ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON
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/DandenongJournal
Tuesday, 9 May, 2023
@StarJournal_SE
Tree law backlash
1973 fanfare revisited
Young guns shine
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Roundabout safety row
40¢ Inc. GST
World-best Melisa can be ‘elite’ World champion kickboxer Melisa Murselovich is just 16. But her renowned coach at her Dandenong gym says she has what it takes to be one of the sport’s “elites”. For more, turn to page 6
Picture: GARY SISSONS
Safer no longer The Safer Streets pilot program is under threat as Dandenong business owners say they continue to be rocked by lawless youths, vagrants, vandals and burglars. Greater Dandenong Council community strengthening director Peta Gillies said council
resourcing was set to cease on the program. “Current budget constraints do not permit ongoing resourcing for the Safer Streets initiative”. Similarly, a proposal for a dedicated Community Safety Department at the council has faltered.
The council-led Safer Streets pilot, in partnership with Victoria Police, was formed last year due to a spate of crime and anti-social behaviour in Dandenong’s CBD. The pilot had provided “limited resourcing” to engage with Lonsdale and Thomas Street traders about safety issues, Ms Gillies said.
It also led to more “streamlined communication” between the council and police, leading to “more responsive deployment” of police officers and a targeted placement of a police mobile CCTV trailer. Ms Gillies said general perception of safety had improved as a result. Continued page 5
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By Cam Lucadou-Wells