Tuesday, 19 May, 2026
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Market tensions boil over
Ex-Lib’s death ‘exaggerated’
Landmark jumper unveiled
Thunder sacks coach
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SPORT
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 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
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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
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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 was set to 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.