Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 18th April 2023

Gone too soon

By Mikayla van Loon

AYarra Ranges family is mourning the death of their bright and blooming daughter and sister after a chroming incident left her in a critical condition in hospital where she later died.

Esra Haynes, 13, died last weekend following the inhalation of deodorant which saw her go into cardiac arrest and battle in hospital for a week.

The death of the Lilydale High School Year 8 student and Don Valley resident has sent ripples of shock and emotion throughout the Yarra Ranges community.

Parents Paul and Andrea Haynes told the Herald Sun just days after their daughter’s passing they would vow to raise awareness around the risks of chroming.

“We want to help other children not fall into the silly trap of doing this silly thing,” he said.

“It’s unquestionable that this will be our crusade. No matter how much you lead a horse to water, anyone can drag them away. It’s not something she would have done on her own.”

In the days following, Esra’s siblings have also told news outlets they would be honouring their sister by ensuring no one else has to go through their pain.

“It’s just a toxic thing and I just want to put awareness out there that it can happen very quickly and we don’t want to lose anymore amazing people,” Esra’s brother Seth Haynes told The Project.

“When we’re strong enough, we want to go around and talk at schools and tell our story of what we went through, if we can help one person that’s enough,” sister Imogen Haynes said.

As friends and family came to terms with Esra’s sudden death, they took to social media to pay tribute to the girl she was.

“The one girl who could put a smile on anyone’s face no matter what. There wasn’t one day in the past three years you’ve not made my day by your contagious laugh and gorgeous smile,” Esra’s best friend Abbey posted to Facebook.

“My heart aches and it doesn’t feel real knowing I’ll have to say goodbye to you Esra. You’re so young. You were gone too soon.

“I’ll stay trying to make you proud and

continue doing the things that made you happy. I endlessly love and miss you Esra. Rest In Paradise my love. Forever 13.”

Described by her sister as someone who

was “blooming”, Imogen told Channel Nine she was “so kind, generous, helped everyone before herself always, she’s just one in a million”.

Continued page 3

Family and friends have been left rocked by the news of Esra’s death. Pictures: SOCIAL MEDIAEsra Haynes,13,was sporty and full of life but one mistake cost her life.

The Montrose Football Club player had just been picked to co-captain the Under 14s girls side.

Calls to know risks

By Mikayla van Loon

Emerging in the days since Esra Haynes’ death has been a renewed call for better education around the use and risks of inhalants.

With the accessibility of aerosols and canned chemicals, chroming, otherwise known as huffing or sniffing, has become somewhat of a trend for young people looking to have a temporary high.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s CEO Dr Erin Lalor described chroming as the breathing in of household, industrial or medical chemicals to feel the effect of being intoxicated or high.

It however, comes with a range of possible risks, including delirium, nausea, headaches, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and death.

“There are many different types of inhalants and each of them have different risks and effects,” Dr Lalor said.

“Using inhalants will impact everyone differently, depending on a range of factors, including the amount consumed, the user’s weight, size, and general health, as well as whether the person is used to consuming it and if they have mixed it with other drugs.”

The continued use of inhalants can have long lasting effects, potentially causing damage to the body’s organs, with dependency also a possibility.

While the regular use of inhalants can cause people to experience depression, memory loss, loss of sense of smell and hearing and chest pain, Dr Lalor said death is usually quite rare but statistics around inhalant fatalities are limited in Australia.

This too extends to data on the use of chroming in Australia, with very limited research available.

“Data on the use of chroming in Australia is limited. The most recent, national data on the reported use of inhalants, is in the Australian Institute of Health andWelfare’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey (2019),” Dr Lalor said.

“It shows that reported recent use of inhalants among Australians aged over 14-yearsold, has gradually been increasing from 0.4 per cent in 2001 to 1.7 per cent in 2019. This data covers a broad range of inhalants including

chroming, nitrous oxide and amyl.”

Youth Drugs and Alcohol Advice (YoDAA) manager Kellie Ferris said the 2017 Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) survey showed inhalant use was reported at a higher rate among younger people.

The ASSAD report showed that “18 per cent of all students had intentionally sniffed inhalants at least once in their lifetime”.

“Why young people use any substance is varied, one aspect of chroming may be due to accessibility and lower cost. It’s important to talk with each young person to get their experience and reasons,” Ms Ferris said.

YoDAA has identified that some of the most common reasons for drug use include; to stop being bored, to fit in, to just feel good and to feel comfortable in social situations, among the reasons for shutting out feelings of pain, to sleep and be creative.

Dr Lalor said The Alcohol and Drug Foundation would like to see “stronger evidence-

based education around the potential risks associated with drug use, including inhalants, and how people can reduce harm.”

For Ms Ferris, ensuring organisations like YoDAA have the funding to deliver education is important to reducing harm, as well as encouraging open and honest conversations around drug use.

“Early intervention with easy access to information and supports for young people, families, carers and community is the best way to prevent harms from drug use,” she said.

“One of the best ways to keep young people safe is open and honest conversations around use and harm reduction…the conversation about general drug use and risk taking to support young people to understand why they might be using or considering using.”

Support can be found by contacting the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s DrugInfo line on 1300 85 85 84 or for YoDAA, call 1800 458 685.

Gone too soon: Community mourns teen

From page 1

As a sporty teenager who had competed in aerobic state championships and had been named captain of her Montrose Football Club Under 14s team in the 2023 season, Imogen said she was “our little AFL girl”.

“We reckon she would have gone far in footy, she just kicked up this year and if she kept playing the way she was, she would have definitely gone far,” Imogen said in an interview.

Heartbroken by the news, Montrose Football Netball Club took to social media to

share their condolences.

“Esra came to our club last year, she played in the Under 12 Girls team where she fitted in seamlessly,” it read.

“In her short time at the club, Esra went from strength to strength as a leader on the field, and at training.

“Esra was determined, fun, cheeky and talented, she will be greatly missed by her teammates, coaches, and the wider community of our Club.”

Since her death, a GoFundMe page has been established by Joanne Semmens to

support the Haynes family.

“I would like her family to have some stress taken off them at this horrible time. Everyone feels helpless in these circumstances but being able to donate some money can help the community give something to the family,” Joanne wrote.

Within days, the fundraiser exceeded its original $5000 target, which was then extended to $10,000, that too being reached by Friday afternoon.

To locate the fundraiser, go to www.gofundme.com/f/esra-haynes-memory

Mooroolbark man arrested

Detectives have charged a Mooroolbark man after an aggravated burglary earlier this month.

On 2 April, an aggravated burglary occurred in Bayswater North where it is alleged the resident was assaulted when they confronted the offender. Investigators from Maroondah Crime Investigation Unit were able to identify the man allegedly involved, making an arrest on 5 April. In the early hours of the 6 April, with the assistance of the Croydon Divisional Response Unit, investigators from Maroondah CIU executed a search warrant at a Mooroolbark address. Stolen property was located inside the address, which has been linked to various other recent crimes. A man found hiding on a neighbour’s balcony and was subsequently arrested. Drugs which the man allegedly threw from the balcony prior to his arrest were also recovered. As a result of this arrest, investigators were able to connect the man to:

· 1 x Aggravated Burglary, Theft and Assault from Bayswater North;

· 1 x Burglary and 1 x Theft of Motor Vehicle from Warranwood;

· 1 x Burglary and Theft from Ringwood;

· 1 x Theft from Motor Vehicle from Prahran;

· 1 xTheft from MotorVehicle fromYarra Glen.

A 33-year-old man from Mooroolbark was charged with these offences and was remanded into custody to reappear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on the 8 May.

Taylor Road changes

Drivers who frequent Taylor Road in Mooroolbark should be aware of traffic condition changes on school days.

To improve safety during the peak pick up period outside Mooroolbark East Primary School, the road will be changed to one-way between 3pm and 4pm. This comes into effect from Monday 24 April, the return of the school term. The road will now allow for a lane of parked vehicles, queuing vehicles and through vehicles. Yarra Ranges Council consulted with the local community and stakeholders to implement the arrangement.

QFF detected again in Wandin

A Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) has been detected in a local trap in the Wandin area, affecting growers in Wandin North and Wandin East. Growers are urged to begin or continue trapping and baiting on their properties to protect their crops from QFF and most importantly, prevent QFF from establishing in the area. It is advisable for all home gardeners, fruit growers, and land managers in Wandin to take action to prevent QFF.

Easter driving offences worry police

Victoria Police detected almost 8000 traffic offences during their five-day Operation Nexus over the Easter long weekend.

The total 7741 offences detected during Operation Nexus included:

· 2908 speeding offences;

· 920 unregistered vehicles;

· 529 disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers;

· 343 mobile phone offences;

· 318 disobey signs/signals;

· 231 drink driving offences from 106,838 preliminary breath tests;

· 175 drug driving offences from 3263 roadside drug tests;

· 167 vehicle impoundments; and

· 163 seatbelt offences

Experts are warning young people about the risks of chroming, the inhalation of aerosols after the death of a teen in the Yarra Ranges.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Easter road smashes rife

By Tanya Steele

The Easter break has been a busy time for emergency services with a number of accidents occurring in the area.

Maroondah Highway in Coldstream and Melba Highway in Yering have both been host to a number of incidents on the roads in the last two weeks.

Most recently, a major collision occurred at 7.30pm on 12 April heading north from the intersection of Maroondah and Melba Highway in Coldstream.

A young male driver attempted to overtake and clipped the back of another vehicle heading in the opposite direction.

The accident resulted in a three car collision, fortunately there were no major injuries.

The driver was later apprehended by police of the Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol on the Maroondah Highway.

“He had left the scene,” Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Michael Pryor said.

The driver was processed at Lilydale Police Station, charged and released on bail.

Two vehicles were taken away that evening on tow trucks.

Coldstream CFA were later called to the scene around 8.50pm to assist with the wash away.

Over the Easter long weekend, two serious collisions occurred on different days on the same section of Melba Highway in Yering.

On both occasions, the driver left the paved road section on a bend, which resulted in an accident.

Lilydale SES unit controller Shaun Caulfield said environmental factors were unlikely to be at fault but more care needed to be taken.

“It’s not a blind corner and you can see really well, but sometimes people do not handle that bend with the appropriate level of care,” he said.

One accident had taken place on Good Friday 7 April around 3 pm, SES were called to the scene by a passerby.

It appeared the driver had collided with a power pole but escaped injury.

The second and larger accident occurred on Saturday 8 April at approximately 4.45 pm.

Mr Caulfield said it appeared one car lost

control after clipping a pole as it was heading towards Lilydale along the Melba Highway, but there was nothing to suggest the car was speeding.

“There’s a reasonable chance that this made the difference between it being an injury crash and a serious injury or fatality crash,” he said.

Allegedly, the car had spun out into the path of another vehicle and another car had to swerve to avoid the collision.

SES members assisted the ambulance staff on the scene that afternoon, while five people were assessed for injuries.

Ambulance Victoria confirmed four people were taken to different hospitals for further care and all have since been confirmed to be in stable condition.

Captain Sean Bethell said the last two weeks have been a hectic time and he confirmed that

there had been several other accidents recently, including the one on Wednesday.

“Over the Easter break we had several callouts,” he said.

A number of other accidents took place in the previous week, including a four car pile up on 2 April on Maroondah Highway and on 5 April a young driver was also involved in a car rollover in Gruyere in the early morning.

No lives have been lost in these accidents but statewide data in Victoria confirms there have been 91 deaths on roads in 2023.

This is up from 74 lives lost during the same time period of last year.

Fatigue, distracted driving, speeding and substance based impairment are the main causes of road trauma.

Lilydale SES and Coldstream CFA urged people to take care when driving and remain

focused on the roads to avoid accidents.

“Slow down and concentrate on what’s happening in front of you on the road,” Mr Bethell said.

Both community groups have been making posts on social media urging drivers to be safe on the roads, a message that has been universal from emergency services.

Sergeant Kirsty Swankie of Healesville Police confirmed that these recent collisions had been attended by highway patrol and said people need to be mindful of wet roads.

“They also need to ensure their vehicles are well maintained and roadworthy to ensure safety for all road users,” she said.

Police will continue to investigate the specific causes of these crashes.

Mooroolbark Parkiteer months away from its return

By Mikayla van Loon

Bike riders have been left baffled by a lengthy closure of the Mooroolbark Train Station’s Parkiteer bike parking just over a year since building was complete.

Mooroolbark based university student Kate Pengelly rides her bike to the station everyday to then catch public transport to campus.

But since 12 February the bike parking facility has been closed due to a faulty door, seeing Kate have to ride a further 20 minutes to Croydon Train Station.

“Because of the replacement buses at the

moment, the commute is already very long. So it’s quite disappointing that it hasn’t been fixed, especially when they said they were working to fix it as soon as possible but I don’t really think that’s happened,” she said.

“The Croydon Parkiteer is getting quite crowded because I think all the people who were at Mooroolbark, now quite a few of them are riding to Croydon.”

Kate said she has contacted Parkiteer and has submitted it on the Snap Send Solve application to which PTV and Yarra Ranges Council have seen the claim but have not responded.

Parkiteer has confirmed the original de-

sign of the door, which was completed during the building process of the new station, is too heavy for the hinges.

While it has been an issue for a while, Parkiteer said it has come to a point where it would be a liability to leave the facility open, with the chance someone could get trapped inside the bike cage.

The bike parking operator is currently going through a warranty claim with the builder and is in the process of forming a new design.

Once the design is approved, Parkiteer expects it to be a further six to eight weeks for manufacturing and construction to occur.

Although riding a further distance to Croydon hasn’t stopped her from doing so, Kate said it can be rather annoying particularly as the weather changes, sometimes riding 30 minutes, instead of five to get home.

“They’ve put in a lot of money to build this new infrastructure because it was meant to be a new and improved Parkiteer. So it’s just a bit of a shame for the community to not have it, to not have it working,” Kate said.

“Especially when we’re trying to encourage people to ride to work and school, it just makes it really impractical. It’s just a door that needs fixing so it’d be good if it gets fixed.”

The Mooroolbark Train Station Parkiteer facilitiy has been closed since the start of February. 328946

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS A faulty door design has left the Parkiteer facility as risk of shutting people in bike parking cage. 328946

Emergency services have urged people to be careful on the roads.

Picture: LILYDALE SES

Elder abuse

By Parker McKenzie

An independent review has hailed the success of two programs run in partnership by Eastern Health and Eastern Legal Community Centre to combat elder abuse while earmarking the programs for expansion.

A launch at Eastern Health’s Box Hill office was attended by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus onWednesday 12 April to release the report into the first three years of the Engaging and Living Safely and Autonomously (ELSA) and Rights of Seniors in the East (ROSE) programs.

ECLC CEO Michael Smith said his organisation has been working in the area for 15 years now.

“In the early days, all our projects had names like under the carpet or behind,” he said.

“Sadly, but thankfully, we’ve become much more aware.”

ECLC partnered with Eastern Health to launch ELSA and ROSE in 2019, and the programs “have achieved their goals to the highest possible levels” and support the adaption of the ELSA and ROSE models to other geographical locations and their continuation and expansion” according to the report.

Eastern Health CEO David Plunkett said the report release was a big moment in the partnership between his organisation and ECLC.

“One key aspect that is discussed at length in this report is collaboration with community partners,” he said.

“We know the needs of our community are changing, in fact the proportion of our population over 85 years is set to grow by 75 per cent by the year 2036.”

The ELSA program comprises of a partnership coordinator, community lawyer, elder abuse advocate and financial counsellor to respond to older Eastern Health patients at risk or experiencing elder abuse.

The ROSE program features a community lawyer, elder abuse advocate, and financial counsellor to respond to older people experiencing or at risk of abuse, working in partnership with Oonah Health and Community Services Aboriginal Corporation and other community partners.

Mr Smith said he first met Mr Deyfus 10 years ago during his first stint as AttorneyGeneral as a part of the Gillard Government, where he pitched a community legal centre in Healesville.

“I’m pleased to say the Yarra Ranges Centre

is now in its 10th year,” he said to applause.

Mr Dreyfus said the evaluation demonstrates the incredible work and service the ECLC has provided to “some of our most vulnerable Australians.”

“ECLC has been at the forefront of strenuous efforts to tackle elder abuse and has engaged in policy, advocacy and community education on elder abuse for many years,” he said.

“There is growing awareness in our communities of elder abuse, in part that is thanks to the first national elder abuse prevalence

study in December 2021, which revealed that approximately one in six Australians experienced elder abuse in some form.”

The programs have received funding until 2026.

Mr Dreyfus said often pilot programs don’t result in long-term funding.

“I’m very interested in predictability of funding for obviously the legal assistance sector,” he said.

“It’s very important organisations are able to plan.”

Attorney General Mark Dreyfus at the report launch on Wednesday 12 April.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

CISVic faces grim future

By Mikayla van Loon

At a time when community support services are needed the most, one of the Yarra Ranges’ key financial and information services is on the brink of closure due to a lack of funding.

The Community Information and Support Victoria (CISVic) Yarra Ranges branch, based in Lilydale, has had to cut back servicing hours and reduce staff to stay afloat.

But CISVic executive officer Kate Wheller said without immediate and ongoing increased funding, the branch would likely be unable to stay open past the end of the year, leaving a major gap in support for residents.

“We’re in a dire situation and without additional funding or cheaper accommodation, we will be forced to close the service by the end of the year,” she said.

Formerly known as Lilydale Assist which had been helping the community for more than 40 years, Ms Wheller said CISVic took over management of the service when it became apparent the dedicated volunteers could no longer effectively run it on their own.

“We took over the management of it four years ago and up to that time, it was solely run by an incredibly passionate and dedicated team of volunteers, many who had been there for decades,” she said.

“This wasn’t a sustainable model and it had been struggling for some time to maintain the volunteer workforce that it needed to continue operating. So we knew when we took over that there were going to be challenges because the service was effectively underfunded.

“It didn’t have capacity to employ any paid staff and the existence of volunteer only agencies in the current context is very difficult for sustainability.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic CIS Yarra Ranges was able to bring on a paid staff member to help with coordination of the service and training of volunteers because of an increase in funding.

Since then, however, funding has returned to a pre pandemic level, making it unsustainable for the service to provide what it had been able to during those years.

“What we found during Covid was that all levels of government really stepped up, they were able to put forward additional funding to support the community through the crisis of the pandemic.

“But the ripple effects of the pandemic are still being felt and we have more people in

hardship than pre pandemic and we’ve gone back to pre pandemic funding. So we’re trying to support more people with less money.”

Even with limited opening hours at the Lilydale office, Ms Wheller said currently volunteers are supporting at least 10 and 12 individuals and families each day.

“We’re still seeing people who are in really significant personal and financial hardship that have key issues around limited income, housing costs, utility bills, medical and household expenses. So people are really struggling and with the cost of daily living, it’s just getting harder.”

While in this year’s round of Yarra Ranges Council’s partnership grants, a four year funding commitment program, CIS Yarra Ranges received an annual funding assurance of $30,000, MsWheller said it won’t be enough for the longevity of the service.

“We did apply through the grant process for more money than we received and the $30,000 thatwehavereceivedistheexactsameamount of funding that we’ve received for many, many years without any indexation in an environment where we’ve got rising costs.”

One of the main reasons this funding is not suitable is because CIS Yarra Ranges operates out of a commercial building space, where rent costs $20,000 annually.

For many of CISVic’s other agencies, they operate from council leased spaces where the rent is reduced to peppercorn rates or none at all.

“We are incredibly grateful to Yarra Ranges Council for their support and their enduring commitment to the service but it’s just not enough money.

“It’s not the right arrangement for us to be in a private commercial property and spend-

ing two thirds of the money on rent.”

Yarra Ranges Council did provide consultants to put together a report identifying funding options but Ms Wheller said early indications suggest there are little to no avenues that can be taken.

“If the service is to continue past the end of this year, we need, effectively, a significant increase in funding and an alternative venue to operate from.”

CISVic doesn’t only rely on funding from the council but also from the Federal government’s emergency relief funding and other streams but they also have kept up with demand.

Over the next eight months, MsWheller said she would remain in conversation with the council about finding an alternative space to rent, as well as advocating to the State government for coordination funding to provide the wages for a coordinator at each CISVic agency.

Lilydale sites move closer to heritage protection

By Mikayla van Loon

Yarra Ranges Council has continued its due diligence as it works towards gaining heritage protection for 13 significant sites in Lilydale.

At the council meeting on Tuesday 11 April, submissions both supporting and objecting to the amendment to the heritage overlay were acknowledged and voted to be passed onto an independent panel for consideration.

Amendment C207 proposes that a heritage overlay be applied to 13 buildings and street trees, with a further seven needing updated statements of significance.

This was put out for community consultation between 10 November and 12 December last year, with five submissions received.

Two submissions returned opposed the application for heritage overlay on two separate tree applications due to the health of the trees. One submission supported the amendment but requested a number of modifications, while two submissions had no objection to the application.

Having been working with the council for many years to see these proposed sites receive heritage protection, Lilydale and District Historical Society president Sue Thompson said it has been extremely valuable for the society to have done so.

“They employed us as consultants to provide the images of the buildings and while not necessarily critical to the criteria required, we also researched to provide the

stories of each of the Main Street buildings,” she said.

“This is vital to us as the buildings we have today were created in the past and to properly preserve and interpret them we must know the who, what, where, why and how it was created.

“While all that information may not be included in each citation of each building, we certainly now have that in our archive and it’s now of course accessible to anybody.”

Focusing on the importance of Lilydale’s street trees, several have now been included in the amendment, something that Ms Thompson said separates Lilydale from oth-

er towns.

“Lilydale’s street trees are now the town’s chief point of difference from other towns that are in the Yarra Ranges,” she said.

“Our trees and our rich history are Lilydale’s key values and should be built on by the strategies presently being developed for the town.”

Councillor Sophie Todorov moved the motion to request an independent planning panel be appointed by the planning minister, noting the risk if this process isn’t completed properly.

“It’s only fair and due process to have this referred to an independent planning panel

to consider as we have done in some other matters coming before council. They are the experts here and will obviously give us their fair decisions and considerations,” she said.

Although furthering this onto a panel for consideration does come at an extra cost to the council, Cr Todorov said it is not

“It far outweighs the risk of not having this done through this process, risking our significant places having no appropriate heritage overlay controls or significant place descriptions.

“Not including their importance and how they have shaped the history of Lilydale and the broader Yarra Ranges as well and more importantly risking [them] being damaged or even demolished.”

Cr Johanna Skelton seconded the motion and said it was not in the best interest of the council to abandon any of the sites listed for heritage overlay.

“It’s actually quite a privilege as a council that we get to support these historically significant sites and the historic importance of some of these things,” she said.

“It’s easy for these things to be lost and certainly we’ve heard about some of the sites that are degrading and people are worried that they’re going to be lost through that process as well.

“It’s a responsibility of the council that we take our obligations under the planning and environment act seriously and recognise these sites and work to protect them.”

The motion was carried unanimously.

Submissions regarding the heritage overlays of buildings in Main Street Lilydale and elsewhere in town will be forwarded to an independent planning panel. 289699 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

CIS Yarra Ranges won’t be able to sustain its service past the end of the year without immediate financial support. 325749 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Roads funding cut anger

By Callum Ludwig

Disappointment continues to be felt by residents around the Yarra Ranges at the funding cut for the Roads for Community program.

Yarra Ranges Council provided an update on the status of the sealing projects that remained at the Tuesday 11 April Council meeting.

Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton said it was with sadness that she put forward the motion.

“Whilst I’m sure across the room we are all extremely grateful and thankful that we’ve been able to deliver a substantial amount of roads across the region to the value of almost $50 million, it is about one-third of the amount that we planned for and that the community were hoping for and expecting,” she said.

“We have to decide how best to expend the remainder of that money and what to do with those schemes that have already been declared but hadn’t gone to tender.”

The Federal Government sent out a formal notification to Yarra Ranges Council on 19 December 2022 which was received on 10 January 2023 to confirm the initial $150 million of funding would be reduced to almost $47.7 million, meaning it was no longer financially possible for Council to fulfil the entire priority list of road sealing projects.

Cr Skelton said she would like really thank the Council’s officers for the ongoing sensible and difficult decisions that they have had to make in putting this process through its paces.

“The option put forward here, that the allocation of that remaining amount happens in the order of first schemes to declare through to until it runs out, is a sensible one because the order of the road listing in the first place was put there because it took in a lot of criteria,” she said.

“First up, we had the roads for schools and community halls and then the very high use and high-density roads and then continuing down, I feel like it makes sense for us to then allocate the remainder of the funds in that formation.”

Up to March 2023, Council had spent $22,966,836 on the completed projects. A further $25,967523 is committed for future expenditure on projects at Practical Completion, projects in construction, projects at the design stage and staffing costs, for a total of $48,934,359.

$47,656,000 in Federal funding and $7,748,270 garnered from landowners through the Special Charges Scheme from projects declared under construction leaves Council with an estimated surplus of $6,469,911 which will go towards remaining priority projects.

said the funding cut now necessitates costly internal reviews and reports and communications with residents.

“It’s one of those items tonight where I wish we didn’t have to be discussing it, and it’s no fault of our Council or our staff. There will be much disappointment to many residents if they are on the wrong side of the line as to what we can achieve and what we can’t,” he said.

“We have been able to complete nearly $48 million worth of sealing which is a substantial amount and to that extent, we should be grateful that we’ve done a third of the allocation before it was cut from underneath us.”

13 projects previously declared for Special Charges Scheme are left without any commitment to the costs of carrying them out. Seven of these would be carried out as anticipated, with $785,973 leftover based on estimates and these additional savings would be held to fund future road sealing projects.

The following roads will be sealed as anticipated, ordered in the date of the special charge declaration:

· Alpine Street, Cecil Street and Glenbrook Road, Warburton

· Emery Lane, Montrose

· Welham Road, Mooroolbark

· Bretby Way, Montrose

· Alfred Street, John Street, Wandin North

· Tainton Street, Railway Parade, Wandin North

· Cedar Court, Burns Way (Includes Harvest Close), Loch Avenue, Mayview Drive, Monbulk

A review of the Special Charges Scheme is now required to establish priorities regarding road sealing and the level of funding for projects provided by the Council and landowners.

19 petitions requesting road sealing from landowners remain before Council without funding commitments:

· Breen Terrace Group, Ferny Creek

· Gerratts Avenue, Upwey

· Warra Road, Upwey

· Nigel Court, Badger Creek

· Wilkilla Road, Mt Evelyn

· Launching Place Primary School Group, Launching Place

· Edward Street, Wesburn

· Pavitt Lane, Kilsyth

· Wanda Avenue and part of Darinda Avenue, Wandin North

· William Road, The Patch

· Selby Road, Woori Yallock

· Clements Avenue andVerona Street Belgrave South

· Paynes Road (Warburton Highway to 9 Paynes Road), Seville

· McNamaras Road, Millgrove

· Knolls Lane, Silvan

· Brumfield Road and Bonnies View, Healesville

· Roach Road, Lilydale

· Wiseman Road, Silvan

· Wedderburn Crescent, Mt Evelyn

Cr Fullagar said while the Special Charges Scheme will have to be reprioritized and relooked at, at least there is some hope for those people really desiring their roads to be sealed in the future.

“I regret the anguish this is going to cause to some residents who thought that their roads would be sealed in the next year or two and now might be three, four, five or six years away,” he said.

“But I think this is the most responsible choice so that we don’t stop the bleeding of money rolling out, it’s the most appropriate course of action so I support this recommendation.”

The motion was carried unanimously.

Another Ranges Council meeting closed to gallery

By Parker McKenzie

For the second time this year, Yarra Ranges Council closed its doors to the public gallery during a council meeting.

On Tuesday 11 April, Mayor Jim Child closed the meeting to those in attendance after members of the community started filming the meeting from the gallery.

“In accordance with rule 75 of the governance rule, there will be no filming from the gallery without consent of the chair,” he said.

“I do not give that consent.The gallery will be asked to stop filming if necessary.”

In Yarra Ranges Council’s governance rules, adopted in August 2022, a person “must not operate film, photographic, taperecording or other equipment to reproduce sound and/or images at any meeting without first obtaining the consent of the Chair.”

After a Welcome to Country, Mayor Child asked the members of the gallery to return to their seats.

“We don’t want to be recorded either, in the Yarra Ranges, anywhere,” an attendee said.

“if that’s the way you want it in the gallery, please exit the gallery, that’s the best way of doing it,” Mayor Child said.

“You’re being filmed here tonight whether you like it or not.”

After further interjection from the gallery, Mayor Child told attendees “sorry you will not be filming us.”

“You can’t do that, you’re a public figure we aren’t,” another attendee said.

“I will adjourn this meeting if it is continu-

ally interrupted,” Mayor Child said to jeers.

The meeting was adjourned immediately after, before being recommenced around 40 minutes later without the public gallery.

Organised by fringe-community group My Place, those in attendance have taken issue with Yarra Ranges Council adopting 20-minute neighbourhood principles within

urban design frameworks for Monbulk and Warburton and have started protesting at council meetings.

In January, the Star Mail reported on another council meeting being adjourned after interruption from the gallery, which resulted in police being called to the building after those in attendance refused to leave after the meeting was adjourned.

Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar

Disappointment continues to be felt regarding the funding cut for the Roads for Community initiative.

Picture: ON FILE

The Yarra Ranges Council live stream immediately before the meeting was adjourned by Mayor Jim Child. Picture: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

Local mad at Porter Davis crash

By Rachael Ward, AAP

Frustrated families impacted by the collapse of building company Porter Davis are stepping up calls for state and federal governments to end their nightmare.

The home builder’s customers in Victoria will on Sunday stage a protest on the steps ofVictoria’s parliament in a show of solidarity.

They want affected families to be given financial and legal assistance to help them navigate their next steps.

Child safety boost

By Callum Ludwig

Efforts to improve child safety and prevent harm and abuse have ramped up in Victoria, with the passing of the Child Protection Reform and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2022 and updates to the Victorian Child Safe Standards in May and July 2022 respectively and a regulatory framework for the standards in place from this year.

The Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah Councils have teamed up with ChildSafe Australia to host an online Community Information Session on Tuesday 16 May to keep locals updated on the changes.

ChildSafe Australia General Manager Neil Milton said that ChildSafe believe creating a culture of child safety and understanding the standards and what’s expected of organisations needs to be a community initiative.

“The standards are focused on creating safer environments for children off the back of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the national principles around child safety,” he said.

“They are helping organisations to give a voice to children, making sure First Nations people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are supported and creating a culture and framework in organisations to make sure that children are safe and free from harm and abuse.”

Announced by the Federal Government in 2012,thefinalreportontheRoyalCommission

into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was released in 2017. An initial seven Child Safe Standards commenced in Victoria in January 2016, with last year’s update modifying that to 11.

Mr Milton said we need to do everything in our power to understand that the trauma from child sexual abuse can be lifelong.

“It can’t just be one organisation doing something and another organisation not doing something. When organisations understand that, compliance with the standards becomes something they are aware of the importance of,” he said.

“Therefore, if a child goes from one organisation to another, they’re going to get the same kind of care. Parents and carers have an implicit trust in organisations, they expect them to keep their children safe and have everything in place to do that.”

The online Zoom information sessions will go over two hours from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and will cover the changes, discuss the standards with a spotlight on governance, child-safe recruitment and training of staff and volunteers, and recognising and reporting abuse before finishing with the implications and a chance for questions.

Mr Milton said with more understanding will fulfil the standard’s goal to prevent harm and abuse to children but also give them a chance to strive and grow in the community.

“Knowledgeispower,butyoucouldhaveall

the knowledge in the world and with no cation, children would still be abused. But with knowledge and understanding of the child safety standards, trauma, abuse and creating child-safe environments, they’ve got everything they need in order to make sure they can put this in place,” he said.

“As a survivor myself of child sex abuse, I was let down by an organisation and the reality is that that trauma lives on and you’ve got to face it every single day. If organisations choose to put children first, give them a voice and provide a safe environment, less will likely be abused.”

To find out more about the updated Child Safe Standards, visit www.ccyp.vic.gov.au/ child-safe-standards/new-child-safe-standards-now-apply.

To register for the information session, go to www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/ Events/New-Child-Safe-Standards-Information-Session?fbclid=IwAR1UsXY8mqH4M2L2 uyIpYdVfLG0hP4Om5Xwkr5ggwEAgK89RXVjiCw4MBAo.

For immediate concerns about the safety of a child, contact the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Child Protection Crisis Line by telephone on 13 12 78.To discuss child abuse concerns, including historical events, you can contact a Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) member at Knox (03) 9881 7939.

Funding helps build community resilience

Community resilience building in the Yarra Ranges just received an extra boost with funding being awarded to Outer Eastern Foodshare (OEF) to help coordinate more than 80 organisations who help people when they’re in need.

The funding is part of the $10 million Preparing Australian Communities (PAC) Grant from the Federal Government. The PAC program aims to enable communities to better mitigate, avoid, withstand, and recover from the increasing effects of natural hazards as a result of climate change, through activities that build resilience.

OEF will be working in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council and Yarra Ranges Emergency Relief Network (YRERN) which is a collection of not-for-profit local community service providers that support people with a range of assistance including food, household items, health care, counselling, social connection and financial counselling.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said these funds would enable OEF to employ a project coordinator to help coordinate and strengthen links between OEF, theYRERN and its member organisationstohelpbuildbetterresiliencefor communities in theYarra Ranges.

OEF is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organisation that collects food (up to 100 tonnes of perishable and non-perishable food) from

food distribution agencies such as Foodbank Victoria, Second Bite, Fareshare and Oz Harvest as well as donations from local food producers. It distributes this to local food relief agencies to share with local people who are doing it tough.

“We all know how important it is for communities to work together when faced with adversity and this grant is a great step to continue building resilience in the Yarra Ranges,” Cr Child said.

“OEF does an excellent job of collecting and distributing food to agencies across the Yarra Ranges – in fact they do such a good job that this can be as much as 100 tonnes of food each year.

“As an incorporated organisation and part of the YRERN, OEF offers vast experience and provideawiderangeofservicesincludingfood relief, financial support, accommodation assistance, counselling. We’re pleased they are able to continue their great work in building resilience in theYarra Ranges.”

The PAC grant is also funding: Place based resilience planning – Will bring communities, local businesses, support organisations and agencies together from Monbulk, Healesville, Yarra Junction and their surrounds to benchmark and strengthen resilience.

Resilient energy precinct – A joint venture

with Monash University and Council to assess the feasibility for a resilient microgrid across essential buildings in Monbulk.

Resilient buildings – Multiple Council community buildings that serve as emergency relief centres will be upgraded with a generator plug-in point and/or solar power capabilities.

Tree management and clean-up – Funding requested to complete clean-up in Council open spaces and bushlands from the 2021 storm, as well as delivering a proactive tree management program in high-risk areas.

Changing places facility – Provides suitable facilities for people who are unable to use standard accessible toilets at Kilsyth Sports Centre, which is also a designated emergency reliefcentre.Thisfillsaneedintheprovisionof emergency amenities for people who are unable to use standard accessible amenities.

Bushfire risk assessment – A bushfire risk assessment will be commissioned for the areas of the Dandenong Ranges impacted by the 2021 storm which will assist in the rebuilding process.

Emergency relief network – Will strengthen the role and involvement of the Yarra Ranges Emergency Relief Network to provide better coordinated support and material aid resources acrossYarra Ranges.

“Regulatory failings have allowed builders to take money without issuing the required insurance,” the organisers said in a statement.

“We are desperately calling on the Victorian government to do what matters and support victims.”

Organiser Eric Poon says his life has been up-ended since the company went into liquidation last month, impacting about 1700 builds in Victoria and Queensland.

The Melbourne resident says he has become anxious and stressed as his family faces paying both a mortgage with rising interest rates and rent, while having no idea if their dream house will ever be built.

“We want Porter Davis to take responsibility for their actions and ensure that families who have invested in their homes receive proper compensation and support,” Mr Poon told AAP.

“I find myself checking my phone hoping for updates from the liquidator and the government, yet there is nothing. It feels like a never-ending nightmare.”

Mr Poon says he is one of the Porter Davis customers without insurance as he fell into a gap between paying the deposit and waiting for their permit on his Lilydale home in outer Melbourne to be obtained.

He said many customers have been told they may not get their deposits back and are struggling to get clarity on whether they can hire third-party builders to continue with works.

“Our group consists of around 200 families who have collectively paid $5.5 million in deposits,” Mr Poon said.

“While this amount may seem insignificant to the government, it represents years of savings for ordinary people like us.”

Liquidators Grant Thornton confirmed on Friday that more than 80 builders have applied to complete the unfinished Porter Davis homes, with at least 15 having the scale and capability to do the work.

“Customers are not obliged to engage one of these builders to complete their home build, however you may consider contacting one of these builders directly to discuss how they can assist you,” the liquidators told customers in a letter.

Premier Daniel Andrews has stood by a refusal to bail out the company and the Victorian Building Authority is investigating whether Porter Davis may have breached any laws.

Protest organisers say they will continue to stage demonstrations until governments step in.

A federal government spokeswoman said the Commonwealth was monitoring the situation but consumer safeguards only existed at a state level.

An online community information session to educate community groups and organisations on new Child Safe Standards.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Bowling for sick children

By Mikayla van Loon

Lilydale Bowls Club will be hosting a big charity day in early May, helping to raise funds for the Royal Children’s hospital.

Putting on a day of both competitive and social bowls for the community on Sunday 7 May, the club is hopeful it will be able to raise $10,000 in conjunction with the Templestowe and Yarra Valley Royal Children’s Hospital Auxiliary.

Having supported other charities in the past, event manager Sue Ingham said the bowls club wanted to keep the tradition going.

“The Lilydale Bowls Club has a long history of hosting charity fundraising events,” she said.

“We have recently raised funds for a local boy to assist with treatment for leukaemia, bush fire relief and a brain cancer charity.

“This event continues our commitment to be a club that supports the community.”

A member of the club, who is also part of the Auxiliary, suggested Lilydale assist the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) through the group.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital provides an important service that cares for the welfare of our children in all communities,” Sue said.

With the local community able to play barefoot bowls on the day, Sue said the club wanted to open it up to allow other local clubs the op-

portunity to play in a competitive triples challenge.

That’s how the Inaugural John Snell OAM Club Triples Challenge came about, with all profits from participating club entries going to the Auxiliary to donate to RCH.

“We hope to make it an annual event. It was decided to incorporate the tournament to involve other bowling clubs and thus increase our ability to raise funds,” Sue said.

As a long standing Lilydale Bowls Club member and Commonwealth Games champion, Sue said it seemed only fitting to honour such a bowling legend in this way.

For the social side of the event, craft stores, raffles and a sausage sizzle will be available to keep people fed, entertained and help raise more money for a good cause.

All profits from the bar will also be donated.

The barefoot bowls will get underway at 11am, with entry costing $15 for those wanting to play and $5 for spectators. Children under 12 will be free.

Those looking to compete in the tournament can enjoy a supplied breakfast at 8.15am, ready to start at 9am. For the first 30 teams, registration is $250.

To enquire and book barefoot bowls, contact bookings@lilydalebowls.com.au

To register for the John Snell tournament, Luke Ingham at lilydalebowls@hotmail.com

Local Animal Aid’s appeal gets back purrr-fect result

By Tanya Steele

Animal Aid in Coldstream has managed a huge feat over the Easter long weekend and found new families for a huge number of kittens, young cats and even a few guinea pigs who needed homes.

Communications and Engagement Manager, Elle Ammann said it was an amazing result.

“Final adoption numbers for the drive came to 106 animals,” she said.

57 kittens, 47 cats and two, guinea pigs found new homes, which meant the facility could make way for more animals.

“We were struggling because, without the free space at the shelter, it meant our foster carers were at capacity,” Ms Ammann said.

The shelter was at breaking point, with more cats coming in than the facility was able to adopt out.

Appeals were made to local clients and the community via email and social media.

Previous clients who had adopted with the facility before and residents in the region were encouraged to adopt a furry friend over

a period of ten days, with usual fees waived.

This positive outcome means the facility will also be able to further assist its regional centres.

March and April tend to be tougher for the adoption facilities with the peak of kitten season but this year was particularly troublesome.

“We think financial pressures coupled with the fact that there was such a big adoption uptake over the last few years meant that anyone who was looking to adopt has done so already,” Ms Ammann said.

“Definitely the whole of Victoria is really struggling to rehome animals.”

Heading forward, the shelter intends to keep up the good work.

“We’re going to be working really hard to make sure that our community chooses us to adopt every day, we have so many beautiful animals looking for a home,” Ms Ammann said.

Amazing result with many animals finding new families. Picture: ANIMAL AID

Lilydale Bowls Club will be hosting a charity and tournament day to raise fund for the Royal Children’s Hospital. 328947

The club’s bowling green hopes to be filled with barefoot bowlers and other local club players. 328947

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

ANZAC DAY

Honouring the fallen

RSL’s and the community prepare to gather once more to commemorate the fallen soldiers and nurses who died in warspast.

Services and marches are well into preparations, with many happening around the region.

To begin, Croydon RSL will be conducting a march throughout the town on Sunday 23 April beginning at Corner Hewish Road and Main Street, Croydon at 2.30pm

Croydon RSL will be hosting a dawn service at the war memorial located at the Kent Road and Croydon Road roundabout with a starting time of 5.30am.

Breakfast will follow at the Croydon RSL for a gold coin donation.

The Mount Evelyn RSL will be conducting two memorial services, one at the war memorial in Mount Evelyn and the other at the Seville War Memorial.

Both dawn services will begin at 5.45am. Following the Mount Evelyn service, at 6.45am a march will take place.

A free community breakfast will be provided at both commemorative services located at both Mount Evelyn RSL, 49 Birmingham Rd, Mount Evelyn and at Seville War Memorial, Seville Water Play Park, Warburton Highway, Seville.

For More Information Visit: www.mountevelynrsl.com/ and www.facebook.com/sevillewarmemorialvic/

Crowds are expected to gather in numbers as the Lilydale RSL hosts its dawn service at the

Main Street war memorial starting at 5.45am. It is advised people arrive early to get a position. All are welcome back to the newly renovated exterior of the RSL clubrooms for a free breakfast, located at 52 Anderson Street, Lilydale.

A service will be held at 10am at the Montrose War Memorial with special tribute to the soldiers of Shaggy Ridge as well as 10 former students of Montrose Primary School who died during the First World War. The RAAF Cadets of the 408 Squadron will form the Catafalque Party.

As part of the Lilydale and District Historical Society’s recognition of the service of local men and women in all theatres of war, the society has organised a special Anzac Day Lilydale Cemetery and its Military Connections tour.

Come and learn about the brilliance of Major William Charles Scurry D.C.M. on a special military tour at Lilydale Cemetery. Among the local residents who served during our nation’s wars are Jessie Mary Vasey who started up the Australian War Widows Guild; George Elliot who served in India and attended a dinner given by Queen Victoria and William Lawlor, an Irishman who fought in the American Civil War.

Join onTuesday 25 April at 2pm. Meet at the Victoria Road front gates of the Lilydale Lawn Cemetery, Lilydale. The cost is $15 per person and includes a booklet. Bookings essential as numbers are limited. Call Marg on 0417 522 712 to make your booking.

Local RSL clubs will be hosting dawn services for Anzac Day commemorations on Tuesday 25 April.

Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Crowds are expected to gather at both the Lilydale and Mount Evelyn memorials.

Involving next generation

Mooroolbark Grammar is once again helping to commemorate Anzac Day this year, providing students with a chance to learn the history of the men and women who sacrificed their lives in conflict. With many of the school’s students having grandparents who fought in World War II and the Korean War, Anzac Day presents an opportunity for them to feel connected to their family.

On Tuesday 25 April students will be speak-

ing at the Montrose War Memorial service, some donning war medals of their ancestors.

Upon returning to school on Wednesday 26 April, students will be treated to a visit from a retired Navy A.B Seaman who later transferred to secret services and became a Commando 1st class.

“We have a longstanding relationship with a Mooroolbark community member of over 20 years who is also a war veteran,” School Registrar Alicia Riera said.

“This community member has been providing educational and nostalgic war stories to our students for the past 12 years and it has become a school tradition.

“We believe that his stories have had a significant impact on our students’ understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices made by the Anzacs.”

Passing on the stories of leadership, courage and undertaking high-risk missions, as

well as the showing of various medals, has been invaluable to students in the past.

“We are honoured to hear from someone who has contributed so much to our nation’s history, and we are looking forward to learning from his experiences and insights.

“His story is a reminder of the sacrifices that so many have made to ensure the freedom and safety that we enjoy today, and we are grateful for his service.”

Mooroolbark Grammar has welcomed a war veteran to speak to students for the last 12 years.

Pictures: SUPPLIED Students were pleased to attend the Montrose War Memorial Anzac Day service last year.

Yarra Ranges artist at NGV

By Mikayla van Loon

For Healesville’s Craig Murphy-Wandin, having an artwork exhibited in an NGV collective project is somewhat unbelievable.

The Wurundjeri Woiwurrung artist’s work ‘Man in dreaming 2022’ is currently on display at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV as part of Melbourne Now, an exhibition showcasing the work of over 200 Victorian based artists, designers, studios and firms.

A first for Murphy-Wandin, he said “it’s a privilege” to have an artwork featured in an NGV exhibition.

“It’s just an amazing feeling. I still can’t believe that I have pieces in there,” MurphyWandin said.

As part of the ‘Vessels’ project, MurphyWandin has drawn on his ancestral woodworking techniques to carve a fallen tree burl, a practice he began around seven years ago.

Merging his contemporary wood carving skills with traditional Aboriginal practices, Murphy-Wandin speeds up the process by using a chainsaw to extract a burl and then slows it down by coating it in layers of gum sap.

“In Healesville we’ve got all our beautiful, big rivers and I just walk along there occasionally and if I see a tree down with a burl on it, I’d go back and carve it off,” he said.

“The carving is really fast because it is a contemporary way. If I tried to do it the old fashioned way, traditionally with a green stone axe it would take forever because it’s hardwood, I’d be there a year, maybe.”

Once a burl has been carved, MurphyWandin will soak the burl in water to prevent air splitting the wood, then comes the staining process, where he returns to the bush to find sap.

While sometimes a difficult part of the process, Murphy-Wandin said it can be “a meditation to me”, by being in the bush looking for

both the burls and sap.

Only starting to use gum sap two years ago, learning the technique as he went, MurphyWandin said he had faith in knowing it would work.

“It’s all self taught and trial and error really to use the gum sap and I knew it would work and it did,” he said.

With variations in sap colour, sometimes being red, orange, yellow or black, MurphyWandin said it can take up to eight weeks for a burl to start showing the colour.

“The staining is the really important part and it’s a beautiful thing to do and usually my ancestors would have used the sap as a glue, for glueing everything together, so that’s the real traditional part.”

As a former carpenter and horticulturist, Murphy-Wandin said returning to work with wood was a suggestion from his mother Aunty

Joy Murphy-Wandin to help make message sticks and smoking ceremony bowls as gifts.

While some burls can be used for smoking bowls, Murphy-Wandin said each burl has its own story to tell, he just gives it the ability.

“Some burls have got the stories in them already like the one in NGV, it’s got a man in the grain that’s why I called it ‘Man in dreaming’. It all depends on the burl. It tells you what it’s here for.”

The grain of the wood comes from its age, with some burls collected by Murphy-Wandin being hundreds of years old.

“Some of these burls that I have are 500 to 600 years old. A really big manna gum that fell on theWatts River that I found, it’s quite amazing how old some of these burls are.

“You get the young ones too when a little tree falls down. They haven’t got the stories in them because they’re not as old and they

haven’t been around for 700 years, so the grain hasn’t fully developed.”

As the only wooden texture in the ‘Vessels’ exhibition, Murphy-Wandin said he hopes it tells a story of how Aboriginal people worked with the land.

“I would like people to learn how amazing nature is and how my people worked alongside nature, in perfect harmony every single day.

“For 65,000 plus years they respected nature and nature gave the respect back.”

Melbourne Now, including Vessels, launched at the NGV on 24 March and is open until 20 August. To find out more, go to www. ngv.vic.gov.au/melbourne-now/home/

“I’m very proud of my work. That piece is a very, very special piece for me and I’m glad I get it back after the gallery because I don’t want to sell it but I’m just very, very happy and very humbled to be in that exhibition.”

Dancing devotion: Play in step with love and ballroom

By Mikayla van Loon

A depiction of married life and all its ups and downs, is about to grace a Mooroolbark stage when it heads to Melbourne as part of an Australian tour.

‘Wallflowering’, a play written by Peta Murray and directed by Denny Lawrence, showcases the story of Peg and Cliff, a couple trying to recreate what has been lost in their marriage.

The former champion ballroom dancing couple must find themselves as individuals before they can find each other once more.

Acclaimed actor Dennis Coard plays the role of Cliff and said having worked with the director and his co-star Jenny Seedsman before, it was a no brainer to come on board.

In between the moments of performing the perfect foxtrot, the play explores the nuances of “an ordinary, suburban, middle aged” married couple who reminisce about their younger days.

“As the years have gone on, they let the dancing slip but also their marriage doesn’t have the spark that it used to and they’re out of step with each other,” Coard said.

“That’s the metaphor of the dance in the play that as they got out of step on the dance floor, they’re also out of step with each other in their married life. So this play is about them trying to regain the spark and the dance and the love in their marriage.”

Taking on a realistic view of what marriage can be, Coard said at the time Murray was writing the play, women and society were fighting back against the roles previously enforced on men and women.

“She wrote it about 20 years ago now and it also encapsulates the roles we can fall into in a marriage, the division of roles,” he said.

“Back when she wrote it there was a real challenge to traditional roles being played by men or women. So there are a lot of books about women reclaiming their space in the world and in marriage.”

Coard said as Peg begins to step away from the “housewife” role she’d been thrust-

ed into, Cliff is taken by surprise and is not quite ready to change the dynamic of their relationship.

As a two person play, Coard said “it’s a big piece” but it is broken up with the visuals of young professional dancers portraying the days gone by of Peg and Cliff.

“The two dancers portray our past in a way. So there’s a big screen where, when we’re thinking about it or remembering it, there’s this lovely footage of the two professional dancers behind us.

“Then as that fades, it comes back to our story. It’s the dreams we had of being in that

world, and how we’d love to recapture that but we can’t go back in time, but we can go forward and be back in step together as we go into the future.”

Adding the screen behind the stage, Coard said, brings a beautiful element to the show and allows himself and Seedsman to have a costume change in between scenes.

Having been touring ‘Wallflowering’ right across the country, Coard said it has been well received by many but he’s excited to return to the Mooroolbark Community Centre stage.

“It’s a beautiful show and everyone will get

something out of it. They’ll recognise themselves in some way and there’s some beautiful old music from as time goes by and songs like that,” he said.

“We’re so glad that we’re coming to Mooroolbark because it’s a lovely venue and what we need more than anything is a beautiful audience to share it with us.”

‘Wallflowering’ will be appearing on Thursday 20 April at 2pm at the Mooroolbark Community Centre. To book, go to www. yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/ Wallflowering-by-Peta-Murray or call 1300 368 333.

Craig Murphy-Wandin was encouraged to get back into wood carving by his mother Aunty Joy Murphy-Wandin. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON

Installation view of Craig Murphy-Wandin’s work ‘Man in dreaming 2022’ on display as part of the Melbourne Now exhibition at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Melbourne from 24 March – 20 August 2023. Picture: TOM ROSS

Jenny Seedsman and Dennis Coard bring to life the characters of Peggy and Cliff in Wallflowering. Picture: JODIE HUTCHINSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Wingspread is revealed

By Tanya Steele

Open Gardens Victoria will open Wingspread private country garden to the public on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April.

The garden is located on the lands of the Taungurung people, in Toolangi and began as a country retreat for owners Keith Hughson and Andrew Neilson when they purchased the property 14 years ago.

It sits 460 metres above sea level on top of the Great Dividing Range and takes its name from American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, spanning over two hectares of land.

The new house which was built in 2010 and was featured in Grand Designs Australia magazine.

Keith said they purchased the property a week after Black Saturday and only the original cottage stood on it at the time.

They began by building a new house and then began working on the surroundings.

The garden was designed to take advantage of the expansive views as well as the peaks of Mount Tanglefoot and Mount St Leonard.

“As we’ve progressed we’ve learnt along the way,” Keith said.

“We’ve had a lot of assistance from our gardener Tony, who has a background in horticulture and although he’ll tell you it was all us, ultimately we are a team.”

The garden has been opened in spring before, but this year’s opening will take full advantage of the garden’s collection of maple trees.

“The Senkaki maples were suggested to us by our neighbour for their year-round interest and colour—from the bright red bare branches in winter, through the lime green of spring, darkening over the summer before exploding into the most amazing orange in autumn,” Keith said.

“Over the last few years, we have expanded the gardens beyond the tennis court, with an array of rhododendrons and magnolias and a couple of garden beds of azaleas, smoke bushes, and escallonias,” he said.

The property has a few things left to do, with work expected to finish by the end of the year, with final progress nearing completion in the lower sections.

The opening event will support Yarra Valley charity Mange Management and local businesses will provide a coffee van and wines for the public to enjoy while they view the property.

The open weekend will also feature artists live painting in real time amongst the trees.

The owners have attended many Open Gardens Victoria themselves over the years and are proud to have a garden that people want to pay to see.

“We always hoped one day we would be able to do that,” Keith said.

The couple is excited to share the property with the public through Open Gardens Victoria and hopes people will enjoy it.

The garden has some spectacular autumn show for people to enjoy when they visit.

Dazzling colours.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Budget needs fixes

The Albanese Labor Governments upcoming May budget is a chance for the government.

A chance to admit their mistakes, reinstate vital funding for local projects and amend their broken promises – with the Roads for Community road sealing funding high on our wish list.

My office has been inundated with calls, emails and letters from concerned residents living on dirt roads across our community, and I share those concerns.

I know how badly we want to end the days of dust, potholes and mud. That’s why the former Liberal government committed $150 million to seal our roads – only for Labor to scrap that funding when they got into government.

Our commitment to sealing roads was once in a lifetime, and without that funding, road sealing is projected to take another 80-100 years. I’ve been fighting hard on this, having called on the government to reinstate the funding at every opportunity in Canberra.

The road sealing funding was axed by Labor as part of almost $1 billion in infrastructure cuts – which included scrapping the funding for the notoriously dangerous Wellington Road.

From my desk

Federal Member for Casey

This budget will be a test on how much Labor has listened to our community – not just on our local road upgrades, but also on struggling Australian families and businesses.

Many are feeling the pinch from the rising cost of living. Inflationary spending in the budget will only make things harder.

Labor must deliver a responsible budget that addresses rising costs and does not add to the pain families are currently feeling at the checkout and in their energy bills.

But families and business owners aren’t the only ones doing it tough. So are our young people.

The loss of the Lilydale Youth Hub is being

felt right across our community. I’m a strong advocate for youth mental health, which is why I committed $3.5 million during the election campaign to keep the Youth Hub open.

With Labor forming government, they refused to match this commitment, forcing the hub to close its doors.

I’ve continued to advocate for funding for the Lilydale Youth Hub. Labor has a chance in this budget to reinstate this vital service that is so important for youth mental wellbeing and belonging.

May will also be a test for state Labor as the Andrews Labor Government hands down the Victorian budget.

Killara Road in Coldstream remains a dangerous and congested intersection despite the former federal Liberal government handing state Labor $20 million for upgrades almost four years ago.

It’s time they get on with the job.

Both Labor’s state and federal budgets must reinstate funding to local infrastructure projects and deliver real outcomes for our community.

What’s on in theatres near you Kemp’s

curtain call

Burrinja Theatre

The Fish that wanted to Fly. – Little Wing Puppets

Did you ever dream of doing something that seemed impossible? A little fish’s lagoon is drying up. All the other fish have left for the ocean, and she wants to learn how to fly so she can see them again. But can she make it?

Her friend, a hermit crab named Karramoko, sits by a stormwater drain and tells her it will never happen. She meets a kingfisher who helps her and encourages her to keep trying. It’s not until she meets a cormorant who offers to take her up into the sky that she flies for the first time. But will she make it back okay?

The tale is set in a mangrove swamp and is about friendship, resilience and sustainability.

Season: Thursday 20 April at 10.30 am.

The Puppetry of PaperWorkshop

This fun workshop is based on Bunraku, a Japanese form of puppetry. In this workshop. Participants will learn to make a puppet out of paper and the skill of bringing it to life as a team.

Season: Thursday 29 April at 11.30 am.

Theatre reminders for upcoming shows:

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

Barefoot in the Park

Season: April 20 – May 8

Bookings: 9735 1777 Office hours Monday, Tuesday & Friday 10am – 2om.

The Basin Theatre

Same Time Next Year

Season: Thursday April 20 – 30.

Bookings: 1300 784 668

Eltham Little Theatre

Much Ado About Nothing

Season: April 21 – May 6.

Bookings: 0411 713 985

Blocks fall into place for a great time at the movies

Tetris

Starring Taron Egerton, NikitaYefremov and Toby Jones

Rated M

4/5

Tetris is a fun, clever historical thriller based on the true story of Henk Rogers (Taron Egerton), an American video game designer and salesman who travels to Moscow in 1988 to license Tetris for Nintendo.

Tetris has an Aaron Sorkin-style quick wit to the dialogue, the visuals often pay tribute to retro video game aesthetics and flourishes in Lorne Balfe’s score draw from the iconic original Tetris theme.

CARTOON

While the intrigue over who owns the rights to Tetris is a little hard to follow, the film is fastpaced and draws strong suspense from Rogers’ perseverance, an atmosphere of conniving and surveillance on both sides of the Iron Curtain, and Igor Grabuzov as a slimy KGB agent villain. Egerton is an engaging lead as Rogers: a reckless salesman with a warm, honest nature, and it’s gratifying to watch him struggle against greed and suspicion to share Tetris with the world. The film has a large Russian cast, with Nikita Yefremov playing Alexei Pajitnov, the inventor of Tetris, and the plot draws parallels between business deals with the Soviet Union (in other words, the arrival of capitalism) and the Union’s eventual fall without feeling heavyhanded. There is also a compelling current of the main characters stretching the rules, both communist and corporate.

If you want a more grounded, dramatic video game-related movie after the kaleidoscopic, kid-friendly Super Mario Bros Movie, Tetris will not disappoint.

A suspenseful thriller with fun energy and surprising depth about one of the most famous video games in history, Tetris is streaming exclusively on Apple TV Plus.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Yarra Valley photographer Tracy Dasler captured this beautiful autumn sunrise in Yarra Glen in early April.

Picture: TRACY DASLER

Connect and skill up, too

Lilydale Community House has a great range of programs to offer in Term 2. Located at 7 Hardy Street in Lilydale, we are a fairly new Community House which offers a variety of activities which we hope will appeal to the local community.

“Soup and Stories” has been one of our popularactivitiesoverthepastseveralmonths, which invites people to come along and learn to cook a soup each week, and to eat together

afterwards. This term our popular Cooking for One program is also back.

Our classes are free or at low cost, with some available to pay week by week.

One of our new partnerships is with Inspiro who are facilitating Step and Connect Women’s Social Walks starting on 4 May, meeting at the House for a cuppa and chat on Thursdays.

This term we have creative activities such as Painting, Spinning and Soap Making. Our music programs offer Singing and Beginners Guitar and our language classes are German and Auslan. We also have a variety of Fitness and Health classes with Exercise for Older Adults, Qi Gong and Falls & Balances in partnership with Exercise Thought Physiotherapy.

Throughout the Term we plan to have a

number of additional craft activities and information sessions.

If you would like to know more or would like to book for an activity, please call us on 7036 6813 or go to our website at: www.lilydalech.org.au. Follow our updates on Facebook at LilydaleCH.

Our hours are 9am-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday andWednesday 10am-3pm.

What’s On Term 2 at Lilydale Community House

SOCIAL

Soup & Stories

Mondays 11am–1pm. Learn how to make a different soup each week and enjoy chatting and eating together.

Step & Connect Women’s Social Walks

Thursdays starting 4 May – 9.30am

Facilitated by Inspiro, this weekly walk welcomes women to join for a cuppa and take a fun and relaxed walk around the area. Meet at Lilydale Community House.

CREATIVE

Paint, Draw, Create, Explore Mondays 10.30–12.30pm Try your hand at painting, drawing, collage or other creative media, no experience required, just explore the possibilities!

Spin & Weave

Saturdays 27 May–17 June 10am-11.30am

Learn to spin wool on a spindle, dye and weave it.

Cold Process Soap Making

Saturday 6 May or 3 June – 10am-12pm

Learn the art of making your own soap

MUSIC

The Singing Circle

Thursdays 1.30-3.00pm

Bring your shower voice and experience the joy and laughter of singing just because you want to.

Beginners Guitar

Tuesdays 6-7pm

Learn how to play the guitar, starting with the basics.

LANGUAGE

Beginners’ German Level 2

Mondays 6.30-8.00pm. Learn basic German at Level 2, some German and advantage. Beginners Auslan

Mondays 6.30-8.30pm This class will give you basic skills in Auslan.

COOKING

Cooking for One

Thursdays May 4–June 1 11am-1.00pm. 5 week program

Learn to cook just for one, enjoying good recipes and tips, and eating together.

FITNESS & HEALTH

Qi Gong

Mondays 9–10am. Learn coordinated body posture and movement, breathing and meditation.

Exercise for Older Adults

Fridays 11–11.45am. Strengthen your body through the right exercise

Falls & Balances

Wednesdays 10.30am at Melba Park

More activities and programs are coming up throughout the Term. Keep up to date on Facebook at: LilydaleCH or join our mailing list by contacting us on 7036 6813

Learn to make hearty, home cooked meals in the Lilydale Community House kitchen. Pictures: LILYDALE COMMUNITY HOUSE

Soup and Stories sees people enjoy a scrumptious soupy meal.

A history of war in ranges

By Anthony McAleer

Fifty years after they served Australia in the Vietnam War, sixteen veterans of that conflict who live in the Yarra Valley sat down with the Mt Evelyn RSL’s historian and revealed, some for the first time, their experiences before, during and after the war.

Their stories tell of our nation’s involvement in Vietnam and spans the period 1964 to 1972. They served with the Navy, with the Regular Army and as National Servicemen. Their backgrounds varied as much as their experiences ‘in country’ during that time.

Their story is one of sacrifice and endurance, bravery and loss, good times and bad times. It reveals the environment they were forced to exist in and the role they had to play, as well as the moments that range from the mundane to the terrifying.

Surviving all of this, they returned home to a nation where many people ignored or even condemned them. For most, those decades after the war were an ongoing battle to deal with the physical and mental scars.

If ever you wanted to know what the Vietnam war was like for an Australian servicemen – these men will tell you through the pages of the Mt Evelyn RSL book ‘Yarra Valley Vietnam Veterans’. Available from the Mt Evelyn RSL Sub-branch.

One of the most extraordinary stories to come out of the First World War was an incident that happened to a Lilydale soldier while serving in Europe.

Robert Shell had grown up in Lilydale and had attended the Lilydale State School for his education. In late 1915, aged just eighteen years old, he left his job as a horse driver and enlisted in the AIF. From mid-1916 he served with the 21st Infantry Battalion on theWestern Front where he was hospitalised a number of times.

Towards the end of the war he was rest-

ing one day in a reserve area when a group of German prisoners of war were marched past under guard. Suddenly from amidst the prisoners he heard in an Australian accent said: ‘G’day Bob’. He looked around to discover that amongst the prisoners was a friend he’d gone to school with at the Lilydale State School – in a German uniform.

Chatting with him, he told Robert that being of German descent, he had gone back to Germany with his family just before the war started and ended up being trapped there and was eventually conscripted into the Germany

Army. Robert then spoke to his Sergeant and explained that this prisoner was actually from Australia and would make a good interpreter for the AIF. But the Sergeant told him that as he was a German prisoner of war – ‘that was that’. After the war Robert returned to Lilydale and around 1920 he was walking down the Main Street when suddenly he saw coming towards him the same school friend he last saw in a German uniform. Recognising him, he said to Robert ‘G’day Bob, glad to see we both made it back’. Sadly though, that was the last time they saw each other.

It is amazing to think that two soldiers from this area happen to meet on the Western Front, when there were so many thousands of soldiers stationed there during that period. But what makes this more phenomenal is that even though they were both from Lilydale, they happened to be serving on opposing sides – one with the Australian Army, the other with the German Army.

From the Mt Evelyn RSL’s publication –‘Home Front – The Impact of the First World War on the Shire of Lillydale’. Available from the RSL via ebay.

Soldiers from the Yarra Valley who fought in the Vietnam War tell their stories, some for the first time, in a book by Anthony McAleer. Picture: UNSPLASH

Robert Shell went all the way to Germany to bump into a schoolmate during World War I. Picture: SUPPLIED

Venturing with nature

By Callum Ludwig

A new NDIS support work service based in the Yarra Ranges is sharing a passion for outdoor recreation in its care.

One of VentureTogether’s exciting opportunities is for a school holiday program on Thursday 20 April for an animal encounter.

Owner of VentureTogether Josh Chesterman said he wanted to provide programs for those who might not be able to get out and do these activities without the care and support of a service provider that understands their needs.

“I spent the last 15 years running school programmes and camps at a busy campsite in Mount Evelyn and I’ve decided to branch out on my own, providing support to disability and mental health participants on the NDIS program,” he said.

“Our dream and one of the reasons we’re doing the school holiday program is to fund the growth of a team of staff who can eventually help me to put together eco therapy and wilderness adventure therapy programmes.”

Children in the NDIS program from Grade 4 and up are welcome to join the VentureTogether team at the Wild about Wellbeing Farm in Wandin at 10am on Thursday 20 April to start the day of fun.

Mr Chesterman said they have made some great connections with Wild About Wellbeing.

“The farm has got chickens, goats, donkeys and a whole range of animals we’re going to go see as well as playing some games to get to know each other, and from there we’ll be doing a tractor ride around the farm taking stops to see the different animals, to feed the ducks

and to learn a little bit about sustainable and organic farming,” he said.

“The crew out at Wild about Wellbeing as the name suggests, they’re very passionate about their sustainable and organic farming methods and it’s just an opportunity as well to connect kids with what ends up on their plate and with nature.”

Pony rides and a chef-made lunch will follow before an up close and optionally handson reptile experience with zoology expert Talia Van Bockel.

Mr Chestermann said in the disability sector, there haven’t previously been a lot of outdoor wellbeing and support programs in the Yarra Valley.

“Studies have shown that outdoor adventure therapy has strong therapeutic benefits on both mental and physical wellbeing, it’s just the intrinsic nature of being out enjoying the bush,” he said.

“For some people, the healthiest place is with a friend at home, but there are definitely a large number of participants for whom getting safe and well-supported access to the outdoors, to community unity and to social groups gives them the freedom, the independence, the choice, the control and opportunity that wouldn’t always be available otherwise.”

The school holiday program will be fully staffed by qualified NDIS support staff but attendees are welcome to bring their own support worker or carer if they would like to have a familiar face with them.

To book a place, Mr Chestermann can be contacted at josh@venturetogether.com.au or 0433 061 206.

CHIRNSIDE PARK Meadowgate Milk Bar 3 Meadowgate Drive

CHIRNSIDE PARK Coles Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK Woolworths Supermarket 239-241 Maroondah Highway

CHIRNSIDE PARK 7 - Eleven 242 Maroondah Highway

CROYDON NORTH Croydon Hills Milk Bar 158 Nangathan Way

CROYDON NORTH Eastfield Milk Bar 11 The Mall

KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Churinga SC, Russo Place

KILSYTH Kilsyth News & Lotto 520 - 528 Mt Dandenong Road

KILSYTH Kilsyth Laundrette87 Colchester Road

KILSYTH Woolworths Supermarket Canterbury Road Kilsyth

KILSYTH TSG Tobacco Churinga Shopping Centre Mt Dandenong Road

LILYDALE Lilydale Marketplace SC 33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Village SC 51-59 Anderson Street

LILYDALE Coles Supermarket Lilydale Village Castella Street & Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Lilydale Community Centre 7 Hardy Street

LILYDALE Eastern Laundries. 2/4 Williams Street East

LILYDALE Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre 1 Jarlo Drive

LILYDALE United Petrol Service Station 473 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Caltex Lilydale 346 Main Street

LILYDALE Caltex Woolworths 31 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE BP Service Station 87 Warburton Highway

LILYDALE Shell Service Station 469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE 7 - Eleven Lilydale Cnr Maroondah Highway & Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE Coles Express 469 Maroondah Highway

LILYDALE Hutch & Co Cafe 251 Main Street

LILYDALE Round Bird Can’t Fly 170 Main Street

LILYDALE The Lilydale General 110 Beresford Road

LILYDALE Yarra Valley Smokery 96 Main Street

LILYDALE Bee Seen Cafe 178 Main Street

LILYDALE Blue Turtle Cafe 222 Main Street

LILYDALE Gracious Grace Castella Street

LILYDALE Melba Coffee House 33-45 Hutchinson Street

LILYDALE Lilydale Munchies 7/75 Cave Hill Road

LILYDALE The Mustard Tree Cafe 3/28 John Street

LILYDALE Freda’s Cafe 2 Clarke Street

LILYDALE Ray White Real Estate 164 Main Street

LILYDALE Stockdale & Leggo Real Estate 281 Main Street

LILYDALE Professionals Real Estate 111-113 Main Street

LILYDALE Grubs Up 1 Industrial Park Drive

LILYDALE Olinda Creek Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Crown Hotel Maroondah Hwy

LILYDALE Yarra Ranges Council 61 - 65 Anderson Street

MONTROSE Montrose Authorised Newsagency 912 Mt Dandenong Road

MONTROSE Bell Real Estate 896 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road

MONTROSE IGA Supermarket 916 Mt Dandenong Road

MOUNT EVELYN Fast Fuel 1 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN IGA Supermarket 38- 40 York Road

MOUNT EVELYN Post Office 12 Station Street

MOUNT EVELYN Authorised Newsagency 1A Wray Crescent

MOUNT EVELYN Red Robin Milk Bar 35 Hereford Road

MOUNT EVELYN Library 50 Wray Cresent

MOUNT EVELYN Milkbar 28 Birmingham Road

MOUNT EVELYN York on Lilydale 138 York Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Supermarket 15 Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Corner Milk Bar 38 Bellara Dive

MOOROOLBARK Fang & Yaoxin Mini Mart 108 Hayrick Lane

MOOROOLBARK BP Mooroolbark 103 Cardigan Road

MOOROOLBARK Coles Express 2 Cambridge Road

MOOROOLBARK Mooroolbark Coin Laundrette28 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK Professionals Real Estate Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK L J Hooker Brice Avenue

MOOROOLBARK Fletchers Real Estate 1/14 Manchester Road

MOOROOLBARK 7-Eleven Manchester Road

ReptileandinsectexpertTaliaVanBockel.

Picture:SUPPLIED

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Drafted Russian cavalry soldier (7)

5 Windfall (7)

9 Inherited from one’s family (9)

10 Exactitude (5)

11 Pick (6)

12 Going in (8)

14 Greek oracle (6)

15 Nasty (4)

19 Paradise (4)

20 Type of brandy (6)

24 Relating to cultivated land (8)

25 Maximum (6)

27 River flowing from Tibet to the Arabian Sea (5)

28 Incapable of being seen (9)

29 Vote in again (2-5)

30 Gnawing animals (7)

DOWN

1 Opportunity (6)

2 Aid (6)

3 Appraised (8)

4 Grunge musician Cobain (4)

5 Personal items (10)

6 Medical professionals (6)

7 Nightwear (8)

8 Haughty (8)

13 Expert (10)

16 The way one acts (8)

17 Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8)

18 Being admitted to a church (8)

21 Fictional castaway (6)

22 Spindle for thread (6)

23 City of the 2004 Olympic Games (6)

26 Declare (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

1 14

2 15

3 16

4 17

5 18

6 19

7 20

8 21

9 22

10 23

11 24

12 25

12 345678910111213

9-LETTER WORD

726813549

831954762

162349857 615497283

987125634 394268175

549672318

278531496

896427513

453786921 927638145

478356129

962718354

135294786

721935468 287549631

314862975

543681297 659173842

easy medium hard

19 3 LETTERS ALL AYE EGG END ERA GEE GYM HER IVY KIT LEG LIE NIL ODE ORE OVA PEA ROE ROT RUE SLY UPS WAS WON 4 LETTERS CLAP DASH EARS EBBS LIMP LYRE NEAR NEST ONES PAWS STOW TREK VASE WEBS

O C I E D Today’s Aim:

251394687

384965712

572481963

619273458

798516324 843159276

436827591 165742839

cent, codeine, coin, coined, concede, conceit, CONCEITED, cone, coned, conic, decent, denote, dent, dine, dint, docent, done, donee, encode, entice, enticed, icon, into, need, nice, niece, node, note, noted, notice, noticed, occident, once, tend, tine, tone, toned, tonic

Good 5 LETTERS ADAGE ADEPT ALGAE ALIEN ANTIC AORTA ARENA BIPED BOOED BRINE DINER EATEN EAVES EGGED ELITE ELUDE ERASE ERROR ESSAY HALON HELLO

INANE IVIES KNEES LINES LIVES LUNGE MINCE NERVE OUTED PETAL PLOYS PRESS RENEW SASSY SAWED SEEDS SEEDY SENDS SOLVE SPIKE STARE STRAW

SUGAR TEEMS TENDS TRIPE TWEET VEERS WEEDY 6 LETTERS GRASSY NEARED PASTEL SIERRA

7 LETTERS ENGRAVE GENTILE ILLEGAL INSERTS SOPRANO STATION 8 LETTERS DILATING GREETING LENIENCY LESSENED

13 26 KO William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALLAREAS 9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567382-JW37-22

1415 1617181920212223242526 J V T G Q C H L U D Y A B Z M R F W P N E I X K S O 21-04-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

No. 129

No. 129

No. 129

INCREDIBLE LIFESTYLE PROPERTY

HAVE you always wanted to own a country property where you can get away from it all? This might just be the one you have been waiting for. Not only will you be surrounded by the beauty of more than 138 acres of pasture, natural bush, and tranquil waterways. You will also have northerly views to distant mountain ranges and wide open spaces where privacy, peace and total enjoyment are yours.

The quality built, 4 bedroom brick home offers bush and pasture views from all living areas plus the wrap around verandah. There are 3 spacious living areas with polished hardwood floors, and a timber kitchen with under bench oven plus gas and electric hotplates catering to the whole family’s needs. The combined family room/meals area adjoins the kitchen and features a crackling wood-burning fireplace plus split system air conditioner and doors leading to the verandah, where alfresco dining will be a delight.

Cafe style blinds offer all weather enjoyment and there is plenty of open decked space for making the most of a sunny day. The huge living room provides an ideal place for large gatherings. It features another wood-burning fireplace for warmth and atmosphere. The sun room adjoining this area offers the perfect setting to bask in natural light whilst reading, take in the tranquillity, or spending quality time with a close friend. The zoned bedrooms provide privacy for all. The large master suite is serviced by a full ensuite and walk in robe. It has doors out to the verandah - ideal for Sunday brunches. The master suite also has a split system air-conditioner. The remaining bedrooms have built in robes and are serviced by a family bathroom and separate powder room.

A heat recovery system transfers heat from the roof cavity into the home – reducing

HOME ESSENTIALS

your heating costs. Add in solar panels and tank water, and your running costs should be very low. Internal access from the oversized triple garage makes life even easier. A separate entry to the property provides direct access to the huge (approx. 8m x 14m) farm shed, cattle yard, paddocks, and enormous spring fed lake.

Imagine a life where you can raise cattle, pursue your equestrian dream, grow your own food, enjoy water sports and delight in the variety of native animals and colourful birds that you share the property with. All situated within easy reach of school buses and a short drive to the townships of Cockatoo and Gembrook - where a variety of highly regarded eateries, sporting facilities, child care centres and community groups can be found.

Make your best move today. ●

SPACIOUS HOME IN COURT LOCATION

LOOKING for a spacious home with leafy surroundings that ticks all the boxes? then this is the one for you.

Located in a quiet court, this property boasts 3 bedrooms plus study, 2 modern bathrooms, and 3 living areas comprising of formal lounge, family room and rumpus room. With 3 separate decking areas, you’ll have plenty of space to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Built just 10 years ago, the property features modern amenities including a double lock up garage and a huge carport measuring 12m x 5m, providing loads of parking space and the ability to hold the biggest party under cover, outdoors.

Inside, you’ll find a range of features including full ensuite and walk in robe to the main bedroom, beautiful hardwood polished floor boards, high ceilings, ducted heating and reverse cycle air conditioning to ensure all year round comfort.

Don’t miss your chance to secure this stunning property in one of Yarra Glen’s most sought after locations. Contact us today for a private inspection. ●

SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR THE FAMILY

THIS stunning architecturally designed home is set in the picturesque region of Marysville & Narbethong which is only 30 minutes from Healesville and on the doorstep of the Lake Mountain Snowfields. With beautiful native Australian forest behind the property and the Acheron River on your doorstep, this property is the perfect country escape.

Walking into the home the sense of space is immediate when you see the large open plan living & dining area plus the well-equipped modern kitchen complete with stone tops and a glass splashback all overlooking the peaceful garden.

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 556 Marysville Road, NARBETHONG

Keeping your home cosy is the large Coonara wood heater, plus the addition of multiple split systems throughout the home to you cool in those warm summer months. Walking through the home you will discover the massive entertaining room and large guest bedroom with BIR.s plus bathroom all on the ground floor.

Making your way to the upper level, you enter the massive hallway which leads to the generous master suite complete with walk in robe / dressing room plus private ensuite.

Family accommodation is by way of 4 huge bedrooms with BIR.s which all offer views

Description: 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 garage

Contact: Gary Lucas 0407 595 113, MARK GUNTHER FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE

across the gardens, plus a 3rd stylish family bathroom.

Outside is the perfect place to relax and unwind while listening to the birds that frequent the gardens. There is also a large double carport, character garage / workshop, plus a covered entertaining area, ideally for those larger family occasions.

This complete property sits on approximately 1 acre, while being surrounded by the native bushland and cleared crown land, offers an immense sense of space. Only with an inspection can you fully appreciate this wonderful property. ●

Price: $780,000 - $820,000

Inspect: By appointment

Thisstylishtownhouseislocatedinaquietarea& idealforthe firsthomebuyer,downsizerorasa smartinvestment.Offeringaspaciousmasterwith WIR&connectedtothelargebathroom,2nd bedroomwithBIR,separatetoilet/powderroom, openplankitchen/dining&livingareawhich looksouttotheeasytomaintaincourtyard. CurrentlyleaseduntilJune2023at$1586pcm.

EXPERIENCE COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST

LOOKING for a charming, character-filled home with a country ambiance? Look no further than this beautifully renovated Cottage! Built between 1915-1920’s, this property boasts three bedrooms, two bathrooms/en suite, and two car spaces. You’ll love the extensive veranda with multiple seating areas, perfect to enjoy the established garden.

Step inside through the leadlight glass front door and admire the character features including Baltic Pine floorboards, high ceiling, sash windows, and French doors. The master bedroom, with its garden views, has a built-in robe, ensuite and open fireplace. Other features include an openplan kitchen, dining and lounge space with the kitchen offering a walk-in pantry and gas stop top with electric oven. The lounge exudes warmth with carpeting and a log wood fireplace. Heating and cooling are also offered for this area via the reverse cycle

system. This open plan space is abundant with soft light filtering in through the three French doors from the deciduous vine screened veranda.

The main bathroom is a light filled space with shower over bath and toilet; the laundry is also situated within this bathroom - with a farm-style laundry sink and space for a washing machine and possibly a dryer. From the mudroom, exit out the rear door onto separate veranda and securely fenced garden. In this space, you’ll also find a tool/ storage shed and water tank.

Conveniently located on a corner block and within walking distance to Yea Primary School, Railway Park and playground, and Yea Swimming pool; access to the Great Victorian Rail Trail is within Railway Park.

Don’t miss your chance to own this unique, character-filled cottage in a serene country setting. Contact us today to arrange a viewing. ●

With over 75 years combined experience, Integrity's agents have the most thorough knowledge of your local market.

maximise your sale result.

BOTANICAL HIDEAWAY

WHERE privacy is offered, fresh air is enjoyed and a lovely comfortable home is nestled into beautiful gardens on over 1200m2, this home offers a prized package. With a layout that would be ideal for weekenders, and for weeks on end, this home offers everything you could want for a blissful escape.

From the timber kitchen with stone bench tops, to the delicious snuggly carpet that you just want to lie down on, the large wrap around deck to sit on take in the views, to the beautiful gardens and hidden workshop, there is so much to love and enjoy.

Offering 3 or 4 bedrooms or extra living rooms, spacious bathroom, open plan living, meals kitchen, split system heating and cooling, carport and plenty of off street parking.

If you are a hiker, bike rider and nature lover, then this home is position perfect with a 1 minute walk to an entrance to the O’Shannassy Aqueduct trail, where you can wander to your hearts content, and you are only minutes’ drive to the centre of town for a coffee and a stroll around the shops.

Position perfect and lovely, you wont be disappointed. ●

13AClydeStreet,Lilydale$680,000-$740,000

Immaculatehomewithprivacy

Afantastic firsthomeorInvestandforgetwithanamazingtenantinplaceonmonthtomonth lease.Immaculatelypresentedyouhavethis3bedroom,1bathroomhomewithextrastudyarea orsecondliving.Openplan,brightandlight,thisonereallyhasitall!Setatthebackwithitsown drivewaywhichassuresprivacy,adoublecarportwithroomtomoveandparkiswhatgreets youalongwithstorageshed!Alovelyfrontdeckingtoenjoytheambience,aswellasabeautiful grassedandprivatecourtyardareaatthesideaccessedviaaslidingdoorfromyourlivingarea.An updatedkitchen,greatcolorpalletandgorgeousoriginalhardwood floorsreally finishthisproperty off.Only10minuteswalk(approx)toLilydaleHighSchool,MarketPlaceshoppingandallithasto offer!

eahBannerman M 0448924266

108WongaRoad,Millgrove$530,000-$570,000

Asuperpackage-Millgrovedelightallreadyforyou!

Areyoulookingforagreatvaluehomethatyoucanmoverightintoandbeproudtocallyourown?

LooknofurtherthanthisMillgrovegemofferingYarraValleylivingalongwithprivacyandagreat communityfeel.Wellpresentedlightandbright,this3bedroom,1bathroomhomeisfullyfenced andoffersviewsfromtherearofMtLittleJoeaswellasagoodsizecompletelyuseableblockthatis fullyfenced.Completewithceilingfansthroughout,gasductedheatingandsplitsystemsyouhave allclimatescoveredandnothingtodoexceptmoveinandenjoyyournewlifestyle!Extrasinclude biguprightstainlesssteelcooker,gorgeouscharactersleighbathandashortwalktoYarraRiver, transport,PreSchoolandSchool.Callnowanddon’tmissoutonthisfabulouspackage!

eahBannerman M 0448924266

1 C

Warmandwelcomingandideallylocated

4TheCrescent,Wesburn$630,000-$680,000 DavidCarroll M 0419539320

18SurreyRoad,Warburton$700,000-$770,000

SurreyRoadaddressonover1000sqm!

Thisbrickhomeissetonover1100sqmofgorgeousrollinggreenland,mountainviewseithersideand theiconicWarburtongolfcourseonlyahopskipandjumpaway!Featuring3greatsizebedroomsallwithrobes.1bathroomwithadjoiningtoilet-easyaccesstobathroom/toilet/laundry-whichalso actsasamudroom.Thebackyardwithmountainviews-itliterallyfeelslikeyoucanreachoutand touchthem-it’sstunning!Veggiegardens,sittingarea,gazeboreallycompletesthebackyard.The backyardisfullyfencedandenclosedtokeepanimalsandchildrenandsafe,doublegatesinfront ofthe1cargaragegiveyouaccesstotheyard.Extrasincludebackundercoverareathatisvery privateforentertaining,ceilingfansthatretractthroughout,splitsystemsx2,gasductedheating andplentyofstorageinthekitchenandextracupboards.

LeahBannerman M 0448924266

FAMILY HOME WITH PERMANENT CREEK

THIS outstandingly renovated 4 bedroom, 2 loungeroom, 2 bathroom, split level home is a must to view! Move in ready with gorgeous private treed views.

With stunning views throughout the light filled home, enjoy the flexibility and added privacy of living over two levels. There are two bedrooms on the upper level, including a spacious master bedroom complete with walk in shower, toilet, and walk-in wardrobe.

An open plan large lounge room with built in fire place and ceiling fan awaits you, and the dining area is complete with split system air conditioning. There is a stylish kitchen with gas oven/stove top, rangehood and dishwasher. There is also a further bedroom with built in robes and ceiling fan. The family bathroom, and well appointed laundry are also located on the upper level.

Flow through the home to the second level, and discover two further spacious

bedrooms, one with built in robes, and both with floor to ceiling windows viewing the creek and peaceful bush vista. There is also a second well sized loungeroom.

Externally there is a lovely covered entertaining deck area, complete with a fire pit for fun nights entertaining. The asphalt driveway that is located behind automated gates, leads to a large shed with approx. 4m high walls that is 11m*4.3m, with an adjoining carport that is 11m*3m for all your caravan/horse float/boat parking requirements.

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

DelightfulfamilyhomeintheheartofAvonsleighonover1/4ofanacre!

Thisoutstanding3bedroom,2bathroomfamilyhomeislocatedintheheartofAvonsleigh!Asyou enterthehome,enjoythecathedralceilingfrontroomwithitsstylishcustommadebarndoor.Year aroundcomfortisassuredwithsplitsystemairconditioningandalargewood fireintheloungeroom. Thishomeoffersalovelymasterbedroomwithensuiteandwalkinrobe,andafurthertwogenerous sizedbedroomsbothwithbuilt-in-robes.Enjoytheopenplanliving,dining,kitchenareaasyou entertain,orspilloutontothegreatentertainingdecktosoakinthesunshine.Thepropertyispartly fencedandpetfriendlywithacatrunattachedtothebackofthehouse.ThishomealsohasNBN connection,andageneratorinletplug.Thereisadditionalstorageavailableunderthehome,aswell asasinglecargarage.

Beautifullyupdated5bedroomfamilyhomeonalmostanacre!

Thehomehasamasterbedroomwithensuiteatoneend,centralopenplanliving&diningarea, throughto4bedrooms&asecondliving/entertainingarea.Themasterbedroomisspaciouswith ceilingfan,largeBIR&ensuite.Thereisanoffice/bedroom&thenthehouseopensupwithagreat entertainingspace.The firstloungeroomhasawood fireheaterforcosynightsin&hardwood flooring.Thereisductedheatingthroughoutforyearroundcomfort.Thereisafamilybathroom, &separatetoilet.Thenthroughtothesurpriseentertaining/secondloungeroomwithbuiltinbar &directaccesstothefrontdecking.ExternallyisaDLUGwithdirecthouseaccess.Thereare establishedabovegroundvegetablegardens,orchardareaoffruittrees&awoodshed&garden shed.Withallmainsservicesconnected&anexternalgeneratorplug.

2979Gembrook-LaunchingPlRd,Gembrook$1,250,000-$1,350,000

Fantasticfamilyhomewithpermanentcreek,treedviews&greatshed!

Thishomehas4bedrooms,2loungerooms,&2bathrooms.Therearetwobedroomsontheupper level,includingamasterbedroomwithensuite&WIR.Anopenplanlargeloungeroomwithbuiltin fireplace&ceilingfan,&thediningareaiscompletewithsplitsystemAC.Thereisastylishkitchen withgasoven/stovetop,rangehood&dishwasher.ThereisalsoafurtherbedroomwithBIRs&ceiling fan.Thefamilybathroom,&laundryareontheupperlevel.Onthesecondlevel,discover2further spaciousbedrooms,onewithBIRs,&bothwith floortoceilingwindows.Thereisalsoasecondwell sizedloungeroom.Externallythereisalovelycoveredentertainingdeckarea,completewitha fire pitforfunnightsentertaining.Theasphaltdrivewaythatislocatedbehindautomatedgates,leadsto alargeshedwithapprox.4mhighwallsthatis11m*4.3m,withanadjoiningcarportthatis11m*3m.

Exceptionallyupdated5bedroomfamilyhomewithstunningviewsonoveran acre!

Thishomehas5bedrooms,2loungerooms,aformaldiningroom,&3bathrooms!Freshlypainted &updatedthroughoutwith floorcoverings&carpetinthebedrooms.Theopenplankitchenhas stonebenchtops,gasstovetop,electricoven,dishwasher,&alargebutlerspantry.Thereisasplit systemACintheloungeroom,&ductedheatingthroughout.Allbedroomsaregenerouslysizedwith BIRs,&ceilingfans.TheMasterbedroomhasanensuite.Thefamilybathroomoffersafreestanding bath,shower&separatetoilet.Thesecondfamilybathroomhaswoodenshutters,shower&vanity,& separatetoilet.Thebackyardisadelight,withtheblockbeingfullyfenced.Thelandscapedgarden bedsarewaitingforyoutoplant&thereareapprovedpermitplansfora3bayAmericanBarnshed.

42MountainRoad,Cockatoo$1,080,000-$1,140,000

452BelgraveGembrookRoad,Avonsleigh$720,000-$780,000

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

FAMILY HOME WITH SPACE TO GROW

LARGER than meets the eye, this spacious, split level family home offers three well sized bedrooms (master suite with ensuite and walk in robe), two bathrooms and two huge, separate living zones.

The modern, oversized kitchen comes complete with plenty of bench space, great storage and stainless steel appliances including dishwasher, whilst raked timber lined ceilings look down across this excellent floorplan and oversized windows allow plenty of light to come through each and every room.

Ducted heating, a beautiful wood fire and multiple split systems give quick, convenient and cosy heating/cooling options all year round making this home practical for all weather conditions.

Outside, a large expanse of decking surrounds the house and gives you another living space in the warmer months while the fenced rear yard with and almost half an acre of space to play will be ideal for children. The nearby valley views surround the property allowing a peaceful outlook from every angle.

A triple carport plus a dual parking area and a large garden shed for your extra storage requirements can be found off the sealed, easy access driveway making this property perfect for anyone needing extra space to store trailers, trucks and toys.

An excellent property both inside and out, this one is sure to impress. ●

Boastingamodest,neatandtidy3bedroom,familyhome,thispropertyallowsyoutobe completelyprivatefromtheadjoiningpropertiesgivingpeaceandprivacyforeveryone. Hardwoodtimberfloorboardscanbefoundthroughoutwhilstlargewindowscreateplenty ofnaturallightaswellasgivingyouagardenviewfromeveryroom.Aperfectprojectfor thoselookingtoextendorre-model(STCA),thisistheideallocationforthoseofyouwho arelookingtocreatetheirforeverfamilyhome.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

bedrooms(mastersuitewithensuiteandwalkinrobe),twobathroomsandtwohuge, separatelivingzones.Themodern,oversizedkitchencomescompletewithplentyofbench space,greatstorageandstainlesssteelappliancesincludingdishwasher,whilstraked timberlinedceilingslookdownacrossthisexcellentfloorplanandoversizedwindowsallow plentyoflighttocomethrougheachandeveryroom.

6LacyStreet,SELBY

$840,000-$920,000

ARCHITECTURALLYDESIGNEDHALF-ACREFAMILYHAVEN

4 A 2 B 5 C

Thishalf-acrehavenanchoredbyanarchitecturallydesignedfamilydwellingisforbuyers seekingsomethingspecial.Uniquelyappealing,richwithcharacter,andsettoabackdrop ofbreathtakingviews,thisisapropertytobeproudof.The2,027sqm(approx.)landscape thatframesthishomeboastsasprawlingoutdoorentertainingareaidealforgathering.The exceptionaldesignofthisresidenceisintroducedbytheinvitingatriumentrythatcreatesa seamlessconnectionbetweenindoorandoutdoorspaces.

BradConder

M 0422639115| E brad@chandlerandco.com.au

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

12KaluluRoad,BELGRAVE $730,000-$800,000

AKALEIDOSCOPEOFCOLOURFULVIEWS

3 A 1 B 3 C

Boastingamodest,neatandtidy3bedroom,familyhome,thispropertyallowsyoutobe completelyprivatefromtheadjoiningpropertiesgivingpeaceandprivacyforeveryone. Hardwoodtimberfloorboardscanbefoundthroughoutwhilstlargewindowscreateplenty ofnaturallightaswellasgivingyouagardenviewfromeveryroom.Aperfectprojectfor thoselookingtoextendorre-model(STCA),thisistheideallocationforthoseofyouwho arelookingtocreatetheirforeverfamilyhome.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

Mooroolbark District Surgery

Mooroolbark District Surgery, 262 Manchester Road Mooroolbark, will be closing on 12th May, 2023.

If you wish to access a copy of your medical record please write to: Mooroolbark District Surgery, c/o 19 Manchester Road, Mooroolbark, 3113.

Include a signed authority to transfer your record to the General Practitioner you choose to support your ongoing medical care. Please include the address to send the record.

Copies of medical records will not be provided to any other health care professional without your written direction.

You may also call 03 9726 5411 for options, and refer to the Mooroolbark District Surgery website. Please provide written instructions regarding your medical records as soon as

SPORT Barkers beaten at Park

By Peter Stephenson

Barkers (eighth) travelled to a wet and windy Freeway Reserve to take on Brandon Park (fourth), in round 4 of State 2 South-East. Barkers made three changes to the side that beat Ringwood City 3-0 in the Australia Cup, with Liam Seaye, Ahren Angulo and Steve Nittoli coming in for Eddie Clark, John-Paul Cooper and Geordie Scott. Barkers were hoping to stem a run of two league defeats in a row to move back up the ladder.

The game began quietly as both sides had difficulty creating chances on the greasy pitch. On two minutes, BP’s Tommy Stanisavljevic’s shot flashed across the Barkers goal. Then on 11 minutes, Seaye hit a free kick into the BP box from the right, which a defender sliced awkwardly wide of the BP goal. BP hit back two minutes later when a cross from the left found Masee Namdar in space, but keeper Mark Naumowicz spread himself well to block the shot. Namdar had another chance four minutes later when he beat a defender, took the ball to the touchline and cut back inside, before flicking the ball wide from an acute angle.

Barkers didn’t heed the warning and on 25 minutes failed to clear their lines, leading to a BP shot past the far post. Just after the half hour, Barkers had a throw-in on the right, which was cleared to Nittoli, whose volley went well wide. The deadlock was finally broken on 34 minutes. BP worked the ball in from the left to find Daniel Eksiyan in space, and he curled a beautiful left foot shot over Naumowicz and into the net to give BP the lead. The game now became more open and end-to-end, but there were no further goals before half-time – Brandon Park 1-0 Mooroolbark.

As the second half began, BP continued to look the better side. Three minutes in, a slick passing move on the right was finished off from close range by Harout Kirichian and BP were now 2-0 up. Only now did Barkers look like they were matching the hosts. Within two minutes they had pulled a goal back as Marcus Watson popped up at the far post to score his first Barker goal and halve the deficit to 2-1.

That man Kirichian continued to cause Barkers problems, and on 53 minutes he had a shot which Naumowicz saved one-handed to his left. Then Kirichian turned and hit a curling shot narrowly over. By the hour mark Barkers were finally looking the stronger side. A foul on Paul McEvoy saw a Seaye free-kick hit over, then Sam Klepac turned smartly and shot wide.

Now BP tested Naumowicz once more. First a shot skidded nastily off the wet surface forcing the Barkers man to parry wide. Then a low shot from Stephen Tonios looked to be curling inside the far post before Naumowicz got a hand to it. Barkers replied with Cooper go-

ing on a good run but he panicked and blasted over. Then a Barkers corner saw a flicked header go wide. With 9 minutes left a superb double save from Naumowicz kept Barkers in the hunt, but BP held out under the siege. Full time: Brandon Park 2-1 Mooroolbark.

An entertaining game in tough conditions, but Barkers took too long to get going. That’s three league defeats in a row and Barkers need to halt that run soon.

The reserves turned the form book on its head to grab their first win of the season. Lying tenth and facing an unbeaten third-placed BP, they went behind in the 22nd minute to a goal from Steven Kassabian. The second half was a different story as first Jack Buglass scored a lovely solo goal on 54 minutes. Then two minutes later, Barkers had a shot blocked, then hit the bar, then Harry Rushton followed up to score the winner. Full-time (reserves): Brandon Park 1-2 Mooroolbark.

The men’s thirds lost 1-2 at home to Langwarrin Lions, the goal coming from Gareth Somers. The over 35s had a long trip to Baxter, resulting in a feisty 3-3 draw. Goals were scored by Luke De Iulio, Michael Orlando and Victor Inglese, in a game that saw 12 yellow cards and 2 red cards.

Next Saturday, Barkers’ men travel to Monterey Reserve to face Frankston Pines – reserves at 1pm, seniors at 3pm. The Barkers’ women begin their State 3 South campaign at Mornington’s Dallas Brooks Park, on Sunday at 3pm. See you down the Kennel!

Lilydale-Montrose United forced to settle for a draw

After three rounds at home, Lilydale-Montrose United Soccer Club embarked on its three weeks of away games with a trip to Howard Dawson Reserve in Glen Iris, home of St Kevins Old Boys SC.

The seniors, looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat last week to Templestowe Wolves, played out a cagey first half with chances for both teams few and far between, heading into the break goalless.

Early in the second half, St Kevins’ opened the scoring with a fine half-volley from the edge of the box after LMU cleared the ball from a wide freekick.

Lilydale-Montrose responded almost immediately, drawing level just six minutes later through Con Moutafis after a clearance rebounded kindly to the right-wingback, who slotted away his second of the season.

In the final 30 minutes, a combination of wasted chances and St Kevins’ goalkeeper pulling off several fine saves to keep his side

in the game meant LMU had to settle for a point.

The performance was a huge improvement from the week prior and a sign the newly assembled side is starting to build into a proper team, despite the disappointment of not walking away with all three points.

The point was enough to bring the club to four points from the opening four games, matching last season’s total points, and is a sign of the improvement through the first team already.

The club is currently 10th out of 12 teams on the ladder and next week travels to Old Melbournians FC.

The reserves side went down 4-2 to St Kevins’ reserves, in a disappointing result beguiling the play on the field.

The Thirds went down 2-0 at home to the Somerville, and the Veterans lost 2-3 to Mornington.

After three rounds at home, Lilydale-Montrose United Soccer Club embarked on its three weeks of away games. Picture: BRAD DWYER

Marcus Watson brings the ball away for Barkers. Pictures: THE SPORTING WALL

Watson helped bring Mooroolbark into the competition against Brandon Park, scoring the team’s only goal.

Sandringham ups pressure

By John Thomson

This week in the croquet Handicap Shield competition Lilydale hosted Sandringham. These two teams have always had some very close games and this week looked to be no different.

Craig McCracken of Lilydale started proceedings with the first of the singles games, and as he has been doing all season, played extremely well, and despite giving away two extra turns won the game 7 hoops to Sandringham’s 3 hoops.

The first of the double’s games saw Lilydale’s two top players team up in Glenn Crooke and Murray Howlett. Glenn and Murray were giving away a combined five extra turns to their Sandringham opponents. The game as expected was close all the way through with Sandringham using their extra turns to help keep them in the game. After 12 hoops the scores were 6 hoops a piece, so it was off to the 13th hoop to decide the winner. This hoop as expected was hard fought but Lilydale seized their opportunity and ran the hoop winning 7 hoops to 6 hoops.

In the next singles, Murray Howlett, although playing well, missed a couple of hoops that he normally would have run and combined with two extra turns that the Sandringham player had made this game closer than it normally would have been. Murray eventually ran out the winner 7 hoops to Sandringham’s 5 hoops.

In the next doubles, Lilydale’s Glenn Crook and Mick Crawley teamed up. Glenn and Mick have played a lot together over the last couple of years and know each other’s game inside out. This was a very even game throughout with both teams playing well. Lilydale just managed to run a couple of crucial hoops to take out the game 7 hoops to Sandringham 5 hoops.

At the break the scores were Lilydale 4 games 28 hoops to Sandringham 0

games 19 hoops.

With only 1 singles and a doubles game to play Lilydale had won the day, so it was just a matter of what the final score would be at the end.

In the singles Glenn Crook was giving away five extra turns, this is a lot, so it was going to be interesting to see how he coped with this amount of extra turns and how efficiently the Sandringham player used them.The game was close all the way through with the Sandringham player using his extra turns to keep him

in the game. After 12 hoops the scores were locked at 6 hoops a piece, with the 13th hoop to decide the winner.With no more extra turns left everything had to go right for the Sandringham player, unfortunately for him, Glenn’s experience and skill showed out and he won the game 7 hoops to Sandringham 6 hoops.

In the last game of the day Craig McCracken and Mick Crawley teamed up for Lilydale. Sandringham got away to a good start and were 3 hoops up before Lilydale ran their first hoop, Lilydale fought back but could not bridge the

Hard fought mixed pairs finals played out

By Roland Smith

At 6.30 pm under the light of a beautiful crimson sunset the Mixed Pairs Final got underway. Although friends were playing friends the goal to win was foremost for each contestant. For well over two hours the battle on the Green was close when Jan and Cameron picked up 4 shots on the eleventh end.

Karen and Wayne fought on bravely but even the 4 shots they secured on the seventeenth end was not going to be enough going

into the final 18th end.

Jan and Cameron won the Final 18 to 13. Well done guys for a great contest that lasted almost four hours!

During the evening the Men’s andWomen’s teams that would be representing the Eastern Ranges Bowls Region were announced.

Out of the 24 available positions the Lilydale Bowling Club managed to fill eight of them! Congratulations to Karen and Jan, (who had just played in the Mixed Pairs), and to Ellie, Jess and Vickie in making

the women’s team.

Well done CJ, Luke and Josh for being selected in the men’s side. Finally, congratulations to Nicko for his appointment as Coach the Region Side.

The atmosphere was buoyant amongst the spectators, for not only was a Final played and those who had made it into the Region Side was announced, there was also $450 to be won in the members draw that night.

Great bowling, great company and good times at the Lilydale Bowling Club.

gap with Sandringham winning the game 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

The final scores for the day, Lilydale 5 games 40 hoops to Sandringham 1 game 32 hoops.

Even though the final scores show Lilydale had a comfortable win, most of the games were a close battle, it was just Lilydale’s ability to win the close games that made the difference.

Lilydale sits on top of the ladder with a bye for them next Thursday.

Wayne McLaren taking a shot in the finals campaign.

Jan O’Regan taking a bowl as competitor Karen Morgan watches on.

Karen and Wayne (left) were out-bowled by mixed partnership Jan and Cameron in the finals.

Pictures: LILYDALE BOWLS CLUB

Mick Crawley about to run a hoop.

Glenn Crook and Mick Crawley discussing tactics in a doubles match up against Sandringham. Pictures: SUPPLIED

BEST PRICE, BEST TANKS WITH A LIFETIME GUARANTEE

It’s

Ph.

Concrete tanks built correctly will last a lifetime!

Terry Miller from Terry Miller Concrete Tanks has been in the concrete tank building business for nearly 30 years. Being from country Victoria himself, Terry realises the importance of good water storage systems.

Concrete water tanks built correctly will last a lifetime. They keep your water cool, clean and algae free. This is because our tanks have 130mm walls and a 300mm base, and are poured with 40-mpa strength concrete not 25 or 30 mpa. We also use plasticiser to keep up the strength in the tanks instead of water. And after 28 days of curing the strength of the concrete will be between 48 and 52 mpa. And each tank is poured individually on site. These tanks come out white, which is a sign of the strength in the tanks. The MPA is a measure of how much concrete there is as parts per 1000. The walls of the tank are vibrated all around to ensure that there are no air bubbles and that the concrete is compacted down. Terry generally builds tanks in three sizes, 50,000, 105,000 and 120,000 either with a silo (metal) roof, concrete top or open top tanks.

The tanks will not blow away or fall apart, and this is particularly important in areas where there is high wind, or in fire prone districts. In the event of a fire, a large tank (120,000 litres) can supply water back up to the main house. By setting up a petrol powered generator and pumping water up onto the house directly, via a reverse water sprinkler system, you will keep your home cool and wet. Or if need be, you can jump into the tank to keep cool and be protected from flames and radiant heat. Water is our most important resource, and we cannot have too much of it! So for all your water storage needs when you are thinking of installing your next tank, please call Terry for a quote on 0419 462 814 or 02 6026 7021 or check out our website, www.terrymillerconcretetanks.com.au.

Nearly four years ago, we suffered our own fire here, in Barnawartha, and we were lucky. But it made me realise how important good water storage is. We are in for a long, hot, dry summer, and fire restrictions are in. Having an ample supply of safely stored water is imperative. So why not contact Terry now about your water supply needs, BEFORE, the heat builds up and water scarce. There is nothing more refreshing than your own cool, clear, clean water!