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One man’s experience
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No Moore Josh for Stingrays
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Inclusion and acceptance
Melodies at Bunjil Place The Floribunda Gala and opening was in full swing at Bunjil Place on Friday, 28 March, as people donned their flower best, eager to step foot into the gallery. The gallery itself opened at 8pm, with patrons greeted by a purple-lit foyer, drinks and canapes, and intricate artwork by local Casey artists as a taste of the big reveal. Story page 6 There was a piano recital for the singers at the opening, its melodies in harmony with their voices, complimenting the aura that travelled through the room. (Gary Sissons: 462313)
Power at the polls The South East has emerged as a key battleground for the Federal Election, judging by the first week of the campaign. Since the 3 May election date was set, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (Coalition) and Government Infrastructure Minister Catherine King (Labor) have both visited the region. This week, the Coalition pledged to dump $2.2 billion of federal funding for the Suburban Rail Loop and divert the money to Airport Rail Link and other transport projects.
None of that money has been so far earmarked for South East infrastructure. Labor has promised $100 million to signalise Berwick-Cranbourne, Clyde-Five Ways and Pattersons roads, Clyde North, $10 million for planning Western Port Highway upgrade options, $6 million to resurface Princes Highway and $10.68 million towards a Mini-Stadium and Women’s Centre for Excellence at Casey Fields. Meanwhile, La Trobe MP Jason Wood and Liberal Bruce candidate Zahid Safi were heckled at
an Eid prayer event in Dandenong after pledging $6.5 million for a mosque community centre. The pair met Opposition Leader Dutton at Berwick RSL for a round-table discussion on lawand-order on 1 April. Bruce – held by a slender 5.3 per cent by Labor MP Julian Hill – is touted as one of the key Victorian seats to decide who forms the next government. Other neighbouring Labor-held seats are Holt
and Isaacs. A Star News readers survey in the South East identified cost-of-living, electricity prices, immigration, health services, and roads and rail as the top five election issues. It found surprising levels of support for nuclear power, for reduced immigration as well as concerns over global security and housing affordability. Turn inside for more election coverage
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