Snakes alive in Springvale
Springvale will erupt in celebrations at its annual Lunar New Year festival this Sunday 26 January. Marking the Year of the Snake, thousands are expected to enjoy lion and dragon dances, rides, foods, music and fireworks in Buckingham Avenue between 10am-10pm.
The family event is organised by Springvale Asian Business Association (SABA) and supported by Greater Dandenong Council and the State Government.
Ready to launch
Tusi James is unstoppable ready to release his first music album and obtain his counselling degree.
The music enthusiast and Dandenong resident will release his first ever album, Scatter Brain, in March this year with eight songs all up inspired by his own life story. Born with Crouzon Syndrome, James has had vision and hearing impairment since birth but never limited himself in life.
“Because I’ve done music and now I’m doing counselling I feel like I have story to tell that I’ve never told before through music and that’s the reason for this album.
“I’m trying to put myself out there because I was also shy and insecure about my own disability and I think I want to put more attention on it than I would normally do.
“Each song reflects a bit of scatteredness, it all reflects within me, how moods change- happy beat in the background but you’re speaking of something negative- those things reflect off this album.
“The current idea for the album behind it, the sings reflect each year I’ve gone thru so far and breaking thru barriers, feeling isolated, mental health, growing up with domestic violence which I’ve never spoken about.”
The album has been in the making since 2023 as a “re-introduction” of James.
“Every time I listen to it (his music), it spoke more to me than I thought I had written down and now looking at what my life has been so far, I feel warmth about it.”
A spectacular lion dance during last year’s Lunar New Year Festival in Springvale. (Rob Carew: 384608)
Lightfall comes to Cranbourne
Embrace the spirit and beauty of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne as it transforms after-dark with Lightfall
From the presenters of the global sell-out sensation, Lightscape, this world-first event for Melbourne’s south-east is premiering exclusively during the 2025 April school holidays.
Jump online, save time
Need to contact us?
The online forms on our website make it easier than ever.
Avoid the phone queue and jump online at a time that suits you to manage your bins or hard garbage collection, register your pet, pay your rates or apply for a rates payment plan, or report an issue.
From large-scale light sculptures to an immersive soundscape, Lightfall promises to be a magical evening for all ages.
With limited dates and tickets, scan the QR code to secure your tickets now! Casey locals book tickets early for 50 per cent off parking. Terms and conditions apply.
#CaseyGirlsCan: Women’s Soccer Program
Rainbow Events at Casey
Join us for several upcoming Rainbow events in Casey including Australia’s annual queer arts and cultural Midsumma Festival. Running in January and February, these events aim to bring together a diverse mix of LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, communities and audiences. Join in to celebrate community, equality and inclusion for all!
Scan the QR code for more details.
Join us for a free six week soccer program run in collaboration with Melbourne City FC. This program offers a fantastic introduction to soccer in a fun, social and welcoming environment. Coaches will guide you, making it perfect for all abilities as you gain confidence in the sport over six Mondays from 3 February to 10 March 2025 at Casey Fields in Cranbourne East.
There will be a Socceroos program for kids aged 4 years plus as well as on-site childminding. Scan the QR code to register your (free) place now.
Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025
Celebrate, connect and be inspired at this unforgettable International Women’s Day event on Wednesday 5 March.
To be held at Bunjil Place from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, you’ll be greeted with a complimentary mimosa and a delicious morning tea, before special guest speaker Jo Stanley and a panel of trailblazing female business leaders take to the stage to share their tales of success and challenges.
Following the event, guests can also peruse a market of local goods and services from business members of the Women Making It Work business network.
Secure your tickets today via the QR code.
Melbourne City FC Women’s Derby
Attention soccer fans!
The fiercest rivalry in Melbourne football is heading to your backyard as Melbourne City FC take on Melbourne Victory in an epic A-League Women’s Derby on Saturday 1 February. Bring the family and cheer on your local heroes.
There will be a range of activations for everyone to enjoy and lots of giveaways. After the game, you can also meet the stars and grab a derby-day selfie. Gates open 4:00 pm. Kick-off at 5:00 pm.
Scan the QR code to get your tickets.
Search for missing Debbra
By Sahar Foladi
Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information as their concern grows for missing woman Debbra McKenzie.
The 41-year-old was reported missing to police on New Years Eve by a person she had been in a relationship with. The status of the relationship remains unknown.
She was initially believed to be last seen on Christmas Eve at the Springfield Crescent in Hampton Park in which she resided with her associates but Police have established the last confirmed sighting of Debbra was at the same property on Tuesday 17 December about 3.30pm.
Detective Senior Sergeant, Jarrod Dwyer from Casey Crime Investigation Unit says Debbra left the address without any belongings, does not own a phone and her bank account remains untouched.
“Detectives are concerned for her welfare as ongoing enquiries have confirmed Debbra hasn’t attended an appointment for regular medication and hasn’t accessed money from her bank account, since she was last seen.
“We’ve investigated every available bit of information that has come in. We have no reason to believe at this point any significant threats were made against her.
“It’s very unusual for someone not to access money particularly if they’re disappearing of their own free will.
“We have no evidence of any foul play but the fact that she has been missing for four weeks, we have been unable to identify anybody who’s seen her in that period of time concerns us greatly.
Unemployed, one of the appointments Debbra missed is in relation to job seeker.
Debbra was also known to the Police “in a limited capacity” before she went missing.
Detective Dwyer says the person who reported her missing has been “cooperative” in the investigation but they were “unable to provide further clarity as to why there was a delay” in reporting her missing.
IMPORTANT
NOTICE
Hung Hing Lion Dance Lunar New Year 2025 Celebrations
Fireworks Displays:
Location: Around Springvale Shopping
Precinct Dates: 29th January 2025 to 5th February 2025
Please ensure pets are safe and secured.
“The associates have been helpful, they have been somewhat reluctant to provide us full information due to previous interaction with the
police where I believe they have some level of distrust towards us.
“They may believe we have some ulterior mo-
NOTICE OF ROAD CLOSURE
Buckingham Ave (between Windsor Avenue and Queens Avenue), Windsor Ave and Balmoral Ave (between St John’s Avenue and Springvale Road) will be closed from 5:30pm on Saturday 25 January until 3:00am on Monday 27 January for the Springvale Lunar New Year Festival. The north side of Queens Avenue (near the Buckingham Avenue intersection) will be an exclusion zone for the fireworks display at approximately 9pm on Sunday 26 January 2025.
FIRECRACKERS AND FIREWORKS
As part of the activities to celebrate the Lunar New Year, there will be firecrackers set off around midday and 3pm, followed by a fireworks show at approximately 9:00 pm on Sunday 26 January 2025. Nearby residents are advised to ensure their pets are secured.
For more information springvalelnyf@outlook.com or 0466 021 916
tives, that’s certainly not the case we simply making sure she’s okay.”
The unusual circumstance where Debbra lacks digital footprint leads police to rely on word of mouth according to detective Dwyer making it crucial for the public to report any big or small information to be investigated.
As part of the investigation detectives and police have spoken with the family and last known associates of Debbra, however these enquiries have not been able to establish a clear motive or reason for her disappearance.
According to detective Dwyer, Debbra was somewhat estranged from her family and they had not heard from her before her birthday last year.
Although Debbra has been known to frequent the suburbs of Doveton, Dandenong and Hampton Park and is known to have associates in New South Wales, it is unclear where she might have been headed.
“We’ve had some cooperation from New South Wales Police, they checked known associates in Southern NSW but at this stage we haven’t located her or any information.
“We are hopeful (she is alive).”
Debbra is described as about 175cm tall, with a slim build and black, shoulder length hair.
A CCTV footage of Debbra is released by the police walking along Springfield Crescent in Hampton Park on Tuesday 17 December and walking in the vicinity of Dandenong Plaza on Monday 16 December, about 5.10pm - the day before she was last seen.
She was last seen wearing black leggings and a white striped top.
Anyone who sights Debbra is urged to call Triple Zero (000) or with information about her whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Debbra McKenzie walking along Springfield Crescent in Hampton Park on Tuesday 17 December. (Supplied)
Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrod Dwyer from Casey Crime Investigation Unit. (Sahar Foladi: 453720)
CCTV footage of Debbra McKenzie walking near Dandenong Plaza on Monday 16 December, about 5.10pm. (Supplied)
Battin sets his sights
By Corey Everitt
When asked what his targets are for the next State Election, new opposition leader Brad Battin said Pakenham first, followed by numerous South East seats and the upcoming Werribee by-election may prove how key this growth corridor will be in 2026.
Recently, Battin sat down with Sky News, he was asked where he will win seats in the 2026 election.
The affluent inner east was not first to mind as Labor over the last several elections has chipped away at the Liberal Party’s traditional heartland.
Instead, the first words out of Battin’s mouth were ‘growth corridors’.
“Pakenham, they’re desperate for a change,” he said in the interview.
“Hastings, Bass, the Narre Warren seats, they need to see change out there.”
The inner city will still be crucial for Battin to both retain seats from Kew to Brighton as well as recapture seats like Box Hill and Bayswater.
But a significant offensive in growth corridors, Battin’s own South East most of all, may prove pivotal.
Labor’s hold of the South East has only increased with consistent swings toward red in the last three elections through Dandenong, Narre Warren and Cranbourne.
Labor picked up a further two seats with Jordan Crugnale taking Bass in 2018 and retaining it in 2022 while Emma Vulin became the first MP for the new seat of Pakenham in 2022.
But there is one bulwark that has prevented a Labor wall stretching from Oakleigh to Pakenham.
Brad Battin himself.
In the 2018 State Election, Battin only narrow-
ly won his then seat of Gembrook against Labor contender, now upper house MP, Michael Galea with a 0.79 percent margin.
In 2022, the Liberal Party’s overall vote still went down, yet Battin not only held the line but gained a 4.17 margin in his new seat of Berwick.
Battin’s defense in 2022 may inform his general offensive to try and break Labor’s decade-long rule in Victoria.
Pakenham and Bass are certainly in the Liberal Party sights as both are held by Labor with less than half a percent of the two-party preferred vote in 2022, 0.39 and 0.24 percent respectively.
The wall of Narre Warren North, Narre Warren
South and Cranbourne will be harder to breach, all holding firm with an eight percent margin.
The next election may not be until November next year but the Werribee by-election on 8 February may prove influential in how hard the Liberal Party pushes in the South East.
Covering the growth areas of Werribee and Wyndham Vale, the seat, in varying formations has retained Labor for almost 50 years and today holds a strong margin of 10 percent.
If the Liberal Party can make a decent dent in that margin, let alone pull off an unlikely win, it could make Battin’s neighbours on the other side of the city into big targets.
Snakes out and about this summer
By Afraa Kori
With 10 years experience, local resident, snake catcher and wildlife rescue, Neil Haesler has seen a drastic spike in calls this summer, with a 24 hours service.
He services mainly Cardinia Shire, Casey and regional areas like Gembrook.
In the eastern suburbs, the most common species found are copperheads, tiger snakes, and red-bellied snakes, with occasional brown snakes, although they are more prevalent in western and northern suburbs.
Neil typically finds snakes on residential properties, including backyards, front yards, and inside homes.
He said the common mistakes residents make is by leaving open water sources and an untidy backyard which attracts snakes to their properties.
“A snake is not just going to stay in one area but sometimes they will stay in the same area, especially if they got a good area where there’s a water source,” Neil said.
“Some people leave water bowls out the rear door and a snake senses that and if it gets too hot, a snake needs to drink like we do. Some people leave
their doors or windows open and if their air conditioner is on, the snake will get inside.”
“A lot of people will have chicken, coops and rubbish that attracts vermin. All the feed that gets left all over the ground is what the mice and the rats are going for. That’s why we find a lot of snakes in that area because they’re not actually going for the chickens, they’re going for the mice that are going for the feed. If you’ve got a backyard with mice and rats, the snake’s going to sense that.”
Residents’ untidy yards have long grass and items like rock piles, old timber, tin sheets which retain heat and provide a perfect home for snakes.
However he warned that even with a clean backyard, snakes will come regardless.
“The snake is actually either looking for water, or it’s just passing through. So, you will see snakes no matter what you do,” he said.
“A snake just wants to be left alone and get away. So the best thing to do is just stand there, keep an eye on it, give us a call and we’ll come get it,” Neil said.
Residents are encouraged to keep a snake catcher’s phone number handy and to act quickly when spotting a snake.
Boys arrested in stolen car
A man and three boys from the South East have been charged over an allegedly stolen vehicle in Springvale on Friday 17 January.
Springvale police responded to reports of a carload of males wearing balaclavas and gloves in a Princes Highway car park about 8pm.
After being boxed in by police vehicles, the silver Nissan X Trail allegedly reversed at speed, collided with a parked car and drove forward into a police vehicle.
Three males were arrested in the Nissan by police, a fourth fled on foot and was arrested in a nearby backyard.
There were no injuries, police say.
The Nissan was allegedly stolen from a Clyde North property last week.
A 14-year-old Cranbourne boy, a 16-year-old Dandenong boy and a 13-yearold Greater Dandenong boy were charged with car theft.
They were bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
“I tell a lot of people just put my phone number in their phone so if they do see a snake, they just dial it straight away. Then they can watch the snake until I get there because as soon as someone walks away, the snake takes off.”
“I’ve had numerous times we’ve turned up to jobs where someone had to look for my magnet and try to find a snake catcher or go inside to grab their phone. By the time they got back, the snake is gone because it’s scared.”
With children on school summer holidays, Neil encourages parents to inspect the backyard first before allowing children to play outside.
“Just keep an eye on them and also teach them about snakes. If the kids are educated about snakes, they will understand and learn not to touch one or go near it.”
“I had a family the other day sit and admire a big red-bellied black snake having a drink of water. All the kids just jumped off their bikes and they stood there with their parents and watched it. It was shared on Facebook and everybody online said that it is excellent for kids. It’s a good education for a family!”
For more info call 0418130728 or visit https:// snakesandmorewildliferescue.com.au/
A 21-year-old Clyde North man was charged with car theft.
He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 30 April.
Hit and run injures cyclists
A Dandenong man has been arrested after two cyclists were seriously injured in an alleged hit-run crash in Carrum on Saturday 18 January.
Police say the cyclists were riding south bound on Nepean Highway between McLeod and Eel Race roads when struck from behind by a car about 6.30am.
The riders - a 52-year-old Ormond man and a 48-year-old Glen Waverley manwere taken to hospital.
The car involved had left the scene.
After being contacted by a member of the public, police arrested the alleged driver at a Dandenong property about 5.30pm.
The 38-year-old was interviewed and released pending summons.
He was expected to be charged with offences including reckless conduct endangering life, police say.
Neil called to the rescue.
Snakes found in Gembrook.
Battin surrounded by his Labor neighbours. Left down: Belinda Wilson MP, Pauline Richards MP, Daniela De Martino MP, Gary Maas MP. Right down: Jordan Crugnale MP, Gabrielle Williams MP, Emma Vulin MP, Sonya Kilkenny MP. (Centre - AAP Photo)
Fears of being ‘left out’
By Sahar Foladi
A former Greater Dandenong mayor fears potentially being left out on the first medicinal cannabis driving track trial assessment.
Also recognised as a living treasure, Roz Blades has been a long-term advocate of being able to take medicinal cannabis medication for pain relief and also be able to get behind the wheels.
As someone with a lived experience, now in her fifth year of using medicinal cannabis oil cannabidiol (CBD) to manage her intense chronic pain of more than 50 years, she ticks all the boxes for participant requirements in this test.
The first track trial test took place on October 31 last year at METEC Driver Training, Ms Blades is concerned the State Government’s $4.9 million trial to be completed over 18-months, has left her behind.
“It just seems they don’t want me. That’s fine but it’s nice if someone had to let me know. I don’t know how I feel.”
According to her, she filled the application some time ago, ticking yes to every box including a two overnight stay away from home availability.
A Victorian Government spokesperson says the participant recruitment is open on a rolling basis throughout the study to ensure a steady availability of eligible participants.
“Victoria was the first state in Australia to legalise access to medicinal cannabis – now, we’re the first in the world to test how it affects realworld patients in real-world conditions.”
The study is carried out by the Swinburne University of Technology to assess prescribed medicinal cannabis effects on people behind the wheel.
Potential participants are subject to strict eligibility criteria and comprehensive screening process including Swinburne University of Technology conducting in-person medical screenings to ensure specific requirements are met outlined for this study.
While one of the requirements for the par-
ticipants requirement is a minimum six-months of medicinal cannabis prescription, Ms Blades questions why she wasn’t chosen.
“It is disappointing considering the work I’ve done. I have no idea why they wouldn’t (select her).
“I have lived experience that’s why I signed up for the trial and I don’t know if people on this test
have lived experiences.
“This trial will not be a success if there aren’t people with lived experience.”
As previously reported by Star Journal, a letter of Ms Blade’s consideration on this study was written in a letter by Local Government MP Melissa Horne’s office in October 2023, once research methodology and participant sampling are confirmed.
Although Victoria was the first to approve of medicinal cannabis in 2016, it has zero tolerance of any amount of THC in a person’s system behind the wheel, forcing many like Ms Blades to choose between their independence or live a life of pain.
Roz Blades, centre, is fitted in the mayoral accoutrement by outgoing mayor Youhorn Chea, left. (On file)
Vandalism causes chaos
By Sahar Foladi
Disruptions on the Pakenham and Cranbourne train lines had left Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong residents running late for work in the CBD on Tuesday January 14.
Trains were suspended due to vandalism incident at Noble Park at around 7.30pm Monday 13 January, according to a Metro Train spokesperson.
Crews worked through the night to repair a damaged cable.
This incident has been reported to Victoria Police.
“Vandalism is selfish, dangerous and disruptive. This type of incident is incredibly frustrating for our passengers who are just trying to get to their destination.
“Metro apologises to passengers for the disruption to their travel and will work with Victoria Police to investigate this matter.“
Delays persisted as trains resumed their normal timetable ahead of the afternoon’s peak hour.
Residents had to catch replacement buses from Dandenong to Oakleigh.
A City of Casey resident shared a post in the Cranbourne Facebook group to notify the community as he said there were no prior announcements or warnings on the PTV app.
He described the scene as “chaotic.”
“The bus services were unorganised with peoplebumpingintoeachotherinascrambletoboard the bus. I managed to get on a bus, but the driver seemed to be in a hurry and drove recklessly.
“What should have been an hour journey stretched into two hours and 30 minutes, leaving everyone frustrated and delayed.
“The lack of proper communication, coordination, and safety measures made the entire experience stressful for passengers.”
Passengers were asked to check station platform displays, listen for announcements and allow extra 30 minutes for their journey.
FREE BACK TO SCHOOL CRAFT!
Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 January 11am to 2pm
Kids can decorate bookmarks, pencil cases, drink bottles or bookworm bag tags to take home for the school year ahead. All items supplied.
Scene from Dandenong station as buses replaced trains on Cranbourne and Pakenham lines to Oakleigh. (Supplied)
(Sahar Foladi: 453686)
(Sahar Foladi: 453686)
Lifestyle Riverfield Clubhouse
Youth role for court cases
A former Dandenong magistrate has been appointed to specifically hear criminal cases involving repeat youth offenders.
With 35 years in the legal system, magistrate
Julie O’Donnell starts in the role in the Victorian Children’s Court today (20 January).
Ms O’Donnell ruled on criminal and child protection cases at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court for more than a decade, moving to Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court in 2022.
She is also a former senior lawyer at Victorian Legal Aid.
According to the State Government, the role will help ensure repeat youth offenders’ cases were heard quickly and make offenders more accountable.
“Ms O’Donnell will be a great asset to the Children’s Court,” Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said.
“Her wealth of experience and expertise will ensure consistency in hearings and more accountability for repeat youth offenders.
“We know there is a group of repeat offenders driving the rise in serious crimes – that’s why we’re taking action to hold them to account while offering support to help young people turn their lives around.”
In December, the Government introduced bail reforms for Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 offences such as aggravated burglary, armed robbery, carjacking or home invasion.
It also created a new offence for committing Schedule 1 or 2 offences on bail.
Youth Minister Enver Erdogan said Ms O’Donnell’s appointment was “another step in delivering a justice system that protects the community and rehabilitates young people”.
Apply now Community Grants Program
Do you have a project, program or event that supports the Greater Dandenong community?
Our Medium Grants Program provides one-off grants of up to $10,000 to individuals and non-profit community organisations to deliver:
Community Development
Climate Change initiatives
Arts
Festivals and events
Round 1 is open from Monday 3 February and closes 12pm Monday 3 March.
Grant information sessions will be available to learn about Council Grant programs.
Apply online and find out more at: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/grants
Teens charged after spree
Four teens have been charged over a spree of alleged burglaries and robberies across the South East last week.
Early on 17 January, Police Air Wing followed an alleged stolen Hyundai Accent sedan entering Monash Freeway from Eastlink.
The car had been seen in the vicinity of the alleged crimes on 15-17 January, police say.
After stop sticks were deployed, the car came to rest at Broad Oak Drive in Cranbourne.
Police seized about 920 packets of cigarettes from the car as well as several suspectedly stolen items.
Four boys were arrested and interviewed by police over the following alleged incidents:
• Burglary at Bemersyde Drive, Berwick on 15 January
• Robbery at James Cook Drive, Endeavour Hills, 15 January
• Fail to stop for police Camms Road, Cranbourne, 16 January
• Theft from motor vehicle, Artfield Street,
Cranbourne East. 16 January
• Robbery, South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne North, 16 January
• Attempted armed robbery, Ballarto Road, Cranbourne East, 16 January
• Robbery, McMahons Road, Ferntree Gully, 16 January
• Robbery, Thompsons Road, Cranbourne West, 17 January
• Robbery, Warrigal Road, Bentleigh East, 17 January
• Theft of motor vehicle, Broad Oak Drive, Cranbourne East, 17 January
A pair of 15-year-old Cranbourne East boys were charged with attempted armed robbery, robbery, burglary and aggravated burglary.
A 17-year-old Sandhurst boy was charged with attempted armed robbery and burglary offences.
A 14-year-old Cranbourne East boy was charged with robbery and burglary offences. The teens will face a children’s court at a later date.
IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE
CLEANAWAY DANIELS PTY LTD GUILTY OF BREACH OF LICENCE CONDITIONS UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT 2017
On 25 November 2024, CLEANAWAY DANIELS SERVICES PTY LTD (ACN 093 315 014) entered a guilty plea at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to one charge laid by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria for a breach of a licence condition contrary to section 63(1) of the Environment Protection Act 2017 (VIC).
Cleanaway Daniels Pty Ltd was found guilty without conviction, fined $40,000, and ordered to pay $14,906 of legal costs to Environment Protection Authority.
On 8 June 2022, Cleanaway Daniels Service Pty Ltd contravened section 63(1) of the Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic) by breaching licence Condition OL_WM4, requiring Cleanaway Daniels Services Pty Ltd to ensure that waste does not burn at the activity site which accepts and treats medical waste. The licence condition was breached when a fire occurred resulting in clinical and related waste burning at the activity site.
The Environment Protection Act 2017 requires licences for specified operating activities. Non- compliance with a licence is an offence that may result in prosecution.
This Adverse Publicity Notice was published and paid for by CLEANAWAY DANIELS PTY LTD pursuant to an order of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Dandenong Magistrates Court. (Gary Sissons: 244718)
Discover the Viking difference
LEE MCCARTHY
FOR those dreaming of a vacation experience created for curious travellers, let us introduce you to Viking and the Viking Difference.
The cruise line is destination focused and culturally enriching and for those who prefer an elegant, serene ship ambiance, more time in each port and an inclusive experience complete with exquisite dining and thoughtfully curated shore excursions.
Viking are often credited with inventing modern river cruising in 1997. In 2015, they turned their attention to ocean cruising. In 2022, they began perfecting expedition cruising with journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to their Norwegian home on board the Viking Polaris and the Viking Octantis.
The cruise line’s attention to detail and destination-focused approach is what has helped make Viking the world’s leading exploration company.
With offerings on all seven continents, the company invites you to reawaken your spirit of discovery and celebrate a return to sailing and exploring the world in comfort.
Viking offers a shore excursion in every port and an onboard and onshore enrichment program that provides deep immersion in the destination through performances of music and art, cooking demonstrations, informative port talks and carefully selected guest lecturers.
In 2015, Viking introduced its first ocean ship with the naming of the 930-guest all-veranda Viking Star. One year later, they launched their second ocean ship, the Viking Sea, which was joined by sister ship the Viking Sky in 2017, the Viking Orion in 2018, the Viking Jupiter in 2019 and the Viking Venus in 2021. Identical sister ships the Viking Mars, and the Viking Neptune joined the fleet in 2022; the Viking Saturn joined in 2023. Ocean itineraries are designed to maximize the amount of time travellers spend in their destination. These enriching itineraries include base and combination voyages around the world, with particular focus in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, North and South America and Africa.
The popular European river voyages range from eight to twenty-three days, with itineraries featuring Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhone, Douro, Moselle, Elbe, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers.
Viking also offers voyages on Egypt’s Nile River and Southeast Asia’s Mekong River.
Sailing Europe’s storied rivers, the awardwinning fleet of identical Viking Longships® offer a variety of stateroom categories and true tworoom suites with full-size verandas. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the revolutionary indoor/ outdoor Aquavit Terrace, elegant Scandinavian
design and environmentally considerate features, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride.
Viking launched destination-focused travel experiences on the Mississippi River in 2022, with sailingsrangingfromeighttofifteendaysbetween New Orleans, Louisiana and St. Paul, Minnesota.
The Viking Mississippi hosts 386 guests and features some of the largest staterooms across the cruise industry, where each guest has a sweeping view of the river and landscape beyond.
In 2022, they launched their expedition voyages with the arrival of the 378-guest Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Both ships sail expedition voyages in Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes.
The Viking Sun was renamed the Viking Yi Dun in 2024 and will exclusively sail the coast of China. Viking Vela, Viking’s twelfth ocean ship debuted in November 2024 and the Viking Vesta will launch this year. Viking are excited to also announce the Viking Mira is due to be delivered in 2026.
For further information visit www.viking.com or phone reservations (AU) 138 747.
The 378-guest Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris sail expedition voyages in Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes.
Viking offers voyages on Egypt’s Nile River and Southeast Asia’s Mekong River.
Viking information sessions
VIKING has opened registrations for its popular regional Australia information sessions aimed at curious travellers looking for inspiration for their next voyage.
The sessions, to be held in 44 regional locations across all states and the Australian Capital Territory starting in Ipswich, Queensland, on Tuesday 4 February going through to 3 April.
The sessions provide the perfect opportunity for travellers to connect with Viking Commercial Managers and past guests to discover the “Viking difference” through Viking’s award-winning river, ocean, and expedition journeys.
Attendees will also find out more about Viking’s newly launched Scandinavian, Northern European and Mediterranean itineraries, new Viking destinations, their culturally enriching onshore experiences and onboard enrichment.
The sessions are scheduled twice daily at 10am and 6:30pm, running for 75 minutes. Complimentary light refreshments will be served during the 30 minutes prior to each session, providing an opportunity for networking amongst new and past guests, travel agents and Viking Commercial Managers.
Viking believes attendees will not only leave the session informed and inspired to book their next Viking cruise but will also receive an exclusive offer, to assist them to secure their booking within 14 days of the event.
Registration is essential as availability is limited, and places are expected to fill fast.
For group bookings of four or more, please email infosessions.anz@vikingcruises.com.
Viking is planning a series of metropolitan Australian information sessions for travel agents and their clients in late 2025. More information about these sessions will be available in the second half of the year.
Queensland
• Ipswich: Tuesday, 4 February | 10.30 am & 6.30
pm
• Mooloolaba: Tuesday, 11 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Noosa: Thursday, 13 February | 10.30 am & 6.30
pm
• Bribie Island: Tuesday, 18 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Townsville: Tuesday, 25 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Cairns: Thursday, 27 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Toowoomba: Wednesday, 5 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Bundaberg: Tuesday, 1 April | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Hervey Bay: Thursday, 3 April | 10.30 am & 6.30
pm To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionsqueensland-3904113 South Australia
• Victor Harbor: Tuesday, 18 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Stirling: Wednesday, 19 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Barossa Valley: Thursday, 20 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessions-southaustralia-3904203
Tasmania
• Hobart: Tuesday, 18 February | 10.30 am & 6.30
pm
• Launceston: Wednesday, 19 February | 11.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Devonport: Thursday, 20 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessions-tasmania-3904183?just_published=true
Victoria
• Brighton: Tuesday, 4 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
• Mornington Peninsula: Thursday, 6 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
• Ballarat: Tuesday, 11 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
• Sale: Thursday,20February|10.30am&6.30pm
• Bendigo: Tuesday, 4 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
• Shepparton: Thursday, 6 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
• Warrnambool: Thursday, 13 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
• Geelong: Wednesday, 26 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
To register please visit https://www.event-
brite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessions-victoria-3896763
Australian Capital Territory
• Canberra: Tuesday, 11 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm Toregisterpleasevisithttps://www.eventbrite. com/cc/viking-explorer-sessions-act-3896753
New South Wales
• Hunter Valley: Tuesday, 18 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Newcastle: Thursday, 20 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Coffs Harbour: Tuesday, 25 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Penrith: Wednesday, 26 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Bathurst: Tuesday, 4 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Orange: Wednesday, 5 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Central Coast: Tuesday, 11 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Ballina: Tuesday, 11 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Wollongong: Tuesday, 11 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Southern Highlands: Thursday, 13 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Nelson Bay: Tuesday, 18 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Albury: Wednesday, 19 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Forster: Thursday, 20 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Port Macquarie: Tuesday, 25 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
• Tamworth: Tuesday, 1 April | 10.30 am & 6.30
pm
• Armidale: Thursday, 3 April | 10.30 am & 6.30
pm
To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessions-newsouth-wales-3904123
Western Australia
• Albany: Tuesday, 25 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
• Mandurah: Thursday, 6 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
• Bunbury: Wednesday, 12 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
• Busselton: Thursday, 13 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessions-westernaustralia-3904193
Michelle Black, from Viking said, “Our sessions are perfect for those new to Viking as well as our loyal past guests. Whether attendees are interested in polar expeditions, new ports, European river journeys, or Mediterranean, Scandinavian or Asia ocean voyages our information sessions are relevant to every curious traveller’s agenda,” said Michelle Black, Viking Managing Director ANZ.
“These sessions are so valuable in educating, engaging and motivating clients to make their next travel booking, making attending these sessions a smart business decision for savvy agents,” said Black.
Guests and Viking Commercial Manager’s at Viking’s explorer information sessions 2023. (Supplied)
LEE MCCARTHY
SCENIC SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC JEWELS
Bergen to Stockholm or vice versa
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SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027
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SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CAPITALS
Oslo to Copenhagen or vice versa
15 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 10 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027
From $13,595pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $16,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
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Bergen to Copenhagen
22 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 17 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027
From $19,795pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $24,295pp in Penthouse Veranda
Discover the essence of Türkiye, from İstanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar to Pamukkale’s mineral-rich terraces before cruising Greece and Italy.
Embark on a 12-night journey through Türkiye’s vibrant history and UNESCO wonders. Explore Cappadocia, famous for its hot air balloons and marvel at Pamukkale’s iconic hot springs. Uncover the ancient ruins of Ephesus, visit the House of Virgin Mary in Kuşadası and stroll through the legendary city of Troy, before visiting the poignant Gallipoli battlefields and Anzac Cove.
Next, indulge in world-class service, opulent amenities and personalised touches as you sail with Silver Spirit to the Greek islands of Nafplion, Syros, Patmos, and Heraklion—each brimming with culture and beauty. Explore the ancient wonders of Syracuse, then discover the histories of Palermo and Naples before disembarking in Civitavecchia.
Your holiday includes All-Inclusive Luxury Cruise
ï 12 night all-inclusive luxury cruise on board Silver Spirit
ï Visiting: Athens, Nafplion, Syros, Patmos, Heraklion, Syracuse (overnight in port), La Goulette, Palermo, Naples (overnight in port), Civitavecchia
ï Complimentary shore excursions included at every port^ Hotel Stays
Discover Pamukkale
Silver Spirit
Silver Spirit blends top notch facilities and world-famous service including its polished entertainment, a truly superior way to cruise. Encounter likeminded friends, first-class dining, and relaxation on board.
ï Four-star hotel stays in İstanbul, Ankara, Çappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Kuşadası, Çanakkale and Athens
Complimentary Fully Escorted Tours
ï İstanbul city tour including the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar; Cappadocia tour including Pigeon Valley, Uçhisar Fort, Paşabağ Valley and Avanos Valley; Hierapolis, Cotton Castle, Thermal Baths & Amphitheatre; Troy ancient city & Trojan Horse photo stop; Gallipoli Memorial, Anzac Cove and the Lone Pine Cemetery visit and more All Flights, Taxes and Transfers
ï Overnight flights
Discover Pamukkale, known as “Cotton Castle,” where natural wonders unfold in dazzling white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich hot springs. This stunning geological marvel, with its cascading pools and dramatic formations, creates a surreal landscape capturing the intrigue of discerned travellers from across the globe. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis atop these terraces and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historical richness of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Celebrating students
Community College Gippsland (CCG) celebrated students’ achievements from ECG Secondary College Warragul, Leongatha, Pakenham and Dandenong campuses, along with those from its RTO and Learn Local programs. The event was attended by teachers, family, friends and Industry partners, making the 2024 CCG Awards Night a spectacular celebration of achievement, dedication, and community spirit. This event showcased the power of collaboration.
The evening was an inspiring showcase of perseverance and commitment. It featured the presentation of 18 donor awards across the Warragul, Pakenham, Leongatha, and Dandenong campuses, as well as 3 scholarships, sponsorships, 3 RTO awards, 2 Learn Local Awards, the Industry Partner Award, and the Community Builder Award. Each award reflected the hard work and determination that defined the vibrant CCG community.
The 2024 Industry Partner Award was presented to Little Saints Early Learning Centre, Warragul in recognition of the staff and educators’ collaboration with CCG to enhance opportunities for learners to grow and succeed. The team at Little Saints Early Learning Centre Warragul has been inclusive and supportive, providing placement opportunities for students of the Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care course. Upon qualifying, many students have secured employment with them.
The 2024 Community Builder Award was presentedtoTransitSoupKitchenandFoodSupport, Dandenong, operated by a group of committed community volunteers. They have welcomed ECG Secondary College students, providing volunteer opportunities that enabled them to learn new skills, gain valuable experiences, and challenge themselves. Through volunteering, ECG students have built confidence, communication
LOOKING BACK
100 years ago
22 January 1925
Dandenong West School
The tender of Messrs. J. C. Brockie and Sons, of Gardiner, has been accepted for the erection of a new school at Dandenong West. The contract price is 8750 pounds.
50 years ago
21 January 1975
ANGUISH OF A MOTHER
Why did it happen to us?
This is the anguished question asked by the mother of an 18-month-old boy drowned in a backyard swimming pool in Springvale. She said: “Those sorts of things only happen to people who are careless, or perhaps a better term would be unaware …. unaware of dangers such pools represent.” She talked to the Journal “in the fervent hope” it will spur other parents to take care with protective covers for their backyard pools and that they will push for legislation to make proper protection law. “We thought we had taken the necessary precautions. We had taken out the ladder and emptied the pool. What we didn’t account for was the rain water that had accumulated over the past weeks, and the fact that we had an active little boy capable of more and more every day.” 20 years ago
24 January 2005
Celebrations set to roll
The stage is set for the City of Greater Dandenong Australia Day celebrations. Alan Collier, chairman of the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Committee said his hard-working committee was aiming to entice more multicultural groups to join in the big and colourful parade along Lonsdale Street to the Dandenong Park. The parade will start at 11am when representatives of the various dancing and singing, church, youth and multicultural groups will assemble at the Pillars of Freedom in Clow Street. At 12.15pm the national anthem will be played by the City of Greater Dandenong Band and Scouts and Guides will raise the flag. 5 years ago
21 January 2020
Hearts wide open
They are survivors of war … so when they heard about the devastation of the bushfires it struck a chord with the ethnic Hazara community. Some are refugees, Hazara Australian citizens and asylum seekers – but all were united to give back to a country “that provided us shelter and protection.”
At a packed gathering at the Doveton Hall, the Haz-
skills and teamwork abilities while developing a deeper awareness and understanding of social issues in their local community. This experience has empowered students to make a tangible difference in the lives of others and broaden their worldview.
In recognition of their service, dedication and contributions over the past 9 years, CCG awarded Life membership to two of its current Board members, Marianne Shearer and Iain Luck.
CCG extends their heartfelt thanks to the platinum sponsors Gippsland Forest Lodge, Fonterra, and Tanya Heaney-Voogt, as well as
ara Community presented a cheque for $22,543 to the Country Fire Authority and a further cheque for $133,478 to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund. The donations were raised through campaigns and events organised by community delegates from across Victoria. Sadia Ali said: “We have come from a country that has been ravaged by war and as a result, we understand the pain of our brothers and sisters in the bushfire ravaged communities who have lost their homes, businesses and livestock to the fire across the country.”
Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society
the award sponsors: South East LLEN, Warragul Crownlea, Commonwealth Bank Warragul & Leongatha, Warragul City Motors, Evans Petroleum, South Gippsland Bass Coast LLEN, Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN, Club Hotel Warragul, Biz IT, TAFE Gippsland, Skillinvest, McFarlane Criminal Lawyers, @realty Property Sales Gippsland - Courtney Crossman, and Space Carpet Court Warragul. CCG acknowledges the generous donations extended by Club 88, Gippsland Forest Lodge and Baw Baw Shire Council, which contributed to the scholarship and sponsorship awards. Their generous support made this event possible and helped shine a spotlight on the achievements
of CCG students.
The evening was filled with a talented music performance by Matt Peter-Fry, and the charismatic hosting of Dan Robinson from TR FM, who expertly guided the audience through the night.
Homegrown Design captured every memorable moment, and the Warragul Country Club provided the perfect venue for this celebration of success.
“Gippsland Forest Masonic Lodge and Freemasons Foundation Victoria chose to support Community College Gippsland in recognition of the important contribution the college has made to improving the quality and availability of specialist educational opportunities in the Baw Baw Shire area. The annual student awards provided an excellent platform to demonstrate how our financial assistance translated into recognition for students who achieved meritorious performance during the year and helped a student in furthering their education with a scholarship grant.” Said Col McCowan, Secretary of Gippsland Forest Lodge.
Let’s celebrate
Members of the Hazara community donate more than $150,000 to bush fire affected communities and to the Country Fire Authority in January 2020. (Supplied)
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti addresses the crowd at Doveton Hall in January 2020. (Supplied)
2024 Award winners.
CCG 2024 Awards.
Outrage over permits
By Violet Li
Information on Casey Council’s website which was later found to have “inconsistencies” caused widespread confusion and anger over the Christmas break.
Subsequent awareness of the municipality’s private land use permits set off another wave of backlash at what activities are allowed on private properties.
How did it start and escalate?
The saga started when, on 23 December last year, Devon Meadow landowner Tom Kapitany shared a screenshot of Casey Council’s webpage that contained information on what activities require a permit on private land use in Casey, which he described as “a massive money grab by the former administrators”. The information at the time quickly whipped up a backlash over the Christmas period as locals found it outrageous that they needed a permit when storing or repairing a recreational vehicle, storing a shipping container (up to 90 days), storing unregistered vehicles (up to 90 days), putting up temporary dwellings (no more than 14 days in any 60-day period), and dismantle, repair or service vehicles on private land (non-commercial).
A petition to “abolish the permit requirement for private land use in the City of Casey” was then launched. At the time of the writing, it has gained close to 15,000 signatures. Several YouTube videos that criticised the permit were widely circulated on social media. The controversy mainly centred on the belief that residents had to pay for a permit to change the oil and refill the water for their cars or park caravans and motorcycles on their private properties.
On 31 December last year, almost a week after the social media storm, Casey Council released the first media release to count.
“Over recent days there has been some inaccurate information published online regarding Council’s Private Land Use Permit,” it stated.
“To clarify and reassure our community, this permit is part of the Casey Community Local Law and designed to protect the health, peace and safety of our community.”
Casey Council also said its customer service team had been subjected to threatening behaviour as a result of inaccurate information in recent days.
The community members pointed out the “inaccurate information” was attributed to Casey’s own webpage. Eagle-eyed locals also highlighted that the multiple areas of information on the webpage were inconsistent with its origins, the Casey Community Local Law 2023.
According to the law, a person must not, except with a permit, use private land to dismantle, repair, or service vehicles or machinery in circumstances where the activity or use is detrimental to the amenity of the area in which the private land is located. The statement differs from the information on the webpage with an addition of a condition.
When it comes to the regulation of recreational vehicles like minibikes, motorbikes, and gokarts, an owner of private land must not, except with a permit, use a recreational vehicle on that private land. A person who uses a recreational vehicle must ensure that the use does not inconvenience, obstruct, hinder or endanger any person, cause damage to any property or cause a nui-
sance to the occupier of any neighbouring land. The law emphasises the usage instead of storage and repair of recreational vehicles on private land as stated on the webpage. A similar inconsistency applies to the regulation of temporary dwellings.
In terms of unregistered vehicles, the law specifies that a permit is needed when there are more than two unregistered vehicles on private land.
The first several days of 2025 saw Casey Council gradually revising the webpage until the wording eventually synchronised with the Local Law.
On 7 January this year, Casey Council released the second and the third statement where it acknowledged that the wording on its website contained inconsistencies which had contributed to confusion, misinformation and concern across the community.
“Our residents do not need a permit to do minor maintenance on their car on private property, for example, an oil change or belt change,” it stated.
“You also don’t need a permit to park a caravan on your property.”
When inquired by Star News, City of Casey acting manager Connected Communities Lee Hobbs said council officers were working to continue improving the webpage to make this clearer for the residents.
Anthony Tassone, vice president of community organisation Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association (CRRA), said such was the concern of some residents on the initial incorrect information that they thought it was an early April fool’s joke.
“Mistakes can happen. They shouldn’t happen, but they can happen,” he said.
“What was disappointing was that the City of Casey did not appear to own that mistaken error initially. In their statement on 31 December was an inference that there were residents themselves who were responsible for spreading inaccurate information published online.
“The main source of the inaccurate information was the City of Casey’s website itself.
“A main part of continuous quality improvement is accepting when errors have been made.
“They need to own a mistake, review how it happens, and do whatever they can to ensure it doesn’t repeat because it has caused a lot of angst, concern, and confusion.”
What are the concerns now?
Mr Tassone said there remained areas of concern for residents regarding what was in the Local Law since the webpage information had been corrected, updated, and clarified.
The requirement for a permit for using recreational vehicles on private land has been particularly of concern.
“The Casey Local Law does not differentiate or make exemptions based on land size,” Mr Tassone said.
“The City of Casey is a diverse community, particularly the southern parts of our municipality where there’s green wedge and semi-rural acreage and farmland. Private landowners may live on large properties and don’t feel that it’s necessary that they should be expected to get a permit to use a recreational vehicle because they’re not causing any disturbance or nuisance to any neighbours or anyone else.”
Mr Tassone also questioned the free-of-harm
condition of servicing and repair of vehicles on private land.
“It does seem bizarre that a resident can obtain a permit to service, repair, or maintain a vehicle if the activity is having a detrimental impact on the amenity of the property,” he said.
“Rather than requiring someone to get a permit, why don’t you just not allow them to do it?
“Rather than allow rather than requiring everyone to get a permit to use a recreation vehicle on private land, if they’re being a nuisance and impacting the amenity of the area, why don’t they directly address those particular instances which would be the exception?”
Mr Tassone said CRRA was aware that the purpose of the Casey Community Local Law 2023 was to “provide peace and order, provide an environment free from hazards and prevent nuisances” which might affect the quality of life and enjoyment of residents.
“The City of Casey needs to ensure the balance is right without creating unnecessary red tape, intrusion, and cost burden for residents to use their private land,” he said.
“This would need a review of the existing Local Law which the CRRA would welcome and participate in consultation.
“The CRRA is committed to working with the City of Casey to help best inform this.” What is Local Law?
The permit concerns circled back to the intention, the interpretation, and the enforcement of the Local Law.
City of Casey acting manager Connected Communities Lee Hobbs said the council was not attempting to tell people what they could and couldn’t do on their private land through the Local Law.
He highlighted that a permit was only required in circumstances where the activity or use is detrimental to the amenity of the area in which the private land is located.
“The intention of the Casey Community Local Law is to support the peace, health, safety, and wellbeing of our community. Some clauses within the Local Law require a permit from the council for an activity to be undertaken,” he said.
“The aim of local law permits is not to restrict activities unnecessarily but to ensure they are managed in a way that minimises disruptions or harm to neighbours and the community.”
Mr Hobbis explained that the council’s involvement with a private land permit started with complaints and the final application of a private land use permit is on a case-by-case basis.
“Typically, the way the council would approach a private land permit is firstly when a resident contacts the Council to make a complaint or to inform the council that a property is impacting their peace or wellbeing,” he said.
“Some examples might include hoarding multiple cars on private property, untidy properties with car shells, car parts and other machinery, illegal mechanics operating from a private property causing a lot of noise or creating hazards, people living in caravans on private property for extended periods of time, this can cause a nuisance to neighbours and environmental health issues.
“Shipping containers located in the front yard of a private property obstructing views and creating hazards.
“Council officers will then contact the property owner to investigate if it is discovered that an activity is causing detrimental impact to the peace, health, safety and wellbeing of neighbours or the local amenity. Council will work with the property owner to find the best outcome for both the property owner and the neighbours. It will be at this stage that a Private Land Permit will be discussed.”
Casey Council revealed that from July 2023 to December 2024, a total of 20 private land use permits were issued in the City of Casey. No permits have been required or issued by the council in relation to servicing vehicles on private property. What are the other concerns?
Devon Meadows landowner Tom Kapitany, who first made known the initial incorrect information on the council’s webpage, has been upfront about his criticism of how council officers apply the Local Law, given his history with Casey Council’s town planning team.
“It’s always about how the council officers apply the law. They can decide to act or not act,” he said.
“The problem is that there’s always so much overreach by council officers. They want to show people they’re doing their jobs. They want to show people they’re getting fines and making money and complying with green wedge regulations or other things.”
He said there should be a common sense approach to the application of laws.
Mr Kapitany believed financial want was behind the overreach he had personally experienced, and he had heard from other local landowners.
He said the pricing of the permits was a “pure money grab”.
Currently, the application fee for a permit is a non-refundable $150 plus. Permit for a recreational vehicle costs $150, long/heavy vehicle $473 per vehicle, shipping container $350, temporary dwelling $350, and unregistered vehicle $250 per vehicle.
Mr Kapitany said the former administrators should take the blame as the latest version of the Local Law was passed amid their reigns.
“My criticism of the administrators has always been that they don’t care about people. They care about money and finances,” he said.
“The administrators went around to any sort of money-grabbing exercise I possibly could imagine.
“They did anything that they could do to save the council money.
“What this council has done is just to find more ways to grab money from people to fill up the financial shortfall.”
When inquired, City of Casey acting manager Connected Communities Lee Hobbs said the private land use permits were not aimed at raising revenue from the residents.
“In 2023, the fees and charges for private land use permits were brought in line with the local government sector. Fees and charges are based on the administration and resources required to service the permit,” he said.
“This includes engagement with property owners and local neighbouring properties, reviewing required documentation and site plans and related administration.”
Anthony Tassone, vice president of community organisation Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association (CRRA)
Devon Meadows landowner Tom Kapitany said the pricing of the private land use permits was a “pure money grab”. (Violet Li: 453756)
Make sure pets part of plan
CFA and RSPCA Victoria are urging residents to include pets in their bushfire survival plans, amid the significant fire activity already impacting Victoria this summer.
Having bedding, food, and water ready to go for your furry friend could save valuable time in the event of a fire.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan emphasised the importance of being ready to leave early on high-risk bushfire days.
“While you should always prioritise your own safety ahead of your pets, your bushfire plan isn’t fully complete unless it accounts for them,” Mr Heffernan said.
“When creating a plan, consider what your pets will eat and drink, how you will transport them, and where you are taking them.”
“Once you have your kit prepared, keep it somewhere that’s easily accessible.”
“Keep towels and woollen blankets on hand to protect pets during the journey and to keep them as cool as possible.
“Another valuable step is microchipping pets for easy identification and ensuring your phone number is visible on their collar.
For horses and livestock, a separate plan is required.
“If you’re unable to evacuate livestock, the safest place is a large, well-grazed, and fenced area away from roads where they can move freely with access to water,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Make sure you’re prepared; late evacuation will put you and your animals at risk.”
RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker reiterated the importance of including pets in bushfire survival plans.
“Planning for emergencies is such a crucial part of life in Victoria particularly during the summer months,” Dr Walker said.
“Many people across the state already have a Fire Ready plan in place, and we’re urging everyone to make sure their pets are included too.
“An emergency kit with medication, updated contact details on microchips and collars, photos or scans on your phone of important documents like vaccination certifications, are just some of the items to prepare in advance.
“Our pets are such an important part of our lives, including them in your Fire Ready plans increases the chances of you and your pet making it to safety in an emergency situation.”
For more information and tips on how to keep your pets and livestock safe during high bushfire risk days, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/pets.
Your Pet Bushfire Relocation Kit should include:
• Food and water
• A bowl for each pet
• A second collar and lead
• A carrier for cats and smaller pets
• Bedding and a woollen blanket
• A pet first-aid kit – seek your vet’s advice
• A favourite toy
• Any medications, along with a written list of what they are
• Your pet’s medical history, including proof of vaccination
• Your vet’s contact details.
• Tips for keeping pets cool
• Have fresh, cold water available at all times
• Ensure your pet has shade at all times or bring them inside into a cool room
• Wipe your pet down with a cool, damp towel or leave wet towels out for them to lie on
• Wet your dog with cool water several times throughout the day
• Consider buying a wading pool for your dog
• For cats, rub damp hands over their coat or along their tummy
• Place ice blocks in your pet’s water bowl
• Place ice in a pillow case and place it near your pets
• Consider having your dog clipped if their coat is long and thick
• Never leave your pets in a vehicle on a hot day.
A separate plan is required for horses and livestock. (453885)
CFA and RSPCA are imploring residents to include pets in their bushfire survival plans. (453885)
BUSINESS PROFILE
Discover your next trip
Geelong Travel’s highly anticipated Travel and World Cruise Expo returns to Geelong on Sunday, February 2, at GMHBA Stadium.
The annual event promises to be packed with fantastic holiday ideas, exclusive travel deals and expert advice – all with free entry.
With more than 25 engaging travel presentations covering everything from luxury ocean and river cruises to outback Aussie adventures, this expo is your one-stop destination for travel planning.
It’s your chance to meet representatives from the world’s top travel companies, who are ready to help you design your dream itinerary and secure exclusive offers.
Among the expo guests will be celebrity chef Gabriel Gate who will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises.
Stuart Coffield, who heads up the familyowned and operated Geelong Travel company, says the popular event’s winning attraction is its lineup of expert travellers.
“We don’t have people reading from brochures or clicking on YouTube links. You get to talk to people who have been on the tours and have real experience – their presentations are amazing,” Mr Coffield said.
Geelong Travel’s 20 experienced team members will be on hand to help expo visitors with enquiries and bookings.
And there’s a travel experience to suit everyone. Among the exciting presentations will be:
The Ghan & Indian Pacific – Australia’s Great Rail Journeys
The wonders of Canada and Alaska with APT & Travelmarvel
Explore the new world of Viking’s Ocean, Rivers & Expeditions
Trafalgar’s Tour Differently – the experts, the icons, and hidden secrets of travelling with ease.
Bucket list adventures including The Kimberley, Africa, South America & Asia with APT and Travelmarvel.
Must-see places and Immersive cultural ex-
periences throughout Asia and beyond with Wendy Wu.
Travelling to Antarctica and the Arctic with Quark Expeditions
New Zealand coach tours with Grand Pacific Tours.
Small group 4WD expeditions throughout Australia with Outback Spirit.
Don’t miss the chance to make your ultimate travel plans a reality!
Visit the Travel & Cruise World Expo on Sunday, February 2 at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong from 10am – 4pm.
To register, visit geelongtravel.com.au, or call the friendly Geelong Travel team on 5244 3666.
Discover your next adventure at Geelong’s Travel and World Cruise Expo.
(453880)
SPORT Bonus for boosted Bloods
By Marcus Uhe
Springvale South has bolstered its chances for making a serious tilt at Buckley Ridges’ grasp on top spot in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 competition thanks to an outright win over Dandenong West on Saturday.
The Bloods’ 10 points puts them just two points in arrears of the Bucks with four rounds to play, and opens the door for a potential top-ofthe-table showdown between the two sides in the final round of the home-and-away season when the two square off at Alex Nelson Reserve.
Josh Dowling was the hero for Springvale South, but not in the manner anyone at Greaves Reserve would have anticipated heading into a pivotal day in the season.
Needing eight runs to claim first innings points but with just two wickets in hand when play resumed, Dowling made his way to the wicket in the first over of play after Jarryd Straker fell to Amrith Sri Mahan for three.
He and Nick Boland survived the next seven overs to pass the Bulls’ total of 107, before Dowling showcased his batting prowess with an entertaining half-century.
In just his second Turf 1 innings for the season, the Showgrounds were Dowling’s stage, hitting four sixes and three fours in an innings that was simultaneously a delight for his teammates but incredibly frustrating for the Bulls.
He did the bulk of the scoring in the unbroken 64-run final wicket partnership before captain Cam Forsyth declared the innings closed, with a 57-run lead and just over half a day’s play remaining to grab the extra points.
Dowling made a brilliant start to the bowling innings by removing Shaun Weir and Venuk Hemachandra in his opening spell, before his teammates combined to make a mess of the Bulls’ middle order.
The wickets were shared amongst Boland, Straker, Blade Baxter, and Jackson Sketcher, who combined to dismiss Dandenong West for just 94 in 41 overs.
It left Springvale South with a chase of just 38 in the fourth innings, a mark they reached for the loss of three wickets.
A loss could have put the Bloods right back into the chasing pack for a top four spot, but they now have a 10-point cushion on third-placed Berwick.
Springvale South will host Berwick in round 11 as the two form sides of the competition squareoff at Alex Nelson Reserve.
Dandenong West, meanwhile, faces a huge task to force its way back into the top four, now 12 points adrift of Hallam Kalora Park in fourth. Berwick’s 192-run win over North Dandenong made it five wins on the trot for the Bears, thrashing the Maroons and falling just shy of an outright win themselves.
North Dandenong lasted just 41.3 overs, reaching 106 in the face of a red-hot Berwick bowling line up.
Chasing 299 for victory was a huge ask for the Maroons’ faltering batting line up, which had just one score in excess of 200 to show for its season, and has failed to apply itself for long periods of time.
Captain, Imran Laghmani top scored with 21 as the only batter to pass 20.
After reaching 3/75, Berwick took the final
six wickets of the innings for just 31 runs to lockaway first innings points.
With just shy of half a day available, Berwick tried its hand at grabbing another 10 wickets and an extra four premiership points, but the Maroons offered more resistance.
Laghmani top scored with 40, Tahsinullah Sultani reached 30 and Riley Shaw made a defiant 26 as they finished 7/113 from 38 overs.
Alarmingly for North Dandenong, it has lost a combined 34 wickets, made 394 runs and faced
159.1 overs in its last four innings. They remain anchored to the bottom of the table and face a tough battle to retain their place in Turf 1 next summer, despite being tied for points with Beaconsfield and Narre South.
Buckley Ridges’ seventh win of the summer maintains its standing at the top of the ladder, with its imposing total of 319 proving 67 too many for Beaconsfield.
The glittering summer of Buckley seamer Ishan Jayarathna continued, claiming his fourth five-wicket haul for the summer in another brilliant display.
He claimed opener Andrey Fernando and number three Riley Clark in quick succession to cut the Tigers to 2/20 and returned later in the piece to claim the crucial wickets of Tyler Clark and Sasith Livera.
Tyler Clark reached 79 and loomed as one of the keys to the remainder of the Tigers chase but Jayarathna trapped him in front to bring his season-best innings to a close.
Tyler Clark and Ashan Madhushanka showed excellent application for Beaconsfield which was in a great position at 2/179 before the wheels fell off.
In his first Turf 1 contest for the summer, it was the returning and beloved premiership hero Michael Davies that made the crucial breakthrough by removing Madhushanka for 69, ending a 159run partnership.
Centurion Ben Wright held onto the chance offered by Madhushanka, which triggered the beginning of the end.
Jayarathna quickly took the next two wickets of Tyler Clark and Livera, as Beaconsfield lost 3/8 , and slipped to 5/187.
Abaseen Taniwal and Zack Watson ensured the Bucks were forced to bowl 72 overs but the innings eventually came to a close with the Tigers reaching 252.
Davies finished with 3/46 and Hussain Ali 2/46, as Bucks batter Jake Cronin claimed familial bragging rights over his father and Tigers coach, Mick Cronin, a life member at Buckley Ridges.
In Turf 1’s final contest of the weekend, Hallam Kalora Park cruised to an eight-wicket win over Narre South.
Ben Hillard (46) and Damith Perera (85) completed the majority of the assignment in a 59-run stand as the home side reached the target in the 42nd over, before the Hawks took the opportunity to boost its percentage with additional time in the middle.
Mahela Udawatte hit his fourth half-century of the summer before the Hawks were dismissed on 268.
Jeevan Mendis took 6/93 for Narre South as the primary wicket-taker in the attack. The Lions were sent back in to bat for a second time, with play called at 5/65 after 21 overs.
DDCA lowers colours as associations come together
By Marcus Uhe
The Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) representative team was on the wrong end of a final over thriller in its exhibition game against the Victorian Turf Cricket Association (VTCA) on Sunday at Noble Park’s Pat Wright Senior Oval.
The home side was unable to defend 10 runs in the final over after posting 9/204 for victory in the first innings.
North Dandenong seamer Deeshan Vimukthi was chosen by skipper Jordan Hammond to bowl the final set of six deliveries and nearly began the over in the best possible fashion with the wicket of VTCA captain Mitch Johnstone.
Johnstone nailed a lofted straight drive down the ground on the first ball of the over, chancing his arm despite the DDCA having two fielders on the long straight boundary.
The catch was there for the taking but a miscommunication between Mitch Forsyth and Triyan De Silva saw the ball go to ground, and the batters run two.
Vimukthi nailed a wide yorker on the second ball but was hit for six on the third, as Johnstone this time cleared the straight boundary.
A well struck drive beat the infield on the
fourth ball of the over, allowing the batters to run the final two required for victory.
The DDCA took regular wickets in the first half of the innings, including two in the opening two overs, and had the visitors in trouble at 5/81 when De Silva grabbed a wicket in his second over.
Player of the match, Matthew Gaskett, however, made 42, and Aaron Maynard 39, to put their side in a winning position, before the captain sealed the deal with the winning runs, seven wickets down.
Berwick quick James Trodd was the DDCA’s only multiple wicket-taker, grabbing 2/33.
Earlier in the day, the DDCA failed to capitalise on a promising start made by the top order.
Forsyth(26)andHallamKaloraPark’sDamith Perera (34) added 46 for the second wicket but both departed in the space of 10 balls.
Michael Wallace and Venuk Hemachandra both followed suit in quick succession as the DDCA fell to 5/97, after reaching 1/81.
Jeevan Mendis and De Silva both added 34 in a stabilising 63-run stand and Trodd added 24 in the dying stages to lift the home side to 9/204.
The VTCA has now won the last three contests between the associations.
The DDCA’s representative team went down in the final over against the VTCA. (Marcus Uhe: 454270)
Josh Dowling played a key role with the bat for Springvale South. (Jordan Wyatt)
Four to fight for T20
By Marcus Uhe
Four teams remain in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) T20 competition following the quarter final rounds on Tuesday 14 January.
The disparity of graded Turf divisions rang true across the four contests, with the team in the higher division in each head-to-head progressing in all four contests.
Hallam Kalora Park, Berwick, Cranbourne and Dandenong West comprise the final four, each progressing with wins over Parkmore, Coomoora, Lynbrook and Silverton, respectively.
Hallam Kalora Park’s blistering batting form continued from the group stage with a second monster score in excess of 200.
Batting first, the Hawks hit the highest team score of the competition to date, making 3/244 against Parkmore, eclipsing their very own mark set in their previous contest against St Mary’s (235).
Hallam Kalora Park’s cream rose to the top in the contest, with marquee signing Matthew Calder making 74, with five sixes and five fours, and captain, Jordan Hammond, reaching 53 with seven fours and two sixes.
The Hawks skipped along at more than 12 runs per over at Hallam Recreation Reserve in a demoralising performance, before keeping the Pirates to 9/143 in the chase.
Parkmore can consider themselves unfortunate - their team score was the second-highest in the four quarter-finals, but was still 101 shy of the target.
Lauchlan Gregson took 3/24 in the defence, backing up from his unbeaten flurry of 26 in the first innings.
At Greaves Reserve, Dandenong West ended Silverton’s run with a commanding six-wicket win.
One of just two Turf 3 teams to reach the quarter-finals on the back of a stunning chase of 171 against North Dandenong, the Bakers were outclassed by the Bulls in a comprehensive manner.
Marquee import Talwinder Prince made 64 of his side’s 100 runs, lasting just 17.2 overs against the Bulls attack, with Simranjit Singh his only teammate to reach double figures in a score of 10.
Quicks, Nuwan Kulasekara, Adam Reid and marquee Sam Fowler did the business early with key top order wickets of Matthew Wall and Anmol Zakhmi, before Malinga Bandara had the middle and lower order in knots while attempting to solve his spinning puzzle.
Bandara finished with 4/12 from his four overs as the three seamers grabbed two wickets apiece.
The Bulls survived an early scare as a fired-up Bakers bowling attack put the heat on the batting line up, and had the Bulls in trouble at 4/36, con-
tinuing an unwanted trend for their top order in this competition.
As he did in the final pool game against Narre South, Kulasekara proved the cool head in a crisis that Dandenong West required, making 30, with Bailey Howarth playing the supporting role on 25.
The two put on 68 for the fifth wicket to guide the Bulls to safety, four wickets down, with three overs to spare.
Silverton maximised the value from Prince, who finished with exceptional figures of 2/4 from his four overs.
Lynbrook, Turf 3’s other survivor, was no match for Cranbourne at Casey Fields.
The Lakers lost 9/45 in the back half of their innings, undoing the hard work of Harjinder Sohal and Tajbir Power’s 50-run stand for the second wicket and posting just 107.
Pace-off bowling and seam variations was effective for the Eagles, with Alex Hollingsworth (3/19), Harrison Carlyon (2/25) and Ketan Bakshi (2/4) taking the bulk of the wickets.
Carlyon and Harsaroup Singh ensured the Eagles avoided any stumbles in the run chase, making 92 of the required 108.
Berwick, meanwhile, chased 140 against Coomoora for the loss of just four wickets.
The Bears’ bowling attack ensured the Roos could not find a foothold with the bat in the first innings, with a 43-run second wicket partnership
the largest union of the innings.
Coomoora coach Nick Suppree slapped 32 in an 11-ball cameo but finished with nearly as many boundaries (six) and his teammates combined (eight).
Spinners, Elliot Mathews and Matthew Hague combined for five wickets.
Berwick completed the chase in the 19th over, with Jarryd Wills (43), Michael Wallace (32) and Brodie Herkess (25) all making valuable contributions.
Coomoora’s seamers were expensive in the run chase, as spinners Malan Madusanka and Amarjot Singh did their best to keep the Roos in the game.
The eyes of the DDCA now turn to Shepley Oval for the semi final contests on Sunday 2 February.
Hallam Kalora Park will face Berwick, and Dandenong West will tackle Cranbourne next door on Wilson Oval, with the winners of both contests to front-up for the final later in the afternoon.
Berwick is hoping for a second T20 championship in three seasons, after claiming the title in 2022/23.
Cranbourne will fly the flag for the lower grades as the only side not in Turf 1 remaining, and will hope to go one-better than HSD did last summer, which fell at the final hurdle against Springvale South.
City confirms Clark’s cross-town switch
By Marcus Uhe
The move of former Dandenong Thunder goalkeeper Pierce Clark to cross-town rival Dandenong City in the National Premier League (NPL) is set to add further spice to an already tense rivalry between the two sides.
Clark was Thunder’s first-choice shot-stopper last season but has made the decision to switch his home base to the other side of Dandenong.
City was in need of a new experienced head between the sticks following the departure of veteran and club leader John Hall, who has moved back to Adelaide.
Hall was as critical as anyone in City’s last two remarkable seasons, earning promotion from the competition’s second tier and becoming the first side to make the finals of the NPL’s top flight in their first season since promotion.
An experienced gloveman with previous stints at A-League clubs Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets, Clark prevented Thunder’s often shaky defensive unit from conceding even more goals than they did on a number of occasions with some huge saves.
In late June, meanwhile, Clark was the star in one of the most dramatic finishes to a game all season by scoring an equaliser in the dying seconds against Green Gully to snatch a point in a 1-1 finish.
Thunder signed three goalkeepers in December, in Andrew Withers, Benjamin McCauley and Joaquin Fernandez, strengthening their depth in the position in Clark’s absence.
City has secured the signatures of many key players from last season’s brilliant run ahead of its season beginning on 7 February at home against St Albans.
Defenders, Jacob Alexander, Jackson Lino and captain Jack Webster will man the last line, with
Masterclass as Forsyth spanks a ton
By Marcus Uhe
Another century from Dandenong captain Brett Forsyth was the key contribution in his Panthers reaching six wins in seven games in Victorian Premier Cricket over the weekend.
Forsyth’s unbeaten 149 - his third century of the summer - was the clear standout on the batting card, helping the home side to reach 4/329 on Saturday at Shepley Oval against Melbourne University.
Two early wickets in the defence courtesy of Noah Hurley then hamstrung the visitors’ chase from the outset, who scraped their way to 211 in 82 overs.
A teacher by trade, the irony of Forsyth crunching a hundred against a side with the nickname of Students can’t be understated.
Forsyth batted the duration of Dandenong’s marathon 98 over innings and formed yet another lengthy partnership with up-and-coming dasher Shobit Singh.
The two have formed a brilliant union on a number of occasions this summer, with three 50-run stands and a monster 273-run partnership against Greenvale.
Saturday’s saw the pair add 183 together for the third wicket, after Forsyth and Dhanusha Gamage put on 85.
Singh fell just shy of a third century of the summer, dismissed for a heartbreaking 98 when caught on the midwicket boundary.
Forsyth had no such troubles, facing 271 deliveries and hitting 15 fours in the process.
He now only trails Singh as the secondleading run scorer in the competition this summer, with Singh becoming the first batter to pass 700 runs for the season.
330 set a massive challenge for Melbourne University and ultimately asked too much of the students.
It would have been the second largest chase of any side this summer, with the Students falling 118 runs short.
Hurley’s double strike in his opening spell was supplemented by two from Matthew Wilson shortly after as the visitors fell to 4/42.
Dandenong was made to earn the six points, with Melbourne University lasting 82 overs, but the Panthers managed to finish the job on a hot Sunday evening.
The excellent form of leg-spinner Gehan Seneviratne continued, taking 3/28 from his 14 overs.
Hurley, Wilson and James Nanopoulos each took two wickets.
The Panthers remain one of the hottest teams in the competition and maintain their grasp on fourth place on the table with only three rounds remaining.
Dandenong heads to Ringwood next week to tackle the Rams in a two-day contest.
Tim Atherinos,
and
to provide the attacking threats further ahead.
Experienced midfielder Corey
joins the
and
Dandenong captain Brett Forsyth is showing no signs of slowing down.
(Rob Carew: 439516)
Kenny Athiu, Valli Cesnik
Will Bower
Sewell
club from Melbourne Knights,
will assist Danny Kim in bolstering the centre of the pitch.
Pierce Clark has switched from Dandenong Thunder to Dandenong City. (Supplied)
Malinga Bandara took 4/12 in Dandenong West’s win over Silverton. (Rob Carew: 393911)
