Big
of real caring
This Is IT is one of the great charitable success stories in the South East. In less than five years, the campaign has donated its 2500th laptop for disadvantaged highschool students. On hand for the milestone on Friday 2 August were SELLEN chief executive Andrew Simmons with Noble Park Secondary College school captain Keayu Bay, principal Pam Dyson and school captain Ajaz Rashidi. (Stewart Chambers: 422623)
For more on the story, turn to page 11
Death in limbo
By Sahar Foladi
An emotional vigil was held for Uthayakaran Periyathamby who has died after 11 years in limbo as a Tamil asylum seeker.
The 53-year-old Dandenong resident passed away in his sleep on Tuesday 16 July in an alltoo-common premature death among refugees and asylum seekers, according to Tamil Refugee Council founder Aran Mylvaganam.
“For the past nine years he’s been in this stage of limbo. Eventually he lost his life, and the coroner couldn’t find cause of death. He wasn’t that old and no known health issues.
“I have personally organised many funerals for refugees and many of their deaths are in similar circumstance.
“All I can do is speculate and say stress, depression, fear of not knowing, separation from
family, everything combined - it takes their life.”
The Tamil Refugee Council had organised for Mr Periyathamby’s funeral costs via GoFundMe page which garnered just $2400.
He was put to rest on Thursday 25 July as close friends known as “family members” were emotional, upset and angry that their pleas for permanent refuge are falling on deaf ears.
Mr Periyathamby escaped the genocide of the
Tamil minority in Sri Lanka and arrived in 2012 by boat leaving behind his wife and children. He was placed in Manus Island and later released into the community on a bridging visa in 2013.
His claim for a permanent protection visa was rejected via the so called flawed ‘fast-track’ process.
Continued page 4
Our waste service is changing for the better.
The Victorian Government is standardising household waste and recycling services across Victoria.
This will result in all kerbside services moving to a four-bin system by 2027 — General rubbish (red lid); Co-mingled recycling (yellow lid); Food and garden waste (lime green lid); and Glass (purple lid).
To better understand your preferences for waste management in Casey, we are seeking your feedback via an online survey.
Partnership opportunities
If you’re seeking new business opportunities, consider a partnership with Bunjil Place, Wilson Botanic Gardens or the Old Cheese Factory.
Bunjil Place is a world-class arts and entertainment facility that promotes the best Australian and international performances, while presenting opportunities for residents to participate in arts, culture and community life close to their home.
Wilson Botanic Gardens and Old Cheese Factory are hosting several major events throughout 2025, including Halloween, Casey Kids Carnival and our annual Pet Expo.
Join us and support a range of programs and events. Expressions of Interest are now open until Friday 23 August 2024.
Preparing for an emergency
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to be prepared to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
Having an emergency kit packed and stored in an accessible place is an important first step. The kit should contain food, water, medication and other supplies to be able to look after yourself and your family for at least 72 hours.
For more information, please visit the ‘How to prepare for an emergency’ page on our website.
We are also hosting a number of in-person pop-up events across Casey in August and September. Your input will help us provide a user-friendly waste service in the future.
Scan the QR code or visit our Casey Conversations website for more information.
Survey closes at 5:00 pm on Monday 16 September 2024.
Please visit the Bunjil Place website for more information or scan the QR code.
Keep batteries out of your bins
Putting batteries in your bins poses fire risks not only to your property, but to the people who collect your recycling and waste.
If you want to get rid of your batteries, please don’t put these in your kerbside bins. Instead, take the used batteries to your nearest battery drop-off so they can be recycled.
For more information or to find your nearest battery drop-off, search ‘How to get rid of waste and unwanted items’ on our website.
Casey Conversations
Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.
• The future of waste in Casey: we’re seeking your feedback on changes to your waste service.
• Help us to redesign our playgrounds: tell us how you would like your local playground to look in the future.
Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.
Hybycozo Deep Thought in the Bunjil Place Plaza, 2024. Photo credit: LVM.
Men’s program at risk
By Sahar Foladi
In the face of increasing family violence reports, a Dandenong-based not-for-profit organisation’s vital service is at risk due to a lack of funding.
Community Abundance provides a range of services from NDIS to community inclusion, family and individual counselling and a Men’s Behaviour Change program.
The organisation has been running the crucial Men’s Behaviour Change (MBC) program in the community for the past four years with no funding.
Group facilitator of the program and a family violence practitioner Deng Kor says they’re able to carry out the work through volunteers.
There are eight men who have perpetrated violence and have been on a waitlist for the past three months.
“I have become tired. We’ve never had funding for this program so we do the work voluntarily,” Mr Kor said.
“I’ve advocated about this lack of funds in 2014 unfortunately we’ve been overlooked.
“Imagine you’re mandated by court to attend the program and we don’t have enough resources for any intake. How will you do it?”
Between 12 to 15 men attend MBC once a week for two hours.
“I have people come from various backgrounds, not just African anymore.
“Even right now one of the men came back to say thanks and spoke about how the program helped him,” Mr Kor said.
“Hesaidhewaspreviouslynotawareaboutthe forms of violence. Now he has full understanding on how to manage his stress and trauma.
“Because he came from refugee background, violence became part of his life.
“A part of family violence is being controlling financially as well as emotional abuse. They (CALD community) don’t consider it as violence,
but he knows now he cannot do that anymore.”
Now he says the MBC is at risk of the program being cancelled at any moment due to volunteers’ exhaustion.
This comes as funding for its family violence primary prevention program initiatives faces an uncertain future.
Community Abundance have been funded
$200,000 for three years up until this month to deliver its Healing African Communities through Respectful Communications project, which included translating materials to raise awareness about the prevention of family violence.
The primary prevention program targeted African and other culturally and linguistically diverse people.
The State Government is set to advise whether funding will be renewed over coming weeks.
But yet, Mr Kor says “the family violence is still there”. “Every day we have a new case.”
AVictorianGovernmentspokespersonthey’ve helped Community Abundance with funding since 2021 and work hard to “engage with diverse communities right across the state.”
“We lead the nation with our work to strengthen how we prevent and respond to family violence and violence against women, investing significantly in Men’s Behaviour Change programs and other interventions to address violence.
“The Victorian Budget 2024-’25 invests $41.6 million over four years to continue supporting people who use family violence to change their harmful behaviour - including $12.8 million to continue tailored approaches for people from diverse cohorts who use violence.”
This year’s state budget invests an additional $2.1 million to support multicultural and faith organisations to deliver tailored family violence prevention initiatives for the next year.
Work placement student Brian, David Jang, Men’s Behaviour Change Program group facilitator Deng Kor, and client Nelson Naje. (Stewart Chambers, 420225)
Deng Kor has been leading the Community Abundance with little to no funding. (Stewart Chambers: 420225)
MP O’Neil is on the move
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Hotham MP Clare O’Neil has been shifted out of the contentious Home Affairs portfolio and Bruce MP Julian Hill elevated into an assistant ministry in a Federal Cabinet reshuffle.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that O’Neil would retain a spot in Cabinet, taking on the Housing and Homelessness portfolios.
“I’m enormously proud of what I’ve achieved in two years in Home Affairs. We’ve undertaken massive reform in vital areas,” O’Neil posted on social media on 28 July.
“A world leading approach to Cyber Security, a clear strategy for Migration for the first time in Australian history, and critical work on foreign interference, to name a few.”
Meanwhile, Hill was promoted to Assistant Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
“Human diversity is the distinguishing characteristic of my local community,” Hill stated.
“I’m very keen to now engage right across modern multicultural Australia, as the new Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.
“People in our local area are always so generous in sharing their ideas and experiences on citizenship, employment, health and so much more, which I will take with me into this new national role.”
Outspoken human rights advocate and ALP member Wicki Wickiramasingham congratulated Hill on being rewarded for his “dedication and hard work in promoting multiculturalism and fostering community cohesion”.
“Your leadership will be invaluable in addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with a diverse society.”
He urged Hill to address the backlog of people seeking citizenship and permanent protection visas.
“Many of these individuals are awaiting the outcomes of their applications, including court reviews, judicial reviews, and ministerial interventions.
“Some have been separated from their families for up to 15 years, anxiously awaiting resolution.”
Wickiramasingham is also calling for permanent visa holders being able to marry their overseas spouses in Australia.
“They have had to resort to travelling to neighboring countries for weddings due to restrictions.
“We believe that a prospective-marriage visa would alleviate some of the hardships these individuals face.”
Migration agent and ALP member Thayhorn Yim said Hill’s elevation was an opportunity to uplift issues on behalf of “the most multicultural community in Australia”.
One of Yim’s concerns was the use of Ministerial Direction 99 and most recently 110 to revoke visas on “character grounds”, with emphasis on community safety.
It put otherwise permanent residents at risk of being deported for convictions. Especially if their case is subjected to politicians’ commentary, Yim argues.
“It’s important that we respect the judicial system in Australia. Lately we haven’t seen that with politicians making a lot of comments about the courts and tribunals.”
As the incoming Housing Minister, O’Neil posted that she was set to tackle “one of the biggest problems that people in my community talk to me about”.
“I got into politics to change people’s lives for the better.
“Nothing is more fundamental to the health and welfare of Australians than secure, affordable housing.
“We have a huge challenge ahead and a tremendously positive vision to sell.”
Albanese said O’Neil was a “great communicator”, assigned the role of delivering the Government’s housing agenda that aimed to increase supply.
“Something that you can’t deal with overnight, but something that requires a concerted approach, and Clare O’Neil will certainly bring that to the fore.”
He said the outgoing O’Neil and Immigration Minister Andrews Giles had “repaired” a “dysfunctional” immigration and home affairs department inherited from the previous Government. Opposition leader Peter Dutton said the PM’s reshuffle expressed “no confidence in half of his ministry”. “It is nothing more than shuffling of deck chairs on the sinking HMAS Albanese.”
Death in limbo: Vigil held for tragic asylum-seeker
From page 1
He lived 11 long years in agony since being released in the community, Mr Mylnaganam saiys.
Eleven years of torture and falling prey to “dodgy employers” as he had no right to work in the community nor have access to Medicare.
“People were very emotional and upset (at the vigil) the Government aren’t doing anything about their situation,” Mr Mylvaganam said.
“They (refugees and asylum seekers) struggle to get permanent jobs, jobs that have no security and are very low paid, and the children who have grown up in Australia are unable to get into universities.
“On one hand the parents are struggling because of the visa, while kids are being treated as second class people. It’s a scandal that no one is willing to look into.”
Unfortunately this is the case for refugees and asylum seekers left behind by the Federal Government’s fast-tracked Resolution of Status visas for refugees announced in February 2023.
The Department of Home Affairs has committed to transitioning over 19,000 people holding Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEVs) to a permanent visa by February 2024.
A majority of the eligible TPV/SHEV cohort have now been granted RoS visas.
As at 30 June 2024 there were 18,026 RoS visa holders, and 2,038 RoS visa applications on hand.
A further 1,190 people were waiting on a decision on their initial TPV or SHEV application.
“The Labor party is slightly better than Liberals when it comes to treatment of refugees but they continue a lot of the same policies as the Liberals.
“It’s really not fair. It’s brought to the government’s attention and they haven’t done anything about it,” Mr Mylvaganam said.
Those left behind the fast-track RoS visa road to permanent residence include Iranians (519) Sri Lankans (245) as well as Rohingyas.
There are more than 4500 rejected TPV, SHEV and RoS visa applications at judicial review as of 30 June 2024 according to Refugee Council of Australia.
Bruce MP Julian Hill, recently announced as Assistant Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs says RoS visas are provided to those who applied or are found to be owed protection.
He says conditions imposed on bridging-visa (BV) holders, including work rights depend on the applicant’s specific circumstances “to ensure policy intent of migration program is upheld.”
“The Government expects that if a BV holder has work rights and has the capacity to work, they will support themselves. The Government understands that it may be difficult for someone to support themselves while their immigration matter is being resolved if they cannot work and participate in the community.
“Eligible BV holders can apply for the Status Resolution Support Services program if they are experiencing hardship which is impacting their ability to resolve their migration status.”
The Status Resolution Support Service program (SRSS) provides a range of various shortterm needs-based services tailored to individual circumstances. which can include access to healthcare, education for school aged children, accommodation and financial support.
“Attaching conditions to BVs provides the structure for engagement between an applicant and the department and is reflective of a strong system of assessment and review,” Mr Hill said.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that appropriate conditions are utilised.”
Mr Mylvaganam calls onto the Bruce MP for “meaningful action.”
“We know the Member for Bruce Julian Hill understands the issues, being the assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.
“We want him to come up with meaningful actions after years of empty promises and grant all these refugees permanent visas. It has gone for far too long.”
The Star Journal has previously reported on those waiting for permanent protection and who describe Australia as an “open prison”. Such as a Dandenong-based Tamil couple that fled civil war in Sri Lanka after being shot and escaping death.
There’s also Nige who fled by boat in 2009 who only sees his Sri-Lankan-based 17-year-old son and wife via video calls, or Roger whose application was rejected and an appeal has been pending since 2016.
Or Lenny who left behind his girlfriend and parents more than a decade ago. His parents have since passed away and his partner could no longer wait and married another man.
“This is not about Tamils, there are Iranians, Rohingyas, Iraqi, Afghan people who have fled various conflicts and come to this country as refugees,” Mr Mylvaganam says.
“Uthaysakaran represent the plight of every refugee’s not just Tamil refugees.”
The group had held a 24/7 encampment outside the former Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil’s office. Since the recent cabinet reshuffle, they’ve shifted to the newly-announced Minister Tony Burke’s office.
Hotham MP Clare O’Neil, left, has been shifted out of the Home Affairs portfolio into Housing and Homelessness. (Stewart Chambers: 415467)
Julian Hill has been promoted to Assistant Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (Gary Sissons: 384998)
A refugee protests for permanent protection in a 24/7 vigil outside former Home Affairs Minister
Clare O’Neil’s office. (Supplied)
Savage attack closes hub
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Springvale Community Hub and its library have been closed at night after three people were violently attacked by large groups.
A 15-year-old boy was hospitalized after being reportedly stabbed and bashed by a large group of youths wielding a machete outside the hub about 8.20pm on Sunday 28 July.
The teen suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to Victoria Police.
The group allegedly also assaulted a 48-yearold man – reportedly a security guard at Springvale Shopping Centre 30 minutes earlier.
He was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Two days later, a 14-year-old boy was stabbed in a group machete-attack at a supermarket on Springvale Road about 4.50pm.
He was taken to hospital with “lacerations to his shoulders”.
“Police have been told a group approached the [boy] and then assaulted him before running away,” the statement said.
In response to the attacks, the council increased security at the hub. It has also closed the hub and library at 5pm each day until further notice.
Victoria Police increased foot patrols in Springvale.
Greater Dandenong Council chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said the council was acting “out of an abundance of concern for public and staff safety”.
“We are terribly saddened by the news that three people were violently attacked by large groups in Springvale on Tuesday night and Sunday night.”
Weatherill said that the council had been lobbying “long-term” for better community safety
“Local police already had plans in place to increase their presence across central Springvale and Dandenong, Noble Park, and at Parkmore Shopping Centre in Keysborough, later in August.
“We welcome these additional officers and will continue to support the Victoria Police investigations with video footage from our extensive CCTV network and in any other way we can.”
Meanwhile, Greater Dandenong CIU charged four teens over the Sunday incidents.
A 16-year-old Ringwood East boy was charged with violent disorder in relation to the shopping centre incident. He was remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
A 17-year-old Chadstone boy and 15-year-old Berwick boy were also remanded and charged with intentionally causing serious injury and affray relating to the hub incident.
A 14-year-old Mitcham boy was charged with intentionally causing serious injury and affray. He will appear before a children’s court.
Any information and footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Wise beyond their years - dress-ups with a difference
Prep students and staff at St Anthony’s School turned a rare vintage, dressing up as 100 year olds to mark 100 days of Prep.
On 31 July, the ‘centenarians’ paraded in front of the whole school body, and posed for photos with parents at a 100 Days of Prep photo frame.
Students also drew themselves as 100 year olds, designed ‘100’-styled glasses and grooved to a bubble and light disco.
“Everyone had a wonderful day and the students were very excited to share this special occasion with each other and our school community,” school spokesperson Deana Portia said.
Students also took home a keepsake keyring featuring a photo of themselves in costume.
St Anthony’s students Summer, Ethan, Mina and Aban hit their century at Prep in style. (Supplied)
St Anthony’s students George, Joe and Annabelle decked out in old-style costume to marke 100 days of Prep.
Springvale Community Hub is closed at night after a series of violent mob attacks. (Gary Sissons: 230369)
‘No action’ year on
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association has called out the “lack of action” against former Casey councillors on the one-year anniversary of the IBAC Operation Sandon report.
In July 2023, IBAC made adverse findings against several ex-councillors as a result of alleged corrupt planning decisions at Casey.
The matter has been since referred to the Office of Police Prosecutions – which has declined to comment on the prospect of charges.
In a statement last week, CRRA called on the State Government to prosecute councillors at the “centre of Operation Sandon”.
It urged “in the least” for a ban on councillors from the 2016-’20 council term from standing for re-election in October.
“General public sentiment is that residents do not, in any circumstances, want former councillors from the City of Casey in the 2016-’20 term to be re-elected to council in the 2024 council elections.”
CRRA said it will be “educating the voting population” to ensure councillors from that term wouldn’t be re-elected.
Former councillor Rex Flannery, who is standing for re-election, says the ban is “discriminatory”.
Flannery has emphatically denied any involvement in alleged corruption.
“What right have they got to stop people with no involvement from running? If (CRRA secretary) Brian Oates can prove to me why I can’t run, I’ll step away.
“I want to know what grounds they have to discriminate against ex-councillors, who have no involvement in the alleged corruption by certain councillors.
“I will put up my house if they can prove I was part of anything that was alleged corruption.”
He said the CRRA - which was intending to “load up” the council with its candidates - was “good in name only” and had “done nothing” outside of the election campaign.
CRRA has so far endorsed 10 candidates in the
Casey councillor elections in October, with more expected across the eight wards.
They include CRRA president Kasuni Mendis, CRRA secretary Brian Oates and DovetonEummerring Township Association chair Stefan Koomen.
Endorsed candidates have signed a CRRA charter based on greater “transparency” and “accountability”.
Among the charter items are that candidates
consult with residents on a “regular and genuine” basis and are “transparent and open” on councilrelated matters.
There are also guidelines on overseas or domestic “junkets”, a ban on five-star hotel stays in Victoria at ratepayers’ expense, and on claiming travel expenses for personal travel.
First-class travel for medical reasons should be endorsed by an independent second opinion sought by Casey Council.
Candidates combine on the hustings
By Sahar Foladi
South East election candidates from Hazara and Afghan backgrounds have joined together on the election hustings.
City of Greater Dandenong and City of Casey Council candidates partnered to educate the culturally and linguistically diverse communities during the month of Muharram.
Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar, also a month of mourning for the Shia minority in which Prophet Mohammed’s (pbuh) grandson (Imam Hussain ibn Ai) was martyred in the Battle of Karbala with majority of his family members. As such, large religious gatherings are held in various communities to re-tell the tragedies of the battle for people to be able to grieve.
However, their visitation upset some people who called them out within three minutes into Abdullah Neshat’s speech asking them to leave the venue as not a place for election talks.
City of Casey candidate for the Quarters Ward Aftab Hussain refused to comment, however; he says they had a great interaction with the people from the community across the 17 locations visited.
“It was educational and campaign for awareness on how and why to participate in the council elections, its importance rather than other things, it went very well.
“People were very happy. Many people don’t know how the process works and different levels of Government, so we thought it’s important to educate the community.”
Mr Hussain is a Hazara from Quetta Pakistan now a resident of Lyndhurst of over a decade with his family running for the Quarters Ward covering Cranbourne, Cranbourne West and Lyndhurst
The 17 locations covered were throughout the two municipalities with turnout of thousands if not hundreds were seen in various mosques or hired venues by religious organisations.
City of Greater Dandenong candidate Rahima Rizai was also present among other Casey candidates Abdullah Neshat, Jawad Erfani, Ali Yaghobi among a few.
In a video footage largely shared by the candidates on social media, Jawad Erfani gave a 10-minute speech at one of the locations which is also shared on YouTube featuring six candidates.
On the other hand, their efforts and commitment to stand up for elections as candidates were welcomed and encouraged in another location in Dandenong.
“I think it’s a very healthy and progressive democracy that people who intend to do better for the community are running.
“They all want to serve their community in their own ways.
“I belong to Hazara community from Pakistan, as electrical engineer migrated over 10 years ago it’s important for me to give back to the community where I live.”
Wicki stands for Cleeland
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Refugee advocate Wicki Wickiramasingham is joining a competitive field of candidates for Cleeland Ward in the upcoming City of Greater Dandenong elections.
He is among at least three ALP members running for the seat, including incumbent councillor Angela Long and Yarraman by-election candidate Zahra Haydarbig.
A Greater Dandenong Living Treasure and 2019 Citizen of the Year, Wickiramasingham said he’s standing to correct the lack of councillors from an Indian, Malaysian or Sri Lankan background.
“We have a lot of residents in the area and we’re contributing council rates. They have approached me to stand for the election.
“The politicians should recognise the needs of the emerging communities in this area, and not just the people residing a long time in this area.”
He says he doesn’t like political parties being involved in local government. He cited the messy, postponed deputy mayoral election between Cr Long and Cr Richard Lim in 2023.
“The reason is they were fighting each other behind closed doors as Labor party candidates.
“The mayor elections have been like musical chairs.
“I know of councillors who have been here for more than 20 years who have not been given the chance to be mayor because of the political influence.”
On council, he’d like to push for businesses to employ more local residents, overseas students, refugees and asylum seekers.
Other issues are parking in central Dandenong, a lack of housing, especially for rough sleepers, and BBQ and other facilities at Gerard Street Reserve.
As a person who can speak five languages (Hazaragi, Urdu, Punjabi, Farsi/Persian and Hindi) he says it’s been a great help to communicate with various CALD communities to connect with them better and speak of their issues on a personal level.
“Strategically it’s important that we have a voice in council to understand the comprehensiveness of how the bureaucracy in local government structures work.”
Mr Hussain works as a higher education professional at the University of Melbourne and currently undertaking his PhD at Deakin University.
He has also graduated with International Policy degree from University of Melbourne and has degree in electrical engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology from Lahore Pakistan.
In 1988, Wickiramasingham arrived in Australia as a humanitarian migrant.
Since then, he’s worked actively in the South East, including helping asylum seekers and refugees.
He’s been part of various groups including school councils, Monash Health, Justice and Freedom for Ceylon Tamils and 25 years on the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre board.
Wickiramasingham has also founded the Tamil Cultural Association, the Victorian Tamil Cultural School and the Community Volunteer Broadcasting Service.
He’s also worked as an interpreter, as well as in immigration detention centres in Australia and overseas.
Aftab Hussain for the Quarters ward covering Lyndhurst, Cranbourne and Cranbourne West. (Gary Sissons: 422400)
Wicki Wikiramasingham when announced as Greater Dandenong’s 2019 Citizen of the Year. (Rob Carew: 189656)
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary Brian Oates. His association is calling for charges to be laid as a result of IBAC’s Operation Sandon inquiry.
NEWS Bring your rental worries
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The debt-busting Bring Your Bills event is back in Dandenong this week.
In a sign of growing cost-of-living stress, the initiative from South East Community Links has attracted growing crowds.
In total about 1000 residents have resolved $511,000 in debts and gained 218 grants and concessions on their bills over the past year.
And the event on Friday 9 August is expected to be the biggest yet, says SECL chief executive Peter McNamara.
Bring Your Bills supports people with fines, bills, tenancy, government payments and energy usage issues.
It’s a chance to sit face-to-face and gain budget relief from banks, energy and water companies, telcos, state and federal agencies, legal aid, tenancy services and councils.
So far, 76 per cent of attendees have reported being no longer worried about utilities disconnection, 80 per cent better understood their rights and 79 per cent were on track with bills and debts.
The region’s severe rental housing stress gets a special focus, with SECL’s new Private Renter Support Program debuting at the event.
“At our last Bring Your Bills event, 74 per cent of attendees were struggling to pay the rent,” McNamara says.
“There’s a huge need out there.”
SECL is aiming to reach 1400 renters over two years with the program, which helps them to manage their finances, understand their rights and access legal and tenancy support.
“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that community members have a safe and affordable roof over their heads; it’s a basic human right.”
A survey by SECL last year found 70 per cent were finding it more difficult to afford food, 66 per cent used emergency relief and 65 per cent worried about paying utility bills.
“There’s an urgent need for support and the critical role of our ‘Bring Your Bills’ events in helping people to navigate services, access relief and improve their understanding of the options available.”
With her husband being the sole incomeearner, their monthly rent rose and the bill stresses mounted.
advice but here they gave me some solutions.
“I feel like a big stone is lifted from my shoulders.”
One of those seeking help in Dandenong last year was an injured aged-care worker unable to continue her job.
I felt lost, stuck and didn’t know where to go,” she said.
“I thought I would walk in and receive some
Bring Your Bills is at Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong on Friday 9 August, 11am-3pm.
Club makes road trauma ‘real’ for its members
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Once they felt bullet-proof, but Tegan Ryan and Tony Cooper can attest to the life-long impact of road trauma.
The pair from Springvale Districts Football and Netball Club took a lead role ahead of the Road Safety Round across AFL Victoria leagues last weekend.
Ryan still harbours the life-changing injury from a lark during Schoolies Week as an 18-year-old. Underneath a prominent scar, her arm is held together with 23 plates.
Now 33, she vividly recounts getting a ride with an L-plater and an “irresponsible” ‘supervisor’ that wet night in Hallam.
The driver wasn’t doing anything stupid but nor was he prepared for the slippery conditions. He cut a corner too fast, and hit the brakes hard as he tried to correct the rear-wheel-drive car.
Unfortunately, he locked up the brakes and slid over the gutter into a power pole.
Ryan, who was sitting in the back seat, powerlessly watched the next split-second unfold as if in “slow motion”.
She took the brunt of the blow. Her humerus bone shattered, she was knocked unconscious.
“When you’re 18, you think you’re invulnerable, that it won’t happen to you. It just happens on the news.
“My road trauma entirely changed my life. It changed my perception of how quickly things can go wrong.
“You can’t turn back time and make different choices. But if I had my time again, there’s no way I’d go in that vehicle.”
What she’s learnt is that passengers – as well as drivers – have a significant role to play.
“If you’re not comfortable with the driver, call an Uber, call a friend, call Mum or Dad –whoever it may be.
“And if you’re the driver, that invincibility you think you have isn’t real. The impact of an accident can last you for the rest of your life.”
Despite long months of rehab, movement in Ryan’s injured arm remains painful – which hinders her goal shooting and many aspects of life.
But she believes in recounting her harrowing tale to ward others from injury.
“I think storytelling in community settings like football and netball clubs can be powerful. It has to be from their mates and people they look up to.
“It has to be real and have that human element.”
Springvale Districts president Tony Cooper casts his mind back to when he was 18 and he lost a team-mate who “just drove too fast” one fateful day.
“What resonates with me is my son has just turned 18 and he’s just got his licence.
“What I said to the boys is you might miss a shot at goal and you’ll probably get another
opportunity. But there are some mistakes you don’t get a chance to come back from.”
Cooper said sport clubs were now better placed to make the road safety message sink in to “bullet-proof” players.
Back in his youth, players sunk a few beers after training, and never talked about issues like the road toll.
These days, the fridge is stocked more with soft drinks. Road safety is also openly discussed.
“We’re looking at creating an environment where they’re making the right decisions all the time.
“It’s about doing the right thing in front of your peers, doing the right thing with training
standards and doing the right thing with dress standards.
“This is another one of those behaviours.”
Over the past three years, the club’s netballers and footballers have worn blue armbands for the TAC and AFL Victoria Road Safety Round to signify lives lost on the road.
Recently, players got on social media, sending a videoed road-safety message to loved ones. Highway patrol police officers have been invited to address the members and players.
One of the players told of nearly losing his job as a tradie after being caught drink-driving.
“People turn up to games and ask what is that blue armband about,” Cooper said.
“That’s the conversation starter.”
Springvale Districts’ president Tony Cooper and netballer Tegan Ryan launch Road Safety Round. (Supplied)
The blue armbands for Road Safety Round.
Springvale Districts president Tony Cooper.
Rachna and Peter McNamara from South East Community Links with Nicholas, Naomi, Margie and Tim from the Department of Social Services at a Bring Your Bills event at Springvale this year. (Stewart Chambers: 403433)
Robert, a SECL financial counsellor, at a previous Bring Your Bills day. (403433)
Chisholm deficit deepens: VAGO
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Chisholm Institute is one of four Victorian TAFEs recording a worsened underlying deficit in 2023, according to a state auditor-general’s report.
The TAFE’s deficit deepened to about $12 million, excluding one-off capital grants from the State Government.
This was up from about a $1 million deficit in 2022.
Nine of the 12 Victorian TAFEs reported a net surplus in 2023, with an overall surplus of $72 million - up $29 million from the previous year.
However the sector’s net surplus was “underpinned by capital grants received to fund campus redevelopment”, the Victorian Auditor-General Office (VAGO) reported.
“Without these grants, the sector would have had a net ($35 million) deficit from their operations, which has been a consistent trend for the
last five years.”
TAFEs including Chisholm were spending at a “markedly increased” rate, and becoming increasingly dependent on fee-for-service revenue rather than government funding, the audit found.
“If the declining net deficit trend continues for these TAFEs, without effective management of expenditure or own-source revenue growth, their long-term financial sustainability is at risk.”
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions accepted all of the report’s recommendations.
These included for all TAFEs to “review and critically analyse their current budgeting processes”, and for TAFES work with the department to achieve balanced budgets in the future.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the report showed the “significant work we’ve done to repair the TAFE system”.
It had launched Free TAFE courses and invested more than $4.5 billion into the system “after the former Liberal Government left it as a wreck”.
“We’re carefully considering the detail of the report, however it shows that the TAFE network is in surplus and financial performance across the network has improved.”
Opposition skills and training spokesperson Bridget Vallence said the financial viability of more than half of Victoria’s TAFEs was “under threat” because of “10 years of Labor’s mismanagement”.
“Under Labor, TAFE teachers are walking off the job, thousands of students are failing to complete courses, employers are dissatisfied, and there are widespread skills shortages.
“This independent report by the AuditorGeneral is scathing and further evidence Labor cannot manage TAFE in Victoria.”
Trafficker jailed
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A man has been jailed for drug trafficking after nearly a kilo of powder was seized from his hire-car in Dandenong.
Latif Latif, 24, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to trafficking a commercial quantity of cocaine – which is punishable by a mandatory jail term.
Police spotted Latif in the drivers’ seat of a RAV vehicle outside a real estate agency on Princes Highway in the early hours of 9 February 2022.
They seized deal bags of coke, a small safe, four phones, a set of scales as well as $380 cash.
In total, 912 grams of powder was discovered in 20 bags, ranging up to 78 per cent purity.
The substance comprised about 635 grams of pure cocaine – just short of the defined ‘large commercial’ quantity.
In sentencing on 5 July, judge Gabriele Cannon noted there was no direct evidence of Latif selling cocaine but it was “obvious” that was his motivation.
He had claimed he was holding the cocaine for others, and being “drip-fed” the drugs as payment. However there was not much evidence for this, Judge Cannon said.
On the other hand, Latif appeared to be leading an intermittent lifestyle, rather than a lavish one. He was living out of hotel rooms and the hire-car at the time, using a mix of cocaine, cannabis and meth.
There was no evidence on how Latif paid for the hire car or the significant amount of drugs.
“I’m unable to find you to be the head of the enterprise.”
The Afghan-born refugee grew up in prolific violence, including surviving a bomb blast that killed 600 in a market at Quetta, Pakistan as a 10 year old.
Settling with family in Dandenong in 2016, he succumbed to a “party lifestyle”.
His daily cocaine habit was also linked to being traumatized from being kidnapped and seriously bashed in 2021.
While on bail last year, Latif took steps forward in three months of residential rehab. After his discharge, he occasionally returned to chat with clients and he kept off drugs.
Judge Cannon noted Latif was anxious about being potentially deported as a result of his crime.
She noted his “rather good” rehabilitation prospects, young age and his albeit late plea of guilty.
Latif was jailed for up to four years, with a two-year non-parole period. His term includes 573 days in pre-sentence remand.
Tradies urged to prioritise eye safety amid alarming risks
By Ethan Benedicto
With Tradies Health Awareness Month fast approaching, there has been strong advocacy for eye safety, with Berwick alone recording roughly 6723 tradespeople that could be putting their vision at risk.
The statistic follows an optometry company’s research on unsafe practices taking place in workplaces, with the City of Casey having roughly 52,000 tradies potentially undermining the importance of eye health.
State-wide, the report found that over half, 64 per cent, of Victorian tradies admit to wearing everyday sunglasses instead of protective eyewear while at the worksite.
Berwick optometrist Ryan Lang said that “while we encourage wearing sunglasses with UV protection when outside, they are not a substitute”.
“We are urging tradies to take their eye safety seriously and be sure to take preventative measures on the worksite to protect their eyesight.”
Thereportalsofoundthat68percentoftradies have witnessed an eye injury or hazard on the job, with 42 per cent acquiring said injury with the requirement of further medical attention.
Narre Warren tradie, Michael M., said that workplace safety is an important part of his onsite routine, safety glasses included; however, he also admitted that many others tend to forgo its importance due to convenience.
“It’s mainly convenience, having everything on you at the end of the day, safety glasses is sort of at the bottom of the list.
“You’ve got your tools, your tool bag, ear protection, lunch and then eyewear,” Michael said.
At a personal level, eye protection has been at the forefront of Michael’s mind, and even more so after a small piece of metal found its way into his right eye late last year.
“I was using my metal grinder, cutting some stuff off a metal stud and a piece of it went over my glasses and straight into my eye,” he said.
While the injury wasn’t major with only a small scar on his iris, Michael has since been more vigilant with keeping his eyes safe.
Optometrist Lang added that safety glasses need to be seriously considered and that they are “fit for purpose” on the work site.
“They provide essential eye protection against hazards such as flying debris and dust and even chemical splashes, significantly reducing the risk of eye injuries.
“This simple preventative measure can save you from experiencing vision loss fro injury or subsequent infection,” he said.
The research added that 81 per cent of tradies have seen others wear regular sunglasses when performing jobs like drilling (42 per cent), sawing (35 per cent) and jack-hammering (23 per cent).
Michael contributes the lack of proper eyewear to the generational divide, adding that younger tradies tend to be more cognisant of the importance of eye safety.
“I see a lot of tradies my age wear them [safety glasses] a lot more, they’re more aware of safety because they’ve watched others, or had tradie parents go through injuries and they’re like ‘I’m not going to do that’,” he said.
“It’s very much just, we watch out parents do things and you see them go, ‘oh I messed my back up at work’, and it’s like, well okay when I’m in the same field I don’t want to screw my back up so I’m not going to do what my dad or mum did.”
Furthermore, of all tradies who received eyerelated injuries, 75 per cent admitted to wearing normal sunglasses instead of safety glasses.
“Health professionals want tradies to know that prevention is always better than cure,” Mr Lang said.
Berwick optometrist Ryan Lang is calling for tradies to wear appropriate eye safety glasses when on the worksite, compared to other alternatives. (Supplied)
A virtual welding room at Chisholm Institute in Dandenong. (Gary Sissons: 334164)
Flood risks are ‘managed’
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Melbourne Water says it is focused on managing flood risks around a recently-inundated retirement village in Bangholme.
Answers had been initially in short supply from authorities after Willow Lodge was flooded by overflow from a nearby retention pond on Tuesday 16 July.
Star Journal enquired with Melbourne Water, Department of Transport and Planning, and Greater Dandenong Council but each blamed the other for an apparent backflow issue at a nearby floodgate.
The village of more than 500 residents is on floodplains between the banks of Eumemmerring Creek and Eastern Contour Drain, and downstream from a Melbourne Water retarding basin.
The complex is surrounded by a ring of floodprotection levees as well as a retention pond.
Melbourne Water regional manager Dan Besley said “local residents should feel confident (that) flood risks are being managed”.
“Melbourne Water is working with relevant authorities to ensure this issue remains a focus.
“The flood gate and local drain near Willow Lodge are managed by other agencies, however we are in communication with the local council, who have confirmed they are also following up with VicRoads.”
The flood gate at Frankston Dandenong Road is believed to be managed by the Department of Transport and Planning.
Last week, Melbourne Water confirmed that the flood occurred due to the flood gate failing to close during heavy rainfall. It was likely stuck open due to debris.
As a result, water from a Melbourne Water main drain backflowed into a local drain.
A private drainage pump station at the Willow Lodge retention pond, which was designed to divert water into the main drain further down-
stream, was unable to cope with the backflow.
A week earlier, Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad raised the alarm on behalf of Willow Lodge residents on the proposed rezoning of paddocks at 250 Fernside Drive for industrial development.
At a 8 July council meeting, Cr Garad said the site was within the “Bangholme retarding basin” – a “critical” flood mitigation measure to protect residents at Willow Lodge retirement village as
well as suburbs downstream.
According to a council report, Melbourne Water has stated it doesn’t have any objection to the rezoning on the basis of flood risk, “subject to conditions”.
Councillors sought a costings report on getting independent advice on the flood impact.
Bangholme flood researcher Alan Hood warns of frantic future evacuations at Willow Lodge if floods equivalent to several in the past 100 years were repeated.
At those levels, a rampaging Dandenong Creek would spread about 1.7 kilometres wide, would “roof gutter height” at Hammond Road and would “slam over” the Eumemmering Creek northern levee bank towards Willow Lodge.
“The people of Willow Lodge would need to be evacuated. But there would be no vehicular access from north or south… helicopters can’t do it fast enough.”
GRUFFALO PLUSH & BOOKS
Floodwaters escape a retention pond and surround homes at Willow Lodge retirement village, Bangholme. (Supplied)
LOOKING BACK
100 years ago
7 August 1924
Heart of Dandenong Estate
A commencement of the great railway work, which will do so much for Dandenong and the District, is about to be made. Delay has latterly been occasioned, we understand, by way of the council rightly insisting upon the whole of the roadway opening onto Hammond Road being metalled and a level crossing provided. The new road is to be called Cheltenham Road. The occasion of the “turning of the first sod” should be an important one in the advancement of the district, as by the extensive works to be provided (upon which the estimated expenditure is 70,000 pounds) provision for a much-increased traffic is to be made, which will add a great deal to the popularity of Dandenong. Much interest is being shown in the matter, and no doubt a good assemblage of the public will put in an appearance on the 20th inst., when all are cordially welcome.
50 years ago
6 August 1974
Our Day Nursery set to go!
Plans for Dandenong’s day nursery are ready and the project is set to go. The member for Holt, Mr Max Oldmeadow announced this yesterday. He added “The Australian and Victorian governments have approved the project. The day centre will be built on land between Brunet Avenue and McLean Cres North Dandenong. Mr Oldmeadow said the plans were based on a “bold and imaginative concept of day child care facilities”. “The building is designed so it will stimulate movement from the conformist day nursery concepts of the past, into what has been learned about child-care for the future. The children, who will be from infancy to five years, will have a wide, all-weather veranda. They will not be confined to any given space all day.”
20 years ago
9 August 2004
Living the dream.
Australia’s Olympic hopeful have arrived in
INTERFAITH
Athens for the games of the XXV111th Olympiad, starting this Friday. Among those going for gold are former Dandenong Rangers WNBL basketballer and Noble Park resident Penny Taylor; shooter Paul Rahman of Keysborough; basketballer Andrew Bogut of Endeavour Hills; shooter Lalita Yauhleuskaya of Berwick, and track and field competitor Hayley McGregor, Also from Berwick. Rahman, 19, will make his Olympic debut in the men’s skeet event. He is following in the footsteps of father Goran who finished 6th in the same event at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
5 years ago
6 August 2019
Slug of sabotage?
A defiant Ian Cook vowed to fight up to 96 charges levelled by Greater Dandenong Council at him and his company I Cook Foods. He says his $26 million Dandenong South company has been wrongfully ruined since it was blamed for the listeria related death of an elderly hospital patient and shut down by authorities for 36 days in February and March. “The inconsisten-
cies, the lies and fabrication have been quite phenomenal,” he said. Outside the court, Mr Cook claimed that a council inspector planted a slug in the factory. It comes on top of recent claims by a whistle blower and former Greater Dandenong health inspector that she was persuaded to fabricate evidence against I Cook Foods. Mr Cook says he will seek damages for the destruction of his company and reputation. “They’ve destroyed us. They set us up.” The case was adjourned for a contest mention on 3 October.
Benefits of many cultures
By Imam Abdurrahman Sahin from Keysborough Turkish Islamic and Cultural Centre
Humanity has not reached today’s level of civili zation by taking easy roads or smooth paths.
There have always been hills to climb, dead ends to navigate, and mysterious turns to un cover.
In short, it has been necessary to overcome problems first.
The way people approach these challenges and how they manage to overcome them, influenced by many factors such as geographical conditions, has given birth to what we call Culture.
Culture directs personal behaviour and gives identity to society.
It deepens and enriches the sense of solidarity and unity within the community.
In our globalizing and modernizing world, with the development of technology, monoculturalism has become almost impossible.
Societies are becoming increasingly enriched both internally and by being influenced by other cultures with each passing day.
As a life experience, multiculturalism can create new opportunities for people.
MESSAGE OF HOPE
Living together with different cultures and experiencing them enriches our perspective.
At the same time, it offers a high-quality life opportunity in socio-economic terms.
It provides people with the chance to broaden their horizons, recognize different values, beliefs, and ways of life, and live collectively within universal values and beliefs.
Additionally, people who have the experience of living in a multicultural society have the opportunity to become more open-minded, lively, and cosmopolitan.
In a multicultural society, if people are open and respectful to different cultures, beliefs, and ideologies, they gain the experience of living harmoniously with many cultures, and being accustomed to differences makes their lives easier and more colourful.
A multicultural society is one where different religious and cultural practices are implemented, contributing to the representation and develop-
ment of various beliefs, and making it possible for all differences to coexist and be experienced together.
Besides all these benefits, multiculturalism also has its downsides.
Primarily, considering its impact on individuals, people in a multicultural society might experience identity confusion, especially for immigrants who might face problems of not belonging or not being able to adopt a particular culture.
People living in mixed cultures may sometimes feel pressured to choose an identity or might not be able to adopt any identity at all.
This can lead to significant pressure on them.
In conclusion, multiculturalism has both positive and negative effects on societies.
The important thing is to enjoy living in harmony, while continuing our own culture and also adapting to the other cultures we live with.
Then, we can overcome the negativities of cultural diversity and start reaping its benefits.
Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. Visit - https://interfaithnetwork.org.au/
Truckie injured at Keysborough health-product firm
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Keysborough medical-goods supplier has faced court after a delivery driver was seriously injured by a loaded-up forklift.
Ultra Health Medical Pty Ltd – which supplies medical masks, gloves and other infection control products - pleaded guilty at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to workplace safety breaches.
The driver was standing outside his contain-
er truck and taking a photo as proof of delivery when he was struck at the Pacific Drive site, the court heard.
He suffered a significant leg injury that required surgery, including the insertion of plates.
Just a few weeks into his job, the unqualified and inexperienced forklift driver had inadequate workplace supervision, magistrate Hugh Radford noted.
There was also an inadequate traffic management plan at the factory.
At the time, the fork-lift driver didn’t see the truckie. His view of the victim was impaired by the full stack of pallets on his forklift.
Mr Radford noted that a message needed to be sent to other workplaces, due to forklifts being involved in a significant proportion of workplace casualties.
On the other hand, Ultra Health Medical was entitled to a significant sentencing discount for a guilty plea.
Its 30 year-plus history without any criminal priors was also noted. The firm acted quickly to rectify its workplace practices after the incident, Mr Radford said. Ultra Health Medical was fined $30,000, plus costs to WorkSafe. It was spared conviction.
Penny Taylor, pictured at a Dandenong Rangers 25th anniversary celebration in 2017. (Stewart Chambers; 163802)
Abdurrahman Sahin
Bridging the tech gap
A momentous 2500th laptop has been donated for disadvantaged students as part of the successful This Is IT campaign across the South East.
In less than five years, the milestone has been reached with the hand-over of 120 laptops for students at Noble Park Secondary College, Carwatha P-12 and Oakwood School on Friday 2 August.
This batch of computers was funded by the State Government’s Noble Park Suburban Revitalisation Board.
Since 2020, the not-for-profit program has provided for students at 40 schools in six council areas, including Casey, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia Shire.
A high-school principal described the program as a “game changer” for the students.
“Schools are trying to prepare their students for the future, this is extremely difficult when students do not have access to the tools they require.
“Computers are an absolute necessity, and this initiative is a game changer for the students lucky enough to be the recipient of a laptop.”
One of the recipients said it meant they could stay up to date with studies while off on work placements.
“I will not have to stress about going to the library or staying at school after hours to complete my work.”
In 2020, This Is IT Schools was launched by three Dandenong businesses to furnish local students with new and repurposed laptops.
TIIS sourced top-of-the-line computers at the end of corporate life. They were wiped and repurposed, then awarded as a scholarship to deserving students.
The idea was expanded to supply laptops to disadvantaged students across the South East. And it was called simply This Is IT.
On hand for the 2 August event were the program founders.
They are SELLEN chief executive Andrew Sim-
mons, South East Business Networks’ head Sandra George, Corex Australia CEO Simon Whitely, Hilton Manufacturing managing director Todd Hartley and Future Recycling chief executive Tyrone Landsman.
The first handover of 120 laptops was made at the Greater Dandenong Civic Centre on 7 February 2020.
Donors have since included Casey and Kingston councils, MacPherson and Kelley, Federa-
tion University, Ashfords accountancy, Future Recycling, NAB, SELLEN, North Projects, Frasers Property Group, Skill Invest, VACCA, Rigby and Cooke, Casey TECH, Hilton Manufacturing, Lime Result and Take a Swing for Charity.
SELLEN chief executive Andrew Simmons presents a laptop to Noble Park Secondary College’s IT manager Adam van Leeuwen on 2 August. (Stewart Chambers: 422623)
Hundreds pay tribute
By Violet Li
Former Cranbourne Labor MP Jude Perera has been remembered as a “resilient, hardworking, and compassionate” public servant by his families, friends, and former colleagues.
Mr Perera’s family announced the sad news on Facebook on 23 July. He was 71 at the age of his death.
The first Sri Lankan-born and –educated MP elected to the lower house in Australia, he served Cranbourne communities for four terms, retiring in 2018 after a long battle with renal disease and two kidney transplants.
The funeral was held on Wednesday 31 July at the Bunurong Memorial Park in Dandenong South with hundreds of attendants commemorating the former MP’s life.
A handful of speakers shared their anecdotes with Mr Perera and honoured his contribution to the community.
High school friend Trevis Perera spoke on behalf of Maris Stella College Old Boys Association at the funeral, celebrating the life of Mr Perera and expressing heartfelt condolence to Mr Perera’s family.
“Jude was known to me since the time of my high school in Sri Lanka in the 70s. Jude was two grades my senior in the science and mathematics stream at the college. I remember that Jude was among the bright and studious pupils in his class,” he said.
“We lost each other’s contact for some 25 years. Surprisingly, our two families met here again in Melbourne when we migrated to Australia in 1999.
“It was a blissful reunion of two Perera families, Jude’s and mine.
“Jude and Ira [wife], along with a few other friends of mine living in the neighbourhood, helped me and my family immensely to settle down here in our initial years.”
Former Bruce MP Alan Griffin delivered a eulogy as a longtime mentor, political colleague, and friend.
He said that Mr Perera truly saw parliament and being a parliamentarian as being a vehicle to serve the community.
“Jude was a man with very strong beliefs and a man who always thought about what those beliefs were, and he was prepared to debate them. He was prepared to discuss them and he was happy to have disagreements if that’s what we’re here today,” he said.
“But also, the man was stubborn. He was stubborn. Not many people get to argue with me and get away with it. But he did on many occasions.
“The thing is, and you see it throughout his life, that stubbornness exhibited itself in terms of our commitment to belief, a willingness to stand up and actually keep standing, and a willingness and determination to achieve outcomes.
“This is a man in politics who was told many times, you can’t do that. This is a man who was told on many occasions, it’s just not your turn. And this is a man who continually had the strength, the belief in himself, and the people we represented to keep standing and to keep achieving.”
Mr Griffin highlighted the important role Mr Perera played in his community as an immigrant.
“There is no doubt, although we are a welcoming community, there is racism. There are issues around settlement and separation,” he said.
“There are barriers to people in terms of being able to fully be part of the civic society that we are all part of.
“And Jude is an example of someone who wasn’t prepared to be stopped or discouraged on the basis of those barriers.”
Mr Perera’s daughter Judy finished the guest speaker session with a tribute to her beloved father.
“Dad was the most caring, kind and compas-
sionate person I’ve known,” she said.
“If you mention anything that has troubled you, no matter how small, he goes out of his way to help you.
“He has always been very outspoken about what he believes him and has taught us to do the same.
“He has always told us if something is not right, we need to speak up.
“He used his position in parliament to advocate
for many issues. I am particularly proud of his support for marriage equality, adoption equality, and abortion rights for women.”
The funeral was hosted by Donald Betts Jr, former Kansas State Representative in America. Mr Perera’s university friend Hemantha Kuluppuarachchi, Jaya Jayakody speaking on behalf of the Sri Lankan community, family member David Thompson, grandchildren Jordan, Jasmine, Ella and Paris, and son Rangana also paid their tributes as speakers.
A photo of Mr Perera. (Gary Sissons: 421798)
Family member David Thompson with MC Donald Betts Jr. (421798)
Former Bruce MP Alan Griffin. (421798)
Grandchildren Jasmine, Jordan, Ella and Paris, with MC Donald Betts Jr. (421798)
Jude Perera’s family and friends are following the hearse after the Bunurong Memorial Park service. (Gary Sissons: 421798)
Mr Perera’s daughter Judy with MC Donald Betts Jr. (421798)Wife Iranganie lights a candle. (421798)
Mr Perera’s son Rangana with MC Donald Betts Jr. (421798)
MC at the service, Donald Betts Jr. (421798)
Home invader jailed
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A violent home invader in Noble Park who told police he’d been bashing a lot of “junkies” to “clean up the streets” has been jailed.
Jackson Vaotuua, 26, with a long drug history himself, had shown little insight nor remorse for “a very nasty offence”, Victorian County Court judge James Parrish said on 16 July.
The innocent residents, a man and woman, were unknown to Vaotuua and assaulted for “no apparent reason”.
“And to this day you have not really offered any reason whatsoever why that took place.
“Perhaps the only inference to be drawn is that you were so drugged and (with) alcohol in you, that you just have got no idea why you did do it.”
On 9 April 2023, he and an unknown accomplice banged on the door of a flat on Lightwood Road and awoke the victims.
On opening the door, the male was punched twice in the face by Vaotuua.
The woman was assaulted by the co-offender, but she escaped through a bedroom window and called triple-0.
The intruders stole a TV, phone and the man’s RAV4 vehicle – which was later found by police parked outside Vaotuua’s home that night.
Police arrested Vaotuua at his home. They seized cordless drills and bank cards stolen from a car minutes before the home invasion.
In a police interview, Vaotuua said he couldn’t remember what happened that morning. He was too affected by alcohol and about 10 Xanax tablets taken the day before.
He told police that he had previously “bashed” a lot of junkies at the same flats, and may have done so again that morning.
It was his way of “cleaning up the street” or “cleaning up the area”.
Later, Vaotuua said he was unaware of making the remarks and must have still been “substance affected” at the time.
Meanwhile, the male victim told the court he had suffered a broken, bloody nose. He and his children were evicted by his rental agent as a result of the attack.
They remain scared to leave the house, and fearful of anybody near their home.
A psychologist assessed Vaotuua as a “moderate to high” risk of reoffending.
This was due to housing instability, unemployment and seven untreated mental-health disorders, including complex PTSD, major depression and several substance use disorders.
Facing multiple charges
A Cranbourne South teen in an alleged stolen ute has been charged after an extended follow by police through the South East early on Wednesday 31 July.
The 18-year-old was driving a Toyota Hilux allegedly stolen from Botanic Ridge in Cranbourne South that night.
With assistance from the Air Wing, police say they followed the vehicle from Dandenong through multiple suburbs to Brighton.
It is alleged the driver dumped the Hilux before he was arrested on Seymour Grove.
The man was charged with car theft, reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, dangerous driving whilst being pursued by police, dealing in proceeds of crime, going equipped to steal and other traffic-related offences.
He was bailed to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 2 December.
A qualified chef, Vaotuua had previously worked at a host of restaurants including at Parliament House and Southgate.
In sentencing, Judge Parrish took into account that Vaotuua was “subjected to profound dysfunction” as a child.
Vaotuua pleaded guilty to home invasion, thefts and assault.
He was jailed for up to four years and nine months, with a 38-month non-parole period.
His term includes 464 days in pre-sentence detention.
FOR KIDS 6 MONTHS & UP!
Don’t ignore their pain
A more inclusive health-care system is needed for the unique needs of migrant and refugee women, according to a joint report to the State inquiry into Women’s Pain.
Wellsprings for Women – with Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) – based their submission on a forum with 38 migrant and refugee women.
“There is a strong link between physical pain and mental health issues, exacerbated by social isolation and cultural adaptation challenges,” the submission stated.
It reported significant healthcare barriers such as language difficulties, long wait times and their health concerns being dismissed by professionals.
A participant with extreme, chronic pain went regularly to the doctor for 10 years, but her condition remained untreated.
Another said: “Someone I know was very tired all the time and they went to the doctor and the doctor said it is all in their head.”
Others reported getting little help from doctors for issues such as painful menstruation or post-natal back pain.
WHAT’S ON
Mend It
Join our mending workshop to learn tips and tricks to mend your own clothing. Fiona from A Fitting Connection will prove to you it’s not hard and no previous sewing skills are required, just your willingness to learn a new skill. A Fitting Connection will also be accepting textiles for recycling. Items that can be dropped off include clothes, soft toys, underwear, shoes, hats and other accessories. Items must be clean and dry. For ages 16+
· Saturday 10 August, 2pm-4pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.
Cultural Sketch
Join us to hear from, and sketch, a member of our arts community. The member will share their story, creative interests, arts practice, favourite music and other aspects that make up their creative world as they strike a pose for you to draw. Materials provided. Refreshments and alcohol served. Event is for people 18+.
· Tuesday 6 August, 6pm-8pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free event. Registration required at eventbrite.com.au/e/cultural-sketchtickets-859195806787?aff=oddtdtcreator
Writing Group
Awaken your inner writer and spark your imagination in this encouraging and fun workshop. We will share creative writing prompts, stories and ideas. New writers welcome.
· Thursday 8 August, 10am–12 noon at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong; gold coin donation welcome. Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au
Dying to Know Day
Southeast Palliative Care will present information for Dying to Know Day including options for future planning, what is palliative care and ‘dying to talk together’ activity booklet. This event will give you the confidence to take steps to leave a loving legacy for those you care about and for, as well as to have those difficult conversations with loved ones. Devonshire tea provided.
· Thursday 8 August, 10am-11.30am at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Bookings: 8571 5574.
Bring Your Bills
Get free help and advice on bills, fines, tenancy, utility relief grants and concessions. This drop-in event is presented by South East Community Links.
· Friday 9 August, 10am-2pm at Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event.
Poetry open mic
‘Perc.U.lations’ is a regular Poetry and Spoken Word event including an ‘open mic’ and a featured poet. If you arrive early (from 2pm. onwards), you can join other poets to have a great conversation, enjoy the Kafe on Hemmings menu, and possibly write some words of your own, if so inspired.
· second Saturday of the month (10 August) 3pm at Kafe on Hemmings, 86 Hemmings Street, Dandenong; pay as you feel. Details: Anke, thesandandthefrog@gmail.com or facebook.com/ share/rrv4Uy8LJ7dhgS4Z/
Family violence was also a significant barrier to seeking healthcare.
Many women described physical “heart ache” and chest pain due to mental distress. But a lot reported keeping their pain private due to social pressures..
Poor mental health worsened with isolation from family and friends, cultural shock and language barriers.
Springvale Urban Harvest
Come along to swap excess homegrown produce and gardening extras and meet like-minded growers in the area. Supported by The Greater Dandenong Seed Library and the Springvale Community Hub Clothes Swap.
· Second Saturday of the month (next 10 August) 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.
Clothes swap
Community members are invited to contribute up to 10 items of clothing, shoes and/or accessories. All items must be clean, in good condition and ready to display on the day.
· Saturday 10 August, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: Zoe, mohlz@icloud.com
EuroFeast 2024
Enjoy the essence of Europe’s culinary delights including rich, buttery pastries, decadent hot chocolates, as well as Scottish Highlands dancing, Sanacori musi and a Schunkel band.
· Sunday 11 August, 11am–3pm at Dandenong Market, cnr Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong. Free event
TAFE Info Day
Chisholm Institute offers certificates, diplomas and degrees at campuses throughout Melbourne’s South East. No matter what age or stage of life you are in, Chisholm has a course for you.
· Wednesday 14 August at Chisholm’s Dandenong campus, Stud Road. Attendance is free but please register at chisholm.edu.au/infodays
Pen Power online workshop
Participants will be guided by facilitator and artist Yaz Gate to make their very own piece of art inspired by three modern day artists. Participants are invited to use their chosen pen, marker or texta to create a unique piece of art with a hidden message. Suitable for all ability levels.
· Wednesday 14 August, 7pm-8.30pm; free event. Registration required. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/ events/pen-power-online-workshop
Dandenong Wetlands planting
Bring the family and join us at Dandenong Wetlands to plant some seedlings and help to create habit for local wildlife. Make sure you bring your own water bottle, gardening gloves and wear clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty.
· Saturday 17 August, 10am-1pm at Dandenong Wetlands, 270 Stud Road, Dandenong North. Free event, including free lunch. Cupcake Creations
Indulge in a three-week journey into the world of cupcake artistry with our Cupcake Creations class. Each week, discover a new realm of design and flavour as you learn a new technique and design each week.
· Thursdays 1, 8 and 15 August, 7pm-9pm; $30 per class at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Details: nobleparkcommunitycentre.org.au or 9547 5801.
One woman shared that “the first time I just went to the park and cried because I could not speak to anyone.”
“Acknowledging and addressing the unique and compounded needs of migrant and refugee women is essential for creating a more inclusive and effective healthcare system,” Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smiley said.
“This submission highlights the importance
Art show entries
Entries to the 2024 Noble Park Community Centre
Art Show are now open to artists of all ages, abilities and experience. You maybe submit up to four, 2D pieces created in the last two years. Entry is free for junior artists. $8 full fee or $5 concession per artwork for open artists.
· Details: npccartshow.org/our-show/terms-conditions
HOME 24
Too Much Drama is a site-responsive project by Ethiopian-Norwegian, Naarm-based artist Olana Janfa. Combining bold images and political statements with lightness, dry humour and vivid colours and tones, the exhibition brings together old and new works by Olana, displayed across Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre and the public space.
· runs until Friday 6 September (open Tuesdays-Fridays) at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, 1-9 Walker Street, Dandenong.
Neighbourhood Watch public forum
Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch presents a safety information Q&A. Guest speaker is Senior Sergeant Chris Savage, who is Officer in Charge at Springvale police station as well as the Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator for Greater Dandenong. All residents welcome, please bring a friend.
· Wednesday 25 September, 7pm for 7.30pm start at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Light supper provided. Noble Park Probus
A warm invitation is extended to anyone in the local community who is aged 55 and over, not working full time to visit us with a view to becoming a member at Noble Park Combined Probus Club. Meets monthly for morning tea and an interesting guest speaker. Also special lunches, day trips and extended trips such as to Bright. We make sure we promote the Probus core values of ‘Friendship, fellowship and fun’.
· first Monday of the month, 10am at Club Noble. Details: Roslyn, rgrassham07@gmail.com or 0410628249.
Awareness Meditation
Meditation brings stillness, harmonises body and soul, and connects to meaning.
· Mondays (during school term) 2.30pm – 3.30pm (followed by a cuppa) at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong; suggested gold-coin donation. Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au
Walking Football
Walking Football 4 Health is modified soccer in a safe, family-friendly environment for participants of all ages and abilities, starting from 7 years old. No running, no contact, no tackles from behind and no kicking balls above waist height. A supportive space for those with health challenges, confidence issues, or social anxiety. Families are encouraged to play as a team or part of a team.
· Saturdays 1pm-2pm at Dandenong Soccer 5s, 29 Brindley Street, Dandenong South; $5 per person. Details: Mick Trim, 0430 163 550 or m.trim@wffa. org.au
of culturally appropriate and intersectional care.”
Among the recommendations were mandatory training for healthcare providers in culturallyappropriate care, as well as increasing availability of female practitioners.
The report called for access to professional interpreters and multilingual health resources, as well as better communication about health supports and services.
Wait times should be reduced, Medicare coverage increased and mental health should be integrated with physical health services.
WHISE chief executive Kit McMahon urged the Government to take its recommendations seriously.
“We call on (the Government) … to implement the necessary reforms to ensure that all women, regardless of their background, have access to quality healthcare.”
Safer Care Victoria, the Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council, and the Pain Inquiry Subcommittee will lead the inquiry.
A final report to the Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council is expected by December.
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 (12.30pm-1pm) 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.
Awareness Meditation
Meditation brings stillness, harmonises body & soul & connects to meaning.
· Mondays (during school term), 2.30pm–3.30pm followed by a cuppa at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong; suggested gold-coin donation. Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au
Adult Exercise
Improve fitness and energy levels for good health and wellbeing at this adult exercise group class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a self-paced, gentle aerobics class suitable for all levels.
· Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am at Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North; $5 per session. No registrations required. Details: 8571 1436 or communityfacilities@cgd. vic.gov.au
Thirty-eight women participated in a forum ahead of Wellsprings for Women and WHISE’s joint submission to a state Women’s Pain inquiry. (Supplied)
Helping all to swim
By Corey Everitt
A new pilot program to help people from multicultural backgrounds enjoy swimming with safety and security officially launched at Cardinia Life on Saturday 27 July.
Closely coinciding with World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, the ’Safely Engaging with Water program’ is a collaboration between Cardinia Leisure and Officer Sikh Temple Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar.
Backed by Cardinia Shire Council, Pakenham MP Emma Vulin and Life Saving Victoria, the program aims to teach adults from multicultural backgrounds how to swim and enjoy the water safely.
Locally, this program was initiated after Clyde residents Dharmvir Singh, 38, and Gurjinder Singh, 65, drowned after leaping into a pool at a Gold Coast hotel to try to save the younger man’s child on Sunday 31 March.
This came after January when Cranbourne East man Sahil Panwar, 25, was swept out to sea at Kilcunda Surf Beach. Later that month saw Victoria’s worst drowning incident in almost two decades when Clyde North residents – Kirti Bedi, 20, Suhani Anand, 20, and Jagjeet Singh Anand, 23, and Reema Sondhi from India, drowned at Forrest Caves Beach on Phillip Island.
These devastating deaths prompted calls to strengthen water safety and Officer Gurdwara’s Harpreet Singh Kandra was determined to see all communities enjoy the water.
“This got me into action, I started introspecting, talking to the community and experts. And today we start a significant chapter in our journey to upskill the community with water safety,“ he said at the launch.
“Water is fun, water is therapy, swimming is an exercise, connection with water is an important part of Aussie lifestyle.“
Such programs can bridge the gap between those born overseas who suffer a disproportionate rate of drownings in Australia.
Reported by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, last summer 99 people drowned and a quarter were from multicultural backgrounds.
A 2022 study from the University of Sydney said almost half of beach drowning deaths from 2004 to 2021 were people born overseas.
Life Saving Victoria’s diversity and inclusion advisor David Holland said the local Sikh community has been instrumental in raising awareness.
“People from multicultural communities are five times more likely to drown when swimming,
the fact that the Sikh community is highlighting the issue and taking action is excellent,“ he said.
“Life Saving Victoria has been working closely with the Sikh community for the last few months and will continue to support them in the years ahead as we have with all multicultural communities on water safety.“
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin said the program is a vital step after recent drownings within local multicultural communities.
“The Safely Engaging with Water program is a fantastic initiative from Dr Harpreet Kandra for our growing multicultural community,“ she said.
“New skills and water safety awareness is so important, particularly in light of the tragic drownings over the past few years where people from diverse cultural backgrounds were overrepresented.“
Cardinia Leisure will subsidise attendees’ participation as well as operate the lessons. Once ini-
tiated, the program aims to expand through the South East and beyond.
Community information sessions are planned to be held soon in collaboration with Life Saving Victoria.
This will involve both an incursion session at Officer Gurdwara in the coming weeks and an excursion session at a local beach during summer.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Jack Kowarzik was happy to see this new program initiated in Cardinia.
“The opportunity for adults to be introduced to water safety and build their confidence in a supportive environment is so important,“ he said.
“This program will help keep our people safe. But it will do so much more than that, it will build confidence in the water, provide the ability to make new connections and who knows where it may lead them - the next Olympics maybe!“
Mr Kandra said there has been a keen interest in the pilot program so far and encouraged
Mandatory zoning to boost housing
By Violet Li
Casey Council has advocated the State Government for a mandatory inclusionary zoning mechanism to increase the supply of social and affordable housing, as the undersupply has been growing.
According to City of Casey manager growth and investment Kathryn Seirlis, inclusionary zoning is a form of planning tool that mandates or incentivises a minimum provision of social and affordable housing within new developments, either through the direct delivery of new housing or by making a financial contribution.
The voluntary model provides incentives including relaxing specified development controls and attracting special treatment in the planning process, according to the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.
“The City of Casey works closely with the private development sector to facilitate an ongoing supply of new housing in Casey. However, research indicates that there is an undersupply of affordable housing dwellings to meet the needs of low- and medium-income households and that this undersupply is unfortunately growing,” Ms Seirlis observed.
“Council continues to encourage developers to ensure a mix of housing types is provided, including one and two-bedroom apartments, townhouses, and larger family houses.
“Whilst planning schemes encourage a diversity of housing types, there are no mandatory requirements to do so, and the provision of housing is typically market-driven.”
She pointed out that in Victoria, mandatory
inclusionary zoning was not currently in place.
“The only mechanism currently available to councils is voluntary negotiations with the private development sector, which has produced mixed and inconsistent results across the state,” she said.
Council’s submission to Plan for Victoria in June revealed that local agreements with developers for voluntary inclusionary zoning were being routinely overturned by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and not resulting in the delivery of social and affordable dwellings at scale.
“These agreements are also complex, time and resource-intensive,” the submission stated.
“Without the existence of enforceable, nonvoluntary statutory mechanisms; pragmatically local councils will not invest the time into negotiating agreements with developers as there is too high a risk that the effort will be wasted.”
Dr Marcus Spiller from SGS Economics and Planning is an advocate for mandatory inclusionary zoning in Victoria.
He said the current voluntary system was not only risk-laden, but it had produced only a trickle of social and affordable housing to date.
“In the voluntary system, developers don’t know what is expected of them by way of social and affordable housing contributions,” he said.
“This adds risk and uncertainty to their projects and therefore higher financing costs.
“It would be better to be clear upfront about affordable housing contributions expected of developers.
“Developers can factor these costs into their
people from all backgrounds to join.
“The program is getting a massive response, I originally wanted it to be a pilot of 10 people, but I have 20 people now wanting to join,” he said.
“Someone said this is a program for my community, but no this is for anyone who can’t swim, anyone from any walk of life can join.”
The pilot program will begin in early August at Cardinia Life.
To enquire about the program you can contact Cardinia Leisure at 5945 2888 or cardinia@ alignedleisure.com.au.
To keep up to date about further developments in the program and information sessions you can follow Officer Gurdwara at facebook. com/sgndofficer/
feasibilities in advance in the same way as they do other contributions for parkland, roads and community facilities.”
Casey’s Affordable Housing Strategy back in 2020 identified a shortfall of 5,655 affordable housing dwellings with the need for an additional 4,600 by 2041.
The State Government proposed a social and affordable housing levy of 1.75 per cent back in 2022, which served as a type of mandatory inclusionary zoning.
The proposal was quickly scrapped after the pushback from the developers who were concerned that the extra cost might be shifted to homebuyers.
“Contrary to the assertions made by the developer peak bodies, the cost of the social and affordable housing contribution will not be passed forward in higher housing prices,” Dr Spiller said.
“Developers are price takers, not price makers; they must work within the prices they can achieve in a competitive market.
“Given sufficient notice, developers will pass the cost of the contributions back to the sellers of development sites.
“This means that part of the lift in land value that goes with planning approvals comes back to the community by way of social benefit.”
Dr Spiller said that a mandatory social and affordable housing contribution should be based on splitting the cost of this infrastructure in three ways: one-third to the State Government, one-third to the Commonwealth Government and one-third to the development proponent.
“Sharing costs in this way is commonplace in urban infrastructure provision. Using this approach a mandatory contribution would be of the order of two per cent to three per cent of the finished price of floorspace produced by a developer,” he said.
Dr Spiller also said social and affordable housing shouldn’t be regarded as a welfare service.
“Rather, it is essential infrastructure for successful communities in the same way as parks and roads are,” he said
“Social and affordable housing not only protects people from severe housing stress, but it also enables more productive local economies by providing better access to local essential workers, and it makes for stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods.”
Community Information & Support Cranbourne (CISC) executive director Leanne Petrides believed in the potential of mandatory inclusionary zoning to distribute social and affordable housing across the municipality.
“Even with public housing, history has told us that the best type of public housing scenario is it’s just random. It’s just throughout a whole suburb. It’s not one whole suburb,” she said.
“If you can scatter it throughout, then nobody should know which property is social housing, which property is affordable, which property is a private rental, which property is a mortgage.”
The State Government was contacted for comments.
Paula Smith (head of swimming school), Harpreet Singh and Paige Kristalyn (Cardinia leisure manager). (Stewart Chambers: 421318)
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin.
Life Saving Victoria’s diversity and inclusion advisor David Holland.
Harpreet Singh (centre) with swimming instructors Fletcher Kaintz and Donna Mitchell.
Planting seeds of hope
By Corey Everitt
Australia’s leading yogurt brand, Chobani paid a visit to Garfield last week for a planting day at the Lovers Lane conservation project.
Employees at the Dandenong South factory may be busy satisfying the 2.3 million Australians who enjoy the brand’s yogurt, but they still had a spare day on Tuesday 30 July to help with planting efforts in Garfield.
The project on Lovers Lane is run by Cannibal Creek Landcare Group (CCL), it aims to revegetate the five-acre property into a haven for local fauna including the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot.
The day saw 1300 plants go in the ground, Pam Cunningham from CCL said that was a new record and Chobani’s contribution was a ’sterling effort’.
“They were amazed there was a place called Lovers Lane and that we were called Cannibal Creek,“ Pam said “They were really hard-working people and very very friendly, they do a lot of these environmental projects and we hope they come back next year.“
Special thanks went to Garfield’s Brewsters Foodstore & Cafe for providing morning tea and lunch, as well as John’s Christmas Trees in Drouin who donated 750 of the trees that were planted.
Travis Hatton and Rebecca Cutler. (Chobani)Andrew Glenn and Phoebe James. (Chobani)
Anna McKinnon.(Chobani)
Catherine Lakeland.(Chobani)
Chobani joined Cannibal Creek Landcare Group for a planting day.
The day saw 1300 plants in the ground.
SPORT
Doveton hopes high
By Marcus Uhe
Doveton Soccer Club’s future in the Victorian Premier League 2 (VPL2) competition will hinge on Saturday’s must-win clash with bottom-placed Beaumaris on Saturday afternoon.
With two rounds left to play, Doveton sits second last on the table on 20 points, one back from 10th place Goulburn Valley and three from Box Hill United in 9th.
The bottom two sides from VPL2 will be relegated to Men’s State League One, meaning a win over Beaumaris at Beaumaris Reserve on Saturday afternoon will be crucial in keeping their hopes of staying up alive.
Beaumaris’ fate is already sealed, eight points adrift from Doveton in bottom place, and Doveton has recent history on its side, winning the season’s earlier clash between the two sides, 2-1.
With fives rounds to play in the Men’s State Leagues, the fight for survival in each competition is on in earnest.
Two sides will be promoted from the Men’s State League competition below, with the bottom two from each competition relegated.
Men’s State League 1 South-East, the White Eagles sitting second and South Springvale three points back in fourth, both gunning for Doveton’s place in VPL2.
Critical to determining which side, if any, earns elevation is Saturday’s mouthwatering contest between the two at South Springvale’s Warner Reserve.
The White Eagles are undefeated in their last five contests, while South Springvale enters the match in red-hot form, with 18 goals in its last four matches, where unsurprisingly it left each with the three points on offer.
Round seven’s meeting between the two was a hotly-contested affair that saw the points split in a 1-1 result, with South Springvale’s Aleksandar Hrkalovic scoring in the second half to tie proceedings, and teammate Kirilos Khalil receiving a pair of yellow cards.
Six players were booked in total, with four White Eagles cautioned and two from South Springvale.
Kick-off for the clash is scheduled for 3pm.
Eltham is atop the table on 41 points, while Banyule is third on 36, tied with Springvale White Eagles.
In Men’s State League 2 South-East, Greater
Dandenong can hardly afford any further slip ups if it wishes to stay in that division, currently last and five points back from 10th place Skye United.
It’s been a tough year for Greater Dandenong, managing just three wins and four draws, secondlast for goals scored and for goals conceded, netting them the worst goal differential through 17 rounds.
They face an uphill battle to climb out of the dropzone, however, with a brutal final five weeks that features fixtures with three of the top four sides.
Like Greater Dandenong, White Star Dandenong and Dandenong South will be fighting for their lives in Men’s State League 3 South-East, in
ninth and eighth place respectively.
White Star are four points clear of the drop zone with a game in hand, and Dandenong South five points away.
White Star’s fairytale run in the last two years in claiming the championship in consecutive seasons, along with receiving promotion, has come to an end, but survival in State League 3 South East will become its primary objective as the season comes to a close.
Noble Park United, meanwhile, is six points back from top spot, meaning the club has a legitimate chance of climbing into State League 2 South-East in 2025.
Brutal Bulls blast bottom-placed Norwood
By Marcus Uhe
While Noble Park’s prospects of playing finals football in the Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division are over for season 2024, the Bulls appear hellbent on finishing the season with some momentum to take into 2025.
With just three games remaining in the home-and-away season, the Bulls trail sixthplaced South Croydon by 16 premiership points, and as a result find themselves too far back to climb into the top six by season’s end, making it consecutive years since winning the 2022 premiership that they have not featured in September action.
A thumping 109-point over Norwood in front of a bumper home crowd reminiscing on their 2004 premiership trump, however, gave their fans something to smile about in what has been an otherwise frustrating year for supporters of the blue and gold.
The Bulls slammed on their highest team score and inflicted their highest margin of victory in 2024, winning 22.13 145 to 5.6 36 over the bottom-placed Norwood, exacting revenge for a disappointing loss earlier in the campaign.
It was a ruthless display from the home side, which flexed its muscle with the final eight goals of the contest and kept the visitors goalless in the final term to rub salt into a bleeding wound.
The Bulls were slow out the gates, conceding the first two goals of the game, before finishing the quarter with the final seven to lead by five goals at the opening break.
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A flurry of five goals between the 19th minute and 28th of the quarter broke the game apart, as the charging Bulls overwhelmed the defenseless visitors in devastating fashion.
A pair of set shots from Bailey Lambert began the run, before Jordan McDonnell, Liam O’Rourke and Daniel Knapper helped the margin inflate.
Three goals came directly from centre bounce clearances, as Tom Nelson, Liam McDonnell and Jackson Sketcher got busy in the middle of the ground.
Norwood stopped the rot in the second term and even bagged the first of the quarter, but another scoring burst in the middle of the quarter reinforced just whose terms the contest was being played on.
Goals to Sketcher, Matt Nelson and Lambert in the span of five minutes displayed the best of what Noble Park is capable of, with the latter
Shawn fires
MOUNTAIN DART LEAGUE RESULTS
REDBACKS1 12 v BANDITS 9
DOUBLES
· Shawn/Liam def Mick/Bernie 3-0
· Shawn 100, Liam 116, 100, 131.
· Greg/Mick def Frosty/Rob 2-1
· Greg 126, 100 x2, Mick 100.
· Frosty 125, Rob 140
· Paul/Jamie lost 2-1 to Keith/Steve
· Paul 140, Jamie 117.
· Keith 100 x2.
SINGLES
· Paul def Mick 3-0
· Paul 100 x3, 140.
· Mick 100, 125.
· Greg lost 2-1 to Bernie
· Greg 100, 117, 135.
· Bernie 100 x2.
· Shawn def Rob 2-1
· Shawn 124, 100 x3.
· Mick lost 3-0 to Keith
· Mick 100 x3, 121.
· Jamie lost 2-1 to Ash
· Jamie 121, 125, 105, 100.
· Ash 121.
· Liam def Steve 3-0
· Steve 100.
REDBACKS2 4 vs RUFF RYDERS 17
DOUBLES
· Charlie/Dreigan lost 2-1 to Kereama/ Kaye
· Charlie 100.
· Kaye 140.
· Maureen/John lost 2-0 to Josh/Awhina
· Maureen 119, 120.
· Damien/Kristen lost 2-0 to Te werita/ Prosperity
· Damien 100 x2.
· Te werita 100.
SINGLES
· Damien def Kaye 2-1
· Damien 133 x2.
· Dreigan lost 3-0 to Kereama
· Kereama 100 x2.
· Kristen lost 3-0 to Prosperity
· Kristen 127.
· Prosperity 100, 140.
· John lost 3-0 to Awhina
· John 100.
· Awhina 125, 140.
· Charlie def Josh 2-1
· Josh 100, 101.
· Maureen lost 3-0 to Te werita
· Te werita 137, 140.
pair coming on the back of slick ball movement from the back half.
By half time the margin had reached 46 points, and this was simply a game the Bulls were not going to let slip.
11 goals to one in the second half gave the home crowd plenty to cheer in what was comfortably their best performance of 2024.
Lambert finished with four majors, closely followed by Jackson McDonnell and Jordan Marson with three apiece.
Luke Bull, Scott McInerney, Jacob Noble and Harley Fairbank were all among Noble Park’s best in the thrashing, as opportunities arose in the midfield without established staronballers Kyle Martin and Chris Horton-Milne.
In what was a day for major celebrations at the football club, the reserves side kicked 10 goals in the second, third and fourth quarter to record a 225-point win over Norwood’s earlier in the afternoon.
Holding the visitors to just a solitary point, the Bulls kicked 35.16 226, consolidating fifth place and receiving a major percentage boost in the process.
Young forward Jackson Vassallo kicked nine goals for the Bulls, news that will warm the hearts of Noble Park and local football supporters, as the son of three-time Bulls premiership player, Gavin.
Noble Park next faces Blackburn at the Panthers’ Morton Park, before finishing the season with a trip to Balwyn in round 17 and hosting Rowville in round 18.
Webster loss
By Marcus Uhe
Dandenong City will be without captain Jack Webster for only one match after not receiving an additional penalty from Football Victoria’s suspension register, following his red card in round 24’s National Premier League (NPL) Victoria clash with Manningham.
The uncompromising defender was banished from the pitch after receiving two yellow cards in the contest, with one coming in each half.
The first was for a dangerous slide tackle late in the opening 45 minutes, and the second for a handball midway through the second half.
The red card will see him serve a mandatory one game suspension, but nothing further.
It means that City will be without one of its most important players for the monumental clash with Port Melbourne at home on Friday night, that could see them stamp a place in finals action.
In doing so, City would become the first team to qualify for the finals in the top flight on the back of receiving a promotion the previous year.
The qualification will be contingent on Dandenong Thunder defeating Melbourne Knights, which would open an unassailable gap between City, Port Melbourne and the Knights in the race for sixth place.
The Knights defeated Thunder 3-0 at George Andrews Reserve in May in what was Thunder’s third clash in seven days, following their midweek Australia Cup tie that went to a penalty shootout.
Jordan Marson kicked three in Noble Park’s big win over Norwood (Rob Carew:
The Springvale White Eagles have a pivotal final few weeks ahead of them. (Supplied)
Toner cousins future stars
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Saturday could hardly have worked out better for Narre Warren teens Sam and Mitch Toner.
Sixteen-year-old Mitch debuted for the Dandenong Stingrays on a day his 18-year-old cousin played a breakout game, kicking five goals against the Eastern Ranges at Frankston.
One of those goals was set up by Mitch, who kicked deep to Sam in the goal square.
“I was going for goal,” Mitch chuckles.
Sam adds: “It was a special day getting to share it with Mitch – we’re overly tight and family’s everything, they’ve always got my back.”
On a slippery day where clean skills were scarce, Sam took four clean grabs and converted his opportunities, including three in a sevenminute period against a strong wind to set up the Stingrays’ match-winning lead.
“They’re athletes – quicker and stronger,” Sam said.
“My aim was to try and show my weapons and go from there.
“The previous week, I missed my first one and my confidence dropped a little bit so kicking that first settled the nerves.”
As well as giving him confidence he could perform in the Coates League, Saturday was a statement that his skillset stood up in slippery weather, after his least productive game for Narre Warren this year came in the wet against Upwey-Tecoma.
Playing his first year of senior footy off the back of an Outer East League medal winning under-19s campaign, Sam has a league-high 50 goals in 2024.
A five-goal outing against Pakenham on debut justified the club’s faith; a four-goal haul against reigning-premiers Wandin a fortnight later proved he could do it against the best.
“To kick a few goals was a real confidence booster and I think I gained the respect of a few people that day,” Sam said.
Pleasingly for coach Steve Kidd, he’s bought into the system, with his gruelling preseason shining through with his ability to run out games.
“I was always bullish on what he could achieve at senior level and his attitude from the start of the year,’ Kidd said.
“We structured our game plan around him being a deep forward.
“I’ve said to him I’m happy for him to (show his weapons) but he just had to give him the defensive side of the game – man the mark, chase and make the ground small for us.
“I think now he’s the best defensive forward we have and I get an appreciation for that when I watch the games back and see the extra work he does.”
Not initially listed with the Stingrays, he was added in late June after a seven-goal haul against Woori Yallock.
“Some of his goals he made look easy because he pushed up, created turnovers then seems to get on the end of them,“ Kidd said.
“He’s quicker to react than other players so he can lose his opponent easily.”
The brother of Narre staple Tom, Sam puts the form elevation down to an increased acceptance of his role, after playing one out in the goalsquare for much of last season due to his clean hands, and ability to neutralise when outnumbered.
“My fitness had to get better and I smashed it from where I originally was,” Sam said.
“Playing in a system and improving the defensive side of my game has been a focus and hopefully the scoring takes care of itself if I apply pressure.”
“I’ve just wanted to play consistently and adapt to senior footy.”
A four goal under-19 grand final against Upwey-Tecoma capped off a 53-goal season for Sam in 2023, the cousins reflecting on the premiership as a clear career highlight, with Dan Toner also part of the lineup.
“We were down and he hurt his leg and it looked like he got shot and he popped up out of nowhere and kicked two amazing goals,” Mitch recalled.
“I was in the goal square for one of them and knew we’d won and it was a pretty cool feeling.
“He was pretty good that day, I’ll give it to him.”
Under-19s coach Mark ‘Normie’ Krystalyn said he stood up when the match was there to be won, which capped off a season of progression as much as dominance.
“He thrives on the big moments and feeds off the crowd,” Krystalyn said.
“He makes good players look ordinary.
“He was playing on two opponents for much of the day and continued to beat them.
“At the start of the season he was a little bit headstrong, but by the end, he was fantastic.
“We knew he could play when we first got his hands on him but he wanted to be the man.
“Once he understood how playing as a team could make him better, he flourished.”
Mitch’s journey is unfolding differently to Sam’s; whereas Sam’s footy has entirely unfolded at local level until the Stingrays experience, Mitch was selected as part of the under-16s Vic Country squad earlier this year.
It followed a series of under-16s games for Dandenong for the brother of Williamstown VFLlisted Jack.
He also has played a full season of Associated Public School (APS) footy at Caulfield Grammar this year alongside a who’s who of draft prospects and Talent League-listed players.
“He’s a contested sort of player and he’s quite big,” Vic Country coach David Loader said of Mitch.
“His best attribute is probably his power when he’s playing forward.
“He’s pretty good overhead and had some shots on goal through sheer power, outbodying his opponent.”
Mitch’s aerobic capacity has been noted as a kryptonite, though, and he’s working with wellknown mindset and running coach Rick Mirabella to add that to his game.
One moment in his eight disposal, four tackle, two goal assist Talent League debut epitomised that growth perfectly: in the second quarter, he put in three repeat efforts to apply pressure on the Ranges’ defence, the last of which resulted in a ball spilling free from his tackle, and Dandenong goal.
“I feel like since the start of the season, pressure has become almost a strength and it’s a really good way to get into the game,” Mitch said.
“Especially on (Saturday), I felt like as a 16-year-old debuting, I wasn’t going to have the impact I can at under-16s level so I thought I would play more role a bit more, and show pressure and team things and earn the respect of my teammates. “
The boys both remember swarming the field
“I was the first to get out to him,” Mitch says
when goal kicking freak Kerem Baskaya kicked his 100th goal, one of dozens of happy memories at Kalora Park.
proudly.
“He was my idol and I was obsessed with him for a few years.”
The trajectory of the pair suggests they might eventually be written into Magpies folklore and idolised in a similar way.
The Toner cousins did Narre Warren proud playing for the Stingrays on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 421867)
FROM THE ARCHIVES: A young Mitch Toner (centre) waves the flag for Narre Warren in 2012. (Stewart Chambers: 422450)
