EHD Star Journal - 31st March 2026

Full in flight

Thousands flocked to Dandenong Park for the annual Nawroz festival on Sunday 29 March.

Organised annually by the Victorian Afghan Associations Network (VAAN), the event caters for more than 10,000 attendees every year marking the Persian new year (first day of spring), called ‘Nawroz’ literally meaning, ‘New day.’

President of VAAN, Zabi Mazoori says this year they included a lot more representations from different ethnic cultural backgrounds such as the Azeri Adena dance.

“We look forward to bringing the community together to celebrate Nawroz especially at this time when there’s a lot of conflict and stress in the communities, worried about families overseas.

“It’s a good opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate at least to get them away from the stress and constant worry.”

Among the performance highlights were singer Tahir Khawari.

There were up to 65 stalls on the day from businesses to service providers and AFL sports clubs, with a second-hand car raffled off at the end of the program.

More photos, turn to page 10

With a blur of nunchucks, a rapid-fire martial arts performer wowed a packed Dandenong Park audience during the Nawroz festival on Sunday 29 March. (Gary Sissons: 539966)

Squashed out

Squash players are rallying against plans to demolish the last squash courts in Greater Dandenong.

The six courts are not part of the plans as Greater Dandenong Council builds its $122 million replacement of Dandenong Oasis sports centre in the next-door Mills Reserve.

The council doesn’t intend to replace the squash courts, preferring to invest in trending sports like pickleball and padel.

It means scores of passionate squash players – including a legion that have met and played for decades – have been left disenfranchised.

They include 70-plus veterans like Robin Clark and Craig Young, whose vitality, agility and dexterity belie their years.

They say squash is like rapid-fire chess, with more vigor than any other racket sport.

“I do it for the cardio – otherwise I’d be an old man,” Clark says.

Australia was once the home of squash world champions, but courts in the South East are becoming rarer.

ThegroupatOasissaytheywillstruggletomeet together at the region’s nearest courts, which are often full up at night.

Terry Wilkinson says the courts are fit for state competitions but are barely promoted.

“There’s potential here to turn this into a major squash club. We’re just asking for a bit of help to spark the place up.

“I think it’s short-term thinking to just lose a public asset that’s been there for decades.”

More on the story, turn to page 2

Squashed out of revamp

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Players are raging against the looming destruction of Greater Dandenong’s last squash courts.

The six courts are at the 50-year-old Dandenong Oasis facility, which is set to be replaced by the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre - a $122 million mecca of aquatic sport, fitness and allied health services in the adjoining Mills Reserve.

But squash is not part of the new facility’s plans.

The courts at the current Oasis will be demolished, while the facility’s table tennis hall will be spared.

Leading the opposition is Keysborough player Terry Wilkinson, who questions how this with the council’s Make Your Move strategy which aims to get more residents active and healthy.

Part of the DWC’s business case was to improve the municipality’s sub-standard health outcomes.

Wilkinson plays with a group of 30 casual players twice at week at Oasis. He says there’s many more who play the courts.

He says the courts remain in great condition, worthy of hosting state and national comps.

The courts are connected to the Oasis swimming pools that are also being demolished. So, a wall needs to be built to house the courts, if they’re retained.

“They don’t need to spend a lot of money. It’s not major works to keep what we’ve got.

“The biggest mistake was not including at least three squash courts in the new facilitythey’re spending $120 million. Surely they can include squash courts?”

Greater Dandenong’s community strengthening executive director Peta Gillies told a 16 March council meeting that retaining the squash courts required “extensive capital works and ongoing operating costs that are not viable”

“Council has no current plans for a ‘like for like’ replacement of the squash courts at the existing Dandenong Oasis Aquatic Centre.”

Gillies said instead the council was investing in facilities for “evolving and emerging” sports such as padel and pickleball.

In public question time, Wilkinson said the courts were used by “all ages, different cultural backgrounds”

“Do you recognise the value of having these squash courts in the community?

“People come together to use these facilities. Friendships are made.”

Gillies replied that “although numbers have significantly declined, it is important for those who do access it”

She noted there were “four or five” squash facilities in bordering areas, but Wilkinson retorted the courts at Mulgrave, Moorabbin and Knoxfield were “already at capacity”

“We wouldn’t even be able to get a court,” Wilkinson said.

Players have moved to Oasis after recent closures of privately-owned squash courts in Cranbourne and Beaconsfield.

The Dandenong courts are one of very few public-owned squash facilities, they say.

A Squash and Racketball Victoria spokesperson said squash courts were falling victim to more lucrative uses.

“That’s the problem with squash courts these days. A lot are privately-owned and now

big developers offer big money and they get demolished.”

He said the courts could host multiple uses, such as racketball, a squash-volleyball hybrid, as well as yoga and aerobic classes during the quieter day hours.

Squash Australia recently announced the launch of a plan to boost participation rates, which includes more facilities, including non-traditional venues.

According to Australian Sports Commission data, there were more than 100,000 squash players across Australia between July 2023-December 2024.

The new Oasis is expected to open next year, with demolitions of the old facility to follow.

Players rage against dying of their courts

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Twice a week, dozens of players sweat, extort and pit their skills at Dandenong Oasis.

Like the rubber balls whizzing from wall to wall, the banter and good-natured barbs ricochet with energy.

This tight legion of friends can’t imagine life without their home courts – which are slated for demolition by Greater Dandenong Council.

They include legends in their 70s like Robin Clark and Craig Young, who puff hard as they show a youthful vitality, agility and dexterity on court.

The pair have played squash and racketball for more than 60 years.

Decades-long friendships like theirs have been forged from their shared love of the game.

Young says squash is like a rapid-fire chess game – “it’s the best all-round sport, the one that I keep coming back to”

Clark says he loves the sport’s vigor. New

trends like pickleball aren’t intense enough, not a serious sport, he says.

“I do it for the cardio – otherwise I’d be an old man.”

In its heyday in the 1980s, squash went into schools and hosted world champions like Geoff Hunt and Heather McKay.

Long-time player Peter Dal Lago worries that once the squash courts leave Dandenong, the sport will never return.

He sees some irony that squash is about to enter the Olympics for the first time in 2028, while courts like Oasis’s are under threat.

“People don’t know what they will lose until it’s gone.

“Squash is played across 185 countries, with a participation base of 20 million. It is spreading to Egypt, the Middle East – and the USA is experiencing a boom in the game.”

For Dal Lago, squash has unique attractions as a “wonderful, high intensity sport that can be

played during day or night, rain or inclement weather”

“It does not need a team to play, and can be played with minimal players.”

Former tennis player Peter Hillier has had a passion for squash for 20-plus years.

“Genuinely good people meet together in sport, and it builds good friendships.

“How do you rationalise the cost-benefit?”

Fraser Smith, a player for more than half-a-century, asks why the council can’t afford to keep the courts.

“It’s going to save them on demolition costs. They are probably only going to turn it into a car park anyway.

“Why not keep people in the area fit and active?”

Terry Wilkinson, of Keysborough, says squash has helped him and other’s endure life’s struggles.

He moved to Oasis after several venues in the

South East shut down, including Cranbourne. He says this could not fit into a shrinking number of private squash facilities like Mulgrave, Moorabbin and Knoxfield, which are occupied by clubs and full on weeknights.

As a competitor in Masters state tournaments, Wilkinson says Dandenong’s courts were well equipped to host such events, but are barely advertised. You wouldn’t know the courts were there, but for a modest, oft overlooked sign outside the Oasis, he says.

“There’s potential here to turn this into a major squash club. We’re just asking for a bit of help to spark the place up.

“If they continue to keep the courts, I’d be highly involved in organising things like that and bringing people into Dandenong.

“I think it’s short-term thinking to just lose a public asset that’s been there for decades.”

How tech is used in family abuse

By Sahar Foladi

A first-of-its kind awareness initiative on tech-facilitated abuse in family violence has been launched for women of diverse backgrounds in the South East.

The evidence-based multilingual awareness video was launched by Wellsprings for Women on Tuesday 24 March, along with an interactive online educational tool and two quizzes, in conjunction with the state government and the Greater Dandenong Council.

The tool is directed to help individuals to recognise and respond to digital abuse from their partners.

Such as a partner ringing up work colleagues asking whether they were having an affair, or the installation of a secret camera in a digital clock, tracking their car mileage or their social media posts.

“Resources need to be constantly operationalised, not sit on a website and hope for people to just access them,” Wellsprings CEO Dalal Smiley says.

The event brought together stakeholders such as case workers, family-violence lawyers from Victoria Legal Aid, Chisholm Institute, Mission Australia to learn and implement the resource in their roles.

This was also done through the sets of card illustrations about tech-facilitated abuse which participants took with them.

Ms Smiley says general information has not catered for culturally and linguistically diverse women and families, making this launch a first of its kind.

“A lot of the messaging and resources that are developed tend not to be for CALD women.

“So, they could easily just walk past it or not pay attention.

“That’s why when we do what we do, we make sure that they’re part of the development, part of the story, part of the conversation, and then they will be able to spread that message across to their communities.”

Councillor Rhonda Garad also attended on behalf of the mayor, Sophie Tan.

She ditched her scripted speech to share her own lived experiences of tech-facilitated abuse at the hands of who she had thought was a “perfect partner”.

“I am a white, educated, privileged woman, working at a university and a councillor - you could not have more privilege and yet I was so down that place without knowing, risking mine and my children’s welfare.

“There’s nothing that protects any of us, no one is immune to it,” she says.

“I’ve reached an age where you fear less about your reputation and gain more courage to help more people.”

Cr Garad went into great detail about the lengths of the tech surveillance that was used against her.

The room felt the weight of her story, silence ensued as Cr Garad fought back emotions. She was supported by the organisation’s staff and attendees who called out her courage in exposing such vulnerability in a full room.

She said her own Anglo culture childhood comprised “tremendous violence,” leading her to believe in stereotypical ideas of strong patriarchal men and love.

She, along with Victoria Legal Aid family violence information and referral officer, Bridget Hanson, found the Wellsprings resources to be a “gentler” approach in educating women.

Ms Hanson works with lawyers and support services in the South East ensuring that a client is linked and supported on both sides of the family violence equation.

“I think this particular resource, will help facilitate a gentler conversation, sort of being able to empower the person to identify some of those acts of family violence that they don’t necessarily think are as obvious.

“Mistaking the tracking, stalking, placing of devices as ‘care’ for them instead of understanding that these are signs or red flags.”

She says the gentle approach is crucial when a lot of the conversations they have with clients are already “confrontational” and “brutal.”

Recycler pays $80K after fire

A recycling company that failed to manage fire risks and breached EPA permission conditions at three factories in Hallam and Dandenong South will pay $80,000 into EPA Victoria’s restorative justice fund.

The payment is part of Re.Cycle Operations Pty Ltd’s enforceable undertaking, a legal agreement with EPA to also improve the firm’s fire risk management practices.

Re.Cycle will also run community and industry forums on the risks of putting batteries and other hazardous materials into mixed recycling, as well as improving staff training for fire prevention and environmental compliance.

EPA Southern Metropolitan Regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said the company’s poor practices contributed to a fire at Thomas Murrell Crescent, Dandenong South on 23 February 2024.

“The fact remains that conditions at the factory meant such an incident was all too likely.

“This incident should put everyone in the waste industry on notice that breaches of their permit conditions will have serious consequences.”

Re.Cycle acknowledged it had upgraded facilities and procedures since then, Abeywickrema said.

The undertaking could be a positive alternative for the community when companies showed genuine willingness to do more to meet their environmental obligations, he said.

“The community benefits from the restorative justice payment and education forum, while the undertaking drives change and ensures the company meets its obligations to prevent future breaches of the law.

“The $80,000 will be used to fund a project, or series of projects, benefitting Victorians.

“Re.Cycle has made a substantial commitment to do better, and we will monitor them to make sure they deliver on that commitment.”

Re.Cycle has operated its three waste and resource recovery facilities in Melbourne’s south-east from 2022.

She also works with Orange Door services.

“We’re seeing clients probably confront some of the most difficult scenarios and incidents that have taken place in recent times and they can have real challenges in being able to articulate and express what is harming them.

“They also come to us with all sorts of hardship that they’re putting on themselves, thinking that they are not as hard done by as others, that they should be grateful for the circumstances they may be living in, and often comparing their circumstances with those that may be suffering physical abuse.”

The event was attended by the Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Behaviour Change, Tim Richardson MP, as well as representatives from the Department of Family, Housing and Fairness.

“So, we want to empower all communities to know those early morning signs, how we can support people to get that help that they need in a safe way,” Mr Richardson said.

“So, we need all men and boys to be part of the solution, it can’t always just be on women and kids fleeing family violence, the accountability starts with men and boys.”

A ‘What Kind of Men Do You Want To Be?’ campaign was recently launched to allow men and boys reflect on harmful social pressures, in-language.

Wellsprings is now working on the next phase of this initiative, which is to educate mothers on how to

in a

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Human calculator makes it count!

By Sahar Foladi

An ex-Haileybury student, once dubbed the ‘Human Calculator’ , revisited her former school in Keysborough as the Ambassador for World Maths Day on Wednesday 25 March.

In a full-circle moment, Tatiana Devendranath returned to where her journey began as a 14-yearold star kid solving tens of thousands of maths problems in record time.

“It was lovely, emotional seeing children get enjoyment out of something I did,” she later told Star Journal.

“There was a buzz, real excitement in the room which made me emotional.”

Young students looked up to Tatiana with their glistening eyes, excitedly talking and comparing their scores.

Ms Devendranath rose to international fame at a tender age after she solved 65,000 equations in 48 hours to win the World Maths Day and later completing more than 1 million maths equations through Mathletics.

While it wasn’t a great deal for young Tatiana, who just went about her days playing Candy Crush, it certainly made headlines.

“I set a goal to answer 60,000 questions as an average figure with number crunching … I answered 65,000 in that time.

“I really wasn’t looking at other people’s results in comparison to mine, I was just happy that I achieved what I set out for myself.

“I questioned why these people are making it such a big deal, it was hard to wrap my head around.”

She didn’t consider herself as a math genius, or have any particular interest at the subject, leaning more towards English and Humanities.

However, she loved playing Mathletics, a global online mathematic program made-up of interactive games focused on speed, fluency and confidence.

Today, she can still solve up to 80 sums per minute.

As an Ambassador for World Maths Day (25 March), she is using her story to show kids that anyone can succeed in maths with the right mindset and to unlock future opportunities.

She herself made a career switch from journalism to data and tech, now working as tech project manager for ANZ bank.

“I don’t know if I would have pursued a career in STEM if it wasn’t for Mathletics.

“A lot of people have maths anxiety but they don’t realise consciously they are using maths in everyday tasks and jobs

“Maths is in everywhere but you say the word, ‘maths’ and there’s an anxiety because of the stereotype.

“It doesn’t have to be just for the “smart kids” and to be boring and dry.

“The key in breaking down those barriers is exposure.”

Haileybury’s head of maths (junior school), Jessica Goulding, emphasised the success of the explicit learning model to help students aquire the foundational basic skills.

“I think we see across the board that the stronger foundation skills in number facts and knowledge really supports kids in being successful across the board.

“If they don’t have that foundation they’ll find it much harder.

“Live Mathletics supports in that, with students practising those skills, and building speed and accuracy in the program.”

The explicit method follows, ‘I do, we do, you do’ ensuring students are clear on the task before they can do it independently.

This is followed by a 10-minute warm up at the start of each maths class to hone the students’ “retrieval maths practices” from their short-term memory.

“We do a lot of hands on activity, not just knowing maths rules and formulas but building their conceptual knowledge to make sure they understand,” Goulding said.

“We find that children being exposed to multiple types of maths regularly - a little bit of everything but a lot - helps them bring it to their knowledge especially ensuring they don’t have to re-learn every time with less revision required.”

She emphasised the importance of celebrating maths especially at times where it’s in reported decline among Australian students, as analysed by Grattan Institute.

It called for a $152 million investment over 10 years to be spent on supporting teachers, extra catch-up sessions for students who fall behind and a consistent teaching method.

Officer man fined $70K over illegal reno

The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) has successfully prosecuted an Officer man over what it describes as an illegal and dangerous renovation that left a single mum financially and emotionally devastated.

Mionnet, a 33-year-old sole trader under the business name, ‘Constructed Building Group’, responded to the mother of three’s Facebook post about work required on a carport and pergola at her Belgrave home.

What was supposed to be a joyous chapter of buying her first home and improving it for her family, turned into years of distress and heartache.

Dandenong Magistrates’ Court heard Mionnet quoted $35,000 for the job, and told the homeowner a building permit was not required.

He asked for a 50 per cent deposit – well in excess of the maximum five per cent – continually asked for progress payments and added extra charges that were not included in the original quote.

In total, the homeowner handed over $43,000, given to her by her deceased father, before paying over $13,600 for an independent inspection report which revealed the incomplete work was defective.

Yarra Ranges Council also inspected the site and confirmed the decking was dangerous and should not be used.

The homeowner asked for a refund and at-

tempted mediation but never heard from Mionnet again.

She later took Mionnet to VCAT and he was ordered to pay $55,000 in damages but it has never been paid.

The incident cost the homeowner not just financially but also cost her peace, confidence, embarrassment and ongoing emotional distress for her and her family as outlined in her victim statement.

“I’ve lost my sense of trust — in tradespeople, in the system and in my own judgement,” she wrote in her statement.

“I find myself questioning everyone’s intentions, and I feel guarded and fearful of being taken advantage of again.”

Magistrate Hugh Radford said Mionnet’s offending was very serious and required a substantial penalty as a punishment and deterrent.

The 33-year-old from Officer was convicted and fined $70,000 after being found guilty of four charges relating to unregistered building and plumbing work at the home.

The offences included carrying out building and plumbing work without the required accreditation, and carrying out building work without a permit and without the required domestic building insurance (DBI).

BPC Commissioner and chief executive Anna Cronin said the outcome should serve as a warning who illegally build putting con-

Carer calls out lack of support

By Violet Li

A South East kinship carer has spoken out about what she describes as “a lack of support” from the State’s child protection system, saying she has been left to shoulder the costs of raising four children largely on her own.

Sarah (not her real name) has been caring for four children since late 2024, adding to her own three children in a household of eight.

She said while she stepped in to provide stability for the children, the level of assistance from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) had fallen far short of expectations.

One of her main frustrations was financial pressure, with the $800 fortnightly care allowance not keeping up with the costs of raising four additional children.

“My grocery bill has gone from about $200 a week to around $650,” she said.

“You’ve got to take into account the added petrol, gas, electricity, and water. Everything.

“It’s an absolute joke.”

The last straw was a rejection from DFFH to reimburse $1000 for a school laptop.

Sarah said she had requested the device through the school for one of the children, but her application was declined.

She said the refusal was particularly frustrating, given that education support was outlined as a priority when the children were placed in her care.

She also raised concerns about the other rising out-of-pocket expenses for schooling, including uniforms, bags, and shoes.

Apart from the financial struggle, Sarah also said arranging medical appointments, school needs, and extracurricular activities for the children has fallen entirely on her.

“They (DFFH) have done absolutely nothing,” she said.

“At the end of the day, I love them (the four children) like they’re my own, and they need someone that’s in their corner and a place to call home.

“I’ve always said that, and that’s how I ended up with them. If they needed me, I had their back. My kids and I have just adjusted to life with an extra four kids.

“I’ll keep doing what I can, but something needs to change, not just for me, but for other carers too.”

Another major issue, Sarah said, has been transport arrangements.

sumers at risks.

It also warns consumers to always use a registered builder and a licensed or registered plumber.

The Builders and Plumbing Commission is Victoria’s new regulator established just July last year to crackdown on unregistered builders.

Dubbed as a “powerful watchdog” by the state government, it brings regulation, insurance and dispute resolutions in a “single front door approach.”

The new regulator brings together the functions of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) and the domestic building insurance arm of the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA).

The body also overlooks the Buyer Protections Bill power to allow the regulator to act against a builder after the homeowner has moved in, which is when problems are most often discovered.

Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) is also expanded so a claim can be made against all builders when non-compliant, defective work is identified and the builder refuses to fix it.

Previously claims could only be made when the builder become insolvent, died or disappeared.

Builders and plumber’s verifications can be checked at bpc.vic.gov.au/check

A hire vehicle provided for her now larger household has cost the department thousands of dollars per month, but she claimed communication around servicing had been poor.

“There have been times the car was reported as stolen because no one told me it needed servicing,” she said.

“That has happened three times.

“Make a long story short, they want me to drive a four-hour round trip to the airport to take this car back. And they said I’ve got 24 hours to do it.

“I said, I’ve got seven kids. I work. By the time I finish work and pick up the kids and everything, I don’t have four hours for a round trip with seven kids.”

Sarah believed that purchasing a vehicle would be more practical and cost-effective than ongoing hire.

When contacted, a State Government spokesperson said: “We know vulnerable children need support - foster and kinship carers support children who cannot live safely with their immediate family, and we value the work they do.

“Care allowance levels vary based on the age and needs of a child and can be reassessed as a child’s needs change.

“We’ve invested more than $4.4 billion to improve outcomes for children and young people in out-of-home care.”

Month of free PT here

Public transport will be free for one month as part of a State Government response to soaring fuel prices.

Trains, trams and buses – including metro and V/Line will be free as a “temporary measure” from Tuesday 31 March to the end of April.

Passengers won’t be required to touch on with their myki, and won’t be charged if they accidentally touch on.

Myki pass holders can get their pass paused for a month or get a refund.

Passengers on V/Line coaches outside the myki network will need to book a free ticket to secure a seat.

Fuel prices have soared about 50 per cent in recent weeks, as fuel tankers are blocked in the Strait of Hormuz during the war between Iran and the US and Israel.

Unleaded 91 rose above $2.50 a litre and diesel more than $3.10 at most bowsers in the South East in the past week, with scores of servos running out of fuel across the state.

On 29 March, Premier Jacinta Allan said the situation will be monitored over the month, hinting at other “solutions” to help with cost of living.

“As Premier, I’m determined to do everything within my control to help Victorians deal with rising fuel prices.

“This is a temporary measure to help with the cost of living – it will take pressure off the pump and help you save.”

Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said “free public transport will make a real difference for all”.

Victorian Farmers Federation welcomed the measures to help Victorians conserve fuel.

“If Victorians make the switch, it can make a real difference,” VFF president Brett Hosking said.

“Every commuter who leaves their car at home frees up fuel for the essential, time-critical work that keeps Victorians fed, whether that’s ensuring livestock are fed and cared for, or getting crops in the ground.”

Ex-mayor calls for dismissal

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A former mayor is calling for a Greater Dandenong councillor’s dismissal, due to the councillor’s allegedly flawed request for a leave-ofabsence.

Cr Lana Formoso hasn’t attended a council meeting since 13 November 2025 – missing five meetings between 24 November-16 March.

Being absent for four months, she would cease to hold office unless granted a leave-ofabsence, according to the Local Government Act.

Councillors granted a leave-of-absence to Cr Formoso at a 16 February council meeting.

However ex-mayor Peter Brown is submitting a formal complaint to the state’s Local Government Inspectorate that the leave is “invalid” because he alleges the council failed to follow its own governance rules.

“Governance rules are mandatory and not optional.

“The leave-of-absence was void but the trigger for Cr Formoso ceasing to be a councillor was her absence from the 16 March meeting – by that stage she had run out of get-of-jail cards.

“This is what you could call an ‘oh, s***’ moment for the council.”

Brown says Cr Formoso failed to request a leave-of-absence in writing to the council’s mayor or chief executive, as required, at least 10 days prior to the meeting to ensure it’s listed on the meeting agenda.

Also, her request failed to detail the meeting dates she’d miss and reasons for the leave, Brown says.

“The request was a verbal request and passed on as a hearsay, ad hoc submission on the night of the meeting,” Brown says.

“It failed all the standards of a leave-of-absence submission.”

Recently, councillors Isabella Do and Alice Phuong Le made leave-of-absence requests according to the council’s governance rules, Brown says.

They were listed as agenda report items and approved on 27 January.

Greater Dandenong argues that the council must grant “any reasonable request” for a leave-of-absence under the Local Government Act, which trumps any departure from the governance rules.

Brown questions how the councillors judged the request as “reasonable” , given no apparent reasons were given.

Greater Dandenong strategy and corporate services executive director Dr Marjan Hajjari told Star Journal: “Cr Formoso advised she could not attend the 16 February meeting, and she made a verbal request to the mayor for a leave of absence to be considered by council.

“Further to this request, Council resolved to grant Cr Formoso a leave of absence.”

Days after the meeting, chief executive Jacqui Weatherill stated Cr Formoso had requested leave for “personal reasons”

On the night, mayor Sophie Tan verbally informed councillors of Cr Formoso’s request, and requested a mover for a leave of absence. It was passed unanimously.

Cr Jim Memeti, who moved the item, said the council had never refused a requested leave of absence in his 20-plus year tenure.

He said he trusted the council’s governance officer to notify councillors if there were issues with the motion.

During her absence, Cr Formoso recently stood down as a councillor representative on the board of the council’s subsidiary South East Leisure.

Star News attempted to contact Cr Formoso for comment.

Leading by actions

By Sahar Foladi

Hazara Shamama Association hosted its first International Women’s Day celebrations with young members of the Hazara community in Greater Dandenong and the south east.

The event registrations were open for only a week, but the organisation reached its capacity of 300, leading them to close registrations and send apologies.

Association president Dr Zakir Hussain, says the event was intentionally organised by the female board members of the organisation, encouraging them to take the lead while providing them with all the support and guidance necessary.

“It’s important to celebrate it in this way because the HAS aims to bring the female members of society forward so they can take leadership roles, in doing so we discussed topics in different areas on how they can be in leadership roles, fight the adversities they face compared to men and to be resilient in different roles.

“We wanted to do this so that women from CALD can have the platform. We facilitate this space as an organisation, so they can be part of the decision making and solution.”

Young Hazaras in various professions such as law and sports were invited, to recognise each of them and make an impact on the broader community.

Labor state MPs Gabrielle Williams, Belinda Wilson, Michael Galia and Gary Maas also attended.

Speakers like Shabnam Safa OAM were presented with a book Women, Peace and Security in Afghanistan by its author Dr Farkhonda Akbari, an activist and researcher at Monash University with an expertise in women and girls rights.

Dr Akbari also worked at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the Independent Human Rights Commission and Afghanistan’s Independent Directorate of Local Governance in Kabul.

Mr Hussain says the event was made possible through 13 sponsors the organisation secured

however, they’ll apply for government and council funding to broaden its capacity.

The organisation recently made up their new board members, with a key focus on a well-balanced representation of women like events coordinator Farahnaz Sultani, vice-president Nadia Nazari, Jamila Sultani and assistant secretary Maria Haidari.

They look forward to the annual celebration of Hazara Culture Day in April, expecting more than 700 attendees, providing platforms and roles to their female members to take on initiatives.

The organisation has also worked towards an exhibition with Ondru associate artists Zsofia Samu and Shane Lam, exploring identity, memory and home.

The project is part of Ondru’s ongoing Human Thesis series.

The free public opening of Hazara Stories is at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong on Saturday 18 April, 6.30pm-9pm. Bookings required: ondru.org/product-shop/p/human-thesis-hazara-stories

Casey launches election advocacy campaign

Casey Council is calling for major infrastructure funding commitments ahead of this year’s State Election, launching a campaign to secure upgrades to roads, rail, community facilities and essential services.

The advocacy campaign, named Building a Better Casey, outlines a list of priority projects including the Clyde rail extension, Thompsons Road upgrade, bus network improvements and new libraries and community hubs.

Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said the municipality’s rapid population growth was placing increasing pressure on existing infrastructure.

“Our community is growing at an extraordinary rate, and the infrastructure around us must keep pace,” Cr Koomen said.

“With community feedback data, we’ll be meeting face-to-face with MPs and Ministers across the political spectrum, presenting the evidence, building the case and pushing for real investment in the projects that matter most.”

Casey, Victoria’s largest municipality, is home to more than 430,000 residents and is projected to

exceed 610,000 by 2046.

Council is seeking commitments from all levels of government across three key areas: transport upgrades, community infrastructure and initiatives to support safer and more connected communities.

Transport and Road Upgrades

Major upgrades to arterial roads and rail to improve connectivity, support local employment and keep people and goods moving efficiently.

Priority Projects include:

■Clyde Rail Link

■Thompsons Road upgrade and extension

■Clyde Road corridor upgrade

■Bus network improvements

■Greaves Road / Pound Road Upgrade

Community Infrastructure

■New and upgraded libraries, recreation facilities and integrated community hubs that meet the needs of an expanding and diverse population.

Priority Projects include:

■Seeking ongoing commitment to funding Li-

braries and Aquatic Centres

■Cranbourne Hub

■Alexander Blvd Community Library Hub

■Pearcedale Recreation Reserve

Safe and Thriving Communities

Initiatives to create safer neighbourhoods, expand early years services and boost active transport options to support inclusive, connected and sustainable growth.

Priority Projects include:

■Build and upgrade early years facilities

■Reduce mobile blackspots in growing suburbs

■Homelessness and Housing Affordability

■State-owned road maintenance

Mayor Cr Koomen said community input would play a role in shaping the advocacy, with residents invited to provide feedback through the council’s Casey Conversations platform.

“We want to hear from our community. Your stories and lived experiences matter and will help strengthen this campaign,” he said.

Driver jailed

By Violet Li

A drug-affected driver who led police on a pursuit before crashing into a car carrying a motherandheryoungdaughterinLyndhurst has been jailed for more than four years.

Craig Thompson was sentenced in the Victorian County Court on 11 March to four years and eight months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years and three months, after pleading guilty to a string of offences including conduct endangering life, car theft and drug possession.

The court heard Thompson was found slumped in a running vehicle in Lynbrook on the night of 20 March 2025.

When approached by police, he refused to exit the car and drove off, sparking a pursuit along the South Gippsland Highway.

He later ran a red light at the intersection of Thompson Road and Lyndhurst Boulevard in Lyndhurst and collided with another vehicle driven by a woman with her eightyear-old daughter in the rear seat.

Judge Anne Hassan described the offending as “appalling”, noting Thompson was drug-affected, unlicensed and driving a stolen vehicle at the time of the crash.

“You have pleaded guilty to serious charges and face a significant term of imprisonment, but you are fortunate that you are not responsible for the death of a mother and her eight-year-old daughter,” the Judge stated in the sentencing document.

Police later found 33.4 grams of methylamphetamine and 27.9 kilograms of 1,4-butanediol, as well as a taser, inside the stolen car.

The court was told Thompson has a relevant criminal history with prior convictions for possession and trafficking drugs of dependence, multiple convictions for driving while suspended and unlicensed driving, a prior conviction for failing an oral fluid test within three hours of driving, and multiple prior convictions for dishonesty offences and violent offending.

Thompson had also repeatedly breached court orders, and he had been to prison before.

A psychologist expert told the court that Thompson’s offending occurred in the context of trauma-driven distress and maladaptive self-medication rather than calculated criminal intent.

She stated that Thompson suffered from Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder due to childhood trauma, which would have significantly compromised his emotional regulation, impulse control and decision-making capacity.

While the judge accepted his guilty plea and remorse and some evidence of trauma-linked drug use, she said general deterrence and denunciation were key factors in the sentencing. “Driving drug-affected is extremely dangerous behaviour and the cause of so much death and despair in the community,” she said. “People who drive drug-affected must expect to receive significant terms of imprisonment.”

To have your say, visit Casey Conversations: conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/bettercasey

Thompson had already spent 355 days in custody before sentencing and was disqualified from driving for two years.

Chop high-rise plans

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The people have spoken – and have called for a cap on proposed high-rises in Noble Park and Springvale.

A Phase 2 Community Reference Group of 22 Greater Dandenong residents met on 2122 March to comment on the State Government’s draft train and tram zone activity centres (TTZACs).

In a statement, the residents group lamented that proposed heights in Springvale and Noble Park were “too high”

“Of all the Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres – Stage 2 – we are the most densely and height-affected communities while also currently housing the lowest socio-economic community,” the group statement said.

“Some of us ask whether the State Government prioritises inner-city suburb character and heritage rather than the outer suburb (local government areas).”

In February, draft TTZAC maps proposed higher building heights up to 16 storeys in Springvale CBD and up to 12 storeys in Noble Park CBD.

The CRG consensus was to bring the maximum down to eight storeys in Springvale, scaling down to five storeys in its surrounds.

Among its concerns were overshadowing, lack of privacy, traffic, parking, drainage and the loss of Springvale’s “community feel”

However a minority supported more density to improve housing supply, activate the CBD and support local businesses.

In Noble Park, the group called for 3-4 storey limits to maintain the village feel.

Heritage buildings such as the Noble Park Public Hall and the James Building in Noble Park “cannot be lost” , it stated.

Congestion and parking shortages were also “major issues” in Noble Park.

“We raised concerns that increased density would make the area ‘no longer be nice to live in’,” the CRG stated.

The group recognised the need for housing affordability, without sacrificing “suburban lifestyle and backyards”

There was a call to retain the current balance of public housing.

“There is sentiment that oversaturation of public housing can risk the desirability and current challenges of safety in the area.”

CRG member Gaye Guest called for the group to work together with Greater Dandenong

Doveton man in court over alleged stolen-Toyotas racket

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Doveton man has briefly appeared in court on charges relating to 46 allegedly stolen Toyota Land Cruisers as part of what police say was an alleged $20 million-plus export ring.

Ahmad Zahir Safdari, 27, appeared on bail at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 26 March charged with car theft, conspiring with another person to handle stolen goods, and dishonestly retaining stolen goods.

The charges related to the 46 vehicles between 4 August and 9 September 2025.

Safdari was charged this month by Vehicle Crime Squad detectives after police raided three homes in Doveton and one home in Seaford on 19 March.

At the time, police stated they seized three vehicles, multiple electronic devices and business and banking records during the raids.

They alleged that Safdari played a role in an international syndicate stealing “high end Toyotas” for export to the United Arab Emirates for profit.

Safdari allegedly used a commercial premises in Cranbourne West where the stolen vehicles were placed into shipping containers, according to police.

The shipping containers were transported to the Port of Melbourne, headed for the UAE, police claimed.

Police stated the syndicate stole more than 150 vehicles worth $20 million-plus in Victoria before it was disrupted.

It moved camp to Queensland in October, stealing another 60 vehicles, police alleged.

Safdari was bailed to next appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 9 July.

Divvy-van escapee struck by vehicle

A man has been seriously injured after escaping from the back of a divisional van and being struck by another vehicle in Dandenong North on 25 March.

Police had been called out to a reported suspicious loiterer outside a property on Hillside Avenue about 8.25pm.

At the scene, police arrested a 37-yearold man from Officer who was allegedly found with drugs.

He was placed into a divisional van, but escaped shortly afterwards while the van was stationary at the corner of Stud and Heatherton roads, police say.

The man was then struck by an oncoming vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle stopped at the scene.

The man was taken to hospital under police guard with suspected serious injuries.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, police say.

Council, which also called for more modest TTZACs – maximums of 12 storeys in Springvale and six storeys in Noble Park.

Greater Dandenong strategic and environmental planning manager Brett Jackson said the council wanted a “balance of housing growth … while protecting the amenity and liveability” of each “unique” CBD area.

Eligible buildings in these “core areas” will be ‘deemed to comply’ with planning rules and be exempt from VCAT review, meaning residents will have less say.

“We want more Victorians to have the opportunity to live close to public transport, their loved ones, and the things that matter to them,” Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said in February.

The TTZACs across Melbourne are part of a State Government push to build 300,000 new homes by 2051 and to tackle housing unaffordability.

This land is not fragile

Australia is not a fragile nation. But our willingness to tell the whole truth has becomefragile.

We are a young country built on an ancient land, and instead of growing into maturity, we are splintering - into grievance, entitlement, fear, and silence.

We argue about dates, symbols, words, and laws, while refusing to confront the deeper question:

What does it actually mean to be Australian - and what are we prepared to defend

Let us tell the story of Aunty Loma. Aunty Loma was not Aboriginal. She was a red headed white girl. Young.

Female.

Powerless.

At 14, she was married off.

By 16, she was a single mother. Her second child was taken from her. She was told the baby had died. Decades later, she learned the truth: the child had been removed because authorities decided she was unfit.

Not because of culture.

Not because of race.

Because of class, gender, and power. This was not unique.

Thousands of non–First Nations children were removed through churches, welfare systems, and moral policing.

The Stolen Generation was not singular. It was layered. It was systemic.

INTERFAITH

It was brutal.

And it was not confined to one racethough First Nations people bore it most consistently and most violently.

But here is the uncomfortable truth: Selective memory has replaced honest history.

Pain has become politicised. Suffering has become hierarchical.

And grievance has become currency.

That helps no one.

Victimhood is not a national strategy.

Australia cannot move forward if we keep teaching people to see themselves primarily as victims - of history, of systems, of others. Recognition matters. Justice matters.

But permanent victimhood is corrosive. It strips people of agency.

Itreplacesresponsibilitywithresentment. And it fractures the social fabric.

We are now seeing the consequences. Let us say this plainly.

A society cannot survive if contribution is optional but entitlement is guaranteed.

Handouts without expectation do not heal trauma - they institutionalise dependency and creating generational dependency.

When generations grow up seeing that work is optional, responsibility is negotiable, and the system will always compensate for poor choices, we should not be surprised when cohesion collapses.

Compassion without accountability is not kindness.

It is abandonment.

Australia has one legal system - secular, democratic, and elected.

This is non-negotiable.

If your great-great-grandparent was First Nations, that fact alone should not entitle you to handouts unless you are actively living, learning, and contributing to that culture.

Identity without responsibility is hollow.

Australia should reward effort, contribution, integrity, and civic participation. Not grievance.

Stop blaming “white people” for institutional atrocity.

Much of Australia’s harm was carried out not by “white people” but by institutionschurches, governments, welfare authorities, moral guardians.

Blaming skin colour absolves systems of responsibility - and ensures they repeat themselves.

We do not need scapegoats. We need accountability.

This country is worth defending - properly.

We do not want to become a nation of hate, fear, imported conflicts, or permanent division.

Message for a troubled world

By Siddharth Maitrak of Buddhist faith

In this present age, when the world is shaken by economic uncertainty and political unrest, the hearts of countless beings are burdened with fear, anxiety, and doubt.

Yet, just as the lotus rises unstained from muddy waters, the timeless teachings of Bhagavan Buddha shine forth as a path of hope, clarity, and compassionate action.

The Buddha taught that all conditioned things are impermanent (anicca).

Economic systems rise and fall, political powers change, and worldly conditions continuously transform.

When we deeply understand impermanence, we are freed from despair and rigid attachment.

We learn to meet change with wisdom, patience, and inner stability.

100 years ago

25 March 1926

NEWS AND NOTES

Quail

Eric Keys and party bagged 30 birds on the opening day of the quail season. From general reports it appears as though quail are not so numerous in this district as previously.

Light Rain and Mushrooms

Dandenong and district received 192 points between Saturday night and Monday evening and this was very useful for gardens, lawns, grass and renewing water supplies. It is estimated that the rain also brought along mushrooms, and that some fine specimens were gathered in Dandenong on Monday morning.

50 years ago

25 March 1976

Fair big success

An estimated crowd of between 35,000 and 40,000 attended the inaugural Dutch Village Fair at Greaves Reserve last weekend. Families flocked through the facades of a mid-century Dutch village and listened to the playing of an old Dutch barrel organ. During the two days, 6,000 herrings, 3,000 lbs of Dutch cheese, 1800 rollmops and 5000 Dutch candy sticks

We do not want to be known for religious extremism, racial grievance, or cultural intimidation.

If we want a future worth handing to our children, we must:

1. Tell the full history - all of it

2. End handouts without accountability

3. Rebuild values-based education

4. Defend one law for all

5. Reject supremacy - religious, racial, cultural or ideological

6. Choose contribution over complaint

Affirmative action for a minority must have a target, a ‘use by’ date.

Australia does not need to be torn down. It needs to be mature.

We are not broken.

We are a work in progress.

And progress requires courage - not silence; honesty - not pandering; and pridenot apology.

Truth be told:

This land can hold us all - but only if we stop demanding special rules and start living shared responsibility.

That is the Australia worth becoming.

ness (mett?), compassion (karu??), sympathetic joy (mudit?), and equanimity (upekkh?).

MESSAGE OF HOPE

This insight reminds us that no crisis is eternal and no suffering is without an end.

At the same time, the Buddha revealed the truth of suffering (dukkha) and its cause in craving, fear, and ignorance.

In times of conflict and inequality, greed and hatred often dominate human affairs.

The antidote lies in cultivating loving-kind-

were consumed. The president of the Association of the Netherlands Society, Mr De Bruin, said about 45 percent of those attending were Australian. “The Australians really enjoyed themselves, we wanted to show them how we live, eat and drink and what our environment is like” he said.

When these sublime qualities are nurtured in individual hearts, they naturally spread into families, communities, and nations, healing divisions and restoring harmony.

True hope in Buddhism is not passive waiting but mindful action grounded in wisdom (prajñ?) and ethical conduct (??la).

By living with integrity, generosity (d?na), and right livelihood, we contribute to a more just and compassionate society.

Each mindful thought, word, and deed becomes a seed for peace, capable of transforming the collective destiny of humanity.

The Buddha also taught the power of meditation (bh?van?) to calm the restless mind and awaken inner light.

In silence and awareness, we rediscover our shared humanity and our deep interconnection with all life.

From this inner peace arises the strength to face external challenges with courage and clarity. In this troubled world, let us walk the Middle Path, avoiding despair and blind optimism alike. With wisdom as our guide and compassion as our companion, we can transform suffering into understanding and conflict into cooperation. May all beings be free from fear, may justice and harmony prevail, and may the light of the Dharma illuminate the path toward a peaceful and awakened world.

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

Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society

20 years ago

27 March 2006

Cabinet talks may decide weekend bus service fate

Greater Dandenong Council’s $20,000 a month ratepayer-funded weekend bus service will cease next month unless the State Government decides to fund it. The future of the service depends on the outcome of talks when the Government’s ‘community cabinet’ visits Dandenong. Cr Blades had lobbied the council to continue funding the weekend service which began in 2004, but the council has withdrawn its support: saying ultimately funding should be a government responsibility. “At the end of the day, Premier Brumby controls the purse strings,” said a spokesman for the Public Transport Users Association. Bus services were paramount to the success of Dandenong which had been named as a transport city in the Government’s 2030 planning framework. “They’re not going to be able to increase population density in Dandenong without hosting bus services.”

5 years ago

30 March 2021

It all comes down to this…

The stage is well and truly set for Saturday’s

Turf 1 grand final at Frawley Road between one club looking to break a 20-year premiership drought, while the other is looking to stamp itself as a modern day powerhouse with back-toback flags. Matthew Chasemore (Berwick) and Jordan Hammond’s (Hallam Kalora Park) sides are so power packed with star quality everywhere you look, and one thing is certain – it’ll be a game that is almost certain to go down to the final hour, and with little clue of which way it ultimately goes. Whether it be through the sharp pace of James Wilcock and Brendan Rose, or the cleverness of Jarrod Goodes to superstar Ruwantha Kellepotha’s leggies, the Bears are an unbelievably impressive bowling unit, while for the Hawks, opening bowlers Jordan Hammond and Will Whyte have been superb, combining for 45 wickets and will fancy their chances of making early inroads. The Hawks are an unbelievably tough side to beat on its home deck, and play the ground, the pitch and the conditions beautifully, but these Bears know they are just win away from what many teams simply can’t achieve – back-toback premierships. Bring. It. On.

SENIORS Comfort, care, confidence

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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-

Refugees exhibition

By Carmela Mendoza

Humanitarian arts organisation, Ondru, is set

to open an exhibition in Dandenong that shares directly the stories of refugees’ displacement and belonging.

Over six months, participants from the Hazara Shamama Association has worked closely with Ondru associate artists Zsofia Samu and Shane Lam to explore questions of identity, memory and home.

“This exhibition reflects the strength of people who have carried their histories across borders and are shaping new futures here in Melbourne,” Ondru founder and chief executive Desh Balasubramaniam said.

“For many Hazara community members, home exists both as memory and possibility.

“At its heart, this project is about dignity and recognising the depth within stories that are often overlooked.”

A combination of photography, sculpture, weaving, personal artefacts and storytelling with live performance will be on display to create an immersive experience.

Opening night will feature live Afghan music and a panel discussion with an opportunity for community members to reflect and share their personal stories.

Zakir Hussain said the exhibition was an “ important shared space for understanding”

“Our community carries both grief and strength. We have experienced displacement, but we have also built new lives.

“Through this project, our stories are shared in our own voices and images. That gives us agency.”

The project is part of Ondru’s ongoing Human Thesis series.

The free public opening of Hazara Stories is at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong on Saturday 18 April, 6.30pm-9pm. Bookings required: ondru.org/product-shop/p/human-thesis-hazara-stories

Nawroz festival shines with thousands in attendance

By Sahar Foladi

Thousands flocked to Dandenong Park for the annual Nawroz festival on Sunday 29 March.

Organised annually by the Victorian Afghan Associations Network (VAAN), the event caters for more than 10,000 attendees every year marking the Persian new year (first day of spring), called ‘Nawroz’ literally meaning, ‘New day.’

President of VAAN, Zabi Mazoori says this year they included a lot more representations from different ethnic cultural backgrounds such as the Azeri Adena dance.

“We look forward to bringing the community together to celebrate Nawroz especially at this time when there’s a lot of conflict and stress in the communities, worried about families overseas.

“It’s a good opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate at least to get them away from the stress and constant worry.”

Among the performance highlights were singer Tahir Khawari.

There were up to 65 stalls on the day from businesses to service providers and AFL sports

clubs, with a second-hand car raffled off at the end of the program.

The organisation recently won an increase of their local government funding as part of Greater Dandenong Council’s large community grants program for 2026-27 and 2027-28. Supported by councillor Jim Memeti, their grants increased from $40,000 across two years to $80,000.

This year together in partnership with Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and VAAN, Sustainability Victoria was also raising awareness about fire risks of batteries thrown in household bins.

The latest, ‘Small Acts, Big Impact’ campaign is helping raise awareness about what electronics contain embedded batteries and how to dispose of them safely.

When single-use batteries and electronic devices end up in household bins, they can be crushed during collection or processing.

This damage can trigger intense fires in rubbish trucks and recycling facilities that are difficult to extinguish, particularly when lithiumion batteries are involved.

Schools low on staff

By Carmela Mendoza

Public school staff joined an Australian Education Union (AEU) strike today, claiming that the Labor government offered only half of their requested pay rise.

Local schools in the area were closed or on modified timetables to work around the lack of staff at work.

Noble Park Secondary School had announced that year-8 to year-12 students were not required to attend school, with year-7 students still in class today.

Wooranna Park Primary School arranged modified classes in response as well.

Springvale Rise Primary School was 24 staff members down with years 3-6 not being required at school.

Additionally, Wallarano Primary School advised parents that 31 teachers would not be working. Year-2 and year-5 classes were either modified or cancelled today.

Dandenong High School showed support for their staff members with a large banner, presenting their own school name alongside the AEU logo.

Negotiations began in July 2025 with the

AEU asking for a 35 per cent increase. The government offered a 17 per cent increase over a course of three years.

In response, 30,000 members of the AEU walked out of schools to march in protest in Melbourne’s CBD.

In a media release from 23 March, AEU said they “are ready to escalate their industrial campaign if necessary to ensure that a fair and decent offer is made by the Allan Labor government.”

Victorian teachers are demanding a higher pay with teachers from New South Wales earning $15,359 a year ($295 per week) more than them by October this year, if things do not change.

Ahead of the strike, a Victorian Government spokesperson said: “Public school teachers and school staff deserve a pay rise and that’s what we’ll give them.”

A recent survey showed only 30 per cent of staff plan to stay working in public schools long term, while more than 80 per cent say their workloads have increased due to inadequate support, according to the AEU.

This is the first time Victorian teachers have walked out since 2013.

London sari exhibition debuts in Casey

By Violet Li

An international exhibition reimagining one of South Asia’s most iconic garments has travelled from London to make its Australian debut at Bunjil Place.

The Offbeat Sari, curated by the head of Curatorial at the Design Museum London, Priya Khanchandani, features 54 saris that have been reinvented, repurposed, and reinterpreted into bold contemporary forms.

From saris crafted with sequins cut from recycled hospital X-ray film to garments dyed using pigment made from air pollution in New Delhi, designers are pushing the boundaries of material, while styles range from everyday street looks paired with jeans and sneakers to a dramatically ruffled design worn by Bollywood star Deepika Padukone at the Cannes Film Festival, challenging long-held ideas of how the garment should look, be worn and understood.

The sari, worn across South Asia for centuries, is a single length of unstitched fabric, typically between six and nine metres, that is wrapped and draped around the body in a variety of styles.

That versatility is brought to life behind the scenes by Clyde North-based sari draper Serwwandi Goonetilleke, who folded, wrapped and shaped the fabric on mannequins.

With more than 20 years of experience styling saris for weddings, events and runway shows, Ms

Goonetilleke was tasked with draping dozens of pieces, some unlike anything she had encountered before.

“Some of the saris, to be honest, I haven’t even seen them on real people,” she said.

“I had to search and learn how to do those kinds of complicated drapes. At first, I thought, how can I do this?”

Each piece took about 30 to 45 minutes to complete, Ms Goonetilleke said, with more intricate designs requiring more than an hour.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Ms Goonetilleke said India has the most varieties of sari, while Sri Lanka has only one or two varieties.

“All the teachers and all the government service women wear saris to work every day. My mom was a teacher, so every day in the morning, she would wear a sari to go to work,” she said.

Over the years, Ms Goonetilleke witnessed how younger generations in her original country reimagined saris.

“They wear very lightweight saris, with sneakers. They even go to parties in saris. They come in a modern way now,” she said.

“Because usually, we cover the whole body with the sari, but now it is showing the skin more and doing a nice dip on the young generation.”

Exhibition designer Peter King, who worked with Bunjil Place Gallery and London’s Design Museum, spent more than six months adapting the international exhibition for a local audience.

Rather than simply replicating the original display, the team reconfigured the space into distinct zones and introduced new materials and design elements to suit the Casey setting.

“We have a very diverse community group here. One of the things I think is so exciting is to see how an exhibition is being designed for a diverse audience overseas and then bringing that kind of level of production,” he said.

“Sometimes when things come across the world, they don’t always get the same level of attention. What we wanted to do was make it just as good, just as exciting, really build something that kind of kept true to the qualities that the designers in London had come up with, but make it a new version, something new for this audience.

“We’re not just showing the old stuff; we’re coming up with something new.”

Mr King said that the idea of transformation was at the heart of the show.

“I went to a sari draping course, and I even put one on and learned how they work. I wanted to learn about them and understand how the idea of drapery, and just a single piece of cloth, wraps you up in six to nine meters. It’s amazing,” he said.

“And to achieve so many different shapes with a simple textile, I guess that’s what inspired me with this. It’s like, how do we use a textile to make a new shape in this gallery?”

Running for six months, The Offbeat Sari is at Bunjil Place gallery until Sunday 30 August.

Upgrades start at Hallam hub

Upgrade works have officially started at Hallam Community Learning Centre.

The $820,000 upgrade, jointly funded by Casey Council and the State Government, includes extended office and kitchen areas, new floor coverings and an outdoor retaining wall.

Existing retaining walls and vegetation will be removed.

Kalora Ward councillor Melinda Ambros, Housing and Building Minister Harriet Shing and Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson visited the Kays Avenue site on Thursday 26 March.

Mayor Stefan Koomen said the HCLC was a “highly valued part of our community” that brings people together and supports life-long learning.

It offers a wide range of programs including basic computer skills, English language and Auslan classes, as well as art, quilting and sewing.

“We know how important this facility is to local residents,” Cr Koomen said.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing the upgraded centre continue to the serve and strengthen the community for years to come.”

Works are expected to be completed by early September.

Easter Eggstras

QUICK CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Hand-written book (10)

6 Overwhelmed (4)

10 Having good cause (10)

11 Brittle (5)

12 Supreme (7)

13 Not as old (7)

14 Symbol representing an idea rather than a sound (9)

16 Long tooth (4)

WORDFIND

19 Lazily (4)

21 Ancestral lines (9)

24 Praise (7)

27 (Of a voice) higher and thinner (7)

28 Upright (5)

29 Angular distance east or west (9)

30 Sword handle (4)

31 Cascades (10)

DOWN

1 Grand (8)

2 Epistaxis among the lay population (9)

3 Brilliant (7)

4 German area along the Rhine (9)

5 Rice field (5)

7 Extort (5)

8 Exit (6)

9 Pronounce not guilty (6)

15 Impediment (9)

17 Relating to sacred matters (9)

18 Those who illegally seize power (8)

20 Annual (6)

22 Local law enforcer (7)

23 Friendliness (6)

25 Danger (5)

26 Greek letter (5)

QUIZ

1. Phil Dunster plays which fictional star soccer player in TedLasso?

2. How many colours are on the Seychelles flag?

3. Ag is the symbol for which element on the periodic table?

4. David Bowie played a goblin king in which 1986 movie?

5. In which country was singer Bryan Adams born?

6. Which Puerto Rican rapper made their wrestling debut in 2021?

7. What is the capital of Latvia?

8. How many planets from the sun is Saturn?

9. Florence Pugh (pictured) made her film acting debut in which 2014 drama?

10. LL Cool J held what profession before playing Sam Hanna on NCIS:LosAngeles?

9-LETTER

the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

WORDFILL

EDGEWORD

CROSS MATHS

Bottles for student fees

By Carmela Mendoza

Springvale Neighbourhood House is using Victoria’s 10-cent container deposit scheme to boost their student funding.

Kim Chi, a frequent visitor, is the largest donor, gathering containers from home and family members.

As an English student herself, Kim brings in these bottles every lesson, knowing that it will contribute to something meaningful.

“I know they use the money to help other students in need,” Kim said.

Since mid-2025, the neighbourhood house has collected and refunded up to 2,000 containers.

This raised enough money to cover tuition for four students in need.

The generosity doesn’t stop with Kim. Other members of the community centre also donate containers, raising money towards student tuition.

“Sometimes people just need a little support to get back on their feet,” Ann Pathmasiri said.

Ann has been a community worker at Springvale Neighbourhood House for seven years.

Her work has been the heart of this fundraising initiative, encouraging community members

to bring in their containers from home.

The importance of this student fund is huge for the community centre, with immigrants and

refugees making up most of its members.

“Some students remain unable to afford fees even with the option of instalments or

Picnic for the senses as the big dogs fly

Pets, ground rugs and hidden Easter eggs were part of the fun at Keysborough’s Big Picnic on Sunday 29 March.

Wachter Reserve was alive with performers, dog flyball, sports and the annual Easter egg hunt.

Visitors unfurled their picnic blankets and chairs and enjoyed a wide selection of food stalls and food trucks throughout the reserve.

partial payments.

“Without support from the student fund, they may have to defer enrolment or discontinue their studies,” Ann said.

The neighbourhood house also offers computer, citizenship and work skills classes for students.

Additionally, a range of activities such as sewing, painting, a men’s group and a women’s group are organised regularly.

Community members attend these sessions to learn, meet and socialise.

With this funding initiative, the community centre has helped many, including a housewife who was ready for a new future.

The English lessons helped her gain independence and after four months, she is now able to have basic conversations with her teachers and peers.

“We are hopeful that she will be able to go to the bank by herself or take interviews one day soon,” Ann said.

“We’re encouraging even more students and neighbours to bring their eligible containers to the centre.

“Hopefully, we can help more people in need, so no one is left behind.”

Neighbourhood BBQ

Bring a neighbour or two to our family-friendly neighbours’ evening. Free sausage sizzle (halal options available) and free kid’s activities. No bookings required

· Thursday 2 April 4pm-6pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Doveton; free event.\

Rewind 80s Band

A high-energy tribute to the biggest hits of the 80s

— from Madonna, INXS and Cyndi Lauper through to Queen, Duran Duran and more — designed to get the dance floor packed from the first song.

· Thursday 2 April (doors open 8pm) at Hallam Hotel, 241-245 Princes Hwy, Hallam. Tickets: rewind80smixtape.com.au

Bedazzle a Book

Decorate your own book cover with gems, stickers, and other fun materials. Bring along a book, or choose one from our selection on the day. All materials provided. For ages 12 - 25.

· Tuesday 7 April, 2.30pm-4pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registrations required: events.humanitix. com/april-school-holidays

Rap with Mr Congo

Learn the fundamentals of rap, experiment with beats, and create your own original piece with musician, poet and DJ - Mr Congo. For ages 12-25.

· Wednesday 8 April, 1.30pm-3pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong; free event. Registrations required at events.humanitix.com/aprilschool-holidays

Come and try calisthenics

Discover the art of calisthenics with Keyzpark Calisthenics Club and build your skills with flexes, tricks, and dynamic leaps. No experience needed.

· Wednesdays 8 April and 15 April, 2.30pm3.30pm at Mitchell Hall, Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. No registration required. Details: 0400 939 200 or keyzparkcc@gmail.com

2v2 Badminton Tournament

Under 16 Doubles and Under 25 Doubles. Teams can comprise young people of any gender. Register as an individual and you can be placed in a team on the day. Trophies and medals, as well as prize for best team costume.

· Thursday 9 April, 9am-5pm at Badminton Connect Noble Park, 450 Princes Highway, Noble Park; free event. Registrations essential at forms. greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/public-forms/2v2badminton-tournament-registration/ Heritage Hill tour

Take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens with our expert heritage staff. Hear captivating tales of the people who shaped Heritage Hill and discover how their lives intertwined with the growth of Dandenong.

· Thursday 9 April, 10.30am-11.30am at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; $5pp. Bookings required: greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net. au/#!/event-detail/ev_bb570e95dd5d4379b41c3944a54de742

ANZAC photo exhibition

Kathy Watt OAM, Olympic cycling gold Medallist and award-winning photographer, captures images of military veterans in the exhibition Into The Light.

· Friday 10 April, 10am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; free event. Details: events@nobleparkcc.org.au or 9547 5801.

Dandy-Con 2026

Explore the stallholder exhibition where you can buy your favourite merch and fanart from fandoms like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen and more. Meet creators, play games, craft your own merch, snap a photo-booth moment and dive into tabletop adventures, roving characters and a lively cosplay competition. A perfect day out for fans of all ages.

· Saturday 11 April, 11am–4pm at Dandenong Library, Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre and the Drum Theatre; free event. Details: 1300 630 920 or dandy.con@cgd.vic.gov.au.

Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival

New Year breakfast and rituals, traditional games, Sri Lankan food, trade stalls, all-day cultural stalls and a musical show. Followed by spectacular fireworks. Organised by Sri Lanka German Technical Training Institute Old Boys Association of Australia.

· Sunday 12 April from 9am at Dandenong Showgrounds,BennetStreet,Dandenong.Details:facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090726004310

Plastic trash into treasure

Transform plastic bags into useful materials with just an iron and baking paper. For ages 18+.

· Sunday 12 April, 1pm-3pm at Keysborough Community Hub, Community Room 2, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Bookings required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable. net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_09f5fa56e2d84040 9538ec8dc726bc14.

Creative writing workshop

Explore the art of creative writing with published young adult author Karen Comer. Learn fun writing prompts, how to get published, and develop ideas into compelling stories. For ages 12-25.

· Monday 13 April, 2.30pm-4pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Registration required at events.humanitix.com/ april-school-holidays

Mental health first aid for men

Two-day Mental Health First Aid Training Course for men. The free course by Mental Health First Aid Australia will teach participants how to recognise and respond to mental health problems. Hosted by City of Casey.

· Wednesday and Thursday, 15-16 April, 9.30am4.30pm at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren. Bookings essential: trybooking.com/events/landing/1550779

Family Papier-Mache Workshop

Inspired by the original 1991 Maze installation. Families share stories while crafting a papier-mache sculpture that will be displayed at Heritage Hill. All children must be accompanied by an adult. All materials provided. Old clothes or spare change of clothes recommended. For ages 3 and up.

· Two sessions on Thursday 16 April, 10am-11am or 11.30am-12.30pm at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; $5 per child. Bookings required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/ event-book/ev_f8b98103b73e49d48f38027bd 8731d83

Discover Dandenong Creek Festival

Celebrate the Dandenong Creek, featuring a Welcome to Country by Traditional Custodians, roving performers, craft activities, a plant giveaway, wildlife show and display, fishing activities, a free sausage sizzle and coffee and youth open mic for singers, musicians, poets and comedians (12-25years).

· Thursday 16 April, 11am-2pm at Tirhatuan Park, 4 Kriegel Way, Dandenong North. Parking via 114 Somerset Drive; free event.

Skate workshop

Learn new tricks and boost your skills at our skate workshop with Curbside Coaching. Perfect for all skill levels. Skateboards and safety gear provided. For ages 12-25.

· Friday 17 April, 12pm-2pm at Noble Park Skatepark, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $5. Registration required at events.humanitix.com/aprilschool-holidays

Reuse and Recycle Drop Off Day

Get rid of any larger unwanted household goods suitable for donating or electronic and household goods suitable for recycling. To avoid missing out, it is highly recommended for resident to attend as early as possible.

· Saturday 18 April 8am-1pm at Greaves Reserve, 20 Bennet Street, Dandenong. Free event. Details: 8571 1000 or greaterdandenong.vic.gov. au/recycle-day

Digital essentials

Learn design and understand the basics of technology including smart phone, laptops, and iPads.

· Mondays from 20 April, 9am-12pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; free. Details: programs@nobleparkcc.org.au or 9547 5801.

Sew and grow

Learn how to stitch and design. For adult learners seeking to improve their sewing knowledge.

· Mondays from 20 April, 12.30pm-2.30pm at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; free. Details: programs@nobleparkcc. org.au or 9547 5801.

Creative wellness for women

A therapy program focused on self-care, mindfulness, and wellbeing for women.

· Mondays from 20 April, 9.30am-11am at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park; $45/term. Details: programs@nobleparkcc. org.au or 9547 5801.

Kids gymnastics

Free four-week program for children aged 1-5 years old. Small group sessions (10 children per class) where your child can connect, play and develop their movement skills.

· Mondays and Fridays from 20 April-15 May at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough; free. Registrations required at form.jotform.com/260618955817873

Feeling at harmony

A festive Harmony Day helps to “turn a new place into a new home”, says Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre chief executive Jim Mullan.

Live music, arts and crafts and hands-on cultural activities filled Dandenong Market for SMRC’s giant Harmony Day celebration on Saturday 21 March.

Visitors also received Australian native seedlings, and enjoyed face painting, popcorn, slushies and a ‘passport’ activity to explore the market’s foods and cultures.

Mullan said the day reflected what SMRC sees every day – people from all over the world building a life in Australia.

“What makes today special is seeing that come to life in a vibrant and multicultural place like Dandenong Market.

“Families are connecting, children are discovering different cultures, and there’s a real sense of community across the whole space.

“For many of the people we support, that sense of understanding and connection is crucial.”

Cosplay hero-fest returns to Dandenong

Cosplay characters are set to descend on the heart of Dandenong with the return of its annual comic and pop-culture festival.

Dandy Con is a free, all-ages event packed with fandom, creativity and community fun.

Highlights include Urban Play by RMIT, a 16-player gaming truck with fast-paced multiplayer action and a spectacular on-stage cosplay competition with prizes on offer.

Dandenong Library will be stacked with cre-

ative activities including a drawing workshop, tech activations, clay-making and tabletop roleplay, a photo booth, facepainting, cosplay rovers and arcade machines.

Stalls of graphic novels, merch and original art will also be on offer, including Next Level Games Dandenong, Alternate Worlds, SCAR Studios and Sabina Wills.

Meanwhile, Drum Theatre will host Pixel Play Lounge with indie games, as well as Magic:

The Gathering live demos. Over at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, Dungeons & Dragons roleplay games will take place in The Maze installation.

Costumes are encouraged.

Dandy-Con is on Saturday 11 April 11am–4pm at Dandenong Library, Drum Theatre and Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre; free entry. Details: libraries.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ dandycon

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EDITOR SUNRAYSIA DAILY

Location: Mildura, Victoria

Position: Full-time

Lead two important regional news brands and help shape trusted local journalism across print, digital and social.

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and energetic Editor to lead the editorial direction of the Sunraysia Daily and Broken Hill Times, based from our Mildura office.

This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing the Sunraysia Daily’s three-times-a-week printed edition, the Broken Hill Times, daily online publishing, and support for content across the company’s social channels.

You will lead the reporting team in Mildura and work closely with the small team in Broken Hill, while being supported by the Group Editor and our production hub team.

This is a strong role for someone who understands the importance of local journalism, can drive quality and consistency across platforms, and is committed to building audience and community impact.

About the role

In this role, you will:

•edit and oversee the Sunraysia Daily print editions published three times a week

•oversee editorial output for Broken Hill Times

•manage daily digital publishing across both brands

•assist with editorial content for the company’s social media channels

•lead, mentor and manage the team of reporters in Mildura and the small team in Broken Hill

•help drive strong news judgment, story generation, planning and follow-through

•work with the Group Editor and production hub team to ensure deadlines are met and quality standards maintained

•help grow audience engagement across print, online and social platforms

•maintain high standards of accuracy, fairness, balance and community relevance

•connect with the community, attend events and meet with key members of the community

About you

To succeed in this role, you will ideally have:

•experience in editing, newsroom leadership or senior reporting

•strong news sense and a passion for regional and community journalism

•excellent writing, editing and headline skills

•the ability to manage competing deadlines across print and digital

•strong people leadership skills and a collaborative approach

•confidence working across websites, digital publishing systems and social platforms

•an understanding of how to build audience through digital content and social distribution

•a commitment to accuracy, ethics and high editorial standards

•a great sense of community

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who can:

•lead from the front

•support and develop reporters

•produce strong, relevant and engaging local content

•balance the demands of print, digital and social

•work positively with editorial, production and management teams across the group

Why join us

This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in two important regional news mastheads and make a genuine difference in the communities they serve.

Sales skills/experience:

You will join a business that values trusted local journalism and supports its editors with experienced group leadership and central production resources, while still giving you the chance to have real editorial impact at the local level.

• Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones

To apply

• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets

• Excellent listening skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail

Please submit your application, including a cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role to paul.thomas@starnewsgroup.com.au

• Effective time management to meet deadlines

• Ability to operate in a team

• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility

• Effective oral and written communication Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried,

SPORT Stingrays hold the Power

By Blair Burns

Dandenong Stingrays have made another huge statement, starting their Talent League Boys campaign with a 2-0 record after a thumping 50-point win over Gippsland Power.

The 13.16 (94) to 6.8 (44) victory was impressive, with both local teams coming off huge round one victories.

The stage was set and the clash was set to be played at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.

Even more impressive for the Stingrays is the fact that their draw is tough early, having defeated a highly-rated Geelong Falcons side, and now last year’s preliminary finalists.

It was another box ticked under the guidance of coach Nick Cox, and the Dandenong boys will now shift their focus to another huge match-up against Sandringham Dragons on Friday.

There is no doubt that the absence of a couple of Power stars didn’t help their chances, missing AFL Academy forward Wil Malady (hamstring soreness), who booted six majors last round, as well as co-captain Clancy Snell (back spasms).

But you can take nothing away from Dandenong, who looks hungry this season, spurred on by last year’s heartbreaking qualifying final loss against the GWV Rebels.

The Stingrays took their chances when heading inside 50 and capitalised to kick 3.5 in the first term, while Gippsland squandered some opportunities to put 1.5 on the board.

The arm wrestle continued into the second half with neither side managing to break the game open and play it on their terms, the half time score 4.7 (31) to 2.6 (18) in favour of the Stingrays.

But from that point on it was all Dandenong Stingrays as they outscored the home side, kicking five goals to one in the premiership quarter.

Bentley Avenell continued his form in front of the big sticks, kicking both of his goals in the third term, while Corey Ah-Mu also slotted a second goal to put his team in a strong position.

The Stingrays ran away to win by 50 points at the final siren, with Ah-Mu leading the way up forward with three majors and 18 disposals.

The 196cm forward is following in the footsteps of brother Tairon, who dominated for the

Stingrays last year, and will be one of more exciting bottom-agers in the Talent League this season. Corey was a strong performer at the U16 National Championships for Vic Country last year, and even played five games for Haileybury College in the APS competition - he will be one to watch this season.

Small forward Marcus Prasad got up the ground a bit and put together a huge game with 24 disposals and two goals, using his classy left foot to deliver the ball inside 50 on seven occasions.

While Clancy Stuart (18 disposals, two goals, five tackles) and Jackson Phillips (27 disposals, five marks) did plenty of the grunt work.

For Gippsland Power, brothers Thomas Macmillan (23 disposals, 13 rebound 50s, four marks) and Connor Macmillan (24 disposals, eight marks) had strong games.

If you are speaking of exciting bottom-agers, you cannot leave Warragul Industrials product Cohen Dent out of the conversation, who is one of eight Gippsland players to feature in the Vic Country squad.

Coach Kris Pendlebury would’ve also loved what he saw from highly-touted Power prospect Marlon Neocelous (20 disposals, one goal), who was good in the loss.

Gippsland Power will get the opportunity to bounce back when they take on a struggling Eastern Ranges at Morwell Recreation Reserve, with the Stingrays set to give Sandringham Dragons a real challenge on Friday.

The 210cm ruck controlled the contest and gave his midfielders first use with 13 disposals and 37 hitouts, to go with nine disposals and 28 hitouts from last week’s win against Murray Bushrangers.

Haves and have nots identified on quality night of darts

By David Nagel

It was a night when the heavyweights delivered in the Mountain Dart League with the top three teams in all divisions extending their advantage over the remainder of the competition.

In Division 1, most eyes were focussed on the middle of the ladder, where third-placed Bad Boys took on Clayton Cobras in fourth.

It was Bad Boys who consolidated their grip on third place with a strong victory in a highclass game of darts.

Jamie Wolff continued his good form with a maximum 180 for the winners, while teammates Jack Conroy and Troy Jackson made solid contributions with clinical 100 check outs.

The Cobras had their colours lowered on the night, but Jack Pearce produced the highlight of the evening; a 15-dart leg that concluded with a 100 peg out.

Danielle Fordham was also good for the Cobras, producing a quality 180 visit.

Top-team High 5’s continues to show their class, this time with a commanding victory over Noble Park.

Brendan Simmonds was the star of the show for High 5’s, throwing a 15-dart leg that included visits of 41, 100, 140 and 140 before a ruthless 80 check out.

Dean Gibbs fired in a 180 for High 5’s, while Noel Beasy flew the flag for Noble Park with a lovely 88 check out.

And Bullseyes remain in second place on the MDL Division 1 ladder after taking care of The Bandits on Friday night.

James Johnson and Shane Taylor had the radar dialled in for Bullseyes, throwing five and

three 140s respectively, while Nick Cass rounded out a dominant team performance with an 80-peg out.

While on 140s, there were 15 of them thrown in Division 2 in round seven.

Most were thrown by Ngametua Tangatakino, who threw four 140s in a win for Check Out over TNT.

Andrew Sherriff provided a highlight for TNT, finishing a leg with a 98 check out.

In other games, Liam Wallace, Micheal Meredith, Mathew Gordon and Greg Rondinella all threw 140s in a big win for Redbacks over Spectrum, while Kaye Dawson, Brian Pacey and Tom Nicholson did likewise as Rebels got over the top of Madarras.

In Division 3, MDDA Black Bulls remain on top after a solid win over Vales 3. Blake Wii got the Bulls pumping with a quality 70 peg out while Mal Carey provided stern resistance with a 159 visit for Vales.

In other games, a 140 to Tutai Tuakeu provided the impetus for a big win for Just Do It over The Goodies, while a moment of brilliance from Brad Brooks failed to save Stingers in a hard-fought loss to Stingrays. Kerry Davis led the way for Stingrays with a 127 visit to the oche.

MOUNTAINDARTLEAGUE–ROUND7

• DIVISION1

RESULTS R7: Bad Boys def Clayton Cobras, High 5’s def Noble Park, MDDA Bullseyes def The Bandits. LADDER: High 5’s 28, MDDA Bullseyes 24, Bad Boys 12, Clayton Cobras 8, Noble Park 8, The Bandits 4. FIXTURE R8 (April 10): High 5s v The Bandits, Clayton Cobras v MDDA Bullseyes, Bad Boys v Noble Park 1.

• DIVISION2

RESULTS R7: Check Out def The Night Trawlers, Redbacks def Spectrum, Rebels def Madarras. LADDER: Redbacks 24, Rebels 20, Check Out 20, Spectrum 12, Madarras 4, TNT 4. FIXTURE R8 (April 10): Spectrum v Madarras, TNT v Rebels, Check Out v Redbacks.

• DIVISION3

RESULTS R7: Just Do It def The Goodies, Stingrays def Stingers, MDDA Black Bulls def Vales 3. LADDER: MDDA Black Bulls 20, Stingrays 20, Just Do It 16, The Goodies 12, Vales 12, Stingers 4. FIXTURE R8 (April 10): Stingers v Vales 3, The Goodies v MDDA Black Bulls, Just Do it v Stingrays.

Dominant run to flag

By Blair Burns

It has been a week since Berwick Cricket Club made history by defeating Springvale South in the Dandenong and District Cricket Association Turf 1 decider to win its eighth premiership.

It was a finals series to remember for the Bears as they convincingly defeated Hallam Kalora Park, Buckley Ridges and Springvale South on their way to premiership glory.

And it wasn’t like the Bears scraped through in any of these games; they instead made statement after statement.

Different players stood up with bat and ball to help them breeze through finals and defeat the three sides that had won the previous five flags in Turf 1.

Berwick didn’t concede any more than 192 in the three finals matches, and showed they could score big when they posted 385, with Jake Hancock only making 10 of those.

ELIMINATION FINAL - def Hallam Kalora Park by 7 wickets

Berwick began its finals campaign with a big clash against last year’s runner-up, the dangerous Hallam Kalora Park in an elimination final.

The do-or-die contest was set up by a 4/31 per-

formance from Toby Wills, getting both Damith Perera and Jawid Khan for ducks.

The Hawks’ wings had been clipped, managing 192, which would turn out to be the biggest score the Bears had to chase in the run towards a flag.

Jarryd Wills (43), Jake Hancock (34), Michael Wallace (53 not out) and Chathura Imbulagoda (40 not out) made light work of the run chase.

All contributed as they reached the target with seven wickets in hand and more than 30 overs to spare.

QUALIFYING FINAL - def Buckley Ridges by 210 runs

Buckley Ridges at Dandenong Park Oval … this was a test that very few teams had passed in recent seasons.

The formidable back-to-back premiers, eyeing off a third in front of their home crowd.

And it had been around 10 years since the Bears had travelled to Dandenong Park Oval and secured the points.

This time it was Jarryd Wills (134) who scored a magnificent century and took apart the bowlers, shocking the Bucks with Lachlan Brown (34) also contributing at the top.

Captain Michael Wallace scored another half

century, before Jordan Cleland (64) and Elliot Mathews (31) got the side to 385 in just 72.2 overs.

Another four-wicket haul from Toby Wills saw Buckley Ridges all out for just 175, as Vinuda Liyanage and Jarrod Goodes took two wickets each.

GRAND FINAL - def Springvale South by 6 wickets

And then for the final hurdle, Springvale South. The Bloods were the second-highest scoring team for the season behind the Bucks and boasted a deep batting order.

But it was Jarrod Goodes who turned the game early on day one with a brilliant opening spell which saw him take 4/50 off 18 overs and remove Mitch Forsyth, Ryan Quirk and Dasun Opanayaka for a combined seven runs.

Liyanage was also impressive, coming on to bowl 18 overs and take 3/26 to bowl the Bloods out for just 180.

In reply, Berwick lost a couple of early wickets but stabilised as Man of the Match Jake Hancock (79 not out) guided them home to a flag.

Wallace (32) and Imbulagoda (33) both provided handy cameos as the Bears chased the target in 51.4 overs to win by six wickets.

Dandy Rangers start season with a bang

By Justin Schwarze

Dandenong got the bragging rights after knocking off local rivals Casey 92-81 in the opening round of the NBL1 South.

At Dandenong Basketball Stadium, the Rangers jumped out to the early advantage, scoring 13 fast-break points and 12 in the paint in the opening frame to open up a 23-16 quarter time buffer.

The Cavaliers hit back in the second, going on an 8-0 run to momentarily hit the front, before both teams went in all square at 40-40 to the half.

Dandenong owned the rim in the third, scoring at will on the interior, not making a single three but posting 22 points in the painted area while shooting a blistering 85.7 percent from two-point range in the quarter.

The barrage was led by recruit Harry Froling, who went 5/5 in the frame from around the basket, helping the Rangers hold a 67-58 advantage at three-quarter time.

Dandenong then held off any Casey runs, getting timely buckets to keep the visitors at arm’s length, who never got closer than seven and the

Rangers posted a 92-81 win.

Joe Lubarsky was excellent for Dandenong, recording 22 points and eight rebounds on 60 percent shooting.

Joe Palmer was also outstanding with a double-double of 24 points and 13 boards.

A poor second quarter from Dandenong NBL1 Women saw them unable to climb back into its contest against Casey.

The game was tied 21 apiece at quarter time, before the Cavaliers knocked down four triples in the second and blitzed the Rangers 32-19 in the frame.

And Casey further pushed out its lead in the third, never looking back to secure a 87-75 win on the road.

Skipper Manuela Puoch was the best for Dandenong with 19 points and 13 rebounds on 6/15 shooting.

Former Ranger Dallas Loughridge torched her former side with 17 points, four rebounds and six assists in her new Cavaliers threads.

Both Dandenong teams will be back in action on Thursday as they take on Sandringham on the road.

Thunder struck by poor start

By Justin Schwarze

AfalterinformfromDandenongsawThunder handed a 2-1 defeat away at Bentleigh Greens in round seven of the NPL.

The match started poorly for Dandenong after Bentleigh launched onto an attack down the left wing in the 18th minute.

Cherif Mohamed Aidara took off and made his way into the left hand side of the box, where he was met by Sevdim Ismaili.

Ismaili opted to challenge with a sliding tackle, but brought down Aidara illegally in the process and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

And despite Dennys Martin guessing the right way on the ensuing penalty, Yerasimakis Petratos tucked it into the bottom left corner and gave his side a 1-0 advantage.

The hosts should’ve doubled their advantage when Deion Nikolaidis carried the ball from the left wing and cut back in beautifully, immediately getting past Ismaili and into point blank range, but he fired his shot well wide.

Thunder had some opportunities in the remainder of the first half, but they weren’t able to capitalise in the front third.

Despite having multiple corners and free kicks in dangerous positions, Dandenong didn’t manage a shot on target in the first half.

And the second half started on the wrong note, with Anthony Frangie scoring Bentleigh’s second in the 54th minute.

A calamity at the back from Martin saw him give the ball straight to the Bentleigh midfield, who played a simple ball into Frangie, who then finished superbly with a perfectly-weighted chip over Martin’s head.

A golden opportunity for Thunder in the 72nd minute went begging when a corner was pounced on by Mersim Memeti and Ismaili, who both had multiple attempts from close range blocked.

Dandenong actually managed to claw one back on its next corner when a nicely ball whipped in was masterfully headed into the bottom corner by substitute Oliver Jankulovski in the 77th minute.

Thunder continued to play aggressive in the dying stages, but multiple corners and chances came up empty, thus resulting in the loss.

Dandenong had fired 10 shots in the contest to Bentleigh’s eight, and three accurate shots to the hosts’ two, but fell 2-1.

It marks a fourth defeat in five games for Thunder, seeing them sink to 12th on the ladder with just four points on the season.

Dandenong has some time to regroup over the Easter break before returning home on 11 April to face bottom-placed Green Gully in round eight.

Dandenong City rounds out round seven when it faces South Melbourne on Tuesday night at Lakeside Stadium.