Tuesday, 1 September, 2026
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Journo finds exile
Rooming house denied
Diversity heroes
Finals wrap
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SPORT
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
(Gary Sissons: 573009)
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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NEWS
Journalist-in-exile fights By Sahar Foladi A Cambodian journalist facing arrest in his homeland for his reporting now works in exile while building a future for his family in Melbourne’s South East. Tha Thai and his family recently became Australian citizens after arriving as refugees. They have celebrated the exciting chapter with their newborn baby. “When we got the news of our Australian visas, we were so excited. It changed our life, it meant we had a new home, we could have freedom, live in a democratic country and continue our work,” Mr Thai said. He first fled to Thailand from Cambodia, later followed by his wife and their then three-monthold baby to flee threats of arrest because of his role as a reporter for Radio Free Asia (RFA). With a sense of responsibility to his people back home, he has now established TV Free Asia, a commitment by exiled Cambodian journalists to provide independent, factual news. “Our mission is to provide independence back to journalists back in Cambodia. We have support of Cambodian people across the world, they need the truth and trust our team with the news,” Mr Thai says. “We have massive support from our Cambodian people, but we are facing the required funds to operate and so we are working on volunteer capacity. “Cambodia has become very famous with criminals, whereas before it was a holiday destination.” In practice, Cambodia remains under an authoritarian rule where independent media and opposition parties are repressed, and elections aren’t free or fair, he says. “The Cambodian government was very afraid of our works, so all independent media were forced to shut down, including the RFA. “We reported on the corruption, human rights
Thai Thai, pictured right, during a report about a Cambodia national rescue party MP and their supporters visiting the Cambodia and Vietnam border at Svay Rieng province in October of 2015.
Tha Thai reporting for Radio Free Asia on illegal fishing in Prey Veng province in October 2016.
Cambodian journalist Tha Thai obtained his citizenship along with his wife, son and newborn baby. Also at the ceremony were Greater Dandenong mayor Sophie Tan, left, and Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak. (Supplied) abuses, political news, elections and international news. “They weren’t happy with our reporting and didn’t want the people to listen to the truth and wanted to push their own propaganda.” After RFA was forced to shut down, two of its reporters were accused of espionage, a charge that carried a maximum sentence of 15 years. While they were released on bail, charges against them remain. “Cambodian people are stripped of their fundamental rights. If people voice themselves on social media, they are arrested.
Outstanding business finalists celebrated
GLASS
WILL SOON HAVE ITS OWN BIN To meet Victoria’s waste reform requirements, Casey households will receive a new purple-lidded glass bin between September and November 2026. Putting glass in its own bin keeps recycling cleaner, reduces contamination, and improves glass recycling so it can be made into new products. What to expect: • An 80-litre glass-only bin will be delivered between 7 September and 20 November 2026. • Glass bottles and jars of any colour that have contained food or drink can go in this bin. Just give them a quick rinse and remove the lid. • Once your purple bin is delivered, glass will no longer be accepted in the yellow-lidded recycling bin. • Glass bins will be collected every four weeks from November 2026 on the same collection cycle as the FOGO bin (green lid).
Find out more: casey.vic.gov.au/kerbside-bin-changes
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2 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 1 September, 2026
“At that time, the police tried to locate us, including me, and I decide to flee Cambodia and went to Thailand in 2017 alone by bus to the border at nighttime.” The family lived in Thailand for five years before they were granted permanent residency in Australia in 2022. “It was very difficult. We went on a tourist visa, our visa expired. It was very difficult circumstances - we were scared to go out, we could be arrested by Thai authorities and sent back. “At that time the Thai and Cambodian governments were on good terms and they would send Cambodian refugees back.” Mr Thai continued to work for RFA as their Melbourne editor, but that role was short-lived after the US Trump administration slashed federal grants to Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and subsequently forced them to shut operations in 2025. “However, my team and I tried to survive. When our newsroom closed and independent
media space narrowed, we made a simple decision: keep going.” So, TV Free Asia was born out of this passion for independent news-telling, made up of volunteers working as Uber drivers or labour jobs while fuelled by their sense of responsibility to their people back home. “The closure of independent Khmer-language media has left millions of Cambodians with fewer credible sources of information.” TV Free Asia consists of 15 members, two in Australia, some scattered in United States and in Cambodia. With sources on the ground, risking their lives to provide factual information, Mr Thai and their team provide an insight as to what goes on within Cambodia. The TVA is currently seeking collaborations with the state’s newsrooms and/or donor support to continue to deliver a free media, journalism and an independent voice to Cambodians at times when they’re suppressed. Details: https://www.facebook.com/share/19 TcawKNgg/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://tfakhmer.org/ To contact Tha Thai: thaisareiboth@gmail. com
Casey Council has announced the 2026 Casey Business Awards finalists. The awards recognise businesses of all sizes and industries and this year, and the calibre of applications was exceptionally high, making it one of the most competitive years to date. City of Casey Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther said as a local business owner, she understands first-hand the dedication, resilience and hard work it takes to run a business. “These awards are meaningful because they celebrate not just success, but the real effort behind it,” she said. Mayor Cr Crowther said she shares the unique experience of being a former Casey Business Awards finalist. “I understand the excitement that comes with this recognition. I know how much it means not only to the business owner, but also to their staff, customers, family and supporters who have been part of the journey,” she said. All applicants will receive tailored business feedback from industry experts to support their continued growth and development. Winners will be announced at a special event on Thursday 12 November 2026. The 2026 Casey Business Awards finalists are: Excellence in Access and Inclusion Jala Jala The Bridge Incorporated We Rock The Spectrum Berwick Excellence in Business Innovation Hospo Fresh MasterFix Property Maintenance Pty Ltd Twisted Sista Cafe & Gelateria Casey Central Excellence in Community and Partnership Hoops and Cookies The Whisktakers Waverley Social Enterprises Excellence in Customer Experience Berwick Auto Electrics and Mechanical
• • • • • • • • • •
Casey Council has announced the 2026 Casey Business Awards finalists. (File)
• Primary @ Pioneers Park • Sana Skin Clinic Best Eco-Friendly Business • A & C Commercial Cleaning Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation • Moonlit Park • St John of God Berwick Hospital Best Micro Business • Empowered Business Harmony • Keysight Accounting Solutions • Rez Architects Pty Ltd Best New Business • Five Farms Cafe • Game On Entertainment Centre • Sigma Rehab
To learn more about each of the finalists, visit: businessincasey.com.au/casey-business-awards-2026-category-finalists
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NEWS
$14.8m Jamatkhana proposed By Sahar Foladi 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. The submitted plans for the 272-280 Perry Road site include a double-storey prayer hall with a capacity of 500 people and 185 car parks on-site. Dawn prayers from 3.30am-6.30am are set to attract a maximum of 200 people in attendance. Up to 400 people would attend evening prayer at 5.30pm-10pm. The Friday prayers are considered the regular peak period with anticipated peak attendance of 500 people. Other peak attendance may be during major religious festivals reported to be around six to seven times a year and during wedding functions. The building also comprises multipurpose rooms, kitchen, meeting room, storage room, classrooms and a social hall. An anonymous post on Facebook’s Keysborough Community Noticeboard is urging residents to write to the council in opposition to the planning application. The post raises concerns about whether Perry Road can cope with further traffic intake, the impact on the Green Wedge and the chopping down of mature trees if the application is approved by Greater Dandenong Council. “Anyone who drives Perry Road at peak hour knows how busy it already gets. Add potentially hundreds of vehicles arriving and leaving around the same time, and there are no dedicated turning lanes into the property shown at the access,” it states. “What is that going to do to traffic flow and safety?” Greater Dandenong Environment Group has also expressed strong disapproval, saying they will be advocating to the council. President of the group, Isabelle Nash says developments in the area defeat the purpose of the Green Wedge and suggests places of worship should be within existing infrastructure for better accessibility. “We would like to see it preserved for its original purpose, which is to remain as a green open space for the community. “There needs to be stronger protection in the Green Wedge against industries. Unfortunately, a place like a place of worship, while it’s important to revive it for communities, the Green Wedge is far from where those communities are. “Places of worship have always been within the community and part of the community, not two suburbs away it’s ridiculous that way. 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.
Perry Road’s 80km/h narrow, long stretch single-lane road is shared by cars, semi-trailers and trucks.The area is surrounded by industrial sites, warehouses, places of worship and schools.(Stewart Chambers: 366660_03) Several places of worship already surround the area, including the Divine Mercy Shrine Church on Greens Rd, Dhamma Sarana Temple, the Unitarian Druze Community of Victoria, Sikh temple Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Keysborough Turkish Islamic and Cultural Centre on Greens Road. City of Greater Dandenong’s executive director of city futures, Sanjay Manivasagasivam says they are assessing the planning application and won’t have any position until they’ve considered any submissions received during the advertising period. The Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) is the governing body representing the Ismaili Muslim community across Australia and New Zealand. Its president, Gulzar Malik says they will respond to community input that may arise during the planning process. “The Ismaili community of Melbourne are excited to be establishing a purpose-built home for the Ismaili community within Greater Dandenong, which is ideally placed in one of the most culturally diverse areas of Melbourne. “The Jamatkhana is envisaged to become a spiritual, cultural and educational gathering place that will welcome all faiths and backgrounds for generations to come. “In consultation with Council, the Ismaili Jamatkhana Melbourne together with its expert
project team has presented a comprehensive and well considered proposal that is highly sensitive to the environmental values, traffic and amenity of the area.” Who are the Shia Ismailis? Many online users commented under the post made on Keysborough Community Noticeboard questioning the need for another mosque while the Keysborough Turkish Islamic and Cultural Centre is within a three-minute distance from the proposed site. The Ismaili Jamatkhana is not a mosque, though both serve the purpose of community gathering in Islam. The Ismaili faith is a branch of Shia Islam, but they differ in their beliefs and practices. Jamatkhana is a combination of the Arabic word for gathering, (Jamat) and Persian word for house (khana), meaning house of the community. Traffic Impact The Perry Road section is surrounded by industrial sites and cars share the 80km/h single lane road with trucks and semi-trailers. According to the Transport Impact Assessment on behalf of the applicant, the Friday evening prayers with estimated 500 people is the only regular peak period with 150 vehicles entering and leaving within an hour timeframe. Using Friday evening as a scenario and the SIDRA analysis, cars will wait up to two seconds
on the southbound to enter the site and at least seven minutes to exit the site via left turn onto Perry Rd. The report points out that, given the Atlantic Road/Perry Road signalised intersection, there is no ability to provide a separate right turn entry lane to the site. A representative from the Sikh temple located just four minutes up from the proposed Ismaili Jamatkhana says Perry Road should have safe turning lanes to adjacent sites. Ravinder also says the council’s $4.5 million upgrade and widening of Perry Road has had minimal positive impact on traffic flow but it has helped with big trucks on the road. “Keysborough is home to different religions you’ve got churches and everything. “They need to upgrade the infrastructure anything on that road should have a turning lane to have the public coming in.” The Greater Dandenong Council commenced the Perry Road construction and widening in September 2023 to improve safety, traffic flow and road durability. The works along the 850m Perry Road stretch is divided in three stages to widen the road, upgrade drainage, install guardrails and street lights, a new shared user path and pavement reconstruction. Currently in Stage 3, its expected completion is October this year.
Permit U-turn: Rooming house denied By Cam Lucadou-Wells An unannounced nine-bedroom rooming house in Dandenong has been denied a planning permit by VCAT due to a defective car parking design. Construction ceased at 2A Besley Street last year as Greater Dandenong planning officers investigated the site. Last year, Star Journal reported that neighbours were shocked to discover the rooming house being built unannounced in their leafy street. Its building permit had been approved by a private surveyor, rather than Greater Dandenong Council. Under state planning laws, the proposed two-storey home on the 596-square-metre block doesn’t require a planning permit if it meets certain exemption requirements. Council officers initially deemed it did not meet the exemption requirements, forcing proponent Rossmoyne Group to provide shared entry facilities and common areas. However Rossmoyne appealed to VCAT against a council finding that an on-site “accessible car space” or disabled car space was not sufficiently accessible. It was one of the two required car spaces on site. On 17 August, VCAT senior member Bill Sibonis agreed that the car space was “not acceptable”, not meeting the required “high standard” to enable a safe environment for users and easy,
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Concrete foundations were laid at the proposed rooming house at 2A Besley Street Dandenong last year. (Gary Sissons: 499112) efficient use. “The necessary manoeuvring to enter the car space occurs across the front property boundary, straddling the footpath, and requires the vehicle to come to a complete stop and turn the wheels to a ‘full-lock’, in order to achieve the required turning movement to access the car space. “This is neither easy nor efficient.” He noted the layout prevented a vehicle from reversing from the car space. “Being only able to enter the car space in
a forward direction, it restricts the use of the shared area for deploying and utilising mobility aids to a passenger.” Since October 2018, the planning-permit exemption has been set under State Government regulations. It exempts rooming houses up to 300 square metres, 12 residents and nine bedrooms in all residential zones in Greater Dandenong. A State Government spokesperson said last year that the exemptions apply to “small-scale
rooming houses to help provide more accommodation for Victorians at risk of homelessness”. As of July, Dandenong Zero project reports 62 people were sleeping rough in Greater Dandenong. Another 36 are in temporary housing, motels or other/unknown accommodation. Recently, Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad said the council area was “turning into the rooming house mecca of the South East”. Greater Dandenong is home to 137 registered rooming houses, up from 119 last year, according to state housing department website data. It was the second-highest number in the South East, behind City of Monash (303). Families were now moving into rooming houses – up to nine bedrooms that share two toilets, a bathroom and a kitchen do not require a planning permit, she said. “These are working families moving into a room. It makes for some sort of Dickensian England.” Cr Garad blamed “successive Victorian governments” for under-investing in affordable, public and community housing for the rising numbers. As a result, there was increasing pressure on neighbourhood amenity, parking, noise, waste services and support services, she argued. A majority of councillors in Greater Dandenong have attributed the rapid growth in numbers to “a range of factors” including housing affordability pressures, socio-economic factors, and limited housing supply.
Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 3
NEWS
4Cs anniversary By Jensy Callimootoo For Narre Warren South P-12 student Grace Alefosio, taking the lead on this year’s cultural showcase has been a lesson in leadership, culture and community — as well as a considerable amount of hard work. The Year 12 student has helped bring together students from across the school for the annual Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities (4Cs) program, which brings schools and cultural groups together through music, dance and performance. Now in its 20th year, the program will bring together over 20 primary and secondary schools and community groups across four showcase nights at Bunjil Place in August and September. Grace, who has been involved in 4Cs since 2023, was appointed leader of the student group after teachers saw the effort she had put into the program. Her responsibilities have ranged from organising performers and schedules to designing the group’s shirts, arranging quotes and sizes, collecting materials and creating promotional displays for Bunjil Place. The workload has often taken up her weekends alongside her Year 12 studies. “At the start of the year, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to do it or continue the role,” Grace said.
Among her responsibilities was encouraging younger and often shy students to get involved, as well as helping teach 22 students three songs for a performance at a nursing home. Despite the pressure, Grace said the more involved she became, the more she enjoyed the experience. “The more I was involved with everything that they were doing, the more I enjoyed it,” she said. The program has also strengthened Grace’s connection to her Samoan heritage. “I’ve learnt more about my own culture,” she said. “I’ve learnt more about our history and where our ancestors came from and the meaning behind the rituals we have.” She said working alongside students from different cultural backgrounds had also helped her understand that people could have very different traditions and values. This year’s 20th anniversary will feature a particularly personal tribute to the program’s history, a traditional Samoan ‘tuiga’ headpiece incorporating hair donated by community members, including head of the program, Laitini Matautia. The piece is being created as a legacy of the cultures that have contributed to 4Cs over two decades and is expected to be featured at Melbourne Museum, with the creation process also being documented. Among the students preparing for this year’s
4Cs showcase are Benjamin Afaese and Chase Gardner, who is helping bring a growing First Nations performance to the stage. For Chase, the 2026 event marks his first year taking part in the First Nations performance, which will form part of the opening of the showcase. The group has grown significantly since its inception, from an initial six or seven students to about 12 and now around 30 performers this year. The growth represents an important milestone for 4Cs, says Laitini, with the First Nations group moving from a small performance to opening each of this year’s shows. For the students, the opportunity provides a chance to celebrate First Nations culture while working alongside their peers as part of the wider 4Cs program. Benjamin will also be joining Grace on the stage with a performance of the Siva Samoa. While both students were modest about their roles, Benjamin said he was feeling good about his upcoming performance. For Grace, the significance of 4Cs goes beyond one performance. Her sister previously performed in the program, inspiring Grace to eventually take the stage herself. Now, she hopes to pass that inspiration on. “I don’t want it to just be one day I perform and done,” she said.
Grace Alefosio, Narre Warren P-12 College VET 4Cs Student Leader.
A 4Cs performance from 2024. (Supplied) “I want to continue helping other people, the next generation.” As she prepares to finish school, Grace said she was proud of what she and the student team had achieved, and could even see herself creating a community group of her own one day. “I’m really proud of myself,” she said. The 2026 4Cs showcase will be held at Bunjil Place on 1 and 7 September and closing on 14 September. For tickets or more information, go to bunjilplace.com.au/events/cultivating-creative-cultures-communities-4cs
State Election ‘26: PTUA calls for bus and train boost By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 4Cs performance from 2025. (Stewart Chambers: 495897)
A public transport advocacy group has made a pre-State election pitch to boost train and bus services, including an overhaul of Sunday timetables. Public Transport Users Association is seeking political parties to commit to more PT upgrades to capitalize on level crossing removals and Metro Tunnel. “Public transport infrastructure is only as good as the services that run on it, and services in Melbourne and around the state are falling behind,” PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen said. “Long wait times for most suburban public transport means it can’t compete with driving. “Especially when there is ongoing cost-of-living pressure on households, it’s vital to ensure that more Victorians have the option of convenient frequent public transport.” Some of the short-term priorities include: - replacing Sunday timetables with a unified weekend timetable, starting with buses. This would mean more routes run on Sundays. - higher weekend frequencies on key bus routes, including to major shopping centres The PTUA wants to also boost metro train services to run at least every 20 minutes on all lines until midnight, seven days a week – with an aim for 10 minute frequencies in the near future. Currently, commuters face waits of up to 40 minutes between trains
Students from Narre Warren P-12 College who helped with the 4Cs initiative this year. (Supplied)
In the medium term, priorities include: -Upgrades to key interchange train-stations at Caulfield and Richmond. -20 minute frequencies on key cross-suburban bus routes such as 841 Cranbourne Station to Narre Warren North, 850 Dandenong to Glen Waverley station, 881 Melinda Park station to Clyde North and 828 Hampton to Berwick. Longer-scale projects should also include a rail extension to the growth area of Clyde with new stations at Cranbourne East and Casey Fields, according to the PTUA. “Public transport must keep up with population growth”, Mr Bowen said. “This type of investment can help Victorians access education, employment and other opportunities, growing our economy while also providing relief for household budgets and getting more people out of traffic congestion.” Meanwhile, Greater Dandenong Council and the Eastern Transport Coalition have headed their State Election wishlists with a $400 million rebuild of Dandenong train station. The ETC also calls for a $1 billion extension of Westall Road to Monash Freeway, and $500 million to extend Dandenong Bypass to South Gippsland Freeway. The council will push for a trial of a bus service into Dandenong South’s industry hub, the extension of Djerring Trail to Dandenong’s CBD and removing the Heatherton Road roundabout in Noble Park.
AFL GRAND FINAL CHARITY LUNCHEON 2026 EVENT Thursday, 17th September 2026 At 12 :00 pm
Southern Golf Club, Lower Dandenong Road, Keysborough VIC 3173
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Guest Speaker Mark Williamas
Guest Speaker Emily Everist
Giving Back To A Worthy Cause: A charity auction will raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Australia charity, helping to grant life-changing wishes for seriously ill children.
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4 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 1 September, 2026
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NEWS
Save Kingswood debate rages By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Residents and MPs at a protest against housing on the former Kingswood Golf Course. (Supplied)
The former Kingswood Golf Course. (City of Kingston) Libertarian South-East Metropolitan MP David Limbrick said the government needed to “go back to the community“ and re-look at the committee’s recommendations. “In setting up this standing advisory committee, having thousands of submissions by residents and then going ahead and effectively ignoring many of these, you can see why people who live nearby are upset about this.“ Greens Western Victoria MP Sarah Mansfield said the government had missed a chance to reclaim land for the South East Green Wedge lost to the Suburban Rail Loop stabling yards. “The final plans for the development of the Kingswood golf club in Dingley Village do little to preserve the trees and biodiversity of the site, nor do they respond to resident and council concerns
regarding flood controls. “By not considering canopy cover loss and flooding risk, this is not a climate-resilient development.“ She said the 10 per cent affordable housing percentage on the submission was inadequate in one of Kingston’s “least affordable“ suburbs. “Up-market townhouses will not help the housing affordability crisis”. Labor North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra said the project would deliver a mix of detached dwellings and townhouses across 15 stages. Open space will comprise 20 per cent of the site. “This is exactly the kind of underutilised, welllocated land Victoria needs to unlock if we are
serious about giving young Victorians and growing families a realistic path to homes and home ownership. “The planning system has to balance genuine community concern against the reality that Victoria needs more homes to ensure individuals and families can continue to afford to rent and buy in the places they want to live.” She said the draft development plan had been revised after 1287 public submissions, including from Kingston Council. It led to “real changes” such as updated stormwater and drainage design and ecological assessments. The permit was being assessed by the department with “rigour”, in consultation with Melbourne Water, South East Water and Kingston Council, Terpstra said. Save Kingswood president Kevin Poulter said a “glorious village” was set to be “destroyed at the whim of the Planning Minister”. He said the group had assembled a 52-page document to show the plans were “at least half-abillion litres short of needed flood control”. He noted the Advisory Committee’s finding of a “serious flooding problem on the site and its surrounds due to Melbourne Water’s inadequate drainage system”. “Approximately 70 properties downstream of the site and adjacent roads are regularly flooded,” the committee stated. “Mr Poulter’s submission, amongst others, leaves no doubt as to this.”
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In the latest salvo from Dingley Village residents, a petition with more than 2000 signatures has called for the Government to “at least“ halve a proposed housing estate on the former Kingswood golf course. For more than a decade, Kingston Council and residents groups such as Save Kingswood have campaigned against housing on the 53-hectare wildlife-rich, flood-prone site. The latest proposal is a 932-lot estate from developer Satterley Residential Properties - though critics fear that ’micro-lots’ may be added to swell the number. Last year, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny and the Department of Transport and Planning approved a development plan for the site, and are now considering a planning permit. In the state’s upper house on 26 August, Liberal, Libertarian and Greens MPs spoke out against the project as the Government defended its “unlocking“ of “underutilised“ land for housing. South-East Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans had tabled the 2064-strong petition, which called for “at least” halving the estate in number, flood controls and retaining all flora and fauna on the site. Hermans told Parliament that the government seized on “just one recommendation” from a standing advisory committee – which was to build on the flood-prone golf course. “Nearly a thousand homes with nearly 3000 residents – no schools, no train station, no businesses, nowhere for these people to go – just houses. “There are no flood control measures that have been implemented, with billions of litres of water that have not been accounted for … and regular large floods that take place in the wet season. “I have to say too that Kingston council has not been given the opportunity, as was one of the recommendations by the advisory council, to be the ones that oversee and make the final decisions.”
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Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 5
LOOKING BACK
Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
100 years ago 26 August 1926 Advertisement THE COLONIAL GAS ASSOCIATION Ltd. Is pleased to make the following announcement: “We have acquired by amalgamation the undertaking of the late DANDENONG SHIRE GAS AND COKE CO Ltd. In making this announcement, we desire to state we own and operate gas plants supplying more than 20,000 homes and factories in a number of suburban and country districts. Gas customers in Dandenong can rely on receiving the benefit of our long experience in the administration of gas undertakings, and as part of our policy we offer GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE, we have framed a favourable scale of HIRE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR ALL APPLIANCES and WILL LAY FREE SERVICE PIPE 66ft FROM KERB TO YOUR PREMISES.” 50 years ago 30 August 1976 Thanks from speedsters The loss of the Sandown Park racing course from the Australian Grand Prix series for motorcycles will leave a serious gap that will be hard to fill to the same standard. The South Australian Road Racing Association said this in a letter to Springvale Council. Council approved one major cycle meeting at the circuit as a trial. The matter was hotly debated, with the Mayor, Cr Warner using his casting vote in favour. The association said it hoped the residents and environmentalists were satisfied with the effort made by riders to silence machines. So far, only one complaint about the noise has been received. 20 years ago 28 August 2006 Karate kid gets his kicks Meet Boris Ilic, Dandenong’s karate kid. In April the 16-year-old became the national karate champion for his age and weight division when he won the Australian Open in Brisbane. He has been learning the martial art for the past 5 years at the Australian Shukokai-Karate-Do on Box Street Doveton. Ilic says Karate has provided him with the opportunity to travel interstate for various tournaments. ”One of my proudest
Sandown Racecourse’s heritage-protected grandstand. (Gary Sissons: 233074)
Ian Cook told the inquiry that I Cook Foods was closed despite ‘unequivocal’ proof of its innocence. (Stewart Chambers: 202497)
moments was being selected to go to New Caledonia. Karate is not really a professional sport and even if you go to world championships, you do not get paid.” Ilic’s father Vinke said he never dreamed his son would be so successful
in the sport. “I initially enrolled him in the sport to get him out of the house away from PlayStation games.” 5 years ago 31 August 2021
‘Double standard’ I Cook Food director Ian Cook has told an inquiry his company was destroyed despite “unequivocal proof” of its innocence. A parliamentary enquiry has been re-opened into what it described as the company’s “inappropriate” closure after evidence alleged that the patient didn’t eat ICF products. It contradicts testimony from senior health officials, the inquiry’s terms of reference stated. Mr Cook compared the “double standard” of a recent case of a company which provided a Meals on Wheels meal positively linked to the death of an elderly man. The business was recently contacted by the council’s environmental health officer and told the case was closed with no further action. Mr Cook said ICF was treated differently because it was a commercial rival of Community Chef, a caterer co-founded by the health department and several councils, including the City of Greater Dandenong. “How can a council be asked to regulate a commercial rival? Community Chef were going broke and were advantaged by getting I Cook Foods out of the way.”
CHURCH
It takes courage to hope, to believe the world is changing By Roz Blades OAM, Interfaith Network member and Jewish Faith One of the enduring words of Judaism is Hope. We remain a people of hope. Optimism is the belief that the world is changing for the better; hope is the belief that the world is changing, that together we can make a difference. It takes much courage to hope. Across the world’s diverse faiths, hope for humanity is anchored in shared values of compassion, divine grace and cosmic grace. Whilst we all have different views about hope, major traditions unite in offering a vision where hope, love, peace and ultimate justice overcome despair. Traditions of Buddhism and Christianity teach that empathy and kindness are core human duties. Judaism and Hinduism anticipate a future res-
MESSAGE OF
HOPE toration where righteousness triumph. Brahma Kumari teaches that human identity is an immortal soul, not a physical body, transcending race, gender and nationality. Seventh Day Adventist emphasises healthy living, with many members practising a vegetarian diet. To be Jewish is to be an agent of hope in a world struggling with definition. Throughout history, when human beings have
sought hope, they have found it in Jewish history. And what about the hopes of people of all religions and none? In the morning do you hope your family has a good day? Do you hope that your mother goes well at the doctor? Is there family hope about an up and coming wedding or family celebration? The message of hope means different things to all of us. Hope means wanting something to happen in the belief that it is possible. Let’s hope every day that we can come together in love and peace. - Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au Visit https://interfaithnetwork.org.au
Roz Blades OAM.
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Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 7
NEWS
Teen spared prison in first ‘adult time’ sentence By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
The winners of this year’s Book Week costume parade at Dandenong North PS.(Gary Sissons: 573009_68)
Dalmation-dressed staff do the rounds. (Gary Sissons: 573009_63)
Bright costumes at the Dandenong North Primary School parade. (Gary Sissons: 573009_23)
Parade off the page The roll call of lavish costumes at Dandenong North Primary School was very much in keeping with this year’s Childrens Book Week theme Symphony of Stories. Staff and students brought their favourite literary characters to life, while parading with their best reading books in the school grounds on 26 August.
The first child to be sentenced under Victoria’s “adult time for violent crime” laws has been spared jail for a brazen and violent aggravated carjacking in Dandenong. The 16-year-old girl, who cannot be named, was instead sentenced to an 18-month youth justice supervision order for the February 27 incident. The teen admitted she threatened a taxi driver with a knife before stealing his car about two hours after the “adult time” legislation came into effect. Under the changes, children aged 14 and older who commit home invasions or aggravated carjackings must face the County Court, where penalties are tougher than a children’s court. Victorian County Court Judge Scott Johns found the offending was “brazen and violent”. But her upbringing and the absence of any criminal record meant she should be sentenced under the children’s act. “Specific deterrence and protection of the community would be best served by your rehabilitation in the community,” the judge said on Wednesday. “No doubt for many cases of aggravated carjacking, sentences imposed under the (adult) Sentencing Act will be necessary. “I’ve concluded your case is not one of them.” The balaclava-clad girl and her male co-offender jumped into the back of the victim’s taxi about 2.47am on February 27, the court was told. After the driver told them to leave, the girl pointed a knife at his neck and demanded he get out of the car and leave his phone and keys behind. Fearing he would be stabbed, the driver stepped out and called for help as the girl drove the car away from Dandenong train station in Melbourne’s southeast. The boy was in the front passenger seat. The pair crashed a short time later after speeding along the Princes Highway at 180km/h. The boy was in March sentenced in a children’s court to a 12-month good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to carjacking. But the girl faced the higher court after pleading guilty to the more serious aggravated carjacking charge. In delivering his sentence, Judge Johns said the offence was inherently serious and the victim had been a vulnerable, unsuspecting target. “He was in his workplace and he was entitled to be safe,” the judge said. He noted it was her first time before the courts and she had a difficult upbringing, having been in and out of child protection and residential care since the age of two. Mental health conditions also affected her ability to reason, he said. Her supervision order includes conditions requiring mental health and illicit substances treatment, participation in a day program like school, and a curfew between midnight and 6am. The judge warned not complying with the “onerous” conditions would result in her being re-sentenced. “You haven’t had a lot of opportunities in your young life but this is one,” the judge told the girl. “Good luck. I hope I don’t see you back here.”
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8 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 1 September, 2026
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FOCUS ON … SENIORS
Together at Belvedere At Belvedere Aged Care, we believe that moving into residential care does not mean leaving behind the relationships, memories and traditions that make life meaningful. For couples, the opportunity to continue their journey together can provide comfort, reassurance, and a wonderful sense of belonging. We understand that the decision to move into residential care can be difficult, particularly when one or both partners require additional support. That is why, wherever possible, Belvedere welcomes couples to share this next chapter of their lives together. Our approach is centred around connection, choice, and meaningful moments. We have rooms available that can cater for couples, allowing partners to remain close to one another while receiving the care and support they need. Life at Belvedere is about much more than care. It is about continuing to celebrate the occasions that matter. We love helping couples mark their special milestones, including wedding anniversaries, birthdays, and vow renewals. These celebrations provide opportunities to bring families and friends together and create new memories while reflecting on the many wonderful years couples have shared. Our lifestyle program also includes activities designed to encourage couples to enjoy time together. From couple high teas and special celebrations to outings in the local community, we aim to create experiences that feel familiar, enjoyable, and personal. Restaurant outings are a wonderful opportunity for couples to enjoy a meal together outside the usual routine, reconnect with each other and simply enjoy each other’s company. At Belvedere, we recognise that every couple has their own story, interests, and traditions. Our team takes the time to understand what is important to each couple and looks for opportunities to
Together at Belvedere: Keeping couples connected. incorporate those preferences into daily life. We also understand that couples may have different care needs. One partner may require a higher level of support while the other remains more independent. Residential care can provide the reassurance that appropriate support is available while helping couples maintain their connection and spend meaningful time together.
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Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 9
NEWS
Violent ex-partner jailed A South East man has been jailed after forcing his way into an ex-partner’s home at night and assaulting her in front of one of their children. The man, 29, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to aggravated burglary, common law assault and intentionally destroying property. In April last year, he was shopping for food at Parkmore shopping centre in Keysborough when he exchanged angry, abusive text messages with his ex-partner over co-parenting issues. Soon afterwards, the man drove to the victim-survivor’s address. He pushed past her to get inside the house and hit her to her mouth, grabbed her by her hair and forced her into her bedroom. She was assaulted multiple times, called a ‘whore’ and pushed to the ground. He smashed a bedroom window and damaged the plaster wall during the attack. One of their children witnessed part of the assault, judge Tara Hartnett said in sentencing on 25 August. He apologised to the children, and warned the victim that if she brought another guy to the house to “watch what happens”. She was assessed at Dandenong Hospital for head and neck injuries. Meanwhile the man texted her accusing her of being a ‘whore’ while leaving the children at home by themselves. The man was arrested at his Hampton Park home, with a cut on his hand. In a police interview, he denied assaulting the woman. At the time, he wasn’t subject to a family violence intervention order. He hadn’t been in contact with his children since the incident. Judge Hartnett noted the man’s heavy alcohol and drug use were significant factors in the “unacceptable” and “serious” offending. The man’s prior history included weapon offences, assaulting an emergency worker, affray, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and criminal damage. In mitigation, the man was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome as well as an intellectual
The County Court of Victoria. (FILE) disability, with a lowest-percentile IQ of 64. He was also stunted by significant childhood neglect and trauma. His parents both abused substances, with his mother drinking heavily while she was pregnant with him. He was born prematurely in New Zealand when his parents were involved in a car crash. Later, he suffered physical abuse from his adopted parents, as well as sexual abuse from one of
their relatives. The man was sentenced to 11 months’ jail, followed by a two-year community correction order. His term includes 303 days served in pre-sentence remand, meaning he will be released in about a month. The CCO comprised 150 hours of unpaid work as well as treatment for drug and alcohol use and mental health, and judicial monitoring and a justice plan.
Judge Hartnett said his rehabilitation prospects were “reasonably good” but it was critical to address his substance use, mental health and neuropsychological needs. She urged him to engage in the CCO programs to assist in his emotional regulation and anger management. In turn, it would reduce his risk of re-offending and protect others in the community, the judge said.
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BUSINESS PROFILE
New bulk-billing GP clinic with experienced doctors
being introduced.” The clinic treats and manages a wide range of ailments including diabetes, chronic disease, skin cancer, asthma, men’s health, childhood vaccination, contraception advice and mental health. Dr Bhasin says the clinic brings experience, passion and compassion, with local knowledge. Bookings can be made online, including emergency care. Bulk-billing provided. Doctors on Springvale is open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am-1pm at 578 Springvale Road, Springvale South. Phone ahead to check if open on public holidays and Sundays. Details: 7504 7599 or info@doctorsonspringvale. com.au
Dr Manish Bhasin and Dr Jitendra Kumar.
12896117-AF36-26
Doctors on Springvale is a new bulk-billing GP clinic that brings a team of doctors with a wealth of experience and health services. The Springvale South clinic led by Dr Manish Bhasin provides holistic care in a modern, purpose-built facility for their patients and culturally-diverse communities. “This is a new site and new set-up, but both the doctors in surgery have over 20 years of experience,” Dr Bhasin says. “We have tried to bring maximum services under one roof, including radiology, pathology, specialist suites, allied health and mental health services. “Every week, something new is happening here, with various specialists and services
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 11
NEWS
Casey councillor and Narre Warren South ALP candidate Stefan Koomen, pictured right, with Social Engine CEO Mark Watt in the centre.(Supplied)
Social Engine gets youth on track By Sahar Foladi
Jade Blakkarly (WIRE), Marybeth Yarosh (Swinburne University), Craig Halloran (DFFH) and Naseer Stanikzai. (Dali Saula)
Migrant skills ignored By Cam Lucadou-Wells Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre chief executive Jim Mullan has urged employers to recruit in a way that reflects South East Melbourne’s diversity. Having a job was the most significant building block that Australia offers new arrivals, he told an SMRC inclusive employment forum on 27 August. But many faced barriers that prevented them finding work that matches their experience. In Greater Dandenong, 27 per cent of employed overseas-born residents with tertiary qualifications were working in jobs that were less skilled or unrelated to their level of study. A case in point was forum panelist Dr Naseer Stanikzai, who struggled to access food, housing, education and employment after arriving in Australia with his family in 2021. He worked as a humanitarian worker with international organisations in Afghanistan and completed a Masters education in community health education in the US. But he was rejected from work in his trained field in Australia due to a lack of “local experience”. “That really hurt me,” he said. Instead, job-agency case managers would send him job “opportunities” in plumbing and electrical work. “I always hear that Australia needs health professionals so that kept me motivated.” Struggling on meagre wages as a doctor, he worked as a humanitarian aide with the United Nations – which paid ten times more - to support his family of four kids.
Jade Blakkarly (WIRE). (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 575220) During that time, he saw suicide bombers explode in front of him. He was shot by gunmen on motorbikes, becoming a particular target while working at the Australian embassy in Kabul. As the country collapsed under Taliban rule, he and his family fled for Australia. In Australia, he finally scored a job in community health at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing – describing the office and the support as like “going from hell to paradise”. As the inaugural chair of the DFFH Multicultural Staff Network, colleagues would tell him of discrimination. One said that their ideas would be ignored in meetings, but others would bring up the same ideas and be valued. Dr Naseer joined SMRC’s Professional Connect Group to meet like-minded overseas-trained doctors and health care workers and support each other in finding a job. He was pained by the plight of an accomplished gynaecological surgeon from Afghanistan who had vainly applied for work in Australia for several years. Many from his homeland face impracticalities
Naseer Stanikzai. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 575220) of obtaining police checks or supervisor references for applicants fleeing the Taliban regime. He told the forum to take into account that new-arrival recruits will initially lack confidence, fear the new environment and fear being judged. On the flip side, having in-demand language skills should be regarded highly. “We know how to do things, but we do it differently. Accept the difference. “We’re here whether you like it or not. If you rely on Centrelink, that’s not a good thing.” The forum featured speakers from WIRE, SisterWorks, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, South East Water and SMRC. SMRC employment program worker Sophorn Ung implored employers to focus more on skills, knowledge and experience – rather than where applicants come from. Rather than asking them for their Australian work experience, ask what they can contribute, she said. WIRE chief executive Jade Blakkarly said workplaces needed to see diversity as an asset, not a deficit. “Diverse workplaces are better in a thousand ways, whether from a productivity point of view or a staffing point of view.”
AI bias against workplace diversity By Cam Lucadou-Wells Automatic AI recruitment was skewing away from diverse workplaces, an inclusive workplace forum heard. South East Water diversity, equity and inclusion lead Cate Darcy told the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre forum on 27 August that there was “too much risk” to use AI in recruitment. AI was becoming a daily fact of life and easing administrative burden, with recruiters now asking candidates how they are using AI, Darcy said. But Darcy cautioned that AI was based off historical data and therefore relying on bias. There needed to be human oversight in every aspect. “There’s too much risk that we’ll miss the opportunity of hiring a wonderful candidate by being over-reliant on AI”. Confirming that experience, SisterWorks head of programs Mamiko Nakada told of 20 clients (or ‘Sisters’) being all rejected at the automatic AI in-
Cate Darcy (South East Water), Mamiko Nakada (SisterWorks), Jade Blakkarly (WIRE), Marybeth Yarosh (Swinburne University), Craig Halloran (DFFH), Naseer Stanikzai and Sophorn Ung (SMRC) at the inclusive employment forum. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 575220) terview stage – “which never happens”. On enquiry, the employer conceded to SisterWorks that the tool seemed to exclude their “cohort”. The Sisters were successful after being offered face-to-face interviews.
12 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 1 September, 2026
Outside of recruitment, Nakada said the Sisters were being trained to use AI tools, which were being incorporated into their programs. “We can’t avoid it. The world is going in that direction.” Department of Families, Fairness and Housing employment programs team leader Craig Halloran said the department didn’t use AI at all because of the privacy risks. The department couldn’t risk sensitive information about families getting out into the public domain. WIRE chief executive Jade Blakkarly said AI skewed towards “historical candidates” and wasn’t used in HR and recruitment. “We see intersectional experience as an attribute. We look actively for it and we know AI can’t do it.” AI use and digital literacy were however important skills for its workers in other parts of the organisation, Blakkarly said.
A morning tea was held to support some of the region’s most vulnerable youth into jobs through social procurement. Collective Impact, with social enterprises Social Engine and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia, brought together community organisations, businesses and delegates from Monash and Casey councils to get behind the drive. Social Engine strives to support young people into work experience and paid employment through their hospitality sector, corporate catering and logistics and warehousing. CEO, Mark Watt, says the event on Wednesday 26 August in Dandenong South successfully showcased the crucial works that they do. “A lot of people wanted to get involved in support of social enterprise by buying their products, which, in turn, gives the young people more work to do. Such as in the warehouse, to pick and pack. “We also want to let people know how much they’re helping young people and refugees with the vocational experience through work experience jobs.” The event was another opportunity to hear about the challenges young people face in gaining employment and the practical programs available to them to mentor, train, strenghten community connections and employment. Attendees also heard from youth exiting Parkville College, a specialist Victorian Government School for students who have been detained in custody or are transitioning from these settings. The College caters for some of the most vulnerable students in the state, tailoring education to students to maximise their success. Social enterprises like the Social Engine support these youth once they’re out through work experience, to build on their skill set and confidence prior to employment. Recently, Social Engine has expanded to a food van venture at the Australian Grand Prix. At least 70 young people including those of refugee background were either employed or secured into work experience in the last financial year. Collective Impact also extends financial support to Social Engine and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia.
Attendees were able to hear from young people on support services available to them such as training, mentoring and community connections.
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NEWS
Off the rails: premier deflects By Callum Godde, AAP A secret tax on public transport users will be scrapped but an apologetic premier has refused to divulge when he learned about it. A report by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office into Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop on Wednesday revealed a previously undisclosed levy was placed on all public transport fares in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. The charge was introduced as an annual one per cent increase in fares, on top of yearly inflation rises, from the start of 2025. It was not acknowledged by the state Labor government or Transport Victoria in their public communications about fare increases in 2025 and 2026. Premier Ben Carroll, who was public transport minister in 2021 when the charge was approved, on Thursday vowed to abolish the levy. “Victorians do deserve an apology,” he told reporters. “There was no transparency on the creation and implementation of this charge and now as premier taking the state in the new direction, I give Victorians that apology.” The premier conceded the secret tax eroded trust in his government and all governments, and has requested an audit to check if there are any other similar undisclosed charges. Mr Carroll, who replaced Jacinta Allan as premier in late July, said he was “not part of the creation” of the levy after repeatedly refusing to “relitigate the past”. “It was created in 2021. I was not part of the BFC (Budget and Finance Committee) process,” he said. Now-Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams was public transport minister when fare price increases for 2025 were announced in December 2024. She said she was aware of the charge at the time but was unaware of any “proactive decision” to keep it “hidden from public view”. “This is clearly something that has not met the pub test,” Ms Williams said.
(File) Opposition Leader Jess Wilson supported the government’s move to ditch the tax but said its undisclosed introduction was a fundamental breach of trust. “Ben Carroll isn’t sorry. He’s sorry that he got caught,” she said. The auditor-general said the government had planned to allocate 60 per cent of revenue collected through the levy, estimated at $4.8 billion in net present value terms to 2062, to help fund Suburban Rail Loop East. The loop is a planned 90km orbital line stretching from Cheltenham in Melbourne’s southeast to Werribee in the outer-west via the airport at Tullamarine. The 26km eastern section from Cheltenham
to Box Hill is slated to cost up to $34.5 billion, with a target delivery of 2035. Ms Williams claimed the government ultimately decided collected revenue would go to a fund for public transport services rather than paying for infrastructure projects such as SRL. Total revenue collected from the charge between January 2025 and the end of February 2026 was $6.2 million. Public transport fares in Victoria have since been made free for certain commuters and half-price for all others in 2026. The state government has not explained how it would make up the long-term budget shortfall created by dumping the charge, which was forecast to raise about $8 billion over 37 years.
It came as Mr Carroll continues to swing changes behind the scenes, with Department of Transport and Planning secretary Jeroen Weimar the latest senior bureaucrat to exit. Mr Weimar was best known for leading Victoria’s operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic and steered the authority tasked with delivering the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria before the event was cancelled. He will be succeeded by the department’s deputy secretary of transport services Fiona Adamson, who will start in the role on Friday. Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Jeremi Moule has already been replaced by former treasury head Chris Barrett.
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tication codes, or a full card number, anything that helps them take over an account orgain unauthorised access. They may even ask you to download remote access software to access your computer. The other version is a direct request for money, and it tends to arrive in the same words. “Often they’ll use language like, make a payment to a safe account, and that’s a really big redflag,” Brown said. Stop. If a call or text claiming to be CommBank seems suspicious, take a breath so you can think clearly before you act. Check. Look for a different way to verify it. If the contact claims to be from CommBank, hang up and reach us through official channels like the CommBank website, CommBank app or thenumber on the back of your card. Reject. Cut off the contact, don’t make a payment and don’t hand over your information. Find out more at CommBank Newsroom
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Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 13
NEWS
Judges tuck in before deciding the moment of truth.
Team Luca supporting the man of the hour.
The moment Hamish Blake was announced the winner. (Stewart Chambers: 572102)
Luca Covalea serves up one of his delicious pizzas to Hamish Blake and Andy Lee.
Pizza showdown heats up By Jensy Callimootoo Endeavour Hills was the unlikely battleground for an epic pizza showdown last week, with Aussie legends Hamish Blake and Andy Lee going headto-head with one of the country’s best pizza makers. The challenge began with a bold bet from internationally acclaimed pizza maker and restaurant owner Luca Covalea. After crossing paths with Hamish at an event, Luca decided to put the comedian, TV personality and radio presenter’s pizza-making skills to the ultimate test. “I have a proposal for you,” Luca told Hamish.
“I challenge you to make a better pizza than me.” If Hamish won, Luca would have to make 100 pizzas “for the people”, Luca said gleefully. Fast-forward to Tuesday, August 18, and the challenge landed at Luca’s home turf, La Calabrese Pizzeria in Endeavour Hills. Hamish and Andy joined Luca and his team for the pizza-making showdown, with the pair rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into the dough. Six randomly selected judges were handed the enviable, and no doubt difficult task of deciding who had created the superior pizza. After tasting, judging and presumably a fair
amount of pizza-fuelled deliberation, the verdict was in. Hamish took the win — by just 2.5 points out of 50. While Luca may have lost bragging rights on the day, he proved to be a man of his word, graciously accepting the result and sticking to the terms of the bet. Luca won the title of 2025’s Best International Pizza Maker of Oceania in November of last year, making him one of the 10 best pizza makers in the world. The restaurant owner flew to Italy for the championship where he went against some of the world’s best, an experience he says was “surreal”.
Luca Covalea graciously hugs Hamish Blake after his win.
First responders mock mass casualty training More than 130 personnel from CFA, Ambulance Victoria, VICSES and Victoria Police were part of the multi-agency exercise at CFA’s Bangholme training campus on Sunday 23 August. Medical Response Project Manager Carolyn (Caz) Cole-Sinclair said it’s difficult to replicate mass casualty incidents so the most effective training for this type of incident is simulation of a real-life situation. “Providing this opportunity enables our FMR crews to practise their skills in a realistic and safe environment,” Caz said. “While these incidents are rare, they’re high-impact often resulting in multiple casualties with complex injuries requiring rapid assessment, triage, medical intervention and coordination. “Our FMR responders got the opportunity to develop critical skills not achievable in a classroom or standard single-patient scenario.” Sixteen FMR brigades from CFA’s outer metropolitan areas participated in the exercise, including 60 CFA volunteers who enthusiastically took on the casualty role. Complete with special effects make-up and dramatic performances, the volunteers helped bring the scenario to life. The FMR program is a joint initiative between CFA and Ambulance Victoria where crews from both agencies are dispatched simultaneously to cardiac arrests and other immediate life-threatening emergencies. Fifty CFA brigades across the state are now equipped to respond alongside Ambulance Victoria paramedics and first responders to these time-critical cases. As of August 2026, FMR brigades have responded to more than 750 calls, illustrating the impact CFA volunteers are already having in their communities.
(Supplied through CFA website)
14 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 1 September, 2026
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM said FMR was a natural fit for CFA because of the 52,000 volunteers across the state and large statewide footprint. “This puts CFA in a unique position to complement Ambulance Victoria’s response in 50 locations across Victoria to help deliver early intervention to cardiac arrests,” Garry said. “Large-scale multi-agency exercises like this are not only an important way to practise our skills, they’re also a vital part of our response coordination, relationships and collaboration with our partner emergency service agencies.”
Ambulance Victoria Executive Director of Regional Operations Michael Georgiou said Victoria has the best cardiac survival rate in Australia and is second only to Denmark worldwide, thanks to high rates of early intervention. “Victoria remains the safest state in Australia to go into cardiac arrest with Ambulance Victoria initiatives, such as the FMR program, saving lives,” Michael said. “By upskilling CFA brigades to provide life-saving intervention, particularly in areas where a fire truck may reach a patient sooner than an ambulance, we can get people the care they need faster.”
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Council ceases calendar mailout By Cam Lucadou-Wells Greater Dandenong Council will not deliver its annual community calendar to letterboxes, after feedback that the previous year’s calendars weren’t reaching homes. The annual calendar features winning entries from a public photography competition, which showcase scenes from the Greater Dandenong area. The council is also proposing to scale back print distribution of its newsletter Council News, shifting to a “more digital-first, flexible and sustainable” approach. But it would “maintain access for residents who prefer printed information”. In a public question at a 17 August council
meeting, Keysborough resident Gaye Guest said the 2026 calendar didn’t reach many or any homes, and “no one seems to know where all the printed copies are”. “Council is continuing to run the calendar photography competition this year at an exorbitant cost to the ratepayers with no practical results.” Ms Guest suggested a back-up system in which residents could collect the calendars from council service centres, pools and community centres. The council’s strategy and corporate services executive director Marjan Hajjari said the council was acting “in line” with Ms Guest’s suggestion. The calendar will be available from libraries,
90-day suspension
customer service centres and civic facilities, but without the option of “letter-boxing” them. Ms Hajjari said that “we want to make sure it’s available to those who want it, and not sent to those who don’t want it”. “This will reduce paper waste and ensure production costs are kept in proportion.” She expected this year’s design, printing, distribution costs would be less than the sub$60,000 costs of 2026. This includes less than $2000 to hold the photography competition. “We love to see our city through the ‘lens’ of the community’s photos,” Ms Hajjari said. “Using community-sourced photos in the calendar is more inclusive than using professionally commissioned photos.”
Greater Dandenong councillor Alice Phuong Le, mayor Sophie Tan, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and Cr Jim Memeti at the new picnic shelter. (City of Greater Dandenong)
Greaves Reserve upgrade officially open A $900,000-plus upgrade for sports facilities at Greaves Reserve was officially launched on Friday 28 August. The improvements include a full-sized acrylic basketball and futsal court, a tennis half-court with rebound wall, new paths, shelters, drinking fountains, picnic and bench seating, and landscaped open space. The upgraded facilities have been open for play since May. At the launch was Greater Dandenong mayor Sophie Tan, who said the works were the second stage of the unfolding Greaves Reserve master plan. “We know that parks and recreation facilities are essential community infrastructure that support healthy lifestyles, encourage so-
cial connection, improve wellbeing and help create neighbourhoods where people feel welcome. “Combining all these new assets with what was already at Greaves Reserve provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. “I am proud that we continue to invest in projects that help create healthier, more active and more connected communities.” The funding came largely from Greater Dandenong Council, with a $250,000 contribution from the Victorian Government’s Local Sport Infrastructure Fund. Dandenong MP and Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams, who was also at the launch, said the multi-sport courts “bring a whole new range of play options that our community
needs”. “Better sport and active recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to lead healthy and active lifestyles.” The 26-hectare reserve is home to Dandy Show, Gloria Pyke Sports Stadium for netball and inline skating, as well as roller derby, cricket, AFL, soccer, rugby and tennis clubs. In late 2023, the council approved a final masterplan for Greaves Reserve. It outlined $31.8 million in upgrades over 10-plus years. High priorities included a neighbourhood playground, exercise zone, netball and inline skate facility upgrades, new or upgraded car parks at Alan Carter Pavilion and oval 4 and the Djerring Trail extension.
Five arrested after alleged machete intrusion Five men have been arrested as part of a police investigation into an aggravated home invasion in Dandenong on 17 August. Police allege that just after 11am, five people in a vehicle attended a property on Steven Street. Three entered the premises armed with machetes, threatening the one occupant before stealing various personal items from one of the rooms then leaving, police say. No one was physically injured during the incident. On Thursday 27 August, Southern Metro Region Crime Squad officers, with assistance from western police units, executed three search warrants and arrested four men. A 23-year-old Dandenong North man was ar-
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rested during a warrant at an address on Sylvia Street. He was charged with aggravated home invasion and possessing a weapon, and remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 November. A second warrant was executed at a property at Magpie Street in Mount Pleasant, arresting two males. A 23-year-old Mount Pleasant man was charged with aggravated home invasion, possessing a weapon and possessing a drug of dependence. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 November. A 21-year-old Mount Pleasant man was charged with handling stolen goods and possess-
ing a drug of dependence, and bailed to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 19 November. A third warrant was executed at a property on Gillies Street in Wendouree, arresting one male. A 19-year-old Wendouree man was charged with aggravated home invasion and possessing a weapon. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 November. A fourth search warrant was executed the next day (28 August) at a property on Chapeton Way in Werribee, with one man arrested. A 22-year-old man was charged with aggravated home invasion and possessing a weapon. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that day.
A family day care provider with services in Cranbourne North and Narre Warren South has been ordered to close its entire Victorian network for 90 days after inspectors identified serious risks to children’s safety. The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) suspended Ignite Minds Pty Ltd’s provider approval from 5pm on 21 August until 19 November. Ignite Minds operates family day care services from educators’ private residences, including services advertised in Cranbourne North and Narre Warren South. VECRA said inspections of 30 of the provider’s residences uncovered unsafe sleeping practices, inadequate supervision and hazardous environments. Inspectors reportedly observed children leaving a property unsupervised, a child falling from a highchair and poisons, chemicals and beehives accessible at some premises. Required medical plans and medications were also allegedly absent at some locations. An emergency notice was issued after a five-month-old baby was found sleeping in a cot containing items that posed an immediate safety risk, according to the regulator. VECRA ordered all 65 Ignite Minds residences across metropolitan and regional Victoria to close during the suspension. Four individual educators were also suspended. The authority did not identify the inspected residences or indicate whether breaches were found at the Casey locations. Victorian Early Childhood Regulator Wendy Steendam said an immediate suspension affected families’ childcare arrangements, but the authority would not compromise on safety. “It was clear to VECRA that this provider has failed the children and families who rely on its services, as well as the educators who worked for it,” she said. “When families entrust their children to an early childhood education and care service, they expect that they will be safe and not exposed to hazards and dangers.” Ignite Minds acknowledged inspectors had identified “compliance deficiencies” at some locations and said immediate action had been taken where specific concerns were raised. However, the company strongly disputed what it described as a “disproportionate” blanket suspension affecting its entire network. “We believe this disproportionate action disrupts care across our network and does not serve the interests of the children or the families who form this wonderful community,” its statement said. “We are actively working through our options to address these allegations and are cooperating with the regulator. “We are particularly concerned that this suspension was issued while Ignite Minds was already in the process of submitting evidence of rectification and responding to the VECRA allegations. “It is standard regulatory practice to collaborate with providers to clarify issues before resorting to public allegations, and we hope to restore that collaborative approach.” The company stressed the suspension was a regulatory decision rather than a final judicial determination. “We are exercising our statutory rights to have this decision reviewed,” it stated. Ignite Minds was required to notify every affected parent and carer that it could no longer provide care during the suspension.
Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 15
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WHAT’S ON Junior Chess Club
Stars and Planets
Uncharted Waters exhibition
Dandenong Chess Club is looking to establish a junior chess club in Endeavour Hills on Saturday mornings. Two-hour sessions with professional coaches and matches with other juniors. For ages 6-17. Enquiries: Paul, 0451 215 967
Discover the wonders of space in a hands-on workshop with Fizzics Education. For ages 7-12. Saturday 5 September, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale and Saturday 12 September, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable. net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_7b9719ad74114 6b49aeb031ea5f28c86 and https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/eventdetail/ev_6f254f90ec054a1b8152cda7469 0131b
Uncharted Waters: The Journey of Mother Tongue is an installation featuring Primordial (2026), a newly commissioned dance film by choreographer Annalouise Paul. Wednesday 9 September-14 November at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong; free entry. (open Wednesdays-Saturdays)
•Creative Writing workshop
For all young writers aged 12-25. Choose from the following workshops: advanced creative writing skills with author Kelly Wilson, or publishing and marketing your work with author Danielle Binks. Afterwards, we announce the winners of the Write It Out: Greater Dandenong Short Story Competition. Wednesday 2 September, 4.30pm-7pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Registrations required at events.humanitix.com/write-it-out-creativewriting-workshops
•
Threatened Species Night Learn about the threatened species in the local area. Catch the train down to the wetlands to visit the threatened Grey-headed flying foxes. Take part in a cake-decorating activity (baking goods provided). – Wednesday 2 September, 4.30pm-6.30pm at Myuna Farm, Kidds Road, Doveton; $5. Bookings required: https://www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1627117
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Heritage Hill tour Wander through Benga’s Edna Walling-inspired 1930s garden and marvel at Laurel Lodge’s majestic 150-year-old Moreton Bay Fig trees. The tour includes expert insights from our friendly guide, and souvenir booklet. Thursday 3 September, 10.30am-11.30am at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; $5. Bookings required at greaterdandenongevents.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_ bb570e95dd5d4379b41c3944a54de742
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Lexington Gardens Market Day Indoors market of homemade baked goods, jams and relishes, jewellery, knitwear, wooden toys made by our own men’s shed, handstitched items, bags and purses and more. Cash only stalls, free entry. – Friday 4 September, 10am-1pm at Lexington Gardens Retirement Village, 114 Westall Road, Springvale; free entry.
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Spring Thing Celebrates the spring reopening of Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve. Includes a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony from the Bunurong Land Council, live music, a wildlife show, a coffee van, a sausage sizzle, guided nature walks, guided nature play, face painting, a scavenger hunt and miniature railway rides with the Live Steamers. Sunday 6 September, 11am-3pm at Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South; free event.
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Adaptation Game Try TAG – a cooperative climate resilience board game created by the City of Casey. Using maps of hypothetical floods, heatwaves and bushfires, players work together to respond to real-world challenges and explore how communities can prepare and protect their homes and neighbours. No gaming experience required. – Monday 7 September, 1pm-2pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Autumn Place, Doveton; free event. Bookings required: (03) 9792 7382 or autumnplacech@casey.vic.gov.au
•
Your chance to experience Chisholm Institute up close. Chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, and find out how we can support your study journey. Wednesday 9 September, 3pm-5.30pm at Chisholm Institute, 121 Stud Road, Dandenong; free event. Registrations required at https:// www.chisholm.edu.au/news-and-events/ events/info-days
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African Drumming workshop Feel the rhythm and connect through the powerful beats of the African djembe. Designed for beginners, ages 16-plus. Thursday 10 September, 6pm-7.30pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Registration required at https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable. net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_19b543e4de6b4d 8f9b546d1f51f3e42f
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Springvale Urban Harvest Come along to swap excess homegrown produce and gardening extras and meet like-minded growers in the area. Supported by The Greater Dandenong Seed Library and the Springvale Community Hub Clothes Swap. – Saturday 12 September, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event.
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Clothes swap Community members are invited to contribute up to 10 items of clothing, shoes and/or accessories. All items must be clean, in good condition and ready to display on the day. – Saturday 12 September, 1pm-3pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Free event. Details: Zoe, mohlz@icloud. com
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Join us for the opening of Uncharted Waters: The Journey of Mother Tongue, an exhibition featuring Primordial, a newly commissioned dance film by choreographer and dancer Annalouise Paul. Welcome to Country by Uncle Mark Brown, followed by a unique live dance performance and conversation with the artist. Tea and sweet treats served. Saturday 5 September, 6pm-8pm at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong; free event. Registrations required.
Chisholm Information Day
Poetry Open Mic Perc.U.lations is a welcoming, community-led poetry space that celebrates the voices of local writers and spoken word performers. – Saturday 12 September, 2.30pm-4.30pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.
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Dog Obedience Club open day Demonstrations in obedience, agility and obstacle courses, vendor stalls, advice from mentors/instructors. Leashed dogs of all sizes welcome. -Sunday 13 September, 9.30am-1.30pm at Southern Dog Obedience Club, 56 Soden Road Bangholme. Details: https://southernobedience.com.au
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The Secret Life of Gardens This exhibition uncovers the garden history of Heritage Hill, from early domestic landscapes to Edna Walling’s design influence, revealing how gardens shaped Australian life, culture and connection to nature. Wednesdays and Thursdays (16 September-4 February), 10am-2pm at Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong; free event. No bookings required.
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O What a Beautiful Mornin’ Audience favourites Ian Stenlake, Michelle Fitzmaurice and pianist Kym Dillon reunite for musical theatre’s most beloved songs from Rogers, Hammerstein and Hart. Part of the Drum’s Encore program, including complimentary morning tea and parking voucher. Thursday 17 September, 10.30am-11.45am (morning tea from 9.30am) at Drum Theatre, cnr Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong; $25/$20 (member). Bookings: https://greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/ event-book/ev_1b52b23f221146e0b9443f3 3cb3572f6?eventDateID=1324
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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL
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The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Join one of Victoria’s leading independent community media organisations. Star News Group is seeking an enthusiastic, results-driven and customer-focused Print & Digital Sales Representative to join our dynamic sales team. With a proud history of delivering trusted local news across print, digital, newsletters and social media platforms, Star News Group connects businesses with highly engaged audiences throughout Melbourne’s south-east and regional Victoria. About the Role : This is an exciting opportunity to manage an established client portfolio while actively developing new business opportunities across our diverse media platforms. The successful applicant will work with local businesses to create effective advertising campaigns incorporating: • Newspaper advertising • Digital display advertising • Sponsored online content • Email marketing campaigns • Digital Newsletter Key Responsibilities : • Maintain and grow an existing client base. • Identify and secure new business opportunities. • Develop tailored advertising and marketing solutions for clients. • Prepare proposals, presentations and campaign recommendations. • Work collaboratively with editorial, design and digital teams to deliver outstanding client outcomes. About You: You will possess: • Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills. • Strong organisational and time management abilities. • A positive attitude and a passion for helping local businesses succeed. • A current driver’s license and reliable vehicle. What We Offer : • An established territory with existing clients. • Competitive salary package including base salary and commission. • Supportive team environment. • The opportunity to work with a respected and trusted community media brand. • If you are passionate about sales, enjoy working within your local community and thrive in a fast-paced media environment, we’d love to hear from you. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
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Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
Uncharted Waters opening
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kind to your body and the planet. Learn how to make wonderful-smelling natural and sustainable bath balls and lip balm using organic ingredients. Saturday 12 September, 2pm-4pm at Springvale Community Hub, Community Room 2/3, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Bookings required. Details: https://www. greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/sustainability-sessionssustainable-self-care
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Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 17
SPORT
Hard Hawks push through By David Nagel Rowville has set up a massive second semi-final showdown with East Ringwood after the Hawks overcame a horror 25 minutes of football to knock off Vermont by 30 points in the qualifying final at Ringwood. The second and third best teams during the Eastern Premier Division season produced a roller-coaster first half, before the Hawks kicked 8.11 to 1.3 after the major interval to race clear with a 13.13 (91) to 9.7 (61) success. The resilient Hawks overcame some massive hurdles on the day, with key forward and leading goalkicker Lachlan Wynd taking no part from the 14-minute mark of the opening term after an innocuous collision with teammate Matt Davey saw him escorted from the field with a right ankle injury. Gun midfielder Tyson Sruk was also missing for 10 minutes - either side of three-quarter time - after being yellow-carded for a blow to the solar plexus of Vermont’s Josh Spencer. Wynd kicked the opening goal of the day, ramming home a set shot after a free kick, but was already missing in action when his skipper Anthony Brolic kicked the only other goal of the first term. Brolic’s goal came after a risky but attacking kick from Mitchell Sruk found its target in the midfield and opened up the run of play. The Hawks led 14-2 at quarter time and stretched it to 17 points the difference when Lachie Stapleton kicked a crumbing goal from two metres out at the beginning of the second stanza. But Vermont then lived up to its colours, hitting a ‘purple patch’ in the second term to take control of the contest. The Eagles kicked four on the bounce in 10 minutes, with Tairon Ah-Mu, Sam Weideman, Kye Barlow and Cooper Leon all nailing set shots at goal to give Vermont a seven-point lead. Will Verrell appeared to stem the bleeding for the Hawks, kicking a nice goal off his left after the ball spilled free after a strong tackle from Stapleton inside forward 50. But Vermont kicked four of the last five goals of the opening half, with Noah Bourke, Weideman and Leon kicking truly before Ah-Mu nailed a set shot after the siren to give the Eagles a 20-point lead at the main break. Rowville totally dominated the second half, having 19 scoring shots to four, but took its time to translate its better football onto the scoreboard. The Hawks had all 10 scoring shots in the third quarter but kicked 3.7 to leave the door ajar at the final break. Key forwards Seth Macdonald and Tate Scrivanos took strong contested marks and kicked truly, before a late set shot to Davey - after a brilliant pass from Brolic - gave the Hawks a five-point advantage at the final change. The margin remained the same, eight minutes into the final term, after a Verrell goal was answered by Adrian Kalcovski. Rowville then made one final push for victory; and the Eagles had no answer. Davey began a late four-goal run with an easy finish from close range after the Sherrin traversed the hands of Stapleton, Tyler Edwards, Josh
Mitchell Sruk and his Rowville teammates are just one step away from the Eastern Premier Division grand final. (Rob Carew: 573394) Clarke, Tyson Sruk and Jordan Jaworski to set up the ‘team best’ goal of the day. Davey’s finish put the Hawks 12 points ahead, 11 minutes into the last, before back-to-back majors to Tyson Sruk - who had returned from his 10-minute spell - put the final issue beyond doubt. Sruk first struck with a polished finish off his left boot, before marking and kicking straight after Davey had won the ultimate example of a ‘hard ball’ on Rowville’s half-forward flank. Ruck Nick Schoenmakers then put the finishing touches on a superb second half for the Hawks, nailing a clever right-foot snap after some quick hands from Stapleton. This was a character-building win for Rowville; who lost a key piece of its puzzle early and fell 20 points adrift after falling asleep in the second term. Tyson Sruk was exceptional for the Hawks, kicking a game-high three goals to cap off a splendid game through the midfield, while two each to Davey and Verrell helped fill the enormous void of Wynd.
Defenders Jayden Martingale and Kyle Stainthorpe were terrific for the Hawks down back, while the run and carry of Liam Coghlan and Clarke was unlocked by the crafty work of Brolic through the middle third of the ground. The Hawks are now just one victory away from the 2026 Eastern Premier Division decider; with a direct passage guaranteed with a victory over East Ringwood this Saturday. Rowville has lost twice to the Kangaroos this season; by 18 points at East Ringwood in round six and by 62 points at Seebeck Oval in round 15. The loser of the second-semi will take on the winner of the first semi-final between Vermont and Blackburn in the preliminary final at Berwick on Saturday 12 September. EASTERN PREMIER QUALIFYING FINAL (2 V 3) ROWVILLE 2.2 5.2 8.9 13.13 (91) VERMONT 0.2 8.4 8.4 9.7 (61) Rowville Goals: Tyson Sruk 3, Matt Davey 2, Will Verrell 2, Anthony Brolic, Seth Macdonald, Nik Schoenmakers, Tate Scrivanos, Lachlan Stapleton, Lachlan Wynd. Best: Tyson Sruk, Jayden
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Martingale, Seth Macdonald, Anthony Brolic, Kyle Stainthorpe, Liam Coghlan. Vermont Goals: Tairon Ah-Mu 2, Cooper Leon 2, Samual Weideman 2, Kye Barlow, Noah Bourke, Adrian Kalcovski, Team. Best: Noah Bourke, Oscar Dunn, Henry Smith, Lachlan Johns, Cooper Leon, Samual Weideman. ELIMINATION FINAL (4 V 5) DONCASTER EAST 1.3 4.8 6.11 7.14 (56) BLACKBURN 3.6 4.7 8.9 9.14 (68) Blackburn Goals: Toby Wooller 4, Kynan Brown, Lachlan Bugeja, Billy Hicks, Kai Stewart, Ryley Stoddart. Best: Ryley Stoddart, Toby Wooller, Kynan Brown, Benjamin Worme, Aaron Curran, Fraser Elliot. Doncaster East goals and best not provided. • FINALS FIXTURE – WEEK 2 SECOND SEMI-FINAL Saturday September 5 at Ringwood East Ringwood (1) v Rowville (2) FIRST SEMI-FINAL Sunday September 6 at Berwick Vermont (3) v Blackburn (5)
City concludes season on high as Thunder sinks to last By Justin Schwarze Dandenong City concluded its season with a huge bang as it upset premiers Oakleigh Cannons 3-2 on the road in round 26 of the NPL. Lebib Lebib opened the scoring for the premiers, intercepting a poor pass at the back from Harry Ascroft and fooling Pierce Clark by sending him the wrong way before putting it in the bottom-right corner. Wade Dekker equalised for Dandenong in the 36th minute with a fantastic turn and finish, followed by Jamie Latham snatching the lead for the visitors by curling a stunning free kick into the back of the net. At halftime, City led 2-1 and had fired four shots on target to Oakleigh’s two. Dandenong had also managed six shots to the Cannons’ four.
On the other side of the break, Will Bower doubled City’s advantage by burying a shot off the post. Latham played a grounded cross intended for Dekker, but it got past him to Bower at the back post, and the star rattled it in off the woodwork in the 53rd minute. Jacob Tratt drew one back in the 86th minute with a blistering volley in the box, but Dandenong held on to claim the three points and end the season on a high. City was unbeaten in its last five games, a stretch that included four wins, to avoid relegation and finish in a respectable eighth, even after the preseason deduction of four points. Dandenong Thunder’s time in the top flight ended in embarrassing fashion as it was beaten 6-0 by St Albans Saints Dinamo at Churchill Reserve.
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The game got ugly fast for Dandenong as St Albans put it out of reach early with four goals inside the opening half-an-hour. Mickel Platt opened the scoring in the fifth minute, followed by Jarome Charan six minutes later. Platt then executed two excellent finishes to complete his hattrick and his side led 4-0 at the main break. Joseph Colina added two more on the other side of the break, one in the 68th minute and one in stoppage time, to complete the 6-0 thrashing. With Green Gully winning in the final round of the season, Dandenong sunk to bottom place, epitomising its horror year. Thunder will now look to rebound back into the NPL next season as it competes in VPL1 in 2027.
Jamie Latham scored a wonderful free kick and provided an assist in Dandenong City’s upset win over Oakleigh. (Supplied)
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Westerners into big dance By Justin Schwarze After not making a grand final for over three decades, Dandenong West has reached its secondstraight Southern Division 4 season decider following a 20-point victory over Ashwood in the preliminary final on Saturday. But this year the Westerners - who play nearneighbour St Johns Old Collegians in the grand final this week - are venturing for redemption after being knocked off by Hallam in last year’s big dance. At Souter Reserve in Dingley, the Magpies got the hot start as Jaylen Gorey found Harrison Shugg for a juggling mark inside 50. Shugg capitalised by splitting the middle on his set shot. There was plenty of feeling in the contest early, as James McGivern gave Adam Boag a nasty hit off the ball in Dandenong West’s forward 50. McGivern was shown a yellow card and Boag was given the footy, showing pure grit to brush off the hit and stand up by burying a long set shot. The Westerners managed the last three scores of the first term, but all were behinds, to lead 1.4 (10) to 1.1 (7) at the first break. Ashwood started the second with a bang as ruck Julian Hopkins followed his own good work by winning the centre clearance and putting the ball inside 50. It bounced once and right into the hands of Gorey, who quickly snapped on his right boot and put it through in the first 10 seconds of the quarter. Dandy West star Coren Giliam answered at the other end as he was held illegally out of a marking contest and was awarded a free on the top of the goalsquare; before making no mistake on his kick. Remmi Faulkner-Wood then reeled in a grab and nailed one from distance, followed by Harrison Whitfield goaling from 25 metres out. Matthew Simons made it back-to-back Magpies majors by finishing brilliantly around the body from long range, before Luke Caton-Thomas perfectly guided one from the boundary to put Ashwood in front. But in the dying moments of the first half, Faulkner-Wood marked and drilled home his second with the last kick of the quarter. It knotted up the score at 4.7 (31) to 5.1 (31) entering the major interval. Once again it was Ashwood getting the first say of the third, with Shugg drawing a free kick in the square before slotting it. Nick Bussell responded by firing a great kick to the advantage of Giliam, who marked and put through his second. Faulkner-Wood then made it two in a row for the Westerners by taking advantage and kicking
Rory Goldsmith tucks the footy under his arm in the contest for Dandenong West. (Gary Sissons: 574922)
Andrew Jones and Julian Hopkins fly high for the rucking contest at Dingley. (574922) truly from a short distance. And the minor premiers were starting to create some separation as Giliam corralled the footy off a spilled mark and bent it through. Brenton Wells then handballed to Josh Lawrence in space, and Lawrence booted Dandenong West’s fourth unanswered goal. A late behind to Harry Lees saw the Westerners take a 20-point lead into the final change, 8.10 (58) to 6.2 (38). Dandenong West finally started a period on
Jackson Old looks to mow down Matthew Cahill. (574922)
the right note to begin proceedings in the fourth, owning territory and forward pressure; but failed to convert. The minor premiers managed the first five scores of the fourth; but all were behinds. And Ashwood made Mick Lawrence raise an eyebrow as Shugg booted his third to trim it back to 19 points. But the Westerners remained composed and shrugged it off despite going goalless in the fourth, winning 8.17 (65) to 7.3 (45).
Faulkner-Wood and Giliam kicked three each for the victors, while Shugg slotted three for the Magpies. Dandenong West will now rematch St John’s Old Collegians in Saturday’s grand final after the second semi-final thriller last week. The ‘Dandy Derby’ is set to take centre stage as both sides look to secure their first-ever Southern League premiership.
Magpies falter as Demons hand Narre a football lesson By Blair Burns An accurate Bentleigh side was dominant in its Southern Division 1 qualifying final against Narre Warren with the Demons winning by 58 points, 20.5 (125) to 9.13 (67). It was the third time that the teams have met this year and the third time that Bentleigh has prevailed, and by far the most convincing. The Magpies have now lost five of their past eight matches and the loss sets up a huge first semi-final against Cheltenham. It is definitely not panic stations yet for Steve Kidd and his troops, however, they will need a much improved performance if they are to win this Sunday. It was a perfect day for football with the sun shining down at RSEA Park and it was the sharpshooting Demons which got off to a flyer. They were kicking goals from everywhere in the opening term and putting the pressure on the Magpies to lead 43-15 at the first break. Kidd implored his side to lift around the stoppage and contested footy, and lock the ball inside 50 better. Narre Warren did that and the second term was in favour of the black and white as they clawed their way back into the contest. They kicked the first three goals of the term, two of them going to Will Howe, while Hamish
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Trent Papworth and the Narre Warren defence were under constant pressure against a dominant Bentleigh at RSEA Park on Saturday. (Gary Sissons: 574924) West backed himself and slotted the other on the run. The Magpies were right back in the contest and were being well led by youngster Ethan
Kennedy, down by 16 points at half time. But things got ugly in the third term as Bentleigh once again kicked 7.1 for the quarter and kept Narre Warren goalless.
Everything was going the way of the Demons, shots from everywhere were splitting the middle, every umpiring decision was going their way, and they were working harder to get overlap. A win was off the cards when the scoreboard read 38-94 at three-quarter time, but the Magpies needed to put some respect on their name. They fought out the final quarter kicking 4.5 to the Demons’ 5.1. Kennedy starred for the Magpies, while Hayden Dwyer and Tom Miller were also among the better performers. For Bentleigh, Ben Cavarra, Brayden Kirk and Thomas Dowsing all had a day out, hitting the scoreboard. On Sunday, it was Cheltenham who outclassed St Paul’s McKinnon to win the elimination final by 25 points, 12.15 (87) to 9.8 (62). A strong first half set up the victory for the Rosellas as they chase a fourth-consecutive premiership. Despite kicking 7.10 in the first half, the reigning premiers had already built a 30-point lead and were in the box seat. Led by Luke Garnaut (three goals), the Rosellas held on despite a challenge from the Bulldogs in the second half.
Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 | STAR JOURNAL 19
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