Tuesday, 7 April, 2026
Phone: (03) 5945 0666 Trades & Classifieds: 1300 666 808
starcommunity.com.au FREE
Plastics hit by fuel crisis
Train line chaos
Survivor’s next chapter
Thrilling draw
PAGE 3
PAGE 6
PAGE 14
SPORT
Like an old flame Firefighters were called out to a suspicious fire that gutted a former fire station on Princes Highway, Dandenong on Friday 3 April. The station, which closed more than a decade ago, had become a haunt for squatters in recent times. More on the story, turn to page 3 (Gary Sissons: 545152)
Work in progress? Months out from its launch, the $1.5 million Greater Dandenong Employment Hub’s role is shrouded in mystery. The hub – which was pledged at last year’s federal election - is set to open on 1 July, with federal funding to cover the next three years. Councillor Rhonda Garad heavily criticises the hub as a “farce”, due to it not creating jobs but acting as a connector with existing service providers, employers and Greater Dandenong Council. Cr Garard also questions the funding of the DEH, instead of employment programs run by
SisterWorks and Wellsprings for Women. “I’m so angry because we pretend we’re helping people and yet we’re just wasting money. “$1.5 million will be thrown into the air.” It is expected to cost the council a minimum of $110,000 over three years by providing the hub’s premises rent-free as an “in-kind’ contribution. “Here we are spending a substantial amount of money on something that has no business in local government,” she said. According to a council briefing report, the federal investment covers $500,000 in the establish-
ment of the hub and $1 million in operations. Its KPIs are to register 800 Jobseekers (267 per year), and facilitate three employer-led tailored employment pathways programs, 18 employment sessions (six every year) and 30 employer engagements (10 per year). Council’s city futures executive director Sanjay Manivasagasivam confirms the council is responsible for both designing and delivering the DEH. “At Greater Dandenong City Council, a key focus for us is making sure the Hub delivers real outcomes for the community by creating practical
pathways into jobs for those who need them most.” Bruce MP Julian Hill says the DEH model will meet unmet community need, which was ensured through “extensive community consultations” (October last year). “This hub will provide targeted support to those who are finding it hardest to connect with employment supports.” Service providers say they are awaiting further information to work out how the hub will help the wider jobs sector. More on the story, turn to page 2
ADVERTISEMENT
Belinda Wilson MP
Labor Member for Narre Warren North
03 9706 0566 Belinda.Wilson@parliament.vic.gov.au belindawilson.com.au belindawilsonvic Shop 101, Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, Matthew Flinders Ave, Endeavour Hills.
Your local voice in Parliament Authorised by B Wilson MP, Shop 101, Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, Matthew Flinders Ave, Endeavour Hills. 12840849-JV05-26