Dandenong Star Journal - 3rd March 2026

Creeky clean

In a preview to National Clean Up Day, volunteers pitched in to clear an array of trash from Dandenong Creek and its wetlands near Myuna Farm, Doveton last week.

Three families caught the farm’s train and trekked along the creek before collecting five, 40-litre bags of rubbish on Wednesday 25 February.

Soft plastics, wrappers, glow sticks and even a television were extracted from the habitat heaving with birds, fruit bats and fish.

Casey mayor Stefan Koomen thankedthefamiliesfortheirefforts.

“By taking part in this event, you are helping to prevent rubbish from entering the waterways around Myuna Farm, which provide important habitat for waterbirds and Grey-headed Flying Foxes.”

Much of the sediment and debris gets washed into the creek during storms and floods, or from illegal dumping or littering.

More people are also reportedly living along the creek due to housing stress, leading to rubbish, greywater and human waste pollution.

On Sunday 1 March, Clean Up Australia Day recorded more than 750,000 volunteers cleansing more than 8000 sites nationally.

High contrast

This year’s state election looks like a contest between two different skylines in Greater Dandenong.

Last month, the State Government has approved a permit for the first stage of the longawaited $600 million redevelopment of Little India in Dandenong.

All existing properties on the 8.8-hectare site at 139-157 Thomas Street (abutting Foster and Mason streets and Halpin Way) will be demolished.

Dandenong Ward councillor Jim Memeti said the permit approval gave him “small encouragement” , but “I’m not excited yet”

Given Capital Alliance was announced as the

It paves the way for a $100 million trio of towers up to 60 metres, including 325 apartments and a new laneway for Little India shops and eateries.

preferred developer in 2020, Cr Memeti urged works to start by this year’s end.

Cleeland Ward councillor Rhonda Garad welcomed the prospect of homes for younger generations in Dandenong’s CBD.

Meanwhile, the Coalition last week seemed to pivot from the Government’s plan for more towering apartment high-rises at Springvale and Noble Park ‘train and tram activity centres’.

Though scant on detail, the Opposition’s focus was on densifying Melbourne’s inner suburbs and outer growth corridors such as Casey-Cardinia.

It also hinted at retaining councils’ structure plans, which set more modest building-heights at Springvale and Noble Park CBDs as well as Dandenong’s residential neighbourhoods.

More details, turn to page 3

Safety push after tragedy

By Jensy Callimootoo

As the Provence Centre at Mazenod College filled with people honouring 16-year-old Chris, a heavy stillness lingered in the air.

Chris Rua Antony died last Friday after being hit by a car during his walk home from school, on Pound Road in Narre Warren on Friday 13 February.

Hundreds of the community came together to honour their “dear friend” during a Eucharist at Chris’s high school on the evening of Monday 23 February — from fellow Mazenod students with their parents, Chris’ peers, teachers and school leaders.

Also in attendance were Chris’ parents Antony Francis and Agal and his sister, Auxilia.

As part of the Eucharist ceremony, several of Chris’ items were brought to remember the life he lived – among them laid a Rubik’s Cube and

basketball, two of Chris’ many passions.

“He loved basketball,” Antony told Star News.

“I’m not a great basketball fan, but he knew all of these big stars’ names. He was completely on to it. And he had two basketballs at home.”

“He was also a highly visual learner.

“In fact, with a Rubik’s Cube, he could do any combination, he would reassign it and put it in one shape within 30 seconds.

“And it was insane. And he had about half a dozen or more of Rubik’s Cube all lined up. That was his big pastime.”

The recent fatality of Chris has prompted many local demand for greater road safety along Pound Road — including from the grieving father.

“If only there had been metal barriers near the footpath of Pound Road where Chris was walking, Chris would have stayed alive. How many more innocent lives should be sacrificed before something could be done about this?,” said the father.

In calling for change, Antony and his family have launched a GoFundMe campaign hoping to help raise awareness surrounding Chris’ tragic passing but also to further the education of others in their son’s name.

“I would like to raise some funds to support pedestrian safety and education needs as we are still waiting for the coroners to release Chris to our final care and farewell,” said Antony.

“Chris was such an inspiration and we would like Chris’s legacy to continue by creating scholarships in his name – we want to provide bundles of flash cards or such education supplies to a number of students for free to learn.”

“We as a family will ensure that every dollar raised will be purely used for these two purposes of raising pedestrian safety and education needs.

“May February 20 become ‘Pedestrian Safety Day’

“No parent should ever plan their child’s fu-

neral. But we are in the worst situation.”

Another petition organised by local Alanna Chamberlain, calls for the installation of protective safety barriers between the road and footpath; the relocation of the footpath further away from traffic; an immediate road safety review and for the introduction of stronger speed reduction measures and warning signage.

At the time of publication, the petition, which was started on Sunday 22 February, has over 3500 signatures.

According to public data from the Department of Transport and Planning, since 2022 there have been four pedestrians struck by a vehicle along Pound Road, two sustained serious injuries and two received other injuries – Chris marks the fifth serious injury and the only fatality according to the data.

To donate to Chris’ cause, go to gofund.me/ af090134d

‘I’m close to home’: Teenager’s fateful words to Dad

By Jensy Callimootoo

Tributes have flowed for 16 year old Chris Rua Antony, who passed away following a collision with a vehicle in Narre Warren.

The Mazenod College student was walking home from school on Friday 13 February about 4:30pm when he was hit by a Toyota station wagon that left Pound Road and collided with Chris before crashing into a tree.

Both Antony and his wife, arrived at the crash scene moments after it happened, finding him unresponsive with other drivers trying to help their son.

A week later, Chris’s father, Antony Francis says his son passed away on “his own terms” in hospital with his family by his side.

Antony, who spent all seven days in ICU with his son along with Chris’ mum, says his son’s resilience and “will to fight hard” prolonged the families’ hope that Chris would be OK.

“We were sleeping beside him and waking up with him, but he wasn’t. He was in the same comatose stage,” Antony said.

“We were very hopeful that there may be just a small twitch, maybe a small spark, that’s the only thing we could ask for.

“I thought Chris is a fighter. He will go to full length. He will go to the full moon, because I’ve seen him overcome every barrier.

“Within the third day, the doctors did say that Chris has nothing to give.

“But I thought doctors here always gave you the worst nightmare, worst case scenario, that if something bad happens or something good, they wouldn’t want to increase my hope. So I took it with a pinch of salt and said we’ll work through it.

“Then, on Friday we let Chris go on his own terms.”

In speaking to Star News, his father describes Chris as a shy, kind and incredibly intelligent boy, who was still figuring life out as he was heading into his final year of high school next year.

“He was just taking it one step at a time,” Antony said.

“He did not express grand ambitions yet, but at 16, you don’t look forward to dying.”

Chris was only five minutes from home and

had just gotten off the phone with Antony before the collision.

“I was on the phone with Chris, I was telling him, ‘Chris, I’m arriving at 4:35’ and he said, ‘I’ll be arriving at the same time. I’m close to home’.

“That was about 4:10... and he said, ‘either of us will get there (home) first’.”

Recalling his son’s demeanour, Antony says that Chris’ “magic smile” was large and warm.

“He always smiled the best, I loved it,” Antony said.

“He used to have a photogenic face. As he grew older into a teenager, the last year or two, he became quite reticent and he wouldn’t smile much, unless we really pushed him.

“But that magic smile that he had for his school photo, which was only taken two weeks back…. I can’t take my eyes off it.”

A petition calling for greater security measures on the busy road has already amounted to close

to 2000 signatures in less than 24 hours.

It calls for the City of Casey as well as Vic Roads to install safety barriers between Pound Road and the footpath and also demands the relocation of the footpath to be further away from traffic.

It also calls for an immediate road safety assessment and for introductions of stronger speed reduction measures and speed limits signs.

Alanna Chamberlain, organiser of the petition says that no family should bury their child because a road was left unsafe.

“No resident should fear a car coming through their living room, no pedestrian should risk their life walking on a public footpath,” Alanna said on the change.org site.

Antony echoed these calls, saying that significant changes need to be made to ensure the safety of pedestrians and to inhibit any more fatal incidents in the future.

“I want the Casey Council and the Vic Roads to work to come up with at least a few thousand dollars, — they are not short of money,” Antony said.

“Even metal barriers so that if another person loses control, they are not going to kill a family or an entire community.

“On the Pound Road switch from the Shrives Road intersection, there is no protection for pedestrians. There are no metal bars. There is nothing, it’s completely exposed.”

As the family and the community that knew Chris continue to process the reality of this tragedy, Antony says his son will be remembered by his resilience, stillness and faith.

“All he did was take one day at a time, one step at a time. That’s the best and the beautiful thing that we will continue to remember him for his smiles, his kindness and his ability to just be,” Antony said.

“He was not a social butterfly. No way will I ever say that, if you ask him 10 words, he will give you two. But once he gels with his friends, they adore him. How chill of a person he was.

“And I mean, he would not want to be the centre of attention. In fact, he will be cringing if he knows that he’s been front and centre the last week.

“But I would like to remember Chris as a very loving and kind person who wouldn’t even hurt a

fly and who wanted to do everything in an organised and right manner.

“I was just looking at his study, and I saw his flashcards and everything, and it was all bound up ready to go.

“Perfection was his forte. And I’d like to remember him as the perfect gentleman in his position, his loyalty to his old friends.

“I’d like Chris to be remembered as a person who did these ordinary things in the most ordinary way.”

Chris’s school friends and community have also ensured his memory will live on — from visiting him in hospital, praying and writing well wishes for the family on a school shirt. His school, Mazenod College, hosted a special prayer for Chris on Monday 23 February.

The driver of the car involved in the collision, a 48-year-old Narre Warren South woman, received minor injuries.

Police say investigators are still establishing the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.

Any information or footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.gov.au

Police caught 51 drink and drug drivers during a major road policing operation on Monash FreewayatDandenongNorthon27-28February.

During Operation Colossus,police conducted more than 4,000 preliminary breath tests, with 45 drivers caught exceeding the alcohol limit on FridayandSaturdaynights.

A33-year-oldmanfromClydeNorthprovided anevidentiarybreathtestof0.168.

His license was immediately suspended and hisvehicleimpounded.

Sixdriversalsotestedpositivefordrugs.

Intotal,policedetectedoneinevery88drivers impairedbyeitherdrugsoralcohol.

Fifteen vehicles were impounded across the operationforoffencesincludingspeeding.

Police detected five drivers travelling at 45+ km/habovethespeedlimit.

A further 15 drivers were stopped for having an unauthorised license and four defect notices wereissued.

OperationColossuswasconductedbyGreater Dandenong Highway Patrol members, with support from uniform police, State Highway Patrol andtheRoadPolicingDrugandAlcoholSection. Firsttimeoffenderswhoarefullylicencedand over 26 years of age caught with a blood alcohol limitbetween0.05and0.07willreceivea$611fine andimmediatethree-monthlicencesuspension. The penalties increase substantially for those under 26 years of age, those required to have a zero blood or breath alcohol level, those caught for second or subsequent drink driving offences, andthosecaughtover0.07orabove.

Penalties can include larger fines, longer licence suspensions, alcohol interlocks, attendance at court and even jail time for the most seriousoffences.

Exceeding the prescribed concentration of drugs while driving carries a $611 penalty and a six-monthlicencesuspension.

Triple-tower milestone

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A $100 million, triple-tower retail-apartment complex housing a Little India laneway has been approved by the state’s planning department.

The permit paves the way for the long-awaited first stage of developer Capital Alliance’s $600 million radical revamp of the iconic Indian cultural precinct.

The “village of buildings” with 325 dwellings will stand up to 60 metres tall, with three widely-separated towers of 12 levels, 18 levels and nine levels.

All existing properties on the 8.8 hectare site at 139-157 Thomas Street (abutting Foster and Mason streets and Halpin Way) will be demolished.

Little India will be in a “vibrant new” pedestrianized laneway between Halpin Way and Foster Street, a department assessment stated.

Ground level shops, food and drink outlets will create an “intimate” , “colourful” and “active street environment” and “revitalize the area”

Dandenong Ward councillor Jim Memeti said the permit approval gave him “small encouragement” , but “I’m not excited yet”

Cr Memeti urged works to start by this year’s end.

“It’s six years since that we heard Capital Alliance was the Government’s preferred developer.

“The community is anxious about how quickly it will happen and if it will happen.”

Cr Rhonda Garad, of Cleeland Ward, said the news was a “tremendous shot of confidence”, on top of other imminent high-rise apartments and townhouses in the CBD.

“I think this is a way for us to keep our younger generation living here, who otherwise can’t afford to go into the housing market.”

The site will be home to the bulk of 470 apartments promised in Capital Alliance’s total masterplan over the next 16 years.

The first stage comprises 18 studio apartments and 130 one-bedroom, 150 two-bedroom and 24 three-bedroom flats on Thomas and Mason streets.

Ten per cent will be allocated to “affordable housing”.

There will be 675 square metres of communal open spaces, but its landscaping provides well less than the required canopy cover.

It will also include a childcare centre with outdoor space, seen as “pivotal” to support the building’s occupants and attracting a diverse range of households and businesses, according to Greater Dandenong Council’s submission.

The Department of Transport and Planning approved a 54-space reduction in car parking requirements and a 44-bike parking spaces reduction – which Greater Dandenong Council

also viewed as “acceptable given the site context”.

There will be 216 basement residential car spaces, 589 commercial car spaces, 69 secured bike spaces and 66 visitor bike spaces.

Overall, the design was of a “high architectural and urban design quality” and “significant positive change in the area”, the department stated.

It would be providing much needed housing and increased population in central Dandenong.

Development Victoria, in its review, stated the complex was a “considered and high-quality” proposal that “maximized activation of the site throughout the day”.

The Capital Alliance project masterplan unveiled in 2022 is expected to unfurl in further stages over the next 16 years – including potentially a hotel/conference centre, a supermarket, food hall and community space, cinema and hospital. It is considered a key private development adding impetus to the Government’s $290 million Revitalising Central Dandenong project in 2006.

Housing focus for Canberra conference

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Council will call for social and affordable housing reforms at an upcoming national conference in Canberra.

Mayor Sophie Tan and chief executive Jacqui Weatherill will lead the council delegation at the Australian Local Government Association general assembly on 23-25 June.

Other councillors are expected to register their interest over “coming weeks”

On 16 February, Greater Dandenong approved covering an unknown number of its delgates’ expenses at ALGA. It estimates costs of about $3100 per person, including economy flights, three nights of four-star accommodation, taxis, meals and attendance.

In the past, critics have labelled the ALGA assembly as a “junket” , others have argued that its networking opportunities with other inner-metro councils, MPs and Ministers are worthwhile.

The council has drafted five housing-related motions for ALGA, including a call for a national, coordinated strategy to end homelessness.

Greater Dandenong has been long identified as one of Melbourne’s homeless hotspots, with about 50 sleeping rough in Dandenong.

In the South East, there’s about 11,500 people experiencing homelessness.

Rising costs, low vacancy rates and limited social housing are creating further pressure on low-income people finding a home.

Coalition say they will scrap activity zones

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The Coalition plans to fast-track housing in Melbourne’s inner and outer suburbs, but what does it mean for the middle – such as Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park?’

The Opposition has pledged to “protect the voice of local residents” as well as to scrap “Labor’s enforced planning controls in Springvale, Yarraman, Noble Park and Dandenong, and return planning decisions to residents and local communities”.

“A Liberal and Nationals Government will work with councils, including Greater Dandenong, to implement existing structure plans which in many cases propose a greater number of homes than would occur under Labor’s ‘activity centres’,” opposition planning spokesperson David Southwick said.

It seems that it prefers Greater Dandenong Council’s structure plans of 12-storey maximums (Springvale) and 6 storeys (Noble Park), rather than the 16-storey and 12-storey heights drafted by the Government.

The Opposition didn’t directly respond to whether it would retain the Government target of 52,000 new homes in Greater Dandenong by 2051.

The point of these plans is to supposedly increase housing supply and affordability.

However, Associate Professor Trivess Moore, of RMIT’s school of property, construction and project management, said neither party’s plan would “radically change the dial”.

“They are more around the politics of housing ...

“Regardless of whether you want to build in the CBD, outer suburbs or middle

The council’s other ALGA motions include tax exemptions to encourage the rezoning of council-owned land for social or affordable housing.

Greater Dandenong has identified four suitable council-owned sites for affordable housing, but argues that Victoria’s Windfall Gains Tax imposed “substantial costs ... into the millions” for councils seeking to rezone public land.

It will also move for a nationally-coordinated levy to fund roads, drainage, water, sewerage and community facilities to support new social housing.

This would help bridge a $5.7 billion infrastructure gap to meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 new million homes, the council argues.

Greater Dandenong will also move for building code reform to allow “fast, flexible and affordable” housing construction such as 3D-printed, modular, prefabricated and volumetric housing.

The council also will call for national definitions for social housing and affordable housing – which are confusingly different across Australia’s states.

Greater Dandenong is set to unveil its own housing strategy and action plan for community consultation early this year.

ALGA is the peak lobbying group for 537 local governments in Australia, with its assembly attracting more than 800 mayors and councils each year.

ring suburbs, it’s not going to see a difference in the number of houses constructed - because there’s not enough people in the industry to build them.”

He said he was “frustrated” that government policies didn’t address the slow supply chains, lack of construction workers and the cost of materials.

One idea was to divert construction workers from Big Build to housing project.

“We need to do something about productivity. The length of time to build a property is drifting out.

“We should look at ideas like modular housing that will deliver homes more quickly and of higher quality - which is important for issues of climate resilience and energy affordability.”

A State Government spokesperson said the Opposition plan “wants to hand housing supply back to council blockers which is how we got a housing crisis in the first place”.

The Coalition would cut the 23 train and tram zones – comprising 300,000 new homes by 2051 in middle suburbia, the Government claims.

“Labor’s train and tram zones cut through red tape to build more homes for young people where they want to live.

“Our changes have delivered more new homes than any state and have made Melbourne the most affordable capital city for young renters and buyers - progress that the Liberals now promise to unwind.”

Mr Southwick said the Coalition wanted “every Victorian to have the best opportunity to own their own home”.

“Under Labor, Victoria is building fewer homes now than a decade ago – meaning higher prices, higher rents and less choice.”

It’s a very fine line

OPINION

We’ve been asked to broach the subject of Pauline Hanson.

Now that’s a tough one.

Because damned if we do.

Damned if we don’t.

How do you speak truth when half the country may jump down your throat?

Where is the line between freedom of speech and hate speech?

How do you call out realities without inflaming division?

In true Truth Be Told format - let’s start with facts.

Thank God, it is refreshing that Auntie Pauline steps aside of political correctness and says what others are thinking but dare not say - but…

Religious texts - all of them - contain passages that, taken literally and stripped of context, sound confronting.

There are verses about warfare.

There are verses about slavery.

There are verses about punishment and exclusion.

In some traditions, slavery existed but was regulated with strict rules about humane treatment.

In others, warfare passages were tied to specific historical treaties and conflicts.

Context matters. Interpretation matters. Modern application matters even more.

To weaponise isolated lines from any scripture - without context - is intellectually lazy.

But here is the uncomfortable truth:

When communities see practices that appear inconsistent with modern democratic and human rights values - whether around gender, dress, law, or funding - questions will be asked.

And sometimes, Pauline Hanson asks them.

When refugees appear to receive faster access to housing or support than struggling

Australians, resentment grows.

When government funding flows visibly to certain religious or cultural organisations, while others feel unheard, frustration grows.

When symbols like the burqa enter Parliament as protest theatre, reactions range from outrage to laughter - but the underlying issue remains: identity politics sells.

When citizens must remove helmets at banks for identification, yet see full-face coverings in other contexts, some will ask - where is consistency?

These are not insane questions.

They are triggers for social friction points.

Ignoring them does not make them disappear.

But here is where the line shifts.

When rhetoric moves from questioning policy to targeting people, it fractures cohesion.

When climate action is blocked without viable alternatives, progress stalls.

When equality legislation is opposed wholesale, without nuance, trust erodes.

When funding controversies and past associations with overseas lobby groups surface, questions about influence and democracy are legitimate.

Democracy requires scrutiny - of everyone.

Including those who claim to “tell it like it is”.

Let’s look at Singapore.

Widely described as a guided or “illiberal”

democracy, it maintains elections but tightly controls political freedoms to preserve stability. It is often praised for efficiency, meritocracy and order.

But it is also criticised for limiting dissent.

So here’s the question:

Do we want louder democracy? Or more controlled democracy?

Because both have trade-offs.

Australia’s democracy is messy.

Money influences politics.

Lobby groups exist across the spectrum - mining, unions, renewables, pharmaceuticals, guns.

Pauline Hanson is not unique in being influenced by funding networks. That is a structural issue in our system.

Money talks.

It always has.

The real issue is not one senator.

It is whether our democracy allows disproportionate influence to override balanced policy. As a father who migrated and built a life here, Dad believes deeply in the right to speak freely.

As an educator working in cultural policy, I believe deeply in the responsibility that comes with that freedom.

You can raise hard questions without dehumanising communities.

You can critique policy without fuelling prejudice.

You can defend national cohesion without isolating minorities.

That is the difference between leadership and provocation.

So yes - sometimes Aunty Pauline voices frustrations many Australians quietly hold.

But if those frustrations are amplified without solutions, without nuance and without responsibility, they become fuel - not reform.

Truth be told… democracy survives not on who shouts the loudest, but on who governs with balance. And that’s the standard we should hold everyone to.

Pair charged over alleged armed carjacking

A Dandenong man was among a pair charged with alleged carjacking in Kew on Tuesday afternoon (24 February).

The victim was sitting in his parked Mercedes on Wellington Road when a white vehicle pulled up behind him about 4.30pm.

Two men allegedly got out, produced a knife and demanded the victim to exit his Mercedes.

Thevictim,a48-year-oldRichmondman, managed to get out of his car and was not physically injured.

The two men were unsuccessful in starting the Mercedes and fled towards Scott Street, police say.

They were later seen loitering in Scott Street.

With assistance from the Dog Squad and Critical Incident Response Team, police swarmed the area and arrested them about 8.50pm.

An alleged imitation firearm was also allegedly seized from one of the men during his arrest.

Boroondara CIU detectives charged a 40-year-old Aspendale man with carjacking, possess imitation firearm.

A 33-year-old Dandenong man was charged with carjacking, theft and possess drug of dependence. The pair appeared in court on 25 February.

$1.4 million debt relief

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The relief was palpable, as hundreds were unshackled of $1.4 million of debts and bill stresses at a record-breaking Bring Your Bills event at Springvale City Hall on 24 February.

South East Community Links chief executive Peter McNamara said the results nearly doubled the savings achieved at last year’s event in Springvale ($646,000).

For the 350 attendees, a whopping 96 per cent reported reduced financial stress. The figures included 200-plus waivers, grants and hardship payment plans worth $628,000.

“The relief is visual, you see a smile and the colour return to their faces,” McNamara said.

Bring Your Bills offers practical, on-the-spot help with their utility bills, fines, rents, loans, Centrelink issues and other money worries.

On hand were financial counsellors and interpreters as well as staff from banks, utility companies and ombudsmen to offer waivers, grants and hardship payment plans.

Tellingly, attendees won an average of $3500 in financial relief – up from about $2000 per person last year.

It tells a story of success, but also of alarmingly rising and complex debt burdens, McNamara says.

The most common stressors were energy and water bills (44 per cent) and Centrelink entitlements (23 per cent). However, they were often accompanied by a multitude of financial pains.

“Our data shows that if you are renting you have on average five (financial) issues and if paying a mortgage you have on average three issues - these are on top of paying the rent-mortgage,” McNamara says.

“We’re seeing people who are working, sometimes in two jobs, and still struggling to keep up.

“This is no longer just about unemployment, it’s about affordability.

“People aren’t ignoring their money problems, they simply don’t have enough left at the

end of the week.”

A vast majority at the Springvale event (75 per cent) hadn’t previously asked for help before.

McNamara says it shows cost-of-living pressure is spreading beyond people on Centrelink payments to middle-income families.

“More people are reaching a tipping point.

“By the time families have paid rent or their mortgage, there’s often very little left for energy and water bills, groceries or school expenses.”

One advantage of Bring Your Bills was that people could talk immediately with service providers, rather than enduring a phone queue for

up to three hours, he says.

“Now who has that much spare time to wait?

“Also being sent on-line where there are directed to ‘click’ after ‘click’ for the most basic query.

“I suspect some the systems (phone and online) are designed to be slow and delayed to trap people in.

“Let’s be honest some of the phone based systems are incredibly inefficient and poorly staffed.

“This is why placed based services are essential to connect people, address issues in a timely manner, as well as to maintain trust.”

I choose Lexington Gardens

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

4 March 1926

FIRE

BUSH

DANDENONG POLICE PADDOCKS

The Dandenong fire bell was again heard at 5pm last Monday when a fire was reported to have broken out in the Dandenong police paddocks. Several residents promptly responded to the call and went to the scene. At 10 o’clock the wind strengthened, and the fire became threatening. Flames were noticed to the west of the police depot where black trackers are stationed in the charge of Sargent Haygarth, and for some time the quarters were in danger. They were saved after great difficulty. The fire burned fiercely in the thick undergrowth, ti-tree, blackberries and briars. The fire broke across some cleared land and enveloped the main power line from Yallourn. Mr Gearon, of Dandenong, had some five hundred tons of stacked firewood destroyed and was perhaps the great-

est loss by the fire.

50 years ago

1 March 1976

$500,000 FACELIFT APPROVED

A 12-year battle to improve one of Melbourne’s most used traffic areas moved a step closer in Dandenong Council last week. According to City Engineer, Mr Gordon Wright, the round-a-bout at the junction of Princes Highway, and Cleeland, Clow and McCrae Streets “has at least 100 points of possible vehicle conflict”. He was presenting a lengthy report, culminating in the recommendation steps be taken immediately to begin a $500,000 re-development plan for the area to enable traffic flow. From traffic flow counts over the past few years, it was obvious that traffic volume on Princes Highway was increasing, despite the Mulgrave Freeway. Mr Wright recommended traffic lights at various spots around the Princes Hwy – Cleeland, Clow, McCrae Street area, with suitable protection for

pedestrian traffic.

20 years ago

6 March 2006

Baton mania

Thousands of cheering, flag waving people lined the streets of Greater Dandenong and Casey to watch the runners in the Queen’s Baton Relay. The baton route included a stopover at the Dandenong Hospital before winding its way to the ceremony hosted by Greater Dandenong Mayor, Peter Brown at the Dandenong Plaza. 1992 Olympic cycling gold medallist, Cathy Watt, told the crowd “I’m so proud to be part of it. It’s fantastic all the crowds have turned up.”

Pupils at Dandenong West Primary School had been looking forward to the games since the start of the school year. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity” said assistant principal Hugh O’Reilly. “They’ve heard so much about it; it was good for them to get up close to see and touch the baton.”

5 years ago

2 March 2021

Bridge over troubled rail

In a single week of heavy lifting, 39 massive concrete beams have been hoisted into place at two level crossing removal sites in Dandenong South. At South Gippsland Highway, crews installed 17 beams to form a rail bridge over the rail line in one weekend. Works are also continuing to upgrade the intersection at Princes Highway.

The level crossing is expected to be removed by 2022. At the second site at Greens Road, a rail bridge is being built across the road. More than 17 beams were lifted in place over seven days.

The Greens Road level crossing is expected to be gone by 2023. The level crossing removals are hoped to relieve congestion for about 54,000, including freight trucks in the manufacturing hub.

Hope a practice, not a mood

By Kathy Kaplan OAM, of Jewish faith

Judaism has a blessing for everything: for seeing a rainbow, for hearing good news, for waking up, for eating, even for going to the bathroom.

Every Friday evening, Jews around the world light candles. Not because the week has been kind, and not because everything feels right in the world, but precisely because it isn’t.

The candles are lit as the light fades, not after it has passed. But there are times when offering a blessing feels almost defiant: when the words catch in the throat, when gratitude feels out of sync with how we feel or with the world’s reality.

Yet Judaism asks for the blessing anyway.

Not as denial, but as grounding. From lighting candles in darkness to reciting blessings after

loss, hope is something we Jews do, often before we believe it will work.

That instinct is not unique to Judaism.

Many faith traditions understand that when the world feels fragile, hope can’t be left to emotion alone. It needs structure. Ritual. Repetition.

Something sturdy to carry us when confidence

runs thin. In Jewish life, hope shows up less as optimism and more as practice.

We mark time with rituals that insist on meaning even when meaning is hard to find.

We pause for Shabbat not because everything is resolved, but because rest itself becomes an act of resistance. We speak words of gratitude not after the danger has passed, but while vulnerability is still present.

Jewish hope is built willingness, not on certainty. Even at Sinai, when the Israelites received the Law, they said, “We will do and we will hear” (Exodus 24:7).

Action first. Understanding later.

The Jewish response to loss and uncertainty also reflects this. In the rawness of grief, we recite

the Mourner’s Kaddish, a prayer focused on life and sanctification with absolutely no mention of death. Jewish hope doesn’t deny pain. But Jewish hope refuses to let it have the final word.

Across all faith traditions, hope is demonstrated in the small acts that affirm life, dignity and responsibility. Hope looks like showing up, again and again, not because we are sure all will be fine, but because choosing to act is itself a declaration that the future is still open.

Hope is a practice we all need to return to… together.

Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au or 8774 7662. Visit interfaithnetwork.org.au/

Disqualified drug driver faces jail

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A recidivist drug-affected, speeding and disqualified driver who fled after crashing a rental truck with fatal consequences in Noble Park North has been jailed.

Daniel Hudson, 34, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to culpable driving causing the death of the truck’s passenger, 47-year-old Noble Park woman Janelle Spalding.

He also pled to failing to render her assistance as she was trapped in the truck with severe injuries and unable to breathe.

It was an act that the sentencing judge labelled “cowardly, disgraceful and inhumane”.

Just before 3am on 12 February 2024, Hudson and Ms Spalding drove along a Jacksons Road 60 km/h zone on a run for cigarettes.

At about 67-70 km/h, Hudson steered left, applied emergency brakes and the passenger side of the truck veered onto a nature strip and driveway.

He straightened the truck, and its front passenger corner crashed into a wooden power pole.

While the injured Ms Spalding was trapped, a seemingly unscathed Hudson told a witness to “call triple-0, call the ambulance” and ran away.

Police, with the help of a tracker dog, found Hudson lying behind a hedge on Princes Highway.

Judge Doyle said the culpable driving offence was based on Hudson being incapable of controlling the truck due to his drug use.

Blood samples showed a “biologically significant” amount (0.19 mg/L) of methylam-

phetamine in Hudson’s system.

An expert forensic physician stated that meth-positive drivers were 19 times as likely to cause a collision and posed a “significant risk to the public”, Judge Doyle said.

The veering of the truck was characteristic of meth use, the expert opined.

Hudson also tested positive for GHB at a level “likely to impact driving” – though the level would have been higher at the time of the crash.

The judge accepted that Hudson’s flight from the scene and unfitness for police interview were also “products” of his drug taking. Hudson’s substantial criminal history since 2011 was noted.

It included assaults, drugs, dishonesty, family violence and a “bad record for driving offences” such as multiple disqualified driv-

ing, drug driving, car thefts and suspended driving incidents.

As a result he’d served several jail terms, as well as “entirely unsuccessful” community correction orders and drug treatment orders.

A month before the crash, Hudson was put on a community correction order for an array of offences including drug driving and disqualified driving.

His licence had been further disqualified at the time.

“You must have well understood the seriousness of driving a motor vehicle affected by drugs,” Judge Doyle said.

“If you had only complied with the orders made against you by the courts Ms Spalding’s death could have been avoided.”

Born in Dandenong, Hudson was raised by his grandparents due to his parents’ drug addictions.

Despite his unstable upbringing and entrenched drug addiction, Hudson’s moral culpability was “substantial” in this case, the judge found.

Judge Doyle said it was possible that the crash had been a “wake-up call”, but still rated Hudson’s rehabilitative prospects as “very guarded”.

“If you resume using drugs when you are released, it seems to me a near certainty you will commit further serious offences”.

Hudson was jailed for nine years and 10 months, with a non-parole period of six years and eight months.

His term includes 679 days of pre-sentence detention.

He was disqualified from driving for four years.

Three teens arrested after alleged carjacking

Three teenagers have been arrested after the alleged armed carjacking of a taxi in Dandenong.

Police were called to Dandenong railway station about 2.50am on Friday 27 February after reports that a man and a woman had stolen a cab.

Officers were allegedly told the pair threatened the driver with a knife and were last seen headed out of Dandenong.

Shortly after the incident, motorists reported to Triple Zero (000) a taxi had crashed into a barrier on the Princes Highway entry to the South Gippsland Highway.

Three people were seen running from the scene.

Operation Trinity units along with a Dog Squad member and canine searched for the trio before they were found near Doveton Avenue in Eumemmering.

Two females and a male, aged 15, 16 and 16 were arrested.

They were set to be interviewed by Greater Dandenong CIU detective.

Any information or dashcam footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Women can be inspired

Join us this International Women’s Day and listen to the inspiring, Sarah Davidson.

Sarah’s story embodies the theme of Greater Dandenong Council’s International Women’s Day event and the mission of Council’s South East Business Networks (SEBN), to celebrate women’s achievements while fostering meaningful conversations about equality and opportunity.

About Sarah

After starting her career as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer at a top international firm, Sarah and her partner Nic, “made the jump” when her “side project” which started off as a creative outlet grew itself into a booming business.

Out of their own personal frustrations at a gap in the market, they founded organic matcha green tea company, Matcha Maiden, in late 2014. A plant-based wellness brand that grew from a kitchen side-hustle into a global enterprise. Soon after, she co-founded Matcha Mylkbar, Melbourne’s celebrated plant-based cafe, redefining healthy dining and community connection.

If that isn’t enough, Sarah created an acclaimed podcast Seize the Yay, where she continues to amplify voices and ideas that challenge traditional notions of success.

This is a ticketed event, book your seat today to ensure you don’t miss out.

• When: Thursday 12 March

• Time: 12pm – 2pm

• Where: Drum Theatre, Dandenong

Sarah Davidson.

• Cost: $55 incl. GST

• Booking: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/IWD26

If you require additional assistance to participate, please contact our Business Team via business@cgd.vic.gov.au or 8571 1550.

Empowering all females

International Women’s Day has always been about collective action, connecting women across the globe, providing a platform to celebrate achievements, and advocating for continued progress.

Its origins lie in the labour movement of the early 20th century, when activists like Clara Zetkin called for an annual day to campaign for women’s rights, including the right to vote.

This year marks the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day. The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” reminds us that when we give opportunity, mentorship, and support, we create stronger communities and lasting change for women and girls.

As your sate member for Narre Warren North, I see the extraordinary contributions women make to our community every single day. As small business owners, carers, health workers, teachers, and volunteers, they strengthen and enrich our community.

I see young women accessing education and training opportunities, including through Free TAFE. I see families benefiting from expanded early childhood education. I see women supporting one another through local clubs, services, and grassroots organisations.

I am proud to be part of a government committed to backing women with real action, investing in women’s health, strengthening responses to family violence, and creating pathways to financial independence.

International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a call to action. While we have made important progress, we know there is more to do, from closing the gender pay gap to ensuring every woman feels safe and valued. When we invest in women, we invest in stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Victoria. Together, we will continue building a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to succeed.

twist strain pull push lift lower carry force

2026

SENIORS Comfort, care, confidence

Dementia is one of Australia’s most significant health challenges, affecting more than 400,000 people nationwide. Beyond memory loss, families often observe changes in their loved one’s mood, confusion and mo ments of agitation or anxiety. At Belvedere Aged Care, we believe dementia care must go beyond clinical management and honour an individual’s identity, dignity and connection.

Our approach is grounded in person-centred care. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, we seek to understand the individual, their history, preferences, routines and relationships. When memory fades, familiar rituals matter more. Our team is trained to respond calmly to behaviours often linked to dementia and our carefully designed spaces, consistent staffing and meaningful lifestyle programs help reduce confusion and support a senseofsafetyandbelonging.Importantly,wework in partnership with families to alleviate common emotions many families experience when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. As you begin the journey to care, there are many resources and care options to consider, and our friendly and experienced staff can guide you with the right information to support a loved one living with dementia. Three ways families can support a loved one living with dementia:

• Maintain familiarity. Share life stories, photos and personal items that anchor identity. At Belvedere, we incorporate these into daily routines and personalised engagement activities.

• Communicate simply and consistently. Gentle cues and unhurried conversations reduce anxiety. Our staff model this approach and guide families in effective communication strategies.

• Prioritise wellbeing, not correction. It is often more supportive to validate feelings than to challenge facts. We embed this philosophy in our dementia training and care planning.

• Dementia changes the journey of ageing, but it does not diminish a person’s worth. At Bel-

A perfect week in paradise

By Lucy Waldron

The moment the Save the Date landed in the mailbox, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another wedding, it was going to be an adventure. Printed in simple, bold letters was the location: Koh Tao, Thailand.

A destination wedding. A celebration in paradise.

For my cousin Jamie and his partner Hope, this was more than just a ceremony. It was a chance to bring together family and friends from the US, Argentina, and Australia for a week on a tiny island in the Gulf of Thailand, a place where time felt slower and joy came easily.

I imagined warm breezes, barefoot evenings, and the sound of the ocean in the background. And from the moment we arrived, Koh Tao delivered exactly that, and so much more.

Our first taste of island life came, quite literally, in a Thai cooking class. Hosted by Thai Cooking with Joy, we learned how a handful of humble ingredients could create flavours that lingered long after the plates were cleared.

The star of the class? Spring rolls. What looked simple turned into a hilarious test of rolling skills. Surrounded by the scent of sizzling garlic and an ocean view stretching to the horizon, it became one of those rare moments you want to bottle up forever.

The festivities officially kicked off with a welcome party. We’d spent the afternoon carefully perfecting hair and makeup, only to climb into the island’s version of a taxi: the back of a Ute.

Within minutes, curls unravelled, makeup melted, and any illusions of glamour were left on the roadside.

But it didn’t matter. Everyone arrived equally windswept, and somehow, that made it perfect. Under warm air and soft lights, conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and the night blurred into something quietly beautiful.

If the welcome party broke the ice, the Queens Cabaret melted it entirely. Drag queens lit up the stage with sequins, power ballads, and pure joy, a celebration of music and queer expression that had everyone on their feet.

It became one of the week’s most talked-about moments. If you ever visit Koh Tao, add this to your must-do list.

The next day brought calm seas and slow magic. We boarded a boat and drifted around the island’s reefs, snorkelling through crystal-clear water. Koh Tao, meaning “Turtle Island,” lived up to its name, we spotted a turtle gliding lazily beneath us, unbothered by its human audience.

There were also three baby blacktip reef sharks, darting through coral gardens as schools of colourful fish swirled around us.

Then came the big day. The wedding opened with a downpour, the kind that makes the world hold its breath. And just minutes before Hope walked down the aisle, the rain eased and the sun spilled across the shore.

With the ocean as a backdrop and loved ones

gathered close, Jamie and Hope said, “I do.” It felt cinematic, like the island itself had conspired to set the scene.

“Having our wedding celebrations on Koh Tao was a dream come true,” Hope said.

“Due to our families being from different countries, we decided to invite 60 of our closest friends and family to our favourite little island in Thailand.

“Seeing everyone we love explore and enjoy Koh Tao was so special, and I am so grateful that everyone made the long journey to Thailand to be with us.”

For Hope and Jamie, the week was overwhelming in the best way possible.

“When you looked around and realised all

these amazing people are here because of Jaime and I, we felt so loved and supported and were so happy to see everyone relaxed and on holiday mode,” Hope said.

The celebration stretched long into the night, shoes abandoned, music loud, laughter louder. The next day was slow and sun-drenched, spent lazing on a nearby island, letting the hours stretch like soft linen.

But Thailand had one last plot twist. A storm rolled in just as we left the island, turning our little boat ride into something straight out of an action movie.

Waves crashed, the wind howled, and we clung to the sides, laughing through the chaos. By the time we reached land, we were soaked, windswept, and grinning like fools.

Leaving Koh Tao was unexpectedly emotional. Teary hugs, promises to meet again, that quiet ache that comes from saying goodbye to something truly special.

A wedding had brought us together, but the island gave us so much more, shared adventures, new friendships, and the kind of memories that only happen when you’re far from home and fully in the moment.

Koh Tao, you were paradise.

SPAIN & PORTUGAL DISCOVERY

Barcelona to Lisbon or vice versa

Discover Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, known for its colourful streets and neighbourhoods. Immerse yourself with visits to Seville, Málaga and the Alhambra Palace.

8 DAYS • 3 COUNTRIES • 6 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • NOV 2026; FEB, APR-JUN, SEP-DEC 2027; JAN-JUN, SEP 2028

From $5,095pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $6,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

SPAIN, PORTUGAL & THE MEDITERRANEAN

Lisbon to Rome or vice versa

Circumnavigate the Iberian Peninsula, calling at Andalusian gems. Visit Barcelona and the Sagrada Familía.

15 DAYS • 6 COUNTRIES • 11 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • NOV 2026; JAN-JUN, SEP-DEC 2027; JAN-JUN, SEP 2028

From $8,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $10,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

GRAND MEDITERRANEAN EXPLORER

Istanbul to Lisbon or vice versa

Embark on a grand voyage across the Mediterranean to visit iconic cities and uncover the heritage of civilisations. Trace the French Riviera and circumnavigate Italy’s boot.

36

SEPT 2027; MAR, AUG 2028

From $33,295pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $40,795pp in Penthouse Veranda

No kids, voted world’s best

Private veranda stateroom

Nordic spa facilities

Shore excursions

Choice of 8 dining options

Wi-Fi & gratuities

Wine & beer served with lunch & dinner

24-hour room service

Newest small ship fleet

Jobs and skills showcase

The 2026 Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase is back this month, to connect job seekers with local employers, training experts and designated job support agencies. Designed to support people at every stage of their employment journey, this event offers a welcoming space to explore pathways, gain practical advice and discover real opportunities close to home.

Held on Wednesday 18 March at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, the event starts at 9.15am with a comprehensive Jobseeker Information Session, led by Workforce Australia – Local Jobs. This session is tailored to help participants understand today’s job market, navigate in demand industries and sharpen their resume and interview skills. Whether actively jobhunting or wondering what might come next, the session provides job seekers with local insights and tips to start using

WHAT’S ON

Ramadan Night Market

Discover the global tastes of Ramadan. Food stalls and vans, prizes, rides, activities.

• Thursdays-Sundays until 15 March, 7pm-late at Thomas and Scott streets and Harmony Square, Dandenong.

VIEW Club 40th birthday

Celebrating 40 years of fun, friendship and support of The Smith Family Learning for Life Program. Two-course 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.

Career and Support Expo

Explore training and employment pathways, meet

immediately

From 10am, attendees can step into the main expo, the Jobs and Skills Showcase, featuring more than 60 employers, educators and career specialists from across the region. Exhibitors

potential employers and speak with support services. Hosted by City of Greater Dandenong.

• Wednesday 4 March 10am-1.30pm at Springvale City Hall, 18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale;freeevent.Bookingsessential:eventbrite. com.au/e/greater-dandenong-career-supportexpo-tickets-1648908532809

Lunar New Year Wishing Tree

Write down your wish and hang it on the tree to bring good luck and fortune ing 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

Heritage Hill tour

Take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens. Wander through Benga’s Edna Walling-inspired 1930s garden.

General Classifieds Employment

range from major local employers to emerging industries, apprenticeship providers, training organisations and community services. The expo offers something for young jobseekers, careerchangers, parents returning to work and anyone looking to build new skills

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Owen said this event plays a vital role in strengthening a skilled and connected local workforce.

“Events like the Jobs and Skills Showcase help our community explore new possibilities and feel more prepared,” he said.

“They’re also a great boost for local businesses, giving them the chance to meet job seekers who are ready to become part of a thriving local workforce. Council is proud to support an event that helps residents take the next step in their careers while strengthening our local workforce.”

• Thursday 5 March, 10am-12pm at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; $5pp. Bookings required: greaterdandenong-events. bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_ bb570e95dd5d4379b41c3944a54de742

Compost Workshop

Learn how to start composting and overcome common troubles. Take a look at high quality compost and worm vermicasting.

• Thursday 5 March, 1.30pm-3pm at Noble Park Community Centre, 44 Memorial Drive (Ross Reserve), Noble Park; free event.

International Womens Day Breakfast

Killester College and City of Greater Dandenong present this much-loved community tradition honouring the achievements, resilience and contributions of women across our city.

• Friday 6 March, 6.45am at Springvale City Hall, 18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale; free event

The Jobs and Skills Showcase highlights the power of partnership, supported by Workforce Australia – Local Jobs, Federation University, Star News Group and Care Talent. Together, these organisations are helping create clearer pathways into local jobs and training and strengthening Cardinia’s economic future.

Bookings are essential for this FREE event, and demand is expected to be strong.

Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, preparing to upskill, or exploring a new direction altogether, the 2026 Jobs and Skills Showcase is your opportunity to gain clarity, make connections and take the next step with confidence.

Secure your place today

but donations welcome for Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project. Registrations essential at trybooking.com/events/landing/1507771

Lexington Gardens Market Day

Indoors market of homemade baked goods, jams and relishes, jewellery, knitwear, wooden toys made by our own men’s shed, handstitched items, bags and purses and more. Cash only stalls, free entry.

• Friday 6 March, 10am-1pm at Lexington Gardens Retirement Village, 114 Westall Road, Springvale.

Mini Sustainability Festival

Activities such as recycled collage art, refills of natural cleaning products, mending and patching, preloved book giveaway, clothes swap and urban harvest swap. Eco-friendly door prizes.

• Saturday 14 March, 11am-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event.

Sales

Buckley blow away Hawks

By Blair Burns

The first week of finals is now set for the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 competition with two enticing match-ups set for this weekend.

Buckley Ridges managed to get a crucial win against Hallam Kalora Park to secure the minor premiership, edging out Springvale South by one point.

The Bucks passed the Hawks test with flying colours, with 449 runs scored during the one-day match at Dandenong Park Oval.

Hallam Kalora Park lost the toss and was sent in first, and despite losing three early wickets, captain Jordan Hammond responded with a classy half century.

Ben Hillard (40) and Lee Brown (56) followed suit and helped the Hawks to a competitive score of 224, with Bucks star Ishan Jayarathna taking 4/44 with the ball.

In reply, Buckley Ridges was never going to leave the game to chance, scoring at a ridiculous run rate to beat any inclement weather that may have been on the way.

The competition’s two leading run scorers Dale Tormey (17) and Ben Wright (22) missed out, but there were others who picked up the slack.

Ayush Patel blasted a rapid 76 with 11 fours and five sixes for his best score of the season, while Jayarathna (65) and Roshane Silva (36 not out) also cashed in.

The Bucks remarkably reached 3/225 off just 24 overs to win comfortably by seven wickets.

In other games, an undermanned Springvale South made it five wins in a row as it defeated Beaconsfield by 32 runs at Perc Allison Oval.

The Bloods lost the toss and were sent in first, opening up with Nicholas Boland (34) and Mitch Forsyth (12).

But it was once again Dasun Opanayaka, the freshly crowned Wookey Medallist, who responded with his fourth half century this season to score 55.

Jordan Wyatt (33) and Blade Baxter (23) also made valuable contributions as the side limped to 9/185 off 45 overs.

Things started well for the Tigers as skipper Andrey Fernando (36) and Jake Cronin (34) put on a 78-run opening stand, but only two players made double figures from that point onwards.

Thanks to an even bowling spread from Springvale South, the Bloods bowled out Beaconsfield for 153 in 38 overs.

Parkmore had its first win of the entire Turf 1 season, which came in its final round against Narre South.

The Pirates won by just one wicket in thrilling fashion, as they managed to chase down the runs in the final over.

The Lions batted first and while a lot of players got starts, Adam Snelling was the top scorer with 35 as they were bowled out for 152; Avisha Wilwalaarachchi took 4/35 off 8.3 overs for Parkmore.

In reply, the Pirates also got there with a lot of

contributors, with Kyle Gwynne (35) leading the way as they won their first match of the season.

Berwick cruised into finals with some confidence and momentum after thumping a weaker Dandenong West side by 109 runs.

The Bears lost the toss and were made to bat first, but they started very well through Lachlan Brown (58) and Jarryd Wills (35).

While the Bulls picked up a couple of key wickets, the joy was short-lived as Jake Hancock (102 not out) and Michael Wallace (95 not out) went

berserk, getting the Bears to 3/311 at the end of the innings.

The Bulls had to be aggressive from the outset, and they were through Shaun Weir (43), Madushanka Perera (48) and Nipunaka Fonseka (41), but it was never going to be enough as they finished with 202 on the board.

The Turf 1 finals kick off with a qualifying final between Buckley Ridges and Springvale South, and an elimination final between Berwick and Hallam Kalora Park.

Coomoora pinches top spot as Parkfield falls to Cobras

By Blair Burns

Parkfield has been on top of the DDCA Turf 2 ladder for a long time but Coomoora will now head into finals in first place.

After HSD knocked off Parkfield and Coomoora did enough to defeat Silverton, the Roos have jumped into top spot and will now meet fourth-placed Narre Warren in the semifinals.

The clash between HSD and Parkfield turned out to have the most riding on it as the Cobras won by 30 runs.

HSD lost the toss and was made to bat first on its home deck, but consistent bowling from Parkfield’s Travis D’Souza saw the score at 3/44 in no time.

It was Anuda Akmeemana (54) and Luke Grady (44 not out) who were the stars of the show for HSD, leading them to 6/184 after 45 overs.

In reply, the Bandits’ Sam Beadsworth started well, scoring a composed 42 at the top of the order, but wickets continued to fall.

Parkfield was 2/83 at one point but collapsed to be bowled out for 154, with only Dishan Malalasekera (37) and Sahan Jayawardana (31) looking comfortable at the crease.

It was a brilliant bowling performance from the Cobras, who locked in third spot, despite Narre Warren also winning.

Liam Jansen took 3/35 and led the way for HSD, while Grady, Sakuntha Liyanage and Brett Hookey all took two wickets each, with Brayden Lambden taking the other one.

A comprehensive batting performance from Narre Warren saw the Magpies fly into the finals with confidence, defeating Lyndale by 95 runs.

The Magpies batted first and immediately lost Rashmitha Perera for a golden duck, but the side recovered through captain Ted Kahandawala (39).

The middle order stood up as Amila Ratnaike (52) and Dulanja Silva (45) delivered, but the star of the show was still to come.

Ben Swift belted the ball around to score 97 not out, just running out of time to reach triple figures as the team finished with 261 off 45 overs.

Captain Faraz Rahman (30) did everything he could for the Lakers in the run chase, but three wickets each from John Mentiplay and Mark Radhakrishnan made sure of the result to bowl Lynbrook out for 166.

North Dandenong was involved in yet another close match, getting on the right side of the result this time to defeat Cranbourne by one wicket.

The Eagles batted first and posted 154 off 45 overs, led by Vikram Singh, who scored a muchneeded half century at the top of the order - Maroons’ skipper Imran Laghmani taking 3/26.

The Roos batted first and set the game up in the first 20 overs as Lance Baptist (64) and Nick Suppree (53) both scored excellent half centuries.

Harkanwal Singh (4/25) and Dylan Hayes (3/58) ripped through the side from there, but Coomoora had done enough to make a solid

Coomoora defeated Silverton by 72 runs to finish in top spot ahead of the finals, set up by an opening partnership of 116 runs.

score of 200.

Anmol Zakhmi (44) was one of the Bakers’ batters who needed to score big to get his side over the line, and while he contributed well, he needed more support.

Roos’ Krishan Alang missed out with the bat in the first innings, but was instrumental with the ball to take 5/17 off nine overs, dismissing Zakhmi and skipper Robert North.

Syed Akbar Shah (63) and Rohien Sangwan (35) put on a vital partnership to put the Maroons in the box seat, but none of the following six batters could push on, as they were all dismissed for less than 10.

The game came down to the wire and it was Dinuka Perera (18 not out) and Masih Rawani (6 not out) who scored the winning runs with just two balls to spare for the Maroons, and one wicket in hand.

Panthers in holiday mode

By Justin Schwarze

The summer came to a close on a sour note for Dandenong (239) as the Panthers went down at home to Carlton (8/317d) in round 17 of Victorian Premier Cricket.

Chasing the monstrous total set by the visitors was always going to be a big task despite a very strong start.

Venuk Hemachandra (16) was the first man to go, leaving Dandenong 1/39 before skipper Brett Forsyth and number three Dhanusha Gamage settled in for their last batting effort of the season.

The pair combined to add over 50 runs, before the partnership was broken when Forsyth (48) played a poor shot and was caught by a juggling Aryan Sharma at mid wicket off the bowling of Connor Rutland.

The Panthers seemed to still be tracking well at 2/108, before a flurry of wickets saw them collapse in the middle.

It started when Shobit Singh (19) was bowled, followed by the dismissals of Josh Slater (5), Gamage (45), James Nanopoulos (2) and Sam Newell (0).

Dandenong moved from 2/132 to 7/170 from the collapse.

Matthew Wilson (34) and Vishwa Ramkumar (37) fought incredibly hard in the tail, creating a partnership of nearly 70 runs before Ramkumar was caught.

Wilson and Noah Hurley (0) weren’t far behind and the hosts were knocked over for 239, marking a 78-run defeat to conclude the season.

Forsyth was yet again Dandenong’s leading runscorer for the summer as the champion opening bat had another outstanding season, managing 603 runs at an average of 60.3.

Rising star Hurley was the leading wicket taker with 25 poles for the season at a respectable average of 23.8.

Casey South Melbourne (130 and 182) will be hoping to reproduce its round 17 effort against Richmond (70 and 9/218) as the Swans will face the Tigers again in the first round of the postseason.

After 20 wickets fell on day one and Casey South Melbourne already in possession of the first innings points, the Swans went out to bat with a lead of 60 and a fresh slate.

But again they were undone at the crease, with a fantastic yet remarkable knock from Muhammad Irfan (83 off 73) at the tail end salvaging things somewhat.

Irfan had scored double digits just once this season batting at the very bottom which made the effort even more significant.

However, Casey South Melbourne was rolled for 182 as Mitch Perry took three wickets.

In the chase, Richmond was caught short with James Doherty (81) the shining light for the Tigers.

Richmond saw its way through to stumps without giving the Swans the extra points, but fell short by 60 runs at 9/218.

Ashvin Adihetty took four wickets for Casey South Melbourne in victory.

The Swans will play Richmond in an elimination final this week as they finished fifth and the Tigers finished eighth.

Noble Park locked and loaded for VSDCA finals

By David Nagel

Noble Park (7/121) can begin preparations for a finals campaign in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association after locking down a topsix berth with a three-wicket win over Melton (120).

Noble makes the short trip to Endeavour Hills this week, for a one-dayer in the final round of the season, comfortable in the knowledge that it has done enough to play finals.

The trip home from the Western suburbs came early on the weekend, with Noble taking just 30 overs on day two to convert its overnight score of 1/46 into a winning total.

Things began smoothly enough, with Yug Patel (36) and Yehan Gunasingha (18) adding 18 runs to the overnight total, before the wheels began to wobble.

Noble lost 6/42, sliding to 7/106 and in danger of letting a golden opportunity slip away.

Melton opener Brad Jones (5/58) threatened to spoil the party for Noble Park, before superstar Sahan Perera (33 not out) joined forces with number-nine Nadim Nazif (6 not out) to put on an undefeated, and critically important, 15-run partnership.

While locked into finals, Noble could finish anywhere from second to sixth depending on this week’s results.

Endeavour Hills (165 and 127), meanwhile, suffered a heavy loss at the hands of Bayswater (9/306d); knocked over by an innings and 14 runs.

Bayswater resumed day two on 1/72 and wasted little time in building a healthy advantage.

Jordan Ludgater (73), Michael Topp (55 not out) and Sachin Halangode (51) all scored half centuries for the home side, with Assadollah Vala (3/53) the best of the Eagles’ bowlers.

Bayswater then declared with a 141-run lead and went searching for outright points.

The Eagles offered little resistance, with Tallha Ahmed (34 not out) and Zac Perryman (15) the only players to chew up more than

40 balls as Jack Livingstone (3/23) and Max Sacristani (3/30) bowled their team to maximum points.

The Eagles second innings lasted just 37.4 overs after being rolled in 46.3 in their first dig.

Fortunately, this week’s one-dayer against Noble Park is restricted to 45 overs per side.

VSDCA R14 (Day 2): Melton 120 def by Noble Park 7/121, Bayswater 9/306d def Endeavour Hills 165 and 127, Balwyn 133 def by Yarraville 3/137, Box Hill 181 def by Hoppers Crossing 292, Croydon 265 def by Werribee 8/271, Altona 4/98d and 4/64 def Donvale 51 and 110, Taylors Lakes 7/320 def Mt Waverley 180, Williamstown 107 and 4/73 def by Spotswood 7/310.

Ladder R14: Altona 68, Werribee 63, Balwyn 63, Spotswood 60, Noble Park 57, Hoppers Crossing 54/ Bayswater 49, Taylors Lakes 48, Croydon 39, Williamstown 39, Yarraville 36, Mt Waverley 36, Melton 30, Box Hill 21, Endeavour Hills 21, Donvale 0. Fixture R14 (One Day): Endeavour Hills (15) v Noble Park (5), Box Hill (14) v Croydon (9), Donvale (16) v Balwyn (3), Mt Waverley (12) v Bayswater (7), Altona (1) v Spotswood (4), Hoppers Crossing (6) v Williamstown (10), Werribee (2) v Taylors Lakes (8), Yarraville (11) v Melton (13).

High 5’s flowing freely as reigning champs show their class

By David Nagel

Defending champion High 5’s has once again put its stamp on Division 1 of the Mountain Dart League after an impressive 8-2 victory in the topof-the-table clash against Bullseyes.

Both teams were undefeated after three rounds, but High 5’s put the pedal to the metal early to take control of the contest.

Jamie Webster and Paul Tune were in terrific touch in the doubles, throwing a 14-dart leg consisting of 100, 122, 140 and 103 visits to the oche, before Webster finished off the remaining 36 points with two-darts.

Webster also threw a 180 for High 5’s, while teammate Brendan Simmons punched in two 19dart legs.

James Johnson nailed a 180 and Joel White hit an 88-peg in the highlight moments for Bullseyes. Noble Park has opened its season account with a 7-3 win over Clayton Cobras.

The Cobras took an early 2-1 lead before Noble settled into its work.

Chris Richardson, who last week threw an 11-dart leg, was once again prominent on the highlights reel with a 17-dart leg and 180 for the evening.

Jack Pearce had the radar dialled in for Cobras, throwing two maximums.

And The Bandits also chalked up a first win of the season with a 5-4 come-from-behind win over Bad Boys.

The Bandits trailed 1-4 in the early legs before building momentum throughout the night.

The Bandits were led by Alex Palantinis (180) and Ash Canfor (100-peg), while Troy Jackson and Sam Bellinger threw down 19-dart legs for Bad Boys.

In Division 2, it was a big round for the Kirkmoe family who guided The Night Trawlers

(TNT) to a 7-3 win over Redbacks.

Aaron and Mitchell Kirkmoe landed an early blow, hitting an 18-darter in doubles, while David Kirkmoe hit a magnificent 116-peg. It was TNT’s first win since round one.

Check Out has jumped from fourth to second on the ladder after a 9-1 thumping of Madarras.

Ngametua Tangatakino knocked in an 18-darter for Check Out, while Steve Clarke provided a rare highlight for Madarras with a spectacular 154-peg.

And Rebels made it three-straight wins with a 6-4 success over Spectrum.

Chris Riddle was on the losing team on the night, but gave Spectrum supporters something to cheer about with a quality 152-peg.

The Division 3 ladder is looking very even after four rounds.

Just Do It (JDI) claimed its second-straight win with a solid 7-3 performance against Vales 3.

JDI had all the highlights on the night, with Tariu Joseph hitting a 19-darter; Rob Jackson

landing a 180 and John Misiuepa finishing off a leg by wiping off 78.

In other games, solid throwing from Jarrod Pacey and Rachel Grose led The Goodies to an 8-2 win over Stingrays, while MDDA Black Bulls proved way too strong for Stingers.

Cameron Vlug and Luke Bell had 140 visits for Black Bulls, while teammate Andrew Boulton completed a winning leg with a stylish 97-pegout. The MDL will rest this week for the Labour Day weekend.

MOUNTAIN DART LEAGUE – ROUND 4

DIVISION 1

RESULTS R4: Noble Park (1) def Clayton Cobras 7-3, The Bandits def Bad Boys 5-4, High 5’s def MDDA Bullseyes 8-2.

LADDER: High 5’s 16, MDDA Bullseyes 12, Bad Boys 8, Clayton Cobras 4, Noble Park (1) 4, The Bandits 4.

FIXTURE R5 (March 13): MDDA Bullseyes v Bad Boys, Clayton Cobras v High 5’s, Noble Park (1) v The Bandits.

DIVISION 2

RESULTS R4: TNT def Redbacks (1) 7-3, Check Out def Madarras 9-1, Rebels def Spectrum 6-4.

LADDER: Rebels 12, Check Out 12, Redbacks (1) 8, Spectrum 8, TNT 8, Madarras 0.

FIXTURE R5 (March 13): Rebels v Check Out, TNT v Spectrum, Redbacks (1) v Madarras.

DIVISION 3

RESULTS R4: The Goodies def Stingrays 8-2, Just Do It def Vales (3) 7-3, MDDA Black Bulls def Stingers 8-2.

LADDER: MDDA Black Bulls 12, Just Do it 8, The Goodies 8, Stingrays 8, Vales (3) 8, Stingers 4.

FIXTURE R5 (March 13): MDDA Black Bulls v Just Do It, The Goodies v Stingers, Stingrays v Vales (3).