Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 25th April 2023

Anzacs honoured

By Mikayla Van Loon

War Graves registered within the eastern region of the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT), including at Lilydale, Healesville, Emerald, Templestowe and Andersons Creek, organiser Sharyn May said it felt only right to remember them.

“We really wanted to honour the people, so

our servicemen and women, who are buried within our cemeteries,” she said.

Helped along by the Lilydale RSL and historian Anthony McAleer, the twilight service on Tuesday 18 April saw members from many aspects of the community come together to commemorate the fallen.

Having last year installed thousands of hand knitted poppies in a display for Anzac Day, Ms May said this year she and the driver of the poppy making Sharon Chuck, wanted to expand that and combine it with a service.

Over 7000 hand knitted poppies created an installation at the Lilydale Memorial Park.

Eye-watering floods bill

By Mikayla van Loon

Recently released data by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has shown just how much damage occurred during the 2022 floods.

Although relatively unscathed compared to other locations across the state, the Yarra Ranges still racked up a large sum of insurance claims, according to March figures.

While the Campaspe local government area experienced the highest rate of insurance claims at $207 million, the Yarra Ranges ranked mid-way with $14.9 million in claims.

Declared as a ‘current catastrophe’ by ICA within Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, the floods have reached a total of $669 million, equalling 21,000 claims, of which 53.3 per cent have been closed.

The October floods alone affected Victoria 71 per cent, NSW 19 per cent and Tasmania 3.9 per cent.

The ICA confirmed that in Victoria insurers received 12,900 claims during that time, costing $551 million in damages.

This is compared to the some 34,000 claims submitted during the 2021 storm event that decimated parts of the Yarra Ranges and Gippsland.

The catastrophic event cost insurers $313 million in damage claims across the state.

Making up the majority of claims in both the October floods and the 2021 storm were domestic building claims at 10,746 and 16,446 respectively.

Despite 2021 presenting more extreme weather events, with a total of six registered by ICA, the four events in 2022 cost three times more, reaching a total of $7 billion. While not taking into account Victoria’s floods, the ICA has appointed Deloitte to undertake an independent review of the insurance industry’s response to the 2022 South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales floods.

“As the costliest extreme weather event in Australian history, last year’s floods created significant challenges for the insurance industry in addressing the extraordinary volume of claims across a very wide geographic area,” ICA CEO Andrew Hall said.

“Following three years of La Niña conditions and the Covid-19 pandemic, these floods tested the systems insurers use to respond to customers and raised issues such as a shortage of expert assessors, building labour and materials constraints, and the com-

plexity of recovery and resilience programs delivered by state governments.

“Insurers have agreed it is timely to review the industry’s response to identify best practice and what could be improved when responding to future extreme weather events.”

Compo payments a massive relief

By Mikayla van Loon

The State government has announced it will pay compensation to clients of Porter Davis who were without insurance when the home builder went under. This news on Thursday 20 April came as welcome relief to those who had invested time, money and energy into building what was meant to be their dream homes.

Eric Poon, a customer of Porter Davis who had intended to build his home in Lilydale, lost his deposit because the company had not taken out Domestic Building Insurance (DBI), a breach of its obligations.

“I am genuinely delighted with this decision, as it addresses an urgent issue and provides much-needed relief for affected customers like myself,” he said.

“This support feels reasonable given that we invested in a service that we never received.”

Relieved by the government’s decision, Mr Poon said it made up for some of what was lost but there is still a gap in what he as a client now has to pay.

“We are now facing higher costs, as renegotiating a new construction contract comes with a 20 per cent increase in comparison to the original Porter Davis agreement,” he said.

“The time wasted in this process is an additional burden, but I understand that ‘it is what it is’.”

Payments will be made up to the legal maximum deposit amount within the Domestic Building Contracts Act of five per cent. As one of over 500 people in the same situation, Mr Poon said it did come at a time when many were at a loss, in both confidence and a financial standpoint.

“The government’s intervention in this case has restored some people’s confidence, providing a vital boost for those hesitant to build a home amidst the current housing shortage.”

Under the compensation scheme, payments will now ensure clients who had signed contracts but were without DBI to be treated as if they had been covered by Porter Davis.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the government would set up a one-off relief compensation scheme for customers to be able to access within 48 hours of the announcement.

“This one-off scheme is about making sure that hard-earned money of Porter Davis customers is refunded as quickly as possible and we’ll keep investigating the actions of Porter Davis to ensure this can’t happen again,” he said.

The government has confirmed authorities are investigating the collapse of Porter Davis, with results of the findings said to inform and guide potential future reforms. This was supported by Mr Poon, who said he believes it should “investigate if any wrongdoing or legal violations occurred” to hold “those responsible accountable”.

“I also suggest implementing stronger regulations and insurance coverage to protect consumers in the future,” Mr Poon said.

MrPoonurgedtheVictorianManagedInsurance Authority (VMIA) to fast track payments as quickly as possible“as many of us urgently need the funds to settle their properties”.

The Department of Government Services will work with the VMIA to vet and approve claims.

Cleaner trapped at station Lilydale CFA brigade members last week had to extricate a cleaner from a steel roller security door which had trapped him inside for a number of hours.

The Lilydale Train Station cleaner had entered the waiting room area when the door automatically shut behind him.

While attempts were made by contractors to free him, after three hours the fire brigade was called to assist.

The door had to be cut open, ending in a successful rescue.

School zones return

Motorists are asked to take extra care and to be vigilant for changed conditions, as Term 2 of theVictorian government school year began on Monday 24 April.

Students at many schools returned to the classroom for one day before taking a day off to commemorate Anzac Day on Tuesday 25 April. School speed zones of 40km/hour will be in operation from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm from Monday, but will not operate for the public holiday on Tuesday.

Increased pedestrian traffic is expected, with drivers encouraged to be mindful of school crossings. Reduced speeds of 40km/h or 60km/h in school zones will operate until Friday 23 June when the term concludes.

Trains to return in May

A normal train schedule is set to return with the new Union Station opening on 22 May. Replacement buses will cease and trains will return, running to the previous Surrey Hills Station schedule until the new timetable starts on Sunday 28 May.

Wonga Park collision

Lilydale SES, paramedics and fire crews were called to a vehicle collision in Wonga Park on Monday 24 April, delaying or turning through traffic around. The Jumping Creek Road collision saw only minor injuries for those involved, with one patient being extricated. Ambulance Victoria paramedics were on scene providing care. Wonga Park CFA and the South Warrandyte FRV crew assisted in removing the patient safely from the car.

Concerns for Killara Road works funding again raised

By Tanya Steele

The issue of the Maroondah Highway duplication works, including upgrading the dangerous Killara Road and Station Street intersections, was once again raised in parliament in late March.

Concerns for the future of the transport funding are shared by both Evelyn MP BridgetVallence and Casey Federal MP AaronVioli.

Ms Vallance brought the issue to State Parliament on 23 March and addressed the status of the project which has changed from the “planning stage” to “in review” which raised concerns that the upgrades may not progress beyond planning.

“I’ve raised this issue in State Parliament on 16 occasions, and the Andrews Government’s recent response raises deep concerns that they will scrap the project and re-route

the funds elsewhere, which would be a devastating outcome for the Coldstream community,” Ms Vallence said.

“On 23 March, a few weeks ago, in Parlia-

ment, I again asked the Andrews Government why the project status had flipped to ‘under review’, and to guarantee the project – their response is due on 24 April.”

Mr Violi took to social media last Friday at the busy intersection in Yarra Glen also concerned about the matter.

“Having grown up in the Yarra Valley, I’ve seen my fair share of near misses at the intersection of Maroondah Highway and Killara Road when passing through Coldstream,” he said.

“Labor’s roads minister, on 31 March 2022, said that ‘community engagement will commence in the upcoming months, with preconstruction works to follow’. It’s now been over 12 months and no consultation has occurred; no works have begun.”

In 2019, the former federal Liberal government committed $20 million to upgrade the

intersection of Killara Road and Maroondah Highway.

This funding was in turn given to the Victorian Labor Government to oversee and implement the upgrades.

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson acknowledged the issue and stated they are undertaking development work to determine the scope, timing and cost of the proposed upgrade.

“Necessary planning work is now being undertaken on the proposed Maroondah Highway upgrade to ensure it can benefit the community, with improved safety and eased congestion,” they said.

The Department plans to look at the best options to ease congestion and improve safety on the Maroondah Highway between Melba Highway and Ingram Road in Coldstream.

Trying to turn right from Killara Road onto Maroondah Highway, Coldstream.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Over 500 clients of Porter Davis left without insurance will be paid by the State government in a compensation scheme. Picture: ON FILE

Bulk-billing near-extinct

By Callum Ludwig

In a time where we are all tightening the purse strings, the reduction in medical centres offering bulk-billing is making it harder for residents to avoid a hit to the hip pocket.

Healthcare comparison directory Cleanbill released its Health of the Nation report on 16 April, collecting pricing and availability information from all 6363 GP clinics across the country.

The Casey electorate had one of the lowest percentages of bulk billing clinics in Victoria, and not far from the lowest in the country, with only four of 34 available clinics offering bulkbilling, only 11.8 per cent.

Yarra Junction Medical Centre is one of those four and Practice Manager Alison Dajlan said there needs to be bulk-billing in the local area as otherwise some people simply can’t afford to go to the doctor.

“There’s a lot of support that is needed by general practitioners, in general, to be able to afford to run a practice while still bulk-billing., the bulk-billing rates need to be increased to make it more viable for practices to provide the service,” she said.

“Each practice would have had to evaluate whether they could continue, with the costs of rent, wages, medical supplies and equipment all having gone up in the last 12 to 24 months. A lot of clinics haven’t been able to sustain it.”

InVictoria, the average appointment leaves residents $40.10 out of pocket. The Casey electorate is down on this average, at $35.28 for a standard consultation. Ms Dajlan said residents need to be able to receive medical care in their local area.

“Patients need to be able to access these services nearby and if they can’t access service locally, they may have to travel. For some, they may not be able to if they are limited due to work or commitments or don’t have means of transport,” she said. “Yarra Junction Medical Centre will keep bulk billing for as long as we possibly can.”

The bulk-billing statistics for some of Casey’s neighbouring electorates are varied with over half (51.4 per cent) of Latrobe clinics, a reasonable 36 per cent in Aston and a worrying 14.3 per cent of clinics in Deakin offering bulk-billing. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) President Dr Nicole Higgins said the results showed

the cost of years of neglect of general practice. “Medicare has not kept up with the cost of running a practice, and we are now well past the point where the general practice profession just can subsidise care. In February, new Department of Health data showed bulk-billing had fallen to its lowest point in a decade,” she said. “GPs want to serve their

communities fairly and ensure all their patients can access the care they need. When people can see their GP when they need to, rather than when they can afford to, they are less likely to experience expensive hospital emergency presentations and be healthier and happier at every stage of their lives. We need a system that supports this.”

Yarra Ranges Council closes public gallery until June

By Parker McKenzie

step further by looking at the causes that this My Place is actually supporting.”

Yarra

Ranges

Council will close its meeting to the public until at least June due to an “increasing pattern of verbal abuse, intimidation and anti-social behaviour,” after several meetings throughout the year were adjourned and held behind closed doors.

The decision to close the public gallery was announced onThursday 20 April, following two council meetings being adjourned in 2023 by Mayor Jim Child after members of the fringe-community group My Place Yarra Valley either interjected from the public gallery or filmed councillors and staff without permission from the chair.

Mayor Child told the Star Mail that the council has been “clear and transparent with the business that we conduct within the chamber and always welcomed community input.”

“I’ll probably go so far to say we probably do it better than other councils where agenda items if there are no registered speakers, I’ll ask the gallery do you want to speak to a particular item?” he said. “We do have interaction to the gallery, but what’s happened since late last year is that we’ve got this body of people that come to our chamber and they’ve really got nothing more on their mind but to disrupt proceedings, and that’s what they’re doing.”

My Place Yarra Valley has attended every council meeting in 2023 to oppose the implementation of 20-minute neighbourhood design plans and a perceived increase in surveillance throughout Yarra Ranges Shire, often with over 100 people filling the public gallery at the Yarra Ranges Civic Centre. The Star Mail asked My Place Yarra Valley to respond to several questions regarding their involvement in the decision to close the public gallery and comments made by Mayor Child to the Star Mail and ABC Radio on Thursday 20 April.

MembersofMyPlaceYarraValleywithpolice

Picture:PARKERMCKENZIE

In a statement, MPYV said“there is no evidence of verbal abuse, intimidation and antisocial behaviour from the public gallery.”

“We encourage interested persons to scrutinise councils footage. The fact that the Council will not engage with the Gallery during meetings obviously creates frustration for residents who feel they are not being heard, [sic]” the response said. “The closing of the gallery is a reactive response to eliminate the communities engagement in the right to scrutinise and participate in the democratic process we enjoy here in Australia.”

On Tuesday 11 April, Mayor Child adjourned the council meeting after those in attendance refused to stop filming from the gallery.

“I made it very clear at the beginning of the meeting because councillors had raised that concern where they get a phone with the internal light of the phone on and it’s directed straight at the councillor while they are speaking, it’s not necessary and we don’t need that,” Mayor Child said. “The meeting is recorded, the video is recorded and it’s just beyond me that type of behaviour. What this really shows is that their main cause is to disrupt the meeting and then you can go one

When asked about the ban on filming in the gallery, MPYV said “the only logical answer is that the council do not want to be exposed for what may occur given that it could be captured on our cameras but deleted from the council recordings.”

“It is clear from the lack of community engagement in the areas being set up as 20 minute communities, council are not fulfilling their obligations under their own public transparency and community engagement policies which clearly provide it is the community that have the ultimate say by placing the final decision making in the hands of the public,” the response said. “This is clearly not taking place and this is the main reason for the community attending the meetings. The community feel their voice is not being heard.”

Mayor Child said staff and councillors have started to become nervous when leaving the chamber late at night, following the end of council meetings.

“We don’t know what they’re up to, we leave these premises thinking what’s going to happen next?” he said. “That’s where it’s, I believe, a threat to democracy when we have people like this that come in and continually want to disrupt the proceedings of council and threaten councillors.”

In response, MPYV said “it is regrettable that the Mayor has instilled fear into the staff and other councillors.”

“The Mayor and staff have absolutely no reason to feel nervous as we are a passive peaceful group, council are possibly misinterpreting assertive passionate rate payers and we feel Councils opinion of the mums and dads attending their meetings is extreme.” the statement said.

The April 11 council meeting was the second to be closed to the public in 2023, after

a meeting on Tuesday 31 January was adjourned and police were called to the premise after the public gallery refused to leave the building. While appearing on ABC Radio, Mayor Child referred to the group as conspiracy theorists and said members hadn’t come to terms with the Holocaust, in reference to My Place founder Darren Bergwerf’s comments during an interview with ABC’s 7.30 program.

My Place Yarra Valley said the statement from Mayor Child was not a fair characterisation of those attending the meetings. “To insinuate that all 30,000 My Place members across Australia have the same thoughts and opinions is ludicrous,” they said. “In fact, it seems that the Mayor’s comments are designed to discredit and defame what is a wonderful and supportive community group that are tired of bureaucracy and government overreach.”

Mayor Child said all he wants to do is “get that gallery open again because we are in a unique position with local government.”

“If you try this sort of behaviour in Spring Street or up in Canberra, you would be thrown out,” he said. “I just plead with the people that come to our chamber just to disrupt the business of council and I’ve said this so many times before — I’ve said it to their leader when we had a discussion with him — just follow the governance rules, we’ve got it there, everyone else has to do it, we’ll answer your questions, we’ll interact with you but this behaviour of shouting abuse has to stop.”

Yarra Ranges councillors and staff met with two members of MPYV, Ian Bergwerf and Belinda Bernardini, after police were called to the council meeting in January.

In response, My Place Yarra Valley argued questions are not threats and that members of the public are entitled to question the council’s agenda.

attheJanuary31councilmeeting

YarraJunctionMedicalCentreisoneofonlyfourGPclinicsinCaseythatstilloffersbulk-billing.

Picture:ONFILE

Victorians able to get 10c refund for drink containers

By Tyler Wright

After decades of advocacy by community groups,Victorians will be able to recycle their beverage containers - for a 10 cent refundfrom November 2023.

The state government announced on Friday 14 April that the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) will begin on 1 November, with people able to donate bottles of nonconcentrated fruit or vegetable juice, flavoured milk, beer, soft drink and mixed spirits at nearby collection points in exchange for a cash boost.

Australians for Refunds on Cans and Bottles (AFROCAB) group convenor, Clematis resident Peter Cook said he has been calling for a container deposit scheme since 2002, with every state and territory except Victoria and Tasmania currently operating a similar scheme.

“I was driving home one night from a day ski patrolling at Mount St Gwinear, and I was driving between Erica and Moe, and I was noticing the cans and bottles along the roadside, and it occurred to me then, that ‘why couldn’t Victoria do the same as South Australia, and have a refund on cans and bottles so that people wouldn’t litter them?,’” Mr Cook said.

Between then and now, Mr Cook said there has been “dozens” of letters in newspapers, letters to politicians, meetings with politicians and at least half a dozen rallies on the steps of parliament.

In 2008, a list of over 200 community groups in support of new legislation introducing a refund on donated cans and bottles addressed to then Victorian premier John Brumby, was published in The Age and the Herald Sun for Clean Up Australia Day.

“Most recently, we had a raft made of cans and bottles collected locally, and we had that on Cardinia Reservoir to make the point to the government that these cans and bottles go somewhere, and that somewhere is clogging up and polluting our rivers, our creeks,

our bays and our oceans,” Mr Cook said.

“In Australia, there’s at least a billion drink containers a year go into the environment or into landfill; so it’s a big problem, and that’s what we’ve been trying to solve since we started this way back in 2002.

“It’s been a very consistent thing throughout our campaign that people you talk to say they support it, they see it as a common sense thing to do, and they don’t understand why government’s been so slow in responding.” CDS Vic is set to be coordinated by VicReturn, with Visy, TOMRA Cleanaway and Return-It tasked with being network operators.

Network operators will be required to

have a minimum of one collection point per 14,500 people in metropolitan areas, at least one per town of 750 people in regional areas, and at least one per town of 350 people in remote areas within 12 months of the scheme’s commencement.

The network operators are set to establish and maintain a network of more than 600 refund collection points across the state, which may be run by small businesses, community organisations, charities, sports clubs and councils.

“Community groups make quite a bit of money each year from unredeemed deposits...thousands of dollars per group,” Mr Cook said. “People notice that instead of cans and

bottles being an expense to the community, where money has to be spent cleaning them up, there will instead be a financial benefit to community groups.”

Minister for Environment, Ingrid Stitt, said the container deposit scheme will “maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new products,“ put “extra cash in Victorian pockets” “reduce the amount of litter in our environment by half”.

“CDS Vic will be Australia’s most accessible and convenient container deposit scheme, with more than 600 refund collection points across the state,” Ms Stitt said. Fore more information, visit vic.gov.au/ container-deposit-scheme.

Preparing for burn-offs

By Callum Ludwig

The Fire Danger Period was lifted in Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah from 11 April, giving the green light for residents to begin their burn-offs.

While cooler and wet weather makes for a perfect opportunity to do so, it’s important to make sure you are equipped with all the right advice to keep your property safe.

Wesburn/Millgrove CFA Captain Sascha Grant said he is sure there were many residents almost standing by with a box of matches in hand as restrictions ended.

“We’ve definitely seen a big tick in burn-offs at this time in previous years, and we’ve certainly got more fire in the environment at the moment but we certainly don’t get the number of call outs you’d expect,” he said.

“We have a really fire-wise community and a really respectful community that we couldn’t be more thankful for, residents at least around us are very well behaved and do the right thing, which is perfect.”

Yarra Ranges Council restrictions on burnoffs still remain in place, such as the categorisation of properties as urban, bushland or rural, to help keep open-air burns safe.

Mr Grant said you should always keep your fire sizes manageable, even if it means doing a few small burns over a few days.

“If you keep it a metre by a metre at a time, that’s really manageable because you need to stay in attendance and watch it and you need to have sufficient capacity to extinguish that fire and stop it getting out of control if needed,” he said.

“The most important thing is to register it, it’ll ask you for your address, the size, what things you are burning and roughly when it will start and be extinguished.That way if somebody rings in that there is a fire, the operator can confirm where it’s likely to be a burnoff and it means that we’re not under the same pressures to rush there.”

It is strongly recommended to advise neighbours of a burn-off beforehand to alleviate any concerns.

Mr Grant said there are some key warning signs to be prepared for and do not hesitate to call Triple Zero if it gets out of hand.

“If it’s anything over 19 kilometres an hour so more than a brisk breeze, you might have embers that will start to travel away and for

that reason, there’s also a requirement to have a three-metre fire break and stay in attendance,” he said.

“Think about what you are wearing, wear natural fibres and things that won’t catch fire themselves and have a garden hose and buckets of water ready to go so you can douse the edges of the fire if you need to.”

The cooler autumn months also provide a

great time for CFA to conduct planned burns to reduce potential bushfire risk. Combined with weather conditions, this can result in smoke hanging over parts of the state.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said although CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) work closely with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep smoke impact as low as practically possible, smoke in our regional and rural areas can come from a number of sources.

“Along with the important planned burns that are conducted in our forests, parks and reserves led by FFMV and the many kms of road, rail and grassland burns that are led by the CFA, this time of year also sees a large amount of smoke coming from the necessary burn-offs that our farmers and rural property holders complete,” he said.

“These are part of traditional farming practices where burning off of crop stubble is often needed to kill off weeds and return nutrients and carbon back into the soil.”

Wood heaters and fires that will certainly be in full use in households can also leave smoke settled in the vicinity.

Mr Heffernan said localised smoke or smoke haze can often be misinterpreted as coming from planned burns from a long way away. “As the weather conditions continue to become favourable for lower-intensity burning, we will look to conduct the most suitable burns-offs to ensure that our dependant native bush and grasslands are benefitting and avoid much more devastating high-intensity bushfires,” he said.

“We rely upon all Victorians to spread the message and continue to support us in the delivery of our burning programs.”

Remember to check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www. firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.

Refunds on Cans and Bottles (AFROCAB) convenor Peter Cook with cans and bottles collected along one side of a one kilometre section of Macclesfield Road in 2017.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Always prepare for and register a burn-off.

Picture: CFA

Head Start

By Mikayla van Loon

High school students looking to complete an apprenticeship but not interrupt their studies will have greater access to the Head Start program as it expands to every government school across the state.

The Victorian government announced on Thursday 20 April that the initiative would be rolled out across the state by the end of the year.

It will allow students to gain paid, on the job training while still completing their VCE, VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate.

With 12 hubs established to help coordinate the training opportunities, the Yarra Ranges falls into the eastern metropolitan Melbourne region, seeing a total of 208 students take part in Head Start as at November last year.

Two of those students include twins Paige and Emma Hunter, from Box Hill High School, who have chosen different pathways in joinery and hairdressing respectively.

For Paige taking on an apprenticeship at a stair building company has been the perfect fit.

“I’ve always liked to do stuff with my hands, and I like making stuff, it was just something I always knew I wanted to do. I’m a very visual learner and I like looking at things and then doing them,” she said.

“So I originally was going to do carpentry but then my school placed me with the company I work with now and I just fell in love with it, because it’s just a really rewarding job, working with your hands and seeing the products nearly finished.”

In her second year of the apprenticeship, having started in March 2022 as a Year 11 student, Paige said one of the benefits is knowing she only has two years left of her training before becoming qualified, while still getting to enjoy Year 12.

“I still get to complete my VCE so I’m still at school, I still get at the end my certificate saying I completed Year 12 in school, I get to still do the formal experience with my friends while still being able to work and when I leave school, have a full time job,” she said.

As for Emma, she is in her third year of a hairdressing apprenticeship and she said starting in Year 10 gave her an idea of what she was getting into before taking on Years 11 and 12 in VCE.

Going to school three days a week, working Wednesdays and Saturdays, and then going to TAFE on a Thursday, the Head Start program can be a big commitment but Emma said it was important for her to stay at school.

“I knew what I wanted to do and this gave me the opportunity to test it out. If I didn’t enjoy it, then I had school to fall on and keep going with that.

“It was important for me to stay in school.

I quite enjoyed the social aspects of school so I didn’t really want to leave, but I knew what I wanted to do, so that’s why this program was quite a good opportunity for me.”

Knowing one day she would like to start her own business, being able to undertake subjects in VCE that may further her knowledge of doing so has set Emma on a great path.

“I did business management as my Year 12 subject in year 11 and now I’m doing economics and accounting,” Emma said.

“I want to, hopefully, in the future start a business in hairdressing, so I could also learn hairdressing while learning the things in school like business management, instead of having to do it separately and it taking longer.”

Both girls have felt supported in their apprenticeships, surrounded by others who are also learning, particularly for Paige who has taken on somewhat of a male dominated industry.

“There’s actually three other girls that I work with. So I’m always like the baby of the company but I’ve got those older girls looking out for me,” she said.

Participating schools in the outer east, include Croydon Community School, Emerald Secondary College, Healesville High School, Lilydale Heights College, Lilydale High School, Monbulk College, Mooroolbark College, Sherbrooke Community School, Upper Yarra Secondary College, Upwey High School and Yarra Hills Secondary College.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 funded $69.4 million over four years to expand Head Start to all government secondary schools in Victoria by the end of 2023.

“We’re backing students to get the skills they need for the jobs they want, providing more pathways and paid opportunities to have them job ready when they walk out the school gates for the last time,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.

Emma Hunter had always had a love of doing people’s hair so turned it into a career.

Pictures: UNSPLASH

Paige Hunter has found a love for joinery and the construction of stairs through her Head Start apprenticeship.

Anzacs honoured in style

From page 1

“So local community groups, the Lilydale Rotary, Evelyn Ridge Retirement Village and Sharon Chuck and her friends have knitted over 7000 poppies. There’s some from last year but more new ones this year,” Ms May said.

In the Australian flag alone, there are 4950 poppies making up the arrangement, with the remaining spelling out the words ‘Lest We Forget’ and a flowing trail.

Taking inspiration from last year’s installation, which Ms May said was meant to show “a river running down to the lake to represent the blood of the fallen soldiers flowing down to the water.”

“This year I suppose we’ve used a similar shape, similar design but having the ‘Lest We Forget’ and the flag has just made it just that little bit more special.We’ve got plans next year to do something a little bit different again.”

As everyone gathered, the Federation Chapel filled with people donning their handmade poppies but most notably it welcomed special guests, World War II veteran Eddie Ham and Betty Richards, wife of Jack Richards who also served in the war.

“I just like to celebrate it every year and remember him and what he did,” Ms Richards said.

While now residents of the Donwood Aged Care home in Croydon, during the 1940s Mr Ham and Ms Richards were saying goodbye to loved ones.

Although not known to each other, Mr Ham and Ms Richards’ husband served in similar parts of the world during their time with the Royal Australian Air Force.

“He was in similar places to Eddie within the 457 Spitfire Squadron, located in Darwin, Morotai and Borneo,” Ms Richards said.

When Mr Richards left his hometown of Birdsville in Queensland to travel to Brisbane to sign up for the war, Ms Richards was only just 16, he was four years older at 20.

Although from a protected industry, being from a cattle station, Mr Richards still decided to sign up claiming he was a salesman. He served four years in World War II.

The pair married when Ms Richards was 18 and he was 22, spending the next two years waiting desperately for news of his safety.

“You never knew if you were going to see them again,” she said.

“And with letters, you’d wait three weeks and when you got it, you wouldn’t know if they were still alive.”

For Mr Ham the years of the war were spent fighting and escaping death, navigating unknown territories and waters.

“I was involved from 1943 to 1946 in the 22 Squadron as a navigator and wireless operator. Then we had a crash in the Philippines and my pilot was killed,” Mr Ham said.

“I was picked up by an American PT boat in the ocean and then there was no plane and no pilot so I transferred to 34 Squadron, which exists today and as far as I know, I’m the only survivor of both squadrons now.”

Mr Ham joined the Air Training Corps before he was 18 and signed up as soon as he was able, becoming an officer by the time he was 20-years-old.

As a young man, Mr Ham witnessed and experienced some terribly frightening things, surviving two near death experiences.

“We crashed into the sea, it was a violent crash. I got knocked out. I couldn’t help Dick Scott. He was four months older than me and we were both 20 at the time,” he said.

“He was a good pilot. We had some really scary things happen.We had a bomb go off under the aircraft, it put 26 holes in the aircraft… we didn’t know if we had any landing gear or any brakes but miracles do happen.

“When we got back, we had two front wheels and a back wheel.”

Noting his service as “necessary” Mr Ham said there were so many times when he “shouldn’t have come back” and “at least twice I should have died”.

Grateful to have made it back, he said if some of those miracles hadn’t happened, he wouldn’t have been able to have his four children, and marry his second wife Phyllis in his 70s to enjoy another 20 years of a happy marriage.

As the sun went down over Lilydale Memorial Park, bugler Tom Steele played the last post and Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson read the Ode.

“I really respect the idea of Anzac Day and remembering the people who have allowed us to live the way we do today,” Ms May said.

“It’s really important that we continue for future generations…it’s a way to connect the next generation to the past generation because it’s quite easily forgotten so it’s important we keep it alive.”

A crowd of community members gathered to honour the fallen. 330598

The Australian flag is made of 4950 knitted poppies. 330598

World War II veteran Eddie Ham and wife of World War II serviceman Betty Richards attended the service on Tuesday 18 April. 330598

Sharon Chuck and Lynn Whelan helped knit majority of the poppies for the installation. 330598

GMCT Eastern Region Operations general manager Phil Snow and organiser Sharyn May were grateful for the response of the community in supporting the service. 330598

The words ‘Lest We Forget’ resided on the hill looking out over the fields of green. 330598

Making a big issue visible

By Callum Ludwig

Wednesday 19 April marks Youth Homelessness Matters Day, shining a light on the plight of young people without a safe and secure home.

Data from the 2021 census found that more than 122,000 Australians were experiencing homelessness, with 15 per cent of that figure being children aged 12 and under.

Founder and CEO of Yarra Ranges-based homelessness support service Holy Fools Neal Taylor said people don’t see homelessness as being a problem locally, because it’s not visible as much as it is in the city.

“We only see the very small percentage of people who sleep rough and even that’s hidden here in the Yarra Ranges. From not only our research but in talking to some of the other people who have been homeless, young people tend to avoid rough sleeping side as much as possible, they tend to do more couch surfing and staying temporarily with friends and family,” he said.

“Or maybe they just left their parents for the night or have gone out onto the streets for the first time, we have found people sleeping in playground equipment to take shelter from the wind and rain, so we know they are out there.”

The LilydaleYouth Hub which closed in late 2022 due to a lack of funding was often a place where young people experiencing homelessness came and were out to ask for help from other young people, often getting support and well as helping to formulate a plan to better their circumstances

Mr Taylor said he would love to see funding to employ youth workers again in the area or to provide some independent to visit schools.

“I’ve had students who have been doing the Youth Work course through Box Hill TAFE who I’ve had on placement with me and they’ve been fantastic, I would love to have one or two

of them on a part-time basis to talk to some of these kids because I just know that they would connect,” he said.

“We need people who young people can trust, who aren’t going to judge them, who are going to go out there and do what they can to

care for these people and let them know they are on their side.”

An estimate from the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria estimates predicts there are about 6,000 homeless young people in Victoria.

Child psychologist and the CEO of youth

homelessness charity Lighthouse Foundation

Dr Eamonn McCarthy said it is pretty hard to understate the importance of Youth Homelessness Matters Day.

“The sad reality is that it is a long-term ingrained problem but in the grand scheme of things it really does help to remind people that despite all the new and concerning issues around us, homelessness is constantly there,” he said.

“Approximately 98 per cent of youth homelessness statistics in Victoria over the last couple of years are not necessarily what we would consider rough sleeping, it could be youth hanging out at a local library, or a uni student studying extra late because they don’t have anywhere to sleep or your son’s friend staying on the couch until they finish their course.”

In the last year, the Lighthouse Foundation has provided care for 71 young people, children, and babies, serving 77,000 meals and hosting 3,285 nights in safe beds for children in foster care.

Dr McCarthy said it is important to keep an eye out for key indicators and just check in or tap into local support services if you notice them.

“It’s been a fairly long-held view that family violence, substance abuse and unexpected changes to circumstances have always been disproportionately present in young people entering homelessness and now mental health, while in of itself not a cause of homelessness, is being found more prior and after homelessness,” he said.

“It’s about being aware of some of those indicators of it and to step in before the crisis line of homelessness and just thinking to check in, many of us have families around us, and we know they go through tough times and it can be important to turn your mind to what these times might mean for their accommodation circumstances.”

Needlocalstaff?

Holy Fools Founder Neal Taylor would like to see support for more youth workers to help with homelessness locally.

Picture: ON FILE

Foodshare funding boost

By Callum Ludwig

With storms and floods devastating the Yarra Ranges in recent years, a funding boost for Outer Eastern Foodshare (OEF) to improve community resilience is welcome news.

Funding from the Federal Government’s $10 million Preparing Australian Communities (PAC) Grant is set to help in preparing for, reducing the impact of and aiding the recovery from natural disasters and hazards as a result of climate change.

OEF President John Csorgo said the funding will help the wider emergency relief network in the Yarra Ranges to have a stronger structure in place and implement a number of the ideas which they’ve come up with.

“The Yarra Ranges Emergency Relief Network (YRERN) has been a collective of people and organisations, there was no structure to employ anyone or use those resources so outer Eastern Foodshare was filling the Project Coordinator role,” he said.

“Now there will be a designated Project Coordinator working for YRERN to help determine things like where demand is coming from, how do we collate all that demand, how we share resources, but also to get together and share ideas and formalise the structure.”

OEF, YRERN and Yarra Ranges Council will be working together going forward to help provide essential care, support and services such as supplying essential household items, offering emotional and financial counselling and providing health care and social connection.

Mr Csorgo said this support is important now and will continue to be in future.

“It’s critical because there is just going to be more and more from what all the data and reports we’ve seen, so the ability to get on top of things before they just escalate is important, to move from being very reactive to proactive,” he said.

“That way we can address people’s needs before they come into dire situations, I can give you many stories of people from homelessness to food insecurity to mental health issues. The local network is very strong, but the level of delivering services does vary from small organisations to large ones so to be able to coordinate and assist each other will be really helpful.”

The PAC grant is also assisting a number of other projects across the region as well that are set to make communities more resilient. Place-based planning for Healesville, Yarra Junction and Monbulk, a microgrid for Monbulk, resilient buildings, tree management, improved accessible facilities at the Kilsyth Sports Centre suitable for its use as a designated emergency relief centre and a bushfire risk assessment in 2021 storm-affected areas of the Dandenong Ranges are all the beneficiaries of funding provided.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said we all know how important it is for communities to work together when faced with adversity.

“This grant is a great step to continue building resilience in the Yarra Ranges, 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,” he said.

“As an incorporated organisation and part of the YRERN, OEF offers vast experience and provide a wide range of services including food relief, financial support, accommodation assistance, counselling. We’re pleased they are able to continue their great work in building resilience in the Yarra Ranges.”

Discovery Community Care in new Mt Evelyn phase

By Mikayla van Loon

Discovery Community Care (DCC) has made the move from Lilydale to Mount Evelyn, launching its newly renovated home on Sunday 16 April.

The community support service which provides emergency and meaningful relief to people experiencing crisis had based itself in Lilydale for a number of years over its 20 year history.

But three years ago, before the pandemic hit, DCC General Manager Philip Hamilton said the idea of moving back to the original starting point at 89 Monbulk Road became part of the vision for the future of DCC.

“Another thing that’s been really important as part of this relocation for Discovery Community Care up to Mount Evelyn is the fact that there’s already quite a number of food relief agencies based in Lilydale,” he said.

“But none as large as Discovery Community Care based in this area to support the Yarra Valley, which is where a lot of the food insecurity actually is located.”

With food relief being one of the primary support offerings of DCC, Mr Hamilton said by setting themselves up in the refurbished home of original land owners Ralph and Helen Proctor, he hopes it becomes a space that feels like home to many.

“The house has been set up with a view to actually being a home as well. The vision has been really to create a space where people can call home, where they can come regularly and stay for food,” he said.

“If people are really doing life tough they can even do a load of washing and take a shower.”

Already serving 250 to 300 people a year at DCC, Mr Hamilton said this year they have also partnered with Stable One to offer more services to people experiencing homelessness.

This is incredibly important as more people struggle with the rising costs of living in an area that was prone to food insecurity

prior to these price hikes.

“Particularly in the Ranges there’s quite a high rate of food insecurity, it’s one of the highest in a local government area in the whole of Victoria,” Mr Hamilton said.

“That’s always been a high need in the area, just access to affordable and healthy, nutritious food has been quite hard for a lot of

people who have poor access and disability.”

Aside from emergency food relief, DCC also provides community support through advocacy for utility bills, the running of an op shop, a Thursday night meal called Food Stop to give people experiencing homelessness a place to get a home cooked meal and a mentoring program.

Intending for the new location to become a community hub of sorts, Mr Hamilton said it’s about encouraging more connection and creating a space where people can contribute by sharing and using their gifts.

One of the ways to do that is through cooking classes using the 14 person capable kitchen at the house, allowing people who may receive a food relief package to learn what to cook with it.

“It just encourages more of a relationship building over food because it breaks down social norms and barriers and everyone eats,

it’s a priority.

“It’s such an important way to be able to connect with other people when you’re doing it over food.”

Taking on the Proctor’s vision to create a sense of family and cultivate the land by way of a vegetable garden, Mr Hamilton said the possibilities for connection are endless.

“The transformation pathway we mapped out is, firstly, to have a real sense of connection at the space, where people can feel like they can regularly connect with other people and build friendships. The second part is moving into a space where people feel able and willing to want to contribute and to participate because when people participate in something they enjoy, it creates a sense of purpose and it creates a sense of meaning in their lives.” DCC is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment for food relief packages.

The newly renovated house at 89 Monbulk Road will become the community hub for DCC.

DCC General Manager Philip Hamilton, Community Support Manager Shereen Barker and Neighbourhood Community Connector Kathi Saric form the staff team at DCC. Pictures: SUPPLIED

The house aims to be a comforting spot for people to connect, gather and learn.

The Outer Eastern Foodshare team have received a funding boost for emergency resilience. Picture: SUPPLIED

Partnership rolling on

By Parker McKenzie

When people with disabilities go to access amenities that are labelled accessible, often they arrive only to find issues and barriers to their use.

Scope, one of Australia’s largest disability providers, and Victoria Walks, a health promotion charity, have teamed up to audit walks around Melbourne to ensure they are truly accessible for everyone.

A launch event for Walking and Rolling Together was held at the Tim Neville Arboretum in Ferntree Gully on Thursday 20 April to celebrate 24 walks being audited and determined as accessible to people with disabilities by examining elements like terrain, distance to public transport and accessible bathrooms.

Victoria Walks Executive Officer Dr Ben Rossiter said the partnership between the two organisations, along with support from the Victoria Government, gives people confidence in the accessibility of the audited walks.

“Together, we’ve developed a free, easy-touse accessible waking tool, co-designed with disability and scopes access consultations to assess walking routes for accessibility,” he said.

“The advisory group experts offered guidance on what features to look for in walks and used plain language in how we present the walks.”

Audited walks include the Tim Neville Arboretum, Croydon Park, Lillydale Lake and Queens Park in Healesville.

Scope CEO Kate McRae said the walks listed had to be found to be truly accessible after being audited by people with disabilities.

“The lived experience really speaks to the authenticity of the evidence-based audit,” she said.

“We know that walking with friends and family helps our mental health as well as physical health, it helps us connect, it helps us have a safe space t explore nature and to be included in this wonderful environment that we have here today.”

The audit tool has also been developed so other organisations and communities can use it to access whether a walk is accessible for people with disabilities.

Scope Auditor Gwenda Campbell said the collaboration would help people with disabilities connect with their local community and other people around them.

“It’s important for our community parks and walking paths to be accessible and safe for everyone,” she said.

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“People with disabilities should have the same opportunities to gather in local parks as the rest of the community.”

The list of assessable walks will be expanded as more are audited by Scope.

For more information and to see the list of accessible walks visit walkingmaps.com.au/ accessible-walks

Wednesday May 10th 2023

Scope auditors Gwenda Campbell and Jeff Steer helped determine whether 24 walking tracks were accessible for people with disabilities. Pictures: PARKER MCKENZIE

Scope auditor Gwenda Campbell talks to Dr Ben Rossiter at the launch event.

Scope CEO Kate McRae and Walking Victoria Executive Officer Ben Rossiter at the launch event.

Mother’s Day Classic fundraiser returns to Lilydale

By Mikayla van Loon

After a year off in 2022, the Lilydale Mother’s Day Classic event will be making a return in May to help raise important funds for breast cancer research.

Organiser Kim Robin has hosted six local events in the wake of her mother Maree’s death but took a break from it last year only to realise what it meant to so many others and herself.

“I just really missed doing it actually. I attended a different event last year, I went and did the Chelsea Mother’s Day classic,” she said.

“We had a lot of people wanting it back, the community wanting it back. We had a lot of people on a waitlist who said ‘you never came back’.”

Hearing the feedback and knowing how loved the event was, Ms Robin said it was “a big factor in deciding to come back this year.”

Although participation is capped at 1500 people, Ms Robin said still three weeks out from 14 May, only 600 people have signed up to the five kilometre walk or run at Lillydale Lake.

“There still is room, fingers crossed registrations start to take off a little bit over the next couple of weeks because it is a bit slow,” she said.

With the major sponsor for this year’s event being Fernwood Fitness, the staff will be leading the group warm ups prior to the run or walk.

There will also be balloon twisting, face

painting and the CFA will be hosting a barbecue for the morning.

While fundraising may be the intention for the day, Ms Robin said there is also a bond that forms between people who have been touched by breast cancer in some way.

“It is really important, it brings the community together. Everyone has got a shared purpose. Everyone is there for the same reason.

“You know what it’s like when you connect

with someone who’s been through something that you have.

“The event just gives people a place to go. Some people don’t have anything to do on Mother’s Day and they don’t know how to deal with it so it gives them somewhere to go to be with like minded people.”

With 57 Australians diagnosed with cancer every day and the expected deaths from breast cancer to reach nine a day this year, it means hundreds of people are affected each year.

the five kilometre walk or run.

Being the seventh year and having raised a total of $185,000 for breast cancer research over the last six events, Ms Robin said she would like to crack the $200,000 mark by encouraging people to “walk with us and start your mother’s day with purpose.”

For those participating on the day, check in will open from 8am, with the run starting at 9am and the walk heading off at 10am.

To register, go to www.mothersdayclassic. com.au/vic-lilydale

Still on track, 40 years on

By Mikayla van Loon

The Mooroolbark and District Miniature Railway has celebrated 40 years of providing the Yarra Ranges with a unique experience and activity for train enthusiasts.

What began in June 1979 when the Shire of Lilydale purchased a five inch gauge locomotive, track and some carriages from the Junee Council in New South Wales, has turned into a well loved community attraction.

After the purchase of the locomotive, the Lilydale council held a community meeting, gaining the interest of over 50 people and selecting the first interim committee on 28 February 1980.

Picking Kiloran Park, next door the Kilsyth swimming pool, as the location of the railway, plans got underway to build the track.

One of the original members of the club and treasurer of 42 years, Richard Knight, said what was just a pile of dirt in the ‘80s has finally been finished decades later.

“We’ve done a lot of beautiful, marvellous things…you can see the difference in 40 years. There were hardly any trees on the site, it was basically the fill that came out when the swimming pool was dug,” he said.

“So we planted lots and lots of trees, we’ve planted garden beds now and the site really does look a treat.”

With the council pitching in money at the time for the steel work, concrete and club room materials, the Kiloran Park site transformed thanks to the dedication of volunteers.

The first 210 metre section of hand dug track was finished by 1983, ready for the official opening in April, with an expansion to take over two decades to complete.

“In about 1995 we approached the council and said we’d like to expand our tracks, we need a little bit of extra land,” Mr Knight said.

“We then put a proposal to them that we’d like to build a carriage shed, a tunnel, bridges, enclose the station and signal box, as well as nice picnic areas for people to enjoy.

“The council granted us this. It’s taken us nearly 25 years to get all of this completed and running. We now have 950 metres of mainline track.”

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers who lived close enough to the track were able to complete the 1995 vision by finishing a further 300 metres of track.

Mr Knight said while the vision “was a bit bigger than what the council had envisaged”, with grants from the Bendigo Bank and sup-

port from Yarra Ranges Council, the park is now a beautiful location, with picnic tables, barbecues and shady trees.

Having been running community train ride days since the first loop was constructed way back in the ‘80s, it has been a highlight for young and old ever since.

“Once we got the first loop circle constructed, there were advertisements in the local paper at the time to say look, we’re up and running, come down and see us,” Mr Knight said.

With only 90 miniature railway clubs across the country, it’s quite a privilege for the Yarra

Ranges to have such a location for visitors and the community to take advantage of.

“We’ve got a dozen members with locomotives, the club has two locomotives with two more under construction and I believe the club has 14 passenger carriages.

“On a normal monthly run day, we’d have six or seven trains running at various times with owners then the club locomotives at the same time.”

Mr Knight said the club has been trying to move ahead with the times over the last 40

years by using recycled plastic sleepers since 2005.

With over 40 members who build locomotives and maintain the grounds, Mr Knight said while there are always repairs, the club is happy with the size and course of the railway.

“We’re all getting older. Members that were there 40 years ago, now we’re all in our 70s.

“So what we’re trying to do is encourage younger people to join to assist in making and building locomotives or carriages or whatever their interest is.”

Another future desire of the club is to return to using steam locomotives, with members currently only using electric and petrol powered ones.

Having been a lover of trains all his life and passing that onto his children, Mr Knight said for him at least, the miniature railway is an important part of his routine, something he hopes others can enjoy for many more years to come.

“My hobby is building miniature railway locomotives. I’ve finished five and I’ve got three more, some of them are taking nearly 30 years but I’m still persevering with them.”

Although celebrations of 40 years were curbed by some poor weather on Sunday 16 April, it was still enjoyed by existing and new members.

Kim Robin has decided to return with the Lilydale Mother’s Day Classic event on 14 May. Picture: ON FILE

The Lillydale Lake event sees over 1000 people participate in

To commemorate 40 years, a mural of Mooroolbark Train Station from the 1920s has also been painted on the carriage shed, a stellar sight to see.

Mooroolbark Miniature Railway had a mural of 1920s Mooroolbark Train Station painted for the 40 year anniversary. 330368

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cutting the cake with founding members Peter Jones, Richard Knight, Kevin Martin, and Kellie, daughter of the late John Dew who was MMR president 40 years ago.

Picture: MOOROOLBARK MINIATURE RAILWAY

Len displaying his original MMR hat from the ‘80s.

Current MMR committee; Bob, Artie, Richard, Stuart, Kevin, David. Colin wasn’t present.

Pumpkins aplenty

By Tanya Steele

The Adams Farm is hosting a U-pick from its pumpkin patch for the autumn season, in a first for the family property, which usually deals in Brussels sprouts.

The multi-generational family usually grows a mixed pumpkin crop annually, but this year farmer Daniel Adams experimented and decided to plant more than usual and has had a spectacular result.

Four varieties of pumpkin will be available for the public to pick themselves, the main variety available is a sweet grey.

Daniel said there are also butternuts and an interesting cross between a Butternut and Kent or a Japanese pumpkin that he has named the Butterjap.

“I’ve been planting seeds from pumpkins for years and it seems like the species is splitting, so they just grow a little randomly,” he said.

“They are the colour of a butternut and the shape of a Kent and taste the best I think.”

The field of green and grey pumpkins stretches out behind the main harvest of Brussels sprouts, a testament to the summer that seemed to fly by.

The Adams Farm has been running for over 60 years and originally was located in Bayswater, it remains a family operated farm and grows up to 120 acres of Brussels sprouts each year.

Bruce Adams grew up on the property along with his three siblings Pam, Ruth and Peter.

Bruce has been at the helm of the farm since the passing of his father in 2013 continuing his passion for the humble brussels sprout and has passed this on to his two sons, Daniel and Jeremy.

Bruces’s daughter Narelle remembers her grandparents regularly planting pumpkins to harvest and store for winter.

“They’d keep stock of them and use them for soup,” she said.

Narelle enjoys giving the public the chance to see what real working farms look like, having hosted events before like the annual sprout festival which ran a few times before Covid.

“I think it’s nice for people in the community to see how the place works,” she said.

This year, the U-pick will be a low-key affair

to make sure the bountiful crop gets harvested in time for winter.

Bruce Adams said they don’t take much work to grow but the farmer has no plans to expand beyond the volume of pumpkin crops they’ve been producing.

“We go in and thin them out, irrigate them

Lake gets a fish top-up

By Mikayla van Loon

Lillydale Lake was one of four Melbourne freshwater locations to be stocked with another native variety of fish to keep future fishing opportunities high locally.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) released 20,000 silver perch fingerlings into the lake last week to strengthen both native fish stocks and to encourage a family-friendly day out. VFA Freshwater Fisheries manager Anthony Forster said this recent release is part of creating a thriving fishery in Lilydale.

“Lillydale Lake is one of 85 family friendly fishing lakes that we’ve got throughout Victoria, which are close to population centres,” he said. “So Lillydale Lake is 28 hectares, it’s a productive little system and we’re trying to create fishing opportunities for families through the whole year.”

Having released catchments of trout on many occasions, Mr Forster said they “perform well in the cold climates in the winter” but during summer they would like to see native fish doing just as well. By releasing the silver perch at a size of just one gram or 14 millimetres long, it will take about three to five years for them to reach a catchable size, purposefully done to create longevity.

“We’ve stocked 67,000 fish in Lillydale Lake over the last 10 years and that includes a whole range of species of trout, golden perch, Murray cod and now silver perch. So there’s already fish in those systems which are ready to catch,” Mr Forster said.

A few different varieties of pumpkin have done

a few times and they’ve done pretty well this year,” he said.

It remains to see what the heaviest pick on the field will be, but there is plenty to choose from.

People can come and pick and weigh their pumpkins on the weekend of 29 and 30 April.

Crafty kids learn to feather their nests

By Callum Ludwig

Some school holiday fun was to be found at the Yarra Regional Museum where the next generation of environmental advocates learnt about one of Victoria’s faunal emblems.

Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater’s Environmental Coordinator Eliza Lamb led a‘Build your own nest’ session in the exhibition space currently hosting the ‘Plight of our faunal emblems’ showcase.

Ms Lamb said she brought a selection of nests which the group explored.

“From the introduced blackbird to the white-browed scrubwrens, so they could feel all the different materials and look at the different ways that each bird built its nest before we looked at a helmeted honeyeater nest,” she said.

“Helmeted honeyeater nests are generally made with grasses and gum leaves and twigs and then it’s bound together with cobwebs, so they got to have a really close look at the nest before attempting to build their own and they’ve all made really different and creative nests.”

The nest-building crew were very enthusiastic with some making as many as two or three nests to take home for their backyard.

Ms Lamb said lots of different techniques were used.

“Some have been using the clay as a base to start with, others have been binding it together with twine or some native grasses, we tried to bring a lot of native materials for the group to use,” she said.

“It’s a really great way for the group to come and do something hands-on and fun, but also learn about the bird, what we’re doing out at the friends’ group and how they can get involved. We want to inspire children to go out

and take action for threatened species to show them and to discuss openly ways that they can make a change, however small or big, in their own communities.”

Attendees also had plenty of questions, wanting to know how long it takes a helmeted honeyeater to make a nest and what the great-

est number of eggs a bird could make was.

“They can talk to their families and friends and share information and share the plight of the species. Our faunal emblems are struggling, and it’s the work of the community and the work of people taking action that helps them,” Ms Lamb said.

While Mr Forster said this silver perch release may seem quite large in quantity, given the high mortality rate of small fish that had to be taken into account in the stocking number. Mr Forster did say, however, the “quality of the water and the productivity of the water” should contribute to high levels of success in the growth of the silver perch. These types of native fish are stocked on an annual basis, with this being their production cycle time. To ensure fishing opportunities are available all year round, Mr Forster said trout stocks are usually topped up twice a year prior to school holidays at a catchable size of 10 to 12 inches. During the pandemic, VFA put a lot of effort into ensuring local lakes and waterways were stocked regularly with fish to provide an approved activity for people.

“So by stocking these waters, we’re creating really easy, affordable ways for families to get out for an afternoon, have a barbecue, take a picnic, catch a fish and that becomes a first fishing experience for many young kids.”

By “bringing the fish to the people”, Mr Forster said it has been really positive for not only engaging people in fishing but the economical, environmental and mental health benefits have also been astounding. We’ve got recent results showing there’s more than a million recreational fishers in Victoria, almost one in five people go fishing. “That’s really quite a big activity, a big pastime and we’re finding that it’s really good for not only economic development but for mental health.”

With a record $35 million investment from the State government as well into recreational fishing, from an environmental point of view, Mr Forster said the replenishment of native fish production has been extremely encouraging.

“It’s not all about creating great fisheries, a big part of it is also about recovering threatened native fish in the same process. We’re starting to see those fish come through the system, start to reproduce and we’re starting to see the population and the size of native fish recover for the first time in a long time.”

To find out where certain fish have been stocked, go to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/ recreational-fishing/fish-stocking/db

A paddock full of pumpkins, tucked at the back of a brussel sprouts farm.

Bruce and his son Daniel.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

well in this crop.

L-R: Olive, Harry, Aubury and Jack with their finished nests.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Wanted: Young artists

By Tanya Steele

YAVA’s Youth Art 2023 has opened for submissions calling for youth between 15 to 25 across the Yarra Ranges Shire to submit their work to be considered for an exhibition later in the year.

Reggie Clark from YAVA is excited to support young people in their artistic journeys.

“It’s a great opportunity to show your work,” she said.

All forms of artistic practice are welcome, even musical-natured ones.

“Painting, sculpting, photography or maybe even a musical-based performance set,” Reggie said.

Artworks will be selected for the exhibition by a curatorial panel and must be available for the exhibition.

The artists will then receive support from YAVA in exhibiting and selling their work.

Mia Pensa, a former winner of Youth ART, when it was held at Art at Linden Gate inYering Station, encouraged people to apply.

“It’s very daunting to start out and it was a great stepping stone for me - Youth ART was one of the first competitions I entered,” Mia said.

“I won two awards the second time.”

Mia appreciated the chance to compete and show her work and said it really helped her to gain that earlier experience.

“To put your work out for the very first time and to be encouraged is a good feeling,” she said.

Mia has since gone on to sell her work internationally and attributes a number of factors to her success.

She also encourages new and emerging artists to trust themselves and apply.

“Create something unique, make art that speaks to you, that will get you so much further,” Mia said.

The exhibition will feature a People’s Choice award with a major prize yet to be determined.

Submissions are due by 16 May at 5 pm, head to the YAVA website for more information. Mia in her studio.

Trailer and release date announced for cult series

By Tyler Wright

Disney+ has announced the release date and a new trailer for upcoming series The Clearing - based on the experience of members of doomsday cult ‘The Family,’ and other sects around the world.

Based on the book In The Clearing by J.P. Pomare, the eight-part series was first announced as one of the first productions for Australian scripted series producer Wooden Horse in early March 2020.

Disney+ decided to pick up the project as a co-production, announcing filming began in July 2022.

Filmed throughout Victoria, the psychological thriller’s cast includes home grown talents Miranda Otto (The Unusual Suspects), Guy Pearce (Jack Irish) and Mark Coles-Smith (Mystery Road) alongsideTeresa Palmer (A Discovery of Witches).

On Wednesday 24 May, The Clearing is set to premiere on Hulu with two episodes, proceeding with one episode airing every week until 5 July.

‘The Family’ was a cult based in the Ferny Creek and Lake Eildon areas in the 1960s and ‘70s, led by yoga teacher Anne Hamilton-Byrne and husband Bill Hamilton-Byrne.

It was discovered 28 children were ‘acquired’ by Ms Hamilton-Byrne - some by scam adoptions - and were isolated from the outside world and allegedly subject to beatings, starvation and injections with the drug LSD.

The children were dressed identically with bleached blonde bobs.

The cult operated from 1963 to 1987, before it was shut down by a police raid.

In The Clearing, Amy (Teresa Palmer) is forced to relive the nightmares of her past to stop a secret cult focused on gathering children to fulfill its master plan.

In the series trailer, released on 14 April, Otto’s character asks a young Amy; ‘Are you ready for your Clearing?’

“I know you won’t disappoint me,” she adds.

Director Jeffrey Walker said the series is a “haunting psychological thriller, featuring some of Australia’s finest talent in front, and

behind, the lens”.

“An extraordinary senior cast in Teresa, Miranda and Guy, are supported by breakthrough young actors, Julia and Lily. The atmosphere and mood of this piece is so unique, I truly hope that it captivates, enthralls and thrills the audience,” MrWalker said.

Ms Hamilton-Byrne died in a suburban

Melbourne nursing home in 2019 at 98 years of age.

She was not charged with anything except $5,000 in fines for serious fraud, the Mail previously reported.

You can view the trailer for The Clearing here: https://www.youtube.com/ embed/76lI7Ytjaro

Picture: SUPPLIED

A teaser poster for The Clearing.

Pictures: DISNEY

Miranda Otto forms part of the star studded cast.

The psychological thriller, thought ficitional, is based on the experiences of members of cults around the world, including ‘The Family’.

Acaptivating novel

A review of Cop & Robber by Tristan Bancks Cop & Robber, by award-winning Australian author Tristan Bancks, is a captivating novel for “middle grade” or readers aged eight to twelve.

While it is widely considered that readers of this age group – especially boys – need gripping books, this story suits reluctant readers of all backgrounds. It challenges them to consider a wide range of issues about family and society.

The 13-year-old protagonist Nash Hall divides his time between his separated parents. His mother is a dedicated police officer, while his father, a former boxing champion, is a criminal “who just can’t seem to go straight”.

When Nash’s father asks him to help committing a robbery in order to clear his debts to some very dangerous men, Nash faces a tough choice between “doing the right thing” and “protecting his parents and himself”.

Worse, the plan is to rob Nash’s school, where he is about to compete in an important race that can launch his athletic career. He also has to face those schoolmates who tease and mock him everyday for having a criminal dad.

Perhaps surprising to some adults, Cop

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

& Robber is neither “dumbed down” nor “sanitised” for its intended audience. The book opens with a thrilling car chase after Nash’s father robbed a petrol station, and there are guns, knives, punch-ups and blood in the story.

Even better, the story is set in the fictional town of Broken Ridge in inland New South Wales, a bushranging area on the edge of the desert, where the locals are about to encounter their worst dust storm in a decade.

The harsh natural environment reflects the inner conflicts that Nash constantly endures, between his love and care for his father and his sense of duty and responsibility to his mother,

between right and wrong, love and resentment, justice and crime, freedom and guilt. Although Nash is often in emotional turmoil, struggling to determine what to do, why and how, there is a light touch throughout the book that brings a smile to our faces. Indeed, whenever Nash runs, we know there is hope. There is a sense of making it through, of survival and triumph, of faith and forgiveness.

That is not to say that all readers would agree with the ending – especially not all the adults. Bancks has surely taken some risk plotting the outcome of the robbery, but it is necessary for Nash – and those reading his story – to understand that both his parents and himself are not perfect.

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional... The world is far from perfect. But, still, he needs to live in it and not think that everything is terrible all the time. He needs to keep going.” Cop & Robber is definitely NOT a book that teachers, parents and/or guardians need to read first in order to decide whether it is suitable for those young readers in their care. Instead, it is a trustworthy and thoughtprovoking read about mutual understanding, acceptance and commitment among family members.

Productions hit the mark with punters

Kemp’s curtain call

Much Ado About Nothing byWilliam Shakespeare.

Eltham Little Theatre’s latest production goes back to the 1500s with their updated take on William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. A comedy written about 1598 and 1599.

The play is set in Messina and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in town. The first, between Claudio and Hero, is nearly altered by the accusations of the villain, Don John. The second romance between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice, takes centre stage as the play continues, with both characters wit and banter providing much of the humour.

ELT brought the show up to date in costuming and set design. The company did not change Shakespeare’s words which suited the present day costuming. The rear of the stage was set as two walls with two pillars each side of the entrance/exit. Front of the stage was a table and chairs on audience left and two sun lounges on audience right. Scattered about were various pot plants put to good use by various members of the company as they tried to listen in on what was said about them.

A large cast of 15 players all giving superb performances, getting the feel of the characters and overall giving good performances. One player does deserve a mention is that of Marti Ibrahim as Beatrice. A great performer. Clarity of voice and a good actor. Her scenes with Benedick played by Sarab Kaikobad were a sheer delight. ELT’s next production is Disney’s High School Musical opening 1 July.

The Basin Theatre

Same Time nextYear by Bernard Slade

Beau is Afraid, sadly, is a severe misstep

Beau is Afraid

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Patti LuPone and Nathan Lane

Rated R18+ 3.25/5

Beau is Afraid is a severe misstep from horror auteur Ari Aster.

Beau (Joaquin Phoenix), a sensitive, anxious man, embarks on a long, bizarre journey to attend his mother’s funeral.

More of a surreal drama than Aster’s previous films – Hereditary and Midsommar are two of the best horror films of the past ten years – Beau is Afraid has several engaging or touching threads.

A surgeon’s compassion takes on sinister undertones; a beautifully-animated vision of love and loss in Beau’s possible future; a warm welcome from a travelling theatre group is cut violently short. Aster still shows a strong command of potent visuals, and

Phoenix is an endearing, tragic lead.

Beau is Afraid’s episodic narrative draws you in at times, but the overall film pushes you away with muddled themes, jarring tones and an elusive point. Surrealism often needs a baseline of “normal” for the surreality to carry full impact; Beau is Afraid has no baseline, as it begins with brutal absurdity and never settles down.

The film flirts with and discards themes of mental illness, as Beau’s trauma is all external. The animated sequence – a play that finds a life of its own in Beau’s imagination–serves only to seed a ludicrous reveal later on.

Beau’s charge of selfishness seems unfair – he appears unwaveringly selfless – so the maudlin, mean-spirited climax, featuring motherly contempt, conspiracy, a secret monster and a trial evocative of Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, is aggressively unpleasant for little purpose.

Hereditary and Midsommar are profoundly messed-up movies with a defined purpose and substantive themes, but Beau is Afraid’s thesis is the title: Aster tormenting his protagonist for three hours. An overindulgent, unfocused drama that aims for dark whimsy but comes off as spiteful, Beau is Afraid is playing in select Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

A comedy but with all the aspects of theatre with drama and pathos. The Basin theatre did not let its audiences down with this production. The set was amazing, an hotel room with audience left comprising a lounge suite, a side double door leading out to the garden, a rear door leading out to the main entrance. Audience right was the bedroom with a double bed, wardrobe, entrance to bathroom and beauty desk with mirror above.The opening scene brought howls of laughter with George obviously naked trying to get into his clothes without revealing himself.

A two handed cast with George played by James Banger and Doris played by Georgina Topp. Topp gave an excellent performance in her role with voice clarity and wonderful expressions suiting the different era’s of the story. James Banger projected well and worked well with Topp but his voice could be a little stronger. He also caught the character as envisaged.

Don’t forget Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre’s production of Barefoot in the Park. Paul Bratterm a conservative lawyer, marries the vivacious Corie, but their highly passionate relationship descends into comical discord in a five-flight New York walk up apartment contending with a lack of heating, a leaking roof, several; flights of stairs (six), an unusual neighbour and Corie’s mother.

Season: 20 April - 8 May Bookings: 9735

1777. Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10am - 2pm

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

Trans player denied by BA

By Mikayla van Loon

Basketball Australia has handed down its decision to not approve the NBL1 playing application from a transgender player in the Kilsyth Cobras women’s team for 2023.

Lexi Rodgers, who was revealed as the player after she spoke out in an interview on the podcast Under the Surface in March, has been told she is “ineligible to play elite level basketball, including for the Kilsyth Cobras in the NBL1 South competition.”

In a statement released by Basketball Australia on Tuesday 18 April, it was announced that the expert panel, led by Dr Peter Harcourt, Suzy Batkovic OLY and Associate Professor Diana Robinson, did not find Rodgers’ case to meet the criteria required for approval.

Taking to social media to air her disappointment in the decision, Rodgers said she was grateful to have received such overwhelming support from her fellow players, coaches and club.

“Basketball is one of the great loves of my life. Like so many people who play every week across the country, the basketball court is where I feel safe, where I feel free, and where I feel I belong,” she said.

While noting the end of this chapter, Rodgers said “this is not the end of my journey as an athlete”, hopeful she will be playing elite women’s basketball in the future.

“I sought a different outcome from Basketball Australia. I participated fully and in good faith with the process and eligibility criteria,” she said.

“Consistent with the views expressed by so many, I firmly believe I have a place as an athlete in women’s basketball.”

Despite being concerned about how this might affect other transgender athletes, Rodg-

ers said she would work towards creating a safe space for all in sport and would like to think organisations like Basketball Australia will do the same.

“I am sad about the potential message this decision sends to trans and gender diverse people everywhere.

“I hope that one day basketball’s governing body can replicate the inclusion and acceptance I have found on the court with my teammates.”

Basketball Australia took over the process of assessing Rodgers’ application from Basketball Victoria, with both governing bodies still in the process of establishing frameworks for transgender athletes.

“As we continue to develop our own framework for sub-elite and elite competitions, we understand the need to have a clear process and continual education within all layers of the sport so we can best support players, coaches, clubs, associations and the wider basketball community,” Basketball Australia Director, former Olympian and panel member, Suzy Batkovic, said.

“I also want to make it clear because it’s important, that while this particular application was not approved based on criteria for elite competition, Basketball Australia encourages and promotes inclusivity at community level.”

Batkovic thanked Rodgers for her patience and cooperation during the assessment process, stating it is “a complex space that continues to evolve” and said Basketball Australia is committed to furthering its understanding and education.

“While Lexi is understandably disappointed with the outcome, I know she’ll continue to support her NBL1 South team throughout the season and be an active member of the basketball community.”

Transgender athlete Lexi Rodgers has been denied the ability to play in the NBL1 South competition by Basketball Victoria. Picture: SOCIAL MEDIA

LIFESTYLE GETAWAY FOR ALL!

THIS large home is ideal for your growing or as a multi-generational home. Beautifully constructed with zoned living over 3 levels. The middle level is the main living level with lounge, dining and family room as well as huge master bedroom with ensuite and walkin robe plus study (or 7th bedroom). Enjoy the warmer weather on the deck that flows directly from the kitchen area with expansive views over not only your property but to the mountains beyond.

The lower level contains the rumpus room next to the indoor, solar-heated, saltchlorinated swimming pool which leads outside to an undercover entertaining area.

Upstairs consists of 5 bedrooms serviced by a modern bathroom, so kids or in-laws are separate, away from the main areas. With views from every window, every member of the family will enjoy living here.

The privacy and outlook over the rolling hills to the Warburton Ranges will help you unwind and relax. Remote gates help you to leave the world behind and give you an extra sense of privacy.

Outside consists of seven paddocks that feature electric fencing, shelters and water, grassed arena, considerable space for floats/trailers, large shedding and plenty of cleared area for future plans should one so desire. Three dams supported by a spring-fed creek, with one stocked with trout contributing to the self-sufficiency of this property alongside off-grid bonuses of solar panels, backup generator and 100,000-litre

HOME ESSENTIALS

water storage capacity ready to go. All this is located around an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD and 10 minutes to Emerald with shops, schools, transport cafe’s and restaurants. Your dream awaits…. ***CLOSING DATE FOR OFFERS 5PM

WEDNESDAY 17 MAY*** (Unless sold prior)

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

· Contemporary tri-level residence with 4 separate living zones

· Formal and informal living and dining areas

· Separate study/home office

· Granite entertainer’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances

· Mudroom entry from the garage

· Second level accommodations with BIR’s and family bathroom

· Convenience of ground level Master suite with WIR and full ensuite

· Seamless integration with alfresco decking providing stunning views

· Ducted heating and vacuum, wood fire, efficient and sustainable Nobu electric panel heating and split systems

· Indoor, solar-heated, salt-chlorinated swimming pool with spa and adjacent gymnasium/rumpus room

· Solar panels, generator, water storage

· 10 spectacular acres of cleared paddocks and open spaces

· 3 dams supported by a spring-fed creek (trout inclusive)

LOCAL’S SECRET

A great area for horses with riding trails all throughout the suburb. ●

Address: 172 Spillers Road, MACCLESFIELD Description: 6 bedrooms, 3

Contact: Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 and Janet Hawkins 0409 117 432,

HOME FOCUS

CIRCA 1895 HOME, UNIT AND BUSINESS

THIS property can really let you ‘think outside the square’ with a variety of options on offer. Multi-generational living, maybe two families could invest together, there is enough room for everyone, or Airbnb (subject to council approval), continue to run the highly successful Wandin Valley Cattery, or alternatively, just have a family home on just under 5 acres to enjoy.

The Main Residence:

· 4 ensuited bedrooms – one being a perfect set-up for the teens/in-laws having a separate entry kitchenette and lounge room

· The main suite with full bathroom, soaking, walk-through robe, views, and direct access to the expansive deck

· Large living spaces, plus a generous study nook

· Fully appointed spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances and adjoining family/dining area

· Gas ducted heating, air conditioning and fan-forced wood heater

· Large rear deck with spectacular views looking out over the Yarra Valley

· Large fully fenced rear yard

· Adjoining under- cover car accommodation

The Unit:

· Located away from the main residence with optimum privacy and seclusion

· 2 bedrooms

· Master suite with walk-in robe

· Brand new bathroom

· Light-filled living space

· Study alcove

· Large contemporary kitchen with stainless steel appliances

· Separate laundry and 2nd toilet

· Split system heating/cooling, fan-forced wood heater

· Spacious covered deck with same stunning views

· Fully fenced separate rear yard

Infrastructure:

· Just under 5 acres of near-flat land with paddocks - perfect for livestock or horses

· 2 double carports plus machinery store areas

· Large lock-up garage

· Chicken coops

· Multiple producing fruit and nut trees

· Old growth trees and established gardens

· Wandin Valley Cattery, an established and successful business.

A fantastic location, minutes to both Monbulk and Mount Evelyn. Primary and senior schools in close proximity, as well as sporting clubs and popular Yarra Valley events.

Lifestyle opportunity – situated in one of the most beautiful places in Victoria, the Yarra Valley has everything on your doorstep to explore and enjoy. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

4BEDROOMSPLUSASTUDY

This homefeaturesafabulousrenovated ensuiteand a greatstudy(homeoffice/ playroom)Theliving spaceconsistsofanupdated whiteand timberkitchenwith 900mm oven/gas hotplatesand a dishwasher,adjoiningdining areaand aloungeroomwith awoodfire.Theproperty hasacircular driveway,with carportaccess,afencedflat backyard and arear deck.Thereare3splitsystems& ductedheating.Onlyminutesto Emerald Township,schoolsand walk intotownonthetrailand exploreWrightForest.

MickDolphin 0429684522

ATONEWITHNATURE

Janethawkins 0409117432

LIFESTYLEGETAWAYON10ACRES

MOUnTDAnDEnOng 1-3HELENSTREET $855,000-$915,000

ACOnTEMPORARYhOMEOnhALFAnACRE

Inasecludedlocationwithabushsanctuaryatyourdoorstep,thisqualityhome featuresglass,timber&beamsthroughout.Thefunctionalopenplandesignfeaturesa cosycombustionlog fire,homeoffice/rumpus,aprivatemastersuiteonalowerlevel. Expansivewindowsanddoorsleadtotherearentertainingdeckfeaturingapaved sectionsurroundingamagnificentcherrytree.Alsoincludesanold5.5mx3martiststudio/ bungalowneedingsomeTLC,3caraccommodation&carportona stunning2,366sqm.

grantSkipsey 0418528102

ROOMFORALLYOUR4LEggEDFRiEnDS!

Beautifullyconstructedhomewithzonedlivingover3levelsfeaturesmultipleliving areas,deckandundercoverentertainingarea,solarheated indoorpool,study/7th bedroom,hugemaster,viewsfromeverywindowtomountains& beyond,7paddocks, electricfencing,shelters&water,grassedarena,spacefor floats/trailers,largeshedding, 3dams(onewithTrout)supportedbyaspring-fedcreek,solarpanels,generator& 100,000-litrewaterstorage.**CLOSINGdATEforOFFERS5pm

MickDolphin 0429684522 Janethawkins 0409117432

COUNTRYESCAPEON24ACRES

SUnSETSAnDviEWS!

Classicfarmhousewithcharmfromthe1950sperchedatthetopofthehillwithstunning sunsets&views.Thehomeoffersopenplanliving,loungewithawoodheater,separate mealsarea,recentlypainted&newlycarpeted,5paddocks,3 baybarnwithattached sidecarport&additionalundercoverstorage,2shippingcontainers,beautifulmostly clearedlandexceptfortreesalongthecreeklines.Greatforthosethatwanttoescape theratracewiththepotentialofbeing‘off-grid,’withtankwater,bottledgas&septic.

MickDolphin 0429684522

TayTing 0417302112

AvOnSLEigh 19WRighTROAd $720,000-$780,000

4 A 2 B 3 C

PAkEnhAMUPPER 120MANNROAdCOURT $1,200,000-$1,290,000

IDEALLY LOCATED AND WELCOMING

A WARM and welcoming property in a convenient and sought after location, an idyllic and attractive position set amongst a semi rural setting and just minutes stroll to the local primary school, public transport, walking trail and the ever popular foodie outlets in the main street.

A flexible and functional floorplan offers great space for the whole family with 3 bedrooms and an open plan kitchen with plenty of bench and cupboard space, a

separate meals area and light filled lounge/ living areas with full length windows is the ideal place to sit back relax and enjoy the rustic outlook.

Hours of fun outside for the kids and pets to explore and enjoy situated on approx. 940sqm with a mixture of trees and shrubs, easy access for cars and trailers plus a separate carport complete this attractive property and with services close by it’s a great place to call home. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 4 The Crescent, WESBURN Description:

SURREY ROAD ADDRESS WITH BRICK HOME

WELCOME to sunny Surrey Road, Warburton! A street that has always been held in high regard to those who know Warburton! This brick home is set on over 1100sqm of gorgeous rolling green land, mountain views either side and the iconic Warburton golf course only a hop skip and jump away!

Featuring 3 great size bedrooms - all with robes. 1 bathroom with adjoining toilet - easy access to bathroom/toilet/laundry - which also acts as a mud room. The back yard with mountain views - it literally feels like you can reach out and touch them - it’s stunning! Veggie gardens, sitting area, gazebo really completes the back yard.

The backyard is fully fenced and enclosed to keep animals and children and safe, double gates in front of the 1 car garage give you access to the yard. Extras include back undercover area that is very private for entertaining, ceiling fans that retract throughout, split systems x 2, gas ducted heating and plenty of storage in the kitchen and extra cupboards.

Call now for inspection and don’t miss out on this Warburton gem. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION, 5967 1277

Awonderfulplacetocallhome-Charm filledcountryescape

Boastingtwobedroomswithwindowsandnaturallight,thehome’sbathroomfeaturestimber panelingandalargeclawfootbathtuboverlookingtheprivategardens.Throughoutthe weatherboardhouse,you’ll findawealthofcharacter,fromthe floorboardstothehighceilings tothethree-quarterwraparoundveranda.Thespaciousopen-planlivingareaisperfectfor entertaining,withlargedoorsopeningontothedecking,acozyloungewarmedbya fireplace,and theconvenienceofsplitsystems.Thekitchenfeaturesalargebreakfastbench,dishwasher,electric cooking,andslidingdoorsthatleadtoanextendedundercoverlivingspace.Thebackyardboasts over1200squaremetersofcottagegardens,easyaccessandparking,acarport,garage,anda neighboringpipelinethataddsextraprivacyandspace.

225BigPatsCreekRd,BigPatsCreek$950,000-$1,045,000

WelcometoParadise

Seton1&1/2acresinthemostpicturesquesettingisthisbeautifullyrenovatedhome.Surrounded bymajestictreesandwithaspringfedpermanentcreekrunningthrough.Therecentrenovation meanseverythinginthehomeisbrandnewandneverused.Thisincludesnewcarpetsinthefour largebedroomsandallnew fixturesinthetwowellequippedbathrooms.There’stwolargeliving areas,oneoneachlevel,bothwithbeautifulnewhardwood flooring.Thebrandnewkitcheniswell appointedwithstainlesssteelappliancesincludinglarge5burnerstove,rangehoodanddishwasher. Filteredmountainviewscanbeenjoyedfromthefulllengthdeckupstairswithaccessfromthe masterbedroomandlivingarea.Extrasincludeairconditioninginbothlivingareas,slowcombustion woodheaterwithtransferkitandprobablytheonlypropertyI’veseenwithitsownmine!

13RainbowTroutAve,EastWarburton$550,000-$590,000

PicturePerfectinBotanicalHavenonover½acre

Astunninghome,aluxuriousBed&Breakfastorweekender&superblylocatedjustoutofthe Warburtontownship,acrosstheroadfromtheYarraRiverandWarburtonrailtrail!Offering3large bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobes,providingspaceformultiplebedsifrequired.Theopenplanliving isalargeareaforfamilyandfriendstocometogetherandenjoy,anenormousdiningroomisthe idealspottoplaysomeboardgamesafteryouhavefeastedfromthegoodiespreparedinyour stunningkitchen,andthenyoucancosyuparoundthebluestoneensconcedcracklingwood fire. Thisproperties’naturalbeautywillallowanyonetopretendtobeasavvygardenerinthesestunning surroundsasalowmaintenancewonderlandhasbeencreated.Addedfeatures:lockupgarage, woodshed,8.7kwsolarsystemandexcellentfencing.

PeaceandPrivacyinapicturesqueLocation

Timeforachangeofscenery,thiscouldbethespot,surroundedbylushbushandapicturesque locationit’stheidealplacetorelaxandunwind.Thehomeisfresh,lightandbrightandoffering greatspaceinsideandoutwith3goodsizebedroomsallwithbuiltinrobes.Luxuriousmainbathroom plusanopenplanlounge/livingareaandkitchenwithmodernappliancesthroughout.Outsidethere isplentyofroomforthewholefamilytoenjoy,withagreatsizebackyardplusacarportandlockup garageandwithamplespaceforcarsandtrailers.Afantasticpropertysuperblypresentedandwith nothingtodobutsitbackrelaxandenjoythetranquilandpeacefulsurrounds.

DavidCarroll

M 0419539320

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

187WoodsPointRoad,EastWarburton$800,000-$880,000

ARCHITECTURALLY DESIGNED FAMILY HAVEN

THIS half-acre haven anchored by an architecturally designed family dwelling is for buyers seeking something extra special. Uniquely appealing, rich with character, and set to a backdrop of breathtaking views, this is a property to be proud of.

The 2027sqm (approx.) double-block landscape frames this home, boasting a sprawling outdoor entertaining area ideal for gathering. The exceptional design of this residence is introduced by the inviting atrium area that creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

On the lower ground floor, the main bedroom with modern ensuite and walk-in robe is accompanied by a lovely living retreat area with open wood fire and window seat for cosying up with a good book. The upper level features an open plan family room, meals area, kitchen with a walk-in pantry that is fit with quality appliances and a breakfast bar, bookended by beautiful slate floors and sweeping vaulted ceilings. Three further bedrooms feature on this level, all with cedar-lined ceilings, where a stylish bathroom, guest powder room and familysize laundry are included. With three splitsystems in addition for cooling and heating, all-year comfort can be assured for this spacious home your family can grow into. Further features include a concreted

HOME ESSENTIALS

driveway to accommodate up to 5 cars, a versatile garden studio/office/cubby house, and a desirable position that is steps from parkland, public transport and the famous Puffing Billy. This impressive property is the perfect find for those with an eye for individuality. Architectural enthusiasts will want to be quick for this rare opportunity. Treat yourself to a tour today.

· 2027sqm (approx.) property steps from parkland and public transport (5 minute bus/car ride to Belgrave Station)

· 30 minute walk to Belgrave township

· Large, lovely paved outdoor entertaining area and bonus studio

· Architecturally designed residence with stunning atrium feature

· Lower ground ensuite main bedroom and living area with open wood fire and charming window seat

· Upper level open plan living and quality kitchen with sweeping vaulted ceilings and slate floors

· Walking distance to exceptional primary schools and local kindergarten

· Minutes walk to Selby Family Clinic, Selby Community House, Ranges Integrative Health and Selby Tennis Courts

· Part of a wonderfully unique hills community ●

Withaperfectpositiononly500mfromBelgravetownshipandapicturesque945sqm (approx.)allotmentwithelevatedoutlooks,thispropertyaffordsownersatree-change lifestyleinatop-tierlocale.BurstingwithcharacternearBelgraveStation,PuffingBilly Railway,andthebustlinglocalshopping,caféandentertainmentprecinct,youcanpark thecarandeasilyenjoyallthishighlycovetedneighbourhoodhasonoffer.

SuzieBrannelly M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

Transformyourlifestyletooneofcompletetranquilityatthisspectacularpropertyinthe lushhillsidesofEmerald.Boastingover¾acrerichinbirdlife,charmingwildlifeincluding wombatsandwallabiesnearyourdoor,thisiswhatDandenongRangeslivingisallabout.

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

DanielSteen M 0434979142| E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au

Withsoaring,timberlined,cathedralceilings&wallsofglassthattakeinthesurroundingproperty,thistrulybespoke,chaletinspiredhomeoffersaguaranteedoneoffdesignwithspace forfamilybeingitsmainpriority.Boasting3levelsofspacious,lightfilledlivingspace,thissophisticated,versatilefloorplanoffersmultipleloungeareas,3largebedrooms(the4thcouldbe eitherbedroomorrumpus),beautifuldiningarea&aqualitytimberkitchen.Onaquiet,sealedroad,closetolocalschool&publictransportyetfarenoughawaytoleavethehustle& bustlebehind,youwillneverfindanotherquitelikethis.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

RARE LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITY

THIS outstanding property is a must see! This property offers so much for the whole family. With approximately 80 cleared acres, some of which are beautifully fenced with post and rail fencing. Through to approx. 20 acres of natural bush complete with riding trails, established cross country jumps, and connecting through to the Protea and Standpipe fire access trails in the State Forest. The sealed road frontage is adjacent to Bunyip State Forest and Kurth Kiln regional park, offering endless opportunities to explore the surrounding bushland.

The gated front entry leads to a stylish and unique Norwegian log house with two bedrooms, perfect as an Air BnB or caretakers accommodation. This home is complete with a kitchen, loungeroom, large bathroom, & gorgeous views & privacy. Continue past this home and you’ll notice the round yard, beautifully post and railed fenced paddock and large shedding that is approx. 28m*9m steel shed with concrete floor & power complete with stables, workshop area and machinery bays. There is a second steel shed onsite which also has concrete floor and power and is approx. 15m*9m.

Continue past the shed to discover a vast and sturdy brick residence located at the top of the gentle slope offering a commanding view over the cleared acreage and through to the surrounding bush. The home is immaculate and has a very practical floor plan. There are five generously sized bedrooms in total, with a master suite with amazing views and plenty of storage. The kitchen is equipped with a gas cooktop, electric oven, rangehood, stainless steel dishwasher, and is designed to facilitate entertaining with the open plan loungeroom. There is a large free standing wood fire in the loungeroom and views out to the central courtyard. Flow through the home to discover a second loungeroom with equally stunning views, and a large built in fire place with solid hardwood mantle piece. There is a second large bathroom at this end of the house to service the further 3 double sized bedrooms all enjoying fantastic views and privacy.

Externally there is covered parking for 4 vehicles, and copious water with the property being connected to mains water, having tank water from roof catchment, and enjoying a spring fed dam and permanent creek. There is also a phenomenal entertaining area complete with free standing pizza oven and large decked area to soak in the views. 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. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

LiveAmongsttheTree-Topsinthisfabulous4-BedroomFamilyHome!

Thisstunningsplit-levelhomeboastsanopen-plandesign floodedwithnaturallight.Thekitchen enjoysanortherlyaspectforyear-roundsunlight,&ismodern&well-appointed.Theloungeroom featuresasplit-systemAC&awood fireheater,complementedbyductedheatingthroughoutthe home.Stepoutfromtheloungeroomtoalargedeckwithaglassbarrierthatprovidesunobstructed views.ThemasterbedroomisprivatelypositionedonthelowerlevelwithaWIR,andupdated ensuite.Ontheupperlevel,therearethreebedrooms,twoofwhichhavetheirownsplit-system ACs,andtheysharealarge&updatedfamilybathroom.Situatedonnearly2/3ofanacreofland, thereisadoublecarportandaSLUG,aswellasanexternalgeneratorplug.Enjoybeingimmersedin naturewhilestillbeingconvenientlyclosetothecharmingtownshipsofMonbulk,Sassafras,&Olinda.

Rarelifestyleopportunity!Approx.100acrestopursueyourdreams!

Withapprox.80clearedacres,&approx.20acresofnaturalbushconnectingthroughtothe Protea&Standpipe fireaccesstrailsintheStateForest&adjacenttoBunyipStateForest&Kurth Kilnregionalpark.Thegatedfrontentryleadstoastylish&uniqueNorwegianloghousewith2 bedrooms.Thishomeiscompletewithakitchen,loungeroom,largebathroom,&gorgeousviews& privacy.Thendiscoveravast&sturdybrickresidencelocatedatthetopofthegentleslopeoffering acommandingviewovertheclearedacreage&throughtothesurroundingbush.Thehomeis immaculatewith5bedrooms,2livingareas,includingaopenplankitchen/dining/living.Externally thereisa4carcarport,&twolargesheds,approx.28m*9mandapprox.15m*9m,bothwithpower& concreted floors.Thispropertyenjoysmainswater,aspringfeddam,permanentcreek&tankwater.

182Belgrave-GembrookRd,MenziesCreek $850,000-$930,000

Charming,Character4-BedroomFamilyHomeonOver1/3ofanAcre!

ThisgorgeouscharacterhomeisclosetoEmerald,Belgrave,thetrainstation&haseasyaccessto WellingtonRoadforcitycommute,whilstbeingsurroundedbypeace&tranquilitywithover1/3of anacretoenjoy.Thereare4sunlitbedroomssoakingintheviews&onelargefamilybathroom, completewithclawfootbath.Thesplit-levelhome flowsthroughtoagreatsizedkitchen/meals areaoverlookingthelargelivingroom.Externallythereisafullyfencedrearyardforyourfurbabies, alargeshedwithconcrete floor,adoublecarportforconvenience,electricgatestomakeentrya breezeandheapsofparkingforfriendsandfamilyamongstthelandscapedgardens.Iflocation, charm,privacy,convenienceandcomfortarehighonyourlistforyourfuturehomeormaybeyour weekendretreatoraBnB-thispropertyisaMUSTsee!

4 A 1 B 2 C

CuteasaButtonCottagewithaBigShed&ApprovedPlans&Permitsfora NewBuild!

Thischarmingcottageisfullofpossibilities.Relax&unwindonthefrontverandahasyouenjoythe view.OrstrollintotheCockatootownshiptoenjoytheamenities.Withoveraquarterofanacreof clearedlandtoenjoy,thehomeiscosy,with2goodsizedbedrooms&anopenplankitchen/dining/ livingarea.ThehomehasasplitsystemACforyear-roundcomfort&isconnectedtoallservicesfor convenience.Externallyonthe1167m2blockisadoublecarportadjacenttothehouse&alarge 7mx7mshedwithconcrete floor&7mx3.5mmezzaninetowardsthebackoftheblock.Anadded bonusisasetofapprovedplans&permitsfora2storey,3bedroom,2-bathroomfamilyhomehigher upontheblock.

2337Gembrook-LaunchingPlRd,Gembrook$2,300,000-$2,500,000

214-216Olinda-MonbulkRoad,Monbulk$900,000-$980,000

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

72AWooriYallockRoad,Cockatoo $580,000-$630,000

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

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 Region of South Africa (9)

6 Just (4)

10 Atmosphere (3)

11 Donated (11)

12 Before chapter one (9)

13 Grower of crops (6)

14 – Von Bismarck (4)

15 Islands of the central and southern Pacific (7)

20 From Stockholm, say (7)

21 List of dishes served (4)

25 The person who controls the game in certain sports (6)

26 Entered (8)

28 Open area of commercial dealings (11)

29 Snake (3)

30 Nerd (4)

31 Most pungent (9)

DOWN

DECODER WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

crone, echo, encore, erne, hence, here, hereon, hero, heron, hone, ochre, once

cere, cheer, chore, coerce, cohere, COHERENCE, cone, core, creche,

General Notices

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO MEETINGS OF COUNCIL IN 2023

Wednesday 26 April 2023

Tuesday 9 May and Tuesday 23 May 2023

Tuesday 13 June and Tuesday 27 June 2023

Notice is hereby given that the gallery will be closed to the general public for all Council Meetings from 26 April 2023 until 27 June 2023.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rule 13 of the Governance Rules and effective immediately, the Chief Executive Officer, following consultation with the Mayor and Councillors and with their agreement, has decided to close the public gallery until further notice. This decision is considered necessary in order to maintain the health and safety of all persons attending Council meetings. The Local Government Act 2020 allows Councils to close meetings to the public for security reasons or if it is necessary to do so to enable the meeting to proceed in an orderly manner. Council will continue to live stream its meetings in accordance with its obligations under the Governance Rules and the Local Government Act 2020. Any person whose rights are directly affected by decisions made at Council meetings will continue to be invited to make a submission online. Any person who submits a Question to Council, Petition or would like to make a Public Submission will also be invited to register to participate online. Council will review this decision in two months or earlier if deemed appropriate.

Tammi Rose Chief Executive Officer 12601786-AI17-23

Barkers chop down Pines

By Peter Stephenson

Winter sunshine greeted Barkers (9th) as they were on the road for the second week running for round 5 of Men’s State 2 South-East. North Frankston’s Monterey Reserve was the scene for the visit to Frankston Pines (10th), with Barkers hoping to stop the rot after three defeats in a row. Barkers made three changes to the side that lost 1-2 at Brandon Park, with Nick Andrejic, Eddie Clark and Geordie Scott replacing Paul McEvoy, Sean Perrin and Maxim Solovyev. Barkers had only ever lost once at Monterey, and had the extra incentive of supporting a teammate who had been touched by a family tragedy during the week.

An early chance saw Pines cut the ball back from the byline on the right before sending a shot wide. In fact, Barkers were lucky to survive the first 20 minutes with their goal intact, as Pines piled on the chances, but were continually thwarted by a string of saves from keeper Mark Naumowicz.

On 25 minutes, a Pines free-kick was sent long through the middle and bounced kind-

ly for a forward, but the attempted lob was quickly snuffed out by the onrushing Naumowicz. Then finally Barkers had a half chance when a throw in found the head of Dan Higgins, whose downward header was held by Pines keeper Colby Jones diving low to his left. Barkers now exploded into life in decisive fashion. Just after the half hour, the ball was played through to Scott, who ran on strongly and hit a low shot past Jones to give Barkers a 1-0 lead against the run of play. Three minutes later, Marcus Watson put an inviting ball in to Liam Seaye, who accepted the invitation to make it 2-0. Then Watson went on a solo run before having a shot blocked. As the game went into stoppage time, Clark put in a strong challenge to win the ball in midfield. He ran on unchallenged and shot from an angle on the left. As he did so, Pines defender Christian Malgioglio was running back and helped the ball into the net to give Barkers a remarkable half time lead: Frankston Pines 0-3 Mooroolbark.

As the second half began, Pines threatened on a couple of occasions, and it wasn’t until 58

minutes that Barkers had a decent attack. Sam Klepac had acres of room in midfield, sent a great ball through to Watson, then got the ball back before finding Watson again, whose shot was blocked. Then Naumowicz continued to earn his corn with a flying save from an angled shot on the right. Just after the hour, Seaye did sterling work on the right to win and keep the ball before crossing for Klepac, whose firsttime shot curled narrowly wide.

Barkers now sensed the game was in the bag and played with freedom, especially Watson, who almost scored a superb goal having carried the ball from halfway. With 7 minutes to go, Solovyev collected the ball in midfield with the Pines defence stretched all over the place. He put the ball through for John-Paul Cooper, and continued running to the left wing. Cooper found Solovyev, who looked up and saw Watson lurking at the far post. An inviting delivery saw Watson acrobatically volley home from a tight angle to make it 4-0 for Barkers. Full-time: Frankston Pines 0-4 Mooroolbark.

This was a curious game. The first half hour was all Pines, but they are woefully short of

Barkerettes cruise down the peninsula

By Peter Stephenson

The Barkerettes’ league season began in bright sunshine at Dallas Brooks Park in Mornington. They had been rezoned from State 3 East to South, bringing some longer trips and a host of new opponents. This, however, was not one of them, as the sides had met eight times before, but this was their first meeting since 2011.

Mornington looked dangerous from the off, as in the first minute, Sarah Travis slipped the ball to Mikaeli Wharton, overlapping on the right wing. She was in a dangerous position, but was also, thankfully, offside. Then in the fourth minute, Barkers’ injury curse struck once more. Defender Anjali Lobo collided with an opponent in a robust challenge for the ball. The home player went off with an injured ankle, but the Barkers defender fell awkwardly and was stretchered off with a broken wrist. On came Barkers’ only substitute Sam Spencer, herself carrying an injury. With 86 minutes left and no bench to call upon, this would be a challenge.

Barkers, however, dusted themselves off and played good football. On 14 minutes, Lisa Walsh and Gracie Touliatos combined to set up Courtney Wipperfurth on the right, whose shot was saved by keeper Ruby Stewardson. Five minutes later, a Mornington snap shot went just over the bar, then another shot was

held by keeper Ashleigh Fraraccio at her near post. On 21 minutes, the ball rebounded off Clausen into the path of Walsh, who chipped the keeper to score. However, the flag was up for offside.

Anyway, Barkers, who at this point had more crutches than substitutes, were looking the better side. The defence was fairly sound, so that when Touliatos lost the ball in defence, sweeper Alexis Sketchley was on hand to hustle the attacker and put her off her shot. Ten minutes before the break came the inevitable goal, when Walsh put a nice ball through for Spencer, who provided a calm low shot to give Barkers a 1-0 lead.

Five minutes later came a series of three Barkers corners on the right, delivered by Walsh. Each time they were sent right at the keeper, causing panic in the defence. On the third occasion, the ball reached the far post and debutant Selina Barrueto poked the ball into the net. However, it later emerged that the ball had crossed the line before being kicked out by a defender to Barrueto. Either way, Barkers went in at half-time 2-0 up.

Within 4 minutes of the restart, Walsh was at it again. Her corner to the near post was kicked into the net by a defender for 3-0, and Walsh had 2 goals from corners for the day and 3 for the season. Four minutes later she turned provider, finding Wipperfurth on the right,

who hit a dipping shot over the keeper for 4-0. Then it was Spencer’s turn to set up Wipperfurth, whose shot was well held by Stewardson.

On 67 minutes, Barkers had a throw-in in their own half. They lost the ball, and a cross from the right eluded the defence, before Mornington’s Kailyn O’Connor prodded the ball in from close range to make it 4-1.

Four minutes later, a Walsh corner was somehow headed over by Barkers’ Alifya Loka from almost under the crossbar. Then a scare for Barkers as Mornington’s Josie Guarino curled a free-kick over the wall and just wide. Barkers replied with Barrueto finding Wipperfurth in space, who crossed for Walsh to hit a first-time shot wide.

The last six minutes saw three beautiful carbon-copy moves from Barkers. Each time, Walsh gave a pinpoint ball to Wipperfurth on the right for her to run onto and shoot. The first was blocked by the keeper, the second was blasted over, and the third was turned round for a corner. Full-time: Mornington 1-4 Mooroolbark.

This was a brave and skilful performance from a side ravaged by injuries. If spirit counts for anything, they’ll do well this year. Next is a Sunday night date at home to Gippsland United, kick-off 7.30 at Esther Park.

strikers and that, combined with the excellence of Naumowicz, kept Barkers in the game when they could have been 3 down. Then Barkers went 3 up in next to no time, before a polished second half saw them home safely. The reserves had a disappointing day. They were 3-0 down at the break before Julian Malander pulled one back from the penalty spot. Pines then made it 4-1 and Barkers had a goal inexplicably chalked off for offside. Full-time (reserves): Frankston Pines 4-1 Mooroolbark. Elsewhere, the Men’s Over 35s lost 1-4 at Casey Comets. The junior season kicked off over the weekend – among the winners for Barkers were Boys’ Under 13 (4-1 away to Eastern Lions), Girls’ Under 17/18 (5-2 at home to Manningham) and Girls’ Under 13 (8-1 away to Brighton).

Next week’s senior fixtures see the men at home to Skye United (Saturday, 1pm and 3pm at Esther Park) and the women at home to Gippsland United (Sunday 7.30 pm at Esther Park). See you down the Kennel!

Lilydale-Montrose United Soccer Club headed down to Malvern in their second of three away games to play the highflying Old Melbournians SC.

LMU fall on the road

Lilydale-Montrose United Soccer Club headed down to Malvern in their second of three away games to play the highflying Old Melbournians SC.

On a short but wide pitch at Sir Robert Menzies Reserve, LMU was under the pump from the first minute as Old Melbournians showed why they have won 3 of their opening 4 games.

Old Melbournians scored an early goal at the back post to take the lead before 30 minutes of sustained pressure resulted in a second goal with a fine volley from just inside the box.

LMU managed to pull one back after James Karmis pressed the opposition goalkeeper into a mistake before rolling the ball into an empty net before the teams headed into halftime at 2-1 to the home side.

After the break, Lilydale-Montrose had several chances to equalise and pushed for another goal, before a 74thminute cutback from the byline dashed their hopes as Old Melbournians went up 3-1.

Seven minutes later, the home team added another goal from outside the box before the final whistle signalled the final result of 4-1 in a game that saw Old Melbournians receive four yellow cards.

After 5 games Lilydale Montrose is 10th on the ladder with 4 points.

The Reserves fought out a strong 4-0 result with Bruce Graham scoring twice from the penalty spot, sandwiching goals from Julien Sebire and Nick Sanelli. The thirds went down 3-0 to Old Peninsula, the Vets won 3-2 at Mount Martha and the women’s team had a rough 10-0 loss to Aspendale.

Picture: BRAD DWYER

The Barkerettes had a convincing win over Mornington in the first round of the season.

Picture: BEHIND THE LENS - LUKE RADZIMINSKI

SPORT Lilydale falls to Essendon

By John Thomson

Last Monday 17 April the Lilydale Section 1 team travelled to the Northern suburbs of Melbourne to take on the very strong and experienced Essendon Croquet Club.

The first game was the doubles, and this turned out to be a marathon. Even though the Lilydale pair of Glenn Crook and Murray Howlett were out gunned they stuck to their game plan of trying to keep their opponents away from the hoops, unfortunately the more experienced Essendon pair took their chances whenever they arose and were able to win the game 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops. This game alone went for one and a half hours.

In the first of the singles games Lilydale’s Glenn Crook, although playing well in general play was finding it difficult to run hoops which was telling in the end. Essendon 7 hoops Lilydale 4 hoops.

The second singles was almost a repeat of the first with Murray Howlett not quite able to finish off his good work. Essendon 7 hoops to Lilydale’s 4 hoops.

At the lunch break it was Essendon 3 games 21 hoops to Lilydale 0 games 11 hoops. With two singles games to come Essendon had already won the day, so it was now down to how Lilydale could respond after the break.

Murray Howlett played the first singles and had obviously taken stock of where he needed to improve and played a much better game this time running the hoops when he had the opportunity, winning 7 hoops to Essendon 5 hoops.

In the last singles game the Essendon player just played a superb game not giving Glenn Crook a look in, Essendon 7 hoops Lilydale 1 hoop. The final score Essendon 4 games 33 hoops Lilydale 1 game 19 hoops.

Even though the final score was a big win to Essendon the Lilydale pair battled hard all day, it just came down to experience in the end. Lilydale will learn a lot from this match.

While the section 1 team was travelling North to Essendon the section 2 team was trav-

elling South to Sandringham, the bay was calm, not a breath of wind so a good day for croquet.

Lilydale’s pairing of Alan Jones and Craig McCracken were looking to keep their good form going in the doubles again this week.

Lilydale started well winning the first 2 hoops, Alan and Craig were determined not to let Sandringham get into the game and went on to win 7 hoops to Sandringham 4 hoops.

In the first of the singles games Lilydale’s John Thomson started well winning the first 2 hoops but then the Sandringham player started to settle into the game and won the next 2 hoops and after they had played 12 hoops it was 6 hoops a piece, the next hoop to play is the 13th to decide the game. Unfortunately John hit both of his balls too long past the hoop and then was out of position to run the hoop, Sandringham winning 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

In the second singles game Lilydale’s Craig McCracken got off to a flyer, but, as in the first singles the Sandringham player started to find his range and worked his way back to 6 all after 12 hoops with the 13th hoop to decide the winner, unlike the first singles Craig placed his first ball in a good hoop running position and was able to capitalize on this and win the game. Lilydale 7 hoops to Sandringham 6 hoops.

At the lunch break the scores were Sandringham 1 game 17 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 20 hoops. With two singles games to play after lunch it was shaping to be another classic struggle between these two clubs.

First up after lunch Alan Jones was playing his singles game. This game was marred by a number of errors from both players, eventually Alan got the upper hand and was able to take out the game 7 hoops to Sandringham 4 hoops.

In the last game of the day, John Thomson was playing better and was able to run a number of crucial hoops to win the game 7 hoops to Sandringham 4 hoops.

The final scores for the match, Lilydale 4 games 34 hoops to Sandringham 1 game 25 hoops.

This win keeps Lilydale on top of the ladder in Section 2 Level Play Competition. Alan

Rice, Jones and Strudley enjoy cross-country opener

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics club athletes were in fine form and voice at the opening round of the Athletics Victoria XCR season. A tough 3km cross country circuit at Jells Park,Wheelers Hill saw over 800 athletes competing for clubs from throughout Victoria.

Yarra Ranges Athletics had seven teams entered across multiple divisions and age groups. Performance of the event was our Under 20 Women team of Brigitte Rice, Rori Jones and Mia Strudley finishing first, 35 seconds ahead of second place. Brigitte also recorded the fastest 3km time of the day, running 10.48, with Zoe Clarke, running in our under 18 team, having the 6th fastest overall time.

Our open men and open women’s teams were both competing in Division 2, divisions full of national and international representatives. The men’s team finished seventh behind a very dominant Knox team, while our women finished third. Stand out runs came from Harry Norman, Max Savill-Bentley, Olivia Twining and Kellie Angel.

Results are:

Women

· Open Division 2 (4 x 6km) 3rd

· Olivia Twining: 22:57, Kellie Angel: 22:46, Katrina Winger: 25:35, Abi Hyndman: 25:31

· Under 20 (3x3km) 1st

· Brigitte Rice: 10:48, Rori Jones: 12:41, Mia

Strudley: 12:20

· Under 18 (3x3km) 7th

· Zoe Clarke: 11:22, Kristina Nackovski: 13:19, Bree Coffey 14:01

Men

· Open Division 2 (6x6km) 7th

· Harry Norman: 18:29, Angus Norman: 21:25, Seamus Dwyer: 21:29, Ashley Bennett: 22:02, Max Savill-Bentley: 18:52, James Laven: 19:45

· Open Division 6 4x6km 2nd

· Jared Byrne: 22:25, Logan Dutton: 25:14, Chris Grundy: 22:35, Michael Clarke: 23:17

· Open Division 7 (4 x 6km) 10th

· Liam Russell: 24:59, Tim Anderson-Bonsor: 25:23

· 50+ 3x6km 16th

· Graham Coutts: 26:09, Jamie Strudley: 28:54, Craig Hewitson: 33:47

Saturday morning was the opening round of our YRA XC season, held on a warm, dry Lillydale Lake circuit. With distances over 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 2000m and 3000m, there is something for everyone regardless of age or ability, everyone is welcome to join us.

A fantastic group of close to 100 athletes took part, with many returning athletes experiencing a longer distance than last year, as well as a few new athletes testing themselves. Clearly everyone had a lot of fun and enjoyed the course and competition, great to see a few mums and dads having a run too.

A much more challenging and fun course awaits us next week at Margaret Lewis Reserve in Coldstream from 8.45am. Anyone wanting and able to help with setup can join us from 7.30am.

Training continues for all club members onTuesday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm at Victoria Road Primary School gym with the emphasis changing to prepare for cross country. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.

If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the fun of cross country email info@ yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about events and registration.

For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org. au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!

Start of the 1000m race at Round 1 of Yarra Ranges Athletics Cross Country. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Ashley Bennett showing great form and determination late in his 6km cross country relay leg.

Brigitte Rice on her way to the fastest 3km lap time of the day.

Max Savill-Bentley charging up the hill on his 6km relay leg.

Jones about to run a hoop.

Picture: SUPPLIED

We believe it is the right of every Australian to have affordable access to high quality residential aged care services within a homely, safe, supportive and nurturing environment that is able to meet the individual needs, goals, preferences and care requirements of our residents. Our residents always come first.

We recognise and value the resident’s family and/or other representatives in partnering with care, ensuring where relevant communication is strong in developing relationships.

We treat our residents as individuals and promote individual choice and decision making.

We take great pride in the professional quality of our work and have an uncompromising determination to achieve excellence in what we do.

Call our friendly community engagement manager, Amanda on 1300 428 886 for more information or arrange a personal tour.