Wednesdays 12pm-2.30pm). Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.
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Multicultural seniors activities Keysborough Multicultural Senior Citizens Inc is an over-55s club, with bingo on the first, second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, line dancing
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STAR JOURNAL 13
SPORT
Lions roar; Berwick Bloods’ rich vein of form bludgeons Tigers By Marcus Uhe
By Marcus Uhe Narre South’s outright win over St Mary’s in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 competition has vaulted the Lions into third place on a congested, tight table with just three rounds remaining before finals. St Mary’s squeezed another 72 runs from its final five wickets, thanks in large part to a 31-run stand for the final wicket between Harrison Kidd and Mohiburhman Sherzai, forcing the Lions to bat again with a target of 52. It was a goal the Lions reached with a minimum of fuss, requiring just 11 overs and for the loss of two wickets. Having destroyed the home side’s batting lineup on day one, the second day felt a ‘fait accompli’ for Narre South who had one hand on the 10 points for an outright victory. With three slips and two gullies, Kyle Hardy’s side was out for the kill with aggressive fields and attacking lines and length. The Saints, with likely relegation staring them in the face, were in survival mode, hardly looking to score but merely attempting to string the innings out for as long as they could. No runs were scored until the fourth over of the morning, with Callan Tout and Jawed Hussaini keeping the pressure on. Tout made the early breakthrough with the wicket of Susantha Pradeep for 14, reducing the equation to four wickets required for an innings win, and 20 runs needed for St Mary’s to make the visitors bat again. A sharp catch in the slips was waved-off after Hussaini overstepped, giving Navoda Haettiarachchi a much-needed life, while another chance went down in the gully shortly after. By the time Jeevan Mendis rolled his arm over as the first change in the attack, the quicks
Callan Tout’s fantastic season continued for Narre South on Saturday, taking 5/40 in St Mary’s Picture: ROB CAREW second innings. 385389 had conceded just four runs in the opening 12 overs of the day, and were unlucky not to have more wickets to their name. Haettiarachchi and Deeshan Umagiliyage’s 28-run stand for the seventh wicket ensured that the Lions would have to bat again, as they made it through the opening hour of the day. The Saints’ tail played more aggressive, with scoring shots to Mendis’ bowling, but Mendis would have the last laugh with three tail-end wickets to finish the innings, assisted by sharp catching from Hardy in the slips and Hussaini on the mid-wicket boundary. Mendis finished with 4/46 while Tout’s excellent year with the ball continued, rewarded with his first five-wicket haul of the season. Sherzai and Kidd’s persistence ensured the
Lions would require some application, but the result was never in doubt, Vineth Jayasuriya top-scoring for the second time in as many innings with 33. The 10 points for the outright result saw Narre South leapfrog Buckley Ridges and Hallam Kalora Park, two sides now tied for points in fourth and fifth, respectively. Berwick is secure in second place for another week, having easily accounted for Beaconsfield’s total of 188 in just 53 overs. Jarryd Wills was the star for the Bears, hitting an unbeaten 110 off 145 deliveries, 78 runs coming from boundaries. Ashan Madhushanka was the pick of the Beaconsfield bowlers with 2/29.
At Springvale South, it was a case of another Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 1 challenger stepping up to facing the Bloods, and another challenger vanquished. The defending champions’ undefeated streak continued in a one-day contest, chasing North Dandenong’s target of 160 in the 43rd over. Wickets in clumps hurt North Dandenong, losing 2/1, 2/3, 2/0 and 2/7 at different instances throughout the innings. Only Jawid Khan and Tahsinullah Sultani had any success against the Springvale South bowling attack, hitting 45 and 43 respectively, as the Maroons’ innings was brought to a close in the 37th over. Khan fell victim to Jarryd Straker’s introduction to the attack, two of the leading contenders for the Wookey Medal to be awarded next month, having raced to a near half-century. A 50-run stand between Sultani and Syed Mehmood gave the Maroons bowlers something to bowl at, having begun the partnership with their side in trouble at 4/61. Straker finished with sublime figures of 3/18 from his 11 overs, with four maidens, maintaining his status as the competition’s leading wicket taker. Springvale South was patient in their approach to the chase, content to use the time available for some valuable centre-wicket time. Ryan Quirk hit his first half-century of the season, the anchor of the chase with 56 off 124. Jordan Wyatt and Blade Baxter were the other main contributors with the bat, as the home side completed the chase six wickets down.
Hawks throw cat amongst the pigeons 22nd century for Forsyth
By Marcus Uhe
A tremendous upset win for Hallam Kalora Park over Buckley Ridges has thrown another twist into the tumultuous Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 season. The Hawks chased Buckley Ridges’ target of 191 in the 73rd over of the afternoon, with a Jordan Hammond straight drive alleviating the nervous tension on the Hawks bench as the enormity of the result was confirmed. Buckley Ridges fought tooth-and-nail until the bitter end, with senior heads in Jayson Hobbs, Ben Wright, Roshane Silva and Troy Aust all converging on a number of occasions to strategise their way to snatching points for a famous victory. Their endeavours ultimately proved to be in vain, suffering their first loss for the 2023/24 season. It was an even spread of contributors that did the job for the Hawks, a contrast for a side that had relied on too few to carry the load on a number of occasions in this campaign. All Hawks batters in the top seven, aside from Jagveer Hayer, reached double figures, with Ben Hillard and Matthew Cox hitting their highest scores of the season to date. Hillard hit an important 52 in the important number three role, forming small but important partnerships with the middle order as the Hawks chipped away at the target. Hayer was the first to go, edging one of the competition’s form players in Ishan Jayarathna down the leg side into the awaiting gloves of Troy Aust. Leigh Booth could then count himself unlucky, run out after a ricochet from Faridullah Khil in his follow through off a Hillard straight drive. At 4/131 at the tea break, the Hawks were 14 STAR JOURNAL
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Hallam Kalora Park’s Ben Hillard top scored for the Hawks with 52 in an important win. 261692 Picture: ROB CAREW well in-control of the contest, a mere 60 runs from victory with wickets in the shed, with Hillard and Hammond at the crease. Hobbs and Buckley Ridges coach Manjula Munasinhge engaged in a lengthy discussion at the break to brainstorm ways of working back into the contest, settling on a concerted approach of accurate, tidy bowling in an attempt to restrict the flow of runs, on a wicket considerably better for batting than what their side faced the week before. Jayarathna, Sanka Dinesh and Michael Davies were the bowlers entrusted with the responsibility after the break, Davies bringing the match-winning pedigree that saw him dig his side out of tremendous trouble a fortnight earlier against St Mary’s. Hillard fell to Davies, attempting a lofted shot to the leg side, the pressure built by maidens and the line bowled by the visitors appearing to frustrate the left-hander. Ciaron Connolly joined Hammond after Hillard’s departure and copped a barrage of balls on his pads, but survived constant pleas from the Buckley bowlers for LBW.
Tuesday, 30 January, 2024
Hammond, meanwhile, took advantage of the deliberate straight line approach, working the ball into gaps when deliveries strayed to the leg side. Desperate for a spark, Buckley Ridges tried all sorts of options with the ball, with Hobbs turning to Jake Cronin for his first overs of the season and Silva for his second bowl in 2023/24. Cronin had Lauchlan Gregson caught in the deep, one of three late wickets to fall to keep Buckley’s chances of snatching an unlikely victory alive. But with Hammond at the crease, Hallam Kalora Park had a cool head in a crisis. Buckley did its best to dictate the strike, allowing Hammond singles in an effort to bowl to the Hawks’ tail instead. With each run came raucous applause and encouragement from the Hawks’ dugout, closing in on an important victory that would return them right to the heart of finals contention. The penultimate over from Jayarathna included two hearty appeals for LBW and two near run-outs between Hammond and Charith Keerthisinghe, but Hammond remained resolute, steering his side to the safety of six points. Hammond finished unbeaten on 43, while Dinesh and Jayarathna took two wickets each for Buckley Ridges. The win sees the Hawks tie with Buckley Ridges on 33 points, with both sides one point behind Narre South in third on 34, while only three points ahead of North Dandenong in sixth. Buckley Ridges face a huge challenge next week against Springvale South, with the Hawks heading to North Dandenong in another pivotal clash.
By Marcus Uhe A third hundred of the Victorian Premier Cricket season from Dandenong captain Brett Forsyth was the catalyst for a thumping Panthers win over Camberwell on Saturday that keeps their slender finals chances alive. Forsyth hit 137 from 266 deliveries at the top of the order, setting up Dandenong’s monster first innings score of 6/320 declared on Saturday’s day one at Shepley Oval, before rolling the Magpies for just 130 on Sunday to seal a 190-run win. Forsyth batted for nearly the entire day on Saturday, dismissed in the 88th over having compiled his 22nd First XI hundred at Dandenong, and keeping his name firmly in Ryder Medal calculations as the competition’s best player. Joshua Slater and Dhanusha Gamage were the other significant contributors for the Panthers with 68 and 45 respectively. Declaring on 320, it took just 62 overs on Sunday for the home side to run through the Magpies’ batting card to secure the massive margin of victory. Matthew Wilson and Ben Allison removed one opener each for single-figure scores with the score on 12, before another collapse of 2/0 with Camberwell on 56, thanks to two wickets in the 25th over to Noah Hurley. Hurley finished with 4/24, backing up an impressive performance of 3/46 the week prior. Allison was also miserly with 3/19 from his 16 overs. The Panthers head to Geelong next week. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT
Bakers unnerved by Gators By Jonty Ralphsmith Just seven points separate first and fifth on the Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 3 ladder with three games to go in an unusually tight season. The highlight was at Springvale Reserve, where the scorebook recorded a 68-run Silverton win over Fountain Gate but failed to capture the doughty fight the Gators put up chasing the Bakers’ 303. Arriving at the ground at 2/41 having lost a wicket with the last ball of day one, Chanaka ‘Ted’ Sampath joined Hasindu Waduge, the visitors knocking off the first 50 runs quickly. With so many runs to play with, Silverton skipper Rob North was quick to spread the field as the batters threw their hands at the extra pace of Dylan Hayes. A Sampath six over deep long off typified the authoritative nature of the partnership which firmly transferred pressure back on to a team surely expecting a reasonably straight forward win upon arrival at the ground. The batting side, particularly Sampath, took to the pace well, with Kalapu Gamage the only bowler to genuinely threaten, but the Gators’ extended attacking phase took the run-rate out of the equation: if Fountain Gate batted the overs, it would win. The pair went at a run-rate of 5.63 for the first 18 overs. Wanting to maintain momentum, Fountain Gate continued going hard which ultimately came unstuck. Having already danced down and sent medium pacer Imroz Pal over his head, Sampath tried to repeat the dose and was caught at first slip for 67. On the other side of drinks, Waduge cleared cow corner before trying to go twice in a row against offie Varinder Virk and holing out for 80. Still, though, Fountain Gate fought valiantly.
Picture: ROB CAREW
Hasindu Waduge was entertaining but fell at an untimely juncture for Fountain Gate. 309948 Aware of the match situation, Karun Singh was composed as he saw off the spin and tried to establish partnerships with Rodni Kumara (23), Chanuka Pangoda (12) and Dawood Mikhael (10). Eventually dismissed for 16, at the crease for more than an hour, Singh was one of a series of Fountain Gate batters left to rue not going bigger and playing the match-winning hand. Gamage took the last two wickets to finish
with 4/46 off 17, rewarded for his patience and consistency. Poetically, where Fountain Gate lacked a centurion, Silverton had one last week in former Gator Davandeep Premi, who proved the difference. Regardless of the result, the mettle shown by Fountain Gate was the defining story line of the day, and bodes well ahead of what looms as an even finals shootout in March. Meanwhile, Berwick Springs took 16 wick-
ets at Robinson Reserve after four last week to complete an outright over Doveton which sees it sitting just two points outside the top four. Coomoora scored the outright win it needed to strengthen its grasp on a top four position, taking care of business at home against Hampton Park. Doveton North took the first innings points over Lynbrook at Marriott Waters Reserve to move to top spot on the table.
Parkfield sneaks home as finals race gets interesting By Jonty Ralphsmith A riveting ninth-wicket partnership set up a tantalising conclusion to Lyndale’s match with Parkfield at Barry Powell Reserve, with the visitors early work ultimately proving too much for the Dales. At 8/93, Parkfield looked more likely to win outright than be challenged for the first innings points before free-spirited hitting from number 10 Nithiyananthan Mahendrakumar got his team back in the contest. With his captain Ben Montgomery occupying the other end, the number 10 used the pace on the ball to hit six boundaries as part of a momentum-turning 57-run partnership. Spin was brought on to quell the big swinging, with Dishan Malalasekaera and Nicholas Jeffrey slowing the scoring but never threatening to breakthrough in a 10-over spell that cost just 25 runs. With both set batters sitting comfortably and having edged to within 30, skipper Stephen Cannon risked losing the game to give his side a crack at winning it, returning to tearaway quick Hansika Kodikara. Having been uber-consistent until the last over of his first spell, Kodikara was straight away on the money, getting through Mahendrakumar with pace and dip with the second ball of his first over back. He took his fourth of the day four overs later as Lyndale was dismissed for 153. The hosts did well to put themselves in a winning position, albeit briefly, after a spellbinding start from Sanjay Kahawatte and Kodikara reduced them to 3/1. Himish Galhenage Don, played an intimidating cameo of 38 from number six before his defences were beaten to continue a middling summer with the bat for him. The result puts Lyndale in an uphill battle to qualify for finals, given the way other results on the weekend fell, and a dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Ben Montgomery did well to occupy an end against Parkfield while his partner went big. 383165.
Parkmore managed to snag a reverse outright against Dandenong West. 383165 Pictures: ROB CAREW
Parkfield out-gritted Lyndale in a tight affair.
difficult run home. For Parkfield, the result was a statement of their proficiency in the two-day game, grinding out 173 on a tricky deck last week before their pressure bowling had them on top of the game for most of the second day. Elsewhere, big-hitting skipper Amal Athulamudali led Parkmore to a reverse outright over Dandenong West. Having failed to capitalise on dismissing the Bulls for just 104 in the first innings skittled for 79 - Parkmore was once again impressive with the ball in much more benign conditions on Saturday.
Athulamudali teed off and it came off for his side, with one Riley Siwes over costing three sixes. The result sees Parkmore, remarkably, storm into the top four, while Dandenong West’s grip on first place has loosened with Heinz Southern Districts taking the points against Keysborough on Saturday. The Knights were rolled for just 108, chasing 255 for victory, and sent back in but able to stave off the threat of an outright. Cranbourne, meanwhile, nabbed an important 68-run win over Narre Warren to stay in touch with the top four.
Facing a tweaked Bulls batting lineup, Avisha Wilwalaarachchi and Niranjen Kumar did the damage upfront, before Ammar Bajwa backed up his five first-innings wickets with another two. Denying Dandenong West their usual rhythm, the Pirates dismissed the hosts for 106, setting up a chase of 132 for Parkmore to claim a rare reverse outright. From there, it was all about Athulathmudali. The opener struck 98 of the runs off just 71 rocks, including eight sixes and four fours. Following an injury early in his innings,
385392
Tuesday, 30 January, 2024
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STAR JOURNAL 15
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Tuesday, 30 January, 2024
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