Dandenong Star Journal - 5th March 2024

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By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Council is investigating a surge of attacks at off-leash dog parks including a disturbing assault on a small dog and its owner atWachter Reserve, Keysborough.

Keysborough Ward councillor Tim Dark told a 26 February council meeting that the owner was severely bitten as she tried to save her small dog from two mauling Staffordshire terriers.

The woman believed to be in her 80s was

later taken to hospital with wounds to her hands and stomach after the early-morning attack.

According to a regular visitor at the dogpark, the owner’s beloved pet required emergency, specialised surgery and faced an “uncertain road to recovery”.

The visitor believed the Staffies’ owner was a “recurring aggressor”.

“Despite numerous attacks, (he) continues to bring his dogs to the park, endangering the safety and well-being of other dogs

and their owners.”

Reported dog attacks in Greater Dandenong have surged 23 per cent in the 2023-’24 financial year.

In the past eight months, there have been 49 reported attacks – up from 40 in the same period in 2022-’23.

Cr Dark, who owns a puppy himself, says there had been “significant issues” at dog parks at Tatterson Park andWachter Reserve.

“This is concerning because it seems to be happening more and more often in dog parks

Healthy inflation a joy

Soap Bubbles were a huge attraction for Children, 391356

in our municipality.”

He called for education of dog owners on the potential risks at dog parks as well as ensuring dangerous dogs aren’t taken to the sites.

“Once dogs end up in an enclosed space, they get hyperactive due to other dogs there andtheriskseemstobebecomingsignificant.”

“Certainly there have been a number of attacks recently,” the council’s community strengthening executive director Peta Gillies said in her response to Cr Dark’s issue.

Continued page 6

Bus

deal exposed

PAGE 19

previews

Picture: ROB CAREW

Soapy bubbles were an alluring attraction for young and old at the annual Noble Park Community Fun Day last Saturday. Now in its third year, the day drew bumper crowds to its array of entertainment, foods and activities.

MORE, TURN TO PAGE 10

Council pays $50K for waste ‘seat’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Council will pay $50,000 to discover more about a South East councils consortium’s controversial advanced-waste project.

In a tight 6 votes to 4 decision, councillors shifted from undecided to being a ‘Class A’ participant in the South East Metropolitan AdvancedWaste Processing (SEMAWP) project.

It joins other participant councils Bayside, Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Kingston, Knox and Yarra Ranges in seeking an alternative to rapidly-filling landfills.

The Hampton Park landfill currently used by many South East councils is nearing the end of life, with the nearest tips further away across Melbourne.

The alternative options are expected to include burning rubbish in an energy-towaste incinerator.

In favour, Cr Sean O’Reilly said the councils were seeking to explore the “most sustainable, cost-efficient and effective way to deal with … future waste needs”.

“This decision is asking Council to pay $50,000 to stay at the table.

“(It) does not commit us to any proposal. We can back out at a later date when we know more.”

Otherwise the council could “end up on our own” with residents paying more to cart rubbish to more distant landfills, O’Reilly said.

In opposition, Cr Rhonda Garad said the SEMAWP project remained“not a good idea” and the pay-to-view cost was substantial.

“This is an incinerator burning rubbish and putting carcinogenic substances in the air. It is lazy, it is costly and not meeting (the State’s) obligations under the Circular Economy.

“We’re told we have to spend $50,000 just to get a look at what’s happening - without any further information.

“They won’t tell us what’s in the proposed contract in the tender.”

Garad also questioned why Greater Dandenong officers hadn’t explored other ideas. “Why are you so narrow in your ambition?”

Also opposed was Cr Bob Milkovic who warned on the dangers of being “funnelled” into a monopoly industry, including higher charges due to a lack of competition.

Cr Jim Memeti said he was still unconvinced that SEMAWP was the “right way to go” – which could lock the council into providing increased rubbish for the incinerator.

“There’s got to be other options out there”.

Cr Tim Dark, also in opposition, warned of the council’s 20-year-contract with advertising business oOh! Media that deprived the area of bus shelters until late 2026.

According to a Greater Dandenong council report, the SEMAWP project site has now been confirmed as being outside the council area.

Also, councils are no longer exposed to

“bid reimbursement costs”.

SEMAWP was expected to receive a final tender offer in early February, the report stated.

“Nearly all the other concerns raised in the Council resolution around legal obligations and liability, minimum tonnages, proposed technology and fit with State Government policy will be addressed and/or quantified through this current tender process.”

The report warned that without SEMAWP, Greater Dandenong will be left “navigating the market on their own” for landfill alternatives.

“This approach risks missing out on the benefits of collective group purchasing power, potentially resulting in higher gate fees over time.”

The State Government is funding the SEMAWP procurement process.

At Greater Dandenong, most of the Labor councillors were in favour except Cr Jim Memeti.

In 2022, Boroondara, Glen Eira, Manningham, Monash, Mornington Peninsula and Stonnington councils all voted to opt out –which put a cloud over the project’s viability.

Greater Dandenong took an undecided stance, voting against committing to a 25year contract.

In 2021, approval was granted for a wasteto-energy plant in Ordish Road, Dandenong South, despite Greater Dandenong Council’s opposition.

Bypass grass finally cut

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Keysborough resident has thanked the“power of the press” after long-neglected grasses along Dandenong Bypass were at last cut.

The grasses along a pedestrian bike trail had grown to waist high and some weeds up to shoulder-tall (Snakes alive & dangerous in Bypass’s uncut grasses, Star Journal, 27 February).

Residents say several snakes had been spotted in the reserve, which had not been mowed by the Department of Transport and Planning since October.

David Prosser – husband of Diane Thurbon who featured in the Star Journal story - said finally the grass was cut on Friday 1 March.

“In the past we have sent repeated letters to the Dandenong council and Vic Roads re. the lack of a grass cut.

“The answer was either advice that the job was ‘in the pipeline’ or simply no reply.

“I have absolutely no doubt that the grass cut was the result of the Star article.”

Prosser described the mow as a “very rough cut and no whipper snippering.

“Beggars can’t be choosers,” he said.

The reserve now needs a rubbish clean-up – the first since the bypass section was built, he said.

Greater Dandenong Council had expressed similar frustration in requesting the State department to mow its grass.

Before the belated mowing, a Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said the Dandenong Bypass 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.

Fifteen babies take leap

Fifteen ‘Leap Year’ babies have ventured into the world at Casey and Dandenong hospitals this year.

Among those born on the rare date of 29 February was Jacob – an especially special first child of Noble Park’s Emily and Tyson, pictured.

Speaking from Dandenong Hospital, proud dadTyson said they had been wondering when to mark Jacob’s birthdays in non-Leap Years.

“It will be on 28 February because he was born at 2.55am.

“If it had been after 12pm, it would have been 1 March.”

Jacob weighs 3.4 kilograms, was doing well and already getting showered with visits from family and friends.

“We’re looking forward to getting home.”

There were six Leap Year babies born at Casey Hospital and nine at Dandenong, including baby Anaia who is also pictured with mum Shafiqa.

An illustration of Great Southern Waste Technologies’ waste-to-energy plant approved for Ordish Road in Dandenong South. GSWT did not make the tenders’ shortlist for the South East Melbourne Advanced Waste Processing project.

Tall grass and weeds along the Dandenong Bypass trail in Keysborough, just before being finally mowed last week. 389493

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Emily and Tyson with baby Jacob who was born at Dandenong Hospital on 29 February. Jacob weighed 3.4 kilograms. 392203

Mum Shafiqa with baby Anaia who was born at Dandenong Hospital on 29 February. Anaia weighed 3.26 kilograms. 392203

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Commuters on outer

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Commuters without bus stop shelters will seemingly have to suffer in rain, wind and shine for at least three more years under a long-running advertising contract.

Keysborough South Ward councillor Rhonda Garad says the situation was “particularly dire” in the new Keysborough estates that“currently have no bus shelters at all”.

“It is unacceptable that residents have to sit in extreme heat or pouring rain when waiting for a bus.”

It was deterring particularly older and more vulnerable residents from catching buses.

Currently only about 200 of the 740 bus stops in Greater Dandenong have shelters.

Garad says that there will be no new bus shelters until 2026 – that is the expiry date of a 20-year contract between the council, advertising firm oOh! Media and the Department of Transport and Planning.

Under the agreement, the council area initially received 150 bus shelters at no cost in 2006.

In exchange, oOh! Media received advertising space on 75 shelters, including exclusivity on shelters in Greater Dandenong.

“The aging infrastructure, coupled with the council’s lack of budget for new or maintained shelters, has led to a dire situation where shelters are not replaced when unsafe,” Garad said.

“The DTP, holding primary responsibility but constrained by reliance on advertising revenue, will not install new shelters until the oOh! Media contract expires in late 2026.

“I don’t believe the council can leave the residents exposed for three more years.

“And there’s still no guarantee of new shelters beyond that date.”

Keysborough Ward councillor Tim Dark described seeing commuters “hiding” under trees 50 metres away from bus stops without shelters on Perry Road.

There was also a need for new and renewed shelters across Greater Dandenong, he said.

Dark called for the council to explore a contract variation for new shelters in exchange for more advertising opportunities for oOh! Media.

“There always seems to be a level of advertising (in the shelters) which tells me there’s profitability in it (for oOh! Media).

“I would be surprised if they wouldn’t.”

An oOh! Media spokesperson told Star Journal that “we are always open to engaging collaboratively with relevant stakeholders about their infrastructure needs”.

Councillors have been denied a copy of the contract by the council’s City Futures executive director Sanjay Manivasagasivam who cited “commercial-in-confidence”, Cr Dark said.

This is despite Manivasagasivam telling a 26 February council meeting that he himself had not read the contract.

When asked about the council’s scope to renegotiate the contract, Manivasagasivam said that generally the DTP would have more oversight over the contract than the council.

However a DTP spokesperson told Star Journal that “DTP is not privy to the specifics of the current contractual arrangement between City of Dandenong and oOh! Media”.

“So (I) cannot confirm any details such as shelter construction volumes, length of the agreement or other commercial elements,” the spokesperson said.

Manivasagasivam said the council will continue advocating to the DTP for bus shelter funding.

Truck driver killed in concrete yard

A 52-year-old truck driver has died in a workplace accident at a Dandenong South concrete yard on Saturday 24 February.

The driver had been unloading sand from a prime mover.

WorkSafe stated the trailer was being hydraulically lifted when it tipped onto the truck’s cabin and crushed the driver.

The workplace safety authority is investigating the incident.

The driver’s death is the fourth confirmed workplace fatality for 2024 – all of whom were workers aged 50 or over, according to WorkSafe.

There were 10 work-related deaths at this time last year.

Man charged over Dandenong shooting

A man has been charged over an alleged nonfatal shooting of another man in Dandenong on Monday 26 February.

A 25-year-old victim from Officer suffered a serious gunshot wound to his upper body outside a funeral parlour at the intersection of Fifth and Seventh avenues about 5.30am, police say.

Investigators believe an altercation occurred between two groups of men who were known to each other.

A 31-year-old man was arrested by Armed Crime Squad police in Hallam on the following Thursday.

He was charged with intentionally causing serious injury, reckless conduct endangering

life, using an unregistered firearm, using a firearm in a public place, possessing ammunition and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

The man was expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 March.

With the assistance of Greater Dandenong CIU and Casey CIU, detectives raided two homes in Cranbourne North and a property in Dandenong.

Two imitation handguns, a set of nunchucks, ammunition and what appears to be methylamphetamine and cannabis were allegedly seized from the Cranbourne North homes, police say.

A

13yo on sex charge

A 13-year-old boy has been charged over the alleged sexual assault of a woman on the Dandenong Creek Trail in January.

Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad charged the Rowville boy on the morning of Sunday 3 March.

He is accused of stalking, assault with intent to sexual assault, false imprisonment and sexual assault.

The boy appeared before an out of sessions court hearing, where he was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

Police allege the 28-year-old female victim was running along the trail, near Outlook Drive just north of Mercer Court inDandenongNorth,on31Januarywhen she was sexually assaulted.

She managed to fight off the offender who fled the scene on his bike, police say.

North in February.

389251

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Man charged over plates

Police have charged a man after allegedly seizing a stolen vehicle and more than 40 cloned number plates during a raid of a factory in Dandenong South.

Vehicle Crime Squad detectives say the raid at Fowler Road on 28 February was part of an investigation into vehicle rebirthing.

A 35-year-old Doveton man was arrested by detectives – with the help of the Special Operations Group and the Fugitive Squad - in Dandenong South that afternoon.

At a subsequent raid of the factory, police seized an alleged stolen Commodore, stolen engine, suspected cannabis and at least 40 cloned number plates.

Police say they later seized a small amount of cash and suspected cocaine from a Doveton home.

They allege that more than $30,000 cash and a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine were also seized in a raid of a Doveton address on 15 February.

The man was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity methylamphetamine, car theft, handling stolen goods and other related offences.

He was expected to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 29 February.

Peter Rabbit

Picture: VICTORIA POLICE

Police officers on horseback patrol the Dandenong Creek trail in Dandenong

Cr Rhonda Garad and Keysborough South resident Heather Louis, who says she’s put off using buses due to the lack of shelters. 391635

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Our very own Ms Australia

As a result of this success, the Keysborough resident will depart for the USA in August to represent Australia and to perform further with women from other countries.

She is excited to travel to America for “further exposure at an international level to work with big brands”.

The Legacy International Pageant consists of an interview in which the judges ask contestants questions and score them on their responses.

Contestants are then required to participate

in a show comprising five rounds, an entrance dress, an outfit resembling fun fashion, a fitness round, another public Q&A round and finally a gown round.

Harshita stated that her purpose in competition was to “give [herself] a platform where [she could] empower women and talk about the confidence they require”.

These pageants are not all sashes and crowns. “There are limitations of competing such as expenses like buying jewellery and outfits for the show,” says Harshita.

“Sometimes the mindset gets in the way of motivation, so finding a stable mindset is very important.”

Harshita Sharma has been crowned Ms Australia in the recent Legacy International Pageant.

Harshita Sharma is set to fly to the US after being crowned Ms Australia. 391842 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Harshita Sharma is poised for international competition after her national win. 391842

Harshita Sharma at home in Keysborough. 391842

Police shoot dog

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A woman has faced court after ordering her dog to attack a police officer in Dandenong North, leading to the dog being fatally shot.

She has pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to recklessly causing injury to an emergency officer as well as assault charges, contravening an intervention order, resisting arrest and theft of police OC spray.

Police were called to a home in Dandenong North after the ice-fueled accused allegedly throttled, slapped her mother in the face and slammed her head into the ground on 18 December 2021.

The woman, now 33, was in breach of a family violence intervention order at the time, an agreed prosecution summary stated.

A pair of police officers saw the woman next to an American Staffordshire Terrier mixed

breed dog ‘Hunter’ in the backyard.

Observing the dog to be friendly, the officers let the dog sniff them and one of them patted the dog on the head.

As they told the woman she was under arrest and prepared to handcuff her, the woman allegedly thrashed her arms and legs and yelled: “Hunter! Hunter! Get him, get him!”

The dog clenched its jaw just above a officer’s ankle and the officer fell to ground, the prosecution summary stated.

Hunter didn’t let go as the officer tried to punch the dog and his colleague deployed OC spray in vain.

The woman then began hitting the officer’s colleague. The accused fell, and in the chaos, took the OC cannister.

In agony, the mauled officer begged for help, and his partner shot the dog.

The accused, brandishing the OC, escaped over a neighbouring fence. She was arrested shortly after and deemed unfit for police interview at the time.

The police officer required surgery for his seriously injured ankle.

In a sentencing hearing on 28 February, Victorian County Court judge Duncan Allen praised the woman’s subsequent “exemplary” performance while under intensive support and treatment under CISP bail.

Her defence lawyer applied for an adjournment to allow CISP to source long-term accommodation for the woman.

A prosecutor submitted that jail was appropriate for the recklessly causing injury charge, coupled with a community corrections order.

The sentencing hearing was adjourned until 22 March.

Park trees illegally hacked down

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An investigation has been launched into the unauthorised hacking down of trees in Jim Hardy Park in Dandenong.

A row of trees in front of neighbouring homes at the Foster Street East reserve were removed.

The issue was raised in a public question by ex-councillor Matthew Kirwan at a 26 February meeting.

“Council was not responsible for the removal of vegetation from Jim Hardy Park,” a council spokesperson said.

“We are investigating the circumstances surrounding this removal.”

Greater Dandenong is also investigating another issue raised by Kirwan – the unauthorised planting of an exotic street tree on a nature strip in Foster Street East.

In 2019, the council had planted native ornamental flowering gums on nature strips in the area.

“We are aware one of the trees was more recently removed due to poor health and has since been replaced with an exotic species.

“Under our local laws, residents are not permitted to plant, prune or remove nature strip trees.

“If a resident is found to have damaged a Council asset (which includes trees and veg-

etation in public spaces), we will investigate and take necessary action.”

The spokesperson said street trees and park vegetation provided important benefits such as shade, amenity, reducing pollution and providing wildlife habitat.

“Greater Dandenong has one of the lowest tree canopies in metropolitan Melbourne at just 9 per cent.

“Council has identified the lack of street and park trees in our municipality as a major concern and we want to protect those existing trees while also planting more.”

To report people damaging or removing trees on public land, go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/report

‘Seething’ SEMMA set to meet Treasurer

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams has brokered a meeting between a “seething” manufacturers body and Treasurer Tim Pallas over land tax hikes.

South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance called for an exemption for manufacturers who have been struck by land tax hikes of up to 300 per cent in the past year.

In a fierce campaign, SEMMA – backed by an emphatic survey of its members - described the hikes as “gouging” manufacturers to cover the government’s “Covid debt burden”.

It’s a move that will cost jobs and investment as well as hinder business’s ability to compete interstate and overseas, SEMMA argues. A Hallam manufacturer stated its land tax bill soared more than $119,000 in the past year – up from $58,575 to $177,400.

A spokesperson for Ms Williams said: “Ga-

brielle is facilitating a meeting between Tim Pallas and SEMMA so that SEMMA can raise their concerns directly with the Treasurer”.

SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker confirmed the meeting set for Tuesday 5 March.

The alliance earlier presented to the State opposition’s public forum on tax reform at Parliament House on 27 February.

On the same day, opposition jobs and industry spokesperson Bridget Vallence accused Jobs Minister Natalie Hutchins of being “missing in action” on the issue.

“Consumers are paying more due to Labor’s economic incompetence.

“Every time land tax goes up, manufacturers cannot invest in new equipment, cannot hire new staff or put on additional apprentices, but must raise their prices.

“Minister Hutchins must come out of hiding. Stop ignoring the manufacturing sector which is so vital for our economy and jobs, pick up phone to the Treasurer to hold an ur-

Dog-park snarls rise

From page 1

“I’ve been quite surprised at the number of issues.”

She said that the council could look at dog-owner education at the dog parks. The council was currently reviewing its Domestic Animal Management Plan.

Mayor Lana Formoso noted that separate fenced sections for off-leash large and small dogs at Tirhatuan Park, Dandenong North had been a success.

At off-leash public areas, dogs must be under effective control and return to the owner when called, a council spokesperson said.

“Council encourages everyone to report incidents where dogs are not under effective control and may pose a risk to the public.

“Following any reports Council Rangers will increase patrols of particular areas in a bid to ensure dog walkers are doing the right thing.”

The rangers step-up their foot patrols of reserves and dog parks during warmer months.

In a statement, Dr Gabrielle Carter and Dr Caroline Thursfield of the RSPCA Victoria’s Good Pet Behaviour Centre said “dog park etiquette involves respecting and responding to the needs of all dogs at the dog park”.

“That means you are responsible for ensuring all dogs are having a good time.

“If your dog is relentlessly chasing another that is trying to escape, you need to intervene and direct your dog to other appropriate activity.

“If your dog is being harassed, or showing signs of not having a good time, your job is also to step in and potentially consider leaving the park.

“Just as you might manage children at the playground, the same applies to dog parents at the dog park: Make sure everyone is having a good time.“

Meanwhile, friends are hoping to organise fundraising to cover the attacked small dog’s veterinary bills. More details to come.

gent inquiry into the mess Labor has made.”

The increase in land tax rates is part of the State Government’s Covid Debt Repayment Plan introduced in 2023.

“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,” a government spokesperson said.

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

“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.”

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.

Trees were lopped in Jim Hardy Park, Dandenong and is being investigated by Greater Dandenong Council.

391963 Picture: GARY SISSONS

SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker is set to meet Treasurer Tim Pallas over six-figure land tax hikes on South East manufacturers.

Hill calls out Gaza ‘myths’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill was busting several “myths” as he strongly implored Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza last week.

“The truth is that right now only Israel has the power to decide if the people of Gaza will die of starvation or not,” Hill told Federal Parliament on 27 February.

“Not Hamas, not Australia, not Egypt and not even the US; it is Israel that can decide this.

“If the right-wing Israeli government wants to salvage the shreds that are left of its international reputation with much of the world, it should let enough food in now.

“How can a country that has so many wonderful people and so much to offer the world, which claims to be a civilised democratic state, fail to act with urgency while civilians are at immediate risk of starving to death 10 kilometres from their shops and supermarkets?”

Several pro-Palestinian protests have been staged in Dandenong since the recent conflict, including aValentine’s Day march outside Hill’s electorate office.

Greater Dandenong councillors have raised motions – one to call for a ceasefire that succeeded, another to raise the Palestinian flag in protest which was voted down.

Acknowleding the tragedy on both sides, Hill noted the horrors of 7 October 2023 – “the largest loss of Jewish life on a single day since World War II at the hands of terrorist group Hamas, who still holds civilian hostages”.

And also “the harrowing situation in the occupied Palestinian territories is affecting many Australians, who are grieving and scared for family and loved ones.”

He said the world couldn’t abandon either Israelis to be “slaughtered by the Iranian regime or … proxy extremists” nor allow Gazans

to stave to death.

“Mass starvation is not a proportionate response to Hamas’s horror show. All human life is sacred, and all innocent civilians should be protected.

“I say to the government of Israel: for God’s sake, let food in now—not tomorrow or next week or next month but now, today.

“Right now, 400,000 Gazans are starving.

“Now, one million are at risk of starvation. Families in Gaza have been forced to forage for scraps of food left by rats and eat leaves out of desperation to survive.”

He said it was “offensive” and “ridiculous” to say the Australian Government or MPs supported “genocide”.

Australia had voted for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and stated it expected Israel to abide by a recent International Court of Justice ruling over a claim of genocide, he said.

Other “big lies” were that Australia sold weapons to Israel, or that cut all funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

“All $20.6 million has been paid this financial year (to UNRWA).

“Six million dollars in extra funding has been temporarily paused, not cut, and of course people want that resolved and restored.

“Mythbusters: Australia is not cutting all funding from UNRWA, Australia is not selling weapons to Israel; Australia does not support genocide; Australia does want to see a ceasefire; and Australia is not giving terrorists visas to come here.”

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Mosques’ togetherness call

Mosques in Greater Dandenong opened their doors to the public in a statewide event on 25 February.

The Islamic Council of Victoria’s annual Mosque Open Day is about building dialogue, respect and knowledge about Islamic faiths.

Young people at Emir Sultan Mosque in Dandenong welcomed visitors for tours and traditional foods such as sausages and sweets.

“All sorts of different groups of people came. We try our best because Dandenong is very multicultural and we’re very happy to see everyone together,” Imam Salih Dogan said.

For many years, the mosque has held Friday night get-togethers for young people.

A mix of pizzas, lectures and video gaming –with AFL footballers sometimes popping in for a surprise visit.

“They’re important because youth need a good role-model to teach them the right way.”

In the lead-up to the 25 February day, ICV president Adel Salman referenced the “cata-

strophic” and “heartbreaking” situation in Gaza.

He invitedVictorians to “show their solidarity and witness for themselves the essential role that mosques play during good times and bad”.

However, Imam Salih said the topic wasn’t raised much on the day.

“Not only in Palestine but around the world, there are many wars, many crimes.

“We’re sorry for the kids and elders. We’re living very comfortably while they’re in hunger, without much food.”

Young Muslims of Australia Markaz in Dandenong, Albanian Sakie Islamic Society of Dandenong, and Bosnia-Herzegovina Islamic Society in Noble Park were among 37Victorian places of worship taking part.

In Casey, Islamic Education and Welfare Assoc of Dandenong (Hallam Masjid) and Islamic Society of Melbourne Eastern Region in Lysterfield were also open.

Hallam Mosque opens up

By Violet Li

Hallam Masjid in Narre Warren North had a successful Mosque Open Day on Sunday 25 February with opportunities for locals to learn more about the Islamic culture and religion.

Public relations officer Javid Khan said they gave people information and answered any questions waiting for them.

“Some people just want to come and have a look at how we pray, and some people are sitting down when we’re praying,” he said.

“We had a lot of posters about various things, like what is the difference between Islam and Christianity and Judaism.”

Mr Khan said they did the Mosque Open Day a couple of times before the Covid and they used to have more people coming.

“After Covid, we didn’t get as many people as we did before, but we decided that we still would do it this year,” he said.

The atmosphere was great on the scene with a sausage sizzle in the garden, a guided tour, and all sorts of fun activities.

Julian Hill called on the Israeli government to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. 384998

From left, Hashim, Sen Sgt Rob Colcott, president Fahim, Muhammed, Sen Sgt Alan Dew, Sgt Kim Gammon and Javid. Police visited for the Open Day and they also went to Emir Sultan Mosque in Dandenong. 390758

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Hallam Mosque Open Day public relations officer Javid Khan next to one of the displays. 390758

Imam Salih Dogan welcomed visitors to Emir Sultan Mosque during the Mosque Open Day on Sunday 25 February. 390730

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Reflecting on our history

By Anne-Marie Hermans, South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP

On the mezzanine level of the Victorian State Parliament Library is a small museum of artifacts with one of my favourite things - a Suffragette’s tea set.

A delicate white teapot, cup and saucer with the words ‘Votes forWomen’ crafted around its gold-rimmed edges. I often wonder about the conversations that must have taken place over a cup of tea with a teaset like this.

You might know that suffragettes were activists in the ‘Votes for Women’ campaign. In the United Kingdom the movement started about 1840 and ended in 1920. Some women went to great lengths to make their point, using art, debate, propaganda, attacking property and other extreme acts.

In Australia, the Women’s suffragette movement was peaceful but persistent. Thousands of resilient and bold women joined together to eventually create history. With their efforts in mind, we should never forget the strength of our collective women-hood to make the world a fairer and better place.

A forgotten history – and it happened in Victoria!

There is a wonderful moment in world history that can easily be overlooked and forgotten because it was short lived.

Did you know that in 1863, some Victorian women were accidentally given the right to vote when our Victorian parliament passed a law to allow all ratepayers on municipal rolls to vote in Assembly elections?

In 1864, some bold Victorian women took advantage of the oversight and cast their votes for the first time. Can you imagine the victory these women must have felt?

Sadly, the opportunity only lasted a short

time, when, after a short debate Parliament restricted the vote to only male ratepayers with the Electoral Law Consolidation Act 1865.

A handful of women from the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and the Victorian Temperance Alliance, with other suffragette groups went door to door to gain the right to vote for Victorian women.

Thirty-three thousand Victorian women signed the monstrous Victorian Women’s Suffrage Petition in less than six months and was tabled in September 1891. Isabella Goldstein and her daughter Vida spent six weeks traveling by train and on foot to gather signatures.

Despite this, theVictorian Legislative Council (Upper House), refused to give women the right to vote. Women in Victoria could note vote until 18 November 1908.

Today, in the 60th Parliament inVictoria, for the first time in history, the Victorian Legislative Council has more women than men and I am honoured to serve in our local community as one of these women.

International Women’s Day 2024 – and how suffragists women shaped our world.

We all know that women have a lot to offer our world – and we should never forget this!

While we may be hormonal due to our reproductive cycles, feminine body parts and XX chromosomes, let us not forget what makes us strong. In a world struggling with issues of feminine and gender dysphoria, let us not forget the brave women who set an example of who we are and what we can become.

Our mothers, grandmothers, sisters and girlfriends have been role models and many great women like them have forged history before us and alongside us, so we can create a great future for our girls. The next time you turn on your kettle, remember the beauty in our female boldness, resilience, and the many Victorian and Australian women whose persistence gave us all a voice and a future.

Wishing you all a wonderful International Women’s Week – “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all” (Proverbs 31).

May you never forget your immeasurable value and worth as you celebrate with your next cup of tea.

Fun fact quiz: Did you know?

1. What was the first country to give women the right to vote in 1893?

2. In 1902, what was the second nation in the

world to achieve votes for women in Federal elections?

3. Women only achieved the right to vote and stand for election in 1971 in what country?

4. Prior to Federation (when Australia became a nation on 1 January 1901) did some Aboriginal people in some states likeVictoria, vote in State (colony) elections?

5. When did Aboriginal men and women only received the option to enrol and vote in Australian Federal elections?

6. What is Vida Goldstein (patron name for the seat of Goldstein in Melbourne’s bayside area) known as?

7. Who was the first woman to be elected to Australian parliament?

8. Where was the first and most powerful suffragette campaigners with a group called the Women’s Suffrage League started in 1888?

9. When was AustralianWomen’s Suffrage Society founded in Victoria?

10. What was the first Australian state to officially grant women the right to vote in 1894?

Answers

1. New Zealand.

2. Australia.

3. Switzerland.

4. Yes.

5. 1962.

6. A suffragette.

7. Edith Cowan.

8. South Australia. It started in 1888 with two women – Mary Lee and Mary Colton. They wrote letters to newspapers, held marches and gave public speeches to influence their cause.

9. 1884.

10. South Australia.

On the mezzanine level of the Victorian State Parliament Library is a small museum of artifacts, including a Suffragette’s tea set.

Wellsprings project award

The service was recognised with the InclusiveVolunteering award at the State’s 2023Volunteering Awards at Government House on 27 February.

Wellsprings general manager Robyn Erwin said its award-winning project aimed to increase the numbers of women from refugee and migrant backgrounds “gaining the benefits of volunteering”.

“Many women arrive in Australia with strong workplace and resilience skills but face many barriers to finding ways to apply these skills and meet their goals to contribute to society.”

Wellsprings’s team included 10 women who had settled in Australia and had volunteering experience themselves.

One of the key staff behind the program was Amina Rezayiee, who came to Wellsprings to learn English several years ago and returned as a volunteer.

Wellsprings itself has about 50 volunteers who support its programs each week. More than 80 per cent are born overseas –“a win-win situation”, says Erwin.

“Wellsprings gains by having volunteers able to assist with communication with participants, understand cultural needs and provide inspiration to participants of what they can achieve.

“The volunteers, many of whom also attend classes at Wellsprings, gain local experience and continue to gain confidence and new skills.”

Wellsprings currently has five other staff who also began at the organisation as volunteers.

The co-design team for the Pathways to Volunteering project included: Fahima Safi, Yaneth Orellana, Milagros Lopez, Araig Mohamed, Qamaria Habibullah, Patricia Martin,

Tamara Penaloza, Mahjabeem Azim, Fakhria Balkhy and Irosha Gamage.

They shared their challenges, successes, insights and experiences to help co-design and pilot a seven-session program.

It aimed to increase understanding of the range of volunteering roles available, how to value your existing diverse skills and how they can be used in volunteering.

Participants learnt how volunteering can help them reach “life goals” such as re-discovering self-respect, finding a job, further study

or social connection.

Wellsprings also delivered a workshop for volunteer organisations to understand the many benefits brought by women from diverse backgrounds and how to reduce barriers to participation.

“This can be as simple as having application options that don’t require computer skills,” Erwin said.

The service also developed resources for other groups such as videos in several languages to promote the benefits of volunteer-

ing.

These are found onYouTube under the subject Pathways to Volunteering for Migrant & Refugee Women.

The resources are found on the Wellsprings website Resources Hub wellspringsforwomen. com/pathways-to-volunteering-resources or from robyn@wellspringsforwomen.com

The program received an Emerging Stronger grant from the State Government.

Community Fun Day rocks all ages at Noble Park

The annual Noble Park Community Fun Day was back on Saturday 2 March.

Now in its third year, the all-ages community festival celebrated the suburb’s rich diversity with cultural foods, performances, live music, skateboarding workshops, sports and arts activities, and amusement rides.

The Noble Park Community Fun Day is funded by the Noble Park Revitalisation Project, an initiative of the Victorian Government.

Local services represented on the day included Noble Park Community Centre, South East Leisure and Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC), Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre, South East Community Links, Reclink, Victoria Police, SES and

AFL.

Lavante, 2, wearing costume-ears made of bubbles and foam. 391356

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Airin, 16, and Jannah, 16, performed on stage. 391356

Shari from the Sports and Recreation Team at Greater Dandenong Council leads the sporty activities. 391356

Gabrielle Williams MP with son Ruairí, 16 months. 391356

Dandenong-basedsupportserviceWellsprings for Women’s groundbreaking volunteering project for migrant and refugee women has been crowned with a statewide award.

Sophea Pan, Uzma Memon, Robyn Erwin and Patricia Martin were part of Wellsprings for Women’s award-winning volunteer project. They are carrying the Inclusive Volunteering Award 2023 trophy. 391957

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

FOCUS ON … CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

Welcome to our school

“As one in faith we learn and grow.” We passionately create the opportunities for our young people to excel as learners, enlightened by faith, animated by love and filled with hope for their unique capacity to make a difference. As our patron saint St. Francis de Sales said,

“Be who you are and be that perfectly well.”

Care, Safety and Wellbeing

We are a happy, inclusive community, where respectful relationships and positive behaviors are the foundation for learning and daily interaction. We encourage our children to be confident and resilient, excited about exploring their potential as learners.

Learning and Teaching

We are a high performing school, with a proven record of accomplishment in learning and teaching. The curriculum and pedagogy is student-centered and personalised in response to the learning needs of each child. Evidence informs the next learning stage to be explicitly targeted and taught.

We value high quality learning and teaching strategies that are informed by best practice and research.

We ensure:

· consistent, structured framework

· strong focus on the Victorian Curriculum Standards

· high expectations for all learners

· Individual student goals

· A student’s age or year level are not barriers for learning

Excellent Contemporary Facilities

We have excellent facilities with permanent, purpose built connected indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Our contemporary environment encourages fluid and flexible use of spaces to target learning needs seamlessly at the point of need. Our new Multi-purpose Hall is an exceptional resource that is being enjoyed by our entire school community.

Parents as Partners

We are committed to building our relationship and partnership with parents to ensure the very BEST outcomes.

We’d Love to Welcome You and Your Child

Book a tour via our website or call 87736700.

https://www.sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au/ event-registration-form/

How can parents support?

With school back, it’s easy to focus on the logistics – new school supplies, shoes and uniforms – but an early childhood expert says children need emotional and behavioural support to ensure a smooth transition into the classroom.

Dr Elise Waghorn, education expert and RMIT lecturer, says children need supportive adults around them during school transitions.

“For parents, this is a crucial time to be asking your children how they are feeling about going to school, are they nervous, and what are they excited (or scared) about.

“Framing direct questions to the child like‘You look a bit nervous this morning, did you need to talk?’ or ‘You seem a bit quiet after school today, did anything happen?’ instead of ‘How was your day?’ gives them the opportunity to open up.

“Adults need to provide a calm home life for children to ease into school.

“Avoid any unnecessary stress in their life. For example, you may need to stop any extra-curricular activities in the first 6 months, so the child does not become overtired.

“It is also vital that children have a consistent routine after school, so they do not become overwhelmed, and that they have a well-balanced diet, so they are getting all the right nutrients.

“Some children may become more emotional before or after school. Parents can help by giving their child time and eye contact, listening and being responsive. What might seem trivial to a parent, can be a big deal for a child.

“Children might also require earlier bedtimes, as they will become more tired due to the busier schedule at school.” In the lead up, Dr Waghorn says parents

Experts say you should try and avoid any unnecessary stress in your kid’s life as they go back to school.

Picture: GAELLE MARCEL ON UNSPLASH

should focus on talking positively about school and helping to prepare their children by:

· Highlighting the fun and interesting aspects to encourage an optimistic attitude towards school. For example, ‘You are going to make some wonderful new friends’ or ‘I bet your teacher can’t wait to meet you’.

· Helping to develop their child’s independence skills. Involve them in making their lunch, packing their school bag and getting dressed themselves.

· Encouraging their child to talk openly and express their emotions through prompts like ‘What made you smile at school today?’, ‘What made you laugh?’ or ‘Did anything made you sad today?’

“Finally, each child will approach the school transition differently. Therefore, parents should avoid treating all children the same.”

12673940-AV10-24

St Francis De Sales would love to welcome you and your child.

New way out of jobless

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Job seekers at significant risk of long-term unemployment are being guided into work as part of a new mentors program.

Taskforce-Windana and consortium partner Afri-Aus Care have been helping 224 job seekers who have been out of work for a year or more.

Since October, nearly 50 of them have found an ongoing, secure job.

Windana employment services manager Herbson Singo says the secret of the Jobs Victoria Mentors program is a “relationship of trust” with job seekers.

“We start supporting them with resume writing, addressing gaps in their skills and providing mentorship.

“We support them with anything that’s required.”

The committed team of four mentors and Singo have a massive caseload but there had been plenty of success stories.

“The secret is that we work for the community.There’s a great connection with us and the community – we represent them, we understand, we share a common history.

“Most of my team are made of bi-cultural workers – people who have a huge connection with their community and speak different languages.

“It makes it easier for our team members to understand the barriers that the job seekers are going through.”

They’ve sourced jobs that are both white and blue collar – including highly-qualified jobs in IT and engineering.

Sometimes the team is “reverse marketing” to companies, cold-calling them on behalf of clients.

“It’s a hard gig but we work as a well-oiled team,” Singo said.

“It’s been good to collaborate with organisations like Afri-Aus Care who are connected with the community.”

The encouraging results were celebrated

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

6 March 1924

Springvale’s growth

The remarkable growth of Springvale, during the last few months, from an unimportant village to an important township is, at the present time, a favourite subject of conversation. A few years ago, Springvale was unknown, except to a very few people, and the land round about was mostly covered with scrub. No one thought of building houses so far away from the city. With the advent of the electric trains, prospects looked brighter. But it was not until the arrival in the district of the well-known builder Mr E F Hughes that things really started to move. We were informed that this progressive builder has erected nearly 60 houses in Springvale alone. Mr Hughes freely stated that people who invested in property in this district were bound to do well. With the coming of two other large factories, electric

with State Employment Minister Vicki Ward at Afri-Aus Care in Springvale South on 28 February.

Other guests were Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak, Mulgrave MP Eden Foster, Greater Dandenong mayor Lana Formoso and Kingston mayor Jenna Davey-Burns.

The program is funded by the State Government’s Jobs Victoria Mentors program until March 2025.

light, and water supply there was nothing to keep the district back.

50 years ago

5 March 1974

Govt ‘has no money for new schools’

The Education Department does not have the money to cater for the rapidly increasing numbers of school children. The director of primary education, Mr Row said this in Dandenong on Thursday at a civic reception in his Honour. Mr Row had earlier opened a media communications course at Dandenong High School, attended by an overflow crowd of 600. Officially opening the course Mr Row said television was a dominating influence and children “just can’t help being affected by it”. In an attack on some programs Mr Row said: “Television in some respects is an irresponsible medium especially in depicting violence and trivialities. It often presents situations which are unreal in actual life and

In Greater Dandenong, four providers are taking part in the program – Taskforce-Windana, Jesuit Social Services, Skill Invest and Maxima.

The Taskforce-Windana and Afri-Aus Care approach starkly differs to the recent damning findings of a federal inquiry into unemployment services provider WorkForce Australia.

Bruce MP Julian Hill who chaired the inquiry derided a system that made people “do

silly things that don’t help them to get a job” and suspended payments due to trivial or inadvertent breaches.

Providers were “repeatedly trying to place jobseekers into unsuitable vacancies to chase outcomes payments”.

And employers “fled the system, dodging floods of inappropriate job applications”.

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

programming is motivated only by profits.”

20 years ago

1 March 2004

Petition aims to stop market supermarket

Stallholders launched a petition at Dandenong Market on Friday calling for plans for a discount supermarket on the site be scrapped. Traders are angry that plans for the market’s redevelopment show a supermarket occupying an area now taken by fruit and vegetable stalls. A long-time fruit and vegetable trader said that if the market’s owner Greater Dandenong Council pushed ahead with the plans, things would get “juicier and juicier”. “Stallholders don’t want a supermarket in the market, there’s never been one in the market,” he said. Stallholders worried about increased competition and rents, as well as upheaval during redevelopment works – are planning to meet this week to discuss their next course of action.

5 years ago

8 March 2019

Caterer ‘horrified’ by listeria death

A Dandenong South commercial caterer says it is “horrified” after being closed down during an investigation into a fatal outbreak of listeriosis. An elderly woman at the eastern suburbs private hospital died on 4 February. She was diagnosed with listeriosis – an illness normally associated with food contamination. I Cook Foods of Dandenong South, which provided meals to the private hospital, was closed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and City of Greater Dandenong on 22 February. In a statement, I Cook Foods director Ian Cook expressed sympathy for the bereaved family. “We are horrified this has happened and are doing everything to assist the health authorities.”

Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society

‘Heartbeat’ help for hardships: Sharing our values

By Anita Davine,

President Of City Of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network

Living in and with hope is today’s challenge for our communities that are faced with some times overwhelming hardships.

Let us, together, given our gifts and talents, faith, hope and love forge a better future for ourselves and the world community in a true spirit of service, openness and humility for the greater good of all.

The Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong believes that peace, harmony

MESSAGE OF HOPE

and understanding should be within the reach of all people of faith…and none.

Our values are encompassed within the acronym ‘HEARTBEAT’ which we believe can be

adopted by all people of good will:

Harmony living together in peace

Empowerment working together to bring peace, harmony and understanding

Audacity the boldness to inspire others to join in a spiritual journey.

Respect considering and valuing every voice

Transformative creating change to make a positive difference

Belonging committing oneself in a common purpose

Equal valuing each other in mutual friendship

Acceptance trusting others in the spirit of goodwill

Trusted having integrity in thought, word and deed

May we all strive together to live with this ‘Heartbeat’ and engender hope within all our individual, family and community endeavours.

Enquiries about the Interfaith Network: executive@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774

7662

Greater Dandenong mayor Lana Formoso, Afri-Aus Care CEO Selba-Gondoza Luka, Employment Minister Vicki Ward and Kingston mayor Jenna Davey-Burns at the visit on 28 February. 391688 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Windana employment services manager Herbson Singo says connection to the community is key to the job mentorships’ success. 391688

Mulgrave MP Eden Foster, Greater Dandenong mayor Lana Formoso, Afri-Aus Care CEO SelbaGondoza Luka, Employment Minister Vicki Ward, Kingston mayor Jenna Davey-Burns and Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak. 391688

Five all fancy their chances

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

At least five candidates say they have a strong chance of winning theYarramanWard by-election as they approach the final days of voting.

In a wide open field of 13 candidates, the Greater Dandenong Council vacancy is expected to be decided by preferences.

Labor candidates have a decided advantage, which tends to monopolise the vote among its five members.

Under party rules, the five Labor candidates Phillip Danh, Thay-Horn Yim, Zahra Haydar Big, Sam Afra and Alexandra Bryant must preference one another before the other eight candidates.

The first three of them seem the most confident heading into the last week.

Of them, Afra and Yim have preferenced each other while Danh has lowly preferences from most other party colleagues except Bryant.

On the other hand, Haydar Big has won big on preferences from ALP member candidates and the Greens’ Robert Lim.

Independents Rahima Rizai and Peter Brown are also making strong claims.

They argue voters won’t necessarily follow how-to-vote cards – which aren’t even included in the postal ballot packs.

A “confident” Rizai – who has drawn the coveted top position of the ballot - said voters were doing“their own research” rather than relying on how-to-vote cards.

She didn’t produce a how-to-vote card because she doesn’t believe in such “political games”.

“People are going to choose the person who

they believe is most beneficial for the community.”

Despite being frozen out of ALP preferences, the former Labor member Brown said he could still see a pathway to victory.

He’s a chance if he outpolls the Greens candidate, he says. He also expects Rizai to out poll Haydar Big and to harvest much of her preferences.

“It’s more difficult to tell with postal voting. I don’t believe (how-to-vote) cards have as much impact.”

Brown says it’s hard to gauge the chances of Danh who has a “massive amount of organisational support behind him”.

“I just can’t tell really. You do your best but ultimately I really don’t know.”

Danh, regarded as the ALP favourite, has been lowly preferenced by other party member candidates.

“Candidates are entitled to release their own preferences and I am not concerned about what others have published.

“As I have done throughout this summer, I am focused on actually talking to as many people on the ground as possible rather than jostling for preference deals.”

ALP rivalsYim and Haydar Big also feel they are strong chances.

“Zahra (Haydar Big) has got good prefer-

ences. By the look of it I got really good preferences as well,” Yim said.

“I’ll do my best and see how it goes. It’s important to look at what you want to achieve at council.

“I hope the voters understand when they look at my track record that I bring some experience.”

Haydar Big said “I can’t wait for the outcome”.

“I am very positive about it having many second preferences from many other candidates.

“With all the local multicultural community and the local volunteer support, my second council campaign has been going well.”

Afra, an ALP member and former Casey councillor, described himself as a “long shot”.

“The problem is that people don’t follow the preferences.

“You’ll have to rely on preferences to win and that’s where the preferential system is wrong – sometimes it works in your favour and sometimes against.”

He believed that Haydar Big, Danh and Yim were all campaigning strongly.

“To be honest, unless the preferences work in my favour, I can’t see myself winning.”

Voting closes on Friday 8 March, 6pm. Provisional results are expected on 18 March.

Kids, get walking, riding, scooting... just move in March

Students are being urged to get walking, riding or scooting to school in March as part of the popular Get Active Get Moving campaign.

Schools are invited to register in the Greater Dandenong Council campaign up until Tuesday 5 March.

The most active school or class are in the running for trophies as well as a group voucher at Bounce and sport equipment vouchers.

The first five schools to register will also win a sport voucher.

Mayor and PE/Health teacher Lana Formoso said the aim was to get “our youngest residents” more active.

“By walking, cycling or scooting to school

you help get your body and brain moving for the day ahead.

“Physical activity is not just good for the body, but it also supports concentration in the classroom and improved learning outcomes.”

The Get Active Get Moving campaign was developed in consultation with the students from the Children’s Advisory Group and the Children’s Forum in 2022.

These students helped with the design of the logo and slogan.

School registrations close Tuesday 5 March.

Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/active-travel

Zahra Haydar Big won high preference deals from ALP colleagues and the Greens. 386246

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Another front-runner Thay-Horn Yim is pleased with his preference deals including from fellow ALP member Sam Afra. 388072

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Former Greater Dandenong mayor and ex-ALP Peter Brown can see a path to victory as an independent. 387906 Picture: GARY SISSONS

ALP favourite Phillip Danh says he’s not worried about scoring lowly preferences. 388124

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Independent candidate Rahima Rizai didn’t publish a how-to-vote card. She regards preference deals as ‘political games’. 390619

Picture: GARY SISSONS

St Gerards Primary School Ride to school day with students Jacob, Sophia, Anita and Hirdey. 270596

Turning laps into diamonds

Noble Park swimmer Ruby Collins has gone more than the extra

The 11 year old doubled her goal of swimming 16 kilometres and raising $500 during February for the Starlight Super Swim Challenge.

An indefatigible Ruby reached more than 30 kilometres in the pool and raised more than $1300.

“I want to help the sick kids in hospital,” she said.

“Starlight is a great foundation who do wonderful things for the sick kids in hospital while they stay there.

“I hope the money I raise will make lots of kids’ wishes come true.”

Without a pool at home, Ruby was able to complete some of her daily laps at the pool of her sponsor Jump Swim School in Noble Park North.

The swim school’s manager Danni Trott said it was inspiring to watch Ruby’s dedication each day.

“She is even motivating the staff and some of the customers to look at getting involved in the challenge next year.

“Her fitness has improved dramatically too, swimming most days close to 1.5 kilometres non-stop and all in 30 minutes.”

Ruby Collins, 11, has raised over $1300 for charity by swimming 30 kilometres in the month of February.

Drivers nabbed on phone

Undercover traffic police have helped nab more than 60 drivers on their phones in a two day operation in the South East.

As part of Operation Spotto, 187 offences were detected in Springvale, Cranbourne and Dandenong over 15-16 February.

Sixty-eight drivers were using mobile phones, 19 not wearing seatbelts, 19 disobeying traffic lights/signs and 15 speeding.

There were also five unregistered vehicles, three disqualified drivers and three drug drivers caught.

Police also issued 18 vehicle defect notices.

During the op, officers with walkie-talkies posed as pedestrians as they spied on drivers touching their phones.

“People are stuck in the cars at traffic lights, and they can’t help but go for their phone,” State Highway Patrol Sergeant Harry Lazarou told Nine News during an operation on Springvale Road.

“We always get the ‘I’ve got to call the boss, I’m running late’, but a lot of the time they’re just their scrolling on social media.”

New road rules were introduced in 2023 that now include looking at, touching or having a mobile device resting on a driver’s body.

The penalty for using or touching phones while driving is $577 and four demerit points.

Not wearing a seatbelt will result in a $385 fine and the loss of three demerit points.

“To people that say it’s revenue raising, I say it’s all voluntary contributions,” Sgt Lazarou said.

“This is part of the fatal five, which is distraction, impairment, fatigue, speed and seatbelts, so there is just zero tolerance from police.”

The State Goverment has rolled out six

distracted driver cameras using AI-rechnology to capture high-resolution images of drivers using phones or not wearing seatbelts.

From 1 July to 30 December 2023 the cameras detected 53,105 offences, including 16,499 drivers and 6,375 passengers not wearing seatbelts, and 30,231 drivers using mobile phones. More than $17 million in fines were issued.

The network of camera trailers regularly move around 162 locations in rural and metropolitan areas, monitoring drivers for about 8000 hours a month.

According to the government, research shows that more than half of drivers have used a mobile phone while driving which can increase the risk of crashing up to ten times compared to an alert driver.

More than 140 drivers and passengers killed on Victorian roads in the last five years were not wearing a seatbelt - that’s just over a quarter of all vehicle occupants where seatbelt status was known.

A recent RACV poll has revealed that many Victorians consider drivers using phones one of their biggest road safety concerns.

“The RACV poll highlights that Victorians are still noticing people using their phones or devices while driving and they have highlighted it as their top safety concern on our roads,” RACV head of policy James Williams said.

“Distracted driving is a major contributor to road crashes and we all need to do our part and make sure we put our devices away and concentrate on driving safely.“

Under Victoria’s road laws, drivers or riders who hold a full licence can briefly touch a mounted device or inbuilt system for music and navigation as long as they are not entering text, scrolling, or viewing images, social media, websites or videos.

They are not permitted to touch unmounted or wearable devices while driving or riding.

Casey set for flooding rise

By Violet Li Hampton Park resident

and Australian severe weather forecaster Dennis Luke warns Casey residents of a definite increase in rain and floods in the second half of the year as La Nina has a strong chance of returning.

An update from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said earlier in January that there were increasing odds of La Nina in the seasons after a shift to ENSO-neutral around April to June.

Using global weather models from NOAA and the International Research Institute to monitor severe meteorology, Mr Luke noted that most of South-eastern Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, would have a really cold winter with more rain and floods resulting from a moderate to strong La Nina.

“We could be looking at temperatures anywhere from minus 5 to plus 5 anywhere in Victoria,” he said.

“I haven’t seen a cold winter like this for a long time because, over the last 20 years, winter’s been reasonably cool to mild.

“We’re going to get just as much, if not more, rain than what we had in 2022, To me, that’s a given.”

Mr Luke pointed out that many areas in Casey were susceptible to severe rain and flood.

“If you have undulating areas, for example, a road that goes down and then backs up again like NarreWarren-Cranbourne Road under the railway line, as soon as we have 20 millimetres of rain, it floods in the left and middle lanes because the drainage system is not built for heavy rain,” he said.

“They need to replace those drains and make the pipes bigger because you’ve not only got the rain coming down the hill from both ends. That would be one of the worst places

flooded in Casey.”

As storms could be selective, it was quite indiscriminate as to places that were going to be flooded in Casey, Mr Luke believed.

“It just depends on where the rain falls and how much the rain falls.

“This is one of the reasons why I’m doing

the weather because I want people to be better informed.”

City of Casey manager active communities Angie Peresso said it was great to hear the resident was thinking well ahead of potential future emergencies.

“We strongly encourage them to think about their own plans and preparedness for

any emergency, including flood. Lots of supporting information is available on our website: Emergency management & fire safety | City of Casey (casey.vic.gov.au/emergency),” she said.

To know more about Mr Luke’s severe weather forecast, visit youtube.com/channel/ UCp8OYAeK3Cf2rX7LHA0Pk-A

Hampton Park resident and Australian severe weather forecaster Dennis Luke. 208538

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

WHAT’S ON

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

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-6pmSkills session for ages 11-18; 6pm-7pm - Pickup 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

Art Of Soul

Enjoy the journey of your creativity in a safe environment. We use a variety of media & follow a variety of sources. This isn’t a class, it is people coming together to ‘play’.

· Wednesdays (during school term) 11.30am–1.30pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong; $5 suggested donation. Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Year of the Dragon writers forum

The Chinese Writers Festival Inc, together with local writers’ groups, would like to invite you to an electrifying writers’ forum at the Springvale Community Hub to celebrate the Processional Chinese Dragon display. Explore dragon culture from East to West, sharing your stories and experiences. Join us in creating a lasting dialogue, with stories featured in monthly publications, sparking imagination and cultural appreciation.

· Saturday 9 March, 10.30am-12.30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.

Clothes swap

Community members are invited to contribute up to 10 items of clothing, shoes and/or accessories. All items must be clean, in good condition and ready to display on the day.

· Saturday 9 March, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: Zoe Mohl, mohlz@icloud. com

Springvale Urban Harvest

A free monthly event that supports the growing of food locally, food knowledge and good nutrition. Come along to swap excess homegrown produce and gardening extras and meet likeminded growers in the area.

· Saturday 9 March, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.

Writing Group

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

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

Keysie Market - Easter edition

Join us for The Keysie Market - Easter Edition on Sunday 17 March from 10am-2pm. Come along and get all your Easter shopping done at this vibrant outdoor community event in Keysborough with over 100+ unique market stalls.

· Sunday 17 March, 10am-2pm at Springers

Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. Details: Shirlene Allison, 0424 392 560 or thekeysiemarket@gmail.com

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). · 1pm-3pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thurs-

days 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 (first and third Thursday of the month).

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.

SPORT

Bloods chase history

By Marcus Uhe

Springvale South has qualified for a third-consecutive Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 grand final after thrashing rivals Buckley Ridges in a qualifying final over the weekend.

The seven-wicket win puts the Bloods in prime position to claim a hat-trick of Turf 1 premierships, a feat never before seen in the DDCA.

Winning the toss and choosing to bowl was a masterstroke from stand-in captain Jordan Wyatt, as the Bloods cleaned up Buckley Ridges within 64 overs for 145.

All-rounder Blade Baxter was the star for Springvale South, taking five wickets in a marathon spell bowling in tandem with fingerspinner Jarryd Straker.

The two bowled unchanged for 41 overs, combining to take the opening seven Buckley Ridges wickets.

In-form opening pair Josh Holden and Jake Cronin, who dominated in the most-recent hit out between the two sides, only added 57 for the opening wicket before Holden became the first of Baxter’s victims.

Three more wickets fell before tea, including the huge scalp of Roshane Silva for a duck, coming off four-consecutive half-centuries.

Only Michael Davies’ counter-punching 32 made inroads after the break, his innings top-scoring for the Bucks in a disappointing display.

Baxter took 5/58 from his 23 overs and Straker 2/41, Wyatt finishing with five catches at first slip.

Missing Ryan Quirk, Jordan Mackenzie and Cam Forsyth at the top of the order, Springvale South was forced to deal with a tricky 16-over session at the end of Saturday’s play.

The promoted pair of Liam Hamilton and Brayden Sharp both fell to Hussain Ali, with Wyatt joining Mitch Forysth in seeing out the remainder of the overs, Springvale South already 36 runs into the chase at the close of play.

Wyatt’s aggressive strokeplay ensured any danger presented by a tricky run chase was rendered null and void, Springvale South cruising to victory before the tea break on Sunday in the 36th over.

Buckley’s spin-heavy attack bore the brunt

of Wyatt’s attack as the Wookey Medal winner hit Westley Nicholas for multiple sixes over the pavilion at Alex Nelson Reserve in his threeover spell.

Wyatt fell for 89 within touching distance of the winning runs, the patient Forsyth hitting the winning runs in an unbeaten 41, having put on 128 with Wyatt.

Ali finished with 2/15 as the only multiple wicket taker but is under an injury cloud for the preliminary final next week, having injured his ankle while appealing.

Buckley Ridges will face Narre South at Park Oval next week for the right to exact revenge in the grand final.

Narre South prevailed by two runs in an extraordinary contest with Hallam Kalora Park, in spite of a near match-winning hundred from Mahela Udawatte.

Callan Tout was the hero for the Lions, taking 4/55 after making a vital 44 with the bat.

Half-centuries to Jeevan Mendis andVineth Jayasuriya pushed the Lions to 220 batting first in an innings mired in momentum swings on Saturday.

Jayasuriya and Mendis added 93 for the

third wicket, before a collapse of 5/32 - including three wickets in one Lee Brown over - saw the Hawks wrestle-back the ascendancy.

Tout’s late runs set the scene for a brilliant second day that threatened to end early when the Hawks fell to 8/130 at Lauchlan Gregson’s wicket, but in Udawatte, there remained hope.

He farmed the strike with precision for much of the innings, protected the final batters in Brown and William Whyte as much as he could.

Brown departed with the Hawks needing a further 42, but Whyte was stoic in defence when he needed to be as Udawatte absorbed much of the strike.

Udawatte reached his hundred in the 78th over with 19 runs required for a tie/win, and begun the 79th with a pull-shot for six off a noball, cutting the required runs to just three.

He took a single off the third ball of the over, leaving Whyte to see out the remaining three deliveries, but Tout got through his defences on the fourth delivery, uprooting his off stump in the dying light.

Udawatte finished unbeaten on 107.

Forsyth forecasts Panthers making progress

By Marcus Uhe

Dandenong’s emerging talents and competitiveness throughout a long and gruelling Victorian Premier Cricket season has captain Brett Forsyth convinced that the club is “on the right path”, despite not qualifying for finals once again this summer.

The Panthers finished the competition in 12th place with five wins to their name, improving from just two wins the year before.

Forsyth’s side flew out of the blocks with two wins from their opening three contests thanks to a pair of monster run-chases but faded as the season continued, winning just two games following the mid-season Christmas break.

But it’s the margins of defeat that showed promise and dedication to the cause, something that pleased the veteran skipper.

Volatile T20 contests yielded the heaviest defeats, of seven wickets and 40 runs, while the worst margin in a two-day game, five wickets against Geelong, came against a side that only missed the top four in Premier Cricket on percentage.

It’s a sign of growth but something not to be satisfied with, in the eyes of the captain.

“As captain, and Tom (Donnell) as coach, we were really proud of the way that we played and our competitiveness, skills and ability to take it up to the opposition when we needed to and hold the fort if the opposition got a run-on,” Forsyth said.

“There’s been a number of really close games of cricket where it could have gone either way.

“In one or two we’ve had draws in red-ball cricket, a couple where we missed out by a wicket, things like that.

“For us, it’s not about trying to compete and

Picture: ROB CAREW

be happy with that, and being competitive but losing.

“That’s certainly not what we’re about; we’re aiming to win every game.”

A number of players, including Dhanusha Gamage, Noah Hurley and Vishwa Ramkumar, were embarking on a maiden season at First XI level, and stood up to the rigours with plenty asked of them.

Gamage cracked two unbeaten hundreds in his first two games at the level, finishing with 516 runs at 57, joining Joshua Slater (515) and Forsyth (781) in passing the 500-run mark.

Hurley, meanwhile, led the attack all season to finish with 25 wickets at 21.8, while Ramkumar representedVictoria Metro at the Under 19 National Championships late last year.

In Hurley, Forsyth can see shades of some storied names at Shepley Oval that went on to

Karantz clip

By Marcus Uhe

A towering header from Joshua Karantz completed a stunning Dandenong Thunder comeback in Saturday’sVictorian NationalPremierLeague(NPL)clashagainst Altona Magic in a dramatic contest that netted the Thunder their first victory of the new season.

Having trailed since the opening minute, a freekick from just inside the side line as regulation time expired found a charging Karantz, who turned the ball delicately into the bottom corner from close range, giving the Thunder a 3-2 lead at Altona’s Paisley Park, and resulting three points.

The Thunder was immediately on the back foot in the contest, courtesy of some sloppy defending in the opening minute.

Pierce Clark’s parried save was not cleared by his teammates, with a second cross at close range turned into the back of the net by Bul Juach.

Despite the Thunder dominating possession, the lead was doubled in the 34th minute courtesy of a stunning long-range strike from Mohammed Elhawli.

Elhawli stepped to his left and curled the ball into the bottom left corner from outside the penalty area, beyond Clark’s outstretched arms.

Dandenong managed to peg one back before the half, turning scrambling defence into success at the other end of the pitch.

Ali Sulemani came centimetres away from scoring a dreaded own-goal off a Clark save, but managed to track the ball down before it crossed the goal line and into Clark’s safe hands.

Clark’s clearance sprung a counter attack, findingWade Dekker on the edge of the Magic penalty area with defenders to beat.

Dekker showed all his experience by calmly waiting for his trailing midfielders to provide reinforcements, who worked the ball to the opposite side of the box, where Jay Romanovski pulled the trigger with a cross.

This time it was the Magic defenders who failed to clear the danger, the ball finding Birkan Kirdar, who slotted his second goal of the campaign.

The score remained 2-1 in the Magic’s favour for much of the second half until Dekker levelled the scores with 10 minutes remaining.

bigger and better things.

“He hits the deck really hard, he’s really competitive and reminds me of a few fast bowlers that we’ve had at the club, in Darren Pattinson, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson, and a few others,” he said.

“For someone who’s 20 to take 25 wickets in a team that doesn’t make the finals, I think he’s going to be a great player moving forward.

“We’ve got some really promising players that are coming through and will be the lifeblood of the club moving forward.

“If all the boys do the work and continue to improve their game, then I’m sure we’ll try to get from five wins to seven/eight/nine and be in contention for finals.”

Forsyth’s 781 runs, featuring four hundreds and one half-century, were only bettered by Melbourne’s Blake Thomson for total runs scored, putting him in firmly contention for the Jack Ryder Medal as the competition’s best player.

He credits the support of Donnell, his former opening batter and now senior coach, for much of his success this season.

“Tom has allowed me to go out and play and he’s been pretty happy for me to succeed or fail, and play a little bit more positively, which has been really nice at times,” he said.

“There hasn’t been too many ramifications for poor performances or shots, it’s been a really calm environment which has been really great.

“I think they (the coaching panel) have done a fantastic job with a somewhat-young group, in trying to lift the standards, communication in all areas, really.

“It’s been a really enjoyable place to play cricket this season, and it was last season, it was just a little bit tougher at times.”

A long ball from the back landed on Dekker’s chest amongst two defenders on the edge of the area.

Dekker dropped the ball to his feet and struck it on the bounce, too powerful for the fingertips of Ben Ratajczak in the Magic goal.

Altona then lost striker Darcy Anastovski after a high boot caught Daniel Alessi on the arm, and he was shown a second yellow card.

Capitalising on the numbers advantage, the Thunder snatched the lead late through Karantz, before surviving seven minutes of stoppage time to secure new manager Adam Piddick his first victory in red and black.

Conversely, cross-town rivals Dandenong City were unable to hold on to an early lead against Oakleigh Cannons at home on Friday night, settling for a 1-1 draw.

City struck first through Will Bower in the seventh minute, benefiting from an exquisite lofted pass from Michael Martinovic.

Bower snuck behind the Oakleigh defence before poking the ball beyond the Cannons’ goalkeeper with his right foot.

The lead was short-lived, however, as the visitors levelled the scores in the 21st minute.

Striker Alex Salmon was left unmarked and pounced on a cross from Stefan Valentini at close range.

Round 5 of the NPL will see City tackle the Melbourne Knights away and Thunder head to Oakleigh to face the Cannons

Joshua Slater was a standout with the bat for Dandenong this season in Victorian Premier Cricket, hitting 515 runs for the season. 389337

Jordan Wyatt celebrates one of his five catches for Springvale South against Buckley Ridges on Saturday. 392171 Picture: ROB CAREW

Quality comes to the fore

By Jonty Ralphsmith

DDCA TURF 2 - SEMI-FINAL REVIEWS

DANDENONG WEST v CRANBOURNE

Malinga Bandara has led the uber-talented Dandenong West to a semi-final victory over Cranbourne, just two weeks after being bowled out for 56 against the same opposition.

Missing Turf 2 Team of the Year all-rounder Jakeb Thomas, who took seven wickets in that game, was morale-destroying for Cranbourne, but even he would have struggled to defend the paltry 88 the Eagles’ batters put up at the home ground Dandy West play so well.

The quick bowlers put the Bulls on the front foot, but it was Bandara who took the life out of the game.

The leg-spinner took five of the last six wickets, finishing with figures of 5/10 off 11.1 overs, Dandenong West chasing that down inside 33 overs.

PARKFIELD v HSD

It was the big score Travis D’Souza has been threatening to make all season; and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time.

After the Sanjay Kahawatte-led bowling attack put Parkfield on the front foot at the innings break late on day one by bowling the Cobras out for 155, it was all D’Souza.

Arriving at the crease at 2/12 and needing to face a hat-trick ball against Charles Gartside Medallist Triyan De Silva, D’Souza calmly guided his team to stumps and then controlled proceedings on day two.

D’Souza played his natural game, bringing up a century in the dying stages, following several starts for Parkfield this season.

It followed Kahawatte setting the game up with an 18-over opening spell, which claimed four HSD top-order batters.

De Silva could not have done any more, assessing the match situation well and going through the gears in a 138-ball 90, as he was eventually forced to hit out or risk running out of partners.

He then bowled 23 overs at Parkfield, including eight late on day one, with his two wickets giving HSD hope.

DDCA TURF 3 - SEMI-FINAL REVIEWS

FOUNTAIN GATE v BERWICK SPRINGS

It was fitting that in the DDCA’s return to twoday cricket in 2023-24, one of the Turf 3 semi-

finals was decided by an old-school, pressure absorbing knock that ground opposition bowlers into the turf.

Archit Vora’s century played to his skillset perfectly; a simple mantra that skipper Braydon Hillman has preached repeatedly throughout 2023-24 -which saw him accumulate and frustrate the Coomoora bowling attack.

After getting through the big-hitting Jackson Marie, Riley Hillman and Radomir Badzo-

ka, and seeing off an organised 52 from Shalika Karunanayake, Fountain Gate had edged in front of the game.

Jasdeep Singh hit the deck hard, extracted variation from the pitch and injected excitement into the Gators’ psyche with four wickets in his opening spell.

Then a 39-over, 101-run partnership between Vora and Braydon Hillman was the sort of death-by-a-thousand-cuts combination that deserves a chapter in a premiership.

The bowlers, led by Karunanayake’s three wickets, gave them a chance of winning one by comfortably defending 259.

COOMOORA v LYNBROOK

Coomoora was a class above Lynbrook in all facets, bowling the Lakers out for 101, led by five wickets to Malan Madusanka.

The game was set up by a strong opening spell between Joel Robertson and Dean Krelle, while Rahoul Pankhania passed 50 in the easy chase.

Ultimate prizes go up for grabs in DDCA grand finals

By Jonty Ralphsmith

T2 - DANDENONG WEST V PARKFIELD

DANDENONG WEST

Strength: Experience: Bowlers Nuwan Kulasekera and Malinga Bandara have played international cricket; batters Anthony Brannan and Shaun Weir have plenty of First XI cricket to their name; Riley Siwes has Turf 1 games to fall back on. The poise that brings is worth a premium in a grand final.

Challenge: The return of Peter Atkinson. The fast bowler has been representing Australia in a veterans tournament overseas in recent weeks but returns early in the week and is a walk-up start. An unlucky player will miss out, but the difficulty will be in rejigging the bowling order, given he, Adam Reid and Noman Khan all have claims to partner Nuwan Kulasekera with the new ball.

Semi-final result: A comfortable sevenwicket win over Cranbourne after bowling them out for 88 set up by Malinga Bandara’s bowling. The Bulls will be buoyed that Venuk Hemachandra scored a half-century while ShaunWeir (44) also looked in his pre-Christmas form.

PARKFIELD

Strength: Unpredictability:Their even spread of talent makes it difficult to construct a plan to beat the Bandits. A big opening partnership is as likely to beat you as a metronomic Sanjay Kahawatte spell, frustrating spinners from Nick Jeffrey, class from Travis D’Souza with the bat, Riley Payne screamers in the gully or a dozen other possibilities. They’ve got an asset for all conditions and you can’t confidently get a wicket or see off a bowler unscathed and feel on the front foot.

Challenge: Lack of star power: As good as the Parkfield XI is, their top five players are no match for Dandenong West’s Malinga Bandara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Anthony Brannan, Shaun Weir and Riley Siwes. Where Parkfield relies on everyone to do their bit, DandyWest has a long list of players who can get going and just about win a game on their own.

Semi final: Sanjay Kahawatte’s long opening spell set the scene and Stevie Cannon’s men continued breaking through despite HSD showing resistance. A terrific Travis D’Souza century will give him plenty of confidence.

T3 - COOMOORA V BERWICK SPRINGS COOMOORA

Strength: Peaked at the right time: In the last five weeks, Coomoora has claimed three consecutive outrights, bowled Silverton out for 50 and Lynbrook for 103. In that period, Malan Madusanka has 28 wickets, Dean Krelle has 15, Joel Robertson has eight and Nick Lloyd has seven, all looking damaging at different times. Meanwhile, Lance Baptist, Rahoul Pankhania, Robertson and Liam Hard have all spent valuable time in the middle. Challenge: Berwick Springs has had this

side’s measure in both their previous meetings, unable to chase 168 and 298. Both wins have been set up by Jackson Marie, so the bowlers will know they need to have intensity from ball one.

Semi final result: A disciplined opening spell by Robertson and Krelle saw Coomoora snaffle early breakthroughs and set the scene for a dominant eight-wicket win, Pankhania anchoring the run-chase.

BERWICK SPRINGS

Strength: Batting depth: At 4/78 when number-six Archit Vora came to the crease in the semi, the Titans were probably a touch behind in the game. He came out, absorbed pressure and made a patient and relatively risk-free century to guide his team to 259. No other team in Turf 3 has that class so low in the order; plus Braydon Hillman who made an important 38. Going into the semi, the stats suggested there was more to them than an intimidating opening partnership of Riley Hillman and Jackson Marie that has eased so much pressure - Saturday proved it.

Challenge: Combating Malan Madusanka. In the 29 overs the Coomoora spinner has bowled at Berwick Springs this season, he has picked up 11/84. Undoubtedly, Coomoora will use him to tie down an end as he’s shown he’s capable of so the Titans’ batters will need clear plans.

Semi final: Had to answer some challenges in the batting innings, but was able to do so, despite the deck negating the usual impact of the opening batters. Bowlers Scott Lindsay, Ethan Marinic, Shalika Karunanayake and Sachintha Rajapakse all got valuable overs under their belt in a clinical bowling display.

Berwick Springs openers Jackson Marie and Riley Hillman head a strong batting lineup. 392160

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Sanjay Kahawatte set the game up for Parkfield. 392170

Picture: ROB CAREW

2025

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