Tuesday, 4 November, 2025
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Freaky face-off at park Halloween was not a night for the squeamish, as trickor-treaters dressed in ghoulish garb. Leonidas, 4, and Alexander, 4, were among the revellers at Banjo Patterson Park, Lynbrook last Friday.
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Off the agenda Greater Dandenong Council has scrapped its long-held tradition of fortnightly public meetings. For the first time in 28 years, the council is set to meet just once-a-month, citing shorter agendas and a “significant” reduction in town planning applications. It was said to also allow more time for mandatory professional training development for councillors. Councillors Sophie Tan and Rhonda Garad opposed the cut in meetings, including the loss of
community visibility and contact. “Waiting a month to make decisions particularly on urgent items is a very long time and can be too long on some issues that the community are concerned about,” Cr Garad said. Councillor Phillip Danh, who said he was “agnostic” on the idea, said the proposal wasn’t about “doing less work” but “streamlining”. “The aim of this schedule would be to create more space for strategic thinking and long term planning rather than the constant operation in
what can be a reactive cycle every fortnight.” Ironically, the most recent meeting on 27 October was packed with issues. They included the introduction of household glass-recycling bins, more paid-parking meters, the cancellation of Take a Swing for Charity 2026 and a push for an external probe into the council’s workplace culture. There were also probing public questions on Dandenong Market’s finances, illegal dumping, potholes and traffic safety, Dandenong New Art
gallery delays and the lack of squash courts at the upcoming Dandenong Wellbeing Centre. Mayor Jim Memeti told Star News that the new schedule was “only a trial” and “not locked in concrete”. Extra meetings could be called, if required, he said. The monthly schedule replicates many metropolitan councils, including Casey. It will begin from the mayor and deputy mayor election and special meeting on 13 November. More on the story, turn to page 2
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