EHD Star Journal - 4th June 2024

Crime fighters cut

By Sahar Foladi

Two crucial frontline workers atYouth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) in Dandenong will lose their jobs after a cut in State Budget funding.

Statewide, YSAS suffered a $1.85 million cut in youth crime prevention funds in this year’s State Budget leaving them short of 11 youth support service workers as of 30 June.

YSAS argues that the impacts will be felt across the community, slashing crucial crime prevention programs amidst a rise in youth offenders.

Its regional crime prevention manager, Katrina Bould says along with the devastating

news they’ll expect huge amounts of young people on the waitlist as a result of being under-resourced.

“Those two positions ultimately carry a full case load and would see approximately 40 young people per year and their families on top of that, so we’re talking about 80-plus families impacted in our direct community in the southern region.”

YSAS provides early intervention programs and services to at-risk young people between 10-17 years who either have had encounters with police or had their worried parents calling YSAS for help.

The workers help to divert young people away from crime, support them to integrate

back within the community through education, employment, social and recreational activities.

“They are the young people who will ultimately be losing out in the end by not getting a service,” Ms Bould said.

“When young people are ready for action, they are ready here-and-now to get that support. Even two weeks’ (wait) is long, and anything can shift in that time.”

The current estimated wait time to be seen by someone at YSAS is four weeks which is expected to more than double to nine weeks after 30 June.

Over the funding period of four years (20202024) YSAS received 1460 referrals with 75 per

cent becoming YSAS clients.

“The complexity of young people coming through is different to what it was pre-lockdown.

“We see lots of school disengagement cases. Schools are screaming out for us to come in and support,” Ms Bould said.

This aligns with official crime statistics of a 26 per cent increase from 2022 in young offenders aged 10-17 in Greater Dandenong.

As reported previously by Star Journal, this is the second-highest level in eight years with car thefts up by 32 per cent and aggravated burglaries up by 50 per cent.

Continued page 6

Katrina Bould, front, with YSAS youth support service workers at Dandenong. They say they will lose two of their colleagues due to State Budget funding cuts. 410079 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVES

Detox Your Home event is coming to Cranbourne

Do you have unused household chemicals cluttering your cupboards and garage?

Sustainability Victoria invites you to declutter responsibly at a free Detox Your Home event, happening on Saturday 22 June from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm at Chisholm TAFE Cranbourne, located at 2 New Holland Drive.

All collected items will either be recycled, repurposed, or disposed of safely.

Places are limited and registrations are essential— no walk-ins accepted. To register for this free event, search ‘Casey detox your home event’ on our website or scan the QR code.

Join us for National Tree Day

Join us to celebrate National Tree Day on Sunday 28 July at Troops Creek West Wetland in Narre Warren North. This free event invites families, groups, and individuals to plant trees and enhance our local environment. Enjoy a day outdoors which will include a free barbecue, connect with your community, and make a positive impact.

To book your spot, visit: treeday.planetark.org/site/10029698

Online Solar Savers Information Session

Council has teamed up with Solar Savers to make solar installation easy, affordable, and reliable for residents and businesses. Attend one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about a switch to solar.

Date: Thursday 20 June Time: 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm

The session is free to attend however bookings are required. To register for this free event, search ‘Solar solutions available for residents and businesses’ on our website.

Supporting residents to reduce energy and water use

Did you know Council has Energy and Water Efficiency Home Audit Kits that can be borrowed for free from our local libraries?

These kits include tools like a power-mate lite, energy-saving thermometer, water flow measuring cup, and thermal imaging camera to help you identify ways to improve your home’s efficiency.

After your audit, you may qualify for a rebate of up to $200 from Council to draught-proof your home. Check kit availability at connectedlibraries.org.au or visit your local library. Start saving money and reducing carbon emissions today!

Want to know more about sustainable living

• Join the ‘Green Living in Casey’ Facebook community group

• Subscribe to the Green Living in Casey e-newsletter on Council’s website

Community Recycling Day at Autumn Place

Autumn Place Community Hub will host a Community Recycling Day on Saturday 15 June from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm.

There will be range of activities where the whole family can learn about waste and recycling including:

• a chance for kids to sit in a recycling truck

• free craft activities

• Recycle Right session at 10.00 am

• Home Composting 101 session at 11.30 am

• There will be free coffee if you bring your own cup.

No bookings required

For more details, search ‘Community Recycling Day’ on our website.

Apply now for Casey’s Biodiversity Incentive Scheme Grant

The City of Casey is offering grants to support conservation projects in our community. Private landowners and volunteer public land managers can apply for up to $2,000 in monetary support or for a donation of indigenous seedlings.

Applications close at 11.00 pm on Sunday 30 June 2024. For more information and to apply, visit the ‘Improving our environment’ page on our website.

Induction cooktop – try before you buy

The City of Casey is pleased to provide two portable induction cooktop kits to help residents start their home electrification journey.

Before installing your own, you can hire a free kit from Connected Libraries branches at Bunjil Place and Cranbourne.

For more information visit the Connected Casey Library website.

Temple turn-lane resolved

By Sahar Foladi

Greater Dandenong Council has finally resolved long-running safety concerns over a road upgrade outside a Sikh temple in Keysborough.

The council’s Perry Road construction and widening project plan had been set to effectively remove a safe right-turn slip lane entry for Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib temple goers, something which they currently have.

While the temple representatives flagged this with council officers after they found out about the road upgrades in August 2023, many meetings and discussions were held to find a solution.

Councillor Rhonda Garad together with Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson have liaised on support of the temple.

Councillor Garad although “happy” about the “reasonable outcome” says she was “gobsmacked by the whole journey.”

“Whether we call it a win or it’s just not a loss because this is what we wanted a year ago, we were told they had to move their entrance and pay for the turning lane. They were looking at a huge amount of money of more than $120,000,” Cr Garad said.

Since the dispute began, an administrative restructure by Greater Dandenong chief executive officer JacquiWeatherill replaced three of the council’s four executive directors.

Councillor Garad says without the council officers’ “change of mindset” they may not have reached the desired outcome.

“The new officers have a new attitude of wanting to help, sort it out and wanting the best outcome for everybody.

“We would be still in a difficult place because there’s no way a volunteer organisation can come up with enormous amount of money required immediately to fix something they already had and was taken away from them.”

In a statement, Greater Dandenong stated it “recognises the road safety concerns of the Sikh Temple users and has modified the Perry Rd design to retain the existing sealed widened shoulder that has been used as an entry point”.

“Given this work will retain an existing condition, these works have been included in Council’s Project Budget.

“If the Sikh Temple wishes to upgrade the site in future this will be at their own cost.”

The project rebuilds a 850-metre section of Perry Road between Greens Road and Pacific Drive with its stated objective to increase safety and reduce congestion.

The temple and school is surrounded by industrial sites and share the 80km/h single lane

road with semi-trailers.

The temple serves up to an extraordinary 500 people daily with a communal meal - also known as a langar - for not just Sikhs but visitors from all backgrounds and religions.

The langar is from 5am to 9pm every day with over 2,000 served over the weekend.

CITY

Tim Richardson MP, Jaspreet Kaur, Hermail Singh (Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib temple president) and Councillor Rhonda Garad campaigning on the issue last year. 366660 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Legal help under pressure

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An overwhelmed South East community legal centre is facing “tough decisions” due to what it says is chronic underfunding from governments.

South-East Monash Legal Service executive director Kristen Wallwork says the service has no funding certainty beyond mid-2025, even while its phones are running off the hook and appointments are booked out by 10am Mondays.

“Many of those missed calls are women at risk of homelessness or violence.

“With only 13 months of funding remaining and no security beyond June 2025, SMLS faces tough decisions about how we will be able to provide these essential services to our communities.

“The consequences will be felt by individuals and communities alike.”

Underfunding at SMLS – which is based in Narre Warren and Springvale - was already putting its essential services at risk, Wallwork says.

“Ongoing, chronic underfunding is forcing community legal centres around the country to turn away over 1000 people daily, reduce services, and close outreach programs.”

It was also causing burnout to its team of lawyers, social workers, community workers, youth workers and financial counsellors.

Clients rely on the SMLS for help with “basic human needs” such as shelter, protection

from violence and financial security, Wallwork says.

They include victims with sometimes a myriad of issues such as family violence, sexual harrassment and assault, unfair dismissal, wage theft, access to housing, health care and debt.

It is also an essential part of the family violence service system, Wallwork says.

“We work to help victims/survivors to navigate the often-overwhelming legal system and rebuild their lives with dignity and security.”

Ahead of the Federal Budget, peak body Community Legal Centres Australia lobbied for an extra, urgent $125 million for the centres in 2024-’25 as well as an ongoing funding commitment beyond June 2025.

The Budget delivered an additional $9.3 million for community legal centres and $8.6 million for Family Violence Prevention Legal Services – as part of a $44 million boost for the legal assistance sector.

There was no announcement on funding beyond mid 2025.

Wallwork said the budget created an “unprecedented level of uncertainty” for the sector.

“Both the state and federal budgets have failed to properly address the gap in funding, or provide funding security for future years.

“When it comes to addressing the family violence crisis in Australia, we owe it to victims and survivors - and their children - to do more.”

‘Making a difference’: Accessibility boost at

By Casey Neill

Visitor numbers are booming at Myuna Farm, and it’s now even more accessible.

The upgraded Pavilion has ramp access, a Changing Places all-abilities toilet, a new viewing platform, and fresh kitchen facilities.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams joined City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff, Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) Victoria president Tanya Twaits, and other guests to officially open the Myuna Farm Pavilion Improvements Project on Friday 24 May.

The Doveton community farm offers events, workshops, school excursions and interactive animal experiences, and is home to several programs including RDA.

Attendance at the attraction is up 30 per cent this year, with about 220,000 people to pass through the gates by the financial year’s end.

The council worked alongside RDA volunteers to identify opportunities to enhance The Pavilion’s functionality and improve the farm experience for all.

RDA provides equine assisted activities for people with disabilities at Myuna with a team of seven horses and countless volunteers.

The State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund contributed $351,105 to upgrade its base, The Pavilion, and Casey $30,895.

Ms Williams said the project would have an enormous impact for such a relatively small investment.

“We’re pleased to support upgrades to these popular community facilities so more people can enjoy them now and into the future,” she said.

“I’m thrilled that this funding is making a difference to the families and children who come to visit Myuna Farm, giving them the opportunity to interact with animals and learn about Australian farming and sustainability.”

At the launch, Ms Duff noted a child had been quite agitated while waiting for their RDA session but was totally calm once on their horse.

“What a great facility and what a great or-

Myuna Farm

ganisation,” she said.

“What has been achieved here has been part of ensuring this area is accessible to everyone.”

Ms Duff said many valuable organisations operated from the space daily.

“It was important for the council to hear the challenges these groups face and how we can support their ongoing operations and address building compliance concerns,” she said.

Ms Twaits acknowledged RDA’s 30-odd year partnership with Casey.

“What a wonderful facility,” she said.

Her son, Owen, is an RDA participant and looks forward to his weekly 50-minute session. She looks forward to hearing his shrieks of joy.

“It’s the way it brings him to life,” Ms Twaits said.

She said the program helped riders to build strength and motor skills, gain confidence, and enjoy freedom of movement and a sense of calm.

“They all have their own needs and goals,” she said.

“The smile that lights up their face is just incredible to see.”

It’s now easier for riders to mount their horses.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

South-East Monash Legal Service executive director Kristen Wallwork says its essential services are at risk due to chronic underfunding. 363524

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Jailed for violence

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A man who inflicted what a judge described as among“the most horrific” examples of domestic violence has been jailed for up to sevenand-a-half years.

The 46-year-old man – who can’t be named in order not to identify his victim – pleaded guilty in theVictorian County Court to charges including kidnapping, nine counts of common law assault and two counts of recklessly causing injury.

Sentencing judge Duncan Allen said on 24 May that the man committed numerous acts of “gross” violence out of anger mainly against his now ex-partner in 2020-21.

There were accounts of him smashing her head against walls, a bathroom sink and into steering wheels, using a jet lighter to harm and threaten her, punching her to the face, whipping her with rope to the face, tying her wrists and demanding her to get into a car boot.

“It’s not overstating the situation to describe your conduct as some of the most serious and in some cases horrific examples of intimatepartner violence I’ve seen,” Judge Allen said in sentencing on 24 May.

“It’s something any human being would never get over.”

The kidnapping - accompanied by “appalling” violence - occurred early on 7 July 2021.

The man drove his vehicle through the roller-door of a friend’s factory in Dandenong South and stabbed his friend with a knife as he angrily sought to find his partner.

He stormed around the factory until he found the victim and then kidnapped her in her own car.

He drove her down a dark, dirt road in Dandenong South, then dragged her along the road while holding a knife to her throat.

The victim was forced onto a railway line, where her attacker kicked her to the head and

ribs and choked her.

She managed to escape, hide and dial triple-0. Police were able to track her due to her phone’s location, and she was transferred to Dandenong Hospital.

She required extensive surgery and more than 50 sessions of therapy for her fractured hand.

The man sped off in the victim’s car during a brief police pursuit.

Her car was found abandoned in Hampton Park, severely damaged with spray-painted insults about the victim.

The man was arrested the next day in Springvale, and has remained in custody for nearly three years since.

He was in breach of bail and a family violence intervention order at the time.

Judge Allen paid credit to the victim-survivor who despite the significant physical, psychological and emotional impact was deter-

mined to “leave the darkness behind”.

It was not surprising that she was still being treated with PTSD as a result of the attacks.

Meanwhile, the accused submitted a“genuine” letter-of-apology to the court, expressing his shame and “a level of remorse”.

Judge Allen noted that the man, for the first time, engaged in 58 hours of comprehensive counselling while he was in remand.

“It’s deeply regrettable that this treatment came to an end as a result of the Government ceasing funding (in mid-2023).”

Appropriate psychological treatment in custody and on parole was essential for the community’s protection and the accused’s reform, the judge said.

Especially where there was a clear link between the man’s childhood deprivation, his ongoing mental illness and drug addiction and his offending behaviour.

The man’s issues stemmed from serious sexual abuse as an 11 year old.

Since 12, he’d abused alcohol and spiralled into drugs such as heroin and meth.

“You’ve effectively been a drug addict since you were a child,” Judge Allen said.

According to his family, he had become “institutionalised” and unable to escape the cycle of drug abuse, mental illness, crime and jail.

His significant criminal history included violence, drugs and driving offences, but no prior convictions for violence against a partner.

Judge Allen said there was “some glimmer of hope” that the man would reform, including potentially while on parole.

However, a lengthy jail sentence was “unavoidable”.

The man was jailed for up to seven-and-ahalf years, with a non-parole period of fourand-a-half years.

His term included 901 days in pre-sentence remand.

CEO pay rise

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Council chief executive Jacqui Weatherill has been rewarded withapayriseduetoapositiveannualperformance review.

Councillors approved the 2.75 per cent salary hike at a meeting on 27 May. CrsTim Dark and Bob Milkovic abstained from the vote. The performance review was based on six measures including financial sustainability, customer experience, people and culture, and communication, engagement and advocacy. MsWeatherill met expectationsorrecordedstrongperformance across all measures, the review found.

Cr Rhonda Garad said the council had “seen a substantial uplift in contemporary management and leadership” during Ms Weatherill’s term.

Since replacing John Bennie in late 2022, MsWeatherill has swept in change in the senior executive ranks.

Her new executive directors are Andrew Foley (corporate development), Peta Gillies (community strengthening), Sanjay Manivasagasivam (city futures) as well as executive manager Marjan Hajjari (strategic growth and advocacy). They replaced long-serving directors and managers such as Paul Kearsley, Kylie Sprague and Jody Bosman.Theperformancereviewwasconducted by a CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee, comprising mayor Lana Formoso, deputy mayor Richard Lim andcouncillorsAngelaLong,SeanO’Reilly, Rhonda Garad, Jim Memeti and Sophie Tan. The salary rise will be backdated to 19 December 2023 – 12 months after Ms Weatherill took the helm. It matched a 2.75 percentriseforcouncilemployeesin2024’25 after recent enterprise bargaining.

The details and amount of Ms Weatherill’s salary was not listed.

No grace for prized church

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

In a shock development, Keysborough’s historic church is set to go on the “open market” after Greater Dandenong Council pulled out of a potential purchase.

In a closed council meeting on 27 May, councillors voted against buying the 147-yearold building and a younger wooden church building at 176 Chapel Road.

The church – formerly known as Keysborough Methodist Church – was built by the community in 1877. It’s one of the few surviving historic buildings in the suburb.

“Council has carefully considered the benefits and challenges of purchasing this land, and on balance has determined not to pursue the purchase,” a council spokesperson said.

It ends more than two years of fruitless negotiations between the council and owner Uniting Church in Australia to preserve the decayed and vandalized building.

An Uniting Church in Australia spokesperson stated that it intended to “sell on the open market” and “will commence this process shortly”.

“This is disappointing as such a long time was spent on these negotiations.

“If the council had purchased the property, a public open space would have been made available to the community and a community group would have taken ownership of the two churches on the site.”

The church has continued to be broken into by vandals despite fences being installed around the property. Several stained-glass windows have been broken, and the interior tagged with graffiti.

“We have taken reasonable steps to secure the site and will continue to do so while it remains in our ownership,” the church spokesperson said.

The move has dashed hopes of a community group who wished to renovate and use the site as a public facility and open space.

Rhonda Garad, one of the group’s directors and a Greater Dandenong councillor, did not vote on the issue on 27 May due to a conflict of interest. She was disappointed in the “shortsighted” decision by her councillor colleagues.

“This historic church has really strong significance to the local community. The Keysborough South and broader community will be disappointed.”

Cr Garad said it was a “sad, missed opportunity” to snap up a “very reasonable” and below market-value offer from the Uniting Church.

“Keysborough South is a completely brandnew suburb. It has almost no understanding of its history.

“The purchase would have guaranteed the preservation of the church building and Sunday School building next to it.

“Generations have moved through the church with births, weddings and Sunday school. It holds community memories and knowledge – we won’t get that back.”

Cr Garad said the community group’s aim was to absorb all of the financial risk and outlays in renovating and running the proposed facility.

The possibilities for the site included as a gathering place, arts space, farmer’s market, cafe and community garden.

“The area is so densely populated.

“There’s no other green space at that top end of Chapel Road – it’s our last bite of the cherry.

“They’ve lost the opportunity to convert a much loved and appreciated historical building into a community asset.”

Cr Garad said she wasn’t sure who would now buy the church, which is under a local heritage protection overlay.

“Itwillcostalotofmoneytobringthechurch back to even a state of structural stability.”

Another of the group’s directors is historian Christine Keys – whose family were instrumental in the building of the church in the 19th century.

She said the council’s decision was “frustrating” and “annoying” after “nearly three years of going backwards and forwards”.

“What it means is that the council is not interested in heritage. To just let an 1877 church go – it’s an attack on heritage.”

The structure is the “only link” to the district’s early pastoral history, she says.

“The Methodist Church has been in Keysborough South through the Keys family who originally invited a Methodist minister from Brighton here.

“Until the church was built they held (church) in the Keys’s home. They were instrumental in getting the church built.”

Ms Keys hoped there may be a chance of negotiating directly for a handover from Uniting Church.

The Uniting Church-affiliated charity Mission Liaison Group, which stores shipping containers of overseas aid onsite, also faces an uncertain future.

MLG convener John Connan said he’d be “devastated” if the church was demolished.

“It’s one of the three remaining historic buildings in Keysborough including the former primary school and the Keys family home.

“It seems that heritage is something we can forget about in Australia.”

No alternative location for the MLG has been identified.

$1.85m cuts savage youth crime prevention service

From page 1

“Working to support the families is a standard part of our casework. There’s a lot of other things that come through such as family breakdowns, family tensions,” Ms Bould says.

“We see a lot of families struggling out there, but we’ve seen just a little bit of our support can make it go a long way with them. That’s our biggest fear, of who’ll miss out.“

Katra Shumbayaonda, aYSAS senior practitioner, says they receive a range of referrals - from parents needing support with their child to addressing more serious crimes such as aggravated burglary.

“The police had been active in giving out our flyers to the community as well and we see a lot of changes for good after they do contact us.”

Currently, 90 per cent of YSAS clients have family involvement where youth and family workers also work from “a family inclusive lens.”

Youth support service team manager Cassie Thrower says the impact of the long waitlist will be felt by stakeholders such as Youth Justice Court Diversion (CCYD) which support young people to stay away from the youth justice system as their “final chance.”

“We quite often deter young people from the court system so if we’re unable to service these young people they’re more likely to go into the justice system and possibly into custody.

“With the extra funding we were able to

build that position in the community to service so many young people. But to have the referrals continuing and not being able to service them, it really impacts on our stakeholders.”

The Dandenong team will be down from seven workers to five across the Southern metropolitan region forcing them to not just manage their waitlist prioritisation but also prioritise contact methods with clients.

“We’ve just finished some training around our priority mechanism. It will look at our systems internally, how we will allocate our clients according to needs.

“It will have to bring focus on brief interventions versus before we would work with them for six months.”

Youth support service team leader Nathan Lambie spends a majority of his time on case management which also includes driving on the road to visit clients, working around time constraints now more than ever.

“Some young people may live 45-minutes away so that is two hours travelling time just to see one person.

“It gets difficult especially when dealing with high-risk people with a number of complexities. They need support on top of the brief case work,” Mr Lambie says.

While time spent with each person varies according to their needs, once a fortnight is common. For a very complex case, it could be weekly visits.

YSAS were forced to pull out from taking part in Operation Newstart, an out-of-school

recreational program which provided youth support, engagement with local community and educate them about services available to them.

YSAS had been part of Operation Newstart since 2012 where one youth support service worker would attend and assist young people throughout the program.

“Being out there in the community, we still want to have a presence, but it will be quite limited, “Ms Bould said.

“The caseloads will be very high, trying to service young people will be the main focus.

“That’s why we have no option but to look at extra things like Operation Newstart because we can’t service that across the whole geographical region.”

This partnership has seen YSAS youth workers support more than 400 vulnerable young people in the Operation Newstart Casey program.

Operation Newstart Casey program manager, James Seeary says both the program and its participants will not just feel the impact ifYSAS is not supported but it places the program’s future in jeopardy.

“In the current environment, where the growing need to support young people trying to cope with a myriad of issues is obvious, I am dumbfounded that funding has been cut to such a crucial service.”

In question time in State Parliament on 29 May, Premier Jacinta Allan was asked if she would“urgently reconsider its decision to cut funding”.

Ms Allan responded that “it is this one-off funding that has now come to a conclusion.”

“In terms of the allegation made about YSAS, who I do want to acknowledge are an excellent agency who do very good and important work, there has been no change or adjustment to their core level of funding.

“This organisation and many others during the period of the pandemic were provided with some additional one-off funding allocations to provide them with support.

“That was in recognition that during the pandemic many organisations ... needed to be provided with some additional support to be able to work through that period of time and continue their service provision.”

Ms Bould, like many other YSAS workers, disagrees it was just a once-off pandemic funding.

“For us as workers, the government saying that was Covid funding, that’s very untrue.

“There was a lot of advocacy work done for this funding that happened prior to the pandemic and it happened that the pandemic landed, and our funding was instated at that time,” she said.

“It’s absolutely devastating. The last few weeks have been very hard on us taking in this news.

“We’re losing colleagues, losing support to the young people and our community, the morale is down.

“It brings the spotlight onto it, questioning whose jobs are safe at these challenging times?”

Locals and councillors praying for a good outcome outside the historic church in 2021. 241985 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

A few of the historic windows have been smashed from the inside. 241985

Vandals have tagged the interior of the 147-year-old church.

Another tobacco store hit

Police are investigating a second attack on tobacco shops in Spring Square, Hallam over a one-week period.

Taskforce Lunar detectives say the rear of an outlet was set alight in a “targeted attack” about 5.20am onWednesday 29 May.

“There was no one inside at the time of the incident and the fire caused damage to the shop,” aVictoria Police spokesperson said.

“The offenders fled the scene prior to police arrival and investigators are treating the fire as a targeted attack.”

FRV firefighters were called out to the blaze

and brought the fire under control within 30 minutes.

A community advice warning about the blaze was issued.

The previous week, a vehicle rammed into the front shutter door of another tobacco outlet in Spring Square.

Police described the incident in the early hours of 22 May as an attempted burglary.

Letters

Separately, councils recently sent letters on behalf of Victoria Police to landlords warning of the risks involving arson attacks on

tobacco stores.

“The purpose of the letter is to highlight to landlords the current risks around businesses operating who are engaged in illicit activity, and the risk they present.

“This includes the risk to current insurance arrangements as well as the potential for nearby businesses and properties to be adversely impacted by the fires and other criminal activity.”

Crime Command’s Acting Commander Jason Kelly said the attacks on tobacco outlets had run 15 months with a significant

number of arrests.

“More than ever, assistance and information from store owners, staff, other shop owners and members of the community is crucial.

“We acknowledge we need to look at innovative ways to target this issue.

“One way of doing this is by speaking to those who own these properties and lease them to people actively engaging in organised crime.”

Any information on the incidents to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic. com.au

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2025.

Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services. Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,563 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2025. Visit vic.gov.au/kinder

Police at a tobacco outlet in Spring Square, said to be targeted in an arson attack. 410382

Pictures: GARY SISSONSThe rear of the tobacco shop, where a suspicious fire was lit. 410382

Journey to reconciliation

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong mayor Lana Formoso has made a public call for reconciliation and recognition of First Nations people.

Her speech at a 27 May council meeting coincided with National Reconciliation Week events at Harmony Square and Springvale Community Hub last week.

Cr Formoso noted the week’s theme ‘Now More Than Ever’, saying it was a “call for action”.

“It’s a reminder for all of us that the struggle continues for full equitable participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

“And the struggle for recognition of cultural rights must continue.

“Now more than ever, we need to work towards a true reconciliation and call out racism everywhere we encounter it.”

She encouraged all to think about “how you might be able to support reconciliation in your own lives”.

“I hope Reconciliation Week sparks a desire to learn more about our shared history with First Nations people and gives you an opportunity to reflect more on the role we can all play in the journey towards reconciliation.”

The council and Bunurong Land Council are working on a third Reconciliation Action Plan, Cr Formoso said.

“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags fly at Harmony Square and Springvale Community Hub every day of the year.

“But today by ceremoniously raising the flags together, Council signifies its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and recognition of all First Nations people.”

Last year the council publicly backed the ‘Yes’ campaign in the referendum to enshrine an indigenous Voice at Federal Parliament.

Cultures tied by a dream

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Cambodian Buddhist place of worship in Springvale South is said to be among the forerunners for reconciliation.

In the early 1990’s, Wat Buddharangsi monastery in Clarke Road was among the first to create a monument recognizing Aboriginal people as traditional custodians of the land.

Spokesperson Thayhorn Yim said it was the start of a“special bond” between two cultures.

“One of our elder members who resided at the temple dreamt that she was visited by an old Aboriginal man.

“He told her he was the owner of the land that we recently bought, and lived under a big tree in the north of the block bordering the Springvale tip.

“While the tree had long disappeared, the old man said it was his home and he needed a shelter.

“He asked for a hut to be built and in return promised to look after the construction of our temple.”

It led to the monastery agreeing to build a hut. At festival times, food and flowers were ceremoniously offered at the site.

“Then the Aboriginal monument was built to reminiscence to honour the Aboriginal people as the traditional landowners in front of the entry corner as a welcome place.

Picture: PAUL WOODLAND

“The story has then kept telling our guests about the cultural bond and the dreams.”

Later that decade, the temple’s monument was acknowledged by the Healesvillebased Wurundjeri Aboriginal Commission.

In a series of events, Mr Yim and Wurundjeri elder and Commissioner James Wardin both created handprints in Healesville that were later installed at Wat Buddharangsi.

“A smoking ceremony to cleanse the body and mind of bad spirits was held,” Mr Yim recalled.

Then-mayor Kevin Walsh, councillor Roz Blades, Holt MP Anthony Byrne and Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network president Reverend Janet Turpie-Johnstone attended.

A crowd of 150 gathered at the tracks of Police Paddocks Reserve in Dandenong North to hear of the killing and massacres of Aboriginal people during early European settlement, Mr Yim said.

Thayhorn Yim, Janet Turpie-Johnstone, Bryon Powell, Ang Toth, Meak Nom and Hong Kean Hoeung at Wat Buddharangsi’s Aboriginal monument in the 1990s.

Wat Buddharangsi monks Venerable Sovann Srey and Venerable Sudhep Nan with Thayhorn Yim and Greater Dandenong’s aboriginal council officer Bryon Powell during the joint ceremonies in the 1990’s.

Wurundjeri elder James Wardin leaves a handprint as part of the joint ceremony in Healesville.

Aunty Lucy and Greater Dandenong mayor Lana Formoso at a National Reconciliation Week event at Harmony Square on 27 May. 408700

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Aunty Lucy and her granddaughter Anaika Havea. 408700

The gathering at the Harmony Square ‘Now More Than Ever’ event. 408700

Aunty Lucy raises the Aboriginal flag. 408700

Mayor Lana Formoso raises the Torres Strait Islander flag. 408700

Alyson and Simone from Greater Dandenong Council gather leaves enscribed with unifying messages. 408700

Brawl at the servo

Two men and three teenagers have been charged in relation to an alleged car crash and brawl in Narre Warren North on Wednesday 29 May.

At about 7.30am, members of the public reported an Audi, Maserati and Holden Commodore allegedly driving erratically on Narre Warren North Road, police say.

Shortly afterwards these vehicles were allegedly involved in a multi-vehicle collision on NarreWarren North Road, near Ryelands Drive.

Two groups of alleged offenders associated with the vehicles were said to be involved in

a brawl at a service station on Narre Warren North Road.

An 18-year-old man from one of the groups was injured and subsequently transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police say.

A 15-year-old Cranbourne North boy and a 15-year-old Doveton boy were charged with attempted aggravated burglary and theft of a motor vehicle. They were remanded to appear before a Children’s Court at a later date.

An 18-year-old Mulgrave man and a 24-yearold Cranbourne North man were charged with

aggravated home invasion, attempted aggravated burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

They were remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.

A 17-year-old Doveton boy was charged with theft of a motor vehicle. He was bailed to appear before a Children’s Court on 31 May.

Two other 16-year-old males, from Cranbourne South and Doveton, are currently assisting police.

An 18-year-old Narre Warren man was arrested and released pending further enquiries.

New role for Moordialloc MP Richardson

In an Australian first, Moordialloc MP Tim Richardson has been appointed as a Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Behaviour Change.

The move was part of a Parliamentary secretary reshuffle announced by Premier Jacinta Allan on Tuesday 28 May.

Ms Allan said the position continued the Government’s priority of “ending the tragedy of deaths of Victorian women at the hands of men”.

“This is the first position of its kind in Australia – and will focus largely on the influence the internet and social media have on boys’ and men’s attitudes towards women and building respectful relationships.”

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In other moves, Josh Bull will become Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure Delivery – combining his role in transport and Mr Richardson’s former role as parliamentary secretary for health infrastructure.

NinaTaylor will become Parliamentary Secretary for Education, replacing ex-Labor member Darren Cheeseman who was dumped from the caucus in April.

Sheena Watt will be Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services to help“make sure Victoria is prepared for natural disasters that happen with increasing frequency, and assist communities as they respond to and recover from emergencies”.

Green unites

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong’s Green Wedge will be united in a single council ward after an electoral boundary review.

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne announced that she accepted the outcomes of the review for City of Greater Dandenong and nine other councils.

The ward boundary changes apply for the upcoming October elections.

The redistribution was prompted by the growing number of voters in the new estates in Keysborough. In its review, the VEC rejected a controversial alternative model that would move Greater Dandenong’s entire green wedge and Dandenong South industrial area into DandenongWard.

This model also attracted strong criticism from an overwhelming majority of submitters, including Willow Lodge Village Residents Association, the Defenders of the South East Green Wedge, Keysborough South Ward Greens councillor Rhonda Garad and former Greens councillor Matthew Kirwan. The submitters argued it would set up a conflict for the ward’s councillor representing the industrial and green wedge communities.

The VEC instead opted for minor changes to Greater Dandenong’s ward boundaries. The new layout includes adding the Lyndhurst green wedge area to the Keysborough and Bangholme green wedge areas in the Keysborough South Ward. Meanwhile, the Keysborough Ward will extend into a section of the newer residential estates south of Dandenong Bypass (which were formerly in Keysborough SouthWard).

This was a “potential drawback” given the bypass was a “large physical boundary” and the different housing stock on either side of the bypass.

Four of the 11 wards will retain the same boundaries. The three western wards Springvale North, Springvale Central and Springvale South will move slightly south.

Archie’s Farm to host exclusive Wine and Dine event

Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar is thrilled to announce an exclusive 5-Course Wine & Dine Degustation dinner event in collaboration with Taltarni Vineyards, set to tantalise palates and elevate the dining experience on Saturday 29 June, 2024. This event will showcase the perfect harmony between exquisite cuisine and exceptional wines, promising an evening of indulgence and sophistication.

The event will be held at Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar within Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park in Scoresby, renowned for its elegant ambiance and modern European cuisine highlighting local produce. Guests will have the opportunity to savour a meticulously crafted 5-course menu curated by Head Chef Nick Kennedy, featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.

Partnering with Taltarni Vineyards, one of the pioneering wineries of Victoria’s Pyrenees region, adds a unique dimension to this event. Guests will be treated to a selection of Taltarni Vineyard’s finest wines, expertly paired with

each course to enhance flavours and create a memorable gastronomic journey.

“We are excited to collaborate with Taltarni Vineyards for this exclusive 5-Course Wine and Dine Degustation dinner event,” said Darshana Prasad, Food & Beverage Manager at Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar. “This part-

nership allows us to combine our passion for culinary excellence withTaltarniVineyard’s expertise in winemaking, promising an unforgettable evening for all guests.”

In addition to the culinary delights and exceptional wines, guests will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from Taltarni Vineyards, gaining insights into the artistry and craftsmanship behind each bottle.

“We’re thrilled to bring the essence of the Pyrenees to Melbourne through our collaboration with Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar”, says Dean Smith, National Brand Ambassador. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our coolclimate wines, crafted purely for enjoyment, and offer guests a taste of our home. Paired with the culinary excellence of Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar, it’s set to be an exceptional evening.”

Availability for our 5-Course Wine & Dine event is limited, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience for all guests. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in an unforgettable

evening of gastronomic delights and wine appreciation.

For more information and to reserve your seat, please visit hyattplacecaribbeanpark. com or contact 0423 786 685. About Hyatt Place Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms featuring distinct zones for sleep, work and play, and free flowing social spaces that offer seamless transitions from work to relaxation. With more than 415 locations globally, Hyatt Place hotels offer freshly prepared food around the clock, efficient service and differentiated experiences for World of Hyatt members. For more information, please visit hyattplace.com. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattPlace and #WhySettle.

Archie’s Farm Restaurant and Bar presents Exclusive Wine and Dine Event in partnership with Taltarni Vineyards.

Picture: TALTARNI ROSE POACHED PEAR

Mordialloc Labor MP Tim Richardson has been tasked with a newly-created role in leading men’s behaviour change.

City of Greater Dandenong’s new ward boundaries.

Several police units at a service station on Narre Warren North Road. 410381 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Police inspect a Commodore left on Narre Warren North Road after the incidents. 410381

NEWS Trapped in NDIS gap

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

People with mental illness are being forced into aged care and homelessness due to ‘falling through cracks’ in the NDIS system, a South East provider says.

Sarah, 47, of Keysborough, is finally enjoying a secure home after gaining the support of Pakenham-based NDIS provider Sunrise2Sunrise.

With schizoaffective and bipolar disorders, she had been enduring recurrent homelessness and in and out of Dandenong Hospital for 30 years.

“I felt abandoned, like my needs were too complex for the system to handle,” Sarah said. In what she calls a happy “accident”, she met Sunrise2Sunrise chief executive Ravi Bhatt who was visiting her friends in a Secure Extended Care Unit.

After talking with Mr Bhatt, he was able to help Sarah into a new house with support staff in Keysborough.

For the past 18 months, Sarah now enjoys the fruits of a ‘family-like’ home life.

She is seeing her parents regularly, cleaning, cooking, shopping, gardening and visiting church. She hasn’t been admitted to hospital since.

“It was a miracle to finally have a beautiful home,” she says.

Mr Bhatt says it’s been a challenge getting people with mental illness onto the “right NDIS plan”.

He said there was urgent need for a more compassionate and inclusive system.

“For people with mental health issues, there is a gap.

“It is getting better but it must encompass the often-overlooked individuals facing complex challenges.”

Over the past two years Sunrise2Sunrise have had at least 22 discharges from SECU, all with varying lengths of admissions.

At least four were thought to be unable to be reintegrated to the community, and 16 would have ended up homeless or in aged care.

Keeping people in hospital rather than living a meaningful life was a financial cost to the Government. And a great cost to the patients’ quality of life, Mr Bhatt says.

“In a hospital setting, you can’t pursue those simple necessities of human life like cooking, cleaning, shopping and pruning the roses.”

As of 31 March, the NDIS was supporting 63,469 participants with psychosocial disabilities.

A recent NDIS review found several shortcomings in the scheme’s dealings with people with mental illness.

It recommended several reforms – includ-

ing a greater focus on personal recovery and greater independence.

A spokesperson for the National Disability Insurance Agency said it was implementing a Psychosocial Disability Recovery-Oriented Framework to better support participants, their families and carers.

“The NDIA wants all people with psychosocial disability in the NDIS to be supported in their personal recovery and to live a life that has meaning for them.

“The Agency is committed to implementing this framework, and working closely with the disability community, Federal and State Governments, and the Department of Social Services to implement reforms to improve the NDIS, including those arising from the NDIS Review.”

‘Smokey’ the cat rises from the ashes

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A family and their cats have made a miraculous escape from a fiercely-destructive house fire in Dandenong.

Single dad Dwayne Arisc was sipping coffee and his son was in the shower when they were confronted with a fast-spreading blaze in one of the bedrooms on the morning of Friday 24 May.

“He jumped out of the shower and yelled out to me, and as soon as I saw what was happening I put my arms around him and we ran,” Mr Arisc said.

“The house went up so quick. The pressure, the panic, the intensity of the smoke was so intense, there wasn’t time to think or act.”

Despite the efforts of firefighters, their Hammond Road home and all their possessions were destroyed.

And to compound their great distress, they were unable to find beloved cats Boo and the aptly-named Smokey who they’d raised as stray kittens.

But the next day, the cats figuratively rose from the ashes.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Mr Arisc said. “The ceiling had collapsed on top of Boo, and he was underneath it in the sink, badly burned but still alive.

“When I lifted the rubble away he let out a

little meow as if saying ‘Daddy I’m hurt’.

“His paws, ears and whiskers were all burned.”

Meanwhile Smokey was hiding under the bonnet of Mr Arisc’s car.

“The little fellahs deserved to live, so we took them straight to the vet.”

A South-East based charity Pets Of the Homeless has stepped in to help with the

Disney World for South East?

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Disney World for the open spaces of Greater Dandenong has been proposed by South Eastern Metropolitan MP David Limbrick.

In response to reports that Disney had $60 billion to spend on new theme parks and resorts, the Libertarian MP told State Parliament on 30 May that he’d narrowed down three “potential outstanding locations” of Dandenong, Cranbourne or Frankston.

“They are so good I cannot easily split them.

“Unlike in other parts of Melbourne, Disney would be welcomed with open arms in South-East Melbourne.

“We have tens of thousands of families with kids who are looking for things to do and a great workforce who would love to live and work close to home.”

Mr Limbrick said the proximity to Moorabbin Airport and abundance of open spaces connected to Mordialloc Freeway made it the “only logical place for the happiest place on Earth”..

“A Disney resort would attract millions of visitors to the South-East of Melbourne, and we would welcome every single one of them.

“My request for the Minister for Tourism is to contact Disney Company and let them know every assistance would be given to them if they were to establish a theme park.”

Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti agreed that Dandenong was an ideal site.

As mayor in 2014, Cr Memeti supported a China-based developer’s idea for a giant theme park at a Green Wedge site on Frankston-Dandenong Road, Bangholme.

“I am always interested when there is investment that would create employment opportunities in our city.

“I am also supportive of a theme park in Dandenong as we are the gateway to 1.8 million people in the South East.”

“Who doesn’t love theme parks and why not in Dandenong?”

As for whether the same GreenWedge site would be suitable, that would have to be “decided in due course”, Cr Memeti said.

Defenders of the South East Green Wedge spokesperson Matthew Kirwan said a theme park was “definitely not compatible” with the Green Wedge.

“The GreenWedge is for environmental, agricultural and low impact recreational uses.

“Also a theme park is a use designed for high volumes of people so should be accessible via public transport, both for accessibility and sustainability.

“As well as being an inappropriate use for the Green Wedge, the Green Wedge is poorly serviced by public transport.”

$6000 vet bills to treat Smokey for smoke inhalation and Boo for his severe burns.

The charity’s CEO Yvonne Hong said the pair face a long road for recovery.

“For emergency treatment, Pets Of The Homeless is able to contribute up to $1000, but we now need the help of our wonderful community to cover the remaining costs.”

To make a tax-deductible donation, go to petsofthehomeless.org.au/donate

Boo the cat with his heavily bandaged paws, which were severely burnt in a house fire in Dandenong.

Libertarian MP David Limbrick has pitched an idea for a Disney theme park in the South East.

Sunrise2Sunrise chief executive Ravi Bhatt says NDIS reform is needed to stop forcing people with mental illness into homelessness. 407733

Sunrise2Sunrise chief executive Ravi Bhatt with Sarah, who had been overlooked by the NDIS system. 407733 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Unpaid long service leave leads to fine

A Dandenong labour hire agency has been fined $15,500 without conviction after failing to pay casual workers their long service leave entitlements.

Despite at least seven years of service, five casual employees under Allstaff Australia RJE Pty Ltd had more than $32,000 in outstanding long-service leave entitlements on the day their employment ended.

Allstaff Australia RJE pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court after Wage Inspectorate Victoria began an investigation in November 2021 after receiving reports from former employees claiming that their long service leave entitlements had not been paid.

Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria, Robert Hortle said that “these employees were denied thousands of dollars in entitlements, some for over two years which is unacceptable”.

“This money could have been a crucial lifeline to help people meet living costs while they looked for a new job,” he said.

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

5 June 1924

Dandenong State School

Since the head teacher instituted a Penny Savings Bank at the Dandenong State School eight weeks ago, the sum of 42 pounds has been paid in. The number of depositors is now 186, but does not include 82 pupils who have ordinary accounts at the Savings Bank. Owing to the increased attendance, another lady assistant has been appointed. Miss L. Head, of Longwarry, being the successful applicant.

50 years ago

4 June 1974

Nine to a room!

Housing Commission is lashed.

Individual underpayments ranged from $5176 to $7460, with some employees not receiving the money they were owed for over two years after their employment ended.

According to the Long Service Leave Act 2018, after at least seven years of continuous employment with one employer, an employee is entitled to take their long service leave and be paid any unused long service entitlement when employment ends.

This applies to full-time, part-time, casual, seasonal and fixed-term workers.

“For labour-hire businesses, your employees may be out of sight, but their entitlements cannot be out of mind.You can outsource your workers, but not their entitlements,” Mr Hortle said.

The workers were employed by Allstaff Australia RJE and then placed in various casual warehousing roles in other businesses, which included being packers, store persons and warehouse hands.

The offences took place between 7 April

A Dandenong couple and nine children have to sleep in one room because of the shortage of Housing Commission homes in the area. Describing the housing situation in the Dandenong electorate as “atrocious”, Mr. Alan Lind, MLA for Dandenong, has hit out at the shortage of commission homes. There are currently 750 applicants in the Dandenong electorate on the list for Housing Commission homes. “It is disgraceful that the Housing Commission will this year build 25 per cent fewer houses than it constructed last year. The construction rate has decreased year by year, although there is a crying need for housing. With Housing Commission waiting lists of four years to buy a

2019 and 20 December 2021.

In Victoria, an employee must receive payment for any untaken long service leave on the day their employment ends, which applies to casual, part-time and seasonal employees.

Mr Hortle added that “this case highlights a poorly understood element of Victoria’s long service leave laws”.

“Casual employees with seven years of service are entitled to long service leave, in fact, even seasonal staff can be entitled to long service leave if they have worked for the company long enough,” he said.

In sentencing, magistrate Brett Sonnet noted that if it had not been for the early guilty plea, he would have imposed a fine of $30,000.

Further into the state’s Long Service Leave Act, most Victorian employees will be covered by and entitled to long service leave, unless they have entitlement from another source, such as under other legislation, a registered agreement, award or another law.

First-ever ‘impound’ of a truck

Victoria Police have issued its first-ever notice to surrender a heavy vehicle after pulling over a truck on Princes Highway, Hallam.

The truck was detected by Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol officers about 2pm on Thursday 30 May.

The 33-year-old driver from Berwick was found to have a suspended licence due to a prior drink-driving offence.

He was issued a notice to surrender the truck for 30 days at a cost of $675. The surrendering of a heavy vehicle is equivalent to a vehicle impound.

Police said the driver would be charged on summons with driving whilst suspended and breaching an alcohol interlock condition.

“Victoria Police will continue to target drivers of heavy vehicles who do not have valid licences,” a spokesperson said.

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

home and 3 ½ years to obtain tenancy, they are just given no hope of early relief.”

20 years ago

7 June 2004

Time to ‘debate new priorities’: Pandazopoulos

The Department of Employment, Education and Training blames “declining enrolments” for Dandenong schools missing out on capital works funding. Dandenong MP John Pandazopolous said he was “very sympathetic” to the needs of the 19 Dandenong schools and it was time to debate new priorities. “Under the Kennett government not much was done. The problem is our region is very fast growing and we have to catch up with new schools.” Education Department spokesman Paul Barber said local enrolments were falling and capital funding was a “rigorous needs-based assessment program”. Despite this, Mr Barber said that over the past three years, Dandenong schools’ staffing levels had grown by more than 50. As well, $4.9 million had been spent on middle years programs and $1.2 million had gone to providing computers.

5 years ago

3 June 2019

Council joins pokies fight Greater Dandenong Council will fight against a central Dandenong hotel’s plan for 25 extra poker machines. Castello Group has applied to transfer 25 of its 30 gambling machines from the Jim Dandy Hotel to Player’s Hotel in Scott Street. The gambling lounge at Players Hotel – previously known as the Nu Hotel - will double from 25 to 50 machines. The move would result in the closure of the Jim Dandy as a pokies venue. “Given the location of the Jim Dandy Hotel and the problems it has encountered in the past, the Castello Group shares the Council’s view that it would be of great benefit to the Dandenong Community if the venue was closed.” Cr Mathew Kirwan noted Costello’s own submission showed that gambling losses would rise by $4.5 million at Players. The venue would be a temptation for people attending nearby welfare agencies and Centrelink, he said. “It’s a terrible place for a gambling venue and it’s a terrible place to make an even bigger one.”

Sharing is the most rewarding thing you can do each day

By Knowles Tivendale,

friend of the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network

People are happiest when we share.

As a species we have spent 200,000 years sharing food, provisions, tools, experiences and knowledge.

Sharing generates deep understanding between individuals and within communities.

Sharing of wisdom, scarce resources and tools builds respect and reciprocity.

Sharing with others and paying it forward encourages others to do the same and generates reinforcing positive experiences amongst our community.

In its purest form sharing is altruistic with no thought of payback or receiving something in return.

Donations of goods or money, lending tools, paying tax, sharing vehicles, street libraries and volunteering are all great examples of sharing that can improve your own health, outlook and sense of connection with those around you.

When we are born, Mother Nature owes us nothing.

MESSAGE

Many people strive to amass a set of possessions.

Much of this process has significant impacts on the environment with minimal benefit to the individual (and even then for just a moment in time).

This focus on gaining more stuff than other people undermines our own mental health. You will never have more than others, and you can never achieve that goal.

People with moderate means, living in more equitable societies are significantly happier than those who have more stuff and do not share it.

The world over, countries with higher tax rates tend to be happier, because the higher the tax paid the more services the government

can provide to the population for free.

The most efficient and happy societies share more.

They pool their resources and share possessions, thereby maximising their utility and the service they can provide.

By doing this they create respect, understanding and deep connections across their

community.

We live for a very small amount of time. We cannot take our possessions with us. Those who share during their life, leave the biggest legacy.

Sharing is a foundation of our highly successful indigenous culture, and key to our survival in future.

Sharing with nature is just as important as sharing with community.

Mother Nature is the most powerful force. She demands that we share.

Failure to share leads to over-consumption, climate decay, individual jealousy, feelings of inadequacy (particularly for those that do not share), loss of belonging, reduced health, inefficient economies, and wars between countries.

Sharing is the single most rewarding thing you can do each day, week and year that you are alive.

· Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@ interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. Visit interfaithnetwork.org.au/

Knowles Tivendale says we’re happiest when we share with others.

A historic building of Bridge Hotel - later to become the Jim Dandy Hotel. In 2019, Greater Dandenong opposed a plan to move gaming machines from the Jim Dandy to the Players Hotel in Scott Street. 173386

NEWS Howe joins key news board

One of Victoria’s most experienced and senior editors has been appointed to the board of the state’s largest association of news publishers.

Garry Howe joins the Victorian Country Press Association board to fill a casual vacancy following the recent death of Country Press Australia and VCPA life member Bruce Ellen.

Mr Howe has been editor of the Pakenhambased Star News Group for 25 years, hitting that milestone in April this year, and now also oversees editorial operations in subsidiary companies Today News Group in Queensland and SA Today in South Australia.

VCPA chairman Jared Loughnan congratulated Mr Howe on his appointment and said the veteran editor had a broad range of skills and experiences to support the wider organisation and its members.

“Mr Howe enjoys the respect of industry colleagues across the nation as a journalist, editor and outstanding contributor to his community.

“In congratulating Garry, I also encourage eligible VCPA publishers to consider standing for election to the Board at our November AGM.”

He confirmed that while theVCPA constitution allows the Board to elect a member to fill a casual vacancy, the appointment must be ratified at the next AGM.

A working journalist for more than 40 years, Mr Howe remembers attending his first VCPA conference as a cadet reporter in the early 1980s and being inspired by an address by veteran Melbourne Herald investigative reporter Peter Game, who broke the story on the Khemlani loans affair that contributed to the downfall of the Whitlam Government.

He began his career as a first-year cadet at the Weekly Trading Guide at Sale and went on to work in Queensland for the Daily Mercury in Mackay and the Gold Coast Bulletin, before returning to Victoria as a sub-editor at the

Celebrating 103rd birth anniversary in Springvale

Under a full moon, the Seva Dharma Mission Centre in Springvale celebrated the 103rd birth anniversary of Shri Shri Anandamurti Ji on 23 May.

The festivities began with an earlymorning collective meditation with devotional songs and dancing.

Several speakers gave spiritual discourses on Shri Shri Anandamurti Ji’s enduring legacy, universal teachings and social contributions as founder of the spritiual organisation Ananda Marga.

The program also featured a special three-hour afternoon meditation and kirtan dance, music and singing session.

The celebrations concluded in the evening with the distribution of prasad and a

collective feast, where all attendees shared a vegetarian meal together.

“This event not only kept the memory of Shri Shri Anandamurti Ji alive in the local community, but also inspired people to spread his teachings and move along the path of spirituality and social service laid out by him,” a Seva Dharma Mission Centre spokesperson said.

Notable attendees included Acharya Hariishananda Avadhuta, Acharya Nityashivananda Avadhuta, Avadhutika Ananda Lokottara Acharya, Jayanta, Sandeep, Vikash, Nirmal, Ruchi, Netali from Russia, Dr. Paramjeet Kaur, Tapash Sharma, Sania Sharma, Harlin, Sunita, Sheetal, Tathagat, Sam, and Siddha.

The 103rd birth anniversary of Shri Shri Anandamurti Ji was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Seva Dharma Mission (SDM) Centre in Springvale.

Latrobe Valley Express in 1992. Mr Howe led a Gazette team that picked up a Melbourne Press Club Quill Award in 2003 for breaking a story on police illegally access-

ing the files of political candidate Kay Nesbitt and in 2020 received a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the Cardinia Shire community. A devout family man, Mr Howe

and wife Gaylene celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary later this year. They have three sons and now three grandchildren, with another on the way.

Garry Howe OAM.

Uncertainty on incinerators

By Ethan Benedicto

As World Environment Day approaches, discourse with southeastern councils’ decision to opt for waste-to-energy incinerators is rife, as experts call for more clarity and engagement.

The most recent update for an alternative to the rapidly-growing landfills saw the Greater Dandenong Council pledge $50,000 to being titled as a ‘Class A’ participant in the South East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing (SEMAWP) project, just two months prior.

Formed in 2021, SEMAWP is a consortium of southeast councils and includes Casey, Cardinia, Knox and Bayside City to name a few.

Federation University engineering lecturer Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra said that more clarity was needed, and that “let’s not say that waste to energy is the only solution”.

“For every problem, you have to take a multi-pronged approach, all of which is driven by data.

“We really need implementation of an integrated and sustainable waste management system, we may not be able to get rid of landfill sites altogether but if we have to go on the path of waste-to-energy, we need to take small steps – calculated and informed steps,” he said.

Fellow Federation University engineering associate professor, Ayon Chakraborty, said that while he is “totally for it”, he can “understand the apprehensions related to the gasses that’s coming out”.

“I feel like we need to have proper protective gears around it [and] I think we also need to speak with the community, get the community into confidence before jumping into it –that discussion needs to happen before taking a unilateral decision,” he said.

SEMAWP itself is an independent body, with the move backed by the State Government through their 10-year circular economy policy.

Administered by Recycling Victoria, the scheme aims to regulate market-related aspects of thermal waste to energy processing, according to the Victorian Government website.

In addition, Recycling Victoria is responsible for issuing licences to ensure that accredited facilities only accept an approved amount and specific types of residual wastes.

Dr Kandra acknowledged that new and big projects such as these have the opportunity to foster job opportunities and that countries such as the US, Japan and those in Europe have adopted waste-to-energy projects.

An expert in water and environmental management, he also added however, that these three locations have a much higher population density per square kilometre as compared to Australia, and that “if you compare landfill and incineration, both of them are end of pipe treatments”.

“I see them more as a supply management approach,it’snotmanagingthedemand–people want more energy so instead of controlling

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Associate Professor in Engineering, Ayo Chakraborty is of the same notion, while agreeing that they are a better alternative to landfills, also suggesting that there are cleaner energy options available.

value creation point of view, a waste-to-energy site is more promising compared to putting a new landfill site.

“But again, those balances and checks are [to be] applied properly in terms of the location of that site, in terms of the cost analysis, all of that is required,” he said.

their energy demands, we are producing more energy so we can meet their demands.

“My question as a community member is that first of all, we’re not that populated, so do we need an incinerator?” he said.

Professor Chakraborty suggested that there are other resources that could be tapped into before jumping towards waste-to-energy incinerators.

“Definitely we [shouldn’t] rely only on one option, we have geothermal, we also have a lot of discussion going around hydrogen and we are aware that it is going to be a clean energy aspect that we are looking at.

“The population is in very centralised locations, so it makes sense to look for other options, cleaner options,” he said.

The state government currently has an industry development plan surrounding renewable hydrogen, with four clusters – members that collaborate on research, deliver pilot projectsandbuildingsupplychains–inGippsland, Clayton, Greater Geelong and Mallee.

A similar viewpoint of more bins equals more waste generated was touched on by Prof Chakraborty, saying that “just [because it’s] burning, that does not mean people are going to create more waste”.

“There are two aspects to it, one is waste generation and another is educating people before waste is generated.

“As a circular economy researcher, these are temporary solutions, this is not going to be

Read together in Casey

Connected Libraries and more than 430 library members across the City of Casey enjoyed the annual National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) on Wednesday 22 May.

The 2024 book chosen for the nation to read was Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker.

Cenza Fulco, Connected Libraries children, youth, and outreach manager said NSS was a very special day in the year when children across Australia read the same book at the same time, encouraging reading and literacy.

Events were held at Myuna Farm, Cranbourne West Library Lounge, Bunjil Place, Cranbourne, Endeavour Hills, and Hampton Park Libraries.

Bunjil Place had an exceptional turnout with more than 280 children enjoying the story plus a visit from the Reptile Encounters.

More than 55 members who attended the Myuna Farm event also met a chicken and a blue tongue lizard.

Connected Libraries run free events for babies, kids, and adults every day.

To check out what is on at your local library visit events.connectedlibraries.org.au.

long-term because you cannot go ahead and keep on burning everything,” he said.

In 2021, the Greens criticised the State Government and Environment Protection Authority’s approval of the incinerators, stating in their Waste to Energy: Greenwash At Its Best fact sheet that they are more polluting than coal and gas-fired power stations for energy output.

They also added that they undermine the overall goal of not just local councils, but also the state’s transition into a circular economy by locking councils into long-term contracts, while utilising the same linear model of resource extraction.

Dr Kandra echoed Prof Chakrabroty’s sentiments in that numerous factors are in the unknown and that transparency with the councils’ respective communities are a must.

“Waste is becoming more complex, our waste is increasing and the type is also changing, so do we clearly understand what kind of waste we are producing and what kind of waste will be burnt?” Dr Kandra said.

“What kind of gasses will be produced, and will they be carcinogenic or not?”

Certain steps need to be taken beforehand, with Dr Kandra adding that “we really need to look at our waste management and the volume of waste per person”.

“Several things that the government can do is improving the segregation system and reducing the volume of the waste, and from a

Dr Kandra also added that close observation of Western Australia’s Kwinana waste-toenergy project would be beneficial, not just for Victoria but for everyone when taking those ‘small steps’ towards state-wide implementation of the incinerators.

“If the data can come from Western Australia and if we can understand that, that would be a good thing before we start putting dollars into a real project.

“We’re talking about incineration, but there are some better technologies that have been used and are being used in other parts of the world to produce energy like the process of pyrolysis or gasification.

“Why did we in the first place, sign for incineration when there are other technologies which might be better? Are we taking an outdated technology which was used 30 years ago and bringing it to our backyards?” he said.

With council election just over the horizon, Dr Kandra prompted it to be the perfect time for councillors to touch on the topic, as something for candidates to take a stand on.

“I think it’s an important issue which everyone has to think about, so if everyone is deciding without consulting the community and without being transparent, I don’t think that’s the right approach,” he said.

Casey Council’s move to a circular economy currently involves the goals of eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials within the economy and regenerating natural systems, according to their Circular Economy Opportunities Report in 2022.

Reading together at Myuna Farm.

405160

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Rahmiya (left), Rahmina (middle), and Kiara Bingham (right), marketing officer, Connected Libraries. 405160

Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra from Federation University wants to see more clarification on the wasteto-energy incinerators, and more observation of current facilities before moving forward.

Loss inspires one of a kind

By Cassandra Morgan, AAP

At a cemetery set among quiet fields, a glittering heart invites visitors to step inside a womb-like garden and reflect.

The miscarriage memorial garden being built at Bunurong Memorial Park in Bangholme is the first of its kind in Australia, Melissa King says.

The idea came from Ms King’s own miscarriage in 2011 that prompted her to establish the Miscarriage Information Support Service, or MISS, to help others dealing with the loss.

“We were really hoping for a third baby and unfortunately it didn’t go to plan,” Ms King said.

“I found it really difficult to find support.

“I had an ultrasound, went to a GP, and also went to a hospital, and I sort of left there with nothing but a broken heart.”

Thirteen years after Ms King’s experience, people are more open to talking about miscarriage and early pregnancy loss. But space to mourn is still lacking, she says.

garden, which is shaped like a womb and features a two-metre high heart sculpture made with 18 “healing” crystals and gemstones in a broken mirror mosaic.

The garden is slated for launch in early 2025.

“It would definitely be Australia’s first purpose-built [miscarriage memorial garden] - also, that’s available to the public,” Ms King said.

Trust chair Vanda Fortunato says it is committed to helping break the stigma around miscarriage and early pregnancy loss, giving the community a unique and purposeful space.

“It will be a tribute to all who have experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage and a symbol of hope and healing for those who continue to carry this burden,” Dr Fortunato said.

For most there is no service or burial, or a place to mark anniversaries and holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Ms King says.

Under 20 weeks of pregnancy, there is no birth or death certificate and an estimated one in four pregnancies in Australia ends in miscarriage.

The MISS founder broached the idea of a dedicated miscarriage and early pregnancy memorial garden in 2020 to the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, which owns the Bunurong cemetery.

The trust and MISS are co-designing the

The miscarriage memorial garden was funded partly by the federal government, which in the May budget announced Australia’s first ever dedicated funding for miscarriage.

More than 60 events: Winter Arts Festival back for ’24

The Winter Arts Festival will be making its return to the City of Casey for the 22nd year, with a line-up of arts, cultural and entertainment experiences for everyone to enjoy.

Running for an entire month between 14 June and 14 July, the festival offers more than 60 events across Casey, ranging from interactive experiences and workshops, to engaging performances and immersive art installations.

Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said that the festival program will offer something for all ages to enjoy.

“In 2024, we are turning the spotlight on

our diverse and exceptional local arts and cultural communities across Casey, and we’re also inviting the audience to take centre stage.

“Through various experiences, performances, installations and workshops, the program aims to blur the lines between creator and spectator, transforming every individual into an essential part of the festival,” she said.

Some highlights for the music and performance category include the School of Rock presented by the Windmill Theatre Company and Queers of Concert; after a sold-out

event in 2023 with local drag queen, Brenda Bressed looking to make a return.

Visual arts is also a highlight, with Hybycozo Deep Thought Installation, combining the realms of geometry, maths and science with traditional pattern design.

Also making a return will be the Berwick District Woodworkers Club Expo, as well as People of Pearcedale, a collection of portraits by local artist Christopher Pyett.

“Every offering in the program is by the community, for the community or with the intent to build new connections and shine a

light on our incredibly vibrant city, rich with arts and culture,” Ms Duff said.

Dance will also be a major feature of the festival, with Salsa for Seniors, the South East Area Throwdown and the Kids Dancehall Workshop hosted by Jungle City to explore Jamaican Dancehall and Afro Fusion.

“Join us and be more than a spectator; be the heartbeat of an unforgettable celebration of the arts in the southeast,” Ms Duff said.

For more general information on the festival, you can visit casey.vic.gov.au/winterarts-festival

A previous performance of the School of Rock,a live rendition of the 2003 film.

Picture: SUPPLIED The Southeast Area Throwdown,which saw kids of all ages participating in different blends of street dance culture.

The garden will be a space for mourning miscarriage,support service founder Melissa King says. Picture: DIEGO FEDELE/AAP PHOTOS

WHAT’S ON

VIEW Club

The next dinner meeting of the Dandenong Evening VIEW Club will feature a trivia night. The club supports the Smith Family’s Living for Life program. New members and guests are very welcome.

· Tuesday, 4 June at 7 pm at Dandenong RSL. Bookings essential, call Brigitte on 0491 626 527.

Line Dancing

Have fun moving to music in this vibrant group! Make connections and discover new ways to move and create. Absolute beginners welcome to enjoy a variety of easy dances. We adapt many of the dances for those who need/choose to stay seated.

· Thursday 6 June 10.30am–11.30pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong; gold coin donation suggested. Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Sweet street feast

Street Feast – Sweet Edition will be brimming with delectable, sweet treats from all around the world. JEnjoy delicate crepes, hot jam donuts, luscious ice cream, and freshly baked pastries.

· Saturday, 8 June 10am-3pm at Dandenong Market. Free entry.

World Environment Day tree planting

A special community planting event at Greaves Reserve that marks World Environment Day and the 80th anniversary of Greater Dandenong’s first tree planting in the reserve. Many of the 2000 conifers and pines and 200 gum trees planted in 1944 still stand today. Includes a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, planting activities, and a free barbecue lunch. Bring your own gloves and re-usable drink bottle. Warm clothes and suitable footwear for uneven, muddy ground are recommended.

· Sunday 9 June, 10am-1pm at Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Free event, registrations required at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/celebrating-world-environment-daycommunity-planting-greaves

Play in Our Street

Join us in Noble Park throughout June and Play in Our Street. Includes a Circus Fun workshop -

Trades & Services

learn to juggle, hula hoop, spin plates, throw a diablo and more.

· Sunday 9 June, 1.30pm-3.30pm at Frank Street Open Space, Noble Park. Free event, registrations required at events.humanitix. com/play-in-our-street-npk-circus-fun

Interfaith public tour

Join a Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network guided tour of four places of worship in the South EastPillars of Guidance Community Centre mosque, Doveton; Shiva Vishnu temple, Carrum Downs; Brahma Kumaris Retreat Centre, Baxter (including a vegetarian lunch, $10-15 donation appreciated); and, Dhamma Saranna Buddhist temple, Keysborough. Bring your own morning tea as well as a head covering for the mosque visit. Modest clothing would be appreciated.

· Wednesday, 12 June, 8.30am-3pm starting at the interfaith network office, 39 Clow Street Dandenong; $25 includes transport and a copy of the book Many Faiths, One People. Bookings required, contact education@interfaithnetwork. org.au

Noble Park Public Hall Trust AGM

Upcoming annual general meeting. Nominations for the vacant five-year term as a Trustee close on 25 June.

· Friday 5 July, 1pm at Paddy O Donoghue Centre. Details: dawndickson49@gmail.com or 0412

613 853

Photo

exhibition

Perform in Our Street NPK

Enjoy a weekly series of music and dance at Frank Street Open Space. The next event is One Love African Drumming with master djembe drummer Boubacar Gaye.

· Saturday 8 June, 3.30pm-5.30pm at Frank Street Open Space, Noble Park

The Noble Park Community Centre (NPCC) proudly announces the grand opening of its new Exhibition Space with the inaugural showcase of emerging photographer Terry Blades in an exhibition, titled ‘Everywhere’.

· runs until 28 June at NPCC, Memorial Drive, Noble Park.

Conversational English

Practice your English in a casual setting over a cup of tea while you meet new people in these FREE weekly sessions.

· Wednesdays 9.30am -11.30am and Thursdays 10:30am-12:30pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Details: programs@nobleparkcc.org.au or 9547 5801.

All Abilities Art & Craft

Discover your creative style and make meaningful social connections at our All Abilities Art & Craft classes.

· Fridays 10am-12pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Details: programs@nobleparkcc.org.au or 9547 5801.

Crochet

Whether you’re eager to learn how to crochet or an avid crocheter willing to share your experience, join our little group for people who love all things

crochet.

· Mondays 11am-1pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $20 per term. Details: programs@nobleparkcc.org.au or 9547 5801.

Badminton

Join us for social sessions for players of all abilities. Ages 15+.

· Mondays 7:30pm-10pm; $5 per session at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Details: programs@nobleparkcc.org. au or 9547 5801.

Dandenong senior activities

Dandenong over 60’s Club (but over 50s are welcome). Join us for fun and games.

· Mondays 1pm-4pm (except public holidays) at The Dandenong Club, cnr Stud and Heatherton roads. Details: Carol, 0431 755 466

Senior activities Keysborough

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 and fifth Tuesday of the month, line dancing on Wednesdays ($3 entry), Thursday ballroom dancing lessons (12.30pm1pm) and ballroom dancing (1pm-3pm, $3 entry).

· 1pm-3pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Rowley Allan Reserve 352 Cheltenham Road Keysborough. Tea and coffee provided. Details: Julie, 0428 561 694.

A Tra$hy Dreamland

Exhibition on display until Saturday 8 June at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong.

Trees: A Canopy Extraordinaire

An exhibition that celebrates, reflects and recognises the significance of trees in the local landscape over time and the timber industry that grew the local community. It marks 80 years since community forest planting began at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong in 1944. Features artwork, local historical society collections and the council’s civic and cultural heritage collection.

· Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10am-2pm until 19 July at Benga,Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae St, Dandenong. Free event.

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SPORT

City clicks into gear

By Marcus Uhe

Two minutes of brilliance amid 90 minutes of excellent football was enough for Dandenong City to register its sixth win of the National Premier League (NPL) Victoria season on Saturday evening in a Croatian derby against St Albans Dinamo at home.

In the blink of an eye, the scores went from level to 2-0 in the hosts’ favour, enough to keep the battling Saints at bay for the remainder of the evening and secure a first home derby win since 2014.

St Albans’ desire to play the ball out from deep in their half allowed City to pressure their opponents and forced a handful of chances early in the game.

Tim Atherinos and Will Bower were busy, creating headaches and keeping the St Albans defenders on their toes, while the returning JackWebster had one of the best chances of the lot, requiring a brilliant save from goalkeeper Marko Bulic.

Atherinos’ tenacity was rewarded in the 30th minute as he netted his third goal of the season through pressure on the ball.

The striker was one step ahead of his opponents and intercepted a backwards pass intended for a St Albans defender, before streaming into the penalty area for a one-on-one with Bulic, making no mistake on his right foot.

Before the visitors could regather their composure, the score read 2-0 thanks to a bullet from George Lambadaridis.

Stefan Brecevic’s long free kick from just inside the halfway mark found the head of Valli Cesnik, who drew the attention of two St Albans defenders in the air, including Lambadaridis’ man.

Cesnik found his now free teammate, who rifled the ball into the back of the net with a searing low volley on the turn.

Atherinos thought he had a second in the dying stages of the first half, but his shot from point blank range was deemed to have not crossed the goalline, having rebounded down off the crossbar.

Bower found him at the back post having made a darting run round the back of his opponent, but he was unable to capitalise on the exquisite ball played to his feet, to his shock.

The Saints put more pressure on the City goal the longer the half went on, but it wasn’t enough to cause any major worries for John Hall.

The second half was largely played between the two penalty areas with neither side shifting the scoreline in the second 45 minutes.

Bower and Lambadaridis continued to make life difficult for the visitors as long balls into space and delicate crosses became the modus operandi, and while the scoring action came to a close, the two minute flurry ensured City’s impressive season back in the top flight continues.

The absence of Kenny Athiu made no negative impact on the home side, as Jacob Alexander completed a second consecutive second-

half stint in his return from injury.

A showpiece King’s Birthday Monday clash against championship contenders, Oakleigh is City’s next assignment.

Dandenong Thunder was not as fortunate as their cross town rivals, suffering a 2-0 loss to Heidelberg Warriors.

The contest pitted the competition’s second-best defence against the worst attack for goals scored through 15 weeks, meaning Thunder was always going to have their work cut out for them against a competition heavyweight.

Thunder settled first and had the first chance of the game through Jay Romanovski, who’s shot from the edge of the penalty area had too much elevation in the third minute of action.

It took the Warriors just 12 minutes to open the scoring, however, as Thunder’s unstable defence was left exposed again.

A secondary attack from a corner kick lobbed dangerously into the penalty area, where an attempted clearing header only reached the edge of the box.

Mersim Memeti and Sevdim Ismaili both contested the cross, which spilled to defender

Benjamin Collins, who finished at the back post with a low dart past Pierce Clark.

A sprinkling of rain greased the pitch midway through the half and added an injection of speed to the contest as the ball became difficult to control at stages.

Daniel Dixon was busy on the left wing for Thunder and did his best to create chances with some sharp runs near the touchline but lacked the quality ball into the area required to help put his side on the board.

Captain, Ali Sulemani had the pick of the chances to peg one back in the 34th minute, but could not convert on a pair of opportunities thanks to some scrambling defence from the Warriors.

Having bisected a pair of Warriors defenders in pursuit of a lofted through ball, Sulemani took possession on the run, but the need to prop and steady allowed a previously beaten defender enough time to close and block his right footed shot.

The rebound came back to Sulemani but he failed to convert, losing balance after striking with his left.

Heidelberg doubled the lead shortly before the half time whistle in near carbon copy of the opener.

Clark dealt with the corner’s initial cross before the home side recovered possession and sent another ball from the right wing back into the danger area.

The ball reached the back post where a strike was fired from the identical spot Collins’ was, but Clark got his hand to the shot with a brilliant reflex save.

The rebound created a lose ball in the six yard box, however, and Heidelberg pounced, to go 2-0 ahead in the 39th minute.

Clark was brilliant in the second half, with some textbook saves under immense pressure from the home side pressing for a third goal.

His teammates, meanwhile, failed to stay onside with a number of runs, with leading scorer Wade Dekker’s absence acutely felt.

In typical Thunder fashion, they continued to manufacture forward thrusts and work the ball to goalscoring locations despite the deficit, showing an admirable fight and effort.

Tensions threatened to boil over in the dying stages in a contest involving Aidan Edwards, Daniel Alessi and Heidelberg striker Kaine Sheppard.

Edwards beat Sheppard in a one-on-one, with Alessi taking exception to Sheppard’s physicality and remonstrating on Edwards’ behalf.

The two had to be separated and both were shown yellow cards, taking Alessi’s caution count for the season to eight, with one in his last four matches.

After picking up four points in the last two weeks and appearing to get their season back on track, this was a loss Thunder could ill-afford, given their proximity to the drop zone.

Thunder hosts Altona Magic on Saturday night.

Bell bows out as Maroons’ search begins

By Marcus Uhe

North Dandenong Cricket Club is joining the hunt for a new senior coach following the resignation of David Bell.

Bell resigned following the 2023/24 campaign after two seasons at the helm during his most recent stint, having previously served as a captain-coach. He is a decorated figure at the Maroons, having played his junior cricket there beginning in 1977 before going on to win Turf 1 premierships in 1984/85 and 1997/98.

The first was the club’s first ever at Turf 1 level, and the second he steered to glory as captain-coach. In his first season back at the helm, he guided North Dandenong back to the finals in Turf 1 for the first time since the 2008/09 season, but a disappointing 2023/24 campaign saw them miss finals qualifications.

In the T20 competitions, he took the Maroons to the semi finals in both years, where they just fell short of qualifying for the grand final, losing to the eventual champions on both

occasions. North Dandenong’s president Jason Shaw described Bell as a ‘revered’ figure at the club.

“His legacy in our club is greater than anyone else’s,” Shaw said.

“His cricket nous on-field and even watching now is right up there with the best of them.

Morteza Ali returns to Narre South

By Marcus Uhe

A former Wookey Medal winner will return to the Dandenong District Cricket Association with the confirmation of Morteza Ali’s return to Narre South.

The explosive all-rounder was crowned the best player in Turf 1 for the 2019/20 season, having hit 438 runs and taken 24 wickets, and spent the last two seasons at Cardinia Cricket Club in the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA).

In February he represented the CCCA at the Melbourne CountryWeek competition, where he top scored for the Division Two grand final with 47, and finished in the top 10 of the Terry Stephenson Medal vote count for the 2023/24 season.

He struck 622 runs in 15 matches at 51.8, with two hundreds, and took 13 wickets at 31.6.

Ali was a key figure in the Bulls’ runner up season in the CCCA Premier Division in 2022/23

It will be his third stint with the Lions, having played an integral role in the club’s ascent from Turf 2 to Turf 1, thanks to a Turf 2 premiership in 2018/19, and eight seasons in total.

The Lions were one of the big improvers in 2023/24, falling agonisingly short of qualifying for the Turf 1 grand final in a two wicket loss to eventual premiers, Buckley Ridges.

Led by outgoing coach Matthew Brooks, and captain Kyle Hardy, the Lions finished third and prevailed by two runs in an extraordinary elimination final against Hallam Kalora Park, defending 220 at Hallam Recreation Reserve.

English imports Alex Cruickshank and Callum Nicholls will not return to Strathaird Reserve, but towering quick Zach Wilson will, alongside Liam Sheehan, returning from Dandenong Cricket Club, where he played as high as Second XI in 2019/20 and 2021/22.

Cruickshank was one of the leading seam bowlers in the competition last season, earning selection in the Turf 1 Team of the Year thanks to 24 wickets at 15.7, while Nicholls made a major impression before injuring his A/C joint in round 12, ending his season.

Hallam Kalora Park veterans William Whyte and Leigh Booth will suit up again for the Hawks, with stars Mahela Udewatte and former Wookey Medal winner Jordan Hammond also recommitting.

Buckley Ridges expects most of its premiership winning XI to return to Park Oval, and will be bolstered by Pakenham’s Dale Tormey, as announced last week.

“His understanding of the game tactically, how it’s unfolding and what you need to do, I’d argue is as good as anyone else that I’ve seen in my time.

“He would think outside the box with his tactics and he’d be one of the best with that type of stuff.

“His standing in the cricket community, in playing and coaching, is right up there with anyone in this competition.

“He’s left a legacy as big as one, cricketingwise, I would say at any club.”

A replacement is yet to be made, with the Maroons currently advertising for the position online. Wookey medal runner up Jawid Khan has departed the club to play Premier Cricket for Dandenong.

The Maroons are one of three Turf 1 clubs looking for a new coach, joining Narre South and Beaconsfield.

Hallam Kalora Park reappointed Matthew Cox, but in a non-playing capacity.

Beaconsfield will welcome South African Connel Nel to the Tigers, adding to its all rounder stocks having secured the services of 2023/24 Wookey Medal third place winner Susantha Pradeep to lead the side as captain.

Springvale South, meanwhile, announced that premiership winning all rounder Yoshan Kumura has departed the club after two seasons.

Morteza Ali is returning to Narre South next summer.

STEWART CHAMBERS

David Bell has called time on his tenure as North Dandenong coach. Picture: SUPPLIED

Timothy Atherinos opened the scoring for Dandenenong City on Saturday.

Picture: DANDENONG CITY

Sinnema goal lifts Stingrays

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Devon Meadows wingerToby Sinnema was the hero for Dandenong on Saturday as the Stingrays ran out 12.7 79 to 10.13 73 victors over GWV at Mars Stadium.

Forced to claw their way back from behind three times in the last quarter, Sinnema gave the Stingrays the lead with three minutes to go. His shot on the run was kicked in strikingly similar fashion to a couple he nailed for Devon Meadows’ senior side last weekend in its win over Chelsea.

It’s the highlight of a solid start to the Stingrays season patrolling the wings, for the Vic Country U16s representative.

The Stingrays followed a tight first half with a disappointing third quarter, trailing by six at the last change which set the scene for a thrilling climax.

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves continued his clutch goal-scoring, opening the Rays’ account a minute into the last quarter, levelling the scores as they looked to run over the top of the hosts.

But the hosts responded immediately, a pair of marking forwards including AFL Academy member Jonty Faull causing issues all day for Dandenong.

Henry Hayes again levelled it up for the Stingrays, but, again, GWV’s marking inside 50 saw them skip out to a six point lead midway through the last quarter.

Cooper Hynes then kicked a captain’s goal to cap off another fine performance on the eve of the national championships before Sinnema’s sealer.

Hynes finished with 35 disposals, with his strength and power both features, while Harvey Langford was also industrious.

Overaged key position player Jordan Doherty was the clear standout for the Stingrays, collecting 27 possessions to go with six marks, eight hitouts and a goal.

His skills and calmness are excellent for a player of his size and he offered an option down the line all day.

Charlie Orchard had some important one on one wins in defence throughout the day to continue his strong form; Berwick’s Kane Hurst got involved in counterattack on several occasions; bottom-aged player Tyson Anic played his best game for the club; and Harry Doughton kicked two crucial set shots.

Meanwhile, the girls were eventually able to shrug off a gallant GWV outfit 8.6 54 to 1.4 10.

It took until the 11-minute mark of the second quarter for the first goal of the game to be scored via Dandenong forward Evelyn Connolly, but the Rays had most of the momentum throughout the first half.

Zoe Besanko got another soon thereafter, with the Stingrays going into halftime leading by seven points.

After two goals to zip in the third quarter, debutante Georgia Goss was the beneficiary of a clean centre clearance to start the last which effectively sealed the result.

Running and tackling machine Nikita Harris finished with a mind boggling 22 tackles for the Stingrays reflecting the high pressure her team brought.

After averaging eight tackles as a bottomaged outside player last year, she has moved into the midfield this year and thrived, averaging 11 tackles and able to release teammates.

Jemma Reynolds was typically clean, while Charlotte Hewitson and Ruby Getty’s had moments of class.

Scrappy Redbacks win ugly against Borough at home

By Jonty Ralphsmith

It was scrappy and lacked the conviction shown spasmodically across the first two months of the season, but Hampton Park had a 9.9 63 to 7.10 52 victory over local rivals Keysborough at Robert Booth Reserve.

Missing Trent Thomas, Dylan Morris and skipper Liam Myatt, left footer Tanner Stanton steered the ship in the first half, his ball use and composure helping the hosts to a seven point halftime lead.

Underlining the pressure and untidy skills, there were just five goals scored between the teams in the first half, despite both peppering the goal face at different times.

Led by ball magnet Joseph Bekierz, Keysy came hard in the third quarter, to level the scores going into the last quarter.

The Redbacks ultimately won a series of crunch moments, with the efforts of Jayden Weichard and Josh Craig in the midfield noteworthy in the victory.

Weichard was particularly influential after halftime, helping setup numerous forward thrusts as Declan Brunell got busy up forward.

Craig, a defender in his first 149 games before being put on the ball in his 150th, added some accountability to the midfield mix, limiting the impact of Keysy star Jamie Plumridge.

“We’ve got a very offensive midfield so even though Plumridge had his touches, he didn’t get a lot of free time with the ball and wasn’t as effective,” coach Hayden Stanton said, explaining the move.

“We wanted to stop him from bursting through the front of stoppage and hitting up a forward so that was done knowing we’ve got Murrumbeena coming up who have gun mids we’ll need to nullify.”

Brian Plapp also halved some crucial aerial contests for an undersized Redbacks unit.

It lifts Hampton Park to a 6-2 record -

equal on points with Doveton, East Malvern and Caulfield, and three games inside the top five.

“It was a game where both teams had ascendancy at times and we needed some different guys to have moments, win some key balls, or halving a contest so that was impor-

tant for us,” Stanton said.

“We’re still easy to score against on turnover - that’s where we have to improve.

The consistency around being cleaner and taking the ball at first possession and emphasising team-first mentality.”

Elsewhere, ruck Dylan Chapman and

but were ultimately outlasted in a 27-point loss; and Cranbourne had a 58-point victory over Chelsea, led by star mid Jarryd Barker.

tough nut Jake Ingaliso led the way as Doveton recorded a crucial 19-point road win against East Malvern; Endeavour Hills tested ladder-leaders Murrumbeena

Declan Brunell kicked three for Hampton Park against Keysy. 410441

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Jayden Weichard evades Keysborough’s Brenton Wells.

Cameron Williamson was strong for Doveton.

Jemma Reynolds continued her strong season. 403699

Picture: GARY SISSONS