Tuesday, 1 September, 2026
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Read until it hurts... Children’s Book Week was celebrated across the nation, including schools in Greater Dandenong last week. Typically, students and staff paraded proudly, while dressed up as their favourite book-characters. Among them was Dandenong North Primary School principal Paul Hilton masquerading as the accident-prone Mr Bump. More pictures, turn to page 8
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Green wedge woes A planning application to build a $14.8 million Ismaili Jamatkhana in Keysborough’s Green Wedge A zone has raised concerns about traffic and protecting the Green Wedge. A double-storey prayer hall with a capacity of 500 people and 185 car parks on-site is proposed for the 272-280 Perry Road site. The centre may also host major religious festivals up to seven times a year and wedding functions. The building also comprises multipurpose rooms, kitchen, meeting room, storage room,
classrooms and a social hall. Under the proposal, 91 of the site’s 137 trees will be retained – including six mature River Red Gums. Further trees will be grown to produce a “net increase” in native vegetation. Social media posts have questioned whether Perry Road can cope with further traffic intake at peak hour, especially with no dedicated turning lanes into the centre. Greater Dandenong Environment Group president Isabelle Nash says developments in the area defeat the purpose of the Green Wedge.
She said places of worship were better placed “within the community and part of the community – not two suburbs away”. Although the area is a Green Wedge A Zone, places of worship and religious institutions can be delivered subject to a planning permit from the Council. Several places of worship already inhabit the area. The Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) president, Gulzar Malik says the proposal was “highly sensitive to the
environmental values, traffic and amenity of the area” and ideally placed in Greater Dandenong’s culturally-diverse region. The organisation will respond to community input that may arise during the planning process, he said. “The Jamatkhana is envisaged to become a spiritual, cultural and educational gathering place that will welcome all faiths and backgrounds for generations to come.” More on the story, turn to page 3
rachel.payne.mp@parliament.vic.gov.au
FAIR, COMMON SENSE POLITICS. LEADING WITH COMPASSION.
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(03) 9651 8972 rachelpayne.com.au