Mount Evelyn
5 Tuesday, 29 October, 2013
Dreams up in smoke
6
MECS celebrates 60 years
A Mail Newspaper Group publication
■ Council puts foot down to discourage drive-through developments...
Mail 22-23
Sports of all sorts
Phone: 9751 9300 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Town’s walking tall
Driven away
By REBECCA BILLS ROLL UP, roll up, and they certainly did roll up to the 2013 Mount Evelyn circus themed street party. With cheeky clowns, stilt walkers, dancers, magicians and interesting stalls, the community came together in a day to celebrating all things Mount Evelyn. Yarra Ranges councillor Maria McCarthy was unrecognisable dressed as a clown leaving residents double taking, trying to recognise the community figure. Cr McCarthy said the day went really well and was very exciting with lots of people showing up creating a great atmosphere.
JUMPING CASTLES & MORE
KILSYTH COMMUNITY BANK® PROJECT
•SUMO SUITS•MECHANICAL BULL •SLUSHY•POPCORN MACHINES
Mt Evelyn and Montrose Community Bank® branches
• Birthday & Christmas Parties • Corporate Occasions • Bucks & Hens Nights • Sporting Groups & Church Events
Show Down Events
www.showdownevents.com.au 1099571-HM44-13
The stilt walking juggler wows the Street Party. 108909 Picture GREG CARRICK
0411 244 708
SIMON MATTISKE Building Surveyors Building Inspectors Registered Building Practitioner • Building Permits • Statutory Building Inspections • Illegal Building Issues • Essential Services Audits • Change of Use • Shop or Tenancy Fitouts
0419 530 614
SHARE OFFER! LIMITED TIME ONLY! PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT
NOW Ph: 9737 1833
“I was really pleased with the turnout and everybody involved put in a lot of effort,” she said. Organiser of the event Nicki Condello said the turnout on the day increased significantly from the 2011 street party with more than 5000 people visiting on the day. “We have had really positive feedback from stallholders and attendees with the event really showing Mount Evelyn off,” she said. “The circus theme brought a creative element to the day and really heightened interest. “A big thank you to all our sponsors and committee members for a great event.” See the Mail’s website www.starcommunity.com.au for a full gallery of the event.
P/F: 9737 1051 75 Bailey Road, MOUNT EVELYN mt_evjoinery@hotmail.com
1054124-KG46-12
FOR ALL YOUR PET NEEDS
sustainable design principles. An intensive process was used to develop the five DDOs, which Cr Dunn said have been in development for years. The amendment to the planning scheme, including a draft version of the DDOs, were exhibited for six weeks over March and April this year, with 72 submissions regarding the amendment. According to Yarra Ranges Council, the majority of submissions were in regards to future fast food restaurants in the Dandenong Ranges. A panel was appointed by the planning minister in May, including representatives from McDonald’s, with two days of public hearings in August, delivering a report and recommendations shortly afterwards. The panel’s recommendations did not support the limiting of drive-through facilities in the Yarra Ranges, but the council decided not to support the panel’s view on the matter. There were a number of other matters of contention between the panel and the council, including the ESD requirements, which the council supported but the panel did not. There is no timeline currently set for the planning minister’s decision on the amendment. For the full council report on the DDOs, visit www.yarraranges.gov.au.
1080846-LN28-13
NEW drive-through facilities could be pushed away from towns across the Dandenong Ranges following the approval of an amendment to the council’s planning scheme. Amendment C126, which features five Design and Development Overlays (DDOs) for Yarra Ranges towns, was put before the Yarra Ranges Council on 22 October and passed by a majority of the councillors. If approved by Planning Minister Matthew Guy, the DDOs will enforce guidelines on new developments for town centres, with separate DDOs for different regions of the municipality. DDO14 and DDO15, which affects Tecoma, Kallista, Mount Dandenong, Olinda and Sassafras, and Belgrave respectively, had an extra guideline that discourages buildings that feature drive-through facilities. Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said that, if the changes are endorsed by the planning minister, the DDOs would be acknowledged by VCAT for any future development disputes. “It’s about driving good quality design - it will clarify to people who want to build about the kind of things that are acceptable,” she said. Cr Dunn said the addition of the drive-through discourage-
ment is to help encourage foottraffic through tourism towns in the hills. “Towns that spread across the Dandenong Ranges are a key tourism route,” she said. “It’s about built-form, aiming to be as pedestrian-friendly as possible in high-tourism towns. “Drive-through sales impact on that - they are not as pedestrian friendly.” She said the discouragement of drive-through facilities would not affect any current drive-through businesses in the affected towns. Smaller towns, such as Belgrave South, Montrose and Wandin North, among other towns, will not have the guideline discouraging drive-through facilities added to DDO13, which covers their areas. Cr Dunn said that concerned residents should inform the council if they would like to see changes to design guidelines in their area. Among the other items in the DDOs are guidelines for building heights and a requirement that developments that have a floor area over 1500 square metres must meet Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) requirements. To meet the ESD requirements, an application would have to include a management plan showing how the proposal would adopt environmentally
1098632-CB43-13
By JESSE GRAHAM
| starcommunity.com.au
Briefly 1098738-LN44-13
Watch out
Mail burnt EMERALD police are hoping members of the public can help them identify a man who they believe set a public mailbox alight earlier this month. Senior Constable Frank Bailey said that police had video footage that shows a man parking near the mailbox before getting out of the car and standing near it between 10.45pm and 11pm. Within minutes after he left the scene, emergency services were made aware that it was on fire. Sen Const Bailey said the video footage showed another man posting their mail just before the suspect got out of his car, and hoped that man would come forward with any information. “We’d love to get some more information from anyone who knows about this,” he said. “But it’s also important that we let people know that anyone who posted their mail on Friday 18 October in that box - it was destroyed.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Sen Const Bailey at Emerald Police Station on 5968 4422.
By MELISSA MEEHAN SOMETHING had to give. Mount Evelyn resident Jim Humphrey is a busy man - at one time or another he’s been involved with St John Ambulance, the RSL, the Australian Air League, METIC and the Neighbourhood Watch. So it’s no surprise that after 43 years of being involved in community groups and events, sooner or later he was going to have to slow down. This month, Mr Humphrey resigned as chairman of the Mount Evelyn Neighbourhood Watch after five years in that role. “To be honest, I’m getting too old,” Mr Humphrey said on Friday. “It was getting difficult to fit everything in so I think it’s time for someone young and enthusiastic to have a go. “It’s not an easy job - Mount Evelyn doesn’t really have any crime. “But that’s no reason why people shouldn’t be aware.” Mr Humphrey said the major concern for the Neighbourhood Watch in Mount Evelyn was getting the community to take a pro-active approach to crime in-
Tuesday, 29 October, 2013 Page 3
Puppy Pre School Available Wednesday Nights www.vetcheckapp.com Open 7 Days
9751 2999 1449 Mt. Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda 3788 www.drvet.com.au
Connecting people and communities
Mount Evelyn
Jim Humphrey is a busy man. stead of waiting for things like graffiti or vandalism to happen. Involved in community groups since he was 11, Mr Humphrey said while he was standing down in his position of chairman he would still be involved in the Neighbourhood Watch. “It’s just hard thinking of how to keep people aware and alert when there doesn’t seem to be much crime,” he said. “Last year we did the audit of the car park and found that there
was a large percentage of people not locking their car doors. “We’ve only had one murder for as long as I can remember. We get a few robberies and while domestic violence has been an issue in the Yarra Ranges as a whole it’s difficult to target.” He said he hoped the new chairman would have some interesting ideas and that the residents of Mount Evelyn stayed vigilant.
Muck up marks clean sweep By REBECCA BILLS YEAR 12 students across the hills all had a day of celebration marking the completion of many years of schooling. With looming exams fast approaching, the Year 12 students at Mount Evelyn Christian School, dressed in the theme of video games, did not let the bad weather cramp their style last Thursday as they said goodbye to staff and students. Year 12 student Callum Duncan said finishing school makes him feel unsettled because the future is a bit unclear but at the same time he is looking forward to the next chapter. “I want to try and take a gap year and then go into either physiotherapy or physical education teaching,” he said. “I have had a good bunch of friends here and I’m a little bit sad to leave.” Senior School co-ordinator Cliff Blowers said the day went well despite the wet weather and he was impressed with the students’ outfits and proud of all their achievements. “You follow them through for years and to see them finish is a really proud moment,” he said. “It’s a good day, it’s just sad at the end when you actually have to say goodbye.” Mr Blowers said an important focus on the final day for the Year 12s is making it a whole school celebration. “We are a community type school and we want to make sure that all the younger kids are involved as well and they can come and see the
Mystery break-in A HOLIDAY house in Olinda was broken into last week, with police unsure if any items were stolen. It is believed the house was broken into between 9am and 10.30am between 23 October and 26 October through the back door of the property, before drawers and cupboards were opened. Olinda Sergeant Paul Phillips said police were intetested in anyone who may have been acting suspiciously around the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road home.
Deadlines: Display Advertising: Trades: Classifieds: Sports Results:
4PM Wednesday 4PM Thursday 4PM Friday 9AM Monday
Group Advertising Manager: Cameron McKenzie: 5957 3707 Editor: Melissa Meehan: 9751 9305 editor@yvnews.com.au General Enquiries, Display Advertising, Digital Advertising, Wedding Bells, Tourist News: Tel: 9751 9300 Fax: 9751 9399 Email: rtmail@yvnews.com.au Editorial Team: editorial@yvnews.com.au Web: starcommunity.com.au Managing Director: Paul Thomas
Twice the speed limit POLICE checked a car travelling at 160km/h in the 80km/h per hour zone on the Warburton Highway in Lilydale on Saturday night. The Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol intercepted the 25-year-old male from Croydon not long before midnight. He will be summonsed to appear at the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court for exceeding the speed limit and dangerous speed. Acting Sergeant Graeme Rust said the vehicle was impounded for a period of 30 days at a cost of $813.
Some of the Year 12 students from Mount Evelyn Christian School enjoying their muck-up day celebrations. 108864 Picture: REBECCA BILLS older ones having a good time, not a silly time,” he said. “For us, it is important that the students can leave on the day feeling good. “It’s a nice way to finish off the six, and even for some 12 to 13 years, of schooling with us.” Year 12 students across the state will be commencing their end-of-year written exams with English on 30 October at 9am.
2A York Road, Mt Evelyn, 3796 PO Box 434
The Mail is published by Hartley Higgins for Yarra Valley Newspapers Pty. Ltd. A.B.N. 99 006 310 498 and printed by Border Mail Printing Pty Ltd, 1 McKoy Street, Wodonga, Vic, 3690. Political candidates press releases all must carry requisite authorisation and Letters to the Editor must bear originator's address. Responsibility is accepted by original authors. All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of Yarra Valley Newspapers Pty. Ltd. and cannot be used without the company's permission. For Advertising Conditions and Terms and Conditions of C o m p e t i t i o n s r u n i n t h e n ew s p a p e r g o t o www.starcommunity.com.au Print Post Number PP3244 941 00052. PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & INDEPENDENT
2
$
RINNAI SAPPHIRE
2
$
$
$
2
†
$
www.amelbournepainting.com.au
1097711-LN43-13
kW
†
1098493-PJ43-13
MTE
MTE
| starcommunity.com.au
Connecting people and communities
Tuesday, 29 October, 2013 Page 7
There’s something for EVERYONE at Edge We have classes for 3 yr olds and upwards: Mixed Martial Arts Thai Kickboxing Children’s Martial Arts Ladies Daytime Boxing Edge Fit Classes
CALL US NOW TO FIND OUT MORE!
edgemartialarts.com.au
9
9 9
Suppliers of Garden hardware and Irrigation
GARDEN and PRODUCE
AQUA-FIELD
IRRIGATION and PUMPING SUPPLIES
1 litre Glypho Weed Killer $12.95
1098679-LB44-13
While stocks last
A local family business
2 bags for $28 Ph: 9736 3201 9736 2202
Delivery available Mulch • Soil • Sleepers • Rock • Driveway toppings • Potting mix 41 Monbulk Road, Mt. Evelyn
Mon - Fri 7:30-5:30 Sat 8am-4pm | Closed Sunday
New and Quality Pre-Loved Kids Stuff Designer Clothing, Nursery Furniture, Prams, Toys and More!! Talk to us about selling your pre -loved Baby Furniture and Kids Clothing Find us on Facebook - Pipsqueakz Recycle
8-10 York Road, Mt Evelyn • 9736 2211
1098680-PB44-13
and
20% OFF HOMYPED SHOES ON PRESENTATION OF THIS AD Christmas catalog coming to your letterbox soon
35 Wray Crescent, Mount Evelyn • 9736 2949
1098672-PB44-13