Name blame game
A proposal to rename a Dandenong shopping strip has ignited furious backlash, including an online-petition bidding war and a boycott threat.
In the past week, nine Afghan community groups have urged Greater Dandenong Council to reject the Hazara community’s “divisive” idea to rename Afghan Bazaar to Little Bamyan.
As of early Monday, more than 3200 signed an online petition to retain the Afghan Bazaar name.
Meanwhile another online petition collected more than 2900 supporters of Little Bamyan. It’s believed that the petition was set to be present-
ed to a Greater Dandenong Council meeting on Monday 10 February.
The proponent Barat Batoor – backed by several traders in the Thomas Street precinct - had told Star Journal last week that the Bamyan name was “inclusive” and represented the contribution of the Hazara community.
However, a “disappointed” Gulghotai Bezhan, who founded Afghan Australian Women Association, says Afghan Bazaar represented the “entire Afghan community”.
“Bamyan is a little province, but Afghan is rep-
resentative of all ethnicities. Imagine if an Australian says they’re not from Australia but from Geelong.”
Afghan community leader Rokhan Akbar and community activist Khalid Amiri say the Bamyan petition will instead damage social cohesion.
“City of Greater Dandenong is well known for its multiculturalism, advocacy for social cohesion, assimilation, integration for opportunities and inclusivity,” Mr Akbar said.
“To change the name (of Afghan Bazaar), it would do the opposite.“
Amiri said a
was being considered
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti says the council is in a tough position where it must remain impartial. “I love all the traders on Thomas Street - it’s a great place to shop, eat, spend time. It’s something we really have to tread very lightly and respectfully.”
For more on the story, turn to page 3
Mr
boycott of the shopping strip
in response to the Bamyan push.
Traders and community leaders gather in support of retaining the Afghan Bazaar name - and in opposition to a Hazara community petition for change. (Stewart Chambers: 457781)
On the opposite side, Barat Batoor with supporters of changing the Thomas Street precinct’s name to Little Bamyan. (455477)
Bittersweet for Stewart
By Sahar Foladi
A proud Bunurong man, Stewart Taylor has been awarded Greater Dandenong Council’s Living Treasure Award in what he describes a “bittersweet” occasion.
Taylor is recognised for his role in Victoria Police as the southern metro region’s Aboriginal liaison officer for over 10 years now, bridging the gap between the Aboriginal community and the Victoria Police force.
However, the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards ceremony held on 26 January where Taylor attended to receive his award brought mixed feelings.
“Invasion Day, Survival Day, Australia Day, whatever you want to call it.
“It was part of my speech that my mother was 20 years old before she was allowed to be a citizen in her own country.
“I was one years old when eligible. I can’t imagine for my grandparents and ancestors before me.
“I don’t think people learnt what is, as part of being an Australian citizen, about the White Australia policy’s racist laws that affected all. The 150odd cultures in Dandenong now wouldn’t have existed under the policy.”
Still believing “we have a long way to go” as a community and nation, Taylor remains dedicated to his role in his local community and passionate about making real changes that would have a long-lasting impact.
The person who once despised Victoria Police and had his own “challenges” with them back in his time, is now working with them and the Aboriginal community to better understand both sides and phase out any misconceptions.
“My cousin was a police member, the longest serving Aboriginal officer in Victoria (Senior Sergeant James Egan). He just passed.
munity members are finding it tough as Victoria Police was involved in the removal of the Stolen Generation.
“It was Victoria Police’s role to enforce the law of the government that contributed to the stolen generation.
“Still today, police have to enforce the law of child protection, DFFH, that sort of thing. (People) don’t see it as enforcing the laws of the government they see it as police doing this stuff to us.”
He had a headache for three days when he first joined the job mainly because of the “overwhelming” uniform but now works among friends.
He says things are “getting better.”
“We have Aboriginal cultural awareness training for most police.
“It was programs we used in conjunction with other organisations that built their trust with police.
“The youth that attend the programs, we can always do more, but it comes down to funding. The youth will cross the street to say ‘Hey g’day’ to the police they know.”
“I see my role as holding the police and community accountable for their actions.”
He says society and Victoria Police have all changed for the better since his early interactions with members of the police force.
“Police in Victoria has changed since I was a young fella, heaps different to when I was growing up in Doveton.
“It was completely different, there was no on-body camera, no accountability. When I was growing up 30 to 40 years ago or more, police could discipline you.
“He was there, my uncle joined - listening to their stories of how they were treated back in the day made me think about how I treated (police) but as well as the youth that I think were mistreated by police so I wanted to change that.
“Different times, police were the police and there was no questioning them whether that was wrong or right. Society was bit different then.”
He says one of the main barriers between the Aboriginal community and the Victoria Police is the rooted mistrust the community have due to the generations of negative interactions and trauma.
Victoria Police also lacked an understanding of the Aboriginal culture and its people but he says it’s “getting better.”
The historical pain and trauma specifically that of the Stolen Generation is widely remembered among the Aboriginal community.
Taylor says a lot of the older Aboriginal com-
Taylor supports Greater Dandenong council’s recognition of the Bunurong people as the truthful owner of this land, in their speeches, presentations and the opening ceremonies but he says it needs to consider why 26 January upsets Aboriginal people.
However, he recognises the power to ‘change the date’ is bigger than the council, MP’s such as Julian Hill, Gabrielle Williams and people like himself.
He wished for the council’s awards ceremony to be moved to a different date than Australia Day, as City of Casey did last year.
In August 2023, Greater Dandenong Council’s proposal to take ‘Australia Day’ out of its awards was voted down by a majority of councillors.
Some argued these decisions should be left to the Federal Government.
ASIA TOPA OPENING GATHERING
Saturday 22 February, 2.00 pm
Embracing the rich cultures from the Asia-Pacific region, join us for a family friendly afternoon of art, dance, workshops, music and more. This free event will also showcase the Tāgata Moana (People of the Pacific) art collective, the Pacific Sisters’ legendary FreeStyle FrockAction catwalk. The evening culminates with the world premiere of a major new performance commission - Bunyi Bunyi Bumi. So come dressed to impress, wearing your confidence and bring your strut!
bunjilplace.com.au/events
Image: Pacific Sisters’ N da Fale Auckland PRIDE, FreeStyle FrockAction. Photo: Raymond Sagapolutele
Image: Bunyi Bunyi Bumi Photo: T Garvie Photography
Newly-inducted Living Treasure Stewart Taylor, pictured centre with deputy mayor Sophie Tan and mayor Jim Memeti. (Supplied)
Sides drawn in name fight
By Sahar Foladi
Afghan community organisations have expressed a furious backlash against a controversial petition to rename Afghan Bazaar precinct in Thomas Street, Dandenong.
In a collective letter to Greater Dandenong Council, nine Afghan community groups are firmly opposed to the petition by members of the Hazara community to rename the precinct to Little Bamyan.
The letter states the “divisive”, “self-serving” and “dangerous” petition shouldn’t be “re-aggravated” at a council meeting on Monday 10 February.
It argues the term ‘Afghan’ is a nationality not an ethnic identity, as claimed by the Hazara petitioners.
On the other hand, the petitioners claim ‘Afghan’ is associated with the Pashtun ethnicity.
The groups listed in the letter include Bakhtar Community Organisation and Afghan Australian Women Association (AAWA), which serve residents from all ethnicities.
Also in favour of retaining Afghan Bazaar are prominent community leaders, players from the Afghan women’s football team, and businessmen from Thomas Street.
Gulghotai Bezhan, the founder of AAWA, says she is disappointed in the proposed renaming.
“Very disappointed because ... Afghan Bazaar represents the entire Afghan community including different ethnicities of Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbek to name a few and not just a province.
“Bamyan is a little province, but Afghan is representative of all ethnicities. Imagine if an Australian says they’re not from Australia but from Geelong.”
Ms Bezhan says she is from Kabul in Afghanistan, questioning whether it would be right for her organisation to be named Kabul Australia Women’s Association.
Her organisation helps to support Afghan women from all backgrounds and ethnicities to settle in Australia, provides programs to build their confidence and to find a starting point to rebuild their lives again.
She was last month named as an Order of Australia Medallist (OAM) in recognition of her work.
The letter also argues that the term Little Bamyan is “far more exclusionary” than the term ‘Afghan’ itself as Bamyan is one out of the total 34 provinces in Afghanistan.
Barat Batoor who initiated the petition says Bamyan is a “multicultural province” hence why the name was chosen. However Ms Bezhan rejects this claim.
Last week Batoor told Star Journal that the Bamyan name was “inclusive” and represented the contribution of the Hazara community in “transforming the once deserted street into a now thriving business centre”.
“I hope the representatives of the community in the council will hear the request of Hazaras.
“Little Bamyan better portrays the rich history of Afghanistan, and the stakeholders in the Bazaar will have a sense of belonging and pride.”
However, Afghan community leader Rokhan Akbar and community activist Khalid Amiri, who was a journalist in Afghanistan, say the petition will instead damage social cohesion.
“City of Greater Dandenong is well known for its multiculturalism, advocacy for social cohesion, assimilation, integration for opportunities and inclusivity. That’s the policy of the government, to encourage social cohesion,” Mr Akbar said.
“To change the name (of Afghan Bazaar), it would do the opposite. It would be a damage to the reputation that Greater Dandenong Council prides itself on and that other councils envy.”
The negative implications are said to be broadly on the businesses on Thomas Street, who
have worked over a decade to build what they cherish now.
One of the impacts is potentially to boycott the businesses in support of the petition or if the renaming is given a green light.
Mr Amiri says the Bazaar represents all diverse ethnicities in Afghanistan and not just one province or ethnicity.
“The Afghan community is deeply frustrated and feels ignored.
“None of the shops in this precinct sell products exclusively from Bamyan, the food served is Afghan cuisine, not limited to any one group, and the rugs are primarily Uzbek-made, not from Bamyan,” he said.
“Afghan culture is shared by all Afghans and no single province can claim ownership of these traditions.
“If this misrepresentation continues, it is damaging the social cohesion and it will be a one-sided decision with serious repercussions, including the boycott of the bazaar by many people is under consideration in the community.”
The letter to the council also states the petition was carried out in “secrecy” without any discussions with the wider Afghan community.
Pokemon card stealing-spree hits home
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A trading card game (TCG) outlet in Eumemmerring has been ransacked during a reported Melbourne-wide burglary spree targeting Pokemon cards.
Ozzie Collectables’ front automatic glass doors, security shutters and glass cabinets were damaged by an alleged group of intruders about 3-4am, according to staff.
“Most of the stock stolen was TCG related, with the majority being Pokemon cards,” store manager Dayna Mortimore said.
“Unfortunately this is becoming a recurring targeted situation with so many local businesses and card shops across Melbourne being hit over the last month.”
Mortimore said the “high-value”, “rare” collectors cards could be particularly lucrative.
She listed six similar shops that had been recently ransacked, including a Thomastown outlet broken into twice in the past few months.
For much of Friday, Ozzie staff were cleaning up the broken glass, uptipped shelving and other extensive damage.
“We’re far from the only business affected, but we’re all obviously very devastated about the impact on our business,” Mortimore said.
“Things like this are taken very personally by all of us.”
It had taken a “round-the-clock” effort to build up the business since 2016, Mortimore said.
The business expanded to its larger Princes
lockdowns.
“We’re
A meeting was held between Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti and the group on Wednesday 5 February to hear their concerns
He says the council is in a tough position where they must remain impartial.
“I will keep an open mind, make sure we’re respectful to both parties.
“I understand it’s a touchy subject and we need to respect everybody’s views as well.
“We don’t want to go backwards but forwards, build on the strength that we have.
“I love all the traders on Thomas Street - it’s a great place to shop, eat, spend time. It’s something we really have to tread very lightly and respectfully.”
As of early Monday 10 February, the group in support of the name change have garnered more than 2900 signatures in an online petition on Change.org.
Meanwhile, the opposing group against it have collected more than 3200 signatures on the same platform.
Another meeting is being held between Cr Memeti and the group who initiated the change, just hours before the council meeting on Monday 10 February.
Bailey Craig surveys the losses after Ozzie Collectables was ransacked early on Friday 7 February. (Stewart Chambers: 458240)
Ozzie Collectables’ shop soon after it was trashed by intruders. (Supplied)
Shams Restaurant owner Murtaza Khoshiwal, centre, businessman Rahimi Baryalai, second right, and community advocate Khalid Amiri, right, were among those supporting retaining the name Afghan Bazaar. (Stewart Chambers: 457781)
Cashless backlash
By Sahar Foladi
A proposal to install cashless parking meters in Greater Dandenong is not on the money, according to councillors Bob Milkovic and Rhonda Garad.
The pair strongly opposed the idea when presented at a councillors’ briefing session on Monday 3 February.
They say a council officer’s report presented only one option, to go cashless, with a consultation with traders to begin the following week.
This is despite the same report stating 60 per cent of parking-meter customers in the municipality use cash, Cr Garad said.
However after the councillors’ opposition, it’s believed the community consultation over coming weeks will include several options.
Options may include to keep the machines hybrid - accepting coins or cards - and/or replace some machines with more modern technology.
The report comes as a result of some of the
current parking meters needing maintenance upgrades or replacing.
Councillor Milkovic said his “biggest grief” was the intial consultation’s lack of options.
“I was stunned. We all understand it goes hand in hand with tap-and-pay payment but at no point in time has someone mentioned we will go cashless.
“When I think of consultation if someone wants to consult to change, I’d appreciate different options were offered so they (community) can be better informed.
“Not this is what we’re doing you can take it or leave it. That’s not an option.”
He says responses from the community may be different if they’re given options and go through a meaningful consultation, bearing in mind the elderly as well as those who can’t afford smartphones.
“I personally don’t have an issue with machines accepting only card or Apple Pay, but
that’s not to say we need to do it. One glove doesn’t fit all.
“We have a lot of elderly residents who aren’t in tune with technology, we can’t isolate them.
“We’re different to a lot of other councils. Some councillors were drawn to City of Yarra, but we’re different, we also welcome new arrivals.”
He drew an example of the busy Springvale precinct where “cash is used heavily.”
Cr Garad says going cashless was “very shortsighted.”
“When you look at 60 per cent cash use now, my fear is you’re locking out people who may be low income, don’t have cards, or access to internet banking.
“If they can’t use cash they probably won’t use anything at all, they might get fined.
“People who least can afford the fine will get them and that’ll dig big financial holes.
“In a way we’re penalising low income people, that’s the impact and a very serious mistake.”
Affordable housing secured
Noble Park and Lynbrook will see more than 100 social and affordable houses in the coming years, as part of the initial round of the Federal Government’s housing fund.
Noble Park will see a total of 97 dwellings being built and Lynbrook 20.
Housing Australia announced the approval of 12 project contracts within the initial pipeline of housing projects selected under Funding Round One of the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility and National Housing Accord Facility on 31 January.
Partnerships with the Community Housing sector will enable the projects with contracts awarded to access funding under Funding Round One to deliver more than 240 social and 570 affordable homes, with the majority of homes complete or currently under construction.
The initial round of the projects will potentially deliver more than 13,000 social and affordable homes across Australia, which would achieve one-third of the program’s 5-year target of 40,000 social and affordable homes.
Housing Australia chief executive officer Scott Langford said: “We are delighted to be supporting the market to deliver more social and affordable housing in accordance with the objectives of the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility and the National Housing Accord Facility.
“These initial projects demonstrate the impact of partnering to bring capital and capability together to improve housing outcomes.”
Push for ‘transparent’ Greater Dandenong Council meetings
By Sahar Foladi
A motion to investigate opening councillors briefing sessions to the public was set to spark debate at Greater Dandenong Council.
Councillor Rhonda Garad, who was tabling the motion at the 10 February council meeting, was unsure if the motion will be supported but curious to know why councillors wouldn’t support the “transparency measure”.
“I think it’s time in terms of transparency. The community are able to see what information we get provided with, who is providing it and what is shaping our decisions,” Cr Garad told Star Journal.
“Any fears the community might have about decisions made behind closed doors will be alleviated by simply opening our meetings to the public that fund this work and are the recipients of these decisions.
“They should have the right to see how our decisions are being shaped.”
The councillor briefing session (CBS) is a fortnightly information session held only for council executive team and councillors away from the public.
Councillors are presented a number of proposals on pressing issues by the council, with an opportunity for councillors to ask questions and gather information.
“I feel that at times, there have been councillors who stray in the direction of making decisions in a CBS. I think that is against the act and interest of the community,” Cr Garad said.
“This will lift our standard across the board and give comfort to the community that no deci-
sion would be made behind closed doors.
“There’s no reason why the community shouldn’t be able to view the parts of the CBS.”
Cr Garad’s motion was prompted by a recent CBS report that proposed cashless parking meters with no other options provided.
The move upset some councillors like Bob Milkovic and Garad who said options should be given to the community for the sake of consul-
tation and so they can make a better informed decision.
Cr Garad says by opening the meeting to the public, it’ll have a range of positive impacts such as the quality of what is presented to the councillors.
“Real options will come to us, not just decisions made.
“We will get much more consultation, higher calibre presentations. I think it’s going to lift ev-
eryone’s game and that’s very good.
“There will be higher level of professionalism and councillors can still ask questions, can ask for more information, clarify issues. None of this inhibits that.”
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti says he has no issues or concerns with the motion besides the costs involved to have the CBS open to the public.
“She’s asking for a report to come back to council on having live streamed CBS. Officers have a couple of months to come back with the report.
“My interest would be around the costs. Will it be $10,000 or $200,000 to have this?
“I know we have two to three staff members at the council meeting in charge of the livestream. They would have to be employed to come in.
“Will it be more than two staff members for the CBS? I’m not sure but they are the questions I’ll be asking.”
He says he will wait for the report to come back to council if the motion is supported.
Cr Garad is happy for council officers to align the motion with Local Governance rules, to have the meeting online as well as in-person like council meetings and apply the same provisions as in council meetings.
“Of course it’ll take adjustment time, and officers may be concerned but at the end of the day they should always bring non-biased evidence and options.
“I don’t think they should be concerned. When there are sensitive or commercial issue there is the confidentiality option to go in-camera.”
Tom Rumble (Unsplash)
Cr Rhonda Garad proposes to open councillor briefing sessions to the public. (Gary Sissons: 432339)
Councillors Bob Milkovic and Rhonda Garad opposed a proposal to install cashless parking meters. (Gary Sissons: 457708)
NEWS Casey crs ‘locked out’
By Violet Li
Newly-elected Casey councillors are being sidelined from representing the community in local planning issues, former councillors say.
Last year, Casey administrators endorsed a new policy for all planning application decisions to be made by council officers to reduce the risk of corruption, in response to the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry into Casey councillors and developers.
In rare circumstances, a councillor may ‘call in’ an application to have the matter determined by the council at a meeting.
However, former councillors say that the administrators went too far.
Former Cr Brian Oates, who is also the president of Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA), was concerned that councillors didn’t have a say on planning requirements that were impacting the viability of local businesses such as BK 2 Basics food pantry in Narre Warren and Phil Hume Auto in Pearcedale.
Star News reported in January this year that both businesses had met with what was described as “impossible and unrealistic” planning guidelines to obtain or keep their permits.
In a statement to Star News, Cranbourne Gardens Ward Cr Michelle Crowther, whose ward is often the battleground for planning issues, said she really wanted to fight for the community.
But she was surprised to learn the vast majority of individual planning applications are made by council officers under delegation, which means councillors are kept at arm’s length from the process.
“I understand this is frustrating for residents to hear. People expect their councillors to help when a planning issue arises,” she said.
“Whilst I cannot influence individual applications, I am doing everything I can to make sure local voices are heard when it comes to broader planning policies and the future direction of Casey.”
Protocols for Councillors - Land Use Planning, the current policy that guides the conduct of councillors when it comes to land planning matters, was endorsed in May 2024 by administrators.
It states that all applications are determined under delegation by council officers. If a councillor wishes to ‘call in’ a planning application to have the matter determined by the council at a council meeting, this should be made in the broader community interest.
Broader community interest is defined as matters which impact the state, South East Melbourne region or the Casey municipality. It does not include matters that have a discrete, localised or neighbourhood catchment.
Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson said the latest policy is a direct response to recommendations from Operation Sandon, to minimise any risks of corruption.
He specified that councillors had a key role to play in contributing to and setting Casey’s strategic direction for land use planning, while qualified planning officers then deliver on the strategic direction through the determination of planning applications that meet the council policy outcome and planning scheme requirements.
Mr Oates from CRRA acknowledged that Operation Sandon raised legitimate concerns about alleged corruption and poor handling of conflicts of interest in Casey’s planning matters.
But he said Casey’s policy does not strike the right balance between genuine locally elected representation on matters important to the community whilst managing any potential conflicts of interest.
“Residents were looking forward to having newly elected councillors after last year’s elec-
tion to restore democracy and true local representation in Casey. Instead, some residents feel as though they now have figureheads following what the faceless and unelected bureaucracy of council officers decide for them,” he said.
He pointed out the thresholds for delegation are too high.
“In not even allowing decisions made at a localised or neighbourhood level that may be important to residents to be ‘called in’ by councillors, it really takes the ‘local’ out of ‘local government’,” he said.
He urged a review of the policy before the compulsory review date in 2028.
Former Cr Damien Rosario said the policy is “really restrictive”.
He recalled back in the day if there were more than six objections to any planning application, it would come to a council meeting for a decision.
He believed that there should be a balance between technical expertise and local knowledge.
“Councillors represent the people. They need to listen to their constituents, and they need to balance that with their obligations under the Planning Act as well. They’ve got to look at both sides, not just delegate their authority,” he said.
“There is a local issue that happens, and if
they need to raise it, I think they should be able to do that at a council meeting, which is what we’ve done in the past. We can have debates. We can discuss the technicalities. We can seek officer clarification on the application.
“That’s part of the process of the transparency that goes with these applications that come to council.
“I think without that, you’re removing a big part of what it is to be a council and to be able to represent the people.”
Former Cr Rex Flannery said councillors may not have the skills to make planning decisions, but they should be consulted on any issues relating to the City of Casey.
“Transparency is supposed to be held in high regard by the City of Casey, but it seems the officers don’t want councillors to know what’s going on. The councillors are the directors of the council and should not be undermined.
“I would be calling the CEO to account and have all planning decisions open for all to see,” Cr Flannery said.
Mr Patterson said they are currently investigating ways to facilitate consultation meetings where there is significant interest in a planning application.
“For example, an application that has received a high volume of objections, where the ward councillor would be invited to listen and observe,” he said.
“This would enable them to hear all views without pre-determining an outcome, should the matter then be presented at a council meeting for a decision.”
When asked if he would raise a motion to review the policy, Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said there are important lessons to be learnt from Operation Sandon, and the council must carefully consider the recommendations from IBAC as they move forward.
“It’s important that we don’t rush to make any hasty policy changes, we need to approach decisions thoughtfully with long-term solutions in mind. It is essential that we get it right,” he said.
“The focus right now is rebuilding the trust in our community that’s been impacted, and that starts with being as open and transparent as possible in all our decision-making.
“The community deserves nothing less. I also recognise the importance of making key planning information and consultation opportunities on planning matters easily accessible to the community.”
Oceania Glass collapses, manufacturers at ‘crossroads’
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A 169-year-old glass manufacturer based in Dandenong South has collapsed after warning of the impact of cheap imports being dumped in Australia.
Oceania Glass - which employs much of its 261 workforce at Dandenong - was announced as in the hands of voluntary administrators at Grant Thornton Australia on 4 February.
The business will continue to trade during the voluntary administration period, with a view to selling to an “appropriate buyer”, the administrators stated.
According to its website, Oceania Glass sold its first glass in 1856 and is Australia’s only maker of architectural glass. It’s considered a vital part of the glass supply sector.
Prior to its collapse, Oceania Glass submitted to the Anti-Dumping Commission that the Australian industry had suffered “material injury” as a result of clear laminate glass imported from Thailand and China at dumped and subsidised prices.
The Commissioner launched an investigation last year as a result but the issue is yet to be resolved, joint administrator Matt Byrnes said.
“The company’s view is they need better protection by the Government that would enable them to be more price-competitive.
“We’re still working through all the reasons for (Oceania Glass’s collapse) - but that’s likely to be one of them.”
Oceania Glass reportedly owes creditors an estimated $125 million-plus.
Byrnes told Star Journal that the final amount was still being worked through, includ-
ing money owed to workers. More information was expected in a report to a creditors meeting on Friday 14 February.
South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance chief executive Honi Walker said Victorian manufacturers were “at a crossroads”.
“We simply can’t compete on price from China and other Asian countries. The loss of “sovereign capability” on an “essential product” would cause homes to cost more and take longer to build with “unsafe” overseas glass, she said.
“What our governments have completely ignored is safety.
“Imported steel from China does not meet Australian Standards and was the reason the new stand at GMBH Stadium collapsed in 2023 and the Kew Recreational Centre’s roof caved in.
“Lives are at risk on many levels.”
Walker called for the reinstatement of federal anti-dumping laws to stop “cheaply, poorly made products being dumped in Australia and used on vital public projects”.
As well as the State Government to “start applying their own Local Content Jobs First policy”.
Last week, SEMMA unveilled a pitch for a halving of the company tax rate from 30 per cent to 15 per cent for Australian manufacturers.
Industry Minister Ed Husic’s office was contacted for comment.
Oceania Glass based in Greens Road, Dandenong South is in the hands of voluntary administrators. (Gary Sissons: 457858)
SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker has called for the reinstatement of anti-dumping laws.
Bunjil Place, City of Casey. (File)
Opportunity lost, they say
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A green group says a level-crossing removal project has missed an opportunity to connect cyclists to central Dandenong.
Greater Dandenong Environment Group says the Webster Street crossing removal design lacks a bike link into the CBD and potentially east-west to Mentone.
A road underpass will connect Cheltenham Road and Princes Highway, but a shared bike path will instead follow Dandenong Creek.
GDEG member Michelle Truyg said the underpass was an “ideal time” to put cycling into practice on Cheltenham Road.
“Through their Revitalising Central Dandenong project, the State Government promised to make getting into the central shopping and office area of Dandenong easier.
“This is a lost opportunity – the State Government thinks that the only cycle path should be along Dandenong Creek not through Dandenong.”
Truyg noted the ‘bike lane to nowhere’ on Walker Street that doesn’t connect to any bike paths – “an example of broken bicycle dreams”.
The GDEG argues the project also should include a footpath to “unlock” the north part of the “hidden” Woodcock Reserve as well as protect two large trees at Broadland Street,
GDEG says the reserve will be instead fenced off to the north. A future sealed path would be left to Greater Dandenong Council to possibly fund and design.
Similarly new tree planting and landscaping was not in the project scope, but left for the council. The fate of the two trees was also not decided, according to the group.
“This project should have improved the biodiversity around Dandenong Creek but the State Government hasn’t shown any interest, trees are an afterthought,” secretary Judith Sise said.
“The State Government keeps talking about revitalising Dandenong but what they have done is only built a car friendly by-pass road.
“We are disappointed that the Dandenong environment is not on the Government’s radar. The final designs either rule out sustainable outcomes or leave it for Council to fund at a later date.”
In December, the Government announced the Webster Street boom-gated level-crossing will be removed by 2025 and the underpass open by 2026 - two years ahead of schedule.
According to the Government, the Webster Street level crossing is one of the most dangerous in Melbourne, with 22 near misses recorded since 2012.
Boom gates are down for 62 minutes during the morning peak, causing traffic congestion in central Dandenong.
Removing eight level crossings in the Greater Dandenong area will save around six hours of boom gate down time each morning, the Government states.
It will also coincide with the opening of the Metro Tunnel project, allowing more services to run on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.
Carjacker jailed after spree
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A man with an imitation gun who went on a violent, drug-fuelled afternoon of carjacking and theft in Noble Park’s CBD has been jailed.
Josh Imrei, now 31, preyed on five victims in a matter of hours on 1 September 2023, injuring two as he sought to commandeer their cars.
The father of one pleaded guilty at Victorian County Court to eight charges including aggravated carjacking, common law assault and attempted armed robbery.
Imrei’s first victim was driving in an underground car park in Buckley Street.
“Get out of the car, do you know who I am?” Imrei said.
“I’m going to kill you.”
Imrei started choking the seatbelted driver and trying to pull him from the car as they clung to the steering wheel.
In the struggle, Imrei was blocked from grabbing for the car keys in the ignition. He then punched the victim’s jaw several times and kicked him before walking away.
Soon afterwards, Imrei drew a imitation handgun and demanded car keys from a man in a nearby alley way.
Initially panicked, the victim realised the gun was fake and pushed it away from his head.
“Scared you though you dog,” Imrei said as he walked away.
Within minutes in a car park behind 7/11, Imrei waved a gun at a driver and ordered them out of their parked car.
He opened the door and struck the driver in the face with the gun, causing the victim to exit the vehicle.
Imrei got in the driver’s seat, told the victim to “f*** off” and drove away.
The car was later found, crashed into a pole at Cheltenham and Corrigan roads. Its engine was running and still in drive.
The same day, Imrei stole a four-pack of Jim Beam cans from a Keysborough drivethrough bottle shop.
The attendant heard one of the cans being cracked open as Imrei walked out.
Police who were on the hunt for Imrei at this stage found him walking along Corrigan Road, drinking from a can.
Imrei resisted arrest, made fists and continually reaching for his imitation gun in his waistband.
Police deployed OC spray during the struggle.
In sentencing on 5 February, Judge Patricia Riddell noted Imrei’s drug-affected attacks were “no doubt frightening” for his victims.
In his erratic and aggressive state, he was also “extremely difficult” to handle for police.
She noted Imrei’s long history of dishonesty, drug, driving and violent offences, including armed robbery and arson.
He’d breached nine previous community corrections orders and spent much of the past eight years in jail.
Judge Riddell also noted he was marked by growing up in disadvantage and neglect as well as afflicted with mental illness.
A self-described “problem child, he’d been a chronic drug and alcohol addict for 20 years.
He’d smoked ice prior to his rampage in Noble Park. Drugs were a factor in much of his criminal history, the judge stated.
Imrei would need structured support, including accommodation, on his release, Judge Riddell said.
His reform was “almost entirely dependent” on conquering his addictions.
Imrei was jailed for up to six years and three months – including 523 days of pre-sentence detention.
He must serve three years, 10 months before eligible for parole.
Aggravated carjacking attracted a mandatory non-parole term of at least three years.
Funds misdirected in error
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A ‘copy-and-paste’ gaffe has embarrassed organisers ahead of a gala 50th anniversary event in Springvale.
South Eastern Melbourne Vietnamese Association Council (SEMVAC) is set to celebrate its landmark with a Lunar New Year Festival on 22 February.
Last month, it gave out application forms to prospective stallholders at an annual New Year festival staged by Springvale Asian Business Association (SABA).
The forms appeared nearly identical to SABA’s forms, right down to listing SABA’s BSB and account details.
It resulted in several applicants making deposits into SABA’s account, instead of SEMVAC’s.
The errant funds have been since refunded by SABA, SEMVAC president Kim Son Vu said. “We’ve fixed it. There were only two or three (applicants) effected – before we stopped it and recovered the funds.”
A SEMVAC “volunteer” had made the flawed copy, Vu said.
The group has since republished its own application form created from scratch.
SEMVAC provides support services for people in need, including translation, housing, migration visa and Centrelink assistance.
The festival – which received $40,000 of Greater Dandenong Council funding – includes food stalls, performances, cultural activities and fireworks.
It is on Saturday 22 February 10am-10pm at Burden Park, cnr Heatherton and Springvale roads, Springvale.
South East pair charged
A Doveton man and a Cranbourne West man have been charged over a pair of alleged armed robberies at tobacco shops on Tuesday 4 February.
Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives say two men armed with a knife demanded cigarettes from a shop on Centre Road in Bentleigh about 9.25am.
A male staff member suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital.
The pair allegedly fled in a Holden Commodore ute.
A short time later, they were said to have stolen cigarettes and jewellery from another outlet in Como Parade A police vehicle pursued the ute, with the two vehicles crashing in Arena Square, Noble Park about 10.30am. Police officers drew guns and arrested the pair. The men were taken to hospital under police guard.
The two police officers involved in the collision were also taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.
A Doveton man, 18, has been charged with:
• attempted armed robbery
• intentionally causing injury
• assault with weapon
• armed robbery
• false imprisonment
• theft from motor vehicle
• handling stolen goods
• reckless conduct endangering death
• reckless conduct endangering serious injury
• dangerous driving whilst being pursued
• driving whilst disqualified
A Cranbourne West man, 20, was charged with:
• armed robbery
• intentionally causing injury
• assault with a weapon
• robbery
• false imprisonment
• theft
• handling stolen goods
They were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 April.
The final design of the rail bridge at Webster Street, left, and the new road underpass, right, on either side of Dandenong Creek. (Supplied/State Government)
Parking permit system call
By Sahar Foladi
A reported parking shortage in Bassett Street Dandenong is under investigation after a petition has called for a resident-only parking permit system.
Residents have brought the petition to Greater Dandenong Council’s attention at a 28 January public meeting, requesting to put an end to the ongoing parking issues.
The petition filed by Bassett Street resident Charles with 40 signatures so far, states the apartment blocks as well as workers and other visitors are filling the parking spaces.
“I get home, I just can’t get a parking space. Young girls have to park 50 metres away, and the
elderly have to walk so I put a petition.
“I don’t understand - you go in a suburb, everywhere you go there’s permit parking. But where I live, even with all these apartments, it’s never happened. Is it because it’s Dandenong?
“It’s got worse since the apartment builders built behind me.
“They have one car park per apartment so they park in the surrounding streets, particularly ours because it’s nice, neat, safe and the closest one.”
Charles has lived in the area for a decade, with the issue going on for a long time.
The industrial estate surrounding the area only adds congestion, as employees and visitors from surrounding businesses park on Bassett Street.
He raised a serious allegation of “illegal activities” in the area with someone selling cars without licence plates and using other residents’ homes to sell the cars.
“I did see one person with a new land cruiser, use unauthorised addresses, our addresses, knocking and asking if we’re selling any cars. It’s impacting the safety and security of the residents.”
Greater Dandenong strategic and environmental planning manager Brett Jackson told the meeting that the council’s transport team will investigate and explore the best option to implement in the area following a consultation from residents.
“Following the consultation a decision would be made on what restrictions or process we put in place from that point onwards.”
Nazi flag draped over highway in Dandenong North
Victoria Police are investigating a Nazi flag being hung on an overpass bridge in Dandenong North.
Police officers were alerted to the flag over Dandenong Valley Highway and removed it about 1pm on Saturday 1 February.
“There is absolutely no place for antisemit-
ic, racist or hate-based behaviour in our society and police will not tolerate such activity,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
A writer on social-media site Reddit stated that they reported the “giant flag with Nazi bulls***” to police.
“We wanted to stop and tear it down but had to keep driving. We called 000 and they took it seriously and acted swifty.
“Within 20 minutes of placing our call, they called us back to let us know they’d located it and removed it.”
FOCUS ON … JOIN THE CLUB
The public display of Nazi symbols and gestures, including the salute, is illegal in Victoria. It is punishable with up to 12 months jail and/or a fine of up to $23,000.
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Red Roo alumni Mangok Lok reaches new heights
If you truly want to go somewhere in life, then you must be persistent.
Persistence, determination and commitment are key ingredients if you wish to change the direction of your life.
Mangok Lok, is one of these individuals. At 6 ’8, with a wingspan of 7’ 0, this Red Roo Alumni
can effortlessly cover the court and dunk at a standard that is worthy of any high level USA college basketball program.
Determined to succeed, his pathway has taken him to one of the most remote basketball associations on planet Earth (THE NORTH POLE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION).
With one half year of High School to complete, this young man is determined to go to college, and is playing the price.
Located in Toronto, Canada, Crestwood high school offers first rate academic standards, a supportive community environment and excellent facilities.
Mangok is transforming himself into the student, person, player that is required to advance to the next level of basketball.
We look forward to seeing what the Red Roo / AAU veteran has in store for his local community.
CONGRATULATIONS, AFTER SIX MONTHS ON A STUDENT ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP IN BALTIMORE USA. COULD THIS BE YOU?
Kuich Gatwech
Thomas Duach
A resident of Bassett Street has suggested resident-only parking permit to tackle the ongoing parking shortages. (Gary Sissons: 457693)
Car parks full on Bassett Street, Dandenong. (457693)
Hitting the greens for cause
Golfers will be teeing off for a 16th annual City of Greater Dandenong charity event this month.
This year, the Take a Swing for Charity Golf Day will be raising funds towards an upgrade of Noble Park Community Centre’s kitchenette.
Currently the centre supplies meals to more than 1100 families and individuals.
Over its history, Take a Swing has raised more than $660,000, including $51,000 last year.
The project will assist making the kitchen accessible for people of all abilities and to expand its food relief program with an extra 200 meals a week.
LOOKING BACK
100 years ago
12 February 1925
Old Identities
Mr and Mrs McQuade and family have left Dandenong and taken up their residence in St Kilda, consequence upon the leasehold of the Albion Hotel having been sold. They will be sadly missed in Dandenong by their many friends. Mr G.L. Gurling has purchased a leasehold of the Albion Hotel at Dandenong and is now in possession at this old established and well conducted hotel. The new owner has had considerable experience as a licensed victualler, having previously been in occupation of the Bridge Hotel, Richmond and until recently, the Criterion Hotel, Sale.
50 years ago
13 February 1975
A year of challenge. (by Max Oldmeadow MP) Parliamentary year 1975 has started. What sort of a year is it going to be? Certainly, from the Government’s point of view, it will be a year of challenge. The two problems of unemployment and inflation remain. These are worldwide problems and there is no simple solution. The raw unemployment figure has risen, but the seasonally adjusted figure shows a slight drop over the quarter. In Holt electorate, the figures show a continual rise. At the Dandenong office there were 2138 registered for jobs at the end of January, with 143 job vacancies.
INTERFAITH
For
At the Springvale office there were 221 vacancies and 1588 registered unemployed.
20 years ago 14 February 2005
Giving you the Drum
Greater Dandenong’s $14 million performing arts theatre is tipped to be named the Dandenong Red Drum Theatre. Tonight, councillors will consider the recommendation from the theatre’s director Paul Streefkerk that the naming be endorsed. The ‘red drum’ idea comes from part of the Lonsdale Street Theatre’s design, which is being incorporated into the original town hall façade. The name will be used to market the new centre.
5 years ago 11 February 2020
Students flock to school
In a win for people power, Keysborough Gardens Primary School formally opened on 31 January. Principal, Phil Anthony, said 160 students were settling into the unique two-storey school in the new Keysborough estates. “The vertical building was a point of difference. It was set up for a focus on collaborative learning – allowing students to learn from other classes, teachers and school-mates” Mr Anthony said. It was a proud day for parents such as Nina Kelly who had lobbied for a state school in the estates since 2015.
my faith, this is what hope
By Mehtap Williams, president of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network
In the Islamic tradition, hope is a profound source of strength and a guiding light, even during the darkest times.
It is intricately tied to faith in Allah’s mercy, wisdom, and justice.
Believers are encouraged to trust that every trial carries within it the seeds of relief and renewal.
Hope in Islam is rooted in the belief that Allah is ever-compassionate and merciful.
This assurance nurtures optimism in the hearts of believers, allowing them to see challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and divine closeness.
The teachings of Islam emphasize the importance of hope and kindness.
The day has supported more than 18 charities, helping people experiencing food insecurity, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, domestic violence and health issues.
The event is open to local businesses and industries to take part.
For those who don’t play golf, they can sup-
port the event by donating an auction item, attending the dinner or bidding for auction prizes.
The golf day is at Commonwealth Golf Club, Glennie Avenue, Oakleigh South on Monday 17 February.
Details: Sandra George, sandra.george@cgd. vic.gov.au or 0419 362 745
is...
Even small, thoughtful actions—like offering help to someone in need or contributing to the well-being of others—are seen as ways to create ripples of goodness and positivity in the world.
In the face of difficulties, Muslims are encouraged to practice patience and maintain faith in Allah’s plans, trusting that every effort leads to growth and wisdom.
The concept of reliance on Allah teaches that,
after making sincere efforts, we should have confidence that the outcome will align with a greater purpose.
As a global community, we are bound by the values of compassion, justice, and unity.
By extending a helping hand to those in need, showing kindness to strangers, and embracing the diversity of humanity, we embody the teachings of Islam and plant the seeds of hope in our shared future.
May this message inspire us to look forward with courage and faith, knowing that with every challenge comes the promise of ease, and with every effort, the hope of a brighter tomorrow.
Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662.
• Visit - interfaithnetwork.org.au
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti takes a swing with event sponsor Nirad Shah (KPJ Group), Grissel Walmaggia (Noble Park Community Centre), Gareth Wyatt (Telstra), Roz Blades (NPCC), Rick Stephenson (Booran Motors) and David Willersdorf (Grenda Group). (456778)
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti (centre) with Grissel Walmaggia and Roz Blades from Noble Park Community Centre. (456778)
Mehtap Williams, president of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network.
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
Keysborough Gardens Primary School’s inaugural principal Phil Anthony in 2020. (Gary Sissons: 218841)
Passengers to scientists, take a trip to Antarctica
TRAVELERS planning a trip to Antarctica are encouraged look at the Viking Expedition Cruises to learn first-hand what the Viking Difference means.
For those who yearn for more than a sightseeing tour, they could well be thrilled with the extent of knowledge shared by resident scientists who travel onboard the Viking expedition cruises, offering onboard experiences designed to optimise onshore discovery.
Viking has created the world’s leading scientific enrichment environment in an expedition setting.
A group of scientists selected by Viking’s academic partners, the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, are on board every journey, providing lectures, advice and insight to guests in areas such as biology, botany, geology, glaciology, oceanography, ornithology.
This diverse group of experts lead guests through meaningful scientific work, provide guiding and interpretation during shore excursions and deliver world-class lectures.
Viking and its Viking Expedition Team published the company’s first scientific paper in 2022 following observations of the rarely encountered ‘scyphozoan Stygiomedusa gigantea’, commonly known as the giant phantom jellyfish.
Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen said in creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ it was their intention that every voyage should provide opportunities for scientific discovery,
“At the core of Viking Expeditions is the goal to do meaningful scientific work,“ he said.
“After just one full season in service, our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise, and we look forward to providing critical research opportunities on future voyages.”
Previous encounters with the giant phantom jellyfish have taken place during submersible dives in the coastal waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. Despite reaching up to 30 feet (10 meters) in length, only 126 encounters with these jellyfish have ever been recorded since the species was first described in 1910.
During Viking’s inaugural season in Antarctica in 2022, direct observations of the giant phantom jellyfish were made three times from submersibles deployed from Viking’s expedition vessel, the Viking Octantis and documented through stills and video photography.
In May 2024, Viking announced its latest scientific advancement on board the company’s
expedition fleet with the addition of real-time environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing of phytoplankton.
The phytoplankton was genetically sequenced at sea for the first time with scientific support from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI).
The PCR lab on board the Viking Octantis has been converted into an advanced scientific environment where visiting scientists contributing to the Genomics at Sea Program (GASP) and are able to monitor the environmental impact on phytoplankton without the need to transport samples to a distant shoreside facility.
This marks a significant milestone in marine research and exploration, as Viking becomes the first travel company to support real-time environmental genetic sequencing capabilities on board its vessels.
In March 2024, Viking announced its expedition team supported the discovery of a new colony of chinstrap penguins not previously known
to science on Diaz Rock, near Astrolabe Island, in Antarctica.
The finding took place in January 2024 when Viking Octantis visited Astrolabe, a three-milelong island, located in the Bransfield Strait of the Trinity Peninsula in Antarctica.
Astrolabe Island is home to a colony of chinstrap penguins that had not been surveyed since 1987. During the visit, Viking’s scientific partner, ‘Oceanites’, the leading field research entity in Antarctic penguin monitoring, conducted a visual and thermal aerial survey.
The fieldwork documented the first survey in nearly forty years of the known chinstrap penguin colony of Astrolabe Island and in the process, discovered the additional colony on Diaz Rock.
Those who wish to discover the wonders of Antarctica can travel on one of Viking’s expedition ships, which have been designed so guests can explore some of the world’s most pristine destinations in comfort while maximising viewing in these spectacular locations.
Passengers will be able to view the experience from the Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall. The Aula features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.
The Finse Terrace is an outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed, heated couches and lava rock ‘firepits,’ designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship while enjoying the dramatic scenery.
While the Bow is an important forward-viewing platform with the option to retreat to the Shelter, even the Nordic Spa has floor-to-ceiling windows so you can relax in the hydrotherapy pool and never miss a thing. Every stateroom features a Nordic Balcony, a first for polar expedition vessels, the sunroom converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera.
For more information please visit www.viking. com or call (AU) 138 747)
Viking provide the watercraft and expertise to ensure a trip to Antarctica is a once in a lifetime experience.
LEE MCCARTHY
The Polar Citizen Science Collective aboard Viking
The Polar Citizen Science Collective creates opportunities for research and public education through citizen science, leveraging the reach of polar travellers to enhance understanding and protection of the polar regions.
High costs and the complexity of access to the polar regions are often prohibitive to Arctic and Antarctic research however Viking (cruises) have two purpose-built expedition ships and have partnered with The Polar Collective to support a range of projects that have been selected to fit into the unique modes of tourism operations in the polar regions.
Viking hold a provisional membership with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).
The team work closely with these leading organizations to ensure they employ best travel practices, promote awareness, support scientific research, and protect the fragile ecosystems and environments in which we travel
The Polar Collective actively supports a series of citizen science projects including the Secchi Disk Study, Happywhale, Globe Clouds, Southern Ocean Seabird Surveys, Aurorasaurus and Antarctic Snow Algae Study.
The Secchi Disk study is a global citizen science study of marine phytoplankton, launched in 2013 and it has so far, resulted in over 3,000 observations from around the world.
The project can easily be done from a small Zodiac-style boat or yacht where the clarity of the water is measured by identifying the Secchi Depth. This is an indication of phytoplankton abundance.
The aim is to use the collaborative power of citizen scientists to increase the data collected from the oceans to compare to historical Secchi Disk data. This will help expand the Secchi Disk study’s long-term dataset enabling scientists to better understand changes in the ocean’s phytoplankton.
Happywhale was launched in 2015 and is a platform collecting photos of marine mammals taken by citizen scientists from all over the world for photo-ID purposes.
So far the program has recorded over 220,000 whale encounters from over 9,000 participants worldwide, with over 5,300 individual cetaceans identified in the Antarctic and 1,400 in the Arctic.
Photos submitted to Happywhale are shared with a large network of researchers to improve understanding of marine mammals. The images provide valuable information on, for example, whale migration patterns and population status.
The Globe Clouds project was launched in 1994 and compares cloud observations taken by citizen scientists from the ground to information retrieved from satellites.
So far, more than one million cloud observations have been reported from all over the world, yet observations from the polar regions are still limited with only a 1,000 submissions to date.
Clouds are powerful agents of global change and play a large role in influencing local weather as well as controlling the planet’s long-term climate. Even small changes in the abundance, location or type of clouds can impact Earth’s climate and weather.
The Southern Ocean Seabird Surveys were launched in 2015 and are studying the distribution of birds at sea.
So far, hundreds of observations from the Southern Ocean and Antarctica have been gathered to add to the existing collection of bird data from around the world in the eBird database.
The project is building a long-term ecological monitoring program of seabirds in the Southern Ocean and along the Antarctic Peninsula. These recordings help researchers understand how birds use oceanic habitat, to discover new details about the lives of these remote species, and ultimately how their behaviour and populations might be changing as a result of climate change.
Aurorasaurus is an award-winning project tracking auroras around the world via reports on its website and on Twitter. Using aurora-related tweets and reports, it generates a real-time, global map of the Northern Lights.
Citizen scientists can also log in and verify the tweets. Each verified tweet and report serve as valuable data point for scientists to analyse and incorporate into space weather models.
The Antarctic Snow Algae Study aims to create a baseline database documenting the temporal and spatial occurrence of snow algae along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Scientists on board Viking provide lectures, advice and insight and the Viking Octantis is equipped with an onboard laboratory.
Snow algae plays a significant role in the environment by increasing the absorption of sunlight leading to an enhanced melting of snow. There is strong evidence that warming Antarctic temperatures may be intensifying their growth.
Researchers often rely on satellite images to monitor snow algae, but clouds in the Antarctic sky frequently inhibit clear images.
Akvaplan-niva scientists are engaged in crossdisciplinary research programs on water related issues. On the Viking ships, Ferry Boxes are installed to sample sea and lake water to provide continuous information about oxygen levels, temperature, salinity and other data.
The ships is also equipped with Kongsberg Multibeam sonar which allows us to map the lake/seabed.
To learn more about the exciting opportunities available on Viking and with The Polar Citizen Science Collective visit www.viking.com or phone (AU) 138 747.
Viking guests cross country skiing in Antarctica.
LEE MCCARTHY
The special ops and zodiac hanger on Viking Octantis offers guests a much more inclusive holiday in Antarctica.
EUROPEAN SOJOURN
Amsterdam to Bucharest or vice versa
23 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 19 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: OCT 2025; APR-OCT 2026; 2027
From $13,995pp in Standard Stateroom
From $19,295pp in Veranda Stateroom
GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR
Amsterdam to Budapest or vice versa
15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 12 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: APR-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; APR-NOV 2027
From $9,295pp in Standard Stateroom
From $13,795pp in Veranda Stateroom
Enjoy free flight offers with selected river, ocean or expedition voyages, valued up to AU$2,400 per person. Plus AU$500 shipboard credit with any ocean and expedition booking. Available for a limited time only, offers end 31 March 2025.
PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE
Bucharest to Budapest or vice versa
11 DAYS | 5 COUNTRIES | 8 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027
From $7,895pp in Standard Stateroom
From $9,395pp in Veranda Stateroom
BAMBERG, GERMANY
Rottnest Island offers many unique and diverse experiences. A 90-minute tour around the island takes you to some of Rottnest’s most spectacular locations including the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End.
Enjoy an unforgettable Australian adventure on board the mighty Indian Pacific as it travels the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. This is a truly remarkable journey that will leave you with memories to cherish forever.
Tours
Your holiday includes
All-Inclusive Rail Journey
3 night all-inclusive rail journey on board the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth with all meals, fine wines, and beverages
8 Nights | August - December 2025 | Prices fr $5,399pp^
Off Train Experience and short stop in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna
Hotel Stay
Discover Rottnest Island tour including ferry transfer and Swan River Cruise
Half Day Perth & Fremantle Tour
48 hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Pass
All Flights, Taxes and Transfers+ Embark on an epic transcontinental adventure in regal style on board the Indian Pacific train before spending five nights in Perth.
In Sydney, you’ll board the magnificent Indian Pacific for your all-inclusive transcontinental voyage. Encased in luxury, you’ll savour all-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, relax in your private cabin with en-suite and Off Train Experiences as you steam across the country along the world’s longest straight stretch of railway. You’ll pass through the Blue Mountains and the Nullarbor Plain before disembarking in Perth.
During your five-night hotel stay you’ll relish the opportunity to explore this fabulous city through a series of included tours. Enjoy a 48hr Hop-On-Hop-Off bus pass, and journey around the sights of the Central Business District. Discover Fremantle, and explore Rottnest Island, a province of natural beauty and wildlife including the famous quokkas.
5 night four-star stay in Perth at the Crowne Plaza Perth, an IHG Hotel with breakfast
Sydney, Perth Your itinerary
Plan for triple-storey homes
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Seven multi-storey homes have been approved on the former police station site in Noble Park.
Greater Dandenong Council’s planners gave the tick to the proposed six triple-storey dwellings plus one double-storey residence on the corner of Stuart and Douglas Street.
The plan includes a basement car park and a front fence up to 1.2 metres high.
One of the objectors Gaye Guest warned of the dangers of squeezing the project on a 705-square metre block at a “dog leg of a corner”.
With an English language school nearby, a narrow Stuart Street was regularly full of parked cars both sides, she said.
“How are cars getting out of an underground carpark there?”
The project’s height was also not in keeping with the two-storey neighbourhood in Stuart Street, Guest said.
Greater Dandenong chief executive Jacqui Weatherill noted there was a three-storey residential complex “two doors down” on the corner of Douglas and Thomas streets.
“The approved development meets the mandatory requirements of the planning scheme.
“The development is located within the General Residential Zone Schedule 3 (GRZ3) ... (which) allows developments up to three storeys and will provide much needed housing in a location with excellent access to services and transport options.”
Weatherill didn’t specify how many on-site car spaces were provided.
“All required car spaces for the dwellings have been provided.
“The application was also reviewed by Council’s transport team who have approved the proposal and access design.”
The site is just outside the Noble Park Major Activity Centre – which sets a preferred height limit of up to six storeys.
Nearby at 51A Douglas Street, a proposed sixstorey, 97-dwelling apartment tower – with a 76 car space shortfall - was approved by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny in 2024. Seven multi-storey dwellings up to three storeys high have been approved for the
Community safety callout after troubling crash
By Ethan Benedicto
A tragic incident on Belgrave-Hallam Road that resulted in the death of a runner has locals calling for more safety measures in the area.
The incident, on 15 January, occurred after a Ford ute had veered into the path of a Mazda 3 after overtaking two vehicles, with both subsequently losing control.
Unfortunately, a 33-year-old Endeavour Hills man was running along the path and was struck, resulting in his death.
Speaking generally about the past 20 years and not specifically about the most recent incident, local resident and former mayor of the City of Berwick, Tom Gyles, said that drivers’ habits on the road - such as speeding and dangerous driving - had remained relatively unchanged.
However, the most concerning factor was pedestrian safety, with Gyles’ concern laying more on the viability of pedestrian safety throughout the road.
“When this area was constructed 20-odd years ago, the footpath was put on the other side of the guard rail, it should have been the other way around.
“At the time, we (residents) said no, it should be the other way around, and then apparently there wasn’t enough room.”
Pointing down in the direction of Lysterfield South, Gyles said that the road thins out, with the footpath only veering off to the left into a much safer distance from the main road after roughly 230 metres, near Frog Hollow Reserve.
“The further it gets down, the cars get even closer, people have to walk down there and you can see how close the cars have gotten,” Gyles said.
“When there aren’t any people, the cars speed up, because when they see down the road that there aren’t any cars, they push their foot down the pedal.”
Kalora Ward Councillor and the City of Casey’s Deputy Mayor, Melinda Ambros, said that the incident was a “heartbreaking situation”, and had been the second fatality since she had begun her journey to run for council.
“Firstly, I send my thoughts and condolences to the family who are dealing with the devastating loss of a son, my heart goes out to them at this incredibly difficult time.”
Acknowledging that Belgrave-Hallam Road is an arterial passage, Ambros added that it is one of the council’s roles to “advocate to the State Government on behalf of the community”.
“This is something I take seriously as a councillor, I have been in contact with Belinda Wilson MP and we have had some productive conversa-
tions around how we can improve the safety of this location.
“In the days following this accident, I met with local community members at the site and have focused on listening to the voices of concerned residents,” she said.
Standing at the scene of the accident, Gyles is adamant that action should be taken; however, he understands that Belgrave-Hallam Road isn’t the only ‘hot spot’ in the municipality, but if certain actions were taken sooner, then incidents like most recently could have been prevented.
As a former mayor, he is aware of the limitations of the council’s ability when it comes to addressing State assets.
“Around the time when all these roads were showing the signs, you wouldn’t think that 30 years later nothing’s going to happen to them,” he said.
“You would think that as traffic builds up, things are going to happen to improve it, but nothing’s happened and it’s getting worse.
“It’s a horrible thing really, any of us could be walking down the path, and the amount of time we all used to go down there to look at the mowing and whatnot, we don’t do that anymore since the incident.”
The residents of the home facing BelgraveHallam Road, where the Ford landed just mere feet away from their fence, were on the same page, echoing both Gyles and Ambros’ calls for safety.
While they wished to not be named, they too have lived in the same home for over 30 years, and while this was the worst accident that they have seen, it’s still common for vehicles to reach dangerous speeds when travelling down the hill.
“The speed limit is too fast, it’s 80 kilometres per hour but people obviously go over that,” they said.
“The other problem is, the guard rail is on the wrong side of the footpath, while for this particular accident, it wouldn’t have mattered which side it was on because of the speed involved.
“Normally, if vehicles were going at a reasonable speed and they run off the road, they’d
glance off the rail instead of hitting the pedestrian.”
While working further up north near Lysterfield Lake, primary school teacher, Mary (name has been changed for privacy reasons), is a frequent traveller of the road’s segment that cuts between Monash Freeway and Hallam North Road.
In summary, she too was surprised as to why the barrier was behind the sidewalk, and not the other way around.
“The safety barrier was behind, but the concrete to walk was outside of it, and it makes no sense,” she said.
“The barrier should be on the side nearer to the road, protecting pedestrians and everything else as well.
“For quite a long time, from when I lived in Endeavour Hills, it used to be a one-way road around 30 years ago, and with the freeway entries, and traffic flow, it hasn’t kept up.”
On a similar note, she added that from her experience, the act of speeding isn’t limited to that particular section of the road, and while the Monash Freeway offramps and the downhill slope prove to be key factors in the tendencies, drivers can be observed doing the same when travelling towards Narre Warren North.
A State Government spokesperson said that “any loss of life on our roads is a tragedy”.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this incident, especially family members and friends.
“The Department of Transport and Planning is supporting Victoria Police on their investigation - it would be inappropriate to comment while that investigation is ongoing,” they said. For Ambros, she added that she and other councillors’ roles are about being available to support the community.
“Our role is to advocate where necessary to build productive relationships with the State government to bring about important community outcomes,” she said.
“The community has lost a remarkable individual, who had wonderful connections across and was a much-loved son and friend, I send my heart and prayers to his family.”
Tom Gyles, local resident and former mayor of the City of Berwick, is calling for more safety measures along Belgrave-Hallam Road. (Ethan Benedicto: 457751)
former police station in Noble Park. (Gary Sissons: 457651)
Celebrating a cash splash
The Federal Government funding to save the Doveton Pool has finally been secured, and to celebrate, locals were treated to a barbecue hosted by Bruce MP Julian Hill and City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen.
In addition to a community-wide celebration, it also served as a perfect place for the residents to share their insights and ideas as to what they would like to see upgraded with the pool’s facilities.
Julian Hill said that the Doveton Pool has been “treasured by our community for generations”.
“I was really proud that the Federal Government secured the $7.5 million in funding to save and upgrade the pool.”
The $7.5 million to fund the upgrades will include an improved outdoor swimming pool with disability access, a new kids pool and splash park with slides and other activities, as well as a family-friendly play space with a BBQ area and new lighting.
Built back in 1968, the pool is nothing less of a generational community landmark, a cherished part of the community for over half a century after the community raised funds following public concerns about drownings in Eummemerring Creek.
Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen, said “It’s fantastic to see so many people proud of the community coming together to save this important asset”.
“Doveton Pool was built by the community,
and it was saved by the community; I’m delighted to be able to celebrate with so many people here today (because) when communities come together, we can achieve so much.”
For Hill, the pool, which faced closure and
demolition in recent years but was saved by the campaigning of local residents, said that “it’s one of the best examples in recent years of the local community coming together with elected representatives from all levels of government”.
Amid new laws, Casey councillor says ‘bans rarely work’
By Ethan Benedicto
With the first term of school back in action, the social media ban for those under the age of 16 looms ever closer.
Although stated to come into effect towards the end of 2025, the beginning of the school year could mark the start of changes in how the average classroom and student operate.
Taking into consideration the prominence of social media and how intertwined it is with today’s youth, Casuarina Ward councillor, Kim Ross said that “bans rarely work”.
“It’s an incomplete ban, which is in itself a problem because they’re not looking at gaming apps, which can be a pipeline to gambling and are also very addictive.
“But if the whole aim behind this is trying to reconnect, to stop the epidemic of disconnection that we have, it’s not going to make any inroads into that way of things.”
Announced on 28 November 2024, this decision came after the government passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, which will take effect in roughly nine months.
Under these laws, it states that 16 years old must be the minimum age for social media access, and imposed a requirement for social media platforms to take ‘reasonable steps to prevent underage users from having social media accounts’, as stated on the Victorian Government website.
An online consultation period that ran from 8 October to 1 November 2024, that involved students, parents and teachers found that of the 3558 who participated, 80 per cent of the two latter parties ‘overwhelmingly reported’ that social media had a very negative or negative impact on children.
Children, on the other hand, were less likely to report a negative impact, at 10 per cent.
Chayenne, a Year 10 student from Clyde North’s St Peter Secondary College campus has conceded that social media has had detrimental effects on the youth, most commonly being, addiction.
“I think it’s good, even though I use social media a lot, I think it would be beneficial because everyone’s really addicted to it,” she said.
“I feel like people are getting too influenced by everything they see on social media, it would also help younger people with brain rot.”
However, a different sentiment is held up north, at Alkira Secondary College, with Year 12 student Katleya saying that social media plays an important role in many people’s lives, especially when it comes to communication.
“I got my first job at 15, and I needed social media to get in touch with others, workmates, and so on,” she said.
“I use it every day because it’s my way of talking to my friends and family, and for me, I hardly
watch the news so it’s my way of keeping up with what’s going on.”
Aware of the dangers that content could pose to younger teens, Katleya said that lowering the age requirement to 13 would make more sense, adding that parents ultimately have the most influence, regardless of whether the ban exists or not.
“I feel like it would also be the responsibility of the parents as well because they can have an impact on their kids,” she said.
According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, they acknowledge that the ban is designed to protect children and young people from “online harms and the negative impact social media” on their wellbeing.
The AHRC’s release also added that the ban is consistent with the requirement of Article 17 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), as well as Article 19, both relating to the protection of children through the development of appropriate guidelines.
Ross doubled down on the incoming ban’s plausible ineffectiveness, saying that besides more technologically-versed youth being equipped to bypass it, “it’s not a ban that they can enforce”.
“The sort of parents who are strict about social media aren’t going to change, it’s not going to change in terms of parental perception.
“It would be more beneficial for us to acknowledge how insidious social media is for everyone in the population; although there are some good parts to it, some benefits,” she said.
Also from the AHRC, its listed key reasons for introducing a social media ban include protection from harm such as cyberbullying and online predators, promoting healthy development such as brain development, addressing online privacy concerns through data collection concerns and supporting parents.
On the other hand, their key reasons against a
social media ban list a breach of the Right to Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, impacting inclusion and participation, privacy risks due to reliance on effective age assurance from every Australian, and the general ineffectiveness of blanket bans.
Efforts and resources that contributed to the ban could have been allocated elsewhere, according to Ross, such as broader programs around mental health and others that help the youth reconnect with one another in person.
“Whenever we try to stop a behaviour, it’s very difficult because what you’re looking at is changing habits, and we have to go back to knowing what works for mental health habits,” she said.
“We want to start other behaviours, here are things you can do instead, and here’s how we’re going to facilitate it.”
She also touched on a social prescription policy that other municipalities in Victoria have implemented that work with people experiencing depression and anxiety, a program that is all about linking others.
“That model of how we connect people is what we need for all ages, particularly our vulnerable youth, rather than what is another punitive measure,” Ross said.
“Because it’s one of those things that kids that are are just going to laugh about, they’re just going to go, ‘okay, we’ll do it this way’.”
Expert opinions have been varied, with Dr Mugdha Rai, the director of master of strategic communications management at Monash’s School of Media, saying that the premise of the legislation is “well-intentioned” and is also likely to be “widely popular”.
“The devil, of course, is in the detail; as many have noted, this legislation has been pushed through in a very limited time frame.
“Regulating digital and social media has been notoriously difficult, and, at this stage, the legislation raises a number of questions that will need answering.”
Dr Rai touched on the key factors detailed by the AHRC, questioning the “reasonable steps” to block users under 16 years, and how age verification would actually work.
From La Trobe University, IT and education expert, professor Therese Keane addressed the dangers of social media, saying that it is “affecting our children in so many ways, from self-esteem issues to an inability to interact in person, through misinformation and harmful content”.
“Social media companies cannot and will not self-regulate their platforms, it is a very encouraging and brave step the government has made to take control.”
On the other hand, Dr Alexia Maddox, director of digital education and a senior lecturer in pedagogy in La Trobe said that while it is crucial to protect the youth, their relationship with social media use and mental health is “more complex
than public discourse suggests”.
“The timing of this proposal, ahead of the election, appears to capitalise on parental anxieties rather than engage with the nuanced evidence base.
“What’s clear is that blanket bans may create unintended consequences, potentially driving young people to less regulated spaces or cutting them off from valuable support networks,” she said.
Ross agrees, adding that the complexities around cyberbullying are much the same as any other form of bullying.
She also added that one of the more detrimental reasons why cyberbullying persists is because children are afraid of their devices being confiscated, which is their main source of connection with their peers.
“The ban has the potential to drive this even further underground, particularly for kids who would find a way around the ban,” she said.
“Even more so, I don’t think it’s going to be a great assistance in encouraging open and honest conversations about cyberbullying.
“So unless we’re actually honest and brave enough to look at the root cause of this and for the adults to accept that they’ve created this problem in society and that this is nothing more than a band-aid, headline-grabbing move, we’re not going to solve these real problems that our kids are facing.”
Shed fire sparks warning
Fire crews contained a blaze in a back shed at Endeavour Hills on Thursday 6 February. Callers to triple-0 reported a structure and a tree on fire threatening a fence line in Endeavour Crescent about 10.05pm.
FRV and CFA firefighters arrived within six minutes to find the 10-metre by fivemetre shed “well involved” with fire, an FRV spokesperson said. It was under control at 10.16pm and contained to the premises.
A community warning was issued for smoke in the area.
There were no reported injuries.
Casuarina Ward councillor Kim Ross said the upcoming social media ‘blanket’ ban would be ineffective. (Stewart Chambers: 442141)
Bruce MP Julian Hill handing out sausages to local residents attending the barbecue, and of course, enjoying the pool’s amenities. (Supplied)
Consulting residents on their thoughts for the pool’s upgrade was a key part of the community gathering.
Hill (left) and City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen (right) speaking to residents voicing their suggestions on the pool’s upgrades.
Finalists for state award
A fledgling gymnastics club in Keysborough has selected as one of the three finalists for the prestigious Gymnastics Victoria AMCO New Club of the Year award.
The recognition coincides with GLXY Gymnastics’ first anniversary at Springers Leisure Centre, highlighting its growth and impact on the community in short time.
GLXY Gymnastics offers recreational classes for gymnasts from one-years-old to adults with no prior experience.
South East Leisure general manager Ian Jenkins says the nomination is recognition of the hard work of the entire team.
WHAT’S ON
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 table today as we celebrate the Year of the Snake.
• Friday 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
SEMVAC Lunar New Year Festival
Ring in the Year of the Snake with an unforgettable celebration which also marks 50 years of South Eastern Melbourne Vietnamese Association Council (SEMVAC). Enjoy mesmerizing performances, vibrant cultural activities, mouthwatering street food.
• Saturday 22 February 10am-10pm at Burden Park, cnr Heatherton and Springvale roads, Springvale.
Greater Dandenong Sustainability Festival
Free, family friendly event with activities, stalls, workshops and experts. Learn more about habitat home gardens, grow your own food, DIY natural beauty and skin care, recycling right and environmental volunteering.
• Sunday 23 February 10am-3pm at Dandenong Market, corner Clow and Cleeland streets Dandenong. Free event.
Greater Dandenong Police forum
A Victoria Police panel will take questions from the audience about what issues are important in your community. Topics include 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
Citizenship Test Preparation
We will help you to improve your English and understand the questions and answers in the citizenship test.
• Thursdays 6.30pm-8.30pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble
“We are proud of what we have accomplished in just one year and remain committed to continually improving our offering and pushing to provide the best possible experience for gymnasts of all ages and abilities.”
The Gymnastics Victoria Awards celebrate excellence across the sport, recognising clubs that make outstanding contributions to their communities.
The AMCO New Club of the Year award highlights emerging clubs that have demonstrated exceptional progress and alignment with Gymnastics Victoria’s mission.
The winners will be announced at the upcoming Gymnastics Victoria Awards event.
Celebrating creativity, culture and community
The opening weekend of the Asia TOPA festival is set to take place in Bunjil Place, complete with premiere performances and an exciting, family-friendly day filled with art, music and different cultures.
On Saturday 22 February from 2pm onwards, the Bunjil Place precinct will host the Opening Gathering, a free event that focuses on celebrating the vibrant cultures of the AsiaPacific region, complete with food, dance, interactive art-making activities and live music.
The City of Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen, said that Bunjil Place is “thrilled to support the world premiere of Bunyi Bunyi Bumi as part of the Asia TOPA festival”.
“This significant premier, along with the unique Pacific Sisters’ works, offers a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect with diverse cultures,” he said.
The afternoon will also showcase the Tagata Moana (People of the Pacific) art collective Pacific Sisters’ FreeStyle FrockAction catwalk; then from 7:30pm, Bunjil Place Studio will present the exclusive premiere of Buniy Buniy Bumi, a new major work commissioned by Asia TOPA, Arts Centre Melbourne and Bunjil Place, and produced by BlackDance.
The contemporary dance performance blends percussion, syncopated rhythms and visuals, uniting Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Tamil and Indonesian artists.
“I encourage everyone to join us and celebrate the extraordinary display of creativity,” Koomen said.
The Bunjil Place gallery will be extending its hours to allow visitors to experience Frock A Whanaungatanga by the Pacific Sisters,
Park; $20/term.
Laps and lattes
Join us for a scenic walk around the beautiful Dandenong Wetlands with our Heart Foundation
Walking Group. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just starting out, everyone is welcome to join in and enjoy the fresh air. At the end of each session, relax and unwind with a free hot beverage at Dandenong Stadium.
• Every Monday 10 February-3 March, 11am11.45am. Meet at Dandenong Stadium, 270 Stud Road, Dandenong North. Free event. Registration required at surveymonkey.com/ r/6N3FB83
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 February-5 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.
Dandenong U3A
Dandenong U3A will begins a new year of sessions in 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 Dan-
which is curated by Jade
and also presented in association with Asia
Down the line, a partnership between Bunjil Place and the Maoriland Film Festival in March will see a collection of short films and feature film Uproar hitting the screens, accompanied by live music in the plaza culminating in an indulgent Pasifika outdoor experience.
For more information on the full list of programs, visit www.bunjilplace.com.au
Homeschool Enrichment Class
This class is designed to provide additional learning experiences outside of the standard homeschooling curriculum, with a focus on specific subjects and skills.
• Tuesdays 11.30am1pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $5/session.
denong.
• Enquiries: Enquiry@dandenongu3a.org.au or 0494 018 356. Details: dandenongu3a.org.au
Azza Zein: Tashabok Exhibition
This immersive experience delves into the complex narratives of migration, and the invisible threads linking objects, bodies, personal narratives and labour. Through collaborative drawing sessions and conversations, Zein unveils the hidden journeys of displaced objects.
• until Friday 28 February (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays only), 12pm-4pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and, Robinson Street, Dandenong.
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
Neighbourhood Watch
Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch hosts its first public forum for 2025 with guest speaker
Sergeant Jerome Ithier from Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol.
• Wednesday 26 March 7.30pm (doors open 7pm) at Paddy O`Doughue Centre, 18 Buckley St Noble Park.
“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
Women Working Together Employment Support Program
A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the southeastern suburbs including Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong.
• Contact: 03 9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@cotavic.org.au
• Visit cotavic.org.au/our-programs/employment-support
Conversation Corner
The Conversation Corner is a safe space to share stories and build new connections. Anyone is welcome to join, no bookings required, and newcomers are welcome anytime.
• Wednesdays 1pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive. Free event.
All Abilities Garden
Become a part of the team that cultivates our brand new All Abilities Garden. You will plan, grow, and take care of the wonderful garden designed by members of the disability community for people of all abilities.
• Tuesdays 1pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive. Free event.
Jadfield
TOPA and Arts Centre Melbourne.
Performance of Bunyi Bunyi Bumi live on stage. (Supplied)
GLXY Gymnastics caters for all ages including those with no prior experience. (Supplied)
Ali seeks a career reboot
Afghanistan refugee Ali Amini has found safety, a community and a new place to call home since arriving in Dandenong in August 2024.
The only thing missing is a job in his chosen profession.
Ali, 37, is an experienced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist with more than five years of professional expertise in geospatial analysis and data management.
GIS (Geographic information system) is a system that creates, manages, analyses, and maps all types of data.
He has worked for both national and international organisations in Afghanistan.
His background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, equipping him with in-depth knowledge of spatial data, mapping technologies, and data visualisation.
Ali – who is fluent in English - has tried to find a position in fields similar to the one he has studied and worked in but is not yet familiar with Australian procedures and work environments.
Refugee and migrant settlement agency AMES Australia is supporting him through the process of reestablishing his career.
But he says his biggest obstacle is a lack of industry connections.
“I have not had any contact with any companies yet,” says Ali, as it has been challenging for him to make connections with people relevant to his field that could provide him with assistance.
“Many companies do not have trust in newly arrived individuals,” he says.
But Ali remains optimistic.
“I am ready to work, and I am ready to prove how skilled I am,” he says.
Ali’s life in Afghanistan, where he was born and raised, became increasingly challenging after the Taliban came to power 2021, following the US troop withdrawal.
Most Afghan people do not support the Taliban, which he says oppresses citizens and has
removed the rights, especially those of women, he says.
“They are religious extremists. They have banned numerous things, especially things that concern women, things like education and work.“
Ali has come to Australia with his wife, while the rest of their family are still in Afghanistan. His wife studied midwifery and anaesthesiology back in their homeland.
Life in Australia, compared to that in Afghani-
stan in already vastly different, as he especially appreciates the multicultural element that Australia has to offer.
“I like this country. I want to be a responsible citizen of Australia.“
Ali Amini is seeking to rebuild his life in Australia. (Supplied)
SPORT
Ishan innings sinks Bears
By Marcus Uhe
One of the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s most explosive talents played a key role for Buckley Ridges in ending Berwick’s barnstorming undefeated run to Turf 1 finals cricket on Saturday.
Ishan Jayarathna, a man likely to vie for the Wookey Medal come the end of the season for his bowling exploits, swung the complexion of the contest in dramatic fashion late on day one of the contest by blitzing a century to push his side beyond the 300 mark.
His unbeaten 107 came off just 76 deliveries and included eight sixes and five fours.
The Bucks looked set for a below par score at Park Oval when set batting pair Dale Tormey (48) and Ben Wright (57) were both removed in quick succession, having reached just 157 from 58 completed overs.
Jayarathna’s whirlwind century however ensured he and his fellow bowlers had a handsome total to defend on Sunday, where they completed a 71-run win.
Jayarathna was supported brilliantly by Troy Aust’s run-a-ball 51, as the pair added 140 for the sixth wicket in 20 overs.
Buckley Ridges posted 7/329 on Saturday before keeping Berwick to 258 in reply, snapping the Bears’ six-game winning streak in the process.
Missing middle order lynchpin Jake Hancock through injury, the total was a big ask for Berwick to chase down, and the challenge ultimately proved too much.
Compounded by an injury to opening batter Matthew Hague, Berwick lacked the firepower to chase such an intimidating score.
Nicholas Shirt made 57 opening the batting in his first Turf 1 innings of the summer and Jarryd Wills hit a fluent 75, but with no batter going big, the challenge proved too great.
Jayarathna added 3/54 with the ball to go with his blistering century, with fellow seamer Hussain Ali also finishing with three wickets.
The result keeps Buckley Ridges at the top of the Turf 1 ladder, but only by two points from Springvale South and Hallam Kalora Park.
Hallam Kalora Park closed the gap between itself and Springvale South, continuing its postChristmas dominance with a demoralising in-
nings victory over Dandenong West.
Dandenong West succumbed twice over the two days, for 103 in its first innings and 86 in its second, with the Hawks’ total of 9/212 declared in between the two, enough to secure the 10 points.
Will Whyte set the wheels in motion with an excellent new-ball spell that removed the dangerous Shaun Weir and Don Pulukkuttiarachchi before the Bulls reached double figures and things barely recovered from there.
Consistent wickets in the middle order dogged Dandenong West, before Lauchlan Gregson collected four quick wickets to extinguish the tail.
Hallam Kalora Park reached 212 in reply in 55 overs, declaring nine wickets down to allow extra time to bowl at the Bulls for a second time.
Leigh Booth reached his second half-century of the summer and Jordan Hammond added a quickfire 64 to finish with a lead of 109.
Whyte then took up the assignment in the second innings, raising the ball for a five-wicket haul in his eighth over.
He took the first five wickets of the innings and was twice on a hat-trick after taking wickets in consecutive deliveries, delivering exactly what his captain in Hammond would have requested for his side.
Pulukkuttiarachchi, Nathan Power and Malinga Bandara each made ducks at numbers three four and five as things went from bad to worse for the home outfit.
When Matt Collett became Hammond’s third victim, the score read 8/43 at the beginning of the 20th over.
Nuwan Kulasekara and Adam Reid each added 22 in an attempt to stop the bleeding but their resistance only delayed the inevitable demise of the Bulls’ batting card.
Spinner Lee Brown grabbed the final two scalps to bring the innings to a close in the 31st over for 86, 23 runs away from forcing the Hawks to bat for a second time.
Whyte finished with 5/30 to continue his excellent season.
AfterapromisingstarttolifeinTurf1,theBulls’
campaign appears to be falling in a heap, having suffered two outright losses since the Christmas break and falling to seventh on the table.
All four sides outside the top four are tied for 24 points but Dandenong West’s percentage took a major hit on the back of the hammering, leaving them just one place clear of the dreaded eighth place with two rounds to play.
North Dandenong holds the unwanted eighth place, unable to replicate its form from the previous week in round 12 against Beaconsfield.
From their biggest total of the summer the round prior, the Maroons posted their lowest on Sunday in a dismal 188-run loss.
Chasing 250 at Perc Allison Reserve, five ducks in the top six saw the visitors dismissed for just 61 in 38 overs.
The unique opening bowling partnership of seamer Jake Cutting and spinner Ashan Madhushanka devastated North Dandenong’s top order with each taking three in their opening spells to leave their opponents at 6/11.
33 from tailender Khair Muhammad saved some face North Dandenong but with seven of his 11 teammates dismissed without scoring, it was a near-impossible task.
Cutting, Madhushanka and Daniel Maskiell each took three wickets for Beaconsfield in the first innings before forcing the Maroons to bat a second time.
A second succumbing appeared on the cards for North Dandenong at 4/13 but Riley Shaw and Ramneet Dhindsa were able to prevent further bleeding as Beaconsfield claimed its first ever home win in Turf 1 cricket, and its first victory since October.
The boost in percentage, meanwhile, lifts them to fifth place.
In Turf 1’s final contest, Springvale South secured a win over Narre South after falling to the Lions earlier in the campaign.
65 from opening batter Nick Boland helped the Bloods to 208, with Narre South reaching just 126 in its response.
Boland took 4/8 from his 11.4 overs as Springvale South dismissed the Tigers in 53 overs. Narre South is now in sixth place and faces a pivotal contest with Dandenong West next round that will guarantee the winners’ survival in Turf 1 for the 2025/26 season.
Parkmore and HSD prosper in pivotal performances
By Marcus Uhe
Parkmore and HSD are in the box seat to host finals in the first week of Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 2 playoff action after important wins over fellow finals aspirants in round 12.
The Pirates found a variety of contributors in their four-wicket win over Cranbourne at Casey Fields, while the Cobras completed a fourth-consecutive win, downing Coomoora by 75 runs.
Parkmore now has two wins over the Eagles this season, giving them a mental edge in a potential finals contest in the coming weeks.
They held Cranbourne to 9/189 declared in the first innings before completing the chase with four wickets in hand on Sunday.
Opening bowler Avisha Wilwalaarachchi was the hero for the Pirates, after single-handedly dismantling the Eagles’ middle order with a devastating second spell.
After claiming Harsaroup Singh shortly before the Tea interval at 4/99, Wilwalaarachchi pressed home his side’s advantage with two crucial overs that netted four wickets.
He removed set batter Dean McDonell for 35 and dangerous allrounder Julius Sumerauer without scoring on the following delivery, and repeated the dose in his next over with the dismissals of Tommy Marks and Mohit Bisht.
In 11 balls Cranbourne’s innings went from 4/111 to 8/111 with Parkmore pressing for a significant result.
46 from Justin Dickinson and 27 from Tim Fathers pushed Cranbourne to 189, with Harrison Carlyon declaring nine wickets down. Wilwalaarachchi finished with his first five-
Cranbourne. (Stewart Chambers: 457976)
wicket haul for the season, taking 6/53.
It was a shrewd decision from the Carlyon, who pounced on Parkmore’s instability at the top of the order.
With Satheeth Fernandu unavailable for selection, an already under pressure Pirates top order faltered in the evening session, reaching stumps 2/12, having lost Johann Brohier and nightwatchmen Brad Van Twest to Eagles opener Martin Kelly.
Kyle Gwynne’s departure at 3/33 caused fur-
ther angst in the Parkmore dressing room the following morning but a vital performance from Josh Tonna calmed the nerves on sidelines.
Tonna and Justin Rowswell added 61 for the fourth wicket with Tonna prospering as the key figure in the Pirates’ chase.
He finished unbeaten on 68, standing tall when his side needed an anchor, as the Pirates reached the total six wickets down, and with five overs to spare.
Singh and Kelly each claimed three wickets
for the Eagles.
At Coomoora Reserve, the Roos failed to capitalise on an excellent first session with the ball on day one, after having HSD in early strife.
At 5/47, with Triyan De Silva removed without scoring and Mackenzie Gardner not in the line-up, the Cobras were vulnerable and looked at risk of losing top spot on the table.
But half-centuries from Harry Funnell and Jason Ward, and dropped catches from the Coomoora fielders lifted them out of trouble, as they posted 258.
Coomoora crawled out of the gates and reached 1/73 at the tea break, with Nick Suppree and Jarrod Munday patiently laying the foundations.
Munday’s dismissal was the beginning of the end for Coomoora, however, run out on 86 before the tail end failed to contribute.
The final seven wickets fell for just 35 runs, with Sakuntha Liyanage taking 5/53 for HSD. HSD and Parkmore are tied on 54 points with two rounds to play, eight clear of thirdplace Cranbourne and 12 from fourth-placed Coomoora.
Parkmore and Coomoora, and HSD and Cranbourne, square-off in two-day contests beginning this weekend.
Aorund Turf 2, 6/41 from Rajika Fernando helped Lyndale win its fourth match in five rounds after defeating Parkfield by 79 runs at Parkfield Reserve, while St Mary’s is set to be relegated after a 176-run thrashing at the hands of Narre Warren.
The Saints were rolled for 60 chasing 9/236, and reached 6/171 in the second innings. They are now 12 points back from seventhplaced Narre Warren.
Parkmore players congratulate Avisha Wilwalaarachchi (centre) after his decisive spell against
Buckley Ridges’ Ishan Jayarathna cracked a quick century on Saturday against Berwick. (Rob Carew: 392171)
Signings deliver in spades
By Marcus Uhe
The brilliance of both old and new faces helped Dandenong Thunder to a winning start in its new National Premier League campaign in a round one home victory over Green Gully and former manager, David Chick.
A favourite son of George Andrews Reserve put Thunder on the board early before a pair of new signings combined in the second half to give their side a defining one-goal advantage.
Incoming midfielder Daniel Clark showed the touch and talent of a veteran with a delicate through ball to fellow acquisition Hassan Jalloh, already on the move and leaving his defender in his wake.
Clark dribbled himself in and out of trouble on the edge of the penalty area before poking the ball with the outside of his left foot for Jalloh to swoop on.
Jalloh completed his half of the equation with a calm right-footed finish with his first touch, to open his account in the red and black Thunder colours.
The new man’s strike put Thunder ahead 2-1, with no further goals seeing the scoreline undisturbed for the remainder of the match.
Sulemani ensured fans in the Qamil Rexhepi Stand were not left wanting in the early stages of the contest by converting on the first scoring opportunity of the fixture in the sixth minute.
The captain won the ball back at speed for his side after a successful challenge from an opponent forced the ball lose from a Thunder teammate, and Sulemani only had eyes for the finish line.
His four dribbles included a textbook navigation of an oncoming defender before firing the ball into the bottom left corner with his right boot.
Thunder controlled the tempo of the contest for much of the half and pressed for more scor-
City split points in six goal
By Marcus Uhe
Dandenong City’s reserves of resilience were pushed to their limits in blustery conditions on Sunday afternoon in the club’s 3-3 draw with St Albans in its National Premier League (NPL) season opening fixture.
City, a club that can never be counted out from any contest and that has defied the odds on countless occasions in the last 24 months, was forced to recover from a deficit three times in its Croatian Derby contest at Frank Holohan in a typically entertaining and lively affair to begin the 2025 campaign.
The contest’s opening 10 minutes set the tone for a long afternoon for both goalkeepers with two goals coming in the first sixth of an hour.
St Albans made the first strike after Joseph Monek completed a length-of-the-pitch counter attack in the seventh minute, only for Will Bower to level proceedings two minutes later.
Bower found himself on the end of a Jackson Lino cross from the left hand side of the pitch, controlling a lofted pass and finding the back of the net from close range with a volley.
1-1 was the score at the conclusion of the opening half, with the action intensifying
ing chances than their opponents but couldn’t add to Sulemani’s initial breakthrough.
Late signing Jamie Young went largely un-
Croatian derby
upon the resumption of play.
New City defender Corey Sewell brought down an opponent inside the penalty area within two minutes of the second half beginning, with Mickel Platt sending new City gloveman Pierce Clark the wrong way from the resulting spot kick.
It took just 60 seconds for Bower to answer back, however, capitalising on some poor marking from his St Albans opponents.
Bower crept wide of his defender on the outskirts of the penalty box on the left side of the goal face, before firing a low shot across
goal that settled in the bottom right corner of the net, with Jamie Latham earning the assist in his first contest for City.
Lino and the City defensive unit were at fault for the visitors’ third, as Monek sprung free to make it a double.
As the City backs compressed on a ground ball in the centre of the defensive half, Monek held his space on the right and scored with an excellent curling finish on his left foot.
Lino was the closest defender, but his desire to win back possession allowed Monek some vital breathing room, with the emerging defender made to pay for his mistake.
He would make amends shortly after his lapse in concentration, however, combining with Bower once more for the afternoon, leading to City levelling proceedings for a third and final time.
Lino fired in a low cross from his wing, with Bower fouled while gathering possession in the heart of the area.
Kenny Athiu made no mistake with the spot kick in what transpired to be the final goal of the six scored on Sunday afternoon.
City hosts the newly-promoted Preston Lions in round two on Friday night.
Young adds experience to Thunder defence
By Marcus Uhe
Dandenong Thunder pulled off a massive signing coup on the eve of the National Premier League (NPL) beginning last week with the acquisition of former A-League journeyman goalkeeper Jamie Young.
The 39-year-old retired immediately from professional football on Thursday 6 February with Thunder announcing its major signing later that afternoon.
Young finished his A-League career at Melbourne City after a storied career beginning in the United Kingdom and finishing with stints at multiple A-League clubs, including Western United and Brisbane Roar totalling 228 appearances.
In the 2021/22 season he won a championship with United, keeping a clean sheet in the club’s
fessional Footballers Australia (PFA) Team of the Year and won Goalkeeper of the Year honours in 2017-18.
Young’s addition to the squad will help to cover the vacancy left by Pierce Clark’s departure.
Clark, a goalkeeper with A-League experience himself, spent one season with Thunder in 2024 before moving to Dandenong City.
Thunder signed a trio of goalkeepers over the offseason in Andrew Withers, Ben McCauley and Joaquin Fernandez, but the threesome will likely be required to bide their time before receiving an opportunity to play in Thunder’s first choice line up.
Young made a winning start to life in Thunder goals, with a handful of important saves in Thunder’s win against Green Gully on Saturday night.
troubled between the posts, making his first save on a straightforward volley hit right at him in the latter stages of the half, but his brick wall of resistance came unstuck in the 41st minute.
The visitors struck back against the run of play, with former Thunder forward Kasper Hallam the quickest to react to a Young save.
Young showed the reflexes belying someone of his 39 years with an excellent low stop diving to his right from close range, but his tenacity was not reciprocated by his teammates who allowed Hallam to score on the follow.
Hallam beat a pair of Thunder defenders in Sevdim Ismaili and Thijs Van-Amerongen to the rebound, poking home the ball from the goalline.
Thunder survived a late shout for a penalty just centimetres from the Green Gully’s box in the second half, with the referee placing the ball on a tough angle for Gully to shoot on goal.
With the wind blowing in Thunder’s favour, the home side managed to stave off Gully’s late threats, and hang on for the three points.
Coach Adam Piddick and Thunder fans would have loved what they saw from their new number seven in Yuki Uchida, who was vibrant and dangerous in the attacking half.
When he wasn’t making speedy runs down the left wing, he was buzzing in the penalty box looking for scrambling opportunities and keeping the Gully backs on their toes.
Clark and Englishman Kyle Taylor, meanwhile, were the steady heads in the middle of the park dictating terms against their visiting opponents.
Thunder will travel to Melbourne’s northern suburbs on Friday night for their round two clash against 2024 finalist, Hume City.
The
(Supplied: 268406)
The Mountain Dart League returned to action on Friday for the 2025 season with Redbacks 2, Vales 3 and Clayton Bowls Club the big winners in Division 3. Results for Division 1 and 2 were not forthcoming this week due to a technical issue.
The MDL wishes Sean Davies a speedy recovery from the heart attack he had on Thursday morning.
Division 3 Results – February 7
• Redbacks 2 def Stingers 14-7.
• Vales 3 def Madarras 13-8.
• Clayton Bowls Club def The Goodies 1110.
Highest Scores
• Pat Kenney (The Goodies) 133, Shane Hammond (Redbacks 2) 131. Highest finishes
• Damien Hammond (Redbacks 2) 76, Rob (The Goodies) 72.
Dandenong Thunder acquired Jamie Young on the eve of the new NPL campaign. (File)
Will Bower scored twice for Dandenong City on Sunday. (Supplied)
Ali Sulemani scored Dandenong Thunder’s first goal of the 2025 season. (Rob Carew: 235924)
