URGENT UPDATE: The Dandenong community is in mourning following the tragic drowning of Fariba Hussainzada, 33, and her seven-year-old son, Farzad, in Dandenong Creek earlier today. This heart-wrenching incident has reignited urgent discussions about the safety of creekside areas, particularly near playgrounds and unfenced reserves.
According to eyewitness reports, the mother and son were enjoying a day at a park in Doveton when Farzad ran towards the overflowing creek, which had swelled due to recent heavy rains. In a desperate attempt to save her son, Ms. Hussainzada tragically lost her life. Family member Saleha Hussainzada stated that the family plans to speak with local authorities about safety measures once they have had time to grieve.
Calls for increased safety have grown louder in the wake of this tragedy. Former Greater Dandenong councillor Peter Brown expressed his deep sorrow, stating it felt “like deja vu” as he recalled similar tragedies. In 2015, after the drowning of a three-year-old boy, Brown advocated for fencing around creekside parkland. Despite the council installing 25 meters of tall fencing at the Dandenong Park playground, significant gaps remain in safety measures.
This latest incident is not isolated; it is part of a troubling pattern. Over the last 18 years, at least five individuals have drowned in Dandenong Creek, including a 12-year-old boy in 2008. Despite past advocacy efforts, many areas, including picnic-barbecue spots at Keneally Reserve and Dalgety Reserve, remain unfenced, posing continual risks to children and families.
The Greater Dandenong Council and Melbourne Water have extended their condolences to the Hussainzada family but have not yet provided information on potential safety enhancements. Notably, Melbourne Water confirmed there are currently no plans to modify the creek’s concrete channel or banks.
Meanwhile, the upgrade of Betula Reserve by Casey Council is underway, but plans to enhance the existing knee-high chain fence have not been announced. A council spokesperson noted that the fence is “quite a distance from the creek,” separated by a road and a 70-meter slope.
As the community grapples with this devastating loss, attention turns to what measures can be taken to prevent future tragedies. Families are calling for immediate action to improve safety at creekside playgrounds, emphasizing the need for adequate fencing to protect children from the dangers of fast-flowing water.
Local officials are urged to respond swiftly to these calls for action, ensuring that safety measures are prioritized in light of this heartbreaking incident. The Dandenong community not only mourns the loss of two beloved individuals but also stands united in the fight for safer recreational spaces for all.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as families seek assurance that their children can play safely in their neighborhoods. Public discussions and advocacy are crucial in the coming weeks as the community pushes for change.
