AS a daily commuter for a number of decades travelling from Oakleigh to Dandenong on my way to work at the-then Dandenong Journal, I witnessed many episodes at Dandenong railway station.
I saw my fair share of drug exchanges and police call-outs, people falling from the opposite platform to the railway line, fist fights, and quarrels among people waiting for taxis. I always found the railway staff members helpful and courteous and also the drivers of Dandy Taxis and the police.
But a novel initiative this year that has aimed to make the station safer has proved so successful, it’s literally music to my ears.
The free acoustic music sessions that have been held on Fridays at 4pm on the upper concourse of the station started in May as part of the railway station precinct action plan 2011-18. They have been so popular, it was recently announced the sessions will continue till the end of the year.
The plan is a joint project by the Greater Dandenong Council, Metro Trains, Victoria Police and the state government, whose combined aim is to make the station a safer and more pleasant area for the travellers.
The introduction of protection services, improved cleanliness, maintenance and staffing levels, redevelopment of the bus interchange, taxi rank, completion of the new plaza opposite the station, and the new street, Halpin Way, are all incorporated in the plan.
Fine work continues
Dandenong and District Benevolent Society has lived up to its aim — ‘Providing help where needed’ — since it first started operating during the Great Depression days of 1939-42, when many residents were unemployed.
It has had a long and rich history. Although the society was unable to glean historical data, it is known that the Dandenong and Springvale benevolent societies operated as one during the Depression and separated sometime in the mid-’30s. It is thought they both operated until after World War II. Then, after many years of inactivity, the Dandenong Society came alive again in 1977 after representations of the then Shire of Dandenong town clerk, Cal Elliott, the council’s welfare officer Amba de Prada and Cr Jan Wilson, who took on the role of president in 1977. Cr Wilson encouraged the council to become more involved in helping those in need.
Now could be the time for you to get involved. The society’s 2012 annual meeting will be held at the Dandenong municipal offices at 10am on Monday, October 15. Morning tea will be served.
The society’s shop at 5/305 Thomas Street, Dandenong. Anyone wishing to donate tinned food, clothing, blankets, bedding, and similar items or make cash donations to purchase food for the needy can call the manager, Margaret Ladner, on 9793 3736, fax 9793 2165 or email benev@bigpond.net.au.
Do you have a milestone, memory or
question for Marg? Email marg@your weekly.com.au or post submissions to A Moment with Marg, c/o Greater Dandenong Weekly, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175.
