Tuesday, 27 January, 2026
Phone: (03) 5945 0666 Trades & Classifieds: 1300 666 808
starcommunity.com.au FREE
Soil mound reprieve
Garad Gaza backlash
Councillors ‘fatigue’
Hills’ drought breaker
PAGE 4
PAGE 4
PAGE 11
SPORT
Sisterworks’ empowerment hub manager Nika Suwarsih and the volunteer team at Dandenong. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 530527)
Heroes at work Social enterprise SisterWorks was a dual winner at City of Greater Dandenong’s Australia Day Awards 2026. The not-for-profit received the Community Group of the Year award, as well as its Dandenong-based manager Nika Suwarsih receiving the Community Leadership accolade. SisterWorks has supported more than 2500 women from 105 countries with skills training and job opportunities.
Often vulnerable and marginalised, the women – termed as ‘Sisters’ – are “empowered” to gain work, and hence confidence and economic independence. Chief executive Ifrin Fittock says the award is an “endorsement” for the difference they make for women. “It’s an endorsement that what we do matters.” Meanwhile, long-time local historian Chris-
tine Keys and Noble Park Junior Football Club’s “heart and soul” volunteer Trish Marson were inducted as Living Treasures. Committed community volunteers Mohammed Nawed and Atifa Ahmed were jointly bestowed Greater Dandenong’s Young Leader Award. Meals on Wheels and Planned Activity Group volunteer stalwart Heather Hanratty (Volunteer of the Year), renewable-energy researcher Suraj
Loomba (Sustainability Award), AFL footballer and juniors coach Adam Treloar (Sportsperson of the Year) and theatre-film creator Khelaiya Productions (Arts Award) were the other awardees. Meanwhile, in the Australia Day Honours List, Jayco Australia founder Gerry Ryan has been named as an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service in sports, tourism and hospitality, business and philanthropy. More on the stories, turn to pages 2 and 3
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