Dandenong Star Journal - 3rd September 2024 by Star News Group

Refugee’s

Save our shops

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Little India traders in Dandenong fear they are set to “lose everything” in the face of soaring rents and a $600 million redevelopment of the iconic 30-year-old shopping strip.

In an open letter to Premier Jacinta Allan, the Little India Traders Association states it is set to launch a public campaign to “save our precinct”.

Business owners gathered in the eerily-deserted Foster Street retail strip on Tuesday 27 August to demand Allan and Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt meet with them.

Top of their concerns was that their Government landlord Development Victoria has proposed a sizeable rent hike – up to double in some cases.

LITA spokesperson Sudesh Singh questioned whether this was a “planned deterrent” for “already struggling” traders.

“This move directly contradicts a previous commitment made by the Andrews Labor Government that rents would not be increased until the precinct’s redevelopment was complete.

The business owners argue that the widely-

renowned shopping strip attracts visitors from overseas and interstate, as well as being ideally placed within 20 kilometres of 117,000 residents of Indian background.

But they have felt “neglected” and “disheartened” by the Capital Alliance $600 million proposal to rebuild the area, including 470 new homes, apartment and office towers, a supermarket, food market hall and community spaces.

“(The redevelopment) offers nothing for Little India’s actual preservation or support,” Singh stated.

“We would like to know whether the Government intends to save this precinct or let it be destroyed.”

A State Government spokesperson said the Government had provided traders with “significant support” for several years, including rental relief and mentoring sessions.

“We’ll continue supporting traders and working with them on their options for remaining in the precinct.”

Council cools support for hub

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

In a show of apparent neutrality, Greater Dandenong Council will seek to have its logo removed from a website promoting the proposed South East Sports Hub (SESH) in Bangholme. This is despite the council previously supplying letters of in-principle support and advising SESH on which logo to use, according to SESH proponents.

On 26 August, councillors voted for a watered-down motion that Greater Dandenong did not have an “official stance” on the SESH. This was on the grounds that “no formal proposal was submitted to the council for review” and “no report submitted to Council for consideration”.

The motion also stated that the council did not authorise the use of the council logo on SESH promotional material and would seek its removal “immediately”.

As of 30 August, SESH promoters say they have not received a request to remove the logo, which remains on the SESH website.

The 70-hectare sports and recreation precinct at Pillars Road is being proposed by developer Intrapac and Keysborough Golf Club.

It controversially hinges on the rezoning of the golf club’s course in the Green Wedge to make way for housing – a move that Greater Dandenong Council has supported but the State Government has so far steadfastly rejected.

There is also at least a “suggestion” that the council will own and manage the facility.

In the motion, Cr Rhonda Garad unsuccessfully sought for a repudiation of a council-ownership agreement.

She also had sought the removal of a 2022 letter-of-support signed by then-mayor Eden Foster from the SESH website.

And for councillors to endorse that the letter was the “personal opinion” of that mayor and not the “official position” of the council.

Cr Jim Memeti had also signed an identical letter-of-support as mayor of the time in 2022, which states that it’s written “on behalf of the City of Greater Dandenong”.

He opposed requesting the Foster letter’s removal as well as the assertion it was simply Fos-

ter’s personal opinion.

During the debate, he warned councillors against being “Winky Popped” – which means they could be disqualified from voting on the SESH application if they’ve expressed strong prejudice for or against the project.

Cr Memeti told Star Journal that he would take legal advice on whether his own mayoral letter might cause himself a ‘Winky Pop’ issue.

He described the letter as a “standard letter that we will write to an organisation”, he said.

“The mayor writes hundreds of those letters. They are approved either by a (council) director or the CEO.”

A director – who Cr Memeti chose not to name – had drafted the letter and requested Cr Memeti to sign it, he said.

The Pillars Road proposal had been brought to confidential briefing sessions involving councillors and directors on “many occasions”.

This included briefings on talks between council officers and Intrapac developers, as well as a report prepared by council officers on the op-

portunities for the council at the site.

“Someone has to start some work somewhere to see what opportunities there are for the council,” Cr Memeti said,

A SESH spokesperson said the council logo had been “in one location on the website for 21 months without any concerns raised until now”.

“Before it was posted on the website, Council’s communications department confirmed in writing to us which CGD logo was most appropriate to use.”

As for the mayoral letter, the SESH proponents went through a “thorough process to receive a general letter of support” on the project’s merits.

“Mayors cannot write these letters on their own and it required coordination across Council,” the SESH spokesperson said.

“We engaged with relevant council officers across multiple departments and was supplied with a letter from then-mayor Jim Memeti in October (2022).

“This was later updated in December with the new mayor’s letterhead.

“The letter … was issued following due process and updated by two mayors, demonstrating genuine intent, thus (we) believe displaying it is well within our rights.”

Another removed section of Cr Garad’s motion was a clear repudiation of Greater Dandenong Council agreeing to “own and manage” the SESH.

The spokesperson said the SESH was a “proposed project with a suggestion for Council ownership and management”.

“We are aware Council has never agreed to own and manage the facility, nor have SESH advocates claimed otherwise.”

Defenders of the South East Green Wedge spokesperson Matthew Kirwan said the “compromised motion” did not deliver the “strong public stance” required. He was concerned that the claim of the council agreeing to own and manage the SESH was left unrepudiated.

“Without this statement residents will continue to believe Greater Dandenong Council will partner with Intrapac and Keysborough Golf Club to deliver this project.

“This would leave ratepayers with tens of millions of unfunded expenditure, as not (only) Intrapac is promising to only fund the first stage of construction, but also Council would inherit an asset in flood prone land.

“It is the Greater Dandenong ratepayer that would bear the cost.”

According to Cr Garad, the original motion was approved by council chief executive Jacqui Weatherill – who was absent for the 26 August meeting.

Greater Dandenong acting CEO Sanjay Manivasagasivam said council officers would resolve the “matter of the logo and letter on the SESH website” directly with those involved.

“Council is supportive of local investment in sport and health initiatives to enhance community wellbeing. This aligns with our Council Plan and Physical Activity Strategy.

“Council is yet to receive a formal, detailed proposal about the SESH and has not formally considered its position.

“Given the upcoming election, (it) is unlikely Council could consider this proposal during the current term.”

Dandenong Community Hub ‘still alive’ after council vote

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

After being nearly shelved, the proposed Dandenong Community Hub has been given a reprieve.

To the applause of supporters in the public gallery on 26 August, Greater Dandenong councillors voted to maintain the $1.7 million budget for the hub’s concept and detailed design in 2024’25.

“It’s full steam ahead,” a jubilant Dandenong Community Association spokesperson Silvia Mastrogiovanni later said.

Under the current hub design, the council estimated that the $30 million project was likely to double in cost, as well as having a car-parking space shortfall.

In a move to rein in spending, the council recently proposed to stall planning for the facility

However, as of the 26 August decision, the architectural planning will continue up to December, with community co-design workshops in February 2025.

The concept design was expected to be finalised by mid-2025, then move into detailed design.

Cr Jim Memeti accused the council of “sabotage all along” since it promised in 2020 to build the hub.

“We have a community hub in every suburb of Greater Dandenong except Dandenong.

“An integrated, intergenerational community hub is what the community wants and this is what we have to deliver.”

Cr Rhonda Garad said residents had fought “tooth and nail” to keep the project “alive”.

“We came close to losing the hub in its entirety.

“The community have fought back and we’re back to a stage where it’s still on the table. We still

have the design money there.”

Mastrogiovanni said the new co-design workshops were essential for “genuine residents’ input into this project”.

“And having Council commit to some timelines was needed as this project has been the subject of delays for far too long.”

Mastrogiovanni said there were several issues arising with the hub’s previous co-design.

“We still need them fixed to create a design that works for the community not just in the short-term but in the long-term as the community grows.”

The hub’s initial concept designs have included play areas, community garden, maker’s space, activity rooms, community lounge and kitchen, studio, kindergartens and childcare.

Greater Dandenong will pitch for state and federal funding to help ease the project’s projected blow-out.

Proposed site for the proposed SESH.(Gary Sissons, 425390_02)

Keysborough Golf Club, which would be rezoned for housing as part of the SESH proposal. (Stewart Chambers: 337260)

The proposed sports precinct on Pillars Road, Keysborough.

on Clow and Sleeth streets until after the upcoming Dandenong Market Precinct Master Plan.

Cr Jim Memeti, centre, with supporters for the Dandenong Community Hub at the 26 August council meeting. (Supplied)

Shock at tragic end

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Friends and supporters are grieving the “heart-breaking” death of a 23-year-old Dandenong asylum seeker said to have lost hope after more than a decade without permanent visa protection.

Manol Yogalingham died in hospital on Wednesday 28 August after self-harming in a car near Noble Park Skate Park.

He stood vigil at a 24/7 camp outside the Department of Home Affairs office in Docklands, coordinating the protest as well as staying up through the night to protect colleagues from assaults and thefts.

Asylum seeker Rathy Barthlot, who met Yogalingham at the camp, says he was a “very strong, energetic … a lovely young boy” as well as “humble”.

“He’s not scared about anyone else. When we were in the camp, he was not sleeping during the night and looking after us.

“He’d say ‘you go to sleep, I’ll look after you guys’.

“We’re very shocked. His family is very shocked. Everyone is very heart-broken.”

Barthlot says Yogalingham had been “worried about his living conditions, living like a jailed person”.

“Since he was 11 years old he’s been a refugee living in a limbo life.

“The Government needs to consider our situation, our mental issues and suffering. Who is going to listen to us?

“Please grant us permanent visas. Let us live with some dignity and have the same rights as everyone else.”

Yogalingham fled from Sri Lanka by boat as an 11-year-old with his parents and four siblings.

The Tamil family had their claim for protection rejected under Australia’s ‘Fast Track’ system.

For more than half his life, Australia had been his home but he’d been “treated like a second-class citizen”, says Tamil Refugee Council founder Aran Mylvaganam.

Yogalingham had many friends and family but was believed to have issues with an ex-partner at the time.

His visa “limbo” is believed to have plagued his mental health, Mylvaganam says.

Yogalingham’s “heart-breaking” demise was the third Tamil refugee known to self-immolate in the past 12 years.

“When you look at all of them, they were very community minded, they were loved and really strong people.” It followed another Dandenong Tamil’s premature death from unknown causes a month ago, Mylvaganam says.

“We’ve been living with this issue for many is-

sues – one death after another. If the Government resolved everyone’s situation we wouldn’t see these deaths.

“It’s the uncertainty – you can’t get a decent job. As soon as it’s found out that you’re on a bridging visa, it comes to an end.

“Without permanent residency they go through hell.”

There was later word of a Doveton Tamil in his 20’s dying prematurely on Friday 30 August.

His plight is said to illustrate the anguish of an estimated 9,000-plus asylum seekers denied a pathway to permanent residency.

Many are awaiting review from the Immigration Minister as well as the new Administrative Review Tribunal.

According to Mylvaganam, that’s now 9000 lives that must be saved.

“My view is this is not just the Liberals’ cruel policy but Labor is using these refugees as political tools.

“The numbers of people dying in the community stopped when Labor came to power. But now I feel hopelessness is setting in.

“I hope we can turn the mourning into a form of resistance, rather than giving up.”

Justice & Freedom for Ceylon Tamils president Wicki Wickiramasingham, who is an ALP member, says there is mounting desperation for those in limbo before next year’s federal election.

And a sense of betrayal.

“The people trusted to save their lives have let them down.

“If the Government still has done nothing by December this year, we fear nothing might happen.”

Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. (Gary Sissons: 244718)

Man accused of $80k-plus self-storage unit heists

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Dandenong man stands accused of plundering scores of household goods worth more than $80,000 from self-storage facilities over several months.

Gilbert Parsooramen, 37, faced 47 charges in a brief appearance at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 28 August.

They included multiple alleged trespasses and thefts at StoreLocal in Hallam and National Storage in Dandenong South in February, March and April 2024.

According to charge sheets, Parsooramen’s alleged looting included boxes of 250 rare film slides valued at $10,000, as well as an array of computers, parts, TVs and speakers worth more than $25,000.

Some of the other listed stolen items at Hallam were industrial vacuums and a Honda pressure washer, flight simulator systems, power tools, welders, fishing rods, projector, phone, iPad, gym bags, roof racks, and a karaoke machine.

At Dandenong South, the alleged stolen items included baby clothes, kitchen wares, laptops, suitcases, personal documents, TVs, whitegoods, a lawn mower, whipper snipper, shoes, battery packs, cycling shirts, dinner and cutlery sets, helmet, sunglasses, a doona quilt set, wine glasses, whisky decanter, chessboard set, a slow cooker and a guitar.

Bruce MP Julian Hill, who is Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, said Yogalingham’s death was an “utterly horrific and tragic incident”.

“Any Australian – indeed any decent human being – would feel appalled that a person could get to the point in their mental health that this seems like not just an option, but a thing to do.

“My thoughts are with this man’s family, friends, first responders and anyone else affected.”

Hill said the department had not briefed him in detail on Yogalingham’s circumstances.

“Many asylum seekers in my community were stuck in limbo for the best part of a decade, never able to leave as genuine refugees, but never able to confirm and build their life here or, in many cases, see their children and grandchildren.”

He said the election pledge of permanent protection for people with TPV and SHEV visas had been implemented.

“Almost 18,000 of the 19,000 Temporary Protection Visa holders in limbo for a decade under the Liberals have now been granted permanent visas and many others from the Bridging Visa caseload are now also now able to apply for permanent protection.”

“The legacy of the remaining caseload is complex, and every case is different and needs to be worked through individually.”

The majority of those remaining are 7376 who have had their visas refused, cancelled or expired. Many of them are seeking a review.

A further 2475 had been denied visas but had not yet sought a review.

LIFELINE 13 11 14

Parsooramen was also charged with stealing a Hiace van, two motorcycles and another vehicle, retaining stolen number plates, fraudulently altering a driver’s license and number plates, dangerous driving after being directed to stop by police, disqualified driving, displaying false number plates and shoplifting a motorcycle jacket. He was also accused of dealing with other property suspected to be the proceeds of crime, including more than 70 boxes and items of household goods as well as gloves, a cut lock, lock breaker and bolt cutters.

In another charge, he was accused of dishonestly retaining more than 90 items and boxes of stolen goods, including an e-scooter, designer handbags, sporting memorabilia, a police badge, doctors medicine kit, electronic goods and power tools.

Parsooramen was also charged with possessing an imitation firearm as well as methylamphetamine, 1-4 butanediol and Xanax. He was bailed to next appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 12 November.

Baby

A woman is in hospital under police guard after a newborn baby was discovered outside a home with life-threatening injuries in Dandenong Noth. The baby was discovered outside a Gladstone Road address in Dandenong North with life-threatening injuries about 2.40am on 30 August, police say.

A 25-year-old woman from the address was also taken to hospital where she was under police guard. Greater Dandenong CIU detectives are investigating. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Manol Yogalingham, 23, died after self-harming in a car at Noble Park Skate Park.

A car, believed to be Manol Yogalingham’s, abandoned at Noble Park Skate Park. (Gary Sissons: 428441)

Rescued after giant tree fall

A person has been rescued from a caravan crushed by a large fallen tree at Shawlands Caravan Park in Dandenong South.

CFA and FRV firefighters, including a specialist rescue team, were called to lift the tree from the caravan about 3.15pm on 27 August.

Membrey’s Crane and Truck Hire, which is directly across the highway from the caravan park, was called in to remove the giant tree, allowing paramedics to treat the person trapped inside the caravan.

The incident was deemed under control at 4.41pm, an FRV spokesperson said.

Ambulance Victoria treated the patient at the scene.

They were taken to Dandenong Hospital by road ambulance.

Emergency Victoria issued a severe Weather Warning for damaging winds, gusting up to 100km/h in part of Melbourne that afternoon.

Motorcycle flips, utility explodes in freeway crash

A motorcycle has flipped into head-on traffic in a fiery multi-vehicle crash on Monash Freeway in Dandenong North.

Police say three vehicles and the motorbike collided on the outbound lanes near Stud Road about 5pm on Thursday 29 August.

The bike flipped over the concrete centre barrier, hitting a ute travelling inbound. The ute was then consumed in flames.

The motorcyclist, a 21-year-old Blind Bight man, was taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries, police say.

All four drivers were uninjured.

The freeway’s inbound lanes were closed for hours, as well as two outbound lanes, causing long traffic bank-ups on the Monash and South Gippsland Freeway.

FRV firefighters battled 30 minutes to extinguish the incinerated vehicle.

A motorcycle flipped over the centre median barrier and crashed into a ute, which exploded in flames, on Monash Freeway in Dandenong North on 29 August.

Police are investigating the crash. Any information or dashcam footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

A long bank-up of traffic on the South Gippsland Freeway with all inbound lanes closed on the Monash. (VicTraffic)

A crane was used to lift a fallen tree that trapped a person in a caravan at Shawlands Caravan Park, Dandenong South on 27 August.

No stopping ‘Slug Gate’ case

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

I Cook Foods director Ian Cook says he’s relieved after the Victorian Supreme Court rejected City of Greater Dandenong’s bid to throw out his ‘slug gate’ lawsuit against the council.

In a ruling on 27 August, Associate Justice Caroline Gulden dismissed the council’s application and ordered it to pay Cook and ICF’s costs.

“The council had tried to stop the case from continuing but today’s judgement means the case will continue,” Cook said.

“I am relieved that the court has ruled fairly in this matter.

The Dandenong South commercial caterer was shut down by health authorities as part of an investigation into a listeria-infected patient’s death at Knox Private Hospital in 2019.

In its lawsuit, it alleges malicious prosecution by the council and two officers Leanne Johnson and Elizabeth Garlick in charging ICF and Cook with 96 food-safety offences that were later withdrawn.

It also alleges public misfeasance against the council and officers in their inspections of ICF and ensuing prosecutions.

Among its claims are that inspector body-cam footage was altered and that a slug was planted in the factory by an inspector.

“Finally, I will have a chance to prove in court what really happened, and Council staff will have to answer questions under the threat of perjury if they lie,” Cook said.

“The council and key members of its staff must be held to account for what they have done to myself and my 41 employees.”

In its submissions, Greater Dandenong Council had argued that the lawsuit was an abuse of process – after ICF and the council had reached an out-of-court settlement for a previous malicious prosecution claim.

The council claimed the further litigation was “oppressive” and brought the administration of

justice into “disrepute”.

After the ruling, Greater Dandenong acting chief executive Sanjay Manivasagasivam said the council was “naturally disappointed” - “particularly given that the facts pertaining to Mr Cook’s application have already been addressed, resolved and settled”.

“We are disappointed that this matter con-

tinues, given the energy, time and costs it has already consumed.

“It is worth pointing out that this is not a determination of the case. Justice Goulden AsJ’s decision this week only related to our application to have the matter struck out as an abuse of process.

“We will take the necessary time to review the decision and will consider whether to appeal.”

Manivasagasivam said the council “continues to refute all allegations of wrongdoing made by ICF and Ian Cook”.

“Council and our officers have only ever acted in the best interests of public safety, in enforcing the Food Act 1984.

“Council categorically denies that officers ever planted a slug on ICF’s premises.

“We remain dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of our staff involved in this matter.”

Assoc Justice Gulden said she accepted that ICF settled the earlier case to preserve his “scarce financial resources” for its lawsuit against the State of Victoria.

“I do not consider that such a decision involves any underhanded or improper use of court resources, or in itself causes improper oppression to the present defendants.

“Having not obtained damages against the State of Victoria, his claims against the defendants here assumed an even greater importance.

“And of course they did. ICF’s business had ceased to operate.

“It had claims that it advanced against the State and the Council, seeking to recover the same heads of loss in order to compensate for the losses it alleged it had suffered by reason of the separate legal wrongs of each.”

The judge ruled there was “no unjustifiable oppression” and there was no evidence of a “deliberate abuse of process” by ICF and Cook.

In the earlier case against the State of Victoria, the court ruled that Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton’s shutdown of ICF was invalid due to depriving ICF of a prior opportunity to be heard.

However, Justice Michael McDonald found that Sutton’s conduct was not “recklessly indifferent” so didn’t meet the criteria for misfeasance. And damages were denied.

After that case was dismissed last year, ICF launched its new lawsuit against the council soon afterwards.

Putting recycling in the bin loose and not in plastic bags means more of it can be turned into new things.

Recycling in plastic bags cannot be sorted because the bags can damage equipment at sorting facilities and present a safety risk to staff.

Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/which-bin

Ian Cook and his business I Cook Foods have won the right to pursue their lawsuit against Greater Dandenong Council. (Stewart Chambers: 202497)

Traders plead to Premier

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Little India traders in Dandenong fear they are set to “lose everything” in the face of soaring rents and a $600 million redevelopment of the iconic 30-year-old shopping strip.

In an open letter to Premier Jacinta Allan, the Little India Traders Association states it is set to launch a public campaign to “save our precinct”.

Business owners gathered in the eerily-deserted Foster Street retail strip on Tuesday 27 August to demand Allan and Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt meet with them.

Top of their concerns was that their Government landlord Development Victoria has proposed a sizeable rent hike – up to double in some cases.

LITA spokesperson Sudesh Singh questioned whether this was a “planned deterrent” for the traders.

“This move directly contradicts a previous

commitment made by the Andrews Labor Government that rents would not be increased until the precinct’s redevelopment was complete.

“The unexpected hike in rents adds another layer of financial strain on our already struggling traders.”

They feel “neglected” and “disheartened” by the Capital Alliance $600 million proposal to rebuild the area, including 470 new homes, apartment and office towers, a supermarket, food market hall and community spaces.

Building is yet to start across the seven stages – with each stage subject to a development plan and planning applications.

“(The redevelopment) offers nothing for Little India’s actual preservation or support,” Singh stated.

“Our traders and their families have invested their lives in their small businesses.

“The government has failed to consider that many of our traders have taken out business

Turning young lives around is the highlight for Dandenong-based police officer Senior Constable Emma Fordham.

She has been nominated as a finalist in the 2024 Victorian Protecting Children Awards for her work in the police’s Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT).

Sen Con Fordham works with young people at high risk of sexual exploitation as well as those in the justice system in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.

“I work hard to build trust with each young person, and try to empower them to make better decisions,” she said.

“I find strengths they have, and steer them in that positive direction, and I’m there as a positive role model as well.

“We really encourage positive relationships, and work with child protection authorities and other services to make sure each young person has the supports they need.”

A standout case for her was an 11-year-old who’d lost a parent and gone down a negative path.

loans and mortgaged their properties to survive the economic hardships brought on by Covid-19, all while facing rising costs of living.”

During building, traders are expected to be relocated to a temporary site.

Among their unanswered questions is when they need to relocate and who will compensate them for business losses during that period.

“It is incredibly disappointing that, after 30 years of dedication, our traders now face uncertainty and darkness due to the government’s neglect of Little India,” Singh stated.

“We would like to know whether the Government intends to save this precinct or let it be destroyed.”

Little India was compulsorily acquired by the State Government as part of the Revitalising Central Dandenong project two decades ago.

It was effectively closed down for several years during road closures and reconfigurations, sparking protests by struggling traders on State Parlia-

“This young person was entrenched in criminal offending, and at risk of child sexual exploitation as well,” she said.

“I had to work very hard to get her trust – it was made more difficult that her single parent didn’t have much trust in law enforcement.

“It took work, but I slowly got her to trust me. Once I identified supports that could be put in place for her and her single parent, things started

ment steps.

Despite bright marketing and signage, the retail strip has struggled to recover.

A State Government spokesperson said the Government had provided traders with “significant support” for several years, including rental relief and mentoring sessions.

“We’ll continue supporting traders and working with them on their options for remaining in the precinct.”

Some of the support included a relocation strategy for some businesses to available shop fronts in the precinct.

“The brand-new Little India precinct will offer modern facilities, enhanced services, and improved spaces for traders, creating more opportunities for their businesses to grow.

“Dandenong is booming and we’re ensuring more homes and jobs are created closer to public services, so local families can access everything they need, close to where they live.”

to turn around.”

Now the girl is back at school and speaking positively about her future.

“She’s doing so well,” she said. “She hasn’t re-offended, which is a fantastic result.

“I’m still engaged with her, and ready to offer my assistance if she needs it in the future.”

These are the “wins” that are the best part of her job, as well as working with her SOCIT colleagues.

“The changes are ultimately up to the young people, but it’s great we can be there, to support them to change for the better.”

Sen Con Fordham is also seeing positive outcomes from running training for other police officers to use trauma-informed approaches.

Dandenong-based Senior Sergeant Nicole Cowan praised her colleague’s “outstanding” dedication and commitment.

“Emma’s so genuine, and that means she makes an incredible difference.”

The 2024 Victorian Protecting Children Awards are run by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

A near-empty Foster Street. (Stewart Chambers: 427430)

Senior Constable Emma Fordham, left with Senior Sergeant Nicole Cowan, is a finalist in the Victorian Protecting Children Awards. (Stewart Chambers: 428288)

Plan to kick-start Dandenong

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

More affordable housing and free public transport in central Dandenong are among the ideas for a thriving future Greater Dandenong.

In a submission to the state’s Plan for Victoria, the City of Greater Dandenong called for adequate numbers of affordable and social housing stock in large urban renewal projects, including a pilot 10 per cent mandatory target.

“This is currently voluntary and is not producing the outcomes needed to address the shortfall of social and affordable housing across the state,” a council report states.

For example, Greater Dandenong has called for 20 per cent of the proposed Sandown Racecourse redevelopment’s 7500 homes to be affordable.

Without mandatory targets, the Sandown proponents have offered 5 per cent.

As the second most disadvantaged council area in Victoria, Greater Dandenong should be a priority for affordable housing, the report states.

Affordable rentals for Centrelink recipients had plummeted in the council area from 83 per cent in 2001 to just 6 per cent in 2023.

“Plan for Victoria should include social and affordable housing as essential infrastructure – in the same way schools, hospitals, open space and roads are planned.”

The state’s draft target of 57,000 additional dwellings in Greater Dandenong by 2051 required more details – such as their locations, road, school, public transport, community service and hospital upgrades, and open space.

The council also called for mandatory tree canopy benchmarks for developments.

“Currently (tree canopy) is taking too long to grow and/or struggles to establish.”

“The previous figure of 30 per cent canopy coverage for the southern region is not aspirational and a target date of 2050 is too late.”

Greater Dandenong also wants a focus on development and access to the Dandenong South

National Employment and Innovation Cluster.

Extending Glasscocks Road from Dandenong-Hastings Road to Frankston-Dandenong Road was “crucial”, according to the council.

The “limited” public transport options to the industrial and employment precincts as well as education and health services needed improvement.

The council report pointed out “poor historic planning” with Dandenong Hospital and TAFE about 2 kilometres from the railway station.

It recommended a free bus shuttle for central Dandenong, employment and education hubs, as well as a new train station in the industrial precinct between Dandenong and Lynbrook..

The council also submitted for focus on “revitalising” the Dandenong CBD as a “key employment hub” as well as a home to a university, a hospital, high-density housing and possibly vertical aged care.

Another idea for central Dandenong was a select-entry high school based on STEM and languages.

Overall, Greater Dandenong supported the Plan’s four pillars of affordable housing, jobs, liveable suburbs and sustainable environments but more details and “measurable actions” were required, it stated.

Submissions to the Plan for Victoria closes on 30 August 2024.

Melbourne City Mission has proposed an affordable housing project at this vacant site in Abbott Street Dandenong. (Gary Sissons: 425429).

NEWS College hits the right notes

An exuberant cast at Lyndale Secondary College has been polishing its song and dance routines ahead of a performance of Disney’s High School Musical on Stage.

With live band, bright sets and dynamic costumes, the musical is kind of a show within show – based on the two love-interests being cast for a school musical.

The show, adapted from the Disney movie High School Musical, explores issues of friendship, first love and acceptance.

It is on at Lyndale Secondary College, 14 Halton Road, Dandenong North on Wednesday 4 September-Saturday 7 September, 7.30pm. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/1264622

Heroes burst off the page

Students at St Gerard’s Primary School assumed the parts of their favourite book characters as part of Book Week last month.

On 23 August, heroes leapt out of the pages of the Harry Potter series,The Descendants, Su-

per Mario and Where’s Wally, to name a few.

The week was marked with daily Reading Before School sessions, pancakes and a host of other fun activities.

‘Mario’ dressed up for the Book Week event at St Gerard’s Primary School.

A student paid homage to The Descendants.

A ‘Wally’ was found among the cast of book characters.

Harry Potter remained a popular choice.

Staff members Nadeesha, Adline, Colleen, Anna, Josie Zorica had a dose of the Bowerbird Blues.

Students Svannah Darbon, Sarina Yim and Meagan Sigmont cheerleading in High School Musical rehearsals. (Gary Sissons: 427270)

High School Musical cheerleaders, back from left, Sana Joseph, Svannah Darbon, Sarina Yim, Meagan Sigmont, Janina Hetharia, and front from left, Imogen Orme and Lauryn Butler.

Students Lauryn Butler, Janina Hetharia, Sarina Yim and Savannah Darbon dancing at dress rehearsal.

Joey Miller, Angela Liew and Jeremy Kao in dress rehearsal of the Lyndale Secondary College production.

Lyndale Secondary College performers Levi Martin, Mahin Walia, Ceedyn Jack-Cummings, Robin Iosefo.Jack Ryan and Farhan Jafari during rehearsal for High School Musical.

Serial fraudster jailed again

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A book-keeper who has swindled nearly $1 million from employers has been jailed again.

Robyn Lunney, 48, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to theft and deception charges relating to misappropriating more than $125,000 from Keysborough electrical and data business Norm Phillips and Staff.

She was employed as the firm’s full-time office manager and book-keeper between July 2023 and January this year.

During that time, she transferred more than $122,000 from the business into her personal bank accounts.

She attempted to cover them up by misdirecting payments through the MYOB accounting system and the business’s credit card.

Lunney also bought online a laptop, furniture and made a personal finance payment using the victim’s credit card.

At the time, Lunney was on bail for previous dishonesty offences.

When her frauds were discovered, she told Dandenong police that she didn’t know why she offended.

She spent the money on “general spending” and gambling, she told police. She later claimed to use the funds on gambling and cocaine.

The family business’s general manager stated to the court that the lost funds had a significant impact.

Considerable work and expense were also spent correcting Lunney’s ‘errors’ in the MYOB accounting system.

Lunney’s defence lawyer listed stressors on Lunney at the time, including funding her legal representation in another criminal case.

On 21 August, sentencing judge Fran Dalziel stated while Lunney took steps to hide her deceptions, they were “inevitably going to be discovered”.

“You described your own offending as impulsive and short-term thinking.

“I have some difficulties with that characterisation, given the number of transactions and steps involved.”

Raised in Berwick, the “recidivist fraudster” had been previously convicted for cheating three other businesses since 2005 - a total of more than $860,000.

This included misappropriating more than $560,000 from a Dandenong South family-business Cut Price Kitchens in 2016-‘20.

235665_04 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Wicki bows out of Dandy Council election race

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Refugee advocate Wicki Wickiramasingham has dropped out of the City of Greater Dandenong election race.

After announcing his candidacy a few weeks ago, Wickiramasingham said he faced an insurmountable field of rivals in Cleeland Ward, including a head-tohead battle between sitting councillors Angela Long and Rhonda Garad.

His hopes were upended when Greens councillor GaradrecentlyannouncedshewasmovingfromKeysborough South Ward to stand against the ALP incumbent Cr Long and ALP candidate Zahra Haydarbig. He said he considered moving wards but bemoaned he’d be likely thwarted by stacks of dummy candidates.

A long-time Labor member, Wickiramasingham

expressed distaste for political parties being in local government as well as the mayoralty being rotated among ALP councillors.

“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.”

He was also interested in encouraging fresh councillors to “completely change the council”.

“During this election I will support young talented candidates regardless of their party, whoever is able to do the job.”

A Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre long-time director, Wickiramasingham said he’d also continue to focus on advocating for refugees and asylum seekers.

In April, she was jailed for this offending for up to five years and nine months, with the judge noting Lunney’s “self-indulgent greed” in funding “friviolous extravagances for yourself”.

A psychologist diagnosed Lunney with generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks. But they weren’t causally related to her offending.

Judge Dalziel accepted that Lunney, who pleaded guilty at an early stage, regretted her actions.

“On the other hand, such expressions of re-

morse were not linked in (the) past to rehabilitation.

“I find your prospects of rehabilitation are guarded, at best.”

Lunney was jailed for two years and three months, with one year running concurrently with her recent prison sentence.

Combining the two terms, she was imprisoned for up to seven years. She will be eligible for parole in four-and-a-half years.

Nomination of RepresentativesGreater Dandenong LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee

The new LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee will lead more inclusive decision-making for and with LGBTIQA+ communities living in Greater Dandenong.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and Aromantic individuals possess a wealth of valuable expertise, lived experience, and knowledge that can significantly enhance outcomes across the entire community. The Advisory Committee aims to elevate the visibility and importance of our LGBTIQA+ communities.

LGBTIQA+ community members, allies and inclusive organisations that are committed to ensuring the needs, challenges, and aspirations of LGBTIQA+ communities are met are encouraged to apply.

For more information visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au or email Marek.Krol@cgd.vic.gov.au

Applications close on Tuesday 24 September.

County Court of Victoria. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 231934)

Wicki Wickiramasingham says Tamil-Australian citizens are being discriminated from having their families visit from overseas.

Axe attack murder verdict

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

An estranged husband who claimed he was acting in self-defence when he hacked his wife to death in her Sandhurst home has been found guilty of murder.

A Victorian Supreme Court jury took less than three hours to deliberate before convicting Dinush Kurera, 47, of murder on Friday.

He faced a month-long trial over the death of his wife Nelomie Perera.

Kurera admitted to killing her on December 3, 2022, but pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder claiming he acted in self-defence.

He took the stand during his trial, telling the jury Ms Perera had threatened him with a knife and bit his finger during a heated argument in their Melbourne home.

He claimed to be scared she was going to attack him when he grabbed an axe and hit her “only a couple of times”.

Ms Perera, 43, was found dead in a pool of blood with 35 separate wounds, prosecutors told the jury.

Kurera also denied assaulting his 17-year-old son by striking him with an axe as the teen tried to flee the house during the altercation.

The jury retired to consider their verdicts on Friday after hearing four weeks of evidence, including from Kurera’s teenage son and daughter.

The girl, who was aged 16 when her mother died, said she saw her father repeatedly strike Ms Perera with a knife and axe, while the boy said Kurera chased him with an axe and hit him as he tried to find help.

The jury returned their guilty verdicts at 2pm on Friday, after just under three hours of deliberation.

Jurors also found Kurera was guilty of assaulting his son.

Kurera blinked and looked straight ahead as the verdicts were handed down.

He was returned to custody and will be sentenced at a later date.

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

4 September 1924

SCHOOL MASTER HONORED

Friday afternoon, August 22nd, was a most auspicious one at the Springvale State School, for at a banquet given by the teachers, many tokens of esteem and goodwill were expressed towards Mr F Chalmers, the retiring school master, who has given 35 years of service to the district. He was the father of education in this community for the great majority of families who received their educational course from him. Mr Edwards, Truant Inspector, made the presentation – a handsome silver-mounted umbrella – and eloquently unfolded the good qualities and work of the retiring master. Mr Chalmers feelingly and appropriately responded.

50 years ago

3 September 1974

GOODBYE REDLEGS!

Out by point

At the Junction Oval on Sunday, Oakleigh edged

Dandenong out of the VFA premiership battle by a single point. Dandenong was dreadfully unlucky to lose the match, but then the Oaks did not deserve to bow out either. Still the feeling persists that Oakleigh had played its very best while the Redlegs just did not. The last term was filled with drama as Dandenong led by seven points, by one point, then level twice

and finally Oakleigh gained a point lead. OAKLEIGH 13.19.97 def DANDENONG 13.18.96

BEST: Geoff Angus, Derek Harrington, Danny Hibbert, Ray Davies, Ray Orchard, Kevin Shinners. GOALS: Jim Miller 5, Pat Flaherty 4, Geoff Jones , Graeme Kendall 2 Estimated attendance – 13.000.

20 years ago

6 September 2004

Buyers to retain historic Girrawheen

The home of former Dandenong Mayor, the late Maurie Jarvis and his wife Gwen was sold at auction last Saturday. The gracious home of Old-English style was named Girrawheen, an aboriginal name for “home of flowers on the hill” and reflected Mr Jarvis’s love of gardening and flowers. The home was built in 1949 by the late Bert Jarvis, Mr Jarvis’s father and designed by local architect Frank Secomb. Before Girawheen was put under the hammer, Mrs Jarvis was concerned about developers moving in. She need not have worried as the purchasers are a local family who will retain the grounds

and renovate the home internally while retaining its exterior.

5 years ago

3 September 2019

Council goes green

City of Greater Dandenong plans to use 100 percent renewable energy by the 2020-21 financial year. The goal will be met when the council’s two Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) come into place. The first PPA conducted by Procurement Australia covers the council’s public lighting – about 48.6 percent of the council’s electricity needs. The other will cover the remaining energy used at the council’s sites. Both PPA’s renewable energy sources were unknown at this stage. The Council’s Corporate Services Director said: “Once both PPAs are operational, one hundred per cent will come from renewable energy. With both PPAs, we do not know what the impact will have on our carbon emissions at this point. This will be known at the conclusion of the tender process.”

Respecting others: Religious unity for a peaceful future

By Thurai Vinay, of the Hindu Temple, Carrum Downs

“All religions are more or less true. All proceed from the same God, but all are imperfect because they have come down through imperfect human instrumentality” – Gandhi.

Most of us inherit our religious faith and practices from our families, shaped by the guidance of elders, local traditions, and the literature available in our native languages.

Few take the time to deeply explore or critically examine the faith we profess.

Yet, we recognise the profound impact of our religious upbringing — instilling morality, offer-

MESSAGE OF HOPE

ing hope, and providing comfort during challenging times.

Over millennia, different religions have evolved across various regions of the world, each with noble intentions for humanity’s well-being.

Acknowledging and respecting the diversity

of these faiths is essential in fostering a sense of unity and creating an environment conducive to lasting global peace.

It is crucial to move beyond feelings of division, alienation, and even hatred among followers of different religions.

Instead, we should cultivate a shared sense of

Our goal is to envision a world where peace prevails, and our environment is preserved for future generations.

In such a world, when we stand before God, we can do so with heads held high in reverence, confident that we have acted responsibly and compassionately.

We must strive to overcome the irresponsible behaviours currently displayed by humanity and work towards a future where interfaith understanding and respect are the cornerstones of our global society.

Let us join hands in this noble crusade, embracing the common values that all religions share, and together, build a world where peace and respect for all forms of life are the guiding principles.

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

• Visit - interfaithnetwork.org.au

Dinush Kurera (left) arrives to the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Wednesday, 31 July, 2024. (AAP Image/James Ross)

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

The historic Girrawheen House on Jones Road, Dandenong.

Flooding rife as works delayed

By Ethan Benedicto

Businesses in Hallam’s Rimfire Drive are still in murky waters, following further delays on changes to Centre Road’s conditions.

It comes amid the City of Casey’s most recent meeting on Tuesday 20 August.

Trucking companies, automotive services, catering businesses, and retail providers, as well as establishments in the industrial zone of Rimfire Drive, have been battling the flooding waters of the Hallam Valley Floodplains for over a decade.

However, any immediate changes are unlikely, with the council’s agenda citing roughly three to four years for initial construction to begin from Melbourne Water.

This is due to the endangered species of Galaxiella pusilla (dwarf galaxias) in the floodplain, meaning any proposed works require environmental approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which in turn can take up to 12 to 24 months.

Gary Beardsley, founder of Redi Milk and who has long since been outspoken for action on Centre Road said that while the delays were not “surprising”, they are definitely “disappointing”.

“This year was the worst, mainly because of the overbearing emphasis on safety; and what made it worse was that the police and SES became involved, and they closed the road - they didn’t let anyone in.

“Their reasoning behind it was safety, and we find that very frustrating because we’ve been living with this for 30 years and the promise of fixing it still hasn’t occurred,” Beardsley said.

Rimfire Drive was flooded twice in 2024, with both entrances from Centre Road cordoned off with almost knee-high depths, effectively shutting businesses down for roughly two weeks.

Staff at Desflora are in the same boat, and while their business wasn’t underwater, the corner of the eastern Centre Road entrance would be submerged.

“So that whole corner there goes completely under, every time people try to drive through it there would always be cars floating in it,” Cindy, owner of Desflora, said.

Acknowledging the feasibility of the Centre Road bridge being opened for access is highly unlikely, “all we want is access”.

“We pay the rates, we pay and we have to shut down, nobody comes and tells us that the area’s closed.

“We have to bring our gumboots and walk through the water - and we do a lot of weddings, there’s brides crying because they can’t get in and get their flowers so we have to walk them through the water to get their things - it’s just ridiculous,” Cindy said.

In the first week of opening after the Christmas break, Cindy, alongside other staff Carly and Esther had their vehicles stuck in Rimfire Drive for three days due to the floodwaters, only lucky enough to have partners with four-wheel-drive vehicles that could trudge through the blockage.

“I’ve got a backpack in the back of my car with gumboots and a raincoat, but if we didn’t have that… nobody comes and checks if we’re okay, if there’s anyone in here that needs helping out,” Carla said.

To Cindy, while she understands that the process of ‘fixing’ Centre Road is an expensive one, there needs to be some action.

“We’re desperate, there are massive businesses here in the area, and the loss these businesses suffered have [probably] outweighed what it could cost the council,” she said.

Current interim measures that Casey Council looks to endeavour include flood monitoring, investigating the reopening of Centre Road Bridge, lifting Centre Road and Drainage Maintenance.

Casey’s manager of city and asset planning, Keri New, said that these interim measures will not “reduce the incidence of flooding on Centre Road”.

“They are focused on ensuring preparedness in the event of flooding; ongoing maintenance may assist in reducing how long the road is flooded for, however until the floodplain upgrades are undertaken, flooding will continue to be an issue.

“Council will continue to advocate to Melbourne Water and other approval agencies to expedite the planning, approvals and works required,” New said.

Melbourne Water’s senior manager of catchment planning and engineering, David Reginato, said that they are working with Casey to “reduce the risk of flooding of Centre Road and the surrounding area, while also ensuring that any

MASSIVE SALE

planned works protect the cultural and environmental value of the floodplains”.

“Melbourne Water will upgrade the floodplain drainage system north of the Hallam Valley contour drain between Narre-Warren Cranbourne Road and the South Gippsland Freeway, works that benefit the Centre Road and Rimfire Drive area.

“These priority works will commence as soon as the design is complete and the relevant approvals secured,” Reginato said.

However, there are no changes to the aforementioned dates, with Melbourne Water confirming that the project is still in its design phase and is planned for delivery in three to four years’ time.

The reopening of Centre Road Bridge is the least likely proposition to occur, with council citing in the agenda that not only would it cost $500,000 for full reconstruction and safe operation, but traffic management issues due to limited usage would also be another issue that would arise.

In a detailed assessment from the council, New said the council “concluded [that] reopening is not feasible due to an impact on traffic management, structural limitations and high costs”.

“We are also seeking to understand the feasibility of lifting Centre Road; the council has undertaken an engineering survey that identified the extent of low points over Centre Road.

“Further engineering investigations and flood modelling are required to determine the suitability of lifting the road above flood levels without causing any upstream flooding,” New said.

However, those at Rimfire Drive are still looking for a stable working environment, one that doesn’t involve flooding and its accompanied dangers.

Beardsley from Redi Milk acknowledged that there is a sense of disparity when it comes to prioritisation, between the businesses and “all the care we give to those little guys [dwarf galaxias]”.

“In comparison to what everybody’s main livelihood, where are our priorities?” he said.

As it stands, Melbourne Water and Casey Council have developed a fact sheet that outlines a range of solutions being explored, with Melbourne Water encouraging locals to reach out to the council for further information.

The current timelines remain unchanged, with works on Centre Road and floodplains expected in the next three to four years.

A marooned SUV is passed by a ute at the flooded Centre Road and Rimfire Drive estate. Hallam Valley wetlands are in the background. (Supplied)

Greg Flood and other affected business people at Centre Road, Hallam in late 2021. (Stewart Chambers: 259111)

A flood metre which many of the businesses have called “useless” due to the frequency of flooding on Centre Road. (Ethan Benedicto: 428308)

Life of service remembered

By Ethan Benedicto

A notable and renowned local community figure with the Narre Warren Rotary Club, Ian David Pickering, passed away on August 13 2024, at the age of 80.

Ian left behind a legacy of tireless commitment to service and education and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others, all the while being known as a devout family man.

Joining the Rotary Club in 1985, Ian initially became Club Secretary, but soon served two terms as President before being asked by the club to put his name forward as District Governor of District 9820.

Born on January 7 1944, Ian grew up in Moorabbin – now Hampton East – with his parents Rita and Peter Pickering and his older brother Peter.

After completing his education at Frankston Teachers College, it wasn’t long before he embarked on a journey of education that would have him inspire children across the state.

Lyn Pickering, Ian’s wife and lifelong partner, said that “teaching was Ian’s calling, and he loved it.”

“First year out of college and he requested a country placement and was sent to Mildura, as far away from Melbourne as you could get in Victoria,” she said.

His interests followed him, with Lyn recalling that Ian had been involved with two theatre groups both in Melbourne and Mildura, as well as having a keen interest in classical, and eventual all genres of music.

“His teaching career saw him at Mildura Central, Meatian, Betley, Yarragon, Hallam, Clyde North, Cranbourne South, Garfield and Hallam Valley primary schools,” Lyn said.

His dedication to his profession was recognised early in his career when he received an “Outstanding Marl for Teaching from the District Inspector”, during his time at Garfield.

It was in 1967 when Ian married Lyn, after meeting at a local dance hall in what Lyn recalled as a “memorable day at cricket”.

The two were near inseparable, navigating through life’s trials and tribulations, as well as its highs with humour, resilience and an unwavering commitment to their family and community.

Together the family raised four children, David, Geoff, Lyndell and Simon, while balancing their professional life and dedication to the Rotary Club.

“We often reflected on all the incredible people we have met over the years in Australia,” Lyn said.

“We had our own home for 54 years [in Narre Warren], but we did travel extensively around our Rotary District [and] the moving around meant we were always meeting new people and it was difficult to always remain close friends.”

However, it took little effort to rekindle those friendships for both Ian and Lyn, especially through their efforts and endeavours in India through Rotary.

He and Lyn played crucial roles in various humanitarian projects, through their work with Partners in Aid and SEDS, organisations that focused on sustainable agriculture and education, where worked on improving conditions in rural communities in India.

Prior to joining Rotary, Ian’s sight began to deteriorate at the age of 36, and was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration Stargardt’s; by 38 he was legally blind, causing him to leave his much loved teaching role.

“With Ian’s eyesight failing quickly, he made he made the decision to leave teaching,” Lyn said.

“He stopped teaching because he could not see the students in the back of the room and was not prepared to put them at risk.

“That happened so quickly and our family had to adapt and move on, but there were more than a few tears as we adjusted.”

It was at this point in his life where Ian joined the Rotary Club, with Lyn recalling his ability to “speak without notes for at least half an hour” on Rotary’s matching grants and or the work of SEDS in India often “awe-inspiring” for her.

“Visiting 50 clubs in one year was not hard because even though I was aware of the theme, he made each of those visits very specific to the individual clubs.

“We, mainly Ian, also spoke at churches, schools U3A, vision groups, and many others on invitation.

“Many people remained unaware of the extent of his eyesight loss, [and] it was not unusual for people to ask for Ian’s notes so they could put it in their newsletters, but of course there were no notes,” Lyn said. His efforts at Rotary were recognised through

the Service Above Self Award, which has only been awarded to three other people.

In a final piece of serendipity and with the help of granddaughter Kirra, Ian discovered shortly before his passing that he had Indian heritage, a revelation that brought him a great sense of satisfaction.

To Kirra, she recalled that he was ecstatic to have found out, “that the many years of dedication and service he had with his work in India also had another very real connection to the country and people he loved so much”.

As a grandfather, Ian was a stalwart figure, using his many years of education as a tool to “proactively check in with all of us grandchildren”.

“To check in how our school has been going and to talk about any recent tests when we spoke on the phone to him or popped in to visit.

“He has always been one to congratulate us proudly on a great result, or otherwise to encourage us on all our efforts, in case it wasn’t the perfect score.

“For him it wasn’t necessarily about an A plus result requirement, it was really just that we tried our best,” Kirra said.

Likewise, this sentiment also applied to his grandchildren’s hobbies, where he emphasised the importance of “developing themselves” and “enjoying what [they] were doing and giving it a go”.

In December 2018, Ian was diagnosed with

chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML), a condition he managed with his characteristic strength and determination; and while only given a life expectancy of three to five years, far surpassed that.

To Kirra, who herself has since become involved with Rotary sees her grandfather as more than just an inspiration, but also an anchor for her and many others.

In character to Ian’s peculiarity of catering every Rotary session to its club, he too “connected with [the] grandchildren in various different ways”.

“As the oldest grandchild, I feel so privileged to have known him for the last 31 years of my life,” Kirra said.

“I felt closer to him through these [Rotary] experiences, and I was able to show my interest and support back to him and his work the way he did for me as well.

“The legacy he leaves behind is honourable and inspiring, and I’m so proud of the amount of impact he has had, not only on our family but on many people in different parts of the world from his own time, dedication and generosity – together with nana of course.”

For Lyn, Ian, while living with impaired eyesight, “was a visionary who always looked beyond himself”.

“Ian lasted well beyond expectation, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy, a man who gave so much to so many.”

Awards ﬁnalists: Casey’s best in business unveiled

Finalists have been announced for the Casey Business Awards 2024.

The 15 finalists represent a spectrum of industries operating across City of Casey including veterinary services, music tuition, early childcare education, mobile food trailer rentals, furniture removals and a quilting business.

The annual Business Awards program celebrates local businesses, while giving them the space and guidance to further invest into their business.

Winners of each category take home a cash prize and pride of place among celebrated past winners.

Each applicant receives tailored business advice from the panel of expert judges.

Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson was pleased that so many local businesses took the time to apply for the awards.

“Local businesses are critically important to our city; they provide the drum beat to which our residents live, work and play.

“We’re so appreciative that so many are investing in themselves and their future.”

The finalists are:

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

· Eleos Care Australia

NDIS Registered Support Provider established in 2022 and located in Cranbourne West.

· Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Cranbourne

Early Childcare Education Provider established in 2020 and located in Cranbourne West.

· Nobody puts Furbaby in the Corner Grooming

Pet Grooming established in 2021 and located in Pearcedale.

· The Avenue Veterinary Clinic Veterinary Clinic established in 2017 and located in Cranbourne North.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

· A&K Veterinary Services Veterinary Clinic established in 2017 and located in Lynbrook.

· Gold Tree Wealth Advisory Financial Advisory Service, established in 2017 and located in Endeavour Hills.

· iRock Music School

Music tuition established in 2013 and located in Clyde North.

· Lioness Performance Women’s Strength Training Gym established in 2020 and located in Berwick.

EMPLOYMENT DIVERSITY

· KDN Removalist

Removalist established in 2020 and located in Cranbourne East.

· Outlook Australia

Waste Management and Resource Recovery established in 1997 and located in Hampton Park.

HOME-BASED BUSINESS

· Mother’z Yoga and Wellness Yoga and Wellness Studio, established in 2021 and located in Clyde North.

· Roselea Quilting

Quilting Services established in 2023 and located in Clyde North.

· SANA Skin Clinic

Skin Clinic established in 2015 and located in Berwick.

INNOVATION

· GPK Group

Full-Service IT Support established in 1999 and located in Hallam.

· KDS Gourmet

Mobile Food Trailer Rental established in 2021 and located in Clyde North.

Winners of the Casey Business Awards 2024 will be announced at a gala dinner on 15 November.

Lyn and Ian Pickering back in 2011. (Stewart Chambers: 59946)

‘All-electric’ pilot launched

The State Electricity Commission is helping Victorians save money on their energy bills and switch their homes to electricity, the State Government says, with a pilot rolling out in the City of Casey.

SEC Minister Lily D’Ambrosio launched the consumer pilot in three local government areas across the state with the next step to be delivering a one-stop-shop for consumers wanting to switch to all-electric.

“We’re putting power back in the hands of Victorians, giving them the tools they need to go slash their energy bills and be part of our nation-leading energy transition,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

The other two LGAs were the City of Merri-bek, whose pilot also began on Monday, and the City of Ballarat set for next month.

The pilot includes a free digital platform that walks users through a short survey about their home and energy usage and then tailors a plan to cut their energy bills through electrification.

It includes suggestions for suitable appliances, indicative costs, return on investment, government rebates and emissions reductions.

SEC chief executive officer, Chris Miller said that the SEC’s “electric home platform provides a valuable tool to help Victorians save money on their energy bills at a time when they need it the most”.

The SEC is also informing consumers about improvements available to households on all budgets, which includes small, cost-effective steps that can be taken immediately, to larger investments that can be made when their current appliances reach end of life.

As for the pilot, it is running online public information sessions that offer expert advice and virtual home tours to support Victorians at all stages to go electric, helping energy users understand the benefits of home energy improvements.

Narre Warren North MP, Belinda Wilson is a keen supporter of the initiative, backing the pilot

as a right step forward for the City of Casey.

“Electric is the way to go - it’s the future,” Ms Wilson said.

“We are passionate about helping people make the switch from gas to electric and save money.”

Previous modelling showed that an average

Victorian household with gas and electric appliances can reduce their annual energy bill by around 32 per cent, taking $1400 off their bills by switching to all-electric.

Savings would rise to around 62 per centmore than $2700 a year - by adding solar.

Your holiday includes

Full-Board Cruise

ï 11 night full-board cruise on board

Hurtigruten’s MS Kong Harald

ï Complimentary Polar Outside Limited View to Polar Outside

ï Visiting: Bergen, Florø, Molde, Kristiansand, Rørvik, Brønnøysund, Svolvær, Stokmarknes, Skjervøy, Øksfjord, Berlevag, Båtsfjord, Kirkenes, Berlevåg, Mehamn, Tromsø, Stamsund, Bodø, Rørvik, Trondheim, Ålesund, Bergen

Fully Escorted Tour

ï 2 day Norway in a Nutshell Tour

Rail Journey

ï Scenic rail journey on board

The Flåm Railway

Hotel Stays

ï Hotel stays in Oslo, Flåm Bergen and Copenhagen

ï All hotel stays include breakfast

All Flights, Taxes and Transfers

ï Overnight ﬂights

The Federal Government has invested

tial $1 billion to bring back the SEC and accelerate the clean energy transition, supporting the switch for households and building a renewable energy workforce.

For more information, visit secvictoria.com.au

Victorian Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele)

Cultural pride graces Bunjil

By Ethan Benedicto

The vibrant multicultural heart of the City of Casey was in full display on Monday 26 August, when the 4C’s Showcase returned for its fourth performance at Bunjil Place.

The event, which exhibited a celebration of cultural diversity through art, music, dance and fashion is set to return twice, with another performance on Monday 2 September and the finale on Monday 9 September.

The 4C’s program, which stands for ‘Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities’ was a product of school teacher Laitini Matautia-Ulugia, where 18 years ago she saw the need to address challenges faced by newly arrived students integrating into Australian schools.

“So the kids were all being put together, but there was no set program on how to integrate kids into a school with different cultural needs.

“Kids would come up to me and they would go, ‘oh they don’t understand what we’re saying, they don’t understand our culture,’ and there’s all these things they want but they don’t know how to talk to them,” she said.

The program’s foundations, which were borne out of the ideas of these same students, were created to address anti-social behaviour and negative media stigmas; this included the students “coming up with the commonality of music, dance and fashion”.

“From there I saw that it fell perfectly under VCAL outcomes, so the kids, without even having these conversations, were promoting shows, creating tickets.

“It was [originally] this one presentation at the end of the year, over time it’s developed into so much more,” Laitini said.

What initially began as a small initiative has since grown into a comprehensive educational and cultural movement, with the program drawing on “cultural assets from local communities and stakeholders who value student-lef learning opportunities”.

A vivid testament of the program’s jour-

ney and success, the evening on 26 August brought together performances that featured traditional dances, cultural costumes and stories that were passed down through generations.

“I feel like our education system hasn’t quite caught up yet with all the different types, but this bridges the gap, as well as the students who sort of fall through that gap.

“Our program includes everybody, LGBTQIA+ kids, kids who feel like they don’t quite fit into the mainstream like they feel like people don’t understand them - they get to express themselves through this platform.

“Through art, music, fashion, dance, it’s up to them how to do it,” Laitini said.

At the same time, she also sees the program as a way for these students to “find solutions to issues in the community”, where the difficulty of traversing a new world is made easier with that balance of cultural connection and learning.

Being given the main stage at Bunjil Place has done wonders for the program’s exposure, raising its profile and reaching a wider audience who are made aware of its impact.

“I think sometimes in schools, they like to put them in boxes and if you can’t do it on the spit, then you can’t pass,” Laitini said.

“My program is, ‘can you demonstrate these skills’, and they do ‘yeah I can do it this way and that way’, and I ask them to show us through certain contexts.

“But with those employability or transferable skills that they’re going to need in life, that’s what the 4C’s program provides and it’s done through a high standard - because when kids are engaged in their learning, then they’ll do the best that they can.

“It won’t be just because they need to tick a box, it’s because it’s something that they value and something that’s important to them.”

Looking ahead, the future of the program is bright, with a new VET course set for 2025 which will be open to all schools and will have a focus on Cultural Leadership.

The one-year program will offer students a Certificate II and a pathway into different career opportunities, which, Laitini said, will be the students’ “direct connection to the community”.

“So we’re looking at low socioeconomic ar-

eas; are there lonely elderly people out there who might need to go out, want to do some activities and so on.

“It might be us reaching out to First Nations communities, going to primary schools; we want to build within these communities, again bridging those gaps,” she said.

As the 4C’s program continues to grow, so does its demand, with Laitini not necessarily worried about her efforts, but the growing needs of the wider community.

The program currently supports 18 schools, with Laitini currently trying to effectively coordinate over three nights of performance, support from a major body such as the Department of Education would be a great boon.

“I would love it if I could get something from the department to help me navigate this.

“I feel like our education system hasn’t quite caught up with the new generation of students coming through and the new needs that are required in this space,” she said.

From humble beginnings to a Casey-wide initiative, Laitini is looking ahead for more to come but is more than keen for official backing, one that would make the program more sustainable in its management and more effective in addressing a wide range of student needs.

At the end of the day, the program’s outcomes are still the most rewarding, with post-performance adrenaline pumping and the smiles on the faces of the kids and their families pushing Laitini forward.

“It’s been very enriching for me as the organiser, but I’ll be honest and say that I don’t always know the impact it has on families.

“But later on when I accidentally bump into people, I’ve had parents say thank you; things like, ‘I couldn’t get my kids to school but because of your program we’ve been able to get them to finish homework’, and so on,” she said.

While now sold out, more information on the upcoming performances and the schools involved can be viewed on www.bunjilplace. com.au/events/4cs-showcase

A cultural performance of the Oromo ethnic group from Ethiopia graced the stage on Monday night. (Supplied)

A presentation on First Nations culture also took place during the night, with traditional dances complete with body paint and traditional attires. (Supplied)

Traditional Samoan outfits made their way to centre stage during the night, complete with a traditional performance as homage to cultural heritage. (Supplied)

The 4Cs Showcase kicked off spectacularly on Monday 26 August. (428367: Supplied)

ENTERTAINMENT

Tall tales of landmark trees

A showcase on Greater Dandenong’s landmark trees has been extended to the end of September.

Trees: A Canopy Extraordinaire celebrates, reflects and recognises the significance of trees in the local landscape.

The free exhibition highlights the cultural significance of trees to the traditional custodians of this land, the Bunurong people, the impact of European settlement on trees and the emergence of the local timber industry as an economic driver in the Dandenong region.

It showcases items from Council’s Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection, alongside local historical society collections and items from the National Resources Conservation League (NRCL) archives.

One of the features is the Bunurong Message

WHAT’S ON

Community safety forum

Speak to Council representatives, Victoria Police and Launch Housing on issues and initiatives related to community safety in Springvale. Learn more about how complex issues are being addressed and the resources available.

■ Tuesday 3 September, 1pm-3pm 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+.

■ Tuesday3September,6pm-8pmatWalkerStreet GalleryandArtsCentre,cnrWalkerandRobinson streets, Dandenong. Free event. Registration required at eventbrite.com.au/e/cultural-sketchtickets-859196298257?aff=oddtdtcreator

Dinner with a VIEW

The next dinner meeting of the Dandenong Evening VIEW Club features U And I Designs mobile ladies fashion parade. Dandenong Evening VIEW Club supports the SMITH Family’s Learning for Life Program. New members and guests are very welcome.

■ Tuesday, 3 Sptember 7 pm at the Dandenong RSL. Bookings essential. Details: Brigitte, 0491 626 527.

Lexington Gardens Retirement Village Market Day

Indoors market with homemade baked goods, jams and relishes, jewellery, knitwear, wooden toys, handstitched items, bags and purses and more. Some stalls are cash only.

■ Friday 6 September 10am-1pm at Lexington Gardens dining room, 114 Westall Road, Springvale. Details: Di Ritchie, 0412 737 148. Free entry.

Spirituality of Mother Earth

Join us for a gentle afternoon exploring the theme “Entanglement with the Sacred”. People speak of

Tree at Dandenong Park.

The scarring was carried out by a Bunurong man in February 2021 – believed to be the first time in more than 100 years that Bunurong have carried out the cultural activity in the area.

The NRCL has also provided native plants for visitors to take home while stocks last.

Trees: A Canopy Extraordinaire is at Benga House, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong on Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am-2pm. Runs until Thursday 26 September.

The stunning scarring and artwork on the Bunurong Message Tree at Dandenong Park. (Supplied)

Dandenong

seeking God, but God is always seeking us, trying to wake us up with his constant presence. We will reﬂect on our own experience of encountering the sacred and how it has inﬂuenced our lives. It promises to be an enriching session. All welcome.

■ Thursday 5 September 1.30pm-3pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong; suggested donation $5. Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Council election information

Victorian Electoral Commission hosts two information sessions for the community and prospective candidates ahead of October’s City of Greater Dandenong elections. Can be attended either in-person or online.

■ Wednesday 4 September at VEC election Ofﬁce, 237 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong and Thursday 5 September, 6.30 pm at Dandenong Civic Centre Chamber, Level 2, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event. Details: info@vec.vic.gov.au

Sustainability Saturdays at The HubPosy Jar

Join Domenica of Lupin Botanical to create a beautiful floral arrangement in a glass jar, using a variety of locally grown seasonal flowers and foliage. Suitable for all skill levels. All materials, flowers and glassware provided. Bookings required.

■ Saturday 14 September, 2pm-4pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, SpringvaleFree event. Bookings required at eventbrite.com. au/e/sustainability-saturdays-at-the-hub-freshbotanicals-posy-jar-tickets-908075617617

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 14 Septem-

ber) 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 14 September, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: Zoe, mohlz@icloud. com

Fiestas Patrias

Enjoy the vibrancy of Latin Americas food and dance. Includes iconic dishes such as birria tacos and quesadillas, Brazilian BBQ, plantains and arepas, with live Cuban band Son Quba and samba, bachata and salsa dancers.

Sunday 15 September, 10am-3pm at Dandenong Market; free entry.

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. Trees: A Canopy Extraordinaire

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

■ Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10am2pm extended until 27 September at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae St, Dandenong. Free event.

Gloria Forbes of Dandenong taught kindergarten around Dandenong and now plays golf at Tirhatuan in retirement. Alex Forbes started his teaching at Dandenong Technical School and is a member of FreeMasonry Victoria. Congratulatory letters were received for the 65th anniversary from the King (50th the Queen and 60th the Queen). They had 3 children. Then 5 grand children and have lived their whole married life in Dandenong.

•

Applicants

The

Send

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

to:

The successful candidate will be responsible for increasing revenue by selling our products and services to potential and existing customers via phone call.

This is a part-time role with flexible hours.

Key Responsibilities

•Manage a portfolio of existing customers and develop relationships with new customers.

•Conduct outbound telesales calls to promote our products and services.

• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs.

•Keep accurate and updated records of customer interactions and sales leads.

•Coordinate with the sales and marketing team to align sales strategies and campaigns.

•Telesales or cold-calling experience is preferred but not essential.

•Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Results driven and target-oriented mindset.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open

Star News Group is an innovative and dynamic media company located in Pakenham, Victoria. As a leading publisher of print and digital news, we are looking for a part-time Telesales Representative

New look Noble Park

By Marcus Uhe

Noble Park’s midfield is going to look a little different in 2025 with the exits of up to four of its premiership-winning midfield from 2022.

Last Saturday’s final game of the home-andaway season against Rowville ended with Jackson Sketcher, Kyle Martin, Luke Bull and Chris Horton-Milne carried off the ground by teammates, marking the final time they would be seen in blue and gold jumpers together.

Sketcher and Horton-Milne will play-on at different clubs, both yet to be announced, while Bull will replace Hayden Stanton at Hampton Park in a player-coach capacity.

Martin, meanwhile, is expected to retire, having only played a handful of games in 2024 in his return from a knee injury that wiped out his 2023 campaign.

Martin is regarded as one of the best to ever wear the Bulls jumper, winning an astonishing nine best-and-fairests at Pat Wright Senior Oval.

After two seasons at Collingwood in 2013 and 2014, Martin famously turned his back on an AFL career in order to remain at his beloved senior club, where he would go on to captain the side to the 2022 senior premiership.

Bull and Martin won two premierships at Noble Park, 11 years apart, in 2011 and 2022.

Bull meanwhile, played more than 200 games for the club, beginning in 2010, and was lauded internally for his leadership qualities and consistency in performance.

Sketcher enjoyed a decorated career in his own right, winning the senior premiership in 2022, captaining the club in 2023 in Martin’s absence and winning the Sir Gilbert Chandler Medal in 2023 as the competition’s best player.

Horton-Milne played more than 150 games for the Bulls and was a consistent pillar in an outstanding midfield crop whenever he took to the field.

Noble Park coach Steve Hughes, who will continue his tenure at Moodemere Street in 2025, said there was no animosity behind the exits, and encouraged the next wave of emerging leaders to emerge from the shadows of some of the club’s alltime greats.

“We tried really hard to keep them, but you can’t keep them all, and you’ve got to respect a player’s best wishes,” Hughes said.

“There’s no bad blood, there’s no beef at all, we’re all in a great state with their relationships.

“In some ways they’re irreplaceable, but foot-

ball moves on.

“I wouldn’t say they’re easily replaceable, because they’re not, and I think most people know that.

“We’ll do our best and in some ways, it’s really exciting.

“It will be a bit of a blank canvas for us next year and away we go.”

Earmarked to fill the breach are the likes of the Marson brothers, in Ben, Anthony and Jordan, Nathan Noblett and Lachlan McDonnell, while the promising emerging underage talents in Jacob Noble and Liam O’Rourke “shows how bright our future could be” in the eyes of the coach.

“We do lose an element of leadership, no doubt, but it paves the way for the new guys to really step up.

“We’ve had conversations with them and I think they’re really excited about not sitting back in the shadows of the four we mentioned; it’s their time to shine now.”

The Bulls’ season ended in yet another cliffhanger,fallingthreepointsshyofRowvilleathome, and missing the opportunity to bring a premature end to the defending premiers’ season, adding another chapter to the fast-emerging rivalry the two clubs have established in recent years.

It was the fourth loss of the season by less than a goal, and capped a bizarre year in which they won six games, yet finished with a percentage of 104.

Given how close they were on many occasions, and the fine margins between teams on the ladder - Blackburn missed the top five by four points, but finished with the third-best percentage, and could have finished third if they won one more gameHughes feels that the group is “not miles away” from contending, and looks forward to what 2025 has to offer.

“It’s a bit of a springboard into next year knowing that we can compete with everybody if we put it together well.

“I don’t think there’d be many local football sides that finish a season with six wins and 12 losses but still have a percentage over 100, which we did.

“We had a lot of tight ones and we’re still confident that the group can be competitive, without a doubt, at a minimum next year, but even more so, we’ll be aiming pretty high, I think.

“We definitely need to recruit, we’re not hiding from that, but we feel like we’ve got the nucleus of a pretty strong young group.

“If we can top up, I don’t think we’ll be far away.”

Springvale clubs in the thick of the action

By Marcus Uhe

The race for promotion and a place in the Victorian Premier League (VPL) second division will be decided on the final Saturday of the State League 1 South East soccer competition, with Springvale White Eagles and South Springvale both firmly in contention for a call-up to the higher grade in 2025.

The White Eagles are in the box seat, sitting second on 45 points, with South Springvale in fourth place on 43.

Sandwiched between the two sides is Banyule, tied on points with the White Eagles but nine goals behind on the goal differential.

Saturday’s final round of the season sees the White Eagles host premiers, Eltham at the Serbian Sports Centre, and South Springvale head to Kooyong Park to tackle Malvern City.

Banyule, meanwhile, faces Mornington, the lowest ranked of all three opponents in seventh place.

Malvern City is fifth, just out of reach for the promotion race, but will offer a strong test for South Springvale, which needs the two sides above it to lose to sneak into second place.

Noble Park United’s State League 3 South East soccer championship dream came to a shattering halt on Saturday in a pivotal loss to top side St Kilda.

With United in second, three points behind St Kilda, Noble Park needed a win to tie level on points with the ladder leaders heading into the season’s final round.

St Kilda showed why they have been the competition’s benchmark all season, however, scoring twice in the second half to seal the championship.

United finished the contest with 10 men, thanks to Felipe Ulloa being shown a red card.

Springvale White Eagles face a massive challenge this week in order to earn promotion. (mokh. photography)

Noble Park remains in the box seat to earn promotion to State League 2 South East, remaining in second place following the result, but only by a single point ahead of Heatherton United.

Noble Park welcomes Sandringham to Parkfield Reserve in the final round on Saturday, with Heatherton travelling to the inner suburbs to battle Middle Park.

Sandringham is fifth on the ladder and will be a difficult assignment for Noble Park, while Middle Park secured its place in State League 3 after defeating Rowville on Saturday.

Ruff Ryders reverse roles on Stingrays

Ruff Ryders’ upset of Stingrays in Division 2 highlighted the second round of action in Dandenong’s Mountain Dart League on Friday night.

Here’s a summary of how the action played out.

DIVISION 1

Results

• Bad Boys def Rebels 17-4

• Noble Park1 def V.I.P. 12-9

• High 5’s def Vales2 12-2

Individual standouts

• B.Pacey 180 - Rebels

• T.Hyland 180 - High 5’s

• Jamie Wolff 177 x 2

DIVISION 2

Results

• Redbacks1 def Outcasts 13-8

• Ruff Ryders def Stingrays 15-6

• Bandits def Redbacks2 15-6

Individual standouts

• Keith Mcllvena from Bandits now leads the division with a top score of 171

• G.Tako 180 - Stingrays

• M.Gordon 180 - Outcasts

DIVISION 3

Results

• The Night Trawlers def Vales3 14-7

• Madarras def Stingers 17-4

• Sick 6’s def The Goodies 15-6 Individual standouts

• Moana 164 - Vales3

• Jordan Camalleri - pegged twice on 104 Sick 6’s

• Ian Cole 5 x 100 - Madarras

• Dave Davies leads the division with 171

Coach signed

By Marcus Uhe

National Premier League (NPL) outfit Dandenong Thunder has locked away the services of manager Adam Piddick for another season.

Piddick took over as manager just weeks before the 2024 season kicked off, following the sudden resignation of returning coach Sam Elmazi from his position.

Under Piddick, Thunder finished the season in 10th position, ensuring they will compete at the highest possible level for NPL clubs in Victoria again in 2025.

Piddick led the team to a record of eight wins, four draws and 14 losses from its 26 games in 2024 in what was an inconsistent and frustrating season for the Thunder.

Experienced holding midfielder Gavin de Neise tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) early in the season and the team battled to find continuity and cohesion under Piddick’s gamestyle, given the incredibly tight window between his appointment and the season beginning.

Thunder finished the season with the fourth-worst goal differential in the competition, with a leaky defence that only managed three clean sheets throughout the season.

At eighth and nine place respectively, White Star Dandenong and Dandenong South need points to remain in the division in 2025.

White Star Dandenong faces St Kilda and Dandenong South, Ashburton, with both opponents having their futures decided before the final week of competition.

In State League 4 South, Endeavour United looks set to join Hampton Park in moving up the grades, three points clear of third place ahead of the final week, as is FC Noble Hurricanes, second in State League 5 South ahead of round 22.

Only once did Thunder manage to string together consecutive wins, but the streak came to an abrupt halt at two.

Wade Dekker finished as the club’s leading goal scorer with seven goals, the fourth-lowest total for a club’s leading scorer in the division.

Among the highlights for Thunder in 2024 included a pair of Derby wins over Dandenong City, and Pierce Clark’s extraordinary equaliser deep into stoppage time against Green Gully at home in round 20.

From left; Jackson Sketcher, Kyle Martin, Luke Bull and Chris Horton-Milne after last Saturday’s final game of the Noble Park season. (Supplied)

Bull takes reins at Redbacks

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Southern Football Netball League Division 2 team Hampton Park has announced Luke Bull as its 2025 senior coach.

Bull joins the Redbacks after an esteemed career at Noble Park, where he was part of the 2022 premiership-winning team.

Gembrook-Cockatoo’s 2022 premiership coach Brad Coller will assist Bull as director of coaching, who will be a playing-coach in 2025.

The incoming senior coach is optimistic about what next season could hold for a Redbacks outfit that in 2024 reached the semi finals despite being plagued by injury.

“They’ve got a winning culture and are in a good spot; Hayden Stanton has done a really good job with them so I’m in a good spot to take over,” Bull said.

“I’m not looking too far ahead but I’ve got the aspiration of getting them to Division 1.

“We’ll attack Division 2 really hard; I’m massive on standards and culture and I want to create a family-based community.

“Their rooms are some of the best in the Southern League and I really want to integrate the netball as well so that will be a really big focus of mine.

“I want to bring some hype around the club, put them on the map a little bit and earn that respect through having a good club and winning.

“I know the recipe, I’ve recently played in a grand final so hopefully I can bring that to Hampton Park.

“It’s exciting.”

Bull played under respected coaches Mick Fogarty and Steve Hughes during his time at Noble Park which will shape the way he attacks his first senior coaching gig.

Discussions have also taken place between Bull and Coller to balance the input of the playing senior coach and senior assistant.

“We’ve talked thoroughly how we will approach training and game days - I don’t want my voice to be heard too much so there will be some responsibility on Brad,” he said.

“I’ll do all the addressing but he will be moving the magnets while I’m playing so there will be

a duel responsibility but I’ll be doing the heavy lifting so he can enjoy coaching.”

Bull also noted a clear recruitment plan that he hopes will be an early step in propelling them to success in 2025.

Hughes, who coached Bull this season at Noble Park sees a bright future for Bull in coaching.

“He’s one of the best leaders at our football club and has been for a number of years,” the experienced coach said.

“‘Bully’ oozes leadership - he’s got great standards, he’s fun to be around, he’s got a really good balance of work ethic, but ensuring that the footy club is an enjoyable environment.

“He’s as good at that as a player as anyone I’ve coached.

“He’ll bring that to Hampton Park, I’ve got no doubt.”

Hampton Park president Craig Seers believes Bull’s age will provide the club with a needed

young lens.

“His CV says it all,” Seers said.

“He’s a leader of men so it wasn’t a really hard choice and he’s a playing-coach which the club was looking for.

“He’s a similar age to a lot of them so he’ll connect well with the group and the youth development I’m confident will go well.

“It’s exciting for the club as a whole.”

Doveton simply outgunned by superior Murrumbeena

By Jonty Ralphsmith

In 2022, there was a 95-point swing from Doveton’s second semi victory over Chelsea Heights and grand final loss to the same opponents two weeks later.

To win the 2024 premiership, the Doves will be reliant on a similar turnaround after being belted 13.10 88 to 1.8 14 by Murrumbeena on Saturday.

The winds at Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Mordialloc, teetered between gale forced and cyclonic with the Lions kicking away early with the gusts in their favour.

In the two quarters where Murrumbeena had the wind, the ball was locked in their forward 50.

It broke down Doveton’s defensive structures, which looked shot from the get-go.

The Doves have built their premiership challenge off hardy defending; at times on Saturday, it felt like they hardly defended.

Prior to Saturday, only once this season had the Doves conceded more than eight goals in a match.

Murrumbeena had that by halftime.

The Lions’ third goal, a set shot from outside the arc, which was allowed to bounce through, foreshadowed the uncharacteristic malfunction.

While glaring compared to their usual standards, the backline wasn’t aided by the efforts further afield.

Off the back of winning the midfield battle, Murrumbeena got it forward and gave themselves scoring opportunities.

Conversely, Doveton struggled to even get their hands on it when they had the best of the conditions with Murrumbeena’s heat punishing Doveton’s sloppiness.

Everything negative that happened stemmed from poor skill execution.

The midfield was battered which allowed Murrumbeena to keep extending the margin even against the wind.

For most of the day the Doves struggled to find uncontested marks, space or possession inside 50 and made poor decisions.

The only goal went to the opportunistic Cam Williamson, ironically the toughest shot of the day, as he kicked it over his head from 35.

In the last quarter, coach Matt Stapleton threw the magnets around as Doveton sought to go on the front foot, but they swung and missed with similar issues continuing to plague them.

A moment at the 20-minute-mark of the final stanza synopsised the day: Harley Primrose took a mark 20 metres out directly in front, be-

fore inexplicably playing on and miskicking a behind.

Bad decisions, poor skill, ugly football.

While the result was directly attributable to the Doves’ failures across the board, it was hard for the neutral observer not to chuckle at Murrumbeena’s fortune.

Shanks hitting targets, floaters going through the goals, lucky bounces and even the coin toss giving them the important early running.

There will be no laughing from the Doves camp, though, ahead of a clash with East Malvern on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Hampton Park’s year came to a close in an ugly eight-goal scrap against East Malvern on Saturday, drawing the curtain on

decorated coach Hayden Stanton’s career. The Redbacks were gallant but ultimately fell short 5.8 38 to 3.13 31.

In a season moreso defined by repeated player absences than consistent footy, it was a testament to the leadership and resilience of the club to reach semi final weekend.

The Spiders fielded their strongest team all year against East Malvern, with the return of Trent Thomas particularly influential in giving them firepower.

Tanner Stanton turned in another best-onground performance in his last match playing under Dad, Hayden, but had greater support than in previous weeks.

It was a tough day for Harley Primrose and his Doves. (Rob Carew: 428637)

Cameron Williamson cracks in at ground level.

Doveton walks off after a disappointing day.

Luke Bull will take over as Hampton Park senior coach in 2025. (Rob Carew: 292964)

Red Roo Sports Announces Red Roo Announces A Record Number of Australian A Record Student Athlete Scholarships

Student Athlete

proudly announces a recordbreaking achievement with 20 scholarships awarded to Australian student athletes, marking their best result to date. This milestone reaffirms Red Roo Sports’ pivotal role in supporting and nurturing the next generation of student athletes as they pursue their educational and athletic dreams.

EXPAND YOUR PATHWAY - THE AAU WAY

Established in 2018 “Expanding A Pathway” through sport is our mission at AAU. AAU has established a series of multi aged tournaments that have allowed it’s participants to elevate their exposure in the sport of basketball. AAU players have the ability to compete against some of the best players in the country. This may provide a greater chance of exposure to a coach that in turn may offer a scholarship.

Expand your pathway by playing AAU.

Red Roo Sports is committed to the development of a student, person, player. Without a strong academic foundation it will be very difficult to advance in life both on and off the court. Participating in sport is a privilege, and the payment both on and off the court is discipline, respect, character and work ethic.

The ball will eventually stop bouncing, and when it does we would like every young person who has participated in our program to be prepared to embrace life’s challenges.

Pathways School Orlando, Florida

Baltimore Community College Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore Community College Baltimore, Maryland

Kennedy King College Chicago, Illinois Bull City Prep Academy Charlotte, North Carolina

The Potter’s House Christian Academy Jacksonville, Florida