Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 31st January 2023

Ranges Trader

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

Driver sentenced for crash which killed Belgrave South woman

Locals praised with council awards

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Mail CFA member honoured with Australian Fire Service Medal

Cockatoo businesses targeted by vandals

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A Star News Group Publication

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Students return

By Parker McKenzie

Students Archie and Lilly returned to school on Monday 30 January for the first day of term one.

Upwey South Primary School captains Lillie, Lucy, Angus and Evan. vourite subject, maths, and also graduating at the end of the year.

“I don’t want to leave primary school,” she said.

“We have to go to a new place.”

This year, every prep student at a government received a bag containing books, a ruler, a world map jigsaw, SunSmart stickers and a frisbee. In a statement, Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said she’d like to wish every

student returning to school this week the best of luck in the coming year.

“It’s an exciting time filled with new friends, learning and experiences that shape you forever.” She said.

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Schools throughout the Dandenong Ranges returned on Monday 30 January for another year of learning and development, after a break over the Christmas holidays and new years.

At Upwey South Primary School, students from grades one to six excitedly resumed their educations and tearfully said goodbye to their parents after the summer holidays.

Principal Damien Kitch said it was great to see so many smiling faces on the first day.

“It reflected how excited we were to see each other again,” he said.

“The sense of belonging for each student really is a feature of the amazing community we have here.”

School captains Angus, Evan, Lilly and Lucy are taking up leadership positions in their final year of schooling at Upwey South Primary School.

Evan and Angus said they were looking forward to wearing their new grade six t-shirts.

“The year fives wear the normal uniform, but when you get to year six you get an Upwey South design with all the students’ names on the back,” Evan said.

“I’m looking forward to my last year of primary school, it’s something I will remember forever,” Angus said.

Lillie said she was looking forward to sports like athletics and swimming in 2023.

“Writing and reading too,” she said.

“I’ve always loved getting a book and reading it.”

Lucy said she was looking forward to her fa-

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IN BRIEF

Horrible cruelty

By Parker McKenzie After two incidents in The Basin involving cruel treatment of native animals, both resulting in the death of a ringtail possum, Victoria Police and the Conservation Regulator have asked the public to provide information that can assist in catching the perpetrators.

In November 2022, a ringtail possum was found dead on Augusta Road having been hit with homemade darts. On 10 January, another ringtail possum was reported to Wildlife Victoria and taken to the Animal Emergency Centre in Mount Waverley for treatment, where it was euthanised because of the injuries it received from the homemade projectile.

Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palma said people need to understand it is a criminal offence to commit cruelty against wildlife.

“If a member of the public comes across an animal that is alive and suffering and will need urgent rescue or veterinarian attention, we ask the public to call Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300,” she said.

“In the case of the ringtail possum, it was sadly euthanised by a vet after a member of the public found it. She called us on that occasion at 9pm at night and we were able to assist.”

The ringtail possum, found on 10 January, was euthanised because of its injuries.

Picture: CRIMESTOPPERS The Conservation Regulator is the Victorian Government body responsible for the regulation of timber harvesting, fire prevention, use of public land, wildlife and biodiversity.

Ms Palma said two incidents are “criminal offences and blatantly cruel”, and deliberate harm has been inflicted on a defenceless native animal.

“The public would be shocked to learn that the deliberate inflicting of harm on our wildlife and individual animal and multiple animal levels is a lot more common than we realize,” she said.

“People need to be vigilant; they need to report their concerns so it can be appropriately investigated.”

She said if a case is reported to Wildlife Victoria, animal rescuers will attend to the animal if it is suspected to be a cruelty matter, the Conservation Regulator and Crimestoppers will be contacted and provided with data and evidence.

“That of course includes things like x-rays and green notes from our own veterinarians,” Ms Palma said.

“In this case, it was a native animal that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. They are unique to us and they are protected under legislation, specifically the Wildlife Act. “For those of us living in areas like The Basin or anywhere in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, we need to deeply appreciate being able to live among our wildlife and understand that our native animals deserve to be treated with respect.”

In Victoria, the penalty for hunting, taking or destroying wildlife is $8,261 to $41,305 and up to 24 months imprisonment. The maximum penalty for aggravated cruelty to an animal is $92,460 and 24 months imprisonment.

Anyone with information about the two incidents is asked to make a confidential report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au The Animal Emergency Centre in Glen Waverley was contacted for comment.

Driver sentenced to jail for fatal crash

By Renee Wood A Healesville mother has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment for drug-driving which resulted in the death of a much loved Belgrave South woman.

Monica Kellalea was driving under the influence on the Melba Highway at 4.55pm 6 February last year when she veered into oncoming traffic, colliding head on with Melinda Addison-Gordon, who died at the scene.

In Judge John Smallwood’s sentencing at the Latrobe Valley County Court on Wednesday 25 February, he chose to only read parts of the victim’s husband’s impact statement.

“I don’t think I can read the victim impact statement out without crying to be honest,” Judge Smallwood said.

“That victim impact statement is why people go to jail for a long time for this type of thing, it’s heart rending....Normally I summarise it but I don’t think I could do it.”

Judge Smallwood relayed the occurrence of events, stating how Kellalea first clipped John Barter’s car, friend to Ms Gordon-Addison, before missing another behind him, only to veer into the opposite lane fully to collide with Ms Gordon-Addison’s car.

Ms Gordon-Addison was driving home after attending a motorcycle event with her husband and friends.

Mr Barter was first on the scene when the crash occurred - it was described as an ‘enormous explosion’.

He went to Ms-Gordon-Addison who lay in the wreckage, talking to her, trying to comfort and reassure her before calling her husband Simon Addison, who was in another vehicle.

Mr Barter also had quick thinking to remove parts of the car to prevent a fire and another witness tied a rope to the car to stop it sliding.

“The actions of Mr Barter in my mind of view were extremely courageous and I think if there’s any sort of public commendation for the way he conducted himself during what must have been a dreadful, dreadful experience, I personally think he should be recommended for it,” Judge Smallwood said.

Judge Smallwood continued his address and read out parts of Mr Addison’s impact statement from when he arrived at the scene.

“John tried to stop me, but how on earth would he stop me from going to my Min? The police allowed me to see Min after I explained I had to see her and say goodbye - how do you say goodbye to the love of your life?

“I sat on the side of the road opposite her car for a bit, just looking and trying to comprehend the scene, what was happening, and figure out from the carnage on the road what happened.

“I walked over to Min’s car. The car was slightly down the embankment and I found my Min hanging halfway out of the car.

“I held her hand, talked to her, and told her that I loved her, and then I had to say goodbye. “God, that was hard: looking into her open, staring eyes. They were open looking at me. I would never see them again.

“Those sparkling smiling beautiful eyes, grey in colour like mine, looked so stark and emotionless when I saw her lying in the car, motionless.”

Judge Smallwood said all of the victim impact statements have proven just how loved the 57 year old mother of two was.

“All of those victim impact statements read of a very loved, very active, very lively country woman – she was involved in the CFA, involved in her community very much involved in dancing – clearly a real contributor to her community and a life long a very, very dear partner to her husband.”

Judge Smallwood went on to acknowledge Kellalea for her early plea of guilty, which saved the family the trauma of having to go through a trial and also saw this as honest remorse for her actions.

Kellalea was also seriously injured in the crash and remains waiting for surgery as a result of injuries.

Judge Smallwood sentenced Kellalea to seven years’ imprisonment for culpable driving causing death, with a four-and-ahalf-year non-parole period and 282 days were marked as already served up to the day of sentencing.

Kia recall Owners of any 2012-2014 Kia XM Sorentos are urged to contact their local Kia dealership to schedule an appointment due to a fault that could cause the vehicle to set on fire.

The heater core element may operate at a higher than intended temperature causing damage to the electrical connector. If this occurs it may result in a vehicle fire.

6006 units are affected.

Those affected will have the heater control relay replaced and the heater core element and the connector inspected and replaced if damaged free of charge.

Level-crossing removal to cause delays Buses will replace trains on parts of the Belgrave and Lilydale Line between 8.30pm Friday 17 February until late May, while a level crossing is removed at Union Station.

“Buses will replace trains on sections of the Belgrave and Lilydale lines while we work 24/7 to dig the 1.3km rail trench, remove the level crossings and build the new premium station,” Level Crossing Removal Project posted on Facebook.

Fire Restrictions come into effect Fire restrictions have commenced in areas of the South East and outer Melbourne, which will bring the entire state under restrictions.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said while the final municipalities to move into fire restrictions have seen a delayed start to the fire season, these areas can expect high fire-risk conditions in the coming weeks.

“We have already seen many of our crews respond to significant fast-spreading grassfires and we can expect these incidents to become more frequent as we experience warmer and drier conditions throughout February,” he said.

“The run of warmer weather this month has led to the grassland curing across the state, which has contributed to increasing fire potential.”

Lost birthday card Police are seeking assistance in returning a lost birthday card found in the Ferntree Gully area on Saturday 14 January.

The card, made out to James, was handed in by an Uber driver to Caulfield Police Station after it was found in the back of the vehicle.

If the original recipient or sender of the card can contact Senior Constable Scott Caulfield on 95249600 with the reference numer 202301S-1360 with further details provided it can be returned.

Free RATs Residents in the Yarra Ranges and Knox City Council areas are eligible to pick up two free packs of RATs. Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the initiative to help with the early detection and treatment of Covid-19.

“All Victorians can now pick up two free packets of rapid antigen tests to ensure they can enjoy their summer safely with their loved ones,” she said in a statement.

Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packs for each member of their household per visit, while people with a disability or a carer can collect up to four packs.

The tests can be picked up from Dorevitch Pathology in Boronia and Ferntree Gully.

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New citizens welcomed

By Parker McKenzie The Yarra Ranges’ 39 newest Australian citizens were joined by family, friends and dignitaries at the Civic Centre in Lilydale, where the council presented them with their citizenship certificates and celebrated their milestone.

Before the ceremony, a pianist played classic Australian songs like Waltzing Matilda to the room, while children and families waved Australian flags provided by Yarra Ranges Council. Yarra Ranges Deputy Mayor Sophie Todorov opened the ceremony before Mayor Jim Child invited Wurundjeri woman Julie Coombes to perform a Welcome to Country.

Mayor Child said it was a special privilege to welcome the new citizens as Australians.

“Australian citizenship symbolizes our unity as a nation, it is the common bond that unites all Australians,” he said.

“Whether you are born here or have chosen to make Australia your home by becoming an Australian citizen, you become a full and formal member of our democratic society.”

Federal MP for Casey Aaron Violi spoke next, reading a message on behalf of Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles.

“Today you join a nation that is one of the world’s most successful multicultural societies with half of all Australians either born overseas or with at least one parent born overseas,” he said.

“We believe in a society where everyone is equal, regardless of their gender, faith, sexual orientation, age, ability, race, national or ethnic origin.”

Those in attendance receiving their citizenships were invited to the front of the room, where they made the pledge of commitment, a legal requirement for becoming an Australian citizen for those over the age of 16.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence, Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino and Mr Violi talked about

Siblings Josh, Jessica May and Joven Mark Mari Crisotomo Athelm received citizenships together.

Pictures: PARKER MCKENZIE

New citizen Nick Farmer was joined by his partner Kat Owen at the ceremony.

their experiences and the diversity within the Yarra Ranges and Australia, before Mayor Child invited everyone to join in singing the National Anthem. Councillors Fiona MacAllister, David Eastham, Tim Heenan, Andrew Fullagar and Len Cox were also in attendance.

After the ceremony, those receiving their citizenships spoke to the Star Mail about how they planned to spend their first day as Australian citizens.

Siblings Josh, Jessica May and Joven Mark Mari Crisotomo Athelm received their citizenship together, after emigrating separately from the Philippines over the last 10 years.

ra said she would be going home to celebrate with her parents and family, who were visiting from Sri Lanka, before doing a photoshoot at Lillydale Lake.

“Since moving, my life slowed down in a way that I could find myself and I am grateful for Australia. I have time for my own development and to give something back to the country,” she said.

“The situation in Sri Lanka wasn’t easy, coming here and having time to focus on myself and my family is the most important thing.

It wasn’t easy for me to leave my country, but Australia has become my second home.”

“We’ll probably have a barbeque,” Josh joked.

“We will go out for lunch in the city together and celebrate.” Emma Fautle said she moved from Canada to Australia over five years ago.

“We’ll be going home to eat more lamingtons,” she said, with the remains of the first batch still on her young son Kody’s face.

Nick Farmer and Kat Owen said they’d be going to Lake Eildon to celebrate Mr Farmer receiving his citizenship, who moved to Australia from Cornwall in England.

“It’s almost seven years to the day,” he said.

Kuda Arachchillage Madhavi Chandraseka-

We’re removing level crossings on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 67 already gone.

Deputy Mayor Sophie Todorov spoke alongside other dignitaries.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions From 8.30pm 17 Feb to late May

On sections of the lines

244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 3777

Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert

From 9pm 17 Feb to early May At the level crossing

Union Road, Surrey Hills

From 9pm 17 Feb to early May At the level crossing

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Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

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Road disruptions: Closed roads

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Leader for youth

By Tyler Wright Tecoma local Willow Swaneveld describes her life throughout the past couple of years as a video game in which she is levelling up too fast.

“I feel like I’m in a video game and I’ve got cheat codes or something,” 21-year-old Willow said.

In March 2021, Willow’s father Jamin passed away in a motorcycle accident leaving behind daughter Willow, son BJ and wife Marcia.

If that tragedy wasn’t enough, the Swaneveld’s Cockatoo home was destroyed seven months later by a fallen tree during a storm on 29 October.

“The house has been completely demolished now,” Willow said.

“It took 51 weeks for them to demolish it...

It got harder and harder to look at and smell.”

In 2022, Willow began sharing her story in hopes of helping other young people not feel alone.

She took part in the Big Anxiety Festival’s Hard Place/Good Place exhibition, where she was interviewed about her experience during the storm and had 3D scans taken of her home, which were then turned into a virtual reality experience for viewers.

“A friend of mine who we worked with, she’s part of the Windermere Foundation, she suggested I put my name in for this exhibition that was being hosted, and again, I thought, ‘what could I possibly contribute to something like that?’”

“But after a few phone calls and emails, I realised that it was actually happening and it sounded so exciting.

“I started getting really excited to see what was going to happen and what was going to come of it, and started meeting all these incredible people that were a part of it and that made it something from nothing.”

Willow said it was “bittersweet” seeing her experience feature in an exhibition.

“Putting so much pain into the same thing that you’re pouring so much passion into was

21-year-old Willow Swaneveld was named Yarra Ranges Council’s Young Citizen of the Year in 2023.

Picture: YRC such a bizarre feeling,” she said.

“But having so much feedback, and so many people tell me that I’m brave for doing this. I’m not brave, I just wanted to let people know that they weren’t alone in what they were dealing with.”

Willow also shared her story with first responders and council members as part of a presentation at Exercise East, to help agencies learn how to approach emergency situations with empathy, particularly towards young people.

“Standing in front of 200 or so men in uniform with a microphone in my hand definitely felt like a bit of a fever dream trying to tell them what to do and how to feel,” she said.

“But it was validating to know that they were there to listen because in a lot of instances, with everything that’s happened with my dad and his motorbike accident and the tree and waiting for help, it was nice to finally be listened to.”

For Willow’s efforts sharing her story ensuring others feel seen and heard, she was named Young Citizen of the Year at Yarra Ranges Council’s 2023 Australia Day Awards ceremony on Thursday 26 January.

Her first thought when she received a voicemail from the Mayor’s office was “these scammers are getting so good”.

“What could I have to do with the Mayor’s office?,” she thought.

“I walked over to my manager and I said ‘hey, I know this is weird, I think I’ve received a call from the mayor’s office, do you mind if I duck outside?’ And he had the same reaction I did.

“I could not have imagined that an opportunity like this would ever come my way, let alone to be awarded for taking part in it.”

Willow said she sympathises with emergency service personnel who have procedures to follow, but it is important them to acknowledge that world of the family and children affected has been flipped on its head.

“The easiest way to describe it would be that our world got drained of colour, so it’s trying to describe living in black and white to someone that can see something so vivid,” she said.

“Having that kind of mindset of, ‘I do have a job to do, but I have to remember that I’ve got to do a bit of teeth pulling to do it, and that’s going to affect the person’...that’s hard.”

This year, Willow would like to get involved in anything that spreads the message of young people experiencing trauma.

“I don’t want to stop talking. I don’t want to stop listening to people and what they have to say.

“I think it’s super important that we don’t shy away from hard conversations like that.”

Two hills community groups recognised

By Tyler Wright Community groups in the Hills have been recognised for their work in the Dandenong Ranges at Yarra Ranges Council’s Australia Day award ceremony on Thursday 26 January.

The Philanthropic Collective and Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands were both announced as joint recipients of the Community Group of the Year Award.

“We were surprised...we don’t nominate ourselves, but we do understand that recognising our volunteers is important,” Philanthropic Collective events director Andrew Fillip-Gautier said.

“That’s why we accepted the award - and we were thrilled, of course.”

With the ethos of ‘doing everything with good will,’ the group has supplied enough food for 240,000 meals to more than 2000 families over six years, including women in family violence situations.

“We will often see people when they’re broken at their lowest point,” Mr Fillip-Gautier said.

“Sometimes women in those situations, ‘how do I feed my family? How do I feed my kids?’ - that’s the first port of call.

“To take that stress away, knowing that each week your food will be taken care of, is a huge relief for people.”

The Philanthropic Collective also holds the annual Halloween on the Green event, which brings thousands of visitors to the Dandenong Ranges each year.

“We managed to pull 60 tonne from landfill each year, and whatever is spoilage goes to the community garden in Belgrave,” Mr FillipGaultier said.

The Philanthropic Collective’s Free Food Program partners include local eateries like Proserpina and Mountain Wholefoods, as well as Woolworths and Aldi stores in the region.

“The wonderful thing is when you’ve had people rely on the food boxes for a year or so and then come to you and say ‘we’re back on mailcommunity.com.au

The Philanthopic Collective was named Community Group of the Year at Yarra Ranges Council’s Australia Day Awards ceremony on Thursday 26 January.Philanthropic Collective committee member Rosalind Mackay (right) and events director Andrew Fillip-Gautier (centre) are pictured with the Yarra Ranges Mayor Councillor Jim Child.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT our feet, we don’t need it anymore, give it on to another family’,” committee member Rosalind Mackay added.

“It’s very rewarding when you see that a food box per week over a whole year has really helped them survive.”

For 21 years, Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands has cared for the reserve in Upwey; removing car bodies and countless piles of rubbish, installing fencing and removing invasive plants.

Since 2001, the group has worked with Yarra Ranges Council, Melbourne Water and other experts to rehabilitate the site which once was dairy farming and a quarry and four-wheeldrivers and dirt bike riders, into a picturesque area with an amphitheatre, picnic area and frog ponds.

Now with some 80 plus financial members, and continuing to retain the reserve’s natural environment, members have accepted the title

of Community Group of the Year in 2023.

“It’s wonderful to receive some recognition from the council who’ve been a big stakeholder and participant alongside of us throughout that 21 years,” president Jackson Ellis said.

Mr Ellis said the main activity of the group is keeping invasive species at bay.

“Every working bee involves some of that, and then undertaking some infrastructure upgrades to the entrances of the reserve to make it more accessible and to help people find their way around the reserve,” he said.

“Improving the ecological value of the reserve and providing an amenity for the public to enjoy the space and for participation so that other people can then learn a bit about the local environment and contribute in their own ways.”

Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands also contributes to research activities by conducting local water surveys for fauna and has worked with Deakin University on surveying the local Powerful Owl population.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said this year’s recipients share a passion for improving the world around them.

“It’s been a rough few years for our community – in some ways, we’re bouncing back and, in others, we’ve got a while to go,” Cr Child said.

“But through adversity, through loss and the uphill battle of pushing for better, we have so many people locally who are willing to put their hand up, to set aside their time and dedicate their skills to improve the world around them.

He said the council’s awards this year celebrate a variety of people of all ages who put in effort to make the Yarra Ranges the best it can be.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners and our certificate recipients. Each one of these people is someone who we’re proud to have in our corner of the world, people that inspire others to do better, try harder and live with more empathy and kindness.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child with Environmental Achiever of the Year Jane Hollands.

Picture: TYLER WRIGHT

Deserved awards

By Parker McKenzie Two hills locals’ work protecting the environment has resulted in recognition from Yarra Ranges Council, receiving environmental awards on Australia Day. On January 26, Jane Hollands received the Environmental Achiever of the Year award for her efforts to protect the natural environment of the Dandenong Ranges.

Ms Hollands said it was special to be recognised for her role as President of the Friends of Sassafras Creek.

“We work along the area of Sassafras Creek and we are concerned about maintaining the biodiversity there,” she said.

“It is very long and thin and has been severely impacted by a lot of issues enrolled by people living near there, weeds getting into it and deer are another one.”

Ms Hollands is also a member of the Community Weed Alliance of the Dandenongs.

She said she has been environmentally focused for most of her life but became particularly involved in the 1990s.

“In areas where habitat has been lost and some plants are no longer there, we seeking to put those plants back to maintain the right diversity,” she said.

“I couldn’t do the work I do if I didn’t have a very passionate group of people, both in the work we do and in the back working in social media. I can’t thank them enough for the work and the contribution that they make.”

11-year-old Allora Cumming won the Young Environmental Achiever of the Year award, for her dedication to protecting the environment and native wildlife in the Yarra Ranges.

She said she has raised money for a local wildlife shelter in Emerald by selling cupcakes.

“I did a post about reducing plastic, I’m trying to reduce plastic and I’m a vegetarian as well,” Ms Cumming said.

“It’s just really important because it’s where we live and to encourage other people to help the environment.”

She was awarded the School Environmental Leadership role at Tecoma Primary School in 2023 and volunteers with a local Food is Free program, helping cook meals for people in need throughout the local community.

Her mother Helen said she has encouraged Allora to be environmentally minded but it isn’t something she is required to do.

She’s done brilliantly and taking it upon herself. Knowing the fundraiser was all her idea, we’re proud,” she said.

“It’s lovely that there is this sort of award and it is a wonderful achievement.”

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Top honour for local firey

By Parker McKenzie Ferntree Gully CFA’s Robert ‘Toddy’ Small was honoured with an Australian Fire Services Medal during the Australia Day honours, for his decades long commitment to firefighting.

“It’s certainly very nice to receive the award.

It’s an honour, a humbling experience,” he said.

“But it’s also about other people; I think that’s important to remember.”

Mr Small received his AFSM for over 47 years volunteering with the CFA, first at Bayswater Fire Station in 1974 and then at the Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade since 1984.

He said firefighting has been a “family tradition.”

“Both my eldest brothers and brother-in-law were members and I just sort of got dragged down there at Bayswater, and aside from the move up the gully, I’m still there,” he said.

“It’s changed a lot: some of it for the better, some of it not so much for the better. Equipment-wise, training-wise, we are a lot better off, but I guess the world was a lot simpler, it was a simpler organisation, just like everything in life.”

Mr Small’s daughters Darcy and Matilda have followed in his footsteps by joining the CFA, with his youngest daughter Tilly still a part of Ferntree Gully CFA and coming up on a decade of service.

He said he has made lifelong friends within the organisation, including some who he first met in Bayswater over 47 years ago.

“Once you make friends, and there are people all over the state that I’ve met, you might not see them for two or three years but when you run into each other again it’s like nothing has changed,” he said.

“When I got into the CFA I guess that sort of became my hobby and that’s why I’ve stuck at it. It became almost an unpaid part-time job.”

Mr Small has fought fires all across the state

Ferntree Gully CFA’s Robert ‘Toddy’ Small was honoured with an Australian Fire Services Medal during the Australia Day honours, for his decades-long commitment to firefighting.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE and was captain of Ferntree Gully CFA during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. He has also taken a leading role in training, volunteer input into equipment and procedural innovations.

He said he has also travelled interstate to News South Wales, Queensland and South Australia during his service with the CFA, which also included leadership roles across Bayswater and Knox.

“Some of the other people that received AFSMs in Victoria today have been around for quite a bit longer than I have and have equally

given to the community for long periods of time in different ways,” he said.

“Anybody that receives one should see it as a real honour and become part of a fairly small group of people who are rightly being recognised for the service that they’re put in.”

Mr Small thanked whoever nominated him — adding that he doesn’t know who it was — and his family for supporting him throughout his service in the CFA. “Ultimately, everybody’s got a family of one sort or another sitting at home, waiting for

them, either eating dinner or being late going out somewhere or missing out, getting away for holidays because they’re tied up doing other things,” he said.

“It’s nice for me to receive the award but it’s as much a recognition for my family, for what they put up with over the full 47 years, but certainly about 30 of it anyway, missing out on all sorts of things over the time because I’ve been tied up or disappearing for fires interstate for ten days.”

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Beardshaw tops awards Shelley Beardshaw was announced as Cardinia Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year at an award ceremony held on Wednesday 25 January at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham.

From the time Shelly Beardshaw arrived in Melbourne with her young family in 1990, she has generously given her time to local schools and organisations.

Friends of Shelley say that while she has a passion for children, she genuinely cares for her whole community at large.

Shelley has improved the wellbeing of numerous children, new mothers, teachers, and seniors by volunteering wherever she saw the need. She has stepped up into roles on various committees, including as secretary of the Emerald Village Association in 2021.

Shelly has enduring energy, an uplifting presence, and a welcoming attitude toward everyone she meets, while also supporting her own family.

The Cardinia Shire Council Australia Day 2023 award winners are: Citizen of the year: Shelley Beardshaw Senior citizen of the year: Audrey Dodson Young citizen of the year: Ace SimpsonBraden Community event of the year: Cardinia Men’s Shed Senior-tivity Day The awards ceremony was an opportunity

· · · ·

Shelley Beardshaw (front, second from left) was named Cardinia Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year in 2023. for Council and community to recognise and show gratitude for the efforts of so many volunteers across the Shire who work tirelessly, year-in and out to serve and improve their local communities.

Djirri Djirri dance at dawn

By Mikayla van Loon On a day of survival and mourning for First Nations people, female only Wurundjeri dance group Djirri Djirri, who are the Traditional Custodians of the Yarra Valley region, joined hundreds of people in the city on 26 January.

The dancers performed alongside other dance groups at a dawn service in Kings Domain from 5am, then marched in the Invasion Day Rally, finishing off the day by dancing at the Share the Spirit Festival at Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

“Survival Day in the term itself describes that we as a community, people, culture have survived attempted genocide and are growing in cultural strength every day as we face the many hurdles of modern day living,” Djirri Djirri founder Mandy Nicholson said.

“The dawn service [honoured] those who have lost their lives in the little known wars of this Country, the Frontier Wars, and those women, babies, children and warriors who were massacred at the hand of the invader.

“All of these events are family friendly but also truth telling as it has been way too long hidden under the Great Australian Silence of what truly happened in the Country.”

Returning to Share the Spirit, a festival created by Songlines Aboriginal Music, Djirri Djirri were able to share in the theme ‘Continuum: Those Who Tell Their Story In Song’.

As the only female-only group to dance and sing in the Woiwurrung language, the native tongue of the Wurundjeri people, keeping the

language alive is essential to culture and story.

“This is something that is so important in the past as today and into the future. Language is the underpinning key to cultural survival, without language our spirit becomes lost,” Mandy said.

“We have no fluent speakers of our Mother Tongue as well as the other 38 recognised languages of what is now referred to as Victoria.

“Djirri Djirri are trying to change this by creating songs in Woiwurrung and empowering our young girls and women to be able to speak and sing in language, something we as adults did not have the opportunity to do due to the effects of invasion.”

All Djirri Djirri dancers are Wurundjeri by bloodline “connected to our Matriarch, Borate (Annie), (Berak) William Barak’s sister. Berak was the first freedom fighter in what is now referred to as Victoria.”

The traditions of dance and song are passed down through generations of the female line, to celebrate the gift Djirri Djirri (Willy Wagtail) gave to its custodians - the gift of dance.

“We are all cousins, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, nieces and sisters all sharing culture together. We also encourage First Nation girls from other mobs to join us in dance performances as well as ceremony that we do every year,” Mandy said.

Dancers honour Liwik (Ancestors), Kerrup-non (Family), Biik (Country) and animals in performances, beginning sometimes as young as three-years-old.

Djirri Djirri began dancing alongside dance groups at a Kings Domain dawn service.

Pictures: SUPPLIED mailcommunity.com.au

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Tammy Radford congratulated all nominees and thanked them for their contributions to making Cardinia Shire, and our country more widely, a fantastic place to live, work and play.

Picture: SUPPLIED

“On behalf of Council, I would like to extend our gratitude to all of this year’s Australia Day Award 2023 nominees for their outstanding work within our community,” the Mayor said.

Knox locals honoured

By Parker McKenzie Knox Australia Day Awards saw Ferntree Gully locals honoured for their service to the local community in a wide variety of ways.

Knox Citizen of the Year Ricky Baldwin received his award for his commitment and service to the local community.

He is the founder of Victoria’s first Indigenous basketball academy, Koorie Academy, and supports the community in other ways including donations to people in need, being a board director with Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place and working with the National Basketball League to support the Indigenous round.

Mr Baldwin said he is a proud Aboriginal man who grew up in Knox his entire life.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to my mentors who have guided me with wisdom and knowledge over the years, including Barry Bonds and Charles Williams,” he said.

“This award means a lot to me and my family, a very proud and proactive Aboriginal family in the Knox community.” He said he would like to accept the award in honour of his mother Mary Helen Darby, who was part of the stolen generation.

“It’s 2023, I’m very honored to be the first Aboriginal man to receive this award,” he said.

“Knox has one of the largest indigenous populations in Victoria, and I hope that in the future we see more Aboriginal women and men are see such awards and have a more inclusive representation within their Knox community.

“January 26 is not a day to celebrate for my people.”

Noel Addicot received the Senior Citizen of the Year award for his volunteer work with Meals on Wheels.

He said he first started volunteering with Meals on Wheels in November 2004.

“Bayswater was the location and that operation was vastly different to the ones now operating from the Knox Council headquarters,” he said.

“I started as a relief driver; if a volunteer coordinator was unavailable I was it.

I covered every run we had in those days.

I started on two days a week and later graduated to three. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the recipients who needed to receive meals.” He said the average person living in suburban Melbourne has no idea how much the less fortunate people rely on the contribution and human contact

Knox Citizen of the Year Ricky Baldwin received his award for his commitment and service to the local community.

Picture: SUPPLIED given by volunteers.

“The human contact is almost as important as the food we deliver,” he said.

“There are many out there who have been volunteering longer than I, we all get back more from the people to whom we deliver just from the thanks we receive on a daily basis.”

Knox TAC L2P volunteer John Draffin was the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award, for assisting learner drivers without access to supervising drivers or vehicles to gain the required 120 hours of experience.

“In the case of young adults, it can provide them with the ability to assist with further education, employment opportunities and in some cases helping other family members who are not able to thrive to make medical appointments and other day to day activities,” Mr Draffin said.

“If you are considering volunteering, I can highly recommend it and I’m absolutely certain you will get more from it than what you put in.”

Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve President Rowan Jennion won the Sustainability Leadership Award for his passionate environmental conservation work.

“I’ve been shocked when seeing that our local creeks are heavily polluted and turning different colours. It’s caused by people knowingly or unknowingly dumping pollutants down Stormwater drains,” he said.

“That’s not fair to the native fish, eels, frogs and yabbies they rely on clean water to live in our creeks.

“More needs to be done by governments, businesses and individuals. It’s time to change how we think about street drains that are in front of our houses or businesses.”

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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MP calls for Voice details

By Parker McKenzie Casey MP Aaron Violi has called for more detail about an Indigenous Voice to Parliament before Australians head to vote on the referendum later this year, but believes there needs to be real action to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, both locally and throughout the country.

Currently, the Referendum to enshrine an Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander advisory body into the constitution could happen as early as August, after Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said the legislation would be introduced to Federal Parliament in March.

Mr Violi said like the leader of his Liberal Party, Peter Dutton, he wants to understand the detail of whether local, regional and national bodies will exist within the framework and how they will interact.

“I’ve got a responsibility to this community, to the Casey community and Indigenous Australians in Healesville, because we have a strong Indigenous community, to understand how their voice will be heard in this process,” he said.

“The reality is that the challenges that Indigenous Australians in Casey face are com-

Casey MP Aaron Violi called for more detail on an Indigenous Voice to parliament before deciding whether to support it. Picture: ON FILE pletely different to the challenges for Indigenous Australians in Central Australia.”

Mr Violi said he was passionate about understanding the issue because of his role as a leader in the community, but ultimately the Australian people and residents of his electorates will be the ones to vote on the referendum.

“To win that majority community support, people need to understand what they’re voting

for and what it entails. Not the minutiae detail, but just some of the border context,” he said.

“Ultimately, this process is about delivering tangible outcomes on the ground.”

He said questions of whether the Liberal Party is playing politics on the Voice to Parliament are “disingenuous” and that there is a broad range of views of the referendum.

“We saw yesterday, the Greens senator Lidia Thorpe came out against the voice. An Indigenous colleague of mine Jacinta Price, who’s the senator for the Northern Territory, has come out against The Voice,” he said.

“Asking questions and wanting to understand more is not playing politics, it’s wanting to understand so the community can understand. This isn’t about politicians; this is about people making their vote.”

Ms Thorpe has previously expressed scepticism surrounding the Voice to Parliament and — according to the Sydney Morning Herald — has formally agreed to split with the Greens’ position and oppose the Voice unless she receives assurance from the government to ensure Indigenous sovereignty.

When asked how he would vote on the referendum if it was held tomorrow, Mr Violi said he wouldn’t entertain hypothetical situations

because of his responsibility as a lawmaker.

“The reality is that the government has outlined the timeline of August and I’m really hoping they will listen to the feedback they’re receiving, not just from the Liberals but from the Greens and across the community, that respectfully requests more detail,” he said.

“It was encouraging to see that the Prime Minister has invited Peter Dutton and Julian Leeser, the Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, to meet with the referendum group and understand their thinking on this process.

“We will, and I will continue to engage constructively.”

Mr Violi said Indigenous Australians are the most disadvantaged in the community and he “genuinely believes it’s not from a lack of will or desire or funding.”

“The apology was an important step in reconciliation, but it hasn’t made a tangible difference in closing the gap,” he said.

“I really passionately hope that if it is implemented, it is structured in a way that hears the voices of Indigenous Australians and makes a genuine difference in closing the gap, because that’s what we need to achieve as lawmakers and as a country.”

Showing respect at public pools while keeping cool

By Callum Ludwig

ed

Publish

y

Tuesda

Centre Manager Matthew Phillips at the Lilydale Outdoor Pool.

Mr Phillips said to respect lifeguards, who are there to enforce the rules for everyone’s safety.

“Our lifeguards are a person like anyone else, they’re polite, friendly and will come over and say hello and inform you of anything in a polite and educational way, they’re not making it up as they go along, it’s the same set of rules for everyone,” he said.

“We also have a slogan ‘lifeguards save lives

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

and parents supervise’ all children under the age of 10 must be actively supervised, mum and dad can’t have their heads in a book or on their phone, they must be watching at all time.

Kids under the age of five must be within arm’s reach. Some kids have had swimming lessons and are competent swimmers, but they are still little so they fatigue quickly and don’t know the extent of their ability.”

Important rules to keep in mind include

no running around the pool, no diving in water shallower than 1.8m, no smoking, no vaping, no alcohol and no glass or sharp objects.

Mr Phillips said a public pool facility is crucial to a growing community.

“It’s important we do have access to a facility like this, that everyone is welcome to on the hot days to come and cool down, get their laps in or just come on down and say hello,” he said.

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AVONSLEIGH Avonsleigh News & General Store 445 Belgrave Gembrook Road BELGRAVE Belgrave Newsagency 1704 Burwood Highway BELGRAVE Woolworths Supermarket 1629 Burwood Highway

EMERALD Bell Real Estate 313 Main Street FERNTREE GULLY Upper Ferntree Gully Newsagents, 1202 Burwood Highway FERNTREE GULLY Glenfern Road Milk Bar , 83 Glenfern Road

MONBULK Monbulk Newsagency & Officesmart 76 Main Street OLINDA Monbulk Bowling Club, 11 Moores Road OLINDA Olinda Cellars Shop 7/540 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

BELGRAVE IGA 151 Belgrave-Hallam Road BELGRAVE Chandler & Co Real Estate 1689 Burwood Hwy

FERNTREE GULLY Coles Supermarket Mountain Gate SC Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Woolworths Supermarket Mountain Gate SC

OLINDA Ranges at Olinda 5 Old Main Road OLINDA IGA Supermarket 1526 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

BELGRAVE First National Real Estate 1 Bayview Road BELGRAVE SOUTH Belgrave South Motors 138 Belgrave-Hallam Rd BORONIA Boronia Mall Newsagent Corner Floriston Road & Chandler Road

Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Mountain Gate Newsagency & Lotto Mountain Gate SC 9b Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY Ferntree Gully Authorized Newsagency Shp 2/69 Station Street

OLINDA Bell Real Estate 11 Main Road SASSAFRAS Sassafras General Store 391 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road SILVAN Shell Princi Motors, 275 - 277 Monbulk Road

COCKATOO Ranges First National Shop 2, 24 McBride Street COCKATOO IGA Cockatoo 34 McBride Street

TECOMA BP Service Station 1524 Burwood Highway TECOMA Bon Ton General Store 1537 Burwood Highway

EMERALD Kaye Charles RE 12a Kilvington Drive EMERALD Ritchies SUPA IGA 342 Belgrave-Gembrook Road EMERALD Emerald Village Newsagency 4 Kilvington Drive

FERNTREE GULLY Shell Service Station 1140 Burwood Highway FERNY CREEK Ferny Creek & Post Office 195 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road GEMBROOK Gembrook Post Office& Newsagent 72 Main Street GEMBROOK IGA Supermarket 83/85 Main Street

EMERALD Woolworths Supermarket Belgrave Gembrook Road EMERALD Auto Plus More Petrol Station 365 Main Street

KALORAMA Post Office 1209 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road MONBULK Best Repairs & Accessories Monbulk - 26 Main Road

TREMONT Caltex Service Station 100 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road UPWEY Newsagent 18 Main Street

EMERALD Shell Service Station 336 Main Street EMERALD Barry Plant Real Estate 1/ 321 Main Street

MONBULK Food Express 128 Main Road MONBULK Woolworths Supermarket Main Road & Moores Road

UPWEY IGA Supermarket 62-64 Main Street UPWEY Yarra Ranges Shire Council 40 Main Street

TECOMA O’Brien Real Estate 1567 Burwood Highway TECOMA McDonald’s Restaurant 1529 Burwood Highway THE PATCH The Patch Store and Post office 16 The Patch Road

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12560832-ACM31-22

A day out at the local pool is the best way to cool off in the summer sun. pulling up a picnic rug and parking yourself on the grass for a day of lounging around.

However, there are different rules that apply to your local pool than to the one at your neighbours and it’s important to be considerate of other people during your time there.

Centre Manager of the Lilydale Outdoor Pool Matthew Phillips said to be mindful of other people.

“We are a family pool, so if you are playing music, make sure it’s family-friendly. We also have swimming lanes for dedicated swimmers who come here for their exercise and practice so please stay out of their way and if you are throwing around a ball, be mindful of others around you,” he said.

“The local public pool has a community aspect that you don’t get at home, with likeminded people who come with their families and set up a picnic for the day, so it’s a good opportunity to socialise and make friends but you also must respect their use of the pool too.”

The Lilydale Outdoor Pool is open from 1pm to 6pm every day above 23 degrees in summer.

At least two trained lifeguards are present at the pool every day, with more on busier days and on inflatable Thursdays, held during January. 25 lifeguards in total are employed at the pool.

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NEWS

It’s alleged a number of items were stolen from post boxes at the Cockatoo LPO after several boxes were forcibly opened alleged at about 2.30am on 15 January and around 1.30am on 21 January.

Graffiti on a wall at the rear of the Black Cockatoo Pizza Cafe & Bar.

Vandals hit in Cockatoo

By Tyler Wright There are calls for added police presence on Cockatoo’s McBride Street after a recent spout in vandalism on the town’s main strip.

At 1.20am on Tuesday 24 January, police were called to the local fish and chip shop after reports of a burglary, where they found a smashed window and damage to the front door.

The offenders had left the scene prior to police arrival.

It’s also alleged a number of items were stolen from post boxes at the Cockatoo LPO after several boxes were forcibly opened alleged at about 2.30am on 15 January and around 1.30am on 21 January.

Cockatoo LPO co-licensee Jack Ma said Cockatoo had been safe since he moved from Warburton to work in the area nearly four years ago, and he does not yet know what, or how much, has been stolen from the PO boxes.

“I don’t know why, and they’ve come twice,” Mr Ma said.

Black Cockatoo Pizza Cafe & Bar owner Linden Mitchell said she has seen a spike in vandalism throughout the past 12 months.

“Cars have been broken into, but now they’ve started actually breaking into businesses,” she said.

A big roller has also been used to tag a wall at the rear of Ms Mitchell’s business, as well as the neighbouring op-shop.

“Tagging has all started again... on my back wall... it’s huge tagging and I can’t fix it.”

Despite the Emerald Police Station being

Black Cockatoo Pizza Cafe & Bar owner Linden Mitchell said there needs to be more police surveillance along Cockatoo’s main street.

Pictures: TYLER WRIGHT located nearby, it is not manned 24 hours a day, and Ms Mitchell said there is “no police presence” in town.

“This area needs police patrols of a night

time,” she said.

Another business owner on McBride Street, who chose not to be named, said they are “petrified” of being the next business to

have its windows smashed.

“Every weekend I carry all my antique photos, jewellery, I keep it all with me,” the business owner said.

“That’s why I don’t like the vandalism at the moment, because we’re all still trying to recover from Covid...and I don’t want to lose clients because they don’t feel safe to come here.”

A Victoria Police spokesperson said while the Emerald Police Station is a non-24 hour station, Victoria Police provides a 24/7 response to the local community.

“Uniform police conduct regular day and night time patrols across Cockatoo, responding to and investigating crime,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said Uniform Police patrols are supported by specialist units, working across the Cardinia area to keep the community safe.

“This includes Highway Patrol keeping local roads safe, Divisional Response and Crime Investigation Units who actively identify and arrest some of the communities worst offenders, and the Cardinia Tasking Unit who listen and respond to any and all community concerns.

“It is far more effective to have uniform police and these specialist units out in the community, rather than sitting behind a desk at a police station.”

Investigations remains ongoing and police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or lodge a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au.

Safer infrastructure calls after Emerald NBN outage

By Tyler Wright Emerald residents are calling on safer infrastructure after a recent nbn outage left some without internet for days.

A damaged cable near Caroline Crescent and Sydney Avenue at around 4pm meant local Non Blair and her husband, had to find another place to work out of their home from Saturday 21 January up until Wednesday 25 January.

“We have to walk to the top of the street to pick up a signal, to send a text message or take a call. We normally would use Wi-Fi calling in the house and we’ve got a landline, but none of those are working without the nbn,” Ms Blair said.

“The main thing is that if there was an emergency, we’re in a bushfire zone, and if there was an emergency, you can’t just make a call or send a message.”

“A lot of people have generators now, and we’re used to it, living in the Dandenongs, but there has to be a better way...cables underground or just a way of protecting the infrastructure.”

Another Emerald local, Kate Forster, who was also impacted by the recent outage said the NBN not being classified as an essential service is “extraordinary”.

“They provide us with an NBN that’s totally dependent, or almost totally dependent, on power. There’s four to five hours battery mailcommunity.com.au

Locals are calling on better infrastructure after an nbn cable was damaged in Emerald at around 4pm on Saturday 21 January, with the outage lasting until Wednesday 25 January.

Picture: SUPPLIED in the node, but after that there’s nothing,” Ms Forster said.

Ms Forster said connection became a significant issue with the storms because people were isolated within their homes for weeks.

“There were some people that got power back on, but they still didn’t have nbn,” she said.

“We really need more mobile towers in the Dandenong Ranges to give good good reception and resilience in case of power blackouts, storms and bushfires.”

Nbn Acting Executive Manager for Victoria and Tasmania, Jessica Cotter, said repairs to the damaged cable were completed on

the morning of Wednesday 25 January, and apologised for any delays as nbn worked to “ensure the job was done properly”.

“Undergrounding of the nbn network has been previously discussed as part road upgrade works in Dandenong and Yarra Ranges to increase network resiliency, however putting cabling underground presents several engineering challenges and significant cost,” Ms Cotter said.

“Discussions continue with all levels of Government on how we can ensure in the event of future storms and severe weather events the local community can retain connectivity.”

Ms Cotter said the majority of outages

on the nbn network during emergencies are caused by power outages, and equipment connected via the nbn network will not work during a power outage.

Ms Cotter said in times of emergencies, residents and communities can help prepare themselves in the event of a loss of power and potential communication by doing the following: “Stay mobile: Keep a charged mobile phone and portable mobile battery pack ready to use in a power outage, or if your nbn™ connection is disrupted in an emergency event. Consider turning off cellular data on unnecessary apps to save battery, “ she said.

“Stay updated: Local radio is a good source of information during an emergency, so include a battery powered radio in your emergency communications kit. Also follow emergency services, including your state Fire and Rescue and Police Services, as well as utility companies and nbn (@NBN_Australia) on social media for updates.

“Back up: To make sure you can access important information and essential documents from anywhere, including insurance policies and financial documents, consider creating a digital back up on a USB or in the cloud.”

The $500 million Connecting Victoria program is expected to deliver a mobile tower in Menzies Creek and another in Silvan.

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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OPERA SEASON BEGINS

The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria annual summer garden recital is making its return to Sassafras. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Soloists will be singing charming songs from a selection of popular Broadway operetta.

A garden opera delight Herbert, Rudolf Friml and Jerome Kern.

The house and garden will be open prior to the performances for picnics and the opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea and a glass of bubbles.

In the case of wet weather, the performance will move into the drawing room.

Performances dates are as follows: Saturday 4 February 2023, 2pm Sunday 5 February 2023, 2pm Saturday 11 February 2023, 2pm

· · ·

· Sunday 12 February 2023, 2pm

Given the boutique nature of the event, tickets are strictly limited and available in advance from Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CETLR Further performance details can be read here: https://gsov.org.au/season-2023/onlymake-believe/ If you’d also like to enjoy further performances, GSOV will be delivering a long overdue revival of Lerner & Loewe’s much-loved musical, My Fair Lady, at the Alexander The-

atre, Clayton, 30-31 March and 1-2 April.

This limited season - including two matinees - is a truly lovely way to celebrate Melbourne’s theatre scene back in bloom.

My Fair Lady boasts a bouquet of classic songs: I Could Have Danced All Night, Get Me to the Church on Time, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, On the Street Where You Live, The Rain in Spain, and I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.

Tickets available via gsov.org.au

12587567-ET05-23

Treat yourself to an afternoon of musical delight by attending The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria annual summer garden recital, Only Make Believe.

The event is one not to be missed with the outstanding performance to take place at the historic Dandenong Ranges’ garden at The Knowe in Sassafras.

This year’s soloists are singing charming songs from a selection of popular Broadway operetta, celebrating some of New York’s stage composers such as Sigmund Romberg, Victor

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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MAIL 11

NEWS

Member to chronicle CFA history

By Parker McKenzie

Jack the Gelding was recently rescued by Macclesfield Fire Brigade.

Pictures: ON FILE

Help for animals

By Callum Ludwig The Hoddles Creek CFA is hosting a large animal emergency rescue workshop and information session to help Upper Yarra residents in the event that the life of a large animal could be in danger.

Macclesfield Fire Brigade will be heading up to Hoddles Creek to lead the session, with their members holding expertise in large animal rescue set to host a discussion and demonstration.

Second Lieutenant at Hoddles Creek CFA Brett Kerford said that given we are surrounded by lots of large animals such as horses, cows and donkeys, it’s not unlikely a resident could come across a large animal and need to act.

“They tend to wander off or go and get a drink and get stuck in the mud and obviously can’t get themselves out, we’ve had instances where tree branches have come down and pinned a horse or it could be a car accident with a horse float and the horse has been knocked over,” he said.

“Obviously you want to able to free the horse in a safe manner to give it the best opportunity to survive and Macclesfield CFA has been trained in the best practices from both Australia and internationally to ensure the least harm is done to the animal and the least risk to the person, as they are countless cases of people with the right intentions who have been killed by being kicked or crushed while trying to rescue an animal.”

On January 17 this year, Macclesfield Fire Brigade rescued a 22-year-old Gelding named Jack from a septic tank in Belgrave South, having to bucket sewerage out before delicately lifting Jack with straps, a spreader bar and an excavator.

Mr Kerford said Macclesfield Fire Brigade will be bringing along all of their dedicated equipment to show how they perform rescues.

“They have a full-size fake horse that they

CFA crews delicately hoist Jack to safety. use for practice and they’ll demonstrate a few different ways to help everybody have a really good understanding about how they do it,” he said.

“Many people would have no idea that they can call emergency service to come and assist, they try and do it themselves and they might be successful, but it may very well turn tragic.

The purpose of this information is to give it to the community to improve the chance of a better outcome for everyone.”

Macclesfield Fire Brigade recently told Star Mail its members are called out to around 15 large animal rescues a year, being one of the two brigades in the state with the necessary equipment.

Mr Kerford said it’s great that between CFA and SES, our local volunteer crews have different skill sets to help each other out.

“It’s great we can turn to another local brigade for a certain event beyond the usual responsibilities of fires and road accidents, and helps us achieve good outcomes,” he said.

“We are very lucky in the Yarra Valley that our brigades are trained in so many different scenarios, especially as Macclesfield Fire Brigade are of only two in the state.”

Anyone is welcome to attend the session on Sunday 12 February from 10am to 12pm, with a free morning tea provided for those who RSVP. Kids will also have a chance to look over fire trucks and be involved in giveaways for attending. Anyone who is planning to attend with friends or family is asked to carpool where possible to ensure there is plenty of parking for everyone at the Hoddles Creek Fire Station, 795 Lusatia Park Road, Hoddles Creek.

Ferntree Gully CFA’s newest member won’t be out on the trucks fighting fires.

Instead, author Ray Peace will search through the brigade’s archives and chronicle the last 80 years of its history since it was first formed.

Mr Peace, who is also a member of the Knox Historical Society, said the CFA is a central institution for the area.

“It has important historical records, which is why I am here essentially,” he said.

“It ties together a lot of things because I’ve been recording some of the fires already in different contexts, but this will bring them in as a single unit which will be great.”

The Ferntree Gully Country Fire Brigade was first founded in 1942, however, the history of firefighting in the township dates back to 1926.

Mr Peace said as a local to the area, he has seen how important a role the CFA plays in community safety.

“I was in The Basin on Ash Wednesday and watching from afar in 1968. I was a kid in school, we could see from the school grounds and I was here in 2009 and taking photographs at the time,” he said.

“I remember those two fires well; the fires and the CFA played a part in my life in different ways.”

Mr Peace recently authored a book on the history of the 1812 Theatre in Ferntree Gully — titled Behind the Curtain: The Story of the 1812 Theatre — and was approached by the CFA to chronicle its first 80 years of existence.

He said he believes it will be the first 85 years, however, by the time the book is finished.

“It will involve conducting interviews with those who are still alive, but sadly some of them have already passed away,” he said.

“Also looking at the archives and putting that together as a single package, which is what I did with the 1812 Theatre.”

Mr Peace said he enjoys writing about the history of the local area.

“It’s a great project to be working on,” he said.

“It’s great to be recording the history because if you don’t, it becomes lost.”

Monbulk CFA crews sharpen their skills

By Tyler Wright Around 20 members of the Monbulk CFA Fire & Rescue Brigade attended a training session on Thursday 26 January, reinforcing skills in the circumstance of a car rollover.

Using a mannequin as a replica for a single driver, crews stabilised the vehicle with their Stabfast system at the rear of the car, then performed an ‘Oyster’ technique; cutting the B and C pillars and putting small relief cuts in the roof.

With the roof folding down, crews were able to gain access and moved inside from the back of the car, using a spine board to extricate the patient.

Brigade captain Simon Schroder said because car rollovers do not occur too often, practising for the occasion is all the more important.

“Because of the high risk nature of performing rescue, you’ve got to be pretty sharp and 12 MAIL

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

Monbulk CFA Fire & Rescue Brigade crews participated in a training session rescuing a single driver from a car rollover on Thursday 26 January.

Picture: SUPPLIED keep the training up,” Mr Schroder said.

“Based over the training, we practised, we go right through an array of different techniques, and ar editions and makes and models, and keep all the techniques well practised.”

Training exercises also provide a chance for

members with experience to share their experiences and knowledge with newer members, Mr Schroder said.

“Some of them have probably up to 40 years of experience and the people that have been there in the last 12 months, so a large part of it is passing on your experiences and knowledge to the next generation. “[Members] ages are roughly 50s right down to eight years of age.. people join the brigade at different points of their life.”

While the number of Monbulk Fire & Rescue brigade members are currently steady, Mr Schroder said brigades are always interested in more volunteers.

“Particularly with the focus on people available during business hours is where brigades would struggle,” he said.

The Monbulk Fire & Rescue Brigade holds about 12 rescue training sessions a year, with time also dedicated to firefighting training and special rope rescue.

Author Ray Peace will write a book on the history of the Ferntree Gully CFA. Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE mailcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Microgrid survey

By Tyler Wright Community members in Monbulk are being encouraged to take part in a feasibility study on microgrids in the area to improve disaster preparedness and resilience.

The survey is part of Yarra Ranges Council’s Resilient Energy Precinct Project in partnership with Monash University and Birwood Energy, with a current feasibility study determing how to power select communities during planned power outages and extreme weather events using microgrids.

Monbulk Recreation Reserve president Paul Utting lobbied for solar panels on the roof of the reserve’s pavillion, and said this project would extend community resilience to key businesses and residential properties.

“We’ve lobbied to have those solar panels on the roof to help reduce the club’s bills because we’ve got a much bigger pavilion to run now and the electricity bills are rather substantial, but also what we’re looking at doing is making it that it would be helping in an emergency situation,” Mr Utting said.

“In the storms [in 2021] we were also without power for ten days and we could have provided shower services and shelter to the community, but we were unable to do that because we didn’t have that solar backup.

“I’ve forwarded [the survey] to all members of the club and junior footy club... if we all show a need and respond positively, then they get support and get the funding that’s required.”

Energy Resilient Communities Officer at Yarra Ranges Council, Amy Gregorovich, said the microgrid study is looking at how to physically connect the Monbulk Football Pavilion and the Monbulk community link building together so that that recreation reserve becomes more energy resilient during extreme weather.

“The June storm events of 2021 impacted many of our communities across the ranges and Monbulk was one of them, with power outages lasting days to weeks for specific households and businesses in the various towns,” Ms Gregorovich said.

“We’re very conscious of the impacts of extreme weather, both storms and bushfires, can have on our communities, and we’re hearing that from residents in town that we’ve already engaged with expressing how those storm events have impacted them in the past and

A microgrid survey run by Yarra Ranges Council is looking at how to connect the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre to the Monbulk Football Club pavillion to enhance energy resilience during extreme weather events. what that means for them being able to get an education and attend their employment duties and keep food fresh in the fridge and pay for things when ATMs are down.”

Healesville and Yarra Junction also became part of the Active Energy Precincts Project in mid-2021, with Yarra Ranges Council also able to secure funding for a feasibility study in Monbulk.

“People would really love to see community hubs being kept online and at what cost and what mix of energy; whether that’s renewables or generators, is still being worked out,” Ms Gregorovich said.

“People from our workshops that we ran in late November and early December in Yarra Junction and Healesville, the local communities would love to see an operational model of a microgrid that supports community ownership participation.”

A lot of the survey respondents in Healesville and Yarra Junction already had solar or were looking at installing solar on their own

properties, but we’re keen to see or keen to be involved in community projects at that larger scale that support their neighbours and their friends and families in the same town.”

The survey will require residents and business owners to provide an identification number, and will ask questions around if locals have solar or batteries, or if they will choose to use them in the future, and the impacts of rising energy costs.

This information will then be fed into a microgrid feasibility study.

The microgrid survey will be open until Friday 31 March, with community members able to access it via https://shaping.yarraranges. vic.gov.au/resilient-energy-precinct-projectmonbulk For more information, to access the survey and sign up for updates, people are advised to call Council’s Sustainable Environment and Facilities Team on 1300 368 333.

The Resilient Energy Precinct Project is expected to run until 2024.

Preparing for bushfires as season starts

By Parker McKenzie With the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges entering a Fire Danger Period from Monday 30 January, and the region being one of the most fire-prone in the world, it is important to be prepared in case of a bushfire.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Forest Fire Management Port Phillip Tamara Beckett said now is the best time to understand your fire risk and get prepared, not when a fire starts.

“It’s important to prepare your property, but you also need to prepare yourself,” she said.

“Have a plan, check the Fire Danger Rating for your area every day and know which Fire Danger Rating is your trigger to enact your plan.”

CFA District 13 Assistant Chief Fire Officer David Renkin said the challenges in the community can be varied based on whether they live in an urban or forested area.

“People living in the interface areas that have some forested area or long grass, there are more challenges than what we’d find through some of the more open community areas in suburbs like Knox,” he said.

“The risk is diminished a little bit in that sort of area compared to what we see up through the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.”

The CFA has published resources to prepare for fires and inform people of the risks involved during fire season, which can be found at cfa. vic.gov.au/plan-prepare. Other emergency information can be found on the VicEmergency app, ememergency.vic.gov.au, by tuning in to ABC Radio or other emergency broadcasts and by phoning the Vic Emergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Assistant CFO Renkin said there are already established community fire guard groups mailcommunity.com.au

The Bushfire Danger Period begins in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges on Monday 30 January.

Picture: FFMV throughout the district, which is one way for the community to be prepared.

“We see neighbours and streets get together and establish a bit of a plan on how they’re going to go about reducing the risk for their streets,” he said.

“That includes cleaning out of your gutters, cleaning up the loose fuel foliage that exists on the ground. The more we reduce that, the greater chance we’ve got containing fires.”

Deputy Chief Beckett said you won’t always receive a warning when a fire starts.

“Don’t wait and see. It’s up to you to be prepared, know what to do and take action,” she said.

“With more hot weather on the horizon, make sure to check in on others. Look after those most at risk in the heat: your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets.”

Assistant CFO Renkin said it is important to remain vigilant at all times during the Fire Danger Period.

“Reporting fires as soon as you see them so we can get on top of them as fast and as quickly as we can help us deploy the resources we need to reduce the size before it impacts the community,” he said.

“Hopefully we can come out the back end without anything impacting the communities we can protect.”

Another risk during bushfire season is extreme heat, which kills more Australians than natural disasters.

Ways to combat extreme heat include always taking water with you, never leaving kids, animals or adults in cars as temperatures within a parked car can double within minutes, planning ahead and avoiding exercising in extreme heat and helping those who are most at risk.

Water grant

By Tyler Wright Hills residents have gathered at a Melbourne Water application workshop to apply for a grant which will enable locals to maintain a waterway that runs from Rivington Avenue to Sassafras Creek at Beagleys Bridge in Kallista.

Friends of Sassafras Creek (FOSC) president Jane Hollands, who attended the workshop on Thursday 19 January, said the tributary that runs behind residents on Monbulk Road has been impacted by significant flooding in the area.

“A lot of the gravel that’s coming on the tributary must be coming down [Sassafras] Creek,” Ms Hollands said.

“Tradescantia, which is a weed... if it’s growing on your grass it flows down the tributary and infects the creek.

“There are often trees falling down and they do cause damage. There’s a huge amount that needs doing, and there’s a whole area that our group hasn’t worked on.”

Ms Hollands said residents along the waterway can apply through the Melbourne Water Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways program to receive funds to weed the area along their property.

“There’s been some of the properties have got a massive amount of gravel on them and this won’t help with the gravel, but there may be some things that can be done to help,” she said.

“People finding out what they can and can’t do and what help they can get makes it a whole lot easier.”

Ms Hollands said she wonders how recent rainfall will impact local species including the Dandenong freshwater amphipod Austrogammarus Australis.

“How these little critters and everything keep staying in the fast flowing stormwater - they do - but all of that is impacted,” she said.

“There are fish that live in there, galaxias have been seen in the water, and they can only be impacted in some way.”

Funding for projects through Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways is varied depending on the activities of the project, a Melbourne Water spokesperson said.

Individual projects can get up to $2,200 plus GST towards hiring a professional weed management contractor; up to 80 per cent of the cost of stock exclusion fencing (dependent on setback); and 100 per cent of revegetation costs dependent on the capacity of project owner for installation, the spokesperson said.

“This tributary of Sassafras Creek is in need for some care and attention and it is great to see the community (lead by the Kallista Flood watch group) rallying around to improve the condition and health of their local waterway and overall, the health of the greater Woori Yallock catchment.”

“Once projects have been uploaded to Melbourne Water’s online portal, they can hear back from our support officers soon on the fine tuning of their project details and next steps, IE: organising a site assessment from our external assessment team, approval/endorsement for funding for their projects and contract signing/payment process then project initiation.”

Hills locals are looking to apply for a Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways grant to clean the waterway that runs behind properties on Monbulk Road.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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NEWS

Community garden gurus

By Tyler Wright The Cockatoo-based Hills Community Gardens has begun 2023 with a successful ‘dig in’ day, completing work on a five-bin compost bay.

Around 10 participants got involved in weeding and mulching at Alma Treloar Reserve on Sunday 15 January, weeding and mulching public and private plots.

Brodie Hearnden, Hills Community Gardens committee secretary, said the committee host skills sharing workshops each year.

“People come to the garden and they learn from us, and then what then happens is we’re putting out a call for anybody who has something... a skill that they would like to share to do with gardening or growing things or harvesting or producing to then put on an event at our garden,” Brodie said.

“We have an upcoming workshop in March, which is how to grow mushrooms... this one will be $23 so that you have to pay for a kit so you learn how to grow mushrooms, and then you can go home and take the kit home and do it yourself.”

The Hills Community Gardens are also home to the Hills Herbal Collective which runs a medicinal garden bed.

“They run regular workshops and events, and their next one is in Autumn; they’re going to be doing a medicinal workshop,” Brodie said.

Brodie said there are a decent amount of people wanting to partake in events including workshops at the community gardens, who then also stay to work on the gardens’ upkeep themselves.

“It’s a really important skill to have and it’s cost effective, given everything that’s going on at the moment,” Brodie said.

Perennials are also grown in the gardens; an easy way to learn how to garden without worrying about seeds only lasting one season, she said.

“We grow some really interesting things

Jim (left) and Max (right) with the five-bin compost bay at the Hills Community Gardens’ first dig-in for 2023 on Sunday 15 January. like red amaranth, we grow rutabagas, different kinds of beetroots. At the upcoming season we’ll probably be doing a whole lot of garlic.

“We have a bed of cape gooseberries, we have artichokes and asparagus beds.”

In June 2022, Hills Community Gardens received its first orchard with funds from a beau-

tification grant, which has become home to ten fruiting trees.

“In the next couple of years hopefully we’ll have some fruiting fruits coming about.

There’s lots of things going on down there,” Brodie said.

To get involved in Hills Community Gardens’

Picture: SUPPLIED

events and working bees, contact hillscommunitygardenscockatoo@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page Hills Community Gardens.

The Hills Community Gardens is also home to a native sensory garden.

Dig-ins are held on the first and third Sunday of every month.

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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OPINION

Welcome & praise Australia Day is about acknowledging and celebrating the contribution of each and every person to this beautiful country.

From the Indigenous Australians who have occupied these lands for more than 65,000 years, to the new immigrants who recently became citizens – we are all Australians, and we all share a stake in our country’s future.

If the Yarra Ranges Council Citizenship and Awards ceremonies on January 26 were anything to go by, our future is bright.

Congratulations to the 39 individuals who received their citizenship last Thursday at the Civic Centre. You have each chosen the best part of Australia to call home – just like my family did when they migrated from Italy to Silvan in the 1950’s.

The spirit of our community was on show right across the electorate on Australia Day. It was great to get out to Monbulk for the Rotary Club of Monbulk and District’s annual Australia Day breakfast, followed by Wandin Rotary’s breakfast at the new Wandin North Community Pavilion. Both clubs put on a fan-

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From my

desk Federal Member for Casey tastic day for our community to come together and celebrate our national day.

No Australia Day could ever be complete without acknowledging some of the incredible people in our communities. Congratulations to all of the 2023 Yarra Ranges Council Award recipients – Jeff Gill who received the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Willow Swaneveld who is our Young Citizen of the Year, Allora Cumming on being named Young Environmental Achiever and Sam Halim on being awarded the Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership.

Congratulations also to Jane Hollands from Friends of Sassafras Creek on being named Environmental Achiever of the Year.

It goes without saying that we have far too many wonderful community groups to pick just one. Congratulations to The Philanthropic Collective and Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands on both being named Community Groups of the Year.

And lastly, a special congratulations to our Citizen of the Year, Bec Rosel for her outstanding work in organising the inaugural Lilydale Street Fair back in December. It was a great family-friendly event that showcased all that Lilydale has to offer.

Casey is full of generous, compassionate and hardworking people who work tirelessly to see our community thrive. It was great to see so many of them have their contribution recognised.

To all our new citizens, friends and neighbours – I say welcome. Welcome to the greatest part of the greatest country in the world.

CARTOON

Kemp’s curtain call 1812 Theatre Rose St. Ferntree Gully Confusions Confusions consists of a series of five interconnected one act plays; Mother Figure, Drinking Companion, Between Mouthfuls, Gosforth’s Fete and A Talk in the Park.

First staged in 1976, the scenes are all loosely linked by characters or locations, but more subtly through the common underlying themes of obsession, isolation and human desire for companionship.

Ayckbourn shows his comedic genius with five stories that runs the gambit of comic technique from situation comedy to outright farce.

Season: February 9 – March 4. www.1812theatre.com.au ph. 9758 3964 Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre 38-41 Castella St Lilydale.

Family Values.

A celebrated federal judge, his son, a bornagain Christian. His daughter, a Border Force officer. Her partner, the captain of a Border force ship. His other daughter, a left-wing activist. His wife who has worked all her life to keep the family together. Saba, an asylum seeker on the run from Nauru.

On the eve of his birthday, is it too much to expect his wife and three children to celebrate with him?

Season: February 9 – 25. Bookings: www.lilydaletheatre.com or 9735 1777.

The Gem Community Theatre 9 Kilvington Dve. Emerald Play Reading –Heir and Grace by Will Mithen An exciting new, funny, proactive, au courant, locally written script makes its debut at Gemco Theatre. Gemco seeks actors, 3-4 women and 3-4 men to take part in this project.

The Plot: The most progressive family that never existed finds their usually harmonious relationships are thrown into discord when their sister proposes one of her four brothers could donate sperm so her partner can conceive a genetically related child – but who’s DNA would confer the best qualities?

Season: Saturday 11 February 8pm – 10.30pm.

For more information and to become part of the team to get this project off the ground please call Mandy McGarrigle on 0432 787 519. mailcommunity.com.au

The title is a reference to classic Moby Dick tale The Whale Starring Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink and Hong Chau Rated M 3.75/5 Stark without being cruel, The Whale is an affecting, well-paced drama about Charlie (Brendan Fraser), a reclusive, morbidly obese literature teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink).

Fraser delivers a compelling performance of pained optimism, and director Darren Aronofsky treats Charlie with a sympathetic eye. While there is an intrinsic artifice or dishonesty in the fat-suit Fraser wears, the film presents Charlie’s ailing body and laboured movements matter-of-factly without judgement (for the most part). Charlie is a sweet man trying to fix his past mistakes in the little time he has left, and is a source of pity more for his failure as a father and husband than for his obesity.

The Whale owes an open thematic debt to Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. The film’s title appears fatphobic at first, but the plot effectively frames Charlie as Captain Ahab, with “the whale” being elusive reconciliation with his daughter.

Charlie reads an essay on Moby Dick for comfort, and this essay is a microcosm of the film itself: just as the chapters about whales distract the novel’s narrator Ishmael from

his own sad story, The Whale’s poignant subplots – a persistent missionary, Charlie bonding with a begrudging Ellie, his friendship with his nurse Liz (Hong Chau) – provide a reprieve from Charlie’s slow death. The film even feels like an essay, structured more with paragraphs than acts.

The Whale highlights the human complexity and flaws of every character, and admirably avoids clean happy endings. This film is very much not for everyone: the verbose dialogue, loud themes and undertone of mortality are big hurdles, and Ellie is so intensely unlikeable that the uplifting conclusion may not land for you.

A moving, literary but potentially exhausting character study, The Whale is playing in select Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Author shares all PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN As part of Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature’s Virtual Writers in Residence Program, Irish author Catherine Dunne hosted the “Telling Life Stories” online workshop at Brimbank Libraries in December 2022.

In Dunne’s words: “There’s no such thing as an ordinary life. All interior lives are extraordinary.” Whether it’s for publication or family, the writing of one’s own personal story is “a necessary journey of discovery”.

Dunne’s creative writing sessions encourage aspiring writers to explore ways in which each can develop the writing routine that works best for them. In the process, participants and their instructor learn much about and from each other.

“I learn how it feels to be an immigrant, or an outsider. I learn about the importance of family lore, of the connection between the generations. I learn all the myriad ways in which each individual struggles to make their own unique way in the world.”

The author highlights the role played by inspiration, imagination, dedication and craft in the creative writing process.

“If a writer is lucky, she gets a moment of inspiration. It can be a sudden insight, or a conversation overheard, or a buried memory that begins to make its way towards the surface of consciousness.”

“After that, it’s the job of the imagination to start answering the eternal question: What if?” For example, with The Years That Followed (2015, reprinted 2017), Dunne asked, What if Clytemnestra and Agamemnon were brought to life in the contemporary world?

“We let [our imagination] roam freely, and it takes us where we need to go.

Sometimes the process is frustrating.

Sometimes, we see the beginning and the end clearly, but the middle is a great big sagging underbelly that we can’t get into shape, no matter what we do.”

“Turning up at the desk when all feels tangled, dull, lifeless, is dedication.

Writing and rewriting...is how the craft is honed, the prose polished, the story completed.” Meanwhile, telling other people’s stories “with care and attention” also demands dedication and craft, as demonstrated in Dunne’s influential work An Unconsidered People: The Irish in London (2003, updated 2021).

“When listening to an individual’s story, I had to be alert to the hesitancies, the silences, the occasional reluctance to discuss something as painful as the loss of home. I had to imagine myself uprooted from home and making my way in an often hostile city. I had to step into the skin of the person I was interviewing, and look at the world through their eyes”.

Dunne’s best advice for aspiring writers on transforming their stories into books is to study the authors whose work they admire, and to spend time at the desk every week. “Above all, in the early stages, leave your internal critics outside the door. Starve them. Deny them water, and air, and your time. When you’re editing the final draft, you can invite them into your writing room. Ofter them food, wine, warmth, a listening ear. Now is the time you can pay them some attention.” https://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/events/virtual-writers-residenceback-melbourne Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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MAIL 15

PUZZLES

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C B Q T F P D R KW I A S C B 14

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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”.

T

Today’s Aim: 24 words: Good 36 words: Very good

1 4 8 9 5 7 2 6 3

5 6 1 9 8 2 4 3 7

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3 8 9 5 4 7 1 6 2

48 words: Excellent

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6 9 2 7 3 1 5 8 4

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3 8 6 7 2 9 1 5 4

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

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03-02-23

William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS

9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567433-SN37-22

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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THE PERFECT FLOORPLAN This large, spacious and well-designed floorplan caters for a family of any size. This beautiful home has it all.

Set on a sun filled, fully useable block of 1,530m2 and with huge wrap around deckings that look over the gorgeous yard and Belgrave Lake Park, this property is in the perfect location.

There are four bedrooms (master with full ensuite and walk-in robe) plus dual offices/ studies and amazing cathedral ceilings that look down over the updated central kitchen with stainless steel appliances and breakfast bar.

Living space includes a large lounge room,

open dining area and a downstairs rumpus room which is perfect for younger or older children alike. Multiple split systems and a gas Rinnai heater take care of your temperature control while a lovely afternoon breeze will flow through from the glass sliding doors and remind you of our beautiful Hills climate.

A huge highlight of this property is the undercover parking and circular driveway that can accommodate tradies trucks, vans, trailers and also caravans, horse floats etc.

Well engineered for a variety of uses, this area is truly unbelievable and will impress on every level. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 61 Waratah Avenue, BELGRAVE Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 6 garage Price: $995,000 - $1,100,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Glenn Chandler 0418 410 689, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE

SUBURBAN, COUNTRY & LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES ACROSS THE REGION mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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MAIL 17

HOME FOCUS

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTY AND LIFESTYLE WITH an extensive list of lifestyle features, this fabulous property offers something special for every member of the family.

With bonus elements including a stylish 1-bedroom studio, sealed drive with triple carport and double garage, fruit orchard, and paddock with picturesque Warburton Ranges views, this is an exceptional opportunity not to be missed.

At the heart of this property is a warm and welcoming tumbled brick residence.

The interior is clearly designed with family in mind from the first step inside from the wrap-around covered verandah. The dining area and lounge with wood fire, exposed brick accent wall, and bright bay window is an inviting space for gathering. The open plan kitchen with stone benchtops, wall oven, and island seating overlooks the meals area and large deck that soaks up the spectacular views.

With 3 generous bedrooms with quality carpet and built-in robes on the upper level, including the main bedroom with spa tub ensuite, plus a large family bathroom and laundry, complete comfort is afforded.

Furthermore, a spiral staircase leads to the lower level rumpus room with open wood fire, custom bar, and sliding doors to the paved patio and level lawn. With the inclusion of a study/4th bedroom and guest powder room, it is undeniable this home holds immense appeal.

This property offers the key to an incredible way of life in idyllic park-like surrounds, so don’t delay, plan your viewing today.

Impressive 5,468sqm (approx.) property with sealed drive, triple carport, double garage, terraced lawns, gazebo, orchard, and paddock Beautiful Warburton Ranges views and a brilliant freestanding bungalow Quality family home with high ceilings and living areas on both levels 3 spacious upper level bedrooms, including ensuite main, and a lower level home office/4th bedroom Gas ducted heating and 2 warm wood fires Garden sheds and rain storage tanks ●

· · · · ·

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 35 Gleghorn Road, KALLISTA Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,080,000 - $1,180,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Suzie Brannelly 0490 506 910 and Brad Conder 0422 639 115, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 18 MAIL

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

Real Estate you can trust!

We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE

30 Upper Coonara Road, OLINDA

$660,000-$720,000

FAMILY STARTER WITH FILTERED VALLEY VIEWS

3A 2B 2C

Staring out over filtered views that take in the nearby Monbulk valley, this three bedroom home is spacious and positioned privately away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Set on a generous 1851m2, elevated block with a stunning array of mature trees, the home boasts an open plan design with an updated kitchen that includes a 900ml stainless steel upright oven plus excellent storage and bench space.

FOR SALE

40 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, BELGRAVE

$950,000 - $995,000 5A 3B

URBAN STYLE ON FAMILY LIVING SCALE

Offers Close 1pm Tues Nov 15th (Unless Sold Prior) This fabulous family home perfectly positioned only a short stroll from bustling Belgrave township offers elevated comfort and enviable style. Drought-tolerant landscaped gardens and thoughtfully curated interior design guarantee this property offers beautifully balanced living. This stylish residence offers undeniable appeal for families seeking something uniquely special. Inspection promises to impress. Plan your viewing today.

Sam Adamson M 0421 023 760 | E sam@chandlerandco.com.au

Sharyn Chandler

Daniel Steen

M 0439 882 442 | E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

M 0434 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

FOR SALE

$1,600,000 - $1,760,000

27 The Crescent, SASSAFRAS

HISTORIC HILLS HOME IN EXCLUSIVE LIFESTYLE POCKET

5A 2B 3C

Steeped in history and surrounded by lush gardens, “Kalamunda” remains as magnificent as ever. Constructed in 1924 and carefully updated for modern living, this home encapsulates elegant Hills living. This luxurious residence evokes a sophisticated and serene feel due in part to its enclosed verandah with rich Jarrah flooring. At one with its surrounds, gorgeous garden and valley views frame this home so you will feel tucked away from busy life the moment you arrive home.

Glenn Chandler

Suzie Brannelly

M 0418 410 689 | E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

M 0490 506 910 | E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

9754 6888 1689 Burwood Highway, Belgrave VIC 3160 www.chandlerandco.com.au of fice@chandlerandco.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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MAIL 19

HOME FOCUS

SENSATIONAL HOME AND PRIVATE CLOSE to Emerald township, the lifestyle on offer here is one of comfort and convenience in a quality double brick home set in lovely surrounds.

Walk into town for a bit of shopping, maybe a spot of lunch or to buy a new outfit.

Featuring: 3 bedrooms the main with ensuite, all bedrooms have built in robes and garden vistas. The timber kitchen is a fabulous size for the avid chef, excellent benching, storage space and is well appointed. There is a separate spacious lounge with gas fire, dining area, plus full bathroom, and separate large laundry.

The residence has quality wool carpets and ducted heating, the double brick construction keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Outdoors: The enviable allotment of just under 1500 m2 is beautifully landscaped and offers shady respite in summer, lots of areas for pets and children, with the majority being fenced. There is also a pergola, old storage shed and oversized single garage. The home is accessed via a sealed driveway.

If you are looking for quality, a fantastic location, and a comfortable home, come and see 50 Kilvington Drive, Emerald you will not be disappointed. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 50 Kilvington Drive, EMERALD Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage Price: $940,000 - $980,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 and Janet Hawkins 0409 117 432, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111

TWO HOMES ON A FLAT 1/3 ACRE THIS property offers a range of options.

The main home is character filled with recycled timber doors, stain-glass windows and high ceilings – ‘comfortable and homely’ are two words that come to mind.

Featuring three bedrooms, including the main with ensuite and walk-in robe, two other bedrooms are serviced by the main central bathroom, beautifully finished and features a claw foot bath.

If you need a little bit of ‘me’ time, then there are two separate living areas including the sitting or TV room and then the living room which is adjacent to the large modern kitchen with 900mm oven and dishwasher so that you can chat over a meal or while you entertain.

Outside is a natural feature, too, with a cosy deck, a red brick paved courtyard under the oak tree, and an outside studio or work-from-home space and workshop.

Car accommodation is well catered for with a double carport, storage space at the rear, and room for the caravan too.

The second dwelling features two bedrooms downstairs plus a bathroom. Up the stairs, there is the kitchen and living room that opens out onto the undercover verandah that enjoys views of the rural scenery over the road. A single carport and tool shed complete the picture here.

So many options here with multigenerational dual living options or perhaps help pay off your mortgage with a tenant already in place.

Located only a short stroll to the sporting precinct and minute’s drive to the schools and shops of Cockatoo, and approximately a 7-minute drive to Emerald with all its cafes, shops and high school.

All this is under an hour’s drive to Melbourne CBD. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 147 Woori Yallick Road, COCKATOO Description: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $860,000 - $940,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 and Janet Hawkins 0409 117 432, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL, 9754 6111 20 MAIL

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

Ranges

We put you first

SENSATIONAL HOME, FLAT BLOCK & VIEWS

EMERALD 50 KILVINGTON dRIVE

$940,000-$980,000

PRIvATE & CENTRALLY LOCATED! Close to Emerald Township, the lifestyle on offer here is one of comfort and convenience in a quality double brick home set in lovely surroundings. Walk into town for a bit of shopping or maybe a spot of lunch. The home features garden vistas and BIR’s to all bedrooms, master with ensuite, large timber kitchen with excellent benching & storage space, spacious lounge with gas fire, dining area, full bathroom, large laundry, quality wool carpets, GdH, double brick construction keeps you cool in summer & warm in winter. Outdoor includes an enviable flat 1490sqm beautifully landscaped allotment with the majority being fenced and includes a pergola, old storage shed, oversized single garage and is accessed via a sealed driveway.

Mick Dolphin

Janet hawkins

0429 684 522

0409 117 432

3A 2B 1C

GREAT LOCATION & USABLE 1103SQM BLOCK

SOLd! MORE PROPERTIES NEEdEd!

UPWEY 131 OLd BELGRAVE ROAd WALKING DISTANCE TO UPWEY CENTRAL!

BELGRAvE SOUTh 17 BELLANY ROAd 15 ACRE ESTATE, CUSTOM DESIGNED & BUILT!

$835,000-$895,000 4A 1B

Very appealing open plan home within easy walking distance to Upwey central, train station, bus stop & schools. Featuring BIR’s in all bedrooms, master with an attic ladder to large roof storage, two toilets, freshly painted throughout, leadlight feature windows, timber floorboards to the living areas & new carpet in the bedrooms, new GdH, evaporative cooling, solar panels returning to the grid, large entertaining deck, an abundance of established trees & citrus trees & under home usable shed/storage room.

Jan Brewster 0409 558 805

9754 6111 rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

$2,750,000-$2,950,000 4A 2B 6C 1E

SOLd! MORE RURAL PROPERTIES NEEdEd! BUYES URGENTLY WAITING TO PURCHASE RURAL PROPERTIES!

Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522

“We Put You First”

Janet hawkins 0409 117 432

1 Bayview Rd, Belgrave Shop 2, 24 McBride Street, Cockatoo Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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MAIL 21

HOME FOCUS

SPACIOUS 5 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME THIS outstanding 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom family home is beautifully presented and move in ready. Located a short 5-10min stroll to Emerald township and approximately 500 metres to Woolworths.

As you arrive at the property, you are greeted by a grassed, fully fenced front yard. There is a tandem garage attached to the home as well as a free standing garage that allow for both storage and a home office area.

The front verandah welcomes you into this airy home with high ceilings, solid plaster cornices, gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling, as well as a cosy wood fire heater in the formal dining room and a free-standing gas/electric heater in the kitchen/dining area. Utilising the internal sliding doors, the home can be zoned into three individual areas for comfort of all occupants.

The master bedroom offers an ensuite with shower, toilet, vanity and built-in-robes. The second bedroom has built-in robes and a sliding door access to the rear decking.

Bedroom 3 and 4 also have built-in robes, and bedroom 5 has built-in robes and a delightful bay window. These bedrooms are

serviced by a generous family bathroom that contains both a bath and separate shower, as well as an independent toilet.

The open plan kitchen is equipped for the family chef with a dual wall electric oven, a gas stove top and rangehood all installed in 2022, as well as a dishwasher, and large pantry. The hot water system is also new, being installed in 2022.

There is a separate laundry with access directly to the garden, and a large rear entertaining deck to soak in the views of the park like backyard, with the deck connecting the house to the studio & second garage.

The backyard is gorgeous, with a rotunda, green house and established above ground vegetable gardens.

This property has it all so don’t miss out Call to arrange a private inspection today.

Call Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451.

Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 13 Old Gembrook Road, EMERALD Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD 22 MAIL

|

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

mailcommunity.com.au

P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald

24 Moxhams Road, Monbulk

$870,000 - $950,000

5 Marks Lane, Emerald

$1,180,000 - $1,280,000

Country living with convenience, walk to Monbulk Main Street!

Outstanding private family home with views and parklike surrounds!

This welcoming light filled home with plentiful verandahs and decking for entertaining, provides 3 large bedrooms all with BIRs and ceiling fans, a family bathroom and a powder room. This home features high ceilings, a modern kitchen with a gas cooktop and electric oven, and an open plan living area encompassing a double sided wood fire heater. There is also evaporative cooling, ducted heating, split system unit in the expansive lounge room, & ducted vacuum system. The concreted driveway with dual access leads to the DLUG with side door access & electric roller door. There is a 6.6kW Solar Panel system, as well as fruit trees & hedging trees along the boundary to ensure your privacy in this picturesque location that is a short stroll to the Monbulk Main street and amenities.

3 bedroom plus study, 2 bathroom family home on 5 acres is bursting with features and stunning views and is located close to Emerald township. The home features front & rear deck/porch, light filled open plan lounge & dining room, built in fire-place, split system air conditioning, & doubleglazed windows. The kitchen has wooden bench tops, gas stovetop, electric oven, ceiling fan, a toaster nook & built-in pantry. The master bedroom has direct access to the rear deck, & has an ensuite & WIR. The other 2 bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom with bath, shower & toilet.

Outside, there is a paddock, and childrens play area. There is a DLUG with concrete floor & power, a double carport, & an open sided roofed shed at the rear of the garage. This property features off grid water supply, bottle gas, 13.2kW 2 phase solar set up, generator inlet & change over switch.

Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

3

13 Old Gembrook Road, Emerald

A

1

B

8

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

C

$1,000,000 - $1,100,000

3

8 Carawa Street, Cockatoo

A

2

B

4

C

$950,000 - $1,040,000

Spacious 5 Bedroom Home on almost ¾ of an Acre, moments from Emerald!

Stylish, low maintenance and move in ready, with space to park your caravan!

This 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom family home has a tandem garage & free standing garage. This home has high ceilings, solid plaster cornices, gas ducted heating, evaporative cooling, & a wood fire heater & a free-standing gas/electric heater. The master bedroom has an ensuite with shower, toilet, vanity & BIRs. Bedroom 2 has BIRs & access to the rear decking. Bedrooms 3 & 4 also have BIR’s, & bedroom 5 has BIRs & a bay window. The family bathroom has a bath & separate shower, & an independent toilet. The open plan kitchen has a dual wall electric oven, a gas stove top, rangehood, dishwasher, & large pantry. There is a rear entertaining deck to soak in the views of the park like backyard, with the deck connecting the house to the studio & second garage. The backyard has a rotunda, green house & above ground vegetable gardens.

With a concrete driveway, OSP, DLUG, & a second driveway for access to the rear yard. This home exudes comfort & low maintenance living, with two lounge rooms, & tiled floors in walkways, carpeted lounge room & bedrooms, evaporate cooling, instantaneous gas hot water, & ducted gas heating. The master bedroom has a WIR & ensuite. The kitchen has stone benchtops & stainless steel appliances, including an electric oven, gas stove top, dishwasher & range hood, & a walk in pantry. The kitchen is open plan with the lounge room giving views to the landscaped & fully fenced backyard. There is a study, & a further 4 bedrooms towards the rear of the home, all with BIRs. Externally, there is a paved entertaining area & grassed backyard, 10,000L water tank, garden shed, & a sizeable solar unit set up, & a DLUG with a built in bar and wood fire.

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

Aaron Day M 0407 365 994

5

A

2

B

3

C

Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451

5

A

2

B

2

C

bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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MAIL 23

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Deadline

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SPORT

National league selection

By Tyler Wright A young Menzies Creek soccer player is preparing to begin a season playing in the Melbourne City Football Club’s U15s academy team, after being selected for the 18-person squad late last year.

Jensen Bowering, 13, began playing soccer at the age of six at Monbulk Soccer Club before playing at Glen Eira, where he has for the last five years.

Bowering was given a letter of acceptance into the National Premier League team in late 2022 after being scouted by Melbourne City for 12 months.

Having trained with the squad, since November, Jensen’s first match with the team will be against Kingston City Football Club at Casey Fields on Sunday 5 February.

“I’m a bit nervous, but mainly excited,” Jensen said.

“Being around really good kids, that’s push-

ing me to become better in a professional environment. It makes me want to work really hard.”

Jensen’s dad Gary said his son plays down his work ethic, training four days and playing once every week after working his way up from community sport to the NPL. “He’s worked very hard for this, as have all the other kids there. It’s a very technical game...

I’m very proud of what he’s done,” Gary said.

Jensen also spent five weeks in the UK from April to May last year, training with Stoke City Football Club U13 players to gauge his progress.

While Jensen said there is no timeline, he hopes to travel overseas in the future to share his skills with a team like Liverpool.

“I always knew I wanted to reach the top,” he said.

The National Premier League is broken into north, west, south and east teams, with the season running until April.

13 year old Menzies Creek local Jensen Bowering has been selected to play in Melbourne City’s U15 academy team in the 2023 season.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Jensen began playing at Monbulk Soccer Club at six years old.

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SPORT

Yarra Ranges Council has confirmed a five-year timeline for tenants of Belgrave Recreational Reserve to fundraise $100,000 each for a pavilion upgrade.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Todd & Craig Mackay with Chris & Jacob Defina.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Big senior success All five Monbulk Cricket Club senior sides were on the park this week, with plenty of highlights.

The 2nds had another win and remain on top of the ladder with Josh Spencer making 57.

The 3rds also remain on top of the ladder after winning on the last ball of the match with Benny making 68.

The 4ths also continued their winning ways making a huge score of 4/279. This was highlighted by two father/son partnerships in the

90’s. Craig and Todd Mackay opened the batting putting on 95 runs before Chris and Jacob Defina combined for another 90 runs. This match also saw the return of an old favourite, Aaron Bowen after a 10 year rest.

Well batted also to our 5th XI co-captain Tom Badgery with a terrific knock of 83* 1’s- Monbulk 10/120 (A.Powell 25*, T.Utting 20) def by FTG 9/175 (A.Powell 3/22) 2’s- Monbulk 9/194 (J.Spencer 57, D.Cleary 25) def FTG 10/163 (K.Storey 4/39, D.Cleary

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· · ·

3/45, C.Haworth-Hooker 2/19) 3’s- Monbulk 9/159 (S.Suranga 68, J.Simmonds 27) def FTG 5/156 (E.Blenkiron 2/20, C.Spooner 2/33) 4’s- Monbulk 4/279 (C.Mackay 83, C.Defina 44, J.Defina 39*, T.Mackay 37, T.Fleming 35) def Eildon Park 8/150 (D.Blenkiron 2/7, S.Hooper 2/23) 5’s- Monbulk 6/160 (T.Badgery 83*, J.Maunchline 23) def by Belgrave 2/165 (J.Carroll 2/20)

Flawless weekend for Upwey-Tecoma It was a flawless weekend of cricket from Upwey-Tecoma, with all six sides posting important victories that kept them in hunt for finals action.

The First XI travelled to The Basin, buoyed by the inclusion of current Netherlands captain Scott Edwards. Tiger skipper Jackson Waters won the toss and elected to field in warm, overcast conditions.

Wickets proved hard to come by early in the piece however some tight bowling ensured the Bear batters were kept in check. A double breakthrough from Liam Dunning, a wicket either side of the drinks break, provided the catalyst for a stunning Basin collapse.

From 0/76, the Bears slumped to 145 all out in the final over. Dunning was the pick of the bowlers with 2/15, while Cam Wheeler finished with 3/23 and Jules Whetstone chipped in with 2/11.

The Tiger chase started strongly, with Edwards showing his class and scoring freely.

He was dismissed for an entertaining 52 of 40 balls, including four sixes. Waters (40*) and Whetstone (26*) were rarely troubled in the chase, reaching the target with 10 overs to spare.

The Women’s XI hosted Mountain Gate on a cool Sunday evening, winning a high scoring affair by 27 runs. Teagen Beattie made a triumphant return to cricket, slamming an unbeaten 50 off 29 balls to help the Tigers reach 3-141 off their 20 overs. Alex Bantock was best with the ball, capturing 2/24.

The Second XI were eager for a win at home to The Basin after consecutive losses had loosened their grip on a finals berth. Batting first, the Tigers compiled 4-255 on the back of a sterling 85 from the in-form Chris Jewell, with Hunter Greenall and Jordan Tailby also notching half centuries. The Bears fell well short in their chase, all out for 168. The pick of the bowlers was Greenall with 3/22.

The Third XI accounted for Knoxfield by 35 runs at Silvan. Upwey-Tecoma scored 5-191, led superbly by openers James Dobbie-Hayward (96) and Bon Sullivan (53). Knoxfield fin26 MAIL

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

Teagen Beattie leaving the field after a swashbuckling half century for the Women’s XI. Picture: SUPPLIED ished on 9-156, with opening bowlers Aidan Beattie (3/25) and Noah Weston (3/15) doing the damage.

The Fourth XI were away to Knoxfield, claiming a big win to keep them in touch with the top four. In his first game for the club, Ben Fanelli clipped up a terrific 67, but it was young gun Cam Gilbert that stole the show with a brutal 83 off 66 balls, helping the TI-

gers reach 5-246. Knoxfield could only manage 3-215 in reply, with the wickets shared around.

The Under 16’s scored a thrilling victory by the barest of margins over Monbulk at home.

Batting first, the Tigers scored a healthy 7-159.

Captain Oskar Taylor posted a half century, well supported by Rees Humphrey with 42.

Monbulk fought hard until the very end, finishing 1 run short on 3-158.

Five year timeline for reserve

By Parker McKenzie Yarra Ranges Council has confirmed a five-year timeline for tenants of Belgrave Recreational Reserve to fundraise a portion of $4 to $5 million required to upgrade the pavilion.

As reported by the Star Mail on 11 January 2023, Belgrave Cricket Club, Belgrave Football Netball Club and Belgrave Junior Netball Club have each been asked to contribute $100,000 to ensure the facilities receive an upgrade.

Yarra Ranges Council Acting Director of Environment and Infrastructure Phil Murton said the council’s Pavilion Redevelopment projects are prioritised on a number of criteria, including building issues, functionality, usage, service and the number of teams, community benefit, project readiness and the number of female teams the club currently has or is likely to have in the future.

“At present, the Belgrave Pavilion is near the top of the list, alongside many other priority projects,” he said.

“Our pavilion redevelopment projects require a financial contribution from both Federal and State Governments, as well as Council and the stakeholder clubs themselves, as projects like the redevelopment of the Belgrave Pavilion are likely to cost between $4m and $5m.”

Both the senior football club and the cricket club said the current facilities aren’t suitable for women’s sports, with only one female toilet currently operating in the pavilion and temporary changing rooms installed by the council Mr Murton said other successful pavilion projects have shown that advocacy to all levels of government takes around five years on average to get a commitment for funding. “(This) provides clubs with time to plan fundraising activities and to work with council to ensure new facilities will meet the ongoing needs of clubs.” he said.

Belgrave Cricket Club secretary Melissa Davey previously told the Star Mail the club had put together a five-year plan to fundraise the required $100,000.

“We’ve got a meeting coming up and some information sessions coming up for our members and supporters, so we can start asking for ideas and we can start drawing upon contacts and things that people can provide us to fundraise the money,” she said.

“We’re really going to have to be smart and on the front foot about it, which is why we’re trying to put a five-year plan in place and try and get as many ideas as we can possibly.” mailcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Monbulk’s big weekend

By Jack Rollings The temperature was predicted to be in the mid-30s, so the Monbulk bowling sides arranged with the opposition sides to start the games two hours early to beat the heat. As it turned out, the temperature only got to about 33 so the early games weren’t disrupted at all, and it was generally a good day for bowling.

Monbulk 1 played at home against Healesville 1. Many of the bowlers on both sides had played against each other in the Tuesday competition this week, where Healesville won on all rinks, so on Saturday, Monbulk was looking to square the ledger with Healesville.

Karen Rice’s team started slowly and was down by 5 shots going into the fifth end. Then Monbulk won four ends in a row to level at 7 shots all. The game then seesawed for much of the day, until the nineteenth end, when, with the last bowl, the Monbulk skip converted a 1 shot head into 5 shots. That gave Monbulk a decent lead on the scorecard and Healesville couldn’t recover. Monbulk won the rink 24 shots to 18.

Brian Smith’s team had one of their best performances for the season. They dropped only six ends for the day, with no losses higher than a 2. Their wins included two 3s, three 4s, and a 5. They led all day and kept increasing the margin. Even when the other Monbulk teams were in close struggles, this team kept the composite scoreboard ticking over in favour of Monbulk. Monbulk won the rink 38 shots to 11.

Eric Markham’s team had a close one all day. The lead changed several times. With three ends to go, Monbulk was trailing by 3 shots. The other rinks had finished and were looking on. The tension was mounting. That’s when Monbulk pulled out all the stops and won the last two ends with a 4 and a 2, to win the rink 24 shots to 21.

Jim Bras’ team had level scores four times during the game. And each time they managed to regain the lead. With four ends to go, the scores were 16 shots all. Then Monbulk won four in a row to take the win 23 shots to 16.

Overall Monbulk had a big win 109 shots to 66, with all four rinks up. The bowls transactions with Healesville were reconciled. Monbulk is back on top of the ladder, just nine ladder points above Lilydale in second place.

Both Monbulk and Lilydale have a win/loss ratio of 8/4. And next Saturday, in the penultimate home and away round, it will be Monbulk versus Lilydale, at Lilydale, in a battle

Peter Dowsett has been a big improver this season. for the top spot. This is going to be a pressure match-up.

Monbulk 2 played away at Upwey/Tecoma.

The greens at Upwey are still in need of repairs and maintenance following the floods last year. Not all the rinks were playable and the Monbulk games were split over the two greens.

Alan Hamilton’s team had a close game, with the margin no greater than 3 shots for

Picture: SUPPLIED

most of the day. Then towards the end of the game, and trailing by 1 shot, Monbulk put on a spurt and grabbed a big 5 shotter, then went on to win the rink 22 shots to 14.

Klaus Eisele’s team won seven ends, mostly with singles, while their opponents grabbed quite a few doubles and some bigger scores. It was a tough day at the office. Monbulk lost the rink 8 shots to 29.

Peter Lee’s team had a game of thirds. The first third was won by Monbulk, then Upwey/ Tecoma caught up and led in the second third, then Monbulk stormed home in the final third, picking up some good multiples and taking the win 21 shots to 14.

Mike Harris’ team won nine ends and stayed close for most of the day. Even going into the sixteenth end, the scores were level at 12 shots all. Then, in the run home, Monbulk dropped some clangers and had to settle for a loss 14 shots to 24.

Overall Monbulk lost the round 65 shots to 81 with two rinks up. Monbulk is fourth on the ladder with a healthy 7/5 win/loss ratio. They are just one ladder point below the third spot which would bring on a home-ground final – something worth striving for. Next week Monbulk plays at home against Dandenong RSL who have scored just two wins this season.

Monbulk will be looking for full points.

Cockatoo/Monbulk played away at Eastwood Golf Bowls Club. Going into this round Eastwood had not won a single match for the season. Even playing away on their challenging green, Cockatoo/Monbulk managed to keep the big points travelling in their direction and secure the win.

Mark Coulter’s team led all day but could not quite break away until the final four ends when they picked up 10 shots. They won the rink 25 shots to 13.

Mark Blythman’s team won the most ends and was either level or in front for most of the day. Then, in the final three ends, they gave up a 5 shot lead and dropped a 6 and two doubles, to lose the rink 20 shots to 25.

Anthony Young’s team won a stack of multiples, only dropping seven ends. They led all day and were never threatened. They won the rink 35 shots to 18.

Ken Earle’s team had dropped just 6 shots in the front half while racking up a strong 18 shots. On the sixteenth end, they were 20 shots in front. Then Eastwood put in a good finish and was able to reduce the margin. Cockatoo/ Monbulk won the rink 27 shots to 17.

Overall Cockatoo/Monbulk won 107 shots to 73. They are now second on the ladder, just a single ladder point below Lilydale 4. And who do they play next Saturday? – Lilydale 4 at Cockatoo. The winner will take the top spot on the ladder. It will be a tough run home for this Cockatoo/Monbulk side, with the final match against Yarra Glen 3 who are sitting in third place, just three ladder points below.

Up and down round for Monbulk midweek pennant

By Jack Rollings The weather defied predictions. There was a sprinkling of rain early on, then some more serious precipitation later in the day. In between it was warm, not windy, and quite good for bowling.

Monbulk 1 travelled to Healesville. The green is a sand-filled synthetic. Quite narrow and not as fast as Monbulk’s green.

Brian Smith’s team started well and was still leading going into the seventh end.

And that’s when Healesville got moving and claimed a 5 shotter to take the lead. From that moment the game started slipping away from Monbulk. Healesville grew their lead and won twelve ends to Monbulk’s nine ends.

Monbulk lost the rink 14 shots to 25.

By the end of the day, Eric Markham’s team had won a similar number of ends to Healesville, but they started slowly and trailed in the front half. After lunch, Monbulk won a few good ends and took the lead on the sixteenth end. Then Healesville won four of the final five ends to reclaim the lead. Monbulk lost the rink 14 shots to 18.

Jim Bras’ team led for the front half. When the bell went for lunch Monbulk was 6 shots in front. After lunch Monbulk lost eight ends in a row, and, with two ends to go, were 7 shots down. They won the final two ends but couldn’t make up the margin. Monbulk lost the rink 19 shots to 21.

Overall Monbulk lost 47 to 64 with no rink wins. They are now fourth on the ladder, mailcommunity.com.au

with a win/loss ratio of 5/5, and with a tough run home. Next week they play the top side Mooroolbark, who have only lost two rounds this season. But it will be on Monbulk’s home ground and Monbulk has a lot of incentive to claim the points.

Monbulk 2 played at home against Cranbourne 3.

Peter Lee’s team led for most of the day and won twelve of the twenty-one ends. With three ends to go, they had an 11 shot lead.

Unfortunately, they dropped 11 shots over the final three ends to let Cranbourne back in and had to settle for a draw 21 shots all.

Jim Anderson’s team had a strong day, only dropping seven ends for the whole game. By the halfway mark they were 9 shots up. After lunch, they continued their dominance and grew the margin. They won the rink 29 shots to 14.

Klaus Eisele’s team had a day out. They won thirteen ends and led for the whole day.

But it was the amazing multiples that really put them way out in front. They won three 3s, two 4s, a 5, a 6 and a 7. They won the rink 44 shots to 10.

Overall Monbulk won 94 shots to 45 with two and a half rinks up. Monbulk is now second on the ladder with a good 7/3 win/loss ratio. Next week they play Noble Park who is well below on the ladder, but it will be an away game. With Monbulk’s best performances, this could be a chance to edge closer to the top spot.

Monbulk 3 had a bye this week.

Andy Lee playing lead in the top side.

Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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