Tahlia Rielly and Elias Salas-Miles from Dandenong North were among audience huddling under light rain as they enjoyed bright, festive Christmas Carols on Friday 6 December. Harmony Square Dandenong was filled with a spectacular three hours of song, lights, entertainment and free activities.
(Gary Sissons: 447005)
Once set for the scrapheap, Doveton Pool has now been officially saved.
With a $7.5 million federal injection, the historic pool’s $14.7 million revitalisation is said to be fully funded.
After a fierce community fight to save the venue, now the task is to breathe new life into it.
Currently, the outdoor 50-metre pool set in vast lawns is sporadically open only on 25-de-
gree-plus days from November-March.
On a hot but overcast Friday afternoon last week, few were attracted to the venue. And on Monday (22 degrees forecast) and Tuesday (21 degrees) this week, the gates were closed.
Last summer, there were an average of 136 visitors during 43 days of operation – a figure thought to be dampened by a lack of extremeheat days.
Next year, Casey Council is set to rebuild the outdoor pool and splash pad facilities as part of the redevelopment’s $7.9 million Stage 1. There’s talk of providing slides and toddler pools once again.
Stages 2 and 3 include a possible beach sand pit, plaza, canopy tree planting, upgraded splash pad, playground, outdoor fitness equipment, barbecue, toilets and upgraded pool building.
Casey mayor Stefan Koomen has actively campaigned for saving the facility, including retaining a childrens pool.
“It’s a huge outcome,” Koomen said of the federal grant.
“The funding is there to complete all of the upgrades and make the pool a destination for families.”
More on the story, turn to page 3
As we approach the end of the year and the holiday season, I want to wish everyone a happy and safe festive season. This time of year, reminds me of the values I hold dear: family, community, and connection.
For some, the holidays can be difficult. If you can, consider spreading kindness to those who may be struggling — whether through a kind word, a meal, or simply offering support, these small gestures can make a big difference, and they go a long way to strengthening our community bonds.
There are many local Christmas celebrations across our beautiful City, and I encourage all residents to embrace this time of year, be involved and enjoy the Christmas festivities.
Next year, I look forward to working with the community and Council but until then, from my family to yours, have a wonderful and safe Christmas.
5 January.
To be held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, attendees will be treated to a day filled with fun, free activities for all ages, including the opportunity for a meet and greet with the Melbourne Stars playing squad and signing and selfie sessions.
There will also be a range of food trucks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
For your chance to win a team signed Stars playing shirt, scan the QR code and register for the Family Day.
Customer Service Christmas/ New Year opening hours
Our Customer Service Counters will close at midday on Tuesday 24 December and will reopen on Thursday 2 January.
Our call centre will also close at midday on Tuesday 24 December and will reopen on Friday 27 December, Monday 30 December and Tuesday 31 December between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
If you require any assistance after hours, please call 9705 5200.
Summer Stage returns to the Bunjil Place Plaza from Saturday 11 January to Friday 21 February.
Whether you’re looking to kick back with friends or dive into something new, there’s a wonderful mix of events for all ages, including Sunday Sessions, DJ workshops, and comedy shows.
Families can delight in performances from Emma Memma, The Beanies, and Whistle and Trick, plus circus skills workshops, pop-up playgroups, and the Kids Day Out.
For your chance to win a $300 Summer Stage Summer Pass, visit the Bunjil Place website or scan the QR Code.
With heat waves becoming a regular feature of the Victorian summer, it’s important to plan and consider how you can look after yourself and others when the extreme heat hits.
Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.
For more information, visit our website or scan the QR code.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The once-doomed Doveton Pool in the Park’s future is seemingly assured, with the Federal Government splashing nearly $7.5 million towards its upgrade.
The Thriving Suburbs Program grant means the $14.7 million revitalization appears to be fully funded.
It will enable stages 2 and 3 including a possible beach sand pit, plaza, canopy tree planting, upgraded splash pad, playground, outdoor fitness equipment, barbecue, toilets and upgraded pool building.
There’s also expressed hope of adding a shallow, child-accessible pool to the plans.
Earlier this year, Casey Council fully funded the $7.91 million stage-1 to rebuild the outdoor 50-metre pool and splash pad facilities only and shut down the slides and toddler pools.
At the time, then-administration chair Noelene Duff challenged state and federal governments to “put your money where your mouth is” in order to fund the remaining stages.
In 2021, Casey Council were set to shut down the pool but a fierce community campaign to ‘Save Doveton Pool’ forced a reversal.
Bruce federal MP Julian Hill, who had strongly opposed the demolition, celebrated the project’s revival.
“I’mabsolutelydelightedandproudthatthrough a proper, transparent process that the Federal Government has committed $7.5 million in funding.
“The era of Liberal rorts and waste is over, and it’s a good thing for Australia and our community that funds now flow to the most deserving of projects.”
Casey mayor Stefan Koomen had also actively campaigned for the facility, including retaining a childrens pool, during the recent council election campaign.
“It’s a huge outcome,” Koomen said of the federal grant.
“The funding is there to complete all of the upgrades and make the pool a destination for families.
“As a Doveton resident myself, I’ve been advocating for years to secure the support this facility deserves.”
He thanked Hill for leading the charge to save the pool.
“We didn’t have councillors at the time, and it was he who led this as a local representative.”
This summer, the shallow pools and slides are
shut due to large maintenance and repair costs, he said.
Koomen said it was a “priority” to include a child-friendly pool in stages 2 and 3.
“I’ll be looking at ways to incorporate that into the masterplan. I’ll have more to say about the next steps in the new year.”
From March, stage-1 works will begin on the 50-metre pool.
It’s expected to include environmentally sustainable design features, such as energy capture and recovery, more efficient electric services, and water use and capture systems.
The deep end of the pool – formerly used for diving – would be made more shallow, and hence more heating-efficient.
For the past two summers, Doveton’s outdoor pools have opened on days 25 degrees Celsius and hotter – a concession from the previous 30-degree temperature trigger.
However, attendances were down. In 43 days of operation in 23-’24, there were 5836 visitations – thought to be due to the lack of extreme heat days.
The Doveton Pool was developed in 1968 after a long campaign of community fundraising in response to drownings in Eumemmerring Creek.
Koomen said the upgrade showed a “real commitment” to supporting all parts of Casey including Doveton.
“The Doveton community truly deserves this investment.
“The pool is more than just an asset — it’s a beloved gathering point for residents, and this funding will ensure that locals and visitors will continue to enjoy high-quality aquatic facilities right in their neighbourhood.
“Since joining Council and becoming Mayor, one of my key focuses has been to ensure our community facilities—our assets, the places where we spend time with family and friends—are well maintained and continue to thrive.”
On 4 December, Casey Council also scored $9.22 million Thriving Suburbs Program funding for its Springleaf Active Open Space Development in Clyde North.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the program was about increasing “community cohesion, liveability and accessibility” in urban areas.
“Whether sports clubs, urban precincts or community hubs, community facilities are the backbone of connected societies – and they’re becoming increasingly important.”
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Dandenong North woman has been accused of putting a baby in a plastic bag and throwing him through a bathroom window onto concrete.
Irine Jerotich, 25, briefly faced Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 5 December.
According to charge sheets, she was accused of recklessly putting the infant into danger of death between 29-30 August this year.
Jerotich was also charged with recklessly causing injury to the child.
According to police at the time, the critically-injured newborn was found outside a Dandenong North home in the early hours of 30 August and taken to hospital.
Jerotich was also taken to hospital under police
(On File)
guard, police stated. She remained on bail to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court in February.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A 17-day strike by Woolworths warehouse workers which left supermarket shelves bare across Melbourne has ended.
More than 1500 striking workers across Australia, including those on a picket line outside the main Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC) at Dandenong South, agreed to a revised EA offer from Woolworths on Saturday 7 December.
It came after a Fair Work Commission interim ruling on Friday barred picket lines at Dandenong South, Mulgrave and two other sites.
As part of the ‘indefinite’ strike, United Workers Union members had taken issue with the EA pay offer as well as an “AI-surveillance” and performance target regime described as the ‘Framework’.
UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy said the workers had “saved Christmas” and soon shelves would be full again.
“But more importantly, they have challenged one of the most significant threats to worker safety and well-being as we enter a new AI-surveillance era of work.
“And they have won.”
Kennedy said it had been a “hard struggle” for striking workers who had forgone pay for 17 days.
“Breaking the link between measuring the speed of workers and automatic discipline if they fall behind is a significant achievement of the workers, and a sign that workers will have a say about how work is regulated as we move from the industrial age to the AI digital age.”
According to the UWU, the revised EA states the Framework can’t be used to automatically disciple workers, offers pay rises between 3.15 per cent and 4.5 per cent, improved redundancy entitlements and penalty rates as well as sign-on bonuses of up to $1500.
Woolworths Group chief executive Amanda Bardwell said the company was focused on re-
stocking empty supermarket shelves.
“Turning back ‘on’ such a large part of our supply chain will mean it will take some time for our stores to look their best and we’ll be ramping up as much as we can to get products to the stores where they’re needed most.
“We are pleased to have endorsed offers for new terms and conditions and a competitive wage for our team at our four Distribution Centres that have been subject to indefinite industrial action over recent weeks.
“We would once again like to apologise to
our customers. We know how frustrating it has been to shop in store and online with us in recent weeks in Victoria, the ACT and parts of NSW.” In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Woolworths claimed the dispute had cost at least $50 million in food sales as of 2 December.
By Ethan Benedicto
A new laboratory in Narre Warren will soon provide a boost to not just the City of Casey, but Victoria’s transition to energy-efficient technologies.
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) officially announced on Friday 6 December, the state’s first energy efficiency and appliance safety laboratory.
With its completion date set for 2026, the new lab was part of the $15 million Made in Victoria - Industry R&D Fund, which granted between $250,000 to $2 million to businesses in order to invest and support research and development across key sectors.
It serves as a major building block for the state to reach its emission targets, but most importantly, it also allows families and residents to be a part of that endeavour.
Paul Bonsak, the managing director of IAPMO Oceania, said that the State Government, through “the need for change, the need to reduce our carbon footprint”.
“We need to make sure that by developing new technologies, ensuring the safety of those technologies and their viability, we do testing to ensure the safety of our community, installers, and practitioners.
“This is an opportunity to take new ideas and innovations and ensure safety, but also through the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC), we’re able to take some of this technology and pass that on to training,” he said.
IAPMO, both the global and Oceania branch have a long-standing history of fulfilling the organisation’s role of developing and adapting plumbing, mechanical and other codes to meet the needs of cities and their people.
From writing codes, conducting testing and inspections, and certifications, this new laboratory will see an expansion of the organisation’s current capabilities, catering to more - such is the lab’s name - safe and energy-efficient appliances.
IAPMO Global’s ceo, David Viola, said that seeing such an innovative facility and, along with others, heading the global operation is “extremely exciting”.
Speaking on its origins, he said that it has “cer-
tainly been an evolution”.
“This group of like-minded people from around the world who have major influences on their specific countries came together and shared what was happening from the environment to climate change.
“From the needs of those that are installing, the needs of manufacturers and the pace of evolving technology, it didn’t take long for us to understand the things that were happening here in Australia,” he said.
Viola, collaborating with the World Plumbing Council and individuals such as Shayne La Combre from PICAC, has referred to the lab’s construction as the move towards addressing energy efficiency in their sector.
The organisation’s president, Steven Panelli, was excited to be part of the development and said that while not everything is perfect, the initiative remains a worthwhile contribution not only for Victoria, but also for the world.
“Not everything’s perfect and anybody that says so is lying to you, you’re never going to get a hundred per cent,” he said.
“But what you can give back is a step to save our planet for everybody that’s younger.
“My grandkids, twins, it’s for them to see what we’re trying to leave behind, see what we’re trying to do for testing and having people understand what the benefit is, and I think that’s the big push.
“It’s not so much as saying, ‘look what you’re going to save in money’ or ‘look at what you’re going to save in your energy’, it’s more of ‘look at what you’re giving back to the earth, the community, look at what you’re trying to sustain, to make things better’.”
Narre Warren South MP, Gary Maas is eager for the completion of the lab, adding that the State itself is “very keen to move towards zero emissions”.
Job creation was another aspect he touched
on, but also another environment for learning, research and development.
“It’s a terrific facility and the Government Research and Development Infrastructure Fund is there for that reason,” he said.
“It not only fuels that research, that innovation, it also creates jobs for our young people.
“It’s terrific for Narre Warren in terms of job growth, but it’s terrific for the environment as well and it helps us reduce our carbon footprint in Narre Warren and gets us closer to that zero emissions target a lot faster.”
The government’s manager of innovation, industry and research and development infrastructure fund, Elizabeth Young, was also present during the event.
Briefly, she touched on the importance of the fund, and how it can “accelerate projects like this laboratory”.
“In new energy, health technology, food manufacturing, defence and aerospace,” she said.
Touching on the importance of sanitation, Bonsak emphasised the importance of proper plumbing, as well as utilising existing and developing technologies to cater to those who need access to them the most.
“I’m very excited about all this, we’ve outgrown our facility so this will give us the opportunity to expand into all the areas of plumbing,” he said.
“Not only gas and lead, but other areas and we’ll be able to service the whole industry and new technologies in energy efficiency.”
By y Sahar Foladi
Springvale Dandenong Masters Athletics Club has taken out top honours at Monash Health’s annual Health Promotions Awards.
Recognised in the Sports Club category, club president Claudio Riga has focused on injury prevention, cultural inclusion, and providing healthier food options as well as organising weekly events and other initiatives like the healthy-eating handicap sprint where nutritious hampers are awarded to winners.
Mr Riga ,now in his 70’s, became involved with the club 15 years ago through a random chat with a stranger on a weekend morning.
“One of the members back then was going for a Sunday run. I was doing the same, we had a chat and I ended up going to the venue in Springvale.
“He was doing his thing, and I was doing mine.
We got talking and that’s how it started.”
He joined the club as a member and found himself involved in different activities, sprinting, short and long-distance running, and stretches.
Now he manages the club and organises all of its local and even state events.
He worked as a consultant engineer and ran his own business before he sold it. He decided to keep his fitness up in his 50’s and he hasn’t looked back ever since.
“I love it. I don’t feel 70, I feel 30 and I’m doing all the activity that a fit 30-year-old would do. I’m not as fast but the workout is similar.
“It makes you very fit, without having to do great things - just be involved and compete at your own level.”
Since then, he has run eight Melbourne marathons, being the top 3 per cent nationally for his over 60’s age group with a best time of three hours
and 52 minutes.
He introduced healthy eating after a completion of a course with Monash Health during the Covid-19 lockdown substituting sugars and other unhealthy items with vegetable and fruits.
“Healthy food is not easy for people to do. Now we are at a stage we hardly have any unhealthy food like chocolates, it’s mainly dips and carrots. It’s simple but healthy.”
As he joked about members getting a bite or two of sugary items at home and other places, the reductions of unhealthy food in the club have become a role model for other clubs to follow especially during special events where the “word gets around.”
The club is a welcoming space for 30-year-olds and above from every ability.
Participants can compete at their own level.
Crafts, live music and foods were part of an International Day of People With Disability celebration in Noble Park on Tuesday 3 December.
Noble Park Community Centre and Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC) teamed up for the carnival event, which included free access to NPAC.
Among the guests were music group Beyond Rhythm, a troupe of performers with disabilities who regularly rehearse at Springvale Community Hub.
They are also supported by disability support provider Burke and Beyond.
Artist Molica Silk, who recently exhibited at the community centre, led a Christmas-card making workshop.
Her brightly-coloured exhibition My Half Brain followed two major brain surgeries to stop a severe form of epilepsy.
As a result, Silk lives with only half a functioning brain, half peripheral vision, and other complex needs.
Mulgrave MP Eden Foster and Greater Dandenong councillors Phillip Danh and Melinda Yim also attended.
Greater Dandenong Council, South East Leisure, Burke and Beyond, ADEC and RecLink were partners in the event.
By Violet Li
A South East local has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship to research and implement proven youth crime prevention strategies from leading police jurisdictions.
The Churchill Fellowship gives recipients up to eight weeks to immerse themselves in international best practices, gathering firsthand experiences and knowledge from around the globe.
Victoria Police Sergeant Trent Delaney of South East will use the fellowship in early 2025 to go to eight countries in northwestern Europe that operate with a minimum age of criminal responsibility above Victoria’s.
“I’ll work with different units at different areas during the week in each country just to observe what they’re doing, how they’re doing it, and then bring
that back here to hopefully implement in Victoria so that we can get the early intervention nailed so that it prevents more children and young offenders into that mode of serious and violent crime,” he said.
“And when they get there, how do we manage them effectively out of it and provide pathways away from that offending?
“We’re very good at arresting people in Victoria. We’ve had 3000-plus arrests this year in Victoria of youth offenders because of Trinity Alliance. And they keep doing it. Recidivism is really high.
“I want to find out how we stop it both before and after the events.”
Prior to the fellowship, Trent travelled to Denmark and Germany last year to investigate how their policing jurisdictions were contributing to the crime reduction effort and the subsequent reduction in overall offending by children and youth.
The trip brought up more questions for Trent, which eventually led him to apply for the Churchill Fellowship 2024.
He observed that Denmark had a really good preventative system for youth.
“Police over there are really well-educated identifying risk factors of young people that contribute to offending,” he said.
“Police will walk into a house of a family violence matter. They will see a 10-year-old, and they will look at their surroundings. And if there’s anything in there that’s not socially accepted or that could be seen as a risk to that young person, it gets identified at the age of 10.
“Andthenexternalservicesdotheirthing.Howdo we stop that negative environment that young people have? Because research suggests that those environments contribute to offending. It’s no secret that kids
Disruptions are expected for the Cranbourne and Pakenham services as part of ‘dress rehearsals’ for the impending Metro Tunnel.
Over the next two weekends (7-8 December and 14-15 December), passengers will need to change trains at Caulfield station.
Services will also be impacted between 2 and 11 January, resuming to full services for the Australian Open on Sunday 12 January.
Further disruptions are expected in the first half of 2025.
During the trial-operations stage, more than 100 real-life scenarios will be simulated in the twin nine-kilometre Metro tunnels and stations, including evacuations, intruder detections and power outages.
Station staff, operators, maintenance staff and drivers will be involved in rehearsing the scenarios including the opening and closing of each of the new stations and managing major incidents. Services through the tunnel and out to Cranbourne and Pakenham will also be trialled.
“It’s going to be a huge summer of works as crews prepare to open Metro Tunnel next year –a vital project for Victoria, that will reduce travel times and improve connections,” Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said.
When the Metro Tunnel opens next year, Cranbourne/Pakenham Line trains will no longer run through the City Loop but instead run through the new tunnel and five new underground stations.
Passengers will be able to interchange between the Metro Tunnel and City Loop at Town Hall (to Flinders Street) and State Library (to Melbourne Central) via underground pedestrian connections.
Cranbourne/Pakenham passengers will have direct rail access to University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum
Cancer Centre – as well as the St Kilda Road employment precinct for the first time.
Test trains have travelled more than 38,000 kilometres since testing began over a year ago.
Three of the Metro Tunnel’s five new underground stations – Arden (in North Melbourne), Parkville and Anzac (on St Kilda Road) – are finished, after more than six years of construction.
Construction continues on the remaining two stations – Town Hall and State Library on Swanston Street in the CBD.
The Metro Tunnel is the biggest upgrade of Melbourne’s underground rail network since the City Loop opened in 1981.
with a really good upbringing generally don’t offend.
“So quite often, police are the first responders in relation to identification of risk factors of young people when they’re 10. If we can train our police here to identify that really early and then pass that information collaboratively to our partners, then they can get in there and do their work before the offending even happens.”
As for Germany, Trent said police there were very good at managing serious and violent crime offenders who were already heavily entrenched in offending.
Ever since Trent’s visit to Denmark last year, some strategies he investigated have been implemented within current initiatives being utilised by Victoria Police to combat the sharp rise in crime caused by youth and children.
He is looking forward to his study next year.
Fifty-seven drink drivers and nine drug drivers have been detected in a two-night police operation on Monash Freeway.
Police also impounded 13 vehicles during the driver-testing blitz dubbed Operation Colossus on 29 November-1 December.
There was a particular spike in impaired driving between 3am-5am, Inspector Rodney Maroney from Victoria Police’s Southern Metro Division 3 said.
“To detect so many impaired drivers in two nights on a major Melbourne freeway is extremely concerning.
“This indicates to us that there are still far too many people opting to drink alcohol or take drugs and then drive – this demonstrates a complete disregard for not only your own safety, but the safety of your passengers and all other road users.”
There were 25 impaired drivers caught during 3am and 5am on Saturday morning compared to three impaired drivers between 11:30pm and 3am.
Similarly, there were a further 31 impaired drivers caught during 3am and 5am on Sunday morning, compared to seven impaired drivers between 11:30pm and 3am. Police also detected nine disqualified or suspended drivers and issued one infringement for failing to accompany for a breath test.
Victoria Police is warning motorists there will be a focus on drink and drug driving in December and January, including a major road policing operation next week.
“We’ll continue to be out conducting alcohol and drug testing anywhere, anytime – so if you think you won’t be caught, think again,” Insp Maroney said.
“We need all road users to completely separate these behaviours – alcohol, drugs and driving don’t mix.”
First time offenders who are fully licenced and over 26 years caught with a blood alcohol limit between 0.05 and 0.07 receive a $593 fine and an immediate three-month licence suspension.
The penalties increase substantially for those under 26 years of age, those required to have a zero blood or breath alcohol level, those caught for second or subsequent drink driving offences, and those caught over 0.07 or above.
Meanwhile, work on the Pakenham Roads Upgrade will continue to widen the ramp from McGregor Road onto the Princes Freeway.
The McGregor Road citybound entry ramp to the Princes Freeway citybound will be closed from Tuesday, 14 January until early March.
The Princes Freeway citybound will also be closed between Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road and McGregor Road for one weekend in late February to allow crews to complete wearing course and line marking works as part of Stage 2 of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade.
Detours will be in places and motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.
Penalties include larger fines, longer licence suspensions, alcohol interlocks, attendance at court and jail time for the most serious offences.
Exceeding the prescribed concentration of drugs while driving carries a $593 penalty and a six-month licence suspension.
Operation Colossus was conducted by Southern Metro Division 3 Highway Patrol, with support from uniform members, State Highway Patrol and Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section.
Under stormy skies, the annual Christmas carols concert in Harmony Square hit an uplifting note. The packed program on Friday 6 December included entertainers David Zhang, With One Voice choir, We Bethel Newlife Christian Fellowship, Frankie Davis Jr and Greater Dandenong Brass Band.
Upper Room Wesleyan Methodist Church Band, Holly Belles and Mary Ann Van Der Horst also performed.
There were also free activities such as naturecraft Christmas decorations, Santa visits, roving entertainers and storytime sessions.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Isaac Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan has accused sitting MP Mark Dreyfus of ushering in a “toothless” anti-corruption commission.
Dreyfus has held Isaacs since 2007, on a comfortable margin of nearly 7 per cent at the previous election.
With a recent electoral distribution, the seat is nominally safer for the Labor Party, Kirwan says.
Its boundaries now absorb more of ALP-leaning Greater Dandenong, including Kirwan’s home suburb Noble Park, Dandenong West, Keysborough and Springvale South.
However voters are feeling “dissatisfaction” and “disappointment” against the Federal Government and its lack of “meaningful action”, Kirwan says.
An example is Dreyfus’s “tepid” and “toothless” National Anti-Corruption Commission, initially reluctant to investigate the Robodebt scandal or to conduct public hearings, he says.
“They’re more concerned with managing perceptions than solving people’s problems.”
Similarly, Kirwan accuses the Government of only taking “baby steps” on creating more social housing - despite the acute need.
Kirwan’s election agenda includes a “fairer tax system” to solve rising inequality and the cost of living, as well as “affordable homes”, “quality public services” and renewable-energy
investment.
Public mental health and dental care at Dandenong Hospital is “severely under-funded”, with public dental “rationed” to children and concession-card holders, he says.
“But even then they have an average waiting time of 641 days to wait – not a practical alternative.”
The delays were causing “potentially preventable hospitalisations” – the highest rate being children aged 5-9 years he said.
“By having a fairer tax system we can fund things we all need, like dental and mental health into Medicare and make sure you can see the GP for free - making a real dent in the cost of living.
“It’s a community where there is a significant disadvantage. We need a future where no one is left behind and everyone can access affordable homes and quality public services.”
He says many in Isaacs are “personally affected by the Palestine situation or are people seeking asylum living in community detention”.
“Only the Greens are serious about global justice issues and stand by the oppressed.”
After eight years as a councillor, Kirwan works in “policy and project management roles” in state and local government. He grew up in Keysborough and lives in Noble Park with wife Jenny and two daughters.
Advocacy group Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) has launched its Federal Election priority-project wishlist including affordable housing projects, a Thompsons Road upgrade and a new international airport.
At the launch at Knox Civic Centre on 4 December, GSEM chair Simon McKeon said the Federal Government had a “critical role” to ensure the South East met its full potential - which was as “one of the nation’s great engine rooms for employment and growth”.
“South East Melbourne is one of the fastest growing parts of Australia’s fastest growing city,” McKeon said.
“Few other parts of Australia can boast the diversity, productivity and promise of our region.
“With the greater South-East’s population forecast to surge past two million next decade, it’s crucial we make the most of existing infrastructure and services while also planning and building for the future.”
Under a motto of improving jobs, skills, housing and liveability in the South East, the ‘policy and investment blueprint’ includes:
- Making the South East a pilot zone for a government-backed loan scheme to fully electrify
homes
- $20 million to develop social and affordable housing projects
- Expand the Dandenong Employment Hub across neighbouring regions
- Expand the Young Mothers Transition Program to overcome barriers to education and employment
- $5 million for start planning an international airport near Koo-wee-rup
- Boost the road, rail and active transport network
- Develop ‘net zero precincts’ to “turbocharge” the shift to a net-zero emissions economy
- Planning for Caulfield-Rowville ‘trackless rapid transport’ system
- $15 million funding for a major project business case to upgrade and extend Thompsons Road Also at the launch were representatives from GSEM’s eight member councils including City of Casey, Shire of Cardinia and City of Greater Dandenong as well as employers and community groups. On the GSEM board are McKeon as well as former Liberal and Labor MPs Margaret Fitzherbert and James Merlino.
By Ava Cashmore and Cam Lucadou-Wells
Cranbourne East uItra-runner Byron Lester’s latest challenge was nearly a step too far.
The confident athlete prides himself on his big endurance engine and appetite for pain. And wanted a difficult challenge that would “strip me down raw”.
But he says he underestimated the peril of running a 42 kilometre marathon while inside an altitude chamber on 30 November.
Set at an altitude of up to 3500 metres – half the height of Mt Everest - the Frankston gym’s chamber made breathing like “sucking oxygen though a straw”.
Building on a year of training, Lester said he felt fine at the two-hour mark.
But from four hours, he suffered headaches, fatigue, disorientation and stomach.
He kept going for a staggering six-and-a-half hours, while his blood-oxygen levels were monitored in case they dipped below a dangerous 70 per cent.
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“It was like the chamber attacked my brain and body.
“I didn’t know if I could keep going. To be honest I don’t know how I did it.
“I’ve never felt worse – I felt like I was in hell.”
Nearly a week later, he still hadn’t fully recovered his breath. It took a few days for the headaches to ease.
“I’ve ticked that box now, I’m glad I did it but I won’t be going back.
“It’s too dangerous to your health – I could have easily got brain damage or fluid on my lungs.
“I was on a knife’s edge.”
To his knowledge, no one in Australia had ever completed the feat.
What helped Lester complete the marathon was that he was raising funds for depression charity Beyond Blue’s 24/7 mental health support hotline.
Having struggled with depression himself, he says the cause is close to his heart.
For him, it was running that helped him get out of that depression “hole”.
“I had no energy, and there was just complete numbness, like nothing mattered,” he says of the illness.
A Dandenong school and a retirement village share a moving 30-year tradition of line-dancing.
Emerson School staff and students and Valley Village Mews residents gathered for line dancing, a concert and lunch on Thursday 29 November.
At the event was one of the original line dancers Gwynne Kett, who turns 100 on 1 February.
Another former line dancer Renice Thomson travelled from Strathmerton to enjoy the concert and reconnect with old friends.
During the get-together, residents danced alongside Emerson’s students and staff.
This was followed by a concert by Senior School VPC Performing Arts students.
Valley Village Mews manager Joseph Bailouni presented Emerson campus principal Dianne Wright with a generous donation of $970 for the school.
The money was raised from village residents, who donate each fortnight for their line dancing lessons, and from concert spectators.
“Emerson School deeply appreciates the residents’ generosity and kindness over the past 30 years,” Ms Wright said.
“In a world often overshadowed by unrest and angst, this special relationship is a beacon of light.”
“It’s not some magical force, it’s a medical condition”.
In combat of this condition, Lester began to use his ultra-running as a way to improve his mental health.
“I’ve been doing ultra-running for 10 years -and I’ve realised that I can use my capacity to endure long distances to give back.”
In support of Beyond Blue, Lester last year ran 144 kilometres in 24 hours at the Yu Yangs, followed by a 70-kilometre trek along the Surf Coast. Every $48 raised provides a critical lifeline, connecting someone in crisis to a trained mental health professional.
To support Byron’s marathon at altitude, donations can be made directly to Beyond Blue or https://team.beyondblue.org. au/outandbackonthelarapintatrailforbeyond blue?fbclid=PAY2xjawGY0mhleHRuA2FlbQ IxMQABpoTOZN77YBgUR5hkUXm_S2CSFg9XjGMbtfMdRzQVZjE_Du78S_9PfMHs1Q_ aem_2odo74V9u1Xri8zplrV0Bw
Six men have been charged over the alleged theft of more than $320,000 worth of alcohol from stores across Melbourne, including Doveton.
Police say the men were working as part of a syndicate where some would steal from stores while others waited in a vehicle outside.
Stolen liquor was allegedly sold for profit.
Police arrested a man after being alerted by staff at a Thomastown liquor store on Mahoneys Road on Wednesday 20 November.
The 26-year-old from Truganina was charged with 68 offences including the theft of $76,000 worth of alcohol.
He is due to appear in Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 4 February.
Concurrently, a vehicle of interest in relation to ongoing thefts was intercepted in Mulgrave.
A 30-year-old man behind the wheel allegedly tested positive to methylamphetamine.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 40 bottles of alcohol as well as two shopping baskets from a liquor store.
It will be alleged the alcohol found in the vehicle had been stolen from liquor stores in Doveton and Rowville.
Police will allege the driver, from Truganina, is one of the leaders of the syndicate.
He will be charged on summons with 23 offences including the theft of more than $18,000 worth of alcohol. Also arrested were his passengers, comprising of:
• A 39-year-old man from Wollert – who is also an alleged leader and recruiter of the syndicate – will be charged with 22 offences, including the theft of more than $95,000 worth of alcohol. He has been remanded to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 4 December.
• A 30-year-old man from North Melbourne will be charged with 30 offences, including the theft of more than $42,000 worth of alcohol. He is due to appear in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 27 February.
• A 29-year-old man from Truganina will be charged with 17 offences, including the theft of almost $40,000 worth of alcohol. He was bailed to appear in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 24 February. Another member of the alleged syndicate – a 23-year-old man from Craigieburn – was arrested on Friday 22 November and charged with 36 offences including the theft of $57,000 worth of alcohol. He was bailed to appear in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 27 February.
By Violet Li
An estimated one hectare of vegetation has died after a pipe burst at a South East landfill, leaking leachate into a neighbouring property.
Winsome Anderson’s farmland abuts the east side of the Hallam Road landfill in Hampton Park.
Her son Lindsay Anderson, also the owner of the land, said he was notified by the landfill operator Veolia on Monday 25 November about a burst of a leachate pipeline along the southeast side of the landfill.
The farmer then found out that almost one hectare of the vegetation along the boundary was visibly killed and a stinking smell remained in the air.
“They [Veolia] should have installed the pipework in such a way that it’s contained to their property,” Mr Anderson said.
“What we are doing on our farming land is required to stay within our property boundaries.
“The landfill gas and leachate are exactly the same. It’s meant to stay within their property boundaries.”
Mr Anderson described the leachate leakage smell as “rotten”, “disgusting”, “toxic”, and “a disgrace to the environment”, even as the recent rain had aerated the smell a bit.
Leachate is the liquid that drains from landfills, where it results from rainwater or moisture interacting with decomposing waste.
Leachate can contain a wide variety of contaminants, including organic matter, heavy metals, pathogens, and chemicals, depending on the composition of the waste.
A spokesperson of Veolia said: “On Monday 25 November, our team followed emergency protocols to immediately shut down a pipeline after a
broken fitting caused leachate to go into a neighbour’s property.
“We immediately notified EPA Victoria and the neighbour.
“Following the repair of the pipe on the same day, we commenced an urgent investigation into what caused this one-off event, and we began to assess the neighbouring property.
“There was no harm caused to people and preparation works to fully clean up and remediate the affected area are underway.”
The Anderson family brought the landfill operator to the Supreme Court last year, claiming that Veolia breached its operating licence and general environment duty, as the tip’s landfill gas had migrated to their property and exceeded safety benchmarks at the boundary.
In a decision in July this year, the Supreme Court accepted the two breaches.
Mr Anderson said the family was not happy about this latest leachate incident, especially given what had happened in the Supreme Court.
Looking back, the tipping point for the Supreme Court case is that the pollution from the tip hindered the potential horticultural development of the land, according to the Anderson family.
When the family applied to Casey Council for a planning permit to develop horticulture on their land in September 2020, Casey Council required an environmental audit that included the design of an “in-ground pathway intervention structure at the boundary of the landfill to address the changing risks of LFG”, which the family believed would cost “a considerable amount of money…without first having the security of a planning permit”, the court heard last year.
Mr Anderson said before the application for horticultural development in 2020, they used to
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater Dandenong Council has stumbled in its latest step to strike out I Cook Foods’ ‘slug-gate’ lawsuit against the council.
On 5 December, the council was refused a subpoena bid in the Victorian Supreme Court to access ICF’s ‘privileged’ legal advice ahead of an appeal hearing.
As a result, Greater Dandenong was ordered to pay ICF and director Ian Cook’s legal costs.
Victorian Supreme Court judicial registrar Deirdre McCann ruled the council’s application as “impermissible fishing”.
She found Greater Dandenong “failed to describe with precision” how the sought documents would be used on appeal.
“I find also that it is not on the cards, that is, there is no reasonable possibility, that the production documents would assist the defendants.”
In August, Supreme Court associate justice Caroline Goulden had dismissed – with costs -the council’s application to throw out ICF and Cook’s lawsuit.
Greater Dandenong is appealing the August decision.
The Dandenong South commercial caterer was shut down by health authorities as part of an investigation into a listeria-infected patient’s death at Knox Private Hospital in 2019.
In its lawsuit, ICF alleges malicious prosecution by the council and two officers Leanne Johnson and Elizabeth Garlick in charging ICF and Cook with 96 food-safety offences that were later withdrawn.
It also alleges public misfeasance against the council and officers in their inspections of ICF and ensuing prosecutions.
Among its claims are that inspector bodycam footage was altered and that a slug was planted in the factory by an inspector.
In its submissions in August, Greater Dandenong had argued that the lawsuit was an abuse of process – after ICF and the council had reached an out-of-court settlement for a previous malicious prosecution claim.
The council was seeking a waiver to accessing ICF’s “privileged” legal advice, claiming that ICF had “tactically” settled to pursue its misfeasance case solely against the State of Victoria.
After that case was concluded last year, ICF launched its new lawsuit against the council soon afterwards.
raise cattle on the land, but the stray rubbish from the landfill was harmful to their cows.
Mr Anderson spoke with Star News in March 2018, saying the rubbish from the landfill had escaped the tip’s six-metre litter screens regularly over the past 18 months.
He said then at least one of his cows had died from ingesting the plastic litter.
Later, the Anderson family stopped raising cattle on the land.
The land has been sitting empty for about four to five years.
Now with the leachate leakage, Mr Anderson said they would be in big trouble if this happened with their cattle.
“This is one of the reasons why we can’t have cattle here. They could go up and smell it and just get crook from it because they don’t know what it is,” he said.
“If they happen to drink it, they’d be very sick.
“Cattle are not stupid either. They probably might want to stay away, but they are inquisitive. They’ll come and sniff and do all sorts of things.”
A spokesperson of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) said the incident was reported to EPA late on Monday 25 November and their officers attended the site the next day.
“The spill was contained to the neighbouring property and no local waterways were impacted,” they said.
“The investigation will focus on whether the company breached any of its licence conditions.
“EPA has issued the company with a notice to investigate the impact of the spill and clean up the land.
“Our own investigation will focus on whether the company breached any of its licence conditions.”
A Dandenong South plumbing firm and a construction company have been charged after a worker was crushed by an elevated work platform at Melbourne Airport.
Cormack’s Plumbing Services Pty Ltd faces two charges of failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace.
In July 2023, the worker was seriously injured when he was allegedly crushed between the rail of the elevated work platform and an overhead pipe while doing plumbing work at an under-construction warehouse.
WorkSafe alleges that the elevated work platform did not have secondary guarding installed.
Texco Construction (Vic) Pty Ltd was also charged with failing to ensure a workplace under its management or control was safe and without risks to health.
The matters are listed for committal mention at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 28 February.
A futuristic underwater drone designed to identify and protect areas of seaweed under attack from sea urchins has won a national Young ICT Explorers award.
The annual competition encourages secondary school students across Australia to solve realworld problems using technology and their own ingenuity.
Haileybury students Taj and Cooper won the national final after also winning the Victorian final in the Years 7 and 8 division.
The creative duo designed a drone to protect seaweed which is capable of absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide.
Sea urchins destroy this vital natural resource and the underwater drone designed by Cooper and Taj detects where seaweed is under threat.
“Seaweed can be the crucial factor to help save the world from the extreme levels of carbon dioxide in our air – it can take in carbon dioxide
100 years ago
11 December 1924
SHOW OPENED BY PRIME MINISTER
“A day out of the box” was the remark of more than one present at the annual Show of the Dandenong Agricultural Society on Thursday, when referring to the weather, and their opinion was universally endorsed. Conditions were in great relief to those which have been unpleasantly in evidence for many months. The day was clear and sunny, though at times rather warm, there was a pleasant breeze all day, and no one complained. The Show grounds are convenient to the town and in a very picturesque situation and the shade of the numerous large trees round the main arena was appreciated by many. The country was looking its best, and the surroundings were vividly green and very refreshing to the sight. Record exhibits and stands occupied by “side shows” of every kind where patrons could see horses, sheep, sprightly girls of 30 stone weight, performing bears, foxes, monkeys and mules. There was also a publican’s booth, afternoon tea, soft drinks, fruit and lolly stalls.
50 years ago 12 December 1974
CITY’S WATER ‘IS OK’
Fluoride is on the way, too.
A claim that part of Dandenong’s water supply is not up to world health standards has been denied by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. The claim was made by Mr Amos, MLA for Morwell. He claimed 70 towns serviced by the State Rivers and including Dandenong, Cranbourne, Hampton Park and Narre Warren as “not meeting the bacteriological requirements of international standards for drinking water”. The claim has been denied by the Secretary of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. Meanwhile, the commission’s water supply in Dandenong will soon have fluoride added. Council was told it could do nothing
quicker than most trees,” say the students.
Haileybury students took out the top- three places in the Victorian finals in the Years 7 and 8 Division and won the Young ICT Explorers Sustainability Prize.
Other winning Haileybury projects included second-place-winning AI glasses that use a camera to recognise Auslan sign language and translate it.
A game called Lift that helps young girls manage emotions and stress came third.
“In Lift, the player jumps around and occasionally answers questions that encourage them to think deeper about their feelings and how they can cope with negative emotions,” say its inventors Sherry, Elena, Ara, Zarah and Ella.
“At the end of the game the player will be given a file that includes all their answers.
“By recording and organising their thoughts and answers into a cohesive document, we hope
to support girls in deal with stressful situations and problems.”
The Sustainability Prize was awarded to Haileybury students, Advait and Seyon, who are creating an AI system to scan discarded technology at recycling plants. It finds lithium components that can be recycled.
The school has competed in the Young ICT Explorers awards since 2013 and has won 35 state awards and six national awards.
“We have many eager and curious minds driven by a desire to make the world a better place through technology,” Haileybury digitech explorers coordinator Damien Del Vecchio said.
“I love witnessing their ‘eureka’ moments –that point when their projects start to come together. Their creativity and determination inspire me every year.”
to oppose the move – should it wish to so – as it was a Government decision.
20 years ago 13 December 2004
It’s no porky, this is the best place in the world
Though a large part of Greater Dandenong’s population comprises people who originally come from England and Scotland, there are few meeting places where they can gather and reminisce about their homeland. Which could be one of the reasons that Rob’s British Butchers in Lonsdale Street has become the unofficial meeting place for people from
the small island off the coast of Europe. He makes fresh pork pies every day, putting out 500 per week, He also makes pork sausages by the tonne, which are a favourite at 20 Melbourne hotels including the Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt. Larger than life, and the epitome of an English butcher in his long apron, Rob Boyle has been named Victoria’s sausage king five times. In the butchering trade since the age of 16, he moved to Australia in 1984, the year after he married wife Jill.
5 years ago
10 December 2019
Swim-school’s new splash
After 20 years of providing beginners with lifelong swimming skills, the owners of Dandenong’s North Lodge Swimming Academy are gearing up for their deep-dive into retirement. Leanne and Colin Byron have made their splash in the swim teaching industry after taking over from Jim and June Doherty, who first established the school in 1966. “When looking for new owners it was important to us to find an experienced operator who would embrace what North Lodge represents to the community.” New owners Diana and Ben, will operate North Lodge as under its new name, Splash’s Dandenong as of 2020
By Jaswinder Singh from the Sikh Community
OnSunday,November24,2024,wecelebratedthe 349th Martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Ninth Sikh Guru, whose life and sacrifice inspired people from across cultures and generations.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, a saint-soldier, adhered to the principle of human dignity, freedom of conscience and protection of all faiths.
His teachings are as relevant today as they were centuries ago, offering profound lessons for a diverse and multicultural society.
Guru Ji’s steadfast stand against injustice teaches us the power of courage in the face of oppression.
When Kashmiri Pandits sought protection from forced conversion by then-Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, he responded compassionately and fearlessly, upholding the idea that religious free-
dom is a fundamental human right and refusing to compromise his principles despite brutal torture.
His sacrifice is a testament to his strong determination to maintain these universal values.
For us in Australia, a land that celebrates inclusion, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s message resonates deeply.
He reminds us of the importance of standing united to protect the rights and dignity of all
individuals, regardless of their faith, culture, or background.
His life showcases the spirit of neither fearing nor frightening, a principle that fosters peace and
respect in our multicultural community.
In reflecting on Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s teachings, we are encouraged to rise above divisions, act with integrity, and support one another.
By embracing selflessness, empathy, and the courage to do what is right, we can build a society where everyone feels protected, valued, and free to practice their beliefs without fear.
As we honour the memory of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, let us commit to upholding the values he lived and died for—justice, compassion, and unity.
Together, let us create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Enquiries regarding the City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. Visit interfaithnetwork.org.au/
Two schools in Doveton and Harkaway will share in more than $4 million of federal funding for building upgrades.
As part of the Federal Government’s capital grants program, Harkaway Hills College will receive $1.65 million for a new classroom block and refurbished admin building.
The classroom block includes two general purpose classrooms, a science laboratory and three breakout rooms.
The extended admin wing will have new staff offices and meeting rooms, a waiting area and a staff room.
Holy Family School Doveton will receive
$2.54 million to refurbish the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) and senior student areas and a library.
Bruce MP Julian Hill said the new facilities would gain “better, more modern spaces in which to work, teach and learn”.
“Holy Family School and Harkaway Hills College have built incredible school communities, and I look forward to seeing how this funding will allow them to further enhance students learning.
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to providing all schools with appropriate fundings so that every student can get the best possible education.”
A cutting-edge AI-powered counting machine has been launched for a recycling container depot in Dandenong South.
The CountAIner machine operated by Recycle-it can process up to 1400 containers in 40 seconds, cutting time and effort for customers taking part in the Container Deposit Scheme Victoria (CDS Vic).
It uses advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to swiftly and accurately count a wide range of eligible containers.
“Our investment in CountAIner represents a significant leap forward in container deposit scheme technology,” Return-It chief executive Marc Churchin said.
“It offers our customers the fastest and most efficient way to return their containers and redeem their refunds making the process quicker and easier than ever before.”
The CountAltner had been in development for up to four years in collaboration with Machine X up.
Unique to the Southern Hemisphere, the second generation Canadian device has analysed more than 80 million images of different drink containers in varied conditions until its algorithm was fully refined in September.
Return-It has also invested in technology to count bulk loads of containers at other depots, including the Singulator (250 containers per minute) at Springvale, Hallam, Pakenham, Dromana and Traralgon Depots. At Cranbourne, a RVM Mega (200 containers per minute) is employed.
CDS Vic - a State Government initiativeprovides a 10-cent refund for every eligible drink container returned.
A Dandenong North school’s ‘Koorie Club’ is taking a lead role in teaching First Nations traditions, language and heritage.
Starting six years ago, the club at Wooranna Park Primary School is run by education support staff member Michelle Price, who is of Aboriginal descent.
Its activities such as storytelling, arts and crafts, bush tucker, seasonal calendar, song and Nature lessons pay particular attention to the local Bunurong country.
“It provides a supportive and engaging environment where Koorie students, feel comfortable and accepted and can connect with their heritage,” a school spokesperson said.
“They take pride in sharing their culture to other students who are non-indigenous.”
The club also holds events such as NAIDOC Week and Children’s Day to connect students with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
By Ethan Benedicto
The rental affordability in Greater Melbourne, which includes the City of Casey, has deteriorated, with a rental affordability index (RAI) score of 118 and reaching a level of ‘moderately unaffordable’.
According to the Rental Affordability Index 2024, households are spending 25 per cent of their income alone on rent, which is dangerously close to the housing stress threshold of 30 per cent.
To be precise, an RAI score between 121 to 150 is considered acceptable where around 20 to 25 per cent of the share income is spent on renting.
The higher tier, with an index score of 151 to 200 is still considered acceptable, where 15 per cent or less of the household income is spent on rent.
A score of 120 down to 101 is considered moderately unaffordable, where 25 to 30 per cent is spent on rent.
In Greater Melbourne, the most substantial conditions would be dual-income couples with children, with the latest report detailing a very affordable status, an RAI score of 203 and spending 15 per cent of their annual income on rent.
This applies to the assumed household income of a combined $219,096 per annum, at a home with three bedrooms with both parents and or guardians working full-time.
Those in the most dire conditions, with an RAI
score of 30 and labelled as critically unaffordable, are single persons on JobSeeker payments who would see 99 per cent of their income spent on rent, according to an estimated annual household income of $24,723.
The threshold according to the report is an RAI score of 100 and the percentage of wages spent on rent at 30 per cent, below this, from a score of 100 down to 81 sees 30 to 38 per cent of income spent and is labelled as unaffordable.
Berwick held an RAI score of 109 and was labelled as moderately unaffordable; Narre Warren and Narre Warren South had a score of 115 and were also moderately unaffordable.
Beaconsfield and Guys Hill had a score of 113, also moderately unaffordable, with both Hampton Park and Hallam considered to be acceptable for renting, with a score of 124.
Cranbourne, including its eastern, western, southern and northern regions, as well as Junction Village, Botanic Ridge, Cannons Creek, Skye and Sandhurst were also moderately unaffordable with a score of 115.
Clyde and Clyde North are also labelled as moderately unaffordable with a score of 108.
According to the most recent June quarter 2024 report of the Homes Victoria Rental Report, the City of Casey has seen a 16.6 per cent growth in active bonds over the last five years, which highlighted the municipality’s popularity among renters.
With 25,491 active bonds, Casey remains
among the top cities that contribute to the rental housing stock in the southeastern region of Greater Melbourne, however, there is limited affordability for low-income renters, with only 3.6 per cent of new lettings in the overarching southeast region considered affordable.
Larger homes with three to four bedrooms are slightly more affordable, however, rising demands have caused rent inflation in this category as well.
Specifically, Berwick’s median rent for a threebedroom house is $520 per week, with a significant 15.6 per cent annual increase from the same period last year.
For Cranbourne, the median rent for a threebedroom house is $500 a week, with an 11.1 per cent increase from last year; two-bedroom flats on the other hand only have a slight decrease in price, sitting at $420 per week and saw a 15.1 per cent increase from the previous year’s quarter.
Around Narre Warren to Hampton Park, the median rent for a three-bedroom home is $500 with a 13.6 per cent annual increase, while Pakenham saw the median price of $485 per week and a 15.5 per cent annual increase.
Dandenong tops the price with $550 per week for the median price on a three-bedroom home, seeing a big increase of 22.2 per cent, while Springvale has the same price of $550 and a slight difference with a 21.4 per cent increase from the previous year.
Based on the RAI, single full-time working
Despite the afternoon rain pushing the market indoors, it couldn’t dampen the holiday spirit as thousands of people flocked to Bunjil Place for the annual Christmas Maker’s Market on Saturday 30 November.
Visitors enjoyed shopping a mix of handcrafted goods, while a selection of food trucks were on site to satisfy hungry shoppers.
Kids were entertained with live music, face painting, and special appearances from a giant Santa and Frosty the Snowman.
As evening fell, crowds gathered in the Bunjil Place Plaza for the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Mayor and councillor Stefan Koomen, joined by deputy mayor and councillor Melinda Ambros and fellow councillors, led the countdown to illuminate the tree.
Mayor Koomen said: “It was wonderful to see so many friends and families out enjoying the evening and celebrating with us.
“This event marks the start of Christmas celebrations across our beautiful city, and I encourage all residents to embrace this time of year, be involved and enjoy the Christmas festivities.”
parents, single-income couples with children and student sharehouses share the same score of 101 and the same 30 per cent of their income spent on rent alone, with all three living conditions labelled as moderately unaffordable.
Minimum-wage couples had an RAI score of 96 and are considered to be on unaffordable grounds with 31 per cent of their income spent on rent.
Hospitality workers have an RAI score of 80, but with 38 per cent of their rent as a share of income, conditions were considered to be unaffordable.
Dropping down to a score of 63, pensioner couples saw 48 per cent of their income go towards rent and are considered to be severely unaffordable; likewise, a single pensioner has an RAI score of 48 seeing an immense 68 per cent of their income going towards rent.
Single part-time worker parents on benefits are labelled as extremely unaffordable, and are second last on the list, with a score of 46 and seeing 65 per cent of their income for rent.
However, according to the Homes Victoria Rental Report, there is a relatively consistent turnover rate in the southeastern region, with tenancy lengths longer for family-oriented homes where average durations exceed 24 months.
Despite being the more affordable region as compared to the inner suburbs of Melbourne, the southeast’s 15.8 per cent increase in rent is outpacing wage growth.
Live Bollywood music and dance filled the Frank Street Open Space in Noble Park on 1 December.
In a relaxed start to summer, the Summer Spice Bollywood Festival showcased India’s rich traditions and free entertainment.
Fesitval organisers Kavita and Aman Kalyan formed a musical duo, joining other performers such as Bindaas Bollywood dancers and singer Vijay.
There were also traditional Indian clothes and foods available, as well as free henna and face painting.
(Pictures: GARY SISSONS)
Christmas fanfare
Roving musicians bring Christmas cheer in central Noble Park, Dandenong and Springvale.
• Wednesday 11 December, 3pm-6pm (Noble Park), Friday 13 December, 11am-2pm (Palm Plaza, Dandenong), Saturday 14 December, 11am-2pm (Multicultural Place, Springvale), Friday 20 December, 2pm-5pm (Noble Park), Saturday 21 December, 11am-2pm (Palm Plaza, Dandenong) and Monday 23 December, 2pm-5pm (Multicultural Place, Springvale). Free event.
Springvale Urban Harvest
Come along to swap excess homegrown produce and gardening extras and meet like-minded growers in the area. Supported by The Greater Dandenong Seed Library and the Springvale Community Hub Clothes Swap.
• Second Saturday of the month (next 14 December) 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Clothes swap
Community members are invited to contribute up to 10 items of clothing, shoes and/or accessories. All items must be clean, in good condition and ready to display on the day.
• Saturday 14 December, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: Zoe, mohlz@icloud. com
Sustainability Saturdays at The HubBlock Printing
Got an old garment or pillowcase in need of a refresh? Upcycling artists from a Fitting Connection will share ways to turn everyday items into stamps and create a unique gift wrap using block printing. For ages 16+.
• Saturday 14 December, 2pm-3pm or 3pm4pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event, please register for one session only at greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/events/sustainability-saturdays-hubblock-printing
Blazing Star Toy Run
Freemasons Victoria is collecting Christmas toy donations for Monash Childrens Hospital patients at a fun day event. Includes BBQ, jumping castle, pop-corn and fairy floss machines.
• Sunday 15 December 2pm-7pm at South East-
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
ern Masonic Centre, 270 Hutton Road, Keysborough. Festive Cricut Craft Fun and informative workshop where you’ll explore the basics of the Cricut machine. Learn techniques to make your own festive ornaments. Ffor beginners to those more experienced in Cricut. All materials provided.
• Monday 16 December, 6pm-8pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.
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.
of multiculturalism.
• Wednesday 11 December, 8.30am-3pm; $25pp. Bookings essential: City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network, 8774 7662 or administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au
• until 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.
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/christmasgiving-tree
Festive Craft at the Hub
Join us every Wednesday in December for selfguided 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.
Tamil Festival Australia
A grand heritage carnival celebrating Thai Pongal with all-day entertainment for the whole family. Includes delicious Pongal, live music, traditional Tamil crafts, arts, history, sports and cuisine, rides and storytelling.- Saturday January 18, 8.30am-8pm at Caulfield Racecourse. Free entry. Details: tamilfestival.org.au
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.
• first Monday of the month, 10am at Club Noble. Details: Roslyn, rgrassham07@gmail.com or 0410628249.
Lightfall, a light trail experience, will premiere at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne in April next year.
Debuting in the April school holidays between 6 and 20 April, 2025, the one-kilometre trail will take visitors through an illuminated landscape of the garden, from large-scale illuminated sculptures to lakeside reflections and an immersive soundscape.
City of Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said: “The City of Casey is proud to be the presenting partner, working alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and Sony to bring Lightfall to Australian audiences.
“To have this world-class installation, in the heart of our city, at the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is truly an honour and promises to be an event not to be missed.”
Director and chief executive at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Chris Russell said: “We are thrilled to bring this exciting, affordable, new
event to Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne in 2025.
“We hope that visitors of all ages make many lasting memories with their loved ones while enjoying a beautiful event in nature after dark.”
Inspired by the award-winning sensation, Lightscape at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Lightfall has been created in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, with the support of the City of Casey and Red Energy.
Managing director of Sony Music Entertainment Jonathan Marks said: “We are delighted to bring Lightfall to the breathtaking Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
“This unique setting, with its remarkable native plants and striking landscapes, provides the perfect canvas for an immersive light experience.
“The fusion of art, light, and nature will create something truly extraordinary.”
To book tickets, visit: lightfallcranbourne.com.au
Freemasons across Victoria will revive an annual toy drive tradition in grand style in Keysborough on Sunday 15 December.
Since 2002, the Blazing Star Christmas Toy Run had been collecting donated toys for Monash Childrens’ Hospital patients until the Covid-19 pandemic stopped it in its tracks.
The initiative had been started by Brother Doug Hamilton, who was Worshipful Master of the Cranbourne Lodge, and Janet Hamilton under the motto of “It’s All for the Kids”.
This year, Cranbourne Lodge members have joined with Shriners, the Order of the Eastern Star and Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association to create a new and expanded toy run.
On the one day, a truck and riders will collect toys from Masonic centres in Geelong,
and finally in a public celebration
The South Eastern Masonic Centre in Keysborough will host a barbecue, jumping castle, popcorn and fairy floss. All proceeds to Lodge charities.
The Grand Master of Freemasons Victoria will lead a procession including a truck filled of toys to present to the hospital that afternoon.
Blazing Star Christmas Toy Run is on 2pm7pm on Sunday 15 December at South Eastern Masonic Centre, 270 Hutton Road, Keysborough.
Toys can be donated either wrapped or unwrapped on the day. If wrapped, please indicate the intended recipient’s gender and age group on a label.
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By Marcus Uhe
Brutal subcontinental heat, a taxing schedule and slow spin-friendly wickets present the next challenge for Springvale South veteran Andrew Sharp in his cricketing journey at the pinnacle of Over 50s Veterans cricket.
Sharp has been named in Australia’s 17-man squad to contest his maiden International Masters Cricket Over 50’s World Cup in Sri Lanka in February next year, where 14 teams will vie for the crown of best Over 50s cricket team on the planet.
Only just reaching the qualifying age bracket at 53, the self-confessed cricket ‘nuffy’ has enjoyed an incredible rise within the Over 50s ranks, having only joined the circuit in recent years to supplement his playing days at Springvale South.
In last summer’s Over 50s National Championships, he made 160 runs from three innings for Victoria including an unbeaten 88 from 62 balls in the final against Queensland.
He toured New Zealand with the national team in March this year, and followed up with a Winter tour to the UK, where he made an unbeaten 102 off 91 deliveries against India.
In November at the Over 50s National Championships, he captained the tournament-winning Victorian side and averaged 45 from four innings, enough to see him selected for next year’s conquest.
He said it was a ‘good honour’ to earn his place in the Australian squad, and is looking forward to the challenge that awaits.
“This is unbelievable in terms of what you can do in Veterans cricket and the opportunities that
are there,” he said.
“There’s so many people playing Veterans cricket Over 50s that even if there were those op-
portunities there, you wouldn’t probably think you would get there anyway in regards to how many people, and what needs to be done to do it.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind 12 months but the World Cup is the pinnacle in that, all the sides are there, all the countries that you would know of that compete in cricket.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
Sharp has played almost all of his 40-plus seasons of cricket for Springvale South in the Dandenong District Cricket Association and still plays in the Bloods’ Turf 4 side and Veterans side, supplemented by representing South East Veterans in Veterans Cricket Victoria - Over 50 Mixed Saxon Sports Shield competition.
The opportunity to elongate his playing career with Veterans cricket has provided a plethora of physical and mental benefits, with the booming competition playing a key role for those in the age bracket still looking for a hit.
“It does enormous things for your wellbeing, (and) fitness and the social side of it, the networking of friends that you meet and make, is unbelievable.
“There’s a code in Veterans cricket called the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ and that’s how they want the games to be played - they’re competitive but after the game, everyone gets together, you have a barbecue and a couple of drinks and do a man of the match award.
“It’s pretty well nine-10 months of the year that you’re training, so you’re fairly match-ready, as you can be, at our age.
“I do understand where it sits in the scheme of things and it is Veterans Over 50s cricket, but you
do get a lot of compliments about it.”
14 teams will contest the tournament with the competing nations split across two pools of seven groups.
A gruelling itinerary sees the teams compete in six group games in 10 days before the top two teams from each group enter the semi-final play off stage.
Sharp has played on Sri Lankan soil as part of a DDCA representative side that toured Sri Lanka in 2011 but inclement weather meant the team only took the field once in Galle, despite being scheduled to play five matches.
He knows the Australian side will need to be at its best to climb the mountain, expecting each country to offer a new challenge to overcome.
“Sri Lanka notoriously have been okay at World Cups, but with this being their home ground, they have got former test and ODI players in their squad.
“They’re going to be very very competitive, and knowing the conditions is going to be a massive advantage for them. England over 50s cricket is unbelievable, they’ve hardly lost any games in a long period of time and they play round the clock, around the world and take it very seriously as well.
“Then you’ve got the other countries like the USA who have a lot of expats.
“When you say that you’re playing for the country, there becomes a little bit of pride that goes on and they want to improve, in regards to what they do.
“It will be a fantastic opportunity, getting everyone together.”
By Marcus Uhe
Bandits by name, Bandits by nature.
A miraculous and dramatic close to Coomoora’s run chase against Parkfield in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 2 competition saw Parkfield burgle six points in extraordinary circumstances on Saturday evening against one of the competition’s early season frontrunners.
With the Roos requiring just nine runs for victory with six wickets in hand at the beginning of the 42nd over, Parkfield snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, taking an astonishing 6/8 to seal a remarkable one-run win with three balls to spare.
Five wickets fell in the final 14 deliveries, with captain-coach Steve Cannon taking two, and the final three coming via run outs as Coomoora fell agonisingly short.
Another poor showing from Parkfield’s batters meant they were defending a slim total of just 150.
Five wickets from Coomoora opening bowler Sam Wetering and four for Malan Madusanka kept the total low, with a 103-run stand between Travis D’Souza (57) and Hansika Kodikara (36) providing the most resistance.
Kodikara’s dismissal to break the partnership, however, triggered a collapse of 7/17, and brought the innings to an end in quick time.
With a run rate of just over three required for victory, Coomoora undertook a patient approach to the run chase without putting the foot to the floor.
Stephen Cannon and Kodikara made early breakthroughs with the ball before Joel Robertson and Dean Krelle joined forces for a 67-run stand.
Krelle was the first of the pair to fall for 39, with Robertson’s wicket for 56 in the 42nd over the beginning of the disastrous close to match for Roos.
Cannon removed Adam Wheeler and Jackson Noske in the space of four balls in the following over, and another double-dismissal in the 44th, where Wetering and Suneet Nambair were both run out, put the game on a knife’s edge at 9/147.
A pair of singles took the Roos to within one run of levelling the scores, but Michael Klonaridis was found short of his ground in an attempt to tie the contest, seeing Parkfield escape with a
stunning six points.
Cannon finished with 4/14 in an exceptional spell of bowling.
With a slow start to the season under their belts, Parkfield will be hoping this result can light a fire under their ambitions to push for a top four spot.
It now sits just outside finals calculations in fifth place, two games back from the Roos in fourth.
A shock loss for HSD against Lyndale saw Parkmore move a game clear at the top of the table, with the Pirates making short work of St Mary’s at home.
The match lasted just 34 overs in total; the Pirates needed just 26 to send the Saints packing for a miserly 64 runs, and completed the chase in eight.
Six Saints were dismissed without scoring, as Ankit Saxena’s brilliant season in blue continued, taking 4/18.
The former Premier Cricket seamer now has 19 wickets at 8.4, fast becoming one of the most lethal bowlers at Turf 2 level, now second for wickets taken.
Avisha Wilwalaarachchi, Satheesh Fernandu and Ammar Bajwa each took two wickets for the home side, with Fernandu crunching 44 in reply to ensure the chase was completed in quick time.
Lyndale, meanwhile, needed 35 overs to chase HSD’s total of 168 in a surprise win at home.
The Dales kept Mackenzie Gardner to one run and Triyan De Silva to 10, with only Brent Patterson (40) and Anuda Akmeemana (54)
making starts.
HSD took regular wickets early during Lyndale’s chase as Craig Hookey rotated his bowlers effectively and to present consistent new challenges for Lyndale to conquer, but hard hitting and targeting the short boundary from the Lyndale batters saw the chase completed in the 35th over.
Himesh Galhenage Don batted through pain to post an entertaining half-century in the surprise win which leaves St Mary’s in outright last place as the only side with one win.
Elsewhere, Cranbourne moved into third, after chasing Narre Warren’s 154 in 37 overs at Casey Fields.
Harrison Carlyon made 59 and Dean McDonnell 41, after Harsaroup Singh ran through the Magpies’ batting card, taking 4/56.
By Marcus Uhe
A pair of wins for Dandenong in T20 contests on Saturday put the Panthers back on the Premier Cricket Victoria winners’ list for the first time in nearly a month.
Dandenong held its nerve in both contests where they executed better under pressure with corresponding disciplines to record a thrilling seven-wicket win over Casey South Melbourne in the morning match, and then later by three runs against Essendon in a rain-affected game.
Gehan Seneviratne was the hero in win over Casey, bowling four overs of suffocating leg spin and taking a brilliant juggling catch on the rope, before hitting the winning runs on the penultimate delivery of the match to seal a tense result.
With four runs required off the final two balls, he nailed a straight drive past veteran left-arm quick Jackson Fry towards his nervous teammates beyond the long-on boundary, who rode the ball home like jockeys on a winning horse and erupted into cheers as it reached the rope, having completed the task at hand.
A tricky batting surface and a 9.30am start gave Dandenong the better of conditions with the ball against Casey South Melbourne, where they kept the Swans to 9/144.
No Casey South Melbourne partnership passed 50 and no batter reached 40 as the continual flow of wickets stymied efforts to build momentum at Casey Fields.
Sam Newell’s quick-thinking behind the stumps ran out Luke Shelton on 27 and Ruwantha Kellapotha was removed shortly after for 37 after hitting a low return catch to Seneviratne.
Seneviratne and spin twin Vishwa Ramkumar bowled brilliantly during the middle overs and made life incredibly tough for Swans batters to establish their innings, with accurate and probing deliveries that challenged the stumps and were tough to hit away.
After crossing triple figures for the loss of just three wickets, the back half of the Swans’ innings saw them waste solid foundations made by the top order, with batters number five to 10 combining for just 42 runs.
Veteran James Nanopoulos finished with 3/20 from four overs as the best-performed Panthers bowler while Ramkumar’s 0/17 from his four reflected the high esteem in which he’s held in the eyes of pathway coaches.
The chase, while not a huge total, was anything but a simple affair, with the contest not settled until the final over of the innings.
Where the home side lost wickets in the pursuit of quick runs, Dandenong’s opening pair Matthew Wilson and Shobit Singh showed some restraint by playing balls on their merit and picking gaps in the field with conventional cricket shots.
Singh departed just as he appeared to find his rhythm, skying a cut shot into the gloves of Devin Pollock, having lifted Kellapotha for a glorious six over cover just a handful of deliveries prior.
Wilson rode his luck, meanwhile, surviving dropped chances by Kellapotha early in his stay, and from Matthew Calder on 29, before Kellapotha made amends when he reached 35.
Their departures saw Nanopoulos join forces with an established Brett Forsyth at the crease with 48 runs required from the final 36 deliveries.
The experienced heads navigated the situation well, finding the occasional boundary and rotating the strike well as Luke Shelton turned to his leaders in Kellapotha and Nathan Lambden for breakthroughs.
The Swans dropped their fielding standards as minor errors snowballed, as the Panthers’ pair continued to chip away at the target.
Wickets in hand meant they could play with some reservations but the longer the innings went, the more tense the setting at Casey Fields became.
Kellapotha bowled a brilliant 16th over for the
Swans, conceding just three runs from the first five deliveries but Nanopoulos ensured the Panthers finished the set of six with the upper hand, advancing down the wicket to find the boundary rope for the first time.
The 17th over yielded another seven, leaving 27 runs needed from the final 18.
The 18th was a wild one from Jack Stevenson, conceding just five off the bat but another five in extras in what was a 10-ball over.
Forsyth departed at the end of the 19th, leaving Nanopoulos and a fresh-to-the-crease Seneviratne to finish the job, with nine required from the final over.
Fry bowled tight lines and offered few boundary-hitting opportunities early in the over for Nanopoulos, who threw caution to the wind by taking a leg bye on the fourth ball, giving his new partner the strike, with four required from the last two.
His faith in Seneviratne was rewarded, however, who was as cool as they come in banking the points for Dandenong at the first opportunity.
Forsyth topscored with 46 from 38 deliveries for the Panthers in what was their first win over the Swans in the game’s shortest format
since 2016.
There was no time for celebrations, however, with Dandenong’s second contest of the day, against Essendon, scheduled to begin in just over an hour’s time.
Essendon sent the Panthers in to bat once more, but only Wilson could find a foothold in slippery conditions on the second asking.
Wilson topscored with 59 in a rain-shortened innings as Dandenong could only muster 8/105.
Half an hour of play was lost due to a rain delay in the Panthers’ innings with the contest reduced to 16 overs per side.
Forsyth’s 15 was the highest score beyond Wilson’s, leaving the bowlers with a huge challenge in front of them to notch a second win of the afternoon.
Nanopoulos made a dream start with the ball by removing the Essendon opening pair in the first three overs, and the innings failed to get off the ground with consistent wickets falling throughout.
Ramkumar and Seneviratne were economical and attacking once more, with no Bombers partnership passing 20.
Playing the role Wilson did for Essendon, however, was Connor Poulton.
The Bombers’ number four saw partners come and go but remained his side’s primary hope of getting them over the line.
As wickets fell around him, he increased his strike rate the longer he stayed at the wicket, with a flurry of boundaries in the final four overs dragging his side back into the hunt.
With 18 runs required from the last over, Poulton made spectators edge forward in their chairs with thick-edged boundaries off Nathan Whitford’s opening two balls to draw the equation back to an outside chance.
He attempted a third boundary behind square on the third delivery, but Whitford executed a wide yorker brilliantly and escaped with a dot ball.
They ran two with a leg-side heave on the fourth, with now eight required from the last two balls.
Two boundaries would have had the Bombers home, but another sensational wide yorker by Whitford ensured the task was impossible on the final ball, with eight runs required.
Poulton nailed a four on the last delivery, finally executing the shot he wanted, but it was to no avail, as the Panthers made it two wins from two matches.
Seneviratne joined Nanopoulos in taking three wickets in the defence.
The T20 portion of the season continues next week, with Dandenong hosting Kingston Hawthorn and Geelong at Shepley Oval.
By Marcus Uhe
Defending champions Springvale South are behind the eight ball following the opening round of Dandenong District Cricket Association T20 competition after failing to fire with the bat against Berwick.
The Bloods made just 107 batting first and took just three wickets in defending the total as Berwick opener Jarryd Wills steered his side home with ease in the 17th over, with seven wickets in hand.
Springvale South’s opening pair of Jordan Wyatt and Brett Forsyth carried big expectations, and with the Bloods batting first, a big chase loomed for the Bears in a battle of the competition’s two previous winners.
But with both openers back in the pavilion within the opening four overs, the Bears seized the momentum and rarely looked back.
Regular wickets saw the Bloods fail to build partnerships with only Blade Baxter occupying the crease for more than a handful of overs.
Baxter did his best to rotate the strike and arrest the slide of his teammates at the other end, but eventually fell for 27 later in the innings to top-score for his side.
Blessed with bowling options - so much so that skipper, Jarrod Goodes, chose not to bowl himself - it was the part time spin of opening batter Matthew Hague that caused the most
Jarryd Wills batted wondefully for Berwick in the Bears’ successful run chase. (Rob Carew: 436976)
damage for the Bears, outshining former Wookey Medal winner Ruwantha Kellapotha by taking 4/14 from his four overs.
Hague could not replicate his heroics with the bat, skying a tough catch for Jordan Wyatt behind the stumps for just eight, but his opening partner in crime in Wills made the required
big score to get his side over the line.
The left-hander smacked an unbeaten 69 to steer the chase, with particular success targeting Alex Nelson Reserve’s short straight boundaries.
One six, which landed on a water tank at the nature reserve end of the ground and bounced in the fauna behind it, saw the ball require replacing.
With Kellapotha and Jake Hancock making just three runs each and the Bears finding themselves at 3/41, Springvale South had a chance to make inroads, but Wills was joined at the wicket by the mature head of Michael Wallace.
The pair added 70 for the final wicket, with Wallace unbeaten on 24, and finishing the contest with a huge straight six.
Around the competition, Turf 1 clubs North Dandenong and Narre South posted monster totals in their wins over Berwick Springs and Parkfield, respectively, while Turf 3 clubs Hampton Park and Narre South upset their respective Turf 2 opponents to open their campaigns with important wins.
ROUND ONE RESULTS
• Hampton Park 7/155 (Travis Lacey 79, Ankit Saxena 4/27) def Parkmore 5/154 (Satheesh Fernandu 58, Ranees Khaleel 2/23) by three wickets.
• St Mary’s 5/95 def Doveton 91 (Junaid Kari 2/9) by five wickets.
• Berwick 3/111 (Jarryd Wills 69) def Springvale South 107 (Matthew Hague 4/14) by seven wickets.
• Narre North 3/124 (Kamesh Lokuge 92) def Narre Warren 8/123 (Kim Bentick 3/16) by seven wickets.
• North Dandenong 9/177 (Tahsinullah Sultani 60, Sachintha Rajapakse 3/33) def Berwick Springs 6/141 (Joshua Sawrey 56, Sushant Gupta 3/32) by 36 runs.
• Lynbrook 8/123 def Keysborough 8/122 by two wickets.
• Narre South 6/192 (Zac Wilson 39, Dishan Malalasekera 3/38) def Parkfield 8/133 (Hansika Kodikara 41, Kyle Hardy 3/19) by 59 runs. FIXTURES - ROUND TWO
Wednesday 11 December, 5.15pm (Home listed team first)
• Parkfield v Dandenong West
• Beaconsfield v Fountain Gate
• Berwick v Buckley Ridges
• Berwick Springs v Silverton
• Keysborough v HSD
• Hallam Kalora Park v Doveton
• Narre Warren v Coomoora
• Cranbourne 5/107 (Jordan McDermott 32, Davandeep Premi 2/24) def Fountain Gate 8/106 (Julius Sumerauer 3/16) by five wickets.
• Lyndale v Hampton Park
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