Tuesday, 5 May, 2026
Phone: (03) 5945 0666 Trades & Classifieds: 1300 666 808
starcommunity.com.au FREE
SEMMA economic pitch
Fake guns seized
Day care turns 50
Bulls’ lean trot continues
PAGE 3
PAGE 7
PAGE 12
SPORT
Rare milestone Emerson principal John Mooney OAM was feted by students, staff and MPs at a surprise celebration of his astounding 60 years in education last Friday. Mr Mooney - the last of his teaching graduates class to remain in active service - will be honoured at the state’s 2026 Recognition of Service Awards later this month. For more on the story, turn to page 4
(Gary Sissons: 550124)
Budget strike Greater Dandenong Council says it is “trying our best” to avoid library closures during an anticipated 24-hour strike action on Tuesday 5 May. Chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said as of 1 May, it was difficult to estimate the impact of the Australian Services Union industrial action. “We’re trying our best to avoid closures or reductions in library opening hours.
“We encourage the community to check our website and social media posts on Tuesday prior to coming in to visit one of our libraries.” Ms Weatherill expected a “modest impact” on street cleansing and collecting waste from public litter bins, which “should be caught up within a day or so”. Kerbside waste collection services would “con-
tinue as normal”, she said. According to the ASU, more than 1000 members are expected to protest for better wages on State Parliament steps on 5 May – which coincides with State Budget day. The union stated that the strike is still expected to cause “significant disruption to garbage collection, street cleansing, mowing, library services
and aged care”. The union is demanding a 10 per cent wage rise in the first year, followed by 4 per cent per year. Meanwhile, the Government has pre-announced Budget spending on Dandenong Hospital, as well as roads, bus services and schools in the South East. More on the story, turn to pages 2, 3 and 5
ADVERTISEMENT
Belinda Wilson MP
Labor Member for Narre Warren North
03 9706 0566 Belinda.Wilson@parliament.vic.gov.au belindawilson.com.au belindawilsonvic Shop 101, Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, Matthew Flinders Ave, Endeavour Hills.
Your local voice in Parliament Authorised by B Wilson MP, Shop 101, Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, Matthew Flinders Ave, Endeavour Hills. 12840849-JV05-26