Fortunes blowing in the wind
Mohammed Balkhi is hoping his stocks in the kite-making trade are about to soar.
The Afghan refugee grew up flying home-made kites with friends in the streets of Kabul, and has decided to turn his passion into his livelihood.
A popular pastime in his homeland, his colourful kites are designed to “run” and “dance” with the wind rather than to float in static fashion.
More on the story, turn to page 10
Strike standoff
Union officials cast doubt over Woolworths’ ‘reopening’ of its Dandenong South warehouse, in an attempt to break an 11-day ‘indefinite strike’.
About 200 union members formed a picket outsidethedistributioncentreonMonday2December.
Two-thirds of the distribution centre’s 300 workforce went out on indefinite strike over pay and performance targets on 21 November.
Woolworths claimed it was reopening the Dan-
denong South warehouse on Monday 2 December after contacting three-quarters of the workforce.
Seventy-two per cent of the contacted employees wanted to return to work and be paid in the lead-up to Christmas, according to Woolworths.
However, United Workers Union described the move as “bad faith”.
“Breaking a strike at 6am when the Union and Woolworths are set to meet at 9am is just bad faith and nothing more.
“Woolworths should focus on negotiating a fair outcome rather than escalating industrial conflict.”
The strikes appeared to bite in the past week, with growing reports of empty supermarket shelves including toilet rolls, nappies and drinks.
A Woolworths spokesperson said there was “limited stock flow on some lines”.
“We know that there have been shortages on our shelves in some Woolworths stores and that this is really frustrating for our customers.”
The Dandenong South warehouse is described by Woolworths as the most significant of the four hit by United Workers Union strike action in Victoria and NSW.
It stores and distributes about 2 million cartons of ambient goods each week.
More on the story, turn to page 3
(Stewart Chambers: 446674)
Soil mound shut down
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Works at an allegedly asbestos-contaminated soil mound in Bangholme’s Green Wedge have been shut down after several alleged permit breaches.
On 28 November, EPA Victoria and Greater Dandenong City Council announced “all works relating to its earthworks permit cease immediately” at the 576 Frankston Dandenong Road site.
This includes ceasing the transfer of fill to the site, the joint statement said.
The soil mound is about 400 metres south of 500-plus residents at Willow Lodge retirement village.
Several neighbours have called for an immediate halt to the near-daily dumping of soil for months. They alerted Star Journal to works shutting down as early as Friday 22 November.
In recent months, the EPA had issued two notices to the operator during its investigation of alleged soil contamination, including toxic asbestos and heavy metals.
The council also recently stated it was taking action due to a breach of the earthworks planning permit.
But it had recently been insisting the property owner and contractors were “continuing to follow directions.”
Neighbours had claimed that soil mounds towering up to several metres.
This was well above the waist-high height limit – up to 1.063 metres – initially sought by the proponent at a VCAT hearing in 2022.
Residents also claim the earthworks have moved to a new paddock – which is outside the permit area.
In August, the EPA had issued a notice to investigate a towering soil stockpile with alleged Category-D “low-level contamination” with toxic asbestos and heavy metals.
This was in alleged breach of the operator’s EPA licence to accept clean-fill soil only.
It ordered the operator to “cordon off” the pile and remove the affected soil to a licensed landfill.
Late last month, the EPA issued a second Non-Disturbance notice over a second waste pile containing a “small amount of construction and demolition waste”.
Some fragments were being sampled and analysed for potential asbestos.
EPA has continued to state there’s no risk to public health.
“With the low level of asbestos contamina-
Appeal for transfer station
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The proponent for a soil transfer station near a Bangholme retirement village in the Green Wedge has appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
In September, Greater Dandenong Council had cited 19 grounds for refusing a permit for the GND Civil project at 576 Frankston Dandenong Road. At the same address but in a separate project, Eastern Seaboard Industries is operating a massive, allegedly contaminated soil mound and earthworks under investigation by the council and Environment Protection Authority Victoria.
Residents of the neighbouring Willow Lodge retirement village are among at least 200-plus objectors to the waste station.
Plans In Motion, acting for GND Civil Group, recently lodged an application for a VCAT review. Its statement rejects each of the 19 grounds for refusal made by the council, states it is operating on a “small parcel” within the site and that “some objections mistakenly confuse the application” with the adjoining earthworks.
According to GND’s submission, the proposed 3.4-hectare waste-water and soil transfer station would take in about 20,000 litres of slurry a month.
It would include a soil stockpile, settling ponds, slurry pits and buried containers behind the existing flower-growing business.
Water from the ponds would be used to irrigate flowers and grass for livestock.
Soil would be removed from the slurry pits to dry on a stockpile and then moved off site once a month.
GND Civil has been operating the soil transfer station for several years, with the council refusing two permit applications in 2022 and this year.
In its notice of decision on 6 September, the council stated the transfer station failed to meet the objectives of the Green Wedge, and floodplain and air quality management requirements.
The station would result in “significant amenity impacts” as well as “significant social effect” given the objections of a Willow Lodge residents group, the council found.
The proposal was also found to lack adequate car parking, and was contrary to other planning objectives and strategies, such as protection of agricultural land, sustainable industry, waste and resource recovery and industrial.
A VCAT compulsory conference is set for 7 February, with a four-day hearing from 3-6 June.
tion detected and the long distance to the nearest homes, EPA’s public health experts do not consider there is a risk to public health,” the joint statement on 28 November said.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, and due to privacy legislation, further details on the planning breaches cannot be shared at this time.”
In July, the Star Journal reported on a certified environmental assessor’s report that raised the alarm on several pieces of asbestos found in four
different areas of the mound as well as high levels of the heavy-metal, lead.
It recommended that the “category B industrial waste” should be transported to a lawful disposal place.
It also recommended testing to check for lead leaching into the area’s groundwater as well as a thorough audit and removal of asbestos contamination.
Eastern Seaboard Industries (ESI) is said to be leasing the site and managing the soil mound.
Renex fined for illegal dump
A Dandenong South soil waste company has been fined and ordered to clean up an illegal dumping of industrial waste in a disused quarry.
Renex Op Co Pty Ltd faced Sale Magistrates’ Court over trucking almost 3000 tonnes of waste to the unlicensed dumping ground in Woodside North in Gippsland.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria pressed charges after members of the public reported large numbers of trucks at the quarry between 24-30 June 2021.
Its testing found the 3600-square metre stockpile, which looked like black soil, contained plastic, wood, ceramic, concrete and rebar.
The levels of chemicals including PFAS were too high for it to be reused as soil.
An earthmoving contractor working on the site built a wall around the stockpile due to concerns of hazardous rainwater runoff.
Renex complied with an EPA order to remove the material to a properly licensed facility for disposal. There was no contamination left after the clean-up, the EPA stated.
Renex receives and thermally treats contaminated soil for disposal at its Ordish Road, Dandenong South site.
Its EPA licence allows it to process the waste provided it is disposed at a licensed landfill that’s properly equipped to accept it, the EPA stated.
At Sale Magistrates’ Court, Renex escaped conviction but was ordered to pay $20,000 legal costs to EPA and $20,000 to the court fund for charity and community projects.
It was also ordered to place a newspaper advertisement, giving details of the offence and penalty.
The firm was also put on a two-year goodbehaviour bond.
A soil treatment plant at Renex, which was fined over illegally dumping contaminated soil in Gippsland. (Stewart Chambers: 156696)
Drone footage of the site of a waste-water and soil transfer station at 576 Frankston Dandenong Road, Bangholme - with a soil mound in the background. (Supplied)
The allegedly contaminated soil mound viewed from Fernside Drive Bangholme. (Gary Sissons: 429817)
NEWS Doubts over ‘reopening’
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Doubts are surfacing about a major Woolworths warehouse being declared reopened in Dandenong South after 11 days of an “indefinite strike”.
United Workers Union maintained a picket line during the expected strike breaking attempt at 6am this morning, and say no workers entered the building.
TheUWUdescribedWoolworths’declaredstrikebreak as “bad faith” and “escalating” the industrial conflict.
The strikes appeared to bite in the past week on both sides, with striking workers going without pay and growing reports of empty supermarket shelves including toilet rolls, nappies and drinks.
A Woolworths spokesperson said there was “limited stock flow on some lines”.
“We know that there have been shortages on our shelvesinsomeWoolworthsstoresandthatthisisreally frustrating for our customers.”
Woolworths claims it had reopened the DandenongSouthwarehouseonMonday2Decemberafter contacting three-quarters of the workforce.
Seventy-two per cent of the contacted employees wanted to return to work and be paid in the lead-up to Christmas, according to Woolworths.
UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy accused Woolworths of “escalating industrial conflict”.
“Breaking a strike at 6am when the Union and Woolworths are set to meet at 9am is just bad faith and nothing more.
“Woolworths should focus on negotiating a fair outcome rather than escalating industrial conflict.”
The Dandenong South warehouse is described by Woolworths as the most significant of the four hit by United Workers Union strike action in Victoria and NSW.
It stores and distributes about 2 million cartons of ambient goods each week.
Woolworthsstatedithadreachedanendorsedoffer with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) but no agreement so far brokered
with the UWU.
“WecontinuetoseektonegotiatewiththeUnited Workers Union and have requested that they allow safe passage for our team wishing to return to work and for vehicles today at MSRDC.
“This will ensure we can operate the site safely and supply much needed essential food and grocery products to our Victorian customers and communities.”
Kennedy hit back, saying the SDA represented less than 10 retail staff at Woolworths compared to the 1500 UWU warehouse workers.
“Woolworths is once again missing the point. Retail workers are not yet exposed to the dangerous,
Deportation fears rise
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Asylum seekers and their supporters are in despair after powers to deport cancelled bridgingvisa holders to third countries passed Federal Parliament last week.
According to the Government, the Migration Amendment Bill is targeting people who have had visas cancelled on character grounds and are refusing to be resettled.
The laws respond to recent High Court cases, such as a November 2023 ruling that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful, which promptedthereleaseof224peopleincludingviolent and drug-related criminals.
Howeverinthelead-uptotheBill,severalasylum seekers on bridging visas in the South East had recently received Immigration Department letters advising them to “voluntarily leave” the country. Living on bridging visas for more than a decade, they were informed their work permits would not be renewed in three months, and they should prepare to leave Australia. Refugee advocate and long-time ALP supporter Wicki Wickiramasingham, who confirmed the letters, says the passing of the Bill last week heightened asylum seekers’ fears.
“We are very worried for the people without visas or on bridging visas without work permits. How are they supposed to pay for food, electricity and lodgings?”
As of September, there were more than 1000 ‘unauthorised maritime arrival’ bridging visa holders in Greater Dandenong and Casey.
Most of them hail from Iran and Sri Lanka, living in the Dandenong, Doveton, Noble Park and Springvale postcodes.
“Somefamiliesarevery,veryangry.Theywere expecting to get something like permanent visas before Christmas but they have instead got this bad news,” Wickiramasingham says.
“They’re asking what can we do with our children, who are born here. All our homes are destroyed in Sri Lanka – where will we live?”
Fleeing from Iran, a shattered Narges Shaterian and her husband and three children have beenon‘FastTrack’bridgingvisasinAustraliafor more than 10 years. She has joined others in roll-
ing protests outside the offices of former Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil and Assistant Multicultural Affairs Minister Julian Hill.
An Iranian friend on a bridging visa also recently received a letter to depart the country, she says.
“Most of our friends can’t sleep. They are crying, depressed and nervous – saying what can we do? “If you go to back to Iran, you go to jail or an execution.Whoknowswhathappenstousinthat country?”
Since arriving in Australia, Shaterian’s daughterhasstudiedtobecomeapathologist,hersonis a real estate agent.
Despite Shaterian paying taxes and running businesses such as a pizza shop, her children pay full fees as ‘international students’ to study at university.Tonowfacepossibledeportationawas “unfair”.
“The refugees that came here from an unsafe place have worked hard and studied hard to be a part of this country, to have a good life and be good citizens “There’s no human rights if you do thisrefugees.IfImmigrationdecidestosendusto a third country they destroy our lives.”
inhumane and unsafe productivity framework, with punishment doled out if warehouse workers fail to meet a 100% performance target every day under the framework.”
Several Labor MPs visited workers outside the warehouse in the past week, including Bruce MP Julian Hill.
“All workers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work,” Hill said.
“Woolworths workers have expressed very reasonable concerns about the new performance framework.
“Workers are not robots, and Woolworths should
listentoworkersandcometothetablewithanagreement that actually prioritises safety and well-being.
“Nobody should have to choose between their safety and their source of income.”
During the EA dispute, Woolworths states it has made several offers with “competitive pay that is above industry standards, above local market rates, above inflation, and well above the Award”. It claims its performance targets were developed with “safety as an inherent component”.
BruceMPJulianHill,whoisAssistantMinister forMulticulturalAffairs,saidthe“essentiallegislationsimplyrespondstotherecentHighCourtdecisions and strengthens the integrity of Australia’s migration system”.
“Nothing in the legislation alters Australia’s longstanding compliance with international legal obligations and the Government will not refoul people or deport refugees, as some are falsely claiming,” Hill said. “The amendments will not impact genuine refugees and deals with a case load of individuals who have had their visa cancelled on character grounds, who often have serious criminal histories.” The Government states that it has granted permanent visas to about 18,000 of the 19,000 temporary protection visa holders waiting for more permanent protection.
“Individuals who were unsuccessful under the fast track system, but who have new protection claims related to changes in their country of origin or personal circumstances may seek Ministerial Intervention,” a Home Affairs department spokesperson recently told Star Journal.
Woolworths warehouse workers on the first day of strike action on 21 November. (Supplied)
One site doesn’t fit all
By Sahar Foladi
Emerson School’s principal John Mooney OAM says he supports the state’s Disability Inclusion Profile program but worries about the barriers to enrolment at specialist schools.
Launched in 2021, the DIP is said to promote inclusivity and social benefits for students with special needs at Victorian government schools.
It is advertised as a “parents’ choice” to decide whether their child should attend specialist schools or local mainstream schools which are required to make “reasonable adjustments” for those with special needs.
This “new tool and process” will gradually replace the current Programs for Students with Disability (PSD).
Mooney, a 26-year principal at the Dandenong North-based specialist school, acknowledges the positives of DIP.
But he is also concerned by the “exhausting” amount of paperwork to be eligible to enrol at Emerson College as well as dwindling referrals this year.
“It may well be that (the Government) will be able to fund the people who were previously not funded. That’s positive.
“We’re seen as one of the most responsive schools. It’s sad that we have to go through so much effort because we respond to needs and don’t send people away.
“Emerson specialises in students standing on their two feet. There has been a reduction in number of people referred to the school and the parents ask, ‘why haven’t I been referred earlier’?
In 2024, only six students were referred to Emerson in the Year 6 to 7 transition period. Last year there were 11 and in 2018, 25.
Despite the “intensive” paperwork Mr Mooney is hopeful that the DIP could “lead to an easier pathway to enrolments.”
For students who fail to meet the specialist setting enrolment criteria, they can enrol at the
school temporarily as a non-standard student, pending all supporting documents, evidence and approval is granted.
There are 90 non-standard enrolments at Emerson. Each non-standard student is reviewed periodically and can be taken out of the school to another educational setting anytime.
Whilst Mr Mooney says these students may be funded under DIP, it currently takes a maximum of five months (two school terms) for the nonstandard applications to be approved.
“It’s not fair for students to be considered a temporary student when they and families know they belong (at the specialist school).
“We would like to make it easy for students to come to the school without going through these set of hurdles.
“It takes a long time to negotiate, even two terms. Some parents are crying over the phone
Ready rewards for reading
The Big Summer Read challenge is back for young bookworms this summer.
Young readers aged 4-to-12 years can take part to read as much as they can for a chance to win great prizes and keep up their literacy skills.
“The Big Summer Read is not just about prizes; it’s also a celebration of the joy of reading,” Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti, said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to inspire a love of books while helping our young readers tackle the ‘summer slide’— a common challenge where students lose literacy skills during extended breaks from reading.”
From 1 December to 31 January children can log their reading activities for a chance to win scooters, cinema vouchers, Melbourne Cable Park passes, LEGO sets, art supplies, popular books and much more.
Independent readers can read on their own or listen to audio books, while parents and carers can count books they share with younger readers.
Prizes will be awarded at a special event at Dandenong Library in February.
“Join us for a summer filled with adventure, imagination and the thrill of a good book,” Cr Memeti said.
“Let’s encourage our children to immerse themselves in stories, spark their imaginations, and maintain their literacy skills over the summer.”
The annual reading challenge is presented by Public Libraries Victoria and Greater Dandenong Libraries.
Details: libraries.greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/bigsummerread or readbooks.com. au/bsr
for help - it happened today.
“The fact is you want to help your kids now not in several months’ time.”
Brent Hayward, a senior lecturer at Monash University School of Nursing and Midwifery, is a registered nurse, credentialed mental health nurse who has worked in disability services in the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services prior to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
He says not all children with disability require enrolment in specialist schools however the need for specialist educators will continue - it’s just a matter of the type of school setting.
“Just because you have a disability doesn’t automatically mean you have to go to specialist school.
“There is a move in Victorian government schools away from prescriptive funding and ser-
vices for children with disability based on diagnoses, towards funding based on individual learning and support needs at school,” he says.
“There’s a shift occurring for education of students with disabilities and our systems are going to have to change. That may be difficult for some people to appreciate but there’s always going to be a need for specialist educators.
“There will always be children with disabilities and learning support needs, so we’ll always need specialist educators. Where the majority of those specialist educators work - in specialist or mainstream schools – is yet to be seen, but there’s still a very clear and necessary role for specialist educators.”
Mooney is well-known for his advocacy for specialist schools, demonstrated through a number of awards including as one of Greater Dandenong’s Living Treasures and an Order of Australia Medallist.
He often uses the phrase such as “educaring” not just “educating” to describe Emerson’s beliefs and passion towards its students.
He has led Emerson to new heights since he became the principal in 1998, including securing the school’s first government-funded capital project which is currently in stage 2 out of 4.
Mooney says Emerson doesn’t have a waiting list and is more than happy to welcome new enrolments if the systems in place will allow them.
A Department of Education spokesperson says the $1.6 billion “landmark” DIP is to assist schools “to deliver the best possible experience” with students with disability or additional needs.
“We are strongly committed to inclusive education and supporting all children and young people to fully participate, learn, develop and succeed.
“This includes continuing to provide parent choice around the best education opportunities for their children, be it through specialist or mainstream school education.
“All schools will have access by 2025.”
Last stop for Dandy buskers
The Busk Stop street-performance series enters its final week for 2024.
First piloted in May this year, Busk Stop has featured artists, groups, schools, youths and musicians in Palm Plaza and Harmony Square in a bid to build a busking culture.
There’s also been a FReeZA version for artists aged 15 to 25 to showcase their talents on Fridays at Palm Plaza.
“We have so much home-grown musical talent in Dandenong,” Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti said.
“It is fantastic to see opportunities for musicians and artists alike share their creativity and skill with our community.”
FReeZA, a Victorian Government program, supports young Victorians to get involved in their community by organising drug, alcohol and smoke-free entertainment.
“These fantastic initiatives provide exciting
ways for young people to develop their skills as MC’s, performers, videographers and event supporters,” Cr Memeti said.
The final Busk Stops for 2024 are:
• Jemma Rose - Saturday 30 November 11.30am1pm in Palm Plaza
• Awkward Strangers - Saturday 7 December 11.30am-1pm in Palm Plaza
• Mary Ann Van de Horst - Wednesday 4 December 12pm-2pm in Harmony Square
• FReeZA Friday – Friday 6 December 11.30am1.30pm in Palm Plaza
The program will continue in the new year, from 17 to 31 January 2025.
Performers, singers, musicians, puppeteers, magicians or dancers who would like to take part, can fill out an expression of interest form: forms. greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/public-forms/expression-of-interest-busk-stop
Singer Cee performs at Busk Stop in Dandenong. (Supplied)
Library staff Ben, April, Anh and Chris with puppeteer Claire Everton at the launch of Big Summer Read. (Supplied)
Emerson School principal John Mooney wants an easier enrolment process for specialist schools.
(Sahar Foladi: 444100)
Ways forward to respect
By Sahar Foladi
In a collective effort, local organisations joined for a “fresh approach” at Dandenong Market as part of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) partnered with Dandenong Market, South East Community Links, Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre and Wellsprings for Women to host the event ‘Respect Is…at the Heart of Dandenong Market’ on Saturday 30 November.
The interactive event was part of the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women which began on 25 November and ends on 10 December.
WHISE’s lead officer for the prevention of violence against women Danielle McCaffrey said this was the first time such an event has been organised for the community, which was aimed to promote respect and equality.
She says they’re “grateful” to the Market’s management for approaching WHISE and being willing to “use whatever influence they had to raise awareness” on prevention of violence.
“Dandenong Market approached WHISE midyear after some of the more horrific news about women being murdered in Ballarat.
“They get thousands of people walk through the market every weekend. We thought we can speak to the community with strength-based messaging around what everyone can do to take action to create safe and equal communities, families and workplaces.
“It shows anybody can take action in their own way, so it’s really positive. We commend them for doing that.”
The “pop-up stall” style in the heart of the market consisted of fun activities such as a spinning wheel with prizes and a smoothies bike where visitors can pedal to blend their own drinks, in a bid to create a welcoming space for all.
It also involved team members and local ad-
vocates to engage in meaning conversations with families about the importance of respect sand safe relationships, answering questions and sharing resources available to the public.
“People don’t need that support until they need it. So often people don’t know what’s out there until things get bad.
“We want to build their awareness of the dif-
ferent support for all families, to raise awareness that we’re not talking about rocket science.
“It’s prioritising kindness and empathy in every aspect of our lives.”
Ms McCaffrey said Greater Dandenong Council was part of the regional strategy to eradicate the prevalent issue in the municipality through services in a range of settings such as early child-
hood services, schools and workplace.
She says gender-based violence happens “when we live in a gender-unequal society.”
“We had positive change in what women can do over the last 50 years but we haven’t had the same liberation for men.
“It’s important for men to be released from what the social services call the ‘men box’ - them taking parental leave, supporting their wives at homes, taking part time work to have equal involvement in their children’s lives and not just be the primary breadwinner.
“Getting to understand their own feelings, be able to talk to support their own mental health being and the family.”
The event also provided a crucial insight into the diverse cultures of Greater Dandenong, to better understand the individuals’ upbringing,
There are a number of efforts that can help minimise violence against women in a “punitive approach” and “less of a punishment model” including but not limited to funding for Men’s Behaviour Change Program and other programs for men in general as well as housing, according to Ms McCaffrey.
“The court system doesn’t work for everybody but by having a system we can hold those people who use violence to account, help them to understand the context in which they have learnt those behaviours, the attitudes and beliefs behind those behaviours, support them to change the way they see the world.
“I think we know a lot about who experiences violence and less about who perpetrates violence.
“In general, they’re not monsters. They’re brothers, father, and uncles, people that we know and love. There needs to be more for people to understand.”
While she acknowledges that some people perpetrators can’t be in the community and sometimes it’s “the best thing for them”, it’s also important that “not one approach is going to fix it.”
Andrea (South East Community Links), Foiza (Wellsprings for Women), Jessie (South East Community Links) and Shakria (Wellsprings for Women) at the Respect event. (Rob Carew: 444927)
Men’s behaviour programs on the wane in Dandenong
By Sahar Foladi
In light of the evidently increasing genderbased violence against women, Men’s Behaviour Change programs are regarded as a crucial solution.
However, it seems local organisations in Greater Dandenong have either stopped or reduced the number of Men’s Behaviour Change (MBC) program sessions due to either lack of funding and or other unknown reasons.
No To Violence is the largest peak body in Australia for organisations and individuals who work with men to end family violence.
The NTV’s Men’s Referral Service has compiled a list of service providers of the Men’s Behaviour Change program with two listings in Dandenong - Community Abundance and Relationships Australia.
As reported previously in August, Community Abundance stopped receiving government funding for the program and have been running it out of their own pocket for the past four years.
Family violence practitioner and MBC group facilitator Deng Kor says it currently has six men referred to the program by the court.
NTV also run a brief intervention program that doesn’t replace MBC but it’s for men who can’t access it due to where they live, language or other barriers.
Men are also referred to service providers closest to their municipality if there aren’t any in their local area.
David Nugent, the director, founder and senior practitioner at Heavy METAL Group, says men tired of being on the waiting list for these programs turn to him for help.
“One of the problems is men can’t get in government funded programs
“They (the organisations) run out of funding
294848)
or if they do have it, the waiting list is so long, it’s up to nine months or longer just to get in.”
He says MBC support needs to be immediate.
“If men put their hands up for help you need to grab it while you can because in months, they may change their attitude.”
Heavy METAL works with violent men in the south east and online to change their behaviour, work on their anger management and other issues.
“They tell me they can’t get in (the program) - they find me, they ask how we can help them and most times we don’t have a waiting list. We have an open door policy to get them in sooner or later.
“The longer you keep the men engaged in
the program, the safer the children and partner.”
Anglicare Victoria works with families, individuals and children on wider issues such as family violence, family and parenting support and financial counselling.
They also run a Men’s Behaviour Change program across the State but confirmed they haven’t been the provider in Dandenong since December last year.
Instead, a different primary prevention program called A Better Way is run in Dandenong, a trauma-informed program for fathers who inflict violence upon their families.
Anglicare Victoria’s South acting regional director Amy Youl says the program is also used to put a “big emphasis on accountability.”
“A Better Way works directly with fathers in
Dandenong, who use violence in the home, in a one-on-one setting, which means it’s tailored to the individual and cultural needs of their family.
“A big part of our work with a dad is helping him realise the impact violence has on his children and the other parent and supporting him to work towards being the father he wants to be.
“Reflecting on their behaviour through the lens of fatherhood can be a really powerful turning point for some men, and working directly with men who use violence means Anglicare Victoria is able to address the problem at the source.”
A Better Way works with fathers and their families for four to six months to increase safety and wellbeing linking families with alcohol and drugs services, parenting, counselling or mental health support.
Men can be referred directly through Anglicare Victoria or the Orange Door.
Men’s Referral Service can be reached on 1300 766 491
Bail for cleaner in Bell case
By Emily Woods, AAP
A cleaner accused of helping to hide Isla Bell’s remains for three weeks is set to be freed on bail, as tears from the 19-year-old’s supporters filled a court.
Eyal Yaffe, 57, was granted bail in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon after being charged with assisting Ms Bell’s accused murderer Marat Ganiev.
Ms Bell was last seen leaving her Brunswick home on October 4.
Police will allege CCTV recorded a fight through a gap in Ganiev’s apartment window, about 12.43am on October 7, and he was then accused of cleaning the apartment.
Yaffe, who works as a residential cleaner, allegedly arrived at the apartment on October 9 in a RAV4 towing a black fridge on a trailer and helped Ganiev move the fridge to the back of the apartment.
placed inside a bag in the fridge and the fridge was transported across half a dozen locations in Melbourne’s southeast before her remains were found at a tip in Dandenong.
Yaffe is accused of moving and cleaning the fridge, with aerosols and other products, and disposing of a bag of items belonging to Ms Bell.
“The allegation is that Mr Yaffe assisted in concealment of the body of Ms Bell for just under three weeks,” Magistrate Rohan Lawrence told the court on Monday.
Prosecutors opposed Yaffe’s release on bail, as they argued he was an unacceptable risk to the community’s safety and may interfere with witnesses.
Yaffe was also claimed to be a flight risk as he had booked a flight to Bulgaria shortly after he was interviewed by police on October 28.
started crying on Monday as it became clear Yaffe would be released on bail.
Mr Lawrence found Yaffe was not an unacceptable risk to safety and any perceived risks could be mitigated by stringent bail conditions, including a monitoring device.
He said Yaffe was unlikely to face trial until the end of 2025 or early 2026, and was facing a maximum term of five years in prison if found guilty.
“I will grant bail,” Mr Lawrence told the court. Yaffe will reside with his son and must post a $20,000 bail surety.
He will surrender his passports and cannot attend any points of departure, nor leave the greater Melbourne area, under his bail conditions.
He must abide by a curfew, cannot contact any witnesses, and will be fitted with an electronic monitoring device.
It’s alleged CCTV captured Yaffe and Ganiev removing an old fridge from the apartment, containing Ms Bell’s remains, which was wrapped in plastic and placed on a trailer attached to the RAV4 on October 17.
But Yaffe’s barrister Ian Hill KC argued police had no evidence to indicate Yaffe was aware of Ms Bell’s alleged murder or that her remains were in the fridge.
Police allege Ms Bell’s remains had been
A supporter of Ms Bell, seated in the back row,
Ganiev appeared in court on Wednesday charged with Ms Bell’s murder and will be back in court in March.
Councillors pay their respects to Isla
By Sahar Foladi
A minute’s silence was observed in the memory of 19-year-old Isla Bell at the first meeting of the new Greater Dandenong Council on Monday 25 November.
Deputy mayor Sophie Tan who chaired the meeting opened the meeting reading a statement from the council offering its “sincerest condolences” to Bell’s family and friends.
A minute’s silence suggested by councillor Lana Formoso was observed, although cut seemingly a few seconds short by Tan as councillors remained standing.
The discovery of Bell’s body at a Dandenong waste facility on Tuesday 19 November shocked the municipality, as it coincided with council’s Walk Against Family Violence annual event on the same day.
Councillors Rhonda Garad and Formoso individually expressed their condolences at the meeting drawing on the “epidemic of violence against women.”
“Isla was number 85 in women subject to violence (this year). It is an epidemic of violence against women,” Cr Garad said.
She congratulated Council on their annual Walk Against FV last Tuesday in light of such
news and the “tremendous” numbers they saw at the event on a weekday showing “how strongly the community are concerned”.
Cr Formoso said she was “proud” of council’s initiatives such as the White Ribbon Day but they “need to do more.”
“The crisis of gender based violence is urgent. Sixteen Days of activism is an opportunity to revitalise commitments, and call for accountability and action from decision makers.
“Violence against women and girls can and must be prevented. We know our stats here in City of Greater Dandenong are some of the highest in the State.
“My heart and prayers with all victims that have suffered up until this point but I really hope that we can do more as community to end this.”
She also called on the council to put out “clearer” information on vital events like the Walk Against FV after Cr Danh and herself received feedback from community leaders unaware of the event and “not invited.”
Deng Kor’s group has six men in its program.
Dave Nugent says there’s a nine month waiting list for free, government-funded mens behaviour courses. (Stewart Chambers:
Isla Bell, 19, who had been missing for two months before her remains were found at a Dandenong waste facility on 19 November.
Isla Bell was missing for seven weeks before her remains were found in Dandenong. (Supplied)
‘Predatory’ rapist is jailed
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A driver who picked up a heavily-intoxicated stranger in his car and raped her on the way to her Noble Park home in 2017 has been jailed for up to seven years.
Karl Bacash, now 60, of Bulleen, pleaded his innocence but was found guilty by a Victorian County Court jury of two counts of rape as well as sexual assault.
Bacash lured the then-26-year-old woman who had been out at the Corner Hotel, Richmond in the early hours of 9 April 2017.
On the way to her home, he stopped his Nissan X-Trail 4WD in a service lane off Princes Highway for more than an hour.
During that time, he “callously” penetrated the “isolated” and “vulnerable” victim in the passenger seat while she was either asleep, unconscious or too intoxicated to give consent, Judge Martine Marich said on 26 November.
Bacash committed acts of “significant predation” while he was in a position of a “quasi” carer for her.
On arrival home, she asked if he was an Uber driver and he replied he was not.
Bacash obtained the victim’s phone number by calling himself with her phone, and the next weekend texted her: “Are you out and about?”.
The victim didn’t recognise the number, and blocked two further call attempts from Bacash.
Judge Marich noted that despite this, Bacash had told police three years later he had no recollection of the victim or calling or texting her.
He has continued to deny making sexual contact with her.
Bacash told police that he’d often drive people home at night from clubs and bars if they needed help. He’d record women’s phone numbers and later send them texts from his mobile, he said.
He also admitted to having consensual sex with passengers at times. With some girls who are drunk they wake up and do not remember if
it was consensual, he told police.
The victim initially had no memory of getting home that night.
She later showed the bruises on her inner thighs and described pain in her groin to family, friends and a GP.
Reluctant to go to police, she formally reported the allegations nearly two years later. She identified Bacash on a police photo board.
Formerly a travel business owner, Bacash became a full-time carer of his mother in 2019. He had always lived in his parents’ home and didn’t have any long-term partners.
After a police search of the home, he was charged and pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen
credit card and five ampules of prescribed morphine sulphate injections.
Judge Marich noted Bacash had left a “legacy of trauma” on the victim, including her ‘reliving’ the assaults when giving evidence at trial.
As a result of the trial, she suffered renewed panic attacks, anxiety and PTSD, spent large sums on counselling and osteopathy and was forced her to take time off work.
In her “powerful” and “articulate” victim impact statement, she described becoming terrified of taxis or Ubers or crowded places, failing crucial university units and being too afraid to go on dates or start a relationship.
Judge Marich noted Bacash’s lack of prior con-
victions, long trial delay, positive references from family and friends as well as his health issues. She said Bacash had “perhaps good” rehabilitation prospects but no insight into his offending.
“There is a strange lack of ability in you to understand and appreciate that driving heavilyintoxicated women home where they are not previously known to you may be seen as predatory.”
With “some misgivings”, Judge Marich declined to put Bacash on the sexual offenders register. Bacash was jailed up to seven years, with a non-parole period of four years and 10 months. His term includes 298 days in pre-sentence custody.
The County Court of Victoria. (AAP Image/Con Chronis)
FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS CHEER
Unwrap the magic
Unwrap the magic this Christmas at Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre.
Magical Photo Moments with Santa from Sunday, 1 December to Tuesday, 24 December 2024, families can take photos with Santa located near Prouds the Jewellers. Bookings are not required for Santa Photography.
Paw-fect Santa Pet Photos
Our furry friends are not forgotten at Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre! Pet photography sessions are available via bookings only.
• Pet photos with Santa is located near Prouds, from 5pm – 7pm on:
• Thursdays: 5th, 12th, and 19th December.
• Fridays: 6th, 13th, and 20th December.
• Bookings essential.
• To make a booking, please call us 03 9700 2374. Sensitive Santa
• Create magical memories with Santa in a calm environment.
• From 9am – 10am, Wednesday 4 and 11 December.
• Bookings essential.
• To make a booking, please call us 03 9700 2374. 12 Days of Delights & Discounts!
This Christmas, Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre is delighting customers with a Christmas booklet featuring 12 days of exclusive discount coupons.
Simply cut out your coupon and present it at the featured retailer for exclusive discounts and savings!*
Pick up your Christmas booklet at Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre from Monday 9 – Friday 20 December or check your mailbox to see if a copy has been sent to you!
*Terms and conditions apply. To view these, please visit endeavourhillsshopping.com.au
Christmas Gift Wrapping
From Monday 9 – Tuesday 24 December, customers can get their Christmas gifts wrapped at Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre for a gold coin donation!
With all donations going directly to the Lions Club of Casey Hills Lionesses, find our gift wrapping station located near Woolworths from 10.30am – 4.30pm daily.
Christmas Storytime
Visit the Community Corner located near New York Nails at Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre on Friday 13 December, 11am – 12pm for a festive Storytime session with Endeavour Hills Library!
Tuesday 17 December, 10.30am – 11.30am.
Have a friendly conversation with your local Police members, with coffees on us! For more information, visit endeavourhillsshopping.com.au, or call 03 9700 2374.
Christmas Coffee with a Cop Join us at Muffin Break, located in the Food Court at Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre for our Christmas Coffee with a Cop!
Ten things to do to fuel the festive feels this season
Not feeling the Christmas spirit just yet? Here’s 10 things you can do that will have your festive feelings flowing. Decorate.
Yes it’s an obvious one but decorating the space around you will remind you that it really is ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ as Andy Williams says. From your workplace to your home, string up some lights and wrap that tinsel around everything. If you aren’t going to put up a real Christmas tree this year, source some real pine needles for that extra special warm and fuzzy festive scent.
Host or attend a Christmas party.
Find time in your busy schedule to unite with those you love to be around. Be it a lunch, Christmas cookie baking session or a group decorating effort, having your friends and or family together before the actual day of Christmas can really ignite your Yuletide spirit.
Visit some Christmas Lights. Doing a neighbourhood Christmas light walk
or drive is not just an activity reserved for the youngsters. Appreciate the effort people go to at Christmas time to fuel the festive feels. A relaxing drive-by or exciting brandy-charged stroll with friends never fails to deliver a smile. Bake gingerbread.
That’s right. -Let your creativity run rampant as you lose yourself in a world of flour, spices and sweets. Whilst there are a lot of great recipes out there, a lot of them require the gingerbread to be prepped the night before the building process.
Have a Christmas movie night.
It is now that time of the year where you reach for the classics. Elf, Love Actually, the Polar Express you name it. Get your fix of Christmas cinema whilst snuggled somewhere with a cuppa. Add a touch of festivity to your outfits.
It’s not dorky, rather it’s just joyful. Be it earrings, socks, a t-shirt or even a hair ribbon, turn each outfit into an opportunity to celebrate December.
Commit to your advent calendar.
If you haven’t got one, get one. There’s nothing
like the childhood excitement that accompanies the ticking off of each day in the lead up to Christmas. Whether it’s a calendar filled with goodies or with a quote for each day, make it a December ritual to reach each day with a smile. You can even make your own!
Be thoughtful.
Christmas is a time of celebration and giving. Whether it’s writing a Christmas card, doing something kind for someone or even preparing someone’s stocking, you’ll find that spreading cheer and thoughtfulness only enhances your own.
Listen to Christmas music.
Don’t be a Grinch. Hurry up and finalise that playlist and listen as often as you can. A good dose of Buble whilst you’re cleaning, driving or putting up a tree cannot go amiss.
Attend a community Christmas carols.
Go and watch your local choir perform or enjoy a CFA or community-hosted Christmas carols event. There will be so much Christmas spirit
in the air that you are guaranteed to be infected. Join the Yuletide pandemic of enthusiasm and spread it as far as you can.
You will truly be feeling the Christmas vibes after completing this list of ten things to do to
Magical Photo Moments with Santa are at the Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre.
Pet photos with Santa are also available at the Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre.
A Christmas booklet featuring 12 days of exclusive discount coupons is also available at the centre.
Create magical memories with Santa in a calm environment.
Refugee flies kite for future
Kite flying has always been a part of Mohammed Balkhi’s life.
As a child he would run through the streets of Kabul with his friends sending brightly-coloured, home-made kites aloft into Afghanistan’s azure skies.
At age 12, Mohammed started making his own kites as the traditional Afghan custom of kite flying took hold and became a passion.
Now resettled in Dandenong as a refugee, he hopes to turn his passion into a business.
“I grew up in central Kabul where kite making and flying was a thing that was very common. In Afghanistan, we did it for fun but now I would like to create a business out of making and selling kites,” Mohammed said.
His kites are made from thin paper connected by a thin string to a hand made spool. Unlike western kites which are held static against the wind, Afghan kits are designed to be run with.
“We get someone to hold the spool and then we throw the kite up in the air. The wind coupled with special movements of the string makes for a lovely view of dancing kites in the sky.” Mohammed said.
Mohammed glues together coloured pieces of paper to form intricate and colourful designs, making the kites decorative items as well as flying machines.
They are held together by thin pieces of treated wood from Afghanistan. The kites range in size from 20cm square up to a metre square.
Mohammed worked at a range of jobs in Afghanistan, most recently in a printing and copying shop.
But after the fall of Kabul, Mohammed and his family were forced into hiding.
“My father worked as a guard at the Australian embassy in Kabul, so his association with a foreign government made him a potential target of the Taliban,” Mohammed said.
“We were forced to lay low and, for a year, we were in hiding. We couldn’t risk being identified by the Taliban. At the same time, we were trying to get passports, so we could leave.”
After securing passports, Mohammed and his family spent ten weeks in Iran waiting for visas to come to Australia. Mohammed’s father’s connection with the Australian embassy made
the visas possible.
Mohammed, his wife and two children, as well as his parents arrived in Australia two years ago.
He says they are grateful to have found safety in Australia and he sees a bright future for his two children, aged three and five months.
But Mohammed suffers from a herniated disc in his back and is unable to do physical work or even sit for long periods.
“Making and selling kites is way for me to work and earn a living,” Mohammed said.
He has already sold kites at local festivals and among the Afghan community in Melbourne’s south-east.
He is being supported to grow his fledgling business by migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia.
Kite flying in Afghanistan was banned by the Taliban during the 1996 – 2001 war. It was against the law for several years, but after the collapse of the Taliban government, it became legal again.
Many young Afghans are attracted to the sport and the best season for kite flying in Afghanistan is during autumn because of the favourable winds.
The most common place to fly kites in Kabul is in Chaman-e-Babrak, a park in the north of the city, where many kite-flying competitions are held.
Kids, teenagers, adults, and older people come from all around Afghanistan and to participate in these competitions.
In Afghanistan’s cities, the sky is filled during these competitions with hundreds of brightly coloured kites soaring high into the air going from one side to the other.
Khaled Hosseini, the author of The Kite Runner, a novel that explores life under the Taliban as well as kite flying, writes about the sport of kite fighting.
“When an opponent’s kite is cut free, it flutters like a colourful, dying bird into the far reaches of the city,” Hosseini wrote.
Details on Mohammad’s kites: 0476 279 444.
‘Crazy’ NPAC parking fines raise the ire of magistrate
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A line has been seemingly crossed for unsuspecting drivers fined parking outside Noble Park Aquatic Centre.
Greater Dandenong Council had removed a parking space in Memorial Drive by painting a yellow line on the kerb, but to the confusion of motorists, without updating the nearby No Parking sign.
The sign’s ‘no parking’ arrow points away from the new exclusion zone.
But the council is apparently issuing parking tickets with unerring precision.
In public question time at the council’s 25 November meeting, a Noble Park resident implored the council to show “more consideration” – issuing warnings instead of fines, changing the park-
ing sign and communicating the change.
She called on the council to “rectify the upset” and to retract the fines over the past four weeks.
“People who work hard to be good citizens are being fined when they think they are doing the right thing.
“It’s a very busy pedestrian precinct. A bit of colour on the road could easily initially not be seen especially when the sign says that you can park there.”
Greater Dandenong’s community strengthening executive director Peta Gillies said the yellow marking was in step with the Road Safety Act, and warnings were issued in the initial two weeks.
The area would continue to be “monitored” but there were not high levels of
“non-compliance”.
Gillies encouraged the resident to submit for a council review of the fine.
In what looked like a similar matter, a Dandenong magistrate earlier on the same day took umbrage at the council’s insistence in dragging a driver who parked next to a yellow line into court.
“Of course they won’t (drop the charge) – it’s the crime of the century!”
In dismissing the charge himself, the magistrate said it was “crazy” that the “infinitesimally minor matter” got to court.
“There isn’t even a parking sign there.
“The council should have better things to do.
“The law is the law but sometimes it’s an ass – 100 per cent donkey.”
The no-parking area marked by a yellow line on the roadway outside Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC). The No Parking sign, pictured left, points away from the yellow zone. (Stewart Chambers: 446766)
Mohammed Balkhi lets one of his kites run in the wind.
(Stewart Chambers: 446674)
Mohammed Balkhi looks to the skies for his future. (446674)
Mohammed Balkhi’s kite is a proud sight over Dandenong. (446674) Mohammed Balkhi gets ready for take-off. (446674)
Invasive weeds increasing
By Ethan Benedicto
An invasive plant that produces thousands of seeds has been attacking Lysterfield Park, with native flora in the 1400-hectare nature pocket in danger.
The Friends of Lysterfield Park, a volunteer group that works to conserve the park’s integrity as well as Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne stated that the plant species, known as boneseed, is inevitably consuming the park.
Payne initially initiated the conversation at a Legislative Council meeting on 17 October, where, speaking on behalf of a member of the Friends, said then that there are “already one million boneseed weed trees in Lysterfield Park”.
“Boneseed originates in Africa, another continent in the southern hemisphere so it performs well in Australia, it’s a weed of national significance and it is reducing the biodiversity value of our beautiful Lysterfield Park,” she said.
Boneseed, which gets its name from the bonecoloured seed when dry, is capable of producing 50,000 seeds per plant, and according to Weeds Australia, has the potential to significantly increase and become much more abundant in native undisturbed vegetation.
This weed shrub can grow up to two to three metres high, with woody branched stems and leaves that are 20 to 70 millimetres long and 10 to 35 millimetres wide.
The yellow flower heads are in groups of three to 12 and are individually up to 30 millimetres in diameter with each flower producing five to eight bright petals.
“The number of boneseed shrubs in the park is doubling every three years, I’ve raised the threat to the park in Parliament and I’ve asked Victoria’s Minister of Environment and Outdoor Recreation Reserve, Steve Dimopoulos if the government will fund a comprehensive control program as soon as possible,” Payne said.
“Lysterfield Park with its beautiful lake, picnic areas, and cycle and walking tracks is too precious to lose.”
Dimopoulos, in response to Payne, said that it was impossible to erase the shrub.
“I am advised that complete eradication of this species is not feasible due to the highly mobile
seed bank which is spread by birds, native animals and pest animals,” he said.
According to the Department of Environment and Conservation NSW, through their Boneseed management manual published in 2006, the plant was first introduced to Australia around the mid-nineteenth century.
The first recorded gardens were in Sydney in 1852 and Melbourne in 1858, where it was speculated to have become naturalised with self-sustaining populations in 1910.
A restoration ecologist professor from Federation University, Singarayer Florentine, said that the nature of invasive species, such as boneseed, makes them “extremely difficult” to eradicate, and that a more effective approach is to “minimise the elevated population”.
“Once an area’s got it [invasive weeds], unfortunately, that’s it, you’ve got it [but] one of the things you can do is to minimise the spread.
“Given that I research and that I also work with community groups, one of the best ways to counter this is something called evidence-based management; what we need to do is take a step back and see how big the problem is.”
A subspecies, called bitou bush, arrived in 1908, where, alongside the boneseed, were planted extensively with the goal of stabilising coastal sand dunes and for erosion control from the mid-
Medical-waste facility fined
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A medical-waste treatment company in Dandenong South has been fined over an explosion and fire that belched plumes of black smoke in 2022.
Cleanaway Daniels Pty Ltd pleaded guilty at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to breaching its Environment Protection Authority (EPA) operating licence which prohibits burning waste at the Cahill Road site.
The facility, in a “built-up” industrial-two zone, treats more than 80 per cent of Melbourne’s medical waste, a prosecutor told the court.
It is about 1.3 kilometres east from homes and 950 metres from Dandenong Creek.
At 1.47pm on 8 June 2022, an explosion and fire started in the Cleanaway subsidiary’s hammermill, which was shredding waste at the time.
A flammable contaminant in a customer’s waste – possibly a gas cylinder - was to blame, a defence lawyer told the court on 25 November.
Due to the heavy smoke, workers were unable to activate the plant’s manual sprinkler system, she said.
Fire-fighting crews – with eight pumpers, a ladder platform and breathing apparatus support - brought the fire under control in about an hour.
They continued to extinguish the fire until about 7pm.
An EPA prosecutor told the court on 25 November that the factory lacked an automatic fire detection system that may have suppressed the fire.
He said a TapRoot report had recommended an automatic system after a smaller fire due to flammable waste in the hammermill four months earlier.
1940s to the 1960s.
With the same goal of soil erosion control, boneseed was introduced to the You Yangs, and the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science (AIAS) estimated that around 405 hectares had been colonised by the plant by 1976.
By 2000 it was listed at rank 6 by Weeds of National Significance as one of the 20 most significant weeds in Australia.
Florentine added that a multi-pronged approach would be the most effective, where, for instance, the physical removal of these weeds should be followed by a restoration program to prevent seed droppings and the conclusive spread of more boneseed.
“Subsequent monitoring management is very important because if you pull the plant during November or springtime, and you come back next spring, there will be another thousand plants there, I can guarantee that,” Florentine said.
“The way to go is continuous management but also increasing the competition by planting natives and reducing the light intensity in a way that these weed species will not be able to grow as well.”
Dimopoulos added that Parks Victoria currently delivers several weed management programs in Lysterfield Park with a focus on the protection of key biodiversity assets.
“Programs include the removals of boneseed and other noxious weed species,” Dimopoulos said.
“Management of weeds such as boneseed is labour intensive, requiring direct application of an approved herbicide or manual removal.
“Parks Victoria will continue to monitor areas of high conservation value within the park and treat priority areas.”
Tony Forster from the Friends said that the government has an unsystematic approach to the infestation and that an overarching blueprint was needed.
“The government has a plan for 5 per cent to 10 per cent of the park, the priority areas, but what is the plan for the remainder of the park?” Forster said.
“Ignoring 90 per cent of the park is not a longterm solution, the longer the government leaves
the infestation, the more expensive the problem will become to control.”
In addition to the large number of seeds produced and the role of wildlife spreading said seeds, according to Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania, boneseed remain viable in the soil for over 10 to 15 years, in turn allowing more time for germination which would occur after solid disturbances and fire.
Against native plants, their dense canopy formation gives them a strong advantage, coupled with the shallow root system that allows them to absorb moisture from even lighter rainfall before it reaches the deeper roots of native flora.
Florentine said that the scale of the issue plays a big role and that if, for example, 50,000 hectares have been infested, “pulling all the plants out is not going to work”.
“There should be a landscape scale level of management, that is an integrated approach and you need to think about the sensitive nature of the park, whether there are any threatened or endangered species there.
“Then you can say, okay, there are spots there with threatened orchid species or plant species, then you might want to be careful about hand pulling those to develop some form of fire control areas, where you can then invest a suitable time to burn that area,” he said.
Even then, while considering using fire as a controlling agent against boneseed, and if parties from the State Government to the CFA were to effectively mitigate the spread of boneseed, Florentine said that subsequent management after treatment is still key.
“Fire can visually give you a fantastic impression when you look at it, but after two days all the plants have grown back, and within a week or two, and with rainfall, there’ll be a lot more seedlings that will come,” he said.
With a specific method already in place by the State, Forster remains adamant that decisive action should be taken as soon as possible.
“If this is neglected for three years, it will cost twice as much to address, and control this noxious weed now, because it is eating our beautiful park,” he said.
“Spend the money, invest in nature - this park is loved in the southeast.”
Serial hoon jailed again
By Violet Li
The recommendation was not “actioned” prior to the June 2022 blaze.
After the earlier fire, Cleanaway Daniels reminded and offered training to customers such as hospitals and clinics not to put “unacceptable” flammable items in their waste, its lawyer told the court.
They also swapped out bins from identified “high-risk” customers who had provided “unacceptable” waste, as well as brought in penalties for non-compliant clients.
Cleanaway Daniels workers were hindered from checking waste themselves due to safety risks from disposed syringes and PPE – especially during the Covid pandemic, the lawyer argued.
The same hammermill had operated since the facility opened in 1994.
When the equipment was destroyed in the fire, the facility couldn’t accept medical waste for 10 months. It lost $6.2 million in profits as a result, the defence lawyer said.
The operator had also worn the cost of a replacement $12.1 million autoclaves system to sterilise waste.
The steam-based system was said to all but eliminate the risk of a future fire.
Magistrate Julian Ayres noted there was no presented evidence of environmental harm from the blaze, nor were any workers or firefighters injured.
He found Cleanaway Daniels wasn’t responsible for the flammable waste but should have installed the automatic fire detection system at the time.
Cleanaway Daniels was fined $40,000, without conviction.
It was ordered to also pay $14,906 costs to the EPA and to place an adverse-publicity advertisement in Dandenong Star Journal.
A South East serial hoon has been jailed which followed three months’ imprisonment last year.
Dylan Desmond Milkins, of Hallam, 24, was sentenced at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to 15 months jail for his crime spree between December 2023 and May this year, including drug driving, disqualified driving, assaulting a female Uber driver and reckless conduct endangering persons with serious injury in which a car caught fire after he performed a series of burnouts.
He also pleaded guilty to Commonwealth offences in relation to the opening and operation of a fake bank account.
It comes after Milkins was sentenced to 93 days of imprisonment and placed on a 12-month Community Corrections Order last year after pleading guilty to about 50 charges from 2021, involving a spree of hooning, high-speed police pursuits and scamming Government disaster assistance schemes.
His P2 driver’s licence was cancelled for 30 months, commencing from June last year.
Among his new offending was being spotted driving disqualified by a Road Safety Camera in Hampton Park along Pound Road on 8 December 2023. The car had a false number plate and Milkins did not wear a seatbelt at the time.
Milkins was also found guilty of reckless conduct and property damage when he performed burnouts in an unregistered car that caught fire about 4.30am on 15 April in an industrial area in Peet Street Pakenham.
The damage to the road caused by the fire was valued at about $18,000 by Cardinia Shire Council.
Police found videos of Milkins and a passenger engaging in the burnouts during an execution of a search warrant of his home on 9 May.
The police stated that Milkins put his passenger at significant risk of serious injury.
The two fled the car blaze before a passerby called emergency services 20 minutes later.
Milkins later assaulted a female Uber driver. He scratched and caused a small abrasion to the hand
of the driver, took away her car keys without her consent, and recorded a 30-second video of the distraught driver crying for help.
The court also found Milkins had failed to attend six appointments for his community correction order. He often rescheduled and claimed he could not get a lift.
On 1 May this year, he was observed by police to drive a car with an incorrect number plate while he was disqualified after finishing his 30-minute supervision appointment at Pakenham Justice Service Centre.
He then fled away from a police intercept, during which he drove at about 120km/h in an 80km/h zone, and did not slow down when entering a school zone.
The court heard that a neuropsychological report indicated that Milkins had symptoms consistent with ADHD.
The conclusions drawn by the report indicated that the factors in Milkin’s childhood had an impact on his ability to think through the consequences of his offending.
On 28 November, Milkins was sentenced to 15 months. He has already served about five months in pre-sentence detention.
He was further disqualified from driving for three years and fined $4,000.
Dandenong Magistrates Court. (File)
Boneseed in the You Yangs had spread over 405 hectares by 1976. (Supplied: Nick Pitsas CSIRO, CC BY 3.0)
Friends in high places
by Sahar Foladi
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti has attended the launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Albania in Canberra as one of his first formal events since his re-election.
He met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Federal MPs and prominent Albanians across Australia at Parliament House on Monday 25 November.
Memeti says he was “proud” to represent his community in his role.
“It was a great way to celebrate the contribution of Albanian-Australians in the country.
“I was very proud to be there representing Dandenong because our community is a very hard working community over the last 60 years.”
Memeti, also of Albanian descent, has been representing his community through his role as councillor since 2005 and a sixth-time mayor now.
The inaugural event was held ahead of Albanian Independence Day on 28 November.
Bruce MP Julian Hill, Holt MP Cassandra Fernando and Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus were also in attendance.
LOOKING BACK
100 years ago
4 December 1924
DANDENONG SHOW
The 53rd Agricultural Society, which takes place today (Thursday), promises to excel any yet held by the society. The entries which are of a very high standard, are a record. Besides the “legitimate” attractions there will be side shows of all kinds and the demand for space for these have been more than the committee could provide. Mr S.M. Bruce, Prime Minister, has accepted the invitation of the Society to attend and formally open the show, and other prominent visitors will include the President and Secretary of the Royal Agricultural Society, Mr. A Downard, M.L.A (Minister for Lands), and Mr F Groves, M.L.A. 50 years ago
December 1974
CITY OF SIGNS!
Ugh! Says a councillor.
Dandenong could become another sign-infested Nepean Hwy at Elsternwick, the city council was told last week. The comments were made by Councillor Warren Titcher who objected to council approving a 9.75-metre tower for Lonsdale Motors of Lonsdale St., Dandenong. Councillor Titcher’s move resulted in a spirited debate, as the application had originally been approved. but councillor Titcher moved a notice of motion that certain of the company’s signs be approved, but not the tower. The move was defeated with two councillors, Warwick Dilley and Maurie Jarvis supporting councillor Titcher. Councillor Titcher said “we already have a garishness of colors and signs and this area of Lonsdale Street has become a challenge to business houses. They are all trying for bigger, better and brighter signs than their neighbours, We certainly don’t want Dandenong to become a mess .. like the Nepean Highway at Elsternwick.”
“I was told the Prime Minister very rarely attends these functions,” mayor Memeti said.
“He made a speech and mentioned ‘you can’t have an Albanian function without Albanese.’
“He really wanted to be with the Albanian community leaders. It was really good for him to attend the function.”
City of Greater Dandenong ranks the fourth highest council area for Albanian-born residents across Australia according to the 2016 Census Australia.
Brimbank was ranked third, Greater Shepparton second and Whittlesea topped the list.
According to the data, Victoria has the highest Albanian population, including two mayors - Memeti and Greater Shepparton mayor Shane Sali.
With the federal elections fast-approaching, Memeti was able to spruik Greater Dandenong Council’s desire for funds for major capital projects and roads “to give them the heads up.”
No commitments were made however he says consideration will be given to his funding talks as Council prepares their “advocacy packs” to present next year.
“When there’s election time we work very hard at Greater Dandenong Council to get the best results for community.
20 years ago
6 December 2004
Cr attacks mayoral election as ‘a bloody joke’
Bad blood was quick to surface in Labour ranks after Maria Sampey was elected Mayor of Greater Dandenong in a shock result last week. Angry former Mayor, Angela Long, described the election of her Labor colleague as “a bloody joke.” Cr Long said that anybody who had watched Cr Sampey’s
performance at council meetings knew that she didn’t have what it takes to be mayor. Cr Long, who also nominated for the Mayoralty, said, “It’s not sour grapes but I think this will prove the best person should get the job.” The votes of the only two non-Labor members of council, John Kelly and David Kelly, were decisive. Liberal councillor John Kelly nominated, but withdrew before voting when it became obvious, he could not win. “The ratepayers need to realise that the mayor’s job is picked by the local Labor politicians and the councillors
“This time will be no different, we’ll meet up with all members of parliament and candidates before the next election and give our best pitch to all.
“I enjoy a busy year, I want to do as much as I can. I think having connections, working and meeting different politicians - that’s the least we can do.”
According to Memeti, he has secured meetings with federal MPs to communicate about their advocacy together with the council’s chief executive officer Jacqui Weatherill.
He says the council will also give the opposition Liberals and Green candidates an “opportunity” to hear from them.
A sixth-time mayor, this routine is nothing new for Memeti.
As a mayor at the previous federal elections, the Council won $20 million federal funding towards the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre - which is estimated to cost more than $100 million, a major blow-out from $82.3 million in 2022.
The council is expected to award its construction contract for the project in early 2025.
have to toe the party line, or risk being dumped at the next council election,” he said.
5 years ago
3 December 2019
Draft dreams are realised
Four Dandenong Stingrays youngsters have fulfilled their childhood dreams of moving into the AFL after hearing their names called over three nerveracking draft days last week. Stingray Hayden Young was the first to hear his name called at pick 7 to Fremantle. It came as no surprise that the Western Bulldogs snatched Beaconsfield product Cody Weightman at pick 15. At the tail end of the first round, key defender Sam De Koning was called at Geelong’s pick 19. He has become the second sibling to join the AFL after brother Tom went at pick 30 to the Blues in 2017. At pick 54, Richmond made a play for St Kilda NGA (next Generation Academy) player Bigoa Nyuon. The Saints didn’t match the bid which meant the Dandenong Stingray became a Tiger.
Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society
A collective hope for all looking through the Bible
By Roz Blades AM, member of Greater Dande nong Interfaith Network
The old and new testaments are a treasure trove of stories illuminating the path of hope in stark contrast to despite, applying to all faiths, religions and races.
These are the tails of faith, resilience and divine intervention designed to uplift our spirits and remind us of the unfailing love that as a people we should have all for each other.
In these messages of hope, I am putting forward some biblical perspectives.
The New Testament uses the verb Elpizo. Just as the Old Testament emphasizes hope as trust, Paul writes about setting our hope on God.
MESSAGE OF HOPE
A biblical name for hope is HaTikvah.
The Hebrew word for hope has a lot of meaning associated with it (the hope).
Hope that does not disappoint.
An ancient biblical name you don’t hear every day is Chislon, meaning both hope and trust.
The old English word from hope derived from the Middle English hope refers to a positive expectation or to the theological virtue of hope and was used by the Puritans.
Often called the Angel of Divine Visions or The Angel of Hope, Archangel Remiel is a figure of hope, divisions and guidance for souls.
The Story of Job - finding hope in suffering.
The Journey of Joseph.
The Faith of David.
The Healing Touch of Jesus.
The resurrection of Lazarus.
On an individual basis, we all hope for something positive.
Hope that our friend who is not well, is feeling better.
Hope that our children might get a better job or even that our plants will grow a little taller today.
The unfailing daily routine of nature, of sun, wind and water that sustains us brings us hope for the future.
But it is collective hope, the hope that we can all work together to understand, live together and achieve a lasting peace that sustains us all.
• Enquiries regarding the City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network, administration@ interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.
• Visit - interfaithnetwork.org.au/
Mayor of Greater Dandenong Jim Memeti, right, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus in Canberra for the launch of Parliamentary Friends of Albania. (Supplied)
Hayden Young during a best on ground performance for Dandenong Stingrays. He has since kicked on as a key player at Fremantle. (Stewart Chambers: 195934)
Hayden Young soars for a big grab for the Dandenong Stingrays, ahead of being drafted at No.7 in 2019. (Stewart Chambers: 195934)
Compiled
NEWS Terminal moves ahead
By Violet Li
The State Government is going ahead with plans to expand the Port of Hastings for the future assembly of offshore wind farms, despite the Federal Government vetoing the original project in January this year.
On 19 November, the State Government opened the public consultation of the draft scoping requirements of the Environment Effects Statement (EES).
According to the State Government, the purpose of the EES is to provide “a sufficiently detailed description of the project, assess its potential effects on the environment and assess alternative project layouts, designs and approaches to avoid and mitigate effects”.
The scoping requirement sets out the proposed specific environmental matters to be investigated and documented in the EES.
The project, known as the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal (The Terminal), proposes to “develop and operate a facility to serve as a base for the assembly of offshore wind farms” at the Port of Hastings.
According to the initial proposal submitted for the referral of the Department of Environment, it involves 25 ha of vegetation clearing on the existing reclaimed land site, reclamation of 29 ha of seabed for a wharf structure and 92 ha of potential dredging to allow deeper ship access to wharf structure from the existing channel.
It is also proposed that the newly reclaimed land would be formed using the dredged material if feasible and further imported material.
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek rejected the proposal publicly in January this year. In her statement, she said that although detailed project specification and environmental assessment had not been undertaken, she noted and accepted the advice from the department’s Wetland Section Line Area that the information provided was sufficient to conclude that the project was “clearly unacceptable”.
She noted that a large part of the proposed development was within the internationally protected Western Port Ramsar Wetland (WPRW).
“Large areas of the WPRW will be destroyed or substantially modified as a result of direct impacts of the proposed action,” she stated.
“The proposed action is likely to cause irreversible damage to the habitat of waterbirds and migratory birds and marine invertebrates and fish that are critical to the ecological character of the WPRW.
“[It is also likely to cause] adverse impact on the habitat or lifecycle of native species dependent on the wetland, negatively impacting the ecological character of the WPRW and adverse impact on the ecological character of the WPRW is not only likely but unavoidable.”
In the recently published draft scoping requirement for EES, the project still includes land reclamation and dredging to allow for ship access, but the total reclamation size has shrunk to 18 ha, compared with the 29 ha in the initial proposal. The 18 ha reclamation now contains 12 ha for the operational area and approximately 6 ha for a quay apron.
The new dredging area has not been shared in the existing public document.
It is proposed that construction activities are scheduled to commence in late 2027, with the terminal expected to be operational by 2030, two years later than the initial document.
Chief executive officer of the non-profit organisation Western Port Biosphere Mel Barker said the project was still in the beginning process.
“We’re going to need to wait until these scientific studies are completed before anyone can really form a view on whether they are acceptable or not,” she said.
“We’re looking closely at these scoping requirements just to make sure they are doing all the studies that need to be done from that perspective.”
Ms Barker said the organisation strongly supported the accelerated transition away from fossil fuels to renewables, but it needed to make sure these renewables projects were designed and implemented in a way that protected the international significance of Western Port.
“Western Port is an internationally significant wetland in part because of its mudflats,” she said.
“Those mudflats are critical, feeding grounds for thousands of birds, some of which migrate from the northern hemisphere and need that food to survive.
“There are also seagrasses in that part of Western Port which, again, are a habitat for a number of species, but are also part of what is called blue carbon, something that draws down carbon and sequesters it in the muds of Western Port. From a climate perspective, it’s very important.
“Western Port, more broadly, has got a whole range of things. It’s got these mangroves and salt marshes that really protect our coastlines and help with carbon absorption.”
Shadow Minister for Energy, Affordability and
Security, David Davis, said: “It’s clear that now from admissions in their Environmental Effects Statement materials that no work will commence at Hastings until at least 2027 and the plans for Hastings to be operational have slipped right out to 2030.
“Labor is now wedged through their own incompetence, between the closure of a key coal plant in 2028 and delays in meeting their offshore wind targets for 2032.
“The timeline to assemble offshore wind turbines at Hastings is now more than tight, it now looks unlikely, unless Labor sends the work, and jobs offshore, that is out of Victoria.
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage the energy system and Victorians are paying the price.”
A Victorian Government spokesperson said: “We’ve been laying the groundwork for the development of Australia’s first offshore wind industry here in Victoria.
“We continue to work with the Commonwealth Government on the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal and will provide an update on this progress in our next Implementation Statement.”
The draft scoping requirements are open for public comment from 19 November 2024 until midnight on 11 December. Visit: engage.vic.gov. au/victorian-renewable-energy-terminal-eesscoping-requirements
Mangrove forests along the coastlines in Western Port. (Supplied)
Chief executive officer of the non-profit organisation Western Port Biosphere Mel Barker said Western Port was an internationally significant wetland in part because of its mudflats. (Gary Sissons: 442401)
Corridors for koalas
By Violet Li
Moonlit Sanctuary and Western Port Biosphere Foundation officially launched the three-year Koala Corridor Project in November.
A launching ceremony was held on Wednesday 13 November at Moonlit Sanctuary.
The project aims to create corridors of trees to link koala habitats within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These corridors will reconnect fragmented habitats and provide safe pathways for koalas and other vulnerable species to move between areas of bushland.
Moonlit Sanctuary founder and director Michael Johnson addressed the public at the launching ceremony on how important the project would be for the future of koalas in the area.
“We are losing koalas,” he said.
“We’re facing a situation where we’ll lose them entirely if we’re not careful because we’re putting them in smaller and smaller areas of habitat where they become inbred, and the population dies out or there’s just not enough food for them.
“They can’t move around. They’ve got to get across roads.”
According to the project officer Kelly Smith from Biosphere Foundation, the project contains two key components.
The first part, a population survey and research, will involve thermal imaging drones to find koalas and acoustic monitoring to listen out for their sounds to see whether they’re present or absent in an area. Volunteers will also help collect koala scats for future analysis of their DNA.
Ms Kelly said the information gathered would help the project understand how koalas use the landscape, how healthy the koalas are, and give an estimate of koalas across the entire Biosphere Reserve.
The information would help the team better manage the species and help guide them in the other key part of the project: revegetation, she said.
Revegetation efforts will create a big continuous wildlife corridor across the entire Biosphere Reserve, from the Mornington beach across to the Bass Coast. It involves planting trees on private properties with the help of volunteers.
“Koalas and all wildlife need to be able to move through the landscape safely,” Ms Kelly said.
“They need to be able to mix with all the animals and breed with all the animals in different
areas so they can increase their genetic diversity.
“Essentially, this wildlife corridor is safeguarding them for the future.”
A private landowner shared her experience of working with the project at the launching ceremony to encourage other landowners to consider volunteering.
She recollected how she grew up with koalas on the trees in the backyards.
“We planted out an area that was probably almost a third of our property here, which probably would be about three acres. And it was a couple of thousand trees,” she said.
“We’ll lose a certain amount of them, so it’s important that you put many in.
“I was told that in five years, I might have some koalas come and visit and live again. That’s wonderful.
“Hopefully, more people will come on board.”
According to Ms Smith, approximately 8000 trees have been planted for koalas on private properties, between the Mornington Peninsula and Corinella on the Bass Coast by November 2024.
The Koala Corridor Project is calling on the community to support the initiative. In addition to planting trees, the project is looking for volunteers to help survey koala populations, create new habitats on private properties, and raise funds for the project.
Fire restrictions for the southeast
The majority of southeastern municipalities have been named to be subject to fire restrictions as the CFA’s Fire Danger Period (FDP) begins at 1am Monday 9 December.
Applying to the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire Council as well as the City of Greater Dandenong, residents are encouraged to use the remaining time to prepare their properties ahead of the FDP. This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.
The CFA’s southeast deputy chief officer, Trevor Owen stressed the importance of taking early action as conditions continue to dry across the region.
“Now is the time for residents to act by clearing around their homes and ensuring any private burn-offs are completed safely before restrictions come into effect,” he said.
“Even though grasslands might still look green in some areas, the ground underneath is much drier than in previous years, which makes fires more likely to spread.
“After much consultation, there was strong support for introducing the fire danger period now to keep our communities as safe as possible.”
Owen also added that there is a shared responsibility in fire prevention and that “CFA members are ready to respond and support communities as we head into another bushfire season”.
“But we can’t do it alone - fire prevention is a shared responsibility.
“Using common sense and taking proactive steps, like preparing your property and following fire restrictions, are key to reducing the risk of fires.
“These actions can make a significant difference in keeping our communities safe,” he said.
For those who are conducting burn-offs, they
must notify authorities online at the Fire Permit Victoria website, or by calling Triple Zero Victoria on 1800 668 611.
By registering the burn-off online, it allows emergency call takers to allocate more of their time to taking calls from those who need emergency assistance immediately.
Other councils in the southeast subject to the FDP include Frankston Shire Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Bass Coast Shire Council, French Island and the City of Kingston. Also in the list were Baw Baw Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council, Wellington Shire Council, East Gippsland Shire Council and
Arrests after police car rammed
Four people were arrested after a police car was allegedly rammed numerous times in Springvale.
Officers in an unmarked police car spotted an erratically-driven vehicle just before 2am on Thursday 28 November, police say.
The allegedly stolen Mazda CX-9 was followed by police into a dead-end on Maple Street.
The vehicle crashed “numerous times” into the police car and the occupants then fled on foot.
The police car’s officers arrested two men nearby.
Two women were later found during patrols of the area and were taken into custody.
An imitation firearm was found in the vicinity, allegedly dumped by one of the fleeing occupants.
Police say the four in custody will be interviewed about the incident.
Pedestrian killed
An 87-year-old Dandenong man has died in hospital after being hit by a car two weeks ago. Police say the pedestrian was crossing Webster Road, Dandenong when struck by a Honda abut 5.45am on Thursday 14 November. The man was taken to hospital where he later died.
The Honda driver, a 76-year-old Clyde North woman, was uninjured and spoke with police. Victoria Police will prepare a report for the State Coroner.
Factory-fire ‘suspicious’
Police are investigating a suspicious factory fire in Springvale overnight.
Emergency services were called to the two-storey tilt factory on Westall and Centre roads about 11.37pm on Monday 25 November.
FRV firefighters arrived within six minutes to find the 600-square metre building “totally consumed by flames”, an FRV spokesperson said.
The blaze was brought under control at 11.51pm.
“Firefighters gained access to an adjoining factory to assist with operations.
“Crews wore wearing breathing apparatus to conduct an internal attack and extinguish the blaze.”
Victoria Police stated that the fire was being treated as suspicious.
“A crime scene guard is in place and an arson chemist and detectives will attend in the morning,” a police spokesperson said.
City Shire Council.
During the FDP, no burning-off is permitted without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
It must also be noted that lighting fires without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
For more information about FDPs visit www. cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-dangerperiod/fire-restriction-dates or call the VicEmergency on 1800 226 226.
As for the fire permits, they can be applied for at firepermits.vic.gov.au/
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Latrobe
The Fire Danger Period is set to begin on Monday 9 December, applying to the majority of southeast councils. (On File)
Stephen Brend from UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Foundation, Koala Corridor project officer Kelly Smith from UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Foundation, and Moonlit Sanctuary founder and director Michael Johnson at the launching ceremony. (442401)
Moonlit Sanctuary founder and director Michael Johnson and Koala Corridor project officer Kelly Smith from UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Foundation. (Gary Sissons: 442401)
Carols in Harmony Square
A wonderful evening of carol-singing and entertainment with free face painting, children’s activities and food stalls.
■ Friday 6 December, 6pm-9pm at Harmony Square, cnr Walker and Thomas streeets, Dandenong. Free event.
International Day of People With Disability
A community celebration with recreation and craft activities, entertainment, free access to NPAC, a BBQ lunch and accessible parking, playground, gardens and pathways with multiple staff to assist. This event is in partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong, Noble Park Community Centre, Burke & Beyond, South East Leisure, ADEC and RecLink.
■ Tuesday 3 December, 10am-3pm at Noble Park Community Centre and Noble Park Aquatic Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park.
Red Cross Christmas Lunch
Hallam Friends of Red Cross will be having a Christmas lunch. We wish all members of red cross and the community, to enjoy the Christmas sprite with family and friends.
■ Tuesday 3 December, 12pm at Dandenong Workers Club. Details: Robert Read, 0455 566 570.
■ Learn about pioneering women in Greater Dandenong’s history, the less represented voices. Underrepresented Voices in History
Learn about pioneering women in Greater Dandenong’s history, the less represented voices. Speakers include curator/photographer Angela Bailey, and historian Christine Keys. Followed by afternoon tea. This program is presented in conjunction with the We Built this City Exhibition.
■ Thursday 5 December, 1.30pm-4pm at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Places are limited, bookings essential at trybooking.com/events/ landing/1317616
Lexington Gardens Christmas Market
Homemade Christmas ornaments/gifts, baked goods, jams and relishes, jewellery, knitwear, wooden toys made by our own men’s shed, handstitched items, bags and purses and much more. A perfect day to pick up gifts for Christmas.
■ Friday 6 December, 10am-2pm at Lexington Gardens Retirement Village, 114 Westall Road, Springvale. Free entry and parking.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
Community Day and Morning Melodies with The Hoffmans on Friday 6 December. Also meets weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls. Weekly activity times - Line Dancing Mon.10am-12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm-3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am-2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
■ Friday 6 December 10:30am-4pm, includes lunch and afternoon tea. Bookings: Marilyn, 0432 107 590. Details: facebook.com/ groups/487808127399953
Azza Zein: Tashabok
Join us for the opening of Azza Zein’s poignant exhibition, Tashabok. This immersive experience delves into the complex narratives of migration. Through collaborative drawing sessions and conversations, Zein unveils the hidden journeys of displaced objects. Performance by Middle-Eastern music ensemble Tarabeat and Middle-Eastern dishes from AB Bakery’s pop-up restaurant.
■ Saturday 7 December, 6pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets Dandenong. Free event, bookings essential at eventbrite.com.au/e/opening-event-of-azza-zein-tashabok-tickets-1070259287339
Christmas nativity display
The Australian Nativity Scene (ANS) is in its 21st year on display and is regarded as the nation’s best traditional nativity scene. Created by Wilson Fernandez.
■ Monday 9 December - Friday 10 January, 10.30am-8pm (strictly by appointments only, closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day) at St. Elizabeth Parish Church, 107 Bakers Road, Dandenong North. Free event, appointments essential. Details: Wilson, 0428 927 110 or the Parish Office, 9795 6217.
Interfaith Network public tour
The community is invited to attend a guided tour of places of worship in our region. An opportunity to see the diversity within our area, focusing on the religious and faith dimension of multiculturalism.
■ Wednesday 11 December, 8.30am-3pm; $25pp. Bookings essential: City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network, 8774 7662 or administration@ interfaithnetwork.org.au
Laps and Lattes
Every Friday in December in the lead up to the holiday period, we will be running a free walking program. Every participant will also receive a free hot drink at Noble Park Aquatic Centre at the end of each session
thanks to South East Leisure.
■ Fridays 6.30am-7.30am at Ross Reserve Athletics Track, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Free event. Registration is required at surveymonkey. com/r/75Z9LPK
Christmas Giving Drive
Donate new items (toys, books and food) to support people living in poverty. All donations go to local organisations helping the community. All items should be unwrapped. Donations can be made until 15 December.
■ 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/christmas-givingtree
Festive Craft at the Hub
Join us every Wednesday in December for self-guided festive craft sessions. Perfect for all ages, these sessions bring together creativity, fun, and holiday cheer. From ornaments to festive decorations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Parents, stay and share in the joy as you and your kids make seasonal keepsakes together.
■ every Wednesday in December, 10am-2pm at Springvale Community Hub.
Conversation Corner
The Conversation Corner is a safe space to share stories and build new connections. Anyone is welcome to join, no bookings required, and newcomers are welcome anytime.
■ Wednesdays 1pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive. Free event.
All Abilities Garden
Become a part of the team that cultivates our brand new All Abilities Garden. You will plan, grow, and take care of the wonderful garden designed by members of the disability community for people of all abilities.
■ Tuesdays 1pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive. Free event.
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 until 3 December, 5pm-7pm at Lois Twohig Tennis Courts, 80 Carlton Road, Dandenong North. Free event, registration required at forms.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/publicforms/come-and-try-pickleball-registration-form/
Learn from an Employer Online ZOOM sessions for jobseekers to meet local employers and learn about career pathways and required work skills. Topics are 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
We Built This City
Come and see stories behind Greater Dandenong’s favourite heritage places through short videos, historic objects, photographs and oral histories from Council and local historical society collections.
■ Wednesdays and Thursdays (excluding public holidays) until 18 May 2025 at Benga, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Free event.
Sandown Probus
Are you retired or semi-retired and would like to stay engaged and connected with others? Come along and see if you would like to join Sandown Probus Club. Enjoy the opportunity to make new friends, expand your interests, participate in the variety of activities and hear guest speakers on a wide range of subjects.
■ 2nd Monday of each month at Club Noble, Moodemere Street, Noble Park. Details: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/sandown or Marion, 0458 660 016.
Soccer registrations open
Expressions of interest open for new players across all age groups at Springvale City Soccer ClubMiniroos 7-12, Juniors 13-16, Boys and Girls Youth 17-23, as well as mens and womens’ thirds, reserves and seniors. Miniroos and juniors training powered by No Limits Aquila Academy. Details: springvalecitysc.com.au/
Come Dance with Me - Line Dancing Come along and learn tips and techniques to this line dancing activity. Learn it well and learn from scratch from patient instructor. Suitable and tailored for all ages. No partner necessary. Wear casual clothing, bring water bottle, closed shoes and positive attitude.
■ Tuesdays from 5.45pm-6.30pm (school terms only) at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough; $10 prepaid classes / $15 casual attendance - a five-week package that can be repeated. Details: 0412 296 827 or mariepietersz@hotmail.com
Help end youth homelessness
Direct Chemist Outlet and Lighthouse Foundation Join Forces to Help End Youth Homelessness.
As the holiday season draws near, the spirit of giving takes centre stage. For the second consecutive year, Direct Chemist Outlet (DCO) proudly partners with Lighthouse Foundation in their shared mission to end youth homelessness and create brighter futures for vulnerable young Australians.
For over 33 year, Lighthouse Foundation has been providing children and young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness or trauma the support they need to heal and thrive.
Through their evidence-based Lighthouse Model of Care, they create therapeutic homes and deliver support programs to transform young lives. Their Lighthouse Homes, Foster and Family Care and In Community care environments ensure support reaches the children and youth who need it, where they need it, for as long as they need it.
This year, DCO continues its commitment to this cause with a heartfelt initiative to raise funds through the sale of Star Christmas Ornaments ($4.95) and Socks ($14.99), available in stores nationwide. Customers can also make direct donations in-store or online (https://shoutforgood. com/fundraisers/DirectChemistOutlet2024FestiveAppeal). Every dollar from these purchases will be donated to Lighthouse Foundation, ensuring that the holiday spirit reaches those who need it most.
Last year’s fundraiser was a resounding success, raising over $27,000—enough to cover the electricity costs for all Lighthouse homes for an entire year. This tangible impact not only eased the financial burden on the charity but also reinforced the importance of community support in changing lives.
Susan Barton AM, Founder and Director of Lighthouse Foundation expressed her gratitude: “When communities rally together, incredible things happen. Last year, Direct Chemist Outlet and their customers made an extraordinary difference to the lives of the young people we support. Their generosity literally helped us keep the lights on in our homes, ensuring warmth and safety for those who have endured so much. This year, we’re thrilled to continue this partnership and invite Australians to join us in creating change.”
For Direct Chemist Outlet, this campaign is
more than a fundraising effort—it’s a reflection of the company’s core values. “This season is about giving and supporting our community,” said DCO Brand Manager & Creative Director Ryan Fehily.
“Every young person deserves to feel valued and loved, especially during the holidays. By working together, we can make a real difference in their lives”.
Customers can visit their nearest DCO store to purchase a Star Ornament or a pair of Socks, knowing their contribution will help the Lighthouse Foundation continue its life-changing work.
Join us this holiday season to make a difference. Together, we can light the way to a brighter future for these vulnerable young people who need our support.
Direct Chemist Outlet and Lighthouse Foundation join forces to help end youth homelessness.
Charging Chuol set for biggest stage
By Marcus Uhe
Doveton Boxing Club’s rising star Riek Chuol could next year swap the green and white shorts of Doveton for the green and gold of Australia following his latest sweeping success in Canberra late last month.
The power-hitting and prodigious talent is the best amateur boxer in the country for his 57 kilogram weight class after claiming the Australian Elite Men’s title at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) on 23 November after defeating a vastly experienced fighter on points in the championship fight.
After a unanimous decision in the first fight of the weekend, Chuol’s second fight was stopped by the referee late in the first round after a dominant display, booking his place in the final against New Zealand-born Harrison Knew.
Despite having fought in nearly half the bouts of his experienced opponent, and fighting with a broken hand, Chuol showed tremendous grit and determination to have his hand raised by the referee at the conclusion of the bout.
“He won quite convincingly in the final fight against a man who’s had 50 fights and has been boxing for years,” Chuol’s coach at Doveton, Ryan Wilson, said.
“It was tough because Riek was giving (Knew) everything and he just kept coming,
“It was harder - Riek would usually dominate with the younger ones, but he still managed to get it done.
“We knew what his opponent was going to do; come forward, keep coming forward and that’s what he did.
The victorious Redbacks1 squad. (Supplied)
Redbacks1
spin winning web in finals
Congratulations to winners of the Mountain Dart League’s second division, Redbacks1, who completed the 2024 season undefeated.
Next season will see them step up the competition’s premier grade.
The winning squad: Liam Wallace, Jamie Pellegrino, Mick Meredith, Shane Walsh, Paul James, Greg Rondinella, Shaun Price.
“Riek was able to just outscore him and give him a good standing eight-count in the last round.”
The result opens the door for selection to represent Australia at the World Championships in Liverpool, England next year, and adds another layer to his remarkable rapid ascension in the country’s boxing ranks, having made the jump from fighting in the youth age groups to fighting open age, and earning instant success.
So feared and strong is the 19-year-old’s reputation that Wilson has difficulty in finding competitors willing to step into the ring with him, while the experience at the AIS saw him fight in front of a knowledgeable boxing crowd of coaches, competitors and judges, impressed by his appetite to fight and unpredictability.
The result means Chuol finishes the calendar year - one of immense learning and growth - undefeated.
Adapting to the challenge of fighting men for the first time, Chuol won all nine of his fights including the 57-kilogram Elite Open title at the Australian Club Championships in May, and the Victorian Open State Championship in September.
Having all come in his first two-and-a-half years in the ring, Wilson forecasts a bright future for the outrageously talented striker.
“The bigger the prize in front of him, the more this kid matures,” he said.
“We haven’t seen nothing from this kid.
“I was still not fully happy with his performances because I know how much more he can do.
“He rises to the occasion, he’s got the ability.
“He’s very green still, he’s got so much to learn but he’s got a ton of natural athleticism, and he’s got the hunger, he wants to win these tournaments”
Great signings for Thunder
By Marcus Uhe
Dandenong
Thunder’s quest to scale the National Premier League (NPL) Victoria ladder is taking shape through the announcements of some key figures returning to George Andrews Reserve for the upcoming 2025 campaign.
A clutch of first-team regulars from last season have recommitted, including 2024 captain Ali Sulemani, Muamet Selomovski, Lirim Elmazi, Sevdim Ismaili, Mersim Memeti and Daniel Alessi, while a pair of imports will add much-needed flair to the Thunder’s attacking half.
Japanese winger Yuki Uchida will call George Andrews Reserve home after departing Northcote City FC in the Victorian Premier League’s (VPL) top division, while Daniel Clark brings a vast amount of experience as an NPL veteran, with stints at Hume City, South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons in previous years.
It’s the forward half of the pitch that requires the most attention in the offseason as the lowestscoring side in the top flight last season.
Leading the Thunder from the sidelines once again will be Adam Piddick, flanked by senior assistant Andy Elderton and second assistant Ilir Qaniu.
Unlike last season, Piddick will have a full preseason to implement his strategies, plans and ambitions for the Thunder’s future, having only been appointed weeks out from round one last summer due to the sudden resignation of previous coach Sam Elmazi.
Dandenong won eight matches and lost 14 in an inconsistent year that saw it finish 10th, with 28 points from 26 matches.
Thunder’s season begins on Sunday 8 February against Green Gully at George Andrews Reserve, with a standalone edition of the ‘Memeti Cup’ against Dandenong City slated for Saturday 22 February.
A preseason friendly against VPL1 side Kingston City FC on Saturday saw Thunder romp to a comfortable 8-1 win.
By Damien Ractliffe
Superstar Explicit has stamped himself as the sport’s champion greyhound, winning the Melbourne Cup in his penultimate race start to give Team Thompson their fifth triumph in the time-honoured race.
Avoiding trouble at the first turn at Sandown Park, Explicit looped the field and kicked clear down the back, and they could not chase the favourite down.
“I don’t know how he did it; how he whipped around them and got to the front, I can’t believe it,” Luke Thompson said.
He’d won a Temlee, but the big majors had eluded Explicit until Saturday night.
The Melbourne Cup was his second group 1 triumph, adding to a Ballarat Cup, a Shepparton Cup and a Great Chase final.
For Team Thompson, the triumph adds to the wins of Light Of Fire (1994), Got A Moment (2012), Black Magic Opal (2013) and Aston Dee Bee (2017).
He’ll have his final start in the world’s richest greyhound race, The Phoenix, on Saturday 21 December, representing Awesome Lodge.
“This dog from day one, we knew he was a group 1 dog,” Thompson told the Racing. com broadcast.
“We knew he was a group 1 dog from the start.
“When he won the Temlee, everyone expected him to win every race from that point on, but they’re tough races to win, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got box one or eight.
“Anything can happen.
“All we wanted to see was him win a big group 1 … and he’s done it tonight. I’m just so proud of him.
“It’s what we work hard for.
“The Melbourne Cup just has that history and prestige to it, and so lucky to win it four times in the past, and to add a fifth one this year, just so grateful to have these unbelievable dogs.”
Kennelmate Joey The Jet finished second from West Australian raider Miss Envy, with rank outsider Buddy Monelli in fourth.
Schillaci was the hard luck story.
He looked destined to lead into the first turn from box three, but Sunset Frazier was cramped for room on his heels and he tumbled down, interfering with Schillaci.
Sunset Frazier finished the race and was vetted, found to have a sore left wrist.
He will be stood down from racing for seven days.
Epitomize was vetted and had no apparent injury.
Ali Sulemani will lead Dandenong Thunder’s attacking line again in 2025. (Supplied)
Luke Thompson with Explicit after his Melbourne Cup win at Sandown Park on Saturday night. (Supplied: 447275)
Riek Chuol continues to soar through the Australian boxing landscape. (Gary Sissons: 406096)
Coloured clothing returns
By Marcus Uhe
Round eight of the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) Turf competitions will be played as one-day fixtures next week following the abandonment of the first day of the two-day matches on Saturday 30 November.
12 millimetres of rain fell at Moorabbin Airport on Saturday according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s rainfall data, with play abandoned shortly after 9am.
Under the DDCA’s rules and regulations, If play is not possible on the first day of a twoday round the match shall be played on the second day as a one-day match.
The contests are return fixtures from round one, which were also scheduled for 45-over contests, but could not be played due to the “state of many grounds in the City of Greater Dandenong and City of Casey”
In Turf 1, the loser of Narre South’s match with North Dandenong can all-but kiss its chances of playing finals away, and be in the box-seat to suffer the dreaded relegation in February, currently languishing in second-last and last, respectively..
Two of the division’s form sides in Berwick and Hallam Kalora Park, meanwhile, will each be determined to end their opponent’s recent run of winning form when they face off at Arch Brown Reserve.
In Turf 2, no team is in need of six points more than Parkfield, but against the only Turf 2 side to
not lose in the one-day contests to open the season in Coomoora, the task ahead is mighty.
Coomoora’s winning bubble was burst last round by Narre Warren but the Roos appear extremely well suited to the white ball form of the
Marquee signings in DDCA
By Marcus Uhe
There will be a strong smattering of yellow and black across the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) T20 competition this summer with a handful of Richmond stars from Victorian Premier Cricket signed as marquee players across the three grades.
Among the Tigers to take the field is Jonathan D’Rozario, who will return to his junior club and the team his father, Shane won a Wookey Medal for, in Buckley Ridges.
Jonathan was among the HSD squad that reached the final last summer but ultimately fell short in the wake of an excellent performance from Springvale South.
If Buckley Ridges are to advance from the group stage, D’Rozario’s impact will be critical, with the Bucks to face the Bloods again, along with previous champion, Berwick.
Elsewhere, seamer Brendan Rose will represent Turf 2 outfit Coomoora, and Josh Sawrey joins D’Rozario in returning to his junior club, in Turf 3 side Berwick Springs.
Rose had represented Berwick as its marquee last season having won the Turf 1 premiership as a Bear back in the summer of 2019/20.
Sawrey, meanwhile, crossed to Richmond this summer after making his way through the
ranks at Dandenong.
He has hit 122 runs in five innings for Richmond’s second XI thus far.
Springvale South has re-engaged the services of reigning Ryder Medal winner Brett Forsyth, who showed his class with 222 runs last summer in the same competition at the top of the batting order, and will join brothers Cameron and Mitch in red and white.
Despite losing one Premier Cricketer from its T20 ranks, HSD will not enter the competition undermanned, having signed Prahran allrounder Brodie Symons.
Symons has wickets in every match this summer to go with handy contributions at solid strike rates for the True Blues.
Around the competition, Parkfield welcomes back 2022/23 marquee Sachin Halangode, Dandenong West has Mornington Peninsula stalwart Sam Fowler on its books, Silverton has signed the experienced Talwinder Prince, and Beaconsfield welcomes Ryan Adams to the fold.
The DDCA’s T20 competition was scheduled to begin on Sunday 1 December but was postponed due to the weather forecast and heavy rainfall on Saturday 30 November.
The group games have been rescheduled to mid-week fixtures, beginning on Thursday 5 December.
game, particularly if required to defend a total after batting first.
Cranbourne, meanwhile, can put a two-game gap between itself and the bottom four, if it can get the better of a red-hot Narre Warren side at
home.
With the Eagles in fourth, a game clear of fifthplaced Narre Warren, a win will give Cranbourne a two-game cushion heading into the back half of the summer.
Plenty is at stake in Turf 3 with two major contests set to play a major role in deciding the outcome of the top four come season’s end.
The red-hot Keysborough is aiming to turn its four-game winning streak into one of five matches, but faces a side that appears to have discovered itself after a slow start to the summer in Berwick Springs.
The Titans have won their last three and are desperate to make up for lost time after dropping the season’s opening two contests.
At Springvale Reserve, Silverton will be eager to maintain its grip on the top of the table when it faces Lynbrook, while Fountain Gate looms dangerous in third, and will likely keep its strong form rolling against Hampton Park.
Silverton is yet to defeat a side in the top four - losing to Keysborough and splitting the points against Lynbrook and Fountain Gate in rain-affected draws - and need a scalp of quality to legitimise its standing at the top of the tree.
Narre North, meanwhile, has its best chance of securing its first win of the summer against Doveton.
At time of publication, however, more heavy rain is scheduled for later in the week, putting the fate of round eight in jeopardy entirely.
T20 group stages on horizon
By Marcus Uhe
The group stages of the highly-anticipated Dandenong District Cricket Association’s T20 competition will be played on in midweek fixtures over the upcoming three weeks following the postponement of Sunday’s scheduled series of tripleheader contests.
The decision was made on Saturday morning to postpone the contests following heavy rainfall on Saturday 30 November.
The first round of the T20 competition will be played on Thursday 5 December, followed by contests on Wednesday 11 and Wednesday 18 December to round-out the three-match group stage, making for a busy end to the calendar year for DDCA cricketers.
One team advances from each group before the knockout stages begin early next year.
Springvale South won last summer’s competition but fought off a gallant HSD in the final, the Cobras making a run from Turf 2 and acquitting itself extremely well in the decider. GROUPS (Turf competition)
A - Hampton Park (3), Parkmore (2), Lyndale (2)
• Thursday 5 December - Parkmore v Hampton Park
• Wednesday 11 December - Lyndale v Hampton Park
• Wednesday 18 December - Parkmore v Lyndale
B - Cranbourne (2), Fountain Gate (3), Beaconsfield (1)
• Thursday 5 December - Cranbourne v Fountain Gate
• Wednesday 11 December - Beaconsfield v Fountain Gate
• Wednesday 18 December - Cranbourne v Beaconsfield
C - Narre North (3), Narre Warren (2), Coomoora (2)
• Thursday 5 December - Narre North v Narre Warren
• Wednesday 11 December - Narre Warren v Coomoora
• Wednesday 18 December - Narre North v Coomoora
D - Springvale South (1) Berwick (1), Buckley Ridges (1)
• Thursday 5 December - Springvale South v Berwick
• Wednesday 11 December - Berwick v Buckley Ridges
• Wednesday 18 December - Springvale South v Buckley Ridges
E - St Mary’s (2), Doveton (3), Hallam Kalora Park (1)
• Thursday 5 December - St Mary’s v Doveton
• Wednesday 11 December - Hallam Kalora Park v Doveton
• Wednesday 18 December - St Mary’s v Hallam Kalora Park
F - North Dandenong (1), Berwick Springs (3), Silverton (2)
• Thursday 5 December - North Dandenong v Berwick Springs
• Wednesday 11 December - Berwick Springs v Silverton
• Wednesday 18 December - North Dandenong v Silverton
G - Narre South (1), Parkfield (2), Dandenong West (1)
• Thursday 5 December - Narre South v Parkfield
• Wednesday 11 December - Parkfield v Dandenong West
• Wednesday 18 December - Narre South v Dandenong West
H - Lynbrook (3), Keysborough (3), HSD (2)
• Thursday 5 December - Lynbrook v Keysborough
• Wednesday 11 December - Keysborough v HSD
• Wednesday 18 December - Lynbrook v HSD
• *Group letters have been assigned by this masthead and are not official.
Brendan Rose is Coomoora’s marquee player for the DDCA’s T20 competition this summer (Stewart Chambers: 227540)
Springvale South will be hoping to repeat last season’s heroics in the DDCA T20 competition. (Marcus Uhe: 388407)
Hansika Kodikara’s Parkfield is in major need of a win when play resumes next weekend in the DDCA. (Rob Carew: 436983)
Azza Zein | Tashabok
10 December 2024 - 28 February 2025
Exhibition | Workshops |
Azza Zein’s Tashabok is a poignant and evolving exhibition that invites audiences to explore the complex stories of displacement, migration, and the unseen connections between objects, bodies, and labour. The exhibition draws from Zein’s group drawing sessions and conversations with artists and participants, revealing the hidden journeys of displaced objects.
Visit our website to explore the public program ~ greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/azza-zein-tashabok
Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre
Corner of Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong | 8571 5320
Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday | 12pm - 4pm | Group tours by appointment
Image: Azza Zein and partcipants, Tashabok Collaborative Sculpture, mixed media, 2024 (detail)
