Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 2nd May 2023

Lest we forget

By Callum Ludwig and Tanya Steele

Annual Anzac Day Services had a wonderful turnout across the region this year, as Healesville, Yarra Glen, Seville, Wandin, Warburton and Millgrove all hosted services and marches with the community.

Healesville RSL raised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag for the first time and residents of Seville attended their second-ever Dawn service with a newly lit-up memorial.

Mt Evelyn RSL Member Heidi Ramsay was a guest speaker in Wandin and said Anzac Day

Thinking of Selling?

reminds her that everybody still cares about people who have served.

“I moved out here five years ago, so to see that everybody is committed to turning out early in the morning, to be able to show their respect, it means a lot,” she said.

Ms Ramsay served in the British Army for 23 years

Peter Haylock and Phil Kearsley had the good fortune to bump into each other at Yarra Glen’s Anzac Day service and had a reunion over 60 years in the making.

Both were soldiers in the same intake and

training at an Enoggera (Gallipoli) army barracks in Queensland in 1962.

“We were in the same intake and the same year and we both turned up atYarra Glen,” Phil said.

In Warburton, cadets lead the march, followed by RSL sub-branch members, Warburton and Millwarra Primary School staff and students and local emergency services volunteers.

Lieutenant Peter Dalglish was a speaker at the service following the march and said by remembering was important.

“Hopefully, we don’t repeat the heartache and misery of war, we are destined to repeat the mistakes if we don’t remember history,” he said.

At Yarra Glen RSL sub-branch Michael Watkins read “Mates” a poem by D. Hunter aWWII Veteran which contemplates friendship over time and the importance of Anzac Day. “An’ so to all that ask me why We keep these special dates, Like “Anzac Day” … I answer: “WHY??! –

We’re thinking of our MATES.”

Lest We Forget.

Pictures: TANYA STEELE Coming forward to lay a poppy at Healesville RSL.

Great news for the country that won’t cost a cent

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

Dear Dr Chalmers, There’s a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost.

With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal government’s advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which don’t produce any content or employ any journalists).

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend.

In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs. This shouldn’t be controversial.

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country. And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

You TonyKendall

Tony Kendall President Managing Director Country Press Australia Australian Community Media

Andrew Manuel

Authorised by A Manuel, 9 Howe Street Balaklava SA 5461

Battery to blame

By Callum Ludwig

Five Upper Yarra brigades cut short their Sunday sleep-in on 23 April as they turned out for a shed fire in Woori Yallock just after 6am.

Hillcrest CFA controlled the incident with assistance from Yarra Junction CFA, Yellingbo Rural Fire Brigade, Gruyere Fire Brigade, Seville CFA and Wandin Fire Brigade.

Third Lieutenant at Hillcrest CFA Peter Jenkins was in charge of the incident and said crews could see the smoke billowing as they rolled out to the scene.

“We could see that the shed was fully involved and there was a Nissan Pathfinder parked in front, which was partially involved at the rear on LPG gas, so that became our first priority to put that out and ensure the safety of our firefighters,” he said.

“As we got more crews on scene, we moved onto the shed. And the two houses very close by that were certainly at the point of almost catching, or were priority exposures as we call them.”

Crews were alerted by a passer-by and a neighbour that had been woken by the blaze and called in Triple Zero.

Mr Jenkins said all in all, it was a very good save.

“We had two crews in BA (breathing apparatus, initially one crew, then a second and we were able to protect the two houses. I’m no car expert but the car is probably written off and the shed was fully involved so it was just a case of protecting the houses as best as we could,” he said.

“We believe the fire was caused by a charging car battery, I spoke to the owner and they

Firefightersworkedtomakethescenesafe.

said they had a 12-volt lead-acid car battery on charge overnight and all evidence is pointing towards that.”

About 30 per cent of the car was damaged and luckily for the owners, the shed was insured.

Crews remained on the scene for about

Picture:HILLCRESTCFA

three hours, with fire investigators following not long after.

The fire is a prompt reminder to never leave batteries on charge overnight or when you leave your house as well as to consider insurance for sheds, houses and cars for potential fires.

Public bus network changes announced

By Tanya Steele

Changes to the Yarra Valley bus network are soon to take effect after an announcement was made last week.

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll announced the changes onWednesday 26 April and said they would improve the services.

“We’re improving theYarraValley bus network, with more direct and higher frequency services to make catching the bus a better option for locals travelling to employment, education, shops, healthcare and other transport modes,” he said.

The route changes and additional services will commence later this year, following consultation with the community and local councils.

They form part of Victoria’s Bus Plan, which is designed to deliver improvements to the state’s bus network.

Route 685 will be upgraded to link Healesville, Healesville Sanctuary, Badger Creek, Coldstream and Yarra Glen and will become the primary public transport connection to Lilydale Station.

Services will increase on this route to a 40-minute frequency on weekdays and Saturdays, and a 60-minute frequency on Sundays, with more evening services added.

Route 686 Healesville to Badger Creek will be replaced by the extended route 685 which will provide a consistent service to the Badger Creek area.

In response to low patronage Route 687 Healesville to Chum Creek will be discontinued.

Route 684 from Eildon will terminate at Lilydale Station allowing passengers to connect to train services to complete their journey to the city.

In response to community feedback through the consultation process, the service will extend to Ringwood Station instead of Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, providing additional transport and shopping connections.

The service will also wait for up to 20 minutes at Ringwood Station for late running trains, ensuring Eildon passengers do not miss their connection.

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said they’ve listened to the community.

“The upgrades to theYarraValley bus network will give locals more options about when they travel and get them where they need to go,” he said.

The 684 service changes are not supported by a local group in Buxton called “Save the Bus action group” which wants the service to be left as a bus only service from Eildon all the way into the CBD.

More to follow in future editions.

Two seriously injured in Coldstream crash

A serious vehicle accident occurred on Saturday 29 April around 8.30pm in Coldstream.

Ambulance Victoria has confirmed that a woman in her 80s was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in a serious but stable condition with upper body injuries and a man in his 30s with upper body injuries was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The accident occurred onVictoria Road and between Flowerfield Road and Coldstream West Road, Coldstream.

Lilydale SES, Healesville SES and CFA crews were in attendance and posted the road was clear at 3.30am and urged drivers to use care when driving through the area as there was still oil on the road.

Drowned dog retrieved

A dog that had become caught in some branches and subsequently passed away was retrieved by a team from Melbourne Water on Wednesday 26 April from the Yarra Glen River. The dog was found to have a microchip, but further investigation was unable to track down the current owner of the animal.

The animal was initially discovered by a person fishing in the river on Monday 24 April, who then reported it to the department.

Melbourne Water thanked the community for the communication.

Report European wasps

Now over halfway through autumn, European wasp activity is abundant in the local area and Yarra Ranges Council are asking residents to be on the lookout.

Yarra Ranges Council are asking that if you locate a wasp nest on Council land, clearly mark the site for easy identification (for example, tying a ribbon to a nearby landmark) and report to Council by calling 1300 368 333 or emailing mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au so a pest controller to attend. Please include an image of the location when emailing.

Wasps can fly a long way from the nest to forage, so just seeing wasps in an area doesn’t always mean there is a nest nearby. Nests are usually found in cracks or crevices and there will be intense activity, with wasps leaving and returning to the nest frequently.

Private landholders are responsible for treating wasp nests on their land, and wasp removal should always be completed by a trained contractor.

More QFF in Wandin

Yarra Ranges Council are supporting Agribusiness Yarra Valley after further detections of the Queensland Fruit Fly in Wandin, Wandin North and Wandin East.

The warming Melbourne climate is worsening the risk to horticultural growers in regions like the Yarra Ranges as well as those who simply grow a bit of fruit and veg at home.

In order to prevent further spread:

Protect your produce, install fruit fly raps in gardens and orchards, practice good garden hygiene and dispose of unwanted produce immediately.

If you think you have found QFF in your garden or produce, contact the Yarra Valley QFF Regional Coordinator, Bronwyn Koll on 0490 381 999 or email qff@agribusiness-yarravalley.com.

In for architecture awards

By Tanya Steele

Healesville’s own Levantine Hill and Four Pillars Gin are host to two shortlisted designs for the 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards.

The shortlist was announced on Thursday 27 April by the Australian Institute of Architects with a total of 130 projects shortlisted across 15 categories.

Victorian State President David Wagner FRAIA, Wagner Atelier said this year’s standard of submitted projects appeared to be ever higher with sophisticated responses to context, form, space, materiality, technology and sustainability.

“Those shortlisted are commonly amazing projects that have been thoroughly considered, designed and have come together to cre-

ate a special outcome for the client,” he said.

The building at Levantine Hill Estate Winery by architect Fender Katsalidis was selected for the shortlisted regional prize category and Four Pillars Gin who worked with architects at Breathe was selected for the EmAGN Project Award and Commercial architecture categories.

Associate at Breathe Camilla Carmichael said working with Four Pillars was a great collaborative experience and that the company aligned well with Breathe’s own values around sustainability.

“The project was built over 18 months by the Never Stop group,” she said.

The design was developed over a number of years and emerged with a coppery and earth

themed minimalist space, with the bar at the centre of the room.

The design was finished around one year ago and being nominated for the shortlist was a delight for the team at Breathe.

“Getting recognised is definitely nice,” Ms Carmichael said.

Using copper was important to Four Pillars because of the relationship to the still and gin making processes.

The expansion has allowed for a larger space for visitors, the team at Breathe worked with Four Pillars to create a space that reflected the company’s origin and history in Healesville.

The Levantine Hill Estate building features an event space, wine production facilities, tasting areas and a lounge distributed through

three levels within a 20 metre diameter, metallined, barrel vaulted building.

Karl Fender, a partner at Fender Katsalidis, said it really is a compelling building form suited to the rural environment.

The shape of the building is a reference to wine barrels and its material palette of concrete, corrugated iron, glass, and steel.

“The design pairs well with the high quality of wine produced by Levantine Hill and adds dimension to theYarraValley visitation experience,” Mr Fender said.

The architecture awards program celebrates the top architectural outcomes across the state, spanning categories of public architecture, sustainable architecture, interior architecture and more.

Four Pillars Gin.

Picture: ANSON SMART The Levantine Hill Estate.

Picture: WILLEM DIRK DU TOIT

Jump start for EV Strategy

By Tanya Steele

The Government released Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy on 19 April, a document designed to ensure Australians have both more choices of electric vehicles (EV) and to encourage increased EV use.

Yarra Glen’s Glenergy vice president Trent Evans is positive about the recent development.

“[I’m] glad it’s finally happening, it’s been an embarrassment that Australia hasn’t had one for so many years,” he said.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australian governments, car makers, motoring clubs, climate groups, businesses and unions were all on board with getting cleaner and cheaper cars to Australia.

“This strategy delivers on our commitment to provide greater choice for Australians to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run,” he said.

A fuel efficiency standard will be introduced as part of the strategy and the government will work with both the industry and the community to finalise details in the coming months.

Fuel efficiency standards outline how much pollution – or specifically, carbon dioxide – a car will produce when it’s running.

More efficient vehicles will produce fewer emissions, meaning environmental impact is lower and cheaper for motorists to run.

“Because we don’t have any emission standards, we’ve become a dumping ground for combustion engine cars,” Mr Evans said.

Australia and Russia are among the only developed countries that currently don’t have fuel efficiency standards.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the government would introduce fuel efficiency standards that work for Australia’s market.

“More than 85 per cent of all cars sold in the world are subject to fuel efficiency standards. It’s time Australians were offered the same choice,” she said.

The absence of this fuel standard has meant Australian households and businesses have fewer choices of car models and are paying more in fuel costs to run their cars because manufacturers prioritise sending more efficient vehicles to countries with standards in place.

On average, new cars in Australia use 40 per cent more fuel than the European Union, 20 per cent more than the United States, and 15 per cent more than New Zealand.

Australia is behind other countries in EV sales, with our uptake of EVs around four times lower than the global average.

The strategy also looks at reducing barriers to electric vehicle uptake, whether it be demand, supply or infrastructure.

Mr Bowen said the strategy will provide the

coordination and leadership to drive down costs and improve infrastructure so that more affordable and accessible electric vehicles will be on the market.

“The government has already cut taxes on EVs through the Electric Car Discount, saving up to $11,000 a year on a $50,000 electric vehicle,” he said.

Mr Evan concedes the vehicles can be expensive but said that in the long term, they are more cost effective.

“In the next 12 months we are going to see cheaper options available,” he said.

“The service costs are a lot cheaper for EV and when you factor that into the life of the car, the total cost over time goes down.”

He would also like to see the road tax in Victoria removed for now, as an incentive for people.

Currently in Victoria, EVs and hydrogen vehicles (HEVs) pay 2.6 cents per kilometre, other states will also introduce this tax but not until 2027.

“You’re trying to get people to take up EVs, and then you’re going to slug them a road tax,” he said.

The transport sector is projected to be Australia’s largest source of emissions by 2030 if there are no interventions made.

“The day that climate change is no longer political and then it’s bipartisan, the better Australia will be, we have to reduce our carbon footprint,” Mr Evans said.

Consultation on the design of fuel efficiency standards has begun and is available through www.cleanercars.gov.au

Following the consultation, the government will release its proposed Fuel efficiency standard by the end of 2023.

The National Electric Vehicle Strategy is available at https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/transport

Trent charging his EV in Yarra Glen.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Unanimous vote on land

By Tanya Steele

TheYarra Ranges Council unanimously passed the decision to purchase 13 Green Street in Healesville from VicTrack at the Wednesday meeting on 26 April.

Cr Fiona McAllister said she felt like she’d almost run out of words on the matter.

“After seven and a half years of dancing furiously with the community to protect this beautiful piece of public open space, we are now finally at the point where we are making the decision to authorise to buy it,” she said.

“I assert every time it still feels quite wrong that we have to buy it when we’ve been using it as public open space for a very long time.

“But better that we do that than lose it, it’s under the condition that we maintain it as community open space in perpetuity.”

Ms McAllister said the area will need to be rezoned as a public open space.

“We’ve been trying to keep it as public open space and Vic Track had it rezoned to a commercial zoning, so we’re going to need to rezone it back to what it is and should always be a much much loved and used part of Healesville,” she said.

“It is our Green window when you look down the main street.”

In January the Council was offered the opportunity to purchase the land for $675,000 which represents a 50 per cent discount from current market value, on the basis that the land remains as a community space in perpetuity.

The council ran an engagement survey about the decision to purchase the land from 20 February to 19 March and had a largely positive response from the public.

“98 per cent of people who responded to the petition said absolutely,” Ms McAllister said.

“The funding will come from the Ryrie open space fund which is exactly what it is for.”

Cr Sophie Todorov said she feels just as passionately as Cr McAllister.

“If it wasn’t to be purchased, I would be very worried about what that would be used for in-

stead,” she said.

Cr Tim Heenan said he only had one thing to say.

“It should have come back into our hands for zero dollars,” he said.

Mayor Jim Child said while the land area

was not overly large, it was still important to Healesville. “Yes, it’s a small piece of land. It’s a piece of land with a heart and that heart is the community,” he said.

Cr McAllister closed and the motion was put forward and carried unanimously.

The Healesville Green is a much-loved community space.

Picture: ON FILE

Council pays security cost

By Parker McKenzie

Yarra Ranges Council has spent over $12,000 on security measures in the months leading to the public gallery being closed during council meetings.

During public question time at the Tuesday 27 April council meeting, the first to be held behind closed doors since the decision to close the gallery to the public was announced, the council was asked about the cost to ratepayers of new security measures.

“How much has it cost the ratepayers of Yarra Ranges Council to secure the safety of counsellors, staff and ratepayers from the disruptors in the gallery at each council meeting since the beginning of the year?” the questioner asked.

Director of Corporate Services Andrew Hilson said it has spent approximately $12,600 engaging security guards and upgrading the security cameras in the public gallery area “to ensure the safety of counsellors, council staff and members of the public.”

“Changes to the configuration of chairs and tables in this area have been delivered by internal staff.” he said.

Yarra Ranges Council first hired security staff at the Tuesday 14 February Council meeting, following the 31 January meeting where police were called to the premise after the meeting was adjourned.

On Thursday 20 April, the council announced it will be closing the gallery during

meetings because of “verbal abuse, intimidation and anti-social behaviour” from members of fringe-community group My Place, who have been attending the meetings to oppose 20-minute neighbourhood planning schemes.

My Place Yarra Valley’s defacto leaders have rejected this characterisation of their behaviour by the council in a statement provided to the Star Mail on Monday 22 April.

My Place was founded in Frankston by Darren Bergwerf, with splinter groups forming in areas around Australia.

While the beliefs of My Place members aren’t a monolith, many who the Star Mail has spoken to reject the authority of councils due to a factually-incorrect belief that they as bodies corporate, and therefore are not legitimate governments.

While councils are created as statutory bodies through an Act of Parliament, the Victorian Constitution states that local councils are a distinct tier of government and Local Government Acts 1989 and 2020 give councils the ability to tax and govern among other powers.

Other members have reiterated that 20-minute neighbourhoods are a scheme, orchestrated by the United Nations, to make it easier for governments to implement harsh lockdown measures in the future, and for this reason they oppose the adoption of the planning strategy by Yarra Ranges Council.

As of 1 April 2023, Yarra Ranges Council no longer accepts questions at meetings relating to “20-minute neighbourhoods or their alignment to the principles associated with the United Nations.”

“Theconceptbehind20-minuteneighbourhoods is simple – communities are designed to make sure everything you need day-to-day is close to home and a walkable distance away,” Yarra Ranges Council states online.

“The intent is for people to be able to move about easily and freely without being burdened by excessive travel or costly transport options. It improves movement and access, rather than preventing it.”

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child told the Star Mail on Friday 21 April that the council was hoping to reopen the gallery by the end of May.

Emergency management planning in the Yarra Ranges

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges Council’s 2023-2026 Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) has now been endorsed by the Regional Emergency Management Planning Committee (RMEPC) and was presented at the Wednesday 26 April Council meeting.

The RMEPC is overseen by Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) and helps to support emergency management planning in regional areas like a fair amount of the Yarra Ranges.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said that under the Emergency Management Act 2013, the MEMP must be reviewed and updated every three years.

“We were pleased to see that the updated MEMP was approved in March this year by the RMEPC. These Plans are vital for our communities during an emergency, and they detail what actions will be taken before during and after emergencies,” he said.

“With MEMP now approved on a regional basis this means that it is consistent with regional and state-wide emergency management arrangements and legislation. As we know emergencies do not follow boundaries.”

Council’s MEMP is put together by representatives from Council, SES, CFA, FRV, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Melbourne

William Matthews Funerals

Water, Forest Fire Management Victoria, the Australian Red Cross and the Salvation Army. StreetonWard Councillor Andrew Fullagar spoke to the motion and said it is an obviously important administrative issue to ensure our plan is in place.

“We need to make sure this endorsement establishes local emergency planning arrangements, we’ve got a history of emergencies in the Yarra Ranges as we all very well know with our bushfires, storms and

floods,” he said.

“It’s a very thorough report and I’m very happy to support this motion.”

The MEMP is largely informed by subplans that relate to specific emergency risks faced in the Yarra Ranges: Municipal Fire Management Plan, Municipal Flood Plan, Storm and Flood Plan, Extreme Heat Plan, Pandemic Plan and the Municipal Relief and Recovery Plan.

Deputy Mayor Sophie Todorov seconded

the motion and said it’s great to see the endorsement of a plan that is locally informed of our hazards and emergencies.

“It does consider the unique elements of the Yarra Ranges and it’s now presented in a consistent format,” she said.

“Being a sub-delegate on a few of those MEMPC meetings, I’ve heard the feedback and about the great collaboration with other emergency organisations and groups as well.”

The motion was carried unanimously.

Before you decide please call one of our friendly staff 9739 6868

Yarra Ranges Council’s Municipal Emergency Management Plan has been endorsed.

Picture: ON FILE

The gallery and a security guard at the Tuesday 14 February Council meeting.

Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE

ANZAC DAY

Hundreds pay respects

By Callum Ludwig

Hundreds of locals turned out for the morning service at the Wandin Cenotaph on Anzac Day.

Many locally significant names feature on the memorial including the Hunter, Clegg and Sebire families, with war still closely linked to many in the community.

Member of the Mt Evelyn RSL Heidi Ramsay served in the British Army for 23 years and said Anzac Day reminds her that everybody still cares about people who have served.

“I moved out here five years ago, so to see that everybody is committed to turning out early in the morning, to be able to show their respect, it means a lot. People coming out to see those who fought and died for their country is extremely important,” she said.

“I joined when I was 17 and served until I was 40. I was in the Royal Logistics Corps in the British Army, so I served in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falkland Islands, supplying water, rations, fuel and everything they need to do the job.”

Since moving to the Yarra Ranges, Ms Ramsay has also joined the Wandin Fire Brigade, continuing to serve and protect her new community.

Wandin Rotary’s community service committee chairman Gavan McIntyre said it is an event that the Rotary Club ofWandin have been organising for 25 years now

“We usually get a fairly good turnout and we think it’s a good community thing to do, it’s a very significant day and an important thing to keep going. When you see all the young ones here today, it shows how important it is,” he said.

“You look at the names on the cenotaph

Warburton remembers them

By Callum Ludwig

Warburton residents flocked to Warburton Bakery to participate in or follow the annual Anzac Day march down the Highway.

service. Ray McDonald led everyone in prayer.

Chief Dean Blanchard said for him, Anzac Day is about pride.

and that explains it really, a huge amount went to war and a huge amount lost their lives.”

Students from the Wandin North and Wandin Yallock Primary Schools had all attendees reflecting solemnly as they read magnificently, with two Wandin Yallock Primary School students also helping with the responsibility of raising the Australian and New Zealand flags.

Casey MP Aaron Violi and Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham gave an address, with Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence unable to attend as she recovers from surgery. Ben Vallence from the Rotary Club of Wandin was the MC.

The Rotary Club of Wandin also hosted tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits in the neighbouring church hall afterwards.

Cadets lead the march, followed byWarburton RSL sub-branch members, Warburton and Millwarra Primary School staff and students and local emergency services volunteers.

Lieutenant Peter Dalglish was a speaker at the service following the march and said the commemoration of April 25 and the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 is important to remember.

“By remembering the events, hopefully, we don’t repeat the heartache and misery of war, we are destined to repeat the mistakes if we don’t remember history,” he said.

“It’s very important for us to share this with the greater community and even is for emergency services and for those who have served or are still serving in peacekeeping activities around the world.”

President of theWarburton RSL sub-branch Lindsay Fisher was unable to be the MC for the service held at theWarburton Cenotaph due to illness, so it was Navy veteran and Warburton RSL past president,Wayne Morgan who led the

“My grandfather and great grandfather, they both served in World War One and World WarTwo and I’ve served for over 30 years now,” he said.

“I’m proud of what’s come before me and I want to keep doing them proud and remembering what they had given up.”

Guest Speaker Amarli Weir told attendees the story of a World War Two nurse Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel, the sole survivor of the Bangka Island massacre in 1942 where Japanese forces killed unarmed Australian nurses and wounded allies soldiers after marching them into the sea.

According to the Australian War Memorial, Vivian Bullwinkel escaped death by pretending to be dead in the sea until they left before later being taken into captivity for three and a half years and surviving the war and later receiving the Florence Nightingale Medal, an MBE and the Order of Australia. She returned to Bangka Island in 1992, creating a shine to remember the nurses who did not survive.

Sun rises over solemn vigil

By Callum Ludwig

Residents of Seville and surrounds rose early for the second-ever Anzac Day dawn service at the Seville War Memorial.

New lighting lit up the faces and names on the memorial for all to see as the service began.

Anthony McAleer OAM was the MC for the event and said he and the Seville War Memorial Committee were very happy with the service.

“It was quite successful, the numbers were great and certainly an increase on last year. There’s always improvements you can make with these things and which we will look at for next year but we’re quite happy,” he said.

“I believe that Anzac Day is our most nationally significant day, more so than any other, it is a day where we can come together as a community., talk about uniquely Australian stories and to feel emotions for people that sacrificed a lot or went through a lot for our nation.”

Violinist Arielle Rose from the Melbourne ChamberYouth Orchestra performedWaltzing Matilda as attendees arrived, as well as Flowers of the Forest and the national anthem towards the end of proceedings.

Mr McAleer said a memorial and a dawn service should be something that engages people’s emotions.

“These memorials, they’ve got stories to them. It’s something that is not only just for the current generation but for generations to come, people will come along and they’ll learn from it, it’s an educational resource,” he said.

“We’ve put letters, we’ve put sort of various stories on there. There’s stuff on there that’s humorous, there’s stuff on there that’s quite graphic, and there’s stuff on there that’s really emotive and that’s what we want.”

Captain Noel Tipson of the 22nd Engineer Regiment of the Royal Australian Engineers told the story of Seville’s Victoria Cross recipient George Ingram who fought on the Western Front in World War One, fighting which resulted in the death of his brothers Driver Alex

Ingram and Lance Corporal Ronald Ingram in action.

Sargeant Brendon de Schwartz from Lilydale Police said that George Ingram was the most decorated Victoria Police officer that’s ever existed.

“George Ingram was aVictoria Police member under the Shrine Guard and historically to become a shrine guard when the shrine opened back in 1935, you had to actually serve in a theatre of war to be eligible, and he was one of the first twelve,” he said.

“He’s an example of sacrifice, you cannot ask a greater sacrifice of any one individual to lay down their life potentially in any war, particularly for the betterment of life. As police,

we go out there to protect the public and serve in circumstances where we potentially can lose our lives, and we have to be prepared as George did.”

Callan Moon from the Veterans for Fishing was meant to speak but was unable to attend due to illness.

Poems, readings and acknowledgements were done by Captain Steve Crupi from the Seville Rural Fire Brigade, Paul Bailey Life Member of the Seville Football Netball Club, the 1st Seville Scouts, poet Jim Brown, Chandler Ward Councillor from Yarra Ranges Council David Eastham and President of the Seville Township Group Graeme Black.. The Last Post was played by Ian Douglas and the Ode to the

Fallen read by Peter Patterson of the Mt Evelyn RSL.

Mr McAleer said they want to keep the local connection involved in the service in the years to come.

“Quoting from local poets and telling the stories of Seville people, we want to keep that going because I think the more that people can sort of connect personally with a military heritage, I think the more understanding people have, and the stronger is the connection as a result.”

A free community breakfast was generously sponsored by the Wandin_Seville Bendigo Bank and cooked by the Seville Football Netball Club.

Cadets lead the way.

Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

The Wandin Cenotaph adorned with wreaths. Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG

Seville residents reflect.

Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG The new lighting worked wonders.

ANZAC DAY

Good turnout for the dawn

By Tanya Steele

Healesville residents paid tribute this morning on the 108th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli for the Anzac Day dawn service at Healesville RSL.

Colette Shaw, the RSL President, was pleased by the turnout.

“It means a lot to our local veterans to see so many people turn out to say thank you and pay their respects,” she said.

“We had nearly double the amount we had last year.”

Ms Shaw partly credited the crisp winter morning that wasn’t too wet or cold for the higher numbers, with the carpark and the surrounds of the RSL full of people in attendance.

In her opening speech, Ms Shaw paid tribute to those who have served Australia.

“They enrich our nation’s history,” she said. “May we and our successors prove worthy of their sacrifice.”

Walter Skilton welcomed people into the service playing the bagpipes, summoning the sleepy citizens walking along Maroondah Highway to gather in the carpark and surrounds of the RSL.

Jim Caddle RSL Secretary said everything went smoothly and was glad to see the large crowd listening intently to the service.

“I saw some people getting a little emotional,” he said.

Councillor Fiona McAllister made a moving speech and which included the history of James Wandin Senior who was a Healesville born First Nations Australian soldier who fought for Australia, but had to wait to enlist as he was not initially recognised as an Australian citizen.

“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude on behalf of Heasleville RSL, Aunty Joy Murhpy Wandin and all the family who are here with us today to share his story,” she said.

“Today we pay special attention to those

like him, who overcame so much to stand up and protect this country.”

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag was included in the flag raising ceremony for the first time alongside the Australian and New Zealand flags.

The RSL have plans to install a fourth flag pole so that the RSL flag may fly alongside the other three.

Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin, Wurundjeri Elder was in attendance and pleased to see the First Nations flag raised, she said was happy to hear of it when the RSL called to tell her about the new addition.

Her granddaughter was there to raise the flag, flanked by the Healesville Scouts standing catafalque and a wreath dedicated to James Wandin Senior was laid at the service.

In his speech at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Prime Minister Alnthony Albanese said that we have not always honoured those who have fought in our name as well as we should.

The prime minister said it was also important to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who donned the khaki “fought harder for Australia than Australia was sometimes willing to fight for them”.

After the wreath laying, ceremony attendees observed a minute’s silence, the still morning air heralding the dawn with kookaburras calling in the background.

Healesville RSL’s bugler John Stanhope played The Last Post and Reveille at the ceremony, something he has been performing for the service since 1975.

The Healesville High School band were present for the ceremony and played a beautiful arrangement of Advance Australia Fair to the crowd.

Two student school captains from the school, Natalia and Connor recited In Flanders Fields and a Response poem.

The ceremony finished with a tasty breakfast served inside the RSL and people caught up over a warm drink.

Yarra Glen comes together to reflect on national day

By Tanya Steele

The Yarra Glen RSL sub-branch hosted a memorial march followed by a commemorative service for Anzac Day this year, with unmistakable community support in the crowds.

Secretary Edward Bartosh was busy on the day but said it was a wonderful turnout.

“We are also really glad the Yarra Glen primary school could come,” he said.

Emergency service personnel made sure the roads were clear in time for the parade to march through Yarra Glen.

Residents old and young alike, along with scouts and sporting clubs marched behind the veterans in a wonderful display for the parade, keeping up a brisk pace to the cenotaph where the service commenced.

RSL president Stephen Shortis opened the ceremony, which was followed by an invocation by Fr Francis Denton.

Rosemary Bowling read aloud a letter from the front, written by Lance Corporal George B Muir, which was dated 29 October 1916.

“It’s terribly cold here today with a heavy fog and hay is hanging around. I think we shall have more snow before long,“ he wrote.

“We did about eight days in the trenches last time, and it was about the worst time I’ve ever had.”

The Yarra Glen Primary School sang Lest We Forget to the crowd and Michael Watkins from the Yarra GLen RSL read “Mates” a poem by D. Hunter a WWII Veteran which contemplates friendship over time and the importance of Anzac Day.

“An’ so to all that ask me why

We keep these special dates, Like “Anzac Day” …

I answer: “WHY??! – We’re thinking of our MATES.”

Commander Adam Shortis from the Royal Australian Navy, who is Stephen Shortis’s son, led the Anzac Day address.

“They were all ordinary Australians but they did extraordinary things. Our nation

was built on the foundations laid by citizens such as these,” he said.

In the balmy sunshine, the crowd quietened down for the Last Post followed by a minute’s silence, and then floral wreath tributes were laid.

The RSL thanked the scouts and schools

for their participation and gifted students some badges and books.

Mr Shortis concluded the ceremony and thanked the crowd for their support, inviting people inside the RSL to look at some of the old medals and uniforms they have on display.

All in attendance were then invited forward to lay poppies at the cenotaph.

“But I would invite you all to come forward to lay a poppy on behalf of somebody that you know and respect, thank you,” he said.

YarraGlenPrimarySchoolledthesinging.

Pictures:TANYASTEELE TheYarraGlenPonyClubinattendance. Wreathlaying. Gettingreadytomarch.

Theservicewaswellattendedbythepublicthisyear.

Pictures:TANYASTEELE Attheservice. Bagpipesopenedandclosedtheservice.

Introducing Healesville Community Renewable Energy (Healesville CoRE) your one stop shop for everything related to renewable energy. And now, we're excited to invite you to our upcoming free community event a webinar on Wednesday 10 May at 7.30pm!

Join our panel of experts as we delve into the world of renewable energy and answer all your burning questions. From home energy efficiency to local solar installation, we have it all covered. Plus, we'll have representatives from Yarra Ranges Council to discuss the proposed microgrid and some community members who have already made a positive impact on their own homes.

We believe that small steps can make a big difference, and we're here to help you take those steps towards a more sustainable future. By attending our webinar, you'll learn how to utilise the opportunities provided by Healesville CoRE and make a positive impact in your own home.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the experts and connect with like-minded individuals in your community. Register now at www.healesvillecore.org.au and take the first step towards a greener future.

DAY

Wednesday May 10th 2023

Old mates

By Tanya Steele

Peter Haylock and Phil Kearsley had the good fortune to bump into each other atYarra Glen’s Anzac Day service and had a reunion over 60 years in the making.

Both were soldiers in the same intake and training at an Enoggera (Gallipoli) army barracks in Queensland in 1962.

Peter originally came from Queensland and Phil from South Australia, the two trained at the barracks for three years.

Phil overheard Peter talking while they were sitting in the crowd at the service and began to put the pieces together.

“He just started mentioning things, and I’m sitting in front of him and that’s when my ears perked up,” he said.

Phil said he couldn’t believe it at first.

“We were in the same intake and the same year and we both turned up atYarra Glen,” Phil said.

Peter said Phil talked to him and then he began to remember.

“Phil spotted me and eventually the cobwebs went away,” he said.

The duo discussed how their careers went, both branching off into different areas.

“He went further up the ladder than me,” Peter said.

“I went to Sergeant and he kept on going, going and going.”

“He went off and did his thing with the artillery,” Phil said.

Phil and Peter had the chance to ask about other people they both knew at the time, taking a little wander down memory lane.

“We brought up some names to talk to each other about and remember from those times and some are still around and live in various parts of Australia,” Phil said.

With plans to catch up further over the refreshments at Memorial Hall, the two men seemed pleased and happy with the unlikely reunion.

“I don’t believe in coincidences, it is all meant to happen,” Peter said.

Picture:SUPPLIED

School honours the Anzacs

By Tanya Steele

The Yering Primary School along with many others in the region upheld their own smaller Anzac Day ceremonies on Wednesday 26 April.

Deanna Cole, the school principal said it was an important ceremony for the school to mark.

“We attend our own ceremony every year and try to make it to one of the services on the day as well,” she said.

The school met with Bill Dobson, the Lilydale RSL President at the Coldstream Yering Memorial outside Coombe Cottage for the ceremony and Cr Fiona McCallister was also in attendance. Mr Dobson said the RSL attend the primary school’s service every year.

“We think it’s important to go to the school, no matter their size,” he said.

The children participated in the service and Mr Donson said it was good to see them getting involved. The school service included a prayer of remembrance, poetry readings by students, the minute’s silence and the last call, followed by wreath laying and a morning tea afterwards. The primary school use a number of picture books to discuss An-

zac Day and its history.

“We use books to educate and discuss the day,” Ms Cole said.

Discussing the topic as an educator is approached with care and thought at Yering Primary.

“We have a combined class and some of the kids are quite young,” Ms Cole said.

Ms Colel said the wearing of rosemary is something that children can participate in and discuss

“It is quite symbolic and we like to include it,” she said.

Australians wear a sprig as a traditional symbol of remembrance and commemoration days like Anzac or Remembrance Day.

Rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Türkiye, where many Australians served in World War I and in the 1980s, cuttings of plants from Gallipoli were planted in nurseries throughout Australia.

“Rosemary is a plant of Remembrance,” Mr Dobson said.

Ms Cole said the kids also enjoy making Anzac biscuits, which they had had together as a school after their ceremony on Wednesday.

PhilandPetercatchingupaftertheservice.

Picture:TANYASTEELE

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

All-female dental clinic

Valley Dental Family Clinic is an all female clinic based in Lilydale.

The clinic is owned by Dr Rupali Prabhu and Dr Sonali Prabhu.

Rupali graduated from dental school in 1999. She has worked in private and public community clinics both in, and around Melbourne. She has also lived out of the city, spending a period of time in Benalla in rural Victoria.

Rupali is passionate about providing high quality dental care and takes pleasure in sharing a story and a laugh with her patients. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and always strives to provide dental treatment in a relaxing and comfortable environment.

Rupali believes her practice and approach to dentistry creates an experience that will change your notion of what a trip to the dentist is. Outside of work she loves to spend time with family and her young children, sharing her passion for reading and traveling with them at every opportunity.

Sonali graduated from dental school in 2003. She has worked as a dentist in both community and private practices. She has also worked various roles within the dental industry. Sonali believes that your mouth is the gateway to better wellbeing, and that a great healthy smile will leave a great lasting impression on people.

Sonali loves interacting with patients and ensuring they are comfortable and at-ease. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry. She particularly loves working with older clients. In her spare time, she loves cooking delicious Indian dishes and enjoying time with her family and friends.

The third dentist, , joined the Valley Dental team 2 years ago and has been an integral part of the team ever since. With over 10 years of experience, Merhaz believes that world class

dentistry should be delivered to each and every patient. Mehraz has a keen interest in aesthetic dentistry and is studying a certificate of Cosmetic Dentistry to introduce lip and cheek fillers to the clinic for our Valley Dental patients.

Rupali said being an all female team patients were treated with care and compassion.

“Staff are very approachable and compassionate making everyone feel at ease coming to the dentist,“ she said.

The clinic offers a wide range of dental

services including general dentistry, fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers.

Take advantage of current specials including a check-up, clean and 2 x-rays for $175, and in-chair whitening $450.

For an appointment phone : 9737 6453

Valley Dental Family Clinic is an all female clinic based in Lilydale. 287589

Dr Rupali Prabhu,Starry,Rachael,Abbey,Mehraz and Dr Sonali Prabhu look forward to seeing you in the clinic.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Welcoming a new doctor

Greetings! We hope you had a wonderful Easter break and that you’re feeling rejuvenated. At Kaizen clinics in Seville, it’s important to us to keep our community informed about our latest developments and services.

In February 2023, we opened our new wing, which has allowed us to expand our offerings. We’re thrilled to introduce Dr Ankit Chaudhary, a seasoned general practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. Dr

Chaudhary prioritises patient-centred care and strives to create a positive experience for all patients. He has worked at prestigious hospitals such as Townsville hospital, Gold Coast University hospital, and Townsville hospital, and earned his fellowship with RACGP in 2018. In addition, he obtained a diploma in Child Health from the University of Sydney.

Dr Chaudhary has a keen interest in managing cardiovascular disease, weight loss, chronic

Bean blitz for healthy heart

By Holly McGuinness

‘Bean’ thinking about shaking things up in the kitchen?

The Heart Foundation is encouraging more Australian’s to cook with lovely legumes in a new initiative, the ‘bean blitz.’

A new report by the foundation found that half of Australians lack confidence in the kitchen when cooking with the budget friendly and highly nutritious food group. Heart Foundation senior dietitian, Jemma O’Hanlon, said eating more legumes by adding them to existing meals is an excellent way to eat healthier.

“Try to integrate small amounts of whole, nutrient-rich foods such as legumes into your existing meals,” she said.

“This will help you to feel fuller longer, helping both your heart and your hip-pocket.”

The Heart Foundation said legumes are a great source of protein and fibre that are important for heart health, they can be incorporated into your diet in a number of yummy ways.

“When it comes to including more legumes in your cooking, think outside the box. You can include beans, chickpeas or lentils in almost any recipe, even desserts.”

She suggests adding beans to a taco mix for some added protein, pop lentils into an ordinary spaghetti bolognese to bulk it up and almost any legume can be added to a soup to make things interesting.

The report also found that one in three people think it’s expensive to eat healthy food, but a 1 kilogram bag of lentils averages at about $4.

The Heart Foundation has various ebooks and tasty recipes listed on their website with plenty of legume rich options.

diseases, and men’s health.

We’re also excited to welcome a new physiotherapist to our team in May, and appointments are now available. Furthermore, we’re offering a travel clinic on our premises. To receive immunizations on the day, please schedule an appointment with our nurse and doctor.

We continue to offer a variety of services, including aesthetic medicine, acupuncture,

skin treatments, and women’s and men’s health care. We also provide childhood immunisations and run daily clinics for both influenza and coronavirus immunisations. We value your input and appreciate any feedback you have to offer.

Please don’t hesitate to leave written comments with our reception if you have any suggestions or ideas for improvement.

KaizenClinicstaffAnkitChaudhary,SimaRadaei,VishalSharmaandMarkFazlian. 330677

Pictures:STEWARTCHAMBERS DrAnkitChaudhary. 330677

Shiralee brings the fun

By Callum Ludwig

With social distancing still in recent memory, many of us now realise the importance of getting out and about to spend quality time with others.

For NDIS participants in the Outer East, EACH’s Shiralee Social Activity Group poses a great option for fun and friendships.

Team Leader of the Shiralee Social Activity Group Jerry Yan said the group offers a weekly online Zoom meeting and a weekly social activity or outing with transport provided.

“The group is facilitated by highly skilled support staff, and its aim is to help people with intellectual disabilities live a healthier, more fulfilling, and socially engaged life by providing a range of social and recreational activities to help them stay connected to the community,” Jerry said.

“Being a part of Shiralee is important for our group members as it offers them opportunities for social interaction and engagement.

Participants also get to connect with their community and explorer new interests. It’s ongoing progress that can significantly improve their quality of life. Additionally, it is equally important for Carers as the group provides

them with respite.”

Participants all chip in with ideas for their activities, which include going to see a movie, going bowling or catching up online.

Jerry Yan said participants develop social skills, build friendships, and increase their sense of belonging and self-esteem.

“Additionally, it provides opportunities for

individuals to engage in activities they enjoy and discover new interests, which can lead to a more fulfilling life,” Jerry said.

“Shiralee empowers people to get out and about and get connected. We know that social connectedness fosters good wellbeing, so join us for many fun activities where you will learn new things, make friends and connect to the community.”

Monthly Saturday outings have also branched out to sight-seeing adventures or enjoying exhibitions, art galleries or shows.

Participant Brendan said he enjoys the group’s activities because it is an opportunity to have experiences and adventures with his mates.

“Shiralee helps me get out and about in the community, meet new friends that I can call mates, and helps me to take my mind off things that worry me”, he said.

Another participant Corrine said that she has formed special friendships through Shiralee.

“You make very good friendships at Shiralee with supportive people who you have fun with,” she said.

For more information on Shiralee, please call 9485 4600.

Partnership’s list of accessible walks for any ability

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, easyto-use 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 Ar-

boretum, 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.

“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

WIN WIN TICKETS to the 46th Historic Winton Races...

27th & 28th May 2023

Australia’s longest-running and most popular all-historic motorsport event, Historic Winton, will be held on 27th and 28th May 2023 at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla.

Spectators will see more than 40 historic car, motorcycle and sidecar races and the traditional Sunday Parade Lap of selected display vehicles.

The 46th Historic Winton invites spectators to bring their historic cars, bikes, trucks, buses, caravans and other vehicles for a massive car park display.

Organiser, Austin 7 Club President, Len Kerwood said that visitors will be amazed by the impressive array of vehicles celebrating anniversaries as old as 120 years, alongside the two-days of historic motorsport action that people travel far and wide to see.

Tickets are now available online from ticketebo.com.au/historicwinton

Wehave20weekend doublepassesupforgrabs!

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.

Shiralee group members enjoy lunch together.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Many hands help clean up

By Callum Ludwig

Many hands made light work of clearing debris on Dee Road in Millgrove this week.

Volunteers for the Millgrove Muster got to work, helping to reduce the fuel load for bushfires and make their area safer and more resilient to disaster.

Clare Alexander is the National Muster Officer of the Australian Resilience Corps and said the majority of volunteering around disasters happens afterwards but we can lessen the impact of these events when we prepare before they take place.

“The Millgrove residents have prioritised this area of Dee Road as being a critical location for the community, as a special meeting place, but also as a place with excessive fuel loads and noxious weeds and they expose the community to bushfires,” she said.

“We’re doing things like clearing the area away, widening the footpath, replanting floodresistant vegetation in eroded areas and improving the access points so there are ways to be able to get onto the pathway and down to and out of the river if there was a disaster.”

Volunteers came from the Millgrove Residents Action Group (MRAG) and the local area, the Australian Resilience Corps and Connecting Communities Australia (CCA) as well as others who came from as far as Pakenham, St Kilda and the Melbourne CBD.

Ms Alexander said MRAG was incredibly pivotal to the success of bringing together this community event.

“They were the drivers, they have gone through the (Australian) Resilience Corps Community’s Framework workshop to identify the areas of need to build resilience against fire and flood,” she said.

“They know their local area, they know their local people and they have been incredibly crucial to the success of this. This is an opportunity to show the community what they can do together and further afield, what the nation could be doing to build resilience against fire and flood disasters.”

Three volunteers from CCA led the three teams of volunteers on day one, working with the Australian Resilience Corps and the Minderoo Foundation and a welcome and more positive change from their usual efforts assisting areas after a disaster.

CEO of CCA Glenn Price founded the organisation five years ago and said the Mill-

grove Muster is their very first.

“We’ve worked in drought-affected areas in Queensland and New South Wales and then following the fires three years ago, we’ve been working extensively around the south coast of New South Wales and in Gippsland,” he said.

“Having strong community action is absolutely vital, most of my work has been post-disaster so this is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. After the fires swept through the Bega Valley they’ve now worked on their evacuation plans, have better clearing, communication and equipment and have more water and generators.”

Volunteers began at about 9.35am, stopping for lunch at 12.30pm and finishing up at 3pm with adequate breaks each day.

Mr Price said 50 communities around Australia had been identified as high-risk for the muster program.

“Millgrove was rated number one for bushfire risk, so we wanted to start here and work sling this important road,” he said.

“I think the fantastic thing is that MRAG is very active, which is a really great thing for giving people a perception of the risk they face and helping them to plan for that.”

The River Valley Church van was also on-

site to start the volunteers’ day off with a nice coffee or tea to start the day.

President of MRAG Maureen Halit said she was amazed there were so many great people out there willing to help their small community.

“We just appreciate it so much, them helping our area so fire safe and such a beautiful area for people to visit and utilise,” she said.

“Without these people, we wouldn’t have had a hope of doing it. It’s a major project as Millgrove is such a fire-prone area but we need to do all that we can to help prevent fires and make it a safe community.”

More Helmeted Honeyeaters released in the wild

By Callum Ludwig

Some 20 more Helmeted Honeyeaters have been released into the Yarra Ranges National Park as part of the ongoing work to protect the state faunal emblem.

In the last 30 years, conservation efforts have helped bolster the species’ population from 50 to now 250 in the wild.

Co-President of Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater (FOHH) Virginia Wallace said it’s fantastic news and great to know that they’ve got the support of the Victorian Government in bringing this species back from the brink of extinction.

“It’s a community collaboration and there are so many thousands of volunteers, thousands of volunteer hours and millions of trees planted to improve the outcome, not only for the Helmeted Honeyeater but also for other endangered species that inhabit the same habitat,” she said.

“It’s an excellent result to be at 250 in the wild.The numbers do tend to bounce around a little bit, depending on predation and habitat, but we are optimists.”

The newly released group of Helmeted Honeyeaters were born and raised at Healesville Sanctuary as part of the conversation breeding program. Birds born in captivity at Healesville Sanctuary and wild-born birds in Yellingbo breed in order to help create a new population in the forest near Warburton.

Ms Wallace said FOHH’s aim is to have at least five discrete populations of 100 Hel-

meted Honeyeaters each to really ensure the viability of the species.

“We love nature and we want it to be better, and this is moving it all forward. We couldn’t have done it without the engagement of a whole lot of different groups and

the tireless work of volunteers that really put their heart and soul into making it better the Helmeted Honeyeater, other species and everyone,” she said.

“We’ve been working very hard on our project that we call Beyond Yellingbo, engag-

ing landholders that back onto key creeks for habitat to help engage them and to expand the habitat outside the [Liwik Barring Nature] Conservation Area.”

In the second breeding season for the Warburton population, positive results were already showing with 12 wild-born fledglings, boosting hopes for improving genetic diversity between local populations and limiting the chance the species could be wiped out by bushfire or illness.

Zoos Victoria Senior Ecologist Dr Dan Harley said the latest wild release marks an important milestone for the Helmeted Honeyeater conservation breeding program.

“With the help of our partners, we continue to fight the extinction of this critically endangered species, so we can have a future rich in wildlife.”

The continued conservation efforts for the Helmeted Honeyeater through the Victorian Government’s Faunal Emblems Program are being delivered in partnership with Zoos Victoria, Parks Victoria, FOHH, Melbourne Water, Monash University, University of Melbourne,Yarra Ranges Shire Council, Cardinia City Council, Greening Australia, Trust for Nature and the continued contributions of volunteers.

“The Helmeted Honeyeater is unique to Victoria – we’re proud to invest in our precious biodiversity and native species so that future generations can observe and enjoy these rare birds,” Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt said.

The wild Helmeted Honeyeater population has received a recent boost. 149728 Picture: ON FILE

Volunteers ready to start the day’s work. Pictures: CALLUM LUDWIG

Hand tools were supplied for all volunteers to use.Team leader Mike manning the wheelbarrow.

Upgrade for after school

By Callum Ludwig

Afterschool entertainment can be hard to organise at home, but Cire is giving families an upgrade on at-home activities with the Level Up program.

The Level Up program is held once a week in Yarra Junction, Yarra Glen and Chirnside Park and has become a hit with kids who can’t wait to hang out.

Community Hubs Manager Jenelle Strachan said the free sessions have pizza, video games, board games and craft activities each week.

“Level Up was designed to give the not so sporty kids something to do after school, hence why it started with video games, but we’ve opened it up to craft activities, board games,Lego and whatever they’re interested in,” she said.

“We keep it free so that it’s accessible, if we put a dollar value on it excludes some kids and we want it to be very inclusive. We rely on grants, sponsorship and fundraising to keep this program alive.”

The free pizza was definitely a favourite aspect, generously donated by Dom at Dominos Pizza in Lilydale who supplies 13 pizzas and garlic bread each week to the Chirnside Park Community Hub. At Yarra Junction and Yarra Glen, attendees get toaasted sandwiches, chips and fruit as well so kids can always make sure they get a good feed.

Ms Strachan said it has really helped kids improve their social skills, which were sometimes lacking after the Covid lockdowns.

“We have Diploma of Community Service students helping the kids navigating if they’re

having issues or if they’re not sharing properly and providing a one on one approach with the kids to help them socialise with other people,” she said.

“We have different children from different schools coming, it gives them that outlet to socialise with other kids from different backgrounds and we very much like the amount of friendships they have all formed with each other.”

Yarra Junction’s Level Up session is held every Monday at the Cire Community Hub at 2463 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction from 3.40pm – 5.00pm for 8-13 years old.

The Yarra Glen and District Living and Learning Centre at 12/14 Anzac Avenue, Yarra Glen hosts a Tuesday session from 3.40pm –

5.00pm for 8-13 years old.

The Chirnside Park Community Hub at 33 Kimberley Drive Chirnside Park sessions are on Thursdays, one from 3.40pm – 5.00pm for 8-13 years old and from 5.00pm – 6.30pm for 13 to 17 years old, a session which started this year.

Social worker Jessy While was lending a helping hand in the program and said it gives kids an opportunity to do activities they might not always be able to do.

“We do lots of craft and play different games, and they are allowed to make a mess and have a space to do that, I have kids come on Thursdays and tell me how they look forward to Thursdays,” she said

“I speak to a lot of parents when they come

and drop off or pick kids up and they say they love that they are able to grateful to have a space for them to be a bit messy or noisy but to have fun and socialise with other kids.”

Anyone interested can call 1300 835 235 to book a place in their local Level Up program.

Ms Strachan said it also shows kids that their Community Hubs are a safe place to come.

“It helps the parents if they’re working mums or dads and they can’t get to the school to pick up the kids. A lot of kids from Chirnside Park Primary School walk down to us and stay here till 5pm, so it gives parents some freedom as well,” she said.

“We’re establishing connections with them at a young age that they can come back to us when they’re in need, we have food hampers if families are struggling and I think opening it up for the senior age group is fantastic as it helps with the transitional period and socialising in high school.”

Wesburn Primary School’s popular ‘Walking Bus’

By Callum Ludwig

A group of parents and students at Wesburn Primary School have made a habit of ditching the car and taking a brisk walk to and from school.

The Wesburn Primary School ‘Walking Bus’ is well and truly in operation before and after school, weather permitting of course.

Anthony Glynn and his wife said starting walking their daughter Adele to and from school when she was in Prep in 2020, which is how the group started.

“Then in 2022, our son Oscar started prep and he and his friend Emily who lives up the road would now walk and on the way we made friends and a few people kept walking with us,” he said.

“This year we’ve had a few kids come across from another school who now go to Wesburn, so now we’ve got about 10 kids walking each day, sometimes up to 15 or 16 depending on whether parents could bring them”

Anthony and Sage started walking their kids to school as they both remembered

walking to school growing up in Bairnsdale and Wonga Park respectively.

Mr Glynn said they both thought ‘it’s only a kilometre up the road so what’s the point in driving?’

“We have the time, I do the morning walk

Picture:SUPPLIED

and Sage does the afternoons each while the other is at work, we leave our place at about 8.15am, 8.20am and everyone joins along the way,” he said.

“The more the merrier, we walk every morning unless it’s really raining, we had a

couple of wet mornings where it sprinkled a bit, but we still walked in our gumboots and our coats. If the kids are really young, we want a parent with us, but if they’re grade five or six, you can dump them at our house and they can walk with us if they want.”

The walk from the Glynn house takes the group about 20 minutes.

Kodie Ireland is one parent who has gotten involved in the ‘Walking Bus’ and said it gives the kids a chance to get some exercise and get some energy out before they go into the classroom.

“I joined it because my son was in prep at the time and he was struggling with being dropped off at school., he was very anxious and didn’t want to go in. So by walking with the other kids, he got a chance to start chatting to his friends on the way to school,” she said.

“By the time we got to school, he wasn’t thinking about the fact that he was going to miss me for the day, he was thinking about the fact that he could spend the day with his friends.”

Fromleft:Chelsea,ElliottandGracewerekeenforpizza.

Pictures:CALLUMLUDWIG

Logangothands-onwithhisafterschoolfun.

TheWesburnPrimarySchool‘WalkingBus’.

Past and present together

By Callum Ludwig

146 past and present residents of Warburton made their way from near and far to the Upper Yarra RSL on Sunday 30 April for the annual Warburton reunion.

Largely consisting of those who lived in the town through the 1950s and ’60s, everyone reminisced over old photos and memories.

Co-organiser Wayne Herring said a lot of

people hadn’t seen each other since their school days, some 50 to 60 years ago now.

“We were pleasantly surprised with our age that there was so many still around and able to be mobile enough to get there, Warburton is a bit out of the way after all, it’s not as easy to get to as the city,” he said.

“Remembering our times as youth and teenagers and all that jazz was pleasant, everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good day

out, especially as it has been a bit rough over the last few years.”

It was the third Warburton reunion, accounting for the break for Covid, with the event having grown each year and certainly set to continue going forward.

Mr Herring said often someone would say or mention something that jogged an old memory.

“There were a lot of sporting achievements,

and a lot of people brought photos up.There was a few who went to the Upper Yarra Secondary College and brought along some of the early magazines looking for themselves,” he said.

“We’d like to give our thanks to the venue as well, they conducted themselves very well, everything was timely and I think Peter [Molloy] is already making plans to go back next year.”

Exciting entrepreneurship opportunity for YR youth

By Callum Ludwig

A new Yarra Ranges Entrepreneur and Innovation Program is giving the free opportunity for 25 young people to get some invaluable advice and ideas as they begin their business ventures, supported by the iGen Foundation, Yarra Ranges Council and the Yarra Ranges Youth team.

Applications are open until 26 May for Yarra Ranges residents aged between 17 and 30, with the chance to be teamed up with an industry expert for six months to get your idea off the ground.

General Manager of Enterprising Partnerships and the IGen Foundation’s initiatives Celestine Amoako-Boateng said they want to empower and help young people to grow their entrepreneurial mindset.

“We expose young people to a generalist business coach who helps with the business development side of things but we do have a network of about 40 consultants that will be ready to call on for anything that is specific to the industry,” he said.

“What we hope to do is at the end of the six months, is to have gotten to a point where their ideas are validated, they should be able to say either my idea s not good enough and I need to pivot that way or my idea is great, it’s ready for launch and has maybe even made their first sale.”

Throughout the six-month period, the participants will meet monthly and will have one-on-one sessions in between with mentors or coaches that are specific to their industry or business idea.

Coordinator of Youth Development at Yarra Ranges Council Dudu Orman said the skills learnt will be some they can take into any job even if they decide that they don’t want to be self-employed.

“If they become self-employed, that would

be brilliant, but it really is about developing employability skills, a business mindset and networking,” she said.

“What the research shows is that the earlier young people get involved in employment opportunities, once they decide on their career aspirations, the quicker that they’re able to be employed and retain employment.”

About 60 per cent of the workforce in the Yarra Ranges leaves the LGA for employment every day.

Business and Tourism Destination Coordinator atYarra Ranges Council Alex Hill said if we can grow some of our own businesses here, they may employ more locals down the track.

“If they can employ another Yarra Ranges resident, it creates a more circular economy in the region and it’s less money that escapes and ends up somewhere else,” he said.

“It’s okay even if a business started is not directly related to this course, there might be a five or ten-year lag between this course and a young person’s business idea taking shape.”

Anyone interested can apply by buying a free ticket at www.events.humanitix.com/ young-entrepreneur-program-for-17-to30-year-olds.

OBG Productions from Selby are one example of successful young Yarra Ranges entrepreneurs. Picture: OBG PRODUCTIONS

The Warburton Reunion was well-attended.

Picture: WAYNE HERRING

Morning Tea bounces back

By Tanya Steele

The Tarrawarra CWA and Le Pine funeral branch are again hosting their annual Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council on Wednesday 10 May, with hopes it will be a good turnout.

Tarrawarra CWA president Anne Fawkes said the food promises to be tasty as it is all handmade by the CWA.

“There will be lovely, lovely, delicacies made by the CWA,” she said.

The event will be filled with an array of handmade baked goods and tea, sure to delight along with games and raffles for the community to enjoy. Jenny from Le Pine loves hosting the event with the CWA and said it is a good chance to donate to the Cancer Council, while enjoying a bit of fun.

“There’s the knowledge that you are supporting a good cause,” she said.

The event has run for a number of years in Healesville, but numbers have dipped recently due to Covid.

One in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85 and the Biggest Morning Tea provides the community with the opportunity to help raise funds for the Cancer Council. Last year, 20,497 morning tea hosts across the country raised over $11.2 million for people impacted by cancer. The funds are deployed within the Cancer Council towards research, support and prevention.

The Tarrawarra CWA has a personal connection with the morning tea, it is affectionately known amongst the group as “Maria’s morning tea”.

“One of our members passed away from cancer and we saw her go through it,” Anne said. “We look forward to helping with this event.” The morning tea will be held at Le Pine on Maroondah Highway on Wednesday 10 May from 10am to 12pm, with entry by donation at the door.

Anne from the CWA and Jenny from Le Pine.

Picture: TANYA STEELE

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

‘Death’ still has relevance

By Tanya Steele

Death of a Salesman will be brought to the Memo stage in Healesville for two shows on Friday, May 12.

Considered one of the greatest plays of the 20th century the Arthur Miller piece will be performed by the Hearth Theatre.

Core cast actor and creative director Charlie Cousins is energised and ready to perform in Healesville.

“We’re really excited, we’ve been working hard and it’s really exciting to stand on the shoulders of last season’s show and build something really soulful and meaningful,” he said.

The show had a run last year in 45 Downstairs Melbourne with good success and reviews.

The majority of the cast has come back for this run and Mr Cousins said the new additions have slotted in really well to the ensemble.

“We’ve formed a really, really tight bond, there’s a really a really lovely ensemble feel to the whole project,” he said.

The play originally written in 1949 is based in a US setting and the cast will be performing with American accents.

The story follows the main character Willy Loman in an array of memories, dreams, confrontations, and arguments, all of which make up the last 24 hours of his life.

“It’s this fractured family, we all love each other but don’t really know how to communicate with each other and don’t really know how to get along,” said Mr Cousins.

Mr Cousins said despite the cultural and historical setting the play is very relevant.

“We’re ready to hear the play now, with capitalism and consumerism, and just that whole kind of fairy tale of the American dream, America has spread its culture throughout all of the world,” he said.

“It takes you into a specific world, but it’s quite universal.”

The main character Willy Loman will be played by well renowned theatre actor Paul English, while Mr Cousins will play the role of Biff.

Mr Cousins has always loved Death of a Salesman and used the monologue by Biff for his audition for acting school.

“It’s been one of these plays that have been with me and inspired so many, so many creative projects over the years and to be able to get a chance to put it on and to really realize the full magnitude of the production has been really lovely,” he said.

Mr Cousins loves the area and spent some time living in theYarra Ranges and he appreciates the natural settings of the towns are in.

“It’s just such a beautiful part of the world, there are so many beautiful gardens and places to walk and these places like the Dandenong ranges and Healesville are starting to become

COMMUNITY DIARY

COMMUNITY DIARY

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY

Mother’s Day Devonshire afternoon tea in Healesville

The St John’s Anglican Church is holding a Mother’s Day Devonshire Afternoon Tea on Saturday 13 May, at 5 - 7 Symons Street in Healesville.

The event will run from 2pm - 5 pm

little refuges from the intensity of city life,” he said.

The cast has been pushing themselves in rehearsals and Mr Cousins said they are performing with an approach almost like a jazz improvisation mindset.

“We engage in the moment spontaneously with a place of not knowing, you know, so that it can truly be alive from moment to moment,” he said.

The play has been received well by audiences and Mr Counsins said there are some cathartic moments throughout the play.

“It just feels like a really important story to tell, people have been really moved by it and sharing this with an audience helps with starting a conversation that really matters,” he said.

The Death of a Salesmen will show at the Memo on Friday 12 May at 1 pm and 7.30 pm.

The show contains blackouts and themes of death and suicide.

Tickets are available at The Memo and the Yarra Ranges Council website.

Scones will be served up in the traditional Devonshire-style along with afternoon tea.

There will be a guest speaker Jenny Willetts from Stable One holding a talk and live entertainment from David Banks. The tickets are 15 dollars and can be purchased at the door.

Healesville cafes join water refilled initiative

Yarra Valley Water’s Choose Tap Refiller initiative has been bolstered by a number of Cafes in Healesville, with the initiative having tripled in size in the last year.

Participating businesses are displaying

“Choose Tap Refiller” stickers on their windows, which lets people know they’re welcome to refill water bottles for free, without having to buy anything.

More than 150 cafes across Melbourne have now signed up for the movement.

Ben Arnold, a Healesville cafe owner said he was proud to sign up because Healesville

has won best tasting tap water in Australia.

“Everyone loves water and it’s good water,” he said.

We live next to the reservoir in Healesville, so knowing that we produce the best drinking water in Australia was pretty fantastic.”

Mr Arnold thinks the program is great and the business is happy to do its part for the environment.

“We use keep cups for our coffee so why not use refill bottles for our tap water,” he said.

Despite having some of the highest quality drinking water in the world, Australians spend more than $730 million on bottled water each year.

Pat McCafferty, Yarra Valley Water Managing Director, said the choose tap refiller initiative will help people save money.

“With the cost of living rising, we’re encouraging more businesses to join the movement and sign up for our free refill initiative,” he said.

It is estimated that Australians use approxi-

mately 130kg of plastic per person each year.

“The choose tap initiative is a simple way to cut down on plastic waste and the bottles are often used for only a few minutes but remain in waterways and streets for decades,” Mr McCafferty said.

To find your nearest Refiller establishment please visit https://www.yvw.com.au/refillerct.

Jobs Victoria advocates at the Healesville library

It is May already and the library is hosting its regular Jobs Victoria Advocates session on the first Thursday of the month between 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm on May 4, for free assistance in job seeking.

No need to book, just pop along.

The session is hosted by Annmarie from Jobs Victoria and advocates can help you find work by connecting you to skills and training courses and helping you to apply for jobs.

Death of a Salesmen won a Pulitzer Prize for drama and a Tony award for best play in 1949.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The main character Wily Loman moves through remembering different parts of his life in the play.

Sports forerunners

In 1954 a ‘young ladies’ football team was the talk of Yarra Glen when they played against a team of young male players – the Yarra Glen Football Club juniors. The match was staged as a fundraiser for the Good Friday 3DB Children’s Hospital Appeal, raising £26/6/0 (equivalent to $A1030 today.) The Lilydale Express reported that from “…the first bounce till last the match was a crowd pleaser, though it was obvious that the ‘young ladies’ would be hard pressed to subdue their more vigorous if smaller opponents. Umpire Ned O’Brien handled the game in masterly fashion making ‘tactful’ decisions just when it appeared that the girls would collapse under the pressure exerted by

Looking back

Helen Mann

Yarra Glen & District Living & Learning Centre History Group

the juniors. Even so, the game went to the juniors, the final scores being 10.12 to 8.4. Best of the energetic young stars were Brian Millsom,

“Curly” and Bill Brudenell, Frank Woods, Laurie Smith, Don Ayres, Peter Walden, Graeme Smith and Graeme Taylor. For the ladies team Mrs Mary Wilson turned out to be a real goal sneak, bagging two majors; Marg Ellis marked like a champion, whilst Elaine Wilson …was well to the fore in the ruck.” Mrs Mary Millsom was the captain and Mrs Ev Smith was the coach.

In September 1957 the Yarra Glen Ladies challenged the Old Buffers to another charity match. Unfortunately the results of this match are no longer available, but a good time was had by all.

You’ll want to ghost this movie, folks

Ghosted

Starring Chris Evans and Ana de Armas

Rated M 3/5

Ghosted is neither thrilling as an action movie or scintillating as a romance movie.

A farmer named Cole (Chris Evans) goes on a date with a beautiful art curator named Sadie (Ana de Armas), only to get caught up in international intrigue when it turns out that Sadie is actually a secret agent.

After a sweet first date, Sadie is too ruthless and there is too much bickering friction between her and Cole for a satisfying will they, won’t they dynamic. The dialogue is very contrived, trying too hard to sound witty, which covers everything –including Cole, who should be an earnest, likeable protagonist – with a sheen of insin-

cerity. The plot is driven by yet another tired Macguffin (a nebulous superweapon named “Aztec”), and some jarring edits dull the tension.

Adrien Brody is wasted as Leveque, a villain with little menace or screen-time. The action sequences are unmemorable and strangely bloodless, attempting a John Wick

Lush, prized and dreamy PASSION FOR PROSE WITH

CHRISTINE SUN

Fauna, written by Christiane Vadnais and translated from French into English by Pablo Strauss, was recommended to our readers by Quebec UNESCO City of Literature.

kinetic feel but without the fluidity or good framing. A twinkling riff in Lorne Balfe’s score also sounds perplexingly like the Chocolate Room music from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.

Like Spiderhead from 2022, Ghosted does get better later, building to a fun shoot-out climax in an out-of-control revolving restaurant. However, I can’t recommend a film on the basis of a cute opening and an adequate ending.

The Gray Man (also from 2022) has much better action, characters and humour, and makes far better use of Evans and de Armas (Evans as a quippy figure works better in The Gray Man because his costars are more grounded).

A try-hard action-comedy that isn’t very funny, exciting or romantic, Ghosted is streaming exclusively on Apple TV Plus.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

A delight in the park on stage in Lilydale

The Lilidale Athaneum Theatre Company’s second production for 2023 was Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park.

A play about a young married couple who have just moved into a New York apartment.

Paul Bratter, a conservative lawyer, and his wife Corie, an energetic soul, quite the opposite of her husband, have not quite seen the flat as they pictured it. On the fifth floor and the only way up is stairs, a leaking roof, a very small bedroom, and bathroom. Add a crazy neigh-

CARTOON

bour, Paul’s mother-in-law and Neil Simon gives another comedy.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre lends itself to this production by having a door on the theatre floor and a small flight of stairs up to the stage. Pip Le Blond, the director, made full use of this, having the cast coming through the door, up the stairs to the stage, behind the set and then to the door of the set after allowing time to climb the past floor. As a result, the actors arrived puffing and wheezing and looking worn

out from their climb. Pip is also to be congratulated for a wonderful evening of theatre.

Claire Abagia was Corie Bratter, a very energetic performance covering all aspects of acting from a joyous welcome to Paul, enthusiasm, and then poignancy, and arguments, sulkiness, and forgiveness. Abagia excelled in this complex role and was well received by the audience.

Season finishes on 6 May. Bookings: 9735 1777 or www.lilydaleatc.com

The book won the 2019 Prix des Horizons Imaginaires, a literary prize awarded by students from the Quebec college network and Canadian universities. It was one of the best books of 2018 chosen by Radio-Canada, with Vadnais also named a “Young Author to Watch” for 2020.

The book contains 10 interwoven short tales depicting a near-future world ravaged by pollution and floods. Thanks to the vivid translation, these are lush and mesmerising stories with an ethereal quality that is strikingly expressive. Every sentence is worth savouring, the words revealing a wild, wonderful imagination both raw and radiating.

But the world of Shivering Heights is terrifying, with the sky streaked with toxic green and the river overflowing, offering a pervasive parasite that is slowly infecting all forms of life. As newly developed hybrid species behave in unprecedented ways, the surviving humans – if they can still be called human – are forced to either evolve or die.

Against this dark yet sensual backdrop – in the sense that a dazzling blueringed octopus carries enough venom to kill 26 adult humans within minutes – a biologist struggles to understand the nature and significance of the fearful yet fascinating changes transforming her own body and the world around her.

There are other characters as well, including a devilish woman haunting a spa resort, a nurse patiently caring for the dying and deforming, and those living in a floating town who have long forgotten life on dry land. Other characters grow new appendages, scales and feathers, and still others morph into rare and remarkable creatures.

At once dazzling and daunting, these settings and characters help to immerse readers in a post-apocalyptic world where nature continues to thrive however drastically and irrevocably it has been damaged. As Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, once said: “Mother Nature is very generous but very unforgiving.”

A superb eco-fiction, Fauna cleverly draws our attention to the interrelationship between humans and the ecosystem. The approach is refreshing for those readers who are perhaps tired of the abundance of climate fiction out there that constantly features a dystopian world where humans suffer but somehow survive, their resilience equally highlighted as the disasters they have caused.

Indeed, the protagonist here is nature itself. To paraphrase Jim Dwyer, author of Where the Wild Books Are; A Field Guide to Eco-fiction (2010), the nonhuman environment is “not merely a framing device but as a presence that begins to suggest that human history is implicated in natural history”. More importantly: “The human interest is not understood to be the only legitimate interest.”

In Fauna, our environment is “a process rather than a constant or a given” that relentlessly unfolds regardless of humans being its master or victim. Hopefully, serving as helpless onlookers can help us see more clearly what our future may be.

OWN A PIECE OF YARRA GLEN’S HISTORY

EVERY once in a while, a property comes on the market that is unique and oozing with charm and character.

So, it is with this early 1900’s residence, a piece of history in superb condition, with exceptional views and surrounds.

The original Blacksmith’s cottage has been tastefully upgraded throughout the years to make it into a most comfortable and family friendly home.

From its formal entrance behind the little picket fence, the herringbone paving leading up to the front entrance of the home and a welcoming front entrance door with leadlight feature.

Upon entering the home, the hallway is flanked by 3 spacious bedrooms, a welcoming lounge room with gas log fire, master bedroom with ensuite and adjoining study/nursery, and the family bathroom with an exquisite clawfoot bath.

Last but certainly not least is the renovated farmhouse style kitchen/meals area with a feature Ilve 5-burner stove and moulded tiled splashback.

There’s no doubt that this property is very special. It’s located in a semi-rural, peaceful setting within easy walking distance to the Town Centre of Yarra Glen.

The block is relatively flat with rear laneway access and well-established gardens. There are excellent views of the mountain ranges from the rear of the property, with river views and views of the Dandenongs from the front.

This is a very special property, and a home with everything your heart desires. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

THE BLUE HOUSE

THIS stunning architectural marvel is one of Warburton’s most beautiful homes with its position alongside the Warburton Golf Course, simply breathtaking.

It commands a distinguished location along Martyr Road, encompassing picturesque panoramas and meticulously curated gardens bursting with expressive colour, height, and wonder as each season unfolds anew.

With its striking linear form, the home’s layout seamlessly blends simplicity, versatility, and peaceful living. At their highest pitch, the beautiful 16-foot ceilings give depth, dimensional inclination, and a bold material fusion, with structural beams taking on an aesthetic quality. The open plan kitchen, dining and family room are designed for seamless flow with an abundance of light streaming through the wraparound windows. The gorgeous double sided gas fireplace creates the perfect area for guests to gather when entertaining, or simply, become lost in a novel from the library shelves.

There are four beautifully presented, well-lit bedrooms, plus a study or fifth bedroom! The main bedroom is equipped with extensive built-in-robes and a spacious private ensuite cleverly concealed from view. An expansive deck surrounds the outside of the house and is bordered by stunningly vibrant Crepe Myrtle, providing even another wonderful area for entertaining and taking in the sublime surroundings.

There is incredible under house storage with space for four vehicles, a workshop, and more storage beside. Just beneath the family room is an independent studio which would be an ideal space for an office, or teenager’s retreat.

Enjoying the luxury of space and openness, this 1-acre (approx.) property stuns from every facet, whether it’s gazing out upon the mountainous vista, becoming entranced by the sounds of the calming tiered ponds, collecting the proud produce from your chickens, or simply meandering the grounds of all its intrinsic levels and bursting flora - there is not a space that doesn’t envelope you.

With the Warburton Golf Club sharing a fence line, you will never be late for tee off and the Yarra River is a short walk to the end of the road and Warburton Township. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address:

Contact: Ashleigh Hall 5967

OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW OFFICE

RANGES First National proudly announces the official opening of their brand new location in the heart of Belgrave. The team has been hard at work renovating an old building on the main street, and the fruits of their labor are finally ready to be showcased to the world. The new office is located at 1660 Burwood Highway, and is ready to welcome clients, trades and suppliers, businesses from the Main Street, and members of the community.

The renovations on this old building started in the middle of last year and were completed in mid-January of this year. The team is now settled and excited to start welcoming visitors to their new location.

Mick Dolphin, the director of Ranges First National, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements, stating that the move to the main street will only make the business stronger.

Being in the Main Street has already had a positive impact on the business, with an increase in foot traffic and more clients

walking past the window. The visual aspect of everyone’s property being seen by the wider public is an added bonus, and the team is enjoying the warm welcome from their new Main Street neighbors.

The grand opening of the new location was a huge success, with many attendees enjoying coffee and breakfast while catching up with the team. Mick Dolphin was thrilled to see so many people attending and expressed his gratitude to everyone who came out to support the team.

Ranges First National is now open for business at their new location, and the team is excited to continue providing the same high-quality service they are known for. The new location offers easy access to a multitude of shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing plenty of choices for breakfast, coffee, and lunch. Visit Ranges First National today and see their beautiful new location for yourself. ●

FORSALE

370OldWarburtonRoad,Warburton

Nestledinthe“OldWarburton”areaandsurroundedbybeautifulnaturalforestisthislovely1acreapprox.allotment.Setona sealedroad,withnativetreesandstunningtreefernsthislandprovidesawonderfulsanctuary.Lessthan10minsdriveintothe thrivingtownshipofWarburtonthelocationofferspeaceandquiet,yetsoclosetoamenities.Sodon’tdelayandinspecttoday.

Youwon’tbedisappointedwiththenaturalbeauty.

**Finalsalepriceattracts10%GST**

ForbuildingenquiriescalltheShireofYarraRangeson1300368333.

ProfessionalsYarraValley

YarraJunction59671800

Warburton59662800

AG 3996sqm

FORSALE $150,000-$165,000

INSPECT

Seewebsitefordetails

AGENTS

ProfessionalsYarraValley -0359671800 sales@mcmath.com.au

SECLUDED HAVEN

IF you seek your own private oasis or a premier place to work from home, this approximate 16-acre property provides an abundance of outstanding options. Picturesque, peaceful and private, this property will provide a lifetime of serenity and enjoyment.

For family living, this single-level brick veneer home offers 3 robed bedrooms all with outstanding views across the property. The floorplan is cleverly conceived with a central bathroom, family room with wood fire, dining area and kitchen with freestanding cooker at the heart of the home. For gathering with family and friends, the entertaining pool area showcases the most desirable backdrop the Yarra Valley offers.

For car enthusiasts or tradesman’s alike,

this impressive property comes equipped with several freestanding sheds. Useable as car spaces, machinery storage, entertaining zones, or more, these bonus buildings will suit any lifestyle.

There are individual paddocks which are fully fenced with rich pastureland ideal for horse enthusiasts or someone wanting a small hobby farm for goats, cattle or sheep.

Perfectly located only a short distance to Healesville’s food and wine precinct, and the neighbouring sports complex, Healesville pony club and football ground make this a desirable property for the entire family.

This exceptional property deserves your attention, call to make a time to see for yourself! Inspections are strictly by private appointment. ●

PEACEFUL AND LOW-MAINTENANCE LIVING

NESTLED in a fantastic location and tucked away in a lovely private and quiet complex, this quality townhouse is an absolute standout and perfect for those seeking a convenient lifestyle to downsize, start out, or set up with an outstanding investment opportunity.

As you enter the charming character home, you will immediately sense the size and space of this home with 10 feet ceilings throughout. Comprising colonial style windows, spacious living room and dining area with sliding doors opening out to the courtyard and central kitchen overlooking the tranquil garden.

Outside the inviting, low-maintenance courtyard and garden has ample of room to sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet on offer and provides the perfect space under the covered patio area to entertain with family and friends.

The single level floorplan features master bedroom with triple built in wardrobes, air

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 1/9 McGrettons Road, HEALESVILLE

Contact: Mark Gunther 0448 623 030, MARK

JUSTLISTED

conditioning and garden outlook, second bedroom with built in robes, central bathroom, separate toilet, separate laundry, split system air-conditioning, ceiling fan, small garden shed outside and a single lockup remote garage with convenient access to the backyard.

Located within an easy walk to town, you can enjoy the benefits of a Yarra Valley lifestyle living in Healesville with award winning distilleries, cellar doors, restaurants, bistros, brewery and fitness centre being literally just around the corner and with a further array of cafe’s, restaurants and speciality shops only moments away.

If you’re looking for an investment property, this townhouse has the potential current rental return of $400 - $420 per week.

Don’t miss out, contact us today for your private inspection or attend one of our scheduled open homes. ●

Healesville 1/9McGrettonsRoad

Nestled&tuckedawayinaquietcomplex,this charmingtownhousecomprises10feetceilings throughout,centralkitchenwithgardenoutlook, spaciousliving&diningareawithslidingdoors openingtothecourtyard.Outsidefeaturesincludea undercoverpatioarea,smallgardenshed&asingle lockupremotegaragewithaccesstorearyard.

LISTINGSWANTED

234MtRiddellRoad

Healesville 1MartinLane

Thisfantasticparceloflandislocatedwithina shortdistancetothemainstreetofHealesville.A gentleslope,withexistingruralfencing&clearof trees,youcangetstartedwithbuildingyourfamily home!(STCA).Viewtheplans&permitstobuilda 4-bedroomfamilyhomesetinasemi-ruralsetting, withallservicesavailableattheendofthedriveway.

LISTINGSWANTED

YARRA VALLEY VIEWS

ESCAPE to the tranquillity of the Yarra Valley with this stunning property offering breathtaking views on approximately 3 acres of land. This well-maintained home features 2 bedrooms plus study. The formal lounge and dining area offers a cosy space for relaxing, while the spacious kitchen features stone bench tops and a double oven, perfect for hosting family and friends.

In addition to the main living area, the downstairs area has been previously used as an Airbnb and comprises of 1 bedroom, a lounge living with kitchenette, bathroom, and toilet. This offers an excellent opportunity for additional income or for accommodating extended family, friends, and guests.

The property boasts a 7-metre tandem carport, veranda with exceptional views, 12 panel solar system, solar-boosted gas hot water service, and 90,000 litres water storage, ensuring all the modern conveniences are catered for. The powered 11 x 8 metre shed offers plenty of storage space for vehicles or equipment, while the lush gardens and vast under-house storage complete the package.

This property presents an ideal opportunity to own a beautiful home in a highly sought-after location. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to secure your own piece of paradise in the Yarra Valley. Contact us today to arrange an inspection! ●

CHARM FILLED COUNTRY ESCAPE

THIS property presents a one-of-a-kind chance to own a successful Airbnb or your own idyllic country retreat.

Tucked away on a peaceful tree-lined street outside of Warburton, this charming home radiates tranquility and offers a refreshing breath of fresh country air.

Boasting two bedrooms with enchanting windows and abundant natural light, the home’s delightful bathroom features timber paneling and a large claw foot bathtub overlooking the private gardens.

Throughout the weatherboard house, you’ll find a wealth of character, from the floorboards to the high ceilings to the threequarter wraparound veranda that adds a rustic touch.

The spacious open-plan living area is

perfect for entertaining, with large doors opening onto the decking, a cozy lounge warmed by a crackling fireplace, and the convenience of split systems.

The kitchen features a large breakfast bench, dishwasher, electric cooking, and sliding doors that lead to an extended undercover living space for the whole family to enjoy.

The backyard boasts over 1200 square meters of cottage gardens, easy access and parking, a carport, garage, and a neighboring pipeline that adds extra privacy and space.

Whether you’re looking for a perfect weekend getaway, a B&B investment, or a place to call home, this property is a mustsee. ●

Immaculatecottageonover1200sqm,closetotownwithviews!

Meanderdownthedrivewayawayfromthehustleandbustleintoyourownprivateoasisofgreen grass,mountainviewsandprivacy!Thissupercutecottagecompletewithbullnoseverandais pristineandyouwillliterallywalkinandpopthekettleon!Withyourliving,mealsandkitchenatthe frontenjoyingthemountainviews,withcosywoodheaterandsplitsystemitsjustgorgeous!Agood sizelaundry,separatetoiletandupdatedbathroomandbothbedroomswithrobescompletethis package.Outsideitsfullyfenced,raisedgardenbedsreadytogrow,woodshedwithplentyof storage,oldchookshedthatisnowalsostorageplusworkshopwithparkingfor1car,withpower, concrete floorandwoodheatertocompletethemancave.OnlyaafewminuteswalktoUpper YarraSecondaryCollege,andanenjoyablewalktothemaintownshipwithallithastooffer.

BotanicalhideawayrightneartheO’Shannassy!

Whereprivacyisoffered,freshairisenjoyedandalovelycomfortablehomeisnestledintobeautiful gardensonover1200m2,thishomeoffersaprizedpackage.Fromthetimberkitchenwithstone benchtops,tothedelicioussnugglycarpetthatyoujustwanttoliedownon,thelargewraparound decktositontakeintheviews,tothebeautifulgardensandhiddenworkshop,thereissomuchto loveandenjoy.Offering3or4bedroomsorextralivingrooms,spaciousbathroom,openplanliving, mealskitchen,splitsystemheatingandcooling,carportandplentyofoffstreetparking.Ifyouare ahiker,bikeriderandnaturelover,thenthishomeispositionperfectwitha1minutewalktoan entrancetotheO’ShannassyAqueducttrail,whereyoucanwandertoyourheartscontent,andyou areonlyminutes’drivetothecentreoftownforacoffeeandastrollaroundtheshops.

1 B 1 C

MagicalViews&3bedroomhomeonasunnyhalfacre

Theopportunitynowexistsforthishometobepresentedtomarketafterbeinglovedbythesame familyforover60years.Offeringmagicalnortherlymountainviewswhereyoucanseethesnowin winteronMountDonnaBuang,alargeallotmentofoverhalfanacreofclearedandsunnyspotsto enjoyyoursurroundings.Theentertainmentdeckhasamazingpotentialastheplacetosoakupthe sunshineandcountryairandenjoythoseviews.Offering3bedrooms,originalkitchenwithadjacent diningarea,separateloungewithacosy fireplace.Garage/workshopforhandystorageandasuper largebackyardtoenjoyandabsorbthepeaceandquiet.Withalittleelbowgreaseyoucouldenjoy thiswonderfulhomeandsoakupallthedelightsofthisbustlingtownshipjustashortstrolltotheYarra River,shops,transport.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

nspection: Sat12-12.30pm

A 1 B 1 C

4TheCrescent,Wesburn$630,000-$680,000

Warmandwelcomingandideallylocated

Awarmandwelcomingpropertyinaconvenientandsoughtafterlocation,anidyllicandattractive positionsetamongstasemiruralsettingandjustminutesstrolltothelocalprimaryschool,public transport,walkingtrailandtheeverpopularfoodieoutletsinthemainstreet.A flexibleandfunctional floorplanoffersgreatspaceforthewholefamilywith3bedroomsandanopenplankitchenwith plentyofbenchandcupboardspace,aseparatemealsareaandlight filledlounge/livingareas withfulllengthwindowsistheidealplacetositbackrelaxandenjoytherusticoutlook.Hoursof funoutsideforthekidsandpetstoexploreandenjoysituatedonapprox.940sqmwithamixtureof treesandshrubs,easyaccessforcarsandtrailersplusaseparatecarportcompletethisattractive propertyandwithservicesclosebyit’sagreatplacetocallhome.

DavidCarroll

M 0419539320

Inspection: Sat12-12.30pm

77aLittleYarraRoad,YarraJunction$550,000-$595,000

4PheasantParade,Warburton$610,000-$660,000

TIMELESS CHARACTER HOME

PERFECTLY positioned within a stone’s throw from Upwey’s thriving main street, train station and schools, this four bedroom character home is bursting with original features and is ready for its next family to fill its rooms with laughter and love. Sitting proudly on a near flat, 1340m2 corner block that has a colourful assortment of mature trees and pretty garden beds, there is nothing you won’t love about this home.

Stunning high ceilings look down onto a versatile floorplan, making this home perfect for any family – large or small. Four oversized bedrooms, two bathrooms and two separate living areas allow for both formal and relaxed living spaces. A lovely meals area extends from the classic country style kitchen giving access to the wrap around verandah where your morning coffee can be enjoyed looking over the nearby Hills.

Warm and cosy the home is complimented by hydronic heating and also has a decorative, ornamental fireplace that adds extra charm to this already beautiful home.

Fully fenced and fully useable, there is good parking and easy access which is a rare find in the Hills. This is the ideal home for someone to put their final touches on and be able to create their dream home (STCA) in their dream location. ●

Withsoaring,timberlined,cathedralceilings&wallsofglassthattakeinthesurrounding property,thistrulybespoke,chaletinspiredhomeoffersaguaranteedoneoffdesignwith spaceforfamilybeingitsmainpriority.Boasting3levelsofspacious,light filledlivingspace, thissophisticated,versatilefloorplanoffersmultipleloungeareas,3largebedrooms(the4th couldbeeitherbedroomorrumpus),beautifuldiningarea&aqualitytimberkitchenthat canhostthelargestofgatherings.

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

hotproperty.Featuringaleafy4,140sqm(approx.)allotmentandaclassic1920scharacter cottage,itwillbeeasytobreathenewlifeintothislifestyleproperty.Situatedonlymoments fromMountDandenongTouristRoadandUpperFerntreeGullyStationforcomplete convenience,thispositionisprime.

bethehomeofaluckynewowner.Setonagentlysloping3325m2blockwithbeautiful viewsasfarastheeyecansee,thehomeoffersaversatilefloorplanwith4bedrooms,sun filledloungeanddiningarea,periodstylebathroomandagorgeouscountrykitchenthatis completewithgreatbenchspaceandroomforamealsareawithin. ContactSharynforyourinspectiontime

SharynChandler

M 0439882442| E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au

27TheCrescent,SASSAFRAS $1,540,000-$1,690,000 HISTORICHILLSHOMEINEXCLUSIVELIFESTYLEPOCKET

5 A 2 B 3 C

Steepedinhistoryandsurroundedbylushgardens,“Kalamunda”remainsasmagnificentas ever.Constructedin1924andcarefullyupdatedformodernliving,thishomeencapsulates elegantHillsliving.Thisluxuriousresidenceevokesasophisticatedandserenefeelduein parttoitsenclosedverandahwithrichJarrahflooring.Atonewithitssurrounds,gorgeous gardenandvalleyviewsframethishomesoyouwillfeeltuckedawayfrombusylifethe momentyouarrivehome.

GlennChandler

M 0418410689| E glenn@chandlerandco.com.au

SuzieBrannelly

M 0490506910| E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au

PUZZLES

9

No. hard

131

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Hand-held curved blade for reaping (6)

4 Inverted (8) 10 Dilapidation (9)

DECODER

WORDFIT

1 14

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9-LETTER WORD

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N N 30 words: Excellent

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Very good AMBLE ARISE AROMA AURAL BANKS BAWDY CASTS CRAMS DEEDS DOONA EDGES EERIE ERRED GATED GENUS HEART MAKES METRE MODEL OPERA OWNED OWNER

PEELS ROADS ROAST RURAL SALON SANER SAWED SERVE SKEWS SLOTS SLUGS SMOKO SORES STORE STRAW THINK TORSO TRAIN TREAD TREND UNITE UNSET

USAGE USURP WINDY YELLS 6 LETTERS ENEMAS PREFAB SENSOR WEEDED

13 26 GU HERITAGE & HERITAGE FUNERALS Lilydale 9739 7799 Healesville 5962 1600 HERITAGE PIONEERS CHAPEL 1414 Healesville/Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock 5964 6500 Head Office: 733 Boronia Road, Wantirna 9800 3000 info@ heritagefunerals.com.au www.heritagefunerals.com.au

7 LETTERS ANTHILL ERASURE OBEYING PEELING RIBBONS TERSEST 8 LETTERS ENLARGES SERENEST SPARKLER TOTTERED

1415 1617181920212223242526 L I D E F H J A C Q M X T R P B Z S K V W Y N G O U 05-05-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

This week’s crossword proudly sponsored by The Heritage Family 1157336-CB40-14

No. 131

No. 131

No. 131

New pavilion at Millgrove

By Callum Ludwig

Three years since construction began, the new pavilion at the Millgrove Recreation Reserve has officially opened, providing better facilities for theYarraValley Soccer Club (YVSC) and the Warburton-Millgrove Cricket Club.

YVSC marked the occasion with an official opening, also celebrating the club’s 20th anniversary.

YVSC president Andrew Ronalds said the improved quality of facilities isn’t even comparable to the previous pavilion.

“It’s very important for the soccer club and important for the wider community as well, we’ve got four change rooms, six bathrooms, a commercial kitchen and running hot water, which is something the facility never had,” he said.

“We feel blessed and obviously very lucky, especially as we also got state-of-the-art lights for the pitch.”

The new pavilion is closer to the pitch and has a larger undercover area, giving spectators a better view of the action while protecting them from cold and rainy nights at Millgrove, as well as a dedicated changing space for the referees and new access roads for the car parking.

Mr Ronalds said the club had come a long way since it was founded as a women’s team that played at a site on theYarraValley Archery Park in Launching Place.

“We’ve grown so much from there and over the last two seasons post-Covid, our membership numbers have grown. Last year we fielded four men’s teams for the first time ever and in the juniors as well for the first time in a long time, there’s definitely a renewed interest,” he said.

“We welcome anyone to the club, no matter your ability or where you come from and have a good volunteer base from the committee to the players and the parents of the juniors. Our

Trades &

catchment area even surprises me, we’ve got players fromWarragul and even as far as Shepparton, as well those who come up from the eastern suburbs.”

The new changerooms also have collapsible interior walls which can open up the space for club functions and gatherings as well as serve as an emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster.

Mr Ronalds said moving forward, the club hopes to hold their position in the Premier Division.

“We got bumped up last year and have held it this year and have made a pretty strong start,

We load and take all types of rubbish, household, furniture and garden waste, sheds cleared. 6m truck/trailer.

but also just to grow the club as well,” he said.

“We want to grow the junior and ladies membership, putting a junior girls team on the pitch is one of our goals for next season.”

YVSC competes in the Victorian Churches Football Association (VCFA) with the first XI finishing sixth last season in the top tier.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said he knew that pavilions like those were homes away from home, places where committees and club members spent countless hours, game days and training evenings.

“But we also know that the wonderful growth of clubs here in Millgrove and the increase in both men’s and women’s teams lo-

cally highlighted the need for a new pavilion – somewhere with change rooms for people of all genders, and somewhere that the club will grow into as this new space attracts new club members and spectators,” he said.

“This project is worth almost $2 million, and I’d really like to thank Sport and Recreation Victoria for their support, and to our local clubs for their advocacy, their patience and their enthusiasm – all of which made this project a reality.”

Timber from the mill in Millgrove and stone from the local quarry were also sourced for the construction.

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

From left: Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child, architect Ajith Kuruvilla, YVSC president Andrew Ronalds, vice-president Andrew Wooley and Yarra Ranges Council project officer Paul Lacala. Pictures: YARRA RANGES COUNCIL

Elder Uncle Perry Wandin performed a smoking ceremony at the opening.

Athletes celebrate awards

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics held the annual senior club awards night on Friday night.

Senior club members, friends and family took the opportunity to don their finest dinner wear to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the previous 12 months.

There was a long list of achievements by club members. A 2022 XCR season that saw the men’s team promoted to Division 2, the women’s team just miss promotion to Div 1, Zoe Clarke takeout the Athletics Victoria XCR Under 14 Girls Overall Champion and Harry Norman Represent in Australia at the World University Cross Country Championships.

The track and field team began in early October 2022, finishing on 15 April 2023. The team recorded 49 club records, the first ever Open State Medal and then first ever Open State Gold medal. Club athletes won a total of 13 medals at Victorian All Schools Championships, two medals at Australian All Schools Championships and nine medals at Victoria Track and Field Championships. Significant event barriers were broken including 40 metres for women’s Hammer throw, 35 metres for

women’s Javelin, 30 minutes for mens 10000m and 23 seconds for men’s 200m.

There were multiple nominations for all awards with every nomination being a deserved recipient of the award. The two most prestigious awards were the perpetual trophies awarded to Harry Norman (Outstanding Achievement) and Max Savill-Bentley (Club Person of the Year). Awards winners were:

· Outstanding Achievement Award Harry Norman

· Club Person of the Year Max Savill-Bentley

· Open Female Athlete of the Year Olivia Twining

· Open Male Athlete of theYear Mitch Mullens

· Junior Female Athlete of the Year Ashleigh Rooke

· Junior Male Athlete of the Year Bradley McMeeken

· Distance / Walks Athlete of the Year Emilie Garside

· Jumps Athlete of the Year Liam Russell

· Sprint / Hurdles Athlete of the Year Mitch Mullens

· Throws Athlete of the Year Hayley Wilkins / Sarah Ebbels

Saddle up for a busy May

By Anita Prowse

Wesburn Park will be hosting Amaroo Riding Club’s annual HRCAV Show May 13 entries closing soon, and the club will then have the Upper Yarra Pony Club’s Dressage Jackpot Weekend May 27 and 28 with entries open on the Event Secretary website, fingers crossed the weather stays as lovely for a little longer.

There has been a rather large influx of laminitis and colic related incidents around the valley, due to the warmer weather, grass growth and a few colder

mornings. Please watch your founderprone ponies or those with cushion’s disease as we move into winter.

Upper Yarra PC “warmbloods” group are currently working on some cross-country fence designs that we will be adding to our cross-country area when completed. We love having the kids involved in the design and naming process and are very excited to see what they come up with.We are looking forward to upgrading the area to accommodate some future events, and welcome our local equestrian community input and ideas. Stay tuned and Happy Riding!

· XCR Athlete of the Year Zoe Clarke

· Dual Registered Athlete of the Year Zoe Clarke / Mitch Pointon

· Most Improved Athlete of the Year Bonnie Morris

· New Member of the Year Ash Almond

· Coach/Administrator/Official of the Year Jamie Strudley

YRA’s senior team was in action again on Saturday morning at the Victoria Walkers Club competition. New member Carolyn Rosenback won theVictorian 50+ 10,000m track walk title in a fabulous 59 min 08 secs. Emilie Garside was 4th in the 1500m track walk recording 9 mins 8 secs.

The XCR team is in action on Sunday with round two of the XCR season taking place at Albert Park for the Lakeside:10. Open and under 20 athletes run a fast, flat 10km road race while all athletes under 18 compete over 3000m with both races finishing on lakeside Stadium. Saturday morning cross country continued, this time at a more challenging Margaret Lewis Reserve in Coldstream. It was another fantastic turnout of young and older athletes with the hills testing everyone and certainly prepar-

ing them for the rest of the YRA XC season.

Next week we are at Morrison Reserve where we meet from 8.45am near the school gym. With distances over 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 2000m and 3000m, there is something for everyone regardless of age or ability. Everyone in the family is welcome to join, so kids make sure mum and dad bring their running shoes. Anyone wanting and able to help with setup can join us from 7.30am or add your name to the helpers list via our socials.

Training continues for all club members on Tuesday 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!

Club championships final

By Ron Hottes

Wednesday 26 April, Stableford:

The Club was pleased to see a very healthy field fronting the starter on this day, with no less than mid-40s playing. This allowed for 2 mid-week grades, ( a rare treat), and the healthiest score was posted by B-Grader, David Waterman. David’s 39 points just pipped Mario De Vincentis by one, with both men outperforming any from A-Grade. Clint Toohey’s 37 points won the day for him, again just edging past Paul Mason, whose 36 points earned him the runner-up voucher on a tight countback from Neil Leckenby. Balls were won by any player who posted a 33 or better. And NTPs went to John Haynes (3rd), Ron Wilson (9th), and to David Wappett, who snared both the 12th and 15th.

Saturday 29 April, Stroke and final round of the Club Championships:

The equal best Nett score was posted by Shane Campbell, from A-Grade, with a strong -65 Nett. Good work, Bomber. Kevin Smith returned a fine 67 off-the-stick, for a Nett 68, giving him the runner-up prize. Lance Atwell took home thetophonoursinB-Gradewithanotherfine65 Nett. This sent Gator flying up the Club Championship leaderboard to just miss out on catching the run-away leader, Paul Osbourne. John Hall posted another impressive result, with a Nett 67 earning him the runner-up voucher. In C-Grade, Stuart Patrick won the day with a solid Nett 68, to just edge outWarren Sheargold, who scored a Nett 68 just proving that he can play consistent golf. Balls extended to 73 only. NTP winners were Jason Kennedy (3rd), Geoff Sharp (5th), Luke Patrick, (9th), Ken White, (12th) and Michael Pinkster (15th).

Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes were congratulated for a successful year of competition.

Open female athlete of the year Olivia Twinning and open male athlete of the year Mitch Mullens. Pictures: YARRA RANGES ATHLETICS

Club person of the year Max Savill-Bentley, Olivia Twinning and most outstanding performance recipient Harry Norman.

UYPC members at the Balnarring Pony Club.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Warburton Golf Club results.

SPORT

Healesville takes honours

By Anne-Marie Ebbels

It was a grand final match for the Women’s football team played under lights at Upwey.

Upwey-Tecoma were dominant last season, so this game was going to be a real test for Healesville given their recent wins.

The Healesville team consists of nearly half its players having come up through the local junior competition in recent years which support the inaugural members of the women’s team to keep them at the top of the competition.

They came out on top by a mere four points in what was a tightly contested, low-scoring affair.

In the Senior men’s football, Healesville took on a buoyant Belgrave who were coming off their first win in over three years.

Healesville were dominant in the first quarter in the drizzly conditions but didn’t capitalise on the scoreboard with some wayward kicking.

The second and third quarters saw them make their mark on the scoreboard and went into the final break with a 49 point lead.

Healesville continued to pepper the scoreboard in the final quarter kicking two goals and ten points to run out eventual winners by 56 points.

The Reserves also struggled to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal in the first quarter with eight scoring shots to three, but Healesville couldn’t kick it through the middle to score a goal.

The second quarter saw Healesville gain some accuracy in their kicking with Nick Gilbee slotting through 5 goals to set up a 26 point lead at the main break.

Belgrave came out after the break and kept Healesville goalless in the third quarter to close the gap to a 5 point lead to Healesville.

The final quarter saw Belgrave overrun the Healesville team, leaving them to rue their inaccurate kicking.

The Healesville netball teams were in for a tough day against one of the stronger clubs in Division 1.

A D Grade team was fielded for the first time in 2023, Healesville got off to a slow start as the team found their way.

The second half saw a stronger performance by Healesville with a tighter defensive

game reducing Belgrave’s scoring opportunities.

Belgrave were the eventual winners by 26 goals. With a couple of players backing up from D

Grade, the C Grade team took to the court with a tight low scoring first quarter.

Belgrave came out in the second quarter and didn’t give Healesville any opportunity to score.

Healesville worked hard in the second half, but the damage had been done with Belgrave winners by 36 goals.

In the B Grade game, Belgrave dominated the possession and made it hard for the Healesville team to score.

Belgrave lead at every change and ran out winners by 59 goals.

In the final netball game, A Grade took on a strong Belgrave side who got the score on the board early which meant Healesville were continually chasing centre pass breaks.

A strong defensive effort after quarter time saw Healesville stem Belgrave’s scoring, but they couldn’t make inroads into Belgrave’s lead eventually losing by 35 goals.

Next week all teams are playing at home for the first time this season, so get behind the club and come down and support the Healesville teams.

Football

· Women Seniors Healesville 4.7 defeated Upwey-Tecoma 4.3 Best S Morris, M Schelfhout, I Stock, S Potter, C Wilsmore, D Carrucan

· Men Seniors Healesville 15.18 defeated Belgrave 7.10 Best J Bates, M Donegan, S Gebert, T Sund, L Oliver, S Donkin

· Men Reserves Healesville 8.14 defeated by Belgrave 8.9 Best N Gilbee, E Muke, D Ebbels, R Hargreaves, J Schutz, M Moreton

Netball

· A Grade Healesville 24 defeated by Belgrave

59 Best R Thompson, J Milne, B Erickson

· B Grade Healesville 18 defeated by Belgrave

77 Best A McMaster, H Blackney, Z Boundy

· C Grade Healesville 5 defeated by Belgrave

41 Best C Haywood, T Pinkster, T Nixon

· D Grade Healesville 5 defeated by Belgrave

31 Best T Hird, S Aloi, H Douglas-Smith

Perfect conditions for arch rivals to earn bragging rights

By David Ball

Yarra Glen took on arch rivals Yarra Junction at the Eagles home ground in perfect conditions.

The home team jumped out of the blocks kicking the first two goals with Wadsworth in the middle and Morton up forward causing some headaches for the Yarra Glen defenders.

Sam Wood broke loose to kick 2 for Yarra Glen as they steadied to take a 4.2 to 3.2 lead into quarter time.

The second quarter was a scrappy affair as both sides fumbled and missed opportunities up forward.

Adding 2.4 each, the River Pigs maintained their one-goal lead at halftime.

The third quarter was a continuation of the second with both teams scoring 2.3, setting the scene for a tight finish.

Yarra Glen, however, piled on six goals in the last to finish with a solid four goal victory.

Ryan Smith moved into the ruck and provided a great drive, with Richard Wyles, Ben Ashton, Billy Gardner and Tom Sullivan getting on top in the midfield.

Marcus Kikidopolous added 2 goals to finish with 4 for the day.

Junction faded after matching it with Yarra Glen for most of the game to see the River Pigs victorious, 14.11 to 10.11.

Best players were Richie Wyles, Ryan Smith, SamWood, Tom Sullivan, Ben Ashton, Tom Sullivan and Marcus Kikidopolous with 4 goals. Other goalkickers were Nick McKenzie (2), Sam Wood (2) and singles to Jamie Brereton, Ben Ashton, Tom Sullivan, Richard Gurney, Richie Wyles and Ryan Smith.

Yarra Junction set the pace early in the reserve’ game to be 21 points up at quartertime.

The second quarter saw Yarra Glen lift

their intensity and with Adam Beath and Steven Mylas starting to get busy in the middle they were able to kick three goals to Yarra Junction’s four.

Yarra Junction took back control in the second half to run out easy winners, Yarra Glen going down 4.5 to 11.10.

The River Pigs lack of fitness showing.

Best players were Adam Beath, Steven Mylas, Heath Chamberlain, Jarrod Hull, Stirling Twite Moore and Daniel Kelly. Goal kickers were Heath Chamberlain, Drew Brodie, Stirling Twite Moore and Daniel Galbraith.

Next week Yarra Glen take the undefeated Warburton Millgrove at Warburton.

Clean sweep for Netball

TheYarra Glen Netball D Grade enjoyed their first game of the season after two byes and immediately jumped out to a quarter time lead, 9 to 5.

Full of energy the girls moved the ball well

with the goal shooters, Sam Chetcuti (16) Kim Christian (17) finishing off the good play.

The defence excelled, keeping Yarra Junction to just 1 goal in the last quarter.

Yarra Glen winning easily 40 to 14.

Best players were Melissa Erickson, Sarah Matthews and Jayne Bashford.

C Grade started strongly to be 9 goals up at quarter time.

Defenders Jacinda Fraser and Michele Young intercepted and rebounded everything keeping Yarra Junction to just 5 goals for the game.

Yarra Glen’s ball movement was quick and efficient as they ran out easy winners 49 to 5, with Sarah Orlandi doing most of the scoring.

Best players were Ashley Shanks, Jacinda Fraser and Courtney Cochrane.

B Grade started well scoring 14 goals to 4 in both the first and second quarters.

By three quarter time they had stretched

their lead to 22 before finally winning by 24, 45 goals to 21.

Alex Bray shot well for 17 goals with Natasha Bennett 16 and Meaghan Carter 13 finishing off the good work from the centre court.

Best Players were Chelsea Birchall, Tiah Large and Jasmin Wood.

TheYarra Glen A grade girls got off to a solid start against a very competitiveYarra Junction, taking a four goal lead into quarter time.

Yarra Glen’s defence were able to intercept and rebound just that bit better than their opposition asYarra Glen continued to stretch their lead in each quarter to finish with a great 67 to 44 victory.

Best players were Madeline Hargrave (52 goals), Alana McGurgan, Brooke McGurgan and Lara Wandin Collins.

Next week all four teams will be in action away against Warburton Millgrove.

YarraGlenputtingonthepressure.

Picture:JAYNEBASHFORD

JaiSimnettclearingtheballfromdefence.

Picture:KYLIEROWE

A sharpshooting frenzy

A quality game was played at the Kennel with two premiership contenders in Wandin and Narre Warren going at it.

Both teams were able to score at will, making a great spectacle for the large crowd that come to watch.

In the end, it was the Doggies’ accuracy in front of goal that got them over the line against the Magpies, kicking 21.13, 139 to Narre’s 14.17, 101 for a solid 38-point margin.

The goalkickers were in abundance for Wandin, with Aaron Mullett bagging another five to take his season tally to 14 from two games, Clinton Johnson kicking three, Cody Hirst, Patty Bruzzese, Patrick Hodgett nailing two and Brodie Atkins, Harrison Van Duuren, Chayce Black and Connor Smith all contributing o1.

Drew Benson, Tom Merlino, Smith, C Hirst, Mullett and Bruzzese were the top Dogs on the day.

Smith is one to watch for the future and could well be on the radar of AFL clubs come draft time. A recent TikTok video showcasing Smith’s freakish talent starring Smith on Saturday night has garnered almost 250,000 views, showing Smith nonchalantly taking a shot at goal from up by the clubrooms, nailing a perfect torpedo that spiralled through the goals. If it wasn’t incredible enough, he was barefoot.

The two rucks contest a centre bounce.

Great weekend for Warburton-Millgrove sides

By Alex Woods

It all kicked off at Morrison Reserve with the 17 and Under netball. A strong rivalry between Warburton-Millgrove and Powelltown, but the Burras handled the game beautifully. A slower but good start saw the team 1-4 at the quarter break. The second quarter was more the Burras way shooting another 6 to 3, having a halftime score of 4-10. They kept the game going their way as the match went on and saw a final score 15-25. Lucas Rush saw himself as the top performer, shooting 11 goals in the last quarter, Tegan Butcher and Hannah Darwall were also in the bests. Tayah Humphrey put up 13 goals to the team’s win with Lexi Cole also contributing 1. Bye next weekend for this team.

Up next was D Grade and A Grand final replay. Good start from the girls, a 5-9 quarter-time score, then pushing it out to 6-13 by halftime. The movement become stronger and the girls managed to push out the margin having a final score of 15-24 and gain another win on the board. Great defensive work from Nicki Cole and Courtney Godenzi who saw themselves in the bests, along with midcourter, Nikita Aldridge. Some great goaling teamwork with Tayah Humphrey putting up 14 goals and Camryn Partel with 10.

C Grade took the court next in another Grand Final replay. A strong even start saw the girls 1 goal up at the first break. By halftime they managed to secure a 2-goal lead, but unfortunately wasn’t enough to hold on. Powelltown manage to put up 9 goals in the third to 8. In the last it was Powelltown’s way shooting another 8 goals to 5, giving them a win and a final score of 29-27. Nicole Winzer, Bianca Fraser and Ella Meerkotter were all top performers for the match, with Ella putting up 16 goals. Mel Hancock also put up 11 goals. Onto next weekend against Yarra Glen.

Reserves started off the footy at Kilsyth against Powelltown. Reserve boys have been in some finals form and still carrying it on from last year. With new coaches Matt Godenzi and Tom Kelly, as well as some new in’s, this team still hasn’t put a foot wrong. The boys kicked off strong kicking 6.2 to Powelltown 0 by the first break. By halftime, the score was 3.0 Powelltown to 8.10-58. The boys kept Powelly to 1 goal in the second half, whilst booting another 8 themselves. The final score was 4.1-25 to 16.18-114 with Marcel Kocher being awarded the ‘Clarkie’ Best on Ground Medal and also kicking 4 goals.

Damien Egan was back in the team, booting 5 goals for the day. Matt Sidari and Liam Westlake also contributed 2 to the match.

Caelan Flynn, Jackson Jones and Christian Toy all also secured 1 each. Liam Westlake,

Zayden Crunden, Tyler Bert, Ben Gray and Jackson Jones, all saw themselves as top performers for the day.

B Grade was up for a tough fight against the reigning premiers. A strong start but un-

fortunately, trailed by 3 goals at the first break with a score of 12-9. The second quarter was big with Powelly securing 11 goals to 8, giving them a 6-goal lead at halftime. By the three-quarter time break, Powelly had another good run seeing themselves 9 goals up by the last break. Some changes and the girls turned it on using every C pass to their advantage with a few turnovers. They bought it back to five goals but unfortunately, Powelltown secured the win. 40-35 final score with Chelsea Barnard, Jordana Butcher and Emily Hay being the top performers. Jordy also put up 18 goals, Alex Woods with 11 and Emily Hay with 6.

A Grade was on the hunt for another win on the board. After a quality first quarter, the girls had an 11-goal lead with a score of 5-16. By the halftime break, they had a lead of 14. The second half for the girls was strong throughout the defence and mid, and the goaling duo were on. A Grade secured another massive 33-goal win with a final score 30-63. KarlyWappett and Bianca Daniels had the teamwork going, with Karly putting up 32 and Bianca with 31 goals. Ally Langdon saw herself as top performer holding up the defensive end, Bianca Daniels and Selina Fotia also were in the bests for this match.

It was back over to Kilsyth for what was set to be a major match against rivals. The first quarter was strong with the boys having a lead by the first break of 1.6-212 to 4.4-28. Kicking 6 behinds in the second quarter to Powelltown’s 3 behinds, still saw the Burras in the lead by the halftime break. The third quarter came along and Powelly came back out strong, with Warburton-Millgrove kicking 1 goal to their 4 goals and 7 behinds. Powelly were 1 goal up by the last break and it was time for the Burra boys to regain possession of the lead. The match intensified with the defenders turning it up keeping Powelltown to just 2 points throughout the last term. The Burras fought back and bought the heat securing 5 goals and 8 behinds to claim victory by 30 points. Bailey Humphrey kicked 2 crucial goals in the last to bring the Burras Back in to the game, Josh Sharp also secured 1 to give the Burras a bit more confidence. Trent Elliot kicked 2, with a mega boot at a crucial time in the last quarter. Josh Sharp, Trent Elliott and Bailey all had 2. Josiah, Will, Tyson and Jack Farrugia all secured 1 each. Nelson Aldridge was awarded the Steve Darwall Best on Ground Medal. Patty Huynh, Trent, Harry Rothwell, Ben Pretty andTyson, all saw themselves as top performers. Well done boys.

Nelson Aldridge lines up a kick.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Picture: OUTER EAST FOOTBALL AND NETBALL