Dandenong Star Journal - 19th May 2026

Batting for equality

Firooza Ahmed, is among more than 20 womens cricket players, fighting for recognition of an Afghanistan womens cricket team in exile. With female cricket banned by the Taliban regime, many of its international players based in Melbourne’s South East say they want to keep the dream of playing sport alive for girls in their homeland.

More on the story, turn to page 4

(Stewart Chambers: 553482)

Big budget bills

Greater Dandenong Council is proposing a whopping $105 million capital works spend in 2026-‘27, including $3.6 million for a controversial glass-recycling bin rollout.

On18May,thecouncilwassettotablethe2026’27 draft budget, which also includes $39 million of borrowings and an $8 million-plus software systems overhaul termed Core System Replacement.

Despite a 2.75 per cent rate cap, households will be billed an average of $1617 on rates and charges - up $53 from this year.

This includes a $31 rise in the waste charge that’s outside the cap, as the council’s waste management costs soar by more than $950,000.

Also of note, Greater Dandenong is budgeting for a 2.75 per cent rise in employee wages – in line with the rate cap - as it navigates an ongoing in-

dustrial dispute.

Union members are calling for a 10 per cent wage increase in the first year to absorb cost-ofliving inflation in recent years, followed by 4 per cent per year.

The $105.5 million major capital works program - funded by $52 million in borrowings and cash reserves - includes:

• $55 million toward the $122 million Oasis

Aquatics and Wellbeing project in Dandenong

• $3.3 million for JC Mills Reserve hockey field

• $3.3 million for Dandenong Market improvements

• $3 million towards Dandenong New Art gallery, which faces a further two-year delay

More on the story, turn to page 3

Family’s heartbreak

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

The family of a 19-year-old woman whose body was found in a tip say it is a difficult day after prosecutors dropped a manslaughter charge against her accused killer.

Marat Ganiev, 55, had been accused of killing Isla Bell in the early hours of October 7, 2024, before hiding her body in a fridge.

Her remains were found at a rubbish tip in Dandenong six weeks later.

Ganiev was originally charged with murder but that was downgraded to manslaughter as the case entered the Victorian Supreme Court.

Crown prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams on Tuesday told the court the manslaughter charge against Ganiev had also been withdrawn.

Ganiev will instead be charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, with a fresh indictment expected to be filed later on Tuesday.

A new trial date is yet to be set but a summary of the allegations will be served to the defence within the next fortnight.

Ms Bell’s grandfather David Spokes said it was a very difficult day for his family.

“There are many things that I would like to say but I can’t say today because there are more charges pending,” he told reporters outside court.

“We have done our utmost not to jeopardise that. At the appropriate time, we will have more to say.”

Ms Bell’s mother Justine Spokes also expressed her disappointment.

“I raised Isla to be full of compassion and care and integrity and strength,” she told reporters.

“We’re just living in a society with hearts of stone.”

Eyal Yaffe, 59, was also originally accused of assisting an offender and attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to Ms Bell’s death.

Mr McWilliams on Tuesday also confirmed Yaffe’s charges would be discontinued.

Yaffe declined to comment as he used crutches to walk out of court a free man.

A spokeswoman for the Office of Public Prosecutions confirmed the charges had been withdrawn due to “insufficient evidence” to support the offences.

Market traders lodge VCAT injunction

By Sahar Foladi

A Dandenong Market trader representative has lodged an injunction at VCAT to halt a council-funded revitalisation project of the market’s Bazaar.

Leon Buchman had initiated dispute resolution with Dandenong Market management through the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC), in opposition to the market issuing Bazaar traders with a three-month Notice to Vacate from 1 May due to the revitalisation works. Traders say that they have not been guaranteed any compensation.

Mr Buchman claims the three-month notice is against the Retail Leases Act, which requires firm dates, as well as full compensation including relocation costs.

“They (management) just stonewall completely. Because of my experience, I can raise my voice.

“It’s a completely disgraceful situation. I have to fight by myself.”

Dandenong Market management is required to respond to VCBC within 10 business days and to potentially come to the mediation table.

Failure to do so would allow VCBC to certify the efforts made to be considered by Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in any decision making.

“Dandenong Market remains focused on delivering the Bazaar Revitalisation in a way that supports the long-term future of the Market and all of our traders,” a Market management spokesperson says.

“All matters relating to individual agreements, notices or correspondence are confidential and managed through the appropriate processes.”

Councillor Rhonda Garad has filed for a Notice of Motion at the upcoming council meeting on Monday 20 May, seeking a report on the Market’s governance structure, including clarification on the councillor representative “observer” role at the Market’s board.

This comes after the Chair of the Dandenong Market Board barred Cr Garad from attending the most recent monthly board meeting after she

raised the traders’ issues as ‘Urgent Business’ during the council meeting on Monday 20 April.

She moved for the council to have urgent discussions with the market board or a senior director on any legal exposures or reputational harm for the council.

In an email to her, the market’s chair cited Cr Garad conveyed “manifestly inaccurate” information at the council meeting, had a “conflict of interest” and that “we need to consider this and your access to further information”

A month later, Cr Garad says the board haven’t clearly responded to Council’s urgent business questions.

“I am putting forward a motion next Monday to clarify the relationship between Council and the Market.

“Council can influence the Market through its shareholder role, while the councillor representative provides feedback to Council.

“Some council-owned markets also include

Market requests Cr Garad’s removal

By Sahar Foladi

After growing tensions, Dandenong Market’s board is said to have requested the removal of Greater Dandenong’s councillor representative Rhonda Garad.

A letter from Dandenong Market Board was said to have been circulated to councillors - except Cr Garad - at a recent Councillor Briefing Session.

The letter arguing for Cr Garad’s removal cited she had breached the Memorandum of Understanding between the Council and the Market by revealing confidential items.

This comes after the 20 April council meeting in which Cr Garad moved an urgent business motion, publicly raising concerns about market traders receiving notices-to-vacate ahead of revitalisation works at the market’s Bazaar in August.

Cr Garad however refutes the claim, saying any information she received on the Notices to Vacate was through the market management’s letters to traders.

“The scariest part is I haven’t been provided a copy of that letter (to councillors), with procedural justice to respond to any claims made.

“It’s quite concerning from a community point of view that the chair is trying to remove a delegated councillor because they don’t want difficult issues raised that are in the interest of the community.

“The concerning part is I sent an email over two weeks ago asking for council clarification on the rights of the chair to remove a councillor and I never received a response.

“It means the community is not being well served nor is the council and still the director hasn’t responded to the issues raised around legal and reputational risks”

As part of the urgent business, the council was set to discuss with market management any legal or reputational harms in case of any legal proceedings against the Bazaar Revitalisation project by the traders.

Cr Garad claims no answers have been clearly discussed yet she says the mayor circulated the letter from the board to other councillors, unbeknownst to Cr Garad.

Councillor Sean O’Reilly refused to comment on “internal correspondence” but says in any case, if councillor representatives and the board are not working “congruently” and “cohesively” that is a concern.

Generally speaking, he says natural justice should occur in any situation, including the right to knowledge of any accusations and a right of reply.

Cr Garad has filed a Notice of Motion to report on Dandenong Market’s governance structure on the council agenda on Monday 20 May and requested a “clarification” on the councillor representative role definition.

Cr O’Reilly says he remains undecided on the matter but agrees “there’s a scope to define” the councillor representative role better.

“We’ve been vague on what the councillor representative should be doing and it could be improved by being more explicit.

trader representation in their governance structures.

“Clarifying these roles will help ensure everyone acts within their proper scope.”

Mr Buchman and other traders at the Bazaar have told Star Journal that their contracts had been taken from them.

They say they have not received any copies of their contracts since Covid lockdowns, when their contracts were changed to a month-bymonth basis.

A heads-up letter from the management to traders prior to May 1 also mentioned an Expression of Interest (EOI) process will begin from June and offers will be issued to traders in August.

Bazaar Revitalisation works are scheduled to commence early August however no dates are confirmed, including EOI dates or whether the current long-serving traders will be prioritised.

Greater Dandenong Council was contacted for comment.

“What I would be looking for is what the councillor representative should be doing and explicitly what it should not be doing as the representative on board.

“Conflict of interest pertains to individual benefit, its conflict of duties if you’re in that role partaking in board meetings. There are some duties to the board but also to the broader council.”

In his 13 years of being at the council, Cr O’Reilly says there’s been only two “flare ups” between councillor representatives and the market board, including the one with Cr Garad now. Greater Dandenong Council and Dandenong Market’s chair were contacted for comment.

Big spend on software

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Greater Dandenong Council is proposing a whopping $105 million capital works spend in 2026-‘27, including $3.6 million for a controversial glass-recycling bin rollout.

On 18 May, the council will table the 2026-’27 draft budget, which also includes $39 million of borrowings and an $8 million-plus software systems overhaul termed Core System Replacement.

Despite a 2.75 per cent rate cap, households will be billed an average of $1617 on rates and charges - up $53 from this year.

This includes a $31 rise in the waste charge that’s outside the cap, as the council’s waste management costs soar by more than $950,000.

Also of note, Greater Dandenong is budgeting for a 2.75 per cent rise in employee wages – in line with the rate cap - as it navigates an ongoing industrial dispute.

However, union members are calling for a 10 per cent wage increase in the first year to absorb cost-of-living inflation in recent years, followed by 4 per cent per year.

The council also assumes an ongoing 2.5 per cent job vacancy rate, which will provide an efficiency dividend.

The $105.5 million major capital works program - funded by $52 million in borrowings and cash reserves - includes:

■-$55 million toward the $122 million Oasis Aquatics and Wellbeing project in Dandenong

■-$8.5 million for a Core System Replacement (CSR) program to replace its “legacy core business systems”

■-$3.3 million for JC Mills Reserve hockey field

■-$3.3 million for Dandenong Market improvements

■-$3 million towards Dandenong New Art gallery, which faces a further two-year delay

■-$1.6 million for security and CCTVs

■-$1m for Dandenong Park playground redevelopment

The council will also spend $10.4 million on road renewal, $2.4 million on sports and parks renewal, $3.8 million on renewal of South East Leisure buildings and $2.4 million on fixing Dandenong Market basement car park.

It will invest more than $1.1 million in library books and resources, and $2.5 million in fleet renewal.

The council’s draft budget also allocates $3.6 million to roll out the State Government’s contentious purple-lid glass recycling bin program.

More than 30 Victorian councils are opposing the ‘mandatory’ rollout including Cardinia and Kingston, arguing that the bin has been made redundant by the state’s successful Container Deposit Scheme.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Casey Council claims it is locked into a supply contract for the

‘Still

The long-delayed Dandenong New Art gallery’s completion date has pushed out from late-2026 to 2028. (Gary Sissons: 449565)

bins, so it won’t pull out of a $5.9 million rollout of its four-weekly service.

Despite the large capital spend, the council expects a $7 million operating surplus and $821,000 cash surplus for 2026-’27.

However, it will draw down $24.5 million in reserves, mainly for capital works and the $8-million-plus CSR program.

The CSR is described as “critical” and “overdue” to modernise the council’s core corporate

systems, which are “end-of-life and … increasingly costly and difficult to support”

“CSR includes the planning, procurement, and delivery of modern, secure, and integrated software as a Service (SaaS) solutions to replace the Council’s legacy core business systems,” the budget papers state.

It is hoped to deliver more efficient services, productivity, data quality and better decision-making capability.

Meanwhile, the over-budget $12-million-plus Dandenong New Art gallery project at 5 Mason Street faces further delays.

Originally expected to open in 2021, its revised late-2026 completion date has been pushed out to mid-late 2028.

Last year, the council gave a $6.24 million lifeline to complete the project after a protracted dispute with previous builders at the historic former-masonic lodge site.

Greater Dandenong city futures executive director Sanjay Manivasagasivam said the council was undertaking a comprehensive procurement process to build DNA.

“Expressions of interest have been received and are now being assessed to enable progression to a formal tender.

“This process will confirm the construction industry’s capacity to deliver the project within the proposed budget of $6 million and the anticipated completion timeframe of mid to late 2028.”

The Precinct Energy Plant building next door, which had been planned as a community arts space, was demolished due to structural defects.

The 13-year-old building was acquired by the council in a land-swap with Development Victoria in 2020.

Four years later, the council announced the PEP was unable to withstand a major earthquake and unsafe for public use.

Demolition ended in August 2025 at a cost of $3.5 million, Manivasagasivam said.

Greater Dandenong’s budget papers state the council is wary of any sustained fuel cost rises, while basing its budget on “prevailing market conditions”.

They warn of “emerging risks” to the council’s bottom line, such as constrained revenue growth, rising employee and contract costs and future renewal funding gaps.

Public submissions on the draft budget close on 2 June.

The final budget will be considered by the council on 15 June.

alive’: Libs wrongly declares quitting member ‘dead’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A former Liberal aspiring candidate and his wife are mortified after the party falsely declared him ‘dead’ in an email to members.

John Ternel said his and his wife Selina’s phones lit up with calls after the erroneous mass-email from the party’s Victorian branch membership department on Tuesday 12 May.

A “distressed old lady” rang Selina, saying sorry that her husband had passed.

“Selina replied: he’s very much alive, he’s sitting next to me,” Ternel says.

It was particularly traumatising since Selina’s brother had suddenly died two weeks ago.

“She was shattered. And she’s angry,” Ternel said of his wife’s reaction.

“She still gets calls from extended family and friends about her brother’s death.

“It’s caused a lot of heartbreak. The timing was poor.”

The offending email was sent hours after Ternel notified the party’s Victorian headquarters of his and his wife’s resignations.

The email stated: “We have been informed that Mr John Ternel has sadly passed away and is no longer a member of the Narre Warren/Endeavour Hills Branch, Narre Warren North SEC, Bruce FEC.

“Our deepest condolences go out to John’s family.”

That night, the party sent a correction notice to members, blaming a “system error” for the incorrect “automated notification”

“Mr Ternel formally notified the Party of his

resignation today, and while this was correctly processed as a resignation, a fault within the Portal erroneously recorded his status as deceased,” the notice stated.

“We sincerely apologise for any confusion or distress this error may have caused. Please disregard the earlier notification regarding Mr Ternel’s passing.”

The matter was being “escalated” to “our developers” to ensure there was no repeated error,

the notice stated.

Liberal state vice-president Geoff Gledhill also left a voicemail apology to Ternel.

A member emailed headquarters that night: “To misquote Twain, the report of John’s death is an exaggeration.

“I suggest that this is more than a simple mistake; it just shows the depth of the rot that has set in the administration of our once-fine Party.” Ternel, who works in IT, suspects that the

‘error’ was “deliberately done” – though he’s adamant the party would not have known of his brother-in-law’s recent passing.

“I’d like to think it was an IT error, I don’t know if it was a threat of some sort.

“It shows you’ve got to be careful with this sort of thing. You don’t know what’s happening in people’s personal lives.”

He and Selina are among nine members who have resigned from his former Narre Warren branch at the same time, he says.

Several of them, like him, are considering a defection to One Nation.

Ternel says he’s in talks with One Nation, in hope of being preselected as its candidate.

The Liberals have “lost direction” , he says.

One Nation better represents his former party’s “Menzies” founding values – that “we’re equal, we’re all free and work hard, be rewarded”

Ternel joined the Liberals in 2024, seeking to run as a candidate in Bruce for the 2025 federal election and in Narre Warren North at this year’s state election.

In the first tilt, he was advised to withdraw because he was unlikely to succeed as a “new member”

In the second instance, the party has kept preselection candidacy open for five months, giving him the impression that he wasn’t wanted.

Ternel thinks he was on the outer because “I can’t be controlled”

“It was really hard to leave the Liberal Party because it’s like leaving your family. But loyalty wasn’t two-way.”

Going to bat for Afghan women

By Sahar Foladi

Afghanistan’s displaced women’s cricket team continue to make their voices heard by lobbying the International Cricket Council (ICC) to officially recognise its exiled players.

Of the 25 players once contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board six years ago, 22 are in Australia.

They have formed the Afghan Women’s XI, settled in Canberra and south east Melbourne, including Greater Dandenong,. They had been forced to flee Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, knowing for sure they’ll be recognised as the national team players and killed.

Firooza Afghan was the last of them to arrive with her family in 2022, now settled in Dandenong.

“We have been in Australia for four to five years. From the first day of our exile, the question was when we would be recognised as Afghanistan national team.

“We left not because we wanted to, but we were forced to - just to live our dreams.

“I remember the first day we came here to try and be recognised as the national team. We knew limited English, we faced the camera and tried our best to do interviews,” she says.

“We spoke with people to let the world know that the Afghan women’s cricket team exists here in Australia and is fighting.

“I know it’s never happened before for any other team but they (ICC) need to find a solution. They can’t waste so many players’ talents.”

Firooza founded and played in a girls crick-

et team in Herat city, where she was born and lived with her family.

“When I was young, I asked my mother the first time I saw cricket, why we don’t have women teams? She said maybe one day you girls can have it.”

She campaigned for the school cricket team to be recognised and now she is doing it all over again in Australia.

National teams generally require the approval of their home country to play internationally at ICC and FIFA but the Taliban-controlled Afghan Cricket Board and Afghan Football Federation refuse to acknowledge female athletes.

Recognising this, FIFA bypassed this rule in April this year, to officially recognise the Afghan Women United club and allow the team to play internationally starting from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The majority of the Afghan Women United players are in Melbourne (13), living in Greater Dandenong or the south east. A few reside in the United Kingdom, Portugal and Italy.

Since then, the cricket team players have urged the ICC to follow in FIFA’s footsteps.

“There are too many things we can do in our lives but the important question to ask yourself is, what’s my identity?

“That’s your job to keep this hope and fight for the girls in Afghanistan not just because for yourself, or 23 players living overseas. Because thousands of girls living in Afghanistan hope one day they can play for their own country.

“These girls never stepped onto the fields.

“I don’t want to see our next generation fighting and experiencing what we are at the mo-

ment., I want them to watch us behind the TV, see us as role models and aspire to play like us.”

Dr Catherine Ordway, a sport integrity expert and visiting scholar at UNSW’S School of Business Canberra, played a key role to get the girls out of Afghanistan.

She says FIFA’s decision came as a surprise just as the women’s cricket team was feeling helpless.

“To be able to compete with their flag name on their jersey is a huge deal. It would send a massive message to all cricket lovers around the world and in Afghanistan, that the women are here and they can play cricket.

“This is my passion, gender equity. I have been advocating for many years and I think Afghanistan is the worst possible examples of gender inequality and gender apartheid that the world has ever seen.

“So, to hear FIFA recognising these women who are otherwise silenced and unseen, sending a strong message to the Taliban that gender apartheid is unacceptable, was a very emotional moment.

“I was pleasantly surprised, because so few international federations, none of the others, have publicly condemned Taliban.

“They have really taken a stance and other sports, governments should follow suit.”

The Afghanistan women’s cricket team has been dissolved twice. First established in 2010, it dissolved in 2014 due to severe Taliban threats, pervasive security risks across the country and conservative cultural beliefs, which led to a critical shortage of players and eventually the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) abandoned the

Firooza discovers field of dreams

By Sahar Foladi

Despite their pleas falling on deaf ears, the Afghanistan women’s cricket team are determined to be seen as symbols for girls against the Taliban.

One of its players Firooza Afghan tells of her home city Herat being the first to fall to the Taliban, forcing its residents, including her family, to travel to the capital Kabul.

It was on the way to Kabul when they found out the city and the entire country fell to the regime.

“I couldn’t believe it, I was really scared. When I began crying, the entire bus realised the news.

“I wasn’t scared to be killed but I was scared I won’t be able to play for Afghanistan anymore.

“We went 20 years back,” she shares.

“Living in Afghanistan is difficult for any humans, no matter the gender, under those inhumane laws. It’s more difficult on girls and women, they feel it’s a crime to be a woman in Afghanistan.”

Similar to Firooza, many of the players had to hide, throw away or bury any medals, trophies, certificates, any hint that would give them away to the Taliban.

Since settling in Australia, Firooza works as a retail assistant and a medical receptionist, studies sports business, plays cricket for Dandenong Cricket Club and Mountain Gate Cricket Club.

This is all while learning and improving her English language skills, and navigating life in a new country and the many challenges that comes with it.

“In Afghanistan we played cricket on a basketball court or football field. We had never been on a real cricket pitch.

“We had basic school cricket teams but it wasn’t big.

“When we came here, the first thing we were surprised at was the hundreds of cricket teams in Australia and it’s hard to navigate how to get involved and play.

“We played on a real cricket pitch, I was very surprised and excited. I never forgot the first feeling of seeing the pitch and how we were happy.”

Twenty-two players out of the 25 once contracted by Afghanistan Cricket Board have settled in Australia and formed Afghan Women’s XI.

Team members, Firooza Amiri, Friba Hotak, Afghan Women’s XI captain Nahida Sapan, Humaira Afghan, and a few others also play for

Mountain Gate Cricket.

Dr Catherine Ordway a sport integrity expert and visiting scholar at UNSW’S School of Business Canberra, says the women’s team are the “collateral damage “in everything.

“This generation of women who came to Australia are getting older, getting on with their lives, getting married, having children so what are we doing to support the next generation coming through to be the representative for Afghanistan?

“I would be so heartbroken if it means that the dream of Afghan women cricket team ends with this group of girls. That would be the worst possible scenario

“They see their role as being representatives as a symbol of hope, a future for the woman back in Afghanistan who doesn’t have that freedom they enjoy currently.”

The players feel the deep sense of moral obligation, where giving up is not a choice, for the sake of the women and girls suffering under the Taliban’s strict rules.

However, determined, they still cling onto that hope, and with that, even after nine hours of work a day, Firooza finds the strength to train with the other players.

squad.

The ICC currently funds the Afghan Women’s XI team’s training, which also included their trip to India and upcoming trip to the United Kingdom in July.

The funding was announced last year in April, carried out by Cricket Australia, English Cricket Board and Board of Control for Cricket in India.

However, that funding support is to cease in August, with no assurance of continuation, plans or announcements from ICC to recognise the team.

Despite “the most devastating” silence and no plans, Dr Ordway remains optimistic.

“Cricket Australia was really pleased our advocacy of the Afghanistan Women’s team, including the match at the Junction Oval, received strong recognition and increased public recognition of the team’s plight,” a spokesperson at Cricket Australia says.

This was the second task force by the ICC and it has met the cricket team only once.

Dr Ordway says ICC has even rejected calls to have representatives of the Afghan women’s team included.

Victoria’s Minister for Women and Girls, and Dandenong MP, Gabrielle Williams says she supports these athletes.

“Women and girls should have the same rights and opportunities as men everywhere in the community – including in sport.

“These athletes have shown incredible courage and resilience, and we support their ongoing participation in cricket.”

The ICC was contacted for comment.

Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where education is banned above primary school ages.

Women are barred from most professions, banned from public spaces like parks, gyms, sports and clubs.

Women are even forbidden from speaking, singing or reciting poetry in public under the new morality laws, which also require women to cover their faces and bodies and can’t travel more than 77 kilometres from their home without a male chaperone.

That could’ve been Firooza’s life, or worse she would’ve been killed had she or the others players not fled the country.

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Speedsters targeted

The Greater Dandenong residents are warned to either obey speed limits or face an uncomfortable start to their day as Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol continue to target speeding drivers on major roads as part of Operation Sparrow.

This comes after a two-day blitz where Police officers recorded 118 offences including 92 drivers who exceeded the speed limit by 10-24 km/h on major roads in Dandenong on the morning of Wednesday and Thursday, 7 May.

Additionally, 9 drivers who were detected exceeding the speed limit by 25 km/h or more will face mandatory license suspensions.

This is despite some harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall and even a spate of hail on Wednesday, police still found drivers who disregard speed limits.

Considering the number of offences detected in just two shifts, Highway Patrol will continue with this operation, where Police officers will be stationed in early hours of the morning as part of the operation.

13 stolen motorbikes seized

Two men have been charged after police seized 13 allegedly stolen motorbikes during raids in Dandenong and Doveton.

Casey CIU detectives say three male offenders in a stolen black Mazda 3 drove to a home in Roycroft Court, Endeavour Hills on 20 April.

They allegedly entered a garage and stole a car, trailer, two motocross bikes, speciality bike parts and tools.

Detectives have since executed three consecutive search warrants in Dandenong and Doveton and seized several of the allegedly stolen motorbike parts, tools, and the trailer.

They also seized 13 stolen motorbikes, drugs, a firearm part and a stolen black Mazda 3, police say.

A 29-year-old Dandenong man was charged with seven counts of theft, four counts of car theft, handling stolen goods and drug possession.

He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 27 July.

A 41-year-old Doveton man was charged with seven counts of drug possession and bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 29 July.

Investigations are ongoing, police say. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Event puts focus on democracy

Saturday 9 May 2026, Melbourne Town Hall was packed.

More than 2,000 people filled the historic building for Conversations at the Crossroads: Reclaiming Democracy Together - a sold-out event bringing together thinkers, academics, activists and everyday concerned Australians asking one urgent question:

What is happening to democracy?

And perhaps more importantly: What do we do next?

The event itself was extraordinary. Powerful speakers. Sharp humour. Deep reflection. Real solutions.

Professor Mark Rose, proud Gunditjmara man and educator, spoke with wisdom and larrikin honesty about history, belonging and the foundations Australia still needs to build. There was no bitterness. No blame. Just clarity.

A reminder that he himself was not legally recognised as a “person” in Australia until after the 1967 referendum.

That should stop us all in our tracks.

Natalie Kyriacou brought warmth, wit and environmental insight - comparing democracy to the natural world. From the matriarchal wisdom of elephants to the collective decision-making of bees, she reminded us that healthy systems survive through cooperation, not domination.

Professor Gillian Triggs highlighted the uncomfortable reality that Australia remains one of the few modern democracies without a national Human Rights Act - and the dangers that that creates for vulnerable people when rights are left exposed to political cycles.

Professor Wendy Brown brought a powerful global lens to the conversation. She unpacked how economic inequality, hyper-individualism and political distrust are slowly eroding democratic life across the West.

Her message was sobering but important: democracy does not simply collapse overnight - it weakens gradually when societies lose their sense of shared responsibility and collective purpose.

Guiding the evening with calm authority and deep insight was Professor Joe Camilleri, President of Conversations at the Crossroads and moderator for the event.

Alongside his dedicated team, he created a space that felt less like a lecture and more like a genuine civic conversation - thoughtful, respectful and deeply needed in the current climate.

In a world increasingly driven by outrage and division, simply bringing 2,000 people together to listen, reflect and engage respectfully was an achievement in itself.

Which leads us to Professor John Keane, who masterfully explained how democracies weaken - not usually through one dramatic collapse, but slowly, through distrust, disengagement and fear.

And perhaps that was the thread tying the

Democracy

entire event together.

Fear.

Truth be told… Australians are increasingly voting from fear, not vision.

Fear of economic insecurity. Fear of migration. Fear of cultural change. Fear of being left behind.

The federal election result in Farrer, where One Nation gained significant traction, reflects this broader anxiety. Whether people agree with Pauline Hanson or not is almost beside the point.

The deeper question is: Why are people resonating with grievance politics in the first place?

Because when people feel unsafe - economically, socially or culturally - they retreat into self-preservation. Self-preservation changes democracy.

Voting becomes less about: “What is best for Australia?” And more about: “What protects me?”

Perhaps this is the real crisis facing democracy.

Not Left versus Right. Not conservative versus progressive. But individualism versus collective responsibility.

We have built a society increasingly centred around: Me. My rights. My identity. My gain. My fear.

And somewhere along the way, we stopped asking: What strengthens the whole?

Other than First Nations peoples, we are all migrants or descendants of migrants.

Yet Australia often behaves as though belonging is a competition rather than a shared project.

There is an “all or nothing” mentality emerging in public discourse.

If someone speaks about multiculturalism, they are accused of ignoring national identity. If someone speaks about patriotism, they are accused of exclusion. If someone questions systems, they are labelled divisive. But democracy cannot survive inside echo cham-

bers.

Democracy requires nuance. Curiosity. Shared responsibility. And education.

That was perhaps the most confronting realisation from the event:

Democracy is not failing because people are evil.

It is failing because we have not educated citizens deeply enough in how to live collectively.

We educate for jobs.

For performance. For productivity.

For self.

But not nearly enough for: Belonging. Civic responsibility. Critical thinking. Cultural maturity. Shared humanity.

This is why values-based education matters. Programs like Belonging in Casey are small but important attempts to rebuild social fabric early - teaching young people how to navigate difference, contribute to community and think beyond self-interests.

If we do not intentionally teach democratic values, social media algorithms will teach something else.

Usually: Outrage. Hatred. Divisiveness. Fear-mongering.

There was, however, one missing factor at Saturday’s event - more diversity. More younger voices. More everyday Australians outside academic and policy circles. Because if democracy renewal stays confined to intellectual rooms, it will fail.

This conversation belongs in classrooms, sporting clubs, workplaces and dinner tables. Not just town halls.

Our political system itself also needs reflection. Modern politics has become trapped in short election cycles and constant self-preservation.

How do I get elected? How do I get re-elected? How do I avoid backlash?

Real long-term thinking struggles to survive in two- and four-year cycles dominated by polling and fear.

So, governments react instead of lead. Throwing money at symptoms while deeper fractures grow underneath.

Maybe the shift we need is philosophical. From ROI - Return on Investment to ROHReturn on Humanity.

What if we measured success not only by economic growth, but by: Trust. Belonging. Mental wellbeing. Civic participation. Community resilience.

Because when people feel safe, they share more. They fear less. They become less tribal. More generous. More democratic.

As Dad often says: “A healthy society is one where people still look out for their mates.”

Simple words. But perhaps that is democracy at its core. Not politics. People.

Truth be told… democracy will not be saved by louder politicians, but by better humans.

In the special edition of her newsletter, this is what our local MP, Belinda Wilson, has got to say: “With cost-of-living pressures being felt by many local families, this Budget focuses on making life easier....”

These are words of wisdom that need the attention and urgent consideration of Casey Council’s administration.

Almost everybody in the world is aware of the financial hardships faced by many families, including Casey residents and ratepayers, due to the US-Iran war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

One wonders why Casey administration should make life even more difficult for ratepayers by its bogus policy, e.g.

(a) Some time ago, Casey Council decided to replace the lids on practically all the bins, even those that were still in a good condition. The costs?

(b) Recently, a sticker with the street number of every household, has been placed on every single bin, which already had a street number written or painted on it. The costs?

(c) The decision to compel every householder to have an additional bin, i.e. a fourth bin. At what costs?

In the name of Freedom of Information, may we ask Casey Council (1) the total cost of this bin business? (2) Who in Casey Council or the State Government took the initiative in regard to this bogus policy?

(3) The name of the contractor/s?

Finally, why does Casey administration not try to assist the local families by reducing the rates, most particularly for old age pensioners?

Poorer areas will bear the brunt

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A residents group that won its fight against a proposed waste transfer station in Hampton Park say multicultural, low-income communities are unfairly carrying the state’s waste burden.

Lynbrook Residents Association member Vernadette Bilbao-Dickson told a waste-to-energy State Parliamentary inquiry on 8 May that community consultation on the WTS came late in the piece.

And when it arrived, the consultation was “deeply disappointing”, a “mere tick-a-box exercise” from Casey Council’s administrators – who ultimately approved a permit for the WTS.

The Veolia WTS was to collect and compress more than 500,000 tonnes of waste a year from nine South East councils for delivery to a WTE incinerator in Maryvale.

The station was proposed next to a soon-toexpire landfill and within 200 metres of homes.

Yet, despite more than 1000 objectors, Casey treated the project as “pre-determined” and bound by “state policy objectives” , Dickson said.

However the project faltered when Environment Protection Authority Victoria – and later VCAT - refused a development licence on human health grounds.

Dickson said the community shouldn’t have had to rely on such “late-stage intervention”. Such projects should be subjected to a comprehensive, independent Environmental Effects Statement before approvals are considered, she said.

“A consistent and critical issue is the lack of genuine, early and transparent community consultation.”

The highly-multicultural and low-socioeconomic neighbourhood had already endured a noisy, dusty and smelly landfill on its doorstep for 25 years, Dickson said.

Similar demographies in Sunbury, Wollert and Dandenong South were targeted for WTE incinerators, she noted.

“Certain suburban communities are disproportionately relied on to carry Melbourne’s long term waste burden,” Dickson said.

In her submission, Sue Lanigan told the inquiry that no incinerators were planned for affluent

areas such as Toorak, Malvern or Berwick despite being “near to major waste-generating populations”.

Laningan, who represented residents near Dandenong South’s ‘offensive-industry’ zone said residents are angry that they again have to “fight for our health”

Shespokeonthenearby450-hectareheavy-industrial estate in Dandenong South, which includes an approved WTE incinerator and the state’s only prescribed-waste landfill – known as a “toxic waste dump”

There is no air monitoring of the estate, she told the inquiry. The nearest EPA air-quality station is two kilometres north, at Dandenong Showgrounds.

The air-testing station tests for six types of ‘toxins’ – but excludes most of the toxins present in burning plastic.

The yet-to-be-built Great Southern Waste Technologies WTE in Dandenong South was ap-

proved by the EPA in 2020.

Lanigan said the plant would consume up to 100,000 tonnes of waste a year, including significant amounts of plastic.

Toxic by-products include particulate matter, heavy metals, furans as well as dioxins, which even in small amounts were harmful to human health, she said. Many of the toxins were not subject to routine measuring or continuous monitoring, she submitted.

Lanigan called for a reduction in single-use plastics, such as in packaging, rather than building a WTE policy that depends on continual streams of waste.

In Victoria, 11 WTE incinerators have been granted a licence to operate. Seven of them are entitled to burn 2.35 million tonnes of waste a year.

Her submission stated: “A circular economy reduces waste. Incinerators require it. Both policies cannot succeed at the same time.”

Teacher jailed for stabbing attack on Keysborough principal

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A teacher who stabbed a principal at Keysborough Secondary College during school hours last year has been jailed for up to 15 months.

Kim Ramchen, 37, of Mulgrave, pleaded guilty at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to intentionally causing injury to principal Aaron Sykes on 2 December and assaulting Mr Sykes with a weapon. He also pled to assaulting assistant principal Matthew Sloan, who had come to Mr Sykes’ aid and helped to disarm and detain Ramchen.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tim Bourke, in sentencing on 11 May, said Ramchen had been dissatisfied with not having his work contract renewed when he attacked Mr Sykes twice.

Ramchen, who had no criminal priors, later told police that he “mentally snapped” , “blood went to my head” and he’d got “incredibly, unbelievably angry”

He had wanted to “incapacitate the principal” , he told police.

According to an agreed prosecution summary, Ramchen armed himself with a small knife from the kitchen drawer and entered Mr Sykes’s office. He immediately attacked the principal, stabbing him to the forearm and holding a knife to his throat.

Mr Sloan saw the armed Ramchen kneeling on top of Mr Sykes, and pulled him free of the victim. Ramchen dropped the knife and left. He returned with a larger 25 centimetre kitchen knife, got atop of Mr Sykes and held the knife close to the victim’s face.

Mr Sloan again dragged Ramchen off Mr Sykes and with the help of other staff, pinned Ramchen to the ground.

Mr Sykes was hospitalised with several

non-serious stab wounds. He has not returned to work since the attack.

Mr Bourke noted that if not for Mr Sloan’s bravery, it could have been a worse outcome for the principal.

The offending was all the more “serious”, being at a school at 3pm when children were on-campus.

Ramchen was the son of former Price Is Right host Jacqui Ramchen who disappeared in 1992 when he was four.

His late father, charged over her killing until a magistrate found there was not enough evidence to commit him to trial, died from cancer when Ramchen was 14.

He was taken under the guardianship of his brother and sister, with assistance from his grandmother. The siblings shared a bond through their shared trauma, Mr Bourke noted.

Ramchen was regarded as a quirky, highly intelligent and accomplished IT teacher. He had

‘Extremely difficult’

By William Ton and Allanah Sciberras, AAP

A school principal stabbed in the neck by a teacher who “mentally snapped” after learning his contract would not be renewed has opened up about his ordeal.

KimRamchenwashandeda15-month prison sentence in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday after admitting intentionally causing injury, assault with a weapon and unlawful assault over the December 2 stabbing at Keysborough College.

But he could be out of jail on parole as soon as August after already serving 160 days of his eight-month and 14-day non-parole period in pre-sentence detention.

The attack left the school’s principal Aaron Sykes, who has not worked since, with multiple injuries.

Mr Sykes would not comment on the legal outcome or process but described his ordeal and thanked those who rushed to his aid.

“Their courage and professionalism in an extremely difficult situation were extraordinary,” he said in a statement.

“A member of our library team provided immediate first aid, an assistant principal intervened to assist, and a member of our business team placed herself in harm’s way to protect others.”

Ramchen appeared in court on Monday via video link in a green prison tracksuit and stared straight ahead throughout sentencing.

On the day of the attack, he had armed himself with a 10cm knife from the school’s kitchen after marking the class roll before barging into Mr Sykes’ office and aggressively aiming the knife at the principal’s neck.

now lost everything – including his career, home, wife, child and liberty.

Mr Bourke agreed with Ramchen’s sister’s assessment that she felt a “jarring shock” about the “disturbing and completely unacceptable” attack.

Ramchen’s “moderately” impaired mental judgement and intent was “mildly obscured by mental disorder” at the time were noted.

He was assessed as suitable for a community correction order, but Mr Bourke declined a combination sentence of jail and a treatment-only CCO.

“The tension ... is between ensuring the sentence has an appropriate measure of compassion and mercy, and at the same time ensures that the important sentencing purposes of general deterrence and punishment are not unduly diluted.”

Instead, he jailed Ramchen for 15 months with an eight-month, 14-day non-parole period.

Ramchen’s term included 160 days already served in pre-sentence remand.

Assistant principal Matthew Sloan, who came from down the hall after hearing shouting from Mr Sykes’ office, pulled Ramchen out of the room.

The IT teacher walked off before the school was placed into lockdown, but soon returned with a larger chef’s knife, punching Mr Sykes and holding the blade to his face and neck on the ground.

Mr Sykes experienced an adrenaline rush and pushed Ramchen off before his deputy pulled the teacher away and tackled him to the ground.

It took several staff to subdue him until emergency crews arrived.

Mr Sykes escaped the office and was rushed to hospital covered in blood with cuts to his jaw, face, lip and forearm.

Mr Sloan suffered cuts to his ear, cheek, jaw and ribs.

Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636

Cannabis cautions backed

By Violet Li

The State’s Upper House has backed a motion to call on the government to ensure people caught with small amounts of cannabis are cautioned, rather than arrested.

The motion, brought by Legalise Cannabis Victoria MP Rachel Payne, was agreed to by the Victorian Legislative Council on Wednesday 13 May.

Ms Payne called on the State Government to investigate options for legislative reform to Victoria Police’s cannabis cautioning scheme.

She noted a September 2024 Victoria Police Manual (VPM) update that recommended cautions over arrest for personal possession of small amounts of cannabis (up to 50 grams), and to remove restrictions on the number of cautions. The aim is to divert eligible people away from contact with the formal criminal justice system.

However, Ms Payne pointed to data from the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria to argue that the changes are not well-known and are not working as intended. She said the arrest rates remained high despite the updated guidance. Police arrests accounted for 48.5 per cent (3763) of recorded cannabis possession outcomes in 2025, while cautions were 33.5 per cent (2597).

In 2023, police arrests contributed to 52 per cent of recorded cannabis possession outcomes, while cautions comprised 35 per cent.

“No one should have their life derailed over a joint. Not in 2026. Victoria Police already agreed and quietly moved to a cautioning approach in 2024, but good policy isn’t good enough,” Ms Payne said.

“It is either being ignored or unevenly applied. It’s time to take a fair and common-sense approach and to make cautioning official.”

During the motion debate, she asked for clarity to be provided in legislation.

Ms Payne also cited comments from former

LOOKING BACK

100 years ago

20 May 1926

GUILD CONCERT

Scots’ Church School Hall, Dandenong was well filled on Tuesday night when a concert by a suburban choir of 30 members gave a concert in aid of Church Guild funds. Mr Crow apologised for the delay in the arrival of the choir. This was no fault of the members, but was due to the very bad roads between Dandenong and Melbourne and their cars had to make a detour of several miles from Princes Highway. The programme consisted of choruses, glees, part songs, solos and recitations, including several humorous, and all met with the warm approval of the audience. The entertainment concluded with the cleverly acted humorous sketch “Domestic Strife”.

50 years ago

3 May 1976

‘RACISM’ IN TOWN PLANNING

Racial discrimination is allegedly being practised in Springvale as a direct result of town planning activities. Springvale’s councillor

senior Victoria Police officer Greg Denham, who helped design Victoria’s original cannabis cautioning program in 1998.

Mr Denham said the original goal of the cannabis cautioning program was to reduce unnecessary police work and avoid saddling people with criminal records for low-level offences.

“Nobody joins the Victoria police to spend their shift busting someone for a joint. But we were stuck…” he said.

“Legislate cautioning and give officers something solid to stand on.”

Labor MP Michael Galea supported the motion during the debate but said appropriate consultation processes should take place with Victoria Police, the Department of Justice and

Keys Medical Centre staff Argime Lumamovska and Bianca Samperi have a fully booked waiting list for Covid vaccine patients in May 2021. (Gary Sissons: 236540)

Peter Collins claimed this last week during a debate on an application for an amusement parlour. A condition on the re-application for a parlour in Buckingham Avenue said the parlour should retain a distinctly Turkish name on the window. Council’s town planner said there was a Greek-owned parlour 50 metres away with a

Community Safety and the Department of Health to ensure there were no adverse, unintended consequences.

Libertarian MP David Limbrick also supported the motion.

“It is the most ridiculous use of police resources that you could think of, yet we continue to do it…” he said.

Liberal MP Renee Heath took a more cautious position during the debate, raising concerns about cannabis reform and its broader social impacts.

“I am open to many more conversations on this, but I will say this: I am far from convinced. I do not see how normalising drug use in any way, shape or form is healthy when cannabis leads to

Greek name on the window. The name would help identify the shop to Turks in the area. The motion to remove the condition was lost. Councillor Collins said: “It is incredible to reach this stage of discrimination when they are only selling hamburgers and playing snooker. How are we ever going to get people to assimilate if we keep doing things like this?”

20 years ago

15 May 2006

Taylor-made images

Dandenong North resident, Wayne Taylor, a photographer with The Age, who covered the rescue of the two miners in Tasmania, says he witnessed history being made. A former Journal photographer, Mr Taylor spent a week in Beaconsfield and experienced all the emotions felt by the two men’s families, rescuers and everyone around Australia. He said that the sight of Todd Russell and Brand Webb emerging from their underground tomb after two weeks became part of Australian history. Beaconsfield Primary School children in Cardinia had sent letters of support to the children of Beacons-

higher rates of psychosis, higher rates of depression, higher rates of disengagement from work or school or whatever,” she said.

Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC)

CEO Clare Davies said such support was a crucial step towards a fairer and more consistent approach in Victoria.

“What might be seen as a minor cannabis charge can follow someone for years — affecting their housing, their ability to get work, and their mental health. For young people, and for those already dealing with hardship, that kind of system response can close doors rather than offer support,” she said.

The motion was agreed to without a formal recorded vote.

field Primary in Tasmania. “It’s lovely. I think a story this big has acted as a connection point,” Beaconsfield Primary principal Gary Methven said. Troy Roberts, the principal of Beaconsfield Primary School in Tasmania, said the children would be “thrilled” about receiving the letters. “This rescue has captured the imagination of schools all around Australia. I know our children will be thrilled when they receive the letters from Beaconsfield in Cardinia and will want to respond.”

5 years ago

11 May 2021

Surge in vaccine demand Covid-19 vaccine bookings have rebounded despite widespread publicity of blood-clotting sideeffects, a Keysborough clinic has reported. The inoculation is still considered low-risk, particularly for over 50’s and considering 1.4 million doses have been injected with 11 cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia linked to the Astrazeneca vaccine. Clinic manager Riekie Jooste said numbers have restored to a “fully booked“ 100 a week since over 50’s became eligible.

Unite in hope, along with a king, the Pope and many more

By Roz Blades AM, of Jewish faith

Charles, as the Prince of Wales, launched a major interfaith initiative for all religions to unite “in faith in the integrity of life itself”

Bishop McDonald, of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Committee for other faiths, agreed that relations between faiths are of crucial importance.

Prince Charles was strongly supported by Christian, Jewish, Jain, Muslim, Bahai, Brahma Kumaris, Swaminaryan Mandir and Sevak Jatha faiths.

Anglican Bishop Jones says “that the future of the world depends on the mutual respect and understanding of faith communities”

Pope Leo XIV has established interreligious

MESSAGE OF HOPE

dialogue as a way of life for the Catholic Church.

He describes dialogue not as a tactic but as a journey of the heart.

King Charles’ hope and prayer relies on a strong interfaith belief that working together, we can stem the beating of plowshares into swords.

Optimistic former nurse Archbishop Sarah

Mullally will inspire hope and peace. She has committed to listening deeply, aiming to be a bridge builder.

So we have a King, the Pope, Archbishops and major religious leaders believing in Interfaith.

But, we the ordinary people of the world, also have the same hopes and dreams as those more exalted - for peace and happiness.

Our hopes and dreams are the same as those we consider to be exalted and powerful.

Hope - and the message the word sends - belongs to us all and gives hope for the future.

Enquiries regarding the Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong: administration@interfaithnetwork.org.au

Visit interfaithnetwork.org.au/

Roz Blades.

Incredible volunteers

As Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026 from 18–24 May, Belvedere Aged Care is proud to recognise the incredible volunteers who help create connection, joy and community for residents each day. This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer, highlights the many ways people can give back and make a meaningful difference.

Belvedere’s volunteer program has built trusted relationships amongst our residents and the community. Bringing shared cultural experiences, conversations and intergenerational connections, volunteering truly enriches the lives of older people through companionship and care. Across our monthly lifestyle activities, many of our activities, including art and music sessions, social visits, gardening, games and celebrations are supported by a wonderful number of individuals and groups who give of their time to fill our home with joy.

National Volunteer Week is also an opportunity to celebrate how volunteering strengthens cultural and intergenerational ties. Volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds bring stories, traditions, language and experiences that reflect the richness of the wider community. Younger volunteers and families create valuable opportunities for residents to connect across generations, sharing wisdom, laughter and new perspectives.

Karin Blavo, Lifestyle Manager at Belvedere,

says the diversity of the volunteer program is one of its greatest strengths.

“Seeing families participate in our activity program emphasises the strong and trusting relationships we’ve built over the many years,” Karin said.

“We welcome all ages, people of all cultural backgrounds to join our volunteer program and share your time, skills and love of cooking, art or music!”

As National Volunteer Week 2026 shines a spotlight on the power of giving back, Belvedere thanks every volunteer who generously contributes their time and talents. Their dedication helps create brighter days for residents and a stronger, more connected community.

Belvedere Aged Care welcomes individuals, families, students and community groups interested in joining the volunteer program and making 2026 their year to volunteer.

To find out more visit belvedere.com.au

Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2026 at Belvedere Aged Care. (550759)

Both rewarding and fulfilling

Volunteering as a senior can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. There are many opportunities available where your skills, experience, and wisdom can make a significant impact. Here are some ideas to consider:

Mentoring: Offer your time to mentor younger individuals or even peers who may benefit from your guidance and expertise. Many organizations, schools, and community programs are al-

ways in need of mentors.

Tutoring: Help children or adults in your community with their education. You could volunteer at local schools, libraries, or community centers to assist with homework help, literacy programs, or adult education classes.

Senior Centers: Many senior centers have volunteer programs where you can help organize activities, lead classes or workshops, or simply

spend time socializing with other seniors.

Nonprofit Organizations: There are countless nonprofit organizations that rely on volunteers to carry out their missions. You could volunteer at a food bank, animal shelter, hospital, environmental organization, or any cause that you’re passionate about.

Virtual Volunteering: If mobility or health issues make it difficult for you to volunteer in per-

son, consider virtual volunteering opportunities. You could provide online tutoring, assist with social media management for nonprofits, or participate in virtual support groups.

Remember to choose volunteer opportunities that align with your interests, skills, and schedule. Volunteering not only benefits others but also provides a sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment in your own life.

The people behind every learning moment

Volunteering is often described as giving, but in reality, it is an exchange of time, purpose, connection and growth. At Community College Gippsland (CCG), that exchange has shaped who we are for over 50 years.

Today, CCG remains deeply connected to its volunteer roots. Our governance is led by a Board of 11 directors and cadets, supported by 11 dedicated volunteers across classrooms, wellbeing, reception and facilities, each playing a vital role in the student experience.

Across ECG Secondary College campuses at Dandenong, Pakenham, Warragul and Leongatha, as well as CCG Learn Local campuses, volunteers support students at every stage of their education journey. In classrooms, they work alongside trainers and teachers to provide one-on-one and small group support, helping students strengthen literacy and numeracy skills. For many learners, this personalised attention can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling capable.

Volunteers also contribute to Year 9-12 school teaching, helping students stay engaged, build confidence and prepare for life beyond school. Beyond academics, they support student wellbeing by providing encouragement, emotional support and a calm, consistent presence for learners facing barriers to education. This ensures students are learning, feeling safe, connected and ready to engage.

The impact is significant. Improved confidence, stronger foundational skills and increased participation are outcomes we see every day.

This National Volunteer Week, we recognise and thank our volunteers for their ongoing support. Their contribution strengthens not only our programs, but the futures of the students and communities we serve.

Join our volunteer community https://ccg. asn.au/volunteer/ or call 03 5622 6000.

Volunteer at The Bridge

At The Bridge, our purpose is to empower lives and inspire futures by providing holistic support to people with disabilities. We are always looking for volunteers that are willing to help people living with disabilities to enjoy a range of recreational, sporting, and work activities. Volunteering is beneficial for personal and professional development where you can learn more about yourself as well as contributing to the development of others.

We will provide induction training, ongoing mentoring and will support you every step of the way on what can be an incredible and exciting new experience for you.

The Bridge offers a variety of activities to support our participants to lead more independent and happy lives:

• Keeping fit: swimming, basketball, sailing and gym

• Socialising: shopping, luncheons and morning/afternoon tea

• New skills: work experience, using public transport, numeracy and literacy, woodwork, plus arts and crafts

Meet Linda, one of our lovely volunteers, who helps out at both our Cranbourne and Beaconsfield day service sites. Linda started at The Bridge in 2022 and is very well loved by our clients.

Having had a 20-year career working in Specialist Disability Schools, Linda knew The Bridge

from some of her students attending services in the past. After taking some time off, she wanted to stay in the disability sector and give back. In her words, she thought The Bridge was a great organisation and was very impressed by them, so she contacted us to volunteer and we’re so glad she did!

Linda helps out with various activities offered at the sites such as fishing and golf but is known for her coffee and news mornings where she takes a group of clients to the local shopping centre.

We are very lucky to have Linda and all our other volunteers at The Bridge. If you would like to see what volunteering options we have currently available, please contact volunteer@thebridgeinc.org.au.

Dandy Dance welcomes all

By Carmela Mendoza

Ausdance VIC is partnering with the City of Greater Dandenong to deliver Dandy Dance at Harmony Square, a free event to connect the community across two weekends.

Dandy Dance celebrates cultural diversity through movement and is inviting people of all ages and abilities to come together and learn new dance styles as they experience the

joy of shared expression.

On the first day on 16 May, Shamita Siva hosted Bollywood dance workshops, but the House dance event with Monique Nightingale was rained out.

This coming weekend features belly dance with Azura, and contemporary Mexican movement with Elena Osalde.

“Dandy Dance is about bringing people together through the universal language of

movement,” Ausdance VIC programming coordinator Jordan Pollard said.

“It’s a celebration of culture, connection, and the joy of dancing together.”

Dandy Dance is at Harmony Square, Dandenong on Saturday and Sunday 23-24 May, 10am–2:30pm daily; free event. Bookings: ausdancevic.org.au/program/dandy-dance/

Council wants full gambling-ad ban

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Gambling reformers say the Federal Government has “fallen short” in its long-awaited response to a gambling inquiry.

Released on Federal Budget day (12 May), the response baulked at most of the inquiry’s recommendations to reduce gambling harm, including a complete ban on broadcast and online gambling ads.

Greater Dandenong mayor Sophie Tan, whose council area is home to heavy pokies losses and “significant gambling harm” , says an ad ban is needed.

She noted that “regular and repetitive” gambling ads led to a “massive surge” in sports betting by teens and young adults.

Greater Dandenong is metro Melbourne’s most socioeconomically disadvantaged area, yet has the second-most pokies losses per adult ($1072 a year) and the most losses per day ($387,000).

In 2024-’25, electronic gaming machines in Greater Dandenong reaped $141 million.

The council is a member of Alliance for Gambling Reform, which spoke out strongly against the government’s response.

AGR chief executive Martin Thomas said underage kids were being targeted through social media to download gambling apps.

More than 600,000 children aged 12-17 are betting more than $18 million a year, he said.

“Betting ads are appearing in children’s

games, and increasingly popular online games are including gambling-type functions.

“Our kids are also exposed to a tsunami of gambling ads on television and through the sports broadcasts.”

AGR chief advocate Tim Costello called the federal reforms “timid” and “far short” of the inquiry recommendations.

“Not a single parent in this country would ‘opt in’ to their kids seeing gambling ads.

“That’s why it’s ‘opt out’ - many people will forget or not realise, and it just puts greater onus

on parents to always be logging in and opting out of countless apps and sites.

“The onus should be squarely on the gambling companies and the platforms.”

Costello also criticised the government’s plan to allow betting companies to broadcast three ads an hour between 6am and 8.30pm, with no cap after 8.30pm.

Monash Addiction Research Centre director

Professor Dan Lubman also said the response was “not enough”

“People and families need access to treatment

and early intervention, and this response does not deliver that.

“We hear from people every day who contact our services only after gambling harm has devastated their lives. Many are experiencing suicidal distress.

“These are people who needed support much earlier,butstigmaandalackofaccessibleservices mean too many don’t get the help they need.”

Prof Lubman welcomed the advertising restrictions, the strengthening of the national self-exclusion register Betstop and expansion of financial counselling.

The Government states its proposed restrictions on gambling ads took a “balanced approach” – including a ban during live sports broadcasts between 6am-8.30pm, and a ban on gambling ads at sports venues and on players’ and officials’ uniforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was a “balance” of “letting adults have a punt if they want to but also making sure Australian children don’t see betting ads everywhere they look” Gambling lobby-group Responsible Wagering Australia stated last month that the advertising crackdown created a “dangerous precedent”

“Today it’s gambling advertising, tomorrow it’s alcohol, then it’s sugary drinks, fast food, critical minerals and who knows what else comes next.” Greater Dandenong is currently reviewing its gambling policy at yoursay.greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au/gambling-policy-review

Submissions close on 16 June.

Housing reform debate

By Sahar Foladi

City of Greater Dandenong’s draft budget papers reveal the growing gap between housing costs, interest rates and low-income residents as the Federal Government unveiled reforms aiming to make home ownership more attainable.

The council state the gap has increased financial hardships for many local families, with one in five renting households at risk of housing-related financial stress or homelessness

More than a third of Greater Dandenong residents rent (35 per cent), which is higher than the Victorian state average of 29 per cent.

With fewer housing supplies and competitive prices, many low-income residents have suffered, the council stated.

The Federal Government’s reform of capital gains tax and negative gearing, which have long helped property investors, is estimated to help 75,000 Australians buy their first home over the next decade.

Under the new rules, negative gearing will be limited to new builds only from July 2027.

As for the CGT discount, the Government will replace the 50 per cent discount with a discount based on inflation and introduce a minimum 30 per cent tax on gains from 1 July 2027.

The CGT reforms will only apply to gains arising after 1 July 2027. Investors in new builds will be able to choose the 50 per cent CGT discount or the new arrangements.

Dr Liam Davies, Lecturer, Sustainability and Urban Planning says he doesn’t think the changes would have a “disproportionate effect” on rental prices.

He predicts more dwellings for renters in the area, allowing for rental prices to drop.

“I don’t expect they would be worse off.

“But if this policy change works in encouraging more investors to purchase new dwellings, that could bring more dwellings in the area. And that could decrease prices and rents.

“That’s only if the investors respond to this change mechanism by investing in new dwellings.

“We can see that’s what happened in Victoria with that increase in tax on investors. All it has done is that some investors sell and therefore you get more homeowners.”

The Government estimated its changes would fuel a $2-a-week increase in rents. Mr Davies says he wouldn’t put a dollar figure to it but says it will not increase by much.

There have been mixed views on the Government’s grandfathering approach to protect existing investors.

“This is a balance between what’s politically

feasible and what’s perfect,” Mr Davies said.

“This system allows no one new to use negative gearing except for new builds.

“Reform to negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts are unlikely to cause a large decrease in housing prices, but they should slow the growth in future, allowing wages to catch up.”

According to the council, the cost of purchasing a home in Greater Dandenong has risen by 34 per cent in the decade to 2024.

The median house price in 2021 was 10.3 times the average household income.

South East homelessness agency Wayss says the Federal Budget will not fully address the rising numbers of working families under financial stress.

Wayss chief executive Simon Ruth said the fo-

cus on housing and cost-of-living in the Budget would “help ease pressure for some households over time”.

“However, they won’t fully address what we’re seeing on the ground in Melbourne’s South East.

“Last year alone, more than 25,000 people accessed homelessness services in our region.

“We’re seeing increasing numbers of working families struggling to keep up with rising rents and everyday costs.”

Mr Ruth said “sustained investment” in social and affordable housing was needed to reduce homelessness.

“While some measures will take time to flow through, the pressure on services and on people is already very real.

“Wayss looks forward to working with Government to deliver to address these issues.”

‘Humanity is your greatest strength’

Greater Dandenong’s inspirational Afri-Aus Care chief executive Selba-Gondoza Luka has testified to the powerful combination of knowledge and compassion as she was awarded an honorary doctorate from RMIT University.

Luka received the Doctor of Social Science honoris causa at a 2026 doctoral degrees graduation ceremony on 13 May.

In her acceptance speech, Luka called on her fellow graduates to use their hard-earned knowledge as a tool to uplift others.

“Education gave me an opportunity. Lived experience gave me empathy and purpose.

“I have learned that true impact happens when knowledge meets compassion, and when we design systems with people, not just for them.”

Luka arrived in Australia from Malawi without family or community support.

She transformed her traumatic experiences of family violence, isolation and social stigma into a positive force for community empowerment.

She gained undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in mental health.

And in 2013, she founded the Springvalebased Afri-Aus Care, which supports African-Australian and culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Greater Dandenong and across Melbourne.

“The world needs your voice, your courage, and your leadership,” she said.

“Stay grounded in your values.

“Remember, success is not just what you achieve, but how you uplift others.

“Your education is a tool, but your humanity is your greatest strength.”

Afri-Aus Care supports African communities in Melbourne, addressing mental health, youth offending, family violence and alcohol and other drugs, while fostering a rare, harmonious space

that bridges cultural and religious divides.

Luka also established the Black Rhinos primary prevention program, which uses basketball to divert children and young people from crime and offending.

An independent evaluation by RMIT researchers found the junior basketball program delivers significant benefits for participants, their families and communities.

Black Rhinos improved school engagement and a shift away from being viewed as ‘problematic’ in the classroom, they found.

Professor Robyn Martin of RMIT’s School of Global Urban and Social Studies said the honorary doctorate was a fitting recognition of Luka’s extraordinary contribution.

“Selba is a remarkable community leader whose life’s work embodies everything we strive for in equity-centred research by meeting communities where they are, building trust and co-designing solutions that genuinely transform lives,” she said.

“Young African-Australians and their families experienced a real sense of belonging, greater

Sentenced over violent crime spree

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A man who stabbed a young man and bashed another elderly victim during a one-day violent stealing spree at Parkmore and Dingley Village shopping centres has been sentenced.

Thomas Dempsey’s victims were hospitalised with multiple injuries as a result of his attacks on 13 June last year.

Dempsey, 20, of Bonbeach, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to armed robbery, three counts of theft and two charges of intentionally causing injury.

At Parkmore, he and a teenage co-offender stole a bottle of cologne from behind a Chemist Warehouse counter, a burger and chips from Schnitz and two chocolate bars from a shop display.

On their return to Chemist Warehouse, staff and an elderly male customer tried to block their exit and detain them.

The co-offender and Dempsey kicked the customer several times to the head, causing him to fall to the tiled floor unconscious.

He was hospitalised with multiple facial fractures, cuts to his temple and a swollen eye.

In sentencing on 29 April, the judge Peter Rozen described the photos of the injuries as “disturbing” The “outrageous” and “cowardly” attack would have been “disturbing and frightening” for the victim, he stated.

“This was serious offending against a man of advanced years who was merely trying to restrain you using the minimum amount of force he considered necessary.”

On the same day, the pair robbed a young man waiting for a bus outside Dingley Village shopping centre.

Dempsey stabbed him several times during a struggle with the victim, and later punched and kicked him while he lay defenceless on the ground.

The victim was hospitalised with six stab wounds to his chest, upper arm and thigh, resulting in a loss of work.

“He lost a lot of blood, necessitating surgery,” Judge Rozen stated.

“His leg is still numb and he has scars which will remain as a constant reminder of your crimes.”

An off-duty police officer intervened, and Dempsey claimed the victim pulled a knife on the offenders.

school engagement and strengthened connections, because Selba insisted the community lead the way from day one.”

Luka’s leadership has been recognised through awards such as the Rotary Phonse Tobin Award and the VMC Meritorious Service to the Community in the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence.

In 2021, she was awarded Citizen of the Year by the City of Greater Dandenong and was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in the Local Champion category.

The pair ran away while the victim was being assisted.

In a statement to the court, the victim stated he was “attacked without warning” by people he didn’t know”

“The shock and fear (I) felt in that moment is difficult to put into words,” he said.

Dempsey had stopped school at Year 7, refusing to attend due to severe anxiety, and has never held paid work.

From the age of 12, he hung out with negative and violent peers. He descended into the abuse of various drugs – including falling unconscious due to a Xanax overdose at 17.

His mental ailments included severe PTSD, as well as longstanding anxiety, depression and substance-use disorders.

Judge Rozen said weight was given to Dempsey’s “reasonable” rehabiliation prospects due to his youth.

He had no prior convictions and had never been in custody.

On the other hand, his violence towards the two victims was “disgusting and inexcusable”

“For reasons that remain unexplained, you exhibited complete disdain for complete strangers,” Judge Rozen said.

Dempsey also seemed to be “in denial” , by engaging in victim-blaming and a claim he acted in self-defence.

He faces pending Magistrates’ Court matters relating to driving, drugs, weapons, attempted robbery and car theft.

He was sentenced to two years and seven months in a Youth Justice Centre.

Warriors lead Indigenous Round

A veterans football club in Springvale has proudly put itself at the forefront of Indigenous Round celebrations.

More than 70 Eastern Warriors players and family members gathered at Edinburgh Reserve on Wednesday 13 May for a ceremonial unveiling of the club’s first-ever jumper with indigenous artwork.

The jumpers, designed by Vicki Thomas, were presented to proud Over 35s, 50s and 55s mens and womens players ahead of the AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round weekend.

The design invokes a warrior and hunter with a shield motif, spears and kangaroo tracks. The inverted-U denotes the club as a meeting place.

It was unveiled by past president Mark ‘Marco’ Barber, with a framed edition presented to the jumper’s sponsor Bendigo Bank in Dingley Village.

Barber said the jumper was five years in the making until the “stars aligned”

“It’s really important. Education is the key to everything – acceptance, inclusivity, reduction of racism. You can’t beat those things into people.

“Once people are more educated and understand more about other people and other cultures, hopefully we’ll be more inclusive.

“When we first worked on it, we didn’t have any indigenous players. I always wondered why … now we have three including an elder.”

After training, Warrior player and Wurundjeri elder John ‘Nugget’ Terrick brought the club together for Welcome to Country.

This was followed by a smoking ceremony, sharing of stories and native foods.

AFL club Hawthorn strongly supported the event.

Its chief executive Ash Klein – also a Warriors premiership player – donated a Hawks indigenous jumper to the club.

During a Q and A, Hawthorn’s academy manager Harrison Pepper spoke of the importance of Doug Nicholls Round and the embrace of First Nations culture.

He told of his connection to the Gunai Kurnai clan in Gippsland, his grandfather’s totem - the black swan (Goonyak) and his grandmother’s –the long-necked turtle.

Kenny Johnston, a Pakistan-born player who has coached a multicultural AFL side, runs a sports merchandise business and helped organise the printing of the indigenous jumper. For him, it gave players a chance to more deeply understand First Nations culture and the

Bring Your Bills expands across state

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A South-East charity’s success-story Bring Your Bills is set to expand statewide, thanks to a State Budget boost of $2.3 million.

The South East Community Links events have achieved great bang-for-buck by bringing customers face-to-face with more than 30 utilities, banks, government services, legal and support agencies.

Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Edbrooke stated that at each event, “families walked away millions in debt sorted and savings found”

“That’s what real help looks like.”

Since 2025, BYB events have helped more than 3000 people and families to save $11 million in debt and bills.

A recent event in Pakenham helped 800 attendees achieve $1.5 million of relief. Similar results occurred at BYBs in Springvale, Dandenong and Hampton Park.

The extra Budget funding will extend BYB from the South East to reach about 5000 Victorians a year.

SECL chief executive Peter McNamara said the program was a “low-cost, high-impact” response that helped people before they spiral into homelessness, legal action or financial crisis.

More than 70 per cent of attendees at Pakenham felt an immediate reduction in financial stress. More than a third were working.

“This isn’t about poor choices, it’s an affordability issue, with the cost of food, fuel and housing rising faster than people can keep up,” McNamara said.

“Seeing people leave with a smile and a sausage in bread is priceless.”

Many hadn’t contacted their provider about their debt beforehand but tried to manage on their own, McNamara said.

“Bring Your Bills changes that. People walk in with a problem and leave with a plan.”

BYB started in a carpark at SECL’s Dandenongofficewith“acoupleofstaffmemberswho wanted to make a difference”

“We had people turning up to the office with billstheydidn’tunderstand,debtstheycouldn’t manage, and nowhere to go,” McNamara said.

“So, we brought services to them. Financial counsellors,banks,ombudsmanservices,energy and water companies, all in one place.

“It brings human connection back into hardship support through simple, face-to-face conversations.”

NarreWarrenSouthMPGaryMaastoldParliament on 13 May that BYB was important for his community.

stories from different regions.

“They are proud people and going through so much,” he says.

There is a sense of renewal at the club, which initially struggled to field an Over 35s mens side early this season.

The 62-year-old Johnston, along with other 50-somethings, have filled in at the younger, more vigorous level.

However, for the first time, a full squad of 35s were set to play that coming weekend.

Fittingly, the opponent was Carrum Cowboys, the only other Vic Metro Masters club with an indigenous jumper.

“Think of a recreational space like a basketball court ... filled with representatives from our major banks, from our major telcos, from our majorutilitiescompanies,thatarealltherewith the ability to strike, there and then, money that you may be in deficit for paying.

“They are able to say, ‘You’re in arrears in paying these bills; we’re able to strike that today. You can’t afford to pay that bill and you’re able to show us this – these bills are cut off.’

“This investment from the government of $2.3 million will help ensure that it reaches even more people across the state.”

WHAT’S ON

Reconciliation Week Nature Play

Learn about our shared history and celebrate First Nations cultures. Experience a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony and learn about Aboriginal Culture, with storytelling and Aboriginal art activities and a free barbecue. For children 0-6 and their families.

• Tuesday 19 May, 10am-12pm at Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, MacKay Street, Springvale South; free event. Bookings required: childrenservadminsupport@cgd.vic.gov.au or 8571 1843.

Biodiversity Day at Myuna Farm

Come and celebrate International Day for Biodiversity. A train ride to wetlands, where you can meet flying foxes and watch them fly out at sunset. Frog calls and water bugs activities.

• Thursday 21 May 4.30pm-6.30pm at Myuna Farm, Kidds Road, Doveton; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DLBDC

Sydney Writers Festival live

Free livestream screening of author Trent Dalton at Sydney Writers’ Festival, as he discusses his book Gravity Let Me Go. Tea and coffee provided.

• Friday 22 May, 2pm-3pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Registration required: greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_8f68f86b140d48c687e065afdd865 d8b

Dandy Dance

Free, family-friendly dance workshops from Bollywood and Hip Hop to Belly Dance and contemporary Mexican movement. Led by talented local artists. All ages and abilities welcome. Presented by Ausdance Vic and City of Greater Dandenong.

• Saturday and Sunday 23-24 May, 10am2.30pm at Harmony Square, Dandenong; free event. Bookings: ausdancevic.org.au/program/dandy-dance/

Reconciliation Week ‘All In’ event

City of Greater Dandenong launches Reconciliation Week, with Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, yidaki (didgeridoo) and an inaugural flag raising. Also a launch of the council’s its third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.

• Wednesday 27 May, 10am-11am at Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. No bookings required.

Trades & Services

All In for Reconciliation

City of Casey’s 2026 National Reconciliation Week event featuring dance performance, storytelling and activities.

• Wednesday 27 May 4pm-6pm at Bunjil Place plaza, Narre Warren; free event.

Tree Drawings

Try your hand at sketching beautiful trees with facilitator Maroulla’s guidance or bring along your own art and craft projects such as painting, sewing, collage or origami. Everyone is welcome. Materials will be provided for the tree drawing activity.

• Wednesday 27 May, 6.30pm-8pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event.

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch Greater Dandenong forum on community safety, crime statistics and safety products. Police and guest speakers provide updates on local matters.

• Wednesday 27 May, 7.30pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park; free event. No bookings required. Details: Neighbourhood Watch Greater Dandenong Facebook page, or email info.nhwgd@ gmail.com.

Polymer Clay workshop

Design your own unique clay creations such as earrings, pendants, or keychains. No prior experience needed. For ages 16-plus.

• Thursday 28 May, 6pm-7.30pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Registrations required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.

au/#!/event-detail/ev_5711a01dbf424ecdbf b4f14c7ab31fb4

Cultural Sketch

This month’s Cultural Sketch features Alberto Burgos. Artist/s talk about their lived experiences as artists, as participants sketch and draw the presenters, their favourite objects, the music, or respond creatively to the stories being shared. No experience needed. Ages 18+, alcohol and refreshments served.

• Thursday 28 May, 6pm-8pm at Drum Theatre, cnr Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong; free event. Registrations essential at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/eventbook/ev_b7f35de98c2f4fb990d6ccb5f396e 898?eventDateID=1332

Iranian Pomegranate Salad workshop

Join Leila, an Iranian cooking instructor from Free to Feed, for a hands-on workshop. All ingredients pre-prepared, it’s perfect for all skill levels. Along the way, Leila will share stories, traditions, and the cultural meaning behind the dish. For ages 16plus.

• Thursday 28 May, 6.30pm-8pm at Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ ev_72b9ea7521054295beeafb695e0489b1

Multicultural Mens Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga with trained instructor Yash Patel, integrating mindful breathwork, with fluid movement designed to create balance between energy and stillness. Followed by debrief and tea/coffee. Yoga mats provided. Bring water and wear something comfortable.

• Sunday 31 May, 10am-11.30am at Soflo Studios, 56 Garnsworthy Street, Springvale; free event. Bookings required: events.humanitix. com/multicultural-mens-yoga-zqqk9c3b VACCA Community Fundraiser

Reconciliation Week event and community fundraiser for Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency with art by N’Dene Riley, family activities, food and raffle prizes. Hosted by Story House Early Learning Lynbrook.

• Monday 1 June 2.30pm-5.30pm at Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris Street; free entry. Bookings: trybooking.com/DLLMG

First Nations weaving Learn traditional techniques, hear cultural stories and create your own woven piece during this inspiring Reconciliation Week session with Cassie from Wild Blak Arts.

• Tuesday 2 June, 6pm-7.30pm at Keysborough Community Hub, 10 Villiers Road, Keysborough; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net. au/#!/event-detail/ev_40d01ff429bd4cd7a1 2ab5b802b52f51

Reconciliation Week youth event

Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by a local Bunurong Elder, performance by IOP, and three rotating workshops in bush tucker and hiphop dance. All welcome.

• Wednesday 3 June, 9.30am at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free event. No bookings required. 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.

• Thursday 4 June, 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

Make a Drawstring Bag

A beginner-friendly, hands-on intro to sewing machine basics, then dive straight into making your own drawstring bag. For ages 16 and older.

• Thursday 4 June, 1pm-4pm and 5.30pm8.30pm at Springvale Libary, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale; free. Registration required: greaterdandenong-events.bookable. net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_a0f66d8a20df42a4aef7f3b9c87431d8

Pride-theme Cake Decorating Celebrate Pride Month by decorating your own rainbow themed cake. No experience needed. All materials provided. For ages 16-plus.

• Thursday 4 June, 6.30pm-8pm at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong; free event. Registration required at greaterdandenong-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ ev_05c199be191544b7891d2de4c83444 2a

SPORT Bulls burnt and Hawks halt

By David Nagel

Noble Park has some serious soul-searching to do after the Bulls were thumped to the tune of 99 points on their home deck at Pat Wright Oval by an emerging Berwick on Saturday.

The Bulls now sit bottom of the Eastern Premier Division ladder - the only team without premiership points - after a humiliating 22.20(152) to 8.5(53) defeat.

There were some worrying signs early, despite the Bulls only trailing by five points at quarter time, with Berwick having 10 scoring attempts to five in the opening term.

Fortunately for the Bulls the scoreline read 4.6 to 4.1 at the first break, with co-captains Ben Marson and Lachie McDonnell keeping the home side in touch.

Marson kicked three goals in the opening stanza; the last of those on the quarter-time siren after a costly turnover from Berwick captain Will Arthurson.

Berwick once again appeared to play the better footy at the start of the second term, but Noble Park defended well and it took the Wickers 13 minutes to open their account.

A quick reply from Luke Molinaro cut the margin back to eight points…midway through the second.

But Berwick then began to get rewarded for its superior run and carry around the ground.

Full-forward Jai Neal kicked a lovely set shot from the pocket, his third for the day, before the dangerous Harry Canning kicked a crumbing goal to make it 25 points the difference at the major break.

The Bulls were lucky to be only four goals down however, with Berwick having 11 scoring shots to one; but kicking 3.8 to 1.0 for the quarter.

The Wickers looked very close to blowing this one apart, with midfielders Ashton Williamson, Luke Nelson and winger Matt Nelson providing a dangerous front half with plenty of opportunities to score.

And the visitors finally got bang for their buck in the third.

Sam Frangalas started the rout with a brilliant snap after a strong tackle on Harley Fairbank, before Luke Nelson marked and goaled against his former club to make it 37 points the difference.

Berwick then quickly kicked another, before Marson provided brief respite with his fourth for

the afternoon.

But Berwick then surged again, kicking four goals to round out the premiership quarter to take a 10-goal lead to the final change.

Jack Lawrence and Raiden Bergman started the four-goal surge before Luke Nelson and Ben Todd completed a 7.2 to 1.2 third term.

Todd’s goal came way too easily from stoppage and provided an early indication to what the lastquarter might look like for both clubs.

Berwick was quick, confident and running on top of the ground, while the Bulls looked slow and lacking a coordinated effort around the ground.

Berwick then really put the foot down in the last, with Williamson kicking a goal on the fulltime siren to end a painful 8.4 to 2.2 final period for the hosts.

Williamson’s last kick of the match was gifted via turnover and symbolised the gap between the clubs on the day.

Berwick’s forward line couldn’t help but look potent, given the glut of entries provided, with Neal kicking five, Canning and Lawrence three each, while Bergman, Nelson and Todd all landed multiple blows on the day.

Berwick looked super-sharp, an exciting team

on the rise, while the Bulls epitomised what a bottom team might look like.

Marson was the standout, playing a lone hand with five goals for the Bulls, while Fairbank, Callum Morgan and full-back Dean Jones tried their best on a difficult day all round.

Noble heads to sixth-placed Blackburn this week, while Berwick heads to Seebeck Oval to take on a wounded Rowville side that suffered its first loss of the season in a top-of-the-table clash against East Ringwood.

The Hawks looked all over winners at the final break; leading by 21 points after a 7.2 to 2.4 third term, but the Kangaroos came home hard.

Skipper James Belo had an enormous start to the last term and kickstarted the surge with an early mark and goal.

Full-forward Josh Fox then kicked two in a minute, before an extraordinary goal from Blake Pearson put the Kangaroos in front.

Pearson took the ball inside defensive 50; taking three bounces through the middle of the ground before unloading from just outside the arc at the other end.

Nothing was going right for the Hawks and a shocking head clash between Nic Schoenmakers

and Brock Coleclough added to their misery.

A further goal to Connor Weightman, and two more to Felix Seymour, put the Kangaroos out of reach.

Tom Swainston slotted a goal for Rowville with the last kick of the match; the Hawks only score of the final term.

Former Melbourne star Steven May read the play beautifully for the Kangaroos across half back, while Swainston and Lachlan Wynd kicked three each for the Hawks.

• EASTERNPREMIER

RESULTS R6: Noble Park 8.5(53) def by Berwick 22.20(152), Blackburn 23.12(150) def Doncaster East 16.8(104), East Ringwood 14.12(96) def Rowville 11.12(78), Balwyn 9.13(67) drew South Croydon 10.7(67), South Belgrave 9.9(63) def by Vermont 17.16(118).

LADDER: East Ringwood 24, Rowville 20, Doncaster East 20, Balwyn 14, Berwick 12, Blackburn 12, Vermont 12, South Belgrave 4, South Croydon 2, Noble Park 0.

FIXTURE R7: Rowville (2) v Berwick (5), Blackburn (6) v Noble Park (10), Doncaster East (3) v Balwyn (4), South Belgrave (8) v East Ringwood (1), South Croydon (9) v Vermont (7).

Positive intent as Eagles soar back onto winners’ list

By Blair Burns

Cranbourne is back on the winners’ list in Southern Division 1 football after a 29-point success against Port Melbourne, now equalling their three wins from last season with the 16.14(110) to 12.9(81) victory.

Despite a couple of recent losses, the Eagles are sixth on the ladder and will look to take it right up to Bentleigh this weekend.

Some early inaccuracy in front of goal saw the Colts take a four-point lead into quarter time, before the Eagles got on top.

Cranbourne went bang and kicked four unanswered goals after the first break to take a half-time lead of 19 points.

Coach Angelo Soldatos would’ve been pleased with the turnaround in the second term, but also disappointed with the 6.10 that the team had on the board, which had cost them from almost putting the game to bed.

Straight kicking is what he wanted to see from his forwards and they honoured his request in the premiership quarter, kicking 6.1 to push the margin out to 33 points with one quarter to play.

While the Eagles were outscored five goals to four in the final quarter, the damage was done and it was Cranbourne’s twin towers Trent Marotta (four goals) and Marc Holt (three goals) leading the way.

Not only has 17-year-old Will Nisbet been in the best in three games this season, he has been named best on ground for the Eagles on all three occasions - including two weeks in a row.

The young gun had no trouble finding the

footy and was at his brilliant best again for Cranbourne, earning high praise.

Jarrod Hocking, Nicholas Russo, Mitch Lewis, Trent Marotta and Adrian Russo were some other strong performers.

In other games, Narre Warren was toppled for just the second time this season as Bentleigh held off the fast-finishing Magpies by 14 points, 13.7 (85) to 10.11 (71).

It was a pretty even first half, and at the main break the Demons held a four-point lead before turning the game on its head in the third term.

Castan Racunica and Callum Dooley capi-

talised from good ball movement and kicked 3.1 and 2.1 respectively for the quarter, extending the lead to 41 points at three-quarter time.

Narre Warren pushed hard in the fourth and kicked five goals to almost double its score, but it had left the run too late.

Dingley moved to 6-0 after limping to the line in the fourth quarter against Murrumbeena to win by four points in a shootout at Murrumbeena Park, 16.16 (112) to 16.12 (108).

The Lions had a fast start and led the contest 34-19 at quarter time before the ladder-leading Dingoes responded with a seven-goal-to-one

quarter to take a 20-point lead into the main break.

Both teams continued to score freely but it was Dingley’s experience which stood up in the big moments.

St Paul’s McKinnon raced out to a 40-7 lead in the first quarter against Hampton Park and the damage was done, with the Bulldogs eventually winning by 69 points, 21.7 (133) to 9.10 (64).

The second and fourth quarters were closely contested, but St Paul’s McKinnon showed its offensive strength in the other quarters, winning its second game of the year.

Brayden O’Toole was unstoppable as he booted six goals in a best-on-ground performance; Trent Thomas kicked three majors for the Redbacks.

Reigning premier Cheltenham sent another warning to the rest of the competition with a 95-point victory against Springvale Districts, 20.18 (138) to 6.7 (43).

Ben McDonnell (six goals) and Dylan Weickhardt (three goals) were impressive up forward, while Jacob Edwards and Rex Kilburn tore the game apart.

It was a 42-1 first quarter which set the tone of the day, before the dominance continued for the rest of the game.

• SOUTHERNDIVISION2 Doveton 12.11 (83) def Keysborough 8.9 (57), East Malvern 17.12 (114) def Highett 12.8 (80), Hampton 19.12 (126) def Caulfield Bears 8.6 (54),

Tassie joy times two

By Justin Schwarze

A perfect trip across Bass Strait for the Dandenong Rangers Men saw them pick up two convincing wins in round seven of the NBL1 South.

On Friday night, a blistering opening term from Dandenong aided it in holding off the Hobart Chargers 98-94.

The Rangers were unstoppable offensively in the first quarter, piling on 38 points and outscoring the hosts by 16 in the period.

Hobart clawed its way back into the contest, getting as close as two in the final minutes, but solid offensive execution and free throw making from the visitors saw them taste victory.

Joe Palmer was brilliant, scoring 33 points on 52 percent shooting while hauling in seven rebounds.

Harry Froling provided 23 points and eight boards, while Michael Meadows posted a doubledouble of 17 points and 10 rebounds for Dandenong.

On Saturday, a wire-to-wire performance from the Rangers led them to rolling the Northern Force 116-93.

Dandenong outscored the hosts in every quarter, including 29-18 in the second to open up an 18-point halftime advantage, to push out the score.

Palmer led the charge again with 31 points and eight rebounds on 11/18 shooting, with Sam Davidson flourishing in a promotion into the starting lineup.

Davidson recorded 25 points on 75 percent shooting and three triples, while Froling flirted with a triple-double as he notched 17 points, six boards and nine dimes.

The Rangers now sit sixth with a 7-3 record.

The Dandenong Rangers Women had an opposite weekend, dropping both games after picking up some recent form.

The first was a close loss to the Hobart Chargers, where the hosts overran the Rangers in the fourth to win 100-95.

Dandenong had a big third and jumped in front by one at three-quarter time, but couldn’t get going in the final period and fell short.

Imogen Rock was stellar as usual in the loss with 30 points and nine rebounds on 12/16 shooting.

The Northern Force were far too good on Saturday, stringing together a strong effort after quarter time to down the Rangers 98-83.

After Dandenong led 27-22 at the end of the first, the hosts outscored the Rangers 76-56 from that point to cruise to the result.

Skipper Catherine MacGregor poured in 25

points for Dandenong.

The Rangers sunk to 17th with the 0-2 weekend, holding a record of 3-8.

A double-header for both Dandenong outfits awaits in round eight, starting with a home matchup against Knox on Saturday, followed by a trip to Keilor on Sunday.

Highly-strung JOC’s win sixth on the trot

By Justin Schwarze

Undefeated St John’s Old Collegians sent a statement to the landscape of Southern Division 4 by thrashing fourth-placed Ashwood in round six.

The JOCs were clinical and surgical all game, dicing the Magpies for 11 goals in each half and running out to a 22.15 (147) to 8.3 (51) victory at home.

Josh Mourant earned best on ground honours with a five-goal haul, while Tim Werner also booted five and Harvey Emery slotted four.

The JOCs are flying since transitioning to the Southern League, sitting 6-0 with wins against two of the top four.

Dandenong West brushed off last week’s result and bounced back with a 15.14 (104) to 10.4 (64) win over Clayton.

The Westerners trailed by a goal at halftime but 11 goals to four in the second half saw them shift the tide completely.

Michael Dolan’s red-hot form continued with another bag of five majors, while Jackson Old, Rory Goldsmith and Jamie Nguyen were

Rory Goldsmith played a massive part in Dandenong West’s victory. (Gary Sissons: 551917)

important contributors around the ground.

Narre South’s encouraging season picked up another win as the Saints were too good for Lyndale at home.

The hosts led all day, commanding the tempo as Tom Bradley and Rick Green played important roles and Mitchell Gibson booted five.

The Saints were inaccurate but still claimed the four points by posting the 12.18 (90) to 9.13

Thunder coach parts ways

By Justin Schwarze

Dandenong Thunder has parted ways with head coach and head of football Adam Piddick, the club announced last week.

In a statement posted to social media, Dandenong said he departed the club by “mutual agreement.”

Piddick joined the club in 2024 and led them to a third place finish and a finals berth in 2025.

A difficult start to 2026 saw Thunder pick up

just 11 points from its first 12 games with Piddick at the helm, including just three wins, and the club is currently in a relegation battle in the top flight of the NPL.

Piddick’s departure comes just 10 months after he had signed a two-year contract extension in August at George Andrews Reserve.

The club will now shift its focus on staying up, but it currently sits in the drop zone, two points from safety.

(67) result.

Moorabbin banked its first win of the year by knocking off Doveton Eagles 15.10 (100) to 10.11 (71).

Doveton fought back from a three-goal deficit at quarter time to lead by two points at the main break, but a flurry of Kangaroos goals in the third put the game to bed.

Nicholas Lowrie slotted seven majors for Moorabbin, and Joshua Johns led the Eagles with four goals.

• SOUTHERN4

RESULTS R6: St John’s Old Collegians 22.15 (147) def Ashwood 8.3 (51), Dandenong West 15.14 (104) def 10.4 (64), Narre South 12.18 (90) def Lyndale 9.13 (67), Moorabbin 15.10 (100) def Doveton Eagles 10.11 (71).

LADDER: St John’s Old Collegians 24, Dandenong West 20, Narre South, Ashwood 16, Clayton 8, Lyndale, Doveton Eagles 4, Moorabbin 4.

FIXTURE R7: Lyndale (6) v Dandenong West (2), Ashwood (4) v Narre South (3), Clayton (5) v Doveton Eagles (7), St John’s Old Collegians (1) v Moorabbin (8).

Stalemates for battling Dandy sides

By Justin Schwarze

A familiar face salvaged a crucial point in the relegation race for Dandenong City in round 13 of the NPL.

A defensive and dreary first half against top-placed Oakleigh saw neither team conjure up any big chances, heading into the halftime break at 0-0.

Both teams managed just one shot each for the entire half, and City produced the only attempt on target in the first 45 minutes.

The Cannons had been awarded four corners, but couldn’t create any major scoring opportunities.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 68th minute when Kingsley Sinclair struck the ball sweetly on the outside of the box and it drifted off Pierce Clark’s hands into the bottom right corner.

But Dandenong managed to break back in the 90th minute from a nice set play.

Timothy Atherinos whipped in a lovely cross and defender and stalwart Jack Webster arrived at the back post to head it home and rescue a point for his side.

The game finished 1-1 after a much more entertaining second half, but City still sits second-bottom with just nine points.

Next up is a home game against St Albans in round 14.

Dandenong Thunder was stunned and also drew in dramatic fashion in its first game without Adam Piddick on the sidelines, securing a 2-2 result against St Albans at home.

The visitors went in front early from a set piece corner as Atsushi Inoue buried a volley from inside the box after Dennys Martin punched away the initial delivery.

And they carried the 1-0 advantage into the halftime break, managing five shots in the first half with two on target.

Thunder had registered four attempts but just one on target in the opening 45 minutes.

Dandenong drew level in the 53rd minute as Tobenna Obani and Hassan Jalloh played a nice one-two before Obani fired a low shot at the goals from outside the box. His shot trickled over the goalline after a deflection, squaring things up.

Three minutes later, Jalloh got on the scoresheet himself with a lovely tucked away finish into the bottom right corner to suddenly give Thunder the lead.

But Mickel Platt broke Thunder hearts in the 90th minute, putting a header in the back of the net to draw even, where the score would remain.

With Altona picking up a win, Dandenong has dropped into the relegation zone at 12 points.

Thunder will travel to Casey Fields to face sixth-placed Melbourne City in round 14.