Tuesday, 20 August, 2024
endeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au
/DandenongJournal
@StarJournal_SE
Lifeline for historic church?
Waste-toenergy deal released
Squathouse clean-up
City makes history
PAGE 3
PAGE 5
PAGE 10
PAGE 18
40¢ Inc. GST
Greener pastures Archie, Kiara and Georgie were among the volunteers planting hundreds of native grasses and ground-covers in Dandenong Wetlands on Saturday 17 August. The area is an activity for mass regrowth, with a recent Federation University pilot study contributing more than 5000 plants. For more pictures, turn to page 10 (Gary Sissons: 425644)
Golf of division Bitter battlelines are being drawn between the South East Sports Hub and critics of its use of Greater Dandenong Council as an alleged ‘supporter’ of the project. Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad has taken issue against the SESH’s “unauthorised” use of the council’s logo as well as a letter by former mayor Eden Foster in support of the controversial project. “The CEO has advised the council will be contacting the promoters to request the removal of the logo and address some erroneous statements on their website,” Cr Garad posted on her Facebook page. “This proposal has never been put to the council for consideration.”
In response, the hub’s proponent Keysborough Golf Club has lodged a code-of-conduct complaint against Cr Garad, requesting her referral to Greater Dandenong’s mayor. In a letter to the council’s CEO, golf club general manager Darren Eckhardt stated the use of the council logo on the SESH web page was “entirely appropriate”. As for a 2022 letter of support from then-mayor Eden Foster, it reflected a “long history of the City of Greater Dandenong’s support and continued advocacy for the Keysborough Golf Club’s rezoning and relocation proposal which is inherently and openly linked to the SESH”. “We are unaware of any reason why the letter attached to the webpage should not be consid-
ered a reasonable reflection of the council’s position in relation to this issue.” Greater Dandenong Council chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said the council had not yet formally considered its position on the SESH. “Council is supportive of local investment in sport and health initiatives to enhance community wellbeing. This aligns with our Council Plan and Physical Activity Strategy.” The council was “investigating the best course of action regarding the logo and letter, and will resolve this directly with those involved”. The Greater Dandenong letter is featured on the SESH website, alongside an array of support statements from sporting bodies such as Football Victoria, AFL Victoria, Cricket Victoria, Golf
Australia, Rugby Vic and 18 South East sports clubs. On the other hand, the proposal is fiercely opposed by Defenders of the Green Wedge, Greater Dandenong Environment Group and residents neighbouring the golf course. The State Government has so far rejected calls to approve the rezoning of golf course on the Green Wedge A site. The $30 million stage one of the proposed sporting hub is fully funded according to the SESH website. Stage two is “subject to funding commitments”. For more on the story, turn to page 4
Disability Support that improves lives Find the right team to support you. Experience support at home or in the community with a team that truly gets you. We match you with support workers who share your interests and culture, ensuring the right support is in place every step of the way.
Healthscope INDEPENDENCE SERVICES
by Healthscope
Call our friendly team on 0456 167 240 to find out more. W healthscopeindependenceservices.com.au/connect 12709901-JB34-24