• Concession/Youth $10
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Enquiries to Info@dandyshow.com.au Ph: 03 9794 0562
Scan the QR to code to take you to the website www.dandyshow.com.au
• Concession/Youth $10
• Children 10years & under Free
Enquiries to Info@dandyshow.com.au Ph: 03 9794 0562
Scan the QR to code to take you to the website www.dandyshow.com.au
By Sahar Foladi
The Dandenong Show has long been a family affair.
Next year, show president Kate Reedy will pass the reins to her aunt Leanne Graham who will serve until 2026.
Ms Graham last served as the president in 2000 at the age of 35 and next year she will serve as a 60-year-old.
She speaks passionately about the show, reminiscing about when she first joined the committee at 25.
“We’ve changed from a full farming show (with tractors on display) and turned more business-like because our demographic has changed.
“We’re in the middle of suburbia here, attract a much more multicultural crowd and we rely on the likes of showmen skills to bring rides to people.
“Gone are the numbers of people in things like crochet and knitting.
“Now there’s increase in card making.”
She recalls the “amazing sight” of people lined at the gates at the past “grand parades” of cattles and sheep in the main arena.
Those spectacles are no longer staged, but the famous rides and fireworks endure.
“They were the days where we got thousands and thousands (people) at the show.
“Unfortunately, the way the world is now, people have to be smarter about the choices they make when they spend their weekly payslip.”
She says she doesn’t prefer either way and is just as “passionate” about the show.
“I don’t have children but I want it to be going when my great nieces and nephews have their children
“To a certain degree you have to move with time, you want to ensure your attractions are fit for purpose but also engaging the community coming to see it.”
Both Leanne Grahama and Kate Reedy have long family connections with the show’s organisers including Alf Follett who was president for the show’s 100th birthday in 1971.
He was a market gardener in the Noble Park area and later a cattle farmer at Nar Nar Goon and Clyde. He was also a president and judge for the ANRA (Australian Novelty Racing Association).
He had a daughter Joan, and son John, both becoming heavily involved in the show.
John went to become president in 1981 and in 2022 in its 150th year and has enjoyed over 50 years on the committee.
Joan’s husband Brian Graham also joined the committee and was president in 1990 and 1998.
Joan and Brian’s daughter Leanne Graham, was next to take the reins as she joined the committee in 1990 as a young 25-year-old.
And this year, Kate Reedy - Joan and Brian’s granddaughter - will hand over to her mother’s twin sister Leanne Graham.
All up, that’s four generations that have worked tirelessly for the Dandenong Show since the 1960’s.
“I’m immensely proud of Kate. It was only four years ago we lost her mother,” Ms Graham says.
“She’s still heavily involved, her husband’s in the committee and she has brought two children in the world that are gorgeous.
“I hope that she continues long after I’m gone. I hope in my time I get to see some of her children become president.
“It’s great that we have so many members of my family heavily involved.”
According to Ms Graham, she has counted almost 200 years of the family’s four generations on the committee of the show.
It definitely won’t stop there as Kate’s 2-yearold son Alfred sat front and centre for the show’s 2022 photo that has pride of place in the Administration Pavilion at the Showgrounds.
By Sahar Foladi
This year’s 152nd Dandenong Show is responding to community feedback, with a beefed-up array of food trucks at the event.
The annual attraction from Saturday 9 November until Sunday 10 November at Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street in Dandenong.
It will cater for the community’s tastebuds by boosting its food truck varieties more than any previous years.
It has also changed its layout, making it more centralised rather than “spread out” like last year, says the show’s president Kate Reedy.
“We’re putting parking further away, and bringing horses closer from the back oval where people used to park their cars. Animals will be in the centre where the nursery and cattle are.”
One of the major attractions, the fireworks is scheduled for Saturday night 9pm while a new attraction the Dog High Jump is added to this year’s show after a long hiatus,.
People can bring their dogs on the day and can also register online to take part in the competition, which challenges each dog to jump the highest on the back of a truck.
“I look forward to the whole show that I’ve been coming to since a child,” Ms Reedy says.
“From horses competing to cattle, rides, show bags, it’s a really fun atmosphere.”
While it is not confirmed, Ms Reedy hopes that Greater Dandenong Council chief executive Jacqui Weatherill, who grew up in the area, may do the honours of opening the show with her.
“We thought someone who used to attend the show as a child and is now a member of the council executive would be great to open the show.“
The annual local show celebrates the rich history of the municipality bringing its diverse community together to enjoy rides, fireworks, interaction with animals, free card making activity,
arts and craft activities, participate or look on the animal competitions, horticulture competitions and much more.
The show’s committee and Ms Reedy had planned to incorporate more diverse groups at this year’s show but this will be a project for next year’s incoming president Leanne Graham, Ms Reedy’s aunt.
2024 Show Program
Saturday 9 November
• 9am–2pm Sheep Judging
• 9am-4pm Show Jumping
• 9am-4pm Poultry Display
• 10am – 7.30pm Animal Nursery
• 10am Judging Beef & Dairy Cattle
• 10.30am Highland Dancers
• 12.30pm Outback Jack’s Stockman
• 1pm Chick Raising/ Husbandry
• 2.30pm Outback Jack’s Stockman
• 4.15pm Dog High jump
• 5.15pm Sporting Horse
• 5.30pm Outback Jack’s Stockman
• 6.30pm Gumboot Throw
• 7pm JJS Waste Dustbin Derby
• 7.30pm Tractor Pull
• 8pm Outback Jack’s Stockman
• 8.45pm Dandy Cow
• 9pm Bendigo Bank Fireworks
Sunday 10 November
• 9am–4pm Show Jumping
• 9.30am Judging Rabbits commences
• 10am Fancy Pigeon Display – Release
• 10am-3pm Animal Nursery
• 11.30am Outback Jack’s Stockman
• 1pm Cattle Display & Auction
• 1pm Outback Jack’s Stockman
• Sporting Horse
Arts & Crafts Display
By Sahar Foladi
Dandenong Show president Kate Reedy will be at the helm for the last time this weekend.
Continuing in the long family traditions of the show, Ms Reedy will hand over the reins to her aunt Leanne Graham, who will be taking over from 2025-26.
Ms Reedy welcomed her youngest child one month after last year’s show and has fulfilled the role of being the president as well as a new mother of two.
She used to attend the annual show as a child herself, and now her children are experiencing the same.
“I look forward to the whole show - I’ve been coming since a child. From horses competing to cattle, rides, show bags, it’s a really fun atmosphere.”
She says she’s “proud of the people on the committee” who’ve brought the show together for the community to give them a fun experience with animals amongst many other things.
The show was first held at the Dandenong Market site in 1872. And it’s back for the 153rd time, with some changes.
The show’s committee are trying to “drag” themselves “into the 21st century” shifting administrative tasks onto the internet and offering online ticketing, volunteer forms and competition applications.
Ms Graham, who has been on the committee for decades, shares the tremendous workload required for the past mailouts.
“It was a case of we’d be dealing with maybe 1000 entries at show time, and how-many thousand letters we wrote to put the tickets in envelopes and post them all out.
“We had issues with the post being slow or something happening to the mail, and we’d leave tickets at people’s gates.
“This is much cleaner, we take much more
control over ensuring people have their ticket.”
The committee are also working hard to get their social media platforms to be more “catchy.”
Both Ms Reedy and Ms Graham say they hope to invite the municipality’s diverse groups to perform their cultural dances at the show.
“I’d like to work with attractions committee to ensure we have plenty on the stages around the ground and we have plenty for people to see. And that won’t cost anything once they pay for their tickets,” Ms Graham said.
“Maybe a dance competition, half a dozen dif-
ferent dance clubs from different nationalities, Samoan, Greek, Italian, something that’s very different from past shows.”
Ms Reedy will maintain her involvement on the committee along with her family as they have been doing for the past four generations.
Evolution and challenges have been all part of the Dandy Show journey since 1872.
The annual event organised by Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Soceity has settled on the second Saturday in November since 1936.
It was 1954 when the show’s current state begun to take shape, as mannequin parades, dog obedience and sheep shearing were introduced to complement the traditional agricultural features.
As Dandenong has grown from a rural farming town to thriving city, the show has broadened in scope however always retained its oldschool country roots it has become known for.
The show was initially successful after its establishment in 1871, and first show in 1872, when there were 301 entries for the £3 prize of best draught horse.
Soon its peopularity popularity brought with it space issues, with an exhibition hall built by the 1888 show to provide a larger meeting place than the mechanics institute.
It was described by the newspaper at the time, the South Burke and Mornington Journal, as “substantial commodious and handsome, situated on an elevated site, commanding an excellent view of the surrounding country and midway between the centre of the township and the railway station.”
In the subsequent years, the show was briefly threatened by an economic depression which nearly caused the organisation to collapse, but it continued putting on a show in the traditional Thursday timeslot.
The early years of the show were held at Dandenong Market’s current site, on the corner of Clow and Cleeland Street.
It was then moved to a bigger site in 1907 before being held at Greaves Reserve, its current location, for the first time in 1967.
Today’s setting provides the perfect backdrop for wedding ceremonies, seminars and family photographs which has further boosted the show’s reputation.
The most notable challenge, Dandenong was without a showground for several years during World War II, during which time the
land was used by the army.
Throughout that time, there were two successfully combined shows with Berwick – in 1940 and 1941.
However, in 1944, with the army still in residence, the grandstand, which had been purchased from Caulfield in 1912, burnt down.
The pavilion which had been part of the show’s fabric since 1888, suffered the same fate in 1962.
The show gained momentum in the lead up to the 100-year anniversary.
In 1965, there were 3818 entries, the second-highest on record, and that was topped comfortably at the first show in the new location two years later.
It became such a highlight to the newly formed city that the state government chipped in $30,000 across the next three years.
In 1970, the attendance reached 30,000, and the following year, a book containing stories and history of the show’s history was released as part of centennial commemorations.
The overcoming of adversity to reach that point has always relied upon the society’s hardy voluntary hours.
Community donations have allowed the site to continue improving, with four lighting towers and the cattle sale ring complex since established.
Until its forced cancellation in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, it had run every year.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Volunteering stalwart Ann Keys can be traced back to Dandenong Show’s origins more than 150 years ago.
She has also forged her own 30-year history as a ‘key’ part of the show’s most popular attractions – long organizing the animal nursery and this year, a delectable array of food trucks.
Keys marvels how the show has managed to thrive even as Dandenong’s once-plentiful farms and market gardens have transformed into a manufacturing hub and Australia’s most ethnically diverse community.
In its 153-year history, the show has kept going nearly every year – except for extraordinary world-changing events such as World Wars and the Covid pandemic.
“It’s had an up-and-down history but it’s still going strong.”
She remembers going to the Show when she was a girl. In those days, it was staged at the old showgrounds near Dandenong Market.
“Dad (Harold) was highly involved. I just went along as a spectator then.
“There used to be a show in every town. It was one of very few attractions in those days. Everyone came to the show – it was a big drawcard supported by businesses and the whole town.”
Keys hasn’t lost her love of the ever-evolving show.
Some events such as Miss Showgirl, highland dancing, grand parades of cattle, sheep and horses, and wood chopping have gone by the wayside.
They’ve been replaced by new crowd favourites such as dog flyball and dog high jump.
“All too many people think the show is just about rides, showbags and food. It has so much more.”
One of the enduring drawcards is the animal nursery – which introduces “urban” kids to the world of farm animals.
Once the domain of Ann Keys, the nursery al-
a carton and carrots don’t come out of a plastic bag”.
The nursery is now organised by Greg Reedy – the father of show president Kate Reedy.
Other show traditions are the competitions and displays of local arts, crafts, cookery, fresh produce, woodwork and photography.
A lot of agricultural shows have fallen by the wayside around Australia – victims of rising costs and scarce volunteers, Keys says.
Dandenong Show owes much to stalwart families of volunteers such as Follett, Marriott, Anderson, King, Ferris, Rae, Duggin, Allan and O’Hagan.
And the Keys family – a dairy farming clanhas a special place in the show’s history.
A dozen Keys descendants have served as president, including Ann’s great-great-grandfather William Keys who was the show’s first president back in 1872.
He drowned just months later while trying to save cattle from floodwater in Bangholme.
His brother John then took over the helm in the following year.
In 1987, the last of the Keys presidents to serve was Robert Bowman, who also passed on responsibility for the animal nursery to Ann Keys.
The pavilion is named after the Bowman family.
“You look at the Dandenong Show committee,” Keys says.
“They have a family history of being involved with the show. They do a wonderful job.
“You’re part of a great team.”
lows visitors to pat and feed a host of calves, piglets, goat kids, rabbits, chicks, alpacas, ducklings and guinea pigs.
Kids are shown that “milk doesn’t come from
Now she looks forward to another Dandy Show this weekend, as always hoping for fine weather.
Regardless, as history has shown, the “show must go on”, she says.
Looking back, the Journal reported on the “ambitious” schedule for the first Dandenong Show in 1872.
The Dandenong and South Bourke Agricultural Association’s show took place at the Dandenong Market’s former site bounded by Foster, Thomas, Mason and Walker streets on Thursday 7 March.
The organisers opened 54 sections for competition, with more than 61 pounds offered in prizes.
Topprizewas3poundsforthebestdraught horse.
In turn, they attracted 301 entries, including 42 horses, 40 cattle, six sheep, 27 pigs, 16 cheeses, 14 butter, 52 fruit, eight flowers, seven honey, 18 poultry and 49 farm produces.
Two casks of beer, one egg and several that were classified as “special mixed” also competed.
The year was also marked by tragedy, with founding show president William Keys drowning while trying to rescue cattle in floods in Bangholme.
Another member of the family John Keys was elected president.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A record 50,000 patrons embraced the Dandenong Show’s switching to a two-day event for its centenary in 1971.
Its staging of pageants, parades and marching bands were so different to what crowd’s would expect in 2024.
The Saturday opening ceremony featured a “blaze of unforgettable pageantry”, according to the Dandenong Journal at the time. Show society president Alfred Follett – the father of current president John – welcomed the State Governor Sir Rohan Delacombe and Lady Joyce Delacombe, who rode in an open Army jeep.
“In welcoming Sir Rohan and Lady Delacombe, Mr A. Follett said they were privileged to have on such an auspicious occasion, Vice Regal guests.
“He said though it was wet underfoot the sun was shining and there was an excellent crowd.”
Lining the arena during the opening ceremony was a ‘Colour Party’ of about 600 Scouts and 180 Guides with flags and banners.
Australian Air League members, St John Ambulance cadets, Victoria Police band and its popular drum horse Gendarme paraded, while the Dandenong-based 15th Field Regimental Royal Australian Artillery held a guard of honour.
A record 50,000 turned out for the show’s first-ever two-day format at Greaves Reserve –what was described as a “calculated gamble that a new era in agricultural and pastoral appreciation plus carnival entertainment had arrived”.
A huge 7400-plus entries were submitted from across the state, with more than 1000 canines competing in the dog show and grand parades of dairy cattle, Suffolk sheep, horses and ponies.
About 90 axemen from across the country took part in the wood-chopping.
The grand parades are no longer a part of the show, nor the wood-chopping.
As part of the lead-up, the show was bestowed the title of Grand National Show by Agriculture Minister Gilbert Chandler.
Meanwhile, retailers in Dandenong’s CBD were asked to turn on their lights on over the show weekend.
A window-dressing competition featuring special historic and show displays was won by Verey’s Shoe Store in Lonsdale Street.
Free buses ran between Dandenong railway station and the showgrounds.
The live music was much different to today’s offerings. It had an authentic rural flavour, including the Southern and Country Western Club and Kevin Leydon’s square dancing, highland and national dancing, and the Royal Artillery Band.
Attractions included roller derby cycling, radio-controlled model aircraft, army gun drill displays, agricultural motorcycle contests, combined church rock musicians, pixie vintage cars, Olympic jumping, Showgirl judging, steam traction and miniature train movements.
“Police have made provision for lost children with a play centre linked by telephone with the Dandenong and showgrounds headquarters,” the Journal reported.
Alfred and Esma Follett greet Lady Joyce and Sir Rohan Delacombe, the State’s Governor, at the 1971 Dandenong Show’s opening ceremony.
Thanks to the travel opportunities at Noble Park Secondary College and our generous sponsors, two staff members and ten students who went through an extensive selection process were fortunate enough to travel to Japan for two weeks.
The first week was spent sightseeing and learning about the Japanese culture, and during the second week students stayed with host families and attended Shinminato High School to further enrich their experience.
Some testimonials from the students who attended included “it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life”, “Japans culture touched my heart”, “this experience is truly something that I will never forget”.
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Wooranna Park Primary School student Ryan smiles through a cake of colour after a vibrant Colour Run fundraiser on 1 November.
Starting with white attire, students were soon strewn in rainbow-coloured pigments as they lapped the Lois Twohig Reserve oval.
More pictures on page 12
More than a week since the last election ballots were posted, the next crop of Greater Dandenong councillors remains uncertain.
Final counts are expected by Monday 11 November - which is 17 days since ballots closed on 25 October.
So far, on the initial counting, there are identifiably likely winners in nine out of the 11 seats with most former councillors strongly likely to be returned.
Two wards Cleeland - including a head-tohead tussle between sitting councillors Angela Long and Rhonda Garad-andSpringvaleCentral are likely to go down to the wire.
Therewillbeatleastthreenewfaces,including the winner of Springvale Central as well as Keysborough independent Melinda Yim and Keysborough South Greens candidate Isabella Do.
The acrimonious battle between previous mayor Lana Formoso and independent Bob Milkovic has ended in a 1-all draw, with both like-
ly to be returned.
However Formoso’s brother Sasha Jankovic and husband Daniel Formoso look to have missed out.
So far, other former councillors Jim Memeti (ALP, Dandenong), Phillip Danh (ALP, Yarraman), Sean O’Reilly (ALP, Springvale North) and Loi Truong (ALP, Springvale) are ahead, with Sophie Tan (ALP, Noble Park) who was elected unopposed.
It spells a likely ALP majority of at least six.
To the frustration of election watchers, results have still not been posted progressively on the Victorian Electoral Commission website - which occurs in state and federal elections.
Rather, in a somewhat antiquated process, the vote updates were posted on the VEC’s Dandenong office window last week.
More on the election, turn to pages 2, 3 and 10
Melinda Ambros (Kalora Ward) and Stefan Koomen (Waratah) have opened up seemingly decisive leads as Casey election counting continues.
GroupAvoteshavebeencounted-withGroup B votes (received after 25 October) to be tallied this week. Results remain uncertain in most wards with preference distributions to come. Final results are expected to be announced to candidates on Thursday 7 November.
Koomen, who is Doveton-Eumemmerring Township Association chair and an ALP electorate officer, was comfortably ahead on 5624 votes, more than double the tally of independent, business owner and author Jamel Kaur Singh (2787). The other Waratah Ward candidates are Nasser Yawari (1953), Ezatullah Alam (ALP, 1635) and Burak Dilbaz (785).
Ambros, who led a passionate call over safety concerns on Heatherton Road, Endeavour Hills after a three-year-old girl was fatally injured last month, leads the Kalora race with 3362 votes. She is 1000 votes ahead of Labor member and former mayor Brian Oates (2373), followed by Damien Sawyer (2047), Zabi Mazoori (1896), Jafri Luwanga (1409), Duc Nguyen (1012), Peterine Smulders (934), Fred Jover (688) and Afroz Ahmed (573).
Meanwhile in River Gum Ward, in the battle between three ex-councillors, Lynette Pereira topped the Group A provisional results with a total of 3142 votes (24.4 per cent), ahead of Wayne Smith with 2172 votes (16.8 per cent) and former deputy mayor Damien Rosario 930 (7.2 per cent). Geoff Hansen had 1995 votes (15.5 per cent), Nazir Yousafi 1994 (15.5 per cent), Asher Coleman 1781 (13.8 per cent) and Garry Page 886 (6.9 per cent).
In Correa Ward, former councillor Gary Rowe leads the way with 4247 votes (29.9 per cent).
Kanu Aggarwal was in second place with 3553 votes (25 per cent). Tracey Ryan had 3029 votes (21.3 per cent), Abdullah Neshat 1784 (12.6 per cent), Shegofa Naseri 1005 (7.1 per cent), and Onkar Singh Sandhawalia 575 (4.1 per cent).
Meanwhile, former deputy mayor Rex Flannery (1742 votes) says he is looking unlikely to return to council, polling well behind Casuarina Ward independent Kim Ross (2896). They are followed by Lyndon Samuel (1634), Jane Foreman (1633), Morteza Ali (1501), Bassir Qadiri (1114), Suzanne Carmody (1101), Rex Lazaros (1038), Mariam Khaliqy (857) and Michael Kelaart (526).
In Grevillea Ward, talent studio director Carmen Powell (2552 votes) was in a close tussle with Liberal independent and IT chief executive John Ternel (2451). They were followed by Libertarian member Stephen Matulec (2173), Greens candi-
date Dave Perry (2049), Bernie Postma (1833), David Parr (1405), Stephen Capon (1101), Haroon Sayed (482) and Sinfree Chirunga (476).
In Quarters Ward, independent and accountant Carolyn Eaves went first with 2601 votes (20.6 per cent), ahead of Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wood on 2274 votes (18 per cent).
Craig Baird had 1961 votes (15.5 per cent), Aftab Hussain 1644 (13 per cent), Kuljeet Kaur Robinson 1582 (12.5 per cent), Jagdeep Singh Sukhija 1434 (11.4 per cent), David Rolfe 865 (6.8 per cent), and Ridvan Rasimi 270 (2.1 per cent).
In a tight four-way contest in Kowan Ward, Kasuni Mendis with 2874 votes (21.2 per cent) narrowly leads Bernard Brian Carr, who secured 2741 votes (20.2 per cent). Christine Skrobo on 2606 votes (19.2 per cent), and Shane Taylor 2574
Three young students ushered change at the top at Wooranna Park Primary – albeit just briefly.
Larry, Naureen and Nicholas took the reins as Principals for a Day at the school on Friday 25 October.
Students from each of P-2, 3-4 and 5-6 were selected after writing applications to be helpers for principal Amanda Ellaby.
In his hand-written pitch, Larry argued that he was “smart, kind and caring to people”.
“Being caring is important because it makes you happy.”
Meanwhile, Naureen said that she was “kind and helpful”, adding “Don’t believe me, ask my teacher”.
“I guarantee you that I will be the greatest principal ever (from your greatest student ever).”
Nicholas offered his “growth mindset” as a key skill.
“I have resilience because making mistakes is not painful, giving up is.”
(19 per cent).
They were followed by Jawad Erfani 1115 (8.2 per cent), Joby George 745 (5.5 per cent), Gagan Bumrah 499 (3.7 per cent), and Raj Nayak 416 (3.1 per cent).
In Tooradin Ward, pharmacist and independent Anthony Tassone is first with 3456 votes (27.2 per cent), closely followed by lawyer Jennifer Dizon, who harvested 3338 votes (26.3 per cent).
Behind them are Kuldeep Kaur had 1564 votes (12.3 per cent), Andrew Gai 1518 (12 per cent), Ali Yaghobi 1223 (9.6 per cent), Brenton Kelly 1118 (8.8 per cent), and Singh Ravneet 482 (3.8 per cent).
In Cranbourne Gardens Ward, Michelle Crowtherhadaleadwith4480votes(33percent). Anthony Lake came second with 3245 votes (23.9 per cent). Tamas Kapitany had 2538 votes (18.7 per cent), Jo Muir 1303 (9.6 per cent), Blessing Nhliziyo 1046 (7.7 per cent), and Mary Beth Melton 976 (7.2 per cent). John Ternel and Carmen Powell (Grevillea).
In Akoonah Ward, Liberal independent Samuel Dennison (3666 votes) is just ahead of real estate agent Scott Dowling (3038), followed by Dianne Pagliuca (2249), Mush Rahaman (2134), Kushal Shah (1614) and Patrick Ferdinands (982).
An e-scooter rider has died after a collision with a car in Springvale on Monday 28 October.
The vehicles crashed at the intersection of Westall Road and Thames Avenue about 2.40pm, police say.
The rider, a 31-year-old Cranbourne man, died at the scene.
A 23-year-old Glen Waverley woman, who was driving the car, stopped at the scene and has spoken to police.
Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol officers are investigating.
Any dashcam/CCTV footage or information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
The operator of Dandenong South’s controversial toxic waste dump has again been fined by the state’s pollution watchdog, Environment Protection Authority Victoria.
Veolia Recycling and Recovery and Veolia EnvironmentalServices(Australia)werefinedalmost $40,000 for failing to use permissioned vehicles to transport hazardous waste.
The vehicles transported ‘reportable priority waste’ to sites in Wollert, Dandenong South and Brooklyn in October 2024, without having permission to do so, the EPA stated.
“It’s disappointing to see a large company like Veolia fail to obtain the appropriate permission before transporting reportable priority waste,” EPA compliance programs manager Zac Dornom said.
The ‘reportable priority waste’ classification applies to waste that poses the “highest risk” and is “extremely hazardous to human health and the environment”.
It is only allowed in vehicles with appropriate EPA permission.
The Veolia-operated hazardous-waste landfill’s entrance on Taylors Road, Dandenong South. (Gary
Veolia operates a hazardous-waste landfill –under an EPA licence - in Taylors Road, Dandenong South.
In June this year, it was issued three EPA improvement notices for ongoing management of issues around leachate, dust and landfill gas. In September 2023, Veolia was fined $9246 for failing to provide a report on the site’s groundwater quality by deadline.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Sahar Foladi
A councillor for nearly 20 years, Jim Memeti has declared himself a winner in the Greater Dandenong council elections ahead of an official announcement from the Victorian Electoral Commission.
Most incumbent councillors including Memeti (ALP, Dandenong Ward) appear to be safely returned, with once again a likely ALP majority.
While counting may not have finished, the Dandenong Ward incumbent says he is nearly 1300 votes in front of his only rival Rahima Rizai.
He was woken by the good news in the early hours of London’s morning, 11 hours behind Melbourne’s AEDT time.
“She ran a good campaign, doorknocked every house which is the first time I’ve seen it in a long time.
“I congratulate her for working so hard. If she ran for another ward she would’ve won, unfortunately she picked the wrong ward,” Memeti said.
“I’m close to the community I think the community supported me because of my last 20 years of service.”
Former councillors Bob Milkovic (independent, Dandenong North), Phillip Danh (ALP, Yarraman), Lana Formoso (ALP, Noble Park North), Sean O’Reilly (ALP, Springvale North), Loi Truong (ALP, Springvale South look likely to return, as well as Sophie Tan (ALP, Noble Park) who was elected unopposed.
Fresh faces may include Melinda Yim (independent,Keysborough) and Isabella Do (Greens, Keysborough South), who are ahead in the early counts.
It’s a tight race in Cleeland Ward between sitting ALP councillor Angela Long and Greens member Rhonda Garad, who switched from Keysborough South.
As of last week, Garad had 35.6 per cent of the vote ahead of Long on 31.9 per cent and other ALP members Zahra Haydar Big on 21.5 per cent and Pradeep Hewavitharana on 11 per cent.
“I’m not even thinking about it. I won’t make any predictions, it will be what it will be,” Garad said.
“Itcouldgoeitherway.Ifitgoesdowntopreferences that is my weak spot.”
The three ALP members must preference each other under ALP party rules. However Haydar Big refused to issue preferences on how-to-vote cards.
The Springvale Central vote looks to be a threeway cliffhanger, with still Group B primaries and preferences to be counted.
As of this afternoon, there were just 39 votes splitting Labor member and real estate agent Alice Phuong Le (1486 votes), architect Minh Le (1466) and Labor member and migration agent Meng Bunlay (1447).
Other candidates are Hor Truong (536), Brian Dalton (867) and Socialist candidate Sean Stebbings (368).
Meanwhile, Dandenong North incumbent councillor Bob Milkovic so far has gained more than 50 per cent of votes but doesn’t want to celebrate too early.
“I’m in a good strong position but want to wait for result fully declared, I don’t want to jump the gun and turns out, it’s not true.
“There’s plenty of time. This election will be a good indication of whether residents think I’ve done right or wrong.”
Yarraman incumbent Phillip Danh was also looking a likely victor, up 3125 votes to 2261 in his head-to-head battle with independent Ian Cook, who is sueing the council over the ‘slug gate’ controversy.
“It’slookingpromisingatthisstage,”Danhsaid.
“Our volunteers are working very hard and we have doorknocked and spoken to thousands of residents-it’sgoodtoseeourhardworkrewarded.
“I look forward to serving the community for another four years if I’m elected.”
Meanwhile independent Melinda Yim was ahead in Keysborough Ward with 42 per cent of primaries, while Greens candidate for Keysborough South Ward Isabella Do was also well in front on 48.6 per cent.
Do will be the latest in a Green lineage in the Keysborough South Ward, which includes Matthew Kirwan and Rhonda Garad.
“I’m really excited if I am elected. It would have been really devastating after Matthew and Rhonda if I was unable to get the seat,” Do said.
“It’s good to see our hard work has paid off.
“I’m still a bit shocked at how well we did. I thought it would be really, really close and would come down to preferences – though nothing has been finalised yet.”
Springvale South Ward incumbent Loi Truong looks in the “box seat” on 2181 votes (35 per cent) ahead of main rivals Thayhorn Yim (1205) and Andy Tran (1062).
Truong is expected to draw strong preferences from Tran as well as other candidates Yen Thai (636), Malab Hem (596) and Lin Sok (561).
Holding the seat since 2008, Truong only won the 2020 election by 90 votes after preferences.
Meanwhile, Sean O’Reilly – a long-serving councillor and ALP member - was also comfortablyleadinginSpringvaleNorth,with46.8percent of the primary vote so far.
With 74 per cent of the vote counted, O’Reilly was on 2644 votes, ahead of independents Angela Holl (1948) and Huong Dinh (1064).
If elected as expected, O’Reilly said he was looking forward to advocating for the council’s Springvale revitalisation plan – with Springvale CBD now within his ward’s boundaries. There was aneedtolobbyforstateandfederalfundingforthe plan’s realisation.
The proposed Sandown redevelopment was another big issue.
He didn’t plan to run for Greater Dandenong mayor “unless something drastic happens”. The mayor is elected by councillors in mid-November, days after the general election is finalised.
In Noble Park North Ward, Formoso – an ALP member who served as mayor in 2023-’24 - has claimed 56 per cent of the vote (3450 votes), despite a letter-drop campaign from non-contesting former councillor Maria Sampey.
Formoso was well ahead against independents Will Billings (1803), Love Agravante (459) and Karl Rathnayake (401).
The VEC is expected to announce the results for Greater Dandenong on Monday 11 November, 2pm.
PROGRESSIVE VOTES
• City of Greater Dandenong – 67,601 votes returned (79.9 per cent)
• Progressive count – group B votes (received after 25 October) are still to be counted
KEYSBOROUGH SOUTH (78 per cent counted)
Isabella DO (Greens) 3135 (48.6 per cent)
Alexandra BRYANT (ALP) 1118 (17.3 per cent)
Ajdin MUZUR (ALP) 1021 (15.8 per cent)
Sasha JANKOVIC (ALP) 648 (10 per cent)
Geraldine GONSALVEZ 533 (8.2 per cent)
Informal 363
DANDENONG NORTH (72 per cent counted)
*Bob MILKOVIC 3385 (53.6 per cent)
Rhonda TANNOUS (ALP) 1618 (25.6 per cent)
Daniel FORMOSO 792 (12.5 per cent)
Branka TOMIC 259 (4.1 per cent)
Informal 161
KEYSBOROUGH (74 per cent counted)
Melinda YIM 2673 (42.1 per cent)
Peter BROWN 1878 (29.5 per cent)
Daniel DANG (ALP) 696 (11 per cent)
Sinan AKKURT (ALP) 490 (7.7 per cent)
Tevyn GOV (Socialists) 278 (4.4 per cent)
Hermara IN (ALP) 188 (3 per cent)
Reinaldo PINCHEIRA (ALP) 154 (2.4 per cent)
Informal 185
YARRAMAN (68 per cent counted)
*Phillip DANH (ALP) 3125 (58 per cent) Ian COOK 2261 (42 per cent)
Informal 257
CLEELAND (64 per cent counted)
Rhonda GARAD (Greens) 1756 (35.6 per cent)
*Angela LONG (ALP) 1575 (31.9 per cent)
Zahra HAYDAR BIG (ALP) 1059 (21.5 per cent)
PradeepHEWAVITHARANA
(ALP) 542 (11 per cent)
Informal 213
DANDENONG (62 per cent counted)
*Jim MEMETI (ALP) 2934 (63.7 per cent)
Rahima RIZAO 1669 (36.3 per cent)
Informal 363
NOBLE PARK NORTH (72 per cent counted)
* Lana FORMOSO (ALP) 3450 (56.4 per cent)
Will BILLINGS 1803 (29.5 per cent)
Love AGRAVANTE 459 (7.5 per cent)
Karl RATHNAYAKE 401 (6.6 per cent)
Informal 148
SPRINGVALE NORTH (74 per cent counted)
* Sean O’REILLY (ALP) 2644 (46.8 per cent)
Angela HOLL 1948 (34.4 per cent)
Huong DINH 1064 (18.8 per cent)
Informal 129
SOUTH
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Casey property manager has staged the theft of his car and lied to police after he evaded a breathtest roadside station, a court has heard.
Ahmed Mohammadi, 22, of Hampton Park, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County to perverting the course of justice as well as perjury and failing to stop at a breath-test site.
Mohammadi fled in his Mazda 3, disobeying a police direction to stop at the site at Hallam Road, Hampton Park on 15 December 2022.
His evasion began because he panicked over taking a Xanax tablet – which ironically can’t be detected at roadside testing stations, sentencing judge Wendy Wilmoth noted on 25 October.
He then “dug a deeper and deeper hole” for himself, she said.
Later on the night in question, he hid his car on Ormond Road, Narre Warren.
He then arranged for someone to drive him to Black Rock where he rang police to falsely report his car was stolen from the Red Bluff Lookout car park.
Two days later, he left his phone at home while moving his car to Centre Road, Hallam and abandoning it. It was discovered with minor damage by a member of the public.
Mohammadi maintained his fiction in a signed police statement.
However police found his phone signals differed significantly from his claimed movements.
They seized his phone – which he told them was his work phone. He lost his personal phone a few days earlier, he claimed.
A year later, when police arrived to search his family’s home, he offered to tell them the driver’s identity if they left. Police persisted in the search and found his personal phone.
On his second police interview, Mohammadi falsely claimed he was covering for an unlicensed friend driving him in the car at the time.
On his third version, he eventually volunteered that he’d driven away from the testing site to hide that he’d taken a Xanax tablet.
Judge Wilmoth noted the remorseful Mohammadi had no prior convictions, no history of drug abuse and had “good” rehabilitation prospects.
The Hazara refugee was diagnosed with PTSD, having experienced four friends dying at the hands of police in Afghanistan, as well as witnessing suicide bombings and being a victim of a violent armed robbery.
Judge Wilmoth noted a conviction would put his property-management licence in jeopardy. Deportation was also a possibility.
Currently on a permanent protection visa, Mohammadi had his citizenship application on
hold due to the charges.
“There is every indication that you’ve learnt a hard lesson,” Judge Wilmoth said.
The maximum penalty for perverting the course of justice is 25 years’ prison; for perjury, it’s up to 15 years.
Prosecutors argued that his falsehoods were protracted but less serious because he didn’t deceive a law court.
His defence lawyer attributed his “foolish” conduct to immaturity and youthful lack of judgment.
Both sides agreed that a community corrections order (CCO) was “within range”.
Mohammadi was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month CCO with 80 hours of unpaid work and mental health treatment.
He was fined $500 and disqualified from driving for two years.
By Violet Li
When spring unfolds, forest therapy guides Carolyn Shurey and Evelyn Lavelle will take a group traversing the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne on a therapeutic mission.
They lead participants into different sensory activities, feeling the breeze, looking at the shapes of blues, hugging the trees, and smelling a variety of peppermint. This guided experience aims to bolster both mental and physical health by reducing stress levels, regulating pulse and blood pressure and elevating the mood.
Forest Therapy has been running at the Royal Botanic Gardens since 2019, and a growing interest has been observed in the community over the years.
“We introduced the program at Melbourne Gardens in 2019. And then in Cranbourne, we started before Covid. We lost a few years there, so it’s come back again, and we have it in autumn and spring,” creative producer at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Kara Ward said.
“We think this is a really beautiful experience. We like to remind people that being in nature is good for your relaxation and mindfulness.
“And we just think it is a great way to celebrate the gardens and to also promote slowing down and mindfulness and the benefits of being in nature.
“At the same time, we think it’s also a really beautiful way to experience the garden because you were taught to slow down and look closely, you then notice lots of beautiful detail about the garden.”
The program is presented in partnership with the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).
INFTA president Susan Joachim said the practice of forest therapy was inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which was translated to forest bathing.
“It has nothing to do with water, but more about immersing our senses in nature,” she said.
“It started in the 1980s as a practice in Japan in response to chronic stress in the public service and the corporate world. There was a lot of stress among people, and there were high rates of suicide among executives because of the long working hours.”
“In response to that, the government decided to open up forest therapy centres, and this spread out to other countries like South Korea, and now it’s spread all the way to Australia.”
Ms Joachim said the walks at the Royal Botanic Gardens were all about slowing down.
“It’s designed to help people who get out of their car and come into the gardens to begin to relax their bodies. We do stretch. We do movement activities to help the body slow down,” she said.
“We start with the body relaxing, and then the mind follows. We close our eyes, and the guides would take us through listening, smelling and feeling the textures of the wind.”
Unlike the original practices in the forests in Japan, the Australian practices have gone through localisation.
“Japan has very mountainous forests, so the experience is much more like a hike. Whereas
in our parts of the world, we brought more elements of mindfulness into the practice,” Ms Joachim said.
“It is also in tune with the local culture, with local Aboriginal cultures and also in response to the different vegetation in Australia.
“The Japanese couldn’t believe that we have these programs in botanic gardens because, in Japan, they think forest therapy must only happen in a forest. But we showed them we can.
“Forest therapy does not only have to be in the forest. If there’s a botanic garden that has that biodiversity and that has strength, it surely can bring good mental and physical health care.”
To know more about Forest Therapy in Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, visit: rbg.vic. gov.au/cranbourne-gardens/whats-on-cranbourne/forest-therapy
If you need help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or, in an emergency, 000.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A man who detained and repeatedly raped a woman in an apparently abandoned house in central Dandenong has been jailed.
Agwa Obiech, 30, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to a rolled-up charge of rape.
In February 2021, Obiech, then 26, was with a drinking group in a park about 6pm when he lured the then-40-year-old woman back to his house nearby in King Street.
Inside the vacant house, a seemingly homeless man was sleeping on the front-room floor.
Over about 90 minutes, Obiech kept the victim captive in an empty room and raped her multiple times.
A neighbour later reported hearing a female calling for help, another heard an apparently frightened female yell out “No” three times before there was silence.
Eventually Obiech walked her home, asking her: “Do you know where my baby is?”
The frightened victim said she didn’t know.
“When will we see each other again?” he said.
The next day, Obiech was arrested by police in the park. He has been in remand custody up until his sentencing on 31 October this year.
Judge Fiona Todd noted that the victim was held against her will during the “brutal ordeal” – though he was not charged with false imprisonment.
Nor was he charged with allegedly choking her with his hands.
“Your rape … was enduring and persistent and you continued to physically overwhelm her throughout.”
Obiech later told a psychologist he was heavily intoxicated at the time, sought intimacy and was unaware of consent.
Judge Todd said the latter point was problematic, given Obiech’s five “penetrative acts” were accompanied with further violence as well as physically preventing her from leaving.
Without a victim impact statement, the judge
inferred the assault was “absolutely terrifying” for the victim who gave evidence at Obiech’s earlier aborted trial.
“She had her own difficulties, she was vulnerable. I have no doubt that what you did has left her shaken and afraid.”
A heavy drinker and meth user, Agwa’s lengthy criminal history of assaults and dishonesty did not include sexual offences.
At the time he was homeless and wasn’t complying with mental health treatment.
He was diagnosed with schizophrenia – though it had no impact with his offending, according to the psychologist’s report.
The South Sudanese refugee had experienced a traumatised, war-torn childhood before arriving in
Australia as a 13-year-old.
While in custody, his improved insight, stability and voluntary treatment for his mental illness gave cause for “cautious hope” that the “marks left upon you are not immutuable”.
Judge Todd also noted the “extraordinary” three-and-a-half-year delay for his case and his guilty plea.
Taking the mitigating factors into account, she jailed Obiech for less than the 10-year standard sentence.
He was imprisoned for up to seven-and-a-half years, with a four-and-a-half year non-parole period.
His term includes 1361 days in pre-sentence detention.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A “blind drunk” Dandenong North man who stabbed a housemate in bed and violently robbed a driver at traffic lights has been jailed for up to seven-and-a-half years.
Frank Pritchard, 43, pleaded guilty at the Victorian Supreme Court to intentionally causing serious injury, robbery and driving at dangerous speed.
On 29 April 2023, an “incoherent” Pritchard returned home, jumped on top of his housemate, and stabbed him six times in the chest and abdomen with a knife.
The critically-injured victim managed to push Pritchard off and drag himself to a neighbour’s home for help. He later made a full recovery.
Pritchard drove off in the housemate’s Commodore, stopping at the lights at Stud and Heatherton roads to hold up an Uber driver about 9.30pm.
After threatening and patting down the driver for money, he punched the man in the face and took cash from the car.
Shortly afterwards, three traffic cameras detected Pritchard travelling at 144 km/h or more. Later, Pritchard told police he had little memory of the events, admitting he was “blind drunk” at the time.
Justice Jane Dixon on 25 October said his conduct was an “appalling example of the dangers of excessive consumption of alcohol, especially when combined with other drugs”.
“Voluntary substance abuse provides no excuse” though it went towards explaining the “otherwise inexplicable behaviour”. Formerly from New Zealand, Pritchard was at risk of deportation after sentence. Pritchard will be eligible for parole after serving five years’ jail. It includes 423 days in pre-sentence detention.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
An armed robber who took part in a “brazen” and “frightening” daylight heist at a Dandenong pawn shop has been jailed.
Blake Platten, 21, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to armed robbery and possessing meth.
On the late afternoon of 23 October last year, Platten and two men mounted the footpath in a stolen Nissan Pulsar and parked at the front door of Cash Guys in Langhorne Street.
Armedwithhammers,Plattenandaco-offenderwhowaswearinga‘devilmask’gotoutofthecar and struck the store’s glass window and door.
In a 75-second heist, the pair smashed glass display cabinets with hammers and stole about $25,000 of jewellery.
Platten’s offsider lunged with the hammer at a staff member, who had picked up a wooden rocking horse and tried to scare the pair away.
The worker fell backwards with the horse coming down upon him.
“Thiswasveryplainlyfromthefootage,afrightening, fast moving and confronting event,” sentencing judge Michael Tinney said on 16 October.
“It was a team effort with a stolen car, a driver, gloves and a bag and disguises and weapons.
“Wecanseeinthatrecentfootage…thevarious pedestrians outside the outlet who fled across the road. This was brazen and frightening offending.”
He noted the casual worker had since suffered PTSD and anxiety, as well as a loss of his savings while taking time off work.
“Though he fell over in the course of the armed robbery, he is relieved that he was not struck with the hammer or struck with the screwdriver,”
Judge Tinney said.
The robbers fled in the getaway car to a room at Comfort Hotel in Gwenda Street. A few days later, Platten was arrested in the room during a police raid.
PoliceseizedasmallamountofmethfromPlatten’s pocket as well as a bag and hammer used in the robbery.
Most of the stolen property was unrecovered –but for a “handful of rings” found in the boot of the Pulsar.
In a police interview, Platten – who was on two communitycorrectionsordersatthetime–denied taking part in the robbery.
Oneoftheco-offendersiscontestingthecharges, the other has yet to be identified.
Judge Tinney noted Platten’s youthfulness and hisdisadvantagedupbringing,includingstayingin residential care, early drug dependence and just a Year 7 education.
“A background of disadvantage, as you experienced, is likely to have a profound and lasting consequence, as it no doubt has had in your case.
“It leaves its mark.”
Platten’s “short, sharp” criminal history included a multitude of less serious offences.
His rehabilitation prospects would depend on “big ifs” - stable accommodation, abstinence from drugs, mental health treatment and distancing himself from anti-social peers.
“You are still such a young man… It is not too late for you,” Judge Tinney said.
Platten was jailed for up to three-and-a-half years, with a 21-month non-parole period.
He had already served 355 days of the term in pre-sentence remand.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Springvale pharmacist, philanthropist and former deputy mayor Richard Lim has been recognised with a national mental health award.
Lim was presented with the Mental Health Advocate of the Year trophy at the Mental Health Foundation Australia awards in October.
With a social media following of 200,000, Lim has advocated with free seminars on mental health issues and services particularly to the Cambodian-Australian community.
“For the Asian community in general, they never accepted mental health as a disease and a problem – the Cambodian community especially,” Lim says.
A refugee who survived the Pol Pot regime, Lim arrived in Australia with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
But “I never accepted it”, instead masking his affliction with a ready smile.
“Ihadnightmareseverynight,Iscreamed… I never sought medical advice.”
Lim now talks about social skills, emotional intelligence and learning independence as some of the building blocks.
According to MHFA chief executive Vasan Srinivasan, Lim stood out for his “ability to communicate” with the Cambodian community on mental health issues and support services.
“Richard Lim’s voice is always there in relation to mental health.
“Wearehonouredtohavesomeonelikehim supporting and assisting the MHFA.”
A successful pharmacist, Lim is also on the medical advisory committee of MHFA, which runs $20 psychological counselling sessions at its wellness clinic in South Yarra.
The 50-minute sessions target people who can’t otherwise afford counselling.
Lim has provided professional advice for clinic patients, such as on medication sideeffects.
He also helped promote MHFA’s 35 mental health support groups in Victoria, including for bipolar, OCD, PTSD and depression, to “vulnerable” people, Srinivasan said.
“We started getting many Cambodians seeking assistance and joining the support group, which makes them feel better at the end of the journey.”
Ever generous, Lim has also supported pharmacy students from overseas and Cambodian community members in need of free food and medication.
He’s also given experience to pharmacy students, and been a major philanthropists for a host of charities such as Monash Health Foundation.
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100 years ago
6 November 1924
Dandenong Traders’ Association formed
A very well attended meeting of business people, including ladies, was held at the Dandenong Town Hall to complete the formation of a Traders’ association in the town. At the meeting the unanimous opinion was that there should be such an association in Dandenong and that it should be a “live” organisation and for the benefit of the town and the district.
“PULL TOGETHER”
The Chairman referred to the necessity of unity amongst the members and regretted that there had been disunion amongst Dandenong business people that did not help towards success. They should start to campaign to induce all residents to buy their goods in Dandenong.
50 years ago
7 November 1974
MYER MAGIC!
Thousands throng new store
They came from north, east, south and west and by bus, train, car, taxi, motor cycle and on foot for the opening of the multi-million dollar Myer Dandenong store on Monday. This was the scene in McCrae St. when thousands of people converged on the Myer store to take advantage of opening-day bargains. Staff reporter Marg Stork joined the queue outside the store at 7.45am and spoke to the first to arrive … sixteen year old Mary Cameron of Frankston who arrived at 6.30am. “We wanted to see Johnny Farnham.” Jenny Peebles and Dianne Edney, both aged 14, and students of Dandenong High School, said they were not concerned they would be late for school. Third and fourth in the queue, they said “We want to see the store and we want to see Johnny.” By 8.30am the crowd began to gather in earnest and police moved the “early birds” back from the windows. Then there was a hush as store manager Keith Man
the Mayor a key, and after Cr Keith Miller turned it in the door, Myer Dandenong was born.
20 years ago
1 November 2004
A pioneering spirit
OBITUARY
Alan Corrigan 1911-2004
Alan John Corrigan was deeply involved with his family, church and the Rotary Club of Noble Park. Mr Corrigan, 93, worked right up until the day of his death. His daughter who lives with her husband on her father’s property, said he was a remarkable man. “He was just so ac-
brigade and used to drive cattle to the Dandenong Market from his farm in Keysborough. Mr Corrigan inherited his pioneering spirit from his forebears who came from Ireland and settled in Keysborough in 1856. Corrigan Road in Noble Park bears the family name. He attended Keysborough Primary School and was one of the first pupils to attend Dandenong High School and got to school by horse and jinker.
5 years ago
5 November 2019
Power to burn
A $15 million waste-to-energy plant in Dandenong South has been put on hold after being narrowly approved by Greater Dandenong councillors. After the October 28 vote, Cr Maria
Sampey lodged a recission motion for councillors to reconsider the planning permit two weeks later. The Great Southern Waste Technologies plant at 70 Ordish Road is proposed to incinerate an annual 100,000 tonnes of nonrecyclable waste otherwise bound for landfill. It would convert it to about 9.3 megawatts of power a year. The plant features a 55-metre tall smokestack, and is designed for no stockpiling of waste onsite. At the 28 October meeting, councillors were split 5-5 on granting a planning permit. Mayor Youhorn Chea’s casting vote decided the matter in the affirmative. Controversially, the Environment Protection Authority Victoria hasn’t yet assessed the environmental impact.
By Her Grace Matsya Devi Dasi from the Hare Krishna Melbourne (ISKCON) temple
Think of a chariot drawn by five horses.
The chariot is our body. The five horses are five senses. The charioteer is our intelligence. The reins are our mind. The passenger is the soul.
If we use our intelligence and mind to control our senses, we can have a beautiful life.
Nowadays, everyone says, let one enjoy one’s passion.
We need to remember; each action has its consequences.
Hence as humans, we must examine - if the passion or our action is harmful to us or the society, we should nip it at the bud, if it is beneficial we can proceed.
In this way, we can be super blissful regardless of any situation, Nature throws in our life!
We need to understand that we’re not our body.
Our body is a vehicle for our soul to attain the purpose of human life.
The symptom of our soul is the consciousness
Now for example, I am writing this Message of
Hope - if I die now, I won’t be able to write, but my body will be there.
My family and friends may lament that I am gone or dead.
What does that mean, my body is there?
That means, that they’ve never seen me. They’ve only seen my body.
As long as I have consciousness, they know, I am alive.
Once the soul leaves the body, we say the person is dead – the body dies, not the person!
One evolves from a baby to child, youth, middle age, old age body, etc.
Yet the same spirit is there and doesn’t undergo any change.
Thank you for your extensive reportage of refugee issues in the latest edition of the Dandenong Star Journal.
Your editorial team has been thorough.
Asylum seekers like Parisa from the Roberts Street refugee vigil would like to clarify that, across the nation, there are around 8,500 to 10,000 people in the stalled “Fast Track” process. They are waiting for their cases to be reviewed after periods of up to 12 years.
The number of this category of unresolved long-term cases in the Dandenong LGA would be low.
Parisa states that while many of them are on Bridging Visas, some have no visa at all.
Parisa’s case has been under review in the
Federal Court since 2018, but this date will be different for others.
A prolonged state of suspense is painful. Some fine families fear possible deportation despite putting down roots.
They are blocked from studying a profession, permanent work, finance, family reunion and accessing most social services even while paying taxes.
It is time for a fair go!
Parisa Ramak, Jane Salmon and Sandy Watson Refugee Advocates
Dandenong Vigil
Asylum Rights Campaign
Therefore, it is confirmed that every living entity is an individual soul, each is changing body every moment.
This individual soul finally changes the body at death and transmigrates to another body.
Such changes of body account for varieties of enjoyment and suffering, according to one’s work in life.
Knowing this, we need to focus on our action/ karma to get a better body or spiritual body, rather than lamenting for changes or death, which is inevitable.
The senses are compared to venomous serpents.
They want to act very loosely and without restriction.
If we allow, the result will be a roller coaster life.
One who has perfect knowledge of the constitution of the individual soul will never allow the senses to act independently.
Such a person is never deluded by the changes of bodies and always blissful with full knowledge.
Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.
Visit - interfaithnetwork.org.au
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 at Hampton Park Secondary College! Your journey has been defined by dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment to our core values of respect, collaboration, and learning.
As you embark on this next chapter, keep in mind the importance of respecting each other and the diverse perspectives that enrich our community. The collaborative spirit you’ve shown will be invaluable in your future endeavours, reminding you that great accomplishments often arise from teamwork.
Your passion for knowledge has been truly inspiring, and it will serve as the foundation for your future. We are proud of each of you and eager to see the incredible contributions you will make in the world. Congratulations once more, and best wishes for the bright futures ahead!
By Afraa Kori
Despite being born in England and raised in Australia for 44 years, it wasn’t enough to protect Casey Council candidate Jamel Kaur Singh from racism.
Without any political aspirations, she participated in the elections because she wanted to serve the community she loves.
“I just thought I’d put up my hand and say ‘I’m here, use my skill set, let’s go’. I kind of had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I’m really glad I did because I’ve had the most eventful five weeks and there’s been a lot of drama in the process,“ she said.
Ms Singh is concerned racism has increased not only in politics but everyday life.
“I have been told many times in the last four weeks that I speak Australian really well, not English. The amount of assumptions that people make due to the colour of my skin, I have never had in my life. Racism definitely is more prevalent because my kids who are Australian born, 24 and 23, are finding themselves being more racially targeted today than I ever did my entire life. That’s just my personal experience, let alone all the stories I can tell you about everybody else’s.
“My sister last week or a couple of weeks ago, she parked slightly over the line in a disabled parking space. She got out of her car with my nephew and this guy started screaming at her. He said can’t you see it’s freaking bloody disabled parking? You’ve got to learn the rules here. My sister quickly turned around and said ‘I’m so sorry, I’ll move over for you.’ He goes, oh, you’re not one of them, you’re all right, love. He changed his tone as soon as he realised she spoke ‘normally’, like with an Australian accent.”
“I know there’s a lot of people that are not going to vote for me because I wasn’t able to get out and meet. If I got out and I was able to really meet 20,000 people that were voting, they would have voted for me. Whereas people are looking at a photo of me and stereotyping me. If I don’t get in, I would 100 per cent say that it is purely based on the fact that I’m a female from a different racial background. Though I see myself as very, very Australian and I am a very proud Australian.”
Throughout the election, she had to fight back against her racist detractors, and racism as a whole, with kind responses and endlessly educating people with her social media posts.
“There are so many unconscious biases and stereotypes and prejudices that people have that they don’t even realise they have it until they’re facing it and really thinking about it. That’s why I’ve also written my books because it gives us a platform, it gives teachers a platform to be able to talk about culture and talk about these differences.
“When my big boards were slurred, I initially went into a fear. But then I realised that it would have just been some punks saying whatever they wanted to say. At the end of the day, it actually made me more motivated to write the books that I do. Also a lot of teachers don’t have the resources that they need to be able to start talking about culture,” she said.
Now, going even much further and deeper in her battle, she releases the sixth instalment of her cultural education book, The World is
Our Playground Series Book 6: Nanak & Tara’s Australian, Broome Adventure, which teaches beauty in diversity.
The World is Our Playground series was created to provide a means for people to be made aware at a young age of the existence in this world of different cultures, people, beliefs, ways of life, and languages.
“It is through this powerful knowledge that people get to be a receptive and inclusive society, and further use this familiarity as a tool to derive the best outcome in every situation – whether it be at home, in school, at work, in the community, or during travels. The beauty in diversity, then shines through, eradicating racism and bullying,” she said.
The sixth book of The World is Our Playground series further supports its objective to educate, especially, primary-aged children to learn, realise, and appreciate individual differences and promote harmony despite the dissimilarities to prevent racism and bullying. These books also serve as teaching resource materials to parents and teachers.
These books are living testaments that Singh’s cause and rally for inclusion and opportunity for all are not mere campaign slogans but her real way of life to break down racial and cultural barriers that plague the society including her very own community.
Ms Singh empowers her children, young people and the community to face racism head on.
“Whether they’re in the work life, whatever
jobs they’re doing in their lives, whatever direction they want to go in, yes, stand up and be the change you want to see.
“Unless we stand up and be the change that we want to see in the world, we can’t sit here and b***h about it. You can’t sit here and complain about stuff going on around you if you’re not ready to stand up and make a change, make a difference in the world.
“I coach netball and I’ve got 20 - 30 girls that are from the ages of 12 to 20 that I coach on a regular basis every week. I know that just me standing up right now has inspired them to be better and to be able to have a voice. I think that is really important if we as women, especially coloured women, don’t step up and also the men as well. How are we going to expect change to happen if we just keep getting knocked back and not standing up again? That’s where the discipline of fighting for the downtrodden, fighting for those that are underprivileged and helping those in need, that service orientation in each and every one of us has to stand up and make change. If we don’t make changes now, that means my daughter’s generation and my granddaughter’s generation, they’re going to have to do it. So we must start somewhere.
“The demographic, cultural and linguistic diversity of Casey is both a strength and a challenge. Building bridges between different communities is essential and I encourage every councillor to proactively engage with places of worship, service providers and cultural groups to foster connections. Regardless of election
outcomes, I’m committed to this work and I’m willing to support any councillor in their efforts to create a more cohesive community. Whether I get into council or not, these are things that must be addressed.“
Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman said a collective effort is needed to support candidates and address racism.
“Local governments need to have dedicated anti-racism programs. A recent audit of local government authorities showed of the 537 LGA’s in Australia, only three had one,” he said.
“Part of this is naming racism as a problem. Too often government doesn’t even want to use the word racism, and often the person calling out racism gets punished more than the perpetrator of the racism. Policies need to focus on cultural safety in politics. Just having equity and diversity targets doesn’t ensure the safety of people in politics or running for politics. It shouldn’t be the case that for a person of colour to succeed in politics or local government, they must shed themselves of everything that makes them different; their culture, religion, language, or dress, leaving them with nothing to differentiate them from someone who is Anglo, but the colour of their skin. That forced assimilation and lack of cultural safety is a form of systemic racism, which in turn is what leads to the kind of interpersonal racist attacks these candidates suffered.”
For more details on Jamel Kaur Singh’s book, go to CulturalEducation.com.au
The father of a Berwick serial hoon has successfully beaten a police bid to confiscate a BMW vehicle used for dangerous acts such as seat-swapping while driving on Monash Freeway.
Dandenong magistrate Julian Ayres found on 21 October that there was no dispute that the car was “tainted property” under the state’s confiscation laws.
However, taking away the 2020 BMW – which was bought for $73,000 by the offender’s parents’ company PHSS Pty Ltd - would cause undue hardship to the father.
ThesonSubhanuMittal,20,hadthisyearpleaded guilty to 15 charges including reckless conduct endangering life, driving with a suspended licence, dangerously losing traction and being a P-plater driving a prohibited vehicle in January-April 2023.
Mittal had used the BMW for at least three of the reckless conduct endangering life charges, Ayres said.
Ayres found that the offending son was not the legal owner of the BMW, though he had bought the car’s $17,000 number plates as an “investment”.
The BMW was bought with a $60,000 loan in 2021, with the father making $760 monthly repayments.
The father would be immediately liable for the remaining $46,000 debt if the car was forfeited to Victoria Police, Ayres said.
He had several business interests that seemed to be largely funded by credit and had no significant cash flow or regular income.
Further, there was no evidence that the father had prior knowledge of his son’s illegal driving in the BMW until police raided their home in April 2023, Ayres said.
There had been no further offending in the BMW until it was seized by police eight months
later.
Ayres ruled that a forfeiture order would cause “undue economic hardship” and therefore a “disproportionate sanction” on the father as an “innocent but interested third party”.
The family company PHSS that owned the BMW had four directors – co-offending twin brothers Subhanu and Sushant Mittal, and their father and mother.
Subhanu and Sushant Mittal are not shareholders in the company.
The Chief Commissioner of Police will be ordered to pay the father’s legal costs, Ayres ruled. He added he had “no criticism” against the police’s “very fair and appropriate” application.
In July, Subhanu Mittal was convicted by Ayres, fined $4000, disqualified from driving for two years and put on a two-year community corrections order.
The CCO includes supervision, mental health treatment and a likely road-trauma awareness course.
Police had detailed Mittal’s 360-degree burnouts, fishtailing, 200-km/h drag racing on Monash Freeway as well as seat-swapping at high speeds on the freeway, in Domain Tunnel and on Princes Highway, Hallam over four months in 2023.
During the seat swaps, the high-powered BMW was left on cruise control and lane-assist while without a driver for up to 17 seconds. One of them was performed on the Monash on a Saturday afternoon with an L-plate passenger.
This month, Mittal’s twin brother Sushant Mittal pleaded guilty to charges including reckless conduct endangering life for similar offending.
The Mercedes AMG sports car used by Sushant is also subject to a confiscation bid by Victoria Police.
Our fallen servicepersons will be commemorated at Remembrance Day ceremonies in Dandenong and Noble Park.
At the traditional time of 11am on 11 November, a minute’s silence will descend at the Pillars of Freedom in Clow Street, Dandenong and at the RSL memorial, Mons Parade, Noble Park.
The services beginning about 10.45am will be respectively hosted by Dandenong RSL and Noble Park RSL.
Springvale RSL will cojoin for a Remembrance Day service at Clayton RSL at the same time.
One of the prime days on the commemorative calendar, Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice, which led to the ending of World War I hostilities at 11am on 11 November that year.
The war officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.
Services are marked by a bugle recital of The Last Post, as well as the Ode:
“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:
“Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning
“We will remember them. Lest We Forget.”
The day before, RSL Victoria will host its 40th consecutive Annual State Remembrance Service at Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
The state ceremony takes place on Sunday 10 November from 1pm-2pm.
Noble Park RSL president John Meehan addresses the 2023 Remembrance Day service. (Rob Carew: 371244)
A push to encourage more young people into a career in STEM has landed young students a trip to NASA in the USA.
Haileybury’s Year 8 students were able to watch a rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Centre, get up close to the Space Shuttle Atlantis, speak to former astronauts, learn about science that helps launch rockets and keep the International Space Station afloat.
The two-week trip was designed to drive excitement and interests in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“I learnt that sunsets on Mars are usually blue and when astronaut, Ed White, was making the United States’ first spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission, his spare thermal glove floated out of the capsule,” student Cooper said.
Jasmine, who studies science and mathematics, says the trip has “sparked” her interest in aerospace engineering.
“I am very interested in the engineering and work to build rockets, send them into space and then return them to Earth. I’m also interested in how robotics play a part in space missions and exploration.
“The work behind the scenes in developing new technologies for space exploration is fascinating and I’m interested in contributing to missions that expand our understanding of the universe.”
During the trip, students visited NASA’s space centres in Houston, Texas where astronauts train, and Orlando, Florida where NASA rocket launches take place.
Students toured the facilities where astronauts
train and work, learned about robotics and coding, discovered how space missions are carefully planned and got some hands-on experience of what it takes to build a ‘home’ in space.
Haileybury Head of Science (Middle School) at the Keysborough campus Mark Doyle said the trip was packed with “hands-on activities” allowing students opportunities to explore future careers within different STEM fields.
“The time at NASA allows students to learn more about space and to understand that there
are some areas of science that we don’t fully understand yet.
“They learned about rocket and space habitat design and space exploration, heard from astronauts and space engineers and then watched a live rocket launch — a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Logan’s “most memorable moment” was watching the SpaceX rocket launch.
“The trip to NASA was an amazing opportunity and has opened so many possible career
pathways for me — from studying space and its impact on the human body to working on spaceships. I realised how everything has to come together in a very complex way to launch someone into space.”
During the trip to the USA, students also took part in a workshop at Universal Studios that looked at the engineering and design of theme park rides, kayaked for bioluminescent algae and took an airboat ride to look for alligators.
A local kindergarten is taking big steps towards a greener future with their ‘Collect a Can for Compost’ project!
The Junior Kinder program has launched an exciting fundraising effort to raise $294. Their goal is to install a compost bin and worm farm right in their yard, giving their sustainability curriculum a fantastic boost.
The project is testament to how Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme can contribute to organisations like kindergartens in reaching their fundraising goals.
By setting up a designated collection bin or bag, organisations and community groups, such as this kindergarten can collect eligible containers from their community.
They can also join the scheme as donation partners by registering through the CDS Vic website, allowing them to raise funds from the proceeds of container returns.
The project started with a small but impactful step: the kinder teacher began collecting cans and bottles at home, depositing them to kickstart the fundraising with an initial $6.40.
In just a few days, they had collected a remarkable 589 cans and bottles, generating $58.90. With this contribution added to the initial deposit, the project is already well on its way to reaching its goal, with only $229.70 left to raise.
A teacher at the kindergarten will then transport them to their nearest Return-It depot in Cranbourne West.
This depot offers a quick and efficient way to process drink containers with their new fastcounting machine, the MEGA.
Open seven days a week.
Address: 27 Whitfield Blvd, Cranbourne West 3977
Thousands feasted on foods, fireworks and entertainment at a Diwali ‘festival of light’ celebration on Sunday 27 October.
The family-friendly, non-alcohol event at Dandenong Park featured rides, music, stalls and was rounded with spectacular
The event was organised by The Bright events and hosted by Dheepa
Among an estimated 7000-plus crowd was Liberal state MPs Ann-Marie Hermans and Brad Battin as well as former Monash councillor Theo Zographos.
By Violet Li
It has no doubt been a huge year for aurora hunters in Victoria, including for Berwick aurora and astro photographer Mark Osmotherly.
Mark’s shared his story, looking back on the last three years.
The interesting part is the 45-minute notice of the night.
“We know that there’s been solar activity on the sun that could be Earth-directional. It could be like a solar flare that’s come up in the sun, and it could be heading towards Earth,” Mark said.
“There are no guarantees what that’s going to do until it’s about 45 minutes away from Earth.
“We don’t really know how that’s going to look on Earth until we only get about 45 minutes warning, then you need to make decisions about what you’re going to do.
“It’s going to be a quick decision, and often it’s a wrong decision. But I suppose that’s the interesting part of the chase.”
For someone who lived in Berwick, planning and luck were the tricks, Mark joked.
“You certainly need to plan. You need to have your camera bag packed and ready to go, especially for people like myself in Berwick. We’ve got an hour’s drive,” he said.
“There’s a certain amount of luck. There’s a certain amount of planning. There’s a lot of planning, maybe.
“And it can be a fantastic night, and you can be on one beach, and you can have clouds and 50 kilometres down the road can be getting an amazing show.
“So it’s when everything does align, and you capture some photos that display from mother nature. It’s absolutely amazing.”
The last time aurora showed up on Friday 11 October, Mark made the right decision.
“I set my alarm at 3am to check the cloud radars because that was roughly when the prediction was going to be. And the cloud wasn’t very good where I was, so I decided to not go out Friday morning, but to go out Friday night as soon as it got dark,” he recalled.
“I took all my camera gears to work, and I left from work. I drove for two hours to Philip Island from work. I was really fortunate that just as it started getting darker, we got a bit of a gap through the clouds. And I was able to get photos for about the next hour and a half.
“I think it was 55 per cent moonlight. The moonlight obviously competes with the aurora, so you need a brighter aurora to overcome any moon. The bigger the moon is, the less chance you’ve got to catch an aurora through the moon.
“But it was a really big aurora that night.”
On big aurora nights, Mark tends to go to more remote places to get better shots.
“It’s harder to get photos when there are people around. It’s fantastic that people are getting out and experiencing it, but to take photographs with someone’s got a torch on or anything like that, takes away from the photos,” he said.
Travelling afar to capture the untainted beauty is an Odessey alone, but it is not always a lonely journey.
“There’s a community, like some Facebook groups that really support each other, and I got some fantastic support,” Mark said.
“Often I’ll meet some friends there on the night. We might be talking about cloud predic-
tions, and we might try and converge on the same area, and so the last few times I’ve been out have been with people.”
A person who used to casually enjoy photography, Mark turned serious at the beginning of 2022 after seeing some amazing aurora photos from a good friend of his. He finally went out on the following night of big aurora night in February that year.
“I went out the following night and just got
what they call a bit of diffused colour,” he recalled.
“I didn’t do the photo very well, but that’s okay. It’s all part of the learning. And I’ve been chasing auras since then.”
If you are one of the aurora chasers and interested in getting a companion in the community, or you simply want to see more aurora photos, follow his Instagram account @markosmotherly.
Connected Libraries’ Sensitive Santa program is back again this year at Cranbourne West Library Lounge and the Endeavour Hills Library.
Sensitive Santa allows children who are neuro-diverse or with developmental disabilities to access Santa in a sensory-friendly environment.
The lights are dimmed, noise is restricted and there are no crowds. Santa is trained to communicate with children who experience sensitivities.
A participant from 2023 said they absolutely loved the calm and approachable atmosphere created.
“It’s so special and fun for the kids who would often miss out on regular Santa visits due to them being too fast-paced and overwhelming,” they said.
“My girls were over the moon…It’s such a highlight of their Christmas. Thank you!”
Connected Libraries chief executive officer Beth Luppino said: “Connected Libraries supported more than 40 families to meet Santa in 2023 and we are thrilled to offer this program again.
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
Start your Summer Crop
Want to grow your own food, but don’t know where to start? Spring is the perfect time to start a veggie garden, just in time for Summer harvest. This workshop will cover topics like best vegie garden locations, garden bed types, crop rotation. Don’t forget to bring a notepad and pen. One lucky attendee will win an in-ground worm farm to take home.
• Saturday 9 November, 2pm-3.30pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event, register at eventbrite.com.au/e/sustainability-saturdays-at-the-hub-start-your-summer-crop-tickets-907290910537
Springvale Urban Harvest
Come along to swap excess homegrown produce and gardening extras and meet like-minded growers in the area. Supported by The Greater Dandenong Seed Library and the Springvale Community Hub Clothes Swap.
• Second Saturday of the month (next 9 November) 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Come and try roller-skating Dive into the world of roller skating - no prior experience needed! Roller skates and protective gear provided. Our experienced skate instructors will be there to guide you through the basics, with an impressive demonstration from our talented coaches. Come any time within the session, first in first served. Subject to weather conditions.
• Sunday 10 November, 10am-12pm at Frank Street Open Space, Noble Park. Free event. Details: princessonskates.com.au/come-and-
“Sensitive Santa is free for Connected Libraries Members and sessions run for 10 to 15 minutes.
“Families will leave with 20 non-edited images immediately after the session for free. Don’t delay, Sensitive Santa booked out in 2023 so secure your spot today.”
Book by visiting the Connected Libraries Website or phone 1800 577 548. Bookings are open now and close Friday 15 November. events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ search?q=santa
Cranbourne West Library Lounge
• Monday 25 November (sessions run between 1pm – 7.40pm)
• Tuesday 26 November (sessions run between 10.20am – 5pm)
Endeavour Hills Library
• Friday 29 November (sessions run between 10am – 4.20pm)
• Saturday 30 November (sessions run between 10am – 2.40pm)
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,
try-roller-skating
RSL Victoria Remembrance Day service
RSL Victoria will host its 40th consecutive annual state service to commemorate fallen servicemen and servicewomen with guests and dignitaries.
• Sunday 10 November 1pm-2pm at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, 600 Princes Highway, Springvale. Free event.
Cranbourne Chorale
Cranbourne Chorale invites you to enjoy a pleas-
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
ant Sunday afternoon of lovely choral music ranging 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. Bookings: events.humanitix. com/a-pleasant-sunday-afternoon-2024 or Jenny on 0438 358 032. Tickets also available
at the door.
Come and try pickleball
Get ready to serve up some fun at our free pickleball program. Open to all ages and skill levels. Wear comfortable clothing and don’t forget to bring a drink bottle. All pickleball equipment will be provided as well as an expert coach to facilitate.
• Every Tuesday from 12 November-3 December, 5pm-7pm at Lois Twohig Tennis Courts, 80 Carlton Road, Dandenong North. Free event, registration required at forms.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/public-forms/come-and-trypickleball-registration-form/
Dinner with a VIEW
The next dinner meeting of the Dandenong Evening 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.
Cultural Sketch
Join us to hear from, and sketch, a member of our arts community. The member will share their story, creative interests, arts practice, favourite music and other aspects that make up their creative world as they strike a pose for you to draw. Materials provided. Refreshments and alcohol served. Event is for people 18+.
• Tuesday 12 November, 6pm-8pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Free event, register at eventbrite.com.au/ e/859196829847?aff=oddtdtcreator. Learn from an Employer
Online ZOOM sessions for jobseekers to meet local employers and learn about career pathways and required work skills. Topics are transport and logistics (12 November), manufacturing (14 November), health and care/support (19 November) and admin/customer service (21 November).
• 6pm - 7pm. Free event, register at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/learn-from-employer
By Marcus Uhe
Coomoora and Parkmore are the only two remaining undefeated Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 2 sides after five rounds of competition following a pair of tight and vital victories over quality opponents on Saturday.
Both teams protected their home turf to secure impressive wins over the division’s other two unbeaten teams in HSD and Cranbourne, respectively.
Coomoora staged a remarkable fightback with the ball against the Cobras in one of the season’s early upsets, with Malan Madhushanka turning in a stellar performance to decimate HSD’s batting order in pursuit of 196 for victory.
Following a wayward opening over that yielded 14 runs, beginning with a waist-high full toss posited into the playground at Coomoora Reserve by Triyan De Silva, the left-arm spinner bowled his allotment of overs unchanged to drag his team back from a worrying position to a stellar six points.
His variation between flighted, slower deliveries and faster, skidding balls fired at the batters’ stumps kept HSD guessing all afternoon and within a handful of overs he had the game in the palm of his hand.
After losing openers Scott Brown and Zahoor Sarwariearlyintheinnings,thedivision’sin-form batter, Mackenzie Gardner and De Silva looked comfortable at the crease chasing the Roos’ total.
In Brent Patterson’s absence, Gardner played the anchoring role, manipulating the field and picking gaps with the occasional boundary to keep the strike ticking while De Silva was the aggressor, finding the boundary consistently and looking set to single-handedly secure the points for his side in dominant fashion.
Thepairhadadded70runsforthethirdwicket before Gardner was deceived by the flight of legspinner Amarjot Singh, stumped while advancing down the wicket by the slick glovework of Jarrod Munday.
De Silva and Anuda Akmeemana then combined for a 45-run stand until Madhushanka made his first breakthrough, hanging on to a sharp return catch off his own bowling to send Akmeemana on his way for just six.
At 4/148 halfway through the overs, HSD still had the upper hand in the contest, but where they had been comfortable and looked set for a simple chase earlier in the innings, there was an air of tension as the Roos gathered momentum.
Two deliveries after Akmeemana was dismissed, they secured the huge wicket of De Silva for a 46-ball 79, top-edging a slower-ball bouncer from the returning Dean Krelle straight to Sam Wetering at square leg.
With two new batters at the crease, the Roos
were now full of energy and sniffing blood in the field.
Madhushanka was well into his spell by now and had discovered his rhythm, pinning Craig Hookey in front of his stumps for just three in the next over.
In the 26th over, Englishman Harry Funnell was the tweaker’s next victim, bowled for three with the rot well and truly setting in.
When a sharp piece of fielding from Liam Hard and indecision between Ryan Patterson and Hans Bell saw Patterson run out for a duck, the Cobras had lost 5/10, and were now staring at a disappointing loss at 8/158.
Madhushanka’s safe hands swallowed a catch from Bell for HSD’s ninth wicket, before fittingly he finished the innings with his fourth wicket of the afternoon to seal a brilliant result.
The pick of the bowling group, Madhushanka finished with 4/43 from his 11.3 overs after conceding 14 in his first, with Krelle the only other multiple wicket taker with 2/25.
In the contest’s first innings, Munday’s unbeaten 76 was the standout score as the Roos scrapped their way to 195.
HSD’s quality bowling attack showed why they
are expected to contend for a premiership once more this summer as three of their five bowlers conceded less than four runs per over.
Liyanage was the chief destroyer, with the spinner taking 4/39 from his 12 overs to singlehandedly gut the Coomoora middle order, as it lost 3/2 late in the innings.
Beyond Munday, opener Rahoul Pankhania made 34 and coach, Nick Suppree made 20.
Parkmore’s contest with Cranbourne, meanwhile, went down the wire, as the Pirates hung on for a one-wicket win at Frederick Wachter Reserve.
An excellent bowling effort meant they needed 160 for victory, but Cranbourne’s spinners ensured the chase would reach the second-last over.
The Pirates offered no width whatsoever in a disciplined bowling display that made finding runs increasingly difficult for Cranbourne’s batters in the first innings.
Opening pair Harrison Carlyon and Cameron Kelly looked sound in an opening partnership of 39 runs before Carlyon cut the first ball of captain-coach Niranjen Kumar’s spell to gully.
The wickets of Dean McDonell, Sukhjit Singh and Harsaroup Singh all followed in quick
succession as the Eagles fell to 4/50.
Kelly offered the most resistance at the other end while wickets fell around him, but the cycle of new partners saw the visitors fail to build partnerships.
Kelly eventually perished for a well-made 40 and when Ketan Baskhi and Marty Kelly departed soon after, the Eagles were in major trouble at 8/112.
Vital contributions from Tim Fathers (18 not out), Alex Hollingsworth (10) and Clint Ayers (13 not out) pushed the total to 159, a tricky total given the spin and variation provided by the centre wicket.
Each of Parkmore’s bowlers finished with economical figures, with four of the six used conceding less than four runs per over.
Kumar was intelligent with his use of the bowlers, bringing his frontline quicks Ankit Saxena and Satheesh Fernandu back into the attack when Cranbourne appeared to be building momentum.
The pair finished with two wickets apiece while the captain took three.
Fernandu backed-up his bowling performance by anchoring the chase with a pivotal 63 at the top of the Parkmore order.
He added 59 for the opening wicket with Kyle Gwynne before Gwynne and Ben Graham both fell to Cranbourne’s returning leg-spinner Bakshi in quick succession.
Fernandu became Harsaroup’s Singh’s first victim at 3/94 and without their rock, the Pirates suddenly found themselves in troubled waters.
JoshTonna,AmmarBajwaandJohannBrohier all fell in quick succession to Singh and Carlyon, as Parkmore’s position of ascendency appeared squandered at 6/124.
The tension rose even further when Kumar fell for seven, just three runs shy of the target, to leave his side nine wickets down, with numbers 10 and 11 at the wicket.
Thankfully for Kumar, a boundary from Avisha Wilwalaarachchi with seven deliveries remaining saw his side home, joining the Roos as the only other side yet to lose in Turf 1.
Singh finished with 3/30 for Cranbourne and Bakshi 3/35, with Carlyon not far behind with 1/27.
Elsewhere in Turf 2, both Parkfield and Narre Warren broke their ducks, leaving Lyndale and St Mary’s as the two winless sides to open the summer.
Nathaniel Cramer (64) and Dishan Malalasekara (34) shouldered the bulk of the responsibility in chasing Lyndale’s 9/147, while the Magpies kept St Mary’s to 9/189 in pursuit of their firstinnings total of 7/199.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Hampton Park has picked up strong marking forward Myles Wareham to cap off a recruiting spree and add significant size to the Redbacks’ line-up.
He kicked 26 goals for ninth-placed Outer East Final Netball (OEFN) Premier Division side Gembrook-Cockatoo in 2024 after a competition-leading 71 goals in the Brookers’ Division 1 premiership in 2022.
He follows Brad Coller, who coached the Brookers to the 2022 flag, across to Division 2 of the Southern Football Netball League.
Redbacks coach Luke Bull is confident Wareham will provide his side with presence inside 50 which they lacked in 2024.
“He’s the perfect age for the sort of guys we want to bring in,” Bull said.
“He’s great one-on-one and will add grunt to our forward line and has a good head on him so will add structure.
“There’s a good mix in the forward line now with talls, mediums and speedy forwards.”
His addition caps off a clutch of offseason additions for the Redbacks, which reached semi-final weekend in 2024 after finishing the season in fifth position.
Most notably, Hampton Park will enter the
2025 season as among the stronger and taller teams in the competition, changing the way they will be able to move the footy.
While much of the big man responsibility fell on Jye King in 2024, the Spiders will have fellow defender Mitch Woolgar, forward Liam Scott, ruck Mason Hawkins and Wareham to share the load in 2025.
Nathan Langley is also returning, after kicking 30 goals from 10 late season games in 2024.
Scott, Langley and Wareham shapes as a deep forward line that will stretch opposition backlines, while Woolgar’s addition will free King up to intercept and get higher up the ground, rather than locking down.
Meanwhile, Hawkins will give Hampton Park more control around stoppage.
“We needed a spine and we were able to get it,” Bull said.
“We can restructure now and stretch sides with our height.
“We have more security to go long with marking targets and we’ll be able to hold on to the ball.”
The Redbacks have comfortably been the most active club in Division 2 of the SFNL on a recruiting front and will enter 2025 with a list that can contend for a premiership.
By Marcus Uhe
Keysborough’s Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 3 season has roared back to life following a 60-run defeat of Silverton in round five.
Having opened the year with a heavy defeat to Lynbrook, the Knights appeared to iron out some creases in last week’s five-wicket win over Hampton Park, and doubled-down on their improvement by beating the Bakers.
Late runs from Christo Otto and Abhinay Motupalli took them to 8/182 in the first innings despite Harkanwal Singh’s 5/34, before rolling the Bakers for 122 in reply.
Otto added to his efforts with the bat by taking 3/18 with the ball, but the best figures in his side went to James Wright, who took 4/37.
Silverton never settled, dismissed in the 33rd over with Charith Anthony’s 30 the highest score for his side.
The loss was Silverton’s first, seeing them retreat to the pack with three other sides on 18
points.
Joining the quadrant is Hampton Park, becoming the latest team to thrash Doveton.
Led by Manjinder Kingra’s 62 and Travis Lacey’s 59, the Lions scored at nearly a run-a-ball in
By Marcus Uhe
Dandenong’s position of promise after the first day of its Victorian Premier Cricket contest against Northcote was squandered in disappointing fashion on Saturday, consigning the Panthers to their first loss of the 2024/25 summer.
Having made a critical early breakthrough last week to have the visitors on the back foot coming into the second day, the Panthers took just five more wickets as Northcote reached the total in the 90th over.
Adding to the frustration for the home side was the excellent morning with the ball, as Noah Hurley single-handedly ran through Northcote’s top order in the early stages.
On the back of the late wicket last week, Hurley grabbed numbers three, four and five in a sensational opening spell to put Dande-
By Marcus Uhe
nong in the box seat, as their opponents fell to 4/41 in the 18th over.
Beyond Hurley, however, Dandenong’s bowlers lacked penetration and struggled to make inroads.
Two Northcote batters passed 50 with Aaron Cripse going even further to finish on 116 not out.
Hurley finished with 4/101 from 20.3 overs with Vishwa Ramkumar and Matt Wilson each taking one wicket each.
James Nanopoulos and Nathan Whitford were both wicketless.
Dandenong welcomes Greenvale to Shepley Oval next week, a side riding high after chasing 309 against Frankston Peninsula for the loss of just two wickets.
It was the Kangaroos’ first win of the summer, having dropped their opening two contests.
setting 258 for victory.
A total of that size was likely to be too much for Doveton, given their early-season batting woes, and it proved to be just that.
Just two players reached double figures as the Doves capitulated to 79 all out in 25 overs.
Hassan Ali and Obaid Syed put on 28 for the first wicket but Ali’s dismissal was the beginning of the end for the Doves, as the 10 wickets fell with the addition of just 51 more runs in 18 overs.
Vijay Pal Singh concluded the innings with a hat-trick for the Lions to finish with 3/4.
Doveton seamer Hamed Azadzoi offered his side a silver lining, meanwhile, taking 4/35 with the ball in the first innings.
Around Turf 3, Berwick Springs got off the mark with a 47-run win over Lynbrook and Narre North became Fountain Gate’s third victim, going down by 70 runs.
TitansskipperBraydonHillmanhitanimpressive 65 to provide the backbone of the innings and counteract teenage prodigy Yashwant Singh,
who took 4/39.
Berwick Springs reached 195 from its 45 overs and cleaned up Lynbrook for just 148 in reply.
Harman Sahota’s opening spell put the Lakers on the back foot immediately by removing opening pair Sithara Perera and Cody Thompson for two and five, respectively.
Jay Walia pushed back with 73 at number six but his was the only score of note for the Lakers who succumbed in the 41st over.
Titans coach Shalika Karunanayake was the leading wicket taker with 4/39.
At Narre North, the competition’s newcomers showed improvement in both departments but failedtopreventtheGatorsfromcollectingathird win on the bounce.
It took all 10 wickets for the second time in two weeks and posted its highest score with the bat, reaching 137 chasing the Gators’ 207.
Amardeep Hothi made 56 to top score for the Gators before Nadim Nazif top-and-tailed the batting card, taking 4/45.
By Marcus Uhe
The challenge has been thrown to Springvale South to repeat last summer’s Dandenong District Cricket Association T20 competition heroics after drawing a pair of fellow Turf 1 sides in its three-team group round to open the tournament.
The Bloods will need to get through bitter rival Buckley Ridges and 2022/23 champions Berwick in order to advance and keep its chance of defending the title alive.
Last season they bested Buckley Ridges by seven wickets in the group stage after an excellent bowling performance restricted the Bucks to just 115 in the first innings.
Theirs is the marquee trio of the groupings and the only with three teams from the same division.
Runner up HSD, by contrast, has a farmore favourable draw, with a pair of Turf 3 sides in Lynbrook and Keysborough to open proceedings.
Third-placed North Dandenong, meanwhile, should also like its chances, assigned to face Berwick Springs and Silverton in the group stages. The competition begins on Sunday 2 December and culminates at Shepley Oval on Sunday 2 February.
GROUPS – venue
• Hampton Park, Parkmore, Lyndale – Frederick Wachter Reserve
• Cranbourne, Fountain Gate, Beaconsfield –Casey Fields 2
• Narre North, Narre Warren, Coomoora –Narre Warren North Reserve
• Springvale South, Berwick, Buckley Ridges – Alex Nelson Reserve
• St Mary’s, Doveton, Hallam Kalora Park –Carroll Reserve
• North Dandenong, Berwick Springs, Silverton – Lois Twohig Reserve
• Narre South, Parkfield, Dandenong West –Strathaird Reserve
• Lynbrook, Keysborough, HSD – Marriott Watters Reserve
Corresponding outcomes for last season’s Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 1 grand final teams left Buckley Ridges as the final undefeated team standing in the division after round five.
Where the Bucks defended 210 against Berwick, Springvale South fell four wickets short of preventing Narre South from reaching its total of 7/227 to taste defeat for the first time this summer.
The Lions got the better of Springvale South in a 50-over contest earlier this year at Strathaird Reserve and history repeated itself to see Narre South notch this summer’s maiden win.
79 from Jordan Wyatt and 58 from Blade Baxter were the primary contributions for the Bloods in the first innings of the contest after the rest of the top order failed to fire.
Mitch Forsyth’s excellent run of scores to begin the summer ended with a duck in the opening over to Callan Tout, as Cameron Forsyth (14) and Stephen Hennessy (seven) also departed for low scores.
Wyatt was at his destructive best at the other end, with his 79 featuring a number of trademark boundaries.
AgainsttheseamofLiamSheehanhelaunched the left-armer for a glorious straight six towards Community Parade and targeted the same area of the ground with back-to-back maximums in Joel Zietsman’s first over later in the innings.
Not even Jeevan Mendis was spared his wrath of destruction, as the two latest to join the Wookey Medal honour board went toe-to-toe. Mendis’ first ball of the afternoon was cut to
the cover boundary for four and Wyatt took 10 from the first two balls of his second over to bring up his half-century from 31 deliveries.
A change of ends for would bring Wyatt’s undoing however, having had his strike rate reduced by Mendis and Morteza Ali.
With Mendis now bowling with the hill at his back, Wyatt shelled a cut shot to the ring field and made way for 79, featuring five sixes and eight fours, with his demeanour as he left the centre alluding to frustration at losing his wicket when he did.
Baxter and Jackson Sketcher then added 65 for the fifth wicket but Sketcher’s attempts to lift the intensity saw him hole-out for 36.
With Baxter the only player to join Wyatt in passing 50, it was a case of the Bloods’ issues from last season coming back to haunt them, with too much responsibility falling on the talismanic batter’s shoulders once more.
Tout and Ali both took two wickets each in impressive bowling performances.
Ali’s torrid start to the summer with the bat continued, earning his second duck from three innings in Narre South’s chase, but unlike Springvale South, his compatriots were able to make solid contributions with the blade.
Four players scored 20 or more and four partnerships passed the 40-run mark to keep the pressure on Springvale South.
Kyle Hardy and Vineth Jayasuriya each fell in the 20s as captain-coach Mendis played the anchoring role in the pursuit.
Mendis kept the strike ticking while also finding the boundary, sharing a 59-run stand with Jayasuriya before the number three became Jarryd Straker’s first victim.
He then added 48 with Zac Wilson, with the tall Englishman playing a key role in helping to neutralise the threat of Straker with a handful of boundaries, but with Wilson and Riley McDonald succumbing in consecutive overs, an opening for the Bloods emerged.
Mendis and Adam Snelling quickly steadied the ship, taking the fight to Springvale South with a counter-punching partnership of 46.
The pairing had little trouble in finding the boundary and transferred rarely-seen bowling pressure back onto last summer’s runner up.
Mendis eventually fell for a brilliantly crafted 71, leaving Snelling and Stephen Brooks to finish the job for the Lions.
Snelling finished unbeaten on 37 and provided some of the highlights of the afternoon with some sumptuous straight drives off the express pace of Nick Boland.
Boland, Straker and Josh Dowling each finished with economy rates over six, with Baxter and Matt Wetering each shortly behind on 5.5 runs per over.
Straker and Boland did themselves a disservice by sending down seven wides each and Wetering six, in an uncharacteristically undisciplined performance.
In nearby Berwick, Buckley Ridges made a welcome return to the venue at which they were crowned Turf 1 champions last summer by defending its score of 7/210.
They have Ishan Jayarathna to thank primarily for the result, who finished with sensational figures of 6/33 from his 11 overs.
The Sri Lankan removed Matthew Hague on the third ball of the innings as he nicked a catch to Jake Cronin behind the stumps and finished his
opening spell with the wicket of Brodie Herkess for 23.
After taking the catch to remove the big wicket of Michael Wallace, he made an instant impact on his return to the bowling crease by getting through Jordan Cleland’s defences in his first over back.
He made the critical breakthrough of dismissing Jarryd Wills for 53, before returning later in the innings to help wrap-up proceedings with wickets five and six.
Berwick reached 170, its innings coming to its conclusion in the 43rd over.
Seamer, Prav Chahal, continues to make an impact with the ball, taking 3/37.
Earlier in the day, German debutant Matthew Montgomery made a half-century on debut for his new side, sharing in a 106-run stand with Ben Wright for the second wicket.
The pair spent more than half the innings together and provided the backbone of the Bucks’ score, with 57 and 64 respectively, as Roshane Silva joined them as the only other batter to reach double figures.
Berwick let themselves down with the ball, meanwhile, bowling 27 extras.
Elliot Mathews was the leading wicket-taker with 4/37 but his six overs were expensive.
Other Turf 1 results saw Hallam Kalora Park hang on for a seven-run win over Dandenong West, and Beaconsfield thrash North Dandenong by 81 runs.
Round six, meanwhile, begun on Sunday afternoon, as Dandenong West chased Narre South’s total of 101 five wickets down.
