Hold tight!
Students and staff at Lyndale Secondary College buckled in for a thrilling day of wheelchair racing and fundraising for an international charity on 13 September.
The student Interact Club staged a wheelchair race for Year 7s and teachers as well as a Crazy Sock Day and sausage sizzle.
As well as the thrills and spills, they raised awareness and funds for charity Wheelchairs For Kids Australia.
(Stewart Chambers: 427244)
Out on a Lim...
City of Greater Dandenong deputy mayor’s reelection campaign could be in jeopardy after failing to enrol for the upcoming council election as a candidate.
Cr Richard Lim had long announced he’d switch from Springvale Central Ward to Springvale North Ward in order to see through the Springvale Revitalisation Action Plan.
He may not be able to contest the October council elections as the enrolment date to vote has closed.
In a further bombshell, Cr Tim Dark has announced he will not recontest his Keysborough Ward seat.
He said he “didn’t know at all” that he wasn’t automatically on the roll.
“If I’m not elected I have fulfilled my dream of Springvale revitalisation and the traffic and parking matters.
“I don’t feel anything. If they don’t want me to stand, I feel glad and I’ll concentrate on my works with Monash Health.”
He is seeking legal advice from his legal team.
In 2020, former councillor Peter Brown was also sensationally ruled ineligible to stand due to
Cr Lim, who lives outside Greater Dandenong but owns a pharmacy in Springvale, was “disappointed” at the circumstances surrounding his ineligibility.
his name not being on the electoral roll.
Brown also lives outside Greater Dandenong but owns investment property in the council area.
Brown had divested a property and bought a new property in Greater Dandenong between the 2016 and 2020 elections, but failed to reapply for the electoral roll under new rules.
However, Cr Lim says his property portfolio has remained the same.
Cr Lim had been set to go head-to-head with Labor colleague and sitting councillor Sean O’Reilly. Cr O’Reilly said the “surprising” news did improve his chances of defending his seat. But “not taking it for granted”, he would continue to doorknock, letterbox and campaign across the
ward. City of Greater Dandenong acting chief executive officer, Sanjay Manivasagasivam said the council has no role over the nomination process as it’s administered by the Victorian Electoral Commission however it only administers the list of ‘Council-enrolled voters.’
“Councilwrotetoeligiblebusinessownersand ratepayers to advise of the process for enrolling to vote and included the relevant form. Applications to be included on the list of ‘Council-enrolled voters’ were due by 4pm on 7 August.”
Cr Lim however claims he received no letter at his pharmacy address in Springvale and none of his staff came across such letter.
MORE ON THE STORY, TURN TO PAGE 6
Dark exits council
By Sahar Foladi
Councillor Tim Dark has announced he is winding up his eight-year term with the City of Greater Dandenong.
After a double term as a councillor, the Keysborough Ward councillor said his “time is up” at the council meeting on Monday 9 September as he shifts his focus on his career in the commercial property industry.
He will not be contesting the upcoming 2024 local government elections.
“I’m now at a stage with the three companies I have, the obligations to my staff and also my family with a recent health scare have been picking up significantly and my commitment to being able to deliver to residents is getting too much.
“I’m ready to move onto my next chapter and career as well. There will be no regular questions from Tim Dark from Keysborough, no bombardment…and no attendance at council meetings.
“It is at a point where now my life has changed, my goals have changed and I believe I have delivered everything I possibly can to Council at this current stage.”
He reflected on his win succeeding former councillor Peter Brown and named highlights such as the Keysborough South Community Hub project and the Frederick Wachter Reserve upgrade.
“There is nothing better of all the reserves than the Wachter Reserve. It is a reserve I’m probably the most proud of at the moment.
“The ward when I was first elected had dilap-
idated infrastructure, no maintenance plans, no future goals, clubs were saying they had a significant amount of issues to do with the funding of the infrastructure, of the fencing, of the lights, of the sports ground and community facilities.”
The Wachter Reserve playground opened to the public earlier this year and more works are underway as part of the Frederick Wachter Reserve Master Plan.
He thanked council executives and his colleagues along with wishing them luck with their future campaigns.
Nominations for the upcoming council elections will close at noon, Tuesday 17 September and voting will close by 6pm on Friday 25 October.
Koomen vies for Casey’s Waratah Ward
By Ethan Benedicto
Pledging to be the local voice for the people, Stefan Koomen has announced his candidacy for Casey’s upcoming October elections.
A Labor member standing as an independent candidate for Waratah Ward, Koomen is looking to bring representation from the suburbs of Hallam, Doveton and Hampton Park to the council table.
A long-term local, a homeowner, ratepayer, and volunteer, he says he is invested in the area’s future.
“That means services and infrastructure are prioritised when in the past they have been overlooked a the expense or favour of other new emerging areas [in Casey].
“It’s making sure that the suburbs of Doveton, Hallam and Hampton Park get their fair share of investment and attention.”
Koomen has been a staunch supporter and active member of the Doveton Pool Campaign, which was a widespread and joint community effort in a move to save and revitalise the muchloved pool.
Hampton Park Shopping Centre [Central] was also a priority - “to make it a community hub that we can all be proud of”.
“Council had a plan since 2018 that hasn’t progressed because we haven’t had a local voice. So that will be my priority for Hampton Park, to get that moving.
“For Doveton, it’s the Doveton Pool, ensuring that it’s upgraded and that it stays in our community is very important.
“In Hallam and across the rest of the ward, playgrounds and parks need to be improved and better maintained, they’re often overgrown and
quite dirty so better maintenance and cleaning will give us areas that we can be proud of.”
Koomen highlighted the lack of local representation for Waratah Ward’s suburbs, where previous councillors were not residents of Hallam, Doveton or Hampton Park.
“Our suburbs deserve better - someone who will fight against backroom deals and bring greater transparency for our suburbs.”
Community safety was also another factor that Koomen would embark on if elected. While crime and related topics are subject to the State Government’s authority, he said that at the council’s level, it’s about “being a local voice”.
“I intend to have regular meetings with local police to keep them updated on the issues in our area because at the moment there is no voice from our suburbs actually talking on behalf of residents to police where they should prioritise their resources.
“From a local council perspective, it’s about having accessible and safe public spaces, that involve increased and improved lighting, and also other safety measures so that we can discourage anti-social behaviour and better connect people with our public spaces.”
Having worked for several years as electorate officer for Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Koomen says he understands the need for good governance. He stands firm in the belief and understanding that “I’ll be [putting] residents first”.
“I’m independent in the sense that no one can tell me how to vote or what to do.”
He also believes that this level of governance should be entirely apolitical.
“There are going to be 12 councillors who need to be able to constructively build a plan for our community, our council, our municipality, and politics isn’t needed in that environment.”
Cr’s verdict
By Sahar Foladi
This year’s local council elections have already started with dramatic events as two councillors surprisingly exit, another switches wards and leaving vacancies for fresh-faced candidates.
Outgoing councillor Tim Dark joined the City of Greater Dandenong as a 23-yearold, saying his point of view as a young person on waht the community needed was “very different” to much older colleagues.
As the Liberal councillor exits council, he says the more people that put their hands up for public office, the more there will be change in people elected in the council. “I think there are a lot of people who will seek office. There are different groups and factions of the Labor party attempting to get control of the council. I think people are starting to become more aware of democracy and what’s happening, the way things have been historically.
“I think it’s evident in mine, Bob Milkovic and Rhonda Garad’s election that there’s people who prefer to be different, in a healthy democracy to have different ideas rather than an echo chamber.
“The issue then becomes purely about personalities and who deserves to be deputy mayor or mayor rather than who is the best for the role and what they have to offer to the council.”
The contest between Labor councillors Richard Lim and Angela Long for the deputy mayoral role in 2023 had sparked calls to investigate an alleged Labor party caucusing before votes were cast.
As reported previously, Cr Long withdrew from the contest as she risked getting kicked out of the Labor party of which she has been a member for over 39 years and expected to receive her life membership.
Cr Dark said he abstained from voting as a result.
This year’s elections would’ve seen another Labor party duo, Cr’s Lim and Sean O’Reilly go head-to-head for the Springvale North ward if it wasn’t for Cr Lim’s ineligibility to stand as he failed to enrol as a candidate before enrolment closed.
“It’s extremely unfortunate to end up in that situation. At the same time given you’re the owner of multiple properties within the municipality it’s on you to be able to follow your obligations and that’s an issue Richard has discovered the hard way,” Cr Dark said. “The same thing happened with Peter Brown (former councillor of CGD). I attempted to help him in terms of what options he had, and I know he tried very hard including legal action. And the ruling was not in his favour.”
This election, the Greens-endorsed councillor in Keysborough South, Rhonda Garad is standing in Cr Angela Long’s Cleeland Ward seat, saying the ward has been “neglected”.
Cr Dark says Cr Garad has a strong chance to win the seat given her strong portfolio. “She (Cr Long) has been on council for a long time (more than 25 years). She knows how it operates, I don’t believe the Labor party will happily concede that to the Greens without some level of a fight.
“Rhonda is running because Cleeland is neglected and that’s her point of view. Given what I’ve seen in the past 8 years it’s probably correct.
“We fundamentally have different points of view in terms of ideological background, but we have the same goals and points of view when it comes to accountability, transparency and integrity and that’s where we’ve gotten along for so long.”
Candidate nominations opened on Monday 9 September and close on Tuesday 17 September. As the lists are filled in for each ward, Cr Dark hopes candidates have a “serving” attitude coming onto council.
“As long as those people who come in with an intention of serving the community and ensuring it gets what it needs and not for future political goals, that’s going to be a very important aspect.
“One thing Greater Dandenong has always had is, regardless of political ideologies, we’ve been a relatively harmonious council, in comparison to City of Kingston.
“I would hope for the better for ratepayers that is kept up.”
Tim Dark in Frederick Wachter Reserve, after announcing his departure as a Greater Dandenong councillor. (Gary Sissons: 431122)
Stefan Koomen is dedicated to being the voice for Waratah Ward, pushing for that essential local representation at the council table. (Supplied)
Little Aths home under threat
By
A Dandenong athletics field is on the chopping-block, leaving dozens of kids and families potentially without a track and the loss of their “family club”.
The Robert Booth Reserve Athletics Facility, with its lush grass running track, long jump pits, discus, shot put and javelin fields, has been home to Dandenong Little Athletics Club (DLAC) for the past 40 years.
However, Greater Dandenong Council says it’s “not feasible” to keep the facility. After this coming season, the council has advised the club to move somewhere else.
The nearest option is to share the newly upgraded Ross Reserve athletics track with Springvale Little Athletics Club – about a 90 minute round-trip away by public transport.
Moving would destroy the club, says DLAC president David Daff.
He estimated that half of the families and members would drop out due to not having the time or means to relocate.
“The kids will have nothing.”
Many of the kids live close to Booth Reserve, walking and riding their bikes down to the track after school.
Some of the nearby members don’t have cars.
Others have been at DLAC for four generations and live as far away as Officer and Cranbourne. Travelling to Ross Reserve is a suburb too far.
One of the club parents Colin said he and his under-9s son Charlie would have to quit the
“family club”.
Currently, Charlie trains twice a week plus competing in sprints at regional comps on Saturdays.
“It’s just around the corner. It’s a great club, a family club,” Colin says.
“Charlie has made a lot of friendships. Everyone knows everyone, everyone helps to set up and clean up. It has a country town feeling.
“Fingers crossed it stays open.”
Rita’s son Joydeep has been training in track and field events at DLAC for three years. He loves the grass track, and he’s made many friends.
Rita says travelling to Ross Reserve was “not even an option”.
“It’s too far. It’s too hard to use the public transport to get there
“(Booth Reserve) is just a five-minute bike ride.”
Another of the club’s volunteers is former teacher Vijay, who vouches for the great physical and mental health benefits for the kids.
Club member Chandrashekhar points to the friendly, encouraging atmosphere. Everyone looks out for each other, and the kids love it, he says.
In July, the club won regional and state awards from Little Athletics Victoria for recording the largest membership growth.
It doubled its membership from 32 to 66 last year, and was aiming for 100 this season, Daff said.
“One of the changes is that we expect all parents to be involved every week,” he said.
“As a result we have no issues with parents
volunteering and the biggest committee I’ve seen in the past 12 years.
“We’ve also introduced a weekly award for kids based on them beating their personal bests.”
Daff is proud of club’s “multicultural” membership, illustrated by the six different types of sausages cooked at its barbecues.
For families doing it tough, the $200 annual membership fee is waived - thanks to a state sports grant - to make sure kids can stay involved.
In order to stay at Booth Reserve, the DLAC has offered to help maintain, upgrade and repair the facility, or to share the venue with other sports.
However, Daff understands that Greater Dandenong intends to convert the venue into a passive recreation space.
Ahead of October’s council elections, Cleeland Ward candidates have got behind the club.
Greens candidate Rhonda Garad says there’s no rational reason to kill the facility.
“It’s doing an injustice to these kids
“For the council to ride roughshod and not pay attention to those connecting elements – it shows the council doesn’t understand what it takes to make a community.
“Meanwhile we see the council grandstanding and saying parents should know where their children are.”
Garad says it wouldn’t cost much to keep the venue open.
“It just needs to have the grass (track and field) mown.
“We want kids in sport. Why would we interfere with that?”
Cleeland Ward ALP sitting-councillor Angela Long said she’d also work to keep the club at Booth Reserve.
“Children need to participate in sport so that they can learn to be a responsible team member and maybe not roam the streets and get into trouble.
“If re-elected in the council election I will work with the club to remain at Booth Reserve. Children need to be an active member of a sporting group.”
Last week, Springvale North incumbent Sean O’Reilly warned about the “forgotten” people near the boundaries of Greater Dandenong and neighbouring councils.
He suggested that City of Casey – which is a long javelin’s throw from Booth Reserve – could help with the venue’s upkeep.
Greater Dandenong Council’s 2019 athletics development plan found that “it was not feasible to service two athletics facilities in Greater Dandenong”, says community strengthening executive director Peta Gillies.
It also concluded that “the completion of the $6.6 million Ross Reserve Athletics Facility would result in the decommissioning of Robert Booth Reserve Athletics Facility”.
The athletics club was one of many local groups consulted on the plan, Gillies said.
“We are committed to ongoing consultation with the club and other ground users regarding the future implementation of our decision.
“In the meantime, Dandenong Little Athletics Club has been allocated use of the ground for the 2024-‘25 athletics season.”
Dandenong Little Athletics members Mason, Joydeep, Charlie and Nathan on the Booth Reserve grass track. (Gary Sissons: 429992)
Coach David Daff watches on as Joydeep clears the high jump bar during a rain-interrupted training session. (Gary Sissons: 429992)
Dandenong Little Athletics Club volunteers and members, with Cleeland Ward candidate Rhonda Garad, are fighting to keep their club at Booth Reserve. (Gary Sissons: 429992)
Cam Lucadou-Wells
‘Slug Gate’ ruling appealed
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater Dandenong Council has appealed a court’s rejection of its bid to throw out I Cook Food’s ‘Slug Gate’ case.
However, ICF director Ian Cook, who is sueing the council for alleged malicious prosecution, labelled the appeal as like a “gambler chasing their losses”.
“This council has already blown at least $3 million of ratepayers’ money trying to beat me in court and they have lost.”
Greater Dandenong argues that the latest ICF lawsuit is an “abuse of process” and “waste of public resources” - after ICF and the council reached an out-of-court settlement for a previous lawsuit last year.
“It is unreasonable and oppressive to subject people to repeated and protracted litigation on the same matter,” council acting chief executive Sanjay Manivasagasivam said.
“We maintain that this matter was determined and dismissed by the Supreme Court back in 2022.”
The council didn’t comment on the amount of legal costs involved.
A week earlier, Cook had written to Greater Dandenong councillors offering a “without prejudice discussion” of the lawsuit evidence and to resolve the matter out-of-court.
None had taken up the offer, he said.
“How much more money does this council have to lose before they come to their senses?
“No-one voted for this CEO and no-one voted for this private law firm. The elected councillors need to take control of this out-of-control situation.”
Cr Rhonda Garad said it was inappropriate to meet Cook while the matter was “subject to a legal process”.
“For councillors to interfere in an ongoing legal process is highly inappropiate. We really need to allow due process to proceed - that’s the fairest thing for everyone.”
In a ruling on 27 August, the Victorian Supreme Court dismissed the council’s application and ordered the council to pay Cook and ICF’s costs.
Assoc Justice Caroline Gulden said she accepted that ICF settled the earlier case to preserve his “scarce financial resources” for its lawsuit against the State of Victoria.
“I do not consider that such a decision involves any underhanded or improper use of court resources, or in itself causes improper oppression to the present defendants.”
The judge ruled there was “no unjustifiable
oppression” and there was no evidence of a “deliberate abuse of process” by ICF and Cook.
The council filed its appeal on 10 September, arguing that Assoc Justice Gulden’s judgement was in error on five grounds.
Greater Dandenong will also seek for costs to be found against Cook and ICF.
The Dandenong South commercial caterer was shut down by health authorities as part of an investigation into a listeria-infected patient’s death at Knox Private Hospital in 2019.
In its lawsuit, it alleges malicious prosecution by the council and two officers Leanne Johnson
and Elizabeth Garlick in charging ICF and Cook with 96 food-safety offences that were later withdrawn. It also alleges public misfeasance against the council and officers in their inspections of ICF and ensuing prosecutions. Among its claims are that inspector body-cam footage was altered and that a slug was planted in the factory by an inspector.
“There have been no findings against Council of any wrong-doing,” Manivasagasivam said.
“The Council officers named in this action acted in the interests of public health and discharged their duties responsibly at all times.”
Waste station refused
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A bid to build a waste transfer station near a Bangholme retirement village in the Green Wedge has been refused by Greater Dandenong Council.
The site at 576 Frankston Dandenong Road currently holds a massive, allegedly contaminated soil mound under investigation by the EPA and the council.
It is about 400 metres south of more than 500 Willow Lodge retirement village residents and Eastern Contour Drain.
Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad said at a 9 September council meeting that the project to put “toxic materials in this green field” was “inappropriate” for the Greeen Wedge - the “agricultural lungs of Melbourne”.
In its notice of decision on 6 September, the council gave 19 grounds for refusing the proposed 3.4-hectare waste-water and soil transfer station behind a flower-growing business.
The reasons included failing to meet the objectives of the Green Wedge, and floodplain and air quality management requirements.
The station would result in “significant amenity impacts” as well as “significant social effect” given the objections of a Willow Lodge residents group.
The proposal was also found to lack adequate car parking, and was contrary to other planning objectives and strategies, such as protection of agricultural land, sustainable industry, waste and resource recovery and industrial.
The proposed transfer station, including set-
tling ponds and slurry pits, would take in about 20,000 litres of slurry a month.
Water from the ponds would be used to irrigate flowers and grass for livestock. Soil would be removed from the slurry pits to dry on the stockpile and then moved off site once a month.
GND Civil’s permit application was submitted last year.
However, Willow Lodge residents – who have complained of dust from the site – were unaware of the development until contacted by Star Journal in July.
The applicant argued that the agricultural use was in keeping with the Green Wedge zone.
A transfer station was permitted unless it collects construction and demolition materials, it submitted.
Meanwhile, authorities are taking action against the operator of the giant mound of soil, alleged to be 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.
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.
EPA Victoria stated there was no risk to human health.
Ian Cook in front of his former Dandenong South factory in 2019. (Stewart Chambers: 202497)
A controversial soil mound on the site of a proposed waste-water and soil transfer station, which has been refused by Greater Dandenong planning officers. (Gary Sissons: 429817)
Clock ticking for club’s pitch
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Time is ticking on the massive South East Sports Hub project on Pillars Road Bangholme.
However the deal between developer Intrapac and Keysborough Golf Club for the proposed 71-hectare sporting hub is due to lapse in 12 months.
The sports hub on Intrapac land controversially hinges on whether the State Government rezones the club’s Green Wedge golf course at Hutton Road for a housing estate of up to 1100 dwellings.
As part of the agreement, the golf club would move near the SESH site. Intrapac has pledged to fund the new course as well as the $30 million stage one of the SESH, including nine sport fields, netball courts and two pavilions. The timing of SESH’s stages two and three is “subject to funding commitments”.
KGC president Darrell Swindells says the deal is vital for the club’s survival and push for a broader membership and healthier bank balance.
Without the SESH deal, the club – with 500plus full-time members and another 550 ‘lifestyle’ members - won’t be able to “move in the direction that golf is moving in”.
Which is to attract juniors and time-poor members to a fresh-designed layout with shorter courses and matchplay.
Swindells noted that the club founders made a bold move from Albert Park Lake to Hutton Road in 1950. The course had little changed in the past 70 years.
“If we keep doing the same old thing, we will not future-proof our club. We see the importance of evolving.”
The club can’t afford the funds – or the disruption – of redesigning their current home, Swindells says. With plenty of other courses nearby, members would eventually vote with their feet.
The State Government has so far rejected
calls to approve the rezoning.
The proposal is also fiercely opposed by Defenders of the Green Wedge, Greater Dandenong Environment Group and residents neighbouring the golf course. They argue against the loss of the private open space as well as the whittling away of the Green Wedge.
Mr Swindells says the SESH won’t be made a major issue during the October council elections.
“The decision to do it is not going to be a council decision. The reason that we work with
the council is to make sure we’re delivering something the council is happy with.”
Its lobbying work is “99 per cent” toward the State Government, he says.
“The State Government keep their cards close to their chest. Obviously we’ve been working with Intrapac and can only hope (the Government’s) rhetoric for more housing matches their actions.”
He says the current course is an “anomaly” on the edge of the Green Wedge. Rezoning it will make little difference to the
Green Wedge. The site was “low hanging fruit” that would help with the State Government’s target for 57,000 more dwellings in Greater Dandenong by 2051, he argues.
Swindells also notes Greater Dandenong Council’s potential “financial windfall” in extra rates revenue from “800-900” homes as well as the SESH.
“If we could sit around the table with the dissenters and talk about what we are all prepared to give up, this project would be getting ticked off very easily.
Retirement villas now selling
Botanic Gardens is a close-knit community set on landscaped native gardens and neighbours the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and an active social calendar catering to all interests.
and
and
Keysborough Golf Club president Darrell Swindells says there are many winners from the controversial SESH proposal. (Supplied)
Re-election campaign in doubt
By Sahar Foladi
City of Greater Dandenong deputy mayor’s re-election campaign could be in jeopardy after failing to enrol for the upcoming council election as a candidate.
Cr Richard Lim had long announced he’d switch from Springvale Central Ward to Springvale North Ward in order to see through the Springvale Revitalisation Action Plan.
He may not be able to contest the October council elections as the enrolment date to vote has closed.
Cr Lim, who lives outside Greater Dandenong but owns a pharmacy in Springvale, was “disappointed” at the circumstances surrounding his ineligibility.
He said he “didn’t know at all” that he wasn’t automatically on the roll.
“If I’m not elected I have fulfilled my dream of Springvale revitalisation and the traffic and parking matters.
“I don’t feel anything. If they don’t want me to stand, I feel glad and I’ll concentrate on my works with Monash Health.”
He is seeking legal advice from his legal team.
In 2020, former councillor Peter Brown was also sensationally ruled ineligible to stand due to his name not being on the electoral roll.
Brown also lives outside Greater Dandenong but owns investment property in the council area.
Brown had divested a property and bought a new property in Greater Dandenong between the 2016 and 2020 elections, but failed to reapply for the electoral roll under new rules.
However, Cr Lim says his property portfolio has remained the same.
Cr Lim had been set to go head-to-head with Labor colleague and sitting councillor Sean O’Reilly.
Cr O’Reilly said the “surprising” news did improve his chances of defending his seat. But “not taking it for granted”, he would continue to doorknock, letterbox and campaign across the ward.
He said that Cr Lim’s situation was different to Brown’s, but he was possibly impacted by further rule changes under the Local Government Act 2020.
City of Greater Dandenong acting chief executive officer, Sanjay Manivasagasivam said the council has no role over the nomination process as it’s administered by the Victorian Electoral Commission however it only administers the list of ‘Council-enrolled voters.’
“This list was previously known as the CEO list. It is for people who are eligible to vote in Greater Dandenong Council Elections because they are a local ratepayer or nominee of a business which is a ratepayer.
“Council wrote to eligible business owners and ratepayers to advise of the process for enrolling to vote and included the relevant form. Applications to be included on the list of ‘Council-enrolled voters’ were due by 4pm on 7 August.”
Cr Lim however claims he received no letter at his pharmacy address in Springvale and none of his staff came across such letter.
He says he’s worried that another succeeding Springvale North councillor may not follow onto his dreams for a Springvale with picnic areas, better parking, open space and other aesthetic improvements.
“I will 100 per cent follow up the Springvale Revitalisation Action Plan (as a business owner), I feel sorry for Springvale.”
A VEC spokesperson says if a prospective candidate is not enrolled before the close of the roll, they are ineligible to be nominated.
“There can be no exceptions as this would undermine the impartiality and integrity of the election.
“In December 2023 and again in April this year, we provided communication packs to all councils, including letter templates to advise affected owner ratepayers of the loss of their automatic entitlement and inviting them to re-enrol, as well as letter templates inviting the other two ratepayer categories to enrol (occupier ratepayers and corporations).”
They said a “comprehensive” communication and advertising program was delivered to raise awareness around enrolment.
The deputy mayor is seen as a passionate and active member of the council who worked hard to enhance the visual look of the busy Springvale Central and projects like SRAP to attract investments in the area.
Springvale crime rises on election agenda
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Crime and public safety in central Springvale have taken a turn for the worse, say council election candidates.
Springvale Central Ward candidate Minh Le and Springvale South Ward candidate Andy Tran were fresh from a fact-finding walkthrough with Victoria Police on Wednesday 11 September.
Top of mind was the spate of stabbings in Springvale’s CBD.
There was a stabbing outside Commonwealth Bank on the previous Saturday and awful group-violence marring the night of Springvale Snow Fest.
Le says he’s noticed a “decline” in safety in Springvale since the start of the Covid pandemic.
“There are a lot of people afraid to walk to their cars at night.”
The same could be said for Springvale South shopping centre, says Tran - who tells a story of up to four offenders snatching a necklace off a shopper’s neck.
“I get worried that we might accept this as a norm, and it shouldn’t be. We shouldn’t allow this sort of thing to happen.
“We should make sure there’s confidence in the community, so they can go out without fear of being robbed.”
The pair are calling for more CCTV, lighting and funding for Neighbourhood Watch – including for information in multiple languages.
They are welcoming a police pledge for weekly patrols of the shopping districts, in the wake of recent crimes.
Le and Tran noticed that the police presence during last week’s walk-through seemed to help.
Both were impressed by officers’ quick and efficient seizure of a hidden knife, after a sharpeyed witness saw the handle protruding from a person’s bag.
Ata9Septembercouncilmeeting,Springvale
North councillor Sean O’Reilly raised the under-resourcing of police in Springvale.
It was leading to long delays for police to attend triple-0 calls, he said.
Le says crime is under-reported in Springvale, resulting in police being allocated less resources than required.
For the sake of getting better police resources, he urged shoppers and traders to overcome their reluctance to report crime. Or they can give anonymous information to Crime Stoppers.
“They don’t want to give their names and details. They don’t want the hassle,” Le says.
The walk-through was organised by deputy mayor Richard Lim – who was aiming to switch seats to Springvale North Ward but his candidacy is in doubt due to not being named on the electoral roll.
Lim, who is a Labor member, recently shared a joint campaign launch with Le and Tran.
It was attended by other Labor candidates Jim Memeti, Zahra Haydarbig as well as mayor Lana Formoso - but would have put Lim at odds with sitting ALP councillors O’Reilly and Loi Truong.
The pair stress their focus is on the community, not party politics.
For his part, Le says he is “not political” and doesn’t understand the political system. Tran says he’s a member of an unnamed political party but “not really a politician”.
The duo say they share Lim’s vision for a more ambitious, revitalised Springvale, which lags behind the towering Asian precincts in Glen Waverley and Box Hill.
Tran adds that activating the areas with more people will make them safer.
Both childhood refugees from Vietnam, they say they’ll bring a younger, fresher energy to Greater Dandenong Council.
An architect and domestic builder, Le volunteers for Springvale Rotary Club as well as teaching English to older migrants at South Eastern Melbourne Vietnamese Associations Council (SEMVAC).
“We see the issues as a resident. But we can’t change it unless we get in a position to change it.”
Tran also is active with Monash Health public health unit as well as an Afri Aus Care board member and SEMVAC volunteer.
“It’s about the similarities between our communities. I see a lot of the African communities’ challenges are similar to our refugee families went through.”
He’ll be pitting himself against long-time sitting councillor Loi Truong.
“Hopefully Minh and I can get a fresh face and a working relationship in the council to gain common ground and good results.”
Which councillors are seeking re-election
Most of Greater Dandenong’s councillors have nominated for re-election in October’s polls.
As of 9am on Monday 15 September, Crs Angela Long (ALP) and Rhonda Garad (Greens) were the sole nominees for Cleeland Ward. ALP member Zahra Haydarbig has also been campaigning strongly in the seat.
Conservative independent Cr Bob Milkovic will re-contest Dandenong North. His sole rival so far is Rosana Ierone, who didn’t provide contact information to the Victorian Electoral Commission.
Five-time mayor Jim Memeti, of the Labor Party, is so far the only nominee for Dandenong Ward, as were Crs Sophie Tan (Noble Park) and Phillip Danh (Yarraman).
Crs Loi Truong (ALP, Springvale South) will face at least two rivals Andy Tran and Yen Thai.
In Springvale North, Cr Sean O’Reilly (ALP) is so far only up against Huong Dinh, due to the potential ineligibility of ALP deputy mayor Richard Lim.
There is no sitting councillor in Springvale Cen-
tral, Keysborough or Keysborough South wards.
At least three new candidates are facing off in Springvale Central - Socialist candidate Sean Stebbings, Minh Le and Meng Bunlay.
In Keysborough, the only candidate so far was South East United Football Club president Sinan Akkurt.
Two have nominated in Keysborough South - the ALP’s Alexandra Bryant and the Greens’ Isabella Do. With one day before nominations close at noon 17 September, sitting mayor Lana Formoso was yet to nominate for Noble Park North Ward. Karl Rathnayake was the sole nominee.
Greater Dandenong Civic Centre. (Gary Sissons: 344241)
Council election candidates Andy Tran (Springvale South) and Minh Le (Springvale Central) say they offer fresh change. (Gary Sissons: 430190)
Deputy mayor Richard Lim may be out of the election race. (Gary Sissons: 301035)
Writing the hard yards
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Dandenong resident Jacqui Swallow’s memoir
The Bipolar Runner is unflinchingly raw and honest.
So raw that her publisher recommend her to tone down the most telling of lowpoints.
But in characteristically courageous fashion, Swallow insisted on an uncensored retelling.
It includes a “humiliating” passage on how she was locked in an isolation unit in a psychiatric ward. With just a mattress, no pillow.
“You have to behave badly to be put in there. And when I was put in there, my behaviour was even worse.”
She wants to explode myths such as the “terror” around mental illness and psych wards.
“Hospital is not that bad. You play Uno to pass time - it’s very boring but it’s not scary at all.
“You don’t feel confronted or threatened. Everything is well handled. You don’t feel like you’re surrounded by ‘crazy people’ – they’re people like you.”
There are other myths to pop, such as mental illness being only caused by trauma or a bad upbringing. Swallow describes her own childhood as idyllic.
Or the fiction that “we bring it on ourselves” with drinking, drugs and bad lifestyle choices. “I’m the healthiest person I know and I still suffer from mental illness.”
Or that “we can’t function, we can’t work, we can’t have relationships, have families or contribute to the community”.
“If we are medicated, have the right people supporting us – professionals, friends and family – there’s no reason a person with mental illness can’t function.”
so it was like a journey in processing memories from the past.”
She was spurred into running since she was spurred by the film Brittany Runs a Marathon – in which the lead character goes from unfit and overweight to a marathon runner.
It was life-changing, she says.
“At the time I myself was obese. I had tried everything to lose weight and nothing worked.
“As soon as I finished watching the movie, I went for a run.”
She used to be unable to walk up hills. As she trained, she started to run up the same slopes.
She celebrated those little milestones, as well as bigger ones such as Melbourne Marathon and her book.
“I go through the whole gamut. I feel shame, regret, embarrassment, pride – every single emotion you can imagine. But mostly pride.
“I hope it will encourage people with mental illness to run, as well as people who see themselves as not athletic.”
An avid reader, she sought memoirs by people with bipolar, and found celebrities like Carrie Fisher and Stephen Fry or superstar athletes. What she aimed to do with The Bipolar Runner was to fill a gap – a story by an everyday person who really talked about their feelings and emotions.
“It’s OK to have big goals and big ambitions. Just because you do, it doesn’t mean you’re manic or psychotic.”
Swallow has lived with bipolar disorder since her teens, as well as intense depression and anxiety.
She also has a great knack for dreaming large.
And one specifically for those who have bipolar, schizophrenia or psychosis and can suffer “delusions of grandeur” - don’t stop following their dreams.
year, she
Marathon.
She’s now taken to writing her debut book –to show how running had helped her manage debilitating mental health issues.
“I found it really cathartic,” she says of writing her memoir.
“It was highly personal. I was writing daily
“There’s people in my life like my mum and my partner who don’t have mental illness and they just don’t know what it’s like. It’s completely out of their experience.
“Reading a whole book, they can then go: ‘OK, I get it’.”
The Bipolar Runner is available from Fair Play Publishing and QBD Books.
A book launch with Jacqui Swallow will be held at Sandown Park Hotel on Friday 11 October, 6pm-8pm. RSVP: form.jotform. com/242400699794871
Last
was featured in Star Journal for raising $4500 for mental health agency Beyond Blue while running six hours in the Melbourne
Marathon runner Jacqui Swallow has now penned an inspirational memoir. (Gary Sissons: 345036)
Wheeling ahead for charity
Students and staff Lyndale Secondary College buckled in for a thrilling day of racing and fundraising for an international charity on 13 September.
The student Interact Club staged a wheelchair race for Year 7s and teachers as well as a Crazy Sock Day and sausage sizzle.
As well as the thrills and spills, they raised awareness and funds for charity Wheelchairs For Kids Australia.
WFKA has made nearly 60,000 wheelchairs for under-resourced communities in Australia and overseas.
In parts of the world, some children with disabilities are deprived of wheelchairs, live their lives on the ground or on a bed and must be carried around.
They often miss out on school, social activities, independence and physical and mental wellbeing.
At $275 a wheelchair, it was hoped that the Lyndale races will fund several wheelchairs for children in need.
It’s the first major fundraiser for the club, which was set up in partnership with Greater Dandenong-Endeavour Hills Rotary in June.
Helping youth build their lives at new home
By Sahar Foladi
Mission Australia has opened new housing to support young people leaving out-of-home care amidst the rental crisis.
The much-needed initiative will house 10 young people aged 18 to 21 in shared accommodation in Dandenong which topped state levels in homelessness Census data.
The five apartments at Willow House will support the young people in their transition from out-of-home care to independence under Mission Australia’s Better Futures program.
Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister expressed her excitement about the completion of Willow House.
“The purpose of Willow House is to equip young people with the life skills they need to eventually thrive in the next stage of their journey in the private rental market or affordable housing. They’ll learn many new skills including how to live with others in a shared space,
create and manage a budget, and handle their bills.”
After spending their childhood in foster care homes, young people will have their space within the Willow House. They pay 25 per cent of their Centrelink payment or paid income which goes to cover utility costs.
All the shared household furniture like a couch, TV, fridge, dishwasher, table and chairs, washing machine have been purchased through Better Futures brokerage.
They can shop for bedroom furniture also paid by the Better Futures brokerage and will take it with them when they leave the service or move into another property.
Mission Australia’s state area manager Aileen Lacy says they’re focused on teaching independent skills, connecting young people to the community and building “their economic ability to live independently outside the program.”
“Some of us take for granted what young people have learnt, who have been brought up in nurturing environments. But many of (our)
young people don’t have the skills yet and it’s our responsibility to help them develop those skills.
“We’re testing the sharing model with young people because we know the reality of renting is so high and for single person to afford that is unlikely,” Ms Lacy said.
“These young people have been in out-ofhome care service over long term. This cohort has experienced significant trauma and extremely resilient…”
Due to the unaffordability of private rentals and Australia’s housing emergency, Mission Australia has purchased these units to ensure that the young people have access to affordable, safe and secure housing.
The project was made possible thanks to a partnership between Mission Australia and a generous donor.
The house is occupied by four young people, one of whom mentioned an improvement in her mental health since living in shared living.
It provides them with support into adult-
hood as they seek employment or continue further studies navigating their way into life.
According to Ms Lacy, Mission Australia is currently working with 200 young people, some who are in care but the majority have left care and are primarily based across the southern Melbourne and Bayside Peninsula.
“When exiting the care system so many of them (would otherwise) fall into homelessness or if they’re housed, the housing lease is unsuitable and inappropriate making them fall back into homelessness.
“We’ve been able to support some with private rental. But without a rental history that makes it difficult and that’s an objective of Willow House to create more opportunities once they exit out.
The Australian Bureau of Statistic’s 2021 Census reported 30,660 Victorians were without a home, of which 25 per cent were people between 12 and 24 years of age.
Expanding the Willow House service hinges on sourcing funds in the future.
Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister, Housing Minister Harriet Shing, Greater Dandenong deputy mayor Richard Lim and Mission Australia chair Ian Hammond open Willow House. (Stewart Chambers: 430037)
Aileen Lacey, who is Mission Australia’s Victorian area manager, outside the Dandenong accommodation. (430037)
Housing Minister Harriet Shing at the launch of Willow House in Dandenong. (430037)
Hamish sports a ‘crazy sock’. (427244) Ebesa gets set for racing. (427244)Wheelchair racers Hunter and Tommy gallop toward the finish line. (427244)
Anuska and Miss Lanz are off and racing. (427244)
Lyndale Secondary College student Reza with Leanne Byron from Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills at the fundraising day. (Stewart Chambers: 427244)
A display of support for the college’s Crazy Sock Day. (427244)
Zahra puts her hands to the wheels. (427244)
Trio of townhouses refused
By Sahar Foladi
A second attempt to seek a planning permit for a trio of double-storey townhouses in Noble Park has been refused by Greater Dandenong Council.
The proposal for the 638 square-metre site at 34 Shepreth Avenue was originally refused by both the council and VCAT late last year due to landscaping issues and an over-dominance of car parking at the front.
However, the now revised and “compliant” application was knocked back at the Monday 9 September council meeting.
Councillor Sean O’Reilly argued the proposal was an “over development of the site” causing traffic congestion and being “inconsistent with neighbourhood character.”
The site is in an Incremental Change zone which became one of the main points in the debate.
“We all understand the need for housing across Melbourne and in our municipality … however residents are rightfully concerned that this development would impact their daily lives.
“And while technically compliant in some respects, this proposal represents over-development in what is termed an incremental change area under the Dandenong Planning Scheme.”
He amplified the residents’ concern over worsening parking and traffic issues in the area if the dwelling was given the green light.
“So we cannot as representatives of the community overlook the potential issues with parking and traffic congestion, which would only worsen with more cars introduced onto a street that already struggles with on-street parking.”
Councillors Sophie Tan and Rhonda Garad backed Cr O’Reilly calling out the proposal to be an “excessive jump” which “fails to meet the neighbourhood character test” and added to “overloaded parking issues in Dandenong.”
Councillor Phillip Danh, who supported the application for the dwellings, was concerned of the unnecessary legal costs if the
outcome was to be successfully appealed at VCAT by the proponent.
He noted that the issue raised by the initial tribunal ruling had been addressed in this new application.
“This new application is compliant with the relevant rules and regulation addressing important measures like adequate green space.
“I’m concerned a rejection of the propos-
al tonight will expose council, ratepayers and residents to extra legal costs, especially as legal consideration of over-development… would not even be considered if this was to go to VCAT again.”
According to a council officer’s report it’s “highly likely” that VCAT would issue a planning permit for the proposal.
This however, didn’t deter Cr O’Reilly who stood his ground as a “community representative”.
“We all know the likelihood of this application succeeding at VCAT but we need to send a signal from this council that an application that may be seen as excessive and an overdevelopment will not just go through this council with zero friction.”
Greater Dandenong Council has refused a second proposal for townhouses at a site in Noble Park. (Gary Sissons, 344241)
FOCUS ON... EDUCATION CHOICES
Meet the principal
Nossal High School recently announced the appointment of its second substantive Principal, Tracey Mackin. Tracey has served the Nossal community since 2012, guiding the institution through key phases of its growth and development.
Her leadership roles have included Assistant Principal and Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy, both of which allowed her to play a central role in shaping and embedding the school’s ethos and practice.
Tracey’s leadership is characterised by a balance of vision and attention to detail, underpinned by her commitment to creating a supportive, innovative, and student-centred learning environment. Her academic and professional thinking is grounded in the values of integrity, reflection, and inclusivity. She has consistently been at the forefront of initiatives that promote student voice and agency, recognising that students thrive when given the opportunity to take ownership of their learning and engage in meaningful dialogue about their educational experience.
Tracey takes great pride in the fact that Nossal has developed into a vibrant community where staff and students share in the joy that learning can bring. With the rest of the Nossal family, she is committed to embracing the challenge of thinking deeply and well about the world, and of applying that thinking to make the world of the future a better one.
Nossal High School recently announced the appointment of its second substantive Principal, Tracey Mackin.
NOSSAL HIGH SCHOOL - BERWICK
A co-educational, academically selective government school for highly able students in Years 9-12
New focus on phonics
Evidence-based teaching and learning will be embedded in Victorian classrooms, including best practice teaching of phonics in the early years.
Education Minister Ben Carroll in June announced the updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model, to be implemented in all government schools across the state from 2025 with explicit teaching at its core.
All students from Prep to Grade 2 will be taught using a systematic synthetic phonics approach as part of their reading programs, with a minimum of 25 minutes daily explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness.
This will be a core component of a comprehensive reading program that also includes explicit teaching of oral language, vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension.
Systematic synthetic phonics is a structured approach that explicitly teaches the relationship between sounds and letters to read words.
Schools and teachers will receive highquality, practical lesson plans, first in English and mathematics and then in science and design and digital technologies.
“The reforms and the rollout of the lesson plans will reduce teacher workload and equip them with high quality, best practice materials so they can spend more time with their students and less time planning,” Mr Carroll said.
Evidence from Victorian schools and from reviews conducted by research organisations like the Australian Education Research Organisation and the Grattan Institute shows explicit teaching works best for the largest number of students, particularly those who might be struggling.
Studies from the United States, United Kingdom, and across Australia now recommend systematic synthetic phonics as the most effective method to teach children to read.
As one of only four Victorian Selective Entry High Schools, we offer a broad range of curricular and co-curricular experiences and programs, strongly influenced by the students themselves who have an active and authentic voice in the running of the school. We offer significant sporting, creative, performing, musical, community, cultural, social, and leadership opportunities to our students alongside a comprehensive academic study program.
Visitors are welcome to attend school tours with the Principal, and information evenings are available throughout the year. We invite you to visit us.
Boost for maths learning
Support for more teachers to become mathematics specialists is on the way, ensuring Victorian primary school students get the best maths education.
Education Minister Ben Carroll recently announced a further 100 government school teachers would become mathematics education specialists through the Primary Mathematics and Science Specialists (PMSS) initiative.
“Mathematics is a vital skill and we’re ensuring students are taught by the best maths teachers so they can achieve their full potential at school and in life,” he said.
The next 100 teachers to become maths specialists will follow in the footsteps of the 800 teachers from 430 schools who have already com-
pleted the training and are now leaders in STEM knowledge and delivery within their schools.
The teachers will be trained over the next two years, giving them expert knowledge and skills to teach and assess mathematics.
They’ll use the skills to boost primary students’ engagement and achievement in mathematics – an underpinning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Evaluations of previous PMSS cohorts show the training of teachers as specialists results in student achievement going up at all year levels in mathematics and science.
Teachers reported training was more consistent, integrated and effective, leading to improved results in the classroom.
Ben Carroll MP.
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
Books awarded to students
Rabo Community Fund in partnership with the ‘edu-tainment’ brand ‘George the Farmer’ has donated a record number of book packs to educational institutions across Australia during National Book Week.
Specialist agribusiness bank Rabobank – in collaboration with George the Farmer – awarded 70 book packs, with a collection of all 13 Australian-made George the Farmer picture storybooks to primary schools, kindergartens, preschools, early learning centres and childcare centres around the country for their libraries.
Rabobank head of community and client engagement Glenn Wealands said the initiative –now in its third year – attracted an “impressive 450 applications from large and small centres of learning”.
Mr Wealands said the interest from educational institutions – from both metro and country locations – highlights the appetite for children to learn about where their food and fibre comes from in an entertaining and engaging way.
George the Farmer began as an interactive story app in 2015 and founder Simone Kain has since expanded the brand to include virtualreality experiences, music, performances and paddock-to-plate videos available on YouTube and ABC iView, alongside free, curriculumaligned educational resources.
As an author, Ms Kain said, Book Week has become one of her favourite times of the year.
“The photos I receive of little George the Farmers and Ruby Farmers dressed up in classrooms across the country make me incredibly proud,” she said.
“Knowing that these characters – and the themes of farming – are inspiring a love of reading in young minds is truly rewarding. After all, this inspiration is what kick-starts their entire learning journey.”
Ms Kain said finding the right book can be transformative.
“Stories that reflect a child’s environment, culture or interests can make reading come alive. That’s why we created George the Farmer – to offer curriculum-aligned teaching resources, videos, and books that are both relatable and engaging to not just farm kids – but every child. Our platform has helped educate over 600,000 children to date across Australia about food and fibre, making a significant impact on their learning.
“Our partnership with Rabobank Australia and New Zealand has also been crucial in supporting literacy efforts,” she said.
“Through this collaboration, approximately 6,000 George the Farmer books have been distributed to schools across both countries, boosting literacy among challenged learners and strengthening children’s connections to regional areas and their understanding of food and fibre.”
In 2021, Rabobank launched the Rabo Community Fund in Australia and New Zealand to invest in the sustainability and vitality of rural communities.
“As a cooperative, Rabobank has a rich history of community engagement and always looks to make an impact across the rural communities in which our clients live and work,” Mr Wealands said.
“The Rabo Community Fund is driven by the bank’s farming clients, who play a central role in their communities. They support local initiatives with the goal of making a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.”
Mr Wealands said George the Farmer’s ambition of creating a world in which children connect with the earth, food and farming aligns seamlessly with one of the Rabo Community Fund’s central themes of fostering urban-rural connections.
Finn Olm celebrating Book Week.
Noble Park’s own stalwart of history
By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Narelle Coulter
Geoffrey
WACHTER
21/11/1932 - 05/09/2024
A widely respected Noble Park ex-teacher with an extensive record of the town’s early history has died.
Geoff Alan Wachter, 91, passed away on 5 September, prompting fond tributes from neighbours,friendsandhisformerwoodworkstudents.
A father of four, grandfather of 12 and greatgrandfather of 10, Wachter was also an enthusiast for vintage Triumph cars, photography and orchids.
The author of The Town of Noble Park and Some of its Early Families was six when his family arrived in the suburb in 1938.
Wachter’s parents Fred and Clarice had bought their home in Stuart Street sight unseen.
When the family arrived they discovered the house was uninhabitable because of the previous owner’s extensive menagerie.
Stoically, they erected a tent in the yard and the cleaning and fumigating commenced.
“It was much later that we discovered that this was the house that Joseph Bunn, the ‘Bush Baptist’ had built and lived in,” Wachter wrote in his book.
His parents ran a green-grocer business in the James building in Douglas Street.
As a boy he helped deliver the weekend orders in a horse and cart.
His rare grasp of Noble Park’s past extended to an album of valuable old photographs of Noble Park, which create a portrait of the past which is unrecognisable today.
In his shed was a bird egg collection that he started as a boy clambering up the plentiful river red gum trees more than 70 years ago.
LOOKING BACK
100 years ago
18 September 1924
CHENEY MOTORS LTD.
Show Room Opened at Dandenong.
The Cheney Motors Pty Ltd is well known in this part of the motoring world and they have now taken steps to become known in Dandenong. As advertised in the columns of this paper, they have opened a sales and service station at Dandenong. They have on show two handsome motorcars – a Oldsmobile “six” and a latest Chevrolet model. The Chevrolet’s price – 240 pounds – is a big factor in its growth in favour with motorists. The fuel consumption of the Chevrolet is on the economical basis of 30 miles to the gallon.
50 years ago
17 September 1974
Butt ‘found’ in meat ….
A cigarette butt was found in a packet of chopped steak and kidney bought from a Dandenong butcher. City of Dandenong health inspector told the Dandenong court that a woman bought a quantity of meat from shop 9 in Dandenong Arcade. When the meat was unwrapped, a cigarette butt was found inside. The inspector said he visited the shop and found two empty cigarette packets and 16 cigarette butts on the floor in the back working area of the shop which was the boning, mincing and preparation area. The owner said that he allowed the staff to smoke at lunchtime only. He had since directed the staff not to smoke in the room again.
20 years ago
20 September 2004
Bracks opens Casey Hospital
“Parents would go mad these days if they saw the trees we used to climb,” Wachter told Star Journal in 2017.
“There were a heck of a lot of birds in those days – sparrows, blackbirds, willy wagtails, gold finches.
“There were trees here then. Now the trees are gone and birds are gone.”
On Noble Park’s “jug chimney” house, Wachter was full of details in 2021.
He had worked for the home’s builder and first resident Peter ‘Mick’ Jarvie.
Delving into the mystery, he told Star Journal that ‘Jarvie’s Jug’ was built as a “whimsical expression”.
It was a tribute to the “amber fluid” that flowed during so-called ‘church services’ in the garage on Sunday mornings when the pubs were closed.
“His neighbours were observed arriving with a brown paper bag under their arms. They did not contain bibles but the contents clinked,” Wachter said.
Wachter recalled Noble Park as a “wonderful place to grow up”.
He remembered riding the family horse to be shod by blacksmiths in Dandenong and Springvale.
“You’d hop on bareback, drop it off at the blacksmith and wander around town. Get back on and ride home.
“Very few families had cars.”
“It was a pleasant little town,” he said.
“Everything was here. As a boy I had the freedom to hop on my bike and disappear. We’d come home again at sunset.”
A funeral service was held on Thursday 12 September at Tobin Brothers Currents of Life Chapel, Noble Park
Childrens Festival returns
Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival is back, kicking off with the Little Day Out on Sunday 22 September.
The annual festival runs across the September-October school holidays, and celebrates children up to 12 .
This year the theme is ‘The Great Outdoors’.
Little Day Out is the festival’s headline act at Ross Reserve, including amusement rides, live performers, market, food, stalls and a Make Your Move Zone to try a variety of sports.
Over two weeks, there’s a packed calendar of live shows at The Drum, free activities at local libraries and a series of outdoor movies at Harmony Square and Springvale Community Hub.
Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ childrens-festival
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
The proposal to replace Dandenong Oasis’s 50-metre pool with a 25-metre pool was ultimately scrapped. This is an illustration of the proposed 50-metre pool area at the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, which will be built next door. The project is currently up for tender.
17 September 2019
Oasis loses water
Users of the Dandenong Oasis leisure centre
Premier Steve Bracks opened the $80 million, 229-bed Casey Hospital in Berwick on Saturday. The hospital is part of the Southern Health network. It will start admitting patients early next month. The hospital took two years to build. It will have a staff of about 700. The hospital will take pressure off south-eastern hospitals, particularly Dandenong’s emergency department. 5 years ago
are urging the council to scrap plans to replace the existing 50 metre pool with a 25 metre pool, as per a plan to revamp the ageing centre. Users say the proposal would not meet swimmers’ needs. They allege that they have been told by council officers that the proposed design would lessen the centre’s carbon footprint as it would take less power to heat the pool and that they should use the Noble Park Aquatic Centre’s 50 metre outdoor pool instead. Greater Dandenong councillor Maria Sampey said a 25 metre pool at the Oasis would be built “over my dead body”. “I can’t see us building a 25 metre pool. We can’t spend $65 million of ratepayer’s money and put in something less than what it was, that doesn’t make sense.” The proposal will be put to council on 23 September.
The W.James and Son building on Douglas Street, Noble Park where Geoff Wachter’s family ran a grocer. (Supplied)
Geoff Wachter with his bird eggs collected from nests in Noble Park more than 70 years ago.
(Rob Carew: 173516)
Man rescued in house fire
A critically-injured 45-year-old man has been rescued from a house fire in Springvale.
Emergency services received reports of a large amount of smoke from the Large Street single-storey brick-veneer house about 11.30pm on Tuesday 10 September.
Firefighters, who were on scene within five minutes, rescued the man from inside the house and gave him emergency first aid until Ambulance Victoria arrived, an FRV spokesperson said. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
No one else was inside the house at the time.
Three dogs inside the property were seized by local authorities.
Greater Dandenong CIU detectives are investigating the blaze.
“The exact circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing,” a Victoria Police spokesperson stated.
An arson chemist attended the scene later that day.
Ten fire-fighting appliances and 34 firefighters were deployed – with extra resources dispatched
due to the volume of Triple-0 calls.
Firefighters brought the fire under control by 12.01am, with the house’s entire structure severely damaged, according to FRV.
A Community Advice Message was sent due to the amount of smoke in the area.
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Pioneer study on youth concussion
Young rugby players on Haileybury’s rugby team are being monitored using high-tech mouthguards with special sensors to better identify and manage concussions.
In an Australian first study, researchers and neuroscientists from Deakin and Monash universities are working with the college’s First XV Rugby team in using data to identify players who may have experienced concussion and need further assessment or rest.
Researchers are also using advanced neuroimaging or brain scans, and blood tests to identify specific biomarkers in blood that may help diagnose concussion.
Researchers plan to monitor the team for the next two to three years.
Aidan Ryan, Head of Rugby at Haileybury, says the school is excited to be part of this important research project that will help protect the brain health of young athletes who play contact sports.
“This is new and vital research that will enhance our understanding of concussion and concussion management.
“Haileybury already has a strict concussion management policy, but this research is part of a bigger picture of how to best manage concussion and head injuries in all young people.
“The students and their families have been very keen to be involved with the research and the data being provided by the mouthguards has already been very useful this season. We’ve been able to monitor the number of impacts for each player and understand who to keep a check on and who to rest.”
He says the school will be able to integrate the special mouthguard after the completion of the research on a longer run.
Each player on the team have been fitted with a bespoke mouthguard that incorporates
a range of sensors that measure the force of any head impact experienced during games or training.
At the end of each training session or match, the data from each mouthguard is synced to an iPad and the data is analysed.
The rugby players are also wearing wristbands to monitor their sleep patterns as there is some evidence that healthy sleep may be protective against some effects of concussion or head impacts.
Dr Spencer Roberts, a researcher in Sleep and Athlete Health from Deakin University’s Centre for Sport Research, says the ground-breaking research is vital to learn how we can more accurately and swiftly diagnose and treat young people with concussion.
“Many people in our communities who play collision sports are young people with developing brains.
“However, at the moment, we don’t know a lot about how their brain responds to head impacts, and diagnosing concussion remains a very subjective process.
“We think many young people are not being diagnosed when they should be and, even when a concussion is diagnosed, players are often returning to sport too early, which can put them at greater risk of further injury and long-term consequences,” he said.
“This research is at the cutting-edge, we’re using new and emerging techniques and technology to provide some answers for a very important issue.”
He says while professional athletes are actively monitored and managed, it’s important athletes in the community or at grassroots level, particularly young people, are also diagnosed and managed effectively.
During the rugby season, players will also have blood tests and MRI scans of their brain.
Haileybury College rugby players are wearing special mouthguards as part of a concussion research study. (Supplied)
“With the blood test, the long-term goal is to develop an objective diagnostic test that can be used to determine when someone has been concussed,” Dr Roberts explains.
“Our research is also looking at whether there are cumulative effects of non-concussive impacts because, eventually, we think we’ll be able to determine when a player’s cumulative impact exposure warrants them being sidelined for some rest.”
Researchers also hope to generate evidence that supports the value of sleep-promoting interventions such as educating young players of the importance of sleep to help protect their brain health.
SEMMA vision beyond 2025
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A South East based industry group is developing its own long-range “blueprint” for manufacturing’s future into the second half of this century.
At the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) AGM on 5 September, president Peter Angelico announced plans for a Manufacturing Blueprint for 2050 and Beyond.
Its focus will be on “building a responsive, innovative, and globally competitive manufacturing sector” and to ensure high-quality, advanced manufacturing stays in Australia. The plan would examine the critical skills gaps, reliable energy supply on the path to Net Zero, a boost to research grants and accelerating advanced technologies to streamline operations. “Arobustmanufacturingsectorisessential for Australia’s economic growth and strength, innovation, and national identity,” Angelico said.
“This blueprint will be designed to empower our manufacturers to excel locally, expand globally, create sustainable employment, and secure our industrial future.”
SEMMA will be inviting all stakeholders to engage with the industry-led document, which would be different from the “top-down” strategies derived fromgovernmentsandthe“topendoftown”,hetold the AGM at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren.
“We are the manufacturers, we know what manufacturing needs. We’ll be asking people from all walks of life, the universities, the TAFEs, the manufacturers themselves. “It has got to be driven by us. You can’t rely on outsiders to tell us what to do – it’s actually our subject.” On the blueprint, SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said the future was bright for Australian manufacturing. The official launch of the completed document will be at Australian Manufacturing Week 2025.
The house gutted by fire at Large Street Springvale. (Gary Sissons: 431180)
Emergency services at the Large Street house fire, where a 45-year-old man was rescued by firefighters. (Gary Sissons: 431189)
EACH celebrates 50 years
By Ethan Benedicto
It was all about bringing vibrancy through their aura and colours in celebration of 50 years, as the purple EACH bus recently landed in Narre Warren, engaging with the hub’s staff and the local community.
The journey, which began in Ipswich, Queensland, was more than just a commemoration, but also an homage to the Eastern Access Community Health’s foundational goal; their dedication to delivering health and support services that improve lives and strengthen communities.
EACH’s manager for mental health and psychological interventions, Derek Fagan, who is based in the Narre Warren hub said that the whole experience was a fantastic way to “meet all the different services, know each of the staff along the way and hear their experiences of working for the organisation”.
“It was also about you know, wearing our tshirts with the 50th anniversary logo on it and driving on a purple bus and getting a lot of community interest.
“A lot of people in all the communities we stopped at were interested in what we were doing, so we’d stop and talk to them about mental health and aged care, working with young people, NDIS, all the services that we run, so we really galvanised a lot of community interest and support.”
EACH began I 1974, the first site being opened by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and was originally known as the Maroondah Social Health Centre.
WHAT’S ON
Social Craft Group
Come & get creative with us! Bring along any crafty projects you’re working on and share your skills or learn some new ones, while relaxing with likeminded people.
•Thursday 19 September 1.30-2.30pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong; suggested gold coin donation. Details: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au
Blood pressure clinical trial
Volunteers needed for study in the role of ‘leaky gut’ in high blood pressure (hypertension). Participants can have normal or high blood pressure, even if on blood pressure medication. Conducted by Monash Health and Monash University.
•Details: marqueslab.com/gut
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, international food plus merchandise for sale. We will have most of the 49 recognised pure breeds of cavies in Australia on show.
•Sunday 22 September at Menzies Hall, 41 Menzies Avenue, Dandenong North.
Little Day Out
Little Day Out 2024 will see more fun and exciting activities than ever including amusements, cultural performances, food trucks and entertainment for all. The theme this year is ‘The Great Outdoors’ and we invite you and your family to come and explore.
•Sunday 22 September, 11am-4pm at Ross Reserve, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Free admission.
School holiday fun
Noble Park Community Centre is holding the following activities in the September-October school holidays for young people: Magic Workshop (Age 5-12), Produce to Plate - Cooking Class (Age 9-12), Reuse Art Workshop (Age 5-12), Cupcake Decorating Workshop (Age 8-13), Youth Modelling Workshop (Age 13-18) and Kids Planting Workshop (Age 5-12).
•Noble Park Community Centre, 44 Memorial
It grew steadily, where in 1988 it held 194 volunteers; but it was in 1998 when EACH was born, after merging with the Outer East Council for Developing Services in Mental Health Inc. and Healesville Adult Day Care Centre.
“It really started as a grassroots organisation responding to community needs and health concerns,” Fagan said.
“You know, [it was about] linking people to allied health, their GPs, as well as providing support for you aged care, people with disabilities and young people struggling with navigating life.
“It really started with people caring, and that
has really been our ethos that’s come through the organisation.”
The goal of the drive was to ultimately connect with people, and celebrate them, as well as the places that have made EACH the advocate for community-based health and support services.
The organisation’s ceo, Natalie Sullivan, said that the drive “is an incredibly proud moment for us”.
“We want to share our pride in our past and our excitement about our future with everyone who has been part of our journey – communities, customers, government funders and of course
(Supplied)
The Weathering
Fusion Theatre presents The Weathering - a theatre, live music and movement ensemble performance on our connection to the weather and climate change.
Drive, Noble Park. Details: nobleparkcommunitycentre.org.au
Gardening workshop
Join Youth and Family Services to create your own mini garden these September School Holidays. 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, including Shrek 2 (PG) and Spy Kids (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 (Shrek 2) and Wednesday 25 September (Spy Kids), 6pm-8pm at Har-
our amazing team members, past and present.”
EACH provides clinical, counselling and support services that cater to youth and adult mental health, recovery from alcohol and other drugs, as well as physical wellbeing – including dental, nursing, physios and other allied health.
They also attend to people with disabilities, including children with developmental delays; child, youth and family wellbeing is also a focus, and support for older adults to remain confident, engaged and active.
“We’re really in the whole mix, we work collaboratively in the community,” Fagan said.
“We’re providing real wrap-around support with allied health, support with GPs, Indigenous organisations, cultural and linguistic services, local councils and so on.
“It’s not for profit, we’re not in it just to win contracts, we’re in it to really advocate for the sector, to make sure that funding and the people aren’t forgotten along the way.”
Other hubs in the area were visited; including Ferntree Gully on 30 August, Boronia on 2 September and Ringwood East on 3 September.
Currently, EACH employs 1500 staff supported by 200 volunteers, delivering more than 150 health and support services to 60,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians annually.
Greeted by calm winds and clear skies, Fagan said that the tour was an amazing opportunity for everyone to get together and “be one”, fostering that sense of camaraderie, not just with one another, but also the people they serve.
•Tuesday 24 September, 12pm-2pm at Noble Park Skatepark, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $5. Registration essential: events.humanitix. com/spring-spectacular-september-school-holiday-program-g5txekth
Dandy’s Got Talent
Dandy’s Got Talent is a talent show hosted at The Castle, celebrating the talents of young people aged 12-25 from Greater Dandenong. Live singers, dancers and bands, a DJ set, a chill space with games and fidget toys, raffle prizes, a photobooth for you to snap fun moments with friends and tasty snacks including a sausage sizzle, popcorn and beverages. Guest judges, DJ Alexandre and Sharny, as well as a special guest performance by Sharny herself.
•Wednesday 25 September, 2.30pm-7pm at The Castle, 61 Princes Highway, Dandenong; $5 (Redeemable for snacks) / performers attend free. Audience registrations: events.humanitix.com/ spring-spectacular-september-school-holidayprogram-g5txekth
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.
•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
mony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Free event.
‘Come and Try’ sports
Come and try Springers Juniors Sports programs including basketball, netball, soccer, pickleball and tennis. This program is suitable for childrens aged 5-12yrs.
•Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 23 September-4 October 4.15pm-6.30pm at Springer’s Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Rd, Keysborough. Free event. Bookings: https:// form.jotform.com/232291207560046
Skate and bike clinic
From beginners through to advanced skaters and BMX riders, this clinic is for you. Safety gear and skateboards provided. Bring your own bike. For young people aged 12-25. Presented by City of Greater Dandenong Youth and Family Services.
•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, 10am-2pm extended until 27 September at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae St, Dandenong. Free event.
Dandenong and District Orchid Club annual show
Wonderful displays of show orchids along with flowering orchids, seedlings and a wide range of orchid related products will be available for sale. City of Greater Dandenong Mayoral Award being presented at 11 am on Saturday.
•Saturday 28 September and Sunday 29 September, 9am-4pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 1832 Buckley Street, Noble Park; adults $5, concession $2, Children under 16 are free. Details: ddocsecretary@gmail.com
From left to right: Derek Fagan, the Narre Warren South Site Manager, Nick Teo, EACH Mental Health AOD Director and Michelle Addicott from EACH FTG. (Stewart Chambers: 428711)
Easy access to care packs
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A one-stop stockroom for carers of kids entering out-of-home care has been opened in Keysborough.
Known as a Tiny Site, it gives quick and secure access for first responders and child-protection workerstocollectBackpacks4VicKidscarepacks.
The packs comprise essentials such as toiletries, clothes, sleepware, a soft toy, book, torch, blanket and other goods that might be the child’s only belongings.
There are also sanitary packs, car restraints, port-a-cots, strollers and nappies available.
Founder and CEO Sally Beard said the supplies make an “extraordinary difference” for children in crisis, escaping family violence and on their way to a place of safety.
“Children are often removed from places of danger in the early hours of the morning when it’s dark, awoken from their sleep and placed in
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SPORT Brown claims Sandown 500
By James Pavey
Will Brown has beaten Triple Eight teammate Broc Feeney in a thrilling Penrite Oil Sandown 500, with the championship leader and Scott Pye scoring their first Supercars endurance race victories.
Brown hung on in a grandstand finish to the race, which ran time certain to 154 laps and featured five Safety Car periods.
The points leader beat Feeney, who won the 2023 race with Jamie Whincup, by 0.4747s
It marked Brown’s first win since New Zealand in April, while Pye claimed just his second career win, and first since Albert Park in 2018.
The teammates brought home a one-two following a heart-in-mouth moment, with Feeney hitting Brown after sailing off the road following a pit stop.
Behind them, James Golding/David Russell delivered a maiden Supercars podium for PremiAir Nulon Racing, with Golding denying Matt Payne by 0.3941s at the line.
Payne/Garth Tander finished fourth ahead of Triple Eight wildcard Cooper Murray/Craig Lowndes, with Cam Waters/James Moffat sixth.
Chaz Mostert/Lee Holdsworth came home seventh, with the championship contender surviving an early-race spin for Holdsworth to limit the damage to Brown in the title fight.
Heading to the Repco Bathurst 1000, Brown has an extended 189-point lead over Mostert, with Feeney 222 points behind.
“God what a race, Scott did a mega job, I was a bit nervous at the start when they got underneath us and the 88 was leading,” Brown said.
“Those last laps were nerve wracking, I thought don’t put a foot wrong, because Broc’s going to be there and I know he’ll pounce, but it was awesome.
“I’m just so stoked to get this, a win here at Sandown, the first round of the enduros, it’s a bloody good way to start it, so thanks to all the
guys and girls at Red Bull Ampol Racing.”
The first half of the race featured three Safety Cars and a Full Course Yellow period, leading to a lap 95 restart.
Brown skipped away as Feeney defended from Golding.
Behind them, Waters pounced on Payne at Turn 1 for fourth.
All the while, Mostert restarted 15th, while Brodie Kostecki was hit with a 15-second penalty after the rear wheels on the Erebus Motorsport Camaro spun during the pit stop.
Brown and Feeney set their personal best laps of the race on lap 98 as they tried to drop Golding, who had Waters, Payne, Jack Le Brocq, Murray and Kostecki behind.
The Triple Eight duo did it again on lap 99, and
Brown on lap 100, as the pace picked up.
Brown went faster again on lap 102, with the margin 0.7s to Feeney.
The margin breached a second on lap 107, with Golding, Waters, Payne, Le Brocq, Murray, Kostecki, Wood and Tyler Everingham the 10 as Mostert passed Anton De Pasquale for 11th.
As Brown complained over a vibration, Walkinshaw Andretti United brought Mostert in from 11th on lap 110.
Mostert immediately went about setting fast laps, clocking the best of the race on lap 113, before going faster again across the next two laps.
Brown extended his margin towards two seconds, and Waters fell into the clutches of Payne.
On lap 123, as Brown cracked two seconds over Feeney, Payne sealed the move on Waters through Turn 1.
Kostecki and Le Brocq then muscled past Waters, who was escorted off the road at Turn 6 by Murray.
Tickford pulled the pin and brought Waters in with 34 laps to go, with Wood, Hill, Slade and Heimgartner also stopping.
Murray, Reynolds and Fullwood stopped on the following lap, with Feeney pegging back 0.4s on Brown, the margin 1.5s.
Golding stopped from third with 32 laps to go, with Payne, Le Brocq and Everingham also coming in.
As Golding resumed ahead of Payne, Brown was brought in from the lead and emerged just behind Mostert, who had stopped 20 laps earlier.
Feeney pitted in response, with Kostecki — who had yet to serve his 15-second penalty — also coming in.
Feeney emerged in front of Brown at pit exit, but on cold tyres, fired off onto the apron at Turn 1. As Feeney rejoined, the teammates made contact, but somehow survived.
With the stops complete, Mostert led Brown by 2.9s, with Feeney 1.2s down.
Le Brocq, Golding, Payne, Murray, Waters, Tim Slade and David Reynolds rounded out the top 10, with Kostecki 12th after his penalty.
After Golding cleared Le Brocq with 25 laps to go, the ailing Mostert was brought in, handing the lead back to Brown.
Mostert plummeted down to 16th behind De Pasquale, with Feeney closing to 0.7s of Brown before the race was neutralised when Kostecki stopped on the run to Turn 6.
Payne was brought in and fitted with new rear tyres, with Waters, Cameron Hill, Andre Heimgartner and De Pasquale also stopping.
Feeney was brought in on the next lap for tyres, and rejoined behind Golding and Le Brocq. Brown was brought in, and emerged just ahead of Feeney, who was trundling down the pit straight with the Safety Car limiter on.
Golding and Le Brocq were also brought in behind the points leader, with the top 10 reading Brown, Feeney, Golding, Le Brocq, Payne, Murray, Waters, Mostert, Reynolds and Fullwood.
Brown led the field to green with nine minutes left on the clock, and the race was immediately neutralised again when Le Brocq and Payne collided into Turn 4.
A Payne dive saw Le Brocq end up buried in the barriers, with Murray avoiding a worse fate after a hit from Waters into Turn 2.
The race restarted with three minutes left, and the top five banged in their respective fastest laps of the race on lap 152.
Feeney gave it away as the minutes wound down, paving the way for Brown to secure his first win since Taup? in April.
The Kostecki/Todd Hazelwood and Richie Stanaway/Dale Wood cars were the only retirements from the race, with a record-equalling 20 cars finishing on the lead lap.
The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at Mount Panorama for the Repco Bathurst 1000 on October 10-13. • from supercars.com.au
HSD learning from mistakes and ready to rock DDCA cricket
By Marcus Uhe
Three years of frustration at the failure to shatter the glass ceiling hanging above the snake pit has led to some practical changes in how to approach the upcoming Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 2 season for HSD.
Since dropping from Turf 1 at the end of the 2020/21 season, the Cobras have been perennial contenders but failed to achieve the ultimate prize on the final day of the season.
They lost a thrilling grand final to Parkmore in the 2021/22 decider but didn’t come as close in the last two seasons, upset in semi finals despite finishing the home-and-away seasons in the top two on both occasions.
As a result, Craig Hookey and the Cobras have implemented some changes during preseason in order to avoid petering out before it matters the most.
Sri Lankan left-armer Sakuntha Liyanage has been drafted in to be the club’s front line spin bowler in an effort to take some responsibility off the shoulders of Gartside Medallist Triyan de Silva and Ryan Patterson, as will quick Jawed Hussaini, who brings Turf 1 experience from his time at Narre South, and the opportunity to showcase more of his batting talent than he did at his previous home.
There’s a hope that a shorter preseason than previous years will prevent the players from running out of steam, while a flexible approach to selection will allow for some experimentation in finding the right combinations.
“Everyone says you’ve got to pick your best team for round one but it’s not about where you start, it might be about where you finish,” Hookey said.
“A lot of the time, where people start isn’t exactly where they finish, so we need to embrace and encourage that.
“Someone might start at eight and end up at the top of the order - that’s traditionally how season’s have gone for us in the past.
“We might tinker with a few things early and
lose a few games early, so be it; at the end of the day, we want to be there on the last day in March and not dwindle-out before then.
“In the past we’ve kind of gone bull-at-a-gate from round one and we’ve traditionally played our best cricket in January, so we’re structuring our program to allow us to play our best cricket in February/March is something that we’re really trying to do.”
Reflecting on the club’s 2023/24 season is impossible without considering the success of the T20 side in reaching the competition’s final against Springvale South, when the glittering
combination of Brett Forysth and Jordan Wyatt proved too strong to overcome.
The Cobras gave a terrific account of themselves and dropped a handful of critical catches that could have swung the outcome of the 38run loss, while comprehensively defeating thenTurf 1 club St Mary’s by nine wickets in the semi final.
It’s a result that elicits pride for Hookey and his side, and offers something to build upon in the upcoming summer with an eye to returning to Turf 1.
“We ultimately walked away from that grand
final disappointed - we think we should have won it and we think we got ourselves in a position to win it,” he said.
“We’re going to learn from that, we have spoken about it, that we can take on these bigger clubs.
“We’ve had pretty much the same group for three years, going into our fourth year we’re just adding bits and pieces along the way.
“We haven’t had wholesale change, so ultimately our boys should be experienced when push comes to shove.”
Jawed Hussaini will offer more variety to HSD’s bowling attack. (Rob Carew: 379818)
Will Brown celebrates his win at Sandown on Sunday. (Twitter - Will Brown)
SPORT Stingrays burnt by Dragons
By Jonty Ralphsmith
A fast-starting Dandenong was outlasted by Sandringham on Sunday, going down 14.10 94 to 6.7 43 at RSEA Park, Morrabbin.
The Stingrays brought the heat early, with the strong-bodied trio of Elwood Peckett, Cooper Hynes and Harvey Langford masterminding two early goals from the midfield.
Playing against a star-studded, but considerably lighter weight Sandy on-ball unit, Dandenong were better at stoppages early, with Berwick’s Tairon Ah-Mu and Beaconsfield’s Jay-De Varlet the first two goal scorers.
But the premiership frontrunners ran out the first term better, beating Dandenong on the spread and putting their ascendancy on the scoreboard to lead by 14 points at quarter time.
The Dragons’ class quickly shone through, kicking seven goals to one in the middle to quarters to put the game to bed by three-quarter-time, despite a valiant effort from the Rays.
Last quarter goals to half-forward Harry Doughton, bottom-ager Jack Lawrence and defender-turned-forward Charlie Orchard maintained a respectable final margin.
Langford, who is firming for selection in the first handful of selections at the AFL National draft, finished his junior career with 25 disposals through the midfield.
Hynes had an enormous first quarter winning two centre clearances and setting up a goal, while also looking potent when played forward.
Riak Andrew also capped an excellent finals campaign by keeping first round draft prospect Harry Armstrong to just one goal for the day.
Andrew locked down Sandy’s main marking target inside 50, which follows on from a similarly strong showing against another top-10 contender, Jobe Shanahan, in wildcard round, and an intercepting spree against Gippsland last week.
Long having established his athleticism, the defender’s finals series has importantly shown a different aspect to his skillset.
St Kilda father-son prospect Peckett’s inside work was also strong, while defenders Riley Hilliard and Ben Hopkins staved off potent Dragons forward entries throughout the day.
The loss draws a curtain on a season of con-
tinual progression for the Stingrays, the team’s chemistry growing by the week and several players entering AFL draft conversations as a result.
As well as Andrew, there are multiple clubs
Repeat for Rays’ girls after being outlasted by Oakleigh
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Dandenong’s season ended in the preliminary finals against Oakleigh for the second consecutive year on Saturday with a 4.8 32 to 3.0 18 loss at a wet Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn.
An 11-minute period in the second quarter erased a promising start for the Stingrays, forcing them to play catchup for the entire second half against the premiership favourites.
The Rays fought hard to close to within six points at the 14-minute mark of the third quarter, before conceding a 50-metre penalty which led to a goal soon thereafter.
That would prove to be the final goal of the game, with heavy rain in the last quarter creating a stoppage-heavy contest, robbing the Stingrays of the opportunity to make a late charge.
The first quarter was full of promise, with Dandenong clearly the hotter team, winning it at the source and applying greater pressure than Oakleigh.
AFL Academy member Elli Symonds played as a strong-bodied mid throughout that period, winning six disposals and laying two tackles in a powerful start.
She was well aided by defenders Indi Sherritt and Ruby Geurts who both won critical contests to keep the ball in the Stingrays’ forward half, with the attack led by Nalu Brothwell.
Brothwell was an aerial presence all day
and her four first quarter tackles underlined her hunt and follow-up efforts.
Goalsneak Evelyn Connolly kicked the only goal of the first quarter to continue her strong year, before hobbling off late with injury.
Forced to defend repeatedly in the second term, it was Oakleigh’s transition game and multifaceted attack which broke the game open.
Tahlia Sanger ran hard all day and Jemma Reynolds was clean and industrious alongside her in the midfield, which gave them two goals in quick succession in the third quarter.
But the hope that provided was only brief, with Oakleigh’s quick response a momentumsapper in a low-scoring game.
The match was an encore of several recent meetings between the two sides.
Oakleigh has been the pacesetter of the competition for the past two years, with Dandenong able to challenge them in general play and match them in the midfield across that period.
But the gulf has lay in Oakleigh’s ability to punish Dandenong when it has momentum, which the Rays have struggled to do with the same consistency, as happened on Saturday.
Bottom-aged defender Matilda Argus was another strong performer on the day, alongside fellow back Mizuki Brothwell and midfielder Lilian Snow.
Oakleigh will take on Eastern Ranges in the grand final next weekend.
Jemma Reynolds had a strong season for the Singrays. (Gary Sissons: 403699)
Evelyn Connolly (17 Stingrays), Grabbed by Keira Gibbs (20 Gippsland).
Coach Josh Moore has led Dandenong well in 2024.
interested in ruck Jordan Doherty; the injured Sam Toner has put himself on the map; Orchard received a state combine invite highlighting his quick rise; and the injured Noah Mraz is still
viewed by some clubs in AFL draft circles as among the best key-position players in the crop. Sandringham will take on GWV this week in the Coates League decider.
Elwood Peckett finished his season with a solid midfield performance. (Rob Lawson/AFL Photos)
