Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 22nd February 2022

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

Lilydale

Mail

Road closures commence for Clegg Road

Yarra Ranges Kinders celebrate 25 years

Lilydale Structure Plan receives mixed reviews

SPOTLIGHT: Action returns to the Lilydale Athenaeum

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A Star News Group Publication

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Snow sensation

By Mikayla van Loon She’s captured the hearts of not only her local community in Mount Evelyn but the rest of Australia with her ‘go-get-em’ attitude and positive outlook.

Bobsleigh pilot Bree Walker had an impressive first Winter Olympic Games in Beijing making Australian history by placing fifth in the debut of the women’s monobob event.

Bree’s monobob campaign started on Sunday 13 February in freezing and snowing conditions, different to what she had experienced in the week of training leading up to the first heat.

“The track was colder today, with harder ice but I don’t think it affected our results. I need to focus on what I need to do in my process,” she told the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) after the first day of heats.

Battling the Yanqing National Sliding Centre track, shaped like a dragon, Bree was confident she could improve on her first two runs the following day.

Moving up from seventh to fifth with two stellar runs, she finished heat three with a time of 3:16.25 which had her in the top spot but Bree was unable to hold onto it, with some of the best pilots still to run.

She came fifth, finishing 2.28 seconds behind the leader Kaillee Humphries who took out the gold medal.

It was the highest bobsleigh finish Australia has ever received at an Olympic Games.

But her efforts weren’t done, jumping into the two-woman bobsleigh with Kiara Reddingius.

Day one of the two-woman heats saw the pair take charge early with a time of 1:01.98 in their first run to sit fifteenth overall.

With slower ice for the second run, the girls were still able to score a time of 1:02.11, the eleventh quickest time of heat two which moved them up to twelth position overall and just 0.06 outside of the top 10.

“I’m really happy with today, it’s only our

Bree’s monobob and two-woman campaign at the Olympics saw history being made as she took on the Yanqing ‘dragon’ track. sixth time pushing together on this track,” Bree told the AOC. Competing against some of the best in the world, Bree and Kiara were able to hold steady in run number three with a time of 1:02.04 to jump into eleventh position.

But with Germany dominating the circuit, the duo had a difficult fourth run and saw

them finish with a time of 1:02.51 giving them a sixteenth place finish with a combined time of 4.08.64.

“I don’t have words for how I’m feeling yet, I’m still comprehending what has happened,” Bree said afterwards.

“It’s been a huge campaign but I’m so grateful for our team, we’ve worked so hard.

Picture: BREE WALKER

“I really wanted to fix up a few mistakes I had been making all week and I think that last run I wanted it too bad.”

The lead up to Bree’s Olympic campaign was challenged by Covid-19 but it still saw her take home eight podium finishes in the monobob world series over the last two seasons.

Continued page 3

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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NEWS

IN BRIEF Caught on his birthday

Clegg Road works Clegg Road will see some disruptions over the next few weeks, as Vicroads works to improve the quality of the major thoroughfare in Mount Evelyn and Wandin.

Some parts of Clegg Road will be closed from Sunday 20 February through to Thursday 10 March.

It’s part of a $2.65 million investment from the State Government to deliver important road maintenance work on Clegg Road in Mount Evelyn and Wandin North.

“Maintenance is crucial in keeping our roads running smoothly – these works on Clegg Road will ensure locals can get where they need to go safely and reliably,” Department of Transport Executive Director Metro South-East Vince Punaro said.

“We thank motorists and the local community for their patience during these vital works, which form part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing delivery in maintaining thousands of roads across the state to keep Victorians moving.”

Works are rebuilding Clegg Road between Littlejohn Avenue in Mount Evelyn and Union

Road in Wandin North, to provide drivers with a smoother, safer and stronger road.

These works will involve removing the existing pavement, replacing it with new asphalt, line marking and other associated works to improve the condition of the road surface.

Vicroads said drivers can expect road closures and works at night between 8pm and 5am, excluding Friday and Saturday nights.

“Please note that the dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions,” Vicroads said.

“During nightworks, there will be road closures. Crews will close one section of Clegg Road at a time to minimise disruptions to traffic.”

Section 1: Clegg Road closed between Littlejohn Avenue and Wellington Road, with signed detours via Beenak Road, Hunter Road and Monbulk Road.

Section 2: Clegg Road closed between Wellington Road and Union Road, with signed detours via Wellington Road and Warburton Highway.

Heavy vehicles are advised to detour via Warburton Highway during the works.

Detour signs will be in place for the road closures and residents between between Monbulk Road and Union Road will be allowed through the worksite, however there may be a short delay.

There may be short periods where access will be restricted to properties along Clegg Road.

Medium to high noise levels are to be expected and there will also be vibrations and dust around work areas while we remove the existing layer of the road, lay new asphalt, and reinstate the road.

“We’ll work towards minimising noise as much as possible.”

No parking will be allowed during works on Clegg Road the between Littlejohn Ave and Union Road to allow access for machinery and to protect any vehicles being damaged by bitumen.

Please keep an eye out for changed traffic conditions and temporary speed limits when moving through the area.

Bobsled Bree triumphs at The Games From page 1 Based in Germany and competing where she could, she said during that time she tried her best to stay as safe as possible with the virus going around, which did become quite isolating.

“You do have so many restrictions with training facilities and what you can do just in general. So my life has been quite isolated to being just an athlete,” she said.

“As an athlete you have to be very adaptable, especially in these times it’s shown me how adaptable I am as an athlete because from one minute you can be going down very nice and smooth then all of a sudden a positive Covid test pops up and everyone has to scramble to be as safe as possible.”

Unable to see friends or spend too long at the shops, Bree was focussed on her Olympic dream.

But with travel restrictions in place during most of her preparation, Bree said her team was only able to train for the first time on the Yanqing track for three weeks in October.

“This was the first time that any athlete outside of the Chinese team got a chance to be on this track and so these Olympics, it’s anybody’s game,” she said prior to heading to Beijing.

“I think we have done a really good job of preparing ourselves. I’ve had quite a successful year in the monobob and that’s provided me with a lot of confidence leading into these Olympics and I’m just going to go there and execute the best runs as possible.”

Bree was able to finish up her Olympic experience knowing she had done the best

Lilydale police officers are looking for a male suspect in relation to a number of deceptions in the area.

Several business in the Lilydale Shopping area have been victims of a deception to obtain property on 2 December last year.

The male suspect has been captured on CCTV, wearing a grey or white plain t-shirt and dark blue jeans.

He has short, dark hair, a watch on his left wrist and a disposable mask.

Police are requesting any information to identify this male who may be able to assist the investigation.

Please contact Constable Smyth at Lilydale Police Station on 9739 2386.

Watch taken in Chirnside Park A brand new watch has been stolen by a customer in Chirnside Park after it was left at a self serve register earlier in the month.

On Wednesday 2 February around 1.55pm a customer who was shopping at Kmart in Chirnside Park has accidentally left a shopping bag containing a new Michael Hill solar watch on a self-serve checkout.

Police have CCTV footage of a woman at 2.03pm who used the same self-serve checkout placing the bag inside her own bag before leaving.

As the item has not yet been handed into the Kmart store, Lilydale police would like to speak to this female to assist with the investigation.

The woman is described as wearing a pale pink long sleeve jumper, with blue jeans, a disposable mask and her hair tied back in either a low ponytail or bun.

Anyone with information is directed to contact Constable King on 9739 2300.

Bree Walker made her debut at the Winter Olympic Games by capturing the attention of everyone back home.

Picture: BREE WALKER she could, with room to improve for her next Olympics.

“Kiara, my new teammate who I teamed up with probably in the middle of this season, she’s a fantastic talent and the more we push together the better we get.

“I’m just excited to represent Australia at the Olympics. It’s been a dream of mine for many, many years and so I’m excited to put on the green and gold and stand on top of the hill and say to myself ‘you did it, you achieved your dream’ and really take in that moment.”

QR code changes

Bree’s next goal is to head home to Mount Evelyn for a bit to see her family and friends after such a long time away, to catch up on all the life changing events like marriages and babies that she missed.

“I’m so excited to see my family and friends and I’m so excited to just drink a lot of Melbourne coffee. I miss it so much.

“I was such a local in Lilydale and I’ve missed going out for coffee with friends, so I’m very excited to do that and just catch up with everybody.”

QR codes, density limits and restrictions on indoor dancefloors were scratched from 6pm on Friday 18 February.

Check-in requirements will no longer be in place at retail venues, schools (including childcare and early childhood) and for employees at many workplaces.

QR code check-in and vaccination check requirements will remain in all ‘vaccinated economy’ settings such as hospitality and entertainment venues.

Changes to international arrivals and quarantine requirements were also made.

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A male has been caught driving in excess of 50 km per hour over the speed limit in Coldstream.

The 44-year-old Northcote male, was enjoying a birthday drive in his friends Porsche Boxster on Tuesday 15 February, when he was detected driving at 55km over the speed limit at 135km per hour along Maroondah Highway.

The driver already had a restriction on his license meaning he can only drive a vehicle with an interlock device fitted, unfortunately they aren’t factory standard in a Porsche.

The car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1,071.

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.

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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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

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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NEWS

New CEO Gaby Thomson led the celebrations for YRKI.

Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Photos and newspaper clippings were spread throughout the room, showing the history of each of the 21 kindergartens.

25 years of local learning

By Mikayla van Loon Yarra Ranges Kindergartens (YRKI) have been providing community led early learning to little people for 25 years now, a milestone that was celebrated by staff and the community.

Although delayed by a year because of Covid-19, the celebrations on Wednesday 16 February were just as memorable for all in attendance.

Operating 21 kindergartens across the Yarra Ranges, with over 1000 children attending and with over 100 staff educating the next generation, YRKI have had a large impact on the lives of the community.

“It’s far too difficult to calculate the exact numbers of children who have been through our services,” YRKI board treasurer Richard Williams said.

“But it’s less about the numbers and more about the positive impact that we have on these children’s lives as they start their educational journey.”

What began as the Upper Yarra Children’s Services, with just four kindergartens, has now expanded exponentially to provide early learning to places like Sassafras, Mount Evelyn, Chirnside Park, Kilsyth, Warburton and many more.

Although YRKI was only established in 1996, some of the kindergartens themselves have been operating for 70 years, a history that only betters the standard of education.

Stepping into a new quarter of a century, YRKI also welcomed its new CEO Gaby Thomson three weeks prior to the event who said it had already been action packed.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is these people, these people that have been bringing the magic and the passion, the dedication of the teachers and the creativity, it’s just really inspiring,” she said.

“They work so hard, they’re so dedicated.

So I feel like I’ve just joined an organisation where there’s a really shared sense of direction and I really like that as a CEO. “There’s that complete passion to keep getting better and better so the little people that

we serve get the best service they can. From what I can see everyone lives and breathes that desire for continuous improvement.”

Ms Thomson said thanks to the long history of YRKI and the kindergartens that came before it, she could already feel the community effort that goes into raising a child, not just from teachers and educators but also parents on the committees.

Hearing from some of the kindergarten teachers in a video presentation on the night, YRKI takes the approach of allowing children to explore who they are, is focused on teaching children good environmental practices and giving them enough outdoor play.

Yarra Ranges Council Deputy Mayor Johanna Skelton congratulated YRKI on 25 years of excellent education and spoke from personal experience having put her children through the Belgrave kinder.

“I loved the fact that Belgrave kindergarten and probably all of your kinders have such a close relationship to families and have such respect for what they bring to the table as well,” she said.

“It’s not just raising children, it’s a whole community and everyone’s touched by the work that you’re doing…you’re such important pillars in our community.”

Ms Skeleton said she felt connected to the kinder once she went for an open day and saw how relaxed but in control the teachers were, as well as the approaches to learning.

“The reason why I chose Belgrave kinder… it just felt very perceptive, child led and all the things that we wanted in a kinder.

YRKI CFO Vik Naidu said it has been the work of everyone at the organisation, teachers, administration staff, governance and of course parents who have got YRKI to 25 years of successful education of young people.

“We are here to serve them. The message to the community is, please keep supporting us and we will continue supporting you as well for the foreseeable future. So together, we will provide the required education for the young ones going forward.”

Council officials including Deputy Mayor Johanna Skelton, Department of Education representative Clayton Sturzaker and the YRKI board all attended the 25 years celebrations.

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www.lilydalemitsubishi.com.au Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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NEWS

FICE’s pampered birthday

By Mikayla van Loon First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE) in Mooroolbark has just celebrated two years being in operation with a come and try pamper day for women and girls.

Reaching this milestone was not easy, battling lockdowns and restrictions throughout its two year life but FICE Coordinator Renee Cooke said it didn’t stop the team from supporting women where they could.

On Friday 18 February, FICE opened up the Mooroolbark store, bringing an array of pamper activities like make up sessions, reiki, massage and bra fittings all for free.

“We’ve had some really lovely, wonderful volunteers and businesses come in and volunteer their time from the community,” Ms Cooke said.

“So that’s been really special, to have them donate some beautiful products, donate their services, donate their time.

“I think people walk away and remember that and they remember that feeling of coming and being a part of something.”

With shopping credits, free beauty packs and free services, Ms Cooke said those who attended would have walked away with over $200 worth of goodies.

“There’s nothing more important than feeling empowered and pampered as a woman,” she said.

“It’s just a great way after the last few years to get together as a community and to just experience some connectivity and pampering to make you feel special and have some time out from our busy lives, and just enjoy being around other women, enjoy each other’s company, get a little bit spoiled.”

The Cire services not-for-profit supports women looking to get into or get back into the workforce, as well as offering high quality second hand clothing items for purchase.

Kerrie was able to leave the FICE celebrations with two bags full of clothes and pamper items. 269313 Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Reiki practitioner Sue Rushton was performing reiki healing techniques for women like Sindy Vitale. 269313 “Coming here and knowing that it’s a safe environment and that they’re giving back because this is for a good cause, it’s giving back to the community.

“Then they can walk away feeling that they’re valued. As women we tend to put ourselves last not first so this is about putting women first and making them feel special.”

Ines McSweeney and Judith Lane were giving women advice on using doTerra essential oils and treating wellness concerns. 269313

Kylie from Edge Cosmetics and Skincare put together free make up packs and a beauty hamper to be won by a lucky woman. She was also giving women a free make up session.

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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NEWS

Plan gets mixed response

By Mikayla van Loon The vision for Lilydale’s future is about growth and development, catering to a higher population and creating a hub at the centre of town.

As the need for housing expands, the draft Lilydale Structure Plan aims to address those issues proactively, by building up and supplying more services in the main part of town.

Although positive feedback from the community has been received, one element of the plan seems to have people questioning the suitability for Lilydale - being high density housing in the Main Street.

Daniel Bradshaw’s social media post in one of the community noticeboards received over 300 comments and just as many likes both criticising the plan and seeing the positives.

Having lived in Lilydale since 2007, Mr Bradshaw said Lilydale is the gateway to the Yarra Valley and with canopy trees and heritage buildings, it holds an aesthetic that needs to be protected.

“I see Lilydale town centre functioning as a connection hub for the residents of local and surrounding suburbs. People come into the town to connect with commerce, communities and public transport,” he said.

“Increasing the density of housing in the town centre will only congest both incoming road and outgoing public transport options – it won’t translate to a direct increase in local interactivity.”

Receiving the overwhelming amount of comments and questions on his post, Mr Bradshaw said he felt as though the community were “blindsided” by the proposal from Yarra Ranges Council.

“My main concern is the underwhelming attempt at community engagement – the early Covid-19 lockdown timing and relatively narrow band of consultation could not accurately reflect the wider local community’s view on future development,” Mr Bradshaw said.

The Lilydale Structure Plan is a 20 to 30 year vision for the town, that includes housing solutions, traffic management, roadway expansion, environmental sustainability and streetscapes.

Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL ARTIST IMPRESSION The council’s plan visualises the 20-minute neighbourhood concept of the State government, that is having services, eateries and shopping all within a 20 minute walk from home or public transport.

Up to six storeys will be able to be built for both commercial and residential use along Main Street and John Street, with variations depending on zoning.

Balconies, rooftop gardens and solar panels have all been included in the designs for these high rise buildings to meet environmental standards.

Where heritage buildings are concerned, the council has assured the necessary setbacks to protect the facades.

While Mr Bradshaw can see the positives of this concept, he is concerned about the high density living and said with capital gains tax, rental freedoms and first home buyer grants, just to name a few, should be considered in addressing the housing crisis.

“Any new housing development should be sympathetic to the needs of the community, the people within, and the existing aesthetics unique to the area,” he said.

“Councils and governments should explore ways of promoting appropriate housing and home ownership turnover rates, enabling families to adapt to dynamic household numbers with greater ease.”

The high density living has captured the attention of the community but there are many other elements to the structure plan that would be beneficial to the township of Lilydale.

These include better roadways for connection especially with the Kinley development coming along.

One of the key elements of the plan is the advocacy for a Lilydale bypass, to redirect large traffic movement away from Main Street and John/Hardy Street.

Pedestrian and cycling connections, as well as providing inviting streetscapes and open

spaces are also a major part of the plan and vision for Lilydale in the future. Casey Liberal candidate and vice president of the Lilydale Township Action Group Aaron Violi said this was a positive vision for Lilydale.

“Having worked first hand on the Yarra Ranges Council reference group to bring the structure plan to life, I am a strong advocate of having a holistic plan and 20 year vision for Lilydale,” he said. “[I would like to see] the council, State and Federal levels work together to achieve a positive outcome not just for the residents and businesses of Lilydale but also the residents and businesses of the Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra who travel through Lilydale.”

Yarra Ranges Council was contacted for comment but was unable to provide anything prior to print. It encouraged the community to submit their thoughts on the plan through the survey found here https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/lilydale-structure-plan before 28 February.

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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MAIL 7

OPINION

Reclaiming sector Victoria was once the heart of manufacturing in Australia. Yet, in recent times, Victoria’s manufacturing industry has been in decline, and the state government has done nothing to arrest this decline. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how important sovereign manufacturing capabilities are to our State and the national interest, and exposed fragilities in global supply chains. We’ve seen shortages of some of the most essential items – from materials required to build homes to items on supermarket shelves.

As a result of the economic devastation brought about by the pandemic, and net debt under the Andrews Government projected to be a record high $162.7 billion by June 2025 (higher than forecast in the 2021-22 State Budget), I believe a wholesale revitalisation of Victoria’s manufacturing industry will be crucial to recover and rebuild Victoria, driving economic growth and job creation for Victorians.

In my role as the Shadow Minister for Industry and Manufacturing with the Victorian Opposition, I’ve been meeting with businesses in all sectors, locally and across Victoria, hear-

From my

desk Bridget Vallence Evelyn MP ing about their challenges and opportunities. The most pressing issue is availability of people, particularly skilled labour, and that current state government policies undermine confidence. Only last week, I joined members of the Yarra Valley Business network and heard from a Lilydale manufacturer firsthand about these very challenges.

The one word I keep hearing is ‘certainty’.

Businesses want certainty about the conditions they’re operating in, so they can recover and rebuild for the future. That’s why Matthew Guy and I want to reclaim Victoria’s historic

position as the manufacturing engine room of Australia by investing $2.5 billion to grow Victorian manufacturing with our Rebuilding Jobs, Bringing Manufacturing Home program.

Our manufacturing plan focuses on boosting industry and creating the jobs – and the careers – of the future, whether in health and medicine, clean energy and recycling, agriculture, defence, transport, or other sectors. $1 billion of this investment will be allocated to initiatives across regional Victoria.

Whereas Victorian manufacturers of Covid-19 vaccinations, surgical face masks and rapid antigen testing kits were shunned by the state government during the first two years of the pandemic in favour of overseas products, by contrast our plan to recover and rebuild our manufacturing industry would prioritise Victorian made.

A vibrant manufacturing sector is essential for Victoria’s future economic prosperity. At such a critical time in our State’s history, the Victorian Liberals and Nationals will focus on bringing manufacturing home.

Witnessing Uncharted the movie an excellent is unexpectedly good performance Uncharted Starring Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg and Sophia Ali Rated M

Kemp’s curtain call The Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company opened 2022 with the production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.

An interesting plot about a young man who finds he is ninth in line to becoming an Earl. So he decides to even the odds.

Done as a musical set in Edwardian times the stage was set as an Edwardian stage with a blue surround and red curtains with a chair and table each side of the front of the stage.

The young man, Montague “Monty” Navarro, wanting to inherit the title to impress his girlfriend was played by Ryan Smedley.

A good performance catching all the nuances and innocence of a man who was ultimately accused of murder.

Smedley caught the right attitude for the role and projects well.

The nine members of the D’Ysquith family were played by Daragh Wills.

A versatile and wonderful portrayal. Wills played the roles with gusto and had to perform as women and men. He did this very professionally with seemingly no effort in changing characters.

This is not as easy as it appears as one has to immerse himself into the character to convince the audience that he is real.

Navarro’s girl Sibella Hallward was played

by Marissa Economo. A good performance, with a good rapport between Hallward and Smedley. Her scenes were both dramatic and amusing.

Navarro’s cousin Phoebe Y’squith was played by Chloe Taylor. Taylor projects well and gave a great performance in the role. One good scene was when Monty had Sibella in his bedroom and Phoebe came to visit. You can imagine the rest.

The rest of the company, seven in all, played many roles and added to the high standard of the production.

The choreography was superb, the lighting excellent and the director Alan Burrows is to be congratulated on such a smooth running, successful evening of theatre.

Theatre goers should be reminded that Ferntree Gully’s 1812 Theatre and The Basin Theatre are both opening on Thursday 24 February for the 2022 season.

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

Based on the bestselling video game series, Uncharted is an exciting, well-acted and generally extremely entertaining adventure film.

Bartender and pickpocket Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) joins forces with treasurehunters Sully (Mark Wahlberg) and Chloe (Sophia Ali) to find the explorer Magellan’s lost gold.

Uncharted is, simply put, a very fun blockbuster, and these vibes come from the action, the fantastic chemistry among the cast and the strong sense of discovery, cunning and cleverness from their adventures.

Holland brings both pluck and gravitas to the role of Nathan, Ali has a steely, commanding presence as Chloe, and while Wahlberg seems to play the same character in all of his movies lately, he still does a fun honourable scoundrel.

The second act has a highly engaging flow of the characters following clues and deducing their next moves.

The action sequences are creativelystaged and well-composed, including a fire-throwing fight in a nightclub and a death-defying aerial stunt pulled from the

CARTOON

third Uncharted game.

Sully is portrayed as a man willing to sell out anyone for personal gain, and while he is shown lying to Nathan, he is supportive and cooperative throughout the film. The climax has a satisfying moment of Sully finally placing his friends’ safety above his greed, but it feels like a redemption without a journey. The villains are severely underdeveloped, so the betrayal twist in the second act lacks weight (and is reversed almost immediately).

I haven’t played the source games, so I can’t speak to the film’s accuracy, but I’d certainly call Uncharted a (regrettably rare) good video game movie, despite Sully’s empty arc and the flimsy villains.

Uncharted is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Combating aliteracy in young people PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN Each year, the Copyright Agency’s Reading Australia Fellowship supports one experienced teacher or teacher-librarian to undertake research in an area that will enhance their skills and abilities in the teaching of English and literacy.

The 2021 Reading Australia Fellow is Edwina West from Sydney’s Oakhill College. Her research aims to develop resources to help students select books, with a focus on diverse and engaging Australian writing.

West highlights the issue of aliteracy – the state of being able to read but choosing not to - “It seems that reading for pleasure is declining, eclipsed by ever-growing preferences for digital devices. Not only is reading less desired by young people, but Australian Census Data indicates that reading for pleasure declines as we age.”

This is a problem, as reading can enhance educational outcomes and promote positive personal and social behaviour - improving emotional intelligence and increase empathy in youth.

In West’s view, to increase reading for pleasure, a two-pronged approach is to help young people learn how to choose quality books, while ensuring such books are available for them to choose.

Furthermore, with teachers and parents helping Australian students be better exposed to Australian books, it is crucial that they can acquire Australian books that connect to young readers and represent today’s rapidly changing world.

To support young people in their reading choices, we need to know their reading habits. West cites “Reading the reader; A survey of Australian reading habits” by Macquarie University and the Australian Council for the Arts in 2017: “One interesting trend identified was that most young people did not consciously choose to read books by Australian authors, with only 12 per cent stating that they liked them. This was notably different to adults aged 50 and over, who seemed to actively choose to read Australian writing.”

As a parent/reader proactively promoting Australian writing, this reviewer agrees with West’s sentiment that “it does make me wonder why deliberate consideration of Australian texts is not as important to young readers”.

“Teen Reading in the Digital Era” research project by Deakin University and Murdoch University may offer further insight, which was focused on recreational reading using traditional print and digital texts.

Their Snapshot Report released in March 2017 found that school libraries are the primary enablers of access to and advice about good books.

Meanwhile, the report found that teenage readers not only read library books and free web based digital content, they also buy books both online and offline.

Finally, like adults, young readers share ebooks with families and friends, and trade information about where to find books. But only 18 per cent of them used social media to discuss books, with Instagram, Wattpad and Goodreads being their most favourite platforms.

The good news is, at the 2017 Reading Matters conference organised by State Library Victoria, Dr Leonie Rutherford from Deakin University stressed that, even with the latest digital technologies, our young people still prefer reading print books. mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Green thumbs fuel award

By Mikayla van Loon With the Cowey-Selman Kokoda Award fast approaching, the three RSL sub branches who have supported the establishment of the scholarship will be hosting a plant sale fundraiser.

Hoping to send a Year 11 Yarra Ranges student to Papua New Guinea to do the trek, Lilydale, Mount Evelyn and Monbulk RSL’s are helping raise money to do just that.

Mount Evelyn RSL secretary Anthony McAleer said Monbulk RSL are experienced in raising funds through plant sales and have had quite a lot of success.

“Monbulk RSL has previously run successful plant sales and they’ll normally do it at the front of the club room. So it was their idea and being up there in the hills with a lot of connections to plant growers and wholesalers, they were able to get this underway,” he said.

“We’ve had a lot of local nurseries and plant growers and wholesalers donate the plants to be sold. So we’ve had some great support there.”

The plant sale will be held at the Lilydale Baptist Church on Saturday 26 February from 8am to 12.30pm, where people can look through a variety of plants, including fruit trees.

Mount Evelyn RSL will also be hosting a sausage sizzle for those looking to grab breakfast or lunch while they browse.

With a grant from Yarra Ranges Council and some sponsorships from local businesses, Mr McAleer said this event hopes to top up the current funds before assessing if more fundraising efforts are needed.

“If we fall short we’ll look at doing something else but if this is quite successful, we hope to do this as an annual event.”

Supporting the Cowey-Selman Award from the very beginning, Mr McAleer said Mount

RSL presidents Matt Crymble (Mt Evelyn), Bill Dobson (Lilydale) and Bill Ford (Monbulk) are looking forward to hosting a plant sale to raise funds for Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS the Cowey-Selman Kokoda Award. 268832 Evelyn RSL, along with the other sub branches, believed it was a great way for a young person to understand what happened during World War II. “We wanted to give them a chance to visit the war memorials, battle sites and things like that,” he said.

“We’re hoping that will give the lucky student a better understanding of what the Kokoda campaign was like and especially con-

necting it with the fact that there were people from their own district who served in that campaign.

“It’s also a great way to, in a practical way, to pay tribute to local soldiers that served in that campaign and of course one that eventually lost their life during the war.”

Applications for the Award are still open to students and they can submit an essay or multimedia piece before 27 March to go into

the selection process.

“Younger people today are very interested in our Anzac heritage and Kokoda is one of those campaigns that is talked about and taught at schools,” Mr McAleer said.

“So we’re certainly expecting it’s going to create a great interest and the fact that they’ll have a once in a lifetime opportunity to go and actually walk in the footsteps of those diggers, I think it’s a great opportunity.”

Sent – 15th Feb

Sent – 23rd Feb

On the mend.

Glad I’m back!

Greg (work) – 1st Feb

Greg (work) – 20th Feb

How are you?

See you soon.

The sooner you get in touch after an injury, the better the return to work journey.

If you’re recovering from a psychological or physical workplace injury, or if you are an employer supporting an injured worker, make contact as soon as possible. It just takes a few simple words to make a big difference.

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The sooner, the better. worksafe.vic.gov.au/thesoonerthebetter

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MAIL 9

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Proud to call village home

By Mikayla van Loon Evelyn Ridge Retirement Village has been named Lendlease’s National Village of the Year, an achievement that has made residents feel extremely proud to live in the community.

Residents Advisory Committee chairman Barry Woodman said although the criteria for the award was very much about the facilities, he felt it was the community spirit and friendships more than anything that helped the Village win the award.

“We are proud of the place because we live here and it’s our place,” he said.

“The main complaint people have when they come into the village is ‘why didn’t I do this sooner’ and me too, ‘why didn’t I do this three or four years earlier’. So yes, it’s the camaraderie, it’s the attitude.”

Every year the Lendlease Retirement Living awards recognises the achievements of a village team for delivering a great living experience, as well as exceeding in areas of safety, operations, sales, finances, people leadership and sustainability goals.

With over 75 retirement villages in Australia, regular surveys are done by village residents to refresh services and find out what is needed, contributing to the criteria for Village of the Year.

“The Village of the Year awards are always a highlight of the year and a great opportunity for us to celebrate the incredible passion, efforts and achievements across our business,” Retirement Living managing director Nathan Cockerill said.

“I’d like to congratulate Jeanie-Maree and Connie (Village managers) for continuing to provide an exceptional resident experience at Evelyn Ridge and for exemplifying our culture of care at Lendlease Retirement Living.”

Mr Woodman said it was quite an exciting event to watch the awards live with a number

Evelyn Ridge received both the National and Victorian award for 2021.

Social Committee secretary Tina Disney and Residents Advisory Committee chairman Barry Woodman were congratulated by Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence on the Village of the Year Award fro Pictures: MIKAYLA VAN LOON 2021. 268845 of residents in the community centre and celebrate the win.

“We were sitting here watching the live stream from Sydney for the award. We lost contact for about 20 seconds right at the spot it was going to be announced,” he said.

“Suddenly it came back ‘Evelyn Ridge’ and we went ‘ahhhh’ because there was quite a crowd over there watching. So judging by the cheers that went up when that happened it really did make a big difference.”

The Village offers social clubs, art lessons, bowls, garden groups and music clubs for the close to 180 residents.

Many of the facilities and programs run in the village are all decided on by the residents, including the installation or building of particular assets through bar profits.

“If it’s over $5,000 and it’s our money that we’ve collected, it has to be approved by the residents,” Mr Woodman said.

“The profits from the bar purchased 20 kilowatts of power on the roof, solar power on the roof, to cut our bills down. “[The residents] approved this and it’s working extremely well. So we’ve got 30 kilowatts on the roof, which is quite decent. It goes pretty well towards keeping this place self-sufficient.”

Social club members and residents have so many activities to take part in at the Village both indoors and outdoors.

To congratulate the achievement, Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence visited residents on Monday 14 February to view the premises herself and to see how much of a community venue the village was.

“In terms of supply and demand we don’t have sufficient housing in Yarra Ranges community for retirement style housing,” she said.

“So having a village like this as a huge asset for our community and to have one that’s performing so well and all the residents are happy and the management and residents interact really well, I’m really pleased to hear about that.”

Pet adoption month to help hundreds of rescued pets March is National Pet Adoption Month for PETstock and the Lilydale store is getting ready to help match rescued pets with a human that’s been eagerly waiting for a furry friend.

The initiative led by PETstock Assist has helped keep pets homed and safe from being killed as a way of managing stray animals.

Over the past few years, the pet adoption landscape has experienced dramatic yet positive changes. Now, with thousands of Australians claiming the pet parent title, the industry is facing new challenges, where thousands of cats and kittens remain homeless.

Every year 80,000 urban stray cats are killed by councils as a way of managing unowned animals.

According to PetRescue, killing cats has the opposite effect as the remaining cats produce larger, healthier litters due to less competition for food sources.

PETstock Assist’s Charity and Events Lead Jessica Curtis said after seven national adoption initiatives, it’s important to review current trends within the landscape so the organisation can continue, as a nation, to break the cycle of pet homelessness in Australia.

“The pet adoption landscape changes rapidly, and this year we’re seeing more cats available for adoption compared to other animals, closely followed by large dogs and bonded pairs - animals that have entered rescue together and need to be adopted together,” Jessica said.

As always, PETstock Assist is encouraging Australians to Adopt Different this March and shift their thinking towards how they can make more sustainable choices, remove unfair biases towards pet adoption and address the crisis at hand by considering a pet that is most in need.

“Growing your family to include an ad-

opted cat, large dog or bonded pair will not only enrich your life, but also the life of the adopted pet by offering them a safe and loving environment to thrive in,” Jessica said.

“If you’re not able to adopt, there are several ways that you can help solve pet homelessness in Australia. By fostering or volunteering at your local rescue group, you’re not only providing a safe place or care for an animal in need but you’re also creating space for stray animals seeking shelter.”

By donating in store throughout March, you will be supporting PETstock Assist and helping them continue their rescue initiatives.

PetRescue Co-Founder Vickie Davy said while they often take a back seat in adoptions compared to dogs, cats make fantastic pets, which is why, together with PETstock Assist, they’re on a mission to educate people on the benefits of adopting or fostering a cat.

“PetRescue has more than 36,000 cats listed for adoption annually, and of those, 92 per cent will work well with families with dogs and 82 per cent of cats can go to families with children under the age of five years old,” Vickie said.

“Every cat has a unique personality, and they love their humans just as much as dogs do. Cat adopters are often surprised how quickly they form a special bond - it’s almost as though they know you’ve saved their life.

“We hope at the end of March, that together we’ve made a change in the very big and very real issue at hand.”

For more details on PETstock Assist’s National Pet Adoption Month visit petstock. com.au in March.

Lilydale community members are encouraged to head into selected stores on Saturday 19 March to meet rescue pets available for adoption or fostering.

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Online refresher program for Victorian road users

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Back to school!

School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy conducted a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony for Badger Creek Primary School students and staff.

See page 7 for more back to school excitment.

Back to school!

Mail

School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy

A worthy brand

By Jed Lanyon It’s February, but Santa Claus’ gifts keep on coming for several charity organisations who benefited from a partnership between Saint Nick and Seville’s Branded Burger Bar. The burger bar came to the rescue when they partnered with Santa, who had seen his role replaced at Chirnside Park Shopping

Centre in the lead up to Christmas. Many locals far and wide were able to keep up their Christmas tradition in getting a family photo with ‘The Real Santa’ who they had grown to love.

The unlikely tandem tallied upwards of $30,000 from their family Christmas photos and then selected four charities to each receive

$8400 to help make the lives of children better.

The four recipients of the funds included: Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, A Better Life For Foster Kids, HeartKids and Chum Creek’s Good Life Farm. The organisations shared how the funds had already been put to good use.

Backpacks 4 Vic Kids CEO and founder Sally Beard told Star Mail the donation came as a “delightful surprise”.

“We’re very, very grateful on behalf of the children, whose lives that it will impact,” she said. “We have absolutely put that money to good use.”

Ms Beard shared that the $8400 donation from Branded is aiding 112 children in need with care packs filled with toiletries, spare changes of clothes, a toy and more.

Continued page 2

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Electric vehicles are the new phenomenon challenging traditional fuel operated cars and as we move into the future of an environmentally friendly focused world, it’s good to start having conversations with those who have made the leap.

Former Yarra Ranges Council Mayor and Montrose resident Tony Stevenson recently purchased an electric vehicle (EV) and has been very pleased with his decision.

“We’re just very lucky to get one of them and couldn’t be happier. It’s such a solid machine and it’s quiet. It’s very swift. It’s just no fuss, no bother,” he said.

“I mean, really, it’s the ultimate luxury to have a car that makes no noise, that makes no emissions and just comfortably glides through traffic.”

The EV market has expanded in Australia in recent years but it still falls behind other countries in availability of cars and affordability.

Mr Stevenson said when he went to purchase his Hyundai Ioniq 5, there were over 10,000 people interested but just 240 were supplied to Australia last year.

Uptake, however, has still been positive, with the Electric Vehicle Council releasing figures earlier this year showing a tripling of plugin EV purchases.

In 2020, 6,900 EVs were purchased. That has increased to 20,665 in 2021, with EVs now accounting for 1.95 per cent market share of new vehicles, up from 0.78 per cent in 2020.

“I think just in the last couple of years, the technology and capabilities have leapt forward so that the range of electric vehicles is quite strong, affordability is credible, charging rates are pretty good as well,” Mr Stevenson said.

“So it went from being an interesting future idea to a smart idea in the present time.”

A new research report from the Australia Institute’s Carmichael Centre has found the country to be on the precipice of being a global manufacturer of EVs should the Federal government invest in the technology.

“When it comes to creating an EV manufacturing sector, Australia enjoys advantages other nations would die for: rich reserves of lithium and rare earths, strong industrial infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, powerful training capacity, abundant renewable energy options, and untapped consumer potential,” the report’s lead author, Dr Mark Dean said.

Mr Stevenson said the range of his Hyundai Ioniq 5 is similar to that of his previous petrol powered vehicle, getting him 470kms per charge.

“It’s just like a mobile phone, we charge at night times. If we need to, when we come home, it’s ready to go in the morning. So there’s no difference.”

Testing out the distance on a trip to Geelong, Mr Stevenson said he could have made it there and back with no trouble but wanted to test out a rapid charging point.

Although a popular tourist destination, the

Yarra Ranges doesn’t yet have government established charging stations for EVs but they are in the works, after Federal government funding was announced in the 2020 budget.

The Future Fuels Fund initially announced $71.9 million, with $24.55 million awarded in July 2021 to round one of the roll out of 400 charging stations in Australia.

Casey MP Tony Smith said specific sites in the Yarra Ranges are yet to be confirmed but he hopes they will meet the “growing demand for EV charging, particularly from tourists.”

“I welcome the plans for expanded EV infrastructure - it’s another reason why visitors can stay for longer in the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs,” he said.

“Currently there are charging stations in Lilydale, a number throughout the Yarra Valley, including Warburton and two in the Dandenongs. Based on information from the Electric Vehicle Council, they’ve been setup by businesses, including those focused on tourism.

“Any new charging stations in our region will only support the increased use of EVs. In addition to other tourism focused initiatives, a lot of effort is going into improving and enhancing the visitor experience.”

Having been a Mayor of the Yarra Ranges, Mr Stevenson knows just how important key infrastructure is in the Yarra Valley, particularly when it caters to the much needed tourism market.

“The Yarra Ranges is very much driven by the visitor economy, we need more people to visit us in the Valley and up in the Dandenongs. It would be advantageous to have destination chargers, more prominently available,” Mr Stevenson said.

“The current generation of vehicles all have ranges above 300 kilometers. A day trip from Melbourne out to the Yarra Valley and back, for example, you don’t really need to charge.

“But having the chargers there helps people who stay multiple nights or who might have some range anxiety, they might still not be confident in the range of their vehicle and they would feel more comfortable knowing that there’s a charging option there.”

At the moment only popular tourist roads and major thoroughfares like the Hume Highway have ample charging capacity.

Mr Stevenson said he was hopeful that over the next few years availability of charging points and of EVs themselves would increase, particularly if the Federal government made it a priority.

“We just need more availability and better choices, machines and lower price points, effectively EVs are priced as luxury vehicles. At the moment, I think there’s only two models under $50,000, so it’s just a matter of time.

“Solar panels used to be very expensive.

At some point computers and mobile phones were. Progressively they all come down in price with improvements in technology and mass production.

“So we can expect to see that and we’ll see it happening over the course of this decade.”

said this was a great tool for all drivers, particularly those who rely on using a vehicle for work purposes and young drivers who might be close to gaining their licence.

“Many Victorians heading out on the roads this year may be feeling out of practice and Road Rule Education Online means you can brush up on your knowledge – great for businesses and employees who regularly use the roads for work as well as families teaching younger drivers about road rules and safety.”

To test the new platform visit: https:// www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/

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By Mikayla van Loon

Lilydale drivers are being offered an online refresher of the road rules as they get back into driving more frequently. 234335 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Moving into the future

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Tony Stevenson has been pleased with his new electric car, seeing it as the way of the future. 268973 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Driving tests are usually reserved for those new to the road but an online refresher course has just been released to keep vehicle users safe and up-to-date.

As a busy hub for drivers, with a number of major intersections, Lilydale residents may feel the need to refresh there skills and familiarise themselves with the road rules once more after an almost two year hiatus from driving.

The Labor Government’s new interactive Road Rule Education Online platform provides the latest road rule content to help Victorians better understand safe driving and sharing the road.

Users can test their knowledge with interactive videos, graphics and quizzes on road safety issues including safe vehicles and speed, as well as right of way, parking, line marking and road signs.

Quizzes also include how to share the road safely with others, such as motorcyclists, cyclists and heavy vehicles, and tips for driving in wet weather. Rules around giving way and slowing down for emergency services and right of way at intersections are also featured.

“We’ve come a long way since many Victorians first gained their licence, and this tool is a great way to check the latest road rules and ensure everyone’s safety on the roads,” roads minister Ben Carroll said.

“We can all be the reason someone makes it home safely to their families and knowing your road rules is a vital part of that.”

Head of Road Safety Victoria Carl Muller

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit mailcommunity.com.au/subscribe Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

Over 80 stall holders will be setting up for the weekend at Hookey Park when Celebrate Mooroolbark returns in March.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Reconnect with festival The Celebrate Mooroolbark festival is returning after a few hard years, an event both the organisers and community are welcoming with open arms.

This year’s theme is ‘reconnect’ in the aim of bringing everyone together again in Hookey Park for a beautiful connected community vibe to reactivate life and energy in the town.

With sponsorship from Yarra Ranges Council, the two day event will run over Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March between 10am and 4pm with an abundance of activities and entertainment for all.

There will be 80 plus market stalls, classic cars, food trucks, competitions, a wool show, an animal farm, bands and live music, billy karts, and roving entertainment, meaning there is something for everyone. “[I] loved the new location and two-day festival. It felt more personal and within reach.

Friends and family with younger kids felt safer letting them wander (but not too far). The bands were fantastic and just enough variety of stalls without being overloaded,” Mooroolbark local Ms Leondiadis wrote in feedback to the organisers after the event in 2021.

Celebrate Mooroolbark seeks to create a truly local festival that remains relevant to the people in the community of Mooroolbark and surrounding areas. It aims to bring together the full diversity of our region with a family-friendly event provided by and for the community. In so doing, we celebrate and enhance our community spirit,

Live entertainment, performances and activities can all be experienced over the two day event. connectedness, and quality of life.

For the duration of the festival weekend, George Street will be open to foot traffic only.

This creates a family-safe connection between Brice Avenue and Hookey Park, encouraging local shoppers to venture over and participate in the festivities.

Celebrate Mooroolbark also encourages the involvement of local schools and community groups to share with the wider community all the great things Mooroolbark has to offer.

If you’d like to get involved email schools@ celebratemooroolbark.com or send us a message via the social media pages. Keep an eye out @celebratemooroolbark on both Facebook and Instagram for all the latest information about the competitions running, in particular The Great Mooroolbark Rock Drop, and Slinga Roll-er Toilet Paper!

A toast to Toastmasters in the Yarra Valley

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CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place KILSYTH Coles Supermarket 520-526 Mt Dandenong Road KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette87 Colchester Road KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth KILSYTH TSG Tobacco Churinga Shopping Centre Mt Dandenong Road LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street LILYDALE Eastern Laundries. 2/4 Williams Street East LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE 7 - Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street LILYDALE Round Bird Can’t Fly 170 Main Street LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street LILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road LILYDALE The Mustard Tree Cafe 3/28 John Street LILYDALE Freda’s Cafe 2 Clarke Street LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate 164 Main Street LILYDALE Stockdale & Leggo Real Estate 281 Main Street LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate 111-113 Main Street LILYDALE Grubs Up 1 Industrial Park Drive LILYDALE Olinda Creek Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MONTROSE IGA Supermarket 916 Mt Dandenong Road MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent MOUNT EVELYN Red Robin Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale 138 York Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket 15 Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar 38 Bellara Dive MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart 108 Hayrick Lane MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark 103 Cardigan Road MOOROOLBARK Coles Express 2 Cambridge Road MOOROOLBARK Mooroolbark Coin Laundrette28 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real Estate Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK L J Hooker Brice Avenue MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

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

LMC Toastmasters: https://www.facebook.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

· · · · ·

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Youth mentors needed

By Parker McKenzie Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia is seeking volunteers to become mentors for local young people in the Boronia area after receiving $50,000 in funding from the Victorian State Government, with an expansion of the program into the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges being planned.

The mentoring provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia (BBBS) is one-on-one, long-term and intensive, designed to respond to the individual needs of young people aged seven to 17.

BBBS Chief Executive Officer Mark Watt said the pandemic has made the support offered through Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia even more important.

“I visited a single dad the other day with a daughter, who was very isolated and disconnected,” Mr Watt said.

“She needed a female role model through a big sister for that socialisation, connection and extra support.”

In 2021, Headspace mental health service for young people reported a 50 per cent increase in referrals for young people who have been admitted to a hospital emergency department because of mental health reasons.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia said many young people are waiting longer to seek support because of the pandemic, while many are in crisis already by the time they reach out.

“Research has shown that mentoring and the establishment of a one on one relationship with a positive adult role model, is one of the most effective ways to support the wellbeing of young people,” BBBS said.

“The early-intervention and preventative approach of targeting young people who are at risk of disengaging from the community not only has a profound, life-long impact on the individual, but it also contributes to improved outcomes for the wider community.”

BBBS is a part of the world’s largest volunteer-supported mentoring network, operating out of 14 countries.

Mr Watt said the program could be extended out further in the near future.

“We are looking at the Hills and getting a program running in that area,” he said.

“The council is supporting us to start looking at that as well.”

Yarra Ranges Council director of communities Jane Price said Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia was one recipient for the 2022 Grants for Community.

“Their project will work closely with both the Yarra Ranges Council Youth Ambassadors and Youth Advisory Group, who have already identified the need for mentoring programs to support vulnerable people in the community, along with community organisations and schools, to run programs and offer mentorship, guidance and stability for those who need it,” she said.

“We are pleased to support their proposal through our annual Grants for Community, and look forward to working with them in the Dandenongs.”

Bayswater State MP Jackson Taylor expressed interest in bringing the program to the Boronia community in 2021 and helped secure the funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia.

Mr Taylor said Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia has been helping young people through mentoring for years.

“I’m proud to announce that thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Andrews Labor Government they’ll be helping young people who need it locally,” he said.

“If you’re out there and interested in helping young people who need it to grow and thrive, reach out to the team at BBBS.” Interested parties can contact BBBS via support@bbbsau.org or apply directly via their website www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au

CEO Mark Watt AM, Mentor Jade Morrison, Mentoring Coordinator Belinda Chandler and MP Jackson Taylor MP at the Boronia launch.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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MAIL 13

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Finally stepping on stage

By Mikayla van Loon Performers have returned to the stage at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre for the first production of the year, with the opening of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.

Director Alan Burrows said it was a joy to finally stage the show after a six month delay and to receive such a warm welcome back from the crowd.

“It was just wonderful last night (Thursday 17 February), to see the audience reaction to what the actors were doing because we have a very talented cast in the show,” he said.

The romantic comedy musical is brought to life by 11 actors and actresses of exceeding musical talent.

Actor Daragh Wills plays nine roles within the show, changing in and out of character constantly throughout the performance.

“It’s definitely a challenge. The nine different roles are all very diverse and I have to unlock different parts of my personality, voice and presentation of myself as an actor and in life as well,” he said.

As someone who would normally perform in three or four shows a year, Mr Wills said it has been a struggle to get ‘show fit’ again but he has enjoyed getting back into doing what he loves.

“Over the last two years, community theatre has not been happening at all and was almost completely decimated by lockdowns and restrictions, including capacity limits.

“So to be able to get to a place where we are able to perform in front of an almost full audience is a really fantastic thing.”

Based on the Tony Award winning musical, Mr Burrows said this was the first time the show has been performed by a non-professional theatre company in Australasia.

The show presents the story of Monty Navarro, a middle-class Englishman who learns he is in line for an earldom but he must remove eight other earl’s preceding him for the title.

“As the story unfolds, those eight people

The cast of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder has taken to the stage at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, showing for three weeks only.

Picture: ALEXANDRA CARTER meet mysterious deaths. You can’t help but love the rogue and the way he goes about it.

It’s got a couple of love stories woven into it as well,” Mr Burrows said.

“Given the audience reaction last night, it was a constant stream of applause and laughter because while the murders keep happening, they happen in such funny ways that the audience literally rolling in the aisles.

“I would describe it as the ultimate fun night out in the theatre and it is just what audiences need coming out of Covid. It’s just a joy to be there observing it.”

Mr Wills said having already attended some stage shows himself, he can appreciate the joy a live performance can bring an audience particularly after two years of being unable to.

“After the last two years or so, not only is a bit of comedy and humour and an injection of those things needed in everyone’s lives but just the connection that people get from live theatre is something that’s really important,” he said.

Mr Burrows and Mr Wills said they would encourage people to see the show over the

next three weeks and there are plenty of opportunities to do so.

“If people are looking for a show to return back to theatre, community theatre is up and running again,” Mr Wills said.

“This show is a perfect getaway for an evening to forget about everything else that’s happening in the world, and to just come and laugh and have a bit of fun.”

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder will be shown until 5 March in Lilydale before heading off to Malvern Theatre to perform there.

Yering Station marks 20 years for sculpture exhibit

By Callum Ludwig The Yering Station Sculpture exhibition opens to the public from Sunday 27 February, showcasing a magnificent display of artwork from Yarra Valley artists and beyond.

It’s the 20th anniversary of the exhibition, which began as a solely outdoor collection before incorporating a selection of indoor artworks.

Some 58 sculptures from all over Australia have been transported to the winery, situated both indoors and outdoors at Yering Station on display April.

Exhibition Coordinator and Curator at Yering Station Dr Ewen Jarvis said he is invigorated by the exhibition and finds it personally rewarding to interact with the artists and their pieces.

“For me, it’s always creatively and imaginatively enriching to see and engage with different works on a deeper level as the curator,” he said.

“I really have to understand where the artist is coming from to be able to put a show together taking those artistic motivations into consideration.”

There are 12 Yarra Valley-based artists whose work is incorporated in the exhibit and are up for awards, as well as artists from all over Australia. Some artists involved have relocated to Australia from countries such as Japan and Lithuania, giving the exhibition a greater cultural range.

Dr Jarvis said hosting such a wide-reaching exhibition gives Yarra Valley artists and attendees an opportunity to branch out and experience art from around the country and world despite the travel restrictions they’ve faced over the past two years.

“They can travel the world from their own region. We’ve got an amazing survey of sculp14 MAIL

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Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

tures right up and down the east coast of Australia, from Tasmania, including artists from lots of different backgrounds,” he said.

“Exhibition brings a lot of talent outside the region to the region. It is enriching for Yarra Valley artists.”

In total, there are 58 submissions displayed at Yering Station, competing for seven awards, ranging from the top prize of $12,000 to the Winery’s Choice award.

Dr Jarvis said the prizes give successful artists more opportunities to further their careers and diversify their work.

“The winner of the sculpture award 2018 used the prize money to travel on an artistic residency to Iceland. We really encourage and like to see artists using the prize money to extend their practices,” he said.

The establishment of the exhibition came from one such artist acting on a spark of inspiration, a former curator at Yering Station Savaad Felich.

Mr Felich was in a Yarra Valley arts meeting just over 20 years ago, and the question was posed; does anyone have any ideas for doing something in the Valley?

Dr Jarvis said Mr Felich meekly put up his hand and motioned his idea - a sculpture exhibition, held at one of the area’s most famous wineries.

“The rest of the members at the meeting liked the idea. They took a trip to Yering Station which was their first choice,” Dr Jarvis said.

“They sparked up a conversation with Gordon Gebbie who was the general manager at the time and that was how the whole exhibition started.”

All artworks are for sale, and the commission on sculpture sales is divided between My Room Children’s Cancer Charity and Yarra Valley Arts.

Towards the Horizon by Peter Butterworth.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Healesville artist Jenny Reddin. 268955 mailcommunity.com.au

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MAIL 15

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 069

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

3 2

1 3 4 2

8 9 9 3

4

3 2 3 9

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

6

1 8 2

7

4 6 7

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Support for a column (8) Soul (6) 70s’ dance genre (5) Oceangoing (9) If not (6) 16th US president (7) Manacles or fetters (8) Counsel (6) Mournful (6) Island group in the Indian Ocean (8) Silly talk (7) Avoidance road (6) Central American country (9) Cavalry sword (5) Acacia shrub; OJ-andchampagne (6) Partisan (8)

1 5 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 24 27 28 29 30

No. 069

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1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23

25 26

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3 LETTERS AGO

6 9 8 2

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9-LETTER WORD

4 LETTERS EBBS

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”.

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Today’s Aim: 21 words: Good 31 words: Very good

S

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AURAL BASKS BYTES CHAMP

EDIT CREST HAMS LAWN LUGS MALL

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1 2 7 9 4 6 5 8 3

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7 4 9 5 6 2 1 3 8

9 6 3 7 2 4 8 5 1

4 7 2 1 5 8 3 9 6

8 5 1 6 9 3 4 2 7

6 1 4 5 7 8 3 9 2

3 9 5 4 6 2 1 7 8

2 7 8 9 1 3 4 5 6

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9 4 7 8 5 6 2 3 1

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5 8 2 6 3 4 1 9 7

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

10

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medium

easy

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14

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

IDS

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PERK

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IDEAL

SLOG

IRATE

SNIP

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SWIM

KYLIE

YELL

LARVA LOOSE

5 LETTERS

MAKER

AGILE

MARTS

MEANT MESSY NICER NYLON OARED OILED PLANE POOLS RODEO SALTS SEEDY SERVE SLUGS SPACE SPIRE STOKE STOMP SYRUP TREED TURNS UDDER WASTE

WELTS

ORANGES

YODEL

REPTILE

6 LETTERS

8 LETTERS

ANSWER

APPARENT

CASUAL

ASSAULTS

GEARED

CADENCES

RAGERS

LIAISONS

7 LETTERS

11 LETTERS

ALREADY

ACCOMPANIST

CENSORS

PLEASANTEST

CRESTED MARITAL

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MAIL 17

NEWS

Forging ahead with solar Mooroolbark and Yarra Glen’s Men’s Shed will be some of the next community facilities to receive solar panels part of the Yarra Ranges Council installations program this month.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said these systems would help community groups to reduce power bills while lessening their environmental footprint.

“When you’re running a community group, the budget is always somewhere front-ofmind – making sure ends meet while carrying out your work,” he said.

“By installing solar panels on Men’s Sheds and other community facilities, we’ll be able to help take some strain away by reducing energy bills, meaning groups can make sure their budget goes to their work, their materials and helping others – instead of to keeping the lights on.”

Further installations at the CIRE community school and Golden Wattle Club will be taking place this month.

The roll out of solar panel installations on community buildings continues in the Yarra Ranges.

Two Chirnside Park preschools will also get upgrades for LED lighting.

“The flow-on benefit is that these groups will be able to rely less on the grid and reduce their environmental footprint.

“The panels installed on the Men’s Sheds have been repurposed from buildings removed as part of the Civic Centre Redevelopment in Lilydale – panels that are in great condition, with plenty of working life ahead and can now benefit the community as they have benefitted Council over recent years.

“These latest installations follow a bundle of preschool solar installations last year, which were funded by the Federal Government and installed by Council, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to help roll out solar systems through the community.”

Council has installed nearly 4000 solar panels to date, on over 50 public and community facilities.

These solar installation projects align with Council’s Liveable Climate Plan, which outlines major goals for reducing Council’s environmental impacts and switching to renewable energy – such as 100 per cent renewable energy use in Council services and infrastruc-

ture from 2030, net zero operational spend on electricity by 2040 and net zero emissions by 2040.

Cr Child said this work involves projects across different areas of Council, such as an upcoming energy audit and community climate change project.

“Through the next six months, we’ll be undertaking energy audits at 19 community facilities, so we can understand what improvements can be made to increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts,” he said.

“This project has been funded by Sustainability Victoria’s Community Climate Change and Energy Action grants, and we’ll have more to share with the community soon.

“I encourage everyone in the community to visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/sustainability to see what else our teams are working on, or find tips for how they can live a bit lighter on the earth.”

‘Get Active’ vouchers available again for sports clubs Lilydale sports clubs and organisations have the opportunity to apply to become a registered activity provider to make community sport more affordable for all families.

Community Sport minister Ros Spence announced on Tuesday 15 February that registrations opened for clubs and organisations to become a Get Active Kids Activity Provider ahead of round four of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program opening in March.

“By applying to be a registered activity provider, clubs will not only gain more members, they’ll be helping more families and kids experience the benefits of

community sport,” she said.

“We know the vouchers have been highly successful, with almost 30 per cent of recipients so far joining a sports club for the first time, that’s thousands of young people who wouldn’t have been able to get involved if it weren’t for the program.”

The voucher program previously helped 33,000 families finding it difficult to afford the costs associated with club fees, registration, equipment and uniforms to pay and then be reimbursed through the program.

This year clubs and sporting organisations can register as a provider, which al-

lows families to sign their kids up using the voucher up front and reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Families will be able to apply for a voucher up to $200 through round four of the program next month and will then be required to submit the voucher to their local sporting club.

Clubs and sporting organisations will then be able to redeem the voucher from the Government.

To be eligible for registration as an activity provider, clubs and sporting organisations must be affiliated with a recognised State

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL 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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Volunteers

VOLUNTEERS 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.

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.

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A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants and international students up to 18 years at the time of application.

Eligible clubs can register now at getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.

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SPORT

Netball player drought

By Mikayla van Loon After two years of cancelled sport, some netball clubs across the Lilydale and Yarra Valley Netball Association (LYVNA) have been struggling to attract players across the younger age groups for the winter season.

Bimbadeen Blaze Netball Club vice president Ali James said there has been a real lack of interest across all age groups but particularly the under 11s, under 13s and under 15s.

“The dynamics of the club have changed this year because a lot of the under 17s have gone on to do bigger and better things, like play Rep and state and that sort of stuff,” she said.

“It’s an issue with a lot of the younger siblings as well, some have gone onto a different club. A few people decided not to continue on.”

For Mooroolbark’s Rolling Hills Netball Club, secretary Jacki Doyle said interest in the sport from returning players has remained, with at least 90 per cent of previous players coming back in 2022 across all age groups but there are still spots to fill.

“We’ve found ourselves in a situation where we’ve got too many players for one team and not quite enough to make two. So we’re trying to facilitate as many kids getting the opportunity to play as we can. So we’re looking to try and complete two teams [of under 11s],” she said.

Because children haven’t played a full season in two years, Ms Doyle said there have been some changes to the team structures at Rolling Hills.

“With kids ageing up and not having seen them play for a couple of years, it means we’re needing to change teams around a little bit and just get a few more players in and it can be girls or boys to give us the opportunity to give as many kids a chance as we can.”

Ms Doyle and Ms James both said it would be ideal to have eight or nine players for each team, particularly because isolation requirements for children are still not known.

“So we’re really trying to make sure that teams have enough players every week,” Ms Doyle said.

Ms James said Bimbadeen Blaze really had to encourage parents this year to return to the club but she is not sure why there has been such a decline.

“I’m not really sure to be completely honest with you. We’ve got two under 11s registered,

Netball clubs that play in the LYVNA competition have been struggling to fill teams for the upcoming winter season. 243323 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS we’ve got some 13s and 15s, which we can do as a mixed team, but it’s not ideal.

“It’s been a tough recruit this season, that’s for sure.”

Bimbadeen’s registration numbers are sitting around 50 per cent less than what they would normally be in a regular season.

With the popularity of football especially for young girls, Ms James said she thinks that could be having an impact on recruiting.

“I think that introduction of something different for them as well, that’s probably

a bit appealing.

“A lot of kids are playing footy now and it just might be too much playing netball on Saturday and playing footy on a Sunday.”

Ms James said after the last couple of years being as difficult as they have been for many people in the community, she wouldn’t be surprised if people just need a breather, before getting back into weekend sport and regular commitments.

Looking ahead to the season, Ms Doyle said she can’t wait to have the kids back on the

court enjoying themselves.

“I think a bit of consistency for the kids would be a really good thing to have happen.

We’ve had a couple of really interrupted years.

“I play and I coach, so it would be that ability to give them a bit of consistency and really give them the opportunity to develop their game and get that fitness and fun back.”

Registrations for both clubs need to be finalised by Friday 25 February, with Bimbadeen offering free registration and both clubs offering free uniforms.

Barkers fall at first hurdle, losing 2-4 to Riversdale

By Peter Stephenson Glorious sunshine greeted the two sides at the Kennel for Barkers soccer club’s earliest start to a season since 1995.

Solovyev was playing his 150th game.

Dube returned to the Kennel following spells elsewhere and as usual, the first game of the season saw some debuts, with Scott, Higgins, Clark and Sankoh joining the club.

Barkers had the first chance on four minutes. A free kick for handball saw Clarke send a dipping shot over the bar. Soon, another free kick saw Tronconi send a looping header over. On the quarter hour, Nittoli sent a long shot past the far post in a lively start for the hosts.

Dales’ first chance came on 18 minutes from a free-kick on halfway. This found Rogan, who turned smartly on the edge of the box before shooting over. Barkers replied with Perrin curling a free-kick to the far post, where Tronconi nipped in to touch the ball just wide.

How suddenly the game then changed.

Dales had a corner on the left which wasn’t cleared, and when Naumowicz elected to stay on his line, a looping cross found Rogan close to goal, and he scored from close range to make it 1-0 to Riversdale. Three minutes later, Naumowicz hesitated on the ball, allowing Turudia to nip in and score into the unguarded net – 2-0 Riversdale.

Dales were now playing confidently, but eventually Barkers began to settle and knock mailcommunity.com.au

Mooroolbark Soccer Club had an unfortunate start to an early season. the ball around nicely. On the stroke of halftime, Perrin curled another menacing freekick to the far side, which eluded everyone and went straight into the net. Half-time: Mooroolbark 1-2 Riversdale.

The second half began well for the hosts, with Scott somehow wriggling free from a tight spot in the corner to find Clark, who hit a low shot at Nick Goss in the Dales’ goal.

Then Barkers hustled Dales off the ball and Sankoh had a look at goal, but his shot was

Picture: ON FILE

comfortable for the keeper.

On 66 minutes Dales had a slick passing move down the left when Reno Damianou found Rogan, whose close-range shot was well parried by Naumowicz. Seven minutes later, the Barkers keeper made two great saves in succession while Dales had a penalty claim waved away. Dales then forced a series of dangerous corners which a desperate Barkers finally cleared.

With time running out, Atanasovski shot

from the left, and a Dales defender was panicked into putting the ball into his own net – so it was 2-2 and extra-time beckoned.

Seven minutes into the first period, Dales’ Zachary Hutchison blasted a free-kick into the Barkers wall. It rebounded out to Zwalf, who hit an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to restore Dales’ lead at 3-2. Barkers almost replied immediately when Buglass went on a run, his low shot forcing Goss to parry, and the followup shot went wide. Just before the break, a shot from Turudia forced yet another good save from Naumowicz to keep Barkers in the tie.

In the first minute of the second period, Atanasovski curled the ball in for Buglass, who didn’t quite get on the end of it. On 112 minutes, Dales’ Andrew Damianou shot from the right, forcing Naumowicz to tip the ball over the bar. He then turned another shot round his post from Luca Micalessi. Alas – from the ensuing corner, Barkers managed to put the ball into their own net to send Riversdale, probably deservedly, into round three.

It’s a few weeks before the league season begins, so next for Barkers is a friendly at home to Eltham on 26 February, kick-offs at 1pm and 3pm.

Line-up: Mark Naumowicz, Dan Burrows, Brett Tronconi, Geordie Scott, Steve Nittoli, Nhlanhla Dube, Daniel Higgins, Edward Clark, Bryce Ziada, Sean Perrin, Maxim Solovyev. Subs used – Max Burrows, Michael Samardzija, Dushaan Atanasovski, Jack Buglass, Imran Sankoh.

Tuesday, 22 February, 2022

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