EHD Star Journal - 10th September 2024

Rhinos top of the class

Show of hands

St Anthony’s Primary student Joli, with hand puppets, enjoyed a feast of music and visual arts at the school on 3 September.

The Wonders of Creation and Light exhibition showcased a wide array of student works and techniques such as Japanese chochin (paper lanterns) and chigiri-e (torn paper), and indigenous art from recycled and Naturesourced materials.

Students also performed as buskers, as well as displayed three-dimensional digital block art from STEM class.

More pictures, turn to page 8

Bats tangled in illegal nets

Mounting action

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Authorities are taking action after alleging that a giant mound of soil near a Bangholme retirement village was illegally contaminated with toxic asbestos and heavy metals.

After taking soil samples, Environment Protection Authority Victoria late last month issued a Notice to Investigate against the operator on leased land at 576 Frankston-Dandenong Road. The operator allegedly did not have an EPA licence to accept contaminated soil, which was now required to be removed to a licensed landfill, the EPA stated.

As a result, Greater Dandenong Council is also

taking action against the operator for allegedly breaching its earthworks planning permit.

A waste-water and soil transfer station has been proposed for the Green Wedge site. The permit application is currently being advertised on the council’s website.

The pile looms across flat, open paddocks about a kilometre south from Willow Lodge retirement village residents, worried about being showered with dust.

EPA Victoria stated there was no risk to human health.

“Testing of the samples showed the presence of some asbestos fragments and metal contami-

nation consistent with a classification of Category D, the lowest level of soil contamination.

“However, the premises is not EPA-licensed to accept Category D soil, so any Category D soil brought in must be taken to an EPA-licensed landfill and cannot be used as clean fill.”

Under the Notice of Investigation, the operator is required to have the southern soil stockpile sampled, tested and classified by an “independent, suitably qualified professional”.

“The EPA investigation of the premises and any actions deemed necessary to bring it into compliance with the law, is ongoing,” the EPA stated.

Greater Dandenong Council city futures acting executive director David Fice said the earthworks planning permit had been approved by VCAT, despite opposition from the council.

“We are taking action against the landowner for breaches of the earthworks planning permit and will continue to monitor the site along with the EPA throughout the remediation process.”

In July, the Star Journal reported on a certified environmental assessor’s report that raised the alarm on several pieces of asbestos found in four different areas of the mound as well as high levels of the heavy-metal, lead.

More on the story, turn to page 5

(Stewart Chambers: 425499)

$1m offer over homicide probe

A $1 million reward has been offered over a fatal shooting linked to a torched 4WD in Endeavour Hills.

Homicide Squad detectives were announcing the reward for information over the shooting of Mohammed Keshtiar in South Yarra just over a year ago.

Keshtiar was shot a number of times in the upper body in a drive-by shooting while walking with a male associate along Almeida Crescent on Friday 4 August 2023, police say.

About 11.37pm, the pair was approached by a stolen grey Toyota Prado.

The vehicle slowed as it passed by the two men, before a passenger fired several shots in their direction.

Keshtiar was struck several times and collapsed to the ground.

His associate was not physically injured during the incident and managed to flee to safety.

The grey Prado then pulled up alongside Keshtiar, and a passenger wearing dark-coloured clothing exited the vehicle and fired further shots into the victim.

The 4WD was then captured on CCTV travelling north on Chapel Street and east on Alexandra Avenue.

Witnesses attempted to administer first aid before emergency services arrived. Keshtiar was conveyed to hospital where he later died.

On Saturday 5 August at 4.38am, the stolen Prado was located on fire in Churchill Park Drive in Endeavour Hills.

Investigators believe this was a planned, targeted execution with at least two individuals involved directly in the shooting, with support from

a number more.

Detectives are particularly keen to speak to anyone with any knowledge on those responsible for the shooting and who were inside the stolen grey Prado.

“We know our victim had connections to a number of organised crime groups. This has added complexity to the investigation and our lines of enquiry, including determining a motive,” Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from the Homicide Squad said.

“We also know that there are multiple individuals in the wider community who will have inside knowledge of the planning and the identity of those who took part in the shooting. We are particularly keen to hear from those people.

“What is clear to us is that this was a deliberate, targeted organised crime hit. It was more than a simple street exchange – Mohammed’s murder involved a confronting level of public violence.”

A reward of up to $1 million will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Mohammed Keshtiar.

The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

New life for free medical clinic

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Dandenong South clinic that’s diverting up to 500 patients a week from Dandenong Hospital emergency department is now being federally funded.

The Dandenong Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the industrial-set Logis Boulevard has been formerly performing the same vital role as a state-funded Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) since 2023.

“Dandenong Hospital has a busy emergency department,” federal Attorney-General and Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus said.

“With one in four presentations being for less pressing conditions and injuries, there is room to reduce the load on busy staff.

“A local Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will help divert patients from the hospital and ensure they’re treated quickly and professionally by highly trained doctors and nurses.”

Dandenong Hospital, which was being crushed during Covid’s peak period, has been a major beneficiary of the clinic.

ED wait times have since improved significantly, with the relief from ninetieth-percentile wait

times dropping from a diabolical 122 minutes in January-March 2022 to 20 minutes in April-June 2024.

The Greens Medical Group-run clinic treats sports injuries, including broken bones, as well as minor ear, nose and throat infections, cuts, burns, sprains, burns, abdominal pain and gastro as well as eye injuries.

It also provides a cardiogram service, as well as X-ray and ultrasound imaging.

Since opening, its weekly patient list has quadrupled from about 120 a week to between 400500.

There’s further scope to expand, with many residents still unaware of the free service, the clinic’s business manager Riekie Jooste said.

“What makes us so busy is we also run a GP service, so many of the non-life-threatening cases can be seen by our GPs.”

More than 40 per cent of Medicare UCC presentations are outside standard business hours such as nights and on weekends. One in four patients are under 15 years.

The clinic was “crazy busy” particularly on weekends while treating sports injuries, such as

Longer hours at Mental Health Local

suturing wounds and plastering fractures, Jooste said.

The Dandenong clinic is one of seven PPCCs transitioning into a Medicare UCC, after a request from the Victorian Government.

The federal budget provided $227 million to expand the Medicare UCC program.

Federal Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler said the clinic offered “high quality, timely and free care”.

“The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is just one way the Albanese Government is strengthening Medicare in Dandenong; all patients need is their Medicare card for a completely free service.”

The clinic also provides free health care for refugees without Medicare cards.

Jooste said that funding was guaranteed for the next two years.

“Personally I don’t think it’s a program that will be stopped by either side of politics due to its success.”

The Dandenong Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is open 8am-10pm every day at 1/134 Logis Boulevard, Dandenong South.

Dandenong Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is expanding its opening hours.

The free service in Langhorne Street provides care for adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, with no need for a Medicare card, GP referral or appointment.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said she was pleased that people could “get the help they need outside the hours of 9am and 5pm – with more access to mental health care at a time that suits them”.

The Local acts as a ‘front door’ to the mental health and wellbeing system, staffed by qualified mental health professionals and peer support workers to assist diverse communities.

Care is delivered face-to-face and via phone calls, telehealth appointments, community engagement and outreach.

The service is operated by Mind Australia with partners Monash Health, The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. and Thorne Harbour Health Ltd.

Victoria’s network of 15 Locals were established after a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into the state’s mental health system.

“The Royal Commission made it clear that we need to make the mental health system easier to access – that’s exactly what the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Greater Dandenong is doing by expanding its services,” Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said.

“Our 15 Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are giving Victorians free, easy access to mental health care – closer to home – without the need to jump through hoops like a GP referral or needing a Medicare card.”

The Dandenong Local is open 9am-8.30pm on weekdays and 10am5pm on weekends at 29b Langhorne Street.

Face to face appointments are available on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and walk-ins available Wednesday and Thursday.

Staff members Dragana Bauvanov, Dr Hamid Fairoos and Riekie Jooste at the Dandenong South clinic last year. (Gary Sissons: 333213)

A $1 million reward is being offered by Victoria Police for information on who was inside a grey Toyota Prado linked to the fatal shooting of Mohammed Keshtiar in August 2023. (Victoria Police)

Study hails Black Rhinos

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

It’s often said that it takes a village to raise a child.

A sports-based pilot program in the South East has been hailed for successfully taking this approach in engaging at-risk children at primary schools.

The Black Rhinos junior basketball program supported young African-Australians at two primary schools and in the community.

It was co-designed by Afri-Aus Care and RMIT University as a primary crime prevention tool.

And a recently-released report by RMIT found that it did just that - as well as improving children’s academic performance and their connections with teachers, students and their families.

“We worked with the community to co-design what a sports-based youth development program for African-Australians and their families would look like,” Associate Professor Ronnie Egan from RMIT Social Equity Research Centre said.

“As a result, we saw enhanced engagement with learning, leading to increased school attendance and better grades.

“By strengthening relationships and engagement with learning, we created a sense of belonging for a group of people who had long been denied that feeling.”

As a result, the program has secured three years of funding from the state education department and Brian M Davis Trust.

Black Rhinos was underpinned by an indigenous African philosophy called UBUNTU, which prioritises reciprocity, mutuality, participation and inclusion for collective wellbeing.

A success story was hiring African-Australian young people as role-models and mentors for selected students at Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School and Narre Warren South P-12.

scent.

The mentors became respected members of school staff. They forged stronger connection and understanding between teachers and students.

“You can tell the students really look up to them,” a teacher told researchers.

“And when they’re here they seek them out, they’re excited to see them, they’re excited to tell them about their week or what’s happened since they were last here.”

Each Sunday, the students’ families further bonded during basketball, homework club and cook-up dinners from the ‘Mammas’ - biological mothers, aunties or female carers of African de-

They started basketball training and games during lunchtime, homework clubs, life-skills development activities and in-class support. They built trust, confidence and leadership in their students.

“It’s really important, everyone gets happy when they see food,” one of the Mammas said.

“Even our kids, as soon as they finish the homework, they’ll be running like is food ready? Like excitement, really excitement.

“They eat together. That is different than eating at home alone.”

Afri-Aus Care CEO and founder Selba-Gondoza Luka said many of the Mammas reported better relations with their children as a result.

She says a key to the Junior Black Rhino’s success was the involvement of the African-Australian community from the design phase.

“If you work with the community to develop

Defend the defence industry: SEMMA

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A manufacturers’ group has called for wider policing powers to remove pro-Palestine activists blockading defence-industry factories in Dandenong South.

South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) chief executive Honi Walker said police were “hamstrung” by the State Government’s repeal of ‘move-on’ laws.

“These (repealing of) laws have hamstrung police during protests at member sites, impacting their employees accessing their sites and their right to conduct law-abiding business.”

This year, Dandenong South manufacturer AW Bell has been targeted by pro-Palestine protestors for producing parts for the Lockheed Martin F-35 joint fighter program.

The fighter jets were supplied by the US to Israel and reportedly deployed in the Gaza Strip conflict.

In July, Victoria Police deployed OC spray

during a clash with up to 100 Weapons Out of NAARM protestors during a picket action at AW Bell.

Two protestors were arrested and charged for allegedly hindering police.

Walker said protests by “militant protest

groups under the guise of anti-war propaganda” had deeply impacted “well established and well-respected employers”.

The actions included blockading access to workplaces, trespass, staff intimidation and harassment, theft and property damage, she said.

It had required an “enormous amount of public and private resources” for additional security personnel and security systems, police and fire brigade responses, road closures and extra reporting requirements for defence.

Amanda, an activist from Dandenong, defended the right to protest which “over-rided” move-on laws.

“We’re driven by something more tangible than profits, which is justice, fairness and stopping a genocide.

“People have free will, which they will exercise. It’s about stopping the war manufacturing.”

She said protestors were undeterred by the arrests and OC spray at the July action. They had played a role in Australia’s supplying of “lethal

the program, it will have a better impact,” she said.

“When you do these programs well, it creates excitement for young people and their parents. It reduces intergenerational conflict and trauma

Afri-Aus Care coordinator Anish Varghese said the aim was to intervene early, to prevent primary school students dropping out of school later in their lives.

Disengagement from school is often a gateway to getting in trouble with the justice system, he said.

“Not everyone excels in certain subjects. It’s about meeting them where they are, finding and working with their strengths.”

parts” to the Gaza conflict.

“It’s now almost common knowledge how deeply entrenched the war industry is in the Australian economy.

“How about focusing on renewable industries or solving any number of crises that we’re facing as a society now?”

SEMMA welcomed special police powers granted under federal counter-terrorism laws ahead of mass protests expected at a defence trade expo LandForces 2024 in Melbourne’s CBD this week.

Walker said the reinstatement of state ‘move on’ laws along with the federal counter-terrorism powers “empowers police to maintain public safety by removing masked protesters who may pose security risks, ensuring law-abiding citizens can conduct their business peacefully and securely”.

The State Government was contacted for comment.

A line of Victoria Police officers blocks protesters from the entrance of AW Bell in July. (Sermet Kilic)

A student Bang gets to work with Junior Rhino maths tutor Jacob. (Sam Garang)

Afri-Aus Care founder Selba Gondoza-Luka said a key was the community’s involvement in the program’s co-design. (Rob Carew: 320078)

Teenagers arrested amid probe

Two teenagers have been arrested as part of a homicide investigation into shots fired in Hampton Park in April.

Among the incidents was the fatal shooting of 30-year-old carpenter Aaron Toth in his parked car – in what police believe to be a case of mistaken identity.

A 17-year-old Doveton boy and a 15-year-old Narre Warren boy were arrested and interviewed by police on 3 September, in relation to arson incidents connected to the shootings.

At this time police do not believe the pair were directly involved in the fatal shooting.

The Doveton boy was charged with two counts of arson relating to the allegedly deliberate burning of a stolen Ford Ranger utility on 27 April in Berwick, as well as the burning of a Mazda 3 believed to be connected to the matters.

Police say the Ford Ranger was used by the offenders during the fatal shooting.

That vehicle was set alight a short time later, and police allege that several people left the scene in the Mazda 3.

The Doveton boy has also been charged by Southern Metropolitan Crime Team detectives with unrelated offences including home invasion (x2), aggravated burglary (x4), attempted aggravated burglary (x4), burglary (x2), trespass (x5) and car theft (x14).

He was set to appear at a children’s court on 3

September.

The Narre Warren boy was released pending further enquiries.

Homicide Squad detectives were recently joined by Toth’s family in appealing for information about the series of incidents in Hampton Park earlier this year.

The devastated parents of Mr Toth have lashed out against his killers, describing them as “cowards”.

The 30-year-old, who had been parked outside his friend’s home was looking forward to becoming a father with his partner, who is expecting a girl in three weeks, his parents said.

Toth’s mother, Kim Toth, said on Monday that “there’s got to be somebody out there who knows something, he didn’t deserve to die like this, nobody does”.

“It’s just not fair, we need some answers.”

Mrs Toth said that those responsible for killing her son should be “locked away forever”.

“They knew exactly what they were doing; they went there with intentions to kill somebody, why would they be there in a car with a gun?” she said.

In the first incident under investigation, a stolen black Audi Q7 SUV, a black Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback and a white Toyota Camry sedan are captured on CCTV driving at a fast rate of speed along the Parkway in Hampton Park at 9.21pm on Friday, 26 April.

The black Volkswagen drives onto the grass-

land, at which point the sound of two gunshots can be heard before all three vehicles speed away from the area.

At 10.50pm, a stolen white Mitsubishi Outlander SUV is captured on CCTV chasing a stolen black Audi Q7 through Andrew Street, David Street and Jeffrey Street in Hampton Park.

As the vehicles travel at high speeds on Jeffrey Street, a person can be seen on CCTV leaning out of the passenger side window of the white Mitsubishi Outlander and firing a shot as it drives behind the black Audi Q7.

The sound of 14 gunshots can subsequently be heard.

At 11.36pm, the black Audi Q7 is driven into the driveway of a residential premises on Grammar Way in Hampton Park.

Two men, both wearing light coloured pants and hooded tops, exit the vehicle carrying jerry cans.

Both men empty the jerry cans onto the Audi, before setting it alight and fleeing the scene in a dark coloured sedan waiting nearby.

That vehicle has not yet been identified.

At 12.24am on Saturday, 27 April, the 30-yearold Toth was fatally shot inside his vehicle parked outside a residential address on Bride Avenue in Hampton Park.

Investigators have established he had travelled alone from Melbourne CBD and only arrived at the

Finks bikies charged over mass-riding

Two Greater Dandenong men were among seven Finks outlaw-motorcycle-gang patched members arrested over an illegal CBD mass-riding incident on 4 September.

Echo Taskforce detectives executed 11 early-morning raids of homes in Clyde North, Springvale, Keysborough, Safety Beach, Dallas Wy Yung, Mt Martha, Harkness and Rosebud as well as clubhouses in Cranbourne West and Brunswick East on 4 September.

It is part of an investigation into a large group of motocyclists in Finks regalia illegally riding along the footpath of Southbank Promenade about 8pm on 9 August, police say.

Among the arrests were a 34-year-old Springvale man, who police allege is an office bearer, as well as a 33-year-old Keysborough man.

An alleged World member from Dallas, a national president from Mt Martha and an office bearer from Safety Beach were also arrested, as well as men from Wy Yung and Rosebud. They were all charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury and driving/riding on path.

“This is completely unacceptable behaviour by an outlaw motorcycle gang – thinking they are above the law and putting innocent members of our community at risk during probably the busiest time of week to be along Southbank,” Echo Taskforce’s Detective Acting Inspector Ash Ryan said.

“Many families, including children, elderly citizens and patrons of nearby restaurants and bars were rightfully enjoying their Friday evening in Melbourne, only to be confronted by a contingent of motorbikes jeopardising their safety.

address a minute earlier.

Toth had no involvement in the earlier incidents in the Hampton Park area and his death is being treated as a case of mistaken identity, police say.

CCTV has captured a stolen grey Ford Ranger utility turning left from Pound Road into Bride Avenue, before travelling south on Bride Avenue. Occupants from the vehicle discharge shots into his vehicle as they drive past, fatally wounding Aaron.

A 21-year-old Cranbourne North man was charged with murder on Saturday, 29 June and is currently remanded in custody

At 2.27am, the white Mitsubishi Outlander and the grey Ford Ranger utility drove in convoy to Sweeney Reserve, Berwick.

At 2.32 am, the grey Ford Ranger utility is set alight. At 2.34 am, the white Mitsubishi Outlander flees the scene.

Investigators are of the belief that all of these incidents are linked and that there are still people involved who have not yet been identified.

The only vehicle not yet recovered is the black Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback, the whereabouts of which are unknown.

The investigation into the series remains ongoing.

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

Woman charged after injured baby found outside home

By Emily Woods, AAP

A woman has been charged after a newborn baby was found seriously injured outside a Dandenong North home.

The boy was discovered outside the address about 2.40am on August 30.

The newborn was initially taken to hospital in a critical condition.

All were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 November.

Police seized seven Harley Davidson motorcycles, a small amount of cannabis and Finks OMCG vests.

During the 9 August incident, riders rode in formation for approximately 350 metres along the promenade, between pedestrians, street vendors and buskers, police say. There were a lot of pedestrians including families and children, who were required to move out of the way of the group.

“It is seriously reckless conduct and a significant concern for Victoria Police and the Echo Taskforce.

“We have made it a priority to follow up every avenue of enquiry available to us and hold those responsible to account.

“We are not intimidated by outlaw motorcycle gangs, and we will not allow our community to be either.”

The investigation is ongoing.

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

Police on Thursday said the baby remained in hospital with “serious but non-life-threatening injuries”.

A 25-year-old woman was taken from the scene, on Gladstone Road, to hospital under police guard. She remains in hospital and has since been charged with conduct endangering life and recklessly cause injury. She has been released on bail and will appear before Dandenong Magistrates Court on 5 December.

The stolen Ford Ranger was also set alight by its occupants after it was abandoned at Sweeney Reserve, Berwick. (Supplied)

The recovered stolen Mitsubishi Outlander. (Supplied)

A 34-year-old Springvale man, alleged to be a Finks office bearer, was arrested during police raids across Melbourne early on 4 September. (Victoria Police)

The stolen Audi Q7 SUV, was set alight by its occupants after being driven onto a residential premises in Grammar Way, Hampton Park. (Supplied)

NEWS Mayor calls for permanent visas

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong mayor Lana Formoso has called for more permanent visas for asylum seekers after the tragic death of a 23-year-old Dandenong man.

Mano Yogalingham, who was said to have waited more than a decade on a bridging visa, died in hospital on Wednesday 28 August after self-harming in a car near Noble Park Skate Park.

It has resulted in a public outcry, including an “urgent appeal” letter to the Federal Government from Dandenong-based advocacy group Justice & Freedom for Ceylon Tamils.

A “terribly saddened” Cr Formoso said she offered condolences to his friends, family and the Tamil community as well as to the first responders.

“For refugees and people seeking asylum living with prolonged uncertainty about their visa status in Australia, there is no doubt this takes a heavy toll.

“While people engage in the lengthy process, those without work rights or access to basic support face poverty and homelessness amidst a cost-of-living crisis.”

She called on the Federal Government to provide people with a valid visa with work rights, as well as to expand their access to health care, income support and essential services.

Asylum seekers who had their previous visa applications refused under the ‘Fast Track’ system should be granted permanent protection, she said.

Cr Formoso said charities and the council were unable to meet the resultant demand for emergency assistance, with the Australian Red Cross providing food and clothing to more than 300 asylum seeker households in April.

“Greater Dandenong City Council is home to the second highest number of asylum seekers on bridging visas waiting on outcomes about their future in Australia.

“More than 700 of our local residents are living with this ongoing anxiety and uncertainty,

unable to properly settle and plan for their future.”

Meanwhile, Justice & Freedom for Ceylon Tamils president Wicki Wickiramasingham wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Immigration Minister Tony Burke.

He requested a priority review of refugee cases, particularly those suffering in “prolonged limbo” of more than 12 years without a path to permanent settlement.

“Tragically, within the last two months, three refugees have died, underscoring the extreme

toll that this protracted situation is taking on their lives.

“These deaths, coupled with the breakdown of families, highlight the urgent need for a compassionate and timely resolution.”

Their “profound hardships” included barriers to education for their children, significant mental health issues and being unable to reunite with close relatives overseas or attend funerals and weddings, Wickiramasingham wrote.

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.

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.

“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.”

According to department stats, 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

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

Illegal nets impact wildlife

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Illegal fruit-tree nets are taking a rising, deadly toll on grey-headed flying foxes, such as the colony in Doveton’s wetlands.

After a disturbing spate of flying-fox entanglements, The Conservation Regulator, Zoos Victoria, RSPCA Victoria, Wildlife Victoria and Animal Welfare Victoria have made a joint call for households to use wildlife-safe, compliant netting.

More than 110 flying-foxes have being reportedly tangled in illegal nets in the first six months of 2024.

This already exceeds the total entanglements during 2023.

In many cases, the ‘fruit bats’ are painfully wounded or killed.

A further 400-plus flying-fox pups were rescued and rehabilitated – with many suspected to have been separated from their mothers who were entangled in nets.

Numbers in the Myuna Wetlands colony in Doveton are in the normal 5000-10,000 range for winter, which is expected to triple in summer.

However Tamsyn Hogarth from Fly By Night bat clinic in Olinda is reeling from a worst-ever tally of casualties.

“We’ve seen over 100 bats needing rescue and care across Victoria in the past month. Plus an additional 30 rescues at the start of this month alone,” she posted in the first week of August.

Many are emaciated and starved from a lack of available native fruits and nectars.

Dwindling supply is also causing more flying foxes to be entangled in household fruit trees’ netting. This year’s extended fruit season up to May and June has also contributed.

She estimates that about 70 per cent of rescues don’t survive the horrific net wounds.

Often the victims can be suffering for several days before discovered and reported to rescuers.

A common, debilitating outcome is the dieback of wings, due to the mesh winding so tightly it constricts blood-flow.

Sometimes after the bat’s rescue, it takes several more days for the gory, gaping holes to emerge in their wings.

Bats freed by the public are sometimes too damaged to fly and are later found starving to death, Hogarth says.

“We can rehabilitate them for a few weeks but the damage is sometimes too much.”

Wings, fingers, thumbs and muscles can be deeply cut or as the bat frantically tries to free itself.

In some cases, lactating mothers with babies have chewed away at their own limbs in a desperate bid to free themselves.

Hogarth says there’s still a prolific amount of illegal nets being sold, particularly at “$2-shops”.

The injuries can often depend on the type of netting material. “If it’s black or green, we know it’s bad. The white nets are at least usually a softer net.”

A vulnerable species, the flying-foxes are often unfairly maligned, she says.

The bats play a vital role in pollinating native plants and ensuring some threatened flora’s survival.

Zoos Victoria acting chief executive Dr Sally Sherwen says the species fly thousands of kilometres in a year to search for food and pollinate a wide variety of plants, supporting important habitat for other animals like koalas and possums.

“By protecting the health and wellbeing of one species, we can help to ensure a future for an entire eco-system.”

Since late 2021, large mesh-size netting bigger than 5 millimetres by 5 millimetres has been ille-

gal to use and sell in Victoria due to its tendency to injure wildlife.

On-the-spot fines of $395 to users and $790 to sellers apply, with penalties up to $2964 if prosecuted in court.

“We’re urging all household fruit growers to ensure they understand the law and have compliant fruit netting that protects both native wildlife and your household fruit trees,” Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said.

“A small change to your netting can make a big difference to the welfare of animals like grey-headed flying-foxes.”

The rule-of-thumb is if your finger can pass through the mess, then it’s too big.

Experts also encourage:

• white-coloured netting with a cross-weave design, which is more visible to animals at night

• tightly securing netting to a frame or tree trunk to prevent trapping terrestrial species.

• protecting selected branches with fruit bags or sleeves, rather than netting the whole tree.

Meanwhile, Casey Council have been implementing a management plan to preserve the Doveton colony.

This includes the formation of a Grey-headed Flying Fox (GHFF) stakeholder group, planned tree planting for future roosting habitat and to manage heat stress, ongoing weed management and monitoring by local wildlife carers and en-

gagement with Bunurong Land Council on conservation works.

“The priority is ensuring the colony’s health through continued community engagement and education, including education on netting regulations and entanglements,” Casey sustainability and waste manager Michael Jansen says.

“Council is reviewing options to mitigate bat disturbance during high heat events and when pups are being reared through our bushland capital works program, which will be implemented in autumn/winter 2025.”

If a flying-fox is trapped in netting, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Call a wildlife rescuer on 136 186 or find one on wildlife.vic.gov.au/hfiw

A grey-headed flying fox at the Doveton colony. (Gary Sissons: 429801)

The ravages of die-back on a flying-fox wing. (Supplied)

A non-compliant net has mesh large enough for fingers to pass through. (Supplied)

Fruit socks are also recommended as a wildlife-friendly option. (Supplied)

A rescued flying-fox found tangled in illegal netting. (Supplied)

The ravages of die-back on a flying-fox wing. (Supplied)

A roosting area at the Doveton flying-fox colony. (Gary Sissons: 429801)

An example of a compliant, cross-stitch, narrowmesh net for fruit trees.

Toxic mound action

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Authorities are taking action after alleging that a giant mound of soil near a Bangholme retirement village was illegally contaminated with toxic asbestos and heavy metals.

After taking soil samples, Environment Protection Authority Victoria late last month issued a Notice to Investigate against the operator on leased land at 576 Frankston-Dandenong Road.

The operator allegedly did not have an EPA licence to accept contaminated soil, which was now required to be removed to a licensed landfill, the EPA stated.

As a result, Greater Dandenong Council is also taking action against the operator for allegedly breaching its earthworks planning permit.

A waste-water and soil transfer station is being proposed for the Green Wedge site. The permit application by GND Civil is currently advertised on the council’s website.

The pile looms across flat, open paddocks about a kilometre south from Willow Lodge retirement village residents, worried about being showered with dust.

EPA Victoria stated there was no risk to human health.

“Testing of the samples showed the presence of some asbestos fragments and metal contamination consistent with a classification of Category D, the lowest level of soil contamination.

“Based on the soil analysis and the location of the nearest dwellings, EPA’s public health experts do not consider there is a risk to people’s health.

“However, the premises is not EPA-licensed to accept Category D soil, so any Category D soil brought in must be taken to an EPA-licensed landfill and cannot be used as clean fill.”

Under the Notice of Investigation, the operator was required to have the southern soil stockpile sampled, tested and classified by an “independent, suitably qualified professional”.

The assessor would provide recommendations based on the results.

“The EPA investigation of the premises and any actions deemed necessary to bring it into

compliance with the law, is ongoing,” the EPA stated.

Greater Dandenong Council city futures acting executive director David Fice said the earthworks planning permit was approved by VCAT, despite the council arguing for the permit’s refusal.

“The EPA has instructed the site owners to remove soil containing contaminates.

“We are taking action against the landowner for breaches of the earthworks planning permit and will continue to monitor the site along with the EPA throughout the remediation process.”

In July, the Star Journal reported on a certified environmental assessor’s report that raised the alarm on several pieces of asbestos found in four different areas of the mound as well as high levels of the heavy-metal, lead.

It recommended that the “category B industrial waste” should be transported to a lawful disposal place.

It also recommended testing to check for lead leaching into the area’s groundwater as well as a thorough audit and removal of asbestos contamination.

Eastern Seaboard Industries (ESI) is said to be leasing the site and managing the soil mound.

An employee Roger said in July there were intentions to fill in and level off the property with the soil. He was also intending to sell the “clean soil on top” as top soil.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution

‘Forgotten’ fringe wards deserve priority

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Greater Dandenong Council candidate is making a pitch for the ‘forgotten’ residents on the municipality’s fringe.

Cr Sean O’Reilly, who represents the Springvale North Ward in the council area’s north-west corner, says the outer areas often miss out on new infrastructure and community engagement.

He describes it as the “donut effect” – where the “core” parts of the city are prioritized and the periphery is overlooked.

Some councillors or officials argue against new playground funding in the outer areas because it benefits residents in neighbouring municipalities.

“This mindset is a disservice to our community and undermines the principle of equitable governance,” O’Reilly said.

“Every resident, whether they live near a central activity area or elsewhere, deserves to feel supported and connected to their council.”

He said neighbouring councils could also partner in providing facilities on the municipality’s edge, such as Robert Booth Reserve, Dandenong which borders City of Casey.

O’Reilly called for greater community engagement and fairer resource allocation for residents on the edges.

“Inclusivity and fairness should be at the heart of everything we do as a council.”

Meanwhile, Labor colleague Richard Lim –who is deputy mayor – is also contesting O’Reil-

Monitors announced

The City of Casey will be one of the few Victorian councils to be appointed municipal monitors in order to guide newly elected councillors in their first year of elected representation.

Soon to happen with the local government elections in October, monitors will also be appointed to Whittlsea City and Strathbogie Shire Councils to support the transition back to elected councillors and ensure good governance practices.

The minister for local government, Melissa Horne, said that as “Casey City, Whittlesea City and Strathbogie Shire Councils returntoelectedrepresentation,thesemonitors will guide incoming councillors in governance practices to help them best serve their ratepayers.”

Both Casey’s and Whittlesea’s councillors were dismissed in 202o until the 2024 elections, while Strathbogie councillors were dismissed in late 2023 for the remainder of the term. The Allan Labor Government reformed the Local Government Act 2020 to improve culture, governance, and integrity standards in Victoria’s councils. Councils will have a uniform councillor code of conduct to create consistent standards of behaviour and increase accountability, furthermore, a program of mandatory training will be introduced for councillors and mayors, including annual professional development.

These reforms introduce stronger sanctions for councillor misconduct and improved access to resolve conduct matters earlier; they have been developed in response to reports and recommendations from IBAC, the Chief Municipal Inspector and other interventions.

These highlighted the need for stronger processes and powers to resolve conduct issues and better training so councillors can perform their roles effectively.

“I thank the administrators for their work in supporting the local community through this challenging time - Victorians rightly expect newly elected councillors to maintain the high standard of good governance that have been put in place,” Ms Horne said.

The minister for local government will also have strengthened powers to deal with councillors who are found to have created a serious risk to health and safety or are preventing their council from performing its functions.

The monitors and their terms of reference will be announced in due course.

ly’s ward.

He argues that if elected, he’d seek a study on how to revitalise the “neglected” Springvale Road shopping areas north of Springvale railway station.

“With Springvale North, part of the problem is a lack of parking. Also, it is not connecting well with Springvale CBD.

“We’ve got to promote to people to come to the corner up at Springvale Junction. We have to find some way to build more car parks and to attract private investors to invest there.”

Sean O’Reilly argues that residents on Greater Dandenong’s fringes miss out on infrastructure upgrades such as playgrounds.

The City of Casey will be one of two other councils in Victoria to be appointed municipal monitors in light of the upcoming October elections. (Supplied)

The soil mound viewed from Fernside Drive, Bangholme. (429817)

Works were continuing at the soil mound site last week, after the EPA issued a Notice to Investigate. (Gary Sissons: 429817)

Feast for the senses

The Wonders of Creation and Light exhibition showcased a wide array of student works and techniques such as Japanese chochin (paper lanterns) and chigiri-e (torn paper), and indigenous art from recycled and Nature-sourced materials.

Students also performed as buskers, as well as displayed three-dimensional digital block art from STEM class.

“Having both visual and performing arts together created an engaging and inspiring atmosphere for families to share,” visual arts teacher Celina said.

Year 4 student Esme thrived on the “really fun and enjoyable” event.

“I loved the busking and having my family here seeing my artwork,”

Students spinning yarns for charity

Racing against the clock, students at Lyndale Secondary College have created complete story books in just 12 hours.

Seven teams took part in the Write A Book In A Day national challenge, which also raises funds for The Kids’ Cancer Project.

The young writers from Years 7 to 9 brainstorm, write, illustrate and edit their stories –within set parameters like specific characters, settings, objects, themes and words.

Keyda Suson from Year 9C reflected on the experience.

“Not only do you improve your writing skills, but you also get to know your classmates better and strengthen friendships.”

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Dandenong South insulated-panel manufacturer has been fined $40,000 after a labour-hire worker severed his finger at the factory.

Askin Pty Ltd pleaded guilty at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to workplace-safety charges such as failing to provide a safe system of work.

The employee had been injured while trying to unblock a vent on an assembly plant’s extactor system on 17 May 2022.

According to WorkSafe, the worker left the control switch in the ‘on’ position, and used a plastic pipe to push an exposed clump of wool back into the vent.

The pipe contacted a rotary valve, which dragged the man’s hand into the valve’s blades.

His middle finger was amputated to the first knuckle, with degloving up to the middle knuckle, the prosecutor submitted to Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.

Despite surgery, the tip of his finger couldn’t be reattached. He was said to still suffer phantom-pains in the finger.

WorkSafe argued that the machine should have had guarding, which had been inexplicably removed.

It also submitted that the worker from labour-hire firm Dekro Recruitment was not formally trained in unblocking the extractor system.

In the hearing on 4 September, a defence lawyer argued that Askin transported the injured man to hospital due to ambulance delays.

The man had since been re-employed full-time at Askin, under a return-to-work plan.

In sentencing on 4 September, magistrate Hugh Radford noted that Askin, which has been operating since the 1960s, had no prior convictions.

It had also pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

It had since hired a third-party to assess its workplace safety, and installed guarding and power cut-off switches to stop workers unblocking the machine while it’s running.

“It’s clear that they are indeed an employer that takes its obligations toward workplace safety extremely seriously.

“This is not an instance of a cowboy employer who is an outlier.”

In May, Dekro Recruitment had been fined $25,000 without conviction for failing to provide proper instructions or training for the victim.

It was argued that Askin had greater responsibility, given it controlled the workplace, including worker training, the system of work and machine maintenance.

On top of the fine, Askin was also ordered to pay costs of $4350 but was spared conviction.

Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. (Gary Sissons: 244718)

Lyndale Secondary year 9 student Keyda during the Write A Book In a Day challenge. (Gary Sissons: 428443)

Lyndale Secondary authors, back from left, Melek Raif, Rituwana Rituwana, Afrin Zaman, Rameez Faiz, and front from left, Muqadam Azeemi, Aruzo Hussaini, Umaira Binti Abdul Malek, Mariam Hussain Ali, Angelina Sreang.

Year 7, 8 and 9 artists with their illustrations for the 12-hour story books.

Year 9 student Eann deep in the creative process. (428443)

A feast of music and visual arts has unveiled during a whole-school exhibition at St Anthony’s Primary on 3 September.

St Anthony’s Primary students Viren and Jarrod with Japanese teacher Umezu Sensei. (Stewart Chambers: 425499)

Evelyn with her grandmother Louisa and classmate Levi. (425499)

Gita with her kids Aanika and Aayansh. (425499)

Art teacher Miss Korcak in a sea of paintings. (425499)

Vigilante basher jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A truckie who severely bashed a male that he accused of sexually assaulting his partner has been jailed.

The accused was found guilty by a Victorian County Court jury of intentionally causing serious injuryandhandlingstolengoods.

His then-partner had lured the victim to a Dandenong hotel on 29 April 2017 – having told the accused that she was assaulted by the male a week earlier.

As the pair later walked towards the male’s home,theaccusedemergedto“teachhimalesson”, sentencingjudgePeterLauritsensaidon29August.

In a “swift and brutal” attack, he struck the male’sheadfrombehindwithapieceoftimber.

He then repeatedly struck the felled victim, who lost consciousness and suffered multiple fractures to the skull, leg, forearm and hand as well as bleeding on the brain. The victim was taken to ICU, stayed in hospital for

Rainbow libraries toolkit

A toolkit to provide more inclusive spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities in libraries has been launched in Springvale.

Equality Minister Harriet Shing and Public Libraries Victoria chief executive Angela Savage unveiled the Rainbow Libraries Toolkit on Friday 30 August – also Wear it Purple Day.

INTERFAITH

The State Government allocated $14,020 to develop the toolkit with Switchboard Victoria.

It responded to the vilification of LGBTIQA+ communities in response to drag story time events at libraries including Bunjil Place and Oakleigh.

“We will always back our LGBTIQA+ communi

regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, can live wholly and freely,” Shing said.

The toolkit will guide staff on planning for inclusive library events, making library spaces visibly inclusive and how book collections can better meet the needs of diverse rainbow communities.

By Bill Kean of the Baha’i Community of Greater Dandenong

With springtime in the offing, many of us are pre paring our gardens by planting many new and ex citing plants as well as some of the older proven favourites of bygone years which have served us well.

It is an indisputable fact that the seemingly unlimited flora of today helps to stir our senses, uplift our spirits and makes life much more than bearable.

Most of us can readily appreciate the beauty that the many flowers, shrubs and trees bring to us on a daily basis, each with its own particular form, qualities and colour.

Anyone who goes into a rose garden will see various roses, white, pink, yellow, red, all growing together and replete with adornment.

Each one accentuating the beauty of the other.

The effect would, however, be rather monoto-

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

11 September 1924

Wanted – a few live, energetic men, with a little time to spare, to take on secretaryships in Dandenong. There’s quite a slump in the secretarial market at present. It took the bowling club about an hour to get a secretary at its annual meeting recently. The Poultry and Kennel society, the Football club and the Brass Band are other institutions that have experienced difficulty in filling the secretarial office. The trouble in this direction is largely accounted for by the lack of support accorded honorary secretaries by some committees, the members of which leave the whole of the work to be carried out by the unfortunate secretary. For this reason, busy men can hardly be blamed for persistently refusing to take on secretaryships.

50 years ago

5 September 1974

MIDNIGHT ARCADE INFERNO!

Fire raged through the Vanity Court arcade in Dandenong causing thousands of dollars damage. The fire, which is believed to have started in the electrical system on the second floor. Dandenong fire brigade was alerted by a passer by and fought the blaze for 20 minutes. They

nous, boring and dull if it were not so and all were of the same colour.

It is the same with the animal species, where we find a multitude of hues and colours.

They recognise unity of species and oneness of kind.

Why then is there a reluctance or unwillingness to uphold this same ideal when it comes to the human species, with its diverse colours of black, white, yellow, brown and red?

There is, of course, an added bonus when you

- After years of talks, Greater Dandenong Council endorsed terms-of-reference for its first LBGTIQA+ advisory committee last month.

Applications for members of the committee close on 24 September.

Savage said it affirmed libraries’ commitment to creating “safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for our diverse communities”.

Appreciate the differences in our community MESSAGE OF HOPE

take into account the many languages, dialects and cultures etc.

The 18th century proverb ‘Variety is the spice

confined the fire to the Thomas Street end of the arcade and restricted the damage to the switchboard and staircases. However, shop windows shattered under the extreme heat and there was considerable smoke and water damage to many properties. Shopkeepers at the Lonsdale Street end were open for business as usual, although they were without power.

20 years ago

13 September 2004

Councillors ‘underpaid’

Casey Mayor Rob Wilson says councillors don’t get paid enough and has pushed for the council to become the first in Victoria to have full-time councillors. The council last week supported a recommendation to make the Mayor and councillors full-time employees on a two year basis.

Cr Wilson said that councillors worked hard for little pay. “If you work it out, kids get better paid for working at the front counter at Maccas.” Councillor Wilson added that the city was

of life, that gives it all its flavour’ appears to sum up the matter quite well.

We cannot allow difference of opinion, or diversity of thought to separate us from our fellowbeings, or to be the cause of dispute, hatred and strife in our hearts.

Let us hope that we can move beyond the man-made differences that have no place in the natural world and with an enkindled enthusiasm, celebrate the harmony and diversity of all the varied worlds species in an attitude of joy and delight.

‘O Friend! In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love….’ ( Baha’i Writings ) Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. Visit - interfaithnetwork.org.au/

expected to become the size of Canberra, with a population of 320,000 and that under the present system would need between 15 and 18 representatives. If the councillors were fulltime, only half that number would be needed. “A lot more council business can be done during the day.” A Municipal Association of Victoria spokeswoman said the proposal may have some merit. “Certainly, a lot of mayors and councillors put in close to full-time hours in their roles and aren’t paid that much.” The spokeswoman said that councillors worked about 25 hours a week and were paid between $15,000 and $18,000 a year.

5 years ago

10 September 2019

VLocity trains are on track

A new batch of VLocity trains has been ordered to meet growing demand for regional rail services - and they will be built right here in Dandenong. Bombardier will build the next six VLocity trains, supporting 100 direct jobs and hundreds throughout the supply chain. The new trains are part of the $340 million in funding from the Victorian Budget 2019-’20 to purchase up to 18 new three-carriage trains. Bombardier is expected to begin building the new trains next year, before they are delivered to the network in 2021.

Labor MP Michael Galea, Equality Minister Harriet Shing, Public Libraries Victoria chief executive, Angela Savage, MP Lee Tarlamis and Greater Dandenong deputy mayor Richard Lim at the toolkit launch. (Supplied)

Labor MPs Michael Galea and Lee Tarlamis at the launch of the Rainbow Libraries toolkit.

Bill Kean reflects on appreciating each of our differences. (Supplied)

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

Premier Daniel Andrews in 2018 promised a new order of trains at Bombardier, if re-elected that year.

Decades of volunteering

By Violet Li

On 15 September, Indra Jolayemi, Casey Hospital Operating Theatre’s clinical nurse specialist, will travel to Tonga for the 12th time in 11 years as an overseas volunteer.

For many, overseas volunteering is a one-off experience, but for the Officer resident, it has almost been a pilgrimage. The bond has been so deep that she feels at home there.

Around 2013, Indra signed up for the volunteer program.

“When my consultant who I was working with said he was going to Tonga to volunteer and he would need a nurse, I put up my hand,” she recalled.

“I went through a selection process. I was interviewed and they want to know if I’m committed and if I can follow through.

“A lot of people might go for one time, but they never follow through because you have to leave your family and go there for seven or 10 days.”

Indra proved she was not one of the many people, through time and tears.

She would never forget the day when she departed from Australia.

“When I first went, my son was 10 years old. I am a single mother, and I remember the first time I was like confused, I’ve been waiting for this opportunity, but who’s going to look after my son?” she recalled.

“But I have very good church friends. They said, this is a good course, go for it, and we will look after your son, and they said he would understand.

“I remember when I was travelling to the airport, I cried all the way to the airport because I was thinking, am I doing the right thing, leaving my son behind and doing something I wanted to do?

“But it turned out really well because he understood doing things for other people was a good thing. Thank God that it worked out well.”

During her first visit to Tonga, Indra and the team she was a part of performed a minimally invasive kidney stone extraction, which had never been done before in Tonga.

“Removal of kidney stones may be done by open surgery, but this time it was done through a minimal invasive technique and even the local media reported on it,” Indra said.

On a normal volunteering day, the team members work from morning till evening trying to cover as many cases as possible, right from stone cases to bladder conditions and prostate conditions.

“The local doctors are shown to do some procedures, such as transurethral prostatectomies and other urological procedures,” Indra said.

“With limited modern equipment, we rely on donation.”

“We also go there to teach the Tongans, to build their capacity. I teach the nurses all the principles of operating theatre, sterility and that sort of thing so that they can do it themselves. That’s our main aim. We are not there just to do it for them.

“We want to teach so that it’s sustainable so that they can continue doing these procedures when we are not there.”

Volunteering overseas for Indra is not only about imparting knowledge, but it is more about learning.

“When you are away from home and your

comfort zone, you have to be resourceful. You will learn how to be creative. You are in a hospital with limited resources. You look around to make sure that patients are taken care of,” she said.

“And we use the same principles in health care, whether you are in a developed country or a developing country, the principles are the same.

“You make sure there’s no infection. You make

sure that everything is carried out to the highest standards, so you become resourceful. How are you going to do it is something that you need to think about.

“You can work yourself. You find a way of doing things. You become you become part of a solution, not part of a problem.”

Working life is certainly not the sole business during the volunteering. The team usually gets one day off.

“In the past, we used to go to these little islands for a boat trip and sit there for a day and come back,” Indra recalled.

“But in the tsunami in 2022, many of the resorts were damaged, and it may be difficult to rebuild them in the near future.

“Over the 10 years we were visiting Tonga, we saw quite a transition. Tongans are very resilient people. They try their best to come back to normal.”

It has always been the people that move Indra and lure her back again and again. She has made lots of very good friends in the past decade whom she speaks to almost every other day through messages.

“Tongans are very appreciative of what we do, and it can be seen at the daily post-operative visit to the ward. Patients often greet us with a smile and that itself is very rewarding,” she said.

Indra took her son to Tonga one year when he was around 12. He enjoyed his time there.

Indra Jolayemi, Casey Hospital Operating Theatre’s clinical nurse specialist, has been volunteering in Tonga for the past 14 years. (Supplied)

Indra in a theatre in Tonga. (Supplied)

Wild weather wreaks havoc

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong SES crews toiled for nearly two days to deal with the aftermath of the latest fierce windstorms.

Masses of trees, branches and powerlines –and even a roof in Keysborough – were ripped down on the night of 1-2 September while gusts of up to 89 km/h were recorded at Moorabbin Airport.

It had been a hectic week of 97 call-outs for the SES volunteers, including 31 during windstorms on Wednesday 28 August and 47 on Monday 2 September.

Up to 18 members – as part of six crewsbraved the storms on Monday, without injury. Their lost jobs were being cleared up by about 3pm the following day.

Most of the wreckage was in Springvale, Noble Park and Keysborough.

Greater Dandenong SES spokesperson Daniel Cooksley said fortunately most of the jobs didn’t involve building damage.

Their tasks were clearing dozens of trees and branches from roads, roofs, fences and public places.

“It was the middle of night with strong winds. We had trees down, a roof blown off a shop in Keysborough ... we even lost power at the SES unit during the morning due to powerlines being downed.

“We were lucky there was not much rainfall associated with the wind.”

Crews from a power company and Greater Dandenong Council had also been kept busy in the region, Cooksley said.

Weathering the storms of our times: Latest production

Often the subject of small talk, the weather –and its link to our humanity - is being deeply examined in Fusion Theatre’s latest production.

The Weathering delves into human emotions, resilience and weather particularly in times of climate change, says artistic director and Deakin University drama academic Jo Raphael.

“The sky cracks open, a drip becomes a deluge. People huddle together for protection.

“They explore their humanity and fears, they sing and laugh together, and find strength to weather storms.

“The Weathering is a testament to our ability to withstand and emerge stronger, especially when we are together.”

It was born from nine months of creative development with the diverse 20-member cast.

Raphael said the collaborative process resulted in a “new experiment” in theatre making.

“Rather than work with previously written scripts, we devise original performance developed through improvisation techniques and based on the unique stories and contributions of our diverse participating actors and directors.

“It is a joy to create with the Fusion ensemble, such a wide range of artists, including people with disability, neuro-diversity and ABI.

“Thediversityofourensembleleadstoexciting and innovative approaches to theatre-making.” Associate director and Deakin colleague Darcy McGaw calls the show a “whirlwind” and a “melting pot of movement, text, design, live and recorded audio and sound”.

“Joy, turbulence, relief, a challenging of our audience,” McGaw says.

“The Weathering shines light on the climate crisis and our ability to withstand and emerge stronger, through the lens of people living with and without disability.”

Actor Jean-Marie Cadby said the cast had dwelt on the impacts of severe weather and climate change.

“It affects everyone. It especially affects the most disadvantaged in society.”

Colleague cast member Andy McKinnon says it is “a story that needs to be told.”

“It is our story, but it is everyone’s story.”

The show also features original music from Fusion musical director Ross Attrill.

The Weathering is at Black Box Theatre, Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, Dandenong on 19 and 20 September, 7.30pm and 21 September, 5pm.

SES clears a felled paperbark in front of a damaged home. (Greater Dandenong SES)Some of the wreckage caused by fierce gusts of wind on 2 September.

Metal sheeting strewn on a roadway during fierce winds on Monday 2 November.

Fusion Theatre actors Jean-Marie Cadby and Andy McKinnon in the climate-change ‘whirlwind’ production The Weathering.

Ruminating on the weather are cast members Katrina, Biz, Simone and Andy. (Supplied)

The Weathering actor Hayley during rehearsals. (Supplied)

Jean-Marie Cadby describes the production as an important show on severe weather and climate change’s impact.

Fusion Theatre actors Amanda, Ray, Dakota, Jean-Marie, Andy and Aurora. (Supplied)

The Weathering is a tale on resilience, weather events and human emotion. (Supplied)

The Fusion Theatre ensemble. (Supplied)

The Weathering cast members Ray, Aurora and Hayley. (Supplied)

Expert hails all-electric pilot

By Ethan Benedicto

With the State Electricity Commission’s all-electric pilot rolling out in the City of Casey, a local expert has emphasised its importance as a key step forward to a more sustainable community.

A Narre Warren resident, and Federation University’s engineering executive dean, Iven Mareels said that the entire “initiative in itself is very worthwhile”.

“For many people in Australia, they actually don’t know very much about their appliances [such as] the difference between a well-insulated house and a non-insulated house can be significant in energy consumption,” he said.

Professor Mareels, vice-chancellor of innovation and executive dean of the Institute for Innovation, Science and Sustainability, also added that homes that are not fully oriented to use the sun “as a maximum possibility” are another aspect that hinders people.

A Cranbourne North resident for over 10 years, and the eldest child in a family of five, Charlene Deldio sees the pilot as an opportunity for residents to be more “in tune” with their energy expenditure.

Ms Deldio, who has been a keen advocate for her family’s installation of solar panels, said that the pilot is a “good step towards better caring for the planet”.

“Mainly because where there is such a large LGA, I think mass community action really matters, so having this [initiative] at a council level is important.”

With eyes set to touch on the digital platform and its survey, Ms Deldio added that there are some high chances for her family to explore alternative options.

“We’re always looking for ways to be more cost-efficient in the household, with our costs, and obviously electric energy will lead to overall lower costs in general.

“I think a lot of people try to be, or want to be sustainable, but most of the time they just don’t know where to start and it can be really discouraging because there’s a lot of information out there.

“But with this initiative, it’s a bit clearer when it comes to seeing the wastage and because of the free digital platform, more people can really target where and how to cut their energy bills,” she said.

Holding the same sentiment, Professor Mareels added that the SEC initiative encourages foundational habitual change, which he coined as the very first step and that is to “use less”.

“The fact that we are very easy to spill or to waste energy is a problem, the less we use, the less infrastructure we have to build, the less we have to generate and the less we have to transport - everything follows from how much we consume.

“If we can become wiser in consumptive use, and reduce this use, everybody wins,” he said.

The SEC pilot initially rolled out in the City of Casey and the City of Merri-bek in the later days of August, and while there was no confirmed date, the City of Ballarat is scheduled to begin theirs this month.

With eventual plans to expand the pilot throughout the state, Professor Mareels said that while the advisory role can be delivered readily at a large scale, the nuances are “going to be different”.

“People living in high-rises have different needs from people that live in semi-rural areas and different needs from people that live in semidense areas.

“These nuances are going to come out when you roll it out widely, and while the first phase us use less, the second phase is, how do you become more efficient?” he said.

The professor also expressed challenges presented by people in different living conditions, taking into account financial measures, but also the stark differences in the realm of opportunity for those with mortgages, and those who are rent-

ing.

Seeing the pilot in a “positive light” Ms Deldio also wanted to highlight the costs of switching as a detrimental factor, saying that it’s important to “know people’s different economic standings and how accessible this program is, or how accessible sustainable practices are in general.”

“I think it’s definitely an investment, I think for people who can afford it and are sitting on the fence, I would say it’s important to consider the high costs upfront, but going electrical would prove to be useful in the long run due to its reliability,” she said.

Looking further ahead, Professor Mareels spoke on the third phase of the SEC’s initiative and coined it as a phase where things could become “tricky” when it comes to demand management.

The professor used solar’s current state as an example of this struggle with demand and supply, where solar power that is not used locally is sent back to the grid; which in turn causes issues for those managing the grid due to not having enough space to store the energy.

“You can’t ask everyone to put in batteries, because of safety and price, the cost return investment is not there yet,” Professor Mareels said.

“So how you actually manage that surplus solar wisely, that is complicated; and that causes headaches for everybody; there are ways for doing that but for the moment, these feel kind of ‘bigbrother-like’.

“Can I control your air conditioning for example, can I control your fridge, can I control your freezer? These types of questions need to be answered when you do real demand management.”

Returning to the program’s roots, as an educator, Professor Mareels believes that encouraging discussion of sustainability, waste management and other related topics, early on in one’s education is important when it comes to “bringing people’s attention” to alternative options.

While the pilot, especially the free digital platform is effective in providing the mentioned alternatives, the professor added that it can be difficult for people to “interpret” the information provided, especially when it comes to the complexities of power, energy and how it all comes together.

“However, doing it indirectly through schools where you have the attention and people, where [topics] like sustainability, the environment, energy and power are concepts that can get across.

“Even at primary school, in my opinion, you can reach a population indirectly much quicker through young people; it instils behaviours from school, where life goes on outside of that.

“There are a lot of ways we can minimise our power use, and that way then the kids will bring it home [from school],” Professor Mareels said.

On a more positive note, visualisation and competition between LGAs could also be a possible realm of opportunity, where energy consumption, not just per household, but per municipality became more visible to the general public.

“This is me fantasising, but maybe Bunjil Place could have a display on that shows Casey is producing x-amount of solar, we’re consuming this much energy and how we’re behaving as a community, and Cardinia would have the same.

“You could use the competitive behaviour of being the most sustainable community, as a way of helping us to understand the importance of energy; it’s just visualising, understanding what we’re doing and what we can better do about it.

“Because unless people can get their head around it and see for themselves, it’s not going to happen,” the professor said.

Ultimately, Professor Mareels encourages residents to take part in the pilot, considering its educational benefits.

“We’re a wasteful society, and reflecting on [Australia],wearealuckycountry,butthatdoesn’t mean we have to exhaust our luck,” he said.

The City of Casey was contacted for comment but did not respond before going to press.

Professor Iven Mareels from Federation University sees the SEC’s pilot as an effective way for residents to be oriented with their energy expenditure, but also as the step forward to a more sustainable society. (Supplied)

Something for everyone

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Look no further than Noble Park Community Centre’s noticeboard to discover what’s ticking in this hive of hobbies.

The board is crammed with notices - for knitting groups, gardening, yoga, teens and kids art, Italian cooking, IT, walking, dancing, playgroup, badminton, Helping Hoops basketball, creative wellness.

WHAT’S ON

Soccer registrations open

Expressions of interest open for new players across all age groups at Springvale City Soccer Club - Miniroos 7-12, Juniors 13-16, Boys and Girls Youth 17-23, as well as mens and womens’ thirds, reserves and seniors. Miniroos and juniors training powered by No Limits Aquila Academy. Details: springvalecitysc.com.au/

Movie Afternoon

Come and enjoy the movie The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry with us and discuss its meaning and relevance to our connection and community.

• Thursday 12 September, 1.30pm – 3.30pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong; suggested gold coin donation. Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Dandenong Employment Hub

Visit the Dandenong Employment Hub Pop-Up to get help with your employment journey. The Hub provides free, personalised support for resume and cover letters, training and education pathways, job searching and skills workshops.

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays (until 9 October), 10am-4pm at 228-234 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Details: GameChange, 8571 1000 or gamechange@cgd.vic.gov.au

Bipolar Runner book launch

Join author Jacqui Swallow for the launch of her memoir The Bipolar Runner.

• Friday 11 October, 6pm-8pm at The Corrigan Room, Sandown Park Hotel, cnr Corrigan Road and Princes Highway, Noble Park. RSVP to form. jotform.com/242400699794871

Sustainability Saturdays at The Hub

- Posy 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 September) 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.

Clothes swap

Community members are invited to contribute up

An incredible 1100 visitors of all ages and abilities are getting active in the centre’s two buildings, commercial kitchen, accessible vegie garden, pentaque court and basketball gym.

There’s seemingly a growing hunger to get active. In the past year, the number of groups have blossomed from 18 to 83.

Despite a $184,000 building upgrade recently,

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.

The Weathering

Fusion Theatre presents The Weathering - a theatre, live music and movement ensemble performance on our connection to the weather and climate change.

• September 19 and 20, 7.30pm and September 21, 5pm at Black Box Theatre, Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, Dandenong; $20. Details: fusiontheatre.com.au

Josephine Mead: Matrimony

Join us for an evening of art, music and ceremony at the opening event of Josephine Mead: Matrimony. In this exhibition, Mead explores the meaning of ritual, union and love ceremonies from a queer perspective. We invite you to bring a symbol of love, one that will form part of the ongoing exhibition.

• Saturday 21 September, 7pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free event; registration required at eventbrite.com.au/e/ opening-event-of-josephine-mead-matrimonytickets-1001052804887

Guinea pig show

Cavy Council of Victoria present an Oktoberfest and Polish Polooza International Championship Show, with approx 200 entries from across Australia.

• Sunday 22 September at Menzies Hall, 41 Menzies Avenue, Dandenong North.

Magic workshop

Learn incredible magic tricks, play awesome games and make great friends at this Melbourne Magic Academy workshop. Suitable for ages 5-13.

• Monday 23 September, 11am-12pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $25. Bookings essential at socialplanet. com.au/request/guest/activity?id=26175

Gardening workshop

Join Youth and Family Services to create your own mini garden these September School Holidays.

the centre is unsurprisingly stretched for room, president Roz Blades says.

Groups may possibly need to spread to underutilised buildings around Noble Park.

“We’re doing very well with what we’ve got. We use every inch of space every day,” Blades says.

There’s also services to help out in these tightbudget times.

The lunch brings people together like a family, Blades says.

Recently RSPCA visited to provide free pet check-ups and vaccinations.

On Tuesdays, there’s a free warm lunch and morning tea provided by Servants of the Two Hearts and Reaching Out. It includes volunteers on hand with support and services.

Details: nobleparkcommunitycentre.org.au

Learn about planting herbs, flowers and succulents. For young people aged 12-25.

• Monday 23 September, 2.30pm-4pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event, registrations required at events. humanitix.com/spring-spectacular-septemberschool-holiday-program-g5txekth

Deckchair movies

Deckchair Movies series, starting with Shrek 2 (PG). Bring a picnic blanket, movie snacks and enjoy a free movie screening as part of the Children’s Festival school holiday program.

• Monday 23 September, 6pm-8pm at Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event.

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

Noble Park Art Show entries open Showcase your creativity at this year’s Noble Park Art Show on 18-20 October, open to all ages!

• Entries close October 7, 12pm; $8 per artwork / $5 concession / children’s art is free. Details: www.npccartshow.org/our-show/enter Wellsprings for Women 30th anniversary fundraising dinner

This year’s event is extra special as we celebrate three decades of supporting refugee and migrant women to build new lives in Australia. Entertainment, a silent auction, raffle prizes, and a mouthwatering cultural dinner prepared by our talented cooks, showcasing the rich diversity of our community. MC’d by Wellsprings patron Jo Stanley.

• Friday, 18 October 6.30pm at Springvale City Hall, 18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale;

$110pp. Bookings: events.humanitix.com/ wellsprings-for-women-s-30th-anniversary-fundraising-dinner/tickets

Women and girls ‘Come and Try’ soccer

Located on the synthetic soccer pitch, this beginner-friendly initiative aims to introduce women and girls of all ages and abilities to the joy of soccer in a supportive and inclusive environment. A perfect opportunity to learn, improve skills, and connect with others who share your passion for the game.

• Wednesdays 4pm-5pm at Ross Reserve, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; free event. Details: Ranee from RecLink Australia, 0401 948 831. Register at club.reclink.org/programs/TFPG5L/ signup

Beach volleyball

An 8-week indoor program designed for young people aged 16-25. This program is open to all abilities and genders, ensuring everyone has a chance to play. Female only courts can be arranged and suited for any needs. Expert coaching and all necessary equipment provided. Come build your skills, make new friends, and have a blast in a supportive and energetic environment.

• Thursdays until 10 October 4.30pm-5.30pm at Dandenong Stadium, 270 Stud Road, Dandenong. Details: Ranee from RecLink Australia, 0401 948 831. Register at club.reclink.org/programs/U7RMSH/signup

Probus Sandown club

Probus Sandown meets on the second Monday every month at 10.15am. All welcome. Details: 9548 4809.

Awareness Meditation

Meditation brings stillness, harmonises body and soul and connects to meaning.

• Mondays (during school term) 2.30pm–3.30pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong; suggested gold coin donation. Deatils: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

Come Dance with Me - Line Dancing

Come along and learn tips and techniques to this line dancing activity. Learn it well and learn from scratch from patient instructor. Suitable and tailored for all ages. No partner necessary. Wear casual clothing, bring water bottle, closed shoes and positive attitude.

• Tuesdays from 5.45pm-6.30pm (school terms only) at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough; $10 prepaid classes / $15 casual attendance - a five-week package that can be repeated. Details: 0412 296 827 or mariepietersz@hotmail.com

Italian group and yoga group members in the community garden. (Gary Sissons: 428328)

Nermeen, Cecelia, Emmy and Herme at the Noble Park Community Centre knitting group. (Stewart Chambers: 428741)

Student scholarship success

Red Roo Sports is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of its high performance student athletes.

These young men have ticked the right boxes in their young life and have earned a scholarship to study and play basketball in the United States for the 2024-2025 academic year. These student athlete scholarships are a testament to their dedication and discipline both on and off the court.

Red Roo Sports believes that developing in the right order and expanding your pathway is critical if your goal is to pursue a student athlete scholarship. Becoming a STUDENT, PERSON, PLAYER in that order is the backbone of what we believe drives opportunity. Excellence, over time, with discipline is our formula for success.

Congratulations to the following young men, we wish them nothing but success in their journey of life discovery this year.

· Kuitch Gatwech / Baltimore Community College / Baltimore, MD

· Thomas Duach / Baltimore Community College / Baltimore, MD

· Justin Asi / Dawson Community College / Glendive, MO

· Kur Amur / Dawson Community College / Glendive, MO

· Tessie Thong / Northwestern College / Powell, WY

· Ajok Malou / Umpqua Community College / Roseburg, OR

· Jok Job / Umpqua Community College / Roseburg, OR

· Delang Muon / Southern University / Baton Rouge, LA

· Lieb Yat / Southern Mississippi / Hattiesburg, MS

· Tony Magock / Pathways School / Orlando, FL

· Daniel Gak / The Potters House Christian Academy / Jacksonville, FL

· Mike Ocean Bailey / Bull City Prep Academy / Charlotte, NC

· Goy Duach / Redemption Christian Academy / Troy, NY

· Aussie Gatkuoth / Redemption Christian Academy / Troy, NY

· Elijah Guer / Roman Catholic / Philadelphia, PA

· Banguot Uzi / Kennedy King College / Chicago, IL · Padiet Amum / Promise Prep / Atlanta, GA

· Solomon Kuol / Hill Community College / Hillsboro, TX

· Mangock Lok / Crestwood Prep / Toronto, Canada

· Prabjot Singh / Pathways School / Orlando, FL Expanding your pathway is something every serious athlete should consider. AAU Australia is an organisation that was established to provide

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greater exposure to individuals determined to take their game to the next level. Please consider becoming a member of AAU and participating in their basketball tournaments.

Every one of these scholarship players can attribute their success to the opportunity afforded by the Amateur Athletic Union of Australia (AAU).

Red Roo Sports student athletes in action.

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 to join our team.

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• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs.

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SPORT

Bulls charge to the big time

By Marcus Uhe

The success of Beaconsfield Cricket Club in last season’s Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 1 competition has shown that staying in the association’s top flight is now a realistic target to aim for, according to Dandenong West captain coach Anthony Brannan.

The man who steered the Bulls to a remarkable pair of back-to-back premierships in the last two seasons in a stunning climb up the grades is preparing to lead the Bulls in a new frontier at the league’s highest level, reaching the tail end of a long preseason at the Dandenong Showgrounds.

Every member of the premiership-winning XI from last summer is back to continue the ascension, and with the addition of an experienced batter in Don Pulukkuttiarachchi, the club appears set to bank on continuity and growth to cause headaches in Turf 1 cricket.

While the challenge stares them in the face, Brannan said the club has “taken confidence” in what the Tigers showed is possible, defying history by remaining in Turf 1 after winning Turf 2 in 2022/23.

“We feel like the gap has closed slightly over the last couple of years,” Brannan said of the margin between the divisions.

“Even the year before with Parkmore nearly beating Springvale South, they probably should have beaten Springvale South in that last game, and they fell out because of that.

“We’ve, over the last couple of years, recruited for an attack on Turf 1 in terms of (Nuwan) Kulasekara, (Malinga) Bandara, they’re still going to be really good players and they’re class players in terms of Turf 1.

“We’re not going into the season saying that

we’re going to win premierships or anything like that, and we don’t have expectations on what we’re going to be able to achieve - there’s no ceiling, but we’re definitely in it to stay.

“We’re not looking to bounce around (between) Turf 1 and Turf 2, we’re looking to stay in Turf 1, and we’ve got full belief that we can do that.”

Closing the gap between their best and their worst will be the key for the Bulls, having prevailed in a series of close games on their way to premiership glory last summer.

Losses to Parkmore and Cranbourne - two sides that finished outside the established ‘top three’ of Turf 2 last season - are performances that will not cut the mustard in the higher level.

“We probably got out of some games where we didn’t play as well and we’re well aware that, going into Turf 1, you’re not going to win games of cricket that you’re not going to play well in,” Brannan said.

“That consistency across the board with our effort and discipline will be key.

Classy White Eagles soar to higher ground

By Marcus Uhe

Springvale White Eagles have beaten out crosstown rivals South Springvale for a prized place in the Victorian Premier League’s second division (VPLM2) in 2025 on a thrilling final round of the Men’s State League 1 South East competition on Saturday.

Brazilian forward Matheus Assumpcao scored a hattrick to lead the White Eagles to a 3-1 victory over ladder-leading Eltham Redbacks, and return to VPLM2 after being relegated at the end of the 2022 season.

Springvale needed three points to keep South Springvale at bay, who could have jumped the White Eagles and taken the second promotion spot if the White Eagles went down.

South Springvale held up its end of the bargain, but the White Eagles did not, on a significant day for the club at the Serbian Sports Centre.

Also in the mix was Banyule, who began the afternoon tied with the White Eagles on 45 points.

Banyule took a 3-0 lead into half time against Mornington, but conceded four in the second half to go down 4-3 in extraordinary cir-

cumstances.

Assumpcao got his side off to an ideal start, finding the back of the net in the 9th minute to set the tone for the remainder of the 90.

A cross found him on the edge of the penalty area on the left-hand side of the goal, before he stepped inside a defender on his right and wrong–footed the Eltham goalkeeper with a low thunderbolt into the left bottom corner.

15 minutes later, he doubled the advantage after converting a spot kick.

Patrick Ayoul Both pounced on the lose ball inside his attacking penalty box with an eye for goal, but was brought down illegally by a defender while eyeing off a goalscoring opportunity.

A stutter in his approach to the kick fooled the goalkeeper, who began leaning to his right, allowing for Assumpcao to send the kick the other way, into the bottom corner once again.

Sloppy defending from Springvale allowed Eltham to hit back in the 30th minute, and at half time the White Eagles held a one-goal lead.

Assumpcao would put any concerns to bed in the 54th minute, however, restoring the twogoal lead.

After teammate Liam Walstonholme had his shot blocked on the edge of the penalty area, the Brazilian swooped on the tiniest of openings to fire a rocket into the top right corner.

It completed his hattrick, and saw him draw level at the top of the leading goalscorer table with two other players on 14 goals.

Both teams pressed in the final half hour but 3-1 in the White Eagles’ favour was how the scoreline finished, eliciting celebrations from home fans in the Dunav Stand upon the referee’s final whistle.

A tremendous season for the White Eagles saw them finished with a record of 15 wins, three draws and four losses, lead the league for goals scored (53) and the equal-second least goals allowed (25), only trailing league champions Eltham.

After a late-season stumble against South Springvale that threatened to bring their promotion hopes to a close, the White Eagles won their final four games to ensure they would be joining Eltham in moving up the grades.

South Springvale will enter next season as a red-hot favourite to be promoted from State League 1, having finished just two points shy of doing it in a brilliant 2024 season.

Drina’s demolition secures United promotion

By Marcus Uhe

A massacre of Sandringham saw Noble Park United emphatically punch its ticket into the State League 2 South East competition in 2025, earning promotion from State League 3 in convincing style on the final afternoon of the season.

Needing a win to maintain its miniscule onepoint advantage over Heatherton United and hold on to second place, Noble Park left nothing to chance with a 7-0 hammering at Parkfield Reserve to secure its place up the grades.

Elite forward pressure from Noble Park saw Sandringham cough up the ball in its defensive penalty area in the fifth minute, with Shane Tagliaferro poking home a simple finish at close range.

He grabbed a second five minutes later for an early 2-0 lead, and after half an hour the home

side made it 3-0, with Victor Poblete turning a sloppy back pass from a Sandringham defender into an easy one-on-one opportunity.

Sebastian Castano made it 4-0 in the 41st minute with a difficult finish under closing pressure from an opponent, before Poblete made it 5-0 in stoppage time with his second of the afternoon.

Poblete completed his hat-trick in the 55th minute to make it 6-0, and a brilliant header from recently-activated substitute Keita Ioka put United into seventh heaven.

They finished the second with 65 goals to be the most potent team in the competition, winning 14 games, losing four and drawing in two.

On just two occasions in 2024 they failed to find the back of the net, averaging a whopping 3.25 goals per contest.

After opening the season with a disappointing loss to Heatherton, Noble Park then went unde-

feated in its next eight games, which included seven wins, and a 3-1 result over eventual premiers St Kilda.

An awkward three weeks in June saw them lose twice and draw once, before winning seven of its final eight games, and scoring 25 goals in that period.

Noble Park and St Kilda replace Greater Dandenong in State League 2, relegated after bagging just 17 points in 22 matches this season.

Greater Dandenong finished last on the table with four wins, five draws and 13 losses.

Endeavour United will contest a play-off bracket to determine which team joins Hampton Park in moving from State League 4 South to State League 3 South East, while Nole Park Hurricanes will jump from State League 5 South to State League 4 South, having finished second in the fifth tier behind Rosebud.

“Last year we let a few sides off with a couple of chances we created not sticking, and we understand that if you’re bowling to a Jordan Wyatt or Jake Hancock, you’ve got to take those chances to make sure you’re in the game because if you don’t, those kind of blokes will really hurt you.”

The Bulls will be thrown into the deep end with a trip to Park Oval to open the season against reigning premier, Buckley Ridges, before tackling Berwick and Springvale South in the next fortnight.

Noble Park on target in dart league

Noble Park1 is shaping up as one of the teams to beat in Division 1 of the Mountain Dart League, after a comprehensive win over Vales2 on Friday night. Here’s how the remainder of the results played out.

DIVISION 1

Results

• V.I.P. def Bad Boys 13-8

• Noble Park1 def Vales2 19-2

• High 5’s def Bulls Eyes 14-7

Individual standouts

180 scores from:

• M. Cooper; A. Simpson; T. Jackson - Bad Boys

• M. Richardson; N. Beasy - Noble Park1

• M. Clouter - High 5’s

• S. Carr - Bulls Eyes

Highest Score: T. Peea 177 - V.I.P.

Highest Peg: P. Lazalo 140 - V.I.P.

DIVISION 2

Results

• Redbacks1 def Ruff Ryders 11-10

• Outcasts def Redbacks2 13-8

• Spectrum def Stingrays 13-8

180 Scores from:

• Te Tapara - Ruff Ryders

• T.Ciantar - Stingrays

Highest Peg: M.Meredith 100 - Redbacks1

DIVISION 3

• The Night Trawlers def Madarras 11-10

• Stingers def The Goodies 11-10

• Sick 6’s def Vales3 13-8

Individual standouts

Highest Peg: Jordan Camaleri 147 - Sick 6’s

• Lachie Heagny 100 X 7

Dandenong West is eager to attack DDCA Turf 1 this summer. (Rob Carew: 393914)

End of the road for Doves

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cranbourne and Doveton’s seasons came to a disappointing close on the weekend in the Southern Football Netball League.

Both teams were comprehensively beaten at a breezy Ben Kavanagh Reserve, the Doves going down 4.12 36 to 10.9 69.

It’s the third consecutive season Doveton has entered finals as serious contenders for the flag, and second straight preliminary final loss after falling short in the 2022 grand final.

The scoring issues that have plagued Doveton in previous years haunted the Doves this finals series, despite having rectified it in 2024 to average 97 points per game in the home and away season.

Their supply was also limited, with the midfielders’ skills sloppy, limiting their ability to capitalise on Dylan Chapman’s ascendancy.

The following day, Cranbourne’s run came to a hollow end with an uncharacteristic finals thumping at the hands of St Paul’s McKinnon, which won 19.10 124 to 6.3 39.

Kicking against the wind in the first quarter, Cranbourne fell behind by 26 points at the first break, and the Saints flattened Cranbourne with a goal within the first minute of the second quarter.

The Saints were better in the contest and able to link up smartly, with Cranbourne kicking just one of the four goals of the second quarter to fall behind by 40 points at the main break.

Any hope the Eagles had of arresting the Saints’ momentum before a final quarter flurry evaporated thanks to a goal to the favourites inside 30 seconds which laid the platform for a frustrating quarter.

Ill-discipline exacerbated a period where Cranbourne was unable to get territory and forced to repeatedly defend, with the Saints blasting home 9.3 to lead by a staggering 97 points at the last break.

Three last quarter goals to the Eagles main-

tained some respect on the scoreboard at fulltime. Co-captain Dylan Cavalot was named best on ground, Jordan Bertrand worked hard in the backline to cap a career-best season and Tyson Barry kicked four goals as he rediscovered his

2022 form, albeit in a slightly different role. The match finishes coach Steve O’Brien’s successful seven-year tenure at the helm of the Eagles, with Angelo Soldatos to assume the role in 2025.

The Division 2 grand final will be played between Murrumbeena and East Malvern next Saturday, while Dingley will battle St Paul’s for a chance to face Cheltenham in the Division 1 grand final.

Stingrays weather a Power surge in week one of finals

By Jonty Ralphsmith

A first quarter blitz has lifted Dandenong to a quarterfinal victory over Gippsland at ETU Stadium on Saturday.

The Stingrays held on to win 9.10 64 to 7.16 58, leading the whole day following a 42-0 opening term.

Reliant on spasmodic magical moments following a near-perfect first quarter, against a synergetic side lacking polish, a Tom Matthews behind with 90 seconds remaining put Gippy down by just six points, producing a helter-skelter finish.

St Kilda father-son prospect Elwood Peckett took a match-saving intercept mark in Gippy’s penultimate thrust forward, before a Cooper Hynes clearance on the wing just about iced it.

Needing a perfect play to give themselves a chance to send it to overtime, the Power won a clearance and got it to the arc, before time expired prior to a dangerous kick inside 50.

Somehow, despite leading by as much as seven goals and never trailing all day, there was a sense of larceny about the result.

Following an effervescent first quarter, Dandenong frustrated with a messy and reactive display of inconsistency.

The apparent early class difference which gave the Rays a six-goal buffer 15 minutes into the game had evaporated.

It was a domination in all facets in the first quarter, with the Stingrays capitalising on a breeze advantage, winning the contested ball, running in numbers and finding space forward. Hynes led the charge, with his setup kick to key forward Tairon Ah-Mu in the first minute of the game laying the platform for an absurd quarter for the Rays.

It had all the hallmarks of a blowout at quarter time.

The Power was missing first choice midfielders Xavier Lindsay and Max Stobie against a side with as many as six 2025 draft prospects on the field.

What followed was inexplicable.

It felt that Gippsland had given itself a

42-point handicap before awakening for a chastening pursuit.

The Power got their hands on the footy and locked the ball in their forward half for extended periods.

Under-16s key forward Wil Malady kicked

his team’s first goal early in the second quarter, and looked dangerous throughout, alongside Alixzander Tauru who spent much of the day forward.

At their feet, the fleet-footed trio of Matthews, Brodie Atkins and Marlon Neocleous had flashes of brilliance and applied bone-

crunching pressure.

The margin was trimmed to 15 points at halftime and they didn’t allow Dandenong to kick away with the wind.

Gippy forced Dandenong to repeatedly defend in the third quarter, but converted just two of their seven opportunities.

At the other end, the speedy Harry Doughton kicked an opportunistic snap to maintain a five point lead for Dandenong at the last break.

As he has done so often in 2024, Hynes stepped up at his team’s time of great need, kicking a goal from the centre stoppage on the run from 50 to start the last quarter.

It gave the Stingrays breathing room while the Power attacked.

Tauru, a constant target as Gippsland revived, kicked a goal midway through the last.

That brought the margin back to two but that was as close as the Power would get, with Dandenong quickly responding via Ah-Mu.

Hynes finished with an influential 16 disposals, while top-three prospect Harvey Langford amassed 27 playing through soreness.

Doughton continued his strong month of form with 18 disposals and two goals, while Charlie Rowe attacked it hard and gave his direct opponent no room.

For Gippsland, the standouts were Max Donohue, who stepped up in the midfield, alongside Jesse Craven, giving the forward line plenty of supply.

Meanwhile, the girls also progressed with a 12.14 86 to 2.5 17 over the Power.

After a tight first quarter, the Stingrays broke away with the wind, kicking 3.7 in the second term and never looking threatened thereafter.

Highly regarded 16-year-old stood up in a statement performance, kicking 3.2, while Tahlia Sanger, Kayla Dalgleish and Jemma Reynolds got well on top in the midfield to give Dandenong extended territory.

Makhaela Bluhm’s pressure in the forward half was also noteworthy, with the utility finishing with two goals.

Dandenong’s boys and girls will both face Oakleigh for a spot in the grand final.

Cooper Hynes doesn’t need much of the footy to be a matchwinner. (Jordan Sacchetta/AFL Photos)

Doveton’s season came to a close on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 428637)

Twirl tour Boop and

Ballarat | Civic Hall Ballarat

Bendigo | Connect Church

Moonee Ponds | Clocktower Centre

Sat 05 Oct 2024 Geelong | The Playhouse Geelong

Sun 06 Oct 2024 Dandenong | Drum Theatre Mon 07 Oct 2024 Frankston | Frankston Arts Centre