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GREATER Dandenong is in the full swing of the festival scene, leaving residents and visitors spoilt for choice with full stomachs.
Dandenong Market culinary extravaganza the World Food Fare on Sunday treated thousands of people to global cuisines and entertainment.
Outdoor hawker market stalls, sizzling hot plates and cooking demonstrations took inspiration from some of the world’s most important river systems, from the Mekong and Ganges to the Murray-Darling and Niger.
Stilt-walking giraffes, delicious dishes and carbs as far as the eye could see greeted guests to the Dandenong Market on Sunday.
Feasts for young and old were on offer – with everything from raw vegan tiramisu all the way to Argentinian ribs and fully-loaded American hot dogs.
Dandenong Journal photographer JARROD POTTER was tempted to taste his way through the stalls as he took in the sights, sounds and scents of the foodie’s paradise.

GREATER Dandenong is in the full swing of the festival scene, leaving residents and visitors spoilt for choice with full stomachs. Dandenong Market culinary extravaganza the World Food Fare on Sunday treated thousands of people to global cuisines and entertainment. Outdoor hawker market stalls, sizzling hot plates and cooking demonstrations took inspiration from some of the world’s most important river systems, from the Mekong and Ganges to the Murray-Darling and Niger. Stilt-walking giraffes, delicious dishes and carbs as far as the eye could see greeted guests to the Dandenong Market on Sunday. Feasts for young and old were on offer – with everything from raw vegan tiramisu all the way to Argentinian ribs and fully-loaded American hot dogs. Dandenong Journal photographer JARROD POTTER was tempted to taste his way through the stalls as he took in the sights, sounds and scents of the foodie’s paradise.

GREATER Dandenong is in the full swing of the festival scene, leaving residents and visitors spoilt for choice with full stomachs. Dandenong Market cu... Read More »

HEALTH Minister Jill Hennessy will search for an alternative site to build the new Tecoma Ambulance branch, in what residents are hailing as a win for their cause.
Construction was due to begin in coming weeks on the building situated on Rocksleigh Avenue, Tecoma – a site that drew significant protest from residents of the street.
The property was viewed by several community members as inappropriate due to its dimensions as well as its location on a quiet, narrow street with only one opening. Positioned between two traffic bottlenecks, the station would not be staffed on days of extreme fire danger due to the high risk.
In late February, Monbulk MP James Merlino confirmed with residents that he had asked the health minister to consider more appropriate sites.
Cecelia Cheek and husband Andrew Macpherson have lived on Rocksleigh Avenue for the past 28 years and have been part of a strong movement of residents to stop the new station.
Ms Cheek said the previous Health Minister David Davis misled the public regarding the application process.
“The process involved a false written statement from Ambulance Victoria to the residents of Rocksleigh Avenue, claiming that planning law would be followed,” Ms Cheek explained.
“This undertaking was broken by Ambulance Victoria when they decided to use Section 16.”
Section 16 refers to a special exemption that gives certain government services the ability to build without permits.
Mr Merlino acknowledged the concerns of the residents.
“This proposed location has caused significant concern for local residents,” Mr Merlino said.
“The health minister in the previous Liberal Government simply refused to address this issue.”
He confirmed to residents that he had engaged in talks with the incumbent health minister, and persuaded her to reconsider the site.
“I’ve raised this matter with Health Minister Jill Hennessey, and the minister has agreed to look at alternative site options.”
Ambulance Victoria acting general manager Regional Services Mick Stephenson acknowledged that the site was under negotiation.
“Ambulance Victoria is in discussions with the Department of Health and Human Services about the best location for the new Belgrave branch,” Mr Stephenson said.
“We remain committed to building a new branch for the benefit of the community and will continue to provide a 24-hour emergency response from our existing Belgrave branch.”
In the meantime, Ms Cheek said the residents would hold firm.
“The station is an essential community service and we need to make sure it’s in the best possible position to service the people of the area,” she said.
“That place is certainly not Rocksleigh Avenue.”

Residents successfully protest against Tecoma Ambulance building site…
HEALTH Minister Jill Hennessy will search for an alternative site to build the new Tecoma Ambulance branch, in what residents are hailing as a win for their cause. Construction was due to begin in coming weeks on the building situated on Rocksleigh Avenue, Tecoma – a site that drew significant protest from residents of the street. The property was viewed by several community members as inappropriate due to its dimensions as well as its location on a quiet, narrow street with only one opening. Positioned between two traffic bottlenecks, the station would not be staffed on days of extreme fire danger due to the high risk. In late February, Monbulk MP James Merlino confirmed with residents that he had asked the health minister to consider more appropriate sites. Cecelia Cheek and husband Andrew Macpherson have lived on Rocksleigh Avenue for the past 28 years and have been part of a strong movement of residents to stop the new station. Ms Cheek said the previous Health Minister David Davis misled the public regarding the application process. “The process involved a false written statement from Ambulance Victoria to the residents of Rocksleigh Avenue, claiming that planning law would be followed,” Ms Cheek explained. “This undertaking was broken by Ambulance Victoria when they decided to use Section 16.” Section 16 refers to a special exemption that gives certain government services the ability to build without permits. Mr Merlino acknowledged the concerns of the residents. “This proposed location has caused significant concern for local residents,” Mr Merlino said. “The health minister in the previous Liberal Government simply refused to address this issue.” He confirmed to residents that he had engaged in talks with the incumbent health minister, and persuaded her to reconsider the site. “I’ve raised this matter with Health Minister Jill Hennessey, and the minister has agreed to look at alternative site options.” Ambulance Victoria acting general manager Regional Services Mick Stephenson acknowledged that the site was under negotiation. “Ambulance Victoria is in discussions with the Department of Health and Human Services about the best location for the new Belgrave branch,” Mr Stephenson said. “We remain committed to building a new branch for the benefit of the community and will continue to provide a 24-hour emergency response from our existing Belgrave branch.” In the meantime, Ms Cheek said the residents would hold firm. “The station is an essential community service and we need to make sure it’s in the best possible position to service the people of the area,” she said. “That place is certainly not Rocksleigh Avenue.”

Residents successfully protest against Tecoma Ambulance building site…
HEALTH Minister Jill Hennessy will search for an alternative site to... Read More »

HEALESVILLE Sanctuary hosts many international visitors each year, but tourism wasn’t Celastina Diaz’s first reason for her visit to Australia.
The 11-year old came from Timor Leste to Melbourne to undergo major surgery last week.
Repairing a hole in her heart and a faulty mitral valve, the surgery was performed at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The trip was sponsored and organised by the Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children, or ROMAC, who brought 45 children to Australia for surgery during 2013-’14.
On her discharge from hospital, Celastina and her mother Natalia have been housed by Liz Olie, a member of the Rotary Club of Doncaster.
Celastina’s time in Australia was made especially memorable by her visit to the sanctuary, where she got to see many animals including kangaroos.
Her ‘magic moment’, an opportunity to get up close with the kangaroos and meet their keepers, was donated by Healesville Sanctuary along with free admission to the sanctuary.
The Rotary Club of Healesville’s Graeme Chester said the club felt it was extremely important to support the ROMAC program.
“The aim of ROMAC is to provide medical treatment for children from developing countries in the form of life-saving or dignity restoring surgery, not accessible to them in their home country,” he said.
“We try to give everyone we bring to Australia the chance to experience something more than just the hospital, and the kids get really excited about seeing our native animals.”
Celastina will return to Timor Leste when doctors believe she is healthy enough.

HEALESVILLE Sanctuary hosts many international visitors each year, but tourism wasn’t Celastina Diaz’s first reason for her visit to Australia. The 11-year old came from Timor Leste to Melbourne to undergo major surgery last week. Repairing a hole in her heart and a faulty mitral valve, the surgery was performed at the Royal Children’s Hospital. The trip was sponsored and organised by the Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children, or ROMAC, who brought 45 children to Australia for surgery during 2013-’14. On her discharge from hospital, Celastina and her mother Natalia have been housed by Liz Olie, a member of the Rotary Club of Doncaster. Celastina’s time in Australia was made especially memorable by her visit to the sanctuary, where she got to see many animals including kangaroos. Her ‘magic moment’, an opportunity to get up close with the kangaroos and meet their keepers, was donated by Healesville Sanctuary along with free admission to the sanctuary. The Rotary Club of Healesville’s Graeme Chester said the club felt it was extremely important to support the ROMAC program. “The aim of ROMAC is to provide medical treatment for children from developing countries in the form of life-saving or dignity restoring surgery, not accessible to them in their home country,” he said. “We try to give everyone we bring to Australia the chance to experience something more than just the hospital, and the kids get really excited about seeing our native animals.” Celastina will return to Timor Leste when doctors believe she is healthy enough.

HEALESVILLE Sanctuary hosts many international visitors each year, but tourism wasn’t Celastina Diaz’s first reason for her visit to Australia... Read More »

POLICE have released images of a car they believe was involved in a drive-off at a Lynbrook petrol station earlier this month.
Police are still on the hunt for a woman believed to be involved in the incident, which injured an attendant at the United Petroleum petrol station around 9.30pm on Tuesday 3 February.
Investigators have been told that staff were alerted to a possible theft happening and a male staff member approached the vehicle.
He stood in front of it before it began to drive off.
The man jumped on to the car and fell off after the vehicle had travelled around 30 metres.
He sustained head and arm injuries and was taken to Dandenong Hospital.
The car believed to be involved is a white Toyota sedan. It had a NSW number plate OKC-502, which had previously been reported stolen.
The female driver has been described as a Caucasian with brown hair that was possibly a wig. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

POLICE have released images of a car they believe was involved in a drive-off at a Lynbrook petrol station earlier this month. Police are still on the hunt for a woman believed to be involved in the incident, which injured an attendant at the United Petroleum petrol station around 9.30pm on Tuesday 3 February. Investigators have been told that staff were alerted to a possible theft happening and a male staff member approached the vehicle. He stood in front of it before it began to drive off. The man jumped on to the car and fell off after the vehicle had travelled around 30 metres. He sustained head and arm injuries and was taken to Dandenong Hospital. The car believed to be involved is a white Toyota sedan. It had a NSW number plate OKC-502, which had previously been reported stolen. The female driver has been described as a Caucasian with brown hair that was possibly a wig. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

POLICE have released images of a car they believe was involved in a drive-off at a Lynbrook petrol station earlier this month. Police are still on the... Read More »

WARWICK showgirl entrant Taylah Gibson will host an old time dance fund-raiser next Friday night to raise money for the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society.
The event kicks off at 7pm on 6 March at the Warwick Showground Pavilion and costs $10 per head payable at the door.
“There will be raffles, a lucky door prize and we will play Monte Carlo, a dancing game,” the 18-year-old said.
“All we ask is for you to bring a small plate of supper as this will be greatly appreciated.”
The local, who works at the Rodeo Heritage Centre, said she was looking forward to the competition later this year, although she admits the prospect is slightly daunting.
“This is the first time I’ve been in the competition,” she said.
“I’ve been asked three years in a row, so this year I thought ‘why not give it a go’ as I haven’t got school.
“It’s a bit nerve-racking but I’ll just go with the flow.”
Smart casual attire is recommended on the night.
For more information, contact Ms Gibson on 0408 333 182.

WARWICK showgirl entrant Taylah Gibson will host an old time dance fund-raiser next Friday night to raise money for the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society. The event kicks off at 7pm on 6 March at the Warwick Showground Pavilion and costs $10 per head payable at the door. “There will be raffles, a lucky door prize and we will play Monte Carlo, a dancing game,” the 18-year-old said. “All we ask is for you to bring a small plate of supper as this will be greatly appreciated.” The local, who works at the Rodeo Heritage Centre, said she was looking forward to the competition later this year, although she admits the prospect is slightly daunting. “This is the first time I’ve been in the competition,” she said. “I’ve been asked three years in a row, so this year I thought ‘why not give it a go’ as I haven’t got school. “It’s a bit nerve-racking but I’ll just go with the flow.” Smart casual attire is recommended on the night. For more information, contact Ms Gibson on 0408 333 182.

WARWICK showgirl entrant Taylah Gibson will host an old time dance fund-raiser next Friday night to raise money for the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society... Read More »

PAM Mamouney stood next to her daughter at the Turkish-Syrian border with tears in her eyes.
Pam’s study tour to Turkey, on which she was invited last year by the Australian Intercultural Society, had brought her outside a refugee camp on the border where displaced Syrians picking peppers in the fields approached the Westerners with dirt staining their garments and sorrow written on their faces.
There was Pam, a 79-year-old volunteer from Berwick, fighting the good fight a short walk from Syria.
The small group of tourists, including Pam, the Casey Multi-faith Network Vice-President, gave the refugees what money they had.
“We were all crying, we felt so sorry for them,” Pam said of meeting the refugees.
“It was so moving. One said his family were killed in the bombing in Syria, it was so moving to talk to them.
“At first they were very shy then the men came over and the women came over. They had dirt on their long dresses.”
Last week Pam, a practising Mormon who belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared her story with members of both the Casey Multi-faith Network and the Berwick Probus group.
In September she embarked on the tour of Turkey with her daughter, Sue Frost, and a group of six or so other dignitaries of different races and religions, including Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Pam said she was asked to join the tour by the Melbourne contingent of the Australian Intercultural Society, with the aim of “building bridges between Westerners and Muslims.”
Pam, who asked her daughter to accompany her on the 13-day trip, said it was an incredible and insightful tour, and hoped she was able to give back as much to the local community as she took away.
“It was to teach Westerners to break down barriers,” Pam said.
“We learnt about schools in Turkey where teachers are educating young men and women and helping to break down radicalism.
“Education is the key.”
As upsetting as it was to see the Syrian refugees who had fled from a homeland torn apart by civil conflict for the last several years, Pam said the Turkish people were treating the refugees well.
But that does little to negate the ruin Syria has become. When stepping off the tour bus, on the Turkish side of the border, Pam was warned to look out for landmines.
In her diary, Pam’s daughter Sue writes of their brief but telling journey to the border, as the tour headed to the Turkish city of Harran.
“We went past a refugee camp with all the refugees from Syria down to the border, kids running up along the bus trying to sell you water, the scene brought tears to my eyes,” she wrote.
“We literally just drove by slowly then headed back up to Harran. We stopped about five minutes up the road where some Syrian refugees were picking peppers, our guides started talking to them.
“Some women didn’t come over till the end, we got photos with them and gave them some water and some of the nuts we had with us and some money as well.”

PAM Mamouney stood next to her daughter at the Turkish-Syrian border with tears in her eyes. Pam’s study tour to Turkey, on which she was invited last year by the Australian Intercultural Society, had brought her outside a refugee camp on the border where displaced Syrians picking peppers in the fields approached the Westerners with dirt staining their garments and sorrow written on their faces. There was Pam, a 79-year-old volunteer from Berwick, fighting the good fight a short walk from Syria. The small group of tourists, including Pam, the Casey Multi-faith Network Vice-President, gave the refugees what money they had. “We were all crying, we felt so sorry for them,” Pam said of meeting the refugees. “It was so moving. One said his family were killed in the bombing in Syria, it was so moving to talk to them. “At first they were very shy then the men came over and the women came over. They had dirt on their long dresses.” Last week Pam, a practising Mormon who belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared her story with members of both the Casey Multi-faith Network and the Berwick Probus group. In September she embarked on the tour of Turkey with her daughter, Sue Frost, and a group of six or so other dignitaries of different races and religions, including Jews, Christians and Muslims. Pam said she was asked to join the tour by the Melbourne contingent of the Australian Intercultural Society, with the aim of “building bridges between Westerners and Muslims.” Pam, who asked her daughter to accompany her on the 13-day trip, said it was an incredible and insightful tour, and hoped she was able to give back as much to the local community as she took away. “It was to teach Westerners to break down barriers,” Pam said. “We learnt about schools in Turkey where teachers are educating young men and women and helping to break down radicalism. “Education is the key.” As upsetting as it was to see the Syrian refugees who had fled from a homeland torn apart by civil conflict for the last several years, Pam said the Turkish people were treating the refugees well. But that does little to negate the ruin Syria has become. When stepping off the tour bus, on the Turkish side of the border, Pam was warned to look out for landmines. In her diary, Pam’s daughter Sue writes of their brief but telling journey to the border, as the tour headed to the Turkish city of Harran. “We went past a refugee camp with all the refugees from Syria down to the border, kids running up along the bus trying to sell you water, the scene brought tears to my eyes,” she wrote. “We literally just drove by slowly then headed back up to Harran. We stopped about five minutes up the road where some Syrian refugees were picking peppers, our guides started talking to them. “Some women didn’t come over till the end, we got photos with them and gave them some water and some of the nuts we had with us and some money as well.”

PAM Mamouney stood next to her daughter at the Turkish-Syrian border with tears in her eyes. Pam’s study tour to Turkey, on which she was invite... Read More »

ALMOST 4000 new students will start studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Monday, taking the university’s population to 11,000 for the first time.
While the number of new students is similar to last year’s figures (4000), the overall number of students is up by 850, as more first-year students are returning in 2015, thanks to a targeted effort by the university.
The role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) was introduced at the start of 2014 with Professor Karen Nelson taking up the posting in April 2014.
The aim of the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Students is to ensure the university implements strategies to improve students’ experiences, particularly in their first year and to create cycles of student- focused learning.
“Students need to be supported in all aspects of learning,” Professor Nelson said.
“Students come to university to learn and part of learning is social and part is being engaged with their peers and discipline. We are focused on supporting all the different aspects of learning.”
While the issue of retention rates is a complicated one, with many different factors influencing a student’s decision to stay and study, Professor Nelson said USC’s focus was on creating an environment where all students were provided the best learning experience possible.
“We aim to strengthen the first year experience,” she said.
“We want to create an engaging environment where students are motivated about their study.”
Semester 1 will also welcome over 1000 international students from countries such as Sweden, Germany and America.
The most sought-after study program for 2015 is the Bachelor of Nursing Science, with 277 places offered to new students by the major QTAC round in mid-January.
The degree has been USC’s most popular degree since it was introduced in 2007.
Nursing Science is followed by the Bachelor of Paramedic Science (246 offers), Sport and Exercise Science (188), Primary Education (132) and Occupational Therapy (111) as USC’s most sought-after for 2015.
The university’s new degrees in Criminology and Justice and in Animal Ecology have made strong starts with 84 and 39 offers respectively.

ALMOST 4000 new students will start studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Monday, taking the university’s population to 11,000 for the first time. While the number of new students is similar to last year’s figures (4000), the overall number of students is up by 850, as more first-year students are returning in 2015, thanks to a targeted effort by the university. The role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) was introduced at the start of 2014 with Professor Karen Nelson taking up the posting in April 2014. The aim of the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Students is to ensure the university implements strategies to improve students’ experiences, particularly in their first year and to create cycles of student- focused learning. “Students need to be supported in all aspects of learning,” Professor Nelson said. “Students come to university to learn and part of learning is social and part is being engaged with their peers and discipline. We are focused on supporting all the different aspects of learning.” While the issue of retention rates is a complicated one, with many different factors influencing a student’s decision to stay and study, Professor Nelson said USC’s focus was on creating an environment where all students were provided the best learning experience possible. “We aim to strengthen the first year experience,” she said. “We want to create an engaging environment where students are motivated about their study.” Semester 1 will also welcome over 1000 international students from countries such as Sweden, Germany and America. The most sought-after study program for 2015 is the Bachelor of Nursing Science, with 277 places offered to new students by the major QTAC round in mid-January. The degree has been USC’s most popular degree since it was introduced in 2007. Nursing Science is followed by the Bachelor of Paramedic Science (246 offers), Sport and Exercise Science (188), Primary Education (132) and Occupational Therapy (111) as USC’s most sought-after for 2015. The university’s new degrees in Criminology and Justice and in Animal Ecology have made strong starts with 84 and 39 offers respectively.

ALMOST 4000 new students will start studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Monday, taking the university’s population to 11,000 for ... Read More »