Tuesday, 15 April, 2025
Phone: (03) 5945 0666 Trades & Classifieds: 1300 666 808
starcommunity.com.au FREE
Afghan Bazaar to go?
Club wins election double
Muslim lobby backs Green
City’s rocky start
PAGE 3
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
PAGE 22
Blessing bestowed The Most Venerable Sothea Moeun chants during Khmer New Year festivities at Wat Buddharangsi temple, Springvale South on Saturday 12 April. The four-day festival included a feast of traditional blessings, ceremonies, foods, games and activities. More pictures, turn to page 15 (Gary Sissons: 470509)
Brutal battle The battle for Bruce got brutal. Amid a flurry of funding promises, the hotlycontested seat in the 3 May federal election hit severe controversy. Liberals campaign director for Bruce, Andrew McNabb, has been reportedly dismissed after a controversy over abusive, misogynistic posts on social media. The comments were “completely unacceptable” and did not reflect the party’s “values or the
standards we expect”, a party spokesperson stated at the time. Since the initial report, McNabb has denied that the X account was his. “Currently X is investigating this account as the email address attached to it is not mine.” In 2020, McNabb denied posting controversial material, including support for a ban on Muslim immigration. He claimed at the time he was hacked.
On Friday, police are investigating a series of anonymous homophobic banners on overpasses over Monash Freeway and Princes Highway that targeted Labor MP Julian Hill. The banners were removed by police – who stated they didn’t tolerate “hate-based behavioiur”. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton condemned the “disgraceful” signs, adding that families were off-limits.
The Liberal Party – which has denied being involved in the signs – stated it reported them to the Australian Electoral Commission that morning. Bruce, which is held by Labor by a 5.3 per cent margin, is being keenly contested by Hill, Liberal candidate Zahid Safi and Greens candidate Rhonda Garad and five other candidates. It is regarded as a key battleground seat to decide who forms the next Federal Government. More on the election, turn to pages 4-6
With the current cost of living, there's never been a better time to review your home loan. We'll look at your rate, term, repayments, and equity, giving your loan a full check-up to make sure it's still right for you and your current needs. Enquire online at bendigobank.com.au/healthcheck or visit your nearest branch. Community Bank • Dingley Village • 03 9551 6111 All loans are subject to the Bank's normal lending criteria. Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Please consider your situation and read the Terms and Conditions, available online at www.bendigobank.com.au or upon request from any Bendigo Bank branch, before making a decision. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL 237879 (2083101-2126290) (02/25)
12762779-KF15-25