ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON
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/DandenongJournal
Tuesday, 29 August, 2023
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Filmmaker’s far-flung success
Dandy can-do boost
Stingrays’ thrilling comeback
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‘Smelly’ factories on notice
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Library lament Library-starved residents in Noble Park and Keysborough South are demanding services closer to home, according to Greater Dandenong Council feedback. The council area has reportedly the secondfewest libraries per capita in Victoria (1.25 per 100,000 residents), with no physical libraries in Noble Park, Keysborough and Keysborough South. Keysborough South Ward councillor Rhonda Garad said the lack of library access in these suburbs was “compounding” residents’ disadvantage. “You can’t address it with just satellite library access.” Affluent inner-Melbourne councils such as Stonnington had five times the number of libraries per capita as Greater Dandenong, Cr Garad said. The situation that should be “reversed” in Greater Dandenong to “address the far greater need”. Citing a 2022 Victorian Public Libraries Census report, Cr Garad said libraries were needed as a ‘safe’ place and to access learning programs.
“When you look at the bigger picture, Greater Dandenong has one of the most digitally excluded populations and very low literacy and English-speaking rates. “This means that the disadvantage for our residents is further compounded. “This is a very concerning situation when you look at the significant reduction in State Government funding for libraries.” Greater Dandenong chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said there was a “high demand for library services” but “low library membership” in Noble Park and Keysborough South. In response, the council was investigating a library holds pick up and drop service in Noble Park in the next 12 months. A library lounge, public computers and study spaces will open at the under-construction Keysborough South Community Hub by early 2025. A recent feasibility study for a potential library lounge at Paddy O’Donoghue Community Centre in Noble Park had also been conducted. Continued page 4
Amelia, Sasha and Chloe. 354623
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Characters on parade Amelia, Sasha and Chloe brought dazzling costume to Haileybury College pre-school’s Book Week parade in Keysborough on Friday 25 August. Inspired by their favourite
book characters, students across Greater Dandenong dressed up for the week-long celebrations. More pictures on page 6
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By Cam Lucadou-Wells