Protesters share their experiences, seeking a ...
Place to call home
By the sheer bad luck of his birth place, 40-yearold Zayd has never had a place to call home.
His family fled from Saddam Hussain’s Iraq when he was just two months old. They struggled as down-trodden second-class citizens in Iran for 31 years before seeking a new life in Australia.
He, his wife Dunia and two-year-old daughter Ava were among a crowd protesters in Dandenong last week who told Star Journal of their decade-long quest for refugee status.
Ava was born in Australia but is not recognised as an Australian citizen. Again through no fault of her own, she potentially faces the same stateless life as her father.
In the past two years, the Federal Government has offered permanent visas for about 18,000 asylum seekers to escape this limbo.
As the Government works through “case by case“, the protesters are among about 1000 in Greater Dandenong and Casey still waiting for an answer. They say they’re in a race against time ahead of a possible change of Government next year.
Some told Star Journal of how they work multiple jobs to earn a living despite great obstacles.
They run pizza shops, mowing and painting businesses, or work in child care, disability support and real estate. Though with modest means, their aspiring children are paying international fees to study at university.
But with an uncertain future, it’s like “walking in a tunnel where you don’t see any hope of light”, sylum seeker and real estate manager Atif Raza Rizvi said. “You keep going where you never know what’s going to happen. It’s been like that for the past 12 years.”
Meanwhile, painting business-owner Mehdi Panahzadeh wants to marry and start a family with his Australian fiancé.
“I started my business, studied, and have a fiancé but these feelings of happiness will not stay forever. Deep down inside a lot of people are in depression because of their visa status.”
For more on their stories, turn to our special feature on pages 8-9
Dunia and her 2-year-old daughter Ava, who was born in Australia but has not been granted citizenship, at the asylum-seeker protest at Dandenong on 23 October. (Gary Sissons: 439511)
Black Rhinos charge in
Harmony Square was alive with hoops and live music for the second annual UBUNTU Black Rhinos event on 19 October.
The event showcased the Black Rhinos basketball team, the work of its founder Afri-Aus Care as well as expressing African pride and culture.
Quality performers such as DJ 44, African Star Dance and Drumming, Rickfean and Yts Gucciboi brought the music, while players took to exhibition games of 3x3 basketball.
Launched in 2017, Black Rhinos is a program that provides opportunities for young people to integrate and enjoy a positive social experience through basketball.
Hive of activity at local University of the Third Age expo
Italian singing, Scrabble and Mahjong, arts and plant stalls.
The free expo was part of a host of Seniors Month events in Greater Dandenong.
Parchment Class members. (431512) An Italian singing group performs
(Stewart Chambers: 431512)
Tim Keane from the Photography Group holding his picture titled Mirror Mirror. (431512)
Advanced Spanish Class members Gloria and Loretta. (431512)
Jeanette Keane and Raelene Curtis. (431512)
Everyone celebrates a great afternoon. (Rob Carew: 437125)
Kwacha Luka from Afri-Aus Care with incumbent mayor Lana Formoso. (437125)
Kwacha Luka from Afri-Aus Care with, from left, Alek, Nyanarop and Akur. (437125)
Selba-Gondoza from Afri-Aus Care, pictured third from left, with supporters and friends. (437125)
Shooting hoops in Harmony Square. (437125)
Teenager sentenced over machete attack
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Hallam teen has been jailed in adult prison after slicing a 52-year-old shopper’s arm with a machete at Fountain Gate shopping centre and a wild police pursuit in Greater Dandenong.
Daniel John Batasanes, 19, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to charges including recklessly causing serious injury, three car thefts, burglary and dangerous driving while pursued by police.
A drug-binging Batsanes was on bail and disqualified from driving during the crime spree in late 2023.
On 19 October, he and a teen co-offender were in a stolen ute trying to steal a spare tyre from a victim’s vehicle in the top-storey of Fountain Gate’s car park.
The victim tried to unsuccessfully remove keys from the ute’s ignition. As he backed away, Batsanes brought down a 50-centimetre machete into the top of the victim’s forearm, slicing it open to the bone.
The two offenders sped away in the ute.
The victim went back inside the shopping centre for help. He was given first aid by a security guard and treated by paramedics at the scene.
He was taken to Dandenong Hospital with multiple fractures to his forearm, a 15 centimetre laceration and multiple damaged tendons.
In a later police interview, Batsanes said of the victim that “some c*** tried to be a hero”.
“If you see something happening, unless you wanna f***ing get some – unless you want something to happen to you … keep your mouth shut.
“Anyone that f***ing wants to jump in the way and try to be a hero is gunna get f***ing hurt.”
He told police he was affected by meth at the time. With “drug and adrenaline”, he “didn’t know my own strength” and “turned out worse than I wanted it to be”.
After multiple surgeries, the victim still suffers PTSD, a loss of function and movement in his finger and thumb and the loss of substantial income.
All as a result of Batsanes wanting to steal a spare tyre and the victim having the “temerity to call you out”, sentencing judge Marcus Dempsey noted on 25 October.
Batsanes was also involved with a petrol driveoff in Endeavour Hills and three stolen cars over about a month.
On 29 November, he smashed a window of an Audi parked at Sandown Park railway station, found the victim’s address on paperwork and took a garage remote.
He went to the victim’s home, got inside via the garage, stole the Audi’s spare key from a kitchen drawer and then ultimately the Audi.
Five days later, a police car tried to box in
Batsanes in the Audi in a service lane at Princes Highway Dandenong.
A drug-affected Batsanes drove away over the nature strip and down the wrong side of the road into traffic, slamming into the front passenger side of a Hilux ute and closely missing other vehicles.
Police Air Wing followed him driving erratically in Endeavour Hills, Dandenong, Keysborough and Noble Park.
He was arrested after abandoning the Audi near Sandown Park station. He was found with a knife, 1, 4-butanediol, cannabis and quetiapine pills.
Meth, a tomahawk and various stolen bankcards and ID were found in the Audi.
Sentencing judge Marcus Dempsey on 25 October noted Batsanes’s “tragic history” who grew up in deprivation, instability and grief.
He’d been “shaped in the most unfortunate way possible”, dropping out in Year 6, extensively using drugs, prolifically offending and living in residential care units.
Batsanes was assessed as unsuitable for youth detention, and seemed to respond better to structure and rehab programs in adult remand, Judge Dempsey noted.
As a youth, he still had “reasonable” but “guarded” rehabilitation prospects.
He was jailed for up to four years and 10 months, with a non-parole period of two years and 10 months.
His term included 326 days of pre-sentence detention – meaning his earliest possible release is October 2026.
Batsanes was disqualified from driving for two-and-a-half years.
The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.
The Kinder Tick recognises kinder programs that are led by a qualified teacher.
It highlights kindergartens and long day care centres that offer play-based programs to help children learn and grow, before they start school.
Safe trade
Safe zones for exchanging online-marketplace items have been set up at Dandenong and Pakenham police stations.
The Safer Exchange Sites are designed to be a safer alternative than their homes, parks or car parks.
The zones have clear signage outside the police stations as well as CCTV coverage and lighting.
They have been rolled out to 35 Victorian 24-hour police stations, but excluding Narre Warren and Cranbourne.
A successful trial in mid-2022 resulted in regular exchanges at the sites as well as decreased thefts and robberies from online sales in the trial areas.
Police say there had been an increase in robberies, thefts and assaults linked to online trading, peaking in 2020 before Covid lockdowns. Smartphones were the most common high-value items stolen.
“While the overall number of assaults, thefts and robberies connected to online exchanges is low, we don’t want to see any occur,” Victoria Police’s Commander Tim Tully said.
“With the popularity of buying and selling items via online marketplaces continuing to grow, this initiative is all about police getting on the front foot to ensure an emerging crime theme doesn’t become an embedded trend.”
Commander Tully said police suggest meeting in daylight hours if possible and bringing someone with you to the exchange. “While these sites are a safer alternative than meeting someone at your home or in a dimly lit area with no CCTV, we still encourage people to consider the risks of meeting a person they’ve never met before.”
Exchange zones have also been popular in the US.
It also identifies services that are approved for Victorian Government funding.
12725900-MP44-24
The County Court of Victoria. (Cam LucadouWells: 151275)
New charge for Endeavour Hills driver after fatal crash
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A 24-year-old man is facing upgraded charges after a three-year-old girl was fatally injured when allegedly struck by a car in Endeavour Hills.
Kamal Ghali, of Endeavour Hills, briefly appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 23 October where he was charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Amelia Wang.
This was on top of a police charge last week of dangerous driving causing serious injury.
Amelia, also known as ’Mila’, was critically injured when struck at a signalised pedestrian crossing on Heatherton Road, near the corner of James Cook Drive about 8.30am on Thursday 17 October, according to police.
The next day, Victoria Police announced that Mila died at hospital.
A defence lawyer told the court that Ghali wished to express his “deepest condolences” to the girl’s family.
He also said that the road section was “notoriously dangerous”, adding that there had been two recent pedestrian fatalities nearby.
The defence was seeking the release of a study into the crossing’s traffic signals. The Department of Transport and Planning as well as Casey Council were attending to the issue of the road’s safety, the lawyer said.
Ghali was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25 March 2025.
His varied bail bans him from leaving Victoria without the written approval of the police informant.
Still time to buy church
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
There is still time for Greater Dandenong Council to buy a historic church in Chapel Road, Keysborough, but it needs to act fast, according to the owner.
Uniting Church in Australia had recently put the former Wesleyan Methodist church built in 1877 on the open market – after councillors voted down an alleged $2 million purchase of the 4-hectare lot.
However, council election candidates in Keysborough and Keysborough South wards gave strong or in-principle support to revisiting the council’s decision, if elected.
A Uniting Church spokesperson stated the council still had the opportunity to offer to buy the site on the terms previously agreed.
“We would consider such an offer, subject obviously to the site not having already been sold via the (expressions-of-interest) process.
“We would suggest that if council intend to do this that they move rapidly.”
The EOI process closed on 10 October. A Sunshine-based Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga has indicated to Star Journal its interest in buying the site for pastoral and community use.
“The EOI received a range of proposals, and these are being further considered and negotiated,” the Uniting Church stated.
“At this stage, we cannot disclose the identi-
ties of the parties who have submitted.”
Meanwhile, intruders have reportedly tagged inside the 147-year-old church building with offensive messages.
Uniting Church stated that there were “periodic” security checks of the site.
“Our appointed agents have visited regularly through the campaign, and we have instituted security patrols.
“We are presently in the process of organising repair and removal of the offending graffiti.”
A four-year campaign, backed by a 2300-plus signature online petition, has been waged to save the historic church for community use.
Resident Gaye Guest said the latest vandalism belied the owners’ “demolition by neglect mentality” since the site was vacated.
“We cannot wait any longer to save this property.
“Four years ago when I was present after the first break-in, the walls were in pristine condition.
“Many break-ins later - and after three graffiti blitzes - the chapel needs to be rescued and secured for its heritage value.”
During the EOI period, the site was marketed as suitable for town homes, childcare, a place of assembly, aged care/nursing home, education and medical, subject to council approval.
The church is protected by a local heritage overlay.
An outpouring of tributes, flowers and soft toys at the alleged crash site on Heatherton Road, Endeavour Hills. (Gary Sissons: 439283)
The former Wesleyan Methodist historic church building, pictured right, at 176 Chapel Road, Keysborough. (Gary Sissons: 318679)
Graffiti tags discovered in the historic church earlier this month. (Supplied)
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Financial saviour recognised
By Sahar Foladi
A financial counsellor for more than 40 years, Margaret Taig’s dedication has been recognised with the awarding of the Honorary Life Membership of Financial Counselling Victoria.
Known as a pioneer in her field, she started her journey as a volunteer financial counsellor in 1979 at Dandenong Valley Family Care, a year after Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic) was formed.
Having experienced financial difficulties as the eldest daughter of a self-employed interstate truckie, she was eager to do something as a solution for those experiencing financial hardships.
“Being awarded an Honorary Life Membership of FCVic is the most unexpected, overwhelming and the most humbling experience, and it has caused me to reflect on the many years since I was first introduced to financial counseling.
“I was fully aware of the financial ups and downs a family can experience when household income is either not enough, inconsistent, or when cash flow and expenses do not match and the anguish and heartache when assets are at risk, or the beloved family home is lost.
“This together with a strong sense of community and the ‘Aussie’ value of being there for each other came together in the pioneering world of financial counselling.”
FCVic chief executive Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope praised Ms Taig’s impact in the sector.
“A quiet achiever in the sector, but nonetheless a leader, mentor and dedicated advocate, Margaret’s contributions qualify her as worthy of recognition as a Life Member of the Association.”
She is the fifth and most recent recipient of the award in FCVic’s 46-year history.
Ms Taig remembers her first meeting was attended by just five financial counsellors and draws the comparison to today where there are over 400 financial counsellors in Victoria alone,
which is to only expand further.
In her current role of seven years with South East Community Links (SECL) she has been in-
strumental in delivering the vital ‘Bring Your Bills’ days, which saw large turn-outs and have proven to be an essential free community service.
As reported previously by Star Journal, the event has wiped away more than $500,000 of debt from households in Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong in the past year.
Ms Taig says she enjoys not only the one-toone service with community members but also working and advocating to reform systems that shape the financial world.
“Whilst reforms and systemic change are essential, some of the most gratifying moments come when through our advocacy, we can change even one person’s life for the better.
“It may be something as small as preventing a service disconnection or at the other end of the scale avoiding the repossession of a home when the sheriff is at the door.”
Known as a “fierce social justice warrior” Ms Taig has an extensive portfolio working across organisations including FCVic’s predecessor organisation CAFCA. She has also been co-convenor of the Southern Metro Network (2011-17) facilitating vital information-sharing and peer support between financial counsellors across several organisations.
One of her pivotal and “rewarding role” has been working at the Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative Limited and Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place since 1998.
She says being able to do what she does has unlocked access to financial counselling for many First Nations community members who otherwise may not have accessed the service.
SECL’s head of financial wellbeing Rachna says they are “incredibly proud” of Ms Taig’s recognition.
“Her unwavering commitment has not only empowered individuals facing financial hardship but also shaped the very profession of financial counselling.
“This honorary life membership is a testament to Margaret’s extraordinary contributions, her tireless advocacy, and the lasting impact she continues to have on the community and the sector.”
Margaret Taig (pictured centre) with her husband Gary Taig and daughter Nicole Kershaw at the presentation of her life membership. (Supplied)
Consultation calls over housing plans
City of Greater Dandenong has cautiously welcomed state plans to boost housing supply, but urged for consultation of councils and local communities.
In a week of major announcements on housing, the State Government unveiled its intent to make Victoria the “townhouse capital” of the country.
It has proposed to fast-track new greenfield sites, free-up subdivisions, slash stamp duty, introduce a new developer contribution scheme and unlock government land near train stations.
In June, the Government proposed a neardoubling of housing in Greater Dandenong by 2051, with a draft target of 57,000 new dwellings.
Greater Dandenong chief executive Jacqui Weatherill called for the Government to “stand by its commitment to engage genuinely and sincerely with local communities… so that we achieve liveability, affordability and vibrant communities as well as merely increasing housing stock”.
She stated she was concerned by the latest announcements’ timing during local councils’ election periods.
“Councillors’ terms conclude this weekend (26-27 October) and they are constrained from entering public discussion on these topics.”
Weatherill talked up council’s “important role” in strategic and statutory planning.
“We are proud that Greater Dandenong is consistently the highest performing council in Victoria at having planning applications decided within statutory timeframes.
“Through our planning processes we strive for the best outcomes on amenity, maintaining and improving tree canopy, water management and flood risks.”
The council echoed the Municipal Association of Victoria’s calls for councils and planning experts to be involved in the reforms.
“Councils need a seat at the table to make sure the community’s needs like green open spaces and community facilities such as schools, are planned and designed into the process as change rolls out across our neighbourhoods over the coming decades,” the MAV stated.
Also the Government needed to work with developers to “identify capacity and capability gaps to ensure targets have a chance of becoming reality”, according to the MAV.
Weatherill said homelessness was a “significant concern” in Greater Dandenong.
“Many of our young people and residents are worried about homelessness and housing insecurity for our community more broadly, and not only for themselves and their families.”
Charges laid after alleged self-exposure
A Dandenong man has been charged over allegedly exposing himself to females in a cinema’s toilets.
The 28-year-old allegedly exposed himself to two victims in two separate incidents at the site on Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn between 10.20pm and 11pm on 8 October.
The women were not physically injured.
Police say the man self-presented at a police station on 23 October.
He was interviewed by Box Hill Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives, who charged him with sexual activity directed at another person, sexual exposure and stating a false name when requested.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 28 November.
Jacqui Weatherill has called for consulation on State Government housing reforms. (Stewart Chambers: 304495)
Milestone but still in limbo
By Sahar Foladi and Cam Lucadou-Wells
Asylum seekers who remain in limbo under a previous government’s Fast Track system say they are still denied a pathway to permanent protection.
A milestone of 100 days of a refugee protest encampment in Melbourne’s CBD was celebrated outside Bruce MP Julian Hill’s office in Dandenong on Wednesday 23 October.
Among the guest speakers were David Glanz from Refugee Action Collective (RAC) and Marie Hapke from Australia Refugee Advocacy Network.
Protesters were recognised as “tough people” who’ve spent up to 12 years in limbo - after having fled persecution and getting on a boat to Australia. They were hailed as “heroes” and “victims of the Fast-Track system”.
One of the speakers Parisa Ramak said all of the protesters were on Bridging Visas who were rejected by the Fast Track system awaiting a judicial review since 2018 and only a few have no visa at all.
The group had initially started their advocacy outside then-Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil’s electorate office in Oakleigh in July 2023. A cabinet reshuffle led to some of the encampment heading to the Department of Home Affairs in Melbourne CBD just over 100 days ago.
Others have congregated 24/7 in front of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Assistant Minister Hill’s office in Dandenong since 16 September.
As of June, there were more than 1000 ‘unauthorised maritime arrival’ bridging visa holders in Greater Dandenong and Casey.
The most (480) were in the Dandenong postcode, with 111 in Doveton, 97 in Noble Park, 94 in Springvale, 58 in Cranbourne, 45 in Hampton Park, 40 in Endeavour Hills, 37 in Hallam, 26 in Dingley Village/Springvale South, 21 in Narre
Warren and 14 in Clyde/Clyde North.
More than half of the 4128 in Victoria were from Iran and Sri Lanka.
Bruce MP Julian Hill recently stated the Government has implemented its election promise for permanent protection for people with TPV and SHEV visas.
“Almost 18,000 of the 19,000 Temporary Protection Visa holders in limbo for a decade under the Liberals have now been granted permanent visas and many others from the Bridging Visa caseload are now also now able to apply for permanent protection,” he stated to Star Journal in August.
“The legacy of the remaining caseload is complex, and every case is different and needs to be worked through individually.”
Wicki Wickiramasingham, a refugee advocate and ALP member for 25-plus years, however says bridging visa holders are “suffering” with no clear pathway for permanent protection.
A pathway is needed before a possible change of government at the next federal election, he argues.
“If they can apply for permanent residency, why can’t the Government advertise how they can apply? What is the answer for these people?
“At the moment they’re on either three-month or six-month bridging visas, meaning they have to pay $200 each time to re-apply for a bridging visa with a work permit.
“They don’t get any social security so they need the work permit to pay their rent and support their families.”
In early September, Wickiramsaingham, who is also deputy chair of Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Immigration Minister Tony Burke calling for the urgent resolution of the refugees’ visas.
“The prolonged uncertainty these individuals and families face has resulted in profound hardships, including barriers to education for their children, significant mental health issues,” he wrote.
“A swift resolution would allow these individuals to finally settle, rebuild their lives, and contribute fully to our community without the
constant fear and uncertainty that currently overshadow their existence.”
He says he’s yet to receive a reply.
Aran Mylvaganam from Tamil Refugee Council says the Government could “fix the situation tomorrow if they had the will”.
“None of these refugees can apply for permanent residency, the government has done nothing around that.
“All the refugees have one simple case, the same case as the Biloela family (from Queensland).
“They have been part of the community for more than 12 years, have deep connections. People who make up different political spectrums want them to stay in the country.
“All it takes for these people to get their permanent residency is a signature from the Minister.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs say the Government has “taken steps to reform the migration and protection visa review processes” through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) established on 14 October this year.
“The Government is focused on providing those who engage Australia’s protection obligations a chance to continue their lives in Australia with certainty and security.
“Individuals who were unsuccessful under the fast track system, but who have new protection claims related to changes in their country of origin or personal circumstances may seek Ministerial Intervention. Further information is available on the Department’s website.”
However, those who “do not engage protection obligations, who are not awaiting a merits or judicial review outcome, and who have exhausted all avenues to remain in Australia, are expected to depart Australia.”
Camp tales of desperation: Protesters share experiences
By Sahar Foladi
As part of nationwide refugee protests, a 24/7 encampment has been taking place for more than a month outside federal MP Julian Hill’s office in Dandenong. Several protesters shared their stories.
Zayd Arrived in 2013
Visa status: Rejected in 2018 by Fast Track System For the entirety of his 40-plus years of life, Zayd has only lived as an asylum seeker.
Born in Iraq, his family was forced to flee the wrath of ruler Saddam Hussain during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88) when he was just two months old.
He spent 31 years living in Iran but as a second-class citizen where they weren’t allowed to own any assets or properties and denied other basic rights.
“The Iranian Government didn’t give us any documents. They don’t consider us as a citizen,” Zayd says.
He arrived in Australia with his wife, son and twin daughters. He was “confused” after even his youngest daughter, Ava, was not granted Australian citizenship despite being born in the country.
“I’m confused. How about the baby? She was born here, she doesn’t know any other country. What is their problem with the kids?
“It’s not her fault - I don’t know why the Government is doing this.
“She still doesn’t have any Medicare, only a birth certificate.
“Every time we go to apply for her Medicare they ask for our visa. This is only one of the many problems in our lives because of the visa.”
A business owner, Zayd is a franchisee of Jim’s Cleaning for five years now saying he “pays a lot of tax and GST” while his wife Dunia works in the childcare sector.
His 18-year-old son is set to graduate from school and questions the uncertainty of his future as he is already faced with difficulties getting work.
Narges Shaterian Arrived in 2013
Visa status: Rejected in 2018 by Fast Track System. Pending review in Federal Court.
Her youngest son was only eight years of age when they first arrived in Australia. Last year he graduated Year 12 and secured a spot at RMIT University studying Civil Engineering only forced to drop out after six months because he couldn’t afford to pay the international fees of his courses.
Being on bridging visas, families like Narges’s aren’t afforded government relief and after graduating from high school, international fees apply.
“Now he works two different jobs back-toback as sales manager for Carpet Call and real estate to save up and go back to university.
“We all work very hard and study even after working and paying taxes we have limitations in life here.
“My kids attend university but they have to pay international fee which is a huge amount but what can we do?”
For some, attaining higher education in a country like Australia only becomes a farfetched dream.
“This visa has brought lots of obstacles in our way,” Narges says.
She herself is a RMIT graduate with Interpreting and Translating in LOTE (Persian and English) and has attained pathology certificate, administration in medical field certificate.
One year ago, she was a pizza shop owner but had to sell that to stay home and take care of her wheelchair bound eldest son who is an IT graduate from University in Iran.
“When we approach an organisation who help people into employment with disabilities, they say we can’t give you employment because you should have to get the PR, doctor at Centrelink should recognise how many hours he can work.”
He is left at home without any facilities, entertainment or activity as he sees everyone else rush to where they need to be.
Now Narges works as a support worker only going out for two to four hours a day rushing back to her son at home.
Her husband, a painter in the construction world has his own business while her daughter graduated from Monash University with Medical Science.
Similar to her young brother, she also works back-to-back in two different jobs to afford paying her international fees studying double
degree of Masters in medical imaging and midwifery.
Like many in the same situation, during Covid-19 she says they had to support themselves from their own savings.
Saeed
Arrived in 2013
Visa status: Rejected in 2018 by Fast Track System. Pending review in Federal Court.
“We are all in pain because of this system,” Saeed says.
“The past 12 years has made everyone tired, sick, depressed and suicidal.
“I don’t know how long this government intends to carry this treatment.”
Saeed is one of the ‘sleepers’ in the encampment outside Bruce MP Julian Hill’s office.
Working as a carpenter along with his eldest son while his youngest studies in high school, Saeed has secured a life he couldn’t live in Iran.
Unfortunately, along with his family and like thousands of others, he’s failed by the nowabolished ‘Fast Track’ system.
“We had a lot of hope for this Government to listen and resolve our issue but unfortunately nothing has been done for us.”
He has experienced first-hand attacks on the group during their encampment but says turning back to the country that he fled is not an option at all.
“My youngest son doesn’t even know what Iran is. Our home is here, the Government has to put our issues at ease.”
Mehdi Panahzadeh
Arrived in 2013
Visa status: Rejected in 2018 by Fast Track System. Pending review in Federal Court.
A qualified accountant in Iran, Mehdi fled the country unaware that his future would be in limbo.
Today he stands demanding a right to live life fully without any uncertainty, a life where he can finally get married and start his family.
“I have a fiance of seven years. She is an Australian citizen but because of my visa status we haven’t been able to get married.
“Every time she travels overseas, she’s sad and misses me. Right now, she’s in New Zealand for holidays.
“I started my business, studied, and have a fiance but these feelings of happiness will not
stay forever. Deep down inside a lot of people are in depression because of their visa status.”
Without any study or work rights in his first two years in Australia, he later managed to work as a residential painter.
Today he has his own painting business, pays taxes, but has no rights as a citizen of this country.
Not being granted a permanenet visa is his “biggest nightmare” as his relationship is also at stake.
“Another is, not seeing my mother at all.”
Atif Raza Rizvi Arrived in 2013
Visa status: Rejected in 2018 by Fast Track System. Pending review in Federal Court.
A small town in Pakistan, Quetta is home to generations of Hazara Shia Muslims who had to flee Afghanistan.
Atif’s dad being Punjabi Pakistani and his mother a Hazara living in Quetta, a town unfortunately targeted by terrorist groups killing Shia Muslims in bomb blasts.
Atif has lost nine family members, including his Hazara cousins, to targeted killings.
“In 2008 there was a big attack on our religious procession which we have annually during the month of Muharram.
“They burnt our house because our family used to cater refreshments for the people in the procession.
“It’s not the choice we make, that’s the last option we have.”
His family moved to the country’s biggest city, Karachi where there was a liquid tanker explosion in their town in 2012.
He arrived in Australia on 4 July 2013 without any family members and is suffering from the “mental stress” by the “whole system”.
“It’s like walking in a tunnel where you don’t see any hope of light you keep going where you never know what’s going to happen. It’s been like that for the past 12 years.”
His mother succumbed to cancer in 2019 without a chance for Atif to attend her funeral or see his mother for the last time.
He has established life as a real estate property manager, looking after commercial estates for the past seven years, plays cricket and “does everything right” but is still stuck in a life in limbo.
Supporters outside Julian Hill’s office mark 100 days of protest encampments. (Gary Sissons: 439511)
Pro-refugee rally targeted
By Sahar Foladi
A right-wing extremist attack in Melbourne CBD on refugee protesters will not “intimidate” the group from a “targeted action” pro-refugee campaign in November.
The fight for their “basic rights” will continue despite being confronted by an offensive banner and white-supremacist slogans by men described as ‘neo-Nazis’ on Tuesday 22 October.
About 20 to 25 men wearing balaclavas, sunglasses and face coverings came prepared to gatecrash the peaceful protest marking the 100 and final days of the 24/7 encampment.
Aran Mylvaganam from Tamil Refugee Council based in the South East was at the “well-attended” protest which was also supposed to be a celebration for reaching such a milestone.
“It was a self-organised (protest encampment) by refugees and they were able to maintain their energy throughout the 100 days.
“I heard them chant ‘Hail Victory, White power, Australia for white men’ and they had a big banner which read ‘F**** Off We’re full.”
Victoria Police used capsicum spray and pushed the men back to maintain peace.
“It’s horrifying to see them use us to carry their propaganda and build their network when we’re fighting for our basic rights,” Mr Mylvaganam said.
“We came to this country 12-15 years ago fleeing genocide and it’s often men like these terrifying us in our countries.
“Now we have Australian born children with deep community connection and we’re still fighting for basic rights.
“Instead of the government resolving our issue we have Neo-Nazi men trying to intimidate us and stop us from expressing our political view.”
Unfortunately, this is not the first or the last time that the encampment had been attacked throughout the past 100 days.
Mr Mylvaganam himself was attacked by two
young males during one of the protests in Melbourne leaving him with a dislocated shoulder.
“It’s been quite a challenging period for refugees to express their political view without coming under attack by the racists.
“We maintained the energy throughout and the event went ahead without any further disruptions.
“It was a beautiful moment to see hundreds of refugees and supporters drowning to any racist slurs by the Neo-Nazis.”
There have been many more attacks throughout the country against the national protest, and multiple in Dandenong including knife-wielding incidents on the group outside Bruce MP Julian Hill’s office.
Mr Mylvaganam repudiates the argument that refugees and immigrants are responsible for the cost of living or housing crisis in the country.
“The first time the Neo-Nazis turned up to our encampment, it was on the back of (Federal Opposition Leader) Peter Dutton saying this country has a housing crisis because of refugees and migrants.
“The comments from ... politicians play a huge role for refugees getting the blame for the social
Axe attacker sentenced
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A masked, axe-wielding attacker who slashed a victim in their own home in Dandenong has been sentenced.
South East resident Alimadad Moradi, 38, pleaded guilty after a sentence indication at the Victorian County Court to intentionally causing injury.
In the lead-up to the attack, the victim was allegedly concerned by Moradi’s visits to the house in the middle of the night.
He warned Moradi to stop or he’d call the police.
Moradi allegedly replied with words to the effect of he “didn’t give a f***” and threatened to kill the victim, sentencing judge George Georgiou noted on 22 October.
On 1 February 2023, the victim was in bed when he heard a noise in his backyard.
Upon entering the kitchen, he saw Moradi in black clothing and a face covering.
Moradi approached, allegedly swinging an axe at the victim who put up his arms to protect himself.
The weapon struck his arm, shoulder and head.
During the ensuing fight, the victim managed to push Moradi outside. The attacker fled over a fence.
The bleeding victim was treated at the scene for injuries including a deep wound and fracture to his forearm and a broken little toe.
He was taken to Dandenong Hospital and requires ongoing physiotherapy.
During a police interview, Moradi made no admissions and several false comments, Judge Georgiou noted.
His attack was a “mid to high range of serious” example of the charge – inflicted in disguise, in the early hours and in the home of the victim.
However, the prosecution couldn’t refute that Moradi may have been armed in self-defence given the history between him
and the victim.
Judge Georgiou found the attack was “spur of the moment” when confronted by the victim – not planned or premeditated.
And on the balance of probabilities that Moradi was invited to the home by one of the housemates – though that was no justification for the “completely unacceptable” assault.
Moradi had no other convictions, complied with bail conditions including a night curfew, and had “very good” rehabilitation prospects, the judge noted.
The Hazara refugee was also anxious about his potential deportation to Afghanistan.
In 2012, he had fled Afghanistan with a Taliban death sentence hanging over his head for his work for US “infidels”.
The Taliban had murdered his brother and brother-in-law for their work for the US, and kidnapped his father – and he’d never heard from his father since.
Since being intercepted in a boat bound for Australia in 2013, Moradi has been on a temporary visa and established a stonemasonry business.
He was hopeful of gaining permanent residency.
During the case, Moradi was assaulted twice by people outside Dandenong Magistrates’ Court and the Victorian County Court.
In one of the attacks, his shirt was ripped from him and his glasses taken and smashed.
To Moradi’s credit, he didn’t respond to the attackers, Judge Georgiou noted.
He was sentenced to 10 months jail – already served in remand – with a 30-month community corrections order starting immediately.
The supervised CCO includes 250 hours of unpaid work as well as mental health treatment.
issue in this country.
“It is the greed of a tiny minority and inaction of our politicians that has left to years of neglect and led to these issues.”
Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman says the “appearance of neo-Nazis” is concerning but not “surprising.”
“When we have decades of media and political rhetoric that dehumanise people seeking asylum it gives rise to protests like this.
“More broadly this extremism is what happens when we refuse to name and confront the extent of racism engrained in our society.
“Chanting racist slogans and displaying offensive banners near a peaceful encampment of people calling for permanent visas is an act of hate. It also directly assaults the dignity, equity and respect that people exercising their right to asylum deserve,” he said.
“These types of hate-fuelled actions are deeply damaging and pose a serious risk to the safety of all people, particularly those from refugee and migrant backgrounds. We must confront the reality that racism continues to manifest in aggressive and dangerous ways, as was on full display on Tuesday.”
In light of such controversies against refugees in the country, Mr Mylvaganam says a Dutton Government is a “death sentence” to refugees.
“We’re worried and desperate that’s why we’re escalating our campaign.
“We want them (PM Anthony Albanese, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Assistant Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill) to take our demand seriously and let these people rebuild their lives.”
Planned “targeted actions” will be carried out in November which will include a rally, action in front of the Parliament House, information stalls for people to sign pro-refugee petitions and local actions will include rallying outside Labor MPs’ offices to “pressurise them to speak” in support of the refugees.
All it takes is a “signature from the Minister” for the 8400 asylum-seekers said to have been “failed by the fast tracking system.”
“We’re happy with what we have achieved.
“We think we have achieved what we could through the encampment which is raising awareness of the situation of the 8400 people failed by the system.”
Aran Mylvaganam from Tamil Refugee Council leading the protest. (Supplied: Sumitra Vignaendra)
Refugee protestors outside the Department of Home Affairs in Melbourne’s CBD. (Supplied: Sumitra Vignaendra)
NEWS Technology buzzing
Beehives and technology is a combination not many people may have in mind but students at Haileybury School have taken up top honours for their “futuristic beehive.”
Called the smartHive and developed by a team of tech savvy students, the design was recognised in the BIOTech Futures Challenge competition.
The unique beehive design is equipped with sensors and cameras.
It will compete at the national finals this month held at University of Melbourne.
Team Leader from Year 10, Brandon, says the team is “incredibly proud and excited” to have won the Victorian event.
“We’re continuing to improve our project with the insights of teachers and mentors and we can’t wait to showcase our work.”
The Haileybury students competed against more than 60 students from high schools across Victoria and have been supported by teachers who have encouraged them to test, refine and keep improving their smartHive technology.
BIOTech Futures is an event for high school students across the country who are encouraged to think creatively to find scientific solutions to global problems.
The Haileybury team decided to focus on exploring a solution to help preserve Australia’s bee population in the face of the recent arrival of Varroa mites to Australia.
The tiny parasites attack and feed on honey bees and are a major threat to honey bee colonies.
Year 10 student Vinuka says the industry lacks solutions to help beekeepers so they made smartHive.
“The smartHive can automatically detect parasites, such as Varroa mites, and also provide beekeepers with important real-time information about hive temperature and humidity.
“It’s a comprehensive monitoring system that integrates sensors and cameras into existing beehives.”
Year 12 student Joshua says the NSW has al-
LOOKING BACK
100 years ago
30 October 1924
REPORTS SHIRE INSPECTOR
During the past few months, a number of complaints has been received regarding the wandering of stock nuisance, but I decided to take no action as the pound keeper would have no control over any stock impounded on account of the pound fence on Cleeland Street being pulled down for several chains, the only fence being two plain wires.
50 years ago
29 October 1974
Johnny Farnham at Myer opening Australia’s top recording star Johnny Farnham will be at the Dandenong opening next Monday of the multi-million-dollar Myer Dande-
INTERFAITH
ready seen “significant threat” from the mites and it was also detected in Victoria last month.
Currently, there is no technology available to detect Varroa mites in hives.
In preparation for the National Final in October, the team is continuing to research and find further ways to enhance their creation from inter-
nong store. Johnny, who went to school locally and whose parents live in Dandenong North, will be in the store for the official opening at 9am by the Mayor Cr Keith Miller. His visit is being sponsored by the Journal. Heavy traffic is expected in Dandenong next Monday for the opening of Myer’s new store.
20 years ago
25 October 2004
Shopping centre to have gates of Orient
Two large Asian-style gateways will be the centrepieces of a $650,000 makeover of Springvale shopping centre. The eight-metre gateways will be built at the Buckingham Avenue and Queens Avenue entrance to the centre and are in line with several gateway themes Greater Dandenong has planned in other areas of the city. The council’s urban designer
viewing NSW biosecurity officer to gather insights to sending questionnaires to more than 30 beekeeping clubs.
“We’re also collecting more data in Queensland and Victoria and developing a new prototype so we can continue to improve the smartHive system,” Year 10 Saad says.
Mpox rise
More than a quarter of the 330 mpox cases confirmed and diagnosed in Victoria this year have been in people living in Melbourne’s South East, according to Monash Health.
Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It’s mostly spread through prolonged physical or intimate skin-toskin contact with someone who has mpox.
Symptoms resemble sexually transmitted infections and can include a rash that can be painful and affect any part of the body. Mpox can cause severe illness and leave long-term impacts, such as scarring.
So far 27 people have been hospitalised this year.
“This can be a sexually transmitted infection, so anyone who is sexually active can be at risk,” professor Rhonda Stuart, who is the director of Monash Health’s South East Public Health Unit and director of Infection Prevention & Epidemiology at Monash Health, said.
“It is mainly diagnosed in men who have sex with men, but now we are seeing it in other people, including a handful of women and in heterosexual transmission.
“People who are sexually active and have any symptoms should get a test from their GP or at a sexual health clinic so they don’t spread it on to other people.”
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer recently released a Health Alert urging doctors to test patients with compatible symptoms for mpox.
Free mpox vaccines are available for eligible Victorians from vaccination providers across Victoria and in the South East.
“It’s important to remember that vaccination prevents severe disease, and, in some cases, it might prevent infection as well,” professor Stuart said.
“But it doesn’t stop all people becoming infected and so you are still at risk of getting the disease, even if you are vaccinated.”
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
said: “The gateways will be the entrance to a world of exotic foods, clothes and culture, and a new vibrant, colourful and safe place to shop.” He said traffic flow through Buckingham Avenue would be improved by converting existing angle parking to parallel parking, allowing for two-way traffic and better pedestrian access. The project is being jointly funded by the council and State Government. It is expected to be completed by June next year.
5 years ago
29 October 2019
Inspired to empower
For women fleeing domestic violence, some of the hardest things to leave behind are the social and family connections – especially for migrant women, who find themselves suddenly alone in an unfamiliar country. A Diwali event
in Noble Park aimed to counter that by providing an opportunity for women to celebrate and enjoy one of the most joyous events on the South Asian calendar in a safe, women-only space. The intimate celebration was organised by Inspire, an arm of InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence. “When we set up Inspire, we spoke to many ex-clients and community members to find out what our role should be and found that one of the loneliest times was around community festivals and feeling safe enough to celebrate, so that’s why we provided an opportunity to have a celebration.” Many of the guests thanked the organiser. One said: “Living in an unknown country, an event like this makes me feel I am part of the family. I feel accepted.”
By Venerable Bhikkhuni Bodhicitta, Member of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network Execu tive Committee
We have unprecedented access to technology, healthcare, luxuries and the best of everything for one to live comfortably and happily.
Yet a lot of people are unhappy and are suffering from mental imbalances.
There are two grades in the quality of happi-
Lower grade pleasures can be achieved temporarily but perpetuate harmful states of the mind and body.
Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society
Untreated mental disorders are a leading cause of the global disease burden in society today, according to the World Health Organisation.
However, we do have hope, because human beings have the capacity to understand and change their own thinking and behaviours. What we are looking for is happiness.
Happiness can only be achieved when we are comfortable.
Comfort comes when we have a relaxed body,
and what we are seeking is a way to relax.
But we have found easy, quick methods to achieve relaxation.
The Buddha said to wake up to reality and use your senses to help you lead your life in a meaningful way.
Practicing selflessness and nurturing good human qualities, these will naturally lead to a healthy mind, relaxed body, and a corresponding physical health to both the individual and to the society.
Stimulating the senses through the selfish and repeated use of such things as alcohol, drugs, pornography, media addiction, violence, gossip, sexual misconduct, and materialism etc.
When we lose control of our mind, the ability to think and act rationally is compromised, and mental illness occurs.
And these ill-thoughts create suffering.
At its worst, these negative thoughts lead to anger and violence.
The opposite is purifying a mind that achieves happiness through developing good human qualities.
Unconditional loving kindness, compassion,
altruistic joy, equanimity etc are all positive qualities that are capable of relaxing the body and giving one happiness.
This applies to the individual and is beneficial to the whole of society, bringing peace and harmony.
Seeking happiness: Achievable when we are comfortable MESSAGE OF HOPE
Instead of ill-thoughts, we develop our mind to seek caring thoughts, virtuous, friendly thoughts, which foster a healthy mind.
To achieve a relaxed mind – practicing selflessness.
This is practicing Metta, loving kindness, which activates the natural, satisfying solid kind of happiness which arises and is sustainable.
This leads to good physical and mental health. Because we have the capacity to understand this and choose the better way, there is hope for all of us to bring the mental and physical suffering to an end.
smartHive is equipped with cameras and sensors to help keep away mites.
Chasing the wood journey
By Violet Li
When Vince Manna covers the room with his collection of rectangular-sized timber species, even the least sensitive person to the wood differences will be awed.
The mosaic floor presents a microcosm of forests. There are over 14,000 samples whose colours and patterns contrast sharply. Most of them were obtained personally when Vince traced the timbers back to their origins.
In the past 50 years, the Keysborough craftsman travelled around the world to collect and research the rarest wood between the intervals of his woodworking. His footprints went far into the remote jungles, forests and tribes of seven continents and some joining islands, where the most exotic timbers stand. The longest venture would be about a year and the short ones lasted variously from two weeks to several months.
“When I travel, I spend a lot of time with the locals, sit down with them, and usually come back home with a few nice samples,” he said.
“But we actually exchange techniques, methods, tools, how you sharpen, how they sharpen, how they sand it, and how they don’t sand it.”
To chase a rare tree in the wild is a meticulous project.
“First of all, you learn where to find the trees, then you learn how to identify the trees by using the bark, the leaves, and the fruit. You learn with the locals how they use the woods to survive,” Vince said.
“Wood is a very important resource to us here. It’s 10 times more important for them.
“They survive on wood, from the shelters to hunting the animals that visit the trees. They use wood to build their huts, their canoes, weapons, and furniture. It’s basic, very simple furniture that they’ll make. Could be the trunk of a tree, I sit on it…
“It’s not just to learn, but also to study how they do it.”
He spoke of his frantic landmark quest for snakewood in the Amazon region of South America. He went back many times to locate the reddish timber and suffered numerous setbacks, including a severe fleshing-eating parasite infection, a gunpoint, and being stranded in a drastic landslide, before finally stumbling upon a felled tree with the help of an Indigenous. Luckily, there were a few juvenile trees around.
The woodseeker waited and returned after two years when the little trees grew.
He brought the wood back to Melbourne, made earrings out of it, and took them all the way to the jungle.
“I gave it to the tribespeople, and they quickly fiddle around with these beautiful things by hanging in their ears,” he said.
“To take them there it’s not like just getting a taxi, you have to go on a canoe for weeks through the jungles.
“You’ll often stop at gunpoint. It’s like a Rambo movie in the sense when you go down the river. Because it’s like in the middle of nowhere, and the middle of nowhere requires special transportation.
“I have been threatened twice, but I was so passionate to do it again and again.”
Photography is an expected derivative skill out of his wood passion, for properly documenting and capturing.
He reflected on his trip to the coast of Argentina, the very tip of South America to see the Forest of Stone in 2009.
“These are ancient trees that fell millions of years ago. They died and they got buried, and then they became petrified with all those minerals washed through it,” he said.
“It’s a petrified forest. This is extraordinary scenery.
“A young lady took me and my friend there overnight. It’s so remote. There were only two or three people there at the time.
“It was incredibly cold. It was freezing at sunrise, but the view we had, it’s just a beautiful place.”
Another unforgettable moment is when he captured the rainbow eucalypts from an “over the rainbow” angle in Hawaii.
“The tree’s actually on the side of the road. To get to this tree was so dangerous because the road was curved. I had nowhere to really stand on the road because the cars could hit you, but yet I had to go down,” Vince recalled.
“It was so slippery. I could not even use a tripod. I had to do it by hand.”
He recalled that his friend even photographed him on the tree with a giant selfie stick that was about 15 metres.
The true lucky moment for the trip was when he set off early in the morning, he was able to capture two massive real rainbows hovering over the rain eucalypts.
An inveterate adventurer and wood chaser, Vince admitted that what he had been doing over the years could be very hard to repeat.
“You’ve got to have a specific reason to go many many times to the same place. For me, Brazil, for example, I know there are so many different species of trees there,” he said.
“One year might be targeting this tree, another year might be targeting that tree. But if you have to go all at once, you’d be spending two years there to get around because Brazil is vast.
“So getting around and then you get homesick. You still have to run your business. You can’t really go and chase 1000 trees in the rainforest, and you’ll be there for 10 years.
“You’ve got to do your thing, come back, start again, book another, might be a different place. That’s how we’re doing it.”
“Very few woodworkers will get to see the trees, get to see what they’re working on. I go there and study with the natives. It’s rare.” he said.
“I wouldn’t do it for the money. I was doing it for the education. I am very much into it.”
The Keysborough craftsman, photographer, and wood collector has been archiving his 50 years of passion-driven works on his Instagram.
Visit: instagram.com/roseswood_
High-risk drivers nabbed as part of Operation
A 147 km/h driver ‘running late to a meeting’ at 6am, unaccompanied learner drivers with meth in their systems and a motorist detected at 0.133 after dodging a roadside breath test station were among the offenders caught in a three-day road policing blitz in Casey last week.
Operation Malleus targeted high risk behaviours including speeding, impaired driving and unauthorised driving on 15, 17 and 18 October.
Among the offenders was a driver detected at 147 km/h on Princes Freeway about 6am on Tuesday 15 October.
He told police he was running late for a meeting.
His vehicle was impounded for 30 days, and he was expected to be summonsed to court.
Other notable incidents were:
• A woman intercepted after avoiding a PBT site in Narre Warren South and returned an alleged evidentiary breath test of 0.133 about 1.40am on Thursday 17 October. Her licence was cancelled for 13 months, and she was fined $840 .
• An unaccompanied learner driver in Hallam not displaying L plates about 9am on Friday 18 October. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days at $1120.50, with the driver to be summonsed to court.
• A disqualified driver driving a friend’s car in Narre Warren South tested positive to methamphetamine about 12.05pm on Friday 18 October. The driver is to be summonsed to court.
• A male was intercepted on an e-scooter on Overland Drive, Narre Warren and tested positive to methamphetamine about 12.30pm on Friday 18 October. The driver is to be summonsed to court.
• An unaccompanied learner driver in Endeavour Hills displaying P plates and with cancelled vehicle registration had tested positive to methamphetamine and cannabis at 9.40pm on Friday 18 October. The driver is to be summonsed to court.
Dandenong Highway Patrol’s Acting Sergeant Dexter Kiernan said it was “extremely disappointing that we continue to detect so many people drink and drug driving, which we know contributes significantly to trauma on our roads”.
“Getting behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol and drugs is not only putting yourself in serious danger, but all other road users are put at significant risk.
“We make no apologies for detecting and removing dangerous drivers, and will continue to conduct road policing operations to reduce trauma on our roads.
“There is absolutely no excuse for drink or drug driving.”
Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong Highway Patrol units, with the assistance of State Highway Patrol and the Public Order Response Team, conducted the operation.
Safe Transport Victoria also conducted vehicle compliance checks, resulting in defect notices for unroadworthy vehicles.
Yanomani woman in South America is wearing the snakewood earrings made by Vince Manna. (Supplied)
Vince Manna captured Rainbow eucalyptus in Hawaii.
Forest of Stone in Argentina.
Vince Manna captured a moment of a double rainbow over rainbow eucalyptus in Hawaii.
Vince Manna captured Guianan cock-of-the-rock during one of his trips to look for snakewood in South America.
The culmination of years of hard work and learning.
20 24 Graduation
Noble Park Secondary College would like to congratulate our graduating class of 2024. We wish all students well in their exams and for their future endeavours.
NEWS Freddie’s calming lesson
Freddie the well-being dog is a friend to many at St Anthony’s School in Noble Park.
The popular mini-groodle has been spreading his gentle charm at the school twice a week, providing emotional support, comfort and a sense of calm.
“Freddie’s presence is part of a broader initiative at St Anthony’s to support the mental health of students and staff, which has been particularly successful,” says owner and staff member Mary Harper.
“From reducing anxiety and stress to fostering empathy and responsibility, Freddie’s impact has been remarkable.”
Introduced through a partnership with Dogs Connect, Freddie also assists the school with its focus on trauma-informed teaching.
His ability to connect had fostered a more empathetic, resilient and supportive school community, Harper says.
Students and staff who were initially fearful of dogs were now approaching Freddie for pats and companionship, and taking responsibility for his care.
“His calm, reassuring demeanour has proven
WHAT’S ON
WorkSafe business breakfast
Business owners and decision makers are invited to a complimentary breakfast to hear insights into WorkSafe’s role in preventing workplace harm and improving outcomes for injured workers. We’ll address local issues, welcome questions from the audience and explain how WorkSafe supports small business to meet their obligations. Presented in partnership with SEBN (South East Business Network). Hosted by Cameron Ling.
• Wednesday 30 October, 7am-10am at Atura Dandenong. Free event, register at eventbrite.com.au/e/business-owners-breakfast-health-and-safety-month-registration965534468587?aff=oddtdtcreator
Pop-up Blood Donor Centre
The Red Cross is popping up in central Dandenong. Do you have time to give blood and change lives? One in three people in Greater Dandenong will need blood, and they need people like you to give it.
• Until Friday 8 November, opening times vary at St Mary’s Community Centre, New Street, Dandenong. Details: 13 14 95. Registrations required at lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre/vic/ dandenong-pop-up-donor-centre
Dandy Show 2024
Come along to the Dandy Show for a family friendly, fun-filled day. This day is where the city meets the country with lots on offer including, a dog and car show, arts and crafts, amusement rides, show bags, live entertainment, food and Saturday-night fireworks. Alcohol-free event.
• Saturday and Sunday, 9-10 November from 9am at Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong; adults $15/children 10 and under are free. Details: dandyshow.com.au
Cranbourne Chorale
Cranbourne Chorale invites you to enjoy a pleasant Sunday afternoon of lovely choral music rang-
particularly beneficial for students who struggle with anxiety or stress.
“Whether it’s simply sitting quietly with Freddie during a stressful moment or learning to take care of him, students have found a new way to manage their emotions and connect with their peers.
“Freddie’s role as a well-being dog has proven that sometimes, the most profound changes come from the smallest, furriest members of the team.”
ing from world music, folk (traditional and recent), Gospel and popular songs... plus a lively set of jazz and swing numbers. With guest artists Pare and Pranau, folk-playing siblings on guitar and violin, as well as a sumptuous afternoon tea.
• Sunday 10 November, 2.30pm at Cranbourne Presbyterian Church, cnr Sladen and Russel streets Cranbourne; $25 adult/$20 concession/$5 children.
Dinner with a VIEW
The next dinner meeting of the Dandenong Eve-
Yoga for seniors
Join us for a slow-paced yoga session designed to give you greater ease and mobility. Through gentle stretching, strengthening and breathwork we’ll work to increase circulation, improve balance and integrate healthy movement for joints and muscles. This session will include the option to be supported with a chair, as per your comfort and ability. No experience required, all levels welcome. Seniors Festival event.
· Tuesday 29 October, 10.30am-11.30am at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Registration required at trybooking. com/CUYUB or 1300 630 920.
ning VIEW Club has the theme of Bake, Make and Grow. Supporting The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. New nembers and guests are very welcome. Bookings essential.
• Tuesday 12 November, 7pm at Dandenong RSL. Details: Brigitte, 0491 626 527. Walk Against Family Violence
Meet at Dandenong Market and walk to Harmony Square for our annual walk against family violence. Hear from guest speaker Simone O’Brien, a dedicated social change advocate who has lived
experience of surviving family violence.
• Tuesday 19 November, from 11.15am at Dandenong Market, Cleeland Street.
We Built This City
Come and see stories behind Greater Dandenong’s favourite heritage places through short videos, historic objects, photographs and oral histories from Council and local historical society collections.
• Wednesdays and Thursdays (excluding public holidays) until 18 May 2025 at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Free event.
Sandown Probus
Are you retired or semi-retired and would like to stay engaged and connected with others? Come along and see if you would like to join Sandown Probus Club. Enjoy the opportunity to make new friends, expand your interests, participate in the variety of activities and hear guest speakers on a wide range of subjects.
• 2nd Monday of each month at Club Noble, Moodemere Street, Noble Park. Details: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/sandown or Marion, 0458 660 016.
Soccer registrations open
Expressions of interest open for new players across all age groups at Springvale City Soccer Club - Miniroos 7-12, Juniors 13-16, Boys and Girls Youth 17-23, as well as mens and womens’ thirds, reserves and seniors. Miniroos and juniors training powered by No Limits Aquila Academy. Details: springvalecitysc.com.au/
Awareness Meditation
Meditation brings stillness, harmonises body and soul and connects to meaning.
• Mondays (during school term) 2.30pm–3.30pm at The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong; suggested gold coin donation. Deatils: 9791 8664 or Theopendoor@ssjg.org.au
Freddie the well-being dog with St Anthony’s School students Sumi and Logan. (Gary Sissons: 439112)
Freddie draws a crowd of friends (rear, left to right) Valencia, Stefan, George, Sumi and Logan and (front, from left) Ben and Levi. (439112)
•
Star
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Sales skills/experience:
• Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones
• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets
• Excellent listening skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Effective time management to meet deadlines
• Ability to operate in a team
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility
• Effective oral and written communication Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
Parkfield’s Payne honoured
By Marcus Uhe
Tony Payne can remember every single reason why he missed a game of cricket during his 30 seasons in the First XI at Parkfield Cricket Club.
Thankfully, there’s only two - injuries, and Best Man duties at his Brother David’s wedding.
The combination of his incredible durability, a slice of luck and love for both cricket and Parkfield all worked hand-in-hand to ensure his 500th game milestone last weekend was reached in staggering time.
On Saturday, Payne received a guard of honour as he walked to the wicket from both teammates and opponents on his way to the wicket, and celebrations continued after the final ball was bowled, into the night.
Cricketers can be hard to pin down for social occasions in summer when the sun is out, the mercury rises and the appetite for outdoor activities peaks.
Payne knows that he has let a lot of events and invitations go through to the ‘keeper or been forced to play a forward defence rather than indulge in a more-enticing swing of the bat, but is the last person to ponder missed opportunities.
A kid who loved watching his late Father, John play for Virginia Park and sub-fielding whenever he could in John’s lower grades sides, a residential move to Noble Park as a child - specifically Dumblane Road - was the ultimate accelerant to an already burgeoning love for cricket.
Despite a rocky beginning to life at Parkfield on the pitch, including losing his stumps three deliveries in a row at his first training session on Malthoid nets anticipating non-existent bounce, and being thrown the ball after his wicketkeeper had taken off his pads to roll his arm over during his senior debut as a teenager, 46 summers later, across junior and senior cricket, the 55-year-old has barely looked back.
One season at Dandenong allowed him to test the waters of Premier Cricket, but his loyalty to Parkfield saw him scurry back to the club at the end of a day’s play for post-game drinks with those he had formed such intricate bonds with.
For Payne, as competitive as he is - confessing to offering faux critiques on an opposition batter’s technique from gully at just the right volume to sow seeds of doubt into the mind - it’s the ca-
maraderie that cricket provides that has kept him coming back, year, after year, after year.
“I love meeting people and we’ve all got something in common; we play cricket for a reason because we love it, so we’ve got that bond automatically,” Payne said.
“It’s the enjoyment of the challenge, looking forward to getting down and seeing the guys each week, training hard together with a common purpose and getting rewards.
“Even individually, because it is a challenge… As a batter you’ve got 11 of the opposition out there plotting their best to dismiss you and when you can overcome that, both physically and verbally, and have some success, it’s rewarding because you’ve achieved something.
“I’m really competitive and like to win; if you can do something that helps us win a cricket game that I’m a part of, I’m indebted to you and I’ll help you celebrate that.
“I’ve always really enjoyed that and a lot of my memories or celebrations are with other people’s successes.
“You train with these people for a long long time and some people go through some hard
spots and fall out of love with the game, but when you see them finally succeed, it’s so rewarding.”
As a child, Payne and his brother were cricket-mad, even manipulating pieces of equipment designed for other sports - purchased by their parents in an attempt to broaden horizons - eventually correlating into something cricketadjacent.
A tennis racquet with a ball attached elastically to allow players to rally with themselves, for example, became a makeshift bowling machine when operated by two people, while Saturday’s post their own games at junior level were consistently followed by trips to watch the senior sides in the off-chance they would be afforded a golden ticket - the chance to substitute field.
The commitment to his craft provided him a long and distinguished career at senior level over 30 years, and in reserves grades in the latter stages of his career, with more than 12,000 runs, 105 wickets and 11 premierships to his name alongside numerous other accolades.
Extraordinary runs of success - 11 grand final triumphs from 13 appearances, wins in his first nine grand finals, helping the seniors climb from A-Grade to Turf 1 premiership contention in four
seasons - bring with it infinite intangibles, and yet his memory remains sharp, with his ability to recall games and scores at short notice an incredibly impressive attribute.
In many ways, he remains a cricketer of the old generation through which he was raised.
Not only has he steered clear from the amateur cricket stock market and not entertained offers from other clubs to ply his trade, he never played for money while at Parkfield, bar a fee during a period as an assistant coach.
And as the proliferation of limited overs cricket infiltrates the grassroots, his jaw hangs aghast at some of the ingenuity and hair-raising efforts he witnesses in the nets from the younger generation.
Despite not succumbing to the pressures of rival outfits by switching clubs, Payne is an incredibly popular figure in Dandenong District Cricket Association circles.
A cursory glance at any reference to his incredible quintuple-hundred celebrations in recent weeks on social media saw a multitude of well-wishes and messages of support from not only former teammates, but past combatants and opponents across the competition.
There’s simply not much left for Payne to achieve at Parkfield, with each and every year offering a new set of challenges and opportunities to face, conquer and overcome.
2025/26 will be no different, aside from one major variable - Payne won’t be dragging out the cricket kit and dusting off his blue cap for another summer to chase a Kookaburra on sweltering hot days, having made the decision that this season will be his last.
“I’m going to miss it, I know I’m going to miss it,” he said.
“The week before, walking into the rooms on a Saturday and seeing all the guys, then going out to battle, it’s still really enjoyable, but there’s got to come a time.”
Weekends away with the family and extra time on the golf course await for a summer 46 years in the making.
As for the current season, team success is at the forefront of Payne’s mind.
“Win as many games as we can and I’d love to win another premiership - that would be an awesome way to finish.”
Devastating ‘DJ’ delivers on return for Buckley Ridges
By Marcus Uhe
Buckley Ridges champion Daniel Watson has marked his return to the world of the Dandenong District Cricket Association with a trademark big-hitting innings to help power his side to an important victory over Narre South.
In his first game of Turf 1 cricket since the 2022/23 grand final loss, Watson crunched 69 runs from 37 deliveries with his powerful contribution helping to dig his side out of trouble in the middle of the innings.
The hosts were meandering at 5/121 in the 34th over shortly after Watson arrived at the wicket, and it didn’t take long for him to rediscover his touch, hitting Joel Zietsman for six on just his fifth delivery of the afternoon, and Morteza Ali for another on his 10th.
Watson was the sole Buckley batter to pass 50, after a number of starts from his teammates earlier in the card.
Narre South had terrific contributions across their bowling attack until Watson took charge, with spinning duo Jeevan Mendis and Ali both having success with taking pace off the ball.
The Bucks reached 7/233 from their 45 overs before dismissing Narre South for 181 in reply.
Narre South’s chance began promisingly with Kyle Hardy and Vineth Jayasuriya adding 45 for the opening wicket before losing 3/3 in 11 deliveries as momentum deserted them in a flash.
Jayasuriya fell to Prav Chahal for 27 and Hardy and Ali both departed in Sanka Dinesh’s opening over of finger-spin to bring two fresh batters to the wicket.
Wicketkeeper Riley McDonald played his shots in a counter-punching innings of 25, be-
fore he and Adam Snelling both fell in quick succession to put momentum back in blue. Mendis’ wicket for 26 at 6/113 marked the
beginning of the end for the Lions, unable to muster a challenge to the target despite some late contributions.
Chahal finished with 4/33 from nine overs in his second game at Buckley as he continues to impress in a new environment.
Hallam Kalora Park staged a remarkable fightback against Beaconsfield to spoil the Tigers’ party, winning by eight runs in defence of just 111.
Beaconsfield rolled the Hawks in the 41st over and looked set for a comfortable victory at 0/30 before the Hawks came storming back.
Lee Brown claimed the decisive wickets of Andrey Fernando, Dylan Vanderwert and Susantha Pradeep to rip the heart out of the Tigers’ top order, going on to take 4/12 from 12 overs as the key figure in the contest.
North Dandenong, meanwhile, is on the board in decisive fashion, having inflicted Dandenong West’s first loss of the summer at Lois Twohig Reserve.
Imran Laghmani’s run-a-ball century took the Maroons to 202 before an excellent bowling performance dismissed the Bulls for 119.
Laghmani backed up his efforts with the bat, with the ball, taking 3/12 including the crucial wicket of Riley Siwes, who top scored for Dandenong West with 35.
Dandenong West’s run chase never got going, falling to 4/39 early in proceedings and losing their final five wickets for 29 runs.
At Berwick, Springvale South’s Forsyth brothers were instrumental in the Bloods’ second win of the year.
Mitch made 74, his second half-century from two opportunities, and put on 139 for the second wicket with brother Cameron to help their side chase Berwick’s total of 213 within 41 overs. Cameron hit 89 top score for his side, which reeled in the target with eight wickets in hand.
Daniel Watson made an emphatic return to Turf 1 cricket against Narre South. (File: 164113)
Parkfield’s Tony Payne received a guard of honour as he walked to the crease for his 500th game. (Supplied)
Stingray Riak ready
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Meniscus surgery, a quad tear and a concussion.
Key forward, ruck and intercept defender.
Rising Berwick footballer Riak Andrew has faced a concoction of barriers as he craved the one quality so many sportspeople take for granted: continuity.
The Melbourne Next Generation Academy prospect’s entire 2022 season was wiped out due to a meniscus injury, and he faced a delayed start to both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, due to a quad tear and multiple concussions respectively.
“With my knee and quad (injuries) I lost a little bit of speed and vertical leap which puts doubt in your mind,” Andrew said.
“When you play a bad game you go ‘what’s the outside world going to think?’.
“I lacked a bit of confidence going into games thinking ‘what if I injure my knee or quad again’?
“In the last couple of games of (2023) I got the confidence back.”
After building some form for the Wickers’ under-19s team, Andrew made his Coates Talent League debut midway through the 2023 season, playing with flair and showcasing athleticism, albeit very raw.
The utility played 10 games for the Stingrays in 2023 across all thirds of the ground, unable to cement a role and teasing with his skillset, until the last of those games.
What everyone had been hoping to see all year came together for only a short period in Dandenong’s finals loss to Gippsland in 2023.
It was enough to prove he had compelling AFL attributes, taking a series of intercept marks and setting the game up off halfback with his run-andcarry and ball use.
“I was just (in the mindset of) ‘see-ball, try and mark the ball and see what I can do in the air,’” Andrew said.
“I had a purple patch with teammates getting around me but I wasn’t focussing on my man, I was just trying to mark the ball.”
Andrew pinpoints that as the day he started viewing himself as a defender.
AfterbeingoverlookedfortheAFLdraftin2023, he was given the chance to return to the Stingrays as a 19-year-old this year, after spending preseason training with the Casey Demons and learning the craft of defending.
But a familiar hindrance confronted him just as he had regained full confidence in his body, suffering a concussion in a practice match which ruled him out of the first three games of the year.
It effectively ended his midseason draft hopes.
While he still found a spot in the AFL Young Guns series which brings the best 19-year-old midseason prospects together for two games in front of recruiters, he had no form behind him, restricting his production.
Soon thereafter, he suffered a second head knock following his earlier concussion, which kept him to just one game for Vic Country in the national championships.
“It was a pretty dark time,” Andrew recalled.
“I went to work in the rehab, did everything right and wasn’t putting myself in danger of mak-
ing the symptoms last longer and when I got my second head knock was when it really hit me because (of how much) footy I was missing out on.
“There’s nothing I hate more than watching all my mates run around and play footy so it was a dark period, but it shows (my) resilient side, coming back and being better and stronger.”
The form he pieced together since returning, though, has propelled him onto AFL clubs’ radars.
His fundamental skills have improved from last year: marks are sticking, groundballs are cleaner and he’s grown his understanding of his role.
Locking down AFL Academy tall forwards Jack Whitlock and Jobe Shanahan fastened scouts’ growing regard for him.
“The focus is positioning, not going body-onbody because a lot of these key forwards are stronger than me so it was honing-in on (playing) on the back shoulder so I can run and jump and spoil the ball.”
As much as injuries, the comparisons to AFLlisted big brother, Mac, have shadowed Riak during his time in the AFL talent pathway.
There were plenty of training sessions together when the pair were younger, with Riak watching with interest as Mac has started to breakthrough on the big stage amid the limelight of a monster contract.
“What I’ve learned from him is the professionalism it takes to be an AFL footballer,” Riak said.
“He’s had his problems in the first couple of
years as an AFL footballer and he’s learned and matured from that.
“If you’re good enough, you’ll get there, but the hard work starts day one when you arrive at an AFL club, you can’t just get drafted and think you’ve made it.
“We’re fairly similar, both being fairly tall, skinny and athletic so I’ve just tried to model my game off him - sag off, not initiate body contact, run and jump and use my athleticism.
“He’s been huge for me just giving me tips about how to be an AFL footballer.
“He’s (told me) first impressions are everything so if I land on an AFL list, then I’ll try to earn the respect of senior players and showcase why this club picked me.”
Industry scuttlebutt suggests Andrew is more likely to get picked than not, joining brother Mac, Jaxon Binns, Miller Bergman and Judson Clarke as Berwick alumni on an AFL list.
In a similar vein to his brother’s rise to AFL vogue, Riak’s curiosity, sociability and calmness is at odds with what could lie ahead, with the youngster grateful for the platform Berwick provided.
“I’ve played for Berwick since under-10s and they’ve been huge for me, really supportive with what I’m going through at the moment,” Riak said.
“It’s a family club and a really good community.”
The AFL drafts take place from 20-22 November.
Superb Singh steals the show at Shepley
By Marcus Uhe
A brilliant century from prized offseason recruit Shobit Singh has put Dandenong in a commanding position at stumps on day one of its two-day Premier Cricket Victoria clash with Northcote at Shepley Oval.
Singh was the dominant figure on the Dandenong batting card with 160 from a brisk 182 deliveries as the Panthers reached 299 in 83 overs, before making early inroads in Northcote’s batting card by taking a wicket before stumps.
His century included 15 fours and six sixes on a day that 27 from captain Brett Forysth was the next highest contribution.
Singh and Forsyth added 54 for the third wicket, having joined forces with the reigning Ryder medallist with Dandenong off to a rocky start at 2/31.
Following Forysth’s dismissal, he was the dominant partner in a 46-run stand with Joshua Slater, in a 72-run union with Matthew Wilson and in a 51-run partnership with James Nanopolous, before losing his wicket at 6/254.
Recruited from Richmond in the offseason, the right-hander has wasted little time establish-
ing himself in the Panthers’ top order, with contributions of 26 and a quick-fire 37 when his side needed a lift in tempo in his opening two innings of the summer.
Aggressive stroke play saw him target the straight and legside boundaries, with the 53rd over seeing him open his arms and play with freedom in the middle of the day.
Roos run rampant in DDCA Turf 2
By Marcus Uhe
Coomoora is quickly proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 2 competition, having adapted to life in the higher grade brilliantly in the competition’s early stages.
Having just hung on to defeat Lyndale in Round two, there were no-such causes for concern on Saturday, thrashing St Mary’s by seven wickets at Carroll Reserve.
In a contest between a Turf 1 side and a Turf 3 side from the previous summer, you could be forgiven for assuming that it was the Roos that had been relegated from the higher grade.
St Mary’s lasted just 27.5 overs in their innings of 70, a score that the ‘Roos chased with ease in just 16 overs.
Spinner, Malan Madusanka dazzled with 4/15 from his eight overs, recapturing his sensational form that saw him rip through Turf 3 a summer ago, with Jackson Noske joining him with four wickets.
At Parkmore, a 0-2 start to the season from Parkfield has the Bandits in a vulnerable position after the season’s opening four rounds.
Another disappointing showing with the bat saw them post just 8/126 against Parkmore, a score the Pirates reeled in with four overs to spare at Frederick Wachter. Parkfield’s batting innings ran into early trouble, losing 4/11 after an 18-run opening stand.
Riley Payne was removed without scoring, Sahan Jayawardene reached just three and Shahwali Mosavi just two in a dismal showing from the middle order.
Jayawardene’s wicket reduced Parkfield to 5/47, before some encouraging efforts from the lower order took them to a respectable score.
Travis D’Souza’s 36 was vital for the visitors, which quickly needs to address its woes with the bat.
Ammar Bawja took 1/19 from his 12 overs in an excellent display for Parkmore. Parkmore struggled for runs outside of its opening pair but reached the total six wickets down.
Sivakumaran Fernandu played an aggressive innings at the top of the card, hitting a boundary-heavy 35, with opening partner Kyle Gwynne offering a more steady 28.
Parkfield took 6/52 once it broke the 55run opening stand, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a second loss from two matches.
Nick Jeffrey returned excellent figures of 2/22 from his 12 overs.
A century from Mackenzie Gardner was the catalyst for HSD’s thrashing of Narre Warren by 200 runs in a frightening display.
Against right-arm seamer Jack Lalor, he crunched a pull shot through midwicket for four off the second delivery of the over to reach three figures for the first time in a Dandenong helmet, and finished the over with two more boundaries and six over square leg to show clear intent.
Earlier in the innings, he took the attack to Leonardo Manteit, crunching 24 runs with three fours and two sixes, reaching his 50 in the process during an integral period shortly before the lunch interval.
The tail failed to wag following his dismissal, as the Panthers reached 299 upon Nathan Whitford’s stumping to close the batting card.
It meant that Dandenong were afforded a tricky four-over period to bowl at Northcote, and were rewarded for a tidy opening to the defence with late success.
On the final ball of the day in fading sunshine, emerging quick Noah Hurley pinned Sam Harbinson on the pads to give the hosts the clear upper hand by the close of play, reducing them to 1/12.
The visitors will need a further 288 runs to claim the points next week.
Gardner showed his immense talent in the innings, hitting 140 from 126 deliveries to push his side to a monster score of 3/323, at a rate of 7.2 runs per over.
He and opener Zahoor Sarwari shared in a 187-run partnership for the second wicket before Sarwari fell an agonising two runs from his century.
Gardner had no such issues, cruising to his mammoth unbeaten ton as the backbone of the innings.
Magpie bowlers Gurshaan Singh, John Mentiplay and Waduge Fernando each conceded more than eight runs per over.
Outside of Ben Swift, the Magpies batters struggled for a foothold in the response, reaching just 123.
Swift made 33 at the top of the order with the next highest score just 13 from Rodni Kumara.
The innings came to an end after just 33 overs, with Ryan Patterson and Harry Funnell each taking three wickets apiece.
Elsewhere, Cranbourne scraped home against Lyndale by two wickets.
Dandenong’s Shobit Singh nails one of many drives in his century on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 439516)
Riak Andrew’s athleticism and intercepting has caught the eye. (AFL Photos)
