Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 15th February 2022

Mountain Views

Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

Mail

Researching the Yarra River’s ‘poor’ water rating

Yarra Ranges Council’s tribute to former staff

Black Saturday, etched in the memory of community

Rock the Valley will be rocking our world

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The Wright stuff

Casey Wright competing in the sprint at the Swiss Championships, Sparenmoos Switzerland.

Picture: MANUEL LUSTI tors unaware of the conditions of the course, making an already difficult preparation harder.

“We were told it will be is apparently simi-

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ing undergoes a test event two seasons prior to the Olympics, but due to Covid-19, this was canceled. This left Wright and other competi-

lar to the one we had in Pyeongchang in 2018,” she said prior to the Games.

“It will be good just to get there and check it out.”

Wright also had never had the opportunity to compete or train in China before the Olympics, and all of the courses were made specifically for the event.

“It’s my first time to China. All of these racecourses have been made for the Olympics,” she said.

“Apart from potentially the Chinese athletes, no one has actually seen these courses before.”

The only other Australian competitor in Wright’s events was Jessica Yeaton, who finished 52nd and 51st respectively.

Wright made her Olympic debut at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, where she finished 63rd in the same event and 81st in the women’s 10km.

Despite lacking the picturesque alpine regions across the northern hemisphere, Wright vouched that Australian skiing conditions are great for young aspiring skiers.

“Honestly, the skiing in Australia is some of the best skiing I’ve ever done. Skiing up on the high plains can’t be beaten,” she said.

She attended Mount Lilydale Mercy College as a teenager, where she is recognised with a display detailing her achievements on the school grounds.

Wright spent the last few years of high school juggling competing and schooling, going on her first international trip when she was 17.

She then went on to attend university in Alaska in the United States, competing for the University of Alaska Anchorage college ski team.

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Casey Wright, who hails from Don Valley, competed valiantly in her cross country skiing events at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

“I couldn’t have given any more. At the top of that last climb I was so deep in the box I was seeing stars,” she said “In those moments I almost see it as a life or death situation. I can either curl up on this bit of the track and give up or embrace the pain, keep pushing, and make it to the finish.”

Unfortunately, she failed to get past the qualification stage of the women’s cross country skiing sprint and finished 67th in the women’s 10km classic, a 14 place improvement on her position in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games.

In the sprint, Wright finished in 65th position in qualifying, not quite enough to progress to the next stage.

Wright had hoped to qualify for the finals of the sprint but understood it wouldn’t be an easy process.

“The top 30 times from a time trial at the start qualify for the finals. That’s definitely the goal,” she said.

“But I am competing at the Olympics in a world-class field. So it’s often easier said than done.”

Preparation for the Olympics was difficult with two years of minimal racing.

“Last summer I was based in Australia, I didn’t make it overseas because of the travel restrictions and Covid. It was my first summer in Australia in 10 years,” Wright said.

The initial Olympic qualification period took place throughout December last year before Wright also competed in major races over New Year’s.

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Protect your child with the coronavirus vaccine for 5-11 year olds Throughout the pandemic, our kids have given up a lot to help keep their families, schools and friends safe.

And with children eligible for vaccination from January 10, now it’s their turn to feel safe.

The coronavirus vaccine for kids 5 - 11 will keep them protected from serious illness and will get you off to a safe start to the school year.

To find out where and how to book visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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IN BRIEF

‘Poor’ water probe

By Renee Wood A research project may be the key in changing the EPA’s summer water quality forecast along the Yarra River from ‘poor’.

During the summer, the EPA forecasts water quality for four sites along the Yarra River to deliver health risk alerts for swimmers.

However, since new standards came into affect in 2018 the forecasts at Launching Place and Healesville default to being deemed ‘poor’ due to consistent levels of E. coli and recommends swimmers know the risks before taking a dip.

EPA water program coodinator Darren Cottam said the background E. coli levels, which are a health risk indicator, are already close to a low standard and force the EPA’s model to issue poor forecasts.

“The water quality levels haven’t really changed that much over time, but we have these new standards which are more protective of public health and they can be hard to meet, so that’s why we’ve had to issue poor forecasts,” Mr Cottam said.

The EPA and Melbourne Water are now analysing data which has been collected each summer since 2017 to inform what the reading means in the two spots.

The project plans to investigate water pollution and how to reduce faecal matter from entering the waterway.

“Is it animals, if so what type of animal or is it human? Is it some other cause? Because that helps with managing that risk.

“In the future, that’ll hopefully allow us to either have localised local standards, or at least try to manage some of the pollution.

Researchers will also be looking into whether local standards can be created, due to the

Voices of Casey held a community forum with talks from environmentalist, public scientist and 2007 Australian of the Year Tim Flannery and former Indi MP Cathy McGowan as they continue their search for a candidate to run for the seat of Casey in the next federal election.

Voices for Casey spokesperson Fionn Bowd once again led the forum attended by over 80 people, with the theme of whether individuals can have an impact on larger issues like climate change.

Fionn Dowd said Ms McGowan and Mr Flannery had optimism and hope for the future, but it isn’t a passive kind of hope.

“It’s not the kind of hope that you hear some people express along the lines that surely things will get better, surely politicians will start to listen, surely women will start to have more equality, surely we’ll start to get some action on climate change,” she said.

The EPA and Melbourne Water are conducting a research project on water quality in the Yarra River.

Picture: FILE national standards being based off overseas studies.

“What we want to do is see if we can develop more local standards based on our local study.

So what’s the risks of swimming or what’s the health risk based on the local fecal pollution so rather than just always defaulting.”

The study first began in 2017 and a report is expected to be released later in the year.

“We’ve finished the monitoring side of it, now we’re looking at the data and then, there’ll be reporting and reviewing of programs following that.

“It will guide us in terms of planning for what do we need to do to manage pollution, because we will actually know what the pollution is and potentially explore whether we can have local standards or not.”

Despite the poor readings, Mr Cottam said people can still swim in the areas but should take precautions, which includes to try not to swallow water, cover cuts and scratches and shower after swimming.

For more information visit epa.vic.gov.au/ for-community/summer-water-quality/yarrawatch

“There is the kind that asks you to take action, asks you to ask yourself what more you can do and what can be done together.”

Mr Flannery said he had hope for climate action after witnessing the speed of Australia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

We stopped flights from China within weeks of the news breaking and we actually beat the WHO to declare a global pandemic by 12 days,” Mr Flannery said.

“We were being very proactive and I just thought if this government can do this for a global crisis, we can do it for climate and it turns out that there are so many lessons from dealing with the pandemic that are directly applicable to climate.

“As we got closer to COP26 in Glasgow, and I attended that meeting so I can talk a little bit about it, where Australia just performed so dismally it was if we’d learned nothing from the pandemic.”

Ms McGowan said if you have a vision you can bring people together.

“We’ve forgotten the power of groups coming together, finding a shared vision, having discussed what the values are, and the behaviour that we’re going to work to doing that very obviously, and then setting about doing something in a really deliberate way,” she said.

“We got all the diverse people together.

We had a strategy, we had a vision, we had a strategy, we had an action plan, we had a time frame and then we got ahead and did it, and it worked.”

Ms McGowan said 22 Voices groups have put forward candidates for the federal election.

“It’s doesn’t work when your ego gets in the way and when you think it’s about you,” she said.

“You have to get out of your own way.”

Applications closed to be the Voices of Casey independent candidate on 7 February, with an in-person launch on 20 February where the candidate will be named.

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Kidsafe in collaboration with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has launched a new campaign to keep children safe in their own driveways.

On average seven children aged zero and 14 years are killed and 60 are seriously injured in driveway run-over incidents every year in Australia - equating to more than one child every week.

A large number of run-over incidents occur in the morning and late afternoon – times when families are leaving for or returning from school, kindergarten and work.

With the return of school, Kidsafe urges motorists to be more vigilant around driveways, car parks and roads.

The campaign focuses on three principles: Supervise - always supervise children in and around the driveway. Hold their hand or hold them close to keep them safe.

Separate - separate play areas from driveways and garages where possible. This can include fitting high handles to garage doors, installing fences to separate the house and garden from the driveway, and installing self-closing doors and gates.

See - all vehicles have a large blind spot behind them, some extending back as far as 15 metres. Reversing sensors and cameras can assist with reducing blind spots, however, they should never be relied upon to keep kids safe. It’s a good idea for drivers to get into the habit of walking around their vehicle before getting into it when leaving an area where a young child is present.

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HICCI urge community to support weekly Dinner at Darron’s.

All are welcome for a meal and a chat.

Darron Honey Centre on Tuesdays, 5.30pm.

More on HICCI and Dinner at Darron’s will follow soon from Star Mail.

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Coldstream CFA issued a reminder on Sunday 13 February after a grass fire spread along Killara Road just after 9am.

“Please remember we still have a number of weeks of the summer period. You still need to be vigilant on your property and be aware of machinery in dry grass areas. Fire can spread at incredible speeds,” a social media post read.

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Telephone: 5962 5088

Greensborough Highway Patrol are investigating after a motorcycle collided with a car in Christmas Hills on Sunday afternoon.

The motorcycle rider was travelling west on Eltham-Yarra Glen Road when he veered on to the wrong side of the road, hitting a car about 2.30pm on 13 February.

The male rider, who is yet to be formally identified, sadly died at the scene.

The driver of the car, who received minor injuries, stopped and is helping police with their enquiries.

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via www.crimestoppersvic. com.au

Fire can still happen

Voices of Casey forum attended by many

By Parker McKenzie

Fatal collision in Christmas Hills

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Our land of opportunity

By Mikayla van Loon The land at 150 Cambridge Road is one step closer to being formally purchased by Yarra Ranges Council, leaving the community overjoyed and relieved by its decision.

With a unanimous decision at the Tuesday 8 February meeting meant the councillors agreed to the offer from the government to purchase the old Kilsyth school site for $6.44 million, a 50 per cent reduction on the value of the land, using Walling Ward funds and the sale of four parcels of land.

The approved recommendation also alluded to the need to consult the community before accepting the offer formally, to ensure the funding arrangement doesn’t receive any objection.

Key advocates and campaigners John Phillips and Shelley Large both said it was a relief to be one stage closer to putting up ‘sold’ signs.

Yarra Ranges Council has voted to approve the funding breakdown for the purchase of the land at 150 Cambridge Road should there not be any objections from the final community Picture: ROB CAREW consultation. 264615 “I do feel a sense of relief, absolutely. I mean, it’s progress to me and it’s five metres to go, I just can’t wait for the last five to be done so to speak and to get that final ‘sold’,” Mr Phillips said.

“I was very hopeful but to get a unanimous decision was just amazing. From speaking to Councillor Cox, it looked very promising but you never know until the night what’s going to happen. So I’m very, very pleased with the result,” Ms Large said.

For the community the reassurance of a unanimous decision from the councillors has given them the confidence that the land will remain as open space.

“There were over 7000 signatures on a petition. We’re not going to get that many objections to the council purchasing it, so it’s just a formality in my books.”

Cr Len Lox said at the meeting that the petition put together by Mr Phillips and the community was one of the largest the council has received.

“To my memory that’s the biggest petition we’ve had for many, many years and normally, as most councillors would realise, they get 50

or 100 signatures on a petition and they reckon that’s a big petition, over 7000 is just out of this world,” he said.

Cr Cox commented on the medium density housing that has not only begun appearing in Kilsyth but also Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park and Lilydale, highlighting the need for open space more than ever.

The former Pembroke High school site is 3.6 hectares and is attached to Elizabeth Bridge Reserve, a space that is frequently used by the community for walks, picnics and as passive open space.

Mr Phillips, Ms Large and the councillors each thanked the community for their passion, engagement and willingness to ask for what they needed in Kilsyth.

“I’m really, really proud of my community and the effort that we’ve put into this to get the result that we have, it’s a real plus for people power,” Ms Large said.

Kinley gets rezoning approval, ready to start building

By Mikayla van Loon Kinley, one of the largest housing estates in the region, has received the necessary rezoning approval to begin building the next stages of the development.

The five year battle saw the planning minister Richard Wynne confirm the rezoning of the former Lilydale Quarry site to become a Comprehensive Development Zone (CDZ1) in late January. Intrapac Property’s chief operating officer Maxwell Shifman said as developers, the company took a calculated risk in purchasing the site and the decision came as quite a relief.

“The rezoning is the precursor to actually being able to deliver the vast majority of the projects,” he said.

“We’ve been able to develop a small portion of the site, which was rezoned under a prior process some years ago but we weren’t able to continue with the vast majority until we hit this milestone.”

Having released, sold and built one section of the housing development, Mr Shifman said the rezoning means the Kinley Estate can move forward in opening up more housing lots and begin building the infrastructure required to cope with

the population density.

“Up until now, we’ve had a lot of conceptual ideas that we’ve really been focusing on.

“So an open space network with a variety of different uses and spaces, a potential future train station, a neighbourhood centre and significant infrastructures that can be delivered as part of the site but none of that can actually be delivered without the zoning.”

The next phase of the development will be to start applying for permits and more clearly outlining the specific inclusions in each of the four sections.

The Kinley development has been rezoned, allowing the building of 3000 more homes, parkland and services to begin. The artist impression shows the aerial view of the joining of suburbs.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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Rotary gives gifts of care

By Mikayla van Loon

Each of the packs includes a hand sewn bag from CWA Wandin and personal care items like shampoo, toothpaste and soap. 267830 “So we’ve given our appreciation packs to try and help the staff just know that the community cares and a little something that will help them to be able to refresh themselves when they have a shower.”

The individually wrapped packs include shampoos, soap and other personal care items so medical staff can shower and feel clean either at work or when they get home.

With the help of CWA Wandin, the colourfully designed bags were all made from recycled fabrics.

“CWA helped us by sewing the bags. So today (10 February) we dropped off 50 bags for

Yarra Ranges Council’s tribute to former worker Yarra Ranges Council held their first meeting of 2022 and paid their respects to highly-valued former council staff member Martin Sheahan, who tragically died at his Warburton home on Australia Day. On 8 February, Mayor Jim Child thanked the late Mr Sheahan for his six years of hard work in the infrastructure services department at the council, describing his passing as a tragic event.

“I was out at Yarra Junction Depot last week, talking and listening to his work colleagues and friends as they shared many stories and good memories,” Cr Child said.

“Myself and a number of staff had personally known Marty for over 30 years.”

Before working for the council, Mr Sheahan has worked for a small goods factory in East Warburton, before moving onto Marven Poultry in Lilydale, the O’Shannessy drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic and Australian Traffic Control as a contractor to the council.

Cr Child credited Mr Sheahan for his willingness to learn and put his hand up for anything.

“Marty said he was up for and could do anything, in a true Marty style. The crew said this was accurate of Marty, except for his ability to reverse trucks,” he said.

“Marty was eager to learn and quick to move up the ladder.”

Cr Child said Mr Sheahan was always the type to ask how you and your family were doing.

The council expressed their condolences to Mr Sheahan’s wife Mandy, his children Alex, Monique, Heath, and Ben, grandchildren Josie and Marley as well as the wider Sheahan family.

They encourage anyone who is feeling any immediate or ongoing impacts who are finding this time difficult to reach out and mailcommunity.com.au

staff here in this service and CWA sewed those for us in less than a week,” Ms Parlet said.

As part of the environmental group with the Rotary club, Ms Parlet said it is their aim to recycle goods and reduce the items going to landfill where they can.

“We’ve been able to do that by reusing material that we’ve made the bags out of so that the staff can wash their uniforms, their scrubs, in a laundry bag and keep it separate from their other things.”

Having been able to locate a business in Bayswater called Pinchapoo where personal care items that are close to being out of date

are brought by suppliers, the Rotary club was able to collect a range of items.

“So rather than have them go to landfill, or be dumped down the drain and all that sort of thing, they’re recycled onto places where they’re not sold but they can be given over very quickly and used quickly,” Ms Parlet said.

Grateful for the gesture and sure her staff would enjoy receiving such a gift, Ms Williams thanked the Rotary club not just for this donation but for the work they do in the community.

“Rotary are the silent heroes. We’re the Covid heroes but the silent heroes are volunteers out there that do amazing things for the community as well.”

ALL - NEW

OUTLANDER

Yarra Ranges Council have been left devastated by the tragic death of former employee Martin Sheahan.

Picture: SUPPLIED get help. This could be reaching out to a friend or family member, your GP, or online counselling services.

The funeral for Marty Sheahan will be held 2pm on Wednesday 16 February at Woori Heritage Funeral Home, 1416 Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Rd. Friends and family of Mr Sheahan have asked attendees to wear red and white in loving memory of Marty’s beloved Sydney Swans.

The wake will follow at Warburton Alpine pub.

If you wish to support the GoFundMe page for Mr Sheahan’s family, visit gofund. me/7dee3e35 Anyone who witnessed the incidents or who has further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au People needing support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat to a Crisis Supporter online at lifeline.org.au (7pm-midnight)

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The Rotary Club of Lilydale has been busy working away over the last few weeks to pack and deliver appreciation gifts to medical and Covid staff as they continue to wear PPE in the heat.

Having delivered 95 self care packs to Maroondah, Box Hill and the Angliss hospitals already, Rotary member Madalyn Parlet said 50 were delivered to staff at EACH in Lilydale on Thursday 10 February.

“It doesn’t cover the staff by any means but it’s up to the more senior staff to perhaps identify those people who perhaps need a little extra care and attention because they’re struggling under the pressure of the shifts, the workload and just the discomfort of being in hot, sticky conditions all the time,” she said.

EACH’s Covid services officer Toni Williams said the packs were going to start to be handed out on Thursday and then slowly throughout the week as shifts changed.

Still going after two years, Ms Williams said her staff at the Lilydale Covid clinic didn’t think they would still be testing people this far down the track and said to receive appreciation of any kind is lovely.

“It’s just a very generous gift. We do what we do, we don’t expect these sorts of things but it’s lovely and it makes the staff feel really valued and we’re doing a great thing for the community. So it’s a very generous offer,” she said.

Knowing people personally and seeing the conditions nursing staff have to be in while testing people day in and day out, Ms Parlet said the appreciation packs said it seemed like a good fit.

“We were well aware of how difficult it is for staff who are working in PPE for such long hours and particularly when they’re working long shifts,” she said.

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Daniel undaunted by Dakar

By Callum Ludwig Seven days into the 2022 Dakar Rally, Three Bridges born and bred Daniel Sanders was sitting in third position out of the 144 riders who made it to the starting line. Steering his motorbike through the cold and dark Saudi Arabian morning, he didn’t notice the lane changing into U-turn.

“I put pressure on the front brake and I ended up crashing straightaway, slid into the curb at about 110 to 120 kilometres-an-hour, did three somersaults and then stopped, sitting there winded,” Sanders says.

“It was a big curb, probably a good foot high, not like our little curbs here in Australia.”

The result was a fractured elbow and what felt like a damaged femur as well. His motorbike was unrideable and he had crashed out of the 7000 kilometre, 12 day all-terrain endurance race.

The accident hasn’t deterred him, with a decades-long interest in motorbikes hardening him to the dangers his chosen sport presented.

Riding is in Daniel Sanders blood, with his Dad being an enduro off-road rider himself.

“I got my first bike when I was eight and didn’t start competing until I was 13.” Sanders says.

In 2011 he began racing competitively in America, before representing Australia from 2014 until 2019 as a member of the off-road enduro team. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 cancelling most off-road events, he was offered a position as the new junior rider on the KTM racing team and decided to switch into rally racing.

Sanders impressed during his debut Dakar Rally in 2021, winning the number one rookie and finishing in fourth place overall. In the 2022 edition, the race didn’t go quite as well.

“Once I started bending my left elbow, I moved it up and down during the body check,

Daniel Sanders with teammate Sam Sunderland. it was pretty painful. I could feel some bone moving around,” Sanders says.

“When I pushed on the tip of my elbow, it wasn’t quite solid.”

After one unsuccessful surgery in Saudi Arabia, Sanders had another operation in Brisbane after flying home. He was told to spend six weeks recovering from the fractured elbow and a bone block put in after multiple shoulder dislocations.

“It was a little bit of a disappointment, but I’m alive and I’m happy to be alive,” he says.

“In good news, I was competitive and fighting for the top spot. It’s better than crashing out in 10th place.”

In 2022, 20 riders didn’t finish the race, including Sanders. Despite this year’s setback, Sanders has his sights set on a swift recovery and going further than day seven at the grueling Dakar Rally in 2023, which has taken 76 lives throughout its history.

“I spent seven to eight months overseas training for this event. Then was knocked

Pictures: GASGAS FACTORY RACING down on day seven after being third overall in the competition, and I had a good chance of winning it as well,” Sanders says.

“For me, it’s just going to be the preparation again, same things I did last year; getting fit and healthy going in and really good training. I know what to train for now.”

Provided his recovery goes as planned, Sanders says he should be back riding in midApril, with his sights set on competing in the Finke Desert Race in Alice Springs on Queen’s Birthday weekend.

He remains ambitious for the future and is keen on a big push for his first title in the 2023 Dakar Rally.

“The plan is obviously to try and win. That’s the goal in my career right now, to win the Dakar Rally,” Sanders says.

“I’ll be doing everything I can this year to make sure my elbows good and my shoulder is good, and have a really good preparation going in.”

As part of the GasGas racing team, which

Daniel Sanders is hoping to return for the 2023 Dakar Rally. was bought by KTM in 2019, Sanders will compete alongside the eventual winner of the 2022 Dakar Rally Sam Sunderland.

Sanders says he is proud of his teammate and what it meant for the GasGas brand.

“It gives GasGas a really good name and in the competitive side of things, it’s really cool for the brand to go global in such a prestigious event,” he says.

“Sammy is stoked, he’s worked hard, he’s probably got one more year of racing so to win late in your career is really cool.”

For now, Daniel Sanders is recuperating at home in the Yarra Valley, biding his time before he can get on the bike again while appreciating the love from his friends, family, and fans back home.

“It’s good to be back home and around the Yarra Valley. It’s good to see all the friendly faces again, and the support has been really good.”

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A Kinglake property destroyed by fire. 27139

Cars were left completely burnt out by the heat of the fire. 27139

A child’s swing set at a Kinglake property escaped remarkably unscathed, while the rest of the property burned in the fires. 27139

Etched in our memories

By Mikayla van Loon The memory of Black Saturday still remains etched in the minds of those who lived through it and fought to save people from the destruction.

This week, CFA crews all across the Yarra Ranges commemorated the thirteenth anniversary of the events that changed the region.

Lilydale CFA captain Warren Davis was on duty during the fires, stationed in Chum Creek, Healesville and Coldstream trying to prevent the fire from heading into the township of Lilydale.

“I started off at Chum Creek and then we did fire asset protection with the houses in Chum Creek. We then moved down to Healesville and then from Healesville we ended up in Coldstream along Leonard Road.

“That was on the first night and then on the second night, we had crews all over the Yarra Valley still participating in asset protection and blacking out any risks that occurred the next day.”

Driving through Yarra Glen just this week, Mr Davis said he could still picture the burnt out paddocks and grassland between Yering and Yarra Glen.

“Those paddocks as you’re going into Yarra Glen on your left and right hand side, it came right out into that area there and burned the bridges out along the Yarra Glen railway line between Yarra Glen, Tarrawarra and Healesville.”

At the time, CFA crews were on high alert having been notified the night before 7 February that fire danger was imminent.

“What I remember on the day is the conditions of the day in the morning. You could feel that it was a hot northerly wind. You could feel it in the air that it was going to be a bad day, given the humidity and the temperatures,” Mr Davis said.

“In the early afternoon, the first fires started merging and then spot fires started dropping around the Yarra Valley.

“It’s believed that some of those spot fires had come across from Kilmore. Once it got to Strath Creek, it virtually turned around and went straight up towards Kinglake and then went through Kinglake township, where it was catastrophic.”

Mr Davis said the majority of the Lilydale crew were not only out in those initial days trying to prevent the fire from spreading but they would rest for eight hours and then head out again to black out small fires.

Because the fire tankers and pumpers were all out at sites across the Yarra Valley, Mr Davis said there was only one vehicle left at the station to protect Lilydale and put out grass fires.

Tragically, 173 people died during the Black Saturday bushfires, something Mr Davis said CFA crews were not made aware of until days later.

“I was talking to a member of the police force, who’s also a member of the CFA and in conversation he told me about the loss of life up in the Kinglake and surrounding areas.

“When he told me about the amount of loss of life, I was totally blown over.”

Mr Davis said the direction of the fire and mailcommunity.com.au

The 2009 Black Saturday bushfires surprised everyone, leaving a trail of destruction and years of heartbreak. 27139 Pictures: ARCHIVED PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY LANE

A burnt out property at Kinglake with the plasma TV still attached to the wall. 27139 the way it moved challenged everything anyone had ever been told about where fire would come from, bringing with it the total element of surprise.

“2009 caught everybody by surprise because a lot of people had become complacent.

A lot of people had moved out into the Yarra Valley thinking that they’re in an area which wasn’t very fire prone,” he said.

“But nature rewrote the book on firefighting back then and weather conditions, especially around Kinglake because a lot of the old time firefighters never ever thought that a fire would come in from the south.

“They were always predicted to come from the north or the northwest. But this fire raged

A house just north of Yarra Glen was left completely destroyed after fire wiped it out in 2009.

Picture: NATIONAL MUSEUM AUSTRALIA

up the mountain from the south, which caught everyone by surprise.”

People fled houses with nothing but the clothes on their back to refuges like the ones in Lilydale and Kinglake, where donations would soon overwhelm volunteers.

“They’d already abandoned their houses and they all went to the fire station for help and for guidance.

“The public donated clothes and food and the amount of food that was donated to Lilydale fire station, we ended up having to tell people ‘please don’t bring the food here because we’ve got more than what we can handle’.”

And while the community spirit always

shines through after life changing natural disasters, Mr Davis said the emotion among the community and with the CFA is still raw.

“We all reflect on what we saw and what we witnessed and it’s a pretty sombre time. We often talk about it.

“It was pretty traumatic for the members as well to witness what fellow people in the Yarra Valley were going through and it really hit home with a lot of our members.”

On Monday 7 February 2022, Lilydale CFA alongside Mount Evelyn, Coldstream, Montrose, Chirnside Park, Mooroolbark and countless others remembered 13 years since Black Saturday changed the landscape of the Yarra Valley.

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NEWS

ABC drama filming here The ABC and Aquarius Films identified Warburton as the ideal high-country location to film for their upcoming six-part crime drama Savage River.

Savage River tells the story of Miki Anderson who returns to her hometown in rural Victoria after eight years in prison, determined to finally move on with her life before a murder rocks the town and Miki becomes the prime suspect desperately trying to prove her innocence.

Producers and co-writers Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford of Aquarius Films describe the show as an edge of your seat, character-driven mystery with lots of twists and turns.

“Set against the unique specificity of the Australian rural and social landscape, Savage River will take viewers on an unsettling exploration of a small-town community that hides many secrets,” they said.

The crew of Savage River on set in Warburton last week.

Picture: SUPPLIED Fielder and Staniford said to Star Mail that the Yarra River running through Warburton and the town’s natural environment provided exactly what the show was looking for.

“We were looking for a small town with

lots of natural beauty, that had a river running through it and was ideally nestled within nature,” they said.

“When we came to Warburton we knew it was perfect as it ticked all those boxes and more.”

The show is being made by a world-class creative team including director Jocelyn Moorhouse and the legendary cinematographer Don McAlpine.

The quality does not stop there, the cast starring Golden Globe-nominated actress Katherine Langford (Thirteen Reasons Why and Knives Out)in the lead role, and featuring Jacqueline McKenzie (Bloom, Reckoning), Cooper Van Grootel (One Of Us is Lying), Nadine Garner (The Doctor Blake Mysteries), James Mackay (Dynasty), Bernard Curry (Wentworth), Mark Coles Smith (Mystery Road: Origin), Virginia Gay (Winners and; Losers), Daniel Henshall

(Snowtown) and Osamah Sami (Ali’s Wedding).

Fielder and Staniford said they are thrilled to be making the show alongside talents like Langford, Moorhouse, and scriptwriter Giula Sandler.

“We are so excited and lucky to be working with the cast and crew. Everyone signed on knowing there was a regional component to the show, and loved being in Warburton for the week,” they said.

“Being on location really brings a crew together!”

Fielder and Staniford told Warburton residents they can look out for the pharmacy (which had a name change for the show) and the swing bridge when the show airs.

Savage River will film in Melbourne and regional Victoria over the next 9 weeks and will air on ABC TV and ABC iView later this year.

Sex work will soon be like another day at the office The Victorian Government announced that sex work will be decriminalised over the next two years as part of the Sex Work Decriminalisation Act 2022 to reform issues in the Sex Work Act 1994.

The change has come about following the government’s decision in November 2019 to assign Fiona Patten MP, member of the Northern Metropolitan Electorate and Leader of the Reason Victoria party, to lead a review to make recommendations to the Minister for Consumer Affairs Melissa Horne on decriminalising sex work in Victoria.

Ms Horne said every Victorian, regardless of their industry has the right to feel safe in their workplace and thanked Fiona Patten for her hard work.

“This is a historical day and a groundbreaking step towards ensuring sex workers receive the same rights as any other employee in the state,” she said. “We wouldn’t be here today without Fiona Patten and the power of work that went into her 2019 inquiry. I want to thank and congratulate her for her ongoing efforts in driving this reform.”

The decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria will occur in two stages. The first phase is set to commence in May this year and will remove most offences and criminal penalties for individuals participating in the act of consensual sex work.

The second phase is expected to commence in late 2023 and will include the remainder of the reforms, and repeal the sex

work licencing system.

As part of the review, Patten consulted with sex workers, sex worker peer organisations, and commercial operators, as well as numerous legal, health, education, and government agencies.

As a result of the decriminalisation, sex workers will have more agency to choose where they provide their services and their sexual health requirements and those currently working in the unlicensed sector will have better access to health, and legal services without fear of self-incrimination.

Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt said that the legislation will improve safety in the industry.

“Decriminalising sex work will improve sex workers’ access to services that all workers have the right to – a safe workplace, healthcare and legal help.”

A new public health framework will be created to help improve access to healthcare and put in place safe-sex standards and harm reduction strategies and anti-discrimination provisions will be established for sex workers within the Equal Opportunity Act. It is also expected to improve regulation in the industry, with controls and restrictions on advertising sex work services particularly being reviewed, and increase the transparency of sex trafficking crimes by reducing the fears of sex workers when reporting crimes.

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NEWS

Sculpture exhibition is on

By Mikayla van Loon Sculpture is a uniquely personal form of artwork, exploring textures and structure, curvature and angles in an exploration of meaning and self connection.

The newest exhibition at the YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub features a range of artists who have delved into the world around them and have extracted moments, inspiration and insights to create their sculptures.

Extending beyond the boundaries of the Yarra Ranges, artists have travelled far and wide to be a part of the INterior Small Sculptures Exhibition, a collaboration with Yering Station’s annual sculpture exhibition.

In celebration of the 20 year anniversary of Yering’s most notable exhibition, YAVA has launched what it hopes to be an inaugural display of sculpture work in partnership with the winery.

Gallery director Dakini Maddock said it was very exciting to have local artists displaying their works but also a rather large number of famous sculptors as well.

“I feel quite humbled and privileged to have some of these works on display. I know a lot of the artists have had a lot of challenges because of Covid, so it’s lovely to have them all here and it feels very special,” she said.

Some of the artists include kinetic sculptor Alex Sanson who has had spectacular light displays at a number of festivals in Melbourne, as well as bronze sculptor Stephen Glassborow.

Former children’s book author and artist David Miller said as someone who has been involved in YAVA since its inception, it was exciting to host an exhibition that has attracted those from outside the local area.

“Every exhibition is totally different. This one’s very exciting because it’s bringing in work from beyond the Yarra Valley whereas normally, the workers here are our local artists in which there are many and very varied,” he said.

Savaad Felich has always wanted to create a sculpture of the iconic skipping girl, an image that references his childhood.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

David Miller’s ‘Phoenix’ is a paper sculpture of the fire bird rising from the flames.

“But this being in conjunction with the Yering Sculpture [Exhibition] is bringing new artists to us of a very, very high level of work, not to say that our own artists aren’t but we don’t have a lot of sculptors and it’s just wonderful to see this range of work.”

Mr Miller’s paper sculpture called ‘Phoenix’ depicts the bird of fire in hues of yellow and orange, rising through the flames.

“It is a bird that rises from the ashes, so it’s about rebirth and rising from burnt things and I just loved the idea of that rebirthing,” he said.

The use of paper for Mr Miller comes from seeing his father sculpt heavy objects, so he decided to go in the opposite direction by creating something weightless.

Inspiration for many artists comes in all forms and for Savaad Felich, his artwork ‘Skipping Girl’ draws on his childhood growing up in Richmond and seeing the iconic girl skipping above his head.

Keele-bedford’s artwork explores the intricacies and characteristics of marble as a material and is just a small section of a much larger installation she has been working on.

While the YAVA exhibition allows small scale sculptures to be put on display, it has also attracted people like Hugh McLachlan from Tasmania who has brought with him a two and a half metre sculpture for Yering and smaller version for the gallery.

“So it’s marine grade stainless steel and the idea is that sort of bathing woman. It’s just like an intriguing form of a woman in just a very relaxed mode in this bathing sense,” he said.

“What you can do with metal is transform it from a solid to virtually make it look like it’s flowing.”

As an unusual exhibition for YAVA and for a gallery space of its size, INterior is not to be missed. The display will run from 10 February until 6 March.

“When I was a young boy of 10 I used to go to the Richmond Primary School so I had to cross that road every day beneath the skipping so it’s always been etched in my memory and I’ve always wanted to do a piece,” he said.

“It was possibly one of my first encounters with sculpture so it’s always remained with me and I like the image of a carefree young person enjoying themselves.”

For Denise Keele-bedford her marble sculpture of tea canisters has been inspired by her time spent in China and the idea of joining in conversation over a cup of tea.

“It was interesting to me looking at our western concept of the tea ceremony and how women in particular gather and solve the problems of the world and the problems of family and have great conversations all around a cup of tea,” she said.

Working for the first time with marble, Ms

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MAIL 9

MEET OUR TEAM

Meet Justin

Meet Amber

Meet Ashleigh

Your Local Branch Manager

Your Local Personal Banker

Your Home Lending Specialist

Justin is our new Branch Manager at Community Bank Woori Yallock and District, Justin is a local resident in the Yarra Valley with a drive for helping people.

Justin has experience managing successful local business with over 20 years involvement with the CFA and is currently an active member of the Wesburn-Millgrove fire brigade.

Justin would love to meet you next time you’re in the area drop in for a chat or feel free to give him a call 0437-192-008

After joining the team at Community Bank Woori Yallock and District Amber knows this is where she will retire. Amber is a really deep thinker and a very spiritual person this all leads to her strength in empathy and passion for customer service something she prides herself on.

Amber is often heard saying “I love helping people, this is what makes me smile!” Amber looks forward to assisting you with personal lending, insurance and banking needs.

Meet Ashleigh our home lending specialist with over 5 years’ experience with our community branch.

Ashleigh has been employed with Community Bank Woori Yallock and District for a period of 5 & 1/2 years and in this time has progressed in her career starting as a CSO and now is one of our most valued lending specialists. Ashleigh has grown up in the Yarra valley and has been involved in many community sporting clubs, events and supporting local businesses.

OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICERS

Evelyn

Ingrid

Lauren

Lee

Time for a new challenge? Community focused and ready to support your local Community bank? See details below.

Part of the team WYDCOM Financial Services Limited is a franchisee of Bendigo Bank and operates the locally owned Community Bank of Woori Yallock.

Expressions of interest are now being accepted for the voluntary position of Director.

As a director you will be motivated, well organised, self-directed and community orientated. You’ll support and drive the company’s strategic direction, goals and objectives to have a real say in the future direction of the branch and community For more information or to apply, call Mike Flower on 0423 827 199 or email mikeflowe88@gmail.com

2022 Woori Yallock Apply Now Last Days Community Scholarship Program for Bachelor Degree Open for application from Monday, 15 November 2021 until Friday, 18 February 2022 See our facebook page or contact our branch 5961 5644 for details 1585 Warburton Hwy, Woori Yallock https://www.facebook.com/communitybankwooriyallockdistrict

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THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Star Mail’s cadet journalist Callum Ludwig

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

Won four most determined awards throughout junior footy. A bit over it by this point.

What are you most passionate about?

Sport, whether playing myself or supporting a team.

Why did you want to become a journalist?

I love to write, and it gives me an opportunity to go out and see what is happening in the community and find out about people. It isn’t always sat at a desk all day as well, I get to go out and experience things.

What do you love about journalism?

I enjoy meeting and listening to people from all walks of life, and I like to research and explore the news that interests me.

What would your last meal be?

Probably a really good burger or medium rare eye fillet steak.

What was your most memorable moment?

Winning an u13s footy grand final.

What was your favourite subject in school?

English, particularly English Language in Years 11 and 12.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

1989 Hawthorn v Geelong AFL grand final.

Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Davor Suker, Ivan Perisic, my late grandfather and my nan for a big Croatian meal.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

Season two of the Witcher, and a book called Upheaval by Andrew Dodd.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

Modest, without being rubbish Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life?

All of my pets have.

Q and A with Star Mail’s cadet journalist Callum Ludwig.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

Made a good tofu curry with my younger siblings once, don’t have much else to offer yet!

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Munich during Oktoberfest.

What were you like as a kid?

Humourously trying to be insightful and not very resilient. Always tried my best though.

THREE … podcasts to make you think differently

1

The Imperfects A podcast by The Resilience Project founder Hugh van Cuylenberg, his brother Josh van Cuylenberg and comedian Ryan Shelton, explores the need to be vulnerable and how being imperfect is possibly the best solution to the worries of the world. It’s a changing of the mindset on social media, resilience and being human.

2

Conspiracy Theories If you’ve ever been curious about Marilyn Monroe’s death or the disappearance of MH370, this podcast presents the known facts of major events, making you question everything you’ve ever been told about how it happened.

3

Ted Talks They may be a popular one but with so many topics and experts explaining things sometimes in very short presentations, they can be a daily dose of learning.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

What is your favourite colour and why?

Red. It is on the flag of every country my family hails from and have a red pair of shoes that I have worn for too long.

Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert?

Introverted unless with close friends or family or with them around, where I tend to be more outgoing.

Ros Vodusek Rich Glen Olive Estate Yarrawonga, The Murray At Rich Glen Olive Estate we bring together our love of food and creativity with our passion for The Murray region and its abundant produce. Come and try our olive oils and dressings, and buy local while you’re here. For us, food is the new souvenir.

Stay close, go further.

VISIT THE MURRAY

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MAIL 11

OPINION

Local link to an icon Looking

See Death on the Nile

back Helen Mann

Yarra Glen & District Living & Learning Centre History Group Many people are familiar with the story of Tom Kruse, the Birdsville mailman. But did you know there is a local link to this story of the intrepid men of the outback and the battered old Leyland Badger Tom drove relentlessly over the sand dunes?

Before Tom took over the business in 1948, Harry Ding had operated the mail contract between Marree and Birdsville from 1936. Tom, aged 21, was one of his drivers.

During the late 1930s, Harry began looking for a truck that could tackle the sand dunes often up to 50 feet high. Lois Litchfield explains in her book ‘Maree and the Tracks Beyond in Black and White’, Harry eventually “...located three 1924 model XB Thornycroft timber trucks near Healesville. They had five-speed gearboxes, a two-speed auxiliary box behind, and drove through two heavy bogie rear axle assemblies with worm drive.

These units, according to Harry Ding, had driving parts, and a rear suspension that has no equal, even now, though it was near impossible to fit reliable brakes to the four-wheel drives.

Death on the Nile Starring Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot and Tom Bateman Rated M

‘The Mailman of the Outback’.

In the Birdsville track country, they did not need brakes, and the ones on the front of the Leylands and Diamond T diesels were good enough.

It was quite a job getting the parts he needed from Healesville to the Ding garage at Yunta, South Australia and then adapting these parts to the smaller trucks, but once in they had no further trouble. The tires were about four feet high, giving them good clearance and the lower gearing would allow one wheel revolution per minute.”

Tom Kruse said that “…it made a hell of

Picture: SUPPLIED a difference to the Leyland Badger with the Thorneycroft jazz in behind it, it was twice as strong as what the Leyland was before…in heavy sand, she’d just keep going.”

The truck was abandoned on Pandie Pandie station in 1957 but relocated in 1986. It was restored in the 1990s and is now in the Birdwood Motor Museum northeast of Adelaide.

Though there were a number of trucks used on the run the Leyland Badger was Kruse’s favourite and he considered it the best truck available at the time for the difficult journey.

Guide to self-publishing with Ingram Spark The Eastern Regional Libraries (ERL) is partnering with IngramSpark to offer its members the opportunity to turn their novel, poetry, memoir or family history into a beautiful print book and/or ebook.

Having worked with IngramSpark since 2017, this reviewer can offer some tips on how to use the platform to publish, promote and distribute your book(s). IngramSpark, operated by printer and distributor Lightning Source, is the print-on-demand (POD) unit of U.S.based Ingram Content Group. The company is headquartered in Tennessee and has operations in the U.K., France and Australia.

POD means copies of a book are only printed when an order is made, allowing prints of single or small quantities. This eliminates the costs in producing, warehousing and transporting large numbers of books.

To self-publish with IngramSpark, you need an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) from Thorpe-Bowker. The 13-digit number contains essential information used in sales tracking, retail inventory systems, library catalogs, online bookstores, etc.

Each specific format of your book requires a unique ISBN, including print (hardback or softbound) and electronic (ePUB, PDF or MOBI). For books translated from another

PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN language to English or vice versa, each edition also needs a separate ISBN. To publish a print book, you need two files in PDF format. The first is the Interior. It should contain the internal pages of your book, including the title, imprint, table of contents, and completed and edited content, accompanied by page numbers. The other file should contain the front and back covers and the spine.

IngramSpark has a cover template generator. Based on your book’s ISBN, trim size, interior colour and paper, binding type, laminate type and page count, you can download a template and an automatically generated barcode for your cover design.

Meanwhile, to publish an ebook, you need two files as well. The Interior file, in ePUB for-

mat, contains the internal pages of your book, but without page numbers. The Cover file, in JPEG format, only requires the front cover.

Note: Ideally, your cover should be professionally designed in order to efficiently and effectively present your book. Despite what people say, EVERYBODY judges a book by its cover.

IngramSpark has considerably streamlined its publishing process in recent years,. Once the files are ready, you only need to provide the “metadata”, which conveys information about your book to customers, bookstores, libraries, wholesalers and retailers.

Such “metadata” includes the book’s title, language, full description, contributor(s), imprint, subjects (BISAC codes) and types (region and theme), and audience, The most fun part is setting the book’s list price in six different markets – U.S., U.K., Europe, Canada, Australia, and Global Connect (which covers all other territories). This allows your book to reach its greatest sales potential by garnering as many markets as possible.

It’s a great opportunity to take control of your writing and publishing career. You can even purchase copies of your book at a discount price (i.e. the printing cost) to share with families and friends. More details about the offer are available from ERL’s website.

Death on the Nile is a compelling, sumptuous adaptation of Agatha Christie’s iconic novel.

Famous detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) must solve a murder on an Egyptian cruise.

The plot takes a while to get going, but the slow pacing is richly-textured and deeply absorbing. The film thoroughly establishes its characters and develops their grudges against the victim, providing fertile ground for Poirot’s deduction and our suspicions once the murder occurs. The plot features subtle clues and some clever misdirects, and adds a personal dimension to the mystery, which was largely absent in Murder on the Orient Express, Branagh’s 2017 first Poirot film.

Branagh is still fun as Poirot, playing him as a strange but kind man with sharp instincts. Something of a soft reboot of Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile offers a more nuanced insight into Poirot’s personality. The World War I opening establishes the trauma and loss in Poirot’s past, which explains his obsessive, reserved nature, but Poirot slowly opens himself to personal connection again through his friendship with Bouc (Tom Bateman) and his endearingly awkward chemistry with jazz singer Salome (Sophie Okonedo).

The cinematography is stunning, and the first act in particular has an opulent, sexy aura. The cast is uniformly excellent, and the stand-out actor is Emma Mackey, who delivers a steely, layered performance as Jacqueline, a bitter former friend of the victim.

The only notable issues are Poirot’s lost love feeling somewhat underdeveloped alongside his battlefield trauma, and since most of the suspects have a relatively small share of screen-time, when a second murder occurs it’s not immediately clear who the victim is.

Death on the Nile is a dazzling character-driven mystery led by a talented star and director, and is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Theatre reminders for shows Kemp’s curtain call Lilydale Athenaeum Presents: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder After his mother’s funeral, middle-class Englishman Monty Navarro learns an incredible secret, he is the son of the daughter of the grandson of the nephew of the second Earl of Highhurst, making him an aristocrat. If he can just find a way to prevent the eight earls preceding him from inheriting the earldom first…

An Edwardian-style operatic farce, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical.

Season: 17 February to 6 March.

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The 1812 Theatre is presenting Dracula – The Bloody Truth.

Travelling across Europe from the dark and sinister Transylvanian mountains to the charming seaside town of Whitby, Professor Van Helsing, and his three amateur actors stage a lifechanging theatrical production of Dracula, hoping to establish once and for all, the bloody truth.

The result is a delightful Cully silly, fastpaced, and relatively faithful adaptation by John Nicholson of Bram Stoker’s novel. This play is performed by four actors playing 40 characters.

Season: 24 February to 19 March.

The Basin Theatre Group is presenting Photograph 51 which takes us back to the 1950s London, where the discovery of the DNA double helix structure would unlock the secret of life and Rosalind Franklin’s contribution would be overlooked for decades. This delicate play puts her back into the picture and shines a light on the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field and the price she paid.

Season: 24 February to 6 March mailcommunity.com.au

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MAIL 13

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

New music festival rocks

By Callum Ludwig Rock The Valley, a new blues, rock, psych, soul, and roots music festival, is holding its very first edition next month in Yarra Glen hosted by music label Jamalama Music.

Ash King, who founded Jamalama Music with his wife Ashlee King (yes, they share the same name!) said it will hopefully provide an opportunity for artists and the community to reconnect and be brought back together.

“It feels as though we’ve been starved of the opportunity to engage with live audiences,” he said.

“As a performer it is one thing to create the art and it’s another thing to be able to share it.”

Ash King has spent his life living in and around the Yarra Ranges, having grown up and gone to school in Healesville and also having lived in Ferntree Gully and Mount Evelyn before moving back to Healesville.

The importance of local music is not lost on King, having met his wife at a small community gig in Mooroolbark.

“We found out the council we’re running gigs so we went to Mooroolbark Community Centre who at the time had a thing on Friday nights called Lounge Lizards,” he said.

“A friend of mine in the band brought a whole heap of his friends from Mooroolbark along and my would-be wife was one of them.”

The roster of artists is headlined by Gold Coast native, Melbourne-formed band The Delta Riggs, and other acts including Kings’s very own band Smoke Stack Rhino, Whoopie Cat, The Ugly Kings, Steph Strings, and Sunfruits among many more.

King said the roster of varying genres will complement each other well.

“We’ve chosen acts who are different in their musical style, but the energy and the feel come back to everyone dancing and having good times,” he said.

Dan Swoo from Whoopie Cat, a five-piece heavy blues band who grew up in the Yarra Ranges and started out performing in Mooroolbark and Healesville, said it’s very exciting to have the opportunity to perform live again.

“As far as a musician goes, it’s pretty much the peak,” he said “I love having music recorded, but it’s live shows that mean everything.”

Whoopie Cat had a European tour lined up in August 2020 which was cancelled due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic early in the year.

Swoo said festival-goers can look forward to

Ash King (Programmer and Frontperson of Smoke Stack Rhino) and Dan Smoo (Lead singer and Guitarist of Whoopie Cat) jump for joy with anticipation of the upcoming concert.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS hearing the band’s upcoming album as part of their performance in the festival.

“Our second album and the third release from us should be out hopefully in the next couple of months. We’re just in the mixing and mastering stage at the moment,” he said “A lot of the new stuff will be on the setlist.

There’ll be a lot of new music as well as all the old music.”

All ticket sales will count towards a donation to numerous children’s charities through the website Humanitix, and attendees have the option of an additional donation to Support Act, a charitable organisation delivering crisis relief services to artists, artist managers, crew, and music workers in hardship, particularly due to Covid-19.

Ash King said he admires the work Support Act does for artists struggling in ways ranging from financial to mental concerns.

“A lot of artists are part of a vulnerable group in terms of mental health in the community,” he said.

Dan Smoo (Lead singer and Guitarist of Whoopie Cat), Ash King (Programmer and frontperson of Smoke Stack Rhino) and partner Ashlee (Event Manager) are pumped for the upcoming concert.

Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and enjoy the opera

By Renee Wood Australian Contemporary Opera Company is arriving in the Yarra Valley at Alowyn Gardens, bringing with it an Australian premier of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ on Sunday 27 February.

The production was first commissioned

by London’s Opera Holland Park and was performed for five years to sell-out crowds in London.

The show features many characters from the popular fantasy although, ACOCo’s Artistic Director Linda Thompson said the story line has been brought into modern times.

“It starts off in a modern day setting and then falls into the familiar story where all the characters from the book appear,” Ms Thompson said.

“It’s just slightly modernised in the sense that a few little surprises are in there, which really appeal to a modern audience.”

The characters of Alice, the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit also help to connect an audience who may be first time attendees to an opera performance.

“It has the recognisable story and the characters, which I think is really appealing to people who have never been to an opera before, so at least there is something before they get there that they can relate to.”

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Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

Join Alice at Alowyn Gardens for Australian Contemporary Opera Co (ACOCo) Australian premiere of Opera Holland Park smash-hit production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Picture: SUPPLIED Audience members will enjoy watching a talented cast with performers coming from across the world.

Alice is doctoral student, Melissa Davis, who is now living in Victoria but was born in the US and other characters are also played by very established international singers.

“Christopher Tonkin has been singing in Germany and is now back here and he’s the white rabbit. Heather Fletcher who sings the

Mad Hatter is also another American living in Victoria.”

“Many of the other younger singers have either studied or performed nationally and internationally as well. So it’s a really a dynamic and very well-travelled cast.”

Adults and children alike will enjoy the contemporary opera, as it’s written in English and appeals to a broad range of audiences stepping away from a formal opera into a re-

laxed picnic environment.

“It is influenced by jazz, music theatre, light opera and it uses electronic sound effects, and that’s quite different in a sense from what people more traditionally think of as opera.”

The production was written to be performed outdoors and attendees are invited to bring picnic chairs and baskets to Alowyn Gardens for the show.

“It’s absolutely perfect for these times. We needed to find something that would encourage people to come and feel safe and feel good, and also to be amazed by what contemporary opera can be.”

The gardens will also be open for the show, allowing guests to wander through to enhance the experience.

It’s modeled on overseas summer opera festivals which draw people in to an offering beyond the opera performance and into a whole new world.

“As soon as you walk through the gates, you’re in another world. I think that people like to explore and it’s a really important part of the experience to be able to wander around and take some time to relax.”

Tickets are available https://events.humanitix.com/alices-adventures-in-wonderland-yarra-valley mailcommunity.com.au

SHOP LOCAL HEALESVILLE

Organic living made easier ‘Miss Spelts Organics - Bulk Food & Zero Waste Store’ was born in 2020, from our belief that ethically sourced, local, plastic-free food should be more accessible and affordable.

We believe everyone has the power to change the world for the better by making socially conscious consumer choices.

Through our consumption, we can support fair and environmentally responsible food production.

We realised that there is a need to go back to the old-fashioned way of purchasing food in unpackaged form to put a stop to the growing waste issue.

We knew that there was more that needed to be done at the grassroots level than just banning plastic.

Bulk Food is as much about providing nutritious products as it is about embracing a zero-waste goal.

Our goal is to nourish families, foster a healthy community, and in doing so, take a hands-on approach to heal our planet.

We take pride in sourcing Australian products and prioritise local growers where possible to minimise carbon footprint.

We have over 400 bulk food bins filled with all your favourite vegan, paleo, organic, biodynamic, gluten friendly food and delicious assortment of healthy and hearty treats.

We have a large range of flour, nuts, grains, legumes, seeds, cereals, sugar, salt, dried fruit, pasta, rice, maple syrup and more.

We also have locally sourced honey, cooking oils, spices, tea, herbs, chemical-free cleaning products and personal care products.

We also offer certified organic vegetables 7 days a week, providing you with a one-stopshop wholesome shopping experience.

The team at Miss Spelts Organics - Michelle, Amy and Emily.

Our friendly staff will assist you with your cooking needs or assist you to grind fresh peanut butter or pour a cold glass of solarbrewed kombucha from the tap while you wait for the best zero waste experience Yarra Valley has to offer.

For us, Zero Waste is more than just a con-

Misss Spelt

Miss Spelt’s Organics is situated at 250-252 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, telephone 5962 6470, info@missspelts.com.au orders@missspelts.com.au Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday 9am5pm; Thursday - Friday 9am - 6pm; Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 3.30pm.

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cept, it is a way of life that lies close to our heart.

That’s why we are giving all our customers who bring their own containers a 5% discount as a way of saying thank you for your efforts.

Even though it seems a small step, it is actually a giant leap for the future of our planet.

Open Monday - Wednesday 9am - 5pm, Thursday and Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 3.30pm

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YOUR ONE STOP SHOP

1300 BEESTING (1300 233 784)

FOR PET AND FARM SUPPLIES • Chaff • Hay • Supplements Now Stocking

Prime 100 rolls - Horse rugs - Live crickets Redgum Firewood and much much more!!

If you don’t see it, we can get it!

5962 2555 | 281-283 Maroondah Hwy Healesville (Under new ownership) mailcommunity.com.au

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New local owners Scott & Jaimie – Look forward to meeting you as much as Charlie the Cockatoo

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250 - 252 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777 info@missspelts.com.au | orders@missspelts.com.au

Beechworth | Echuca | Albury | Bendigo | Ballarat Healesville | Yackandandah | Bright Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

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MAIL 15

NEWS

Electric vehicle info day The Yarra Valley Community Power Hub and Healesville CoRE are hosting an Electric Vehicle (EV) Community Information Event this month to encourage Yarra Ranges residents to make the switch to environmentally sustainable EV’s.

The event will be held from 10.30am to 1pm on Saturday 19 February at The Memo, 235 Maroondah Highway, Healesville.

The event is headlined by key speaker Bryce Gaton, an EV writer and consultant who has been working in the EV sector for over 12 years.

Mr Gaton writes for the Australian EV website The Driven and works for the University of Melbourne as the EV safety trainer and supervisor for their Formula Society of Automotive Engineers race team.

He will be joined by four other speakers: Kimjan Achilles, Trent Evans, Kym Saunders and Anton Vikstrom.

able, the effect they have on the environment, the cost of buying and maintaining them, distances between recharges, charging stations available now, and much more. Attendees will learn about the latest developments in the renewable energy transport field here and overseas.

It will also mark the launch of a Community EV Bulk Buy. Partnered with the Good Car Company who imports second-hand electric vehicles from Japan, the Bulk Buy will make them available to Yarra Ranges community groups at really affordable prices. The Manager of the Good Car Company and speaker, Anton Vikstrom, will explain this initiative further at the event.

The event is supported by Yarra Ranges Council and Sustainability Victoria, on behalf of the Victorian Government who are preparing a Zero Emission Vehicle Roadmap to manage the transition.

The Memo in Healesville is holding an Electric Vehicles Community Information Event on 19 February.

Picture: SUPPLIED Mr Gaton said he can’t believe the number of myths circling about EV’s, such as their supposed lack of range and power.

“While several of them are fading away, others just refuse to die,” he said.

“I decided to list my Top Ten EV Urban

Myths That Deserve To Die in the hope if I provide a collected set of simple, succinct answers to them. I will never need to answer these particular ones again.”

The event has indicated it will focus on the facts of EV’s: the types of electric vehicles avail-

Talk it up by joining Toastmasters in the Yarra Valley Toastmasters International is a world wide organisation that focuses on communication and leadership. Here in the Yarra Valley there are five clubs, so you are sure to find a club that meets at a time that suits you. Healesville Toastmasters, LMC Toastmasters, Lilydale Toastmasters, CFA D13 Toastmasters and Wandin Toastmasters are all well established clubs.

All clubs have a focus on helping members improve their communication and public speaking skills and to help members develop skills that see them evolve as leaders.

While club membership may be diverse, all our clubs are fun, friendly and supportive, Club meetings are structured to ensure

Toastmaster journey ensuring the experience is a positive one - right from the start. A mentor will help a member understand how Toastmasters works, guide them through roles and speeches.

Come along to one of the club meetings, free as a guest to see what we do. You will be provided with information and support on the night to assist you with membership.

For more information: Toastmasters: https://www. healesvilletoastmasters.org.au Meeting Dates and Time: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, starts at 7:15pm.

· Healesville

Toastmasters: https://www.facebook. · LMC com/lmctoastmasters/

· · ·

Meeting Dates and Time: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, starts 7:30pm CFA D13 Toastmasters: https://d13toastmasters.org.au/ Meeting Dates and Time: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, starts 7:30pm Lilydale Toastmasters: https://www.lilydaletoastmasters.org.au/ Meeting Dates and Time: 2nd, 4th, 5th Monday of the month, starts 7:30pm Wandin Toastmasters: https://wandin. toastmastersclubs.org/ Meeting Dates and Time: 2nd and 4th Saturday, starts 2pm

OPINION

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & INDEPENDENT

244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 3777

Charlie the Cockie is safe and sound

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General Enquiries Tel: 5957 3700 Email: enquiries@mailcommunity.com.au Distribution Enquiries Tel: 1300 654 910 Advertising Group Advertising Manager – Tracey Aitken Email: advertising@mailcommunity.com.au Editorial Editor – Renee Wood Email: editor@mailcommunity.com.au Classifieds Advertising Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Deadlines: Display Advertising: 4PM Wednesday Trades: 4PM Thursday Classifieds: 4PM Friday Sports Results: 9AM Monday Managing Director: Paul Thomas

the best possible learning environment, one that is based around support, practice and constructive feedback. Members have opportunities to deliver speeches, develop their impromptu speaking skills and undertake roles that build leadership qualities.

Pathways is Toastmasters’ educational program, members have 13 different paths from which to choose and start building competency and confidence. Our clubs support and encourage members in their learning journey with pathways.

Taking the first step can be daunting, this is why our clubs support guests on their first visit and provide new members with a mentor. A mentor helps a member with their

The Star Mail is published by Paul Thomas for Star News Group Pty Ltd ABN 98 238 557 339. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For terms and conditions please visit www.mailcommunity.com.au Print Post Number PP33445700014.

Dear community, We are the new owners of Healesville Stock Feeds. We understand that Charlie the Cockie is loved by the community and we want to let you all know that he is well and enjoying life.

He has been on holiday since Christmas at our home. We get him out everyday so he can have a wander around the garden. He loves sitting in my apple tree, watching movies on my lap and has dinner with us every night.

He absolutely adores our dogs, he thinks he is one! He barks, digs, pinches their bones, and pants.

Charlie will be coming back to the shop soon, we are just waiting on another cage so he can go between home and the shop.

We love him dearly and just want to give him the best life possible.

Coldstream Post Office Cnr Killara Road and Maroondah Highway Coldstream Supermarket Cnr Killara Road and Maroondah Highway Coldstream Roadrunners Roadhouse Cafe 629 Maroondah Highway Healesville Real Estate Yarra Valley 299 Maroondah Highway Healesville BP Ultimate 66 Maroondah Highway Healesville McKenzie's Tourist Services 13 Old Lilydale Road Healesville Newsagent 195 Maroondah Highway Healesville IGA Supermarket 199 Maroondah Highway Healesville SW Hollis Butcher 209 Maroondah Highway Healesville Sanctuary House Resort Motel 326 Badger Creek Road Healesville Shell Service Station Cnr Harker Street and Maroondah Highway Healesville Coles Supermarket 251 Maroondah Highway Healesville Caltex 370 Maroondah Highway Healesville First National/Mark Gunther 189 Maroondah Highway Healesville Beechworth Bakery 316 Maroondah Highway Launching Place Charlie's Milk Bar 2 Centella Place Launching Place General Store 2200 Warburton Highway Launching Place Caltex Log Cabin Service Station 2000 Warburton Highway Lilydale Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway Lilydale United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway

Charlie the Cockie has taken a holiday and is spending time with his canine friends.

Pictures: SUPPLIED Thank you for all your concern.

Scott, Jamie and family, Healesville Stock Feeds

Lilydale 7-Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway 7 Cave Hill Road Lilydale Lilydale Village News Agents Lilydale Village Lilydale Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Lilydale Lilydale Village Lilydale Village Lilydale Lilydale Aged Care 475 Swansea Road Lilydale BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway Lilydale Eastern Laundries 2/4 Williams Street East Millgrove Newsagency Shop 5/ 3043 Warburton Highway Millgrove Millgrove Licensed Grocers 3039 Warburton Highway Millgrove Millgrove Village Bakery 4/3039 Warburton Highway Seville Woolworths Seville 568 Warburton Highway Seville Woolworths Caltex Service Station 568 Warburton Highway Seville Post Office 634-638 Warburton Highway Wandin North Fast Fuel Wandin 389-391 Warburton Highway Wandin North IGA X-Press Wandin North Plus Liquor 388 Warburton Highway Wandin North Landmark Harcourts Wandin Real Estate 1/362 Warburton Highway Wandin North Wandin Newsagency Shop 18/2 Union Road Warburton IGA Supermarket 3465 Warburton Highway Warburton K G Thomas Ply Ltd Insurance 1/3395 Warburton Highway Warburton The Valley Bakery Warburton 3415 Warburton Highway

Charlie is enjoying the view from the apple tree.

Warburton Shell Service Station 3458 Warburton Highway Warburton Professionals Andrew McMath Real Estate 3371 Warburton Highway Warburton Bell Real Estate 3407 Warburton Highway Wesburn Local Fuel 2835 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Foodworks Woori Yellock 1/1585 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Newsagency & Tattslotto Shop 4/ 1585 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Hillcrest Little Store Great Food 1745 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Shell Service Station Foodies 1700 Warburton Highway Woori Yallock Australia Post LPO Shop 11 / 1585 Warburton Highway, The Centre Yarra Glen Ritchies IGA Shop 1/38 Bell Street Yarra Glen Caltex Petrol Station 66 Bell Street Yarra Glen Newsagent 32 Bell Street Yarra Glen United Garage 6 Bell Street Yarra Junction Woolworths Supermarket 82-84 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Bottle O 2440 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Bell Real Estate 2457 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Newsagency 2454 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Professionals Andrew McMath Real Estate 2460 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Yarra Junction Community Link 2442-2444 Warburton Highway Yarra Junction Gladysdale Bakehouse 2568 Warburton Hwy Yellingbo Central Store 1942 Healesville-Kooweerup Road

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Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

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MAIL 17

FAMILY LIVING WITH RESORT STYLE POOL THIS impressive entertainer’s home situated on over ½ acre is a family lifestyle dream.

A 10-metre pool will keep the family happy throughout summer with shady palm trees for those hot days, all set in an expansive north facing outdoor entertaining zone.

Step inside and enjoy the spacious living area, open plan lounge and dining plus a formal lounge, fabulous gourmet kitchen with abundant bench space and the chef of the family will love the bonus of a butler’s pantry too.

The work from home area is all taken care of with a sizeable study for that quiet workspace that we all need plus there are four good sized bedrooms for the large family. The master bedroom is a special retreat for the parents with a well appointed walk-in robe and a luxurious ensuite complete with a deep bath and walk in shower.

For the creature comforts there is mains gas ducted heating and a cosy wood fire for those chilly winter nights. Storage and space won’t be a problem – a double garage, additional garage/workshop with a high clearance roller door and plenty of parking

for the larger toys plus a studio/teenager retreat.

Low maintenance gardens where the kids and pets will be happy and well catered for on this large level fenced block.

All situated a short distance to the facilities of Yarra Junction with the convenience of public transport just at the end of the road and a short distance to the Warburton walking track and bike trails.

Our unique area boasts beautiful State forests for bush walking, wineries and cafe’s to enjoy the local cuisine plus a relaxing country lifestyle. It’s a “big” family home on a huge block and complete with a sensational outdoor living.

Brimming with additional features which include 1.5kw solar electricity and solar instantaneous gas hot water Extra insulation throughout the home 6 Star Energy Rating at time of construction Contemporary square-set ceilings Granite island bench Ducted drying cupboard and ceiling fans in every room Zip track blinds in verandah allows entertaining all year round ●

· · · · · · ·

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1 Bleaches Lane, YARRA JUNCTION Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $900,000 - $990,000 Inspect: Inspect Saturday, 10.30am-11am Contact: Rebecca Doolan, 0401 832 068, BELL REAL ESTATE, YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

mailcommunity.com.au

PROPERTY NEWS

AUSSIE FIRST HOME BUYERS HIT HARD

BY ELLE CECIL THE Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has released its latest Housing Affordability Report, which showed that the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments has increased to 36.2 percent nationally, with housing affordability generally declining over the September 2021 quarter.

Housing affordability in most states and territories fell during the quarter, however it improved in Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, while the Northern Territory maintains its position as the most affordable state or territory to meet home loan repayments.

Though first home buyers make up 35 percent of owner-occupier dwelling commitments, the number of first home buyers in Australia fell 12.6 percent during the quarter to 37,782.

Adrian Kelly, REIA President, says that the hardest hit by the rising property market were first home buyers, solidifying the need for the expansion of government initiatives such as the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme and First Home Super Saver Program.

“Over the past 12 months, the number of first home buyers increased in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory but declined in Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory,” says Mr Kelly.

“As we attempt to start adjusting to the new COVID normal, buyer and investor interest shows little sign of being satiated.”

The REIA report found that the average loan size to first home buyers increased to $459,256 - a rise of two percent over the September quarter and 14 percent over the past 12 months.

Across the country these numbers varied.

First home buyers’ average loan size in

First home buyers have been affected by worsening housing affordability.

Tasmania rose 21.3 percent, where in the Northern Territory it only rose by 5.8 percent.

However, the average loan size increased to $570,412 - a rise of four percent over the quarter and 17.4 percent over the past 12 months.

Despite the challenges faced by first home buyers trying to break into the market,

17 Pheasant Parade Warburton

$775,000 - $825,000

Picture: ISTOCK

Mr Kelly says that rental affordability remained largely stable in the September quarter.

“Nationally, there was a marginal increase of 0.2 percentage points over the quarter and an increase of 0.4 percentage points in the past 12 months,” Mr Kelly says.

“Over the quarter, rental affordability

improved in Victoria and Tasmania, remained stable in the Australian Capital Territory, but declined in all other states and territories.”

For more information on the Real Estate Institute of Victoria or to read the full Housing Affordability Report, visit www.reia. com.au. ●

Woori Yallock

$1,545,000 - $1,695,000

Character home on over an Acre

Country Living - Picturesque Acreage

This delightful character home on a large sunny block of over an acre with Pheasant Creek adjoining the property, has an abundance of lawn, established fruit trees, stunning treed surrounds, mountain views, all that you would want from a Warburton home. 3 bedrooms with some lovely original features sash windows, decorative ceilings roses and cornices. Enjoy the warmth from the built-in slow burning wood fire and relax in the cosy lounge which sits adjacent to the updated kitchen and dining, opening onto the decking which expands your entertaining area. A must to inspect for those looking for a quiet escape to the country set at the foot of Mt Donna Buang and within walking distance to the shops, Yarra river.

Nestled in private, peaceful surroundings and offers something for everyone, with over 5 picturesque acres it’s the ideal country lifestyle. The spacious home offers 4 bedrooms with an ensuite & walk in robe in the main bedroom, separate living, family and dining areas. Outside is a horse lovers paradise an impressive 5 star stable complex and riding arena, 3 stables, tack room, feed room and wash bay. Extra shedding with a large lock up garage, substantial solar power system, covered entertaining area, double carport plus a feature entrance with a sealed driveway and established gardens. A superb property, a fantastic lifestyle, great views and with all the conveniences of schools, shops and transport close by.

Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068 Inspection: Sat 12.30 -1pm (Photo ID Required)

Contact: David Carroll 0419 539 320 Inspection: By Appointment

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

5966 2530

3407 Warburton Hwy, Warburton

5967 1277

2457 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

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MAIL 19

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 068

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

easy

7 9 2 1

4 8 9 8 3 6 2 3 6 6 5 3 4 5 1 4 7 5 6 1 7 8 5 6 2 9 3 4 medium

2

8 9

9 2 4 8 4

ACROSS

DOWN

Hides (5) Relying on or exploiting others (9) 1970s band, — Lake and Palmer (7) Of, or relating to, Tibet (7) Custom (9) Fad (5) Duped (3) Estimates of similarities (11) Artistic representation of a person (11) Idiot boxes (3) Mindless (5) Designers of goods and structures (9) Runner (7) Cleaning scoop (7) An office-worker (9) Waterlily (5)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 19 20 22 25 26 27 28

No. 068

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 17 18 21

23 24

Saccharine (5) Native of Iceland (9) Seaweed wrapped rice (5) Brand of microprocessor (7) Domed building (7) Contribute (9) Popular aquarium fish (5) Agreement (9) Pleasure (9) Relate in some way (9) Immediately (2,3,4) Inactivity (7) Blasphemous (7) Member of Central American ancient people (5) Of the nose (5) Ships (5)

DECODER

No. 068

5 2 3

3 8 7 1 9

1 7 2

QUICK CROSSWORD

7 5 1 6 3

1 3

6 hard

8 3 3 6 5 5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

D W 17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

E

Today’s Aim: 10 words: Good 15 words: Very good 21 words: Excellent

E

P

R

L

H E

M

A

3 LETTERS ACE AGE AGO AIL APT ASK ASS ATE AWE AYE BRA CHI DEN ERR GAL HEN IDS LSD MRS NIT OKS RED REV SAC TNT USE 4 LETTERS AURA DRUG DYES GASP IONS ISLE MADE MANY MESS MINE PARS PASS RANK ROBS SEES

USES WARP ZACS 5 LETTERS ABORT ABOVE ALIAS ANGST APTER ARENA ATLAS AUDIO AWARE BROIL DIGIT DRIER EERIE ENEMA ERASE ERECT

No. 068

EVERY GAITS GASES HAIRY INANE INTER LATER LEACH LEVEL MIMIC OGLES PARTY PASSE PETER RECAP ROGUE SADLY SALLY SEATS SEDAN SENDS

SHAMS STONE STOVE TENTH TENTS TRAMP ZINCS 6 LETTERS SHRINE TREBLE 7 LETTERS ASSORTS DESPAIR

REREADS SHRINKS STORAGE VERSION 8 LETTERS DEDICATE MURMURED SEVEREST TWANGING 10 LETTERS EVAPORATES TRANSPIRES

ahem, ephemera, EPHEMERAL, hale, hamper, hare, harem, harm, harp, heal, healer, heap, hear, heel, heeler, helm, help, helper, hemp, here, rhea

5 4 7 9 3 2 6 1 8

3 9 8 4 5 2 6 7 1

5 6 4 9 1 7 2 8 3

1 2 7 6 8 3 9 5 4

7 4 3 5 2 1 8 9 6

6 8 1 3 7 9 4 2 5

2 5 9 8 6 4 3 1 7

4 3 2 7 9 5 1 6 8

8 1 5 2 3 6 7 4 9

9 7 6 1 4 8 5 3 2

2 8 9 6 5 1 3 4 7

6 1 3 8 7 4 9 5 2

4 7 1 5 8 3 2 6 9

8 5 6 2 4 9 1 7 3

9 3 2 1 6 7 5 8 4

1 6 4 3 2 8 7 9 5

3 9 8 7 1 5 4 2 6

7 2 5 4 9 6 8 3 1

7 2 8 5 6 1 9 3 4

6 1 5 9 3 4 7 2 8

9 3 4 2 7 8 5 6 1

8 6 9 3 1 5 4 7 2

3 4 7 6 2 9 1 8 5

1 5 2 4 8 7 3 9 6

2 9 1 7 5 6 8 4 3

5 7 3 8 4 2 6 1 9

4 8 6 1 9 3 2 5 7

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

4

16

hard

3

15

medium

2

14

easy

1

MGHQ L P Y F T C N K J

1 6 9 4 7 8 6 2 9 4 8 5 2 9 5 7 9 4 5 5 6

U R E A V X S I B Z ODW

2

WORDFIT

18-02-22

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by

The Heritage Family

HERITAGE & HERITAGE FUNERALS Lilydale 9739 7799 Healesville 5962 1600 HERITAGE PIONEERS CHAPEL 1414 Healesville/Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock 5964 6500 Head Office: 733 Boronia Road, Wantirna 9800 3000 info@ heritagefunerals.com.au www.heritagefunerals.com.au 1157336-CB40-14

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General Notices V Public Notices and Event

GEORGE WOODS RALLY 26 February 2022 Please be advised that a car rally will be conducted in the surrounding forests of Powelltown from 2.30pm 26 February to 1.00am 27 February.

This motorsport event is sanctioned by Motorsport Australia with approval from DELWP and notifications to Yarra Ranges Shire Council, Baw Baw Shire Council, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police.

Temporary road closures will be in place on selected roads and tracks in the Yarra and Latrobe State Forests.

Advisory Signs will be placed on affected roads 3 weeks prior to the closure.

For further information, please contact Event Director, Glad Fish, on 0410 148 058.

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Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

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MAIL 21

SPORT

New Cat retains Pup’s bark

By Callum Ludwig

A young Flynn Kroeger in his early days at Wandin Football Club.

Flynn Kroeger is in preseason training with his new club, the Geelong Cats.

Pictures: FLYNN KROEGER his new home, a sentiment he said was shared by the other Geelong draftees too.

“The boys made us feel welcome straight away. After the first week, I didn’t really feel like the newbie anymore,” he said.

General Classifieds

NAISBITT Richard Born Zimbabwe 22nd of June 1965 Died Ringwood 2nd of February 2022

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ADVERTISERS in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

SIMONS Keith 1949-2022 I have lost a loving friend of thirty four years.

The community has lost a tireless worker for peace and harmony, and care for the environment.

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Loved son and brother.

Loved father of Camille and Piers. Loved former husband of Vanessa.

Loved special friend to Marilyn. Thank you to the ICU staff at Maroondah Hospital. Memorial at St Brigid's Healesville, 1 pm 23rd of February 2022.

Massage Therapists

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Pets & Services

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

- Dr Chris James

At peace

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TIMBER STACKERS Powelltown Sawmills is seeking timber stackers for immediate start. No experience required just a strong work ethic and must be reliable.

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Hours 7am to 4.30pm Monday - Thursday. Great work/life balance.

Send resume or phone to discuss.

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PEST CONTROL FULL-TIME TRAINEE TECHNICIAN Looking for a reliable applicant who wants a secure future.

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Resumes to: frontlinetermite@bigpond.com

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Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

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Positions Vacant

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• Full time position • Fantastic opportunity Holmesglen at Eildon – Award winning Conference Function & Event Centre has a vacancy for a full time Groundsman.

We are seeking applications from volunteers for our Yarra Ranges Facility in Warburton.

AdventCare is a ‘not for profit’ organisation offering aged care that embraces Christian values.

Holmesglen is Victoria’s largest and most successful providers of Vocational & Higher Education. Holmesglen at Eildon is a purpose built Conference facility and a campus of Holmesglen.

The facility accommodates Holmesglen staff for Professional Development, student groups for camps and outdoor recreation, as well as external conference groups, functions, and events for up to 200 persons. The property is on 660acres includes a working cattle farm (which is leased), pool, oval, recreation facilities and extensive kitchen garden. For a better understanding of the facility visit www.holmesglenateildon.com.au

We are looking for those who are interested in spending some quality time with our residents.

There are many opportunities available such as 1:1 visiting, assisting with Bus outings, helping to run small groups.

The applicant will have previous experience in a similar role and be responsible for ensuring the grounds and facilities are presented to a high standard and supporting the operational requirements of the business.

All applicants must have: • Current NDIS screen • Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination

The position is a full time appointment with rosters across a seven day period according to requirements of the business. Ideally the candidate would be available to start work in February. The position would ideally suit a local to Murrindindi region or someone wishing to relocate to the area.

If you feel you have some time to spare, please contact us via email at yarra.ranges@adventcare.org.au Or telephone 5966 4400 12534644-NG06-22

The ideal candidate will be available to commence position in late February / early March.

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Position Status: Contract of Employment to 31 January 2023 For further information relating to this opportunity and to view the position description, please visit the Careers at Holmesglen section of our website at www.holmesglen.edu.au Phone enquiries regarding the position can be directed through the General Manager of Holmesglen at Eildon – Rozanne Lawton PH: 5774 2631 or email her on rozanne.lawton@holmesglen.edu.au For application queries, please contact recruit@holmesglen.edu.au

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Announcements V

“That was a very big thing the Cats did and all the first-year boys feel like the same.”

He will wear number 25 for the Cats.

Kroeger said getting phone calls from the senior players at the club was pretty surreal, and even left him a bit speechless.

“The first phone call was Joel Selwood and the next one was Paddy Dangerfield,” he said.

12536248-JW07-22

Wandin Football Club’s new star export Flynn Kroeger has made the switch from The Kennel to The Cattery after being taken at pick 48 by the Geelong Cats in the 2021 NAB AFL draft.

Kroeger couldn’t believe his eyes on draft night when his name was read out and displayed on the TV while he watched on from home.

“I didn’t actually recognise my name. I saw it come up and my whole body just went blank, I didn’t really think it was true,” he said.

“Then all my mates started jumping on me and I actually started crying because my dreams had come true.”

Kroeger’s draft night was almost a nervy, longer wait. Geelong had their selection of Marcus Windhager matched by St Kilda at pick 47, before using their next selection to pick Flynny, as he’s known by his friends.

Kroeger started his football career at Wandin and remained there all the way from U’9s until 2021, growing up just down the highway on Linwood Road in Seville.

Kroeger said his fondest memories of the Wandin footy club will always be the tight-knit feel of the club and the town, which he feels is reflected in his new home in Geelong.

“It’s the community life and how much you enjoyed playing with all your mates all the time,” he said.

“Geelong is my sort of club, it still has a relaxed country vibe.”

He said he will miss kicking long bombs on the small Wandin ground compared to those at the elite level.

“I can’t even make the kick from the 50 metre line, unlike the Wandin ground where I could kick the length from the centre square!”

Kroeger said.

Arriving in Geelong, Kroeger felt immediately welcomed and comfortable adjusting to

“It didn’t really sink in. Even though I was trying to talk to them, I don’t think I was communicating very well!”

It could be considered quite fitting the duo got in touch with Kroeger, who was brought in to bolster Geelong’s midfield stocks as a part of the next generation of powerful midfielders to learn from senior Cats like Selwood and Dangerfield as well as Mitch Duncan and Cameron Guthrie.

Unfortunately, Kroeger is battling injury at the moment, delaying his preseason, but he said what he has experienced so far has been intense. He also praised the physio team who are working hard on his recovery.

“It’s pretty brutal. Covid as well hasn’t really helped preseason, but it’s definitely harder than you’d expect it to be,” he said.

“It helps we have the best physios down there, I can’t complain about them.”

After an interrupted last couple of seasons due to Covid and injury, Kroeger is mainly looking forward to getting out there this season.

“Definitely hoping to get more than just four games in this year,” he said.

“It seems like I haven’t played footy in forever. I’m just missing actually playing the game.”

Geelong’s profile on Kroeger describes him as an explosive midfielder and half back, with a strong overhead mark and neat disposal.

Kroeger plans to absorb as much information as he can from being around the club and in the AFL system.

“There are so many more calls to get used to in the midfield, where they want me,” he said.

“It’s all to learn and adapt. That’s how you get through and start playing AFL games regularly.”

Hopefully, one day we will see Cats fans across the Yarra Valley donning Kroeger’s number 25.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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SPORT

Eagles under heavy fire

By Joshua Hamilton Wandin 1st XI Vs Yarra Junction 1st XI at Wandin North Reserve: This is a game that had absolutely everything in it as these two very long Yarra Valley rivals collided. Ups, downs, momentum swings, and roundabouts! Yarra Junction Eagles would win the toss and choose to bat first on a gorgeous Wandin deck. Young Tarkyn Nicolandos (3/26 off eight) and Jordan Poynton (1/45 off eight) did the damage at the top of Junction’s top order as Jordan struck the first big blow by rattling the stumps to see the score on 1/6 while Tarkyn dismissed one of the openers courtesy of a fine catch by Bryce Edwards while also removing the opposition skipper for a mere two runs when Troy Poynton hung onto his chance to have Junction in deep trouble at 3/28.

Glen Poynton (2/16 off eight), Mitchell Kogelman (3/31 off six), and Hamish Lamont (1/16 off 4.4) much like Jordan and Tarkyn at the start would do everything possible to limit any Yarra Junction fight back. Steady and regular wickets would see the score go from 5/71 to all out for 165. This had the Doggies upbeat and positive heading into the innings break.

Ryan Thompson seemed to feed off the sides positivity as he absolutely smashed any ball and bowler that came his way as he raced to a boundary rich (including seven fours and two sixe’s) 48 from just 34 balls opening the bat-

Wandin Cricket Club results. ting innings which left the score on 4/67 when Ryan departed the crease. Superb effort from a supremely talented junior taking the game right on. Dave Thorne (25 off 20 including five fours) and Jason Cornish (39 not out including five fours and two sixes) battled extremely well as they put Wandin right in the box seat when Dave’s innings came to an end Wandin were 6/134 with plenty of overs left to get 32 runs.

As mentioned at the top of the report, the

momentum swing then suddenly shifted against Wandin as Yarra Junction struck to claim the last four wickets for just 15 runs which saw Wandin fall agonisingly short by 16 runs. Gut-wrenching result for Wandin as they were only inches away from knocking off the ladder-leading Eagles.

Wandin 2nd XI Vs Coldstream 2nd XI at Halle Supple Oval - Coldstream: Fresh off having a week off due to a forfeit victory, the Wandin boys rolled into Coldstream looking to continue their winning ways and momentum charge towards hosting a home semi-final. After winning the toss, Wandin would bat first which sent Rhett “Cobra” Smith and Daryn Trembath in to open the innings.

While one of the Coldstream opening bowlers would bowl his first 4 overs with his figures reading four maidens and one for nothing, this didn’t stop the Dog’s maintaining a very nice run rate. Miles Rayner would hit a few big balls as he finished on 32. David Marshall would blast 43 while being well supported by Daniel Trembath who narrowly missed out on a deserved half-century. This momentum flowed throughout the whole innings as the team finished on 8/188 after the maximum 35 overs as all batters chipped in with handy runs.

Time to defend a very good score on a big Coldstream oval and we would start extremely well when Jason Kneebone would take two early wickets via cannoning into the stumps

History of golf, part four: A land dispute Historian Bryn Jones outlines the dispute between Miss McAuley and the golfers using part of her land during World War I. McAuley had made her wishes very clear to the golfer what she would allow for the future play on her block.

Firstly, the greens must be kept in order.

Secondly, the fairways raked only. Thirdly, nothing she’ll be done in the way of cutting wood rushes burning off or anything else without a request in writing, definitely stating what is required, and my written agreement to the same in reply and lastly, the keys of my paddock be returned and applied for; when necessary to open the gates.

“Unless my wishes are rigidly kept faith with, I shall have only one other alternative to shut the grounds up,” she said.

These conditions were like a red rag to that bull that Miss McAuley kept in the area adjoining the golf paddock. The club secretary asserted that Mis McAuley had made it impossible for golf to be played over her land.

“Land which had been greatly improved by the golf club. This no one can truthfully deny,” she said.

As result the club decided that these conditions were so restrictive they could not accept them and so withdrew from their long-standing agreement.

The dispute escalated to such a point that the Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian published a three-piece verse mocking the petti-

Callen’s column Ian Callen ness of the dispute and the preciousness of the participants and in particular the optimism of the Golf Club President Mr. H. Long who believed that the success of the club would be more assured than ever as many new members were joining the club. Except with the reduction in the number of holes available to play the course was less attractive and less challenging. The inadequacy of the Queens Park site soon became apparent.

At the 1918 AGM, the secretary noted that because the council allowed grazing in Queens Park, it was impossible to play over a portion of the course. This meant five holes were closed from each of November, leaving only four playable at the other end of the reserve.

“The committee was forever apologising to visitors who would normally play and pay, but must now allow them to play free of charge,” he said.

This led to the shrinking of funds adding to the already slackening of interest by mem-

bers because all competitions had to be abandoned during the war. The cry went up again, the want of good links being felt more severely each year.

Boarding houses and businesses were said to have suffered considerably as a result and many furnished houses were left untenanted also.

Apparently, potential visitors were going to places such as Woodend to play golf and it was thriving as a result. The secretary further asserted that golf had become a necessity to holiday resorts not only in Australia but all over the world.

“If Healesville wishes to hold her premier place as a holiday resort in Victoria something more must be done in the future than has been done in the past to cater for the wants of visitors in this way for they will go where they will get their recreation,” he said.

He appealed “to all who have the welfare of the district at heart to lend a helping hand to us to uphold the good name Healsville has enjoyed as a first-class holiday resort”.

He believed good golf links will fill Healesville with visitors, especially in the winter months. “When their presence and money are most needed.”

The meeting decided to offer boarding house providers free use of the golf links for the guests if each of the boarding houses subscribed one guinea per year to the golf club.

Part five next week

Carvill carves up the course ... again

By Ron Hottes Wednesday 9 February at Stableford: Max Carvill is a regular member at our club, a school bus driver, who has an interest in beekeeping and scoring big Stableford points on a regular basis! This week was one of those occasions! His 43 points blitzed the field by 3 points, an unusually large margin! Trish Eldridge kept the flag flying for the ladies with 40 impressive points, one of her better rounds recently. This result meant that Trish took home the runner-up voucher. With these scores being posted, it surprised no one that balls struggled to get down to 36! Our NTP winners on this day were Kevin Barga (3rd), Trevor Porter (9th), and Ross Machar (15th).

Members, please note that next Wednesday the time-honored Mavis & Henry Sanders 3-person Ambrose will be played!

Twilight: There was a very healthy field playing this mailcommunity.com.au

Warburton Golf Club results. week, most likely because of the most pleasant weather conditions prevailing. Jimmy Stewart also prevailed over that large field by recording a large total of points! His 23 points were very impressive and clearly good enough to trump any other results! Although, Joel Coombes’ 22 points was nothing to sneeze at! At least he was rewarded with the runners-up voucher. Balls, therefore, only extended to 18. NTP’s went to Paul

Osborn (1st), Gator Atwell (3rd), and to the very talented Kim-Kennedy (9th)!

Saturday 12 February: Peter Fox has been in superb form this year so far! His score on this day was also superb a stunning plus seven! Great work Pete, taking home the A-Grade voucher. The B-Grade prize was taken out by David Scott, with an equally impressive plus five. Well done, Scotty! Noel Cross is unlucky again being declared the daily runner-up. Crossy had a plus 4 which would have won on many of our Par days!! With these scores being recorded, my score of square did not even get a ball but plus one and up did!! NTP’s were won by Danny Fox (3rd and not letting cousin Peter take all the glory!), Darren Wyatt (5th), Bruno Kennedy (9th), Trevor Porter (12th). and young Andy Gill (15th).

Next week is the most important RalphLogan memorial day, so book in to reserve your spot!

and a catch in the gully and Daniel Trembath would pick up one of the openers via a Miles Rayner catch in close. The main Coldstream wicket-taker would be Joel Galvin as he help himself to three wickets which could have easily been four or five while young Jackson Kneebone would be seriously unlucky not to get himself a wicket or two as he was bowling a very consistent, attacking line and length which often beat the batters but narrowly missed the stumps on several occasions. One Coldstream batter tried to keep his team in the game by batting the best part of 20 overs to finish on 40 before being dismissed by a ripping one-handed catch from Rhett Smith which brought the Coldstream’s innings to a declared close of 6/93.

Wandin 3rd XI - BYE: This week it was the 3rd XI’s turn to have a week off and secure a much-needed six competition points as the side sits 12 points (two games) and a large amount of percentage inside the top four with two games to go. Barring any sort of large negative hiccup, the 3’s are finals bound and looking very dangerous once the sink or swim like finals roll around!

As we sit 4th as of right now, the 3rd placed Ainslie Park this week at home and 2nd placed Warrandyte (also at home) both lay ahead and present a big challenge to overcome, this is only outdone by the excitement this team and club has coming into these next two games.

Soccer seeds grow in the Yarra Valley

By Steve Fleming The Yarra Valley Soccer Club is recruiting players! If you have a love for, or even just an interest in, the world game you will want to come along to Registration Day this Wednesday 16 February at 5pm. This will be the Club’s first community event since the construction of the new pavilion at Millgrove Recreation Reserve started late last year. A sausage sizzle and drinks will be available.

The club is developing the Under 8s and women’s teams this year and is particularly excited to see an upsurge in interest from junior girls following on from the Women’s Asian Cup and leading into the Women’s World Cup in 2023. We hope that many more girls and young women make the leap and join the sport that 500,000 women and girls are already playing in Australia.

“We’ve had some girls come and play for us from the age of 13 and have seen their skills develop rapidly as a result,” said Neil Langmaid, the women’s team coach.

On the YVSC FaceBook page, Roxy Van Velp Fernand describes her experience.

“I started playing for Yarra Valley because my brother Sam was playing at the club and I quickly fell in love with the game,” she said “There are a few things that make the club special; the community aspect and the kind and welcoming culture around the grounds”.

The Club is also looking at expanding by including an Under 8 team this year.

Under 10’s coach, Steve Fleming said the team would help the club be increasingly competitive and successful and help kids develop their skills.

“We noticed an obvious skill difference when we played teams from larger clubs and made a decision to start training juniors from the age of 6,” he said.

“We encourage families with children in Year 1 and Year 2 to come down and give soccer a try, and hopefully find that they love the game as much as we do”.

The competition allows for mixed teams from Under 8’s through to Under 14’s so the club encourages boys and girls to join.

Senior players are also encouraged to register by 16 February and an online option is available at yarravalleysoccer.org.au for anyone unable to make it to Millgrove on Wednesday.

Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

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MAIL 23

MURPHY’S MITRE

HUGE

RENOVATION

SALE

As we prepare for a major refurbishment, we are clearing out stock to make room for exciting new ranges.

Come into store & check out the great deals on offer.

CNR MAIN AND SILVAN ROADS, MONBULK

PH: 9756 6306 MON- FRIDAY 7AM-5PM | SAT 8AM- 4PM | SUN 9AM-3PM 12533847-JW07-22

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Tuesday, 15 February, 2022

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