Tuesday, 9 June, 2026
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Bail justice speaks out
Phar Lap tribute
Superclinic rejected
Bulls’ battles continue
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SPORT
Our region’s best Eight heroes who have made a difference in the South East have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Among the honorees are Noble Park-raised and decorated medical scientist Alex Laslowski OAM, who has remained ever-inquisitive. “I was born in Dandenong Hospital, which is ironic because that’s where my first job was in a laboratory,” he said. “I’ve always had an aptitude, a desire to work in a hospital laboratory. That was sort of my dream job when I was growing up.” Dandenong District Cricket Association’s long-time president Mick Hawking OAM, oversaw profound change, including a successful academy for junior cricketers. “Junior development is the cornerstone to a club’s longevity. “If you don’t pursue that, you’re playing a deadly game for your future.” Endeavour Hills teacher and social justice advocate Kuranda Seyit OAM has worked to improve relations between the Muslim and wider communities. “We have to remain hopeful,” he said. “Australia is a beautiful country because of its diversity. The different cultures here enrich the fabric of society.” Dandenong North Primary School’s former vice-principal Jenny Mackay OAM pioneered literacy programs for refugee students and extended support for their families. “The Afghani wave of new arrivals awakened me - it’s not just teaching them English - you have to embrace people or they will become alienated in society. “You can’t have people feeling alienated. It leads to a disconnect, resentment, and changes how our area of Dandenong could have been.” Springvale little athletics and netball volunteer Sue Springfield OAM, and Monash Health’s former chief executive Professor Andrew Stripp AM were also recognised. Homicide Squad police officer Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, formerly of the Greater Dandenong and Casey CIUs, was named as an Australian Police Medal recipient. World-renowned Wing Chun Kung Fu instructor Dr Anne Pang, who took free self-defence classes for migrant and refugee women in Dandenong last year, also received an OAM. More on their stories, turn to pages 2 and 3
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Dandenong North Primary School’s former vice-principal Jenny Mackay led a successful literacy program for refugee students. (Gary Sissons: 557267)
Mick Hawking OAM has given decades to running local cricket and football. (Stewart Chambers: 557742)
Kuranda Seyit OAM has devoted himself to harmony between all faiths. (Gary Sissons: 558072)
Medical scientist Alex Laslowski, whose decorated career has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal. (Stewart Chambers: 557771)