Dandenong Star Journal - 27th February 2024

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Hitting the high notes

Noble-Park born Benny Sinclair is a rapper, boxer, author and father, who is living by his lyrics that“nothing in this life is out of reach.”

Read more about his story on page 6

SEMMA seethes

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Dandenong manufacturers are part of an advocacy group’s fierce campaign calling for the State to stop “gouging“ them with spiralling land tax rises.

South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance states it is “seething” at an “unjustified cash grab” from the State Government that it says will cost jobs and investment.

It says that land valuations have soared in the past year, partly fueling land tax bills that have doubled and tripled.

The backlash from SEMMA was “probably the strongest action we’ve taken“ says longserving SEMMA member and president Peter Angelico.

The Dandenong manufacturer and wellknown Liberal member called on the Government to instead “find genuine cost savings

without cutting on the quality of service“.

“There’s plenty of ways to save money without putting taxes up.“

Hallam manufacturer Ace Wire Works’ land valuation doubled from $4.2 million to $8.5 million in 12 months. It led to a land tax bill climbing from $58,575 to $177,400.

Ace Wire Works project manager Simon Blashki says its land tax bill had soared 1000 per cent in five years.

He fears that the Government might “kill the Golden Goose”, pointing out that the increased land value “doesn’t make our business more profitable”.

A fairer revenue-raiser would be tied to a company’s profit, Blashki says.

“It’s a huge amount of money to pay. Trying to compete overseas and interstate – that’s where this gets more challenging.”

According to the Government, the “temporary” changes to land tax rates and thresholds are part of its Covid Debt Repayment Plan introduced in 2023.

SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said manufacturers were being “gouged” to cover the government’s “Covid debt burden”. They should instead be exempt from the land tax increase, she says.

“Manufacturers are being penalized for running profitable businesses – businesses that are the engine room of our state’s economy.

“We continued to pay ever-increasing taxes – land, payroll, FBT, PAYG, Capital Gains Tax, GST and Company IncomeTax plus an increase in Work Cover premiums in some cases over 70 per cent – you name it we paid it.

“Now we are being asked to cover a debt that we did not contribute to.”

In a SEMMA members survey, many indicated it would make them increase prices, hinder them from hiring more staff, and investing in equipment. Some have considered moving interstate.

“The effects will be felt at the consumer level when we are forced to increase our prices to cover these tax hikes,”Walker said.

More than half of SEMMA’s membership comes from Greater Dandenong. The South East region employs 267,500 people in manufacturing and provides 30 per cent of Australia’s manufacturing output.

South-Eastern Metropolitan MP David Limbrick of the Libertarian Party told Parliament that “thousands” of manufacturing jobs were under threat due to “yet another over-the-top government response to the pandemic”.

Continued page 17

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Ethan Benedicto

Fruit2Work has announced the opening of its Hallam branch on Friday, 16 February, making it the first hub for the organisation in the south-east.

The organisation is a not-for-profit social enterprise, as well as a registered charity that delivers fruit, milk and pantry items to workplaces.

A factor that makes Fruit2Work stand out, however, is that they are known for providing opportunities to those who have been caught in the justice system.

Providing these people with work and helping them turn a new leaf, Simon Fenech, the organisation’s general manager, said that the work is “hard, but rewarding.”

“As someone who has made mistakes, Fruit2Work is created by champions, and a champion in my eyes is someone who has lost their way and decided to do something different,” he said.

Fenech himself had previously been involved with drugs and crime after a workplace accident in 2008, where he found that prescription medication and physical therapy did not ease the pain.

With their other branch catering to Melbourne located in Laverton, this new branch will see a sizeable expansion of their operations and services.

Titled the Lewins Hub, the branch was named after one of the organisation’s members, Lewins Turner.

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Turner said that he owes Fruit2Work his life.

“If I didn’t have Fruit2Work I’d be dead, I’ve got pancreatic cancer, you know what I mean?

“There would have been no hope, even when I had my own place I was going downhill,” he said.

Turner came down to Melbourne in 1995 and eventually found himself involved with drugs, until the end of 2018.

When he was looking at going back to jail, Turner then decided to appeal bail and reached out for help through First Step, an organisation that supports people addicted to drugs and alcohol.

It was there that he was suggested to Simon for work.

“I thought to myself that if I don’t do something drastic, I’m going to lose my place, lose my animals, and lose everything.

“I owe Fruit2Work my life, to Simon and Rob who stuck by me - even when there were ups and downs.”

Rob Brown, Fruit2Work’s chief chance creator who had his own challenges with the law, said that the organisation’s vision “resonated personally.”

“To be able to give people a chance, who don’t typically get a chance, made a whole lot of sense.

“Not just because it’s a nice thing to do, but it has societal impact and financial impacts as well.

“The most important thing this hub does is it gives us access to a cohort of people who

need a chance to get from here to our other hub in Laverton, it’s too far away,” Brown said. He added that the southeast provided the organisation with a large number of customers, which with the lack of a hub, made it difficult to cater to from the west.

Belinda Wilson, Narre Warren North MP also attended the grand opening and gave a short speech on the organisation’s importance.

“For me, life’s about opportunity and I wouldn’t be in my position without someone believing in me, believing in what you can do,

and that’s what this organisation does,” she said.

Ms. Wilson was excited about the avenues the new hub could explore, saying that the “opportunities Fruit2Work creates are life changing.”

“By offering the opportunity for employment to people who may not be able to find it elsewhere, Fruit2Work enables them to reenter the job market and improve the likelihood of rehabilitation.

“It’s my job to advocate for local community organisations to ensure they have the sup-

port and resources they need to deliver the essential services they provide to our community,” she said.

For Turner, Fruit2Work is family, people who gave him a chance when he thought it would never come.

“When they said to me that they were going to name the building after me, I couldn’t believe it - I haven’t stopped crying in five days!

“This place has continued to help people, and I couldn’t ask for any better feeling,” Turner said.

From left to right, Rob Brown, Belinda Wilson MP and Simon Fenech. 389423

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Lewins Turner (middle) cuts the ribbon, with Rob Brown (left) and Simon Fenech (right). 389423

Belinda Wilson MP greeting Lewins Turner. 389423

Lewins Turner next to the Hallam hub’s sign. 389423

Lewins Turner and Simon Fenech embracing after their speeches. 389423

Simon Fenech opens The Lewins Hub to end his speech. 389423

Illegal recycler cops fine

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A man who ran several illegal waste transfer stations in Greater Dandenong and left landowners with clean-up bills totalling more than $100,000 has been fined $5000 without conviction.

After four years of delays, Adrian Thomas Bradshaw, 42, pleaded guilty over the three unauthorised operations at Keysborough and Dandenong South industrial zones in 2019 and 2020.

Sorted piles of rubbish and skip bins were found in Popes Road, Keysborough; Luisa Avenue, Dandenong South and Berends Drive, Dandenong South.

Prosecutor Matthew Sherwell, on behalf of Greater Dandenong Council, said council officers had initially warned Bradshaw he’d need a permit and later a cease-and-desist letter at Popes Road in 2019.

Despite this, he kept an array of large skip bins and industrial hopper type bins, piles of demolition and garden waste, bricks, cement sheets, stripped mattresses, cardboard and timber outside.

Inside a building, Bradshaw stored construction waste, green waste, timber, secondhand materials and putrescible waste. He told the council that he was “just cleaning out the land and buildings from the previous tenant”.

When Bradshaw departed, the land-owner was left with a clean-up bill, Sherwell told the court.

In 2019, Bradshaw then set up an unauthorized facility at Luisa Avenue. Again, he claimed he was there to clean up the land.

As well as piles of rubbish outside, more than 3000 square metres of waste filled a building.

“Council noted from the odour and flies that putrescible waste was present as well as

garden, hard and general household waste,” Sherwell said.

After being ordered to desist operations, Worksafe,Victoria Police, CFA, the council and Environmental Protection Authority Victoria inspected and found increased levels of waste inside and outside.

The land owner’s managing agent locked Bradshaw out. It cost the land-owner $101,306 to clean up the site.

Waste transfer stations needed to be regulated stringently, Sherwell told the court. If unregulated, there were greater risks of environmental impacts and catching fire.

“Many go up in flames because the waste

facilities are not properly managed. That was the concern at Luisa Avenue.”

In 2020, Bradshaw was prosecuted for a similar storage facility with skip bins, mattresses and dirt piles and other materials in Berends Drive without a permit.

Bradshaw unsuccessfully pleaded to the court to suppress his name from media reports due to his ailing mental and physical health.

The married father of three told the court he was unable to work due to an accident, was no longer involved in recycling and was burdened with debts.

Sherwell claimed that council officers took photos and footage of Bradshaw“walking free-

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ly” and taking part in a cars-and-coffee business owned by close family members.

Magistrate Julian Ayres said the matter wasn’t relevant. He accepted TAC’s recent assessment that confirmed Bradshaw’s physical incapacity.

He advised Sherwell to refer that material to the police or the TAC, if it had concerns.

Bradshaw was unlikely to return to recycling, so his chances of reoffending this way were “almost nil”, Ayres noted.

The magistrate also accepted Bradshaw was unable to afford significant fines.

Greater Dandenong applied for Bradshaw to pay them more than $16,000 in costs. Some of that was fueled by Covid delays, which were neither parties’ faults, Ayres said.

Mr Ayres awarded $8000 in costs against Bradshaw, on top of his $5000 fine – which totalled a “significant amount of money”.

Community protection was a relevant factor in sentencing, with the offending at Popes Road the most serious because it spanned five months, Ayres said. The other offences were about a week each.

Bradshaw had a “close to perfect” record, other than being fined $4000 for a similar unauthorized waste station at Carrum Downs in March 2000.

This meant that Bradshaw was a “clean skin” at the time of Popes Road and Luisa Avenue. For that reason, Ayres spared him of conviction.

Meanwhile, Bradshaw’s companies Mr Gatsby Investments and Australian Waste Recyclers were each fined $5000 in his absence. He had earlier told the court he was no longer the director of the companies.

In December 2020, EPAVictoria announced it had fined Australian Waste Recyclers $8261 and put the company on notice after inspecting the Berends Drive facility.

Ready, nine months early

Major works on the Hall Road Upgrade are now complete, nine months ahead of schedule.

Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists will benefit from improved journeys in Melbourne’s outer south-east.

This means 17,000 daily motorists can now use Hall Road’s 5.2 kilometres of new lanes and signalised intersections at McCormicks Road, Taylors Road, Western Port Highway, and Evans and Cranbourne-Frankston roads.

The Hall Road upgrade project was delivered by equal funding of $141.25 million each from the Australian Government and the Victorian Government.

Final asphalting works will be completed in March, with minor close-out works underway until late 2024.

The Hall Road Upgrade will build on improvements already delivered through the Thompsons Road and Hallam Road Upgrades, along with improvements on theWestern Port Highway and Lathams Road – significantly improving safety and reducing congestion for the 112,000 combined motorists who use these roads every day.

Since construction began in 2022, the project has created more than 850 direct jobs, and more than 42,000 tonnes of asphalt have been laid.

Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said they were getting on with delivering the biggest and most transformative suburban roads upgrade program in Victoria’s history across Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

“This project will better connect local communities in Melbourne’s outer south east to jobs, healthcare, and education – while greatly improving traffic flow along Hall Road,” he said.

Pair jailed for two-week spree of brazen burglaries

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A pair of brazen burglars who went on a two-week spree of daylight break-ins across the South East have been jailed.

Jovan Culibrk, 27, was found guilty by a Victorian County Court jury of four burglaries, two attempts, car stealing and other thefts.

His accomplice Matthew Messenger, 28, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft charges as well as three car thefts.

The June 2022 crime spate targeted homes in Narre Warren, Glen Waverley, Springvale South, Lynbrook, Berwick and Blackburn.

It kicked off with Messenger’s $152 petrol drive-off in a stolen ute at a Narre Warren servo on 9 June.

Later the same morning, Culibrk attempted to break into a CCTV-monitored home in Narre Warren.

About 7am, an awoken resident heard a banging noise.

He saw a masked Culibrk using a screwdriver to dislodge the back sliding door from its tracks.

The resident screamed, and Culibrk es-

caped over a back fence and into the stolen ute with Messenger.

The same day, the pair broke into a Glen Waverley home, stealing jewellery, $8000 cash, a passport, Medicare card and car keys.

They returned hours later to steal the victim’s $36,500 Toyota Camry.

Soon after, the burglars cased a Lynbrook home while in the Camry. They then broke in, opening the garage door and loading jewellery, a phone and a CCTV hard drive into the boot.

They were however later identified on neighbours’ CCTV footage.

Culibrk broke into a home in Berwick the same day, stealing jewellery and designer handbags.

The victim told the court that the breakin instilled fear in her young children who were the first to discover the crime scene.

On 11 June, the pair terrified residents in a Springvale South home. Culibrk tried to force his way in with a crowbar.

After an occupant told them to “f*** off”, Messenger tried to kick in the front door.

The resident armed himself with a kitch-

en knife and confronted the intruders, who then fled in a vehicle.

In sentencing on 20 February, judge Damian Murphy noted the “major and continuing” impact on the victim who was unable to sleep and stayed up late monitoring his security cameras.

Finally, Culibrk burgled a Blackburn home, stealing $10,000 of jewellery, passports, a will, keys, bank cards and bank account details.

Later $1000 was withdrawn from the victim’s bank account.

The co-accused were arrested on 22 June in the stolen Camry at Culibrk’s mother’s house. Messenger was found with a prohibited Taser in his shorts pocket.

A stolen Toyota HiAce van with stolen plates was also found at the property. Some of the items stolen from the burglaries were recovered at the scene.

The Narre Warren-raised Culibrk’s rehabilitative prospects were rated as “fair”, according to Judge Murphy.

At the time of the crime spree, Culibrk was on bail.

He had a long history of committing bur-

glaries, thefts, drug trafficking and driving offences. In the past, he’d re-offended while on a community correction order and a drug treatment order.

And his not-guilty plea showed a lack of insight and remorse, Judge Murphy said.

On the other hand, during his latest remand, he’d completed a rehabilitation course and passed clean drug screenings.

Judge Murphy said the WA-raised Messenger was entitled to “significant leniency”, with no prior convictions, a significant work history and an albeit late guilty plea.

He’d shown remorse, shame and embarrassment over his crimes, and a desire to engage in psych therapy for anxiety and PTSD, the judge noted.

On the other hand, Messenger is currently bailed over three outstanding burglaries and thefts at factories and warehouses.

Culibrk was jailed for up to five-anda-half years, with a three-year and threemonth non-parole period. His term includes 607 days in pre-sentence remand.

Messenger was jailed for up to three years and two months. He’ll be eligible for parole in 21 months.

Design for townhouses in Springvale flawed: VCAT

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A plan for four townhouses on a single-dwelling block at Springvale has been rejected by the state’s planning tribunal.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal reviewed the proposed mix of two-storey units at 141 Springvale Road after Greater Dandenong Council failed to grant a permit in the 60-day time limit.

Greater Dandenong opposed applicant Robert Ryniuk’s plan but not due to neighbourhood character or intensity of development, VCAT member Michael Deidun stated

on 19 February.

“There has already been a substantial amount of recent development in the surrounding neighbourhood, that is of a form and scale that is similar to that now proposed for the review site,” Deidun noted.

However, he and the council agreed there were two particular “design faults” that defeated the proposal.

There was a lack of safety surveillance by not providing habitable windows overlooking the common driveway.

Windows needed to be screened to avoid overlooking other dwellings. There were no

“surveillance opportunities” from habitable rooms on the ground floor.

Deidun was “not persuaded” by Ryniuk’s defence that glazed front doors, as well as CCTV, would suffice.

The member also found the ground-level living-kitchen-dining areas for two of the units were too small. One of the living areas was just 3.39 metres wide.

He didn’t agree with Ryniuk’s assertion that the “generous” outdoor spaces on the 697 square-metre block compensated for the confined interiors.

“In the climate experienced in Melbourne,

it is also important that the indoor living areas provide a functional space … for future residents.”

The council was ordered to reimburse Ryniuk’s VCAT fees of $1435.80, due to its failure to meet the 60-day decision-making period.

“I cannot see how this proposal could reasonably be described as complex, given the range of planning permit applications that would be received by a Council.

“Instead, it appears to be a fairly standard medium density housing proposal, in a location where such applications are to be anticipated.”

MP’s Minister for Transport Danny Pearson, Pauline Richards, Sonya Kilkenny, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Jodie Belyea Labor candidate for Dunkley. 389521 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Hall Road 389521

Jumping for joy are Brendan Pauwels (Major Road Projects Authority) with MP’s Sonya Kilkenny, Danny Pearson and Pauline Richards 389521

Event traffic management at the opening. But Hall Road is otherwise open to traffic. 389521

Nature-strip stalemate

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

It’s an age-old question: who’s responsible for mowing the nature strip – the resident or the council?

According to Greater Dandenong Council’s website, “nature strips must be regularly maintained by the property residents”.

But this may not actually be the case - as a tall, thick mound of nature strip lawn that has invaded the footpath on Norman Court, Dandenong has remained stubbornly uncut.

And, several councillors have noted a mass of other overgrown nature strips particularly on vacant lots.

For several months councillor Jim Memeti has made enquiries to the council about Norman Court.

“I have never seen grass that long and thick on a nature strip, but the property behind it is perfectly mowed,” he told a 12 February council meeting.

“I think that the residents that live in that court do not want to cut their nature strip as it does not belong to them.”

Cr Memeti told Star Journal that he wonders why no compliance action has been taken in this case.

And he notes that residents aren’t allowed to “touch” the council’s trees on nature strips.

“The question is whether mowing nature strips is in our by-laws. If it’s not, the council can’t enforce (the mowing).”

Greater Dandenong city futures executive director Sanjay Manivasagasivam confirmed that it may be the council’s responsibility.

“Council is responsible for the road reserve in most instances, however rely on the established community expectation that residents will maintain nature strips to provide a neat and tidy street frontage,” he stated in a written response to Cr Memeti’s public question.

“This includes litter removal, removal of leaf litter and tree debris and mowing and the trimming of grass from the footpath and kerb or gutter.”

The council will only mow residential na-

ture strips if they present a fire hazard or safety issue, Manivasagasivam said. Instead, it would usually place a calling card in the resident’s letter box that “it is important” that the resident doesn’t allow their

Greater Dandenong City Council, Yarraman Ward by-election

Check the mail for your ballot pack

Ballot packs containing voting material will be mailed to enrolled voters from Tuesday 20 February 2024

This is a postal election only.

If you have not received your ballot pack by Wednesday 28 February, please call 03 9678 1488 during office hours to arrange a replacement.

How to vote correctly

You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you most want to see elected, then number ALL the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number EVERY BOX and only use each number once.

How to return your completed ballot paper

Follow the instructions on your ballot paper to complete your vote. To return your completed ballot paper, put it in the ballot paper envelope then use the reply-paid envelope provided or hand-deliver it during office hours to:

Ground Floor 237 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

| 03 9678 1488

property to become “unsightly, overgrown or dangerous”.

“In around 80 per cent of all cases this has the desired effect and the property owner usually mows the nature strip.”

Voting is compulsory

Voting is compulsory for all voters who were on the State roll at 4 pm on Friday 12 January

You may be fined if you do not vote — this includes homeowners and tenants.

You are encouraged to vote, but you will not be fined if you don't vote, if:

• you live outside this local council area OR

• you are enrolled directly with the Council to be on the voters' roll for this election.

Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand-delivered by 6 pm* Friday 8 March

*Local mail clearance times vary. Ballot packs must be mailed before final clearance times in the last week of voting. Don't risk a fine.

State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au

Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti on a shrinking footpath that’s being invaded by unmowed nature-strip grasses in Norman Court Dandenong. 389248 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Rolling with the punches

By Emma Xerri

Some people are lucky enough to find their calling.

Benny Sinclair was lucky enough to find four.

A rapper, boxer, author and father, the Noble Park-born man is living by his lyrics, proving “nothing in this life is out of reach.”

“I come from a working class family, so it stems from an aspiration to do something more; a drive to have something better for my life,” Benny said.

“My heritage has also somewhat inspired me. I look white on the outside, but I have some black heritage. So that has given me the confidence, and has motivated me to pursue hip hop and boxing.”

Drawing on his life experiences both in the ring and out, Benny found a creative outlet through music, all while running his own coaching and personal training business, Benny’s Boxing.

He finally scored his first record deal in 2020 with American label Round 2 Music after his song ‘Nothing Comes Easy’ rose in the college radio charts.

Eager to record new music with what Benny hoped would be his big break, things took a turn for the worst when Benny’s producer unfortunately passed away.

“I finally got my first record deal in the United States, but it’s been a fight to make something of it,” he added.

Taking on radio interviews and podcasts to keep up the momentum his music was slowly building, Benny became more and more comfortable telling his story, a story which would eventually turn into his self-published book ‘Games and the Fight: An Untold Story,’ and one day, he hopes, a feature film.

“In the first few weeks, the book was selling really well. It was on the Amazon charts in the

top 10 in Australia for boxing.

“But because I don’t have a big publishing machine behind me, sales have flattened.

“Still, I’ve got it in Dymocks and Readings, and the Dandenong Library was among the first places that was happy to get it in, so it was nice to have that support from the south-east, because I’ve lived in these neighbourhoods my whole life.

“I really am a grassroots, working class, south-east guy.

“In the book I really explore the mistakes I’ve made, and I’m not proud of these things, but I’m calling them out.

“But the book also explains why I did what I did, and it does show some remorse.

“I would like my kids to read the book when

they’re a bit older, but by no means should they be taking inspiration from my days of graffiti or fighting.”

And with 5 kids of his own, Benny is constantly working to ensure his work is integrated into his family life, hoping that his accomplishments will be something his children can admire.

“I’ve got a 15- and a 14-year-old, as well as three children between 5 and 1. So, I’m very hands on at the moment.

“We’ve downscaled my personal training service to a gym in my garage, and I’ve got a lot more time for my family.

“So my lifestyle now is very much about my family and trying to fit my creative endeavours into family life, but also involving my children in those endeavours.

“I’m always practising my singing or rapping, and just as you called I was listening to one of my songs with my son on my lap.

“My younger daughter is always dancing around the house and my 5-year-old will just rap and bust into a freestyle beatbox.

“So music and creativity is going to be a part of their lives, as well as something they know about their dad and seem to love about him too.”

And with his current record deal set to end in May, Benny is by no means ready to give up the fight, hoping to secure another record deal and play more shows, all while working to ensure the other facets of his life continue to thrive.

“I wouldn’t call it a struggle, but it’s hard work.

“You have to be constant and you have to be persistent.

“There are good days and bad days, but you can’t let the bad days demotivate you.

“I think that’s where my boxing has helped because, yeah, you take punches, but you persevere until the end and always rock up the next day.”

Snakes alive and dangerous in Bypass’s uncut grasses

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

For long-suffering residents near Dandenong Bypass, the grass is longer – if not greeneron the other side of their fences.

Diana Thurbon, of Keysborough, says the grass along the bypass’s bike path reserve east and west of Chapel Road is waist high and “beyond neglected”.

And some weeds are steepling to shoulder height.

The wilderness has not been mowed by the Department of Transport and Planning for several months, she says.

“Three snakes have been sighted.

“It is a serious grass fire hazard to the houses that back on to the reserve and the amount of pollen poses a genuine risk to asthmatics who cycle, job or walk along the trail.”

Her observations were echoed by other residents including Greater Dandenong councillor Tim Dark at a council meeting last month.

In a formal response, the council – despite not being responsible for the reserve - stated it had received “numerous complaints”.

“On each occasion we log a customer request with (the Department of Transport and Planning) on the resident’s behalf.”

The council had also contacted the department’s maintenance managers several times to “highlight these ongoing issues”.

“However they never provide any timeframe for the works and simply indicate that grass mowing is low on their priority list as it does not meet criteria for hazards or defects.”

After many attempts to rouse the department into action, Thurbon has taken matters into her own hands.

At her own expense, she’s hired a gardener to mow along her fenceline as a safety precaution. Residents have also made efforts to beautify a ‘lane’ between their back fences and the reserve with their own plantings.

Each summer, it’s the same issue. Thurbon says it’s time for the department to give

the area to Greater Dandenong Council to maintain.

“As it is, this reserve is a blight on the city.”

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said the Dandenong By-

pass was scheduled to be cut in “the coming weeks, weather permitting”.

“Each year, our crews mow tens of thousands of kilometres of grass across the state to ensure the safety of all road users, as well

as managing potential fuel loads.

“This year, we’ve seen unseasonal heavy rainfall across the state, accelerating vegetation growth along the side of arterial roads.”

According to the department it had performed “vegetation management” on the bypass in late October.

Its crews mow, slash and spray about 45,000 kilometres of roadside grass and weeds each year.

The Department of Transport and Planning is responsible for maintaining about 22,000 kilometres of freeways and arterial roads throughout Victoria.

Benny Sinclair proves that “nothing in this life is out of reach”. 390706

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Benny Sinclair - a boxer, rapper. author and father from Noble Park. 390706

Diana Thurbon stands in the great divide between the section maintained by residents and the rest of the department’s reserve at Dandenong Bypass. 389493 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Residents mow a clearing and plant shrubbery to beautify the unkempt area. 389493

Diana Thurbon in the waist-high grass next to Dandenong Bypass footpath. 389493

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion by building better roads and removing level crossings in Melbourne’s south east. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel. While we work, transport disruptions may affect your travel.

What we’ve done

Opened

new

Opened the newly upgraded intersection of Taylors and Hall roads in Skye, along with new lanes on

Road

Upgraded four intersections on Western Port

– at Thompsons, Hall, Ballarto and CranbourneFrankston roads

Upgraded 8 new intersections as part of the Narre WarrenCranbourne Road Upgrade, including Lyall Street and Rochester Parade in the last month

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Cranbourne

to

Alarm over SRL soil dump

By Ava Cashmore

A pair of Greater Dandenong councillors are alarmed by the possibility of millions of tonnes of further toxic soil being dumped in Dandenong.

The construction of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) from Cheltenham to Burwood will require the removal and relocation of one million cubic metres of contaminated soil.

The Victorian Government states it has appropriate funds to “work with contractors to identify the most appropriate way to reuse, treat and manage soil safely and within existing capacity”.

But Opposition leader John Pesutto raised concerns about relocating the “toxic and dangerous soil” near communities.

“It’s going to affect communities, not only those communities around the construction sites along the proposed line, but communities that will be affected by the relocation of this toxic and dangerous soil in the vicinity of their homes or their communities.”

Councillors Rhonda Garad and Jim Memeti have been outspoken about the impacts of industrial pollution on residents in Keysborough South and Dandenong South.

They say Dandenong, which is home to soil recycling facilities and Lyndhurst toxic landfill, should not become the SRL’s dumping ground.

“Dandenong deserves better – it’s time to stop treating our community as Melbourne’s

toxic dumping ground,” Cr Garad said.

“Environmental safety must be a right, not a privilege.”

The landfill at Taylors Road, operational since 1990, is unique in Melbourne for accepting Prescribed Industrial Waste (PIW).

The landfill’s operations include a soil processing facility, a materials recycling facility (de-packaging), an ice pigging depot, and a

soil washing facility.

Landfill operator Veolia stated: “The Taylor Road Landfill and EarthSure facility have environmental management plans in place that meet the strict requirements of EPA Victoria.”

Cr Garad said “there have been no recent environmental reports to assess the current state of the Lyndhurst facility in light of these new developments” as her attempt to obtain

one from the council was ignored.

“This lack of updated information is alarming.”

Cr Memeti said residents were opposed to the soil being “carted across multiple suburbs“ and “dumped in Dandenong“.

He called for the State Government to explore other options such as treatment at a soil recycling facility or burying the soil near the site in a mound.

“The biggest problem is that Dandenong seems to cop everything. If you dump it on us, you make us a less desirable place to live.

“The State Government has to come up with other alternatives than to just dump it in Dandenong.“

He and the City of Greater Dandenong have rejected the Lyndhurst toxic landfill for the past 27 years.

Despite this, the Government extended the landfill beyond its supposed closure date of 2020.

Lyndhurst toxic landfill’s continued use has long upset nearby Dandenong South residents, Cr Memeti says.

“Come down to George Andrews Reserve and talk to 20 people, they will give you the same answer. The residents aren’t happy at all.“

Last month, City of Greater Dandenong was approached for comment on the SRL soil issue but did not have any comment “at this stage“.

Mission Australia celebrates new Dandenong office

By Emma Xerri

The new and improved Mission Australia office is officially open for business following an opening event on Tuesday 20 January.

The Dandenong office (now featuring windows, which the staff could not be more excited about) will be home to a variety of the organisation’s most cherished services, allowing Mission Australia to better service the greater Melbourne area, and Victoria as a whole, by providing a base for expansion throughout the state.

“Our new office is in a central location that’s accessible to the community,” Mission Australia area manager for Victoria, Aileen Lacey said.

“We are excited to have a space that meets our service requirements as we continue to expand our presence in Melbourne and Victoria more broadly.”

City of Greater Dandenong Mayor Cr Lana Formoso, who attended the event and performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting, was also delighted to celebrate the opening of the new office.

“The completion of this site means it is more welcoming to clients and more comfortable for staff,” she said.

“As a city we have changed over the years but Mission Australia continues to be a constant.

“The work they do aligns with council values to support those most vulnerable in the community.”

Among those hard at work at Mission Australia to support the vulnerable is Gloria from Disability Employment Services, who recently achieved 20 years of tireless work in disability support, and who has been with Mission Australia since their first disability support contract.

“I keep coming back to disability. I’ve tried to go elsewhere but I keep coming back because of the people and their stories,” Gloria said.

And Gloria was not alone in her passion, which was more than echoed by those working across all the organisation’s programs and services, from the Community Chaplaincy Program, to Communities for Children, ParentsNext and Better Futures, which recently saw further expansion through the purchase of a block of units to establish a supported housing program for young people.

“Young people need safe and secure housing to thrive,” Ms Lacey added.

“By integrating the support that we already offer through the Better Futures program with the provision of housing, we can offer young people holistic support as they transition into adulthood.”

The new office will also host the Women’s Weaving Yarning Circle Workshops, a 10week program facilitated by the community chaplain in collaboration with local Aboriginal organisations.

“The Weaving Yarning Circle Workshops are an example of how we are using our Dandenong office to build connections with the local community,” Ms Lacey said.

“The workshops foster bonds between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous community members and allow for the sharing of Aboriginal cultural practices.”

“We want to be a welcoming space for every member of the community, and with this new office, we can live up to that vision,” Ms Lacey added.

The prescribed industrial waste landfill at Taylors Road, Lyndhurst. 228738 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Mayor Cr Lana Formoso had the honour of cutting the ribbon.

Ellen and Lisa from Community for Children with the colourful banner designed by local children.

Barb and Lisa from Communities for Children.The excitement was shared by Mission Australia Executive for Community Services, Ben Carblis.

THE WHAT DAY IS IT BIT

Victoria’s bathing experiences are a short trip from home, but light years from the real world. Don’t be alarmed by that strange feeling – that’s just your stress melting away.

Unwind at revitalising places like Alba Thermal Springs & Spa.

VISITVICTORIA.COM

Climate action is ‘critical’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong’s 2024 sustainability champion has urged the council to stop lagging on climate action.

Matthew Kirwan was recently crowned with the Sustainability Award at the council’s Australia Day Awards.

In early 2020, the Greens then-councillor was at the forefront of Greater Dandenong declaring a climate and ecological emergency and committing to “emergency action on climate change”.

Action was “critical” because many Greater Dandenong residents, particularly the older and disadvantaged, were bearing the brunt of climate change, he says.

“Greater Dandenong rates as the worst municipality in the southeast on the heat vulnerability index and one of the worst in Melbourne overall.

“Put simply it is the poor and the aged that will die first in a heatwave.

“Despite that vulnerability, by its own admission in a public council report 12 months ago, Greater Dandenong is well behind other Councils in resourcing action climate change and other environmental issues.

“And publicly supporting new infrastructure like the South-East Sports Hub in our flood-prone Green Wedge, certain to get more flood-prone as climate change increases.”

The Green Wedge is a “valuable asset for future generations both for its intrinsic value but also because of not wanting to encourage urban sprawl into what is flood prone land”, Kirwan says.

“Climate change is happening, and we cannot risk any further development on flood prone land, whether in the Green Wedge or along creeks which is why I was outspoken in 2022 on the proposed cemetery along Dandenong Creek near Heatherton Road.”

Kirwan has also spoken out for tree protec-

tion laws on private land which were recently enacted by the council.

Other priorities were the council’s Biodiversity Action Plan, the Greater Dandenong Sustainability Festival and enhancing areas like Fotheringham Nature Reserve.

He’s also been a long-time member of Greater Dandenong Environment Group, and recently joined Defenders of the South-East Green Wedge’s committee.

In the award citation, Kirwan was recognised for “helping to empower residents to

tackle climate change and make a difference”. On receiving the award, he said it was an “honour” because of how important sustainability is.

“For sustainability is just not a nice thing to have, it’s a matter of survival.”

South East drivers bearing the brunt of road toll fines

By Ethan Benedicto

South East residents in the most disadvantaged postcodes have been impacted the hardest by road toll fines, according to recent research.

According to Peninsula Community Legal Centre (PCLC), 40 per cent of all road toll fines that were issued across the state in the last 12 months were in Melbourne’s South East.

For the City of Dandenong, there were a total of 15,434 fines issued, with 10,445 of these leading to enforcement orders.

The City of Casey had roughly double the amount, with a total of 35,246 infringements, and 24,138 of those leading to enforcement orders.

Jackie Galloway, the PCLC chief executive, said the “areas in our catchment where the highest numbers of fines were issued last year also have some of the most disadvantaged postcodes in the state.”

Frankston saw a total of 16,714 fines issued in the same time frame, with 11,817 moving forward to enforcement orders.

In response, Eastlink is calling for drivers to plan ahead and act quickly if they receive an invoice.

Doug Spencer-Roy, Eastlink’s corporate affairs and marketing manager said that the company “wants to help, we don’t want people to be in difficulty.”

“We don’t want people to be receiving fines, we want people to ideally have an account with us with a positive balance if you’re using tollways,” Mr Spencer-Roy said. He also added that there are alternatives to using the Eastlink, such as Stud Road and Springvale Road, but for those who are using the tollways, they have a thorough process of reminders and assistance options if people are having difficulty with payments.

“So we do a lot of reaching out before we do pass on that information, and the fines these days are a maximum of one fine per seven days.

“If they don’t purchase the trip pass we do send a toll invoice and if that’s not paid, we post an overdue notice.

“If that’s also not paid we send text messages or email reminders to the registered owner of the vehicle, before we pass any information about unpaid trips to Victoria Police or Fines Victoria,” Spencer-Roy said.

For Ms Galloway and the PCLC, there is a particular concern with the fine system being a common entry point into the criminal justice system.

“These are vulnerable people who are not trying to avoid their fines, but who simply don’t have the means to pay.

“This means our fines team is seeing an increase in the number of people who are already struggling to put food on the table and pay their rent and who simply don’t have sufficient funds to pay their fines, even though they want to do the right thing,” Ms Galloway said.

She also added that the State Government needs to take more action in helping individ-

uals pay off fines in other ways, “rather than crippling them with life-long debt and the threat of criminal sanctions.”

Leading up to July 2023, more than twothirds of the PCLC’s clients were experiencing financial disadvantage, with the average fine debt sitting at $13,000, with some even at $70,000.

In response to the 40 per cent figure mentioned earlier, Mr Spencer-Roy said that while the initial sum of the toll invoice is relatively small, it’s when it escalates to a fine that things get difficult.

“If you receive a toll invoice from Eastlink or another tollway, you have to act on it, not let it slip, not ignore it, not let the toll invoices pile up because that will result in potentially a lot of fines with a very large financial cost.

“We have a hardship policy that people can contact us about, for example, to arrange a payment plan or a payment deferral.

“And for people who are experiencing genuine hardship there are other opportunities as well including now, with us having the ability to have fines withdrawn from Fines Victoria,” Spencer-Roy said.

A current Fines Victoria scheme, called the Work and Development Permit Scheme has been in operation since 2017, which the PCLC has been supporting since 2019.

While it aims to help vulnerable people resolve their fines and allows them to work off fine debt through financial counselling, educational and vocational courses and other programs, Ms Galloway said that the scheme “is at risk of stalling.”

“In the 2021/2022 financial year in NSW, there were 29,508 WDPs issued to work off fines to the value of $44,200,000, while in the same period in Victoria, only 1504 WDPs were completed to work off $3,504,758 worth of debt.

“The fines enforcement system is ineffective and disproportionately burdensome for vulnerable members of the community who find it impossible to pay their fines,” Ms Galloway said.

Jackie Galloway, the Peninsula Community Legal Centre CEO.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Matthew Kirwan in Fotheringham Reserve - a natural area that he’s promoted as a sustainability champion. 388173 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Independent ‘confident’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Yarraman Ward councillor candidate Rahima Rizai has loved politics even as a child.

Her first political inspiration was the late PakistanPrimeMinisterBenazirBhutto,whose example she still recounts to her children.

And more recently another female national leader, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard –a “strong woman” and “role model”.

Rizai is now stepping into the political realm as an independent candidate in the Greater Dandenong Council by-election.

She is critical of the amount of politicalparty candidates running in Yarraman, including five ALP, a Liberal, Green and Socialist among the field of 13.

“It looks like a game, to be honest. People need someone who is not involved in political groups and parties.They want an independent voice who will be advocating for them.

“People need a person, just a normal person of the community, on the council.

“I would be strongly advocating for the community. I would be interested in their voices.”

Drawing the coveted top position on the ballot, Rizai is confident that she can secure an unexpected victory.

“I’m confident because the community knows me and I have a great connection with the community.

“People want someone who can say and do things – not just say things and not see any action.”

If elected, Rizai would be pushing for better,

safer local roads, which “weren’t looking great at the moment”.

“I’ve been living in the area for 13 years and I haven’t seen any change in them.”

Parking and traffic congestion was also an issue in narrow residential streets. Jones Road was one that was difficult to cross during school peak times.

“There’s a lot of other streets where there are a lot of units built. People are parking in the street even though they already have an (offstreet) car space.

“It makes it difficult to drive down the road.”

Since arriving in the area in 2010, Rizai – a mother of four young kids and with initially little English – has graduated with a community services diploma and applied herself to countless activities.

Now speaking six languages, she is a voice and helper for many new arrivals at the Dandenong West Primary School’s Community Hub.

Rizai also volunteers on the committee of Australian Hazara Women’s Friendship Network, autistic children’s service Noah’s Ark, Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, disability serviceWallara and South East Community Links on housing and family violence projects.

“I’m really proud I’m able to work and pay back to the community.

“I came here as a migrant and I gained a lot of experience. I was really, really happy to realise my goals and take my opportunities.

“From the bottom of my heart I feel I have to give back to the community.”

Hotspots for car thefts

Dandenong, Cardinia and Casey were among the most targeted areas for stolen vehicles according to Victoria Police data.

The data, from Operation Trinity which investigated vehicles and motorbikes stolen during an aggravated burglary in 2023, showed there was 321 vehicles stolen from Cardinia, Casey and Dandenong (making up 22.6 per cent in total for the operation) just behind Boroondara, Manningham, Monash, and Whitehorse at 438 (30.8 per cent).

Surrounding areas such as Knox, Maroondah, and Yarra Ranges saw 78 stolen vehicles (5.5 per cent) while Frankston and Mornington Peninsula had 113 (8 per cent).

While 13 (1 per cent) were stolen from Latrobe, Bass Coast and Baw Baw areas.

However, Cardinia, Casey and Dandenong had the highest number of recovered vehicles at 581 (43.5 per cent).

This was followed by Boroondara, Manningham, Monash, and Whitehorse 159 (11.9 per cent) and Frankston and Mornington Peninsula - 135 (10.1 per cent).

The top vehicles that criminals targeted included:

· BMW - 184 stolen/175 recovered/9 outstanding

· Mercedes Benz - 180 stolen/169 recovered/11 outstanding

· Volkswagen -146 stolen/137 recovered/9 outstanding

· Toyota - 141 stolen/133 recovered/8 outstanding

· Audi - 113 stolen/107 recovered/6 outstanding

· Mazda - 85 stolen/84 recovered /1 outstanding

· Hyundai - 57 stolen/54 recovered/3 outstanding

In total, 1420 cars and motorbikes were stolen during an aggravated burglary in 2023 across the Trinity areas of operation such as Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia and Knox, Maroondah, and Yarra Ranges.

Almost 1337 were recovered (94.2 per cent) with 83 remaining outstanding (5.8 per cent).

Ballot packs in the mail

Ballot packs for the Yarraman Ward byelection have been posted out to voters in Dandenong West and parts of Noble Park.

Voters will decide who of 13 candidates will fill the councillor vacancy on Greater Dandenong Council.

The ballot packs include candidates’ photos, questionnaires, statements and a voting form.

The candidates, in ballot paper order, are:

· RIZAI, Rahima

· LIM, Robert

· HAYDAR BIG, Zahra

· ABEYSINGHE, Susantha

· AFRA, Sam

· YIM, Melinda

· BROWN, Peter

· BRYANT, Alexandra

· GOV, Tevyn

· SHUKRI, Ahmed

· DANH, Phillip

· BILLINGS, Will

· YIM, Thay-Horn

The ALP-affiliated candidates are believed to number at least five including Phillip Danh, Zahra Haydar Big, Thay-Horn Yim, Sam Affra and Alexandra Bryant. Ahmed Shukri and Greater Dandenong ex-mayor Peter Brown, who were formerly ALP members, are running as independents.

Several ran in the 2020 council elections, including Will Billings and Labor candidates Yim, Shukri, Afra and Danh.

Returned ballots must be in the mail or delivered to the VEC office at 237 Lonsdale Street Dandenong by Friday 8 March, 6pm.

“This election is postal, so it’s important to complete and return your ballot material as soon as possible to make sure your vote counts,” VEC election manager Jenni Colgan said.

Voters who haven’t received a ballot pack by 28 February should call for a replacement on 9678 1488.

Rahima Rizai, who has drawn top of the Yarraman Ward ballot, nominates local roads and parking as key issues. 390619

Picture: GARY SISSONS

IF YOU’VE HAD YOUR OR STOLEN, BUT DON’T HAVE THE TO VISIT YOUR LOCAL STATION...

Nurturing students dreams

We are delighted to offer the Dandenong community an opportunity to see our school in action at our annual Discovery Night.

Our learning spaces will be open for the public, including our new state of the art Design Centre and Food Technology facilities.

Our new Design Centre is an innovative learning space where students will be immersed in STEM learning, exploring the engineering process and the power of technology, both existing and emerging.

The Food Technology Wing and Cafeteria, in addition to other specialist spaces such as the Melaleuca Performing Arts and Sporting complex, the Senior Science Wing and the Senior Visual Arts and Media space have been designed to empower students through discovery and inquiry in a deeply immersive learning environment.

The Discovery Night will begin with a short presentation in the STEM Centre. Entry via the main site on Princes Highway.

Following the presentation, visitors have the option of touring through spaces to see learning in action.

If parents would prefer a tour at a more suitable time, please book a school or principal tour via the front office on 9792 0561.

We look forward to meeting you and showing you firsthand how your child can achieve their potential at Dandenong High School.

Dandenong High School is delighted to offer the Dandenong community an opportunity to see their school in action at their annual Discovery Night.

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION

Always keep learning

Here at Lyndale Secondary, we are committed to guiding and nurturing young minds, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. A past student from Lyndale Secondary, Vastal Vyas, recently paid a visit to the school to speak about his success, and encourage current students to always believe in themselves.

Vatsal began at Lyndale SC as a Year 7 student in 2016 and graduated after completion of his VCE in 2021, and was a School Captain in his final year at Lyndale. After Lyndale, he took up a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Melbourne, and currently is in his final year completing a major in Economics and Finance. During his degree, he has shown a keen interest in International Relation, Public Policy, Developmental Economics and Trade –leading him to be chosen for a United Nations Study Tour to Geneva, Switzerland in 2023. He is currently serving as a Project & Policy Officer in the Federal government’s infrastructure department in Canberra.

A message from Vatsal:

“The world is at your feet – ready for your exploration and achievements. Be bold, brave, and always keep learning. Learning about things that interest you. Cultivate your curiosities, ask lots of questions, and build networks – people love sharing their stories.

Best of luck and believe in yourself.”

The Investiture assembly, marking the commencement of another exciting school year, saw the presentation of the new 2024 college captains Larissa Cheysoth, Charavi Gowda, Nathaniel Hetharia,and Milica Popovic (pictured with Vatsal and 2023 Dux, Ciya). We wish them the best for 2024 and know they will serve the Lyndale community as honourable young leaders.

As a school, we are committed to provid-

ing you with the best possible education and equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life. We believe that ev-

ery student has the potential to achieve great things, and we are here to support you, every step of the way.

We encourage you to come along to our open night on Wednesday the 13th of March and see what our school is all about.

Ciya Joseph (Dux 2023), 2023 College Captains Larissa Cheysoth, Charavi Gowda, Milica Popovic, Nathaniel Hetharia, 2021 Graduate Vatsal Vyas.

$50k raised on the greens

Corporate golfers raised about $50,000 as part of the annual Take A Swing for Charity event on 20 February.

More than 90 golfers from 23 businesses strode the iconic Kingston Heath fairways and greens, pitching in for this year’s charity partner Cornerstone.

The funds will help build a multi-purpose for storing food items and emergency relief at the Dandenong-based centre.

It would help double the centre’s hours of operation and support up to 300 extra people a week.

Cornerstone is also hoping to build a dropin space at its community garden.

The centre provides sit-down meals, food parcels, a mobile laundry and shower as well as a community health nurse for the homeless.

In its 15th year, Take a Swing has raised $700,000 for 17 local charities, helping thousands experiencing food insecurity, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence and health issues.

Funds have also supported programs to remove barriers to employment and to assist people with disabilities.

Sandra George has organised the joint City of Greater Dandenong-industry event from its inception.

She said the golfers shared a “special feeling” of “collective happiness” while giving for charity.

Ms George was particularly thankful for the dedicated volunteers as well as businesses including Gold sponsor KPJ Group, Silver sponsors Grenda Group and Erntec and Bronze sponsors McPherson Kelley, Telstra Business Teconology Centre Dandenong and Booran Motors.

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

28 February 1924

New Hall for Noble Park

A public meeting was held in the public hall at Noble Park last week for the purpose of electing a building committee to work out a scheme to finance the building of a new hall and the following ladies and gentlemen were elected:

Chairman Mr Simpson, Secretary Mr Isaac, assistant secretary Mr Farnham, Misses Kelsey and Johnson, Mrs A W Smith, Mrs O’Brien, Meers Isaac, Simpson, O’Brien, Kirkpatrick, Farnham, Manders and Page were all elected onto the ladies working committee. There was good, representative meeting and a sum of £27 was promised towards the fund.

50 years ago

27 February 1974

It’s official - $2m scheme for Greaves After 15 months of planning, negotiations

and deputations, details have been finalised for a massive $2m re-development of Greaves Reserve Dandenong. The project will be spread over 15 years in three stages, the first of which will begin next year. Facilities to be made available will include a major

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

football oval with a large grandstand with a smaller oval for juniors, two bowling greens, six tennis courts, two soccer grounds, a hockey pitch, a 400-metre track for junior athletics and two children’s playgrounds. It is possible a par-three nine-hole golf course could replace the junior athletics track with that sport being accommodated at the Lois Twohig Reserve.

20 years ago

23 February 2004

Mayoral vote a payback: Kelly

Greater Dandenong Mayor Kevin Walsh declared his backing for rookie councillor Clare O’Neil as the city’s next mayor. Cr Walsh said Liberal councillor John Kelly, who many believed has well and truly earned his first shot at the mayoralty after a decade on the council, was “not the best person for the job at this stage.” Cr Kelly commented: “I don’t expect to get the mayor’s job, and this is just a case of Walsh paying back those who supported him during his computer ... scandal.”

5 years ago

25 February 2019

Apartment tower for Herbert Street

A towering apartment building has been given the green light among predominantly onestorey homes in Dandenong. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal approved the 13.1 metre, four-storey building on the corner of Market and Herbert streets Dandenong. The site lies just outside the Central Dandenong activity centre, but within the Residential Growth Zone schedule 2 which allows building of up to four storeys. Tribunal member Phillip Martin, on 20 February, noted the council objections to the 10 dwelling proposal with a Penthouse style top storey. It was an excessively bulky overdevelopment, not in keeping with the neighbourhood character, the council had argued. The proposal included 22 car park spaces within the ground level of the building. Eight of them were on car stackers. “I see this arrangement as more unusual, but not a reason to refuse the proposal,” Mr Martin said.

A plaque that tells the history behind Noble Park’s public hall. 200552

Robert La Torre (Campeyn Group) at the Take a Swing for Charity golf day at Kingston Health. 388193 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Long serving volunteers Peter Bates and Noel Jeffery with Greater Dandenong mayor Lana Formoso. 388193

Major sponsors of the day Grant Guenther, Quintin Prince, Rick Stephenson, David Willersdorf, Nirad Shah and Gareth Wyatt. 388193

Cornerstone chief executive Naomi Paterson. 388193 Take A Swing organiser Sandra George. 388193

Robert La Torre on the Kingston Heath greens. 388193

Biggest crowd yet

A record crowd of 36,000 marked Lunar New Year with sun-drenched entertainment at Dandenong Market on Sunday 18 February.

The market banged with traditional lion and dragon dancers, as well as VietnameseAustralian artist Minhy’s electro-pop-R&B hits.

A Taiwanese magician wowed market goers with an array of tricks and contact juggling feats. Food trucks and stalls were meanwhile cooking up popular treats such as dumplings, rice cakes with honey, Arroz caldo soup, braised pork belly and chicken dim sims. Minhy brought the electro-pop-R&B hits.

‘Cash grab’ leaves SEMMA seething at government

From page 1

“This is a dreadful assault on the most valuable people we have, the people who use their ingenuity to create wealth.

“Why would you begin a manufacturing business in this state?”

Opposition treasury spokesperson Brad Rowswell said the “excessive” land tax rises were “crushing Victorian families and businesses”.

“The Government has run out of money and we’re all paying the price.

“Victorians deserve immediate tax relief which would take some off the pressure of families and provide businesses with the breathing room to scale up operations and help grow our economy.

“The Liberals and Nationals will rein in cost blowouts on Labor’s major projects and have committed to a wholesale review ofVic-

Under new management

The City of Casey’s leisure centres will be under new management, with Aligned Leisure set to take the reigns from 1 July.

Aligned Leisure will be managing Casey ARC, Casey RACE, Doveton Pool in the Park, Casey Stadium, Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre, Olive Road Sporting Complex and The Shed Skatepark, with the city’s leisure facilities having a combined annual visitation of over three and a half million people,

James Collins, Casey’s acting chief executive officer said that Aligned Leisure is a highly capable, community-focused organisation that has a proven record in facility management and community activation.

“We are very pleased to partner with Aligned Leisure, which is a leader in the aquatics and leisure industry and currently operates 41 facilities across Victoria and New South Wales,” Mr Collins said.

Aligned Leisure is currently partnered with several other councils and cities, such as Cardinia, Mildura and Manningham to name a few.

“Our leisure facilities are highly valued by the community and play a vital role in improving the overall physical, social and mental wellbeing of our residents and visitors,” Mr Collins said.

The Council is confident that Aligned Leisure will be able to deliver innovative, inclusive and high-quality programs within the facilities and also out to the community, enhancing member experience.

“Thousands of people visit Council’s leisure

facilities every day and increasingly, our venues are also being chosen to host national and international events.

“Having a number of different management contracts, with a number of different providers, is not efficient for Council and means the experience for users of those facilities is not always consistent,” Mr Collins said.

He also ensured that the Council’s priority as of now is to work with the current facility managers and Aligned Leisure to guarantee a smooth transition for members, visitors, existing staff and stakeholders.

All current members will be contacted in the coming weeks with specific details on the transition and the next steps to take.

For more information visit the City of Casey’s website at www.casey.vic.gov.au

toria’s tax system.”

A State Government spokesperson said it was engaging with SEMMA to discuss its concerns and how to support manufacturing in South East Melbourne.

“We’re continuing to invest in Victoria’s manufacturing industry to help local businesses innovate and expand as they are key to growing our economy and supporting local jobs.”

The spokesperson said the changes to land tax rates and thresholds were “temporary”.

“Land tax assessments also move with land values.

“Victoria’s land tax scale remains progressive and ensures that smaller property investors pay proportionally less than those with larger landholdings.”

Interns check in

Monash Health has welcomed 125 junior doctors taking up medical internships starting in January, which recorded the largestever cohort of medical interns.

Interns will be placed at Monash Medical Centre, Dandenong, and Casey hospitals across an array of units, including General Medicine, Mental Health, Paediatric EmergencyMedicine,Urology,andPalliativeCare.

They will be put through their paces in emergency departments, and surgical and medical wards, in the next stage of their training to become registered medical practitioners. Over five terms, they will rotate through a variety of units, spending 10 to 13 weeks in each. Deakin University graduate and new Monash Health intern Hinal Patel was inspired to take up a career in medicine by her uncle, who worked in healthcare in poorer communities in India.

“I saw the impact he made on patients –they were very comfortable with him,” she said. Hinal will start her internship in General Surgery at Monash Medical Centre and is looking forward to all the rotations that will follow.

“I’m most looking forward to the entirety of the year – the process of growing my knowledge over that time. They say it grows exponentially,” she said.

Another 2024 intern, Wing Kei Peony Chan will start her internship in the Mental Health Unit at Monash Children’s Hospital.

After completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy

and then a Doctor of Medicine at Monash University, Monash Health was first on her list for an internship.

“I chose Monash Health because they have a paediatric emergency rotation, which [is] super appealing to me,” she said. Peony set her sights on a career in medicine after her grandpa’s death.

“I was very touched by how he was treated, and understanding the desperation of being a family member, I wanted to be there for others who might go through the same thing.” Monash Health’s commitment to reserving positions for international students was also an attractive feature to Peony, who came from Hong Kong to Australia to study.

“My plan for the moment is to continue my career in Australia and see where that takes me,” she said. Acting chief executive of Monash Health Martin Keogh said the experience would provide opportunities to integrate into different medical settings and provide a solid foundation at the start of their careers. “Working at Monash Health is a calling for many of our people – an opportunity to provide safe, high-quality care and make a real difference,” he said.

Medical education officer and intern lead Karen Yates said it would be a challenging, but rewarding year for the interns.

“They are fully supported by Monash Doctors Workforce and Monash Doctors Education to ensure they reach their full potential,” she said.

Casey RACE will be one of the facilities to be managed by Aligned Leisure. 53552

Kabul escapee’s new start

As an archivist and technical officer with the Afghan Government, Eshaq Yaqubi worked in a prestigious job just metres away from the office of the last elected president of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.

But it was that proximity to the centre of power that put a target on his back when the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021.

After a two year ordeal which saw MrYaqubi and his family hide in basements, sneak across the Pakistan border and languish in overcrowded refugee camps, they have resettled in Dandenong North where they are rebuilding their lives. Mr Yaqubi said he felt fleeing Afghanistan was his family’s only option after the Taliban dramatically seized control of the country.

“I had experience working with US forces and companies and I had worked in the President’s office for some years, so it was clear that we had to leave or we would have become targets of the Taliban,” he said.

The entire family, wife Masoma, two young daughters Mahla and Mahdia, and his mother Khadija Adeli , spent two months in hiding in Kabul waiting for visas and flight details from the embassy of the UAE.

“But with the Taliban in control of the airport, there were not flights we could get on,” Mr Yaqubi said forcing them into hiding.

“We found a cellar underneath a building in Kabul where we lived quietly.

“Eventually we went to Pakistan overland where we were able to get visas and flights to Abu Dhabi.”

The trip to Pakistan was difficult with secu-

WHAT’S ON

Cultural Sketch

During the evening, the audience is encouraged to sketch and draw our presenter, their favourite objects or responses to their story. This month’s presenter is Oz Malik a performer and arts advocate from the South East. For people aged 18+. Materials will be provided. Refreshments and alcohol served.

· Tuesday 5 March, 6pm-8pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free event. Registrations required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/ cultural-sketch

Dinner with a View

The next dinner meeting of the Dandenong Evening VIEW Club will celebrate its 38th anniversary. Guest speaker will be Greater Dandenong mayor Lana Formoso. Dandenong Evening VIEW Club supports the Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program. New members and guests are very welcome. Bookings essential.

· Tuesday, 5 March, 7pm at Dandenong RSL, Clow Street, Dandenong. Details: Brigitte, 0491 626 527.

Come and Try Basketball

In partnership with Dandenong Basketball Association, Council will be running free basketball sessions every Wednesday in March. There is something for everyone at these programs, whether you’re looking to learn new skills, make new friends or just get active. 4.30pm-5.15pm Aussie Hoops for ages 5-10; 5.15pm-6pm Skills session for ages 11-18; 6pm-7pm Pick-up game for all ages

· Wednesday 6 March, 4.30pm-7pm at the George Street multi-use courts, Dandenong. Free event. Registrations required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/come-and-try-basketballprogram

International Women’s Day breakfast

Join Killester College for a special International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Springvale Town Hall. This event is co-hosted by Killester College and the City of Greater Dandenong. Free event but donations welcome towards the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project. This year’s UN theme is Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.

· Friday 8 March, 7am-8.30am (arrive 6.45am) at Springvale Town Hall, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Registrations essential. Details: Killester College, 9547 5000 or stran@killester.vic.edu.au

Writing Group

Awaken your inner writer and spark your imagination in this encouraging and fun workshop. We will share creative writing prompts, stories

Picture: SUPPLIED

rity checks and chaos at the border crossing but the family were able to pay some people to get the family across.

Mr Yaqubi had worked in the Presidential Palace in the archive section, close to the office of President Ashraf Ghani. He remembers vividly the day the city and palace fell to the Taliban.

“When the Taliban came to Kabul, I was in my office and left around 12pm around the same time I was told the President left the country, and so I headed home.

“An hour or so later the Taliban came and took control of the palace. I left the office with some of my colleagues but there was confusion on the street.

“I was very worried. There were people moving around in the public places but no one really knew what to do or where to go.

“Most of the government military forces had

left their posts and run away and the Taliban had surrounded Kabul.

“On my way home, my sister, mother and wife called me asking where I was but I couldn’t find a taxi or a car to get home.

“After about two or three hours I got home and was told the Taliban had taken control of the ARG Palace.

“Everyone was very worried about the situation. We all knew what the Taliban had done the last time they were in power – they killed a lot of people.

“In Kabul, in particular, there were so many government, foreign NGO and military employees who were at risk.”

When he arrived home, Mr Yaqubi realised the Presidential Security Force had all of the staff personal information stored in the palace –including his ID documents, address and other personal details.

“So, the day after the fall of Kabul, the 16th, we changed addresses,” he said.

“Some of our neighbours who lived in our street were arrested. We don’t know what happened to them.

“After we left Afghanistan and reached Abu Dhabi we were told about a family we knew at the last place we had lived in Kabul.

“They had three sons. One of them was a university student who just disappeared one day. Three weeks later the family found him dead. He had been burned and his body dismembered.

“The family asked the Taliban who had done this, they didn’t respond. It was terrible, the son

and ideas. New writers welcome.

· Thursday 14 March, 10am–12 noon at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. Gold Coin donation is welcome. Details: 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

A Tra$hy Dreamland

Join artist Moon Girle as she unveils her playful installation as part of A Tra$hy Dreamland exhibition. Featuring refreshments, interactive art and fun. Exhibition on display until Saturday 8 June.

· Tuesday 19 March, 6pm-8pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong.

Neighbourhood Watch public forum

Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch safety information session with Detective Sergeant John Curnow (38 years in Victoria Police, worked in Armed Robbery Squad, Dandenong CIU, Southern Metro Crime Squad) and Dectective Sergeant Katie Johnston (16 years in Victoria Police, including Springvale police and South Metro Region Metro Squad). Light supper provided.

· Wednesday 27 March, 7pm for 7.30pm start at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. (Ample parking rear of centre off Frank Street).

Senior activities

Keysborough & District Multicultural Senior Citizens Inc is an over 55s club with bingo on first, second and fourth Tuesday of the month ($3 entry and $1.50 per bingo book),live concerts with professional entertainers on third Tuesday of the month, line dancing on Wednesdays ($3 entry), Thursday ballroom dancing lessons (12.30pm1pm) and ballroom dancing (1pm-3pm, $3 entry). Concert entertainers include Alex Matthews (20 February) and Col Perkins (3 March).

Noble Park Community Fun Day

Enjoy a day of free entertainment for the whole family, with live music and cultural performances, various workshops, sports, and art activities. Funded through the Noble Park Revitalisation Project.

· Saturday 2 March, 11am3pm at Noble Park Skate Park, Memorial Drive, Noble Park.

· 1pm-3pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Rowley Allan Reserve 352 Cheltenham Road Keysborough. Tea and coffee provided. Membership for remainder of F/Y 23/24 is $5. Details: Julie, 0428 561 694.

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 Line Dancing Thursday 15 February 10.30am11.30am (First & third Thursday of month).

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, 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

was just a student he wasn’t involved with anything political.”

Mr Yaqubi fears for his homeland like many other Afghan nationals and also for the family members left behind.

“There is no future for people in Afghanistan. Day by day, the Taliban repress people more harshly, especially women. They can’t work, play sport or participate in social activities,” he said.

“My father and three sisters are in danger because the Taliban are searching for them. One of my sisters was active in women’s sport.

“She was part of a group that were secretly playing sport and exercising but the Taliban found out and threatened them.”

As Mr Yaqubi starts from scratch in Dandenong for a brighter future for his family, he’s also applied for humanitarian visas for his family still in Afghanistan.

The family have been well supported since their arrival as Mr Yaqubi struggles to find employment.

“Since we came to Australia everything has been very good for us. We have been supported by AMES Australia.

“Everything was arranged for us and we are all happy and look forward to getting on with our lives in Australia.

“It’s difficult to find work in my field as archivist so I would like to find a job in construction, in which I also have experience.”

Anyone with an employment opportunity for Mr Yaqubi can contact AMES Australia on 0498 196 500.

McCrae Street, Dandenong. Free event.

Adult Exercise

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

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

Fun for retirees

New members from Dandenong North and Noble Park are sought by the Waverley Gardens

Combined Probus Club. In addition to other activities, club members also meet for coffee & listen to a guest speaker.

· last Tuesday of the month 9.45am-noon at Southern Community Centre, 27 Rupert Dr, Mulgrave (near Police Rd). Details: Don, 9560 6046.

Meditation and positive thinking

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.

Weekly badminton

Adults welcome (Mondays 7pm-9pm) and ladies and retired (Wednesdays 12pm-2.30pm).

· Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.

Yoga Classes

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

Mindfulness meditation

Held weekly for people to learn the basic skills of concentration. Meditation may benefit people with spiritual and mental health support.

· Thursdays, 2.30pm-3pm at Dandenong Hospital’s Sacred Space, 135 David Street, Dandenong. Free, no bookings required. Details: Chuentat Kang, 0405 421 706 or chuentat@ hotmail.com

Eshaq Yaqubi with his mother, wife Masooma and two children Mahla and Mahdia.

Tributes for orchard legend

One of the region’s great horticulturalists William ‘Bill’ Montague OAM has died at the age of 97.

The founder of Montague Orchards – who started his company at age 22 - passed away at home on 6 February.

His family described him on social media as having an “unwavering passion for quality fruit production”, planting his first orchard in Narre Warren North.

He acquired orchards and built cold-storage facilities, steering a thriving business that’s spanned three generations of family.

Among his innovations was being the first to introduce controlled atmosphere storage in Australia in 1967 as well as the first to wax supplied fruit in 1977.

The business has also famously created many new varieties of apple.

When he started out, Montague supplied fruit to hospitals across Melbourne. He was also a member of Dandenong Hospital Board for 10 years .

He was also an honorary member of Rotary Club of Dandenong, as well as a patron and supporter of the arts and charities.

In 2007, Montague was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his services to the fruit industry.

He was also inducted in the Australian Fresh Fruit Company Hall of Fame and named a Friend of the International Dwarf Treefruit Association of America.

Montague was described by his family as a keen Collingwood fan and “self-proclaimed best fisherman of the Bay”.

Ray, Tim, Hamish and Scott Montague continue to run the enduring family business.

Bill Montague OAM, pictured in 2006, was known as a legend in the fruit industry. 390487 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERSBill Montague at his Narre Warren North orchard’s packing facility in 2006. 390487

Bill Montague was centre stage at the opening of a new environmentally friendly packing facility at Montague Orchards in 2021.

Sunday 3rd March

• Sausage Sizzle

Contact: 0419 158 946

Facilities Officer

Gleneagles Secondary College is currently seeking a highly skilled Facilities Officer. We offer a fantastic working environment, outstanding conditions, with flexible working options, underpinned by variety and autonomy.

This is a full-time ongoing position, working 7:30am to 3:30pm.

Key Responsibilities:

•Maintenance of the building, gardens, and grounds of the College

•Undertake appropriate renovation work as identified in collaboration with the college Principal.

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

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

• Attend maintenance team meetings. Trade qualifications or experience highly desirable, conditions negotiable.

For more information, including remuneration, contact the college Principal, Chad Ambrose 9708 1319 or gleneagles.sc@education.vic.gov.au

SPORT

Four fight for flag as DCCA hits finals

By Marcus Uhe

Buckley Ridges and Springvale South will do battle in the first week of Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 1 finals for a second consecutive year following the completion of the home and away season on Saturday.

Buckley Ridges secured second place on the table and thus the double chance thanks to a five-wicket win over Narre South at home.

Lions captain Kyle Hardy’s hundred was a lone a hand with the bat as the visitors failed to bat-out their 45 overs, dismissed for 215 in the 42nd over.

Hardy’s 107, his second hundred of the season, included eight sixes and seven fours, with one six into the Pultney Street trees ensuring he reached the coveted milestone, but his nearest contemporary with the bat was Jeevan Mendis, who could only manage 41.

Hardy’s departure triggered a loss of 5/14 to close the innings.

Ishan Jayarathna continued his brilliant form to close the season, taking 4-52 to lead the Buckley bowling attack.

Buckley Ridges took its time with the run chase but the result was never really in doubt, reaching the target in the 42nd over.

Callan Tout’s excellent season for Narre South continued, the pick of its bowlers with 2/35, Hardy adding 2/37 to go with his century.

Narre South fell to fourth as a result of the loss, but will return to finals action after missing out the year before.

Springvale South’s 106-run victory over Berwick knocked the Bears out of the four, a spot they had occupied for much of the season.

Jordan Wyatt smashed 77 off just 46 deliveries as the Bloods hit 6/284, before bowling Berwick out for 178.

Wyatt clinched the mantle as competition’s leading run-scorer with his big-hitting innings but his departure loosened the foundations of an excellent start to the innings.

At 5/151 in the 28th over, a third loss in a row appeared on the horizon for Springvale South, and Berwick’s chances of clinching a finals spot looked to be revived.

Jordan Mackenzie and Blade Baxter were forced to work singles and twos, with pace off the ball making run-scoring tough.

Mackenzie then suffered a quad injury late in the 34th over on 17, and needed Wyatt to run between the wickets for him.

Wyatt’s energy between the wickets was electric and was matched by Baxter at the other end, the two putting pressure on the field by picking the gaps in the expansive outfield.

Mackenzie, meanwhile, was forced to take a more aggressive approach, freeing the arms and targeting boundaries as he battled through pain.

Baxter matched his aggression the longer he stayed at the crease as the back-to-back

premiers stole back the momentum the longer the innings continued.

Mackenzie fell for 57, caught on the fine-leg boundary, while Baxter finished unbeaten on 64 off just 50 balls, at a ground he’d hold special memories of after winning the Fleming Medal in last season’s grand final.

Berwick got a typical fast start out of Jarryd Wills but his stay was short lived, lasting just 14 deliveries before falling to Yoshan Kumara for 25.

Matthew Hague and Jake Hancock failed to make significant contributions and when the promoted Toby Wills fell for eight, the score read 4/70.

Jordan Cleland mounted a one-man fightback with 61 to give his side a sniff at an unlikely victory, but Springvale South looked back to its best.

Kumara’s exceptional new-ball spell netted 2/24 while Jarryd Straker bounced back from his first wicketless performance last week to claim 4/20 from his 10.4 overs in a brilliant stint of bowling.

Hallam Kalora Park is the other team in the finals equation, finishing third, and will host Narre South in an elimination final this weekend.

The Hawks claimed their fourth consecutive win, this time over St Mary’s by 72 runs at home.

New opening pair Matthew Cox and Leigh Booth put on 175 for the first wicket, with Cox scoring at just under a run-per-ball for his 84. Hisinningscametoaclosewhenhechipped a return catch back to Susantha Pradeep, and Booth departed shortly after for 74, but the two

had given the Hawks the perfect platform.

Mahela Udawatte and Jordan Hammond both fell in pursuit of quick runs as the Hawks posted 4/270.

The Saints reached 7/198 in their 45 overs in reply, the innings held together by Pradeep’s unbeaten 106.

Batting at 4, Pradeep added 67 with Wendyl Pires but lacked for other contributors.

William Whyte took 2/41 as the standout Hawks bowler.

The loss consigns St Mary’s to Turf 2, having finished last on the Turf 1 table.

Elsewhere, in a contest with no bearing on the top four, North Dandenong snapped a fivegame losing streak with a six-wicket win over Beaconsfield.

Jawid Khan was the star for the Maroons, hitting an unbeaten 100 in the chase of 194.

North Dandenong held the Tigers to 7/193 batting first thanks to an excellent bowling performance.

Riley Clark hit 63 at the top of the order to top score for the home side but no other batter passed 50.

Left-arm quick Randeep Sahota took 2/27 as the pick of the North Dandenong bowling attack.

Khan’s hundred was his second of the season against Beaconsfield and his third of the campaign, the only batter to reach triple figures three times in Turf 1.

The Maroons reached the target in the 33rd over for the loss of just four wickets.

Yohan Arumadura took 3/37 for Beaconsfield.

Wyatt takes home maiden Wookey Medal

By Marcus Uhe

Springvale South batter Jordan Wyatt has claimed the Alan Wookey Medal as the best player in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 competition.

Wyatt made a late charge at the medal, reeling in North Dandenong all-rounder Jawid Khan and Berwick spinner Lachlan Brown with a brilliant final few weeks, to finish two votes clear of Khan in second, and six ahead of St Mary’s captain-coach Susantha Pradeep in third place on 24 votes.

Wyatt enjoyed another stellar season for Springvale South, his third since departing Victorian Premier Cricket side, Casey South Melbourne, topping the competition for runs with 617 at a staggering average of 77.

He hit two blistering centuries, against Berwick in round five and Buckley Ridges in

until Wyatt snatched the lead in round 13.

Khan received full votes for his third hundred of the season and 2/48 against Beaconsfield, butWyatt, too, pocketed maximum votes for his entertaining 77 that put his side in the ascendancy against Berwick in the final week.

He’s just the second Springvale South player to win the award, after Steven Spoljaric claimed his sixth as a blood back in 2018-19.

He was presented the medal by Alan Wookey himself, in an “unreal” experience.

“It’s a prestigious award, so to win it and be presented the award by him, is really really special,” he said.

King Kenny delivers for Dandy City

By Marcus Uhe

A brace to prized recruit Kenny Athiu helped Dandenong City claim the three points in a Croatian derby against St Albans on Sunday afternoon in the National Premier League (NPL).

Athui scored in the 16th and 80th minute in the contest as City prevailed 3-1, rocketing the newly promoted side to fourth on the table after three weeks of competition.

He opened the scoring with his head, towering over a Saints opponent to find the cross of Brady Quinn, scoring at the near post.

Quinn was pressed hard against the left touchline before manoeuvring past an opponent and whipping a cross with his right foot, perfectly onto the head of a rising Athiu.

City took a 1-0 lead into the break and before long doubled their advantage courtesy of Valli Cesnik.

A long throw into the area from James Alexander was left unattended, bouncing perfectly at volley height for the midfielder, who slammed the ball into the back of the net from close distance.

Cesnik then turned provider for Athiu’s second in the 80th minute, a delightful dink over the final line of defence landing perfectly on the former Melbourne Victory striker’s right foot, who steadied with a first touch and slid the ball past the outstretched goalkeeper’s right arm.

St Albans pegged back a consolation goal just minutes after Athiu’s third, the striker dispossessed close to his goal and the defence unable to stop Carter Ramsay, but the result was never in doubt for Nick Tolios’ men, proving themselves to be an early season surprise packet.

The same can’t be said for Dandenong Thunder, now winless after its first three contests as it adjusts to life under new manager Adam Piddick.

The Thunder dropped crucial points at home for the second time this season, in a 2-0 loss to Heidelberg United on Saturday night.

A 1-0 lead to United at the half time break was doubled in the dying stages of the contest through Eoin Ashton, who was only substituted on in the 87th minute of the contest.

Thunder was unable to penetrate the steely United defence, which had only conceded one goal in the opening two weeks.

It leaves the Thunder in the dreaded drop zone, yet to claim a point and already four goals behind on goal difference.

A monster clash against Oakleigh Cannons awaits City at home on Friday night, while Thunder head to Altona on Saturday evening to face the Magic.

round 12, and four half-centuries, finishing the home-and-away campaign with scores of 129, 75 and 77.

Khan led the count for the middle stages

“It’s a huge accolade and I’m extremely proud, but I honestly didn’t expect to win the medal.

“Then again, if you make enough runs, then you’re a chance.”

Kenny Athiu bagged a brace for Dandenong City in its win over St Albans on Sunday. 390441

2023/24 Alan Wookey Medal winner, Jordan Wyatt from Springvale South. 391251

Picture: MARCUS UHE

Ishan Jayarathna’s brilliant from continued for Buckley Ridges against Narre South with another four-wicket haul. 386712 Picture: ROB CAREW

Japanese twins in the mix

By Jonty Ralphsmith

One set of sisters appear on the Dandenong Stingrays girls list for the 2024 season, confirmed last week: Mizuki and Nalu Brothwell.

Of Japanese heritage, neither Mizuki nor Nalu knew what the Stingrays were until receiving an email from the program inviting them to take part in a Diversity All Stars game early last year.

That was forthcoming as a result of dialogue between Balnarring coach Danny O’Brien and Dandenong mentor Josh Moore

The pair regularly communicated, given Stingrays Matilda Argus, Gleeson Litchfield and Sophie O’Brien all played locally at Balnarring, the coach alerting Moore to a pair of footy newcomers with something about them.

Last year was their first playing the sport for a club, following a series of school matches in 2022.

Moore was immediately taken by them after watching them train, prompting the invite for the Diversity All-Stars game.

“My first impressions were that they were a good size, really athletic, and still had lots to learn about the fundamentals,” Moore said.

“We didn’t have any expectations, we just wanted to give them the opportunity to train at a higher level; they had only played six or seven games of footy in their life.

“In hindsight, bringing them in early was the best thing we could’ve done because if you fast forward eight months, it’s extraordinary how much they’ve developed.

“They’re starting to get an idea of fundamentals and positioning and leading patterns and that sort of footy side of things.

“Because they’re so dedicated at getting better, they’re reaping the rewards - it has been so exciting to watch.”

The match, played in Oakleigh on June 28, was a showcase of the best young talent involving footballers only with Indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Nalu also broke through for an under-16s futures game last year.

Both spent a year in Japan before starting school, with Mum, from the island nation.

“Mum’s family is in Japan; we haven’t been for a while but before Covid we could go about once every two years,” Nalu said.

“Mum talks Japanese to us sometimes at home and we eat quite a bit of Japanese food like rice and sushi.”

Nalu and Mizuki spoke of their nerves when training and playing at the higher level, but Moore believes their seamless inclusion into the Stingrays squad is a testament to the game’s capacity to bind people together.

“We’re really celebrating them internally and they’ve got the confidence because they’ve done the work and they’re earning trust and respect from their teammates and coaches,” Moore said.

“They’re not just fitting in - they’re also standing out and putting their hand up for some early games as bottom-agers.”

With a netball background, both quickly adapted to the physicality of the game and finished last season strongly to give themselves a strong launchpad for 2024.

Nalu, a forward, kicked seven goals against Somerville, which has given her confidence to play on instinct when on the footy field.

Mizuki, meanwhile, plays as an intercept and rebound defender and was the clear standout in Balnarring’s qualifying final win over eventual premier Mount Martha en-route to her side’s run to the grand final.

“After the game, when everyone was telling me I played well, it gives you confidence and you think about what you did in the game and what you can do in other games,” Mizuki said.

“I felt like everything came together that day.”

Despite turning 17 this year, Moore elected to play them in under-16s practice matches against St Kilda Academy and Eastern Ranges to give the inexperienced girls as much exposure and education as possible.

Both played starring roles in each game, taking the game on, moving the ball quickly and showcasing their sound fundamental skill set.

While emphasising that both girls are still raw, Moore is excited about the potential of both girls - highlighting the hard work both have put in throughout preseason.

“They’re like a blank canvas, they’re literally starting from scratch so we can mould them in a high performance environment,” Moore said.

“We can teach them some habits early in their footy careers which is benefitting them now and will assist them long term.”

Dandenong’s girls season kicks off against Oakleigh on Friday 12 April at 5pm, while the

boys start at Deakin University against Geelong Falcons on Saturday 23 March.

Full Dandenong Stingrays Under-18 lists: GIRLS

· Jemaya Bressan - Mount Martha

· Jemma Reynolds - Langwarrin

· Tahlia Sanger - Frankston Dolphins

· Taliah Black - Karingal

· Zoe Besanko - Frankston Dolphins

· Georgia Templeton - Mornington

· Makhaela Bluhm - Mount Martha

· Elli Symonds - Frankston Dolphins

· Jess Pacevski - Berwick

· Kayla Dalgleish - Officer

· Nikita Harris - Karingal

· Matilda Argus - Balnarring

· Evelyn Connolly - South Belgrave

· Charlotte Gilmore - Chelsea

· Kira Emery - Beaconsfield

· Sophie O’Brien - Balnarring

· Kheely Cornwall - Cranbourne

· Mizuki Brothwell - Balnarring

· Molly Reimers - Officer

· Indi Toledo-Glasman - Mount Martha

· McKenna O’Reilly - Officer

· Stella Rogers - Mount Martha

· Nalu Brothwell - Balnarring

· Jasmine Harris - Langwarrin Ruby Murdoch - Mount Eliza

· Bridget Koczek - Edi-Asp

· Claudia McHugh - CPL

· Claire Quigley - Frankston Dolphins

· Charlotte Hewiston - Edi-Asp

· Indi Sherritt - Beaconsfield

· Kiara Triep - Karingal

· Zahlia Clarke - East Ringwood

· Sienna Shelton - Mornington

· Frankie Shepard - Edi-Asp

· Lillian Snow - Mount Eliza

· Gleeson Litchfield - Balnarring

· Leni Hogan - Pearcedale

· Phoebe Pearce - Mount Martha

· Kate Terri - Mount Martha

· Josie Brent - Balnarring

BOYS

· Cooper Hynes - Bonbeach

· Harvey Langford - Mount Martha

· Harry Doughton - Mount Eliza

· Riley Purton - Lysterfield

· Riak Andrew - Berwick

· Patrick Bloink - Frankston YCW

· Charlie Rowe - Mount Eliza

· Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves - Mornington

· Duac Buay - Seaford

· Ben Hopkins - Langwarrin

· Sam Lewis - Red Hill

· Tahj De La Rue - Pakenham

· Kayleb Lovett - Beaconsfield

· Henry Hayes - Rye

· Kane Hurst - Berwick

· Hamish Terris - Frankston YCW

· Jacob Grant - Endeavour Hills

· Will White - South Mornington

· Zane Snowden - Langwarrin

· Jordan Doherty - Sorrento

· Noah Mraz - Narre North Foxes

· Jordan Waters - Beaconsfield

· Jack Lawrence - Berwick

· Thomas Sullivan - Edi-Asp

· Raiden Bergman - Berwick

· Lachlan Roe - Berwick

· Max Lee - Edi-Asp

· Archie Leclerc - CPL

· Jack Karthigesu - Frankston Dolphins

· Louis Hodder - Mount Eliza

· Justin Barnes - Rye

· Jackson Muscillo - Hastings

· Charlie Orchard - Langwarrin

· Nate Merchant - Mount Martha

· Coren Giliam - Fountain Gate

· Jasper Russell - Mount Eliza

· Jayde Varlet - Beaconsfield

· Elwood Peckett - Bonbeach

· Jackson Long - Mount Eliza

· Seth Cleary - Frankston Rovers

· Toby Sinnema - Narre North Foxes

· Tyson Anic - Langwarrin

· Oscar Lonie - Frankston Dolphins

· Zak Smith - Frankston Rovers

· Josh Granger - Bonbeach

· Thomas Hose - South Mornington

· Fraser Marino - Bonbeach

· Riley Hilliard - Beaconsfield

· Quinn Harvey - Frankston Rovers

· Tairon Ah-Mu - Berwick

Triyan De Silva and Sachith Jayasingha prove to be the best

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Gun Heinz Southern Districts all-rounder

Triyan De Silva took out the Charles Gartside Medal as the best Turf 2 player in the DDCA at the vote count held at the Dandenong Club on Sunday.

De Silva only claimed the outright lead for the first time in round 13, with his eight wickets against Lyndale in the penultimate round enough to edge out classy Cranbourne all-rounder Harsaroup Singh.

In his third year at the ‘Snake Pit’, the former Vic Premier cricketer was the standout bowler in the competition, taking 40 wickets at 13.

Among the quickest bowlers in the competition, De Silva’s opening spells set the tone for his team, with his ability to take early wickets and return later when the match was in the balance critical to the Cobras’ plight.

Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH

As well as his consistent bowling, De Silva finished in the top 10 run-scorers in the competition with 282 runs at 22 including half-centuries against Dandenong West and Keysborough.

Meanwhile, Doveton North’s Sachith Jayasingha was a surprise winner of the Ian McDonald Medal as the best player in the Turf 3 competition.

A final round century against Doveton saw him pip warm favourite Jackson Marie at the post by one vote.

The Berwick Springs left-handed batter didn’t have the lead many anticipated going into the final month of the season, which was when it was expected he would stop voting.

But despite a trio of single figure scores in that period, he added two votes to his tally against Hampton Park - a game he only scored four runs.

Ultimately, Jayasingha’s capacity to deliver with both bat and ball for his team proved decisive in the outcome.

The left-arm orthodox spinner finished with an equal-competition-high 45 wick-

ets at an average of 7.84, stifling opposition with his changes of pace and variation off the wicket during long spells.

The Hallam Kalora Park recruit, playing his first season down in Turf 3, also contributed 369 runs in the middle-order at an average of 36.9 as the star player of his side.

The Turf 2 and Turf 3 teams of the year were also announced.

TURF 2: Shaun Weir, Brent Patterson, Sahan Jayawardana, Cam Kelly, Harsaroup Singh, Anthony Brannan, Jakeb Thomas, Triyan De Silva, Mackenzie Gardner, Nuwan Kulasekara, Nick Jeffrey, Adam Reid.

TURF 3: Jackson Marie, Hasindu Waduge, Rob North, Chanaka ‘Ted’ Sampath, Jatinder Singh, Riley Hillman, Kalapu Gamage, Charith Sylvester, Sachith Jayasingha, Malan Madusanka, Gayan De Silva, Ethan Marinic.

Cobras all-rounder Triyan De Silva won the Charles Gartside Medal on Sunday. 391269

Nalu Brothwell has caught the eye with an excellent pre-season, alongside identical twin, Mizuki. 391270 Picture: BLACKBOOTPHOTOGRAPHY