Helping heroes
A pair of trailblazing women who have gone the extra mile to help others have been celebrated in national and local awards on Australia Day, Sunday 26 January.
Selba Gondoza Luka and Gula Bezhan, who have founded far-reaching service organisations, were named as Medalists of the Order of Australia (OAMs).
A trained doctor from Kabual, Bezhan founded Afghan Women’s Organisation Victoria (AWOV) in 2009.
As she settled in Australia, she set her mind on the path she is on today to make real changes and differences.
“At the beginning we did volunteer work. We started with 10 women from Afghanistan and an Australian lady. It’s very big now.
“Every night I look forward to tomorrow.
“I told my mum this is similar to being a doctor.”
Bezhan has also helped provide an education to girls in Afghanistan, who have been banned
from schooling by the ruling Taliban regime.
From personal hardships, Luka has built the Springvale South-based Afri-Aus Care into a pillar of the African Australian community.
It has supported refugees and asylum seekers with culturally-sensitive counselling, mental health services, employment support and community sport.
“I know a lot of women are suffering from family violence, kids go off the rails - it all happened to me.
“My experience as mental health clinician and UBUNTU values helped me understand the situation people are facing.
“It helped me to dig deeper into the African community.”
Afri-Aus Care received double recognition, winning Community Group of the Year at the City of Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards.
For more on our community achievers, turn to pages 4, 6 and 7
Selba Gondoza Luka OAM celebrates her national honour with daughter Kwacha Luka. (Gary Sissons: 454933)
Gulghotai Bezhan OAM has been recognised for her support for women locally and in Afghanistan. (Stewart Chambers: 454815)
Moving tales behind My Melbourne, screening soon
By Sahar Foladi
Locals from all walks of lives from Casey and Greater Dandenong were moved by a preview screening of the film ‘My Melbourne’.
Produced by Indian-Australian film-maker Mitu Bhowmick Lange from Mindblowing Films, the anthology of four stories of diverse identity and belonging is set to be released nationally in March.
Lange is also the festival director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and according to her this is the first time in a decade such an Australian film will be released in India.
“The reason for making My Melbourne was our opportunity to tell our own stories and be able to talk about the authentic stories we have. To be the storytellers of our own stories, rather than through other people’s lenses.
“That was the key aim and objective - authentic storytelling.
“We wanted to celebrate the four foundations of diversity which is disability, gender race and sexuality.
The preview was held at the Village Cinemas Fountain Gate on Thursday 23 January, co-hosted by Bruce MP Julian Hill who is also friends with the producer.
“Mitu and I have been friends through my brother. When he was alive, he was a dear friend of Mitu and he was a filmmaker,” Hill said.
“This film My Melbourne took a film festival in India by storm and is about to be released in 22 cities.
“It’s terrific that we have so many members of our community particularly from our Afghan and Indian community who are featured in the film are here tonight.”
My Melbourne depicts incidents in Setara Amiri’s life after she migrated to Australia in 2021 from Afghanistan.
Setara, meaning star, is literally considered the star of the film and it was evident she had a long line of fans waiting to click photos with her after the preview.
“It’s very important as a young Afghan girl who lost her identity, to inspire everyone not just young girls from Afghanistan.
“There’s lots of opportunities for everyone from every background in Australia.”
Others in the audience were moved to tears at Setara’s story, with her telling of her passion for cricket, being on the Afghanistan National Cricket team and how she was forced to leave all that behind and start anew.
Casey resident Nisar Ahmad struggled to contain his emotions after the screening.
“It was an amazing movie but when Setara came on the screen it took me back to Afghanistan and the thought of all the girls living there who can’t study and are deprived of their basic rights which is education.
“I was emotional, and I wanted to cry for my fellow Afghan sisters and women and girls living in Afghanistan.”
Mulgrave MP Eden Foster, Narre Warren
Koomen says it’s important for migrant
“Every migrant that comes to Australia has their own story and it’s important to showcase those and explain to people in our community what the history is of different ways of migration and the different people who have come to call Casey home.”
Lonely fight with violence
By Violet Li
A South East woman, a victim of family violence, is determined to tell her story.
The single mother has been worried that her little boy would turn into someone like his abusive dad one day. For her, telling the story is a way to show the little boy how hard she fought for him against the wrongs in the family relationship.
Anyone can tell Rahima (not her real name) looks tired, but they will soon realise she is tough and ready to continue with the long legal matters against her ex-husband after three years.
She said even after the divorce and family violence intervention orders in the past three years, her ex-husband, who physically and mentally abused her, is still controlling her and would not leave her alone.
Five years ago, Rahima got married to her exhusband and the domestic violence started after several months of marriage, the honeymoon period.
“He physically abused me. He did not let me go anywhere. He cut all my friends from me. He changed my number. He told me to resign from my job,” she recalled.
She suffered from a miscarriage after being hit during the pregnancy.
“After three months I got pregnant again with my son now. I had to hide that from him for six weeks. I didn’t tell him because I was very scared that he might be violent to me again and I might get a miscarriage again,” she said.
“After six weeks, I told him that, yes, I’m pregnant. Then, while I was three months pregnant, again, he hit me a lot.”
Rahima said that her ex-husband started to be violent with her son when he was about three to four months old.
In 2022, she called the police. The ex-husband was arrested, but no charges were laid.
Eight months later, an official Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) was granted against the ex-husband for a year. Rahima later gained
a five-month extension, which has now expired.
Now without the protection of an FVIO, she will apply for a new five-year extension due to the continued controlling behaviour concerning the child’s parenting. Currently, Rahima and her ex-husband share joint decision-making responsibility for their son.
Rahima said she was in a very stressful and bad situation with her ex-husband as he just wouldn’t let her alone.
“I don’t feel safe from this person. I’m not sure what he will do if he doesn’t have an intervention order on him. He can do whatever he wants,” she said.
“How can I trust the person who has done almost three years of family violence on me? He was not just abusive physically. He was abusive from the mouth.
“He was telling me very bad words. He was taking my videos. He was not taking care of my son. He was physically abusive to my son.
“He is very controlling now. He is not leaving me to decide for my son.”
Rahima was frustrated about the five months she had to wait this year before getting the extension of the Intervention Order and the fact that there was no charge against the perpetrator.
“They were not taking me seriously. And that’s
why this person is now at the top of my head,” she said.
She was also frustrated that her culture and community did not help to tell her ex-husband to stop.
“I have been to court. I have been to the police station. They have not told him to stop. No one told him to stop,” she said.
“Now he learned that he could abuse me more. He knows that there is no one on the back of me.
“I’m the proof of violence. No one is taking a step. I cannot afford a good lawyer because I’m totally on Centrelink. My son is totally on my responsibility. I cannot leave my son to anyone.
“I’m really alone here.”
But Rahima will not give up. She knows how much a father can be an influence on a child, good or bad. She is worried that the toxic aspects of her ex-husband will one day be passed onto her little boy.
“I don’t want my son to be the same guy as my ex-husband. He has to learn how to respect women. I’m scared for him when he is going to his father because he is learning a lot from him. The things he is learning for him is dangerous for him to be in the communities when he grows up,” she said.
“I don’t want to give up. I know it’s taken my time. It takes my son time. It takes my job. It takes everything. But still, I want to fight for this because I want to tell him how much bad you have done.
“But still the good things are there. You can be a good man for your son, not for me because I don’t have any relation with you now. But you can be a good man for him because he is learning a lot from you.”
In Melbourne’s South East, City of Greater Dandenong and City of Casey are among the highest rankings for family violence incidents in Victoria.
Casey recorded 5,738 family violence incidents in the last financial year, a 5.7 per cent increase from the previous financial year. About 32
per cent of the victims are born overseas.
Greater Dandenong had 2651 family violence incidents in the FY 2023-24, the same as the previous year’s number. About 30 per cent of the victims are born overseas.
DalalSmiley,chiefexecutiveofficerofthelocal women’s organisation Wellsprings for Women, said Rahima’s story was indeed a common story that mothers who left an abusive relationship did experience when it came to their children.
“The Federal Family Court makes the decisions regarding parent’s access to their children. So, while there might be a state-issued FVIO that protects the mother from further abuse, this does not mean that the father loses access to his child unless the child has been subjected to the violence as well and the FVIO covers both of them,” she said.
“This issue is one that our peak body Safe and Equal has done a consultation on and provided a submission to the government with 13 recommendations for change.”
Ms Smiley recommended that women going through similar experiences seek the support of specialist family violence services.
“It is important for women to receive the holistic support they need as they try to navigate the various services,” she said.
“Just having legal support is not enough in itself.”
She also said women from migrant and refugee backgrounds who left an abusive relationship, might also face community backlash and could feel isolated.
“Having the support of a caseworker is critical in helping the victim/survivor through this phase and providing options for healing, recovery and resilience building,” she said.
“At Wellsprings our role does not end when the client leaves the relationship and is safe from violence, we continue supporting her post the violence to address the challenges that she will face which at times become too overwhelming and could lead her to return to the abusive partner.”
North MP Belinda Wilson, Dr Michelle AnandaRajah MP, Casey mayor Stefan Koomen, community organisations such as the Bakhtar Community Organisation also attended.
stories to be showcased.
Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP, Julian Hill MP, My Melbourne film-maker Mitu Bhowmick Lange and Setara Amiri at the film preview. (Supplied)
Wellsprings for Women members with Mulgrave MP Eden Foster, second left. (Sahar Foladi: 445453)
Bruce MP Julian Hill addresses the preview sceening of My Melbourne. (Supplied)
Rahima has been fighting against the aftermath of family violence for the past three years.
Station tops council wishlist
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater Dandenong Council has unveiled a vast wish-list ahead of the federal election, including an upgraded Dandenong railway station and a select-entry high school.
The long list of projects in the council’s ‘advocacy priorities’ interim document focuses on issues such as affordable housing, community safety, poverty, sportfields, education and jobs.
A $40 million Dandenong station rebuild was required to ensure “safe, accessible and sustainable transport options” for the community’s “growing needs”, a council report stated.
The station has been touted as Melbourne’s most dangerous suburban station, with high numbers of public-order offences.
It has been the target of multiple police blitzes such as Operation Omni to seize concealed weapons.
Meanwhile, a $60 million select entry high school in Dandenong could be potentially focused on STEM and languages, according to the council report.
It would boost opportunities for the “low socio-economic area with significant challenges”, drive social mobility and attract business investment.
The interim advocacy-priorities list is set to be voted upon by councillors on 28 January, with the final list endorsed in March.
The council will then present the wishlist to Labor MPs Mark Dreyfus, Julian Hill and Clare O’Neil and election candidates in the Isaacs, Bruce and Hotham electorates ahead of the 2025 federal election.
Some of the council’s other proposed advocacy priorities include:
• $20 million for Dandenong Community Hub
• $8 million cycling trail between Yarraman station and Dandenong
• $4 million for replacing Heatherton Road
roundabout in Noble Park with traffic lights
• $5 million to revitalize Multicultural Place and laneway, Springvale
• $5 million to upgrade Springvale Boulevard
The list also includes $2 million over five years for alleviating alarming rates of poverty in Greater Dandenong, with 20 per cent of residents living below the poverty line.
The funding would be used for a pilot collaboration between the council and service groups to address food security, homelessness, rough sleeping and disadvantage.
Greater Dandenong will also call for federal support for a pilot program requiring 10 per cent affordable housing and $1.5 million for a Dande-
Trio’s fishy acts on camera
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Keysborough aquarium has caught-oncamera a trio of alleged thieves, including one who appeared to stash stolen fish in his underpants.
New Life Aquarium posted CCTV footage on social media of the two males and a female pilfering a fish-net and several tropical fish from their tanks on Wednesday 22 January.
“Meet Genius 1, 2, and 3 who are caught on camera in this episode of retail shenanigans,” the post stated.
It depicts ‘discus’ fish being smuggled into the female’s “designer handbag”, and one of the men tucking a pleco fish down the front of his underwear.
“Let’s just say fish don’t belong there,” says the video’s narrator – referring to the “unconventional hiding spot”.
“Let’s hope the fish survive the trauma.”
As a result of the post, two of the offenders were identified by several members of the public, NLA owner John Tran said.
Their names and addresses were passed onto Victoria Police.
A “gobsmacked” commenter labelled the act as “disgusting”, and another “a new low”.
Another mused “if only it was a piranha and could give him a good bite”.
Tran said the stolen fish were unlikely to survive.
“Especially because the fish they took are very sensitive to handling and to not being in water. They have a very low chance of surviving.
“They’re not the most expensive fish in the store – I don’t think they saw the price tags.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson said police were investigating.
nong Employment Hub to address the ‘jobs rich’ region’s high unemployment rate.
Other wishlist items include:
• $1 million for feasibility study into a new railway station between Dandenong and Lynbrook
• $5 million for underground car park in Warwick Avenue, Springvale
• permanent visas to 8000 asylum seekers, as well as increased health care, work rights and income support
• $2.7 million for CCTV in Noble Park and Dandenong and other crime prevention initiatives
• $2 million for upgrades to Jacksons Road, Elonera Road and Chandler Road
• $1.3 million for a canopy over Post Office Lane, Springvale
• $1.1 million to revitalize Afghan Bazaar precinct, Dandenong
• $1.2 million to improve Buckley Street and complete Ross Reserve All Abilities Playground, Noble Park
• -$1 million to expand playground and replace Exeloo in Dandenong Park
• $900,000 for female friendly change rooms and spectator shades at Ross Reserve athletics facility
• $2.7 million for new soccer field and tennis court upgrades at Warner Reserve
A male allegedly stashing a plecos fish down his underpants at a Keysborough aquarium. (Facebook)
Greater Dandenong Council will lobby for a $40 million rebuild of Dandenong station. (Gary Sissons: 235584)
Community treasure trove
Praises have been sung for the ‘heart and soul’ of a community choir who took out the top category in the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards 2025.
With One Voice Greater Dandenong Choir coordinator Sue Doherty was presented with the Community Leadership Award at a ceremony at Springvale City Hall on 26 January.
She is celebrated for creating a welcoming, inclusive group, and building a sense of belonging and connection among choristers.
Councillor Jim Memeti thanked the nominees and winners for their service to the community.
“They demonstrate everything that is good, inclusive and proactive about our community; as they have selflessly contributed to build a strong, happy and more resilient Greater Dandenong,” Cr Memeti said.
Greater Dandenong’s two newest Living Treasures were announced – Victoria Police’s southern metro Aboriginal liaison officer Stewart Taylor and refugee-family advocate Priscilla Graf.
A proud Bunurong man, Taylor advocates and volunteers on behalf of the local Aboriginal community.
Graf’s work includes encouraging children to take part in sport, tutoring students in maths and supporting families in need.
Rob Boyle, who has run Rob’s British & Irish Butchery for 33 years, was named Corporate Citizen of the Year.
He has long promoted central Dandenong as well as supporting charities and employing youngsters in their first jobs.
Rowan Barbour and Simran Saroy were joint winners of Young Leader of the Year.
Barbour took part in Greater Dandenong Council’s Young Leaders Program and volunteers at Save the Children Warehouse and the Australian Animal Protection Society op shop.
Headspace volunteer Saroy has a passion for reducing mental-health stigma and improving service access for multicultural communities.
Highly commended in the young leader category were Meantepy ‘Tepy’ Hoeung and Khue Le.
Hoeung raises awareness of liver health and viral hepatitis in the Khmer and other South East Asia communities with educational sessions and appearances on SBS language programs and podcasts.
Le has focused on health policy and promotion for multicultural communities.
She is the rural chair of Australian Medical Students Association and tutors disadvantaged students on weekends.
Springvale CFA captain Glenn Mclaren was awarded Volunteer of the Year.
A volunteer for 17 years, Mclaren has attended
thousands of callouts to the fire front and conducts fire safety education at community events.
Afri-Aus Care Inc was named as Community Group of the Year.
Since 2015, Afri-Aus Care has been a pillar of the African Australian community and supported refugees and asylum seekers with culturally-sensitive counselling, mental health services, employment support and community sport.
Kym O’Shannassy of Rethink Recycling Community was presented with the Sustainability Award.
The Springvale not-for-profit organisation creates products from plastic lids and educates the public on the circular economy.
Motorsport racer Giancarlo Artho received the Sportsperson of the Year award.
Starting in go karts at age 7, he won a full scholarship to race in the 2024 Indian F4 Championship.
Artho is also active on FReeZA and Noble Park Youth committees.
Masquerade Youth Productions Inc was the winner of the Outstanding Contributor to the Arts award.
Since 2014, MYP has entertained at the Drum Theatre. It provides access to the arts for children with disabilities.
The awards event also included a citizenship ceremony for 100 new citizens.
“Australian citizenship symbolises our unity as a nation,” Cr Memeti told the gathering.
“It is the common bond that unites all Australians – whether you were born here, or you have decided to make Australia your home.
“I sincerely hope that you all achieve your dreams and aspirations as you continue to plan your life going forward as an Australian citizen.”
Cr Memeti reflected on his arrival from North Macedonia as a young boy with his family.
“You have chosen a great place to live. I have a real connection to this city. This is where I have raised my family and I continue to live here.
“We value diversity and the harmony that exists here, in this place that welcomes all.”
Council does a backflip over Australia Day lock-out
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater Dandenong Council has backed down from an invite-only Australia Day Awards ceremony, after community uproar in the past week.
The ceremony at Springvale City Hall on 26 January had been described in a December council newsletter as a “closed” event following a citizenship ceremony.
Only award-winners and families were to be invited.
The approach appeared to contradict a 2023 council report which recommended showcasing the award winners to a “larger audience”.
Resident Gaye Guest was among several on social media who criticised “downgrading” the annual awards – traditionally open to all-comers in Dandenong Park up until 2023.
“Neglecting our Australian culture is not only damaging but demoralising,” she told Star Journal.
“No Australia Day breakfast and to be locked out of the awards makes a mockery of their importance as well.”
In a reversal days before the event, the council announced the general public could register to attend.
Chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said “we are opening this event to the community” due to “fantastic interest” in attending.
Attendance was limited, with spectators required to register beforehand on the council’s website.
Last year’s invite-only Australia Day awards and citizenship ceremony last year was a “large success”, Weatherill said.
There were 330 attendees, a similar number to the Dandenong Park event held in 2023, she said.
“We are looking forward to another fantastic celebration for our Australia Day Awards and
Citizenship Ceremony and encourage visitors to use public transport to travel to and from Springvale as Lunar New Year Festival celebrations are also underway.”
Combining the awards with a citizenship ceremony was recommended in a council report and endorsed by the council at a meeting on 14 August 2023.
The report didn’t mention closing the ceremony to the public, but instead expected the combined event would lead to award winners being “celebrated with a larger audience”.
“Award winners are celebrated with a larger audience allowing for greater exposure of the wonderful work they do and increasing their sense of value to the community,” it stated.
The combined event would also be more cost effective and efficient, and allow new citizens to witness the achievements of existing community members, the report argued.
Weatherill said that traditionally the citizen-
ship ceremonies were not public, and when combined with the awards they were kept that way.
“The interest from the community has inspired us to reconsider this and open Sunday’s event on a registration basis.”
At the 2023 meeting, councillors rejected a proposed renaming of the awards from ‘Australia Day Awards’ to ‘Greater Dandenong Community Awards’.
The proposed retitling was to “assist in acknowledging Council’s commitment towards reconciliation”.
Some award winners had “shied away” from accepting the awards due to recognising 26 January as a day of mourning for First Nations communities, the report stated.
To register for the Australia Day event, go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/events/greaterdandenong-australia-day-awards-and-citizenship-ceremony-2025
With One Voice choir coordinator Sue Doherty receives the Community Leadership Award from deputy mayor Sophie Tan and mayor Jim Memeti. (Supplied)
Simon Saroy presented as joint winner of the Young Leader of the Year Award. (Supplied)
Greater Dandenong Australia Day Award winners were feted at Springvale City Hall on 26 January. (Supplied)
Newly-inducted Living Treasure Stewart Taylor is the Southern Metro Region Aboriginal Liaison Officer for Victoria Police. (Supplied)
Traders mired in Hub squalor
By Sahar Foladi
Traders in Dandenong Hub arcade say they are doing less business and more watching out for their safety.
Regular night-time break-ins by homeless people, breaking of security doors, flooding toilets, urinating and defecating outside the premises, and drug-users injecting themselves are what traders say they are putting up with.
Stephen Rodgers used to own a food business at the Hub’s food court - which he says never recovered after Covid lockdowns. His wife had a fancy-dress shop for three to four years before they both moved out for good.
Rodgers who is not local to the area, now owns a few farms. He still drives to Greater Dandenong at his own expense, determined for a solution as chair of the Hub’s committee.
“They break down barriers, light fires and it is only a matter of time before this gets out of control.
“No one is helping us. If police do come, they evict them but can’t do much more and they just come back.
“Our security costs are exorbitant, and we are not making enough profit to support our costs.”
He even spent a night outside the Hub to see for himself what goes down at nighttime and caught at least six people inside the arcade having a party.
Dandenong Hub and its surrounding businesses are largely owned by Afghan, Indian and other culturally-diverse communities who are reluctant to speak up either due to language barriers or for other reasons.
“I feel it’s my obligation because you can’t get anyone to turn up,” Rodgers says.
“We mainly have refugees there now and most of them have little English and it’s all over their heads, someone like me is out in a position where you have to do something.
“A lot of the Afghans don’t complain, they keep it all to themselves.
“It’s one thing they don’t cause trouble if they can avoid it.”
Rodgers believes the problems stem from a lack of accommodation and an influx of student visas, blaming politicians for “creating these situations where crime is rampant.”
“You can’t bring in people if there’s no accommodation. I think there’s a simple solution, the police need to be pro-active.”
The arcade of 67 leased shops is privately owned by several entities, leaving small business owners nowhere to turn for help, says Liberal South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans MP.
She says homelessness in Dandenong “is out
of control” calling on Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams to listen to the small business owners.
“Something needs to be done here. We are not a third-world country and yet The Hub and its surrounds are being neglected.
“People are doing what they like because there are no consequences.
“It has been disappointing that the Minister for Small Business, the Minister for Local Council and the Minster for Police is turning a blind eye and failing to support the local community and local businesses.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson says they have not received a spike in calls or assistance in recent months “with on average only a handful of incidents reported at the Dandenong Hub
each month.”
“Most of these incidents relate to antisocial behaviour.
“Local police conduct several operations targeting antisocial behaviour, drugs, car thefts, robberies, and burglary offences, which remain ongoing throughout the year.
“Questions related to rough sleepers should be directed to council.”
Last October, Operation Javelin was launched at the Greater Dandenong CBD, covering around Dandenong Plaza and surrounding areas of Dandenong Hub specifically to target anti-social behaviours.
The one-day operation led to 22 arrests processed for various offences from drug possession, handling stolen goods, burglary and theft of motor vehicle.
Six were arrested over drug offences and nine had outstanding warrants for failing to appear to court.
City of Greater Dandenong has the highest homelessness numbers (2366) in Victoria, with one of the highest growing cohorts of working homeless.
City of Greater Dandenong chief executive officer, Jacqui Weatherill says council is not responsible for “maintaining or improving this building.”
“Sadly, homelessness is a national issue and we continue to advocate for affordable housing with other levels of government. We approach this matter with empathy and compassion.
“We are working on a wide range of initiatives to support people experiencing homelessness including our Dandenong Zero - Homelessness Project. In collaboration with Launch Housing, this brings together the local services around all people sleeping rough, to support them with referrals to services.
“We are also working with the Dandenong West Community Action Group towards improving standards in rooming houses.”
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Liberal MP Anne-Marie Hermans with small business owners desperate for a solution to keep themselves and businesses safe at the Dandenong Hub. (Supplied)
True passion
By Sahar Foladi
Once there was a Mama who was grappling through the challenges of life. Now, she has become a beacon of hope for hundreds of others.
Announced as a winner on the 2025 Australia Day Honours List, Selba Gondoza-Luka doesn’t like to call herself the “boss” at her organisation Afri-Aus Care.
She rather prefers to be called a Mama.
“My job is not a job. When you have a job, you hate it (not all the time). When you have it at your core it’s your passion.
“When I’m at Afri-Aus Care I’m not a CEO, I’m a sister and a Mama.
“There’s no hierarchy and it helps the women not to feel inferior. Sometimes people will start introducing me as their boss, but no I’m their sister or Mama.”
She is awarded the honorary Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her intense work in the African community through her organisation founded in 2015, built through her personal experiences after she migrated from Malawi in 2001. Her family was struggling in every sense since the move but an unsupportive abusive husband, the loss of her baby who was only in this world for a few months after a premature birth, was the last straw. She attempted to take her own life as she slipped into postnatal depression.
“When people have problems or catastrophe in their lives instead of digging in the sand and sitting sad, it’s better to take the problem and find others who have the same problems.
“I know a lot of women are suffering from family violence, kids go off the rails - it all happened to me.
“My baby died but instead I took the experience and looked for people who went through what I went through.”
Later, a daughter Kwacha Luka stayed out of home in her early teens to avoid the problems and fell through the cracks.
Selba and her daughter are the symbol of not everyone is perfect but what you do with your circumstances will make or break you.
Kwacha, who is now a successful fashion designer, has seen the incredible journey of her mother and can’t express just enough of how proud she is.
“I have seen her when she was at her lowest. It’s been an amazing journey.
“From where she came from, she used to be very dependent on my dad. He was the main person that handled a lot of things at home.
“She was more vulnerable than I was, she lost her marriage etcetera - her lived experience is why she is able to do what she does now.”
She changed herself as a person and a mother, formed a healthy and positive relationship with her daughter, took her struggles and experiences to study the very thing that almost broke her - mental illness. And she worked with Monash Health in various settings.
“I worked with Monash community mental health service with South Sudanese children on several projects. This is where my eyes opened, where I saw a big gap between the youth and us the elderly,” Selba says.
“To do the work well, following UBUNTU val-
Selba Gondoza-Luka, the founder of Afri-Aus Care, has been awarded an OAM. (Gary Sissons: 454933)
ues, seeing others in my shoes and having my own personal experiences as a family violence survivor, the inter-generational conflict with my daughter, my daughter suffering inter-generational trauma and when I was a psychiatric patient.
“Our young people have got rights without responsibility, which brings consequences.”
UBUNTU is all about connection to the community, to the family and with people because as Selba says, ‘I am because we are.’
She thanks God Jehova and her parents John Ned Gondoza and Ms Maness Gondoza for raising her the way they did.
“I learnt the UBUNTU values from my parents. Our homes have orphans and the less priviliged.”
A decade later, she has saved hundreds of families, as well as young people in and out of the justice system. Her UBUNTU Mama’s learn to regain control of their lives, form better relationships in their family unit and make better life decisions.
“We are still living in Africa in this generation having strict African values. In most cases it doesn’t work here.
“Most of the children come from school and lock themselves in their room, in isolation but in the same house.
“So, our work is trying to stop that isolation, and it works.”
Selba Gondoza Luka is not an unknown name in and outside of Victoria, especially in Greater Dandenong.
She’s renowned for her work with youth from the African communities to avoid anti-social behaviour and promote a sense of community, as well as working with their Mamas.
She also supports Mamas and babies from early pregnancy, providing guidance, support, stability and a sense of community though UBUNTU values.
Selba has worked with various Government departments and universities to further the opportunities available to African youth because “Australia is the land of opportunity and freedom”.
“If you don’t know how to find the opportunities, you will be lost.”
Passionate and driven to better provide for her community, she is unstoppable despite her busy calendar. She still finds time to go out to the Parkville Youth Justice Centre to cook and provide counselling to the young people in prison.
She mixes cuisines across the world to produce “beautiful food” all while teaching them the values of UBUNTU and treating others the way they want to be treated, with respect.
A community pillar
By Sahar Foladi
Afri-Aus Care has won the Community Group of the Year Australia Day Award by City of Greater Dandenong, crowning a decade of ground-breaking service.
The Springvale South organisation was established in 2015 by Selba Gondoza Luka OAM, a popular name in the tight-knit community of Greater Dandenong and all over Victoria.
“There are so many people who are doing great things to get such an honour for me is a shock,” Luka says.
“My experience as mental health clinician and UBUNTU values helped me understand the situation people are facing.
“It helped me to dig deeper into the African community. Nearly 300 women are working (at Afri-Aus Care), they have been empowered I can proudly say that.”
She thanks and expresses gratitude to all the donors, funders, community members, volunteers and staff.
“The award is for all of us as the UBUNTU family.”
Afri-Aus Care has been a haven for a decade now for families, UBUNTU Mama’s, youth and so many others in so many ways.
Major plans are drawn up for the organisation as they seek funding to knock down the old and building and build a UBUNTU Village community.
“While we love our beautiful centre that is full of love and passion for our work, the space is no longer big enough to be able to cater for all people accessing our services and programs we are running and planning to run,” Luka says.
Part of the plan is also to include a Black Rhinos sporting team Community Hub in the multi-purpose space, which will be open for different communities to use.
A young South Sudanese volunteer Mamuch Chuol is among the many who have benefitted under Luka’s mentorship and guidance.
He started volunteering with the organisation to understand how to establish an organisation, seek guidance from Selba and is now a successful young founder of the youth-led non-for-profit organisation NextGen Unite in Dandenong.
“I had already started an organisation, I studied full time as law student, I was working at a furniture shop.
“Selba and her team were very supportive of me, they helped to put in my first grant application for my organisation and continuously guided me in every phase.
“It’s amazing to see her commended for her efforts. Super grateful to have her as my mentor and I’m really glad she could be honoured in that way.”
Chuaol was also one of the basketball players on the Black Rhinos team, which is committed to empowering South Sudanese youth through sports programs, music programs and other pathways.
“We started the organisation because of what we saw going on in the community.
“We thought in this section there wasn’t enough young people neither was there a voice for young people.”
Black Rhinos has engaged over 2000 young people within the organisation and has more
than 15 paid and unpaid staff.
Program manager Abraham Kuol calls AfriAus Care a “home away from home”. He started volunteering as a fresh graduate from RMIT University where he undertook undergraduate and honours degree in Project Management.
His mother - a senior UBUNTU ambassador - convinced him to interact and work with Afri-Aus Care.
“So, I came in with the intention of using some of my skills to see how I could work with her (Selba) and people from the community to build it up.
“Selba was doing incredible the team was amazing, and they were already doing amazing things.
“What stood out was there was a community, a dedicated group of people who were coming from different parts of life looking to build each other up.
“You can see the joy of the community members when they visit and see the commitment of the staff and that’s not something you see in a lot of places that’s what stood out, the passion.”
Kuol who is also a resident of City of Casey and previously Greater Dandenong, is an associate research fellow and PhD candidate in criminology at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalization at Deakin University.
He is able to mix his passion and explore the post settlement challenges of African Australians focusing on the justice system contact. His interests include youth violence, risk, and protective factors for offending, and culturally and linguistically diverse young people.
Kuol is one of the 10 recipient of Westpac Social Change Fellowship scholarship 2025.
The fellowship provides up to $50,000 funding towards personal development for conferences, coaching, as well as overseas learning trips for professional development. It also provides leadership coaching and networking with other like-minded people in his chosen sector.
Kuol intends to stay with Afri-Aus Care for as long as he can both as a volunteer or paid staff.
Afri-Aus Care volunteer Mamuch Chuol coaches basketball and has founded his own service provider for the African-Australian community. (Gary Sissons: 454974)
Selba Gondoza Luka of Afri-Aus Care receives the City of Greater Dandenong Community Group of the Year award on 26 January. (Supplied)
A hero for all women
by Sahar Foladi
This year’s Australian Day Honours List has awarded Gulghotai Bezhan for her services to the Afghan community in Victoria.
Founder and president of the Afghan Women’s Organisation Victoria (AWOV) since 2009, Ms Bezhan - now named as an Order of Australia Medallist (OAM) - left behind her doctor’s degree attained in Kabul when she embarked on community work in Australia.
As she settled in Australia, she set her mind on the path she is on today to make real changes and differences.
“At the beginning we did volunteer work. We started with 10 women from Afghanistan and an Australian lady. It’s very big now.
“Every night I look forward to tomorrow.
“I told my mum this is similar to being a doctor.”
Now she has up to 10 paid staff working in her organisation as well as volunteers and also secured a grant to provide settlement services for new arrivals across the South East.
Afghan Women’s Organisation Victoria provides everything Afghan women in the community need to settle and find their way in the county.
Something as simple as learning English to learn the names of vegetables, fruits and utensils in order to go shopping and communicate what they need.
There are also citizenship classes, knitting, various information sessions on family violence, childcare, health and facilities available to them in the community.
It also provides karate classes for young girls to be able to defend themselves when required. AWOV also helps parents to understand and
with breast cancer and are undergoing treatment.
“One got a surgery and has started chemotherapy.
“I’m so glad we caught it on time otherwise it would’ve been too late for them.
FOCUS ON .... JOIN THE CLUB
diagnosed
“Its basic but it’s very important for them to
know in their own language.”
She is not just making a difference here in Victoria but is also working tirelessly and under great risk in Afghanistan to run home-based school for girls under the rule of the Taliban.
After the Taliban came to power, one of the first things they banned was the education of young girls and women.
Despite the great risks involved, Ms Bezhan had her house in Afghanistan renovated to be used as a school for girls, who also risk their lives to attend, to lean and to laugh openly for some time.
“We renovated my house to run micro finance programs (inspired by her trip in India), sewing classes, cooking classes.
“It was a way for women to learn and earn small amounts of money through their small business.
“Since the Taliban has arrived, the sewing class is more popular.
“Even now in winter we normally shut down but because of Taliban the girls were interested to come to school and sewing class.
“The girls openly laugh and talk during these classes.”
Her advocacy and efforts to educate women and young girls may not be supported in Afghanistan, but they are supported here in Victoria, recognised and commended by all.
Her organisation has won many awards including the 2022 Victorian Honour Roll of Women and recognised in the business category at the Victorian Refugee Awards by Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC).
Dawson Bucs announce signing of 6’9 KC Chol
The Dawson Bucs announced the signing of KC Chol from Melbourne, Australia. Chol is a talented 6’9 wing/forward with a 7’3 wingspan who can play and defend multiple positions.
“KC is a great signing for us,“ shared Dawson Coach Joe Peterson. “His size, length and mobility are a rare commodity at our level. With those qualities and his skill set, he has a high ceiling. With the right work ethic and development, he will keep getting better and better.“
KC started his basketball journey playing AAU basketball with Red Roo Sports late in 2021. His height and athleticism make a big impact on the game. KC is a defensive menace with his shot-blocking and length in the passing lanes. His shot making ability is consistent in the mid-range and beyond the arc. Chol averages 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks per game, while shooting 39 per cent from 3-point range.
“Dawson was the best option for me,“ according to Chol. “It is a highly respected juco, with
a well experienced coach; and they have previous and present players I can trust and believe in. I’m excited to continue winning while I grow and shape myself into a better person and player under Coach Peterson.“
Playing with Red Roo sports, KC has won several championships, including the AAU Australia Spring Madness Tournaments in 2022 and 2023 (Australian National Championship), AAU USA World Championship 20U, Oyiti Cup in 2023 and finishing as the runners up in the AAU USA World Championship 17U.
The President of Red Roo Sports, James Kerr, had this to say, “With every opportunity comes responsibility. KC can redefine his life with this amazing blessing provided by DCC. We would like to sincerely thank Coach Peterson for the trust shown in our program. Red Roo’s formula for success has always been excellence over time with discipline. The only thing a KANGAROO cannot do is go backwards. Good luck KC! We wish you nothing but success moving forward.“
bond with their children as they change within the new environment.
Ms Bezhan has literally saved lives when she took about 50 women from her organisation to do breast screening tests.
Out of the 50, two women were
Gulghotai (Gula) Bezhan (Stewart Chambers: 454815)
The Dawson Bucs has announced the signing of KC Chol from Melbourne
Year of the Snake is here
Springvale’s annual Lunar New Year Festival was a dual celebration of Year of the Snake and Australia Day on Sunday 26 January.
Thousands basked in the sunny entertainment including cultural dances, singing, foods and of course the spectacular lion dances, rounded off with night fireworks.
The massive attraction was organised by Springvale Asian Business Association.
OPINION
Australia Day: finding a date to unify our nation
By Dr Jamel Kaur Singh
Recently I spoke at length with Noonuccal elder Uncle Gene Blow, one of the most insightful and connected individuals I have ever met.
Together, we reflected on the polarised discussions surrounding Australia Day.
Instead of simply calling for a change of date, we explored what a truly inclusive day might look like—one that respects First Nations people, acknowledges our history, and brings all Australians together.
This is not about being flippant or trying to change minds; it’s about uniting people, finding a compromise that makes sense, and creating a sense of pride that reflects the strength of what it means to be Australian.
We are not stubborn people, we are happy go lucky, the “she’ll be right mate” attitude, and we respect a ‘fair go’ and believe in mateship and camaraderie.
THE TRUTH BEHIND 26 JANUARY
Many Australians misunderstand the significance of 26 January.
It is not the day Captain Cook arrived (April 29, 1770) or even the day the First Fleet landed (January 18–20, 1788).
Instead, it marks the raising of the British flag at Sydney Cove in 1788—a moment that began the colonisation of this land, with devastating consequences for First Nations peoples.
For many, it is a painful reminder of dispossession, survival, and resistance.
For many a disgust at the inhumanity rendered on the traditional custodians.
However, 26 January also holds another layer of meaning.
On this day in 1949, the Australian Citizenship Act came into force (according to the NLA), making Australians citizens of their own nation
for the first time rather than British subjects.
Millions have since chosen this day to formalise their Australian citizenship, making it significant for many.
Uncle Gene is doing a smoking ceremony for the beautiful Pilipino community that celebrate 26 Jan each year as the day they pledge allegiance to this country.
So let’s change 26 January to a day of thanksgiving, remembrance and acknowledgment and call it Citizenship Day? But moving forward is this the best date to represent who we are as a nation?
PROPOSAL: A BETTER DATE - DECEMBER 12, THE DAY OF COLLABORATION AND IDENTITY
A more fitting date would be one that symbolises unity, collaboration, and progress—a day that tells the story of Australia’s identity in a way that resonates with all its people.
12 December, 1817, stands out as the most logical and inclusive choice.
On this day, Governor Lachlan Macquarie formally recommended the name “Australia” to replace “New Holland”.
This change was inspired by the work of Matthew Flinders, the first person to circumnavigate the continent, and Bungaree (a Garigal man), the first Aboriginal man to do so.
Together, Flinders and Bungaree mapped the Australian coastline, proving it was one landmass and shaping the identity of the nation we know today.
It is important to recognise that it wasn’t Macquarie who came up with the name “Australia”.
The proposal came from Flinders and Bungaree, whose collaboration exemplifies the values of teamwork, respect, and a shared vision.
Macquarie merely presented their suggestion—a decision that ultimately defined how we see ourselves as a nation.
WHY NOT 1 JANUARY?
1 January, 1901, marks the federation of Australia, when six British colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
It was undeniably a milestone in our history, symbolising unity and progress.
However, choosing January 1 as Australia Day risks overshadowing its significance as it coincides with New Year’s Day.
It would also tie the celebration to federation, which might alienate those who hope for Australia to one day become a republic.
By leaning towards 12 December, we select a date that transcends these debates and celebrates a unifying moment in history, regardless of our political future.
WHY CHANGE IS NECESSARY
Reframing Australia Day isn’t about disregard-
ing history—it’s about recognising it honestly and inclusively.
The current date perpetuates division and pain, where we need harmony and pride.
By choosing a date like 12 December, we acknowledge the collaborative spirit that defines Australia and celebrate the resilience of its people—First Nations, settlers, and migrants alike.
This isn’t about rewriting the past; it’s about reshaping the present to build a stronger, more united future. It is about changing the narrative.
LEADERSHIP AND ACTION ARE NEEDED Now is the time for strong leadership.
Politicians and decision-makers must stop brushing aside this critical conversation and instead take meaningful action to unite Australians.
We no longer live as sheep, no more divide and conquer. Ignorance breeds misunderstanding, racism, bullying and fear.
We are better than that.
Reframing the narrative of Australia Day is not a trivial change; it is a crucial step in creating a shared narrative that brings people together and strengthens national pride.
Perhaps choosing 12 December as Australia Day would allow us to celebrate a moment of unity that transcends politics, division, and debate.
It would symbolise collaboration, resilience, and the shared identity that makes Australia extraordinary.
This is our chance to move forward together: Stronger, prouder, and more united.
• Dr Jamel Kaur Singh is an Eumemmerring author, academic and founder of Corporate Cultural Change Consultancy. As a candidate in the 2024 Casey Council elections, Dr Singh called out racist abuse in politics and community.
Dr Jamel Kaur Singh
An acrobatic performer from Hung Hing Lion Dance Association in blazing costume. (Gary Sissons: 454323)
Le Tuan serves up Vietnamese cuisine at the array of food stalls. (454323)
One of the show-stopping rides. (454323)
Albert playing with his bubble gun. (454323)
David and Sara Classic Duo performs on the main stage. (454323)
Cruising to historic Riga
I’VE always wanted to visit Riga - I even considered naming my first child after the historic Latvian centre to give the family a compelling reason to go there.
Personally, I blame my love of Eurovision, medieval times and too many viewings of Sean Connery’s Hunt for Red October for my interest in that part of the world – a love of the Art Nouveau movement hasn’t helped either.
The Latvian capital bills itself as it’s country’s crown jewel and the absolute must-see for anyone wanting to go to the Baltic region.
The city has more than 600 000 inhabitants, making it the largest in the Baltic States and is also known as an architectural jewel – a city where you can see churches from the city’s origins, medieval buildings in the Old Town, unique examples of Art Nouveau, as well as wooden architecture that has survived the centuries and modern architectural jewels.
I haven’t got there yet – it’s not a place you see on every European tour itinerary, but the UNESCO-listed city is one of twelve new recurring ports in the Viking cruise line’s ten new ocean itineraries in the Mediterranean, United Kingdom, Ireland and Northern Europe now booking for cruises in 2026 and 2027.
The new itineraries range from eight to twenty-two days and along with Riga, the additional recurring ports for the Viking ocean voyages include Fowey, England; Bordeaux, France; Limerick (Foynes), Ireland; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Londonderry, Northern Ireland; Haugesund, Norway; Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao, Spain; Fort William and Tobermory, Scotland; and Karlskrona, Sweden.
“As our award-winning fleet of small ocean ships continues to grow, we are pleased to introduce new voyages that have been thoughtfully planned for curious travellers,” Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said.
“Every Viking itinerary is focused on the destination, and our state-of-the-art ships, with no children and no casinos, allow guests to explore the world in elegant Viking comfort.”
With a fleet of small sister ships, Viking offers more than 100 different itineraries across all five oceans. Viking’s new ocean voyages visit iconic cities—as well as lesser-known destinations— throughout Europe and include the following, with additional combination voyages also available.
How to see Riga through the new Viking itineraries
• New for 2027: Baltic Discovery: (eight days; between Stockholm – Copenhagen): Discover a myriad of cultures as you circumnavigate the Baltic Sea. Explore the UNESCO-listed cities of Tallinn and Riga, medieval gems of the Hanseatic League. Call at Klaipeda, Lithuania’s historic port city on the Curonian coast, and immerse yourself in its contemporary art and cultural treasures. Overnight in Copenhagen to experi-
ence more of the “City of Spires” and indulge in the many eateries that celebrate its trending Nordic cuisine.
• New for 2027: Scandinavia and Baltic Capitals: (15 days; between Oslo – Copenhagen): Trace the shores of the Baltic Sea to discover magnificent fjords and bustling cities. Call at UNESCOlisted cities and get a glimpse into the area’s medieval past in the old towns of Tallinn and Riga, and Karlskrona’s
• historic port. Witness the natural splendour of the Aland Islands, an archipelago of more than 6,500 isles. With overnights in the vibrant capitals of Sweden and Denmark, delve deeper into the region’s rich heritage and Viking legacy.
• New for 2027: Scenic Scandinavia and Baltic Jewels: (15 days; between Bergen – Stockholm) –Delve into the maritime heritage of Scandinavia as you trace the dramatic coastlines of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Witness stunning natural landscapes sailing amid pristine fjords and the Åland Islands, an archipelago of 6,700 isles. Explore more of Oslo and Stockholm with overnight stays, allowing passengers to fully experience two of Europe’s capitals. Sample new Nordic cuisine and stroll historic towns as you spend time mingling with friendly locals.
• New for 2027: Icons of the Viking Age: (22 days; between Bergen – Copenhagen): Circumnavigate the Baltic Sea sailing through the homelands of the Vikings. Explore the deep-rooted cultural ties of Scandinavia, calling at iconic capitals in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Sail the picturesque Åland Islands, an archipelago of 6,700 isles. Immerse in the customs, traditions
and fascinating history of the Baltic states, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the old
of Tallinn and the
of Riga.
For additional information, contact Viking on 138 747 (AU) / 0800 447 913 (NZ) or visit www. viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.
town
historical centre
TANIA PHILLIPS
Street cafes in the OId Town of Riga. The beautiful and historic capital of Latvia is set to become a Viking Cruise destination in 2027. (Latvia.travel)
The rooftops of historic Tallinn. The beautiful Estonian capital is part of Viking’s Balkan tours and is soon to be joined by Riga, the capital of neighbouring country Latvia. Both capitals are steeped in history. (Viking)
Enjoy a 15 day scenic Scandinavia and Baltic Jewels tour from Bergen (pictured) to Stockholm on Viking. (Viking)
Be one of the first to book the new Baltic Discovery Cruise on Viking in 2027; eight days cruising between Stockholm (pictured) and Copenhagen with a visit to Riga. (Viking)
Tallinn is the capital and most populous city of Estonia. Situated on a bay in north Estonia, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. (Viking)
Dreaming of Mediterranean
The magnificent Mediterranean is a divine destination for travellers wishing to dip their toes into a European adventure.
Those who have been before always find something new to excite and those new to the region are taken aback by the richness of their experience.
The ‘Med’ is always a popular choice for Australian travellers who love the architecture, scenery and the sumptuous fresh food and beverage opportunities on shore and if you are with Viking, on board.
No matter where you wish to visit in the world, there is a Viking ship to take you there and the reality is just as good as the photos.
It is a breathtaking experience and the view from the ship as it enters each port will be etched in your mind forever.
From Barcelona to Venice, Deputy Editor of ‘Explore’, Akash Arora, discovered the most marvellous Mediterranean on cruise ship Viking Sky, visiting some of the most romantic, stunning ports in the world.
The 228 metres long Viking Sky has 465 cabins and sails with only 930 guests - all over eighteen years of age.
Akash equally enjoyed time on the ship as well as the organised walking tours and shore excursions on his Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Venice and said it fulfilled his dreams of exploring this part of the world.
“I went straight for the Med, which had been on my bucket list for donkey’s years,” he said.
“It was a 15-day cruise from Barcelona to Venice and it ticked every box - Spain, France, Italy and even Croatia. I travelled at the peak of summer - in the month of August. But the weather gods were kind to us: we got great conditions. Clear skies every day. Lots of sun. Warm, but never too hot.
“I basically signed up for all the included excursions at each port. It was my first time at most of these destinations and a simple walking or bus tour is a great way to get a good overview of the place.”
“I have to say, all the guides were so well-informed. And they all had a great sense of humour. The only tour I paid for was a cooking class in a Tuscan castle conducted by a chef who looked like Santa in an apron. It was worth every cent.”
“Marseille in France, and Naples, Messina, Crotone and Bari in Italy, all offer delights of their own, not to mention heavy hitters like Rome and Florence that also feature along the way.”
“There’s an included excursion at every port and I joined almost all of them.”
He said of the many tasting delights in his fifteen days, a bowl of bouillabaisse comes to mind in the city of Marseille, where it is believed to have originated. I also had some incredible gelati on the island of Sicily. It was a warm day so it was a race to gobble it up before it melted away.”
“The most memorable dish of the journey, however, was Bistecca alla Fiorentina on the ship’s Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant. I don’t like to repeat restaurants and dishes on a cruise if I can help it - but I went back to this restaurant and this dish three times: it was that good.”
Akash said while onboard he loved the sophisticated interiors saying every Viking ship has very chic Scandi touches.
“Some of my favourite memories are spending time in the Explorer’s Lounge, which is at the front of the ship, so a perfect vantage point when the vessel is nearing a gorgeous European port.”
“I loved my Kir Royales in the ship’s Atrium, too, as the pianist tinkled up Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. And don’t even get me started on the drop-dead gorgeous Wintergarden. I went there for afternoon tea, but it’s so photogenic, I spent all my time taking pictures.”
“I loved the fact that there were no kids or casinos. This elimination of those two things (sorry, families) immediately turns a cruise into an utterly sophisticated, grown-up experience.”
We asked Akash if he had any suggestions for travellers about to embark on a Viking cruise to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip that makes the most of their time?
“Book everything as soon as you can, including your cruise, as well as the dining and shore excursions,” he said
“If you can’t get into every restaurant you want,
go to the help desk as soon as you board the ship.
“Cancellations happen all the time and they’ll be able to help you. If you’re going in summer, sign up for early-morning excursions. That’s when the weather is at its most pleasant and
crowds are not too overbearing.”
Don’t miss this truly exciting adventure on Viking. For a chance to learn more on this and other Viking Cruises please call Reservations (AU) 138 747 or visit website vikingcruises.com.
Enjoy the delights of Barcelona and the mosaic park benches and stunning architecture. (Supplied, Viking).
Take in the ancient history of Rome on one of your organised shore excursions with Viking. (Supplied, Viking)
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SPAIN PORTUGAL
Seville (Cádiz) Granada (Málaga) Murcia (Cartagena)
LISBON, PORTUGAL
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.
LOOKING BACK
100 years ago
29 January 1925
Observations
There are some kind and careful drovers in Dandenong. The other evening, three or four men chased a number of fat cattle down Robinson Street, with whips cracking, dogs barking, horses cantering and the cattle going for their lives. Evidently the stock were being taken to the trucking yards, and would have been nicely bruised and over-heated when they got there.
50 years ago
30 January 1975
MINISTER BACKS BACKYARD POOL CAMPAIGN
The Minister for Local Government, Mr Alan Hunt will give moral and some financial support to the newly-formed Citizens’ Private Swimming Pool Safety Committee. The committee was formed at the instigation of swimming pool instructor, Mrs May Jones of Noble Park. Its ultimate aim is to encourage swift government legislation for the protection of small children from drowning in private swimming pools. Congratulating Mrs Jones on convening the meeting, the Minister said: “The home swimming pool is the greatest contributor to water safety as children are learning to swim younger and are able to respect the water earlier.” It was proposed the committee would examine precautionary measures taken in other State and overseas with a view to developing a good workable plan, acceptable to the Government and the people to make the home swimming pool safe for children.
20 years ago
31 January 2005
Council sticks with attendance polls
Calls by Greater Dandenong councillor Paul Donovan to have postal voting replace attendance voting at council elections has been turned down. Attendance voting has been used
at the past three council elections and councillors last week resolved to use it at the next election. Cr Donovan pushed for postal voting as used in neighbouring Casey, saying it was the fairest, easiest and cheapest way for residents, particularly the elderly, to vote. Councillors vot-
ed 7-4 to maintain the status quo.
5 years ago
28 January 2020
Historian wins top award
A prolific chronicler of local history has been
awarded Greater Dandenong’s Citizen of the Year. Christine Keys, the long-serving President of the Dandenong and District Historical Society was recognised for her ongoing preserving, promoting and sharing of the locale’s history to its diverse community.
World’s monks converge at Springvale South
Senior Buddhist monks from across the world gathered at Wat Buddharangsi Melbourne temple in Springvale South this month.
Cambodian Buddhist Monk Council of Australia and New Zealand (CABMCANZ) president Sovann Srey said the monks discussed the faith’s rich traditions and spiritual teachings at the 29th Annual Cambodian Buddhist Sangha Congress on 11-12 January.
“It is of great importance to engage in discussions, meditations, teachings, and practices that promote understanding, tolerance, and harmony within the community.”
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti opened the congress, presenting appreciation certificates to Sovann Srey, Wat Buddharangsi abbot Sudhep Nan, Cambodian Buddhist Association of Victorian president Ol Sam and public relations manager Thayhorn Yim.
“Thank you for sharing your Buddhist beliefs, the ancestral stories passed down through generations, and the spiritual teachings that continue to shape your families and extended communities today,” Cr
INTERFAITH
Buddhist Monk Council of Australia and New Zealand president Sovann Srey.
Memeti said.
“I can assure you that you are having a mean-
New year, new world of opportunities for all people
By Kathy Kaplan, Jewish faith
As we settle into 2025, we are presented with op portunities for possibility and renewal.
While the secular new year may not hold the sacred weight of Rosh Hashanah in Jewish tradi tion, it echoes many of the same themes: reflec tion, hope and the chance to chart a better path forward.
The concept of renewal is a universal human aspiration transcending religious traditions.
We all seek fresh starts whether in the turning of a calendar page, the birth of a new idea or the rekindling of relationships.
The Jewish perspective encourages us to actively participate in renewal, to embrace change with courage and hope and to see it as an opportunity for growth.
In Jewish thought, time is not a passive force but a vessel for action and transformation.
The new year, sacred or secular, invites us to examine who we are, where we have been and who
we want to be and where we hope to go.
It challenges us to align our actions with our values to help build a better world.
While resolutions often mark the secular new year, Jewish tradition teaches that true change begins with introspection.
It’s not just about setting goals but understanding the motivations behind them.
In Hebrew, cheshbon hanefesh, literally ‘an accounting of the soul’, reminds us that real growth requires honest self-assessment.
By reflecting on our past choices, we can gain
clarity about what really matters to us and how to pursue it in the year ahead.
This time of year also encourages the renewal of relationships.
The Jewish concept of tikkun olam, repairing the world, begins with repairing our connections
with others.
Whether it’s forgiveness, gratitude or simply reaching out, every act of kindness ripples outward and makes the world a little brighter.
For people of all faiths, or none at all, the arrival of a new year is a shared milestone, a reminder of our common humanity and collective hope.
It’s a chance to dream big but start small; to take one step toward personal growth, one gesture toward healing the world.
As 2025 unfolds let’s embrace its opportunities with open hearts and determined spirits.
Together we can create change within ourselves and our communities to build a future that reflects our highest ideals.
Here’s to a year of growth, kindness and shared possibilities.
Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. Visit interfaithnetwork.org.au
The Cambodian Buddhist Sangha Congress assemble at Wat Buddharangsi temple.
Cambodian
Karen Kaplan OAM reflects on the opportunities for renewal as we enter 2025.
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti presents the council’s citizen-of-the-year award to Christine Keys on Australia Day, 2020. (Gary Sissons: 203400)
Citizen-of-the-year Christine Keys addresses the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards event at Dandenong Park in 2020. (203400)
Offerincludesaccessto:
Access to both Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC) and Dandenong Oasis
24/7 access to NPAC Gym
Group Fitness Classes
Reformer Pilates Classes
Spa, Sauna & Hydrotherapy Pool at Dandenong Oasis
50m and indoor pools
FREE OfferEndsFeb13,2025 Term 1 Term 1 Swimming Swimming Lessons start Lessons start January 28 January 28
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Lessons available 7 days per week
Lessons for all ages and abilities
44 Learn to Swim Lessons Per Year
Access to both Noble Park Aquatic Centre and Dandenong Oasis outside of lesson times
Maralinga Community Garden open
morning
As part of Sustainability month, join us as we tend our garden beds. Our produce is grown in Biofilta wicking beds and we grow seasonal chemical free produce. Bring along gold coins in case we have excess crops picked on the day.
• Saturday 1 February, 8.30am-10am at Chandler Reserve, 327 Chandler Road, Keysborough. Details: bryan.hunter@education.vic. gov.au
Pity Party for cats
A special adoption ‘party’ to find forever-homes for long-term cats at Australian Animal Protection Society shelter. Adoption fees will be waived and medical support provided as needed, depending on the cat. Includes shelter tours, cake, raffle and goodies available for purchase.
• Saturday 1 February, 11am-1pm at Australian Animal Protection Society, 26 Aegean Court, Keysborough. Details: James Califano, 0422 142 090 or james.c@aaps.org.au
Dandenong U3A
Dandenong U3A will begin a new year of sessions from Monday 3 February. U3A is a group with various activities for Seniors looking for entertainment of various types and friendship. At present we are running 33 sessions with the possibility of more to be offered as the year goes on. We use three different venues around Greater Dandenong.
• Enquiries: Enquiry@dandenongu3a.org.au or 0494 018 356. Details: dandenongu3a.org.au
Dandenong Pop-Up Blood Donor Centre
Do you have time to give blood and change lives?
• 3-7 February at St Mary’s Community Centre, New Street, Dandenong. Details: Australian Red Cross, 13 14 95. Registrations required at https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre/ vic/dandenong-pop-up-donor-centre Darts league
The Mountain Dart League is getting ready for the start of the new season. A general meeting will be held at 10-12 Elliott Road Dandenong South on 3 February. Team and player registration as well as trophies/vouchers to be handed out. Season starts 7 February new teams/players or anyone interested in darts are welcome to attend.
• Details: Joyce Grigg, 0401 526 744
Dandenong Evening VIEW Club
Our first meeting of 2025 includes the AGM and guest speaker and author Peter Jerijian talking on his book Bouncing Back.
• Tuesday February 4, 7pm-9 pm at Dandenong RSL. Details: Rosemarie, 0430 443 065.
“WE” Women’s Empowerment Workshops
Developed for disadvantaged women in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in Dandenong. The workshops are designed to enhance social cohesion and self-advocacy in a fun and supportive environment. Topics around personal welbeing such as fitness, nutrition, finance, mindfulness, and creative art.
• Wednesdays 10.30am-12.30pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Free event. Details: Rachel, 0491 144 836 or rachelw@adec.org.au
• Register at https://www.greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/ we-womens-empowerment-workshops
Lunar New Year food tours
The Sensational Springvale tour will take participants beyond Springvale Road, through arcades and laneways, to expose them to cultural traditions, alternative medical practices, and food from across South East Asia. Book your seat at the
World Fare @ Night
Three unforgettable nights of incredible food, curated cocktails, live bands, DJ and interactive performances like the Lion Dance and Haka. For all ages.
• 30-31 January and 1 February, 5pm-9pm at Dandenong Market, 40 Cleeland Street Dandenong. Free event. Cost applies to food and drink purchases.
table today as we celebrate the Year of the Snake.
• Friday 7 February and 14 February, 11am-1pm at Multicultural Place, Buckingham Avenue Springvale; $35pp including tastings and a meal. Registrations essential at drumticketing. greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/10362
Whimsical weaving
As part of the Sustainable Saturday series, this two-hour workshop, will teach you how to make your own loom from items lying around your home before trying various weaving techniques and knotting styles. Create a beautiful, unique wall hanging to take home.
• Saturday 8 February, 11am-1pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Registrations required at eventbrite.com.au/e/whimsical-weaving-tickets1089271834379?aff=oddtdtcreator
Scraptastic cooking
Hear about how to make the absolute most of your weekly shop to not only reduce your food waste output but reduce your shopping bill too. Please note this is a presentation/demonstration (not a hands-on workshop).
• Saturday 8 February, 2pm-4pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Bookings essential at eventbrite. com.au/e/scraptastic-cooking-demonstrationtickets-1089263950799?aff=oddtdtcreator
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 8 February) 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 8 February, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: Zoe, mohlz@icloud.com 9 by 5 exhibition
Artists from around Australia present their creativity on panels measuring nine inches by five inches in a wide variety of styles.
• Mondays-Fridays 10 February5 May, 10am4pm (and select Saturdays 8 March, 22 March and 5 April, 10.30am-2.30pm) at Drum Theatre, corner Walker and Lonsdale streets, Dandenong. Free event.
Harmony Week forum
Join us for an inspiring conversation over morning tea. Our keynote speaker, Jana Favero, deputy CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, will lead a dynamic Community Panel including Greater Dandenong Community Advocacy coordinator Peter Johnstone and Australian Federal Police community liaison officer Anisa Sharif. Ticket registration closes 13 March.
• Thursday, 20 March, 9.20am-12pm at The Chamber Room, 1/39 Clow Street Dandenong; $35pp, Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network members and concession $25. Details: Executive@interfaithnetork.org.au
Greater Dandenong Police forum
A Victoria Police panel will take audience questions about important community issues, such as crime trends, crime prevention, family violence, young people, road policing, drug-related crime.
• Thursday 27 February, 5.30pm-8.30pm at Springvale City Hall, 16 Grace Park Avenue Springvale. Registrations required at NHPGREATERDANDENONG-MGR@police.vic.gov.au
T20 title up for grabs
By Marcus Uhe
One of the showpiece days on the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) calendar will captivate onlookers at Pultney Street on Sunday as the semi finals and grand finals of the DDCA’s T20 competition whittles the field from four teams to one.
Hallam Kalora Park and Berwick will square off on Shepley Oval in a heavyweight Turf 1 contest, with Cranbourne flying the flag for Turf 2 on next door Wilson Oval against Dandenong West.
The winners of each game (beginning simultaneously at 11am) will advance to the grand final on Shepley Oval at 3pm, where the tournament’s winner will be crowned.
HALLAM KALORA PARK v BERWICK
There’s no secret to how the Hawks have approached the T20 tournament this summer.
One only has to look at their three totals and see that the contests were often over by the change of innings.
Scores of 188, 235 and 244 have shut the gate on teams attempting to chase, as Damith Perera and Jordan Hammond embrace the opportunity to free their arms.
Perera’s scores of 50, 111 and 40 has seen him transfer his form from Turf 1 into the shortest format and he currently leads the competition for totals runs scored, with 201 at 67.
Hammond, meanwhile, is third on that list with 137, has two half-centuries to his name and brings Wookey Medal winning pedigree to the Hawks.
Should Berwick skipper Jarrod Goodes win the toss, the temptation to bowl first and put the Hawks under pressure for the first time in the tournament will be hard to ignore.
Berwick’s bowling attack has been excellent in one of the hardest runs to the semi finals of any remaining side, having prevailed in a group containing Springvale South and Buckley Ridges.
Across those two performances, the Bears took 20/223, bowling first against the Bloods and defending just 117 against the Bucks.
James Trodd bowls quick, and will be a great test at the top of the Hawks’ order, while Ruwantha Kellapotha, Elliot Mathews, Lachlan Brown and Matthew Hague’s spinning varieties will be critical in keeping the scoring rate down.
Should Trodd and Goodes make an initial breakthrough or two with the new ball, Hallam Kalora Park’s remaining batters will be exposed.
Matthew Calder, their marquee from Casey South Melbourne, and Mahela Udawatte, are excellent reinforcements, but beyond them, their reserves will be tested.
Berwick is yet to post a big total in the competition yet, but has the capacity and firepower
Hallam Kalora Park’s Jordan Hammond will aim to lead his side to the T20 championship this weekend. (Rob Carew: 442537)
to do so.
Kellapotha, Hague and Jarryd Wills will target the shorter square boundaries, with Michael Wallace and Jake Hancock offering stability in the middle order.
Wallace and Hancock will both be familiar with Shepley Oval as former Premier Cricketers and will likely play foil rolls for the big hitters at the top of the order, working the ball into the ground’s big gaps and running hard between the wickets.
It’s one that could go either way, but with the Hawks yet to be tested thus far, and Berwick’s winning pedigree in this competition as previous winner two seasons ago, the Bears have a slight edge.
CRANBOURNE v DANDENONG WEST
Given its predicament midway through the second group game, seeing Dandenong West in the final four is an incredible achievement in itself.
At 5/30 early in the eighth over, the Bulls’ run looked set to peter out, until Nuwan Kulasekara and Nathan Power performed a spectacular revival.
Boundary-heavy half-centuries from both players took them to 149, 44 too many for the Lions to chase at home.
Against Silverton in the quarter-final, when the top order faltered again chasing 101, Kulasekara was there once more to dig the Bulls out of a hole.
With 30 wickets across three matches and having conceded the least runs of the four sides remaining, Dandenong West’s bowlers are welland-truly holding up to their end of the bargain, steered expertly by Riley Siwes in the field.
An explosive Cranbourne lineup, however, pose a completely new threat.
When the Eagles have claimed the upper hand in their matches thus far, they have not looked back.
Bowling first in each contest (twice by choice), Cranbourne have kept teams to 106, 129 and 107 in three games, before chasing the totals with relative ease - it has lost just eight wickets and scored at eight runs per over across the course of three innings.
Harsaroup Singh and Harrison Carlyon are as dangerous a pair as you’ll find at the top of the order, having accounted for two-thirds of the Eagles’ total runs.
Their batting against Dandenong West’s bowling, therefore, becomes the major match up.
Like Berwick, the Bulls will have to bowl first and back their ability to contain Cranbourne’s power hitters.
They simply cannot rely on Kulasekara to rescue them again - even though he probably could.
With multiple spinners and a pair of international talents that do this for their country, in Carlyon and Julius Smerauer, Cranbourne should enter as favourites.
Panthers rewarded for top season in WPC
By Marcus Uhe
Dandenong is the toast of the Women’s Premier Cricket T20 competition despite playing a draw in a rain-affected final against Box Hill on Thursday night.
With the second innings abandoned due to rain at Ringwood’s Jubilee Park, Dandenong was crowned champions due to finishing the homeand-away rounds on top of the table.
With former Australian captain and all-time great of the women’s game, Meg Lanning, in the Box Hill side, the Panthers dodged a bullet in not having to defend their score of 7/106.
Victorian representative Nicole Faltum showed her class for Dandenong by top-scoring with 44 off 33 deliveries in her first innings of the competition, on an evening in which her teammates failed to find a foothold.
Jessica Bohn’s 16 from 15 was the next best score, thanks to a tight bowling effort from Box Hill.
Conditions were revised and the match was reduced to a 10-over contest, with Box Hill set 62 to win as covers came off, and players warmedup.
But on the brink of a return to play just after 9pm, the rain returned and the covers came back on.
With the rain persisting, the call to abandon the second innings was made, handing Dande-
nong the premiership.
Dandenong finished at the top of the table after nine rounds, tied for points with Box Hill but possessing a slender advantage in net run rate.
The Panthers lost just two matches in the campaign but one came against Box Hill in strikingly
Rising star Ibraimi breaks duck
By Marcus Uhe
Emerging Dandenong tennis player Ymerali Ibraimi made a winning start to life in grand slam tennis last week, prevailing in his first-round contest in the Junior Boys’ Singles competition at the Australian Open.
Dressed in red and with a home crowd cheering him home, the 15-year-old overcame Brazilian Pedro Albuquerque Dietrich in straight sets, 7-5 6-3 to advance to the second round in his first appearance at one of tennis’ four majors, before bowing out to second seed Kazak, Amir Omarkhanov in the second, 6-4 6-3.
The right-hander’s ability to hold serve and win crucial service breaks was pivotal in the defeat of his Brazilian opponent in what was a tightly-fought 98-minute battle. Games were won on serve for the duration of the first set before Ibraimi broke the run of holds in the final service game to claim the set 7-5.
It was a similar pattern in the second, with the eighth game breaking the contest open, as Ibraimi once again broke his opponent to take a slender advantage at 5-3, allowing him to serve for the set, and the match.
The following game had its travails, forced to defend a break point down 30-40, but he reeled off the next three points to book his place in the second round. His contest against the 17-year-old Omarkhanov on Tuesday 21 January was a far greater challenge, as the second seed found a way to end Ibraimi’s dominance on serve.
He was broken five times in total, twice in the first and three times in the second as the experience and development of the older player proved a major advantage.
Omarkhanov showed a complete allround game, winning nearly 80 per cent of points at the net compared to the Australian’s 11 per cent, hit 20 winners to eight and won just shy of half the service points on Ibraimi’s racquet.
Sandwiched between the two singles bouts was an unsuccessful doubles contest, where Ibraimi teamed up with fellow Australian Jonas Hahn in a straight sets loss.
Ibraimi represented Dandenong Tennis Club and St Mary’s Tennis Club during his rise up the junior ranks and can still be found training at Dandenong’s courts multiple times per week.
He earned qualification for the Boys’ Australian Open draw after winning the Under 16s Age Group at the 2024 Australian Junior Tour Finals in Bendigo in December last year.
The win in Bendigo is a strong omen for Ibraimi, with idol Nick Kyrgios a previous winner.
similar circumstances, with the Mustangs chasing Dandenong’s target of 7/105 comfortably.
Ishita Tiwari finished the competition as Dandenong’s leading run scorer with 129, while Jessica Matin topped the leading wicket-taker’s list with eight.
Dandenong won the Women’s Premier T20 competition on Thursday night. (Supplied)
Dandenong’s Ymerali Ibraimi is a tennis player on the rise. (Tennis Australia)
Bloods tested by Berwick
By Marcus Uhe
Springvale South needs 285 runs next week to maintain its cushion over Berwick in second place of the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 competition after an excellent revival with the ball in the top-three contest at Alex Nelson Reserve.
Three half-centuries from Berwick’s top four did the bulk of the scoring for the Bears but a poor showing from the tail saw them fail to cash-in on the excellent foundations.
Beginning with Jake Hancock’s wicket at 3/248, Berwick lost 6/36 in the final six-and-ahalf overs to post 284.
Hancock, who now averages 100.3 in his last three innings, made 86, forming quality partnerships with Matthew Hague (45) and Michael Wallace (135).
Hague reached his fifth half-century of the summer with 60 and Wallace his third with 77.
Returning quick Matt Watering brought Hancock’s downfall to begin the collapse for Berwick, with wickets in consecutive balls for Josh Dowling in the 77th over bringing Jarryd Wills and Jordan Cleland’s stays at the crease to an end in short time.
Wetering grabbed the big wicket of Wallace to claim both the Bears’ twin towers, proving a more-than-handy inclusion to the side in his sixth senior appearance of the summer.
He and Dowling were the only multiple wicket-takers, sharing new ball duties with Blade Baxter’s absence.
with six sixes and 16 fours, while Shaw achieved triple-figures for the first time in North Dandenong colours.
350 is the third-highest team score this season, behind 384 and 354, with Dandenong West also on the receiving end of the second-biggest, against Berwick.
Nuwan Kulasekara’s 2/38 from 17 overs was the obvious standout among the Dandenong West bowlers, with all others’ economy rates exceeding four runs per over.
Adam Reid and Malinga Bandara both went wicketless.
A North Dandenong win could have a major impact on the battle to avoid relegation, as one of three sides tied at the foot of the table on 18 points.
Beaconsfield appears unlikely to remove itself from that trio, defending just 143 against a rampant Hallam Kalora Park outfit, and Narre South, despite making 217 against Buckley Ridges, also has a fight on its hands.
Beaconsfield’s Tyler Clark rescued his side from disaster at 4/8 following a devastating opening spell from Hawks quicks William Whyte and Jordan Hammond.
One side with plenty of runs on the board, meanwhile, is North Dandenong.
Twin centuries from Imran Laghmani and Riley Shaw rescued the Maroons from early trouble
With Ryan Quirk still on the sidelines, the Forsyth brothers and Jordan Wyatt will be required to do the bulk of the scoring next week for the Bloods.
before posting a mammoth score of 7/350 at home against Dandenong West.
Laghmani and Shaw joined forces at 3/32 and added 232 for the fourth wicket in the largest partnership of the summer.
Laghmani reached 159 from 150 balls, his second hundred of the summer against the Bulls,
Clark was the final Beaconsfield wicket to fall, reaching 92, with Whyte finishing with 4/35. The Hawks are 38 runs into the chase.
Buckley Ridges made light work of Narre South’s batting card, outside of an excellent hundred for Vineth Jayasuriya and 60 for Jeevan Mendis.
The pair combined for 173 of the 217 runs scored, with Dale Tormey grabbing 3/38.
Bottom-half revival provides added spark in DDCA Turf 2
By Marcus Uhe
A fightback from the previously discounted bottom half of the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 2 division has the competition in flux midway through round 11.
Parkfield’s revival continues, Coomoora is vulnerable, and HSD could go a long way to sealing the minor premiership if it maximises its current position of authority against Narre Warren.
The Cobras can bank six points with just 44 more runs, and will likely explore the chance of another four with an outright victory.
Marking their first game at Reedy Reserve for the summer following resurfacing and maintenance works on the playing surface, HSD’s bowling attack found their groove after the tea break to run through Narre Warren’s batting lineup with little resistance.
After reaching 0/47, Narre Warren lost 10/67, with eight wickets falling to spin.
Brett Hookey claimed 5/50 and Sukantha Liyanage 3/12 as the Magpies posted just 114.
HSD faired far better with the bat, cruising to 1/71 by the close of play.
OpenerBrentPattersonisleadingthecharge, unbeaten on 41 with his first half-century of the summer in his sights.
With just 44 runs required and a dynamic batting lineup capable of amassing quick runs, the temptation for Craig Hookey’s side will be to press for the outright victory.
Current ladder leaders Cranbourne finds itself in a tricky position against Lyndale, with an unlikely hero playing a key role for the Dales at home.
A poor showing from the Eagles’ top order has them needing to defend 211 against the Two Blues at Barry Powell next week.
Only captain Harrison Carlyon passed 50 for the visitors with the remainder of his top five combining for just 27.
Surprisingly, it was former Turf 1 premiership-winning wicketkeeper Ciaron Connolly that brought Carylon’s demise, breaching his defences in the first of his three wickets at 5/112.
The Eagles’ lower order made vital contributions, through Julius Sumerauer, Justin Dickinson and Ketan Bakshi, but the end came quickly once Dickinson was caught for 31.
From 5/171, the final five wickets yielded just 40 runs, the innings concluding in the 57th over in an excellent showing from Lyndale.
Rajika Fernando took 4/80 from his 23 overs
St
for the Dales, while Connolly finished with 3/40.
The middle of the table is where things get interesting, with Parkmore and Parkdale frontand-centre.
Despite another dreadful batting effort, the Bandits are right in contention for a stunning victory at home.
Asked to bat by Pirates skipper Niranjen Kumar, Parkfield set a new season-low with the stick, posting just 81, but with four quick-wickets before stumps, hope is not lost.
Two scalps apiece from Hansika Kodikara and Roshane Cooray has the Pirates vulnerable at 4/35, with key batters Satheesh Fernandu, Kyle Gwynne, Josh Tonna and Johann Brohier all surrendering their wickets.
The Pirates bowlers executed another superb display of seam bowling in the first innings
as the dreadful summer of Parkfield’s top order drags on.
Ankit Saxena struck with the third delivery of the day to send Dishan Malalasekera on his way for a second ball duck, with Avisha Wilwalaarachchi removing fellow opener Nathaniel Cramer in the fourth over for just two.
Sahan Jayawardana’s move up the order did not recoup results, making just 14, while Shahwali’s Mosavi’s wicket gave Wilwalaarachchi three in his opening spell.
Hansika Kodikara and Travis D’Souza dug in for the long haul and defended desperately for much of the remainder of the session, offered marginal width or opportunity by the typically metronomic Parkmore attack.
Parkfield dragged the innings into a 63rd over before the Pirates wrapped up proceedings
with the score on 81. Wilwalaarachchi finished with 3/19 with Saxena and Fernandu each claiming two.
Parkmore needs a further 47 runs next week for victory, with a Parkfield victory to make Coomoora’s grip on fourth place less secure.
The Roos can’t afford to pay too close attention to the happenings at Parkfield Reserve, however, in a tight battle of their own at home against St Mary’s.
A second-consecutive disappointing effort with the bat has the Roos defending just 159 against the Saints, a side in dire need of a victory to alleviate their relegation prospects.
Like he did against Cranbourne last round, it was Coomoora coach Nick Suppree who faired the best of the Roos batters, making 74 at the top of the order.
Lance Baptist made 17 in just his fourth Turf 2 innings of the summer, having battled injuries and fitness for much of the campaign, with his innings eventuating to the second-highest score behind Suppree’s half-century.
The Tea interval came at a terrible time for Suppree, who shelled a catch to midwicket just three balls after the break, before the Saints, piloted by finger-spinner Rumesh Ranasinghe, performed a brilliant fightback to have the Roos dismissed in 69 overs.
From 2/110 at Tea, Coomoora showed its vulnerabilities with the bat once again, losing 8/49 on a dry wicket.
Seam bowler Harrison Kidd made the initial breakthrough with Suppree’s wicket, before Ranasinghe entered the action by bowling Joel Robertson around his legs on seven.
Ranasinghe dropped his pace and bowled with flight to deceive the batters time and time again, while even managing an excellent low catch off his own bowling to end Jackson Noske’s stay at the crease.
Wetering struck in the first over of the Saints’ innings to send Ranasinghe back to the pavilion for one, in a fiery spell to close the day with a series of appeals and pleas to the bowler for catches and LBWs.
St Mary’s reached 1/13 at stumps as Duveen Arachchige and Chameera Fernando both survived until the close of play, needing a further 147 for victory next week.
Six St Mary’s points will tie them for seventh place on the table with Narre Warren on 18 points, while Coomoora could have just a twopoint cushion on Parkfield, if the Bandits get the better of Parkmore.
Mary’s spinner Rumesh Ranasinghe took four wickets against Coomoora. (Rob Carew: 443990)
Imran Laghmani made 159 for North Dandenong. (Roc Carew: 440838)
$1 FOR 2 WEEKS
EventDetails:
Get ready for an unforgettable day of fitness, fun, and community spirit at the inaugural South East Running Festival! Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or just looking for a great day out with the family, this event has something for everyone.
Location:Dandenong Stadium
Date:Sunday, 13th April 2025
⏰ StartTime:7:00 AM
Distances:
21km Half Marathon (Minimum 15 years old)
10km (Minimum 10 years old)
5km (Minimum 10 years old)
1km Children’s Dash (Maximum 10 years old)
ScantheQRCode formoreinformation& toregister!
