The welcome mat - and banner - was out for federal Multicultural Affairs Minister Dr Anne Aly at Wellsprings for Women on Friday. Dr Aly, pictured centre, was flanked by Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smily and chair Janet Cribbes at the meet-and-greet. For more, turn to page 8
Dandenong’s upcoming blockbuster Ramadan Night Market is expanding to 16 nights and more than doubled last year’s footprint along Thomas Street.
Many more visitors are expected to flock to the event, after 350,000 were estimated at its stunning debut last year.
But despite the expected boon, some traders have raised concerns about extra stall fees and a lack of consultation from organisers.
Stall fees have risen from $3000 for nine nights in 2025 to premium $13,000-plus packages for 16 nights.
Existing traders on Thomas Street argue that their stall fees should be waived or reduced, given they will also suffer from lack of parking.
Bright Community Organisation organisers say the rise is reasonable, and similar to other large events like the Lunar New Year festival in Springvale and the Nawroz Festival in Dandenong.
“The Bright Community Organisation is a non-for-profit organisation, we invest whatever funds we receive back into the event,” executive member Hassan Maqsoodi says.
“In comparison to the Lakemba Nights and other similar local events, I think we’re charging less and it’s very reasonable.”
Executive director, Ali Ibrahimi says the organisation must cover costs of more than $1 million for an event of such a scale, including traffic control, electricity bills, security, generators and
potentially Victoria Police’s presence to name a few.
“We definitely have something bigger and better this year compared to last year’s success.
“Our team always strives towards improving the event to better cater the wider community.
“The government funding, sponsors for the event doesn’t come close to the amount of bills stacking up for an event of this capacity.”
For more on the story, turn to page 4
By Sahar Foladi
The City of Greater Dandenong Australia Day Volunteer of the Year is awarded to an individual who has dedicated more than 30 years in giving back to the community.
Heather Hanratty hails from a large family of eight siblings from the countryside.
Understandably, she hated being alone.
So, after she married, her two children started schooling and with her husband working far from home, Ms Hanratty mingled with the community and started to volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
“I wanted to go out, mix with people and be part of what’s going on.
“We were country kids, so we made our own fun, we were together most times. When they (my siblings) got married we remained that way, our children have carried it on, they are very close with their cousins now.
“I was happy to get on Meals on Wheels to get started and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
“I can’t walk as quickly as I used to, so I had to give that away.”
The 88-year-old still carries on volunteering however, working with council programs like Planned Activity Group programs.
Through her volunteer work she has touched countless lives, strengthened com-
Australia Day Volunteer of the Year, Heather Hanratty has served the community for more than 30 years.(Supplied)
munity ties and ensured some of our most vulnerable residents receive care, respect and support. She participates in activities like knitting mittens for men and teddy bears for children in hospitals, working together with the diverse communities calling Greater Dan-
denong home.
While she never expected any awards or recognition for simply doing what she enjoys thoroughly, Ms Hanratty was thrilled along with her tight-knit large family and cousins.
“They were over the moon, You don’t expect it and when you do get it, it’s a thrill, you can’t deny that.
“My daughter, as soon as she found out, she put it on Facebook to all the cousins, I had so many phone calls, we are a very close family.
“I felt very privileged to receive the award but we do these things because we enjoy doing them, not to get awards. But when you get an award you feel like you’ve done everything right.”
Living independently on the same land just behind her daughter’s house, Ms Hanratty says it’s the social interactions that is worthwhile, nothing else.
She considers herself “one of the luckiest people”.
“I love what I’m doing, I love being able to talk to people, to think I’m helping somebody somewhere.
“I enjoy every day. It makes me want to get out of bed (otherwise) I could become a very lazy old fool sitting at the couch.
“There are nationalities that you had nev-
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Noble Park scientist who is forging world-first hydrogen-energy technology has been awarded City of Greater Dandenong’s Sustainability Award.
Suraj Loomba, who arrived in Australia on a student visa in 2018, says it’s great to be recognized by the community he lives in.
“It was the proudest moment of in my life.”
As part of his PhD research at RMIT University, developed a novel method of splitting seawater into hydrogen and oxygen.
This emissions-free method bypasses the need for desalination or for using precious freshwater supplies.
It also cuts the enormous expense of producing ‘green hydrogen’ – compared to deriving hydrogen from fossil fuels.
Loomba’s research has won a Youth Energy Competition in the Asia-Pacific region and sec-
ond prize at the Royal Society of Society’s Young Scientists Research awards.
He said the aim was to make green hydrogen part of an affordable, renewable future.
“We know how climate change has affected our country.
“We’ve seen how the temperature has been fluctuating in the past month or so, and how devastating that floods and fires have been for communities.
“It’s high time to focus on sustainable energy sources.”
He says the focus should be on bringing more renewable technologies online, with fossil fuel supplies ever-dwindling.
The advantage of green hydrogen is it could generate continuous power, not dependent on weather such as solar and wind farms.
The power can be used or stored in hydrogen fuel cells, akin to what’s in ‘hydrogen’ cars. Safety concerns from hydrogen’s flammability or “large
er thought about or knew how they lived, for them to talk to you about their life, you can learn from them,” she says.
“Those people had not always been lucky as we are, it might be wealth, health. You don’t know these people until you speak with them.”
During the awards ceremony, Ms Hanratty simply congratulated a young award recipient. She was surprised when the young woman expressed her fondness towards Ms Hanratty and asked her for a photo.
“I didn’t even know her name, but she was so happy that someone outside her family spoke with her. Those are the things that make life worthwhile.”
Ms Hanratty also shared a very special bond with her twin, who passed away three years ago.
Her children and her twin’s children were always part of each other’s families, so close that they “didn’t want to part.”
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A former teacher accused of stabbing a principal at Keysborough Secondary College may require involuntary mental health treatment, a defence lawyer has told court.
Kim Ramchen, 37, of Mulgrave, appeared via a remand centre video link at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 3 February.
He faces charges including reckless conduct endangering serious injury and intentionally causing injury over his alleged attack on principal Aaron Sykes on 2 December.
Defence lawyer Ruth Parker sought an adjournment to start gathering psychiatric assessments on Ramchen. She foreshadowed that a bail application may follow for Ramchen’s release into involuntary psychiatric treatment.
While he was in remand, he was unable to access involuntary treatment in the public mental health system, Ms Parker told the court. The reports would also look at the issue of whether he was an unacceptable risk.
She said Ramchen didn’t immediately come to the attention of Monash Health’s Crisis and Assessment Treatment Team (CATT) when taken to hospital under police guard.
“My difficulty is my client has been in custody for some time.” Magistrate Meagan Keogh granted the adjournment.
She also varied a personal safety intervention order against Ramchen barring him from being within 10 metres of his alleged victim and within 200 metres of Keysborough Secondary College’s two campuses.
In December, Ramchen was refused bail by Dandenong magistrate Andrew Waters, who noted a lack of psychological material to support the alleged mental health issues or detail his level of risk.
His risk of reoffending was “simply unknown”, and if involving a knife, it could easily result in injury and death, Mr Waters said at the time.
energy density” can be managed.
“A major goal is to meet each country’s different safety requirements.”
The challenge is finding a way to commercialise the hydrogen technology in Australia. However, there has been interest in Japan and India, Loomba says.
Loomba’s interest in hydrogen tech was piqued as a high school student in India.
He migrated to Australia in 2018 on a student visa to study his Masters and PhD in materials engineering and electrochemistry at RMIT.
Now an Australian citizen, the chemical engineer is currently working at South East Water’s operation control centre.
He remains connected to his RMIT collaborators in his spare time.
They have started looking at filtered, purified waste water to generate hydrogen
“I think it’s great to stay connected. I would love to help them achieve something.”
During the bail hearing, police told the court that Ramchen armed himself with a kitchen knife before entering Sykes’s office about 3pm on 2 December.
He had recently been told that his contract at the school would not be renewed. Ramchen kneeled on top of Sykes and held a knife to the principal’s throat before assistant principal Matthew Sloan dragged Ramchen away, police remand officer Leading Senior Constable Chris Marlowe told the court.
While the school was placed in lockdown, Ramchen returned and allegedly wielded a larger knife near Sykes’ face, the court heard. Sloan, and several other staff, allegedly disarmed and pinned Ramchen to the ground.
Sykes was hospitalised with multiple stab wounds, including to his forearm.
The injuries weren’t deemed serious, police said.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The state’s pollution watchdog says it remains opposed to a new toxic-waste cell at a controversial hazardous-waste landfill at Taylors Road, Lyndhurst.
In July, Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) rejected tip operator Veolia’s application to build Cell 21, out of concerns that it would exceed overall licenced levels of toxic waste at the site.
“We are concerned construction of the cell would cause Veolia to breach its operating licence, which states that reportable priority waste must not make up more than 35 per cent of all waste deposited at the facility,” an EPA spokesperson said.
“Discussions with the company about licensing issues are ongoing.
“EPA will not consider further applications for cell construction until these are resolved.”
Opponents, including Greater Dandenong Council, have called for the landfill’s closure due to public health concerns for nearby residents and workers.
These calls intensified after a series of EPA orders and a fine over breaches at Lyndhurst in 2023 and 2024, including issues with leachate (wastewater), dust and landfill gas.
Cell 21 would extend the lifetime of Victoria’s only landfill that is licenced for Category B hazardous waste, according to opponents.
In a statement to Star Journal, Veolia stated it would take about six years to fill Cell 21, but this depended on market demand.
“Taylors Road Resource Recovery Precinct is a vital part of Victoria’s waste management system,” a Veolia spokesperson said.
“It provides the only disposal option for reportable priority waste, such as contaminated packaging, non recoverable packaging, and non-treatable contaminated soils in the state.
“The construction of Cell 21 ensures these materials can be disposed of until other alternatives can be found.”
The cell’s double composite-liner design exceeds the EPA best practice environmental man-
agement standard, Veolia stated.
At a community reference group meeting last year, Veolia stated it does not have a “sunset clause” for Lyndhurst landfill.
“The State Government has concerns about the site closing”, a Veolia representative told the meeting.
“Veolia is in discussions with the government regarding the need to build the final cell, Cell 21, because the state needs it for the reportable pri-
ority waste,” the minutes recorded.
A previous Labor State Government had vowed to close the landfill by 2020, but it now leaves the timeline to Veolia and the EPA.
“The Victorian Recycling Infrastructure Plan sets out the direction for our state’s residual waste infrastructure including constraints for processing higher risk hazardous waste,” a government spokesperson said.
“The plan also highlights the importance of existing facilities operating in accordance with their strict permissions and licenses to protect the community.”
Greater Dandenong city futures executive director Sanjay Manivasagasivam said the council was committed to seeing the landfill closed “as soon as possible”. He said if a new application for Cell 21 was made to the EPA, the council would review it and “potentially provide a response at that time”.
By Sahar Foladi
Traders at the Dandenong Market’s Bazaar are uncertain of their future as a Bazaar Revitalisation Plan rolls out with speed.
Greater Dandenong Council is set to unveil a new market precinct plan for the iconic trading area as part of a major revitalisation of Central Dandenong.
However, the traders elected spokesperson for the Bazaar Pavilion, Leon Buchman fears it may be a “complete disaster” for stallholders.
They are expecting higher rents upon the project’s completion, without any guarantee of increased customers or sales for the businesses. Mr Buchman says.
“They just show fantasy pictures, stories about how it’ll be nice benches.
“It’s not about business but about exhibition. At the end of the day people need to make profit.”
Mr Buchman has constantly raised concerns about the lack of advertisement in the Bazaar pavilion, which hosts stalls selling clothes, shoes, jewellery, accessories and other items.
He says the food-stalls in the other sections of the market are celebrated at the site’s regular festivals, while the Bazaar is abandoned by potential customers.
“The majority of people at the Market are losing money on Tuesday and Friday because no one comes.
“There’s nothing to attract people - there’s less variety, less advertising for the bazaar,” he says.
“People want to visit in the environment of the market, not the exhibition which blocks the colours of the market.
“At the end of the day it’ll be complete disaster, all the traders know that no one is happy.”
Mr Buchman says their request to the market’s management to see the revitalisation plans was rejected.
Management instead invited traders to a session about the plans.
Mr Buchman refused to attend saying, “there’s no point having meetings without the reports.”
Mr Buchman has owned stall businesses at multiple markets around Melbourne since 1991, including a phone accessories stall at the Bazaar. Dandenong Market’s management told Star
Journal it has consulted with traders and customers on the details of the plans which will be shared in “due course.”
“This will be a very important strategic initiative and as the project gets underway, we’ll be updating all stakeholders accordingly.
“Over the last 159 years, we have regularly upgraded the Market and will continue to do so to ensure that our amenities and product ranges accommodate the needs of our loyal, existing customers and equally attract new customers from across Victoria.”
As previously reported, the plans are expected to create a “modern” pop-up area for upcoming businesses.
Whilst plans aren’t made public, according to Bazaar traders it includes height restrictions, snack vendors within the Bazaar, seating arrangements, clear signages for customers, and a requirement for stalls to have boards on either side to look “tidy.”
According to them, the management have communicated they have the funds ready, and works will start soon in sections to allow minimal interruptions.
The plan is said to be completed before Christmas this year.
Many traders told Star Journal they have to wait and see how the changes will impact their business and how much the rent will be increased by in order to determine their future.
A retailer of more than 20 years says they are struggling to make profit under the current circumstances.
She fears this will further decrease after the project is completed whilst their rent and costs go up.
“We have to sell a lot with less profit to keep going.
“Everything will be expensive. If I put prices up, my business will drop by 40 per cent.
“We don’t want any change. Some people make enough money now, afterwards is not guaranteed.”
She says a majority of the customers are local residents, who barter with her over the price of her garments.
Tony has been operating in the same location for more than a decade.
He says, they will be “moved around” making it difficult for past customers to find them.
”It’s all left in the dark about what’s going to happen. Everybody says the market will be improved, it’ll bring fresh faces in but there is no guarantee this will improve anything.”
Many retail traders at the Bazaar have their products on display right above their stall on a fence, like Victor’s, who has been at the market for 36 years.
He says he doesn’t mind complying with the new changes which includes height restrictions as he’d never put safety in jeopardy.
Victor says with previous renovations, traders were moved accordingly. This time would be no
different, he expects. Depending on the improvements, their stall positions and the rent increase, traders say they will decide in due course on whether their businesses will stay at the Bazaar.
The components of the Dandenong CBD revitalisation include the $2 billion Capital Alliance project for Little India, including housing, retail, education and hotels, the Dandenong Market Precinct Masterplan (Council-led for the market area) for a complex of 8-10 storeys, and a new Dandenong Community Hub.
By Sahar Foladi
Excitement grows ahead of the upcoming threeweek Ramadan Night Market that promises to be bigger and better, but existing traders in Dandenong have raised a string of concerns including higher fees.
The popular event is highly commended by traders on Thomas Street and the wider community, especially on the back of a stunningly successful debut last year.
However, some are criticising a lack of consultation with businesses and the imposing of stall fees on the locale’s existing traders.
Ahead of an expanded three-week event, traders on Thomas Street say there was no consultation by the not-for-profit organiser Bright Community Organisation nor Greater Dandenong Council.
They say its “unfair” that businesses in the area are forced to just accept the planned event, given the impacts of blocked-off roads and parking issues which would potentially deter their customers.
Mehdi from Sahar Takeaway restaurant says a council staffer reached out to the restaurant last month inviting them to participate in an information session and to submit for a stall.
He says it was more “informing” them rather than a consultation or seeking feedback from the traders.
They weren’t impacted last year at all as they have their own customers but with 1 million people expected at this year’s “bigger and better” event, he is concerned.
“This year’s (event) stretches from the start to end of Thomas Street, and Scott Street will be blocked. So I think it’ll be difficult for our regular customers to come during iftar (time to break their fast) and have access to car parks and multi-level parking next to us.
“(But) personally, it’s a good event. Everyone gathers, there’s a variety of food - an event that brings everyone together.”
Council’s CEO, Jacqui Weatherill says responsibility for consultation sits with the organisers of the event, not the council.
“At Greater Dandenong City Council, we welcome over 200 community events a year.
“We are champions for well-organised, safe, and successful events including the Ramadan Night Market.
“We recommended event organisers engage with the business community prior to last year’s inaugural event.”
According to the CEO, food traders at the event were invited to an information session with Council on Monday 22 December, “to support local businesses in meeting requirements” to operate at the event.
Another information session was held on Tuesday 3 February on safety and compliance standards for those taking part, a virtual session is planned for Monday 9 February.
“Council wants to ensure the event is safe and successful, and that everyone has clear information in plenty of time,” Ms Weatherill says.
Bright Community Organisation founder and president, Ahmad Ghowsi says businesses were consulted late last year, informed about the event and told how they can participate as stallholders.
He says both the organisation and the council have prioritised Thomas Street traders if they decided to have a stall at the event.
“Some have chosen to be part of the event and they have already completed their applications.
“Some declined due to the massive foot traffic received during those 16 nights and (they were) lacking in capacity to run their shops and the stall.”
Abdul Najafi, from Nili Investment based on Lonsdale Street in Dandenong, took to social media to express his concerns.
He told Star Journal that existing traders should have been consulted to build “trust” and “help ensure the event benefits everyone”.
“Any cultural or community event is positive but it’s not just about having the events it’s about creating the right impact.
“Simply copying models like the Lakemba Night without adapting to our local needs won’t help much.
“What we need is a respectful, inclusive and positive space that truly benefits our communi-
ty.”
A restaurant owner, Mr Mophammadi says he booked two spots for the event, costing him more than $10,000 for 16 nights. Unable to afford it, he withdrew one of the applications but is now thinking of withdrawing altogether.
Traders suggest that stall fees should be waived or at least decreased for existing traders in the area.
“We bear all the challenges of this bazaar, tax, GST, car park issues and they want to block all the roads and parking.
“That’s not in our hands, we weren’t consulted,” Mr Mohammadi says.
He says, the parking issues would have been raised had there been a consultation with traders.
Mustafa Karimi, from Addiction restaurant grew up in Sydney attending the Lakemba Night Market before he made the permanent shift to Melbourne.
Speaking on the costs, he says, “people make their own choice whether to have a stall or not.”
However, Mujtaba from the Bamyan Grocery store says traders don’t have an ultimate choice as they have to make the “sacrifices” anyway.
“We have our own customers who want to come down, but with the roads blocked, increased parking issues, we become unsure if we will make any profit.
“We can’t put our groceries or food outside, it’s only the fast-food (outlets) that profit.
“If customers want to visit a restaurant in the area, they won’t find parking or have to walk a long distance to the shop.
“Restaurants will lose money, they won’t have any customers. Instead, they’ll sit inside watching the event outside.”
Bamyan grocery store on Thomas Street participated last year as a stallholder selling fresh kebabs.
They were charged a maximum of $3000 for nine nights compared to this year’s $13,000-plus for 16 nights, 3x6 premium package.
However, organiser Mr Ghowsi says the fees charged per day is the standard but because the event is extended to 16 nights this year, traders
are taken aback by the accumulated fee.
Executive directors of the Bright Community Organisation say their fees are reasonable for an event of such scale and capacity, saying its similar to other events like the Chinese Lunar New Year held by SABA annually in Springvale and the Nawroz Festival in Dandenong.
“The Bright Community Organisation is a non-for-profit organisation, we invest whatever funds we receive back into the event,” Hassan Maqsoodi says.
“In comparison to the Lakemba Nights and other similar local events, I think we’re charging less and it’s very reasonable.”
Executive director, Ali Ibrahimi says the organisation must cover costs of more than $1 million for an event of such a scale, including traffic control, electricity bills, security, generators and potentially Victoria Police’s presence to name a few.
“We definitely have something bigger and better this year compared to last year’s success.
“Our team always strives towards improving the event to better cater the wider community.
“The government funding, sponsors for the event doesn’t come close to the amount of bills stacking up for an event of this capacity.”
After the crowd of 350,000 estimated last year, the Federal Government quickly announced funding of $225,000.
City of Greater Dandenong Council has also chipped in $97,200 in support while Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams is said to be working hard to secure state funding for the event.
The event is set to be bigger and better kicking off from every Thursday to Sunday 19 February until Sunday 15 March, 7pm to 12am. It will also expand into Casey for two nights on 24-25 February.
As reported previously by Star Journal, a total of 145 stallholders have so far registered, compared to 85 vendors last year while hundreds of expression of interests is registered with the organisation.
The market will stretch over 430 metres this year, more than doubling last year’s 180-metre footprint.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A route revamp is underway after trucks were being detoured to one of Dandenong’s “worst roundabouts” due to level-crossing removal works.
Greater Dandenong councillor Jim Memeti said more trucks were using Hammond and Kirkham roads, due to the Webster Street level-crossing removal project.
He noted especially the roundabout at Kirkham and Bryants Road, which “has been described as one of the worst in Greater Dandenong”.
“Trucks often mount the nature strip and occasionally the footpath, increasing the risk to pedestrians.
“During an inspection, I also observed a traffic sign that was upside down and requires urgent repair.”
Of added urgency, children were walking on these roads to and from the nearby Dandenong South Primary School, Cr Memeti said.
According to the Level Crossing Removal Project, there is now signage directing trucks to avoid the problem roundabout.
Instead, truck drivers will be advised to use John Street and Podmore Streets to access Bryants Road,
From 16 February until late this year, eastbound traffic on Kirkham Road can only turn left onto Frankston-Dandenong Road to improve safety and traffic flow.
Any road closures and changes were in consultation with Greater Dandenong Council, which approved the original detours, according to the LXRP.
“We’ll continue to monitor detour routes and make suitable updates to minimise disruption as much as possible,” an LXRP spokesperson said.
Greater Dandenong Council city futures executive director Sanjay Manivasagasivam says it is working with the LXRP to “best manage” the increased traffic volumes and safety concerns on Hammond and Kirkham roads.
In response to concerning truck behaviour at
the roundabout, the council had secured state funding for traffic calming measures on Bryants Road.
“Consultation with local residents is complete and the new safety treatments are scheduled for this year.
“These works are expected to significantly reduce the number of trucks using the route and prevent further damage to the roundabout.”
As part of the level-crossing removal project, Webster Street has been permanently closed to through traffic and a new road underpass connecting Princes Highway-Lonsdale Street to Cheltenham and Hammond roads is being built.
The new underpass is expected to open late this year – two years ahead of schedule, the LXRP
spokesperson said.
Currently at the underpass site, specialised equipment is removing water from the ground to ensure dry working conditions, as 13 Olympic-sized swimming pools of dirt is excavated.
A new walking and cycling path along Webster Street and connecting to the Dandenong Trail has been built.
The project is said to eliminate 60 minutes of boom gate down time in the weekday morning peak, saving travel time for up to 10,000 drivers a day.
By Sahar Foladi
A legal case by a City of Greater Dandenong councillor against the council’s CEO has been dropped just two days before the hearing, due to the great financial strain.
Councillor Rhonda Garad took to social media to announce she withdrew the workplace discrimination case against CEO Jacqui Weatherill in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VACT) on 30 January, alleging the “council’s ratepayer-funded legal team threatened costs that could bankrupt” her.
As reported previously by Star Journal, the dispute began in July last year, when the council submitted a media statement to Herald Sun that some of Cr Garad’s social media retweets “support anti-semitic language” and that “genuine political comment should never cross into vilification, abuse or inciting hatred.”
It escalated when council refused Cr Garad’s ‘cease-and-desist’ demand to publicly apologise and retract its media statement on her retweets.
Her now-abandoned claim was based on alleged workplace discrimination under the Equal Opportunity Act and sought relief under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic).
“This is her (Ms Weatherill’s) victory — and a loss for political free speech,” Cr Garad stated on social media.
“I also want to apologise to the Dandenong community, especially those who are deeply traumatised by witnessing a live-streamed genocide.
“My intention has always been to stand with you and to speak out against this violence.
“Thank you to everyone who supported me in this important fight.
“I will continue to speak out against genocide, but I cannot compete with the vast legal resources the CEO has brought against me.”
Cr Garad told Star Journal if she proceeded with the case, she’d need a barrister, costing her thousands of dollars per day, something she’s un-
able to afford.
Council had defended itself through their legal team, which determined the application lacked “proper basis” with no “reasonable prospect of success.”
Council’s strategy and corporate services executive director, Dr Marjan Hajjari said Cr Garad’s legal team were communicated about the application lacking merit as per standard and they welcomed Cr Garad’s decision to withdraw.
“Council has an obligation to defend claims made against it and its principal officer, and engaged external legal representation to do so.
“Our focus continues to be on delivering council services to the Greater Dandenong community.
“Cr Garad was invited to withdraw the application to avoid incurring unnecessary legal costs.
“Council did not seek any costs order against
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A would-be carjacker who held a screwdriver to his elderly victim’s neck and threatened to kill him in a home driveway in Keysborough has been jailed.
Petap Kong, 31, of Keysborough, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to attempted aggravated carjacking among a six-month spree of car thefts and aggravated burglaries.
On a Sunday afternoon on 18 August 2024, a married couple arrived home in their MG wagon.
Kong emerged from the back seat of a car and walked down their driveway with a 20-centimetre screwdriver.
He held it to the 74-year-old driver’s neck, and told him: “I need your car, give me the keys or I will kill you.”
Sentencing judge Martin Marich praised the victim’s wife, who bravely went to her husband’s aid during the “terrifying ordeal”.
The 69-year-old slammed the car door several times into Kong’s back, in the hope that he’d leave.
Kong took the keys out of the ignition and ran away.
The terrified couple later stated to the court that they believed Kong was going to kill them. They had been victims of a burglary two weeks beforehand.
The man, stricken with cancer, stated he was too afraid to pursue his one remaining passion of gardening.
Both he and his wife stated they were housebound out of fear of being attacked again.
On the very same day, Kong was armed with a wooden bat as he broke into a house with five occupants in Springvale.
In a “frightening” confrontation, he punched a woman in the face and neck in the kitchen.
Another resident disarmed Kong, sheltered her children in the bedroom and screamed to neighbours for help.
Kong eventually asked a resident to unlock the front door, so that he could leave.
That same afternoon, Kong also stole an AEG toolbox of powertools from a Noble Park home garage.
Two days later, with the help of an accomplice, Kon stole two sets of car keys and the matching vehicles during an aggravated home burglary in Noble Park North.
He also used one of the victim’s bankcards to buy petrol, cigarettes and some Hungry Jack’s.
The following month, after being bailed in relation to the Noble Park North incident, he stole a traffic control worker’s ute that was left running as they set up signs at a work site.
Kong was tracked down after a Facebook tip, and arrested by police.
He was also guilty of an attempted aggravated burglary in Springvale, car theft and petrol drive off on 7 March 2024, a home burglary in Clayton South on 14 March, and an aggravated burglary in Noble Park and use of the victim’s bank card in April.
Cr Garad in the event of withdrawal, and no settlement was offered or negotiated by either party.”
The legal cost for the matter is estimated at almost $7000 by council.
Cr Garad, has been a strong voice for the plight of Palestinians on social media, which has prompted many from across Victoria to raise their concerns with Council, MPs and Minister for Local Government.
Recently, stacks of emails were sent to the council calling for Cr Garad’s censure for posting about babies and children suffering in the harsh Gazan winter, claiming her post “appears” to blame all Jews for the Gazans sufferings but she says the post was “genuinely aimed” at Israel which she sees as “perpetrators.”
Cr Garad was also forced to leave her position as a researcher at Monash University after prolonged pressure.
In sentencing on 6 February, Judge Marich said the spree was a steep escalation in the New Zealand-born man’s criminality.
His offending and attitude to other people’s property and privacy was a “collapse of mental judgement” influenced by his heavy drug use at the time, she noted.
But that was no excuse, she said.
While on remand for the first time, his mental state improved with abstinence.
Judge Marich said she’d declare a lengthy period of parole eligibility to support Kong’s rehabilitation.
He was jailed for four-and-a-half years, with a three-year non-parole period. His term includes 506 days of pre-sentence detention.
100 years ago
11 February 1926
The new “Keep to the Left Rule”, which the Dandenong Shire Council has not brought into force, is not very strictly observed in the streets up to date, and the general traffic regulations are still as they were in the “good old days”. Some months ago the Dandenong A.L.P. suggested “Keep to the Left” and other traffic amendments to the Council, which promised every attention, also to obtain the co-operation of the police. Nothing has been done, however, and it has been strongly hinted that if any other organisation had brought the matter forward, prompt action would have been taken long before this.
50 years ago
5 February 1976
OUR STINKING, ROTTING CREEK!
Gas stove, gas fire, car tyres, car bodies, number plates, crates, planks, supermarket trolleys, bikes frames, hub caps, wheel trims…. We are not talking about a second-hand store; we’re talking about rubbish which has accumulated in the Dandenong Creek under the Heatherton Road bridge near Power Road. The water level in the creek has dropped,
revealing a huge collection of smelly garbage. Also found in the rubbish were six safes, a bubble gum vending machine and a cash tin. Dandenong CIB detectives were called to check over these objects. It is a shame the creek has been abused, as just a little further upstream young boys fish on the banks, and once in a while hook a carp or redfin, But if the pile of stinking refuse under the bridge continues to grow, it won’t be long before the fish disappear.
This summer’s repeated 40-degree days have made one thing unavoidable: Melbourne’s suburbs are heating up, and trees are no longer decorative extras.
Councils across the south-east now speak urgently about urban cooling, heat mitigation, and climate resilience, with shared targets to lift tree canopy to 15 per cent by 2028.
Which makes the looming closure of Greenlink Sandbelt Nursery deeply awkward.
For more than 30 years, Greenlink Sandbelt
Nursery has supplied indigenous plants of local provenance to councils, schools, community groups, and revegetation projects across Melbourne’s sandbelt.
Much of the vegetation now thriving in, wetlands and restored landscapes began life there.
The nursery receives no ongoing government funding and survives entirely on plant sales and volunteer labour.
20 years ago
13 February 2006
Old meets new
Years of waiting and anticipation climaxed on Saturday evening when Premier Steve Bracks and Greater Dandenong Mayor Peter Brown declared the Drum theatre at Dandenong Town Hall open.
Five hundred invited guests packed the theatre to see and hear international entertainers – led by trumpeter James Morrison, vocalist Silvie Paladino, drummer David Jones and actor Bud Tingwell –put on the first show. Cr Brown thanked the State Government for the $5 million it contributed from its Community Support Fund as well as past and present councillors who had supported the redevelopment. “It is one of the proudest moments of my life that I am able to stand here and say that the theatre is open.”
5 years ago
9 February 2021
Waste fight off Greater Dandenong Council has withdrawn its legal fight against a controversial waste-to-energy plant in Dandenong South. Councillors endorsed the Council’s withdrawal in a recent closed briefing
from council officers. They were advised the council was unlikely to win its appeal against the EPA’s works approval and faced a potential legal bill of up to $700,000. “After extensive work by council’s environmental experts and lawyers and following a conclave held between both parties’ expert consultants and EPA officers, it was established that the proposal meets the required relevant EPA legislation,” city planner, Jody Bosman said.
A “very disappointed” councillor Jim Memeti said “residents of Dandenong South and Keysborough South are “sick and tired” of living near hazardous industries. “That’s why the State Government needs to rezone the area as soon as possible.” In 2020 Councillor Memeti successfully moved for the council to campaign for the removal of the industrial two zone.
Compiled by Dandenong & District Historical Society
Despite approaching councils, golf courses and infrastructure bodies, the nursery has been unable to secure a new site.
Here is the contradiction. Councils are rapidly expanding sporting-field capacity by replacing natural turf with synthetic surfaces, delivering three to four times more hours of use.
Hybrid systems now knit synthetic fibres into grass, increasing durability while preserving the look of turf.
By Sister Jaqueline Russell, of the Brahma Kumaris Centre for Spiritual Learning
Intrinsic in feelings of hope is the acceptance of the self and then the acceptance of the situation with the faith that there is some benefit in it.
This attitude enables me to quieten my mind with peaceful thoughts and create a neutral space.
In this neutral space there is the thought power to search for solutions.
Faith brings hope however faith moves into action when I have the belief that I can do it.
I have the inner resources to allow me to find a way to remain stable and seek the advice I may need.
Acceptance is a powerful beginning to meet the need of the situation.
Worry, anxiety and blame can leave me stuck. Every parent knows that they have the responsibility of maintaining hope and good wishes in
These projects are approved in the name of
health, participation, and community wellbeing.
Yet an indigenous nursery that grows the trees councils rely on cannot find space on public land because it fails the definition of “active open space.”
Growing shade, cooling suburbs, and supporting biodiversity does not count as activity. If Greenlink closes, trees will die.
Judith Sise
their young family.
The intention is to build self-resources and these are the spiritual aspects of one’s personality.
So parents develop strategies to deal with sudden, chaotic or even traumatic situations for their child by first of all accepting what is happening.
I ask myself, how can I maintain my own spiritual resources, so that I may be an example of fortitude and resilience for others without denial that the challenging situation exists.
How can I build trust in myself so that when something happens to cause a child, for instance, to lose trust I am able to show support and encourage self-awareness that situations are external and I have inner resources to seek how to maintain my trust and hope.
Awareness of the situation and how I think leads to what I can do about it.
This is a huge step to strengthen self-respect.
How I think about it, needs to move into positive expression.
In this way I learn how to move forward.
Eventually as my mind becomes stable, clear and neutral, I will know how to deal with it in the future.
This is a spiritual approach.
It enables me to find a way forward.
The situation may need advice, may need support and so I first seek some silent time.
I become calm. I see the situation objectively,
without blame, knowing that the quality of my thinking will shape my behaviour.
When I adopt this approach to life I develop not only self-confidence but also self-reliance.
This is personal power. Learning how to respond from a neutral perspective allows me to be open to alternative responses.
The strength of this belief in my self gives security to my hope.
It builds belief in myself and is the basis of my hope for change.
And when I have genuine hope for the best outcome and transfer this hope to others, not only do I increase my self-belief but I also enable others to have hope in my responses and in themselves.
Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. Visit interfaithnetwork.org.au
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Frankston serial car thief has been jailed for up to 26 months after a perilous, two-hour police pursuit across the South East.
Corey Johnston, 22 at the time, fled in a stolen Commodore with false plates from police road units and Air Wing across Frankston, Carrum Downs, Keysborough, Dandenong, Beaconsfield and Fountain Gate late on 5 February 2025.
The protracted pursuit “reads like a movie script”, with “appalling” driving that put police officers and other road users at risk, Victorian County Court judge Kevin Doyle stated.
Though he kept largely within the speed limit, Johnston ran two red lights in Keysborough, at another stage veering on the wrong side of the road to avoid roadworks.
When he went through one of the red lights at high speed, he would have had “no idea” of oncoming traffic – with potentially fatal consequences, Judge Doyle noted.
His only motivation for ignoring police was to avoid apprehension and responsibility for his imitation gun and stolen car, the judge found.
It was “hard to think of any innocent purpose” for holding such a weapon, Judge Doyle noted.
Johnston called his girlfriend, who was with police at the time. He told her that the “Air Wing is on me”, “the jacks are behind me”, and described police spotlighting him.
He could outrun the police but he only had half-a-tank of petrol, he told her.
He’d decided to throw his gun out under a bridge, he said. That imitation gun was later found by police near an overpass at Lathams Road and Eastlink in Carrum Downs.
“I don’t know what to do,” he said.
On a second call, Johnston said he was trying to think of an underground carpark where he could escape in another vehicle – and came up with Frankston Hospital and Karringal
shopping centre.
Eventually he was arrested about 1am in Fountain Gate shopping centre, hiding in the back seat of another car.
At the time he was suspended from driving, and subject to a firearm prohibition order.
Johnston pled guilty to charges including dangerous driving while pursued by police, car theft and possessing an imitation gun as a prohibited person.
He also pled to offences relating to two other Holdens stolen from Sandhurst Golf Club and from Patterson Lakes.
In sentencing on 5 February, Judge Doyle noted the now-23-year-old’s lengthy priors including car thefts, a police pursuit, weapons, disqualified driving and multiple community correction order breaches.
After many court orders to help his rehabilitation, this time he was assessed by Corrections Victoria as unsuitable for another CCO.
There was little evidence of remorse, despite Johnston’s guilty pleas.
He was diagnosed with complex PTSD, ADHD, borderline personality and stimulant use disorders. The long-time user had been taking a
gram of meth a day, plus GHB.
A psychologist recommended multidisciplinary intervention. She found Johnston was at risk of a cycle of recidivism and institutionalisation.
Judge Doyle noted Johnston’s youthfulness. But given Johnston’s history, jail including a nonparole period was the only option, the judge said.
Johnston was jailed for up to 26 months, with a 15-month non-parole period.
His term includes 364 days of pre-sentence detention, meaning he will be eligible for parole in three months.
We at Community Bank Dingley Village are incredibly humbled and proud to see the direct impact of community support in action. The UltraLight Tanker, which we were honoured to help fund for our local heroes at the Keysborough CFA, has been on the front lines protecting communities during the recent bushfires.
This vital piece of equipment, funded by our community, has already been deployed four times to the fires in northern Victoria.
The dedicated Keysborough CFA members have undertaken critical tasks including:
• Fire suppression in Mt Mercer, Alexandra, and Yea.
• Escorting crucial hay deliveries for farmers.
• Helping residents return safely to their homes
The tanker is currently in Albury, continuing its vital work supporting communities in need.
which makes an
in people’s lives during their most
moments.
heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers at the Keysborough CFA and all emergency personnel for their bravery and tireless dedication.
This is a powerful reminder that supporting our emergency services is an investment in our safety and well-being. Our community’s decision to bank with us allows for this kind of
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater Dandenong Council says it’s bucking the trend with fewer ratepayers in arrears.
This is despite more ratepayers are doing it tough – with 134 applying for hardship relief as of 31 January, compared to 118 at the same time last year.
According to a report in The Age, ratepayers in arrears were generally on the rise, especially in outer metropolitan council areas.
However in Greater Dandenong, 7 per cent of rates are in arrears - down from 10 per cent in 2022-’23.
Mayor Sophie Tan says a growing number of ratepayers - about one in five - are being helped to “stay on track” using flexible payment options,.
The most popular alternative was paying by monthly instalments.
“Paying the traditional lump sum or in quar-
terly installments is challenging for people on a tight budget,” Cr Tan said.
“So we offer weekly, fortnightly and monthly options and have found paying monthly is popular with many of our residents.”
The council also offers payment plans for ratepayers in arrears, as well as waivers in cases of “severe hardship”.
“We encourage anyone in our community who is struggling to pay their rates to call us so we can talk through the best options to support them,” Cr Tan said.
“Our approach is compassionate and customer-centric.”
In 2025-’26, the median household rates and waste charge bill in Greater Dandenong was about $1550 – including a $516 waste charge.
With cost-of-living pressures in mind, the council increased the rates component by 0.1 per cent in 2025-‘26 - well less than the State Govern-
ment’s 3 per cent rates cap.
The average household’s rates bill – including waste charges - rose by $13 – (or 0.79 per cent).
Last week, Local Government Minister Nick Staikos announced new ministerial guidelines to “ensure councils treat ratepayers who are dealing with difficult financial or personal circumstances with compassion, fairness and understanding”.
They include offering flexible payment options such as deferrals, waivers and payment plans.
“By providing clear guidance, we’re giving councils the tools they need to support vulnerable Victorians facing prolonged hardship or unforeseen hurdles such as job loss, illness, or other changes to family circumstances.”
The State Government has capped rate rises at 2.75 per cent for the upcoming 2026-’27 financial year.
Wellsprings for Women welcomed the Federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Dr Anne Aly, who saw first hand the South East-based centre’s efforts to create community connection, empower women and celebrate cultural diversity.
Dr Aly’s visit follows her recent address Reimagining Multiculturalism at Deakin University, where she called for an Australia that “moves beyond tolerance to genuine belonging”.
Her vision of a society grounded in empathy, equality, and shared humanity strongly reflects Wellsprings’ mission, says its chief executive Dalal Smiley.
“Dr Aly’s message about reimagining multiculturalism speaks directly to the work we do each day.
“At Wellsprings, we see the power of belonging in action — when women from diverse backgrounds are given a voice, connections flourish, and communities grow stronger.
“This visit was critical in showing support to our communities who have been experiencing profound anxiety, nervousness and bruised sense of belonging as a result of growing global and national conflicts, deepened divisions and increased racism ”
During her visit, Dr Aly met with participants, staff, and volunteers to hear personal sto-
ries of resilience, learning, and empowerment.
For nearly three decades, Wellsprings for Women has provided a safe and welcoming space in Dandenong where women’s voices are heard, their potential is nurtured, and their contributions are celebrated — embodying the very essence of reimagined multiculturalism in action.
For over 75 years, Scope has been a trusted supporter of people with disability, empowering them to grow in confidence and live the life they choose. With a strong focus on putting people first, Scope champions rights and creates opportunities for people with disability to thrive through a wide range of personalised services.
One of Scope’s key offerings is Supported Independent Living (SIL), which helps you experience greater independence in your own home. For those with higher support needs, Scope provides access to brand-new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes. These modern, accessible homes are designed with privacy and community in mind, featuring your own bedroom and ensuite alongside open living spaces for social connection. Scope’s supportive staff will help you to enjoy the perfect balance of independence and belonging.
Scope also offers Social Connections Day Programs to help build your confidence and life skills in a fun and supportive environment. Whether it’s mastering a new recipe, learning to navigate public transport, or developing communication skills, these programs are tailored to your interests. Activities range from surfing and art to bushwalking and community volunteering, giving you the chance to make friends and enjoy new experiences.
At Scope, our services are shaped around you, your goals, and your dreams, our purpose is to create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to belong and thrive.
At Scope, we believe in empowering you to build confidence and learn new life skills. Through our Social Connections Day Programs, you can master a new recipe in a cooking class, gain independence with travel training to navigate public transport, or develop communication skills in a supportive group.
While you learn, you’ll also be making new friends and having fun. Our programs are shaped for you, with activities like surfing, art, bushwalking, and even road trips. Whether it’s volunteering, cheering at the footy, or just enjoying lunch at a café, you choose your adventure.
Be who you want to be with Scope Social Connections.
A crowd of more than 80,000 is expected to fill Springvale’s CBD for the traditional Lunar New Year Festival on Sunday 15 February.
Again, the streets will be abuzz as revellers celebrate the Year of the Horse.
More than 80 stalls, an array of foods, rides, kids activities, firecrackers, performers such as Hung Hing Lion Dance and live music,
rounded off by a 9.30pm fireworks finale.
Springvale Asian Business Association –which is Victoria’s first Asian business association – has staged the festival since 1997.
It’s built into a juggernaut that costs $220,000 to stage - with the help of sponsors and Greater Dandenong and State Government funds.
Organiser Vincent Golf from SABA says it’s the second-largest out of the long list of Lunar New Year festivals in Victoria, only behind
Back and bigger than ever for 2026, our Jobs an Skills showcase is the one stop shop for local job seekers
Come along and connect with local employers, learn about current vacancies and discover future employment pathways.
When: Wednesday 18 March
Time: 9:15am – 12:30pm
Where: Cardinia Cultural Centre
Register to attend today at www trybooking.com/DHVXN
QUEENSLAND’S Granite Belt comes alive this month for the long-running Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival - a celebration of food, wine and community.
The event, starting on Friday 27 February and running through to Sunday 8 March, marks its 60th anniversary this year, making it one of Queensland’s longest-running and most successful festivals.
For 60 years, the festival has celebrated what makes Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt so special – cool-climate wines, apples at their peak, passionate growers and producers, and a community that knows how to welcome visitors and put on a proper celebration.
The biennial event is a celebration of the Granite Belt region’s produce and booming wine industry, which attracts an average of 70,000 people, making it arguably Australia’s leading harvest festival.
The Diamond Jubilee honours that history while inviting people to experience it first-hand.
The main festival weekend brings the energy to the streets of Stanthorpe, with the town buzzing from morning to night.
The Queensland Country Bank three-day Food and Wine Fiesta fills the park with Granite Belt flavours, 18 local wineries, breweries and meaderies, local producers and live music, while the streets host the much-loved Grand Parade, a vibrant street carnival, bustling markets, and the challenge of the Ergon Energy Mt Marlay Run.
As the sun sets, the weekend is capped off with crowd-favourite fireworks, lighting up the Stanthorpe sky.
Crush. This event is already nearly sold out, with only limited places remaining for those keen to take part in one of the festival’s most memorable experiences.
The foot stomping, grape crushing fun is an iconic highlight of the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Festival with the community grape crush on Friday 6 March and Celebrity Crush just after the main parade in the main street near the Stanthorpe Post Office on Saturday 7 March just after the big Grand Parade.
Sponsors are Balancing Heart Vineyard – voted Best Small Cellar Door by Gourmet Traveller Wine – just one of the many Vineyards worth a visit while in the area for the festival.
The 60th anniversary is a significant milestone for both the festival and the region, according to the event’s president, Russell Wantling.
“This festival has been shaped by generations of volunteers, growers and community members, and reaching 60 years is something we’re incredibly proud of,” he said.
The festival has something for everyone, including things you might not expect – like the Australian National Busking Championships.
Buskers will be dotted along the street on Sat-
Across the full 10 days, festival-goers can also enjoy live music, Open Gardens brought to by Braeside Homestead, cooking demonstrations, creative experiences like Bubbles and Brushes, orchard and farm tours, and hands-on harvest moments.
urday 28 Feburary with “Busking Tokens” available to drop in a favourite performers bucket and judges wandering the main street.
This all culminates in the Winners Concert at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre for announcement of the Grand Open Champion and all the other winners and a chance to enjoy more fabulous entertainment.
Then there’s the iconic Balancing Heart Grape
“The Diamond Jubilee is about celebrating our history, our harvest and the people who continue to make this festival what it is.”
With accommodation filling quickly and ticketed events close to capacity, visitors are encouraged to plan now.
Many experiences have limited availability and will sell out. Tickets, program details and the full festival calendar are available at www.appleandgrape.org.
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Newest small ship fleet
By Violet Li
Afternoon-peak commuters on the Cranbourne and East Pakenham lines were stuck in the trains without air conditioning for up to two and a half hours last night, after a fault with overhead wires in the Armadale Station area.
Multiple commuters reported on social media that overhead power lines had fallen onto a train, leaving passengers stuck on board because leaving the train would cause life danger.
One commuter, who was left stranded in the train, posted on social media that she got on the train at 4.50pm at Parkville Station, and was allowed to get off around 7.17pm.
The disruption occurred on just the second working day of the new Metro Tunnel timetable, as many Cranbourne and East Pakenham line commuters were still familiarising themselves with the new travel patterns, with some already reporting longer travel times.
The power faults were not related to the Tunnel itself.
Metro Trains first announced the major delays on X (then-Twitter) at around 5.30pm on Tuesday 3 February.
A travel alert from the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) at about 6pm said buses were replacing trains on the Cranbourne/Pakenham and Sunbury lines between West Footscray and Caulfield stations due to a problem with overhead wires near Armadale.
“This suspension is impacting some services running through the Metro Tunnel. Services are stopped at specific points to ensure a speed recovery when repairs to overhead wires are complete,” the alert stated.
“Cranbourne/Pakenham passengers should change at State Library or Town Hall to the City Loop and use Frankston Line services to Caulfield. Those on Sunbury services can switch to a Werribee or Williamstown line service at West Footscray station.
“Trains will continue to run between Caulfield and Cranbourne/Pakenham, and Sunbury and West Footscray, with delays likely.”
The commuters were told that replacement buses had been ordered, but it would take over 60 minutes to arrive.
They were also told to allow 30 extra minutes for the journey.
The overhead power fault was fixed overnight, according to Metro Trains.
However, select services were cancelled, including three morning peak-hour services on the Cranbourne Line, due to some trains being out of position.
Shadow Minister for Public Transport Matthew Guy said trapping passengers on trains for up to two and a half hours without air conditioning in 30-degree heat was a “big failure” and a “disgrace”.
He questioned if it would happen again.
“The Government hasn’t done the work on electrical systems on the whole network ready for the Big Switch (new Metro Tunnel timetable), where all these new computerised trains come into the network,” he said.
A Metro spokesperson said they apologise for
By Violet Li
South East commuters say the new Metro Tunnel service on the Cranbourne and East Pakenham lines has made travelling to the city more time-consuming, less convenient, and stressful.
The changes have sparked heated discussion in local Facebook community groups, where Cranbourne and East Pakenham line commuters have been sharing experiences and concerns about the new travel patterns.
Many locals have reported longer commute times to the city, extra steps, mobility issues, the loss of direct access to key city stations, and further mental stress.
Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association (CRRA) president Anthony Tassone said resident feedback on the Metro Tunnel ‘Big Switch’ is clear: there are winners and losers.
“Right now, the pain is falling most heavily on south-east commuters who’ve lost their one-seat ride into the City Loop and key inner-city stations,” he said.
The city’s mega-project, the $13.5 billion Metro Tunnel, was fully launched on Sunday 1 February. Hailed as the biggest network change since the City Loop 40 years ago, the Metro Tunnel links the Cranbourne and East Pakenham lines in the south east with the Sunbury line in the north west.
Under the new arrangements, Cranbourne and East Pakenham lines now run directly through new CBD stations at Town Hall, State Library, Anzac, Parkville, and Arden, bypassing the City Loop, South Yarra, and Richmond.
Transport planners have said the new routing is intended to reduce congestion in the City Loop and free up capacity at Flinders Street and Southern Cross, while creating a high-frequency rail spine through the CBD.
Nicole Edgar from Narre Warren South, who has a highly relevant degree in public transportation, was one of the many who were disappointed that the Cranbourne and East Pakenham lines bypassed major interchange and destination stations such as Richmond, where the major sports precincts stand, Flinders Street, Southern Cross, and the City Loop.
She recalled that she and her husband travelled into the city on the first day of full Metro Tunnel service (Sunday timetable), using the East Pakenham line, expecting a straightforward journey.
The local acknowledged that they were impressed by the modern design of the new underground stations, but she said the overall experience was stressful, confusing and significantly less convenient than before.
“We were required to disembark at Caulfield Station, on one platform, sprint through the gates, travel through the underpass, and return up to another platform to make our supposed ‘connecting’ City Loop train,” she recalled.
“With very short connection times, this was extremely difficult, and on our return journey, we were required to wait a further 20 minutes in cold weather for the next ‘connecting’ service.
“It’s not ideal for people with mobility issues. Connecting trains aren’t even on the same platforms, where you can just walk across from one side to the other.
“This additional complexity adds time, congestion, and frustration to what is already a long commute, particularly during weekday peak periods.”
Nicole’s experience was echoed by other local readers, many of whom shared similar accounts of longer journeys, forced interchanges and confusion around new transfer points following the service changes.
One reader told Star News that her husband’s trip from Cranbourne to Richmond on Sunday 1Febuary took close to 1 hour and 15 minutes after changing at Malvern, compared with about 53 minutes before the service changes.
She said the required interchange and longer waits added at least 10 to 15 minutes to journeys into the CBD.
“Given the trip into the city from the outer south eastern suburbs is already over an hour, the increased journey times and inconvenience to passengers is outrageous and unacceptable,” she said.
“The whole arrangement needs a major rethink.”
Mr Tassone said some commuters are reporting it’s adding 20 to 40 minutes a day and creating crowding pressure at interchange points.
“It’s especially challenging for people with mobility issues, prams, luggage, or those travelling to Southern Cross for onward connections,” he said.
At the same time, Mr Tassone said the feedback was not universally negative.
the inconvenience this disruption caused and thank passengers for their patience.
“While we know there was a lot of extra travel time for passengers, safety is always our top priority,” they said.
“As a result of the Metro Tunnel being unavailable, we directed passengers to the City Loop as the alternate way in and out of the city.”
Metro Trains informed that to keep passengers and staff safe, the two trains closest to the fault remained in the position where they stopped until the situation was confirmed to be safe for Metro staff to help them off the train and to walk to nearby Malvern station.
The train drivers and Metro’s Control Centre kept passengers informed about the delay, and advised them to stay on board. Passengers were helped off the first train from 6.30pm, and off the second train from 7pm.
“Commuters travelling to the new Metro Tunnel stations in the city, and to Parkville’s health and education precincts, are seeing real benefits, with trips that can be more direct and reliable,” he said.
“Some commuters are reporting noticeable time savings and fewer bottlenecks compared with the old travel pattern.
“The government is also pointing to increased service levels on the corridor, with more weekly services overall and very frequent peak running, so there is genuine potential for improved capacity and reliability where trips align with the new stations.”
Other commuters pushed back against some of the criticism, arguing that the changes were being overstated.
One reader told Star News that the new Metro Tunnel stations effectively replace former City Loop access, with Town Hall located close to Melbourne Central, and that changing earlier for Richmond added only marginal time to most trips.
They said commuters need to learn to be organised and get used to the idea of extra steps.
Nicole said that consideration be given to operating a mixed service pattern, whereby two out of every three Cranbourne and East Pakenham Line trains continue through the City Loop and to Flinders Street, with the remaining service using the Metro Tunnel route as currently configured.
“This would allow passengers greater choice and flexibility, while still maximising the benefits of the new infrastructure,” she said.
“From a commuter’s perspective, the previous system was largely effective, aside from the need for more frequent services to meet growing demand.
“Removing direct access to the main CBD stations that the vast majority of passengers rely upon has, unfortunately, reduced the overall convenience of the service.”
A Department of Transport and Planning spokespersonsaid:“TheMetroTunnel is transforming the way Victorians move around our city and will free up capacity in the City Loop to run more trains across more lines.”
“Passengers using Cranbourne and Pakenham lines can consider travelling to Town Hall Station to change for City Loop and Richmond services from Flinders Street Station.”
The Department informed that Metro Trains runs hundreds of special event services every year to support passengers getting to our city’s vibrant entertainment precincts, including more trains during the footy season.
The average number of commuters with the origin of their journey at the Cranbourne station and the destination of their journey at one of the five City Loop Stations on a normal working day in Financial Year 2024/2025 was approximately 1,400.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey three-time ex-mayor Sam Aziz, who is facing five charges laid by the state’s anti corruption body, has been unable to appear in court due to serious medical issues, a court hasheard.
That day, Aziz, 53, was undergoing dialysis which was “critical to keep him alive”, a defence lawyer told a Melbourne Magistrates’ Courthearingon2February.
Backed by letters from a GP and Melbourne hospital, Aziz was said to be receiving the treatment three times a week, the court heard.
He and property developer John Charles Woodman, 73, are facing charges laid by the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission, which investigated the pair as partofOperationSandon.
Aziz, who is a mayor emeritus at Casey, was charged with one count of receiving secretcommissionsfromWoodmanbetween10 May2017and31October2019.
This was allegedly in order to show favour to the developer, as well as Woodman’s company Watsons Pty Ltd and Watson’s associates in their dealings with Casey Council, according to charge sheets. Aziz has also been charged with two counts each of wilful misconduct in public office and misuse of position. This includes Aziz allegedly failing to declare his financial dealings with Woodmanandfailingtodeclareaconflictofinterest during council votes on The Pavilion housing estate in Clyde and an intersection at Hall Road,CranbourneWest.
Woodman, who appeared at court in person,hasbeenchargedwithgivingsecretcommissions to Aziz between 10 May 2017 and 31 October2019.AzizandWoodmanwererepresentedbyseparatelawyersincourt.
A magistrate granted an adjournment to defence lawyers due to the immense size of the prosecution’s brief-of-evidence, said to include about 1000 exhibits. The co-accused were scheduled to appear at a committal mention at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 23 April. Aziz was given leave to appear by remote video link due to the serious medical issueshefaces,themagistratesaid.
IBAC has stated the charges arise from its Operation Sandon inquiry into planning and property development decisions at City of Casey. It followed a five-year investigation of property developers, Casey councillors and state MPs, which spanned 40 days of public hearingsandsevenprivateexaminations.
In the midst of the early public hearings, then-Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek sacked Casey’s councillors and installedapanelofadministratorstooverseethe councilin2020.
By Jensy Callimootoo
Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra often recalls the story of his nearly fatal drowning when he was a boy.
The community volunteer and professor at Federation University, remembers the moment he lost his footing in a sacred body of water in India, he remembers battling the depth of the water as he tried his best to stay up before a stranger saved him.
Likewise, when he began to learn to swim as an adult in Australia, the image of this traumatic experience relayed in his mind.
“It actually left a very scary impression on my mind,” said the professor.
“Even now, when I do basic swimming skills and I get into water, that scene comes into my mind again.”
DrKandra’sexperience,however,isnotunique.
For many migrants living in Australia, basic swimming skills and water safety awareness is often overlooked.
The Royal Life Saving Society (RLS) 2025 national drowning report, highlighted that from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, 357 fatal drownings were reported — a third of which were individuals born overseas.
The numbers reported were confronting, with a 27 per cent increase in a 10 year average.
Those born overseas accounted for 37 per cent of all drownings in the last decade and are 5 times more likely to drown, according to Life Saving Victoria (LSV).
Thereportalsofoundthatthosewhoweremost disadvantaged, such as those who come from lowsocioeconomic locations are twice more likely to drown.
While those over 65 are also most at risk.
Both RLS and LSV asserts these numbers are compounded by multiple existing barriers, from accessible language limitations, to differing cultural, religious, social and financial barriers.
It also outlined that while exposure to water is evolving, swimming skills are in rapid decline.
David Holland, LSV’s strategic advisor and D&I
Lunar New Year Wishing Tree
Write down your wish and hang it on the tree to bring good luck and fortune during the Year of the Horse.
• until Wednesday 4 March at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ greater-dandenong-council/events/lunar-newyear-wishing-tree-springvale-community-hub Bird Puppets workshop
Recycle and reuse plastic two-litre milk bottles in this fun and educational workshop. Design and make a helmeted honeyeater or wedge tailed eagle with moving wings to take home.
• Tuesday 10 February, 6.30pm-8pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required: greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/ event-detail/ev_6affb0aea7964a30976e7e5 367fa89c4
‘Women’s Empowerment Workshops
Workshops designed to uplift and empower women from all backgrounds in a fun and supportive environment. Topics around personal welbeing such as practical self-defence, creative arts and fun dance sessions, mindfulness and wellbeing tips, and friendly group connection and support
• Wednesdays 11 February - 25 March, 9.50am12pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Free event. Details: 0491 144 836 or rachelw@adec.org.au Kwabo dance workshop
Join Gracieuse Amah from Kwabo Events in a Kwabo (welcome) dance workshop. Congolese rhythms, movement and cultural expression while learning a short, upbeat routine to spark joy, confidence and connection. No prior dance experience required.
• Saturday 14 February, 10am-11am at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Registration required: https://greaterdandenong-events. bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_f7e55671073149b7ae541c399d745a28
BIG Summer Read finale
Join us for a day of magic, stories and surprises as we wrap up the BIG Summer Read in style. Special guest, storyteller and magician Em Chandler, will share enchanting fairy tales and spellbinding tricks. Prizes for reading achievements.
Fatal
community outreach, told Star News that this can be attributed to low participation in aquatics activities both in country of origins as well as upon arrival in Australia.
Many born overseas don’t see basic swimming skills as priority.
Mr Holland said that while these barriers are stillevident,targetedprogramsandresourceshave sought to address them.
“LSV, over the last four years of regular engagement with seniors within CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) and non-CALD communities, has seen an enthusiastic and positive response to participation in water safety activities once seniors are actually approached and invited to do so,” he said.
“LSV has engaged over 4,600 seniors through 172 water safety focussed, beach, pool and classroom activities since 2022.”
After his fearful encounter with the water, Dr Kandra began a fresh journey as an adult and through his own success, has since been able to encourage and inspire hundreds from the Casey’s multiculturalcommunitytotakeupadultlearning.
DrKandrawasalsoheavilyimpactedbydrowning fatalities within his own community, including
• Saturday 14 February, 2pm-4pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Registration required: greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ ev_8d7637076be2427c890bc703da4907ca
Horror classic
High-octane ukulele ensemble The Uke Death Squad with a special outdoor screening of cult classic 1955 sci-fi horror film Tarantula! Part of the six-week outdoor event series Open Space at Bunjil Place.
• Saturday 14 February 6pm-9pm at Bunjil Place plaza, Narre Warren; free event. Details: bunjilplace.com.au/events/open-space-tarantula Springvale Lunar New Year Festival
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with traditional lion dancing, fire crackers, martial arts demonstration, folk dancing and Chinese opera, K-pop, hip hop and break Dancing, and singers and bands from a variety of nationalities. Sensational fireworks finale.
• Sunday 15 February, 10am-10pm at Buckingham Avenue, Springvale; free event.
CaseyGirlsCan Tennis at Doveton Free, coached beginner tennis sessions for Casey women, no prior skills or knowledge of tennis required. Follows the Cardio Tennis format. Part of City of Casey’s Summer of Tennis. ll equipment included but if you have your own racquet, please bring it with you.
• Mondays until 23 February 10am-11am at Doveton Tennis Club, Oak Avenue (Robinson Reserve). Bookings: trybooking.com/DIFFV Keeping Kids Safe
Free parenting program to keep young people safe and prevent sexual violence and harm. The program takes place over four consecutive weeks.
• Tuesdays 17 February-10 March, 6pm-8.30pm at South East Community Links, 186 Foster Street East, Dandenong; free event. Bookings: whise.org.au/keeping-kids-safe Bird Puppets workshop
Recycle and reuse plastic two-litre milk bottles in this fun and educational workshop. Design and make a helmeted honeyeater or wedge tailed eagle with moving wings to take home.
• Tuesday 17 February, 6.30pm-8pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Registration required: greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/
four individuals from Casey who were travelling from India.
Mr Holland says that when tragedies occur in the water, it can often bring awareness.
“Drowning tragedies over recent years appear to have further raised community awareness and rightful concern on the issue of adults from CALD communities having low water safety knowledge and aquatic ability swimming,” he said.
Beginning in July 2024, Dr Kandra and his colleagues from the Officer Sikh Temple initiated a ‘safely engaging with water’ program which was officially launched on World Drowning Prevention Day.
“The key focus of this program is not to reach water safety, but rather, to connect people with water so that people can understand what good swimming can do to our lifestyles and to our well being,” said the professor.
Since the program began 18 months ago, Dr Kandra said that over 300 adults have graduated with lifesaving aquatic skills.
The program also leverages on the social and lifestyle aspects of swimming, ensuring that nonswimmers who are born overseas understand that being knowledgeable on key swimming skills is also an essential part of being around large bodies of water.
Dr Kandra, likens it to learning how to drive.
“When a new person relocates to Australia, whether they’re a student or a first generation migrant, they know in the first week to start understanding the driving rules in Australia and they take a few driving lessons and they start taking some tests and then they get a license,” he said.
“They do understand that driving is very important for them to survive in Australia in the same way they look at other things. But when it comes to swimming, it’s not on their lists of priorities.
It’s not that they don’t want to learn swimming but also because swimming has never been in the curriculum of the education that is imparted in some countries.
ev_b9bf3f8af9044193b6d79fea7d182514
History of Dandenong Town Hall
The Place To Be: Dandenong Town Hall exhibition is celebrating 135 years of the iconic venue —now cherished as the Drum Theatre— which has stood as a cornerstone of local life. Explore its remarkable journey through photographs, fashion, stories, and shared memories.
• Mondays to Fridays, 10am-4pm until 20 February at Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong and Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am-2pm at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens (Benga), 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; free event.
9x5 exhibition launch
Works of over 200 artists at the 9 by 5 Exhibition, returning for its 18th year in 2026. A modern take on the tradition of creating art on nine by five-inch cigar box lids, as pioneered by Australian artists Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Arthur Streeton, and Frederick McCubbin.
• Saturday 21 February, 3pm-5pm at Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registrations required, details: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/9-5-opening-event
Elysian Blues + Yeo
We’re celebrating the Year of the Horse with an evening of music, food, art and fun. Featuring Elysian Blues, DJ tunes by Yeo and the amazing Hung Hing Lion Dance performers. Part of the Open Space outdoor event series.
• Saturday 21 February 6pm-9pm at Bunjil Place plaza, Narre Warren; free event. Details: bunjilplace.com.au/events/open-space-elysianblues-yeo
Lunar New Year at Dandenong Market
A vibrant celebration of South-East Asian flavours, cultural performances, family fun and a cooking demonstration by celebrity Chef, Vincent Lim (Dimsimlim).
• Sunday 22 February, 10am-3pm at southern car park, Dandenong Market, cnr Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong; free event.
Spiders of Paradise
Maria Fernanda Cardoso: Spiders of Paradise exhibition highlights the natural beauty and wonder of the Australian Maratus spider.
“We have to tell the multicultural communities that water is fun.
“If you get into the water with your family, you can have quality time and you can also do things like water sports and swimming. It’s good for your health.
“If you go on a holiday and if you know swimming, you can enjoy the beaches.
“So rather than just taking selfies of the beaches, you actually enjoy the beach and you enjoy the waters there.
“And once you enjoy the good quality of water in the Australian beaches, you understand the significance of environment and sustainability.
“So these are the things that have not been told, that have not been used as a motivator for migrants.”
Both Dr Kandra and RLS have equally emphasised the importance of instilling change in the mindsets and attitudes surrounding swimming, with many migrants “fearing” or holding an entrenched phobia of the water — a fear that can transfer to younger generations.
“Often, when our kids go to schools, the school asks for a consent that their child should be allowed to go to swim centers, and learn swimming,” said Dr Kandra.
“A lot of parents do not provide that consent.
“In certain cases, parents do not provide the consent and as a result, their kids do not engage with swimming for several reasons.
“This is where the parents have to ensure that they build swimming skills in their children.
“It is a vital lifesaving skill and multicultural parents should not ignore this, they should encourage it.
“Because every life that is saved in the water, is an Olympic gold in itself.”
“Or much bigger than an Olympic gold.”
The adult swimming program has since partnered with multiple local swimming pools, from Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong and welcomes further keen participation from the community.
• until 22 February at Bunjil Place; free event. Open Space: Pseudo Echo
Legendary Australian new-wave pioneers of 1980s synth-pop and dance-rock hits Pseudo Echo are taking you to Funky Town. Supported by Lupa J and Alkira Synth Collective.
• Saturday 28 February 6pm-9.30pm at Bunjil Place plaza, Narre Warren; free event. Details: bunjilplace.com.au/events/open-space-pseudo-echo
VIEW Club 40th birthday
Celebrating 40 years of fun, friendship and support of The Smith Family Learning for Life Program. Twocourse dinner with Elvis tribute entertainer Funky Elvis.
• Tuesday 3 March, 6.30pm for 7pm at Dandenong RSL, cnr Stud Road and Clow Street, Dandenong. RSVP by 10 February to Gunta, gunta55@hotmail.com and 0417 511 588 or Robyn, robyn_942@hotmail.com and 0419 337 100.
Free Pickleball
All equipment supplied.
• Mondays 5.30pm-6.30pm and Wednesdays 10am-11am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring; free event. Bookings via trybooking.com
Casual pickleball
Just turn up early to secure your place. All equipment supplied.
• Fridays 10am-11.30am and Sundays 9am10am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring. All equipment supplied, $5.40 per session.
Keysborough Probus Club
Probus Club invites retired or semi-retired seniors to join the club, offering outings, morning teas, film afternoons and friendships.
• First Thursday of the month, 10am at the South Eastern Masonic Centre, 270 Hutton Road, Keysborough. Contact: Judy Kemp 0429982422 or kempptr@bigpond.net.au
Free Social Knitwork
Come along and make new friends while building on skills, sharing patterns, stories and good times.
• Wednesdays 10am-12.30pm, Dandenong Library 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Registrations not required.
Sales
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• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Effective time management to meet deadlines
• Ability to operate in a team
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility
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Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to:
Advertising Sales Manager
Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
By Blair Burns
It was a huge weekend of action in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) with two-day matches played across Saturday and Sunday, with several matches producing outright results and big individual performances.
Dandenong Park Oval hosted the Turf 1 clash between the formidable Buckley Ridges and Narre South, with a staggering 726 runs scored across the match.
The Bucks dominated from the outset, posting 427 on day one thanks to centuries from Dale Tormey (157) and Ben Wright (106).
Tormey, who had already recorded scores of 91 and 89 earlier in the season, finally broke through for triple figures in emphatic fashion, blasting 24 fours and three sixes.
He put on key partnerships of 159 with Ayush Patel (68) and 136 with Wright, while Ishan Jayarathna added a composed 69 not out.
Deeshan Umagiliyage battled hard for Narre South, taking three wickets but was unfortunately the third ton of the day, conceding 106 runs from his 21 overs.
Narre South’s reply began disastrously when opener Kyle Hardy edged the third ball of the innings to the keeper, leaving the Lions 1/4.
Jawed Hussaini (63) and captain Jeevan Mendis (91) showed great resilience to steady the innings, but Harry Snowden removed both as wickets continued to fall.
Despite gritty efforts from Umagiliyage (32) and Liam Sheehan (32 not out), Narre South was bowled out for 299.
Hussain Ali (3/32) and Snowden (3/52) led the way as Buckley Ridges moved to 10–1 for the season.
Hallam Kalora Park locked in fourth spot with an outright win over Parkmore, driven by a ninewicket match from fast bowler Will Whyte.
Parkmore collapsed for 102, with Whyte (3/31), Leigh Booth (2/1), Lee Brown (2/18) and Jawid Khan (2/29) sharing the wickets.
Half centuries from Benjamin Hillard (55), Damith Perera (68) and Austin Fardell (51) lifted the Hawks to 4/185 before a declaration at 6/242 on day two.
Parkmore threatened briefly through Ankit Saxena (31) and Harmanpreet Singh (57), but Whyte returned to rip through the tail with a remarkable 6/43 as the Pirates were bowled out for 121.
There was plenty happening at Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve, where 26 wickets fell across the weekend in a dramatic match between Beaconsfield and Berwick.
The Tigers were skittled for just 49 after winning the toss and batting first, with James Trodd (4/12), Jarrod Goodes (3/9) and Toby Wills (2/5) proving unplayable.
Berwick responded strongly to reach 4/162 on day one before declaring at 8/180, setting up an outright chance.
Beaconsfield again struggled, slumping to 8/97, before Mitch Tielen (8 not out off 78 balls) and Mitchell Kidd (5 not out off 68 balls) showed great resolve to deny the outright, with Berwick
winning on first innings.
Springvale South completed an outright win over Dandenong West, set up by disciplined bowling and a spectacular century from Jordan Wyatt.
Dandenong West made 174, led by Mohit Mandora’s gritty half century and a late 45 not out from Jackson Collard, while Dasun Opanayaka claimed 5/64.
Springvale South replied with Wyatt producing one of the knocks of the season, smashing 131 off just 97 balls as the Bloods declared at 7/324.
Wyatt is one of the most destructive batters in the competition and there is always a sigh of relief
when opposition bowlers see the back of him … but that didn’t happen for a while this round. Mandora again stood tall with 65 in the second innings, but Dandenong West was bowled out for 130 to seal the outright result.
OTHER GRADES
TURF 2: HSD 5/256 d Lyndale 255, Coomoora 7/128 d Cranbourne 127, North Dandenong 197 & 1/164 d Silverton 86 & 8/273d.
TURF 3: Berwick Springs 9/221d d Keysborough 129 & 6/102, Buckley Ridges 3/210 d St Mary’s 207, Lynbrook 8/270d d Fountain Gate 143 & 2/61, Narre North 9/258d d Springvale South 137.
By Justin Schwarze
A tightly-contested day one between Dandenong and Melbourne sets the stage for an exciting finish in round 16 of Victorian Premier Cricket.
At Shepley Oval, the Panthers won the toss and opted to bat.
A near 50-run stand to open the day provided a promising platform before a wrench was thrown in the works when skipper Brett Forsyth (21) was trapped in front by Jack Sullivan, followed by Venuk Hemachandra (24) being caught in the next over.
Dhanusha Gamage (0) fell in the next over after that, becoming Sullivan’s second victim and suddenly, the hosts lost 3/0 and went from 0/47 to 3/47.
The situation didn’t improve when Shobit Singh (3) was also sent on his way by Sullivan shortly after to leave Dandenong reeling at 4/52.
Josh Slater (8) didn’t add much either before he too was removed by Sullivan before a potentially match-saving partnership of Matthew Wilson and James Nanopoulos salvaged things for the Panthers.
The pair piled on nearly 100 runs as a combination, with both raising the bat in the process.
Wilson (70) then departed and Nanopoulos (54) wasn’t far behind him but the scoreboard now read a more respectable 7/188.
The final three wickets added just 15 runs and Dandenong stumbled to a score of 203 after 73.3 overs.
Sullivan finished with figures of 5/42 from 17
overs while Christian Howe bagged 3/14 in his 6.3 overs.
Melbourne was then required to bat 19 overs
to round out the day, providing the Panthers with an opportunity to add a twist to the contest. And the opportunity arose, with Noah Hur-
ley knocking over Blake Thomson (6) to have the visitors 1/10 in their second over.
Hurley wasn’t done there, causing further mayhem by trapping Christopher Kellaway (0) in front before finding the edge of Jonathan Merlo (0) in the same over.
However, the onslaught didn’t stop as Howe (0) posted a third consecutive Melbourne duck as Nanopoulos secured his wicket.
The visitors had lost 3/1 and were 4/25.
But remaining in-form opener Farzan Chowna remained in the middle and guided the rest of the day alongside Nikki du Toit, building a 51run partnership in retaliation and seeing Melbourne to 4/76 at stumps.
The visitors will need 128 runs for victory on day two.
Casey South Melbourne enjoyed another positive day at the pointy end of the season with the Swans well-positioned against Ringwood.
A magnificent bowling performance from young gun Harry Hoekstra (5/32 off 20.1 overs) helped his side bowl out the Rams for 199 at Jubilee Park.
Frustratingly, Casey South Melbourne had the hosts 8/115 before an annoying 69-run stand shared between Jackson Freeman (76) and Luke Tully (28) pushed their score out to a competitive total.
To finish day one, the Swans batted 17 overs and lost Finlay Gordon (17) and Jackson Isakka (12) to be 2/48 overnight.
Ash Chandrasinghe (15 not out) and night watchman Nathan Lambden (0 not out) will resume the chase on day two with 152 runs to get.
By David Nagel
Noble Park (5/220d) is still beautifully poised for a high finish in the VSDCA East/West competition despite its push for outright points falling short against Donvale (98 and 5/137) on Saturday.
Noble was dominant on the opening day; rolling the Lions cheaply and taking a 10-run lead into day two with Sahan Perera and Janaka Liyanabadalge at the crease on 20 and 2 not out respectively.
The pair batted for an additional 27 overs on the weekend, the partnership extending to an unbroken 118-runs with both Perera (75 not out) and Liyanabadalge (58 not out) making stylish half centuries.
Liyanabadalge then declared, giving his bowlers 50 overs to claim 10 wickets and haul in maximum points.
Noble was on track early before fighting knocks from Ben Wright (51), Rajapakse Rajapaske (27) and Keshav Sankar (21) denied a fairytale finish.
First-innings points were still a huge boost for Noble, who jumps from sixth to fourth on the ladder.
A high-finish is still very much in its own hands, with games against Croydon (8th), Melton (10th) and near-neighbours Endeavour Hills (14th) to round out its season.
The winning-streak of Endeavour Hills (226) has finished at one after the Falcons were chased down by a methodical Mt Waverley (3/228) batting line up at Mt Waverley.
The Falcons were never in this one, with early partnerships of 40 and 73 setting the trend for the day.
Savya Narasimha (63) and Hareen Silva (38) did the initial hard work for the winners, before Aingharan Athiiththan (56 not out) and Ben Hocking finished off the job with an unbeaten partnership of 107.
Noble Park captain Janaka Liyanabadalge had to settle for a first-innings points against Donvale on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 531172)
The Falcons, currently fourteenth, next play Box Hill (15th) and Bayswater (8th) before the final round home-game against Noble.
In the stand out performances on day two of round 12, Callum Hands (5/28) bowled Altona (160) to victory against Melton, while a 167-run partnership between Darcy Harmer (102) and Dean Russ (73) saw Werribee (4/209) jump from fifth to third with a six-wicket win over Hoppers Crossing (205).
Results R12 (Day 2): Noble Park 5/220 def Donvale 98 and 5/137, Mt Waverley 3/228 def Endeavour Hills 226, Bayswater 7/235 def Box Hill 9/234, Croydon 161 def by Balwyn 206, Melton 140 def by Altona 160, Spotswood 220 def by Yarraville 7/221, Taylors Lakes 151 def by Williamstown 228, Werribee 4/209 def Hoppers Crossing 205.
Ladder R11: Balwyn 57, Altona 52, Werribee 51, Noble Park 51, Hoppers Crossing 48, Spotswood 48, Taylors Lakes 42, Bayswater 39, Croydon 33, Williamstown 33, Melton 30, Yarraville 30, Mt Waverley 30, Endeavour Hills 21, Box Hill 15, Donvale 0.
Fixture R13 (Two Day): Noble Park (4) v Croydon (9), Endeavour Hills (14) v Box Hill (15), Balwyn (1) v Bayswater (8), Donvale (16) v Mt Waverley (13), Hoppers Crossing (5) v Altona (2), Spotswood (6) v Taylors Lakes (7), Williamstown (10) v Melton (11), Yarraville (12) v Werribee (3).
By David Nagel
Dartboards have been illuminated for the first time in 2026 with an exciting new season of the Mountain Dart League kicking off on Friday night.
In Division 1, the big question is: Can anyone knock off High 5’s?
It’s only early, but the answer to that question may be Clayton Cobras or MDDA Bullseyes after both teams recorded convincing roundone victories.
A good night at the oche from Jack Pearce led the Cobras to an 8-2 win over The Bandits.
Pearce put together a lovely 19-dart leg and also threw the only 180 for the contest.
Rod Olsen pegged out with a game-high 52 finish to contribute to the win as well.
Bullseyes were also impressive, knocking off perennial finalist Noble Park-1 7-3.
Shane Taylor and Nick Cass threw two 140s each for Bullseyes, while Dean Sherson gave his team a huge boost with a stylish 99 checkout.
Noel Beasy threw two 140s for Noble, while Bill Richardson was in good form with a 19-dart leg and winning all of his five matches.
And High 5s have survived a night of highlights from Bad Boys, winning 6-4 in the close one on the opening night of action.
Sam Bellinger had a massive night for Bad Boys, throwing back-to-back legs of 14 and 18 darts.
Bellinger had visits of 125, 81, 140, 97 and 58 in his 14-darter, before backing that up with 81, 100, 100, 100, 60 and 60 just one leg later.
Jamie Wolff threw a 180 for Bad Boys, but High 5’s somehow found a way to win with Jamie webster leading the way with a brilliant 105 peg.
In Division 2, a classy 180 from Kevin Frost provided Spectrum with the impetus for an 8-2 win over Check Out.
Leipua Ahotolu was in good nick for Check Out, landing a 17-dart leg and 72 finish, but Spectrum proved too strong across the board.
Aaron and Mitchell Kirkmoe were in good form on night one, leading The Night Trawlers to a 6-4 win over Madarras.
Aaron and Mitch combined for a 17-dart leg
in doubles, while both also threw 140s on the night.
Steve Clarke provided the highlight for Madarras with a quality 73 finish.
And Redbacks defeated Rebels 7-3, despite the losing team providing the highlights.
Tewerita Tapara knocked in a 20-dart leg, Tom Nicholson found two 140s in the match and Kaye Dawson impressed with a 68-peg; but the Redbacks were still too good.
In Division 3, a 180 from Gunther Czmok and 70 peg from Nga Tutera led Vales 3 to a 7-3 triumph over The Goodies, while a magnificent ‘TV’ finish of 132 from Brett Dykes propelled
Stingrays to a 7-3 win over MDDA Black Bulls. Sean Davies threw the highest three darts on the night; a 133 to keep his Stingrays in the hunt on the opening night of the new season.
DIVISION 1
RESULTS: MDDA Bullseyes def Noble Park (1) 7-3, Clayton Cobras def The Bandits 8-2, High 5’s def Bad Boys 6-4.
LADDER: Clayton Cobras 4, MDDA Bullseyes 4, High 5’s 4, Bad Boys 0, Noble Park (1) 0, The Bandits 0.
FIXTURE: Bad Boys v Clayton Cobras, Noble Park 1 v High 5’s, The Bandits v MDDA Bullseyes.
DIVISION 2
RESULTS: Redbacks (1) def Rebels 7-3, T.N.T def Madarras 6-4, Spectrum def Check Out 8-2.
LADDER: Spectrum 4, Redbacks (1) 4, T.N.T. 4, Madarras 0, Rebels 0, Check Out 0.
FIXTURE: Check Out v T.N.T, Redbacks 1 v Spectrum, Madarras v Rebels.
DIVISION 3
RESULTS: Stingrays def MDDA Black Bulls 7-3, Vales 3 def The Goodies 7-3. Bye: Stingers. LADDER: Stingrays 4, Vales (3) 4, MDDA Black Bulls 0, The Goodies 0, Stingers 0.
FIXTURE: Stingrays v Stingers, Vales 3 v MDDA Black Bulls.
Tuesday 10 March 2026 From 3.30pm – 7.00pm Last tours leave at 6.00pm.
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