Woman and boy drown in Dandenong Creek on 10 November

A Dandenong SES controller urged people to stay clear of Dandenong Creek after a woman and boy drowned in 'swift' stormwater on Monday 10 November. The 33-year-old and 7-year-old from Doveton are believed to have fallen into the creek near Shepley Oval before 4pm. They were pulled unconscious from the water, nearly one kilometre downstream near Allan Street bridge. Police officers performed CPR at the scene, but the pair could not be revived. Victoria Police believe that the woman had "went to the aid of the child and also got into difficulty". Greater Dandenong SES members assisted at the bridge, as well as returning to Shepley Oval area and its steep, grassy levee banks to comb for belongings. SES controller Daniel Pastean said the creek's waters were treacherous - rated as 'swift' or 'above walking pace', stating: "The creek wasn't overflowing at the time. It was within its concrete (channel) banks. But waters that are faster than walking pace can take a person away easily, if they fall or slip in." Greater Dandenong Council held a minute's silence at its meeting on 10 November. Police will prepare a report for the State Coroner.